This Will Be the Day That We Have Been Waiting For

Chapter 6

When Yang and the others arrive at the bandit camp, they find the entire bandit tribe surrounding Raven's tent. When they spot Yang, the crowd begins to part to make way for her to enter the tent. Jaune, Ren and Nora hang back.

Jaune: Yang, we will give you some privacy. We'll all be right here if you need anything. Jaune squeezes Yang's hand.

Yang, squeezing his hand back: No, Jaune. I can't ... I'm afraid.

Jaune: Do you want me to go in with you?

Yang: Y-yes. Yes, ok. Thank you.

Jaune leads Yang into the tent where Dr. Watson is already looking over Raven.

Yang rushes to Raven's side: Mom? Mom? She cries. Yang buries her head on Raven's chest sobbing.

Jaune: Dr. Watson, can you help her?

Dr. Watson: I'm sorry Yang. She is in very critical condition. She needs surgery, and I can not do it here. I am not certain that she is strong enough to survive the trip.

There are several bandit medics in the tent. They were doing all they could to help Raven, but her injuries were too severe. One of them approaches Yang.

Marta: It is ok dear. We will prepare your mother for the trip. She is a very strong woman. If anyone can survive this, it is your mother.

Yang: Can I please have a few minutes with her?

Jaune starts to leave but Yang stops him. Jaune stays with her for support. Everyone else leaves. The others all make preparations for their trip.

Yang: Mom? Mom come back to me. You can't do this to me. You can't leave me again! Dad is finally out of the woods. Ruby still can't walk. Uncle Qrow is going to make it. You must pull through this. The tribe needs you. We need you. I need you. Don't you dare die on me! She buries her head again sobbing loudly.

Jaune: It's okay Yang. I'm here for you. We are going to get her there. I promise.

Yang: Mom, hang in there. Please! Jaune helps Yang up and outside. The bandit medics rush in and prepare Raven for the trip. To their surprise, the entire bandit camp is packed up and ready to me.

Yang: All they all planning to go with us?

Emerald: Yep. Raven is their leader; our leader. Wherever she goes, we go,

Ren and Nora hug Yang.

Ren: It is going to be ok.

Just then Marta approaches. They have Raven on a stretcher.

Marta: We are ready when you are.

Dr. Watson and others lead the way carrying Raven. Yang, Jaune, Ren, Nora and Emerald follow. Again, to Yang's surprise, the entire bandit camp begins to follow.

Yang stops and turns to speak to them.

Yang: We don't know if my mother will make it. We...can't be sure that she will survive the trip. Everyone.... Should prepare yourselves. You don't have to come with us...I will let you know....when....

Marta hugs Yang: My dear. Raven is our mother too. We are family. Without your mother, there is no tribe. We will not leave her, or you. We are coming and that's final. We will not get in the way.

Yang nods in agreement and they begin the trip back to Dr. Watson's home.

Meanwhile, back at Dr. Watson's the others begin planning for the next attack while waiting for news about Raven. Oscar/Ozpin, Ruby, Blake, Sun, Weiss, Glynda Goodwitch, and Winter are sitting in the main living area discussing what to do next. Ruby is fully recovered. Qrow is still resting and healing from his injuries, and spending time caring for Ethan.

Ruby: How do we stop Salem? If Salem is immortal, we can't kill her, then how can we defeat her?

Ozpin: We must get her, and all the relics together at the same time. Then and only then, the brothers will return.

Weiss: How are we going to get all the relics?

Ruby: We have one already.

Weiss: And no one has told us anything about the Summer maiden. Who is she? Will she help us? And let's not forget that Cynder was the Fall maiden, with her gone, how do we ever get to the relic at Beacon?

Ozpin: I believe Raven possesses the powers of the Fall maiden now; She is the one who killed Cynder.

Blake: Even if Raven makes it, I don't think that we can trust that she will just hand it over to us.

Ruby: We don't even have the Atlas relic. Why hasn't the Winter maiden taken it? At least then we would have two.

Glynda Goodwitch: I haven't taken the relic yet because for now, it is safer to leave it put.

Weiss: How are we ever going to get all the relics?

Glynda: We are going to get them all at the same time.

Just then, Dr. Watson and the others finally arrived with his patient. The house is silent as they bring Raven in. Dr. Watson immediately begins surgery on Raven. Everyone gathers around Yang for support. The bandits set up camp outside of the city near the home of Dr. Watson. Marta and Emerald join Yang inside. Winter helps Qrow, who is still very week, into the sitting room.

Ruby hugs Yang: We are all here for you. I love you Yang. If you need anything...

Yang: All I want is for my mom...to be well. She sobs.

Jaune puts his arm around her and holds her: It's ok. Your mom is strong.

Nora: If anyone can beat this, it is your mom, Yang.

Qrow weakly: She is tough....

The room grows silent again as they wait for news of Raven's condition.

Finally, Dr. Watson appears.

Yang looking up with swollen red eyes: Dr. Watson? Is she going to be ok?

Dr. Watson: I did everything I could, for now. I'm afraid her injuries are severe. You should all prepare yourselves. I am sorry but, it does not look good.

Qrow angry: Are you saying she isn't going to survive?

Dr. Watson: I wish I had better news; the next few days are critical.

Yang: Are you saying there is no hope...at all? Is Mom going to die?

Dr. Watson: There is a chance...but I am afraid it is only a small chance. If your Mom improves, there may be a way to save her. For now, we will do everything we can to make her comfortable. She is in critical condition. I am truly sorry...You may go see her when you are ready. Perhaps having family with her could help.

Ruby: I'll go with you, if you want.

Yang: Uncle Qrow? Dad?

Qrow: Yeah, I'll go. He answered knowing what her question would be.

Taiyang: Count me in.

Winter: I'd like to go with you all, if that is ok.

Yang: Of course.

Weiss: I'll watch Ethan.

Qrow: No! He snaps, then softer. No, we will take Ethan with us.

A few minutes later, Taiyang, Ruby, Yang, Winter and Qrow with Ethan, were all waiting outside of Raven's room. Everyone waited for Yang to make the first move. Yang finally pushed the door open slowly. Raven lay motionless on the bed.

Ruby gripped Yang's hand tightly as they proceeded forward.

Yang: Mom? She fell down on the bed next to Raven. Sobbing quietly. Mom, I'm here. I need you to come back to us. We're all here together. Please come back. We can be a family again. I need you mom. We need you. The tribe needs you. They are all here....waiting....waiting for you to wake up...Please. Don't leave us.

Ruby: Raven, I may not know you very well, but I know that you love Yang, no matter what else has happened...in the past. Please come back for her. We all need you.

Ruby to Yang: I'm here...no matter what...Dad?

Taiyang: Yang, can you give me a few minutes with your mom?

Yang nods still sobbing. Ruby and Yang exit the room leaving Qrow, Winter, Ethan and Taiyang.

Qrow pats Taiyang on the shoulder and gives him a reassuring squeeze.

Taiyang bends down and kisses Raven. He kneels beside her and whispers: I need you too. You can't leave us now. Not again. All those times, I hoped that you would reveal yourself. I knew you were there. I wanted you to stay. I kept every single feather....right up to the last....I love you Raven. Come home to me. He kisses her again. His eyes are full of tears; he pushes them back trying to be strong.

Qrow taps Tai on the shoulder again. Taiyang hugs him and leaves.

Winter: I never got the chance to thank you for all you did for me and Ethan.

Qrow takes Ethan and lays him next to Raven: As you know, this is my son. His name is Ethan. I knew you would come. We need you Sis. Your daughter needs you. You are tougher than anyone I know, so if anyone can do this, I know my Big Sister can....He trails off. Winter hugs him. He gives her a kiss and turns to Raven. He kisses Raven on the forehead. Winter gently picks up Ethan.

Qrow: I'll be back later...I want to see you awake when I get back. And that's an order.

Qrow puts his arm around Winter as they leave.

In their room, Qrow and Winter put Ethan to bed.

Winter: Raven is so strong; it was hard to see her looking so...

Qrow: Yeah, she has to make it...He didn't want to admit it, but he secretly hoped that Ethan could help Raven.

Winter: How long do you think we have?

Qrow: Not long enough....Come here. He pulls Winter to him and kisses her passionately. Let's not waste the time we have.

Later, the team gathers in the living area to talk strategy.

Ruby: How can we get all the relics at once?

Ozpin: We will need four teams. Ruby, you will lead the team to Vacuo. Emerald, Ren and Nora will go with you. You will need to find the Summer maiden and gain her trust. I am afraid you will need to leave right away.

Ruby: No, I can't leave. Not now! Yang needs me. Can't someone else go?

Jaune: I'll go in her place. Let Ruby stay here with Yang.

Ozpin: No, it must be Ruby. She will need time to gain the trust of the maiden. The Summer maiden will identify with Ruby and her team. They all have something in common. Like Emerald, the Summer maiden has no family. She is not very trusting. Ruby will be able to gain her trust. Ren and Nora became each other's family. That is what the Summer maiden needs. Ruby and her team will become her family. Jaune, you are to stay here with Yang. She will need your help.

Jaune: Stay here and do what?

Ozpin: Wait. Jaune, you, Weiss and Yang will be responsible for getting the relic from Beacon.

Weiss: If Raven is the fall maiden, how are we ever going to get the relic at Beacon? What if Raven ...

Ozpin: Raven is the fall maiden. That is why you will stay here with Yang until...

Jaune: You mean...wait until Raven is dead?! NO! I am not doing this...

Ozpin cuts him off: If Raven recovers, you all will take her to collect the relic. If Raven does not survive....then, I have no doubt that Yang will be the Fall maiden. Either way, she will need all of your support...You must help Yang to bring the relic from Beacon back to Atlas.

Jaune: I can't believe you! I am not doing this.....Not for You!

Ozpin: I need you to do this for Yang.

Blake: Why can't I do it? I'll be here for Yang.

Ozpin: Blake, you, Sun and Ilia will guard the relic we have. It will be your responsibility to coordinate with all of the teams. When the time is right, you will instruct everyone to obtain the relics and bring them to our meeting place where we will confront Salem.

Ruby: Who is going to get the relic here at Atlas?

Glynda Goodwitch: I will with the help of Qrow and Winter. We will be ready when Salem arrives.

Ozpin: We must all be prepared. It won't be long now.

Back at Salem's headquarters, Dr. Watts is busy with a patient of his own. Salem was critically wounded in the battle, but she survived. Ruby's silver-eye powers had destroyed the grimm parts of Salem. She was a mere human again. She was still bound by the curse of immortally but, she was once again the beautiful, damaged human soul that longed for her lost love. After a couple of weeks in a coma, Salem woke up.

Salem: Watts? What is this?

Dr. Watts: So glad to see you again. You suffered a terrible blow, but not to worry. I have you all patched up. It will not be long until you are able to proceed with your plans.

Salem: Bring me my mirror.

Watts: First let me explain...

Salem with voice cracking: Bring me my mirror, now!

Watts: You see, the silver eyes destroy all grimm, but you are not all grimm....

Salem staring into the mirror: I'm me...again.....

Winter and Qrow were visiting Raven again. They brought Ethan with them each time. Each time they hoped that Ethan's presence would help Raven to gain the strength to recover.

Qrow sat next to Raven holding Ethan: It's time. We don't have much longer. You have to wake up now...if not, then let go. We need you. Salem is returning soon. I can feel it. I know that you can too. If you don't wake up and join us....then just let go. We can't wait for you any longer. Though, I would...if I could sister.

Winter: Qrow, you shouldn't talk like this. Raven will come back. I know she will.

Qrow: There isn't time Winter.

Raven's hand touches Qrow. Her eyes twitch. The subtle change goes unnoticed for a few moments. Ethan lets out a squeal. Then suddenly, Qrow and Winter stand to full attention.

Both: Raven?

The sound of a weak groan sets them both into motion. Winter rushes out to get Dr. Watson and Yang. Qrow grabs some water. He pours it over a rag and pats Raven down. He places Ethan beside her.

Qrow: Time to wake up sis. Come on....We don't have any time to waste. Look Ethan, Aunt Raven is coming back. You did it!

Dr. Watson: Let me have a look see. He checks Raven carefully.

Yang stands back watching carefully. Winter moves Ethan so that he will not be in the way while the doctor is examining Raven.

Yang: Doctor?

Dr. Watson: We have the improvement needed. I'm sorry I must go back in. We are not out of the woods just yet.

Qrow: She is getting better?

Dr. Watson: Yes, much better. Chances of her survival are much greater now, but only if I operate again to repair more of the damage. Sorry, I must start right away. The doctor looks at Yang and Qrow. Take a few moments while I prepare; then I must ask you all to leave.

At the Salem headquarters, Dr. Watts is preparing for surgery as well. Salem's wounds have become infected.

Salem: How long Watts?

Watts: Not long. I will cut out what I can. I will have you stitched up in no time at all. In a couple of weeks, you should be ready.

Salem: I am counting on you Watts. You must get everyone ready.

Watts: Yes, everyone will be ready.

Blake had just received word from Ruby. All the pieces were finally in place. It was time. Time to bring everyone together. She calls for a meeting with everyone.

Ozpin: Yes, Blake? You have news for us?

Blake: The framework is complete. It is time to finish this, once and for all.