Unexpected Incarnate (RWBY Ozpin Incarnate SI)

A day had passed since I got such a ridiculous request from someone called AWOR, and Ozpin still hadn't returned yet. I'm getting worried. Did he lock himself away like when he did it once the horrible truth was revealed in that episode? If so, I fear we might be in a bit of a situation, but I could only pray that he at least speaks to me soon.

It feels weird not to have his presence in my head for a while…

Shaking my head off that odd feeling, I resumed what I was doing halfway: baking. Baking, what exactly? Well… Cookies, as I wanted one myself, plus it is way cheaper to make it than buy it premade in packets. As for the others, they were busy with their things. Jaune went out with Ren and Nora to spend some time by themselves. And some sort of plan that they refused to tell the rest of us.

Yang was with Ruby, and they also left the house to restock on Dust and buy some essential items for the past two days. Both Yang and Weiss have been either wearing the same clothing or borrowing ours, and I think it was an appropriate time to have their clothes changed and washed. Qrow still hasn't gotten back to us, but I'm pretty sure that sooner than later, that coward Lionheart will contact Qrow, probably in a couple of weeks.

Maybe.

Oh, right! There's a chance that Neo might be in the lower parts of the city, since she was searching for Cinder. If only I could first find and convince her to lend her help in the battle for Haven in return for the chance to avenge Torchwick. But how is the question? "Perhaps I could use Ruby to lure her out or something? Or direct her vengeful desire against Cinder. Even then, the others will not like the idea of working with Neo since, firstly, she's a criminal and second. Neo did nearly kill Yang on the train in Vol two."

My train of thought was interrupted when I heard the sound of footsteps heading towards the kitchen. Placing the bowl of cookie batter on the table, I walked over and checked the oven as the footsteps behind me got louder by the second. And judging the sound of each step, it must be Weiss.

Oh, right, nearly forgotten about her. Compared to everyone else who left the house, Weiss chose to remain behind as she had recently done some training with Myrtenaster and wished to rest at the moment. Plus, she did not want to get in the way of Ruby and Yang's time together.

"Zack?" Weiss called to me as I turned and faced the ex-heiress of the Schnee Dust Company, who looked curious at what I was making.

"Are you making something?"

I glanced at the bowl of cookie dough before looking back at Weiss with a nod. "Yup. Decided to make some cookies." I said as Weiss raised a curious eyebrow and walked toward the kitchen.

"What kind?" She asked curiously.

"The soft and chewy kind with Choco chips. Do you want some once it's done?" I asked back as Weiss contemplated before nodding at me.

"Sure. I wouldn't mind some. Though I believe Ruby would eat it all if she finds out you made some."

I just let out a chuckle. "Yea, that makes sense. Ozpin's memories tell me that Ruby loved her cookies." I then returned to what I was doing before. And with an ice-cream scoop that we have because Nora wants it for her ice cream, I began placing the scooped Cookie dough onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet before baking them in the oven. Which I also found in the storage room.

But I did do some checks on it first before carrying the entire oven out with the help of aura-enhancing my arms. It was heavy, but aura makes things way too easy. Or do I now have the strength to carry substantially heavier items by myself? I always wonder about the strength differences between those who have an aura and those who do not.

Weiss watched as I placed all the cookies into the oven before washing my hands in the sink nearby. "Weiss must be really bored if she's willing to wait for me to finish what I'm doing." I then set a timer of at least 13 minutes on the oven as I turned to face Weiss, who was watching me the whole time.

"You seemed happy about baking cookies." Weiss causally hummed. Where did she get that idea? Weiss must have noticed my puzzled expression as her finger pointed behind me. What is she- oh.

As it turns out, my tail was wiggling side to side rather widely, and Weiss must have got the impression that I liked cooking, which wasn't wrong. I do like home-cooked food and cooking in general, but I just never got the opportunity thanks to constant long work hours back on Earth and being an orphan on Remnant, which had the rule to stay away from the kitchens for safety reasons.

Talk about living two lives—perhaps three or a hundred more with Oz in the mix.

"Well…" I scratch the back of my neck with a hue of pink on my cheeks. "I do get excited about the process of cooking."

Weiss just giggled at my reaction before composing herself. "I can tell."

"So, what can I do for you?" I decided to change the topic. "Because I have a feeling it was because you were bored with everyone out." I leaned on the cabinet.

Weiss paused for a brief period as she asked me a question that made sense for her to ask. "I wish to ask you about the acoustic guitar you found in the storage room a while back." That, of all things? I know Weiss is an excellent singer and stuff. Is she curious about whether I can play it?

Because I can say that without a doubt, I can play it better than Jaune.

Sorry, buddy.

"Yea? Something about it that interest you?" I prodded Weiss for an answer, and she gave it, confirming my assumption.

"Yes, in fact," Weiss confirmed. "I was wondering how well you can play it. Care to show a demonstration?" I uhm… was Weiss ever this blunt with people? But you know what? Who am I to reject her offer? The only question is what to play to her.

"Sure. Why not? We have 10 to 13 minutes before I need to check them," I point my thumb over my shoulder at the oven behind me. "Meet me in the living room; I'll go grab it quickly." I said as Weiss agreed with my idea.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Weiss POV

It took less than a minute for Zack to return to the living room with his now-claimed guitar. I will not deny I'm curious as to the extent of his skills in playing it. We all had heard Zack playing it in his room, but we never got the chance to listen to much of it as he would know that we were eavesdropping on him thanks to his enhanced hearing.

Even then, his skills with it were clearly better than Jaune's when he tried to ask me to the dance via serenade back in Beacon. Though… one thing does bother me, the times we hear Zack playing the guitar and its songs were unusually sombre, strangely enough.

Please don't tell me he's broody-type trying to be edgy or something. Goodness, those people are drama kings or queens.

I watched as Zack sat down on the sofa with his guitar resting on his lap. He then began to tune the keys and looked incredibly nervous for some reason, thanks to the signs of his true thoughts on his tail. They were puffed up and seemed slightly rigid while lying on the couch. Is he not used to playing it in front of another person?

No. I shouldn't judge him for that. I remember that feeling when 'father' made me perform on stage for the other rich folks back in Atlas for the first time. It was stressful, and it took a while before I could perform without issue.

"It's okay, there's no need to rush through it. I'm not expecting a performance from you." I gave him an assured smile. "Just play whatever comes to your mind."

Zack just looked into my eye and gave a silent nod as he breathed in. And then he began playing. It was nothing I had ever heard before, and singing was not involved in it, and it was impressive that Zack was balancing the two parts of the song at once. I could only just sit and listen as Zack played something that I could tell he enjoyed.

If there was one way to describe it, it is one full of hope, gentleness, warmth, and beauty. I'm no musician, but that's how I felt when I listen to Zack playing it. And I believe that's what Zack felt as he played it.

Minutes passed, and he was done playing. I could only watch as Zack muttered with his eyes closed.

"Everything will be alright." Zack then asked as he looked at me with bated breath and nostalgia in his eyes. "How was it? Was it good?"

I could only nod and softly respond with a smile. "It was." I paused for a second as the melody Zack had played earlier surfaced again. "I've never heard such a melody like that before. It feels hopeful. Like whatever happens next, we would be fine."

Zack just gave me a smile in return for my response. "Yea… It's one of the things I cherished before I was forced to leave my home." Zack closed his eyes briefly as if to gather his thoughts. "And that's what I love about music. You can express countless things with it. Even hope."

"I can tell. I used it too to express my… loneliness back in Atlas." I admit. It feels nice to have a shared interest that music can be used to express our thoughts and emotions. Speaking of which, Zack looked more enthusiastic, judging by how his tail wagged. I will never admit it to everyone, but Zack can be cute at times.

"Since we still have time, wanna hear some more before I go back to check on the cookies?" Zack asked as the light in his eyes grew bigger. He also became much more confident, and I wonder if he would be willing to play for everyone else. I think he can give Jaune some lessons on how to play the guitar, and I'm sure the rest would appreciate the chance to hear him play.

The following melody Zack played was as hopeful as the first. It was more complex as he began using his wrist to tap on the guitar and thumping his feet lightly on the wooden floor to match the tune. He was also getting more confident as he played it with a bright smile. There was also a sense of determination and the desire to see dreams come true.

Dreams, huh?

I wonder what's Zack's dream. He never bothered to state his desire during the past two days of getting to know him. Only his current desire is to find a way to stop Salem permanently. That's what he told us when Ruby asked him about what he wanted to do. But I do not believe that at all. He doesn't feel honest about it.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I noticed that Zack had just finished playing the guitar in his hands as he looked at me. "So," He started, "how was it?"

"It was marvellous." I adjusted my body on the couch. "May I know its name?"

Zack hesitated for a brief moment before he gave me the name of that piece.

"Hopes and Dreams," Zack says with more nostalgia in his voice. "A song that I usually think of it or play whenever I wish to remind myself that whatever I've gone through, I will overcome it and move on with hope in my heart for the future. Despite how bleak it may look right now."

"Hopes and Dreams…" I slowly muttered as I got the feel of the name. "It's quite fitting, isn't it?" I continued as Zack adjusted himself on the couch.

"It is. I heard this back from where I was and fell in love with it." Zack closed his eyes. "It's one of the good memories of the past I tried to keep in my journeys." Zack's nose twitched as he turned his head towards the kitchen.

"It looks like the cookies are almost done and smell great from here." Ah, right, Faunus enhanced sensory.

But before Zack and I could do anything else, the outside door suddenly slammed open as something red zoomed in with rose petals trailing behind it. It wasn't any shock to both of us that Ruby was the one who barged in so recklessly once we noticed the red petals trailing behind it. I swear, she could have broken the door with the way she barged it open.

"I smell cookies!" Ruby says with absolute enthusiasm as she appears in front of Zack and me with bags in her hands.

"They're not even ready yet." Zack deadpanned. "Also, back so soon?" His head tilts to the left.

"Yup! We got some stuff for everyone here!" Ruby continued her enthusiastic response until she finally noticed that Zack had his guitar with him. "Uh, am I interrupting something?" She asked with her smile slightly faltering. This is getting awkward.

"Not really…" Zack was the first to speak. But he looks unusually nerv-, oh no.

"Ruby, wait up!" Yang could be heard yelling as she ran into the living room while carrying bags in both her arms, "Why have you got to-"

Yang froze as soon as she entered the house to see Zack holding a guitar in his hands as I sat nearby. Slowly turning my head to the right, Zack's face was noticeably paler, his eyes bulging wide open. His pupils also shrunk as he looked at me, then at the guitar he held and back at me.

A grin began to develop on Yang's face as I could surely say that both Zack and I would be in for a lot of teasing for a while now.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It's not what it looks like, Yang. I-I can explain." Zack raised his hand as he glanced at Weiss, who looked as worried as he was at the oncoming teasing.

"My... my... You move quick, Zacky." Yang began giggling. "I didn't know you had a heart out for ice queen over here." Yang says with amusement as both the ex-heiress and the fox Faunus begin to have blushes on their cheeks. As for Ruby, she moved to the side of the living room while holding her mouth shut. In an attempt to stop a giggle from leaving her mouth.

Weiss then coughs into her hand to gander the blondie's attention. "I can assure you, Miss Xiao Long, this is a misunderstanding here." However, Yang just shook her head disagreeably.

"I don't believe that at all, Weiss. I mean, Zacky here is literally doing what vomit boy did back in Beacon! And I can tell when someone's having a crush on you~." Yang points at Zack, whose face is red as Ruby's cape from sheer embarrassment.

"C-Crush?!" Zack sputtered out. His voice was a mixture of embarrassment and shock at Yang's audacity to speculate that he had a crush on Weiss. It's not something like that, seriously!

"Yang! You dolt!" Weiss cried out as her hands covered her face self-consciously. "Like I said! It's only been two days! How can he develop a crush so quickly?" Weiss pointed out as Zack silently placed his guitar on the couch and stood up.

"I'm not dealing with this any more! I'm out of here!" Zack proclaimed as he walked to the kitchen.

…

"Should we check on him later?" Ruby paused as both her sister and partner looked at her. "I mean, uh, enough teasing both of them, sis. I'm sure there's a reason why both Zack and Weiss are in the living room together." Ruby tried her best to control the situation.

"Sure, sure, I'll let the both of them off for now." Yang just waved her hand as a cheeky grin resurfaced on her face. "But I'm not letting this down anytime soon!" Yang cackled as she carried the bags away as Ruby tailed behind her. Leaving Weiss alone in the living room to calm her mind.

With an exhausted sigh, Weiss laid her back on the couch and rubbed her eyebrows in exasperation. Thanks to Yang, she can feel a headache coming in full force in a couple of minutes. Honestly, there's only so much teasing Weiss could take. And judging from Zack's reaction to it, he had enough and had to leave. Not that she blamed him for leaving the living room.

Soon, the scent of fresh cookies invaded her nose as Zack brought in the freshly baked cookies on a cooling rack. He then placed the cookies on the table and sat back on the couch he had sat on earlier.

Silence permeated the living room as neither Zack nor Weiss said anything during this time, and neither couldn't look the other in the face the whole time. Zack then leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees, and with a sigh, Zack pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Ugh. Talk about bad timing…" Zack let an irritated groan out, while Weiss huffed in response.

"I concur." Weiss rubbed her forehead. "Knowing her, Yang would no doubt tease us about it in the coming days."

Weiss could only conclude that reality wants to mess with them.

"At least we have cookies," Zack muttered as he tapped one of the Choco chip cookies before picking it up and taking a bite. "Mm… I still got it." Zack smirked at his cooking before using his free hand to signal Weiss to take one.

"Better take one before Ruby gets back and take all."

"Thank you." Weiss then took one and chewed into it, savouring the sweetness of the choco chips in the cookies.

As an ex-heiress and orphaned Faunus enjoyed the cookies in their hand in the peace they are currently having, Zack's eyes shot open as he squeaked out. "Ah! Oz! Your back! How long were you listening in!?" Weiss stared at the now startled Faunus as he regained control of his emotions before looking at her.

Zack then coughed into his hand as he recomposed himself. "Uh, Oz's back now." Zack then slowly pushed his hair to the side with his free hand. "Sorry about that." His cheeks then flushed in embarrassment.

"Right…" Weiss muttered as she bit into her cookie again.

"What?! I'm not doing that! What the hell's wrong with you?!" Zack exploded again as his cheeks became a shade of red. Honestly, it's strange to watch someone talk like that. Then again, Zack must have spoken to Headmaster Ozpin silently most of the time and only in the open when emotionally compromised.

Zack then rested his palm on his face and let out a frustrated groan. "It's not like that, headmaster. Please don't misunderstand the situation; it is much different than what you suggested."

Zack then pulled his hand away from his face as he looked at Weiss but refused to look her in the eyes. "I… need to talk to Oz alone." Zack slowly stood up from his chair. "And clear some misconceptions about the situation. Have a good day, Weiss."

Zack then waved goodbye at Weiss, who reciprocated back to him before leaving with the guitar. As Zack left the living room, Weiss could only grab another cookie on the cooling rack as Ruby zipped right back and snagged one cookie for herself.

"Mine!" An eager Ruby giggled, took a bite out of the Choco chip cookie, and let out a pleasured moan. "Mmm! These are good!" Weiss could only smile until Ruby began shoving cookies into her throat.

"Ruby! Don't eat all of it up! Zack made it for everyone to share!"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Fine then, be that way, headmaster." I let out an annoyed groan as I sat back on my bed and stared at the ceiling above me as I let a smile appear on my face. "But I'm happy to see you again, Oz, after ghosting me for like a day. I was getting worried about you the whole time." I gave a small smile.

"I can tell. Though I must apologise for leaving you alone yesterday, Zack," Ozpin sounded regretful as he continued. "But I need time to come to grips with what you revealed to me a while ago."

I chose my words carefully as I asked. "...About Salem and the relics? …About it all?"

"Yes," I swear I could feel Ozpin nodding his head with regret. "I needed time to accept that my first death caused everything." Ozpin's tone became horribly depressed as he spoke to me again.

Even more so when I felt my chest tightening suddenly, as if I could feel his guilt weighing on me, and it felt heavy. How can he keep pushing forward with all this weight on his back? "I… I never knew that she destroyed it all because of my death. I… caused it all." Ozpin muttered.

Damn it… I am becoming him…

As if by instinct, my hand shot up to my chest and clenched where my heart should be as I leaned forward while letting out a pained groan. "God damn it, Ozpin. I'm getting your feelings and guilt about what happened as well?"

"That appears to be the case. But I… we can't let our feelings hold us back." Ozpin assured me, but I remained unconvinced.

"Oz," I softly reply, "I'm going to be very blunt here. What the Brother Gods did to you and Salem is cruel, forcing the both of you to kill each other repeatedly to prove whether humanity is redeemable or not. Don't get me started on them dragging me into this mess." I voiced out my feelings about the brothers as my eyes narrowed.

"I refused to let this endless suffering continue, not when I so happen to be given a choice. It's either that or laying down, waiting for death or you to take me."

"Your determination is admirable," Ozpin complimented me. "The question is, how can we do it?" Ozpin then asked, which made me pause for a moment.

…

"I'll think of something up. Ozpin. We can worry about that at a future date. I got something that, I feel, needs to be addressed." I reached over and pulled out a map from a drawer near my bed. "Remember when I could see a tiny fox on my bed while you could not?"

"Yes, Zack, I suppose it has something to do with this map?" Ozpin asks as I nod and stare at the map in my hands.

"Yea, the little guy came back and passed us a letter. While I did throw it away, I can still show it to you through our thoughts. I think you will find it interesting and incredibly strange." I explained to Ozpin before projecting the letter I saw that other time into his head.

Ozpin went silent as I continued explaining the situation. "Whoever this AWOR was, they wished for me to head to this location on the map alone, and I'm honestly conflicted as to the reason why they need me to be there. And get a blessing from a shrine? Doesn't that sound suspicious?"

"It does…" Ozpin hummed. "But I will not rule out the possibility that someone else is at play here."

Is someone else getting involved? Who, though?

"Could it be the Brother gods?" I suggested, but I could feel Ozpin shaking his head.

"No. The only way for the Brothers to return is to secure all four relics. Even then, I doubt they would interfere in such a blatant manner. They're not ones who will get themselves involved directly."

"Then who could be the one responsible for this?" I asked back, but Ozpin gave me an uncertain answer.

"I will admit, I do not know, Zack."

I let out a sigh as I rubbed my eyes. "Guess we'll have to go there ourselves, huh?" I muttered as Ozpin agreed with me.

"Yes, but it is best we bring someone with us there. Just as a cautionary sense, I'm getting a bad feeling from it."

"Right," I said as I pushed myself off my bed. "Then we should leave tomorrow morning."

"Agreed."

With a confident smirk growing on my face, I added in as I had an idea of whom to bring with us. "I think we should bring Qrow alongside us. I never get to hang out with the old man as much as everyone else, and his scouting skills would be helpful in finding this shrine."

"A wish decision, but are you sure it's a good idea to divert Mr Branwen from seeking more trustworthy Huntsman to help us against Salem?" Oz asked an important question as I paused. My hatred and rage for that utterly traitorous coward began to boil within me. Even more apparent was my tail straightening up again while fluffing up.

"Not like it matters." I spat in disgust. "Leonardo Lionheart had them killed."

"Pardon?" Ozpin lost his composure as he uttered in shock and confusion.

"He's a traitor. He sold us out to Salem for his own survival at the cost of others."

I concluded that there was no point in hiding Leonardo's betrayal any more. "I'll explain everything tomorrow." And so, I left my room to see how everyone else was doing, as Ozpin remained stunned at what I had said.

When I returned to the living room, I could see everyone enjoying their time together before I noticed one thing, there were no cookies on the cooling rack! Did Ruby eat it all?! Oh my goodness! They were for everyone! Even for Qrow!

Slowly walking in, Nora was the first to notice me as she zipped right next to me and gave me a bear hug. At this point, I had gotten used to it.

"Zacky!" Nora cried out with enthusiasm. "Thanks for the cookies! They were great!"

"Yep. No issue Nora. Did Ruby eat all the cookies like she always does?" I asked as Ruby protested and gave a pout.

"Hey!"

"I can assure you, as her partner, I stopped her attempts to devour all of them, Zack." Weiss explained as I gave Weiss a smile and a slight bow once Nora released me.

"Thank you, Weiss," I thank the ex-heiress. "I was worried that Ruby would eat it all before everyone else gets a chance to have a bite."

"Hey!" Ruby cried out again as she took a small bite out of her cookie.

"Thank you, Zack; they were tasty," Ren said as I joined everyone in the living room.

"So, did I miss anything after I left for my talk with Oz?" I asked as Yang grinned.

Oh no…

"Oh, we've done plenty of talk Zack," I took a quick glance at Weiss, who looked like she wanted to die in a corner or something along those lines. "I find it very interesting how you were reluctant to play the guitar in front of everyone yet, so willing to do it alone for Weiss."

God-damn you, Yang. Just because Weiss was bored, and I had time to entertain her with my skills doesn't mean I liked her. Seriously. Or am I just that fun to mess with?

…

"Ok. While everyone was out, I was busy making cookies when Weiss came into the kitchen, curious about what I was making. After some time, she requested a demonstration of my guitar skills, and I agreed. Case close." I deadpanned as everyone else just looked at each other.

"You… sure it is just like that?" Jaune raised an eyebrow at me. Not you too! Aren't you the one who had a crush on her?! Why do you doubt me?

"Yes."

"Then why are your cheeks red?" Ren pointed out.

My cheeks?! Shoot! Still embarrassed by what Yang did earlier. Coughing into my hand to gather everyone's attention, I decided to change the topic. "Anyway…" I glanced to the side before looking back at them. "I need to tell all of you something,"

I said as I pulled up the map from earlier and placed it on the table. As expected, all of them leaned in to look at the map.

"It's… a map." Congratulations. It appears that your eyes are working, Ruby.

"Why is there an X on it?" Yang was next to ask as Nora came in.

"Oh oh! Zacky, did you find a treasure map?" I couldn't hold my breath as I let out a chuckle. I wish it was Nora.

"Well, not really, Nora, though I wish it was." I took the map with my index and middle finger as I held it up. "Let's just say I will be heading there with Qrow tomorrow."

"You're going out with uncle Qrow tomorrow?" Ruby asks me as I nod my head in response. "But why that place specifically?" She then asked as I brought the map down.

"Well, let's say that I would need to find something over there. That's where your uncle comes in, Ruby," I explained as I took a breath to continue. "He is an assurance that I would come back here alive and not dead."

"Where did you find this map?" Weiss slowly asked as everyone looked at her. Yup. I expected someone like her to notice that I did not mention where I got the map.

"Would you all believe me that a baby fox brought it to me?" I deadpanned as everyone looked at me with confused expressions.

"I believe we should tell them the truth about this AWOR, Zack."

"Technically, I am, but I prefer to keep all of them out of it until we can find out more about AWOR. Don't want them to follow us into what could be a trap or a new can of worms to deal with."

"Understandable."

As I was interacting with Ozpin, Ren was the first to speak. "A… Baby fox?"

"Brought this map to you?" Nora continued after Ren as she tilted her head to the left.

"Yup. I know it sounds crazy, but the weirdest part was that Oz couldn't see the little fella." I added in as Nora sputtered.

"Wait whaatttt? Professor Ozpin can't see the fox?"

Before I could say anything, Ozpin took over my body with a quick flash of my eyes as he pulled out the Long Memory from my pocket and extended it. Normally, I would be pissed off about the sudden takeover, but I guess I've accepted his need to take over or something.

"That appears to be the case, Miss Valkyrie. While I do not know the exact reason why I could not see this fox cub, both Zack and I have concluded that this map given by it has to be the reason."

"Is this why you wish to take uncle Qrow with you?" Yang then asks as she folds her arms.

"That is correct, Miss Xiao Long. Both of us should be enough to figure out what is going on in that area marked, but in the meantime, before Mr Branwen and I leave for tomorrow, let us resume your training." Ozpin gave a grin as those who experienced Ozpin training groaned with reluctance.

Even I let out a groan of my own inside my head. This will be great.

"I wouldn't call beating them to submission as a form of training, headmaster." I paused for a moment. "I'm no teacher here, but even I feel that the training you put on them as you did on me is rather harsh, but then again, it is to prepare all of us against enemies that will not hesitate to kill us."

Unfortunately, Ozpin responded far too happy for my liking. "That is the case, Zack. I wish to see how far Miss Xiao Long and Miss Schnee have grown in the past few months."

"Whatever you say, headmaster," I muttered. "I swear. You're way too happy when it comes to teaching everyone else by kicking their asses. Are you sure you're not a sadist in hiding?"

"I don't believe I am, do you?" Ozpin's grin grew wider as I kept my mouth shut.

As expected from no one, Ozpin watched as all of his students were training against each other barehanded, much to no one's surprise. Ruby could use some work, while Yang was skilled in it. Others like Ren and Nora fared better than Ruby. And then there was me.

When it came to hand-to-hand combat, I'm no master at it, but I would rely on some of the self-defence technics I've learned on Earth to help me. It worked as I would end up grappling people like Ruby or Jaune, pushing them onto the ground and locking their arms into place.

It didn't work on Nora or Yang, who were stronger than me, and that would result in them pulling the same move on me and making me kiss the floor hard. Nevertheless, Ozpin took over my body again and showed us how it was done. And yikes, Oz can be scary at times.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 hours later…

Hours passed, and I was at the dining table focusing on performing maintenance checks on my gauntlet when somebody suddenly grabbed my tail with both hands and made me let out a squeak and perform a knee-jerk reaction.

"EEEEEEP!"

WHAM!

If you were wondering what happened, well… I accidentally slammed my face into the table. Ouch.

"Whoops… Didn't expect that to happen." Yang muttered.

"What in the bloody blazes was that?!"

"Did something happen?"

"What did you do, Yang?"

Various voices could be heard in the background as I slowly pushed my head off the table, while my breath was heavy and laboured as my forehead throbbed. Did Yang just grab my tail that tight, just like that? God, that was so sensitive as hell that I unintentionally squealed and slammed my face against the table.

"Yang…" I called her out slowly. "Please let go of my tail… It's sensitive, and you touching it is making it worse."

"Wait, wait, wait! So, you're telling me that touching your tail makes you feel all tingly inside?" Yang asked as I turned my head and glared at her. Yang, however, looked surprised at the whole thing. I guess she didn't know about Faunus biology.

Not that I blamed her, but still, that's really rude of her! It's like touching Blake's ears without permission!

"What do you think?" I sarcastically commented as everyone else walked in to see Yang holding my tail.

"Uh, Yang? Why are you holding Zack's tail?" Ruby asked as Yang slowly brushed my tail, sending a pleasant shiver up my spine before giving a reply.

"Just wanted to see what he's up to."

"Can't you just ask me about it instead of… doing that to get my attention?" My voice wavered as I spoke up. Yang, however, just shook her head with a smirk.

"I could've done that, but where the fun in that, eh? Besides, you look cute all blushing like that." Yang points out as Nora appears out of nowhere between Yang and me.

"I want to touch his tail too!" Nora yelled out and, with enthusiasm, began brushing my tail with her hands. "Hehe. So fluffy." She giggled.

"Nora. Please stop touching Zack's tail. He looks incredibly uncomfortable right now." I heard Ren pointing out as I tried to maintain my composure. I know my tail is sensitive, but why when someone brushes it, it makes it feel good!

"Okay, that's enough, both of you." Weiss stepped in, giving me enough time for my tail to break away from their grasp and retreat into the safety of my jacket. Then, I could let out a sigh of relief as I heard Ozpin in my head adding in his thoughts.

"I never want to experience that again. It is a new and uncomfortable feeling."

As for me, I could only agree but accept that it might happen again. "I agree, but knowing our luck and desire to have fun via teasing, we might have to go through that again in the future, Oz, but only time will tell."

"Not anytime soon, I hope."

"Daw… spoilsport." Nora grumbled with a pout as she walked back to Ren's side. As for Yang, she just chuckled as she gave me some space to cool down.

"Okay, okay. I had my fun; for now, I won't mess with you, Zack. I promise." Yang says it as she raises her hands.

As for me, I know that this wouldn't be the end, but I'll let it go for now. "You better. Just don't grab my tail to garner my attention like that. It's very rude of you to do that, you know?" I folded my arms and stared at Yang to drive to the point.

"Got it." And with the situation resolved, everyone returned to whatever they were doing as Yang sat next to me and observed what was on the table.

"Doing maintenance checks for tomorrow's journey?" Yang suddenly asked as she leaned on her hand while I gave only one word in response to her question.

"Yup."

…

"Still angry at me?"

"Not angry, just incredibly annoyed with what you pulled off." I said as I resumed performing maintenance checks.

Yang slowly nodded at my answer as she noticed something particular about it. "Some of it looks like pieces I would find in Ember Celica. How did ya make it?" Yang then asked as I paused to look into her lilac eyes before looking away.

"Well, I made it with the help of Ruby since, as you know, Oathkeeper belongs to my father. And I wanted to create something I could call my own. Thankfully, Ozpin's memories point to me that anything related to weaponry was your sister's kind of thing. And so, I sought her help out, and she agreed."

Yang paused as she absorbed my explanation. "You know, I could help you improve upon it if you don't mind." Wait, really? Yang's willing to help improve upon my design?

That's… great!

"Really? You're willing to help?" I asked with hope in my tone. Yang nods as Ruby zips in out of nowhere and wraps her arms around Yang's and my shoulders.

"Lemmi join in! I wanna help!"

That got a chuckle from both Yang and me. Ah, classic Ruby. But before we could do anything, we could hear the door open as Qrow walked in and towards me.

"Hey kid, heard you needed to see me," Qrow states as he rests one of his hands on his hips while shaking his scroll in his hand. "Something about a baby fox or something? You were really vague about it."

Taking a quick glance at Ruby and Yang, I stood up from my chair and walked towards Qrow. "And I'll explain the situation to you, Qrow. But first," I then turned to face Ruby. "Ruby, do me a favour and tell Yang about all the testing we did. I want her to know every single detail so that she can help improve its design."

"Sure thing Zack!" Ruby gave me a salute and smiled at me as I turned my attention back to Qrow.

"Alright, let's head back to our bedroom, and I'll explain it in more detail. Cost this a doozy." I signalled Qrow to follow me.

"This better be good, kid." Qrow said as he followed me and took a swig of his drink.

Back in our bedroom, I explained everything Qrow needed to know about our plan to investigate it tomorrow as he remained silent the whole way through. And once I was done speaking, Qrow asked.

"Let me get this straight. You're saying that someone called AWOR has their eyes on you and wants you to find this shrine at this location on the map?" I just nodded in confirmation.

"Yup. Strange as it is, and knowing Ruby and the others, they would no doubt want to join in this search. Having you with me on this journey would put them at ease."

"What am I? Your bodyguard?" Qrow commented, his voice full of sarcasm.

"Partially," I admitted as Qrow took a quick swig. "Since I'm supposed to find this shrine for some sort of blessing. Despite how shady it sounds. Your recon skills are what we need in this journey, Qrow."

"And Ozpin is in on this?" Qrow then asks next as I let Ozpin take over my body for the moment.

"That is the case, Mr Branwen." Ozpin pauses to take out his cane. "The one thing that bothers me is who has their eyes on Mr Arakan."

"I'm right here. You know that, right, Oz?" I asked, but Ozpin seemed too distracted at the moment to answer me back.

"Yeah, the whole thing sounds strange and complicated. I mean, you can't see a baby fox that the kid can see? Whatever it is, Oz, we should be on our guard; I have a bad feeling about this." Qrow shared his thoughts as Ozpin agreed.

"As do I."