𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 [ʀᴡʙʏ x ᴍᴀʟᴇ ᴏᴄ]

Chapter 24

Ozpin's office felt heavier than usual, the usual air of calm intellect replaced by tension so thick it was suffocating. The gears of the clock surrounding us ticked incessantly, each sound like a reminder of the urgency of the conversation.

Ironwood: We Can't afford to wait!

Qrow: And rushing won't help us either!"

He countered, his voice sharp. Ironwood sighs but continues on with a sigh, his voice begin soft yet firm.

Ironwood: We need to find a substitute before the enemy makes a move.

I stood by the window, my eyes darting between the others in the room—Qrow leaning back against the wall, trying to appear nonchalant but failing; Glynda pacing with her arms crossed, her heels clicking sharply on the floor; and General Ironwood, stoic as ever but visibly tense.

Glynda: Arguing won't lead us anywhere, We know how bad the situation is.

Klaus: We can't have any regular substitute though. I wonder if we can even find one.

Ironwood: Isn't that why we're here Klaus, to decide who will be the next maiden.

Ozpin: Klaus, I asked you to keep an eye on your team members. Do you think any of them have what it takes?

My stomach twisted. My mind instinctively started cycling through each of them—Ruby, with her boundless optimism and courage; Yang, whose strength and tenacity could move mountains; Blake, silent yet fiercely determined. But one face stood out above the rest. Weiss.

Klaus: N-No sir.

Her image filled my mind: her poise, her unwavering determination, her sharp intellect. Everything about her screamed capable. But it wasn’t just that. The thought of her stepping into this role—of her carrying the weight of a Maiden’s power and everything that came with it—terrified me.

I hesitated.

Klaus: "It’s too dangerous. You know what happened to the last Maiden. If we choose wrong... I can’t—I won’t let that happen to any of them."

Ironwood: "It’s not about what you want, Klaus. It’s about what’s necessary."
Ironwood’s voice cut in, sharp as a blade.

Glynda: "And what’s necessary is finding someone who can handle it,"  She added, her tone firm but not unkind.

I looked down at the floor, my thoughts a mess. I knew they were right. But Weiss... I couldn’t lose her. I didn’t care how selfish it was.

Ozpin: "Selfishness can be a dangerous thing, Klaus. But it can also reveal what you hold most dear. It’s a difficult decision to make, and one that no one truly wants to bear." Ozpin’s calm voice broke through my turmoil, like he was reading my mind

Glynda: "If I may, Pyrrha Nikos would be a better candidate."

Her words cut through the room like a knife. Everyone turned their attention to her.

Qrow: The girl’s got the skills, the discipline. She’s been trained her whole life for greatness."

Ironwood: "She’s a natural leader and already holds the public’s admiration. If anyone can handle the responsibility, it’s her."

I stayed silent, my mind racing. Pyrrha? She was strong, no doubt. Dedicated, skilled—everything a Maiden should be. But would she be willing to take on something so life-altering?

Ozpin: "It’s true. Pyrrha Nikos possesses the qualities we seek. But this is not a decision to make lightly. Becoming a Maiden is a choice that comes with great sacrifice."