Author's Notes: So after this one, we got two more chapters before the end. Thanks for all the comments and encouragement guys, and for your patience, since I know this story has been a long time in the making. However, this is just the start of things, really; the series has a long ways to go. I've got a lot going on in my life right now, trying to get out of the military and get myself seen about. So the next story might take time, too. But I promise to keep writing. Anyways, thanks again and feel free to message me anytime.

Music Choices: Color Green by New Politics, Vidar by Fuimadame, Ain't No Devil by Andrea Wasse

Looking Glass

Chapter 36

Closing

I spoke with Ozpin the other day.

We haven't gotten along much since your disappearance. I think he resents that he no longer can keep tabs on you, and that we don't tell him your whereabouts. He never says so, obviously. But sometimes, I see the question hanging from his mouth, before he changes the subject. We hear stories in the news, sometimes, about the tribe. The reports are concerning, but I also know you wouldn't do something that you didn't believe in one hundred percent; I just hope you're staying safe.

He's gotten closer to Qrow, too, more than he was before. That worries me, but I couldn't tell you why. Qrow's been going on more of his missions lately, for longer and longer periods, spying on Salem's agents; keeping tabs on the Maidens in his service. It's dangerous, yet that's not what bothers me. It's like…Oz's doing it to spite you, not to benefit his actual cause. At least that's what it feels like to me. Maybe I'm wrong. I know I'm biased.

I also think he resents me for not using my aetheri abilities the way he wants. I try to heal the Grimm, at least the ones who were never meant to become what they were, when I can see the difference; and he thinks that's dangerous. That anything under her influence needs to be completely destroyed and prevented from simply recycling into her service once again.

But that doesn't make sense to me. They're just people, right? Lost, suffering people who died horribly and it isn't their fault what's happening to them; it's not their fault the world is sick. Some of the spirits say he can't abide that which doesn't align with his idea of 'order', and I'm honestly beginning to believe them. Oz wants a world that's safe, yes, but safe for who I think is the question that needs to be asked.

One of his students, a girl who came into too much power far too soon in her life, has been buckling under the pressure. She's a Maiden, and it is a mantel that is clearly crushing her; the poor thing is struggling so much already, and that added to it, the knowledge that comes with it…I don't envy her. He wants me to try to mentor her, on how to find balance, and I find that deeply ironic. However, I agreed, of course. I start tomorrow. Combine that with regular hunting and my own investigations, I barely have any downtime, or time with Tai and the girls.

I wonder if he's just trying to keep me busy.

…..

The tribes moot continued in all its rowdy, mysterious glory for a week. They stayed busy, each day passing in a blur of color, excitement and sounds. When there wasn't an event going on, Taiyang would bring Nwfyre several choice alcoholic beverages and sincerely ask her to teach them about apprehending rogue Hunters. Much to Summer's own surprise and amusement, Nwfyre actually did take the time to show them some moves from her repertoire; it mostly involved putting them through takedowns, talking about strategy and talking shit about how bad they were. However, her skills her were undeniable; and they really did learn some new moves.

When STRQ wasn't getting their butts handed to them by the Morrigan, they attended the festivities like everyone else. Several events stood out, besides the skin changer ceremony, and they were all interesting in their own way; if less bizarre, and if less adorable results.

The Dustfire show was, for obvious reasons, the most explosive. A group of people from every tribe, their most apt fire Dust wielders, were chosen by the people running it. Raven and Ciara actually got to represent the Branwen, while Kindling and Jan represented the Black Dogs, and so on. In the end, there twenty four volunteers total; Summer was certain they were going to burn the sanctuary down.

The arena where they performed was bigger than the one where Tai and Akara had fought, and on the outskirts were people tasked with the safety of the performers and the crowds. Several were armed with ice and earth Dust crystals, others with buckets of water, fire proof blankets and medical knowledge.

Summer and Taiyang had taken up in one of the ancient trees surrounding the arena to watch, and were later joined by Qrow. The ceremony started with one of the lead preformists creating fire whips from her gauntlets, utilizing some kind of Dust spray that ignited with her aura, and painting huge swaths overhead, making them sparkle, explode or paint images. Then things got really crazy.

Each of the preformists wielded some variety of Dust weapon that had been modified for ceremonial use more than actual combat. They each had partners, and in concert with them, danced with the spirit of fire, which was apparently what the ceremony was ultimately dedicated to. Some were high energy, all about acrobatics and mock combat; others were slower, showcasing control and finesse, or even mock skits or comedies with partners chasing after each other. They split the ceremony into twelve, one group going first and then the other; even in their tree, it had been pretty toasty. The sheer heat generated by all the fire Dust was impressive.

Raven and Ciara had been in the second group. Summer hadn't really known what to expect, but found herself surprised and more than a little mushy; because it hadn't been mock combat or anything like she had expected. It was Ciara 'showing' Raven how to wield fire, Ciara performing a motion and then Raven copying her; and from that, Summer got this intense image of a little Raven carefully and precisely learning some knew thing from her parent, trying again and again until she got it perfect.

Each woman was wielding two poi, which were essentially two short ropes with fiery balls coated in Dust at the end. Every repetition grew more and more elaborate, until finally each one was combined in sequence as parent and offspring moved in concert around one another; like small stars orbiting each other. It grew faster and faster, to the point that Summer was nearly surprised; she wasn't sure how they weren't hitting each other, considering how close they were as they wove in concert.

However, they never did, and with a final flare, Ciara extinguished her poi and Raven repeated the entire sequence. She was a firestorm, crafting a vortex of Dust and fire in rhythm to the drumbeats without ever losing control of the situation; and when she finished, she extinguished the poi, and bowed to her parent. Ciara hugged her daughter, beaming, and the two bowed again to the crowd before walking off together. Qrow had sniffled a bit at the end, trying to be discrete as he pretended not to be teary. Both Summer and Taiyang hand very, very pointedly not commented on that at all; even if Summer thought it was very sweet.

Another ceremony of note that week had been of a more serious nature, where the new Barghuest would be chosen. It was overseen by the heads of each tribe, and one of the Jiani, the strange entity who had bestowed the skin changer abilities. Contenders from the White Fang, the Branwen and the Black Dogs were allowed to compete; it was a trial by combat, once more, but one in which weapons and Semblances were allowed.

Each contender was coated in paint and glyphs, and fought one on one, two pairs at a time. Fighting to the death was permitted, but considering these were mostly the different tribe's best fighters and strategists, they did not encourage such. The winners from each round would continue, until finally there was only two left. At last, it was only Akara and a faunus man from the White Fang.

Summer wasn't certain why the Black Dogs had wanted Akara as a potential Barghuest. She was certain that leading a tribe was more than simply being strong, or fierce, or really suspicious of other people's motives; you needed some amount of wisdom surely, and she had up until that point not perceived him as being particularly wise.

The Black Dogs were also mostly faunus, at least eighty percent so, and why they'd want a human with a disposition like him running things hadn't made a lot of sense initially. Until Summer realized that Akara was not human; he was a hybrid, and the last person he would be challenging would be his faunus father.

Kali Belladonna had been the one to share this gossip with her. The Belladonna's had invited Summer and her teammates to sit with them to watch the fights, commenting on the politics involved and the different contenders from their camp. Kali was not fond of the faunus who was Akara's father, claiming he was of a rather extreme faction in the Fang who often caused them issues. He had fought in the war, and believed the White Fang should be far more aggressive towards human intolerance. His thoughts on the matter were apparently growing more popular, and Ghira was struggling to keep things in hand at times at times. If he gained control of his own tribe, he would be even more of a problem for the activists.

At last, the final conflict arrived. Akara and his father, an immense bull faunus with impressive horns and a vicious looking disposition, entered the ring for their fight; the boy was smaller than his father, but no less serious. In fact he looked even more Grimm and determined than usual. There was no chest beating or howling for this fight, and Akara's friends were hovering anxiously in the crowds.

As the White Fang supporters cheered for their man, Summer leaned forward, watching. The Jiani waved its staff to signal the start of the fight, and the arena exploded into action. Akara's Semblance was apparently a blue, ghostly fire that trailed over his body and could drain the aura of his opponent. He utilized his sabers to direct swathes of blue fire out to keep his opponent on his toes; his father's Semblance was not immediately apparent, until he took a hit from the flames.

The faunus's aura illuminated in red, before exploding outwards; the ground shook, and debris flew into the air. Every time Akara's father took a hit, he could redirect the energy and turn it into a literal explosion, reminding Summer somewhat of Tormund's ability to manipulate kinetic energy. The faunus's abilities completely lacked precision, however; he just exploded like a bomb at every opportunity, and yelled a lot.

Akara had to keep his distance from his father because of that ability, however; his father's weapons were his fists, protected by large, gnarly gauntlets with spikes. As they continued their fight, Taiyang watched the boy he had feuded with, an empathetic expression on his tan face. Summer slipped her hand in his, and Raven kept shooting him brief glances.

The fight lasted a long time, longer than any of the others so far. Eventually the combatants were clashing with their weapons and Semblances with blinding ferocity, their auras lighting up constantly with blows and slashes. Suddenly, Akara was flung back by and explosion, and his father charged after him like a train, screaming bloody murder. Akara dodged the crushing stomp to his skull, spinning away with a snarl on his face. His father howled, trying to grapple him; and then Akara dodged, bringing a glowing saber up and down, hamstringing one of his father's legs.

He didn't hesitate when the faunus stumbled, raining a flurry of blows all over him until his aura broke, and driving a hilt into his face; his father fell like a sack of potatoes, unconscious and bleeding on the arena floor as Akara shook, panting above him.

The arena had fallen silent. Then someone howled, causing goosebumps to break out on Summer's skin. Another person took it up, and another, and the entire Black Dog camp was howling for their new Barghuest. Akara stood up, tall, and lifted a fist in the air as the crowd went wild. The Jiani waved the staff, and that was the end. Akara strode, limping, out of the arena, leaving his father on the ground. There would be another ceremony where he would take up the helm, but it was for the chiefs of the tribes, and not something Summer would get to witness.

"I have to say, I'm relieved," rumbled Ghira. "I was afraid Aurochs was going to kill his own son there for a minute."

"Would he really have done that?" Summer asked, feeling horrified at the idea. She knew the answer, but it was still such a hard thing to grasp. She had always been fortunate to have family that loved her, she knew; but the idea that a person could hate their own child was something she had difficulty grasping.

"Yes," Kali glared at the arena. "He is a despicable person, and hated Akara for leaving him. I worry for his other son at times. We would never tolerate abuse in the camps, but I think Auroch's is still a bad influence on him. He's just a child at the moment, though, barely three years old. Perhaps this will be our chance to provide better caretakers for him."

Taiyang said nothing to this at the time. Later, however, the blonde approached the other boy and congratulated him on his victory. There had been an understanding between them in that moment, in their eyes; and Akara had accepted the congratulations sincerely.

The last real ceremony of note was the closing, where the chiefs of the tribes would renew their pledges to one another and their mantels, in view of their people and the gods; it was held at the statue of Hekate, and a procession was led through the cavern by Reaper.

To Summer's surprise, the other woman had approached her and asked that Summer walk with her; and Summer had very nervously agreed. Reaper then took Summer under her wing, the older aetheri showing her what to wear, what to say, and what would be expected of her. Their ceremonial attire was hooded cloaks, much to Summer's own comfort, which Reaper pulled out of a trunk in her small tent.

"Now," Reaper said, looking Summer over in her robes. "How much experience do you have consciously using your abilities?'

"Um. None," Summer smiled awkwardly.

Reaper gave her a bewildered stare, before sighing and shaking her head.

"Alright. We need to fix that, but one thing at a time," she said dryly. "You can see the strings yes?"

"Sometimes? When there's a lot of spooky stuff going on?" Summer drew out. "Or uber Grimm trying to chow down?"

"Ok, well first, it's not spooky stuff; it's the manifestation of conflict between opposing forces, when the intentions of the universe for a certain outcome is most concentrated. What you're seeing is everything that led to that moment, and how it is all connected," Reaper waved her hand. "But your squishy meat mind is translating it into something it can actually comprehend. You aren't seeing fate, mind you, or fortune, but the present becoming…aware of itself."

Summer blinked, trying to process what she meant.

"I know, it's hard to grasp at first. That's how my mentor explained it, and he was terrible with words."

"Um. Then why does that affect Grimm?"

Several raiders walked by the tent, and Reaper waited for them to be out of earshot before answering.

"Because most Grimm aren't aware of themselves; when you manipulate that energy, you are making them aware, you are bringing their conscious minds into the here and now and interrupting the curse that is preventing them from doing so. You are jamming the signal, essentially."

Summer still didn't really understand, but the mention of a mentor had perked her interests.

"So, as for the rest of it-"

"Wait, you got a mentor?" Summer interrupted.

Reaper sighed through her nose, nodding.

"Yea."

"How do I get one of those?" she asked, meeting Reaper's eyes seriously.

Reaper gestured irritably.

"We're talking about ceremony stuff, stay on target."

"I am totally on target," Summer replied, her tone heavy. "But Reaper, I'm not dumb. I know I need one, because I keep attracting all kinds of shenanigans and I have no idea how to deal with it, or what is going on, and at this rate I'm either going to get killed or get my team killed; and that is not an option. How do I get a mentor?"

Reaper stared through her mask. Summer wondered what the woman looked like underneath it.

"I mean Set especially worries me. He keeps finding us, and even pulled me into an astral plane or something in the middle of the night and it was a complete nightmare. And apparently," Summer looked around the sparse tent, noticing several mirrors oddly placed. "He isn't even the worse thing I need to be concerned about. I need to know what I'm getting into, and the risk I'm exposing my-"

Family.

"Friends to. So if you know someone, or what I should do, then please tell me. Because I need all the help I can get."

Reaper folded her arms, her head tilted as she considered what Summer was saying.

"Set is…well, he's a tricky son of a bitch, but ultimately the things he does helps aetheri," Reaper grumbled under her mask. "He cares about the aetheri. The people who hunt us, well, he hunts them back and they typically don't survive the encounter. He isn't your enemy. Why he's taken an interest in you, I couldn't say; but it's likely because he knows something and is actually trying to assist you. In his own fucked up little way. He's never what he seems or what he presents himself as. But, he can be very fucking annoying, as I very well know. As for finding a mentor, well, it's typically a family member."

Summer felt her ears droop. Her father was dead. He couldn't teach her. Reaper stared at her dejected expression, her body language growing louder; for a moment she reminded her of Raven.

"But that isn't always feasible, especially for novices," Reaper admitted. "I was lucky. I had my parents when I was young, and then I…well, I had your father."

Summer froze, eyes widening as she stared into Reaper's mask.

"Fen taught you?"

Reaper snorted, her mouth twisting in a wry smile.

"Yes. He saved my butt in the spirit planes once, and then we kept meeting. I was further along than you in my training, but I was also very, ah, stubborn and had a habit of biting off more than I could chew. And your father had the very annoying habit of showing up right when I needed help the most. Or an ass chewing."

Summer felt herself smile.

"Frankly, I never would have lived this long if it wasn't for him, but don't tell him that," Reaper admitted drolly. "And I suppose this is his idea of how I make good on my debt and pay him back."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean what I said. There are no coincidences with aetheri and the people who come into their lives. I'm going to be your mentor," Reaper tipped her head.

Summer fought the urge to wiggle. It was difficult. Instead, she broke out into an even wider smile and enthusiastically hugged the other woman, who coughed in surprise.

"Thank you!"

"Yea, yea, yea," Reaper patted her back awkwardly. "Now, can we focus on getting you ready?"

"Yes!"

Summer bounced back, listening intently as Reaper explained what they would be doing. After several hours of discussion and practice, it was finally time. Reaper led the way from her tent, wearing her dark cloak and mask, twin weapons in hand. Summer followed after, hood up and her face painted like a wolf skull; personally, she thought she looked extra spooky, but kept her comments to herself. Sol and Mani were heavy in her hands.

The tribes had gathered at the mouth of the cavern entrance, and were surprisingly solemn. The chiefs were all adorned in their own ceremonial attire, helms painted in bloody glyphs. None of them stood before the others, all of them standing side by side, their weapons in hand as well. The Jiani had gathered nearby, all twelve of them; they still gave Summer the willies, though she noticed some looked like armored people more than the one from before.

Reaper strode past the chiefs and Jiani, stopping before the cavern mouth and Summer nervously took up besides her. It was dusk, and cavern was darker save the luminous plants and fungi. There were no torches lit.

A bell rang, its voice deep and melancholy, then again; and then Reaper began to hum, lifting her right hand and the weapon it held. Summer's eyes widened as a current of silver light began to manifest, vibrating in concert with Reaper's voice. After several seconds of this, Summer joined her, hesitating at first before relaxing and growing louder.

The light grew, brighter and brighter, pulsing out from them; before in the distance, a tone answered them. A string of silver light burst from the dark cavern and met them where they stood, enhancing their own light. Summer's hair was standing on end, because she could hear music coming from the cave, entwining with their own, welcoming them. Then Reaper began to stride forward, and Summer moved in concert with her.

The two aetheri led the way into the dark, silver light washing out over the cave floor, their footsteps trailing silver as the tribespeople followed after them. Over a thousand people, walking silently along the illuminated path. Summer could see things in her periphery, shadows and shapes that were there but not, overlapping. Sometimes she felt as if things were touching her, brushing fingers through her hair, or along her cloak. However, she didn't stop; and the cord that was pulling them along grew ever brighter as they approached their target.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the statue of Hekate and the two aetheri parted ways; Reaper went right, as Summer went left, touching their glowing weapons to the strange glyphed torches that encircled the statue. At her touch, each one would burst into silver flame and one of the tribes would come to stand by it, claiming it as theirs.

The chiefs entered the circle once Reaper and Summer had illuminated the entire circle, trailing one after the other up to the statues feet. Reaper and Summer had come to stand at the statue and knelt in concert, flanking it as they faced the crowd. Summer could see her paramours and Qrow by the Branwen torch, watching with anxious eyes.

Each chief approached the statue of Hekate, laid their weapons at her feet and knelt on one knee, before repeating their vows. Vows to serve the free peoples of the world. Vows to fight back, to protect, to spill blood when necessary, to bring balance, to honor the spirits and the dead. Each one was different, but all the themes were the same; and at the end of each vow, the light that pooled at the statues feet, pulsing in rhythm to Reaper and Summer's voices, would reach out and touch the chiefs' weapons, reestablishing their vows and their connection to the sanctuary.

The Morrigan actually went last, kneeling quietly at Hekate's feet. Summer glanced at the older woman, though she did not look at her. Nwyfre's sardonic voice was intense, serious as she spoke.

"Hekate, a friend comes to you once again, to renew my vows and my pledge to serve your people. I see things in the coming dark, and know your hour approaches. I swear to assist you in making your will manifest, I swear to protect the Branwen and your children, and I swear to sacrifice what I must in order to so. Guide me in the hour of your coming, use my blades as yours and impart on me your wisdom, that I may always see the path."

Summer felt her eyebrows raise, but said nothing as the light touched the green Dust katanas, causing a brief flash. Then Nwyfre bowed her head, took up her swords and stalked away towards her people. Reaper began to trail off, allowing her voice to soften, and Summer's followed suite; and then the silver faded into the dark. However, each of the torches was still alive with silver fire, and each chieftain took up their torch and led the way for each tribe out of the tunnel.

The procession remained silent until they entered the sanctuary, before making their way to the largest gathering spot. The chiefs strode into the clearing, taking their torches and lighting a bonfire in the center; it burned silver, casting odd shadows around the arena. The tribes gathered, some drumming, others talking amongst themselves.

Summer rejoined her teammates, feeling self-conscious even as they smiled at her and her face paint. They didn't speak, just huddled close and watched the proceedings. Summer felt Raven take her hand, and then Tai slipped is own warm palm in hers.

The chiefs stood in a circle, nodding to one another. One of the Jiani had joined them, the one from before; a bell rang again, and silence fell in the arena. The Jiani spoke.

"Free people of Remnant, our time together ends once more. But we go into the wilds, the hills, the tundra and plains, and our bonds are stronger than ever. Our enemies are many, and they grow more numerous by the day. But so do we."

Assents and shouts in the crowd.

"Wherever you go, you are never alone. Your fight is our fight, your fight is our ancestors fight, and the spirits remember. You are warriors. You are healers. You are freedom in all her terror and beauty. Know this, and fear nothing."

More shouts, drumming and raucous, joyful screams.

"You are all the goddess's children, and she lives in each of you. Remember that in your darkest hour, you burn the brightest of the people of Remnant. And know this, free children: that that which is free-"

"CAN NEVER BE TAMED!"

And the people howled.