Old Soul ( RWBY Fanfic with my OC)

Chapter 21

" I see," He took a moment to process this. " That's...quite a lot to take in." Ironwood took a moment to sit down, processing everything he just heard then a thought struck him. " Wait, you can use magic." He said looking at the girl in binds. " We could use you for this fight. Technically speaking, you're more powerful than the maidens and potentially, as powerful as Salem."

" Hold on, James, slow down. We just got here-" Qrow said looking at him in the eye but the general ignored him.

" We need you for this war..."

" Where...are you going with this?" Veena took a few steps back, feeling wary over the man's intentions.

" With your kind of power we can push back their followers and eliminate them once and for all with Atlisian technology as well. The magic you hold, can be the key to ending this war..." She lifted her binds to look at him properly. At first glance, this was a man who would use fear tactics to instill control against his enemies, the kind of men that are...broken. Then she saw it, he's just as broken as Qrow. Losses in mind, compassionate for the innocent and finding, desperately, for ways to protect others. He's just a bit shaken by the news, his insecurity and anxiety can make him a bit rash at times.

" Hey, quit it!" Qrow said stepping in front of him. " She's still a kid, even with those memories. I'd like to remind you that she lives life like a reset, every time she dies, she has to grow up again. Look, I don't care if you're saying that cause you're afraid or some shit- but she's still a kid. It's a lot for her to take in too." He glared at him and dared him to step out of line but one glance at her curious eyes. Those eyes that reminded him of someone made him realise his mistake.

" I--I'm sorry, that was..."

" It's fine..." She replied, she looked a bit lost and was thinking about something. " It's fine," She backed up a bit and headed for the door. " I need some air..." She shut the door behind her as the rest watched her leave.

" I think we all could use some rest," Ozpin insisted. " I suggest you children head off first while I discuss things her." Yang's turned red the moment he said so.

" Oh, you're still keeping things from us?" She half yelled.

" Yang, calm down." Blake insisted.

"  Actually, I'm sure that all of us should be included in this discussion." Weis began. Winter shot her a look but she ignored it. " I'm tired of your secrets, we all are. You know what? I'm gonna get some air too. Ugh, it's so stuffy in here." Weiss' heels clicked as she walked out the room.

" Yeah, so am I." Yang said in an even tone, she glared at Ozpin before leaving as Blake went after her. Soon enough Jaune went after followed by Ren and Nora.

" You can never give a straight answer, can you." He said as he left. Ren and Nora only exchanged looks as they followed him out. Ruby was the last one there as she tried to decide what to do.

" Professor, I know that you just wanna help but, they've really lost their faith in you." Ozpin looked down, ashamed by his own actions. " But I haven't. You'll think of something, I know it. You've told me before that you've made mistakes in the past but that never stopped you before. You helped keep peace between the kingdoms, formed four of the greatest combat schools to exist. You can't give in now." His eyes lit up for a moment as she approached him. " You'll think of something." She finished with a smile as she turned to leave. Qrow however was still inconvinced.

" Do whatever you want. I need a drink." He was heading straight to the bar. Winter watched him go, she saw the pain that was still in his eyes. Ironwood knows her well enough to recognise that look. He gestured her to go, give him some comfort.

" For all my mistakes, well, Veena's always the one to read another's character." He laughed, a pained one. " Perhaps, we should discuss this another day. Oscar would want some rest after all this. It's probably even heavier for him." Ironwood understood, the looks of hate given to the boy may be directed to Ozpin, but they forget that the body has another soul that's been there longer. " You should rest up as well general," His face lightened up a bit as he opened the door. " I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a better day."

As soon as the door closed, Oscar was back. He blinked a couple of times before running his hand through his hair. It was another rough day. He missed the days before Ozpin's secret was out. Maybe, just maybe, it was better off hidden.