She had lived all her life in the protective forest of the Lost Woods. She had been created there during the first saplings planting, and she had watched as they grew into might giants that stood tall against the calamity of the world around them. She had seen storms pass, winds change, and life alter itself for the ever-warping world.

She had been blessed with the power to hear and listen to the forest, and to be able to help it grow and survive. Against trespassers or loggers, she was one of the few who used the magic of the land to keep the Lost Woods safe.

The forest was all she had ever seen, though not all that she ever knew.

It was never a mystery or question that there was more to explore, only the reminder that once a Kokiri left, they would be beyond the protection of the Forest. And if they were beyond her to protect them, then they very will could die.

For the Kokiri, to leave was to die, even for Saria herself. Link, a Hylian raised among them, was the only exception. The only boy to ever grow in the woods, to be accepted with its protective blessings, but not fear a life without them. He was the only one.

And now, Saria was the second, after so very many years. All those years, all those decades, all those centuries, and it was finally time.

Time to experience a carnival.

"What is that? Over there? With the large spinning wheel! It looks like the pinwheel from before! Oh, but what is that? What's this? There's something very strange. And this it glows like morning stained mistletoe, but is sweet to eat!" The Forest Sage skipped, or perhaps jumped, around the grounds, her voice coming out as fast as the thoughts passed her mind.

Was this what Link talked about with carnivals? Here Saria had always thought he had exaggerated the lands he had visited for her benefit. But now she was starting to believe that he was under selling them for her sake.

Watching the other youths run around with candy and cotton in hand, jumping from one stall to another, carrying tickets and their parents running after them. Match that with the merchants who sold their wares like Saria recalled Link relating to a similar experience as the Hyrule Market. Their voices were filled with cheer, and the sounds of laughter echoed around them

The winds of the forest in the midst of a cool spring breeze, carrying the seeds of new life, was a close comparison to this. The joy of life running through the laughter, cheers, and even the occasional jeer, all met with boisterous retorts.

Saria was the Forest Sage and she twirled on her heel to realize all that was around her.

Living in the Lost Woods all her life, and she still thought this was much larger. Perhaps it was because there was so much more.

More than just the classrooms of Beacon. More than just the buildings in Vale. More than just the weapons the students carried. It was the food, the people, the activities, the games, the merriment, and all of it shoved into one area that could be mistaken for a king's court.

True as Link had said decades ago, when surrounded by the festivities, the smile couldn't leave her face.

"You appear to be in awfully high spirits, Saria." The voice behind her hardly startled her, no more than the cane tapping next to her, successfully getting her to focus. "From anyone else, I might assume you were a child enjoying the festival."

"Am I not allowed to enjoy this? This much laughter and good cheer. Never has this occurred so alike to the forest!" It truly hadn't. "Festivals of new life and spreading seeds, but all with the intention to grow. A celebration to create life. This is a festival for life! I can feel it running in the air. Can you not?"

"I don't believe there's a soul who can't," Ozpin's smile was not nearly as broad as her own, but it was there. "That is the purpose in fact. To have those who come have such a good time, the horrors of the world are forgotten."

"What horrors?" She asked the question in jest, as the Headmaster of Beacon laughed with her. "What thoughts could pervade one's mind but where to go next? The giant wheel? The test of strength? The dedication of memory?"

"I feel you would cheat well in one of those." She would never, even if it was plain that others were already. "But you can choose whichever you wish. We have spent years preparing for this, and finalized all in the last month. You should know this, as you and Link assisted."

"We cleared a land and helped quell the beasts. We did nothing to help set up this merriment! If you had asked me to, I cannot believe I would not stop to enjoy myself. Who could focus so well on work they would enjoy this purveying sense of joy?"

"Those responsible for keeping it alive, I imagine," Ozpin returned as easily as ever. "Speaking of such, do you by chance know where Link is? I lost him a few minutes ago when I was speaking to an old friend, and I cannot seem to find him."

"I lost him many minutes before that, but only because there is no reason to follow one another here. What use is there in exploring if you do not get a little lost?"

"For others, that would be a great thing, but don't forget that Link is necessary for future events." Ozpin dotted the air with a wave of his hand. "That said, while we are looking for him, would you like a cotton candy ball?" His arm motioned towards a nearby machine.

One that had a man sticking a plain cane into it, spinning it around the basin, only to pull it out with a string of colorful cloud wrapped around her. Pulling the very clouds from the sky from a bin on the ground. Her eyes widened, and mouth watered.

"You lied to me," Saria spoke, watching as a pair of children grabbed at the sticks and running off, parents paying the man just after. "You said magic was lost to this world."

"Real magic. Magic like yours, mine, and the traces Link holds. That is not magic. That… that is a clever sweet treat." Saria swallowed, removing the drool pooling in her lips.

"Then yes, I'd like some." Her emerald eyes flashed around. "But is there a line to it? I would hate to take the turn from another."

"In this crowd, it does appear that there is a line, doesn't it?" His question as phrased oddly. "Though perhaps that is because you stand lower to the ground, so it appears everyone is in your way." There it was.

"May I assume Qrow was speaking to you about such a comment." His face betrayed nothing, even behind his glasses, but the tint of mischievousness could not be lost on her. She was a Kokiri of the Lost Woods. Her kind were known for their pranks. "The man is insufferable, but I did not think you so alike him."

"I believe you would have caught onto such over the past month," Ozpin returned with a chuckle. "But then again, we have been busy, between preparing for this grand festival and for securing the future of the students. Much had to be done, so it should not be blamed that a few details escaped you."

"Details for the festival, I could be forgiven, as not even the Great Deku Tree can be counted for knowing the number of leaves that fall from all the elms of the forest." She had asked the Great Deity of the Lost Woods such a question once, and he had rumbled into the wind the humorous nature of the question. When her sage hood had descended upon her, she understood why.

"A fair point, a fine one at that. But I digress, we are here to enjoy the fruits of our labors." Ozpin held a hand out to her, and Saria grasped it free of qualms.

Just as easily, she pulled herself up, rotating until she stood sat on one of his shoulders, perched like Kaepora Gaebora waiting for a man to cross her path.

"Comfortable?" Ozpin asked to her. "I'd hate to have you feel awkward on top of me like this."

"After the weeks of following you and Glynda through the grounds and Academy, I can safely conclude this is the most convenient spot for me." Her head drifted back, emerald hair blowing what little her short locks could allow. "There is a better breeze up here than the there are among the roots of the ground."

"If Qrow ever inquires, you were the one who used such a metaphor, not I." Saria did make note of it. The man would have a long pleasurable session with his bottle if he heard Saria referring to herself in such a way. "Regardless, do you want some cotton candy? Though not a delicacy, it is a favorite treat for those among festival. Many celebrations, in fact."

"And I've never heard Link bare mention of it, nor seen it myself." The latter was hardly surprising, even as Ozpin walked forward toward the basin and man, the stall owner looking up. Gray hairs hid his eyes and sprouted from the side of his head like an ornate cap. But his smile was broad, and full of life that beget his age. "They do look… appetizing though."

"They are, I can assure you." Ozpin humorous reply came. "I have seen many things being crafted over the years, large and small, and I can safely conclude that if the end times were to come, this would be among the treasures I would wish to save. The secret… to cotton candy."

He held his breath in a short whisper, hand held out as if to grasp upon the lines of Time herself, to pull back the mystery.

"Two, ten Lien please." And the stall owner gave them to him, with a smile. Ozpin quickly dropping bills to him, spinning away with the treats in hand, Saria grinning at his antics.

"And here you are, as promised," the Headmaster spoke as he handed one of the treats off to her. "Do enjoy yourself. A month with playing the dealer between Link, Glynda, Qrow, Ironwood, and myself, and you have more than earned a bit of merriment."

"I thank you," she returned to him. "Do you think you need to be here to allow me to enjoy myself?" There was no accusation in her words, only curiosity.

"Oh no, heavens now," his hand waved the idea way, shaking the colorful cloud in his hand. Saria licked her lips, gazing down at hers. "I'm the one here enjoying myself. I thought you were following me in case you expecting to learn more from me."

Saria grinned down at him, Ozpin smirking up at her.

Their laughter was muffled between bites of candy, filling Saria's mouth with a vanishing treat. She smacked her lips in surprise.

"This is magic!" She declared, holding out the stick, sporting a wet bite in the fluffy pink cloud. "How else could it disappear but those crafts."

"As I said, an invention that I would save through the end of the world." He laughed on, even as Saria bit and licked the treat she was given. It was delicious, soft, and made her body buzz with life.

Gazing over the crowd around her, perched on Ozpin's shoulders, she wasn't the only one who felt that way.

Her eyes showed her the hundreds if not thousands of people running about with much the same expression. She saw the exchange of currency, she saw the savoring of gifts and treats, and she felt the love and joy in all of them. Just as well as she heard the whispers of the trees in the wind, the hush melody that not even the other Forest Sage could tell.

But Saria was old, the forest was as well, and she could hear their whispers.

She could hear their joy. A joy shared with the people she surrounded herself with. A peaceful place, and protect one, and that gave her the moment to tilt her head back, shut her eyes, and enjoy the sounds around her.

"This is amazing." The words were filled with only honest praise. "I had long thought the mysteries of the Lost Woods would stand above all but Time. Now I see that you have created something even the forest is kind to see."

"Is it now? Glad as I am to hear it, I won't lie and say that I was aiming for it." Few could plan for the whims of the woods. Those who were not Kokiri at least. "Pleasant as this is, and pleased as I am to have earned your praise. Do you think it would be time now to find Link?"

"Perhaps, but do you think you can find him? Or do you think it more likely he will find us?" The Headmaster hummed at her words. Perhaps in thought, perhaps humoring her, she wasn't sure.

"A difficult question, I will admit, but I feel as though you already have the answer." She did, and she smiled down at him once more. He responded simply by finishing off his candy, leaving only her with the sweet treat.

She had no qualms, though she wouldn't share.

"I only hope to find him soon, because I believe the match will begin in a few scant hours, and I hate to have the Beacon representative arrive late to our own match."

"Ah, a fine point," Saria relented. "But then I can assure you Link will arrive. He is never late, for Time is on his side." She felt the man laugh, perched on his shoulder. Her eyes scanned the many heads in the crowd, many more looking back at her. Her eyes widened as she saw what she wanted. "And to prove my point, I see him now."

The cotton candy as a lance, she pointed forward. Ozpin turned as she directed. They both saw him, but both still continued to stare.

Even if he was only a scant shorter than the majority of the crowd, it was impossible to miss Link. A hat so long and pointed, ears to match that attracted the eyes of many around him, carrying the holy blade on his back, and walking forward with a bright smile on his face.

All of that was what Saria was used to seeing. For the time before she passed and for the month prior at Beacon. What was making them stare was something new, odd, and wholly inappropriate.

"Greetings Link," Ozpin hailed respectfully, keeping a face far straighter than Saria's. "It is good to see you are well. I feared we may have lost you in the crowd earlier."

The Hero of Time smiled in return, large and genuine. A smile that Saria saw more often now than before. One that she had no reason to look away from. No, that was incorrect. There was one reason to look away, but she just couldn't will herself to do it.

Thankfully, that was why she heard his words.

"We are well Link, truly. Just a conversation between allies and friends." Forged over weeks of planning and meticulous research. "I am only looking at you with… concern. Do you know why I am concerned?"

Silver eyes looked down at her, reflecting off her emerald gaze. For a bit longer than a moment. Then Link simply shrugged.

The massive plush toy of a Creeper spread out across his back bouncing with the effort.

"Nothing at all?" Saria tried again, this time shifting her gaze to the children that clamored at Link's feet. They were jumping to grasp at the toy he held, but the Hero looked at her with clear amusement. She could not tell if it was for the same as hers, or the same as Ozpin's. "You don't have anything… odd with you?"

"I believe what Saria is trying to hint towards is the new treasure, shall we say, that you are carrying." Ozpin stopped the game with a point of his hand. "I can only assume you won that at one of the festival carts, correct?"

Link nodded vigorously, and looked down at the kids who were jumping around him. Saria didn't understand why.

"Mister was amazing!" "He picked up that bow and arrow and got the bullseye ten times!" "Mister No-Win finally lost! Then he lost it!" "Kept saying that Mister must have cheated, but he won! And that proves it!"

Now Saria understood why.

"I'm conflicted between offering congrats for your achievement, and chastising you for taking advantage of stall dealers." Ozpin summarize Saria's feelings well. "Thinking they stood a chance against one of your skill. Regardless, do you think you could… donate the toy to the kids? I believe we have other matters to discuss."

Link, the father of a child who had a family in this land, looked at the toy on his back as if it were his first pet. Saria rolled her head back until the weight over took her.

She fell back off of Ozpin, landing deftly on her feet, and turned up her gaze at the boy she had raised. Silver and bright as his eyes were, she had the eyes of a mother.

"Ruby Rose will be here, as well as her father," Saria pointed out. "Do you believe they will be enthralled to see a man, the father of their mother and wife, clinging to a toy in such a way?"

"I think I would be more concerned with the attendees of the exhibition match, wondering if the man walking in with toys such as that is truly a challenge?" Ah yes, that match. "That actually is why I wish to speak with you Link. So, if at all possible?" Ozpin held out his hand again.

Link sighed a moment after staring at it. Then, thankfully, letting one of his shoulders slump. The toy slowly drifted off of his back.

"I GOT IT!" "NO, I GOT IT!" "YOU HAD THE LAST ONE!" "I NEVER GOT ANY!" "GIVE IT HERE SAPHY! YOU ALREADY GOT A ROOM OF TOYS!" "AND YOU HAVE A ROOM OF ACTION FIGURES!"

The children bickered as Link hopped away, the crowd parting to let the children be children, bickering over toys. Saria had a fond memory of them, one that she had of Link himself, before putting it away. These may have been the times for happy memories, but Link deserved her focus.

There was a fight coming up.

"Thank you Link, now, if we could just go somewhere a bit more… private," Ozpin started, already walking. Link looked down at Saria, the Forest Sage easily keeping pace next to him as they followed. "There is little I can actually offer you for help in the match, seeing as the fighters are being chosen via the other Headmasters, but I can remind you of rules that you may be unaware of."

"They are all Hunters much like Qrow, correct?" Saria's question was a needed one, she knew. "As experienced?"

"Comparable, I'd say, but Qrow has been fighting an enemy few others know exists. So, he may have more… creativity with his fights." Saria was still thankful Link had yet to tangle with the man. She expected it to end poorly, for all involved. "That said, I doubt that they will show you anything you haven't already seen." Saria could agree to that.

Link was traveled, and though the enemies were strong, he was the only one still alive. Blessed and thankfully.

"Here will do." Ozpin spoke. "Apologies, just needed to be able to speak away from curious ears." Crowds, much like forests, are full of them. However, Saria wasn't sure this was much better.

"We are close to your school. Are you sure there will be none who can hear us?"

"I hardly have information so damning that no one can hear, Saria." The good natured returned caught her off guard. "No secrets we have not told each other over this long past month." His eyes turned towards Link again. "A month spent training the students and your grandchildren, and one that was spent planning this event out."

Link nodded, but he could not hide the pride from Saria. The straightening of his shoulders, the soft drift of his eyes. He had the same look when he hit the targets with his slingshot as a boy. No… this was brighter, far brighter.

"Regardless, I only wish to emphasize a point. One easily lost in this maelstrom of a celebration." Ozpin tapped his cane. "This exhibition match is just that, a match. A friendly duel of sorts between the kingdoms, mean to reinvigorate the citizens for the capabilities of our hunters."

"This is to assure them considering the terrors that they have seen." Ganondorf, Majora, the monsters… Salem… blessed were they that they had not seen her. "Are the students incapable of this?"

"Certainly not, but they are students." He pointed out. "The regular citizens to the experienced officers will know that they will work with Hunters tomorrow, not students. They need to see the strength that they have, and we are to have a friendly match to show what we are capable of."

His eyes turned to Link. Sharp, but inviting.

"And the more skillful will be aware that we are holding back. I very much doubt anyone in the ring will use all that they are capable of." Link nodded back in return; arms crossed.

"He has dueled many others many times before. You do not need to fear an accident," Saria corrected Ozpin. Perhaps that was… unnecessary. "Or is your fear that another will not know to hold back against Link?"

"Swift as the wind, as always Saria," Ozpin confirmed. "Yes, though I know not who the others have chosen, I can only surmise that they will become enraged if they are to lose. And, speaking bluntly, I cannot imagine any Hunter from any Kingdom comparing to Ganondorf, let alone Majora."

It was not an insult. Simply an observation.

"This is a friendly match, but next to watching out for the more... shall we call them invigorated fighters, there are others who will be watching you." Ozpin looked past them. Towards the crowd they had just left. "They need to see that we are capable. They need to feel hope when they look at us. The Council agreed this will be the most effective way to do it, but it is more than that."

His posture straightened as he looked at Link. Ozpin's gaze was still calm, but Saria could feel a whirlwind behind me.

"The Hunters of the future will be watching. Those who will be watching you and realizing that if they may strive for it, they have the hope to do what you are capable of."

"No, they won't be."

"But they can dream they can." That that could. "Those dreams are what light the future. And, as many fairies have done for heroes in the past, they can turn that hope, that light, into a weapon to tear through the darkness." His finger fell as if it were a blade.

Link watched it… and Saria sighed.

"You have been reading the tales that Tatl and Tael told Professor Oobleck, have you not?"

"Doctor, and yes," Ozpin admitted with a cheerful expression. "It was appropriate, seeing as he was distracted with… something else." Rather than look around them, or produce something to distract them, Ozpin did something else.

He looked up.

Though she had looked around and about the festival grounds for what felt like hours now, Saria had yet to look up. Not since they had left Beacon Academy. Doing so now, she and Link were able to truly appreciate what hung above them.

Spearing the sky, silhouetted by the clouds, and blocking much of the sun, was a floating island.

It was all that Saria remembered it as before. A giant structure made of metal and machines, powered by Rupees infused with the earth, and given life by 'engineers. Magicians she called them, for allowing something like this to float.

Large enough that it would dwarf and swallow even the oldest trees of the Kokiri Forest, and yet drifting above them like a cloud. It would be so ominous, the long, almost pyramid like structure, pointing down at them all. Saria had been wary the first time she had seen it. Link as well.

But the forest had whispered that the island was safe, that it did not disrupt their winds, and moved to allow them sun. It was a kindly maintained, and was kindly thought off by the woods. Standing beneath the structure now, the Forest Sage wondered if the trees whispered in such a way not out of truth for its care for them, but for mere awe.

Who could gaze upon something so massive, tall, long, and all-encompassing, and not have a few words of praise for it?

"Amity Colosseum. It is still a sight," Ozpin spoke fondly of the marvel, and Saria had no reason to counter him. "The summation of many years of work, and with the efforts and labors of all four kingdoms, rolled into one."

"The machinations of the many, working towards the goal of one, often create the tallest of trees." It was how the Great Deku Tree came to be. Always alone, always tall, in the single plain the Lost Woods would provide. "And that is where the fighting will commence?"

"It is, though I will admit, it must feel different to say it now, staring up at the monolith." It truly was. Like describing the breadth of the Lost Woods without roaming through it. "We do have to reach the transports soon, and I assure you, for all the size and scale you have now, it will only be dwarfed as you approach."

"It is larger than it appears?"

"In so many words," Ozpin waved his hand. "But more simply, it houses far more than what you could imagine."

"I can imagine much, with the centuries behind me." She twirled on her heel, walking easily next to Link, looking up at the still cane bearing Ozpin. "Though I will confess you have more than me to look on."

"That I do, though I do not think so many more that I am above you in any such way." He was wise to look at Link, her child's silver eyes looking back at the man.

It had taken weeks from the month for him to gaze easily upon those eyes, and it took just as long for many others as well, herself included. The pure blue of Link's gaze shrouded in a mysterious silver, and for a reason he either could not name, or just so miraculously learned how to hide, from her at least.

Ozpin, however, hid his secrets well, even as he smiled at Link.

And clapped him on his shoulder.

"I believe the man standing before me has proved that it is not the years we remember, but what we have done in those memories that creates the worth of our lives." The eldest of them all smiled fondly at the Hero of Time. "A goddess offered you her blessing, and it has taken many weeks for me to come to terms with that alone."

"I am thankful you have, Ozpin," Saria returned for Link. She stood next to him. "But did you not say there was somewhere important for us to be?"

"Yes, yes there is, apologies," Ozpin waved himself off. Link shrugged, like the carefree boy she once knew. The boy he was no longer. "I suppose I am trying to memorialize the sight before me. I cannot be sure I will see it again."

With so much of a warning, he turned from her.

Link looked down at Saria, concern wrought upon his features. She held the same to him, but no answers to give him. Instead, they both increased their pace to match the man, easily doing so.

"Ozpin? Is there something you wish to tell us?" His silence was worth rupees. "Some waring you wish to offer Link?" That brought a mighty sigh to the man, stopping briefly at the edge of the building.

"You're right, there is something. Something I was hoping to put off as long as possible." He appeared to have weights stacked on his shoulders, slumping down further than he had when Saria sat on his side. His hand traced the building next to him, running through it as if to memorize the architecture one last time.

His head rolled back, and this time, Link lifted his arms and shrugged. Saria could only mimic the expression.

"You must be careful Link, I believe what lays ahead may be one of the most difficult challenges you may ever face. Before you can enter the Colosseum, there is something truly horrific you must see." Saria looked towards Ozpin with the statement, expecting a cheerful grin at his wry features.

All she saw instead was a stone face, and a somber expression of expectation.

"Ozpin?" Saria tried again. Eyes turned down to her.

"Apologies, Saria, I only have just realized that in all the time Link has spent on Beacon, he has yet to truly enter Vale." That wasn't true. "Without donning the face of one of his friends." That was truer.

"Is there a reason he is in danger now?" Her emerald eyes looked at him, the silver eyes looking back down at her. "Is this trial you're talking about really… that bad?" She wondered if it was akin to the Lost Woods.

"IT is, and it is a force great enough that I have opted to stand by you when you are meant to confront it." The stern gaze in the normally relaxed man did not sit well with the Forest Sage. "I have dealt with it few times in the past, and do all that I can to avoid it, but when it comes to rest at your doorstep like this, we have no choice but to confront it."

"Is this something that must be confronted?" She knew she asked the same question back. She didn't care. "If Link is to fight in this match, and you are, then would this not be detrimental to him?"

"It is because he is fighting that this threat is present, the same way how those who gain great fame are most at risk of this coming bout." Sarai was trying to put her head around just what this trial was going to be. "If you wish, Saria, you may depart. I am sure there are many other students who would be more than willing to speak and show you around. You do not need to accompany us, and I can promise I will do everything to keep Link safe." He had to be joking.

"I will not leave Link again. I told you this." Saria held up her hand, for only a moment.

A moment long enough for Link to bend down, allowing her to grasp the side of his tunic, and pull herself up. She easily perched herself on his shoulders, standing on them like the broad branch they were. Ozpin looked up at her, a brow quirked behind the lenses of his glasses. She looked confidently back at him.

"Do you believe there is anything Link must face that I would be willing to abandon him for?" She could sense the boy she had raised smiling beneath her, arms crossing.

Ozpin didn't look convinced, or disheartened.

"No, I don't think there is," he easily returned. "But perhaps once you see what this strange new threat is, you will understand my warning." His cane tapped as he turned from them, walking around the edge of the building and into view. "Do not say I never offered it."

Saria looked down at Link, who looked back up at her. He shrugged, making her body rise and fall. She shook her head, just as confused.

He walked forward, hand on the stone corner, and looking out towards the transport ships for the Stadium.

FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH-

Saria went blind in a moment.

"IS THAT THEM?" "IT IS!" "LOOK OVER HERE!" "SMILE FOR US!" "WAVE, LIKE YOU MEAN IT!" "IS THERE ANYTHIGN YOU WANT TO SAY?" "MR. LINK! HERO LINK! OVER HERE!"

Then she went deaf.

Hands rose up and covered her gaze, still feeling the flash of bulbs exploding across her, the cacophony of voices louder and more pervasive than any storm the Lost Woods had suffered through. Link back pedaled beneath her, taking her with him. Saria kept her balance, but not her sight or hearing.

"SMILE FOR US!" "DON'T GRIMACE, IT'LL LOOK BAD ON THE FRONT PAGE!" FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- "YOU HAVE TO SMILE BROADER! WIDER!" FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH- FLASH

Her sanity was swiftly disappearing with it.

She was a fool, Ozpin had warned her and Link about this, and she had ignored him.


Even on her best days, Blake wasn't a fan of crowds.

They were loud, obnoxious, invasive, apathetic, and before all else, crowded. The idea of anyone willingly going out to a crowded place simply for the idea of being in a crowd was a ludicrous one to her. One of her earlier thoughts about them was the assurance that anyone who eagerly looked forward to crowded arenas or spectacles were to be taken with extreme distrust. Because clearly, they were not sane in the head.

Then, she met her team. A team that had an eager-to-meet-new-people leader, a blonde who drew in crowds like a magnet, and the daughter of a business mogul who had the crowds follow her. Months with them, training with them, and going through some of the most intensive experiences of her life, they'd become a family to her. A family that loved crowds and working with them. It gave her a new idea about crowds, namely for people who enjoyed them.

Blake was absolutely correct. They were not sane in the head.

"This is going to be so awesome!" Ruby was jumping in her seat, almost literally. "Grandpa Link's gonna fight three other hunters from the kingdoms and he's gonna kick their butts, using the Master Sword and the Golden Gauntlets and bombs and arrows and-and-and so much else."

"Careful Rubes, you might break your jaw with how wide that grin is."

"Nope! Can't! Would have broken years ago."

"The idea doesn't surprise me," Weiss added in, sighing. "And honestly Ruby, we are all excited to see Link participate in the match, but did we have to get here this early? The seats are reserved." Blake looked down at hers.

Aside from a few stragglers, there really was no one around them. Just a team of huntresses in training talking about the upcoming exhibition match. Vacant of any treats, concessions, or reasons to be here so early.

Sure, they had beaten the crowd, but at what cost?

"What's wrong with getting here early?"

"Not being able to tour the rest of the festival? I did want to see what kind of food they offered, namely if the Vacou offerings are as spicy as they claimed back in Atlas."

"Hot enough to melt your ice, Weiss."

"Then I imagine they'd be just hot enough to singe your locks, Yang."

Blake sighed at the bickering, looking down at herself once again. Well, as much as she could.

It was hard to say she was looking at herself when she was garbed in the Magic Cape, hiding her from everyone else around her.

A hand on her shoulder earned her attention, seeing Ruby's silver eyes.

"You okay Blake?" She spoke softly, like they agreed on.

"Aside from you looking literally just past me, I'm fine." The young team leader apologized as he adjusted her gaze. "Other way." Then again.

"Well, that aside, are you alright? You've been really quiet. I thought we were past the quiet phase."

"We're past that in our own room, Ruby, not in public." Even if Ruby couldn't see her, Blake still looked around. A couple wry glances at the 'three' girls chatting to one another, one of them looking like she was spying on her friends bickering. "I was already hiding I was a Faunus. I don't think showing I'm a former White Fang member will do much good."

"The Twili that are responsible are all arrested, Ironwood told us that!"

"Yeah, but not me." Blake had to sigh at Ruby's expression. "Ruby, I'm not trying to guilt you. This is not me blaming you, this is me telling you that the people who saw us being burned still remember us as the White Fang Members. We're not exactly… well received."

"It's just another stigma we have to deal with." Weiss interrupted quickly. "Trust me, if even Cardin Winchester can be won over, I think it holds promise for the rest of the populace."

"I think winning you over is more impressive." Blake had to grin at Ruby's comment.

"Hey! I'll remind you that I was on Blake's side far before we ever found or heard of Link. I'm not discounting a few hiccups, but don't paint as some mindless surface-level analyzing woman. And there is a clear difference between caring about one's appearance and not judging by it!" Her finger wagged at Ruby, making the girl suck her lips in.

"Oh, she has your number," Yang chuckled. "But seriously, they're right Blake." The blonde pushed at her side, making her sway. "Just keep that lip stiff, keep helping out the others, and they'll eventually figured it out. If not, you could turn into one of those mysterious Hunters, prowling the night in search of justice."

"I am not about to be a super hero, Yang." She had already shot down that idea multiple times.

"Seriously? Why not? You've got the backstory for it, the appearance for it, you got one of Link's super items to give you a leg up. All you need now is a kick ass name to really run with. Like Scarred Twilight."

"Yang, please tell me you're joking." Weiss proved she was on Blake's side. "Scarred Twilight? A more appropriate title must be shorter, needless of abbreviation. Midnight would work better, indicating the color of her skin." Or not.

"Midnight's gotta be a name someone else has. At least calling her Scarred Twilight shows she's not like the rest of the Twili. Blake's a good guy, reformed and proving it every day." The smile she flashed did nothing for Blake, even if she scowled with glowing yellow eyes. Damn her invisibility. "You got a better idea Rubes?"

"Yeah, how about Blake." Said Faunus was conflicted. "Cause she's our teammate, our friend, and someone that Grandpa Link trusts as well. Shouldn't that be good enough for everyone else." Blake loved her, she really did, but that innocence should have started to crack by now at least.

"Should and do are two different things. Please learn the difference." Weiss was just as tired of it, judging by the long sigh she let off. "I'm sure your grandfather can tell you many other examples of it, seeing as he was the king of a kingdom for at least a few years."

"Knight, not a king," Ruby corrected. "He wasn't coronated, I remember!"

"Because he told you it a dozen times."

"And Grandpa Link told you half a dozen times!" Ruby pointe back. "And the times you missed it were just because you wanted to see Saria spank your mom!"

Blake wasn't drinking anything and eating just as much, but she still sputtered at the words, nearly throwing the cape off of her back. Weiss's squawk of surprise was far more audible, but even it was drowned out by Yang's ear siren like screech.

"Wha-RUBES! What the hell!?"

"She did! Saria told Grandpa Link all about how she was saying she didn't need training and then she started to use her magic Sage powers to throw her around and Uncle Qrow was laughing about it, saying she deserved it." That sounded about right. "And dad even said that she dealt a lot worse in the bedroom! You were there for that one."

Blake was suddenly thankful she had the magic cloak on, seeing as no one could mistake her burned blue skin for a blush. Yang did not have the same luxury.

"Ruby! We do not need to hear about that!" Weiss yelled back. Perhaps it was a good thing they were airing this out before the actual crowd got here. "Just… Just say that Saria was teaching Raven and Yang wanted to watch! Even for a cathartic purpose, but do not paraphrase it like… like that!"

"I didn't paraphrase, I just said what happened." Blake was debating between laughing or cringing. Hidden in the cloak, she could do both. "Besides, it's not like it matters now, right? I mean, Raven's not gonna be fighting, is she?"

"God no," Yang all but shouted back. "Dad's got Mom on lockdown, and you can believe Uncle Qrow is helping with the shifts."

"Right, but Grandpa Link is. And he's gonna beat up everyone here faster than I can run to and from Patch!"

"Have you made that trip today, or did you make up for it yesterday?"

"Grandpa Link and I went yesterday. Saria said that he shouldn't go today. Just so he could stay in high spirits." She was a Sage for many reasons, and it sounded like she only had more wisdom to share. "She's been right about a lot else, so… we thought it was a good idea."

"We, almost sound like you're more a member of his team than ours." Yang threw out.

"He's my grandpa, and a kick butt Knight that was married to a princess then the queen and then evil-dictator-ruling-the-Grimm." Blake was still struggling with that one. "But isn't just as much on your team, too. Not Blake and Weiss, sorry about that."

"Family, you mean he's family." Weiss responded, uninsulted. "And I have no qualms with it, but I believe Yang was pointing out that you have spent only the barest amount of time with us over the past month."

"I have? I thought we spent a tone of time training. Saria and Grandpa Link even taught Blake how to use the Magic Cape better." That they had, and she was thankful for it. "And you Weiss. Didn't Saria teach you how to use the scripts in the tome better?"

"Texts, they're texts." Weiss corrected. "But yes, though that doesn't discredit what we're saying." Blake could tell with only a glance that Ruby was still confused.

"She means that aside from training, we do little else together." She clarified, earning the girl's stare. Stare a bit too high up, but the thought was there. "And I actually understand. We're not implying you're being neglectful, just not as involved as you were before."

"And before was before we found out that your Grandma was literal the Queen of the Grimm." Still getting used to that.

"Our grandma," Ruby corrected. "And SHH! Pretty much all the adults told us to keep quiet about that!"

"You're right, you are correct," Weiss relented. "Yang, I believe, is only trying to point out that there is a lot to take in, and you have been doing a, while admirable, biased job towards your responsibilities. Favoring Link over your teammates."

"I'm not!" Ruby argued. "I've been making extra special sure we're all in tip top shape for the tournament!" She had been. "Because Grandpa Link is gonna be watching, so we gotta show him we're the best team here!"

"If I had a Lien for every time…"

"Yang, you're mumbling again," Weiss reprimanded. "Ruby, we're not trying to lecture you either, just pointing it out. I didn't bring this up to have a discussion or lecture. Just a chat. After all, we didn't come here early to have a team discussion. We came here, per your orders, to get the best seats to see your grandfather fight."

"Seats that were reserved." Blake added on, hoping to be glossed over.

"Reserved doesn't mean available!" No, it meant the opposite, to anyone else. Blake sighed at her leader's words. Her glowing golden eyes blinked once more, hand scratching at her discolored skin. "And I thought it was important to get here early so we can see the duel. Because it is a duel, and awesome duel between Grandpa Link and whoever is brave enough to have their butt kicked by him!"

"Timing wouldn't matter for that," Weiss pointed out. "But this is a fight, not a duel. A duel is between two people of similar standing and fighting style, usually a means to settle a dispute where words fail. Trust me, it is the only reason my father valued any sort of Hunters training."

"But it's not a fight, or at least just a fight, it's a duel," Ruby spoke up again. "Grandpa Link kept saying that. It's not a fight because this is a duel."

"They are synonyms, Ruby," Weiss countered from Blake's opposite side. "A duel is a fight, just with an emphasis on a different party involved. It has a higher level of decorum to it, but it does still mean they are going to clash with blades and fist."

"Yeah, but it's not a fight." Their leader, wise as ever.

"It is a fight, just with… a twist to it," Weiss tried differently. She had Blake's sympathies, even if she was the one huddled underneath a cloak in the middle of a crowd. "It's the same kind of fighting we do every day. It's still fighting."

"Yeah, but it's a duel."

Her hands fell into her face, and she almost didn't care that her Magic Cape was pulled with it.

Until she felt a strong hand pulling on the back of it, making it shift over her.

"Sorry, had to cover your butt," Yang pointed out, flashing a toothy grin. "Just being a good partner."

"Thank you, Yang," Blake responded. "Now, if you want to be an excellent, partner… could you possibly convince Ruby to calm down?"

"It's a fight, not a duel!" "No, it's a duel! Which is just a kind of fight!"

Perhaps it was good they got here before the crowd, even if Blake would prefer this to be settled on the ground, in their dorm, or anywhere else, but a soon to be packed stadium. But beggars couldn't be choosers, and she was begging for a distraction for hours now.

"I could try, but you're asking for the impossible." The unfortunate truth of that statement? Blake already knew she was.

Here to hoping the fighting started soon.

"Fight!" "Duel!"


He stood tall on the far side of the room, arms crossed behind his back as he watched his Specialist prepare herself. Already dressed, already physically prepared, she instead was going through motions, practiced maneuvers, parries and thrusts meant to simulate the path of an enemy attack. All the while doing it without a trace of Aura or her own Semblance.

It was like meditation, and was a common enough tactic for the more well-trained Hunters out there. His specialists were no exception, Winter least of all. The rising stare of the Atlesian army, capable of handling numerous missions solo, and stalling out Ozpin's own bird. The thought made the General shake his head.

Winter Schnee was no bird, not even a dove. She was a mountain of ice standing tall in a land of fire.

He was fortuned there were no Hunters with a Semblance for mind-reading, or else they would have thought of him a romantic. Such a thing was ludicrous. He was a man of planning an action.

Thus the reason why he was here.

"I don't believe I have to remind you who the primary target is in this fight." He started, not perturbed when Winter kept through her motions, bending low to thrust upwards, pirouetting back without ever staggering herself. "Even with the little information we have on the other Hunters."

"I can't imagine anyone would compare to Link, sir," Winter replied as if she weren't leaping through the air.

Tap. Not even as she settled in an almost angelic pose, arms outwards and balancing herself on the edge of a bench, blade out and preparing for an enemy assault. One that would hardly come in the locker room.

"The same way that I cannot imagine Headmaster Ozpin will choose anyone else."

"There are several reasons why he might not, but they are voided by the reasons he would," Ironwood corrected her. "He wouldn't choose him if he wished to keep Link's abilities hidden, if he wanted to have him operate on another task, or if he wanted to generate more tension with the others Hunters." The same way how one did not send a Caucasian Shepard into a dog fight. There was no fight then.

"And the reasons that void those out?" Winter asked back curiously. Ironwood rolled his head, adjusting it, before responding.

"Too many people recognize him now, thanks to Patch. Many other students have been speaking about him since practice sessions with other Beacon Students increased. And, perhaps most importantly, he draws in a crowd." He didn't need to explain that.

Not when they could look at the screen displayed prominently on the far end of the locker room, showing the 24/7 coverage of the Vytal Festival. Everything from places to visit, stalls to try out, the entrances to the arena, participant teams, and, of course, the upcoming exhibition match. There, namely of who each Headmaster would choose to represent their school.

All of the correspondents on said screen talking about the mysterious new teacher of Beacon, and all of them were following the emerald suited Faunus as he walked through the stalls, head bowed with the Spring Maiden close by.

"Have they stopped displaying him yet?"

"No, likely because he is attention grabbing. More so than any other." Ironwood sighed. "I am pleased that he is the most likely candidate Ozpin would choose, rather than the drunk instead."

"Given the reasons you say Link could not be chosen, sir, I would have to add that I believe Qrow falls under the same restrictions." Ironwood nodded in agreement, pleased at that.

"Very true, and for once I am thankful. The last thing we need is the man stumbling on stage drunk, winning through his atrocious luck, and setting an example for all the students to follow." Large metallic fingers rubbed the bridge of his nose in annoyance at it. Just the idea was making his head throb. "Aloof as Ozpin may act, he is at least aware that this will be seen by prospective students. A good decorum must be set in place."

"I agree that Sir Link is an excellent choice for that," Winter agreed. Her arms settled at her side, hopping down from the bench and walking towards her. Her blade collapsed and smoothly fell back into place, leaving her standing like the Specialist she had trained to be.

Calm, tall, poised, elegant, and hiding beneath that exterior a show of force that would made hordes of Grimm stagger.

A pity it was going up against a man who had not only the same, but the experience to match.

"Link is the obvious choice, and Ozpin will not think of this match as some fine chess game. At least I pray not." He didn't need to add to his headache. "Link will likely be his choice, but I can only assume for Vacou and Mistral. The Headmasters at the Academies there chose not to attend, though they did send their choice of hunters through weeks ago."

"I must confess sir; I am surprised at the speed of which they did." Winter added on with a slow bow. Stretching, Ironwood realized. She was warmed up, but she had to remain flexible, not fatigued. "both you and Headmaster Ozpin have been aware, but I was not aware of any… prime candidates for the kingdoms."

"Likely because there were none, none they advertised at least." The admittance was hardly one out of spite. It was a good practice to have. "They likely treat the Hunters they chose like Ozpin treats Qrow. A valuable resource whom he confides and speaks plainly to, but keeps hidden so only the most well-informed are threats."

The General smiled down at the Schnee, the eldest of her siblings and by far the strongest at the moment. Though she did not have the tome like her sister did, she was still more than capable of keeping pace with Qrow. And a month in the presence of Link would at least put her at more of an advantage facing him than the other Hunters. That only meant she had to be smart from step one, if she wanted to capitalize on anything that happened to the Hero of Time.

"It's hard for me to keep such valuable assets secret, not when they are as dutiful and loyal as you." The words came out honestly.

He was rewarded with an honest smile from the alabaster haired woman.

"And I thank you for training me, General," Winter bowed politely in response. "Just as I am thankful you chose me over one of the others to represent us today."

"It's as they said. This exhibition match is meant to demonstrate the greatest of our academies," Ironwood easily pushed off. "You are among the greatest to ever graduate, and I am sure those who come from Vacou and Mistral will be the same." He expected her to throw another word of thanks or solute.

"The Hunters must be graduates from the Academy?" Instead, Winter had a question.

"No, no, otherwise Link would be disqualified, even if his son-in-law and grand daughters are here." How impossibly odd it still was to say such a thing. "But I am sure that Link does represent Beacon in more than merely name."

Eyes turned back to the screen, showing Headmaster Ozpin speaking to a reported, smiling pleasantly with his trusted cane in hand. Link was not far from him, Saria standing on his shoulders and grinning down at the masses. He smiled up at her, even as the cameras flashed to such a volume it nearly blinded Ironwood through the filter.

"How odd that they are so similar," he mused almost to himself. "Two displaced men, striving against a similar evil with all their might. Powerful as they may be, but still dwarfed by the powers that be."

"Sir?" The sudden question got his mind to focus.

"Apologies, Specialist Schnee. Musing on an old fable." Ozpin had him read more than a few of them after he had been brought into the circle, so to speak. It was an almost humiliating task, until the man had explained how many of them were not only real, but existed to this day. "I certainly hope its less true than the maidens of the seasons."

A moment of silence passed between the, kept away by the soft sounds of the screen talking. Muted for appropriate locker room levels, but showing everything the camera could possibly pan to. Ozpin walking as if he needed the can, and Link balancing his 'mother' on his shoulders, the girl walking around him as if his arms were branches.

Given the strength he'd seen the Faunus capable of not only lifting with, but striking with, it was not an inappropriate comparison. He certainly was as quiet as the forest, the Spring Maiden walking about his

"Back to the matter at hand," Ironwood spoke, righting himself. "Link is likely going to be the focus of the other fighters as well, meaning it would be best to focus on them." She continued to look at him, expecting more. "Do you not understand, Specialist?"

"I understand the plan, sir, but I was under the belief it would be more effective to attack Link on multiple fronts, rather than leave it to a battle of one against the other. I have a… admittedly difficult time seeing myself besting him." He took no offense.

"I have a hard time imagining any Hunter giving him a difficult fight, Specialist Schnee," Ironwood replied in good nature. "And not just because of longer years of experience, but because he has tools so powerful and unknown that the scientists back in Atlas are still pondering them."

"Weiss has told me that father is doing much the same with the usage of Dust. Specifically, for what is known about the Zora Sapphire Mikau used." Was he know? He should hardly be surprised Jacques was trying to learn how to have Aura contributing Dust. Such a product would make his already monumental empire larger. "I can only surmise there has been little success thus far."

"I would further add that without the help of Link or Saria, it will be an impossibility." Winter appeared to have no offense to his words. "It seems almost foolish to say something, but after the weeks of watching him work, and the month of seeing him train those around him… it is hard to imagine him as anything but the ultimate soldier."

"… if I may offer a different title, sir, I think it would be more appropriate to call him the perfect knight."

Ironwood looked down at Winter, taking his eyes off the screen. She did not extend the same courtesy, looking up at the images as they filtered by, the camera panning away as Link, Saria, and Ozpin made their way towards the transports for the Stadium. She had the softest smile on her lips as she looked at him. The same look, Ironwood knew, that Qrow had for his family.

"Indeed, it is my mistake. A perfect knight." And one that was about to go to battle with his magnificent specialist. "I only hope that there is a chink in his armor, or else this may turn into a practice for falling down."

"I will say again, sir. I do not have high expectations to win, not on even ground." The kind of ground the military fought against having to fight on. "But if I do, I will not go down easily." He nodded in agreement to that.

"See that you don't," he ordered in good nature. "I will say again that prioritizing the others over Link would be best, if only because it will show you are appropriately targeting the weakest links on the battle field. A good marksman does not aim for the bony mask of a faraway Grimm…"

"… He looks for the red of its eye, so he may miss as small as he aims." He nodded at her words.

"You remember the marksman training well," Ironwood complimented. "It still applies here. Link is the shield that will be nigh impenetrable."

"But the others will leave themselves open if I focus on them instead."

"You have it." Ironwood confirmed with a nod of his head. "It will hardly be considered dishonorable or poor tactics to focus on them. If nothing else, it will ensure you are not surprised by them as well. Vacou is known for employing Hunters who use their wits more than their brawn. I would be wary of any who comes from Shade. They tend to be… rough."

"After having conversations with Qrow, sir, I believe I will be okay." He couldn't help it. He had to smile at such a comment.

"Then I suppose he has helped in some way, though in no way he'll proudly agree to," Ironwood was rewarded with the elder Schnee smiling as well. "That known, Mistral is a bit more of random card. They tend to be more honorable with their combat methods, but also emphasizing unorthodox tactics. Do not be alarmed or think it an opportunity if they do something normally risky, such as throw their weapon."

"You are saying they may have means to retrieve it, or control it."

"Precisely. Through Aura control or otherwise, they excel at tactics such as that. Given the regions they hunt in, they need to practice elegance over power, and are quick to see through deception." In the best cases at least, though he was aware of the outliers. "If I were in your place, I would suggest prioritizing the Vacou fighter, as they will be more likely to interrupt any duels held between others."

"Take advantage of two distracted fighters rather than fight head to head with one." Ironwood nodded at her conclusions. "Then I should see that the Mistral Hunter duels with Link?"

"So long as you are invested in your fight, I find it unlikely Link will interfere." The possibility was not zero, he knew. "If nothing else, he is aware that this is an exhibition match for the masses. Saria is wise enough to tell him, and Ozpin is not desperate enough otherwise."

"Sir, wouldn't that mean he'll also take advantage of the numbers."

"I'm not sure how he could, not when you and the others will doubtlessly recognize him as the largest threat."

"I do not disagree, but I meant wouldn't he try and make himself scarce to let us fight before he interferes?" Ah, that made more sense, but it was just as unlikely.

"Perhaps, though I doubt it." Ironwood held back waving his hand. "It is as we agreed. He is a knight. I cannot imagine he would need trickery to win a match between friends."

"I can see your reasoning sir, thank you." Winter bowed unnecessarily to him. He smiled regardless.

"Be at ease Specialist, truly at ease." He turned from her as he spoke. "The match will begin soon, and I want you focused and prepared. Can I trust you to be both?"

"I give my word I will be focused, prepared, and sure of my success." Even better.

"See to it then." He turned back to face her, admiring her.

Specialist Winter Schnee, donned in her Atlesian Military attire, hair immaculately combed as her outfit was pressed. Whites fading into blues and crystal eyes staring out, sharp as the blade coiled on her hip. Her posture was sure, her Semblance strong, and Aura filled. Thought it was impossible to observe the workings of her mind, he knew there was little to fear up there.

She was among the most intelligent and gifted students he'd ever had. That was the one part of her training he never needed to fear for.

"Good luck, Winter. Do Atlas proud."

Before he left, across her painted lips, the eldest Schnee child smiled.


This wasn't the first time she had sat in stands before, but it was one of the first times she wasn't planning on leaving early. Normally when she did this, it was to see one match, maybe two, then go prepare herself for her bouts. This time, she was planning on staying here for the day, or at least as long as the exhibition match was going to last.

It was an oddly exhilarating feeling for Pyrrha, being normal. Normal was it was to mimic the thousands of other people all around her, shuffling in their seats in eager anticipation. She was among their number now, and it felt great.

Though perhaps she had a bit of an advantage here as well. Her tickets were provided by the school, she was sitting amongst her team, and they had one of the best views of the stadium, high enough to guarantee they'd never lose track of the action, but still close enough to feel it. Her heels beat at the ground, restless with expectation. It was just so… exciting.

"You okay there Pyrrha?" Jaune's question earned her immediate interest. "You look a little… jumpy. Nervous about something." His hand pointed down, and she got what he meant.

"No no! I'm fine Jaune, honest," she returned with a small shake of her head. She made sure her smile, slender, but honest, was visible. "It's just… this is all new to me, and I can't wait to experience it."

"New? But… you're like a champion fighter." That didn't make her feel good. "Sorry, I mean like, aren't arenas like this close to what you're used to? I'm the guy who grew up small villages. This is… I've never seen so many people together before, aside from maybe down at the docks a few months ago." Pyrrha recalled that day well.

"I'm not used to being on this side of the arena," Pyrrha clarified. "Surrounded by other people, waiting for a match to start. It's just so… exhilarating!

"Really? I mean, yeah, you're probably used to being at the center, but like, you've never been on the sidelines."

"I've been on the sidelines, but… I usually spend tournaments preparing for the next match. Not watching them, or… eating before them." Pyrrha held up her arms to show what she meant.

An extra-extra-large soda and a barrel of popcorn in her grasp. Nora eagerly dug into the latter, Ren wiping the butter off of her face. Jaune chuckled nervously, scratching his head.

"Yeah, okay, that makes sense. Gotta keep getting ready for what comes next." He was still learning, and Pyrrha gave him the time to do so. "But hey! Guess that means you can finally spend some time to enjoy this from the other side. You're looking forwards to seeing this us, I mean, right?" His hand reached out for hers.

Even if she was grasping the soda with a sure grip, unwilling to drop it, he wrapped his fingers around hers, lacing them together. She was nervous already, but her blush was one of warmth and comfort. She hoped the smile she gave him was just as inviting.

"Yes, you being here makes it even better, Jaune." He laughed at her comment. The nervous laughter that had his head bowed and scratching the back of his neck. She giggled in response, but still unwilling to let the concessions in her hands fall.

Nora, shaking the popcorn bag like a horse strapped to a bag of feed, was doing an excellent job at making that a challenge for her.

"Same here. I mean, never got to have friends for things like this, or close to this. So, this, actually this," Jaune nodded his head, looking past Pyrrha towards their teammates.

With a face full of kernels and butter, Nora smile back. Wiping the mess away, Ren nodded in return.

"This is something great. I'm just… really glad we can spend time like this."

"And never think I'd want to spend time any other way."

The two smiled at one another, their breaths filled with giggles and laughter, drowned out by the clamoring of the still growing crowd and attendees around them. Pyrrha knew they weren't early, but she also knew that people flooded into the stadium even after a match began. There would be no dip to the commotion around them.

No, once the match proper began, she knew it was going to get even worse. Or better, she wasn't sure what it would be like on this side of the line.

"Hey! You think Link's gonna win!?" The sudden shout from Nora, matched by her trying to grab the popcorn barrel, again, made Pyrrha wince. "Like really win. You think he's gonna do some more mumbo-jumbo magic and win, or is he gonna be extra careful and beat all the Hunters like rookies!?"

"I think Link will win, but I don't know about… how," Pyrrha replied, giving a thankful nod to Ren as he pulled his friend back, almost putting a bib over her chest. It was large enough for it… "But why do you ask?"

"Duh, cause I wanna see him get hurt!"

Pyrrha blinked.

"Nora!" "That's a tad immature."

"What? I'm being serious! I like him and his super sword skills and mega gloves and super-duper speed, but I mean he threw us around when he was half fish! I don't like swimming, but he threw us all the way into the bay!" He had done that… but…

"Nora, we literally asked for it," Jaune added on for her. "You wanted to fight him more than anyone else."

"Cause I thought all he could do was lightning. So I thought if all he did was zappy-zap us, then I could wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am him return!" Pyrrha wasn't familiar with the phrase, and Ren's tired sigh spoke much the opposite. "Lightning isn't wet, so I don't like getting dunked!"

"Your logic is as infallible as your manners." Jaune snickered at that comment.

"I know, right?" Now Pyrrha joined him.

"Either way, I don't think Link will lose," Ren added on. "Though depending on the limitations, he has in place, it could be more of a challenge."

"Limits? You think he's going to not give it is all?"

"Not in so many words. More like… I believe he's going to make sure the stadium is not destroyed." Oh, that made more sense. "He did help annihilate Patch, though with Ganondorf's power at the forefront. Hold still, Nora." The girl puffed her cheeks as he dabbed at them, wiping away the thicker layers of butter. Her blush came with it.

"That makes sense," Pyrrha agreed. She had much the same limitation with her Semblance. Not throwing metal and the floor at her opponents when the opportunity arose. "I wonder… if the others will have to worry about that."

"Who cares!? They should go all out so Link gets dunked at least once!" Ren, arms on Nora, kept her from jumping up. "Let him get dunked into water and swim to shore himself! Then I, Nora, the queen of this stadium, will offer forgiveneeeeess!"

Pyrrha wasn't sure what was more impressive. Nora keeping her energy so high for so long, or encouraging the others around them to scream. Thankfully, she did realize something else.

It was loud, very loud, much louder than standing in the center of the stadium.

"It's okay," Jaune whispered to her, mouth inches from her ear. His breath tickled her. "You'll get used to it; I promise." She nodded her head in agreement. "Least until they really start to shout."

"Really shout?" The statement confused her. "When will that be?"

"Citizens of Remnant, are you prepared for a bout?!"

"I'd say… about now." He wasn't wrong.

RAAAAAAAAAWW! The scream of jubilation felt like it was loud enough to rock the arena. Pyrrha's body shook like a Siren had screeched in her direction. Loud and powerful enough to make her nearly drop the popcorn and soda. Not quite, but close.

"It sounds as if you are! Carrying the cheers and volumes of the four nations in one magnificent squall. Why I bet the hunters from all the Academies are positively exuberant to hear such a cry! Yes indeed!" The recognizable voice of Professor Port continued to echo across the stadium, matched by his good-natured laugh and cheer. "Why I haven't seen a crowd like this since my days touring through Atlas! The smaller villages absolutely packed with the young, adventurous, stalwart, and determined. All eager to chomp at the heels of the viciousness of mother nature." And the length of his lectures.

"You think if he talks long enough, he'll put the others to sleep?"

"If anyone can sleep through this, they have a serious problem." Pyrrha could find no fault in Ren's words.

"And thank you all for coming here today! After enduring what had to be a shocking event for all of you, the citizens of Remnant coming together to show the Grimm we will not be pushed around is an act of admirable courage!" The cheering was even louder. Pyrrha understood well enough why this time. "All of you, ever man woman and child, should give yourselves a hearty pat on the back. Congrats and good cheer for standing tall in the midst of strife. A fine show, amazing display, and one that reminds the Hunters of the land to always return home safe."

"He's not doing a bad job at this at least." Ren added on.

"Though this festival is a full tradition expanding a generation, we are always looking for how to show the citizens our appreciation." Perhaps Ren spoke too soon. "Back in olden times, a small training lesson would be enough. Why, touring the Academies would be a jubilant event for all to see! Thankfully we are beyond such times, and now recognize the quality and value towards spectacles such as this!"

"I recant." He wasn't the only one.

"Digression! No need to move beyond current topic!" Dr. Oobleck, because he was a doctor, interrupted Professor Port. The cheers were still rocking Pyrrha. "Topic at hand? The Kingdom Exhibition Match!"

And this time, Pyrrha thought the shouts would almost blow her away. Was this really what everyone who came to see her endured? She'd have to make sure that if she ever saw a fan again, she'd have to give them an autograph. To deal with all of this, they had to be as strong as she was.

"A good point! A fine demonstration! And we must, as the lucky and fortunate announcers for this grand occasion! So shortly after a massive event rocked Vale and all of Remnant, and we come together to show the strength of our nations. A truly glorious spectacle, one that I would wish to commemorate for all time."

"This match a rare occasion! Agreement between the four Academies to show the fruits of their training, protocols, lessons, regiments, and experience. Invaluable things. Now, to be demonstrated by the strongest of their choosing!"

"They do a good job hyping it up," Jaune complimented, and Pyrrha agreed, through grit teeth. She didn't dislike it, at all. It was just… still very loud. "Guess this is where we find out who's going to be fighting Link."

"I hope it's someone we recognize!" Nora added on. "That way, we can always organize a rematch!" She screamed, and the crowd joined her. This settled one thought for Pyrrha.

In a strength of endurance, Nora had her beat, by leaps and bounds. Hopefully once the match started proper, she'd be able to focus.

"Thanks, must be offered to those present!" Dr. Oobleck started again. "Headmasters Ozpin and General Ironwood! Sponsors, teachers, and providers for the land, sky, and festivities. Without them, festival impossible!"

Far from a loud cheer, clapping and good cheer were given instead. For Pyrrha, it was a blessed change of pace.

"Hey! I can see them!" Jaune pointed out, up towards a box far above them. "See him waving? I think that's Saria next to him." Oddly enough, that made him easier to find.

Standing behind a thin pane of glass, the Headmaster of Beacon waving his hand, flanked by the much shorter 'mother' of Link, and General Ironwood by his side. They looked like sponsors, that was to be certain.

"But before we proceed onwards, may we have a moment of silence." As if by command, the stadium quelled. Pyrrha's ears rang. "For all those brave hunters who did not return home, and for those training to go abroad. We, as citizens of this land, thank you for your sacrifice."

Pyrrha didn't need instruction now.

Her head bowed, ad she remembered the few faces she could. The few hunters she knew who vanished without a trace one day, only to be told later that they had never returned from a far-off mission. The weight of those words grew with her age. And now, she fully understood what they meant.

The silence as deafening, but it was necessary.

"Thank you all, for your sacrifice. Now, without further delay, let us bring out the combatants!"

Not as deafening as the cheering. Pyrrha was beginning to wonder if she should just leave. It was just… so loud!

"Pyrrha? You… oh! Oh, dang it! I almost forgot!" Pyrrha didn't know what Jaune was talking about, even as he let go of her hand and busied himself with his pockets.

"Jaune? What are-" her question was cut short as something was pressed into her ear, both of them. AS soon as they were in there, the volume of the arena died down considerably. She almost felt as if her brain had popped, it was so relieving.

"Earplugs." She barely made out Jaune's muffled voice, seeing him pointing at his own ears. "Learned it from taking care of my baby sister. Lots of noise." Pyrrha smile, gratefully, at her boyfriend.

"Hey! Hey! Flirting later!" Nora shouted at the pair of them. "Fighting starts soon. Kiss and make-out later!" Pyrrha's face fumed.

"Kiss and make-up, Nora."

"I know what I said!"

"Each combatant is a representative for a Kingdom's Hunter Academy." Dr. Oobleck lectured, because he was, well, a doctor. "Fighters have not been disclosed before current moment in time. Capabilities unknowns to one another. Increasing necessity to demonstrate tactics as well as strength and durability. Desired outcome? A live demonstration of what it means to be a Hunter!"

"Doesn't that fill you all with a new found eagerness to see who is present?" Professor Port started again. "Well, good luck to you citizens, for I have first the representative ready and waiting!"

"Gonna be Link. Gonna be Link. Gonna be Link."

"As if Ozpin would choose anyone else."

"Representing the Beacon Academy, we have an instructor who is hailed for his skill, his speed, his strength, and most importantly, his legends!"

"I knew it! It is Link!"

"Nora, was there ever any doubt?"

"The newest recruit as an Academic Instructor, the one whom the students respect and fear, the Faunus that prides in his skill over race, Link of Hyrule!" Port bellowed the title proudly, but there was no Link to be seen. She was not surprised.

"Huh? Where is he?" Nora, however, sounded a bit impatient. "Seriously, where's Link? Do you know something Ren? Jaune? Nightingale? No? Oh… then Pyrrha! You definitely know! You're super smart about these kinds of things." She desperately wished to say she wasn't, but she couldn't lie to a teammate. It was also too to act like she didn't hear her. With crowds cheering, it would have been perfect.

"I'm sorry, but I'm used to flashy introductions." Pyrrha quickly explained. "One of the first rules of those, for tournaments such as this, was that the name had to be called before the participant is seen." She looked out at the large central stage, waiting for it. "Once it is…"

FLASH! Like it was on a timer, a large green light exploded across the platform.

The crowd let out a collective 'ah' at the sight, a sound far preferred to the cacophony of screams. The light wasn't too bad either. Bright, but thankfully not as if looking into a sun or spotlight. More like a distant glowing fire. One colored green no less. It was hardly a mystery as to why. They had all seen it before, just not at an opportune time.

The light faded, the emerald glow with it, leaving behind only an emerald clad figure standing on a corner of the stage, arms raised above his head, as if heralding the sun.

To Pyrrha's utter lack of surprise, the crowd exploded with cheer.

"And a fine entrance by the enigmatic Faunus! An explosion of light demonstrating his grand control of Dust and its many versatile uses. Why I would wager that if anything may be surmised about our favored Link, it is that he knows best how to make the best use out of any tool he possesses!" The commenting by Professor Port was hardly surprising.

"A fine assessment, truth and factual." Doctor Oobleck agreed. "Many tools at his disposal, and a short number of missions present, demonstration over many of them observed. Still some unused, perhaps more unseen. May, numerous, abundant, applicable to tools and crafts as well as skills and abilities. Fine Hunter, a grand hero."

"He said it! He said it!" Nora was jumping for joy in her seat. "I knew someone would say it!"

"Wait, don't you want to see him get hurt?"

"I wanna see him get hurt, yeah, but I don't want him to lose! C'mon Jaune-Jaune, you're smart enough to know that." Ren sighed for the pair of them, a deep sound that was audible and clear. Pyrrha shook her head.

"Next up, representing Atlas Academy, we have a Specialist from their Military! A tried and true path for many graduates, entering the armed services in duty for their kingdom, and this fighter is no exception. Far be it from that, she is the exemplary image of what that decision may bear fruit for!"

"Wait… that sounds like Weiss's sister." Jaune pointe out again. "Didn't… didn't she graduate from Atlas?"

"She did," Pyrrha confirmed. "And as she is someone who knows how dangerous Link is, I think it's likely she is who General Ironwood would choose."

"It would be the smartest decision," Ren agreed.

"Smart is boring!" Nora, apparently, disagreed.

"The eldest of her family line, a superb tactician in the field of battle, a poised figure off of it, and leader to her men in all circles! Specialist, Winter Schnee!"

Pyrrha mouthed out the seconds, remembering them from the back rooms.

She was unsurprised when glyphs began to form from the walkways. Having dueled Weiss more than a few times, she recognized them well, especially after working with her in the Monument Mine. Then, they were being careful. Amity was not a fragile mine.

So, the sheer size and number of glyphs Winter could throw out were shown. And they dotted through the air like snowflakes frozen in a storm.

The alabaster figure walking through them was just as evident, pushing aside the relics of her power as she made her way to the stage. The large circular emblems almost drifting around her, looking more like clock gears hanging above the earth. Pyrrha had never actually tried to hold one before, but by size alone, they looked immense.

KRASSHSHH~! That made their explosion all the more intense.

All of it, just to silhouette the proud figure of Winter Schnee, standing on her corner of the stage.

The crowd cheered in praise.

"A truly majestic entrance by the former heiress to the Schnee Dynasty! Showing off the fruits of her labors and training well. Why I can hardly believe the control and power necessary for handling that many glyphs aren't worth some praise. It must have taken an extraordinary amount of effort!"

"Effort earned, not stolen. Years of training. Diligent and focus. Winter Schnee in few words!" The cheering of the crowd agreed.

And by the short bows Link and Winter shared, nearly the size of her thumb from so far away, they held as much respect for one another.

"Moving to Vacou, we have a fellow champion and exemplary figure for Shade." Pyrrha was not aware of them, not beyond the pamphlets at least. "Graduate of recent years, but making a name for herself as tornado in the desert! She has the skills, the talent, the training, and most importantly, the brains to be an astounding force against the Grimm. For where others use their strengths alone, this Huntress uses the land itself!"

"Oh! OH! OH! OH! Sun was hoping it was her! And she's here! Her is here!"

"Nora, calm down." Ren chastised lightly. "Now who is it?"

"Shh! You'll miss her!" Pyrrha expected no less.

"We really have to give her less sugar before these things."

"A whirlwind in the desert, and telepath of creative means, and fashion strong woman of grand design, the challenge to her strength is her beauty! Carmine Esclados!"

Pyrrha expected a show at the name. Instead, she got a storm.

An almost literal explosion of sand erupting from one of the far rooms, rushing out and climbing up the arena like the Nightmare itself. Link and Winter took steps back, clearly uncertain about the rapid appearance of the grainy material.

But quick and near miraculous as its distance was, it fell to pieces a moment later, like a blanket falling over the metal arena. At the center of it all was a woman, standing proudly on white high heels, wearing attire that made Pyrrha's own outfit conservative by comparison, between the mesh top, thin hot pants, and lazily stitched denim jacket. With red hair as well, flowing freely down her back, the woman grinned proudly with her hip-popping stance, hand balanced easily on her side as she put the other to her lips.

Gently, she blew a kiss, and the stadium erupted.

"Quite a show from Carmine! As many know, Carmine is a graduate of Shade Academy and one of the few who can use the sands of the desert better than the Creepers and Loliths there! Yes indeed, she is also careful of her appearance, exemplifying the tradition and sense that Hunters are terrors to monsters, but beacons to citizens. Inviting for all who approach her."

"I recall her now," Ren added on. "Sun did mention her, when he was speaking to Neptune." Pyrrha was curious, because she was unfamiliar with her. "Apparently she has a fashion line she models for, and uses most of the contracts she finishes to donate money towards the villages that weren't able to survive the storms of Grimm."

"Wow, she sounds amazing." Jaune followed, and Pyrrha had to agree. "She sounds like a super-hero."

"Yes, she does, though I believe Sun said she prefers to be called a Diva."

"Isn't… isn't that an insult?" Pyrrha recalled it being one.

"Only to those who don't wish to be. And Carmine? I believe it is obvious she wishes to be."

Looking down at the woman who twirled and danced on her high heels, rolling her body so the many bare patches of dark skin were flaunted for others to see. And, even at one point, rolling her hands down her sides, flinging out her hair as if she were on a runway, she could believe it.

"Hard to believe she's first choice for Shade."

"Not it isn't. You see how great she looks? That means she's gotta be a terror!" Nora's logic was infallible as always. "That's why you kick so much butt Pyrrha. Cause you look like a Goddess!"

"I-wha?" She was left breathless as she spun towards her fellow red-head.

"You're beautiful! Don't you know it? Jaune-Jaune's been telling us all the time about how hot you-MPH!" She was shut up by Ren's hand over her mouth.

"Calm down Nora, or no cake after dinner." Pyrrha's mouth floundered as she watched the girl sag, but not because she looked disappointed.

No, it was because with a glance to Jaune, she could see the boy's flaming face as he looked away. Her own was hot as well. Well… she was glad he spoke of her that way, she supposed. It was… nice to hear.

"Last but not least, we have the Mistral Hunter to enter the stage!" Thankfully, a distraction was present.

"H-Hey! That's your home, right?" Jaune quickly spoke.

"Yeah! Yes! Yes, it is…" A Hunter from her own Kingdom. That could work as a distraction. "Though I don't know who it is. I-It could be anyone."

"Like your momma?" Pyrrha blinked.

"No, actually, she's not a Huntress."

RAWWWW! A demonic scream silenced her. Instincts took over.

Pyrrha, and all of her teammates, stood looking skyward. She couldn't believe what she saw.

A wyvern. No… a dragon. A giant, red scaled, large-winged dragon.

With a long-marbled snout, with red scales that glimmered like fire and even… even talons that hung from beneath, looking capable of tearing Mechs apart. All of it from a monster that looked larger than any other Grimm she'd faced… the Ancient Grimm she'd seen aside. This was… this was bad.

And the beast was howling as it circled the arena.

"How did that get in here!?"

"No, what is that?" "It's gotta be a Grimm!" "Get the cannons ready!" "No! Just run!"

"This is bad," Jaune noted next to her. "This is really bad." Pyrrha agreed.

RAWWW! If that wasn't bad enough, it appeared to take a new action.

Scrolls on hand to summon their lockers, and looking up at the beast as it started to descend. Descend like it was… diving!

"It's gonna attack the stage!" "Get out of here!" Pyrrha wished she had her shield, already ready to jump in.

She could see Link, Winter, and Carmine all pulling out their weapons and preparing themselves what they could, drawing back and trying to prepare for the monster. She felt confident in them, but not that they could keep it from doing no damage.

How did a monster even get past the forcefield? Amity was supposed to be safe!

Her question was answered in fire.

FWOOOOM! An explosion of it at least.

The moment the dragon hit the metal stage, it burst into a monolith pillar of it. One so large it looked almost more akin to someone lighting up a barrel of Fire Dust with a Wind Semblance, sending the ferocity and heat of the combustion into the air. Hundreds of feet away, and she could still feel it. She and the rest of her team raised the hands to keep away what little of the intensity they could.

When the heat vanished, the glow with it, Pyrrha stared back at the stage. She was confused and worried when she saw the dragon before. Now… now she was just confused.

The dragon was gone, and all she saw in its place was a man.

An armored man crouching on one knee, wearing an ornate armor that covered him from head to two. Sharp jutting points at the points of flexing, red rimmed steel about his shoulders and knees, and a long mantle of red running down from the back of his head. His head covered in a helm of stone, shaped with horns and covering him completely. A skirt of red metal hung around him, and his greaves were just as concealed.

But what stuck out most to Pyrrha, staring at him now, was the lance. Because it looked like a trident.

A large spear with three points to it, sticking out with a jutting edge that was sharp and gnarly. Purple in color, but looking almost hotter than the flames the man had come from. It stood well above his height kneeling, and she couldn't imagine it to be any shorter than him standing. Him, the man who had come in on a dragon, exploded into fire and then… with the lance… Oh…

"Okay, I'm lost. Who is that!?" Jaune's panicked question was reasonable. More than that. "He just… the explosion! A-And the fire! And the dragon-Where's the DRAGON?!" He was loud, but everyone else was as well.

Pyrrha, however, wasn't.

"I… I think I know who that is…" She felt her teammates look at her.

"You do!?" "Who is it Pyrrha?" "Who's the lizard-man?"

"He's supposed to be retired, or at least… I thought he was." Pyrrha racked her mind to make sure she hadn't misheard. "He was… my father told me to wear colors like him because he was the greatest Hunter in Mistral. He was supposed to have slain Ancient Grimm alone."

"And no one else knows about him!?" Jaune, again, reasonably asked. "I-I get that I'm not the most knowledgeable with Hunters and stuff but… but him? How could anyone not know about him!"

"Because he retired decades ago." Pyrrha's answer, while short, was echoed quickly.

"Apologies everyone! Please remain calm and do not panic. No need to fret or squirm in fear for one's safety. All is currently well in Amity, we can personally assure with the highest level of confidence." He coughed with the statement. "It appears that our last contestant was too eager to wait for a proper introduction had not cleared his entry with the appropriate parties. Apologies once again, but once more, there is no need to fear."

"Wasteful and dangerous to fear. Current man is a Hunter. Older than most present." That told Pyrrha that she was right about him. "His presence and assurance. Grimm non-threatening, lower threat, with him. High confidence, heat, transformative Semblance, counteractive to Grimm's desires."

"Yes yes, well said, Professor."

"Doctor."

"Indeed, there is no need to doctor up the man's credentials. A stalwart protector for many many decades and a hallmark to the Mistral name. Champion even before my day, and I have seen many moons pass, let me tell you. Beneath starry nights and over hot coals, all the same. This man, however, has earned his right to be respected, but he does not need to be feared."

"They sure are trying to calm everyone down." Ren was correct. "Are they right though? Do you know who that is, Pyrrha?"

"I do now," she confirmed. "At least, if they're being truthful."

"Then who is it?" Pyrrha was ready to answer Jaune, but again, it was unnecessary.

"So, with his presence known, let us introduce the chosen Hunter for Mistral. The King of the mountains, the greatest spearman ever to be trained, the self-proclaimed and self-demonstrated Dragon Knight."

"The greatest Mistral Hunter."

"Volvagia!"

Before the crowd screamed in fear. Now, with the man standing with the name, they roared.


Winter wasn't sure what to say. That was a rarity. Not a first, but certainly uncommon. Unlike when she held her tongue under orders or duty, now she was merely stuck silent.

She knew the man standing before them now. A retired Hunter that befit the name Dragon Knight. A man who was once known through all of Remnant as the greatest hunter of the Ancient Grimm, often tasked with others, but for them to observe while he killed. Someone who had inspired a generation who heard his name.

But that same person that had retired years ago. Not the scant ten minutes that some many young recruits often joked of, but a true retirement. General Ironwood had her familiarize herself with the greatest hunters in Remnant during her schooling, and Volga was resting in a steed of his own making at the time. He had said his wings were too worn to fly, his lance slow, and eyes going. He loathed rest, but dying against the Grimm would only birth more of them, from the fear it would create.

That was the man she was familiar with. That was who Winter Schnee had studied on. This man… was both too similar and too different to be him.

"What were you thinking!" Carmine, the rather scantily clad Huntress, waved her finger at Volga. "I'm all for making an entrance, but did you have to make it look like you were a freakin' wyvern getting ready to kill everyone! That's step one for exciting the Grimm, and if that happens, it'll blow this whole tournament to pieces." She wasn't wrong.

But Volga didn't look concerned in the slightest. Then again, it was hard for Winter to see much of him beyond that bright red helm. Only the tight snarl of his lips, like he was getting ready to fight. The dark lines of his Faunus traits slipping past the guard over his eyes, and the horns of his draconic traits rising up behind him. Even his fingers played with his lance, gripping the trident like it might fly from him, were hidden beneath a scaled gauntlet.

So similar to the famed dragon knight… and yet so different.

His cool air he was known for was gone. His temperament among fellow Hunters no where to be seen. Something was off, and Winter was desperate to blame it on paranoia.

"Hey! Are you listening?!" Carmine yelled again, this time with a whip of her hair. "You wanna play the cool silent type, you gotta realize that role comes with brains! You act like you don't got them, then you'll just look like an idiot!"

"Carmine," Winter spoke, earning her fellow Huntress's attention. "I don't believe he is the mood to talk."

"The Atlas dog understands at least." Attention was drawn to him again.

"Dog?" Winter had been called it before, but not by… someone as revered as Volga. "Did you breathe catch, or did I simply mishear you?"

"I did not misspeak, and you did not mishear." His voice was deep. Almost unforgiving. "I am not in the mood to entertain the masses, those who wish to fight but have no tooth for it. We are here to show them the strength we possess above the monsters. If they tremble before my visage, then they had best cower before I roar."

"That is some of the stupidest logic I've ever heard in my life, and I grew up in the desert with a bunch of bandits! With what you're doing, you'll scare them and then the Grimm may hurt them!" She wasn't wrong either. Not that Volga said anything more.

Winter stared at him, and the man did the same to her. No… he was surveying her. Her, Carmine, and Link. Sizing them up. That wasn't unheard of. However, it was also not what would happen among any kind of normal exhibition match between Hunters. Not when you were trained in an Academy that was famed for learning how to defend one's self.

Worst of all, Volga, the one she had learned about in her books, was not like this either. Perhaps it was romanticized, but one of the stories of why he was so heralded through Mistral was that he would congratulate those who were fit to fight him, even if they were a freshman student. They were all hunters chosen by respective Academy Headmasters, which was far above a new recruit.

But even if all she could see was the orange slit of his helm, she couldn't feel anything but ire.

Almost everything was telling her this was Volga, but everything else was telling her it wasn't. It was just… unnerving.

"Link, are you comfortable with this?" Winter turned to see the hero.

He was glaring at Volga much the same, breathing measured and controlled.

"Link…" she tried again. "Do you think… something is wrong?" Perhaps she said that too loud.

"There is nothing wrong, Atlas dog. Not until the match begins." Volga lifted and dropped his lance against the floor. It shook the stage, a show of his power. "If you are fearful of me now, then surrender, and spare the humiliation of your defeat."

"I think you'd rather say, 'surrender now and spare the danger for others." At least Carmine had her head on.

"And I say again that if they are so fearful of the sight of me in flight, then they will fear the actual combat. They best turn off their screens and duck behind a rock, tails tucked and shivering." Winter heard Link let out a long breath of air. "And what of you, mysterious man. Does the only one among us not born in the kingdom he fights for have anything to offer? You herald from some far-off land, but don't you have anything to show for it?"

"That accent of yours, the old wizened one? It's not working. You have to be intelligent to sound intelligent." Carmine was ignored again.

Link, showing his calm resolve, only shook his head. SHINK! Just before drawing the Master Sword, showing off the steel of the blade.

It didn't shine, thankfully, but it was still a weapon that she knew better than to challenge. It would destroy her glyphs, swords, and Aura, before she so matches as made it chip, let alone dull.

"Heh, simple weapon for an odd man," Volga criticized. "This will be of no effort for me." That only made Volga the odd one.

But even if he was odd, they were still all threats.

Winter shook her head, combing her hair aside. Something was off, and she could tell, but this wasn't the time to bring attention to it. Calling into question something questionable now, after the tournament had already been postponed for so long, would incite more unrest in the people. General Ironwood had made it clear. This was to ease concern, and she would not lump more into it.

Clear blue eyes looked at her competition again, foregoing the questionable practice of this Volga.

Carmine was a telekinetic, like Ms. Goodwitch, but one who used her differently. She normally didn't affect large scale, by records, but was often used for distraction, small arms creation, or even burrowing in sand. The later would be less likely here, but storm creation could be a major hassle, depending on the environment made.

Link had more concerns than she could name. He was a master fighter, capable with his Aura, and had been practicing with all the students for the past month. Not to mention what Weiss and her team had been telling him. He had an immense amount of skill, and a great capability to take advantage of opportunities given. If she gave an inch, he'd take the match.

Volga… if she thought of him like the stories told, was a powerhouse. Like Darmani, if it was comparable. He was fast as well though, usually through his Semblance altering his structure to be 'draconic'. Wings, feet, claws, and a mouth to match. The only real disadvantage there was that it drained his Aura to use, greatly. He could hardly stay in full dragon mode. However, he only needed a few hits to knock out a Grimm, a minute to kill an Ancient Grimm, and she was a Specialist with an above average reserve.

Winters greatest boon would be her glyphs, telegraphed as they'd be. Speed and defense at first, whittling out who she could. It wouldn't be the most noble method of fighting, but being a Huntress wasn't about appearance, no matter how much Carmine attempted to drape herself as a super model. It was about victory.

"Okay, wyrm-breath over here is a bad show, but you're okay, right?" Winter blinked to look at Carmine. Still a respectable distance away, the tanned woman was popping a rather revealing hip, smiling at her. "You sound straight in the head, and I'm hoping you are. Don't need to be worried about another nut case here." Her thumb told all that she needed. Winter nodded in return.

"I am well, only confused." Her eyes spoke of whom she was confused about. "But I respect that you are checking on me. I hope that… I will hope that our match will be respectful, challenging, and fruitful for our kingdoms." Carmine's grin grew, her thumb popping out like her hip.

"Same to you, Schnee!" She replied without an air of sarcasm. "And back at you Mr. Green. Keep the fight fair here and I'll give you a run for your Lien."

Winter watched as Link shifted his focus from Volga, quickly smiling at the woman as well. He bowed, blade still in hand, rising to match her smile.

"I'll check off respect then from you, and I'll settle for 2/3." Her eyes glinted at Volga, the Mistral hunter not so much as glancing at her.

"The same to you. May the greatest Hunter win."

"I plan to." She had the Vacou confidence, that was without doubt.

Link nodded as well.

"And it looks like the fighters are prepared!" Peter's voice spoke through the mic. She supposed that answered the question of if they were waiting on them. "Now before we begin, we'll run the gauntlet of terrain! Allowing for the grand decision of home fields to combat upon! What a treasure this will be to witness." Winter had almost forgotten about it.

Judging quickly by Link's expression, he wasn't aware of it.

"They are going to alter the terrain," Winter explained quickly. "The stadium was made to house all sorts of terrain, to simulate the different areas a hunter can be supplied to. This is just to show how a hunter needs more than skill to be successful, they need awareness."

"Wait, he didn't know about that? Too bad you told him! It would've been great to capture that look of shock on screen!" Carmine appeared eager to see something. Winter would be remiss to say she was not the same. Nevertheless…

"Do not fear Link. It is only a change of scenery." He blinked at her, silver eyes reflecting confusion, not fear. Right. "Sorry, you're not afraid, my apologies."

"Fear should be ready on his mind, for the battle will bring about much torment." The wild card spoke again, to Winter's disproval. "Be ready, Link." The snarl almost seemed draconic.

Matched by the bite of flame that fell from his lips.

"And the cards are spinning!" Looking up, Winter could tell they were.

The dials, each one bearing the emblem of terrain about their holographic cylinders, spinning above their head. Her hands remained folded behind her back, as she watched them spin down, sliding into place with a roulette's pace.

BING! BING! BING! BING! Until four dials hit home. Looking quickly at them, Winter almost scoffed.

"And it appears we have four terrains now! Truly this will make for a grand display of the hunters prowers, a feat that will be reflecting well the training and nature of the Kingdoms they represent. A fine show, very fine!" The boisterous man was not incorrect.

Not when Winter stare up at the storm cloud above her own emblem. Her blue eyes shifted, looking about.

A rocky mountain above Volga's appropriate for a dragon she supposed, and one that would make his wings fly well.

A plain of grass was above Carmine's, one that made the tanned woman scoff. She must have been hoping for a desert, to use the sand.

There was no question Link had the greatest boon. A green tree for the forest above.

"Did you bribe the judges or something?" Carmine asked, her thought reflecting Winters. "I mean, I don't know you that well, but even I can see you'll be right at home there." She snapped her fingers to add effort to her words. Winter, looking at Link, only smiled.

"Perhaps you did have a bit of luck, but you will need more than that for the fight." She kept her voice as neutral as she could, even if the bubble of anticipation was rising in her. She could see the same eager anticipation in Link's gaze. "I hope to see you before the others."

By the rumble under her feet, she knew that was as far as she was going to get.

Moments later, the stage began to shift, appropriate to the emblems.

Winter felt the torrents of Wind dust being crushed and siphoned around her, forming dark billowy clouds above her head, high enough to be mistaken for a true rain cloud. Thunder crackled through it, in time with the floors opening up about her feet. She easily walked about them, watching as short spires and jagged rocks took their place about her, replacing the harsh metal.

Short as her terrain was, it was easy to see the wheat grass growing in Carmine's 'Sector'. Tall as she was, perhaps even an inch or two more, and leaving only a short billow of air, disrupted by the harsh climate Winter stood under. The woman was quickly hidden by the field, not before giving her a wink as she vanished. Of course, a telekinetic hiding. That would be troubling.

Link was little different, as Winter lost track of him almost too quickly. With a green tunic, she couldn't see him from the brush of the forest, the large trunks that popped up around him, or if he was perhaps sitting in the canopy of the high trees above her. She looked up, hoping to spot a shred of silver, but the clouds of her own land kept her blind. Wonderful.

Perhaps not as much as Volga. The scaled red armor of the man standing atop a rising pillar, likely having moved there himself. Almost as if he were standing on it to 'rise' above them, how appropriate. Winter couldn't deny the tactical advantage, a higher position against many enemies kept them all in sight. He did have the high ground now. Standing atop a mountain, with rising plateaus around the edge, tended to make one look powerful, especially when he appeared like magma resting at the top.

She was left under a storming cloud while the rest were hiding. Fantastic.

"And the stage is set!" Professor Port's voice boomed. "A fine display of the magnificent engineering feats of this incredible stadium. Why the men and women of all nations who worked on this should be patting themselves on the shoulders for such stupendous work, a triumph for their long hours toiling in the workshops and design fields, much akin to these fine hunters spending their time on the field of battle!" Winter was hardly listening.

Her blades were out, making an intentional show of pulling them to each side, drawing attention to them, coated in Dust and Aura, in order to hide the Glyphs, she had doting around the stage. Nothing indulgent, as all-or-nothing as traps or explosives, but summoning glyphs, for the enemies she had defeated before. She was up against quantity and quality.

Against Grimm, it would be affective, against fellow Hunters, of Link's caliber… it remained to be seen.

So, Specialist Winter Schnee, lowering her head until her long bang covered one side of her face, sighed underneath the rumbling storm cloud above her, preparing for all that was to come.

"Confirmation of readiness given. Countdown initiated!" Winter's head nodded, her soul steeling itself.

5…

The wind was picking up from Carmine's direction.

4…

It felt like the mountain across from her truly was erupting, matched by Volga's crouching posture atop the stone

3…

The trees were rustling from Link's area. Be that the wind or his plans, she couldn't tell.

2…

Winter stepped back as the clouds brewed a mean bolt above her, the Lightning Dust reaching saturation. It would be a strong blast… she could use that.

1…

Against these three, she'd have to.

BRRRRRRR!

The fight was on.


Author's Note: So I skipped a month ahead, sue me. I wasn't going to write out how that went along, as it would be pointless filler, and at 1M+ words, I think I've earned a bit of skipping to the important bits. Like the pre-fight!

A fight where I realized there has been literally no Hunters out of Mistral named AND still alive, so I added in one of my favorite non-canon Zelda characters. Everything is more awesome with Dragons.

So yeah, next chap will be mostly a fight.

Comment now and decide who will win on the next exciting episode of: UNKNOWN LEGENDS!