Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Speaking"
:Thoughts:

Oscar's POV

Shit! It wasnt supposed to be like this. They weren't supposed to be fighting amongst themselves. They should have been standing by each other to defeat Salem. How did it come to this? How did they fall so far?

It was just like how it had been Oscar on their way to Argus. A divided team that were angry and scared because the immortal wizard in his head didnt have a plan. Everything they had done and lost up until that point seemed like it had been for nothing.

Thinking back on it now he could understand their anger. However, they were being hypocrites when it came to telling James the truth. Ruby had made the decision not to tell him right away. The team and Oscar included went along with it. His heart told him though it made them little better than Ozpin.

Then telling James the truth had sent the man over the edge. Things simply went from bad to worse in what he thought was the blink of an eye. After losing the relic he had gone on his own to face James. Not knowing it seemed that would be the last mistake he ever made.

James wasnt willing to listen to his advice and backed him towards one of the many holes in the vault. His chilling words still rang in Oscar's ears.

"My friends call me James. To you, it's General."

Before he could react James pulled out Due Process and shot him in the chest. White-hot pain flared in his chest and his aura broke. Oscar felt warm blood coming from the wound as he fell back. It was difficult to breathe and he couldn't move.

: Sorry Auntie Em it seems I won't be coming home after. Sorry, Oz, you should have had a better reincarnation than me. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you when you told me not to tell them her name.:

Oscar flinched at a spike of pain that went through his chest. He was dying there was no doubt about it. He didn't want to die. If he died then Ozpin would have to start the process all over again. Then again, maybe that was for the best. Maybe he would actually get a better reincarnation than what Oscar could realistically be.

"OSCAR!" That was Oz's voice but he was too weak to say anything in return. The world around him faded to black. Before he could truly lose consciousness he felt his body hit something hard. Then there was nothing.

Oobleck's POV

It was unfortunate that he had not been successful in locating what they thought was a new Grim. He had hoped to study it while determining if it was truly a new Grim or a variation of a current one.

Bartholomew was ready to head back to Vale. Normally he didnt take missions so far from the school. It was only because Headmaster Ozpin had asked him to take this mission in Mistral over a week ago as a favor. In that time he had seen many Grim but none fit the description he had been given. There weren't any new sightings from civilians either.

Currently, he was roughing it in the forest rather than in an inn. It allowed him to be more vigilant in looking for the Grim. Night had already fallen and he was huddled close to the fire. Above him, the broken moon lit up the forest where his fire didnt reach.

It was a cold night and snow lay across the ground all around him. Snow brought back memories he would rather keep buried. Pushing away his memories he glanced into the sky.

A frown marred his face as he watched a green light enter the sky. It seemed that it was falling at an accelerating pace. If his mental math was right whatever it was it would crash not far from his camp.

Grabbing his weapon he swiftly began to follow it. The closer Bartholomew got to the projected landing site the more he realized it wasnt an object. The green light was very similar to the light of an aura. That meant it had to be a person.

The question was how did they enter free-fall like this? He didn't see any signs of an airship going through? Unless they were going in stealth mode. That would in turn make sense. Hopefully, it would be just someone who fell out. Humans were clumsy like that even huntsman and huntresses.

Bartholomew's thoughts were interrupted by the person with a green aura come with a dozen feet of the ground. Suddenly their aura expanded outwards into a shield seconds before they hit the ground. Then the shield broke and a person with the stature of a child.

When he didnt get up Bartholomew carefully made his way to their side. On the ground beside them was a cane that was very reminiscent of Ozpin's. For now, he set aside the thought and set about checking them. Turning the person over he found that his original thoughts were correct.

This was most certainly a child no more than thirteen years of age. He was wearing dirty torn combat gear that had splotches of black soot that could easily come from gunfire. Carefully he began to pull aside the child's shirt noting the way it stuck to him. Sticky with blood then. He was most certainly injured meaning this was no accident.

Bartholomew knew that he did not have the means to treat him. He could stabilize the wound but the child needed a real medical doctor. Then when he woke up questions could be asked.

After ensuring there weren't any neck or back injuries he picked the child up. A frown crossed his face at how easy it was. The child weighed next to nothing and Bartholomew had no problem moving him back to his camp even carrying the extra weapon.

From there, he stripped the bloodstained combat jacket and undershirt. The wound he noted was that of a handgun caliber. It wasnt close to any major organs so that should help things along. Turning the child gently over he found the exit wound. All signs pointed to how lucky he was. Digging a bullet out of a child's shoulder would not be an easy task.

Bartholomew went to his bag and pulled out his first aid kit. Then he began to clean and dressing the wound as best as he could. When he cleaned it the boy's body shuddered in pain before going still once more. The only thing that let him know the child was still alive was the painfully slow rise and fall of his chest.

Once the wound was dressed he unwillingly put the jacket back on the boy leaving the shirt. They would have a couple of mile treck back through the woods. If he remembered correctly there was a medical doctor back in the town of Spire. That would be the child's best chance. Even if he could get an emergency signal out here it would be morning before an airship arrived. That would only happen if more snow wasnt dumped on them.

Packing up the camp only took a few moments most of it being sure the fire was out. One thing that was bad about camping in Mistral was the chance of forest fires. The smallest spark could be enough to destroy whole towns and farms. It made the locals wary of any newcomers unfamiliar with the way their land works.

After that, he carried the child on his back allowing him to feel the warmth of their breath on his neck. Keeping track of that would warn him if he needed to take precautions for hypothermia on top of the wound.

It was a slow treck through the snow. His aura kept him warm but the child not shivering made him move faster. When he arrived the moon was three-quarters into the descent. It would be morning soon. He could only hope the doctor was in.

He didnt get very far into town before a boy came rushing towards him. He questioned, "Are you alright mister? Most of the town saw that green light fall a few hours ago. Half of the town is out looking to see if someone is hurt."

Bartholomew replied, "I have the one who fell. It seems he is injured so I applied first aid and brought him here. Is the doctor still here?"

"Yes, sir follow me."

They went into the middle of town and took a left. There they moved to the third in a row of small houses. The boy knocked on the door before pushing it open. Bartholomew followed behind him noting the small kitchen and living room in one. There was a set of stairs that led to the second floor and across from him another door.

He called out, "Hey doc! We brought you a patient."

A middle-aged man with greying black hair and grey eyes came down the stairs. There was a small amount of stubble growing on his chin and dark bags under his eyes. It seemed he had a problem sleeping. He was wearing a long-sleeved black t-shirt and sleeping pants.

The dark eyes fell upon him and the boy he was carrying promptly widened. He ordered, "Follow me. Cobalt go find the group that went out and tell them that a huntsman found the person."

"Yes, sir"

Bartholomew followed the man across the room and through the door. There was a small examination table, cabinets, and a chair in the corner. He laid the child on the examination table.

The doctor ordered as cold as the air outside, "You need to get out. I'll do my best to help this child but I can't do anything with a huntsman looking over my shoulder. Get out. You're welcome to anything in the kitchen and I have two extra bedrooms upstairs if you need to sleep. There is a bathroom upstairs as well. It's the second door on the left."

Then he was bodily shoved from the room and the door was shut in his face. Well, then he would go shower and sleep. A shower was something he desperately needed.

Chapter Text

Nero's POV

Treating the injury to the child's chest had been no easy task. In an adult, it would have been a tricky procedure, to begin with. This just was not something he ever had to deal with in the small town. Most of his patients came from the local farms or a random huntsman here or there injured by Grim. The wound before him had not been made by Grim but instead by man. It made him sick to think someone could do this to someone so young.

The huntsman had done a good job in his first aid. If he was honest with himself Nero was surprised at how well it was bound. Even in a rush it was thought out and executed perfectly.

Carefully he pulled away the bandages to assess the wound fully. It has stopped bleeding recently but still looked raw and angry. He would need to clean both sides to ensure the wound didnt get infected. Checking the muscles and ligaments only took a moment. Pleasantly surprised he found that with time to heal there wouldn't be any damage to them.

Whoever shot the child aimed to incapacitate not kill. With the cane, he had seen on the back of the huntsman he had to assume the child at least had some skill. It was obvious the cane wasnt the huntsman's after all.

A frown crossed Nero's face from the lack of aura return. It had been a few hours from when the child's aura broke. At this point, it should have recharged enough to start the healing process without conscious prompting.

If his aura was not reacting that meant there was something else wrong. Unfortunately for the doctor to find out would mean using his semblance.

:This was going to pleasant,: he thought sarcastically.

Aura read was what he called his semblance. As a passive semblance, it was always active so he had to be careful about touching other people. It allowed him to assess the damage done to a person's aura and in turn their body. This was something passed down through his family on his father's side. Though the last person in his family that had it was his great grandfather.

It was said that despite his age he served in the Great War as a doctor. Aura read had labeled him a war hero and their family was still talked about to this day. It was the reason no one knew his last name. Telling people would only bring more questions than he was comfortable answering.

Pulling off his gloves he placed his hand around the child's wrist. His grey aura surrounded them both for a mere instance before retracting immediately. Breaths coming in ragged gasps he staggered back so that he was leaning against the far wall.

Never in his time as a doctor had he ever come across a soul in such a state. From the brief glimpse at the aura, he could see why it had not recharged yet. It couldn't. More than half of the child's soul was gone, forcefully torn from his body. Nero before now didnt think it was possible.

When someone's aura broke their soul remained intact, just weakened. For this to happen was something entirely new. To tear at someone's soul should have killed them. It was a miracle that the child was even still breathing.

He knew it was unlikely that this boy would wake up again. Wounds of the body can be recovered from. To only have half a soul no one could live like that. Even if they did their hold on life would be very tenuous at best.

Running through his memories he remembered the rumors of a semblance being able to tear its user's soul into pieces. Not ones as dramatic as this but similar in theory. If rumors were to be believed it was part of an Atleasian military project. To heal the soul would require someone in close relation. Possibly a sibling or parent.

Could it work in the same way here? If so they were short on time and he would need the huntsman's connections. There was a chance the kid had a connection to one of the academies despite his age. If he did they might find a parental record.

Otherwise, they would need to find the next of kin for him. Something about the child though felt familiar. Instinct told him that he knew this one. Who he was though eluded him.

Carefully he retrieved his gloves and put them back on. Unless he couldn't help it he did not want to do that again. That was absolutely terrifying. He would need a blood sample from the child to have a chance at this.

Pulling open a drawer he grabbed one of the syringes he kept for just such an occasion. It only took a moment for him to find a vein and draw the required blood. He would ask the huntsman to use his connections. If he tried to go through the system using his computer it would take weeks. That kind of time wasnt something this boy had and he wanted to ensure they at least tried to save him.

Returning to the main room he found the huntsman nursing a cup of coffee a distant look clouding his amber eyes. It seemed he was not the only one who had trouble sleeping. What he had to say would not help the man out either. In fact, it would likely haunt Nero for the rest of his life. The screams of the child's aura still rang in his ears.

It took a moment but the huntsman came back to himself. Once he noticed Nero he questioned, "How is the child? What is the blood for?"

He took a deep breath to center himself and began into the explanation. Disbelief crossed the man's face followed swiftly by horror. Then he agreed to help. Both could only hope that they would make it in time.

Ozpin's POV

A peaceful day was rare for one such as himself. As the Headmaster of one of the best huntsman academies there always was something that required his attention. As annoying as it was he preferred it to the wars of previous generations. Still quiet bothered him in ways that he couldn't explain.

The day before had been peaceful and allowed him to relax his guard. He should have known it was too good to be true. Early the next morning two teams had gotten into a brawl leaving three people in the infirmary. Punishing them was left to him thanks to Glynda having been gone at the time.

After that was dealt with he received a mountain of paperwork from a returning Glynda who seemed to get pleasure from his misery.

Ozpin lifted a hand to rub tiredly at his eyes barely withholding a groan. This was not a good start to his day and instinct told him it would only get worse from here. Who had he offended this time to deserve such punishment?

As if the Gods heard his thoughts his scroll buzzed. Barty's name and number appeared causing him to start in surprise. The historian wasn't one to call when on a mission no matter how small. Either he was on his way back or something had gone wrong. Ozpin silently hoped for the former he really didnt need an injured professor on top of everything else.

He answered his tone carefully neutral ignoring a second ping from the huntsman database, "Barty what can I do for you? How goes the hunt?"

Bartholomew "Barty" Oobleck was Beacon's resident historian. Many of the other academies wanted him to be on their payroll but he had accepted a position at Beacon along with Peter. Both were renowned hunters in their specialties. Ozpin had considered more than once bringing them into the fold. His agreement with the current group though would not allow for it unless there was a majority vote. To date, they wanted to keep it to a minimum number in order to prevent leaks.

He agreed to a certain point but if they all were killed he would be left alone again. To start a new group without the aid of those who fought by his side for years. Not something he wanted to go through again if he could help it.

Barty hesitated something that had Ozpin sitting up just a little straighter before he said, "Ozpin something unexpected happened last night. What would later be identified as a falling person showed up as a green light falling from the sky," as Oobleck recited coordinates he searched on his computer for reports.

Sure enough, there were reports of similar sightings all across Mistral. Haven and surrounding towns had sent huntsmen to investigate but it was too early to tell. Most likely it was a criminal with their aura unlocked. Not unheard of for criminals to betray and try to murder each other after all.

He wondered if the ping from the huntsman database was in response. Unlikely he decided a moment later. Leo wouldn't bother him with such a thing unless it had to do with Salem.

His interest turned to confusion and mistrust. Someone had run blood samples against his. With a little digging only half listening to Barty's explanation on how he found a child he found that the test hadn't been just against his blood. In fact, it had gone through the entire huntsman database in both Vale and Mistral.

For a moment he considered trying to trace where it had come from. Barty's words however were what stopped him.

A chill went down his spine when Barty said, "Ozpin the child is yours according to the blood test we took. According to the Mistral police file, it was brought up when I ran it through their database he is Oscar Pine, just turned 12 years old a few weeks ago. His mother was Cynthia Moon who was murdered by Grim four years ago along with her husband. Up until two months ago, the child had been living with his adoptive father's sister when he up and disappeared."

Cynthia Moon that was not a name he had thought about it more than ten years. She had been a waitress at a local diner that in Mistral when he was on a mission. The mission went on longer than expected and he ended up getting attached. She knew he was a huntsman and that he was only there for a short time. It was never supposed to be anything more than a brief romance.

When he left to return to Vale she had been heartbroken. It was only now thinking back on it that he realized she had fallen head over heels for him. Feelings that he couldn't return in full as his heart wasn't in it. It was why he tried to ensure everyone knew what they were getting into.

Barty continued bringing him back to the present, "What the doctor found when examining Oscar's aura shouldn't have been possible. Ozpin he has less than half a soul and..."

"He needs aura from a family match to have a chance at survival," finished Ozpin.

It had only happened a few times in history. Salem destroyed souls in order to get back at him. Ozpin had been careful in hiding the truth but a person with the semblance aura read would be able to tell. Now he knew why they contact him. He was the only one with a close enough match for their plan to have a chance.

It will take him four hours to get from Beacon to the coordinates. If luck was on his side then he might just make it in time.

Decision made he said, "I'll leave for Mistral immediately. Whether I knew he was alive or not I cannot abandon him again."

"We will be waiting for you, Headmaster," and the line clicked dead.

Chapter Text

Emily's POV

Almost two months had passed since Oscar disappeared from her. Since his parent's death when he was eight it wasnt unusual for him to not be seen for a day or two. He had just never been gone this long before.

Emily Pine was a stout woman with a dark tan from long hours under the sun. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she had sharp brown eyes. It wasnt hard for others to believe that she was Oscar's biological aunt. They looked a lot alike.

It had fooled the local townspeople for years. Cynthia, his mother had fallen in love with a huntsman who abandoned her not six months into the relationship. He had said it was for her protection but Emilly never believed that. He was just another wanderer who had no interest in settling down. It was only a few weeks later that she found out she was pregnant.

Alex the soft-hearted man that he was married her. He gave her a good life that she wouldn't have had if the townspeople found out that Oscar was some huntsman's bastard. They would have ostracized him if they knew. Most of the town looked down upon the huntsman. Those that came through never stayed so they were left to defend themselves.

If they had a huntsman full time maybe Alex and Cynthia would still be alive. Maybe Oscar wouldn't have been ashamed of his scars. She worried about the day that he found out the truth. That he would leave her alone to find the father that left.

The possibility had terrified her from the day that her brother and sister in law died. Now she was sure that was what had happened. Oscar had somehow found out that he was adopted and runoff. No note. No goodbye. It stung but by this point, she had accepted that her nephew was not coming back.

Sighing she stood up and headed towards the sink her coffee cup in hand. It was time to go tend to the animals and then the rest of the farm. Without Oscar being here to help it was taking twice as long as it used to. She could only be grateful that she was still in good enough health to do it alone. Not everyone was so lucky. As she was washing the cup a frantic pounding sounded at her door. For a moment she froze it was just like the pounding that sounded when she was told that her brother had been killed in a Grim attack.

Emilly took a deep breath to steady herself before heading to the door. It was probably old Cillian from the next farm over. Her cows probably got out again and were terrorizing his. Not that they'd ever really do that but the old man was senile and she played along.

Pulling open the door she found Cobalt standing there out of breath. His light blue eyes meeting her brown ones. She was shocked by the seriousness in his eyes. In all the time she knew him he was never serious.

Before she could ask what he was doing here so late he declared, "They found Oscar. You need to come to the clinic immediately."

Her hand shot up to her mouth as she questioned, "Are you... are you sure it's him? Is he okay? Why didnt you bring him with you?"

Cobalt looked away as he replied, "It's not looking good, Mrs. Pine. A huntsman found him and brought him into the clinic. He looks so different that I didnt recognize him."

They must have done a blood test then using the huntsman's connections. It would have taken a lot longer if they only used Nero's. They were a low priority town all the way out here.

Wait he said Oscar wasn't looking good? Was he attacked? How badly was he injured? Cobalt wouldn't meet her eyes and that was when she realized his light blue eyes had been tinged with red. As if he had cried while running here. Oh no...

Cobalt was three years older than Oscar. At fifteen he was one of the best veterinary assistants in the area. He volunteered at the veterinarian two towns over learning everything he could. While he was at home he helped ensure everyone's livestock were healthy.

He was Oscar's only friend after his parents died. No one wanted to be around the poor orphan boy after he told them that he didnt want to show his scars. Only Cobalt understood and stuck by her nephew. Anyone who called him a coward within earshot was beaten to a pulp.

Like Emilly, Cobalt had been devastated at his friend's sudden disappearance. He told her that Oscar wanted to go to Heaven when he was old enough. That it was his dream to become a huntsman. He just didnt expect Oscar to leave so soon. Most of the Academies wouldn't accept students under 15. Sanctum was the closest beginner academy and their minimum was 14 with a huntsman recommendation. Or fifteen without.

Oscar was two years from being old enough to enter with a recommendation. Maybe he had gone off to seek an apprenticeship and had gotten hurt. Was whoever brought him to the clinic the one he sought an apprenticeship from? There was only one way to get her answers. She grabbed her coat from where it hung up and followed Cobalt.

It was a couple of hours past sunrise when they reached the town. Cobalt didnt knock on Nero's house instead opening the door. The house hadn't changed since the last time she was in identifying her brother and sister in law's body.

Nero and an unfamiliar green-haired man with tired but warm amber eyes sat at the kitchen table. When they saw her both men stood.

Nero was the first to speak his eyes meeting hers, "Emilly thank you for coming so fast. I'm sure that Cobalt has told you that Oscar was found. This is Doctor Bartholomew Oobleck a huntsman with Beacon Academy. He was the one who found Oscar, provided first aid, and brought him here."

Oobleck held out his hand to her and she greeted her voice shaking slightly, "Good morning, Doctor Oobleck. I am Emilly Pine, Oscar's aunt. What happened? Why did Cobalt say that Oscar wasnt doing well?"

Nero gave the teenager a withering glare as he answered, "We dont know how exactly it happened or who he was with. What we think happened was that Oscar hitched a ride to Vale and when he was found out they shot him. Oscar's aura saved his life both with the gunshot and with the fall from the airship. If he had not been found by Oobleck here he would have died from exposure. Once he was here I treated the gunshot wound and used my semblance."

There he paused and she understood why. No one in town knew what his semblance was or even his last name. It was a big mystery and there was a decent bet pool going on what it might be. She never got into the pool knowing what it was like to keep a secret. She respected his privacy just as he respected hers.

He continued with a sigh, "My semblance is called Aura Read. It allows me to read the aura of anyone I come into physical contact with. Oscar's aura should have been weak but healing. Slight tears and breaks are normal and will heal on their own after some time has passed."

Aura Read she had read about that in the history books at school. It was thought that the family line that produced the semblance had died out in the Great War. Who would have thought that one would be in their tiny town?

Now she understood the reasons for his secrecy. If word got out their town would be overrun with military figures from all over the kingdoms. Each would want to use the semblance for their own personal gain.

Wait there was something he wasnt saying. What was wrong with Oscar? What did his semblance tell him?

"You are far too smart for your own good," sighed the older doctor, "There is no easy way to say this, so I'm just going to tell you as it is. As soon as I touched Oscar I was forced to let go. His aura was torn to shred to the point he only has about half of his soul. No living being can remain alive with only half a soul. Right now Oscar is fighting for his very existence. Without an aura transfusion from a close familia match, he will die before sunset tonight."

Once again her hand shot up to cover her mouth as tears burned behind her eyes. She had already lost her brother and sister in law. Now she was going to lose Oscar forever. All because someone or something had torn his soul in half.

If he had been born to her brother she might have been a close enough match to help Oscar. The only problem was that she didnt have her aura unlocked. In this area, there wasnt a need for it unless you were going to a huntsman academy. But Oscar wasn't her brother's he was adopted. Even if she had an aura to transfer it wouldn't help. She was going to lose her only family.

Oobleck continued breaking through her dark thoughts, "In order to find out his identity we took some blood from Mr. Pine and sent it through the databases using my connections. It is a good thing we did. Not only were we able to send for you but I was able to contact his father."

"His father? My brother has been dead for several years now."

The huntsman shook his head as he explained, "His biological father, my boss, the Headmaster of Beacon Ozpin."

She felt all the blood drain from her face. There were a lot of things she had been expecting with Oscar. To find out his father was one of the most influential men in the world was not one of them.

Oobleck continued, "While young Cobalt went to get you I called him. He is on his way now and should be here within a few hours. Ozpin never knew that Cynthia was pregnant. If he had he would not have abandoned her to raise Oscar on her own. He is not that kind of man I promise you. Ozpin will do everything he can to ensure Oscar not only survives but thrives."

All she could worry about was Oscar not making it. Or his father taking him away.

Instead of voicing her concerns, she asked, "Can I see him?"

"Of course follow me," came Nero's adamant tone.

She was taken into the room with Oscar. Her nephew was laid out on a table his face paler than normal. His torso was bandaged by expert hands as expected of Nero. Next to his bedside was a chair that she immediately took.

She grasped his hand for less than a second before having to let go. It was shockingly cold as if there was no life in him. Was this what Nero meant? To only have half a soul meant to have one foot on the other side. Would Ozpin make it in time? She could only hope.

Ozpin's POV

The wait was nerve-wracking. It had been a long time since he was this nervous and never for this reason. He had a son. One who was little more than a child, almost a teenager. Guilt ate at him for not knowing of the child's existence beforehand. He had missed so much due to his lack of knowledge. Now there was the possibility that he may never know his child.

Using his connections he was able to get a direct flight to the town. At his urging, they were going at speeds not recommended. Most likely the pilot thought there was an emergency with one of his students. After all, it was unusual for Ozpin to leave his school much less Anima.

They were only about half an hour from the town now. Ozpin had to admit that it was secluded he barely remembered visiting as a younger man. Something about a Grim infestation he thought but wasnt completely sure. It felt like a lifetime ago.

A message had been sent to Qrow who was in Mistral near Haven. If they needed to meet he would be around for a time. The message had been seen but there wasnt a reply. He didnt expect one, Qrow was hunting for an elusive set of criminals currently.

He was torn from his thoughts as he felt the airship begin its descent. Standing he moved so that he was by the open hatch. The town moved ever closer as they descended. People young and old watched as the ship landed. A mix of mistrust and curiosity in each gaze.

Ozpin said as he stepped off his cane tapping on the ground next to him, "Excuse the sudden landing in the middle of your town. I was told there was an emergency that needed my presence. I am Professor Ozpin of Beacon Academy."

A young man maybe fifteen ran up to him and said, "He's at the doctor's house. Follow me I'll take you to him."

Ozpin hummed and followed the energetic young man. There wasn't any sign of a weapon so he guessed the teenager was a farmhand or an apprentice of some sort. Not a huntsman in training though he was the right age to start.

The house wasnt far from where they landed but he wouldn't have been able to pick it out on his own. The boy he followed didnt knock or hesitate to push open the door. Ozpin only briefly hesitated before he followed.

Entering the house he took note of the exits and how many people there were. Barty was sipping out of his trademark thermos. Deep bags were under his eyes from lack of sleep.

Barty let out a sigh of relief, "Ozpin, thank the Gods."

One other was in the room, a man who looked even more exhausted than Barty. He tried to hide it but Ozpin could see the way his hands shook. While he wasnt completely sure he had the feeling it was from semblance overuse. Or it was a side effect of his semblance.

The man said, "I am Nero the doctor of this town. You have made it just in time. The boy is holding onto his life but only barely."

Ozpin swallowed as he said, "Show me."

He was taken into the back room where a woman with brown hair and brown eyes sat at a child's bedside. Her eyes were red and puffy around the edges from crying. She held the child's hand in her own, her grip tightening when she saw him. Not saying anything she turned her gaze to the boy.

The boy, Oscar if he remembered correctly was small for his age. If Ozpin had to guess he looked closer to ten than twelve. He had dark brown hair and tanned skin. Eye color would have to wait until he woke up.

A frown crossed his face at the sight of bandages. What kind of wound did he have?

Nero said as if hearing his thoughts, "He was found with a gunshot wound. While serious it wasnt life-threatening. Whoever shot him meant to hurt but not kill the kid. I dont think the one who shot him and the one who damaged his soul are the same person. It wouldn't make sense."

Ozpin made a sound of agreement before moving to stand beside the child's bedside. Now that he was closer he could feel the jumbled mess that was the child's soul and aura. Thousands of lifetimes sensing the aura of those around him allowed him to sense what was going on without physical contact. While some needed a semblance he could sense it without one.

Activating his own aura he put his hand on the child's chest. Only to retract it immediately as the child's aura and soul screamed out. Images that he couldn't see clearly flashed before his eyes. Faces blurred to the point of being unrecognizable. Words garbled so that he couldn't understand them. The intent was clear, however. Kill or be killed.

Someone had tried very hard to kill this child. He had to focus or he would be unable to help his son. It hit him like a ton of bricks a second later. Someone had tried to kill his son. Damn this was complicated and he didnt like it.

Calming his racing heart he tried again this time focusing on pushing his aura against the child's. To meld them together and heal the damage that had been done.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Zoran Dawn-Eclipse: thanks for your review, my friend. So glad you enjoyed it!

Oscar's POV

White surrounded him. Was this death? Had Ironwood killed him? He hoped not and not for his own sake. Ironwood was kind to him during their time in Atlas. It reminded him of his time with Cobalt and how the older teen had been like an older brother. At least until he was felled on his way back to the village over a year ago.

Oscar remembered the day well. He had been in town waiting for Cobalt's return. Only to see his body torn in several places by a Grim. A huntress carried him back having been too late to save the boy.

While that was not the first death he had seen it had hit him hard. They were friends and swore they would be so forever. Something that was not meant to be, unfortunately.

After his friend's death, he withdrew into himself. It wasnt until Ozpin appeared that he started to come out of his shell. Would he ever see his friends again? Or was this if for him?

A voice that was familiar but not the one he was used to said, "You're not dead, Oscar. At least not yet. You have a choice to make."

Turning he saw a man with tanned skin with messy brown hair and brown eyes. He wore a blue-green tunic with a tan undershirt, a blue cape, and black trousers with brown boots. Both his tunic and cape are outlined with golden markings. Over this, he wears metal armor held by brown belts and straps. The armor is etched with ornamental patterns. There was no doubting who this man was. Ozma the first of them.

Oscar didnt know what he had been expecting if he had ever met the man. Certainly not the kind brown eyes that were not befitting a warrior. They seemed to search his very soul in a way that not even Ozpin had been able to do.

Then it hit him, Ozma said he had a choice, "What did you mean when you said I had a choice? There isn't a choice when it comes to our lives. Right? I was the next in line for being a like-minded soul."

Ozma's lips twitched up in amusement as he replied, "Under normal circumstances that would be true. You however are a special case in the fact that against all odds you are not in your original time. Years of time magic being stored in my staff sent you back quite a ways. Currently, you are in your twelve-year-old body at the town doctor's house closest to your farm."

What the fuck? How in the name of the Brothers had he gone back almost four years in time?

Wait time magic? Ozpin said they had access to magic but it was dwindling. Had he lied about that too?

Ozma shook his head rebuking his thoughts, "Ozpin doesn't know the extent that our magic is stored. Every time we reincarnate magic is added to it. Ensuring that we always have some in case of emergencies. The circumstances required to activate it is based on instinct, however. That is why you are the first in many generations to have activated its power."

Oscar asked curiosity lacing his tone, "I thought all our memories were connected? At times I could remember pieces of other's past that wasnt Ozpin," then a thought came to him, "How do I know this isn't a trick created by Salem?"

Ozma smiled gently causing Oscar to relax instinctively despite how much he wanted to stay on his guard, "Our memories are connected. The issue lies in how many memories there are. Most of the older memories are repressed to keep from overwhelming the newest reincarnation. A lot of the time there are memories that dont come into play because they aren't needed. Like the time magic. We dont want someone to abuse it after all. As for this all being a trick by Salem. Well, that is for you to decide for yourself. I will not lie to you and as such, I have no proof beyond my word that I am Ozma."

Oscar frowned at the other noting the way the world around them was going dark around the edges. Cold was seeping back in and he shivered in response. What the hell?

For his part, Ozma looked alarmed at his response. The memory of the man questioned worriedly, "Are you feeling cold? Or a pull like something is trying to draw you away?"

Now that he mentioned Oscar could feel a pull. It was almost unnoticeable until he was looking for it. What was going on?

Ozma said sternly, "As much as I would love to continue our chat we dont have much time. Oscar, you need to make your choice now. Will you take my hand and continue on with your life? Or will you pass on and find the peace that I never could? This choice is yours and yours alone. I cannot and will not influence it in any way."

Ozma extended a hand towards him as Oscar looked around warily. The cold that encroached upon him only deepened. Shadows drew ever closer wanting to make the decision for him.

Part of Oscar wanted to allow himself to fade. To crossover to the other side and see his mom and dad again. For him, it had been almost 8 years since their death. He still had scars both physically and mentally from their deaths. His first encounter with a Grim after leaving the farm sent him into a panic attack. It took Ozpin taking control and killing the Grim for him to calm down.

That was the first time he realized how powerful the man was. Even without his cane in a weak untrained teenager's body, he had effortlessly killed a Grim. Ozpin had made him feel safe when they were traveling. After meeting the others he still felt comforted knowing he was there.

When they had seen Ozpin's darkest secret he realized what a mistake it had been. Yes, they needed to know what he was hiding but not his entire story. They didnt need to hurt him the way they did. Without Ozpin and the other's giving him the cold shoulder, he was more alone than ever. In just a few days of Ozpin being gone he had three panic attacks that he had to deal with himself.

No one cared then what happened to him. Why would they care now? He was no one again. The people he called his friends were young and had not experienced the horrors of the war that was coming.

Then he remembered what Ozma had said. He was back to being 12 again. If Ozpin didnt remember what would happen in the next few years that meant Salem wouldn't either. There was a chance he could save Ozpin from his death at the Vytal Festival. Save so many lives that had been lost that day and the days after.

That would mean leaving home again this time almost three years younger than originally. What would he do about Aunt Em? She likely had accepted his leaving as a natural part of growing up before as he had almost been fifteen at the time. From what he could remember she was still overprotective of him at twelve. It was rare that he was allowed out by himself.

If he was to go through with this he would have to find a way to get around on his own. He couldn't allow them to coddle and baby him. What choice should he make?

Ozma's hand was still extended out towards him. A look of understanding in his warm brown eyes. Oscar's shoulders slumped briefly as his decision was made in his mind. There was never a choice. He was always going to choose the world over his own peace. Like-minded souls indeed.

Oscar extended his hand and clasped Ozma's. Their auras rushed forward to greet each other. Light green and dark green chased away the shadows that had come too close for comfort. They chased away the cold that had numbed him.

The return of the warmth nearly had him collapsing into Ozma. Ozma steadied him gently as he said, "Close your eyes, young Oscar. When you wake things will be better."

Oscar wanted to ask what the other meant but his eyes were already closing on their own. The last thing he remembered was Ozma placing his palm on the younger's forehead. Then there was nothing.

Ozpin's POV

Seconds turned into minutes which seemed to drag on forever. Ozpin was sharing his aura as instructed but nothing seemed to be happening. Oscar's aura was not responding in kind. Even the most damaged and broken auras would have sought out another in order to heal. Yet this child seemed to have already given up.

Tears of frustration pricked at his eyes. This couldn't be where things ended. He never got the chance to know his son. Losing a child he didnt know had existed a few hours ago would tear him apart. Guilt ate at him enough that they were even in this situation.

Oscar's aunt choked out, "He's going cold!"

Immediately Nero was by their side and placing his hand on Oscar's chest. He tsked a second later sounding angry both at himself and the situation they were in, "Damn it! His aura's not responding. It's as if the aura is being pulled from his body. If it doesn't respond to the Headmaster's aura soon then he will die."

Barty made a sound in the back of his throat that he couldn't explain. They really couldn't do anything. It was up to the child to extend his aura to Ozpin. There was no way for him to forcefully heal his aura and soul.

Beside him, the aunt was crying and gripping the freehand tightly. If Oscar died she would be all alone in this world. It was just Ozpin who was blaming themselves.

He said gently causing her to look up at him, "This wasnt your fault, Miss Pine. Whoever did this to Oscar is to blame. I promise you, I will my best to find out who did this."

As he finished speaking his aura flared to life. Around the child, a light green aura flared in response. It was weaker than it should be. Unlike before it was responding trying to heal again.

Miss Pine said breathlessly, "His hand is growing warmer. Is that his aura? Are you helping him?"

Ozpin didnt answer instead focused on trying to knit back his son's aura. It was a long strenuous effort as there was so much of it missing. When Nero said he only had half of his soul that wasnt entirely accurate. Now that it was responding back to him he could tell it was less than that. Maybe a third of his soul and aura remained.

This explained why he was fading so quickly. Half a soul would have last longer without its other half. It did beg into question why his child was fighting so hard to stay alive. Not that he was ungrateful. Any less of a will to survive and he would have come to meet a body.

Sharing the strength of his soul despite how many lifetimes it had to grow took a lot out of him. When he had stabilized Oscar's soul he collapsed back into the chair. While stable his soul wasnt fixed. Ozpin's aura was keeping it within the body it was housed in. If luck was on their side then over time Oscar's soul would heal itself. Otherwise every time his aura broke it would put him in danger of falling back into the abyss.

Miss Pine said genuinely, "Thank you, Headmaster Ozpin. When I first heard about you I thought you a bastard. To leave his mother had broken her in ways not even my brother could completely fix. I cannot hate you for she brought my brother happiness. You also have risked a lot to save the son you just learned about. So I thank you."

Ozpin said with a small smile, "Please, Miss Pine call me Oz or Ozpin if you must. I believe we are past such formalities."

Miss Pine replied with a watery smile, "Then you may call me, Emilly, Ozpin. For Oscar's sake, I will accept you but if you ever hurt him I will find a way to make you pay. He is like the son I could have myself."

A hoarse young voice said, "Do... dont fight. Please..."

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Sins007: thanks for your review, my friend. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! There truly isn't enough deadpan out there.

Zoran Dawn-Eclipse: thanks for your review, my friend. So glad you enjoyed it!

Warnings: Panic attack

Oscar's POV

Confused he blinked awake. Something warm and firm was gripping his hand. Voices muffled but fearful sounding could be heard above him. Through his blurry vision, he could see three figures all around him. They were too tall to be Ruby and the team and the wrong colors to be Atleasean military. Maybe he was in Mantel.

He croaked out hoarsely his voice younger than he remembered it being, "Do... dont fight. Please..."

The pressure on his chest lifted before a hand touched his head. Gentle fingers carded through his hair. It was like his dad used to do before he died. Against his will, Oscar leaned into the touch.

Off to the side as his vision was clearing he heard a chuckle. Auntie? What was she doing in Mantel? It wasnt safe!

Then memories returned to him as his mind cleared of confusion. Oh right. He was in the past according to Ozma.

As expected of his aunt she was by his side. Her hands clutching his as if they were a lifeline. It surprised him at how young she looked. Even if it was only a few in the past she looked decades young than when he left home. He never noticed how the stress of the world's events got to her until now.

Wait both of her hands were clutching his own. Who was? He turned to look at the person standing before him. The man had tousled silver hair and calm amber eyes. He wore an unzipped black suit over a dark green, buttoned vest and green shirt along with black trouser shoes and long, dark-green pants. 

There was no mistaking who this man was even without hearing him speak. This was undoubtedly Ozpin. Oscar had lived with him in his head for over a year. Seeing him and hearing him were two different things. He felt the breath catch in his throat as he was unsure what to say.

Talking to Ozpin, in the beginning, had not been easy. He was ashamed to admit that he had been terrified of the voice in his head. As time passed though he grew to trust Ozpin which made it so much more painful when he realized what the other was hiding. Not that he blamed Ozpin for hiding it. That was something that was difficult for either of them to come to terms with.

Guilt at his role in revealing Ozpin's secrets ate at him. Seeing the man right in front of him now was almost enough to send him into a panic attack.

Another hand appeared out of the corner of his eye. Reactions born from his time in Atlas and Haven sent him jumping away from the hand. In doing so he fell from the bed he was lying on at Aunt Emilly's feet. He flinched as he tried to reach for his cane but found nothing there. Pain erupted in his shoulder and he remembered that Ja... Ironwood had shot him.

Shrugging off the pain he focused on what was important. Where was long memory? Then he felt stupid. If he was in the last it was unlikely that he would have Long Memory. It was still in Ozpin's possession after all. He could see part of the handle sticking out of the other end of the bed.

Looking up he found Doctor Nero, someone he had known since he was young holding out his hand. His grey eyes now held hesitancy as he met Oscar's hazel eyes.

"Sorry," apologized Oscar softly, "I wasn't expecting that."

Nero soothed softly, "It's fine Oscar. I was just going to check your aura to ensure it is healing properly."

"My aura?"

What was... oh right. The meeting with Ozma was real and he had been given a choice. To pass on or to survive and try to fix the past.

Ozpin moved closer and Oscar jumped jarring his shoulder again. This time he could not hold back his whimper. Nero held out a hand to stop Ozpin from moving any closer. Then slowly so that the jumpy child could see everything he was doing he moved around the side of the bed.

When Oscar didnt move away from him, he knelt down so that they were eye level. He asked softly, "Can I check your injury? I need to make sure the aura transfusion is working."

Hesitantly Oscar moved closer to the man so that his injury could be looked at. His mind was still trying to process that he was in the past. By the looks of his body, he was about 12 years old just as Ozma had said. Then gunshot wound seemed all he had from the future but only time would tell. He would need a weapon as soon as possible to test if his skills had returned as well. Gods he hoped so without Ozpin's voice guiding him it would be much more difficult to relearn all of it.

Warmth spread through him as Nero's aura encased him. It pressed against his own prodding at it as if looking for something. Oscar's aura was slow to respond but eventually, it did. Light green aura mixed with a shade of darker green jumped across his body.

It only lasted a moment before Nero's hand moved to examine the bandages. Oscar's aura faded and he felt drained. It was worse than when he first began training it. What was wrong with him?

Movement caught Oscar's attention and he turned to face it. Ozpin bent down so that he was at eye level with the child. Once again their eyes met and for the first time in a while, he felt at peace.

Ozpin asked quietly, "Do you need help up?"

For a moment Oscar considered him before nodding. He allowed the man to help him to his feet. Swaying slightly he turned to face Nero. The doctor was frowning as if he was deep in thought. That did not bode well for him as he just had his aura checked over.

Ozpin hesitantly stood by his side as they waited for the doctor to figure out his thoughts. Finally, the man said, "For the moment Oscar your soul and aura are stable. Or at least as stable as it can be all things considered."

"What do you mean?"

Every part of him screamed that he was not going to like the answer. There was something about this he would not like. It had to do with his aura being so sluggish.

Nero glanced at Ozpin briefly, getting a nod in response to a silent question before he continued, "I'm not going to pull punches on what happened, Oscar. Your soul was torn in half and it was a very near thing. With your aura damaged by this, it wasnt able to heal the wound."

Oscar knew what came next. No living being could live with only half a soul. They would be pulled towards the other side. By all right, he should have died because Ozpin's soul was torn from his own.

"How am I still alive?" He questioned bluntly, "I'm not an idiot. Everyone knows that you cannot live with only half a soul."

Nero grumbled, "I was getting to that kid. As for how you're still alive we used what is still an experimental treatment. An aura transfusion," at his confused look the man sighed, "Aura transfusions are only used in the most extreme of situations. They are extraordinarily difficult as the person giving aura has to be a match. Most successful cases have been with parents."

"My mom and dad died," snapped Oscar, "It was four years ago. You know this!"

There was slight hysteria at the end of his words. With the hysteria came static in his ears. He could see Nero's lips moving but he couldn't hear what was being said.

No matter how much time passed it still hurt to think about that day. He hadn't reacted this badly a long time though. Maybe it was because of all that had happened in such a short time.

No time to focus on it now. He had to get his breathing back under control like Jam... Ironwood taught him. Ironwood wasnt his friend. Not after nearly killing him. Shit now the sides of his vision was greying out! Why couldn't he get enough air in?!

A hand grabbed his and brought it to an unfamiliar chest. He could feel exaggerated deep breaths under his palm. It took him several moments for the static to fade from his ears.

Looking up he found worried amber eyes staring down at him. Ozpin... right he was safe. He was with Ozpin and despite them having no history in this time he was safest with the man.

Aunt Emilly whispered her eyes betraying her shock as he looked up at her, "I've never been able to calm him down that fast. How did you?"

"I teach a school full of children," Ozpin answered smoothly, "Not everyone is ready to face monsters so easily. I require all my staff to know how to identify and react to a panic attack as well as flashbacks. When we identify a student that needs help the entire staff is informed of what caused it. This allows us to better aid the students."

"Very noble of you Headmaster," said Nero.

The man gave the doctor a nasty look before concern turned back to Oscar. It took the boy a few moments before he was okay enough to stand up. A gentle hand was on his elbow guiding him to the bed. Gently he was pushed to sit on it and his attention was once more given to the doctor.

Nero looked pained as he continued, "I do remember your parents, Oscar. I remember very well about what happened that day. However, you looked so different from when I last saw you I didnt recognize you. So I took some blood to try and find a potential match. There was a parental match for you in the huntsman database."

Oscar blinked stupidly for a moment before realization hit him. Oh. Oh no. That meant Ozpin was in fact his dad. How in the hell did that happen? Why did he not know that he was adopted?!

Betrayed hazel eyes turned to his aunt who looked away guilty. Answers didn't come from her but from an unexpected source.

"This is my fault," admitted Ozpin quietly, "I had a mission in this village a little more than 13 years ago. There I met your mother and while I was here we dated. It wasn't for long as she knew that I would have to leave. I made the mistake of leaving without a word. Many of us believe in not saying goodbye. That to say goodbye is a sign of bad luck. In my youth, I was one of them. If I had known she was pregnant I would not have left her or you. For that I am sorry."

Sincerity laced every word that was spoken. As much as Oscar didnt want to he could see the similarities in their appearance. Like-minded souls as well as father and son. Who knew?

Ozma had to have known and if they spoke again, Oscar was going to give him a piece of his mind. There were certain topics one did not avoid. Like the paternity. Scheming wizards he swore.

The adults exchanged uneasy glances. It was obvious they didn't know what to make of his silence. If it was back in the original timeline Oscar would have tried to deny it. He would have demanded another test be performed right in front of him.

However, Oscar was no longer the naive boy he used to be. He knew the dangers of what Nero spoke of. If they had chosen the wrong person the transfusion could have destroyed what was left of his soul. That was why Aunt Emilly couldn't have helped him. She wasnt related to him by blood.

Gathering his thoughts he asked quietly, "What now?"

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Zoran Dawn-Eclipse: thanks for your review my friend. I enjoy the thought of it. It's been fun to write.

Oscar's POV

Apparently finding out what was going to happen next was going to wait for awhile. Ozpin and his aunt would talk about it between themselves. As a child he would have to go with their decision.

Nero insisted that he go to sleep and regain his energy. Sleep sounded absolutely amazing by that point. After a panic attack and all the revelations in such a short time he felt drained.

Oscar tried to fight sleep though. He was terrified that if he went to sleep now he would wake up back in Mantel. Wake up and find out this had all been a strange dream.

It was only after both his aunt and Ozpin promised that they would still be there in the morning did he allow himself to succumb to sleep. His sleep was completely dreamless. It felt as if he had just closed his eyes when a gentle hand shook him awake.

A somewhat familiar green haired man with warm brown eyes stood over him. From what he remembered if Ozpin's memories this was Bartholomew Oobleck one of the teacher at Beacon. What was he doing here? Shouldn't he be at Beacon?

Oscar sat up on his elbows to look over the man. He was holding a coffee thermos in his right hand. What was on his belt was what caught his attention. Long Memory's handle could just barely be seen from his side. This must be the man who brought him to Nero's clinic. In turn that was how he got the cane.

He questioned carefully, "Who are you?"

The man replied standing to his full height, "My name is Doctor Bartholomew Oobleck. I was the huntsman who brought you here. I thought you would appreciate the return of your weapon. Given its similarities to my bosses you dont want him to see it in it's current state."

With that said he unlatched Long Memory and tossed it lightly to Oscar. Instinct kicked in causing Oscar to grab it out of the air and click the hand. This caused it to extend to it usual length.

He gave a few experiment swings to test that nothing had been changed in it. Once he was sure it was in working order he smiled. At least now he wouldn't have to convince Ozpin to help him make a new one. Less suspicious though he would need to change the style slightly before Ozpin saw it. Otherwise there would be questions he wouldnt feel comfortable answering.

Turning his attention back to the man he said sincerely, "Thank you for returning my weapon. I'm not sure what I would have done without it."

Oobleck smiled as he replied with a glance at the thermos, "That I believe is something all huntsman and huntresses understand. Our weapons are designed to be an extension of ourselves. When we lose them or they are damaged it is like we lose a part of ourselves."

Oscar returned the smile hesitantly. In a way Oobleck was right. Yet at the same time was completely wrong. Even though Long Memory was back in his hands he still felt like he was missing a part of himself. He knew what it was.

Ozpin's constant presence in his mind and soul were gone. Even when the ancient wizard had gone silent he was still there. Just not responding to anything except in the panic at Argus and then again as he fell out of the vault.

Would he ever be whole again? Did he want to be? That was a morbid question but if he was whole that would mean Ozpin was dead. Again.

To answer his own mental question no he did not. Even if his aura and soul didnt recover he would not wish Ozpin's death. The revelation that they were father and son only heightened the fact. He did not want the burden of that destiny.

It would take him some time to fully come to terms what that meant. As he sat on the bed he knew that if he didnt want the Fall to happen it would have to be him that changed it. The only question was how? It wasnt like he could tell Ozpin or Qrow what was going to happen. At best they would think he had a clairvoyance semblance and that was a very small possibilty. At worst they would think him insane as he didnt have any proof beyond his word.

A clearing of a throat drew him back from his thoughts. Worried brown eyes stared at him.

Oscar mumbled, "I'm fine. Things just hit me all at once. But I'm fine really."

Clicking the handle of Long Memory again he clipped it onto his belt. He would have to wait until he got back to the farm to make his changes. There was nothing here he could use that wouldnt be overly obvious.

Putting it away happened not a moment to soon. Nero walked in not a moment later taking in the scene with a raised eyebrow. Oscar simply shrugged not willing to explain.

After a moment the doctor said, "There is breakfast in the kitchen for you, Doctor Oobleck. Oscar I need to check your shoulder before you go eat. If its healing correctly you will be able to go home."

Home huh? Did that mean the farm or the school that he's never been to?

He kept his thoughts to himself as Nero checked his shoulder commenting lightly, "Despite shooting you out of an airship I dont think whoever shot you meant to kill you," at his disbelieving look the other continued, "It was a precise shot meant to miss your heart. So no, I do not believe that the one who shot you meant to kill you. Otherwise the bullet would have torn through your heart killing you long before you hit the ground."

So Ja... Ironwood didn't intend to kill him. That was odd but he wouldnt miss such an easy shot on accident. Everything he did was deliberate. Did that mean Oscar forgave him? Absolutely not.

Once his bandages were changed he moved into the kitchen. Ozpin was standing in one corner sipping on coffee. His aunt was making them breakfast and had her back turned to him. Oobleck was sitting at the table also nursing a cup of coffee.

Oscar briefly wondered if he could get away with making himself a cup. With his aunt there he highly doubted it. She was a firm believer that coffee was bad for children. As such he was never allowed to have it on the farm. Oscar had acquired a love for the drink both from Ozpin and from spending so much time with Team Rwby. The entire team drank coffee as if their life depended on it.

Deciding not to risk his aunt's wrath he took a seat at the table. Ozpin greeted, "Good morning, Oscar."

"Morning," he replied.

Ozpin said as Aunt Em put a plate of bacon and eggs were put in front of him, "Oscar, your aunt and I have come to a decision. I would like you to come with me to Beacon. Your aunt agrees with me."

His aunt caught his look as she agreed, "Oscar, life as a farm hand was not meant for you. Going with Ozpin will give you a better life than what I could give you."

"But I dont want to leave you," he whispered quietly.

Her dark eyes softened as she said bending so that they were eye level, "Oscar you are meant for better things than being a farm hand. Go with Headmaster Ozpin and follow your dreams. He will be getting me a scroll so that we can call. Dont let this opportunity pass you."

Oscar frowned but didnt say anything else. It seemed he was going to Beacon.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Zoran Dawn-Eclipse: thanks for your review my friend.

Oscar's POV

They spent most of the day at his aunt's farm. Oscar hid himself away the best he could to make Long Memory less noticable. It was perfect but with some paint and ribbon he was able to hide the most notable features.

While he was waiting for the paint to dry he checked on the animals. As much as he would like to say he would come back he knew it was unrealistic. With everything that would happen in the next few years he couldnt risk returning. If Salem found out about the farm and the town they could be used against him. To protect his family and friends he would have to stay away.

Before Oscar didnt understand why Ozpin had felt so lonely before. A loneliness that was etched into every fiber of his being. Even in the memories where he was with his trust allies.

It was something he understood now. As a time traveler he understood it better than he did as the wizard's incarnation. To protect those you loved you had to keep them at arm's length. Otherwise they could be used against you. Or worse be turned against you like Leonardo had been.

As much as he would love to stay with his aunt for her safety he needed to go with his father. What a strange thought it was to learn that Ozpin was his father. He was still having a hard time coming to terms with it. It wasnt like he could go to the man with his concerns. At least not yet. He needed to build a repore with him. Slowly reveal what was going to happen in two years time.

When he was about to go back to his room and check on Long Memory a familiar voice shouted, "Oscar!"

Oscar turned his aura sluggishly answering his call until he recognized the older boy. It was Cobalt, his heart hurt to look at his friend. Memories of finding out he was dead still tore at him.

Putting on a false smile Oscar green in return, "Cobalt! How are you?"

Cobalt looked him up and down before replying, "I'm annoyed damn it. Oscar why didn't you tell me you would be leaving? We are best friends and you just disappeared on me."

Oscar could hear the pain in his friend's voice. It was something he understood in more ways than one. His aunt probably felt the same when he left in the future.

"I couldnt tell anyone, Cobalt," he whispered pain lacing his voice, "I shouldn't have left. Its caused so many people a lot of trouble."

Cobalt snapped, "No you should not have left," his light blue eyes softened after a moment, "But I'm glad you're okay. How are you feeling?"

Oscar raised a hand to rub lightly at the bandages as he said, "Its awkward. My aura is sluggish to respond to me. I'm not sure how to act around Ozpin. Everything I knew about myself is wrong."

Cobalt frowned, "That's where you're wrong. Your genes don't make you who you are. The Beacon Headmaster maybe your bio dad but that doesnt mean he's actual dad unless you want him to be. I remember Mr. Alex and he was a great man. He would want you to be happy whether you were his or not."

Oscar opened his mouth to argue before closing it again. Cobalt was right. Dad would have wanted him to be happy. Dad would have wanted him to give Ozpin a chance. That was what Cobalt was trying to get him to see. No amount of stubbornness could change this.

A shiver went through him at the feeling of eyes upon them. Discretely he looked around trying to find the source. There was in fact two sources.

Dr. Oobleck was watching them with an unreadable expression from the house. Upon seeing Oscar's attention he raised his chin in acknowledgement. Then turned around to head back in. Oscar didnt understand that man.

The second pair of eyes was Ozpin who was standing by the gate of the farm. It was too far for Oscar to know what he was thinking. Their eyes met and for a moment it seemed as if time stopped. Oscar could feel Ozpin's aura flare up. Oscar's own aura sluggishly tried to do the same.

Cobalt's voice brought his attention away from Ozpin, "Are you okay? Do I need to get the doc?"

Oscar blinked before he denied, "No, no, no. I'm okay there is no need to get the doctor."

"If you're sure," came Cobalt's doubtful reply.

The two talked for a few moments before Cobalt had to leave. Oscar watched him go with a heavy heart. It was unlikely he would ever see his friend again.

When they were getting ready to leave via airship Oscar hugged his aunt. She had to take a step back to keep her balance. Ozpin and Oobleck watched from a respectful distance.

Oscar promised trying to fight the tears in his eyes, "I promise I'll come back. We will see each again."

She smiled gently as she replied, "Of course you will Oscar. This is not goodbye. Enjoy your time at Beacon I'll talk to you in a week or so."

He didnt want to let her go. Leaving the farm without a word had been easier than this. The first time he left it was for the betterment of the world. Now it was to stop what had made him leave originally.

His aunt whispered softly so that only he could hear, "You will be fine Oscar. No matter what path you choose to do I will always be proud of you."

Oscar whispered, "Thank you, Auntie."

After another quick squeeze he pulled back. With his backpack over one shoulder and weapon hooked at his side he turned to face the two professors. Both men were waiting patiently not wishing to intrude on their moment.

Ozpin questioned gently noticing his approach, "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I can be. Where are we going first?"

Ozpin said with a smile, "Haven. I need to speak with their Headmaster before we head back to Beacon. We will also be meeting up with two of my former students."

Oscar had to fight his instinctive reaction to Haven. Oh, oh no. Was Lionheart already working with Salem? He really hoped not.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Zoran Dawn-Eclipse: thanks for your review my friend. You were the only one who reviewed for the chapter on ffn.

Ozpin's POV

Worry filled him as they made their way to the airship. Despite what Glynda may think, he was not stupid or oblivious. Oscar looked green around the gills as he stared at the airship. The sickly look had come in when Ozpin first mentioned Haven.

As a child of Mistral one would think that he would be excited about heading to the school. Instead it was as if Ozpin was dragging the child to his execution. When he tried to ask about it the boy denied any issues.

Kavar Karasu was waiting for them at the airship. The younger man was easy going and gentle to all who rode his ship. Unlike many pilots Kavar refused to have a copilot. Instead he would fly all missions himself.

Most of his missions were in fact for Ozpin or his students. Very few of the high paying travellers would hire Kavar. It had nothing to do with the man's skills or the fact that he doubled as a huntsman. Instead it was because Kavar was a very obvious faunus. Blond fox ears were on top of his head as well as a tail.

So many people hated the Faunus or thought them lesser. Ozpin tried to a symbol for change. He accepted qualified Faunus who passed his exams just as he did any regular person. One's genetics did not play into acceptance to his school.

It was something James was slowly trying to do as well. Atlas was least accepting of the four kingdoms. Any of its number thought themselves above the Faunus. One thing they didnt seem to realize was that if something happened Mantel would be the one everyone ran to. That they could be turned away just as they tried to do to others.

He stood back as Kavar made his way to greet Oscar. The soft spoken pilot greeted with a wide toothy smile, "Hi there. You must be the one Oz, asked for an immediate flight out of Vale for. Name's Kavar Karasu. What can I call you?"

Ozpin watched with interest as Oscar greeted Kavar shyly, "Hi, I'm Oscar Pine."

Beyond typical shyness there didnt seem to be any wariness in Oscar's stance. Good that meant he wouldnt have to break any bad habits in terms of behaviour to the Faunus. Mistral was on par with Atlas in their treatment of the Faunus. Part of him had been worried about how Oscar would react. It was good to see that his worried had been unneccessary.

Oscar was eyeing the airship with a wariness that wasnt normal for someone his age. Logically he new it was probably because of how he ended up with a broken aura. Kavar caught his look with one of understanding.

Immediately he drew Oscar towards the cockpit. Vaguely he could hear the young man explaining how everything worked. It made Ozpin's lips twitch in amusement. Like himself Kavar had a soft spot for kids.

Barty said coming up on his left, "Karasu was a good choice in pilots. I just hope he keeps the aerobatics to a minimum with young Oscar with us. It may set your son off if not."

Ozpin replied unfazed, "Kavar wont do anything to endanger Oscar. He's already taken to the child. Knowing Kavar's semblance he has probably already gotten a read on Oscar. He will ensure the flight is as smooth as possible."

Barty hummed in response as they entered the airship. They took their seats and Oscar was in the cockpit with Kavar. Their quiet discussions filling the silence. Every now and then Ozpin would lean forward to check on Oscar. It seemed despite some anxiety over flying Kavar was doing a good job at keeping him distracted.

By the time they landed in Haven, Oscar was more at ease. Something that made Ozpin's heart lighten. They wouldnt be here long. He just needed to speak with Leo.

Oscar's POV

Being back on an airship after everything that had happened was nerve wracking. At least this time they had an actual pilot. Not a blind old woman who was crazier than Qrow was drunk.

Something about the pilot eased his fears as they worked through landing procedures. Simply listening to him explain the different instruments had kept the panic at bay. Heights were never going to be something Oscar was okay with again. Not with crash landing an airship and being shot out of the vault in Atlas.

It was less than an hour after they took off that they landed again. This time Oscar recognized where they were immediately. Haven Academy. It was different than he remembered students bustled about. Many eyed the airship in curiosity but didnt approach.

Ozpin came into the cockpit and said, "Oscar I'm going to speak with the Headmaster. You're welcome to come with me or wait here. It shouldn't take too long."

There was no way that Oscar was going to let Ozpin face Lionheart alone. Whether or not he already betrayed them he could not be trusted. Oscar would not allow Lionheart to betray them a second time. Not if he could stop it.

So Oscar stood making his decision clear to Ozpin. Warm eyes searched his own before the man nodded. Once again Oscar found himself following the Headmaster.

Upon seeing Ozpin the students parted to allow them through. There were more than a few curious looks thrown at him. It made him feel self conscious and stay close to Ozpin.

Despite his self consciousness he was alert and watching everyone that came close. His eyes immediately took in weapon types and danger levels. His own hand was lightly placed on Long Memory's handle. To his relief no one dared come close enough to touch himself or Ozpin.

They went through the halls of the school quickly with an occasional greeting from a professor. Ozpin returned each greeting without stopping. Occassionally he would glance back to ensure Oscar was keeping up.

Finally they reached Lionheart's office and he couldnt stop the way he froze at the sight of it. The last time they had even been in the school they almost died. Oscar and Oz had faced down Hazel nearly dying from extended combat.

His breathing was coming out in ragged gasps now. Warm hands landed on his shoulders causing him to look up. Worried eyes were staring back down at him. Ozpin was exaggerating his breathing trying to help bring Oscar's back under control.

Focusing on Ozpin he tried to imitate his breathing. This wasnt the same Haven he knew. Hazel wasnt waiting to kill them at a moments notice. Right. No Hazel, Raven, or any of Salem's other forces.

Slowly the shaking of his body stopped and said, "I'm okay. I'm okay."

Ozpin said with a frown, "The more you say that the less I believe you. Do you want to go back to the airship? I wont be very long."

Oscar shook his head as he denied, "No I want to stay with you, Ozpin."

There was a flash of pain on the older man's face as he said, "If that's your decision."

Oscar nodded and after a moment longer of consideration Ozpin turned back to the office door. He lifted his hand and knocked on the door.

There was a thump and a muffled curse from the otherside of that door. That curse sounded suspiciously familiar to Oscar. He was both surprised and unsurprised to find Qrow on the otherside. That would be just his luck.

Behind Qrow was Lionheart sitting at his desk. To Oscar's surprise he looked a lot different from when they met in the future. He still looked exhausted but there was a gentler smile and less stress lines on his face.

In a way it reminded him of how Lionheart had tried to convince him to leave. He told him to leave and didnt attack Oscar until he drew Long Memory.

There was a girl next to Qrow. She had warm amber eyes and greeted Ozpin happily, "Headmaster Ozpin! It's been awhile. Why did you have us come here?"

Ozpin lightly pushed on Oscar's good shoulder to bring him forward. He said position Oscar to stand him in front of him, "This is Oscar Pine," even Lionheart was now looking at him, "He is my son and I am sure of this. A blood test was done before I was contacted."

"He's so cute," came the excited shout from the girl.

There was a tugging from within his chest. It was resonating not with Ozpin but with the girl. This was something he only felt when he met Raven and Cinder, the two maidens. Remnants of magic that still resided within him was calling to their magic.

Qrow said with a frown, "He doesnt look like much. Are you sure he is yours, Oz?"

"Blood doesnt lie Qrow," returned Ozpin coolly. Then he seemed to remember Oscar was there as he continued, "Forgive me Oscar I should introduce my friends. The scruffy man in the cape is Qrow Branwen. He is my most trusted ally and friend. If you ever find yourself in need of help you can trust him to provide it. Next to him we have Amber. She is... a special case and currently Qrow is acting as her protector. Finally behind his desk we have Leonardo Lionheart, Headmaster of Haven Academy. If we had not found out about your heritage he likely would have been your Headmaster eventually."

Qrow grunted and Amber waved at him cheerfully. Oscar waved back shyly not meeting any of their eyes.

Lionheart however stood from his desk and moved across it. Oscar tried to step back but was stopped by the hands on his shoulders. Fear made him shake in Ozpin's hold.

Lionheart greeted softly bending down so that he didnt loom over Oscar, "Its nice to meet you, young man. I have to speak with your father for a few moments alone. Why dont you go with Amber and Qrow so we can talk?"

Tilting his head back so he could look up in question at Ozpin he said, "Nice to meet you too, sir."

Ozpin consented easily, "Go with Qrow, Oscar. We won't be long. Qrow be careful of his shoulder he has an injury to it."

Qrow for his part grunted in acknowledgment before leading Oscar and Amber out. Before the door closed Oscar looked back. Lionheart was watching him leave with an odd look. Oscar frowned. What was that man thinking?

Chapter Text

Oscar's POV

Qrow took them to the library in Mistral Academy. From the way Amber glowered at the man she wasnt a big reader. Too bad for her he was. There was little that he liked more than a good book. Amber went to one of the tables and pulled out her scroll.

Moving through the bookcases he looked a book on weapon modifications. While he didnt have all the information on Long Memory he wanted to change it. Make it less recognizable to those who knew Ozpin.

Currently his biggest worry was that Qrow or Ozpin would recognize it. He had only made surface changes. Ones that would be seen through if they got a good look at it.

With a frown he found one in the a far corner of the library. It almost seemed to be misplaced as there was nothing like it nearby.

Picking it up he returned to the table where Amber sat. She questioned when she saw the book he carried, "Interested in weapon's crafting Oscar? I'm sure, Oz will help you if you asked."

Oscar shook his head as he replied, "No I dont want to craft a weapon. Just modify my current one."

Interest sparked in her eyes at that, "Can I see your weapon? If you're comfort showing me that is."

Oscar tapped his fingers against the side of his leg. Glancing over his shoulder he checked to see where Qrow was. Too close he decided. He was watching them from just across the room.

Amber looked disappointed when he shook his head. To his surprise and relief however she did not try to force him to show her. In fact she continued straight into her own weapon as if she never asked.

Oscar listened with half an ear as he skimmed the passages. At each design and example he would stop and make note of what was said. Maybe he should find a way to add some Dust to Long Memory. He wasnt sure where he could add Dust and a firing mechanism however.

Putting it in the handle was out of the question. Oscar doubted he could put anything in it without messing up the design. Without knowing all of Long Memory's secrets he couldnt risk it.

Amber asked suddenly, "So how were you hurt?"

Oscar saw the way Qrow discretely stiffened. His eyes were alert and conscious of their conversation. If he answered the question it would need to be carefully.

For a moment he briefly considered not saying anything. It would be the safest option rather than trying to lie. However he couldnt avoid the question forever. Answering it now he might be able to save himself a headache later.

His only problem with it was the fact he didnt know anything about Amber. There was nothing from the memories Ozpin and him shared on her. Was she an ally? Was she an enemy hidden in plain sight? Oscar had learned to be wary of everyone ever since Lionheart had betrayed them.

A gentle hand touched his arm as she said, "Its okay, Oscar. You dont have to tell me if you dont want to. I can tell whatever happened was traumatic for you."

Running a hand down his face, Oscar looked back at her. He said after a moment, "I intended to go to Atlas. Without any money I offered my combat skills to get a flight. Obviously they werent as trustworthy as I thought they were. They cornered me and one shot me out of the airship."

Unconsciously he touched the shoulder that Ironwood had shot. They shook as the memory washed over him. Lost in his thoughts he did not see the way Qrow and Amber shared a look.

Then Amber said breaking him out of his reverie, "I'm sorry I asked."

Oscar shrugged. He couldnt say it was okay because he wasnt sure it was. They fell into an uneasy silence a for awhile. It was only broken when Ozpin came into the library.

Ozpin noted the uneasy quietness but didnt comment on it. Instead he said, "I'm finished with my meeting. Are you ready to go Oscar?"

Slowly Oscar stood and closed the book as he said, "As ready as I can be."

He really did not want to go back go the airship. There was a warmth and understanding in Ozpin's eyes. The young boy knew that he wasnt hiding his reluctance from his father.

What an odd thought. Before now he always thought that his parents had died in the Grim attack. Even when he had Ozpin in his head neither of them knew the truth of it.

A gentle hand found it's way onto his shoulder. It squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. Part of him missed having Ozpin in his head. Being able to confide in the man without ever expressing it into words.

He was grateful for the second chance to try and save Beacon. To prevent the tragedy that hurt his friends. How he was going to go about that? He had no idea.

So lost in his thoughts he didnt notice that they had made their way to the airship again. He was gently pushed into the seat and Ozpin went to talk to Kavar. The blond faunus looked back at him worry in his eyes. Oscar tried to give him a small smile but if the look he received was any indication he failed.

After speaking briefly with Ozpin, Kavar approached him. He bent down so that they were eye to eye.

Kavar questioned carefully, "Would you like me to use my semblance?" At Oscar's questioning look he continued, "My semblance is called Calm. It will suppress your emotions for a short while. It might allow you to sleep the rest of the way to Beacon. But that's only if you want me to use it."

For a moment he considered allowing Kavar to use his semblance. Then he shook his head. No. He needed to face his emotions himself. Allowing them to be subdued would only delay the inevitable.

Understanding crossed the pilot's face before he pat Oscar on the shoulder and returned to the cockpit. A moment later Ozpin sat next to him on his right and Amber on his left. Qrow for his part stood far away from them his eyes watching the outside. Then the airship took off smoothly and they were on their way to Beacon.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

Laval Asher: thanks for your review my friend. ^_^.

Ozpin's POV

Their flight to Beacon was uneventful beyond a nervous Oscar. No Grim attacks and no distress calls. Both of which had become more common in recent months.

Ozpin had spent most of the time reading reports from various huntsman as well as his professors. With one ear he listened to Barty and Amber try to keep Oscar's mind off the flight.

To his relief they were doing a good job. Oscar had regained some of his color and listened to every story eagerness in his hazel eyes. Every now and then Ozpin's and Qrow's eyes would meet from across the airship. Amusement was carefully hidden in the dusty old crow's eyes. A sentiment that Ozpin himself mirrored.

Then less than an hour left to their flight he felt a weight on his shoulder. Unused to a surprise touch he very nearly started. A quick glance to his side found Oscar's head on his shoulder. The boy's eyes were closed and his breathing even with sleep.

Amber quietly cooed at them. From the corner of his eye he could see that the rest of the occupants were sneaking pictures. He wanted nothing more than to take their scrolls to destroy the evidence. At the same time he didn't want to wake up the child.

Qrow said gruffly, "Well it seems like the kid trusts you, Oz. At least somewhat."

Ozpin gave him an a pointed look. At the same time he kept his mouth shut as he didn't want to wake Oscar. The others smiled gently but quietened down after a moment.

The rest of the trip was made in silence. To his surprise Oscar didn't wake up when the airship landed. It wasn't until Ozpin shook the child did he awake.

Oscar blinked blearily up at Ozpin, "Are we there? At...las?"

The last question was slurred much like Qrow when he was drunk. Ozpin said with a gentle smile, "No Beacon."

Oscar seemed to consider it for a moment before his eyes drooped again. Ozpin almost didn't catch the next whispered statement.

"Good Atlas is bad."

Then he slipped back into sleep. Sighing he picked up the too light child and carried him out of the airship. Behind him, Ozpin could hear the snickers of the others.

Keeping a straight face he walked down the ramp and onto the landing pad. Unsurprisingly despite it getting late in the day, Glynda Goodwitch was waiting for them.

Almost immediately her green eyes zeroed in on the child in his arms. She raised an eyebrow in question but Ozpin shook his head. He would answer her questions but not here. There were too many ears and the possibility of a certain team listening in was strong.

For the longest time team Qrow's team had been the biggest troublemakers to ever attend Beacon. After the group graduated Beacon had an unprecedented time of peace. There were a few pranks but nothing on the scale as what they had come to expect.

Until two years ago. That's when the group that would become Team BRND came to Beacon. They specialized in tracking, hunting, and hacking. With these specializations and their general easygoing natures made their pranks fun but unpredictable.

However the last thing Ozpin needed was the group starting a rumor about him. Again. While he didn't have any concrete proof of the childrens guilt in the rumors he did have a fairly good idea of who it was started by. Especially given there were only a few with the talent for hacking. Most of which being in the same team. Maybe Glynda had a point when she said that was a bad idea.

"Hey, Ozpin," speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Blaze Kuru, Leader of Team BRND was leaning against one of the lamppost. He was tall almost 6'6 with curly red hair and grassy green eyes. He wore a black hoodie that had armor in its lining and a grey t-shirt under it. Pooled around his neck was a cowl used to hide his face. His pants were styled much like military fatigues. The added pockets came in handy when they wanted to carry multiple smaller objects.

Ozpin hid a frown when he did not see Rain with Blaze. Normally the partners were damn near inseparable. Where one was the other was usually lurking. However he could not sense anyone much to his confusion.

Putting on a gentle smile Ozpin returned the greeting, "Mr. Kuru good evening. What brings you to the docks at such an hour?"

Kuru gave him a mischievous smile as he said, "I just happened to see, Professor Goodwitch head for the docks, Ozpin," green eyes narrowed at Oscar, "Who's the kid?"

Ozpin was about to tell him that there would be an announcement tomorrow when Oscar stirred slightly. It wasn't much but it drew the red head's attention further to the child. Without waiting for permission Blaze came closer. Much closer than Ozpin would normally be comfortable letting the other. Especially with his perchance for pickpocketing.

The young man easily saw the bandages and hissed, "Who hurt him? I'll make the pay professor you say the word."

For a moment all Ozpin could do was stare in surprise. With his usual easy going nature it was easy to forget that Kuru had a darker side. One that Ozpin all but had put out of his mind until this point.

He remembered reading in Kuru's file about a police report. Kuru was originally from a small village outside of Vale known as Kisu. The village had a population of only about 200 people in total. For the most part it was self sustaining and traveling huntsman kept it protected in exchange for supplies.

In the files there was a domestic abuse report with Kuru labeled as the victim. His father had been a violent alcoholic and took his anger out on Kuru. It was only the intervention of a local huntsman that saved the boy's life. According to the essay he wrote for the scholarship to Beacon, Kuru had been inspired by the huntsman. That was why he was training like he did, pushing himself harder than anyone. Always striving to be better. He didn't want to feel helpless anymore.

It was little wonder he was feeling so protective of a child he didn't even know. He probably saw himself in Oscar. Against his better judgement he allowed the red head.

Quietly he said, "We aren't sure who or why yet. But his name is Oscar he will be staying at Beacon for the time being. Word will be spread out to the students and staff tomorrow. Keep it to yourself and your team for now however."

In a rare show of seriousness the boy said, "Of course, sir."

Even after the boy left he could not shake the feeling that, that was somehow a mistake. Not in the dangerous sense though. In the same way leaving Qrow and Taiyang alone in a prank store was a mistake. For now however he would let it go and get Oscar settled.

Chapter Text

Trigger warning: Nightmares, claustrophobia, burning alive, character death

Oscar's POV

Dreamscape

He could see the darkened corridor of the Vault under Beacon. Only flashes of green and vermilion are illuminated in the darkness. More flashes are shown as Ozpin and Cinder Fall clash weapons against each other. Heat danced across his skin. Part of him wanted to scream but he couldn't make a sound.

After a clash, Cinder slides back, using her hand to melt the floor below her, and summons ice crystals from the newly-formed substance, hurling them towards Ozpin. Ozpin deflects them all by moving at superhuman speed, and then darts forward and delivers a bunch of strikes at Cinder with his cane. All he could do was watch in fear and awe. Parts of his body screamed as flames licked up them.

With the last blow launching her back. Cinder then floats mid air by unleashing her Maiden power. Ozpin then slams his cane into the floor, forming a spherical force-field around him. Cinder then unleashes a powerful fire blast, with Ozpin leaping into the attack with the barrier protecting him. As he closes in on her, the two forces clashed again.

Ozpin was thrown back into the wall of the Vault. Cinder was also thrown but she was able to recover where as Ozpin was not. The wall crumbled and buried him under plenty of stone. He was further buried as Cinder burst through the ceiling.

Oscar felt the same fire and claustrophobic feeling that Ozpin did. It didn't take long for the lingering flames and smoke to kill the ancient wizard. Oscar tried desperately to scream. To pull more oxygen into his lungs.

End of Dreamscape

"Oscar!" Came a forceful voice scaring him into wakefulness.

The shout had pulled him out the memory of fire. Instinctively he jumped up and away heading towards the corner of his room at Atlas. Corners were the best way to prevent anyone from sneaking up on him.

"Oscar," tried the voice again. This time it was softer and familiar.

Instead of hitting the corner as he intended he hit a wall and stumbled. There was a flash of pain in his shoulder. Still he reached for Long Memory. His weapon was not there much to his horror. As an after thought he reached for his aura which sluggishly responded.

What the hell? Why was his aura so slow to respond? It hadn't been like this since Ozpin first unlocked his aura.

He looked around the room it was dark and unfamiliar. This was not his room at Atlas Academy. In fact the night sky wasn't even from Atlas at all.

Fear gripped him. Was he kidnapped? If he was did the others know already? Could he fight off his kidnapper until they arrived?

Oscar was a lot of things but he was still learning the art of battle. Most of his skill lay in using Long Memory as he was gaining Ozpin's muscle memory. His hand to hand combat was less than stellar. It was taking far longer to master it versus using Long Memory.

"Oscar please," that voice.

It was Ozpin. That's why it was so familiar but wasnt he dead. The voice was most certainly not in his head. Not the way he was used to hearing Ozpin.

Looking up he found himself looking into the warm but concerned eyes of the tired man. Dark bags hung under his eyes but were less prominent than in his memory. As Oscar's heart began to slow the memories of the last day came back. All the adrenaline left him leaving him feeling exhausted.

He was at Beacon. Vaguely he could remember landing but fell asleep soon after. Ozpin or Qrow must have carried him here.

Part of him was still reeling from the revelation of how Ozpin had died. It was little wonder the man had been reluctant to talk about it. He had been burned and buried alive.

Gentle hands touched his shoulders. They were cool against his skin still warm from the nightmare. The memory. But it wasn't like he could tell Ozpin that. How was one supposed to tell their newfound father that they were supposed to be his next reincarnation? They weren't. He wasn't even supposed to be here.

In the previous timeline he hadn't left the farm for more than a few hours. Now here he was on an entirely different continent. They never knew that they were father and son. Even when Ozpin in his head.

Ozpin gently pushed him back towards the bed. Once in front of it he was pushed so that he was sitting on the bed.

After a moment the man asked gently, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Oscar mutely he shook his head. No he couldn't talk about the memory. It wouldn't make sense to his father. Explaining the memory that shouldn't be there would only confuse things.

Ozpin said after a moment, "We all get nightmares. Very few people in this world are able to claim such a peaceful existence where they don't have them. It doesn't make you weak Oscar."

Oscar still shook his head mutely. Ozpin sighed but didn't push any further. So they sat their in silence. Oscar, his fingers tapping a pattern on the outside of his leg. A coping mechanism he had started after his parents death. It had stuck with him even years later.

Ozpin stood after a moment stretching as he did so. He said not looking at Oscar as he did so, "I'm going to make some hot chocolate. If you're anything like me then you won't go back to sleep after a nightmare."

Oscar gave a small cautious smile as he nodded. The two went out of his room and down the hallway into a living room with a kitchen attached. There was a table in between the two. In the living room was a couch and two chairs that circled a TV screen. The kitchen he could see was modern and had many amenities that his own at the farm house did not.

While the Pine family was struggling to survive but they lived a modest life style. As such when he saw how some other families lived he was surprised. Things like hot chocolate were a treat that he only had a few times.

It only took a few moments and Ozpin to his surprise added whipped cream on top to both mugs. There was a soft smile on the man's face that kept him from asking why. Better to not bring up his lack of experience with the drink. So he took it and the two fell into a kind of easy silence.

Chapter Text

A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

triscythe59: thanks for your review my friend. It is fixed.

A few days passed since Oscar arrived with Ozpin at Beacon. The first day had been quiet allowing Oscar to adjust to his new home. That night had Oscar waking up to another nightmare.

Ozpin tried to broach the subject of the nightmare but was immediately shut down. Oscar closed himself off much like Qrow does when he doesn't like the conversation. He knew it would take time to earn the boy's trust but he wanted to help his son. He wanted to understand the haunted look in the boy's eyes. So young yet so haunted by something he refused to talk about.

On the second day Ozpin introduced his son to his staff. All of the professors reached how he expected. They were open and kind to him. Barty already having met the boy offered to allow Oscar to sit in on classes. The offer had Oscar perking up with interest.

Barty was the only one who Oscar seemed to be at ease with. The other professors received looks of suspicion. Ozpin wasn't sure what had caused it but he didn't want to push the boy. There would be time for questions when he had settled in.

Once they had met Oscar the boy was given a new scroll. This scroll gave him access to the school just like a student. It also had his and Barty's numbers in it. Glynda would inform the students of his existence on the grounds so that they wouldn't detain Oscar. Knowing some of his more over the top students they would do just that. It also allowed Oscar to freely come and go from Ozpin's office.

Glynda had also given the child several Beacon hoodies and sweats. They weren't fit for him and even at the smallest size were baggy on him but it would work for a short while. At least until he was able to take Oscar into Vale to get new clothes.

After that Oscar was allowed to explore the school. This allowed Ozpin to have a meeting with James. A meeting that he now regretted as it was giving him a migraine.

James continued bringing Ozpin out of his mind, "Qrow and Amber are need back in Mistral. I know you wanted them to stay in Beacon but that is the first place Salem would think of. And you know it. Beacon isn't in fallible Ozpin."

It was true. They needed eyes in Mistral right now. Something was brewing out there according to Qrow. Pulling them for even a short time hadn't been his best idea but instincts he had learned to trust over the years told him it was for the best. If only for a short while.

Ozpin said after a moment of thought, "I'll send them off tomorrow. Amber has been helping with Oscar. He seems to be more at ease with her, Barty, and oddly enough Qrow than with me."

James visibly perked up on the screen. Ozpin had been tight lipped with the General about Oscar. What the boy had said stuck with him. Good Atlas is bad. What had Oscar meant by that?

James was a friend a trusted member of his inner circle. Yet he was keeping quiet about his child. Fear and doubts that had kept many of his predecessors quiet reared its ugly head. It wasn't something he would ever be completely rid of. No matter how much he trusted the others. They could never know about his past as Ozma and who he had fallen in love with. Otherwise they would leave him.

He questioned, "How is he adjusting to being at Beacon? It must be a big change given that he is from a small village in Mistral."

Ozpin steepled his fingers and rested his chin on them as he said, "All in all he seems to be adjusting to the school well. Right now he is in the library which given what I saw in his room that doesn't surprise me. He was an avid reader according to his aunt."

"Like father like son," playfully said James.

Ozpin wanted to groan. James knew better than anyone how much he would rather be reading in the library than dealing with the Council. Reading no matter what life it was had been his favorite pass time. Something it seemed he had passed onto his son.

A cold hand gripped his heart at a sudden thought. Would Oscar have access to magic? Children of his previous lives never had access to it. With the exception of his first children.

"What are you thinking, Ozpin," asked James soberly.

Ozpin replied tiredly, "The chances that Oscar might have magic. This is the first time I've had a child after a merge."

James seemed to contemplate this for a moment before he said, "He would have shown signs before now. Right?"

"I'm not sure," he answered honestly, "This is an unprecedented situation. Ozma might have a better idea but he has been mostly silent for the last few incarnations."

James hummed in thought. Both men lost themselves to their thoughts. If Oscar did receive magic he would be an even bigger target. Just being his child was enough for Salem to want to kill him. With the added reminder of what they had lost would only bring her wrath down upon him faster.

"I know you're wanting to give him time to adjust to you and finding out he has more family," said James, "But are you sure that having him at Beacon is the best idea? Salem knows you're there and that anyone you consider important will be kept close. If she even receives the briefest of rumors about him he will be in danger at Beacon."

Ozpin was barely able to withhold a flinch at the echoes of his own thoughts. That struck a little too close to home. He had promised to look after Oscar and ensure he had a happy life here. Whether or not he could keep that promise was the question.

Salem and her group had gone quiet, too quiet. They were planning something and Ozpin did not want Oscar to get caught in the middle. No matter where the boy went though he would be a target. A target all because he was Ozpin's son.

A ping from his elevator caused his head to snap over and look at it. Oscar wearing a grey Beacon hoodie walked out a book on weapons modification in his hands. A small smile twitched at Ozpin's lips. He knew Oscar had a weapon of his own but he so far refused to show Ozpin. He respected the boy's space everyone had secrets. Maybe he would show it when they had known each other for a little while.

Oscar looked up his mouth opening no doubt to ask for clarification. Then his eyes flicked over to the screen. A split second of silence rang through the room. Then Oscar stumbled back blood draining from his face.

Ozpin stood worry filling his chest at the sight. That look was one of pure terror and it was directed at James Ironwood. Had the two met at some point? If so how and what had James done to Oscar? He thought that James would have told him if he knew Oscar. Then again he hadn't shown a picture. Just a description and a name. Neither of which had brought out a reaction.

Oscar was retreating back towards the elevator. It didn't seem that he was seeing Ozpin. Glassy eyes were looking past him towards something only he could see.

Ozpin softly said, "Oscar it's okay. You're safe. You're at Beacon remember?"

"No," came out a shaky reply, "It's not safe, Oz. We're at Atlas. Have to get away. Have to warn the others."

Others?

"No you're not at, Atlas," tried to reason Ozpin, "You never made it to Atlas. You fell out of an airship and were saved by Professor Oobleck. We found out that you're my son through a blood test."

Glassy eyes still weren't looking at him as the boy shook his head. Ozpin kept trying to speak to him in soft tones. Carefully keeping out the frustration that was building. He should have been more careful about Oscar's ability to enter his office. After hearing his words towards Atlas he should have locked down his office until he finished with James. Instead he had been caught off guard.

Oscar was not having any of it. Before he could get out more than a few sentences the boy turned on his heel and ran back into the elevator. Within a few seconds he was gone.

Ozpin went straight for his desk intending on stopping the elevator. First thing he did was cut off the call with James then he hesitated. Being trapped mentally in a flashback and physically in an elevator would not make a good combination. Instead he sent messages off to the staff and after a moment of hesitation he sent another to Kuru. Kuru's team were in their third year and knew how to be discreet. If Oscar got away from the professors he was sure the team would be able to help. Ozpin wouldn't be far behind he just had to wait for the elevator to return. This was one of the few times he wished there was a second for such occasions.

Chapter Text

...

Blaze had his team out searching the grounds. He had gotten the message from Ozpin asking for them to search for his son. Apparently the kid was lost in a flashback and was unable to be snapped out of it. The Headmaster didn't know what exactly had triggered it. If they found him he should send a message to Ozpin.

It was too bad that Navy had not had any physical contact with the kid. If he did then they could use his semblance to track Oscar. So instead they split up and searched the grounds and lower levels of the buildings.

Blaze was out in the grounds doing his search. Carefully he did a grid search looking for any signs of Oscar. He hoped that he didn't go into the forest. Even close to the school was the chance of Grim. From his understanding Oscar had been through enough trauma without adding a Grim attack to it.

At the end of the grid search of the forest he was about to head back towards the school. That was until he heard a quiet sniffle that sounded like a child trying not to cry. Blaze turned around listening closer now. His tracker instincts kicked into full gear.

A quiet sniffle sounded again. It was close but because of the trees he couldn't see where it was. For a moment he considered using his semblance but he wasn't sure if it would trigger a bad reaction. In the end he didn't use his semblance instead he slowly made his way closer.

Blaze looked around the trees to ensure no one was behind them. It did take ten long moments but he did finally find the boy. His legs were pulled up to his chest and his face was buried into his knees. There were shudders coming off Oscar making it obvious he was still struggling.

"Hey there," Softly called out Blaze causing the boy to jump in surprise and fear, "It's okay I'm not going to hurt you. Your dad sent me with some of the professors to find you."

Glazed hazel eyes jumped up to look at him looking for something. He questioned, "Who are you? You don't look like a member of the Atlas Military?"

Blaze bent down so that he was eye level with Oscar and said, "That's because you're not in Atlas. We are at Beacon Academy and I'm the Team Leader for BRND as a third year."

Oscar looked around them for a long moment. His hazel eyes were clearing up no longer glazed over in memories.

A frown crossed his face as he said, "There's no snow and it's warm. We'll warmer than it was before. I'm at Beacon?"

A small smile crossed Blaze's face as he said, "That's right. You gave old Ozpin quite the scare. He has the entire staff looking for you and asked my team to help."

"Why?"

Blaze sat on the grass as he pulled out his scroll. Something told him that showing the kid a secret would allow a small amount of trust to build between them. That and he was almost completely certain the kid wouldn't rat him out.

Oscar with a slightly wary look he moved closer to Blaze. He showed the boy how he could change his studnet ID to an unknown one. This would allow him to leave and enter the school without alerting Ozpin or Goodwitch. He and his team had used the trick many times to leave the school.

The wariness left the boy's eyes and was replaced by interest. Within a few moments Blaze was explaining how to hack. This brought the kid out of his shell completely and had him asking questions.

A ping sounded on his phone after a few moments. It was from his teammates reporting that they hadn't found the kid. Oops he should probably let them and Ozpin know that he found it.

He said looking at Oscar, "Hey I think we should head back to Beacon. No one else knows that you've been found. They are still looking for you."

Oscar looked up from the scroll momentarily. Then he nodded to himself and pushed himself to his feet. Blaze followed suit and got to his feet and led the way back to Beacon. As they made their way back he sent a message to Ozpin letting him know that they were on their way back.

Ten minutes later found them walking out of the forest. Ozpin and the other professors were waiting for them as was his team. When Ozpin saw the kid relief was evident on his face.

Blaze immediately reported, "I found him fairly deep in the forest. He was lucky that there weren't any Grim nearby today. But the kid isn't injured."

Ozpin said sincerely, "Thank you, Kuru. I'll take it from here."

"Alright teach," grinned Blaze, "Let me know if you need anything else. Kid come find me if you want to learn."

The last part was sent with a wink at Oscar and the tiny child grinned in response. It was good to see him smile. Having Oscar closed off was not something he wanted to see again.

...

Oscar followed his father back into the Tower. At seeing the Tower a shudder went through him. One he couldn't hide no matter how much he tried. Memories of fire and pain resonated through him as he remembered how Ozpin died.

Looking up through the fringe of his hair at his father he thought about the man's death. The Fall of Beacon was not for another two years, not until the 40th Vytal Festival. Two years was not enough time for him. He didn't have a plan or anyone he could ask for help.

Asking Ozpin was out of the question. There was little chance of him believing Oscar. More likely than not he would think everything up to that point had been a lie. That Oscar was a spy for Salem.

A shudder ran through him. After seeing his predecessor's memories of Salem, of how he died at her hands, he wouldn't blame Ozpin for the assumption. It was incredibly difficult to trust anyone after being betrayed so many times.

Ozpin led him straight to the elevator and to his surprise they didn't go up to his father's office. Instead they went to his apartment and he was left in the on the couch. Almost as soon as he sat down he felt exhaustion fill him.

Everything about the day had been draining. He leaned against the couch and closes his eyes. Footsteps sounded in the kitchen telling him Ozpin was working on something. He focused on calming his thoughts and forcing his body to relax. In and out deep measured breaths to keep his mind off the memories.

Oscar startled when something cold was pressed against his forehead. When he opened his eyes he found Ozpin had placed a rag against his forehead. In his other hand was a mug of coffee. He knew what his father wanted but he wasn't sure if he could bring himself to have this conversation.

By the look on Ozpin's face he didn't have much of a choice.

Chapter Text

...

They sat there silently for several long moments. Neither moved but Ozpins's gaze felt heavy on Oscar. Several times he swallowed and almost spoke but he couldn't find the words.

What was he supposed to tell Ozpin? That he time traveled? That he was from the future and would be the next reincarnation?

There was no way that Ozpin would believe him. Not without proof. The only sort of proof he had was that he knew the phrase to have Long Memory returned it to him. Even considering mentioning that he knew the truth of Salem made him sick to his stomach. Not because of Oz but because Oscar himself had betrayed the man. By not believing in him and giving Ruby the way to find the truth he had betrayed him. Unknowingly betraying his own father.

Ozpin was many things he had come to learn. But everything he did he had a reason for doing so. Whether that was keeping a secret or not telling them everything. It came from an experience that none of them could understand.

His hands shook at the thought of even attempting to explain. His mind trailed back to the loneliness that he had and still felt even now.

"What has you so frightened, Oscar?" Ozpin softly asked as if it wasn't the most loaded question in the world, "You haven't been here long and already I've seen you lose yourself to memories more times than I can count. Each time you seem to be gone longer than the last. Then there is the incident with James. Why are you so frightened of him?"

Oscar denied, "I can't tell you. You wouldn't believe me."

Ozpins's brow furrowed in concern and confusion as he questioned, "What do you mean?"

"History has a way of repeating itself," he replied cryptically.

Glazed eyes stared at nothing as he tried to reconcile his past with his present. His mind went replayed Ironwood shooting him. Over and over and over again.

If he allowed the man to get close again he would only be hurt. Better to keep everyone at distance.

Ozpin asked leaning forward, "Why won't you tell me? I can help Oscar."

Oscar simply shook his head his hand twitching. Unbeknownst his hands had raised up to his head and were tightly gripping his hair.

A sigh escaped Ozpin a moment later before he approached Oscar. He bent down and gripped the child's hands gently pulling them away from his head. Oscar refused to look at his father unable to find words any longer. There was so much that could be said. That should be left unsaid unless he wanted to find anger directed at him.

Ozpin rubbed soothing circles over the back of his wrist not yet releasing Oscar as he said, "Okay Oscar. I won't pressure you right now. You will need to tell me eventually what happened though. I just want to help you get through this. I can wait until you trust me a little more."

Unconsciously he leaned into Ozpin his aura weakly flashing over his chest seeking out the older man's. In response, the darker aura reached out. It soothed the ache in his chest and his body sagged. Only a few seconds later he was asleep.

The next few days Ozpin stayed close to him watching for any signs of what caused his panic. He had become careful about when he was talking to Ironwood so that Oscar didn't accidentally walk in on it again. Every time he tried to go off on his own he found he was followed, at a distance mind you, by whatever professors didn't have class. It didn't take long for him to feel trapped within the school.

At some point, he finally had enough and used the trick that Blaze showed him. It changed his ID to a guest ID. After ditching his tail twice he made his way to the docks and took an airship to Vale. Maybe he could find peace there if only for a little while.

...

It was official today sucked. Roman had woken up with a massive migraine and congestion. The moment Junior heard him speak the man kicked him out of the bar. He wasn't even allowed to have coffee first! So he had to go down the street to the crap coffee shop. Only to realize he had left his wallet on his nightstand. Not only did he have the start of a cold but now he couldn't even have coffee. Today was a shit fucking day.

So he spent his day wandering hoping to catch some information. While he had a network of informants sometimes it was better to do the leg work himself. Over the course of a few hours, he found... absolutely nothing. Even his street kids were quiet and that in itself never boded well for anyone. The last time they were quiet they had gotten their hands on volatile fire dust. Arsonist little shits he swore. It was as if the Brothers had decided to curse him for the day. It made Roman want to scream in frustration.

Instead, he grumbled and did another round through the streets. As he passed by unknowing civilians a flash of movement caught his eye. A child was moving in and out of the crowd with expert precision. If he didn't know all of the children in his employ he would have assumed it was one of the brats. His movements were natural enough to be ignored by those around him.

At first, he thought the child might be a new runaway or abandoned kid. Shaggy dark hair fell into the child's hazel eyes. He seemed to be on alert for something. Eyeing the boy closer now he realized the kid was wearing a Beacon hoodie. A hoodie that looked brand new even if it was big on him.

As if feeling Roman's eyes the boy turned to look at him. Confusion and uncertainty cross his face but not fear. By the Brothers, he looked young. If he had to guess no older than 10. What was he doing here all by himself? Another glance around told Roman that he wasn't with anyone. There was no way Roman in good conscience could leave him here. Not without ensuring that the kid wasn't a new street brat.

Pushing through the crowd he reached for the kid. Unexpectedly the boy turned his hazel eyes wide with fear. Roman was unable to stop in time and his fingers just barely brushed against his forehead.

Eyes blew even wider as if he had taken a hit of something. Light green aura flashed weakly over his body. A semblance activation? At that age? What was this kid a prodigy?

Before he could contemplate it further however the boy's entire body relaxed into unconsciousness and he fell towards the floor. Only instinct born from a life of thievery allowed him to catch the kid. Around the people continued about like there was nothing strange going on. Pressing a hand to the kid's chest he could feel the flutter of his heart but it was unsteady and weak. Something was desperately wrong here. Gently adjusting the kid he headed towards Junior's bar.

Chapter Text

...

Junior was not happy to see Roman come in with a kid. His oldest friend did not like kids. In his eyes, they shouldn't be allowed in a bar. Being with Roman or not didn't matter. Roman had hidden the cane he found inside his coat. No need to worry his friend about what that could mean.

Roman however did not give him the chance to tell him off, "I need a room to put this kid in. He was alone on the streets without an adult to watch over him. He can't be older than 10. His movements spoke of experience that belied his youth."

"Movements?" Questioned Junior as he looked at the child. When he saw what was being worn, "Torchwick that's a Beacon hoodie! There is no way he is a street brat."

Roman rolled his eyes as he replied, "I know that but you didn't see what happened. I reached for him to ask him why he was out alone."

"As you would do," muttered Junior sounding petulant.

He ignored the comment as they headed to the backroom, "My fingers barely brushed his skin and his eyes were blown wide. There was a flash of weak aura."

Now there was a hint of concern in Junior's face, "How weak?"

They reached one of the many guest rooms and he shouldered the door open. It was a plain room. A bed was in the farthest corner with a nightstand next to it. There was a closet on the other side of the room but it was tiny.

Roman crossed the room in a few strides and laid the boy on the bed. He noted that there was a flush coming up the boy's face. It indicated a fever. One that he didn't have before having contact with Roman.

Junior upon seeing the fever-like symptom had moved all the way back to the door. He was germaphobic and it was surprising that he wasn't on the other side of the building. Roman rolled his eyes before he pressed two fingers into the side of the kid's neck. Again the aura flashed just as weak as before.

Definitely a semblance then. One that was activated by direct skin-on-skin contact. Roman removed his fingers once he had a heartbeat count. It was faster than it should be but it was strong. He replaced his gloves so to avoid activating the boy's semblance again.

"Definitely a semblance activation," came Junior's rough voiced comment, "Unless I'm mistaken though his aura looks on the brink of breaking. What are you going to do with him, Roman?"

Roman tapped his fingers on the bed deep in thought. Without knowing the boy's name there wasn't a lot he could do. They could do a blood test but if he was the child of a Beacon Professor there was a good chance they had an alert on blood tests. The last thing he would want to do was bring suspicion down on the bar. That and Junior would kill him if he brought the huntsman down upon him.

A sigh escaped him. Their best chance would be to wait until the boy woke up. Junior had already moved back to the front of his bar.

...

Tiredly Oscar rubbed his eyes exhaustedly. The familiar weight of Long Memory was missing. He had not seen it in his immediate vicinity. He didn't remember coming back to Beacon. Nor did he remember the trip up to his apartment with Ozpin. Did he really practically sleepwalk home? That was dangerous and he knew it. He'd have to apologize to Ozpin about his inattentiveness.

When his arm pulled away however he froze. The room he was in was not his room in the Tower. It was not even a room he had seen in Beacon. Which meant he was still in Vale somewhere.

Forcing away the exhaustion he thought back trying to find the last thing he remembered. It was hazy for several long moments. Then he remembered the man that seemed to have followed him in Vale. Ginger hair green eyes. He was a cane user just like Oscar and Ozpin.

Snippets of memories came after that. Oscar stumbled back away from the man as a hand reached out for him. Brief contact before his aura flashed over him and images came. Oscar instantly knew when it was from. The Fall of Beacon.

Grim flew around Beacon. Fire and explosions resounded around them. The man and Ruby standing on an Atlas Military airship. He could see the man monologing over one thing or another. And then a griffin Grim appeared behind the man. He was immediately picked up and swallowed whole by the Grim.

It was swift and the images had run through his mind twice. After his lessons with Ozpin and later Ironwood he knew what that was. A semblance activation. The only question was what exactly was his semblance?

The ability to see the future? No, he doubted that was it exactly. The ability to see Fate? Didn't feel quite right but it was the closest he had.

The room he was in was plain and unassuming. Still no sign of his weapon anywhere. There was no way to tell where he was based on what was around him. Luckily he found that his scroll was still in his pocket. Unluckily it was dead. So he pushed himself up and off the bed. The first door he found led to a closest. His second try found him in a hallway. The ceiling was high and it kept the hallways cool.

Cautiously he moved down the hallway passing by doors. He noticed they had numbers on them. Must be room numbers. A hotel? Somehow he didn't think so.

Then he came to the end of the hallway he pressed his ears against the door. Nothing. Either it was silent on the other side of the door. Or the walls were soundproof.

Slowly Oscar pulled open the door and had to cover his ears with a wince. Soundproof. Most definitely soundproof. Where the fuck was he?

The room he had come to was huge. It was a dance floor with a bar taking up the left side. Lights flashed above his head and there were dozens of bodies around him if not hundreds. All of them were adults and much older than him. The few voices he could hear had Vale accents. At least he was still in the city.

Oscar skirted around the outside wall hoping not to catch the eye of anyone. If he could slip out he could make his way back to Beacon. Finding Long Memory could wait until morning.

As he passed by a darker corner heavy hands landed on his shoulders. Oscar spun fear coursing through him. A big man in a suit and fedora stood there. He carried a gun in a holster at his side. Goons of the bar if he had to guess.

The man snarled, "Kid how did you get in here?"

Oscar swallowed nervously as he said, "I woke up in a room. I'm leaving now!"

"In a room? Do you think I'm stupid or something? No one gets a room without the boss's permission."

Oscar moved away and called his aura forward in case the man attacked. Weakly it responded and he knew it wouldn't take much for it to break.

The man was going to pull out his gun when a black and red cane appeared from over Oscar's shoulder. How were all these people sneaking up on him?! Shouldn't he be able to at least sense them?

A voice familiar from when his semblance activated coldly said, "Now, now, Jack there is no need for violence. Especially when our young friend here is my guest."

"Right. Sorry, Mr. Torchwick."

The man then proceeded to scamper off leaving him alone with Torchwick. A man he knew would help bring about the Fall of Beacon.

Chapter Text

...

Oscar's aura flashed weakly over his chest in response to his emotions. Doing so nearly caused his knees to buckle out from under him. Damn his ruined aura. Would it always feel like he was on the edge of death?

Torchwick raised an eyebrow at the sight of his aura. Almost to himself he asked, "What is this kid made of? Spite?"

Before Oscar could stop himself he quipped back, "Caffeine, spite, and sugar withdrawal. What are you out of? Ginger"

Brain... why? Of all the people to antagonize it had to be one of the most notorious criminals of Vale. He wanted to make it back to Ozpin and he suspected whether or not that happened would be determined by this man.

For a moment Torchwick just stared at him uncomprrhending. Then he burst out laughing, "For a brat I like you. You've got guts."

"And for an old man you have a sense of humor."

Oscar was now questioning if he had a single ounce of self preservation. If he did it decided to take a damn vacation. If this continued he was going to end up as a missing person's poster.

Torchwick only laughed harder making Oscar blush. This guy wasn't angry? This guy was the one Ruby had said destroyed Vale and Beacon. Despite the vision he couldn't find it in him to believe it.

Roman said waving his hand back the way he had come, "Come on kid. We need to talk."

Oscar asked defiance clear in his eyes, "And if I don't want to?"

Torchwick raised an eyebrow, "You won't get very far without an escort kid. Junior doesn't let brats in his bar and the bouncers are likely to rough you up before throwing you out. If you're lucky."

Oscar visibly shuddered. He knew that his aura would not hold up against an attack. A terrifying question entered his mind. Would he evem survive his aura breaking again? If he did could Ozpin stabalize the tattered remains of his soul?

Torchwick must have seen the look because he sighed, "I'm joking kid. I wouldn't let anyone hurt you. I have a code of conduct even if what I do isn't quite legal."

Not quite legal? Right and he was Salem's best friend. Thankfully Oscar kept his mouth shut this time.

As they moved back around the floor and down a quieter hallway Roman explained, "Junior and I run the underground side of the city. Huntsman and the police like to think of us as nothing more than thieves but we wouldn't have to steal so much if they would simply help the city. So many families here only get by because we give them extra money or food bought with stolen money. Kids are protected and given running jobs to pass along information."

Oscar's jaw dropped open as he listened. That, that was not what he was expecting from the man. He would have to look into it because he wasn't just going to take him at his word. If what he said was true... then everything he knew about Torchwick which wasn't much to begin with was wrong.

Nothing else was said as they entered a new room. This one was an office and it was oddly warm. Roman didn't hesitate to go stand by the desk and lean against hit. His green eyes seemed to be searching Oscar's face for several long moments. Oscar tried to keep his face impassive but knew it was impossible. Ever since he was little, littler he couldn't keep an impassive face. Only Ozpin had that kind of self control.

Roman laughed easily, "Don't look so surprised kid. I know how hard this life can be. If I can help street kids whether it's with protection or a job I will."

It was then that Oscar realized just how young Roman was. The tension in his face had eased with his laughter. He couldn't be order than seventeen or eighteen. Which meant he was at best 22 when he died? What the hell?

Roman's laughter dissipated at Oscar's serious look. He asked, "What is it?"

"I just realized how young you are," said Oscar giving a half truth.

There was a flicker of something in the green eyes. Almost like when Ruby or Yang were remembering the Fall. Oscar had learned not to bring that up quick after joining them.

Almost to himself Roman said, "Few realize how young I am. Probably because of what I do," Then they focused back on him, "That's not all of what you were thinking however. I can't help you if you don't talk to me kid."

"I don't trust you," bluntly replied Oscar.

Roman smiled toothily as he said, "Good don't trust anyone. However if I'm to help you I need something. What about your semblance?"

Oscar flexed his hands slightly as he looked down at them. The scars from the Grim attack that took his parents were normally covered by his gloves. Now they were uncovered and his heart began to beat faster edging towards panic at the sight of the scars. He always had trouble trusting others. Ever since that attack. Only his aunt had his full trust until he met Ruby and the others. He trusted adults even less than those his own age. Qrow had not helped things with his drinking. That reminded him too much of his uncle.

Carefully he considered his words before he answered, "I don't like being touched. I haven't since my mom and my adoptive father died. I guess that's why my Semblance only activated now."

His eyes were far off now as he tried to come to terms with it. Could he save people with this Semblance? Could he save Oz?

Oscar wanted to save his father but hadn't known how to go about it. With only a few memories of what happened during the Fall and what Ruby would tell him about he didn't know much. Salem had agents in Beacon as students thanks to Leo. Cinder, Mercury, and Emerald were three who were known to be there. Torchwick and Neopolitan had hacked Atlas tech.

Should he even try to save this man by telling him what he knew? It was jaded but hundreds of lives were lost during the Fall because of his attions. Actions that he hadn't taken yet. Yet was key. He could still be stopped. There was something he had to know before he could tell Torchwick what he saw.

Oscar swallowed thickly, "Do you work with a woman known as Cinder Fall? She has long black hair and amber eyes. She has a dust controlling semblance and dust is ingrained into her clothes."

Torchwick didn't answer for a long moment as he quietly thought. Finally he shook his head, "She doesn't sound familiar. Why?"

Somehow Oscar could tell that Torchwick was being honest. As odd as it was maybe he could at least get an ear to listen. Torchwick wasn't an adult not really. Ozpin wouldn't believe him. He had no proof beyond memories and then he would think Oscar was a Salem agent. He needed an ally and if Oscar could save Roman it may just be enough of a payoff.

Chapter Text

...

A frown crossed his face as Ozpin crossed the courtyard. He had been all over his school looking for Oscar. No one had seen his son since far earlier in the day. It was now in the evening and he was worried. Ozpin had tried to call Oscar's scroll only for it to go to voicemail. Which he left three of.

Having searched every hiding spot he could think of twice Ozpin had to admit defeat. It was time to call Qrow. Oscar either left the school grounds willingly or he was kidnapped. Either way Qrow knew the best contacts in the city who could find out.

Going through his contacts he found Qrow's number and pressed the call button. It rang twice before the gruff huntsman answer.

"Oz, what's wrong?"

It was outside of their usual contact time. Of course he knew something was wrong. Ozpin almost didn't want to bother him with Oscar's disappearance. Qrow was keeping Amber safe after all. She should be his first priority. Ozpin's priorities had changed now however. Meeting Oscar had changed them he had to protect his son. If Salem found out about him, she would try to murder him as an act against Ozpin. It wouldn't be the first time she had done so. It was just the first time in generations that he had a child after he merged with his past lives.

Swallowing back his fear for his son he said, "Qrow, it's Oscar. He's missing."

"Damn it," swore Qrow and there was a crash on the other end bringing out more colorful language, "Did something trigger a panic attack again? Where have you searched?"

Ozpin began to explain the events of the day and where they had searched. Qrow growled, "I'll ask around. Oz stay at the school until you here from me. If he is in the city we will find him."

"Qrow," he tried but was quickly interrupted.

"Oz, if you come into the city and she has him. She will kill him just to hurt you. If he isn't with her then you may alert her to his presence. Give me a chance first."

...

Oscar ran a hand down his face tiredly. There was too much going on right now. First he had come to the past, then he found out Ozpin who previously had been a voice in his head was actually his father, now he finds out about his semblance. Exhaustion was replacing any energy he had left swiftly. Unbeknownst to him concern had flashed through Torchwick's eyes.

Oscar said, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. I can hardly believe what has happened myself."

Torchwick frowned as he asked, "What do you mean?"

Oscar's jaw tightened. Once again he looked at Roman. This was not the man, Ruby had described. He needed allies if he was to try and stop what would happen in the future. This may just be his first chance to make an ally.

Taking a breath he said, "I'm going to tell you something. Don't interrupt me until I finish otherwise I won't be able to."

Torchwick's brow furrowed with his confusion but he nodded. So Oscar told him everything as he knew it. More than once he opened his mouth to interrupt but stopped himself just in time. By the time Oscar was caught up with the current time Torchwick seemed to be contemplating something.

Then he reached into his jacket and pulled out a familiar cane. Long Memory. Why did people keep taking his weapon from him? Didn't they know how rude that was?

Torchwick gave a soft laugh, "Kid no one is just going to let you keep a weapon. You're in an eleven year old body. You're lucky that I am giving it back to you."

Oscar's mouth went dry as he questioned, "So you believe me?"

Torchwick rubbed a hand over his face as he answered, "I shouldn't believe you," Oscar flinched, "But I do. Until you prove untrustworthy. Though I do feel murderous towards Ironwood. Who the hell shoots a kid?"

Now that Oscar had time to step back and see it a different way, "It all became too much for Ironwood. Everything that has happened became too much. Ironwood was dealing with an overload of information. On top of that Atlas was under attack. We chose the worst possible time to dump it on him."

Did that excuse Ironwood? No it didn't. Still Oscar understood in a way why it happened. It would just take time before he could face the man again. He knew he would have to face him. He would eventually have to tell Ozpin and his inner circle about what brought him here.

How exactly he was going to do that? Oscar had no idea nor did he want to think about it right now. It was draining to tell Torchwick who he didn't know except from stories told by his friends. Even with telling the man his story he felt alone. There wasn't even the relief of weight coming off his shoulders. If anything it felt heavier as he had brought someone else into his problem. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything. Torchwick couldn't hold him here forever after all.

Torchwick said after a moment, "Still going to make him pay. Hurting kids is never the answer."

Oscar blinked at the man. Was this seriously the man Ruby had told him about? Sure he had something similar before but Oscar didn't really believe it. It was probably best that he hadn't gone into detail about what exactly he had done. Just a brief overview that he had been apart of the Fall. In truth only a little less than what he knew.

Oscar said, "You aren't what I expected. Why do you care so much?"

Roman shrugged, "I have a soft spot for kids. I keep street kids safe and fed. It's well known in Vale if you hurt a kid I will return it in kind and then some."

Oscar didn't have anything to say to that. This was far from what he was expecting. Torchwick checked the time as he stood there and cursed quietly under his breath. That had Oscar giving him an unsure glance?

"We've kept you here too long," said Torchwick, "I'm sure old man Ozpin has noticed your disappearance by now."

Oscar felt the blood drain from his face as he gave his pockets quick pats until he found his scroll. It was turned off and with obvious reluctance he turned it back on. As soon as it finished booting up it was overcome with messages and missed calls. Most of them were from Ozpin. Oops.

Chapter Text

...

Oscar wondered if he was better off hiding in the bar. Ozpin was not going to be happy about his disappearance. He had to wonder if Ozpin sent someone after him. If he did it would likely be Qrow who would be sent. Which would mean there was no way that he could sneak back into the school.

Torchwick asked concern lacing his voice, "What's wrong?"

Oscar sighed as he held up his scroll, "My father has been trying to get ahold of me. I'm screwed. He knows that I'm missing and he likely has sent Qrow after me."

"Qrow Branwen by chance?" This was a completely different voice.

They turned to see a tall bearded looking black haired man standing there. He was in a dress shirt and slacks. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up past his elbows.

Roman greeted cheerfully, "Junior! What are you doing here my friend?"

The man Junior frowned at Oscar as he replied, "Trying to figure out why one of my best customers is here looking for a kid. How did you even get in here? Kids are not allowed in my bar."

Oscar flinched but looked at Roman.

The thief shrugged and replied, "His semblance activated and caused him to pass out. I brought him here so that he could recoup. Do you think Branwen will accept that?"

Junior considered him. Suddenly he bent down so that he was eye level with Oscar. Oscar flinched back half expecting to be hit. Then he stared at his feet unable to meet the men's eyes. He couldn't help the flinches. Oscar missed the dark look that the two men exchanged.

Then Junior said, "You certainly look the part of someone who is exhausted. Especially if it was from a semblance awakening. I'll back you and Roman up."

Oscar's head shot up in surprise. He would? Why?

Junior laughed lightly, "Don't worry about it kid. You aren't the first kid that Roman has brought into my bar. I doubt that you will be the last."

Oscar asked not for the first time that day, "Why do you care? Torchwick says he looks after all the street kids but..."

He had to cut himself off there. Could he really question the men's kindness? The image of Ironwood's cold eyes ran through his mind. Yeah of course he could question it. They were barely more than strangers. It would be odd for him to trust them at all. Sure he told Torchwick but that was only the start of things. He had to find a way to stop Beacon from falling.

How he was going to do that in his current state? Well that was anyone's guess at this point. He couldn't say how he was going to keep Ozpin from freaking out much less stop the attack.

The feeling of being crushed by the world fell upon him. It started with his shoulders and neck before making his chest tighten. His ears rang and he couldn't hear anything else. Junior was shoved away from him. Junior left the room. A weight settled on his shoulder causing him to flinch but he didn't move away from it. A gloved hand grabbed his hand and pressed it to a chest.

There were exaggerated deep breaths trying to get him to match it. Oscar tried. He really did try to match it but his vision grew grey around the edges. His ears rang loudly for his anchor to be thrown away from him and a new one replaced him. The aura was familiar and calming. Qrow...

...

Qrow had not been expecting to find Oscar at Junior's bar. Junior had come into the bar room and before he could ask about Oscar he was drawn to the back. There was no explanation until they reached an indistinguishable room. Inside he found Roman Torchwick trying to talk Oscar down from a panic attack.

He reacted without much thought as he threw Torchwick away from the kid. In the same movement he bent down so that he was eye to eye with Oscar. Oscar's hazel eyes were glazed with his panic attack. He was not seeing Qrow or hearing them. Qrow placed his hand on the kid's shoulder and replaced his hand on Qrow's chest. He took exaggerated breaths as his aura activated instinctively.

Oscar's aura reacted in kind. Broken green aura, a very similar color to that of Ozpin's tried to push against his. Qrow flinched at the feeling of the aura. He knew what Ozpin had spoken of now. Broken aura barely at liveable standards the smallest hit could break it and kill the kid.

Oscar's breathing began to slow and match Qrow's. The glaze in his eyes however had not left and he knew that the boy was lost in his mind. He wished he was Ozpin for the man was better at these things than he was. The only experience he had was with Taiyang.

Quietly he said, "Come on, kid. It's okay I have you. You're okay, kid."

Oscar's chest hitched and his breathing began to pick up again.

He whispered, "Hey none of that now. Shhhh it's okay just follow my breathing."

Torchwick said breaking through the moment, "Oscar you're not alone. I promise to help you. You will be welcome here. Right Junior?"

Junior to Qrow's surprise agreed, "Yes kid. You can come back here."

It took a few more minutes but the boy's breathing slowed. His body then slumped forward and Qrow caught him. Well damn it. He was hoping to ask him what the hell that had been about. Picking him up Qrow stood and stared at the two men. To his surprise Torchwick was gazing concerned at Oscar. Qrow was missing something important.

Qrow opened his mouth to demand answers but Torchwick said, "You should take him home. There is nothing else that can be done here and I'm sure Ozpin is fanatically waiting for news."

"I have questions."

"They will have to wait. The kid comes first."

Damn it. As much as he wanted to investigate what happened he knew Torchwick was right. The kid came first. He had to get Oscar back to Ozpin then he could question Torchwick and Junior.

Finally he growled, "Don't disappear on me, Torchwick. We will have a conversation."

"Sure Branwen," Torchwick replied with bared teeth, "Sure."

Chapter Text

...

As soon as he settled Oscar in the airship and they were in the air Qrow pulled out his scroll. Messages flashed across his screen from the Ozpin and Glynda. They were doing secondary searches within the school and the forest.

Qrow pressed the number for Ozpin and waited for an answer. It only rang twice before Ozpin picked up.

"Qrow? Any word on Oscar?"

Qrow answered soothingly with a look to the boy who was asleep, "I found him. It was surprising to find a child at the bar where I get my usual information."

"Junior's bar?" Questioned the man, "What in the hell was he doing there? Is he hurt?"

"He activated his semblance," answered Qrow eyeing the exhaustion that lined Oscar's face, "He was exhausted by it. So the man that brought him to Junior's bar. He had a panic attack when I learned he was there. I was able to calm him down."

He heard Ozpin's sigh of relief then he said, "We can talk when you get back to the school. I'll be waiting for you at the docks."

Qrow didn't say anything instead simply disconnecting the call. It was an uncomfortable ride back to the school. Oscar didn't move even as they landed. His breathing was in a slow even pattern. He sighed with feigned exasperation before he picked up the kid. Oscar was still too light for Qrow's peace of mind. He weighed less than Ruby.

Once the boy was settled against him he walked out of the airship. Cool night air hit him in the face. It refreshed Qrow and at the same time made him want a drink.

As promised Ozpin was waiting for him. When he saw Oscar worry crossed the man's warm amber eyes. He didn't wait for Qrow to get fully off the airship. As soon as his feet hit the ground he took Oscar and cradled the boy close to him. Their auras sparked the oh so familiar green. One a torn mixture of light and dark. The other a dark green that tried to soothe the boy's.

Oscar groaned and pressed his head closer to Ozpin. Qrow had never seen anything like it before. Aura wasn't supposed to work like that. He heard of what Ozpin had done but hearing was far different from seeing it for himself.

Torn aura. By the Brothers that wasn't supposed to happen. Then as quickly as it had come it was gone.

...

The scents of coffee and cooking eggs woke Oscar. It made his mouth water even as he was still waking up. At first he was disoriented not remembering where exactly he was. The last thing he remembered was Qrow carrying him. Oscar opened his eyes and found that he was in his room in Ozpin's apartment.

A sigh of relief escaped him. He was home and he was safe. Safe from Salem and her cohorts that would hurt him as soon as they knew he existed. Roman Torchwick at least wasn't their enemy this time around. He genuinely seemed to want to help him.

Slowly Oscar pushed himself into a sitting position. His muscles were sore and stiff. It took him several minutes to be able to move from his bed to standing. Stretching he unlocked each of his muscles one by one. There was a lingering feeling of being lost.

He tried to shake the feeling off as he headed out of the room. In the kitchen was Ozpin leaning over the stove. His father was humming an unfamiliar song under his breath. No wait. Not unfamiliar. It was there just on the edge of his mind. Not a name but there was an image of a woman. One of his incarnations' mothers.

Ozpin turned suddenly and nearly jumped out of his skin at seeing Oscar. It filled him with amusement that he was able to surprise his father.

"Don't do that," snapped Ozpin a hand grasping his chest, "So silent. How are you feeling Oscar? Qrow said you had a panic attack when he found you."

Cautiously Oscar nodded. Of course Qrow had told him. At least the men didn't know what his semblance was. Oscar wasn't sure if he could explain what he had seen.

Slowly he answered, "Stiff and heavy but I'm okay."

Ozpin eyes him critically for a long moment before he nodded, "That's to be expected. Panic attacks take a lot out of you. Sit down Oscar. You need to eat and regain your strength. Then we can talk about your semblance."

Oscar made a face. He wasn't hungry but the coffee was inviting. He grabbed the coffee pot and poured himself a cup. Without waiting for it to cool or put milk or sugar in it he took a long sip of it. The bitter taste of the coffee revitalized him.

Ozpin winced in disapproval but he didn't say anything. They say for about ten minutes. His father drank sugary coffee and ate eggs. Oscar did eventually decide to nibble on some of the toast. Once they had their fill they just watched each other in quiet contemplation.

It was Ozpin who broke it, "What can you tell me about your semblance?"

Oscar froze his cup half way to his mouth. He glanced at his fa... Father cautiously. Uncertainty held him back from answering.

Cautiously he answered, "I'm not sure what it is exactly. There were flashes of images that I couldn't really make sense of. It was all focused around the one who accidentally touched me. I think it was their past and their future. Maybe?"

Ozpin hummed thoughtfully, "I haven't heard of a semblance like that. We will look into it together. I promise."

Oscar didn't doubt it. Ozpin would want to know as much as he could about it. If he was honest he too wanted to know. So he agreed with a small nod of acceptance.

Chapter Text

...

Unsurprisingly given recent events Oscar was rarely let out of Ozpin's site in the following days. His father was being oddly watchful of Oscar given that he had an entire school to run. Something Oscar saw fit to remind him of daily but it was like arguing with a drunken Qrow. It went in one ear and out the other. It was the downside of being caught after he snuck out and having his Semblance activating.

A Semblance that could see into the past and the future. Who knew such a thing was even possible? Oscar knew very little about Semblances. Most of his knowledge came from Ozpin's explanations. The rest came from Qrow or Ruby.

His decision to research them in Ozpin's personal library was a good plan. It did not prove fruitful unfortunately. He did gain the basic knowledge of how Semblances were activated. It differed from person to person but the first was almost always in a time of stress. When exactly it originally activated he didn't know. He didn't like being touched as it was and having a Semblance like this would ensure he didn't touch someone unless he had to.

A week after the incident Oscar was ready to pull his hair out on frustration. He was getting nowhere here and he was starting to go stir crazy. So during the sunny afternoon he glared at his father who had been focused on his own work.

Closing the book with more force than necessary Oscar declared, "That's it. I need to get out of this office."

Ozpin looked up with amusement dancing in his amber eyes. He asked, "Oh? And where do you think you're going?"

"Anywhere that isn't this office," said Oscar glaring at his father.

For a moment Ozpin considered him the amusement never leaving his eyes. Oscar stood his ground however. He would leave this office and have time outside. It was not something he was willing to back down on.

Ozpin hummed before he closed the file on his desk. A silent moment passed between them and Oscar felt jittery. Why wasn't Ozpin saying anything? It wasn't like Ozpin.

Then his father said, "Okay. I think confirming you to our rooms or my office has gotten the point across. Do not leave the school grounds without informing first," Ozpin had to hold up a hand to stop his protests, "This isn't to cage you, Oscar. It's for your safety. That way if you're not back by a reasonable time I know where you were heading to."

Reluctantly he had to admit that Ozpin had a point. So he acquiesced, "Yes sir. I won't leave the grounds without informing you."

Ozpin stared at him for a moment before he said with a dismissive wave, "Off you go then. Try not to cause too much trouble."

A grin spread across his face as he headed straight for the elevator. It was a short ride down but his leg bounced up and down with his excitement. When the doors opened he burst out of them nearly knocking Glynda over.

Over his shoulder he gave a quick, "Sorry!"

"Slow down, Oscar!" She shoutedvafter him but he ignored her.

Before he was rushing outside. The moment sunlight hit his face he visibly lost some of the tension in his shoulders. The fresh air was immediately relaxing and he no longer felt confined. He breathed it in and enjoyed the feeling of sunlight on his face. Nothing was better than being outside.

After a few minutes he moved away from the tower and headed for the main part of the school. It was early afternoon and there would likely be some students out and about. Oscar hoped he would catch sight of Blaze and his team.

As he walked through the courtyard he could see students on break. They eyed him in curiosity. Most had not seen him in the small amount of time he had been on campus. They likely wondered who he was and how he got there.

Oscar turned right towards one of the courtyards to check. He poked his head in and didn't see the familiar face of Blaze. Not finding him, he moved on. Two courtyards later and he still hadn't found them.

Sighing Oscar decided to head to the exercise track. Oscar shrugged off his jacket and began to jog around it. This body was unused to the exercises that he had worked on at Altas. He needed to rework himself into being stronger. Two laps in and he was already breathing heavily but he pushed himself to keep going. He had to get stronger. Strong enough to protect those he cared about and stop the future.

When he finally stopped Oscar dropped onto the grass beside his jacket. His breathing was coming in ragged gasps. The sky was mostly cloudy but in some places he could see bits of sky. It reminded him of Atlas. It had been a rare day that they were able to see the sky.

Would Vale be any different? He hadn't visited Vale before. Ruby and the others gave him most of what knew about it.

"Hey, Oscar!" Came the shout from behind him.

Oscar turned over onto his stomach to look towards the voice. There coming towards him with his team behind him was Blaze.

Oscar's face split into a grin as he yelled back, "Blaze! Aren't you supposed to be in class?"

Blaze jogged over as he answered, "Nah we're done for today. I heard some of the other students talking about a weird kid walking around campus like he was looking for someone. Figured it had to be you. Ole Oz finally let you out of confinement?"

"Yes finally," shouted Oscar and animatedly began talking to Blaze.

Chapter Text

...

Oscar sat on the lawn of Beacon next to Blaze and the other members of his team. It was after class and most of the others had already dispersed. However when Goodwitch had seen them she did not look happy about it. They had been going over his schedule and the layout of the school. They had found a couple places that would be useful in future endeavors.

He watched as the two went through the hacking process. He knew the basics of it. What he didn't know was how they got through the firewalls so easily. That was the part he was having trouble with.

Blaze had been teaching him the basics but even now he wasn't able to get past a simple wall. This was the third one today. With a sigh Oscar stood up. The other two were absorbed in something on their scrolls. He needed to stretch his legs and said as much to the team who waved him off.

Oscar looked over at the fountain where he saw a familiar figure sitting there. He was reading a book and sipping out of a mug.

Walking towards him Oscar asked, "Are you still drinking coffee? It's the evening."

Ozpin glanced up at him, "Yes it is evening but this is hot chocolate."

Oscar snorted in amusement as he sat down. The silence between them was companionable as they watched the other students go by.

"Oscar," the boy glanced up at his father, "Are you happy here?"

"Yes," he answered immediately before pausing, "At least I am trying to be. Everything is so different from what I grew up with."

It was Ozpin's turn to chuckle. He replied, "I remember what it was like going to Beacon for the first time. It was overwhelming. I suspect it would be even more so for a farm boy who hasn't even been to a big town."

Oscar snorted. Of course he had gone into town. That's where his parents bought their supplies. They just couldn't afford to take him all the time. The town he went to was nothing compared to any major town in Vale though.

"I'm still getting used to all the people and technology here," he said, "At home, we had very basic technology. It was a lot easier. There wasn't as much pressure."

The farm was so far away from the kingdom and any villages. Though he wasn't being completely honest. His time with Ruby and the others taught him a lot about technology. Especially when they arrived in Atlas. It was just hard going from having almost no technology to having a lot of it.

Now he was in the past, his father what had been previously a voice in his head was a living person. It was strange and it didn't really feel like his. Things were all too different.

"You seem to have something on your mind Oscar? Do you want to talk about it?"

Oscar flinched. His thoughts had turned inward, and he forgot about his father. The man was standing behind him watching him.

"How am I supposed to get along with you?" blurted Oscar, "I didn't even know you existed until a few days ago. You're a stranger, and I have to get used to being your son."

Ozpin blinked at him for several seconds before he set aside his book. It was a clear sign that he had his attention. Oscar's mouth went dry and he wondered if he had said too much. Ozpin hadn't been his father for a very long time.

He said, "This is going to be a learning experience for the both of us. We will be learning how to get along as father and son. This is all new territory for the both of us. Oscar I don't expect us to have a perfect relationship right away. In fact, I'm almost certain we will have a hard time for a while. But I will say this: I want you to feel comfortable here."

Oscar sighed. He could have figured that it wouldn't have been that easy. This was his past self. Of course it wasn't going to be easy. There were so many things that could go wrong. Then again if this worked, the future may never happen. That was a goal he had to strive for.

He did wonder when/if he should tell Ozpin before it got closer to Beacon's Fall. Telling Ozpin would mean having to face Ironwood. That wasn't something he was ready for anytime soon.

He did have Torchwick's support but the man had a reputation for being a thief. Oscar wasn't quite sure how trustworthy he was. On top of that Neo, a future enemy who played a large part in him ending up in the past was his partner. Oscar didn't want to think about the possible ways that could go wrong.

Ozpin smiled gently as he continued breaking through his thoughts, "I know I haven't been there for you. It doesn't matter if it was my fault or not. I can't change the fact that I wasn't. So we can take this slow. You get a say in the matter. If there is anything I do that makes you uncomfortable. Let me know, and I will fix it. If you are ever feeling overwhelmed please come to me. I'm here for you Oscar."

Oscar nodded but didn't look up at Ozpin. He could see his feet and knew that his father's feet were nearby. That was all he was comfortable with at the moment. There was a lot happening, and he was having trouble wrapping his head around it all.

"Oscar!" Called out Blaze as he made his way across the courtyard.

He may have lost his friends for a time but he had made new ones. He couldn't help the slight smile as he saw his team. Flare looked a little worried but Alec had a smile on his face. Reefe didn't have an expression as his eyes scanned the area.

Blaze was the first to reach him and pull him into a hug, "Thank gods, we couldn't find you anywhere. Don't do that again, you hear me. You said you were going to stretch your legs not wander off. Oh good evening, Headmaster."

Father and son chuckled. Oscar couldn't help it. His team was just too much. There was an odd warmth at his side that had Oscar glancing over. His father stood next to him. Oscar wasn't quite sure what to think of the look on Ozpin's face. It was an odd mixture of emotions that he didn't quite know.

Oscar sighed, "I'm sorry I worried you all."

Reef grunted, "You had us looking everywhere for you. Don't do that again."

He was given a stern look from his friend.

Oscar shrugged helplessly, "I didn't mean to. I saw Ozpin and came over to talk to him. I didn't realize I had been gone for very long. It was a rather long conversation. I'm sorry."

Blaze bobbed his head as he said, "Alright, next time, text one of us where you're going. Now are we going to continue," he gave a surreptitious glance at Ozpin, "Your tutoring on the finer uses of a scroll?"

Oscar nodded and followed his team away. Leaving behind a confused Ozpin.

Chapter Text

...

The sun was beginning to set as they were finishing up the day. Oscar was exhausted but satisfied with his progress. He had been able to get past the last firewall. He wasn't a master at hacking but he was better than he had been.

Blaze was a good teacher if an impatient one. He would show him how to hack a system then leave him to finish it. It was a good method to learn it. Oscar's fingers were sore and he was starting to go cross eyed.

Ozpin had left them alone. He hadn't been aware of what his son had been doing. If he had been Oscar had no doubt the man would have interfered. As it was, Blaze's team was supportive and helpful.

"We should get you back to the Tower," said Blaze, "If you stay out any longer old Ozpin is going to panic again."

Oscar opened his mouth to argue that his father wouldn't panic. Then he paused and remembered what had happened earlier. He was right. Ozpin would worry.

Reluctantly he agreed, "Yeah you're probably right. I should get back. Thank you for teaching me."

Blaze shrugged as he said, "No problem. Let me know if you have anymore questions."

A quick set of goodbyes later and Oscar headed for the tower. Most of the students were used to his presence on the grounds now. While few would approach him, all raised hands in greeting. A small smile tugged at his lips. He had been worried that he wouldn't be accepted. That fear was a distant memory.

The Tower was empty as he entered and took the elevator up to the apartment. A wave of exhaustion fell over him as the doors closed. All he wanted to do was crawl into his bed and sleep for a week.

He knew Ozpin however and if he didn't eat the man would know. So he forced his legs forward and went to the kitchen. A warm feeling settled over him when he saw the covered plate of food. Ozpin might forget to take care of himself but he would ensure Oscar didn't neglect himself. He pulled it out of the fridge and popped it in the microwave.

Once it was finished he took it out and grabbed a fork. He sat down and began to eat it. Oscar had learned early on that Ozpin wasn't much of a cook. It wasn't that he was a terrible cook, it was that he could only make a handful of dishes.

When he finished the meal he washed the plate and stuck it in the dishwasher. With a tired sigh he shuffled his way towards his room. His feet dragged the whole way and his eyes felt like lead.

With a relieved sigh Oscar dropped onto his bed and was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

...

The sound of a scroll ringing woke him from his sleep. With a groan he reached over to the side table and picked up the device. With a tired groan he sat up and scrubbed at his eyes.

"Hello," he rasped, his throat still scratchy from sleep.

"Hey kid," came Roman's voice, "You busy?"

"Torchwick," he growled, "It's three in the morning. What do you want?"

Roman snickered and asked, "You haven't left the tower yet, have you?"

"Why are you calling me, Roman?" He demanded.

Roman tsked, "You need to get out more. Should Neo and I come kidnap you? How's that sound, Junior? Kidnapping the kid. Yeah, we'll call it a date. We'll come grab you in the afternoon."

Before Oscar could protest the man hung up the phone. What the fuck? Why did the idiot want to come kidnap him? Didn't the thief have anything better to do?

He groaned as he flopped back onto his bed. A date? Was that some sort of code? He didn't want to be kidnapped today.

There was no point in trying to go back to sleep. Instead, Oscar rolled out of bed and went into the bathroom. After a hot shower and a fresh change of clothes, Oscar emerged from his bedroom. He found his father sitting in the living room.

"Oscar, I wasn't expecting you to be up this early," said the man looking over his cup, "Did I wake you?"

Oscar shook his head and moved to the coffee machine without replying. The smell of hazelnut coffee permeated the air and a small smile curled his lips. Coffee. Sweet ambrosia.

"You didn't. An idiot called and woke me up."

"Who was the idiot who called at this hour?"

Oscar simply shrugged. Roman would come by and get him in the afternoon. How he planned on breaking into Beacon he had no idea. Probably something to do with Neo's semblance.

"Is it someone I should be concerned about?"

"Not really. He's an idiot, but he isn't going to hurt me."

The answer was met with silence and the turning of pages. Oscar was content to sit and enjoy his coffee. The restlessness had disappeared from his chest.

...

Oscar was moving across the courtyard when he was suddenly grabbed and pulled off his feet. He squawked in alarm. There was laughter and then a gloved hand clapped over his mouth.

"Quiet, kid," Roman ordered, "Can't have anyone knowing you're missing, can we?"

"Torchwick," hissed Oscar, "Put me down."

Neo smirked at him from beside him. The smirk grew even bigger at the glare he gave her. She didn't appear worried in the least.

"Oh no," protested the thief, "I told you I was going to kidnap you. You're coming with us. Right Neo?"

'Yes, of course,' she signed.

"You two are impossible," Oscar groused, "How did you even get in Beacon?! And where are we going? And why am I going with you?!"

"So many questions. We'll get to them in due time. First we have a place to be."

'Stop worrying and just enjoy the ride.'

"Torchwick!"

Chapter Text

...

Being thrown over Torchwick's shoulder wasn't pleasant. No matter how much he tried to argue with the man, Torchwick laughed. Oscar contemplating kicking him in the head. That would teach him to kidnap kids.

"Let me go!" insisited Oscar kicked the man's chest.

"No can do, kid. We're already here," laughed Torchwick.

Oscar lifted his head to see the familiar club that Junior owned. It hadn't changed much since he'd last been here. There was still a crowd gathered outside. Only this time no one was waiting to get inside.

Torchwick set him down on his feet and placed a hand on his shoulder leading him in. There were a few people on the outside who watched curiously. The music was blasting loud enough that the ground was vibrating.

Junior was sitting at the bar and talking to someone. Oscar's attention was caught by a couple fighting on the stage. They were throwing knives at each other. It wasn't exactly a good image for a dance club.

Torchwick guided him towards the back away from the dance floor. Junior rolled his eyes and gave Torchwick a disapproving look.

"Was kidnapping the brat necessary, Roman?" demanded Junior, "And why are you bringing trouble down on my club. What part of neutral grounds do you not understand?"

Neo made a face and poked the man's cheek. Junior turned a mild glare on her. Oscar chuckled a little and that earned him a glare too. He stuck his tongue out at the man childishly.

Torchwick ruffled his hair with a gloved hand. Oscar batted the hand away. The action only served to earn him an amused grin from the thief. Oscar had been trying to be the bigger person. But you know what time to act his physical age. So he kicked Torchwikc in the shins. Hard.

The thief cursed loudly and jumped around holding his leg. Neo's shoulders were shaking as she tried to contain her laughter. Junior didn't try to control his. His laugh boomed across the room. People glanced at the group of them. Torchwick glared at him. Oscar stuck his tongue out and considered slipping into the crowd.

"Okay," growled the criminal, "You're a brat."

"You're just now realizing that," asked Oscar sarcastically, "Oh no! I'll just have to act more like a brat to ensure you'll never forget."

"Please don't. We have things to discuss," said the thief, his voice dripping in sarcasm.

"Then maybe you shouldn't have kidnapped me, asshole," Oscar snapped, "Why did you anyway?"

'Because the school is heavily monitored,' signed Neo, 'Not to mention that Ozpin is always watching. This is safer than the school. Especially since you don't seem to want to tell him.'

Oscar opened his mouth to argue then closed it. She was right. He couldn't deny that. He didn't like that they were correct. Still that didn't make him happy to be dragged out of the academy. Not that the security was all that tight. He did sneak out a week ago after all.

"What makes you think that the information won't be heard here," argued Oscar, "Or that there is a spy or that the CCT is being monitored?"

He remembered betrayals. Not just the one's from his life but the lives of his previous incarnations. It made him slow to trust. Oscar's hand rubbed at his chest, a phantom pain in his chest.

Vaguely he could hear Ironwood's angry voice. The sounds of music turned into the sounds of battle and panic. He was no longer in Vale but in Atlas.

Ice ran up his body. The feeling of wind as he fell from the Vault. The screams and the pain. Pain, pain, pain. Blood was running down the side of his face. His ribs ached. His leg throbbed and his cane was missing. Where was his weapon?!

The scent and taste of blood and ash burned at him. His body shook in the cold. Shaking. Why was the ground shaking? Or was that him?

"Oscar," the voice called to him, "Kid, are you in there?"

A hand landed on his shoulder and the boy flinched violently. He looked around wildly, trying to find the source. Then his vision began to clear. Instead of the cold of Atlas' winter, he saw the walls and lights of the club.

Torchwick was kneeling in front of him. His green eyes were filled with concern. Neo was sitting beside him with the same look on her face. Junior was blocking the path of other patrons to give them space. Though when he looked back at them, his eyebrows were furrowed and his mouth was in a frown.

"Are you okay, kid?" Torchwick's voice was calm, "Do you know where you are?"

Oscar licked his dry lips as he answered, "Yeah. Junior's club. What happened?"

"You had a flashback or a panic attack. Are you sure you're alright?" questioned the thief.

Oscar nodded. He wasn't but he couldn't tell them that. He wasn't ready to deal with that. To talk about it. All he wanted to do was run away and hide. He didn't want to deal with his feelings or his past. He didn't need to. He could ignore it until it was gone, and everything was fine.

"Torchwick," called Junior, "Maybe you should take this to a less public spot?"

Torchwick turned to argue but then glanced back at Oscar. Oscar refused to meet the man's gaze. Something eased in the green eyes.

"Yeah," agreed Torchwick, "We will take it out back. Come here, kid."

Torchwick moved slowly so that Oscar could stop him if he wanted to. Then he gently tugged Oscar closer and away from the main floor. Oscar followed along behind him numbly. When the trio were in the office, the door was firmly shut.

Torchwick sat him in one of the chairs. For a moment no one spoke. Slowly Oscar made his way to the chair across from Torchwick. He didn't know whether he could talk with Torchwick right now. The panic and flashbacks had drained him.

"I was going to see if you wanted to go over things again," admitted Torchwick, "I was going to take notes and we would work on a plan. However in your current state that would only send you back into panic. So if you want to talk you can. If not you can hang out here for a time and I'll take you back to Beacon later."

Oscar didn't say anything as his mind went over that. He was tired and didn't think that he could handle a conversation of any kind. At the very least not one of importance. He did have questions that needed answering though. Like how did Torchwick and Neo even get on campus.

"How did you two get on campus?" asked Oscar, his voice hoarse, "No offense, Torchwick, but you're a well known thief."

"Neo," answered Torchwick with a smirk, "And kid, call me Roman."

"Roman," Oscar tested the name before nodding.

Chapter Text

...

Maybe it was odd thing having Roman teach him how to play and cheat in poker. Or having the man buy them pizza. But the fact that the older man took care of him. Even a little was nice.

Pizza was a rare treat on the farm and before that was the eating rations on the road. Or Atlas food. Ironwood did not feed his students pizza. He could ask Ozpin but... but he wasn't sure about asking Ozpin for anything.

So the morning and part of the afternoon was spent laughing at the stupidest jokes. Eating the greasy pizza. And learning to cheat at a card game. It was fun in a way that he hadn't had in a long time.

"Come on kid," grumbled Roman as the sun began to set, "We need to get you back before the old man realizes you're gone. Don't want Qrow crashing the party again."

Oscar snorted into his soda. That was an understatement. Qrow was protective of his friends. And while Oscar wasn't his friend, his father was. On top of that Ozpin was also his boss. Qrow wouldn't hesitate to bring down his wrath upon the criminal.

"Alright," he said standing, "Let's go."

"Neo will come with us. Make sure that no-one spots you," explained the thief.

He was led to an alleyway a few blocks away from the school. There was an airship parked there, and they were ushered inside.

"Ready to go home, kid," asked Roman, "Or should we get arrested?"

Oscar glared at the older man with a quip, "Don't make me kick you again, old man."

Roman laughed easily and ruffled his hair again. Then proceeded to scowl when Oscar kicked him hard in the shins.

...

Sneaking back into Beacon shouldn't be so easy. Especially during the middle of the day! Oscar made mental notes to find a sneaky way to improve the security of the place. Do it and not alert Ozpin or Ironwood.

A shudder ran through him. He wanted to avoid seeing Ironwood for as long as he could. Oscar knew the General was a good man. One who was loyal and cared. He did. But the betrayal and hurt was still there. Ironwood was doing what he thought was right in a terrible situation. They had lied to him and when they decided to tell him, it was right as Salem decided to attack Atlas.

Logically he knew that this was different. It was a completely different timeline and circumstances. Yet the fear and the pain were too fresh. He couldn't risk getting close to the General yet.

The walk up the tower was quiet. There weren't many people around. A few students were doing homework on the grass. Most were either in class or in their dorms. The professors were in their offices. Ozpin was probably in his own office. Which was where Oscar was heading to.

Once he reached the elevator he leaned against the wall and waited. Soon enough it dinged open and Oscar stumbled off. He could see the glow of the desk and his father's head bent over a stack of papers. Work never stopped for the Headmaster. There was always something to do.

At the sound of the elevator though Ozpin looked up. His face lit up and he smiled. Not his usual professional smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. No, this was a genuine warm and loving smile. It was reserved only for those closest to the man.

"Hello Oscar," greeted the man, his amber eyes sparkling, "How was your day?"

"It was a good day," agreed Oscar, not really lying but carefully skirting around what he did.

Oscar approached Ozpin cautiously. He was still not quite sure how to interact with Ozpin. How was it he was more comfortable with the voice in his head than his father?

As he got closer Ozpin gently pulled him into a hug. He froze for a second. Physical contact was still new. As was the warmth of the embrace. This was nothing like the ones Ruby gave him. Or the awkward hugs from Nora. This felt... safe.

Slowly he relaxed into the embrace and leaned back against Ozpin's chest. Ozpin smelled of coffee and books. An odd combination to be certain but oddly soothing to him. Oscar could have stayed there forever. Just the two of them in their own world. Where his past was the future and his present the past.

But all too soon it ended. Ozpin pulled away and Oscar couldn't stop the disappointed noise that escaped him. Nor could he stop the blush that rose to his cheeks. Ozpin simply chuckled in amusement and ruffled his hair.

What was with adults and ruffling his hair?! He was not a child. Well, technically he was. Still that didn't give them an excuse to treat him like a toddler. It wasn't his fault that he was small. Maybe he would grow in the years between now and then. Stranger things have happened after all. (Like a boy from the future.)

Ozpin didn't seem bothered by his glare. In fact the man looked amused at the sight of his son glaring. There was a softness about Ozpin and his annoyance faded. While the man might not know the details of his life. Ozpin did know that it was traumatic and that the adjustment was difficult. No matter how much it annoyed him. Maybe he could allow the hair ruffling.

A ping from Ozpin's desk made them jump. Ozpin raised an eyebrow and walked back over to the table. Sitting at the top of the screen was a notification. A meeting. With Glynda and Ironwood. Of course, the one who sent it was Ironwood.

Oscar could feel himself tensing. The urge to flee was strong and his body vibrated in anticipation. Ozpin noticed his sudden discomfort immediately. Concern clouded his eyes and his brow furrowed. For a moment he seemed to consider questioning Oscar. Then he changed his mind.

"Are you hungry, Oscar," questioned the Headmaster, "It's late. You should have eaten."

"I'm not hungry," replied Oscar, his stomach rolling at the very thought, "I think I'm just going to go to bed. Good night."

With a quick nod to Ozpin, Oscar fled to the apartment. It was only once he was gone that Ozpin allowed the other two up.

...

Ozpin frowned as he took in Oscar's latest reaction. His son had been jumpy the whole time. Until he saw that James was waiting with Glynda to be allowed up. Then his son had become almost terrified. He was hiding something. Something big and it was beginning to worry him. He didn't want to push Oscar but he couldn't help if he didn't know what was wrong.

"James," Ozpin greeted with a welcoming smile as the elevators opened.

"Oz," greeted James warmly in return and the two shook hands.

Glynda rolled her eyes at the men and their greetings. She glanced around with a frown.

"I thought I saw Oscar come up here," she commented, "Where is the boy?"

"He's in his room," answered Ozpin, "He seemed tired. Maybe you can meet him later, James."

"Perhaps that would be best," nodded the General.

Chapter Text

...

After the meeting was dome the three of them sat nursing glasses of whiskey. James and Ozpin had both removed their jackets and laid them over the back of their respective chairs. Ozpin ran a tired hand over his face.

"You look exhausted," commented Glynda, her lips curled down in disapproval, "Have you had any sleep?"

"Enough," admitted Ozpin, "Things have just gotten a little hectic recently. Oscar has been adjusting. That entire issue with him sneaking out. I've been looking into a tutor for him. He is a smart young man, but he hasn't gone to school outside of grade school. I've talked to his Aunt a few times but..."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" asked James, his concern clear, "Atlas has some of the best tutors in the Kingdom. I'd be happy to send a few of their names to you. If you'd like. I'd like to meet your child as well."

Ozpin paused momentarily. The panic in Oscar's face seeing James in the elevator. His first instinct was to protect the boy from whatever was causing him such distress. But the logical side of him argued. James was a friend and ally. He didn't want to make any decisions without more information.

"Maybe," replied the professor after a short pause, "We will see how the next few days play out. Oscar's is skittish around certain people. Did you see the report I sent on how we found him?"

"That someone shot him and he fell from what we assume is a bulkhead?" Confirmed James, "Yes I saw yours and Qrow's reports. Have you found anything new about that? Any possible suspects?"

"No suspects yet," admitted Ozpin, "Though based on Oscar's reactions I suspect it was someone in the Atlasean Military. Or someone pretending to be."

James' eyes hardened and his mouth tightened. The military was his pride and joy. To hear that someone would abuse that trust and betray the uniform was abhorrent to him. Whoever it was, would not have a good time under his command. Not to mention that the victim was a child. A child that was the son of his closest friend and ally. If James found him before Ozpin did they would not see another day.

"I'm not accusing anybody James," soothed Ozpin after a moment, "It could be someone who stole or made a convincing uniform. Until we have more information we cannot make a move. Understand?"

James took a slow couple of deep breaths before he replied, "I understand, Oz. I'll start an inquiry on my side of things. Share whatever we find?"

"Of course," agreed the headmaster, "Thank you, James, you are a wonderful friend. I appreciate everything that you've done and continue to do for me."

"It's no trouble, Oz," smiled the general, "Anything you or the boy needs, please let me know. I'm happy to assist."

A small smile crossed the professor's face, "Thank you, James. Is there anything new happening in Atlas?"

"Nothing major," stated the general, "Just the normal. The council is trying to push through a new bill, that won't work. I have my eye on a couple of teams to bring into the program. Everything else is the norm, and I'm not going to bother you with the details of that."

"Very well," hummed Ozpin as he took another sip of his whiskey.

The conversation turned away from the serious to the lighter topics. Stories of their students antics. Blaze and his team as usual were causing their brand of chaos. Aka setting things on fire. They would need to have a talk to the boys again.

James laughed quietly into his drink. His blue eyes danced with mirth at the story of their exploits. Their antics reminded the older men of their younger years. Before they were forced to grow up and shoulder the responsibilities that were now their own. Sometimes, Oz wondered where the years went.

James didn't quite have the same chaoticness at his school. One of the upsides of being more of a military school. Still some of the students did manage to slip a few things under the radar. Nothing to the scale that Beacon did though.

"Anyways," sighed James, "I should get to bed. We can talk tomorrow morning. Over breakfast maybe?"

"Yes," agreed Oz, standing, "That would be nice. Shall we say 8 am?"

"Sounds like a plan," said the Atlesian general, pulling on his jacket, "Good night, Oz. Good night, Glynda."

Ozpin walked them both to the exit of the tower. Once they were gone for the night Ozpin went to his apartment. It was quiet and dark when he arrived. He couldn't hear Oscar having a nightmare so hopefully the child was asleep.

When he turned the light on in the kitchen he found a plate waiting for him. It was a sandwich but Ozpin appreciated the thought. Oscar had left a note on the table saying that the bread was still good. So, he ate the sandwich.

Afterward, he rinsed off his dishes. Then he headed towards his bedroom. On his way there he stopped and peeked into his son's room. A fond smile appeared when he saw Oscar's sleeping figure.

The youth was half falling off his bed. The blanket was wrapped around his ankle and one arm was dangling off the edge. With a soft laugh he pulled the blanket from his ankle and draped it properly over the boy's shoulders. He then moved his arm to a less dangerous position.

Oscar mumbled something in his sleep. Then burrowed deeper in the blankets and settled back to sleep. Ozpin watched him for a moment longer. Then closed the door behind him.