"Knight of Hyrule, huh?" Amber asked idly, leading Link through the empty halls of Beacon. The new term was due to start in less than a week, so the professors and facility staff were busy setting the place up. A few shot curious glances their way, mostly at Link because of the shirt, but remained out of the way. "What's that like?"
Link considered the question. "Much like being a Huntsman. Fight monsters, help people."
"Rescue princesses?"
"…Among other things."
Amber giggled. She had no idea why she was humoring him, but it didn't hurt. Besides, she wondered how deep the story went. They entered a spacious room, stands surrounding an open floor.
"This is the combat classroom. Glynda Goodwitch instructs the students in fighting through spars here," she said, as if reading from a pamphlet. "Fight any cool monsters?"
"Plenty."
Amber waited, before realizing he was finished. "Such as?"
"Hinoxes, Lynels, Bokoblins," he shrugged. Nonsense words, she supposed. The heck would a hinox even be? She considered asking but dropped it.
"Got any family?" She moved on to the next topic.
Link paused, brow knit. He looked like he was concentrating.
"Link?" She asked, worried she might have triggered something.
"…Perhaps," Link finally answered. "My father was a knight as well, I know. If he lived until the Calamity struck, then he certainly perished in the intervening years."
"Oh," Amber said lamely. "I'm sorry."
Link shook his head. "I've no memory of him, nor of any mother or siblings. Do not worry about it."
"If you say so. Let's go, there's still more to see."
They left the combat ring to continue the tour. It was amazing how empty Beacon felt without any students. Barely any time had passed since she graduated herself, yet it was like she was seeing a whole new side to the school. She remembered the graduation celebration, how proud everyone had been, to start their careers as full-fledged Huntsmen and Huntresses. Funny how she ended back here.
"Where'd you train?" Amber asked, breaking free before she depressed herself.
"Among the knights, I assume."
"You assume?"
"I have no memory of it."
That was inconvenient. It lent credence to the idea that Link did have certain problems. Problems with his brain.
"You're certainly speaking a lot," she observed. "Back on the road, you hardly said a word without me dragging it out of you."
"Habit mostly," Link cleared up. "I'm used to being alone in the wild."
That explained a bit, actually.
"I also owe you something of a debt."
Amber regarded him, question clear. Link had a strange look on his face, embarrassment? What would he be embarrassed about?
"You are out of ice cream," he clarified.
Amber's hand darted to her mouth as she stifled her laughter. Link looked ashamed; she shouldn't laugh.
"Don't worry about," she forced out. "I won't be back home for a while."
Link tilted his head, his shame replaced with a questioning gaze.
"I'm staying here for a while," she explained. "Ozpin doesn't trust me on my own."
Link frowned but nodded. "You are unhappy with that."
"Of course I am!" Amber snapped. "I can take care of myself! It's all because of the stupid Mai—thing that he wants to keep me locked up."
Link nodded, comprehension dawning. "You are special," He said simply.
Amber reddened. Where did that come from?
"Your power can help people, but he needs you safe and ready to do so. Even if it earns your ire."
"I—that's right," Amber admitted. Maybe he didn't buy the whole "semblance" excuse. "I didn't want to be special like this, though."
"You wished to achieve on your own terms, in your own way."
"…How did you know?"
Link chuckled fondly. "You remind me of the princess. Her father, the king, treated her harshly in the hopes that it would motivate her into awakening her power and save the kingdom. I was appointed to guard her personage."
"Power?"
"She inherited the blood of the goddess and could banish the evil that threatened the kingdom. She did not take to her calling well. She preferred scholarship, studying ruins and old legends. And she disliked my company, at least at first."
It did sound a little like her situation. "What happened?" Amber asked, her curiosity raised. She could just imagine it, a beautiful princess and her stalwart knight with powers to drive back the forces of evil. It was like a fairytale.
A shadow passed over Link. "She awakened her power," he said uncertainly. He opened his mouth to say more, but words failed him. He fell back to silence.
Okay, that was ominous. She let it slide. "Want to grab some food in the cafeteria? They serve food for the staff and boarding students in between terms so we should be able to," she started giggling. "You also shouldn't eat only ice cream."
Link grinned in response.
The cafeteria was deserted, but they still managed to acquire suitable meals. They made idle small talk while they awaited their food.
"What will you do once you leave Beacon?" she asked. As far as she knew, Link was homeless.
"Explore the city. This place is larger than any village or town in my homeland."
Amber nodded. She'd meant more long term, like how would he make sure he didn't end up sleeping on the streets. Though considering how they met, it was entirely possible he planned just that, or even going back into the wild. Unthinkable for most, what with the Grimm a constant threat, but Link seemed the sort to risk it. He might even be more comfortable in the wild than the city.
After receiving their food, they searched for a place to enjoy it. They'd just sat down to eat when Ozpin approached the two.
"Amber," he greeted. He nodded at Link. "Sir Link."
"Headmaster," she returned. Link nodded back, but was more focused on the food, a chicken salad, heavy on spices.
"I hope my academy has impressed you, Sir Link," Ozpin said. "I'm very proud of this institution, and the Huntresses it produces." He aimed the last bit at Amber, to her annoyed appreciation.
Link nodded, shoveling more chicken salad into his mouth. He ate with speed, barely chewing and swallowing before taking another bite. Amber looked between them, interested in where this was going.
"Yes, well," Ozpin cleared his throat. "I wanted to broach the subject of employment."
Wait, what?
"I'd like you to join the staff of Beacon, assist with student training alongside Amber as well as protecting her from external threats."
"Are you kidding me!?" Amber burst, standing up. "I don't need a bodyguard!"
It was Link's turn to look between them, mouth still packed with chicken salad. He swallowed and regarded Ozpin with an expression that clearly asked Why.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you have no home in the city?" Ozpin asked. Link confirmed his suspicion with a nod. "Nor do you possess employment, or any currency, from Vale or this Hyrule you hail from."
Link winced and nodded again.
"Then I'd be a fool to pass up the opportunity," Ozpin said. "You are skilled and on good relations with Amber here. That is all that is needed."
Ozpin had Link's attention, he knew it. Amber looked at Link, hoping he noticed her panicked plea. "Rest assured," Ozpin continued. "We'd give you room and board, as well as a salary to spend how you see fit."
Link considered the offer. "I have no responsibilities here, no goals," he started slowly. "If I could return to Hyrule, I would, but I have no idea how to endeavor such a task."
"After the Vytal festival is complete, if Amber is ready to stand on her own, I'd be happy to assist you."
Amber's eyes widened. "Sir, you can't possibly believe—"
"It is alright, Amber, I know what I'm doing." Ozpin dismissed her with a paternal smile. "A knight to guard the maiden," he mused. "It fits."
"Whatever magic brought me to this land," Link stated. "It was powerful. Perhaps here will I learn the reason I was summoned."
"Is that your answer?" Ozpin extended a hand. A smirk of amusement flashed on his face when Link mentioned magic.
To Ozpin's delight and to Amber's dismay, Link nodded and took Ozpin's hand.
"I'm disappointed, Cinder," the voice from the Seer intoned, sensuous and sinister.
Cinder shivered, keeping her calm mask over her anxiety. "Your Grace, it is but a setback, nothing more."
"The Maiden lives, her power unclaimed," said the voice. "I gave you the perfect chance to claim what you desired, and you disappointed me."
"I-," Cinder swallowed. "I admit my mistakes. There will be more other chances to claim her power, I will not fail twice."
"But this failure has cost you has it not? The White Fang will not bend for a mere human."
"There have been new developments in the White Fang. That will not be an issue."
"Hmm. Then I presume the plan for Beacon proceeds as planned."
"Yes, your Grace. Roman Torchwick remains agreeable and will continue the dust robberies. I and my agents will infiltrate Beacon Academy as Haven students competing in the Vytal festival."
"The maiden will need to be dealt with."
"Ozpin will keep her close. With luck that pointed-eared interloper will not interfere either."
The voice did not immediately respond. The Seer bobbed, its tentacles undulating beneath it. Cinder's knees ached from kneeling before it, the pose meant to display her contrition before the Queen.
"Pointed-eared interloper?"
"Yes, your Grace. The warrior present with the Maiden when we attacked. He delayed us until Ozpin's lackey arrived."
"Describe him."
Cinder did not understand, but disobedience would be a poor health choice. "He was slender, wearing a ragged blue tunic. He wielded a rusty blade which broke during battle. Pointed-ears, blue eyes—"
"Blonde hair?"
"Yes, your Grace. Do you know his identity?"
"Perhaps," the voice hummed. "Continue, Cinder. Claim the power of the Fall Maiden and bring about Beacon's fall. And if permitted, investigate this interloper. Find out everything you can."
"Yes, your Grace." Cinder cursed internally. She knew better to take the words at face value. That was an order, not a request.
"And Cinder?"
"Your Grace?"
The Seer inched closer, its bladed tentacle raised up. The light gleamed off its bone-tipped point. Cinder had seen those barbs tear through flesh like butter, had seen those tentacles tear limbs from sockets and silence the screams of its victims.
"Do not disappoint me again."
The quarters the headmaster granted Link were comfortable, if a bit on the small side. A bed, a window, and a bathroom connected separately. Not that it mattered to Link, he would've been content with permission to sleep in the halls. He supposed that would cause trouble for any people passing by though.
Link sat on the bed, his Champion's tunic freshly laundered and pressed. It smelled faintly of citrus, the cleanest it has been since… Gerudo valley? When he had to disguise himself to gain entry into the town, he remembered. The thought made him frown.
He considered his new task. Protecting a reticent woman. The more things change, the more things stay the same, he supposed. It gave him direction while he gathered his bearings in this new land. It wouldn't hurt to make allies among the locals, especially if this Academy was as important as everyone around him acted it was.
The headmaster, Ozpin, was enigmatic, but willing to board him, even if he disbelieved Link's identity. Amber was much the same, though she continuously reminded him of her displeasure at the new arrangement. Still, he enjoyed speaking with her, and she him. He did not believe there would be any issues with her. Unless her resemblance to Zelda extended to constant escape attempts.
The other Huntsman, Qrow, and the few members of the staff he'd been introduced were more vocal about their doubts. They insisted that Link be, at minimum, removed from the Academy. The green-haired professor had been kindest about it, compared to the gold haired deputy who suggested something called "therapy." From the stern warning Ozpin gave, he did not think it something desirable.
It could be worse. Link was expected to train with Amber, support her teaching efforts, and protect her against possible threats. All of which sounded doable, easy even. To aid in the last, he'd raised the idea of sharing a room with Amber, but the Huntress had dismissed it out of hand, stating she already did her room-sharing days when she was a student. Ozpin had relented though he did place Link in a nearby room.
Night had fallen, Link saw through the window. The day had been eventful, and Link figured it was time to get some rest. On the morrow, he would inquire about a new weapon. He couldn't very well protect Amber unarmed. Well, he could, but not as effectively.
He stood up, approaching the window. Glass panes separated the outside, but the sliding track allowed him easy access. The window slid up with nary a sound, and the whispers of the night leaked in. Link hauled his body through, grabbing a handhold on the outside.
With a grunt, Link climbed the wall, feet finding purchase on the brick seams. It was an awkward climb, but the uniformity of the wall eased the labor. In the rain, it would be impossible. He needed to take advantage while he could.
He reached the roof, pulling his body onto the slanted, shingled surface. After a couple adjustments, he made himself comfortable, staring upward into the night sky.
The stars are different here, he thought. There were certainly fewer of them. In the distance, he could see lights of the city, shining brightly despite their distance. The air was cool and breezy, massaging his skin. The sounds of a nearby forest resounded, the chirps of insects and the rustling of leaves. The occasional roar blunted the soft vocalization of nature.
Link felt at peace and let his mind wander. He had revealed much about himself to strangers, yet he was undisturbed by their disbelief. He knew it was necessary to gather information about his surroundings. He was unknown to them, and unknown to himself as well.
He possessed memories of Hyrule. They felt like his memories, like he'd personally experienced the trials the Calamity had forced upon the kingdom. Yet, in his gut, he could not shake the feeling that he was some else to the original.
What was he? A reflection or a copy? A spirit given flesh? He didn't know. The conflict in his mind only confused him the more he lingered on it.
He let his eyes slip shut. Leave the philosophizing of identity for another time, to someone more interested than him. In the end, he had the memories and felt himself Link of Hyrule. If someone wished to challenge on that, he would face them when they came. Until then, he would do as he always did.
The desert winds roared across the dunes. Cinder raised an arm blocking her vision while protecting her eyes. Wordlessly, she trudged past several women. They busied themselves, securing tents and covering food, protecting them from the desert's fickle breath, but they paused when they saw her. They stared at her, mouths agape with suspicion and curiosity. She ignored them, pushing forward to the central tent in the encampment.
She did not bother announcing herself, shifting the canvas flap and escaping the scourging gale. In the center of the tent lounged a tall woman, her skin as tanned and hair as red as her own. Gold chains and fine silks adorned her muscular body and rubies glinted in the surrounding candlelight. She noticed Cinder idly, eyes flickering to her face then back to their original position, a bowl filled with dates and olives.
"Child," the woman greeted. "You've returned."
"A child I am no longer," she growled. She heaved a heavy sack, throwing it at the woman. It landed with a thud, shaking the fruit-filled bowl and spilling its own contents. Gold nuggets and shiny rupees fell out. The woman grabbed a gold chunk, examining it. Her expression remained bored.
"Unrefined ore makes for poor loot, child," she observed. "We do not have the means to refine it ourselves."
"Then use it for trade," Cinder responded. "There are rupees there as well."
"That is more useful," the woman admitted. "Where did you claim these treasures?"
She knew this was coming and dreaded it all the more. "Hylians were mining the cliff walls. I liberated their yield."
"That explains the gold but not the rupees. Hylians do not mine rupees."
Cinder looked away. "There were complications. I was spotted. I had to fight my out."
"Did you slay any?"
"They attempted to—"
"Child, I have warned you on this. Do not provoke Hyrule overmuch, the survival of the tribe depends on it."
Cinder clenched a fist. She glared at the woman reprimanding her. "And what of it? Why should we scamper in our own lands, allow the Hylians to take our treasure? I remind you, I can best any of them."
They locked eyes, gazes warring for dominance. Cinder would not bend, but neither would this woman, the chieftess of the tribe. She sighed, breaking first. "Child, I know you are new to our people, but there are things you must learn. Especially you."
"The tribe does not respect me. I must not show weakness until they do."
"Slaughter will not endear you," she said sharply. The chieftess softened her tone. "The tribe will respect you, given time. By the Law, you will be our king. They will realize that soon enough."
"Soon enough," Cinder repeated mockingly. "Or when you allow it?"
"Child," she sighed. She rose from her position. Cinder had grown rapidly since she first joined with the tribe, yet still the chieftess towered over her. The woman reached a hand out, stroking Cinder's cheek, tickling the stubble on Cinder's face.
"You will be king, this I promise," she said gently. "And the tribe will follow. You must forgive them, they are wary of those that raised you and of what you represent."
"I am not Koume and Kotake," Cinder muttered.
"The witch sisters are respected, but that respect is not born of love. Ever has there been fearful whispers of their dark magics. Even the learned amongst the Hylians know best to avoid them and to not speak their names."
"And what of me?"
"You are the first man born to Gerudo in a century," she smiled ruefully. "Even I have never seen a Gerudo man before you joined the tribe. You are not like the Hylian voe, neither soft nor small nor fat with luxury. Many are suspicious, believing you a dark creation of the witches."
Cinder's eyes flashed. "I am the future king of the Gerudo, not a witch-made homunculus. My will is my own."
"I believe you, child. By the Law of the Gerudo, you will be king, and I would not have a puppet on a throne," she gazed at her for a moment before stepping back. She gestured at the loot Cinder brought before her. "Come now, let us sort through the treasures you've brought to the tribe."
"As you wish," Cinder consented. "But as your future king—address me not as child anymore."
The chieftess of the Gerudo laughed, a hearty sound from the belly. "As you wish, king."
"I would have you use my name," Cinder allowed.
"If you insist Cinder!"
Cinder frowned. That was not her name, her name was—
"Cinder!"
Cinder's eyes shot open. Her hand shot forward, grabbing the fool who had disturbed her rest. She clenched the throat of the soon-to-be corpse. Red eyes framed by light green locks widened in panic.
Cinder did not remember this vai amongst the tribeswomen. An infiltrator? An assassin? She would die, and her body displayed as a warning to any who dared move against the Gerudo. She tightened her grip, and the girl choked in pain.
Anger roiled in Cinder's gut. How dare this scavenger attempt to steal her way into her chambers, the King of the Gerudo-
"C—n-d-r," The girl managed to choke out. Cinder blinked, recognition dawning. Emerald. She was strangling Emerald. She relaxed her grasp, and Emerald fell back, gasping for air.
"Don't wake me unless I ask," Cinder said, rising from her prone position.
"You did, though," Emerald muttered, rubbing her throat. Cinder glared at the girl until she had the decency to look apologetic.
"Where is Mercury?" Cinder asked.
"Keeping an eye on Roman," Emerald responded. Like you ordered, she didn't add. Cinder had told Mercury to make sure Roman didn't act out while she slept, not after the frankly stupid night they had.
"Cinder," Emerald started carefully. Her voice was a little hoarse, and she lightly touched her neck, wincing. It would bruise, Cinder could tell. The girl needed to work on her aura. "Are… are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Cinder snapped. Emerald flinched. "Last night was merely… annoying."
The dream of the desert was already fading away, as if it had never been. What was left though, was the memory of what she'd been doing before she'd rested.
A simple Dust robbery, Roman had done it half a dozen times. Yet he was still thwarted by a little girl. Then, if that wasn't enough, a Huntress had interfered, one of Ozpin's best. If Cinder hadn't intervened, the thief would be in a cell right now. And who knows what he could say in that situation.
Cinder grit her teeth. Idiots, she thought, I'm surrounded by idiots. "What of the men Torchwick lost?"
"They're negotiating with Junior to get more mooks."
Hmph, they were less impressive than Roman was, being downed by a teenager almost immediately. Now that they were in jail, they needed more manpower, at least until the White Fang came into play.
If only she had the Maiden power, she could just demand their cooperation. But she was stuck. Strong, but not strong enough to force their obedience. Her skills and Dust-weaving would have to suffice until she took what was hers.
"Keep me informed," Cinder ordered. Emerald nodded. "In the meantime, I need to get in touch with our bull-headed friend."
"Right," Emerald said. She shifted nervously.
"What is it Emerald?" Cinder sighed.
"How are we going to infiltrate Beacon, if they know what we look like?"
"Ah, that," Cinder considered. If they clung to their original plan, sneaking into Beacon disguised as students from Haven, then there'd be no doubt they'd be recognized. If not by Amber, then by Ozpin's gopher. Their appearances were too distinctive, and though Emerald's semblance was useful, the girl could not maintain it indefinitely against the entire Academy.
They needed to modify the original plan in such a way that allowed them access to the Academy, and by extension, the CCT and Vytal Festival.
"Our papers from Haven list a team composed of three women and one man," Cinder mused aloud. "I think I know who fits those parameters."
Link drew the bowstring back, sighting his target. He released and let the arrow fly. It pierced the target dead center.
"Bullseye," Amber said beside him. "That makes five of five perfect shots."
Link grunted. It wasn't anything special to him. After all, he still wasn't as good a shot as Revali had been. Revali didn't need to aim.
The days since he accepted Ozpin's offer had been remarkably uneventful. Amber had been busy working with Goodwitch, the deputy instructing her as to what her role as a support teacher for the students would be. Link had largely been left to his own devices.
The Academy itself was mostly unexplored, for all that Amber had shown him around, so he busied himself familiarizing with the environment. After that, he inquired about weapons, of which the school was amply supplied. It even came equipped with forges and machining shops, for students to craft and modify weapons of their own.
Link approved of such facilities, though embarrassedly didn't know how to go about forging his own weapons. He had always scavenged or been given his tools of combat. Still, he was satisfied with the sword the Academy had lent him, a simple one-handed blade without flare or decoration.
Eventually, Amber dragged him away from his explorations and training, demanding company that wasn't "a snooty, she-hound taskmistress from the depths of the blackest abyss." Link thought that may have been overly harsh but refrained from commenting such. Link instead mentioned having wanted practice his marksmanship, to ensure his skills do not degrade, and Amber took him to a shooting range.
"But, you know, Grimm aren't going to stand there and take it," Amber pointed out, eyes sparkling. "How about more mobile target practice?"
Link agreed. Mobile target practice was better target practice. He tilted his head at his companion.
"Just let me set up a few things, then we'll see what you can really do." Amber grinned, stepping to a console by the wall. Link had found it odd that the target range was indoors. He supposed the location was for the benefit of mechanisms creating added challenge. Link nodded at the realization, imagining a set of gears and belts to move targets around in multiple directions.
"Alright, everything's set up. You don't have a scroll for aura monitoring, so sadly I can't set it at the highest level, but this'll do," Amber said. She stepped away from the console, now displaying a glyph of some kind. It morphed to another unfamiliar shape. "You have ten arrows left, right?" At Link's nod, she said. "Okay, ten targets. Good luck!"
Amber rushed away, exiting the room through a thick door made of transparent material. She stood watching him through a large, similarly transparent window. Link frowned.
The console displayed a large symbol resembling an "O." It played a loud sound, like a trumpet blast.
Link launched himself forward, narrowly escaping the column of stone that erupted from the ceiling, crushing the spot where he stood. Rolling, Link let instincts guide his hand, nocking an arrow and unleashing it at the target painted on the side of the column.
A sharp beep rang, confirming the successful strike.
When Amber said mobile target practice, he presumed the targets would be mobile. And they were, to be fair, but the woman had neglected to mention he was the one expected to be moving.
Link jumped, avoiding a blade meant to take out his legs. He'd successfully scored four hits, and the remaining six targets were painted on or near various obstacles attempting to injure him.
Time slowed down, from Link's view, as he aimed a shot at the flying target currently firing beams of light him. He'd maneuvered himself behind a "slain" foe for cover and took another kill when the light failed to hit him.
Link grinned at the beep. He moved in for another kill.
Soon he was standing victorious. Ten shots, ten kills. He hadn't taken a scratch. All in all, it lasted maybe a minute, minute ten seconds.
Amber stared at him through the glass, mouth agape. Seeing her standing still, he approached the glass, and rapped his knuckles on the surface, shattering her stunned expression.
She reentered the room, still staring at him with an awed look. "That… that was pretty impressive, Link," she stated numbly. Link shrugged. Had it been? Link didn't particularly think so, especially if there were harder difficulties.
"Nice going, kid," a new voice cut in. Both he and Amber looked at the newcomer. Qrow stood slouched against the door, his flask in hand. "Really put it to those circles, showed them who's boss."
"Nice to see you to, Qrow," Amber said in a voice that made it seem like it was anything but. Qrow chugged his drink in response. Wiping his mouth, he returned his flask to his side.
"Just here to talk with Oz for a bit, seeing how now both my nieces are coming tomorrow," Qrow explained. "Also figured I'd drop in on our resident maid and her stray knight."
"I'm not a maid," Amber scowled, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Technically—"
"Not that kind of maid. There's an 'en' too, don't forget."
"How could I." Qrow rolled his eyes. He turned his attention to Link. "Hey, 'Sir Link of Hyrule', wanna go a round or two? With that display, I'm itching to see what you're made of."
Link blinked though he understood well enough. Qrow wanted to test him. He would sigh, but he knew it was coming eventually. Tests and trials were nothing new to him. He nodded.
"Link, you sure about this?" Amber cut in with concern. "While he may not act like it," Amber sighed, gesturing in Qrow's vague direction. The man grinned and waved. "He is an exceptionally skilled Huntsman and you're…" Her cheeks colored. "W-well, you're pretty good, so maybe you have a shot."
"Come on, Ambs, let the kid have some fun," Qrow teased. 'Ambs' returned a withering glare.
"It is fine," Link placated. He turned to Qrow. "Where?"
Qrow grinned. "Outside. It's a great day out there, and I'd hate to break something expensive in here."
Link nodded. He and Amber followed the Huntsman, Amber more hesitantly. The Huntsman was right, of course. It was a beautiful day, and Qrow selected a spacious grass field to be the location of their friendly duel.
"I wonder how much Oz shills out for lawn care," Qrow mused, stealing a quick sip from his flask. "Huntsmen fights can get pretty intense, if you know what I mean."
Link ignored him, stretching out his limbs. Qrow looked on amused as he did so, making no motion of his own. He didn't take this seriously, or at least, not serious enough. That was fine with Link.
He drew the simple sword the Academy had gifted him and shifted into fighting stance. "Duel to surrender or first blood?"
Qrows eyebrows shot up. "Wouldn't go that far, though surrender is fine. How about first to half aura?"
"Link doesn't have a scroll to monitor his aura," Amber pointed out. "The Headmaster hasn't gotten around to procuring one for him yet."
"Alright then," Qrow hummed. "How about first strike then?"
Link shook his head. First strike would end the spar too quickly no matter the victor. He was fast and an adept dodger, but he wasn't foolish enough to think he could avoid all attacks, especially if Amber was confident in Qrow's prowess.
"Three strikes, then. Like baseball."
That was acceptable, though he hadn't the faintest idea what baseball was. He nodded his assent. Qrow grinned, drawing his own sword. From this distance, Link could spot the gears in blade. He squinted, trying to analyze the mechanisms visible.
"Ready, kid?" Qrow announced. Link had barely finished nodding when he was forced to defend against Qrow's rapid assault.
Qrow launched a vertical slash. Link shifted left, the blow narrowly missing him, and followed up with a probing slice at Qrow's midsection. Unfortunately, Qrow saw it coming, and easily deflected the strike.
They traded quick blows and easy blows for a while, gradually ramping up in intensity. Link frowned, it wasn't difficult parrying Qrow's strikes, but the man clearly wasn't close to giving it all. He was waiting for something, some big opening in Link's defenses. However, Link knew it would never come—
His foot slipped. Qrow's latest attack had forced him a step back. He had planted a foot on a particularly dewy spot he hadn't noticed previously, and now the smidge of misfortune had created a thin gap in his defenses.
Qrow grinned in triumph and thrust forward at his chest. Link's eyes widened. At that angle, the blow would be fatal if he allowed it to land.
So he didn't allow it. He dropped, allowing his balance to shatter. A thin white needle slice of pain lanced through him, strike glancing off his collar with minimal damage. He swept a leg out, intending to take Qrow's own out from underneath him. The man leaped back before it could land.
Link rebounded, taking advantage of the moment's pause to regain his footing. Link returned ready, focus blazing in his eyes. He took a step forward.
Qrow held a hand up. "Stop! You're bleeding, Link."
Link reached up, touching the small cut on his collar. His bare fingers came back red and a trickle of warmth oozed from the wound.
"Duel to three strikes," Link observed. "One to you." He readied himself, taking up his sword again.
"No, you idiot! You're bleeding!" Qrow roared. "Why didn't your aura take the hit?"
Link tilted his head, eyes narrowed and focused on Qrow. "What is aura?"
Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say. Amber gasped behind him, and Qrow's eyes widened.
"You—you don't have a—" Qrow muttered. He sighed, sheathing his weapon. Link was only more confused. "It's like a force field," he explained, looking at Amber pleadingly. "It blocks attacks."
"I do not have this 'aura,'" Link stated.
"Yeah, I can tell!" Qrow shouted. "Amber, want to handle this?"
The woman looked between the two of them nervously. "Uh, Qrow? I've never unlocked anyone's aura before."
"Eh, it's a good thing to know. Especially if you're going to be a teacher."
"This is a temporary situation."
"That's what I said when I started at Signal," Qrow barked a laugh. He waved his hands in a way meant to be encouraging. "Go on, then. Get on with it."
Amber approached Link hesitantly, arm extended. Link frowned, question unasked yet obvious. "So aura," Amber cleared her throat. "It's an 'energy field' generated by the soul. Takes attacks, speeds healing, keeps you alive." She placed a hand on Link's shoulder. "Um. I don't exactly know what to say."
"Doesn't really matter," Qrow said, observing the two. "Remember whatever cant used for you?" At Amber's nod, Qrow continued. "Use that as a base. Just say what feels 'right.' It's the feeling that's important."
"Alright," Amber swallowed. She closed her eyes, focusing on feeling out her aura. Once she had it, she pushed forward, out of her hand, and into the knight. The words needed to feel right, Qrow said. "For it is in our compassion that we realize ourselves. Through this we endure loss of hope and gain recognition, infinite in scope and untethered by doubt. I release your soul and by my shoulder protect thee."
She felt it work when Link's aura pushed back against her. Amber opened her eyes, withdrawing her hand and taking a step back. Link was blinking furiously, patting down his body in curiosity. The cut on his collar was already disappearing under his new aura's influence.
"That's it then," Amber said. "Your aura's unlocked for good. Might need to practice with it to get the hang of it, but it should help you out in the future."
Link nodded and raised his sword. Before they could stop him or even protest, he was running the edge along with bicep. "Link!" she shouted in horror.
Link stared at his unharmed skin, before a fierce grin took up his face. He regarded Qrow, excitement gleaming.
Qrow understood. "Well," he chuckled. "Guess it's time for round two. And just 'cause you didn't have aura before, don't think I'm letting that hit go. It's one-nothing." He returned a grin of his own. "And now I have no reason to go easy on you."
"I can't believe he beat me," Qrow groaned, slumping in his chair. He sulked rather well, his flask empty in his hand. Ozpin chuckled lightly at his agent's brooding.
"I'm sure you gave as good as you got." Ozpin comforted the Huntsman. "No need to take it so harshly."
"It was a close one, too!" Qrow complained. "I had him! Then he slipped away and scored two hits before I even realized. Damn bastard is fast."
"Hmm," Ozpin hummed. "So what do you think of our so-called knight now, Qrow?"
"He's good." Qrow conceded. "But the weird thing is, he didn't have his aura unlocked."
Ozpin raised his eyebrows. That certainly was a surprise. "I hope you didn't duel an aura-less opponent Qrow."
"Who do you think I am? Don't answer that." Qrow said quickly. "I had Amber unlock it for him. Bastard's lucky my semblance didn't have him falling on my sword."
Ozpin nodded. "However, you realize what this implies, correct?"
"Yeah. No way he's a Huntsman if he didn't have an aura. Can't exactly hide that."
Aura, once unlocked, could never be returned. It could be overwhelmed, weakened, or temporarily disappear, but it could never be sealed.
"If Sir Link is as skilled as we observed," Ozpin said carefully, "the lack of aura lends strength to his origins as truth."
"Don't tell me you believe he really is a knight from an undiscovered kingdom, Oz."
"Do you have an alternative explanation for his skill and locked aura?"
"What if he's from the frontier? A particularly Grimm-infested part?" Qrow reasoned. "He could've grown up fighting Grimm without the aid of Huntsmen. That kinda life makes one tough, with or without aura."
"Hmm," Ozpin considered. "That certainly is more believable."
Qrow slumped further in his chair. "What's not believable is him beating me." He raised his flask, attempting to drown his sorrows. Upon realizing the lack of fluid, he stared with one eye through the opening, as if he could find where it was hiding in the small flask. "And he's going to be teaching with Amber!"
"Amber will do most of the work there, I'm certain. Link is not the most social of butterflies."
"I'm not worried about that! He's going to be in proximity to my nieces."
"I'm sure Miss Rose and Miss Xiao-long will be fine."
"I know, I know," Qrow grimaced. "Can't help a worried uncle."
"At least as a teacher, there is no chance of Link being on their teams."
"Don't even suggest that," Qrow groaned, head falling into his hands. The flask clattered to the floor. "The universe hates me enough to make it happen. Out of spite."
Turns out the fic I recommended last chapter is on this site as well, though under the author KTWizard. It's also much longer here than on AO3, so now I've had to update my already backlogged fic reading list.
Also, thanks to The Sin of Justice for pointing out errors in last chapter.
Thanks for reading!
LeonTetra