Destiny No More

Chapter 26

The room was quiet now that everyone had gone, General Ironwood and the Headmaster hadn't stayed long after their rather controversial announcement. Despite team CFVY's adamant objection to the idea, the plan hadn't changed. Qrow had stuck around for a moment after they left, looking at Pyrrha and trying to say something before giving up entirely and storming out.

Team CFVY had stayed longer however, with Coco ranting about how unfair the Headmaster was being while Velvet tried desperately to calm her down. In the end, it had been Yatsuhashi's idea that they leave, giving 'Amber' a moment to herself. She greatly appreciated the kindness.

Pyrrha barely knew what to think. She wasn't surprised by her punishment, the Headmaster had warned her of his plan and had given her every chance to avoid bringing it down on herself, but... Beacon was her home and it was in danger.

Now she was being told she wouldn't be allowed to stay and defend it.

She felt so angry. At the Headmaster, at Cinder and Salem, at the world. Above the others however, she felt angriest with herself. She had known the risks of going out against the Headmaster's orders and yet she had done so anyway, because she thought he was bluffing and that she would be able to get away with it. Now General Ironwood was here to take her away to Atlas where she could watch her friends die from safety.

Pyrrha fought back a scream, letting out a soft growl instead as she struggled to calm herself. She nearly snapped as Tsune came to check on her, barely managing to hold back from lashing out at the woman who didn't deserve it.

Despite Pyrrha's exceptionally bad mood, Tsune had offered to let her stay in the Infirmary for the night if she didn't feel like making the trip back to her own room. She'd briefly considered it, partially because she didn't want the student body of Beacon to see her in such a state, but also because she didn't believe that she could restrain herself from snapping at everyone whom she came across. They didn't deserve that.

In the end however, she had declined. There was too much to do. She had to start packing and, while she didn't own much, she knew it would be a slow process. Not to mention she had to say goodbye to her-

She felt her nose twitch as her eyes began to water. Shaking her head, she chose instead to focus on the immediate task of getting out of bed. Taking a deep, shaky breath she finally started the process of composing herself. By the time that she was ready to leave, her anger had subsided somewhat, being more akin to an ember rather than the burning fire it had been before. As she left the Infirmary, she was met by somebody who she hadn't been expecting to see.

She had only ever met General Ironwood a handful of times in her previous life, and most of those times had only been quick passings or during reality shattering revelations about the nature of the Grimm.Though her interactions were short lived, she got the impression that he wasn't nearly as cold as she so often heard him referred to.

His face was adorned with the barest of smiles and, while no means happy, it was clear he was trying.

"Headm- General Ironwood, sir." Pyrrha wasn't sure how to address him. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon."

"Please, call me James." He offered his hand for her to shake. "I chose to stay behind to speak with you in private, but I don't wish to keep you if you are busy."

Pyrrha shook her head, moving her hands to her side and pulling her blouse down slightly to smooth out the wrinkles in an attempt to make herself more presentable. It had the added benefit of hiding the fact that she was clenching her hands tight enough to turn her knuckles white "I'm not busy, I was just... on my way to pack." Her voice was barely above a whisper as she finished.