The Bird and the Garden 3: The Final Adventure

Keeping Promises (The Good Ending)

"I want..."

Salem's mouth closed for a moment, a hard lump growing in her throat.

It was a difficult choice. She knew what the right thing to do was. She didn't want to do it. The right choices were always the hardest to make. But even still, she remembered the promise she had made so long ago. Forcing the lump back down, she looked back up at Shub-Niggurath, and gave her answer.

"... I want... To create a new Timeline..."

There was a long silence that befell the warriors and Heroes, until it was finally broken by Yin. "... What...?"

Shub-Niggurath raised an eyebrow. "... Is this what you really want? Once the new Timeline is created, there will be no going back."

Salem's lip quivered, the goddess stopping it with a tense, bittersweet smile. She turned back to her friends, a familiar pressure building behind her eyes. But for the first time in a long time, it wasn't due to grief and despair. For the first time in a long time, she was happy.  She approached the stunned Heroes, pulling them closer.

"I... I love you guys," she croaked hoarsely. "So... So much..."

Yin's voice cracked as he spoke. "W... W-we could stay here," he rasped. "A-and build..."

He trailed off. He knew better than anyone that Salem would not change her mind. The goddess squeezed them a bit tighter, continuing with her wish.

"I... I want them to forget about me," she whispered. "To forget... All of this nightmare..."

Shub-Niggurath hummed. "... Are you sure? You can create a new Timeline and still have them remember everything."

Salem shook her head, glancing at the goddess. "No... I want... I want it all to be a fresh start..."

Shub-Niggurath nodded slowly. "I see... That's noble."

Salem pulled away from her friends. There was something else. She turned her head to the First Vao. The demigod was silent, staring at her in disbelief. It was as if he couldn't believe what was happening.

Salem took a deep, sharp breath, holding out her hand. The First Vao looked down as his chest began to glimmer softly, the Souls of those he had killed slowly drifting out, the flames swirling in the air. And slowly, they began to take shape again.

The armies cried out as their dead loved ones opened their eyes, families being reunited. Fathers held their lost children in their arms for the first time in decades with their spouses, and the children ran for their parents, their eyes brimming with tears. The First Vao's jaw dropped, his eye watering. "Y... You can do that...?"

"'Course she can, numbnuts. She's a fuckin' goddess."

The First Vao let out a shriek, spinning around to face the blonde man behind him. The First Yin had his hands stuffed in his pockets, a cigarette dangling from the grin he wore. Next to him were the remainder of their family; Ruby, Yang, Tai, Qrow, Raven, and finally, Summer. Their injuries were gone with their lives restored, the First Raven looking around in amazement, having been blind for so long. And just behind them was Ozpin, the old man pushing past them. His brown eyes stopped on Salem, the corner of his lip turning up.

"... I knew you could do it."

Summer approached the First Vao, her cloak billowing in the wind. She stopped out of his reach, giving a quick glance to Mono.

"... Is this the one who saved you? You talked to the Blood about her an awful lot-"

"When's the wedding?" The First Yin snickered. "I better be the best man, ya prick."