Heart's Embers

by SugarLoaf12

It's been fifteen months hasn't it? Living from day to day, moving from place to place. Looking for the next payday, the next target... the next fight. I thought living outside their war would be easier. But sometimes knowing... is all it takes to leave you wondering "What if" I think back to why I left and I know I made the right choice... Ozpin be damned.

51. Summer Rose

Hey guys! Finally got this chapter done for you guys! Took me way longer than I was expecting, but it's done now! I hope all of you enjoy it, and really appreciate the nice messages I've been getting from all of you. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

"Speech"

Thoughts

"Telepathic Speech"

Overlapping Speech

---

Chapter Fifty-One: Summer Rose

It was a cold winter night on the island of Patch. Inside the Xiao Long family cabin, two little girls slept in their beds, gently snoring. Between the two beds they slept in, a woman sat on a stool reading through a fairytale, a favorite of her daughters. Her youngest was her spitting image, the same silver eyes, fair complexion, every lock of hair. The woman wore a one-piece red dress with white frills under the skirt and exposed shoulders, separate black sleeves with red and black bracers with a separate black skirt that covered most of the red one beneath it. She also wore a white cloak with a red inner lining, which was secured by a pair of black leather straps with leaf-shaped pins that attached to the cloak at the shoulders before crossing above her chest and eventually attaching to a set of thick black belts around her waist. She had a rose pendant where the two straps overlapped above her chest. Covering her legs was a pair of grey leggings and on her feet was a pair of black high-heeled boots with red highlights.

"...and they all lived happily, ever, after" Summer finished, closing the book in her hand.

She looked at her young girls with a warm smile. She got up and quietly moved the stool back to the side of the nightstand beneath the window. She moved to Ruby's bedside and placed a kiss on the top of her head.

"I love you, Ruby. Don't ever forget who you are, and look out for Yang... she's gonna be a real troublemaker when she's older" she whispered with a loving smile.

She stood and moved to Yang's bed and kissed the top of her head as well "I love you, Yang. Don't let anyone ever tell you who to be... and take care of Ruby, she's gonna need you too"

Summer moved to the doorway and turned the lights off. Standing in the doorway, she took one last look at the sleeping girls. A single tear ran down her cheek, before quickly being rubbed away with the back of her hand. She quietly headed downstairs, doing her best not to wake anyone. Before she could make it to the door, she heard a pair of footsteps behind her.

"Summer? Is something wrong?" Taiyang asked.

She froze in place, taking a deep breath before turning around to face her husband with a comforting smile "Oh, nothing, Tai. I just got a call from Oz. You know how he gets"

"Another mystery?" he asked.

"Nope, just another run of the mill mission. Oz just wants me to scout out Grimm activity near Mountain Glenn, make sure it's not growing too quickly. I probably won't even have to fight any Grimm if I'm careful enough"

"And if it's more than that?"

"I'll call you, like I always do"

He smiled "You'll be careful?"

"I will" she pressed her lips to his. She intended for it to be a quick kiss, but she just couldn't bring herself to pull away, deepening the kiss.

After a moment, she managed to force herself to pull away, tears staining her cheeks "Summer, what's gotten into-" he stopped when he noticed the tears "-you? Summer, are you sure you're okay?"

She quickly rubbed her eyes, clearing away the tears "Sorry, Tai. You know how I get this time of year, allergies"

He rubbed her cheek with his thumb "Are you sure you're okay?"

She nodded "I'm fine, really. And I need to get going, or I'll never hear the end of it"

He snorted "Yeah, Oz can be a real pain in the a-ahem! Pain in the butt"

Summer smiled "You'd better curb that potty mouth by the time I get back. I swear if I ever hear a curse word come out of our girl's mouths before they're old enough to drive-"

"Hey! Don't look at me! Qrow's worse than I am!" he argued.

"And I'll beat the heck out of him too if they learn 'em from him"

"I'd pay to see that" Tai laughed.

Summer kissed him on the cheek "I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise"

"I know you will. You always are" he kissed her forehead.

"Make sure you stick to their schedules, oh, and make sure Ruby doesn't eat all the cookies I made in one sitting"

"Just Ruby?" he asked knowingly.

"Pft, you know Yang sneaks them to her anyway. Limit her to one or two a day. Oh and-"

"I know the routine" he assured.

"Good. I love you"

"I love you too"

Summer turned away, collecting Sundered Rose from the ground beside the front door. She stepped outside, closing it behind her and taking a deep breath, letting the tears flow once more, the cold winter air stinging her face. She hooked her weapon onto her hip and reached for her hood.

"Going somewhere?" a gruff voice asked from her right.

She sighed "Qrow" she turned her head toward him "Should've known you wouldn't let me leave without getting a word in"

He was leaning on the wall beside the door, arms crossed with one foot up on the wall "Well, leaving in the middle of the night isn't like you. Even when Oz comes calling" he pushed off the wall "Now, I on the other hand? I do it all the time"

She chuckled "Ever the bad influence"

"Summer, if you're going on a mission for Oz, I'm coming with you"

"And leave Tai with the girls all on his own? Please, you know who'd win that fight"

He laughed "You've got a point" he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly "Those two little devils against Tai? Phew, don't wanna see the aftermath of that"

She smiled "Ruby will listen to you, she hangs on your every word. She adores you, Qrow"

He returned her smile "Yeah, the little pipsqueak is a real ankle biter"

"No cookies"

He groaned "How can I bribe her without anything to bribe with?" he crossed his arms "You sure you don't want any backup?"

"Qrow, you worry too much" she wrapped her arms around him "Take care of them while I'm gone. All of them"

Qrow returned the hug "Always. Just come back soon, babysitting isn't my strong suit"

"Without bribery" she smirked as she pulled away.

"You've got mom senses now, you always seem to know everything"

"Your fault for choosing little girls as your marks. News flash, they're not the best at keeping secrets" she whispered the last sentence in his ear.

"Be careful, Summer"

She smiled "I always am" she donned her hood, then turned to leave.

---

The settlement of Sumire was covered in a thin sheet of snow, winter finally starting to pass with spring right around the corner. The local tavern was still bustling at this time of night, the residents looking for a quick way to warm up. In the corner of the tavern, a man sat with his back against the wall, his feet kicked up on the table and a half filled glass in his hand. On his back was a thin blade, it had an elaborate cross-guard and hilt, with thin barrels on each side of the cross-guard and a trigger on the hilt. He was a tall man with a muscular build, he had short white hair with a scruffy beard. His face was scarred on his right side, the scar started at his lip and moved across his cheek until crossing his eye, stopping just above it. He had sky blue eyes, with his right now pure white, having lost his sight long ago. He wore a pair of brown pants with matching boots and collared shirt. Over it he had several thick green plates of armor, one on each knee reaching up to his upper thigh, one on each arm connecting up into pauldrons, the one on his right larger than the other, blocking his face, and a chest plate covering his front and back, stopping above the brown belt across his waist. On the back of his larger shoulder pad, he had a brown single-shouldered cape that reached down to his knee, tucked between his back and his chair. He had a pouch on each side of his hip, and bullets on the left side of his belt, he had a single brown glove covering his right hand. On the table in front of him, he had a brown deerstalker hat sitting beside his boots. The door opened, a man wearing far nicer clothes than the other patrons entered the tavern. He was a slender man with a thin moustache and black hair, he had a pistol strapped to his belt and a star shaped badge beside it. He stood at the doorway for a moment, scanning the room, until he found what he was looking for. He approached the corner, stopping in his tracks the moment his target's hand moved to his blade.

"Hey, Huntsman!" he called.

"Not a Huntsman, Sheriff" he replied without looking up from his drink.

"I hear you've been making threats against Mr. Rattigan"

He took a sip from his glass "They're not threats"

"You need to back off, unless you want trouble" he asked.

"You've come to warn me, Sheriff? You should warn him, I always catch my quarry"

"Don't play games with me. I can promise you, you'll see the inside of a casket before a jail cell"

He smirked "I don't play, kid. Your boss has one chance, and one chance only. He doesn't take it, he's dead. Simple as that"

"Do you want me to kill you, old man?"

He smirked, finally looking up at the man "You try, you'll leave with less parts than you came in with" he assured.

He reached for the pistol strapped to his hip, preparing to attack. However the older man moved faster than he did, severing his hand from his wrist, causing him to cry out. The man was silenced by a strike to his abdomen with the hilt of his blade, dropping him onto his knees, the air knocked from his lungs. The other patrons looked on in surprise, but none of them moved from their place, most glaring at the Sheriff. He looked up at the man, struggling for breath as he spoke.

"Wait... please... don't kill me"

"Not so cocky anymore, kid?"

"Please..."

He grabbed him by his collar, lifting him with one hand "Go back to your boss and tell him I'm coming for him-" he stopped, noticing a presence behind him "That's close enough" he warned, pointing his blade toward the stranger over his shoulder.

"Basil Stroud?"

He furrowed his brow, dropping the man in his grasp "Who wants to k-" he stopped when he saw the woman before him "Summer Rose?"

She smiled "It's good to see you again"

"Likewise" he tucked his blade beneath his arm "Give me a moment"

"Allow me" Summer grabbed the man and led him to the door, then threw him out into the cold.

Basil chuckled "Been a long time, kid" he embraced her in a one-armed hug.

She returned the embrace with a smile "It has. It's hard to track you down, can't stay still for more than a few hours, can you?" she added playfully.

she sat opposite him.

He picked his hat off the floor "Hazard of the job" he replied with a smile, returning to his seat "So, what brings you here? Not looking for me, I hope"

"Isn't seeing an old friend enough?" she asked innocently, taking the seat opposite him.

"It wouldn't be, but you aren't. You didn't go to Sinn or Viridian, you came to me. Why?"

Summer frowned "Because I need your help"

"My help?" he asked confused "What the hell for?"

"Mr. Stroud... we're at war"

"War?" he asked "The war ended nearly seventy years ago, I should know"

"I know, you were there. You witnessed the final battle between the four kingdoms in Vacuo"

"More than that, I witnessed the great and terrifying power of the King of Vale. Never a more powerful warrior there was" he replied "Until he was killed"

"Assassinated on the island of Vytal during negotiations with the other kingdoms, thus the start of the Vytal Festival, celebrating the end of the war and the unity shared among the four kingdoms. Four kingdoms, four schools to train us to protect our world from the Grimm... or something worse"

"Worse?"

"There are museums in every kingdom with historical treasures from the Great War. Do you think it's a coincidence that the King of Vale didn't have a single item to contribute to those museums after his death? His crown, his staff, his blade. All of them were lost, and never recovered"

He shrugged "Perhaps someone doesn't wish to share possession of them, maybe they were thrown into the sea. Or, they could've been buried with the King himself"

"Except they weren't, they were hidden, to keep them from falling into the hands of a powerful enemy, one we share"

"My only enemy is Rattigan"

"Rattigan?" she asked.

"To whom did you refer?"

"Someone far more dangerous. An enemy that is completely single minded and has no regard for laws, morals, or even borders. Someone without conscience, someone who cares not for the means, only the ends. Someone who utilizes fear more proficiently than any army or single warrior can"

"You sound like you're speaking about the Grimm?" he asked confused.

"Am I?" Summer asked.

He narrowed his eyes "Can you prove these claims?"

"No, not with anything concrete. Not yet... all I have is Ozpin's word and enough physical proof to convince me"

"Ozpin? The headmaster at Beacon?"

"The very same"

He sighed "Summer... just what have you been up to?"

She sighed "Preparing, hunting, recon. I've spent the better part of the last four years searching for even a hint-" she lowered her voice "-of where I can find her"

"Her?" he asked.

"Raven Branwen"

"Branwen? You've been looking for her for four years?"

"No... but if you want to know more, we need her. I can't afford anyone overhearing us, not here"

"Branwen... do you know where she is?"

"I know where she was, and I think I know where she's headed next" she answered honestly.

"I see... well then..." he downed the rest of his drink "We'd better hit the road"

"Then you're with me?" she asked getting up from her chair.

"I am, for now. But if I'm not convinced, I walk. I'm old enough as it is, and I'm not going to rest until Rattigan is behind bars, or under six feet of dirt"

She nodded in understanding "Thank you, Mr. Stroud"

"Basil"

She smiled "Thank you, Basil"

The two got to their feet and moved to the door, leaving the stench of the tavern behind them. After a few moments, a pair of bright green eyes opened on the wall behind the table where they were sitting. From the wall appeared a tall Chameleon Faunus with purple tinted skin. He had dark purple hair with three spiked ends on the back, with pink tips. He wore a two-toned violet coat over a white shirt with a thin black belt around his waist. He wore a pair of violet boots with metal plates on the front. From within his jacket, he produced a pair of purple rimless circular glasses, placing them on his face as he pulled a Scroll from his pocket, moving it to his ear.

"Boss, I've got something to report"

---

Beneath the earth of Remnant sat a large cavern, with ruined pillars and stone walls leading inside. The cavern had a large enclosed body of water leading out to sea from beneath the stone wall, and a set of massive stone doors opposite it. Wooden walkways framed the body of water, with a bar built into the wall, with stools lining the front and bottles of all kinds lining the shelves. Several sets of tables and chairs were occupied by all sorts of ruffians and rogues, drinking and laughing. They all fell silent when the one-handed sheriff entered.

"Sheriff" the bartended nodded to him.

"Is he in?" he asked without stopping.

"Has been since late last night"

"Thanks"

The sheriff opened the large doors, inside lay a stone crypt with matching pillars, candles lining them to light the room. Piles of gold and jewels lined the floor, a half dozen sarcophagi sat inside, the bodies within having been dumped long ago. Beowolves lay inside each open sarcophagi, their gleaming red eyes watching his every move. At the back of the crypt, a single large chair sat behind an even larger desk formed around it. It had a retractable keyboard and holographic screen on the left side, stacks of papers sat to the right, next to a black top hat with a grey band. The screen folded down as he approached, the figure behind the desk cloaked in shadow, with only a pair of bright golden eyes visible through the dark. Beside the desk, a Beowolf Alpha growled at him as he approached, the sheriff swallowed nervously.

"Mr. Rattigan" the man in front of him remained silent "There was man issuing threats against you... his name is-"

"Lighter" his smooth voice interrupted.

"Sir?" Rattigan held a golden cigarette holder out toward him without answering "Oh, of course!"

The sheriff reached into his pocket and fished out a small lighter, igniting it and holding it out to Rattigan. The cigarette on the end of his holder lit easily, returning to the shadows a moment after. He raised it to his lips, inhaling deeply, then expelling it into the air with a sigh of contentment. He got to his feet, towering over the man before him, stepping out of the shadows as he spoke.

"Sheriff, I am about to embark on the most deplorable, the most reprehensible, the most heinous scheme of my eminent career. A crime that will live in infamy for all time. Tell me, do I seem concerned with the threats of a lone troublemaker?"

His voice was polished and sophisticated, illustrating his level of education and refinement. He had a pale complexion, was clean shaven and possessed thick eyebrows. He had black finely combed short hair. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a long black cape with a red underside. His suit included a high white collar and a dark grey vest with buttons on it, with a pink and purple striped cravat. On his hands were a pair of white gloves and cuffs with golden cufflinks, and a gold cane in his left hand, cigarette holder in his right.

"He's a dangerous man, and he's coming for you. And he's not alone"

Rattigan chuckled "One? Two? Insignificant, really. I am more concerned you didn't handle this... affair, before presenting yourself to me"

"He cut off my hand!" he raised the severed limb for emphasis.

"And your point is?"

"I was lucky he didn't kill me! If that woman in the hood hadn't interrupted him-"

"Hood?" Rattigan interrupted with a hiss "Who was she? What was her name?"

He swallowed nervously "S-Summer..."

"Summer Rose" Rattigan scowled "Basil is working with a Huntress"

"H-how did you know-"

"That it was Basil on my case? He's the only one who's been dogging me every step of the way. He's interfered with my schemes for decades!" he rubbed his eyelids "See, now you've gone and upset me" he tucked his cane beneath his arm.

"But I-I d-didn't-"

He pulled a golden bell from the breast pocket on his vest "You know what happens when someone upsets me" he gave a wicked smile.

"No! Please don't-" Rattigan rang the bell in his hand, prompting the Alpha Beowolf to rush him, grabbing the sheriff by his throat.

With a loud roar, it threw him through the air and the other Grimm pounced, tearing into him as he screamed in anguish. Rattigan stepped past them, stopping at the doors leading into the cavern. The scoundrels waiting out there were tense, watching him carefully. With little effort, he closed the doors, he moved back to his desk, a significant bounce in his step, whistling a tune happily to himself. The candles lighting the room were suddenly snuffed out, a sense of unease settled within.

"Rattigan" Salem's voice echoed.

He turned back to see an apparition of Salem form from swirling black smoke "Your Grace" he bowed elegantly.

"Update" she demanded.

"Everything is ready, I possess the means to bypass Beacon's security. Your agents need only use them to gain access to any system connected to the academy's network. They just need direct access to Professor Ozpin's desk, which I can grant"

"Summer Rose"

"Eh, the Huntress, yes. I've only just learnt she is involved with Basil Stroud"

"I am well aware, it is inconsequential"

"What? How could you possibly know that?" he asked in disbelief. She narrowed her eyes at him "I mean... what would you have of me?"

"Leave them to me, your men must be ready to strike Beacon when I call upon you. Ozpin must fall if we're to find the Relics I desire"

"Very well... if that is your decision"

"Do not fail me, Rattigan. No mistakes"

"I don't fail" he assured with a devious grin.

---

Summer awoke with a gasp, looking around frantically. She looked up to see the sun illuminating Basil's face a few inches from her, his hand hovering over her shoulder, having shook her awake. They were outside Vale now, north of the desert of Vacuo. Spring had finally arrived, nature blooming all around once more. Summer tried to blink away her drowsiness, to no avail. She stretched out her arms, letting out a long yawn. The sun was abruptly blocked from her view, looking up at Basil, he stood with his hand extended to her.

"Get up. We've wasted enough time here"

She accepted his hand, rising to her feet "What time is it?"

"9 o'clock"

"Nine?" she asked incredulously "I've only been asleep for three hours!" she bellowed.

"Schedule change. We leave now, rest at seven when the sun goes down" he answered as he moved to the dirt path.

She grumbled, getting her things together, quickly following behind him "First you make us nocturnal, sleeping during the day and traveling in the dead of night. Now you want to mix it up?"

"Your point?" he asked as she fell in step beside him.

"How do you do this everyday? You've been sleeping less than I have!"

"Routine" he answered, reaching into his pocket.

"Routine?" she asked.

"I'm an eighty-five year old war veteran who's been on the move for the better part of fifty years. You form a routine, it's easier for an assassin to catch you unaware" he popped a pipe in his mouth, striking a match on his pauldron.

She huffed "Fine. But we've been traveling for over a week, and never once did you let us take any roads. Now suddenly we're following this road? Why?" she asked as he lit his pipe.

He exhaled a puff of smoke from his mouth "Raven Branwen is part of a bandit tribe, bandits operate during the day when they can see their targets. We traveled at night to make up ground while they were resting, and from what I know of their tribe specifically, they don't stay in the same place for more than a week" he explained.

"And we've been traveling for over a week already" she rubbed her chin "Raven's tribe won't still be where we're headed"

He nodded "With how we've been moving, we should catch up with them within the next few days or less. Bandits attack travelers on main roads, thus, we travel this route-"

"-anticipating an ambush... smart" she smiled.

"Learn to anticipate your prey, and you'll never be caught by surprise"

"Then... we have no destination in mind?"

"None. Though bandit tribes never stray far from local settlements. Easier to stock up on booze and scout out travelers to target when they leave town"

"Hunt bandit tribes often?" Summer asked tilting her head in curiosity.

"Often enough" he answered with an amused smile.

"You know you're awfully spry for an old guy" she smiled in return "I half expected you to have a cane by now"

"Clean living, Summer" he answered as he took another leisurely puff of his pipe.

She raised her eyebrow at him "Really? That firewood in that pipe, is it?"

He exhaled a puff of smoke "Something like that" he cleared his throat "After we find Branwen, what's your next move?"

"My next move? Not our?"

"You haven't convinced me of the importance of your mission. You tell me of this great and powerful enemy, but won't tell me more. Convince me"

"You first. That name you mentioned before, Rattigan. Who is he?"

"The greatest criminal mind on Remnant" he answered simply.

"Why haven't I ever heard of him?"

"Because he's never been caught. You're more likely to have heard of his crimes. The Beacon caper, the Mistral massacre"

"What?!" she stopped midstep in shock "I thought the White Fang were behind that, and the one responsible for what happened at Beacon was caught-"

"Officially" he turned toward her fully "But the innocents that were gunned down in Mistral weren't exactly able to identify their killers. None of their money or belongings were ever recovered..."

"How do you know it was him?" Summer wondered.

"Because I thwarted several of his other plots. Unfortunately, I've never been able to find enough evidence to prove it, or to catch him before he escapes. Rattigan isn't just a brilliant mind, he's a formidable opponent"

"Just how long has your feud been going?"

"Forty years, ever since he murdered my best friend. Professor Dawson, used to teach at Alsius, before the name change"

"Oh..." Summer frowned "I'm sorry"

"Don't be, it was a long time ago. Once Rattigan goes down, I can finally retire. I've grown too old to keep doing this everyday. Besides, I've got three grandkids to toughen up. Sinn and Viridian are good, but they're not me"

She smiled "They're lucky to have you"

"No more than your own kids are lucky to have you and your husband. Branwen too, the one who stuck around that is" he began to walk forward once more.

She sighed, falling in line with him "Yeah, Raven isn't going to be happy to see us"

"That's why we have weapons"

"No, no fighting. Only in defense, we need her"

"I won't start anything if she doesn't. Now, tell me more about this-" he stopped suddenly as a howl reached his ears.

Summer readied her axe "I don't suppose that could've come from a wolf..."

"Not likely, that-"

Before he could finish, a Beowolf leapt toward Summer from behind. Before she could react, Basil pushed her out of the way. It's jaws closed around his shoulder, his large pauldron stopped it from reaching him. Using his blade to block it's arm from attacking him, he fired straight into the chest of the Grimm, killing it instantly. Behind him, a second Beowolf lunged toward him. Spinning Sundered Rose in her hand, it converted from an axe into a rifle, with the blade of the axe receding into itself and folding into the butt of the gun. She fired a single shot into it's head, killing the Beowolf before it could reach them. Basil pushed the first Grimm off him, dropping it on it's back.

"Thanks" he nodded to her.

"You had my back first"

"Hopefully they were alone, last thing we need is the whole pack bearing down on us. Bandits don't attack anyone if there's Grimm lurking around"

She snorted "If Qrow were here, he'd be blaming himself for-" she stopped when she heard several more howls from nearby "-this" she sighed out.

"This... is going to make our job harder" he turned in the direction the howl came from.

In the distance, several more Beowolves moved from the trees out onto the dirt path they occupied. The two groups stared each other down, waiting for the other to make the first move. After a brief moment of tension, the Grimm charged toward them. Summer lined up her rifle with the incoming pack and began dropping one after the other with precise shots. The Grimm closed in on them, prompting Basil to intercept them. Shifting his head out of the way of the first Beowolf's claws, flipping his weapon over into a reverse grip, he sliced through the Grimm's midsection. A second charged toward him, only to be knocked onto it's backside by a swift punch with his open hand. Flipping his blade back over, he sliced through three simultaneously with a one handed swing, but the Grimm continued to surround him. A single round pierced the skull of a Beowolf as it rushed him from behind, Summer shifted her weapon back into an Axe as she spun it over. She slammed her axe into the skull of a second as it turned it's attention to her, sending it twisting through the air, it's skull cracked open from the strike. She pressed her back against Basil's, both of them holding their weapons ready as the Grimm shuffled around them, looking for an opening.

"This is a big pack" Summer pointed out.

"Nothing we can't handle"

"Sure, but it's unusual"

"Not if they're following a source of negative emotions, like a certain bandit tribe we know"

She sighed "Point taken" one of the Beowolves rushed toward them.

Basil twisted his blade horizontally, catching the Grimm by it's jaws with his blade. He kicked one of it's legs out from under it, slicing through the skull of the creature. Another swung it's arm for the back of his head, only for Summer to stop it by severing it's arm. Twisting with her strike, she lodged her blade into the gut of the Grimm, then slammed the handle of Sundered Rose into it's face, dropping it onto it's side. As the Grimm closed in, Summer inhaled deeply, a radiant flash of blinding white light erupted from her eyes, engulfing them all. When the light faded, only a handful of Grimm outside the range of her eyes. Most of them turned and fled, but one remained, growling at the pair. Basil stared at Summer in wonder, unaware of the abilities of her eyes. Before the Beowolf could pounce, it froze in place, a hole tearing open in it's chest. As it began to fade away, a chameleon Faunus dressed in purple manifested from seemingly thin air, a thin blade retracting into his sleeve.

"Randall" Summer frowned.

"That you, Rose?" he asked as he produced a pair of glasses from his coat pocket, using them to get a better look.

"Friend of yours?" Basil asked quietly.

"Not exactly. Old school bully" she whispered.

He scoffed "Huntsman then?"

"If you can believe it"

"Been awhile, I haven't seen you since graduation! Who'd have thought we'd run into each other like this?" he asked as he approached.

"Small world" she called back.

"Smaller everyday" he crossed his arms "What brings you all the way out here?"

"We're looking for someone" Summer answered.

"Funny, wouldn't happen to be Raven Branwen would it?"

"How did you-?"

"Because I'm looking for her too. Pretty crazy coincidence, huh?"

"That's one word for it" Basil grumbled.

"Word is, her tribe has been spotted in this region. Don't suppose you've heard anything?"

"Nothing, so far we've come up empty handed" Basil answered before Summer had the chance.

"Is that so?" he shrugged "Well, why don't we search together? Three heads are better than one, right?"

"That's, uh... nice of you to offer. But we, uh... we're not after the bounty on her head" Summer started explaining.

He sighed "Well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. She was part of your team back at Beacon"

"Quit wasting our time, kid" Basil barked.

Randall held up his hands in a placating manner "Easy, old man. I'm not going to get in your way" he assured as he shifted around them "I did just have one question before I leave"

"What is it?" Summer asked.

"Just when did you learn to do that with your eyes?"

Before she could answer, a single gunshot rang out. She turned her head just in time to witness Basil deflect the round with a swing of his blade, stopping it from reaching the back of her head. Behind them stood two armed men, ready for a fight. The first was a tall, thinly mustached man with a dark complexion, slim frame, and lilac eyes, dressed in a maroon tailcoat suit and black pants. He had a pair of black shoes with white spats over them, and a purple vest under his suit that didn't entirely cover his midriff, and a red cummerbund. He also had a black top hat with a red band and a purple feather in it with a skull and crossbones on it, and in his hand was a black staff with a purple globe on top and a silver spearhead on the bottom. The second man possessed a deep tan, consistent with anyone from Vacuo. He was scraggly with an unkempt mane of black hair that reached down to his back. He possessed neon green eyes, and a small scar over his left eye. He wore a tawny colored robe that stopped at his ankles over a red garment with bell sleeves with a black shirt underneath with close-fitting sleeves that reached his wrists. All of this was held in place by a red sash tied around his waist, the shoulders of his robe were pointed and curved upwards, connected to a long, billowing black cape with a blood red underside, paired with brown pointed boots. He also had a pair of bracers that sported five retractable claws on the front and a single barrel underneath the plating, smoke rolled out of the end on the barrel on his right arm, an annoyed frown on his face.

"We're outnumbered..." Basil grumbled.

"Randall... what is this? Who are these men?" Summer demanded.

"Some friends I made since graduation. Far more fun than my old team ever was. Of course, you two need no introduction! The ever popular Summer Rose, and the legendary war hero, the man who can solve any problem, Basil Stroud!" Randall announced with enthusiasm.

"You know who we are, but I don't know any of you. You and your punk friends need to back off, now" Basil warned.

"That won't be happening" the man in the top hat called.

"We've got a job to do, she doesn't accept failure" the other added.

"She?" Basil asked.

"Salem" Summer growled.

"Our mutual adversary?" Basil asked.

"That's the one"

"Think you can handle your old classmate?"

She nodded "What about you?"

"I may be old, but I'm not dead yet. I can still keep up with punks like these"

"Be careful. They look tough" she warned.

"Looks can be deceiving"

"You hear that, Facilier? Sounds like the geezer thinks he can take us"

"I heard him, Kha" he replied with a toothy grin "Ready to show him how wrong he is?"

"Ready" he lowered himself onto his metal claws.

"Alright! Boss lady says you have to die, Summer" Randall gave a sickening grin "I'm gonna enjoy this" he added as he removed his glasses from his face.

"You always were a cocky son of a-" Summer started.

Randall charged forward, thrusting his wrist blade toward her, forcing Summer to shift out of the way. He vanished before she could strike, landing a blow to her left side, knocking her back a short distance with a groan of pain. Randall appeared in front of her just as he was about to strike once more. With an upward swing of Sundered Rose, their blades collided, knocking both of them back away from the other, sliding to a stop on their heels. Basil remained perfectly still, waiting for his opponents to make the first move. Kha was more than happy to be the one to strike, rushing forward with incredible speed. Despite this, Basil moved faster, directing his claws away from him with his blade, then shifted his position to block his opposite set of claws with the blade. Kha spun into a kick from Basil's blind spot, knocking him back several feet, sliding to a stop as he spun his blade with a single hand, blocking rounds fired from Kha. Whilst they fought, Facilier exhaled a cloud of pink smoke from his hand, enveloping Basil.

"You're mine now, old timer" he grinned.

Looking around in confusion, he was surrounded by three different versions of Kha, all ready to pounce. Summer fired two rounds in Randall's direction as he rushed toward her, deflecting each round with his wrist blades. He sliced for her head, forcing her to sidestep the blade, then dodge a raising kick aimed for her chin. She swung Sundered Rose for his midsection, forcing Randall to duck back beneath it with a concerned look on his face. Backing away from her fearfully, his back reached the trunk of a tree, with Summer slicing right through it as he vanished from sight. Basil fired his weapon into one, the illusion dissipating into a cloud of pink smoke, which swarmed toward him.

"You can't fool me with parlor tricks" Basil exclaimed.

He spun his blade single handed, preventing the smoke from reaching him, moving his blade wherever it went as it attempted to surround him. Kha charged toward him, only for Basil to flip acrobatically over his head, striking with his blade as he did. Kha blocked with a matching strike with his claws, then flipped forward into a strike for the older man, their blades colliding once more. Facilier rushed him from behind, striking with his staff. Blocking with the tip of his blade, Basil slammed the handle into the back of his head, stumbling him. Kha fired several rounds at him, forcing him to block each of them with his blade expertly. Summer blocked Randall's blade with the center of her axe, then spun it expertly into a downward swing for his head, forcing him to block with both blades. Randall spun opposite the blade of the axe, moving to strike as Summer spun Sundered Rose around her neck, deflecting each of his strikes expertly. He kicked for her abdomen, forcing her to move out of the way, but she didn't move fast enough to dodge the second strike, throwing her onto her back.

"Do you really think you have a chance, Summer? Huh? You're weak! You've always been weak!" Randall taunted.

"You're the one who puts others down to feel better about yourself, Randall. You're the weak one" she countered, getting to her feet.

He growled "We'll see who's the weak one when you're dead!" he shouted as he vanished from sight.

Basil rushed Facilier, dodging his staff as he swung for his oncoming attacker. With a single swift swing of his blade, he severed Facilier's hand, only for it to turn into pink mist, the rest of his body following shortly after. Before he could react, Kha moved in, striking for his chest with both weapons, knocking him back. Basil grunted from the pain, his blade clattering to the ground as he slid to a stop on his side. Getting to his feet, he saw several versions of Kha standing before him, all ready to strike. He knew only one was real, but which? They all rushed in at the same time, attacking from different directions. He shifted just in time to avoid a strike from the real Kha, punching him in the face. Kha stumbled back in surprise, hands raised to his face as he groaned in pain. He looked up at Basil in anger as the man cracked his knuckles, then motioned for him to attack him. Kha growled, then lunged straight for him.

Meanwhile, Summer was being struck from every direction, her unseen assailant choosing his moments carefully. She was unsure how to combat his Semblance, that is, until she noticed a few blades of grass behind her crunched just before she was struck in the back, dropping her onto her chest. Summer leapt to her feet, then flipped through the air onto the grass nearby, getting herself off the road. She held Sundered Rose at the ready, closing her eyes and listening carefully. To her right, the grass crunched beneath Randall, alerting her to his presence. With a powerful swing, her axe embedded in his chest, freezing him in place.

"H-how... how did you know where I was?" he demanded.

"You should really watch your step" she answered with a glare.

"Losing... to you?" he asked as he dropped to his knees.

"You never bothered to keep your Aura raised while you used your Semblance, because you thought no one could ever hit you. You always were arrogant, Randall" she removed her axe from him.

He dropped onto his back "I... deserve... more..." he forced out, just as the light left his eyes.

Basil spun around a strike from Kha, elbowing his abdomen, then raising his fist up into Kha's face, stumbling him back. With a cry of frustration, he swung wildly for Basil. The experienced warrior, blocked the first two strikes with his forearm, shifting around the brazen flurry of strikes. He blocked a kick with his right arm, then another with his left, before ducking beneath a leaping kick for his head. Grabbing him by the leg, he pulled Kha down into a powerful uppercut, flipping him him onto his back, his Aura breaking. Before he could continue his assault, Facilier struck the bottom of his chin with his staff, stumbling him back. He spun his staff, striking his abdomen, then embedded the spearhead into the ground, swinging around it into a powerful kick, throwing Basil onto his back. Facilier approached with a grin, spinning his staff through his fingers.

"You're pretty spry, old man. Gotta say, I expected more from a legend like you-ah!" Facilier was thrown aside as a gunshot tore through the air.

Summer rushed him, hooking her axe around his neck, kicking the back of his knee, dropping him down onto his opposite knee "You're no Huntsmen. You're just thugs and-"

Kha leapt into an attack, forcing Summer to use her weapon to block the strike, knocking the three of them into a nearby tree. Losing her grip on Sundered Rose, Summer rolled away, with Kha staying right on her. He slashed her chest with his claws, then fired two rounds, knocking her to her knees. Kha rushed her, only to realize too late that Summer feigned weakness, catching his arm in her grip. With one fluid motion, she used her Aura to expel a shockwave of force, shattering his claws at the base. She then twisted his arm backwards, pointing his weapon back into his face just as he fired another round, burning the left side of his face. With a roar of frustration, he swung his remaining claws for her face. Summer dropped onto one knee and pressed her hands to Kha's chest, using her Aura to launch him through the air, shattering apart several trees as he crashed to the ground painfully. Sundered Rose careened through the air, aimed right for her face. Basil caught the axe in his hand, moving faster than Facilier could react. Basil struck him across the chest with Sundered Rose, then kicked his leg out from under him, followed by striking the side of his head with the handle of the axe.

"Rose!"

Basil tossed the axe into the air, Summer easily catching it as she descended into a powerful strike to Facilier's chest, his Aura breaking. He lashed out with his staff desperately, only for Basil to catch it in his grip, twisting it out of his grip and impaling the spearhead through his shoulder. Delivering a powerful kick to his chest, Facilier was thrown through the air, rolling onto his knees. Eyes wide with panic, he turned to flee, but was stopped when a single round tore through his chest. He froze in place, looking down to his chest, dropping onto his knees. Smoke rose from the barrel on Sundered Rose, Summer on one knee, using her arm to steady her shot. Facilier dropped onto his chest, deceased.

She exhaled in relief "Well, didn't take her long to find us-"

"Who else did you tell about your mission?" he asked.

"Who?" she asked "No one"

He grabbed her by the shoulders "Who did you tell?!" he demanded with urgency.

"No one! I swear!"

Basil growled "Then how?"

"How what?"

"How are we being hunted? How did they know we were looking for Raven"

"I don't know, I swear I never told anyone"

"You must've told someone-" he contested.

"She didn't..." Kha's voice reached their ears.

They turned to see him bloodied and covered in dirt, the barrels of his guns aimed toward them "Kha" Basil glared.

"You... die..." he forced out "She... will not... be stop-" he was interrupted when a thin red blade pierced his chest from behind.

The wielder pulled the blade from his back, dropping Kha to the ground "Summer Rose, telling a lie? Is the sky falling too?" she asked with an amused smile.

"Raven" Summer called with a small smile "It's been a long time"

"Seven years, right? And what company you bring to my doorstep. The legendary Basil Stroud" she chuckled "Guess that's what it takes to replace me-"

"No one replaced you" Summer cut in.

Raven frowned "I know..." she crossed her arms, looking uncomfortable "I hear you've been looking for me"

"We have" Basil replied.

"It's unlike you to travel so far from home without Tai or Qrow tagging along. What's Ozpin want with me this-"

"Oz didn't send me" she answered, surprising Raven.

"Then... why are you...?" she let the sentence hang.

"I'm going to kill Salem... and I need your help"

Raven's eyes widened in shock "My help? Summer... I can't..."

"Raven, please. Just hear me out... there's a lot you don't know"

"She's not the only one" Basil grumbled "I think it's time you tell me about who this 'Salem' is"

Raven quirked her eyebrow at Summer "He doesn't know?"

She wore an amused smile "Not yet. There's a lot to cover"

"You're not kidding" Raven sighed "Fine, we'll talk. But not here, I have a place nearby"

---

Rattigan sat at his desk, eyes scanning over the holographic screen in front of him. His hands were folded in front of him, trembling. The screen displayed the faces of Kha, Facilier, and Randall, all with their vital signs and Aura levels gone. He knew what that meant, and he knew the price of it.

"Damn it!" his fist slammed down onto the desk.

Getting to his feet, he slicked his hair back with one hand, straightening his suit. He moved around his desk, flipping his top hat onto his head. However, before he could make it more than a few steps, the air in the room suddenly became bone chilling. He froze midstep, an image of Salem beginning to take form from a cloud of black smoke. Salem's expression was as emotionless as ever, but the look in her eyes made his hair stand on end.

He forced a smile "Your Grace, what a surprise!" she continued to stare down at him in silence "Things have escalated since last we spoke"

"Randall, Kha, Facilier" she replied.

"Yes, they have unfortunately been eliminated"

"Summer Rose"

"And Basil!" he insisted.

"You are afraid, Rattigan. Afraid of death, that fear is why you cling so desperately to my side. It blinds you"

"I am not blinded by fear, nor my ambitions" he argued.

"I gave you explicit instructions to leave Summer Rose to me. Instead, you sent three of our own after her, under the pretense I had commanded it. Your attempt to remove this thorn in my side has ended in failure"

"Because of Basil!" he practically shouted "I warned you he would be a problem we couldn't afford, but you insisted you would handle him" her gaze darkened as he spoke, the stone cracking around her apparition "I have done everything you've asked for, and more! You hold the power of a God in your hands, and all you're willing to do with it-"

Rattigan was suddenly lifted from the ground, gasping for breath desperately "YOU WERE WARNED THE PRICE OF YOUR MISTAKE!" her voice boomed "Three pawns were removed from the board today, thanks to your incompetence. I have no use for broken piece"

"Please... I... Can... Fix... This..." he begged.

"Your usefulness has come to an end. I suggest you prepare for the end"

"Please... Don't... Kill... Me..."

"Do not fear... for I will not be the one who ends your miserable existence" she released him, her image vanishing from sight "Perhaps Stroud will have more mercy for you than I will" her voice echoed.

Rattigan's face reddened as his anger boiled over, slowly getting to his feet. He rubbed his temples with his fingers, grumbling "How dare Basil poke his stupid nose in my wonderful scheme and foul up everything" he hissed.

He knew Basil and Summer would be coming for him soon, but he wouldn't go down without a fight. He had not gotten this far by simply rolling over each time he experienced failure. No, he would show Salem he was not the broken piece she believed him to be. He would kill them both and present their heads to her on a silver platter. Then she would have to take him back... The Beowolves around him watched him, licking their lips at the scent of such pungent negativity. He moved to the doors of the crypt slowly, throwing them open with incredible strength. Everyone inside the makeshift bar turned to see him, tensing at the sight. Wordlessly, he pulled his golden bell from his breast pocket, eyes wild with rage. With a single ring, the Beowolves behind him leapt into action, charging straight into the room and attacking everyone in sight, a few tried and failed to fight them off, but most of them simply tried to run. His victims screamed and begged for mercy, but he wouldn't hear it, not in his current mood.

---

The Branwen Tribe lived in a simple camp, with a wooden log wall and a single gate. It was comprised of different tents, created from scavenged resources, cut down tree stumps and campfires scattered throughout the campsite. The largest tent sat at the back at the back of camp, with Raven, Summer, and Basil inside, seated around a small table. Raven sat with Omen out over her lap, sharpening it with a whetstone.

"You've been busy lately, Summer"

She smirked "Tracking you and Basil both down wasn't easy. Neither of you wanted to be found"

Basil crossed his arms "For good reason"

"So... you want to tell him the truth, or should I?" Raven asked.

"Truth?" he raised his eyebrow.

"Let me, you're not the best with this kind of thing"

"You'll get no argument from me"

"Tell me what? Just get to the blasted point already" he insisted.

Summer took a deep breath before speaking "What's your favorite fairytale?"

"Pardon?"

"Fairytale. You know, like the-"

"The hell do they have to do with anything?" he snapped.

"Everything. Because most of them are based in fact. Professor Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon, designed the Huntsmen academies-"

"Designed?" Basil asked "I may be old, but my memory hasn't gone just yet. Ozpin isn't old enough to have designed them. The King of Vale-"

"Is Ozpin" Raven cut in "He's-"

"Raven" Summer hissed.

She blinked "Right, sorry... go on"

Summer sighed "Ozpin is immortal, but not because he can't die. Because he keeps coming back"

"Back? You mean... Ozpin... and the King of Vale... they're..."

"Two lives in a series of lives, lived by a single person" Summer answered "The reason why, is because he was cursed centuries ago until he stops Salem. She is his mortal enemy... and she controls the Grimm"

"Controls? No one can control the Grimm. They're mindless, darkness incarnate"

"She is the incarnation of darkness. That is why she can control them, at least, according to Professor Ozpin"

"No, no. That can't be right. Reincarnation? Master of the Grimm?"

"I know that it's a lot to take in... but it's true. And that's just the tip of the iceberg"

Basil frowned "Tell me everything"

She nodded "Ozpin and Salem both possess magical abilities. They don't need dust to conjure the elements, it is a skill that was lost to humanity a long time ago. However, in one of Oz's former lives, he gifted a portion of his power to four women, who became the Maidens, named after each season"

"Seasons... like the fairytale about the hermit visited by four sisters"

Raven snapped her fingers "Exactly like that tale, because it actually happened"

"Those four Maidens, they have the power to unlock magical vaults beneath the four Huntsmen academies. Summer for Shade, Fall for Beacon, Winter for Atlas, and Spring for Haven" Summer explained.

"Vaults?" he wondered.

"Vaults, each with a powerful magical relic inside. The Relics of Choice, Knowledge, Creation, and Destruction"

"Relics? What do they do? Where do they come from?"

"According to Ozpin, they were created by the Brothers, Gods who actually exist and created humanity. I don't know what all of these Relics do, only that Salem wants them, so she can destroy Ozpin and rule Remnant herself" Summer explained.

"Ozpin told you this?"

Summer nodded "Years ago, just after we graduated"

Basil frowned "What proof do you have? Physical proof?"

"Aside from the three assassins who just tried to kill us? Not as much as I'd like"

"Then how do you know it's true?"

"Oz brought us to a tomb, showed us where he buried Salem. it was in ruins, the source of the damage... came from inside"

Basil was distraught, turning away from them both of them as he got to his feet, resting his hand over his mouth. He was silent for a long time, compartmentalizing all the information he'd just recieved. Part of him put the pieces together quickly, seeing the patterns and truth to her claims, another part however, refused to belief such outlandish claims without proof. He lowered his hand, but didn't turn back to them.

"During out fight with the Grimm, you used your Semblance to destroy them with a flash of light..."

"It wasn't my Semblance"

"It... what?" he asked turning to face her.

"My eyes, silver eyes... they're rare for a reason. They're the only form of magic that humanity still has, the only proof to Ozpin's claims outside of himself and the Maidens. That's why Salem has been painstakingly hunting down anyone with silver eyes... including me"

"That... I..." his hand moved over his mouth again.

"Basil?"

He lowered his hand, collecting himself "None of this matters"

"Huh?"

"All I care about, is ending Rattigan. Nothing can distract me from that. Not now"

Raven sheathed Omen "Rattigan?"

"I'll explain later" Summer replied "Basil, I know this is a lot to take in-"

"Three months" he interjected.

"Excuse me?"

"I was given three months... three months to live. Three months to spend with my family, for the little time I have left. That was a month ago... and here I am, listening to this crap, instead of searching for Rattigan and putting him in the ground"

"It's not crap-"

"I don't care if it's real or not. Because at the end of the day, I can't do a damn thing about it! I'm not going to waste away searching for Salem while he-" he coughed roughly into his hand "-is still" his cough became worse "-out" he dropped to his knees.

"Basil!" Summer and Raven got to their feet.

His coughing continued, blood covering his hand "Can't... I..." he tried, struggling to breathe.

"Stop talking" Summer ordered.

She placed her hands over him, they began to glow white. The same white glow covered Basil, his coughing coming to an abrupt halt. He looked up at her in surprise, her eyes were closed in concentration. As soon as her hands stopped glowing, she began coughing roughly, but not as harshly as he had been.

"What... what did you just do?" he asked in amazement.

"Summer's Semblance allows her to heal any injury... problem is, she transfers the injury onto herself" Raven answered.

"But... then..."

"Don't worry" Summer forced out "I'll heal. I managed to take most of the damage that fit caused, but the disease... I can't removed that, Basil. I might've bought you a bit more time, but I can't be sure" she explained.

"T-thank you"

She smiled "You're welcome"

Raven sighed "Salem must be planning something. Grimm have started becoming bolder"

"I know, a full Beowolf pack attacked us on the road, in broad daylight"

Basil rubbed his chin thoughtfully "Summer... you once mentioned the relics of the King of Vale going missing... are they...?" he let the sentence hang.

She nodded "His blade, the Relic of Destruction. His crown, the Relic of Choice. His staff, the Relic of Creation"

"He used them during the final battle of the Great War... that's when he buried her, isn't it?"

"It is" Raven crossed her arms "Ozpin used the strongest spells he could to trap her there, for all the good it did"

"He didn't think she could break free, or anyone could break in. All the same... she did break out"

"She is powerful enough to break free from such a prison... and smart enough to orchestrate a worldwide war between all four kingdoms... all without the world at large knowing the truth" Basil mused in amazement "Quite an enemy indeed"

"I'm sure Oz had something to do with limiting exposure of the truth... but you're right. She's powerful, and a tactical genius. Which begs the question, Summer... how do you intend to succeed where Ozpin has failed for centuries?"

Summer shrugged "To be honest... I'm not really sure"

"You're... not... sure?" Raven asked in disbelief.

She sighed "When you left, I went to Ozpin for advice, in hopes of convincing you to come back. We argued for a long time... until he took me to the vault beneath Beacon. It's hidden, but he showed me how to reveal the entrance. He had the Maiden open the vault for me as soon as she was able, and showed me the Crown on Choice... and I used it"

"The Crown... what does it do?" Raven asked with fascination.

"It showed me a choice I would have to make in the future... and told of two possible outcomes. One of them is true, and the other is false"

"Two?" Basil asked.

"Yes, one where we succeed in killing Salem" she gestured between the two of them "and one where Beacon falls"

"How do you know which one is true and which is false?" Basil inquired.

"You don't, not really. But I know we won't fail"

"How? How can you be so certain?" Raven asked.

"Because I believe in us"

Basil smiled "Well... then I have only one question"

"What is it?"

"How do we find her?"

Summer sighed "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I was hoping we could interrogate one of those assassins she sent after us, but with each of them dead..."

"Questioning them is a bit... out of the question" he finished.

Summer laughed "Pun intended"

"No" he answered humorlessly.

"Be a man and intend your puns"

"You're not helping"

"I... might have something" Raven interjected.

Their heads snapped to her "You do?" they asked in unison.

Raven fished out a small piece of paper from her pocket "My men searched the ones who tried to kill you... one of them had this on it" she handed it to Summer.

Her eyes scanned over the paper "This is a hit list... with each of our names on it..."

"Our?" Basil asked.

"No, not yours. Team STRQ, all of us are on this list"

Raven grimaced "Which means Salem is hunting all of us. So much for leaving it all behind" she grumbled.

"Let me see that?" Basil accepted it gingerly from her "Hmmm..."

"What is it?" Summer asked.

"This is definitely Rattigan's handwriting. This paper was manufactured in Mistral..." he inhaled deeply through his nostrils "Dust powder, from Vacuo... and champagne, Atlesian champagne"

The two stared in surprise "How can you be sure?" Branwen asked.

"My Semblance" he answered "It enhances each of my senses beyond human perception. My nose can match any bloodhound's, my ears can outmatch even a bat's, and I can see farther than a hawk. That's not even mentioning taste and touch. I can only enhance one at a time though"

"Wow... that's amazing" Summer breathed out in awe.

"Each tree makes paper with a unique feel on the skin I can detect, just as Dust from each region smells unique to my nose. As for the handwriting, I've seen it more than enough times to know it when I see it"

"And the champagne?" Raven asked.

He chuckled "No Semblance required there. I know expensive champagne when I smell it"

"Wait... Atlesian champagne... that gives me an idea"

"Summer, what are you thinking?" Raven asked with suspicion.

She pulled out her Scroll "Vacuans aren't big fans of Atlesian anything, I doubt they'd make an exception for alcohol"

"So?"

"So, if someone bought Atlesian champagne often enough, and they're operating out of Vacuo. Then there should be a trail to follow, maybe even an address"

"Think you can narrow one down?" Basil asked.

"I can sure as hell try"

---

The snow covering Vale had by now melted away revealing the greenery beneath once again. The students of Beacon were out and about on campus, classes having finally ended for the day, many enjoying the warmer weather over the frigid cold they had been experiencing. Up in the tallest point of the academy, Ozpin stared out the window with a fresh mug of steaming coffee in his hand, a small smile on his face as he watched over his charges. Behind him, Glynda was rattling off important information, but he wasn't paying too much attention. Most of it was just student scores and delinquents that needed disciplinary action for the week, getting his permission as usual.

"Glynda"

"Professor?" she asked surprised by the sudden interruption.

"Spring has just begun, students should be out enjoying the weather, not stuck inside studying"

"But-"

"No excuses" he turned to her "Let's hold off on the reprimands and punishments this week, it's not like the students are going anywhere"

"That is highly unusual treatment, they need to know the type of behavior expected of them" she insisted.

"They're too old to be treated like children, Glynda... and too young to be considered adults. It is time they find their way, not our way. Besides, once they leave these walls, we've no control over their behavior anymore. Only they do" he explained as he moved to his chair.

"That is hardly the point, Professor" she argued.

He gave her a knowing look, the elevator dinging before he could respond "Ah, Qrow" he smiled as the man entered, hands tucked in his pockets.

"Oz" he nodded.

"You're just in time, I have an important mission for you" he turned his head toward Glynda "Why don't you take the rest of the day for yourself, Glynda? You've been working hard recently and deserve some recreation"

"While I appreciate the offer, Professor. I am more than capable of finding time for desired activities on my own"

"It wasn't an offer or a suggestion, Glynda. I am ordering you to take the day off"

"I... that... you..." she took a deep breath "Very well, Professor" she turned on her heels for the door.

"Goodwitch" Qrow nodded.

"Branwen" she replied in kind.

They waited until she was gone before speaking "Tell me honestly, Qrow-"

"As if I would lie to spare your feelings?" he asked with a playful smirk.

"Point taken. What do you think of inviting Glynda into our circle?"

"Goodwitch?" he shrugged "She's tough as nails, has the brains to outsmart just about anyone I know, and is completely loyal to you, to her students. She'd make a good fit"

Ozpin nodded "I agree completely. I plan on informing her of everything tomorrow"

"Long as I don't have to be the one to explain it"

Ozpin chuckled "Not to worry, Qrow. You will be out on a mission, no explanation necessary on your part"

"What's the job?"

"There has been an increase in bandit attacks in the forest of Forever Fall. Anyone traveling that way seems unable to avoid them. I want you to head out there clear them out... and make sure they really are lowly bandits and not a prelude to something worse"

"You think she might be behind these attacks?"

"It's always a possibility, Qrow. Either way, I always prefer discretion"

Qrow rolled his eyes "Yeah, believe me, I know" he turned to leave.

"Considering the possibility, Qrow, I'd feel more comfortable if you brought some backup with you"

He waved him off "I'll let Tai know, but someone has to watch the girls, y'know?"

"Actually, I was suggesting you bring Summer along with you" Qrow froze midstep.

"You were what?" Qrow asked turning back toward him.

"You and Summer work well together, I think you both would-"

"Stop" Qrow snapped.

"Qrow? Is something the matter?" Ozpin asked with concern.

"Summer's still out on a job, your job"

"Mine? I don't understand-"

"Cut the shit, Oz. You're the one who gave her that mission" he replied pointing at him as he approached slowly.

Ozpin's brow furrowed "I haven't given Summer any mission"

"Recon mission to Mountain Glenn? Increase in Grimm activity? Any of this ringing a bell?" he asked as he moved closer to the desk.

Ozpin pulled out his Scroll and called her "Qrow..."

"Oz..."

"She's not answering" he began attempting to trace her Scroll's location.

Qrow ran his hand through his hair "Shit, Oz, she's been gone for over a week now"

Pocketing his Scroll, Ozpin placed his mug down onto the desk and stood, placing his hands onto the desk "Qrow... find Summer, now"

"Oz?"

"I've got no signal from her Scroll, it's either turned off, destroyed, or it's signal is blocked. If I didn't send her out on a mission..."

"Who did...?"

"If someone else tricked her into believing she was accepting a mission from me, then she is likely in danger"

"Shit... shit! I better call Tai-" he reached for his Scroll in his pocket.

"Don't!" Oz grabbed his hand "You tell him, and he's going to panic. He needs to stay home with your nieces, calm and relaxed. Go find Summer, find out what the hell is going on, and bring her back safely. If she mentioned Mountain Glenn, start there" he finished releasing his hold on him.

Qrow swallowed before replying "Okay... I can do that... I'll find her, even if it's the last thing I do"

"See that it isn't"

---

North of the desert of Vacuo, a single compact, dilapidated building sat in the center of a dense forest. The building had a single dirt pathway leading up to it, and a broken sign with faded letters on it. The only discernable letters were "fun home" separated by four faded lettering. Not far from the entryway, Summer Rose and Basil Stroud hid behind dense shrubbery, watching the place carefully. Within the shack, a raven was perched on a wooden beam at the edge of a caved in ceiling. It took flight, circling for a moment before moving over to the dense shrubs. The corvid transformed into Raven Branwen, lowering herself onto one knee.

"Place is clear" she reported.

"Did you find anything suspicious?" Summer asked.

"Outside of this place being a funeral home? There's only one way in, nowhere to store the bodies a mortician would have to run a business like this. No vehicles either"

"Why would a funeral home have such regular deliveries of such expensive champagne?" Summer wondered.

"Or be out in the middle of nowhere" Raven added.

"Let's find out" Basil closed his eyes, then took a deep breath through his nose "Woah..."

"What?" Raven inquired.

"Iron... a lot of it"

"It was a funeral home. I'm sure-" Summer started.

"No, not inside" he moved through the shrubs.

"Stroud?" Raven called after him.

He followed the trail up to a few feet from the front door of the funeral home. Basil stuck his tongue out, tasting the iron in the air. Closing his mouth, he followed the trail to one of the nearby trees. He started running his hands up and down the tree. Summer and Raven followed behind him, watching him with confusion. The two Huntresses shared a look turning their heads back to him as he began knocking his knuckles on the tree.

"Uh, Basil? What exactly are you looking-" he suddenly kicked the tree, shattering a false back "-for?" Summer finished.

"Very clever" he smirked "I found a ladder"

"Where does it lead?" Raven asked.

"If I knew that..." Basil raised his eyebrow at her.

Summer eagerly slid down the ladder, her white cloak flourishing behind her "Whew! Stinks down here!" she called back up.

Raven followed behind her in much the same manner, while Basil slowly made his way down at his own pace, intermittently groaning all the while "Take my advice, never get old" he grumbled.

"We find Salem down here, might not be a problem" Raven replied.

"If Rattigan is working with Salem, it's unlikely we'll find her here" Summer argued.

The trio slowly moved down a crumbling stone hallway, sarcophagi tucked into openings in the walls all along the hall. They arrived at the end of the hall to find a large cavern, now littered with bloodied bodies, bottles shattered and tables broken or overturned. The edges of the water were turning red from all the blood seeping from the dead. Summer gasped at the sight, with her old teammate grimacing.

"Well... this certainly explains the smell" Basil scowled.

Raven scowled "No kidding"

Summer covered her mouth, looking as if she was going to be sick "First time seeing a massacre like this?" Basil asked.

"Y-yeah..." Summer nodded.

"Good. Hopefully it's the last" he looked up at the stone doors "There"

"Are you sure?" Raven asked.

"No. But if our little rat is anywhere, it's there"

Raven unsheathed Omen as Summer readied Sundered Rose. Leading the trio, Basil pushed the heavy stone doors open slowly. The only light inside the chamber came from the holographic screen on the desk at the back. Rattigan sat at his desk with a champagne glass in one hand and a golden pocket watch in the other. He snapped it close and tossed it on the desk, taking a sip from his glass. Raven directed her blade toward him, while Summer took position opposite her with Sundered Rose in rifle form with Rattigan in her sight. Basil's hand rested on the hilt of his blade, but he left it on his hip.

"Bravo, Basil... you've managed to track me down" he placed his glass onto the desk, pressing his gloved fingertips together "Coming for me directly, without proof, that's a rather temerarious attempt to detain me, even for you"

Summer scowled "Three assassins your idea of a delicate touch?"

"Time was of the essence, I couldn't afford subtlety. The consequence of your involvement. Though, frankly, I am disappointed in your performance thus far. I expected you to find me hours ago. Finally over the hill now, are we?"

"Working with someone like Salem was bound to get you in trouble at some point" Raven pointed out.

"A... mutually beneficial partnership"

"Those men outside work for you... have another of your fits, did you?" Basil smirked.

"Pawns, nothing more. Easily replaced. Salem knew too much about my recent activities for all of them to be loyal to me"

"So you slaughtered them, to ensure no one reported what you were doing back to her" Basil scowled.

"You're a vile man, Rattigan" Summer spat

He grinned "It's time we end our feud, Basil. Your arrival with Ms. Rose is rather fortunate for me, Salem wants her, and Salem always gets what she wants"

"She's not going anywhere with you" Raven declared.

Rattigan chuckled "Your mistake is believing you have a chance against me, you don't even know the first thing about my capabilities"

"They don't, but I do. I know that you possess quite a temper, Rattigan. And there's only two things that make you angry enough to kill... failure... and being called-"

"Don't say it!" he snapped.

"A FAUNUS!" Basil finished with a grin, while he recoiled with a deep scowl.

"Faunus?" Summer asked.

"That's right, Rattigan is a Faunus... and there's nothing he hates more than being reminded of that fact" he chuckled "Although, you'd only ever killed the one who called you a Faunus. For you to have killed them all instead of weeding out the traitor, must mean they've cost you significant financial loss... or Salem cut you out. Am I getting warmer?"

Rattigan slowly got to his feet, towering over them "Woah..." Raven's eyes widened.

"Uh..." Summer leaned closer to Basil "You never mentioned his mom was a mountain" she whispered.

Rattigan's nostrils flared "She promised me immortality... but when I took matters into my own hands to have you killed and Ms. Rose captured, she reacted... poorly" he answered through unsteady breaths.

"Immortality" he growled "You're afraid of dying, you're a coward" he spat.

"She promised me everything..." his hands closed into tightly clenched fists "But now... now, I have NOTHING!"

Rattigan smashed his desk with both fists, breaking the desk in half with rage. His pocket watch clattered to the ground while his champagne glass shattered. Summer and Raven both tightened their grip on their weapons, ready for him to attack. Rattigan growled at his longtime adversary, widening his stance as he prepared for a fight.

"But once I bring you to her, she'll take me back. Honor our agreement" he added with a smile, looking at Summer.

"You'll have to go through me first" Basil assured.

"I won't spend a single day in a filthy prison, Basil" he hissed.

"Don't worry, Rattigan" he pulled his blade out, holding it level with his opponent "I don't intend on seeing you behind bars. One of us isn't walking out of this place, and it won't be me"

"You think your friends are going to make a difference?"

"We'll take you down" Raven declared.

"Together" Summer added.

Rattigan scoffed "Then you'll go down together"

He grabbed the right side of his shattered desk and threw it toward them with little discernable effort. Raven flipped backward over it as Basil tackled Summer out of the way. Rattigan approached, raising his cane over his head to strike the two. Raven rushed in, leaping into a front flip, swinging Omen down toward him. Rattigan swatted her away with his cane, forcing her to flip back into the landing on her heels. Before he could strike again, Summer and Basil separated, getting on opposite sides of him. He swung his cane for Basil, who blocked with his blade effortlessly, then retaliated with an upward strike of his own, forcing the mountain of a Faunus back. Summer started firing Sundered Rose for his back, earning a grunt of pain as several rounds struck him. He pointed his cane toward her, the end opening to reveal a gun barrel, then fired a single round. She used her axe to block, but the blast sent her flying back into the wall behind her, causing her white Aura to shimmer across her entire body. Raven leapt into a spinning kick to his face, stumbling him a few steps, followed by a powerful swing of Basil's blade to the back of his knee dropping him onto it.

"Insignificant pests!" he hissed.

Raising his fist over his head, he slammed it down into the ground just as Basil managed to sidestep the strike, countering with his own upward swing to his face. Grunting in pain, Rattigan began a relentless assault, forcing Basil to sidestep and duck beneath each strike to avoid them. With a swing of his cane, Basil flipped back into a backhand spring, acrobatically avoiding the strike. Aiming his cane toward Basil, his weapon was knocked from his hand by Omen launching toward him from Raven's scabbard. The blade collided with his cane, flipping in the air between them. Raven rushed in with incredible speed, catching her blade in her hand and slicing across his chest before he could react. She swung her blade twice more as Rattigan sidestepped each, then caught her armed hand by the wrist, punching for her face. His fist collided with Basil's own blade, who pushed him back with incredible strength, forcing Rattigan back a step. Summer moved in quickly, striking him with Sundered Rose twice. In retaliation, he kneed her in the abdomen, knocking her up into a powerful punch to her chest, sending her flying backward. Basil leapt into a spinning strike to his face, dropping back into a one-handed backhand spring away from Rattigan's counterattack. Sliding to a stop on his heels, Basil spun his blade in his hand, ready to strike.

"Why don't we make this more interesting?" Rattigan reached into his breast pocket and produced his golden bell.

With a single ring, the sealed sarcophagi around them burst open with Beowolves springing from within, taking the others by surprise. The Alpha rushed right for Basil, pouncing atop him and knocking his blade away from him. With a growl of annoyance, Basil grabbed the Alpha by it's neck, roughly snapping it, then kicking the corpse off him. Rattigan moved to strike him, only for Basil's fist to connect with his chin first, followed by an even more powerful punch to the right side of his face, knocking him onto his back. Raven sliced through the first Beowolf in her path, then spun on her heels, impaling the next beneath her arm, then kicking it back off the end of her blade.

Basil rushed to his blade, scooping it up just in time for a Beowolf to pounce toward his back. He sliced through it as he twisted to face his attacker, then turned to slice through the next. He stepped back as Sundered Rose spun through the air toward him, slicing through another Beowolf as it struck for him. Catching her weapon in his open hand, he kneed the chin of the next Beowolf, then spun into a powerful kick to it's abdomen, sending it flying backward. Summer flipped forward, snatching her axe back from Basil and slicing through the Beowolf behind him before it could strike. Raven flipped back into a horizontal slice through the soaring Beowolf, leaving only one left. Before she could attack, a round pierced it's skull, killing it instantly. She looked back to see Summer with Sundered Rose aimed her way.

"Too slow" Summer called.

Raven scowled "I had that one"

"Yeah, whatever-Basil! Behind you!"

His eyes widened, turning just in time for Rattigan to attack, striking him with a powerful backhanded fist, sending him flying backward. Rattigan rushed Raven, striking for her face, forcing her to block with her forearm. She moved to strike with her blade, only for her wrist to be caught in his iron grip. He swung his fist for her face, but she managed to sidestep the strike, kicking for his opposite side. Though he blocked with his forearm, she managed to wrench her hand free, only for a powerful kick to her chest to send her flying back. He lurched forward to continue his assault, only for him to find himself pulled back, his cape impaled into the ground by Basil's blade. Before he could free himself, a powerful swing of Sundered Rose to his face sent him flying through the air, tearing his cape from his shoulders, sending him crashing through the stone doors of the crypt. He bounced off his shoulders, sliding to a stop on his hand, his rat-like tail now in plain view for all to see. The three gave chase, entering the cavern as he glared back at them.

"A Faunus... just like you said" Raven noted.

"You... have left me with no other choice..." he rang his golden bell many times. Springing forth from the water was an enormous serpentine Grimm "Now... you'll die" red rings started to form around his irises.

"Uh-oh..." Basil frowned.

"That's a Sea Feilong..." Summer noted in awe.

"That's gonna be a tough one to take down" Raven added.

"No, that's not it" Basil shook his head "His eyes..."

Summer furrowed her brow as his eyes became more bloodshot "What? What is it?"

"That's his Semblance" Basil swallowed nervously "If you thought he was tough before, you're in for a treat. His Semblance turns him almost feral, his attacks become savage and ferocious... it won't be easy taking him down now"

"What's the plan?" Raven asked.

"You two handle that Grimm. I'll keep him busy... and try not to die"

"That doesn't sound like a good plan-" Summer started.

"BASIL!" Rattigan roared.

"Decision's made itself. In this state, he'll be focused on killing me anyway" he nodded to her "Just kill that damned thing as quick as you can. Okay?"

"We will... I promise" Summer nodded.

Rattigan started bounding toward them on all fours, his white gloves tearing off on the wood, Basil grit his teeth and stowed his blade. He raised his hands, catching Rattigan by his wrists, sliding back a short distance from the momentum. Raven launched Omen from her scabbard, catching it midair as she planted her heels on the tip of the Feilong's nose, slicing her blade across it's face. Collecting lightning in it's mouth, it knocked Raven back, several volts coursing through her as she fell. She landed on her heels, then flipped out of the way just in time to avoid being crushed as the wooden walkway was destroyed by it's movements. Summer leapt from one floating piece of wood to another as she moved in, firing her weapon up at the Grimm. As she drew close, her eyes glistened, ready to destroy the Grimm before her. Letting out a roar, the Feilong spread it's wings and took to the sky, hovering just out of range of the burst of light from her eyes. It spat out a stream of lightning bolts toward her, only for Raven to leap between them, she used Omen to absorb the electrical currents with a yellow Dust blade.

"We're going to have to bring that thing back down to us" Summer called.

"Or bring us to it" Raven sheathed her blade.

"Have an idea for that?" Summer asked.

"Just one!" she fired Omen, launching her blade skyward.

The Feilong unleashed bolt after bolt of lightning at Raven as she leapt after her blade. She transitioned into corvid form, easily dodging each bolt as she ascended above the Grimm. Switching back to human form, she caught Omen in her hand, slicing right through the wing closest to her. It cried out as it came crashing down into the water once again, sending waves out from the impact point. Summer leapt over the large wave, landing on the nose of the Grimm. Without hesitation, she unleashed a powerful burst of light from her eyes, turning the creature to stone. Raven landed on a small wooden platform floating between the stone Grimm and the crypt doors. After a moment, it began to crumble beneath her, forcing Summer to leap into the water. She surfaced in front of Raven, who grinned down at her.

"Just like old times" she offered her hand to her old teammate.

Summer smiled up at her "What? Miss this already?" she asked, accepting her hand.

"Just the fun parts" she confessed.

Summer looked back over toward Basil to find him on the defensive, struggling to keep out of Rattigan's reach as he savagely attacked "We'd better help him"

Raven nodded "Fine"

Basil leapt away from Rattigan's swinging fist, then rolled beneath a second strike, dropping into a backhand spring away from a third, then rolling the opposite direction to avoid another. Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough to avoid an upward swing to his face, throwing him onto his back. Before he could fully recover, Rattigan unleashed a quick series of strikes, knocking Basil around like a ragdoll. Basil ducked beneath a strike for his face, swinging his blade up into Rattigan's chin, stumbling him back. He charged Rattigan, his shoulder colliding with his opponent's, neither of them gaining the advantage. Rattigan caught sight of Raven charging in, and sent Basil flying back into her with a powerful shove of his shoulder.

"How many times do I need to teach you this lesson, Basil? I am superior to you, in both mind and body!" he laughed.

"You haven't won yet"

Rattigan pulled his fist back to strike with all his might, only for Summer to push Basil out of the way, taking the blow for him and being sent flying back into the water. Raven moved in to attack, spinning down beneath a strike for her head, slicing Omen across his kneecaps as she did. Twisting back to face him, his fist slammed into her chest, throwing her back into the wall behind her. Turning his attention back to Basil, he attacked with blind rage, forcing him to use his blade to redirect each strike as quickly as he could. Rattigan slammed his fist into Basil's chest, throwing him onto his back, his Aura breaking from the strike.

"This is it, Basil... I've finally won!" he laughed out as he approached.

"You haven't won... until I stop breathing..." Basil panted out.

"You really think you have a chance against me?!" he asked through a wicked grin.

"I won't surrender until I've stopped you... not after what you've done"

Raven leapt into an attack from behind, only for Rattigan to catch her by the hilt of her blade, then use his opposite hand to lift her into the air and slam her into the ground painfully "Dawson wasn't enough for you? How many of your friends must I end before you realize the truth?" he asked, pinning Raven beneath his heel "Salem-ah!"

Rattigan stumbled as several rounds struck him in the back. Turning to face his attacker, Summer charged toward him, swinging her axe into his chest. Rattigan was tossed aside, flipping into the landing with a grunt of pain. Summer moved in to strike once more, only for Rattigan to catch her axe by the handle, halting her attack. Before he could attack, Raven struck faster than he could, slicing through him at blinding speed, breaking his purple Aura, his Semblance deactivating. With a frustrated growl, he grabbed Summer by her throat, then Raven with his opposite hand, lifting them both from the ground.

"I will not be defeated by a fledgling Huntress, her bottom feeding vagabond, and their aging one-eyed t-"

Raven and Summer fell to the ground abruptly. They both looked up to find Rattigan staring down at Basil's blade piercing him through the chest. His gaze shifted up to look at Basil, a look of disbelief on his face. Blood began to pool around the wound as he dropped to his knees, coughing roughly into his hand. Rattigan dropped onto his back, taking his last breaths as the light in his eyes left, a nearly silent final breath escaping his lips. Summer and Raven got to their feet, looking back at Basil, who struggled to stand. Summer moved to his side and supported his weight, keeping him upright.

"Are you okay?"

"Okay? Are you kidding? I'm better than okay" he smiled "It's done... he's finally gone"

Raven checked his pulse "Yeah, he's definitely dead"

"But he was our only lead to-" Summer started.

"I've seen enough" an unfamiliar voice echoed around them.

"What the hell is that?" Basil asked.

Above them, an apparition of Salem formed from black smoke as she spoke "Three brave and legendary heroes triumph over the dastardly villain, Rattigan. Well done, truly"

Basil and Raven stared up at her in shock, while Summer's steely gaze glared back at her "He wasn't the only one we defeated. Your assassins failed, just like anyone else you send will"

Salem smiled "If I had wanted you dead, you'd be dead, dear girl. They were meant to introduce us, not that you're willing to meet, it seems"

"Like I'd ever surrender to you" Summer shot back.

"Removing my pieces from the board does not end the game, merely changes the approach a player must take"

Basil got over his initial shock and removed himself from Summer "You're out of pawns, whatever your plan is, we'll stop you"

She remained emotionless "From the looks of you, I'd say you don't have much time left on this world. I could outlive you a thousand times, and you'd never be any closer to stopping me"

"That hasn't stopped Ozpin" Summer shot back.

Salem's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing at her "He's a delusional fool, sending children to fight his battles for him. He promises you salvation, but will deliver only damnation, as he has for countless before you"

"Just because others have failed, doesn't mean we will" Summer declared.

Salem closed her eyes, shaking her head "You may have removed my pieces, but the game is far from over. I still have pawns left on the board... strength alone will not bring you victory, girl" her apparition vanished without a trace.

"That... that was Salem?" Raven asked fearfully.

"She was not what I expected" Basil added "She looked almost... Grimm... like a human Grimm"

"I'm just as surprised as you are, believe me. But this might give us an advantage"

"How?" Raven demanded.

"My eyes work on the Grimm. If she is Grimm, even if only partly, then she must be susceptible"

"Giving us a way to weaken her at least" Basil nodded in understanding.

"We'll need to find her first" Summer pointed out.

Basil stroked his beard in thought "I might have an idea about that"

"What is it?" Summer asked.

Basil moved to the broken desk, placing his Scroll onto it "There, I'm connected"

"To a broken computer" Raven pointed out.

"True, but if I do this..." his screen switched to the computer's display "There we go!" he smiled.

"You're pretty tech savvy for someone your age" Summer pointed out.

"Had to learn if I was going to keep hunting down criminals and rogue Huntsmen. I swear, you kids are already relying on this crap too much. My grandkids are doomed"

Raven scoffed "Whatever helps you sleep at night, old man. Now how do you plan on finding Salem?"

"Rattigan was a meticulous hoarder of intel. He's got personnel files on just about everyone, especially those he does business with. Huntsmen, council members, local law enforcement, criminals, bandits, you name 'em, he's got 'em"

"You think he's going to have a file on Salem?" she asked.

"Has to. Insurance incase she ever betrayed him. He's never been big on trust. It's one of the reasons he's been so hard to take down" he smiled "Aha! Here we go!"

"Found something?" Summer asked, peeking over his shoulder.

"He doesn't have as much on her as I was hoping. No hints as to her skills and abilities... but he does have a set of coordinates for her lair... and plans for an attack on Beacon" he answered.

"An attack she won't be able to fulfill easily now, not without anyone to follow her"

"She'll get more, she always does. Don't forget, she said she's still got one piece on the board" he reminded her.

"That's a problem for another-"

"Stop, stop, stop! Just stop!" Raven shouted over them "You can't be serious right now! The three of us just barely managed to take down her top killer, someone so skilled he'd never been caught before. And he worked for her! You think we even have a chance against her?" she protested.

"We have to try" Summer argued.

"She can control the Grimm, Summer!" she argued.

"No one forced you to be here, Branwen. If you don't want to fight her, then leave. Someone needs to try"

"Ozpin already is, let it be his problem, not ours"

"Enough, Raven!" Summer snapped "We have a job to do, you agreed to help us. You want out, fine... but I'm going to face Salem with or without you. But I know we'd have a better chance if we fought together"

"Summer... she'll kill us both..."

"Not if we do this together, all three of us. I know it... the only way we fail, is if we're too cowardly to stand together. Trust me, please" the two stared at each other silently.

Raven sighed "Fine..." she relented.

Summer smiled "Thank you, Raven" she turned back to Basil "You have the coordinates?"

"Yeah"

"Then let's get out of here. I don't like this place"

Basil nodded "Just give me one more... there!" he disconnected his Scroll and marched toward the exit.

"What'd you do?" Raven asked.

"Sent proof of Rattigan's crimes to Professor Ozpin. He had a backdoor into Beacon's system, so I used it, then severed it so no one else could take advantage"

"Nice work" Summer offered an appreciative smile "Where to?"

Basil pulled his blade from Rattigan's body "You're never going to believe me"

"Huh?" Raven scrunched her eyebrows in confusion.

"Uncharted territory"

"What? But that's..."

"The continent north of Sanus..."

"No expedition that has ever gone there has returned. Never once..." Summer tapped her chin "Now I understand why"

"Wonderful..." Raven sighed.

"What do you think, Basil?"

"I think... I think we're going to need a boat"

---

The turbulent waters separating Sanus from their destination made travel difficult. Wave after wave beat against the small boat they managed to get ahold of, while the wind sprayed their faces, dark clouds hung overhead, with the moon barely able to poke through to illuminate anything, leaving the sky a dark red. Basil and Summer both worked diligently to row the oars on each side, moving them through the raging sea. Above them, a single raven moved down to the edge of the boat, landing behind Summer Rose, transforming back into Raven Branwen. She whipped her soaking wet hair over her shoulder, doing her best to keep her bangs from getting in her eyes.

"Not far now, we're almost there!" she called over the sound of the crashing waves.

"Good, because if we don't make land soon, I think my arms might give out on me" Basil called back.

Summer looked to her right, catching sight of dozens of ships, crashed along jagged rocks and razor sharp formations along the rock walls coming into view. Aboard these shipwrecks were dozens of Grimm, seemingly unaware of their presence, picking over the remains of such tragic accidents.

"These seas have taken too many already"

"Let's make sure we don't join these poor souls, then" Basil replied.

"I recognize some of these ships, but only from historical records. And they don't look half as old as some of the others" Raven pointed out.

"They must be ancient" Summer replied.

Basil grunted "Yeah, some of these are even older than I am"

The trio managed to reach the shoreline, finally locating a safe enough route to pass through the rocks. Summer and Raven quickly left the boat, pulling it ashore as Basil pushed from the opposite end. They marched up the shoreline until they reached the top of a nearby hill, looking down on the land before them. It was a barren wasteland with rocky terrain and enormous Gravity Dust crystals sprouting from the ground. Opposite this wasteland, split by a set of mountains, was a beautiful valley. Thousands of golden flowers covered the land, only separated by rocks.

"I don't suppose it'd be too much to ask Salem's hideout to be in there?" Summer asked pointing to the valley.

Basil shook his head "Evidently not. Coordinates are this way" he led the way further into the wasteland.

"Yay..." Summer deadpanned.

"Can't, wait" Raven grumbled.

"Would've stopped for a strong drink before coming here if I knew it was going to be like this. I feel like I just walked into a nightmare" Basil muttered.

"You're telling me" Summer agreed.

They came to a stop on a cliffside leading down further into the wasteland before them. There were hundreds of Grimm prowling the land and polluting the sky. Summer stared in shock at their sheer numbers. Raven paled at the sight, suddenly regretting tagging along. Basil grimaced, tightening his grip on the hilt of his blade.

"Figured I'd already walked through hell once in the war, but this... this is something else entirely"

"There's no way we're getting through all of them in one piece. We'd need an army" Raven proposed.

"We don't have time for an army" Summer replied.

"Then I hope you have a plan"

"Of course I do, a great plan... Basil?" Summer asked.

"Seriously?" Raven scowled.

"Don't look at me, kid. I don't know how the hell we'll get through this. But I'm not backing down if you're not"

Summer nodded "Then let's get to it"

They made their way down in the Grimm infested wasteland, with the creatures taking no note of them until they drew closer. Off in the distance, the could see a tall castle formed from the crystals around the wasteland. The Grimm blocking their path formed a wall as they got closer, the trio readying their weapons. Before they could attack, the Grimm shifted away from them, forming a pathway through the horde to the castle on the horizon.

"Why aren't they attacking?" Raven asked as they moved through the horde.

"Because we're expected" Basil answered with a frown.

"So much for the element of surprise" Summer muttered.

Raven watched the Grimm for any sign they were going to attack "I don't like this"

"You're not alone in that, Raven" Summer replied.

They marched through the wasteland until they reached the end of the Grimm horde, reaching a long set of crystalized stairs leading up to the massive castle before them. The Grimm dispersed, returning to their usual activities as the trio climbed to the top of the stairs, leading to long crystal pathway. At the end of the path was a set of crystalized archway and a second smaller set of stairs up to a single wooden door.

"Summer, I'm not sure this is such a good idea" Raven admitted.

"I don't like this either, but the only way we're going to deal with Salem, is to confront her"

"But she's expecting us, that means we could be walking right into a trap" she argued.

"I know"

"And that doesn't worry you?"

"Of course it does"

"Then why risk this? Why trek all the way out here to find her? We don't even really know what she's capable of"

"Because if we don't try, we've already failed"

"We might fail anyway. She could kill us all"

"I know... but I also know that if we fail, there's someone else that'll stop her"

"Who?" Raven asked.

"Our daughters... Ruby and Yang"

She gasped "But they're... they're just children"

Summer nodded "It wouldn't be for awhile... but I believe in them. I know if we can't stop her, they will... together"

"Did the Relic show you that too? How can you possibly know that?" Raven asked in disbelief.

She smiled with pride "Because they're my daughters" Raven's eyes widened in shock.

Basil remained silent, his mind wandering from their current predicament to his family, to Sinn and Viridian, to Elise, Malachite, and Slade. Each of them were at the forefront of his mind, and he found himself unexpectedly inspired by Summer's words.

"Shall we?" Basil asked, gesturing to the door.

Summer nodded, and with determination, proclaimed "Salem shall fall today. No one else dies at her hand, not ever again"

The three readied their weapons before pushing inside, moving into a large corridor with several wooden doors lining the walls, each leading to new and potentially horrific possibilities. The largest of these, was a set of double doors at the end of the corridor, likely Salem's sanctum. There were no light fixtures within, nor candle light to illuminate the hall. The only light within came from the luminous Dust crystals scattered along the hall, bright violet light emanating from the base only. Basil and Raven took positions around the door, while Summer stood before it. With a nod to them, she kicked the door open, each of them moving in with their weapons in hand.

Before them lay a chamber with a crystal table in the center and several wooden chairs on each side of it. Several crystal formations surrounded the room with white candles on their tops, and behind the throne was a crystal table adorned with several white candles. Above the table was a chandelier made out of wood branches and crystals hanging from their ends. The floor was made of square, reflective tiles. Windows lined the walls, allowing the red light of the sky in. Salem sat in her throne, tapping her sharp black nails on the arms. Her expression remained unchanged, despite their presence. Before the could move, the trio suddenly found themselves locked in place, their weapons clattering to the ground.

"Summer Rose. Your arrival was anticipated"

Summer attempted to break free, but found she was completely immobilized "I can't move"

"Neither can I! What the hell is this?!" Raven demanded.

"Struggle all you like, it makes no difference" Salem called, getting to her feet "You should've come alone, your friends needn't have been involved"

"Three against one. Figured my chances were better"

Salem moved around the table, slowly making her way over to the group "Because you still believe I can be defeated"

"You will be defeated" Summer insisted.

Salem's lips twitched with amusement "Report" she called.

Basil was suddenly released from her hold "It's like you said, the school's each have a vault beneath them" he replied as he picked his weapon of the ground.

"Basil?" Summer's eyes widened "What are you doing?"

"More pawns... he's not here to stop Salem, he's with her!" Raven bellowed in anger.

"Entry?" Salem asked.

"Ozpin gave his magic to four Maidens, each capable of opening one of the vaults. The Relics you seek are hidden within" he explained.

"Basil! Stop!" Summer pleaded.

Salem's smile grew "You made this game so easy for me, dear girl. Seeking out one of my servants in an effort to stop me on your own. Pitiful"

"You bastard" Raven hissed.

"Why? Why serve her, Basil? What about your family?" Summer asked.

"I'm doing this for my family, Rose. You wouldn't understand"

"Which Maidens open each vault?" Salem inquired.

"Fall for Beacon, Winter for Alsius, Summer for Shade, and Spring for Haven" he answered.

"No!" Summer shouted.

Salem grinned "Excellent work, Stroud. Was there anything else?"

"Not that she revealed to me. The Beacon vault is hidden away. She, the Maiden, and Ozpin himself are the only ones who know how to reveal it"

"I see" Salem moved closer to Summer, slowly wrapping her hand around her neck "Then it seems you and I have some business to conclude before you're allowed to die"

Summer growled "I'll never tell you anything! You-!" Salem's grip tightened silencing her.

"Summer! Let her go! Now! S-" Raven was silenced suddenly, unable to speak from the pressure around her throat.

"A significant improvement" Salem muttered "Now, Summer. You're going to tell me how to open the vault, or you're going to watch your friend suffer"

"The only thing you'll get from me, is this!" in an instant, a flash of light erupted from her eyes, blinding the others.

Summer and Raven dropped to the ground, the latter of which was gasping for breath. Salem screamed in agony, dropping onto her knees from the searing pain within her. Without wasting a moment, Summer scooped up Sundered Rose and and swung it for Salem. It clashed with Basil's own blade, blocking the strike. He pushed her back, but remained on the defensive, blocking each strike she sent his way with slow and deliberate movements. Striking outward, Summer flipped back over his blade onto the wall, pushing off it to counter with a strike of her own. Basil blocked over his shoulder, then twisted his blade to position the barrel with her head. Firing a single shot, he forced Summer to duck beneath it. His knee slammed into her chin, throwing her back up into a spinning kick to her chest, sending her back through the double doors into the corridor beyond, rolling to a stop on her side.

"Drop your weapon, Rose. This won't end well for you if you keep fighting"

"Yeah, Salem seems real hospitable" Summer grumbled as she got to her feet once more.

"Don't drag this out. I don't want to hurt you"

"Then you shouldn't have sided with the enemy" she growled.

Raven leapt into a strike from behind, forcing Basil to block with his blade. He twisted into a downward strike with his blade, the force of which knocked Omen to the ground, stumbling Raven as she sturggled to keep her grip on the blade. Summer rushed him, swinging her axe for his right side, only for his blade to deflect the strike. While she spun into a second strike, Raven struck from his opposite side, forcing him to block with her blade and duck beneath Summer's own for his head. He spun away from Summer, swinging his blade down onto Raven as she blocked with her own, but the force of his strike knocked her down, dropping onto her back.

"How? How can you be on her side?!" Summer demanded.

"You couldn't understand, Summer. You're too naïve"

Thrusting his blade beneath the curved blade of Sundered Rose, he forced it to the ground, then slammed his elbow into her face, stumbling her back. Turning back to Raven in just enough time to block another strike with the side of his blade, he spun his weapon as he shifted around her, then used her own momentum to force her off balance, rolling onto her side to recover. Summer hooked her axe around his leg as he blocked with his blade at a downward angle. Pulling her weapon back toward herself, Basil dropped onto his knee with a grunt, leaving him unable to stop her follow up strike to his face with her fist, knocking him over. Basil used his open hand to catch himself, then used his blade to block Sundered Rose as she swung down for his head, forcing it to the ground. He then slammed his hilt into her face, stumbling her backward. Raven leapt into a spinning strike for his head, their blades colliding as she landed beside Summer. She spun into a second strike, forcing Basil to block with his blade, then duck beneath a horizontal strike from Summer. Twisting into a powerful kick to Summer's chest, he tossed her onto her chest. Flipping his blade over in his hand, he used his open hand to catch Raven by the wrist as she struck. He slammed the hilt of his blade into her hip, before smashing his fist into her face, throwing her to the ground. Summer managed to hook Sundered Rose around his blade as he attempted to block her next strike, then wrenched the blade from his hand. Basil managed to catch her second strike for his chest by matching her grip on Sundered Rose.

"You fought Rattigan! You fought the assassins she sent after me! Why?!" Summer asked as they struggled for control of her weapon.

"Sacrificial pawns, all of them" he answered.

"Everything you said to me was a lie? All of it?!" she asked incredulously.

"No, Summer. Rattigan had to be stopped, for the good of Remnant"

"What good are you doing by serving her?!" she demanded.

"I told you, you wouldn't understand!"

With a powerful strike of his fist, he shattered the weapon at the center, scattering each half as Summer stared in shock and disbelief. Before she could react, he struck her shoulders with a series of quick jabs, then kicked her in the chest, sending her onto her back. Before he could move, Raven grabbed him from behind, locking him in her grip with Omen around his neck, dropping him onto one knee with a kick to the back of his opposite knee. Summer rolled onto her hands, taking notice of Basil's blade. He broke free of Raven's hold with tremendous strength, flipping her over his shoulder, then kicking her in the abdomen, sending her a short distance back into the wall, her Aura breaking at the contact. At that moment, his own blade pierced his chest from behind, the air abruptly leaving his lungs from the force of the strike. Seemingly unfazed, he turned toward Summer and slammed his fist into her face, sending her to the ground. The two watched in awe and horror as Basil slowly pulled the blade out from his back, gasping for breath and groaning from the pain.

"Basil... why...?" Summer asked once more.

"Because she can't be stopped, Summer. Salem is too powerful, she will always win" he answered nursing his wound with his open hand.

"She's been defeated before" Summer argued, getting to her feet "Oz-"

"Prolonging the inevitable is pointless. She was imprisoned, certainly. Yet here she is, free once more. There is no prison that can hold her, no power that can contain her. Believe me, I've tried"

"So you just give up?"

"Sacrificing everything we are in a desperate attempt to prevent fate is pointless, we must attend to reality" he argued, using his blade to get to his feet.

"Look around you! Look what happened to this land because of her! She'll do this to the rest of Remnant! Our children will die by her hand!"

"This land was a waste long before I was born" Salem called as she moved into the hall "This was the home of the God of Darkness"

"You're lying!" Raven bellowed.

"Am I?" Salem quirked an eyebrow "Tell me, if I truly had all the time in the world to corrupt the land, wouldn't I have finished off this continent by now? Would I not have destroyed the Domain of Light you witness on your journey here?"

"Maybe Ozpin used magic to stop you, or-" Summer rebuked.

"He lacks the power to accomplish such a feat, even before losing as much of his power as he has"

"No... it can't be..." Summer dropped to her knees.

"I am surprised at you, Mr. Stroud. You didn't even use your Aura to protect yourself from your own blade"

"Age catches up to all of us... eventually" he replied.

"Hmm..." the look in her eye told him she didn't really believe him, but she relented.

"I just... I don't understand... why side with someone as evil as she is?" Summer asked Basil.

"Thousands died during the war, thousands who wouldn't have even been involved were it not for the perpetual war between Salem and Ozpin"

Raven scoffed "What? You think she'll let us live in peace if she wins?"

"Salem only destroys what gets in her way, or is of no use to her plans. If she gets what she wants, then none of us need suffer any longer. Once I understood her power and her desires, I chose to join with her"

"And what about when you die? Do you think she will spare your family?" Summer asked.

"Mr. Stroud and I have an accord. I always keep my word, unlike my former husband"

"W-what?" Summer and Raven's eyes widened in shock.

"That's right, he and I were once married. Many lifetimes ago... but he betrayed me. That is why I fight to claim the Relics. Without the Relics, my torment will never end. I will be trapped here for all eternity"

"No... no!" Summer stood defiantly "Basil, don't you see? You're just another pawn to Salem! One she can cast aside when you're no longer useful!

"I know... but she needs my help to claim the Relics. Without outside help, she risks being imprisoned once more, further delaying her coming victory. The longer this war goes on, the more innocents must pay with their blood"

"Basil, together we can stop her! You don't have to be her slave!"

"No amount of words will dissuade me. I'm sorry... I don't believe Salem can be stopped any longer. The only chance my family has is to ensure their survival beyond my coming demise"

"You may not be a Huntsman, Basil, but you swore an oath to protect those who couldn't protect themselves!"

"I'm doing this for them!" he argued.

"Salem doesn't care about anyone else! She's literally made of Grimm! She controls them! Can't you see?! If she was truly benevolent in anyway, she would use that gift to stop the Grimm from attacking our people!"

"A pointless waste of effort. The Grimm were created by the Gods the same as you and I were. They all have their natural place in the order of the universe. I am simply seeking out my own" Salem replied.

"Bullshit!" Raven shouted.

Salem grinned, turning her attention to her "Such bravery from a coward. How amusing" she grabbed her by the throat "We shall begin with you then"

"Raven!" Summer shouted, rushing toward her.

Picking up what remains of Sundered Rose, she hurled her axe toward Salem, embedding the blade into her chest. Salem stumbling back, releasing her hold on Raven. She looked down to her chest in annoyance, wrenching the axe from her chest. Holding the weapon out for them to see, Grimm fluid emerged from her hand, enveloping the weapon completely, devouring it until there was nothing left. With a wicked grin on her face, the fluid emerged from her opposite hand, reaching toward Raven.

"What the hell..." Summer breathed out.

"Care to see what becomes of your friend?"

Raven tried to run, but found herself unable to move once more "No, no, no, no" she repeated as it drew closer.

"STOP!" Summer shouted, moving to attack once again, only to find herself trapped as well.

"Wait" Basil called.

"What?" Salem asked with annoyance.

"You gave your word they wouldn't be harmed. That all you wanted from them was information"

"Information you failed to obtain. I must know how to reach the Beacon vault, and I must know promptly"

"STOP!" Summer tried again.

"Tell me what I want to know, or she will suffer a fate far worse than you can imagine"

"I SAID STOP!"

Summer's eyes flared, a bright flash of white enveloped the room once more. Raven and Summer were released as Salem screamed once more. Summer moved as fast as she could, but Salem would not be stopped so easily. From the palm of her hand, a solid blade shot out, impaling Raven through the abdomen. She looked down in shock, hands trembling at the sight. She dropped onto her back as the blade collapsed into nothing.

"NO!" Summer rushed to her friend's side, putting pressure on the wound.

"No..." Basil breathed out.

"Tell me... what I wish... to know" Salem forced out, recovering slowly.

"Raven..." she cried, fresh tears stinging her eyes.

"Summer... I told you... I was right..." Raven gasped, struggling for breath.

"I'm so sorry, Raven..."

"Death is all but certain for your friend" Salem rose to her feet "I can save her... I only require information"

"Never" Summer declared.

"Accept my help, or what her die. The choice is yours, but choose quickly. Or she will join the dead"

Summer's hands began to glow white "I said... no!" Raven was enveloped by the white light from her hands, the wound on her chest quickly healing.

"What? What are you doing?!" Salem demanded.

The very same wound that was vanishing on Raven was appearing on Summer instead "I will... not... submit to you..." she forced out.

Raven gasped for breath, the pain she'd been feeling fading away, tears forming in her eyes at the sight of Summer "Why? Why would you do that?!" she demanded.

Summer gave a sad smile "Because... I can't stand the thought of failing a friend" she answered.

"No!" Salem reached her hand for her, only to have her hand severed.

With a spinning strike, Basil decapitated Salem, her head flying from her shoulders "Go! Run! She won't stay down for long!" he demanded.

"What about you?" Summer asked.

"I'm dead anyway, just go!"

Raven nodded, quickly getting to her feet and creating a portal with her Semblance "Come on, Summer" she pulled her along.

Summer didn't budge, taking firm hold of Raven's hand "I'm sorry, Raven"

"What?"

"Tell them I love them" she didn't give Raven time to react before pushing her through the portal.

Summer collapsed onto the ground, her labored breathing the only sound in the room as the portal dissipated. She thought back to all the joyful memories of Beacon, Team STRQ, Ozpin, but most importantly, of Yang and Ruby. She thought about the day each of them were born, when they learned to walk, their first words, birthdays. Her life faded away as she focused on the happy memories of her two daughters, and the bright future she hoped they'd have, despite how things turned out.

Salem's head reattached to her body, regaining control of herself "Before I end your miserable existence. Tell me why?" she demanded.

"You swore you wouldn't harm them. Just as you swore you wouldn't harm my family. If you wouldn't uphold your end with them, how could I trust you to do the same for my flesh and blood?"

Salem grabbed him by the throat, snapping his neck instantly "A fair point" she conceded, tossing the body away.

She moved to Summer, who had already succumbed to her wound. She had passed from this world before she could fully recover. Despite everything, the woman beneath her had a smile on her face, Salem was perplexed. How could someone dying a failure possibly have anything to smile about? She didn't understand, and possibly never would. All she knew now, was that she needed new pawns to replace those she'd lost to Summer Rose, and a new plan to take Beacon. She had to be patient at least one more time, she would have her victory, at least one day.

Raven came crashing to the ground in the middle of a forest, the portal closing behind her. Tears streamed down her face, the loss of such a close friend hitting her core. Getting to her feet, she wiped the tears away, collecting herself. She could tell she was clearly in Vale, but not near Patch as she had expected.

"Raven?" Qrow's voice called.

Her expression hardened "Qrow" she called back, turning to face her surprised brother.

"What're you doing here?"

"Same as you, looking for Summer"

He narrowed his eyes "What do you know about that?"

Raven shrugged "I know we were supposed to meet here. She never showed, don't know why"

"Meet you?" Qrow asked surprised "What the hell for?"

"I already told you, I don't know. But if you haven't found her either, then she's not coming"

"You know full well that Summer doesn't miss meetings, she's always on time"

"Which means something happened to her, I am aware. I've wasted enough time searching for her already. If you don't know where she is, then I'll just be going" she turned away from him.

Qrow caught her by the wrist "Our teammate is missing, she's family, Raven. Don't you care at all?" he asked infuriated.

Raven remained unfazed "What am I supposed to do? Waste time looking over the whole kingdom? She could be in Atlas for all I know" she pulled her arm out of his grip.

"You can't just abandon her, Raven"

"There's nothing to abandon, I left years ago" she replied, tears falling once more. She was thankful he couldn't see her face "There is one other thing"

"What is it?" Qrow asked.

"Intel suggest Salem's next target is Beacon. When it falls, make sure you don't fall with it"

Without another word, she transformed into Corvid form and took off. Qrow stared after her silently, her words unsettling him. Much as he wanted to pursue her and demand answers, he knew that wouldn't work on Raven. She was far too stubborn for that to have any effect. Instead, he chose to make a call.

"Oz, we gotta talk"

---

That's all for now, guys! I hope you guys enjoyed it. I cannot wait to get started on the next chapter. I tried to keep Summer as close to her actual character as possible, but since she's never actually been in any fights on screen or otherwise, I didn't have much to work with. Thanks for reading!