The rain pattered the glass, coating the smooth surface in a shimmering wall of water.
In days far gone, days like this, she'd relax on the dorm's couch, and read as her friends would distract themselves with the gore and carnage of their games. She shuddered as she sighed. She missed those days, when her family was whole.
Her heart ached as her thoughts once more shifted to Roman. She couldn't help but imagine their lives together if he'd lived, if she had been by his side when he entered that bar.
As images of a life she ached for drifted through her mind, she paused on one in particular, Roman's smile as she would wake, his warm jade eyes looking deep into her own as he would stroke her cheek. She smiled softly, before letting the image drift away once more.
His faded brown eyes rested on his former student as he slowly took in the traumas she had suffered.
The warmth of Glynda's hand slowly caught his attention. She too focused on their student, apprehension palpably radiating from her still form.
He shakily inhaled and sighed, lightly tapping her hand to garner her attention.
Their eyes met, his ancient heart aching from the blades time.
"It's time." He said softly.
Glynda sighed and stood.
"Glynda?" He whispered.
She paused and looked to him.
"I love you."
She smiled. "I love you too."
He watched as her slim form glided into the hall.
Glynda silently reentered, Cinder close behind.
He smiled warmly at his former student, weakly reaching up and patting her cheek.
"I'm sorry about Roman and Emerald. If I had heard sooner, I would have attended." He said softly.
She smiled softly, whispering her thanks.
His smile faded slowly as he let out a heavy sigh. He looked to Glynda who gripped his other hand tightly. She nodded.
His gaze slowly shifted back to Cinder. " , in better circumstances, I'd wait for a more appropriate time and place, but it seems we won't have the luxury of either, as time has finally begun to sink it's fangs into me."
She shivered and whispered"Don't say that, you're the mighty Professor Ozpi-"
"My child." He interrupted softly. "Neither you, nor I, wish for this. Sadly, time is inescapable. That's why I must ask of you to undertake an immense responsibility, one that I regretfully must inform you...is more dangerous than any challenge you've faced before." He paused, as he let out a hoarse cough, flecks of blood lightly dotting his sleeve. He grimaced and sighed, as he continued, "That responsibility, is to take the mantle of the Fall Maiden."
"The Fall Maiden?" Cinder's stomach flipped. "But the Maidens are-"
"Fairy Tales, yes. But within every fairy tale, is truth."
"But how would I even become a Maiden?"
He chuckled softly. "The same way the first Maiden's did."
Cinder's stomach felt like a boomerang.
"For Generations my family have wielded the powers of the Wizard, passing on the powers of our four Maidens to those we believe worthy."
She swallowed hard. "How am I even remotely worthy?"
His eyes slowly moved to the ceiling before resting on her once more. He sighed and smiled.
"Hope, Bravery, Courage, and Compassion. The attributes that make the Fall Maiden. From the day your team formed, you've displayed them all."
"How can you be so sur-"
"Cinder." Glynda said softly, her pale green eyes locked on hers. "We've already decided. You can take the power or decline it, either way I'd also like you to assist me at Beacon."
"Assist you at Beacon?"
"Glynda will be taking over for me. She'll need an assistant." Ozpin smiled.
She glanced between the two and sighed heavily. "I've got nothing else to lose." She gently took hold of his hand. "I'll do them both."
He smiled warmly. "I'm proud of you. Good luck to you both."
He let go of Glynda's hand and reached into his coat pocket, producing an orange and silver amulet. "Glynda will take you to the chamber. This is your key." He said faintly.
Lightning cut through the clouds, leaving streaks of green lasting only seconds before fading.
Ozpin's tired eyes looked to the skies and sighed heavily. "It seems my time has come." He looked to Cinder and wrapped his arms around her. "Good luck ."
"You too old man." She forced out between quiet sobs.
He turned to Glynda and smiled. "I love you."
"Forever and Always." She said softly.
He leaned forward and planted a final kiss upon her forehead before the warmth left him, and he fell limp. The long sustained ringing of the monitor flatlining filled the room, summoning the nearby nurses.
A sickening smile spread across her porcelain face. Razor sharp teeth glistened with saliva that hung loosely like vines along ancient trees. A long, thin, tongue danced across her teeth as she wiped away her last meal.
"The Wizard is dead, and now is the time." She hissed gleefully. Her body twisted and contorted violently as she changed, she wouldn't want to scare the clientele of course.
Hey guys, sorry if it's been confusing with these updates, been trying to find a version I like best for the story and I'm thinking I finally found it, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, leave your comments and reviews below, if you have questions don't be afraid to ask, and with that, I leave you with the information that Orcas are not whales but infact the largest species of porpoise. Interesting huh?