Chapter 14 The Battle of Haven Part 1

The following day was tense as we all ate breakfast, and I could see it all on everyone's faces. While others like Ren and Weiss were less obvious and concealed their nervousness, Ruby and Jaune were more pronounced. And then others like Yang and Nora are in-between.

As for Qrow, he was leaning against the wall not too far away, watching all of us eat our meals. And as I shoved some scrambled eggs into my mouth, Ozpin spoke.

"Zack, I assume you will be informing Neopolitan later?" Oz asked as I subtly nodded my head.

Yea, I planned to inform Neo later and devise a plan with her." I internally spoke before I explained my plans. "The plan is for Neo to ambush Cinder in the midst of the battle in a surprise attack. While I doubt Neo could rival Cinder in terms of power level, thanks to her possessing the Fall Maiden's powers. Her distraction alone should be sufficient to prevent Cinder from entering the Vault with Raven."

"Are you sure Neo will go along with them?" Ozpin then pointed out as I shrugged and took another bite.

"That I do not know. It will be up to Neo to decide if she is willing to go along with my plans."

After a second or two, Ozpin continues. "What about Raven possessing the Spring maiden's powers according to your memories? Are you going to tell the others about her?" Oz then asked as I let out an internal sigh.

"They deserve to know. Even Yang. It won't be pretty, but I fully intend to tell everyone what I know and what we can expect. But, of course, that also includes Weiss's near death at the hands of Cinder."

Oz hummed in my head with interest before he spoke. "Is this why you thought of us training everyone more strenuous days back?"

"Something like that," I admitted. "I… don't want parts of what happened during the battle to go wrong. And I fully intend to capture Leo alive and not have her die by Salem's hand. He got off too easily that time and needs to pay for his crimes."

"I see… what do you intend to do with him?" Ozpin then asked as I let out a sadistic giggle.

"Well. I intend to ask Jinn with Leo with us. And if indeed we can defeat Salem permanently, he would be forced to accept that the Huntsman' lives he sent to die were all for nothing. And what better punishment for a cowardly traitor like him than to leave him alive with his sins crawling on his back until the day he dies?"

…

"That's awfully cruel of you, Arakan."

"Let's be honest here, Oz; he deserves every inch of the suffering he caused. And if he tries to run again, I'll kill him myself." I bluntly said my thoughts to Oz as I noticed everyone looking at me like I was crazy.

"What? Is there something on my face?" I asked as I watched as everyone glanced at each other before looking at me.

"If I can say it first, what was with that creepy giggle just now?" Jaune spoke first.

Oh.

"That was something I was thinking to do with a certain traitor I intend to take alive later." I admit as I eat some bacon.

"Talking to Oz about Lionheart, I presume?" Qrow asked in the background before he sipped his drink. I nodded in response before noticing that everyone's almost done eating.

"Okay, ignoring my giggle, I did earlier. It is time I explain what happened in the story, since most of us had almost finished breakfast." I spoke up as everyone's eyes were on me, and I did.

And so, in the next hour or so, I began explaining what transpired during the Battle of Haven. The main points were how the White Fang under Adam would show up and 'try' to blow it up Haven, only to be stopped by the Faunus of Menagerie led by Blake and Sun, who would show up.

As you can guess, everyone was shocked by the White Fang's intervention and their plot to blow up Haven, and that changed to hope when I mentioned that Blake would be there. Yang didn't react as much as the others since I had told her days ago; only the more observant of the group noticed it.

"Yang?" Ren suddenly asked as Yang looked confused.

"Yeah, Ren?"

"You don't appear shocked that Blake will be there tonight." Ren observed as I watched everyone turn their heads at Yang, who nonchalantly shrugged.

"Well, Zack told me about it a while back at my request."

And then everyone turned their heads to me, expecting answers about why I told Yang first. After doing a quick eye roll, I explained. "Remember when Yang joined me for morning training a few days back?" I pointed out as everyone nodded their heads. "Yea, she asked me about Blake, and I obliged and told her."

"Ohh… So that's why my sister doesn't seem so surprised." Ruby spoke as it clicked in her head.

"Yup, but we're getting distracted, people. Let me continue." I said before I continued my explanation.

I moved on to explain how Raven would be there and had temporarily made allegiance to Salem's side out of the need to protect her tribe, which was quite ironic since she ditched her blood family for a bunch of bandits. I also mention how she is the Spring maiden and, well…

Neither Yang nor Qrow reacted well, old man drank his canteen in one go, and as for Yang, her hair was on fire, making those sitting beside her understandably scoot away. And it didn't take long for both to ask questions. And the most important was how Raven got the Spring Maiden's powers.

I… have to explain that the Spring maiden used to be overseer by Leonardo, but due to the weight of her responsibilities overwhelming her, she ran away and disappeared. Then, apparently, she was discovered by the Branwen Tribe and trained by Raven personally. It did not go well, and Raven likely killed her as an act of 'mercy' and inherited the Spring Maiden's powers.

I could only remain silent, as I could tell everyone was furious at what Raven had done. But it was most prominent with blood-related to Raven as Yang looks like she's about to blow up in rage any second now while Qrow finished his canteen in one go only to realise he already did that just now.

As for Oz, he was… disappointed in Raven.

Which was a lie as I felt his furious temper brewing within me like a pressure cooker.

Ignore m- his rage, I moved on and went into detail about what happened in the battle of Haven, and I had to explain how Weiss gets mortally wounded by Cinder impaling her with her Maiden powers. Everyone was understandably shocked that Cinder nearly killed Weiss, and it was only because Jaune discovered his semblance that she still lived in the story.

Weiss looked paler than usual and shaken by the fact that she nearly died in the battle, and it took everyone, including me, to assure her that we would not let that happen since we now know to keep our guard up.

The next hour, I finished explaining the entire battle of Haven, and soon everyone asked me what happened next, but I declined to tell them just yet. Because…

Just how are we going to get the Relic of Knowledge without putting people on the line? First, it is because of Ozpin's reluctance to tell everyone that the relic attracted Grimm that caused the train disaster to happen. Then there is how it caused everyone to begin to doubt Oz.

How can we get to Argus in a week without putting other lives on the line? How? How? How can we ensure Ruby can get some help with her silver eyes, for what's her name again? Maria... Calavera? Gods… So many factors to take in!

I could feel my stress levels rising by the second when I heard Ruby's voice calling out to me in worry. "Zack?" Ruby asked as I opened my eyes to see everyone bearing a look of concern at me. "What's wrong?"

Just how am I going to explain this? With virtually nothing I could do, I let my breath out as I addressed them while rubbing my forehead. "It is something we can worry about after the battle for Haven," I explained as I stood up with my plate in hand. "Make your preparations for midnight, guys. I need to inform Neo about it."

And with that, I left the dining table as everyone glanced at each other worriedly.

With not much time left, we all spent most of the day doing our weapon maintenance checks, and I was too for Oathkeeper and my gauntlet, which I decided to give some colours, which consisted of black, white and purple. I also worked with Ruby and Yang to perform some last-minute testing to sure everything was working as intended, and it was, so that's good.

I also contacted Neo about the battle's going to happen at midnight, and it would be an understatement to say that she's eager for some payback. But I suggested to Neo my plans for her to wait until the fighting begins, then she can engage in a tasty ambush on Cinder.

Neo, surprisingly, agreed with my plans and even complimented me by calling me a devious little fox. I'm not sure how to feel about her calling me that.

Besides, it was evening, and I decided to check on my friends and see how they were doing. And the first one I went to first was Ruby.

"Hey, Ruby,"

I called out as I saw her reading her comics in the living room. Hearing me, Ruby closed her comic book and smiled at me. "Hey, Zack, do you need something?" Ruby asked as I shook my head and sat on the sofa.

"Just want to check up on everyone before the battle," I explained as Ruby's smile lessened, which I noticed. "How are you feeling now?" I then asked as I watched her scratch her hair.

"Well, nervous about the battle, I guess?" Ruby answered me as I hummed.

"Care to tell me why?"

"Well…" Ruby looked unsure how to explain it, but soon, she explained. "I'm just worried if we will make it to the end. I know that your knowledge is limited and could be unreliable, but I'm just wondering why you're putting in so much effort to help us?" It took a split second for Ruby to realise how she said sounded like she was accusing me.

"Oh! I didn't mean-" I raised my hand, and a titter left my lips.

"Well… to answer your worry, Ruby. I get it. I keep thinking of the ifs and whats of what I'm doing is right and the potential consequences that may happen, thanks to my intervention. But I realised that if I keep on worrying about everything is pointless in the long run, even if they are justifiable." I paused for a moment.

"Because I learned that as long as you do your best, you can live a life without regrets." Letting out a sigh, I contintued "We've been training hard for the past few weeks, and this midnight will be a test to see if we've done enough, Ruby."

"Yeah… I guess so…" Ruby whispered as seconds passed.

"As for why I put in my all to help you?" I spoke again as Ruby's sliver eyes looked into my golden-yellow eyes.

"It's simple really. I cared for everyone before I met everyone for the first time a month back, and even more now since I got to know you all better. Unfortunately, that and the future I see back on Earth is bleak, and I want to prevent more tragedy from happening to everyone."

I explained as silence overtook us momentarily. My voice was barely a whisper when I spoke again. "I've grown to love the time I spent with everyone here, and I intend to make the best I can with the remaining time I have left." My eyes closed as I took a deep breath, as Ruby remained silent.

"I don't want to go, and I got a life ahead of me," I admit. "But at this point, I accept that it will be inevitable that I will become part of Ozpin. It may take months or even years. But ultimately, I'm fated to become all but memories to Oz." I murmured as Ruby suddenly hugged me, while my eyes widened at the sudden action.

"Zack… We will find a way to stop that from happening when we defeat Salem." Ruby's voice cracked as she whispered, while my cheeks turned to a shade of red. In a second, I wiped off the blushes on my cheeks as I reciprocated Ruby's hug.

"That I do not know, Ruby. But I appreciate the effort to help me. But unless you have the powers of a God or something along those lines, I doubt any of us can do anything about it." I whispered as I gently brushed her hair. "Do not burden yourself with something you cannot resolve, Ruby. You would only destroy yourself with it. Let us focus on the present and do our best to end this war."

Ruby slowly broke her hug from me, and I saw tears in her eyes.

Great job, Zack. You made a girl cry. Are you proud of yourself?

"I'm so sorry." I suddenly heard Ozpin apologising in my head as a slight frown grew on my face.

"The same goes for you, Oz. You are not to blame for what's happening. The brothers are at fault for forcing this reincarnation into a host thing. Which is honestly pretty stupid if you were to think about it."

I told Ozpin before returning my attention to Ruby. "Ruby, I'm not asking you not to cry for my sake, and you have a good heart that I won't deny. But while I am still me, I fully intend to live life to the fullest. Could you please do the same for me?" I softly asked Ruby as a smile grew as she wiped her tears.

"Yeah. I can." Ruby smiled as her eyes showed again.

"Good. I'm going to go check on the others, alright?" Then I said as Ruby nodded before I stood up and left. But as I stood and left to check on the others, I was unaware that we were watched by none other than Yang herself.

And once I'd entirely left the scene, Yang stepped in. "What was that, Ruby?" Yang asked as Ruby squeaked.

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After checking on Ruby, I wandered around for a bit until I came across Weiss, who was in her room performing maintenance checks on Myrtenaster. Yet, I could tell she was still troubled heavily by what I told everyone earlier this morning.

"Hey Weiss, you doing okay?" I asked her through behind the door after peaking in.

"Yes, I am, Zack. What can I do for you?" Weiss asked as she placed a piece of Myrtenaster on a cloth while I walked into the room.

"Just wanna check on everyone before the battle, I did it with Ruby, and now you are next," I said as I shuffled and sat on the floor next to Weiss as she hummed before resuming her maintenance check.

"I see… There's no need for you to check on me." Weiss explained, as I remained unconvinced.

The silence that went past between the two of us ended up making me let out a soft sigh. "I wish you were, but I can tell you're still troubled by all I said."

What I said made Weiss pause momentarily as her hand was about to grab a piece of Myrtenaster. "But are you sure you are Weiss? You know we are here if you need to talk, yeah?" I continued as I watched Weiss close her eyes for a moment.

"I doubt I'm that obvious, am I?" Weiss asks me, as I respond by shaking my head.

"Not really. It seems logical for anyone to be unnerved if they just learned that in the future on how they would receive a mortal wound that nearly kills them." I explained as Weiss let out a small snort.

"I suppose you have your moments." Weiss's praise made me feel a bit of heat on my cheeks as she continued. "But now, only if you were to apply it to how you sometimes fight, then perhaps you would perform better."

Wha?! Hey! Not cool!

Must you mix your compliments with subtle insults? Weiss must have noticed the indignant look on my face as she started giggling at my expense, as my tail also began to wag agitatedly.

"I really do mean that you have your moments," Weiss explained as she did her best to stop her giggles. And once she was done with it at my expense, Weiss continued. "But yes, Zack, it has been bothering me sometime after morning."

"Do you wish to talk about it? That might get it off your chest." I suggest as Weiss ponder that thought briefly before nodding her head with a gentle smile.

"Sure. If nothing else, it should pass the time."

For the next half an hour, I spent talking to Weiss and doing my best to assure her that her worries were justified. It has not come to pass, and it may not even happen. It worked, and Weiss's mood had a notable improvement compared to earlier.

But all this talking made me wonder if I should tell her we're returning to Atlas after the battle for Haven. Eh, I'll let her know later.

The next few hours passed quickly as I checked on everyone to see how they were doing, and all expressed their nervousness as Ruby and Weiss did. I got where they were coming from and explained that I was getting restless for the battle as the hours passed. After all, this will be my first major fight against other living people in actual combat.

And it will be unlike spars as I did with my friends over the past month. This time, it will be for real, and the potential to see me severely wounded or dead if I'm not careful. And then there is Hazel. The moment he got word that Ozpin's inside of me in the midst of the battle, he would ignore everything to attack me specifically.

And that comes into conflict with my intention to 'save' Lionheart from Salem so he could suffer from his sins. So perhaps I should just knock him out and stuff him into a locker or something before Hazel catches up to me and tries to wring my neck.

That might work if I were to do it fast enough.

"Okay, what's next…" I wondered in my thoughts in my room as we only had an hour before midnight, and I was in the midst of ensuring I had every single part of my gear, from Oathkeeper to my gauntlets.

Yet, while tightening the straps on my arms and legs, I heard the door open as Qrow walked in, looking relatively sober. "Yo, Zack, I need to talk to you for a moment." Then, I heard Ruby's uncle call me out as I turned to face him.

"Yea, Qrow? Need something?" I asked before noticing that he was glaring at me. Uhm… what's with that look? Did I do something wrong?

"A little blond bird told me you've been getting a little too friendly with a certain red rose. So, what's up with that?" Qrow asked as I felt my legs lock in place.

Oh, fuck.

Was Yang watching Ruby and me having an emotional talk earlier? How did I not hear her heartbeat? "I… uh… at the time, I just wanted to check with everyone before the battle at midnight and uh… W-we talk a bit of the coming battle, and it g-got a bit emotional and stuff."

Fuck I'm stuttering!

Qrow stared straight into my eyes for a minute with his red orbs as I began to shift around nervously. I am not ready to deal with an overprotective Qrow right now! And all this fear is noticeably fluffed up my tail as well!

As to rub it in that I got myself into this situation, and I swore I heard Ozpin whispering to me that I was on my own, and he had no part in it.

Asshole.

I timidly watched as Qrow soon broke eye contact as he took out his canteen to drink before sitting on his bed. "Mm. Well, kid, I believe you for now, but it's not over yet."

Oh, thank god.

I ended up letting out a sigh of relief as Qrow continued. "I just want to check with ya if you're ready for later. We're going to leave soon."

"Tell everyone that they are to pretend they are unaware of what Leon's up to," I said as I tightened the last strap on my arm. "And leave him for me to deal with personally. I have some catharsis I wish to release on that traitor."

Qrow lets out an amused chuckle. "Really now? You must hate him this much, don't you?" I watched as Qrow kept his canteen as I joined in and laughed.

"Oh, trust me, I have no tolerance for traitors, and I'm sure others like me want to have a piece of him." I grinned as I looked at the shattered moon in the night sky and back at Qrow. "But we're done here. I will text Neo to get ready to meet at Haven for our ambush. To help ensure everyone's ready, I'll be waiting for you outside."

I explained as I walked over to the edge of my window, while Qrow raised an eyebrow at what I was doing. "Kid, what are you doing?"

"See ya outside!" I saluted Qrow as I leaned back and fell out of my window, yet I immediately twisted my body so I could land on my feet.

Heh. Who says only cats land on their feet?

And once I landed on the ground, I began walking off as I murmured to myself. "It's time we get this show on the road."

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Much later, once everyone gathered outside our home and left towards Haven. And once we reached just outside the building, Leo would be in before I spoke up with a determined look. "As we agreed earlier, pretend that we don't know what they're planning and watch out for anything that seems off. I pray that none of us will get the doughnut treatment."

They understandably did not get what I was referring to or were caught off guard by what I said as everyone paused and stared at me before Ruby was the first to voice her confusion.

"The what treatment?"

As for Ozpin, I could hear him humming with interest. "Hmm… I see what you are referring to. What truly fascinating shows your world has to offer."

"Trust me, Oz, and it can get even more bizarre if you start from the very beginning. The series is great. I recommend you watch it through my memories." I can't believe I'm encouraging Ozpin to watch JoJo in my head when we have the time. Ah, whatever. Even thousands-year-old wizards need new entertainment.

"Getting impaled by Cinder's Maiden powers, I mean." I coughed into my hand. "The doughnut joke came from a show where the author from my world has a habit of having characters getting holes punched through their chests. Hence, the doughnut jokes." I deadpanned as I watched everyone blink at me silently before Yang blurted out.

"You, now you make me curious about what kinds of stuff you people on Earth watch."

"I just chuckled at what Yang said. "Perhaps I could tell you, guys, about it another time. And besides, Ozpin practically gets free Earth entertainment in my head."

"So, Zack?" Jaune then called me as I gestured for him to continue. "Where's Neo?"

Neo appeared behind me as if by command, as she rested her hands on my shoulder. "I asked her to wait for us at Haven, but she said she's going to stalk us again." I deadpanned as Neo peeked behind me and giggled silently before vanishing into pink glass shards.

"She will be waiting inside for the right time before she goes wild on Cinder," I explained as I glanced at the building Lionheart was inside. "So, I recommend you don't get in her way." I got nods as we continued towards the building, as Qrow took the lead.

As we arrived at the door, Qrow looked at us as we all nodded at him that we were ready for the challenge that stood before us. Then, with a go, Qrow opened the door as my friends and I walked in with our guard up while, at the same time, I lingered behind everyone with my hood up.

Once we were in, I could see Leonardo standing on a terrace at the top of the stairs, held up by a statue of Jinn. Honestly, I'm surprised no one questions the figure of Jinn there. But I guess everyone assumed it was just decoration. That made me wonder where Ozpin hid the Relic of Choice.

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Leo speaking nervously. Way to make yourself look sussy as fuck, Leo.

"Why hello. Thank you for... coming. There... seems to be more of you than last time." Leo greeted all of us as he let out a nervous chuckle before we all stopped as Qrow spoke first.

"Eh, you know what they say, "The more, the merrier". So, what's going on with the council?" I could tell that Qrow was barely controlling his emotions, and the same could be said about my friends.

"Why... did you bring your weapons?" Leo then tries to dodge the question entirely, only for Qrow to call him out.

"What? Leo, this is all we got left. And we're Huntsman, kinda comes with the job. You okay up there?" I subtly glanced at Qrow, raising an eyebrow as I noticed everyone else started to tense up. Good thing Qrow at least stuck somewhat the same to the plot.

"Of course! Of course, sorry. Just haven't had my evening coffee." Lionheart says, as I could tell that nobody's buying his nonsense.

Neither am I.

"Leon… What did Salem do to you?" Ozpin murmured in disappointment. "You used to be much braver than who you are now…"

"Look, it's nice to see you, but we got work to do. Are we getting support from the council or not?" Qrow asked as I watched his hand slowly reach for Harbinger on his back. I also noticed that my friends were glancing around and at each other. Their hands also slowly crept towards the weapons on their back or hips.

I soon heard Yang mutter when she spotted Raven in her corvid form. But her tone wasn't like the show, for Yang's voice I picked up was angrier than before, and I can't blame her.

"Mom…" Our eyes soon found it locked onto Raven as Qrow, without hesitation, pulled out Harbinger before changing it into a shotgun and firing it at Raven. However, the shot missed Raven as we watched her fly down and behind Leon.

And soon, Raven emerges behind Leon with her mask on. I know this is the first time I've seen Raven, but I can't help but stare at her as she removes her mask. And Yang does look like her. Except, Yang gives a damn about her family, unlike her.

"Raven Branwen… so this is how you look like…" I murmured to myself as everyone tensed up as Raven spoke.

"If you're going to shoot me, shoot me. That was insulting." Raven spoke up as I whispered to Qrow.

"You did aim to hit her, right, Qrow?"

Qrow gritted his teeth as he turned to me. "I did. But aiming a small bird with a shotgun at this distance is a pain in the ass to hit." Qrow then faces his sister. "The hell are you doing here?" Qrow asked as I'm glad that everyone's playing dumb.

"I could ask you the same thing. You've been scheming, little brother. Planning to attack your own sister." Raven monologued as she walked down the stairs, while I looked at my gauntlet and subtly activated its shield mode.

"Leo... You sold us out. Why?" Qrow continued as I could tell that everyone was on high alert.

"I…"

"Leo did what any sane person would in his position - he looked at all the information he had in front of him, assessed the situation, and made a choice. And it seems you all have too." Raven explained as Qrow quickly retorted with a growl.

"And you too…" Qrow growled as my eyes narrowed down on Raven.

Just try and have Cinder shoot a fireball at Ruby.

Qrow's response made Raven let out a grunt. "Yes, I do, little brother… And I have Spring Maiden with me."

"I doubt you'll hand her over willing, will you?" Qrow asks, as Raven immediately retorts.

"No. All that time spent spying for Ozpin, and you still have no idea what you're dealing with. There is no beating Salem!" Raven yells out as I begin to walk forward, much to my friend's shock.

Okay, I'm getting sick of all this talking.

Weiss was the first to notice me moving as she called me out. "Zack, what are you-"

"Let me deal with this nonsense." I explained as I rested my hands on Qrow while glaring straight at Raven,

"And you think having the maiden powers in your hands will shelter you from Salem? Because the way I see it, Salem will send her agents after your tribe to retrieve her. And put everyone you 'care' at risk. Assuming you have anyone who gives a damn about you." I sneered at Raven as a frown grew on her face.

"Kid, what the hell are you doing?" Qrow questioned me as I raised my hand to stop him from talking. Next, however, the next thing Raven said was something that caught all of us off guard.

"And you must be the mysterious Faunus Huntsman, whose been making news recently over your abnormality."

What the hell?!

Did Leon tell them about me? If so, that means that my identity is compromised. Is Salem aware that I'm Oz's host?

No… I don't think so. Not yet, at least.

Taking a glance at my Qrow and my friends, they all reacted as I did as I faced Raven again and wiped any emotion from my face. "So what? Salem can be beaten. We just need to find a way, and you're just too much of a coward to face the truth!" I point my finger straight at Raven, who rolls her eyes.

"For someone so mysterious, you're proved to be nothing but a foolish brat. Salem cannot be defeated!" Raven spat as she drew Omen and created a portal with her Semblance. And as I predicted, a fireball soon came out and headed straight for Ruby.

Only for me to step in front and deflect it with my shield and away from Ruby, and I helpfully send it back into the portal and at Cinder, who had just emerged out of the portal when it hit her square in the face!

Ha! Sucker!

"Who did that?!" Cinder roared as she stepped out of the portal alongside Emerald, Mercury and Vernal. Her hair was slightly scorched by the fireball hitting her in the face.

And she looked so livid that someone sent her fireball back into her face! All the while, my friends and I had to shut ourselves out before we burst out laughing at Cinder's expense. Even more so when Raven looked impressed and amused at what she'd seen.

Cinder bitch glared at us as I heard Ruby and Yang growling at the sight of Mercury and Emerald. And as I predicted, the door behind us opened as Hazel walked in.

"Right on schedule."

"I wouldn't say Mr Rainart's appearance is a good thing for us, Arakan." Ozpin whispered as I subtly nodded before Hazel announced in a deep gruff voice.

"The White Fang is prepping demolition and securing the school grounds. No one's getting in, and no one's getting out."

As for me, I decided to have some fun with the overall situation. "Oh my! It appears we're walking into a trap, my fellow friends!" I dramatically announced, as the villains looked at me as if I had lost my damn mind. "Oh, what will we ever do?!" I brought my hands to my face as everyone stared at me.

"What the hell is his problem?" I heard Mercury wondered out, as even Leon had a confused look on his face. As for Cinder and Raven, they look annoyed at the shenanigans I pulled off.

"Zack…" Ren called me out, worryingly.

"Zack?" Yang was next. "What are you doing?"

"Oi kid?" Qrow asked as he worriedly looked at me.

"Arakan, what are you planning?" Ozpin spoke in my mind as I couldn't help but grin.

"Ah, I'm sorry for that, but I think you had it all wrong," I said aloud as I grinned and looked towards my friends, and with a nod, they understood what I meant.

It's time to strike.

"We're not locked in with you, you see…" I announced to everyone as I drew Oathkeeper. "You're locked in here with us! Everyone attack now!" I ordered out as we all drew our weapons and charged at our respective opponents we talked about earlier.

And as we moved in to engage, Neo popped in behind Cinder with her semblance and stabbed Cinder right in the back as she screamed in pain from the sudden and literal backstab, all while Mercury and Emerald could only gasp with surprise at Neo's sudden attack.

"Just as planned!" I grinned with glee as I used my grapple hooks to get close to that Lionheart coward.

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As I swung over the battle, I saw what we agreed to happen. With Neo distracting Cinder with their duel, I had requested Jaune to assist Weiss and ensure that if she tries to use her semblance to summon some additional help, Vernal won't be able to interrupt Weiss at all. Meanwhile, Qrow, Ruby and Yang fought their opponents just like canon, and the same can be said for Ren and Nora.

And good thing I started the fight earlier than expected; that would stop Jaune from going out of control from grief and allow us to coordinate the battle. I'll leave the rest to you guys.

As for me, I got an appointment with a certain cowardly headmaster.

I watched Lionheart take several steps back away as I landed right in front of him with Oathkeeper in hand. And as I stood back up after performing a dramatic entry, Lionheart readied himself with his weapon as he pointed his what I could tell was a wrist-mounted shield.

"Young man, I don't know who you are or what you think you're doing, but I suggest you leave for your sake. Now." Leon made his demands clear, as I could see that he switched to using fire dust. As for me, I just point my Dust Thrower directly at Leon's face.

"You're not in the position to bargain after all the lives you sent to their deaths." I sneered while bringing down my hood. Yet, Leon's expression caught me off guard as his shoulders slackened.

"An Arakan? What's an Arakan doing here?" Leon mumbled in shock as I stared at him.

…

Uhh… what? Did he just say Arakan? What's so special about my surname?

"Clearly, you know something I don't, Leon…" I growled before I began walking, and that snapped Leon out of his shock as he quickly conjured a flaming rock and launched it at my face. Then, with Oathkeeper, I deflected Leon's attack before I saw his eyes widen in shock and fear at how fast I deflected his attack.

"How are you even here?! The last of the Arakan bloodline was last seen centuries ago!" Leon cried out in a panic as I rapidly closed the distance. Wondering what Leon meant by that.

I then ask Oz while still charging at Leon. "Oz? Do you have any idea what he's talking about?

"Unfortunately, I do not. But I suspect your hair colour might be the key, seeing how he reacted." I could feel Ozpin shrugging before he spoke again. "Zack, when able, do let me speak to him."

"Got it." I discreetly nod as I wind up a punch and strike Leon in the gut before whacking him on the back with Oathkeeper, making him kiss the ground hard.

"I would interrogate you about my 'bloodline', further as you called it right now," I explained as I sheathed Oathkeeper while pulling out Oz's cane. "But I have someone here who wishes to speak with you." I spat before I let Oz take control, while Leon looks up to Ozpin slamming his cane right in front of his face.

And now, in the passenger's seat in my own body, I silently watch Leon's eyes widen upon witnessing the familiar cane in my hands as Ozpin stared at Leon with disappointment and a hint of rage.

"What happened to you, Leonardo? What changed?" Ozpin asked as his and my voice echoed together as Leon muttered upon regaining his composure.

"O-Ozpin? You're here in this boy so soon? How did you reincarnate so quickly? And how did you find yourself in an Arakan? They should have been extinct." Leon could only question more as I spoke in Ozpin's head.

"Oz, we need Leon captured and alive. I can subdue him with the zip cuffs I brought."

Also, what was that about my people with my surname being extinct? What the hell does he mean by that?

"I understand." Ozpin mentally told me as he used his cane and hit Leon on the side of his head, which knocked him out, and he collapsed onto the terrace we were on. And as quickly as he came, Oz handed control of my body back to me as I knelt and began using the zip cuffs on his arms and legs.

And once Leon was all tied up and subdued, I hanged him over my shoulder and used my grappling hook to get him somewhere where we could secure him. And the battle so far appears to be indecisive. But Neo's rapidly losing ground against Cinder, and so are Nora and Ren. Jaune and Weiss are actually winning the fight against Vernal, while Ruby and Yang are in a stalemate.

As I flew over everyone fighting below, a fireball came out of nowhere and incinerated my hook! I could only watch with alarm as the cords I used began to burn for a second before snapping from my weight!

"Oh, this isn't good." I thought to myself as I began plummeting into the middle of the fight with Leon over my shoulder.

I soon crashed onto the ground with Leon as I heard my friends call me out while I tumbled for a bit. "I'm good, guys! Keep fighting!" I called out as I pushed myself off the ground to see Cinder staring at me as Qrow and Raven duke it out behind.

Where's Neo?

"To think you managed to convince Neo to side with you…" Cinder snarled as she formed a sword in her hand. Just. My. Luck. I get to duke it out with the Fall Maiden herself, which will not end well for me.

"To be fair, you're not so good at keeping allies alive or on your side, are you?" I said as I drew Oathkeeper and got into my stance when Neo suddenly appeared beside me, looking pretty roughed up.

"As if you're any better, brat. You can't win against me! I have the Fall Maiden's powers!" Cinder boasted as I glanced at Neo and an unconscious Leon beside me.

"Neo, take Leon and get him to the corner of the building. I have plans for him, and I'll keep Cinder busy. Use the time to refresh and recover some of your aura, and then you can continue fighting her."

I explained as Neo stared at me momentarily before nodding as she rushed to Leon's side and dragged the unconscious Headmaster of Haven to the corner. Then, with Leon out of the picture and away from anything that could kill him, my eyes turned to Cinder, who acts like a predator looming over prey.

I may be scared fighting against her knowing her powers, but I'm a prey that fights back when you put me in the corner!

"Yea. But unlike those before me, I rather die standing on my feet. So, bring it, Cinder bitch!" Cinder scowled at my insult and refusal to go down as we charged at each other. "Ozpin, If I'm in trouble, we'll switch!"

"Understood, but do be careful with her. I prefer not getting reduced to ash twice in but a couple of months." Oz cautioned me, I got what he was referring to.

"Got it!" And I began my dance with Cinder began as we traded sword attacks against each other. In addition, during my fight against Cinder, I had to enhance Oathkeeper with much of my aura so it won't shatter as it constantly clashed against her sword.

And our fight lasted for a while before another clash of our blades sent us skiing back.

"Tch. You're a stubborn one." Cinder sneered as I rolled my eyes at her.

"What do you expect me to do? Lie down and wait for you to take my life?" I countered as a frown grew on Cinder's face as she ignited her sword, as I breathed heavily.

Oh, no.

She must have decided to take me more seriously this time. "Well then, perhaps you are not as pathetic as you look. But I won't let you stop me from taking what's mine." Cinder uttered as I used Ice Dust on Oathkeeper, and soon, a layer of ice began coating my sword as I stared at Cinder.

With our battle cries, Cinder and I charged again at each other with our weapons drawn, when I suddenly heard Ruby screaming.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Ruby cried out as bright light quickly engulfed the area everyone was fighting in, but it died down quickly when Ruby was knocked unconscious by Emerald.

Shit! I have forgotten about Ruby's trauma over Pyrrha's death!

"Ruby!" I couldn't help but call out as I turned my attention back on Cinder, who fell to her knees and held on to her arm in pain. "Now my chance!" My thoughts ran as I dashed in and swung Oathkeeper full force into Cinder.

Cinder only had enough time to look up just in time for my sword to strike her directly in the head and send the Fall Maiden flying back.

"Cinder!" Emerald cried out as Ozpin just about yelled in my head.

"Zack! On your left!" My eyes widened as I brought my shield just in time to parry Emerald's attack aimed at my head. And man, is she pissed! I mean, the furious kind of pissed.

"You will not harm her when I'm around!" Emerald screamed as she attacked me with her weapons while I defended myself against her onslaught.

"Such loyalty is to be admired, Emerald," I spoke before parrying her attack and sending a wave of ice dust through my Dust Thrower at Emerald, who jumped aside. "Unfortunately, you pledged your loyalty to someone who doesn't give a damn about you and sees you as nothing but a tool to be used and disposed of."

Yet, despite the truth I spoke, Emerald did not listen to my words as she angrily retorted. "You don't know her! Cinder saved me when no one else would! I owe it to her!" But before both of us could continue fighting…

"You…" I felt a shiver crawling down my spine as both Emerald, and I turned to see Cinder back on her feet. And she is furious, as I could see her using her Maiden powers. Perhaps in hindsight, I shouldn't have hit Cinder at all…

Now she really looks like she wants me dead.

"Did you think you actually had a chance against me?! You?! A pathetic brat that got lucky hit! That's what you are!" Cinder roared as she suddenly used her maiden powers to appear before me with her hand on my throat!

"Shit!" I cursed out in my head as my hands shot up to my neck to pry Cinder's hand off me as Oathkeeper rattled upon impact with the floor.

"Zack!" I heard my friends crying out again as, from the corner of my eyes, I could see several of my friends trying to reach me, only for Cinder's allies to intercept them.

Can't… breath… Cinder brought her Grimm hand around my neck as she tightened her grip around my throat! And starting to get hot! She's trying to turn me into ash!

I'm going… to… pass out soon…

"Zack! Let me fight in your stead! You've done enough for now!" Ozpin's voice was barely a whisper in my mind as everything started turning blank…

"Do… it!" I yelled out in my mind as I felt Ozpin taking over.

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The only warning that Cinder got that something was immediately off was when Zack's eyes suddenly glowed green before feeling a foot smashing into her face as it sent her recoiling back as she dropped Zack onto the ground before he began hacking and coughing for air. She also noticed the brat's violet lines on his jacket suddenly faded before glowing green.

Ozpin, now controlling Zack's body, stood up and took out his cane, which Cinder noticed and recognised. "Ozpin…" Cinder angrily gritted her teeth. "You've reincarnated."

"Do not think this battle will go like last time. Ms Fall." Ozpin frowned as he still had a hand rubbing his neck. "Nor do I appreciate you trying to kill my host." Ozpin added as he knelt to pick up Zack's sword off the floor and sheathed it.

Yet, Cinder glances at Hazel, still fighting against Ren and Nora. Then, with a sly smirk, Cinder announced just so everyone could hear her. "Is that so, Ozpin? I now wield the full power of the Fall maiden. What's stopping me from reducing you into ashes again, as I did before?"

Silence quickly overtook the room before I heard Yang muttering.

"Uh oh." Yang's eyes widened as she turned to Hazel, who was about to explode, metaphorically.

"Well, guess the fox's out of the bag now…" Qrow muttered as he continued fighting his twin sister.

"Not good!" Nora exclaimed as she and Ren nodded and tried to distract Hazel.

"Ah, fuck. Hazel will definitely hear that." Zack cursed in his head as Ozpin's eyes went wide. "We might need to fight him instead and leave Cinder to Neo or something."

"OZPIN!" Ozpin turned to see an enraged Hazel running towards him with electric Dust embedded in his arms, only for Nora and Ren to intercept him.

"Well, that didn't take long. Though we had a few more seconds to react." Zack murmured in his head as Ozpin could only agree.

"I concur. Leave this fight to me. You have no part to play in it."

"You are aware that you are using my body, right?" Zack then points out as Cinder is about to slip away when Neo appears and tries to stab Cinder in the gut, only for the Fall maiden to dodge it.

"You should have never joined them, Neo." Cinder hissed while Neo just glared with Hush pointed at the Fall Maiden. "Emerald, go get Leo so he can open the path to the vault while I deal with this traitor." Cinder ordered, as Emerald nodded before running off, while Neo frowned before engaging Cinder again.

Meanwhile, at the same time, Ozpin clashes with Hazel, who spouts out words of hate as Ozpin uses his cane to whack or stab Hazel. However, due to his semblance, Hazel ignores the pain from Ozpin and the electric Dust piercing into his skin.

And there were cases in which Hazel land's a haymaker that launched Ozpin back. "Tell him, Ozpin! Tell him how you KILLED HER!" Hazel roared as he sent a volley of haymakers directly at Ozpin, who easily dodged out of the way as Nora tried to hit Hazel with Magnhild.

But Hazel saw her coming as he grabbed Nora by the arms and threw her aside.

"Nora!" Ren cried out as he rushed over to her, while Ozpin sadly nodded.

"He is fully aware of what happened, Mr Rainart. Mr Arakan offers his condones for your loss. But he will not stand idly by while you try to kill him." Ozpin sorrowfully responds as he looks at his students struggling to fight on.

"Then he can forgive me for what I'm about to do." Hazel angrily approaches Ozpin, who furrows his eyes. "I see… very well then, Zack." Ozpin muttered as Zack regained control of his body and quickly drew Oathkeeper.

"No, I don't, Hazel. I wouldn't just stand back and watch you try to kill me for Ozpin's mistakes." Zack deadpanned.

"Why would you let him hide behind you? He puts children like you in harm's way! How much more must die for him?!" Hazel roared again as Zack let out a sigh.

"I agree with you on that department." Zack stares as he gets into his stance with both Long Memory and Oathkeeper in hand. "However, I disagree with your willingness to kill whoever becomes Ozpin's host. If a baby becomes Ozpin's new host, will you kill him?" Zack challenged.

"YES! I have vowed to kill Ozpin over and over again! He must pay!" Hazel just about started yelling again as Zack let out a resigned sigh.

"Very well then. You made your choice, Hazel, and I will make mine." Zack allowed Ozpin to take over and spoke.

"Students, do not interfere in this fight. Help the others. Hazel is ours to deal with together."

And so, Ozpin charged in, and the fight between an immortal Wizard and an angry boi resumed. Though in the midst of the battle, Ozpin would, for a second, allow Zack to regain control so he could get his hits with Oathkeeper before switching back. Overall, the fight between Hazel and Ozpin lasted for minutes straight.

And it was during this time that Cinder managed to land a devastating blow strong enough that knock Neo unconscious before she then turned around to see Hazel landing a powerful haymaker that managed to shatter the brat's violet aura while he was in the process of a switch attack between himself and Ozpin.

Then, seeing the opportunity to kill that brat that refused to die and Ozpin again, Cinder smiled in glee as she conjured an obsidian spear and took aim.

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Zack's POV

Man, did that hurt! People weren't kidding that Hazel is the definition of too angry to stop. No matter what, Ozpin and I hit him. Hazel shrugs it off like it's nothing! The only good thing is that we're elusive enough to avoid most of his punches.

Even then, a single punch of his is all he needs, and I can say they really hurt! And the recent punch I received shattered what remaining aura I had!

Letting out a pained groan, I began to slowly push myself off the ground when I heard Ozpin call out to me in such a panicked tone. "Behind you!"

I immediately turned around with my shield out, only to feel something hitting and impaling my chest!

"What… the?" I was having difficulty speaking as I began coughing blood into my hand. Then, to my shock, I felt a sharp pain in my chest and glanced down to see an obsidian spear piercing through where my right lung would be at.

"No!" I heard Qrow crying out before Raven landed a hit that sent the veteran Huntsmen flying into a wall.

I could only remain in shock at what happened as my grip on Oathkeeper wavered, and soon it clattered onto the ground. And everything's starting to get blurry. Cinder's spear dissipated as blood poured out my gaping wound, while I began coughing out more of my blood.

"Oz…" I gasped as my head slowly turned to see everyone's shocked expressions. Most of my friend's eyes… I could barely see them, but all were horrified about what had happened. I should have seen it coming.

Ha… hah. How Ironic… isn't it? I tried to stop it, but it happened to me instead of no one…

Ruby's reaction was the worst since she had recently regained consciousness after Emerald knocked her out, only to see me get impaled. Her tears glistened in her sliver eyes onto her fair-skinned face. I'm so sorry I made you experience it again, Ruby.

Even Hazel looked shocked that Cinder was so willing to kill-steal him.

"Zack… If you can hear me... Cinder's spear hit our lung… We're not going to make it… We need Jaune's help. his semblance… to survive…" Ozpin's voice echoed as I felt the strength in my legs giving out as I collapsed onto my knees.

"I'm sorry… for failing you… Ozpin…" I muttered while still in shock.

I don't want to die now… Not yet…

"I should have… seen this coming…" I felt despair overtake my mind. Everything was going somewhat as planned. I messed up somewhere, didn't I? If not, why did Cinder decide to impale me instead? 

I glanced at the Dust Launcher on my arm and had an idea. If I am going out of commission for some time, then let me aid my friends with what I can do. They… They will need it.

I gasped for life as I pulled out an electric Dust vial and shakily inserted it into my Dust Launcher. Yet, as I reloaded my Launcher, I felt the last of my strength give out as I collapsed onto my hand. "No… I must… keep going… almost there…" I murmured to myself before coughing out more blood from my lungs as I barely managed to lift my arm and point my Dust launcher at Nora. I could barely hear gasps of muffled shock as I gritted my teeth and fired a bolt of electricity at Nora.

And once I did that, my eyes turned towards Cinder, still smirking at my imminent death. Then, with one final glare of defiance, I felt my body giving out on me as I collapsed sideways, as everything became a blurry mess.

"Cinder… damn… you…" I began to mutter as my mind was delirious before everything went to hell. I… I could see an outline of Jaune running straight for me. Then, as I slowly felt myself losing consciousness and blacking out, But much to my ludicrous surprise, I saw a familiar woman in a white cloak and a purple-black skin woman with pink hair materialised before me.

AWOR?

What… are you… doing here?

Their eyes watched me with concern before they looked at each other and talked about something. I couldn't hear them, as everything was muffled to me at this point. The next thing I knew, everything began to fade to black as the woman next to AWOR knelt before me and rested her shattered palm on my chest as I fell unconscious from blood loss.

But the warm feeling I felt as she touched me was…

Soothing.

And I found myself slipping into the abyss.