Previously...

"I've met her in the past."

"I told Professor Ozpin about my encounter with her."

"But I never imagined she would be here." Link growls as he points at the ground. "Right underneath me for over a year while I worried for her well being."

"Say what you have to say already." Ironwood narrows his eyes

"Where. Is. Amber."

Continuing: Beacon Tower, Professor Ozpin's Office

"How does he know about-!" Ironwood quickly draws his revolver 'Due Process' and aims right at the thorn in his side that keeps causing him problems

"James!"

Glynda briskly walks towards the huntsman, general, and student at odds, she promptly stands in front of Link, raises her crop 'The Disciplinarian' and points it directly at Ironwood, making it clear that she is ready to defend her student

"Not a step closer. You will not harm this boy and I will not allow you to lay one more finger on another one of my students."

"I appreciate the support, Professor Goodwitch, but I can handle the general." Link's eyes remain on the man who has been trying to capture him for over a year. "If he wants to fight me then-!"

"Even if that were true." Glynda smacks her lips. "The last thing we need is fighting amongst each other, for we are all on the same side."

"She is right." Professor Ozpin mumbles

"Fine, so be it then." Ironwood shrugs. "Your negligence for the strength of the foes you face will be your downfall, boy."

"You better get rid of that entire file you have on me, general. Because it is clear you still know nothing about me." Link sighs. "Which is for the best, I know you want me dead or captured."

"The kid wasn't kidding about that, huh Jimmy?" Qrow chuckles as his sword is back to its inactive state and behind his back. "You've been obsessing over a kid over everything, haven't you?"

"What I do to hunt down known criminals is neither of your concern." Ironwood eventually gives in and puts away his revolver. "Now start talking, how do you know Amber? And why-!"

"No way! All I've done for the past few months is talk." Link furiously shakes his head. "I'm sick of giving and giving and giving, but receiving nothing in return. Someone is telling me where Amber is or I will tear through the elevator and get down there myself."

"You don't call the sh-!"

"General." Professor Ozpin speaks with a calm tone before motioning him over. "James, let us talk, just you and. Qrow... You and Link do the same, this instant."

"Are you sure about that? We only just told the Nikos girl." Qrow shrugs

"It seems as though we do not have a choice." Glynda looks back at Link. "Do we, mister Link?"

"No, I am going to find out one way or another." The one person team says with a straight face

"Fine, don't go shredding elevators or tearing down Beacon."

Qrow wraps his arm around the back of Link's neck, locking in a very weak and non-threatening headlock. Meanwhile across Professor Ozpin's office it is the headmaster of Beacon whispering plenty of words to General Ironwood, each side clearly being told what is happening and how they are all here today. The Atlas general is shocked regarding how involved Link truly is, while the latter is saddened when told of Amber's condition

"I see, he met her long before she was assaulted." Ironwood glances at Link with a surprised look on his face. "Then why has he been committing acts of evil instead of helping us all this time?"

"So, she was brought here after all." Link sighs. "I always wondered what happened to her after our brief fight."

"Yeah no kidding, I couldn't sleep at all for the next week. I figured you'd come crawling back and trying to finish the job." Qrow shrugs

"What was that?" Glynda eyes Link closely. "Qrow thought you would do what?"

"It is a very long story, professor." Link looks at the ground in shame. "One that I do not feel comfortable sharing again anytime soon."

"I understand." She nods

"Thank you."

"Hold on a second." Qrow turns to the Beacon Academy headmaster and marches to him, only the desk separates the two. "Oz, you mean to tell me we had one of your most powerful rookies in the know about autumn, but you didn't even bother telling us about him? Jimmy and I clearly knew him already."

"He did not inform me either." Glynda looks towards Ozpin's way with a judgemental look. "When I asked what is so special about mister Link, all he would tell me is how this boy may not have the credentials, background, or be as technically skilled as Pyrrha Nikos…" She turns back to Link and smiles. "But he definitely has the passion, heart, courage, and drive to surpass her one day."

"Professor Ozpin, it is not like I asked you to keep my story a secret, if all of this is really important..." Link points to Glynda, Qrow, and Ironwood. "And life changing, why not tell at least Glynda?"

"I wanted to show you respect and keep your story a secret until you felt ready. It was not my story to tell." Ozpin nods

"I see. Thank you." Link nods, then turns his focus to Glynda. "I appreciate the kind words, they mean a lot coming from someone so powerful but I got lucky against Pyrrha."

"Wrong." Ironwood interjects. "What you did was-!"

"No offense, general." Link cuts off Ironwood. "But I was talking to Professor Goodwitch, and I want to hear from Professor Ozpin before I tell you about how foolish you look."

"Why you little-!"

"Or am I wrong?" Link raises an eyebrow, "Is it not a coincidence this 'incident' happened to Yang as well, on the same day it happened to me?" He shakes his head. "I know my so-called friends are stubborn but you? The General and leader of the Atlas military? We all expect better from you."

"Fine, you get one chance." Ironwood shakes his head. "Go."

"Thanks?" Link's eyes widened as he finds himself surprisingly nodding at the general

"But first, I also want answers from you."

General Ironwood shifts his focus back to Professor Ozpin. Soon enough, Qrow and Glynda follow suit, with the last one to lay eyes on the headmaster being Link

"The truth is..." Ozpin turns his back on everyone and glances outside, staring at the shattered moon. "When meeting him for the first time, I did not completely trust mister Link. Despite his raw talent and strength, Beacon should have turned him away and recommended him to lower academies to hone and sharpen his basic skills."

"What?" Link narrows his eyes. "Okay… Then why didn't you?"

"I did not write you off either, because I have an idea as to who you are. The stories written, rumors that were spread, and of course what actually appears to be true about you." Ozpin grins. "However, seeing you in person intrigued me enough to let you stay at Beacon and keep an eye on you myself. To see if you were really a heartless criminal out for money or a monster only looking to shed blood."

(A criminal or a monster? Those were the only options for me?) Link shakes his head. "What do you make of me then? You should know by now."

"I have come to the conclusion that the stories written and all of those rumors were... Quite false." Ozpin takes a sip out of his mug, "When you told me about your encounter with the fall maiden, Amber, I expected something far different if what I heard about you was true. The maidens vanquish evil and yet here you are, with nothing but praise, love, and concern for Amber. I continued monitoring you, but over time I stopped being as attentive and concerned about you..."

"Meaning?" Link raises an eyebrow. "You knew I was not a monster or criminal?"

"It means I knew you could be trusted." Professor Ozpin nods. "Besides, with your heart, determination, and strength, it would not be wise of me to let you walk into another academy."

"What about Ironwood's concerns? Did they not sway your opinion?"

"..." Ozpin turns around to face everyone, looks at Link in the eyes, shakes his head, and his smile grows wider

"Good, you will eventually see why-!" Link stops and sets his sights on the general. "You will see why I despise Atlas with a burning passion, I'm just not there yet... I still need more questions answered."

"What questions?" Ironwood raises an eyebrow

"Atlas took a lot of special people and even someone very dear to me, let us leave it at that." Link looks down and shuts his eyes

"Who?" Ironwood balls up his fists

"Jimmy, listen to the kid before he snaps, this one's a hothead just like my niece." Qrow frowns. "Besides, he's talking, isn't that what you finally wanted?"

"I suppose." He nods

"Thank you, Qrow." Link chuckles. (I wish your nieces were as understanding as you.)

"Fine, but now tell me what's been happening with the attacks during the Vytal Festival Tournament." Ironwood crosses his arms

"I already tried, general but you cut me off that day." Link rolls his eyes. "What happened to Yang and I was not combat induced stress and delusion like you suggest, no no." He paces back and forth, appearing restless. "This is something more than that, this has been caused by someone. One of the participants in the tournament."

"What? Who is it?"

"Emerald Sustrai, I KNOW her semblance involves hallucinations. Ever since her team defeated team CFVY without breaking a sweat, I knew something was up. Someone with Coco's experience does not simply crumble under pressure like that." Link shrugs. "They did it to me as well, I even spoke to Pyrrha about it and she believed me. Lastly there is Yang and with her I only have a question, is it not a coincidence that it involved a teammate of Emerald's? Besides-!"

"I've heard enough of this nonsense." Ironwood waves him off, "Your theories are intriguing but there is too much going against you, without any evidence to clear your name. Besides, the girl you speak of along with her team, including her injured teammate have flown back to Mistral. If her true intention was to sabotage tournament matches, while making you and Miss Xiao Long appear cold and ruthless, then we won't know for sure until Emerald and her team can be questioned and asked the proper questions at a later time."

"Fine, don't believe me again. I just have two more questions then. One of them is for all of you."

Link turns around and slowly walks towards the elevator, but when reaching the buttons, he stops in his tracks and turns his head to glance back at his professors, the general, and Qrow

"Sure. What is it kid?" Qrow grabs his flask and takes a swig

"What does this mean for Amber?" He crosses his arms, but nervously squeezes his right arm with his left hand. "And why was Pyrrha chosen?"

"Oz can answer why he chose Miss Nikos, but to address the fall maiden." Ironwood clears his throat. "We don't know what will happen when she passes."

"What do you mean when?" Link increases the grip on his elbow, trying his best not to display his brewing anger

"We can't possibly show you where she is now." Qrow slides the cap back on his flask and tucks it away in his shirt. "Look at you, just the thought of her passing away is making you lose your mind."

"Answer my question already." Link mumbles. "Is there anything that can be done?"

"The way you saw her that day, it's gotten worse ever since... Her condition continued to deteriorate." Qrow nods his head towards Ironwood. "Right now she's only surviving because of Jimmy's technology."

"Sadly, there is not much we can do for the young maiden anymore." Glynda's gaze drops. "The only thing we can do is what we have in mind for Miss Nikos."

"Why don't we take her assailant down and restore Amber's powers, would that do anything to help her recover?" Link continues to apply pressure on his arm, his anger increasing

"Enough." Ironwood shakes his head. "You're talking about fighting someone with maiden abilities who surely has accomplices that will-!"

"She does." Qrow cuts off the general. "Two minimum but they definitely have more allies lingering around."

"I can defeat them. Trust me when I say that I know enough about them, along with their strengths and weaknesses." Link determinantly speaks

"You?" Ironwood raises both eyebrows with pure skepticism. "This is not a tournament match where your opponents hold back and stop once your aura is dangerously low, these are trained killers who-!"

"Stop it with the lectures, general." Link lets go of his elbow and flexes his arm to shake off the pain, "Like I said, I know who they are and what they do, and besides, have my tournament matches not shown anything different about me? And not to discredit team SLVR or Jaune and Pyrrha, but I do not know where my abilities peak. What you see now is not me at my best."

"Good, we'll need all the help we can get, if you're permanently on our side that is." Qrow walks over to Link and roughly slaps his shoulder. "I know you went from mercenary to aspiring huntsman, but we need to know now if you'll keep it that way."

"Don't question my loyalty." Link grins but then drops his head. "Being a mercenary brought me grief, trying to be a huntsman has also brought me grief, but if it's the right path then you have my word. I will not divert from this path."

"Even if you could defeat them yourself, it just makes everyone's lives more difficult if we have to do the hunting." Ironwood speaks up. "This woman who stole the fall maiden's powers could be anywhere."

"As for what it would do to Amber, if we can take down her assailant, it will restore what rightly belongs to her." Glynda nods, with hope in her otherwise neutral expression. "With that, we can be hopeful that it will restore her to good health and bring her back to being the maiden she once was. However, nothing is guaranteed in her current state."

"So, the likely outcome is that Amber will die." Link sighs. "So to make something of her death which would transfer the full maiden powers to Amber's assailant, you want Pyrrha to take her powers."

Ding!

The elevator doors open, promptly Link to steps forward, slowly entering the elevator car, until the sound of a mug making contact with a table stops him

"I believe we did not answer your second question." Professor Ozpin says as he sits in his chair

"My biggest concern was Amber, but if you are telling me she has no chance of surviving then Qrow is right… Do not take me down to the vault." Link mutters. "Although, with that being said, thank you for bringing it back up before I left, that is very respectful."

"My pleasure." Professor Ozpin nods. "The decision to choose-!"

"Oz picked the best this school had to offer, that's about it." Qrow rolls his eyes. "No need for the long speech."

"Qrow!" Glynda glares at him

"What?" He shrugs. "You know I'm right."

"There is no need to be blunt, Qrow. I will tell him the same thing about her that I told you." Ozpin calmly speaks, "Pyrrha is strong, intelligent, caring... And she is ready. She will continue getting stronger and making mistakes, but she is the most prepared student attending my school. Regardless of mistakes, she, along with the rest of you, are still students... If you came to us as prepared huntsmen and huntresses, then what purpose do we serve?"

"Most prepared? Out of everyone in Beacon? She is a first year student." Link scowls. "Why not one of your students near graduation?"

"Miss Nikos is making strides that go beyond what any of my other current students have achieved." Ozpin grins. "At the rate she is progressing and by the time you all graduate, Pyrrha would have been the second strongest huntress to come out of Beacon. That is, unless she gets the fall maiden's powers."

"The second strongest huntress you say?" Link nods, impressed at the assessment of Pyrrha. "Wow, who would be the first then?"

"You, mister Link." Ozpin sternly says

"W-What?" Ironwood's jaw drops in disbelief

"Impressive." Qrow sarcastically nods, but deep down inside, he is surprised too

"M-Me?" Link takes a step back, shocked. "There must be some sort of mistake, I defeated Pyrrha in our match because of circumstances out of our control."

"I did not make that declaration solely because of your match in the tournament. From what I have seen in training or during your mission…" Ozpin's expression drops. "Even during 'that' particular incident with the general."

Professor Ozpin glares at the Atlas general, who immediately turns his head in shame

"You are showing many signs that you will become one of the strongest huntsmen we've ever seen. I dare to even say your level of strength could match mine." Ozpin chuckles. "Perhaps we could go even beyond my capabilities and potentially compare your strength to that of a maiden; minus the abilities of one, which does say a lot." He nods and turns in his chair, his back facing everyone once more

"About as strong as a maiden huh?" Link quietly gasps. "I definitely won't tell anyone about the worst you said then, even Pyrrha."

"Speaking of that girl." Qrow grunts. "Let me guess, she squealed about Autumn to you?"

"No, I figured that part out on my own."

The blonde boy shakes his head as the elevator doors close on him and tells the rest of the room he is not ready to leave yet

"It was the thought of her not being the same after receiving Amber's maiden powers is what she spoke to me about, not quite second thoughts but-!"

"Unsure of the future?" Glynda asks

"Precisely." Link quietly exhales. "This was an interesting talk. I expected to find Amber alive at least, but I suppose we do not always get what we want."

"What?" Ironwood steps forward. "Are you hard of hearing or something? We just told you she is alive-!"

"Stop." Link cuts off the Atlas general again. "She is not really alive, you know it and I know it. You are just delaying Amber's inevitable death."

"Yeah, well you're not the only one with a bone to pick with someone in this room." Qrow turns to confront the Beacon headmaster. "You warned me about this kid shortly after I came back, but never once hinted that he was actually on our side."

"With how brash and unique both your personalities are, I figured you and mister Link would become acquaintances naturally." Ozpin smiles. "After all, you are very close with Miss Rose and Xiao Long."

"Yeah well… A little heads up would've been nice regardless." He shrugs

Ding!

"I would get used to that if I were you." Link strongly whispers as the elevator doors open for a second time, "Professor Ozpin has shown he is and will continue to be a secretive person with everyone around him, even known associates and close friends." He takes one step forward and thinks of one final sentence. "In fact, he is probably hiding more secrets from all of us right now and probably will for years to come."

Link enters the elevator, turns around, and closes his eyes to avoid the expressions and gazes of his professors, Ironwood, and Qrow. The blonde swordsman processes what he learned in regards to Amber's condition, upcoming fate, and most importantly Pyrrha's future. The few seconds in the elevator feels like an hour, as his mind races with many thoughts, enough to where he does not realize the elevator doors close, nor does he pay attention when he is being transported back to the ground floor

"That kid has some real problems, you know? He may be the rawest talent with the highest ceiling Beacon has to offer, but does that bode well for us?" Qrow shrugs, "He could snap and lose his mind any second now. I will give him credit, for someone who has a lot of anger, he suppressed it well this time." He turns to Professor Ozpin, in hopes of clarification. "Oz, how much has he told you about himself?"

"Everything I told James."

Professor Ozpin mumbles as he makes a calculative move, despite knowing at heart that he knows more about the young blonde boy than he is letting on

"But that was barely anything!" Ironwood shouts

"Go figure." Qrow rolls his eyes

Both Ironwood and Qrow continue to bicker and attempt to pry answers out of Professor Ozpin, but Glynda runs interference and swiftly gets in between in defense of her most loyal ally

Meanwhile, at the bottom of Beacon Tower. By the time Link's eyes open, the elevator is already almost down to the main floor, with the doors open for him to exit

"I can't believe it!" Link steps out of the elevator, only to quickly turn and face it again. "I want to see her again but I already know what will happen if I do."

The blonde huntsman in training clutches his stomach in discomfort and squeezes tightly as he experiences the sensation of a twisting knot

"Amber is going to die regardless of what happens next… And there's nothing I can do about it?"

Link moves both hands to his head and positions them on each side of his skull, directly over his temples, and he walks forward like a machine. He is clearly not thinking straight but his legs continue to guide him nonetheless. The sound of a loud creak is heard and soon enough, he feels both feet step on different material, concrete. The one person team is no longer walking on the pristine floors of Beacon but is now outside, unknowingly exiting the school whilst in his dazed state

"Damn… Why does it have to be this way?" Link drops to his knees and clutches his head as tears steadily flow down the cheeks

The huntsman in training reaches across his body with his right hand and reaches for not his pouch, a trusty brown bag with projectiles and other sentimental items. Instead, he grabs the canteen given to him by another close friend, intending on doing something his 'friends' advised him not to do any longer

"Ray, I'm sure you would kill me if you saw me doing this but... At the same time I wish you WERE still here." Link rapidly unscrews the cap and shakes the canteen, feeling it completely full. "W-When did I-! How did I get this? I don't even remember leaving my dorm and traveling all the way to Shane's bar..."

He brings the canteen up to his nose and does not flinch once to the scent of the strong alcohol

"But then again, I blacked out after my talk with Ruby yesterday. I watched the tournament match, I recall leaving my dorm but never returning." Link grumbles. "Although, I was in bed the next day."

The first year student lowers the canteen down to his lips and starts with one small sip, before downing the entire container within two minutes

"Ugh." Link violently shakes his head and blinks multiple times. "I don't even know what any of this stuff is… But I need more."

Link, with an exhausted and strained mind, picks himself up physically and stumbles down the steps. Unfocused and somewhat buzzed, he nearly crashes and burns face first. The one person catches himself before falling over and sets his sights on the end of the courtyard, glaring at the ships on the landing platforms... Beacon airships, known as bullheads, are being guarded by Atlas soldiers. Link walks towards them, intending on making another trip to the city of Vale. But he does not see a shadow trailing behind and clearly following him

"Hmph." A soft but still sharp voice can be heard, along with clicking heels as she stays on his trail. "Where are you headed, Link?"

Upon reaching the end of the Courtyard and stepping foot on the landing docks, Link is met with instant hostility as expected from the same three Atlesian soldiers giving him problems during his recent date with Velvet

"You again!?"

"Look at you kid, you're a complete mess. Did the rabbit girl leave you already?"

"Just take me to Vale will you?" Link sighs. "Please?"

Link continues holding his head in pain with one hand as the same three soldiers snicker and continue messing with him, this time taking a joking tone rather than a serious one

"We did you a favor last time because you blackmailed us. What do we have to gain this time?"

"It was not just 'the rabbit' who left me. It is almost everyone I dared to call friends." Link shakes his head. "I need to be in the city of Vale within the next ten minutes or I don't know what is going to happen. Okay?"

The angry student in obvious pain struggles to pick up his head, but when he does, the one person team stares into the three Atlas soldiers' souls with plenty of intensity

"Now you're threatening us?"

"Of course not. But now is really not the time to push my buttons." Link mutters. "Will you take me to Vale or not?"

"We don't need to take this crap from you, our boss can deal with you no problem if we decide to place you under arrest and-!"

"Your boss?" Link rapidly wags his head, "Maybe any other day but this one. Especially after the words he and I exchanged tonight? We might be on the same side for a change." He rolls his eyes at the idea of a truce with the Atlas general. "If you insist then by all means, tell him all about this, I am sure he won't like this."

"These stupid mind games will not work this time kid!"

"Yeah! We don't buy anything you're saying! T-This time at least."

"They are right! You don't get everything you ask for, kid. That's life."

"Fine. I did not want to do this." Link reaches for his sword, despite having no intentions to fight. "Are you ready for combat?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!"

"Okay kid you got us. You were right, we were just pushing your buttons!"

"Get on the damn ship, you know the process."

(Finally.)

Link sighs in relief and roughly pushes past the three soldiers to board the closest bullhead to him. He gets on the airship, quickly takes a seat, and shuts his eyes, ready to land in the city of Vale and refill his canteen with alcohol

Moments Later

The ship awkwardly hovers over a landing platform before it takes a small hit as it touches down on the city of Vale

BOOM!

With blatant disrespect, the Atlesian pilot slams the bullhead, intending on scaring Link. However, the only passenger in the back of the bullhead does not flinch in the slightest

(Of course they did that again.) Link shrugs

But when he attempts to stand up, his condition hinders him and can barely get up on his own feet. The blonde boy has to plants both hands against the seats and push off them to boost himself up

"Alright kid, last time you got an hour and a half and we were only gracious because of the rabbit." He smirks. "This time I mean it when I say forty five minutes, with the recent attacks at the tournament, the entire city of Vale has just felt off anyway. You will not see many people out late anymore nowadays."

"Speaking of last time." Link raises his right hand and attempts to reach into his pouch, but misses several times. (This is embarrassing.)

"I don't need your money, even if it's bloody mercenary money you wish to throw away due to guilt, hold onto some of it. There are people who need it more than me, kid."

"Okay, if you insist. But I do have something to say." Link turns and stares at him, looking into the visor blocking the soldier's eyes. "I have a question."

"What is it?"

"It is simple really. Why did we take so long to take off?" The one person team shakes his head. "I know I'm not entirely present right now, but that didn't feel like an extra fifteen minutes, it was an extra fifteen."

"For your own sake, it's best I don't say what that delay was all about." The Atlesian soldier shrugs. "Good luck and I mean it this time. Forty five minutes and you're back here, or else I'm gone."

"Hmm..." Link looks at the ground and thinks carefully

"Are you even listening?!"

The vagueness of the soldier makes Link considering the possibilities as to why the airship was delayed in taking off

Flashback

Precisely fifteen minutes ago, moments after Link boarded the bullhead, the clicking sounds behind him belong to bright white boots with wedge heels that belong to none other than Weiss Schnee

"Miss Schnee?! What an honor."

"Likewise." Weiss smiles at the trio of soldiers

"I'm afraid you cannot be out this late, please allow one of us to escort you back to your dorm. It would be our honor to-!"

"I actually have something to do in the city of Vale, you see…" Weiss calmly whispers with a polite smile plastered on her face. "My friend is on that ship behind you."

"You're friends with that degenerate?" One of the soldiers scoffs. "But miss Schnee-"

"Not another word about my friend." Weiss frowns

"Y-Yes ma'am!" A different soldier slaps his companion's arm in a hurry. "Forgive my comrade's rudeness."

"Thank you." She nods. "I know he is not in the best condition or state of my mind at the moment but... I care about him. Let me on the ship, please."

"I'm afraid we cannot allow that."

"Is that so?" Weiss' smile slowly fades

After a long and silent standoff between Weiss and the Atlesian soldiers guarding the ships, one of which contains Link inside, Weiss sighs and realizes what she has to do to get her way

"Very well then." She grins. "Perhaps my father would like to hear about this and-!"

"Come right this way!" The third soldier quickly turns around and leads the way to the ship

"That's what I thought." Weiss internally giggles, amused by her manipulation

Present Time

"Okay, I suppose you guys happened to be slow." Link waves at the soldier as he exits the ship

Link sluggishly stumbles away from the ship, heading off in a completely different path from where he usually travels upon setting foot in the city. Despite the silent walk due to not many people being out at the moment, he still does not hear or suspect the clicking heels a fair distance behind him

"Why am I here anyway?" Weiss debates with herself, "We only just became friends recently so I do not know why I feel this urge to keep an eye on you and make sure you're okay. Though, this certainly does not feel like an obligation, as I am worried about you and in a way I feel a lot of pity that nobody else is in my position right now…" She sighs. "I would have expected Ruby, Velvet, Blake, Ren, or anyone for that matter to do what I am doing currently. They may have abandoned you but I refuse to, you are too good of a person for me to idly watch you walk down this dark path, Link."

After a long walk, Link does not wind up anywhere specific. Rather than heading to 'Prybar', a place of comfort owned by a bar owner who is grateful to the blonde student for his help. Regardless of its notable rough environment given where the bar is location, Link inadvertently goes in circles, clearly with no clue of where he is headed despite walking like he does

"I need something, but I cannot possibly go see Shane right now, he would not give me anything if he saw me the way I am now." Link shakes his head. "Not tonight anyway. I need another way to get it."

Shrugging off his concern, Link continues to cross streets and round corners for what seems like much longer than the forty five minute time limit he was given, hardly anyone is in sight as many buildings are obviously shut down for the day, with the exception of a few businesses such as restaurants and clubs. Eventually, the Beacon student spots a handful of people who look tired, as if they had just emerged from a club or exiting a party

(Finally, maybe they know where I can go from here.)

Link walks towards them calmly, not wanting to show any sign of hostility or desperation. But in spite of his attempts to appear calm, before he can get near any of the vale citizens roaming the city, all of them jump or step back in fear. Some run off, while others began to shout obscenities at the Beacon student

"GET OUT OF HERE!"

"HOW ARE YOU STILL A STUDENT AT BEACON?"

"WHY WOULD YOU TRY TO MURDER SOMEONE!?"

"SICK MONSTER!"

"Lovely." Link sighs and drops his head as he pushes past them, all while making sure to not touch anybody

Ignoring many screams and rude, explicit words from multiple people shouting obscenities, Link walks straight ahead, turns another corner and finally sees a lit up building that catches his attention. Smiling in disbelief, he stumbles, trips, and slowly makes his way towards a more upscale bar located exactly in the middle of the city

"Hello!" Link exclaims as he swings the door wide open and sloppily marches to the counter

The bartenders, two of them to be exact, a man and woman, both jump in shock when the door collides with the wall. They look at each other with stunned and startled expressions due to the sudden disruption of an otherwise normally operating establishment

"Y-Yes sir?" The male bartender speaks with a firm tone

"I have a request. Fill..." Link reaches over to his left side, unhooks the canteen, and drops it on the counter without any hesitation, "...This up please. I do not know specific drinks so I will take whatever you deem the strongest." He stops himself for a moment and chuckles. "Sorry, I should not be so direct. And before you assume anything about me, no worries. Money is not an issue."

"Umm sir?"

"Yes?" Link asks, but anger and agitation quickly begins to build up inside him as his request is already encountering some resistance

"We cannot serve you any alcohol, you are a minor. However, you are more than welcome to enter this bar and be served age appropriate drinks." The male bartender nods. "Perhaps you'd like a nice meal. We have one of the best chefs in the entire kingdom of Vale and-!"

"I am not hungry." Link sighs and balls up both hands into fists. "Look, I know I am not twenty one but give me a break. I will pay you double the fee, I have not had a good day and am currently experiencing a horrible night as well. I would like to end it with some positivity."

"Sir I am afraid we cannot do that." He shakes his head. "We know you are a minor, you look it and everyone who watches the news or takes an interest in huntsmen or huntresses knows you attend Beacon Academy."

"Look." Link plants his left hand in an open palm on the counter. "I am not asking for a lot so why don't you-!"

"HEY!" The female bartender protectively steps in front of her coworker. "Makei already said no twice, one more denial or an aggressive gesture and we will have you thrown out of here."

"Is that so?" Link's anger-filled eyes suddenly go deadpan with a single blink, as he begins to get angrier. "What are you waiting for? Do it."

"Huh?" She blinks, unsure of what to say next. "S-Sir?"

"You heard me ma'am." Link nods. "Do. It."

"Just…" The woman sighs. "Leave our establishment at once. We do not want to call security but we will if we must."

"You can make our lives easier too by fulfilling my request. You want me out and I want something to drink."

Before either of the two bartenders can respond, Link executes a light jump and slides over the counter, moving calmly as he starts to grab bottles of liquor. And despite not knowing what any of them specifically are, he shrugs and reaches for his pouch to pull out what is more than likely the amount of lien needed

"STOP!"

Approximately seven men quickly emerge from the back, sprinting. In a perfect formation, each of them carries a baton in their right hands and they all wear the exact same attire: white suits, red ties, gray loafers, and pitch black sunglasses. The men in suits get in defensive stances while exchanging the batons from their right hands over to their left, showcasing their perfect coordination even further

(What is this?) Link completely ignores the two screaming bartenders behind the counter and turns his head to the security guards

Closing his eyes, he embraces the situation he has gotten himself into, leaves the bottles of liquor where they belong and slides over the bar again, ready to confront the men who are confronting him

"This would not be the first time I go up against generic guards." Link nods. "Do you guys happen to work for someone named Junior?"

"W-Who?!"

"That doesn't matter. Listen kid-!"

"I am done talking." Link opens his eyes and sharply cuts off the guard at the very front. "I am not looking for a fight but if you guys wish to fight me, I won't hesitate to take you all down!"

Time feels like it has come to a complete halt as the troubled Beacon student's eyes flash gold, his left hand rapidly moves to the handle of his sword before any of the 'foes' in front of him could even move a finger, let alone do anything with their 'batons'

"Make a decision." Link narrows his eyes and uses his right hand to throw three green cards of lien on the counter

With another rapid motion, slices through an empty but set up table with one swing, and slashes the chair in front of it twice. Three sword swings later, silverware, wood and glass collides against the shiny, polished wooden floor as the scared and dead silent customers gasp loudly

"You need to leave... P-Please!" The female bartender pleads as she ducks under the bar

"Get him out of here!" The male bartender known as Makei, barks orders at the guards whilst peeking his head from under the bar. "Veela stay there and do not come out!"

The security guards apply force and squeeze their batons at the exact same time. Seconds later, it becomes clear their batons are handles for swords, with the 'blades' being formed by dust which each form in unison. Holding their energy swords with composure, the men in suits fully intend on neutralizing the one person team if needed

(Swordsmen as well? I see…) Link nods. Let's see how you match up against a real swordsman. My weapons mean everything to me, they are an extension of who I am. Can you say the same about your weapons?!"

Link's shout echoes throughout the building and can be heard by anyone outside who is within range of the restaurant. Despite their calm demeanor, the security guards look hesitant to strike first as they know that regardless of Link being a first year student, this is a dangerous person to face off against

"ENOUGH!" Link slashes a second chair as the mysterious, twisted lines begin to emerge from his eyes and spread across his cheeks rigidly. "If you won't come to me, then I guess I will have to-!"

His feet shift as he prepares to implement rapid attacks and sharp footwork as a result of being outnumbered. But right as he is about to take off, his body shakes, emanating with tension, as he freezes and cannot spring forward to catch his opponents off guard anymore

(What the…? I cannot move, but why?)

Time comes to a complete halt as Link does not move, the armed security guards look puzzled, Veela emerges from her hiding spot while she and Makei gasp in shock, but also feel relief that the violence in their bar has stopped. Customers inside the bar continue to look on in concern and their silence promptly turns into gasps as well when it is not something, but someone who stops Link

"You idiot..." A soft voice is heard as slim arms covered by white silk wrap around Link's waist and squeeze him tightly

"What the-!" Link looks down and instantly recognizes who it is. "W-Weiss? What are you doing here?"

"I should ask you the same thing!" Weiss' voice cracks, making it evidently clear she is sad

Link's heart drops when he hears his friend and the twisted lines, along with his golden eyes quickly fade away, almost as if they never appeared. He tilts his head downward, to the right, and sees a glimpse of Weiss, a slow stream of tears trickle down her cheeks indicating that her sadness has resulted in tears

"Weiss..." Link struggles to turn as the heiress has a vice grip like hold around his waist

Through strenuous wriggling, the blonde boy finally turns his body one hundred and eighty degrees. However, as soon as he is able to face her, Link returns the hug and effortlessly lifts her off the ground

"You should stop what you're doing and let's head back okay?" Weiss sighs, then comfortably rests her head against her friend's shoulder

"Sure thing, Weiss." Link whispers as he gently lowers her to the ground. "There is oneee small issue."

"Yeah?" She looks up

"As nice as this is, we cannot leave if you are holding onto me with so much strength." Link chuckles

"O-Oh... Sorry!" Weiss gasps, blushes in embarrassment and quickly lets go, never breaking eye contact with her friend as she retracts her arms

Link quickly slides his sword back in his scabbard and does not look back as he just exits the bar in shame. Deep down, he wants to apologize for all of the ruckus he caused, but knows nothing will salvage what he did such as jumping over the bar after repeatedly being told no and what almost occurred had Weiss not been there

"Hey Weiss…. Can I ask you something?" Link slowly walks forward

He carefully plants his feet into the concrete with each step as to not to trip and fall but suddenly stops and realizes that Weiss is taking her time exiting the bar

"I HEARD YOU!" Weiss swings open the door and hurries to catch up with a hurried sprint. "Yes, ask away."

"Why the long stare?" Link raises an eyebrow. "When you were letting go of me, were you looking for something?"

"Oh, well yes I wanted to make sure that 'it' was gone." Weiss gestures towards her eyes and cheeks. "If you know what I meant."

"I see and yes I know what you mean. Sorry you had to see me that way… Again." He nods as his head drops. "Thank you Weiss, I thought I was completely alone. Seeing everyone turn their backs on me the way-!"

"Hey." Weiss firmly speaks as she grabs her friend's elbow to help him walk steadily. "Do not think that way. They simply don't understand why-!"

"No."

Weiss' justification for her team, most of team JNPR, CFVY, Sun, and Neptune is promptly shut down as Link shakes his head firmly

"I appreciate your efforts, Weiss. But I do not wish to hear you defend them. I know your heart is in the right place but do not do that for them." He sighs. "Our 'friends' do not deserve you sticking up for them."

"B-But…" Weiss stammers. "Link please."

"They made it clear what they think about me, so now I am doing that too."

"It doesn't have to be this way." Her bottom lip quivers

"Agreed, it does not have to be this way, it is-!" Link shakes his head again when cutting himself off. "I'm sorry Weiss, but I do not want to talk about this anymore or anything else. Can we just walk together? I want to enjoy your company."

Weiss sighs, sniffles loudly to hide her sadness, gives Link's elbow a firm squeeze and nods gently as she respects her friend's wishes. The pair of students remain in silence while they walk back to the Bullhead, the same one that brought them to the City of Vale to begin with

Several minutes later, Link and Weiss return safely back to the Beacon ship guard by at Atlesian soldier, after what feels like a long journey to make it back

"That was more than forty-five minutes kid! You are lucky Miss Schnee likes you for some reason."

"Yeah otherwise you'd be sleeping on the street tonight!"

"We should still leave him here. He didn't hold up his end of the deal after all, isn't that right?"

"That is enough." Weiss' says to the Atlas soldiers with a stern tone as she scowls

"Y-yes Miss Schnee, my apologies."

"Thank you, but don't apologize to me." A slight smirk appears on her face, "Apologize to Link."

"WHAT!?"

"But-!"

"Miss Schnee!"

"But nothing." Weiss crosses her arms and holds tightly onto Link's elbow, not allowing him board the bullhead

"Weiss?" Link turns to her, confused

"Fine, I'm sorry."

"This is ridiculous but whatever… Sorry kid."

"Sorry I guess."

"Thank you. We can get going now." The heiress gives them overly generous curtsy as she and her buzzed friend enter the bullhead and take their seats

"More like thank you." Link whispers in her ear. "Those jerks would never apologize to me if it was only me and them."

"You're very welcome." Weiss nods. "It's the least I could do."

Beacon Academy: Landing Docks

Ten minutes later, the ship properly lands this time and no further interactions occur between Link, Weiss or the rude soldiers when they exit the ship. The swordsman and glyph user slowly make their way back into the academy and walk quietly as they enter the dormitory wing. Whilst leading the way and being precise about their footsteps, Weiss impressively does not struggle at all, despite Link weighing more than her, along with having all of his gear on

"Please please pleaseee don't wake up."

Weiss internally speaks to herself as she deeply inhales and holds her breath while they pass by team RWBY's dorm. Luckily for her, she and her discombobulated friend make it past the room without any issue until they reach Link's dorm at last

"Phew." She sighs in relief. "I require your assistance please."

"My door?" Link sincerely laughs for the first time tonight. "I never lock it. Besides, ever since you guys broke into my room, Pyrrha actually messed up the lock with that semblance of hers."

"O-Oh!" Weiss sighs as she opens the door without the authentication of a scroll. "Sorry."

"No worries, it is just a door after all. Maybe I will ask Professor Ozpin if I can get a new door next semester. Or perhaps as soon as my name gets cleared-!"

"No Link, I mean that I… As in me. I AM SORRY." Weiss raises her voice to emphasize the last three words. "For every single time I gave you flack ever since we first met. I was really horrible to you and to a lot of people too. But ever since I met and have gotten to know my team, JNPR, CFVY, Sun, Neptune, and you, I discovered something else now. I realized that I could not possibly remain the same Weiss Schnee that first started at Beacon this semester. I'm not perfect, which is ironic because I sure acted like I was but-!"

"Shhh, that's enough." Link slips away from Weiss, walks over to his desk and remove all of his weapons along with his hat

"O-Oh… Very well then, sorry for rambling." She sighs. "I guess I should get going now."

Weiss turns to exit the dorm, but she finds herself in a familiar spot in the span of a few seconds. Link is now behind her, with his arms wrapped around her waist

"I said enough because you do not need to be sorry for the person you used to be. Yes you made mistakes, but nobody should hold that against you for the rest of your life. I know I won't and nobody else has the right to do so either."

Weiss tries to turn towards Link and her struggle makes him loosen his hold on the heiress. Once she successfully turns to face her friend, Weiss returns the hug and feels daring enough to lift him up in the air, attempting to copy the way Link picked up at the bar

"Weiss!" Link exclaims as his eyes widen. "What are you-!"

"Uh oh! Ahhhhh!"

The huntsman and huntress in training both tumbles backward as Weiss' thoughtful gesture does not go to plan. But rather than dramatics or experiencing physical pain, they look at each other and burst into laughter

"I know you are strong Weiss, but that was bold. I respect and appreciate the effort." Link chuckles and lightly squeezes Weiss' arm

"You made it look very easy the two times you picked me up recently." Weiss grins

"Fair enough... Hey Weiss?" Link looks into her light blue eyes

"Yes?"

"Everything you said, did you really mean it? I do not mean to question your intentions or loyalty… I simply need to know who really has my back." He holds out an open hand as they both lie on the ground

"Link." Weiss takes his hand as they execute a sloppy handshake whilst sprawled out on the floor. "I meant every word I said to you. Especially the part where I said I was nasty to you, desperately want to change that, and that I hope you can forgive me."

"Your apology has already been accepted, Weiss." Link sits up and smiles in her direction. "I was not perfect myself either, I could have been nicer to you sooner."

"Are you kidding?" Weiss sits up and scowls. "You were always nice to me, I was the jerk. The times you were snappy or aggressive, it is because I pushed you there."

"If you say so, although I respectfully disagree." Link nods, "Thank you for assuring me with your beautiful words, thank you for standing by me and lastly, thank you for looking out for me tonight." He quietly giggles. "And like I said, I know you blame yourself a lot but I could have reached out to you sooner and befriended each other sooner. But hey, better late than never, now come here."

Link gets up and extends his hand, Weiss takes it and is helped up to her feet with a gentle pull. She pats down her skirt to get rid of any dust or dirt

"I am glad I went to go find you, I could tell you did not look okay and I knew I could not let you go off on your own tonight." She sighs. "You could have been-!"

"Wait! My canteen." Link cuts her off and feels around his left side, remembering that he foolishly tossed it on the counter of the bar as horror begins to set in. "I left my canteen at that bar."

Link ponders going back to retrieve his cherished item from his first best friend, but as he paces back and forth, he comes face to face with Weiss, who has Ray's canteen perfectly safe in her hands

"This is what I stayed behind for." Weiss smiles and presents it to him. "You're welcome."

"You keep finding many ways to make me say thank you, don't you? But seriously, thank you Weiss."

Link takes the canteen, slots it down on the desk, next to his hat, then he whips around and lunges forward to give Weiss yet another hug, feeling eternally grateful to the generous heiress

"You do not have to keep hugging me!" Weiss says sternly, despite the faint blush spread across her cheeks

"Sorry, I really cannot thank you enough." He lifts her up and gently holds her. "I would offer you money I got as a mercenary, but what I have is a joke compared to what you have I'm sure."

"I would not accept it anyway. Although I probably should." Weiss sighs

"Huh? What do you mean by that? You have access to your family's money, right?"

Link lowers her to the ground, walks over to his bed, sits down, and then pats the spot on the mattress next to him

"Sit with me, let's talk some more."

"O-Okay." Weiss sits down and lets out another sigh, this one much weaker. "My father cut me off."

"But you are not bothered?"

"I was at first, but then I talked to Winter and realized that I do not need my father, my family's money or the Schnee name. For I am not just a Schnee, my name is Weiss after all." She smiles proudly while holding back some tears

"That's beautiful." Link nods. "And true at the same time. You are not THE WEISS SCHNEE, you are Weiss first. And hey, you might not have all the money in the world at your disposal anymore, but you are my friend and you will forever have my love, support, and loyalty."

"Now THAT is actually beautiful." Weiss' smile grows even wider. "And means a lot more to me than my father's money ever will."

"Thanks Weiss." Link smiles back. "Do you want to go back to your dorm now, I think you have managed me enough tonight-!"

"Stop it." She shakes her head. "Honestly, I was only going to leave when I thought you did not want to hear what I was saying anymore, I thought I annoyed you."

"Nonsense." Link rolls his eyes in a very exaggerated, sarcastic way. "Come on, I'll walk you there."

Weiss continues to shake her head and instead reaches for her scroll, first to check the time… Far too late to 'sneak' back into her dorm unnoticed

"Actually, I was just thinking of calling my sister and seeing if she can arrange somewhere for me to sleep tonight. It is already very late and I do not want to wake up my team."

"Well in that case." Link lifts up his hand and wags his finger. "You can stay here. Calling your sister and then walking to a new location is going to take up a lot of time."

"H-here?" Weiss stammers and looks around. "Are you sure about that?"

"If you do not want someone sleeping next to you then I can sleep on the floor." He nods

"But this is your dorm. I could not possibly do that to you." She vehemently shakes her head

"Hmm, well how about this… The choice is yours."

Link lies back across his bed horizontally and shrugs his shoulders, therefore putting all the pressure on Weiss

"You can call your sister, stay here and I sleep on the floor, or stay here and we can sleep in my bed together. Then there is the worst option, you risk waking up your team and having to explain where you have been all night."

"I think I am going to have to pick that we both sleep in your bed. This is your dorm, even if it was our dorm I still would not make you sleep on the ground." Weiss nods firmly without any hesitation. "I also do not want to reject your gracious offer of letting me stay the night."

"Very well then." Link adjusts himself to lie in bed vertically."Come on over, you can have the blanket and the pillows, I only ever use one anyway."

"Thank you for being very kind." Weiss walks around the bed or the opposite side and gets in bed

And yet… Despite their natural conversation that just took place after nearly half an hour of silence earlier in the night, the pair goes quiet once again, as all is not well. Weiss turns to face Link, but he is staring at the ceiling with his eyebrows furrowed

"What is on your mind?" Weiss asks with concern. "Don't be afraid to share."

"Nothing specific." Link mumbles. "I know I have you, Pyrrha, even Skylar and her team have my back. Although, I cannot lie when I say that even though YOU were the first on my side… I had my doubts, since you did not sound completely sure, but after tonight I owe you another apology. I am sorry"

"I do not want your apology, I'm happy you know where I stand now." Weiss continues to stare, wondering what sort of emotions her friend is feeling

"Yes." He weakly smiles. "I'm... Not happy Weiss, I know I am not alone but, it feels horrible having more friends turn their back on me than trust me. Ever since this happened, I wake up feeling miserable and not wanting to get out of bed."

Link turns to his left so that his back faces Weiss, not wanting to face her with sadness and hatred on his mind and a facial expression of pure anger now. He lets out a huff before opening his mouth again

"I want everything to go back to how it was before."

"L-Link..." Weiss quietly sighs before goes quiet, doing her best to sympathize with her friend

Seconds after they last speak soon turns into minutes as Link tenses up, with the anger beginning to overpower sadness. His fists ball up and his blood is shooting up from simmering to a boil at lightning speed, the blonde boy then hyperventilates and softly shakes, thinking about his so called friends, learning about Amber's fate, and furious that the evil doers have gone completely under the radar, with everybody seemingly oblivious. Lastly, frustration with himself for not giving every single detail of his past to his friends when he initially poured his heart out, as that would have absolved him from this current predicament

"H-Hey!" Weiss feels the tension and without thinking she shifts her body over, swiftly wraps her arms around Link, resting her chin on his shoulder, with no worry or concern when practically touch faces

Link instantly lets go of his formed fists and reaches to grab both of Weiss' arms. One of his hands grabs her forearm and the other grabs her hand, his gradually breathing slows down as the shaking soon goes away. Despite having a lot of anger pouring out of his heart, it is having a trustworthy friend next to him that puts Link at ease. Weiss' only reaction is to silently pout due to her friend's unfortunate near breakdown. She does not react physically to having her forearm and hand grabbed, but simply continues to hold Link while keeping her grip the same, not tight but very soft and passionate. From small talk to silence, then laughter and finishing it off with sadness, the room is cold as Link's window is slightly creaked open, but that does not faze the pair who hold and embrace each other, soon falling into a deep slumber

(Not weekly at all turns out, sorry everyone for the long hiatus lmao, I hope to stick around this time and really take this story to the next level. It has been on my mind 24/7 but the passion to actually sit down and write was not unfortunately, but now it's back.)