Chapter 12
March 23rd, Summer Rose's Mind
Dark Summer looked at Summer, the two staring each other down.
"I'm going to release the chains on you," Dark Summer exclaimed, though Summer didn't respond, "I really hope I don't have to put them back on you again."
The chains soon started disintegrating, falling to the ground...Only for Summer to lunge at her with rage. Dark Summer merely raised an eyebrow, stepped to the side, and gently put out her foot. This causes Summer to trip, flipping her into the living room, and onto the coffee table, making it smash to the ground. Though, rather than cracking like a table would, it simply bent like it was made of plastic.
"Did you forget already? I'm the fighter within you."
"You're not me," Summer snarled as she got back up, "You're a parasite."
"Oh, real original, did you come up with that yourself."
"You ripped control of my body!"
"It's our body, and you weren't listening. If I hadn't taken control, we might've been killed, or, worse, taken back to Salem! You can complain all you want, but it's not my fault for failing to understand when to let someone else finish the fight."
"I am a Huntress! If I can't handle Grimm, then what good am I!"
"But you're not a Huntress. I am! I'm the one you turn to when we fight. Just because I'm more vocal about my opinion doesn't mean that I wasn't there for all these years!"
"Well, perhaps I never needed you!"
At that statement, Dark Summer actually laughed.
"You still don't get it, do you? You aren't Summer Rose. Neither of us are! We are simply two pieces of the same damn person who was foolish to try to kill Salem!"
Summer was too enraged to be shocked at her Darker self's accusation. To say that she isn't Summer Rose!? Ridiculous.
"Well, perhaps she was simply doing what any hero would do!"
"And there is your problem! You think you are the hero of the story. If you can't do it, nobody can! When you suggested more offensive moves against Salem, Ozpin turned you down. When Raven, someone who could literally teleport, and would be insurmountable to our efforts, refused to help in our mission, you continued anyways, thinking that, as some chosen messiah, it was your duty to save the world, even if no one else will. Well, LOOK at how that's turned out. Face it! This isn't our story anymore, you clueless dunce!"
That made Summer snap. The idea that all her hard work, all her efforts, all her suffering, and she would be playing second fiddle. She lunged at Dark Summer, the two getting into an arm grip. Dark Summer tossed Summer into the ceiling, causing a small crater to form. Summer stood on the ceiling, looking down upon Dark Summer.
"This fighting is pointless. If you are so insistent on keeping control, then I'll remain back here. However, if we end up getting captured, don't come crying to me."
Summer, however, wasn't content with that. This dark apparition of herself needed to be dealt with. Luckily, it seemed her choice was made for her, as a large snapping sound could be heard outside.
"Oh, great, the Sulfur got out," Dark Summer scoffed, "Now do you see how this division is only weakening us."
"Fine." Summer growled. She understood how her darker persona was thinking. Clearly she was still angry, but she was logical enough to see a bigger threat.
"Good," Dark Summer nodded as black liquid swarmed around her, turning her into the Grimm body she now inhabits, "Now let's deal with this."
March 24th, Patch
Ruby strolled through the town of Patch, carrying a bag of supplies. Turns out they had missed a couple things, and Ruby volunteered to go. Of course, her dad didn't like the idea of going alone, but she was fifteen now. She could easily handle getting groceries. Besides, barely anything happens in Patch, besides the Grimm attack every couple of months.
Speaking of Grimm, Ruby's thoughts still dwelled on the talking Grimm. While Yang easily accepted it, and hasn't looked into it that much, Ruby was overly curious, and concerned. Could Grimm always speak, and they just never bothered? Have there been other Grimm that didn't want to hurt humanity? If so, then, wouldn't that mean they had souls? It would be the entire Faunus issue from centuries ago, only much, much worse.
As she walked down the street, she was so preoccupied with her own thoughts that she didn't notice when another woman was walking perpendicular to her. This made the two bump into each other, causing the bag to drop and spilling the contents.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Ruby said as she knelt down to pick up the supplies, "I wasn't paying attention."
The woman waved it off as she knelt down to help her. Ruby noticed that she was actually shorter than herself by a couple inches. She had black hair and green eyes, and a sweet smile on her face. After a couple seconds, the supplies were picked up.
"Wait," Ruby said, looking over the bag, "I'm missing a can."
The girl pointed into an alley, where Ruby saw said can. Smiling, she ran down the alley. However, as she knelt down to pick it up, she felt an ominous presence. Like she just made a mistake.
"Miss Rose." A feminine voice called out. Turning, she saw the girl, still smiling, but her eyes showing surprise. The girl turned as well, and the two saw Glynda Goodwitch, standing at the entrance to the alley.
"Oh, Miss Goodwitch," Ruby sheepishly exclaimed, "Still in town, I see."
"Yes," she replied, "Perhaps you should be getting home, Miss Rose."
If Ruby wanted to complain, the stern look from Miss Goodwitch shut those thoughts down. "Oh, sure." Ruby picked up the can and ran up the alley way. "It was good to see you again, Miss Goodwitch." She yelled as she ran past her.
"Yes, it was." Glynda said, watching Ruby run down the sidewalk. In truth, ever since Ruby left the house, she has shadowed her. Just as she did everytime either Ruby or Yang left the house without Tai. Mostly it was Yang who did it, as Ruby was a social introvert, if what Miss Xiao Long statements were anything to go off of. Speaking of which~
Glynda turned her head back to the alleyway, only to find no one there. Her eyes widened as she gripped her crop. That girl didn't bump into her accidently.
'Salem might have her eyes on Patch now. Ozpin needs to know. Of course, after I make sure Ruby gets home.'
At the end of the alleyway, around the corner, the girl scowled. She was told not to engage, but she saw a perfect chance. How was she supposed to know Glynda Goodbitch was shadowing her? She blinked her eyes, revealing them to be pink and brown. She pulled out her Scroll and started texting to an unknown number.
Tried to grab Little Red.
Wait, what?
I tried to grab Ruby Rose. Save us the trouble. Almost had her, too, but Goodwitch was watching.
Did she see you?
No. She might be suspicious, but she never saw my true form.
Goddammit, Neo. Now isn't the time to go off the plan. It's hard enough for you to simply lay low in Patch. Stick to the Scary Woman's plan, and we'll bag them.
Neo scowled, she really didn't like Cinder. Strongarming them into helping her insane plan, whatever the endgame of it was. However, Roman knew when a fight wasn't worth it.
Fine.
Don't worry. By next week, if we're lucky, we'll have both girls in our hands. Then Cinder can do whatever she wants with them.
March 29th, Sanus
Summer flew across the sky, continuing to head southward. As agreed, once the Sulfur was put back in the cellar, Dark Summer let her regain control. More than that, Dark Summer hasn't spoken at all since the incident. It's actually kinda worrying.
'What are you planning?' Summer thought. However, she couldn't think much of it, as the sounds of gunfire could be heard in the distance. She paused for a second, waiting for Dark Summer's opinion. Nothing came. Summer flew towards the gunfire, seeing a caravan being attacked by Grimm. Knowing how things happened last time, she decided to skirt the battlefield, slowly taking out the Grimm. Something she noticed, however, were the looks of the people of the caravan. Initially, they had the expected looks of terror. However, some of them had looks of curiosity, and one or two had wonderment.
One of those people was the leader of the caravan, a man with black hair and blue eyes. Down his left eye was a slash scar, but it didn't damage said eye. He fired a repeating rifle, and had a chain whip on his hip. He watched as the new Grimm tore apart the attacking ones.
"Holy shit," he said, "That's the Hound."
"Wait," a woman next to him exclaimed, "That's the Hound? The one everyone's talking about?"
"Yeah," the man the started grinning, "Think there's a reward?"
"What?"
As Summer killed the last Grimm, she turned to the caravan. Unlike the last group, they didn't immediately attack her. Then again, she only killed Grimm, not brutalized other people, even if they were bandits. She began turning to leave. She'd have to take a detour to go around them an~
"Hold on!" He called out. Summer turned back to see a man lower his weapon as he cautiously approached him. Besides the black hair, she noticed he had orange colored eyes.
"Chief," one of the people whispered, though Summer's ears caught it, "What are you doing?"
"Quiet, Hector," he whispered back, then spoke aloud, "Are you the Hound?"
Hound? Wasn't that the name the ship captain gave her?
"The Grimm that can talk, and helps out other people." The man was now about ten feet away. If she wanted to attack him, he wouldn't have time to dodge.
"Yes. Why?"
"My name is Trevor. Atlas and Vale have~"
"Chief, I'm not sure it knows what you're talking about."
"A fair point. You see~"
"I know what they are," the Hound interrupted, "Kingdoms of Remnant. Assume that I know just as much as the average human."
"Well, that makes my job easier. The two kingdoms know about you. Hell, the entire bloody world knows about you. Atlas and Vale have sent Huntsmen from both kingdoms to try to find you. If you stay in our village," that statement got more than a few caravan men looking nervous, "They'll be able to find you easily."
That...wasn't the worst idea. If Huntsmen really are trying to find her, however… "Are they hunting me?"
"No, no," the man chuckled, hand up defensively, "They're looking for you. From what I gathered, really ain't into Kingdom politics, they want to know what makes you different from the other Grimm."
If Ozpin is still around, that makes sense. Grimm have never shown anything but violence towards humanity. Ozpin wouldn't waste a chance to turn Salem's forces against her. Then again, with how passive he was during her time, maybe he would have. However, this team might have members of her squad.
Raven? Not a chance. She was adamant on not returning to Ozpin's faction, for reasons I still don't know.
Tai? Wouldn't surprise me, but unlikely. He'd have to keep an eye on Ruby and Yang.
Which just leaves good old Drunk Bird himself, Qrow. He's the most likely to be tracking her down.
However, he said a team. Who else would likely be working with Qrow. If it was Atlas, then no doubt a Schnee might be involved. Jeez, sorry Qrow. Maybe Glynda is a part of the team to help mediate? Perh~
"Well," Trevor exclaimed, "Interested?"
Summer looked up, completely forgetting that she was having a conversation. It made sense, all things considered. If the public knows about her, then all she had to do was now wait. Wait for Ozpin's forces to come and get her.
Once again, Dark Summer remained silent.
"Yes."
"Good, great," Trevor exclaimed, though Summer could tell he was straining his voice, "Though, I'd recommend you wait outside the village, probably a good distance, when we get there."
Summer nodded. She should give Trevor time to tell the other villagers what was happening.
Trevor turned around heading for the caravan, many people giving him weary looks. Aye, it probably wasn't the best idea. However, there would likely be a reward for helping capture the Hound. Trevor got into the truck's passenger seat, leaning his head against the seat, closing his eyes in disbelief. The driver side door opened, making him open his eyes. He saw a bald man with dark skin and red eyes.
Trevor took a deep breath. "Isaac."
"Yes?" The man replied, his voice deep with the Vacuoen accent.
"If I ever do something like that again, punch me in the face."
Hours later, the caravan reached their village. It wasn't much, just under three dozen houses and the ocean to their south. To the northeast was an old fort from who knows how many centuries ago. However, with Summer's enhanced eyesight, it seems that wooden fortifications were placed in some of the collapsed stone sections.
As for Summer herself, she kept away from the village, but was told that she could take refuge in the large barn, having moved the animals inside it to different spots. The logic stood. This way they could have easy access to her. They were being awfully trusting, though. Then again, two of the villages, not including Trevor, said something about a reward. That made sense to her, as they would think about profiting from her. She considered the idea of simply running, that Trevor was simply lying. But, when she entered the barn, taking residence in the upper floor, Trevor turned on an old TV, showing a recording of the broadcast from weeks earlier. She was shocked, though, to hear that the ship she was on was sunk. No doubt the same people that attacked her. She could only hope some people were able to escape.
The sun was now down when Trevor returned. He had his eyes narrowed at her. She did not fail to notice his hand on his whip.
"Okay, I took a big risk keeping you here. And I'd like to tell the authorities as much about you as I can. You're the first Grimm to speak, as well as not attack people, let alone help them. So, what makes you so special?"
"Not just Grimm."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Grimm don't have souls. They only think as animals."
"Then how the fuck do you have a soul?"
Summer simply looked up at Trevor. He narrowed his eyes, shifting them as he mentally thought through the puzzle. After a few seconds, they widened in horror.
"Dear god. There's a person inside you, isn't there?"
"Yes...and no. Other people turned me into this."
"Shite. Give me your name."
"What?"
"Well, I assume you would want me to tell them your name when I contact Beacon."
Summer was about to answer, but she hesitated. "Not sure if that is a good idea. I was once a proud Huntress. Now…"
"Eh, maybe you're right. People can be quick to judge, and stubborn to change. Well, in your own time, I suppose."
"Why so easily dissuaded?"
"Because I know when to not stick my hand too far. If you don't want to tell me, then you can tell the Huntsmen who pick you up. Simple as that."
Summer simply lowered her head, intending to rest. While the Sulfur fish may be locked down, she wasn't confident that sleeping would be the wisest course of action.
It unnerved her, though, that Dark Summer still hasn't said anything. If she didn't know any better, she might assume that she actually missed her darker part's comments.
Several hours later, as dusk was slowly approaching, team QRRE was setting up camp for the night. As Qrow had finished pitching up his tent, his Scroll started ringing.
"Hey, Oz," Qrow answered, "What do you need?"
"We found her."
Qrow's face lit up. "Where?"
"Terlot Village, near the abandoned Bevmort Fortress."
Qrow headed to the car, prompting the others to look at him. He pulled out the map, looking for where it would be. While Terlot wasn't marked, Bevmort was. And it was only a day's journey away!
"Thanks, Oz." Too excited, he hung up on Ozpin without giving him a chance to say goodbye. He turned the ignition for the car, starting it.
"Qrow?" Robyn inquired.
"They found Summer."
"Where!" Raven exclaimed.
"Terlot Village. It's only a day away. Forget camping, we're driving through the night. Hook the bikes to the side of the car. Robyn, you and me get first watch while we let the others sleep."
Raven herself was nearly ecstatic.
'Hand on, Sum. We're almost there.'
March, 30th, Terlot Village
Summer raised her head to the morning sun, seeing it shine over the village. A pair of guards kept watch over the entrance to the barn, making sure she didn't leave, or that no one strayed into it. She watched as children played in the streets as villagers milled about. Plenty of times she saw some of them take a quick glance at the barn, but they just as quickly returned to their original business.
'Oh, how the extraordinary become mundane so quickly.' Summer thought, chuckling darkly.
Summer could hear footsteps going up a ladder to her. Turning, she saw Trevor climbing up.
"Well," Trevor exclaimed, "Good to see you're awake."
"I don't need to sleep."
"Need? But I assume you can, right?"
Summer nodded.
"And you don't because…?"
"What if I lose control?"
"Pardon?"
Summer knew the man had no idea about the complex situation her mind was in, but he'd give him a dumbed down version.
"Several weeks ago, I saved a caravan just like yours. It was attacked by bandits, however. The moment I killed the first one, I lost control, and slaughtered the rest like they were lambs."
"I see. You think that falling asleep will result in the Grimm inside of your body taking over?"
Summer nodded. 'More or less.' Dark Summer was still silent. If this went on, she might start getting paranoid.
"Well, normally, this would be where my wife would say to think of the happiest moment of your life."
'Well, that should be easy. There are plenty of moments. When I first met Raven, raising Yang, Ruby's birth~'
"However, I say bull to that."
Summer raised her head, utterly confused. "Huh?"
"It's easy to think of happy memories. However, if all you think of are happy memories, they diminish their worth. So, I say, think of a sad memory. One you don't like reliving. That way, whatever happy memories you have are worth even more."
Summer looked down, turning her head from side to side as she thought. Trevor, in a strange way, gave some sage wisdom.
'What would be a good, sad, memory.'
'I can easily think of one.' Dark Summer muttered, catching her off guard.
'Finally found your voice.'
'You wished for me not to interfere, so I kept silent. Like I said, I know a...sad memory Summer Rose went through.'
'Well then, what are you waiting for?'
'...As you wish.'
Summer laid her head down as she got lost in the memory. As she looked into it, though, she made a single thought.
'Oh. That day.'
Beacon Academy, 56 AGW
Summer Rose looked into the mirror, making sure her hair was done right. The Mid-Year Beacon Dance, held during September, was tonight, and she wanted to look...presentable. Truthfully, she wasn't much of a party girl, and usually hung around the walls at such events. However, this day she was different. The perfect opportunity has arrived, and she doubts it would come again.
"Okay," Summer said to herself in the mirror, "I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna do it!"
"Hey, Sum," Qrow's voice called out as he opened the door slightly, "How long are you gonna take~?" Before he could open it any further, Summer put her foot in the middle of the doorway.
"QROW!" Summer screeched while Qrow fell to the floor from the impact, but was laughing the entire time, "Don't you know it's impolite to barge into a bathroom while a woman's in there!"
"Prahaha! Well, okay, I guess you don't want that dress that's arriving."
"Oh, no, the dress!" Summer rushed out of the room, heading for the door. However, as she reached for the handle, she could hear Qrow snickering. Turning, she gave Qrow an evil eye. "Qrow, I never ordered a dress. I don't intend to wear one at the dance."
"Pffhey, you're the one who got tricked, not me."
"Ugh, you're sooo..immature, gruh."
Qrow only laughed as he left their dorm room. With Summer now alone, she decided to get one last thing. Heading to the window, she opened it gently, looking to the side of the window sill. Luckily, it was wide enough that a person could balance themselves on it. Tai had challenged her to see who could reach the top of the building by free climbing tomorrow. Well, regardless, it was enough space to put a flower pot there. Inside it was a red rose, blooming brightly. Taking the flower, she put a white pin in the shape of a raven on the flower.
'Okay, now or never.'
Exiting the room, she was nearly bowled over by a large janitorial cart. Hugging the wall as it passed, another student the same age as her, wearing glasses, was pushing it.
"Ah, Summer, good to see you."
"Barty, nice to see you too."
"It's Bartholomew," Bart got up in Summer's face, pushing his glasses upward to fix them, "And, if you don't mind, could you assist me."
"Ummm?"
"It won't take too long, I assure you."
'Curse my helpfulness.' "Sure thing, Bartholomew."
"Great. Follow me."
An hour later, Summer was now walking through the Beacon grounds. Bartholomew's task turned out to be much longer than anticipated. The sun was starting to set as the dance was nearly upon them.
'Well, doesn't matter,' Summer thought as she neared a corner, 'I still have time to~'
"So, uh, Raven." a male voice called out from around the corner, stopping Summer in her tracks.
"Taiyang," Raven's voice responded coldly, "What are you doing here."
'That's a good question.'
"Well, you see, I was...kinda hoping that...I want you to come to the dance with me."
Summer hitched her breath. All she could hear was silence. Tai had flirted with Raven multiple times, but he never had this much confidence in his voice.
'It's...it's alright. Raven's is the Ice Queen. She'll turn him down just like everyti~'
"Very well."
Summer's eyes widened in horror.
"Really?" Tai said, his confident voice now seeming hopeful.
"Might as well. You've been persistent. And it is only a dance."
To Summer, though, it was so much more. She had a romanticized view of things. If you went to the dance with someone, you were destined to be married to them. And that meant…
'Raven's...choosing Tai?'
Summer dipped her head, her hood covering her eyes as she walked away, the rose falling from her limp hand.
Even with her hood up, the rain was still hitting her cheeks.
Terlot Village, Present Day
Summer clenched her claw, making marks upon the wooden floor.
"I take it you remembered something."
"...Yes. A chance that...I was too slow to claim."
"Hmm. Well, if it's regret, then that's good. I highly doubt Grimm regret anything. See my point?"
Summer nodded. A buzzing sound could be heard from the man's pocket. Pulling out a Scroll, he answered it.
"Yeah? Adrian, how are you, you night owl?" Trevor started leaving, heading down the ladder. "No, just got done with a...a thing. What, when did she tell you? Okay, okay, I know you're out of the village visiting your parents, but, trust me, this will be good. Get a little reward for capturing this thing, and possibly even more, considering what I learned about it. The Huntsmen will be here by tomorrow at most, so it'll be out of our hair soon..."
The conversation traveled out of earshot, leaving Summer to her thoughts. Trevor may have sheltered her for selfish reasons, but he didn't come off as a bad person. Summer watched the sun fully rise over the horizon. The team Ozpin sent to get her will be here by tomorrow.
'Good, finally out of this nightmare.'
'And into another.' Dark Summer countered.
Vale
Cinder scowled as she looked over all the 'defences' of Patch. If Goodwitch wasn't bad enough, this new piece of intel made everything worse. That was why she called for a meeting with Roman and Adam. Her servants weren't getting involved regardless, so there was no need to call upon them.
"So, boss," Roman exclaimed, though there was a hint of sarcasm when he said 'boss', "Why are we here."
"We'll have to move up our timetable. I was wanting to wait until the new school year started. Yang Xiao Long would've headed to Beacon, forcing Ozpin to split his resources and protect both. Signal Academy doesn't have as many expert-level Huntsmen, so it would be easier for us. However, Neo's little stunt on Patch has complicated things."
Cinder tossed him her Scroll, prompting him to look at it.
"Well...shit. Turns out about a dozen freelance Huntsmen have been 'anonymously' hired to patrol the outskirts of Patch. Some of them have already arrived."
"And I'm guessing this is Ozpin's doing?" Adam scoffed, "Typical for a human to botch the plan."
"Hey, while I agree Neo shouldn't have gotten greedy, she knows to not pass up a good opportunity. Ruby was, as far as she knew, alone."
"Quiet." Cinder commanded. "The Huntsmen will be arriving in three days, the day after the new school year begins."
"So we have until then to capture these girls." Adam stated.
"Two, actually," Roman countered, "April 1st will have every Huntsmen on guard. People tend to expect something to go wrong on the first day of school."
"Correct," Cinder added, "Which means, if I intend to capture those children," Cinder stood from her chair, "It must be tomorrow. Are the men ready?"
Roman simply nodded with a smile while Adam spoke, "A couple groups haven't arrived yet."
"Then they'll be forgotten. How much does that leave us?"
Roman adjusted his hat with his cane while he snapped his free hand's fingers. "Uh….I say around forty."
"Good. I need you all to remain here so as to conceal your involvement. Roman, has my package arrived?"
Roman smirked as he went out of the room, reentering with a suitcase. Opening it, it revealed a black, skin tight bodysuit, with a face mask and goggles. While it would tighten her hair, it would make sure her identity was kept secret.
"What is that for?" Adam inquired.
"While Neo was supposed to be the only one in our group to get involved, I'm going to make sure it succeeds." Cinder went to the box containing Midnight, pulling out one of the blades. "And I know the perfect bait." She then got felt a dark presence. "Both of you, leave."
"What?"
"LEAVE!"
Knowing not to mess with her, the two quickly vacated the premises. Moving to a suitcase in the corner, Cinder unzipped the bag, reveling a Seer Grimm. The Grimm hovered upward as Cinder bowed before it.
"Your Grace."
"Cinder," Salem's voice came from the Grimm, the red mist soon dissipating to show her face, "I understand you're planning something for Patch."
"Yes, your Grace."
"And, yet, Patch should not be your concern."
"There are two children there. Ruby Rose and Yang Xiao Long. The daughters of Summer Rose."
Salem's eyes widened slightly. "Really?"
"Yes. And, am I mistaken in believing what the public calls the Hound is a Grimm Hybrid, with Summer as the human host?"
"And how would you know that?"
"I don't know. However, the Hound's unique nature, Qrow Branwen's involvement, as well as your additional orders to keep Midnight away. The circumstances are too much to ignore."
For the moment, Salem was simply silent. "I'm...impressed you were able to deduce that much. Even Arthur hasn't figured it out."
Cinder smirked, having gotten one over on the Atlesian bastard.
"Though, he, unlike you, is preoccupied trying to recapture Summer Rose. Now, you think taking her children will help. Hmm, yes. Ozpin would want to keep them under lock and key."
"After tomorrow, it will not be wise to try to capture them. Ruby Rose will be safe on Patch once the new school year starts, as will Yang Xiao Long once she attends Beacon."
"One of her children will be attending Beacon?"
"Yes, your Grace."
"Good. The normal induction process involves students entering the Emerald Forest near Beacon. I will send a very special Grimm to enter it and retrieve Yang Xiao Long, if possible. Even if I cannot make another hybrid, having one of Summer's daughters will no doubt convince her to return without a fight."
"A special Grimm, your Grace?"
"Yes. An Alpha Nuckelavee."
Cinder's eyes widened in fear and awe. Nuckelavee were already rare Grimm, usually hunted down as soon as possible. For if their lived long enough to become an alpha variant, it would be a force of nature. Not only were they larger than normal, as is common with Alpha, but their bodies were covered in armor. However, the most dangerous aspect was that the Imp gained a new ability. Whenever it screams, it drains the vitality of it's opponents. While not as strong as the Apathy Grimm, as they hunted in packs, it was still a dangerous aspect. The last reported case was 31 years ago. Twelve Huntsmen went to kill it. Eight came out, with three of them crippled for life.
Cinder smirked. Even if she failed in her attack on Patch, victory will still belong to Salem.
Sanus
The sun was starting to set as team QRRE drove down the road. Qrow was looking over the map one more time, making sure they were going the right way.
"Ok," Qrow called out to the others, "Just past this ridgeline, and we should see Terlot Village!"
Robyn slowed the bike down to the side of the car.
"You know, this is only a day or two away from the Emerald Forest! Why didn't Ozpin send anyone to pick Summer up?"
"Because Salem may have her eye on Patch! If Salem goes after my nieces, he wants all his forces at the ready to intercept!"
Robyn shrugged, "Fair enough!"
The group approached the ridgeline, going over it to see the village off to their right and several hundred feet downward. As they stopped, the car lights turned off, leaving only the dim lights coming off the bikes, as well as a couple lights from the village. Only a couple miles away. Twelve years, and only a couple miles left.
"Raven," Qrow said, no longer needing to shout do to the wind, "Can you~"
Qrow turned to his sister and got his answer. Raven was panting heavily, a bead of sweat coming down. Raven extended a hand outward, pointing to a large building.
"The largest building. The one that looks like a barn. I can sense her. She's in there."
Clover narrowed his eyes, turning around.
"Steady there, Rae," Qrow stated confidently, "We've got time."
"No, we don't." Clover said, a twinge of fear in his voice. The others turned, just in time to hear the roar of engines, and the four-winged Bullhead flew over them, never noticing them as it dove towards the village.
'No, no, NO!' Raven thought as she drove her bike off the steep ridgeline.
"Raven! Shit, Robyn, follow my sister. Clover, punch it!"
Robyn drove her bike off the edge as the car followed the road, unable to handle the steep terrain.
'I failed you twice, Summer.' Raven thought as she drove down the ridge.
A flash, showing Raven picking up a red rose with a white raven pin.
'Once for ignorance.' The bike launched itself into the air due to the multitude of rocks.
A flash, showing Raven putting a white rose with a red raven pin upon Summer's grave.
'Twice for cowardice.' The bike slammed onto stable ground, allowing her increased speed.
'I REFUSE to fail you a third time.' Raven slammed on the gas, speeding the bike forward.
Author's Notes: Honestly, I think this will be the last 'slow' chapter until the very end of the story. Given everything that's about to happen, it shouldn't surprise me. QRRE is about to engage WTH, Cinder's about to launch her attack on Patch, and Salem has now sent her Alpha Nuckelavee. Yeah, that thing is gonna be a problem.
And, in case it hasn't been blatantly obvious by now, I'm a Rosebird fan. That's going to make the family dynamic really messed up, though. If they get Summer back, and Raven stays, all I can say is 'Poor Tai'. Had a kid with two people he loved, only to realize said women were in love with each other. And it'll be hilarious to write, if it comes to that.
Well, as always, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.