A/N - Before this begins, I want to say thank you all for supporting me through the continuation of this story. It has been a pleasure to write this.

It would be a couple of months before I was released from the Hospital. The wait for getting released felt like torture but waiting for Velvet's response was a lot worse. I felt rejected.

Since we spoke on that day, Velvet had not said a word. Not to comment on anything. Not a word on how I was or if I've been eating well. She didn't even want to talk about it. After the first month, she stopped visiting altogether making me more miserable. Something that Coco, Blake and the others picked up on. But as the weeks passed, it looked hopeless that anything would change.

To take my mind off of it, I just focused on getting better. To help to keep me focused, I listened to material General Ironwood and Glynda provided to help me catch up with my studies.

That continued until I was released from the Hospital. By then, it would be the Vytal Festival within a few weeks so everyone from Beacon was busy.

Well almost busy.

Blake, Ruby, Weiss and Yang still found the time to pick me up from the Hospital and bring me back to Beacon.

We were greeted by all of our friends. Jaune, Ren, Nora, Pyrrha, Sun, Neptune, Coco, Fox, Yatsu. Even Mercury and Emerald were there to welcome me back, just not Velvet.

I knew I shouldn't have said anything to Velvet about my Maiden powers. God's... I always felt this power was a curse, now I know it's an actuality.

...

I just want Velvet to talk to me... Please...

It was the day of the Vytal festival, and it was hard to get around with what sounded like thousands, no millions of people walking around Vale trying to get into the Stadium. Even though it was early in the morning, the Professor had wanted to speak to me. Something concerning security for the Vytal festival.

I mean it makes sense, why he would want to see me. I don't have a full team and I'm not exactly cleared for missions outside the Kingdom... or really any missions for that matter.

Still if the Professor requires my assistance the General must be short on staff.

With a quick ride on the airship, I managed to get to Beacon, relatively unscathed by the hordes of attendees.

I just hope Blake and the others do well in their opening match.

Once inside the Professor's office, I discovered that he wasn't there, but instead was Glynda and someone very familiar.

"V-Velvet... Y-You're here?"

"Hey Nyreen... The Professor asked me here. He said it was for something important." Velvet finally spoke to me as I warily stepped closer to her.

It might've taken a month and a half, but she finally spoke to me... Okay Nyreen don't screw this up.

"Ah, you're both here, good." I heard from directly behind me as the elevator dinged. The Professor's footsteps echoed throughout his office as I heard him stop next to his desk.

"Now, Miss Scarlatina it has come to my attention that you have learned the truth about Miss Surana."

Wait, was the whole security thing a ruse just to get us to in the same room.

"I'm sorry Professor, but I couldn't hold it in any longer. I had to tell her." I interrupted before Velvet could speak.

"It is quite alright Nyreen, it was expected being in such a relationship with Miss Scarlatina. I would expect things made apparent to her. Though what Miss Scarlatina does with the information, remains to be seen."

I then felt something familiar touch my hand, something that I've missed and felt lonely without.

...

Velvet's hands intertwined with mine.

"I know I've been quiet for so long Nyreen, but I had to think about this. Hearing you have powers I thought were make believe stories I read to Luke and Celestia... It was a lot to take in."

"That's completely understandable Miss Scarlatina." Glynda said as I felt her hand on my shoulder. "Believe me, it was a shock hearing it for the first time too."

"When did you know you had these Maiden powers?" Velvet asked squeezing my hand.

I took a few seconds to compose myself before I answered. "It was while my Mama and Papa were still alive, but after we left the White Fang. A woman stumbled into the bakery, then Mama saw these lights come out from her and into me. She was my predecessor. She was the Winter Maiden before me. She passed it on to me before she died. That was when I first got my powers. Until Adam killed them, Mama and Papa spent their time getting me used to the powers of the Maiden. Soon I had full control of it, but I made a promise to them that I would never tell anyone about it, as it could put my safety in danger."

"Why though? Who would be after you?" Velvet asked.

"If it became common knowledge that those stories are no longer legends but reality, there would be degenerates wishing to seek the power for their own selfish needs. Taking no mind to Nyreen's health." Glynda answered. "As her guardian, I refused to let that happen."

"For that reason alone, we had forbidden her from talking about this. Only a small group of trusted individuals know about her. And now that information falls onto you." Professor Ozpin concluded.

He then went on further about who the Maiden are and what they can do. Finally, he covered Salem and what the relics are and what they do. Truth be told, it must have been a lot to take in as she was silent throughout his explanation.

Velvet was quiet for a few minutes before I felt her interlocked her fingers with mine. "How many are there that you trusted Ny's powers too?"

"Only 4, though I guess that number will turn to 5, for you Vel. Though if you want specifics, they're the Professor, Glynda, General Ironwood and Ruby's and Yang's uncle Qrow."

"Wait... Why is the Atlesian General helping you. I thought his ties to the Schnee family would come with some... Baggage. And why is their uncle apart of this? Does Ruby and Yang know about this? And with your close ties with Blake, I thought she would know too."

I shook my head. "No. This is the one thing I can't tell Blake about. After everything she went through with Adam, the constant abuse and manipulation, I don't want her involved in this. With Salem, she'll stop at nothing until she gets what she wants. It's why I didn't want to get you involved. I can't lose you. I can't lose any of you... You're all so important to me."

I felt tears start to form in my eyes. "Hey, we're not going anywhere." I felt Velvet's hands move up to my face and wiped away the tears.

"As for Qrow, after losing Ruby's Mom, Qrow is keeping his family in the dark about the whole thing. As for the General I don't know. He's close friends with the Professor, and unlike most in the Atlesian military, he's more accepting of the Faunus. Though I won't lie and say we got off to the best start. He was... Hesitate to trust me given my past in the White Fang, but after a while he started to trust me."

I felt Velvet squeeze my hand as she took in everything explained to her. She then pulled away her hand, but before I could feel alone, her forehead rest against mine as well as her arms wrap around me, being careful of the still healing wound on my back.

"I know it couldn't have been easy to keep this quiet for so long. And I completely understand you not telling anyone about this."

I shook my head. "No, I should've told you when we first started dating. There shouldn't be any secrets between us. It's the key to a health relationship, is what Mama used to say all the time to Papa."

Velvet chuckled.

Oh, how I've missed that.

"Your Mom sounds like she knew a lot about it."

"Well Mama first met Papa here when they were part of a team. So, she kinda knew how to put up with him."

Velvet laughed. "I guess so."

"It truly is nice to see young love blossom again. But I must take my leave, I have a festival to open, I hope you and the others have a great time today." The Professor said as he got up from his chair and left the room.

"I should go to." Glynda spoke up as she approached us. "If you two need anyone to talk to, I'm only a scroll call away. I might not have the relationship experience, but I can always listen to anything that's troubling you, you can always come to me."

"Thank you Glynda." I thanked her as I felt Glynda place her hands on my shoulders, though I could tell something was up with her as something felt... Off.

"Rgh... Ah to hell with it." Strangely escaped from Glynda, but what she did next answered what I was wondering as she reached down and carefully wrapped her arms around me, which took me back a second. "Please, if you need anything, anything at all, just call me."

"I will, thank you Glynda. For being there for me when I arrived here."

"And I would do it again in a heartbeat. Now why don't you two go back to your rooms and prepare for today." Glynda spoke lovingly as she squeezed my shoulders.

"Yeah, Coco will be wondering where I was." Velvet said squeezing my hand.

"Yeah, the same for Blake too."

"I have to go and pick up something from my room, so give me about 10 minutes and I'll be at your room." Velvet kissing my cheek.

"Okay, since we're not keeping secrets, there's something I want to show you. Something you might not expect."

"Alright." Velvet said squeezing my hand.

Inside my room, I spent about 20 minutes trying to come up with ways to approach the subject of turning into a bat. Granted it's not something you can casually bring up, but neither was the fact I'm one of the Maidens from stories she had read. Still thinking about it like that doesn't make it any easier.

I was too caught up in my head that I hadn't heard knocking on the door.

"Ny... Ny! It's me." I heard Velvet shout beyond my door.

Damn it

"Gods, sorry Vel. I was just thinking about something." I apologised as I opened the door.

"It's nothing to worry about, Ny. I just thought you were bathing or something."

Oh... Well I guess it's time to turn this around. Hehehe.

"Oh, well now that you mention it, I haven't showed since last night. I often get lowly and my shower is big enough for more than one person." I teased as I wrapped my arms around her neck.

"Hmm... Maybe we can use that later. But for now, wasn't there something you wanted to show me?"

"Oh, yeah right..." I pulled away from Velvet. "Well since you've found out about me being the Winter Maiden, there's one thing that I also kept a secret. Hmm, I know this might sound crazy... Uh I think it would be better if I just show you."

"Ny, whatever it is I'm sure it's nothing like learning stories I told Luke and Celestia are real?"

Oh, you have no idea.

"Hmm... I think it would be best if you close your eyes and hold out your hands."

"But, how will I know when to open them?"

"Trust me you'll know, now close your eyes."

"Alright... Just don't disappear on me alright."

Without wasting any more time, I transformed into my other secret, my bat form. To make it easier for Vel, I perched myself on to her open hands.

"Hmm... You're not doing anything funny, are you?"

Okay... Time to show her...I squeaked out a response.

"W-What was that?" I heard Velvet gasp. "Ny... What are you- huh... Nyreen is that you?"

I nodded my head and flapped my wings as an affirmation.

"Okay... Today officially has been the weirdest day of my life. First my girlfriend talks about her being one of four mystical Maidens then she turns into a bat." Velvet sighed.

I rubbed my head against her fingers.

"You want to be petted?"

I nodded my head and squeaked at her.

"Well, if you insist." Velvet spoke as I felt her fingers rub against my head, my ears and my stomach.

"I swear, you better pay me back for this."

That was when I heard the door to my room open. I clung to Velvet's back, hoping not to be spotted by the others.

"Ny, we're about to go, do you wanna come with us to get something to e-oh... Velvet. I didn't think you'd be in here." Ruby spoke.

"Well why wouldn't I be? This is Ny's room."

"Well yeah but didn't you guys break up or something." Ruby said sounding slightly confused.

"It might've looked that way, but no. We were just given each other space. Which was for the best. It gave us time to think about some things that we really needed to get off of our chests."

Well she's not wrong. After the Grimm attack, I guess we all needed time for ourselves.

"Good, that's good. I'm glad you two are still together. I can get Blake to calm down now."

Oh... Yeah. I should've known Blake would've been freaking out.

"Oh, if you see her, tell her we're going into Vale for something to eat in a couple of hours, just before the tournament starts. She'll know the place."

Oh, the place Yang and Ruby took us before.

"I will." Velvet agreed.

"Then I guess we'll see your team at the tournament."

"I guess so. You guys better bring you A-game. Just because you're first year's it doesn't mean we're gonna go easy on you."

"Heh, you don't have to tell us twice. With Yang's brute force, Weiss's smarts and Blake's quick thinking, we'll be a shoo-in for first place."

"Well I guess we'll have to see about that." Velvet said as I felt her scratch the back of my ears.

Hmm... That feels so good...

"Oh, a challenge. I better go and tell sis." Ruby spoke up sounding excited. "I guess we'll be seeing you later."

"You bet." Velvet said as a few seconds later I heard my door shut closed. "You can turn back now."

Fine...

Within a second, I had turned from my bat form, back into my regular self.

She's not suspecting anything... Now's your chance...

Just one bite... Then it'll all be over...

No!

I shook my head from those thoughts and walked closer to Velvet.

"You know, I was really enjoying that." I pouted touching my ears, just like Vel did, but it didn't feel right.

"Yeah, and I thought my girlfriend being the Winter Maiden was going to be the only weird thing I learned today. This... This takes it to a whole new level." Velvet spoke as she rested her hands on my shoulders, pulling us closer together.

"I should say, I chose this. Probably, the only thing I did choose to do. But still, you're probably understandably confused."

"Eh, just tiny bit." Velvet joked.

"It's from the Professor."

"The Professor?! As in Professor Ozpin?"

I nodded my head. "Yeah, he's something special. He wouldn't tell me specifically what he is, but he game that power as a sort of last resort."

"Last resort? Like to escape?" Velvet asked.

"Yeah. Since the Maidens power are vastly sought after, there will be a lot of attacks on my life, so the Professor made it a lot easier for me to escape."

"I see. I didn't think it would be this serious. Like, people are actually coming after you."

"Well they would be, but I've been keeping a low profile. I never use my Maiden powers unless it's the last resort, as was the case for the Grimm attack."

"That explains why Blake found your bow and arrows, but not you."

"There's also something else. Something that Luke and Celestia caught. It was when I slept over."

"Oh... I think I remember. Celestia said something about your eyes, right?"

"Yeah... That. Ever since The Professor gave me this power... I've had these feelings, these urges. Weiss and the others have been helping me to control it, but it just gets harder and harder every time."

I felt her hands on my waist. "Hey, it's alright. It's blood... Isn't it?"

I nodded my head without saying a word.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want to hurt you. I didn't want to hurt your family." I pushed myself away from Velvet, turned around so my back was to her and wrapped my arms around myself.

"Ignore the feeding thing, I... I would understand of you'd rather think of your family then me. It'll be dangerous anyway for you, since you know about us. Salem and her minions will be after you."

Surprisingly, instead of Velvet leaving, I felt her hands touch both sides of my cheeks. "How long is it gonna take to get it into your beautiful head of yours. I'm not going anywhere."

I felt her pull me into her chest. "Stupid idiot. I'm not going to leave you. You've been alone for so long, keeping all of this a secret, even from Blake, I don't know how you managed it, but it goes to show how amazing you are."

After a few minutes staying together, I nodded my head. "Okay..."

"Anyway, you don't need to feed on me, if you're not comfortable with it. In truth, I don't think I'm ready for that. Besides there's something I wanted to give you, well technically two things."

"Oh? What is it?"

"It's something that I was gonna give you on your birthday, but missions got in the way and you getting hurt, so I kinda forgot about it."

"My birthday?! Vel, you shouldn't have."

"It was your birthday Nyreen. What kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn't get you anything?"

"Still... I hope it wasn't expensive. I don't like it when people buy me expensive things."

"I promise it's not. They were gifts given to us on our last mission as thanks. Well one of them is. The second one is something I picked up, with a little extra from Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch."

Huh, the Professor and Glynda helped?

"I just need to know if you trust me. It's important." Velvet asked as she held my hands.

Oh... This must be serious.

Wait... Is she talking about being that intimate together...? I don't think I'm ready for that either, but if I'm doing it with Velvet, then it should be fine.

Still... Why bring this up out of the blue?

Whoa... Is it hot in here or is it just me?

"It's okay Velvet. I trust you." I said battling through the heat that was inevitably showing on my face.

"Okay... Hmm... Why don't you lay down? It'll be a lot easier."

Oh gods, she is doing that... What... What do I do?

In the next moment, Velvet led me to my bed and laid me down. A second later I felt her sit down on my lap, sending my heart racing.

"Hmm... There, now this next part is important Nyreen."

"Y-Yes Velvet?" I stuttered out as I tried once again to keep the heat from my face down as well as the constant beating of my heart.

Okay... Here goes...

"I want you to try and keep your eyes open."

Huh?

"Umm, okay?"

I heard Velvet chuckled. "I thought you would be confused. I just want you to try and open your eyes wide. I'm gonna put something in them. I just hope it works." Velvet explained.

I tried as hard as I could, so hard, but I couldn't get them open wide enough for Velvet. "That's alright Ny just rest, and I'll do it. You did great." Velvet comforted as she pressed her lips onto my forehead.

Shortly after, I felt her hands rise up to my head and soon my eyes.

"Okay, I'm gonna put this in your eyes Nyreen. This might hurt okay. Just tell me and I'll stop if it's too much."

"Okay, Velvet." I answered.

Within moments I felt something circular and squishy touch my left eye. Immediately sending sharp pains into my eye.

"Ahh!"

"Sorry, I'll go slower... Careful... There we go."

Almost instantaneously as Velvet placed the circular object into my eye, I felt a strange wave of... Clearness.

Whoa... What's this feeling...? I feel strange... My left eye feels strange.

That's one in, feeling alright Ny?" Velvet asked as I felt her squeeze my hand.

"Yeah, I just feel a little strange. Well my eye did. What did you put in it anyway?"

"Umm... It's like a contact lens, but it's slightly different. Anyway, here's the second one. Try not to move too much, alright."

"Okay... Just try and be quick." I said as I tried my hardest to keep still.

"Nearly done, Ny." Velvet said as she held my right eye lid open.

"You know, you never told me what these do."

"Shh... It's a secret. You'll find out soon enough... There it's in."

Straight away that same feeling from before returned, but this time it intensified.

Just what is this feeling?

"Feeling any different, Nyreen?" Velvet asked as both of her hands were placed on both sides of my cheeks.

I shook my head. "Just the same feeling from before."

"Hmm... Wait! I think he said something about waiting for them to adjust to your eyes. Oh uh, you can shut your eyes."

I did as she said and drifted further down into my bed.

"How long is it supposed to take?" I asked as I rested my head on my pillow.

"I don't know. He said you'll feel drained and more than likely fall asleep. Velvet spoke as I felt her rest her head on my chest. "So how about till then, I read you a story."

I nodded my head.

"Okay then. I've already picked one up earlier from the Library, so I guess it'll do. Besides it's something that might sound familiar to you." I felt Velvet sit up on my bed, but still huddled close to me. "So, this is a story about an old man that, when he came into contact with four young Maidens, it changed his life forever."

As soon as I managed to wake up, I could hear the birds twittering outside, blaring music coming from next door and feeling the rise and fall of Velvet's chest, not to mention looking at the nice blue sky.

...

...

...

Wait, looking at the blue sky...?

I carefully got up from my bed and gazed outside of the window.

Wait the grass too? It looks wonderful and so full of life. What's going on? It's almost like I can see.

I glanced over to my bed, and there was someone sleeping in my bed. A Faunus with long brown rabbit ears. The rest of her body was snuggled underneath the covers.

I can see...

Tears trickled down my eyes.

I can't believe it... I can finally see...

"Hmm..." Velvet stirred in my bed.

I can actually see Velvet move around, this is amazing.

"Hmm... Ny..." Murmured Velvet.

"V-V-Vel..."

"Huh, Nyreen what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Velvet hurried to her feet and held tightly to my hands.

"N-Nothing... I-I'm just so happy..." I couldn't help but continue to sob as more tears fell down my face.

"Huh?"

"Vel... I-I-I I can see. I can see the sky, the grass, my room. I can see you... You're so beautiful. Oh... Gods." I continued to weep pulling my hands from Velvet's, trying to wipe away the falling tears.

"Sorry, I probably look like a mess, but I can't help it... I'm just so happy."

"It's alright Ny. I'm just glad I could do this for you." Velvet said barely keeping herself together too. "Come here."

Immediately, I leaped into her arms and cried into her chest.

"T-Thank you V-Velvet! T-Thank you so m-much!"

"I just wanted to see you smile." Velvet spoke as she kissed my forehead.

I looked up with tears in my eyes and smiled cheerfully at her own teary eyes. "Well you achieved that."

We both stayed together in each other's arms, until Velvet spoke again.

"I was so nervous giving you those lenses. I thought that if they worked you would be disappointed with me."

She thought I would be disappointed?

I pulled away so I could see her face. "Disappointed?"

"Yeah, I felt like you would feel unsatisfied with how I looked." Velvet dipped her head, looking away with a frown. "It's stupid, I know."

Did I make her think that? Well I'm not gonna let that thought go any further.

I cupped her cheeks and kissed her lips.

"I would never think that Velvet. You mean the world to me. I don't care what anyone else says, I love you and I'll keep on saying it until it sinks in that beautiful head of yours." I declared looking deep into her eyes.

Velvet smiled happily. "Thank you, Ny." Velvet leaned forward and kissed my forehead. "I knew it was stupid, but I'm glad you think that. Just one of those thoughts I sometimes have."

"Well if you ever have those thoughts again you just come straight to me. I'll make them disappear." I leaned forward and kissed her lips. "I'll do that."

"Well if you put it that way, I might have them more often." Velvet smiled mischievously. I felt my cheeks heat up immediately.

Well time to counter attack.

"Hmm, I bet. Maybe I'll place them somewhere more... Intimate next time." I said which caused her cheeks to blush a dark shade of red.

"I'll hold you to that, but for now I feel like we should go and see someone. Well a group of people, but one in particular." Velvet said as she stepped away from my embrace and dried our faces. She then interlocked her fingers with mine.

"Yeah, let's." I nodded my head as we departed my room and headed to a certain dorm room that housed my best friends and my would-be sister.