Jacques Schnee, to show that he cares about Mantel, threw a dinner for General Ironwood, the teams and Robyn Hill. Because of all the negative emotions Grimm attacked the dinner, the house collapsed and everyone fell into underground tunnels. When Blake got up she was alone. She heard screams from the hallway to her right, when she went to investigate she saw four Grimm about to attack Whitley. Without hesitation she jumped at the Grimm and killed them.
Blake
(turns to Whitley, offers him a hand to help him get up)
Whitley
(takes her hand, nods)
Thank you for saving me, Ms. Belladonna.
Blake
You're welcome. And you can call me Blake.
(looks around)
Do you by any chance know where exactly we are?
Whitley
(shakes his head)
I didn't know these tunnels were here.
(sighs)
It's so dark I can't see anything.
Blake
Don't worry. I can see in the dark.
(starts walking)
Come on, this is the only way that isn't collapsed.
Whitley
(hurries after her)
So… You're one of my sister's teammates.
Blake
Yes.
Whitley
(looks at her ears)
It must've been… difficult in the beginning with my sister. When she found out that you were a Faunus.
Blake
It was actually not as bad as you'd think.
Whitley
Huh, that is surprising. She did share father's distaste of Faunus.
Blake
(looks at him curiously)
You don't?
Whitley
(chuckles)
Of course not. Humans thinking that they're superior is just ridiculous. If anything Faunus are superior, they have sharper senses and animal characteristics.
Blake
(nods)
Good to know.
Whitley
Do we have a strategy here?
Blake
A lot of the tunnels are collapsed, so we'll find a clear path and keep an ear our for sounds of a fight.
Whitley
Finding a clear path and finding the others. Sounds good.
Blake
I forgot to ask, are you alright?
Whitley
(surprised)
I'm fine, thank you for asking.
They walk in silence. After a while Whitley clears his throat and speaks.
Whitley
So… What's your favorite color?
Blake
(raises an eyebrow)
What?
Whitley
I appreciate comfortable silence as much as the next person, but I'd like some conversation. I just…
Blake
(smiles)
Hey, you don't have to explain.
(after a moment)
Purple. But I prefer black even though it's not a color. What's yours?
(grins)
Wait let me guess, blue.
Whitley
(chuckles)
You'd think that, but it's actually red.
(hums)
What's your favorite hobby? Besides saving the world.
Blake
Reading and playing chess.
Whitley
You play chess? Do you play it with Weiss?
Blake
Yes, we played so often, Ruby named our team attack after it.
Whitley
Who wins the most?
Blake
(chuckles)
If you ask Weiss, she'll say that she wins the most, but that would be false. It's fun to play with someone who actually knows how to play.
Whitley
(grins)
I happen to be a master at chess.
Blake
Is that so? Maybe you can show me sometime.
Whitley
Is that a challenge?
Blake
Maybe.
Whitley
Well then, challenge accepted.
(smiles)
Do you have a favorite flower?
Blake
A moonflower.
Whitley
Good choice. Moonflowers are very beautiful, but hard to keep.
(smiles sadly)
There was a corner in the manor's garden filled with moonflowers. It was my favorite place to go. It was quiet, peaceful. I went there every time things got hard. Now it's not there anymore.
Blake
(puts a hand on his shoulder)
While I was exploring Atlas with my friends I saw a park with a lot of flowers. It was also peaceful. You should find it.
Whitley
(smiles)
Thank you, Blake.
Blake
(smiles, stops abruptly)
Stay back. Something's coming.
Whitley
(steps back, next to a wall)
A big scorpion Grimm and two smaller Grimm run in. Blake takes out one of the smaller ones. She starts fighting the scorpion and at the same time they hit each other. The scorpion stings her before crumbling to dust. She turns around and kills the smaller Grimm before it can hurt Whitley.
Whitley
Blake!
(runs to her side)
You're hurt.
Blake
(stumbles a little)
I'll be fine. Let's just get out of here.
Whitley
Alright.
Blake
(turns to her left)
I can smell Jaune's perfume from that way.
(her ears twitch)
And I think I can hear his screams.
(glances at him)
Can I ask you something?
(continues when he nods)
Why are you angry at your sisters?
Whitley
(tenses)
I'm not angry at them. Winter went to the military, Weiss became a huntress and I'm the heir to the company. Everyone is happy.
Blake
You might be happy that you'll get the company, but there's still something there. I think that you're mad that they left you alone.
Whitley
(stops)
I don't know what you're talking about.
(continues walking)
Blake
I don't know the specifics, but I know that your parents aren't the best. They knew what your parents were like and yet they left you alone with them.
Whitley
(smiles weakly)
You are very perceptive.
(sighs)
You've only known me for an hour and you figured it out. They've known me my while life and they still don't realize how they hurt me.
Blake
Hmm, I've come to the conclusion that Schnees are very stubborn and sometimes too focused on one thing. You should talk to Weiss. She'll understand.
Whitley
There's no point. I have to stay so I can take over the company one day.
Blake
Well, if you ever want to talk, I'm here for you. I know what it's like to feel alone among people.
Whitley
(smiles)
I know I keep saying it, but thank you, Blake.
(lowers his head)
When I take over I'll fix everything my father did. I won't stand for discrimination.
Blake
(smiles)
I know. You're a good Schnee.
They walk the way Blake pointed out. She was getting worse every moment. After some walking, two Grimm show up. Blake takes out one of them and falls to her knees. The second one gets ready to jump at her.
Whitley
Blake, watch out!
(he reaches out and a glyph appears shielding Blake)
Blake
(gets up, kills the Grimm)
Whitley
(makes a small glyph in his hand)
Wow.
Blake
Did you just now unlock your semblance?
Whitley
Yes.
Blake
(smiles)
Thanks for the save.
Whitley
(smiles)
Well, you saved me first.
(looks at her with worry)
You're getting worse.
Blake
All we need to do is find Jaune. He'll be able to help me.
(turn to her right)
He can't be far.
Whitley
(touches her arm)
If you have difficulties walking, you can lean on me.
Blake
(leans on him)
Thanks.
When they reach Jaune, he's fighting a Grimm. Blake swoops in and kills the Grimm with one quick motion. Pain pulses through her body and she falls to her knees again.
Whitley
Blake!
(runs to her side, puts a hand on her shoulder)
You shouldn't overexert yourself, I'm sure Mr. Arc can take care of himself.
Jaune
What's wrong, Blake? You don't look so good.
Whitley
How insightful. I was told you could help her, so please, help her.
Jaune
(tries to heal her, but it's not working)
I don't know why it isn't working. The wound is healed, but she still looks bad.
Whitley
It must be the poison. We need to get out of here. She needs a doctor.
Jaune
(touches her forehead)
She has a fever. We need to find a way to cool her down.
Whitley
(summons a glyph, cools Blake down a bit)
How's that? Are you feeling better?
Blake
Much better.
(smiles)
Thanks, Ice Prince.
Whitley
(smiles)
Anytime.
Jaune
Do you know where we're going?
Blake
(takes a moment)
Right. I hear gunshots.
Whitley
(helps her up)
Let's go.
(to Jaune)
You go first, in case there's danger.
Jaune
Right.
(starts walking)
They walk for a while and run into Ruby, Yang and the rest of team JNOR.
Ruby
It's Blake and Jaune.
(starts running towards Blake to hug her)
Whitley
(stops Ruby)
Be careful. Blake is not feeling well.
Yang
(worried)
What happened?
Blake
A scorpion Grimm stung me. The poison is still in my system.
Yang
Come on, I'll carry you.
Whitley
No! I have to keep her fever down. You can help by killing any Grimm that show up.
Yang
Hey! Who-
Blake
Yang! I'll be alright.
A little later they meet up with Weiss and Winter. The two of them are fighting a group of big Grimm. Everyone goes to help them, while Whitley stays with Blake. All but one Grimm are killed. The last one turn and tries to attack them, but Whitley uses a glyph to shield them.
Whitley
(stands up)
Stay. Away. From. Her.
(summons a glyph and impales the Grimm)
Everyone looks at him with surprise. He turns back to Blake and helps her walk to the rest.
Weiss
(runs to Blake)
What happened?
Whitley
She's poisoned.
Weiss
Well, I can take it from here.
Whitley
No! I'm not leaving her side.
Winter
When did you unlock your semblance?
Whitley
About two hours ago. A Grimm attacked Blake and I wanted to protect her.
Winter
Father's golden child unlocked his semblance to protect a Faunus. How ironic.
Whitley
(rolls his eyes)
We don't have time for this. Blake needs a doctor.
Weiss
Like I said. I got her.
(goes to Blakes other side)
Whitley
And I said I'm not leaving her side.
Blake
Guy, please stop fighting.
(groans in pain)
Weiss can keep my fever down. And you…
(takes his hand)
There… Everyone happy?
Whitley
(narrows his eyes)
Yes.
Weiss
Blake, if you need to rest just tell us, okay?
Blake
(smiles)
I will. Thank you, Weiss.
Weiss
(blushes)
They get the tunnel that lead to the outside, but it's collapsed and all of them are almost out of Aura. Everyone tries something to clear the tunnel, but the pieces are too big.
Winter
There's no use. We need something stronger. If only we could use our semblance to summon a big creature.
Yang
There has to be something we can do.
Ruby
Or we can find another way.
Ren
It could take hours.
Blake
(getting dizzy)
Weiss… Whitley… I…
(faints)
Whitley
Blake!
(catches her)
We need to do something. NOW!
Weiss
(takes Blake's hand)
Please, say something.
(tears up)
Please wake up.
Winter
Whitley. You unlocked your semblance. You can summon something to clear our path.
Whitley
I don't know how. If you hadn't noticed, I don't have any training.
Winter
Just concentrate.
(crosses her arms)
If you don't, she won't make it. You're her only chance.
Whitley
(looks at Blake)
I'll try.
Whitley walks up in front of the rubble, he takes a deep breath and touches the ground. For a moment nothing happens, but then a glyph appears on the floor and from the glyph a giant blue Blake rises up holding her sword. Everyone looks at the summon in awe. The spectral Blake swipes the rubble with her sword and in a few minutes makes an opening.
Whitley
(smiles, the summon disappears)
I did it.
Weiss
Yang! Take Blake, we have to go.
Whitley
I'm coming with you.
Weiss
What about father?
Whitley
Well, he got arrested. I'm sure they took him away.
(starts walking)
I'm not leaving her.
They get to the closest hospital and get Blake to a doctor. Everyone sits in the waiting room to hear if she'll be okay.
Winter
(sits next to Whitley)
You must have a strong connection to Blake. You unlocked your semblance to save her and your summon is a big version of her.
Whitley
What does the summon have anything to do with it?
Weiss
We summon something we know will protect us.
(narrows her eyes)
You've only known Blake for a few hours. Why are you so protective of her?
Whitley
Because she protected me. She is the most amazing person I've had the pleasure of meeting and I don't want anything to happen to her.
Winter
Still, it hasn't been long.
Whitley
It's the first time I've met her in person, but I've known about her for so much longer. I don't have to explain myself.
(gets up)
She sees me, understands me. She's been a better sister to me in two hours than both of you've been my whole life.
Weiss
What-
Whitley
The two of you only care about yourselves, you never thought about how I felt being alone at home with mother and father. You got away. I didn't have that luxury.
(straightens his back)
It doesn't matter now. I know what my future will hold.
(walks away)
After some time, the doctor walks up to them.
Weiss
Are there any news about Blake?
Doctor
She's stable, but she is not awake. She'll need more time to recover. The poison was very strong it's a miracle she held out this long.
Whitley
Will she be alright?
Doctor
It's hard to say, but we're optimistic.
Weiss
Can we go see her?
Doctor
Yes, but only one at a time.
Whitley
(starts walking to her room)
Weiss
Hey! Why do you get to go first.
Whitley
(ignores her, enters the room)
Hey, Blake.
(walks up to her bed, takes her hand)
Please wake up. No one has shown me the kindness you did. The world needs you. You are so inspiring, the way you talked to the people in Menagerie was so amazing. I hope we'll be able to work together in the future and make the world a better place for humans and Faunus.
(sighs)
And I'd like to get tea with you, play chess and talk about books. So, please, get better soon.
(puts a Moonflower on the bedside table)
You mentioned it was your favorite.
(gets out)
You can go in now, Weiss.
(leaves)
Weiss
(walks in)
Blake.
(takes her hand)
I'm sorry I wasn't there. I… If something bad happens to you…
(tears up)
You have to wake up. I… I haven't even had the chance to tell you…
(takes a breath)
I-I'm in love with you, Blake. So, please wake up so I can tell you and maybe take you on a date if you want that.
(sighs, leaves)
For the next few days Weiss has been sitting by Blake's side almost all day. She read her books, talked about her day and told her some first date ideas. After 10 days Blake opened her eyes. When she looks around she sees that she's in a hospital and notices Weiss asleep leaning on her bed.
Blake
(shakes her gently)
Weiss?
Weiss
Hmm?
Blake
(smiles)
Weiss wake up.
Weiss
(sits up)
What…?
(sees Blake is awake)
Oh god, you're awake.
(smiles)
You're finally awake.
(goes to hug her, but stops)
I need to find the doctor.
(runs out the room)
The doctor goes to check on Blake, while Weiss messages everyone that Blake woke up. After the doctor is finished Weiss walked into the room again.
Blake
(smiles)
Hello, Weiss.
Weiss
(blushes)
Hey, Blake. How are you feeling?
Blake
I'm feeling much better.
Wiess
That's good.
(plays with her fingers)
Blake
Are you okay, Weiss?
(grins)
Is there something you want to tell me?
Weiss
(eyes widen, blushes)
H-How do you know?
Blake
When I was unconscious I could still hear everything.
Weiss
Oh, no.
Blake
It's okay. You can ask me again, now that I'm awake.
Weiss
(blushes)
I-I… I…
Blake
(chuckles)
You're adorable when you blush.
Weiss
(blushes harder)
Blake
(smiles)
Alright, since you already kind of told me, I should do it this time.
(takes a deep breath)
Weiss, I have feelings for you. It would make me happy if you'd let me take you on a date.
Weiss
(her jaw drops)
Are you… Are you serious?
Blake
100%.
Weiss
(smiles)
I-I'd love to go on a date with you, Blake.
Blake
(grins)
I can't wait.
Weiss
May I hug you?
(blushes)
Blake
You don't have to ask.
(opens her arms)
Come here.
Weiss
(warps her arms around her neck)
I was so worried.
Blake
It takes a more than that to kill me.
Weiss
(pulls back)
I know.
(glances at her ears, blushes)
Blake
(smirks)
Everything okay?
Weiss
Of course.
Blake
Weiss… If you want to touch my ears… You can do it.
Weiss
Really?!
(blushes, clears her throat)
I mean, it's not disrespectful, right?
Blake
Of course not. I actually like it, a lot.
Weiss
(blushes even more)
I… Okay.
(pets her ears, tears up)
Blake
(surprised)
Hey, what's wrong?
Weiss
It's just that… I was so scared of losing you.
Blake
(takes her hand, kisses her knuckles)
It's alright. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere.
Weiss
Promise?
Blake
I promise.
There's a knock at the door and Whitley enters the room. He's holding a bouquet of moonflowers and a box wrapped in black paper and a dark purple bow. He smiles when he sees Blake awake.
Whitley
Blake, I'm so glad you're awake.
(puts down the thing he was holding)
Blake
(smiles)
Hello, Whitley!
(looks at the flowers and the box)
Moonflowers, you remembered.
Whitley
Of course I did.
(hands her the box)
This is for you.
Blake
Thank you, but you really didn't have to.
Whitley
I wanted to.
Blake
(unwarps it)
A crystal chess set?
(smiles brightly)
Whitley
(looks at her nervously)
Do you like it?
Blake
I love it.
Whitley
I'm glad. If I remember correctly, you challenged me to a match.
Blake
(smirks)
I did.
Weiss
When did you talk about chess?
Blake
We talked while we were looking for you guys in the tunnels.
Whitley
Turns out we have a lot in common.
Blake
We do.
(grins)
Let's see if you can beat me, Ice Prince.
Whitley
(smiles)
I will do my best.
Wiess
I should probably get back to the others.
Blake
You're welcome to stay and watch me destroy him.
Weiss
It's fine, they'll want to hear about your recovery. I'll come back to see you tomorrow.
Blake
(smiles)
Can't wait.
Weiss
(blushes)
Right… Bye.
(leaves quickly)
Whitley
(huffs)
So, she's obviously in love with you.
Blake
Yeah, I noticed.
Whitley
It seems like you have the powers to make Schnees like you.
Blake
I guess so.
Whitley
(sets up the board)
I'll be white and you'll be black, right?
Blake
Seems like the obvious choice.
They play for a while. It's a close game, but Blake wins.
Whitley
That was a fantastic game. You're really good.
Blake
Thanks.
Whitley
I've never seen that technique before.
Blake
It's the Menagerie strategy. At least it's what my grandfather called it. He's the one that taught me.
Whitley
It's very effective.
Blake
I can teach it to you if you'd like.
Whitley
Really?
Blake
Of course.
Whitley
I'd like that.
(looks up at Blake)
So… Do you return my sister's feelings?
Blake
I… I do.
Whitley
(nods)
That's good. If Weiss plays her cards right you might become an official part of the family.
Blake
(amused)
If Weiss plays her cards right?
Whitley
Obviously she's the one that need to prove to you that she's worthy. I know that everyone in the relationship needs to put in work, but with our family history…
Blake
(takes his hand)
Hey, I know that you and your sisters aren't like your Father.
Whitley
(smiles)
Blake
Did you talk to Weiss?
Whitley
I told both, Weiss and Winter, how I felt, but it was not in a calm way. They were asking me how I unlocked my semblance and about my summon, I got overwhelmed.
Blake
It's okay. What about your summon?
Whitley
Well, it was a giant version of you.
Blake
Oh.
Whitley
You made me feel seen and safe. I guess that's why it looked like you.
Blake
I'm glad you feel safe with me.
(smiles)
I'm here for you. Whenever you need and if I'm can't be here physically, I'm only a call away.
Whitley
(nods)
May I… May I hug you?
Blake
(pulls him into a hug)
Whitley
I'll come by tomorrow for a rematch and maybe you can teach me the technique.
Blake
Sounds good.
In the evening Blake got another visitor. Winter Schnee was standing by the door of her room.
Winter
Hello, Blake. I hope I'm not disturbing you.
Blake
It's fine. Come in, Winter.
Winter
I was told you were awake, so I wanted to check on you and ask you some questions if it's alright.
Blake
Of course.
Winter
(sits down on a chair, sees the chess set)
You play?
Blake
I do. This set was a gift from Whitley.
Winter
He visited you?
Blake
Yes, he did and we played a few matches.
Winter
How did he do?
Blake
He's a good player, but he lost.
Winter
I wanted to talk to you about him. Apparently, he opened up to you and-
Blake
If you want to ask me about what he told me, don't. It's not mine to tell. You should talk to him directly.
Winter
(sighs)
You're right. All this time I thought that he was just like our father, but I was wrong.
Blake
It might take some time, but you can rebuild your relationship with him.
Winter
I should've done it a long time ago.
Blake
(smiles)
It's not too late.
Winter
(smiles)
How are you feeling?
Blake
I feel great.
Winter
(bites her lip)
Great enough to lose a chess game?
Blake
(smirked)
Who said I'll lose?
Winter
Let's see what you got, Ms. Belladonna.
They play 5 matches, Winter wins 2 and Blake wins 3. While they play they talk and Winter sees why Whitley feels so comfortable with Blake. She's shocked at how easy it is to open up to Blake. After a nurse comes in and tells them that visitation hours are over, Winter gets up.
Winter
Thank you, Blake. I can't remember the last time I felt this relaxed.
Blake
I'm glad you relaxed.
Winter
You are a formidable chess player. I expect a rematch.
Blake
(chuckles)
Something you have in common with your siblings.
Winter
(smiles)
Looks like I'll have to fight them to get the rematch.
Blake
Of course not. I have enough time for all of you.
Winter
(smiles)
Right. I'll see you soon.
The next day the rest of Team RWBY went to see Blake in the hospital. They sit and talk. After an hour Whitley arrives as well.
Blake
Hey, Ice Prince. Here for a rematch?
Whitley
(smiles)
Not yet. I'm here for a lesson, but I see that you have company. I can come back later.
Blake
Don't be ridiculous, come in.
Whitley
(smiles)
If you're sure.
(looks at Weiss)
Hello, sister.
Weiss
Whitley.
Whitley
(sets down the bouquet of flowers, holds out a thermos)
This is the best chamomile tea in Atlas.
Blake
That's so sweet. Thank you.
Whitley
(smiles)
Yang
So… Did they tell you when you'll be released?
Blake
They want to keep me here for a few more days, just to be sure.
Yang
It was pretty scary. The doctor said that it was a miracle that you survived.
Ruby
Yang!
(hugs Blake)
We're so happy that you're okay.
Blake
Thank you, Ruby.
(smiles)
I had some great caretakers.
(looks at Weiss and Whitley)
Whitley
(smiles)
Weiss
(blushes)
Ruby
You okay there, Weiss? You're face is all red.
Yang
Isn't it obvious? Blake melted the Ice Queen's frozen heart.
Ruby
(gasps)
Weiss, are you in love with Blake?
Weiss
(blushes harder)
Stop talking!
Whitley
(chuckles)
Weiss
(turns to him)
What's so funny?
Whitley
It's just that I haven't seen you like this before.
(grins)
I, for one, think that you've chosen wisely. Blake would be an amazing addition to our family.
Weiss
(blushes)
It's too early for that, Whitley.
Whitley
(pretends to be shocked)
Oh, so you don't think that she'd be a good wife?
Weiss
That's not what I-
Whitley
Do you think that you could do better than Blake?
(crosses his arms)
She's the most amazing person you'll ever meet.
Weiss
(turns to Blake)
That's not what I meant. I'd love to one day do that, but we haven't had our first date, yet. I think you're amazing, a great huntress and very beautiful. I'd love to one day call you my-
Blake
(laughs)
Weiss, breathe.
(takes her hand)
It's okay. I know what you mean.
Weiss
(nods)
While Yang and Ruby are laughing at Weiss, there's a knock at the door. Winter walks into the room.
Weiss
Winter? What are you doing here?
Winter
I wanted to check on Blake.
Blake
I'm doing well. I'll be released in a few days.
Winter
That's good news. Hopefully after you're properly rested you could shown me your chess technique.
Whitley
You'll have to wait for your turn, she's teaching me that technique first.
Blake
Well, you could learn together.
Weiss
Hey, what about me?
Blake
You, too, Weiss.
Ruby
But if you teach them you wouldn't be able to beat them that easily.
Blake
(smirks)
Oh I wouldn't be so sure. There are many ways to win a chess game.
Winter
(smiles)
I can't wait to see them.
Whitley
It'll be a spectacle.
Weiss
I'll be the first to see them.
Winter
And why is that?
Weiss
I've played the longest with her. And I'm her… teammate. I have certain privileges.
Whitley
That doesn't seem fair. You've had the most time with her. Time to step back and let us enjoy Blake's company.
Winter
(smiles)
I agree. And as the one with the least time spent with her, I feel like it's only fair if I go first.
Weiss
No!
Yang
(jaw drops)
Damn, Blake, did you win over every Schnee?
Blake
Yang…
Yang
Come to think of it, you have a lot of admirers.
Weiss
What do you mean by that?
Yang
Well, there have been a lot of people in love with her.
Blake
Yang… Stop talking.
Yang
Well, there was Adam, he was… not the best. He was so obsessed with you he followed you around for months.
Winter
(back straightens)
Where is this Adam now?
Ruby
Oh, Blake and Yang killed him.
Whitley
(nods)
That's good. He obviously deserved it.
Yang
Yup. Where was I? Oh, yes. Then there's Sun, he obviously had a crush on you. Then there's your old friend Ilya, she was in love with you and probably still is. And then there's these three.
(points at the Schnees)
You are one popular girl.
Whitley
Sounds like you have a lot of competition, sister.
Winter
Well, I can see why. Blake is a very special individual.
Yang
Maybe we should send her to talk to Salem. I bet she'll fall in love with Blake, too and stop her crazy plans.
Weiss
Don't even joke about it.
Yang
It could happen.
Weiss, Yang and Ruby get a notification on their scrolls.
Ruby
We have a new mission.
Yang
(sighs, looks at Winter)
I bet she did it, so she could have Blake all to herself.
Winter
I don't assign missions.
(smiles)
But I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't happy about it.
Whitley
(smiles at Weiss)
Don't worry, Weiss, we'll keep her company.
After Weiss, Ruby and Yang leave, Winter and Whitley sit at Blake's side while she teaches them The Menagerie technique.