Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY it rightfully belongs to RoosterTeeth.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
Italics and underlined are summon talking
**Communications through scrolls and other devices
Chapter 35 Dream
(Location: The Vault underneath Beacon Academy Sonus continent Kingdom of Vale Remnant)
Ruby and Yang silently walked the dark hallways. They didn't like this place it was so creepy. According to Ozpin this place is serve as a shelter in case of emergency. Not the kind of shelter they would like to be in that's for sure. Neither of the sisters have dared to ask the headmaster the weird looking machine ahead. The only reason for them to come here was because they will come to visit their mother every now and then. To checked up on her and see if she has done any progress. Though it was still weird why would she'd be kept here instead of sending her to the hospital. It was Qrow who answered their question. It was to keep her safe. Being in an underground chamber in the school was safe enough. But that was it, their uncle nor the headmaster wouldn't give any further details. But the place where the woman was being kept had everything she needed.
If the sisters thought what happened to Summer was horrible. It was only the beginning. It wasn't that long since their leader left Beacon. After finding out the tragic news of his father the girls were feeling bad. They could still remembered how Jaune took it. The poor guy was in shock and denial. He must have felt worse when he will arrived to his home and find out it was all true. So that was it while the Arc was away, team JPRY was on a temporary hiatus until he returns. It was bad for the two. They have come to care for the team so much. Heck, Yang didn't even care about the tournament. And she was the one looking forward to it the most. But since finding out about the passing of Jaune's father. It felt like competing didn't matter anymore. It bugged her there was nothing she could do. Not her, not Ruby, not Pyrrha can do anything for their dear leader. However, there was one bothering the two girls about the Arc's well being.
That he won't be able to get it over his father's death that he might not be the same anymore. It scared the both a lot. What if he quits being a huntsman, then team JPRY will be no more. It was a possibility even if Ozpin gave his opinion telling them it will be all right. That all Jaune needs is some space away from all of this and spend his time with his family. To them it was more than just a team. They were a family of really good friends. They couldn't imagined their lives without Jaune and Pyrrha. It will sadden them especially Ruby who has come to care so much for the team than anyone. The same girl who used to shy and awkward in making friends. She has sure come a long way since she first arrived at Beacon. Yang pulled her little sister closer trying to comfort her. If it wasn't their mother, it was their leader. Everything was so well with fulfilling their first mission until the shitty news came.
How many times Yang wished all the bad things that happened to her and her sister were nothing but bad dreams. Her mother leaving when she was just a new born, Summer being in a coma for seven years and now Jaune's father dies. She hated bad things happening to good people. The Arc never deserved something so tragic like losing a parent. The brawler really wanted to go with him and help him in any way she can. But it was as Pyrrha said, there was nothing that neither of them could to help. This was something too personal for them to pass their boundaries. It was better for the blond leader to be with his family and take all the time he needs until he feels better. That is, if he does get better. He was so broken when he found out. Yet, he was still thinking about the tournament. Yang really hoped he returns all better it will tear her apart if he doesn't. It was the same with Ruby and her red head partner.
They reached the room where it was being used to housed their mother. It had all the equipment needed for the older woman to keep living. Summer stood in the same position she's been in the past seven years. Laying in that bed unconscious, receiving food through her nasal tube. She's become a little thinner but that expected for her condition. And her hair has grown so much, it was very long. It might even reached her heels if she ever stands up. Ruby walked over to her mother as her eyes teared up. It will always break her heart to see her like this. Her older sister walked over next to her. The blond brawler was in the same boat. Summer was her mother, she was the one that raised her while her biological mother left her. She will always care for her and be grateful for the silver eyed woman. The lilac eyed blond pulled the red cloak girl closer to her.
"Yang?"
"Hm..What's up?"
"I wonder if mom is dreaming. I've read the people in comas usually have long dreams and that they can also hear people talking when they're near them."
"Where did you read that?" the blond expected she must have read it in a book in the library, but library and herself will never mixed.
"The internet, duh."
"Right. There's all kind of information there. Almost forgot" she grinned a little.
"You should read more sis and stop posting photos of our team at Remnant book page."
"There's nothing wrong with spreading the love of our team at social media."
"I really hope she's listening right now" Ruby ignored her sister's comment" so she knows how much I miss her."
"She already knows."
The silver eyed petite dried her eyes not taking them off from the unconscious woman" do you think she will ever wake up?"
"Of course she will. What kind of dumb question is that?"
"What if she doesn't?"
"Ruby?"
"It's been seven years and here she is. Still not waking and not a single sign that she's getting better. I really want to believe everything will be fine but now...I just can't think that anymore."
"Enough sis" Yang sighed doing her best to comfort" this mom we're talking about. Slayer of monsters, baker of cookies, Supermom, remember? She's too tough to be beaten."
Ruby only lowered her gaze.
"Look" Yang gave a sigh" I know it's not easy to think positive but you have to. You can't give up on her. I'm not giving up on her, so why should you?"
"I really want her to open her eyes" the reaper turned to her older sister ready to break down.
"She will, I just know it" the blond brawler pulled her to a hug" if you can hear us mom. We're here and we want you to know that we will always believe in you. You're not going to let some coma stop you. Kick it's butt!"
"Yeah! Supermom can't be defeated. Just wake up because me and Yang missed you a lot and we also missed your cookies. There are none like them in all of Remnant."
"Feeling better?" the blond smiled.
"Better" Ruby took her mother's right hand and gave it a kiss" please mom do it for us…."
The two girls remained silent staring at their mother for a few minutes. Neither felt liks saying another word but Ruby went to hold her hand again. Watching, waiting, for a sign that she will respond to her touch. For a moment she thought her hand got a gentle squeezed. But she didn't wanted to lift her hopes up. The red cloak petite has also read that people that are in coma can make slight gestures like moving their hands, a finger, even facial features. In the end she will be hurting herself so it was for the best not to jump to conclusions. The sisters finally decided to leave and head back to their dorm. She felt a hand petting her head as she turned to her older sister smiling at her. For now, they will have to worried about the tournament and of course their blond leader.
"Yang?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think Jaune will be okay?"
"I don't know" the brawler's eyes softened thinking of the Arc" you saw how he acted before he left. He's not all right."
"I hope he comes back soon."
"We talked about this already Ruby. Jaune needs time. This is something that can't be rushed. When he's ready to come back, we'll be there. Right now, let's get some training done."
"That's right we can't forget the tournament is in a week. I'm so ready."
"That makes two of us. Let's go have a triple threat match with Pyrrha. See which one of us can hold on the longest."
"You're on sis! I will beat you."
"Not if I beat you first" grinned the blond.
Summer was running for her life. Everywhere she go, it was the same. There was an empty wasteland. No matter where she ran, there was no way out. It was like a wide labyrinth with no end. But she wasn't alone in fact she would have preferred to be the only one here. Oh no she had company, dozens of Grimm were charging right at her. They've been following her for who knows how long. Mostly Beowulves and Ursai. No problem for her except they was no end to them. The silver eyed woman has lost count on how many she has killed. Using her weapon Rosa she sliced through another. Using her semblance to killed a large amount of the dark creatures. They were all defeated as she resumed running. The growls and roars of more Grimm caught her ears. Why was this happening. This place didn't made any sense. No way out and the enemies wouldn't end.
That wasn't the only thing that was weird and out of place. The silver eyed woman has been hearing voices for so long. Voices, that were so familiar to her. Like she knew them very well. Why was she hearing them. Was this even real to begin with. It felt pretty real to her. Those Grimm were real and she wasn't seeing things. Her white cloak moved with the wind. The creatures were getting closer. It won't do any good to run. There was nowhere to go. Summer charged at them slicing them in all directions. She changed her weapon to twin gun mode. She threw one of them in boomerang mode while firing the other gun. They were all killed in no time. What was the point of all of this. Hearing voices, this place, the Grimm. It's like something was trying to tell her something. What was real and what was not. The woman felt a headache as she was thinking hard. Does it she supposed to remember something. Maybe, something very important.
"Qrow?! Taiyang?! Raven?!"
It was typical for her to called out the names of her friends and former teammates. But there was no one around in this empty place. Only Grimm that appeared surrounding the white cloak woman. Silver eyes narrowed as she transformed her entire body into rose petals slashing to every single one of the creatures. It's like the petals were sharper than any knife or blade. The petals unite forming the body of the silver eyed huntress. She was getting tired of this. Where they were coming from. It was like she was having an internal struggle with herself. Like she wasn't really here. Truly a weird feeling. Then something appeared before her. Summer gasped as a sphere pooped up revealing an image. Her eyes widened because she has seen this before, she has been there before. Now she knew this was a dream. What was the point of showing her this memory of her past.
"This is my first day at Beacon. I remembered I was so nervous."
A lone girl with a white cloak stood on a corner of the air ship. She wanted to keep her distance from the other people. They were future students of Beacon. All the faces she has seen are all new. That's why it was so hard to even talk to them. Let alone make attempt at making friends. Why does this trip has to be so long. It only made her more nervous. She has heard some of them talking so excited to finally starting at the huntsman school. Guess that was one way to describe how she was feeling. It made her happy to be accepted at such an exceptional school like Beacon. It made the silver eyed teenager happy. But the other part of young Summer, she was feeling nervous. She never realized so many students will be coming here. Meaning they all must be skilled. The white cloak girl decided to turn the music on her scroll, while putting the headphones. The music will help her relax and forget about those around her. Never realizing someone was watching her all along.
Her hood was on as she moved her head to the beat of the music. The rhythm guitar, the pounding bass, the crazy drums and the awesome voice of Cassie Williams makes rock her favorite genre. Summer smiled, moving her body a little it has worked. She was no longer worried about the new people or getting to Beacon. For now, she was in her own little world listening to her favorite singer. And just like that she spent over an hour as the ship was heading to it's destination. The silver eyed teen didn't realized it has already arrived at the docking bay of the school. She waited until everyone was off the ship so she can be the last one. Avoiding anyone and eye contact. Hopefully she can get through this day without making awkward conversation with some boy. Even with girls she had a hard time expressing herself. She knew she will be put in a team of four members so she will have to eventually learn how to make friends.
The teen girl gave a sigh, socializing wasn't her forte. Sure she can fight and kick major butt. But talking to people was hard. She hoped her four years in Beacon will help her get through it and by the time she graduates, she will be able to talk to others and make friends. Also, having a cool team that will accept her for who she is. Maybe she was getting ahead of herself. Summer finally left the ship once everyone was out. They were all walking the long path to reach the school. Her eyes widened in awe. It was so beautiful. Well Beacon is supposed to be the best in the four kingdoms according to the citizens of Vale. So it's supposed to looked very majestic like a castle from a fairy tale. The white cloak girl kept her headphones heading further seeing so many students her age. A smile spread her lips still not believing she was finally here.
Some of the students were talking out loud, others were showing off their weapons. Summer thought that was a mistake from her part. Showing them your weapon it's like showing them how good you are in a fight or how sharp are your skills. It was better to show it during the initiation exam to determined the team she heard about. Showing off your semblance was the same thing. She didn't had a problem if they were showing their weapons. Guess it will make a good topic to have a conversation. But she wasn't a weapon's maniac so it won't be a topic for her to have with someone. The silver eyed girl kept walking with her hood and headphones on. Obviously she didn't know what they were talking about. Her destination was inside the large building to the amphitheater where the opening speech was taking place. It better not be one of those long speeches or she will be bored to death.
"Why am I seeing this? What is going on?" the adult Summer was still shocked she was seeing this flashback of her younger self.
Once she went inside she had no idea where to go. The school was too big to even make a guess where the amphitheater is. All she could see was the many students wondering around, still talking. The young silver eyed girl sighed. Looks like she will have no choice but to talk to one of them and ask for directions. It was time to put her socializing skills to the test. She could go attempt to find the place on her own without help. Of course chances will be high she will get lost and miss the opening ceremony. That will not be cool on her first day at Beacon. Summer removed her headphone, pausing her scroll gazing over the nearest person. Gathering some courage she needed to sound confident and friendly. That was supposed to be the key in gaining friends. Who was she kidding, she sucked at this. She wasn't just good. Heck, she didn't had the courage to removed her hood in front of so many people.
"Someone seems lost…."
Summer gasped hearing the voice so close to her. It was true, the person was right next to her. Adult Summer who was still watching rolled her eyes remembering this part of her first day at the school. The male teen had graying black spiky hair, with dull red eyes. He was wearing a black jack with many pockets with a gray vest, dark brown pants with black boots. His weapon, a long sword was sheathed behind him. The silver eyed girl didn't know what to think of him. The way he was staring at her was really creeping her out. She mentally told herself she has this, she can do it, talk and make a conversation with him. And while she was at it, ask him for directions to the amphitheater. It shouldn't be that hard, she should be worrying more about the initiation exam instead. What could possibly go wrong. The older Summer couldn't helped but smiled at the memory. Remembering how shy she used to be.
"Let me guess. You don't know where you're going?"
"I…" the white cloak girl gathered courage" I'm going to the amphitheater."
"Which you have no clue where it is, right?" the red eyed teen smirked.
"Guess it can be that obvious."
"So what's wrong with your face?"
"N-Nothing's wrong with it…."
"Then why hide it?" he removed the hood making Summer gasped.
"I don't feel like showing it!" she defended.
"Whoa…." he stood in awe before her smirked" aren't you a looker. No wonder you've been hiding your face. Bet you will catch the attention of many guys. You're a real cutie."
"Huh…." she stood baffled not believing that just happened" did you...Did you just flirted with me?"
"So what if I did? I see nothing wrong. Why don't we get to know each other better over some dinner?" he winked at her.
"No way, you just hit on me and asked me out" she sounded more shock than embarrassed.
"Is that a yes or a no?"
"I...I...I don't even know you."
"My bad. Name's Qrow, so how about it? You and me on a nice restaurant. It's all on me."
Adult Summer have rolled her eyes again. Maybe if back then she wasn't so shy and insecure she would have accepted his invitation. After all, Qrow has always been handsome and a real charmer with the ladies. He just had to picked the wrong girl to work his moves on.
"You're the first boy that has actually asked me out" the silver eyed teen was still shocked.
"So I'm the first. Must be my lucky day if no one has called dibs on you yet. So what do you say?"
The white cloak girl didn't know what to say to be honest. Her first day of Beacon has turned from nervous to confusing. A boy has hit on her and asked her on a date. She knew things were going to be definitely different from her old school. But she had no idea it was going to be this different. Oh that's right, she still hasn't asked him for directions to the amphitheater yet. Guess the shock was too much for her to focused on her task. For starters, she never thought she was attractive. As sad as it sounds it was never brought on. Summer was always paying more attention to her training, studies than worrying over her looks. She was training to become a huntress after all, not a contestant for a beauty pageant. And Qrow stood patiently waiting for her answer. What to say, the silver eyed teen didn't know. She was praying for a miracle that would help her to get out of this new experience.
"Enough Qrow. You're scaring the poor girl."
Summer saw someone walking over to the male. A teen girl with ravenous black hair with red highlights and red eyes. She was wearing a red vest with red shoulder pads, with black shorts, a little below the knees, with red leather boots and a dark red battle skirt. Red gloves while her weapon a sword was sheathed on the right side of her hip. She had a resemblance to the boy. But her behavior was more serious. Her presence had this air of strict. Completely the opposite from the boy was flirting with her. One simple glance at her could tell she was meaning business. Her face was emotionless. Only showing seriousness.
"Came at a bad time. I was busy."
"I'd say I came at the right time. She needed saving before you get your uninvited hands on her."
"She was about to say yes" he defended.
"She was creep out by your advances. I don't blame her."
Summer had to chuckled a little at her comment.
"Always trying to ruin my fun. Just so you know I'm the first person to asked her out."
"Poor thing indeed. I see you had the unfortunate luck to meet my brother."
"Your siblings?" that took the silver eyed girl by surprise.
"We're twins. Sadly" she added deciding to introduce herself the white cloak girl" Raven."
"Summer, pleased to meet you."
"Not so pleased with meeting Qrow. This is the fifth time since arriving to Beacon he has attempted to flirt with a girl."
"Don't hate the player, hate the game. But she's the first girl I asked out. The others didn't made the cut."
"An unfortunate victim" Raven's comment made Summer laughed.
"I'm not the only one" her brother smirked" you already started building your reputation following me in my footsteps."
"Qrow, you will never see me falling so low to your level. I have morals."
"Really? Then what do you called that?" he pointed behind her.
Raven turned to see someone was behind her. She forgot all about it. It was a male teen with short blond hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a brow leather vest over a tan dress shirt with the right sleeve cut off. A metal spaulder, leather vambrace, and a brown fingerless glove, all on his right arm. A red bandana on his left arm with brown cargo shorts with a brown belt and black shoes. The blond gave a smile and a friendly wave to the three while the red eyed teen wasn't happy seeing him. Summer took a closer look at the blond. He seemed to be the nice guy, sociable and friendly. He didn't looked like he was trying to flirt with her unlike Qrow. The three people before her had different personalities. Adding her to the group they were quite the opposites. Quite the bunch of misfits and the thing she didn't seemed to be that nervous around them. She was still trying to get over the fact Qrow asked her out.
"What?" asked the blond seeing that the red eyed teen was glaring at him" I thought we were friends."
"You guessed wrong. We only introduced ourselves. It does not makes us friends. And it doesn't give you the right to stalked me either."
"Stalked you?! No, you got it wrong. I'm not a stalker, I was just tagging along."
"It doesn't give you the right to tag along as well."
"Can it Raven. He must have been attracted by your "unique charm" he can't help it" Qrow smirked while his twin sister ignored him.
"I'm sorry I mean no harm honest. I didn't intentionally wanted to angered you."
"She's always like that don't worry about it. You'll get used to it. Name's Qrow pal. You already know my sister Raven."
"Taiyang it's nice to meet you both" the blond smiled shaking hands with the red eyed male.
"Um…." Summer finally spoke getting the attention of the three teens" I'm Summer. Qrow, Taiyang, Raven it's nice to meet you all."
"Likewise didn't noticed you until now. My bad" the blond teen smiled apologetic.
The red eyed girl only nodded while Qrow gave her another wink. The silver eyed teen couldn't believed she has actually made friends on her first day at Beacon. This was starting better than she thought. It was easier than it looked. So that was a good sign and maybe these four years weren't going to be that bad after all. Now she was getting excited and truly looking forward to what Beacon has in stored for her. But wait, she sweat dropped. She still didn't know where the amphitheater is.
"So…." she started the conversation" anyone knows where's the amphitheater?"
"I do" Taiyang replied" I heard some students talking about it. I was about to head there."
"Great. You won't mind if you lead us there?" Qrow gave a glance at his sister as she didn't replied.
"Sure. No problem."
"Thank you" Summer felt so relief that problem was out of the way.
Adult Summer was still smiling at the scene. Those were some good memories. She watched them walked away heading to the amphitheater. Suddenly everything has changed before her. The silver eyed woman stood shocked as they were somewhere else. She was no longer in Beacon but at the Emerald Forest. She had a pretty good idea what memory was this. This was no doubt the initiation test she took. Her assumption was confirmed to be true as she spotted her younger self running through the forest. The beginning of the test. This was being very nostalgic for her. This is how everything started for the future team STRQ. She went to followed her teen self knowing since it was all flashback nobody could see or hear her. Summer didn't know why or how this was happening but seeing her past memories were making her happy. So she wasn't going to missed this one.
Boy Summer was caught off guard when she was sent through the air like all of the students that were participating in the initiation. Luckily she planned her landing strategy just in time to prevent any injuries. Though she found some of the rules of the test to be strange. Like the first person you see will become your partner for the next four years. She can meet anyone in this large forest. It was an unsettled feeling to have a complete stranger to become your partner. Having a partner was important when being a huntsman or huntress. That will be the person that will have your back in a fight. The person you can rely the most. It could even become your best friend. Putting that aside the white cloak teen resuming her journey remembering that there are supposed to be Grimm here. She has already taken her weapon ready for combat.
Taking another step she heard rustling in the bushes ahead. The silver eyed teen readied her weapon, hiding behind a tree. A strong hunch was telling her whatever it was, it wasn't friendly. And she was right as the thing emerged from the bushes. It was an Ursai. The girl grinned a little perfect timing to test her skills a real creature of Grimm. In her past school they used dummies that were supposed to represent the dark creatures. Now she will fight a real one. It looked it still hasn't spotted her yet. Summer read books of general Grimm studies. They would rely more on their sense of smell than their eyesight. So she needed to be careful the Ursai doesn't smelled her within range. Once it's back was turned the white cloak girl went for the kill. She slashed it a couple of times before going for the head decapitating it. That was it, fight was over before it started.
Another Ursai has suddenly appeared. Looks like the one she just killed wasn't traveling alone. Summer used her semblance to get some distance from the creature. It was charging right at her. It was easy to blocked it's attack since it wasn't that fast. She was fast changing Rosa to twin gun mode, firing a barrage. That wasn't enough to take down the Ursai. Once more she used her resemblance to right pass through it. Before it realized what just happened it was cut in half. The silver eyed girl was quick enough to changed back her weapon and made the final attack. A sudden sound caught her attention as a Beowulf emerged from the bushes shocking her. It must have been brought here because of the fighting noises. Though Grimm are more attracted to negative emotions. Before it charged at Summer it lost it's head. The white cloak teen saw the one responsible for killing it. A familiar face that made her happy.
"Glad to see you Qrow."
"Same. But it looked like you didn't needed any help. You can handle yourself pretty well."
"I...Think I should still thank you for lending me a hand. You saved me. Thank you."
"You probably would have taken it out before I got here. Anyway, looks like we're officially partners."
"Oh...Right, I-I almost forgot about the rules" she felt embarrassed.
"You sure you don't want to go out with me? The place I have in mind is really nice. You'll like it."
"Let's focus first on getting the relic and leaving this place" Summer sweat dropped that he was bringing that up in the middle of their initiation exam.
Summer and Qrow were now traveling together to their destination. The ruins of a temple where the relics are located. They're supposed to take one and head back to the hill where they were thrown into the air. It was a safer journey now that she wasn't traveling alone. Nothing to worry about. They did encountered a couple of Beowulves and Boarbatusk. But it was hardly a challenge for the two. The silver eyed girl had to ignored her new partner every now and then. Because he was saying comments like flirting with her again. Adult Summer, who was following them was still smiling. Guess if she was serious of having a boyfriend back then. Who knows, maybe Qrow would have been her man. The red eyed teen stopped talking as he signaled her to remain quiet. They could hear noise from straight ahead. There was a fight taking place.
As they got closer to the sounds they were able to see the ones in combat. It was Taiyang and Raven. Both teens were fighting two King Taijitu. Summer was about to helped them but Qrow stopped her. He knew his sister can handle herself just fine. He didn't know about the blond. But from the looks of it, he was a half bad fighter. Using two gauntlets as his weapon. He was a hand to hand to combat type, a brawler. The silver eyed girl stood watching as both were fighting, looking like they didn't need any help. Qrow was right. The white cloak teen felt sorry for the two snakes Grimm. It didn't took them that long to killed off the creatures. Both actually made a pretty good team. It was just like her and the red eyed male. Raven sheathed back her sword as she spotted her brother and the silver eyed girl he was trying to picked up. Now she felt sorry for the poor girl being a victim of her brother's flirting.
"Pretty good as always Raven" said Qrow.
"Taiyang was good too" added Summer.
"Thanks. I knew all the training I went through will be put to good use" smiled the blond.
"It seems were in this together. We're all heading to the same place" spoke the red eyed swords woman.
"Right. We have better chances getting to that temple safely now" replied her twin brother.
"Sure. I don't mind tagging along" said Taiyang.
The white cloak girl nodded happy to be with familiar faces. Adult Summer was still watching with the nostalgia still hitting her. This was the beginning of team STRQ.
The four resumed their trip further into the Emerald Forest. Luckily they didn't encountered any more Grimm. But it wasn't that long until they reached the center arriving into the temple ruins. There were several stone pedestals with different accessories. There were small round crystals in many colors. Some were missing from their respective pedestals. Looks like other teams have already come and taken some of the crystals. Obviously these were the relics they need in order to pass the test. Following the rules each pair needed to take one relic before heading back to the hill. So Summer took a red crystal with a symbol on the inside and Raven did the same picking the relic of the exact color. Having what they came here for the four decided to leave taking the same path to return to the hill. As they left the temple they were expecting things were going to be easier and it will be smooth sailing from here.
They were wrong as they went back into the forest, they were met by a large pack of Beowulves. The four have taken their weapons getting ready for the fight. Summer turned the other way and she saw another pack heading their way. They were going to be surrounded in a matter of seconds. They didn't had time to waste. But they couldn't escape them without a fight. So fighting them was their only choice. The white cloak girl was already calculating their situation and the best course of action. From what she has seen from the three they were all capable of taking on so many Grimm. So she will used that to her advantage.
"Everyone! Split up in different directions but don't get too far. We can't underestimate them no matter if they're Beowulves. They're still dangerous in large numbers."
Neither of them argued as they nodded choosing which direction to go. Taiyan went behind taking on the pack and Raven decided to support him. Summer charged the front with Qrow right behind her. No holding back, they all killed them one by one cutting through them as if they were skin was made of paper. Minutes later they were all dead as they vanished in black smoke. The battle was over as the four didn't broke a sweat, they sheathed their weapons back. Summer smiled, Qrow and Taiyang did the same. Raven just nodded in approval. The silver eyed girl thought she will never smile even if it was a big victory. Adult Summer kept watching as the four kept moving leaving out of sight. This time, she chose not to followed them. She knew what was going to happen next. But she was confused of all of this. Then everything around her changed again.
"This is…."
The white cloak woman was back at Beacon as they were in the amphitheater. This was the result of the initiation test. Everyone has passed with flying colors and they were just announcing the team names for the next four years. A younger Ozpin stood on the stage as her younger self and the other three climbed meeting the headmaster.
"Qrow Branwen, Summer Rose, Raven Branwen and Taiyang Xiao Long. The four of you have picked the relic of fire. From this day on you will work together as Team STRQ. Led by...Summer Rose."
The crowd applause and cheered at the new team. Summer was shocked not believing she was chosen to become the leader of the team. Qrow and Taiyang didn't had a problem with it. Raven however, stood in deep thought gazing at the silver eyed girl. The adult white cloak woman kept staring at the whole thing with a smile. That was one of the proudest moments in her life. The place changed again.
Summer was now standing outside of Beacon. She could see a bullhead ship landing at the docking bay in the distance. Team STRQ emerged from the ship. The silver eyed woman remembered this day so well. This was the aftermath of their first official mission as a team. She will never forget it. It was a memory that was still haunting even to this day. Qrow and Taiyang walked ahead of the girls. Neither said a word. The scythe user was in deep thought, he felt like he wanted to have a drink not caring of his age and the blond brawler looked troubled. Raven was her usual self not looking bothered. Young Summer however, had her hood on. Behind it her silver eyes were showing different emotions. But she was hiding it through her hood. The mission was a simple one for first years. Yet, it didn't went out as they expected. For the silver eyed leader, it ended so wrong.
Summer watched the whole thing with sorrow in her eyes. As the team was getting closer to her she knew her younger self will be reaching her boiling point any minute now. This was the first time she will have an argument with one of teammates. Usually she started getting along well with them. Qrow and Taiyang were easy, they immediately became her friends. Raven was the problem. The red eyed girl wasn't so talkative like and uplifting like her twin brother. Not all teams were perfect they will have their up and downs and this was one of those moments. As they were reaching the entrance to the school the young huntress has suddenly stopped walking. This caught the attention of the rest of her team. They knew what was wrong with their leader. Yet the red eyed sword woman didn't care, but she did stopped. She thought this was a waste of time and it was better to just make their report.
"Why…?" she whispered.
"Summer?" Taiyang was worried.
"Why?" she repeated a little louder.
"Why what?" Raven pretended like she didn't know.
"Why did you gave the order to retreat?!" she shouted finally snapping.
"The pilot of the bullhead said he was running low on fuel. We couldn't keep him waiting."
"That's it?! That's your big excuse?! You saw what was happening in that village. And we left all those people that needed our help."
"So what? We accomplished our mission. Our job was done."
"No it wasn't! We were supposed to help that village fend off against the Grimm!"
"Our mission was to escort that miner back to his village and we did. What happens after isn't our concern. The mission is all that matters."
"It doesn't matter. We couldn't just leave them all. You saw it, I saw it, we all saw it. How that village was being overrunned by Grimm and the city militia wasn't strong enough to stop them."
"And you're suggesting they would have had a better chance if we stepped in?" Raven gazed at the silver eyed girl" you saw their numbers. No matter how skilled we are we couldn't have taken them all out. We only would have prolong the inevitable. Only difference, if we hadn't left, we would have die too. That village was destined to be destroyed."
"How can you say that?!" Summer was shocked" you sound like you don't care in the slightest for the lives of all those people. There were women, children and elderly among those villagers. Are you really a huntress?"
"I said the mission is all that matters. That's what huntsmen and huntresses do. They follow orders like any other soldier and do their tasks given to them. We fulfilled ours so there was no need to stay any longer. If you thought we had a chance in saving all those people, then you're sadly mistaken. Or maybe you were expecting if we have stayed they were going to send reinforcements? Another team perhaps? Wrong. That wasn't the only village that needed protection. There are thousands all over the kingdom of Vale and the other kingdoms. Every day one will get attack by anything. Grimm, thieves not all huntsmen will be able to help them. People die each day that's how life works. Stop thinking like this is a fairy tale where you get to save everyone and they all get to have a happy ending. That's the kind of thinking that belongs to a naive girl."
Taiyang was about to say something but Qrow stopped him. He shook his head muttering to him that they needed solve this between themselves. Summer has remained silent not because she wanted to cry. But because she was SO angry with her teammate's views and ideals. How on Remnant can her brother put up with her. She knew Qrow wasn't like her in the least. She saw how hard he tried to help the villagers against the Grimm and so did Taiyang. Both were willing to give their lives just to help those people. But Raven wasn't like that. She didn't even made the effort of fighting off the creatures. She only called the bullhead to picked them up as the people were getting hurt or killed. The white cloak leader was so upset she was shaking. The red eyed girl wasn't fazed by her expression. She didn't care if she was angry with her.
"You're WRONG?! It's true that people die every day and we can't save all of them. But you don't know the true meaning of being a huntsman. It's more than just the mission. It's about helping those that are around us that needs our help. It's not a job it's OUR responsibility to protect the lives of the innocent from any kind of threat. That is our duty as huntsmen and huntresses we are the protectors of mankind. And today Raven you showed the wrong side of what not to do in the line of danger. No matter if we're only first year students your behavior was not the one of a true huntress."
"They were going to die anyway!" she finally snapped losing her patience with the silver eyed girl" they were going to die because they're weak. The weak die, the strong lives it's the law of the world. Only the fittest can survive and those that are unable to adapt to that law well, they don't make it."
"The weak die...The strong live" Summer muttered" yes, they're weak. Many people are weak but they hold on to what they considered precious to them. So in a way they're really strong. And if they can't fight to protect their love ones...Then that's why we're here for. We fight in their place to try and make the world a better place, for them, for all of us."
"….."
"Raven I never thought about it before but now I'm starting to wonder. Why did you came to Beacon? Why did you chose to become a huntress in the first place?"
The female Branwen didn't answered as Summer finally had it and decided to walked off leaving them behind.
"I'm done with our argument for the day. Now if you all excuse me I have to give my report to Professor Ozpin. Then I'll head to our dorm, I will take a bath and then I will get some rest. Though I doubt I'll be getting any sleep tonight. Because I'm going to be thinking of all those people that died in that village. I'll be seeing their faces. The father that died while protecting his family, the guy that helped his girlfriend escaped while he got torn to shreds, the old man that shielded his wife, the mother that shielded her baby even when she was losing her limbs and so on…."
"Summer?" Raven stopped her" if you can't understand my point then, you're not fitted to be a leader."
"If you can't understand my point then, you're not fitted to be a huntress or my teammate, or even my friend" she countered as she resumed walking and finally she was shedding tears.
"That was...A disaster" Taiyang muttered in shock.
"I need a drink" Qrow sighed.
"That was my first official argument with Raven. But it wouldn't be the last one oh no, sadly there were many to come throughout the four years we spent in Beacon" adult Summer gave a long sigh.
The setting has changed yet again showing the older huntress another memory from her past. Silver eyes widened as her team was now competing in the Vytal Festival tournament that was being held in Vale at that time. Summer smiled this was one of her favorite memories. Team STRQ was beating down the competition. They never stood a chance. Another memory was shown when she and Qrow fought in the doubles rounds. They were truly unbeatable. Eventually the white cloak leader went to the singles division until reaching the final round and obviously winning. That's when team STRQ gained it's popularity. After that the four schools knew who was the strongest team in Beacon. The adult woman stood watching as her team stood in victory ceremony. They were all pleased with their win heck, even Raven gave a smile.
The setting changed again and this time Summer wasn't that surprised. The next memory was four years after she entered Beacon. It was their graduation ceremony. After turning twenty the four members of STRQ have officially become huntsmen and huntresses, graduating with highest honors. Another happy memory of the silver eyed woman. But after that, things got complicated. Qrow was offer a job at Signal Academy in Patch island. Around the same time Ozpin gave him many missions. Needless to say the Branwen was very busy teaching, and traveling all over Remnant. Taiyang was also offered a job at Signal and he took it. Except he wasn't doing many missions, he focused more as a teacher than a huntsman. As for Raven after graduation she left for quite some time but returned to Patch to start a life with Taiyang.
Summer never thought the red eyed woman falling for him she was always ignoring his advances. But eventually she fell for the blonds charm in the end. She was very happy for both, they deserved to be happy. As for herself she had the usual job of a huntress, taking missions and traveling through the four kingdoms. Though Qrow was way more busier than her. He never came to visit his sister and teammate. But the white cloak woman wasn't stupid. She knew why he never bothered to drop by for a visit. It was his semblance. He was always worried whenever he was with them that his semblance will cause the death of one of them or the whole team. One day she visited the couple at their home. Though they haven't gotten married, they were happy being together. It was enough for them. That day she found out the most wonderful news. Raven was pregnant with Taiyang's child.
The blond was so happy and so did red eyed woman. But Summer had a feeling she was hiding something. Like she wasn't that happy to be having a boy or a girl. Maybe she was wrong and she had a right to doubt it. But her fears came true in the end. The setting changed again to nine months later after the joyful news. It was dark and it started raining when Summer was running through the streets of Patch village heading to Taiyang's house that was isolated from the small town. The silver eyed huntress was worried sick from the message she got it was bad. The blond man sounded so heart broken. She didn't hesitated to come. What if something happened to the baby during it's birth. Tai said the baby was due to be born this month. And she was also told that they just left the hospital so it was onward to his house. Finally arriving the woman knocked on the front door but there was no answer.
"Taiyang! It's me, are you there?!"
"What happened?!" she got more worried not getting a reply" did something happened to the baby?!"
"She's fine" came the voice behind the door.
The door finally opened revealing the blond man. He was carrying something small in a purple blanket. Summer felt so much better not caring she was soaked wet and her white cloak was a mess. A smile spread her features as the man showed him the baby.
"It's a girl. I named her Yang."
Summer was overjoyed seeing the baby girl with a patch of blond hair and beautiful lilac eyes. She was the combination resemblance of both parents. Then she started looking around the house.
"Where's Raven?"
"She...She left. She told me she wasn't planning in coming back" Taiyang sounded so hurt.
"What?" Summer couldn't believe it" did she said why she was leaving?"
"She didn't gave any specific explanation. She only said she was leaving that she didn't wanted to involve our daughter in her life."
"I know Raven can be cold sometimes but to leave her own family behind...I don't know what to say. I'm so sorry Taiyang."
"She made her choice clearly. What matters to me now is taking care of my daughter."
"Of course that's the most important thing to do. Yang deserves the love of her father."
"I will have to be both her father and mother too. I will do my best" he smiled.
Summer was shocked but her eyes were on the new born baby. Little Yang was smiling at her, she was so adorable. She truly felt sorry for Taiyang. He was a good man and she knew he was going to take good care of his baby girl. Even without Raven. It angered her she will do such thing as to leave them without a proper explanation. But having a father figure wasn't enough. Her blond teammate was a good man but his daughter deserves so much. Yang deserves to have a better life than only having a father as her only parent. Silver eyes were on the man as he was smiling holding his baby daughter. She felt sorry for him but deep down she wanted to be involved in this child's life. Because she wanted to feel the joy of being a mother. Then her decision was made. Qrow wasn't planning in dropping by any time soon and she doubted Raven will come back. So it was up to her to make things right.
"Taiyang?" she caught his attention looking at the silver eyed woman" is it okay if I stay here for a while? I want to help you look after Yang. I know this sounds sudden but I want to do my best for her sake. If Raven doesn't want to be there for her then it's her choice. She's missing out on the best experience of being a woman. I want to experience it for myself."
"Summer you…." he was shocked" I don't know what to say. You're willing to do that for me?"
"Not just for you, but for Yang too. Let's raise her together. You haven't forgotten I'm still the leader of team STRQ? I have a responsibility to look after my teammates and right now, you need help. If you let me that is."
"I...Of course. I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you Summer. Did you hear that Yang? Looks like you're going to have a mommy after all."
"Can I...Can I hold her?"
The blond man only nodded with smile as he carefully placed the new born in her arms. Summer smiled having a better look at the beautiful baby girl.
"Yang, I promise you will have a happy life."
"I will never regret my choice" the older Summer watched the whole scene in tears.
The days went by, the weeks and the months. Summer kept her word in doing her best to be there for baby Yang helping Taiyang. There were times she had to leave Patch island to do missions. But she will always returned as soon as she could. Anything for the little blond baby and of course for her father. At the same the silver eyed young woman was spending with Taiyang, more and more. Eventually she started developing feelings for the blond and it was the same the male brawler. Their relationship became one strong bond as they were growing closer and closer. Older Summer kept watching the events unfold smiling. She never regretted being there for the two and falling in love with Taiyang. Their relationship took the next step as they slept together. It was a night of passion she will never forget. The aftermath of that magic night resulted in her getting pregnant.
Obviously during her pregnancy Summer couldn't attend any missions. She spent all those months at Taiyang's house with the blond taking care of her as well as his daughter. It was double responsibility but he didn't minded he was so happy because he finally had a family again. Qrow has found out of the news and wrote to his two teammates sending his regards and congratulations. Though the silver eyed woman wanted him to visit them and meet his niece. The Branwen did replied he will go to Patch after taking care of some business. Ozpin really had him very busy or maybe it was himself that wanted to keep himself busy from seeing those that are close to him. Always taking his semblance so seriously. Summer did believed in his misfortune or bad luck. But that didn't mean he should keep a distance from everyone being all alone.
"I don't understand any of this. Why am I seeing all of these memories? What is the point of this everlasting dream?"
The setting changed again and now Summer was standing on Patch Hospital. Yet another memory she remembers so well and her most proudest one. This is the day when she gave birth to Ruby. She could see Taiyang, Qrow and two year old Yang in the waiting room. The blond man was so nervous it made the older woman smiled at the sight. The Branwen was looking like he usually does, holding his silver flask. Even when he couldn't drink inside of the hospital he would still do it. She was happy that the scythe user was visiting them more and spending time with his niece. The doctor shortly arrived breaking the tension as Taiyang left his seat dying to know if the birth was a success. Seeing the smile in the doctor's face filled his heart with joy and anticipation.
"You have one healthy baby girl Mr. Xiao Long."
"A girl" he smiled gazing at his daughter and Qrow.
"Guess females are the results of your product Tai" he smirked.
"Doctor, can I see them?" the blond ignore his former teammate's comment.
"Sure. You can all visit for a short period of time."
"Thank you doctor."
The scene changed again to the room where Summer was staying. The young woman was holding her new born baby in a thick white piece of cloth. The door opened as Taiyang, Yang and Qrow entered. The blond was the first to react smiling at his girlfriend and she smiled back. His blue eyes traveled to the baby in her arms who was sleeping. Tears filled his eyes as he hugged her, then gave a kiss at the baby girl. Older Summer watched everything with tears of joy. She was so happy that day.
"Yang come and meet your new baby sister Ruby."
Taiyang grabbed his daughter so she could have a better look at the new born baby. The little girl smiled seeing the beautiful infant with a patch of red blackish hair.
"I'm so happy. Now I have two daughters. Our family is sure growing isn't it?"
"You said it as you're expecting we're going to have another one" Summer smirked.
"You never know" he winked.
"Oh boy. I better leave before I start losing my lunch. Can it love birds. I came here to meet my new niece. After I'm done you can continue with all mushy stuff."
"Fine, we'll leave the mushy stuff for later" Summer gave a laugh.
Summer was no longer inside of the hospital. She was in another place only this time. It wasn't a flashback of her memories. It was a beautiful valley and everyone dear to her were present. Taiyang with eight year old Ruby and ten year old Yang. Qrow drinking his flask and Raven was drinking tea. Then she saw someone familiar waving at her. A ten year old boy with blond hair and blue eyes. It was Jaune. Why does it feel like she hasn't seen him in a long time. She smiled waving back at him and her daughters. She wanted to go to everyone but something was holding her back. It had to do with seeing her memories and now this unknown place. They were all happy and wanted her to join them. Something in her heart was telling her this wasn't right. The silver eyed woman was smarter than this, the key were her memories. Why did she saw them. Were they trying to tell her something.
"The memories were a sign to remind me I have a wonderful life. And I would never regret not living it. But it also shows another purpose" she kept staring at them as they were still calling to come join them.
"That it's not real. What I just experienced isn't real. In fact, none of this is real. I am not in my home. This is all but a dream. I wonder how long I've been asleep."
"Summer could you give me a hand here? I want to serve the cookies but there's too many of them" said Taiyang.
"I want to help!" said Ruby.
"I want to help mom!" followed Yang.
"Come on there's plenty for everyone. You're coming or not?" said Qrow.
"I made tea for you too. Please drink it before it gets cold" said Raven.
"Summer you promised you would continue teaching me. I want to be as strong as you" said Jaune.
"It all seems so real. I bet I can tough them. But this isn't real. I refuse to live in a world created by my mind. A dreamworld isn't suited for me. It might be better than the real world. But I wouldn't want it any other way. Besides...I still have a job to do."
"Everyone…." she tried not teared up" I'm sorry but I won't be able to join you. But I promise one day we will have a picnic similar to this one."
After she said those words everything turned black. Summer was right all along this wasn't real. Just something created by her imagination. And again she wondered how long she's been in this dream world of hers. There a sudden ray of light calling her. The silver eyed woman wasn't afraid as she made up her mind. The white cloak huntress walked closer to the light, it was warm. As she went further in everything turned black.
The nurse appointed to checked on Summer was done for the day. Everything was going normal with the patient. But just as she was ready to leave the room located in the Vault. The machine that was checking her pulse started acting up, it shocked the young woman. Eyes widened in shock seeing her body moving. And she couldn't believe it thinking she was dreaming and she was really sleeping during her shift. But this was real and it couldn't get any more real than right now. The only thing the nurse did is opened her scroll and contact the headmaster.
Because Summer's eyes have suddenly opened revealing silver eyes filled with life and determination.
To be continued
-Sorry for the delay it's been a very busy week for me but now I'm back with another chapter.
-Yay finally Summer's awake I hope I have surprised you all.
-Obviously this chapter was more focused on Summer and team STRQ. Now if Rooster Teeth could do a flashback episode featuring them or Summer.
-What will happen now that she's awake? You can bet there's going to be an emotional reunion with her daughters and Jaune of course.
-Boy volume 6 news really have my hype especially the one that RWBY is going to be serialized by DC comics. I can see a future animated movie with RWBY and the Justice League. But what could this mean to the DC t.v shows? Will there be a future crossover with Arrow, Flash, Supergirl and the Legends. I am so excited.
-In more volume 6 news Miles and Kerry said the series was going to get" darker" as it wasn't dark enough already lol. But this gets me very excited and now I have high hopes this coming volume is going to be better than the previous v5. They also said there were going to be new themes and new Grimm too. I'm sorry I'm too hype we're only 2 weeks away for the premiere.
-Which means I will wrote another chapter for this story before going back to Proving his Worth and eventually once v6 premieres I will update the long awaited Journey to Redemption. Hopefully I will finish Proving his Worth before the end of the year.
Replying to reviews and PM's:
*NinjaFang1331- thank you very much I hope you continue to read and enjoy the story.
*master 388- Crocea Mors is a sword but it has a special function to store lots of aura and only the aura of an Arc no one else. So it's not an actual key that will unlock people's death when you stabbed them with it. It's more of a key for Jaune's semblance.
*Bleachered shinigami pokemon- I can give you a hint but I'm afraid you might figure it out. But anyway this summon servant is both a caster and an assassin class.
*Dcraus- I appreciate you have decided to make a long review on my other crossover story RWBY Defenders on Remnant. Honestly I've been wanting to update that story but I have priorities with this story, Proving his Worth and soon Journey to Redemption. I don't know when I will update said story but thank you for reading it.
*Vanitas50- the summoning method is more inspired in the summoning of FFXIII when they shattered their crystal to bring for their Eidolons. It's like that with Jaune's semblance. His summons are crystal he can bring forth and when he shattered it, it releases the summon.
*haMBurgerMeaT- I'm done with all Naruto stories so don't lift your hopes up. I still don't know what to do with them. Put them for adoption, delete them or leave them the way they are.
*Killer-of-Clay- I have already explained I'm done looking for Betas thank you for volunteering. But I lost all hope in finding the perfect Beta reader for this story or any of my other ones.
*tanithlipsky- thank you I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
-As always thank you very much for all the favs, follows and reviews I really appreciate it.
Next time: Truth