Unexpected Incarnate (RWBY Ozpin Incarnate SI)

After some respite from everything in the last few hours, Qrow decided to drag me out for training while the others could come and watch, despite the fact I had just woken up hours ago. Naturally, I voiced my disapproval of the decision, but Qrow denied it, and with the support of everyone else, I caved and accepted it.

Although I have to be honest here, I'm getting nervous as I soon found myself outside on the rear patio with Oathkeeper in hand. Unfortunately, Ozpin hasn't responded to me yet, but I guess he'll be back by tomorrow.

I hope.

Maybe.

Anyway, as I brandished Oathkeeper, Qrow could be seen on the other side of the patio with Harbinger lazily resting on his back. "So, first to red or shattered?" I asked as I drew out and extended Long Memory onto my other hand and got into my stance. And as I waited for a response, Qrow took a gulp of his canteen drink before answering me.

"Until either of our auras are shattered, or there's a knockout kid," Qrow explained as he kept his drink before drawing Harbinger from his back. If memory serves me right, Qrow's not taking it seriously unless he uses Harbinger in scythe mode. Then I'm in deep shit.

Taking a deep breath and clearing my mind, I could hear RNJR, Weiss and Yang cheering for us in their ways and putting bets on who will win this spar. "Seriously, guys?" I rolled my eyes at them before Qrow called me.

"Oi kid! You going to start this spar or gonna keep me waiting?" Well, excuse me, Qrow! I can't check on what everyone else is doing, huh?

"Yea, I'm good!" I called back as I twirled Oathkeeper in my hand before pointing it at Qrow. "Let's not waste any more time! While I will probably get my ass whooped, let's see if I can make it entertaining for you!" With introductions out of the way, I charged in as Qrow stood there with Harbinger drawn and with a smirk on his face.

As soon as I got close, I thrust Long Memory as Qrow dodged to the side and sent a counter-attack to my mid-section, to which I responded by flipping my grip on Oathkeeper and parrying his strike. Once the main action had officially begun, I could hear cheers from everyone else as Qrow, and I started our dance.

"Is that all you got, kid?" Qrow taunted me as I had him in a blade lock with Oathkeeper.

"Nope!" I shot back before thrusting Long Memory at Qrow and forcing him to disengage. "But having a larger tail takes some time to get used to!" I clarified as I leaned back to avoid Harbinger going for my face.

Qrow soon began to push me on the defensive as I did my best to block his strikes and retaliate back onto him. Yet, he just kept going faster than I could catch up. Qrow soon slammed Harbinger's pummel onto my back and forced me to roll to clear some distance. As I was rolling away, I switched Oathkeeper into its spear mode and blocked another strike just in time!

"Okay! That was way too close!" I thought to myself as I activated the electric Dust within Oathkeeper, and soon everyone got the sight of crackling electricity emerging from the blade itself. Then, with an excited grin, I took back the initiative as I noticed Qrow changing his pattern as I sent large slashes at him.

He was now doing his best to avoid coming into contact with Oathkeeper as much as possible, while an insane idea brewed in my head to get the drop on him. With a cheeky grin, I shouldered him back before doing the unthinkable and throwing Oathkeeper directly into his face! And with my unexpected action, I was rewarded with a look of surprise and probably panic from Qrow.

Sure enough, he dodged Oathkeeper easily, but it gave me enough time to run up to him and give him a sucker punch as my fist dug into his chest.

As I took advantage of his staggered state and landed a hit on Qrow with Long Memory. Qrow jumped a distance back before rubbing his chest. "That was dirty, and you know it." The fact that Qrow looked so offended at what I did is what sold it and made me burst out laughing before gasping for breath.

"If it's stupid but works, it's not stupid, Qrow!" I announced as I heard laughter from some of my friends. I then pulled Oathkeeper from the ground not too far from me and pointed it at my opponent. Qrow, however, just chuckled at my answer as he changed Harbinger into his scythe mode. Oh god, Qrow is taking it seriously right now! He's not even smiling, either!

"Oh boy." I heard Jaune mutter loud enough for my ears to pick up.

"This might end badly." Ruby was next, as I got glimpses of her glancing at her friends.

"Looks like you made Qrow angry, Zack!" Yang yelled out to me. "Good luck!" Not helping Yang!

Even before I had time to plan what to do, Qrow disappeared and reappeared close to me with Harbinger swinging for my face! And in a fit of sheer panic, I brought Long memory to block Qrow's strike, only for it to be too much to handle as Qrow quickly disarmed me from Long Memory.

Now with only Oathkeeper in hand, it became a desperate dance for survival for me as Qrow unleashed a flurry of attacks and fired his shotgun at me when he got the chance! Soon, I felt Qrow's scythe digging into my midriff and launching me back from the sheer force passed onto me!

As I flew backwards and did my best to reorientate myself, I plunged Oathkeeper into the ground and used the power of physics to swing me back at Qrow. At the cost of rendering myself unarmed. As I flew straight towards Qrow, he swung Harbinger at me, hoping to knock me aside. However, I predicted that he would do that, and I countered by twisting my body and deflecting Qrow's attack with a kick.

However, I didn't think it through, as twisting my body to kick off Qrow's attack on me accidentally made my tail slam into his face!

I didn't mean to hit him with my tail, but it worked as the force sent Qrow skiing back!

Also, man! Did that hurt! Like I could feel the pain going up my spine!

A pained grunt escaped my lips as I pressed a button to unfold the mini shield on my gauntlet. I watched as Qrow rubbed his cheek as I got into my stance while panting heavily.

Damn, I'm running out of steam fast…

"Didn't expect you to use your tail on me." I heard Qrow mutter as a chuckle came out of me.

"Well, it wasn't on purpose, I can tell you that."

"You sure you're willing to fight me without your weapon, kid?" Qrow asked me back as I shook my head while still trying to catch my breath. I doubt Qrow's the one who is that merciful. And even if I tried, I can bet he would stop me from retrieving either Long Memory or Oathkeeper.

I'm screwed, in short.

"You're saying as if you've let me. Which I doubt you would." I pointed out as Qrow laughed before changing the topic.

"You know, I'm impressed." Qrow smiled as he got into his stance. "Not sure whether it is because of Oz or whatnot, but you're getting better at this." Qrow then dashed as he did an overhead swing onto me.

CLANG!

My shield rang out as I held it above me just in time! But holy hell! The strength he was putting on it forced me onto my knees! I'm just barely able to hold him, and he doesn't even look winded at all! "How much aura did I take out of him?" I internally wondered while gritting my teeth.

"But you still got a long way to go." Qrow gave a one-liner before he collapsed Harbinger back into its sword form while still having me in a lock, and because I was exhausted from all the fighting, I was unable to react or counter Qrow once he broke out of our clash and send one hell of a mean punch to my jaw!

I didn't know what happened next, but all I knew was that I felt a painful blunt force which made me stumble back before Qrow struck me again! Only this time, his fist met my cheek, and I found myself sprawling on the ground not too far from him, reeling from the pain in my jaw and cheek.

Another pained groan escaped from my lips as I tried to push myself back onto my feet to no avail before I collapsed on the floor. I swear, most of my spars seem to end with me on the ground.

But at least I'm improving. So that's a plus.

"Looks like I missed much while I was gone." I heard Ozpin in my head. Oh! Oz's back! And he sounds pretty amused at the situation I found myself in.

"Were you just watching me the whole time, Oz?" I asked before shaking my head. "Better question, did you just wake up?"

"Yes, in fact, just in time to see Mr Branwen finish you off," Ozpin answered honestly as I slowly flipped over to my back while still panting for breath. "I must say, you have made progress despite it only being two weeks since we began your training. Well done." Oz complimented me as a smile crept onto my face as I heard my friends calling to me.

"Zack!"

"That was amazing! How do you do that?"

"Wow. Colour me impressed, Zacky, that was pretty good."

"You have improved much."

Soon I could see everyone within my sight as I finally got my strength back to push myself back to my feet. However, I still felt the throbbing pain in my jaw and cheek as they all rushed to me to see how I was doing. And at the same time, I had my mini shield fold itself into its compact form.

Even before I had time to do or say anything, I was bombarded with comments from pretty much everyone even before I had the chance to say anything. Thankfully, we all heard Qrow calling out to me.

"Hey kids, need to speak to kiddo for a moment, okay?" Qrow requested, as everyone gave way for Qrow, who had Harbinger back on his waist, walked out to me and rested his hand on my shoulder.

"First impressions. You catch up quick." Qrow offered a compliment before taking a swig. "And sooner than later, I'm sure you can go toe to toe with the others eventually. But you gotta put in the effort."

"Yeah…" I nodded my head. "I freaked out when I made you go serious with your weapon."

"Yea." Qrow agreed. "You're not very good at hiding your thoughts from your face. The tail doesn't help you at all." Qrow explained as I took a glance at my tail. Yea. I guess I can't exactly hide my emotions with it wagging around or puffed up when I'm scared.

"But enough about that, that was so cool!" Ruby squealed. "Zack has grown since we last saw him spar! He even put uncle Qrow on the defensive for a moment just now!"

"I still got my butt whooped, Ruby." I pouted slightly before Yang slapped my back and made me wince in pain from how hard she hit me.

"Even so, I can tell when you're improving. Wanna have a rematch later?" Yang asked as she wrapped her arm around me, as I shook my head. I'm not ready to go for another so soon.

"You did catch us off guard when you hit Qrow in the face with your tail." Jaune points out as we hear giggles among my friends. Soon, Ren joins in the conversation.

"Was it planned?"

"Well… the thing is… it was an accident," I admitted as everyone began laughing again. I soon found myself laughing alongside everyone. "My only intention was to kick off Qrow's attack on me. Not hit him with my tail at the same time." I admit after calming down from laughing.

"Accident or not, that caught me off, kid. Well, that and throwing your weapon at me." Qrow admits. "What were you thinking when you did that?" Qrow then asked as I felt my cheeks warming up.

"It was at the moment kind of thing. I noticed you were trying to avoid coming into contact with Oathkeeper enhanced with electric Dust. So I figured throwing it at you would be a good distraction."

"Well, it worked alright!" Nora helpfully points out. I soon noticed that Yang was acting too happy. Didn't I do my mega prank not too long ago?

"You're not mad about my prank on you?" I slowly asked as Yang tensed for a second.

"Oh, I am," Yang admitted as I felt my body tense up at the thought of becoming her punching bag. "But I get you did it to get back at me." I let out a sigh of relief as Weiss butted in.

"It was a pain for all of us to clean up after your prank, Mr Arakan. I mean, seriously, it was everywhere when we checked it out." Weiss deadpanned as I let out a chuckle.

"Yea, sorry about that, Weiss. I wished to make the prank to end all pranks." I said as I began dusting myself off. "Well, Oz's awake now, and I need to have a private chat with him. So um, Qrow, now that I have gone through my training, begin theirs as we agreed. See ya!" I said as I began walking off the patio while Qrow protested that I had left him behind with everyone else.

"Oi! Don't just leave me here kid!" I heard Qrow calling me out as I laughed and waved at him.

"Good luck!" I said as I grabbed Oathkeeper and my ca- I mean Oz's cane before leaving.

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As I returned to my room with a cup of water, I sat on the floor and leaned back with a sigh. Then, after a few minutes, I spoke to Ozpin. "Oz, I assume you wish to know what has happened since you woke up, yea?"

"A summary is preferred for now, I can look into the rest in my leisure time through your memories." Oz's voice echoed in my head as I took a sip. Makes sense. But I wish to know what happened to him during that time. Was he forcefully put to sleep when I had my soul dragged to the literal afterlife?

"Okay. Long story short, upon contact with that statue we found in the cave, I had my soul dragged into the afterlife and met up with AWOR. But I couldn't get much info about her before I woke up." I paused for a second to give Oz some time to absorb what I said. "I also remember witnessing another individual before I woke up. A… woman, I think? Her skin was purple-black, and she had pink hair. But the main thing was that the left side of her body looked shattered like glass."

Ozpin remained silent for a period as I mumbled. "AWOR said I'm smart enough to figure out who she is. But she also gave me an affectionate nickname as if she's my mother." I began to rub my forehead in frustration. "I'm just… I'm just confused right now. We came seeking answers, yet we're left with more questions."

"I see…" Ozpin hummed. "So, this was what happened after you touched it. How… bizarre."

Almost like a Bizarre adventure.

Right?

"What else happened? Because your tail's larger than before." Ozpin pointed out as I took another sip of water. Yea. I'm still trying to piece out what happened. With a glance at my arm, I placed my cup aside before taking out my leather jacket to reveal the tattoo all over my right arm.

"That's not the only change, Oz." I slowly raised my arm so that Ozpin could have a good look at it. "This also happened," I muttered with a huff.

"I got this on my arm the moment I woke up, and I think this is AWOR's blessing or mark on me. That and my tail grew fluffier and longer, as you can feel." I spell it out as my tail rests on my lap. But honestly, this is too much at the moment.

Ozpin then hummed. "I see. This explained why I sensed foreign magic in you right now, mainly on the tattoos on your arm. Whatever AWOR did to you, it is now part of you. And yet. That's not the end of it."

Ozpin explained as I stared at my right arm. What do you mean this isn't the end of it, Oz? Is this magic doing something to me? I got my answer seconds later as Ozpin continued. "This shouldn't be possible, but this magic is using mine as a substitute to remain in you. As our souls are still on the inevitable path to becoming one, so will it grow in you."

"And then what? Will we be able to harness this foreign magic in me eventually?" I asked next, as I could feel Oz shaking his head.

"I do not know, Zack. We are both walking into unknown territory. That is what I know for sure."

"Yea. I agree with you, Ozpin. Unless AWOR tells us more, we're blind walking here." Another huff soon left my nose as I finished the rest of my water. "I hope we'll learn what's going on before it's too late. I… Don't wish to be anyone's pawn."

"I concur." Ozpin agreed as I asked him.

"Hey, Oz, did you remember anything after I touched that statue?" I changed the topic as Oz never told me what happened to him after I touched the statue.

"Unfortunately, I do not, Zack. I only remember blacking out as you do and waking up to see Mr Branwen finished you off." Ozpin explained as I rolled my eyes. At least now I know that he wasn't awake when I had my soul taken to the afterlife.

And with my private talk done and some time to spare, I grabbed my guitar and began playing.

I need to clear my mind with a melody after what happened recently. It was all too much for me, and I sang a song to myself.

As I sang through it alone in my room, Ozpin's curiosity got the best of him. As he asked me. "If I may, Zack, just what are you singing?" He asked as I paused my solo singing.

"It's a song that I enjoyed back on Earth. A story that tells a tale of once friends now turned adversaries who had no choice but to fight each other. And has a sombre meaning behind it of reminiscing about the past and lamenting how things change with time." I explained, as I suspected that Ozpin was thinking through my words.

"Yes. I had that feeling as you sang it."

"Yea. That's how I feel right now. Not just in this body, but the one I left behind." I closed my eyes for a second. "Even if it sounds pointless, I kept looking into the past, you know? What would I be if the Brother Gods didn't bring me into this world? What would I do if I didn't lose my parents all those years? All the what's and ifs. Yet, everything is changing, and I've got to look forward. The past is the past, after all. And it's pointless in the long while."

I felt a teardrop down my cheek before I wiped it away. Ozpin then spoke up.

"Yet if it wasn't for all that, would you be what you are today? You have friends who will watch your back, and you have grown up from what you were in the past." Ozpin advised. "The real question I want to ask you is, are you proud of the person you are today, Zack?"

I swear Ozpin can become a consoler with the skills he has. And hearing it all made me let out a titter. "你知道该说些什么才能让我感觉好些, 嗯? 谢谢你的帮助.我是认真的." I responded in mandarin, much to Ozpin's bewilderment and my subtle amusement.

"Pardon?"

"It means 'You know what to say to make me feel better, huh? Thanks for that. I meant it.' In mandarin Ozpin." I smiled. "My mother tongue I learned back home on Earth. And it's just fitting to answer you back in it. Even if your confusion was entertaining to me."

"I see… Thank you for telling me this, Zack." I smiled as I continued playing my guitar to myself, as Ozpin remained silent for the duration of my time here.

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Jaune could feel his bones creak in pain. It had only been hours after he and everyone else had their training with Qrow; it was going well before Professor Ozpin showed up in Zack's body and 'assisted' in getting them up to shape. Though if Jaune had to be blunter in it, it was more of a beat down for everybody.

Yet, a part of him feels it was necessary. At least that's what he picked up from Ozpin and Qrow's urgency. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder what was going on. Why was there a sudden change in plans to have Qrow teaching them?

Wasn't he supposed to find the other Huntsman in Mistral to help them out?

Yet, at the moment, it was quickly approaching dinner, and Zack was nowhere in sight after he had taken back control of his body from the professor. He always disappears in the evening for some personal training every day. Perhaps he should check there.

As Jaune began making his way down to the training room, it wasn't long till he could see Zack performing push-ups before getting onto his feet and performing a jump. Once he lands back on the ground, Zack returns to performing push-ups.

Zack was also shirtless, and it exposed his now leaned body. His body wasn't buffed like some of the students he had seen in Beacon, but Zack's body had changed much in the weeks he'd spent with them. And the tattoos on his arm were also visible for all to see. Zack must have noticed Jaune coming down, as the fox Faunus stopped what he was doing and turned to face him.

"Oh, Jaune!" Zack greeted him while, at the same time, picking up a towel on a chair. "Is it nearing dinner already?" Zack asked as Jaune confirmed.

"Yea, dinner will be ready around the corner, and I was wondering how you're doing right now."

Zack closed his eyes briefly before opening them with a soft smile. "I see. So that's the reason. It is strange that you are coming here. Normally, it would be Ruby who would show up here."

Jaune paused for a moment to think of what to ask his friend standing before him. "I was wondering where you were, and I want to check on you and all. Also, why are you shirtless?" Jaune raised an eyebrow as Zack responded rather bashfully.

"Ah. That…" Zack's cheeks blushed as his overall attitude became timid. "Well… It was getting warm down here, and I thought it would be nice to be shirtless. Yes, I'm aware there was a chance that the girls could come here and…" Zack's words droned out at the end.

"Actually, you know what, never mind that. I want to ask you something." Zack brushed off his embarrassment as the blush on his face faded. And much to Jaune's confusion, Zack's eyes changed from embarrassment to pity. "Jaune." Zack's voice was almost a whisper as he asked.

"Yes?" Jaune was confused as to Zack's sudden change in attitude. Yet, Zack rubbed his eye as he turned and stared out into the night sky.

"I… We haven't talked much compared to the others, but I can see it in your eyes." Zack slowly turned his head to Jaune, who, at this point, was next to him. "You're still grieving, just as I was with my parents. I don't know the full details, but I know when someone's in pain. Takes one to know one." Zack joked at the end, with a frown growing on Jaune's face at the painful reminder of his loss.

"Did I ever tell you I tried to kill myself after finding out my parents are gone?" Zack said, letting out a low chuckle as he unsheathed Oathkeeper from his hip and stared at the blade. "I'm not kidding. At the time, I thought that living without them was perhaps worse and death was preferable."

Zack's eyes met Jaune's as he widened at the revelation. "While my experiences with it are different, I can see it in yours. While it is hard, I hope you come to terms with it, friend. I doubt my parents would be happy with me ending my life. I doubt any of us would be happy if you were to die anytime soon. Even if it's for a good cause."

"Why tell me this?" Jaune asked while Zack sheathed Oathkeeper back on his hip and smiled at him.

"I prefer to reach the end with us all alive and healthy." Zack's smile faded as fast as he could blink. "And Professor Ozpin has his share of pain. So did you and I. You are not alone, Jaune. And a simple talk with your friends can do wonders for one's mentality."

Silence overtook the room, and it wasn't long until Jaune spoke up. "Thanks. I guess. This means a lot to me." Jaune scratched his head as Zack began putting his shirt back on.

"Yea. Feels weird that I'm the guy giving life advice, despite the fact you're older than me." Zack began chuckling as Jaune joined in with a smile. "Then again, I am the incarnate of an ancient wizard. So does that make me older than you by a large margin?" Zack gave his fellow friend a grin as both of them giggled together.

"Now, let us go up and see what we can do to help. I'm hungry." Zack began walking off as Jaune did not move at all. Zack's advice echoed in the blondie's head as he made his way up. Perhaps he should tell his team about his grief. It should make him feel better after holding all of it to himself.

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Zack's POV

The next day…

After everything that had happened yesterday, I took the day off with Ozpin's permission to venture through the lower levels of Mistrial to find a certain pink midget residing somewhere there. Neopolitan herself. Yet finding her would be a pain, thanks to how large Mistrial is and how Neo is not one to be in the open.

Thankfully, there is someone in the lower levels of Mistrial who I could use her help. The leader of the spider gang herself, Lil' Miss Malachite. If memory serves me right, she has a bar where she resides, and the engravings of a spider emblem mark its entrance.

As I moved through the lower streets of mistral, I saw criminals doing business in the alleyways, and they watched me with suspicion. To buy Miss Malachite's services, I had to carry a sum of Lien in my pockets, but I didn't go unarmed. I had Oathkeeper on my back, as it would be foolish to go to such a dangerous place without security.

"Are you sure seeking help from Torchwick's partner is wise?" Ozpin's voice echoed in my head as I could see stares among the various people. And much to my irritation, most of their attention was on my tail specifically. Of course, I had my hood covering my head, but what will that do with such an eye-catching feature on me?

"Neo played a key role in the future Oz," I explained as my eyes remained open for Lil' Miss Malachite's bar. "And she only comes in because Cinder manipulates her into thinking that Ruby is to blame for Torchwick's death. I intend to convince her to side with us and help deal with Cinder and Salem eventually." I explained.

"Even if she were to abstain from helping us against Salem, that would be considered a win for us without her intervention." I finished off as Ozpin thought through my explanation.

"Makes sense… I doubt the others will be happy working with one who played the part with the Fall."

"And you're okay with it?" My eyebrow rose slightly as food vendors stared at me. I honestly doubt Ozpin will be okay working with a criminal. Well… Technically, I shouldn't be as well, but sometimes, we must make compromises if we are to make it to the end. That and she's a fan favourite.

"I would be lying if I were to say that I'm alright with working with Miss Politan," Ozpin explained as I breathed in with anticipation. "However, if you say she could be an asset to us, I'll close an eye to it."

"Wow. Thanks for trusting me this much. Oz." A smile crept onto my face as I found what I was looking for, a specific bar with a spider emblem on its entrance.

"Okay… I can do this." I muttered as I walked through a blue door curtain to find myself in a bar that reminded me a lot of those eastern fantasy taverns, with lanterns for lights and an overall wooden structure. As soon as I stepped into the bar, everyone and their mother turned their heads towards me. I don't know why they did it, but it made me glare at them to get them to stop.

Even then, some were more curious about the fox Faunus with an abnormally large tail that entered the bar. With a grunt, I ignored the stares and headed straight for Lil' Miss Malachite, who was in the corner with her guards idling until someone wished to do business with her.

As if it weren't obvious enough for Malachite that I had business with her, her eyes were on me the whole time as I shuffled towards her. And once I had gotten within meters of her, and before her guards could stop me, I took out a handful of Lien and shook it beside my head. I watched as Miss Malachite had her eyes on the lien before she spoke with a smile.

"Okay, let him in." She said as her bodyguards returned to her side while I took a seat and handed her pay. Or bribe if all things are to consider. Miss Malachite took the lien on me and began counting them as I stared at her. This is the same woman that, despite poor relations with Neo, is willing to accept her as a client.

"Looks like your life's savings." Miss Malachite muttered as she placed the lien on the table.

"Something like that," I said without emotion. Not wrong to say, but it's actually from Aunt Cassy. It feels wrong to use the additional funds given by her to bribe Malachite, but I will need her help if I were to find Neo. I hope that if I see her again, she'll understand.

My response earned an amused laugh from Malachite as she pulled out a familiar fan. "Well... Well... Look like we got a goodie-two-shoes, fellas." Malachite then brought her fan to the side and then closed it. "What do you want for it?"

Miss Malachite's question made me grunt as I leaned my arm over the table and rested my cheek on it. "I'm looking for a particular individual who goes by the name of Neopolitan. Ring any bells lately?" I asked, as I was rewarded with a look of surprise for a split second from Malachite as I continued.

"You see… I wish to have a good talk with her, and I'm… sure you can organise such an occasion, can you?" I let out a grin as I could see the gears in Miss Malachite begin to turn.

I soon got my answer as Miss Malachite opened her fan again. "Very well then. Come back in a few days, and I'm sure you can have your talk with her." With what I came for accomplished, I stood up from my chair and began to leave her bar without looking back. I only hope that Leonheart won't call us so early. That would make things complicated.

And as I returned to the streets and to my hotel, Ozpin spoke to me. "I hope you know what you're doing here, Zack." Ozpin expressed his thoughts. "Working with criminal syndicates can be detrimental to us. Especially if they are information brokers like them."

Understandable Oz. If things go as what happened in the future, Hazel, followed by Cinder, will ask them where we're heading later along the lines." I explained as I walked past several civilians glancing at me without care. "That's how information brokers work, after all. They do business with anyone willing to pay them."

"That I won't deny. Are you sure Cinder won't return to Salem after the battle?" Ozpin asked as I scoffed.

"At that point, Cinder's desire for personal revenge against Ruby makes her a hindrance against Salem, as her desire for vengeance clouds her judgement." My scoff soon faded away. "As much as we have to worry about Cinder with the maiden powers, Salem's other servants are more of a threat." I explained as silence overtook both of us before Ozpin whispered.

"You're worried about Hazel, are you?"

Yea…" I admitted as we left the lower levels of Mistral. "The guy had lost hope. Not that I could blame him, and he hates you not only for his sister's death but also because, in his eyes, you're throwing lives away fighting against someone who's unkillable."

"Do you agree with him? That Salem cannot be killed?" Ozpin said in my head as I froze in place. I did not expect him to say that at all. My mind flew into a frenzy to find an answer as I walked over and leaned on a nearby wall to think. What if Salem is indeed unkillable when I ask Jinn, and then what? What could we do then? But with so many factors to think through…

No.

I refuse to believe that Salem is unkillable. Nothing is. All I have is theories on how to end her permanently. And with AWOR in the mix, they may be the salvation Remnant needs! Or maybe they are not. And they are as bad as the brothers. If they were to save Remnant, who's to say they are as bad or worse than the brothers?

I don't really have an answer for that…

"I… don't know…" My voice was barely a whisper as Ozpin spoke again.

"The answer is never easy. Let us return home. We can think about it later." Yea. That sounds nice. Taking a breath, I pushed myself off the wall and continued my journey home.

"One more thing," Ozpin spoke again, as I nodded my head for him to continue. "Do meet up with Mr Branwen. I wish to have a talk with him."

"Sure. Got it."

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Time passed quickly, and as soon as I found myself back home, I saw Qrow resting on one of the sofa chairs while the others were not there with him. I had the feeling they were in their rooms, resting or somewhere else. Whatever the case, I have a talk to see through.

"Yo Qrow," I called out to our resident bird man as his eyes landed on me with his lips still on his cup. "Oz wishes to talk to you about some stuff. But lemme get a drink first." I explained as I watched as Qrow brought his cup away from his lips.

"Sure thing, kid," Qrow said as I walked into the kitchen and decided on what I should have for a drink. Of course, I wanted tea like I always had, but Ozpin suggested an alternative in the form of hot chocolate.

"You just want an excuse to have hot chocolate again, don't ya?" I ask with amusement, while Ozpin just straight up admits it.

"It has been a while since I had it. Three months to be exact."

"I supposed having some hot chocolate should be fine. Though I prefer my tea." I let out a chuckle as I began making some chocolaty goodness for myself. Or for Ozpin, in this case. I always thought his favourite drink was coffee. But that title goes to Dr Oobleck. It seems from memory.

Eventually, once we had a cup of hot chocolate, Ozpin took control of my body as he made his way back to where Qrow was with his cane in hand. And once Ozpin took a seat and had a sip, Qrow spoke.

"Did a bit more digging after teaching the kids Oz and Zack's right. Leon is definitely a traitor and can't be trusted."

"Ever the optimist," Ozpin took another sip of hot chocolate. Can I also say that I can taste it as well? At least I make good coco from Ozpin taking constant sips. "Once we're done here, we will handle him accordingly. I would not say our current predicament is ideal, but I think we can mutually agree that the situation could be much worse. Humanity is a resilient force."

Ozpin continued as I chose to add my thoughts on the manner.

"Yea, but unless we make some drastic changes, this resilient will begin to falter and end with Salem breathing down our necks."

"Do go into detail, please." Ozpin asked, as I responded with one word.

"Ironwood."

I could feel Ozpin's confusion as he confirmed my answer. "Ironwood?"

"Yes."

As Ozpin and I continued our bantered, it was interrupted when Qrow angrily replied. "Oz… pro-Huntsmen like that don't just bite it all at once. Zack's right. Leo did send them to their deaths. We must deal with him before he causes more damage and hurts our chances at stopping Salem." Qrow expressed his uttermost concern as Ozpin nodded and took another sip.

"Mmm… Your version of making hot chocolate is more flavourful than my own."

"Thanks for the compliment, Oz! I could keep making it this way if you like."

Ozpin then thanked me and made my insides feel warm and fuzzy. "That would be appreciated, Zack."

"There are indeed a misguided few who have filled their hearts with fear and malice. It doesn't take a significant number of people to cause harm, but I still believe there are far more people in this world willing to prevent it. Eventually, at an appropriate time, I will deal with Lionheart's betrayal personally." Ozpin responds in a rather cooly way as I bluntly say my thoughts out because fuck that traitorous coward!

"Oz, permission to fuck up Lionheart's day once we meet him."

"Language." Oz deadpanned as I internally rolled my eyes.

"Fine. In a less ill-mannered manner, allow me to have the honour of beating his traitorous face to the ground. He deserves every inch of it."

As Ozpin took another sip of hot cocoa, we could hear Ruby shuffling in as she made her presence known. "Um, excuse me?" Ruby asked as she walked up behind Qrow.

"Ah, Miss Rose, join us. We were just about to gather everyone to discuss our next steps." Ozpin warmly greeted his student with a smile, and I noticed something I just had to point out.

"Oz, are you not going to check whether she heard your conversation with Qrow at all?" I asked my body-mate as he gave me a confident answer.

"I honestly doubt Ms Rose is one to listen in on someone's else conversion, Zack."

"If you say so, headmaster." Not wishing to stir up a fight, I just let it go as we watch Ruby shift uncomfortably.

"Oh, uh, that's great. It's still so weird hearing you speak out of Zack's mouth." Ruby explained with discomfort in her tone.

"Agree with Ruby right there. Still can't get the hand of losing control of my body to you, Ozpin."

Upon witnessing his niece's distress, Qrow asked her. "Something wrong, kiddo?"

With hesitation lacing her tone, Ruby responded as Qrow, Ozpin, and I watched her. "Uh yeah… If it's okay to ask."

"Of course," Qrow responds warmly as Ruby finally gets the confidence to ask.

"Well, uh... we've been talking about the Relic at Haven... and the Spring Maiden, but... what about the Fall Maiden? Does it mean that Salem has the Beacon Relic with her?" Ruby asked with worry as Ozpin assured her.

"Very astute, Miss Rose. I was wondering who would be the first to ask." Ozpin complemented Ruby's sharpness. But I was not impressed at all.

"Right… Astute about it, and not astute enough to ask about it weeks ago. Totally astute." My comment reeks of pure sarcasm, as I made Ozpin's eye twitch in response to my snarky remark.

"Please give Miss Rose where credit is due, Mr Arakan. At least she asked us about the relic in Beacon." Ozpin countered me as he continued when we noticed that Ruby and Qrow were waiting for Ozpin to continue from his sudden silence.

"No, thankfully, she does not. The Relic at Haven is indeed very much at risk, and for now, that should remain our primary focus. Let's just say I made finding the Relic at Beacon a... bit more challenging than at the other schools." Ozpin explains as he takes another sip of hot cocoa.

Huh, his dialogue changed slightly. How strange. Best I keep watching.

Hearing Ozpin's explanation made Ruby let out a sigh of relief as her attitude changed to her usual happy mood. "Oh. That's good to hear."

"It is, but let's not forget the challenges that still lie before us." Ozpin alluded to it while Ruby nodded her head in understanding. "Now, is there anything else we can help you with?" Ozpin asked again as Ruby had one more as she brought her finger up.

"Oh, uh... well, I did have one more question."

"No, my cane is not a Relic." Ozpin immediately answered on the spot.

As soon as she heard Ozpin's answer, Ruby uttered. "I have no further questions."

Her response earned giggles from everyone as I had my suspicions to throw into the ring. "Please tell me Long memory is like a key to the vault or something because that sounds like something you will do. And it will also explain why you're so insistent on having your cane back."

Yet, I wasted my attempt to see if my suspicions were correct, as Ozpin responded with a cheeky comment. "No comment."

"Yes, while this cane is indeed very precious to me, it is also just that - precious to me. While I admit it still has a few more tricks up its sleeve, I can firmly say that being a Relic isn't one of them. Now, why don't you run and get the other students?"

"Ok!" Ruby uttered as she walked off; I took back control of my body once she was out of view and away from us. Yet, a frown found its way to my face. Qrow was quizzed by my reaction as I took a sip of my cup before muttering.

"Strange… that did not happen…"

"What did not happen?" Qrow asked as I turned and looked straight into his eyes as Ozpin, too, was confused by my reaction.

"Leo did not call you at all…" I muttered before taking another sip. "In the story, I knew, he called us at the moment and 'lured us into a trap'. Yet, he did not here."

"You sure your knowledge is helpful here, kid?" Qrow asked as I shook my head.

"No. I think we might have done this talk much earlier than expected." I explained as I leaned back while Ozpin sounded intrigued.

"How interesting. What else happened?"

"Well… Leo tells us about having a breakthrough with the council and wants us to meet at the school tomorrow night." I explained as I rubbed my head. "God, my memories are becoming fuzzier by the day."

I watched as Qrow gulped his cup before. "Well, kid, you tried."

Well, Qrow decided to be snarky ass today. I rolled my eyes as I continued. "But a part of me thinks they must be planning something for us. When it happens, the fight might go way different from what I know."

"I agree. We must be cautious when it comes." Ozpin spoke in my head as my tail twitched. Right, I need to tell Qrow of my plans!

"Right. One more thing, Qrow, I've done some… business and had some help in looking for Neopolitan."

I might have said it at the wrong time, as I made Qrow choke on his drink with surprise.

With a wince, I watched as Qrow reorientated himself as he looked at me like I said a terrible joke. "Are you serious, kid? What were you thinking seeking her help for?" Qrow questioned me as I sighed and took another sip.

"To answer your question, Neo will work with Cinder to hunt Ruby down for revenge in the coming future," I explained. "What I'm doing is to meet her up and convince her to work with us against Salem. After all, Torchwick was swallowed whole by a Griffon in the fall, and Neo had no way of knowing how he died."

I took another sip. "Cinder abused this and used Ruby as a scapegoat to get Neo on her side. Even if she doesn't join us, her abstaining is a win for us in itself."

"Sure you want a criminal on your side, kid? You know the others won't like it. I won't because I heard she nearly killed Yang before the Fall. And she's partially responsible, from what I can tell."

I just nodded my head as I stared at my empty cup. "Anything to weather the oncoming storm Qrow. Even if we must make compromises because if we keep going as we are now, things will get pretty bad in the future, and I hope to change that." I said, as we soon heard a cough in the background.

Turning our heads, both Qrow and I saw everyone looking directly at the both of us. And it didn't take an idiot to know what they were thinking in their heads. They want answers.

"Shit! I had forgotten that Ozpin asked Ruby to get everyone to come over! And I've been so engrossed with our discussion that I failed to pay attention! Wow! I have the memory of a goldfish at times! Wait! Ozpin! Why didn't you alert us to their coming?!" I cursed in my head.

"What was that about talking to that midget that nearly killed me?" Yang asked as her eyes were red and promised pain to me.

"And uh, you know the future?" Ruby confusingly added.

With fear enveloping my very core like a blanket, I asked. "Uh, guys? How much did you all hear?"

"All of it." Ren deadpanned. And I knew the jig was up. I was hoping to reveal my identity to them one by one slowly. Placing my cup down and taking a deep breath because I'm going to need it, I utter a single word to describe my overall situation.

"Fuck."