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Chapter Text

Ozpin was all knowing about the world's history. In fact, if he wasn't so bold to be a hero of humility, he would even dare say the most knowledgable in terms of history. Though it was understandable as to why he would be so confident in saying that for he lived through each stage of the world. He even had a place in naming it. Though much of his old information about the original gods of the world was gone from existence. He had to rely on his old memories for that. Though this incarnation of him had just became the new headmaster of Beacon Academy, and he was ready to trail blaze the new students.

That was until... something peculiar happened. See what had happened, was that after waking up from his daily eight hours of sleep he was in a white void. A white void he was accustomed too. The white void that was the first place he ever met face to face with the God of Light. The void where he was tasked to unite all of humanity to win against his enemy of old, Salem.

He only walked though. He wasn't unfamiliar this time with the rules of this domain. The God of Light did not like having his domain tainted nor explored, but this is one of the only respect times he had to venture into the domain. As the wizard ventured throughout the domain, he felt like he was being watched... or rather judged. It was bone chilling. As Ozpin observed the domain, he started to ponder why he was here in the first place.

Why was he here? He did not complete the mission of uniting kingdoms. Not to mention that the four relic was never reunited, so why was he here? It made no sense. There was no logic. Not a single ounce of logic, but then appeared the answer to all of his questions. It was the God of Light.

The deity was in a draconic form. The dragon was similar to the Mistrali depictions, a more elongated form with no wings. They had four legs attached to their main body that was composed of scales. Behind it was a long tail that was about the length of a quarter of Amity Arena's arena floor. The face of the dragon was steeped in age. Golden eyes were featured with two long whiskers that stared at Ozpin. The mouth then opened and a voice poured out," Ozpin... you have been called by me for one reason... me and my brother grow tired of your stalemate with Salem and we wish to end this everlasting balance."

Ozpin eyes dilated in shock. What? End the everlasting balance? It made zero sense. That balance was one of the only ways to unity humanity. It was the closest thing to accomplishing his goal. He immediately questioned the gods' choice for that. "What do you mean to end the everlasting balance? If you and your brother do that... does that mean Remnant is to die? Please, give me more time!"

"Ozpin, calm yourself. We are not going to destroy Remnant just yet. We are going to hold an event that decided the fate of Remnant. One where your very hard work has paid off. Me and my brother have decided to hold a tournament known as Judgement. You will learn the rules and conditions of the tournament with Salem, but aside from that is there any questions you wish to ask me?" The golden dragon asked him. He was awaiting Ozpin's reaction.

"Yes! What happens to Remnant as this occurs? What happens if I loose?" Ozpin asked with haste. He was terrified at the thought of all of humanity dying. He was desperate to know the answers.

"Remnant will be essentially in a catatonic state in which no person or Faunus is there and is instead in the arena spectating, and as for what happens when you loose is up to Salem now... Shall I teleport us to the arena where we will meet my brother and Salem?" the God of Light asked with upmost curiosity.

Ozpin thought for a moment. If things were to be settled via tournament... he figured neither Salem or him could fight each other prior. So he only said a soft," Yes."

The God of Light only nodded and teleported Ozpin to the middle of the arena. It was a colosseum, one that was made of olden brick that shone a hue of light gold. Then the arena held seats where all of humanity was sitting. Everyone was there. The riches to the poorest, Faunus to Humans, powerful to pawns they were there. Well at least a majority was. Though unexpectedly the stadium was silent, not even a single echo was heard. As the stadium was filled there was another party awaiting Ozpin and the God of Light. It was Salem and the God of Darkness.

They were silent as well, but the God of Darkness looked at his brother then to Ozpin. His draconic form was much more... sinister looking but they had quickly turned into a more humanized form, so did their brother. Each one was more human that Ozpin or Salem remembered. The God of Light looked as though he was a true divine image of the term benevolent. Six angel wings emerged from his back, golden deer antlers, light blonde hair, and glistening skin composed his body. Robes made of white silk wrapped around his figure. His brother on the other hand was more alike with darkness. A black robe bore around his body and orange embroidered patterns was incorporated into it. His body was smaller than his brothers, but more fit like a a warriors, and he did not incorporate any extra appendages.

As Salem and Ozpin stood in silence looking at the two deities, a third joined them. It was the an older woman who seemed to be composed of various forged items. Her body even looked metal. Both of them were... shocked by the third party of another deity. Then she spoke with a calming voice to the silent crowd," Hello, all of Remnant! Well come to the arena known as Valhalla! This is where the tournament known as Judgement will be held! Those who come from Remnant maybe curious to know that Judgement is... It is a tournament ment to end the stalemate between the two parties on the stage here. The Grimm led by Salem, the Queen of Grimm, and the Huntsmen Association led Ozpin, the Immortal Wizard of Old! Now both of them now, you may read their stories on the scrolls we have provided all you. Though they fight for different things in this tournament. In fact, we will allow them to announce what they wish to win. This has been your host, the Blacksmith of the Ever After."

"The Ever After is real... Ozpin was putting pieces together. He didn't know about the Ever After being real now, but it felt as though the information passed through him with falsehood. Was this a dream? No, it was real. He just knew. If the Blacksmith was real, then so was the Rusted Knight, the Curious Cat, the Paper Pleasers, all of it. All of it was real, so why did this feel so fake? Nevertheless Ozpin only awaited for his oldest enemy to declare what she wanted in this tournament.

A horse but sickly sweet voice was heard throughout the stadium. It was a voice that captivated everyone's attention, drawing them away from reading the two's backstory. Everyone was encapsulated to hear about the Queen of Grimm's desire. "I only want three things... I want to be reunited with my dear Ozma who would love me, to rule the land once more where I can bring peace, and to make those who killed my kin kill and hated them to perish."

Ozpin looked at Salem with upmost shock. He expected her to say something about the Gods finally uplifting her old curse or even to finally be granted eternal rest. Not a genocide of innocents that did not know about the full extent of the Grimm being her kin! They might of suspected it was her actual children not the Grimm, Ozpin thought! He was fearful of her twisted mind, but he reposed. In turn he spoke of his desire to the crowd," I wish to prevent her wish! I want humanity to prosper and live without the threat of Grimm and Salem!"

The world seemed to acknowledge both their wishes. Some wished for Salem to win for she was deigned the life of luxury from Ozma due to the Gods and wanted to live in a peaceful life. Whilst others rooted for Ozpin to win for the protection and to live in prosperous times. They discussed with each other and as they did the two sides started to separate. As they split, they saw the gods and awaited the Blacksmith to talk once more.

The Blacksmith only announced to the crowd in an esteemed tone," My dear audience, seeing as how you are all divided evenly... this only solidifies the need to start the tournament. Now all of should not understand what Judgement is, but it is a simple tournament between twenty-six fighters, thirteen on each team. The combatants are drafted by the leader of their respective team. Those combatants are at certain peaks when choose and their weapons will be enhanced with pure magic gifted by gods that volunteer. With that we will begin the draft for the twenty-six participants. Ozpin, Salem... if you may open your scrolls there will be one hundred options and the choosing will be public. We will also roll to see who will choose first."

Ozpin looked at a screen that appeared in front of everyone. There was two symbols, one of a Grimm's face and the other a clock that had golden hands. There it flickered between the two symbols and a click was heard between the time it took. It landed on Salem's symbol, the Grimm's face. She got first choice out of the hundred.

As that happened both of them had looked at their choices. It was filled with huntsmen, criminals, dead, living, and everything between. Beside each name was a title, a small introspective to what they could do. As he looked through some names that popped up intrigued him. Each one was special. Then the first choice was declared with Salem yelling across the stadium," I choose Adam Taurus - Hate Incarnate!" A name that none knew.

Now it was Ozpin's turn. Who would he pick out of ninety-nine people? Each was special in a regard. It was so hard. Each person looked so intriguing, but only one caught his eye so far... and so he called his first draft," I choose Jaune Arc - King of the World!" He was confident in this choice. To be king was one thing, but to be king of the world was something else.

The Salem responded in turn with," I call upon Cinder Fall - Queen of the World!" Salem did not know this person, but they seemed of great importance if this warrior was known as the Queen of the World!

Ozpin then gazed back into the list of the possible candidates. Every name was unfamiliar in sense. It felt as though, he should of known them. Throughout all of them the most intense title stood out to him, Atlesian Queen. The holder though was unfamiliar; it was a young lady known as Weiss Schnee. The grey wizard knew about the famous Schnee family, but they never had a Weiss in their linage. He figured that the Gods were picking people from various times in history both present, past, and future... they did say they would be pick the fighter's peak at certain points of time. Therefore he chose her," I wish for the Atlesian Queen - Weiss Schnee."

"Hmmm... why I shall choose my greatest soldier! Tock! The Silver Eye Killer!" Salem said with full confidence. It was as though, Tock was someone Salem trusted. Someone that was close to her.

Ozpin in turn dived into more treacherous waters. He was breaking his code of honor by choosing this next person, but he needed more powerhouses. Powerhouses that weren't afraid to kill. And what better person to ask do that besides a bandit, but most importantly the Bandit Goddess? So following his logic, the wizard of the world called out to the deities," I wish for Raven Branwen - The Bandit Goddess!"

Salem in turned looked in thought. She was thinking heavily. The Demon knew that she needed to choice someone loyal, someone who would accomplish anything she wished. Then she remembered her most loyal solder, and called for them," I choose Tyrian Callows - Sadistic Killer of Humanity!"

Ozpin in turn immediately called his next warrior! "I want Winter Schnee - The Cold Dagger!" He figured that if one Schnee would become the Queen of Atlas, then that meant that the other Schnee would be an equivalent powerhouse!

Salem knew she would also need smart tacticians. Tacticians that could lead the charge. Be an advisor to her. So she choose a general, a general that carved paths for his army. The Queen called for her fifth warrior," General James Ironwood - The Fearful Tactician as my fifth choice."

Ozpin only went further with his grey morality approach by choosing another criminal. Or at least someone who seemed to become a criminal. He called out for a thief. "I call forth Roman Torchwick - Phantom Thief as my next option."

Salem couldn't have a goddess as her bandit, but the closest thing to goddess was a queen. To be a queen means to be able to lead, to guide, to nurture! So she called for another queen to fight," I call upon Vernal - The Bandit Queen!"

Ozpin was now in a corner once more... he felt as though he needed someone that could bring death easily as well. These were innocent people that were going to be fighting, so even those who were fighting on the opposite side deserved to dead peacefully. In that moment, he called out," Ruby Rose - Grimm Reaper is my sixth choice."

Salem had already scouted out her next choice. Even though they were a traitor... a traitor that defected to her side had already won her favor. Therefore, she called to the Gods to secure them," I choose Leonardo Lionheart - The Traitorous Teacher."

Ozpin was visibly pissed now. There were some traitors that would betray them at a certain park of his life. In fact there was many villainous people, but those people could've just been at certain points of time. But betrayal is something Ozpin hated the most for it was the most unexpected act from trusted allies, the psychopaths and villains could be killed without remorse but not betrayers. He immediately answered for his seventh fighter," I want Yang Xiao Long! The Wyrm of Fire!" for Wyrms were powerful and wise beings.

Salem only smirked as she looked to the crowd. Obviously she was choosing criminals, psychopaths, and evils, but she also knew about how beauty played a key factor into what the people loved. Now many obviously accepted that she is the leader of Grimm, but for good reasoning in their mind, so they only would support her with all they can and that even meant choosing someone they would appeal to a fairy tale character perhaps... So the Queen of Grimm calls out," I want for the Curious Cat, or better known here as the Jester, as my eighth fighter!"

The crowd erupted in laughter as they imagined a cat fighting, but it wasn't crazy to think it couldn't happen. As she garnered more attention from the crowd. Ozpin only asked for his eighth fighter, a fighter that was his wild card or supposed wild card," I call upon Velvet Scarlettina - Memoir of Old as my next fighter."

Salem only responded quickly as well. She was confident that she had the best team now and that no one could stop them. Though she responded with another fighter that seemed to be the best choice," My next fighter will be Emerald Sustrai - Illustrious Illusionist!"

Ozpin was more in a humbler sense. Yet he was still wary about these warriors, for he thought some of them might be red herrings. So for his next fighter, the wizard wanted a guaranteed fighter of strength and nobleness. That's when he saw an interesting name with "Amazonian" as their title. He remembered the Amazonians of old. They suited who he longer for in a fighter, so he called out," Pyrrha Nikos - Amazonian Princess is my ninth choice."

Salem only looked in happiness as she choose her next fighter," I want Hazel Rainart as my next fighter. The Guilt Ridden Brawler needs to redeem himself, so why not have this tournament as a way for him to aid humanity and get rid of his guilt?"

"I call for Sun Wukong - Western Traveler as my next choice!" Ozpin was in elation with this choice. He knew of the story about a Monkey King, so he hoped that this warrior could only mimic a fraction of their power!

The old pale queen only sneered at the prospect of Sun. Sure to look for legends of old was a great thing, but she also wanted legends of the new. Therefore she called out to the gods her eleventh choice," Arthur Watts - Eye of Technology is my eleventh champion."

The grey wizard now was quick to choose the next fighter. He knew about a warrior group that was similar to the Amazonians... they were known as Valkyries. "I call forth Nora Valkyrie - Valkyrie of the Sky and Strength!"

"I wish to enlist Mercury Black - The Grey Mercenary as my second to last choice," Salem announced. She knew about an upcoming assassin known as Marcus Black. The feats he had done was unlike any other, so maybe his future son could be better than his father.

"I want Penny Polendina - Humanized: Battle Form is my next warrior!" Ozpin didn't know why he choose her. But something about someone who was humanized and brought to the light seemed to put his mind at ease, it was something he hoped that would be prevalent in Remnant. This choice seemed to be the best one he made so far.

"As my final pick... I choose Neo - Glasswork Manipulator," Salem said with a smirk. Sure this pick seemed like a horrible choice, but in hind sight... it might as well be the best choice in the end.

"I choose Lie Ren - Hunter of the Wild!" Ozpin finalized his choice. It was one that symbolized a Hunter. Not a huntsmen, but a hunter. He longed to see how a hunter would do against humans especially for the fact this hunter was able to hunt the wild itself. For conquering the wild is to be the pinnacle of human ingenuity.

"Excellent! You have chosen your thirteen! We will show the audience what they look like, now..." The God of Darkness told the audience. To which holographic images of the twenty-six fighters were shown. The crowd was visibly tuned in to see what the warriors looked like, so was Ozpin and Salem for they were most curious. Some of them seemed to be young warriors in their teens, some seemed to be grown adult aged by time, and some felt damaged. The God of Darkness only continued to speak," These fighters are at their peak strength and prowess as of now, but they will be enhanced by patron gods who will place their trust in them and will give their powers and soul to them. Each of their weapons as well will be enhance from that deal."

The God of Light continued explaining the tournament further as his brother stopped," We will allow a resting, or preparation period that will last for twenty-four hours from now. Get to know your fighters, begin to choose your first fighter, and hope for the best. The patron god that will be your soldier in the battle field will meet them prior to the battle. Your warriors have also been informed and had their questions answered, so do not fret about explaining to them. As for how each side wins! One side has to secure seven victories in total to win the tournament as a whole! With that... citizens of Remnant... you are all dismissed. As for Ozpin and Salem... you may both go to your quarters to talk to your fighters."

Ozpin nodded as he received directions from an angelic being to his quarters. It was slightly tense he wondered if the fighters would hate him or like him. The wizard hoped that the fighters were okay with risking their life for the sake of others. Eventually he arrived at a grand door. There was intricate golden patterns that housed the names of the fighters. It was a room for them as well. The angel opened the door and gave privacy to Ozpin and the thirteen fighters fighting for the Hunters. There the thirteen fighters looked at Ozpin with trepidation, curiosity, and anticipating emotions, and so did Ozpin. The fight would be long, but they all had one thought in their mind... they had to win.

Chapter Text

Ozpin looked to the thirteen people. Each one had a unique face, outfit, stature, and expression. All of them seemed adamant on Ozpin speaking the first words. So the grey haired wizard speaks with a soft and calm voice. His stature is strong, yet able to comfort those who are stressed. He adjusted his glasses, and then spoke as he walked toward the group. "I know that you all are probably holding emotions now, but I wish to know who you are. You all intrigue me. In fact, I should introduce myself as well."

Ozpin only looked to the crowd as he took a pause. There was silence as he waited for anyone to object, to ask any unexpected questions. There was none. Then the male spoke," I am Ozpin the founder of the Huntsmen Academies. You may know me from the time you come from or maybe I'm a distant memory or don't exist the time you know me. I look to you as hope for humanity. I know forced this position on you, but I want all of you to know that I want you all to survive this. But we must face the fact that some of you might die, so I humbly ask you... to fight with every ounce of your being. Now tell me about yourselves... we go in order of the draft if all of you wish."

None objected to this. The first fighter Ozpin drafted into the fray stood up. He was a blonde male, older than Ozpin, but looked young. About thirty-three in Ozpin's eyes. His was body was like a knight. There was armor that surrounded his body as well as his legs. His face had blue sapphire eyes, a few scars was born into his face, and he had a slight smirk. His hair was messy and orderly at the same time. As he spoke it sounded like a soft lullaby but powerful to get the point across.

"I am Jaune Arc, King of the World! I know most of you and the combatants, but you all are probably different from the versions I know! It seems like all of you are tense, but I hope that we secure an early victory! Aside from that many of you might already know me as... the Rusted Knight!" Jaune said with a smile on his face. His compatriots seemed to acknowledge his words. Many seemed to also give the fact that he actually was the Rusted Knight which surprised the headmaster. How could the king of the world be both the Rusted Knight of legend and be the king that leads Remnant to the future? "The Gods told us that you should have access to our origin stories as well. They said it was to... inform you. You can read them during our free time."

The group seemed to acknowledge Jaune's kinghood. Ozpin on the other hand was understanding why people would follow him. Though Ozpin was more curious about the others as well. In which the second person drafted stood up as Jaune sat down. This was the Atlesian Queen. It was a petite woman that had a scar on her left eye. Her left eye seemed devoid of all color, and her frame looked as though of a ballerina. She seemed cold and calculating, yet her voice presented the exact opposite. It was soft, sweet, and soothing.

"I am Weiss Schnee, Queen of Atlas in your service, Professor Ozpin. You may not know it, but I am one of your old students in the future or at least will be when this is all over. In my world, Jaune is my noble advisor rather than the King of the World. Though by the time the war was over, he had proven himself to be worthy of that title. I, myself got to be royalty via leading Atlas's remaining forces. It is also a great pleasure to be fighting next to you once more," Weiss said with a prideful voice. She was glad to have been chosen to compete and fight for Remnant once more. Though she did wish for it to be under differing circumstances.

Ozpin gave a signal of gratitude. He was glad that she was one of his students. In fact many of these people could be his students. It was something that he was thankful for. He simply awaited for the next warrior to announce their self. The Queen of Atlas sat as the next fighter stood up. It was an aged woman. Around forty, she had ruby born eyes, a face that seemed olden, and her outfit was of prestige. It was a red and black robes that seemed to be plated with armor. She spoke with a wise voice, someone with experience. It was rough, but somewhat pleasing.

"I am Raven Branwen of the Branwen tribe. I had also been a student of yours, Ozpin. It is nice to see you once more. I am the Bandit Goddess as they call me... I have no further words..." The older woman spoke and sat. She was silent. There was no objection to the woman sitting. It seemed as though she had a high amount of tension in her. Ozpin had picked up on her silence. Her... quietness. It seemed as though she hid more than she said.

Once she sat, the next person stood up. It was another white haired warrior. She had blue eyes that seemed to pierce through any gaze. That wasn't to mention how much coldness she brought to the atmosphere. It was Winter Schnee. Ozpin had remembered who he had chosen, but she seemed to leave an impression on him. She looked ready. Her voice was subsequently... cold, it featured nothing but a chilling tone.

"I am Winter Schnee... sister of Weiss Schnee. In my era of time, I was the Winter Maiden though it seems that I cannot access those powers. I am ready to fight for you though Ozpin, it has been a while since I talked to you like this after all," the maiden said with sullen feeling. She had probably felt sad that she was dragged back into a war, a war where this time she might loose her sister despite not knowing her.

Ozpin awaited the next fighter. Alas he also felt guilt for not acknowledging how his fighters might feel about fighting for their life. Whoever Salem had could end their life or the life they could've had. It was plaguing his mind, but he held out and waited for the next fighter. Who had popped up quietly, in fact Ozpin would have characterized it as sneaky. The fighter was a ginger haired male that bore a white suit with accents of gold. His eyes shone like emeralds that were to be stolen. Nevertheless his eyes could even steal a person's attention, but that wasn't to mention his younger body which was about twenty-one here. Though as he stood up many of the gathered had distain for him or at least wasn't a positive person. With that he spoke in a flamboyant and extravagant manner.

"Hello, my fellow compatriots! I take it that you must know about me! The best thief in the world, Roman Torchwick! I await to see who's life I will be steal soon... I must say though, I thought I would be fighting with Cinder, not with Little Red here. Not only that, it seems I am younger than most of the fighters! Seems like I was at my peak during my last heist!" Roman announced as he smirk towards Ruby who had also stood up. It seemed as though those two had history together. Whether bad or good history, Ozpin couldn't tell, but he did favor bad in his judgement.

As the white suited man sat back down, he let Little Red stand up. The lady looked around twenty-five. The age most huntsmen would fully become fully specialized. Though she had many scars. Scars that bore across her face, but one deep gash was across her right eye was the focal point. She was shorter than most of the fighters, but she had an aura that made it seem as though she was one of the strongest. Then Ozpin noticed her eyes, they were silver. Though why was her peak when one of her eye was potentially disabled. Her attire was also more like a reapers. A black hooded cape, a corset that had a grey long sleeve shirt that covered her arms, and pants ment for wilderness survival. It seemed that her peak was the moments right before she was blinded. Her voice was calm yet there was something hidden.

"Hello, Professor Ozpin. I am Ruby Rose, or as you might know from the draft... the Grimm Reaper. You might also know about my silver eyes as well. Not only that, but I was what you would consider a prodigy back when I was fifteen. You made me a leader and also a warrior, so it is an honor to fight with you once more. And don't mind Roman of there, he's just a little grumpy that Neo is on the opposite side," the huntress said with a nice voice. She looked towards the thief and scoffed off his little insult as well, though their relationship seemed more like two siblings that would banter and insult each other. But Ozpin was contemplating a lot more than just that. Ruby essentially entered his war as a child, stripped of her childhood, and fought til she looked like this... Ozpin felt guilty and had a pang in his heart. How could he do that to a young soul?

As the warrior sat, another stood up. It was a blonde lady who was the splitting image of Raven besides a few things. She looked younger than the Bandit Goddess. Her eyes were lilac and her body seemed to exude a heat that was higher than average. Her gaze seemed to resemble Raven as well. She held a smirk of reminiscence. Her voice on the other hand was bombastic and quite excited. She also seemed to be the same age as Ruby around twenty-five. The outfit of the bombshell also seemed to be more relaxed as it was only combat pants and a basic combat shirt.

"Hey, Ozpin! It's been a while since I last talked to you! But you also probably don't know me, much less my mom or sister over there! Though... Rubes might actually be older than me right now! Oh, and I'm Yang Xiao Long! Remember the name won't ya!" the bombastic warrior was a relative of a Grimm Reaper and the Goddess of Bandits and yet was very bright compared to them. Well it is a given, she was known as the Wyrm of Fire meaning she should be very bright Ozpin concluded. She seemed the most accepting of her predicament, but she too sat back down.

The eighth warrior Ozpin had choose now stood up. It was a Faunus. A rabbit Faunus with brown ears that seemed to be twitching. She was slightly nervous. Her body seemed to be covered in a black jumpsuit that was more accustomed to covering larger areas of her muscles, yet they also seemed to be compressing the muscles as well. Around it was brown armor plating as well as her emblem, a heart with stitches. Her voice was quite, but it was able to be heard by Oz and that was all that mattered.

"I'm Velvet Scarletina. I am ready for humanity once more, Professor Ozpin. It's nice to meet you once more as well," the Memoir told. Ozpin gauged her as a person of very few words. While he did simply ask them to introduce them, he expected a bit more levity from her. Though the teacher couldn't blame her, she was forced into another position of fighting for their life. But as she sat, the next person stood up proud.

This person was someone that was the embodiment of Amazonian. It was Pyrrha Nikos. Ozpin was proud of this choice as well as the other choices. She seemed to be about the same age as Ruby and Yang. Her hair was a flare of deep red, she had green eyes, and a smile that was welcoming. Her body bore bronze armor that surrounded her. Outside of that, her body itself seemed fit for any type of battle. Minimal scars had etched into her as well. And her voice... her voice was the sweetest and most empathic of them all.

"Hello, Ozpin! I know that we were to meet under different circumstances, but if this is what it takes to win against her... I will gladly fight for you. I wish for a world where everyone here can live in peace, much like your aspirations. As for something, I wish for you to know right now... is that I was originally your Fall Maiden." That last sentence was something that altered the tone of the room. Everyone, but three, hitched their breath. The first was the grey wizard for it didn't seem like a sensitive subject. The second was Raven Branwen who felt empathy for the champions death, but looked away. And the final was a male with black hair who never said a word. "Anyways, I think the next fighter should introduce themself to you, Professor!"

The bronze-clad warrior sat down, and the next warrior presented himself. It was a blonde monkey Faunus. He had the feature of a tail. Though something was way different about his outfit. His outfit resembled older Eastern Mistrali armor. It was golden armor on his legs that had ornate details of dragon scales, golden lions were on his knees to be padding, and his joints had pants that was durable enough to tank blows to weaker areas. As for his top it was a red robe that only covered half of his upper torso. It seemed as though he had journeyed across Mistral countless times. He born a smirk, a smirk that showed eagerness. His voice was like Yang's, but his was more excited.

"Hello, Ozpin! It's a pleasure to finally see you once more! Though you might not know me... eh, doesn't matter anyway! I'm Sun Wukong! I am excited to fight my opponent! Though the fact I might die is a let down though... but whatever, everyone does at one point of their life! I can't shake the feeling of adrenaline off me though, I can't wait to fight even if it is for one last time," the monkey Faunus exclaimed with laughter. He then simply smirked as he went to sit back down. He was a jokester it seemed. Ozpin thought that, but he kept an open mind any fighter eager to fight was still a noble warrior in his mind.

The next person who stood up was interesting. She had scars that seemed to resemble lightning... It seemed she was marked with it, or rather the embodiment of lightning born into a person. It was a Valkyrie. She had orange fiery hair with eyes full of gleaming determination. She had a more muscular build. Her age was similar to Ruby's, around twenty-five. That wasn't to mention her outfit that was riddled with pink and white. Ozpin had considered those the most pure colors in his opinion. Her voice was the most... calm but energetic.

Nora spoke with a soft smile," Hello, Professor Ozpin. It is nice to see you once more in this form. Whilst Ozcar was a nice friend, I look towards being under your leadership once more. I do wonder though... who will be going first... if none want to... I will."

Ozpin's eye's dilated. He was surprised. He didn't expect that someone would actively choose to go first, to be the one who had to inspire the rest into having hope. The wizard only nodded as he saw the woman sit down. His mind was ruining rampant with so many thoughts. The grey haired teacher wanted to understand this fighters more... he was so regretful for choosing these noble souls who would fight in his war. He hated it.

The next warrior who stood up was someone way younger or at least was younger looking. Despite this she had joints that didn't look like a regular human. She moved in a mechanical way. Her body didn't fit the normal human's or Faunus's. It seemed disjointed. Nothing felt living of her. The ginger hair styled in a ponytail with a pink bow seemed synthetic. Her eyes felt dull for the green pigment that colored them was darker. Her outfit seemed more mechanical as well. It had two parts. The lower layer was a skintight black latex suit with green highlights that pulsed a neon after glow. The upper layer on the other hand was composed of blocky armor pieces that was a shade of light grey that made it easy on the eye. But when she spoke she sounded more alive than what she seemed like. Her voice was soft and nurturing like a mother comforting a child.

"Hello, Professor Ozpin. I am Penny Polendina. I wish to fight for the good of humanity, but I do wish to also comfort and speak to my friends after this. It has been nice seeing them after so long for during my timeline's war... I was the Winter Maiden til I gave my power to Winter," Penny had then stared at Winter. Both the Icy Maiden and Jaune had stared away. They both looked as though they had a shred of guiltiness. Something that signaled to Ozpin that the fighters themselves might have bad blood between themselves. Ozpin only nodded as the puppet sat with elegance.

It was now the final fighter's time to introduce themself to Ozpin. This hunter stood silently. The was nothing but a cool shiver in the room now. Everyone was silent, but that was out of respect, but here? It was silent for the male's gaze was chilling. It held a gaze that seemed like he was already ready to neutralize any threat that comes underway. The his lower face was only covered as well only leaving his gaze to show his emotions or lack of. His hair showed itself to be in a neat ponytail with no volume. The outfit he bore on the other hand was a simplistic choice. His pants were simple white jeans and his shirt was nothing but a traditional Mistrali one colored green. Though there was armor around him was also simplistic, he had a bow guard around his chest. It was laced with golden accents and a symbol that resembled a bow. When he spoke, he spoke with a cold voice. One that was precise. It was like an arrow. It sounded calm, collected, but most importantly... emotionless. "Professor. I am Lie Ren, a simple hunter."

Ozpin only stood up as did the rest of them. They all seemed to await his reaction, his words. The wizard only fixed his glasses prior to speaking. His mind was running rampant. The Infinite Man was only sorry that he put them all up to this task. This war. This brutal war that stripped the kids he saw of the their innocence and youth and joy. Nothing would ever let them be their old happy self. Ozpin only bowed his head down and he sobbed out an apology," You all... I'm so sorry for this... Had I known... Had I known that this war would strip you of all of your freedom... I would have never done this..."

"You have done it before though... but you have regretted it every single time," a rough voice sounded out. It was Raven's. The bandit continued," Listen closely, Ozpin. I was one of your very first students. I've seen many hunters help and die for your cause with a smile on their face knowing that they have helped for the good of humanity. I may be older than you right now, but I remember the wisdom you always gave me. Trust me. We all are willing to fight for you or at least a majority of us. Just read our stories, promise us that."

Ozpin looked up at the group they all had a smile on their face that told him they held hope. All of them did. So he nodded as he gave a vow," I vow to read every single story of yours, starting now. And promise to me... you will take this time to read about your opponents and their stories while resting."

All of them nodded. They simply acknowledged Ozpin's feelings. They all in credence vowed to read their opponents' stories. They wanted to now about them. With that vow they went off to their rooms. Each had an angel that guided them to their specific room. They all walked in a tired way, but at the same time they seemed ready. Ozpin was led to his room by a specific looking looking person. They were a cat Faunus with black hair. The lady had black sleek clothing with gold and red accents. Subtle bits of white then outlined her hair. She seemed way more important than anything. She even spoke to him during his walk to his room. When she spoke she spoke as though she was in her natural environment.

"Ozpin. You may notice that this place is built in an oriental fashion. It houses the fighters here that is competing in Judgement. Your room is right here as well. It features a bed and space to honor the fallen fighters both sides if you wish. It also has a stove to brew tea or coffee. The gods wanted you to be comfortable or at least more at ease. You may not know this, but I am your personal assistant, Blake Belladonna, the one who carries the knowledge of the world. I am pleased to be at your service, Professor," the black haired individual said with a smile. She had soft yellow eyes that seemed reminiscent of her younger self.

"Professor? I taught you as well?" Ozpin inquired. He was curious now. The laws of this reality seemed to defy every law of the natural world for he had seen students that he never taught. He invited Blake into the room as he sat on a near by desk. "Please sit... I'll brew up some tea. Tell me about the rules of this world."

"Of course, Professor," Blake responded with as she sat. She simply watched her teacher of old brew the tea. As she stared, the lady began to explain the rules of the world," As you know this is a place where all of the citizens of Remnant both past and present can view the fights that are to be held during Judgement. Citizen of Remnant that do not wish to watch are allowed to roam the city called Valhalla. As for who you have chosen to fight... they come from different timelines where they are at their peak. Each of them have unique stories that don't intertwine that often. That is the same for Salem's side. Now... if you are wondering about who is Salem's assistant it is Weiss's brother, Whitley Schnee. He is the embodiment of wonder here. We are tied together. But I do wonder... who do you choose out of your fighters to go first, they are my friends after all?"

Ozpin had then set the tea down as he took one sip. He gave it much thought when he walked towards his room. It was simple. He would grant Nora's request. "Nora Valkyrie - Valkyrie of Sky and Strength will be first. How will I lock in that decision though?"

"You will do so an hour prior to the match right here on this table. Then you will tell the fighter to meet near the left arena entrance. The arena itself will be attuned to the two fighters. Furthermore Aura is not tracked and it is also a fight to the death. The god or gods that wish to become the fighter's weapon and powers are predetermined via volunteering prior to the match. Each one will meet you in front of the fighter's privatized room," Blake said as she took a sip of her tea. She then activated a table that would summon selector device. A bunch of blue images popped up, each displaying one of the thirteen fighters. It was as though she was hiding more than she let on, like she was a goddess herself. She left more details as well, she kept Ozpin well versed. "I will be staying in this room with you, but I will be stepping out to give you some personal time to read the stories of your compatriots, and maybe while they battle you could tell me about them."

Ozpin nodded as the Faunus finished her tea and stepped out of the room. Whilst that had happened, Ozpin began to read the stories. He wanted to understand all of the fighters. Both his and Salem's after all best way to beat your enemy... is to know your enemy.

---

"Are you ready?" Blake asked to the grey wizard. She was curious to know who Ozpin would truly pick first.

Ozpin responded in a calm voice," No, but she is the only one who volunteered to go, so throughout all of humanity, throughout my thirteen fighters, throughout anyone else... I pick the Strongest Fighter of Humanity, the Valkyrie of Sky and Thunder... Nora Valkyrie." And as he finished that sentence, he pressed the blue screen that had a ginger haired warrior that had scars of thunder.

This action thrusted Judgement into motion... and now the first round was about to begin.