Somewhere Over The Rainbow: Chapter 8

The Wizard, the Witch, and the Necromancer

If Charon were to describe how the past few days went, he would describe it as nothing short of chaotic. From having to deal with the last few stubborn ghosts as well as having to pacify a certain bluenette, he was run ragged.

Thankfully, the former was dealt with and the town was finally at peace, or that was what he would have said if he had dealt with the latter as well. "I hate you two so god damn much," Jinx grumbled not too happily as she tugged at the collar around her neck, "This is so stupid."

Now most would see this as cruel. After all, having someone collared was degrading and demeaning. For Jinx, however, this was a necessity. "Remind me again why we collared you?" Charon groaned as he avoided the pointed glares of the villagers behind them.

He really didn't like how menacingly they held those pitchforks, something which Jinx seemed all too oblivious to, or rather something she chose to ignore. "It's not my fault that they can't take a joke," the bluenette pouted, making Charon let out a weary sigh.

"Jinx, your joke involved rigging dye packs inside the shower heads of half the village," He grimaced as he sent another look of silent apology to the disgruntled mayor as well as the town folks affected by Jinx's latest stunt, "We're lucky that this was the only thing they wanted after all the other stunts you did."

The fact that he managed to talk them down from the stockades like they originally wanted was already a miracle on its own. Lord knows how badly the mayor's daughters wanted to strangle Jinx after what she did to their hair.

"I'm starting to regret letting you free," He groaned as he covered his face. Jinx was just a handful and he couldn't blame the villagers for getting fed up. No rule would bind her nor any warning would stop her as she did as she pleased. She was a loose canon only beholden to her own whims.

"Oh come on, don't be like that," Jinx giggled as she wrapped her arms around him and latched onto his side, "I can be a good girl! I promise!~"

"Oh really," he deadpanned even as his heart started to race.

"You know you can trust me" Jinx purred as she stared up at him with a hooded gaze, making his cheeks heat. "If you let me go, maybe I could wear it for you somewhere else," She whispered suggestively, "Some place more private"

Unable to take it any longer, he pushed her away. "Nope!" He hissed as his face burnt, "I'm not falling for that trick again."

This girl, he's wore. He should be angry, but he just couldn't. The girl was just too cute and she knew it, wielding those big blue eyes of hers against him. Still, he had to harden his resolve. "You're keeping that collar and that's final," He gritted out.

Fuming, he asked, "Where the hell did you even get all those dye packs?" It wasn't like she stole them as he hadn't heard a pip from any of the store owners. "And you didn't add anything nasty, right?" He added, making the girl scoff.

"Of course not," She answered as she crossed her arms across her chest, "What am I? An amateur? It's just hair dye."

Just as he was about to breath out, she hummed, "Though I had to find some substitutes since this place didn't have any industrial run off." With a shrug, she added, "I'm sure those berries and mushrooms aren't toxic. Probably."

Yeah, he really needed to keep a close eye on her as this was just her being bored. As he grumbled to himself, Summer piped in, "You know, it's never too late to stuff her inside the lantern."

Turning towards the huntress, he replied, "No, we're not tossing anyone in the lantern. Even if they can be annoying…" He was tempted, but he offered her a second chance and she had yet to break his trust. "At least she looks happy," He thought to himself as he glanced at the girl.

She was no longer mopping around. Now, she was smiling again and he couldn't help but feel himself get drawn in. Was this really the crazed terrorist he read about in the books? It was almost too hard to believe.

Shaking his head, he asked, "When is this Ozpin guy going to arrive anyways?" It's already afternoon and he had yet to see any signs of them up in the sky. "Are you sure he's going to pick us up today?" He really didn't wait all day long for nothing.

Smiling appeasingly, Summer assured him, "He should be here any minute now." Just as he was about to snark back, he paused as he heard a small rumble off in the distance. "And speak of the Devil," Summer smiled as she turned towards the west.

Following her gaze, he saw a small dark shape off in the distance. Slowly, the dot grew as the familiar shape of an aircraft came into view. Unlike those from his world, however, this one was stubbier and more rugged, with massive engines to boot.

He definitely felt a lot safer now as the aircraft landed with deceptive grace. "Took you long enough!" Summer shouted through the din as the engines died down and the side door opened, revealing a pair of passengers.

"On the contrary, we arrived just in time," The older of the two replied with a smile as he stepped down to greet them. "A true hunter, after all, is never later or too early. He arrives precisely when he means to."

With ash white hair and a distinguished air around him, Charon found himself at ease. "This must be Ozpin," He snorted, amused at the man's comment. He certainly looks the part of a wise old master. "Who's the other one though?" He asked as his gaze landed upon the blonde.

Unlike the ashen haired man, she was far younger; Probably around Summer age. With blonde hair and a sharp gaze that brook no nonsense, he felt on edge; As if he needed to wisen up or he would get an earful. "She looks pretty though…" He thought with a slight blush as he did his best not to let his eyes wander.

Whoever she was, she definitely had some history with Summer as the two immediately squared off. "And I see that you brought Glynda over" Summer deadpanned as the blonde marched over with an annoyed expression on her face, "And still rocking the same old dominitrix gear I see."

Giving a quick once over, she grinned, "It certainly fits you now that you're a hag."

Flashing her a strained smile, the blonde snapped back, "I see you haven't changed one bit, Summer." Arms crossed beneath her chest, she glanced over to him before smirking, "And speaking of old habits, I see you're still at it."

"H-hey!" Summer blustered, "What's that supposed to mean."

"For shame Summer. You're already a married woman!" Glynda tutted as she covered her lips with her hands, "He's a decade your junior! Have you no shame?"

This quickly set off Summer as the two started shouting at each other all while the old man seemed helpless to pacify the two. "Cow tittied bimbo!" Summer shouted as she jabbed at the woman's chest.

"Shameless hussy!" The blonde fired back as she butted heads with Summer and for a moment, Charon feared they were actually going to come to blows. That was until Summer suddenly swept up the blonde into a tight hugged

"S-summer!" The blonde shriek as Summer lifted her up and twirled her around, "Put me down this instant! This is inappropriate!" Face burning, she shouted, "There are people!"

"Oh come on, Glynda, loosen up!" Summer shrieked laughing, "Can't I give an old friend a hug~"

"Not when there's people around!" Glynda shouted back. "I have a reputation to uphold, Oum damn it all! People would talk!"

"Then let them talk!" Summer laughed while Glynda despaired.

Shaking his head at the sight, he took a step back and waited. That was, until he noticed that Jinx hadn't once spoken a word since they arrived. Glancing over, he frowned as he found her uncharacteristically silent as she glared at the Summer's old master with an unreadable expression. "Jinx?"

"I don't like that man," She grounded out as she narrowed her eyes, "He reminds me of that asshole…" Before she could even ask any further, she shrunk down in a flash before storming inside the lantern on his hips.

Briefly, he considered asking what had gotten into her before deciding against it. It was probably best that she let Jinx cool off rather than set her off. Just as he was about to turn back, a voice called out, "So must be Charon," Glancing over, he found the man standing beside him.

"Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon Academy at your service," He introduced himself as he extended a hand over. Not thinking much about it, he accepted before the world under him gave out.

With a worldless cry, he stumbled in the air as he flew across countless battlefields. Kingdoms rose and fell, mountains crumbled and oceans parted, yet one remained constant. Amidst all the ruin was one man and his consort, the wizard and the witch.

Before he could even speak out, however, they turned and the vision ended. Solid earth once more returned beneath his feet as he stumbled back, reeling from his vision. Thankfully, the old man was there to catch him.

"Young man?" the white haired man asked with concern coloring his tone, "Are you alright?"

Staring back, Charon blinked, briefly seeing the wizard over the man before they came into focus. Unsure at what he saw, he nodded back as he steadied himself. "I… I'm fine," He whispered out, "I just suddenly got a bit dizzy, that's all...."

That was a lie of course, but he couldn't explain just what he saw without sounding insane. Maybe he'd speak about it later, but for now, best to just ignore it. It wasn't like the man before him was actually a wizard, right?

As he gazed back, he briefly saw an unreadable expression in the man's face for the briefest of moments before concern returned once more. Nodding back, the man replied, "Then perhaps it's best that we have you sit in the transport while you wait."

"It is quite hot right now," He noted as he guided him over the transport, "And those two would be at it for a while." Gesturing over to the two, he'd find that Glynda had long since escaped Summer's grip and was now giving chase.

"Once I catch you, I swear I'll tan you're hide!" Screamed the blonde as the brunette laughed.

"Best that we wait over at the bullhead," The man replied with a rueful smile.

Chuckling, he nodded before he climbed aboard the transport and just as the man told him, it would be hours before they left. Still, Charon was happy for Summer. It had been quite a while since he saw her smile reaching up to her eyes.

-x-x-x-

Now Charon was no stranger to flying, having flown on a commercial airline plenty of times before, mostly to visit distant relatives. He had grown used to it, with the glamour of flying across the sky long faded. Flying while he was inside the cockpit though? Now that was something he hadn't done before.

"Oh man, this is amazing!" He shouted giddily through the comms as they flew across the vast sea of green that was the Emerald Forest.

Right now, they were flying on a private plane, A bullhead from what he was told, and it was already better than all the other planes he had flown in before. Not only did he not have to deal with children running around the isle, he also had the leg room he could ever want.

"It's even better than first class!" He laughed.

Well, that was sort of debatable as first class had good meals, but it wasn't everyday that he could just walk up to the cockpit and ride shotgun. The view here was just different, something which the pilot agreed with, "It sure is, and you know what's the best part is, kid?"

"What?" He shouted back as the pilot pulled on the lever, tilting the nose of the aircraft up and pinning Charon to his seat as they started to climb.

"I do this for a living!" The man laughed as they plowed through the clouds and up towards the very heavens themselves, "Best job in the world!"

With the sun shining up ahead, Charon was blinded momentarily, forcing him to cover his eyes. But as the aircraft leveled, allowing him to lower his arms, his eyes widened in wonder. "Best view in the world," He whispered as he pressed his face against the window.

Pulling back, he asked, "Hey, how fast can you get this thing to run?"

"Pretty fast!" The man replied before gesturing at the door behind them "But the boss man's watching so if you want to see how fast this thing goes, maybe after this ride ok?"

"I'll hold on to you on that," He laughed. Oh he was a bit disappointed, but the view alone made it worth it. Just the wide open canopy was already an upgrade to the tiny cramped windows of an airliner and what a sight it was below them.

From horizon to horizon, the endless tree canopy dominated the scenery with only a few mountains to break the monotony. It was breathtaking. "You're missing out a lot, Jinx!" He shouted, tapping at his lantern, "You really should see this!"

Jinx, however, remained silent as she remained inside. "Not really the chatty ghost, eh?" The pilot asked as he eyed at the lantern's ghostly glow wearily.

"Believe me, she's a chatterbox," He replied. "She's just sleeping, I think." Hopefully, that was the case and not otherwise. She seemed pretty upset about seeing Ozpin.

Nodding, the pilot asked again, "Are all ghosts like that? As he gave him a questioning look, he asked, "Like balls of fire I mean." Turning his gaze down to some instruments and tapping at a black screen, probably some radar of sorts, he noted, "It's pretty spooky, not gonna lie!"

Chuckling at his remark, he replied, "This is their compact form." Gesturing to the door behind them, he explained, "Most ghosts look just like us! You wouldn't even know they're ghosts until the sun hits them! Then, you see through them."

Eyes wide, the man shouted back, "W-wait, the huntress is a ghost!?"

"She sure is!" Charon replied, "And she's the best ghost I've met in a while!" She was just so sweet and cheerful that he couldn't help but feel happy around here. It's as if nothing could ever bring her down.

"Oh… wow, huh," The pilot replied as he stared ahead. "I should probably stop asking cause next thing I know, you're also a ghost!" He jested, making Charon laugh.

"I'm pretty sure I'm still alive!" He noted as he waved his hands against the light filtering through the cockpit, "I'm not seeing through!"

"Hey, maybe you're some sort of super ghost!" The man laughed, making Charon shake his head. If he was dead, he'd be known because he clearly remembered paddling over here. There was no such thing as dying without even knowing it, right?

As his thoughts wandered on the topic, he remembered something. "Oh right, before I forget!" He said out loud as he reached inside his pocket before pulling out his phone and aiming at the forest below. "I just need a clear view…" He whispered as he waited for the clouds to lighten up.

Honestly, he should be taking more pictures. He was in a whole new world, damn it! Hell, charge wasn't a problem since his charging brick was working fine enough. His folks would at least appreciate the sight even if they're worried sick…

"I wonder how they're doing right now," He thought to himself as he snapped a pic. His grandpa would have loved Vale and its endless forest. "I hope you guys are just doing fine," He whispered as he leaned back on his seat.

Hopefully, they haven't thought he was dead because having to explain things during his funeral would be awkward. Before his mind could wander off any further, the pilot piped up, making Charon turn to the man, "Hey kid, nice scroll you got there. Is that a new model?"

"What?" He replied before he glanced at his phone, "Oh no, it's not a scroll. Well… it's a scroll, but it does what a scroll does except roll up!"

Thankfully, the man didn't badger him about how it works as he commented, "It does look rugged though which is nice!" Laughing, he noted, "I'd definitely pay for a bulky scroll that doesn't the moment you breathe on it wrong."

"Damn Schnee phone's worth a fortune!" He complained, "You think they'd make it a bit better."

Shaking his head, he replied, "I hear you on that, chief. I hear you." It seems that no matter the world, manufacturers would make things as cheaply as possible while charging an arm and a leg while doing so.

As they cleared through another tower of clouds, the pilot asked, "So, got any songs in there?" Gesturing conspiratorially at the intercomms where an aux cable was plugged in one of the many ports, "Some music would be nice right about now!"

This had Charon grinning from ear to ear as he laughed, "Oh you better believe I have songs!" Grabbing the cable, he inspected it briefly and found not only was it a 3.5 male to male aux, but it also had an adapter that fits his phone's charging port.

Plugging it in, he waited with bathed breath before he pumped his fist as his phone wasn't bricked. "Now let's see," Charon hummed as he scrolled through his selection before perking up as he landed on a song that was just perfect. "Fortunate Son huh? I don't see why not."

It was exactly the song for flight like this and the pilot couldn't agree more. "Hey kid, mind giving me a copy?" the man asked as he bobbed his head along the tune.

"Sure!" He replied before pausing as the idea slipped through his mind. "Actually, you know someone from a radio or something?" It would be a shame if only he could only share it a few, when the radio stations were just there.

"I like how you think, kid," The pilot grinned before he froze as the Bullhead suddenly jolted and shook. Charon thought nothing much of it, thinking it nothing more than an Airpocket, until the man started cursing. "Crap!"

"Wait, what's wrong!" He shouted as the pilot flipped through a series of switches before the canopy lit up with numbers.

"Well kid, you better buckle up cause things are about to get rough." The man gritted as he gestured at the screen, making the radar bigger as it lit up with dozens, if not hundreds of dots. "Grimm horde inbound, be advised." He spoke with deadly calm as dark shapes shot out of the clouds ahead.

Even from a distance, he could see their ugly faces. With their muscle bound form and long elongated arms, they looked like monsters straight from the nightmares of Dorothy herself. They weren't merely flying monsters, but flying apes, probably twice the size of a full grown man and with hatefilled eyes. .

"Flying Beringels!?" The man shouted in surprise as he squeezed down on the trigger and rain lead and rockets down range, lighting up the sky, "That's it! I'm never volunteering for a flight with the headmaster ever again!"

Frozen in his seat, he watched as explosions and fire flashed across the sky as some of the dark shapes fell down, but that wouldn't be enough. There were just too many of them and he quickly got a look of their ugly faces as they bore down on them.

Eyes widening as a dark shape darted towards them, he shouted, "Look out!" It was far too late however. The Grimm was far too fast and nimble, darting with almost unnatural grace around the explosion as it reached out for him until-!

BANG!

Bonelessly, the creature crashed into the cock pit, barely cracking the windows before they slid off. He thought he was a goner and nearly was, but his guardian angel wasn't too far behind as she held her rifle.

"Get into the cabin!" Summer shouted through the whipping wind as she fired one after another, nailing the flying Grimm trying to grab hold of the craft on their foreheads, "Now!"

"Go!" The pilot shouted, "You have a better chance with the Headmaster and the Vice-Headmistress!"

Breaking out of his stupor, he nodded as he slipped inside the armored cabin. The scene, however, wasn't much better as the side door was open with the blonde sending waves of fire, ice and wind to fend off the horde.

"Mister Charon, just in time!" The headmaster laughed as he poked at the eye socket of one of the monsters, killing it in an instant. "We seem to have found ourselves in quite a pickle."

"You think!?" He screamed as he pulled at his soul, only to be forced down on his seat and strapped him in tightly.
"Oh no you don't!" Summer shouted as she took aim outside and fired, "Just sit still and let me handle this, ok!"

He opened his mouth to argue, only to stop as the whole aircraft suddenly tipped over, forcing him to hold on to the strap for dear life until their ride righted itself once more.

"Why the hell are they attacking us?" He shouted, "Shouldn't they only attack people when they feel negative emotions?" He was pretty sure that he wasn't moping hard enough to attract a horde of all things. "Is this normal!?" He shouted.

"Oh this is well out of the ordinary," The man replied casually as Summer joined the blonde. "In fact, these Flying Beringel shouldn't even be seen outside the homeland of the Grimm, but here we are, surrounded by them!"

"I never thought I'd see the day that I have to fight them over Vale!" The man shouted as an explosion nearly blew them out of the sky. "Oh, and it seems that one of our engines blew up."

With his heart hammering away at his chest, he shouted back, "Ok, that's interesting and all, but is there anything we can do about them!?" He really didn't want to know what it's like being torn limb from limb, something which these monsters seemed plenty capable of as he saw one tugged at a panel and ripped it with casual ease.

"I can't get a good line of sight, Ozpin!" Summer shouted, further adding to tension.

"Then we best get above them then!" Ozpin shouted as he shouted at the cabin, "Pilot, take us as high as you can! I need them all below us!"

Without a second of hesitation, the pilot pulled out, nearly making Charon lose his lunch as the aircraft lurched at the intense maneuver. With his vision blacking out, he thought he was going to die until he heard a voice cut through the din. "Summer, now!"

With his struggling to remain open and his vision darkening, he watched as Summer's silver eyes glowed brightly before a wave of warm light washed over him, drowning out everything. "So pretty…" were the last thoughts in his head before the light consumed him, pulling him in the sweet embrace of unconsciousness and he knew no more.

A/N:

And that's one more chapter for this commission. Results of the polls tommorow btw! Hmmm.... I wonder if you guys picked a short chapter cause all these long chapters is wearing me out, lol... Maybe I should do a quick chapter instead? Eh, I should just sleep.