B3C16/B6C8 Salem

"I don't know. All we know is that she flew into a rage and attacked her Sentinel. The Archmage rushed to find out what happened, and came upon the scene of my mother impaled on Watts' blade. He fled soon after, and Ironwood could have – and perhaps should have - captured him. Instead, he stayed to comfort my mother as she died. Her last wishes were for us to be protected. She died soon after. I… Winter and I never got a chance to say goodbye."

Ruby slid over to bump her hip against Weiss'. She didn't hug the Mage; likely realising that might make the proud girl break down. Instead, she stood beside her – a silent sign of solidarity that I wished I could emulate.

"After that, we were cut off and alone," Weiss finished.

–B3C16


We made our way hurriedly down the tunnel, hoping against all hope to catch them before a wish could be made. We passed Roman and Neo on the way, unconscious at the side of the tunnel and bleeding from a number of small wounds. They must have been forced against the boss and injured in the melee. They'd have been exhausted from our fight before. Further ahead, I could see a single figure standing before a bright white light.

I could also see the bodies, and the rivers of blood that spilled across the tiled floor. Twenty, perhaps thirty people, all slaughtered. And beyond that still, a dark figure vanishing into a swirling red mist. It winked out of existence, vanishing and leaving behind Watts, the bright light – and her.

Salem.

[...]

But there was something behind him. Some figure that seemed to shine with white light. It stepped forward and coalesced into a human shape. It was a woman, tall and lithe, undeniably beautiful. She gripped a long, thin stave in one hand, and her flowing dress seemed to shine with a light of its own. Her features were clear and perfect, her eyes the palest blue I'd ever seen, her lips parted, her hair a crystalline white that fell in gentle waves behind her.

The resemblance was undeniable, even before Weiss let out a long, choked sob.

"M-Mother…?"

The woman smiled sadly. Oh, so sadly.

"I'm sorry, Weiss. I'm so sorry…"

"It's time!" Watts roared, drawing his sword from the tiles. "She has come back. She is mine again, as things were. As they were supposed to be before he interfered! Before he ruined everything and took her away from me!"

–B6C8