Breathe Chapter 82: Withered Rose

Breathing in a slow, interrupted pattern, Summer’s visible eye was blank and unfocused, leaking black tears. Her other one was covered in a white fleshy substance that engulfed the majority of her face... Although, that was only on the outside.

Inside, however, was a different story. Several of her bones had been shattered, muscles torn, organs shoved to the side to make room for a black and white organ that was pumping a tar-like substance through her body.

Although, the rate at which it was doing so seemed to be slowed. I could only guess what would happen once it stopped entirely.

Summer dies.

Originally, I’d planned to capture her as the Hound and transfer her Aura to another body... Specifically, one like Penny’s, but that had gone out the window the moment she grew as large as a small Leviathan class Grimm.

Although, given how she barely had any Aura of her own, that plan might have been doomed to fail.

“It has been some time since we met,” Salem noted, her gaze panning over Blake and Weiss, both shrinking back. “I see you’ve replaced a few members of your little group... As I have as well.” She gestured towards Summer’s prone body. “What do you think of her? A marked improvement from my experiment with poor Tyrian’s body... Not that it mattered in the end.”

Much like last time, it’d only taken a few words from her to unsettle everyone. Blake and Weiss looked thoroughly unnerved at seeing Salem for the first time.

Winter was still nowhere to be seen, but there was a large summoned Nevermore circling the water park from above.

Pyrrha held her spear just a little tighter, Ruby looked to be readying to use her eyes, but kept glancing at her mom and Yang was gripping her fist so tightly that her knuckles had popped.

“And just what the hell is that supposed to mean?!” Growling as her eyes flashed red, Yang slowly stood up. The blades extended from her gauntlets threateningly as her Aura visibly flickered. “Say that again, I dare you.”

“Yang,” Ruby murmured, grabbing her hand.

Calming down a little, Yang wiped a lone tear from her face before shooting a hate filled glare Salem’s way. “I’m going to kill you, one day. Mark my words, Salem.”

“It seems I’ve touched a nerve,” Salem hummed, glancing at Summer, she looked back towards Yang with a comforting smile on her face. “I see, to be abandoned by one mother and lose another one so shortly after you gained her… That must be rather painful. I could take it away if you wish.”

Holding her hand out towards Yang, she drifted closer, only to stop when a large ethereal Nevermore landed in front of her, blocking her path.

Pointing her blade at Salem’s throat, Winter stared at her stoically. “That’s far enough.”

Salem quirked a brow. “I suppose that’s fair. I didn’t come here to start a fight when there are far more appropriate places than this little town. I only wish to talk for a moment, after which, I will leave you be.”

Noticing Summer’s breathing begin to slow down, I pulsed my Aura through her body once more, causing her to jolt. We wouldn’t be able to keep this up forever.

Even though her Aura was keeping her alive… Just barely… It also put a strain on her already weakened body, decreasing the amount of time she had left. At best, she had about an hour left, although it was probably less than half that.

Idly floating away, Salem drifted around Winter’s summoned Nevermore, stopping once she was above the now destroyed pool.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think since we last saw each other,” She hummed. “I spent several months pondering the answer to that story you told concerning Pandora and the box gifted to her by the gods… Specifically, what it contains.”

“And you figured it out? Good for you,” I replied, not bothering to look up. “Now if you can’t see, I’m a little busy…”

“Of course, I won’t take too much of your time.” Drifting a little closer, she looked down at Summer once more. “You’re looking at ‘my’ answer. As you mentioned in that story, hope is a dreadfully powerful thing, but when it’s stripped away, all that is left is despair… And that is something I have far more experience with.”

All that pain and suffering… Using Summer as the Hound’s core, for what? Just to prove a point. The thought alone made my blood begin to boil.

“I did warn you that you would see things my way,” Salem continued. “You will find no victory in strength. All of that power you wield is ultimately meaningless before me… Just as your attempt at healing someone that’s already died.”

Hearing a sob, I momentarily forgot about my anger and looked up.

Falling to her knees, Yang held a hand over her mouth as tears dropped down onto Summer’s face. Ruby had wrapped her in a hug with Weiss and Blake moving closer, trying to comfort her, but Yang hardly seemed to notice. “No, that’s… You’re lying!”

Feeling my anger return and almost double, a calm, almost cold feeling washed over me.

“However, I’m not cruel, so I’ll give you this offer,” Salem hummed. “Return Summer to me and I’ll bring her back to life. It won’t be perfect, but she will be somewhat alive.” Looking down as the water in the pool began to bubble violently, she smiled. “Or you could continue your pointless attempts at resuscitating a lifeless body and allow this town to be destroyed. The choice is yours.”

Bursting from the water, a clawed hang pierced through the concrete, pulling a large, deformed Grimm body from the depths.

Looking at us, it turned towards the city, before lumbering forward, shattering the concrete under its feet.

Pointing her sword towards it, Winter sent one of her larger Summoned Nevermore to attack it, only for the Grimm to shatter it with one blow.

“What will it be, Coal?” Salem asked curiously. “Which is more worthy of saving? This city or Summer Rose… Or will you ask me to take her back? It’s not too late to give in–“

Exhaling slowly, I looked up.

“Stop.”

Pausing mid sentence, Salem appeared surprised. Trying to move, it almost seemed like she was stuck, despite just being a projection.

Likewise, the Grimm that’d been marching towards the city froze midstep, however, unlike Salem, it didn’t seem to have enough will to try and resist.

There was also something else… Something that I could feel coming from Summer… Something desperate and very human that was doing everything it could to survive, fighting tooth and nail for just a few more seconds of life.

Placing my hand on her chest, I closed my eyes. “Heart…” Feeling a steady thump beneath my palm, I moved on. “Lungs…” Taking a rasped breath, Summer began to breathe evenly. “Liver…” Slowly, colour began returning to her skin. “Nerves…”

It wasn’t a permanent fix, but it would definitely take the edge off until I figured some other way to help her.

Sniffling, Yang moved a little closer, staring down at Summer with a spark of hope. “Is she… Going to be alright?”

Breathing slowly, I nodded. “If she’s anything like you and Ruby, she won’t go so quietly.” Moving my hand back, Yang seemed to panic and grabbed it, pushing it back down towards Summer’s chest.

“Just… Just a little bit longer.”

Raising my hand, I brushed it against Yang’s face, wiping away a tear. “Everything’s going to be fine, Yang.” Glancing at the giant Grimm looming over the park, I narrowed my eyes.

Catching my gaze, Winter gave a short nod. “Pyrrha, I would like to request your help in dealing with that Grimm.”

Looking at the Grimm in question, Pyrrha pushed herself up with her spear. “Of course.”

Well, that took care of one problem, now there were only two left.

“What is this?” Looking over at the massive Grimm that was now frozen, she turned back to Summer who was now breathing on her own. Salem’s eyes widened “That’s not possible… This isn’t something that a human should be capable of. What are you?”

Getting up, I turned to face her. “Why would I need to be anything more than a simple human?”

Moving sluggishly, Salem hovered closer, fixing me with a pointed look. “Human’s can’t control Grimm, nor can they breathe life into an otherwise lifeless husk. To do that it would take the power of a… I see, now. The brothers are meddling once again.”

Was that really the best she could come up with? She comes across something she doesn’t understand, so it must somehow be the work of a god.

“Which one?” Salem demanded. “Which brother sent you? Or was it both of them? Have they grown bored of waiting and picked someone to hasten things here? Why are you here? ANSWER ME!”

It seemed that I’d finally managed to get under her skin. “You know, up until recently, I pitied you, but now it’s only anger and disgust,” I muttered. “Tell me, Salem, what is the value of a life to you?”

“I have been alive longer than your ancestors. To me, you’re less than insects that have the annoying habit of prancing under my shoes,” Salem admitted. “I don’t care what you or anyone else thinks.”

“You should.”

“Enough of this,” She snapped. “I’ve humored your question, now you will answer mine. What task did the brothers give you?”

Exhaling slowly, I poked a finger into the mist that Salem’s body consisted of. I wasn’t entirely sure of how it worked, but the fact that we were able to talk through it meant that there was a small possibility that I might be able to send something through as well.

Since she’d gone through such lengths to try and hurt me, I may as well let her know exactly how I felt.

“None. I’ve never met the brothers and I plan to keep it that way.”

Glaring, she leaned down and moved so that we were face to face. “Don’t think that I…” Blinking as her form turned a little hazy, Salem’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you doing?“

“Don’t think just because you’re not physically here that you’re safe,” I muttered. “Or did you think I would just let you pull the same trick as last time without getting something in return?”

“I–“

“You know what your problem is, Salem?” I asked, cutting her off. ”You’ve gotten so comfortable with the way things are that you think this is as bad as things can get for you, knowing so little about life and death.” Leaning in closer, I locked eyes with her. “And I’m here to tell you that they can be far worse.”

Grabbing her own throat with one hand, she seemingly reached out towards nothing with the other. Dark purple energy crackled to life as she tried to gasp out a word before her already hazy form burst into a cloud of black smoke.

“I don’t think you’ll be trying that anytime soon,” I muttered under my breath.

Feeling a wave of vertigo wash over me, I stumbled to the side, only to be caught and pulled back. Looking to see who it was, Pyrrha’s smiling face greeted me, joined by Winter a moment later. The giant Grimm that’d been looming over the park was now dead, for the final time… Hopefully.

“Are you alright?” Winter asked worriedly.

Taking a short breath, I nodded. “Just a little… Spread thin.” In hindsight, I probably should have just gotten rid of Salem, instead of humoring her, but it hadn’t all been for nothing. “I need to get to Summer.”

In her ranting about how saving Summer was impossible, Salem had given me an idea. It was risky, but it was the best shot I had at saving her.

Making my way back over to the team, I kneeled down in front of Summer’s prone body. She looked marginally better, having her body’s vital functions restored, but it wouldn’t last. The parasitic Grimm inside of her was still bonded to her, supplying her body with the necessary energy to keep it alive.

Without Salem, there would be no hope in keeping the Grimm from dying. Summer needed something to replace it.

“So, uh… What do we do now?” Ruby asked awkwardly. “I mean, about the town and, well…” She looked at Summer.

“I’ll send out a request for emergency support,” Winter murmured. “With the General stationed in Vale, it shouldn’t take long for them to respond. Those in need of medical attention will be attended by a field medic, while the more critical cases will be transported to a hospital.”

“She’ll be alright then?” Yang asked. “Atlas has some of the best doctors in the world, right?”

Winter nodded. “The best.”

Sighing, I brushed a hand through my hair. “It might not be that simple. She has a Grimm inside her… Right over here,” I said, holding my hand over her stomach.

Looking a little closer, Pyrrha suddenly recoiled, physically turning away.

“There’s a Grimm inside her?” Yang asked, her face pale. “Is there… How do we get it out?”

“That’s a little complicated,” I replied. “It’s currently one of the things keeping her alive… And it’s dying. Now, before you start to worry, I know a way that could save her, but it’s risky.”

Looking completely drained from the events of the night, Yang clasped my hand in her own. “I trust you. Please, just… Bring her back. If there’s any way I could help–“

“We,” Ruby interrupted, pushing in. “If there’s any way we could help, just tell us how.”

“And me,” Weiss murmured softly.

Meeting Blake’s gaze, she simply nodded.

I didn’t need to look to know that both Pyrrha and Winter were also willing to help.

“I just need you to make sure that she doesn’t move,” I replied, stopping to think for a moment. “And keep an eye out for the Grimm. There’s a good chance it won’t like what happens next.”

Placing my hand over her heart, I breathed slowly and focused inwards. Feeling for the vital physical energy contained in each one of my cells, I began drawing on it, pouring the volatile mix of Aura and physical energy into her body.

“Thou makest thine appeal to me. I bring to life, I bring to death. The spirit does, but mean the breath. I know no more, and he, shall he.” Blinking as my vision briefly blurred, I continued. “Man, her last work, who seem’d so fair, such splendid purpose in his eyes, who roll’d the psalm to wintry skies, who built him fanes of fruitless prayer.”

…
Warning!
A foreign corrupted body has been detected!
Corruption level: 53%
System is entering Safe Mode.
 …

Gritting my teeth as my hands began to shake, I noticed a brief flicker of darkness appear on the edge of my vision. “O life as futile, then, as frail! O for thy voice to soothe and bless! What hope of answer, or redress? Behind the veil, behind the veil.”

…Breathe…

Feeling something cold land on my face, I opened my eyes, finding myself back in a familiar snow covered forest, only, it didn’t look like a blizzard was just about to hit.

“So, back here again?”

At least I didn’t have to deal with any remnants of Marcus Black this time… Only Summer Rose. Speaking of…

Spotting a hint of movement as something moved behind a nearby tree, I lashed out on reflex, dragging it out of hiding, only to find myself holding one of the little sprites that had been by my spiritual core.

Putting it on the ground, the sprite ran back towards the tree. Hiding behind the trunk, it poked its head out to stare at me.

“Sorry… I didn’t mean to startle you,” I said softly. “Shouldn’t you be with the others? What are you doing out here?”

Ducking its head back behind the tree, it timidly peeked out once more.

“No, you’re not in trouble, I was just curious.” Getting up, I brushed the snow off my pants. “Look, I can’t spend too long here. I’m looking for someone. You’re welcome to stick around here if you want or go back to the other Sprites. Be careful out here, okay. Things are a little unstable right now.”

Turning towards where I knew the cabin was, I made it all of two steps before the sprite grabbed my hand.

Okay, so it wanted to come with me. That was fine too. I’d just need to be extra careful. I had no way of knowing what her mental state would be like, especially after what Salem had done to her.

Keeping an eye on my surroundings as I neared the cabin, I noticed something really odd. There was a point where the snow covered trees just seemed to end, and in its place stood a dead forest with a small, broken down house sitting at the top of a hill.

…
Ping!
You are about to enter a new mindscape.
Warning! The new mindscape is corrupt and may prove to be hostile.
 …

There was no doubt about it. Summer Rose was definitely somewhere in there.

“You should head back,” I suggested. “Things are going to get dangerous from here on out.”

Shaking its head wildly, the sprite grabbed onto my leg, refusing to let go.

Giving it a pointed look, I let out a sigh. “Fine, you can come, but you won’t leave my side, got it?”

Nodding, it happily went back to holding my hand.

Passing over into the dead forest, the entire world shifted as day switched to night while the cold breeze was replaced by a still wind. The entire forest was silent with the exception of the ground crunching under my feet.

Sensing the sudden change in atmosphere, the sprite moved closer to me. It’s body flickering and lighting up a few feet around it.

Reaching the front door, I slowly pushed it open and stepped inside, finding myself standing in an almost pitch black lounge.

“Summer Rose.” Looking around, a single, silver eye tiredly opened and stared in my direction. Holding the sprite’s limb a little tighter, I stepped forward. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Haven’t you already taken enough from me?” Summer murmured, her voice broken. “I know this is another one of your tricks, Salem. Just leave me to rot in peace.”

“I’m not Salem.”

Moving closer, there was a crunch as I stepped on something glass. Moving my foot, I looked down to see a shattered picture frame that’d been blotted out with the same black tar like substance all Grimm were made out of. Several more were resting on the floor

Reaching down, the sprite picked up a few of the pictures, holding them against its chest with its free arm.

Sighing, Summer drifted across the room, heading upstairs.

“It’s a different face than usual, I will admit, but I won’t be fooled again,” Summer murmured tiredly. “Taiyang… Qrow… Raven. You’ve used them all. Why should this one be any different?”

Following her, I was forced to lift the sprite as I jumped over several broken stairs, before stopping at the top. Summer stood a little down the hallway, her lone silver eye still the only thing that was visible.

“How can I convince you that I’m not Salem?” I asked. “Look, this is all happening in your head. Ruby and Yang are both waiting for you–“

“You leave my children out of this!” Summer snapped. Marching forward, there was a sound of something large being dragged against the floor. “I don’t care what you do to me, but if you harm a single hair on their heads. I’ll… I’ll…”

Letting go of my hand, the sprite held a now clean picture out towards Summer. One that displayed Taiyang, Yang, Ruby and her at an amusement park, each with their own happy grin.

Hearing something heavy clatter to the floor, I got my first real view of Summer as she stepped into the light. Her hair was wild and unkempt, she looked more than a little emaciated and she had a scar covering her right eye.

Slowly moving forward, Summer gently took the picture from the sprite, treating it as if it were made of glass. Pressing her back against the wall, she slid down. Covering her mouth with her free hand, her lone eye misted over.

“It’s been so long, that I almost forgot. It was Yang’s sixth birthday, she wanted to ride the bumper cars, but she was still too small... Why are you showing me this?”

“Because I’m not Salem,” I said, kneeling in front of her. “My name is Coal Calavera and I’m here to help.”

Looking bewildered, Summer let out a short choked laugh that sounded both pained and relieved.

“After all this time… I don’t know how much of me is left to go back.” Smiling sadly at the picture, she held it against her chest. “Maybe it would be better for everyone if I just… Stay here.”

Not taking that as an answer, the sprite stood directly in front of Summer, handing her another picture, this one of Yang and Ruby standing together. One of Taiyang holding Summer while she was pregnant with Ruby and one before that of a baby Yang in her arms.

Staring at the last two together, Summer brushed her sleeve across her face, drying her eye. “It’s not that I don’t want to see them again, but what if I’m not good enough… What do I do then?”

“You do what you can,” I said, rubbing the sprite’s head. “And with a little help along the way, you might just find yourself in a better place.”

Looking down at the sprite as it looked up at me, it shot a quick glance towards Summer and I nodded. Despite being so timid, it really was quite the courageous little guy.

Shining just a little bit brighter, the sprite held its arm out towards Summer who stared at it for a few moments, before slowly reaching, gently grabbing its limb.

“I’m not entirely sure what this thing is,” Summer murmured.

“Think of it as the exact opposite of a Grimm. Instead of darkness, it’s light. It doesn’t hate, it loves,” I explained. “He’ll be there to help you recover from what Salem’s done.” I’d miss my sprite, but Summer currently needed him more than me. “Now, how about we get out of here?”

…Breathe…

Falling back as Summer sat up with a gasp, I found myself back in the wrecked water park alongside everyone else. A quick glance through her body showed me that the Grimm Salem had implanted was gone.

Looking around madly, Summer’s lone eye landed on me “C…Co…”

“Mom,” Yang breathed, kneeling in front of her. “Do… Do you remember me?”

Summer’s lone eye widened dramatically. “Yang.” Looking towards her other daughter, it seemed to grow even wider. “Ruby.” Looking up, her eye rolled into the back of her head as she passed out.

“No, don’t go. We just got you back.”

“She’s not dying,” I said, struggling to sit up. “She’s just exhausted and in need of a hospital.”

No longer able to keep myself from falling over, I was moments away from toppling over forward when Pyrrha wrapped an arm around my chest and pulled me back into her.

“Lean on me for the time being,” Pyrrha hummed. “Winter and I can handle things right now.”

“Thanks,” I murmured. “That took a lot out of me. I just need some rest to recover.”

Feeling my vision begin to fade, I let out a short chuckle when I saw a red portal form a few feet in front of us, only for Ozpin to come walking out alongside Raven.

“You’re late,” I called out. “The party’s over… Guest’s have all gone home… All but one. An old friend that I managed to convince to stay.”

Noticing who I was gesturing to, Raven froze.

“Summer.”