𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 [ʀᴡʙʏ x ᴍᴀʟᴇ ᴏᴄ]

Chapter 34

Klaus POV

I slowly opened my eyes, the room was bright, my eyes slowly adjusting to the light. Everything around me felt distant, like a dream I was struggling to wake from. The steady beep of the heart rate monitor was the only sound, a constant reminder that I was still alive.

I looked around, my gaze falling on the sterile white walls. There was an IV drip attached to my arm, a needle I could barely feel, pumping whatever it was that kept me alive. My chest felt heavy, a deep exhaustion settling into my bones. I tried to move, but my muscles were sore, like I hadn't used them in ages. The dull ache in my head told me I'd been through something.

What had happened? How did I end up here?

I tried to sit up but quickly realized I didn't have the strength. My mind wandered back to the last thing I remembered-the battle. The chaos. My body reacting before I could even think. The tiger... the fight... everything spiraled in and out like a memory that didn't quite belong to me.

My heart rate spiked for a moment, but the monitor stayed steady. I breathed in deeply, trying to steady myself. I needed answers, but right now, the only thing I could focus on was getting out of this haze.

And then, a thought pierced through the fog-Weiss.

Where was she? Was she okay?

Before I could think anything else, the door opened with a soft creak. I turned my head slightly to see General Ironwood step inside. His tall, imposing figure filled the doorway, his heavy footsteps echoing as he entered the room.

He looked as I remembered-dressed in his signature military attire, the dark blue and silver armor that marked his rank. But what caught my attention most was the beard that has grown and seeing him in a more worn, tired look than I was used to seeing.

Ironwood: I'm glad that you're finally awake. You've been sleeping for a long time.

Klaus: How did I end up here. My memory is a bit hazy but last thing I remember I was hit by some white/silver light at the tower of beacon.

Ironwood: I'll keep it brief. We believe that you transformed into the tiger, as a flight or fight response when you got hit with the light.

I listened to Ironwood’s words carefully, trying to process everything. His tone was clinical, but I could tell he was trying to offer me some semblance of clarity. As much as I wanted to know everything that happened, it felt strange hearing it from him.

Klaus: I just remember not having any control over that transformation.

Ironwood: And after that, the tiger crossed half of Vale in around 10 days and reached the last Atlus outpost in vale.

Klaus: What happened after that?

Ironwood: We tranquilzed you and ever since that day you've been asleep. A lot has happened. Ozpin...

Klaus: I know, you dont have to say anything.

Ironwood: "Just... take your time," Ironwood said after a long pause, his voice softer now. "Things are changing, and I know it's a lot to process."

I let out a quiet breath, my mind racing as I considered the truth that had settled in my gut. Ozpin may have died, but I knew—deep down—I couldn’t believe that he was truly gone.