User blog:Jackson the Emperor/RWBY: Grimm Guardians

Weapon Spirits. They are the manifestations of one's weapon and exist to defend their wielders; becoming their guardians. However, some are special as most are either ghosts from the wielders' past and even Grimm.

This is the tale...of the strongest Weapon Spirits of Remnant. Guardians whom are part of their wielders' past...and are Grimm.

A canon-divergent AU, where the weapons of Team RWBY have spirits and have bodies to protect their wielders. However, they all hold their own mysterious secrets.

WARNING: This fic contains mature themes, such as violence, swearing, death, etc. However, this is its SFW release. Everything NSFW is up on my archiveofourown page.

Bios

(Will be updated once I get through Summer's past.)

Unique Characters, Creatures, and Locations

Original Grimm: Soul Grimm (aka Demonic and Demigod Grimm), Grimm Sapiens (responsible for Summer's death), and Giga Grimm (not yet featured).

AU versions of characters: Summer Rose (resurrected/saved by Raven Branwen by transforming her into a Weapon Spirit and is part Demonic Grimm), Willow Arktis Schnee (resurrected into a Weapon Spirit and is part Demigod Grimm), Pyrrha Nikos (resurrected/saved by becoming Jaune's Weapon Spirit), Raven Branwen (Summer's love interest and actually a good mother and sister), Winter Schnee (reasons not yet shown), Salem (crazed and sadistic as all fuck), a separate human-self Salem (essentially a separate personality or soul), and the Gods. More to be shown soon.

OCs: Gambol Shroud (part Demonic Grimm), Ember Celica (part Demigod Grimm), Evergreen Ozpin Brown (technically. He is the original persona of Ozma's Headmaster incarnation. Much like how Oscar is his own unique personality), Harbinger (Qrow's Weapon Spirit), Lady Vampier (ally of Cinder's and one of Summer's former targets), Dr. Anna Pine (Oscar's mother), Sombre and Lumière Rose (Summer's mothers).

Original locations: Castle of Soul Grimm (Summer's childhood home). Louve, Vale (location of said castle). Mistral International Clinic. More to be shown soon.

Major Changes

Arc 2 (excluding stuff I mentioned before): Blake and Yang started their relationship at Beacon, Cinder knows of Evergreen, Pyrrha willingly refuses the Maiden powers, Ruby and co. are suspicious of Cinder and her co. much earlier, Yang and Mercury's fight ends differently (but with a similar result), Summer had a relationship with Raven and explains to Yang about her leaving, Pyrrha does NOT die (Jaune is aware...somewhat), the RWBY co. stay in contact.

Arc 3: (To be updated)

Arc 4: (To be updated)

Arc 5: (To be updated)

Arc 6: (To be updated)

Arc 1: Monster Weapons (Trailer Arc)

Side Rose: Wake The White Wolf

(Cliffside Forest)

‘That’s it. That’s the last of them.’ Ruby Rose thought as bullet casings fell from the night sky as the snowy grounds of Cliffside Forest were now littered with the blood and corpses of the armada of Beowolves. She sighed with relief that she could now leave and get home. Her dad, Taiyang Xiao Long and half-sister, Yang Xiao Long were waiting for her. It was possible that they’re starting to get worried. She stayed out a little later then she was planning, but that was thanks to the Beowolves.

She had come out to Cliffside to visit the grave of her mother, Summer. She had come to visit and tell what had been happening since Ruby last visited. She had finally finished her High-Caliber Sniper-Scythe, Crescent Rose just a week ago and was excited to tell her mom about it. She just wished she could see it in person.

Ruby swallowed the lump that had began forming in her neck. She missed her mother dearly. Ever since her mother’s death, Ruby had tried to stay strong and optimistic, just like her. Her uncle, Qrow Branwen even said that she must’ve inherited most, if not ALL, of her mother’s genes, since Summer was pretty much just like that when the three of them and Yang’s mother were back in Beacon.

However, those optimistic side of her were limited. While she may have been too young to understand it, as time went on, she began wanting to see her mother again, to YEARN for her again. Ruby sniffed and wiped her eyes with her cloak. Her mother wouldn’t want her to be sad and depressed. She’d want Ruby to be happy and to fulfill her dreams.

However, it would seem that her trip back home wasn’t going to be easy. A massive heavily armored 20 foot tall Beowulf started charging from the forest and towards the red cloaked girl. The beast was headed towards Ruby at a speed that was too fast for her to brace herself in time. As soon as the Grimm was in attacking range, it immediately backhanded the girl with enough force to send her a whopping 30 yards away. The red and black clothed girl landed harshly and rolled on the snowy ground. She hissed in pain as she struggled to stand. The Grimm probably either brushed or broke her rib or two and it was clear it wasn’t going to stop until Ruby’s life was in its jaws.

Soon, a few more Beowolves showed up. They were nowhere as big as the armored one, but it was more than enough to make sure that Ruby would be overwhelmed. Even though she was staring death in the face, Ruby grabbed Crescent Rose and aimed it at two of the smaller Grimm, successfully getting in two headshots on them, before the other surviving members of their pack began rushing to attack.

‘Oh, merde …’ Ruby thought and tried to brace herself for the inevitable impact. However, the impact never came. Instead, her HCSS’s blade was burrowed deep in the head of one of the smaller Beowolves, even though she didn’t throw it at them. In an instant, rose petals formed and swirled around the weapon, ultimately forming a body of an adult woman holding it.

The woman was clad in a red cloak, with fur along its seam lining, red belt strapped shirt, black pants, eyepatch, and black boots. Immediately, Ruby noticed that the woman’s hair color and complexion were very similar to her own and she seemed about approximately 6 feet or so. “Are you alright?” The woman asked, turning herself to face the young girl. Ruby nodded hesitantly, only to hiss in pain and grip her side.

“Relax. This shouldn’t take long.” The woman said, giving an optimistic smile and immediately cleaved open the head of the Beowulf the scythe was burrowed in. In a flash, The woman began shooting and slicing the Beowolves down effortlessly until only the 20 foot Beowulf remained. The Grimm growled and roared at the woman in rage...only for said woman to grit her teeth and growl at the beast just as intimidating. Understandably, this action startled the other two occupants near her.

Swiftly, the woman jumped into the air and threw the HCSS hard enough for it to spin towards the Grimm at an extreme high speed. It was so fast that it managed to not only split the head on the beast open, but slice through the beast as if the weapon was a saw. After the woman landed, she grabbed the scythe and went over to Ruby. “Who...or WHAT are you?” The young girl asked.

“I am a weapon spirit. A soul that is the manifestation of your weapon.” The woman said. She knelt down and placed her hand on Ruby’s injuries. “I suggest you bite down on my arm. What I’m about to do may be very painful, but it WILL heal you.” She reassured, raising her free arm to Ruby’s face. The young Rose did as she was instructed and bit down on the arm, only to tighten that bite as she felt immense pain coming from her side.

After a few seconds of intense pain and muffled screams of pain, the woman removed her hand off of the girl’s side. “You’re healed now.” The woman said. Ruby released the arm from her bite and raised an eyebrow, before checking her injuries...which were no longer there. The girl looked at the weapon spirit and asked, “How did you…?” “I am also part-Demonic Grimm. It’s one of the abilities they have.” The woman replied.

“I thought those Grimm were just legends.” Ruby said. The woman chuckled and smiled, “There are SOME legends that are true.” After the two shared a quick laugh, it was only then that Ruby was able to concentrate on the woman’s face. Her eye color was much like hers and and Ruby knew her facial features were familiar in some way. However, she decided not to ask about it.

“What’s your name?” The young Rose asked, which caught the woman off by surprise. “My name…?” She asked and looked at herself, before wincing. “I don’t remember...anything from my previous life.” She said. “What’s the name of your weapon?” “Crescent Rose.” The young girl answered. “Do you want that to be your name until your memories come back?”

The woman looked at Ruby. For some odd reason, she looked so familiar to her. Was she someone from her past? Did she used to know her in some way? Realizing that the young girl was waiting for an answer, the woman nodded. “I would appreciate that. Thank you.” She said and helped Ruby up onto her feet. “What’s your name, maîtriser ?”

The young girl looked at the newly christened Crescent Rose, before smiling and answering, “My name is Ruby Rose.” Crescent Rose nodded with a smile, “Nice to meet you then, Ruby.” “Nice to meet you too, Crescent Rose.” Ruby replied.

A/N: Translation from french: Merde = Shit. Maîtriser = Master.

Side Schnee: Lady Of Worlds

A/N: Willow is named Arktis until Arc 3. She was made before Willow's official introduction.

(Schnee Dust Company)

Weiss Schnee hissed as Klein Sieben, her family’s butler dabbed the young heiress’s new wound with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball. “Ow.” She said simply, as she squeezed her eyelids shut. Klein gave her a sympathetic look as he continued trying to patch up Weiss’s wound. “Easy. It’ll be done soon.” He reassured, as he finished cleaning up the wound and began bandaging it up.

‘I honestly can’t understand why her father put her through that damn test.’ He thought. He didn’t care if Jacques had any faith in his youngest daughter. It was still extremely dangerous for her to go through that! However, despite the pain and danger, Weiss managed to stay concentrated and strong during the test. She was much like her mother, Willow Arktis Schnee before she had passed on.

He knew Weiss was still struggling with what happened to her mother, forcing herself to be strong and collected like her. He wasn’t sure if he should be proud of Weiss’s strength or worried about her new found change. After a couple minutes, Klein finally finished patching Weiss up and said, “Alright. You should be good now.” Weiss nodded, “Thank you, Klein.”

Klein smiled and hugged the young girl,  “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Just let me know if it starts to bleed again. I’ll replace the bandages.” Weiss nodded and returned the hug to the man who was more like a father than her own. As the two exited the washroom, Winter came rushing towards them. She had come to see Weiss’s concert that was in a few days. Though, judging from her worrying expression, Klein assumed she had just been told about Weiss’s test and injuries.

As soon as she was her older sister, Weiss rushed up and hugged her tightly. After returning the hug Winter brushed Weiss’s hair out of her face to examine the bandage work. As soon as she finished the examination, a lot of question came out. “Are you okay?”, “How bad is it?”, and “Why did you do that test?” were just a few of them. However, Weiss answered reassuringly with every question that came up. Despite that, Winter hugged Weiss tightly, warping her arms around her younger sister protectively. “I missed you, little sister.” She whispered. Neither of the sisters expected Winter to have her voice sound so soft. Weiss returned the embrace, murmuring, “I missed you too.” all while Klein smiled at the sisters’ reunion.

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(Weiss’s Bedroom)

As Weiss finished reading in her bed, she reflected on what happened in the past couple days. She was frustrated, in all honesty. She was doing her best to be more like her mother and live up to her father’s expectations, but she was struggling. No matter how hard she tried, she always felt she was one step behind from either.

Out of frustration, she threw her book across the room, accidentally knocking over Myrtenaster, her Multi Action Dust Rapier. Weiss winced as the rapier hit the floor harshly and slowly got out of bed to pick up the book and reposition the weapon. However, just as she was about to touch the rapier, it suddenly reacted and gave off a cold chill and white light.

Surprised by the unexpected reaction, Weiss leaned backwards, ultimately causing her to trip and land back first on the floor. Groaning, she slowly sat up, rubbing her back to sooth the pain. The chill coming from the rapier began forming a human-sized ice crystal, encasing the weapon inside. As soon as the crystal’s formation finished, it cracked and began shattering.

As the shards feel, the young heiress backed up towards her bed out of survival instinct. She didn’t know what happened, but she wasn’t sure if whatever was happening was a threat to her safety. As the shattering of the crystal came to a halt, all that was left was an ice statue of a woman with Myrtenaster in its left hand.

After a few seconds of staring at the statue in shook, Weiss hesitantly tip-toed over to it. Upon closer observation, Weiss could tell that the statue’s “hair” was braided and it seemed to be wearing “clothes” that were similar to a three-piece suit, although without the jacket. She could also see that the statue was sporting two earrings and a necklace that seemed identical to the ice crystal. The statue also appeared to be quite thin, similar to Weis’s own body proportions.

Weiss looked down at the rapier in the statue’s hand and reached out to touch it, only for the statue to suddenly move and take in a deep breath. The young Schnee jumped and backed up, hitting the edge of her bed and falling on the mattress. ‘So much for it being just a statue! Warum zum Teufel würde etwas aus Eis atmen !?’ She thought as she watched the ice flake off like snow, revealing the “statue”’s skin, hair, and clothing. The woman sighed as the ice shed off her body and felt the warm air in the girl’s room.

As Weiss watched the woman gaining consciousness, her confusion and uncertainty rose. Who even was this woman? While she seemed to be in her twenties, she didn’t look familiar to Weiss in the slightest. The woman had white hair, similar to her own, and her suit and tie were white with a blue shirt. Her earrings and necklace remained and as the woman opened her eyes, Weiss could tell that they appeared to be light blue.

The woman looked at Weiss and walked up to her, only for the girl to back towards the wall that her bed was against. “Who are you? WHAT are you? Why are yo-” Weiss’s questions were cut off by the woman placing her hand off the heiress’s mouth, giving her a reassuring smile. “Relax, I’m not here to harm you. To answer your first questions: My name is Myrtenaster, the spirit that lies within your rapier, and I’m here to do what all weapon spirits do; serve, help, and protect my wielder.” She said.

The young Schnee just gave her a look of disbelief. Weapon Spirits were nothing more than legends. There weren’t even any trace of factual evidence to prove that they existed. “I know that it’s hard to believe.” Myrtenaster said, sighing. “But can you truly say that I’m not telling the truth, despite what you saw with your own eyes?” Something in Weiss cracked at the words that were just spoken. She didn’t know what it was, but something told...no, BEGGED her to believe and trust the woman.

Weiss sighed and reluctantly nodded. “Alright. What else are you?” She asked. The braided woman sat down next to the girl, “Well, I’m also a Demigod Grimm-Human hybrid, if you want me to be specific.” Well, that was something that peeked Weiss’s interest. “Soul Grimm exist?” She asked, receiving a nod from Myrtenaster. “Yep. Though most prefer staying secluded from society.” She said.

After a full hour of discussing about the woman, Weiss ended up falling asleep against the woman’s shoulder. Myrtenaster chuckled and placed the heiress in bed, careful not to wake her. After putting the comforters over the girl, Myrtenaster kissed the girl’s forehead, murmuring “Goodnight, meine kleine schneeflocke .” with a small smile and left the room.

After quietly closing the door to the heiress’s room, the woman spotted Klein. The butler walked up to her with a welcoming smile that she had almost forgotten. “It’s been a while, Klein.” She said, hugging the man. Klein chuckled and returned the embrace with a full smile, “Yes, it has. Welcome home, Arktis.” “Thank you.” Myrtenaster...no, Arktis said. “It’s nice to be home.”

“Mom?” The two turned to spot Winter, staring at Arktis in disbelief. Arktis looked back at her eldest child and averted her line of sight from her. She was sure that Winter would be upset, especially given the circumstances surrounding the older woman’s death. 2 years prior to dying and becoming a Weapon Spirit, Arktis and Jacques had gotten into a very heated argument and debate over their children’s future.

While Arktis wanted them to seek out there own futures, Jacques wanted them to uphold the Schnee family name. After bringing up the whole fiasco that happened on Weiss’s 10th birthday, Jacques snapped. This lead to some heated anger between the two and ultimately lead to Arktis to having a drinking problem. On the day of her death, Arktis had become depressed over her believing that she was failure to not only the Schnee name, but her father and daughters as well.

Now resurrected and back home, Arktis bit her lip and flinched at the memories. She had realized too late that due to her death, she had ultimately caused her children to suffer. Winter walked up to her and the older woman braced herself for the berating she was going to get. However, she was brought into a tight hug by Winter, who was crying tears of joy.

“You’re home….” Winter whispered, voice cracking. Arktis returned the embrace and rubbed her daughter’s back. She kissed her eldest child’s head, “I’m home, meine tochter .” After a bit of silence and a bit more gentle whispers, the suited woman finally said, “I’m so sorry for leaving you.” Winter hugged tighter, “You’re home now, so...I forgive you.” Arktis nodded and gently broke the embrace, wiping her own tears away. “I missed you.” She said. “All of you.”

“Even Jacques?” Klein asked, half-joking half-serious. The suited woman huffed out a laugh, “Well, all of you, excluding him.” Klein and Winter hugged Arktis once more, the latter saying. “We missed you too, Mom.” After breaking the hug again, the butler suggested, “How about we have some tea? We can get you caught up on what you missed.” Arktis smiled and nodded, “That would be lovely, Klein.”

A/N: Translation from german: Warum zum Teufel würde etwas aus Eis atmen = Why the fuck would an ice statue breathe. Meine kleine schneeflocke = my little snowflake. Meine Tochter = my daughter.

Side Belladonna: Savior in The Dark

(Forever Fall)

Needless to say, Blake Belladonna wasn’t really expecting this to happen. Literally right in the middle of a mission that she and Adam Taurus were partnered in, she had just left the White Fang. The mission was simple: get on a cargo train that was shipping Dust from the Schnee Dust Company, steal said item, and leave. She knew that the White Fang had become more violent over the years, but now she realized just how far the organization would go.

Blake sighed and climbed into an empty train car, where she sat down and continued to process what she had just done. However, her thoughts were interrupted by a presence that seems familiar, yet different. “How long have you been here?” The faunus asked. A young woman, who seemed to also be a faunus, appeared from the shadows. She was wearing a black trench coat, purple pants, and black boots. She also seemed to be wearing a mask.

“A while now.” The woman said. She also had feline-like ears, similar to Blake’s and her mother’s, Kali Belladonna and also had earrings on her right ear. “I’m a Weapon Spirit and my duty is simple: To protect and serve my master.” She continued, answering some unasked questions the younger girl had. “Okay.” Blake said. “I suppose that means your name is Gambol Shroud, correct?” Gambol Shroud nodded, “You would be right. I was created by your mother, technically OUR mother, Kali Belladonna in order to protect you when neither she and your father, Ghira could.”

Blake nodded and went back to being silent. Gambol sat down next to her and smiled. “You know you don’t have to keep things secret from me, right?” She said, pulling the younger girl into a side-hug. Blake nodded and sighed again, “I want to do nothing more with the dannato White Fang.” Gambol nodded in agreement, “I understand. Besides, you’re better off without those fucking yarō .”

Blake looked at her and gave a small laugh, “ Arigato, onēsan .” “ Di niente, sorella .” Gambol said with a smile. “Would you like me to talk a bit about myself? I know some things that you might find interesting.” Balke nodded and gave Gambol her full attention. Gambol started with explaining that she was a Demonic Grimm and faunus hybrid. Blake, surprisingly, seemed quite amazed that she was speaking to something out of Remnant’s mythology.

“You’re...not afraid?” Gambol asked. She honestly thought that because she was a Grimm, Blake would have a completely different opinion on her. “No.” Blake answered. “Why? Should I?” Gambol shook her head, explaining, “No, you shouldn’t. Demonic and Demigod Grimm are usually not hostile and are quite passive, unless we’re provoked into doing so.”

The young faunus nodded and leaned next to Gambol. The Weapon Spirit wrapped her arm around the girl’s shoulder and kissed her forehead. They sat like that for a good amount of time, watching the scenery that the train rushed past. It was about a hour and a half of silence until Blake asked, “What will you do...should someone harm or kill your wielders?”

The woman stayed silent, her grip on Blake’s shoulder tightening and her expression becoming more angered and serious. “Whoever hurt you should pray that they never did in the first place.” Gambol said, growling slightly. “Should our wielders be harms, we will do whatever it takes to kill the ones who harmed you. Afterwards, we’ll use dome aura to heal you.”

“As for...what should happen if you’re killed….” The older faunus went silent as her expression turned from anger to uncertainty and possible fear. After a good minute of no saying anything, Gambol finally answered, “I don’t know.” Seeing as Gambol seemed uncomfortable with her answer, Blake went back to being silent and rested against the Weapon Spirit.

After what happened today, it was no surprise that Blake had fallen asleep. Noticing that the young girl was now napping, Gambol chuckled and placed her trench coat over her as a makeshift blanket. After kissing her forehead, Gambol got up and took Blake’s scroll, beginning to make a call. She looked through Blake’s contacts and found her mother’s number, immediately selecting it.

It didn’t take too long for Kali to answer. “Hello? Blake?” The voice of their mother could be heard as she called out for her daughter. “She’s asleep, Okāsan . She’s safe.” Gambol said. At first, there was no response, causing the Weapon Spirit to worry if she did something wrong. She assumed she probably did, as she didn’t remember if she ever spoke to Kali before now. Before she could say anything, Kali finally responded, “You’re...her, aren’t you? Gambol Shroud, correct?” “Yes, that’s me. I’m sorry if what I said was...awkward.” The older faunus said.

She was surprised that the woman on the other side of the call laughed in response, “It’s okay. It’s an honor to finally hear your voice, Gambol.” Gambol nodded, “You too. I’ve only heard your voice when you created me, so it’s nice to yours again.” “So, Blake is safe. She’s napping right now.” She said, receiving a hum from her mother. “I see. That’s good. May I ask what happened?”

Gambol looked at Blake and sighed, “It’s...probably not my place to say. It might be better if Blake explained to you and Otōsan herself.” “However, I can say that Blake has decide that she wants to do nothing with the White Fang any longer.” She said. She could imagine Kali nodding on the other side, as she said, “I understand. I’m just glad you two are alive and safe.”

“We’ll try to get home as soon as possible once we get off this train.” Gambol said, continuing to watch the scenery. Kali hummed, “I see. That’s good.” “Will you still protect her? No matter what?” Kali asked. Gambol looked over at Blake and smiled; she would be fine. She had chosen her own future now, after all. “Don’t worry, I will. I’ll be enshadowed guardian.” Gambol said.

A/N: Translation from italian: Dannazione = Damn and Sei il benvenuto, sorella = You’re welcome, sister. I forgot dannato was used, but I believe it means "fucking".

Translation from japanese: Yarō = Bastards. Arigato, onēsan = Thank you, big sister. Okāsan = Mom. and Otōsan = Dad.

Side Xiao Long: Fencer of Gold

(Prior to leaving for Junior’s Club)

Yang Xiao Long stretched her arms and legs, before grabbing her Dual Ranged Shot Gauntlets, Ember Celica. After putting them on, she heard a voice. “So...are we finally going to see some action?” The voice yawned, to which Yang chuckled. “Relax, we’re almost ready. It’s been a while since you talked, Ember.” Yang said.

Ember materialized in front of the teenage girl, sitting and gave a smirk. The Weapon Spirit appeared as a young adult, tanned, a bit voluptuous, and toned as hell, with short blonde hair, scars, red right and lilac left eye. She was wearing a yellow muscle shirt, brown jeans, and MMA gloves, along with an orange scarf and sunglasses. “I was bored as hell. Can you blame me?” She said, standing up and matching Yang’s height.

The teenager snorted, “I guess not. Though I would like to talk about you and Dad and how you know each other.” The Weapon Spirit nodded and put an arm around the other blonde’s shoulder. “So, you know how Taiyang, much like Summer, made a bond with a Demigod Grimm? Well, I was that.” She said. “While I didn’t gain a form until I became your Weapon Spirit, Tai always considered me as his ‘sibling’.”

“So...you’re basically my aunt. Is that what you’re saying?” Yang asked, only to receive a shrug. Ember rubbed her chin, “Well, only if you want me as one. I personally don’t have an issue with titles.” Yang nodded, “I’ll stick with Ember. Did you and Dad ever talk?” “Well, we never talked about personal life, as I believed that it should be kept private.” The Weapon Spirit said.

“However, I would give him some advice whenever he was in combat and teach him new fighting techniques.” Ember said, which Yang nodded to. “Did you know...her?” Yang asked. She didn’t need to specify who she meant by “her”. She was obviously referring to her mother, Raven Branwen. Ember sighed and shook her head, “No. All I need knew, up until now, were Tai, Summer, and the Demonic Grimm that inhabited Summer.”

For about an hour, that’s what Yang and Ember talked about. Ember mostly went through her history with Taiyang and only briefly talked about Summer and the Demonic Grimm that inhabited her. She left out any information about Raven, due to not really knowing her. Yang did ask questions here and there, but she was mostly interested and immersed in Ember’s stories.

“What do you think of Crescent Rose?” Yang asked. Ember tapped her chin in deep thought, “She’s good. Nice. Caring. Though something about her seems...familiar.” After a couple of moments, Yang’s eyes widened. “You don’t think she could be…” She started, only for Ember to shake her head. “I doubt it. She was killed. When a bond dies, we Demigod and Demonic Grimm die with them.” The Weapon Spirit said. “Then again...I don’t know if there’s a way to cheat the system.”

“I wouldn’t get your hopes up too much.” Ember said., knowing Yang was coming to conclusions. “While she may look like Summer, there is currently NO evidence that supports that she IS her. Crescent could be the Demonic Grimm that bonded with her or a new being entirely.” Yang sighed, “ Gāisǐ de. ” Ember rubbed the blonde girl’s back, “Relax, Yángguāng. I just said that there was CURRENTLY no evidence. There may be some, but we haven’t found it yet.”

Yang nodded, feeling slightly better over the situation. She then looked at the clock and said, “We should get going very soon.” The Weapon Spirit nodded and stood up, walking to the door. When she opened it, she was unexpectedly greeted by Taiyang. “Came to wish us good luck, Tai?” She asked. The blonde male nodded, “Yes, also I...need to ask you something.” Ember stood in silence, realizing that Taiyang probably heard some of her conversation with Yang.

Before she could answer, Yang came up and hugged her father. Taiyang chuckled and hugged her back, before the two broke the embrace as Yang went to the door. “You be careful, okay?” Taiyang said, receiving a nod from his eldest daughter. “We will!” She said with a grin. “We’ll let you know when we’re on our way back.” She then went outside to prep her motorcycle, Bumblebee for her trip.

After Yang went outside, Taiyang looked at Ember, who just sighed. “I assume you heard?” She asked. The blonde male nodded, “Is it true?” “Is what true?” The Weapon Spirit asked, albeit a tad sarcastically. Before Taiyang could speak, Ember put a hand over his mouth, “Listen, Tai. I don’t know. As of now, there’s NO evidence that proves that Crescent is Summer, the Demonic Grimm that inhabited her, or a completely new individual.”

There was a brief period of silence, before Tainyang sighed with a sad tone. “I assume you don’t want me to think about it too much?” He asked, receiving a nod from his “sister”. “That would be wise.” She said. “I know you miss Summer and Raven, but staying in the past isn’t going to help you. It’s only going to cause depression.” Taiyang just sighed once more, but reluctantly nodded.

Yang came back inside and shouted, “Ember! The bike’s ready!” “I’ll be out in a bit!” The Weapon Spirit called out and then turned back to the blonde man. “Well, I’m headed out. Please don’t think too much on it.” She said. “It’s not healthy for your mind.” After Taiyang reluctantly nodded, he hugged the Weapon Spirit before letting go and waved goodbye to her and his eldest daughter.

“You two be careful now! Okay?” He called out, receiving a nod from Yang. “We will! Bye!” She said with a smile. Taiyang smiled and waved, “Bye. Good luck!” After Yang nodded in thanks, she closed the door. Taiyang sighed as he heard the motorcycle start up and drive off to the girls’ destination and pulled out his scroll. He dialed a number and put the device up to his ear.

“Qrow?” He said into the mic. “It’s me. I need you to do something for me.” “What is it?” The male Branwen asked. “It’s Yang. She and Ember are heading to Junior’s bar.” The blonde man said, only to hear a chuckle from Qrow. “They’ll be fine, Tai. They aren’t fragile.” The black hair man said. Tainyang’s jaw dropped, “What do you mean they’ll be fine!?”

“Do you have little faith in your daughter and ‘sister’?” Qrow asked. It took a couple seconds for the male Xiao Long to respond, “No.” “Do you trust them that they’ll be safe?” Qrow asked again. Taiyang sighed, “Yes.” “Then don’t worry. They’ll be fine. Yang and Ruby will be fine with their Weapon Spirits.” Qrow confirmed. “Now, I’ll call you back. I have to meet with someone.”

Taiyang raised an eyebrow, “With who?” “She’ll kill me if I told you. Relax, we can trust her.” Qrow answered. While Taiyang had some suspicions on who Qrow’s contact was, he didn’t say anything about, instead saying, “Alright. I’ll leave you to it. By the way, I...want to ask you a personal question.” Qrow suppressed a sigh, “What is it?” Taiyang took a deep breath, before asking, “Do you think Crescent Rose is Summer?”

Dead silence. There was complete and utter silence from the other end of the line that Taiyang was almost sure that Qrow hung up on him. He snapped back into reality from him feeling guilty when the male Branwen answered, “I don’t know.” “Did Ember speak to you about that?” Qrow asked, earning a sigh from the blonde man. “Yes.” He said. “And?” Qrow asked once more. Taiyang sighed and reluctantly said, “She told me not to worry about it...and that there was no evidence to prove it.”

“Okay then.” Qrow said. “I would suggest that you listen to her.” The blonde man groaned and sighed, “Fine.” “She’s right, you know.” The male Branwen said. “I gotta go now. Bye.” “Bye.” Taiyang then hung up and rubbed his eyes. Was he this tired before? Or was the conversation and his thoughts that made it seem like it? He sighed and laid on the couch. He needed to relax, and if a nap would do that? So be it. He left his scroll on the coffee table, in case anyone needed to call him, and shut his eyes.

A/N: Translation from Chinese: Gāisǐ de = Damn it Yángguāng = Sunshine

Side Branwen: The Crow, The Owl, and The Dove

(At the grave of Summer Rose)

After ending the call with Taiyang, Qrow walked to where the person he was supposed to meet with was waiting. In front of Summer’s grave was his sister, Raven Branwen. She turned to face as she heard his footsteps, causing him to say, “I’m here. Came alone, just as you asked.” After a few moments, his twin sister nodded and went back to looking at the gravestone.

Qrow sighed and walked up to stand next to her. He could tell that Raven hadn’t gotten over Summer’s death at all, though he wasn’t surprised by that. Out of all of them, Raven was the one who knew her best and Qrow knew damn well why. “I know you miss her.” He said to his sister, who didn’t respond. “There’s...something we need to talk about.”

After a brief period of silence, Qrow cleared his throat, before saying, “Ruby has a Weapon Spirit.” Raven gave him a glance, which was his cue to continue. “And...I...might be responsible for that.” He said. “How so?” Raven asked. Qrow stayed silent for a few seconds before a thought clicked in his head. “You already know, don’t you?” “She’s….not Summer...anymore.” Raven sighed, sitting on the ground.

“She’s still Summer, Raven.” her brother said, kneeling down. “You SAVED her with that Weapon Spirit ritual.” “At what cost?” Raven countered. Her eyes were stinging with tears that threatened to fall as she said, “I may have resurrected her and restored her body, but she’s without her memories. She doesn’t remember who any of us are.” The two went into silence as they both began to digest what the older Branwen had said.

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11 years ago…

Summer was sent on a mission to go to a location that was infested with Grimm. The reason she going there was to rescue a couple and their two children. All she needed to do was follow an emergency beacon they set up and head back the way she came from with them. A simple in-and-out mission. Little did anyone know how wrong it would go.

When Summer got to the location, she was immediately unsettled by the sight. There was barely ANY Grimm in the area, but she figured that they were using stealth, so she continued the mission, albeit with extreme caution. It was about a quarter of the way through that she was beginning to realize that she was lied to about the purpose of the mission.

A portal appeared in front of the woman and witnessed Raven stepping out. “Rae…!” Summer said, in shock and with a grin on her face. The Branwen looked to her left as her eyes widened in horror when she heard Summer’s voice. “Summer!?” She called out. “What are you doing here!?” “To find and rescue a couple and two children in this supposedly Grimm-infested area.” The shorter woman answered, with some sarcasm by the end.

Raven nodded and asked, “You have a feeling that this might be a set-up?” Summer nodded, “Since you’re here, I want to ask you something.” “It’s not happening, annwyl.” The taller woman said sadly. “I can’t come home and expect everything to go back to normal.” “Rae, we both know you left in order to keep Yang and all of us safe from the tribe.” The former STRQ leader said.

She was about to continue when there was a loud growl in the distance. After sighing, Summer looked at Raven, “I may not be able to get you to come home, but could you at least join me for this? Like old times, chère?” “Anything for you.” Raven said and began walking with her to their destination. For a while, it was comfortable silence, just like the old days at Beacon.

Until they came across a set of four somewhat intact skeletons. Summer tighten her fist in anger as she thought, ‘So, it IS a set-up.’ She didn’t need to tell Raven, since she could tell the taller woman was also very angered by this. “We need to find and either capture or kill the one responsible for this.” Summer said. The Branwen nodded in agreement as the two continued forth.

After about an hour of walking, they made it to the emergency beacon’s source, where they spotted the family that Summer was supposed to be rescuing. “Are you the ones that were sent to rescue us?” The mother asked, grabbing the attention of the father and children.  “That is correct.” Summer said with a gentle smile, though still being cautious.

Due to her having a Soul Grimm within her, Summer could detect other Grimm by their scent. And these four were giving off LOADS of it. “Great! Does that mean we can all go home now?” The father asked. Summer nodded, “Yes, you can. But first…” Summer instantly drew out her twin sabers, the Twin Crescents and rammed one of the blades into the father’s gut. “Tell me what you did with the family?” She asked in a cold and threatening tone.

Before the mother could attack, Raven used her sword, Omen to cut the mother’s arm off and kicked in the face, instantly knocking her unconscious. The two children transformed, revealing that the four were actually not human. “Grimm Sapiens!?” Raven shouted as Summer removed her blade from the now dead Grimm’s gut. She looked in shock as a group of about twenty Grimm Sapiens surrounded the pair.

“I thought they didn’t exist!” Raven shouted as she and Summer went back-to-back. Summer growled, “So, that’s the real purpose of the mission then!” “Not to rescue a family, but to capture a Grimm Sapien for studying!” She shouted. A bloodbath ensued as Raven and Summer began fighting and killing the Grimm Sapiens that surrounded them.

The Branwen decapitated one as she asked, “You still going to follow orders!?” “Hell no!” Her former leader shouted back, as she dismembered a few more Grimm. “These things would spell disaster if they got into the public!” “Agreed!” The tribe leader shouted as she continued killing the Grimm Sapiens. After about thirty minutes of fighting, Summer and Raven stopped to catch their breath. None of the Grimm Sapiens remained standing.

Summer, who just gained an injured right eye during the battle, put away one of her sabers and wet up to her former teammate with a smile. “Looks like that’s it.” She said, receiving a nod from the tribe leader. “Seems like it.” The Branwen said with a smirk.  It was nice...to fight alongside the shorter woman again. Though said woman sure as hell wasn’t expecting Raven’s next choice of words.

“About your question….from earlier….” Raven said, hesitantly. Summer perked up and gave the taller woman her full attention. “I… If it’s okay…..I would….like to stay with you and the children….for a little while.” She said, softly. It took a few seconds, but the tribe leader was greeted by the biggest smile from her former leader. Summer shouted as she practically GLOMPED her teammate, “I knew you’d come around!”

Raven jumped in slight surprise and awkwardly hugged Summer. “It’s...not going to be permanent.” She explained. “I’m...going to try to visit as often as possible.” “Good enough for me!” The former leader smiled. The tribe leader sighed and shook her head, chuckling. “Shall we...head home now and get that patched up?” She asked, pointing at her former leader’s eye and receiving a nod from her.

After the pair turned to head back, the Grimm that had her arm cut off by Raven earlier woke up from unconsciousness. She looked at the two women that were leaving and growled, “You….DARE make fools….out of US?” She asked, hissing as she felt pain from her wound. She was bleeding out, but at least she could do one last thing. End the ones who humiliated her and her kind, starting with Raven.

As the Grimm got up, Summer’s senses started to alert her. ‘Merde!’ She thought and turned to face the Grimm, pushing Raven out of the way. The Grimm slammed her claws into the huntress’ abdomen, piercing it and mortally wounding Summer. Raven looked in shock at the sight...and couldn’t get her legs to move and help her former leader.

Though, she didn’t have to help with the battle, as Summer pulled out her other sabre and used it to slice off the Grimm’s other arm, before impaling her through the skull. After pulling her saber from the Grimm’s head and pulling out the Grimm’s claws, the former STRQ leader collapsed, coughing up blood as she was caught by Raven.

Frantically, Raven ripped off a piece of the woman’s cloak and applied pressure to the wound. Her heart ached when said woman let out a pained groaned and hiss. “Shitshitshit...fuck…!” Raven whispered as she did her best to stop the wound from bleeding. Before she could do anything else, Summer took a hold of her hand.

Panting, she said, “Stop…. It’s...not working….” Raven’s eyes burned as tears started to form. “No…. That’s bullshit!” She shouted. “You should be healing! You have a Demonic Grimm that you bonded with!” Summer chuckled painfully, before coughing up more blood. “It’s….not for every wound….” She explained. “For humans or faunus….that are bonded with them. They’re still limited...by mortality.”

“Bullshit….” Raven whispered, before shouting with tears running down her face. “That’s fucking bullshit!” “Raven….it’s...okay.” The former leader said, her voice starting to get weaker. “It’ll….be okay.” She then put her hand against the other woman’s chest and smiled, “I’m always here anyway.” Raven bit her lip and said, “A home...without YOU….is not a home worth staying at.”

Summer sighed and weakly chuckled, “That’s….just being selfish.” “I don’t fucking care….” Raven admitted. “I love you, damn it….!” The former leader smiled, “Say it….in your native language… Please?” Raven sniffed and did her best to keep her composure. “Rwy'n dy garu di, Summer Rose.” She whispered.

Summer smiled and kissed Raven on the lips, who returned the action wholeheartedly. “Je t'aime aussi, Raven Branwen.” She said, after the two broke the kiss. Raven gave a small smile, before her former leader coughed again. “Summer!” The tribe leader shouted, concerned. After Summer’s coughing was done she looked at Raven in the eye.

“Promise me….” She said. “Promise me...that you’ll look after….our children…”  “You….don’t have to go home….” She admitted. “But please…! Watch over...and protect them...for me….” Raven nodded without hesitation, “Anything for you….” Summer smiled as her eyelids started to close. “Please don’t….blame yourself...for this…Raven….” She whispered as her eyelids closed completely.

Then...there was silence. Summer was gone...and with her, Raven’s heart and happiness.

Raven choked on a sob forming in her throat as she hugged Summer’s body tightly and cried into the now fallen leader’s shoulder. Her sobs were cut off as a small pack of wolves came towards her as it looked at Summer’s body, whimpering. “She’s gone….” The tribe leader said, her heart aching as she did so. “I….couldn’t save her….”

The wolves whimpered again as it went up to Summer’s body. Raven could tell it too was crying. Summer had always had a close connection with wolves, so Raven felt empathy for the animals when it cried at the loss of Summer. Then a thought struck her, “It doesn’t have to be like this.” She laid Summer’s boy down and stood, now fueled by determination to somehow save her. “There’s only thing I can do to save her….” The tribe leader said. “But I need one thing to make it work.”

She turned to the pack, saying, “Please protect her until I return.” before she cut open a portal and went through it. A couple minutes later, Raven returned, holding an eye of a Beowulf. “In order to save her, I need to do a ritual.” She explained. “But in order for it to work, I need a Grimm and/or the body part of Grimm.”

She already had both of the required pieces for the ritual, as Summer had bonded with a Demonic Grimm. Due to missing her right eye, Raven needed that too, which she only just now obtained. Everything was set….but there was one last thing she needed. She needed a witness, who would keep this a secret, at least until the time was right.

She opened another portal and walked through. On the other side, she was in Qrow’s dining room, where he was sitting and have lunch. Or he would have if Raven didn’t show up. Immediately, he was shocked, but knew that if Raven was here on her own accord, then it was a serious matter. “Raven? What going on?” He asked putting his lunch on the table.

“Summer… She’s…” Raven felt her throat tighten as her eyes started to burn again. “Couldn’t...protect her….” Qrow’s eyes widened and immediately hugged his elder sister. “I need to come with me…” She said returning the hug for a brief moment. Qrow raise an eyebrow, “What do you mean?” “I’ll explain later.” The tribe leader said. “I need you now.”

Without another word, her brother nodded and followed Raven through the portal. That’s when he saw Summer’s body, her weapons, and the Beowulf eye arranged in a pattern, with the wolves guarding them. “You’re not gonna….” He said, despite see the sight that was in front of him. Raven nodded, “It’s the only way to save her.”

“Do you even know this risks involved?” The younger man asked, only for Raven to shake her head. “No, but what choice do we have to save her?” Qrow sighed in defeat. She was right, but they both knew how worried she was. “If this works, what do you plan on doing?” Qrow asked.

Raven sighed, “I plan on giving her to you to make sure she stays safe and receives a weapon to inhabit.” “And if it doesn’t work?” The younger man asked. The siblings knew how difficult of a question that was to answer, so the elder sister just answered truthfully. “I don’t know….” She said. Not one did  Qrow even hear Raven sound so...defeated until now.

After few seconds of silence Qrow nodded. “Alright then.” He said. “Let’s get this done and hope for the best.” Raven nodded as the two walked over to the arrangement. The pack of wolves stood back with Qrow as Raven kneeled down, preparing to recite the necessary words. Raven sighed and prayed, ‘Please. PLEASE let this work.’ before starting the ritual.

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Present day...

“It was all for nothing….” She said suddenly, causing her brother to widen his eyes. “Rae, no. It wasn’t for nothing.” He said, trying to reassure her. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to work, as the tribe leader just got up and threw her sword at a tree behind her. “IT WAS ALL FOR FUCKING NOTHING!” Raven shouted, not caring about the tears that started to flow freely. Qrow jumped at his sister’s outburst and immediately stood up to restrain her from possibly hurt herself or anyone else. While she did break free a couple times, shouting angrily at Qrow to let her go, the younger man kept on restraining her until Raven was too tired to fight back.

“It wasn’t for nothing!” He shouted, grabbing Raven’s attention finally. He then calmly changed his hold on her into a tight hug. “You know DAMN well that it wasn’t futile.” Raven just went silent as she turned and buried her face into her brother’s shoulder, holding a death grip on him as she quietly cried. The younger man rubbed small circles on his sister’s back and rocked them, continuously reassuring Raven that she did the right thing. That what she did wasn’t for nothing.

After what seemed like hours, Qrow finally said, “It’s getting late.” Raven softly grunted in agreement. They stayed silent until the younger brother asked, “Would you like to sleep at my place for the night? I have a guest bedroom.” Raven chuckled tiredly, “I appreciate the offer, brawd bach . Though I’ll have to decline.” The man gave a small smile, “Alright. Just wanted to make sure.” “Remember, if you even need anythi-...” Qrow was cut off by his sister placing her hand over his lips.

“I know. I’ll let you know.” She said, looking at him in the eye with a rare gentle smile. Afterwards, the two broken the hug and said good night to each other, before going their separate ways again. Even though the two bickered a lot…. Even though they fought a lot…. Even though it would seem to many others that the two hated each other’s guts… In the end, they still cared about each other’s well being. They were siblings. And siblings looked out for each other.

That was the lesson Qrow, Taiyang, and Summer taught Ruby and Yang when the girls were still kids. The younger Branwen just hoped that the next lesson that they all could learn was forgiveness and redemption. “I hope that I’m not wrong when I think that you can be redeemed and forgiven, chwaer .” Qrow whispered to himself. He then turned to Summer’s grave and gave a sad smile to it. “If you remember your past life one day, please… Please tell me why Raven left us. I...just want her to come home.”

A/N: Translation from Welsh: Annwyl = Beloved. Rwy'n dy garu di = I love you. Brawd Bach = Little brother. Chwaer = Sister.

Translation from French: Chère = dear (feminine). Merde = Shit. Je t'aime aussi = I love you too.

END OF THE TRAILER ARC.

Arc 2: Beacon's Fragile Light (Vale Arc)

Vol 1

Chapter I

(After Ruby is brought in for interrogation by Glynda Goodwitch)

“So what if our actions were reckless?” Crescent asked. She and her wielder Ruby had been brought into an interrogation room by the huntress, Glynda Goodwitch after the duo had stopped a robbery in progress. Unfortunately, the huntress didn’t seem too appreciatory of the girls’ methods. “We had to stop a robbery in progress. What more do you want?” Crescent asked.

“It’s not about what I want….” Glynda said, before turning behind her. “Someone else wants to meet you two.” A man with white hair and in green clothing approached them, holding a mug and plate of cookies. “Ruby Rose...and Crescent Rose…” He said and immediately the latter of the two felt something tugging at her. The tugging got stronger when the man said, “You have silver eyes.”

Crescent cleared her throat, while her wielder struggled to find words to explain. The man seemed to notice this and decided to change the subject, thankfully. “So, where did you learn how to do this?” He asked, gesturing at their combat prowers. “S-Signal Academy.” Ruby answered. The man raised an eyebrow, “They taught you how to wield one of the most dangerous weapons ever designed? No offense.”

That last part Crescent knew was directed at her, so she just nodded, “None taken.” Ruby felt Crescent squeeze her hand as she answered the man’s question, “One teacher in particular.” The man nodded as he placed the plate of cookies on the table. Ruby hesitantly took one and bit into it, only to shove the rest in her mouth after noticing no rebuttal. “Easy. Slow down now.” Crescent chuckled.

“I see…. It’s just that I've only seen one other scythe-wielder of that skill before.” The man said. “A dusty, old crow…” “That would be Ruby’s uncle.” Crescent chuckled. “You’re referring to Qrow Branwen, correct?” The man smiled and nodded. “Yap! Hesh a tesher at Shig-...” Ruby said with her mouth full, before swallowing and wiping her mouth, embarrassed. Crescent and the man looked rather amused.

“Sorry.” Ruby said. “He's a teacher at Signal. I was complete garbage before he took me under his wing. And now, I'm all like—” The young girl then proceeded to make martial art movements and sounds. The man nodded, amused, “So I’ve noticed.” He then sat down opposite of the pair and placed his mug on the table. “May I ask why people as cute as you two are going to a school designed to train warriors?” He asked.

“Well….” Ruby started, hesitantly. “I want to be a huntress.” “You want to slay monsters?” The man asked. The girl nodded, eagerly, “Yeah! I only have two more years of training left at Signal! And then I'm going to apply to Beacon!” Ruby began to talk faster as her enthusiasm grew. “You see, my sister's starting there this year and she's trying to become a Huntress. And I'm trying to become a Huntress 'cause I wanna help people. My parents always taught us to help others, so I thought, ‘Hey, I might as well make a career out of it’!”

“I mean, the police are alright, but Huntsmen and Huntresses are just so much more romantic and exciting and cool and really, gosh, you know!” Ruby said, giving Glynda and the man a wide smile. The two studied the young girl, while Crescent just sighed and shrugged. “Do you know who I am?” The man asked. The young girl nodded, “Professor Ozpin. Headmaster at Beacon.” Ozpin smiled, “Hello.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Ruby said. She could tell that Crescent was tightening her grip on Ruby’s hand, though she decided that she would talk about it with her later privately. “You want to come to my school?” Ozpin asked, receiving a nod from Ruby. “More than anything.” She said. The older man and Glynda look at each other, only for the older woman to humph in disapproval. Ozpin nodded, “Okay then.” Crescent had never seen Ruby so excited before.

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(On the airship)

Unfortunately, Ruby was able to get her Weapon Spirit partner to talk about what she seemed worried about, so they both agreed to discuss it later. Before Crescent knew it, later had become now as she witnessed Yang bear hug her little half-sister. “I can’t believe my baby sister’s going to Beacon with me!” The blonde girl shouted with a big smile on her face. “This is the best day ever!” Ember chuckled as Ruby, as much as she loved her sister, begged Yang to stop bear hugging her.

After the girls broke the hug and had a private supportive discussion, Yang looked towards Crescent. “You had something you wanted to share?” She said, receiving a sigh from the taller Weapon Spirit. She then walked over to the window and looked at the city of Vale below, “I….think I know him.” The three girls raised and eyebrow as Crescent explained, “Ozpin...and Glynda. From my past life.” “I...also think I went to….Beacon at one point.” While Ruby looked happy, Yang and Ember shared a surprised look at each other.

The “Crescent Rose is Summer Rose” theory had earned itself a point. Though the worrying part was the fact Crescent seemed…unsettled by remembering Beacon. “This is great!” Ruby shouted as she hugged her Weapon Spirit partner. “We should celebrate on you recovering a memory!” “Y-Yeah.” Crescent said, trying her best to smile and be happy about this, but it was quite easy to tell that the taller woman was worried. Understandably so, as she didn’t remember what she was like at Beacon.

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(After landing at Beacon)

After getting off the ship, Crescent felt even MORE uncomfortable. It was as if the entire sight of Beacon was giving her a constant reminder of something or even taunting her for her lack of memories. Needless to say, while she did notice that Yang and Ruby went off in their separate directions, she didn’t realize that she was lost. Though it seemed that she wasn’t the only one, as Ember was with her. “You going to be alright?” She asked.

It took a few seconds for the taller Weapon Spirit to respond, “I don’t know. Though what can we do that this point?” “Good point.” The blonde said, sighing. As walked towards the campus, there were two other women talking. Judging from their appearance, they seemed to be Weapon Spirits as well. Arktis looked in Crescent’s direction and waved, “Hello. You must be the Weapon Spirit of the red cloaked girl, correct?”

“Yes, I am.” Crescent nodded with a comfortable smile. “Crescent Rose.” “Arktis Schnee, also known as Myrtenaster.” Arktis smiled, as the two women shook hands. “I’m Ember Celica!” The blonde grinned. Gambol went up to them and gave a small smile, “Gambol Shroud.” “Since we’re waiting for Ozpin’s speech to get done, shall we talk about ourselves?” The other three women nodded as the group sat down. “I’ll go first if you’d like.” The Schnee offered. Everyone just nodded.

With no objections, Arktis began her story. She explained how she was part Demigod Grimm, how she died, how she became a Weapon Spirit, how she was the mother of Weiss and her siblings, and that she was a former heir to the Schnee Dust Company. “Does your family know that you’re back?” Ember asked. The white-haired woman sighed, “Only my eldest and family butler. Honestly, I’d rather not have my son and husband know.” “What about Weiss?” Gambol asked. “She’ll find out in time.” Arktis replied. Everyone agreed to leave it at that.

“So, who’s next?” The Schnee asked. Gambol raised her hand, drawing the groups attention. “So, I’m a Demonic Grimm and Weapon Spirit created by Kali Belladonna to protect and watch over her daughter, Blake.” The faunus said. “Blake’s the daughter of Ghira, the White Fang founder.” She then explained Blake left the White Fang and is trying escape the past. The group nodded in understanding. “Realized that the White Fang wasn’t all that righteous anymore?” Arktis asked, receiving a nod from Gambol.

“I’m proud that she left.” The faunus said. “Because I can’t imagine what she would become if she didn’t.” “Anyway, that’s my story. Who wants to go?” The black-clad woman asked. The blonde raised her hand, “Well, I was made by Ruby and Yang’s father, Taiyang. Much like Gambol, I was made in order watch over them.” “While I’m based off of Taiyang, I retain some features from Yang’s mother. Like her eye color and gender.” She said.

Ember then explained how she was a Demigod Grimm bonded with Taiyang, but decided to become a Weapon Spirit in order to protect Taiyang’s daughters. Needless to say, Gambol and Ember’s storied were the shortest. Everyone’s gaze turned to face Crescent, who went pale. After clearing her throat, she stuttered and began her tale. “S-So, I’m a Demonic Grimm and Weapon Spirit.” She started. “I am Ruby’s Weapon Spirit and like Arktis, I was resurrected as a Weapon Spirit.”

“What were you like?” Arktis asked. There was the dreading silence again and immediately, Crescent looked at the ground in a tone that was similar to melancholy. “You don’t remember, do you?” Gambol asked, receiving a nod. “It’s….frustrating. Currently, all I know is that I went to Beacon and know Ozpin in my past life, but nothing else.” The red-cloaked woman said, sighing. “It’s...so damn aggravating!” Ember began rubbing her back, which the taller woman was thankful for.

Gambol and Arktis sat closer as the faunus placed a hand on Crescent’s shoulder. “It’s understandable that you’re angry by this.” Arktis said. “It’s….literally a 50/50 chance that one maintains their memories after becoming a Weapon Spirit.” The Schnee then put her hand on the taller woman’s, “If you’d like, we can try to help you regain what you lost.” The red-cloaked woman blinked, before asked, “You two would really do that?” Gambol nodded, “We’re fellow Weapon Spirits. Is there a reason why we shouldn’t?”

Crescent stayed silent for a bit, before softly saying, “Thank you…” After a few moments of silence, Ember said, “So, we’re all Soul Grimm, huh?” “Talk about a crazy coincidence.” Gambol said, earning and nod from Ember. “Are you sure about that?” Arktis asked. Gambol raised an eyebrow, while Ember smirked. “Don’t tell me you think that this is fate.” The blonde said. The Schnee shrugged with a smile, “Who knows? But I can say that I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“I don’t care.” Crescent said, gaining attention. “So long as it’s beneficial to us, I’m okay with whatever.” “I guess that’s a good point.” Ember said. After some silence, Gambol asked, “Shall we join our wielders now?” “And suffer through a long ass speech?” The blonde asked, causing everyone to chuckle. “Good point.” Arktis said. “How about we wait here until the speech is done?” The group looked at each other and nodded. “Sounds good.” Crescent said as the four Weapon Spirits began to talk about each other some more.

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(Later at night)

“Something on your mind, Ruby?” Crescent asked as she watched Ruby write on a piece of paper. The young Rose perked up and sighed, “Just writing to my friends, Dad, and Uncle Qrow.” “Aw, that’s cute!” Ember cooed, only to earn a hit to the face by a pillow thrown by Crescent. “Stop teasing her. You know better.” Crescent said, receiving a pout from Ember. “You are no fun.” The blonde said, sighing. Crescent rolled her eyes and sat on the edge of Ruby’s bed.

“How are you feeling?” The red clad woman asked. Her wielder sighed, “Honestly, kinda worried.” The Weapon Spirit nodded and rubbed the girl’s backin reassurance. “You’re going to do good.” She said. “Believe me. You will.” Ruby looked at her and smiled, before the four’s attention was drawn by something….or someone behind them. Behind the sisters and their Weapon Spirits, there stood Gambol with a not-too-pleased Blake. “Hey.” The blake clad woman said with a smile, waving.

“Hey.” Crescent replied with a smile and looked towards Blake. “Is this your wielder?” “Yep! This is Blake.” Gambol said, chuckling at her wielder as she looked at her in shock. “Trust me, this will help you.” Gambol whispered, earning a sigh from the younger girl. Blake then introduced herself to Yang and Ruby, “Hi. My name’s Blake.” albeit in a bit of indifferent tone of voice. Ruby shyly waved, “H-Hi.” “You’re the girl that...exploded, right?” Blake asked, which caught Crescent’s attention.

“I’m sorry. She what now?” The red clad woman asked. “It was an accident! I swear!” Ruby shouted, earning an amused look from Gambol and Blake. Crescent looked at her wielder, in both shock and concern, “What did you do?” “For your sake, maybe you shouldn’t know.” Gambol said and turned to Blake. “This is Crescent Rose and Ember Celica.” The young girl nodded as Ember gave her a warm smile and waved, “Hey. The one next to me is Yang, my wielder.”

“The girl who exploded is my sister, Ruby!” Yang said with a smile. The faunus girl nodded, sharing a laugh with her Weapon Spirit. “Well, Yang, Ruby, it’s a pleasure to meet and have you two here.” She said with a smile. “As well as you, Ember and Crescent.” The said women smiled and nodded, with Crescent saying, “It’s nice to meet you too, Blake.” “Same! It’s nice to meet ya!” Yang smiled and stretched her arm out, which prompted Blake to shake her hand.

The two smiled at each other, only to notice that the three Weapon Spirits were looking at them directly. “What’s going on through your heads?” Blake asked, only to receive innocent smiles. “Nothing!” Gambol said. Yang just looked at her, “It’s definitely something and it worries me.” “Don’t worry about it!” Ember grinned. Ruby opened her mouth to say something, which prompted Crescent to whisper, “Don’t tell them yet. Let them figure it out on their own, please.”

“What is going on here!?”

Yang and Blake abruptly let go of each other’s hands due to the outburst. The Weapon Spirits and the girls then looked to find Weiss storming into the scene...with Arktis behind her. “Don't you realize some of us are trying to sleep?” Weiss asked, annoyed. She and Yang took one look at each other, before nearly shouting, “Oh, not you again!” Ruby shushed them, “She’s right! There are people trying to sleep.” The white-haired girl looked at the young Rose, “Oh, NOW you’re on my side!”

“I was always on your side!” Ruby said. As the sisters and Weiss continued to bicker, Arktis went up to Blake and the Weapon Spirits, sighing, “I apologize for her attitude.” “Not your fault.” Gambol said, putting a hand on the elder Schnee’s shoulder reassuringly. Arktis sighed, before looking at Blake and asking, “Is this Blake?” Gambol nodded, “Yep.” “I see. Arktis Schnee, though I would appreciate it if you called me Myrtenaster until Weiss finds out who I really am.” The white-haired woman said.

Blake nodded, albeit hesitantly, “Blake Belladonna. And I understand.” The four women and Blake looked at the three girls still bickering and sighed. Crescent, Ember, and Arktis went to break the three up, while Blake took the candle she was using and blew it out.

Chapter II

(In Emerald Forest)

Needless to say, Gambol and Crescent were somewhat surprised by today’s events. Ozpin had given them, their wielders, and four others an assignment; find their partner as they group went through the Emerald Forest. Due to the weapons being part Soul Grimm, they could tell whether or not their wielders had a partner. Ember smirked, “Seems like Yang and Blake have partnered up.” “Ah, good!” Arktis smiled.

Crescent seemed to be in a daze, due to her not getting much sleep last night. “Cres?” Gambol called out, grabbing the taller Weapon Spirit’s attention. “Huh? Yeah?” She asked. “I totally heard everything.” The three other women each gave the red-clad Weapon Spirit a glance. Arktis sighed, “What’s on your mind, hun?” Crescent went silent and looked down, before saying, “.....Memories….”

She then sat down on a pile of leaves, saying, “So….I had...dreams that I think were…memories of my past life.” The three women nodded, motioning her to continue. “I was at...Beacon and I was with...Qrow, I think. As well as Taiyang….” Crescent said. Gambol and Arktis each raised an eyebrow, before Ember explained, “Qrow is Ruby and Yang’s uncle. Taiyang is their father.” “Gotcha.” Gambol said with a nod.

“There was...one other person.” Crescent said, catching Ember’s attention. “She...looked familiar. Like I...had a history with her before….” Before she could continue, the group were interrupted by Grimm. The four women jumped, all grabbing their weapons. Crescent looked at the pack of Grimm and noticed that they looked familiar. “What are they?” She asked.

“Grimm Sapiens.” Arktis said, albeit somewhat surprised. “I didn’t think they existed.” Just then, Crescent saw images of her and the mysterious woman fighting against creatures that looks similar to the Grimm Sapiens. She felt extreme pain in her abdomen, causing her to hiss. Ember looked at her, concerned, “Are you alright?” The red clad woman didn’t answer as she held her head as pain throbbed through it, causing her think that it would crack open. She didn’t even notice the three women calling out to her in worry as she passed out.

That’s when the Grimm began to charge at the Weapon Spirits, using the distraction as an advantage. Immediately, Ember brought Crescent to a shadowed part of the forest as Gambol and Arktis fought against the Grimm Sapiens. Despite being outnumbered, the two Weapon Spirits were able to defeat the horde and went to check on Ember and Crescent. “How is she?” Gambol asked. The blonde sighed, “Well, she’s breathing. Thank the gods.”

“How did she pass out?” Arktis asked. “Did she remember something?” “Maybe.” Ember said. “She also probably experienced phantom pain as well.” The Schnee nodded, “So now what?” Ember bit her lip and went silent. Gambol sighed, “You don’t know, do you?” “It was never this bad before.” The blonde said. “She usually has nightmares, but that’s about it.” The two other women nodded as Gambol asked, “So, do the Grimm Sapiens have to do something with her past life?” Ember paused, “Maybe.”

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Crescent looked around. She was in the middle of what seemed to be an area that had just experienced a battle. There were multiple bodies of Grimm Sapiens at her feet...and blood coming from her abdomen. She realized she was also being held by the same woman she thought she had a history with. Crescent then felt tears run down her face, “Am I crying?”

The woman seemed to be crying too, as the Weapon Spirit could feel her tears drip onto her. That’s when she heard the woman say to her, “Rwy'n dy garu di, Summer Rose.” She then kissed the Weapon Spirit on the lips, making Crescent realize that had a romantic connection to this woman. However, her mind was focused on what the woman called her. ‘Summer...Rose...? Is...that my true identity?’ Crescent thought. Before she could question the scene further, everything went black.

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The three women jumped when the red-clad Weapon Spirit took a sudden breath and began coughing. Ember and Gambol helped Crescent sit up as she tried to catch her breath. “What...happened?” She asked, through her fits of coughing. “We were ambushed by Grimm Sapiens.” Arktis said. “Though you passed out at the very sight of them. Almost like you were in pain.”

“I was...having another flashback…” Crescent said. “I...think I have a guess on who I was...or AM….” The group went silent for a few moments before Arktis asked, “Should we tell your wielder?” Crescent shook her head, “No. I’m...not sure if she’ll be able to handle it calmly.” Ember nodded, “Well, you can tell Yang, if you feel comfortable. She and I have had a pretty good guess on your identity.”

Crescent nodded. She...honestly wasn’t sure what name she should be called by now. Summer...no, SHE was Ruby’s mother. However, Ruby only knew her as Crescent Rose and the girl, as well as Yang, Taiyang, Qrow had been told that Summer died. The woman she had a relationship with SAW her dying. She didn’t know if she should be called by her true identity...or by her Weapon Spirit name.

The four were distracted by the sound of footsteps coming from behind them. Before they could draw their weapons, the source of the footsteps made a soft whine. It was a grey wolf pup…a few of them, actually...which Crescent immediately fell head over heels for. “Oh my god, they’re fucking adorable…!” Crescent whispered, smiling. The pups noticed Crescent's voice, almost as if it was recognizable and walked towards her.

As the pups went towards the red clad woman, Gambol stepped back as the baby wolves passed, almost being cautious around them. Crescent picked up one of the pups that now surrounded her with a laugh, “Oh, you are the cutest thing ever.” Arktis and Ember took note of Crescent’s happier mood as she looked towards them. “Do you want to pet them?” The red clad Weapon Spirit asked.

“No thanks.” The black clad woman replied. Ember looked at her, “Are you serious right now?” Gambol nodded, “They’re wolves. It doesn’t matter if they’re young or not, they are still canines.” While the two women were arguing over the age and possible danger of the pups, Arktis went over and accepted Crescent’s offer, petting one of the pups along its back.

“You’re hesitant.” The taller woman said. Before the Schnee could respond in embarrassment, Crescent said. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, it’s natural for people to be worried. They’re STILL a wild species, even though they’re majestic.” Arktis nodded, albeit with a blush on her face as she attempted to pet the creature in the red clad woman’s arms.

“Did I...have a connection to wolves in my past life?” Crescent asked. “Hard to say for sure.” Ember said. “From what I heard about...Summer from Taiyang and Qrow, she did have a deep connection with them...to the point of them considering her their alpha.” The other Weapon Spirits, excluding Crescent, looked at Ember in a mix of confusion and shock.

The red clad woman stood and put the wolf cubs down, so they could return to their pack. “Okay, shall we head back for a bit?” She asked, standing back up. The blonde nodded, “That would be a good idea. Especially considering your current health.” The group nodded and cautiously left their currently location to meet up with their wielders. “Quick question…” The red clad Weapon Spirit started.

“Should we...tell the others?” She asked. “About me, I mean.” Ember shrugged, “That’s up to you, really.” Crescent went silent for a few moments, before saying, “Maybe we should tell a select few for now.” Gambol and Ember raised their eyebrows, while Arktis nodded. “I agree. After all, I was in a similar situation that you’re in currently.” She said. After that, the group went off to meet up with their masters.

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(Later that evening...)

By the time evening came, most of the group were already asleep. Gambol and Blake were still awake, reading, while Ember, Arktis and Weiss had fallen asleep quite a bit ago. Ruby was also fast asleep, obviously tired from today’s events. Crescent got up and put a hand on Yang’s shoulder, who was about to head to bed. “Hey. Could we...talk real quick outside?” The red clad woman asked. The blonde teen nodded, “Yeah, sure.”

The two went outside the dorm, before Yang asked, “Okay. What’s up?” The red clad woman bit her lip, before explaining, “So, you know how I get my memories back little by little, right?” Yang nodded, allowing the Weapon Spirit to continue. “So, today I was able to remember my name...I think.” The taller of the two said. The blonde teen nodded with a smile, “That’s great! What is it?”

The Weapon Spirit stayed silent for a few moments, before saying, “Promise me that you won’t freak out.” Yang raised an eyebrow, but nodded anyway, “I promise.” The woman cleared her throat and finally said, “I...think I might be Summer Rose…” Yang went dead silent and stared at the woman. Needless to say, she didn’t see THAT coming at all.

Summer tightened her fists, waiting for the freak-out she knew was coming. Yang had every reason to freak out, to scream, to be frightened that someone who was DEAD was standing right in front of her, right? So it was quite a shock to her when Yang wrapped her arms around the woman and hugged her tightly. Even though Yang had her face buried in Summer’s shoulder, she could feel the teen’s tears.

“We missed you.” The blonde said, earning a soft chuckle for the taller woman. “Missed you too, sunshine.” Summer said, smiling and kissing the blonde’s forehead. “I...know my next request might be strange, but could you not tell Ruby about this?” Yang pulled back and looked at Summer with a raised eyebrow, “Why?” The former STRQ leader sighed, “I..don’t think she’ll be able to handle that truth. Not yet, anyway.” “Plus, I would like to make sure I have all my memories before then.” The woman explained.

Yang nodded slowly. It was a strange request, but her step-mother did have a good point. “I’ll try. What about Weiss and Blake?” Yang asked. “They can know if you want them to. Gambol, Ember, and Arktis already know.” Summer explained. “Arktis is Myrtenaster, in case you were wondering.” The teen nodded, “Alright. I’ll tell them when there’s an appropriate time for it.” Summer smiled and ruffled Yang’s hair, “That’s my sunshine.” Yang giggled and hugged Summer once more before the two went back inside for bed.

Chapter III

“Why do you want to know what we look like without our outfits?” Gambol and Arktis asked. Crescent, now going by her true identity, Summer by a select few, shrugged, “We haven’t taken these clothes off since our creation, right? It’s time we actually took proper care of our clothes, as well as our hygiene.” Ember sighed, “Sum, we don’t need to do that. As Weapon Spirits, we can’t get dirty.”

“HOW DOES THAT EVEN MAKE SENSE!?” Summer shouted. Arktis looked at the other two women, before nodding, “She...does have a point. It doesn’t really make sense. Plus, I’m...kinda curious.” Gambol facepalmed as she sighed, “Fine. We’ll hit the showers.” The three women sighed as Summer grinned like an idiot. This was going to be a long day.

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(Beacon Academy Shower Room)

After arriving at their destination, the four immediately entered the changing rooms. “I might as well go first, considering this was my idea.” Summer said. After receiving no objections, Summer immediately removed her clothes until she was just in her undergarments, revealing her newly-toned body and the numerous scars she obtained in her past life. Ember tilted her head as she looked at the eyepatched woman, “Your undergarments look like a sports bra and undies…”

“I think that’s a binder, actually.” Arktis stated. The other three Weapon Spirits looked at her in confusion as Gambol asked, “What for?” After a couple moments of silence, Summer paled. ‘Oh gods. Don’t tell me…’ Arktis, Ember, and Gambol turned to Summer as she hesitantly unzipped her bra...only to let out a scream. Ember could’ve sworn that the elder Rose’s scream could be heard across the entire campus.

The tallest of the four women began shaking as she stared at her own bust in shock, “ P-Pourquoi ? Why is it…? I WAS SMALLER THAN THIS! WHY DID IT GROW!?” The faunus did her best to calm the tallest of the four, while Ember noticed that Arktis’s eyebrow was twitching, most likely in annoyance, but she didn’t know by what exactly. “Calm down. It’s natural.” The blonde reassured. The tallest and shortest women of the group just looked at her in shock and shouted, “HOW THE FUCK IS IT NATURAL!?”

After the blushing Summer wrapped herself in a towel, she seemed to calm down a bit. Next was Gambol, after the group decided to go in order of tallest to shortest. After removing her earrings, trench coat, and the rest of her attire, she was left in her makeshift undergarments. Summer whistled, “How the hell did you manage to make undergarments out of gauze?”

The faunus Weapon Spirit shrugged, “Honestly, I don’t know. Hell, I didn’t know my undergarments were makeshift.” Summer could tell that Ember was blushing at the sheer sight of Gambol, though she smirked and ultimately decided to spare her from the teasing. “You look...n-nice…” The blonde stuttered in embarrassment. After removing her undergarments and wrapping a towel around her, Gambol smiled, “ Arigato , hun.”

It was Ember’s turn and as she removes her muscle shirt, jeans, and gloves, Gambol’s jaw dropped at the sight of the blonde and how toned her muscles were. Arktis and Summer smirked at each other, knowing that the two probably had some newly discovered feelings for each other. “Um, Gambol? You’re bleeding, Qīn'ài .” Ember said with a smile, snapping Gambol out of her trance. The faunus wiped her face, assuming that the blood came from a nosebleed, “Sorry.”

After Ember wrapped herself in a towel, the three women turned to the Schnee, who was honestly not thrilled. Sighing, she finally swallowed her pride and removed her suit. The fact was, while she did have muscle and healthily thin...she was also flat. Now Ember knew why she was pissed by Summer’s size. “Aww, you’re so cute!” Summer and Ember said, both earning a punch to the arm by Arktis. “ Bitte , shut up.” She sighed, grabbing a towel. Gambol decided to wisely not tease the former heiress.

After getting a towel for Arktis, the four finally began their showers, which was honestly relaxing if you asked any of them about it. Or it would’ve been for two of them had they not focused on their displeasement with their torso features. Despite that, they enjoyed the shower overall and after an hour or so, the women finally dried off and got changed, before heading to the dorms.

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(Beacon Academy Dormitory: Team RWBY’s dorm)

Summer seemed much more comfortable now that she was back in her clothes, though both she and the Schnee were still embarrassed about their respective sizes. “Last time that’s happening.” She groaned, sitting against the make-shift bunk beds. Arktis grunted in agreement as Gambol and Ember rubbed the two mothers’ shoulders. “Relax. You’re gonna be fine.” Gambol reassured. “Well, probably until you get a date with someone.”

“That’ll be a miracle after what I’ve been through.” The white haired woman said. Considering how her last relationship went, there was a high likelihood that she’d probably not get together with someone for a good while. Summer nodded in agreement, “I don’t know how Tai will react to know that I’m alive again. Not interested in Qrow. Not sure if the woman that I keep seeing is still around either.”

“We could always ask Ozpin.” Ember suggested. The tallest of the group paused for a minute, before sighing, “Alright, we’ll have a chat with him tomorrow if he’s free.” “Tomorrow’s the weekend, so he should be available. Not sure if he’s going to be able to give you the answers you seek though.” The Schnee said, receiving a hum of agreement from Gambol and Ember.

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(That night….)

The room was dead quiet. Everyone was asleep...except for Summer. Currently, she was pondering on what she should do regarding Ozpin. Should she ask him about her past, despite knowing that he might not have the answers she was looking for? Should she just wait until the next time she talked to Qrow and ask him instead? Or should she just try to find the answers herself? She honestly had no clue.

Her attention was brought towards Ruby, who was using the woman’s lap as a pillow. Chuckling, the elder Rose gently brushed the young girl’s hair away from her eyes as she thought, ‘I wonder how you’d react to me being your mother resurrected. Will you be happy that I’ve returned home? Will you be angry that I died in the first place? Will you welcome me back with open arms and a warm smile? Or...will you hate me for the pain I’ve caused you?’

Chapter IV

Needless to say, no one was expecting Summer to walk into the Headmaster’s Office with no warning. “May I speak to you real quick? It’s urgent.” She said, looking at Ozpin intensely, as if she just witnessed a murder. Raising an eyebrow, Ozpin nodded, “Sure. Please have a seat.” Summer did so without question, before taking a deep breath and saying, “I’m regaining my memories...as Summer Rose.”

Nodding, Ozpin smiled, “I see. Firstly, welcome back, Summer.” Summer gave a small smile and nodded, before Ozpin continued, “Secondly, that’s great! Are there some things that you need some clarification on?” “Yes, please.” The red clad woman said. “Firstly, who were the members of my team?” The headmaster sat back and tapped his chin, “That would be Taiyang Xiao Long, Qrow Branwen, and...Raven Branwen.”

The Weapon Spirit raised an eyebrow. Maybe this Raven person was the woman she was seeing in her flashbacks. “Could you tell me more about Raven, please?” Summer asked. Ozpin nodded, “Well, she’s Qrow’s twin older sister. She was Taiyang’s first wife and was your partner.” He took a sip of his coffee before continuing, “You and her had a...unofficial romance, I guess you could call it.”

“Unofficial?” The red clad woman asked. The white haired man nodded, “At your request, from what I remember being told by you. You were worried that if you got too attached, you’d lose her...which is very understandable.” Summer nodded, “I assume she’s not here?” “Sadly, no. She left to parts unknown from what I remember. I’m sure Qrow knows where she is, but would rather keep it private, which is reasonable.” Ozpin said.

“Is there a picture of her that I could take a look at?” The former STRQ leader asked. Ozpin began looking through the Academy archives, “There should be at least one picture when you officially formed your team.” Summer nodded and went over to look over the headmaster’s shoulder. After a couple minutes of searching, Ozpin moved to the side for Summer, pulling up a picture.

There were four people; two black haired people, one blonde, and a white cloaked woman. She immediately recognized Taiyang, Qrow, and herself. However, she felt something...different when she looked at the black haired woman, whom she assumed to be Raven. She felt her heart twist and ache, as if the feelings she had for the woman were still there and felt herself longing to see her again.

“Ozpin didn’t help you, by the way.” The white haired man said with a smile. Summer perked up with a raised eyebrow, “What are you talking about?” The white haired man chuckled, “Two souls inhabit this body. The ancient Ozma...and this body’s original owner, Evergreen Ozpin Brown.” The red clad woman looked at the man...and felt herself smiling. “I don’t remember you, but your voice feels reassuring.” She said.

“That’s a good sign. It means that while you may have lost some memories, your heart seems to remember some things on its own.” Evergreen said. “Would you like some coffee?” The red clad woman chuckled and shook her head, “Sorry, but no thanks. Though if you have tea or water, I would like some, please.” Evergreen nodded and went to the small fridge in his office, pulling out a water bottle and handing it to Summer.

Afterwards, the two began talking about what Summer had missed during the last 10 or so years. While the headmaster wasn’t able to answer some of her questions, he did manage to provide her enough info to give the Weapon Spirit a basic idea of the events since her death.  “So...what happens now?” Summer asked. The white haired man tapped his chin, “Well, my best suggestion is to continue doing what you’re doing right now.”

“I’ll inform some of the other teachers, but it’ll be a secret until you are ready to tell your family.” He said. The former STRQ leader nodded, “Thank you. Also, Myrtenaster is Weiss’ mother, Arktis. Though she has her memories.” Evergreen nodded, “I’m aware. She told me earlier. No one else, besides the teachers, will know of your...well, new existence.” Summer nodded again, “Thank you. When we decide to tell Ruby and Weiss, we’ll let you know.”

The headmaster smiled, “I understand.” After that, the red clad woman bid goodbye to Evergreen with a smile, taking the bottle with her. Evergreen did the same, sipping his coffee as the door closed. He then turned to his reflection in the screen in front of him, glaring at it. “You may think you’re heroic, Ozma. However, you lying to these kids makes you just as much of a threat as Salem is.” He said. “Neither of you will rob these kids of their future. I’ll make damn sure of it.”

Vol 2

Chapter V

To say that a battle between the Weapon Spirits was inevitable was quite the understatement. Though, unlike their wielders, who were currently in the process of having a food fight against Team JNPR, the Weapon Spirits were having a battle royal as a part of training. Though, they did establish some rules, like not using weapons. That meant they would be fighting bare-handed...and obviously Ember was psyched about it.

Though...she wasn’t too pleased with getting her ass handed to her. “Your semblances are fucking O.P.!” She shouted, only for Summer and Gambol to shrug with their own smirks. Gambol just curled her index finger at Ember, as if telling her to attack the faunus. The blonde just cracked her knuckles, “You’re gonna regret that.” As the two fought, Arktis and Summer just watched, almost as if they were taking bets on the winner.

“Calling it. Gambol’s got this.” The white haired woman said, earning a nod in agreement. “Same.” Summer said, only to laugh as Ember flipped the two mothers off. “Glad to know you two are good teammates, assholes.” The blonde said, though not entirely serious. The red clad woman rubbed her eyepatch in deep thought. She wasn’t sure why the patch was there, though she knew that she felt much stronger when she removed it.

….Though, if it were dangerous, should she risk removing it in battle....?

Biting her lip, Summer hesitantly removed the patch on her right eye. Behind it, there was a black-sclera, silver-iris eye in her right eye socket. Taking a couple deep breaths, the red clad woman walked towards Ember, catching her fist as the blonde swung to punch Gambol. However, it was when she saw the other Weapon Spirits’ shocked reactions that Summer noticed that her speed felt almost instant. “How the hell did you do that?” Ember asked.

“I...just removed my eyepatch?” Summer said, a bit sheepishly as she had no idea that such a minimal action would cause a dramatic change. Though, it did feel...REALLY good. Summer  gave the blonde a confident smirk, “You wanna spar a bit?” Ember returned the expression, “You’re on.” As the two collided their fists together, Gambol went over to where Arktis was standing and asked, “Any idea why she feels much more confident now?” The white haired woman shrugged, “Hard to say. All she did was remove her patch.”

The Schnee paused, before saying, “Though...her right eye is definitely that of a Beowulf Grimm.” Gambol’s jaw almost dropped, before looking at the two sparing women in a bit of panic, “Shit, this could be bad.” Arktis raised an eyebrow, before coming to the same realization, “Should we interfere?” The faunus shook her head, “Not yet. As paranoid as we should be, I want to believe Summer can control her instincts.”

“And if it gets out of hand?” Arktis asked. Gambol then nodded, “Then we’ll break it up. Though we should make sure we get that eyepatch back on Summer when we do.” Nodding, the Schnee summoned her weapon form and waited. Quite expectedly, Summer and Ember’s fight was getting more and more aggressive, mainly because the blonde was getting excited and the Grimm instincts were influencing the red clad woman.

The fists and legs of the two women clashed very violently, each of them countering blow for blow as the fight went on. After only a couple minutes, Summer and Ember had a few bruises on them. After a few more minutes, they had bloodied knuckles and noses and after noticing this, Gambol nodded. “Stop them.” She said as both her and Arktis went towards the duel that was further escalating.

The Schnee immediately used her glyphes to summon an Arma Gigas, which immediately restrained the red clad woman. Gambol then put her arms around Ember, restricting her as Arktis put the eyepatch on Summer. In an instant, the Rose calmed down, before blinking and looking around. “Um, stupid question, but…. Did I...do something wrong?” She asked, completely confused as to why she was being restrained.

Arktis and Gambol’s jaws dropped. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?” The Schnee shouted, causing the other three women to jump. “You mean to tell me that you DON’T remember what you DID!?” Summer jumped and just nodded, “Kinda….? I...know I removed my eyepatch willingly. Then decided to train with Ember….” The three women waited for the elder Rose to continue, until she said, “And...that’s it.”

After a couple minutes of silence and letting go of the two Weapon Spirits, the elder Belladonna finally asked, “So, what now?” “Might want to make sure that I don’t remove my eyepatch....” The red clad woman started. “Or make sure I only do it under worst case scenario situations.” The other three women nodded, before leaving the room and hitting the showers. If they were lucky, then they’d be the only ones there.

Of course, it wasn’t that simple.

As soon as the four started to undress, their wielders and friends entered the female shower room, talking before their attention turned to the Weapon Spirits. “What the hell did you four get into?” Yang asked, only for Ember to smirk. The short haired blonde raised an eyebrow as she said, “Could ask the same thing, given your clothes covered in food and juice.”

“Ah, food fighting, right?” Summer asked, earning a slow nod from the six teens. The red clad woman then asked, “Was it epic?” Ruby and Nora grinned, with silver-eyed girl saying, “You better believe it was.” While it was faint, Arktis did notice Weiss’ smile and whispered to Summer, “I might tell Weiss the truth about me soon.” The red clad woman nodded with a smile.

“How do you plan on telling her?” The taller woman asked, as Ember and Gambol started explaining what the Weapon Spirits were up to. The former heiress shrugged, “No clue. I do want to do it when we’re alone, so it won’t be too awkward.” Nodding, the two women turned, only to jump in surprise when they noticed their respective masters were right in their faces. “WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?” Weiss practically shouted.

Arktis and Summer looked at each other as they each raised and eyebrow, before the former STRQ leader asked, “What do you mean?” The younger Schnee pointed at Gambol and Ember, saying, “Those two told us that you willingly removed your eyepatch and somehow went berserk!” The red clad woman’s jaw dropped, followed by Arktis sighing and her other fellow Weapon Spirits laughing when she shouted, “YOU FUCKING SNITCHES!”

Gambol just shrugged, “Consider it punishment for doing something as stupid as that.” Summer’s eyebrow twitched, before Rudy got her attention as she asked excitedly, “Can you please show us it next time?” Everyone turned to the younger Rose, followed by Yang, Summer, and the rest of Team RWBY and the Weapon Spirits paling. Summer cleared her throat, “Um, hun? Don’t you...think that might be too dangerous?”

The two mothers, along with Blake and Yang snorted and tried not laugh as Ruby pouted, “I didn’t mean now! Just when we go back into the field.” Summer nodded, only to laugh as the younger Rose punched her in the arm, “Don’t laugh! I was being serious!” Summer coughed through her fits of laughter, before finally calming down, “Alright. Alright.”

As the four Weapon Spirits, their wielders, and Pyrrha and Nora got washed and got into clean attire, Arktis continued thinking about when she should tell Weiss about her. She had been dead for a long time and now that she was back, she was honestly not sure of how her youngest daughter would react. Would she be happy or emotional like Winter and Klein were? Or would she be angry and hate her for leaving?

As the four women and six teenagers left the showers, Summer and Arktis left the group to see Ozpin, while Gambol and Ember decided to help out with the clean up in the cafeteria as the girls went to their classes. “You alright?” The elder Rose asked, receiving a shrug. Arktis sighed, “Are you worried about how your daughter might react to who you really are?” Summer went silent, before giving a slow nod, “Most of the time, yeah.”

“What should we do? I don’t want my youngest daughter to hate me.” The elder Schnee said, biting her lip and gripping her right sleeve. Summer wrapped her left arm around Arktis, giving her a small hug, “I don’t know...and I don’t want my daughter to hate me either. But I think we should worry about it when they start piecing the puzzle together.” While it wasn’t the answer she had hoped for, Arktis still felt comforted by the red clad woman’s words. It was like Summer was a sister she never had.

As the two reached Ozpin, they were greeted by a very unexpected surprise and guest. “Ironwood?” Arktis asked, only for said man to raise and eyebrow, before his jaw dropped. “A-Arktis Schnee….?” He stuttered, almost like he was seeing a ghost. To be fair, he...technically was. The two women sighed as they entered, before both each shook Ironwood’s right hand. “I’m sorry Ozpin has not told you that I was here.” The former heiress said.

“To be fair, none of us were expecting you.” The headmaster said, receiving a smile from Summer. Judging from the tone of voice, she assumed Evergreen was currently in control. “You are very observant, Summer.” The silver haired man chuckled. The former STRQ leader smirked, “I have to. I remember that I was very skilled in archery back in the day. Arktis needs some advice.“ Arktis just looked at the taller woman, almost to ask “What the fuck”.

“Well then, you came at a good time. How may I help you?” Evergreen asked, offering the former heiress tea. Sitting down and taking the tea, Arktis reluctantly began talking to the headmaster, while Summer began talking to Ironwood. “You’re...Summer? As in Summer Rose?” He whispered, earning a nod. “Yeah…. Brought back to life...somehow…..” She said. “I...need to talk to Qrow about it.”

Ironwood nodded, “Knowing that Ozpin said that you were very close to the Branwen twins…. That might be a good idea. He’ll be here sometime soon.” Nodding, Summer went over to the small fridge and pulled out to water bottles, before giving the general one. After a small cheers, the two drank from the bottles as they watched Arktis and Evergreen’s conversation.

Summer took note that Ironwood seemed unaware that Evergreen was currently in control...and that Arktis seemed glad with Evergreen’s advice.

Chapter VI

“So…. What are you two planning on doing for the dance?” Yang asked Gambol and Ember. The faunus raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?” Giving an unamused look, the blonde teen pointed at the two Weapon Spirits’ hands, which they clearly were holding each other’s. Blushing, the monk cleared her throat, “Okay, so...we...might be an item….” “Might?” Ruby smirked, earning a glare from the two women, which she laughed off easily.

“So… You’re dancing. Correct?” The younger of the two step-sisters asked. Ember sighed and gave a soft chuckle, “Yes, we’re dancing as a couple.” The blonde woman fell to the floor as Ruby tackled her in a tight hug, groaning in slight pain. Gambol and Yang laughed as the blonde teen hugged the older faunus. “I’m happy and proud of both of you.” She said, earning a smile from Gambol. “Thank you.” She replied. “I promise I will treat her well and love her always.”

Yang nodded, “I know you will.” Ember groaned as she stood back up, with Ruby getting off of her. “Now, I believe we should ask what YOU are going to do.” She said to her wielder, only for Yang to raise an eyebrow. After a couple moments, her mind clicked, causing her blush a deep red. Clearing her throat, she finally said, “I need to talk to her and ask her first.” The Weapon Spirits just nodded, while Ruby hugged her step-sister to wish her luck.

After the blonde teen left, Rudy looked around, before asking, “Where’s Cres?” Ember raised an eyebrow, looking around, before chuckling. “She’s probably keeping a protective eye on those two.”

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A little while later, Yang brought Blake to an empty classroom and, after a bit of persuading, convinced the younger faunus to listen to her. Little did they know that a certain step-mother was keeping an eye on them from the shadows, making sure that they were safe. Sure, Summer was a little over-protective. Though both as a mother and as a friend, she HAD to be. It was her duty to make sure her loved ones were safe from any sort of harm.

As Summer watched, she unintentionally began to listen in on their conversation...and, of course, heard something that she really wasn’t expecting. “You remember that Ruby and I lost Summer at an early age, right?” The blonde asked, receiving a nod from Blake. This prompted her to continue, leading to Summer to hear about the two half-sisters’ events when they got lost in a forest near their home.

Raven’s departure, however, seemed to have gone unnoticed. While she knew that Yang brought it up, the red clad woman didn’t focus on it. And given the fact that she was receiving flashbacks of being told about what happened. ‘Oh fuck….’ Summer thought, before she began hyperventilating. Quietly, she hopped down from her hiding place and, as quietly as possible, went for the door.

Though, if she had not stay there a moment longer, she would have probably missed something remarkable. “Blake, I want you to be safe! And if you keep putting yourself in this position...how am I supposed to help you?” Yang asked. The faunus went silent as she bit her lip, causing the blonde teenager to hug the other girl tightly. “I love you, Blake… So PLEASE. Let me help you.” The blonde said. Blake just looked at her wide-eyed.

“Are you...certain about this?” She asked, earning a nod from Yang. After a couple of moments, the faunus gave a small smile, “I...love you too. Though I would...like to take this slow, please.” The blonde nodded, “Of course. This is my first time too…” Before she could continue, the two heard the door close, prompting them to turn and face it. Blake and Yang looked at each other, before Yang sighed with a smile, “Still being the over-protective mom as usual.”

The faunus raised a nervous eyebrow, “Should I be…?” “Worried? No. She’s always over-protective of people she cares about.” Yang said walking with Blake to the door. “She was looking out for both of us. She’s THE mom like that.” Blake gave a soft giggle as the two exited the room, “That’s certainly true.” The two then found Summer in the hallway...trying her best to control her breathing.

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She didn’t mean to panic, but fucking hell, she did. Summer had wanted to watch them, just to make sure that Yang and Blake were safe, but she hadn’t intended to eavesdrop on them. So when Yang talked about her and Ruby being lost in the woods, of course she freaked out. She blamed herself for that event. Hell, now that she had some of her memories back, she still did! Thank gods she left the room and went into the hallway unnoticed...or at least that’s what she thought.

After about three minutes, two of which were used hyperventilating and the last one used to calm down, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She nearly jumped before she realized it was a concerned Yang, holding Blake’s hand gently. “Uh, hey! How are you two doing?” She asked, trying her best to change the subject. Blake let out a soft sigh with a small smile, before saying, “We’re doing better now, thank you. And you?” Just that one question was all it took to make Summer cave in.

“Okay, listen. I’m really sorry for eavesdropping on you two. I really am, but I wanted to make sure that you two were safe.” The red clad woman explained. As she continued explaining frantically, Blake whispered, “I think you might need to talk to her about what happened when you and Ruby were kids.” The taller teen nodded in agreement, whispering, “That’s probably why she was panicking.” Blake nodded, before the two waited for the human-turned-Weapon-Spirit in front of them to relax.

By the time Summer had finished explaining, the trio were back at Team RWBY’s dorm room and the woman was a bit out of breath. The elder Rose did not miss seeing Blake give Yang a kiss on the cheek, as well as the latter’s blush, before the faunus headed in, leaving the blonde teen and the red clad woman in the hall. “I’m guessing you want to talk about something?” Summer asked, sitting against the wall, where Yang joined her.

Yang nodded, “Yep. You heard me talking to Blake about when Ruby and I were kids, right?” Summer paled, before thinking, ‘Oh, fuck. Fuck. Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck…’ “Summer? Supermom?” Yang called out, noticing her step-mother had gone silent. The red clad woman was panicking and had tears streaming down her face. She then tried to speak, “I’m so sorry, Yang…..” “Mom…” Yang started, only to stop when Summer spoke again, “I should have been there for you two. Instead, I ended up risking your lives and safety!”

Before Summer could ramble again, she felt her step-daughter’s arms wrap around her shoulders. The blonde teenager began rocking her step-mother back and forth as the woman cried silently, grabbing a hold of Yang’s arms. The former STRQ leader finally stopped after 10 minutes, before whispering in her now-raw voice, “I’m sorry….” Yang’s hug on her just tightened, “You know we forgave you long ago. Right?”

Summer just sniffed as she wiped her tears away, “Doesn’t make the guilt that much easier to carry, honestly.” Yang didn’t say anything; not because she didn’t want to, but because she couldn’t think of what else to say. So, as a replacement, she just kept hugging the woman. The two ultimately stayed like that for another 5 minutes, before Summer gave a soft chuckle through her raw voice.

The blonde teenager raised an eyebrow at her step-mother, before the red clad woman said, “You and Blake. As a couple.” Yang blinked a couple times, before giving a small chuckle, “I don’t think it’s been established yet.” She then began laughing as Summer stood up and lifted the teenager in her arms, followed by the red clad woman stating with a grin, “I’m so happy and proud of you, ensoleillement !”

Once the two entered the dorm room, Ruby was practically bouncing in her seat on the bed. “Well!?” She nearly shouted, prompting her step-sister and mother to look at Blake. Blake nodded at Yang, “I think we should tell her. And before you ask, yes. I’m sure.” Nodding at the teenage faunus, the blonde teenager sat next to her and took a breath, before saying, “Blake and I...are...now in a relationship….” It took a lot of her resolve to say that, as Yang and Blake are now blushing wildly.

Despite that, the youngest of the group couldn’t be happier. With her trademark grin, she immediately rushed over and tackled them in a hug. “I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!” Ruby shouted happily, squeezing the two tightly. “We’re glad, Ruby. But...could you...please let go…?” The faunus asked, as both girls were struggling to breathe.

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That night, as everyone was asleep, Summer went outside to the Academy’s front entrance, meeting a familiar man. “I assume the girls are doing good?” He asked, receiving a smile and a nod. “They’re doing well. I’m guessing you’re happy with that?” The red clad woman asked. The man nodded, “Yes…. But I’m...worried.” Summer raised an eyebrow.

“They will...experience events that will...separate and harm them...in ways that can be difficult to understand.” The man said. “And I can’t interfere with trying to prevent that anymore.” “How come?” The elder Rose asked. The man sighed, “I’ve...reached my limit. My other self in another world with be leaving soon without any intention. And with him, my own existence in this world.”

Summer nodded and hugged the man, “I promise. I will do whatever I can to protect them.” The man hugged her back with a sad smile, “Thank you, Summer.” With that, the  two broke the hug, before the man started fading away. “Well, looks like it’s time.” He said. “I wish you the best, Summer.” The red clad woman smiled sadly and nodded, “I wish the same for you, Monty.” With that, Monty smiled, before fading away completely.

A/N: Thank you, Monty. (1981 - 2015)

Chapter VII

A/N: DO ME A FAVOR AND PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THE DANCE BETWEEN RUBY AND SUMMER WEIRD. THANK YOU.

The teams’ clothes for the ball had finally arrived...and just in time too, as the dance was tonight. The Weapon Spirits immediately got ready, as theirs arrived later than anticipated. Summer had chosen a red suit with a black shirt...and, of course, looked amazing, according to her fellow Weapon Spirits and their wielders. Sent from Klein, Arktis had gotten a nice, silky, blue sleeveless dress with blue heels and white snowflake patterns that decorated the dress.

As far as her daughter, her friends, and the elder Schnee’s fellow Weapon Spirits were concerned, Arktis looked incredible. Gambol was next to get dressed and she had picked out a beautiful black and purple kimono, sent by Blake’s mother, Kali. While she did groan, due to her totally expecting it, the elder faunus put the kimono on, earning multiple compliments from the group and obviously Ember.

The monk had picked out a yellow shirt with a pair of brown dress pants and shoes. “You weren’t looking forward to the dressing up part, were you?” Summer asked, putting her red cloak on to match her outfit. Ember groaned with a nod as the red clad woman rubbed her friend’s shoulder reassuringly. The former STRQ leader smiled encouragingly, “Relax. You look great.” Ruby and Yang nodded in agreement, prompting Blake to say, “Gambol definitely has the hots from you.”

The elder faunus blushed as she looked at her “sister” and whispered, “Are you out of your mind!? What are you doi-!?” Blake placed her hand over the elder faunus’ lips as she whispered firmly, “I’m telling her what you actually feel. YOU. LIKE. HER. Now go and have fun with your datemate. Got it?” Gambol went silent, before replying in a squeak, “ Hai, okusama .” “You heard her, right?” Summer whispered in Ember’s ear, causing her to jump a bit.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m going.” The blonde said, as both Weapon Spirits went out the door first. With team RWBY sighing with relief, Ruby and Yang began laughing when Summer hugged them tightly with a grin. “I’m so proud of you~!” The red clad woman shouted with joy, doing a short spin as she held her daughters. Blake began giggling, only to fully laugh when Arktis gave the same treatment to a flustered Weiss.

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Now at the ball, Gambol and Ember were already dancing, obviously having a blast. Yang and Blake were also enjoying themselves, taking their time with their dance. Arktis sat next to Weiss, before placing a hand on her shoulder. “Enjoying yourself so far?” She asked. The heiress sighed, “I honestly don’t know…. I...feel like I should, but….well…”

She then pointed towards Ruby, causing Arktis to smile. “You care about her….” She said, only for her frown to vanish when her daughter said nothing. The heiress bit her lip, before saying, “I do care about her as a friend, but….I don’t know if that’s all...or if I care about her more than that.” The elder Schnee nodded, finally understanding what Weiss meant, “If you’re worried, I suggest you don’t. Everyone questions their own feelings from time to time.”

The heiress sighed, “But what if I unintentionally harm Ruby because of it?” The blue dressed woman stayed silent for a couple of seconds, before saying, “I’m sorry...but I can’t help you with that… As much as I want to give you a definitive answer, that is something you will have to find out for yourself.” As a way to change the subject for the time being, Arktis asked, “Would you like to dance?” Weiss just looked at her, wide-eyed, causing the elder Schnee to chuckle.

“It’s a simple question, Weiss.” She smiled. Stuttering, the heiress answered, “Y-Yes, please.” Arktis then stood up and guided Weiss to the dance floor, giving a smirking Summer a nod and a smile as the two past her. Leaving the two Schnees to have fun, the tallest of the Weapon Spirits went over to Ruby, only for the young leader to pull her by the hand. “Sorry, but we need to hurry.” Ruby said, noticing Summer’s confusion.

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(Outside the Cross Continental Transmit System Tower…)

After a brief explanation of what the young leader saw, Ruby and Summer found themselves outside the Cross Continental Transmit System Tower, quickly spotting the figure the younger Rose saw. “Any idea who...or WHAT that is?” Ruby asked. Squinting at the figure, the elder Rose’s eyes widened, “Isn’t that the new student, Cinder Fall?” The young teen raised an eyebrow, “Cinder? Why the hell is she going around like a burglar?” Summer sighed, “Guess we’re about to find out. We got another guest.”

The red cloaked woman pointed at a new taller figure following Cinder. Judging by the shape, the figure seemed to be female and have a somewhat muscular physique. The figure was also carrying two pistols. “You know that is?” Ruby asked, only for Summer to shake her head. “If I know her, then I don’t remember…” The two Roses then began chasing Cinder and the new figure.

After a bit of running, the two managed to follow the perpetrators to the elevator, heading to the top floor. After heading to the top floor as well, Ruby aimed Crescent Rose in rifle mode, with Summer holding the weapon in scythe mode. “Cinder? We know you’re here. Just come on out so you can explain what’s going on.” Ruby said, looking across the room for any potential threats, before Cinder casually emerged from her hiding spot.

“Your weapon is too observant for its own good.” The masked woman said, causing Ruby’s eyebrow to twitch. “Unfortunately, I don’t have time to have a conversation with you two.” She then whistled, causing the new figure to land in front of the Roses from the ceiling. As predicted from her silhouette, she was somewhat muscular and female. She also had black hair, red eyes with black sclera, black and dark gray sweat clothes, along with black boots and red sunglasses.

Summer and her glared at each other in the eye. Cinder then waved with an arrogant smirk, “Have fun.”, before proceeding to leave, only for Ruby to block her. A silent bell went off and soon, Ruby was dueling Cinder, constantly breaking through any dust the older teenager had to attempt to stop her from escaping. Summer and the other woman began having a brutal battle, as Summer tried to destroy the pistols, while the woman continuously tried to shoot the elder Rose in the face and gut.

Cinder then used fire dust to cause a smokescreen, blinding Ruby temporarily and allowing her to escape. “ Merde! ” The young leader shouted, coughing as she stumbled out of the smoke. Summer then got Crescent Rose caught on the woman’s shirt, ripping it off to reveal the woman’s sports-bra...and many bat tattoos that decorated her right arm and the right side of her torso and chest. Summer’s face went pale as she began stuttering, “It...c-can’t be…! H-How are you still...!?”

The woman raised an eyebrow, before grinning and let out a laugh...a laugh that Summer thought she would never have to hear again. “I see YOU have changed… JUST. LIKE. ME.” The woman said, before punching the Weapon Spirit in the ribs. “BE SURE TO KEEP THINGS INTERESTING, ROOS! ” The woman shouted, before escaping as a group of bats. Ruby then walked up to Summer as both of them sat down and Summer sent a text to Ironwood.

Sighing, the red cloaked woman said, “THAT...was Lady Vampier. Those that follow her call her the Bat Queen.” She then explained that she was a rival of hers back in Beacon, but Lady had vanished. Summer was then tasked with stopping her when she found out that Lady had begun doing various violent crimes, such as murder and experimentation. She was trying to make herself a god by extracting the blood of her victims and using Grimm blood. She had no choice but to kill her.

“Seems like she succeeded...” Summer said. “We don’t know that.” Ruby said, only for the tallest Weapon Spirit to give out a hollow laugh. “Hun, she’s STILL alive….” The two went silent as Summer looked at her scroll. “We need to go through Cinder’s information as soon as possible.” She said, earning a nod from the younger Rose. “What about the ‘Bat Queen’?” She asked, earning a shrug from the red cloaked woman. “Ironwood will give me that info soon.” She said.

After a few minutes of relaxing, the two then heard music from the tower's speakers. The two looked at the scroll, receiving a text that explained that Ozpin wanted them to have a dance, even though the night was almost over. Summer smirked, knowing that Evergreen made that decision. “Shall we have a dance?” She asked Ruby, who grinned and stood, helping the elder Rose to her feet. ‘So...I finally get to dance with my daughter…’ Summer thought, before smiling as she began dancing with Ruby.

A/N: A few things. 1) The whole Dutch thing comes from my previous belief that Cinderella (who Cinder is loosely based on) was Dutch. While I now know that this is not true, this will not be changed. 2) The reason why I had a battle here is because the ACTUAL episode doesn’t really have a fight scene. I’ll admit I suck at fight scenes, so please give advice so I can improve. I’d really appreciate it. And 3) Roos means rose in Dutch, Lady means dame in Dutch, and Vampier means vampire in Dutch.

Chapter VIII

(At Mountain Glenn….)

To say that Arktis was now...well, contemplating over something was an understatement. The Weapon Spirits and Team RWBY, along with the newly accompanied dog,  Zwei and one of their teachers, Dr. Bartholomew Oobleck were now in the abandoned town of Mountain Glenn for their mission. After exploring the ruins and fighting Grimm, night had come and now everyone was resting around a campfire, while Ruby and Summer stood watch….while Weiss, Blake, and Yang brought up what they wanted to do.

Weiss had ended up bringing up Jacques, her father and technically Arktis’s widow. ‘Guess I should tell her now, huh?’ The former heiress thought, before focusing her attention to her daughter. “Weiss…” The former heiress said. “May I...speak to you privately, please?” Raising an eyebrow, the younger Schnee nodded, walking with Arktis as the latter led them a few yards away from the campsite. “So, what do you want to talk about?” Weiss asked.

The older woman sighed, before sitting down, “You might want to sit down.” The heiress nodded and did so, waiting for Arktis to speak. The older woman gave a tired smile, “I have faith that you WILL be better than your father...and, hopefully, save the company and the Schnee lineage from ruin….” The white haired teenager nodded, “Thank you… Though you...sound like you’re hiding more than you’re leading on.” Arktis gave a tired chuckle, “Well, how about asking what it sounds like to you?”

Weiss moved closer next to the white haired woman, before saying, “It sounds like the whole thing with Father is personal for you.” “Well, it should.” Arktis said, before sighing. Her face went to a blank, yet tired state as she said, “Had to go through quite a lot of shit when I was married to him” Dead silence…. Arktis, while not directly, had just revealed her identity to Weiss. Now all she had to do was wait for, what she could guess, her daughter’s panicked reaction.

“Mom…?” Her daughter whispered and almost immediately, Arktis felt her throat tighten, causing her to bite her lip instinctively. The woman nodded slowly, her anxiety rising as she began worrying if Weiss was furious with what the elder woman did to herself, thereby, as Arktis would put it, “abandoning” her own daughter. “I...guess I shouldn’t be...too surprised.” Weiss said.

Arktis nodded slowly, “I suppose that is true.” After a bit of silence, Weiss shifted her position, before leaning her head against her mother’s shoulder, “You better still be here when I wake up.” A small smirk appeared on the white haired woman’s face, before she asked, “In what form? I have two.” The heiress glanced up at her mother as she said, “Mom. Please don’t ruin the moment.” Arktis chuckled, rubbing Weiss’s arm, “I know.”

After a couple minutes, Weiss’s quiet snore was heard, queuing Arktis to bring her back to camp, letting her use the woman’s legs as a pillow. Gambol, who had Blake sleeping against her, raised an eyebrow at the former heiress, “You two all good?” Receiving a nod from the white haired Weapon Spirit, the faunus smiled, “I’m glad.” The two then looked towards Ruby, who was still up thanks to Summer’s new abilities.

While Ruby was still awake, Summer was resting against her shoulder, letting her powers go on autopilot as she did so. Ruby gave a glance towards Yang and Ember from time to time, as well as the other members of her group, just to make sure they were safe. That is….until Summer fell to her side and began to slowly hyperventilate. “Yang. Ember. Come here quick…” The young leader said, her voice full of worry as the two blonde immediately got up from their positions and went over to Summer.

“Is she having a nightmare?” Yang asked. Ember tightened her fist, “I don’t know, but I’m not taking any chances.” As the blonde Weapon Spirit went to wake the red cloaked woman up, Summer gasped, gasping for breath as she sat up in a cold sweat. While her actions nearly made the three jump, Yang quickly began rubbing the woman’s back as she entered a coughing fit. “Are you alright?” Ruby asked.

“Not...really.” Summer said through her coughs. She then placed her hand over her heart as her breathing calmed down, prompting her to say, “Almost had a fucking heart attack. It felt like someone was TRYING to rip it out.” Ultimately, she decided to stay up for the rest of the night, letting Yang and Ruby sleep, while Ember kept an eye on the girls and Summer.

Zwei went up to Summer and whimpered in concern for the red clad woman’s health, earning a small smile and gentle scratch from the Weapon Spirit as the canine went to sleep beside both her and Ruby.

Vol 3

Chapter IX

A/N: This chapter has been altered for a more SFW release.

(This first part has a bit of horror themed elements and themes that some viewers might find disturbing. So, if you see hhhhhhhhhhhh, then that means you can skip the horror section.)

-hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-

(At the Cliffside Forest….)

The first thing Summer saw was snow and the night sky. She looked around, recognizing the area as Cliffside Forest…. her gravesite …. She hissed in pain, grabbing her head as she felt it throb, causing the silver-eyed woman to collapse to her knees. After the pain was gone, Summer also noticed that she was back in her former white cloak...and her old body. Getting back to her feet, she began walking through the snowy landscape, trying to find out why she was here of all places.

After what seemed like hours of walking, she finally found people who she recognized, causing her to smile. That smile quickly vanished as she felt her blood freeze, seeing the people she knew and loved covered in their blood and laying on the snow, not moving. Summer immediately rushed to Ruby, picking her body up and checking for a pulse or a breath….

There was none.

Paling, she immediately rushed over to Yang and Ember, then Blake and Gambol, and lastly to Weiss and Arktis. Qrow, Taiyang, and Raven were also there. Instead of finding pulses or signs of breathing, all Summer found was them covered in blood , fatally injured, and cold. The white cloaked woman fell to her knees, shaking as she began to hyperventilate. “This can’t be happening…. There’s no way this can be happening….” She whispered, her teeth beginning to chatter.

The area began to shift as the ground beneath her began to shake. Soon, the harsh cold winds spun around Summer, obscuring her vision as the winds kicked up snow. As the winds died down, she found herself in front of her own grave. Standing up, she walked towards it, noticing that the gr ave had been dug up and her casket had been forced open. She raised an eyebrow in confusion when she found a bloodied young blonde woman in the casket instead of her.

The blonde was covered in blood and had grotesque wounds across her torso and limbs. The white dress that the woman was wearing had also been ripped to shreds, possibly due to whoever attacked her, which left her bloodied torso and abdomen bare and exposed. Summer extended her arm to check the woman’s pulse, only for the blonde’s eyes to shoot open and to grab the white cloaked woman’s arm harshly.

Summer jumped and immediately pulled her arm away, backing up from the coffin. The black -sclera red -eyed blonde soon rose from the casket, standing on the snow as her caucasian skin and hair began turning a pa l e g ho st-like white, while pieces of the coffin began reassembling. They then entered the unknown woman’s body and replaced her broken bones, while her flesh began sealing up, closing her wound .

“What...the hell...are you….?” Summer asked, feeling sick to her stomach at what she just witnessed. The woman gave a dark grin, replying, “You mean you don’t remember? We had a battle before….” The white cloaked woman raised an eyebrow, before the pale woman continued, “You. YOU were the ONLY one to HARM ME, SUMMER .” Summer looked behind her as the woman’s voice came from multiple sources.

She went pale herself when she saw the corpses of her friends and family rise to their feet, looking at her with cold dead eyes, repeating the unknown woman’s words in hushed whispers. “Who are you?” Summer asked, turning back to the white haired woman, only for her to be missing. She then saw her shadow darken and expand, while her friends and family’s corpse s morphed into the shadow.

The shadow then pulled Summer down, causing her to fall and land into the middle of the palm of a giant sized version of the white haired woman. She was a few hundred feet larger compared to the white cloaked woman, increasing Summer’s fear of the woman. She also noticed that the woman was now in a black dress with a red trim and outlines. Summer didn’t know where they were, but it was all dark, the only light source coming from the woman’s blood red aura and eyes, as well as Summer’s cloak.

Summer soon noticed how cold she was now, realizing that she was now completely bare, aside from her trademark cloak. “IT’S INTERESTING TO SEE YOU THIS WEAK, GIVEN OUR LAST ENCOUNTER.” The woman said with an arrogant grin, her voice nearly deafening the white cloaked woman in her palm. Lifting Summer by her cloak, which the smaller of the two desperately held onto, with two fingers, the demonic-looking woman chuckled darkly, “I SUPPOSE I CAN GIVE YOU MY NAME AS YOUR LAST REQUEST.”

The smaller of the two turned her head to look at her as the gigantic woman smirked. She then said, “IT’S SALEM. I SUGGEST REMEMBERING IT FOR YOUR FINAL TRIP.” Summer’s eyes widened, before she screamed in agony as pain and blood started to seep and emerge from several old wounds on her back, chest, and abdomen. Her legs and arms began to feel heavy as she desperately clung onto Salem’s index finger to prevent her descent as Salem let go of her now-bloodied cloak.

“DON’T TRY AND FIGHT IT. JUST ACCEPT IT.” Salem grinned, lifting the smaller woman above her head. Summer attempted to tighten her grasp on the giant finger, despite her grip beginning to loosen. The demonic -looking woman chuckled, “YOUR ACTIONS ARE EXCELLENT TO SEE. I DO HOPE THAT YOUR FEAR WILL BE JUST AS SATISFYING.” The white cloaked woman began to hyperventilate, clutching at Salem’s index finger until she lost her hold...falling into the frigid void of darkness.

The injured woman was forced to look down towards the earth as the ground came rushing towards her. She closed her eyes shut, futilely bracing herself for the impact, despite knowing what the results were going to be. In a frightening instant, she hit the ground with a disturbing thud. The feeling of several bones cracking and breaking in unimaginable pain caused her eyes to shoot open….

-hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-

Summer jolted awake, gasping for air as she materialized in a cold sweat. Without even thinking, she immediately went to the dorm’s bathroom as quietly as possible, before retching and becoming sick into the toilet. After a couple minutes, she relaxed as she began washing her mouth out and using a few tissues to clean herself. The eyepatched woman only just noticed that the shower was running as Arktis asked, “Are you alright?” from it.

Sitting against the counter, Summer nodded, “I will be… Sorry you...had to hear that.” “I’ve heard worse.” The former heiress replied, peeking from the curtain. “You need help?” The taller of the two shrugged, “Don’t know. You want me to vent?” The pale-blue eyed woman shrugged in response, “Only if you think that’ll help.” Summer went silent for a few moments, thinking, before eventually saying, “Had a...gruesome nightmare...”

Arktis nodded, letting Ruby’s mother continue, “You were dead. Every single one of you.” “There was...another woman. She had...pale blonde hair, only she….mutated into something else…” She explained. “She had eyes strikingly similar to that of a Grimm...and had powers beyond imagination.” Weiss’s mother raised an eyebrow, “Did she give you a name?” Summer nodded, “Yeah….”

“Salem….”

Arktis went silent. “Fuck….” She whispered, queuing the taller woman to face her, “Sound familiar?” The former heiress sighed, “Unfortunately…. She’s...from Remnant’s ancient past. Back when the Gods were still here.” The former STRQ leader raised an eyebrow, “That far, huh? So she’s basically immortal?” “Pretty much, yeah.” Arktis said., finishing her shower and turning off the water.

“Did she say anything else?” The white haired woman asked. Summer nodded, “Yeah. She said that I was the only one to successfully harm her.” Nodding, the former heiress grabbed the hair towel on the towel rack, beginning to dry her hair. “While I don’t know much of the details, I did hear that someone did manage to harm the ancient evil. But they couldn’t kill her, unfortunately. Even if it was possible, the person was too exhausted to keep fighting.”

“Did they escape?” The taller woman asked. Arktis nodded, “Yeah, and survived. Though I haven’t heard anything else.” She then grabbed the larger towel and wrapped it around her, before stepping out. Giving Summer a sympathetic smile, she bent down and tilted the elder Rose’s head up to get her attention. “How about you hop in the shower and clean up? We can continue talking while you do so.” Arktis suggested.

She didn’t need to be told twice. Without another word, Summer slowly stood up and removed her clothes, before entering the shower while Arktis got her a couple towels. “She...used you all as puppets.” The taller woman said, letting the hot water rain down on her. “Wouldn’t be the first time…” The former heiress sighed, sadly. “Any other characteristics Salem had? Never saw her in person, danke den Göttern .”

Summer almost choked on her own breath. Blushing, she cleared her throat and began describing the ancient woman’s appearance, “Well, as I said, she was blonde, but was also caucasian and had clothes that seemed to resemble Remnant’s ancient past.” “They were torn around her torso, due to the grotesque wound on her.” She said. “After healing...if you could call it that, her skin was ghostly pale, her hair white, and had eyes similar to that of Grimm.”

“She...evolved as well.” The taller woman said, washing her face and hair. “She….had become a giant and…..” Arktis raised an eyebrow at Summer’s pause, “And?” Clearing her throat, Summer began stammering, “A-And… merde . W-Well, she looked like a...d-dominatrix…” The elder Schnee groaned, “Of course, she did. Most female villains do. What, did she have a nice set of assets as well?”

Summer stayed silent for a good few moments, before saying, “You know, you are starting to ACTUALLY make me appreciate her appearance. Which is a terrible thing.” “ FICKST DU MICH VERDAMMT !?” Arktis shouted, pissed that she was one-upped by an ancient woman’s appearance. “That is total bullshit!” “Hey, you asked for a description. So relax.” The taller of the two said, a tad annoyed. “You’ll wake the kids.”

“If it makes you feel better, I can help you with shapeshifting.” The elder Rose said. The former heiress raised an eyebrow, “You can do that?” Summer shrugged, washing her body, “No idea. But I KNOW someone who can.” “An old friend?” The elder Schnee asked. “Or associate?” The taller woman nodded, “A mix of both. I helped her out in the past and she still owes me a bit of a favor.”

“Gotcha.” The shorter of the two nodded, looking at her scroll, before smiling. “My eldest will be visiting soon. I would like to introduce you and your daughters to her.” A chuckle could be heard from the shower as Summer rinsed her body and hair, “Sounds good. Especially considering how close Weiss and Ruby are. Should she be introduced to Blake?” The former heiress sighed, “I’d rather ask her and Gambol about that.”

“The Schnee Dust Company...doesn’t really treat faunus well….” She said quietly. Turning off the shower, Summer grabbed the hair towel, “Are they...slaves?” The elder Schnee shrugged with a sad sigh, “I don’t know. Though given Jacques's stance on the matter, they’re probably treated as such.” “Your husband is an asshole…” The taller woman stated, earning a nod of agreement from Arktis.

“I plan on making things right when Weiss and I return to Atlas.” She explained. “Not sure how though….” “Well, no harm in asking for help. I unfortunately know a thing about being in an abusive relationship...” Summer said, wrapping the towel around her and stepping out of the shower. The former heiress raised an eyebrow, causing Summer to explain, “It was before I went to Beacon. Back in high school. I’m glad that Qrow, Raven, and Tai were able to help me escape that…”

“So, what’s your eldest like?” She asked, earning a snort from the former heiress. “Well, with other people, she’s usually seen as a cold and distant person, often speaking in a monotone fashion and keeping her emotions subdued….and a little harsh.” Arktis said, changing into her clothes. “Though she’s much better than that. She is a kind and caring person, though she often worries about her family.”

The taller woman nodded, “That’s understandable. I hope that she is respectful.” Arktis nodded, “For our daughters’ sake, I do too.”

(Timeskip: It's Brawl in the Family)

Some time later, Summer, now healthier, was face to face with Winter Schnee. Unfortunately, Qrow Branwen had arrived and seemed to be in a foul mood. As the two hunters fought, Summer sighed, “I’m sorry that Qrow acted like this to your daughter and your sister.” Arktis nodded, “It’s fine. He’s not ENTIRELY wrong with Atlas...unfortunately.”

“I do think Uncle Qrow was a little harsh.” Ruby said. In response to Weiss’s groan, she asked the two elder Weapon Spirits, “Could you please stop them?” The elder Rose and Schnee looked at each other and smirked, “It’d be our pleasure. Be sure to enjoy the show.” With that, Summer and Arktis went towards the two combatants. “Are we going to regret letting them end this?” Weiss asked. Ruby sighed, “I hope not.”

The second Qrow noticed Summer walking towards him was the second he began to feel his body freeze. “Uh, hey S...um, Cres! How are you?” He asked, trying to get on Summer’s good side. Arktis raised an eyebrow at the taller woman, who whispered, “He knows...and she can also know, as long as I can tell Ruby when I’m ready.” Nodding, Arktis went over to Winter, who nearly dropped her weapon at the sight of her mother.

“I’m doing well, thank you. Or rather...I WAS doing well.” Summer said, receiving a somewhat guilty expression from the younger Branwen as he avoided eye contact. “Mind explaining why you decided to cause an argument and fight?” His former leader asked in a commanding tone. He bit his lip, knowing that Summer would only get more angry if he didn’t explain his reasonings.

“Winter.” Arktis said, in a tone of voice that made her eldest daughter tense up. “Mom…” Winter said, trying to keep calm. “I...apologize for my recent actions.” ‘Well, that was easy…’ The former heiress thought, a little shocked. “If you manage to not get into an argument or fight, then I’ll forgive you.” She explained, before sighing. “I was hoping that your first meeting with Weiss’s friend, Ruby was more respectful…” Winter lowered her head, feeling guilty for her behavior.

“How old are you, Qrow?” Summer asked. Before the younger Branwen could say a word, the taller woman said, “Old enough to know better. And yet you are still getting into arguments and fights.” Summer sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she said, “For the love of the gods, Qrow. We are ADULTS now. It’s time we stopped getting into unnecessary arguments and time we respected others.” Qrow just nodded meekly, “Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry.”

The taller woman paused, before sighing once more, “If you don’t get into arguments or fights for the remainder of your visit, then I’ll forgive you.” Nodding, Qrow followed Summer out of the crowd and next to Arktis and Winter. “I see you have your memories back…” He said, earning a small smile from his former leader. “Some of them...though not all of them.” She said, donning a saddened expression.

“Plus….nightmares are becoming more common.” Summer explained. “I’ll go into detail later.” She looked at Arktis, who nodded. Nodding, the taller woman said, “This is Willow Arktis Schnee, Winter and Weiss’s mother. Arktis, this is Qrow Branwen, my brother-in-law.” Qrow raised his eyebrow as those three words, but decided not to question it for now. Instead, he shook the former heiress’s hand, “It’s an honor to meet you, ma’am. I’m really sorry for my rudeness earlier.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well, Qrow.” Arktis smiled, shaking Qrow’s hand. “I was about to say this earlier, but this is my eldest daughter, Winter. Winter, this is Summer Rose, Ruby’s mother.” Summer shook Winter’s hand, “It’s nice to meet you, Winter. I do hope you are more civil with my family in the future.” Winter nodded, a little shakily, “I...promise I’ll try my best.”

Summer nodded, before looking at Qrow, saying, “I got questions about my resurrection that you need to answer.” “Well, I can start by saying that Raven was responsible for that.” The younger Branwen said, before noticing the former STRQ leader flinching a bit. “Sum...?” Qrow called out, snapping the taller woman out of her trance. “Sorry…” She whispered. The younger Branwen decided that it would be best to focus on the questions later.

As the four walked up to Ruby and Weiss, the former of the two said, “I was...expecting a little more violence.” The former heiress snorted, ruffling the young girl’s hair, “I’m sure Cres would have if you uncle wasn’t scared shitless.” “That’s a fact.” The elder Rose said, smirking at Qrow’s reaction. “”You two are assholes.” He said, earning a snicker from his former leader. Weiss sighed, “Well, as long as you didn’t hospitalize anyone, then it’s alright.”

“Um...I think they want you…” Ruby said, pointing to an unamused Ironwood and Glynda, followed by Ozpin...or Evergreen if he was in control. Summer sighed, saying, “You two only have yourselves to blame if they’re pissed.” Qrow flinched at Summer’s emphasis, while Winter remained tense. “I see you two know how to put on a show!” The headmaster shouted with a smirk.

Judging by the tone of voice, Evergreen seemed to be in control right now. “Now then, as much as I know you two want to spend time with your families...we need to speak about something.” He said, his tone getting serious. “Also, we have something that might help you, Cres…” The group of six each raised an eyebrow, looking at each other in confusion...

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(At the Headmaster’s Office)

“So, what’s this about?” Summer asked. She had only just entered the office as Qrow, Ironwood, Glynda, and Evergreen had a private conversation. Winter, on her own accord, as well as Arktis decided to go help Weiss with training, leaving Summer to speak with the other four alone. The younger Branwen gave her a ring, saying, “Raven gave that to you prior to her leaving.”

Summer looked at the silver ring in her hand, looking on the inside of it, which had an engraving that said: RAVEN & SUMMER ETERNALLY . She felt Qrow place a comforting hand on her shoulder when she flinched again. “What importance is the bandit leader to her?” Ironwood asked. Qrow raised an eyebrow, before his expression turned serious, “What do you mean, General?”

‘Oh shit….’ Evergreen paled, standing up in order to prevent another possible argument. The Atlas general stood his ground, his gaze not wavering, “You know what I mean, Qrow. How is that criminal important to Summer?” “I have to agree, Qrow.” Glynda said, almost shocking the younger Branwen. “No offense, but your sister abandoned you and your team. She left in favor of the bandit tribe.”

Qrow paused, before lowering his head. The headmaster put a hand on his shoulder, feeling somewhat responsible for the pain the younger man was feeling. The younger Branwen felt a mixture of anger, sadness, and...hopelessness. He knew that Raven left, yes. He also knew she went back to the tribe and began to lead them. However, he never knew why.

“And HOW would you two know that?” Summer asked, understandably causing everyone in the room to jump. “Miss Rose, she’s a criminal. A traitor. She BETRAYED you.” Ironwood explained, only to meet the former STRQ leader’s cold glare. “You got some nerve...as well as some balls to say that about someone you never did any research on!” The red cloaked woman snapped.

“If she DID betray me, then I should be DEAD...by HER hand.” Summer explained. She then turned to Glynda, saying, “And I can’t believe that YOU, of all people, would say that about one of your former students!” Qrow looked at his former leader, too shocked for words as she continued. “Raven left in order to PROTECT her family FROM the tribe.” The former STRQ leader said. “She had to protect Qrow, Tai, Yang, and I from them… Even if it meant going back to them.”

“She told you, didn’t she?” Evergreen asked. The eyepatched woman nodded with no hesitation, “Three of you know DAMN WELL that Raven was closest with me. So yeah, of course she would tell me her intentions!” After her rant, Summer began gasping for air, only to fall unconscious on the floor as her head began throbbing in pain. Qrow immediately lifted her up in his arms as Evergreen checked her pulse and breathing.

“She’s still with us, thankfully.” The headmaster said, placing a hand on Summer’s forehead. “She’s not running a fever, so it might be sensory or memory overload.” After instructing Qrow to bring her back to Team RWBY’s dormroom and keep an eye on her, Qrow left with Summer in his arms, leaving the headmaster with Glynda and Ironwood. “Care to explain to me what the FUCK just happened, you two?” Evergreen asked, awaiting a reply.

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(Team RWBY’s dormroom...)

After explaining what happened to Summer, without giving away her identity, Qrow, Ruby, and Yang began playing video games as the taller woman rested, all while checking up on her every now and then. “I have a feeling she might want to speak to you about your mother…” Qrow whispered to the young blonde, who nodded, though understandably anxious.

It didn’t take long for Summer to wake up, but it did take some time for her to be in a talkative mood. Letting Ruby and Qrow continue to play, Yang brought Summer to the hallway, getting her a bottle of water from the nearest vending machine. “Thank you…” Summer mumbled, opening the bottle and taking a sip from it. After a few moments of silence, the taller woman finally said, “Raven didn’t abandon you and Tai.”

“I don’t know if you’ll understand it….” She paused, biting her lip. “But she does truly care about you, Qrow, and Tai. She left...so you three and myself could be protected.” The blonde teenager raised an eyebrow, “From what?” The taller woman sighed, taking another sip from the bottle, “The bandit tribe. Her...clan, if you will.” “She loved us, but she couldn’t let either of us be harmed. That’s why she left. To protect us. ...Even if it meant being labeled as a traitor and criminal.”

Summer opened her hand, revealing the ring she was given. “She gave that to you?” Yang asked, receiving a nod from her stepmom. “We had a special bond. Had things turned out differently, you might’ve been calling both of us ‘mom’.” Summer said, a small smirk forming on her lips. “I loved her…and I still do….” Yang stayed silent for a couple seconds, before putting the ring on Summer's left ring finger.

“Then maybe you should keep that.” The blonde said. Summer raised an eyebrow as Yang continued, “If what you say is true then...maybe my reunion with her won’t go downhill.” “Hun, we don’t even know where she is.” The taller of the two said. Yang gave a small smirk, “True, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be found.” Summer raised an eyebrow, asking, “Are you implying that you’re proud of her?”

“If what you said about her is true, then...yeah, I guess I am.” The blonde replied. “It is true...right?” The red clad woman nodded, “You know that I can tell when someone’s spouting bullshit, so yeah. It’s the truth.” “Even if you don’t believe me, you’ll hear it from her anyway.” She added. Yang rested her head against her stepmom’s shoulder, “I’m worried that she’ll lie.”

“That probably won’t happen. She’s not like other people.” Summer said, finishing the rest of the water in the bottle. “If she does try to lie, tell her what I told you. Maybe… Maybe that’ll knock some sense into her….” Yang nodded and sat with her stepmom for the next ten minutes until Ruby came out from the dorm. “Hey. Are you two alright?” She asked. Summer nodded, giving a small smile, “Just talking about the past. Wanna join us?” Ruby didn’t say a word as she proceeded to sit next to the taller woman.

Qrow took a peek into the hall and smiled, giving his former leader a thumbs up as he went back inside, leaving the door open.

Chapter X

(At Amity Colosseum)

“Hey, Cres? Could you do me a favor, please?” Ruby asked, looking at the taller woman in her weapon form. Summer raised an eyebrow, “Sure. Is something wrong?” The young leader bit her lip, before saying, “Well, if anything unexpected happens during Yang’s match with Mercury, could you...step in and prevent a possible disaster?” The taller woman just blinked, “I’m not going to deny you, but may I ask what brought this thought up?”

“Mercury’s been hanging out  with Cinder a lot… Same with Emerald. I’m worried that they might be working together.” The young leader said. “Gotcha. I agree with your thoughts that something’s up with them.” Summer said. “I have an idea on how we can make sure nothing goes up in flames, though it’s entirely your decision if you want to do it.” Ruby tilted her head, “What is it?”

“Well…” Summer paused for a bit, before sighing, “Well, I could take control of your body for a temporary period of time and intervene if the battle goes wrong.” Surprising Summer, Ruby’s eyes began sparkling. Then again, she should’ve assumed that that would be her daughter’s reaction. “I take it you have no problem with it?” Summer asked. “THAT IS AMAZING!” Ruby shouted, startling Weiss and Blake, who immediately relaxed when realizing that their leader was talking to Summer.

“Okay, I’ll take that as an answer.” Summer smirked with a sigh. “I’ll let you know when I’ll possess you, but know that it is gonna feel really weird. Also, only I will be able to hear you.” Ruby nodded, “Anything else?” The taller woman rubbed her eyepatch, thinking of an answer, only for Ruby to say, “Want me to make sure that stays on?” “Please.” The red clad woman said, giving a small smile. ”If there’s anything you’d like to ask about the possession, please don’t hesitate to do so.”

The young leader nodded as the two went back to watching the match. “Can all Weapon Spirits do that?” Ruby whispered. The former STRQ leader shrugged, “Not sure. You’ll have to ask the others afterwards. Though my best guess is that, yeah, they all can.” She then glanced over where Cinder and Emerald were, but only found that they were gone. “Shit. We might have to do it soon.” She whispered. She then sniffed the air, saying, “It smells like someone is trying to use their semblance.”

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

(In the arena…)

Yang continued her match with Mercury Black. As she did, Ember offered helpful advice, pointing out to keep Mercury on the move and not letting him catch a break. After landing a fury of blows on the gray-hair teen, the match was over, the blonde had depleted Mercury’s aura. “Atta girl! Showed him what’s up.” Ember grinned, making Yang smile. “Learned from the best.” She said, walking away from her opponent.

However, as she did so, the blonde witnessed Mercury attacking her with a flying kick. Before she could react in a similar manner, that was a thunderous crack as Crescent Rose was embedded in the floor...with Ruby standing on it. ‘Could’ve entered the arena in a more calmer way.’ Ruby said to Summer in their now-shared mindscape. ‘Needed to get to your sister as quickly as possible.’ Summer thought telepathically, before looking at the two combatants.

“I know you’re going to ask why I’m here...and the reason for that is to make sure that there are no disqualifications...for EITHER of you.” Summer said, using Ruby’s voice. She then turned to Mercury, saying in the kindest tone possible, “So please. Wait to thank Yang for a splendid match. Thank you.” After that, she brought Yang with her towards the combatants’ exit. “S...Cres? Is that you?” Yang whispered. Nodding Ruby’s head, Summer whispered, “Bingo. You’re really lucky I got to you two in time.”

Yang raised an eyebrow, “How…?” “Ruby allowed me to take temporary control of her body in case something went wrong.” Summer explained as guards helped bring them out of the arena. Once in the waiting area and safe from the public eye, Summer materialized as both she and the young leader collapsed to the floor, groaning. “Okay...not happening again unless in desperate times.” Ruby said, groaning in pain. “Ah, that sucked.” Summer grunted in agreement, “I would prefer it if that is the LAST time we do that.”

One of the guards removed his helmet, revealing him to be Oobleck in disguise. “Professor Brown told me to help you out if things went south.” He explained, giving a small smile as he, the now-materialized Ember, and Yang helped the two up. “You two are some sort of crazy.” The taller woman just nodded, “Thank you. What’s happening out there?” “Judging by your almost inhuman speed and strength, they’re...a little frightened.” The green haired man said.

Ember raised an eyebrow, “Inhuman…?” The former STRQ leader froze, before her face and Ember’s began to pale. “Oh shit….” She whispered, before removing her eyepatch, asking, “Is it glowing?” Ember and Oobleck looked at the Grimm eye in Summer’s right socket, queuing Oobleck to say, “If it was, it no longer is now.” Summer let out a short sigh of relief, before putting the eyepatch back on. “Sorry to interrupt, but what exactly happened?” Yang asked.

“Basically, Ruby has reasons to believe that Mercury is conspiring with Cinder.” Summer said. “There was also someone using their semblance on you.” The blonde teen raised an eyebrow, “You mean Mercury trying to kick me?” “He wasn’t kicking you. He was just walking up to you....possible to thank or congratulate you.” Ruby said. Ember nodded, “So someone was purposefully trying to disqualify us?” The two red clad leaders nodded.

“I’ll warn the guards and staff. Hopefully, we can find Cinder and question her on these actions.” Oobleck said. Summer nodded, thanking him as the two blondes and leaders went up to the food court, where the others found them. Blake hugged Yang and Ruby tightly, asking, “What the hell happened out there?” Ember sighed as Gambol wrapped her arms around her, “Someone’s trying to disqualify us.” Silence filled the space between the group. “Shit…” Arktis said, earning a nod from the tallest of the group.

“Shit is right.” Summer said. She then looked around before whispering, “We have reasons to believe Cinder and Mercury are involved.” “What do we do now?” Weiss asked, taking a brief hold of Ruby’s hand. The young leader shrugged, “Who knows at this point? Professor Oobleck knows and is going to notify staff…” She then sighed, “But honestly, the only thing WE can do is just keep an eye out.” Ember raised an eyebrow, “how do we know that there won’t be any more illusions?”

Summer stayed silent, before tightening her fists, “We do not….” “Hell, at this point, my powers are going to be a bigger issue?” She said. Gambol and Arktis raised their eyebrows, before paling. “Are you serious?” Gambol asked, receiving a nod. “The speed and strength I put out were inhuman...similar to how there were during our training.” The former STRQ leader said. “Shit…” The elder faunus said in a hushed whisper.

Summer nodded, before the group’s attention was brought to the arena, where Mercury was being escorted out by two doctors. Judging by Summer growl, the group assumed that one of them was Cinder in disguise. “She’s pissed by what happened.” Gambol said. The group looked at her, with Blake asking, “You can tell?” “Part Grimm and Faunus, remember?” The taller faunus smirked. She then looked at Yang, “One of the doctors has eyes similar to the pinkish woman you described a while ago.”

The group paled, before Ember asked, “What the hell are we gonna do?” The silence that fell between the group was an answer enough. Not a single one of them knew what to do now. There were three people conspiring with each other against them, but there was no way to tell if there were any more. They needed to find out why they were here, but no one knew HOW. Summer hissed as she collapsed to the floor as her right eye throbbed in pain.

“Cres!?” The taller blonde shouted as the red clad woman applied pressure to her eye. The group then looked at a nearby television, which was showing the events that had just happened. “Negative emotion...rising…!” The tallest of the group groaned. “Blaming...Beacon and...the headmaster...for this…” “Any Grimm active?” Gambol asked. After a few moments of silence, Summer nodded, “The Grimm...are coming.”

“How many?” Ruby asked. The elder Rose shrugged, “Don’t know… Senses are...overwhelmed…” Just in time, Oobleck showed up with cloaks, saying, “Come on. We need to get you all out of here for your safety.” After glancing at each other, the group unanimously agreed to leave the arena. Taking the cloaks and helping Summer up to her feet, they left to head back to Beacon.

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

(Back at Beacon….)

Evergreen carefully removed Summer’s eyepatch, examining her Grimm eye. “How bad is it?” The taller woman asked, receiving a sigh. “Do you really want to know?” The headmaster asked. “Well, I can tell you that it’s not glowing, but the whole eye is red.” He gave Summer an ice pack, before saying, “Obviously, there’s some negative emotion form humans that caused your Grimm instincts to spike.”

“Does it have to do with the tournament?” Yang asked. Evergreen shrugged, “Hard to say, but it’s possible that some people are pissed by the results, even with the information we have.” “Unfortunately, for your safety, I will have to remove you from the tournament.” The gray haired man said. The group groaned. They knew that it was best for them, but it really sucked that it had to happen. Ruby asked, “Well, what can we do?”

Evergreen looked at Summer and the other Weapon Spirits, before saying, “Right now, keep an eye on your instincts and behaviour. If your Grimm instincts get overwhelmed, you could end up becoming your own worst enemies. I’m sure neither of you want that.” The four just nodded, not really wanting to risk losing control of themselves. “So...what do we do now?” Summer asked in a pitiful groan.

“I would suggest that you all relax for now.” Evergreen said. “However, I also assume that you’d like to be informed as well, so you’ll be given daily updates to what’s going on. Sound fair?” The group of eight looked at each other, before unanimously nodding. The headmaster nodded, “It’s settled then. Oobleck will be giving you updates. Qrow and Winter will be here soon to check up on you all.”

Soft smiles formed on the group of eight’s faces, before they all nodded. “Thank you.” Summer said, before being helped up Ember. Evergreen smiled, “Of course. Just listen to doctor’s orders this time.” The tallest of the group gave a small glare as the amused headmaster, “I was not that bad back then.” “Your records say otherwise.” The headmaster said, grinning as Summer’s eyebrow twitched. “I swear, you are a BASTARD sometimes.” She hissed, only for Evergreen to chuckle.

After leaving the room and heading back to the dorms, Summer immediately crashed onto one of the beds on her back. “This fucking sucks.” She said. “Both my eye being in pain and this situation for all of us.” Ruby nodded, sitting down next to her. Yang also sat next to the tallest of the group, before sighing, “What do we do now?” The group went silent, before Ember shook her head, “I don’t know.” The elder Rose tightened her fist, “We should wait for now.”

Everyone looked at her with raised eyebrows. “What do you mean ‘for now’?” Weiss asked. Arktis tapped her chin, before reaching a startling conclusion, “Don’t tell me.... You think we should do our own investigation?” “Have you lost your mind?” Blake asked. “I understand you want to do something, but you are in no condition for that!” Gambol walked up to the tallest woman on the bed, before kneeling next to her.

“Answer me, White Wolf…” She said in a serious tone. Summer looked at her with a stern glare as she asked, “Even though you’re wounded...or rather, restrained by your Grimm eye, do you still plan on doing a private investigation in order to protect people?” “You’re encouraging this behaviour?” The red clad woman asked, raising an eyebrow. The elder faunus smirked, “It’s no different from what we would’ve done...given the circumstances. Plus...if the headmaster is right, then you don’t care about rules.”

Summer stayed silent for a few moments, before sighing with a soft chuckle, “Well...if you’re wondering, I have no plans on doing it ALONE.” “We’ll wait until my eye is feeling better...or if it’s numb. Whichever comes first.” She said. Arktis sighed, “You are insane. You know that, right?” The red clad woman smirked, “You act like this is a shock to you all.” Silence filled the room, before Ember sighed, “Alright. We’ll go with your idea, but PLEASE don’t overexert yourself.” No promises, but Summer would try anyway.

Chapter XI

(At the Amity Colosseum…)

To say that everyone was up Shit Creek without a paddle would be an understatement. First, Yang’s match with Mercury was almost compromised, Summer’s Grimm instincts were beginning to run rampant, and now Pyrrha’s match with Penny ended horrifically with Penny being destroyed. Ruby, who was investigating Mercury, collapsed to her knees at what she had just witnessed.

Summer hugged her tightly, also shocked by the recent battle. She began rocking the teenager as the young leader started to cry. “I’m sorry....” The former STRQ leader whispered, her voice filled with guilt. She reluctantly turned her attention to Ruby’s scroll, pulling it out and texting the other girls in a group chat. “This is Cres. You...all saw that… Right?” She asked.

Yang texted, “Yeah. Are you two safe?” “Safe, yes.” The former leader replied. Blake texted, “I’m sorry…. I know this isn’t the best time, but Yang, Weiss and I need you and Ember at the fairgrounds.” “On our way.” The blonde replied. “Cres, can you help Ruby?” “I’ll try….” Summer typed, before putting the scroll away. “Ruby…?” She called out. Her daughter’s head shifted slightly towards her, making her tears more visible.

“Ruby… We need to help Yang and our friends…” The elder Rose said, gently helping the young leader to her feet. Ruby wiped her tears away, before nodding and hugging Summer tightly. “Shh…. I got you.” The former STRQ leader whispered, pecking her daughter’s forehead. “I’m always here.” After a few moments, Ruby whispered, “This isn’t fair…” The elder Rose nodded, “Believe me, I know. I agree.”

The two jumped as a Nevermore, carrying several Grimm Sapiens, broke through the safety barrier and into the arena, before it locked eyes with a shocked Pyrrha. Summer growled, before Ruby said, “I’ll help Pyrrha.” Nodding, the red clad woman said, “I’ll take care of the pawns then.” Nodding in agreement, the young leader grabbed one of Floating Array’s swords, duel wielding it with her scythe.

Summer paused as she and Ruby saw the Nevermore being attacked. Turning, the two spotted teams SSSN, CFVY, ABRN, FNKI, alongside Jaune, Nora, and Ren, weapons out. “We got this beast.” Jaune said. Ruby gave a small smile, before nodding at her Weapon Spirit. The former STRQ leader chuckled, “Alright. I’ll make sure that the weaklings don’t interrupt.” before tackling a couple of the Grimm Sapiens to the ground.

As the five teams combined their strengths to conquer the Nevermore, Summer let herself loose, removing her eyepatch and tearing into the Grimm Sapiens and dismembering them. She ripped one in half, tore off another’s head, and proceeded to crush one’s spine, before snapping its neck. She punched a hole through two Grimms’ chest, killing them instantly.

One Grimm Sapien managed to sneak past the red clad woman and run towards Ruby. Summer froze, before moving at inhuman speeds and getting in front of her daughter. She then caught the beast by its arms, tearing them off, before kicking it to the ground. Before it could stand up and attempt to tear out Summer’s throat with its teeth, Ruby shot it in the head, killing it.

After a few moments of silence, the five teams, Ruby, and Summer gave a look over of the arena. The Grimm Sapiens were dead, as well as the Nevermore. The young leader sighed, before looking at the taller woman, “Are you alright?” “Are you?” The red clad woman asked, covered in Grimm blood, only for her daughter to give her a concerned expression. Sighing, the taller woman nodded, “I’m fine. Just tired.”

Ruby eventually nodded, “Your eyepatch is off.” Summer nodded, “We’re gonna need this power.” “Does it….you know. Hurt?” The young leader asked. The taller woman paused, brief tapping her eyelid, before smirking, “Just a bit numb right now.” The two then went over to Pyrrha, who was crying… Understandably so, since she probably believed that she was RESPONSIBLE for Penny’s death.

“Pyrrha…” The taller woman said, feeling her heart twist as the redhead let out a quiet sob. “This is my fault.” She whispered, prompting Ruby to bend down and hold her. “Pyrrha… This is NOT your fault.” The young leader said. “You aren’t responsible for what happened to Penny.” The redhead just looked at the red clad teenager, “How can you just...say that as if…?” “As if we know that truth?” Summer asked, finishing Pyrrha’s question.

Jaune placed a firm, yet gentle hand on his partner’s shoulder. “Pyrrha… We know you well enough to know that you would never do this....to anyone.”” He said gently. “We’ll find the assholes who’re being this.” He then looked at Summer and Ruby, “Right?” Summer gave a gentle smile, placing a hand on the young man’s shoulder, “Definitely.” She hoped that Jaune wasn’t wrong about that.

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(At Beacon Academy....)

“What...do we do now?” Weiss asked, breathing heavily as she almost collapsed to her knees in exhaustion. She, her mother, Blake, and Gambol had been fighting hordes of Grimm, White Fang soldiers, and rogue Atlesian androids for a good while now. Yang was almost there, but the heiress was beginning to worry if she, Ruby, and their Weapon Spirits wouldn’t arrive in time.

Gambol looked around, searching for a means to make a temporary retreat, before hearing the sound of footsteps and voices. Growling on instinct, she turned behind her and drew her blade, only to freeze when she noticed that what she heard were students. Arktis looked behind her and nodded at the elder faunus, “We keep fighting for now.” Blake nodded, “Gambol and I will see if we can derail the White Fang.”  Weiss nodded as the two faunuses went in another direction.

After reaching another part of the campus, Blake looked around, “Okay… Where the hell are we going to find the bastard in charge?” A sinister chuckle filled the room, saying, “Now that’s a little rude, don’t you think, Blake?” The teenage faunus froze, feeling her blood go cold as she turned to face the voice she hoped she’d NEVER have to hear again.

Gambol growled, her pupils turning into slits and her nails transforming into panther-like claws. A red-haired bull faunus came out the shadows, causing Blake’s eyes to widen in horror. “Gods… Adam…!” She said, causing the man to smile. “Hello, darling.” He said, giving a very arrogant leer towards the two. “Why and how the fuck are you not dead yet?!” Gambol shouted, furious that the man had the gall to show himself after everything he had done. He smirked, “Now where’s the fun in telling you?”

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(Meanwhile…)

On a nearby rooftop, Cinder and Vampier grinned as they witnessed the chaos and destruction occurring. “Hope you’re getting good footage.” Vampier said to Mercury, who was broadcasting the violence. “Of course! This is fantastic!” He said. Cinder nodded, “Good.” She then turned to observe Emerald, who seemed...unsettled by what she was witnessing. The pyrokinetic sighed, deciding to not bother with Emerald’s emotions for the time being.

In his...or rather, THEIR office, Evergreen and Ozpin watched the carnage happening throughout the campus. “We could’ve prevented this…” Ozpin said in the mindscape that he and Evergreen shared. Evergreen looked at him in both anger and disbelief, “Oh really!? Then what was your ‘PLAN’ for that!?” The immortal soul opened his mouth, but said nothing, before lowering his head in shame and guilt.

Evergreen stayed silent for a few moments, before eventually sighing. “Look at me, Ozma.” He said. Ozpin...or rather, OZMA looked up at the man in shock. Not ONCE had he heard the headmaster call him by his REAL name. Evergreen took a deep breath, before saying, “I get that you have good intentions...but your actions are NOT supporting them.” The immortal sighed, “Then what do YOU think we should do?”

Evergreen, now in control of his body, grabbed the Long Memory, “You’re gonna sit back.” He then went out the door, saying, “I’M gonna fight back. Which is what we SHOULD have done from the start.” As he exited the building, the headmaster then began searching for Pyrrha. ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this….’ Evergreen thought. He did NOT want the red haired girl to take up the burden of one of the Four Maidens… But now, there WAS no other option left.

The earth beneath him trembled, before he heard the cry of a Wyvern. The dragon-like Grimm erupted from a mountaintop near Mountain Glenn. Even though he’s miles away from it, Evergreen can tell that it’s on route towards Vale, with possibly many lesser Grimm in tow. The headmaster began running faster, knowing that Beacon’s final moments may be drawing near.

As the students are still fighting, Pyrrha noticed the headmaster running towards them, before he came to a stop and began breathing heavily. Summer briefly split up from Ruby and went up to Evergreen and helped him upright. “Professor? What’s the problem?’ Pyrrha asked. Evergreen looked at her, “I need you to come with me…” Summer raised an eyebrow, before Evergreen nodded. “If something happens to her... veuillez la ressusciter en tant qu'esprit d'armes de Jaune. ” He said.

Summer’s jaw almost dropped, “You...can’t be serious…!” The headmaster sighed, “Got no choice anymore…” “You...were against this… Right?” The taller woman asked, receiving a nod from Evergreen. “I hate myself for doing this…. But now the Maiden’s power is NEEDED.” The red clad woman opened her mouth to protest, but instead, she sighed, letting the man go. “You better be right about this…” She said. “I will do what I can if the worst happens.” Evergreen nodded, “Thank you.”

“Now then, please come.” The headmaster said. “I’ll try to explain as much as I can to you on the way.” Pyrrha raised an eyebrow, but eventually followed Evergreen. Ren, Nora, and Jaune looked at the two in confusion. “Where are they going?” Nora asked. “I don’t know…” Jaune said. Summer then shouted, “If you want to help them, then follow! That’s the best advice I can give you right now!” She then joined up with Ruby before the blonde teenager could give a response.

Clenching his fists, Jaune gave a nod to his teammates, ‘I’m going to see what’s going on.” He then ran to follow the headmaster and his partner. Cinder smirked from the rooftop. “Looks like things are finally in place.” She said, her eyes glowing. She gave a grin towards Vampier, “Looks like you’ll get your rematch sooner than expected.” The sadistic woman grinned, “Excellent.”

Chapter XII

A/N: THIS CHAPTER IS GRAPHIC! IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THAT, PLEASE SKIP IT! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

(On the deck of Roman’s airship…)

“Damn...it…!” Ruby said, gasping for air as she and Summer continued to fight off hordes of Grimm. She then paused, noticing a pink and brown haired young woman nearing her. ‘Is she challenging us?’ The young leader thought, before assuming a battle stance. The woman alerted someone wordlessly, before someone that Ruby recognized arrived at the top of the ship.The younger Rose raised an eyebrow,  “Torchwick?”

Roman smirked, “The one and only, Red. I believe the blondie is familiar with my partner, Neo.” Ruby gritted her teeth, “Why you….!” She then swung at Neo, only for the white-clad woman to jump over her scythe and dodge another swing from the young leader. The ginger man sighed, “I suppose you’re aware that without these ships, the Grimm will destroy everything.” The younger Rose nearly fell off the hull of the airship after receiving a fury of kicks from Neo.

“Have you...lost your mind…!?” Ruby asked, trying to catch her breath. “There’s...no gain in this…!” Roman laughed loudly, “And I can’t afford to lose anything either!” His attention then turned to Summer, who was charging at the pair...only for her to be blindsided by a pair of small Nevermore. “Like it or not, Roses! The people I work for WILL change the world...and NEITHER of us can stop them…” Roman shouted. Ruby looked at Neo’s weapon, noticing a button, before looking at the Nevermore behind her.

Before Roman could say another word, the young leader opened the parasol, causing Neo to take off from the ship, leaving her in the mercy of the flying Grimm. Ruby then got up and used her semblance to go at full speed, grabbing a hold of Roman’s cane. “Even if we can’t stop them…WE, unlike you, are sure as hell gonna FUCKING try.” She snapped, only to be whacked with the cane. Roman snarled, “You got spirit, Red. But the world doesn’t give a SHIT about spirit.”

He then landed a bludgeoning blow to Ruby’s forehead, causing it to bleed. “The TRUE world is vicious. Cold. MERCILESS!” The ginger shouted, only to Ruby to kick the man back away from her as she struggled to get up. The young leader was bruised and bleeding. She was also exhausted and began to think she was going to collapse at any given moment. Roman slammed the end of his cane on the red clad teenager’s abdomen, pinning her down.

“I will do what I do best; lie, steal, cheat, SURVIVE.” The ginger man said. “If you want to be a hero, die like EVERY OTHER HUNTSMAN IN HI-!” He was cut off as the two heard a ferocious growl. Summer, who had mercilessly torn the Nevermore near her to bloody shreds, had glowing blood red eyes as she stared Roman down. “GET. OFF. OF. HER. NOW!” She snapped, walking towards the pair with clenched fists. Roman gritted his teeth, despite his fear rising, “If you come any closer, I WILL murder her!”

In an instant, the elder Rose dashed in front of the pair, grabbing and twisting Roman’s forearm away from Ruby. Roman made a pained expression, only for all the color in his face to vanish as Summer growled, “Not if I kill YOU first…!” With that, she literally TORE the ginger’s forearm from his body, causing him to scream in pain. “AH, FUCK!” He shouted, before dashing towards the door to the ship. Summer then tackled Roman, before tearing off one of his legs.

Roman began panicking. He was ACTUALLY going to die...in possibly the most brutal way he could imagine. “Wait. Wait!” He begged, turning on his back to face the red clad woman. “I… I can give you the location of my employers! I-I can help you stop the Grimm atta-!” He was cut off when Summer lifted him up, before she whispered in his ear, “You threatened my daughter. THAT is enough reason to kill you.” Roman paused, before his expression turned into that of horror.

“It...c-can’t be..!” Y-You’re supposed to be dead. Salem sent those Grimm Sapiens after you herself!” Roman said in a weak and panicked voice. The red clad woman growled, “They failed to leave no survivors to save me.” With that, she slammed her hand into Roman’s chest, before taking it out and throwing the ginger off the ship, where several Nevermore began feasting on his body. “Cres…?” Ruby called out in a weak voice. Summer turned towards her, before the glow in her eyes vanished.

Summer collapsed to her knees, covering her mouth and doing her best not to vomit. The younger Rose quickly went up to her and began rubbing her shoulders, “Are you...going to be okay?” It took several moments for Summer to answer. She just nodded, temporarily succeeding in not vomiting. “Are you?” She asked. The young leader froze, before nodding, “Nothing I can’t recover from.” She knew well what Summer meant, but decided to not bring it up for now.

The ship then shuttered underneath the two. “Time to go.” Summer said, grabbing Ruby’s scythe and tossing it to her. Ruby then slammed the blade into the side of a building’s wall, slowing her descent to the ground, while Summer just used her hands just as effectively. “How worse are things going to get before we stop this!?” Ruby asked. Summer shook her head, “Don’t know! Though if we take out the Wyvern and Cinder, this might come to a halt.” Hopefully, Beacon will still be salvageable if it does.

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(Meanwhile, in Beacon Academy…)

“You’re cowards, you know!” Adam shouted, his blade clashing with Blake’s. Gambol rushed at him, only for the bull faunus to dodge and kick her and Blake back. “This could’ve been OUR DAY!” “So you WANT innocent people to be afraid and hate us!?” Blake shouted as she swung her sword at Adam. The redheaded man scoffed, dodging the attack, “That’s all these people ever know! Hatred and fear!” “We will have our revolution.” He snapped. “Regardless of our actions.”

Gambol gave a sarcastic laugh, “Over my dead body.” “Your actions only prove that you don’t believe in the White Fang cause. You just want selfish revenge on those who harmed you…” She said, standing up and glaring the bull faunus down. Adam smirked, “Then how about we get rid of those that harmed me…” “Starting with her.” He said, rushing towards an innocent student, only to be tackled by Gambol.

“Get out of here! Now!” Blake shouted, letting the student flee as Blake punched her former partner in the face repeatedly. The bull faunus kicked her in the abdomen and headbutted Gambol, releasing her grip on him. After kicking his former partner to the ground, he snickered, “You’re quite desperate to save a school that’s already doomed!” “I promise: You WILL suffer for your betrayal, by having everything and everyone you love taken away from you.” Adam said. “Starting with the blonde there.”

The younger faunus froze as she looked to her left, spotting a nearby Yang. “You son of a bitch…!” She growled, before screaming in pain as Adam stabbed her lower torso. Yang jumped and turned, before her hair lit ablaze and eyes burned red. She lunged at the bull faunus, shouted, “Get the fuck off of her!” Before she could punch him though, Adam smirked, using his semblance to sever the blonde’s right arm from the elbow-down. Gambol sat up, her face pale and full of panic, “Yang! Ember!”

Adam walked over to the blonde, where Ember, exhausted, had now materialized. “You fucking…!” She growled, attempting to stand. The redheaded man chuckled, “Save it for the funeral.” Blake immediately got in between Yang and Adam, growling. Adam raised an eyebrow, “So, you want to die that much, huh?” Without hesitation, he swung his blade, decapitating...a shadow…?

Adam then looked up to notice Blake and Gambol escaping with the two blondes. “You fucking bitch!” He shouted, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to find them again in the streets. Gambol looked at Ember as tears formed in her eyes, “I’m so sorry… I’m so-...” “Don’t, hun.” The taller blonde said with a weak smile, “Please...don’t.” Ember looked at the teenagers, saying, “We need to get somewhere safe to regroup. You two need medical attention.” Blake nodded, before the four spotted Ren, Nora, Weiss, and Arktis.

“Hey. I was starting to get worr-...” Weiss stopped herself, before paling at the site of her teammates. “What happened…?” “We’ll explain while we give these two medical attention. Got any clean bandages and anything to cauterize Blake wound?” Gambol asked as Blake gently placed Yang down in a now-sitting Ember’s lap. The taller blonde began cauterizing Yang’s injury, while Arktis used red dust to cauterize Blake’s.

Afterwards, Weiss put some paper towels around the faunus’s abdomen as make-shift bandages. Not the best solution, but it was much better than leaving it unprotected. “Adam overpowered us….” Gambol said. “Spotted Yang and Ember.” “He used me to try and kill them.” Blake said, though it came out as a whimper. “Probably would’ve too if I didn’t use my semblance.”

The heiress hugged her teammate gently, “You’re going to be okay… All of you.” Ember sighed, “I hope you’re right…” Arktis placed a hand on Ember’s shoulder, rubbing it gently, “You will… Once we get done here and get back home.” Gambol nodded, “Home’s possibly the safest place now for all of us…” She then sighed, “Gods, Ruby’s going to be broken up…” The group went quiet. Ruby’s reaction to her sister being harmed was obvious enough… But Summer’s reaction...was going to scare them...

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(Meanwhile, in the Vault…)

“Do we even know if this is going to work?” Ozpin asked. There was a brief silence, before Evergreen sighed in their shared mindscape, “We do not… But what choice do we have now?” Back in reality, Evergreen brought Jaune and Pyrrha to the vault beneath Beacon as quickly as he could. The blonde raised an eyebrow at the headmaster, “Where are we?” “A type of....vault…” Pyrrha answered, though with some hesitation. Jaune looked at his teammate, “What would the academy need to hide?”

Evergreen stopped, sighing with regret. “You’re going to hate this…” He said, opening the vault and revealing the unconscious Fall Maiden, Amber in a pod. Jaune froze in shock. The headmaster sighed, “Mr. Arc. If Pyrrha decides to accept the powers of the Fall Maiden, protect her with all your might, please.” The blonde paused, before saying, “I’d do so regardless of the decision.” Evergreen smiled, albeit small, “You’re a strong and good man, Jaune….”

He then looked at Pyrrha, “Ms. Nikos. You have a choice to make. It is yours and yours alone.” The headmaster explained that the redheaded girl could either have the powers transferred to her, although the process would take a bit of time...or she could reject the powers and fight the Grimm and Cinder without them. “What happens next is up to you…” Evergreen said. The redheaded girl stared at the woman in the pod, then at Jaune, before looking towards the noises of chaos outside.

“No…” Pyrrha shook her head. “I...can’t take this power…” Evergreen nodded, “I understand.” The redheaded girl shook her head, “No offense, but I’m not sure if you fully do.” “I can’t accept this power. Not just because of those I care about, but also because I can’t trust myself with responsibility.” The headmaster raised an eyebrow, “Please correct me if I’m wrong, but is it because you believe you are also too young?”

The redheaded girl paused, before nodding, “I’m still basically a child. Even at the age of 17. I’m inexperienced, even if you see great potential.” After she was done, both she and Jaune raised an eyebrow, with the former asking, “Why are you smiling?” The headmaster chuckled, placing a hand on Pyrrha's shoulder, “Because I’m proud of your decision and maturity. You understand that you aren’t ready for this...and thus rejected the transfer. I’m proud of both of you.”

Pyrrha just blinked, before giving a small smile, “Thank you, professor.” Evergreen nodded, “You are most welcome, Pyrrha.” He then looked at Jaune, placing a hand on his shoulder, “I understand that you were worried. But I’m proud that you trusted your partner with making her decision.” The blonde smiled, “Thank you, sir.” “You're welcome, Jaune.” The headmaster said. “Now then, let’s get her awake and get out of here. We got some monsters to hunt, right?”

The two teenagers shared a smile and a laugh, before nodding....

However, before Evergreen could wake Amber, an arrow flew through the air, piercing the Fall Maiden's heart. The trio jumped in shock as Amber coughed out blood, before dying. Cinder, holding a bow, sighed as the Fall Maiden’s powers passed on to her. “You know, I was actually worried that you would accept the powers of the Maidens.” Cinder said with an arrogant grin. Evergreen gritted his teeth, “Why you damned arrogant…!” “Oh please, like you weren’t arrogant either, Ozpin.” The new Fall Maiden snapped.

“SHE was right about that part of you, you know.” Cinder grinned. The headmaster growled, before saying, “Jaune, Pyrrha. Get out of here and get Ironwood and Glynda back to Beacon. NOW!” “Tell them to bring Qrow as well.” Evergreen said, standing his ground against Cinder. “What about you!?” Jaune asked. The headmaster shook his head, “Don’t worry about me. Just go and protect Beacon!”

Pyrrha looked at her partner and nodded, reluctantly escaping as their headmaster stood against Cinder. The red-dressed woman sighed, “I pity you, Evergreen Brown. I really do. I came for Ozpin and this power...and if you two were not one in the same, I would spare you.” The headmaster rolled his eyes, “Sure. Like I’m gonna believe that fib.” Cinder shrugged, smirking as flames erupted in her hands, “Who knows. Maybe you would’ve been a loyal ally to Salem…”

Evergreen knew that this was a fight he probably wouldn’t survive… He used a quick spell, before putting it in the Long Memory. ‘Whoever will be your next incarnate...WILL need guidance.’ He thought. He knew Ozma heard him when he said, “It’s been an honor, Evergreen. I...wish things could’ve been different.” ‘I know. We’ll meet again... and I hope that you’ll be a better man when we do.’ Evergreen thought, before aiming the cane at Cinder and saying, “Let’s dance, Cinder.”

A/N: So what happened for those who skipped the chapter, due to violence? Well, Summer kills Roman in a gruesome fashion.

Chapter XIII

A/N: WARNING! THIS CHAPTER WILL HAVE GRAPHIC VIOLENCE! IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT, PLEASE HEAD TO THE END NOTES AND I WILL EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. THANK YOU.

(In the vault beneath Beacon Academy…)

Evergreen knew this was a losing battle for him, but he didn’t expect it to go this poorly. ‘Fuck, she’s stronger than I thought…’ He thought. The headmaster wondered if it was because of the Maiden’s powers...or if Cinder was this strong naturally. “What’s wrong, Ozpin? Come out and play~.” The red-dressed woman said as Evergreen ducked behind one of the chambers. “Or are you going to let Evergreen do all the work?” The headmaster gave a sarcastic laugh, “This is my fight and school, not his.”

Cinder raised an eyebrow, before confirming, “So you’re willing to recklessly throw your life away when I’m after someone else entirely, huh.” “It’s my academy and they are my students. I will protect them with my life, regardless of who you’re after!”  Evergreen shouted, before he dodged to another chamber as Cinder began roasting the current one. The Fall Maiden smirked, “Quite honorable of you, Professor. Though it’s unfortunate that I have to kill you to get rid of Ozpin.”

The headmaster raised an eyebrow. Was she unaware that Ozma was an immortal soul? He decided to not tell her anything. If she didn’t know, then Ozma could use that to his advantage if he and Cinder crossed paths once more. ‘She needs to be stopped now…’ Evergreen thought. He was aware what he was about to do would probably not work...and that Cinder would most likely survive. However, he had no choice now.

He summoned all of his remaining aura, before getting out from behind the chambers. “If I’m going to Hell…” He started, before smirking. “I might as well bring you along for the ride…” Cinder sneered, before unleashing a blast of fire at the charging headmaster. There was a blinding light and deafening sound as an explosion of aura, flames, and power erupted. As everything settled, all that was left...was an unharmed Cinder and the Long Memory. Cinder sighed, “ Afscheid, schoolhoofd. ”, leaving the destroyed room.

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(Meanwhile, at the landing pads…)

“They’re here…” Qrow said, lowering his scythe. Ember nodded, “How do you think Summer’s going to handle this...?” The gray clad man sighed, “I don’t know… But knowing her?” “She’ll probably want to kill whoever caused this…” He said, a little too honestly. “You’re aware that Summer barely cares about rules, right?” Qrow said. “Well, she doesn’t care about the laws.” The group went silent, chills going down their spines as Qrow said, “She WILL protect her loved ones. Even if it means killing the threats.”

“Whether they be Grimm, faunus, or even human….” The gray clad man sighed as Summer and Ruby went up to the group...

Ruby arrived where her teammates were, heaving and gasping for air as she collapsed to her knees. Weiss had called her and explained what happened to Yang. “How...bad is it?” The young leader asked. Ember sighed as Yang laid unconscious in her lap, “Well....she’s stable now…” “Sore…” Blake mumbled, gripping her unconscious partner’s hand as she too was passing out. “You’re going to be okay…” Ruby said, her voice cracking slightly as she told a hold of Yang and Blake’s hands. “You got too….”

Ember, Gambol, and Arktis looked at Summer, who was visibly shaken and horrified by what happened to her step-daughter. The tallest of the group removed her cloak and placed it on Yang, silently and tearfully begging that the blonde will survive. “Summer…” Qrow whispered, placing a hand on the tallest woman’s shoulder. “She’s going to-.” “She’s not going to be okay…” The elder Rose whispered. “Not after this.” The three Weapon Spirits knew she believed she had failed to protect her family again…

“I promise you both… They will be…” Gambol said, rubbing the young leader’s arm. Ruby gave a small nod, still holding her teammate and half-sister’s hands. “Where’s Pyrrha and Jaune...?” She asked. “Still wherever Ozpin brought them most likely.” Ren said as he sat on the ground, groaning from the soreness of his own injuries. Nora, who was also injured, rested against him as she nodded on and off due to exhaustion. Weiss and Ruby looked at each other and nodded, with the former saying, “We’ll find them.”

“About that…” Arktis started, pulling out her rapier as dozens upon dozens of White Fang members started to march towards the group like predators stalking their prey. Gambol’s eyes widened, “How the fuck did they find us….!?” “Don’t care how they found us…” Summer said in a low tone. The group looked at her, shocked as she said, “All that matters is that they saved ME the trouble of finding them.” Qrow put a hand on his former leader’s shoulder, whispering, “Sum, don’t… This is a bad idea.”

“Keep the girls and their friends safe please…” Summer ordered. “Same with you, Arktis, Ember, and Gambol…” She gave her old teammate a sad glance, “At least I know you won’t fail to protect them…” The former STRQ leader then walked towards the White Fang agents, growling. The faunus murmured amongst each other if the taller woman was insane. Then...there was a tearing sound as Summer’s clothes began shredding as the woman grew to nearly twice her size.

Her muscles almost doubled in size as black fur grew across her body. Summer’s eyes gleamed a deep red as an actual wolf tail formed from her tailbone and her head became more wolfish, growing wolf ears, a snout, and even claws. She had actually transformed into a Beowolf Grimm. Summer bared her fangs, before letting out a thunderous howl, alerting the nearby Beowolves and nearly deafening the group behind her. The group and White Fang agents stared, stunned at the woman’s transformation.

“What...the fuck…?” Ruby whispered. Qrow just nodded in agreement, his jaw nearly dropping. “Please tell me...that you didn't know that THAT could happen…” Weiss said, looking at her mother. Arktis looked at Gambol and Ember, who were just as stunned as she was. The two instinctively put their arms around their unconscious wielders as they just watched Summer charging at the White Fang agents. Ruby’s jaw dropped, before shouting, “HAS SHE LOST HER MIND!?” “QUITE CLEARLY!” Qrow shouted in panic.

The group was further stunned by Summer’s new physical prowess, as she was effortlessly ripping and tearing through the agents like a blender. She was dismembering them, biting their limbs and heads off, and crushing their bones with brute strength. Some agents managed to get behind the transformed woman, before climbing and jumping off the walls of the buildings to attack her. Though their attacks didn’t go unnoticed, as a couple of wild Beowolves bit and clawed them out of the air.

“She’s able to communicate with Grimm now…!?” Qrow asked, further shocked by his former leader’s new abilities. “Oh, we are SO fucked…” Ember said as several more Beowolves appeared and began joining Summer in the slaughter. After 20 minutes of chaos, the White Fang agents eventually retreated, signaling Summer to bark at the Beowolves to stop attacking. Summer then turned towards the group, before walking up  and kneeling at Qrow. Finally, the Branwen smirked, albeit uneasily.

“Makes sense for you to be a wolf. You were the alpha after all.” He said, before genuinely chuckling as Summer booped him with her snout, whimpering. “Easy, big girl. We’re all safe.” He said, scratching the back of the transformed woman’s ear. “Now then, could you please turn back into your...uh, human appearance?” Summer looked at herself, before nodding sheepishly. Within only a few seconds, the former STRQ leader reverted back to her human form, before collapsing to her knees, wheezing.

“Holy...shit…” She said, coughing due to the lack of air in her system. Her former teammate nodded, “That’s an understatement. Now, could you ask them to leave? Please?” Summer raised an eyebrow, before looking at the Beowolves behind her. Somewhat stunned, she cleared her throat, before going up to one of them and speaking to it. The Beowolf nodded and let out a few barks, signalling the pack to leave. The former STRQ leader sighed with relief, before asking, “How did they…?”

“You called them here with your howl...I think…” Her former teammate said. He then looked down, before his face went red and averted his eyes. Summer raised an eyebrow, “Qrow…?” He just pointed downward, before the taller of the two looked down...blushing furiously. “Now why couldn’t you have told me that I have nothing on to begin with!?” “And ignore the elephants in the room!?” Qrow shouted as Summer’s Grimm energy restored her clothes.

“Cres…?”

Summer paled as her attention was drawn towards Ruby. Biting her lip, the elder Rose just replied, “We’ll...talk about this later.” The young leader opened her mouth to protest, before ultimately didn’t. She could tell by the taller woman’s expression that there was no room for argument. Sighing, Ruby looked at Weiss, “Let’s get going.” The heiress nodded hurriedly, before she and Ruby went back to the Academy. Arktis looked at Summer, asking, “Are you going to be okay?”

The taller of the two paused, before shaking her head, “Honestly, I really don’t know…”

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(At the entrance to Beacon Tower…)

Jaune and Pyrrha exited the tower, before collapsing to their knees. “I think...we’re safe for now…” The redhead said, gasping for air. Jaune nodded, only for the two teenagers to feel a massive rumble underneath them and near the tower. The blonde paled, “What was that…?” Pyrrha shook her head, before Jaune asked, “Do you think...Ozpin is…?” The redhead froze. If the rumble was caused by the headmaster’s fight with Cinder, then it was possible the Fall Maiden was winning against him.

Jaune raised an eyebrow as Pyrrha got up and started heading back to the tower’s interior. “What are you…?” He asked, only to come to a startling realization. He then grabbed her hand, saying, “You can’t go up there and face her alone! It’s suicide!” “I have to try!” Pyrrha said, looking at her partner in the eye. The blonde sighed, resolving himself, “Pyrrha. You and I both know that we are no match for that woman alone.”

“We have to get the General and the other teachers. If we can get them here, then we might have a chan-...” Jaune was cut off when his partner shouted, “We don’t have time, Jaune! We need to stop her now before it’s too late!” The blonde shook his head, “We need to try! If either one of us goes up there now, we are going to die and there’ll be no one left to stop her...” He held Pyrrha’s shoulders, pleading, “Please. PLEASE don’t do this, Pyrrha….”

The redhead sighed sadly, kissing her partner passionately, before saying, “I’m sorry, Jaune…” She then shoved him into a locker as Jaune shouted, “Wait, Pyrrha! Don’t!”, before sending him to relative safety with her semblance. “I can’t let you or anyone else die...even if it means I have to go up there to die myself…” Pyrrha said, biting her lip as she brushed away her tears as she began to ascend the tower...alone.

The locker then landed, before Jaune kicked the door open and got out. He looked around, before noticing that Pyrrha was no longer outside. “Jaune!” Ruby shouted as she rushed towards him with Weiss and their respective mothers. The blonde sat down  as Ruby asked, “Where’s…?” “Pyrrha went to face Cinder alone…” He said. “She...has the powers of the Fall Maiden.” Summer tightened her fists, “Has she lost her mind? Pyrrha is going get herself killed…!”

“That’s what I said too…” The blonde replied. He sat in silence, before saying, “I should’ve found a way to...get her to listen and get the other teachers…” “We’ll get her.” Summer said, placing a hand on Jaune’s shoulder. She then looked at Arktis, “Could you, Weiss, and Jaune search for any more survivors?” The former heiress nodded, before Jaune placed his hands on Summer and Ruby’s shoulders. “Please. PLEASE save her.” Ruby nodded, rubbing the blonde’s hand, “We will. I promise…”

She and Summer then ran towards the tower as the Schnees and Jaune split up to search for survivors.

(In the headmaster office…)

Cinder sat in the former headmaster’s chair, smiling at the Wyvern Grimm outside the window. “Aren’t you a beauty…” She grinned. The Grimm made a grumble, with the woman smiling, “Shh…. This is your home now… No need to get upset.” Her attention was forced away from the beast by the elevator dinging as Pyrrha stepped out. Sighing, Cinder rolled her eyes. “You ants are becoming  significant pests.” She growled, turning towards the redhead. “Would you like to avenge your precious headmaster?”

The Wyvern roared violently, destroying the top of the tower with its wings as Cinder and Pyrrha clashed. Pyrrha threw her spear, only for the Fall Maiden to dodge it casually. The redhead then rammed her with her shield, which Cinder successfully blocked and shoved out of the way. The woman fired a stream of flames at Pyrrha, who dove over it and retrieved her spear, before blocking the attack with her shield.

“You’re outpowered, kid~.” Cinder smiled, continuing the stream of fire. “Maybe you should’ve joined that blonde friend of yours.” The Wyvern growled and roared at the redhead, sending her into a wall as it sensed her fear growing. The battle continued, despite Pyrrha’s fear. For almost 4 whole minutes, the two clashed against each other, trading blows one after another. However, unlike Cinder, Pyrrha was beginning to grow exhausted, due to her opponent’s power.

The Fall Maiden ended the battle by firing an arrow in Pyrrha’s shin, causing the redhead to fall to her knees in pain and hindering her ability to walk...or even stand. Cinder smirked smugly as she created another arrow, walking up to her defeated opponent. “You really should’ve called for help… You might’ve been able to win. Oh well…” The red dressed woman sighed. Pyrrha looked at Cinder in the eye, saying, “Just one question…” Cinder raised an eyebrow, “Yes…?”

“Do you believe in destiny…?” The redhead asked, hissing in pain. Cinder growled, before aiming her arrow at Pyrrha’s head, “I do… And your destiny is to die here.” Just before she could release the arrow, Ruby and Summer rushed in, with Summer throwing the young leader at the Fall Maiden. After Ruby kicked the red dressed woman back, Cinder just laughed, “So Little and Big Red have come to join your funeral!” As the woman and young leader clashed, Summer looked at Pyrrha, asking, “Have you lost your mind?”

The redhead raised an eyebrow, before jumping as the elder Rose raised her voice, “You knew that you were no match for her. You knew you couldn’t stop Cinder alone. You KNEW Jaune was right about this being suicide without any help.” Pyrrha flinched at the taller woman’s words, though she wasn’t too surprised. Summer was a mother, so her disappointment and worry were justified. The tallest of the four looked at the redhead’s pained expression, before sighing, “You are not fighting this alone. Understand?”

Pyrrha blinked at her, before giving a small nod. “Yes, ma’am.” Summer nodded, “Good. Because you have really worried your friends and my daughter… And they want you home safe.” Ruby screeched to a halt in front of the two, saying, “We’re gonna die here if THAT keeps inferring.” Summer looked as the young leader pointed at the Wyvern, before nodding. “I might have an idea… It’s crazy, but it’ll work.” The two teenagers looked at Summer, queuing the taller woman to say, “Let me enter your body again.”

“WHAT!?” Pyrrha shouted. Ruby raised an eyebrow, “Haven’t we said that we would never do that again...unless…” She trailed off as Summer nodded, “Unless it was our only hope? Yep.” Silence fell between the three, before Ruby sighed and put her scythe down. “Alright. Let’s do this.” The tallest of the three nodded, saying, “I’m just going to unlock a bit of your potential. You’ll still be in control.” With Ruby nodding, Summer went into her spirit form, entering Ruby’s body through the center of her back.

“Close your eyes and don’t open them until I tell you to.” Summer instructed. The red clad teenager nodded, closing her eyes as the Wyvern roared at her, shaking the tower. Ruby could tell something was emerging from her eyes as she gritted her teeth in pain. “Please tell me when!” She shouted. The taller woman then shouted, “Now! Do it NOW!” queuing the young leader to open her eyes. Pyrrha and Cinder covered their eyesight as white light erupted from Ruby’s eyes, freezing the Wyvern and Cinder’s left arm.

As the light faded, Cinder went unconscious, while Summer and Ruby separated. “What...the hell was that…?” Ruby groaned, rubbing her eyes to soothe the pain. The taller woman rubbed her head as it ached, “An ability...from your mother’s side of the family… Explanations later.” The young leader nodded, standing and said, “Let’s get out of here.” Ruby then helped Pyrrha, who hissed at the pain in her wounded leg. “Sorry.” The younger teenager apologized with a small smile.

Summer smiled, “Let’s get home. Alright?” The two teenagers nodded as the three headed towards the elevator...only for two gunshots to ring out. The two leaders froze as Pyrrha’s eyes widened, before she collapsed to the floor, bleeding. “Pyrrha!” The youngest of the three shouted, noticing the gunshots in the redhead’s back. Ruby and Summer picked her up and brought her near the elevator, with the young leader asking, “Who was that!?” “Best guess? Lady Vampier.” Summer answered.

She bit her lip at the wounds, “She’s not going to survive those.” “We can’t just let her die!” Ruby shouted as Pyrrha’s body began going limp. The taller woman tightened her fist, saying, “There is a solution...but it’s not a good one.” She then sighed, “We have to turn her into a Weapon Spirit.”, before casting a spell and placing her hand on the redhead’s back. The youngest of the two bit her lip, “Will she...remember anything?” Summer sighed, “Gods, I hope so…”

With that, she placed the spell into Pyrrha, causing the redhead to turn into a red light and travel out the window. “Where is she going?” Ruby asked. Summer looked at her, “You know who…” The young leader went silent, before saying, “Jaune’s not gonna be happy.” The taller of the two gave a sad nod, “I know. But I would rather have her live then to die…” The two stood in silence, before Summer heard a shout, “ROSE! COME OUT SO I CAN FIGHT YOU!” “ Merde… ” Ruby whispered. “She’s hellbent...”

“Get back to your sister and our friends. Protect them.” Summer whispered. Ruby nodded as the woman tossed her her scythe, allowing the teenager to grab it and escape through the elevator. Summer looked around the empty and destroyed room, “Vampier! You wanted me, so here I am! Quit being a coward and come out for your wanted fight!” The black haired woman appeared from the shadows, clapping with a grin. “You certainly know how to impress a woman…” Vampier chuckled.

The tattooed woman was wearing only her sports bra and sweatpants,with her pistols holstered and giant bat-like wings protruding from her back. “I told you that you were just like me.” The sadistic woman said. Summer growled, “The only thing that’s similar between us...is that we are partially Grimm. Period.” Vampier sighed, “Please. We both know that you enjoyed slaughtering the White Fang agents that were about to kill your ‘friends’ and children…”

“You don’t know a damn thing about what my emotions are like, bitch…” The Weapon Spirit snapped, only to receive a chuckle. Vampier shrugged, “Perhaps… But I do know you take great joy in a good fight…” There was silence, before Summer clenched her fists. “Then I will take great joy in putting an end to your life again.” She growled, her wolf-like claws forming again. Vampier grinned, showing her bat-like fangs, “Then come and kill me with everything you got…”

The sadistic woman jumped from the window and took flight, with Summer jumping and grabbing onto Vampier’s left leg. The winged woman looked down and snarled, “You are very fucking persistent!” “So are you, Bat Bitch!” The Weapon Spirit shouted, climbing onto the Bat Queen’s back and tearing her wing open. Hissing in pain, Vampier turned and grabbed Summer’s arm, before headbutting her in the forehead. “Let’s see if you are a match for a monster bat, Queen of Wolves!” The tattooed woman shouted.

The Weapon Spirit grabbed Vampier’s hair, before punching her in the face repeatedly. “I’ll show you what it’s like to face off against a lone wolf!” Summer snapped. She knew that she was nicknamed the White Wolf and Queen of Wolves. She might as well live up to those names. As the two continued fighting, rain started to fall from the sky. Thunder started to rumble and lightning flashed from the clouds. Summer then ripped off one of the sadistic woman’s wings, causing them to crash-land on the roof of the Academy.

As the two laid on the roof bruised, Summer let out a groan, before standing up. She looked at Vampier and shook her head. She had no way to kill the Bat Queen...and she didn’t have time for it. Right now, getting back to Ruby, Qrow, Yang, and the others were the top priority. The White Wolf jumped from the roof, landing on the ground and running towards the landing pads. After roughly five minutes of pure running, she spotted Qrow. “Is Ruby…?” Summer asked, receiving a nod from Qrow as she slowed down.

“Just got back not too long ago. She’s asleep right now.” Her teammate said with a smile. “Shall we head home?” Summer nodded, before Gambol and Arktis came up to her. “We got some...bad news…” Gambol sighed. “We’re probably not going to be able to stay in Vale.” The faunus then explained that for their safety, everyone would probably have to head back to their home continents. “That means Weiss and I will have to go back to Atlas.” Arktis said. The tallest woman sighed, before nodding.

“I hope you will try to stay in touch?” She asked. Gambol smiled, “Without a doubt…” That smile faded when Arktis shook her head as the former heiress replied, “I don’t know… We WILL try. However, with Jacques, I don’t know if Weiss will be able to…” Qrow raised an eyebrow, “That much of an asshole, huh?” Arktis nodded with a sigh. “Well...you know who to call if you need guidance and help… Alright?” Summer said. “We’re all here for you two. For each other…”

Arktis gave a small smile, nodding as she gave Summer and Gambol a tight hug, “Thank you. Really...”

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

(Some time later…)

Ruby awoke in her and Yang’s shared bedroom with a groan. “Good morning.” Summer said, sitting to Ruby’s right. The young leader hummed, “Have I been out long?” The elder Rose shook her head, “No. Only for a day. I suppose I should explain to you about that ability, huh?” Ruby nodded as Summer handed her a cup of coffee. The taller of the two explained that her silver eyes were a trait from her mother’s side, which was rare. “Those that have them are destined to be warriors.” She said. “And feared by Grimm…”

“And your...transformation…?” Ruby asked. Summer paused, before sighed, “I really don’t know WHAT that was…”

Qrow then came in, “Sorry for interrupting, but we need to talk.” He then showed the Long Memory, saying, “The headmaster’s…” He didn't finish the statement as Summer gave a sad sigh. “So now what?” Ruby asked. Her uncle shook his head, “I don’t know. I was investigating for him, but now that he’s gone…” He once again trailed off, leading the two Roses to assume that Qrow would be doing Evergreen’s...or Ozma’s work in his stead. “I told Yang and Ember this, but my investigations lead to Haven….” He said.

“In Mistral?” Ruby asked, before whistling. The taller of the three tapped her chin, before whispering in Qrow’s ear, “We’ll go when we’re ready… Right now, none of us are healthy enough for that trip.” Qrow nodded, “Agreed. Also...you might wanna talk to Tai soon…” Summer raised an eyebrow, before Qrow sighed, “I think he’s beginning to figure out your identity.” The Weapon Spirit sighed, “Alright… After Ruby and I talk with Yang and Ember.” The red-eyed man nodded, before giving her and Ruby small hugs.

“I’ll come by later to see how you’re all doing.” He smiled, before leaving with a wave. Ruby sipped her drink, waving back, “Where’s Yang and Ember anyway?” “Guest room.” Summer said, before she and Ruby left the room and headed to the guest bedroom. There, the two saw Yang in the bed with gauze wrapped around her right bicep, while Ember held her against her side. “Hey, little sister…” Yang said tiredly...and almost defeatedly…

Ruby hugged her half-sister tightly, letting out a shaking sigh, “I’m so glad you’re safe…” “You too…” The blonde whispered, wrapping her left arm around the younger teenager’s back. The blonde felt Summer cup her cheek and kiss her forehead, before rubbing her shoulder. Summer looked at Ember, who looked just as tired and defeated as Yang did. “Blake and Weiss left, right?” The taller blonde asked. Summer nodded, “Had no choice… They aren’t safe in Vale currently.”

“Blake texted me, saying that she and Gambol had just arrived back in Menagerie.” Yang said, her voice sounding a tad more energetic. Ruby nodded, “Good. Then they're safe.”  The blonde gave a small smile, “She’ll try to keep in contact with us as often as she can.” The younger teenager nodded, “Anything on Weiss and her mom?” Ember shook her head, “They probably won’t be able to talk to us as often as they wish to.” “Asshole of a father.” Summer said as she saw the two teenagers raise eyebrows.

Nodding, Yang sighed, before asking, “What happens now?” “I don’t know…” Ruby said, not bothering to hide her honesty. They had lost Beacon, Penny, and the headmaster. Pyrrha was still alive, but neither of the four knew when she’d turn up again. The elder blonde sighed, “Why did this happen?” The tallest woman shook her head, “I don’t know… I really don’t…” “Was it planned?” Ruby asked. Summer tapped her chin, “Maybe. We have a lot of evidence to support that.”

“So...are we just going to stay here until everything blows over?” Ember asked. “We couldn’t save Beacon… How are we supposed to save Haven and the other Academies….?” The group went silent. It was a harsh reality, but it was true that they couldn’t save Beacon...and it was close to impossible to prevent the other schools from sharing the same fate. But Summer was silent for a different reason. She was shocked that this strong and stubborn woman… This courageous and determined blonde…

...Was forfeiting the battle before it began.

Yang sighed, “I can't stop you…” Ruby looked at her sister, waiting for the blonde to respond. “But I will do whatever I can to help and protect you… You know that.” The older teenager said. Ruby gave a small smile, tightly hugging her sister once more. “I know… And I’ll do whatever I can to do the same…” She said. After Ruby and Yang began talking, Summer brought Ember out of the room, only for the taller blonde to sit in the hallway. “Ember... “ The taller woman called out. “Ember, look at me please…”

The taller blonde just gave her a glance. The White Wolf sighed, “Ember, I won’t lie and pretend I understand what you’re going through.” Ember said nothing as Summer continued, “But I do understand what it’s like to be discouraged. To feel like all hope is lost.” “But you gotta keep fighting. Even when the chips are down.” The taller woman said. “Not all hope is lost. You still have reasons to keep fighting. To keep protecting...!”

After several moments, Ember finally sighed, “You promise me that you and Ruby will stay safe. Got it?” Summer nodded, “I promise.” After talking with Ember, she finally went to Taiyang outside. “You wanted to talk?” She asked the goateed man. He perked up from the garden, before nodding, “Yes. Sorry for not being direct about it. I...wasn’t sure if you were in a talkative mood.” The taller woman sighed with a smile. ‘Good to know that part of him hasn’t changed.’ She thought.

“It’s fine, Tai.” She smiled. “Now, what do you want to talk about?” The blonde man stood, before sighing, “I apologize if this is intrusive… But are you Summer?” The taller woman wanted to panic. She really did. Tai finding out who she was was the LAST thing she wanted right now.. Especially since she didn’t know what his reaction would be like. “I’ll be honest...it..kinda is intrusive…” Summer replied. Tai nodded, looking ashamed, “Sorry… It’s just...some things about you and her are...way too similar and identical.”

“Just give me some time, Tai…” She sighed. “That’s all I need. If I gain memories that prove that I am Summer, then you, Qrow, Raven, and the children will be the first ones to know.” “And if you’re not?” The blonde man asked. Summer shook her head, “Then I’m not.” She hated herself for that. She really did. She wanted to tell him the truth...all of it… But how could she when she was terrified by the possible angered reaction she would get from him and Ruby...?

A/N: As promised, a summary. Afscheid, schoolhoofd means “Farewell, headmaster” in Dutch. Summer slaughters the majority of the White Fang in Beacon, forcing them to retreat.

Epilogue

Winter settled in….and Ruby and Summer bid their goodbyes to Yang and Ember as they headed out, promising to keep in touch. The elder Rose regretted not being truthful to Taiyang, but now she wouldn’t be able to tell him the truth until she saw him next…

The two met up with the three remaining members of Team JNPR as the five departed for Haven, which is their only lead in Qrow’s fledgling investigation. Summer looked behind her, noticing Qrow transform into a corvid, before giving him a smile.

Yang cradled a napping Ember in her lap as she looked out the bedroom window, watching a raven fly away. Something in her hoped that that was her mother, Raven Branwen… One day, she’ll meet her and finally get to truly know her...

Weiss laid against Arktis’s shoulder, napping as the woman avoided making eye contact with her husband, Jacques on an airship heading to Atlas. She prayed that she and her children would be able to escape from him... But that dream was burning out quickly...

In Menagerie, Blake and Gambol entered a clothing shop, picking out new clothes as the younger faunus sent pictures to Yang, receiving a chuckle from her sister and hoping she was healing well. She then removed her bow.

As Ruby visited Summer’s grave, Summer spoke with Jaune, Ren, and Nora about Pyrrha. She explained that the redhead was now Jaune’s Weapon Spirit, but she had no idea when the teenager would show up again.

Meanwhile, in a barren land, Salem sighed. “I didn't think this first step to end mankind would go this smoothly.” She whispered to herself. She knew that Cinder was injured, but the new Fall Maiden was healing...and she could tell that Cinder was furious, possibly at losing and at Mercury and Emerald. “In time, she’ll get her chance at revenge.” The ancient woman chuckled. “Much like I will patiently wait for mine.”

“Send your precious Guardians in, Ozma.” She said to the dark red sky. “Your Huntsmen, Huntresses, even your ‘simple souls’. I will crush them all...using my pawns like you or doing it myself.” Salem grinned, “I will kill them in front of you and make you burn like the pest you always were…” She then tapped her chin, smirking, “Or maybe a more...disturbing and degrading execution would be more fitting for you.”

“As well as for the Queen of Wolves, Summer Rose…” She said. “The legacy of Sombre and Lumière Rose will be extinguished.... Even if it’s the last thing I do.”

END OF THE VALE ARC.

Arc 3: Separated Union (Vol. 4/Mistral Arc Part 1)

Part 1

Side Red I

(To be updated...)

Side White I

(To be updated...)

Side Black I

(To be updated...)

Side Yellow I

(To be updated...)

Part 2

Side Red II

(To be updated...)

Side White II

(To be updated...)

Side Black II

(To be updated...)

Side Yellow II

(To be updated...)

Part 3

Side Red III

(To be updated...)

Side White III

(To be updated...)

Side Black III

(To be updated...)

Side Yellow III

(To be updated...)

Part Final

Side RWBY

(To be updated...)

Side Salem

(To be updated...)

END OF PART 1 OF THE MISTRAL ARC.

Arc 4: Re-Bonding In Mistral (Mistral Arc Part 2 and 3) (In-progress)

A/N: THIS IS RAVEN AND MY VERSION OF SUMMER (EVEN THOUGH THIS DESIGN OF HER IS CURRENTLY OUTDATED). YOU CAN TELL BY SEEING THE WHITE CLOAK ON SUMMER'S SHOULDERS.

Vol 5

Chapter I

(To be updated...)

Chapter II

(To be updated...)

Chapter III

(To be updated...)

Chapter IV

(To be updated...)

Special I: Freakish Nightmares

(To be updated...)

Chapter V

(To be updated...)

Chapter VI

(To be updated...)

Chapter VII

(To be updated...)

Chapter VIII

(To be updated...)

Chapter IX

(To be updated...)

Special II: TBA

(To be updated...)

END OF PART 2 OF THE MISTRAL ARC.

Vol 6

(To be updated...)

END OF THE MISTRAL ARC.

Arc 5: TBA (Atlas/Mantle Arc Part 1)

(To be updated...)

Arc 6: TBA (Atlas/Mantle Arc Part 2)

(To be updated...)