Chapter Text
Orion sipped on his coffee as he watched the kids soar through the air. Most of them seemed fine, but one particular blond caught his eye. The boy flailed through the air, crying for help, clearly not knowing what to do. It kind of reminded him of himself. Orion knew that the boy would ultimately be fine, though. If all else failed, Glynda would save him.
Not that it was needed, as Nikos landed quickly, and launched her weapon at the boy. The spear tip pierced his shirt and nailed it to a tree, keeping him from death. Then, he tried pulling it out, before giving up realizing it was pointless. Soon, Nikos came back to retrieve her weapon, saying something, then used what he assumed to be her semblance to pull the weapon out. Arc then cried out in distress before being caught by Nikos.
Turning his attention away from the two, Orion’s eyes caught Rose and Schnee together. Or more like Schnee trying to get rid of Rose while Rose tries to keep up with her. Too bad that they were already bound together for the next 4 years. Those were the rules, even if Orion thought they were a bit arbitrary.
“I still cannot understand how a boy such as Lie Ren gets paired with Nora Valkyrie.” Glynda said in confusion, referring to the quiet and loud pair. And she had somewhat of a point. Lie seemed to constantly be tired around Valkyrie. But it wasn’t super weird. The two seemed to have a deep friendship.
“I agree, but haven’t they known each other for a long time?” Orion asked.
“Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie both are orphans from a fallen village. The two have known each other since then,” Ozpin answered the question, as he took another drink of his hot coco. “They actually came through the Alternative Paths Program.”
“Ah. Yeah that makes sense. Trauma makes the best bond.” Orion said, ignoring the disagreeing frowns from Bart and Glynda. “What about Arc?”
“I suppose you shall have to wait and see.” Ozpin answered cryptically, as he so often did.
“Belladonna and Xiao-Long have become partners.” Glynda announced.
“Interesting. Honestly not surprising,” Bart said as he pushed up his glasses once more. “They are some of the last few that have paired, and there are not many people near them, much less unpaired ones.”
“I wasn’t able to look over all the emails,” Orion told them, “What was the student number this year?”
“We expect 24 students, 6 teams.” Glynda answered as she watched Rose and Schnee bicker “And 6 of those students are in the Alternative Paths Program.”
“Let me guess,” Orion said as he looked towards Glynda “Lie, Valkyrie, Rose, and Arc? That’s the only ones I can think of…”
“correct, but the other is Belladonna, and Oscar Pine.” Ozpin answered.
“Why does Belladonna sound so familiar…?” Orion questioned.
“It is because it is the last name of the former leader of the White Fang.” Bart answered with a serious face.
“Woah…” Orion said. “Was she ever—”
“Her information, along with every other student of this year, is in those emails.” Ozpin answered as he took another drink from his hot coco, before frowning as he realized it was empty.
“Give me a break,” Orion complained “You had me running across Vale looking for Torchwick. Not only do I not have a hand in strength or speed, I haven’t even memorized a tenth of Vale.”
“A fair point, but you were the only one available. Bart was busy with premade plans; Glynda was resting because she was busy with organizing for the new school year—”
“Which is supposed to be your job,” Glynda replied with a glare.
“—Peach was also busy with premade plans; and Peter was busy watching over the students.” Ozpin finished without error.
“Speaking of Peter,” Orion began “Where is he?”
“He told me this morning that he was ‘going hunting’ for tomorrow.” Bart said.
“Why am I not surprised?” Orion mumbled. “Also, who was Oscar Pine?”
“My apprentice.” Ozpin said simply. “He is also 13 years old.”
“Which may I remind you is one of the most irresponsible decisions you have ever made while you’ve been acted as headmaster.” Glynda said, and icy glare directed Ozpin. Orion thought he could see a bead of sweat roll down Ozpin’s temple.
“I value your opinion, Glynda.” Ozpin acknowledged. “And I will take it into consideration.”
It was pretty clear to all of them Ozpin, would in fact, not take it into consideration.
Suddenly, there was a call of a crow from behind him, which quickly turned into footsteps. Qrow Branwen pulled out a flask from his breast pocket, tipping his head back and taking a drink. “How’s it goin’?”
“Your nieces are doing good so far,” Ozpin answered, “one is currently riding the back of a nevermore with her partner.”
“Heh, just like the good ole days” Qrow said with a smirk. “What about the other?”
“She is currently running away from a deathstalker.” Glynda answered.
“Yep, just like the good ole days” Qrow said with a satisfied smile.
“So then, Qrow,” Orion started, “Whatcha doin back so soon?”
“Want me to leave that badly?” Qrow asked. Only to get quick responses from Orion, Glynda, Bart, and Ozpin in the respective order.
“Yes.”
“Preferably.”
“Capital”
“I don’t mind.”
“Bastards,” Qrow said. “I came back to see my nieces, but also to let you both know something important.”
“That is…?” Ozpin gestured for him to continue.
Qrow lowered his voice as he said, “I have a lead on Spring.”
“What?” Ozpin uttered, eyes widened as he stopped his sip of hot coco. “Are you sure?”
“Not entirely. But… there’s rumors of a bandit tribe having powerful elemental semblances.” Qrow explained, eyes narrowed. “The Branwen tribe, actually.”
“Could Raven be-“ Glynda started.
“No. I would rather not consider that a possibility. Especially with Adrek’s arrival and what she has brought, I don’t want to imagine she is Spring.” Ozpin explained. He took a sip of his hot coco to relax his nerves. “Lets assume Spring is apart of the Branwen tribe.”
“That’s quite naïve of you, sir.” Glynda admitted.
“I won’t deny that. But for right now, we need to focus on keeping the academies safe.” Ozpin said, as he glanced at his scroll. “We can continue this later in my office. It appears the students are almost done.”
“Alright,” Qrow nodded, taking a step away. “I’ll see you later.”
Orion watched as Qrow flew away, black feathers falling to the ground. He looked towards Ozpin, a raised eyebrow. “How much did you give away to the twins?”
“Not a significant amount.” Ozpin explained as he pocketed his scroll and started to leave. “Now then, let us welcome the new students.”
***|***|***
Orion entered the elevator to Ozpin’s office, as the doors closed in front of him. Team JNPR, Team RWBY, and Team ORNG. Orion was pretty sure the “ORNG” name had been used before, but since Oscar Pine was Ozpin’s apparent apprentice, he probably just took the lazy route of names. He still didn’t understand why, out of all people, Ozpin would train a 13 year old to be his apprentice. Its not like Ozpin could choose to reincarnate into someone, and even if he could, it was pretty messed up for him to do so to a 13 year old.
But what could he do? He still hardly understood how he got here. It had only been 2 months, and already he was involved in a shadow war between humanity and if darkbeasts were actually a species. It was stupid, how creatures like Darkbeasts, managed to look normal compared to the mess that was the grim. Creatures so focused on destruction and only destruction, with no other purpose in life. They weren’t like Darkbeasts, which at the very least had a motive. They didn’t destroy solely because it was their nature. They wanted to.
But the grimm simply exist for death. For humanity, but they didn’t discriminate. They murdered everything else. Animals, sealife, anything that had life.
The doors to the elevator opened, revealing Ozpin talking with Glynda. Orion stepped out of the elevator, as it descended back down. He walked forward, as they glanced towards him.
“Team ORNG, huh?” Orion started, taking a seat in one of the chairs that Ozpin had in his office. “Has there really not been a team orange already?”
“There has been.” Glynda answered, frowning in Ozpin’s directions. “But apparently, rules are only suggestions.”
“Truth be told, I just could not think of something that fit.” Ozpin sipped another cup of hot coco. “And, well… its Mr. Pine’s favorite fruit.”
Ozpin could feel the stares from the two piercing through him.
“How did you even meet him?” Orion asked.
“He has refused to say,” Glynda answered instead. “Just another of his various secrets.”
“You could probably make an entire full length novel that was just a list of all your secrets and it would have to be 4 books minimum.” Orion commented. “Granted, you’re centuries old, but still.”
“Like you don’t have secrets yourself, Orion?” Ozpin fired back. “Need I remind you, I have not been informed how your abilities work. For all I know, you could be working for her.”
“Is that why you’ve yet to tell me everything?” Orion asked.
“Not exactly.” Ozpin answered the question, setting down his mug. His eyes stared at the mug, realizing it was empty. “Glynda, would you mind-?”
“No.”
“…As to your question, Orion.” Ozpin began as he sighed at his empty mug but carried on. “While I brought you into the circle because I trusted your intentions, it was mostly because your percieved abilities would extend the power of the circle exponentially.”
“I figured that.” Orion answered as he leaned back into her chair. “Would you try to kill me if you thought I was her agent?”
“Not immediately,” Ozpin answered with a gentle smile. “But I would certainly prepare for such a confrontation.”
Orion hummed in acknowledgement. It wasn’t surprising. Actually it was pretty generous given what the DKA-GC branch would do if it discovered foul play was involved with one of their agents. He remembered one the bodies of an unfortunate man who had defected. While it made sense why the DKA-GC would take such drastic changes, it didn’t clean the acidic taste out of his mouth whenever it happened.
He had to admit, Ozpin was certainly a better boss than Jir’e.
The elevator doors opened again, and stepping out was Bart and Peter. Peter was noticeably more plump and tired, while Bart was relaxed.
“Afternoon, gentlemen.” Glynda greeted.
“Afternoon to you too, Glynda.” Bart responded, as a tired Peter sat down, eyes half lidded.
“Is… he okay?” Orion asked, concerned.
“Hm? Oh, yes he’s fine.” Bart responded as he took a seat as well. The table that was in Ozpin’s office was like a smoothed, angular table. Like the letter U. “Just a bit tired from his hunt.”
“I’m not accusing you of your experience and skills as a huntsman, but how is he still a huntsman in action?” Orion asked Peter, who fell asleep in his chair the moment he had finished the sentence.
“Peter’s semblance is a powerful and useful power, but one that he has lost common use of in the past decade.” Ozpin started. “He prefers it to be kept secret, but it is indeed a strong and useful one.”
“Could you take him?”
“I would best him, but not without pulling some cards best preferred hidden.” Ozpin explained with a smirk. “Not only am I centuries old, but I was already a prodigy of a huntsman before then.”
“…Damn.”
“Indeed.” Ozpin nodded.
Bart looked around the office. “Where is Qrow?”
The moment after, the thunk of a bird hitting the glass window was heard. A black crow with red eyes almost comically pressed against the window, as it slide down. Ozpin sighed, as he got up to pull the window open, and after the bird regained its flight and flew back up, it entered through the gap and landed in a puff of purplish smoke, standing Qrow.
“With all your years in that form, how do you continue to not remember that the windows on this building are never open?” Glynda asked Qrow.
“Its not my fault, birds can’t see windows. So thanks for that, Oz.” Qrow said with a glare.
“Why go through a window in the first place, though?” Orion asked. “Like if you know you can never tell whether they are open, or not, why not just go to the elevator?”
“Because that takes more time.” Qrow answered as he reached into his breast pocket and pulled out his flask. He uncapped it as he took a few gulps of what was undoubtley alcohol. “And Oz usually leaves a window open for me.”
Qrow threw a tired glare to Ozpin, who sighed and shook his head fondly.
“Sometimes, I forget.” Ozpin defended himself. “I can’t remember everything.”
“Yeah,” Qrow muttered. “Whatever you say old man.”
A few moments later, the last member of the meeting arrived. Irene Woodrow, the professor of math and science. Beacon was focused on making great huntsman and huntresses, but they couldn’t let their studies slip. Plus, math and science was arguably just as important knowledge to a huntsman or huntress.
“Hello,” Irene greeted with a smile. “How are you all?”
Irene was a relatively tall woman, with brown hair draped to her shoulders, and greenish eyes. Her skin was pale, and she always held a calm and gentle smile.
“Doing alright.” Orion answered, leaning in his chair a bit to far, and falling back. No one paid any mind.
“Have you had trouble getting adjusted to things still?” Glynda asked Irene. “I’m sure the integration of the group is still… troubling you.”
“Not anymore, really.” Irene answered with a wave. “I suppose now, I am actually curious how the science of it magic works.”
“I don’t believe there is one,” Ozpin explained. “While I may not be a scientist myself, I have the most experience with it and I don’t feel such an extensive reason for magic to exist.”
“Do you never speak normal?” Orion asked.
Ozpin ignored him, as pressed a button on the keyboard of his desk, and a screen was displayed.
“Now, lets get down to what we are here for today.” Ozpin started.
***|***|***
“Well then,” Ozpin stood up as he turned off the display. “This was quite the productive meeting. I will ask Leonardo to investigate the Branwen tribe. However, remember, at the moment we need to focus on keeping Beacon safe.”
“Why Beacon specifically?” Orion asked. “Do you really think someone like Torchwick could be a threat to the entirety of Beacon?”
“No, but having a potential threat is worrying enough.” Ozpin answered. “I worry she could be pulling strings behind the scenes. I also need to check with James and Theodore on potential threats in their respective regions. In the meantime, Qrow will track down Fall’s assassins, while Orion tracks down Torchwick.”
“Alright,” Qrow said, as he stood up and walked to the windows. “I am more than okay with finding and gutting them.”
“Unfortunately,” Ozpin said, as he glanced at Qrow. “We need them alive.”
“I know.” Qrow clarified, as he opened a window. “Still doesn’t help the feeling to want to.”
And then he was off, flying away in his bird form… only to be attacked by an eagle. The attacking went out of view, and they decided to trust Qrow would be fine.
Bart stood up as he woke up a sleeping Peter. “While Roman is a criminal, this sudden list of heist is abnormal to him. While it wouldn’t surprise me if this was just his greed, I doubt that is the reason.”
“So you think he is being manipulated?” Orion questioned.
“I am unsure.” Bart answered as he dragged Peter to the elevator. “But nonetheless, Orion, be careful.”
The elevator door closed as it then descended. Orion glanced at Irene, who was reviewing her notes. She sat up, and pushed in her chair.
“Would you like me to analyze Fall’s parasite?” Irene offered. “I could attempt to determine its species and cross reference with Peter.”
“As much as I would like to, and believe me when I say I do.” Ozpin started. “I am too concerned with her condition that any changes may cause her to die.”
“Very well then.” Irene conceded as she made her way towards the elevator. “I suppose I will simply focus on the students as for now.”
“Quite.” Ozpin answered with a nod.
The doors once again close as the elevator descended to the bottom. Orion sat up as well, stretching his arms and back.
“I guess I may as well head to my dorm. I feel tired as all Heirl.” Orion stated as he grabbed the folder on the Torchwick case. “This might take awhile. Like at least a month to even get lead.”
“Well you only have a week,” Glynda replied. “So I suggest you focus on it.”
“Even with my responsibilities with medical studies?” Orion asked.
“Yes, as that is the same with every other professor apart of the circle.” Glynda explained.
“Yeah, yeah, sure.” Orion conceded with a dismissive wave. “I’ll get on the case. I assume you want this kept secret?”
“Yes, we don’t need the extra attention.” Ozpin answered.
Orion nodded as he exited the room. Ozpin sat back down into his chair as he sighed. Glynda glanced at him and clicked her tongue, but sat in her own chair.
“When the transfer occurred, I truly did not understand the future that would become of me.” Ozpin said, rubbing his tired eyes with his hand. “I never realized the true weight that rested on our shoulders.”
“Then it’s a good thing you have us, then.” Glynda answered with a gentle smile. Ozpin smiled back as the stress ever so slightly eased. “By the way, you failed to cover that hickey on your neck.”
Ozpin’s blush was red, as he went to his scarf to raise it higher. “D-Do you think anyone else noticed?”
Glynda rolled her eyes as she grabbed his mug, and went into the kitchen. “No, it wasn’t a huge mark, just one that I noticed.”
“I… see.” Ozpin said as he focused on other things at need. Glynda returned with a fresh mug of coco, as she left once more. “W-What? Glynda, we don’t have anything else to do-“
A loud “thud” was heart through the room as about 7 packs of paperwork that needed to be done. Ozpin carefully glanced up.
“You’re right.” Glynda said with an icy glare. “Technically, ‘we’ don’t have anything else to do. But you on the other hand have been ignoring this for the past week, and I have to watch you like a parent to make sure you do it.”
Ozpin glanced away from her as he slowly started to work on the stack, as he did his best to ignore the angry woman that was Glynda Goodwitch.
Orion walked through the halls of Beacon academy’s apartment wing, as he looked through the Torchwick Case Files. They weren’t as neatly ordered as something like the DKA-GC, but he wouldn’t expect them to given how large and influential the DKA-GC was.
Torchwick was described as a professional thieft that often stole from the wealthy with great success. He was highly skilled and was not against murder if it benefitted his heists. He had only been imprisoned once, during his first couple months as a criminal, and expressed remorse. He was given 2 years, but broke out eventually and has been on the run since, with a career in crime for 12 years, having slowly grown in popularity amongst the underworld.
Torchwick was also a former huntsman, and a Beacon graduate. He wasn’t considerably high in his class, but nonetheless was formidable. He only lasted 1 year as a huntsman, before quitting and soon after, starting his career as a thief.
He tends to work alone, but there are suspicions of him having an accomplice. If this is true is not confirmed, but all evidence points to it.
Torchwick has no known living relatives that met him. Any distant ones claim to not know they were, or claim to never have talked to him. He originates from a town in Mistral, that has since become desolate of any citizens. His parents, a woman and man, were found as decomposed corpses in their homes, with a stab wound in both of their throats. Torchwick was listed as an only child.
All this information was, truthfully, not helpful in finding the man. It didn’t give clues as to where the thief may hide, nor where he may strike next. It especially didn’t help that Torchwick’s crimes have taken a turn to stealing only dust. It didn’t matter whether they were private shops, franchises, or even poor people. He stole any and all he could.
It also didn’t seem planned. These heists were less so heists, and more so armed robberies. He was much more frequent, and the fatality rate had increased a slight amount.
Yet, Torchwick still remained hidden and evaded the law. It baffled Orion. He understood that people like Torchwick would be skilled, especially due to his training as a huntsman, and his large experience as a thief, made him difficult to be captured by police, yet it still felt… odd.
He wondered if foul play was involved? Maybe Torchwick had ties in the police, and could evade much easier. It made some sense, but was Vale really that easily corrupted? Surely Ozpin was more careful than that. But then again, he did seem to be quite reckless at times.
Ugh, this was a Heirl of a situation. Bryst themself wouldn’t be able to give Orion the patience to deal with something like this. Unfortunately, he would have to.
He got to his door, and unlocked it as he pushed it open. He set the folder on his counter, as he sat on the couch and relaxed. He turned on the TV as the noise of another history lesson filled the room. Bart had given him some videos for him to watch that could fill him in on Remnant’s history, so that Orion wouldn’t be running in blind like he did with Sammi in the Darkbeast’s hold. Bryst, he was an idiot.
He didn’t even realize it, until his eyes felt heavy. He was more tired than he thought. And instead of pushing through it, he decided to just sleep. He could finish this chapter of the video later. He wanted some sleep.
***|***|***