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Ruby was running, after so many winding paths she had lost track of how many corners she turned as she tried her best to figure out where Raven had holed up, after Yang had revealed her mothers presence in Vacuo, Ruby had acted on instinct, her desire for answers outweighing her rational thought, eventually she was forced to stop as she struggled to keep up with her bodies demands for air not even realizing she was holding her breath, she came upon a split in the road and was unable to decide which way to go, stopping to catch her breath a voice broke through the haze that had descended upon her, whether there were other voices before Ruby hadn't noticed.
"Ruby!"
Weiss' voice caught up to her from behind and Ruby spun her head around and a shot of guilt ran through her as she saw that Weiss, Blake, Yang, Qrow and even Winter had given chase after her, they had a mixture of worried and concerned expressions as they struggled to keep up. Qrow was the first to close the distance and he rested a hand on one of Ruby's shoulders in a vain attempt to keep her still as if she couldn't just user her semblance, Qrow tried to reason with her but his words just extinguished the guilt she had, replacing it with anger.
"Ruby, wait, you can't-"
"No!" Ruby shouted as she cut him off. "I'm done waiting…" She pulled her shoulder free from Qrow's grip before glaring at him, she knew it wasn't fair to put any of the blame on him but Raven wasn't in front of her yet and Qrow was her brother after all so he would have to do for now.
"Don't tell me to wait! For years I've waited, hoping for mum to come back, for her to appear on the other side of the door. And Raven knows why because of course she's involved somehow."
"Ruby what do you mean?" Asked Yang who seemed confused out the implication of her mothers' involvement. Ruby turned her attention to Yang as she felt tears build up in her eyes.
"The blacksmith showed me, they showed me mum going with Raven somewhere and do you know what I realized?.. I realized that not only did mum lie but I had forgotten so much about her. I'd forgotten the things a picture can't tell you, the way she spoke, how she smiled, I felt my heart tighten when I saw her. You still have memories of mum while mine have faded away, all I can remember is the smell of the kitchen as she baked cookies, how she would hum to herself as she mixed the cookie dough. Sure pictures remind me how she looked but what about when she'd grin as she tried to not laugh at dad's bad jokes or frown when we broke something. All these things I'm losing and I didn't even realize it."
Ruby didn't notice when the tears had broken free but when she instinctively wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, she felt the tears come with it.
"Ruby." Yang pleaded as she took a step towards her sister but Ruby turned away staring down at the ground as she did causing Yang to stop in her tracks.
A hand reached for hers, it was cold to the touch but it warmed her heart and steadied its beating, turning to its owner Ruby was met with the understanding eyes of Weiss.
"What do you need?" Weiss asked.
Ruby smiled at her partners' words and she resolved to never take Weiss' support for granted again.
"I need to know. Please."
Weiss nodded and pulled Ruby closer, resting a hand on her cheek.
"Then we'll find out, You deserve to know."
Yang walked up beside Weiss and gently led her sister into a hug, whispering into Ruby's ear.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know, you could have told me you know."
Ruby let out a half-hearted guilty laugh as she pulled out from the embrace and looked into Yang's eyes with forgiveness in her own as she asked her sister a question she had been holding in for so long.
"How do you tell your sister that you're forgetting your own mother?"
"I don't know but it isn't your fault Ruby, sometimes I think we need to do better at communicating, not just you but me as well."
"To the Branwen Camp then?" Suggested Blake and Ruby looked towards her and nodded before turning to Winter.
"I know I may have crossed a line earlier but don't feel like you have to come on my behalf." She offered Winter an out, not because she didn't want her there but because she didn't know if Winter wanted to be there herself, any doubt Ruby had though was dispelled as Winter smiled at her supportively as she gave Ruby her answer.
"I've not had many dealings with Raven but another maiden can't hurt, especially if she wants to be difficult."
Ruby and Yang both laughed at Winter's words as Yang turned to the older Schnee with a smile.
"I think Raven makes a living out of being difficult."
"I think that's putting it politely..." Responded Qrow as he turned to Ruby. "So, to Raven it is."
Ruby realized that Weiss was still holding onto her hand and she pulled her closer until they were standing shoulder to shoulder, she spoke quietly to her partner as she rested her head on Weiss' shoulder, walking side by side as the group started to make their way towards the Branwen Camp.
"Thank you, for understanding, I know it might sound a little crazy that a blacksmith from a strange land showed me but I promise she did."
Weiss responded with a small laugh. "I trust you Ruby, I have spent far too long trying to make sense of that damn place. Besides, Raven has much to answer for, a few questions is the least she can do."
Weiss let go of Ruby's hand and brought it up around the back of her, resting on Ruby's waist as she pulled her partner closer, as if enjoying the calm before yet another emotional storm the two enjoyed the walk, giggling to themselves as they watched Yang and Blake in front of them discuss bird related puns.
…
Ruby steeled herself as she stared at the entrance of the Branwen camp, before taking a deep breath she looked behind her and was met with the supportive expressions of Blake, Yang, Qrow and Winter, turning beside her Weiss offered Ruby her hand as she lent the other on one of the gates, Ruby accepted it gratefully as Weiss forced it open leading Ruby forwards as the rest followed behind. The group made their way towards the centre of the camp, which Ruby thought would have more people.
"I figured Raven would have more followers." Ruby gave voice to her thoughts, asking out loud.
Weiss responded sarcastically. "Well I doubt she offers an appealing retirement plan."
Ruby smiled as she laughed at her partners joke, earning a proud grin from Weiss.
"There were more here earlier." Answered Blake and Qrow was quick to follow up with an explanation.
"The numbers here fluctuate depending on where people are needed."
Ruby hummed in response, hoping that if there were less people Raven might feel less inclined to put up a false front of bravado and antagonism.
Once they made their way towards the centre, the area opened up to a round table that stood in front of a large structure, Raven was with her back to the group staring down at something on top the table as she seemed deep in thought unaware of the group's presence.
"Mum." Yang spoke softly and Raven remained unmoving, looking down she reached across for one of the Grimm pieces and moved it from one side towards the centre.
"I know my tea is good but it isn't worth two trips in one day."
Raven's voice dripped with sarcasm and it surprised Ruby by just how angry it made her as Raven seemingly brushed off her daughter's presence.
"Raven!" Ruby said her name sharply, her voice finally causing Raven to turn around, evidently her curiosity was peaked.
"Ruby, I must say this is a surprise, I hope you won't hold my actions at Mistral against me, we've all grown so much since then."
Ruby had to force herself to keep her breathing steady as she struggled to contain her anger at the casualness in Raven's voice. Ruby reached for Weiss' hand again and pulled her partner closer.
"I'm sorry to disappoint but I think I'm going to, because of you Cinder almost killed my partner."
A flash of guilt spread across Raven's face before returning to its neutral expression that seemingly served only to increasingly anger Ruby.
"I can't be blamed for the actions of others."
"No but I can blame you for letting them through the backdoor."
Raven didn't seem affected by the grudge, merely running her eyes across all those present before looking back towards Ruby.
"I'm sorry to say I don't have tea ready to serve everyone, so can we get to the point of this visit because while your message was certainly inspiring, I've had enough emotional turmoil for today."
Ruby glared at Raven as she responded.
"It's always about you isn't it?" Ruby asked angrily.
Raven frowned as if it was obvious. "Well, that is one of the perks of being leader."
Ruby took a step forward. "Was mum selfish then?"
The look of confusion mixed with surprise was obvious on Raven as she reacted to Ruby's sudden change of topic, her eyes jumped between Yang and Ruby as if searching for the hidden intent that seemed to be between them before looking up at her brother.
"What is this?"
Ruby answered for her uncle.
"Summer, you were there when she died." Ruby stated confidently and the shock broke across Raven before she regained control of her emotions.
"Listen Ruby, I don't know what you think you know but maybe don't believe whatever you here off the street."
"ENOUGH!" Ruby shouted, shocking everyone as she stepped forward aggressively and reached behind her for Crescent Rose, her intent clear.
"Was it not enough to take just one mother from Yang? It's bad enough that you took one from me but you took two from her."
Ruby's voice lowered before continuing as she dropped her hand back to her side.
"Why can't you just tell us what happened?" She pleaded and Raven's eyes dropped to the ground between them.
"Because I killed her!" Raven admitted strongly before slowly bringing herself to look at the Rose in front of her, Ruby at first couldn't believe the words that Raven had just spoke but she chided her foolishness, this was the woman willing to help Salem and murder those close to her.
"Tell me." Ruby demanded.
"Us." Added Yang. "Tell us, what happened to mum."
Raven looked to her daughter before turning back to Ruby.
"You know, your mother only lost two fights in her life, the first was trying to keep me from returning to my tribe and the second was against Salem."
…
"So that's the plan then?" Raven asked her former leader with her voice tinged in disbelief. "Since you know what you said that's not a plan, it's an outline."
Summer waved off Raven's concerns. "What don't you trust me?"
Raven shook her head before raising her hand to push a branch out of the way.
"You led me out into the forests of Mistral and your plan consists of three steps, if I'm understanding it. One, find the spring maiden. Two, open the vault and get the answers we need and three, stop Salem. Like I said, that's an outline."
"You had no problem following my plans at Beacon?" Summer said as she led the way, the two were off the beaten track. "Besides, you can't overcomplicate these things, you trust your info broker?"
Raven scoffed, if it was anyone else she'd feel insulted.
"Of course, information is the most powerful weapon."
"Then we have nothing to worry about, now stop complaining, your source says the Spring Maiden is here."
"What makes you think she'll even want to help us?"
Summer came to a stop in a small clearing and turned to Raven.
"What's with the twenty questions? Is Raven Branwen scared?"
"Pfft, scared? Not on your life."
Raven used the pause in walking to re-check her dust in her weapon, spinning the chambers to make sure the weapon functioned smoothly, Summer watched Raven fiddling with interest.
Summer spoke in that semi-serious tone she used when she was leading team STRQ and Raven hated the way it still influenced her.
"There's something on your mind." She stated. "I don't mind a twenty-first question, so ask away."
It was more a demand than a request but Summer could always word things in a way that Raven felt comfortable answering.
"Let's just say we succeed-"
"Is Raven Branwen feeling hopeful?" Interjected Summer teasingly.
Raven wanted to ignore her but she couldn't stop herself from scoffing and defending herself.
"No.. just you seem to think us working together can do anything. So, let's just say we succeed, then what?"
Summer stared at Raven with a serious expression.
"I go home and continue watching my two beautiful daughters grow into whatever they want to be and hopefully, what we do here will mean they won't have to follow in our footsteps. That the world they're in isn't at risk of a ticking time bomb… So come on, enough talk."
Raven nodded as she felt a stab of guilt press against her heart when Summer called Yang her own daughter, she wasn't wrong but to hear her say it so casually was a sobering thought.
The two continued on their path for a little while longer before a blood curdling scream reverberated out from deeper in the forest, the two broke out into a sprint following the source of the distress, looking up through the canopy Raven could make out some rising smoke breaking through.
"Summer." She said quietly so as not to alert anyone drawing her leader's attention up.
"I see it." Summer returned, increasing the speed that she was moving and Raven was quick to match her speed.
Coming to a clearing the two arrived out a small house that sat along the river on the same side that they were on, smoke bellowed out from the chimney as well as the broken windows, the door had been broken open, next to the door sat a large window that Raven assumed gave light to a living room, though all the smoke prevented her from seeing in.
The house groaned and rumbled as it slowly succumbed to the fire and became increasingly consumed by smoke. Raven grabbed onto Omen and felt the rotating mechanism activate as she prepared herself, unwilling to be caught by surprise by whoever was the cause. As if sensing that the duo were ready a roar shook the house from within and a Boarbatusk rolled out the door aiming for Raven who pulled Omen free and revealed a purple blade, stepping to one side she easily sidestepped the Grimm and struck it with the blade causing the gravity dust to activate and suspend the flailing monster which Raven easily dispatched.
Raven went to look at Summer but before she could voice her thoughts the white end of a King Taijitu flew out the bottom window, the rest of its body smashing through the wall revealing most of the Grimm. Summer responded with a quick flurry of bullets from Sundered Rose drawing the monster's attention to herself, Summer grabbed the end of her rifle activating the weapons axe form swinging upwards and hitting the Grimm on the chin eliciting a roar of pain as she pulled it free.
"A little help." Summer asked.
"You're doing fine."
Raven couldn't help the grin forming on her as she watched Summer fight.
"You're forgetting something."
"Oh yea what's that?" Raven said with a frown.
As if answering for her the other end of the King Taijitu smashed its way through the door frame leaving the two bodies leading back into the house and separated by the frail remains of the wall that was left between the door and window. The black head roared angrily at Raven who seemed annoyed at the interruption, deciding on the path of least effort Raven ran up behind Summer.
"Come on, just use your eyes." She snapped impatiently.
Summer strained as she held back the other head of the monster speaking through gritted teeth.
"Isn't the Branwen Tribe all about survival of the fittest but oh sure cower behind a mother of two, maybe instead of relying on me you put your back into it."
"Fine but you owe me one."
"Well you owe me more."
Raven stood next to Summer and slashed upwards landing Omen beside Summer's weapon digging deep into the chin of the Grimm causing it to reel back in pain and its other head screamed in anger, the second head moved forward destroying the remnants of wall that had remained between the two heads revealing the entire Grimm's body as it slinked its way out into the open.
The Grimm moved closer until the two heads were side by side.
"Remember our second-year mission at Beacon, RoseBird?" Summer asked Raven who scoffed back her answer.
"Of course."
Summer watched as Raven slashed in front of her and created a portal which Summer quickly stepped into.
"Oi! Ugly!" Raven shouted at the two heads before slashing at the closest keeping the two's attention on her, two shoots rang out above her but she kept up the offensive until she succeed in her objective, stabbing upwards she landed a second hit onto the Grimm's chin channelling the gravity dust causing the monster to float slightly off the ground, its body and second head flailed in confusion.
Two bullets hit the other head and the Grimm looked up as Summer came crashing down axe first onto the crown of its head, firing again the business end of the weapon let lose a bullet that struck the top of the Grimm's head and the momentum pulled the axe free which Summer easily caught before digging it in again but further down before running down the top of the creatures body forcing the axe to split along the Grimm as it screamed out in pain.
The Black head remained suspended but stopped actively moving as Summer continued running along the body but she had removed the axe speeding up her movement until she was atop the remaining head and she raised her axe up above her head ready as if to cleave the monster in two, bringing the axe down it planted firmly into the back of the Grimm's head as Raven pulled her sword free pulling the monster down at the same time as Summer's attack landed deactivating the gravity dust the monster crashed down as Summer jumped free, landing safely to one side.
Watching the Grimm dissipate Raven turned to Summer.
"Someone set this as a trap you know?"
Summer stared out into the far end of the forest with narrowed eyes.
"This way, they can't have gone too far."
"Summer, that house was-"
"-I know." Summer snapped back.
Raven was going to ask if they were going to look for survivors but it wasn't in her nature and besides if Summer didn't think there were then she trusted her leader's judgement, they'd lost valuable time especially after Summer seemed unwilling to use her silver eyes. Raven took one last look at the crumbling house, that had been the place her information source had told her was where the Spring Maiden was growing up with her parents, she'd even found out that the girl is planning on attending Haven Academy but she doubted that now after what her eyes saw.
Raven ran after Summer as her leader seemed to know exactly the trail she was following, Raven could also see the breadcrumbs of evidence that someone had recently been through, the broken branches and bent twigs with ruffled bushes but what concerned her was the flattened grass that seemed to go in a line, almost as if someone had been dragging something.
"Summer?"
"I know."
Raven hoped they weren't too late, even if she didn't herself believe in the plan she did trust Summer and it risked failing before the two had even gotten started.
The trail they were following eventually met up with the river and thankfully it started to run alongside it, Raven hoped they wouldn't cross as that risked losing the trail completely.
"There!" Spoke Summer sternly as she cut through her breathing to alert Raven.
A bridge stood connecting each side across the river, a figure was just about to start crossing and they were dragging someone by a leg. White skin with black veins, the two immediately knew who the figure was and a sense of dread seemed to fall among them, she was dragging an unconscious young girl.
"Spring?" Summer asked.
"She fits the description."
"How'd she find her? Why is she here?"
"SALEM!" shouted out Raven causing the figure to turn around as she kept hold of the girl's leg, standing on the beginning of the bridge, as the two came closer they slowed down wary of another trap. "What no lackeys this time?" Raven taunted causing Salem to look over to her.
"Keep out an eye for Grimm." Summer warned her eliciting a small laugh from Salem and the two steeled themselves.
Salem raised her free hand as if appraising her own hand before pointing at Summer.
"You my dear are a dying breed…" She dropped the leg she held as she took a step forward. "A Maiden and a Silver-eyed warrior, maybe I should get out more often, it seems the gods favour me."
Summer took an unintentional step back as she pointed Sundered Rose at Salem.
"You're not leaving here with her."
Summer gestured to the unconscious Spring Maiden.
"Same again?" Whispered Raven under her breath and Summer responded with a little nod, the duo planning evidently amused Salem as she let out another laugh.
"My dears please do speak up, it's always cute when the Oz's peons have ideas."
Summer tapped her boot onto the wooden bridge gently and Raven instantly recognised her intentions, she tapped her own boot twice. Summer smiled causing Salem to frown in annoyance, evidently the queen of Grimm didn't enjoy being in the dark.
Summer tapped once, her weapon shook in her hands and Raven noticed the unfamiliar sight of her team leader being scared. She tapped a second time and Raven distracted Salem by drawing Omen opting this time for the yellow blade, Salem smiled, cracking her neck. Summer tapped a third time and her silver eyes flashed out and Raven found herself squinting reactively as whenever she was this close it seemed blinding. Salem as if sensing the attack ripped up the bridge immediately in front of her holding up a shield to Summer's eyes and nullifying the attack but robbing herself of line of sight.
Dropping the logs they crashed down into the river and were quickly swept away by the current, Salem frowned as she was met with nothing, both Raven and Summer had disappeared, Raven smirked to herself taking pleasure in surprising Salem, the queen of Grimm followed a stray bird feather as it was the only thing left that was moving in front of her.
Raven coughed and revealed that she was behind Salem who spun around on the spot but was promptly met with the blade of Omen that Raven thrusted into her stomach, Salem didn't seem to care and grabbed onto the blade, Raven widened her eyes in surprise at Salem's lacking reaction and how tightly she held Omen, Raven tried to pull it free but Salem kept her grip firm even letting some blood run down the blade as she tried to anchor Raven by her weapon.
A surge of electricity ran along the blade and Salem screamed as she finally relented dropping her grip on Omen, throughout all this Raven hoped she had bought enough time for Summer. As if on queue Summer slammed down from above slicing Salem in half letting out a flurry of black Grimm ichor that sprayed out.
The two were stunned for a moment until Summer walked over to the Spring Maiden and shook her gently, Raven watched the remains of Salem with disbelief, she thought that it surely couldn't be that easy, the queen of Grimm being slain by a bandit and a woman who loves to bake cookies. Raven could hear Summer shaking Spring gently as the young girl was awoken, the girl struggled at first expecting it to be her assailant. Raven looked over to the two of them and watched Summer be seemingly in her element as she comforted the young girl, as she watched a noise played at the back of her head seemingly demanding her attention, it picked at her ear drum taking in the unnatural nature of the noise, as if something was stitching itself back together. It wasn't until she heard a bone snapping noise behind her that Raven turned around and what she saw caused her stomach to drop as the sight before her disgusted her and terrified her at the same time.
"…Summer."
Raven said quietly as if afraid of what she was seeing, the queen of Grimm herself was seemingly pulling her two parts back together, Raven dared to look away and Summer seemingly failed to notice the fear in Raven's voice when she said her name, taking a step closer to Summer and Spring she tried again.
"…Summer?"
"One second."
Raven tapped her leader on the shoulder vigorously causing Summer to look up at her with a scowl.
"What?"
Raven pointed with her free hand before resting it back on her holstered weapon.
"We don't have a second."
Summer finally saw what she saw and stood up, standing beside Raven.
"What the hell!?"
Raven felt vindicated and even more scared at Summer's reaction as it meant she wasn't just seeing things but it almost meant that what was happening before them was real.
"What do we do?" Raven asked Summer, her leader always had an answer, always had a plan.
"…"
"Summer!?" Raven snapped in fear.
"Shatter." Summer seemingly broke out of her frozen state at Raven saying her name, when she said the name of the plan Raven looked at her clearly confused.
"Shatter?" Raven felt her response was well founded; the last time they'd tried that move it was to stop a rampaging Goliath that was leading a horde of Grimm towards a small village.
"You asked for a plan, didn't you?"
Raven huffed at Summer's tone as it clearly signalled she was finished with the discussion. The two watched with worry as Salem literally pulled herself together, a small voice spoke from behind them.
"Uh, what's that?" the young Spring Maiden asked quietly.
"That's a problem." Raven answered.
A flash of black light followed along in reverse where Summer had struck and sealed her back up and the queen of Grimm was smirking at the trio's reactions.
"Oh…Has Oz been keeping secrets again?" She taunted. "If it isn't obvious now, you should know. You can't kill me."
Summer took a step forward as she held tightly onto Sundered Rose.
"We don't have to kill you to stop you, and we will stop you."
Salem seemed moved by the determination in Summer's voice.
"And what is your name my dear lamb that Oz has sent to the slaughter?"
"Summer and Oz didn't send us."
"Well Summer, I commend your bravery and I can't wait till you see things my way."
The way how the assumed victory dripped off Salem's voice angered her and she freed Omen this time with a cyan blade.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Asked Raven.
Salem seemed annoyed at being reminded of Raven's presence.
"You'll be surprised how persuasive I can be. What's your name?"
"Raven."
Salem seemed surprised at this answer.
"Ah a Branwen…" Raven's eyes widened at Salem saying her last name. "… I admit to liking your tribe's philosophy, survival of the fittest. Well my dear, you've met her now."
As she finished Salem released a beam of light that Raven blocked with Omen activating the hard-light dust constructing a shield that formed from the blade absorbing the attack, dropping her free hand into one of her pockets she pulled out a small crystal of gravity dust and let it fall in front of the distracted Salem. When it activated Raven felt herself being pulled in its direction as a flash came from behind her, blinding silver light was followed by the pressure against her sword ending and Raven blinked to clear the white spots.
The frozen stone form of Salem stood in front of them, Summer followed up her attack by swinging down at the side of the stone with her axe as Raven activated her blade with the hard-light dust reinforcing it as she swung down at one of Salem's legs. Summer's hit caused a crack at Salem's waist as Raven's attack cut clean and shattered through the leg causing Salem to tumble over and shatter into hundreds of pieces.
"Come on, we have to go." Summer spoke in a rushed manner as she checked on Spring, lifting the girl up gently. Raven stared down at the shattered pieces of Salem with horrified curiosity as the pieces had already started to roll back together.
"What memory did you use? That attack was stronger than the last one I saw."
Summer paused as she kept her eyes down at Spring, Raven was about to tell her to forget it but before she could Summer answered.
"It's the first time Yang met Ruby, I was nervous she'd be jealous or would resent her. Yang loves to be the centre of attention…" Raven huffed out nervously unsure whether she got that from her or Tai. "…But I didn't need to worry, she gave her such a strong hug, called her the cutest thing ever and promised to keep her new sister safe…" Summer paused and looked up at Raven the guilt she was feeling was evidently being shared by Summer if her leader's expression was genuine. "I'm sorry, I'm not trying to rub it in but you asked."
"We haven't killed her." Said Raven, turning back to Salem and seeking to avoid the conversation for now.
"The plan is to stop her; we need to regroup."
The trio turned to leave and standing at the remaining end of the bridge was a lone Beowolf, Raven smirked as the three of them started to walk, Summer letting Spring lean on her as Raven led the way, she slowed down however as the trees ruffled but there was no wind.
A Centinel appeared out from the trees and Raven allowed herself to feel a slight renewal of confidence but this was quickly extinguished as it was quickly followed by two more Centinels, a handful of Boarbatusks and even a Beringel appeared from the tree line, slowing down until she came to a stop and Raven spoke.
"Summer, I don't think they're going to let us leave?"
Clinking rang out from behind them the shattered stones pieces bounced off each other and rolled around as they slowly climbed up the reforming stone statue, Summer gently lowered Spring down and lent her against the wall of the bridge. When the statue finished reforming all the crack lines shone a bright black light as they fused back together, the light flashed again and Salem launched the pieces of stone back at them like an explosion and all Raven saw next was black as a pain shot through her temple.
"Ra-…" A Voice reverberated through Raven's head as she struggled to get her bearings in the darkness.
"Rave-…et…up."
Raven felt the cold on her chin as she realized she was on her stomach; the darkness became grey as her vision slowly came back.
"Ra-… help… e."
Making out the help got Raven's blood pumping again as she remembered where she was and who she was fighting, rubbing the part of her head that throbbed in pain Raven was able to look forward and her rapidly beating heart froze, Summer was looking at her with pleading eyes, her lips were moving but she couldn't hear her. The rushing of the water returned over her and Salem was holding Summer by her neck with one hand as Sundered Rose laid dropped to one side, she could see Spring beside her stumbling over evidently suffering a similar injury to herself, the world seemed to cut in finally and Raven's hearing returned.
"Raven!" Shouted Summer who was copied by Salem mockingly.
"Raven this Raven that! She's a Branwen my dear and your weak but don't worry, I can make you strong."
Summer's eyes sparkled and shined but she second guessed herself when Salem started to laugh.
"Please my dear, do try your best."
Salem tightened her hold on Summer's neck and Summer responded by activating her silver eyes again but was blocked by Salem's other arm bringing itself up in front of Summer's eyes turning only her arm and hand to stone, she looked at her arm as if appraising it again.
"Interesting power isn't?"
Before Summer could answer Salem slapped her with the stone hand, shattering it as Summer went limp in her hold, Raven reached for Omen, stumbling as she stood up in an attempt to help her leader. Holding up her broken arm she pointed it towards Raven and a series of small black lines appeared from the gaps in the bridge which from under a flurry of Grimm Shadow Hands grabbed onto Raven's feet before she could reach her weapon, Raven swiped at them with futility.
"Wait your turn Raven Branwen."
Salem turned her arm back to Summer as she spoke. "It's hard being a leader isn't it?" Summer failed to respond as she struggled to remain conscious, Salem's arm reformed itself and stroked Summer's cheek and Summer jerked away from the contact disgusted. Salem clicked her finger and a small Grimm beetle crawled out from under Salem's gown running up her side and down along her arm, Salem grabbed Summer's chin aggressively continuing her speaking as it sat on her palm. "But don't worry, leadership is meant for the strong."
The beetle lept at Summer covering her eyes, Summer screamed until she ran out of breath as she renewed her attempts to free herself from Salem's grip but she was kept firmly in place, Raven swiped in front of her causing a portal to appear one in front and another underneath Omen which it fell into and through the one in front of her, catching it she easily destroyed the Grimm Shadow Hands that held her in place, creating another portal beside the Spring Maiden, Raven pushed her unceremoniously through eliciting an annoyed shout from Salem.
"You're going to regret that!" She shouted but Raven didn't seem deterred as she ran at Salem, swiping clean through both arms, Summer fell limp on to the floor, Raven turned around and pulled the two arms off of Summer.
"I wouldn't help her if I were you." Salem chuckled under her breath as she pulled her arms back to her with magic.
"And why is that?"
"Because she isn't on your team anymore."
Summer's eyes shot open and Raven felt a hand wrap around her neck, she reached up to it with her free hand and Summer slowly stood up forcing Raven up with her.
"Summer my dear, Raven has separated me from the Spring Maiden, would you be so kind and find her for me." It was worded as a question but the demanding tone removed that façade, Summer gave a small nod.
"Oh, before I leave you with your new toy, are there other silver eyes that you know of?"
Raven stared into the empty eyes of Summer, silver swirling in black as the two battled for control, she gave a small nod in answer and Salem smiled.
"Marvelous, I'm running low on test subjects, you're the first I've succeeded with. Could you bring them to me please and kill anyone that get in your way."
Summer nodded again and Raven renewed her struggling grabbing Summer's hand and kicking Summer's chest with her feet forcing her leader to let her go, one word repeated in her head, Yang, Yang, Yang. If Summer was actually going to retrieve Ruby for Salem then Yang would definitely get in her way. Summer's mouth opened and then closed before opening again as her croaked broken voice stuttered out standing in complete contrast to the usual casual and confidence voice Raven was familiar with.
"K-kill?"
Salem assumed she meant Raven but even in this state Raven could see she was talking about the implication of Ruby and Yang.
"Yes yes, kill Raven." Salem said dismissively.
Summer's head shook unnaturally, a flash of silver and black blinded Raven and she felt drained, like all hope was lost, Summer threw her back towards the ground as Salem tutted out annoyed. Looking over Raven saw that half her body and one arm had been turned to stone but she easily broke free.
"Some more kinks to work out it seems, maybe even removing the eyes completely… Return to me once you're done." Salem gave Summer her order and shimmered down into the river before disappearing and that angered Raven, it was bad enough that she had to fight Summer but Salem just up and left as if it was a forgone conclusion.
"Summer…" Raven pleaded. "Snap out of it."
If Summer heard her she didn't acknowledge it as she merely walked over to her weapon and picked it up lazily, holding it by the end of the barrel she dragged it across the ground without a care, the metal screeching across the wooden bridge when it met a metal anchor. Raven reached for her weapon and it shook in her hand.
"Summer please, think of Yang, think about Ruby? Are you really just going to go through Tai and give your daughter to that bitch?"
"K-kill." Summer stuttered out painfully swinging weakly at her with Sundered Rose which Raven easily parried, it struck Raven as pathetic taking it as hope that Summer didn't want to fight her. Raven followed up the parry with an attack of her own seeking to disarm Summer but as if standing in juxtaposition to her offense Summer's defence remained strong, it would make sense Raven thought, the natural will to survive pairing with the control that Salem had implanted in her.
Summer grabbed her weapon properly and caught Omen's blade under her axe pulling the trigger and jerking it forwards forcing Raven with it, Raven pulled the trigger on Omen and the sword fired forwards ejecting it from the handle, Summer spun the axe in her hand deflecting the blade off towards the side of the bridge. Summer lunged at Raven before she could get the opportunity to reload another blade into Omen and the two rolled across the floor struggling to remain on top.
"K-kill…" Summer stuttered out again but her mouth remained opened moving slightly as if trying to say more, Raven kneed her in the side causing Summer to snarl at her annoyed at the transgression. "Me" Summer added in the escaping air and Raven froze barely managing to keep Summer at a safe distance. Summer's eyes shimmered their mixed silver and black, Raven closed her eyes as she felt like her soul was being drained from her from Summer's silver-black eyes, her aura shimmered on the brink of breaking.
"What!" Raven shouted up at her and Summer punched her in the stomach causing all the air to escape from Raven's lungs. Summer's hands shook as she punched the ground next to Raven's head after saying the same word repeatedly accentuating its importance.
"Me."
"Me."
"Me."
Raven's hands scrambled out looking for anything to give her leverage over Summer, her fingertips touched something cold and she grabbed it without thinking, she intended to hit Summer in her side but instead of a thud a sickening slicing noise occurred, Raven felt her own hand blead as she realized she was holding the discarded blade from Omen in her hand and she'd cut the skin, looking up at Summer her grip on Raven's neck loosened and her expression softened, it took Raven a moment to put two and two together, her eyes widening at the realization, looking down the cyan blue stuck out of Summer's stomach as red ran down the blade.
"Summer?" The horror in Raven's voice stunned herself, what had she done.
Summer slumped over lying on her back as she breathed in short shallow rapid breaths, Raven rolled over and pulled the blade free from her leader, her breathing became slower and Raven's brain was racing.
"Summer please, I don't know what to do? Tell me please what's the plan?"
Raven's pleading cut through Salem's control as the silver finally dispelled the black in her eyes.
"Keep Spring from Salem…" Summer managed through the shallow gulps she could manage.
"Are you crazy?.. You saw Salem, she can't be beaten."
"Yang…Ruby… I'- I'm Sorry." Summer stuttered out as her body became still, Raven renewed her attempts to help, she pressed down on Summer's chest trying to restart her heart as tears blurred her eyes, she tried to think but an angry roar erupted from the end of the bridge, looking up the Grimm had remained as spectators and now that Salem's newest test had failed they started to march forwards towards Raven.
"I'm sorry Summer! How am I supposed to face Yang and Tai without you?"
Raven shook her aggressively but it was in vain, looking up at the approaching Grimm she closed Summer's eyes and opened a portal beside herself and rolled into it grabbing the handle of Omen as she left.
"Oh my god are you okay?" Spring yelped surprised at Raven's abrupt arrival.
"Raven?"
Qrow asked confused at the sight of his normally cold and reserved sister breaking down in front of her, as her mind raced on what to do two things became clear, she'd keep Spring from Salem and she can't tell anyone what she saw.
"Where's Summer?" Asked Spring eliciting an alarmed response from Qrow.
"SUMMER?" He knelt down in front of his sister and grabbed her by the shoulders.
"Raven, where is Summer?"
They both knew the answer, Raven shook her head, blinking rapidly to keep the tears out of her eyes.
…
Wiping the tears from her eyes she looked up at Ruby and the rest of them. Ruby's left hand was shaking in a fist as her other rested on where she kept Crescent Rose, the younger Rose's tears flowed as freely as Raven were.
"So you see now, it's because of me she's dead."