Co-Written with Demons Anarchy of Pride. The creator of many fantastic masterpieces such as: Fire Emblem: Eternity Unto Reformation, Code Geass: Lelouch of the R-eset, The Crow: DxD, Highschool, DxD: Shatter Destiny, RWBY's Reaper, Code Geass 00, Fractured Reality, Code Geass: Suzaku of the Counterattack, Devil Survivor: Destiny Rewind, and some of his new projects, such as Lagrange 111: You Are (Not) Alone, Tokyo Ghoul: A Flowered Colored Darker Than Black, Persona 4: The Unseen Truth, Monarch, Kill the Deadly Sin, Code Geass: The Butterfly Effect, DxD: Final, DC Heroes: FORGOTTEN BLOODSTAINED LEGACY, DxD: Nocturne, Project, A Tale of Three Dragons, A Dragon Darker than Black, Code Geass: Kill the Rebellion, RWBY: Colorless Memories, RWBY: Black Rebellion, and more.

I highly recommend you check them all out.

I really appreciate your help, man. Couldn't have done this without ya!

I also recommend a few stories made by another talented fanfic writer, Otaku-Nation666: Warning Letter, Highschool DxD: Destiny's Play, RWBY Riders: Spirits of Legend, Deadly Sin of the Spriggan, RWBY: Within Enlightened Hearts, Tokyo Ghoul: Wishes of an Eyepatch, Fabulae Parcae, RWBY –Apocrypha-, and Tokyo Mirage Sessions: Apocalypse.

I probably should've stated this in chapter One, but better late than never. The OCs Nico and Cielo/Mielo belong to Demons Anarchy of Pride. I own Eden Flaemis.

Neither of us own any of the characters from other series featured in this fic. They belong to their respective creators.

Thank you to all who continue to support this story. Please Read and Review.

Also…..ALL FLAMES CAN JUST BURN IN HELL!... So don't even bother.

XXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 8: Nico Bodaveg; The Berserker's Plight.

Nico Bodaveg stood in the middle of an empty field, a thick mist encompassing the area. His eyes scanned the space around him, narrowing in confusion. 'Where...where am I...?' For a brief moment, he felt confused. He didn't recognize the area, unfamiliar to him, yet strangely, he felt as if he had been here before. However, he didn't remember how he came here. He could have sworn he had been- "Ruby!" Nico's eyes widened, suddenly remembering that he was fighting Talon. He looked around wildly, searching for the silver-eyed girl. "Ruby, where are you?! Ruby?!" But he couldn't find her. Worried sick about her unknown fate, he broke out into a sprint, delving deeper into the mist. "Ruby! Where are you?! Answer me!" He still received only silence. He cursed. Dammit, where was she?! He had to find her, and get her away from Talon! Fast!

"...kehehehe...you think you can save her..."

Nico's feet stopped in his tracks, feet sliding across the ground. His eyes widened as he looked around. "W-what?" he stuttered. That voice...that couldn't have been...

"Why should you bother...it isn't as if you have the capability of feeling anything..."

He scowled heavily, glaring at whatever was veiled behind the mist. "Shut up!"

"You are a Bodaveg...If the Grimm are cruel, relentless, and without mercy...then you are worse..."

"I said shut up dammit!"

"Like your family, you rip and tear until it is down..."

Nico's eyes began to turn red, and his tattoos glowed, softly illuminating the darkness around him. "One more word...and I'll..."

Slowly, the mist began to part. A dark laugh echoed around the area. "Don't you see..." the voice said. "This is who you truly are...not a Huntsman, or human...but a Beast." Before Nico stood a giant, black creature, easily mistakable for a wolf, bearing slitted eyes that were completely encompassed in red. Its mouth was wide, filled with sharp fangs, and a long tongue. Its breath was hot, blowing against the irritated and enraged boy like a gust of wind. "Accept it...and this pathetic strife you lead will end..."

"Never!" Nico snarled. "I will never accept you!"

"Oh, you will...you definitely will..." the being snickered. "If you don't...then those who you hold dear will be picked off...one. By. One. Especially that little red girl..."

Nico's eyes turned livid. "That won't happen!" he shouted. "I'll protect her! And my friends!"

"An empty promise..." the black wolf scoffed. Its eyes glowed darkly. "Accept me, and you can obtain the strength you desire..." Slowly, it stood up, and began to open its mouth. "All you have to do..."

Then, it lunged.

"IS LET ME OUT!"

The Berserker fell into a stance with his legs spread apart and his arms held up and ready. When the beast was within his grasp, Nico let himself tumble backward and used the momentum to throw the monster away from him.

"Go..." he growled, his pupils developing into slits. "AWAAAAAY!"

He flung the beast high into the air. But as it flew, the being tumbled mid-flight and landed on its feet, skidding away from the teen.

"Yes! That's it!" the beast roared with glee. "Give in to it! Your rage! Your hatred!"

"Shut up!" Nico roared.

The more he listened to the damned beast, the more the tattoos became darker. His irritation was soon giving into rage. He was going to destroy this damned mutt. He was growing to crush its neck to make sure it wouldn't take. He was going to tear off its limbs to keep it running away from him! He was going to tear out its organs and feed the beast with his own body parts! He was going to-to...!

HE WAS GOING TO-!

"...big...brother..."

"...Eh?" The surging rage from within him ceased. That...that voice...so familiar...

"...Nico...Nico...!"

What? Who...who was speaking to him...?

"...please...big brother..."

The beast seemed to realize what was happening, and howled with rage. "No!" it roared. "He is MINE!" Once again, it lunged for him. Just as its jaws were about to clamp down on him, however, the unexpected happen. A brilliant, silver light danced around him, and threw the black creature away. Nico's eyes widened at the sight, and felt warmth surrounding him. Slowly, the voices became clearer.

"...Celty...Ruby..."

"Big brother!"

"Nico!"

The dark beast slowly rose, its form smoking from the blinding light. It narrowed its bloody eyes at the teen before rushing at him again. However, like before, it was thrown back by the light. Nico felt his body swaying. His eyes were growing heavy.

"NICO/BIG BROTHER!"

The beast realized what was happening, and screamed. "NOO!" It gave one last futile charge, and the last thing Nico saw as he slowly felt his consciousness fading was the sight of it being thrown away by the light around him.

XXXXXXXXXX

"...his pulse is stable for now, but he's suffered quite a bit of damage to his internal organs," the doctor said as he looked at the members of Team RWBY, JNPR, and LNCE. "But, the good news is, he'll make a full recovery."

The group let out a collective, relieved sigh. "Oh, thank God..." Ludger breathed. "I was worried for the worst."

"Heh...hehe... Told ya he was too tough to kick the bucket..." Eden chuckled weakly, relieved beyond words.

Ruby was definitely among those who were too happy beyond words, reduced only to relieved, overjoyed sobs, clinging onto her sister for support.

"It's alright, sis..." Yang patted her in the head as she hugged her. "He's going to be alright..."

"Thank goodness..." Jaune fell back against the wall. His friend was going to make it.

Everyone was ecstatic and relieved. After nearly three days in ICU, Nico had pulled through. Despite having an oxygen mask over his face, as well as a few patches of bandages, the young man was still alive.

It felt as if a great weight had been lifted from all their shoulders. Their friend was alive and going to make a full recovery.

Maes Hughes sighed heavily as he reclined against the wall behind. "Thank goodness..." he laughed softly. "If this kid died on my watch, Kiri would have killed me."

"We're not out of the woods yet, Hughes." Glynda said sternly. "There is still the matter of Talon's presence here in Vale. We may have driven him off, but there is a chance he will come for him again."

"I know, Glynda..." Maes removed his glasses and pinched the space between his eyes. "But the good thing is that we now have some idea what to expect. We know he's coming...we just gotta keep an eye out for him."

"Yes..." Glynda nodded in agreement, and then focused her eyes on Nico. "Although, I'm rather worried... Back in the ICU, if Miss Rose hadn't shown up when she did..."

"Yeah…I was worried there for a second..." The bespectacled man nodded solemnly. "Good thing Ruby was there, though."

Yesterday when he was still in ICU, the boy suddenly went berserk. He was flailing and screaming, with his Semblance somehow active. The doctors weren't sure if he was awake or suffering from some kind of mental trauma, but he had injured a few doctors. Ruby had heard the commotion, and barreled in, despite their attempts to stop her. She saw how Nico was, how furious and livid he looked while also still unconscious, and whatever caused it was enough to hurt her deeply. She ran over to the boy's side, as if try and stop him from flailing.

What happened afterwards was something that Hughes and Glynda had sworn the doctors in that room to never speak of. "You do realize we will have to report this to the Headmaster." the blonde witch said seriously, looking at Ruby as she and Ludger stood next to the unconscious form of the Berserker. "There is no way we can keep quiet about this."

"I know that." Maes nodded again. "Besides...I don't think this is something that should be kept quiet about. Ozpin has to know about this."

'After all,' the man thought sadly. 'It does involve Summer.'

XXXXXXXXXX

"So, we meet at last, Mr. Heldalf..."

Cinder Fall greeted with a smile, not at all perturbed by the form of the malevolent Faunus standing before her. Mikaela stood by her side, his expression tense and hand resting on the pommel of his sword as a precaution. Mercury and Emerald were present as well, but remained silent, their stances rigid. While they tried to keep level expressions, in reality, they were terrified beyond belief. After all, the being before them was a complete monster.

"Indeed." the White Fang leader nodded gruffly.

There was a tense atmosphere in the air. Several members of the White Fang were sweating nervously with some holding their weapons, as if at the ready. Xeno simply sat atop one of the crates, looking on with a bored expression. Roman scowled slightly at the towering behemoth, his face scarred slightly because of the attack the man had thrown at him. Adam, like Mikaela, stood next to the leader of the White Fang with a tense expression, and his hand on the handle of his katana, Wilt.

"I must admit, this is the first time someone has brazenly asked for my presence..." Heldalf said slowly as he crossed his arms. "Nor did I expect it from Salem's lapdog." The woman's eyes glowed, as if registering his words in shock. "I know who you serve by the stench on your being. Now, what I wish to know is..." He leaned forward, his eyes burrowing into hers. "What does the Witch want with me? I believe I made myself clear the last time she asked for my assistance on whatever trivial matters you involve yourselves in."

The raven haired woman knew she had to word this carefully. One minor slip up, and no doubt Heldalf will raze everything and everyone here to the ground.

"Watch what you say, filthy mongrel..." Mikaela growled. "One more word, and I'll cut you down." This declaration earned many looks of shock on the White Fang, and soon drew their weapons. Adam restrained himself, but it was clear he also took offense to Mikaela's words towards his leader. Mercury and Emerald's breaths hitched. While they were also offended by Heldalf's remark, more so the latter than the former, they knew to restrain themselves. If Mikaela couldn't do that for Cinder's sake…then they were all dead.

Heldalf, however, looked completely unperturbed. Instead, he gave the boy a passing glance, but then narrowed his gaze. "...the Horseman of Death," he noted before his gaze turned to Xeno, who waved at him. "And the Horseman of Conquest." Slowly, he turned his head back to Cinder. "Interesting...you have two of the four with you." His gaze then wandered back to the blonde-haired boy beside her. "And one of them is one of those accursed angels no less." Cinder tensed while Mika's eyes narrowed dangerously at the man. "Do you intend to bring back Armageddon to this world, Cinder Fall?"

"...It depends really..." she began. "...from what I've seen, Humanity has grown sloppy, senile, and corrupt. Even those with merit are consistently being dragged down to the level of useless, corrupt, plebeians..."

"And your point...?"

"I want to go further." Cinder said. "I want humanity to know the pain and terror of being helpless...of being on the receiving end of their own punishments."

Heldalf leaned back, scratching his beard. "...and what do I get out of this?"

Cinder smirked. "Origin's Trial...and Bisley Bakur's head."

Heldalf's hand stopped scratching, his eyes widened. Adam's fingers twitched on Wilt's handle. "...Interesting..." The behemoth mused, his voice taking on a malicious tone. "So you are willing to give me the honor of completing the Trial and killing Bakur in exchange for my full cooperation?"

"Correct." the woman replied. "In truth, I care little about the Trial. All I wish for..." Her eyes burned brightly, and for a moment, the powers of the Fall Maiden fluctuated. "...is to make everyone remember true terror."

"...I see..." Heldalf nodded. He raised his hand as he turned around, signaling Adam to stand down. The Bull Faunus saw the motion and reluctantly agreed.

"Adam, give Cinder Fall your full support," he instructed. The man nodded, though he sent a warning glare to the blonde and the woman, who looked pleased by his answer. "From here on out, the entirety of the White Fang will cooperate with you. However..." Slowly, Heldalf looked over his shoulder. "Should you encounter Blake Belladonna, I ask that you allow no one to touch her. She is MY responsibility."

"Oh? And why is that?" She asked out of simple curiosity. However, she soon regretted her words.

The glare he sent was nearly enough to make her weak in the knees. Emerald and Mercury flinched under the Faunus' intense gaze. "...do not question me, child," he growled, his presence booming like the roar of a beast. "You may be Salem's lapdog, but know this...you know nothing of true terror."

The ominous pressure created from his Aura was stifling. His presence weighed down on all of them, threatening to crush them where they stood. Mika was close to drawing his sword from the face of the threat.

Xeno cackled. "Should have kept quiet, eh Cindy?!" he yelled out from on top his box. Mikaela sent him a glare, drawing his blade slightly. "Aw, would you look at that? Your little boyfriend, all ready to defend your honor!"

"Silence mortal!" Mika snarled as he drew his sword at the deranged man.

"Heh...Are you really that eager to fight me...Death?"

In response, Mika's eyes burned dark purple. "BLACK WAVE!" With a swung, an arc of dark energy was unleashed, aimed straight at Xeno. The man grinned widely as his own eyes glowed purple, and jumped up. The arc destroyed several of the boxes, causing the splinters to go flying through the air. Roman's eyes widened in horror, and whirled on the blonde. "You idiot, what do you think you're doing?!" he screamed. "That was a container of Dust, you just destroyed!"

Mikaela didn't respond to him. Cinder looked on worriedly for him, and was about to say something, but Xeno landed on the ground, a dark aura beginning to dance around him. "Now that's the Horseman I want to see..." he said with glee, a deranged look emerging on his face. "Do you know how long it's been...since I've had a good fight? C'mon, Death..."

Slowly, emerging from the aura around him were black swords. Hundreds, if not thousands.

"Put on a good show for the God of War."

XXXXXXXXXX

"…mmnrgh...mn..."

A series of groans broke the silence of the white hospital room. A pair of eyelids flickered open, revealing gold irises.

"Where..." Nico said slowly. "Am I...?"

His eyes were trained on the ceiling above him. He slowly turned his head, his body feeling lethargic from the medications.

His eyes widened slightly when he found himself staring at a messy pile of black hair with a red tint. "...Ru...by..." he said weakly, left in surprise. How long was she there? In fact, how long has he been unconscious? He looked around the room, and realized that he must have been inside of a hospital. "That's right...Talon was..."

"You are a Bodaveg...If the Grimm are cruel, relentless, and without mercy...then you are worse...Like you're family, you rip and tear, until it is done..."

The young teen shut his eyes and grit his teeth. That monster...whatever it was...it knew nothing! He was NOT like those bastards! He is his own person! He is not a monster...he is human!

"...looks like you're awake now." Nico's eyes widened as he looked toward the door, seeing a familiar, worn face smiling back at him. "Hey, kid... You look like crap."

"...Kiritsugu..." Nico whispered, his voice hoarse from his parched throat.

The worn man smiled softly as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "She's stayed with you ever since you were allowed visitors," he informed him as he took a chair nearby, and sat down on it. "Seems like you have quite the devoted girlfriend."

"She...she's not my girlfriend..." He croaked obliviously. "But...what are you...doing here...? What about...Celty...?"

"She's doing fine," he assured her. "I'm having a friend look after her. Although, it was a hell of an ordeal trying to convince her to stay home. When she found out that you were hospitalized, I found her at the front door, while she was running a high fever, without her walker." He sighed as he shook his head. "She truly is a handful, that one."

Nico laughed softly. "Yeah..." he whispered. "She really is..."

"The doctors told me what happened in ICU," Kiritsugu said. "They said you suddenly went ballistic." Nico said nothing, though he was surprised to hear this news. He wasn't aware that such a thing had happened while he was unconscious. "Nico." The boy turned, and found Kiritsugu staring at him with the utmost seriousness. "Did you have a dream about a giant black wolf?"

The young teen's eyes widened. How did...he...? "How...did you know...? What does...what does that dream even mean...?"

"From what I understand, it's something that all members of the Bodaveg family have when they've come of age," his father figure explained to him. "The wolf is a representation of your darkest, innermost instincts. Think of it like your inner darkness given a physical body."

"My inner...darkness...?" Was that why kept trying to get him riled up? So he would succumb to his own malice?

"I don't know much about it, I'm afraid," Kiritsugu shrugged. "However, it would be in your best interest if you didn't use your Semblance for a while."

"Why not...?" He asked, but felt as if he already knew what his foster father was going to say.

"It is too risky. Since that wolf is a manifestation of your instincts, it would be safe to assume that it would try to overwhelm you if you enter your Berserker state."

The boy frowned as he looked back up at the ceiling. "But...Talon is..."

"I know." Kiritsugu interjected. "He is still out there...but your duty right now, is to remain here and fully recover from your injuries. As you are now, you have no hope of standing against him..."

Nico wanted to retort, but the words soon died in his throat. While he didn't want to admit it, he was correct. He was useless to anyone in this condition. But...He couldn't help but feel uneasy, knowing that his former retainer is still out there, ready to strike. It wasn't his own well-being that he was worried about...it was his friends'.

Talon would no doubt consider them threats, and strike at them quickly. After all, they were enemies to him, and to him, enemies must be eliminated. None of them stood any chance against a monster like Talon...except perhaps Eden. Of course, it was all a matter of perspective. He had yet to see Eden's full strength, but if anyone from his team stood any chance against him, it was the Blue Devil himself.

From what he's observed from his other team mates so far...none of them were capable of fighting Talon head on. His leader, Ludger, may be versatile in three types of weapons and able to execute a Mystic Arte...but the drawbacks were present. Due to his proficiency in multiple weapons, he lacked the aptitude of truly mastering them. In addition, he could only use his Mystic Arte once in his current state. While it may have been enough to destroy a weakened Cerberus, it would take more to take down Talon. That is also taking into consideration that he hasn't seen Ludger's semblance. Depending on what it is, it may give him an advantage as an element of surprise. But from what he's seen…he lacks the will to mortally wound a person. Talon doesn't have that sort of hesitation.

He was unsure about Cielo, as from what he'd seen so far, her personality seems to change only when she is in danger. Mielo would do everything she could to protect her other self...but is her skill enough to hold up against the Bodaveg retainer? Based on what he's observed, her semblance seemed to be teleportation of some sort. She may have the element of surprise from this factor...but Talon would be able to see through it and counter accordingly.

Then there was Neo. He had seen her perform well in her sparring match against Ren the other day seemed capable of using her opponent's actions to her advantage. And her semblance gave her the element of surprise...But was it truly enough against Talon? He is not the type of enemy one could afford to fool around with. Even the slightest mistake will cost them their lives.

He doubted anyone from RWBY or JNPR could stand against him either.

For starters, Ruby lacked experience. Sure she was skilled enough to get into Beacon two years early at the behest of Ozpin, as well as fighting Grimm, but she lacked the experience in fighting stronger foes like Talon. She was young, only a year younger than him. She may have skipped ahead, but doing so cost her two years of training from Signal Academy, leaving her behind experience-wise. And from what he's seen of her, she was absolutely defenseless without her weapon. If Talon had disarmed her then...he didn't even want to think about it. She may be fast, but could she outrun the Hawk of the Bodavegs?

Weiss may have more training and experience than Ruby...but her training was only in controlled environments where she did not have to risk her life for victory. She lacked true field experience. If Nico had to compare, sending Weiss to fight Talon would be like sending a trained dog to fight off a ferocious wolf. She may possess and proficiently utilize the Schnee semblance of Glyphs...but would it be enough to defeat Talon? Not to mention her pride and attitude impeding her true combat capability. If something set her off...then she could end up blundering and be killed.

Blake was a possibility. Based on her movements during the fight against the Nevermore, she snowed signs of possessing adequate combat training and experience in the field. She was agile and taciturn, which is good. However, his former trainer had years upon years of training under his belt. Her semblance can let her sneak up on her opponent, but after a while, no doubt Talon would find a way to counter it. What Blake possesses may not be enough against him.

Yang was a powerhouse. She was well versed in hand to hand combat. But based on what the Berserker has observed, she does not handle well against fighters who specialize in kicks. She would be a poor match-up against Talon, who is utilizes a mix of punches and kicks in his fighting style. She may possess powerful strikes, but they are useless if they cannot hit him. Even with her semblance, the power she would gain would be meaningless if Talon took the measures to counter her attacks.

Jaune was...oh who was he kidding? Jaune was revealed to have no form of prior combat training whatsoever. He didn't even know the proper sword stances until recently. He may possess vast Aura reserves, but they were not a suitable defense against a seasoned veteran like Talon. He would be dead within minutes.

Pyrrha may have stood a chance...but there was a significant issue. She may have been a champion at combat tournaments, as well as fighting Grimm, but did she have the capability to fight and kill a man like Talon. No doubt she would hesitate, allowing her to be wide open for a killing blow.

Nora, like Yang, may have power on her side...but she was much too impulsive. From what Nico's seen, she charges into battle without a second thought, without any form of tactics or strategy aside from smashing and blowing things up. Talon had the advantage over her in regards to tactical prowess. All he had to do was avoid the range of her attacks and strike her at her vitals, wearing down her aura before going in for the kill.

Ren was a decent fighter in the Berserker's perspective. He was well versed in martial arts, Allium Orb use, Aura control, strategy, and ranged combat. He could probably last a while against Talon, but he would no doubt be overpowered eventually. From what Nico's seen, Ren was not suitable for fights that dragged out for a long time.

All in all, most of his friends would not stand a chance against his former retainer. Eden on the other hand...

Eden had what others lacked; the capability to kill. Being a mercenary, he had experience with murder, and he had the strength to easily defend himself. That, and from personal experience, Eden was full of surprises. After all, there was hardly anyone who could perform an Arcane Arte without the use of the Allium Orb. When it came down to it, out of everyone...Eden was the only person who stood a snowball's chance in Hell against someone like Talon.

But that was what made him so damned frustrated. He was weak, unable to fight properly against someone as strong as him. Even after all the training he had done with Kiritsugu, even with the damnable hell his "parents" subjected him to, and even with his Semblance...the best he could manage was land only a few hits, and barely any of them did real damage to him. He needed to get stronger. He had to...

...for her sake.

He wouldn't let his past swallow her up. He WILL protect her!

"...I like the fire in your eyes, Nico." Kiritsugu said warmly, bringing him out of his thoughts. The man was smiling. "I'm glad...it seems like you've found some good people in your life at Beacon."

"...Yeah..." Nico found himself smiling as well. His gaze lingered over to Ruby's sleeping form. "I'm glad too..."

"I just have one thing to ask, though."

"What's that?"

The man smirked. "...don't make me a grandfather just yet." With that said, Kiritsugu stood up, set the chair back where it belonged, and left the room without another word.

The room was then silent. A moment passed. Then two. Then three. Then finally, Nico had processed what Kiritsugu just told him. "...why would I make him a grandfather?"

"..mngh...Yaaaaaang..." Ruby murmured cutely in her sleep, shifting slightly. "Stoooop...you know I hate being tickled..."

Nico then focused his attention on the girl. His lips curled into a soft smile. Seeing her sleep like this...she seemed too peaceful.

Actually, now that he got a better look at her...

Her sleeping face seemed so...cute. As if he was watching a little kitten curling up in its sleep.

It took a second for Nico to realize what he was thinking, and shook his head. 'C'mon, Nico, get your mind out of the gutter.' he thought in disapproval. 'She's a friend. Just a friend. It's wrong to think about her that way.'

...

'...right?'

Was she...really JUST a friend...? As he pondered this, Nico couldn't help but notice certain features he would've otherwise missed. The way her hair frames her heart shaped face. How her clear, light complexion glows under the fluorescent lights. How her hairs contrast in color gave her a unique appearance. How her soft pink lips move ever so slightly as she breathed.

"Nico..." The boy froze when he heard the girl murmur his name. As she did so, a peaceful smile crossed her lips. "Nico..."

"Is she...dreaming about me?"

That took him by surprise. Why was she dreaming about him? He was hardly anything special. If at all anything, he considered himself plain. The only real thing he probably had going for was the marks, which irritated him to no end. Contrary to what people believed, the marks of the Bodaveg family caused him more trouble than he would like to admit, case in point his first encounter with Cardin Winchester.

"N-Nico..." For some strange reason, Ruby developed a heavy blush on her cheeks, shifting again in her sleep. "D-don't...don't touch me there..."

Nico frowned at this. Touch her where? What kind of dreaming was she even having?

"...what a strange girl," he mused, but smiled nonetheless as he gently patted the girl on the head. This seemed to make her comfortable, a peaceful smile playing across her lips. "Although, I suppose that's the pot calling the kettle black." His hand gently stroked her hair, eliciting what seemed like a soft purr from her lips.

"Nico..."

"I'm here, Ruby...thank you for watching over me..."

"Ni...co..." Ruby murmured, nuzzling her head against his hand. The boy smiled softly.

Honestly...she really was cute.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Oh, for Pete's sake...!" Weiss grumbled. "She has perverted dreams, but she can't even say three words?! Guh, what a dunce!"

"Shush!" Yang snapped at her quietly. "He'll hear us!"

Ludger sweat-dropped. "Remind me again...why did you drag us to spy on those two?"

The remaining members of teams RWBY, LNCE, and JNPR were currently station right outside of Nico's hospital room. Weiss and Yang had taken the liberty of opening the door only slightly to observe Nico and Ruby. Right after Kiritsugu had left, the girls couldn't resist checking up on the two...

And Yang was more than happy that she did. She was grinning widely, having overheard Ruby's mumbling. Who would that that her darling, socially awkward, weapon-obsessed younger sister had dreams like that? Weiss, however, was growing frustrated. Honestly, it was perfectly clear the girl had feelings for the boy, so what was taking her so damned long?! It's just three simple words! Easy as that!

"I kind of agree with Yang, though..." Jaune said. "I kinda want to see what'll happen next."

"Isn't this an invasion of privacy, though?" Pyrrha asked in concern.

"Who cares?!" Nora growled. "Ruby, hurry up and confess so I can eat pancakes!"

Ren sighed. "Nora, she can't confess if she's asleep."

"But she dreamed of him touching her, didn't she?" Cielo asked as she tilted her head. "Does that means she has the same kind of dreams Neo has of Ludger rubbing her-"

"...one more word, and you die." The tri color haired girl glared at her.

"Mou~! Ludger, Neo's being mean!" The blue haired girl cried, flailing her arms.

"Well, that's what you get for teasing her..." Eden deadpanned.

"Heheh..." Ludger chuckled weakly.

Blake sighed as she turned the page of her book, crossing her legs. "C'mon, Blake!" Yang urged her friend. "Don't you wanna see a possible confession?!"

"No," she replied bluntly. "I fail to see the point."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"For one, it isn't a real confession," she pointed out. "She's asleep and muttering in her dream. Secondly, it is rude to eavesdrop."

The lilac-eyed girl rolled her eyes. "Oh come on, be adventurous!" she said. "Besides, I NEED to catch this moment on camera! After all, Nico just might be my little sis' first boyfriend~"

"That is if he even knows what a confession is," Eden scoffed. "Seriously, dude is dense as dark matter. I can't tell if that's just because of how he lived with his parents, or he doesn't have very many friends."

"...Fair point..." Yang's enthusiasm dropped upon realizing this fact.

"You never know," Jaune said. "Maybe he does know what a confession is." That said, however, the blonde looked on, slightly worried. "I just hope those two get together...though if they do, I kind of pity him."

"Why's that?"

Jaune gave the Blue Devil a flat look. "...who is Ruby's big sister?"

Eden stared at Jaune before looking over to Yang. The blonde girl grinned and waved at him. Eden then turned back to Jaune. "...Good point."

XXXXXXXXXX

Outside of the hospital, a figure watched Nico from atop the rooftop of a towering building, set down on his knee. Talon's eyes could only soften, seeing the affection the young master was displaying for the girl. Truly, she was the spitting image of the woman he had met on the battlefield so many years ago. "...are you sure about this, Talon?" a voice called out from behind him, followed by a series of footsteps. "You know, it isn't too late."

The Hawk of the Bodavegs didn't even turn around. He shook his head. "...I have made my decision long ago, Kiritsugu...there is no changing it."

The worn man sighed. "...you're a damned fool."

"Heh..." Talon couldn't help but chuckle. "I am indeed..."

Regardless, there was no going back for him. Slowly the man stood up, and looked up at the sky. It was nearly dusk, evident by the orange tint.

"I do not expect him to forgive me, nor do I ask for it..." the Hawk of the Bodaveg said, his eyes showing not an experienced veteran...but a worn, tired man. "All I ask...is that he understands what I must do."

-Nico Bodaveg; the Berserker's Plight: END-

Next Time: Nico Bodaveg; the Fated Battle - Unleashing the Beast