Unexpected Incarnate (RWBY Ozpin Incarnate SI)

"Fuck."

Silence permeated the living room as everyone stared at me for a minute as I tried to respond. Or at least that was supposed to happen when Qrow suddenly stood up and ran off. Much to my and the gang's surprise.

"You are on your own, kid!" Qrow booked it as my mouth went wide open. Oh, he did not just leave me to deal with it!

"Hey, Qrow! Where the hell are you going!?" I stood up and yelled out as Qrow disappeared around the corner of the room while I was still stunned as to what he did. "Are you seriously ditching me to deal with them alone?!"

"That's payback for yesterday!"

Bastard!

If I could ever be even more pissed than I am now after Oz, for reasons beyond me, failed to alert me that all my friends were watching us, I would. So, letting out what could be a mixture of a groan and grumbling and seeing how I was on my own, I began spouting a wall of foul words in mandarin, much to the utter confusion of my friends at what kind of language I was speaking in.

It doesn't matter anymore at this point.

"Alright!" I clapped my hands after recovering from my angry rant. "Everyone on the couch now, and I will do my best to explain what's happening. Alone. Since Qrow so helpfully just ditched me." I pointed at the sofas as I watched as Ruby and Weiss glanced at each other. Nora looked entertained about what I ranted about, Ren looked confused, and so did Jaune. And Yang looked amused yet annoyed that I mentioned recruiting Neo.

Turning my back and sitting back on my couch, I rubbed my forehead as my friends slowly shuffled to their seats. Okay… How am I going to do this? "Oz, if you're done acting all discreet here, I would require your help to convince everyone here." I mentally spoke to Ozpin. Who I am very sure is awake and watching.

I swear. Oz likes to mess with me at the least appropriate time at times.

"Of course, Zack. But it will be better if you explain to them yourself. I will help you whenever I can." Finally, you speak!

"Sure. Sure." With subtlety, I rolled my eyes. "Leave it to me." Then, taking a deep breath, my eyes faced my friends, who were now resting and waiting for me to begin.

"Okay." I began. "Where should I start?" I deadpanned before brushing my tail.

"Preferably from the start." Yang bluntly says as she folds her arms with grown suspicion. From the start, huh? How am I going to explain that I'm from another world and at the same time not? My memories on Earth had merged with Remnants. So, by that definition, I'm not considered an outsider, am I?

Does that make me an Ozma lite edition?

"Okay. The first thing to address," I began to speak as I raised a finger. At the same time, I noticed everyone now giving their all to listen to me. "Keep your minds open because things I say will sound fantastical and confuse you as I explain things. And no, I will not be lying to you." I spoke.

"In what way?" Ruby tilts her head curiously.

Letting out some air from my mouth, I explained. "You see, part of my memories does not belong to me. They came from another person and were brought in from the Brother Gods and implanted into me. If that makes any sense to all of you." It went as well as I expected it. While Nora was the exception, everyone else was in disbelief upon hearing my words.

"Excuse me?" Weiss was the first to voice her bewilderment. Not that I blame her.

"Part of your memories came from another person?" Yang's eyes returned to their natural colour due to sheer bafflement according to her facial features.

"How strange." Ren was next, while Nora…

"Cool!" She jumped from the couch. "Does that make you Ozzy lite?"

"In a way…" I admitted as Ren tugged Nora back to the couch.

"That explains why we couldn't understand the language you're speaking in your rant." Jaune scratched his hair.

"Yeah, they had multiple languages compared to our singular in Remnant. The one I ranted in was one such example. And we can talk more later." I let out a sigh as Ruby then asked.

"Why did the brothers do that?" With a shrug, I gave her an answer, as I wasn't too sure why the Brothers brought me specifically. Either then to act as Ozma's new host. Which was fucking bullshit, by the way!

"Well… from what I can remember, since it's been months already, they brought me over to be a better vessel for Professor Ozpin." Of course, that earned more ludicrous looks from everyone, as I just nodded my head. "Ozpin was supposed to go into a young farm boy named Oscar, but I believe they ensured that I would be Ozpin's host. And in a way, they- I possess a glimpse of what could happen in the coming months and years. To an extent."

I admit as Yang prodded me as she leaned forward. "What? How did this other person, or I guess you now, know the future?"

Oh boy…

"Well then, I'm not going to lie. We're all just a story to them, but perhaps that's why the Brother gods dragged my memories over here. Imagine my absolute confusion to wake up with someone else's memories, followed by Headmaster Ozpin speaking in my head." Stunned silence took over the living room as everyone did their best to process what I had just said. Sorry to burst your bubbles, guys.

Ozpin suggested letting him take charge. "Zack, can you pass control of your body to me? Allow me to handle this."

"Okay. Do what you need to do, Oz." I say internally to Ozpin before he takes over my body and pulls out his cane from my pocket.

"Yes, students. What Zack said was not a lie. Although I must admit, it unsettled me greatly to see us as the main characters of a story. However, I wouldn't worry about that."

"Say whattt?" Nora gave an exaggerated reaction that snapped everyone out of their stunned state.

"Are you sure Zack's not crazy right now?" Yang asked first.

"This is a joke, right?" No surprise who that came from.

"We're just a story to them?" Ruby wondered, still confused the whole way. "Like fairy tales?"

Despite his student's disbelief, Ozpin explained.

"Yes, Miss Rose. I can assure you that your friend Zack is not crazy. Nor am I. The world in which his other memories came from a planet called Earth. A world with no Huntsman, magic, Grimm, or Faunuses. As he puts it, a world where the gruelling reality itself separates creative imagination. You should not be worried about it, for your story and journeys inspired millions where he's from."

"Did you read more portions of my mind, headmaster?" I asked as Ozpin internally chuckled as he blatantly admitted.

"Yes, I did, Zack. Earth is still fascinating, and I think Remnant could learn much from your world as yours could ours."

Ozpin must have his way with words as everyone calmed down. Well, almost everyone, as Yang began to chuckle when she noticed something. "They called their world Earth? As in the dirt, earth? They might as well call it planet dirt." Yang joked as laughter broke out from everyone, including Ozpin himself.

Hey! What the hell, Yang! Not cool! Then what about Remnant, huh? It sounds like your world is the remains of the old world! Which it is! Or Dust, huh? Why do they call crystals with magical powers Dust?

I was so annoyed by Yang's comments on where I was from that I took back control of my body.

"Yang, not cool. We have other ancient names for Earth, like Terra or Gaia. But Earth is what people around the globe call it over there." What I failed to realise was that I was pouting and unconsciously swished my tail around. And because of that, Yang laughed again while everyone else continued giggling at my expense.

"Sheesh, no need to get all defensive over it, Zacky." A grin could still be seen on Yang's face before Ruby asked a question that garnered everyone's focus again.

"So… Zack, what happened in the future?" The memory of Ruby and her friends falling into the void played out in my mind as I breathed. And how much mental trauma, Ruby especially, will go through.

I… will do all I can to prevent that.

"All I could say is that the situation is not good. I'll tell you all what happened at the appropriate times." I explained as vaguely as possible while the tension in the room rose. And before my friends could say or do anything, I continued. "After all, most of what I plan to do will render the knowledge of a future I hold moot."

"Does that so happen to include hiring Torchwick's partner?" Weiss asked as I paused for a moment to think.

"Yea. I get it if some of you really prefer not to work with criminals." I explained as everyone nodded with me. "But Neopolitan, originally called Trivia Vanille, will be essential in what I foresee happening if things don't change. She possibly had a romantic relationship with Torchwick, not sure whether true or not, and she will work with Cinder to hunt Ruby down for revenge in the future." I explained as Ruby gasped before squeaking out.

"But I did not kill him! I remembered an alpha Griffon swallowed him whole!"

"That's the point." I point out while looking at Ruby's silver eyes. "Neo doesn't know how Torchwick died and, at first, seeks vengeance against Cinder for his death. But Cinder convinces her that you are to blame for his death." I said as I paused for everyone to absorb what I'd just said.

"I intend to change that by getting Neo on our side and depriving Cinder of another pawn to use against us. So even if Neo abstains and agrees to avoid our fight against Salem, it will still be a win for us."

"You do know we will not be happy working with a criminal partly responsible for the Fall, right?" Weiss huffed as Yang joined the conversation. Eyes glowed red again.

"Yeah. Don't expect me to go all nice with her."

"I'm not expecting it." I nod my head. "Both Ozpin and Qrow have shown concerns working with Neo. You're not the only one, Yang. But I don't expect her to stick around since her main target is Cinder." My fists tightened until my knuckles turned white for a second.

"When it is time, can you all give Neo a chance and work together with her? That's all I ask for. Her semblance alone makes her an asset to us." I paused for a moment to allow everyone to think over it.

"I suppose if you believe that she can help us… I'll go along with it." Weiss closed her eyes as she spoke. And that caused everyone else to agree somewhat to give Neo a chance if she takes it. Yang took a while, but after some convincing from her sister, she relented and agreed to go along with my plan to get Neo on our side.

"Zack," I heard Jaune call out to me, yet he had this sad look on his face. "You said that our world was a story on Earth, right?" I nodded and gestured to him to continue.

"Does that mean you are aware saw what happened to Pyrrha?" Fuck man. Pyrrha… She did not deserve that… The mood of everyone dimmed as my shoulders sagged, and so did my head.

"Yea... The story begins with Ruby's first day in Beacon. And I've seen the Fall. Jaune… I'm so sorry. It was painful for everyone." Everyone fell into silence momentarily as I thought of a way to boost everyone's mood. "Suppose it cheers you up, buddy. Pyrrha beat Cinder to the ground with pure skill. If she didn't have the Maiden powers, Pyrrha would have won hands down." I offered a smile at Jaune.

"Yeah, that's Pyrrha, alright." Jaune chuckled.

The next few minutes passed quickly, with us chatting more about me. And Yang eventually asked whether I was planning on telling them my identity initially. And points out about not keeping any secrets from any of them. I had to be a smartass and point out that the deal was for Ozpin.

Not for me.

And much to my amusement, Ruby and several others agreed with my statement.

I soon moved on and told them how my original plan was to say to them one by in a specific order. It was mainly Ruby first, followed by Ren, Weiss, Jaune, Yang and Nora last. I also explained why I planned to come to them in that order. Upon hearing my reason, they gave me nods from my friends and why I did it, but Nora reacted differently.

"Zacky, how could you?" Nora dramatically cried with exaggeration as she wiped a fake tear from her eyes. "I thought we had something together!" She continued as giggles could be heard, as I rolled my eyes with a smile.

"Sure, but can I really expect you to keep a secret of my identity until the time comes?" I asked back while Nora froze briefly before looking to the side sheepishly while tapping her fingers.

"Yes, I can…"

"Can she, Ren?" I glanced at my fellow ponytail bro, who shrugged at my comment.

"If Nora wished to, She can." And Nora immediately pulled Ren into a hug, as I gave a rather knowing smile. Ah, Renora, hopeful it goes well for both of them. This is one of the shipping I support. Both of them are just meant for each other.

"I assume this is one of the so-called 'shipping' as you people called it, Zack?" Ozpin amusedly spoke in my head. Did I just say all that internally?

"Well… uh, yea. Us story watchers tend to have our preferred couple. You should have seen how many people wished for a certain person to go together with another. It can get utterly insane and toxic, like my goodness. Don't have to hate others for having a different pairing." I started grumbling in my head as I swear Ozpin nodded his head.

"I can see how it can escalate until that point, Zack."

"Oh, you have no idea Oz." I chuckled in my head as I watched Nora begin thanking Ren for trusting her and whatnot.

"So, are there any more questions for me to entertain?" I asked as everyone shook their heads except for Yang, who had a genuine question.

If only I'd known she was going to ask that.

"Is there any porn of us on your version of the CCTs?" Yang asked as everyone began blushing with embarrassment.

I would have displayed seer disbelief if I wasn't so surprised by Yang's question choice. Seriously Yang? Of all things to ask?

"Please do not tell me that some of our fans drew lewd drawings of us, Zack."

I could only let out an internal sigh. I'm glad Qrow's not here. He would probably kill me for confirming it. "Rule 34 and 35 of the internet Oz. If it exists, there is porn of it. No exceptions. And if there is no porn of it, porn will be made of it."

"My goodness, what is wrong with you people?" Ozpin could only exasperatedly wonder.

"And before you ask whether I've seen it. No. Everyone's underage, and I refused to look at porn of underage people. Unlike others… And may I remind you that I'm technically 16 years old again? I'm now considered underage for such things." I rubbed the tip of my nose as Weiss began berating Yang.

"Of all the questions you could ask, you have to ask that! You dolt!"

Yang, however, raised her hands as if she didn't do anything wrong. "What? I can't be the only one who thought about it?"

Before the situation could escalate, I stepped in. "Okay! That's enough for both of you, and let me explain," I said sternly as Weiss backed down.

"Look, I think it's better if I were to tell you personally, Yang. For better or for worse." I explained as my eyes glanced at everyone else. All of them were still blushing, and Nora kept looking at Ren. Honestly, why the hell am I going through with this?

"Besides, I'm mentally older than I look."

"Really? Wait, how old were you on Earth?" Ren asked as I shrugged.

"Twenty-four before. Now sixteen. Not looking forward to going through puberty again." I grumbled. "But I'll just say this to everyone here. Rule 34."

Silence consumed the whole living room until Nora spoke. "Rule 34? What's that?" Nora tilts her head as I pick up my cup. "I'm not explaining it any further for the sake of everyone here."

And then I walked off to top up my hot chocolate.

Wait… Oh god, I'm getting addicted to it because of Oz! Ah, whatever. I need more to help me deal with this nonsense.

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A day had passed since my unintended reveal, and not much had changed, if I were to be honest, besides a couple of things. Firstly, it's a pain in the ass to wash my tail now, since it magically grew larger. And the brushing, my lord. At least a quarter of an hour to brush it all.

Secondly, to my amazement, all my friends quickly took the information about my identity coming from another world yesterday rather well. And they all will occasionally ask about Earth and whatever catches their interest. But it's because it made me more interesting as a person, as Ruby describes me.

Weiss describes me as more… mature, knowing my mixed mental age. Hell, I know what she meant, but I'll take it as a compliment. And Yang says I'm fun to talk to about more… exciting stuff, as she puts it.

And speaking of Ruby, she would mainly talk about Earth's weaponry which I don't know much about, but I do what I can to explain what we have. Weiss was primarily in what we use as a power source, so I gave her the TLDR version, as it will take too long to explain everything. And then we have the others who I also talked to them about certain things.

Nora, not to my surprise, asked if we had pancakes over there. And yes, we have pancakes. Jaune's was more about games and swordplay and me making jokes about ending someone rightly by throwing the pummel of a sword at their faces, much to Jaune's initial confusion.

Ren was more focused on where I was from, even more so when I explained our cultural similarities of where I was born. It was interesting for me to explain my Earth name and how we don't have Remnant's colour naming rule. I even went into detail about how growing up on Earth was way safer than on Remnant, thanks to my mixed memories.

And then there's Yang…

I was hoping for her to forget my agreement to her, but nope. She came to me alone like I 'asked' her to do, even more so when she began teasing me as she asked about my 'interests' while I did my best to explain porn, of all things. And I had to explain them without becoming a blushing mess. Even Ozpin was feeling uncomfortable about such a… private conversation, as he puts it.

Speaking of Yang, she and I had begun working on another gauntlet, and we decided how to implement it. It took a while alongside Ruby and even Nora's help, thanks to her expertise on her grenades. It took hours just to sketch out the new redesign and determine how much material we would need to make it work.

Even so, it would take a couple of days to work on it. Hopefully, Leonheart won't call us anytime soon, hopefully before the end of the month. And speaking of months, I was also reminded that Ruby's birthday is coming soon because we're in mid-October.

Anyway, the next few days passed rather quickly as we began making preparations. I also decided, alongside Qrow and Ozpin. And as of yet, I was working on my gauntlets with Ruby and Yang in Haven's forge when I suddenly got a phone call from an unknown user. "Who's that?" Yang asked behind my shoulder as Ruby paused what she was doing.

"Dunno. But I have an idea who it might be." I explained before answering the call.

"Hello?"

"Hello there, darling, we have convinced Neopolitan to meet you tonight at eight. You know where to go." I heard Miss Malachite on the other side of the scroll as she explained right before she cut the line when done.

Okay… How did she get my scroll number?

I could only stare at my scroll ludicrously as Ruby wandered over to my side. "What was that?" My head turned to face Ruby.

"Looks like Miss Malachite did her part. I got an appointment with Neo at eight tonight." I explained as I watched Yang lean on the workshop table while I wondered. "How she got my scroll number? Eh, whatever. I got what I want." I just shrugged as Yang asked me.

"So, what's the plan?" Yang asked, though her voice was laced with bitterness. "You just gonna meet up with her and convince that midget to join us?"

"Along those lines," I admit. It's not wrong to say I have no idea how it would turn out, but I won't know without trying. "But I will need Ruby to come with me for this to work." Ruby was confused about why I needed her to come with me. As for Yang, however, her body immediately tensed up.

"Why?" Yang asked as I took a step back. It's alright, Zack. There's no need to freak out. Yang is simply being protective of her sister.

"Ruby is the last person to see Torchwick. If anyone could convince Neo that Cinder's or her master's to blame for Torchwick's death, it's her." I then look at Ruby, who has been silent the whole time. "Ruby, is it okay for you to come with me to pay a familiar face a visit?"

I watched as Ruby began to look jumpy as her sister and I awaited her answer. "Uh. Well… I trust Zack that his plan will work. And if he needs my help, I'll help him. But are you sure she will help us?" Ruby then asked. I responded with a shrug as my tail swayed slightly.

"We won't know if we don't try, now, don't we?"

"I guess that makes sense…" Ruby rubbed the back of her head, letting out a nervous chuckle. I guess she's understandably worried about the whole plan to get what's basically a criminal partially responsible for the fall on our side.

"Also, bring Crescent Rose with you, Ruby. There's a chance a fight might break out." I continued.

"Then shouldn't I or the others come along just in case?" Yang raised an eyebrow at me as I shook my head. Too risky, Yang.

"Too many people will attract attention, Yang. And I wish to get Neo on our side. I doubt she will feel comfortable or safe if we all come together. But I promise you. I will ensure that Ruby returns to you all safe and sound." I denied it before making a promise to Yang.

Like hell, I'll let her get injured. Not on my watch.

"If not, I can always rely on Oz to get us out of that situation." I sheepishly admitted as I swore Ozpin rolled his eyes at my comment.

"If I were to help whenever you get into an inconvenience, how would you learn from it?"

"I don't. But I never know when I will ever need your help." I blatantly admitted as I returned my attention to Yang, who pondered my words.

"You better make sure that Ruby gets back in one piece, or else you'll be my punching back for a week."

"Yang! I'm not that small and weak anymore! I can handle myself, okay?" Ruby began pouting as she smacked Yang on the shoulder. "I've done it with Jaune and the others! And since I'm going with Zack, it should be alright!"

"Oh?" Yang gave a sly grin as I could feel the situation going poorly for both of us. "Trying to get all cosy with Zacky here for yourself? You know he isn't so bad now that I think about it, handsome face, toned body, fluffy tail…" Yang droned on with compliments as I felt the heat creeping onto my cheeks.

For fuck's sake Yang! Seriously?!

"I wonder if Miss Xiao Long is doing it for her amusement or if she truly believes that Miss Rose is fond of you." I heard Ozpin commenting as his voice reeks of humour at my current situation.

"You tell me, Oz. If that's the case, I would have Qrow breathing down my neck for getting cosy with his niece." I could only roll my eyes before taking a glance at Ruby. And it was as well as I could expect.

Her entire face began blushing as red as her cape, which was impressive as I never knew a face could get that red. Or is it just Remnant reality at work? No matter. I could only listen as Ruby began stuttering and smacking Yang in the chest with her fist.

"Yang! It's not like that!"

Yang just laughed in response to Ruby's weak punches as I watched both of them with a smile.

You know… I could get used to these shenanigans once in a while. It makes things much more exciting and less tedious than an office work life.

…

Even if my time is limited…

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Hours passed, and time was rapidly approaching 20:00. Zack and Ruby trotted through the empty streets of lower Mistrial with their hoods down and weapons on their backs. Zack's eyes were shimmering as they were alerted to potential threats, while Ruby carried a simple Dust lantern in her hand.

"We're almost there," Zack muttered as his eyes shot over to an alleyway. "You remember what you're supposed to say?" He then asked Ruby, who walked next to him.

"Yeah. Tell her about Torchwick's words. 'It's not what I have to gain, it's that I can't afford to lose.' Was it?" Ruby confirmed as Zack nodded his head.

"Yup. Neo's still grieving for Torchwick, so we must be careful when speaking to her. And hope for the best, she joins us. I'm considering not letting her stay in our hotel for safety reasons. Just a ceasefire and information about Cinder." Zack explained as Ruby had her hand under her chin.

"I get that," Ruby mumbled as silence overtook the two youngsters. "Why did you come to this place to ask them to find Neo?" Ruby asked as Zack began to scratch his cheek sheepishly.

"Well… It is more of the line that they are the only people in the story I've noted that could fulfil my requests." Ruby lets out an 'ah', and it isn't long until both Zack and Ruby see a bar with a spider emblem on its entrance.

"We're here. Just stick behind me." Zack muttered as he turned his head towards Ruby. They gave a nod to each other before Zack entered through the blue door curtain first, with Ruby tailing him from behind. And as soon as they entered the deserted bar, Zack walked straight for Miss Malachite, who sat alone with her bodyguards.

"I assume Neo is here for our talk?" The fox Faunus asks impassively as he can, while Miss Malachite lets out an amused giggle as she brings her fan up.

"Of course I do, darling. Lil' Miss always delivers." Miss Malachite then used her fan to signal one of her bodyguards, who nodded at her subtle orders. "Follow my men. He will take you to a private room for you and Neo to talk."

With a subtle nod, Zack began to follow Miss Malachite's bodyguard, as the crime lord noticed Ruby tailing behind him and let out an intrigued snort. "If any violence were to happen, I'll be sure to take it outside." Zack deadpanned with a hand wave while not looking back, while Miss Malachite laughed.

"How kind of you, darling."

Ruby whispered to Zack. "That Malachite lady gave me a creepy look. What's with her?"

"Yea. She's a leader of the spider crime syndicate. Anyone who comes here is a potential client or info target. So, they will do everything possible to gather as much information about everyone." Zack paused momentarily as a frown soon found its way onto his face. "I suspect that's how they managed to find my scroll number."

"Can we trust her? And you seem to know much about them." Ruby then asked before Zack answered her question.

"I trust them as far as I can throw them, Ruby. As for your other question, they tend to be rather straightforward, and if you observe them, it's quite easy to figure out how they work here. Even if it's shady." Zack explained as they finally reached a door as the Malachite's bodyguard spoke.

"She's in here." He said with his guard still up. "No funny business, got it?" Yet, that got an eye roll from Zack.

"Only a fool would piss the spiders off. You have my word that we will keep it civil."

"Good. At least someone knows who's in charge here." As he opened the door, the bodyguard said that before Zack and Ruby walked in, to see a simple meeting room layout of a table with a few chairs and a large lantern on the roof. The door closed behind them as they both noticed something.

Neo's not inside the room.

"Uh, where is she?" Ruby asked cautiously as Zack pointed at one of the chairs sticking out.

"I'm not sure," Zack muttered as he glanced around with his hand on Oathkeeper. "But I think we should sit, and she would hopefully show herself."

Ruby could only agree as she continued to look around for anything suspicious. "Yeah…" She muttered.

As soon as Zack took a seat alongside Ruby, the sound of glass caught the attention of both of them as pink glass fragments formed into a familiar woman standing next to the chair with Roman's hat on her head. And she didn't look pleased upon seeing Ruby again. Not at all. Yet, her eyes soon drifted over to a boy she had never seen before and his sizeable fluffy tail before giving him a curious look.

Taking a deep breath, Zack lowered his hood and spoke to introduce himself. "Neopolitan. My name is Zack Arakan, and I am the one who asked the spider for this meeting. And we wish to have a parley with you." Zack said as Neo's eyes widened upon hearing Zack calling her name before her eyes narrowed dangerously at this unknown boy.

With a gulp, Zack slowly spoke as Ruby watched him with a hint of anxiety. "We do not come here to fight. But we need your help." Zack explained as Neo's narrowed eyes lessened. Yet, it was clear to Ruby and Zack that she was asking for answers.

"Cinder will come for us again in the coming weeks, and we want your help." Zack continued before Ruby added in.

"And we're now aware that Cinder forced Torchwick to help her in the fall and… I'm sorry for your loss." Ruby mumbled. "Do you remember what he said that night? 'It's not what I have to gain, it's that I can't afford to lose.' I now know he's referring to you. Torchwick was trying to protect you…"

As Ruby explained, Neo's expression became gloomy for Zack and Ruby to see. Her shoulders slowly began to sag as Neo sat on the chair. Shame overtook Ruby as she felt terrible and as if she were manipulating Neo's feelings to their advantage and bringing up a bad memory. Though Zack hid it, he, too, felt horrible for exploiting Neo's close ties to Roman to his advantage.

"Cinder worked for another person by the name of Salem. She's the one who controls all the Grimm on Remnant and is partially responsible for Torchwick's death." Zack explained as Ruby continued after Zack.

"Yeah, what he said. Torchwick nearly killed me when an alpha Griffon came in and swallowed him whole. I couldn't do anything to help him." Neo looked devastated as a single tear dripped from her eye, and with hate brewing in her eyes, Neo wiped it off and stared at both Zack and Ruby to continue.

"Salem's responsible for putting Torchwick indirectly under her heel through Cinder. She's responsible for the Fall of Beacon and his death. She's responsible for the loss of friends and loved ones. I wish to offer you a deal, Neo. Join us so we may avenge the loss, perhaps even Torchwick's. Or you could alternatively stay away from this conflict." Zack explained as he took out Ozpin's cane and held it in his hands. Neo's eyes frowned at the sight of Ozpin's cane.

"The choice is yours."

Neo pondered her mind for minutes as Zack and Ruby waited for her response. If it weren't for Salem, Roman would have been alive, and she would be by his side. But at the same time, if it weren't for Ruby, Roman would also be alive and active. This left her conflicted to the core for a while.

She could remain neutral and walk away from what they told her, but she wouldn't avenge Torchwick's death. Or she joins them and still bears her grudge against Ruby, who she dislikes. Either option wouldn't leave her happy. Neo could only watch as the boy called Zack glanced at little rose as he spoke.

"We got some intel that Cinder might show up to take something important in Haven in a couple of weeks. It could allow you to settle the scores. But Cinder's a tough cookie unless you're up for the challenge." Zack continued as Neo continued to ponder.

If this boy says that Cinder will be here in Haven in a couple of weeks, she can fulfil her revenge! If it was all a lie, well… She could always use him as a new plaything to have fun with. It is honestly a win-win case here.

"Well then, do we have a deal?" Zack asks as he extends a hand out to her. Neo smirked as she took his hand into hers, and the next second, she used her semblance to get close to this mysterious fox Faunus took his scroll from his pocket and began typing down her scroll number.

Once done, she dropped Zack's scroll on the table before vanishing with her semblance. Leaving Ruby and Zack alone in the room. "That went better than I thought." Ruby uttered after a minute of silence while Zack could agree.

"Yup." He responded as his eyes soon gazed upon his scroll to see that Neo had typed on it.

I've added my scroll number to yours. You better be right about this, or I'm coming after you, foxy.​

I will be in touch.

"Well then," Zack stood from his seat after reading Neo's implied death threat. "With what we came for done, let's go home."

"Zack, did we have to use her emotions to get her on our side like that?" Ruby suddenly asked, as Zack couldn't look Ruby in the eyes.

"I don't know if I were, to be honest, I'm just doing what, I believe, needs to be done to get Neo on our side," Zack admits. "Since she helpfully added her scroll details to mine, I'll let her know when the time comes. After that, it's up to her what she wishes to do next."

"I guess that's all for today?" Ruby stood from her chair as Zack kept his scroll.

"Yup. I feel like grabbing some bread or snacks. Wanna get them before going back?" Zack then questioned as Ruby got excited.

"Oh! Can we get cookies?" As Zack chuckled at Ruby's infectious enthusiasm, she had stars in her eyes as Zack offered an alternative.

"Sure, but why buy them when you can make them yourself?"

Ruby started vibrating with excitement at the prospect of Zack's cookies. "That can work too!"

And so, both Zack and Ruby made their way out of Malachite's bar to buy some ingredients. Unaware that Neo was disguised and tailing them from behind.

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Zack's POV

Hours passed since I convinced Neo to form a ceasefire and join us. Though I still feel like an asshole for manipulating her emotions to get her on our side. And I need to resume my training again as soon as possible. But, ah, I'm tired. I'll leave it for tomorrow.

Once I arrived back in my room after making some cookies for Ruby and a pot full of hot water with tea inside to brew, I changed out of my Huntsman outfit into my casual clothes and fell face-first to my bed to rest for the night.

"I must say that worked out surprisingly well." Ozpin spoke in my head.

"That it did. But man, do I feel like an ass manipulating her feelings like that. Even Ruby doesn't like it, and I can't blame her." I admitted. While it sounds like a good idea to get Neo on our side, I never realised how manipulative it was until the plan was already in motion.

But before Ozpin could reply to my thought, I heard glass shattering in my room. Was that Neo? Bringing my face out of my pillow, I could see Neo resting on Qrow beg with a scowl on her face with her fingers covering her nose. How did she get here?

Probably understanding what was going through my head, Ozpin offered a potential reason why Neo's here. "I believe she followed you and Miss Rose home, Zack. I recommend caution."

Pushing my body off my bed, I watched Neo pick up one of the alcohol bottles on Qrow's bedside table before placing them down and walking towards me with Hush in hand. "Neo? What are y-"

Neo placed her finger on my lips as she gave her signature smirk everyone knows. Okay… She still hasn't answered why she's in my room after our meeting. Nor is she here to stab me. What's her game here?

"I believe she's here out of curiosity." I told Ozpin what I thought she was here for as he hummed.

"That might be the case, Zack. But don't let your guard down yet."

Giving a subtle nod to Oz, I watched Neo slowly pull her finger from my lips as she observed me from top to bottom. Wait, does she know sign language? I hope she does. With an idea in mind, I gestured to her as to why she came here into my room.

Neo seemed genuinely surprised that I could do sign language. And if you are wondering why I learned it, I had a deaf colleague. That's why. Neo then gestured back to me that she was curious about where Ruby and I were staying. I was understandably annoyed that Neo stalked both of us, but that got a silent giggle from her.

"How did you know sign-language?" Ozpin asked in my head.

"Had a deaf colleague on Earth. I had to pick it up to talk to him faster than typing on my phone. Or I guess scrolls for Remnant's case."

"Understandable."

Neo then began asking more questions about me in particular. According to her, she had never seen a fox Faunus with such a large and fluffy tail before, and that got her attention on me. Neo even pulled out a cookie I had made earlier for Ruby from somewhere and bit into it while smirking at me all the time.

Bloody hell.

First, she stalked Ruby and me until we got home. Next, she trespassed into someone else's home. And finally, she steals a cookie for everyone in the house. Outrageous! Then, as if to show that she was aware of what was going through my head, Neo did a mocking curtsy as she continued eating the cooking in her hand.

Ugh, she's enjoying this, isn't she?

But right as I was about to ask her something, we both heard the door knocking, followed by Weiss calling out to me. "Zack, are you in there?"

Glazing back at Neo, she smirked before using her semblance to become an exact copy of me. Neo then points her fingers into her eyes and into mine. All with that same smirk on her face. The next second, Neo's form shattered like glass, and she was gone from where she stood.

Letting a relieved sigh that she was gone, I turned my head back to the door.

'Well… at least now we know that we have Neo's attention. I suppose only time will tell for good or for worse." I thought to myself as I called Weiss.

"Yup, I'm in here, Weiss. Need something?" I asked as Weiss opened the door and asked me as I sat on my bed.

"Why is there a pot full of tea inside of it on the kitchen countertop?" Ah, she must be asking about the tea I planned to use to make milk tea. What you do is take tea, add sugar, and milk, add ice and voilà!

Milk tea! Too bad I don't know how to make the chewy tapioca balls. Oh, how that will make the milk tea even better. Perhaps I could use jelly instead… Hmm, I might need to experiment a bit.

"Yea! I left it so I could make chilled milk tea." I explained as I got a confused look from Weiss.

"Milk tea? Isn't that normally hot instead of cold?"

"Normally, yes. But back on Earth, we had a drink called bubble tea, a tea-based drink that is normally chilled and has chewy tapioca balls inside. I missed that so much, I wanted to make it." I explained. Yet, Weiss just looked even more confused about what I was talking about.

"I don't get the appeal of cold milk tea," Weiss muttered. "Also, what are tapioca balls?" Weiss's comment nearly made me do a double-take. Wait, Remnant doesn't have Cassava roots? Oh, right. Weiss has a relatively rich life.

Of course, she wouldn't know.

"Hey, Oz, do Cassava roots exist in Remnant?" I silently asked Ozpin as I stood up and slowly walked towards Weiss at my room's door.

"It does exist. But it is a rare exotic ingredient we can find in Mistral should we look hard enough. You might be able to buy it in one of the shops. Why?" Ozpin asked back.

"Then it might still be possible to add them to our drink! And then it will be perfect!" I could only respond giggly as I returned my attention to Weiss as rested a hand on her shoulder. "If you never have it before, how will you know? And tapioca balls are starch pearls made from tapioca, a type of starch found in cassava root." I said as I walked past her and down the hallway, a beat went by, and Weiss soon followed me as she ended up by my side.

"How do you know all about it? Seemed strange to me that you remember how it's made in detail." Weiss asked as I shrugged.

"It was a bit of a popularity craze at the time. Everyone just wants bubble tea as a beverage, and I wanted to make a homemade version, so I looked it up. Way cheaper than buying it." I admit. "Though, if I remember correctly, a hospital in my country, I guess Kingdom in your case, raised concerns over its high sugar content." I explained as Weiss looked in thought.

"If you're concerned about the amount of sugar in it, there's no need to worry, I can cut it in half, and it will still taste as great." I assured Weiss.

"I suppose there will be no problem to try some… If you would cut down the sugar to half." Weiss admits as a smirk grows on my face. Ever concerned with your weight, Weiss? But I have to wonder, how will they all react to drinking it? Now that I think about it, all those sugars and caffeine might cause Nora to go on a sugar rush. Will she break reality as she did in the chibi shows?

Eh, I'll deal with that problem when it happens.

"Great. I'll prepare it and keep it in the fridge for tomorrow. Wouldn't want to screw up anyone's night since it has caffeine and sugar." I chuckled as Weiss followed along with her own while nodding her head with a gentle smile.

And so, Weiss followed me to the kitchen, where I taught her how simple it was to make the milk tea. As for the boba pearls, well… I just have to find a way to get it or go with the alternative and make jelly as an add-on

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Somewhere else…

How long has it been since AWOR could feel her strength rejuvenating? Months? Years? Aeons? And all it took was for her little fox to touch one of her shrines and mark himself. A shame the rest of his ancestry couldn't be there, since they were mostly wiped out. Only a few scattered remains survived and became bandits to survive.

Nevertheless, she and her sister had been planning for this moment for a long time. And thanks to the brother God's machinations, they unintentionally allowed them to grow their once-drained powers through his connection to the ashes of the first humanity.

"You spent much of your time watching our champion, sister. You are aware you can't maintain this. Right?" AWOR turned to see her sister float beside her, before her eyes returned to a particular house.

"The battle for Haven will soon begin in a couple of days. And our champion will win it with his friends and secure the first relic we need." AWOR purred as her sister scoffed.

"Tch. The second humanity. Echoes of the first after they were punished and wiped out for their hubris in thinking that they could challenge them. Indeed, the brothers are foolish to create such a flawed creation. And yet, they're still worshipped as their gods."

AWOR could only frown at her sister's dismissal of Remnant's humanity. Sure, she could understand her sister's scorn and hatred, but it was pointless in the long run. "Yet, what about our children? They are as flawed as humanity is. Some commit murder, rape, thief and many other crimes out of their free will. They are no different from humanity."

"Our children were born by our hands to help humanity survive and thrive in this shattered world after the brothers left. Yet, they were ostracised from their communities and discriminated against for minor differences. Worse, many were enslaved or even victims of hate crimes."

"I know." AWOR could only nod her head in agreement. "You are aware that the brothers gave our champion the memories of a human from another world. Do you?"

"I'm aware. At least humanity in his world did their best to improve their society, even if others were less cooperative and more self-interested. They evolved and grew in their world, unlike the humans in this world, which were made in the brother's image. And you know very well what they did to us."

"Even so, we will eventually take back what was ours, sister. Then, all we need to do is wait, let our champion do his work, and claim the relics for us." AWOR explains as her sister grunts.

"He better hurry. The brothers are flawed. Not foolish. They will eventually discover something wrong in their 'great game' to determine if humanity is redeemable. Honestly, how pointless that is. It's unnecessarily cruel."

AWOR nods her head. "I am aware of that. Let us return to our place of confinement and conserve our strength. Our champion may need our assistance to accomplish his part and to ensure the brother never figures out our plan." AWOR began to fade into nothing as her sister voiced her concern.

"Umu. Our champion is a smart boy. He will eventually realise the truth as his body and mind change in time." AWOR's sister huffed as she began to fade into the night.

"I know. Leave that to me when it comes, sister. I will inform him that the history of the past is nothing but a false cover for their betrayal."

"Soon enough, he will learn everything..."​