The Games We Play

DISCLAIMER: This story is NOT MINE IN ANY WAY. That honor has gone to the beautiful bastard Ryuugi. This has been pulled from his Spacebattles publishment at threads/rwby-the-gamer-the-games-we-play-disk-five.341621/. Anyway on with the show...err read.

Wiretap

Raven's portal opened high above Atlas, out of the way of any air traffic and beyond the sight of anyone on the ground. Nonetheless, I immediately kept my word and hid the portal beneath an illusion, making it seem like any other part of the sky. At the same time, I focused my attention on a spot that, to anyone else, would have seemed like nothing more than open, empty air.

But I knew better.

For all the jokes I made about it with Adam, the truth was that my senses were so far from normal, that sometimes it was hard to believe I lived in the same world as everyone else. Even something as basic as seeing more than three primary colors opened up a vast array of options, and my senses had been constantly developing for months. When I looked into the sky, my vision was filled with things so small and so large that most people wouldn't believe they existed at all. Day or night, the skies were bright to me, filled with the remnants of cosmic events that didn't touch the visible spectrum—while at the same time, all but hummed with the motions of molecules and smaller things, dancing endlessly through the world around me.

Occasionally, things would flicker and flash, catching my eye for just a brief moment as something flashed through the world, things so brief or so fast that even I could barely glimpse them. Even when things seemed to be still, to me they were in constant motion, as living things grew at rates that might seem unnoticeable to most. Even a rock on the side of the street moved, if you looked close enough to truly see it.

And then there were the other signs of human life, like the ones I was looking at right now. The skies above Atlas were filled with signals and waves, signs of moving data and shaped information. If I looked closely, I could make out the forms they would take—web pages, broadcasts, music, and calls. I pushed most of them out of my mind without a second thought, focusing on just one.

Slowly, I lifted the hands of my body—which was another odd experience, especially with my Chakras opened. I felt it move, but raising my arms was more of a mental effort than a physical one, as if I were commanding it to act. I could see myself from the outside, like I was playing another game and just happened to be in control of a character on the screen. That probably should have bothered me more than it did, but I was a bit detached from my body at the best of times, so I just ignored it. Instead, I focused on shaping what I saw into images and turning those images into illusions.

For that, I created a Fantasy.

Fantasy (Active) LV1 EXP: 78.53%

An ability born from a deepened understanding of the truths of the world—and how they shape one's perceptions. In grasping that truth, the user of this skill has learned how to shape them in turn, twisting the perceptions of others. The user of this skill may transform thought into not only light, but real, if transient, forms. The cost and difficult increases with the breadth of the illusion and decreases with skill level.

Fantasy was much like Delusory, the skill from which it had been born. Both skills used my thoughts and power to craft realistic illusions—Fantasy simply took it a step further. Delusory, in the end, simply created holograms—this is, it was essentially a minor form of photokinesis, bending light around defined regions of space. I could use it to make empty air have the appearance of cloth or flesh or whatever I wished, but there was no more reality to it than that. The illusions I created generated no sounds of their own, nor did they exert any physical presence; both of those things had to be supplied by my other skills, like Levant or Psychokinesis.

The skill that had been born from it simply supplied those things, to an extent. The illusions I created with Fantasy could generate sound and had a limited physical presence. Not enough to be directly useful in battle, sadly—they'd shatter at anything more than a light touch—but enough that they seemed a bit more real. I could even generate small amounts of heat, if needed, and adjust the texture of the illusion slightly, though major changes could also shatter it. While I'd still need to reinforce them with Psychokinesis if I wanted to actually make an illusion 'interact' with the world, it was a significant improvement over Delusory and required significantly less focus because of how streamlined it was.

Unfortunately, the illusions possessed neither scent nor taste, so they weren't perfect. Granted, even if they had the latter, any tests on that front would likely shatter the Fantasy anyway, while the number of people who could easily exploit the former were limited, but still. Against the foes I was up against, especially the Grimm, I couldn't allow for any weaknesses.

For this, however, it worked just fine.

"James," The window above my left hand consolidated into Ozpin's face, exactly as it would be displayed on Ironwood's screen. "It's rare for you to call me these days."

"It's a special occasion," Ironwood said. "I had an interesting visitor."

Ironwood kept his expression professional so as not to give away what he was feeling. Stuff like that flat-out didn't work on me because I didn't need to gauge body language to interpret someone's emotions—or rather, I was constantly aware of the emotions of everyone around me no matter what I did. Empathy was an exceptionally useful skill, but if I hadn't had the Gamer's Mind, I'm pretty sure it would have driven me quickly insane.

Then again, if I didn't have my Semblance, I'd never have gotten it in the first place, so whatever.

"Oh?" Ozpin asked, and while I doubted direct line into the feelings of everyone around him, I was pretty sure he wasn't fooled by Ironwood's mask either. "Anyone I know?"

"Surprising, yes," Ironwood replied, staring at Ozpin for a long moment, either for dramatic effect or in an attempt to stare the Headmaster down. Either way, Ozpin didn't even react. "Jian Bing sends his regards."

"Ah," Ozpin answered, blinking mildly as if Ironwood had just told him it was going to rain today. "It's been awhile since I had one of these conversations. His sent me his regard, you say? He usually isn't that considerate when he brings things to my attention."

I frowned slightly at that, vaguely annoyed. I'm usually very polite when I talk to Ozpin; I just drop the formalities when there's an emergency or something horrible is on the horizon.

…Which, admittedly, was the case most of the times I talked to Ozpin, so I suppose I can't fault him there.

"I was paraphrasing," Ironwood stated, frowning at the Headmaster. "Actually, he's kind of an asshole. But you already knew that, didn't you? How long have you been working with him, Ozpin?"

Ozpin considered him dully for a moment before taking a sip of his coffee, seemingly considering the question.

"Is this line secure?" He asked.

"You know it is," Ironwood replied. "I wouldn't have called you on this line otherwise. I checked the building thoroughly, swept the room, and locked things down. It's just us."

"I doubt that would be much of an obstacle for our mutual friend," Ozpin stated. "But then, he already knows everything we're about to discuss, so I suppose it makes no difference. I'll simply assume you're here then, Jian, and say hello."

I was tempted—very, very tempted—to create an illusion behind Ironwood saying 'Hi.' I'd have drawn the sound out, too, stretching the two letter word as far as it go.

But I resisted the urge for the sake of professionalism. Ozpin would giving a curtesy warning to Ironwood, but at the same time, he'd confirmed my suspicions—he wouldn't be acting against me, not after that opening. Given that, I could also say for sure that he probably wouldn't reveal anything he didn't want me to know, and so there was technically little reason for me not to get involved…but that was just from my perspective. From theirs, this was a discussion of an important matter between friends. The fact that I was listening was fairly invasive, but I at least wouldn't intrude directly. Afterwards, I'd apologize to Ozpin and explain why I'd put him on the spot, even if I didn't tell him everything.

Afterwards. For now, I'd continue to snoop shamelessly.

Maybe I am impolite…

After waiting a few more seconds, giving me ample time to reply while also buying time, Ozpin looked carefully at Ironwood.

"From the nature of this call, I can somewhat guess at your circumstances," He mused. "I am, of course, glad to see you unharmed, just as I am glad that you aren't truly upset at me—no more than usual, at least."

"I'm usually fairly upset at you," Ironwood countered. "But in my defense, you usually deserve it."

"Perhaps," Ozpin answered, almost shrugging. "Regardless, it seems you met Jian on fairly amiable terms, which isn't something I would have expected. May I ask what happened?"

"May I have an answer to my question?" Ironwood asked patiently. "We're returning to why I'm usually upset with you. Can you give me a straight answer for once in your life, Ozpin?"

"Shortly after the White Whale," The Headmaster answered easily, as if he'd intended to from the beginning. "I'd been aware of him since shortly before his…public appearance, but we didn't have contact until he revealed himself. I approached him afterwards to make him an offer. You?"

Ironwood took a deep breath and closed his eyes, seeming to take that in before nodding.

"He stopped my ship," He said without looking at Ozpin. "Supposedly as a favor to you. He said that She was moving, Ozpin. Here."

The Headmaster was silent for a long moment before raising his mug to take another sip of coffee.

"I see," He whispered at last. "Then I suppose I owe him a favor indeed."

"Ozpin…" Ironwood whispered, dropping his voice as he spoke only for the Headmaster to halt him with a raised hand.

"I know," He replied. "But doesn't this explain things? You said you were suspicious about that…incident several weeks ago. Though I admit, I didn't expect Atlas to be her next target."

Ironwood nodded for a moment but then shook his head as Ozpin finished.

"According to Bing, Atlas isn't her focus," He said. "He seems to agree that she'll be aiming for Vale again."

"Oh?" Ozpin asked curiously.

"If he's to be believed," Ironwood continued, voice cautious even as he frowned over the words. "Then she will make her move during the Vytal Festival."

"I see," Ozpin mused before nodding to himself. "As expected, then."

Ironwood stopped and stared at the Headmaster for a long moment.

"As expected?" He asked, causing the older man to shrug.

"It does make the most sense as a target, James," Ozpin replied casually. "If one desired to cause damage on a massive scale, it is perhaps the best possible time to do so. People from all over Remnant will be within Vale at the time and if any…accidents should happen, it would be possible to affect all four Kingdoms—and very easy to cause a panic. Indeed, I've considered it the most probable time of attack for quite a while, I'm just uncertain of the precise form the attack will take. Will she try to strike at the visiting dignitaries? The crowds? Or will she target our students, the future Hunters? What does Jian think?"

Ironwood took a deep breath, frowning at his friend before speaking again.

"He's unsure," He answered at last. "But according to him, she approached the White Fang and entered a partnership with them—Bing was apparently reluctant to refuse her."

"Understandable," Ozpin mused. "Did he say what she wanted from them?"

"She apparently detailed the basics of her plan—or, at least, what she claimed to be her plan," Ironwood said. "Bing was skeptical of her sincerity and so am I. But supposedly, she will target the CCT and take control of the Atlesian Knights, as a stage of a plan he didn't fully elaborate on. He stated the two of you would discuss the matter."

"I see," Ozpin replied. "I suppose I shall be expecting a call, then. But the CCT, hm? Interesting."

"If she wasn't lying about it," Ironwood reminded, sounding a touch bitter.

"She is likely lying about the reason," Ozpin acknowledge. "But that doesn't necessarily mean she's lying about her target. While seizing control of your Knights would be dangerous for us all, it's not necessarily the worst thing she could do if she seized control of the CCT. You of all people should know why it was created."

"To connect the four Kingdoms," Ironwood answered at once before pausing. "You don't mean…"

"It's remarkable, sometimes," Ozpin continued, as if to himself, sighing quietly as though he were tired. "How fragile things that seem strong can be. Everything we've built can be threatened by things as simple as darkness. By fear. By doubt. And, of course, by division. If something were to happen and the systems which connect the Kingdoms were to falter and fall amidst the chaos…the result could be worse than any army."

Ironwood fell silent for a moment, seemingly imagining it. After a moment, he closed his eyes.

"We'll need to stop it, then," He said. "Keep guards around it for the duration of the festival. If necessary, it may even be best to delay or even cancel the festival itself—"

"James," Ozpin interrupted sharply. "Didn't you hear what I said? Even with all her power, what we must fear most is fear itself. Should we cancel an international event, imagine the impression it would send. People would realize that we are afraid—and thus, they would be afraid. There is a purpose to these festivals and celebrations and they must go on. We must protect the people, so that they will believe that we can. For if they don't, if they believe that we can be sent running by the simple threat of danger…"

He didn't need to finish—we all understood. The Grimm would flock to the kind of environment that would create.

"Then what should we do?" Ironwood whispered. "Regardless of what she intends, lives will be endangered—lives we are sworn to protect. And if we fail to do so, the results will be no better than if we'd cancelled the festival—the only difference is that we'd deserve their doubt."

"We will do what we always do, James," Ozpin stated firmly. "We will soldier on. We will protect the people, defeat our enemies, and continue the festival as if nothing had ever happened."

"You make it sound so simple," Ironwood murmured before his lips twitched upwards. "But then, you always do, don't you Ozpin? Even when everything is going to hell."

"Especially when everything is going to hell," Ozpin corrected with a slight smile. "We're Huntsmen, James. It would be unbecoming for us to come undone over such minor things as the possible end of the civilization."

"Understood," Ironwood answered, inclining his head slightly. "Then for now, I will follow your lead. What would you have me do?"

"I take it you will be attending the Vytal Festival this year?" Ozpin asked casually, as if inquiring about what he intended to have for lunch tomorrow.

"Naturally," Ironwood replied in almost the same tone, though his sounded a touch more forced than Ozpin's. "I intended to come since the moment I received Qrow's message and after what I've learn…well, I wouldn't miss it."

"Then I will look forward to your arrival, old friend," Ozpin said. "Things will begin moving soon and for the time being, we can do little but wait and see. Once that changes…"

"I'll be ready," Ironwood stated, nodding once. "Goodbye, Ozpin."

"Goodbye, James," He answered.

Moments later, the call ended and I let the illusions above my hands disappear, releasing a slight breath as I did so.

"I'd say that was informative," Raven mused. "But we knew most of that already."

"True," I replied, sitting down again as I pondered what had been said. "But it wasn't necessarily what was said aloud that mattered. With this, we know that Ironwood is onboard. There was the possibility that things might breakdown between him and Ozpin, which would have complicated things significantly. With this, we can rely on the power of Atlas, Mistral, and Vale when we oppose whatever Cinder has planned. That, at least, is good news."

Raven inclined her head in acknowledgement at that.

"True," Raven mused. "I can't say I ever expected to be on such a team again, but it is…reassuring, in a way. It's always nice to have powerful allies. What now, Jian?"

"I'll need to contact Ozpin soon," I told her. "He'll be expecting me now. Then…we should be able to get in a little more training before Cinder returns to Mistral."

Raven nodded in understanding at that, looking at me carefully.

"What did you have in mind?" She asked.

I sighed quietly, looking away from her for a moment.

"For this…I think a face-to-face meeting would be best," I answered, trying not to let how much that thought worried me slip into my voice.

"I thought you might say that," Raven replied, looking as enthused by the idea as I felt. "But…do you really think it's safe?"

I didn't answer immediately. Truthfully, I had no idea. Since the moment I obtained Ajna, I'd wanted to return to Vale, if only to take a look at the Headmaster's soul. I had no idea what to expect, though, nor any way to truly interpret what I saw with my Third Eye; even if there was some sign proving whether he was a Rider or not, odds were I wouldn't be able to recognize it as such.

But while that was true, it wasn't why I'd hesitated to return home. If I was being honest…I was just afraid. At what I could find, at what I couldn't, at the simple possibilities. It was frightening—if he was a Rider, that would cataclysmically bad, especially if he realized I knew. And if he wasn't, then someone else was and I had no idea who it might be, which would be cataclysmically bad. There was really no possible good to the question I wanted to ask and it kind of sucked.

But the knowledge that the future was full of uncertainty and danger was no reason not to face the day.

After all, every day was full of uncertainty and danger for me.

"More or less," I said at last. "He hasn't tried anything yet and he was willing to support me in front of Ironwood, even without knowing the full situation. It would be best if I went and returned that trust by meeting him and filling him in on what's happened. Besides which, I think there are a few things in Vale that we both need to check in on."

She hadn't said anything, but given that Yang was at Beacon now—and thus, closer to Ozpin who was one of the few people Raven was actually worried about spying on—I was willing to bet she had a harder time keeping an eye on her daughter. I'd have happily checked in on Yang for her, but…I was pretty this was something she wanted to do for herself. If nothing else, she'd have a chance to do so while I kept Ozpin busy.

Raven nodded slowly, rising from her seat.

"Then let's go back to Vale," She answered. "Putting it off won't change anything."

She said that, but I was pretty sure we both kind of wanted to anyway.

Too bad we weren't the types to let that stop us.