The REDS of war

Volume Five Chapter Eight

Oscar Pine, who is currently letting Ozpin take over, Rei Ferrari, and Qrow Branwen are seen sitting together. Qrow takes a sip from his cup.

"Things aren't looking good, Oz." Qrow admits.

"Ever the optimist." Orpington sips from his cup. "While I would not say our current predicament is... ideal, I think we can both agree that the situation could be much worse. Humanity is a resilient force."

"Oz, pro Huntsmen like that don't just bite it all at once. Salem's powerful. It seems like her reach is growing by the day. What does that say about Humanity?"

"That there are indeed a misguided few who have filled their hearts with malice. It doesn't take a great number of people to cause harm, but I still believe there are far more people in this world willing to prevent it." As Ozpin is about to take another sip, Ruby Rose is heard walking into the room.

"Um, excuse me?" Ruby says.

"Ah, Miss Rose, join us. We were just about to gather everyone to discuss our next steps." Ozpin says.

"Oh, uh, great."

Rei leans back holding his nose. "Something on your mind Rubes?"

"Uh... uh, it's... if it's okay to ask."

Qrow nods. "Of course."

"Well, uh... we've been talking about the Relic at Haven... and the Spring Maiden, but... what about the Fall Maiden?"

Rei takes a deep breath. "Cinder?"

"Does that mean... Salem has the Beacon Relic?"

Ozpin and Qrow share a brief look with each other. "Very astute, Miss Rose, I was wondering who would be the first to ask after Rei. No, thankfully she does not. It's true that the Relic at Haven is very much at risk, and for now, that should remain our primary focus. Let's just say I made finding the Relic at Beacon a... bit more challenging than at the other schools."

"Oh. (sighs in relief) That's good to hear."

"It is, but let's not forget the challenges that still lie before us." Oozing warns. Ruby nods. "Now is there anything else we can help you with?"

"Oh, uh... well, I did have one more question."

Ozpin shakes his head. "No, my cane is not a Relic."

"I have no more questions." Ruby says, causing Rei to chuckle.

"Yes, while this cane is indeed very precious to me, it is also just that - precious to me. While I admit it still has a few more tricks up its sleeve, I can firmly say that being a Relic isn't one of them. Now why don't you run and get the other students?"

Suddenly, Qrow's scroll is heard vibrating. He takes it out from his pocket to see "LEO LIONHEART" calling. He takes the call. "Yeah? ... Okay... yeah, we'll be there." Qrow hangs up

"Who was it?" Ruby asks.

Qrow sighs while taking out his flask. "It was Leo, says he had a breakthrough with the council. Thinks he might be able to get together a small raiding party for the bandits. He wants us to meet up at the school tomorrow night to walk us through it."

Ruby gasps and smiles. "Really? Oh that's great! I'll go get the others." Ruby runs out of the room while Qrow takes a drink from his flask.

"Mmm, that sounds drastically different from your original conversation, doesn't it?" Rei asks.

"It does."

Rei hums. "Tomorrow night, if he betrays us..."

"Things aren't looking good." Qrow says.