Welcome, one and all, to chapter 10 of Dogs and Roses. Now that I'm finally past the established RWBY canon, I can start doing whatever absurd things that pop into my overactive, unstable, and freakish imagination. I no longer have to write around the show.
So, how about I show you some of those things? Let's get it on!
RWBY © Rooster Teeth/Monty Oum (R.I.P)
*Set at the end of 'End of the Beginning'*
*Ruby's P.O.V*
"Hey."
"Hey, Jaune. Haven's a long way to go."
"I know. It's the only way we have."
"Are you sure you want to come along?"
I really wouldn't blame them if they don't want to come along. It's a very long trip, and I don't even know if we'll find what we want when we get there.
"The journey will be perilous, and whether we'll find answers at the end is entirely uncertain."
At least Ren gets it.
"But we wouldn't be here if we weren't up for it."
"Then let's get started."
I guess this is it. It's time to make our way to Haven. I only wish I had some more people with me. Why did everyone have to go? Stupid Weiss's dad for taking her back to Atlas! Stupid Blake for running away! Stupid Yang for… Well, I don't feel like I can blame Yang. It hurts me to see her without her arm. That's probably why she wouldn't come along. I just hope that we can stop whoever did this before they can do anymore bad things to others. Maybe then Team RWBY will come back together. And we can all be happy and free, just like we were. Just like we should be. That's the way I want to spend every day. Laughing with my friends and keeping sadness away.
Hopefully dad and Yang don't take it too hard when they find out I'm gone. I wonder how mom would have reacted if I did this. Maybe I should ask her.
"Hey, do you guys mind if we make a quick stop before we head in Haven's direction?"
"Sure. Just make it quick, Ruby."
*At Summer Rose's grave*
"Hi, mom. I know it hasn't been that long since I last talked to you, but I could really use some help. Things have kinda gone downhill in recent months. Beacon's been knocked down, Vale's pretty much been torn down, my team is torn up, and worst of all, Yang's arm was cut off. *sniffle* She's real upset. Everyone is. But I don't think it's too late. Some friends and I are going to Haven to look for the bad guys. So please, watch us on our way there and make sure that we find what we're looking for. I miss and love you."
I hope that mom sees us safely to Haven. Burr. Why do I suddenly feel cold? Well, I guess it is winter. But still. It's time to get moving.
"Let's go, guys."
"Alright, which way is Haven?"
Does Jaune really think I know? I thought he was the one with the map.
"Don't you have the map, Jaune?"
"Oh yeah, I do. Let's see, I think we need to follow… that path, the one that goes by that nearby cliff."
"Alrighty then. Let's move out."
*On the trail*
"Uh, Ruby. I think we're running low on supplies."
What? How could we be running out of food already? We've only been out for 2 days. Maybe we should find a store.
"That's alright, Jaune. Maybe we just need to find a store and get some more food."
"And just where are we supposed to find a store in the vast wilderness separating us from Mistral?"
Oops, I guess I didn't think of that. Uh oh, what are we going to do for food? We won't make it very far on empty tummies. Hey, look, a village. Maybe they have some food we can eat.
"Hey guys, look. I see a village. Maybe we could get something to eat there. Oh, I hope they have cookies. Or maybe some strawberries."
Wow, small village. I wonder how they've been able to survive. I kinda thought that there would be a lot of Grimm in the forests nearby. Oh well, right now, I just want some food for the road.
"Hello there, travelers. Welcome to the village of Tuggey. What brings you here?"
Wow, friendly locals. I didn't really expect that after everything that happened. Oh well, it's kinda refreshing actually.
"Please, sir, we are on a very long journey and have run low on supplies. Do you have any food we might be able to have?"
Just cuttin' to the chase, aren't you Ren?
"Very well, outsiders. Y'know, you're the second person today to come here with that story. The first guy just came here an hour ago. Hey, there he is over there."
Really? Someone else came here too? I wonder who that could… Oh my gosh. Is that who I think it is? He's out here too?
"Petey?"
"Ruby? Is it truly you?"
"It is me. What are you doing here, Petey?"
"I'm attempting to locate my teammates. I haven't heard from them since we split up at Beacon. Since we came here on a mission shortly before the tournament, I had hoped that at least one of them would be here. But I must ask: What brings you and your friends all the way out to this remote village?"
So this is where his team went for their mission. Well then, I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised that there are no Grimm in the area. Wait, what did he just ask me? Oh…
"My friends and I are heading to Haven Academy in Mistral. Apparently there's some sort of lead to the bad guys over there."
*Petey's P.O.V*
Wow. I always knew Ruby had a drive to protect others and defeat those who wish death and destruction upon the world, but to go so far in her quest to find those people. She's even more dedicated than I initially believed her to be. That's one of the many reasons I find her so endearing and loveable. I truly wish that I had but a fraction of her dedication. Wait, why is she with these people? What of her team? Surely they weren't separated as my team was.
"If I may ask, Ruby, what happened to Team RWBY? Why are these your travelling companions?"
"*sigh* I don't think Team RWBY is much of thing anymore, Petey. Weiss was taken back to Atlas by her dad. Blake ran away. And Yang… Y-Yang…"
Oh Oum. Why is Ruby tearing up? Did something happen to Yang? And so soon after her Tournament disaster? What could have happened?
"Perhaps I could elaborate. Yang's right arm was cut off during the battle. As a result, she's apparently become pretty depressed."
What!? Someone sliced her arm clean off? Oh my Oum. First she is accused of a crime she didn't commit, then gets her arm cut off? I can only imagine the pain Ruby must be endearing. And now to have her team fractured. Poor Ruby.
"I'm so sorry, Ruby. Truly I am."
I believe that she could do with some comfort. Perhaps a nice, warm hug will soothe her. There we go. This feels quite nice. I hope Ruby thinks so as well.
"Thanks, Petey. I appreciate your support."
"Not a problem, Ruby."
"So, uh, you two seem to know each other pretty well."
Leave it to other people to ruin a pleasant moment with my girlfriend. Fantastic. Oh well, I suppose now is an ideal opportunity to make my acquaintance with Ruby's friends.
"Oh, uh, sorry. Heh heh. Petey, these are my friends, Jaune, Ren, and Nora. Guys, this is my boyfriend, Petey Lucenay."
*A crow starts squawking loudly and going crazy in a tree*
What in the hell is that? What is that crow's problem? No matter, it's just a stupid bird.
"What is up with that bird?"
"I dunno, Jaune. But I think it's been following us for a few days. I've seen it a lot recently."
What reason would a crow have for stalking Ruby and her friends? Very perplexing.
"Anyways, it's nice to meet you, Petey."
Oh yes, I still need to say hello to Ruby's friends.
"It's a pleasure to meet you as well…"
Wait. Which is which again?
"I'm Jaune."
"And I'm Nora."
"Ren."
Ok, that settles that.
"Alright then, how about we eat dinner here and head out in the morning?"
"Ok, Ren."
*The next morning*
"Alright, guys, it's time to start heading out. Next stop: Haven."
I suppose it's time for me and Ruby to part ways yet again. I hope that she finds what she's looking for in Haven. And I really hope that I can find my teammates, wherever they are.
"Hey, Petey. You coming with us?"
"As much as I'd like to, Ruby, I cannot. I must locate my own team. So until we meet again, I guess this is goodbye."
"What? No! You can't leave yet. We need all the help we can get. You'd be a great help to us. We need you. Please, Petey? For me?"
Oh… DAMMIT! Why do her silver eyes have to be so big and expressive?! Why?!
And even if I were to say 'no', what other options are available to me? If my team wasn't in this village, where could they be located? I've looked everywhere. Even looking in this village was a long shot. I do not know where else to look. Is it possible they do not wish to be found? Or that they are unable to be found? What do I do? If I cannot find my team, even after 3 months, then I suppose my only course of action is quite clear.
"Very well, Ruby. I shall accompany you on your journey to Haven."
*Ruby's P.O.V*
"Yay!"
Now we have another person to help us take on the bad guys. And it's none other than my awesome boyfriend. I hope our enemies are ready to go down!
"Well, shall we press on?"
"Good idea, Petey."
*That evening*
"It's beginning to get late, Ruby. I believe that now would be an ideal time to set up camp. Let's go, before it gets too dark."
"Alright, Petey."
Wow, what a long day. At least we're that much closer to Haven. I wonder how long it will take for us to actually get there.
I wonder how the others are doing. Weiss, Blake, Yang. Why couldn't you guys have come with us? Will my sister ever get better? I could really use her help right now. I miss how she always tried to cheer me up when I was down. But who's gonna cheer her up? Who's gonna help her? Maybe I shouldn't have left. Maybe I should have stayed with her, like she would if I were in her shoes. I really miss you, Yang. I really hope you get better soon.
"Ruby? Are you doing alright? You're kind of spacing out on us."
"Huh? Oh, I'm fine, Petey. I was just thinking about Yang. I really miss her. I hope that I can get vengeance for her arm once we get to Haven. If only I knew who did it."
"Well, did Yang ever mention anything about the guy before you left, Ruby?"
Did she? I don't think so. Wait, she did mutter a few things in her sleep. Maybe that will help.
"Well, Jaune, she did mutter a few things when she was sleeping. 'Mask.' 'Red and brown hair.' 'Horns.' Uhh, 'Red glowing sword'. Does any of that mean anything to you guys?"
"No."
"Nuh-uh."
"I'm afraid not."
Darn it!
"Actually, I know of someone who fits that description."
Really? He does?! What does Petey know?
"Who is he, Petey?"
"His name is Adam Taurus. And he is a member of the White Fang."
"How do you know that, Petey? Did you know him? Were you ever White Fang?"
"Hey, no need to be rude to my boyfriend, Jaune! But still, how do you know him Petey? Did your cousin tell you about this Adam guy or something?"
I guess it does kinda make sense for Petey's cousin to know another White Fang member.
"…Yes. He did. My cousin, who actually is a part of the White Fang, has on numerous occasions sent me letters describing his so called 'actions toward a better world', as well as attempting to persuade me to join him in the White Fang. Despite the fact that last time we met I made it quite clear that I had no intention of ever joining them. He has also … described Adam Taurus to me in… great detail. From what I have gathered, Adam is a ruthless and sadistic man who will do anything to accomplish his goals. He cares not who or what he has to destroy to accomplish said goals. He has murdered, lied, stolen, and done many other horrendous and unspeakable things. All for what he believes is 'the betterment of all Faunus'. I truly hate saying this in front of you Ruby, but if Adam truly was the one your sister encountered that day, I believe Yang was actually let off somewhat easy. He likely would have done much worse to her if he had the chance."
Wow. I always knew that the White Fang was bad, but I never thought that someone could go that bad. Now I really hope we find this Adam person in Mistral. He needs to be stopped before he can cut off anyone else's arm. Or do something worse.
"Alright, enough talk of Adam. Let's try and speak of something more positive before we drift off to slumber."
"Good idea, Petey."
"Oh hey, why don't we talk about the time that Jaune stole Ren's favorite hair shampoo and then accidentally blew it up! How do you do that anyway?"
"NORA, NO! You promised you wouldn't say anything!"
"Wait, that was you?"
"Ren, wait! I-I can… Nora?! What the heck?!"
"Aww, C'mon, Jaune. It wasn't that bad. It was actually kinda funny."
"'Yeah, if by 'funny', you mean 'embarrassing'."
"No more embarrassing than the time you stepped all over my favorite cape with your muddy shoes, Jaune."
"Hey, I said I was sorry!"
Yeah, like a week later. Seriously dude. Still, I wanna know how you can actually blow up shampoo.
"So what exactly happened, Nora?"
"Yes, do tell."
"Well, it all started while Ren was out getting pancake mix…"
*the next day, on the trail*
*Petey's P.O.V*
Another day, another step toward Haven Academy. I must wonder though. How is it that we will actually get there? Mistral is on an entirely different continent, and it's not like airship transportation is readily available now that communication is down and distrust between the 4 kingdoms is at an all-time high. No matter, I'm quite sure Ruby has some sort of plan. She always does seem to come up with brilliant, albeit unconventional and unorthodox, plans when the situation calls for it. I suppose that I shall just have to wait until that leg of our journey has arrived. For now, though, I should be returning my attention to Ruby herself. Her story seems to be getting to its climax.
"… so then he shows me his sword and I'm like, 'Wow! That is a pretty cool weapon!' But then the other guy, the one that said he had a crush on me, pulled his new weapon out, and I say 'WHOA! Now that's a katana!'"
"Well, what happened next, Ruby? Did you actually go out with him after that?"
"Nah. He may have had a cool weapon, but I really wasn't into the whole 'dating' thing back then. I was only 13. Besides, I learned the next day that while it may have looked super awesome, it wasn't very strong. I think the blade may have actually been hollow. Lame!"
"How did you learn that, Ruby?"
"Well, Petey, right after he showed me his katana, Rune tried asking me out again, but I said no. So the next day, he challenged me to a fight, and I beat him in one hit. Still, he kept trying to ask me out for the rest of the year. He never really learned. Last I heard, he went to Shade Academy in Vacuo right after I was accepted into Beacon."
Well, at least I needn't worry about competition for Ruby's affections. Especially from another dog Faunus. It might have actually been an ugly affair. Then again, maybe not, if this man was as dimwitted as Ruby's story suggests.
Wait, what was that? I could have sworn that I just heard something. Or perhaps several something's.
"Petey, are you alright? Why are your dog ears twitc…"
"Shhh!"
What it that noise? It sounds like it's coming toward us at an alarming rate. It also does not sound very pleasant. What could it possibly…
*Roar!*
Oh dear Oum.
"Everyone, ready your weapons! There are multiple Grimm converging on this area. We have to fight!"
*A multitude of Grimm come out of the woods toward Ruby and her friends*
It's as if someone does not wish for us to reach Haven Academy.
*Third person P.O.V*
As the Grimm came toward the small group of Huntsmen and Huntresses in training, they made ready to retaliate.
"Time to play Whack-A-Grimm!" Nora shouted as she jumped toward an Ursa.
She jumped behind the Grimm and swung her mighty hammer at its back, sending it flying. Nora then turned her weapon to its grenade launcher form, and shot down a couple of Griffons circling overhead.
"Just like at the arcade." She mused.
Ren, in the meantime, had his hands full with a Death Stalker. When the large scorpion tried to sting him, Ren rolled out of the way and went on the offensive. He shot at the Grimm's eyes several times until it could not see anymore. Without its sight, the Death stalker had to rely on sound to try and attack its prey. Whenever Ren moved, the large Grimm aimed its stinger at wherever the noise had come from. Ren was always able to jump out of the stinger's way in time, but still had to take it down. Then Ren got the brilliant idea to get on top of the large Grimm. When the Death Stalker felt something on its back, it immediately aimed its stinger toward Ren. But as the stinger was brought down, Ren jumped off, and the Grimm stung itself, immediately dying from the poison.
At the same time, Jaune was faced with two Beowolfs. He looked at them in panic as they inched toward him.
"Alright, get a grip, Arc. You've trained for this." Jaune said to himself before charging forward.
He ran for the Beowolfs as fast as he could, swiping at one of them with his sword, and blocking an attack from the other one with his shield. After that, he charged at them again, impaling one of the creatures in the stomach with Crocea Mors. Now all he had to do was focus on the other one.
The other Beowolf charged at Jaune, who blocked its attack as best he could with his shield. Unfortunately, Jaune was still sent flying back several feet. Before he could get up, the Beowolf charged at him again. Right before it could kill Jaune though, he jammed his sword into its mouth, killing the creature. Once it evaporated, Jaune got up and went to fight more Grimm with his team.
Ruby and Petey, meanwhile, decided to take to the skies in an attempt to take down some Nevermores and Griffons that were circling overhead.
"Ruby, hold on to me as tight as you can. We're going up there to eliminate those fiendish creatures." Petey said.
"Well, OK." Ruby said while clinging to Petey.
"So how fast do you go when you JUUUUUMP!" Ruby said, right as they were taking off. Once they landed on top of one of the Nevermores, Ruby said:
"Please, don't ever do that to me again, Petey."
"I make no promises, Ruby." Was his response.
Before either of them could say anything else, the Nevermore that they were on tried to shake them off, reminding them that they still had to take it down.
"Petey, we need to defeat these Grimm. I'll take that one over there, you get this one." Ruby screamed. Petey then nodded, and Ruby used her semblance to leap from one Nevermore to another.
Once his girlfriend was clear, Petey went to work. First thing he did was run up to the creature's head, right to the edge of its beak. He jammed his flail into its beak, and shot it multiple times between the eyes. He then switched positions and started shooting into the Nevermore's mouth. The repeated shotgun bullets to the brain eventually made the creature start falling from the sky. As it did, Petey used his semblance to jump on top of a Griffon.
Once atop the Griffon, he decided to go with a different approach. He hit his flail into one of its wings multiple times, while shooting at the other wing simultaneously. With both its wings broken, the large bird began spiraling out of the sky. As it did, Petey used his semblance to jump off the creature and land safely on solid ground.
As soon as Ruby landed on one of the Griffon, she began to take it down. She jammed her scythe into its spine, and ran along the length of the Griffon with her semblance, destroying its spine as she went. Once she got to the head, she turned her scythe around and shot it point blank in the skull.
As the Griffon began evaporating, Ruby used her semblance to run and jump on top of another Griffon. Once atop the other Griffon, she slammed Crescent Rose into its heart. She then ran around in a circle as fast as her semblance would allow, effectively making a tornado of rose petals. As she was running, her scythe was drilling deeper and deeper into the large creature, until it finally destroyed the Griffon's heart. Then the Griffon began to evaporate as it fell.
However, there was still one more Nevermore to take care of. As the Grimm she was currently on began to evaporate, she extended her scythe's blade into a forward position, and began running again. She then jumped toward the last Nevermore while being followed by a trail of rose petals. As she was in the air, Ruby began spinning around like a torpedo with her scythe extended in front of her, until she was nothing more than a red spinning blur to the others. The red blur that was Ruby kept flying forward, and eventually she flew straight into the Nevermore's mouth.
For a few seconds, the Nevermore did nothing, making Ruby's friends fear the worst. At that moment, however, the Grimm's lower body began shaking and jerking violently, while simultaneously giving off large shrieks of pain. Eventually, the whole creature exploded from the inside out. The Nevermore's blood spewed everywhere, and a large red blob trailing rose petals began falling from the sky out of control.
Before Ruby could hit the ground however, Petey used his semblance to jump up and grab her. They both landed safely on the ground.
"Ruby, are you alright? Ruby, speak to me! Please!" Petey said to the unconscious girl in his arms. Just as Petey began to panic, though, Ruby gave off a few weak coughs and slowly opened her silver eyes.
"Ruby! Thank Monty you're alive. Are you feeling alright?" Petey asked.
"I-I'm fine, Petey." She said weakly. "Man, w-who knew Nevermore stomachs were so weak? I m-might have to try that again sometime!" Ruby continued.
"NO! No, no no! Please, Oum, no! Do not ever attempt such a risky stunt again, Ruby! Please, promise me that you will never do such a thing again! You have no idea how terrified I was for you! Please. Never again." Petey shouted at his girlfriend.
*Ruby's P.O.V*
Whoa, I never took Petey as the kind to worry over this kind of thing. All I did was kill a Grimm. Isn't that what we're supposed to do? He's killed plenty of Grimm, too. Why is this one so different? It's not like I'd freak out if he was where I was. How would I react if Petey did what I just did?
Wait, now that I say it... EWW! Yuck! It sounds really super gross. Ick! It was bad enough that I had to see Torchwick get eaten by a Grimm, I don't think I could handle it if it was actually someone I cared about. Especially someone like Petey. Even if he did get out. Wait, is this how he felt when he saw me jump in there? I don't like this feeling. Maybe I shouldn't try that again.
"Alright, I promise."
"Thank you Ruby. Now then, I believe that now is an ideal time to set up camp for the evening. I hardly think that any of us have the necessary energy to keep moving forward at this point. We should resume our journey in the morning."
That actually sounds like a good idea at this point. I could do with some rest after taking down all those Grimm. Better get everything set up.
*shortly afterwards*
"Alright, is everything up? Good. Let's get some sleep. Good night, everyone."
"Good night to you as well, Ruby. I wish you pleasant dreams."
"You too, Petey. Oh and uhh…"
"Yes?"
How exactly do I say this? Should I just say it directly? Let's see, ummm…
"Thanks for, umm… catching me, when I fell from that Nevermore earlier today."
Well, I guess that sounded pretty good. Nice job, Ruby. I really should have said that earlier though. I might not have made it past that fall otherwise.
"It was my pleasure, Ruby. I will not allow anything awful to happen to you as long as I am able to prevent it."
Why do I suddenly feel like I'm in one of those dumb, cheesy romantic movies Weiss used to make us watch? Seriously, what's wrong with the action and explodey movies that I like? Ah well.
"I really appreciate that, Petey. I'm really lucky to have you with me. I really like you."
*Petey's P.O.V*
Suddenly, I feel indescribably awkward. I have no idea what I am to say or do in this scenario. But still, I should give Ruby a response, I mustn't leave her hanging.
"I really like you as well, Ruby. You are truly beautiful, kind, and smart. I wish to spend much as much time with you as I could."
Wait, why is she leaning into me? Why am I leaning back? What is going on?
"Thank you, Petey. I wanna be with you more too. A whole… lot…"
*their lips meet*
Wow! So this is what a kiss feels like. It's extraordinarily pleasant. I don't believe anything could ruin this moment for me.
*A crow starts squawking angrily, then dives down and begins attacking Petey*
"Ow! Hey! Get off me! Leave me alone, you bothersome little pest! Ouch! Stop biting my ear!"
"Shoo! Shoo, birdie! Go away! Leave him alone!"
*Ruby swats at the bird until it flies away, still squawking angrily*
"Yeah, fly away, you obnoxious rat with wings!"
"Sorry about that, Petey."
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Ruby. Still, what is it with that crow?"
"I dunno, Petey. But I think that's the same bird that's been following us since we left Vale."
Why a crow would creep upon Ruby since she started her long journey to Haven, I haven't the slightest idea. I suppose I shall have to ponder the situation tomorrow. For now, I really must get some rest.
"Good night, Ruby."
"Night."
*the next day, on the trail*
"Hey Jaune, how far off are we from Haven now?"
"Uhh, let's see here. About 5000 miles, give or take."
Really? We're still that far off? It is going to take us months to arrive at our destination.
"Hey guys, look! Another village. Maybe we could stock up on supplies there."
Thank Oum. We were beginning to run low on food. I must wonder why Ruby didn't pack more food and sustenance for a trip she knew very well would potentially take months.
"Hello there, travelers. How may we help you?"
"Please, we're on a long journey and we need some food before we can keep going. Wait, you look familiar. What's your name?"
"I'm Mary Sawyer. Who are you?"
"I'm Ruby. Do you know someone named Yang? Or maybe her boyfriend? What was his name, again? Pova… Pite… Hmmm?"
What indeed was the name of Yang's boyfriend? I don't believe that he ever mentioned it to me. And how does this lamb Faunus girl know him?
"Povelitel?"
"Yeah, that's it."
"He's my teammate. Or at least, he was, before I left what's left of Beacon."
Oh, so that's his name, is it? Oh well, at least now I know. I really must remember that for if I ever encounter him again.
"Yeah, I left right after Beacon fell. I was so scared and overwhelmed by all the Grimm and destruction that I just teleported right out of there."
Wait, what does she mean be 'teleported'? How could she have possibly teleported all the way out here to one of the most remote villages in all the world?
"If you don't mind my asking, Mary, what is it you mean by teleported?"
"That's my semblance. Teleportation. I came straight here as soon as the CCT tower fell."
Oh, well I suppose that makes sense. Hold on, teleportation? I wonder…
"Pardon me, Mary. But is there any chance that you could possibly teleport us to Haven Academy? That is where we believe our enemies to be. The ones who destroyed Vale and Beacon."
"Really? That's where they went? Alright, I guess I'll take you guys there. But afterwards I'm coming back here. I don't think I have the heart to actually face those guys after what they did in Vale."
Such a pity that we shall not have some more help in defeating the nefarious individuals behind all the troubles that have befallen Vale. Even if it is only one person.
"Thanks Mary. Although, I think that you should actually go back to Vale after you take us to Haven. The Grimm in the city have pretty much been taken care of, but there are still people there that need help. Maybe you could go to them."
I suppose Ruby's right. There is more than one way to fight a war. More than one way to assist good people, even if it is not on the front lines.
"I think you're right Ruby. Alright, I'll head back to Vale afterwards. First thing's first, let's get you guys to Haven. Alright, everyone hold hands. Alright, here we go!"
*poof*
Good Oum. That was quite a rush. I always assumed that teleportation would be a little smoother. I suppose it matters not. We have finally made it.
"Alright, you guys are here. Now I need to return to Vale. Good luck finding our enemies."
*poof*
Now, it is finally time to bring justice to those who have wrought death and destruction to Vale and Beacon.
"So, Ruby, what is our first move?"
"Be ready for anything, we're going in."
And with that, I have made it to the halfway mark. Woohoo!
For those of you who are wondering why I made the trip to Mistral roughly a week long for Ruby and co., it's because I was reading over my other story, and in that story, I had made it so Yang arrived in Haven roughly 2 weeks after Ruby left. And by the time Yang gets there, Ruby and the others are already there. In real life, a trip like that would likely take months on foot. So I needed to shorten it.
On an unrelated note, have you guys seen the leaked Volume 4 trailer on YouTube? Or the new character designs? I have. And for the most part, I liked them, but I do have one issue. The fact that Yang does not have a mechanical arm. I did once say that I hate the idea of Yang with a mechanical arm. While that remains true, I hate the idea of Rooster Teeth leaving her without any sort of new arm even more. Seriously, when will you guys stop torturing Yang? The entire second half of Volume 3 was pretty much just a giant slap in the face to her anyway. Are you guys at RT still not done? Seriously?!
Anyway, in spite of the new designs, and the fact that it was confirmed that several months pass between the events of Volumes 3 and 4, none of that will factor into this story at all. With one exception: I will be attempting to incorporate some of Ruby's new moves into the later chapters of this story. But aside from that, nothing. I already have a set idea of what I want to do with this story, and it does not include any of what's been confirmed for Volume 4 at this point.
For those of you still reading this author's note, I want to play a little game with you. It's called 'Spot the RWBY Chibi' references. Go back and read through the chapter again, and try and spot all the references to the Chibi show I put in. I counted 4. Can you find them all?
Last note, the next chapter will center around the adventures of Ruby and her friends while actually inside Haven. Unfortunately, I don't see the next chapter going up anytime soon. Oh well. So until then, don't forget to be good and keep moving forward. Au Revoir!