"Y'know, I could've landed a little closer to Mantle."

Oscar Pine trudged with a light grumble through the dirty slush, heading towards one of the closer buildings. He'd been happier in his life, but ever since a few months ago, he'd began hearing a voice in his head, telling him that he had an important destiny. Unable to make it go away, Oscar left his aunt's farm and headed for the city of Mistral, where he ran into a group of Huntsmen and Huntresses and learned that the voice was that of Professor Ozpin, a man who had apparently been battling some kind of queen of the Grimm for millennia and was now fused with his soul. He then started learning how to fight with a cane a drunk Huntsman gave him that felt oddly familiar, just in time to go up against Salem's followers, some of whom zeroed in on him for different reasons. Next came a train ride to Argus that got derailed and left everyone finding out that Ozpin had been keeping even more things secret than they realized. So, Oscar got to take a few hits while his predecessor buried himself away in his (their?) head in shame. Right after he managed to find his resolve and patch things up with his friends, the boy got to take part in an airship heist and fighting a crazy old lady in a giant robot before they reached the kingdom of Atlas. And that's not even considering the last few hours where he'd been declared a wanted fugitive in Atlas while being attacked by a crazy mute girl with a bladed parasol, lost an incredibly powerful Relic to her, and was shot off a ledge by General Ironwood, a man he'd started to consider a friend.

Well, if it's any comfort, Oscar, that was a very impressive first attempt at a landing strategy.

Oh right, and the only reason he'd even survived the million-feet fall was because the voice in his head had finally decided to come back and show him how to access freaky magic powers he'd never known he had. Oscar wasn't sure whether he was angry that Ozpin had only bothered to help him when his life was in danger, or relieved that he had helped him.

"Thanks," the ex-farmhand muttered, "but I don't suppose you could show me how to fly over to where we need to go? It would beat walking."

Unfortunately, no for two reasons, Ozpin replied. First, if people are there, they would most likely attempt to shoot you down; the oncoming storm has everyone on edge. Second, our reserves of magic aren't unlimited, and after that feat, it will take some time for you to be back to full strength. Trust me, this is the best course for now.

Oscar couldn't help but scoff. "Of course. Trust the guy who had been hiding from his students, the world, even his closest followers the truth about Salem. Why on Remnant wouldn't I do that?"

He heard a deep sigh echo in his mind. I deserved that.

Oscar was about to agree to that statement, then stopped walking and shook his head. Instead, he said, "Look, we've got a lot of things to clear up. But for now, Atlas is in danger, and Ruby and the others could probably use all the help they can get. I'm willing to work with you as long as you're straight with me, Oz."

For a while, he heard nothing. Then a low chuckle. You've grown so much, Oscar. And frankly, I'm quite sure I have run out of secrets by now.

Oscar couldn't stop himself from smiling, but continued walking. "I'll hold you to that." The rest of the journey was long, uneventful and silent, both wrapped up in their own thoughts. As he drew closer to a large shack not far from the rest of Mantle, Oscar couldn't help but look up towards the giant cloud of Grimm looming over Atlas. "Why isn't she attacking?" He finally asked. "Salem knows Ironwood and his troops aren't in the best shape right now. So why doesn't she just send the Grimm on a rampage?"

Knowing her, Ozpin began in a bitter tone, Salem is playing a power game right now. She is showing off her might and letting the people of Atlas grow even more agitated in the presence of her forces. At this point, I am not sure who will crack first under the pressure, them or James. The last part was said with a twinge of sadness. Somebody once told me that being shot is nowhere near as terrifying as thinking you're about to be shot. An apt metaphor for the current situation.

Oscar couldn't help but feel sympathy for the general. "I was positive he wouldn't let his fear control him. For a while, we were winning; Mantle was safe, Tyrian and Watts had been caught…" He threw his hands up in frustration before letting them fall back to his sides. "How did everything go from looking hopeful to… this?"

Fear is a powerful force, Oscar. And even when we think we control it, a single push can be all that is needed for us to succumb to it. Ozpin sounded so resigned. But like you said, it's what we do in those moments that shows who we are.

The conversation ended as Oscar reached the shack he had been aiming for. Stepping into the open doorway, he knocked lightly against the wood. "Hello?" The boy called. "Anyone here?" No one answered, and there was a thick layer of dust on the floor, the table, the wooden chairs. "Think we're alone?" He asked out loud.

It certainly appears so. If any people do show up, then simply say you were lost and looking for a place to rest.

"That last part's true, at least," Oscar sighed as he practically fell onto a chair. "I'm completely wiped."

No surprise, considering the night you've had. Take a few minutes to get your strength back. Your Aura will heal your body, but it still takes time.

Oscar's eyes flickered to the time-and-date clock on the wall; reading a quarter past nine in the morning. "No offense, Ozpin, but we don't have a lot of time. Salem's not going to do her little intimidation routine forever, and we- "his voice trailed off as he suddenly noticed something weird. "Am I going crazy or is the table… glowing?"

No, I can see it, too. And I can… sense something. Though, unless I'm wrong, it's coming not from the table, but from within its cupboard. Intrigued, Oscar walked over and pulled out the drawer. Inside was a small crystal. It may have looked like an average Dust crystal if not for the fact that it was glowing gold. As he reached for it, Ozpin spoke up again. Wait, don't touch it. I'm not quite sure why, but this feels familiar.

Oscar grunted in annoyance. "Look, I thought I made it clear that your secret-keeping was getting old. Would it be so hard to give a straight answer for- "Then his fingers brushed against the gem, and there was a bright flash.

scar… Oscar… Oscar!

When Oscar's eyes opened, he was lying outside, and it was raining. Rubbing his head, he slowly stood up. "I'm up already. No need to be my alarm clock, that routine wasn't exactly fun on the farm."

Well, I wouldn't need to fall back on it if you could simply listen to me.

"Oh, and you couldn't tell me something would happen like me getting teleported outside in the rain?" Oscar practically felt the breath of exasperation his predecessor let out at that.

Oh, for goodness' sakes, I didn't know what that crystal was, which is why I explicitly told you not to touch it! Just because I am a little vague doesn't automatically mean I am hiding something. The boy made to retort, but then Ozpin cut him off in a gentler tone. Besides, take another look around.

Complying, the farmboy immediately noticed a couple of things: for one, his formerly dirty and torn combat gear was as pristine as the day he had bought it. Plus, as he flexed his fingers and rolled his shoulders a bit, he didn't any of the soreness from the previous night's events. He could even sense his Aura was back at full gauge.

As for his surroundings, gone was the wide and snow-capped terrain of Mantle's outskirts. Instead, he was only a few steps away from exiting a narrow alleyway, littered with trash and old newspapers, all soggy from the downpour. Streetlights did little to make the spot feel any less gloomy, and Oscar couldn't help but reach for the Long Memory clipped to his back. Cars drove by in the street while horns sounded in accordance with thunder rumbling overhead.

"Think we landed in Mantle or something?" Oscar asked while casting a wary glance around; something felt off about this alley, he just couldn't put his finger on it.

Possibly, but I've visited Mantle a couple of times before -not recently, of course- and the buildings don't quite match the typical architecture. I am not sure where we could… Oh.

"What? Is there something…" Oscar's voice trailed off as he looked up and his jaw almost popped off. Even through the rainclouds, he could see the moon shining brightly… and it was whole.

"…I don't think we're on Remnant anymore, Ozpin…"

Agreed. Even the ancient wizard sounded surprised. This has only happened to me once before; in fact, it was in the life that came just before our souls were bound together.

"Seriously?!" The young warrior practically shouted, not noticing a couple of figures moving from the darker part of the alley towards him.

If he had a face, Ozpin would've nodded. It was eight years ago, long before I met Miss Rose or any of her teammates. I had heard that a student of mine had found a strangely glowing object just outside Beacon Academy, and she brought it to my office. No sooner had she left, did I touch it and found myself… somewhere else. I promise you we can discuss this more later, but for now, you have company.

"What do you- Ah, gotcha," Oscar started before realizing what his mentor had been referring to; four grown men were standing right behind him, dressed in baggy clothes with nasty smirks on their faces.

"Hey, kid, you lost here?" One of them (probably the leader), a big man with a poorly cut mohawk, sneered as he stepped closer to the boy.

"U-uh, yeah." Oscar said, rubbing the back of his head. "I-I just got here by accident. Could you guys maybe tell me where I am?" His eyes drifted away from theirs the way they always did when he met someone new but stayed on their bodies; he'd had enough training by now to know when to stay on guard. These guys were not giving off friendly vibes.

"Not a problem, squirt," the same guy drawled, his hand drifting to his coat pocket. "Me an' my buddies was wonderin' what a nice kid like you'd be doin' in a place like dis."

"Maybe headed for a fancy costume party or sumthin'?" The biggest one snorted, a dark-skinned man with a fading scar under his right eye. "Dose are some fine-lookin' clothes ya got…"

"Ah, quit horsin' around, Espo." A slightly smaller guy shouted. Even from a distance, Oscar could smell the cheap booze on him. "This kid got no business waltzin' aroun' here in Crime Alley!"

Wh- Ozpin's shocked voice reverberated in Oscar's head before asking in a forcibly calmer tone, Crime Alley?! Did I hear him wrong, Oscar, or did he say Crime Alley just now?

"Yeah, I think so," Oscar whispered back while taking a step out of the alleyway. "Why, does it sound familiar?"

"What you whisperin' there, boy?" But both ignored the mugger in favor of noticing two more guys coming at the emerald-clad teen from opposite directions. It didn't take a genius to figure out they were friends with the ones that had first approached him.

Oscar spoke up. "Y-yeah, I'm… new in town and got turned around a bit, I-I mean, the streets all look the same, and I'm kinda late for something, so if you guys don't mind, I'll just get out of your hair" he paused, noting at least three of them were bald, "well, you get the idea."

The leader laughed at that. "Aww, no worries, kid, we ain't gonna hurt you," he said unconvincingly. "In fact, me an' my buddies would be happy t' help you where yaw anna go. Gotham's a scaaary city at night."

Gotham City… Oscar kept his right hand close to his cane as his "partner" spoke up. I have good news and bad news, Oscar. The good news is that I recognize this place; it's the very same one I was sent to years ago. I'd never forget the name of this alley.

"And the bad news?" Oscar mumbled.

Look at their jackets. See those insignias on their shoulders. Unless that has changed in my absence, I believe they are the personal emblem of a crime lord calling himself the Penguin. So, these unsavory characters are undoubtably trying to rob, or worse, kidnap you.

"Yeah, I didn't think they would want to show me to the closest ice-cream store, I'm not that stupid." He whispered while glaring at one calling him "sweet-lookin". At this point, all six of them had formed a semi-circle around the young man.

I didn't mean to imply you were, besides, I wasn't quite finished. Not only are these gentlemen unlikely to have any more combat training than how to throw a half-decent punch, but the humans here do not possess Aura. So, you would need to restrain yourself a bit, Oscar, lest you accidently kill them.

"Okay, got it," Oscar was honestly pretty shocked at all this; not only was he on a different world, but it was one Ozpin had visited before, and the people didn't have Aura?! How would they be able to fight Grimm? Unless there weren't any Grimm here…

No, Grimm do not exist on this planet. Neither do Faunus. Sadly, humans are perhaps the greatest threat to humans here. Before we go into greater detail, I believe the man expecting an answer to his offer.

"Hey, you deaf or somethin', kid?" The leader asked, trading confused looks with his friends. "I asked ya somethin'!"

"O-oh, right, sorry!" Oscar stuttered, raising his left hand in apparent apology. "I just got caught up a bit in my thoughts. Thanks for the offer, but I think I know where to go now. Don't I?" He said the last part in a whisper aimed at Ozpin.

Of course. Assuming Gotham hasn't been completely remodeled, I know exactly where we can find help. Oz answered confidently.

Meanwhile, some of the thugs were looking even more confused. "What's up with dis kid?" The big, black one whispered to the smaller drunk. "He ain't shittin' his pants or tryin' t' run away, and he keeps talkin' to himself."

"Yeah, an' those clothes? Y' think he's some kinda junior basketcase or somethin'?"

"What if he's wit the Bat?" The third guy suddenly mumbled. "Like he's a new sidekick, like Robin?" Everyone of the thugs froze at the thought, before their leader elbowed the guy in the gut.

"Willya quit it already?" He quickly said, trying to hide his own terror. "The Bat-freak's chasin down Joker right now, no way he's here. You guys ain't scared of one little boy dressed up like a freakin' leprechaun, are ya?" They all shook their heads, some a bit more reluctant than others. "Then get 'im!" Two pulled out knives while the others put their fists and moved in, the leader hanging back.

Oscar sighed and pulled out his cane, murmuring, "Here we go," before activating the lever on his weapon. The ebony shaft shot out at full length, the teen crouched a bit, then all the muggers would later feel was regret and pain.

The Long Memory blurred, knocking the air out of the first guy's lungs with a jab like black lightning, then tripping up the second one coming at him. As that thug crashed to the ground, the drinker flicked his knife at Oscar's face only to get flipped head-over-heels into a trashcan. The big one swung a meaty fist at his target's face, but it never reached him as the boy ducked, thrusting his cane against another's knee and causing that one to pitch forward. The teen then stepped onto his back and leaped upwards, driving the thug into the ground. His leap turned into a somersault as he flipped over the big guy, striking him four times in the back. He collapsed a second after Oscar's boots touched the pavement. The guy he'd tripped scrambled back up, grabbing a knife from his downed buddy, then jabbed it downwards; Oscar simply leaned out of the way and changed hands on his cane before bringing it up, smacking the base into his nose and knocking him back down with a pained cry.

The leader, eyes wide open, pulled out shaking a revolver, but before he could so much as thumb back the hammer, Oscar snapped the cane against his wrist, sending it flying. A second strike cracked hard into his jaw, sending him spinning to the pavement clutching his face in pain.

Breathing a sigh in relief, Oscar quickly collapsed the Long Memory and picked up the gun and, under Ozpin's instruction, ejected the bullets and disassembled it before dropping the pieces. "Is it always like this in Gotham?" He wondered out loud.

Unfortunately. Ozpin confirmed. That being said, well done. You've grown fluid in transitioning from one opponent to another, and you applied no more force than necessary, even though you're not used to fighting humans without Aura.

Fighting down a blush at the praise, Oscar instead looked at his downed attackers. "So, any idea what we do with these guys? Is there any kind of Huntsmen or law- "Then sirens blared and a black-and-white car drove up the street before stopping in front of the alley. Two uniformed people, a man and a woman, got out and drew guns at him. The woman shouted, "Drop your weapons, hands in the air!"

Oscar could only blink and mumble, "Speak of the Brother of Darkness,"

And the Brother of Darkness shall appear. Ozpin finished, amused. I would comply with them for now. Your Aura could withstand point-blank shots, but we should really avoid making enemies of the GCPD. Sorry, Gotham City Police Force.

Oscar nodded in agreement, remembering the last time someone had shot him point-blank, before slowly pulling out his cane and laying it on the ground. He then rose and lifted his hands in the air, saying, "I'm not looking for trouble. I was just defending myself."

"Then don't move," the woman said while moving around him. Meanwhile, her partner was checking on the crooks still moaning on the street. After a few minutes of checking, he pulled out some handcuffs and whistled.

"Man, somebody did a number on them. Bruises and sore spots, but not a single life-threatening wound." He turned to his partner who was patting down the teen. "Hey McQueen, these are some of Cobblepot's goons."

The woman, McQueen, nodded and addressed the boy. "What's your name, kid, and how did you get mixed up with these guys? And what happened to them?"

Oscar, looking down, started explaining, "W-well, my name is Oscar Pine, and I was just walking down the alley when these guys showed and tried mugging me. I resisted, and well, this," he nodded his head toward the guys getting cuffed around a streetlamp. "was how it ended. I-I wasn't trying to kill them, I swear."

McQueen looked at her partner. "Okay, Richards, call it in. Tell them we've got a group of thugs handcuffed just outside Crime Alley, and that we're bringing in a fourteen-year-old kid, Caucasian, wearing a green overcoat. Let's get him to Arkham."

Richards looked at her in surprise. "You wanna take this kid to Arkham Asylum? What, so they can lock him up with the rest of the freaks?!"

"A-Asylum?!" Oscar stuttered, backing away from the two. "I-I swear, I'm not crazy! Ask around, I'm sure somebody saw what happened!"

"Hey, easy, you two." McQueen said, raising her hands in a placating gesture. "I don't think you're crazy, if only 'cause that bar's set pretty high in this town. But Commissioner Gordon radioed and said he'd be setting up base there after the whole mess at City Hall gets cleared up. If anything, he's the best chance of clearing up what happens to you next, okay?"

Commissioner Gordon? Ozpin said, Seems like more than a few things have changed in my absence. But I remember him to be a law-abiding, trustworthy man, if a bit skeptical. We can trust him.

Oscar sighed and, after a brief hesitation, said, "Alright, sorry about that. I'll help in any way I can." Richards gave him a reassuring smile and McQueen opened the door to the car's back seats, gently beckoning him to enter. As soon everyone got in, McQueen started up the car and drove them towards the outer part of the city. After only a few minutes of driving, a broadcast sounded from the police scanner.

"All units, proceed to Gotham City Hall. The Joker has been apprehended. Batman is now en route to Arkham Island."

Oscar started in confusion. Joker? Batman? This all sounded like one of those comic book movies he and Jaune would watch. He nervously asked, "Uh, what's going on…? Did something happen?"

"You could say that," McQueen mumbled. "A crazy bas- monster called the Joker attacked City Hall and took the mayor hostage. And another nutcase dressed up like a bat -hence the name- showed up and stopped him. Wonder how many times this has happened now. Maybe the Bat'll be throwing an anniversary soon." She joked as Richards called in their own situation.

Moreover, Oz stirred at the mention in an almost nostalgic way. Heh, I suppose the more things change, the more they stay the same. I'm honestly a bit happy to see Batman again; a shame we won't be meeting him in his headquarters. We could both use a hot cup of chocolate.

"Wait, what?" Oscar asked a little too loudly, causing Richards to look back at him.

"Everything okay back there?" The man asked gently.

"Uh, y-yeah, sorry. I'm just a little… tired, I guess." Oscar quickly assured him while leaning back in near expasperation.

Seated in the back of a police car that was driving to an asylum where he'd be meeting some guy called "Batman", who the voice in his head somehow knew, plus being stuck on a world almost completely different from Remnant; Oscar couldn't help but wonder:

How did my life get so crazy?

You have no idea how many times I've asked myself that over the millennia…

So, inspired by stories like "Belladonna and The Bat," "The Bat and The Blood-Red Rose," and various others, this is the prologue of my own story, featuring RWBY's very own farmboy-turned-wizard, Oscar Pine. Timeline is right after Vol. 7's finale and seeing as I don't want to make Oscar TOO powerful (and because I don't fully know what he's capable of), he won't be showing off his magic tricks at every chance.

Special thanks to SSJRGokuBlack for the cover pic.

Please leave constructive criticism, no flames, and enjoy!