Short story collection

Ebbing Darkness - Part 5

The snow never seemed to let up. It grew and grew, piling into over a foot of white powder so thick it could roll into a ball on its own.
  Ozpin didn't mind the weather. It was actually one of the few moments a hot chocolate was just a tad more enjoyable.
  He walked the grounds of his academy with a thoughtful hum. Chickens clucked and roosters screeched at the morning sun.
  The air was cold but also quiet, making it a perfect place to catch a few hours of sleep. And although he could feel Y/N's immense presence, he couldn't see him.
  A chicken pecked away at a pile of snow. The sound of its beak hitting solid metal brought an amused smile to the old man's face.
  The constant thump and clink on his armor woke Y/N and he waved the chicken off.
  "You aren't bothered by the cold, I see." Ozpin said.
  "No." Y/N's voice came from underneath half a foot of snow. "You grow up on an island that's hot almost all year round and you begin to appreciate the cold and lack of humidity."
  He stood, shedding his white cloak and revealing his red glare. His spell of sleep quickly faded, leaving curiosity in his voice.
  "A peculiar place to meet, don't you think?"
  "Privacy is hard to come by here." Ozpin said. He twirled his cane to hold it in both hands, presenting himself in a more solid manner.
  "I suppose." Y/N hummed. Privacy was the last thing that came to mind.
  "Entertain my curiosity, why don't you." Ozpin said, earning his attention. "What was your favorite story growing up?"
  "Hmm..." Y/N looked to the sky where there wasn't an ounce of an aura to be found. "The gods that birthed us in Menagerie. And the many tales created from The Shallow Sea. My mother once told me of them and how nonsensical it was. However, I adore them."
  "And what of the Four Maidens?" Ozpin asked. Just the mere mention had a pang shoot through his heart.
  "I have." Y/N gave a curt nod. "Magic as a whole is something I was once interested in. Now I find it to be a bit elusive."
  "Elusive?" Ozpin asked. His brows furrowed with a pause of curiosity.
  "Its faded into legend." He reiterated. "Don't tell me you believe some stones holding a city in the sky is science. Or the many centuries of growth that's only filled with speculation and theories. I find it hard to believe we came back from the brink due to stubbornness alone."
  "You believe the tale of the Four Maidens?"
  "I believe it's the only logical explanation." He brought his sword forward and rested its tip between his boots. With the weapon presented, he fixed Ozpin with an unknown gaze.
  "Hmm." The Headmaster nodded with shut eyes; taking in his words with a pleasant surprise. "What if I told you it was real?"
  "It wouldn't surprise me." Y/N chuckled.
  "And your power, your supposed semblance."
  "Then I'd say you're smarter than you look." Y/N grunted in surprise. "Of course, my father was regarded as a god. It was all legend and myth, but he never truly denied it."
  "Yes, two hearts and three lungs do seem to be a sort of indicator." He smiled and Y/N gave an amused harumph. "Your father was... interesting, to say the least. He had his secrets, yes, however, I'm a firm believer when I say that he is alive."
  "There was never a doubt." Y/N gave a curt nod. "You may call me whatever you like, but I feel it. Somewhere deep down he is alive and well."
"It seems you know more than I do."
"The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree." Y/N shrugged. "My power being under the guise of a semblance is just one of a few secrets. But that's enough skirting around. You want something."
"I wouldn't be so blunt."
"But I am." Y/N announced. "I'm a child, yes, but that doesn't mean I'm blind to the darkness in this world."
  "I see." Ozpin took a deep breath through his nose and continued. "As the Headmaster of Beacon, I take it upon myself to deal with the forces conspiring against this world and its people. So I ask you this: What is your role in all of it?"
  "The champion to my people." He stated without hesitation. "They're my first and only priority. I don't have the time to insert myself in human squabbles."
  "And what happened at the harbor. Was that a human squabble?"
  "Perhaps."
  "Hmm." He looked to Y/N for anything that may betray his words. It was nigh impossible to tell what he felt, but his aura was steely and dwarfed his own. To that, he nodded.
  "I believe those very people are planning something, and the White Fang has something to do with it."
  "Yes, I heard Roman was... a bit reluctant to talk."
  "That's putting it lightly. However, his many robberies are linked to something else. And the last I remember, the White Fang isn't in the black market for dust or weapons."
  "They're using it to power something or make themselves a bomb." Y/N grunted with annoyance. "Thousands of crystals not seeing the light of day... it's the only explanation."
  "Yes." Ozpin sighed.
  "You have a plan?" Y/N asked.
  "So long as you're a part of it."
  "I don't see why not." Y/N chuckled with an unconcealed excitement. "I take every opportunity I can get to stamp out those traitors..."
  "Then it would seem our interests are aligned." Ozpin allowed his cane to settle and tap the surface of the snow below.
  "Yes. So it would seem." The hulking man raised his sword.
  "Come with me." Ozpin nodded to the path he took. "I'd like to discuss your power. Perhaps over breakfast?"
  "I'm not saying no to either."