(Author's Note: I forgot to mention one thing I should have in my last chapter. Volume 5 has been wrapped up, wooooo! I managed to get through Volume's 4 and 5 in about a year and a few months. Which is a far cry from how it took me to finish past volume's. I believe Volume 1 and 2 took me about 3 years to do? Then there's Volume 3… Yeahhhhhh that took me a whole 5 years because of my hiatus from 2020-2023. ANYWAY, time for Volume 6!)

City of Mistral: The Group's Home

With the Battle of Haven coming to a close, the group, with the new addition of Blake Belladonna, return to the house graciously loaned to them by the now late Leonardo Lionheart. The massive battle resulted in the arrests of many White Fang members, but unfortunately the escape of Adam Taurus, Emerald Sustrai, Mercury Black, and Hazel Rainart, with the two latter male's losing their left arm and hand during the many fights that took place. The battle also resulted in unfortunate casualties, as Yang Xiao Long confirmed that Vernal, the 'spring maiden', is dead. Cinder Fall was not seen and neither was the blonde's mother, Raven Branwen, but based on Yang's words, the fall maiden is seemingly dead, while her mother is alive. As for the victorious heroes, they emerge battered, bruised, and the condition of Lie Ren is unknown. Requiring rest, the group now lies low at 'their' home, waiting until certain people to get back on their feet in order to proceed with their journey

"...Hm? Ngh…"

Link emits the softest noise from his mouth while quietly breathing as he slowly awakens. The real question is how long has he been asleep? Nevertheless, he struggles mightily to open his eyes. But despite needing more sleep, rest, and recovery, Link pushes through and opens his eyes, being as stubborn as he is strong and noble. Bright moonlight blares through the windows and into his and Weiss Schnee's room. The blonde moves his arms around, hoping to have a special guest beside him, but his idea of a special guest is nowhere to be found

(No surprise t-there…) Link quietly sighs, (Both Weiss and Ruby seemed… Scared of me? But why? Did seeing me in that state scar them?) He slowly sits up. (I need to get answers and-!)

"Hello, Link. You look terrible, get more sleep."

Weiss mumbles, revealing that she is sitting on her bed, watching him, the only difference to her is now she wears pale blue tights that cover her entire leg and likely start at her waist, under her skirt

"W-Weiss!" Link's head snaps to the left, surprised by her presence in the room. "Hi."

"You're… Surprised?" She raises an eyebrow. "We did agree to share this room, remember?"

"Of course I remember." He grins, "How could I forget? I am surprised because-!" He stops himself. "Well, you might not like my answer."

"Spill it." Weiss narrows her eyes. "I want the truth."

"O-Okay." The blonde sighs. "Considering how you and Ruby were acting around me, I am surprised we are even in the same room at this moment."

"Ummm." She hesitates and ends up blushing in embarrassment. "Acting? How were we acting? Is everything okay? Maybe you hit your head at some point?"

"Come on Weiss, I saw it with my own eyes." Link shakes his head, but weakly smiles in amusement. "Blake and Yang had no problem standing near me, Ruby kept her distance… You gave me a hug but other than that, also kept your distance. Think of it this way, Nora and Jaune were more comfortable around me than you two. And the two of them hated me not that long ago. What does that say-!"

"Okay! I'm sorry." Weiss dramatically waves her hands in an attempt to stop Link from continuing. "You're right, I apologize and we-! Well… I won't speak for Ruby but please understand where I am coming from."

"I can do that." Link shrugs his left shoulder as he flashes a smile

"Thank goodness. Okay, I remember feeling the most intense pain I have ever felt… Almost as if someone were tearing my gut apart." She shivers in disgust. "And the last person I saw before my vision went dark was you."

"Yes, I do remember that." He looks away from her and down at the blanket covering his legs. "Sorry in advance if this is too intense but… What was going through your mind at the time?"

"Honestly?" Weiss sighs. "To call out to you, ask to be saved, request your support… I wanted to say so many things to you."

(That is really sad…) Link slowly nods. "What happened next?"

"Everything went pitch back after those final thoughts raced through my mind, then I woke up. And one of my first sights after being unconscious for who knows how long… Was you, Link. And you were…"

"Right." Link shrugs and looks away in shame, "I was in 'that' state and now that I think about it, your distancing actually makes perfect sense." He sighs. "I just felt hurt because you and Ruby are the two people I can trust the most."

"Wait, r-really?" Weiss gasps

"Of course." Link nods. "And it did not help that everybody else had no problem interacting with me: Yang, Blake, Nora, Jaune, Qrow, Oscar. Then there was Blake, Sun, that Ilia girl, and Blake's parents, even if they hadn't seen me in 'that' way. I am sorry for-!"

"No!" She quickly cuts him off. "You should not be the one apologizing no matter how much you can justify my actions, I know you're just being nice. I am sorry, Link. Regardless of how scary it felt seeing you that way, you helped us emerge victorious. And I know you only ummm… Turned? Into 'that' because you were protecting us, right?"

(The truth is I did that for you, Weiss.) Link's eyes partially widen, but ultimately he decides to answer in a way he feels is best, even if it means lying. "Yes, absolutely."

"See?" Weiss smiles. "All of us fought hard, but you were clearly on another level with how weakened the enemies were by the time we started to fight again."

"Everyone should be thanking you then." He nods

"Why is that?" She tilts her head, confused

"You woke me up. If you decided to let me rest here, who knows-!"

"Oh no no no no no!" Weiss wags her right index finger. "Trust me, as someone who was delusional about my own strength and abilities for nearly my entire time at Beacon, you do not want to develop an ego."

"H-Hey." Link snickers, which instantly calms the panicking young woman, "I am messing with you. But thank you for actually waking me up, if I had missed the fight and you got even more hurt… My heart would have shattered from guilt and sadness." His eyes falter. (It is already mostly shattered with the deaths of certain people but… You don't have to know that, Weiss.)

"In that case, my ego will gladly take the praise and credit for waking you up." She crosses her arms and tosses her head upward, whipping her hair in the process

"There's the old Weiss we love and sometimes cannot bear."

"S-Shhh! I'm kidding too!" Weiss groans at her failed sarcasm, then suddenly her mood drops and a more serious tone comes next. "L-Link?"

"Yes Weiss?" Link picks his head up and directs his sights back on the white haired, elegant young woman

"Thank you, for all of your efforts during the battle." Weiss nervously looks at the floor, while her hands touch and mess with her skirt. "Without your help, I am not sure we would have won against Salem's group. What you did was nothing short of incredible. You seriously hurt them, figuratively to their egos and confidence, and literally too with the injuries they suffered." She picks her head and smiles. "And I want to personally thank you for keeping all of us safe, saving me, and-!"

"I am going to have to stop you there, Weiss." Link's expression drops significantly, his eyes are cold but glimmer with sadness at the same time. "Thank you for all of your kind words, they mean everything to me. I appreciate that you're praising me for what I did and not viewing me as a monster, like so many people have in the past."

Link raises both hands up to his head whilst trying his best to hold back emotions as he feels anger and sadness combating each other, both intense feelings desperate to emerge

"...But I did not save you, Weiss… That was Jaune, he is one who actually saved you. I thought you-!" He cuts himself off to gently grip on the blanket as tears flow down his cheeks, as sadness prevails over anger. "I thought you died, Weiss."

"Link…" Weiss' bottom lip quivers with worry. "But I didn't die so-!"

"My emotions consumed me and I wanted revenge against those who took you from me." Link sniffles, lowers both hands, wipes away his tears, and lets out a sigh

"Apart from anger and revenge, was there anything else going through your head in that moment?" She asks

Link shakes his head but a knot forms in his stomach. The guilt comes after having just lied to Weiss again, as he did have something in his mind that was not revenge… His confession of love for her

"I see." Weiss nods. "Continue."

"Yes, I will." The blonde huntsman sighs. "Despite having revenge on my mind, Vernal and Cinder, the main two culprits who almost killed you… I am such an idiot for letting them get away. I had to settle for Mercury, Emerald, and that Hazel guy since-!"

"Shut up!" Weiss shakes her head and stands up, furious. "Stop being so hard on yourself too! I didn't die, Link. That's what matters. Jaune healed me, yes, but you saved everyone and made sure nobody got hurt. You protected everyone you could and listen to me when I said this… You saved me. Okay?"

"Okay." Link reluctantly nods and continues wiping away tears

"That was not convincing, mister." Weiss frowns. "What happened to me is not your fault. I unwisely wanted to fight a maiden alone. I'm sure with your help, we could have won or she would have really had to use her powers."

"Except it is my fault Weiss." The blonde huntsman shakes his head, tosses the blanket off himself and slides over to the edge of the bed

His feet touch the ground, but an immediate sensation of pricking, tingling, along with shivers shoot up his entire body the second his boots touch the wood

"U-Ugh!"

"Stay in bed, you clearly need more rest." She gasps and angrily stomps her heel into the wooden floor. "And how is my unfortunate injury your fault?"

"I will tell you." Link repeatedly opens, closes, and tightens his hands to flex his aching muscles, "You spent two days looking after me, Weiss. Do not get me wrong either, I appreciate and respect how much you took care of me, it was really thoughtful and sweet. But everyone trained, sparred, or whatever Professor Ozpin decided to have them do, you could say they were 'prepared' for a fight. If I was awake and not unconscious or actually asleep, you would have fought better against Vernal." He shakes his head. "I'm sorry."

"T-That's…" She stutters

"I failed to protect you after claiming I would protect-! No, not claiming… Promising to protect you. That is what happened and that is why it is my fault."

"Grrr." Weiss remains quiet, clearly stunned. But she knows what to say and doubles down on her thoughts. "That's ridiculous. Your explanation is logical, but I don't care, I do not accept it. You can own up and take responsibility for your actual mistakes, Link. This was not one of them, I chose to fight her alone despite knowing I had no training prior to that." She clears her throat. "Not to be cutthroat either, but you are not my personal bodyguard either. I got myself into a fight that was too difficult for me. I'm glad I survived, but it is not your fault, it was my fault."

However, Weiss is met with silence as Link can only continue shaking his head. The silence quickly annoys the former heiress, who clears her throat to grab her friend's attention

"Ahem! It was my fault, understood?" Weiss sighs

"Okay, you win." The young man in shredded clothes cracks a smile. "I saved you and what happened to you was not my fault."

"Much better." She nods and glances at his outfit, then gasps. "That reminds me, I did something while you were asleep."

Link closes his eyes, lets out a long yawn, and rubs his closed. Then, by the time he opens his eyes, Weiss is standing up, draping two sets of clothes over the nightstand

"You got me new clothes? Thank you Weiss, I-!" He turns to look at the 'new' outfits, only to immediately notice how familiar they are; the blonde slides over to feel the clothes and chuckles. "W-Wait a second? These are mine. But how did you…?"

"Simple." Weiss nods. "I took a picture of you while you were sleeping to get your entire outfit. Of course, I cut your face out of the picture for privacy, then I felt your clothes for the type of fabric they're made of, annnd team RWBY went on their first mission since reforming, to travel into the city of Mistral and get our friend some new clothes."

"The four of you went out of your way to get me new clothes?" Link smiles and continues touching the 'new' outfits. "You knew what my clothes were made of by simply touching them?"

"Excuse me?" She raises an eyebrow. "I am extremely knowledgeable about many things, fashion is one of them. So yes, I was able to do that by just touching your clothes."

"I'm impressed, Weiss. Sorry if I don't sound grateful, because I am." He turns to her, nodding his head excessively. "You even made one of them blue, I like it."

"Good, I was hoping you would." Weiss sighs in relief. "We were going to only get you green since that has been your color from the moment we met. Until I mentioned the idea of blue, since it is one of my favorite colors and my outfit is blue too. As a way to somewhat match with each other… Ruby and Yang immediately jumped on the idea of course, Blake was indifferent."

"Of course they did. Thank you again." Link snickers, "Hey Weiss… Sorry to change the topic so abruptly, but how long have I been in bed?" He scratches his head. "What time is it? And what happened? I only remember us returning to the house but then…"

"It's practically midnight or a bit after midnight annnd you almost passed out, dolt." Weiss shrugs. "You scared everyone to death too. We arrived here and you had to grab onto everything to keep yourself upright. I suggested that you stay in the living room, but you insisted on resting in our room, with me by your side."

"O-Oh… I said all of that?" Link's eyes widen as he smirks and blushes consecutively. "I apologize if I embarrassed you."

"Everyone thought it was sweet. But yes you did embarrass me." She rolls her eyes, with a big grin on her face. "Well, apart from Ruby and Yang's uncle. He rolled his eyes but… He's always grumpy as we've all seen."

"He sure is."

Link glances at Weiss, her eyes, hair, face, and accessories all shine bright in the moonlight entering their room, she appears more beautiful to him than ever before. She notices his glance turn into staring, and smiles warmly at the blonde swordsman

"Hi." Weiss beams

"Hello." Link smiles back

"Is anything on your mind? I probably have all the answers, so take advantage and ask away."

Weiss gives him an affirming nod before sitting back down on her bed, making herself comfortable, crossing one leg over the other, and getting ready for any questions that might come her way

"Well, I do have some questions and then there is something I need to do." Link keeps his eyes locked on hers. "First, how is everyone doing?"

"Simple but straight to the point, okay." Weiss takes a deep breath, exhales loudly, and stops fidgeting with her skirt. "Everyone is doing as good as they possibly can considering the fight we were just in. Ruby, Yang, and I are thrilled that Blake is back. She unsurprisingly is awkward around all of us, but that's classic Blake. Team RWBY is back and we will not be separated again. None of us have extended injuries that require more rest. Qrow is still drinking at the crack of dawn, although he is worried about Professor Oz-!" She shakes her head, quickly correcting herself. "OSCAR! He only just woke up this evening, but he has a limp. So like you, stubborn when it comes to your recovery!"

(Heh, she is not wrong.) Link sheepishly giggles. "What about Jaune, Nora and… Ren?"

"I was hoping your grudge against them would make you forget to ask about them." She sighs. "Jaune is handling things to the best of his abilities, he has a great support system with us around. Nora and Ren are another story. Ren was taken to the best hospital in Mistral, b-but he has made no progress. According to the doctors, Ren is in a coma and if you don't know what that means, it is when someone is in a prolonged state of unconsciousness."

"Oh no." Link's eyes widen again as he breaks eye contact with his friend, choosing to stare at the floor instead. (I know that final attack from Hazel caused significant damage but…)

"Y-Yeah." Weiss sighs. "We have all gone to see him but we were told there is no timeframe for a full recovery. His aura was shattered and then he took an attack that sent so much electricity through him that his entire body just shut down. Nora is not taking it well, which leads me to break some more news about our journey."

Suddenly, her mood also drops but significantly more than Link's, which pique's his interest immediately

"...However, before I get to that, please ask another question."

"U-Um, okay." Link mumbles. "Did the police or anyone find Professor Lionheart? I don't recall when he escaped but one moment he was attacking me, then out of nowhere he was gone."

"Yes, Professor Lionheart was found by Qrow, he returned to the school after making sure we made it back safely." Weiss brings her hands together and twiddles her thumbs in a circular motion. "He was not alive. He told us Lionheart had been stabbed and strangled by a grimm directly under Salem's control that Qrow eventually destroyed."

"I can't believe it." Link sighs, "He was not a good person for siding with Salem and betraying everyone towards the end of his life, but clearly he was good at one point, especially if someone like Skylar had such high praise of him." His eyes widen, unsure of Weiss' recollection of team SLVR. "If you remember her."

"Agreed and I vividly remember Skylar, she attacked me you dolt. And she hated more people than liked." Weiss lightly chuckles, "Qrow said he wanted to address Professor Lionheart's death to the public, with Professor Ozpin's input of course. We will see what they have to say in due time." She turns her head to the right and glances outside. "Anything else?"

"Yes and this question is more about you." Link smiles as he looks at Weiss again, starting from her heels, up her legs, body, and all the way until meeting her eyes once more. "How are you feeling after everything? I know you are optimistic about Blake's return and team RWBY reuniting, but what about you?"

"I… Am doing better than ever." Weiss turns back to the blonde young man, and confidently nods. "Getting impaled and almost dying is not conventional of course. But when Jaune healed me, I felt stronger after getting up. Then we emerged victorious with Blake rejoining us too, that made me really happy. However, witnessing you wake up has raised my spirits as high as they can go. An entire week or so of you being unconscious was not fun in the slightest."

"Weiss…" Link raises an eyebrow. "Apart from visiting Ren at the hospital and getting me new clothes, have you left this room at all?"

"Y-Yes!" She stammers, instantly exposing her bluff. "Fine, I only left the room when I absolutely had to. You cannot blame me mister. You were the one who said you wanted me by your side, in our room."

"H-Hey! I do not even remember saying that." Link grins and covers his mouth to contain the escaping giggles

"Irrelevant!" Weiss rolls her eyes as faint blush streaks across her cheeks

The two friends laugh simultaneously after a productive conversation, it starts off as light chuckles but then transitions to intense laughing at how they unintentionally embarrass one another simply being themselves. After nearly an entire minutes of chuckles, giggles, and exchanged smiles, the conversation must resume

"About our journey, you said there was news you had to tell me?"

"Mhm." Weiss picks up her hands, raises them, and rubs her temples. "Two things. Nora will not be coming with us, she wants to stay with Ren until he recovers and wakes up, then maybe they will be able to make it to us whenever that is possible. Nora said she felt inspired by me… The way I was by your side before the battle at the school."

(Poor Nora, if I don't get to see her or Ren again… I sure am glad we made up right before the battle.) Link quietly nods, unsure of what to say initially, but finds the words after some more silence. "You're an inspiration."

"Be quiet, I'm being serious!" Weiss exhales whilst shaking her head. "This next one is even worse news and it is about where we are going. According to Qrow, he was told by Professor Ozpin that our next destination… Is none other than Atlas."

"W-What?!" Link gasps, his smile instantly fades as uncertainty takes over. "But… You nearly died and then got kidnapped in your efforts to escape Atlas, why would we go there? What about Vacuo? Or remaining here now that it is safer?"

"You're worried about me?" Weiss' jaw drops. "I figured you would hate going to Atlas for your own reasons."

"I do, trust me." He grumbles. "Being falsely accused of crimes, then having actual crimes falsely pinned on me, alongside your kingdom's military's obsession with capturing me dead or alive… It has definitely ruined my desire to visit your home. But… you could say I feel more secure about going to Atlas now. If I was alone, it would not happen. But with you, your team, Jaune, Sun if he sticks around, Qrow, Oscar, and Professor Ozpin, nothing will happen to us."

"Wow, o-okay." Weiss chuckles nervously. "Does it worry you that we have to go to Atlas?"

"Yes it does, but if Qrow and Professor Ozpin are not giving us another option then what can we do?" Link smacks his lips, but unexpectedly nods. "Besides, when I said I would follow you anywhere, I meant it. You will always have my support and going to Atlas will not be any different. More difficult? Perhaps? But as long as I get to accompany you and the rest of our friends, that is all I ask for."

Weiss opens her mouth to add in more input, but Link copies her earlier gesture of wagging his finger, and this action immediately shuts her down

"And yes, I am worried about you more than myself. You had to escape Atlas and that was very recent. This is your home that was previously good to you and seemingly perfect, but now it is not anymore. I can only imagine how meeting your father and brother again will go…" Link grins. "But no matter what happens, you won't be alone if they try to confront you."

"Are you… Confident?" Weiss asks

"I think so, yes." He chuckles

"Well, that makes me feel a lot better now." The ex-heiress sighs. "I have been feeling conflicted and angry, I don't want to go back but seeing Winter would be nice. And if it's to save the world then I suppose we should make the most of it."

Suddenly, Weiss jolts as the young woman remembers that Link is not finished with everything

"You're still withholding something." Weiss murmurs. "You said questions and the-!"

"I did not forget, ice queen."

Link plants his feet firmly against the wooden floor, digs his heels, and pushes off the bed to gently leap onto his feet. He stands up firmly, but with a nagging, aching pain coursing through his entire body as a consequence

"N-NO! Link stop! You're not impressing anybody by acting tough!" Weiss stands and charges forwards. "You need rest."

But to her surprise, Link meets her halfway in the short distance between their beds, and now they find themselves in close proximity to one other, the swordsman has a warm smile on his face, while the elegant Schnee has a look of worry in her eyes

"I am okay Weiss. You are right, I do need more rest but there is something I have to do."

Link, in two swift motions, grabs Weiss' right hand with his left and slips his right hand behind her so it wraps around her waist and rests on her lower back. Then, he gently pulls her towards him until their faces are inches apart

"W-What are you-!" Weiss blushes intensely, her normally pale skin changes towards a dark crimson red within seconds. "L-Link!"

"Weiss, I apologize for being a fool when we confessed our feelings." Link leans closer and lowers his voice, going from mumbling to whispering. "I thought having you close like this, but keeping you away with just enough distance would be best for you. I told myself I do not deserve you countless times, and you undid all of that within minutes. You were right… About me being wrong."

"How so?" She smiles, which compliments her blush under the moonlight

"Everything." Link nods. "And while I am not convinced that I'm still the person you caught feelings for during our time at Beacon, I believe every word you said, Weiss. Something must be wrong with my opinion of myself, especially if your opinion is the complete opposite of mine."

He chuckles, then leans closer and plants a soft kiss on her right cheek. Weiss gasps, despite already having experienced a soft kiss before from her friend before

"In my head, I decided we could not be together because it would put you in harm's way, but as I saw and you experienced first hand… You can still get hurt."

Link shifts over and kisses her left cheek as well and this time Weiss happily giggles at the intimate actions

"The list goes on but it can end with this. I have been wrong about so many things." The blonde in torn clothes chuckles. "So instead of deciding what is best for you, it's time to embrace what comes my way and decide what is best for me and us. And what is best is to do this…"

Swiftly letting go of her hand, Link raises his arm and slides his hand under Weiss' chin. He tilts her head upwards and smiles as his dark blue eyes meet her light blue eyes. Their lips get closer and closer to touching, but the next move is not made

"May I kiss you?" Link politely asks, maintaining a gentleman approach, just like when he asked to kiss her forehead a week prior

"Yes." Weiss whispers and steadily lifts her arms to wrap them around his neck. "Please don't tease me this time."

The slightest forward lean is all it takes for Link to plant his lips on Weiss' and kiss her slowly but sweetly. Each second and sudden movement of the long awaited kiss translates into a lingering, burning desire, as neither of the two friends want this moment to end; the latter even shamelessly emits a quiet moan as the kiss deepens

"Mmmm…"

From two former enemies who could not stand each other in class, out of class, and in general. The pair soon became close friends due to a handful of unfortunate circumstances, and unexpected romantic feelings blossomed. Feelings that unfortunately were not addressed for many months because of dark events that separated most of the Beacon students from one another. Thankfully for Link and Weiss, now everything has come full circle and their strong feelings that were stashed away because of fear and uncertainty, are no longer hidden. In addition to the burning desire for more, sparks fly, and the moment of passion feels surreal for both of the students. The former pulls on Weiss' waist to press her body against his, bring her closer to him, and deepen the kiss. Meanwhile, the latter pulls him closer with both hands wrapped around Link's neck, thus playing a massive part in prolonging their first kiss after days, weeks, and several months of withheld feelings and bottled up emotions

..

One minute Later, both Weiss and Link separate from their long kiss completely breathless. Alongside their lack of breath are smiles, bright blushes across their cheeks, and now they rest their foreheads together, gazing into each others eyes

"That was… Incredible." Weiss mumbles

"I could not have said it any better myself. But now I have another question for you." Link reaches down and grabs both of her hands with his. "Weiss?"

"Yes, Link?" She giggles, hopeful of the question she is about to be asked

"Will you…" He gently squeezes on her hands. "Do me the honor of becoming my girlfriend?"

"As tempting as it is to mess with you after the way you toyed with my heart." Weiss grins. "I won't. Yes, I would love to be your girlfriend."

"R-Really?" Link's smile widens

"Mhm."

Seconds later, Weiss and Link embrace one another with a long, tight hug that lasts even longer than their kiss, with the blonde's arms wrapped around his girlfriend's upper back, while the young woman wraps her arms around her boyfriend's lower back. Soon enough, they make their way into Weiss' bed and make themselves comfortable in each other's arms, under the covers. Weiss and Link rest next to each other, with their legs intertwined, holding hands, touching foreheads, and gazing into each other's eyes. Completely identical as they did that previous fateful week or so. Regrettably for the blonde, his attempts to hide the pain he is in are eventually noticed as he winces whilst wriggling around in bed

"We need to sleep immediately." Weiss narrows her eyes. "As much as I don't want this moment to end, you still need rest."

"No way, I received a second chance to make things right and I will not let it end this soon." Link chuckles, "I should have said yes when you brought up entering a relationship after we confessed our feelings. But I said no and then almost lost you." He leans forward and plants another kiss on her lips, this one is a light peck. "Besides, I have been running around Remnant on little sleep for years, I should be used to it by now."

"It's not about your sleep, dunce." Weiss shakes her head. "I think I know what it is but… You are not going to like this next part."

"What do you mean?" Link raises an eyebrow. "What part?"

"Link." She breathes faster as her hands shake. "I am referring to the events that proceeded after I was unfortunately stabbed, they were all described to me."

"W-What?" The blonde's eyes widen in fear of his own actions and how they will be perceived by his romantic partner. "Why?!"

"Please d-don't be mad. I asked for the details." Weiss lets go of Link's hands and quickly wraps her arms around his neck. "I am not dumb and figured you wouldn't spill the truth if I asked you myself."

"Okay, you're right." Link sighs and shamefully looks away

"Exactly what I thought." She rolls her eyes. "This is somewhat off topic but has to do with those events, but why didn't you jump down into the vault?

"Hm?" Link tilts his head in confusion

"Jaune and Nora mentioned you were about to drop down, but then you stopped…" Weiss rubs her chin. "Which is why Yang went instead, right?"

"Y-Yes." He nods. "It looks like they really told you everything that happened with precise detail."

"So why didn't you do it?" Weiss mumbles. "Were you scared? Because if you were, there's no shame in admitting that."

"You were the reason I could not go, Weiss." Link mumbles, "Seeing you so vulnerable and weak, I could not bring myself to leave without knowing if you were okay or not. And I will not keep you guessing either, it is because I care about you more than anything." He smiles with confidence. "I want to avenge Pyrrha, Ray, Amber, the people of Garanda, Penny, and the list goes on, but not if it affects you."

"And that means…" She asks

"I will always choose you, Weiss." Link looks directly at her with a big smile on his face

"Link…" Weiss turns away as the blonde's words cut deep, nearly moving her to tears. "T-Thank you, I didn't know you felt that strongly."

"You're welcome… And now you know." He playfully winks, though it is executed awkwardly. "Now let's go back to what you were saying earlier, shall we?"

"Yes!" Weiss lowers her arms to slowly rub Link's back. "You might have come to the same conclusion already, but here goes anyway. I think despite how much the enemy's attacks did not seem to faze you to the point of appearing invincible, you still absorbed all that damage and are now paying the price but only after the fight ended."

"We are on the same page." He nods. "Although you definitely worded it better. It worked out perfectly considering all the people I combated with, but the aftereffects are not fun to endure."

"That sounds about right." The ex-heiress giggles. "I have something on my mind."

"What might that be?" Link asks

"I was thinking… We should keep our relationship under wraps."

Now it is Weiss who looks away, feeling immense guilt at the mere suggestion she is making to a boy she has strong feelings for

"Or in other words, a secret."

"Weiss." Link sighs. "I don't get it. Are you ashamed to be in a public relationship with me?"

"N-NO! Why would you say that?!" Weiss's eyes widened before immediately returning to staring into the blonde boy's eyes. "I only bring it up because… Well, we are in the middle of saving the world. We just went through a massive battle where we emerged victorious but not unscathed. Now we have lost Ren and Nora for the unforeseeable future and there's no telling if getting to Atlas will be fast, slow, safe, or dangerous."

"Okay, I'm following along."

"I just don't want people getting the wrong idea and thinking that our only priority is our relationship. Does that make sense?" She tilts her head to the right, eyes glimmering with hope. "If it doesn't, I will gladly apologize and drop this."

"There is no need for any apology or regrets, I understand." Link nods, "I certainly would not mind if you wanted to announce it to everyone that we are together. But if you want to keep us a secret for the time being, our friends can continue speculating and teasing us." He audibly laughs. "As long as I have you, it does not matter to me if we are public or a secret. I like you a lot Weiss."

"Y-You!" Weiss shakes her head whilst blushing immediately. "I obviously like you too. Now come on, let's go to sleep."

"No can do." The blonde huntsman chuckles. "I have two more questions, then I promise we will sleep."

"Ugh! Fine, but it better be two questions only. I do not want you to sneak in three or four questions as one." Weiss scoffs

"They are both about you actually."

Link releases Weiss' hands and quickly repositions his hands so that one is around her waist, while the other is on her face, caressing her cheek gently

"It is about our conversation from the other night. You said you've never gotten close to entering a romantic relationship in your entire life. Why is that?"

"Well, you might have overheard me talking about this before, one of these reasons is why I constantly shot down Jaune's attempts at asking me out during our time at school." Weiss grins, but shakes her head at the same time. "Throughout my life, from the moment I can remember receiving attention from boys, it never felt right. It seemed like they only wanted all the perks of my last name, and I was the meal ticket into my family's fortune. Jaune was no different either, he was definitely the nicest guy with those intentions I came across, but that did not make it any better. Neptune caught my eye because he was a good talker and a charmer, but a deep connection never materialized."

Weiss closes her eyes, quietly exhales, and smiles at the warm hand touching and softly rubbing her cheek

"You, on the other hand, were different, in spite of our terrible start." She giggles. "My teammates and friends learned to bear with me, they made adjustments to handle me, but you did not do that. Link, you constantly challenged my thoughts and opinions, we butted heads, and rather than adjusting or pushing through interactions with me… You respected me, protected me from danger, valued me for me, not my last name, and so on."

Weiss opens her eyes, the instant sight of a smiling Link increases her happiness and widens her smile

"Of course, I had standards too and you know how I was back then, so I never showed a lot of interest in boys, and most of them did not stand a chance." Her giggles continue… "Then there was my family too."

Only for her expression to drop in an instant as now Weiss has to address a touchy subject she would rather avoid

"My father always told me he would have the final say when Whitley and I found partners of our own. And if we could not find anyone good enough for his standards, he would find someone for us."

"Weiss, that's awful." Link clenches his jaw in frustration. "I don't imagine I will get anyone's approval in your family, will I?"

"I hope Winter comes around. But even if my family doesn't like you, I don't care. I do not need their opinions or approval anymore." Weiss' expression is suddenly uplifted to a joyous one. "I found you, someone I actually developed feelings for, respect, like, someone who makes me better. And nobody will get in my way of pursuing happiness."

"You have no idea how happy I am hearing those words." The blonde boy sighs in relief. "This last one should not be difficult to talk about. I'm curious to know… When did you catch feelings for me?"

"U-Ummm!" Weiss purses her lips in amusement. "This is going to be very cliché, but when you saved me on the fairgrounds, after team SLVR attacked me. That's where it all started."

"I was not expecting that answer." Link's chuckles, but suddenly mouth opens in shock. "W-Wait? Does that mean… When I went on my date with Velvet, you-!"

"Please don't say what I think you're about to say!" She shakes her head and narrows her eyes

"You…" Link closes his mouth and grins widely. "Were je-!"

"YES I WAS JEALOUS!" Weiss blurts out. "I know, I'm ridiculous for being jealous when we were barely friends. I was happy that your date went well, even if it hurt my heart. Another confession is when I paid you a visit before your match against Jaune and Pyrrha, I was so close to telling you how I…"

"Hey, it's okay." Link leans forward and delivers another quick kiss to the lips. "We both have regrets and things could have been different between us sooner, but we learned a lot from those regrets and now here we are."

"That IS a nice way to look at things." Weiss nods. "Your turn, when did you realize you liked me?"

"I thought I was the only one asking questions." He smirks

"We don't have all night, mister."

"Okay, I will answer. But now that I know when your feelings for me started… I feel really foolish." He sighs and shuts his eyes. "When you, Ruby, Yang, Blake, Coco, and Velvet confronted me after I was framed, with everyone but you jabbing my heart when saying they didn't believe me. My hope and optimism was lost, all I wanted to do was curl into a ball and hoped the world would swallow me whole. And I almost broke completely, but luckily, you were still in my dorm. Your words, positive energy, and belief in me without anything to prove my innocence, it was perfect. You were perfect and I wish you did not have to leave that day."

"I see. You shouldn't feel foolish." Weiss quietly pouts

And before another word is spoken, she swiftly takes charge, leaning forward and planting a quick but fiery kiss on her boyfriend's lips. Link smiles and kisses back, turning the 'quick' kiss into a deep kiss that carries on for fifteen seconds. Soon enough, Weiss pulls back and brightly smiles

"Better?"

"Yes." Link grins. "Thanks Weiss. Lately it feels like you always know what to say or do."

"That might have something to do with you having feelings for me, therefore making you think I have all the answers." Weiss rolls her eyes in amusement. "Not that I hate the idea of someone thinking I am perfect."

"Because you are."

"S-Stop!" Weiss' blush intensifies again as she throws the covers over them to block out the moonlight. "Link?"

"Yes Weiss?" He smiles

"Sleep." She frowns. "Now."

"Alright, that's fair. I did ask all my questions and did what I should have done days ago."

Simultaneously, both of the former Beacon students scoot towards one another while using their arms to pull each other closer, seeing as Link has his arms wrapped around her lower back, and Weiss has her arms around his upper back. Once they pull, tug, and slide forward as much as possible, they find themselves closer than ever before. Weiss leans forward and is met halfway by her partner, who first kisses her forehead, before tilting his head downward and leaning his forehead against hers. This time, Link is the first one to fall asleep due to fatigue and lingering injuries. Weiss follows some time later, after diligently watching the blonde boy in green go to sleep. She smiles at his peaceful, deep slumber, then calmly exhales, shuts her eyes, and soon joins her boyfriend as the new couple fall asleep together…

Several Hours Later

Contrary to their perfect conversation at midnight, that spanned over an hour of consistent talking, laughing, hugs, kisses, and snuggling in bed, the morning is rather quiet for Link and Weiss. The former wakes up first and his sudden movement immediately awakens the young woman. They greet each other with another sweet, quick kiss, then quietly get ready. Weiss simply gets out of bed, slips on her heels, and 'dusts' off her skirt while trying her best to unwrinkle it

"I will give you some privacy. Hurry up and change, though. 'We'..." She winks. "Have been waiting for you to wake up."

"Right." Link sits up, nods, and keeps his eyes on his girlfriend while she walks away. "Weiss?"

"Hm?"

Weiss opens the door, then stops as she turns back to see what her partner might say or want

"You're beautiful." He closes his eyes and cheerfully grins

"And you love embarrassing me." Weiss rolls her eyes, blushes, and sighs. "If someone sees me, this is your fault."

Before he can respond, Weiss exits the room and shuts the door behind her. Link bursts into chuckling as he stands up and walks around to the nightstand, his eyes fixate on the blue tunic

"I suppose a new look wouldn't hurt." He smiles, slides off both boots and proceeds to change out of his current outfit, which is cut, torn, and hardly remaining together

Minutes later, Link exits the room and meets up with Weiss, who is standing directly outside, waiting for him. In his left hand is black bag provided to him by team RWBY, it is small but spacious enough to store his old clothes and the new spare outfit. The latter eyes him up and down, smiling at the near identical tunic that is now a vibrant blue color with some slight changes

"Do you like it?" She asks

"I do, it's nice and regardless of the fact that it is not the same blue as your outfit..." Link looks down at her pale blue clothes. "To me, we are matching."

"Good." Weiss nods

The pair walk alongside each other as they calmly take each step down the wooden stairs, until they reach the first floor, where they are immediately greeted by everyone in the house: Qrow, Oscar Pine, Jaune Arc, Ruby Ruby, Blake, and Yang. As expected with Blake being the new addition, but sadly Ren and Nora Valkyrie are nowhere to be seen

"Hello everybody." Link sheepishly grins. "Sorry if I scared-!"

Suddenly, Link is cut off when Blake, Yang, Jaune, and Oscar run to him and pull him and Weiss in for a group hug; the ones who hang back and watch with smiles on their faces are Qrow Branwen and his niece, Ruby

"Stop speaking, we're just glad you're okay." Yang speaks first, her voice laced with concern and sadness. "And Weiss wouldn't give us updates either!"

"How dare you blatantly lie?!" Weiss frowns. "There were no updates to give, Link was recovering the entire time."

"Yeah, but you still didn't say anything." Blake shakes her head. "Plus, you refused to let us in to see him."

"I'm sorry, okay?" Weiss sighs. "I was worried too and a tad bit overprotective."

"Only a little bit." Jaune chuckles

"So Link." Oscar speaks up. "How are you feeling? We all had ideas as to why you were on the verge of passing out. Then your week long need of required bed rest had us thinking about many possibilities."

"Well, my body is still hurting but I can move around, I experience stinging, aching, and some sharp pain too." Link mumbles

"That means you're not fully recovered, kid." Qrow shrugs. "Tough, we have to move and since you can at least move-"

"Uncle Qrow!" Ruby digs into her uncle's stomach with a sharp elbow jab

"That tickled." The older huntsman chuckles

"It's okay, Ruby. He's right, we do have to move." Link sighs as the group hug comes to an end. "Let's get to Atlas."

Immediate silence…

Followed by more silence…

"R-Right, Atlas. How do you feel about that?" Jaune asks

"..."

Link's silence answers the question and confirms what everybody else thinks, he and Weiss have the least to gain and most to lose with a journey to Atlas

"As long as I have all of you by my side, the journey to Atlas is possible."

"Well, at least he's more optimistic than the rich snob, heh." Qrow reaches inside his shirt and grabs his flask, then proceeds to take a big swig

"Such insolence!" Weiss smacks her lips

"Don't take it to heart, he's like that with everyone." Yang giggles

"Still!" Weiss stops her foot into the floor. "Unacceptable!"

Blake, Jaune, Oscar, and Yang immediately laugh at Weiss' expense, Qrow grins and walks off to the kitchen after finishing the contents inside his flask, and Link takes the chance to walk up to Ruby, in order to clear up any potential issues or dissolve all the remaining tension between the best friends

"Hello Ruby."

"H-Hey Link." The silver eyed huntress nervously chuckles. "You're probably really upset with me and I just wanted to say that-!"

"Upset?" Link shakes his head. "Not at all, I was worried you and Weiss resented or were scared of me. You know, after I…"

"Y-Yeah, it's okay. You don't have to talk about it." Ruby hesitantly nods. "I was scared. That person who almost killed someone, it didn't feel like you. So when you told me you were in full control, my fear turned into… Well, resentment."

"I understand." He nods

"Buuuut!" Ruby smiles brightly, "After a much needed talk between team RWBY and giving it many thoughts myself, I realized I was being dumb. You totally saved the day and besides what happened to Ren, you likely prevented more injuries or potential deaths that could have happened."

She leans in and tightly wraps her arms around his waist, then lowers her voice. Link winces at the tight embrace, but hugs back nonetheless whilst lowering his head to listen carefully

"And as much as I don't want anyone to die, especially Emerald, who does even want to go along with Salem's plans… She was trying to kill us. So I understand why you almost-!" Ruby raises his right hand and drags her index finger across her neck. "Ya know."

"What do you mean?" Link raises an eyebrow. "Then why is Emerald with them if she is not on board with Salem's plans?"

"She told me it was for Cinder." Ruby shrugs her shoulders

"I see." Link thinks momentarily, but then shakes his head to no longer think about the evil people who attacked him and his friends. "Now that Cinder is dead, she has the chance to change sides and do what's right. And I hope she does that."

"Wow really?" The young huntress gasps. "I didn't expect such a positive outlook."

"Ruby." He rolls his eyes, a big smile forms on his face as well. "I know I have not been the nicest person since we reunited, but I was not always cold, dark, mean, or any other word you guys have used to describe me."

"I know that. You were a sweet person at Beacon, but…" Ruby narrows her eyes. "I'm not sure how to put it. It's like the change from grumpy, angry Link to happy, optimistic Link happened over night. Ooooh I think I know why!"

(She knows about me and Weiss already? I-Impossible, Weiss is going to kill me.) Link closes his eyes, fearing the worst knowing his best friend is a loudmouth

"You're super thrilled about our victory and with Cinder out of the way, a hugeee weight, bunch of pressure, and an unhealthy amount of stress has been lifted off your shoulders!"

"Y-Yes!" The blonde swordsman opens his eyes and rapidly nods. "How did you know?"

"I KNEW IT!"

Ruby's shout predictably grabs the attention of everyone in the room, as expected from the loud, chipper girl, who is happy to announce her 'correct' theory as to why Link is being more positive

"Listen, if you pipsqueaks are done goofing around, we need to get going." Qrow emerges from the kitchen with a cup of tea in hand. "Oz said we need to get the Relic to General Ironwood as soon as possible. It may not be of use with the three questions per hundred years being used up already, but it is still a relic and-!"

"Wait." Link clears his throat to interrupt the older man. "Three questions? Hundred years? What is going on?"

"Oz explained what the Relic of Knowledge is and what it does while you were out cold, kid." Qrow shrugs. "But I'm sure someone can catch you up to speed on everything he said, right?"

"Definitely." Weiss nods. "I can."

"Good, now let's get out of here. I cannot stay one more night in this house considering Leo's true intentions for us."

Qrow quickly downs the tea in the small cup, disrespectfully lets go of the cup and watches it shatter into many pieces, then storms out of the beautiful house that will return to its previous state, abandoned. Ruby, Yang, Blake, Jaune, and Oscar follow closely, while Link and Weiss trail behind the group as they make their way to find transportation. Or in other words, getting one step closer to reaching the kingdom of Solitas, and more importantly, the city of Atlas

Mistral Central Station

Approximately thirty to forty minutes later, the group find themselves at the Mistral Central Station, the most popularly used method of public transportation for the city of Mistral. The station has everything expected of a train station: ticket booths, a food court, shops with overpriced snacks and souvenirs, mailboxes, elegant pillars on each side of the station, and holographic screens detailing departures, arrivals, and time to wait; the screens in total show details for thirty trains at once. In the center of the station on the main floor is a fountain with a statue of a King Taijitu, alongside a second and third floor, both accessible by stairs, with additional food courts and shops for the people to explore and enjoy. A large portion of the heroes, Weiss, Yang, Jaune, Oscar, and Ruby find themselves on the ground floor, waiting patiently with luggage and bags in their possession, while Qrow is near a mailbox, sending two letters. One is a public statement, detailing the attack on Haven Academy and falsely portraying Professor Lionheart as a hero who died defending his school. The second letter is the same statement, but with additional words to General Ironwood, making it more of a personal letter. Blake and Link are on the third floor, having been speaking with the cat faunus' parents, Ghira and Kali Belladonna for quite some time, with Ilia Amitola, a close friend of Blake's, standing nearby

"I must say young man, you are the standard of students I was expecting my daughter to befriend. Despite your impulsive actions the other night, you are strong and wise beyond your years." Ghira chuckles and roughly slaps Link's shoulder. "Unlike Mister Wukong."

"Dad!" Blake flushes with embarrassment

"Stop being so harsh, dear." Kali shakes her head, "We have gotten to know Sun long enough for him to have earned your respect." She turns to Link. "No offense of course, young man. We only met you recently."

"None taken." Link grins. "Sun is not a bad guy, he likes to have fun and that is his personality. He's a good person deep down. He is strong, capable, and reliable in a fight."

"Yes, he certainly showed that when our home was attacked by the White Fang." The tall panther faunus nods firmly. "Very well then, I suppose we should get going. We have to get back to Menagerie. Isn't that right Ilia?"

"Yes sir." Ilia smiles

"O-Okay." Blake nods, then lunges forward and hugs both of her parents at the same time

"Are you sure you don't want to come home with us?" Kali asks, hopeful that her daughter will change her mind. "There is plenty to be done back home."

"I'm sure, mom." Blake sniffles, struggling to hold back tears, "My team needs me." She glances back at Link. "All of my friends need me. We're going to Atlas and helping save the world in any way I can."

"Y-Yes dear." The older cat faunus sighs as her eyes meet those of the blonde boy standing a few feet away. "Keep my daughter safe, okay?"

"Blake is more than capable of protecting herself." Link smiles. "But yes ma'am, I promise to keep her safe."

"Good answer." Ghira grunts. "You've got a good heart, young man."

"Thank you, sir." He nods

Behind them, Ilia remains mostly quiet but she does smile at the heartwarming moment between Blake, her parents, and their admiration for Link. Eventually, the family group hug comes to a close and the three faunus hesitantly back away from one another

"Bye honey." Kali wipes away tears from her eyes. "Take care of my daughter and yourself, Link."

"I will Miss Belladonna." Link nods

"B-Bye mom." Blake copies her mother's action and wipes away many tears. "I promise I won't be away too long this time."

"Goodbye Blake. " Ghira mumbles. "Ilia, we'll give you privacy to say your goodbyes, but please come find us immediately as soon as you are done "

"Yes sir." Ilia nods

"Bye dad."

Blake raises her arm and waves as her mother and father walk away, although they do turn one more time to wave at their daughter and Link

"I know you aren't the bragging type." Blake smiles. "But you won over my parents in less than a combined hour. It took Sun weeks of effort for my dad to even tolerate him."

"Your dad is all business, I imagine his personality clashed with Sun's." Link grins whilst watching her parents walk away, focusing more on the panther faunus

"Now that they're gone, why were you staring at my dad with such intensity? Earlier and even right now?" Blake glares at her friend

"Was it that obvious?" He sighs. "Sorry Blake, your dad reminded me of Ray's father, that is all. Hiroku was just as tall, if not taller. His personality was practically the same as your dad's too. All business, stern, and protective of his family, "

"O-Oh!" Blake turns away and looks down. "Don't be sorry then, I should be. For getting defensive about-!"

"It is okay, Blake. He is your father after all. Getting defensive is normal." Link nods at the cat faunus, then he turns to Ilia and extends his hand. "Hello. I don't believe we have officially met, I'm-!"

"I know who you are. You must be stupidly charming or special to win over Blake's parents the way you did." Ilia steps forward and happily shakes his hand. "It's nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine." He nods

Flashing a smile at the chameleon faunus, Link promptly lets go of her hand. Next, he looks to his left, where he has a perfect view of everything down below. His friends converse among themselves whilst waiting for him, Blake, and Qrow to reconvene. Luckily for the blonde boy, he just happens to turn at the right time, as two strangers approach the group. One of them is a tall man with pale skin. He wears a dark jacket over a black shirt, light gray pants, and dark gray boots. This particular individual sports wavy brown hair, yellow eyes, and carries a heavy, spiked metal club over his right shoulder that is covered with a metal shoulder pad. His partner is also a tall man, with tanned skin in comparison. He wears a beige shirt with a blue and yellow sleeveless coat over it, and gray pants. Alongside his main attire are black fingerless gloves with leather padding. He has a goatee and brown hair that is tied in a bun, while effortlessly carrying a black and gold semi-automatic rifle over his left shoulder. Despite being two stories above them, Link can hear the two men identify themselves due to their loud voices announcing themselves as professional huntsmen going by the names Dee and Dudley

"We are the Argus Limited's very own Huntsmen." Dee smirks. "And we'll be keeping everyone safe as we pass through Grimm territory."

(If they are going to be on the train with us, it is going to be a lonnng ride.) Link sighs

"You can go back if you want." Blake nods her head in the same direction where Link is glancing. "I'm sure Weiss would love to have your company again."

"W-What?" Link turns away to hide an incoming blushing sensation, but he is not slick enough as the cat and chameleon faunus' laugh at his embarrassment

"You heard her." Ilia giggles. "It was nice meeting you, Link."

"Likewise."

Link smiles warmly at Ilia, nods at Blake, turns to his right, and quickly makes his way down the stairs, lightly jogging the entire time while he makes his way back toward the group

"...For a generous tip, we can make sure your passenger car gets extra special attention!" Dudley nods. "Ya know, should things get dangerous."

Dudley winks, but Ruby and Yang give unamused looks as their expressions transition from their previous bright smiles to deadpan boredom. Weiss on the other hand, rolls her eyes and completely dismisses the cocky huntsman, who does not stop in his attempt to get attention, money, or both. He walks over to Weiss, rudely pushes the young woman's protective case containing her rapier 'Myrtenaster' under the bench with his foot, and sits down next to her

"Do you mind?" Weiss smacks her lips and crosses her arms. "I did not say you could sit next to me."

"I know you can give us both sizable tips with plenty to spare." Dudley winks again. "Your family is loaded with money, aren't they-!"

"Hey."

The voice of Link is firm and audible as he walks back into the fray. Oscar, Jaune, Ruby, and Yang excitedly turn around. The blonde young man walks past Ruby and Yang, ready to confront the men bothering his friends and making his girlfriend uncomfortable

"Weiss." Link turns to look her way, as she visibly tries to scoot away from the persistent man. "Is this guy giving you problems?"

"Hello Link." Weiss smiles, completely ignoring Dudley's attempts to sway her. "There's no problem here. He was just leaving."

"Says who?" Dudley smirks and stands up, eyeing Link up and down. "What do we have here? You look like someone about to enroll in an academy. And based on what you're wearing… We're likely not receiving any monetary gain from you."

"Is money all you care about?" Link raises an eyebrow and crosses his arms. "What happened to protecting the Argus Limited like your friend said?"

"Please, we will be able to do that easily. We're just trying to make some more money by offering extra attention during the ride." Dudley looks at his companion, who nods along

"Dudley is right. We are experts and professional huntsmen. A train ride is nothing gor us." Dee chuckles. "Are you a professional huntsman?"

"No." Link shakes his head. "But I am confident in my abilities as a huntsman, while you need money to make up for something."

"Hey! Who do you think you are?!" Dee marches forward, intending to get in the blonde's face

"Yeah, I wouldn't do that if I were you." Qrow grunts from a short distance

"Huh?"

Dee and Dudley turn as Qrow walks towards them menacingly, with both hands in his pockets, and a frown on his face

"You heard me. Now buzz off." The older huntsman stands in between Ruby and Yang, who make faces to mock the cocky huntsmen. "If you two are the ones protecting the train, it looks like Mistral's really scraping the bottom of the barrel these days to find 'capable' huntsmen."

"Another punk insulting us?" Dee growls. "Look buddy, you're talking to a professional-!"

"A 'professional huntsman', right." Qrow rolls his eyes whilst grabbing his scroll that now displays his huntsman license, much to the chagrin of Dee and Dudley, "It doesn't matter if you're a pro or not, what matters is if you have the guts, heart, and desire for this. This kid… " He points at Link, who protectively stands in front of Weiss. "Has endured many hardships you idiots couldn't handle. He never give up, has the heart and capabilities to call himself a huntsman. He's also stronger than both of you and I would advise that you don't put that to the test either."

"How dare you?!" Dudley balls up his right fist

"That's enough." Link calmly speaks as he narrows his eyes and calmly shakes his head

"Listen to him." Qrow shrugs. "We aren't looking for a fight."

"F-Fine." Dee sighs, turns to his companion, and slaps him on the chest. "Come on, dummy."

He and Dudley walk away from the group and immediately start bickering with each other. Oscar watches the two men leaving and chuckles whilst nodding along, indicating Professor Ozpin is speaking with the young farmhand

"The burden of saving the world can be very overwhelming at times." Oscar turns to the rest of the group. "But then people like that come along and it makes me grateful that it's our jobs to save the world and not theirs."

Everyone, even the nonchalant Qrow, collectively agrees with Oscar as they all nod at him, with audible 'mhms' coming out of Ruby, Yang, and Weiss' mouths, while Jaune and Link laugh along

"So, are you kids ready to go?" The older huntsman turns to Yang. "Bike loaded up and everything?"

"Yep!" Ruby nods

"Just waiting on Blake." Weiss rolls her eyes

"She's saying goodbye to everyone." Link takes a seat next to the ex-heiress, "Her parents just left, that Ilia girl is next." He turns to the left, lifts his head upward, and instantaneously spots Sun Wukong and Neptune Vasilias conversing with the cat faunus. (Looks like Sun will not be joining us after all, what a shame.)

"That's good, our train is set to leave soon anyway." Weiss nods, turns to her boyfriend, and warmly smiles. "You didn't have to stand up to those guys for us, but thanks anyway."

"No problem." He nods, then attempts to place a hand on her right leg as a kind gesture

"W-What is he doing?!" Weiss frowns, gently smacks his left hand away, and leans over to whisper in his direction. "What part of keeping things a secret do you not understand?"

"Sorry."

Link's expression drops, but he quickly plays it off by notificing Ruby and Yang playing tug of war with a gift shop bag and laughing at the pair. The silver eyed girl pulls with all her might, while her sister uses her prosthetic arm to easily hold the bag in place. Weiss points and laughs as well, drawing the attention of Jaune and Oscar, who do the same. The group of mostly students, a professional huntsman, and the soul of Beacon's last headmaster reincarnated as a young boy, laugh and enjoy the rest of their time at the Mistral train station. Soon enough, they will continue their adventure through a snowy, windy, and freezing cold environment that will take them to Argus, the next destination in their journey

(Author's Note pt 2: "time for Volume 6" yeah right, it barely progressed :P but at last the unexpected LinkXWeiss ship is in fruition. Sorry to all the LinkXRuby shippers or the LinkXVelvet shippers, the enemies to lovers trope prevails. Additional info, chapters 31 and 32 have been re-written/updated, which means I am that much closer to being done re-writing/updating chapters. I do not know when I will stop. I'm thinking of stopping either by chapter 34 or 40, but you shall see when I eventually get there. I hope you've all enjoyed this new chapter, Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you wonderful people. Enjoy your holidays whether it's by partying, eating good food, spending it with friends, family, etc. Until next time, have a wonderful day and see you all in 2025!)