Yang stumbled inside her house, her vision shimmering with colorful shades of red, as if a filter had been put before her eyes. Her body began to sore as she awakened from her bestial state… but she also felt exhilarated. As horrible as the Grimm invasion had been, it had also served as a much-welcomed escape mechanism.
She looked around the house dreamingly, vaguely registering Blake's black locks of hair sticking out of her bed's covers. Yang's eyes gained a sharper quality, though, when she finally found her sister sitting on her own bed, back pressed against the wall and hugging her knees. It was a familiar sight, though Ruby had done this much less frequently as she grew closer to adulthood.
"Ruby?" Yang rubbed her eyes, trying to snap herself awake faster. "You alright?"
"Yes," the redhead answered. A few seconds passed before she opened her mouth again. "Not really."
"It was pretty bad last night," Yang acknowledged, smiling sadly. Ruby always seemed so tough, it was easy to forget how young she truly was. "You did your best, sister. You should be proud. Not everyone can be saved."
"I know," Ruby shook her head. "That's… not why I'm upset."
Yang sat beside her, one arm snaking around her sister's shoulders instinctively.
"Tell me about it."
"Well… They – the princess, the queen, everyone – they think Ozpin was behind the breach," Ruby whispered. "And the assassination attempts. And breaking Emerald out. He's in prison now."
Yang's eyes reddened slightly, her muscles tensing with anger.
"That's bullshit!" She stated firmly. "Why the hell would anyone think that?"
"W-well, he was there when I escorted the princess in the city, and when Emerald almost escaped," Ruby said hesitantly. "Even though that makes no sense whatsoever. A-and… He put a whole bunch of people on guard at the east wall, and then someone murdered them all to cause a panic. That's the theory, anyway."
"Right," Yang scoffed. "Because the High General of Vale wants to kill hundreds of innocent people because, I don't know, his coffee was too cold for his taste?" She sighed. "Who would be crazy enough to even imagine that possibility?"
"…My mother."
Yang's anger was quickly substituted by helplessness as she fully understood Ruby's position. It was bad enough that Ozpin, who had been her father in all but blood, was being painted as a traitor… But she also had to deal with the fact that her mother was the one doing it.
"Look, Ruby," Yang muttered, forcing herself to smile, if only a little bit. "I'm sure this will all end soon. A week or two, and everyone will realize Ozpin can't be at fault. Summer will apologize, and hopefully there'll no bad blood between them. Alright?"
"If you say so…" Ruby said. "Even the princess believes her…"
Yang shrugged. She didn't know what went on inside Weiss's snobby head, and she certainly wasn't about to conjure more lies to defend her. That would be stretching her sisterly duties too far.
Blake's bed creaked quietly as she sat at its edge and looked at the two sisters. There wasn't sign of sleep in her face, which made Yang assume the faunus had been awake for a long time already.
"If it helps, Ruby," Blake said. "We could talk to Ozpin. I'm sure the princess would allow it, because of your relationship with him."
"Yes," Ruby's eyes filled with hope. "And she did apologize afterwards! She must have felt pretty bad."
"Really? That means she owes you," Yang smiled mischievously. "Don't waste that, Ruby."
The redhead looked at her sister in exasperation. She had tried to make her understand Weiss was a good person, but that hadn't changed Yang's disposition much.
Without the energy to argue, Ruby stood and gathered her weapons, then exited the house. Blake followed shortly, daggers sheathed on her hips and eyes fixed on her friend's back, as if she meant to be her bodyguard.
Yang looked down at her hands and closed them. Her fists shook with silent rage. Everything had been going well before Summer dropped in on her – and her sister's – life.
They needed to have a talk.
"What I'm saying is, we can't just wait for something else to go wrong. The General tried to take the princess heir's life twice before, and he failed on both counts. What if he succeeds a third attempt?" The nobleman stood up, slamming his hands down on the strategy table. "What if he targets the queen?!"
The room was filled with a chorus of opinions, most in agreement and carrying the same emotions as the first speaker. Only three individuals stayed silent during the tumult: Summer Rose, who was sitting still on her chair, arms crossed; Glynda Goodwitch, her usual stern expression slipping into anger; and the queen herself.
After many minutes of that, Winter stood briefly and look around the table. The nobles slowly took notice and settled down, one by one, ashamed, but still restless.
"What you propose," the queen said icily. "Is beyond reason. We will not execute Ozpin. He served me and my parents for decades, and Vale is a better place for it. I might have stripped him of his ranks, but I will return them as soon as he is proven innocent."
"If he is proven innocent," Summer interjected softly. "But I agree. We mustn't act rashly, especially now," she paused briefly. "But… We can't afford to leave his rank empty. The other kingdoms already know of our struggles. If they learn that we lack a High General…"
"Ozpin appointed successors, in case of his death," Glynda pointed out, letting her last word hang for a moment. "But I doubt any of you would trust his choices now."
"And it's not even the General's place to name the next," Summer added. "That duty befalls to our queen."
Every pair of eyes in the room flew to Winter. The ruler's face stayed impassive, though her knuckles turned white as she interlaced her fingers. She wasn't too happy with the meeting, and that didn't escape anyone's attention.
"It is not my duty," she said. "Not mine alone, at least. I would rather wait for Ozpin's name to be cleared, but I agree that would be foolish. Present your options, and I shall decide on a temporary replacement."
The council was silent for a few moments, but before long, many presented themselves or their closest allies as possible Generals. Winter listened attentively, but she didn't consider choosing them. Subtle as they tried to be, their greediness was evident in their mannerisms. Handing any of them the responsibility of defending her kingdom would be disastrous.
"Perhaps," Summer spoke, and Winter held her tongue, assuming she would make a similar move. "You should entrust Lady Goodwitch with Ozpin's former title. She is wise to the inner workings of our military, and she has proven herself reliable multiple times in the past."
Winter stared at her, finding the idea very agreeable. She was about to announce her decision, but then Glynda stood and shook her head.
"Although I am very flattered, Lady Rose, I must refuse," she said. "While I opposed him at times, Ozpin considered me a great ally. In turn, I held him in high esteem. I cannot in good conscience assume his place, and you shouldn't trust me with it."
"Oh," Summer said, appearing dazed by her candidate's refusal. "Well. I can't fault you for acting so honorably, Lady Goodwitch. Still, these are desperate times…"
"Indeed, they are," Glynda nodded. "Which is why you should be named High General. Temporarily," she closed her eyes, as if she found difficult to continue speaking. "While you have proven yourself as more than a rebel, your past is not something that we can forget. Your experiences could prove very useful to the kingdom."
Summer was silent for a long while, as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. The queen did not speak, but her mask of tranquility was fading with each passing second.
"That is… I don't know what to say," the Reaper lowered her head solemnly. "I would be honored to be named High General, and I would use that power to put an end to our current… predicaments. The White Fang, Ozpin's assassins – whether they're allied or not… I would have them gone by winter's end."
The council nodded one by one, murmuring their approval. Glynda sat down and look at the queen.
"You have spoken," Winter said slowly. "Summer Rose. You shall serve as High General of Vale until Ozpin's judgement. If he is proven innocent, you will willingly hand your title back to him. If he is proven guilty, we will approach this matter once more and I will decide on a permanent General."
"Thank you, my queen," Summer smiled slightly. "I will not disappoint you."
"Princess?"
Weiss's raised her head to look at her door, which slowly creaked open, revealing Ruby's anxious face. Behind her was Blake, but the brunette looked as if she preferred to stay unnoticed. Weiss respected that wish – talking to Ruby would be uncomfortable enough already, anyway. She prefered if Blake didn't listen to the conversation.
The princess swiped a rag across her rapier's blade one last time, then pointed the sword at the ground once, signaling for her bodyguard to enter. Ruby slipped inside, closing the door behind her.
"I'm… really, really, really sorry I yelled at you last night," she said, almost too fast to follow. "I was just really stressed about the Grimm and the death and then Ozpin-"
"You are forgiven," Weiss interrupted, trying to keep her voice emotionless. "Your distress was partly caused by my actions. While I don't condone your rebelling against them, I understand how you feel about them.
"I… Uh, thank you?" Ruby shook her head, confused by Weiss's speech. "W-what's going to happen to General Ozpin?"
Weiss sheathed her rapier and raised an eyebrow at her bodyguard.
"First of all, he is not General Ozpin anymore," she pointed out. "If he is proven innocent, his title will be returned promptly."
"And if he is proven guilty…?"
Weiss looked at Ruby silently, not wanting to answer that with words. Any act of treason had heavy consequences upon the perpetrator, but targeting the life of a direct heir to the throne? Execution would be the kindest option.
"Your mother was named High General, at least for now," Weiss informed. "You may talk to her, if you wish. I can relinquish your presence for a couple of hours."
"Thank you. I'll do that," Ruby bit her lower lip. "I was wondering… Could I maybe speak with Ozpin…?"
Weiss looked away, and Ruby was unable to read the emotions on her face.
"Fine. I will allow that," the princess said. "He's in the dungeons. Tell the guards you have my permission to enter," she turned to look at Ruby seriously. "This will happen once, understood? It's hard enough to have Ozpin imprisoned. I don't want you begging to see him every day."
Ruby nodded mutely and exited the room. Weiss muttered something to herself and gripped the hilt of her sword, the air around her crystalizing in brief explosions.
Summer entered her room, humming beneath her breath. She didn't wait a second before removing the scythe off her back and throwing it to a corner, then freed the cloak from her neck and shoulders, letting it fall to the floor unceremoniously.
She strode to the mirror above her nightstand, which was right in front of her bed. She looked at her reflection and smiled, silver eyes shimmering… She looked above her right shoulder and spun around, closing her fists instinctively.
"So," Yang spoke, lying comfortably on the bed. "I heard we have a new General or something."
"Dragon's blood, Yang. You scared me," Summer chuckled and leaned on the nightstand. "You heard right. The queen named me High General until Ozpin's judgment."
"Sounds like a strange title for the Reaper, huh?"
The redhead tilted her head to the side and wandered closer to the bed.
"And by that, you mean…?"
"Nothing at all," Yang smiled and sat up. "I just think it's funny, you know? You were a rebel, known worldwide for your daring adventures… Disappearing with rulers' crowns, freeing their slaves and all that. Now you're the right hand of Vale's queen."
"Right," Summer smiled. "That is funny."
"I bet my mother would find that very funny too."
Summer's face crunched up with rage, but she turned around so Yang wouldn't see it.
"I doubt that," she said calmly. "Raven didn't have much of a sense of humor. We used to say Qrow took it all from their parents, so there was none left for her."
"I thought Qrow was drunk half the time?"
"Well, some drunks are very funny."
Yang jumped to her feet and walked to Summer's side, crossing her arms tensely.
"Look, Summer, I'm just going to say this now, alright? I'm glad you're back. I'm glad Ruby was reunited with you," she paused. "I don't care if you fuck everything up in this castle. In fact, go right ahead! But when you do it, don't go back to Ruby and say it's alright, and that she's your little dear. She's not a child anymore – you missed all that. She's having a hard time enough already without you trying to play mother."
Summer looked down at her feet, lips pursed with displeasure. Yang sighed and patted her on the shoulder.
"Sorry," the blonde said. "But you need to understand that. You can still see and talk to her. Just be more… I don't know, mindful of your actions."
"I'll try," Summer smiled humorlessly. "You are just like your mother, Yang. She didn't hold back either."
"Eh, I hold back all the time," Yang pointed to her eyes, which shifted to red for a split second. "I'm holding back right now."
Summer chuckled.
"My offer still stands. I could teach you how to use your powers," she said. "You could learn how to use them during the day. You wouldn't lose control at night – well, except at the moon's peak. Heck, there's some aspects of your inheritance you don't even know exist."
"Again, no," Yang shook her head. "I'm happy the way I am. Thanks for the offer, anyway," she went to the door. "I have to go now. My boss was pretty upset when I demanded a few hours."
Summer nodded and watched her go. As soon as Yang was gone, she turned back to the mirror and closed her fists in frustration.
Blake closed the door behind her and walked forward, then almost went stumbling down into the darkness. Ruby caught her by her arm, holding a lantern on her right hand.
"There's three steps here." Ruby reminded, holding back laughter.
"I knew that," Blake muttered. "I was just… testing you."
The redhead decided to humor her and nodded her head. They went down the steps and walked through the dungeon, passing by empty cells with rusty manacles and bloodied walls. Finally, they saw Ozpin, sitting cross-legged on the cold stone floor. He looked at the two girls and smiled, as if their visit didn't surprise him at all.
"General." Ruby mumbled respectfully, setting the lantern on a nearby stool.
"It's just Ozpin now," he said. "I'm glad you came to visit, Ruby. And you too, Blake."
"You've been kind to me, sir," Blake smiled sourly. "It was the least I could do."
Ozpin nodded slightly. He could imagine why she said those words. In a world filled with racists and slavers, coming across a welcoming soul was like a dream come true.
"Ruby," he spoke, eyes wandering to the redhead girl. "I want you to know I don't blame you for anything. This is Summer's work. You didn't want this for a second."
"Yes. I never believed you were evil," Ruby said resolutely. "Someone's incriminating you. They must be using magic or something, to make illusions of you!"
"Magic, Ruby?" Blake repeated, smirking.
"I wouldn't make light of Ruby's theory, Blake," Ozpin said. "There are powerful forces in this world. You know about Yang, don't you?"
Blake frowned. That was a valid point. If Yang could summon flames and become almost a beast because of the moon, what stopped others from having similar, or even scarier abilities?
"My mother was named High General today, sir," Ruby told sadly. "Just while you're here… I know she's only doing what she thinks is right, but I can see she's wrong to accuse you. Shouldn't she be able to see it too?"
"Your mother, Ruby," Ozpin paused, as if he wished to go back on his words. "I'm not sure Summer is in her right mind. I have suspected this for years. I knew her before. She was a rebel at heart, and while she was definitely not cruel or beyond reason, I couldn't see her working with, much less for a monarchy."
"Maybe she changed," Blake noted. "When she lost… You know. People don't survive those things and come out the same."
"Yes," Ozpin agreed. "Never the same…" He looked at Ruby. "Ruby, I want to ask you a favor. I know my judgment is near, and I will not fight it, whatever sentence it brings me. But I would like to talk with the queen, and Summer, one last time. Just the two of them. Could you arrange that?"
"Right away, sir!"
Ruby nodded, grabbed the lantern and ran away, forgetting Blake in her excitement. The faunus stayed near the cell, still able to see Ozpin in the darkness.
"I could free you." She said quietly.
"You could," he agreed. "But you won't. I don't want it. Escaping this cell would accomplish nothing, and it would incriminate you and Ruby."
"You're right," Blake turned around. "It was a stupid thing to say."
Ozpin smiled as she walked away.
"It wasn't," he said. "Thank you, Blake Belladonna."
Ruby gulped nervously as she led Ozpin through the castle's hallways, accompanied by a dozen guards and the princess. Blake had left some time ago, not wanting to interfere with her friend's important duties.
Weiss walked beside her, one hand hovering near her rapier's handle, and her eyes kept wandering to the man they escorted. She tried to appear tough, but in truth, she was scared and sad. Ruby wanted to take her hand to comfort her, but she knew that wouldn't be appreciated… not vocally, anyway.
As they neared the strategy room, Weiss signaled with her hand, and the guards scattered and assumed posts on the walls. She turned to look at Ozpin directly.
"I will follow your wishes and stay here," she said. "The queen and Lady Rose are waiting inside."
"Thank you," Ozpin tried to touch her on the shoulder, but Weiss took a step back and gripped her rapier. "I'm sorry. This might be our last opportunity to talk, so I need you to know that."
"Sorry for trying to murder me?" The princess scoffed.
"No. I'm sorry I couldn't help your parents. I'm hoping I can help your sister, now."
Weiss looked at him, confused and hesitant. Her features softened, but she turned away and pointed to the door. Ozpin nodded to Ruby and left them.
He entered the room and noticed it had been changed for the occasion. Instead of the big round table they hosted their meetings at, there was now a small, glass one surrounded by three comfortable chairs. Glasses and wine were set on it, as if they were about to have a fancy meal.
Winter sat still on her chair, head raised levelly, the image of royalty. Her eyes met his with a clear message on them.
Summer seemed restless, leaning forward slightly, her cloak hiding most of her body. She looked at him and shook her head, as if she would rather have him in the dungeons and out of her sight.
"This is interesting," Ozpin noted, taking a seat and pointing at the glasses. "I wanted a meeting. Whose idea was it to bring wine?"
"Mine, actually," Summer smiled. "I thought you'd appreciate a good drink. You'll be having nothing but water for a long while, won't you?"
"That is very thoughtful of you, Lady Rose," he raised his hands. "Excuse me. General Rose."
"Just Summer is fine."
The queen looked from one to the other and sighed.
"I understand your rivalry," she paused. "Actually, I don't. I could never figure out why there is such animosity between the two of you. But I understand this rivalry exists," she corrected. "I ask that you put it aside for now. Can you do that?"
Summer and Ozpin looked at each other for a moment, then nodded silently.
"Now, Ozpin," Winter said. "You wanted this meeting. What did you want to discuss?"
"Actually, I have nothing to say," he revealed. "I wanted to ask the General some questions. Why do you believe I'm this… mastermind?"
"Because you were seen-"
"No. Not that," Ozpin interrupted. "I'm asking you why I would make any moves against the throne – against the people."
Summer paused and hung back a little, her lips forming a straight line.
"There are plenty of possibilities," she said. "Perhaps you've grown tired of the monarchy. Perhaps you developed a hatred for the princess. Perhaps your mother let you fall on your head as a baby."
"That is hardly appropriate, Lady Rose." Winter noted.
"Sorry," Summer sighed. "My point is, I don't know. I can't come up with a reason for your actions, Ozpin, but the evidence is right there. Perhaps you aren't behind the breach, but the assassins? The princess herself confirmed your involvement."
"My involvement," Ozpin said. "Or the tricks of another trying to incriminate me."
Summer scoffed and looked at Winter.
"And I'm the unreasonable one?" She said. "If you're talking about magic, we should also start considering hunting for unicorns. I hear one bite of their meat can sustain you for years."
"Will this be your input on my trial, Rose? Outright dismissal of my every defense?" Ozpin asked.
"If you don't come up with a better cover story, yes."
The ex-general shook his head tiredly.
"I'll ask another question," he said. "Why would you leave your past behind and integrate yourself in a system you despise?"
"There was no past to come back to," Summer muttered. "I lost it all. My friends. My daughter - or so I thought. The Schnee house offered me a new life when what they should have done was execute me. Ever since then, I have served them, and gladly so."
Ozpin got up and walked around the table slowly. Summer filled a glass and took a long sip, then raised an eyebrow at him.
"You see, what bothers me," he said. "Is that the Summer Rose I met decades ago was adamant on her beliefs. She could be compassionate – she was, most of the time – but when it came to royalty and the likes, she was vastly indifferent to their concerns. And justly so. We don't need a heroine to fight our battles."
"If you liked me this much, you should have said something," Summer noted sarcastically. "That and a pretty ring would have gotten you places."
"And she wasn't so frivolous, though that's beyond my point," Ozpin continued. "The thing I remember most is that she respected me. She knew I was much like her – we were both born of common folk, and we made names for ourselves out of effort and determination. She understood the only thing that separated us were our ideologies. I respected her too."
He stopped and stared at her fixedly. His eyes displayed a scary amount of emotion for him – hatred and sadness in conflict waves, she recognized.
"You, on the other hand," he said. "You're nothing but a mockery of her. You give no respect, and you don't deserve any either."
Summer froze like an animal faced with a hunter, slowly lowering her glass and putting it down on the table. Then she smiled, tilted her head upward, and started laughing. The queen looked away in displeasure.
"By the Moon, Ozpin. One day in the dungeon and you already lost what little you had left of your mind," Summer said. "People change! Like you said, you met me decades ago. I am Summer Rose, you're just desperate to shift the blame away from you," she looked at Winter. "Honestly, my queen, we should be merciful and execute him already."
"No." Winter turned her head to look at her directly in the eyes.
Summer's joy faded quickly, giving way to seriousness. She leaned closer to the queen, staring at her.
"Really," she said. "He is mad. It would be better to get rid of him already."
"Stop it. I know what you are trying to do," Winter frowned. "You can't charm me. You haven't been able to for years."
Summer clutched the arms of her chair and looked at Ozpin, who was now smiling humorlessly.
"Magic, huh?" He said.
"You're both mad," Summer stated. "Ozpin, you should just leave and-"
"Let me ask you two final questions," the wise man interrupted. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
Summer looked down and stayed unmoving except for the rising and falling of her chest. Ozpin took a step closer to the queen, preparing himself for anything. Winter reached for her rapier, leaning on the side of her chair.
Then Summer raised her head and leaned forward again, a smile plastered on her lips.
"I'm sorry I tricked you, Winter. We had some good times," she chuckled, then raised a hand level to the queen's eyes. "Now, sleep."
She flicked the hand to the side. Winter's blue irises shrank, and she fell backwards on her chair. Ozpin looked at her, not knowing what to do in reaction.
"And to you, Ozpin," Summer clucked her tongue, then stood and shouted at the top of her lungs. "NO!"
She produced a dagger from beneath her cloak and threw it. Ozpin reached with a hand, but was too slow, and the weapon buried itself on the queen's stomach. Her white dress reddened with blood.
"How could you?!" Summer bellowed. "Guards!"
The doors burst open as a dozen soldiers rushed in, drawing their swords and looking around for an assassin. Summer stumbled back, knocking her chair down and pointed at Ozpin while covering her mouth with her other hand.
"What?" Ozpin muttered as he was held back by men who had once obeyed his commands, offering no resistance as he looked dazedly at his queen. "Winter… Winter! Wake up!"
A gasp and a strangled yell reached his ears, and he looked up and saw Weiss enter the room and rush to her sister's side, taking her in her arms and laying her down on the ground. Winter was deathly pale, the blood continuing to exit her wound, but she was still breathing.
Ruby approached her, mute, one hand on her sword, the other hanging uselessly at her side. She looked at Summer, who was shaking with rage, and then to Ozpin, who seemed utterly defeated.
Weiss raised her head and looked at Ozpin. Tears streamed down her face, but when she spoke, there was no emotion on her voice.
"You did this… You monster."
Summer strut through the room, drawing her scythe from her back.
"Princess," she said. "Give the word."
"Do it," Weiss whispered. "Kill him."
Summer nodded to the guards, and they let go of Ozpin and stepped away. He stood still while she raised her scythe. As she had her back turned to everyone but him, no one else saw the smile on her face.
But as she tensed her muscles to bring her weapon down, a loud noise exploded behind her. Summer spun around, prepared to defend herself, but saw only Ruby, who had her pistol pointed up at the ceiling and releasing smoke from its barrel.
"Someone get Doctor Oobleck," she said firmly, and one of the soldiers rushed out of the room. "Now. Isn't anyone going to ask any questions?!"
"What questions, Ruby?!" Summer exclaimed angrily. "Ozpin just stabbed the queen!"
"Why?" Ruby posed. "He had plenty of opportunities before. Why now? Why not wait until he could do it quietly, with no suspicion on him? Why?"
Weiss got up and drew her rapier.
"If you won't let your mother do it," she said through gritted teeth. "I'll do it myself. And if you dare to try and stop me, Ruby Rose…"
"You're making a big mistake," Ruby warned, then looked at Summer. "Mother, this is not who you are. Just step away…"
"Not who I am?" Summer scoffed. "I'm the Reaper. I'm made for this, dear."
She turned and raised her scythe, but once again, Ruby pulled the trigger. Summer looked back at her, her face red with anger… And then something hit her in the back of the head and she stumbled forward, ears ringing and seeing double.
Ozpin dashed to the door, too fast for the guards to draw their pistols and shoot at him. Weiss made to go after him, but Ruby pointed her pistol at her as she backed away, shaking her head apologetically.
"I'm sorry, princess!" The redhead shouted, tears pooling in her eyes. "Just stay with your sister! I'm sorry!"
Ruby turned and ran. Weiss fell to her knees beside her sister as the guards left in pursuit.
Suddenly, a hand landed on her shoulder. Weiss looked up and met eyes with Summer. The Reaper had a compassionate look on her face, but she gripped her scythe restlessly, as if she couldn't wait to use it.
"She will be fine, my princess." Summer said.
"What about Ozpin?" Weiss looked down. "And your daughter?"
"…I'm going after them."
Ruby panted as she made it out of the castle by the front doors, holding her pistol in both hands. It was hard to keep any air in her lungs, and she felt blood dripping down the side of her head and over her ear. One of the guards had only barely missed her, the bullet grazing her skin instead of piercing her skull. Her leg injury from the Grimm attack had reopened, and each step became harder than the last.
Ozpin seemed in better shape, physically, at least. He seemed to withdraw deeper within himself every time he had to fight one of his own men, wielding Ruby's sword, as she had leaned it to him. Thankfully, most of the Guard was deployed at the walls and the breach, so their numbers at the castle weren't so big. Both him and Ruby tried to just knock the men out, but sometimes, they had to take harsher measures.
"G-general," Ruby spoke, stumbling towards him as he stopped to breathe for a moment. "What h-happened?"
"Your mother – Summer – she's not your mother," Ozpin said quickly, shaking his head fervently. He snaked an arm under hers and made a straight march forward, wanting to get them away from the castle as fast as possible. "The Summer Rose I knew, your real mother – she's been dead for years. That woman back there… I don't know who she is, but she has terrible powers…"
"Like what?" Ruby asked. "Did she kill the queen?"
"I don't know," the ex-general closed his eyes. "Not with that dagger, she didn't. Put her to sleep, I think. She might not wake up."
Ruby opened her mouth to ask another question, but she saw a man sneaking towards them from the right. The redhead freed herself from Ozpin and aimed swiftly. Her bullet hit the man's knee, and he fell down, yelling in pain.
She gritted her teeth and started forward again. They were now just below the castle walls, passing through the gates that led into the city below.
"What do we do, sir?" She muttered, voice so low Ozpin barely heard her.
"We run, Ruby," he said. "We run and…"
Steps echoed behind them, together with the sound of something steel-like rasping against the ground. Ruby looked back and saw Summer strutting towards them, dragging her scythe at her side. The girl let out a fearful squeal as she saw her supposed mother's silver eyes shift to red for a brief second.
"Ozpin," she whispered. "Go. I'll slow her down."
"That's preposterous, Ruby," Ozpin shook his head. "I'm not letting you take the fall for me. You're so young, I couldn't-"
"You're not my General anymore, so you can't boss me around," Ruby smiled and pushed him forward. "Just go! You know everything that happened, you'll do something about it!" She turned around and raised her pistol. "I won't die."
Ozpin froze, split between the need to defend his pupil and the reality of her words. When she looked back one last time, he saw the determination in her eyes… and Ozpin nodded and ran, vowing to himself that he would return.
Ruby took aim, her gun shaking in her hands. Her heart beat fast inside her chest as her mother came closer… No, she wasn't her mother – but she looked like her – but it wasn't her – but they had shared so much – but it wasn't her – but she had been so warm…
Then Summer's eye turned red, and Ruby's hands steadied. A loud explosion, and the bullet went piercing through the air, aimed right at the deceiver's forehead… and bounced off it and fell to the ground, harmless.
"Oh, it's that way now, I see…" Summer whispered, stopping right in front of Ruby and bending slightly to look her in the eye. "What perverse child would shoot their own mother? Didn't I teach you to be good, dear?"
"Stop it," Ruby stepped back and raised her pistol again. "You're not her!"
"You've been such a pest. I thought I had gotten rid of you ten years ago..." The Reaper smiled bitterly. "Do you know what happens to kids like you? The ones who try to play hero? They sleep…"
Summer flicked her hand in front of Ruby's eyes, and the girl fell down, the world turning dark around her. As her consciousness faded, she heard her mother's laugh one last time.
"… and they never wake up."
...
I told you. "Blood and tears". I told you!
This is pretty much the turning point of the story. We have our villain - Summer Rose. Except it isn't really Summer Rose? Who is she? (my personal vote is on Zwei)
A million questions appear before us. What will happen with Weiss? Will Ozpin be okay? How will Yang and Blake react to Ruby's fate? And, most importantly...
WHAT ABOUT ARKOS?!
These questions will be answered soon. Stay tuned, folks.
(also I luv u)
-Zeroan