RWBY: Ironwood's Redo

Part 21: Mettle Pt. 2

Ozpin: "Oscar, wake up."

Oscar slowly opens his eyes. He groans a little as he sits up. His room is completely dark and silent.

Oscar: "What is it...?"

Ozpin: "There was a knock at the door. I figured it best to wake you so we could answer."

Oscar sighs and gets up off his bed. He stretches out before groggily walking over and opening the door. He squints his eyes as the light from the hallway leaks into the room. The figures of two people block some of the light from entering the room.

The much larger frame of Ironwood quickly pushes Oscar out of the way, followed by Winter.

Ironwood throws himself down on Oscar's bed and buries his face in the sheets. Oscar notices that his cybernetic arm is uncovered. Winter hovers over Ironwood with a worried expression.

Oscar: "What's going on?"

Ironwood doesn't answer and Oscar can tell that Winter is hesitant to explain the situation. Winter sighs and sits down on the bed next to Ironwood.

Winter: "The general and Councilman Sleet had a... Disagreement."

The implication in Winter's words worries Oscar.

Winter: "Sleet threatened him and us. The general... Shot him."

Ozpin: "Oh James..."

Oscar: "Is Sleet... Dead?"

Winter nods.

Oscar: "Ironwood, Sir... Why would you do that?"

Ironwood once again doesn't answer, which prompts Winter to answer for him.

Winter: "As he explained it to me, this event, and many others were caused by his semblance. It evolved in some way after his journey in the "Ever After". Sleet pushed him too far."

Oscar: "But... That's not an excuse for murder..."

Winter sighs and turns her gaze back to Ironwood.

Ozpin: "Ah, now I remember."

Oscar: "Remember what?"

Ozpin: "When I first inducted James, he very briefly explained his semblance. He called it Mettle. He said that it was the only reason he had enough determination to rise above his station and eventually lead Atlas."

Oscar: "Mettle?... Hm..."

Ozpin: "Yes. While most semblances are activated willingly, his is passive, as Miss Schnee said."

Oscar: "Even though I appreciate the info, he still killed someone! What are we going to do?"

Ozpin: "The kingdom is in ruins right now. Maybe it's best to play this close to the chest."

Oscar: "Are... Are you saying we should cover up a murder!?"

Ozpin: "Is that what it sounded like?"

Winter: "Oscar."

Winter's voice pulls Oscar out of his argument with Ozpin.

Oscar: "Yes?"

Winter motions to Ironwood, who has finally sat up. His slouched body and drained appearance don't help Oscar's thoughts. Ironwood stares blankly ahead at the wall for a second, before turning his gaze to Oscar.

James: "I... I didn't mean to. I just... I can't get away from my semblance... In a flash it takes over and I'm close to powerless to stop myself from doing... Something I'll regret."