Blake's consciousness returned suddenly, along with the lovely sensation of a thousand knives being driven into her leg. She shot up with a hiss, only reaching the halfway point before her body gave out and dropped back into comfort of the mattress she was laying on. She could feel her eyes growing heavier almost as soon as she touched back down, and they may have shut completely had she not realized that she was indeed lying on a bed of some sort. Her body jerked upwards again in an attempt to get out of said bed, another gasp escaping her lips as her eyes frantically darted around the room.

White walls, a light blue curtain draped from a railing that was attached to the ceiling, a TV in the far corner of the room that was also attached to the ceiling. Her left hand brushed over her right, nudging a needle that was embedded into it. The needle was connected to clear tubing that connected to an IV bag being held up by an iron rack. Her mind relaxed ever so slightly when she put the pieces of the puzzle together.

She was in a hospital.

"Oh, good morning Ms. Belladonna!" She nearly leapt out of the bed once again when the voice of a man pierced the silence. Turning her head towards the door, a rather tall man in a fairly standard white coat and blue undershirt was walking into the room. His brown hair was short and smooth, shining with what was most likely styling gel as it appeared to be combed back. His hair was also connected to an equally brown beard that was trimmed, yet still rugged in its appearance. "You've been sleeping rather peacefully since you were brought in. How are you feeling?"

"Uhh..." She began before letting out a cough. Her throat felt as dry as the deserts of Menagerie, her voice drowning in its sandy texture. The doctor smiled as he walked further into the room, wandering over to the sink where he would procure a plastic cup. It wasn't long before she was presented with a source of water to cure her throat of its drought. "I suppose tap water isn't the healthiest thing in the world," He chuckled as she began gulping down the liquid as fast as her body would allow. "But it'll do for now."

She cleared her throat and let it properly moisturize before attempting to speak again. "I'm fine. Where exactly am I?" The doctor let out a laugh before flipping through his clipboard, something that annoyed her greatly. Did he really need to laugh in his patients face like that? Great bedside manner, pal.

"I didn't think you would have a case of amnesia, too." He joked as he flipped the papers back down. "Do you remember anything about last night?" Blake nodded. She remembered the docks, the assassination of Roman Torchwick, Banesaw confronting the two of them before being flashbanged, the sound of gunfire that rang out shortly before her leg exploded in a cloud of blood and agony. And she remembered thinking about how you weren't supposed to hear the one that gets you. What a crock that turned out to be.

"Well, your blonde boyfriend and Officer Adel brought you in late last night. A sniper round blew through your tibia. We had to perform some minor surgery to pick out all the bone shards and stitch up the wound, but the damage to your leg wasn't severe enough to require any prosthetic."

"S-surgery?" She parroted back as her hands went for her head. She felt them brush up against her ears, which were now free of the bow that constricted them and kept them hidden from the world. "My- my bow. Where is it?"

The doctor was confused. "Your bow? Strange is the patient that shows more concern for her fashion statement then her own leg. You know you're quite lucky that you'll recover from this and still be able to walk again, young lady."

"Where is my bow?! I need it!" She repeated, her voice raising. The doctor frowned before walking over to a small basket that was sitting on the counter, which upon closer inspection contained all of her clothes. It didn't take him long before he finally dug out her piece of fabric and handed it to her. She practically snatched it from his hands before quickly tying it back onto her head, her ears now concealed by the cloth. The doctor said nothing, but the frown that was still adorning his face spoke for him. She had little concern for his opinion though, her bigger problem was how long had she gone without her bow? "I don't want anybody to know about those."

The doctor let out a sigh before he jammed his free hand in his pocket. "Very well then, Ms. Belladonna." He stated before glancing down at his clipboard. "May I ask why though?"

She glanced towards the wall, not wanting to meet his gaze. "You wouldn't understand."

"Hm... I think you'll find that I might, Ms. Belladonna. I've treated many patients, both Faunus and Human. I've heard and seen a lot of things." He glanced up at her. She continued to stare at the wall, something that made him smile. "Not many of my patients can understand me though. Only a select few can share my own pain." Her head slowly turned towards him, those amber eyes showing themselves once more out of curiosity. "After all..." He began to trail off, turning his body just slightly so that she could get a better view. Blake let out a very quiet gasp as the doctors finished turning, revealing that he had... a tail. One that was a mix of a very light brown and a creamy, sandy beige, with hardened scales. "Very few know how hard it is to find pants that are fitted for tails."

"You're a-"

"A bearded dragon." He finished for her. He flipped through his clipboard before pausing. "Oh, and that's not why I have such fine facial hair, mind you. Lot of people like to make that joke."

Blake felt a small smile grace her lips as her body relaxed ever so slightly. But it was only temporary as a thought passed through her head. Staring at the doctors tail, she could only imagine how difficult it must have been for him to become a doctor. After all, a common racist remark was that Faunus were considered stupid. That was why they were all given an island to go live on, wasn't it? Humanity assumed they would be dumb enough to think it was an amazing gift and shuffle quietly onto it, never to be heard from again. And here she was assuming that she had it the worst. She could hide her faunus traits, while this man could not.

"-know I've never seen someone who showed no concern over such a grievous injury before."

Her attention snapped back to his face. "Uh, sorry." He was right, she was getting sidetract over such petty little things when she had a rather large caste on her leg. She stared at it for a few moments before speaking. "So what exactly happened to me?"

"That's exactly what I came in here to ask!" The doctor laughed, causing Blake's smile to curl back into a small frown. "Like I said, Officer Adel and some blonde kid dragged you in here and threw you onto an operating table before we could even react. So up until now, we could only just throw around a few guesses as to what happened to you." When he was met with silence, he decided to clear his throat and offer his own theory. "I assume you got caught in the crossfire of one of those White Fang terrorist attacks."

"One of?" So it was true, there had been more than one attack last night... Then did that mean that the locations she had gotten from her book were the targets?

The doctor frowned. "Yeah, there were a lot. Mostly bombs I heard, but there were two really big firefights that broke out between the police and the White Fang." He shook his head. "I remember when the White Fang was something to be respected, not feared. Back when they were good people. How did they fall so far?"

Blake felt a few needles work their way into her chest. "People change, I suppose." She mumbled to herself before turning away from the doctor once again. Despite her low rumblings, the man seemed to have heard her clearly enough. He nodded solemnly a few times before turning towards the door.

"Pah. Well, I've prattled on enough about the doom and gloom. I think it'd be best for me to leave you alone for awhile, don't you agree?" Despite the fact that he couldn't see, she nodded in agreement. He was a nice man, but nothing at all like she thought a doctor should be like. "I don't think you'll be going home today, but if you would like me to check I would be happy to do so."

"That would be nice, thank you."

The doctor waved as he approached the door. "No thanks necessary, Ms. Belladonna. It is my job after all. Now you take it easy, the nurse should be by soon to get you anything you might need." And with that, the doctor was gone, leaving her all alone.

The peace and quiet that came with being in a hospital room alone was something that she wished she could savor, but almost as soon as the doctor was out the door her thoughts began to wander again. She tried to think back to what had happened last night in more vivid detail, the last thing she remembered was the explosion of pain in her leg that caused her to collapse. She remembered screaming and clutching her leg, and she remembered Jaune appearing over her... "Jaune..." Her thoughts and emotions on the blonde who had saved her were mixed. On the one hand, he had ventured into a veritable warzone to save her. On the other hand, he only did so because he didn't want to try to help stop the attack in the first place. For someone that was training to become a huntsmen, he certainly was a coward.

But could he really be called a coward? Or was she just being unfair to him? He charged into the face of death after her, regardless of his prior convictions after all. And if it wasn't for him, she probably wouldn't have made it out of there alive. And if she had, she wouldn't have been returning to Beacon. She would have been brought before... him. She could feel her fingernails dig into the palms of her hands. Glancing down, she had curled them into fists purely on instinct. Fear and anger gripped her mind when she came to the realization that he, Adam, now knew where she was. She had run from him, from them, for a reason. And now they were going to come for her. Unless...

Blake's hand reached out and grappled the remote that was placed in a small holster found at the side of her bed. Without hesitation, she clicked the button that would power on the television, causing said electronic to flicker with life. Perhaps maybe there was still hope. Banesaw could have been arrested, and if he was that would ensure that her location would stay hidden from Adam.

"Amidst the chaos of the bombings, witness reports suggests that there were two separate heists taking place. Whether or not the terroristic attacks were simply a form of cover or not is still being investigated." Footage of a now smoking shipyard appeared on the screen. "Authorities noted that the first site was the target of the notorious criminal mastermind Roman Torchwick. Shortly after the attack began, reports came in of the kingpin fleeing the scene of the crime, suggesting that the White Fang were operating under their own authority. However, the bulk of the attack was routed thanks to the efforts of two young hunts-"

The sound of the TV dulled in her ears slowly, her thoughts once again speeding a mile a minute as she tried to comprehend what she had just heard. Roman Torchwick was seen fleeing from the shipyard? How was that possible? She was there, she had heard the gunfire, she had seen the criminal collapse onto the ground with a pool of blood flowing from his head! Nobody could survive a shot to the head like that! Were the reports mistaken? Were they falsified by his gang? Perhaps an attempt to cover up their bosses death so that a rival one didn't attempt to take them out?

"-reported a fight between three huntsman and the White Fang that erupted into the streets shortly afterwards. The fight continued to escalate until the arrival of a fourth huntsman, who allegedly allied themselves with the White Fang. According to the authorities, the fourth addition appeared to be a woman with long, black hair and a strange red and white mask adorned on her face. The battle lasted around fifteen minutes before the dust settled, the civilian deathtoll climbing to forty-five. There were no signs of the four huntsman, however."

Blake shook her head. How could three huntsman have such trouble against a single opponent? And why had their opponent been a huntsman who had sided with the White Fang? Huntsman were certainly not the type to side with terroristic organizations, Faunus or no. And there was still no hard evidence that Banesaw had been taken into custody. But she highly doubted she would get any from the news. She would have to look through the recently arrested reports later when she got back to Beacon if she wanted any real answers.

"Excuse me, Ms. Belladonna?"

Blake was snapped back into reality by the voice of a nurse. She quickly flicked the TV off and turned her full attention to the woman now at her door. "There is a visitor here for you. Do we have your permission to let him in?" She rolled her eyes. It was probably Jaune, ready to begin lecturing her now that he knew she was alright. Part of her was prepared for this. Without uttering a word, she nodded at the nurse and put on a fake smile. The nurse smiled back before shutting the door behind her, no doubt to go get her blonde leader.

She didn't have to wait long before the door opened once again, however it was not Jaune like she had expected.

It was Headmaster Ozpin.

She could feel her eyes widening in disbelief as she watched the Headmaster of Beacon stroll into her room. She had not expected the headmaster himself to come see her in the hospital, and she certainly had not expected him to look as bored as he did. His face seemed completely impassive, emotionless. Much like how she looked most of the time. He took a few more steps forward before stopping, his eyes wandering over to the large cast which was guarding her mangled leg. The smallest hint of a sigh escaped from the headmasters lips, before it was quieted by his mug. Even in a scenario such as this, he always kept that mug with him. You'd think it was some kind of ancient relic of upmost importance or something.

"Good morning, Ms. Belladonna." He began as he stepped closer to the bed, stopping an arms length before it. "From what the authorities have told me, it seems as though you had quite an exciting evening yesterday." She fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Fighting terrorists and helping the police. Certainly an interesting way to spend your free time." He paused for a moment before taking another sip from his mug. However, as he lowered the porcelain cup, his expression changed from neutral to one that was appropriately concerned. "May I ask why you, a student, charged headfirst into such a scenario?"

She bit her lower lip before casting her gaze to her lap. "There were people in danger. I couldn't just sit there and watch terrorists potentially kill them."

"I see. And you're sure that was the reason?"

"What?" She lifted her head and gave the headmaster her full attention. "Why else would I have done it?" She was training to be a huntress after all, it was her job to serve and protect those who needed her.

"I understand that it is your sworn duty to protect those in need, it is the reason that those who wish to become a huntsman do so." It was almost as if he had read her mind. "However, do you know that you fought against an organization known as the White Fang?" She nodded. "I see. And I assume that you know of the White Fang's rather infamous reputation of being a merciless and terrifying military power in certain parts of our world, yes?" Again, she nodded. Not an unexpected answer. "Most, if not all children your age, huntsman trainees or not, would not have done something that can be considered foolish by many." His eyes drilled through her very being as they locked into what seemed like a very serious stance. "So why did you do such a thing?"

Blake found herself at a loss for words for a moment. Her first answer was the truth, why would he expect anything different the second time? "I told you, sir. It's because people's lives were at risk."

The headmaster seemed disappointed by her answer. "I see." He straightened his posture before he began to slowly pace about the room. "Forgive me, Ms. Belladonna, for this might seem a tad random, but I have a few things to say, if you are well enough to listen."

"I'm not in trouble, am I?" She deadpanned as she rolled her eyes.

Headmaster Ozpin chuckled. "No, Ms. Belladonna, you are not." He stopped walking for a moment to clear his throat. "As you know, in order to enroll at my academy, students must first pass a rigorous entrance exam." Blake rolled her eyes again. she certainly knew that all too well. "Most applicants spend years of preparation training at one of the many combat schools around the world." She blinked. What exactly was the headmaster getting at? "You are one of the few that did not. And you passed the exam with flying colors."

What did that have to do with anything? Why did her not going to a combat school matter? "I was raised outside the kingdoms. Out there, if you can't fight, you can't survive."

The headmaster's mouth curled into a very small smile. "Well, you have most certainly survived, Ms. Belladonna. I admire your drive." He began to pace around the room once more, slowly making his way back towards the side of her bed as he continued to speak. And I am proud to run a school that accepts individuals from all walks of life. Rich, poor, Human..." He took a sip from his mug once again before stopping at the side of her bed, his eyes locking onto hers as he lowered the mug from his face. "Faunus..."

She felt her heart lurch forward, and her face contorted into a scowl. Why was he bringing up such a thing now? Yet even as she glared at him, he showed no signs of being intimidated. Instead, his face turned to one of concern again. "Why do you wear that bow, Blake? Why hide who you are?"

Hearing her first name uttered by the headmaster took her aback for a moment, but it did not distract her for long. Another person coming to criticize her once again on her bow, and this time it was one that couldn't possibly have a clue on the real reasons why. But she could at least try to explain that. "You may be willing to accept the Faunus, Headmaster Ozpin, but your species is not."

"That is true, but we are continuing to take strides in an attempt to lessen the divide."

Strides. Is that what they called it? They were more like steps taken by a toddler. "With all due respect, you need to start taking some larger strides." She didn't even attempt to conceal the venom in her voice. "Until then, I'd rather avoid any unnecessary attention. I want people to see me for who I am, not what I am."

The headmaster said nothing for a brief moment before leaning forward. "And what are you?"

Blake's body reacted in kind by sinking further into her bed. "I-I don't understand what you're asking."

"How did you know the White Fang would be at the shipyard tonight?"

Blake gripped the sheets of her bed tightly. Did he somehow know about the investigating that she had been doing? "I didn't." She quickly blurted out. "I just happened to be at the right place at the right time."

The headmaster did not seem to be impressed as he hummed to himself for a moment. "You wouldn't have been the first." He began, "But what happened tonight was not an isolated incident. You may not know this, but this was a organized attack on the city. While you may have seen what happened firsthand in the shipyard, there were many other attacks that happened simultaneously all around Vale." His cane clacked against the hospital floor. "I may be your headmaster, but I am also a Huntsman, and it is my sworn duty to protect this world from the forces that conspire against it." He leaned forward once more, making the hairs on her body stand on end. "Blake, are you sure there is nothing else you would like to tell me?"

It took her a moment to gather her composure long enough to give him a straight faced answer. "I'm sure."

Headmaster Ozpin's face returned to it's famous neutrality as he straightened his posture out once more. "Very well. Thank you for your time, Ms. Belladonna. The school will ensure that your recovery is a fast and pleasant one." He walked towards the door, his hand gripping the knob for only a brief moment before he stopped in his tracks.. "If you ever need to talk to me." He turned back to her, his face looking sorrowful once again. "Please, don't hesitate to ask." Without another word, he opened the door and stepped out.

Blake found herself letting out a large sigh as the headmaster disappeared out of sight. However, halfway through the sigh turned into a groan as she looked into the hall and saw a familiar blonde haired teen. Curiously, both he and the headmaster gave each other a smile and a nod as they passed by. Did they perhaps share a conversation today as well? The blonde stood in the open doorway, nervously shuffling back and forth. "He-hey, Blake. Can I come in?"

"I feel like you're going to anyways, so go ahead."

He looked up at her, a brief flash of hurt in his face. "I wouldn't do something like that... I'll uh, I'll just come back later."

"Jaune, just come in."

The blonde let out a sigh as he slowly inched into the room, his eyes focusing on anything that wasn't her. Blake groaned to herself. Did she really have to deal with this right after her conversation with the headmaster? "So, are you here to lecture me too?" Jaune jumped a little at her voice, finally looking at her as he recovered. With a nervous laugh that was familiar to her, he stepped over to her bed with a little more haste then he had before.

"No." Her eyes moved to widen, but she quickly put a stop to that. He didn't want to lecture her? That was something she hadn't expected when she saw him waiting outside of her room. Was there a chance that maybe he had come to understand why she had did what she had to do? "I'm gonna let her do that." He added, his head nodding towards the open door of her room. Tilting her head, she nearly paled up when she saw the towering inferno known as Yang Xiao Long that was barreling into the room, her eyes blazing red and her teeth clenched with enough force to snap a steel bar in half. She felt her jaw go numb for a brief moment before she muttered a single phrase, the sound just barely being audible to a now smiling Jaune.

"Oh Dust."

Author's Notes

Looks like Yang is about to choke a Blake.

Apologies for being two days late, but this chapter took me awhile to write, it went through quite a few iterations before I finally decided on what you're reading here. Either way, we're now almost done with Volume 1's timeline! Whee! Despite the fact that this isn't following canon, it does still roughly follow the same timeline.
Soon we'll be moving on to Volume 2's timeline and all the wonderful things that come with it!

Next chapter is scheduled for the 27th. Until then, happy trails!