A/N Avoiding the plot? Hah!
Alt title: Into a corner
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Next is Kitsu Ch. 68!
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DancingLeaf: Yes and no. Salem doesn't particularly care either way whether or not there's a lot of magic in the world. Why? Spoilers.
Sol leksthewolf2021: Here it is! Finally.
20webmaster02: Don't worry, only interludes and bonuses will feature POV's outside of Cyril's. Mostly.
holosagewolf32: Took a while, but here it is!
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-Date, Time-
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
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*Sounds/Actions*
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-West Vale City, Motel Moon, 08/22, 6:14am-
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Cyril Leon POV
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"So, what are you here for?" I ask the very skilled huntsman cautiously.
Mostly to buy time to think of something. Anything I could, do? Use?
"Nothing much kid." He says as he leans on the door frame. "Just need ya to come with me to Beacon. Headmaster himself wants to see you."
Objective, stay incognito, failed miserably.
"May I ask, why?" I ask as I slowly reach my hand down to the axe-
"Feel free to try." Qrow says casually as he takes a flask from his belt and downs a swig. "Make my day more interesting."
Deciding not to provoke the man, I move my hand away from the sheathe.
"You still haven't answered my question." I press.
"Cuz' I don't need to." He says as he clasps his flask back to his belt. "Now come on, I wasted enough time. Soon as I get you to Beacon, sooner I get to clock out."
"Do Huntsmen clock out?" I ask curiously.
"Nope!" He says as he pushes off of the door frame. "Now come on. If I gotta ask again I'm knocking you out."
"I hardly thi-"
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-1hr later-
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Waking up with a bitch of a headache. I look around, seeing the gray interior of some sort of vehicle, I'm strapped to a bench. In a way that I can only assume I'm in a bullhead.
"Damn, only an hour?" I hear the relaxed voice of the duchebag that sucker punched me, across from me. "I'm getting rusty. Maybe I should take Tai up on his gym routine."
I glare at the asshole laying across the opposite bench. Inspecting my restraints, I see he didn't even bother to properly secure me. And he didn't even take any of my shit.
Unbuckling, I stand up and look around. Finding a window slide next to the hatch, I open it to see we're already above a forest and well past the city. Heading for a plateau with a wizard of Oz looking castle. Of which I can assume is Beacon.
"If you're thinking of jumping." Qrow says from behind me. "Don't. Even assuming you survive the fall, the forest is infested with Grimm."
'And have no real combat training.' I think bitterly.
I highly doubt basic military conditioning and self defense is enough to take on Grimm. If it was, then I doubt the Grimm would even be issue.
So, resigning myself to my fate. I sit back down on the bench and wait for us to land.
Nothing else I can really do with Qrow here.
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Stepping off of the bullhead, with Qrow right behind me, I look around at the immaculate courtyard. Devoid of any dirt or weeds. And people.
"Huh, I expected there to be more people about." I say.
"School doesn't start for another week." Qrow says as he walks beside me. "The only ones you'd find are staff and some upper years who stick around during the winter months."
"Winter?" I ask. "Isn't school during the winter?"
He looks to me in confusion. One eye raised as he seems to try and figure me out.
"No." He says simply. "School starts in the spring, goes through the summer, and ends midway through fall."
So the exact opposite of real life? Or, earth, I guess. Or is it just America? I remember hearing somewhere that America's education schedule is unique due to a lot of things.
"Um, why?" I ask.
He looks at me for bit longer, before rolling his eyes and answering.
"Short of it?" He says as we pass the big fountain statue. "Grimm. People tend to get more depressed in the winter, so villages get attacked harder. Huntsmen and huntresses in training are sent back home to help deal with it, and give people a sense of safety. As for why that applies to the rest of schools, the lack of stress from schoolwork during the winter helps keep negative emotions down as well."
I guess that makes more sense. The Grimm being the threat they are, it only serves that society would base itself around combatting them more.
"That was the short version?" I ask, now genuinely curious to the nuances. "What's the long version?"
"Look, I retired from teaching so can we cut this short?" He asks as we reach the doors where he pulls out a badge and holds it to a holographic card reader.
*Krcht* the magnets unlock, allowing us to enter the school.
"Sides' kid, play your cards right and you'll have all the time to study up."
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-Beacon, Ozpin's office, 08/22, 7:40am-
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Stepping into the big clockwork office. The first thing that catches my attention, aside from the clear floor that gives a perfect view into all of the cogs and gears. Was the tall grey haired man in a dark green suit. His back to me as he looks out over the courtyard and into the forest.
"Cyril, I presume?" He asks as turns around to face me. "I trust your journey was done with excitement."
"Wouldn't know." I say with a shrug before pointing a thumb at the drunkard behind me. "Tall dark and drinking clocked me out. Woke up halfway here."
Ozpin looks to the man behind with a raised brow. Before turning back to me, his expression more warm and inviting as he steps forwards and takes a seat at his desk.
"I hope you won't hold it against." He says as he gestures for me to take a seat. "Qrow can be, free spirited in how he carries out tasks."
"And what exactly was the task?" I ask as I step forward, walking toward the desk to take seat.
I don't want to. But I have no way of refusing without it tipping my suspicions. I know that Ozpin was painted as a morally grey character, or at was attempted to be portrayed as one. But with so much changed, from Ozma being public knowledge to Silver eyed warriors being, well not common but widespread enough that they're basically celebrities. For all I know Ozma is the evil one. And Salem is some sort of resistance fighter.
That whole 'Keystone event' thing the Brothers mentioned has me on edge.
"I asked him to retrieve you." Ozma says. "So that we could meet in person."
I highly doubt that was all he asked.
"And he decided the best way to do so, was to knock me out?" I ask rhetorically.
"Best? No." I hear from the back of the room where said man is leaning against a wall. "Fastest? Maybe."
Ozpin doesn't even spare Qrow a glance as he continues.
"You have my apologies." He says. "But, I would like to get to why I wanted to see you."
As he finishes saying that, he turns to the keyboard on his desk, a holographic screen popping up as soon as he presses a button.
'That's going to take some getting used to.' I think as I can see what he's typing, as well as him through the hologram.
He presses another button that collapses the screen, before popping it back up. Only facing me this time as I see a profile picture of me in a sort of, civilian database. Alongside a street camera image of me at the robbery.
"It's not often that Silver eyed clansmen is left undiscovered for so long." Ozpin says. "Much less one with no connection to the clans."
I'm left speechless as there is literally nothing I can say. Or at least, nothing I can think to say on the spot like this. That, and how do I know if he doesn't have like, lie detecting magic?
"Can you tell me where you're from?" He asks. "You're profile just says the outskirts, but that be anywhere from Patch to Hillma."
"I, couldn't really say honestly." I answer him. "No where, you'll find on a map. I don't want to talk about it."
He looks at me, and I hope my anxiety over the question is enough to convince him I just come from a start up village that died out fast. That's my story and I'm sticking with it!
"Understandable." He says with a small nod. "Another thing is, can you tell me about your family, if you can?"
Thinking quickly, I decide to keep it basic. While also giving nothing he can call me out on.
"Well, for one I'm adopted." I answer honestly. "Mom was overworked and, well I just hope my sperm donor is rotting in a ditch somewhere. My stepdad is the one who raised me alongside my older half sister."
Again, nothing was a lie.
"I'm, sorry to here that." He says gently. "If I may ask, was your, half sister, and your mother did they also have silver eyes? I'm sorry if it seems odd, but it is important."
Not really understanding why. I decide there's no harm in telling him.
"My sister's eyes were green, And my mother's were blue." I answer.
"I see." He says softly. "Well, onto my next point then."
He presses a button and plays the video. The part where I dive to kick the dust gem out of the way, before I get tackled by Ruby. He pauses it there, turning back to me.
"Those are some impressive instincts." He say appreciatively.
'Bullshit.' I call out in my head. 'This is just the part where you butter me up.'
"That whole fight, you stayed in the back." He keeps talking, staring holes into my head. "While the girl went after the assailants. I'd call that heroic and level headed, if not for the fact you ran away after she left. Why?"
"I, didn't know what to do." I try the excuse. "So, I ran the moment the threat was gone."
His eyes narrow at me as he takes in my answer. Whether it be some form of interrogation technique or he doesn't believe me. I don't know.
"And you didn't think to follow the girl and act as backup?" He asks.
That I can answer!
"She's, a lot better than me." I say. "If you'll rewind the video, you'll see her pulling off acrobatics with scythe. If she encountered any trouble, I doubt I'd be of much help out side of taking a few hits for her."
"Damn straight." Qrow says with no small amount of pride.
I have no shame in admitting it. You got anime main protagonist level badass, and then me. Random guy number five who's been tossed in here with maybe a better conditioned body, and only basic physical training. I'm barely better than season one Jaune Arc! At least he's held a sword!
Ozpin sends him another look. Before once again turning back to me.
"It takes a great deal of humility and maturity to admit when another is better than you." Ozpin says appreciatively. "A level headedness that I feel many your age could greatly benefit from."
I'm getting a bit antsy here. And more than a little impatient at the constant flattery.
"Okay, that's twice you've complimented me unprompted." I point out. "You want something from me."
His kindly demeanor falters to more, calculating one for a bit. Before returning to the more patient grandpa vibe he has.
"I was going to ask if you'd like to join my school." He finally says.
'Fuck me!'
"And why, might that be?" I ask.
He once again gains that calculating look. Like he's parsing through a webpage, or looking at a riddle he just barely knows the answer to.
"You're quite the, scrupulous one, aren't you?" He asks. "Not many would look at the offer to join Beacon and question it."
Not many here know what happens to Beacon.
The tension between us grows as we stare each other down. Our gazes locked. Him questioning, mine defiant. The only sound being that of that softly ticking and clacking of the cogs below. Providing a subtle ambience of time moving forward.
Maybe that's why he has this place designed that way. To remind him that time is always moving. After all, the older you get, the easier it is to lose track of time. And how old is he?
"I don't know what that word means." I finally admit.
That takes him off guard as he blinks owlishly at me. Before recomposing himself shortly after.
"Um, erm, which, word is it?" He asks somewhat awkwardly.
"Scrupulous." I answer.
"It means astute, you pay close attention to details." He says helpfully.
Neat. You learn something new everyday. Now back on track.
"Alright, now why would you be giving a free seat to your academy whom you seemingly know nothing about." I ask with no small amount of suspicion.
I can guess why. From him sensing that I have magic, to the Brothers using this as a way to force me into canon to change things. My only task is to try and change things. How? I'm not sure. I'll burn that bridge when I get to it.
Still.
"Simply put, Silver eyed warriors are precious." Ozpin says. "There is no shortage of individuals who'll want your services in protection from the Grimm. Many will be, less than reputable. Your choices are your own. But, I would like to prepare you for that. It is clear you lack formal education and formal training. I've lived many lives as I'm sure you're aware, and one thing I've gained is an eye for potential."
"And here you are, buttering me up even more." I point out. "Next you'll share some sort of vulnerability or insecurity with me."
He has a look about him, something that's between appreciation, and frustration. I can't quite tell. But then again, I've never been too good at reading expressions in the first place.
"It seems usual tactics won't work with you." Ozpin sighs. "Very well, I'll lay it out flat and in the open. I want you to join my school, because I sense great potential in you. I have exactly one open spot, if you don't take it. Someone on the reserve list will get it."
"Isn't that a bit unfair towards the ones on the reserve list?" I ask.
"Life isn't fair, Mr. Leon." Ozpin says pointedly. "It never is, never was. Those on the reserve list are there because their skills have been deemed less than satisfactory, but still containing potential. We accept students from age fifteen, to age twenty as first years. Do you accept, or not?"
He has an answer for everything. I can't refuse his offer without coming off as suspicious, hell, I might've already sunk that ship with my series of questions.
"What happens if I don't live up to your expectations?" I ask my final question.
"Then you will perish against the Grimm, or dropout a disgrace." Ozpin says without any hesitation. "If you're wondering whether we'll expel you for poor performance, we won't. We only expel those who pose a threat to their fellow huntsmen."
I have no reason to refuse, do I?
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-30 minutes later, Courtyard-
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'Fuck, everything.' Is all I can think as I'm laying face down on the pavement. Qrow's boot on my back.
"You got good strength and reflexes kid." He says. "But you got no instinct, and your speed is barely above a civilian. And you have zero technique. It's like you've never held a weapon in your life."
I have used weapons before in fact! Just nothing on this level.
"Now come on, let's see your hand to hand." He says as he kicks me over onto my back. "I get one week to bully- train you for Beacon. I'mma make it count."
He looks at me with a grin and stabs his broadsword into the ground.
I'm going to die a slow, painful death here.
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Bonus
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-After the meeting between Cyril and Ozpin-
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Lyman "Oz/Ozma" Ozpin POV
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As the boy is sent to wait in the courtyard, I look to Qrow with a raised brow.
"Curious kid." Qrow says as he pushes off of the wall and walks towards my desk. "Got something, special about him?"
"Indeed." I confirm. "He does in fact have magic. Far more than what a silvered eyed warrior should. Almost as much as a Maiden in fact."
Qrow gives out a low whistle at that.
"Damn, almost?" He asks as he plops down in the chair. "What's this mean for, everything?"
"I'm not sure." I answer honestly. "I was sending low pulses of magic the whole time. So either he's yet to unlock any of his magical capabilities, or he's just a Silver eyed warrior with an unnatural level of magic. But, more than that."
Qrow's eyes narrow in understanding. His stance still as relaxed as ever, but to the trained eye, tense.
"Yeah, kids background doesn't paint a pretty picture." Qrow says. "He wasn't lying, not by my reckoning anyway. Abandoned by a deadbeat, raised in obscurity, village destroyed. And besides all that, his, personality."
"Yes." I agree, noting the unusual behavior myself.
Silver eyed warriors and Red eyed Warriors are notorious for their, thrill seeking behavior. And worse yet, it's apparently as genetic as their magic.
"In all my years, I've not met a single Silver eyed clansman that was young and cautious." I remark. "It's, unusual."
One need not look far to find the evidence. The oldest Silver eyed warrior is Maria Calavera, retired and over eighty years old. Behind her is Acacia Thorn, forty two, and active in Vacuo. Even Miss Rose is no exception. The youngest of four, and the only one to have children. She's already outlived her eldest sister who died in her mid twenties.
"His parents could've beat the risk taking behavior out of him." Qrow remarks.
Unlikely. I've yet to see or hear of a single Silver eyed warrior with a, docile disposition. And no amount discipline has ever made that so. Only experience has proven capable of tempering their fire.
"He'd be the first." I remark. "I feel it is, more likely that he simply, lacks whatever it is that urges Silver eyed warriors to, challenge themselves and risk their lives."
Qrow scoffs at the phrasing.
"Challenge themselves." His rolls his eyes. "Silver and Red eyes are adrenaline addicts, and it's genetic."
"I was being polite." I say plainly.
"For who-"
*Ring* My, the phone goes off.
"Shit." Qrow says. "Whelp, I think I'll uh, train the kid! Get his confidence up and-"
"Qrow you will not leave me alone to-!" I try to say as he runs towards the window. Opens it, and jumps out.
"Try not to start a waaar!" He says as I feel the oncoming headache.
*Ring*
"Deep breaths Ozma." I say as I pick up the phone on my desk, answering the likely drunk woman.
"Salem."
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A/N
There was a way for Cyril to avoid Ozpin, just not anyway that didn't also lead him to either life threatening danger, or run ins with other big characters. And that was intentional, the brother gods placed him in the exact position to force him into the main story. They already know how this world ends and its history, they want to see if it's possible to make major changes, without interfering in major ways. They're basically testing the butterfly effect.
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Leave a review and let me know what you think!
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Find me in the channel newb's-grotto where you can vote on what story I write next!
I have a Worm story, an Overlord story, a Skyrim Gacha fic, and this one.
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