"Summer I don't-"
Glynda couldn't finish her sentence as Summer held Sundered Rose at her neck as she glared at the deputy headmistress.
"Stop saying my name like we're close. I don't know either of you."
"Why is that Summer?"
Glynda and Summer's attention turned to Ozpin who held a calm expression.
"Why or I guess the better phrasing would be How do you have no memory of us when we have no recollection of you?"
Before Summer could answer a loud grumble was heard from her stomach making Summer look down at her stomach and place a hand over it.
'Ah, Ruby must be hungry. Since we're sharing a body it's safe to say that expending the energy during the duel with Pluto worked up an appetite for her. Still, I know nothing of where I am or what place this is.'
Summer briefly turned towards Glynda and Ozpin before an idea entered her brain.
'Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone and maybe gain some allies if Pluto comes back and brings any friends.'
"Alright you two want answers and I want to get something to eat so how about you scratch my back and I'll do my best to scratch yours? Sound reasonable?"
"That's all you want Summer?"
Glynda asked confused as Summer was going to give them answers so long as she got a meal.
"I don't believe I stuttered…Glynda right?"
"Yes."
Ozpin then jumped in.
"Very well Summer. Let's see if we can't find you something to eat shall we."
"Lead the way you gray-haired wizard."
Unknown Location; Black Castle
Pluto stepped out of the portal lowering his hood and revealing the dark fortress he called home.
"Ah, I missed this place."
"Your back Pluto?"
Pluto saw waiting for him at the entranceway was a young woman with a black blouse with a dark purple bow, a pencil skirt, stockings, and boots. She had deep amber-golden eyes as she was reading some kind of history book.
"Hmph. Still keeping up the human disguise Stappelia?"
Stappelia turned towards Pluto looking up from her book with a scowl on her face.
"What's it to you?"
"Oh, nothing. I just never understood why you walk around in this human disguise. It's pointless."
"Not all of us enjoy walking around constantly in our grimm forms unlike you."
"*scoff* Whatever By the way is there any reason why you're waiting for me outside the fortress."
Stappelia closed her book before looking Pluto dead in his eyes.
"The masters calling a meeting for us all to assemble also to address your failure to capture Shooting Quasar from Summer Rose."
"Alright. This should be good."
Stappelia then snapped her fingers as her curvy librarian figure disappeared and in its place was her grimm for she had normal black skin like every grimm had however instead of a bone mask she had multiple bone snakes for hair with each snake having blood orange eyes. On her thin body was bone armor in different places like her chest, legs, and forearms.
"Follow me, Pluto."
"I know my way to the castle Stappelia I don't need you to show me the way."
With that, the two grimm made their way to Black Castle.
Nighttime; City of Vale
The trio of Ozpin, Glynda, and the newly brought back Summer Rose sat inside a diner that luckily they had found was still open at this time as Summer sat in front of a large bowl of mac and cheese with a side of dumplings eating away while Ozpin and Glynda watched on.
Summer Looked up as she cleaned her hands off.
"Well, you two had questions right? Ask away and I'll answer as best I can."
Ozpin and Glynda looked at each other before Ozpin went first.
"First off the obvious question, Glynda and I wanna know Summer is how are you back in the land of the living?"
Summer took a long swig of her drink before answering.
"How much do either of you know about magic?"
Ozpin and Glynda shared a nervous look before Ozpin began talking.
"Magic used to exist in Remenant but it's no longer a factor of the world anymore and no one possesses it anymore."
"You're lying."
"What?'
Summer took a bite of her mac and cheese bowl before speaking.
"You're not lying about magic being gone from this world but about no one having it. You have magic don't you."
Ozpin's eyes went wide behind his spectacles for a brief moment as Glynda was also shocked.
"In case you two are wondering how I know this well it's because Quasar is glowing hot in my deck box. Quasar resonates either when someone like Pluto or someone with magic is near me so let's not dance around it here alright."
Ozpin adjusted his glasses before responding.
"It seems not much can still get past you, Summer."
"Not much no. Now it's my turn to ask you guys a question. You called Pluto a grimm what I wanna know is what exactly is a grimm?'
This time Glynda spoke up to answer Summer's question.
"The Grimm have been the bane of humanity for as long as we can remember. They're creations of the brother of darkness one of the two gods that existed on Remnant 400 years ago."
"So are all the grimm like Pluto?"
"No. There has never been any grimm like Pluto ever."
"In that case, it's safe to say that something or someone made him."
There was a silence between Glynda and Ozpin as they traded looks before looking back at Summer.
"Oh? You two do know something. So feel like sharing with the class or are you still gonna talk to yourselves like I'm not in the diner?"
Letting out a sigh Ozpin spoke.
"We do indeed know someone who can create grimm but you have to keep it to secrecy."
"I'll do my best."
"*Wham* Summer! You must keep this to secrecy."
Summer's eyes went wide as it was the first time she'd seen Ozpin get genuinely upset like this.
"Alright. Alright. I'll keep it close to my chest."
"Her name is Salem and she does have the power to create and command the Grimm."
"Okay. Can she be beaten or at the very least told to knock it off."
Ozpin let out a dry chuckle.
"If it were that simple as to tell her to 'knock it off the world wouldn't be in the state it's in right now and to answer your other question she can't be beaten."
"I refuse to believe she's unbeatable. I mean it's not like she's immortal or anything right?"
An uneasy look was shared between Ozpin and Glynda before Summer put the pieces together.
"Oh, my god. She's immortal! Now it makes sense as to why you haven't been able to put her down."
Summer rubbed her chin in thought.
"Are you sure this Salem character didn't create Pluto?"
"We're positive Summer. After all, Salem wouldn't create a grimm smart enough to play a card game."
"Duel Monsters."
"What?"
Glynda looked at her in confusion.
"That's what Pluto and I were doing when you arrived. The game is called Duel Monsters and its history is far older than you or anything on Remnant."
"Okay, then Summer. Why was Pluto after in the first place."
Summer's mood then took a 180 as she gripped the table in anger.
"That black slimeball was after my daughter thanks to this."
Summer then reached into her deck box and pulled out Shooting Quasar showing it to Ozpin and Glynda.
"As to why he wants Quasar I don't know and I don't care. All I know is that scumbag isn't getting Quasar or my daughter."
Ozpin and Glynda recoiled a bit as they felt the venom and hatred in Summer's voice over Pluto.
"I assume you two wanna know about Duel monsters right?"
Glynda and Ozpin nodded in agreement.
"Well as much as I would love to give you guys a history lesson of what I know I can't right now."
"Why not?"
Summer got up and stretched out her body unintentionally showing off her mature curves.
"Simple I need to get to get my daughter and her body back to bed."
At this, Ozpin smiled and even Glynda smiled as despite her loss of memory she still had nothing but love and care for her daughter.
As the trio left the diner with the bill paid thanks to Ozpin the group made it to Beacon however before Summer returned to Team RWBY's dorm room Ozpin had one final question for her.
"Summer I have one final question for you."
"Hmph and here I thought you'd petered out on questions for the night Ozpin."
"Humor me for a minute."
"By all means Oz. Ask away."
"With you're memory not all here what do you remember."
"That's simple Oz…."
Summer then held up two fingers.
"...I remembered the things that were most important to me when I came through the gateway; my name and my relation to my daughter. Aside from that everything else is a foggy mess."
"I see. Goodnight Summer Rose."
"Night Ozpin."
Ruby after hearing that voice, had fallen asleep as she was now awake and when she looked around, she saw her room back in Patch.
"Wait how'd I end up back home? I was just outside Beacon a few moments ago. Somethings wrong here."
"Ruby? Ruby? You in there sweetheart?"
Ruby froze upon hearing that voice as it now came through clearly.
"I-It can't be."
Ruby's eyes were misting up and only increased when she saw Summer walk through the door.
"H-Hey Ruby."
It was clear Summer was beyond nervous seeing her daughter then the damn broke for Ruby as tears came pouring from her eyes as she tackled her mother in a petal-bust hug.
"MOMMY!"
Summer clutched Ruby tight as she let her daughter hold her and continue crying.
"I know Ruby. I know."
"WAHH! MOMMY!"
Summer gently touched Ruby's shoulders as she pushed her daughter back to look into her daughter's tear-stained silver eyes.
"Ruby. I need to look at me. Can you do that sweetheart?"
"*sniff*Y-Yeah i-it's just howareyoubackwhyareyoubackhowisthishappening?!"
"Ruby! Breathe. Breathe baby girl."
Ruby took a deep breath and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
"I'm sorry Mom."
"Don't be baby girl. I'm just happy you're safe."
"S-So Mom um…where are we exactly?"
"Oh right, I guess I never explained that to you did I. So tell me what do you remember from today?"
Ruby then took a seat on the couch as she recalled the events of today.
"Well, I went into Vale today, and saw a cool mystery card shop that no one entered or noticed met a man called Shadi got a cool deck of cards…Then I came back to Beacon hung out with my team went to bed then the deck box started glowing particularly Shooting Quasar Then some guy lured me outside and abducted me Then before he fed me to his giant dog everything went black."
"I see…okay…yeah that matches up."
"S-So Mom quick question. If we're in my mind then how are you here and why are we back at the house in Patch?"
Summer looked away embarrassed as she twiddled her thumbs together and she blushed.
"W-Well I figured I'd make a place you know and I sorta peeked at your memories and saw that this place made you the most comfortable."
Ruby smiled at her mother caring enough to make her surroundings comfortable so they could talk.
"So Ruby, what do you wanna know?'
"Well for starters how are you here inside my mind right now?"
"Okay, so to start Ruby I'm not here physically."
"W-What?"
"To make a long story you summoned me when you called for help."
"H-How did I do that?"
Summer then opened her palm as Ruby's silver rose pendant appeared as she placed it on the table.
"When you were captured I heard your cry for help from the other side and rushed to help you."
"Wait so you came from the pendant Mom?"
"Not quite, I came from the other side."
"W-Wait the other side Mom, did you?"
Summer let out a sigh.
"I believe at some point in my life Ruby I may have died but it is still unclear to me."
"I-I see. I didn't want to believe it but y-you did die."
Ruby looked on the verge of tears again but Summer was quick to stop her daughter from crying again.
"H-Hey now Ruby don't cry. Whatever happened in the past doesn't or shouldn't matter now cause I'm here now."
Ruby once again found herself drying her eyes.
"So did you get a look at who attacked me tonight Mom?"
Summer leaned back as she crossed her arms.
"*Tch* yeah a dirty bastard by the name of Pluto who's apparently what you call a Grimm."
"Wait what?! You mean a Grimm was able to speak clearly and stand on two legs like a person? That's not possible or it shouldn't be possible."
"Hmm. Funny enough Ozpin and Glynda told me the same things."
"You spoke with Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch? What else did they say?"
Summer crossed her arms in thought before she concluded.
"They asked me questions about how I came back and my connection to the cards I used. They also mentioned a woman by the name of Salem."
"Who's Salem?"
"According to Ozpin, an immortal woman who can create the Grimm."
"What?!"
"Also he wanted me to keep that a secret."
"Wait then why tell me, Mom? That doesn't make much sense?"
"Simple because there's something about Ozpin I don't trust so why should I be entitled to keep his secrets Also I trust you, Ruby."
Ruby turned red from her mother's praise.
"That being said whether or not this Salem woman did create Pluto I have no idea but I do know he'll be back and next time I'll beat him and he won't lay a dirty black hand on you!"
"Uh Mom, you're kinda scaring me with your intensity."
Summer saw that Ruby was indeed curled up into a ball as she was truly feeling scared.
"O-Oh right. Sorry sweetheart, momma got a bit intense back there."
"I-It's okay Mom. So what now?"
"Now Ruby you get some rest and we'll talk more in the morning."
"What?"
"No complaints, young lady, get some rest."
"But…"
"Now."
Ruby let out an adorable squeak as she shrunk under her mother's gaze.
"Y-Yes Mom."
"Hmph that's better."
"Hey, Mom."
"Yeah, Ru-"
Summer was cut off when Ruby slammed into her torso giving her a massive hug.
"I'm really happy to have my mom back."
"And I'm glad to be back with my adorable little Ruby."
With that Ruby's dreamscape disappeared from the house on Patch as Ruby went to sleep.
Unknown Location; Black Castle
Stappelia led Pluto to the meeting room which held a massive round table with five chairs. The room was a mesh of Victorian style with black and purple color with a technology communication hub vibe to it. Sitting in the other three chairs were the three other Grimm working with Pluto and Stappelia. The first two Grimm were looking over each other's decks the grimm sitting in the last chair on the left with complete bone armor with a helmet completely covering his head*. Sitting next to him was a grimm with the appearance of a small porcelain doll as she had four arms and wore what could be described as silk bins in the shape of a loose dress and an oversized witches hat. These two were Lance and Ranni. The last grimm who sat in the third chair was a human-sized leviathan grimm with multiple cybernetic implants and a robot eye replacing his left one that changed colors depending on his mood as he was looking at a digital screen showing duel monster cards on a playing field as he was running some numbers and calculations.
"Ah, the gangs all here. How wonderful to see you all again."
Everyone's attention turned to Pluto immediately as a scowl was clear on Ranni's face while Lance's expression was unsure behind his helm and Overclock simply didn't care that Pluto had arrived.
"You're late Pluto but it doesn't matter to me as without your grandstanding I was able to concoct more duel formulas."
"*sigh* Always a bore aren't you Overclock. No matter where is the master you said he had called us together."
"I'm right here Pluto. I figured you'd be more patient with me."
Entering the room and getting everyone's attention was a hooded figure who demanded respect when he was present and immediately all the Grimm bowed to him.
"Master Overlord."
Everyone said and bowed.
"At ease everyone now I called this meeting to discuss the problem specifically Pluto's failure."
"My failure master?"
"Don't act dumb Pluto. You could've easily used the effect of your Unchained monsters to take her monsters to create your link monsters and won the game. My question is…why didn't you?"
"Oh, that. Its simple master it wouldn't have been any fun."
Everyone gave Pluto a look like he was crazy.
"You can't be serious Pluto. That's why you almost lost our objective 'cause it wouldn't have been any fun!?"
Stappelia was upset and vented her anger toward Pluto.
"Don't get your bones in a bramble Stappelia Besides I would've won due to Destiny Board."
"False Pluto."
Overclock spoke up getting his attention.
"What?"
"You heard me, Pluto. Say you did try to activate Destiny Board Rose could easily use the effect of Majestic Star Dragon to tribute itself to negate the activation and destroy your entire field."
"You're lying. I had her right where I wanted her!"
"No need to get so aggressive Pluto even though Overclock is right."
"I doth agree. If you hadn't been so cocky and used your monster's effects you could've won the duel."
"I don't remember asking for either of your opinions Lance, Ranni."
"Enough!"
The temperature of the room dropped when Overlord raised his voice making every grimm in the room freeze and look at him.
"Since I can't trust someone with your limited mental capacity I'm handing the task to someone else. Overclock, can I count on you to acquire Shooting Quasar Dragon and beat Summer Rose?"
Overclocks screen changed to a copy of a Stardust/Junk Synchro deck as he began to formulate.
"Certainly master. With enough time and proper planning I'll crush her."
Overclock then grabbed his deck and pulled a card from it.
"Wisel and I will for sure beat her."
"I hope so Overclock…for your sake."
With that, Overlord vanished leaving the five Grimm alone in the room however the minute he left Ranni got up and left the room with Lance following her.
"Where are you off to Ranni?"
"Oh? Is my business that intriguing to you dear Lance?"
"We're friends Ranni I'm simply concerned that after Master's conference, you'd do something reckless."
"Hehe. Ah, I love your protective nature. Don't worry I'm going out for a walk."
"Hmm in that case I'll accompany you. After all, as a knight, I can't let a maiden leave unattended."
"It's a date then Lance."
With that, the two Grimm left the castle for their day out.
Beacon Academy
Ruby awoke sitting up and stretching out her limbs as the morning sun entered the room.
"*Yawn* Good Morning."
Ruby looked around and saw her teammates were still sleeping but they were getting up albeit groggily.
'Did I dream all that? Seeing Mom again and everything we talked about?'
Ruby began to look downtrodden until she heard a voice.
"Just a dream huh Ruby?"
"EEP!"
Ruby let out an adorable squeak which startled her teammates awake.
"Ruby you okay?"
"Why are you so loud this early?"
"Seriously you dolt?! We're trying to sleep"
"S-Sorry guys I was just surprised from a dream I had last night."
"What was the dream about?"
Ruby tried to think of an answer that would satisfy Yang's question.
"I-I was eating cookies but then some grimm appeared and started eating the cookies in front of me and I couldn't stop them."
After her explanation, Ruby started to sweat as even from her it sounded unbelievable.
"Sounds like something you'd dream about Ruby. In the future though try not to scream like that and wake us all up."
"R-Right sorry guys."
'I can't believe that worked.'
'Nor can I Ruby.'
'W-Wait Mom? Is that you? So last night…'
'Wasn't a dream Ruby. Exactly.'
'I'm glad it wasn't a dream and you're still here with me. Wait how are we talking like this?'
'Since I'm connected to you through the emblem I can communicate with you mentally like this.'
'That's so cool!'
'Hehe. glad you think so. Now get dressed we need to go talk to Ozpin.'
'Got it, Mom.'
"Ruby, are you okay? You've been staring off into space for the past 4 minutes now."
"O-Oh sorry, Weiss. My bad."
Ruby let out a chuckle before she got out of bed and changed from her pajamas to her student uniform while the rest of her teammates already changed and made their way to class.
"I'll meet you guys there. I just remembered I have to talk to Headmaster Ozpin real quick."
"Really? What for?"
"Uuuh…"
Ruby was bluescreening to give a valid reason as most answers she thought of had an easy counter until her saving grace came in the form of Yang.
"Quit worrying about it so much Ice Queen. Besides I trust that whatever business Rubes has with Ozpin she'll handle it and then rejoin us."
"Thanks, Yang."
Ruby smiled before she went on her way.
-line break-
As Ruby stood still as the elevator made its way up she kept shifting in place.
'You're nervous Ruby.'
"Yeah, I - woah mama!"
Ruby turned and was shocked to see her mother as a visible spirit next to her.
"Woah Mom! How're you doing that?"
'I figured it'd be easier for you if you had a physical form to put to a face outside of us only seeing each other when you sleep.'
"Wait so when you're like this mom does that mean…?"
'Yes, Ruby I can see and hear everything regardless if I'm like this or not.'
"That's kinda creepy but also cool."
'Call it what you will Ruby but it means I can keep a closer eye on you. Also, keep your guard up around Ozpin.'
"Why Mom?"
'There's something off about him Ruby. I don't trust him and I don't want you being put in danger or worse hurt.'
Before Ruby could answer her mom's concerns the elevator door opened revealing Ozpins office with him behind his desk with Glynda at his side.
"Hello, ."
"H-Hey Professor Ozpin and Professor Goodwitch."
"Is there a reason you've chosen to visit the Headmaster this early in the morning?"
"W-Well the thing is…"
Ruby shuffled in place unsure how to tell her headmaster and headmistress that her mom had somehow come back from the dead via magic and told her to meet Ozpin.
"You came here 'cause Summer said we had to meet again right?"
Ruby's eyes went wide in surprise.
"So Mom was right when she said I had to meet you tomorrow."
"That's correct Ruby. Glynda and I had a brief discussion with her last night but I'd like to discuss some things with her in person before I send you on your way."
"Okay, Professor."
Ruby's rose emblem began to spin as it glowed bright silver.
"YUGIOH!"
In Ruby's place stood Summer although she was now wearing Ruby's school uniform which did its best to grow with Summer's adult body.
"Huh? I never would've guessed Ruby's uniform would fit me but damn do I make it work."
Summer then briefly did some poses showing off her flexibility and her curves in Ruby's uniform.
"*Ahem* Are you done, Summer?"
Summer turned to see Glynda scowling at her arms crossed under her bust.
"Don't be jealous that you can't make this work Glynda unless you wanna go put a uniform on and try for yourself."
Glynda's cheeks turned red out of embarrassment.
"I-I…Y-You."
Before the two women could continue this back and forth Ozpin intervened.
"Come now, Glynda we didn't invite Summer here for you two to argue but that being said, Summer please don't pick fights with the people who want to help you. I don't think you'd wanna set a bad example for Ruby."
At this Summer glared at the man.
"Keep my daughter's name away from your lips for now Wizard of Oz. I still don't trust you but we made an agreement and I don't go back on my word so…"
Summer took a seat in the chair and then crossed one leg over the other.
"...what do you guys wanna talk about?"
"For starters, I'd like to know everything you know about this game of duel monsters that's made its way to Remenant."
Summer leaned back in her chair.
"You sure you can handle the history lesson I'm about to drop? It might be too much for you to ingest all at once."
"I've lived a long life and seen many things, Summer. I'm positive I can handle it."
1-2 Hours Later
Ruby was walking back to class after her mom had the discussion with Professor Ozpin and Glynda feeling happy her mom worked something out with her Professors.
'You seem to have more pep in your step Ruby.'
"Well yeah, Mom. I'm just glad you and Professor Ozpin and Glynda came to a compromise."
'It's a mutual one at best but that being said you have their scrolls?'
"Yup got them right here."
Ruby then held up in her hand both Ozpin and Glynda's scrolls as part of the deal Summer made after explaining her rough summary of Duel Monsters' history to the two of them was at the very least synch up their scrolls to Sundered Rose so the two of them could be informed and keep track of Summer in case she dueled Pluto again or someone else like him.
"I still don't know how you convinced them to let you do this."
'Honestly, it wasn't too hard that being said I'm going to be counting on you for the scroll part as I have no idea how to work that thing but I'm more than confident with my duel disk hardware. That reminds me…how did you do that earlier?'
"Do what Mom?"
'Don't act coy with me Ruby halfway through my talk with Ozpin you appeared in spirit form and I never once showed you how to do that.'
"Well when I saw you do it I spent the first hour and a half trying to figure out how you did it but then I figured it out."
'Aww look at you. My adorable little genius.'
Ruby's cheeks flushed with embarrassment from her mother's praise.
"D'oh Mom stop. I'm not that special. I'm just a normal girl with normal knees."
'What?'
"Ignore that last part?"
'No.'
Ruby kept walking as they made it back to the Team RWBY dorm room with Summer's spirit in tow however when they entered the dorm room to Summer's surprise it was empty.
'Ruby, where's everyone else? You're not missing class are you?'
Ruby was about to respond until she saw mothers glare and shrunk under its gaze.
'Are…you…skipping…class?'
"N-No?"
Summer's glare at her daughter intensified.
"Okay. Okay. I'm semi-skipping class. Professor Ozpin said I'd get an out to a couple of my classes this morning in exchange for making them up with Professor Goodwitch."
'When did you get this sorted out?'
"Just now."
Ruby pulled out and showed Summer's spirit her scroll with the messages between Ruby and Glynda.
'Huh? How about that.'
"So Mom?"
'Yes, Ruby?'
"W-Where's your weapon…I mean duel disk?"
'I hid Sundered Rose in a box under your bunkmates' bed.'
"You mean Weiss?"
'That's her name? What parent names their child that?'
"To be fair Mom you're named after a season and you named me after a shade of the color red so…"
'Fair enough. Now let's get started on the duel disk scroll synch up okay Ruby.'
Ruby reached under Weiss's bed until she felt what she was looking for and pulled a crate out and undid the locks and when her eyes lay on Sundered Rose her breath caught in her throat. Ruby had never held her mothers' weapon much less seen it before so suffice to say Ruby found herself almost crying again but she sucked her tears in as she took Sundered Rose out of the box.
"Okay, so Mom how do I convert this from axe to duel disk?"
'There's a button next to the trigger. You need to press that and the trigger in unison to switch it to duel disk mode.'
Ruby fumbled with Sundered Rose until she found what she was looking for.
"Ah, here it is. So if I press you and pull you like this then…"
Upon following her mother's instructions Sundered Rose shifted and changed until it was in its duel disk mode.
"Wow. This is incredible Mom!"
At this Summer blushed from her daughter's praise.
'Oh, Ruby stop. You're going to embarrass your mother Besides I didn't do anything special.'
Both Summer and Ruby chuckled as they went to work on synching up Ozpin and Glynda's scrolls to the duel disk.
Outside Beacon Academy
Ranni and Lance had made it to their destination as they stood outside.
"So this is where she resides Ranni?"
"Yes, Lance. This be the location of Summer Rose who we doth seek."
"Well then Ranni I say we send her an open invitation for your test."
The pale blue witch chuckled.
"It pleaseth me to hear you still have humor, Lance."
"Seems my humor only comes out when I'm around you."
"Quite."
Two of Ranni's arms went down and grabbed then opened her deck box Then her other two hands began searching until Ranni found the card she was looking for as she pulled it out and held it up to the sky as she channeled her magic through it.
"Okay almost done. I just gotta configure this and…"
Before Ruby could finish Summer noticed their deck box glowing bright silver and her eyes went wide.
'Ruby! Get up now!'
"What? Why?"
'We have company.'
Ruby looked over and saw the deck box glowing silver as she went inside and pulled out Quasar before turning to the window and noticed that there was another figure hiding or more accurately they were hiding in plain sight as they should've stuck out like a sore thumb in the early afternoon but they weren't being noticed.
"Mom…"
'Yeah Ruby. I see them too.'
"You think it's Pluto?"
'Doubtful. If it was him he'd make a more grand spectacle of drawing us specifically me out to have a rematch. This is someone else.'
"What do we do?"
Summer held her chin in thought before she responded.
'Grab the deck box and Sundered Rose then meet them outside to see what they want. I'll swap with you the minute I sense any danger.'
"Got it, Mom."
Ruby followed her mother's instructions grabbing everything she needed before she headed out the door and down to the courtyard to meet the stranger.
Ruby made her way to the courtyard looking for the stranger who caused Quasar to glow brightly until she found who she was looking for and while the courtyard was full of hustle and bustle there were a few people out and about.
"Are you the one who made Quasar start glowing bright silver?"
"I am. I knew that would cause thee to notice and approach me."
"Why are you talking like you're from the early century of Vale? More importantly are you friends with Pluto who attacked me last night?"
Ranni chuckled before answering.
"I have always spoken this however I have no inkling of my mentioning relation to Pluto You must be knowledgeable to have figured it out and for that, you have my grandest of praise."
"Oh…uh thanks?"
"However Pluto and I are not friends we are how you would say work acquaintances at the very least. I am not here to avenge Pluto's failure no I am here to test you maiden Ruby."
"Test me?"
"Indeed. I wishest to know if fate was in your corner and thou could have beaten Pluto or if it was simply the luck of the cards that favored you. Will you accept this test or will 'she' be testing on your behalf?"
Ruby was quiet for a few minutes before she heard her mom's voice in her head.
'Ruby switch.'
'You sure, Mom?'
'Positive. I'll duel this girl and beat her test but I want you to watch and observe okay?'
'Got it, mom.'
Ruby's rose pendant began to spin as its silver glow began to get very bright.
"YUGIOH!"
When the glow died down Summer stood in her daughter's place with her deck box at her hip and Sundered Rose in duel disk mode on her arm.
"I'm ready whenever you are."
Ranni smiled at Summer's confidence.
"I suggest we move the duel elsewhere. If we were to get too intense I wouldn't want to damage Ruby's academy."
"How…thoughtful of you."
"Oh my apologies I never exchanged pleasantries with you or young Ruby. My mind must be slipping from my hands. My name is Ranni. Ranni the Grimm witch and I'm pleased to meet you."
"Summer. Summer Rose but you already knew that."
"Indeed. Now let us depart as I assume you're just as eager as me to get this duel underway. Correct?"
"You could say that."
"Then let us be off."
Ranni then had her hand on her bottom left arm snap its fingers as they were teleported deep into the emerald forest.
"Now follow me."
Summer shrugged her shoulders and agreed as she followed the witch deep into the Emerald Forest until the two of them made it to their destination the old ruins where the freshmen had formed their teams.
"What's this place?"
"These doth be ruins. As to what they once were I have no idea but this place will serve our dueling needs."
A beowolf appeared with a satchel and the strap in between its teeth as it gave the satchel to Rannin earning a pet to its bone mask. Rannin reached into the satchel and grabbed a dark crystal with a magic seal on it before muttering an incantation and throwing the crystal on the ground breaking it the same seal appeared when Summer dueled Pluto as the barrier erupted around the two of them.
"So you're a fan of these barriers two huh?"
"Only to keep the duel inside and not have anyone else get caught in the crossfire."
Again Summer raised an eyebrow as Ranni was already more thoughtful and considerate than Pluto ever was. However, her musings were cut short as the same beowolf from before ran towards ran jumped at her then fused to her arm creating a black and read clock for her while the arms and head formed a duel disk on her arm. Both duelists loaded their cards into the duel disks.
Ranni:4000 LP
Summer Rose:4000 LP
"Duel!"
"If it's okay with you I will make the first move."
"Fine with me."
Ranni inspected her hand before she made her move.
"First, I play the Field Spell; Magical Meltdown."
Ranni played the field spell as the image on the card was that of a sorcerer inside a magic circle with a spellbook in hand and his wand raised to the sky as red energy crackled all around him.
"I add one Aleister the Invoker from the deck to my hand. Also, the activation and effects of my cards including my fusion summon cards cannot be negated Plus you can't use monster or card effects when I fusion summon."
Ranni's duel disk shuffled her deck until it spit out an Aleister the Invoker as beneath the duelists a giant red magic circle appeared and crackled with energy.
"Next I summon Crowley, The Magistus of Grimoires in attack mode. (ATK 1800/DEF 1000). A young man appeared before Summer as he wore a monocle with a stylish Grimoire in his left hand and a staff in his right with fancy magician robes.
"Now I activate the effect of Crowley. Once per turn I can declare one attribute then Crowley becomes that attribute until the end of this turn so I declare the attribute to be water." (Attribute Dark to Water)
"I activate the spell card; Invocation to fuse the Aleister in my hand with Crowley to call forth the first of my many invoked beasts."
Aleister and Crowly began to swirl together thanks to Invocation as something was coming out of the blue circle.
"I call you by the contract of your invocation! Come forth Invoked Cocytus!"
Coming out from the blue circle was a large silver dragon with red eyes, blue veins all over its body, a three-horned mantle on its head, and in its chest was a light blue circle with what appeared to be half a wand sticking out of its chest.
"I summon out Invoked Cocyuts in defense mode." (ATK1800/DEF 2900).
Summer grit her teeth at Ranni's decent turn.
"Not bad."
"Thank you. I set three cards face down and end my turn."
Turn 2
"My turn then Ranni. I draw."
Summer looked over her hand before deciding on what she wanted to do.
"First from my hand I use the effect of Quickdraw Synchron and by doing so I discard Quillbolt hedgehog from my hand to special summon him out in defense mode. So welcome to the field Quickdraw!"
After discarding Quillbolt to the graveyard Summer summoned Quickdraw immediately to her field. (ATK 700/DEF 1400).
"Now I activate the effect of Quillbolt in my graveyard. Since I currently control a tuner I can special summon it back to my field so I summon back Quillbolt hedgehog."
Quillbot hedgehog came back to Summers' field as she summoned it in defense mode.
"Now I tune quickdraw synchron with Quillbot in order synchro summon."
Quickdraw became 5 green rings that scanned Quillbolt whose form became two stars.
"Gathering anger becomes an entranced warrior born from a brutal god. Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Howl, Junk Berserker!"
(Level 7. ATK 2700/DEF 1800)
From the bright lights of the synchro rings the destroyer emerged clad in his red armor with a massive axe over its shoulder and a flail on the hilt of the weapon.
"Battle! Junk Berserker go and take out her Invoked Cocyuts and when Junk Berserker attacks a monster in defense mode that monster is destroyed!"
Junk Berserker thrust its hand out and forward as several metal spikes burst from the ground to destroy invoked Cocyuts however the silver dragon let out a roar as a blue barrier surrounded it stopping the spikes dead in their tracks.
"What? How?!"
Ranni put a hand to her mouth and laughed.
"Invoked Cocyuts can't be destroyed by my opponents' card effects Plus since your effect doesn't activate you take the difference between Cocyuts' defense points and Berserkers' attack points."
Berserker slammed its axe down into Cocyuts but the water dragon roared as its barrier deflected the attack and repelled Berserker with no problem.
(2900-2700 = 200. 4000-200 = 3,800)
Summer Rose LP: 3800
"I set a card face down and end my turn."
Turn 3
"I draw."
Ranni looked at her field and then at Summers's field as she concocted another strategy.
'I hope you pass this test, Summer Rose.'
"Since I have my face down and Invoked Cocyuts in the same column I can special summon from my hand Mekk-Knight Indigo Eclipse in attack mode."
"Battle."
"Wait what do you mean? Invoked Cocyuts isn't switched to attack mode and even if it was neither it nor Mekk-Knight Indigo can beat Junk Berserker unless…"
"Correct. Another effect of Cocyuts is that it can attack in defense mode and then apply its attack during the damage calculation. Go Cocyuts and take out Junk Berserker."
Cocyuts although in defense mode sprinted towards Junk Berserker with the intent to destroy it although Berserker tried its best it ended up getting skewered by its horns.
(2700-1800= 900. 4000-900=3100)
Summer Rose LP: 3100
"Attack her directly Mekk-Knight Indigo!"
Indigo zipped towards Summer as the gems on its ring lit up and it hit her with a strong psychic pulse.
(3100-2400= 700)
Summer Rose LP: 700
Summers' body slammed against the wall of the barrier before falling face first.
"Ahhh!"
'Mom? Mom! Please get up! Get up, Mom!'
"Don't worry Ruby. Your mother is not out yet but this is tougher than I thought."
"Hehe. I hope you can keep this up Summer Rose cause if not I'm afraid your dueling story will end here. Now let's start the next turn okay?"
Summer grit her teeth and picked herself back up as she had a hunch Ranni's test is just getting started.
A/N: Hey everyone Here's chapter two of Twin Roses is now out don't worry cause I'm working on chapter 3 right now and it should be out either tomorrow or Monday so look forward to that. I appreciate the support for this story and I look forward to your constant support in the future.