Contretemps

Chapter 7, titled "Contretemps", is the seventh chapter of the rewrite of The OMEGA Subject. It was published on December 4, 2020, on Fanfiction.net.

Summary
The chapter begins with Apollyon and his pack stalking four Beacon staff members in the Emerald Forest: Bartholomew Oobleck, Glynda Goodwitch, Ozpin, and Peter Port. They are sitting in a clearing and discussing the whereabouts of the Grimm that has been evading them for the entire day. Eventually, Qrow enters the clearing from the treeline and it is revealed Ozpin was expecting him. Qrow reports that Apollon's pack is numbered at eleven including himself, and Ozpin tells Glynda to "give us some breathing room." Before Glynda can use her Semblance to presumably enlarge the clearing, Apollyon and his pack charge in. The initial encounter ends quickly, Apollyon's entire pack killed. He uses his Geist mask to nullify Glynda's attack and takes advantage of the huntsmen and huntress' confusion to flee. After a prolonged chase, Apollyon is cornered at the edge of a chasm. Apollyon almost falls down, but manages to pull himself up. As he does, Ozpin approaches and sits in front of him, claiming that the Grimm has already been defeated and they are free to question it. Through his questioning, Ozpin learns that Apollyon was engineered by humans and that there are other "super Grimm" like him. Following Ozpin's last question, Apollyon attacks the headmaster and disarms him. Qrow intervenes, however, and cuts off Apollyon's right arm. The Grimm loses his balance and falls down the canyon, presumed dead. Qrow returns Ozpin's cane to him, and the headmaster says they will return to Beacon and discuss what was revealed.

The scene changes to Ozpin's office. He is sitting behind his desk with Qrow, Bartholomew, and Peter sitting across from him. Glynda arrives and hands them all mugs of coffee. Ozpin tells the gathered staff and Qrow what Apollyon revealed and gives them all new assignments. Qrow is ordered to find as much information as he can about Apollyon's origins and the third party that created him, Peter and Bart are to work together to gather as much knowledge as they can about Grimm in general and relay it to the students, and Glynda is told to prepare the students to fight other trained fighters. After they receive their assignments, Glynda asks Ozpin what he will tell the students. He decides to have an announcement the next day, but does not divulge as to whether or not he will tell the truth. When only he and Glynda remain, he asks her for advice. She urges him to tell the complete truth, believing the third party's greatest advantage is surprise. Ozpin agrees.

The scene changes to the auditorium. Students, including Khryseis Minoa and Harley Graec, are waiting for an announcement from the headmaster. On the stage is Ozpin, Glynda, Bartholomew, Peter, and Qrow. The two students wonder what the announcement could be about, and agree that it likely involves Apollyon's death. Ozpin grabs everyone's attention and begins his speech. He starts by announcing that Apollyon is dead, and allows the assembly to celebrate before continuing. He explains that new information coming to light has brought changes to Beacon's curriculum, and that the information itself is confidential. He offers students a chance to leave the auditorium and not hear the information, and none do. He begins the next part of the speech by showing a video of Apollyon fighting Zeus Graec, Duke Melas, Harley, and Khryseis. Much like with the clip Glynda showed Ozpin shortly before the hunt, it showcases Apollyon's metal spikes. Ozpin then reveals that Apollyon is artificial in nature and that he was able to ask him questions. He once again reiterates the information is confidential, and extends the offer for students to leave again. Once again, no students leave the auditorium. Ozpin thanks and congratulates his students before revealing what he learned from Apollyon. He explains that he and the staff believe the organization responsible is likely planning an attack on the city, and they must defend it. He goes on to list all of the changes to Beacon, including more frequent combat classes, unlimited access to the training rooms, and that the curfews are lifted. The assembly is dismissed, and Khryseis expresses her doubts that Beacon is capable of stopping more Grimm like Apollyon.

The scene changes to Khryseis and Harley's dorm. Khryseis is in bed, unable to sleep, when the door opens. Believe it to be Harley, she asks if her teammate has time to talk. The door opens more and a Beowolf's snout is seen in the doorway. Khryseis retreats under a bed and Apollyon enters the room. She panics and hides under her bed. Apollyon investigates the room before walking away. The bed is then picked up and thrown to the side, APollyon staring down at Khryseis. Khryseis then finds herself in her bed again and realizes it was just a nightmare. Harley expresses worry, and Khryseis asks her if they can talk.

The scene changes again to show Apollyon's body at the bottom of the canyon. His eyes suddenly open and he tenses, alive. He is incredibly wounded and missing an arm, but vows nonetheless to escape the canyon. It is revealed that his Geist mask had once again saved his life, mitigating the fall just enough. Unable to climb the walls, he opts to walk down the canyon.

The scene changes one last time to show a man standing in the middle of a semicircular room. Ten figures sit above him behind podiums, hidden in shadow. He addresses them as he activates a projector, showing the smoking and destroyed ruins of a facility in some mountains and a portrait of Arthur Watts. After that, the chapter ends.

Major Characters

 * Apollyon
 * Arthur Watts (Mentioned)
 * Bartholomew Oobleck
 * Glynda Goodwitch
 * Harley Graec
 * Khryseis Minoa
 * Ozpin
 * Peter Port
 * Qrow Branwen
 * Unidentified Man

Minor Characters

 * Duke Melas (Mentioned)
 * Serap Verzand (Mentioned)
 * Zeus Graec (Mentioned)

Trivia

 * "Contretemps" is a French word translated as either "a minor dispute or disagreement" or "an unexpected and unfortunate occurence."