Chapter 10 The Branwen's curse

Is particular reason we are walking? Summer wondered to herself. She would've asked out loud but there was something about Ness that frightened her. Not the same way Crane did, just in a matter where he strikes respect in anyone he makes eye contact with.

She stretched her arms high above her head and let out an audible yawn. Looking at the sky she noticed something.

"There's Nevermore migrating-oof!" Ness had stopped in his tracks though didn't seem to notice Summer bumping into him.

He took a deep loud breath "...bother" he mumbled.

Summer's eyes widened and her mouth hung slightly in shock.

She watched her trusting guardian pull out his weapon Guilt-Na, a beautiful silver plated saber that doubled into a small dagger for close combat. Summer liked swiping it from him to practice.

She stood still, her lip quivered in fear as she saw him turn towards her weapon at hand and pointed in her general direction.

Raven and Qrow shivered simultaneously.

"That was weird..." Tai Yang snickered. "Are you cold my dear?" he asked Raven.

She shook her head and looked at her brother. "Do you think dad felt that too?"

Qrow swallowed but his throat still felt dry. With a shaky breath he spoke "I get the feeling there is more to this he's not telling us." Hand on his face he rubbed his eyes "'Protection' Yeah right old man..."

"What are you two talking about?" Tai Yang finally spoke up, a little annoyed to be so in the dark.

Raven, ignoring her blonde friend continued her conversation "You think he kept us away for this?"

Qrow nodded "Dad definitely saw this coming"

After a silent exhale Raven smirked "Summer can handle it"

Qrow rolled his eyes "I'm sure the most non violent huntress to be can absolutely do it" sarcasm bled all over his sentence.

Raven gave a slight growl "I know she will..."

When Qrow gave her no response she punched his shoulder "Lighten up will you!?"

He didn't react like he usually did, he didn't even make a sound at the impact of her fist. This made Raven feel uncomfortable, when had he brother gotten strong...?

"She's with Goodwitch, she'll be fine..." she mumbled then faced forward. Though the uneasy grip on her wrist never softened.

Unusual for his character Tai Yang quietly stared at them both. His dark violet eyes empty.

Tired of being left out he stood from his seat abruptly catching Raven off guard "Where are you going?" she asked slightly disheartened to see him walking away.

"What do you care..." he answered, his voice quiet.

She glared at his back and turned away "Good point" still she tried to catch his eye as he turned slightly towards her. His gaze was cold.

"Tai..." her lips formed a line. She was worried about him.

She watched him sit down with the same group of rambunctious girls that howled at him earlier, his expression no longer dark.

Qrow watched him as well "What's his problem?" he asked his sister.

Raven simply shrugged and stared out the window "Like it matters to me what he does"

"That's right..." Raven thought solemnly "He can start a new path here in Beacon. He won't need me anymore"

"Pr-professor...?" Summer stuttered, taking hold of the chain around her waist, stealthily hidden beneath her snow white cloak.

"That's right Miss Rose, grab a hold of that weapon of yours. I'm sorry about this, I really am. I know how you feel about Man vs Man battles."

"Huh?" she pulled out her sickle from her cloak completely expecting it to cross against Guilt-Na, as her professor darted full speed towards her weapon in hand.

Tears were already pooled in the corners of her eyes, feeling the pain of betrayal in her chest. Shakily holding her weapon, and unable to see him approaching clearly.

She knew she had no chance of winning against a trained Huntsman, even with her fighting instinct.

"Summer! Be alert!" he shouted.

At first she thought he wanted her to fight him, an honorable death for her.

Then she realized what was actually happening.

Clink

She could barely turn, only inches from her face she saw the blade belonging to her teacher protecting her neck from an enemy weapon.

She felt a different kind of pressure in her chest. How could she have been so stupid!?

She groaned angrily and aimed her own weapon at the enemy that moments ago tried to take her head.

He clicked his tongue and misdirected Summer's aim with his foot "I'm leagues ahead of you" he laughed at Summer as he tried to throw off Ness' sword with his own but to no avail as Ness was far better trained than she.

Their eye contact never broke, the enemies eyes clearly showing struggle, while Ness kept his expression cool.

After a moment he let out a quiet laugh.

"What's so funny!?" demanded the enemy.

"Humphrey Planes, age 32. Assassin. Leader of this little tracing squad to locate Crane Branwen and his two children. You seem to be misinformed however as you just found out that he isn't here"

At this point Summer stood up looking around "There's more?" she thought a bit apprehensively. She could fight Grimm without remorse but...other humans...that was more difficult for her.

Humphrey skin turned pale, his palms became clammy giving Ness the perfect opportunity to overpower him.

Hidden within his sword, Ness detached his small dagger, which while separated he called "Na".

With one more force on his arm Humphrey's sword ended up on the ground, well sort of, as it was still skidding along the grass.

Humphrey gasped tightened his fist and directed it towards Ness' face, though the impact never occurred.

"It seems I'm the one that's leagues ahead" Ness had side stepped Humphrey who was thrown off balance thanks to all the force he had behind his fist.

Using Na, Ness began to trace a part of Humphrey's body.

Summer could see part's of his aura being pierced but not significantly. It was all happening so quickly she couldn't look away.

"There!" she heard her professor shout suddenly. Trading Na for Guilt he wielded it towards Humphrey's abdomen.

Summer's jaw dropped slightly as she saw all of Humphrey's aura suddenly disappear around him, rendering the man defenseless.

"H-how..." she was so amazed. He had done such little damage to Humphrey she could hardly believe most of Humphrey's Aura had vanished with one simple hit.

Ness turned to Summer, no evidence of a tussle on him, no sweat on his face and his clothes were still as nice as they were this morning when he went to pick her up.

She couldn't tell if he was scowling at her or not "We'll talk about you thinking I was going to kill you later. For now I want you to be more alert. That was a pathetic performance on your part Miss Rose." he scolded "I expected more vigilance. Now I hope I can trust you to keep watch while I interrogate Humphrey"

Summer, gulped, bowed apologetically and then fully released her weapon Ruby Rose. She reset the chain's and suddenly she was holding a staff bladed at each end.

Humphrey scoffed "What a gardening tool" he was still weak on the ground, unable to move. Ness approached him maintaining eye contact with his enemy once again.

"I ain't telling you nothing!" he tried to spit towards Ness but wound up spitting on himself.

"Like I need to hear your odious voice to find out what I want to know" Humphrey was picked up by his collar, and Ness peered into his eyes closely.

"Heh...so you can read my mind then? Big deal. Ineffective really when I can just think about-"

Humphrey's face became vacant.

"It's humerus that you think I can read your mind" Ness couldn't help but laugh "No, that part is just a perk"

"Scary" thought Summer.

She looked around the forest ready to strike any Grimm, she hoped it would be Grimm however it was just wishful thinking.

She didn't understand why there was violence between everyone. To her there will always be one enemy.

"Miss Rose. On your left, 1000ft" Ness didn't turn "I'm counting on you."

Her hands became a little damp and her heart pounded.

"Enemies are enemies. They want to hurt me. Professor Goodwitch...Raven and Qrow and Mr. Branwen..."

Summer scowled at the approaching body.

"Oh and there is one on your right as well Miss Rose. It seems we are being cornered."

Summer rolled her eyes, a bit annoyed to be warned so suddenly. She rapidly changed her posture as both bodies leapt at her from opposite directions.

Summer spun when they were close enough to ward off with her blades giving her enough distance.

She observed both of her opponents. One man, one woman. Both holding some type of Halberd, a long staff with one giant blade at the end of it.

"Long range it is" she collapsed the staff into its chain and sickle form and began spinning one end.

The woman scoffed and darted towards Summer her Magatama ready to pierce through her chest.

"This is insulting Goodwitch!" the woman facing Summer shouted towards Ness.

"Defeat her and you can face me afterwords Myrna" Ness sounded bored and didn't face her direction.

"They know each other?" Summer thought confused.

As Summer leapt away from the woman's attack she directed her chain towards her Halberd and attempted to pull it away from her.

Myrna laughed "Nice try cutie but that'll be a lot tougher than you think"

She looked ahead to show off to Ness except she gasped when she saw what he was doing.

Her eyes wide she shouted to the man she was with "Gilvert! Stop him! He's got a hold of Humphrey!"

At her call the man holding a similar weapon to hers darted past Summer.

"Oh no you don't!" Summer yelled loudly grabbing her second chain and aiming it at the mans leg. Hoping it would wrap around his ankle.

It didn't reach. The man was too fast.

The woman laughed and tugged on her halberd a lot harder. "What a little novice!"

"That's right" thought Summer "Pull harder" she groaned and pretended to be pulled along side her chain.

Myrna was cackling at this point "Gilvert is almost to that arrogant man!"

Summer had been keeping an eye on Gilvert running towards Goodwitch.

She smiled and looked at the woman she was facing, her expression slowly turned to shock as the staff she was playing tug of war with became a phantom in her hand. Her own force throwing her on the ground, while Summer's force sent the halberd flying towards the man after Ness.

"Brother!" the woman shouted from the ground "Brother behind you!"

The man turned just in time to see the blade flying towards him. He spun his own Halberd in his hands and threw it off its course, it did however manage to cut off a piece of his dark hair.

"Stay away from him" Summer's voice was threatening.

"This brat means business sister" the man scowled at small Summer. "This is a strange type of blood thirst"

Summer pulled back her chain. She looked Gilvert up and down, there was something familiar about the two. She observed their scarlet eye color and their hair darker than midnight.

Her thoughts broke when she heard Myrna speak again "She's just a little girl. Just kill her! The mission was a bust! Kill her and we can all leave" Myrna's gaze looked towards Humphrey, or was it Ness she was looking at?

"True" Gilvert spoke eerily towards his sibling "This mission has been a failure. Killing this brat would be simple, however her strength does lie in her mind. Soon she'll be able to use that strength elsewhere. The strong need to rule, and she will be strong. However the way she is now isn't enough to take on the both of us and yet..." he shrugged in the direction of his sisters halberd. "...she's left you defenseless"

The sister growled "You praise her and insult me. This isn't the time brother"

He smirked "You're right. The weak should die "

Summer turned her weapon into a staff once more and readied herself as the man took steps in her directions.

"We are assassins after all." he said and smiled as he walked past his opponent.

Summer stared wide eyed in horror as the brother raised his weapon towards his own sister.

"Weak. This was your last opportunity to prove your worth sister. Branwen isn't here. Your tip was wrong. You get thrown into the ground and outsmarted by a novice. You bring shame to our clan. The weak aren't worth protecting. All you've proven is that you are weak."

"Brother...Gilvert..." Myrna spoke quietly

"This is goodbye sister Myrna"

By this point Ness was watching the occurrence as he held Humphrey limply.

Releasing him he hit the ground and made his way towards Gilvert gripping his wrist.

"Outsiders shouldn't intervene. Let my sister die in honor and I will be on my way. You two don't interest me. We were here for Branwen."

"I'll let you do what you want but it seems to me the one who should be punished is the man on the ground, after all I know a lot more because of him"

The man smirked and his sister looked a bit hopeful "I doubt there is any valuable information in that mans head, however you are always welcomed to our village. Now you said you would let me do my will and so why are you still hanging on to me?"

Goodwitch sighed "Very well. Look away Summer" and released his wrist.

Summer's chest tightened and looked at her teacher in shock as he wrapped his arm around her face to ensure she saw nothing.

The last glimpse she saw was a red aura wrap around his weapon before her professors sleeve covered her eyes "We have no more business here"

Without thinking Summer yelled "No!" and went through her professors arm

"Idiot!" Professor Goodwitch spun on his heel and attempted to grab Summer's arm but all he felt was air as he went through it. "Summer don't! That halberd will slice you in half!"

She gripped the brothers waist as he was weilded it down towards his sisters head. It glowed red as if it were hot.

"Little brat it's too late!"

She expected the staff to fall from his hands like most solid objects do at her choosing but the halberd stayed in his grip. She panicked, it wasn't working!

She tried to reach the weapon on the man's hands but when she phased through his body to grab it and force it to fall through his hands it was too hot to hang on too. She tried to pull it from him, burning her phantom hand in the process.

"How is this possible!? It wont phase through!" her eyes began to tear up as her aura could no longer protect her hands.

"Agh!" she yelped in pain and detached herself from the man.

She saw the sister, her head bowed awaiting the strike as if she felt no fear, except there were tear stains on the ground she faced.

"She's afraid" Summer made her way towards her and wrapped her arms around her.

"It'll be okay, it wont work. Not if I'm touching you"

Summer sounded more sure than she felt.

"Fine, then you both die" Gilvert looked down on both girls. "Pathetic"

He began to swing down again

"Sorry, but when it involves her that's where it becomes my problem" Ness spoke rather quickly, unusual for a man of his stature.

Using Na's tips he halted the attack.

"It is useful to fuse your aura with your weapon. However that's the weakest opponent against Na."

He smiled, a bit of sweat forming by his eyebrow.

"Oh no...Professor Goodwitch has used up a lot of his aura already"

Still he smiled.

"Miss Rose will you be so kind as to stab this man in the back of the knee?"

Without question Summer dashed behind Gilvert gripping the blade of her sickle tightly.

Ness smiled at Gilvert weakly and Gilvert smiled back confidently adding more force behind his strike, igniting sparks in between both blades.

Then the sparks stopped. The halberd was no longer glowing red and Gilvert's eyes began to droop as he hit the ground.

"Bother..." said Ness once more looking down at Summer who could only smile sheepishly.

"Don't even think about it" Ness' foot trapped the fallen halberd as Myrna tried to make a grab for it.

"Thinking you can regain your honor by killing us don't you?"

"It's rude to read a lady's mind!" snapped Myrna The professor scoffed "Please, even someone without the skill can read your intentions clearly. Regardless of that..." he trailed off gave her a side glance, his eyes glowed green as he looked at her.

He picked up the staff with his foot and striked her neck with the wooden end. Causing her to fall barely conscious besides her brother.

"What are we going to do with them?" asked Summer timidly, she figured he'd be angry with her.

He sighed frustrated "Miss Rose, your heart is in the right place. I won't fault you for what you tried to do."

He pulled out his scroll and a few handcuffs.

He groaned "This is going to be so much paperwork" as he began to chain them together.

"Who...who are they...?" asked Summer curious as to why they were after the Branwen family and not her.

"Don't be so arrogant little one. Not all of Remnant is after you, the majority of it hardly knows you exist."

"That wasn't my question" she answered a bit acidly.

"And the answer doesn't concern you. All you need to know is that these nuisances don't matter to you. Now onward."

"Wait, we're just going to leave them here!?" despite being astonished she still followed behind him.

His answer was laced with laughter "Does someone want to get out of class already? Today is your entrance ceremony. You cant miss it."

"But-" she tried to argue "He must be worn out after all that"

"I've already alerted the Veil police now hurry or you'll be late"

Her lips formed a tight line.

"I can't believe he was going to do such a thing to his own sister..."

"If it makes you feel better they weren't actually related."

"It doesn't"

Ness shrugged.

Is everyone this heartless...? Is this the world I'm supposed to protect...and even the professor...he was just going to let it happen...I don't understand...

"You know Summer...there are many different types of Huntsmen and Huntresses...it is up to you to hang on to hope if you so desire. However some of us...some of us are more aware of how the world is and have lost faith in it...it happens to all the Huntsmen and Huntresses who manage to live this long"

His words made Summer feel sad yet hopeful. "I'll just have to change the world then" she said lightly

Ness dwelled on what she said "Or cover it in a veil" he thought. "Well...a veiled Remnant wouldn't be so bad. At least the civilians will feel safe..."

The pair reached a cliff the sun was still high in the sky "Look" he told Summer "There's your new home"

She smiled "Its...so big...it looks like a castle..."

Ness took some pride in that. He was a proud teacher at Beacon after all.

"But..." said Summer feeling uneasy,

"What?" asked Ness in shock, because there couldn't possibly be anything wrong with his precious school.

"Do we still have to walk?"

After walking the rest of the way, Ness found it difficult to keep Summer behaved. She was so excited to be in such a new place.

"I do question if a semblance can change, yours seems to have transformed into speed-stay by my side or else I will put a leash on you!" He threatened.

That made her a little more manageable.

"Where is everyone else?" She asked looking around the empty courtyard. They couldn't have possibly arrived before them. Sure she had a head start this morning but they did walk most of the way.

"They are inside listening to the headmasters speech"

Summer gasped and attempted to run inside the auditorium. Only to be held back by her cloak.

"I'm not joking about the leash" he said again

"I don't believe you're capable of joking professor" Summer responded pridefully her nose in the air.

He scowled and let go of her hood. "Very funny miss Rose"

Walking once more they headed away from the auditorium. "What about the headmasters speech?" She asked sadly.

She wanted to see Qrow, Raven and the rest of the students, she craved human contact so badly.

"We are going to go see him now"

Summer looked at him confused "The headmaster...?" she looked back to the auditorium.

"It'll make sense in a moment." He assured her.

She crossed her arms and glared at the ground.

Ness rolled his eyes "Glynda was never this difficult" he thought

They entered a clock tower

"Has your hand healed up yet?" Asked Ness as they entered an elevator.

"Not entirely...I don't understand what happened...it's like it was breaking through my aura...my semblance...my entire being...

Ness nodded as he pushed a few buttons.

"One can't always rely on their semblances Miss Rose, same with weapons. Though you maneuver through it well."

Her lips became a line once more and waited for more information.

The elevator began to move.

"Our weapons are an extensions of our selves. They're more like partners rather than tools. What you saw that man do, was him channeling his aura threw his weapon. Shielding it from your touch"

"I see..." I wonder if I'll be able to do that too?

The elevator doors opened

"Also professor, how were you able to drain those people of their aura with one hit"

Goodwitch smirked as they walked out of the elevator.

"That is something you'll learn in my class"

Summer gasped excitedly "So I'll be able to do that too!?"

The professor chuckles "Not unless you make a weapon like Guilt-Na"

Summer groaned "Then what's the point?" she exclaimed

"Knowledge" he answered and thumped her forehead, already fed up with her outbursts.

"Now, now Ness." A new voice spoke. "Don't be so mean to Miss Rose"

Summer looked up and saw a man dressed in green with graying hair greet her.

"Hello! I'm professor Ozpin. Nice to meet you"

He smiled kindly at her and extended his hand towards her.

Despite how kind he seemed, the man made Summer cautious.

"You're not real" she mumbled, her eyes vacant.

Her hands quickly covering her mouth.

She apologized "I'm sorry! That was rude of me! I don't know where that came from!"

She took his hand surprised that it was solid and shook it.

"My name is Summer. Summer Rose"

Ozpin laughed a little "she's adorable" he thought

"Welcome to Beacon academy. Now I hear you have silver eyes. Can I see them"

Her apologies ceased, but her head remained bowed. Her body stiffened.

"Do you want to use me too?" She asked beginning to lose trust of those around her once more.

She gripped her cloak to keep her hands from shaking.

Ozpin shook his head "No. Nothing without your agreement"

Summer swallowed hoping to hydrate her dry throat.

She raised her head and pulled down her hood. Her bangs were long and her eyes barely visible through them.

To Ozpin her hair seemed black but in the end he figured out it was the deepest shade of red he had ever seen.

"Do you always keep your hair on your face?" he asked openly confused.

"Yes" she answered her voice cracking.

Ozpin looked worried "are you afraid of your eyes?"

Summer nodded.

"I see" he walked around his office confidently sipping some coffee. He looked at her then rested his hand on her head.

"Miss Rose I don't believe you're dangerous to any students here."

His words caused her to look up at him, her cheeks a blazing red.

"But I-"

He held a hand to stop her from talking.

"I had you brought up here so that I could evaluate that thought. You mean no harm to others. If anything you seem more heroic than villainous."

Her lips began to quiver as she held back tears.

"What I see before me is small girl with a large curiosity for remnant. I believe Beacon can help you gain the tools necessary for that"

"Please don't tread so cautiously. Make yourself at home, make friends" he laughed "make enemies if you want!"

He patted her on the shoulder and led her towards the door.

He knocked once and a blonde serious looking woman answered.

"This is my assistant, Miss Glynda Goodwitch. She will show you to the cafeteria."

"Goodwitch?" She asked looking at her professor.

"Yes she's my wonderful daughter" said Ness proudly.

Glynda stared daggers at her father who quickly turned away.

"Follow me Miss Rose. All first year students are sleeping in the cafeteria tonight and tomorrow is your initiation..."

Glynda explained the schedule to Summer as they walked out. Once they couldn't hear her anymore Ness turned to Ozpin.

"Why didn't you tell her?"

Ozpin shook his head "She's not ready"

"What? What does that matter? I'll train her myself if you want but-"

"You misunderstand Ness." He looked towards him.

"Let her live freely. Let her dream without nightmares."

Ness shook his head but agreed in the end.

"You disappoint me" Ness said boldly

Ozpin held his laughter back "Grimm are more patient than you"

Authors note

Hello, sorry this is so late...I really have no excuse but I hope you like it. Please leave me your reviews. My writing is rusty and any comments really help. Thank you.