A/N
Firstly, I forgot to thank GeonteneArgon00 for giving me a suggestion on changing one of Nora's lines. For those interested, in V1C6 Nora now says "That was good advice! From Port!" instead of That was good advice! From Port no less!" Very small distinction, but the new line fits with her character more. This is the kind of feedback I am very happy to hear, if you have any problems with a specific line, then don't hesitate to tell me.
Also, thanks to YourAverageGem for telling me their reaction during parts of V3. As someone who binged the entire series early this year, this information is invaluable. If I could get more information from other people, that would be very helpful.
Onto more recent comments:
stephenadezio recommended not changing any of the information in the WoR videos. This chapter shows the general extent to which I will be changing things. What are people's thoughts? Can you even notice the change I made?
One guest said that the cast should point out the things wrong with the WoR videos. I don't think there are any mistakes though. Post V3 there are no examples of long-range communication (all scroll usage seems to be local or only city wide). The Grimm are all born with the bone plating but the grow bigger and get more plating with time (the new engine has thrown some people off).
The only thing that can be considered a real mistake is Aura being passive. My answer to that will be to change the wording slightly, so as to leave it ambiguous.
MorenoX25 gave me an in depth look at all the mistakes they think are in WoR: Dust. They said that the colour of wind Dust has been changed, so I will answer this by never referring to it by colour. When It comes to using raw Dust needing discipline, I assume it meant using it in the way Cinder appeared to be using it during V1 and V2. "Humanity has yet to understand how Dust came to be", I interpret that as them not knowing the reason it formed it the first place, no matter how much research they put into it. "Humanity has yet to understand how Dust will ultimately change the world", this is likely foreshadowing for some future event (though it may never happen due to the unfortunate death of Monty Oum)
Engineer1869 has told me that I should change the car protection information from "last few years" to "next few years". I will not be doing this however, as that was my explanation on why no one got serious injuries. That was just a minor offhanded detail meant to do some world building while not contradicting the RWBY cannon, so it should never become relevant again.
I've mentioned before on how I am not going all in on any of the ships other than Jaune/Pyrrha and Ren/Nora. This means I am still holding back on Sun/Blake or Yang/Blake. I will however say that Yang and Blake are definitely very close, and that Sun clearly has feelings for Blake. Other than that, all relationships will be made so that they can be interpreted as platonic.
What do the cast think of their host? – My answer is that I will answer that when I feel it to be relevant. Currently though, it should be grateful but annoyed.
What is my release schedule? – Please see my profile before asking any questions like that.
If you see any grammatical mistakes that are confusing to the extent that you don't know how to interpret them, then please tell me. If it something that can be easily overlooked and ignored, then don't bother me. Spelling mistakes on the other hand are something I very much want to avoid, so please tell me whenever you see one.
Another review from GeonteneArgon00 mentioned how Yang should have had a stronger reaction to Neo. I agree, the problem is that I completely forgot about that at the time. I will go back to fix this at some point (likely before this is posted).
I apologise for having such a large portion of this chapter being dedicated to reviews. However I have recently had many helpful ones, and I want people to know my general thoughts as they go through this fic. This should make it easier for people to correct me if I make a mistake.
Volume 2: World of Remnant 1: Dust
"So this is about Dust?" Ruby asks.
"It would appear so." Weiss replies. "Didn't our host say that the things shown in theses special videos are exclusive to our reality?"
"They did." Ren confirms as he looks back his previous notes. He then prepares a new page for the new information they would be getting.
"It will be nice to learn more about Dust." Pyrrha says.
"It certainly will." Weiss agrees. "Even our top scientists have trouble understanding the true nature of Dust. The best they can learn is how it interacts with the world."
"I thought it was some kind of crystallised Aura." Nora says.
"That is one of the more prevalent beliefs." Weiss says. "But there is yet to be any proof that is the case. On the contrary, there seems to be evidence against that theory."
"Dust. By definition, it is a naturally occurring energy propellant that can be triggered by the Aura of Humans and Faunus." Trails of dust are seen against a black backdrop. The dust then starts glowing.
"Isn't this the voice from before?" Sun points out. "The one that seemed to be having a conversation with Ozpin."
"It is." Blake, having seen that episode twice now, confirms this.
"It even seems to have the same art style." Jaune points out. "I'm guessing we won't be shown any real events.
Ren meanwhile, is having other thoughts. 'Why are we hearing this person again? What relevance could she have to anything we've been watching?'
"But in reality, it is much, much more." The dust then turns into a Dust crystal that shines brightly, covering the screen.
"This is it." Weiss watches the screen excitedly. "We may finally get some answers."
"So there really is more to Dust than we currently know." Jaune points out. "But what else could there be to know?"
"Found in the basic forms, Dust can be combined both artificially and naturally to form new, stronger types, each with unique properties." Four new crystals are seen, each representing one of the primary forms of Dust. The crystals then combine to create wide array of effects, such as steam, explosions and ice.
'Okay… good.' Weiss thinks impatiently. 'Now can we please get onto whatever makes Dust special.'
"Since its discovery, man has concocted a multitude of ways in which to harness these mysterious crystals." A brown crystal is seen of the ground, this is eventually picked up by the silhouette of a hand. "From airships to androids, Dust has made its way into practically every facet of technology."
"And yet we still know so little about it." Yang comments. "You would have thought that someone would have gotten a clear answer by this point."
"It's much harder than you may think." Weiss says. "While plenty of theories have been made, there has been no way of proving any of them. The best we've been able to do is disprove some of the more outlandish ideas.
"Some prefer to use Dust in its raw form: elegant, yet destructive." A figure holds up some Dust to the sky, creating lightning strikes all around him.
"Not many people do that nowadays." Pyrrha says. "While it has advantages in being more versatile, the time needed to learn how to use it even to a minor extent has made it a dying art. Another major reason is because Dust weapons have become far more intricate, making the advantage raw Dust used to have become less and less significant."
"I never knew you were so knowledgeable about raw Dust usage." Jaune says.
"I was considering learning it many years ago." Pyrrha explains. "I chose not to because it would get in the way of my other training."
"Those who choose to wield Dust in this state must possess a certain level of discipline, to ensure that their resulting powers do not break free from their control." Dark clouds start to cover the figure, the clouds spread to completely engulf the screen.
'My father has had to deal with far to many cases of people using raw Dust, only to lose an arm.' Weiss thinks. 'Of course, his lawyers never allowed him to take any of the blame. Not that they were wrong to do so, it's always them who does something stupid.'
"Dust ammunition serves as a more practical application in today's modern society. With the technological advancements in weapon design, warriors need merely choose the right cartridge for the job and pull the trigger." A kneeling soldier is seen aiming some kind of rifle. More, similar soldiers appear alongside him, until the soldier fires of his weapon into the distance.
"This is getting us nowhere." Weiss realises. "You could get all this from a public library. Where's the new information!" She seems visibly annoyed by this point.
"While this has become the standard method of use, it is not uncommon to find individuals still practicing more archaic forms of Dust manipulation…" The soldier jumps into the air at such incredible speeds that it leaves cracks on the ground around him.
"…such as weaving it into clothing…" A man is seen wearing a cloak that glistens like fire.
"That's what Cinder did." Ruby points out. "I remember at the CCT, her disguise had glowing markings on the legs."
"So that means she may be a raw Dust user?" Blake asks. "But it didn't seem like she was using Dust when that flame appeared in her hand."
"It could be a trick." Yang says. "You know… sleight of hand. It would certainly make threatening Torchwick easier if she appeared to have some unknown power."
"That makes sense." Sun nods his head. "It may just be part of her semblance though. Possibly the ability to teleport any Dust that is around her."
"…or even fusing it directly with their own bodies." Another man places some light blue Dust into themselves, then scrunches over as if feeling a pain in his stomach.
"You can do that?" Jaune asks. "Why haven't I heard of more people doing it? It sounds easy enough."
"While it's easier than using raw Dust in the normal fashion, it is also extremely painful." Ren explains. "In some areas they even used to use it as a form of torture. Using large enough amounts has even been known to cause the brain to permanently shut down in order to protect itself."
'There goes any plans of me doing that.' Jaune thinks. 'Guess I'll just have to keep practicing.'
"Despite working, fighting, and even turning a profit with it, humanity has still yet to understand how Dust came to be…" A salesman is seen in front of a selection of different coloured Dust, this is replaced by the figure of a man holding a shield and flaming sword, this figure then disappears, replaced with the Schnee Glyph emblem.
'We know that!' Weiss grips the cushions beneath her. 'Stop teasing us with information and actually get on with it. You even have to bring up my family emblem.'
"…and more importantly, how their involvement with Dust will ultimately change the world of Remnant." The emblem is then overlaid against the image of the globe, until the emblem, globe, and entire screen is engulfed in darkness.
Weiss's shoulders drop as she looks at the screen in cold fury.
"Well that was useless." Nora comments. "I think I learnt more from everyone else's comments than the video itself."
"Same." Sun agrees. "That was more like an introduction to Dust than any kind of explanation."
As Sun and Nora continue their complaining, Ruby notices Weiss's deadly gaze.
"Weiss, are you alright." Ruby asks her partner.
"I'm fine." Weiss rolls her eyes, trying to dispel her anger. 'I think I'm starting to hate that woman's voice.'
"Why don't we stop for now." Pyrrha announces. Wanting to help Ren calm down Nora. "I think it's about time we all took a break."
Later in JNPR's room
Pyrrha enters the room to see Nora sitting on her bed, headphones on and holding a scroll.
"Wasn't expecting to see you here so soon." Nora comments. "Something happen?"
"Jaune wanted to train alone for a bit." Pyrrha explains. "I decided to take a breather until we watch the videos again. Why aren't you with Ren?"
"He's busy scouring the library for information." Nora says. "I figured I might as well listen to some of the songs instead of bother him. You want to join in?"
"Certainly." Pyrrha answers as she sits next to Nora. "What songs have you listened too so far?"
"Time to Say Goodbye, All Our Days, and Die. That's all the new ones since Sun got here." Nora list them off on her fingers. "They all sound great, I would recommend listening to them yourself some time."
"What about that one?" Pyrrha points to a couple of new songs on Nora's scroll. "Aren't those new?"
Nora looks down at her scroll. "That's weird. They weren't there before." She takes off her headphones and selects one of them.
"I've been watching you lately, chasing your tail and it drives me crazy. You'll never get that girl."
"A love song?" Pyrrha turns to Nora who just shrugs in response.
"She don't see in you the things that I can see, the girl's ice cold-it ain't meant to be, look in every land and port in the world."
'There's no way.' Pyrrha's eyes widen at the mention of an ice girl. 'This couldn't be about that. Could it?'
"I've been spendin' time wonderin' why, nothin' that I do can catch your eye. Just can't capture your attention."
"Pyrrha?" Nora looks to her team mate with worry, until noticing the blush on her face. "Ohh…"
"Maybe I'm too tall or not your type, but I'm not giving up, I'll get it right. Being close to you is my intention."
'I remember having these worries.' Pyrrha thinks. 'There's not way it's a coincidence. I have to make sure Jaune never hears this.'
"I see more in you, than the rest of them do, and I'm not gonna let you fall."
'How come Weiss never saw how wonderful Jaune is.' Pyrrha thinks. 'I'm almost glad he acted all flirtatious, because his true personality is what really shines.'
"I'll swallow my pride, time after time, cuz you're worth it all."
'It really did hurt watching him act like that.' Pyrrha recalls. 'He always saw me for me, but he never considered that I would want to be with him like that.'
"Whenever I think of you, and how I wish you only knew, you might be my dream come true. But what do I have to do to make you notice me?"
'Apparently I have to tell him how I feel.' Pyrrha thinks. 'During the dance I told him everything but the most important words.'
"I know that - you and I we would be alright, we could dance on the roof, we could light the night. Gotta make you see me in that way."
"To think someone actually bothered to make a song out of it." Pyrrha wipes the tears out of her eyes.
Nora watches this in silence. 'This isn't something I should interfere with.'
"Why don't you, Forget about the little chick in white? She don't care about you and she's so uptight."
"Hey!"
"Let me put a smile on your face."
"Was that Weiss." Pyrrha practically laughs at this. "I suppose there's no point in trying to deny it at this point."
"Yeah." Nora agrees, forgetting her previous self-promise. "Though he was the only one not to notice it before the dance."
"Really!?" Pyrrha chuckles. "I guess I'm not the best at keeping secrets."
"How I wish that you knew, that I'm crazy for you. When I'm with you, time just flies."
"So what's really going on between you two at the moment?" Nora asks. "After the dance I thought you would be together but…"
"I'll get you alone, make you my own, it will be divine."
"It's complicated." Pyrrha answers. "We both like each other but… I'm not comfortable calling it a relationship yet."
"I can keep on waiting, cause my heart I've been saving."
"I think you're gonna figure it out: I'm the one for you and there's no one else."
'You shouldn't waste your opportunity like that.' Nora thinks. 'At least you know he likes you back. Some of us aren't so lucky.'
"Whenever I think of you, and how I wish you only knew, that you might be my dream come true. But what do I have to do to make you my baby?"
'I'll tell him soon.' Pyrrha promises herself. 'Perhaps once we get to the dance? That may be the best time.'
"Whenever I think of you,"
"(Oh whenever I think of you)"
"Only knew,"
"(Oh how I wish you knew that I'm in love with you)"
"Dream come true."
"What do I have to do to make you notice..."
"This is starting to get repetitive." Pyrrha says. "I suppose that's to be expected."
"It's gonna be you for me and me for you, we're gonna shine a light and make a dream come true, gotta get it right while we got the time, I'm gonna win your heart, I'm gonna make you mine, Come on, come on, Come on, come on, come on, come on now baby."
"What do I have to do to make you notice me?"
"Me?
"Notice me?"
"Notice me?"
Meanwhile in the library
Ren is looking through the books, searching for anything that may be of use to them when he stops on a certain page.
The book is called 'An Incomplete list of the types of Grimm' and he's stopped upon seeing an image he hoped never to see again.
The Grimm Nuckelavee
This creature is technically the result of two lesser Grimm having merged together, those being a Grimm Imp and a Grimm Horse. Due to this combination it is capable of much more destruction than most Grimm of a similar age. Notable features include arms that can extend to great lengths and a screech that is so loud it can disorientate a person who is not focused. One other important aspect is that this Grimm is extremely terrifying even by Grimm standards, this is significant since it means that when it arrives in highly populated areas, it is almost always followed by other Grimm that are attracted by the vast amounts of negative emotion. The emergence of the Grimm Nuckelavee is often followed by the destruction of many nearby villages, often creating a wide area that is completely devoid of humanity. Unfortunately it is very unlikely for it to overestimate itself, this means that any confrontation that it seeks out will almost certainly lead to the death of its prey.
Ren looks through this information as his breathing becomes heavier. He turns over to the next page, almost ripping the page out, to find hoofprints, claw mark examples and even a picture of a bite mark. After a few moments he has had enough, closing the book and leaning back on his chair.
"Why did I have to find this?" He whispers, but there is no one in the room to hear him.
Back in JNPR's room
"How about we find out about the other song?" Pyrrha says as she picks up the scroll.
"Wait… no… don't…!" But Nora is too late, as Pyrrha has already started the song.
"Never knew a time, when you weren't by my side. The one thing I could always count on."
"Always there for me, you've been my family. Even when all other hope was gone."
'Oh god! This is definitely about me.' Nora fiddles with her skirt.
"It seems to be another love song." Pyrrha points out. 'But it can't be about me so… ohh.' She comes to a realisation.
"But for a while things have seemed so different, like it's the same but still brand new."
"I can't believe it, when did I start to fall for you?"
'I can't let Ren see this! I DEFINITELY can't let ren see this!' Nora thinks franticly.
"Have I lost my mind, have I just been blind, never to have seen you might be…"
"…everything I need, everything I dream, all along has it been right in front of me?"
"We've been together for a long, long, long, long time."
"I've never thought that you and I could be a thing."
"I can't believe it, this is happening."
'I already knew she had feelings for Ren, but I never thought they were to this extent.' Pyrrha thinks. 'It might just be exaggeration though, not that my song was.'
'I remember that line.' Nora recalls. 'This is happening, I said that at the dance while Jaune was in that dress.'
"I think oh whoa what am I to do."
"I didn't know that I would fall in love with you, and what to do right now I haven't got a clue."
"I just bite my tongue and when I want to say I love you I say, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop, boop."
'I remember her saying this to Ren all the time.' Pyrrha thinks. 'Is it possible that's really what she means?' She glances over to Nora, who is now hiding underneath her covers. 'Perhaps it's better not to ask.'
"Every chatelaine wants to share her reign, so come and join me in my castle."
"We'll crush our enemies, bring them to their knees, and though I have a tendency to babble."
'I suppose this is why she calls herself the queen of the castle.' Pyrrha thinks. 'Or perhaps it's the other way round.'
"When I think about you I can't help my heart from racing. My mind goes fast and my knees start shaking."
"My stomach does flips, and my brain does flops, and the feelings that I'm feeling I don't think that I can stop."
'Why is this happening? Why did I have to invite Pyrrha to join me?' Nora worries as she peeks out of her covers. 'What's she going to do? How can I get her to not mention this?'
"I could just say it, I love your everything. But I can't quite tell myself, if you're feeling quite the same."
"Maybe I should slow it down, try to show restraint. Hold Magnhild, I think I'm gonna faint."
'There it is, the absolute proof that this is from my perspective.' Nora thinks, she then looks around to notice her situation. 'This isn't like me! I should deal with this how I normally do.' She then jumps out of her position and sits next to Pyrrha, with a forced smile on her face.
"I think oh whoa what am I to do."
"I didn't know that I would fall in love with you."
"And what to do right now, I haven't got a clue."
"I just bite my tongue and when I want to say I love you I say."
"Boop, boop, boop, boop I'll say boop,"
"When I want to say I love you I'll say boop."
There is a slight pause once the song stops, until Nora says: "I won't mention anything about yours if you don't about mine."
"Agreed." Pyrrha nods her head.
"And we have to prevent anyone from hearing these songs." Nora adds.
"Of course." Pyrrha says.
Nora smiles at this. "Thank you."
"Your welcome." Pyrrha replies.
Ren's notes:
About Dust
More to Dust than we currently know
Raw Dust is dangerous
Cinder used Dust clothing
Possible Cinder Semblance: Teleport any Dust that is near her
Fusing Dust with bodies may be relevant at some point.
Dust will change the world somehow (for good or bad?)
My writing for Pyrrha and Nora may be slightly out of character since there were only two people, usually I think of a line I want someone to say and then choose the best person to say it. In this chapter I knew what I wanted to be said but I wasn't sure how to keep it in character. Any suggestions on changing the wording?
Seriously, I really struggled. Please tell me how to improve this chapter.
Could you please visit my profile before asking a question, it contains some of my more frequently asked questions and I would rather not repeat myself.