Chapter 8: Greeting ghosts.

There are various reasons for ghosts to linger in this world, the two main ones being either a deed they have not finished, or fear for what awaits them beyond for a deed they did finish. Either way, this tells us something of the type of people who primarily become ghosts.

The Beacon Tower is a place of many secrets and rumors. For a place so renowned, there is surprisingly little knowledge as to what actually happens in this colossal clock tower, visible from every corner of Vale. One of the bigger subjects for debate is the origin of the green orbs that can be seen constantly shifting and switching places near the tower's apex. Some say those are a weapon of immeasurable power, entrusted to the Huntsmen for protection to make sure it is not used by any political or private power. Others claim those are alien life forms captured and imprisoned there. One thing that the public agrees on is that those orbs are what earned the Academy its name: visible even in the darkest of nights, they serve as a beacon for naval vessels and airships alike, lighting the way.

Even more controversial, however, is the persona of the inhabitant of said tower: Professor Ozpin, executive headmaster of the Beacon Academy. "Enigmatic" would be an understatement when describing him. Barely seen outside the academy grounds, the story of his upbringing or even his lifestyle is shrouded in more mystery than the origins of Grimm as a phenomenon. All that is truly known about him is his appearance and the fact that he had been leading this fine establishment for what seems to be the entirety of its existence. Rumors are that he had discovered the secret of immortality through extensive mastery of his aura and manipulating the human genome. Others believe that he had been conducting inhuman experiments in the depths of his tower, where no ordinary human ever set foot. There are even claims that Ozpin is not even his real name, but merely a title, passed down the generations of Beacon headmasters, which would explain why "Ozpin" has never been found on any kind of color palette. Funny thing, though: not once did somebody decide to actually answer that question once and for all and dig enough dirt on him that would be worth publishing. I wonder why. It's not like I bite.

Sitting in his comfy armchair, Ozpin turned away from his table to take a glance at the view unfolding before him from the tower, the only thing disrupting the silence being the rhythmic clicks of the clock ticking before his eyes. For a minute, he simply sat in silence, counting the ticks, listening to the gears rotating. The clock truly is one of the greatest inventions of mankind… Right after coffee. As he turned back, he glanced at the mug sitting on the right side of the table, filled to the brim with steaming brown liquid. He carefully lifted the cup from the massive round table and took a sip from it, closing his eyes for a split second as the coffee slowly slipped down his throat. Could use slightly less sugar. He took a look at the room he was in, his usual cabinet where he worked. While it had the shape of a perfect circle, leaving no corners to hide in, there still were some dark spots in it because of its sheer size, as the sun could not fully illuminate its entirety. Ozpin did not mind. After all, everything in this room was kept in perfect order and balance. Why not balance the light and dark as well?

He put the mug back, making sure it faced the exit with the sigil of the academy, as always, and brought the screen of his computer to life with a sleight of hand. Several clicks later he was left gazing at four windows displaying the matchups of the pairs. Ruby Rose and Miss Schnee. Maybe the latter will get the former to actually do her homework. The girl could use some level-headedness.

Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie. Virtually the same, but I have to admit, the amount of self-control shown by Ren both in combat and in everyday routine is downright impressive. Maybe I should gift him a sedative or two. Anonymously, of course.

Mister Arc and Miss Nikos. My job has never been easier. I'm still unsure of Jaune's Semblance, though. Could become… problematic. Those aura reserves are impressive, however. If he learns to properly control his aura, he could be nigh invincible. Shouldn't be a problem with the kind of partner he ended up with.

His ponderings were interrupted by the sound of an elevator opening and a knock on the front door. Finally. Minimizing the screen, Ozpin grabbed the mug and spoke:

"Come in."

The door slid open with a quiet creak and a figure in jet-black armor walked in, his steel boots clanking on the reflecting floor. Might have to fix the door. Darius, meanwhile, had stopped in the middle of the room and greeted the headmaster by placing his fist over his heart and bowing his head. Atlesian Army salute. His records didn't speak of him serving.

"Sir. You wanted to see me?" his voice sounded huskier than usual, but that did not seem to bother him. Neither did the stitch on his right shoulder. He did, however, seem unnerved with something, surveying the room with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"I did. Although I expected to see you slightly sooner. Have there been complications along the way?" the boy remained silent for a second before answering:

"Not exactly, but Professor Peach insisted she patched me up before I set foot off the airship. Have you not received the report from her? She said she'd send you the explanation." Truly, a kind soul.

"Not yet, it would seem. I'm afraid Miss Peach is far less proficient with messaging services than she is with needles and bandages," he took another sip from the mug and gestured at a nearby chair. "Regardless, it doesn't matter. Please, have a seat."

The boy glanced at him for a fraction of a second, his eyes still darting around the room. "I appreciate the offer, Sir, but I'd prefer to stand for now. I've got enough rest waiting for evac. As of now, standing… lets me think better. If that doesn't bother you."

"If you say so."

"Sir, is there any particular reason you have called for me?" Darius was very obviously not comfortable standing before the headmaster. Or was it something else?

"Multiple reasons, actually. First, I would like you to meet someone," with this, Ozpin turned in the chair, facing one of the dark spots in the room. "Qrow, you can step out now before you drive Darius insane."

With a quiet buzz, a chrome-tinged silhouette materialized from the shadows, soon assuming the shape of a broad-shouldered man in his middle forties, clothed in a red shirt and a black sleeveless vest tied very loosely, complete with a black cape held in place by two cross-shaped clasps, reminiscent of those on Ruby's cape, but bigger. His face, however, was far more peculiar than his clothing, extravagant as it was. While the left half of it was perfectly normal, the most memorable feature being the eye of light brown color, the majority of the right one has been replaced by cybernetics, creating a surreal cyborg-esque look. A feather-shaped shade with a yellow outline was encompassing his right eye, made of some green metal, looking like it was fused into the bone. Even more unnerving, however, was the eye itself. Seemingly lost in a fight, it was replaced by a camera shaped like a gear with eight cogs facing inwards, while a four-cogged gear played the role of an iris, darting around the empty space, blue like ice. Dark hair completed the set of his features, combed back to create an impression that it was constantly blown away by the wind. With a quiet laugh, Qrow Branwen stepped out of the shade, his legs clanking similarly to Darius' boots, but much louder. How could a figure clad in so much iron stay undetected for this long? The answer to that question would only be known to Qrow himself and the few who knew the nature of his augmentations. Then, the figure spoke, his dry voice accompanied by a very subtle metallic sound:

"At least he's not completely oblivious, unlike half of this year's roster. That alone nets him a point in my book."

"Which is one of the reasons he is currently standing here. Darius, allow me to introduce Qrow Branwen. His work here involves a degree of finesse, so to speak…" Ozpin's lengthy introduction was cut short by Qrow:

"Cut it, Ozpin. There is absolutely no need to beat around the bush. I'm the school's spymaster, or, as Ozpin would put it, intelligence manager. I will be your supervisor for the duration you are employed by us, that is to say for the entirety of your training and then some. You will be undergoing your specialized training under my control and you will answer directly to me. Insubordination will not be tolerated. Am I understood?"

The headmaster rolled his eyes at the spectacle unfolding before him. He really needs to stop this show. Very few people that get to meet him actually buy it.

"Qrow is acutely aware of your persona, Darius, so I believe no introductions are necessary on this part. And please, don't be intimidated by the cold welcome. He does it to everyone we recruit. It doesn't work out all that often."

"Not if you spoil all the fun, old man," the cyborg chuckled. "You have me unearthing the dirtiest secrets of this realm and you don't even let me vent every once in a while."

"It may have something to do with you doing it at your subordinates' expense, Sir," for the first time, Darius entered the conversation, still looking at Qrow's augments with a slight disturbance, but a small smile could already be seen on his face. "If I might, Sir. I mean no offence with this, but you do realize there are implants on the market that are indistinguishable from normal flesh? I'm certain someone of your rank can afford it. Is this solely for intimidating your own workers?" the dark-haired man erupted in laughter:

"Am I hearing that from someone that cosplays Death each time he goes into battle?"

"It's standard issue…"

"Right. Where's the cape, anyways?"

"Destroyed in an unfortunate event of friendly fire," Darius paused for a moment. "Literally. How Yang managed to ignite the fire retardant cloth, I do not know. Seriously though, why?"

"What if I told you that I like the style? Besides, those implants' functionality is not limited with holding my carcass together, as you might have noticed."

"Gentlemen," Ozpin intervened before the discussion got completely derailed. "I believe we are getting distracted here." After the two nodded in acknowledgement, the headmaster continued. "Thank you. Now that we are done with the introductions, allow me to get to the debriefing. First and foremost, good job, Darius. I knew you'd understand what I wanted of you. Secondly, your performance had been extraordinary, along with everyone who had passed the initiation. Taking down a Death Stalker and a Giant Nevermore at once is no ordinary feat, even for trained Huntsmen. May I see the relic?"

With a short nod, Darius put his hand into the pocket on his side, taking out a black queen and putting it onto the table. At the sight of the piece, Qrow could not contain a hearty chuckle:

"You definitely don't lack confidence, kid. However, a queen has pawns. Who are yours going to be?

This again. He really likes his catchphrases. Ozpin glanced at the boy, who was looking none too impressed with the wisdom imparted upon him:

"If I remember the game correctly, the queen does not actually have pawns. It's the player who does. In our case, it would be Professor Ozpin," he gestured at the aforementioned professor with an opened palm. "The only difference between the two is how much sacrificing one or the other would gimp the player."

"Human lives are not to be sacrificed like chess pieces, Darius. Sometimes it is harmful to read too much into symbolism."

"Never said they should, Sir."

"Good," he turned around in his armchair and took another look at the clock. Hour before it's time to announce the teams. "Time is running short, and there is still one more thing to deal with. I assume you have not revealed your last name to your companions?"

"Of course not, Sir. They know my name, and that's about it."

"Good. Then I have an offer for you. One you can refuse, but it is difficult for me to see any rational reasons behind it." Staring Darius right in the eyes, Ozpin could see confusion in them, which he did not even try to hide. "I can introduce you under another name. You would not have to bear the burden of your family's reputation, but instead start anew. Of course, you would have to avoid sensitive questions on the topic of your upbringing and watch what you're saying, but it strikes me as a worthwhile trade. What say you?"

A question followed almost immediately:

"Introduce me under another name? Just like that? And what would become of the deal we struck?" A half-smile crossed the headmaster's lips.

"You assumed that you working for us would be the price you'd have to pay for being accepted, in addition to tuition fees, that is? It's understandable," he raised himself from the chair and turned to the window, a mug in his hand. "However, I have always viewed Beacon as a chance for redemption, among other things. The only criteria we look at when viewing a candidate's profile is their skill. We do not discriminate; whether they are rich or poor, human or Faunus, criminal past or not. The fact that you have applied yourself here shows that you are prepared to sacrifice for the good of humanity. Your history does not matter." Because in the end, all of us are a bunch of dead men walking, and Death does not look at names. "So, given this new information, what would be your answer?"

"If you want my advice, kid, I'd take it. I myself am the last person to hate on Silvas, seeing as I'm riddled with your electronics, but people are very slow to forgive and very quick to judge. You would only be making it harder on yourself. Unless you're into that sort of thing," another burst of laughter from Qrow, gone ignored by Darius. Ozpin saw him freeze in place, considering the possibilities. Common sense dictated he accepted his offer and went on with his life. However, considering the specifics of his upbringing and what he managed to dig up on him and his psyche, something told Ozpin common sense was not something Darius was using for guidance in this particular situation. He already had a friend turn away from him. Would he go through this again… for an oath? Although, all things considered, he very well might.

He saw him take out what looked like a clasp of a cape, with some lines he could not recognize from where he was sitting engraved on it, and gaze at it for a second. Putting the clasp back into the depth of his trousers, the boy looked at Ozpin again, a hint of resolution in his eyes.

"I… thank you for the offer, Sir, but I have to decline it."

"Understood. Out of curiosity: why?"

"Several reasons," he sighed, "One of them is that I intend to redeem my family's name, as you are most likely aware. You can't really do it while hiding under another one." Some would not agree with you. "Another one, more importantly, is that it just looks like an easy way out. And if there's anything I learned in the last seven years, it's that an 'easy' way out never actually makes things easier."

"Understood," he repeated himself. "If anything, I admire your dedication and I wish you luck. May the Dark shine your way." The boy raised his eyebrows in surprise, but replied:

"May she guide us unto understanding. Just how much knowledge have you lifted from that fortress?"

"Less than you would think. There is not much time left before the teams are announced. You should rejoin your companions before they notice your absence," the headmaster smirked. Sometimes, he just did not feel like giving subtle hints. With another salute, Darius turned around and was about to leave, but was stopped by Qrow's remark:

"Hey kid. I hope you're bright enough to understand that it's not necessary to let everybody know that you work for the two of us. Especially for me."

"Acknowledged." Then, the boy left the room, leaving Ozpin and Qrow alone with a creaking door.

"So. What do you think of him?" the man in the seat asked his friend, who was still staring at the door. As Branwen turned his head to the right, he began laughing yet again:

"I think the boy's a madman. I don't know how he wants to redeem his family when he himself is clearly of the same ilk that his parents and his supposed great-great grandparents were. Although he got lucky: he got placed with a bunch of people equally insane. Especially my two girls."

"Are you planning to pay them a visit anytime soon?"

"Eventually. But the little brats have been such a thorn in my side that I just want to take a break from being an uncle and just be a spymaster. It's easier."

"True," he then reopened the monitor, gazing at the only remaining pair. Or, rather, a trio.

Aside from Miss Belladonna being a Faunus, there isn't anything truly special about her, although that could definitely be useful. Yang and Darius could learn a thing a two about getting their emotions and Semblances under control. Especially Darius. Everyone here is flawed in one way or another… Maybe aside from Ren.

Noticing that Ozpin has lost himself in studying the roster, Qrow rudely intervened:

"There's one thing that's bothering me, old fool. Why would you even take him in this year? He's completely ruining all the matchups in that little experiment of yours, the point of which I still don't see. Why invite a wildcard? We're not starved for spies."

Ozpin slowly shifted his gaze onto Qrow and spoke without any amusement whatsoever, unlike his companion:

"This has long since stopped being an experiment, my friend. By this point, it's a science. Besides, I'm all for healthy competition. If he manages to garner that much sympathy with them, I won't stop him. To answer your other questions, however…" he corrected his spectacles with a finger and turned in his armchair to face the person he was talking to. "The answer to both of them is because the Huntsmen as they are won't be enough. See for yourself: in this year's initiation they had to battle two Beowolf Alphas, a King Taijitu, a Death Stalker and a Giant Nevermore, which was on the larger end of the spectrum, mind you. And I left out all the minor ones! Do you even remember the last time we ever had as large a number of Grimm during the initiation? We need a new breed of Hunters and we need the two Orders to get back into the fight. We can't hold the line alone."

"And so you selectively cross-breed students without them knowing and take in a mentally unstable revenant just to try and get support from his cult? How are you going to explain that to him in the first place and then to the rest of the school, with whom he will no doubt share the new information? Or have you forgotten about a deal you two struck?"

"I am very much aware of my promise, Qrow, and you know me better than to assume I would ever go back on any of them," he narrowed his eyes, perfectly conveying the point to the man near him. Ozpin then let out a heavy sigh and continued in a calmer voice. "Thing is, he may actually be twisted enough to understand my motives."

"Russel Thrush! Cardin Winchester! Dove Bronzewing! Sky Lark!"

Watching four boys enter the scene, Blake couldn't get rid of a feeling those were not the people to be friends with. The fact that in the two hours they had to get themselves back into shape before the ceremony the four of them already managed to pick on some Faunus girl only further confirmed her suspicions. Scum. All of them.

"The four of you retrieved the black bishop pieces. From this day forward you will work together as Team Cardinal. Led by…" the headmaster paused for dramatic effect. "… Cardin Winchester!" Even from where she was standing Blake could see a smug grin spread across the face of a boy with burnt orange hair and blue eyes, too pure and innocent in color for the attitude he was sporting. His size and very considerable bulk did not help.

Something's wrong.

She looked around, trying to locate the disturbance, but found nothing. Still, something was up in the air, and that something was not going to leave her mind in peace until she found out what that was. She shut her eyes in an attempt to slowly filter out all the outside stimuli until she understood what was driving her insane, but it was clearly not something visual. The ears soon followed, and although she could not cover her other pair of ears without blowing her cover (or without growing an additional pair of arms), her hearing was impaired enough to let her understand what was irritating her. As in most cases, it was her nose that picked up someone's scent, one of the more common traits of feline and canine Faunus. The façade may be human, but the predatory instincts remain, picking up a trail every once in a while. This one, however, differed from the scents one would normally expect, mainly through its intensity. Reminiscent of ozone, it scraped the throat, making breathing difficult and clouding the thoughts: someone was losing their mind from panic.

Slightly shaking her head to get back into the real world, Blake looked around yet again, scanning for anyone looking suspiciously nervous, but saw nothing but anticipation written on the faces of her future colleagues. Strange.

The two massive screens in the middle of the scene lit up again and Ozpin spoke, calling another group of four and shifting her focus back to the stage:

"Jaune Arc! Lie Ren! Pyrrha Nikos! Nora Valkyrie!"

As the four entered the scene, Blake couldn't contain a quiet chuckle at the sight of the orange-haired girl bouncing on her heels from excitement. At least someone's having fun here.

"The four of you retrieved the white rook pieces. From this day forward you will work together as Team Juniper. Led by…" another pause. "…Jaune Arc!"

Seeing the boy in white plating take a step back from shock, she slightly arched her brow. Seems like everyone involved is surprised… Aside from Pyrrha, maybe. She heard Jaune mutter something she could not quite understand, to which the headmaster said: "Congratulations, young man.", clearly attempting to inspire the flustered boy. However, the solemnity of the moment was completely ruined by the redhead giving Jaune what was supposed to be an encouraging nudge, but resulted in her almost knocking him over, eliciting a faint giggling across the public. Didn't say "sorry". Hm.

"Blake Belladonna! Ruby Rose! Weiss Schnee! Yang Xiao Long!"

The quartet ascended the stage, accompanied by the two screens displaying their profiles for all to see. Standing next to Weiss, Blake sighed in resignation. Lucky me, ending up with a Schnee. At least the other two seem decent enough.

"The four of you retrieved the white knight pieces. From this day forward you will work together as Team Ruby." Oh my. I wonder who's going to be leading us. "Led by… Ruby Rose!"

A barely visible half-smile appeared on her face as she watched Weiss' eyes widen to the size of a golden Lien. Looks like someone didn't get it their way. Yang, standing to her left, immediately abandoned her post and rushed by to trap her sister in a bear-like hug while Blake caught a glimpse of familiar-looking pale hair. Upon further inspection the smell of ozone returned to her nose, almost making her cough. Strange. He passed, what's there to worry about? He passed, right?

She raised her head, taking a look at one of the screens. As the portraits of the four girls vanished from display, Darius' mugshot took place instead. Just him?

"And finally, Darius Silva. Step forward."