The rest of my voyage to Mistral was uneventful. I got off at the port and I could have sworn I had seen bumblebee and wild mane of golden hair leave the port too. I couldn't go chasing after a possible Yang. I had to complete the task Summer gave me. I headed to the navpoint Summer gave to me.
I saw where the once had been a land strip and it was supposed to go to the Island she died on. But I saw no island. I lifted off the ground and hovered high up seeing the outine of where it used to be. "Really Summer you couldn't tell me that it sunk." I said.
I dive down building an air bubble around me and plunge into the water. I swim down until my feet touch the island and create my own gravity to walk. I head to the cave she had shown me. During my trek I see a few small Grimm fish. They were easy to dispatch of. The school of piranha Grimm were slightly harder only because there were so many.
I try to remain calm, but being underwater was terrifying, exhilarting and even beautiful. I brought my mind back to task and continued to follow Summer's aura signature. The cave has several rocks and boulders in the way of the entrance. I begin to move them, and water begins to rush in. I stop and forcefully replace the boulders. I decide to instead use my earth abilities and use the earth to pop up on the other side of the blocked entrance.
The aura pulses become stronger and faster the nearer I get. I reach the last alcove, gulp and hold my breathe. I sigh in relief when there are no bones of any sort. I hear Summer giggle. "Still afraid you would find my bones? I told you Salem burned them." She says. "Well, it is a fear of mine. When I saw my former teams corpses, I had nightmares of them coming back to exact revenge for not saving them or returning their bodies to their families." I said.
She pushes off the wall, and her touch lingers on my shoulder calming me. "There is nothing you could have done. You were lucky to even escape, let alone carrying their bodies." She said. "Like, I said. A nightmare." I admitted.
"I do wonder though, if my remains where here, what would you have done?" she asked. "Take a breathe, calm myself, gently place your bones in my satchel, and returned them to Taiyang. I would not want to put Ruby through that." I said.
"Thank you for that. You are a good friend to Ruby. However, I fear this might be almost as hard." She points to a small shelf in the rock wall. "That is my hooded cloak, it is folded around the scroll. The battery is long since dead, but it should work after being charged." She says.
I reached for it, but pulled my hand back. I had a bad feeling about it. "Very wise. A good Hunter always learns how to and sets traps around there items, but however, there is no trap to grab it and take it. Though there may be a worry." She says. "Okay, what is it?" I ask her. "The power I have surrounded the items to protect them from nature will disappear. It is also all that keeps this Island from completely sinking." She says.
"So, do it quickly and run like hell." I stated. She nods, but her eyes tell me there is more. "Out with it Summer." I said. "There is a Grimm beneath us, a huge one. Or it could be multiple large Grimm. I can't see exactly, but I can feel enormous power. My worry is that when this island finishes its downward momentum it will wake them." She says.
"What are the chances?" I ask. "I do not know, it is just a theory and a worry." She says. "50/50 then?" She nods. "Danger level?" I ask. "Unknown, but it is powerful." She says. I sighed. "I need to know." I said and made a hole in the gound let it fill with water but added an air cap. I waved my hand over the hole and pulled some of the water making a seeing glass.
I growled in frustration. "It's too dark to see anything." I commented to myself. Then I felt Summer's touch on my shoulder and the pitch black became brighter. The Grimm creature, yes one creature, was curled like a snake, it's body getting wider closer to the head. It was wormlike, its mouth was open, but no water went in.
So, me being the horribly curious person I was focused on its mouth. I really wish I hadn't. Its mouth was round and had at least 10 circular rows of teeth. Most the size of the tall and wide trees. I paled and if Summer could pale anymore, then she would. I looked towards her cloak. I felt conflicted, I promised her, and the girls should know whatever is on that scroll. However, if I took it and the Island sunk and hit that thing it could wake up, and be an even bigger threat to Remnant and the ones I loved.
"Now that I have seen that, I too feel conflicted about asking you to get this stuff." Summer admitted. My mind raced about all that could happen. "If this thing wakes up, it would be a greater threat then Salem and her whole army. Then again it could be controlled by Salem. Which would give her an extremely powerful weapon. But, it could also go against her and she would have to cease her plans now, to remove it. Or she might even agree to fight it with us." I thought.
Only the last thought would do Remnant any good. But would she agree to fight it? Or would she just let it ramapage? Would she control it? Or even stop her plans, in order to stop it? So many questions, but absolutely no answers. I decided to take the roll of the dice, for good or bad, Ruby and Yang needed this. I nodded at Summer, grabbed her cloak and scroll and shot straight up.
As soon as I escaped, I hovered high up again. I watched the outline of the Island get smaller and smaller. I prayed that it would not wake up. Once the Island past out of my view, I stared hard at the water. "What are you looking for?" I jumped at Summer's voice. "Anything that might indicate it woke up." I said. I stayed hovering and staring until I thought my aura was almost depleted, but I had enough to get back to Mistral.
I had decided, it may be a good idea to not mention that monstrosity to anyone. The panic it might cause could effectively wake it, thus rendering my worries true. So, could this war with Salem. My decision to stop Salem, became forefront in my mind. I needed something to relax. I headed to a coffeehouse and ordered a tea, a cheeseburger, fries and a sweet roll.
I was thinking and reading when I heard a familiar voice. "What do you mean you're out of chocolicious cookies! How can you be out of those! Can't you make more? Please?" I looked up from my book. I could recognize that voice anywhere, even if she looked different. But I know it helped that I had seen her in my dreams. I stand up and walk closer to her. "Ruby?" She turns and her eyes widen and tears peak out in the corner.
She jumps in my arms and buries her nose in my neck and cries with loud wails. "Ruby, you need to calm down. Let go and we'll sit down and talk." I said. She shakes her head fervently. I stroke her hair. "Alright, alright." I turn my attention to waitress. "Please bring a choco-lot lava cake to my table, and a pitcher of whole milk. Put it on my tab." I said.
Awkwardly, I walk back to my table. Ruby still clutching my waist with her legs and her arms around my neck. "Ruby. I have to sit down now." I peel her legs off me and sit her in the booth accross from me and pry her arms from around my neck. She tries to hold on with her arms. "Ruby." I said. She nods and lets go.
"I thought you were dead. Have you been able to talk to anyone?" she asks. I shake my head. "No, but I have seen them." I said. "Are they okay? How?" she asks. I explained to her about escaping Salem, and Pyrrha was alive, with Glynda in Vale keeping the Grimm at bay.
"The last time I saw Weiss, she was on airship headed here, to her sister. She is pulling a Sun, and being stowaway. Yang was on a road with two forks. One leading here to Mistral, and the other leading to the Raven's last known location. I do not know which road she chose. I thought I saw Bumblebee and Yang's hair, but I wasn't sure." I said.
"Why didn't you check?" She asks. "I had a mission I was on. I can't tell you yet, so don't ask. But I will." I said. "And Blake?" she asks. "Blake and Sun are in Menagerie, with Blake's parents, trying to stop and change the direction of the White Fang." I said.
"So, why are you here?" she asks. "I heard Salem might be coming this way, her and I have some unfinished business. Also, this is where Cinder and her crew are from. Find Cinder, and I can probably find Salem again." I truthfully said.
"It would be great to have RWBY back again. Not that RNJR, isn't good either. But you know how that is. I just sent that letter to Yang. I don't know how long it will take to get to her though." She says. "At least a week. But I have so much I need to tell her." She says. I looked out the window, sensing someone. "So, go tell her." I said and point out the window. Accross the street, in front of a bakery, is Yang. Then I see a red blur jump in her arms rose petals littering the streets.
I order Yang's favorite drink, one Blake got her into, by the time they come back in together the fruity tea is at the table waiting as is my cheesrburger and fries. I knew Yang would claim it.
I stand up and Yang also smiles brightly. Her greeting a little less then the flair Ruby's was, but she does grab me in a bear hug and holds onto me for a bit. We sit back down, she eyes my plate and I push it towards her. "Go ahead. I ate a sweet roll already, well, a half of one." I said looking at Ruby.
So, again, I tell Yang everything I had told Ruby. They were together now, I knew it was time to give them Summer's scroll. I checked the charge level. It was nearly full. "Hey Ruby, is your hotel room near by?" I ask. "Yeah, it's just up the street. Qrow is in bed still, he isn't at 100% quite yet. Why?" she asks. "I need to give you two something and I would prefer it be in privacy." I state. She nods and head out.
Ruby gave me the address and room number and hopped on to bumblebee. I hopped on to the bike I had rented before coming to the cafe. I was quiet as I entered the hotel and her room. "Okay, so, remember that mission I was on before?" I ask. They nod.
"Among my dream journeys, I saw Summer's spirit. She asked me to go to where she was killed and bring you two this." I handed them both the cloak and the scroll. "I charged it up for you. The password is your parents wedding anniversary." I gave them the date and waited until they unlocked it before leaving the room. I didn't go far. I just sat with my back against the wall opposite the room.
A couple of hours passed and they opened the door. Their eyes were puffy and red, both girls were sniffling. They moved to the side indicating for me to come back in. As soon as we did, Ruby sat heavily on her bed and snuggled Summer's cloak. "Is she at peace?" Qrow asks. "She misses her family. But I can't feel her Spirit anymore. I could up until I gave you her items." I said.
"Where was it? Was her body there?" Ruby asks. I shake my head. "She told me her body was burned, and the ashes scattered." I said and showed them on a map where the island used to be. "It had sunk. Summer's powers kept it just thirty feet below the surface. When I grabbed the items, the Island shook violently and sunk the rest of the way down." I told them, I did leave out the Grimm in the deep.
They nodded. "Thank you, Taiya, for seeing her last wish completed." Qrow says. "I never break a promise. I will leave you three alone. I am going to see to some private family matters of my own." I kissed them all on the cheek and hugged them good bye. I breathed in deeply, choking back the tears, I wanted to let loose.
I went to the bank and was happy to see, my parent's property was still owned by me. "Yes, Ms. Timbre, we kept it for you. We would have sent someone to see to the place, but you had specifically requested that it remained untouched. Unfortunately this also left it in some disrepair. Nothing too bad. Peeling and cracked paint. Maybe some rotten wood." She had said. With thanks I took my key and headed to my childhood home.
When I got to the house the porch light had been turned on. The keyhole was a tight fight and the door hinges creaked loudly when I opened it. I fumbled for the light switch and turned it on, layers and layers of dust caked every surface. I coughed when I took off the furniture covers.
"This will not do." I said out loud. I could have just used my aura to clean the place, but I felt like I needed to do it the old fashioned way out of respect to my parents. I knew it wouldn't all get done tonight, but I could at least get my bedroom, kitchen and living room done.
Six hours later, I have collapsed onto the couch. Exhausted, but not really sure what I could do now. I knew I wouldn't sleep. I just couldn't, not yet. As always, after an emotional day, I wished for my wife. My tummy growled. "Might as well get some food." I said and locking the door headed to a grocery store.
I saw a head of white hair beneath a hat, standing next to her another head of white hair. I felt and could smell the familiar scent of the Schnees I knew. "Winter?" I asked. The white haired woman turned her face the expressionless mask she always wore. The shorter of the two looked into my eyes, and was on the verge of breaking down. I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, but said nothing.
"Mrs. Goodwitch." Winter said and my heart sailed. I have never been called that before. It was always Mrs. Timbre or Ms. Timbre. I grabbed Winter and gave her Yang like hug. "Thank you." I said. "Umm... you are welcome?" Winter says awkwardly patting my back. "My apologies. It just made me so happy to be called that." I said. I release my hold and she nods.
I know there are a million things Weiss wants to say, but she also doesn't want to draw attention to herself. Winter's scroll goes off, which surprised me. "Schnee." Winter answers. "Very well. I will return immediately." She says and hangs up. "Localized calls only." She answers my question. "I must leave now. We will have to wait on the groceries." She said. "I got them." I said. She nods her head and walks away. Weiss, is still by my side.
"Come on. Follow me." I said once we leave the store and we walk the short distance to my house. I opened the door. We both cringed at the sound. "I really need to oil those hinges. Kitchen is straight ahead." I said and quickly grab the oil bottle from its customary drawer. I squeeze it on the hinges, open and close the door a few times spreading the oil until it becomes silent. "Ah, much better." I said. I locked it and went into the kitchen where Weiss was putting away cold food in the fridge.
"Weiss, hey. Sorry, I wasn't trying to be rude in the store. I just figured you wanted your presence to be quiet. At least, for now." I said. She sniffled and hugged me so tight I felt like I couldn't breathe. I tapped her arms and she let go. "Sorry. I am just so happy to see you. We thought Cinder had killed you too, or that bright light." She says.
I help her put away the groceries. "You hungry?" I asked. She nods and leaves out some meat and vegetables. "I am sorry. With communications out there was no way I could let anyone know I was alive." I said. "I get that, but after that light Qrow went up the tower and came down with only Ruby. Pyrrha was gone and your weapons were shattered. What happened up there?" she asks.
I begin heating the pans. "When we got up there the first thing we saw was Pyrrha and an arrow jutting out of her chest. Then two things happened, Pyrrha's body seemed to be turning into red dust and floating away. And Ruby screamed in tears and her eyes lit up, then the whole area was covered in blinding light. When I came to, I was chained up to a wall. Pyrrha next to me and Salem gloating to Ozpin, even though he was nowhere to be seen." I explained.
"The white light was Ruby?" she asked. "Yes, that takes some explaining. What is it about Ruby at first glance that stands out the most?" I asked. "Her eyes. I have never met anyone with silver eyes." Weiss replies. I told her the story about the Silver eyed people. "But, that legend doesn't even explain anything. Only that they are great warriors with extraordinary powers." She says. "That is because no one really knows much else about them. Summer had the same eyes as Ruby." I said.
"From what Qrow told me, the dragon was frozen at the top." I said. Her scroll goes off as I put the meat on the pan and it sizzles. When Weiss returns to the room her eyes are bloodshot her cheeks stained with tears. "Weiss?" I ask concerned. "That was Winter. She was fuming, Qrow is here. Ruby and Yang too." She says. "I know. I was going to tell you during dinner." I said.
"I need to go see her. I need to hold her and kiss her again." She says. "We will, but tomorrow. They need some family time. Especially with what I gave them today." I said. "What did you give them?" she asks. The food finished and plated we sit down and I explain for what felt like the hundredth time, the dream walking and Summer's request.
"Wow, so you saw and know everything we have been through?" she asks. "Not everything. Just what I saw in dreams, that weren't really dreams. I think I have been astral projecting. I honestly have no idea how, or why though. Maybe it was just the need to see my family and see if they were okay." I said shrugging.
"I don't know much, but in the dream land I can touch and feel Glynda. I could probably teleport to her too. But then, I wouldn't want to leave." I admit. "I don't blame you there. I wish I had never let my father corral me home. I could have been with Ruby, helping her." She says. "Perhaps, but if you hadn't gone, you wouldn't have grown like you did." I said.
She shrugs. "I don't know, maybe I would have grown more and gotten stronger with Ruby." She says. "Fighting wise, yes. But personally, I don't know either. But what happened, happened. You are here now. When Qrow is on his feet more, they are going to go see Professor Lionheart at Haven. I will bring you around to her tomorrow and you can go with them. I don't want to see that man." I said, remembering my time at the academy.
"I don't blame you there either. I feel sleepy. I should find a bed for the night. Winter said she wouldn't be home tonight and I don't have keys for her apartment." Weiss says. I nod and we put our plates in the sink. "You can have my room. The rest of the house still needs to be cleaned. It hasn't been used since I was enrolled in Haven Academy." I said and bring her to my childhood room. I grab her a clean shirt from my drawers that I had unpacked from my rucksack.
"Tomorrow, if you stay again, maybe we could get your suitcase from Winter." I said. "I don't know. I might just stay with Ruby and Yang from now on." She says. "Okay. I cleaned the bathroom. Checked the shower head and water, all good if you wanted to shower before bed." She yawns. "Too tired tonight. Tomorrow morning definitely." She said.
After we had both changed. She crashed pretty quickly. I still couldn't sleep. I read the labels of her discarded outfit. "Hand wash in cold water only, do not use dryer." I read aloud quietly. "Of course. I think she will need a different wardrobe. Something that doesn't need so much care." I said. I filled up the sink and began washing her clothes with a gentle detergent.
An hour later, both of us had an outfit hanging in the bathroom to dry overnight. I only made it a bit warmer in there to speed them along to be dry in four hours. I yawned and rolled out my sleeping bag on the floor of my room. She may not say it, but I knew she didn't want to wake up alone and in a place that was new to her.