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One week later, Summers burial, 3rd person POV
"And with that, I will now ask the family to step forward." The organizer of the funeral said. Out of the congregation of people, five in particular stood up. All dressed in black, and with heads hung low, they made their way towards the director. Upon arriving, the director, with a calm voice spoke to the whole crowd "As per tradition, everyone but the family shall leave so that they may give their final goodbyes." The man spoke.
Funerals were rare on Remnant. With the negative emotions that circulated through them, they are notoriously a hot spot for Grimm. However, if a person of high standing or had particular feats died, they were usually bestowed this final honor. A symbol of thanks for what they did for the people of Remnant. With Summer, it was not a surprise at all that she was given one. The fact that she was considered the greatest Huntress of her generation, and one of the best in Remnants history, all but guaranteed this procession to happen.
Add to the fact that Ozpin had sent two Huntsmen teams from Beacon to guard the proceedings, and with so many trained Hunters attending the funeral itself, it was actually one of the safest places on Remnant at the moment.
"If you wish to stay for the burial, you may, however, the family can take as long as they wish to say their goodbyes, so take that into consideration." The director spoke again to the audience. The director then turned to the group of five that he called up, and asked the only adult a question "How will you go about this Taiyang, one at a time, or all together?" Taiyang looked to the man and spoke "We will be going one at a time."
The director nodded and turned to the crowd again "Come, it's time for us to leave." He then turned to Taiyang and the rest and spoke in a soft and gentle voice "Take all the time you need, we will be out front." With that, he turned around and made his way to the door, with everyone else following after.
After everyone left, Taiyang turned his attention towards the other occupants of the room, his four daughters, and said "Alright, you girls figure out the order you want to go?" Taiyang questioned. He didn't get a verbal answer, just melancholic nods of confirmation . Out of the four, the oldest, Yang, stepped forward. With sadness in his eyes, Taiyang placed a hand on his daughters shoulder and spoke softly as he could "Take all the time you need, we'll be right outside the door." With that, Taiyang walked behind his other daughters and gently escorted them out, leaving Yang all by herself. Upon hearing the door shut, the waterworks start flowing and choked sobs of grief came from the young girl. She turns and heads towards her mother's casket.
Yangs POV
I make my way to mom's casket on shaky knees and labored breaths. The whole trip to it was the most physically, mentally and emotionally demanding activity I have ever done. The shock that she is dead hadn't fully set in before, but now, all alone and with no one else near me, it finally hit. My mom is dead. She may of not been my birth mother, but she took care of me like she was. Raven may be my mother, but she is NOT my mom, she gave up all rights to that the moment she left dad and I alone.
As I finally arrive at the casket, I drop to my knees and embrace it with all my strength. To call what I was doing crying, would be a gross understatement, I was absolutely balling my eyes out at the moment. My mom is dead. I still couldn't believe it.
I sat there just crying and sobbing, hiccuping from time to time, until I finally cried till I could no more. All that escaped me at the moment was choked noises from me. I've had to of spent at least twenty minutes just sitting here. I need to hurry up, the others must have a go as well and I'm just holding them up.
After regaining some composure, I look up and spy the picture they used for the funeral. It was a picture that dad randomly took of mom one day, just sitting in a chair, with her hands folded neatly across her legs, and her soft smile shining through. Mom is absolutely gorgeous, if she was any indication of what Ruby would look like in the future, then Ruby would be drop-dead beautiful. That brings a small smile to my face, Ruby, as well as Weiss and Blake, have been pivotal for me during this time. What with them giving me a shoulder to lean and cry on. I don't even want to know what I would do without them.
I sat there for about a minute, just trying to come up with something to say, until finally, I spoke.
"It's been hard without you mom, it doesn't feel right without you here." I said, with tears returning to my face "I just miss you, so, so, much." I continued, my voice was starting to crack "We all miss you, we're just so sad that you aren't here anymore." At that point I started to sob again. Just me admitting that she was gone, it left a pit at the bottom of my stomach. It will never be the same without her, but I still at least have my dad and sisters. That brought me a great amount of comfort. I continued crying for a few more moments, until I gained my composure again.
"Though, it hasn't been all bad, we all unlocked our aura!" It was probably one of the few positive things that have happened this week. Though the context in how we all unlocked it brung my mood back down. "We unlocked it after dad told us that you died. I remember you saying it was unlocked through both training and willpower, though that isn't what happened with us." That was true, even the teachers at school said that you unlocked your aura through training and your own willpower. So, we were understandably confused on how we unlocked it. That was until dad told us how there was another, though extremely rare way, to unlock it.
"Dad said we unlocked ours due to the extreme emotions we experienced when we learned you died." I continued "Apparently, extreme emotions can unlock aura and our semblance too. I thought it could only unlock your semblance, but I guess you learn something new everyday." I smile at the end, it was a hollow smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. Though it quickly fell.
"Something did happen though when we all unlocked it. We were all sitting on the couch, then dad informed us you died, and then... our auras just... came to life." I shake my head, I'm just repeating myself at this point "Anyway, all our auras were unlocked at the same time, and they just... responded to one another? I can't really put it into words, but at that moment, I've never felt so connected with anyone in my life than right then and there. It was like a blanket that covers me up, it felt so peaceful, like nothing was going to hurt me. I could feel them all, not physically but much much deeper than that. Almost as if we were interconnected with one another."
It was honestly bizarre, I couldn't really think of another way to say it. Words just couldn't express what happened, it was just something you had to experience to understand.
"I could sense their emotions, I knew how they all felt at that very moment. It... was astonishing mom, that I can know anyone that deep." It was an experience I would never forget. The sheer magnitude of grief, sorrow and loss that poured onto in that moment was akin to the world being dumped on my shoulders. It was suffocating, I felt as if I was about to collapse, but then the feeling... vanished. Like it didn't even exist. I asked them later if they felt something similar happen to them and they said they felt the same thing. I don't know how or why it happened, but it only occurred for the briefest of moments, and hasn't occurred since. It honestly left us all scratching our heads trying to figure it out.
"But, that wasn't even the weirdest thing that happened since our aura unlocked. We were also physically affected as well." I continued "After we stopped crying and got our bearings straight, we started to notice the changes. I know that when you unlock your aura, you feel like you could do stuff that you normally couldn't. That is what happened to us, but it felt more... juiced? I think that would be the right word. But anyway, I noticed it when I went to our room to go lay down on a bed. When I got to the door and opened it, I kinda, accidentally ripped it off its' hinges." I finish that last part with embarrassment sprinkling my voice, that was fun explaining to dad, though thankfully he wasn't mad.
"Come to find out, the others had a similar increase in strength, though they found out in a much more controlled environment. We went to dads and yours weight room. Upon entering, dad instructed us to pick up some of the dumbbells. We easily picked up the twenty pound dumbbells, you know we had trouble with those before then. We then all cleared the fifty pound dumbbells, dad thought that those were going to be our maximum, but upon seeing how easily we picked them up with no strain whatsoever, he took us to do deadlifts. We cleared one plate on each side. That really surprised dad, he said we should not be able to do that at our age, even with our aura. But we went on, we cleared two plates, though at that point Ruby had trouble and dad decided that she wasn't doing anymore in fear that she would hurt herself. After that we cleared three plates, but both Weiss and Blake had trouble there and they both tapped out. Going to be honest mom, I was having trouble there too, but I didn't show it. Dad then, reluctantly, added two more forty fives, and that is when I hit my max. 405 pounds, that is insane mom, I shouldn't of been able to do that, let alone 135 pounds, but I did. It... was honestly kinda scary mom, like something was wrong with me. The look on dads face said that I shouldn't of been able to do that, that what I did was unnatural." I finish with a sigh.
I just there for a few moments, just getting my bearings straight, until I finally speak again "Another thing that happened that day was when we were going to bed. We all decided that we wanted to sleep together that night, and I'm glad we did, I really needed them at that moment." I shake my head, catching myself getting off topic. I need to stop doing that, the others still need to go. "Anyway" I start with a sigh "We moved the beds together, made a whole lot easier with our new strength, and huddled and clung to each other until we fell asleep. All was going normal until we woke up, four hours later. Completely refreshed. You could imagine the confusion we had when we woke up at 3:00 A.M., feeling like we took a week long nap in just four hours, huh mom." I finish with a chuckle, I know I'm talking to no one but the wind right now, but I feel so much better talking about all of this out loud.
I again sit there for a few more moments collecting my thoughts, just staring at the doors leading out to all the funeral attendees and my family. At that moment my back strengthens a little bit, and I speak again "I'm going to be a Huntress mom. I know I already told you I wanted to be one, but that was when I just wanted something that would get me off of Patch and into the world. When all I was doing was trying find a purpose for myself." I stop for a moment, collecting my breath "And mom, I found it. I found what my purpose is, and it wasn't out in the world, but instead right in front of me the whole time." I start to tear up again.
"When we heard you died, I was absolutely devastated, and still am, but when I looked into Ruby's, Weiss's, and Blake's eyes, their looks absolutely broke me. The sheer amount of loss in their eyes was unbearable for me to see. No one should have a look like that, especially them. I decided, at that moment, that they will never have that look again."
I pause again letting the tears flow down my cheeks, catching my breath and organizing my thoughts "My purpose mom, is to protect them at all cost, if they felt that way about losing you, then I don't even want to imagine what they, or I, would feel if anyone of them died. It makes me sick just thinking about it mom, the thought of losing any of them, it's unbearable." I finish, with tears running like streams down my face, the fear I feel inside me at the thought of losing any of them can not be understated, I already lost my mom, I will NOT lose them, my own life be damned if need be.
I speak again, with much more conviction in my voice "So that is my new reason for being a Huntress mom, to protect them at all costs, I know they want to be ones as well, and I will admit that the thought terrifies me. I know, especially now, that you could die at any moment in this line of work. But I wouldn't stop them even if I could, because as much as the thought of them dying terrifies me, the vision I have of us all in our own Huntsmen team excites me even more." I finish with a smile on my face, one of the few I've had this week.
"I can see it mom, and what I'm seeing looks glorious." I say, and fall back against the stand holding the casket. I stay there for a few more moments until I finally stand up.
"Thank you for listening again mom, you were always good at that." I say as the tears run anew, I reach into my pocket and pull out a yellow roes. I still remember planting them. I bring it up to my face, kiss the bulb, and lay it gently inside the casket. The tears start running like rivers instead of streams and I cling to the casket again and start sobbing again "I'm going to miss you mom, so, so, much." I say between sobs, and I stay there for a moment longer, until finally, I stop clinging to the casket, and with one final look at her picture, I turn and make my way to the doors. When I reached them, I turn around and say my final words "I love you mom." With that, I open the doors again and make my way into the hallway.
Blake's POV
We have been out in the hallway for about an hour waiting for Yang to leave. Thankfully, they had chairs, and even a couch in the hallway, so we didn't have to sit on the ground.
Weiss, Ruby and I were huddled together on the couch, with me on the right, closest to the door, Ruby in the middle and Weiss on the left. Dad was sitting in front of us.
At that moment, we hear the sound of the door opening and I swivel my head towards it. From the door came Yang. I could tell she had been crying, heavily at that, if the red around and in her eyes had anything to say about it. I can in fact still see tears in her eyes. I got up at that moment and approach her, opening my arms to hug her. From behind me, I can hear the sound of more feet also getting up and following. I reach Yang and embrace her in a strong hug and she does the same. Soon after, I feel both Weiss's and Ruby's arms join in, and we just stand there for a moment. Dad then came up behind Yang and gently placed his arms on her shoulders, trying to make her feel better. We stand there for a moment and listen to the quiet whimpers that escape her.
After a minute, I disengage from the group hug, and make my way to the door. My heart rate quickened with each step I made towards it and my breaths became more shallow, but I finally did reach it. The doors were truly imposing, easily dwarfing me in stature. As I was about to open them up, I heard dad's voice, "Blake," I turn towards him and look into his eyes, the soft and sad look in them said it all, but he continued anyway "take all the time you need." He finished with a soft and soothing voice. I nod, not trusting my voice, and open up the truly colossal doors. I enter with my head low and then close the doors behind me. I know from Yangs goodbyes that the room is soundproof, and I intend to use that for all it's worth.
My head comes up, already streaming with tears. I spot mom's casket and the picture they used for the funeral. My lower lip quivers and on shaky legs, I start to walk towards it. That walk turns into a jog and then into a full blown sprint. About halfway towards it, I openly begin to sob and upon arrival I collapse onto the casket.
My sobs become full on wails of sorrow and grief, the sheer amount of emotion that was coursing through my body was overwhelming and came out as such an unsightly noises. I clung to the casket with all the strength I had, pouring all of my heart and soul into the action. I just sat there and clung to the casket as if my life depended on it.
I don't know how long I sat there, ten, twenty, maybe thirty minutes? I was unsure, but I finally got my emotions under some kind of control. They we're still running around unchecked, but not nearly as much as they had been when I first entered.
My back collapses onto the casket and I sit there for a moment longer, thinking of something to say. It took me a bit but I finally spoke "Hey mom," I start, "been a while since we've talked, huh?" I finish, my words making my already dismal mood sour even more. I won't ever get to talk to her again.
The thought increased the tears in my eyes, I hadn't really thought about it, but she is really gone, isn't she? I'll never see her again.
My sobbing resumes anew, the thought of me never seeing or talking to my mom ever again... I can't even put it into words of how much it crushes my soul. I already lost one mom, I wasn't ready to lose another.
I sit there for a few more moments just sulking and crying, until I regain my composure again. "I say Yang has already told you about the week we had. She is real talkative isn't she mom." I say with a small smile, "Well, I hope you don't mind me retelling the same thing again." I finish, and with that, I start recounting the week we had. From how we unlocked our aura and some of the tidbits we found out about it, to us testing it out.
"I don't know if the others noticed, but we have been gradually eating more over the week. I say it is just a side effect of us unlocking our auras, but I do wonder though, how much more we will have to eat? I say there is a book about it somewhere out there. I guess I will browse for one at a later time." I finish my train of thought, I know no one is listening, but it feels nice to talk like there is someone here. It just feels natural and it makes me feel better.
I sat there for a few more minutes just thinking to myself. Ideally, I start squeezing the Beowulf plushie that Ruby gave me all those years ago. I smile at the thought, Ruby is just the best, no matter how many times I tried to return it to her, or Weiss trying to do the same with the Ursa Ruby gave her, she would always turn us down. Stating that it was ours now, and that we can keep them. It has actually been a great stress reliever throughout the years, just squeezing it when I was either stressed or just in a turmoil of emotions. It has definitely got its fair share of use this week, and I know Weiss has done the same with the Ursa.
I continue to smile, just thinking of my sisters. Yang, my older, and cool big sis. Weiss, my twin, and Ruby, my little sister. I don't know what I would of done if I didn't have them during this time. If I was all alone, and didn't have any of them. It was actually one of the more prevalent thoughts I've had since the day I lost my memories, what if it didn't happen? Where would I be now? Would I still be the same as I am now?
I have thought about it, about a life without them and I've always came to the same conclusion. That, no matter how good I had it before I lost my memories, I wouldn't trade what I have now for anything I could of had. If it means I will never regain my memories, or never get to know my previous family, then so be it. I have it too good to throw it all away for people I don't even know anymore. Sure, it would be nice to know who they were, but it just wouldn't be worth it. I just love them to much for me to risk it.
I snap out of my train of thought, and smack myself on the head, I have a tendency to overthink many things and let my mind go wild with scenarios that will never happen. It has certainly got me in trouble in class before, and has brung great amusement to my sisters at the expense of my embarrassment.
"Anyway, I know, that without a shadow of a doubt, that I want to be a Huntress mom. This week has left me reflecting a lot and it has made me all the more confident on my decision. The pain I felt when you died, the sadness and grief I felt from the others, it was unbearable mom." I say, with tears running down my cheeks. "I decided then and there that I would make sure they never felt like that again. I will do anything within my power to make sure of that, and a Huntress is the perfect job for it. I know they all want on one as well, so I at least won't be alone in this endeavor." I finish my statement, though tears still flow from me and my voice was wavering all the while, the determination was clear in it. The confidence that I gained from here was well worth the ocean of tears I've spilt today. Even when she isn't here, mom is still a great listener. That thought brung a sad smile to my face.
With knees felling like rubber, I made my way to my feet and face the casket. I spy mom's picture out of the corner of my eyes and ideally thought that Ruby was going to look drop-dead gorgeous in a few years time. That made me chuckle a little, the only time I've done it this week.
I reach into my other pocket and pull out a black roes, the memory of us planting them still engraved into my mind. I observe it for about a minute, until I shakily placed in to the left of Yangs yellow one. Tears were regained anew and I sobbed on the casket for a little while. Until, with haggard breaths and water up eyes I turned around and made my way to the door.
As I was about to open them, I turn around for a final time and say my last words "I love you mom, I hope I will make you proud." With that I open up the door and make my way out, feeling a whole lot lighter then I did when entering.
Weiss's POV
We have been sitting for about another hour. We changed our positions on the couch, with Ruby on the left, Yang in the middle and me on the right. Both Ruby and I were leaning up against Yang with our heads on her shoulders, and her arms slung around us and pulling us in closer to her. Yangs embrace feels comforting, especially now.
I hear the sound of the door opening again and my head turns on a dime. Out from it came Blake, her head lowered and cat ears flat on her head. I can observe tears falling from her cheeks and impacting the the red carpet that lined the hallway, making noticeable wet patches where they land.
I get up on my feet and hurriedly make my way towards her. Behind me, I can hear the tell-tell signs of Ruby's and Yang's footsteps making their approach as well. As I closed in on my twin, I throw my arms around her and pull her in. She offered no resistance. Soon after, I felt the arms of the others join in, with dad repeating his previous action with Yang and placing his arms on Blake's shoulders. Something is telling me that we will be repeating this process a few more times today.
We stand there for a moment, with Blake's head on my shoulder, I can feel the tears from her staining my clothes. I don't say anything though, mainly because I don't care right now and it would be incredibly rude of me to point it out, especially when she just said her final goodbyes. That thought made my breath hitch for a moment. Finale goodbyes. She really is gone, isn't she.
I slowly come out from the hug and make my way towards the door. I noted that it was made out of some kind of wood, oak maybe?
As my hand made its way to the handle I heard the voice of dad from behind me "Weiss," he started, and with a slow turn, I looked at him and the sad, yet soft and reassuring look told me everything I needed, yet he continued "Take as much time as you need, we'll be right outside." He repeats the same thing again. I nod, and turn back and open the door.
I close the door behind me, and take in the sight of the room. It is a quaint place, the beige contrasting nice with the rest of the room. But that isn't what's got my attention, it's the thing in center of the room, my mom's casket. The sight of it alone makes my lip quiver and my knees shaky, I could also feel the tears welling up in the corner of my eyes.
I try to adopt a dignified look, with my hands laid flat against each other and placed in front of my stomach. I try to walk with some kind of elegance. Key word being try, with the way my knees were buckling beneath me, all I was doing was preventing the inevitable.
As I made my way, my steps became slightly more addled and hurried and my hands soon unfolded from each other. The tears in the corner of my eyes soon filled the entirety of them and it all became blurry. At this point, I was pretty much running, and any kind of class I tried to put into my step completely shattered.
I fall upon the casket with all my weight and start to openly sob and ball my eyes out. The wails that came from me sounded completely inhuman, but I didn't care, I am to grief stricken to care right now anyway.
It hadn't fully hit that she was gone, sure I knew she was, but I guess with me being practically glued to the side of the others this week, and me doing everything I could to forget about it, it was all put into the back of my mind. Not being able to fully take hold that she was actually gone.
I laid there for a pretty good while, just crying on the casket, trying to get my emotions under control. It was honestly one of the hardest things I've ever done, and while I was able to stop my sobbing, I wasn't able to stop my crying. It took me about another five minutes before I was finally able to say anything "Hey mom," I start, and my mind goes blank, completely forgetting what I was about to say. I stay there for a few more moments until I finally come up with something else to say "it's been a while, hasn't it? This week has been chaotic at the best of times, and absolutely miserable at the worst." I say, trying to come up with more to say, but absolutely failing to do so entirely. I had a million things I wanted to say at the moment, but not even one would escape my lips, always stuck at the tip of my tongue, but not coming out.
I sat there for a few good more minutes, trying to say something, but nothing would come. It was horribly irritating, this was supposed to be my final goodbyes, and I can't even say word? How utterly pathetic of me.
I continued to sit there, the tears that were drying up continued anew, born from frustration this time instead of grief. While thinking of something to say, I was squeezing the life out of Ursa plushie that Ruby gave me all those years ago. That eliminates the scowl from my face, and replaces it with a small smile. Ruby is the best, she would do anything to make anyone smile.
I have no idea what I would do without any of them, they all have been instrumental during this week. Keeping me from having to think of the death of mom, or thinking of losing my previous mother as well. If they weren't here, I would be in far worse place than I am now.
I continued to sit there, holding and squeezing the Ursa as I came up with something to say, until I finally said something "I know both Blake and Yang have already told you about our week, but I can't think of anything else to say at the moment." I start. I could of just recounted the week, but I knew both of them already did so, however I couldn't think of anything else to talk about. "I hope you don't mind hearing the same spiel for a third time mom. Sorry I can't think of anything else." With that, I started recounting our week, from moms death, our auras unlocking, and how school has been.
"Dad gave us the option to not go to school this week, but we all decided that we would anyway. We were already up at the time, might as well go. Having to only sleep four hours a night does make the early morning boring, especially when dad sleeps as much as usual." I say. It is quiet wired that we only have to sleep four hours now. Though it does give us time to do a lot more stuff then we used to.
Being able to lift 315lbs, and 405 in Yangs case, was also quiet perplexing. Also having to eat slightly more than usual was also something I noticed, and I think Blake did as well, but she hasn't said anything about it. However, what really caught my attention since our auras unlocked was not the physical aspect, but how we were mentally effected.
"During the week while we were at school, we started a new lesson in our math class. That wasn't the weird part, what was however, is how fast we all soaked in the information." I can't say the same thing for Ruby, but I can speak for Blake, Yang and myself. "Normally during class, both Yang and Blake are usually not paying full attention to the teacher, and they weren't this week either. I can't blame them though, especially now, I mean, who would want to pay attention to a lecture when we are still processing the fact that you died." I say with exasperation clear in my voice, "That is why when the teacher called on Blake to explain a problem that she was going over, I was prepared to answer it for her. I know she wasn't paying attention, the far off look she and Yang had in their eyes said it all. They were not paying attention."
I finish, catching my breath, now that I found something to talk about, I can't shut up it seems. "Going to be honest mom, I was quiet mad that the teacher would call on Blake, she knows she is easily distracted, and she knew you died. She was trying to find a way to pick on Blake and get her in trouble. We all see the ways she looks at the Faunus students. Absolutely despicable, in my opinion. I guess I can see why you guys were quiet upset with us having her this year, she really is a bitch." I end my tai raid, I know my parents don't like for us to swear, but my emotions were getting the better of me at the moment. I simmer myself down and continue "Sorry for my language mom, anyway, it wasn't the fact that Blake answered the question right, though that did surprise me, it was the fact I know she wasn't paying attention... Well not paying full attention at least. Not enough to get the question right, as it was a pretty difficult question for even people actively paying attention."
I stop to catch my breath and continue again "Anyway, I didn't think much of it at first, and put it in the back of mind. Until five minutes later, she, yet again, asked Blake another question and yet again, Blake got it right. I was perplexed, to say the least, I knew the answer already, but I know for a fact Blake wasn't paying attention. I'm pretty sure she didn't even realize she was even answering the questions, all she did was just stare out of the window in the classroom.
I decided then that I would test things out myself after school ended. Thankfully, she wasn't called on anymore and things proceeded on as normal. When we got home, I set about my plan to test out our possible new intelligence. Well, I was until both Yang and Blake came up to me and asked what happened during class. I was correct, they weren't paying attention. That was when I came up with an idea to test out what might of happened to us. I told them that we were assigned some pages in our books and that we had to have them done by that night. Only, the pages I chose were from a completely different chapter, one we wouldn't do for about a month. They moaned and complained but they went about to do the work.
I joined them, wanting to test out if something similar happened to me. I didn't know the content of the chapter either, so I was going in as blind as them. I expected it to be a bit of a challenge, the textbooks we have are horrible at explaining what we are supposed to do, so I thought that at least would give me some trouble.
I was right, the way the book explained the problem was absolutely horrible... but that was it, only the way it explained the problem. The problem itself was easy, to easy. So I went on to the next one, again, same scenario, horrible explanation of the question, but it was near child's play to answer it. It happened again, again and again. I was going through these problems like I already knew how to do them, even though I never seen them before.
At that time I looked over to Yang and Blake and took a look at their papers, and they had all the answers right. They weren't even really paying attention to the work, they were mainly just talking to each other. Any other time, they would be complaining about how the explanation of the problem is horrible. It would usually take them, including me, about thirty minutes to figure out what to do, instead, it took us about five minutes.
At that moment, my guilt got the better of me. I don't like lying to them after all. So I told them a half truth instead. I told them that I accidentally wrote the wrong page numbers down. Needless to say, they weren't happy about that, but they just put the work they have already done up, and said that when we actually went over it we would already have the work done. So in the end, it all turned out alright, I got to know what else happened since our auras unlocked and we finished some work we no longer have to do." I finish with a smirk on my face then continue.
"I was honestly astonished mom, we have never had such an easy time with answering the problems in that book." I finish with a sigh, it was one of my habits that when I find something to talk about, I can't shut up about it. It sure gave my sisters something to poke fun at me about. That last thought brung a smile to my face, they really are the best. I wouldn't trade anything in the world if it meant I had to lose even one of them. I just love them that much.
With a exhale of air, I continued once more "I'm sure both Blake and Yang have already told the same thing, but I want, no need, to be a Huntress as well. I can't let what happened to you happen to them mom. I wouldn't be able to handle it."
I finish, tears flowing anew at the thought of any of them dying.
"I promise mom, I will do the best I can to become a Huntress, they will not die unless it is from old age and lying in a bed. I promise you that mom, we will live to see old age." Being a Huntsmen is a dangerous job, most don't make it to retirement, dying in the field, wether it be to the Grimm or the people of Remnant. It's a job for the courageous and bold, the tactful and smart. They are the worlds sword and shield, the first and last defense against the creatures of darkness. If they brake, the world shatters along with them, just like the moon above us. This job isn't for anyone, it is dangerous and you will more than likely die young. However, we aren't like most people.
Yang is powerful, that much was true when she lifted that 405lbs like it was nothing. But that isn't all, she is powerful in the emotional sense as well. She is a protector by heart, protecting us like we are the most important people in the world to her. I guess in her eyes, we are. I know for a fact that she and the others are the most important people to me. So I can see where she is coming from. She is kind and supporting, helping us any chance she gets. But she can also be ferocious and rage incarnate, especially when anyone tries to hurt us. The time when a group of kids were bullying and assaulting Ruby on the playground that one time comes to mind. Though, Blake and me were just as infuriated as her. A 3v8, soon turned 4v8 when Ruby joined in, never looked so one sided before. Add to the fact that she is a prodigy at hand to hand combat, or that she is a natural at engineering, it doesn't take a genius to know that she will go far as a Huntress.
Blake is as curious as she is intelligent. She can do anything she sets her mind to, wether that be something physical like gymnastics, or something like writing and poetry. She is a natural at almost anything she picks up, something that would be invaluable for such a dangerous job like a Huntress. The fact that she is always curious about learning new things, added with that already stated incredible intelligence, and you get a combination that makes it almost unfair for others. If that wasn't enough already, she is absolutely amazing at anything stealth related, her Faunus features magnifying that fact even more. Again, it doesn't take a genius to deduce that she will go far as a Huntress.
Ruby is a weapons genius, she isn't even nine yet, but she can already tell you how to make and maintain a proper weapon. From something as mundane as a sword, to something as complicated as a combination weapon, there is almost nothing she couldn't tell you about a weapon. When we finally make our weapons, I know who I'm turning to help me make it. She is that good. But that isn't even the best thing she has going for her, it's her innate leadership and the feelings she gives off. There is a reason the rest of us follow her lead on most things, she just commands that kind of presence that makes you want to follow her. She has also always had this aura around her, one that just made you feel safe and comforted, like everything will be alright. It just pours naturally from her, just like mom. It certainly helped all of us during this week, never failing to make the rest of us smile. She is going to go far, anyone can tell that.
As for me, if I'm being completely honest with myself, I am pretty intelligent. Even before my aura made me process things better, school work was already easy. It didn't matter the subject, if I wanted to learn something and I put in the effort, I was going to learn it, the fact that I learn faster than my peers also helps. Add that I am pretty good at hand to hand, not as good as the others I'm willing to admit, and that I'm good at coming up plans to tackle problems, if I must say so myself, and you get someone that would do pretty good as a Huntress. I'm also pretty good with dust, so I also have that going for me. I'm willing to admit that I won't be as good as my sisters, but that won't stop me from standing beside them and fighting along with them. I won't let them face the world alone.
I snap out of my inner monologue and slap my self on the head, I must of been there inner monologuing for at least ten minutes! Both Ruby and dad still need to say there goodbyes.
I got to my feet and look at the picture they used for mom's funeral. She is absolutely gorgeous. It seems Ruby is going to be as well when she gets older. I smile at the thought, and then reach into my pocket and pull out a white roes. Planting these was some of the most fun I've ever had. With a shaky hand I place it to the left of Blake's roes. I stay there for a moment, letting the tears flow freely and sobbing softly one last time, before I reluctantly turn and make my way towards the wooden door.
As I reached it, I look over my shoulder and utter my final words "I love you mom, thank you for giving me so much to love." I say, and with tears still streaming, I make my way out the door.
Ruby's POV
It was another hour later, with me on the right this time and Blake on the left. Yang insisted to stay in the middle, I guess to do what she is currently doing, that being holding both Blake and me close to her. I wasn't going to complain even if I wanted to, her embrace was just to soothing and comforting to leave from.
But it seems that I would have to, as at that moment I heard the door open and out came Weiss, eyes still dripping tears. I make my way out of Yangs embrace and head towards Weiss. When I reached her, I took her into a hug, with my head just below her chin. The others soon arrived and joined in, with dad, repeating the same actions as before, came up behind Weiss and placed his hands on her shoulders.
We stood there for a few minutes and just hugged each other. The sounds of Weiss crying started to bring tears to my own eyes. The look doesn't suit her, it doesn't suit any of them.
With great reluctance, I pull my self away from the hug and head my way towards the door, it's size easily dwarfing me. As my hand approached the handle, I heard the voice of dad from behind me "Ruby," I, just like the others, turn towards him, and just like the others, he doesn't have to speak to get his messages across, his eyes relaying all that needs to be said, but he does so anyway "take as long as you need, we are right out here." He finishes. I simply nod and turn back towards the door and open it.
Once I closed it behind me, the tears I tried to keep in start falling instantly. I take off like a bolt of lightning towards mom's casket and latch on to it like a life line. My wails and sobs echoed off the walls and made the sounds even worse. But I didn't care, all I cared about was hugging my mom's final resting place and letting all the pain I held in this past week flow out of me.
I cried for at least half an hour, probably even more, before I calmed down enough to speak. "Hi mom," I start, becoming silent for a few more minutes, just collecting my thoughts and planning what to say.
"I miss you," I said with barely a whisper, all I want to do was just continue to cry. But I know dad still needs to go, so I straighten my self out as best I can and continue "we all have missed you. It hasn't been the same without you, it feels less happy without you here with us."
I say, finally finding words to speak "It's been hard without you mom, so, so hard." I can't continue without crying again, why am I such a baby! Dad still needs to go!
With great willpower, I stop myself from crying and continue again "Though, this week could of been so much worse. I could of not had Weiss, Blake and Yang with me. I don't know what I would of done if I didn't have them with me mom. They have been the absolute best during all of this. They have all been great supports for me. I couldn't of asked for better sisters than them." I finish my statement, actually bringing a smile to my face, even when they aren't here with me, they still don't fail to make me smile. I really couldn't of gotten better than them.
My smile stays strong as I continue "I know you've already heard this three times already, but I hope you don't mind me recounting the week for a fourth time." I say, and from there, I tell her all about what has happened this week. About our auras unlocking and some abilities that came with it. I know she's heard about our boost in strength, but I still tell her about it. That still gets me to smile even thinking about it, they are so strong! Easily lifting all those big weights! It was honestly such an amazing sight, I know mom would of loved to see it.
I tell her about everything that I can remember, I even think of something to say that the others probably haven't noticed yet.
"I don't know if the others have noticed or not, but we are much more connected than before." I start, before letting out a breath and continued "I know they must of told you about that emotional thing that happened, about how we could sense each other's emotions. They probably told you about how it was there for a second, but disappeared just as fast. That is true, it still hasn't happened again, but that's not what I'm talking about. It something different, but also similar to the emotion thing." I stop to catch my breath before continuing.
"I noticed it when we went to school the next day, you know how they all have classes together while I am all by myself? Well that is where I noticed it. I was just sitting in class, not really paying attention, I know, I should be, but I just wasn't in the mood to pay attention. I was still shocked from learning that you died. I was ok that previous night, but only because I had the others. I had them to lean on to, and they made me forget about what happened for a little bit at least."
I take another breath before continuing, "But I didn't have them then, so I drifted off to your death. I didn't have anyone there to comfort me mom, I was alone and I was scared. I needed them mom, they just... I can't even explain it, but they just make me fill... better I guess? I can't think of the proper word, but I know you know what I'm saying. Anyway, while I was thinking of going finding them, I saw a brief flash of light. I was so confused, that I forgot about them for a second, but as soon as I done that, the lights went away.
I didn't pay much mine to it, thinking I was probably just imagining it. I tried to focus back on class, but my thoughts drifted to them again, and again that light appears, and again it disappeared just as fast. I was a little scared if I'm going to be honest mom, random lights don't just appear and disappear like that, you know. But that time, I noticed that when I thought about them, that light appeared. So, I thought of them again, wanting to see if it will reappear, and it did!
However, I lost it as fast again, but at least I knew I wasn't crazy! So that was nice. Anyway, I tried to do it again, but this time I wanted to hold it. So I just focused on them, wanting to know where they are. It appeared again, but this time I didn't stop thinking about them, and it stayed.
It took me a moment to properly get my thoughts back in order, but when I did, I took notice that instead of just one light, there were three. Each one a different color. I would soon find out through me testing it that, the white colored light was Weiss. That made sense, in fact the others make sense as well, with Blake's light being black and Yang's yellow. At least there colors weren't confusing, like Weiss being red or Blake being orange and stuff like that." I finish with a small giggle, that would of been funny but also incredibly confusing, so I wasn't complaining.
"I would of told them about it, but I kept on forgetting to tell them." I finish with a deadpan expression overtaking my face. "However, I say they will notice soon, there smart like that." I say, my smile returning "I did find out that it does have a range, though everyday it is slowly expanding. Maybe years down the line we will be able to locate each other around the world? Now that would be cool!" I finish with excitement, the thought of being able to locate them anywhere bringing great joy to me. If that happens, it would be incredibly useful as a Huntress.
That last thought simmers down my smile a bit, but the resolve in me burns bright in turn. "I know I've already told you about a million times, but I'm now a 100% certain that I want to be a Huntress mom. I still have the same reasons for being one, I still want to help and save people, that hasn't and won't change. But my reasons for wanting to be one have only just gotten bigger." I steady my breath before continuing "Your death really shook me up mom, and it shook the others as well. The looks they've had this week... it just isn't right mom. They should never have those kinds of looks."
I continued, with tears coming back with a vengeance "That's why I decided that I will do my best to become a Huntress. So that they will never experience something like this again. I promise mom, we are not going to die. We are going to live forever!" I finish, the fire and steel in my voice evident. Though that last part may be a bit o an exaggeration, it doesn't mean that I won't try my hardest. I will do everything I can so that we can live a long and happy life, the people of Remnant included.
I stand up on my feet and look into the picture they used for the funeral. Mom's smile is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, it just leaves you feeling like everything is alright with the world. That everything is going to be ok. I hope that I have inherited that smile, the world needs more like it.
I reach into my pocket and pull out a red roes, the memories of us all planting them came to mind. It was one of the happiest and most fun moments of my life. With tears flowing like rivers and with a shaky hand, I slowly, but surely, place the roes to the left of Weiss's.
I stand there for about another few minutes, letting the pain and sorrow of this past week escape. I sob, I cry, I wail, but after a little while, I straighten myself out and turn around and make my way towards the door. Before leaving, I spy a look of the picture one last time and utter my final words "Goodbye mom, I love you." With that, I turn back exit out the door.
Taiyang's POV
It was another hour of us all sitting in the hallway. With me sitting in my chair and the girls sitting on the couch. They changed up their order again, with Blake closest to the door, Yang still in the middle and Weiss farthest from it. They were all curled up together on the couch, with Yang holding them close to herself and Blake and Weiss clinging to her as well.
There are many things that made me proud of them, but the love they showed for one another was probably the one I'm most proud of. I can rest easy and know that if anything happens to me, they won't be alone.
I didn't get to dwell on my thoughts any longer, as at that moment the door swung open and out came Ruby. Immediately, Weiss Blake and Yang sprung to their feet and made there way to Ruby. Before they arrived and hugged the girl to death, I was able to get a look into her eyes. 'They all have the same eyes', I thought with a internal sigh. I'm not talking about their eye color, I'm talking about the look they've all had when they came out of that room. It didn't matter if one of them was crying more than the others, they all had the same look.
With much more effort than should of been needed, I made my way to my feet, and circled around the girls and placed my hands on Ruby's shoulders, offering all the comfort I can from my position. We stayed that way for a few minutes before I took my hands from Ruby's shoulders and made my way towards the door.
Before entering, I heard the voice of Ruby from behind me "Dad," I turned, all of them were looking at me, the pain and sorrow in their eyes are still there, but the comfort they tried to convey towards me was heartwarming "take as long as you need, we will be right here." Ruby finished. The feel and tone of her voice reminded me of Summer at that moment, always trying to lift one's spirits in the hardest of times. I couldn't of been more proud of her in this moment if I tried.
With a smile, I nodded and turned back towards the door and opened it up. Once I was inside, I closed the door and made my way towards the casket. I only made it to the first row of seats before I collapsed onto to them, and released a massive sigh. All the weight of the world just crashing down on me at this moment.
I felt the tears that was being kept back in the hallway finally break free from my eyes. I just let them flow, I never tried to stop them, I was to week at the moment to stop them anyway.
I spent an undetermined amount of time just sitting there, my head hung low and watching the floor. I was just to tired at the moment to do much else. But I eventually raise my head and speak "Hey Summer, been a crazy week, huh." I say, trying to break the silence with some humor. It doesn't do much, but it does raise my spirits somewhat.
"The girls are handling this better than I thought they would. Then again, those four are inseparable, having a shoulder to lean on is amazing, especially during this time, so it does make sense, I guess. They are handling this better than me, that's for sure." I finish with the most hollow chuckle escaping my lips.
I sit there for a few more minutes in silence, mustering up the courage to speak again; gods, I'm so tired.
With a deep sigh I continued "The girls unlocked their auras, so that's nice. I just wish the circumstances of it was better. I know you would of loved to been there to witness it." I pause for a moment, just silently thinking to myself before continuing "You would be so proud of them Summer, the strength they showed, both mentally and emotionally, have been astounding this week. They couldn't of made me more proud of them if they tried." I finish, with a smile on my face.
"They have been through a lot this week, and they will continue to go through hardships because of this, but I well and truly believe that they will come out stronger for it. If what I saw in there eyes was any indication at least." I lose the smile that was on my face at that thought, it was actually something I was looking for every time they came back from their goodbyes. I was looking for a gleam, or something along the likes, in their eyes. And every time one of them came back, my heart broke a little more each time. They all had the same look.
The sigh that came from me expressed my exhaustion at the situation, with great power, I spoke again "They all had that look Summer, the look of determination. They had all came to the same conclusion while in here, and that was to fight. They want to be Huntresses." I couldn't keep the tears from flowing, every time one of them came out of here, and they all had the same look... it slowly choked any kind of hope I had that they wouldn't want to be a Huntress. I knew what they would want to do, even before coming here, but I was still hoping they wouldn't come to this decision.
Don't get me wrong, I'm immensely proud of them for wanting to do the right thing and fight for Remnant, for its people, I am proud of that... it's just "I'm fucking terrified Summer" I voice my thoughts, not able to keep the desperation out of my voice "I've already lost Raven, now I've lost you, I am petrified that I will lose them." I slowly break down, the tears from me now coming in droves, and I try to choke back a sob, but it accomplishes nothing.
For about five-ten minutes, all I could do was just silently cry there, the thoughts of Raven and Summer leaving dominating my mind. Which turned into my daughters doing the same. There aren't many things that can break me, but me losing them, now that would, it would of any loving father.
The images of me in this exact situation played in my mind over and over, but instead of Summer, it's my daughters. My precious little girls. The thought terrifies me to my very core, I don't want to burry them, but with a job as dangerous as a Hunter, my fears were not uncalled for. I've seen it to many times myself; dads burying sons, moms burying daughters, brothers burying sisters... I've seen what it does to those people, and it wasn't pretty.
"But, no matter how much I don't want them to become one, I will support them." I finally got out a response, it was honestly one of the hardest things I've ever said. "Even if I wanted to stop them, they would just wait until they turned old enough and become ones anyway. Their stubborn like that, just like you and me, huh Summer." I finish with a grace of a smile on my lips. "So, I might as well support and train them, I do have things I can teach them after all." I finish, feeling a little better.
"It's their own decisions to become Huntresses anyway. Again, I wouldn't be able to stop them, they would just do it anyway when they got older, at least this way I know that they are better prepared for the world and the Grimm." I release a sigh before continuing "But I probably have nothing to worry about, especially if what I think will happen, happens." At this I release a sigh and continue "There going to go far Summer, really far." The note of pride couldn't be missed from my voice "Summer, you were the best in our generation, able to take dozens upon dozens of Grimm by yourself alone, you could take on multiple teams of Hunters and still come out on top. The absolute pinnacle of a Huntsmen."
The reverence in my voice was clear as day, she really was the best out of all of us "But, what I see in all of them, the sheer amount of potential, it is absolutely mesmerizing. The strength they gained from unlocking their auras was immense, the greatest boost of strength I've ever seen in my life. Summer, Yang lifted a little more than five times her body weight just from her aura alone. That isn't normal. Just think what she will be able to do in another five years? Ten? Twenty? It is almost scary to think about." By the end I was rapid firing words, and had to calm myself down a little.
I sit there for a little bit before continuing "Not to mention the others got a incredible boost of strength as well. Add on to the fact that they are all immensely intelligent, learning things much faster than other kids their age, and them all being prodigies in multiple different things, how can I not encourage them to become Huntresses. They have everything that is needed to survive as one, let alone thrive." It was honestly scary how good they already were, with enough training, they could possibly even turn the tide on the Grimm and this internal war of survival, they may even let us go on the offensive against them. I see them being that good. Call it a fatherly bias if you wish, but I have a feeling that I am underrating them even now. I see that amount of potential in them.
"Though, only time will tell I guess. Hell, they might not even want to be Huntresses in the future for all I know. But, until they tell me otherwise, I'm going to train them the best I can. They're going to be pushed, more than likely past their breaking points, but I have a gut instinct that they will get stronger because of it. Yes Summer, I see our little girls going far, I only wish you were here to see it happen yourself." I finish, the last thought dampening my mood a bit.
I rise from the chair I was in and made my way towards the casket, out of the corner of my eye, I spot the picture we chose for the funeral. It was honestly one of the best pictures of Summer I've ever taken, just everything about her exuded calmness and serenity, she was honestly breathtaking in it.
Upon reaching the casket, I reach into my pants pocket and pull out a silver roes. I still remember Summers smile the day she planted these, it was one of the happiest times I've ever seen her be in. I'm so glad she got to do something like that with them. With a finale sigh and slow but steady hand, I place the silver roes above the others.
Red
White
Black
Yellow
Silver
I then do my duty as the closer of the goodbyes and shut the casket. I stood there for a moment, letting tears flow for a final time before I wiped them away.
With that, I turn around and head for the door. I turn around one final time, and utter my final words "I love you Summer, I promise, our daughters will thrive." I turn back around, and head my way out the door.
Whew! 12k words! Now that is insane.
I would like to apologize for the late chapter, but stuff happens you know, so let's hope that doesn't happen again. But sorry in advance if any chapters are late.
I say you can already guess, but I'm going to be making team RWBY a little overpowered. Don't worry, I promise that it won't make the story stale and boring, especially with what I have planned! Trust me when I say this, they're going to need all the power they can get.
I actually liked this chapter, there is of course a lot of problems, I don't like some parts of it, but overall, I think I done pretty good. Then again, you could be of the opposite opinion and absolutely hate it. Please let me know if you do, it helps me become better at this kind of thing.
Also, please review! Tell me what you might like to see happen here and I might just use it. A Guest review left an amazing idea, one that I think I know how I will execute. With my own spin on their idea, of course. So please, review and tell me your ideas.
Anyway, thank you for reading and hope to see you next time! Have a great day!
