Destiny No More

Chapter 13

Ozpin remained silent, all signs of what he might be thinking having slipped from his face leaving a perfectly neutral expression that left Pyrrha feeling more and more anxious as she told him the truth.

"I don't know how, but..." She paused for a moment, struggling to speak. "He brought me back."

Pyrrha waited as patiently as she could, knowing what she had said was insane, had she not lived it herself she would have said as much. Ozpin knew things however, he knew more than anyone alive just how crazy their lives had become. If anyone would understand, it would be him.

And yet he remained silent. As the seconds grew Pyrrha's awkward feeling did as well, looking down towards the floor in shame. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more."

"I understand now," Ozpin finally spoke. "what Qrow meant when he said something was different. You don't carry yourself as Amber did, and I am inclined to believe that you are not her..." Pyrrha dared to hope. "Your other claims however..."

"I know how it sounds!" Pyrrha croaked, her throat burning in response to the sudden volume. "I'm not lying!"

"I do not believe you are."

"I'm not crazy either!" Pyrrha breathed deeply, struggling to calm herself as she lashed out. "I know what I saw, a-and I know that I... that I..."

"Died?" Ozpin finished for her. For the first time since she had started speaking his neutral expression cracked and the slightest bit of sympathy appeared though it. "Am... Miss Nikos, I do not believe you mad, nor that you are lying." the Headmaster sighed, stepping further into the room. "I have seen many things throughout my years, but never a claim such as this. I would ask for your patience as I attempt to understand."

Pyrrha nodded her head softly. "I-I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to raise my voice." She rubbed her throat at the thought.

"If what you claim is true..." He paused, for the first time she could remember he seemed to struggle for his words. "There are things in this world beyond our understanding, beyond even Magic and the Maidens that wield it. Beings that wielded incredible power and once ruled over all creation, The Brothers."

Pyrrha listened carefully, unsure of what to say or think as he went on.

"The former gods are gone now, they have been for millennia, but their power is still felt in the world if one knows how to listen." He turned to face her. "That power still resides in you, or rather, Amber's body."

Pyrrha flinched at the words, looking down at her hand. She knew it wasn't her body, how could she forget? Amber was dead and she had practically taken over her body, like some kind of parasite.

The thought made her sick, and were it not for the threat Cinder posed Pyrrha didn't know how she would cope with it all.

"Time travel has always been a story and fantasy to tell children and to entertain ourselves... but then, magic has become such a thing as well." Ozpin said. "I have no reason to distrust your words aside from the fact it has never been done before, but as we both have learned, the will of said beings is beyond our understanding."

"You... believe me?" She could barely believe what she had heard.

"Against all logic," Ozpin stared at her for a long moment before replying. "I do."

Pyrrha sagged her shoulders in relief.

"I would very much like to hear the specifics of our enemies' plan, but that can wait for now." Pyrrha was surprised and made to protest, Ozpin raising a hand to prevent her from speaking. "I will begin making preparations to bolster our defenses, but as the Fall Maiden you will need to be ready for whatever may come. Rest and take time to heal, there will not always be time for such things."