-Then-

Serra was waiting for him as Nix neared the dining hall, the young girl standing by the door with a smile. She cocked her head slightly as he apporoached, her hands clasping her tablet to her chest. "There you are Nix, have an eventful evening?"

Nix returned her smile lightly, more eager to see his sister than talk. "Yes, yes I did. But in all honesty I've been thinkng about this meal more than anything. So many things to talk about."

"I see. Well rest assured that your patience is soon to be rewarded. Right this way." The girl turned and opened the door for him, leading Nix inside. The hall was large with various tables lined throughout, with the longest one running horizontal at the head of the hall. Various tapestries hung from the ceiling and stained glass windows lined the sides of the room, their depictions hard to make out with the sun now gone, the room now lit by artificial tourches that hung all around. Io was seated at the head table, her face warm and full of care. Nix had missed seeing that face over the years, and it seemed that the stress of the day no longer mattered now that he was here, just the two of them. The food was already at the table as he walked over and his sister stood to greet him. "Hello Nix. Sorry for the wait but I had much to attend to. Did you enjoy your time with Ami?"

"I did. She showed me the others, your Defender team. I gotta say, it was impressive." The two of them sat down and Nix leaned his elbows in the table, resting his chin in his hands. "But now, I'd just like some answers."

Iolite sighed and sat back in her chair, her smile light and calm. "OK. I'm all yours now. Ask away."

Nix opened his mouth to speak but suddenly hesitated. He had been thinking about this all day but now that it was here, he had no idea where to start. He had so many questions that it felt like an impossible task to pick just one to start with. He took a deep breath to calm himself and looked at his sister gently. They had all night after all, and it was going to be a long one. So Nix started at the beginning. "Just..how?"

"How what?"

"You know, how did all this happen? Where did you go after the attack on our village?"

"Ah yes, the Grimm Walker.." Iolite reached for her glass and took a sip of her drink. "It's a long story Nix, one that may sound unbelievable."

Nix leaned further into the table. "I know it's hard talking about that day, but you don't have to fear it any longer. The Grimm Walker is dead."

Ios eyes went wide in shock. "...What did you say?"

"The Grimm Walker is dead, Io. Felled by my own hands."

The room was silent for a moment as the news set in. Nix could see the surprise and confusion on his sisters face and went to explain when Io did something unexpected. She laughed. It was soft at first, but then grew louder into a genuine laugh. Nix could only look at his sister as she pulled herself together, now more confused than he had been all day. "Why are you laughing?"

Io sighed and smiled at her brother. "Oh Nix, I'm laughing because the Grimm Walker isn't dead at all."

"What do you mean?"

"That beast you killed wasn't the Grimm Walker. Not the true one anyway." Ios leaned back in her chair again, her eyes sparkling. "No, the real Grimm Walker...is me."

-------------------------------------------

  -Now-

  Yang quickened her pace as she neared Nix's hospital room, eager to check in on him today. But by the time the girl got there she was surprised to see that she wasn't the only visitor. There was another girl standing next to the door, one foot leaned up against the wall. She had long brown hair and wore a purple vest over a white top, with a pair of purple leggings leading down to her running shoes. A pair of long rabbit ears the same color as her hair stuck out of her head, twitching at the sound of Yangs approach. The ears gave away the girls identity in an instant and Yang smiled as she walked over to her friend. "Hey Thumper, what are you doing here?"

  The rabbit Fanus turned her head and smiled at Yang warmly, her green eyes alert and full of mischief. "Hiya Yang, just doing my job for the day."

  "What job is that?" The blonde haired girl asked with a confused look.

  "Standing guard of course! Gotta keep a close eye on our buddy here in case of an attack." Thumper smiled at Yang as she spoke, taking her job with upmost importance. This was all news to Yang, who had no idea what she was talking about. "Thumper, why do you mean 'attack?'"

  "I can explain that one." Came a familiar voice from behind them. Yang turned to see Jaune walking over to them, a small smile on his face. She could see that he stood a little taller as he walked, his voice now a pitch deeper and more robust. She had to admit she was still getting used to the new Jaune, one who seemed to have grown up way to fast. Regardless, she was happy to see him and returned his smile with her own. "Some explanation would really help. What was this about an attack?"

"It's only a precaution we are taking. Terry found some disturbing things while he and his team were out on their op yesterday, one of those things being marked maps of the city. While they were unable to recover any, Terry said that this hospital could have been marked. So I asked Thumper here to stand guard for a few days, just to be safe."

Yang glanced back at Thumper, who was now holding a doctor by his coat. "What's in the case, Doc?"

"J-just some files to fill out, I swear!"

Yang looked back at Jaune with a testing look. "Don't you think that I would be more than capable and happy to do this kind of thing? It's not like he's my boyfriend or anything."

"I know you would have, but Ozpin would never allow it. You need to stay focused on classes, having you staying here would only damage your grade level."

Yang scoffed. "Like grades have been on my mind recently.."

"You know what I'm saying. Just let Thumper watch him for a few days and then things will be back to normal. Please."

The girl glanced back at Thumper again before letting out a sigh. No use fighting him on this, and if she did she may not be allowed to see Nix at all. Yang looked at her friend and smiled softly. "All right. You win. I know Thumps will do a good job."

"Thank you Yang." Jaune replied with a smile of his own. "Now you best get in there before visiting hours are over." He turned to leave, hands in his pockets. "You're not staying?" Yang called after him.

"I have some...stuff to attend to."

Yang could here the pause in his voice and laughed. "Well tell Pyrah I said hi!"

The girl could practically feel the heat coming off of Jaunes cheeks at her statement. "We're just studying!"

Yang laughed again and watched him leave before going back to Nix's room, Thumper giving her a smile as she walked in. Yang knew she could trust the girl and felt herself relax as the door shut behind her.

"It's only for a few days. Then, everything will be better again. I know it will..."

--------------------------------------------

-Then-

Nix looked at his sister in shock. "You? You're the Grimm Walker? That's ridiculous.."

"Is it though Nixy?" Io asked with a small smile. "I know that it's not something you were expecting to hear, but if you let me explain things will make sense."

H sat there for a moment in silence, just looking at the girl in front of him. He sat back in his chair with a deep breath and readied himself. He had a feeling the night just got a lot longer.

"Alright. Start from the beginning."