The 'Lone' Hero of Vale (RWBY & Link)

by SRenthusiast

Team RWBY runs into a classmate while on a self-assigned mission, when they realize he does not have any teammates because he is a one person team. Link quickly proves he's not just a swordsman and is very much worthy of calling himself a huntsman despite a dark past that correlates with major events. (More of a fusionfic since its Link in Remnant.) (Story is undergoing re-writes)

48. No More Secrets

Mistral: The Group's Home, Back Patio

Tensions are still high within the group of former Beacon students turned valiant heroes. Despite Link's improved mood since reuniting with Ruby in the forests of Anima, then Weiss and Yang most recently at the group's house in Mistral, another problem is taking place. This problem started after another successful morning of intense sparring with Ruby and Link, followed by a heartfelt conversation with him and Weiss in the kitchen, soon ending with the present members of team RWBY and Link sitting outside in the back patio, enjoying coffee and having a good time. The topic of reuniting and being together again soon shifted towards discussing the one and only, Blake Belladonna. It did not take a minute or a question for Yang to voice her displeasure and lack of desire to see Blake any time soon, and when questioned by her teammates, the blonde huntress snapped and activated her semblance 'Burn', much to the horror of her teammates. This sudden threat also prompted Link to step in and subtly threaten the girl he hugged the previous night. Yang, knowing she did wrong but too prideful to give in, left the group in silence and stormed to her room. After some quick deliberation, Weiss was chosen to head inside the house, talk with Yang and attempt to reason with her. This now leaves Ruby and Link sitting outside, alone, and in an awkward side hug, where the silver eyed girl decided to ask the young man in green his thoughts, regarding Blake and her decision to abandon her friends

"Liiiiink!" Ruby pouts, "You've been coming up with something to say for about…" She checks her left wrist, looking at an invisible watch. "...Ever!"

"Okay! I'm Sorry." Link chuckles. "My hesitance is because I fully understand both perspectives."

"What do you mean?" Ruby asks

"I mean that Blake had her reasons to leave. She-!" Link sighs. "In many ways, she is like me. Our pasts aren't the same but they were bad enough that we both tried to cover them up when we arrived at Beacon. You remember how hard it was to get Blake to talk, right?"

"Y-Yeah, of course!" Ruby nervously giggles. "And when she opened up, we spent days looking for her."

"Right. Blake's past was exposed first, then I was next not long after. She wanted to help her people, back when the faunus were always the victims and not the aggressors." Link nods. "But she was manipulated and unknowingly contributed to terrorism. Luckily, she picked up on the truth and made it out alive, with her sanity too."

"Oh no." Ruby sadly frowns. "Is he about to talk about…"

"I on the other hand simply wanted to survive by becoming a mercenary and I felt extremely lucky to work under Carter and the Black Hawks. When my group finally started doing good things to stand out from being just another money hungry, blood shedding, and heartless mercenary group, guess what? We were destroyed with blackmail, framing, death threats, and as you know… I next lost an entire village of good, fun loving, innocent people because of that. I did not emerge from my past with my sanity intact."

"Y-Yeah, I know…" Ruby shakes her head and hugs her friend. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." Link weakly smiles, "Sorry to recap my past, this isn't about me after all. My point is this, Blake should not have run away, but she ran away for the reasons she had before, which were the same reasons I ran away. We dropped our guard, opened up about our past, expressed what we wanted for ourselves in the future, and then the universe screwed us." He sighs. "Blake feels responsible for Yang losing her arm and I was here in time to help Pyrrha… But I could not save her."

"Link." Ruby's eyes are watery again. "You tried your hardest to save her, it's not your fault."

"I don't know." Link shakes his head. "Both of us know the Beacon's fall was not our fault and I shouldn't speak for Blake but based on my mentality, here's my take. I think we both wonder how things could and would have been different if we never attended Beacon or let down our guards."

"STOP!" Ruby snaps and tightly hugs him, "Stop, please. I cannot stand when you're sad and mentally torture yourself with what could have been." She looks up and notices Link's eyes are directly on hers. "Answer this. Do you regret applying and attending Beacon?"

"Ruby…" Link chuckles. "Not at all, I do admit that I obsess over what if's and what could have been, but I do not regret attending Beacon. I wouldn't have met any of you and that would have been my biggest mistake."

Link repeatedly shakes his head, then raises his hand up to her eyes and carefully wipes her tears away

"Out of all the mistakes I have made in my life, not meeting you, Weiss, Pyrrha, Blake, Velvet, Yang, Coco, Ren, Sun, Yatsuhashi, Fox, Nora, Jaune, or Neptune would have been the worst thing to ever happen to me. We can throw in Skylar, Violet, Leo, and Ryker in there too, but they were later additions."

"That's good." Ruby weakly smiles, "It would have been gut wrenching if you felt otherwise." She lets out a sigh of relief. "Hey… Since you and Yang have loved being brutally honest recently, I want you to answer another question. Do you think Blake will come back?"

"Honestly?" Link smiles. "Yes, Blake will come back. My words alone do not guarantee anything of course, and it's a feeling stronger than a gut feeling but it comes straight from the heart. Blake is out somewhere, handling personal business or tying up loose ends, and definitely making an impact in the world, while we do the same here."

"Sweet, I'm glad you feel that way." Ruby nods

"Of course." Link grins. "When the time is right, she'll come back… I know you, Weiss, me, Jaune, Nora, and Ren will welcome her back with open arms. I just hope Yang does the same."

"Y-Yeah… I hope so too." Ruby loosens her grip but continues to gently hug him. "Do you think they're okay? Yang and Weiss?"

"I have faith in Weiss." Link looks up at the sun at a perfect time, now that the clouds part ways and allow the big star to shine brightly. "If it helps you feel better, do you want to go check on them?"

"Yes please! I was thinking you'd never bring it up!" Ruby sighs in relief, lets go of the blonde young man and quickly springs to her feet. "Let's go!"

"W-Wait-!" Link turns but Ruby is already long gone. (I was going to say wait, don't barge in because they are maybe still in the middle of their conversation, but we'll see if Ruby chooses wisely.)

Sitting alone in the back patio, Link exhales loudly before rising up to his knees, he grabs the tray Weiss used to bring everyone's coffees and puts his cup, along with Ruby's on the tray, grabs it by its handles, pushes up to his feet and heads back inside. Third time is not the charm regarding Oscar, who is no longer in the training room and there is no sign of anybody else in the living room except Qrow and the farmhand are in the kitchen, making small talk while Qrow makes tea. Link heads upstairs and makes it to the first floor. The young man walks to the kitchen, places the tray on the counter, turns on the sink to rinse and allow the coffee cups to soak in warm water, then quickly sprints towards the stairs

(W-What the?!) Link's jaw drops to the floor when realizing the room Yang chose to sleep in happens to be right next to his and Weiss'. (I really hope she didn't do that on purpose.)

"There you are!" Ruby whispers. "They just finished talking, we should knock now before they talk some more."

"Right." Link nods and gestures for her to knock

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Ruby opens the door before anybody gives her the okay the enter, Link trails behind her and peeks by poking his head over the young huntress

"Is, uh... everything okay?" Ruby mumbles. "Sis? Weiss?"

"Yeah." Yang looks over at her teammate. "It is, things are going to be okay."

"That's a relief." Ruby happily nods and on cue, she softly elbows the young man behind her in the midsection. "Link here has something to say too."

"Oh really?" Yang crosses her arms and grins

"I do." Link nods and sincerely smiles at Yang. "Sorry for being cold blooded about the subject of your mom. My point was that, I want to keep all of you safe and if she is a potential enemy… I will protect you all. I am also sorry for essentially almost fighting you. Those red eyes, I know you can do a lot of damage with them, you aimed them at your teammates, and I just jumped in without thinking."

"Apologies accepted." Yang nods back, "But since we're being fair…" She glances at both her teammates, "I'm sorry to you Weiss and you sis. I shouldn't be losing my cool like that with any friend, let alone you guys, who are my family. Annnd…" The blonde huntress turns her attention back to Link. "Don't worry about stepping in to defend them. The fact that you go out of your way to protect them from anybody, even me, says a lot."

"What does it say?" Link raises an eyebrow

"That you'll protect my sister and Weiss, no matter the enemy." Yang winks. "And if you really mean what you said about protecting the rest of us from danger too, I believe my life is safe when you're around."

"You bet it is."

Link smiles but says no more, he reads the room and feels as if his and Ruby's presence is welcome, but right now Weiss and Yang need some more alone time to bond together

"We'll leave you two for a bit. Come on Ruby." Link grabs the silver eyed girl by her hood, lighting tugging on her to follow along

"O-Okay!" Ruby agrees without asking questions

"Cya later guys!" Yang waves. "Maybe we can actually have dinner with the whole gang tonight."

"That sounds wonderful." Link nods

"Bye…" Weiss waves at both of them, but her eyes fixate on Link

(Hmmm, this is not normally what I do… But here goes nothing.) Link breathes in, meets Weiss' eyes and slyly winks at her before walking away, continuing to pull Ruby by her hood

"Why are your cheeks red?!" Yang loudly calls out, completely on purpose

"Shut up!" Weiss stands up, walks over to the room and slams the door shut

---

Forests of Anima: Branwen Tribe Camp

Cinder Fall, Arthur Watts, Emerald Sustrai, and Mercury Black have successfully entered the camp of Raven Branwen's bandit tribe, with only Emerald having to fight a couple of bandits before the rest surrendered and allowed them inside. The group of four are led to Raven's tent by Vernal, and soon enough, the villains all stand and wait while the bandits surround them and slowly close in, the same way they did when Yang was here not long ago. Vernal enters the tent, warns Raven of the intruders, and soon enough, the older Branwen sibling finds herself being forced into business with Salem's crew

"...The only reason you're still alive is because you have something our master wants." Cinder snickers. "Of course, if I'm wrong, our conversation can end right now."

Cinder activates her maiden powers again, a magical fiery glow is present around her eye as she creates a small flame in her right hand, grinning evilly

"That won't be necessary." Raven fearlessly turns her back on Cinder and glances at her tent. "Vernal!"

Vernal audibly sighs, drops her weapons, steps out of Raven's tent, walks over and stands next to her

"So, this is the long lost spring maiden." Cinder chuckles. "Okay then, prove it."

"No!" Raven shakes her head. "You're not the only one with leverage to run this discussion. You might think you have control over everything, Cinder… But the world doesn't revolve around you. Vernal has done well under my guidance. I'd take that into consideration before you try anything, if you really think she's not the spring maiden."

Arthur narrows his eyes, attempting to use basic analysis to see if Raven or Vernal are lying. However both woman and girl stand side by side, appearing confident

"Raven…" Cinder begins. "I won't underestimate you, so please don't insult my intelligence. Instead, listen to my words, there is a slim chance that you and your Maiden could escape or win today, but if you know our master as well as you claim to… Then you know you can never truly escape her. But we come bearing an olive branch."

"Yes, at last we can discuss our plan." Arthur walks to Raven and Vernal, "We do not intend on hoarding maidens, Salem's true desires are the Relics locked inside the Huntsman Academies. Is it quite simple, come with us, Vernal here can unlock the vault for the Relic of Knowledge, and all previous acts of defiance against Salem will be forgiven." He leans into Raven's ear to whisper. "It's the best deal either of you are going to get."

"You talk as if walking into Haven will be easy." Raven shakes her head as Arthur walks away to rejoin his group

"It will be. Headmaster Lionheart is loyal to Salem. And now, all we need is the key to the vault." Cinder smiles. "You're not the only one to turn your back on Ozpin."

"I'm not helping Salem and I'm not helping Oz!" Raven bends her knees and grabs the handle of her sword. "I don't want a part in any of this!"

"That ship sailed when you chose to harbor a Maiden." Cinder shakes her head. "But if you come with us to Haven, we'll leave you, your tribe, and your little secret to live out the rest of your lives, squabbling in the wilderness."

"And you don't have time to make a choice either." Arthur grins. "In two days, Haven Academy will be destroyed by the White Fang. You're going to choose now and your decision will decide the fate of your tribe."

"Precisely." Cinder nods. "What's it going to be, Raven? Are you with us… Or against us?"

After a tense minute, where Vernal also gets into an attacking stance, Raven lets go of her sword and takes her mask off

"You're going to need to give me more. I don't gain anything out of this!" She shouts

"You are in a poor position to negotiate." Arthur wags his finger. "Unless you want a little bit of money, I suggest you-!"

"I want my brother dead!" Raven snaps

"Qrow?" Cinder's jaw drops. "Out of everything you could have asked for, you want… Your brother… Dead?"

"That's right. He knows I have the spring maiden. If I help you get your Relic, Qrow is going to become a problem and I have enough problems on a daily basis. Now, you people are forcing my hand." Raven shakes her head. "My brother doesn't trust me, but he does trust Ozpin's other lieutenants." She smirks. "So if Leo really is loyal to you, then you can order him to invite Qrow into an ambush. He arrives at Haven, we take him down, you get your Relic, and we all leave happy."

"Okay…" Cinder chuckles. "Now this is a proposition I can get behind."

"Let's pause for a moment." Arthur interjects. "We have one objective, retrieving the Relic of Knowledge, understood?" Qrow Branwen may be on our list of individuals we would very much like dead, but he's not going to go down without a fight, and he's not going to fight quietly. A battle with your brother is going to draw a lot of attention from-!"

"Stop." Raven rolls her eyes. "Qrow is good, but not that good. All of us against him? It'll be over in a heartbeat."

"But it's not just him. He has all of the students with him. He has Ruby! He has Link!" Emerald shouts. "They have all been major pains in our asses!"

"Excuse me?" Raven's ears perk. "My brother has Link with him?"

"You know him?" Cinder raises an eyebrow as her lips curl into a devious smile. "Because Qrow certainly does have Link with him. Is that boy someone you're interested in?"

"That's none of your business." Raven narrows her eyes. "I want him dead too. More than my brother."

"We can make that happen, but as long as we work together." Cinder nods

"Ladies please." Arthur groans and rubs his temples with both hands. "If we leave that school a bloody mess, it will draw the attention of the authorities! Every kingdom will be on high alert, and the White Fang's attack will be-!"

"Then we wait. We wait until the full moon." Cinder steps forward. "Leo invites Qrow and his little fighters to Haven, on the same night Hazel and Adam arrive with the White Fang. As soon as the battle is won, we can leave with the relic. Then, the White Fang demolishes Haven, and any evidence we may have left behind is lost along with the school."

"Then, Salem leaves me and my people a-alone." Raven's voice cracks momentarily. "For good."

"You have yourself a deal."

Cinder continues walking forward and extends her arm to shake hands with Raven, but Arthur suddenly lunges forward and grabs her wrist

"Wait."

"What are you doing?!" Cinder frowns and grits her teeth together

"Don't think I don't see what you're after." Arthur leans down to look into her eyes. "If this falls to pieces over your grudges with a couple of children, specifically Ruby Rose… I will not be taking the blame."

"Hmph." Cinder's expression eases in a second. "Then what are you worried about?"

Cinder activates her maiden powers once more, the side of her right eye streaks with fire and suddenly a flame engulfs her wrist, which burns and sets Athur's hand on fire. The sudden combustion forces the man to instantly let go of the Fall Maiden's wrist, shake his own hand in a hurry to get rid of the fire, holding it in pain with an angry expression

"You won't even be there when Haven falls, so fly back home and tinker with your machines." Cinder walks forward and extends her arm. "While you're there, tell Salem she'll get what she wants… And more."

Raven tenses up for a moment, looking frozen in fear, but she glares at the hand being presented in front of her. The tribe leader extends her arm and shakes hands with Cinder, sealing their partnership

"We'll be on your way, see you in Mistral."

The fall maiden winks with her only working eye and walks away. Emerald and Mercury trail behind her and only Arthur remains behind for a few seconds. He respectfully nods at Raven, then walks away to depart from the tribe's camp

"Hmm…" Raven walks back and leans over to quietly whisper in Vernal's ear. "Follow them, they definitely aren't locals. I need to know where they are operating from so I know if we can move camp without being trailed."

"Yes ma'am." Vernal nods

"Be careful." Raven pleads

"They won't even know I followed them."

Vernal walks off, leaving the tribe leader standing in front of her tent, wondering about the deal she just made. All doubts fade shortly, when Raven begins to create her own plan for the coming days

---

City of Mistral: The Group's Home, Link's and Weiss' room

"GAHHH!"

"I GOT YOU!"

"NOPE!"

"THINK AGAIN!"

The shouts come from Ruby and Link, who are sitting side by side on Weiss' bed, dueling with max intensity and energy… On their scrolls, playing Ruby's favorite video game

"Wow Link, you absolutely stink! Hehehe!" Ruby giggles whilst she easily defeats Link in an archaic two-dimensional fighting game

"H-Hey! I don't play video games and you're not going easy on me!" Link sighs in disappointment as their scrolls show the amount of times they have played against each other. Next, his scroll displays that Ruby has won every single game, with a scoreline of fifty-one to zero

"Uh, yeah duh! I won't go easy on anyone! I am the best at video games!" Ruby pumps her fist in the air triumphantly

"I guess my memory must be having issues again. Didn't your uncle completely annihilate you and Yang at Beacon?" Link smirks. "I remember Yang was furious and-!"

"Shhh!" Ruby shakes her head and overpowers her friend's words with her shushing. "Nope! That didn't happen at all! Maybeee I lost one game but I got the better of uncle Qrow."

"Right, let's go with that version of events." Link snickers but then closes his scroll abruptly. "This has been fun but I have had enough of getting pummeled for one day."

"Can't handle the heat?" Ruby nudges him with her elbow

"Oh we are not through with our games, no way." Link grins. "I just need a break and we should probably go downstairs to see what's going on."

"If Jaune, Nora, or Ren are downstairs, can you at least greet them nicely?" Ruby sighs, "Don't force me to make you be nice!"

"And how would you do that?" Link crosses his arms and glares at her with a big grin on his face

"That's it! You asked for it!" Ruby shuts her eyes, exhales deeply, then opens her eyes to reveal big, wide, shimmering eyes, puppy dog eyes, and appearing on the brink of tears. "Pleaseee?"

"Okay stop!" Link looks away, laughing as he shakes his head. "That's not fair, you know I hate when you're sad."

"But did I win?" Ruby giggles

"You sure did." He nods and stands up. "If anyone from team JNPR is downstairs, I will say hi. I promise. Let's go downstairs now."

"Woohoo!" Ruby chants and gets up as well, following closely behind

Approximately ten seconds later, Ruby and Link make their way downstairs, now Qrow and Oscar are in the living room. Qrow sits on the single seater couch while Oscar sits to his right on the two seater couch. The hazel eyes of the farmhand glow with a glimmer of gold, signaling the two teenagers that Professor Ozpin is currently in control. Link and Ruby nod at one another to remain quiet and sneak towards the pair while they are in the middle of their conversation

"...It doesn't take a great number of people to cause harm, but I still believe there are far more people in this world willing to prevent-!" Ozpin whips his head to the left, spotting the sneaky teenagers. "Miss Rose and Mister Link, you do not have to eavesdrop, please join us. Qrow and I were just about to gather everyone after our brief conversation."

"Yeah Oz and I were going to run you kids through the next step in our plan." Qrow nods. "And we have to address two idiots in our group who won't stop fighting with each other."

"I am not interested." Link sighs, "Respectfully, of course. I think that bridge with Jaune is burnt to a crisp." He internally shrugs. (Ugh. No more expressions about burning, it doesn't feel right considering…)

"Perhaps." Ozpin shuts his eyes in disappointment. "However, bridges can always be rebuilt, Mister Link and you're not naive. They do take time."

"Yes, professor." Link nods. "I understand."

"Look, we're not asking you to hug it out and become best friends." Qrow shrugs. "When it's time to fight Raven and her bandits, I don't want to have to worry about you two breaking out into a fight when we're outnumbered."

"That is definitely something I can get behind, but even if we break out into a fight." Link smirks. "I can look after my-!"

"Not the point." Qrow narrows his eyes. "Are you on our side or are you looking out for yourself?"

"I was joking." He shrugs. "Of course on your side. I can work alongside Jaune, it's he who you should be questioning, not me."

"We fully intend on doing that." Qrow grunts

"Good." Link chuckles. "Finally the questions are on someone else for a change."

"Speaking of questions, I might have home." Ruby raises her hand

"Sure. What's on your mind kiddo?" Qrow asks

"Well, uh…" Ruby hesitates. "We've-!"

Rumble! Rumble!

(Come on.) Link frowns as he pretends to look around, but all eyes are on him in seconds

"Are you hungry?" Ozpin raises an eyebrow

"Not at all, I already ate. Wei-!" Link catches himself and wags his fingers, making the decision to not share. "I ate."

"Clearly not enough. Go get some food." Qrow nods his head towards the kitchen. "You won't be of much use on an empty stomach."

"Is that so?" Link taps his chin with his index finger. "I seem to recall handling Tyrian better than you did on an empty-!"

"Hey." Qrow smiles but with an annoyed expression on his face. "We get it, the prick poisoned me and I almost died. Go get some food so you build up more energy and be stronger, how's that?"

"Better."

Link gives them both a thumbs up, taps on Ruby's shoulder, then heads to the kitchen… Where Lie Ren is currently preparing himself a sandwich

"Hey… Ren." He greets him politely

"..." Ren sighs. "Hello, Link. I am surprised you've decided to speak with me. Would you like a sandwich?"

"You're… Not mad at me?" Link almost takes a step back in disbelief. "Okay, I would like a sandwich, please and thank you."

"To answer your question." Ren lowers his voice, "I am upset, yes. But not mad." He nods. "For absolute clarification, I am upset at both you and Jaune."

"Both of us, huh?" Link nods, clearly impressed. "I guess I'm confused. Yesterday you were-!"

"Jaune told us the full truth. Well, after you told us the full truth from your perspective." Ren sighs. "This happened after you went upstairs, everybody left the living room. Jaune himself left the house for a walk. Nora and I followed him."

"How did you get him to talk?" Link shrugs. "Knowing him-!"

"Stop." Ren cuts him off as he finishes preparing a sandwich, places it on a plate, and slides it to his left. "Here, this is for you."

"Thanks." Link smiles and walks to Ren, standing beside him as he picks up the sandwich and closely looks at the contents inside: lettuce, tomato, thin slices of cheese and more crispy pork. Seconds later, he gives it a small bite

"Jaune couldn't keep lying to himself or his closest friends." Ren mumbles. "We calmly requested the truth from him and gave him the time he needed to talk."

"Good." Link narrows his eyes. (This sounds almost too good to be true, but maybe my words really broke him and snapped the guy out of his delusional state.)

"You two used to be really close, I do not want you two fighting any more than you already have." Ren shakes his head. "Now that we are aware of everything, I will tell you that I was on Jaune's side but not anymore. I am on the side of doing the right thing and I think you both have done wrong things."

"But…" Link takes another small bite. "What I said was the truth."

"Yes, it was, that isn't what upsets me." Ren shakes his head

"Is that so? What about what I said is upsetting you?" Link shrugs

"You chose certain words to get in Jaune's head and I know it was solely intended for him, but it affected everyone in the room, including Ruby, Weiss, and Yang." Ren loudly exhales. "Hearing the gruesome details of Pyrrha's death was not something anybody needed to hear and that was only the worst one."

"So the truth was fine but not the extra details, I see." Link nods and takes a bigger bite, but the hungry young man finishes the bite of the sandwich in his mouth within seconds. "Why are you telling me this? Yesterday you were on his side."

"I…" Ren sheepishly scratches his head as he rapidly makes more sandwiches. "I've been agreeing with Jaune because he is my former leader and because Nora is strongly on his side. I, on the other hand, was not completely sold. I went along with it for Nora's sake. With the full story being out, it's only right to tell you the truth about where I stand too."

"Understood, thanks for telling me." Link finishes his sandwich in a few more bites and nods respectfully. "Qrow and Professor Ozpin are going to call everyone soon, tell Jaune and Nora to mentally prepare for what may come next."

"Thank you." Ren places three of the same type of sandwich on a plate, nods at Link, then walks away

(That was… An oddly productive conversation.) Link frowns, skeptical of the wise Ren, but swiftly pushes his skepticism to the side and walks back to the living room after washing his hands

"Is there anything else we can help you with?" Ozpin smiles

"Well, I did have one more question." Ruby's eyes wander to Professor Ozpin's weapon of choice. "It's on the topic of Relics-!"

"No, my cane is not a Relic." Ozpin smirks

"I have no more questions." Ruby giggles

"Yes." Ozpin nods. "While this cane is indeed very precious to me, it is also just that. I admit, it still has a few more tricks up its sleeve, I can firmly say that being a Relic isn't one of them. Now why don't you-!"

BUZZZZZ! BUZZZZZ!

Qrow's scroll vibrates but makes no sound. He takes it out from his pocket to sees the contact name "Leo Lionheart" calling

"Who is it?" Link asks as he stands behind Ruby

"Leo." Qrow frowns as he hears a third BUZZZZZ! before picking up, "Leo? Yeah? Okay… I understand… Yeah… We'll be there. Just make sure you don't lose track of time again." He angrily hangs up the phone and sets it on the table

"What did Professor Lionheart have to say?" Ruby smiles brightly

"He…" Qrow sighs while taking out his flask. "...Says he had a 'breakthrough' with the council. Thinks he might be able to get together a small team for the bandits. And wants us to meet up at the school tomorrow night to walk us through it."

"Is that all?" Link frowns

"Leo did was to preferably come alone or whoever wants to join me can tag along." Qrow nods

"Oh my goodness!" Ruby gasps. "A breakthrough at last? Oh that's great! I'll go get the others."

Ruby runs away to first grab Jaune, Nora and Ren. Link, on the other hand, runs upstairs to get Weiss and Yang as Qrow takes a drink from his flask. Minutes later, team RJNR, Yang, Weiss, and Link are downstairs. Nora and Ruby squeeze next to Professor Ozpin. Jaune and Ren stand, lastly there's Link, Weiss, and Yang, who sit on the three seater couch

"Good day everybody." Ozpin clears his throat. "I was originally going to call on this meeting for a different reason, to discuss our next steps going forward, but if Miss Rose and Mister Link told you all about Professor Lionheart's call with Qrow, now you know our next steps."

Everybody nods in agreement and then Link unknowingly grabs everybody's attention when he takes Qrow's flask out of his hands and opens it to take a drink

"Mister Link? What are you doing?" Ozpin stares daggers at him

"Huh?" Link blinks in confusion and then the young man remembers, he did not tell anybody about the previous day and the result of their failure to find huntsmen and huntresses. "Uhhh, my bad?"

"You can't even lie properly, good one." Qrow takes back his flask

"Please, don't ever touch alcohol again until you're twenty-one." Ozpin mumbles

"You're drinking again?!" Ruby frowns. "What happened to water and coffee only?"

"I cracked yesterday." Link's eyes fixate on the fixed table in front of them. "I'm sorry."

"Good, you better be sorry because there are no excuses." Weiss crosses her arms. "You need to do better and make sure it never happens again."

"Yeahhh! I couldn't agree any more! Goooo Weiss!" Yang pumps her robotic hand in the air

"Again, I'm sorry." Link sighs at his foolish mistake, but knows deep down that the girls are correct. "Please continue, professor."

"Yes." Ozpin nods. "We are going to take the rest of the day to train, relax, eat, and sleep as we prepare for an important meeting tomorrow. Then the day after, we will be in for a battle with the Branwen tribe."

"R-Really?!" Yang gasps

"Finally!" Nora cheers

"Some progress at last." Jaune mumbles

"Buuuut?" Qrow nods at Ozpin

"Yes, before we discuss Qrow's call with Leonardo, we decided to round you all up to discuss two young men who have been going at it as of late." Ozpin nods to Jaune, then turns his attention towards Link. "Gentlemen, we need to be united and my apologies if I am coming off as rude but… Ever since you five children and Qrow arrived in Mistral, you two have been determined to make each other miserable and that is not good at all."

(Here we go, what's he going to say?) Link sighs and glances in Jaune's direction, but focuses more on Ren instead

"What Oz is trying to say is this." Qrow stands up and chugs the rest of the alcohol in his flask, "You two brats need to settle this feud now before we run into the enemy. Oz has not been able to adjust Oscar's body to full fledged combat yet, which leaves me as the person looking out for everyone." He shrugs. "And I'll be damned if I have Raven near defeat and then you two idiots ruin everything."

"Qrow?" Ozpin nods at him. "Tell them."

"Right." Qrow shrugs. "I heard everything you two idiots said yesterday, from your powerful words." He looks at Jaune. "Then your truthful words." The older man glances at Link. "And I told Oz everything."

"You did what?!" Jaune shakes his head. "Why?"

"Because he's Oz, if anyone can help you two after my nieces and the rest of your friends couldn't, it's him." Qrow nods and sits back down

"Spare us the speech, professor." Link shakes his head. "I know you have words of wisdom and your brain is a fascinating temple, but Jaune and I don't have much to say to each other."

"For once, I agree with Link." Jaune nods

"Very well then." Ozpin grips his cane tightly. "As Qrow already said, we will be facing the enemy very soon and we will need all of our combined strength and efforts to emerge victorious. We cannot and will not win if we are united but split at the same time. You two have your differences, there is no denying that but please, can you two agree to work together for the greater good? To rid the world of Salem, Cinder, and anyone associated with the evil people that want to destroy Remnant."

Link and Jaune look to one another and uncomfortably exchanges glances, but do not appear moved in the slightest, which forces Professor Ozpin to dig deep and touch on a personal topic for everyone

"The destruction caused by the White Fang and Cinder Fall… Beacon's demise… The deaths of civilians, soldiers, students such as Miss Polendina and Nikos and the death of my predecessor was the fault of neither of you." Ozpin extends his arm and points his cane at Jaune. "Mister Arc, I hope you understand that Qrow, Professor Goodwitch, General Ironwood, and myself were very aware of the enemy's presence looming and thought we were prepared for any attack that came our way. Whether Mister Link spoke sooner, later or not at all was not relevant." He shifts his focus to Link and points the cane at him. "You, Mister Link, need to tone down your negativity and harshness, along with being more considerate of how you talk to others. Everyone fought hard on that day. Just because you killed more Grimm or impressively climbed to the top of Beacon tower with just your physicality and sword alone, it does not discredit the efforts of Mister Arc, Mister Ren, Miss Valkyrie, or anybody else who fought to protect my school."

"Okay, I'm following." Link slowly nods. "What's your point, professor?"

"My point is that it is all my fault. Beacon fell because of my inability to defeat evil and my failure to protect you students. The dear friends you all lost was because of me." Ozpin lowers the cane and drops his head to stare at the floor. "I couldn't stop Salem in the distant past, the same way I couldn't stop her months ago during the fall of Beacon, and the reason why this war with her is still happening right now."

Deathly silence follows after Professor Ozpin speaks his version of the truth and predictably, it leaves everyone in stunned silence, even Qrow. Until Link stands up and slightly picks up his head to meet the eyes of the other blonde boy standing across him

"I will go first, I know I'm not the same person you guys knew at Beacon, for the better or worse is up to you guys to decide. But, if I say anything that will convince you that I'm here for the right reasons, it is that you can still rely on me to fight for you all. And if it means helping save the world and keeping the people I care about safe, I can definitely work with you, Jaune." Link nods at him, though his twitching eyebrow suggests struggle. "Whether it's Raven and her bandits, Tyrian returning for a rematch, or Cinder herself confronting us, stopping every form of evil is our top priority."

"Yeah, okay." Jaune extends his arm and offers his hand. "If it means stopping the people who took Pyrrha, Penny and Beacon from us, I can work with you, Link. As the remaining remembers of team JNPR, our original goal was to help get Ruby to Mistral safely. Now that we're here in Mistral together and you joined us, followed by Professor Ozpin, then Yang and Weiss, we have a new common goal. To stop this Salem person and to stop the people who took everyone and everything from us."

"I hear you, but…" Link extends his arm but slaps away the hand in front of him, much to everyone's disappointment, "We're not there Jaune. I apologize to everyone if I just ruined the moment for you all, but like I said." He narrows his eyes. "For what you accused me of and blamed me for… The respect I had for you is gone."

"Almost had them, Oz." Qrow mumbles. "But at least you both agreed to stop being brats and work together, because we need EVERYONE on the same page."

"Correct." Ozpin nods. "I for one…"

And then suddenly, his words can no longer be heard by Link, who internally panics as Professor Ozpin speaks, Qrow narrows his eyes and the rest of the young man's friends nod or raise eyebrows.

(O-Oh n-no! Not again. This is like before… When I couldn't hear Qrow… In the forests, or when… H-He and Professor Lionheart were speaking, b-but, why?)

Without saying a single word, Link turns around and begins to walk away from the entire group, his eyes are wide and he takes deep but rapid breaths. And while the struggling young man thinks he is making a clean getaway, everyone turns to look at him, with one person in particular catching a glimpse of his panic stricken expression

"Link?" Weiss worriedly turns her head, she bites her lip nervously

"Where are you going?" Ruby asks, cupping both hands over her mouth to project her voice louder. "Hey!"

"It's like he's deaf." Yang waves to him to try and capture his visual attention. "Has that happened before?"

"Y-Yeah…" Ruby sighs, "He is probably seeing something right now." She points to her skull with an index finger. "If you guys understand what I'm saying."

"I don't understand." Nora shakes her head. "What is it? Does his head hurt?"

"They don't know…" Weiss gasps. "Wait, who does know about the visions Link sees?"

"More than likely, it's another deep, underlying issue that none of us are aware of." Ren whispers

"I know about it." Ruby nervously speaks up. "But it's something really personal, I don't know if Link wants me to tell any of you about it."

"How personal is it?" Jaune asks

"Very, I might be the only one to know about it." Ruby shakes her head

"You're not alone, Ruby." Weiss mumbles. "I know what you're referring to."

"O-Oh…" Ruby sighs. "That's a relief."

"We understand that you can't tell us. Maybe one day, he'll tell us.." Qrow solemnly nods, but turns back to Ozpin. "Keep going Oz, someone can tell him all the details later. I need a volunteer."

"I will do it." Weiss speaks up

"Good." Professor Ozpin stands up and begins speaking again

Meanwhile, Link slowly, gingerly, and weakly makes his way upstairs, on the surface, he looks slightly stressed and on the verge of a panic attack. But on the inside, the young man is being eaten alive with guilt and hatred. In the midst of the ensuing struggle, his heart beats rapidly, followed by more heavy breathing whilst hurriedly entering his room, and a quick slamming of his door separates him from the rest of his friends even further. Link, by some miracle, has the wherewithal to unhook his belt, gently set it on the nightstand, taking his weapons off his bed, lets them fall to the ground, and lie down on his bed

(C-Can't… B-Breathe…) Link shuts his eyes and attempts to go to sleep by trying his absolute hardest to slow his breathing and relax his body, but the feeling only gets worse and soon, his head starts to pound in excruciating pain. (GAH!) Suddenly feeling nauseous, the struggling young man trembles as if he were cold while he holds his stomach with both of his hands. But those same hands suffer as well, now experiencing tingling and a slight pricking stabbing sensation, like needles on each finger. (W-What… The… Hell?!) Unfortunately, it does not stop there as Link turns in bed, sweating profusely and despite his attempted slow breathing and relaxing in bed, he curls into what looks like a ball but in reality it is the muscles in his body tensing up and refusing to let him move freely. Link opens his mouth to desperately scream for somebody to check on him, but no words come out. (Am… I… Mute… Again?)

Fear consumes him and hope appears to be lost, with Link experiencing multiple emotions and feelings in his body within the span of minutes, until…

"Ahhhhhh!"

(N-NO!... P-Pyrrha!)

Link opens his eyes but instead of the cozy room inside the group's two story mistral house, he is on top of Beacon Tower. He is also in the exact same position as he was when lying in bed, a curled up, frozen, sweaty, trembling, hyperventilating, tense and nerve ridden mess. And now, his dark visions have him lying this way on concrete. It is indeed the scene from the top of the tower, the young man visualizes it based off what he precisely saw, while he cannot move in the slightest or stop envisioning it

"Do you believe in destiny?" Pyrrha looks into Cinder's eyes and with no fear in her face, stares right her opponent and never once breaks eye contact

"Yes." Cinder's smile disappears and a frown takes its place instead, signaling what comes next

Link watches Cinder Fall form her bow and arrow again out of shards of glass. She pulls back an arrow and lowers the bow to aim at the defeated Pyrrha Nikos, who shuts her eyes and accepts her fate. The new fall maiden narrows her eyes and releases the bow with full power, striking Pyrrha directly in the chest within a second

(Why does it always have to be this?! STOP!)

Cinder's clicking heels loudly stomp inside Link's head as the woman places a hand on Pyrrha's head and uses her maiden powers to incinerate the young girl completely. The sweet red haired girl inhales one more time before she stops moving and gasping, her body glows orange briefly and then scatters away into ashes with the flowing wind. Cinders smirks and sadistically holds Pyrrha's circlet, one of the remaining items that survived before heartlessly dropping it on the ground like garbage

(P-Pyrrha…)

Link shuts his eyes, attempting to get rid of the vision but his vision does not go black, instead it rewinds all the way back to the beginning of Pyrrha's death at the hands of Cinder over, and over, and over, and over again. The young man hyperventilates when realizing he is stuck in this endless loop of mental torture with no end in sight to it…

---

Forests of Anima: Branwen Tribe Camp

Raven Branwen sits on her bed, sharpening her red sword with a stone, but in a disconnected and zoned out way as she waits for her protege to return with news. The woman looks up and on cue, Vernal enters the tent in perfect health

"Yes, Vernal?" Raven does not turn her head, knowing exactly who it is

"I followed them as you asked." Vernal nods. "They have a ship about a mile and half west of here, it looks like they're staying there until they're done in Mistral."

"Thank you, Vernal." Raven wraps up her blade sharpening and tosses the stone on her bed. "Anything else?"

"To report on? No, but I did have three questions." Vernal's expression alters completely, from confidence to concern. "Do you actually believe they'll let us go once they have the Relic?"

"Of course not." Raven shakes her head, "Salem will never leave us alone. Once our purpose has come and gone, we'll be discarded. If we want to have any chance of defending ourselves against Salem, then we need this Relic." She slots her sword back in its scabbard and stands up. "If Qrow and those children want to follow Ozpin, then let them. They can fight to the death with Salem's followers while we grab the Relic and make our escape."

"And the fact that your daughter will be a part of all that?" The spring maiden frowns. "Does it concern you?"

"It doesn't matter. I warned her and she made her choice." Raven's gaze drops to the floor. "Your last question?"

"R-Right." Vernal nods. "You told your daughter and the rich snob we kidnapped that our tribe's hunt for Link was not personal, but as soon as the girl with the green hair said his name… You fixated on him just as much as you did with your brother, if not more. Why? Is it really not personal? Or is there something you're not telling me?"

"That was multiple questions, but I will answer them." Raven turns her head to look her protege in the eyes. "None of my sources, none of you in the tribe, or I know of the boy's entire past, but we know what we hear. Attempting to run a mercenary group like a band of heroes for justice, upsetting every criminal organization in the world, getting on the Atlas military radar and the cold blooded slaughter of a puny village, someone like him does not deserve to destroy everything around him, continue roaming the world freely, and starting over whenever he feels like it!"

"But…" Vernal begins her protest, only to immediately let it die down. "We raid villages and kill people too, what did he do that's so different?"

"You might think, why do I care about a no name village that wasn't even on a map." Raven narrows her eyes. "It's the idea of a stone cold killer continuing to run rampant and destroying every single life around him. That's the real problem."

"I see." The younger woman mumbles

"That village had a population smaller than our tribe and that was an entire village. They had nothing of value and no reason to be murdered by a child, who shed blood for what reason? Desiring more power? Killing for the sake of killing?" Raven frowns. "Like I said as well, nobody knows what he's really capable of, his presence causes more harm than good, and if he's in direct contact with my daughter…"

"I don't understand, you said you warned her." Vernal mumbles with a look of confusion taking over

"You're right, I did." Raven sighs. "Wanting to kill Link is personal, Vernal. It became personal the second I heard about him slaughtering that village of innocent people. Additionally, things only amplified when I found out he began attending the same school as my daughter. Now that she is with Ruby, Qrow, and then being told that Link is with them means that-!"

"You have your chance to kill him." Vernal nods

"Precisely. This is the perfect chance to take him out and take the relic for ourselves." Raven turns her back on Vernal and walks forward. "I told Yang that saving her again was out of the question, but I won't have to save her if I get rid of major problems around her."

"And he is one of them." Vernal nods along

"Yes. We have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to prepare." Raven reaches the other side of her personal space, grabs and pulls on the tent. "I need to know that you're with me too. This path won't be easy for us either, but we must do what's right for the tribe."

"I know and I am with you." She nods again. "I will do whatever it takes, for the tribe."

"Good."

Raven whips her arm forward, tears open the tent and promptly exits. Vernal watches and waits for the tent to close before immediately following the same footsteps, wanting to know where her leader has gone. The younger woman then notices a cawing raven with red eyes, along with the sound of the woman's portal activating…

---

Hours Later, Night Time: The Group's Home, Link and Weiss' room

Panic ensues as the rest of day has come and gone, but Link is in bed, in a state of shock, paralysis, and fright as he lies in bed, shaking erratically. Around the unwell young man are Weiss, Ruby, and Yang, who have been in direct contact with him, but unfortunately with not much to do about their friend in his predicament. Unbeknownst to them, everybody else is outside of the room, waiting for good news whilst attempting to listen carefully on the other side of the door. Inside the room is complete chaos, Weiss sits on the same bed as Link and tends to him with warm towels and her companionship. Ruby stands at the far end of the bed, gently shaking the blonde young man by his boots, hoping minimal physical contact does the trick. Lastly, Yang watches from a short distance, her left hand and lips shake and quiver in fear, having never seen her friend or anybody like this before

"What do we do?!" Weiss frantically places a warm towel over Link's forehead, whose eyes are shut but the young man is very much awake. "R-Ruby, are you sure he's experiencing visions right now?"

"I'm not sure! Link described how he is physically when it happens, this lines up but something is wrong." Ruby softly mumbles. "He's experienced all of this but never at the same time."

"Do we have any idea how long he's been like this?" Yang asks. "At this point, forget the secrets, Link may have only told you and Weiss, but this is an emergency. What's going on with him?"

"Yang, if you mean how he's been the last few months, Link has been seeing dark visions of past traumatic events, every single day." Ruby sighs

"Oh…" Yang mumbles. "Do you mean traumatic events such as Pyr-!"

"Mhm!" Ruby waves a hand at her sister to make her stop. "But, if you mean how long has he ever been like this and right now? I don't know. I have never seen him like this before."

"This is my fault." Weiss frowns, slides off the bed and kneels in front of the bed ridden young man. "I wanted to check on him when he stormed up to the room after refusing Jaune's handshake. You two and your uncle told me he was fine but I should have checked on him anyway."

"H-Hey! Don't think like that!" Ruby crouches down to meet her teammate eye to eye. "Nobody could have known Link was seconds away from experiencing all of this. He was talking just fine too!"

"Ruby is right." Yang crouches in between her sister and teammate and wraps her arms around both of the girls shoulders. "Nobody could have known. He'll wake up soon, it's Link, he's strong. The only positive to this would have been if he got some sleep, but the poor guy cannot catch a break."

"He really cannot." Weiss' eyes well up. "Even if he's going to wake up soon, I hate seeing him like this."

"I know, it hurts." Ruby nods and taps on her chest, exactly where her heart is. "And it hits me right here."

"How is he?" Jaune knocks on the door, only to open it a second later. Trailing behind him are Nora, Ren, Qrow, and Oscar

"The same as when Weiss found him." Yang shakes her head. "Someone has to know something. Did anybody see him moving strangely or anything like that?"

"When I spoke to him, he seemed energetic." Ren nods

"You spoke with Link?" Nora narrows her eyes. "When?"

"That doesn't matter right now." Jaune shakes his head

"Agreed." Qrow cuts in. "What matters is how long is he going to be out for? Forget the meeting tomorrow, what if he's like this forever?"

"Qrow!" Oscar's voice is prominent as he frowns, revealing Professor Ozpin is not currently present

"DON'T SAY THAT!" Ruby shouts

"Yeah seriously…" Weiss wipes her eyes

"I'm just saying, we need to prepare for every scenario." Qrow shrugs

"H-Hngh!"

Link moans and grunts, his trembling intensifies, and breathing picks up speed too. This worries the three girls by his side but relief hits everyone like a punch to the gut when his eyes shoot open out of nowhere!

"NO!" Link snaps out of his half-conscious state and briskly up, the warm towel slides off his forehead and plops against his leg with a loud slap. (Pyrrha… I'm sorry I couldn't save you.)

"Link!"

Ruby, Weiss, Yang, Nora, Ren, and Jaune shout in unison when they see their friend awaken after being out of it for practically the entire day. Weiss rises to her feet and sits on the edge of the bed, Ruby sprints to the other side of the bed and does the same. Both of the former team RWBY members place their hands on his shoulders and look at him with concern

"Never do that again!" Weiss frowns but happily wipes away a tear. "You dolt!"

"Weiss…" Link's expression drops

"She's right, you had us worried sick!" Ruby playfully headbutts his arm

"I'm so sorry for scaring you all." Link looks at the wooden frame of his bed, refusing to make eye contact with anyone for unknown reasons

"You had everyone worried, not just them three." Qrow chuckles. "You were out for the whole day. Oz trained everyone except the Schnee brat, she refused to leave your side after she found you like this."

(Weiss found me?) Link sighs, slowly nodding whilst closing his eyes. (S-She… Didn't leave my side?)

"What happened kid?" Qrow presses on. "My theory is your fatigue finally caught up to you. Now I'm glad you didn't have any alcohol when you grabbed my flask, all of this could have happened in the living room."

"And give us the truth, please." Ruby lightly smacks his back. "Otherwise Yang and I will put you in a real coma."

"RUBY!" Weiss glares at her

"She's kidding." Yang giggles. "To a certain extent."

"Not helping!"

Weiss glares at her Beacon teammates, but the two sisters giggle and laugh at their own jokes

"Always joking around, I'm glad I at least didn't scare you guys permanently." Link opens his eyes, "I know I can't lie my way out of this one, not that I should lie anyway. Yang, I don't know if you were told about what I go through by Ruby or Weiss." He leans to his right to glance at the people outside his room, "Jaune, Ren, Nora, Oscar, Qrow… This is new to you guys, I will try to keep it brief, but definitely with all the information you need. Every single day after I left Ruby and Yang's home in Patch…" Link shakes his head in hesitation. (I can't do this. Telling Ruby alone was difficult enough. And I was in a happy mood when I told Weiss.)

"Hey." Weiss leans closer and whispers in his ear. "You're not alone. I'm here, Ruby is here, Yang is here, we are all here for you."

"Thank you." Link whispers back as he takes a quick moment to lift his hand and graze her left cheek

"Of course." Weiss happily nods in support, shuts her eyes, and smiles

"Alright, I'm ready." Link raises his head and looks in the direction of those he cannot make direct eye contact with, "I have visions… Very detailed visions. Where I constantly relive the scene and images of Pyrrha dying. From the moment she let out a terrifying scream, to Cinder pulling back on her bow and then… You get the idea." His head drops again, "I see Ray's death as well and have to unfortunately witness those Atlas scum kill her first hand." A loud sigh emerges from his mouth. "To make things worse, it is not like I hear them from time to time or relive their deaths randomly. They happen every day. Every… Single… Day."

"Oh my goodness." Nora gasps and tears stream down her cheeks. "I had no idea Link… I would have never imagined it was something this bad."

"How could you? It took me a long time to find you guys, I lost my voice, and even when I regained it… I only opened up to Ruby." Link shakes his head. "It hurts, Nora. Every precise detail and second of both instances, I've seen them thousands of times by now. I can tell you guys that it gets worse too, my mind does not simply flash images or the parts of what happened…"

"What do you mean?" The orange haired girl asks

"I mean that I am pulled out of the current scenario I am in." He snaps his fingers. "Here's the latest example. Yesterday, when Ozpin was training hand to hand with Ruby. I missed almost the entire fight because the world disappeared around me and next thing I knew… I was back in Garanda, watching Ray tragically die again."

"Your brain simulates the entire scene, is that what it is?" Nora looks at the ground and closes her eyes in sadness

"Y-Yes." Link slowly nods

"There has to be something you can do about that." Ren slowly rubs his chin. "You cannot keep seeing all of that on a daily basis. It is not good for your health."

"I agree, but there's nothing I can do, Ren." Link clenches his jaw in frustration. "Recently, I even started seeing them as ghosts. Ray, Amber, Pyrrha, and as nice as it is to hear them and feel like I see them…"

"Y-Yeah…" Jaune sniffles and shakes his head sadly. "It's tough, knowing they are ghosts, when they feel and sound real. H-How do you continue? How do you push forward without giving up?"

"I want to give an uplifting positive answer, but if you want the truth…" Link shakes his head again, "It is revenge… On the people who took Pyrrha and Penny from all of us, and revenge on the person who took Ray from me." He picks his head up to look into Jaune's eyes. "When I said the words incinerated, it was to hurt you, but it also was not exaggerated. Unfortunately, I saw someone we loved die with my own eyes and I have been seeing it again and again… And again. I wish I could make it stop."

Qrow and Oscar do not have words to address the information they just learned. The former shuts his eyes and shakes his head, while the farmhand's eyes widened in horror

"If I may ask." Ren speaks up. "How often do you see Pyrrha or Ray, and anything to do with their unfortunate and tragic deaths?"

"It may happen as little as once a day. Sadly, I do not know about the most amount of times I will see these visions in a single day. Once, it happened about fifteen times or more." Link sighs. "It's torture, I cannot get Pyrrha's scream and gasps out of my head. The same way I cannot get Ray's pleas to not let her die out of my head."

"Link…" Weiss opens her eyes and sadly watches her friend's expression shift between anger and sadness

"This is why I said that I would never wish having to witness Pyrrha die on any of you!" Link glances at Jaune, changes his sights to Nora, then towards Ren last. "Because it's what I see every day and at any moment it can happen, proved or unprovoked. Today, I only saw the visions once, it was Pyrrha's death, but clearly today was my worst reaction. Otherwise, why is it night time? Have I been out all day? Was I even sleeping?"

"You have been out all day." Oscar mumbles

"But n-no, you have not slept." Ruby sighs

"So you're still fatigued in other words." Qrow shakes his head

"Mhm." Link nods. "That's unfortunate."

"I…" Jaune opens his mouth to speak but there is no anger or sadness emitting from the tall blonde, he is simply shocked

"We should go." Nora pulls on Jaune and Ren's arms, her voice is much lower than her usual chipper tone, with tears still visibly streaming down her cheeks

"Right. Well, I'm glad you're better Link." Ren calls out as both he and Jaune are dragged away by the small, yet powerful girl

"Do you need anything from us?" Oscar speaks up. "If you need to talk to Oz-!"

"No, that's okay but thank you for the offer." Link smiles at the boy. "I think this might sound crazy to you guys considering the state I was in minutes ago but… I need some time alone."

"Are you crazy?!" Ruby slaps his shoulder again

"Ruby!" Yang storms over and pulls on her sister's ear

"OW! OW! OW!" Ruby winces and attempts to pull away

"Stop it already." Qrow chuckles

"Is that what you really want?" Weiss softly speaks

"Y-Yeah…" Link murmurs. "It is."

"Well, you heard the kid." Qrow gently grabs Oscar by the shoulder and signals for him to walk away as the older huntsman leads the way. "We'll send somebody to check on you later, just in case."

"Thanks." Link nods

"Rest well and feel better, Link." Oscar waves and walks away

"If you pass out on us again I swear-!" Ruby frowns

"Coma, I heard." Link smiles

"He smiles, at least there's that." Yang nods. "Come on girls, we can hang in my room or Ruby's."

"O-Okay." Weiss sadly mumbles and removes her hand off his shoulder. "Goodbye, Link."

The aforementioned young man weakly waves at the three girls while they make their way out of his room, but his eyes linger on Weiss. Knowing he still has time to change his mind, Link closes his eyes, inhales and exhales quietly a couple of times, then opens his eyes and clears his throat. This action stops Yang, Ruby, and Weiss, conveniently right as the latter is about to close the door behind her

"Weiss…" Link points at her to further grab the girl's attention, "Can you stay?" He follows up his question with a smile

"Ooooh." Yang teases. "She says yes, duh!"

"Shhh!" Weiss frowns. "Yes Link, I will stay."

"Goodnight, you two." Ruby nudges Weiss back into the room and smiles brightly at Link, then in classic Ruby fashion she…

SLAM!

…Shuts the door violently, which causes the two sisters on the other side to break out into a shouting match. Yang yells and claims that her sister ruined the calmness and slight tension between Weiss and Link. Meanwhile, Ruby cries out multiple sorry's while declaring that she tried her best to act normal

"Hmph!" Weiss crosses her arms and narrows her eyes. "How subtle, it's like they don't even know we can hear them."

"Yeah, heh…" Link grins, he observes Weiss walk over to her bed and awkwardly sit down. "Sorry if they make you feel awkward."

"I should say the same to you, it's only been twenty-four hours and they have been relentless." Weiss' lips curl into a slight smile

"Ruby did warn me it would happen but, I did not expect it to be like that." Link chuckles

"What do you mean? Warned you of what?" Weiss turns her head in confusion

"Heh." Link chuckles, "Let's say, after she was able to break through and get me to talk…" He blushes, embarrassed as to what he is about to admit. "I may have told her how we got close during the end of our time at Beacon."

"You did what?!" Weiss narrows her eyes. "So you flat out told Ruby? At least with me, Yang figured it out on her own, I didn't tell her anything!"

"Well then." Link weakly smiles. "How exactly did Yang find out?"

"No comment!" Weiss shakes her head. "In fact, I refuse to answer."

"Fineee." Link rolls his eyes, garnering a nastier glare from the girl sitting across from him. "Sorry again, if I nearly scared you to death. I have never been 'away' like that before and I was not even seeing visions at the time. I finished speaking, then suddenly felt overwhelmed and scared, like the world was closing in on me."

"You don't have to apologize or elaborate on it any further if you don't want to, Link." Weiss sighs and does her best to act happy. "All I am thinking about is that you're back with us and that makes me happy."

"Good, I like when you're happy." Link turns his head to look at her directly. "Although, now that I see you perfectly, you do not look as happy as you sound."

"Really?" Weiss looks around for a mirror, but grunts when she does not see one. "I swear to you that I'm happy."

"I believe that you're happy now, but you have been stressed over me all day, haven't you?"

"Of course I have!" Weiss' expression drops, as does her head. "Seeing you like that was so terrifying. You were not asleep or unconscious and coldly, but you also were not responsive at all. I couldn't wake you, nobody could. I tried tending to you but warm towels, ice packs, blankets, sunlight, company, massages, none of it worked!"

"Whoa, you did all of that? For me?" Link leans back against his bed, in complete shock. "Thank you."

"It is the least I could do." Weiss looks up and smiles. "So much for dinner as well. Things were going well until they went crashing and burning."

"Well, that's my fault." Link looks away

"No! Not at all, none of this is in your control." Weiss' lips smack in disapproval. "Why would you blame yourself?"

"Because it is my fault. I wouldn't be experiencing these visions if I had just saved them." Link sadly furrows his brows as his eyes well up

"Link…" Weiss springs to action when she swiftly stands up, walks a couple of steps and sits down next to him. "Scoot over please."

"S-Sure." Link wipes the tears away and listens to her by sitting up and sliding to the right side of the bed

"Thank you." Weiss smiles, kicks off her shoes, and makes herself comfortable on the left side of Link's bed

"If I am depressing you, please slap or yell at me." Link forces a smile

"Be quiet!" Weiss sighs and leans into him, resting her head on Link's shoulder, "It is depressing, yes. But I'm not going to tune you out or turn my back on you either. Don't be sorry about dinner, we will have plenty of chances to eat as one big group, especially now that we're here and together." She brushes her right leg against both of his legs, "And I'm sorry that you go through that every single day, you said you wouldn't wish that pain on anybody, but it is not fair that you have to go through it alone. You don't deserve that." She sighs. "Link?"

"Yes Weiss?"

Link exhales, glances at the girl next to him and instantly feels at ease. His body no longer feels tense with the presence and closeness of a friend he missed dearly being directly on his left. The pair look into each others eyes while they lie on the bed comfortably

"You didn't do anything wrong." Weiss sneakily hooks Link's arm and gently holds his upper arm with her right hand, and his forearm with her left hand, "You didn't fail anyone either. Ray, Amber, Pyrrha, Penny, Me, Ruby, Blake, Yang, the list goes on. You have been nothing but a good person and I say that with all my heart, as someone who spent most of her time hating everything you stood for at Beacon." She sighs, showing embarrassment

(Whoa, where is all of this coming this?) Link wonders, but not for long as the girl opens her mouth again

"The way you carried yourself, from how much you helped others, your laziness somehow resulting in good grades, your incredible skills during sparring matches, our mission, even when you dared to challenge Winter." Weiss forms a weak smile. "It was… Really incredible what you were able to do, while remaining an incredible person."

"Heh, yeah those were good times." Link quietly giggles

"I am not joking around." Weiss grunts. "But I'll allow it, keep laughing."

"Sorry." Link leans towards her and nudges her head. "If you aren't joking, then what are you trying to say?"

"I was jealous of you, at Beacon." Weiss shamefully looks away. "That isn't all, I was such a horrible person in general. I thought I was better than everyone, and saw myself as superior because of my status, family name, and abilities. I discriminated against the faunus, and never gave you a chance, Link. I was envious of your strength, determination, and immediate accomplishments for someone who never attended an academy before. Convincing myself I was better than you and putting you down was me being insecure. It took making countless mistakes, numerous talks with my team, a few talks with my sister and honestly… Listening, getting to know you, and becoming your friend. That is what it took for me to wake up, set my ego aside, and slowly become a better person."

"You were jealous of me?" Link leans forward, attempting to look at Weiss with a different angle. "But why? You were so smart, confident, and capable of doing anything I could do."

"That is very nice but also not true at all." Weiss sighs and playfully kicks the young man's leg

"Why not?" Link casually shrugs. "Weiss, I was once naive, lost, and talentless. You were always a level above me, maybe not anymore now, but I believe you can always rise above me again if you believe in yourself… I certainly believe in you."

"You are too kind. I know you believe in me, Link. But why?" She asks with intrigue

"I will gladly tell you why." Link, using his free right hand, reaches over and gently grazes Weiss' cheek again, "Before getting serious about my life and survival, I couldn't defeat a regular civilian who didn't have their aura unlocked. Weiss, I was not born talented. I had to work hard and give it my all every single day to improve and eventually become as good as you guys think I am." He happily nods at her. "You can become as strong and skilled as you want to be, as long as you try your best. Unfortunately, what drives me to continue getting stronger is hatred, but you can be driven by something better, like your kindness and desire to make a difference in the world."

"Thank you. Although, you deserve better than to be driven by hate." Weiss mumbles and smiles at the affection being shown to her. "I believe you would be as strong as you are now if happiness is what motivated you to improve everything about yourself as a person and as a fighter."

"I would like to believe that too." Link smiles. "I must ask, what has inspired this confession of your jealousy toward me at Beacon. That, along with your praise of me back then and now. Is something on your mind?"

"Y-Yes." Weiss turns her head to the right and glances at him. "Watching you in bed all day, it made me think of everything. The absolute worst thoughts imaginable came first, with the worst being what if you never woke up and I lost you today."

"Weiss…" Link's smile fades, he then slides his hand from her cheek to under her chin and tickles it

"'S-STOP IT!" Weiss giggles. "I-I cannot be laughing when I say this to you!"

"Okay, okay." Link pulls back his hand and sets it down on his own lap. "Continue."

"I shall." She nods. "Next, I thought about our good moments at Beacon, even the times where we were at each other's throats because I've decided to cherish every moment with you. That ended with me wishing that we were able to spend time together, like during the night Beacon fell as we had planned to do so before our school got attacked."

"Wow, you thought about that too?" Link chuckles. "It's been on my mind a lot, and all of this time away from you certainly did not help."

"You would be correct, being away from you made me think about that day and how much time we lost together." Weiss exhales. "...The last thing I thought about today is something personal."

"Is that so?" Link's smile remains. "How personal are we talking about?"

"My worst thoughts and most positive thoughts, I shared those with Ruby and Yang but this…" Weiss maintains eye contact with Link. "I am telling you and you only."

"Okay." Link slowly nods in anticipation and uncertainty. "What is it?"

Weiss scoots backward to sit up, maintains her grip on Link's arm, and hugs it tighter before proceeding to repeat the same action she did in the morning. A soft, gentle kiss is pressed on the cheek of the blonde young man she used to loathe, put down, but secretly envy at the same time. Fifteen seconds later, Weiss pulls away, frees one of her hands, tucks strands of hair behind her ear, blushes, and a big smile forms on her face

"OH!" Link widely smiles and a bright red blush streaks across his face. "That was really nice-!"

"I like you!" Weiss cuts him off with her abrupt words. "There, I said it. I like you, Link."

"Weiss?" Link gasps and his immediately first action is to blink repeatedly with his mouth agape

"That was the last thought I had on my mind, while I was by your side all day. The bad thoughts about potentially losing you made me realize that I need to tell you how I feel, because what if I never got the chance?" Weiss closes her eyes and deeply exhales. "I may have started to develop feelings at Beacon, but I did not know how to navigate them with everything going on at the time."

(Here I was, thinking it was just me developing feelings for her back at Beacon.) Link internally chuckles

"Every day when I was in Atlas, I thought of all of my friends, yes. But you stood out the most and reuniting with you has felt so magical and surreal." Weiss opens her eyes, she beams when observing that Link is still blushing. "It does not feel like we are about to encounter danger when I am in the same room as you. That may not sound like a good thing because I should be on edge and ready for anything, but I enjoy this feeling of being happy and warm around you."

(Say something.) Link's mouth remains open in shock but no words come out. (I can't, my throat is dry.)

"Being around you, I feel safe, and it definitely helps when you remind me that you'll do everything you can to protect me." Weiss lets go of his forearm and lowers her hand to place it on top of Link's left hand. "I promise you the same thing too, regardless of you being stronger than me at the moment. If you find yourself in trouble or worse, life threatening danger, I will protect you with my life."

"W-Weiss." Link closes his mouth and a wide smile forms. "I like you too. And I too, caught feelings for you all the way back at Beacon. Unfortunately, our time got cut very short…"

"Him too? At Beacon as well? Wow, that makes me kind of sad." Weiss eases into Link, whom she just admitted feelings for. "Actually, makes me very sad, we could have been getting to know each other and growing closer this entire time."

"May I?" Link uses his right hand to push the girl's bangs out of the way of her forehead

"You don't need to ask, but for being such a gentleman, I will entertain you." Weiss shuts her eyes and nods. "You may."

"Thank you."

Link leans down and plants a quick but heavy kiss on Weiss' forehead, who blushes immediately as soon as the young man's lips make contact with her head. After five to ten seconds, the kiss ends, but Link plants multiple pecks on her forehead as he leans away

"That was adorable." Weiss exhales. "Hey Link?"

"Yes, Weiss." Link asks

"I don't exactly know what comes next, I've never gotten close to entering a relationship." She giggles

"Do y-you want that? To enter a relationship with m-me? And become m-my girlfriend?" Link suddenly stammers and looks away

"Y-Yes. Is that what you want?" Weiss nods. "I've got butterflies in my stomach from him saying the word girlfriend alone."

"I…" Link shakes his head. "I'm not sure Weiss."

"Oh? R-Really?" Weiss' smile drops, her blush remains but her excitement fades, and she slowly lets go of his hand. "Did I do or say something wrong?"

"No, not at all."

Link's head spins towards her and in the process, turns his left hand so that his palm touches hers. Next, he quickly interlocks his fingers with Weiss and gently squeezes her hand

"You didn't do or say anything wrong." He sighs. "I like you a lot."

"Then what is the issue?" She mumbles

"Do you really want to know?" Link asks

"All I want is the truth and please, no sparing my feelings. If it has to do with me, where I was born, my family name, say what you need to say." Weiss nods

"The problem is not you, I like you a lot… But it's me." Link looks directly into her eyes, "I really adore and appreciate how much you've taken a liking to me. By some miracle, someone as incredible as you, likes someone such as myself." He smiles and shuts his eyes, two seconds do not even pass before a single tear streams down his cheek. "I do not feel like I deserve you. I'm grateful and lucky enough to have you as a friend, but as a girlfriend? I can't do that to you."

"You cannot do what to me?" Weiss glares, but her expression and body language remains warm

"I cannot bring you down like I have brought down everyone around me." Link sighs. "You said it yourself, when we met at Beacon, you were self-centered, thought you were smarter, stronger, faster, and better than everyone. You felt like you should have been the leader of team RWBY, hated faunus until you befriended Blake and Velvet, and hated me because of reasons I will safely assume you do not want me to repeat."

"Yes please don't. It was hard enough admitting everything the first time." Weiss' lips curl up into a slight smile. "What are you trying to say?"

"That you were once not the most pleasant person and now you're kind and gentle but still brash and snarky at the same time." He pokes her cheek with his right hand "I'm saying… You learned, grew and evolved into an amazing person Weiss, while still retaining everything that made you good in the first place. I on the other hand…"

"Link, you don't have to-!"

"Shhh." Link quietly shushes her while placing an index finger over her lips. "Aside from the mental scarring I endured from watching Garanda perish, I was once fun, very optimistic, and joyful to be around at Beacon. Now? I am the exact opposite. I am not fun anymore, the group is split because I'm at odds with a new person every day. My optimism has turned into hatred and a need for revenge against people that are probably a league above me, and my joy is practically dead. Ever since Beacon fell, you became a better person and someone who deserves cherishing, protection, and infinite love. As for me… I'm lucky to even have friends, let alone a beautiful girl interested in me."

"That…" Weiss' smile disappears and she looks down, blankly staring at her legs brushed up against Link's. "Is the most preposterous thing I've ever heard. You say all of that about yourself, but here I am, telling you that I have feelings for you and I'm standing proudly by that decision too. Link, if you were as terrible as you describe yourself, I wouldn't be on the same floor as you, let alone the same house."

Link turns away but to laugh at Weiss' last comment, despite it being said with a serious tone

"Sure, you think you've changed and think that you are not the same guy from Beacon, but even if you did change, it doesn't mean you are worse off for that." Weiss' ear perks up at the laughter, which makes her smile too. "Look, we have all changed, and it's not like we all magically changed for the better except you. Everyone's lives changed that day. Were you affected the most? Yes. But are you a hateful, angry, revenge seeking, monster? No! You're a person who has the biggest heart, most compassion, and the bravest person I have ever met."

(How is she still finding ways to leave me speechless?) Link opens his mouth, but no words come out

"In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would find myself all the way in Mistral and sharing the same bed with you. But you know what?" Weiss tangles her right leg with both of his. "I wouldn't trade being here, with you, for anything. You may not want me as your girlfriend and you think you don't deserve me, but you're wrong, Link. I enjoy having you in my life and I couldn't imagine it without you. In my ey-!"

"Wow." Link unknowingly cuts her off. "I don't-!"

"Ah bahp bahp! No!" Weiss frowns. "Let me finish. In my eyes, you are still the same sweet, warm, lazy, and caring guy that I have fallen for. I suppose now we can replace lazy with motivated."

"Weiss… I don't really know what to say." Link nervously laughs. "I think you may have swayed me, you got through to Yang and now you've done the same with me? Who knew this time away would turn you into such a motivational-!"

RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE!

(Why does this keep happening?!) Link blushes in embarrassment and covers his stomach with his right hand

"Do you want me to head downstairs and prepare you some dinner?" Weiss attempts to let go of his hand and untangle her legs, but is met with resistance

"That's okay, please don't go." Link turns his entire body towards Weiss, now completely facing her while she faces the ceiling. "Will you stay the night here, with me? I appreciate the offer to make me food but, all I want is to be here with you."

"Hmm…" Weiss thinks

"I'm sorry if my um, rejection… Upset you. If you don't want anything to do with me right now, I understand." Link mutters. "You can go back to your bed or move to another room if that's what you feel is best-!"

"You worry too much." She firmly cuts him off. "I will gladly stay with you."

Weiss turns towards Link and gently squeezes on his hand as the pair contently hold hands. Seconds later, after lots of wiggling and adjusting, the two lie in bed, facing each other with occasional giggles escaping their mouths

"Thank you, for everything. Especially your wonderful and passionate words tonight." Link smiles, leans forward and bumps his forehead against hers. "Goodnight, Weiss."

"Goodnight?! Is he actually going to be able to sleep properly?" Weiss smiles back and leans forward to do the same, their foreheads now lightly press together. "Sleep well. Goodnight, Link."

Together, Weiss and Link are comfortably laying in a small bed inside the group's home. Despite the next day being a huge day because of the eventual meeting with Professor Lionheart tomorrow night, none of that seems to matter right now. The former heiress stares into the dark blue eyes of the former one person team, who stares just as hard into her light blue eyes, both of them smile and equally squeeze on one another's hands. Eventually Weiss is the first to fall asleep… Followed by Link soon after, deep sleep awaits the blonde, who has not had a full night of sleep in months. Coincidentally, when he spent the night with Weiss in his dorm at Beacon many months ago

---

The Following Day… Almost Twenty-Four Hours Later

Morning comes and goes, the crack of dawn training session with Link and Ruby does not occur because the latter slept in and would not budge, regardless of the silver eyed girl's shouting and Weiss' demand for Ruby to be quiet and let him sleep.

"Psst! Linnnnk!" Ruby whispers. "You're late again, c'mon!"

She walks into the room and nearly gasps loudly when spotting her friend sharing a bed with Weiss

"How adorable…"

"Shhh!" Weiss sits up and angrily slaps an index finger on her own lips. "He's sleeping!"

"Link is sleeping?!" Ruby squeals. "Wow really?! That is awesome!"

"Well he won't be sleeping for long if you keep making noise!" Weiss shakes her head. "Your guys' crazy heavy sparring session is canceled."

"Aw." Ruby pouts. "Fine! We can spar in the afternoon. Just let me know when he wakes up!"

…

One hour and thirty minutes passed by in no time, what occurred next was Professor Ozpin training everybody in the back patio with Qrow overseeing the session. Everybody except Weiss that is, she refused to leave her friend's side and spent her morning sitting up, running her hand through Link's hair and resting in bed

"Sleep as long as you need, idiot." Weiss smiles whilst lying in front of him, she watches him peacefully sleep and continues to mess with his hair. "You have been too stressed my friend, if anyone needs all of this rest, it is you."

…

Lunch time follows and yet again, neither Link or Weiss make their way downstairs, drawing attention from Ruby and Yang, who are promptly told that the blonde young man is still sleeping and being kept company by the caring Schnee. To her former teammates' credit, Yang and Ruby bring food and coffee upstairs for the two of them

"Is he okay?" Ruby stands by the bed, with her head tilted and looking at Link with concern. "I know he's been running on zero sleep but, to not even wake up once… Isn't that concerning?"

"He is better than okay, and will feel better than before once he wakes up naturally." Weiss is sitting up now, her legs are crossed and one of her hands is elegantly over her stomach, while the other holds a mug of coffee

"You have been checking on him right? To make sure he's breathing and otherwise, perfectly fine?" Yang stands by the door, leaning against the frame shoulder first

"Why would you imply that he isn't breathing?! And of course I check on him!" Weiss narrows her eyes. "I will have you know, he occasionally mumbles in his sleep."

"Is there anything else we can do for you guys?" The blonde huntress asks

"Hmmm…" Weiss thinks carefully

"We mean anything too." Ruby giggles

"Okay, cover for us as long as you can." Weiss nods. "I don't know when Link is going to wake up but I would rather not have all of you up here at once stomping around and asking questions."

"Done!" Ruby shouts

"Ruby!" Yang shakes her head. "Lower your voice, sis!"

"Shhh! You just shouted too!" Weiss frowns

"So did you!" Ruby giggles

"Ugh." Weiss rolls her eyes. "Whatever."

…

Dinner time flies and by now, Ruby and Yang's ruse and white lies crumble and everyone heads upstairs to check on Link and Weiss, who have both not come out of their room all morning or afternoon. Qrow, Oscar, Jaune, Nora, and Ren enter the room and surround the sleeping young man

"Ruby? Yang?" Weiss crosses her arms

"We tried our best." Ruby sadly furrows her brows

"A couple of hours is pretty good if you ask me." Yang grins

"I suppose that's fair." Weiss sighs

"H-He's been asleep all day? Is that safe?" Jaune asks

"Weiss did say that she has been checking on him, so I believe he is fine." Ren nods. "During the short time Link traveled with us, he could not sleep and his eyes were always bloodshot in the morning."

"Why is nobody else talking about nurse Weiss over here?" Nora smirks. "Her heart has fully thawed and now she's a sweetheart!"

Ruby, Yang, Jaune, Ren, and Oscar burst into laughter at Nora's friendly jab towards the previously labeled 'Ice Queen'

"HEY!" Weiss frowns. "Keep your voices down!"

"She reaaaaally cares!" Nora jumps for joy

"Yeah she does!" Ruby pumps her first in the air

"At this point…" Qrow begins but finishes all the liquid in his flask first. "I wouldn't worry about the sound waking him up. The kid has been out all day, he'll eventually wake up on his own and when his body has had enough rest."

"W-WHOA!" Oscar stumbles back as his eyes flash their brief golden color, signaling that Professor Ozpin has taken over, "In that case, we should all leave and allow Mister Link to get some more rest. Miss Schnee." He turns towards her. "You are welcome to join us downstairs if you'd like to socialize or at least stretch your legs and stay limber. I am sure Link will be okay on his own."

"Yes, professor." Weiss nods. "I appreciate the kind words of wisdom but… I know where I am needed right now."

"Of course." Ozpin nods

"That's it! You all heard her, everybody out!" Yang waves her arms in circular motions and subtly pushes everyone out

…

Now it is officially night time and everything proceeds as normal. Downstairs, Jaune, Ren, and Nora were socializing, Ruby and Yang goof around and mess with the latter's robotic arm, while Qrow and Oscar, currently being controlled by Professor Ozpin look to each other and nod. The two of them know it is time to go meet with Leonardo Lionheart at Haven Academy over his miracle 'breakthrough' with the Mistral Council, and while they have most of the group rounded up, two people are missing

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Who is it?" Weiss whispers

"It's me, kid." Qrow slowly opens the door, considerate of Link in his sleeping state. "Time to go, Leo is waiting for us at Haven."

"Oh, okay, I'll wake up Link and we can get going." Weiss nods, slides over to the edge of the bed, and slips her feet into her heels

"No offense." Qrow shrugs, "Considering what we told you kids, Leo is more than likely going to pull wool over our eyes or dance in circles over something that'll get us nowhere. You probably don't need to wake him up." He nods his head towards Link

"Are you sure? Shouldn't we all be there?" Weiss tilts her head in confusion

"Yes, we should. But nobody told him to take a thirty hour 'nap' knowing we had an important meeting the following night." Qrow grunts. "I don't want to sound heartless, but we do need to get going and Link has shown no sign of waking up."

"I can still try to wake him up." Weiss crosses her arms

"Everyone is outside and ready to go. If you want, you can even stay here and keep him company." Qrow nods

"R-Really?" Weiss raises an eyebrow. "Well I am definitely not staying behind, but that was not something I expected to hear from him."

"However…" Qrow turns away. "If this meeting goes downhill for whatever reason, the more people we have there, the better our chances are."

"Should we expect a fight?" Weiss' eye widen

"No." Qrow shakes his head. "But it's better to prepare for the worst, and the 'all hands on deck' approach works best. Look, I'm headed back downstairs, take a minute or two if needed, but after five, we're making our way to Haven."

Without giving her a chance to respond, Qrow exits the room and slowly walks down the wooden stairs

"I suppose I should get ready then." Weiss carefully stands up while trying not to shake the bed she is sitting on, with successful results. "Phew."

She walks over to her bed, gets down on her knees, retrieves a briefcase from under the bed, places it on top of said bed, opens it, grabs her rapier 'Myrtenaster' and after a quick inspection, the elegant sword is loaded with dust and ready for combat, just in case it is needed. Weiss stands up, carefully walks to the open door of the room, exits, but does not make a beeline for the stairs

"Ruby's uncle did say all hands on deck and the more people we have, the better." Weiss turns back and in her sights is Link, breathing quietly and in a deep slumber

Debating on whether to head back and wake up Link or proceed forward without him, Weiss is put on the spot when the voices that were previously heard downstairs and in front of the house are now gone. With Qrow having said they would eventually make their way to Haven after five minutes, with or without her, forcing the girl to make a decision now

"Okay… time to wake Link up. I should let him sleep but this feels like the right thing to do."

Weiss turns around, walks inside the room, marches to the bed, and crouches down. She places one hand on Link's shoulder, tucks her other hand under his cheek and in between the pillow he rests his head on. Shortly after she deeply inhales and exhales, Weiss begins to shake Link to wake him up, as this meeting involving their group and the suspicious Leonardo Lionheart needs everyone present…

---

(Author's Note: Hello everybody, as it turns out, this update was not quicker than my previous one. Unfortunately, real life circumstances kept me away from writing for a bit longer than I would have liked. I will not detail what occurred but you all deserve to know at least why I took a bit longer. ANYWAY! Back on topic. Chapters 24, 25, and 26 have been updated as well if any of you would like to give those a read. I hope you've all enjoyed this chapter, because I sure enjoyed writing it. For now though, I am signing off. I love you all and have a great day everybody.)