The Huntsman of Red V2

Chapter 19 The Pride of Vale: Part 1

Life was peaceful. Shirou had never thought that he'd be able to think such a thing after getting summoned as a Heroic Spirit, but here it was happening right before him. After the matter with Yang and Ghira had settled down, nothing of note had happened for the next few months.

The contact Boyd had given to him was being particularly cautious and had finally agreed to a meeting later in the day. Honestly, Shirou didn't know what to expect in meeting a criminal, but based on the way Boyd had looked as he spoke of Roman Torchwick, maybe he wasn't as bad of an individual as he portrayed himself to be? And portray Roman did.

Roman was notorious as a thief, his name well known throughout Vale which explained his illusive behaviour. At the very least, Shirou wouldn't be so quick to judge a man by what others thought of him. In history, some of the most brilliant men and women were portrayed as the worst of villains by their enemies.

In the end, everyone had their own stories and circumstances. No one was beyond help or redemption, even if that redemption could only be found in prison or death. The law would decide.

Shirou took in a breath, and calmed himself. Whatever thoughts or reservations he had in accepting Boyd Flynn's request, they would only truly matter after meeting Roman in person.

"So, you're really going to help a criminal?" Summer asked idly. As a ghost, she'd taken to entertaining herself though idle conversation, and failing that observation. She was presently floating on her back, her arms crossed behind her head. "Hero or not, I think it's commendable that you'd extend your hand to others regardless of their background."

Shirou actually blinked at Summer's words before nodding. "I can see where your daughters get their open-mindedness from. You must have left quite an impression on them."

Summer suddenly blanked, turning her back to Shirou as a flash of guilt appeared on her face. "Yeah maybe I did. Perhaps a little too much. They can't seem to let go of me."

Ruby was still waiting for Summer to return, and it broke Summer's heart each time to watch Ruby keep waiting. Yang thought Summer was already dead, and Tai and Qrow kept searching for Summer on the basis of the letter she'd written several years ago. They hadn't stopped. Not once.

The guilt Shirou could feel radiating off of Summer was palpable. If she could appear in front of her family then she damn well would, but the only way to do that, though temporary, was to assume a part of his Spirit Origin. This wasn't something that could easily be done as the risks involved may just end up ruining his Spirit Origin. Then again, there maybe a method, but he was still holding off on telling Summer as he wasn't sure if it would work yet.

The idea stemmed from spirits and phantasmal bodies. Even if she couldn't presently interact with her family in the real world, what if she did so in their dreams? Ghosts and spirits were known to be able to do such things. The same could also be said for possession, but he couldn't see Summer trying to possess anyone so it was a moot point.

"Sorry. Forget I said anything," Shirou scratched at the back of his head, not knowing what else to say to comfort the grieving mother beside him.

Summer turned around and stared Shirou right in the face. "Don't be," she smiled somewhat bitterly. "I was the one my babies needed and I left them as my babies always thought I would. Now look at me? I'm just grateful that I can watch them grow up."

"No," Shirou shook his head. Possibility or not, he may as well give her some hope. "There might be a way for you to interact with them through their dreams or thoughts. I've never done it before, but we can try it later tonight."

"Y-You really? I can do that?" Summer seemed heart-wrenchingly eager. It was only to be expected. She rounded on him with a speed faster than Ruby's semblance and clutched onto his shoulders. When he nodded in response, the repressed emotions Summer had been bottling for years were let loose all at once. She began sobbing in relief, her face contorting, her reddened cheeks growing puffy. "I-I have so many things to tell them. I missed out on so much of their lives, and...and...I still have to apologize, hug them, tell them I'm still here."