Re://Entrance

*POV Alden*

As I opened my eyes, I let out a yawn and stretched my arms. The blankets around me falling away and as I looked down I saw my chest was bandaged.

Hm, the last thing I can remember would be... Ah, winning (if it could be called that) against the Alpha Beowulf. I hope that kid is okay. Well, I'd assume so given that obviously someone came through and helped me. I doubt they would have ignored a vulnerable child.

In any case, I needed to figure out where I was first. I looked around, and found myself in a sparsely furnished room. There was a window to my right, and as I pulled the curtains back I found myself looking out onto a splaying grassy landscape.

It was dotted with chiseled stone pathways, and small artificial ponds.

I had a tingling suspicion of where I was, and ask the door to my room opened it was all but confirmed. A tall, buxom blonde with eyes that gave me a piercing stare through her glasses. She closed the door behind her before addressing me.

"I see that you're awake. I imagine you might be wondering where you are and who I am?"

I responded after taking a moment to formulate my questions (even though I was already sure of the answers).

"Quite. I remember collapsing after my fight with a Grimm, but I can't recall anything past that."

She seemed to be expecting a similar answer, as she responded immediately.

"That would make sense given your state at the time. From what I heard the medics say, you had three broken ribs and a deep wound through your armpit and into your torso. Luckily, your aura kicked in once the worst of it had been treated. You should be fully recovered within a few days."

I sighed in relief as I heard that, before doing a mental double take. Wait, my aura? I was pretty damn sure when I was fighting the Beowulf I hadn't had aura, so It must have somehow been unlocked between then and now.

Speaking of the Beowulf, what had happened to the Crystal it would have left behind? I could see the glowing icons of system notifications in the corner of my vision, but those would have to wait.

"Well, that's certainly a relief. I do have one question though. Is that kid okay? I passed out before I could see if they were alright."

She took a moment to process the question before letting out a quick, exasperated sigh. She walked over to the window and looked out as she spoke.

"Okay in some ways, but certainly less in others. While you were both unconscious, you were originally in the same room. Once she woke up, she was pretty much glued to your side, day or night.

Originally she was supposed to be sent to an orphanage after a brief stay here, but she has been extremely insistent that she not be separated from you."

I blinked in confusion, before hesitantly asking.

"If that's the case... Where is she now?"

She gave another sigh before turning back to the door and speaking.

"She should be eating breakfast in the cafeteria right now, but I imagine if news of you wak-"

Whatever she was saying was interrupted as the door was flung open. In the doorway stood a small figure. I caught a glimpse of short, platinum hair and silver eyes before the (now obviously female) figure blurred forward and slammed into me. I felt small arms wrap around me as a head was buried into my chest.

I looked down at the head of messy platinum hair, and choked out some words.

"Can't... Breathe... Ribs..."

She quickly unlatched her death grip around my midsection, and sat back on the bed with a sheepish expression. This put me at eye level with her pale, silver eyes. Wait, silver eyes, as in...

Silver Eyes.

I had initially wondered why Ozpin would grant her wish and let her stay here. The truth was probably closer to Ozpin wanting her to stay here, and this making the perfect excuse if anyone asked.

I imagine he was probably all to happy to grant her request in this scenario.

Turning my attention back to her, she was looking at me with expectant eyes. Before I could figure out what she wanted from me, though, Goodwitch interrupted.

"As you can see, inseparable was the right way to put it."

She took a breath before continuing.

"And as sorry as I am to interrupt this, a decision does have to be made. Though the Headmaster has used his influence to postpone the necessity of this separation, without a legal guardian Ms. Platinum can't stay here. Given the circumstance, it was proposed that you be asked to be her guardian."

It was something that I had seen coming, certainly. I knew that they would have seen something interesting about me, though how much they knew I couldn't be certain. Whatever the case, the easiest way to tie the two cases they had interest in together would be like this, and I fully expected a pitch for me to stay here to come next.

It was also a good play from them, as I assumed they would have waited for her to be in the room and listening. If I refused to be her guardian, I'd have to do so in front of her. Regardless, I was fully intent on accepting the offer, and the next that I assumed would be coming.

I didn't have a way around it. In this world I had no identity, no backing, and no resources. If I wanted to make any kind of difference, this was my golden ticket.

"I accept."