Friday night…
"By a vote of three to one, the proposal on implementing standardization of Dust refineries will be tabled for further discussion at a later date," Councilwoman Richards said. "As Professor Ozpin has suggested, we will open the proposal up for public comment during our next meeting, and then take a vote on the proposal at a later time."
Ozpin nodded, noticing the sour expression on Councilman Russet's face that he hadn't been able to push the proposal through, but the other Councilman didn't say anything other than to nod his own agreement with the result of the vote. "I propose we adjourn for the evening," he said. "Based on the agenda I was sent earlier today, it seems like we've covered everything that we intended to."
"A proposal to adjourn has been made. Does anyone second the motion?"
"I second," Councilman Thyme replied.
"Motion seconded – all in favor?" A moment later the results of the vote were displayed on Ozpin's terminal as everyone keyed in their vote. "Motion passes. This meeting is hereby adjourned until our next meeting in two weeks. Thank you for coming everyone and have a good night."
After a moment, the video call winked out and Ozpin closed down the systems with a sigh, before picking up Long Memory and heading for the elevator. Despite the supposed reasoning for the earlier Council session today, the meeting had still run close to its normal ending time, due to the intense debate on several of the proposals that had been sent in. Ozpin was entirely in favor of debate and allowing all voices to be heard on an issue but arguing merely for the sake of stubbornness wasn't the same thing.
Councilman Russet had pushed hard on the proposal over the standardization of Dust refineries, but it seemed as though Councilwoman Richards was as reluctant as Ozpin was to back a proposal that could harm smaller, local businesses in favor of large corporations like the SDC. At the next meeting, which would be the monthly session that was open to the public, citizens and interested parties would be allowed a chance to comment on any pending proposals. Most likely, the proposals open to public comment would be posted on the Vale CCTS network so that the citizens could review the available data and prepare their comments.
As the elevator door opened on his floor, he entered his living room, expecting it to be dark and quiet like it usually was, only to stop short at the sight of Oscar curled up in one of the armchairs with a book in his lap – a thick volume of fairy tales that he recognized as coming from his own shelves. "Oscar?" He glanced at the clock in the corner of the room. "Why are you still awake? It's late, and I thought you'd be in bed. You did just get released from the hospital."
Oscar looked up from the book in his lap. "I've been stuck in bed for a week with very little to do," he replied dryly. "It's not like I went out and ran laps around the campus after you left, but the idea of just going straight to bed after I ate? No thank you. I needed to do something besides just sitting in bed or sleeping."
Ozpin frowned a little. "I don't want you to overexert yourself while you're still recovering."
Oscar shrugged before slipping a scrap of paper between the pages of the book to mark his place. "I'm fine. I know my limits after the therapy Doctor Ashburn and the nurses have been putting me through." He placed the book on the small table next to the chair. "Professor Goodwitch brought enough dinner up for both of us. I already ate, but I put your portion in the oven to keep it warm. Baked chicken, new potatoes, and mixed vegetables, and I've been keeping an eye on it, so it didn't dry out."
"You didn't have to do that," Ozpin said. "I could have reheated it."
Oscar stood and stretched but didn't manage to conceal a wince of pain or suppress the instinctive reaction that made him wrap an arm around his ribs for a moment. He took a deep breath before dropping his arm and moving towards the kitchen, pointedly not looking at Ozpin.
"Oscar, you're clearly still hurting," Ozpin said, following the teen into the kitchen.
"It's the burn scar on my chest," Oscar replied dismissively. "It's still healing, and Doctor Ashburn said that it would ache if the skin is pulled or stretched for a while. I'll live." He reached for a potholder and opened the oven door, pulling out a plate loaded with chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. "Take a seat so you can eat while it's still warm."
"I can get my own dinner," Ozpin protested, although he did move towards the table and the plate waiting there.
"I don't mind," Oscar's tone was a little snappish. "I'm not ready for bed yet and it feels good to be doing something again."
Deciding that it might not be worth pushing the issue while Oscar was clearly still sensitive about the injuries he'd sustained as well as their relationship, Ozpin took a seat at the table positioned near the large windows that made up the exterior walls of his lodgings as Oscar brought the plate over, along with a set of utensils. It seemed the boy had explored a bit, but since Ozpin had told him to do so, that wasn't unexpected.
"Will that room suit you?" he finally said, to change the topic. "I know you'll need more clothes if you're going to be here for the next year or so, but if there's anything else you want in the way of decorations to make it feel more like yours, we can look for that tomorrow morning as well. I've already arranged a meeting with Glynda and Qrow for tomorrow after lunch."
"I – it's fine," Oscar said, glancing away. He moved over to the oven, checking to make sure he'd turned it off.
"Oscar, I want you to be comfortable while you're here," Ozpin said softly, after taking a bite from his dinner. "The students get to bring their personal belongings with them when they arrive. You're no different in that respect, even if you're not technically a student yet."
"Yeah, but I don't have any personal belongings," Oscar said. "It's not a big deal – it's just a little different from my room back on the farm. I'll get used to it – I've stayed several different places since I got involved in all of this."
Ozpin wanted to object to the self-sacrificing response, but after a moment's thought and seeing the tension in Oscar's body, he dropped the subject again. Better not to push – not yet. There would be time in the future, once they were past the conversation they would be having the next day with Glynda and Qrow. If Oscar would be staying with him for the time being, eventually the teen would open up to him, surely.
"Did you tell me that you had met Qrow before?" Ozpin asked, after several minutes where he ate a good portion of his dinner and Oscar puttered around by the stove and counters. "I seem to recall you mentioning his name."
Oscar turned, a dish towel in one hand. "Yeah. After… after you convinced me to go to Mistral, he was the first person I met. He had Long Memory and was keeping it safe for you." His lips quirked in a small smile. "I found him in a bar in Mistral, and he called me 'pipsqueak' and said I wasn't supposed to be there. But when I asked for my cane back, he recognized me as being your next incarnation."
"I see." Ozpin thought about that. For Qrow to be in possession of Long Memory, his death must have been sudden and unexpected – Qrow would either have to have taken it from his body after he was gone, or it would have been entrusted to Qrow by Ozpin with his dying breath. Usually – if he knew that he was walking into a situation where his life would be on the line – he took the precaution of locking Long Memory away in one of several secure locations that he kept in each Kingdom, so that no matter who or where he reincarnated to, he would be able to reach his weapon again. He shook his head not wanting to dwell on the idea of his death at the moment. "But you never met Glynda before we met you in the hospital last week, right?"
Oscar shook his head. "No. I knew about her from your – Oz's – memories of her, but we never met before I got sent back here. I did meet Lionheart and General Ironwood, but I never met Shade's headmaster… Theodore?" his voice pitched upward as he turned the statement into a question at the end.
"Theodore, yes. Another skilled Huntsman, and a good friend of mine, even before we were both made Headmasters. He's a bit older than me – at least in this incarnation – but we were both active Huntsmen for a few years at the same time, and we did complete a few missions together."
"Oh, that sounds interesting," Oscar said softly. "I guess that's one of the ways you chose your lieutenants. People you knew and worked with?"
"Yes, and no," Ozpin admitted, continuing to eat as he thought about how to elaborate on his answer further. "As the last King of Vale, I chose the first Headmasters when the Academies were established from among my most trusted advisors after the War – members of my inner circle who understood the scope of the conflict with Salem and how she had been influencing the War."
He sighed. "Since my plan was to abdicate the throne once I was sure the new Council system had been established and was successful in all four Kingdoms, I knew I wouldn't always be in a position to choose the Headmasters in future incarnations. Although final approval of the Headmaster rests with the Council of each Kingdom, the current Headmaster has the right to nominate the one they would like to be their successor. Since the Headmasters play such a vital role in the fight against Salem and protecting the Relics, it needs to be someone trustworthy. Where possible, the Headmasters do consult with me on their choices, of course."
"Huh." Oscar looked thoughtful as he leaned against the counter near the oven. "I guess that makes sense because I never really thought about how you chose the Headmasters. They do play such an important role in protecting the Relics, and it does explain some things that happened." The comment didn't seem to be directed to Ozpin, but it was enough to peak the Headmaster's curiosity, although he decided not to comment, wanting to just gather some more information before questioning Oscar and possibly making him become defensive.
After a moment of silence, Oscar looked down at the potholder that was still in his hands. "Are you done with your plate?" he asked. "I'll wash it before I head to bed."
Ozpin wanted to say something about Oscar not needing to look after him, but again decided to remain quiet. This was a new situation for both of them. Eventually they would find a working rhythm that left them both comfortable in each other's presence – and Oscar probably was itching for something to do after being stuck in the hospital for a week. He ate the final bite of his mixed vegetables before nodding. "I'll make sure there's an extra set of towels in the bathroom for you. Do you prefer to shower at night or in the morning?"
"Night," Oscar said, coming over and picking up the plate and utensils. "Mornings on the farm meant getting up and starting chores right away. I was usually busy for most of the day and didn't want to go to bed covered in dirt and sweat."
The very idea made Ozpin want to shudder with disgust, but he resisted the urge. "Okay. I'll go lay out some towels for you then, and you can use anything you need in there." He pushed back his chair and headed for the hallway.
He entered the bathroom via the hallway and opened the small linen closet. He pulled out a second stack of thick green towels and laid them on the counter near the sink where Oscar could easily find them. He didn't have company often, but when he did purchase supplies he tended to overstock. He was busy enough that he didn't have time to constantly be running errands into Vale for things he might need, and even having things delivered brought their own complications regarding clearances and meeting the delivery agent.
He found an extra toothbrush as well as an extra tube of toothpaste and a wrapped bar of soap that Oscar could use all on his own. He didn't have an extra hairbrush or comb, but based on the boy's appearance, his hair was short and curly enough that it wouldn't matter much if he went one more day without brushing it, and they could make sure they picked up a brush for him tomorrow.
He didn't want to intrude on Oscar's privacy, but he did want to get an idea of the kind of things that the teen would need. He poked his head into the other bedroom, just taking a quick look around. He'd had the furniture brought up from an unused dorm room, but he just wanted to be sure that he'd accounted for everything that Oscar might need.
Bed, desk, dresser, bookshelf, and nightstand were all there. The bed had fresh linens and blankets on it, and he'd made sure that the entire room had been cleaned and scoured before he'd had the furniture brought in, including having the curtains and sheers pulled down and washed to make sure they were free of dust. He hadn't really been using the room for anything but storage, and it hadn't been hard to move those few boxes into the laundry / utility room.
It probably wouldn't hurt to find a rug to put on the floor, and perhaps some artwork or photographs of some kind to brighten up the walls and make it feel less stark and barren. Oscar would obviously need clothes, since he couldn't live in just the single white shirt and black pants that Ozpin had purchased for him that afternoon on his way to the hospital. Toiletries were equally obvious, so those were added to his mental checklist. Perhaps a stop in a bookstore so Oscar could choose some books for his shelf.
Already making plans for the next morning's trip into the city, Ozpin nodded before heading back out into the hallway and into the living area. Oscar had left the kitchen and returned to the armchair where he had been sitting when Ozpin had returned from the Council meeting, book open in his lap.
"I put some towels, some soap, and a toothbrush and toothpaste on the counter in the bathroom for you," Ozpin said when Oscar looked up at his entrance. "We'll get anything else you may need tomorrow."
"Thanks," Oscar replied shyly. He looked down at the book in his lap for a moment before getting up. He moved over to one of the bookcases and replaced the book. "I think I'll go take a shower and head for bed," he said quietly.
"Take the book with you," Ozpin urged him. "You can keep it in your room until you're done with it if you'd like."
"Are you sure?" Oscar said. "It's your book."
"I'm certain. This is going to be your home for a while – you're welcome to read anything you'd like," Ozpin said.
Oscar reached for the book again, tucking it under his arm. "Okay, thanks. I guess I'll see you tomorrow morning then."
"If you need anything at all, please let me know."
A shy, but uncertain smile. "Okay. Good night."
"Good night," Ozpin returned the smile. He watched as Oscar ducked into the hallway, heading for his room, before moving to his own chair and picking up the book that he had been reading the previous night. After everything that had happened – between bringing Oscar to Beacon and the Council meeting – he wanted a short time to read in peace before heading to bed himself. He also wanted to make sure that he was available in case Oscar needed anything in the next hour or so, since he had a suspicion that the teen wouldn't want to bother him once he knew that Ozpin had gone to bed for the night.
Despite the fact that Oscar was now sharing the apartment with him, it didn't really feel any different. Ozpin couldn't hear the teen moving around at all, but Oscar didn't come out seeking help for anything, so Ozpin tried not to worry about it. He kept most of his attention on his book for the first few minutes, but as the minutes passed and everything remained quiet, he allowed more and more of his attention to be caught up in his reading.
Finally, after two hours, he marked his place in the volume and set it aside on the side table next to his chair. Tomorrow would likely prove to be interesting, since he would need to take Oscar to get the rest of what he would need for his stay, and then in the afternoon, the meeting with Qrow and Glynda to discuss what Oscar knew about what they faced. Best to be well-rested, as the information would undoubtedly tax many of his own beliefs, without even taking Glynda and Qrow into the equation – and yet he would be expected to be the strong leader and face everything with the wisdom and stoicism his inner circle expected from him.
Sometimes those expectations were a lot to deal with. The burden it placed on him wasn't unfamiliar – it was a burden that he experienced in every lifetime. The degree to which the burden existed, however, varied from one incarnation to the next, since not every life that he lived was one where he was in a position of authority. But he always had allies – and often friends – who looked to him for guidance.
In this lifetime, in his role as Headmaster, he had students each year who looked to him as a teacher, which was both a blessing and a curse. He got to watch his students grow and change into the young men and women, the Huntsmen and Huntresses they would become – a blessing, and one which filled him with pride. At the same time, however, it was a curse, knowing that these young Huntsmen and Huntresses were fighting in a war they didn't know existed, for the preservation of the rest of Remnant. Another weapon in his ongoing struggle against Salem.
His inner circle too – all grown adults who were capable of making their own decisions, and yet they had expectations of their own where he was concerned – not as a teacher, but as a leader, a general of sorts, in this secret war. It was a different type of burden… one which Oscar's presence and the news he carried could change dramatically.
But there was nothing for it. The teen was here, now, and tomorrow his story would be told to them. Depending on what he had to tell them, it had the potential to give them a true advantage over Salem – one that he had not had for lifetimes. In all their conflicts, she was always one step ahead of him, unbound by the process of reincarnation that often shackled him, and yet he had always managed to keep up with her, to keep Remnant safe. But now – with the idea that he might finally be able to make a real difference, to do more than keep a stalemate going? The possibility was tantalizing, but he was trying not to get his hopes up. He didn't know what it was Oscar had to say, and that was a crucial detail that he couldn't allow himself to forget.
He readied himself for bed, pausing at the door between Oscar's room and the bathroom and just listening for a moment, wanting the assurance that all was well with the boy. He was healing well, but Doctor Ashburn had reminded them that Oscar still wasn't at full strength or health yet. He could only hear quiet breathing from the teen's room, and the crack under the door was dark, so it seemed as if Oscar too was sleeping.
"Good night, Oscar," he whispered again, before going into his own room and settling down in his bed, Long Memory retracted and resting on the top of his nightstand, within easy reach if he needed it. Sleep was calling to him, and he saw no reason to fight it further.
Summer Rose's Memorial… Island of Patch, Saturday morning…
Ruby hurried along the packed-dirt path between the trees, her red cloak flaring out behind her as she moved. She didn't have a lot of time until she had to leave to see Uncle Qrow off on his next mission – something they rarely got to do because she and Yang were usually at school when he left – but she hadn't visited her mother since he had arrived six days ago, and she wanted to at least get in a quick visit.
She loved coming here to speak to her mom. It was the one place she really thought she could feel Summer's presence, even more than around the house, even though Summer Rose wasn't really buried here. No one knew what had happened to her, but Dad had said this was one of her favorite spots, so when they realized she wasn't coming back from her last mission, it had only made sense to put her stone here, at the top of the cliff. Ruby tried to come at least once a week, just to talk. Dad and Yang were great to talk to, but some things, she just wanted to share with her mom.
"Hey Mom," she said, dropping to her knees in front of Summer's stone. "Sorry I haven't been by in a few days, but Uncle Qrow's been visiting this week, and Yang and I have been taking every opportunity to train and spar with him. Uncle Qrow says I'm really getting good with Crescent Rose, and he taught me some new techniques to try, since I am advanced enough now that I don't need to worry about accidentally cutting off my own arm or leg. I really can't wait until I discover my Semblance – I just know it'll help make me an even better fighter, whatever it is."
She started clearing away a few weeds that were trying to grow around the stone as she spoke. "Even with all my practice though, I haven't been able to beat him in a sparring match yet. He says I'm getting better all the time, but it's frustrating that I can't get one victory against him. Yang just says that'll make the day when I do eventually beat him all the sweeter. I guess all I can do is keep practicing, huh?"
She gathered the weeds into a small pile next to her, planning to toss them over the edge of the cliff before she left. "Yang and I even went two versus one against Uncle Qrow, to practice working as a team. Every time he and Dad talk about being at Beacon, they mention being on a team, so we wanted to develop some team moves that she could take with her to Beacon when she goes."
She played with a long strand of grass, running it absently between her fingers, not wanting to think about Yang leaving while she was with her mom. "I really thought we had him this time – it seemed like we were just working so fluidly together, and we were going to do it. We were going to beat him for the first time ever, and then, like always our luck turned against us and he got the upper hand when Ember Celica jammed on a reload. He said we were a lot better than we were the last time he sparred with us, but to keep practicing. We definitely will, since Yang needs to make sure she's the best she can be so she can take the Beacon entrance exam in the spring. The competition for one of the available spots will be fierce, but I know she can do it. She's such a good fighter – but it will be weird to not be at school with her in the fall. She'll be in her third year before I can start at Beacon. I'll miss having her there at school for two years."
"Ruby! Come on! Dad and Uncle Qrow are ready to go into town!" Yang called from where she was standing at the edge of the tree line. Ruby twisted and waved at her sister to let her know she'd heard.
"I gotta go, Mom," Ruby said. "We're going to go and see Uncle Qrow off on the ferry over to Vale before we go shopping. But I'll be back later this week." She stood up and brushed the grass off of her tights. "See you soon!" She quickly scooped up the weeds and tossed them over the cliff, before hurrying over to join her sister.
She hurried over to where Yang was waiting. "Okay, let's go. I just wanted to talk to Mom for a few minutes."
"Yeah, I know, but Uncle Qrow seems anxious to get to the briefing for this mission," Yang said. "Not sure why – he's usually pretty laid back about his missions."
"Is it just me, or has Uncle Qrow seemed… different this week?" Ruby asked.
"How so?"
"More intense, but also quieter, maybe? It also seems like he's been drinking more than he usually does."
Yang shrugged. "I haven't really noticed. Uncle Qrow's not particularly loud to begin with, you know, and he's always drinking."
"I guess," Ruby said as they came up on the house. Dad and Uncle Qrow were standing outside talking in low tones. "I'm ready," she said. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Normally I wouldn't interfere with you wanting to talk to Summer, kiddo, but I have to catch my ferry into the Kingdom. Ol' Ozpin is expecting me for a briefing this afternoon."
"Wait, you mean you're going to talk to Professor Ozpin?" Ruby asked.
"Yeah, of course. He's the one who hired me for this mission, and he wanted to brief me personally on it this afternoon and give me more details about what he wants from me."
"But he's the Headmaster of Beacon," Yang said. "Since when does he assign missions to anyone except Beacon students?"
"He's also the lead Huntsman in the Kingdom and coordinates all the Huntsmen in the Kingdom, firecracker," Qrow replied. "It's his right to set missions for professional Huntsmen too, not just students."
"Let's get going, or you'll miss your ferry," Tai interjected. "I'd like to be home before lunch as well."
They started off down the road towards the small village market. A water ferry ran across the shallow waters several times a day, since there was little fear of Grimm attacking by water. All along the walk, Yang pestered Qrow for details about the mission and knowing Professor Ozpin as more than just his former Headmaster from his time at Beacon.
"Look, firecracker, it's not a big deal," Qrow said. "Ozpin can assign missions to professional Huntsmen as well as students. Most people just don't realize that he does, since most of his time is spent on the students at Beacon. I do work for him from time to time, when he needs someone experienced who can afford to be gone for long periods of time."
"A long time?" Ruby whined. "How long is a long time?"
"I don't know, kiddo. That's one of the things I'll probably find out when I talk to him this afternoon. I don't even really know exactly what he expects of me. He didn't have time to brief me about it when I got back into town on Sunday, but it wasn't urgent, and he wanted me to have a chance to visit with the three of you before I went out again."
The ferry was docked but preparing to depart in five minutes when they approached the gangway. It would be a two-hour ride across the water from the island to the mainland, which would put Qrow in Vale just at lunchtime, giving him plenty of time before his afternoon meeting with Ozpin.
"Now, you two," Qrow said as he shifted Harbinger on his back. "Keep training, but don't neglect your other studies either, especially if you want to get into Beacon. It's not just combat skill that you'll have to prove when it comes time to take the entrance exam. And don't run your dad too ragged. I'm not going to be here to corral you hooligans." He chuckled as they both pouted at him.
"Be safe, Uncle Qrow," Yang said. "Bring back lots of stories about what you saw when you come home."
"I will," he promised.
"Yang and I will keep training and we'll beat you next time," Ruby cried, determination in her voice.
"Keep dreaming, squirt," Qrow laughed. "The day the two of you can take me down – individually or as a team – is the day I give up going on missions."
"Get going, Qrow. We'll see you when you get back," Tai said, shoving his brother-in-law towards the gangplank. Tell Ozpin I said hi."
"Will do." He reached out and ruffled Ruby's hair, and then punched Yang lightly on her shoulder. "Be good."
Turning, he strode up the gangway with long strides, scanning his scroll at the terminal at the top of the gangway before stepping onto the deck. He leaned casually against the rail, waving to them until the gangway lifted and the ferry pulled away.
"All right, girls. Let's get the shopping done and head home," Tai said. "I know both of you still have homework to do since you've been spending most of your free time sparring with Qrow this week."
Both of them groaned but nodded. "Okay, Dad. We'll help. Let's get started."
Ozpin's Office… Saturday afternoon…
"Let me get some extra chairs out of the closet," Ozpin said as the elevator doors slid open on the level of his office after lunch. "Glynda and Qrow should be here soon, and then we can get started." He stepped over to the desk long enough to leave Long Memory leaning up against it before he moved to the closet in the back of the room and began pulling out extra chairs.
"Great," Oscar replied to the Headmaster's comment, trying to sound enthusiastic as he followed him into the office. It didn't even sound convincing to him, so he knew Ozpin probably saw through his false cheer immediately. He wasn't looking forward to this, but it had been pushed off for long enough. He needed to tell Ozpin what Beacon and the other Academies were facing, no matter the cost. He just… didn't know how to do it. How much could he tell without risking alienating Ozpin and these others who were his allies?
He looked around the office as the memories he had from Oz – hazy as they were – warred with his own first impressions of the space. Despite the arc of windows on the wall directly across from him – which also made up the face of the clock – the office definitely had an industrial feel to it. There were the gears suspended from the ceiling and beneath the glass floor, not to mention the huge system of gears and mechanical parts along the wall to his right, which seemed to be the actual control mechanisms for the clock hands. There was also a quiet ticking sound echoing in the room. The style of the room seemed completely opposite to what he had seen down in Ozpin's apartment, which had a more classic, elegant style despite the simplicity of the furnishings. It… wasn't what Oscar had expected, despite the hazy memories and feeling of familiarity he had by being in this room.
The ticking puzzled him, however. He knew it was from the gears and mechanics, but it was inaudible anywhere else in the Tower – even in the apartment that was only one floor below the office. They must be some sort of amazing soundproofing in place – perhaps Atlas tech? The CCTS towers had been developed by Atlas, although each one had been tailored to suit the aesthetic of the Academy where they were positioned.
"How do you even concentrate with the ticking in here?" Oscar asked, moving to pick up the third chair as Ozpin moved two others towards the space in front of his desk, arranging them in a half-circle.
"I find it soothing, like wind chimes or soft music," Ozpin replied. "It's also a profound reminder of the inexorable progress of time, and helps to keep me grounded, since there are times when I can find myself feeling… detached from everything, given the nature of my curse and the many lives I've lived."
Oscar didn't really have a response for that. It was true, he could tell that much from Ozpin's tone of voice, but that sort of viewpoint wasn't one he could fully relate to yet, since he had yet to take on the full scope of Ozma's curse. With nothing else he could say, he took a seat in the chair he'd brought over, feeling both grateful and resentful at the same time. Grateful to be able to sit down, but resentful towards Hazel and Salem for the injuries they'd caused him and the slow recovery he was forced to undergo as a result. He was used to being much more active, between farm chores, training, and just hanging out with RWBY and JNR.
It had been an… exhausting morning. After a quick breakfast of poached eggs, bacon, and toast, he and Ozpin had headed back into Vale to get the things that Oscar would need if he would be living at Beacon for the foreseeable future. A whole new wardrobe, for one.
Oscar was used to only having a couple of outfits, most consisting of white shirts that could be bleached when they got stained from his chores around the farm and thick canvas pants that could take the punishment of working with animals or being out in the fields. But now he had more clothes than either he or his aunt had ever seen at one time, let alone owned. Ozpin had helped him pick things that would be comfortable, whether for training, study, or just daily wear. All of it was simple enough to suit Oscar's preferences (nothing as elegant as Ozpin's choice of wardrobe) but also nice enough that he wouldn't stand out amongst the Beacon students as a clear outsider.
The only thing they hadn't bought him yet was a set of combat gear, mainly because Ozpin wanted to see where his skills were at currently, so they could pick gear that would protect him, and also suit his fighting style. The gear he'd purchased in Argus had been nice – the nicest clothing he'd ever owned – but he'd also purchased it in a hurry, and Ozpin had rightly pointed out that the shops in Vale would have other alternatives.
Then there had been the stop to get any toiletries he wanted, a trip to a bookstore called Tuckson's Book Trade – which had been the best part, as far as Oscar was concerned, and one he would likely visit again – and a stop for small things that he could use to personalize his room a bit. At Ozpin's insistence, he'd picked out a few prints and things to hang on the wall to give it a bit of color – mostly nature prints that reminded him of the farm and the Mistralian countryside – but also a few simple accessories for his nightstand, desk, and dresser to give the room some character.
Most of their purchases would be delivered tomorrow, since there had been far too much for the two of them to carry, and with the odds being good that they would be tied up in this meeting for the rest of the afternoon, Ozpin hadn't wanted them to be interrupted by a slew of deliveries. They had brought the bag of toiletries, one bag with two new outfits and a set of pajamas for Oscar, and one bag of books back with them, but the rest would be coming later.
He watched as Ozpin moved over to the cabinet in the corner and began preparing a pot of hot chocolate. At least he still had a few minutes to decide how he was going to tell Ozpin and his inner circle what they needed to know. He just… didn't know how much to tell them. They would need to know everything eventually, of course, but the most important parts at the moment were about the threat to Beacon. Of course, that would also lead into telling about Lionheart and the Relic, since Lionheart's participation had enabled Cinder and her lackies access to the Vytal Festival in the first place.
Maybe it would be better to just answer their questions for now, rather than volunteering information? At least until he was sure how they would react, anyway. He just hoped it wouldn't turn into a "blame the messenger" situation. He really didn't want to get hit by Qrow again.
The conflict was hard to reconcile. All those months in Atlas – keeping the secret from Ironwood about Oz and Salem, trusting Ruby to know when it would be the right time to tell him – it had helped him to understand a little better why Oz kept his secrets so close. Of course, in the General's case, it ultimately hadn't mattered. He'd tried so hard to get through to Ironwood at the end, and he'd failed. Oscar didn't want that failure on his conscience for a second time. But if he didn't tell them everything, it would only increase the likelihood of the same things happening again.
The elevator chimed. "Come in," Ozpin called over his shoulder from where he was standing. The doors slid open to admit Glynda.
Tablet in hand, tapping away at it even as she entered the office, she was exactly like the vague memories that Oscar could recall from Oz the few times that her name had been brought up in conversation with the old wizard or some of the other students before he'd found himself back here. She spotted the chairs and took a seat without hesitation. "Good afternoon, Ozpin. Good afternoon, Oscar."
"Good afternoon, Glynda," Ozpin said, turning away from the counter. Oscar could see a kettle of water sitting on a hot plate behind the Headmaster, steam already beginning to rise from it's spout. "Is Qrow here yet?"
"He's on his way. He had to take the ferry over from Patch, since his nieces wanted to see him off today," Oscar smiled at the thought of Ruby's and Yang's exuberance where their uncle was concerned, "and apparently his Semblance decided to kick in – the engine broke when they were nearly across the water," Glynda said with a sigh. "They finally got the engine fixed and are underway again. They should be docking within ten minutes."
"Too many people around for him to transform into his namesake?" Oscar asked, seeing Glynda start in surprise, her green eyes flashing as she looked at him sharply.
"How did you –?" Glynda began, only to stop herself mid-sentence.
"I met Qrow before I got sent back here," Oscar said. "He was the first person I met after I got dragged into all of this, since he was holding on to Long Memory for Oz. I know Oz gave him and his sister magic so they could turn into a crow and a raven, respectively."
Glynda stared at him for another moment. "Somehow, the fact that you know that is more convincing that you came from sometime in our future than anything else you've said thus far."
Oscar shrugged and leaned forward, rubbing his legs a little bit as he winced. They had done a lot of walking that morning and a week in the hospital – after at least a day, and probably more, of torture at Hazel's hands – had cost him some strength and stamina. The muscles in his legs and his joints were aching from the activity.
"Are you alright, Oscar?" Glynda asked, concern in her voice apparent as she watched him stretch the sore muscles. Ozpin looked at him with concern as well.
"Yes," Oscar said. "Just a lot of walking this morning while we were shopping. My legs are a little tired. The doctor didn't let me do much while I was in the hospital this week. This is the longest I've been on my feet since I was hurt."
"If we overdid it today," Ozpin began, but Oscar cut him off.
"I'm fine. This needs to be done," he said tersely. "You need to know what's coming. It won't take me long to get back in shape once I can start exercising again, and I'll just be sitting here resting while we're talking."
Ozpin's expression was one of unhappy disapproval, but he didn't comment further as he came over to his desk with his silver teapot filled with hot chocolate. "Would either of you like some?"