Author's Notes: Man, we're finally fucking here. Lol. Thanks for reading and commenting, guys.

Music Choices: The First Hunter from the Bloodborne Original Soundtrack, The Call of the Mountains by Eluveitie, and Walpurgisnacht by Faun

Looking Glass

Chapter 29

The Moot

STRQ spent the remaining night and morning in the medical bay. It honestly wasn't so bad, considering they got to wash up, sleep and eat. Nwfyre came back to talk to the twins in the middle of the night, when Taiyang and Summer were sleeping; Summer woke to them having whispered conversation, one much calmer than before. She did her best to give them privacy, closing her eyes and listening to Tai as he slept.

Later, in the grey of dawn, Nate and Marcus snuck them some biscuits, bacon and coffee, in exchange for storytelling; apparently rumors were circulating wildly throughout the ship, and they wanted the details of STRQ's exercise in weaponized stupidity. Marcus was especially enthusiastic, and was thoroughly convinced that they were absolute madmen; which was, apparently, a good thing.

However, one of the more dangerous ideas that was making the circuit was that Taiyang and Summer were spies for the Hunters, and had led them to the fleet in the first place. Which wasn't that hard of a leap to make; it was at least comforting to know that both Ciara and Nwfyre were dispelling that rumor.

"Best as their able, anyways. Akara's camp is particularly stubborn about hating you," Marcus nodded wisely, cleaning his fingernails.

"He jealous," Nate grunted, taking a bite of biscuit and honey.

"Of my luscious locks and rugged good looks?" joked Taiyang.

"Yea, for sure."

The blonde had woken before Summer that morning, rising to check on Qrow and Raven; he seemed in a better mood than before, but Summer still wanted to talk to him at some point.

"No no, he's totally jealous that you guys are with Rae-"Marcus started before Nate covered his mouth.

Summer's ears flicked up, glancing at her girlfriend. Raven was eating her breakfast, appearing completely unconcerned, save for her bright red ears. Qrow was rolling his eyes, taking a long sip of coffee. Marcus finally licked Nate's palm, who looked at the slobber in disgust before wiping it on his friends face.

"What? It's true," Marcus cackled, rubbing his face with his sleeve. "He's always liked you for some reason. I dunno why, considering you'll probably eat him and wear his skin as a leather cloak after the wedding. But hey, whatever makes him happy I guess."

"I'd only save that privilege for you, Marcus," Raven droned.

"But how?! I'm so stringy!" protested Marcus, flexing.

"I'd make it work."

"Aww thanks. That's so creepy."

Raven chuckled sinisterly as Marcus stared in mock concern.

"Is Akara going to be a problem at the moot?" Summer interrupted before the conversation could spiral into even more bizarre depths.

"Eh," Marcus shrugged. "Maybe? I know he wants to throw in his lot for the mantel of Barguest, so he'll probably be too busy for spilling tea."

"Don't underestimate him," Nate grimaced, rubbing crumbs from his chin. "He's half the reason ya'll have guards on your door. And his crew is small but…passionate."

Taiyang and Raven both frowned, sharing a look, before Raven spoke up.

"I'll talk to him," she grumbled. "Jealousy or whatever isn't an excuse for all that."

Summer glanced at her partner, a proud little smile tugging at the corner of her mouth that made Raven flush even further before focusing on cleaning her blade. The group let their conversation drift off to lighter topics once again, before Nate and Marcus were summoned for preparations for landing.

STRQ finished their simple yet filling meal, cleaning up as best they were able and talking to keep themselves occupied; they did weapons and supply checks. Tai reorganized the dimensional pockets in his cargo shorts. They inspected their injuries.

Summer's fancy new scar was a livid, warped line in the upper left of her stomach, on top of the much lighter scar tissue from her burn. The burn scarring had previously been much more extensive, but had since faded. At this rate she was going to have quite the collection before graduation.

"How's it feel?" Tai asked, scooting closer to her on the bed.

"Mm. Still tender, but way better than yesterday," Summer insisted, still holding up her undershirt.

Tai nodded, before kissing her tummy and Summer giggled. His stubble tickled.

At least it didn't hurt to laugh anymore. That was probably the worst part, in her opinion.

"Mwah. Yea, Nate's the best. I say we adopt him as our very large son."

"There you go with that bullshit again," Qrow drawled from his bed.

Raven chuckled, sharpening her blade with her good hand.

"Shuddup, I'm just saying he's saved my life, and Summer's life, and is like the mega-cleric. We should adopt him. He could stay at Beacon and apprentice with Amosa. Or be our fifth member."

Qrow snorted, tossing a Dust round up like a tennis ball and catching it as he lay on his bed.

"You just want him around in case you get wrecked again," Qrow grumbled.

"Why are you being so salty man?" Tai asked, folding his arms.

"I have a high sodium diet."

Tai squinted suspiciously. Qrow ignored him, tossing the round. Summer wondered if he was still upset from yesterday, and if he needed another hug.

"Hey? C'mon, what's wrong?" Tai asked, watching his partner.

"Nothing," Qrow said irritably.

Tai watched him knowingly.

"Well that isn't true."

"What would you know? I can't just sit here?" Qrow snapped. "Do you need that much attention all the time?"

"Hey, woah," Tai's eyes widened. "Ok, I was trying to find out what was wrong man."

"Stop trying to fix my problems when I don't have any," Qrow groused, sitting up suddenly. "I'm fine, I just don't want to fucking talk."

Raven had finally stopped sharpening her blade, watching her twin and Taiyang without speaking. Summer considered trying to mediate, but realized this was a partner issue that the boys needed to resolve on their own.

"….Ok, whenever somebody says 'I'm fine' it's total horseshit. Did I do something? Like-"

Qrow looked like he was about to have an aneurism. Finally, the harbinger simply stood up, grabbed his stuff and simply strode out of the room. He spoke to the guards outside the room, before stalking down the hallway.

Tai gaped, before scrambling to follow after him before pausing. Raven was shaking her head at him, going back to her sword.

"What? You know something. What did I just do?"

Raven paused again, sighing and setting the whetstone on the mattress.

"You hurt his feelings."

Taiyang groaned.

"Ok, thanks Raven, I figured that much!"

"Don't get shitty with me for having to spell it out for you," Raven glared at him dangerously. "You're his partner. I shouldn't have to hold your hand and help you resolve your personal interactions, and frankly, you shouldn't expect me to. That's your responsibility."

Taiyang shut his mouth, looking at Summer for help; she gave him her best 'you got yourself into this mess face, you fix it' face. He exhaled.

"Alright. You're right, I'm sorry."

Raven watched him for a moment, studying him before coming to some conclusion.

"Dust, think. You keep giving him stupid 'good luck charms' and then going on about Nate, whose Semblance is considered praiseworthy and useful, instead of a potential liability."

Taiyang's eyes squinted.

"You know he's insecure about that. Then we just had a big team whoopsie, where I got wasted by his Semblance, once again, and Summer was nearly murdered."

Tai's eyes widened.

"He feels like I don't really want him as a partner because of his Semblance?"

Raven pretended to ring a bell, tilting her head sardonically.

"Ding ding ding. He got it, ladies and gentlemen."

Taiyang's face was caught between distress and bemusement.

"But! No, I never meant any of it that way though! I meant the opposite of that! Surely he understands that, right?"

"It doesn't matter if he knows that. Feelings don't care about what you know," Raven huffed, before going back to her weapon. It was an awkward procedure with only one good arm, but she made it work somehow. "Just tell him directly why you value him as a partner. No cutesy bullshit, no joking, just be straightforward for once. And he'll come around, and realize he was being a baby."

Taiyang stared at her, mouth opening before he seemed to change his mind.

"Huh. You are surprisingly insightful about emotions," Tai observed after a moment.

"Wow, if that impressed you, you really must think I'm some kind of sociopath," Raven drawled.

Summer hid her laugh, turning away.

"OH come on, not you too," protested Taiyang.

"Tai?"

"Yes?"
"It was a fucking joke," Raven said without looking up.

Tai made a face at her, before heading for the door to find Qrow.

"The guards won't let you out," Raven hummed.

"What? But they let him go."

"Because they like him," Raven looked back up. "And probably owe him lots of money from poker."

Taiyang tossed his hands up.

"Oh that is donkey dick!"

Taiyang studied the door longer, clearly considering just knocking around whoever tried to stop him.

"He's not going to come back either! He's just gonna go be broody somewhere and then never want to talk about it again-"

Raven rolled her eyes, snapping her fingers. A black and red vortex burst open, filling the air with the scent of ozone. It made the hairs on Summer's neck standup, but in a good way. Tai made a face once again, before glancing down at Raven.

"Thank you."

"Whatever. You owe me," she shrugged as casually as she could with one arm.

He hesitated, before very cautiously reaching out and patting her good shoulder. Raven raised a single eyebrow slowly, before Tai had darted out of reach and into the portal. Raven shook her head, going back to her sword, a confused smirk on her face.

"Fucking weirdo," she snorted.

Summer smiled curiously, but kept any comments she could have made to herself. They'd figure it out themselves.

"Go to your stations, all inflight and anchoring personnel. Man turrets five, seven, nine, and eleven; set full bore. The fleet will begin transiting Hel's Gates within fifteen minutes."

"Hel's Gates?" Summer repeated curiously. Raven's face had lit up at the announcement; she sheathed her sword carefully, spinning the Dust cartridges habitually before turning to her.

"Come and see," she grinned at her.

Summer felt her heart skip a beat, following after her girlfriend as she made another portal. They jogged across the wasteland that stretched between Raven's portals; in the distance, Summer could see some great structure hovering like a desert mirage. Then they exited by the boys, who were currently in the midst of their feelings talk; Summer waved at them encouragingly, but didn't stop to interrupt them, instead climbing a ladder-well to the deck above.

Summer blinked as sunlight struck her eyes, but clambered up onto the cedar planks. All around them, Chen's people were scurrying, setting up along extra watch stations and establishing comms. Two burly pirates were hefting a monstrous looking Dust canon between them, grunting and cursing everyone who got in their way; they set up on the port side, expertly putting the weapon together.

Raven moved through the crowd, weaving until they found a clear area with a decent view. Summer leaned against the railing, ears perked as she stared into the distance. Two immense shadows suddenly swooped down from above, on either side of the fleet.

The Nevermore was a familiar sight by now, it's gigantic wings buffeting the deck even at a distance. However, the winding, scaly form of the Grimm that dove in and out of the cloud cover to starboard was unlike anything Summer had ever seen; a dragon type as long as several Nevermore wingspans, with a great horned head and pale mane. It didn't have wings, but flew regardless, like a serpent in the sea. It's face turned toward the Shi Yang at one point, and Summer could see the helmeted figure of Chen riding behind the Grimm's crest.

How do these people tame Grimm this way? It's clearly more magic or some other means, but it's crazy that no one else seems to know about things like this. Then again, who would believe them?

A Grimm of that size and power might not be classified as a Settlement Killer, but it surely ranked alongside the Jotun and other mega types. It suddenly roared, a noise that shook the planks and her very bones. The pirates hooted appreciatively, creating an encouraging ruckus as Chen clearly showed off for her people. Nwyfre and the Nevermore did not engage in this showboating, but that was hardly a surprise.

Summer shook her head in wonder and disbelief as the Grimm and their riders continued to flank the ships, which had come together to create a narrow formation. On the horizon, they could see a mountain, one with immense spires of black, gold, white and violet Dust crystals bursting forth from the ground before it. Chunks of broken off land floated about, forming a moat of islands miles wide around the mountain and spires.

Occasionally, bursts of electricity would jump between the crystalline peaks or lash out at the floating rocks that came to close. Some electric currents were miles long, connecting complex, constantly fluctuating chains between the crystals and the metallic rocks.

So far no Grimm had targeted them, though the pirates were watching the skies and floating debris cautiously. The fleet's scouts were coming in closer to the ships as well, their gliders collecting beneath their vessels.

"You see how hard it is to approach the mountain? Between the gravity crystals warping space uncontrollably, and the electrical Dust constantly discharging, it's impossible to approach safely by air," Raven pointed out.

"Sooo why are we doing that?" Summer asked.

"Watch," Raven smirked, causing Summer to roll her eyes affectionately.

It was stressful to merely stand there heldplessly as the fleet approached the maelstrom. The hairs on Summer's neck were standing up once again, only this time it was due to her own nerves and the static that lay heavy in the air. She habitually reached for Raven's hand, but it was, of course, in a sling. So she settled for edging closer.

Finally, the Grimm riders took a hard left, guiding the fleet between two of the largest floating islets. Waterfalls poured off ancient cliffs and down into oblivion. Vines thicker than a soccer mom's minivan hung about the isles at various levels, some actually disappearing into a crevice that opened like a hungry maw beneath them.

Summer sniffed the air, hackles bristling. She spotted the dull glint of concealed weaponry, figures moving about on the isles and vines; from several dark burrows burst the buzzing forms of hundreds of hornet Grimm. The pirates tracked the entities but did not fire, even as the entire hive surrounded them.

Chen and Nwyfre reacted calmly, Chen's dragon forming a constantly moving, protective ball about her fleet. The Nevermore hovered, warbling, in front of the Shi Yang. Suddenly, a hornet Grimm of significant size and decoration, floated lazily up to the Nevermore. On its back was another helmeted figure, decked out to nines in patchwork armor and neon green warpaint.

"Yo. Where are these people getting ridable Grimm?" Summer whispered, leaning forwards.

Raven smiled mysteriously at her and winked. Summer shook her head, watching the interaction. She couldn't make out what was being said. However, after a few moments, the hornet rider lifted a staff over their head and the hive dispersed to a more comfortable distance. Then, the Nevermore screeched and dove down towards the black maw beneath them. The ships followed, at a slower pace, as Chen and the dragon continued to circle them protectively.

The crevice was at least half a mile deep beneath the soil. It was completely dark, however, Summer knew it was not empty. Shadows and scents would speed past, and she could hear things scuttling along the walls. She had the creepy feeling that they were being followed by a horde of monstrosities.

Lights flickered about, weaving like ghostfire. Summer shivered as it grew colder, her breath misting in silvery puffs. Bat wings fluttered overhead, and a flock of Hellwings screeched by, leaving them unscathed. In the dark, the Nevermore called again.

Suddenly, Summer could see a brighter, white light at the bottom of pit. The Shi Yang shuddered as her propellers slowed, sails shifting as the pilot and her crew slowed the vessel even further until they rested above the cavern's bottom. Stalagmites, or stalactites, jeered up at the fragile Mistrali craft, glowing with mosses and bacteria. Summer exhaled softly and the ship shuddered once again before sailing forward.

More Branwen had come up on deck, shifting about as they cradled their weapons and watched everything with wary, squinting expressions. The crew of the Shi Yang continued about their duties, unperturbed; the glowing lights of the fungi colored the deck in eerie, shifting lights. Summer spotted Akara and his fellowship leaning about, leering defiantly at the sky. She met the boy's eyes once again and he grinned nastily at her; she glared back defiantly, until with a smirk, the boy pointed upwards. Despite herself, she looked up.

Past Chen's dragon, the walls of the crevasse loomed. The bright speck of sky and sunlight was nearly blocked out by the black and white forms of thousands of Grimm. Summer had never seen anything so awesome or terrifying in her life; however, she refused to show fear. She looked back down at Akara, who had been studying her reaction and gave a cheeky shrug before turning away.

The ships continued, encased by the dragon as they flew between two carved pillars into a tunnel that could have fit Beacon in its mouth with ease. The pillars were decorated intricately, each as different from the other as imaginable; one was the very picture of nightmare, all snarling figures, faces and heaps of bones. The one on the right was beautiful, made to look like a living tree nestled with animals and entities that Summer had never before seen. Crystals, of the normal variety, grew naturally from it at intervals.

The tunnel walls were mostly bare. However, there were occasional statues dotting the perimeter. The first stood out the most, considering it was surrounded by a pool full of glowing wildlife. A woman in a cloak, cradling a scythe in one arm and reaching out with the other. Bright shrines surrounded the statue, covered in offerings and candles. Smaller statues of animals and entities hung protectively about her. Summer stared, a sudden pang in her heart that she couldn't name striking her. Her eyes were watering for some reason.

"You ok?" Raven whispered, startling her.

Summer nodded quickly, trying to dispel the unbidden tears.

"Yea, I just. I dunno," Summer looked back at the statue as the ship sailed slowly past. "I feel strange."

Raven tilted her head in concern.

"Do you know what that is?" Summer asked softly.

"Not really," Raven shook her head. "A goddess from the old religions I think."

"Hekate," came a reverent voice behind them.

Ciara had approached silently, nearly startling Summer. The woman was wearing loose, ceremonial robes, adorned in herbs and trinkets. Raven made room for her mother at the railing and the ginger sidled next to her daughter, her face uncharacteristically solemn. The girls studied Ciara for a moment, before looking back out over the immense tunnel full of ghostfire and tittering things.

"What do you know about Remnant mythology, Summer?" Ciara asked.

Summer pursed her lips in thought. She knew the myths of the Rindvallis clan, folktales of Saunus and Vacuo. However she had never heard of Hekate, or anything that referenced the things she had witnessed over the last few months.

"Not enough, apparently," she smiled ruefully.

Ciara continued to watch the tunnel and the ships progress before speaking again.

"Well, a very long time ago, there were many religions. These days, there are but a handful; however they all originally evolved from one. And it currently tells of the creation of the world and its people, crediting it all to two gods. Two brothers. One of light, life and creation. One of darkness, destruction, and Grimm."

Summer nodded, having heard of the tale from her biological parents, and in her studies as a child.

"But that story, the one that remains in the Kingdoms and amongst the scholars in their books, has been edited. The myth of the two gods didn't originate in any Kingdom that remains on Remnant, you see? It started in the free tribes of the world. Our stories are passed down by the spirits, and those that work with them."

Summer felt her eyes widen, thinking of Set and the strange things she had seen in her dream that was not a dream.

"And they tell a different story, because they remember best the things that have been lost to us by time. And the machinations of man," Ciara sighed. She sounded tired.

"What's the different story?" Raven asked, curious now.

"Primarily, that the world didn't originally have only two major gods," Ciara said gently. "It had three."

Something whispered in the back of Summer's mind. She thought of silver.

"The god of Light. The god of Darkness. And the goddess that embodied the Balance between those forces," Ciara waved, gesturing to the statue they had passed. "The spirits claim that she governed the realms between, the doorways that connect our world and those that are more ethereal. She was a guardian, protecting travelers, spirits and the dead. While the gods created and destroyed as was their natures, she provided sanctuary and kept the peace between both sides. Nothing that lived was all darkness or light, after-all; only the Grimm or the god of Light's angelic creations could claim that mantel. In Hekate's realms, all things were considered sacred. And through her guidance, the world became a place where life, death, and the forces between could actually exist."

Summer and Raven shared fascinated looks, before Summer spoke hesitantly.

"What happened to her?" she asked.

Ciara sighed, shaking her head.

"No one knows. The spirits all claim different things, though, and that's the problem. One day she was gone. And both gods believed that the other was ultimately responsible. War broke out between them, of the world ending, apocalypse variety. Neither of them could actually best the other, obviously, but their creations suffered. Eventually, they came to their senses and seeing the horror they had wrought on the world they both loved, they left, believing that it was for the best."

Summer's ears drooped. She wasn't sure if the story was true or not; but it was certainly a depressing one. Raven's face set stubbornly but she didn't speak.

"But when gods go to war, it changes the very fabric of existence. And of course, there was all the baggage that was left behind," Ciara rolled her eyes. "There's more, naturally. But that's the lay of it."

Summer met Ciara's eyes as the ginger looked her way, smiling sadly. Summer had a thousand questions, but could only think of one to ask then.

"Cici, what are the aetheri?"

Raven's eyebrows rose, but she didn't interrupt. Ciara's eyes crinkled.

"Her children."

Summer felt her mouth drop before she closed it. Before she could ask anything else, ship shook, banking around a curve in the tunnel. The ceiling rose sharply, and she gasped.

They were underneath the mountain. Stretched out in every direction was a paradise of green, sheltered by huge juts of crystal. Light shone through from huge sheets of glacial ice, and blossomed from fungus that grew in mossy sheets from crystal and stone alike. Summer could smell flowers, fruit and old growth decay. Trees that were so old they were nearly rotting in their hearts reached and twisted towards the sunlight. Ruins of what was possibly a temple rested amongst the entwined vines and forest, crumbling in some places, yet still standing.

The Branwen and crew of the Shi Yang were making a ruckus as well, whooping at the sight as their scouts finally dropped away to glide off alongside their ships. The dragon Grimm sliced through the air, unraveling from its circle to fly ahead at last, a booming roar bursting from its mouth. It was promptly answered by a variety of forms that scattered the gargantuan cavern. The Nevermore was hovering over a field, where tents and a variety of buildings had sprang up. Summer could see small figures darting about, and the not so small figures of Grimm lumbered.

"Well, we made it. Again," Ciara exhaled in relief, straightening as she cracked her back. "You girls should finish getting ready. It's going to be a very busy, very loud couple of days."

Raven nodded briskly, taking Summer's hand with her good one and moving through the pack of exuberant tribespeople. Summer was trying desperately to stay present, focusing on the cool hand in her grasp, her anchor. Yet her mind was still so full of questions, and the ever present sound of silver.