I meant for the last chapter to be called Graduation but it ended up being Geist instead. Lol my bad. I'm glad you guys like this Neo and/or the fact she's in the story. We will be having more visitors coming along soon in a few chapters…
I hope you guys liked the fact I put out two chapters in one day. Enjoy :)
Summer was back to normal the next day… in a sense. The school had given them time to lounge around with other students and with teachers. A lot of the kids that went there were going to go home for the summer in four days. Even though Qrow and Raven had no place to actually be, Qrow opted to leave for few weeks. He never said anything to her about what happened with their final exam.
Even though the couple tried to reassure Summer, it didn't help.
There was only tomorrow then Graduation. A lot kids had died in the battle outside of the village due to the lack of huntsmen in Vale. A lot of problems were happening other places and even now, they were off doing missions. There was only forty fourth years graduating while thirty six had dropped out. No one could blame them. A lot of lives were lost but it made a lot of them try a lot harder.
This year ending would be the same for Summer as last year. No one would be there but her teammates to congratulate her. Even though it shouldn't bother her after all this time, it did. She wanted someone to be proud of her and cheer for her but it wasn't going to happen. She would be alone in a sea of people again.
Summer sat outside by the water fountain reading her book, Dangerous Hearts. The book was making her smile. The end was heartwarming and heartbreaking. She closed it and shut her eyes taking in a deep breath. The villain reminded her so much of Roman. Charming, quick witted… handsome. It was like a fantasy come true. She started to drift off with a silly smile on her face when she felt the book pulled out of her hands.
She jerked and looked up.
"Oh! Claire!" Summer cried.
"I see you're still alive. Unless you keep falling asleep places."
Summer grinned at her.
"So, what are you doing out here?" Claire asked, "Where's your boy toy?"
Summer looked down at her lap, "He dumped right after we got back."
Claire sat down beside of her.
"Damn… Why?"
"Because… he didn't like that I was so willing to put my life on the line."
Claire looked at her funny, "Why is your hair red?"
Summer touched it, "I… I can't explain it."
"I see."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Has your power never worked?" Summer asked in a low voice like she was afraid someone would hear her.
"What do you mean?" Claire asked confused.
"I remember… trying to use my vines and flowers to save Qrow but it didn't work. Instead I threw myself in front of him. That's when everyone said my hair turned red. Has that ever happened?"
"That's odd."
"It is."
Claire put an arm around her shoulders.
"Are you worried about anything?" Claire asked.
"Have… you been visited by Geist before?" Summer asked her voice shaking.
Claire frowned.
"Where's Airis?!" Claire cried.
Neither parent said anything.
"Tell me something!" Claire screamed grabbing her father's collar.
"You know the rules of silver eyed children."
Claire shoved him back knocking him onto the ground.
"What made me so different then huh?!" she screamed.
"It's because you're a twin."
Claire's eyes became blurry, "She's just a baby! She's a baby!"
"We had no choice. She attracted Grimm… The town wanted to kill her. You know nothing!" her mother cried.
"I know that if that was my baby I wouldn't drop her into the woods!"
Claire took off running seeing some of the houses were destroyed. Black smoke had filled the sky. She stopped just before the woods to see what looked like ghosts floating through the woods in front of her. They certainly looked like Grimm but they were ignoring her. Were they protecting something?
The sky was dark and the moon was hard to see through all the smoke from the destroyed Grimm.
There was only one place her sister would go and it had to be that abandoned house a few miles out. After thirty minutes of running, Claire started to fall onto the ground, tired and wore out. She heard cracking of twigs and crunch of dried leaves in front of her. She grabbed a stick and she had no idea why but she was really to fight if it meant that.
"Claire?"
"Airis!" Claire jumped up and grabbed her shoulders.
"Where's the baby? Where's Hopea?" Claire asked.
"Don't call her that."
"That's her name!"
"She's not a baby! She's a curse from hell or Grimm themselves!"
SLAP
Airis fell onto the ground.
"Why protect me and not her?! She's your baby!"
"You're my sister. How could I abandon you?" she whispered.
Claire started running again, adrenaline pumping. She had to save the baby. She had to save Hopea. She couldn't defend herself against Grimm no matter what power she had. She was angry- mad at everyone. She knew for the longest time Airis took care of her in that abandoned house but when they hit teenage years she no longer attracted too many Grimm.
Roses.
Why was she smelling roses in the middle of the woods?
Finally, she came to the broken down house. There vines covering the whole place and white rose petals laying on the ground. It smelled so good there. Claire started ripping off the vines cutting up her hands on the thorns. Fine she made a hole and climbed in.
Nothing.
There was no baby. No sign of anyone. No sign of blood.
Claire dropped to her bleeding knees. Where was Hopea?
"I saw them once. They never attacked anyone though."
Summer nodded.
"I'm looking for someone. The soul inside of a Grimm."
Claire frowned.
"Where did you get that idea?" she asked.
Summer frowned, "From the Geist."
X
X
Claire stayed the night with team STRQ. She talked about how much better the village was doing and that the kids had new foster parents. They had a statue in the middle of town dedicated to the students of Beacon for the help they had provided that day. Even though no one said anything, it made them feel good.
"Are you sure?" Claire asked as Summer snuggled into Raven's bed.
"Yea! Raven and Taiyang have been sleeping together in the same for some time now. She had nightmares sometimes so it keeps her asleep. I don't mind you having my bed for tonight."
"Are you guys nervous about the graduation?" Claire asked.
"Naw. It's great we are still alive," Taiyang said with a smile.
Claire snorted.
"We are surprised you came all this way to see us," Raven said.
"I wanted to see you guys walk."
"How nice," Qrow murmured.
"We have tomorrow then graduation. We get to pick class tomorrow too, if we haven't already."
Summer nodded, "Who's left then?"
"Me," Qrow answered then turned over in bed.
No one said anything.
X
X
The next morning Summer was second to wake up. She never noticed Qrow had gotten out of bed and she made her way out of the dorm room. She couldn't believe she got up at 5:30 in the morning but what could she do. She began walking down the hallway and to the stairs. She was halfway down them when Qrow came walking up. They locked eyes without saying a word.
Summer started to turn around.
"Wait!"
She stopped. Her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't want to fight.
"Why did you save me?" he asked.
Summer bit her lip.
"Why do you think I did Qrow?"
"Because you're my teammate and my friend."
"After everything… you consider me your friend but I have no idea why."
Summer smiled, "Because we were in the beginning and we will be in the end."
Qrow ran a hand through his hair looking unsatisfied with the answer.
"Do you like him?" he asked almost in a whisper.
"Roman?"
"Yea."
Summer walked down few a steps closer to him, "I do a lot actually."
Qrow's eye twitched.
"I don't see why, from what I remember he's a bad guy and you probably got the stupid idea from that book you're reading."
Summer's mouth twitched in annoyance. She walked closer to the last step just before his and glared at him.
"Let's make one thing clear Qrow. I am your friend. I am your teammate and team leader but not your girlfriend anymore. I did have fun until you dumped me in the hospital room. You can be mad all you want at me but it is your fault. You did this to yourself.
"I care about Roman a lot and I can't explain why I do. He is nice, charming and everything I could want in someone. I cared about you a lot Qrow but that isn't my fault you decided to hurt me instead. The problem you have with me isn't really there but with yourself. I advise you to stop giving me dirty looks, giving nasty responses or not wanting to cooperate. You keep it up someone will die because of you."
Qrow glared at her.
"Where do you get off talking to me like that?" he hissed.
Summer raised her hand and slapped him across the face, shocking him to the core.
"If you have no respect for me or your sister or Taiyang then leave."
Qrow jerked back.
"Feelings are what get you killed when they aren't directed the right way. What if those Geists were after all of us and were going to kill us but because you acted like a jerk instead of working with us… What would you do Qrow? How would you feel if we had died right there because you acted like a fool because you're being petty and angry?"
Qrow hung his head. She was right.
"I might be backwards for coming from the woods but I'm not an idiot. Don't treat me like one," Summer said as she walked down the rest of the stairs for breakfast.
X
X
"What do you plan on doing?" Claire asked as Summer dressed into a black dress with pink roses embroidered on the hem of it.
"I'm going to meet Roman at the flower shop we first met at."
Raven smiled, "Was that your idea?"
"No, his actually. He said he wanted to do something with me."
Summer slipped on some black flats.
"I think I want to check out Vale for myself. It's been years since I actually been here. I need to pick up some stuff for the villagers back at home and send it to them."
Claire waved and left the dorm room.
"So… Qrow said something about being sorry for acting like a dumbass the other day," Raven said.
"That's good."
"He said you slapped him and told him off for his bad behavior."
Summer turned pink and hid her face.
"It's about time. He's too stubborn to think about everyone else sometimes."
Summer turned to her friend with tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry you have to suffer every night."
Raven looked surprised, "Insomnia isn't a curse."
"No but dreaming of your friend hurting you is."
Raven's mouth hung open but no words came out.
"I'm sorry you see that every night… Am I a monster?" Summer whispered.
Raven got up and hugged her.
"We are all monsters in our own way."
X
X
"Roman!"
The orange haired teenager looked up to see Summer running at him with a wide, bright smile on her face.
Thump thump
His poor heart was pounding now.
"You look so pretty."
Summer hugged him and buried her face in his chest.
"I missed you," she said.
"I missed you too."
She looked up at him and he smiled softly.
"Aww, I was hoping you two would come back."
The old lady smiled making Summer's face turn red with embarrassment.
"Hi Mrs. White."
"Oh! Come here! Quickly!" the old lady urged grabbing both of their hands.
They walked inside then out the back door to the rose garden she had in the back. The smell of something wonderful hit their noses making them take a deep breath. What was the wonderful smell- it wasn't like any flower either one of them had smelled before. Summer saw the most beautiful scarlet colored roses in the back by the wall.
"When did you get those in?!" Summer asked rushing to the back wall.
"The day you too were here."
Summer frowned, "I don't remember seeing them."
"Hold on," the old woman said and she walked back into the shop.
She returned with a planted rose of the one Summer had told Roman about for lovers.
"Since you are together, I want to test the theory."
Roman looked at Summer who looked terrified.
What if they weren't for each other?
"It'll be OK dearies. I need to see it for my own eyes."
"OK then."
Roman touched it first and the rose flamed up to an orange color. Summer closed her eyes and did next. The old woman gasped in surprise as the rose swirled in color then settled into a dark scarlet color. Summer opened her eyes and saw that the rose was one single deep color.
"One single color, " she whispered and the old woman smiled proudly.
"I never thought I'd see this in my lifetime. Thank you both," the old woman said walking back in her shop.
Roman and Summer looked at the back wall.
"I remember touching those. So... That means you did after I left?" she asked softly.
Roman's face turned pink.
"You liked me the moment you met me?"
"I thought you were pretty."
Summer embraced him again more tightly. She couldn't wait for summertime.
X
X
The next day they woke up around nine. The graduation was at eleven so they were rushing taking turns in the shower. Claire waved them goodbye as she left to get a seat. Since it was so nice out they decided to go outside for the first time. The girls wore sky blue and the boys wore black.
"Come on! Summer and I are already ready!" Raven screamed through the door.
"Will you shut up?!" Qrow yelled throwing the door open.
"We have fifteen minutes to get down there let's go already!"
Even with Raven yelling like she was, she was in a good mood. They made it alive through their second year even with major injuries but alive nonetheless. Raven grabbed her best friend's hand and started running down the stairs making Summer laugh at her excitement. It was about to get even better.
They had told them they would start with the fourth years then third then second and the newbies who were left.
They took their seat in the middle with the rest of the students. Ozpin walked onto the stage.
"Today, we gather here for the celebration. For everyone who made it today and have improved from the first day they all started. Unfortunately, with a heavy heart... We lost a lot of fourth and third year students in the battle outside of the Vale Kingdom.
"We could not send many second or any of the first years to help. I wish only the best for the students who are huntsmen and huntresses today. Those who adventure out into the world to protect others, kingdoms and any who needs your assistance. I shall start with the new protectors of our world."
Everyone started clapping.
Ozpin called each team up. Some teams were missing people but they knew why. Everyone could see the sorrow on their faces as they took their diploma and walked off the stage. Even though it was supposed to be a great day, it wasn't for a lot. A lot of teams had suffered losses due to error or being outnumbered.
Once they done, Ozpin brought up the third years. Their losses weren't as great but a few of them had decided to leave handing over their cap and gown. He apologized to the ones who didn't want to finish Beacon, but no one could blame them. Everyone clapped for then anyways.
Soon he called up the second year students. Team STRQ was at the end almost. Ozpin smiled to each team then he called team STRQ. Oddly enough the crowd became quiet. Even Summer felt nervous as to why but she knew how a lot of them felt about her. Especially the parents.
Without warning, scaring half of the crowd, Claire had jumped up screaming and cheering them on. Then there was a good section of fifteen people who stood up cheering next. Summer looked surprised then she saw Roman, Neo, Jinex, the doctor and Brunneis cheering for them too. Her eyes watered up.
In her whole life no one had ever been proud of her at all. Yet there was all these people there for her. For them as a team. Just like her, Raven, Qrow and Taiyang had no one either. Raven hid her face with her arm as Taiyang helped lead her up to the stage. She was crying too.
"Congrats team STRQ. We can't wait for your return next year."
The small crowd for team STRQ cheered again.
"Lastly, we have the first years. Those who came in not knowing what to expect and those whose abilities were tried time and time again. Those who we hope succeed and stay with us to help protect our kingdom."
Ozpin went through the teams for the first year.
"Thank you everyone! If your leaving for the summer be sure to return July 30th because Beacon will restart school August first. Have a good summer my students. Good luck in life my new huntsmen and huntresses."
Everyone cheered hugging each other. Summer looked at Raven, who's face was pink.
"Are you OK?"
"Yea. I know last year no one cheered for us... It's nice to be recognized for the things we've done finally."
Summer reached over and squeezed her hand, "I know."
Roman and the rest came running for them. He picked her up and squeezed her tight.
"I know I wasn't here for your whole year but I'm proud of you."
Summer beamed.
"Miss Rose."
Summer turned around to see a few adults that she didn't remember seeing before.
"Yes?"
"These are the adults whose live show saved that day. We wanted to let you know that we named the village the Rose Village."
Summer covered her face.
"Th-thank you."
Claire patted her back.
"Be proud, Summer."
X
X
Roman, Neo and Claire stayed the night before summer break started. Summer sat on the roof staring into the distance. She held the ribbon in her hand with her name and teammates' names. She never expected those people to come and cheer them on. Tears escaped her eyes, feeling happy.
"I can't believe you're up here. Aren't you tired?" Claire asked.
Summer wiped her face.
"Are you OK?"
"Just super happy."
"You're a sappy dork."
Summer leaned back and looked at her. Her silver eyes were fierce looking. Strong and brave.
"Why did you come?" Summer asked, "I thought you didn't like me?"
"We are battle sisters."
Summer snorted.
"Well... Since you graduated I have something to tell you."
"What's that?"
"I'm sorry I couldn't save you that night."
Summer frowned, "You mean in the village?"
"No."
She stared at her dumbfounded.
"It was almost 15 years ago. You were close to your third birthday. I used to play with you all the time. I wasn't sure if... You were the right person but when I saw those roses and the way your eyes looked when you were ready to protect everyone... It was you.
"I remember that night so well... I never made it in time to stop her from dropping you in the woods. I have seen Geists before- I think they were there to protect you. When I made it to that rundown house it was covered in roses and vines... You were gone."
Summer's face was stained with stunned tears.
"I was mad at her. So angry she would rid of you just like that. If I had known I would have taken you away myself to be with me but she never mentioned doing it. She loved me more than her own daughter... I hated her for the longest time... I blamed myself thinking you were dead."
Claire wiped the sad tears from her face, "You had a name. Hopea. It means silver because of your eyes... They were such a beautiful shade compared to mine... So soft and loving. I was bitter and angry. She was stupid herself listening to our parents."
"What was her name?" Summer whispered her voice shaking.
Claire covered her face, "It was Airis."
So... she died the day of that battle...
"That night you guys showed up and I saw you... I want angry at myself. I didn't think you were Hopea but... something told me you were her. I yelled at her again, angry but she never said a word to me. Airis didn't display her emotions well."
Claire reached over to her right side and pulled out a black book. It was small and worn out. It had a blue sticky mark marking a paper. Claire handed it to her.
"She knew who you were before I was sure."
Summer took it, her hands trembling bad. She didn't know how to feel at that moment. She let out a slow, shaky breath and opened the book.
So, after all these years I had thought Hopea was gone and dead. Here... Today she showed up. Her name was Summer Rose. The same beautiful, lively eyes she had when I left her that night.
It was like she knew I had to leave her there in that house. She kissed my face and said "It's OK Mom, I understand. I know I'm different from everyone else."
Damn she was such a smart child. She never cried, she was brave... Braver than I was. She was different from Claire. Something about her screamed at me but I don't know what it is. She will be a lot better than me. Than Claire.
I wish I could've loved her the way she needed me too but Claire was my sister. I took care of her whenever they tried to kill her. I was powerful... Stronger. When I die I want my power to go to my sister so she may live on and never be afraid.
Even though I have no right saying this, I am proud to see her grown. Proud she has friends... A team... A place in the world. She is a true warrior and I am glad I never corrupted her from her purpose. I see now trying to deny Claire that right had warped her and myself. I hope Summer could someday forgive me... I can blame things on the times... But it will always be my fault.
In the end of everything, I will always hate myself because Claire... my Hopea-my Summer will always deserve better than what fate has in store them. I am sorry I couldn't give it to them. I regret my decisions but at least they're alive.
Summer shut the book and stared at her lap. She didn't remember anything from when she was little... It was a shame. Claire just stared at the sky unable to look at her niece.
"You know... Airis was a frigid person. I never knew she hated herself. I never knew she thought of you or what had transpired that night. You are stupid brave."
Summer looked at Claire with a blank stare.
"Well you are."
"Thank you."
Summer laid her head on Claire's shoulder.
"Thank you, Aunt Claire."
Claire cracked a goofy, "No problem little niece... No problem."