29

Chapter 29: Sacrifice

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

hey

Hey.

can u bring ruby tonight?

Of course.

cool

If I may ask, why?

team meeting, im bringing blake

and can we talk a few hours later than our usual time?

That's after the CCT closes.

yeah

Yang, what's going on?

Are you okay?

Did something happen?

yes

i mean no

i mean

just… meet us then

You're worrying me.

Are you in danger?

not right now

ill explain later

promise

You'd better.

I love you.

love you too

The hours ticked by slowly, giving Weiss far too much time to dwell on her short conversation with Yang. Concern gnawed at her as she considered the possible scenarios that could have prompted Yang's message. She couldn't help but worry over the countless dangers that Ruby and Blake had explained to them, fretting about each and every one her teammates may have encountered. But no matter how much Weiss worried, there was nothing she could do from such a distance.

For now, all she could do was wait, and reassure herself with the knowledge that they were there to protect each other if anything happened.

So, Weiss waited.

She forced her nerves to relax, taking deep breaths to concentrate on her studies. There was nothing she could do other than trust her teammates.

As the day wore on, Weiss found herself constantly checking the time, her scroll never leaving her sight in case Yang sent another message, but none were forthcoming. With each passing hour her anxiety grew, her stomach churning.

"Ready?" Ruby asked, emerging from their shared bathroom freshly showered and dressed. Weiss had opted to only let her know shortly before they were due to chat with Yang, to spare her the worrying that Weiss had gone through all day. Of course, that didn't stop Ruby from noticing Weiss' worry, and fretting about that instead.

"Of course." Weiss replied, attempting to sound more confident than she felt.

Ruby smiled softly at Weiss. "Nervous?"

Weiss nodded, and Ruby extended her hand to her. Grateful for the reassurance, Weiss took it, feeling Ruby's warm strength through their linked hands. Ruby gently pulled her to Weiss' bed, as Weiss set her scroll up to call Yang.

CCT bandwidth was limited, and the permits for scrolls that would be able to tap into the CCT network directly were expensive. Her father may have bought it for Weiss so she could call home whenever he wanted, but Weiss had found a far better use for it.

The scroll rang several times as the call went out, before the screen shifted to Blake and Yang, sitting practically in the dark, Beacon's CCT having already closed.

"Hey, guys," Yang greeted, managing a weak smile despite the evident fatigue in her eyes. Blake, however, looked like she hadn't slept in a week, her eyes fearful and terrified.

Weiss and Ruby both stared at them for a moment, speechless. Weiss studied Blake's face, her heart aching ta the sight of the terror etched into her teammate's features. Ruby whimpered beside her, her eyes brimming with concern. "Blake… what happened?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Blake didn't make any attempt to respond, so Yang took a deep breath and slowly blew it out through her lips. "Blake and I went to a White Fang safehouse. We were trying to stop their next attacks on Vale," she explained, her expression darkening. "But then… Adam Taurus showed up."

"Adam?" Ruby repeated, surprised, the worry evident in her voice.

"Yeah," Yang continued, her gaze locked onto Blake, who remained silent and unmoving, other than her eyes darting around nervously. "Blake managed to get us out of there, but…" Yang hesitated, leaving unspoken the worry hanging in the air – the ordeal had clearly been nothing short of traumatic for Blake.

Throughout Yang's explanation, Blake hadn't uttered a single word. Her hands clutched the arms of her chair, knuckles white with tension. Suddenly, a noise from outside caught her attention, and she nearly jumped out of her seat.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Yang murmured gently, wrapping a comforting arm around Blake. "You're safe here."

Weiss clenched her fists, feeling powerless as she watched her teammates struggle through the harrowing aftermath of their encounter. Her heart clenched as the fear on Blake's face refused to abate. "You shouldn't have had to go through that."

Ruby mirrored Weiss' own emotions, though she tried to hide it behind a determined expression. "We'll be back on the next airship flight to Beacon." Ruby declared, her voice full of conviction.

Weiss nodded her assent. She didn't even think it had to be mentioned. Of course they would be. There was no way in hell they would be separated from their teammates at a time like this.

Yang subtly looked to Blake, unwilling to ask the question, but wanting her input nonetheless. Blake broke her silence quickly though. "No," she objected, to everyone's surprise, her voice quiet but resolute. "Your mission. It's important. I don't want you to cut it short for me."

"Blake, it wouldn't be just for you," Ruby argued, "it's for all of us, for the entire team." Though she wasn't going to compare their pains to her teammates back at Beacon, Weiss knew that being apart from Yang and Blake would be just as painful for Ruby as it was already becoming for Weiss, especially after seeing Blake like this.

But Blake fixed Ruby with a pleading stare. She didn't want to argue, but she wasn't going to have them traveling back to Vale with their mission unfinished. Weiss searched Blake's expression, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation, but only saw a glimmer of that quiet determination that Weiss had always admired in her teammate. Then she turned to Yang, who still had her arm around Blake, comforting her. Weiss trusted her girlfriend. She would keep Blake safe until they returned.

For their part, she and Ruby would just have to be quick.

Weiss exchanged glances with Ruby, who seemed to have come to the same conclusion. "Alright," Weiss agreed reluctantly. "But promise us you'll be okay until we get back. And that you'll stay out of trouble." Both nodded, and Weiss glanced at Yang. "Take care of each other."

"Always." Yang replied, giving Blake's shoulder a gentle squeeze, a faint smile gracing Weiss lips as she realized just how much Blake meant to Yang. She didn't need to worry about Blake, Yang would be there for her. Just like she was for Weiss all those months ago. There was no one else that Weiss trusted more for the job.

"Yang, Blake," Ruby piped up, her voice wavering slightly, "we'll be back before you know it. We love you both, so much."

"Love you too," Yang said, her voice warm and full of genuine affection. Blake simply nodded, her eyes threatening to shimmer with tears.

Ruby ended the call, and the screen went dark. "We're moving up the plan to arrest Lionheart." She said resolutely.

Weiss and her team leader were on the same page about that. "You're right. Just because we're not taking the first flight back to Beacon doesn't mean either of us are going to stay away from our teammate's sides any longer than necessary."

From the smile that Ruby gave her, it was clear she mirrored the sentiment. "We need to put our plan into motion before Lionheart leaves to tour the other academies in Mistral."

Weiss scrunched her eyebrows. "That doesn't give us much time to plan."

"Well, time is of the essence." She gave a lopsided grin. "We'll just have to get it right."

---

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Haven Academy as Weiss sat at the desk in their dorm, her brow furrowed in concentration. She leafed through one of the many stacks of documents that covered her desk, the information she had been able to discreetly gather on the White Fang. In few short days between the call with their team and tonight, Weiss had been determined to learn everything she could about Adam Taurus and his cell in Vale. Each page seemed to paint an increasingly sinister portrait of the man who had tormented Blake and Yang.

She would possibly be putting that information to use soon, since, one way or another, tonight would be her last at Haven.

Across the room, Ruby paced back and forth, her silver eyes darting nervously between the floor and the clock on the wall. Every so often, she would glance at Weiss, as if seeking reassurance or guidance. But they had done all the planning they could. They knew their roles. The finals hours before implementing their plans were the hardest, and while Ruby couldn't sit still, Weiss devoted her mind to the final documents she had collected.

"Hey…" Ruby said hesitantly, finally breaking the silence that had enveloped the room for the better part of an hour.

Weiss looked up from her notes, blinking away the strain from her eyes. "Yes, Ruby?"

"Do you think it's going to work? Our plan?" Ruby wrung her hands together, her worry eident in every gesture.

That was somewhat surprising question for her to ask. Ruby had led her team and others through daring battles, and if what Weiss knew about Lionheart was correct, this fight should be far easier than the ones that Ruby waged against Cinder or Torchwick. But there was something else on the line this time. Something Ruby hadn't been factoring into her calculations last time. They hadn't all been so… close.

"Ruby, I understand you're nervous," Weiss replied, trying to be gentle, pushing aside the papers on her desk. "But right now, there's nothing more we can do until it's time. We just have to wait."

Ruby sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know, but… it doesn't stop me from being nervous. What if something goes wrong? What if something bad happened to Blake and Yang because we didn't go back?"

"We've done everything we can to prepare for tonight," Weiss said, her voice firm but compassionate. Ruby was the one that demanded perfection, and drilled Weiss and Qrow until they could go through their assigned roles with their eyes closed. It wasn't the getting in that would be difficult. It would be the getting out with Lionheart in tow. "We need to trust ourselves and our abilities. That's what matters most right now."

Ruby nodded, taking a deep breath and trying to steady herself. The room fell quiet once more, the minutes ticking by. She resumed her pacing, back and forth like a caged animal. But while Weiss found solace in her research, Ruby lacked a similar outlet for her restless energy, her pacing gradually slowing until she again came to a stop beside Weiss.

Weiss sighed, resigned to the fact that Ruby needed her attention right now more than the stacks of papers across her desk. "Why don't you sit down with me? I think we could both use a distraction." Weiss scooted over halfway on her chair.

Ruby didn't hesitate to crowd next to Weiss, happily taking up the half chair that Weiss offered her.

"Did you know," Weiss began, trying to keep the conversation light, which was difficult given all the material in front of her, "that the White Fang started as a peaceful protest group before they became what they are now?"

"I… think so?" Ruby replied with a tilt of her head.

It was a surprise to Weiss. To her, they had always been this nameless, faceless, other. This force in her life that deprived her of friends and family members. An easy outlet for her rage, for her anger at all the shortcomings of her life. How easy was it back then, to simply attribute all that was wrong to a group she had never met?

"How did they change so much?" Ruby asked.

Weiss flipped through the pages of her notes. "As they became more… aggressive, the records became far sparser, so we don't have a good picture. But suffice to say that after years of protests that didn't achieve their aims, new leaders rose that decided violence was necessary. Adam Taurus was part of that."

One of the first things Weiss wanted to do when getting back to Vale was to interview Blake to see what gaps she could fill in. But only if Blake was feeling well enough to talk about it, which Weiss doubted she would be.

"That's… kind of sad, actually." Ruby murmured, leaning in closer to examine Weiss' meticulous handwriting. "To think they couldn't make a difference without violence."

Weiss nodded in agreement, surprising herself. But after all she had learned, she couldn't help but see their point of view. To them, the base violence necessary for change was justified in the face of a system designed to oppress. But just because she understood it didn't mean she had to agree with it. "It's a reminder, that everyone has their reason, even those who choose a darker path."

The conversation continued to flow, the two teammates discussing everything from White Fang tactics to lighter topics like favorite foods and childhood memories, each smile and laugh allowing them to simply enjoy each other's company.

As Ruby recounted the story of a late-night library adventure, her eyes sparkled with mischief and fondness. "Blake and I were just so exhausted after everything that happened at the docks," she explained, gesturing animatedly. "We thought some quiet time in the library would be the perfect way to unwind."

Weiss couldn't help but smile at the image of Ruby and Blake snuggled up together among stacks of books, perhaps fast asleep as the world outside carried on without them. It was a rare moment of peace and normalcy in Ruby's tumultuous life – a life that Weiss had chosen to join her in.

"Anyway, we must have been more tired than we realized because we both fell asleep without even noticing!" Ruby continued, earning a playful eye roll from Weiss, because of course they both fell asleep. "When we finally woke up, it was pitch black and the library had already closed for the night!"

"Really?" Weiss asked, her eyebrows raised in amusement. "What did you do?"

Ruby's grin grew wider. "We stayed there for a while, just enjoying the silence and the fact that we had the entire library for ourselves. Then, just before the sun started to rise, we snuck out and headed back to our dorm."

The joy on Ruby's face slowly faded, replaced by a frown as her thoughts returned to the recent call of with Blake. "It's just… seeing her so upset like that, it really got to me," she confessed, her voice cracking slightly. "Makes me wish I could do something."

Weiss reached out to place a comforting hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Blake is strong, Ruby. Yang's right there by her side."

"Yang always knows how to take care of us." Ruby's lips curled into a small smile. "I know we need to be focused for tonight, but it's hard to concentrate when all I can think about is Blake."

Weiss already knew where this was headed if she didn't get in front of it. "Well, let's take your mind off that then." She said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I noticed you didn't dance at the festivities that Jaune put on for Pyrrha."

Ruby grinned, her cheeks flushed red as she sheepishly admitted, "Well, yeah… I never really learned how to dance."

Weiss latched onto that, that was something she could use. "Then this is the perfect opportunity for you to learn." She extended her hand towards Ruby, who hesitated for only a moment before accepting it.

With a few taps on her scroll, Weiss played a simple melody and began showing Ruby the basics of dancing with a partner. Their movements were slow and deliberate at first, Weiss guiding Ruby through each step with practiced ease. As they twirled around the room, Weiss' graceful movements were juxtaposed by Ruby's clumsy yet earnest attempts to keep up.

"It's all about listening to the rhythm and trusting your partner," Weiss advised, smiling as she watched her dance partner.

As they continued, Weiss found herself drawing closer to Ruby, their bodies nearly touching. Whether it was intentional or not, Weiss found herself calling back to her dances with Yang, whether it was at her girlfriend's favorite nightclub, or back in the quiet common room by their dorm.

Weiss closed the small distance between the two of them, with Ruby taking notice. Her silver eyes met Weiss' gaze as a faint blush dusted her cheeks. "Like this?" Ruby asked, trying to mimic Weiss' movements.

"Almost," Weiss replied, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "But more like this," she wrapped a delicate hand around Ruby's hip and gently guided her into position. Slowly, Ruby began to find her footing, her movements becoming more fluid and confident. Unsurprising, given Weiss' tutelage and Ruby's athleticism.

As the song neared its end, Weiss impressed Ruby by leading her through a final twirl and then dipped her elegantly, a confident smile gracing her lips, their faces mere inches apart. They both seemed to hold their breath, leaving only the sound of their hearts beating in unison.

Weiss was acutely aware of the warmth radiating from Ruby's body. Too aware. Caught up in the moment, the idea to close the distance between their lips flashed through her mind. If it was Yang, instead of Ruby, Weiss wouldn't have hesitated to capture her.

Ruby wouldn't have stopped her. Her eyes positively shined. The love in them was soft yet fierce, reminiscent of Yang's love for her but uniquely Ruby's in its own way that Weiss didn't know how to describe yet.

But perhaps, one day she would like to learn.

Not today though. Weiss gracefully pulled Ruby back up. She almost swore she could feel Ruby's legs turn to jelly below her, but Ruby managed to maintain her balance as Weiss pulled her up.

"Wow." Ruby breathed, her cheeks a bit redder. "You have to teach me how to do that."

Weiss turned so that Ruby wouldn't be able to see her satisfied smirk, or the blush on her cheeks. It felt great to share something with Ruby like this, and she relished her role as a mentor, at least in this one aspect. Plus, perhaps some of Yang's mischievous propensity for teasing had rubbed off on her.

The moment was shattered when there was a sudden knock on the window that startled Ruby, and Weiss, though she didn't jump into the air like her leader did. Ruby squealed excitedly as she recognized Qrow's crow form perched on the windowsill. She unlatched the window and Qrow flew inside, transforming into his human form.

"Heya pipsqueak." Qrow droned as he ruffled Ruby's hair affectionately. "You two ready?" he asked casually.

"Absolutely!" Ruby replied with her usual enthusiasm, her nervousness burned away from activity and converted into adrenaline.

"Great. Meet you both outside." With that, he shifted back into his crow form and flew out of the dorm.

Both Weiss and Ruby hurried to collect their weapons and gear, as the memory their dance lingered. Had something shifted between them without Weiss noticing? Ruby certainly hadn't shied away from Weiss. If she had leaned in, instead of pulling her up, would Ruby's eyes have fluttered shut? Weiss had thought of it, in that moment. There was no use denying that, though that could just be attributed to the atmosphere surrounding them.

Weiss was hardly blind to the growing affection between Blake and Yang that was not always entirely… platonic. But they had talked about that. Under different circumstances, if she and Ruby had returned to Beacon to find Yang asking for her permission to date Blake, Weiss would've happily granted it. But did that same permission apply to Weiss?

Weiss felt confident that the answer was yes. She knew her girlfriend well enough to know that Yang would be happy for her, and even happier for Ruby if they wanted that.

That only left one question then: was that what Weiss wanted?

Well, there was plenty of time for considering that later.

---

The dim light from the setting sun elongated the shadows creeping across the empty halls of Haven Academy, creating an eerie atmosphere that sent shivers down Ruby's spine. She gripped her scythe confidently, though her knuckles were turning white anyway, as she, Weiss, and Qrow quietly approached Lionheart's office, each step echoing through the otherwise silent building.

"Are you ready?" Ruby whispered. She was definitely ready. The anxiety from earlier was gone, replaced with the adrenaline that came with action. She could worry before, and she could worry after, but Ruby learned long ago to never doubt herself while she was doing. There was no room for hesitation now. Better to all be following one bad plan than three separate good plans.

"Three… two… one…!" Ruby counted down in a hushed tone before pushing the door open with a forceful swing. The three of them burst into the room, weapons at the ready, expecting a fight, or at least something.

Instead, the office was completely deserted. That should've been impossible. She and Weiss had checked here day after day and Lionheart had never left before sundown. But from the scattered papers on the floor to the hastily-emptied drawers, it was clear that someone had left in a hurry.

"Damn it," Qrow muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of their target.

"He's not here?" Weiss asked.

Ruby frowned, her silver eyes reflecting her disappointment and frustration. "We must have just missed him."

"What now then?"

"That hidden passage we found," Qrow suggested, "let's check that." It seemed like a longshot to Ruby, that Lionheart would hide out there, but she hardly had a better idea.

With no time to waste, they followed Qrow's lead and entered the secret tunnel, weapons poised and senses heightened, prepared for a confrontation at any moment. The narrow passage was dimly lit, casting ominous shadows on the walls as they progressed further into the darkness.

Though she didn't expect an attack in the cramped passage, it still unnerved Ruby. Yet, as they reached the end of the tunnel, they found it just as empty as the office. Qrow frowned, a look of confusion crossing his face as he spun in a circle. "That's… not right. The seer I saw here is gone too."

Weiss furrowed her brow, giving voice to the thoughts they were all thinking. "Does this mean Lionheart was onto us?"

"Or someone else is," Ruby added, her voice laced with concern.

---

Panic coursed through Lionheart's veins as he sprinted through the dense foliage in the wilderness of Aima, campus growing smaller behind him by the moment. Every rustle and snap echoed, amplified around him, fueling his fear and driving him to run faster. He looked back several times, half-expecting to see someone following him, but all he saw were shadows dancing in the fading light.

His breath came in ragged gasps, and his legs felt like lead, but he couldn't stop. There was too much at stake – Ozpin knew, or at least suspected, that Lionheart had betrayed him. And now, with Qrow on his tail, there was no time to waste.

Finally, his body refused to carry him any further, and Lionheart stumbled to a halt, leaning against a tree for support. His aura had nearly given out during the sprint from Haven. He gulped in lungfuls of air, trying to steady himself when the dreadful, tell-tale clicking and clacking of a seer sent a shiver down his spine.

He froze, his heart hammering in his chest as the seer drifted into view. It approached slowly, deliberately, stopping just in front of him. The forest had gone silent around them, punctuated only by the labored sound of Lionheart's breathing.

"And where might you be going?" The owner of that voice was unmistakable, her cold and commanding tone bringing Lionheart to heel in a moment. The voice that haunted his nightmares, caught between his cowardice and this witch.

Lionheart stammered, "I-I had to run… Ozpin, h-he sent students to Haven, and I saw Qrow too." He swallowed hard before continuing. "He- he knows I betrayed him to you."

"I know." Salem said, her voice dripping with disappointment.

The two words stopped Lionheart in his tracks. How could she possibly have known?

"Y-Your grace?"

Before Lionheart could finish his response, the seer's tendrils shot forward, wrapping around Lionheart and immobilizing him. The sharp front tendril shot forward, puncturing his throat before another cowardly word could drip from his mouth.

As the seer released him and the blood pooled on the forest floor around him, Lionheart could only wonder if she had known all along, and if he was disposable from the start.

---

"I apologize for the lateness of the hour, and the… rather lengthy questioning that the general subjected you to." Ozpin gestured into his dimly lit office.

"Thank you," Emerald said tiredly, her voice, like her spirit, worn down from the endless questions before being allowed into Beacon.

"Please, have a seat." Ozpin gestured towards one of the chairs in front of his desk. As she sank into it, he continued, "I'm glad the general saw the reasoning behind your admittance into Beacon. Your former friends among the students will doubtless be happy for your return."

Left unsaid was the fact that it would be much easier to keep an eye on her at Beacon, a fact that Ozpin impressed upon Ironwood repeatedly. Much better to know where she was at all times than let her disappear into Vale, not that she seemed to have any intent to do so. Emerald had agreed readily to the stipulation that she was not to leave campus.

Emerald shifted in her chair, trying to gauge the sincerity of Ozpin's words. His face remained calm and amiable. The faint sound of the gears turning overhead filled the silence as Ozpin turned his gaze to the window, his eyes focused on the world outside. He knew any course of action would involve risk, but it didn't make the situation any easier.

Yet action was certainly preferable to inaction.

Turning away from the window, Ozpin walked back to his desk and poured hot chocolate into two cups. He offered one of the steaming cups to Emerald. "You've had a rather long day."

"Thank you." Emerald replied, taking the cup with both hands and savoring the warmth spreading through her fingers. Ozpin watched her, his expression carefully neutral. Though less than the general, he was cautious regarding her crossed loyalties, but as he observed her tired mannerisms and the way her shoulders slumped ever so slightly despite herself, he realized that she genuinely seemed like a scared girl who just wanted to get some sleep. That brought him a small measure of comfort.

Just as Emerald set down her cup, the elevator dinged, announcing the arrival of the second set of guests Ozpin had invited – the other three members of soon to be complete Team Opalescent.

Penny's face lit up when she saw Emerald, and she bounded across the room, wrapping her arms around the surprised girl in a tight hug.

"Emerald!" Penny exclaimed, her voice full of happiness. "We were so worried about you!"

"Uh, hi, Penny." Emerald stammered, openly surprised by the sudden display of affection. She returned the hug awkwardly, her eyes meeting Ozpin's who gave her an encouraging nod.

"Emerald," Oscar greeted her warmly, steeping forward while Ciel stood behind him, her expression blank as always. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Thanks," she mumbled.

Ciel withstanding, the genuine affection between them, at least from Penny and Oscar, cemented the decision to have Emerald enroll at Beacon. The loyalty that the two would surely display gave Ozpin hope that Emerald would be kept on the right path.

"It appears as though introductions are unnecessary." Ozpin started, turning to Emerald, his eyes twinkling with just a hint of mischief. "From this day forward, you will be a part of Team Opalescent. Fortunately, changing the team name to accommodate you will also be unnecessary."

Ciel raised an eyebrow. "It is rather convenient that Emerald fits into team name so seamlessly. Almost as if it were meant to be that way."

Ozpin allowed himself a half-smile. "Yes, almost like it was planned that way, wouldn't you say?"

"Well, welcome to our team." Oscar said warmly.

"Indeed, welcome to Beacon." Ozpin nodded towards Penny and Ciel, "if you wouldn't mind, please help Emerald settle into the dorms. Oscar, if you'd please, I'd like you to stay here for a moment."

Oscar watched as the door closed behind his teammates before turning back to Ozpin, who regarded him thoughtfully. "How are you finding the burdens of leadership, Oscar?" Ozpin inquired, folding his hands on the desk before him.

Oscar hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "I've been… unsure," he admitted. "But I'm slowly getting used to it. I just want to do what's best for my team."

"An admirable goal," Ozpin nodded in understanding, "But it's important to ensure you're comfortable here at Beacon as well. After all, there's much for you to learn. If you are to be my next reincarnation, then I should begin mentoring you more actively in earnest." It was a rare opportunity for Ozpin to know to whom his soul would be transferred next, and one he should make the most of, now that he was less consumed with other tasks. Besides, it was beyond time to bring Oscar into the loop.

Oscar shifted in his seat, but managed to nod in agreement. That was a good sign. Ozpin was all to familiar with the unexpected burden that had been placed on Oscar, but he would rise to the challenge, of that Ozpin was sure, simply by virtue of being the one selected to inherit the legacy of Ozma.

"Good," Ozpin said, just as the elevator dinged to reveal Ozpin's third guest of the night, her eyes narrowed with determination as she strode into the room. "Ah, Professor Goodwitch, perfect timing," Ozpin greeted her, gesturing to Oscar. "As you can see, I've asked Oscar to join us for this meeting."

Glynda nodded curtly at Oscar before immediately launching into her concerns. "Are you aware of Ironwood's latest policies? The random stop and searches he's implemented throughout Vale that are targeting Faunus unfairly? How long until he spreads them to Beacon?"

Ozpin pursed his lips. He was well aware that Ironwood had gone to the council and sought their approval without consulting him. A council that was too scared to not give Ironwood whatever he wanted, though that couldn't last forever. There hadn't been any other attacks thus far, thought whether that was due to Ironwood's fastidious policies or the White Fang's prudence was yet to be seen.

"I assure you, I am looking into it," Ozpin replied coolly. "Ironwood seeks to protect Vale, Glynda."

"By trampling on the rights of innocent citizens?" she scoffed, anger flashing in her eyes. "He's turning Vale into a police state." She opened her mouth to unleash another tirade, but Ozpin frowned and cut her off.

"We both agree regarding the general's faults. However, there are more pressing matters at hand. Lionheart is dead."

The words struck the room like a bolt of lightning. Goodwitch froze, her mouth still open but her next words stuck in her throat, and even Oscar felt his stomach drop at the news. Given Ruby and Jaune's testimony, they had all known that something was amiss with the headmaster of Haven, but to hear of his death so suddenly was shocking.

"How… How do you know?" Goodwitch stammered.

"Qrow found him outside the grounds, attacked by grimm," Ozpin explained with a heavy sigh. "It's too much of a coincidence that he died the night they were going to arrest him."

Glynda muttered something below her breath, her mind racing with the implications of this new information. "What will we do now?"

"You're not going to like it." Ozpin paused, his gaze meeting Goodwitch's. "I'm sending you to Haven, to assume the role of headmistress there."

Glynda's eyes widened in surprise, and she took a step back. "You're sending me away? Is this because I'm speaking out against Ironwood?" She recovered quickly, pressing forward.

"Absolutely not." Ozpin replied firmly. "This decision has nothing to do with your opinions or Ironwood's actions. Until we know exactly what happened at Haven, we cannot trust anyone there. Ironwood wouldn't leave Vale for anything short of an emergency in Atlas, and Qrow isn't in a position to assume a headmastership." He paused so that Glynda could digest his reasoning. "Of the people I trust, that leaves only you, Glynda."

She clenched her fists and looked away, struggling to accept the sudden change. But as Ozpin surely knew she would, she made her peace with it. When she next met Ozpin's gaze, she saw the trust he was placing in her, and acquiesced with a slow nod.

"You're sure this is necessary?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"I am." Ozpin supplied willingly.

"Very well. Then I will do what must be done."

"Thank you," Ozpin replied with a sigh, a weight partially lifted from his shoulders. He could trust Glynda like no other. "I have absolute faith that you will be a capable headmaster."

"Do you think there might be a trap there, waiting for us?" Glynda asked.

With another heavy sigh and a rub of the bridge of his nose, Ozpin considered the possibility. "If there is, it's better to be armed with knowledge and preparation." Which meant more than just physical weapons.

"When do I leave for Haven?"

"Tonight," Ozpin answered, his voice softer than usual. He hardly wanted to send Glynda away any more than she wanted to go. "Know that I only ask this of you because I hold you in the highest regard. There is no one else that I can trust with his burden."

Glynda almost smiled at the words. With a final nod, she turned on her heel and strode out of the office, her heels clicking against the floor as the elevator door closed behind her. Giving Ozpin what he suspected would be the last glimpse of his most trusted advisor for quite some time.

As soon as she was gone, Ozpin rubbed his temples, feeling a headache beginning to form. A small part of him warned that sending Goodwitch away could be a mistake, but he saw no other viable option. Anything could be a mistake. Inaction could be a mistake, and was apparently the course of action that may have doomed them all in a past mirrored universe.

Ozpin turned to Oscar, apologizing. "I had hoped your presence would help temper her anger."

Oscar considered the recent exchange, noting their willingness to sacrifice and make tough decisions for the greater good. He gazed out the window and looked towards Vale, as if comparing that to the general and his forces below. "You're all committed to the protection of Remnant, even if your methods differ. You all still work towards the same goal."

"Indeed, we do," Ozpin concurred. "Both Ironwood and Goodwitch carry great burdens, as do all huntsman and huntresses. We must live up to the standards set by the thousand years of history that have come before us, the hunters and huntresses that have sacrificed so that we may continue the struggle after them, refusing to let humanity be snuffed out by the forces that oppose us. Every hunter and huntress at this great academy will honor those thousand years of sacrifice flowing through their veins, willing to sacrifice themselves if called upon. And every generation must know its own suffering."

Far too many had made that sacrifice already. Yet far many more inevitably still would.

Timidly, Oscar asked, "And you must know them all?"

Ozpin's eyes seemed to age by decades in that moment, his face drawn and weary. "In time, so will you."

Notes:

I listened to various parts of the v9 soundtrack while writing this, and though perhaps this is just recency bias, I think it might be my favorite soundtrack so far. It's absolutely incredible. The end portion of trapdoor is amazing, guide my way is triumphant, and the lyrics from chatterbox have so much depth when you realize its a conversation between Neo and the CC.

#GreenlightVolume10

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Also if you got two notifications regarding posting this chapter (or about a chapter 30), my bad! I had this as a draft on AO3, and instead of posting that, I posted a new chapter at first. Whoops!

Until next time,

~ThePalestRose

Notes:

Huge shout-out and thank you to my best friend Andzinsan for beta reading this story!

Kudos, comments, and constructive criticism is always appreciated! Thank you for reading! ^_^