Hi. Uhh. Yeah. It's been a while. Well, clearly I am not dead, because else I wouldn't be writing this author's note. So, this is going to be a little update. Let's start where the last one ended:
My internship has been kicking my ass in terms of my energy. I hadn't expected to take this much out of me, but 40 hour workweeks of basically writing code leaves me usually exhausted to the point where I have no desire to write. It also didn't help that I had a massive writer's block regarding this chapter. But by the good graces of RoosterTeeth and especially RWBY Volume 4 Ep 1, I have now regained new fervor and changed a couple of things that would play out later in the story (which are going to be way more awesome and interesting now).
On that note, I'd also like to say that I will keep the story as is. I will not retroactively edit some of the story due to things that have happened or will happen in Volume 4. Why? Because I feel it'd interfere and damage the structure of the story too significantly. That being said, there are elements which are going to be used for sure. I'm not going to spoil them though.
I however have something to say about everyone that's been reading or read the story. You guys are absolutely amazing. Last time I checked in August I was at 30k views, and today while I was updating I hit 38k views. I've had a couple of people favoriting and following the story and even me. I still can't really explain how humbling it is to me that even after 2 months of literally NO content, I still garner an interest. Seriously. Thank you. I know I've said multiple times I write the story for me, because I want to write it, but it helps to have you guys 'here' if you will.
Right, so now that that's all out of the way, I'm going on to the actually interesting part for you guys. Right now (literally, 20 minutes ago as I'm writing this) National Novel Writing Month started. And I'm going to be doing that. However, I'm going to do that for this story. So what can you expect? Well, I'm going to aim for 1600 words a day. Which means faster updates (going to aim for bi-daily) and generally way more content. AWESOMESAUCE.
Alright, kept you from the story long enough, so I'm just going to let you continue on. Enjoy Chapter 21: Family Ties.
Chapter 21: Family Ties
After the commotion with Emerald and Mercury, Ruby and Jaune made their way back home. They had a brief talk with Sun and Neptune, with Sun asking questions mainly about Blake and Neptune asking questions about Weiss. Ruby had rolled her eyes at the questions, but couldn't help but smile while Jaune awkwardly responded to the both of them. After both of the criminals were processed, Ruby and Jaune could leave. However
On the way back, Ruby thought mostly about everything that happened in the past weeks. From being perfectly fine in doing what she was as an Atlas specialist, to being the Summer Maiden. The power within her still tingled oddly and today's revelations weren't much of a help in regards to her understanding more about it.
"What's up?" Jaune asked, flashing her a smile with his arm still around her shoulder as they walked.
Ruby looked up at him, slightly dazed from being pulled from her train of thought. "Oh. Uh. Nothing much. Why?".
"You had that look on your face again. The 'I'm thinking' look. Where you kind of zone out. Like you're daydreaming." Jaune said, laughing a little.
"Yeah. I guess I was a little." Ruby replied, rubbing her arms slightly to warm them in the night air. "It's just, a month ago life was so very different. I'm just a little overwhelmed I guess.".
Jaune chuckled. "You can say that again.".
In silence they continued walking, just the two of them together with their thoughts as they continued down the cozily lit streets of Mistral.
"Ruby. I've been thinking.." Jaune started. "I think I should return Crocea Mors."
Ruby perked up a little from that and looked at Jaune. "Are you sure? I mean.."
"I know. But I've always felt like it was a bit of a hand-me down. Like I never earned it, remember? And, you know, it might give me a chance to show my parents what I've become. I haven't seen them since I ran off to Beacon." Jaune said.
"If you feel you need to, then do it." Ruby said in a determinative tone, flashing a small smile at Jaune.
"Yeah.. I uh. Did want to kind of.. You know, ask you to come with me. As, I don't know, support?" Jaune said, rubbing his neck as he did so.
"Of course. I mean, you came here with me. Only fair that I come with you as well." Ruby said. "I mean, as your girlfriend.."
Jaune smiled at her then kissed the top of her head. "I love you."
Ruby smiled back and rest her head on his shoulder. "I love you too.".
Blake's head throbbed as she returned to her senses. Opening her eyes, she found she could not see anything. Trying to move, she also found her hands and legs were bound tightly. Breathing in deep, she remembered why.
Raven.
She had attacked Blake in the forest, and presumably taken her. Where however, was another question entirely.
"I see you've awoken." a voice echoed through the darkness.
Blake held her tongue, remaining as still as she possibly could.
"I've not captured you to harm you. But rather to.. Move things along." the voice echoed again. Blake presumed it was Raven's voice.
Blake saw it in the distance. Piercing eyes of red. Much like those of a Nevermore.
"Time doesn't wait on everyone. And fate sometimes needs a helping hand." the voice said, a slight hint of annoyance in the voice. "And time is running out.".
The faint sounds of an explosion could be heard before the silence once again overtook it.
"At last, they are here. Now we play the waiting game." the voice coldly stated before the red eyes disappeared.
"And let's hope you are all ready."
Yang reared back her fist before striking hard against the door, adding one of her explosive fire-dust 'shots' to the mix. Immediately the heavy door buckled against the force, sending it inwards of the base.
"Let's go." Yang said, her temper still flaring up.
After escaping the Grimm, Blake's signal had been lost for a while. Until the three of them had come upon the base. Then the signal returned. It hadn't taken Yang long to reach a conclusion, and her rage reflected her opinion of it.
Slowly the lights in the base started turning on with heavy thuds. Weaponry, dust and maps were all around. Weiss walked over to one of the larger planning tables. Examining it, she founds maps from all the kingdoms. Vale, Mistral, Atlas, Vacuo. Even Menagerie had a map that had many markers on it.
"Something's not right." Weiss said as she rolled up a few off the maps and stuffed them into a satchel on her hip. "This place isn't supposed to be empty. Even if they were expecting us, it makes no sense for them to leave all of this just in the open.".
"I don't care." Yang said, the heat rolling off her in waves as she continued onwards.
"Yang, think. This is a trap." Weiss said calmly, unsheathing Myrtenaster.
Neo nodded as she stood alongside Weiss, pointing towards a camera that was clearly being monitored.
Yang peered angrily at it before sending a blast towards it, obliterating the camera. "Now they know we're here. Now what?"
"Well, we have no idea how strong Raven really is, or why she made a trap like this. It makes no sense. We should've been outnumbered greatly. Yet it looks like this place has been empty for almost a week." Weiss rationalized, "My guess. This is all part of the plan. She knew we were coming before we even did and wanted us to know everything.".
Neo and Yang both looked at her with a questioning gaze.
"Raven wants us to find her. To confront her. Taking Blake has led us here as well." Weiss continued. "This is a trap. But it's leading us somewhere.".
"Then let's go. I've still got enough to say to my mother and I'm done chasing her. Nevermind that she has taken Blake." Yang said, her temper still not cooled down. Neo looked with concern but followed after her anyway, with Weiss close behind.
Ruby and Jaune had explained to Phare why they had to go back to Vale for a few days. She had reluctantly agreed, however Ruby had promised her she would work on her 'block'. What that was, Jaune didn't know, but felt it was something private between the two in their trainings sessions.
They had taken a nightly airship, to make sure they wouldn't stay away too long, and be back as soon as they could so Ruby could continue training. They could sleep on the ship anyway.
Only problem was, Jaune couldn't.
Ruby was curled up in her cloak, her head resting on Jaune's shoulder. Jaune stared at the weapon in his hands. Crocea Mors. 'Yellow Death', Jaune thought. He always found the name to be so crude. A weapon literally named after death and the color his family was known for. Such was a family heirloom, Jaune thought to himself.
Slowly, Vale came into view. They flew past the broken top of the Beacon tower, the ruins casting a beautiful shadow in the light of the dawning sun. Although the flight hadn't taken long, it was still odd to go from the night of Mistral to the day of Vale.
Growing closer, Jaune felt himself grow more anxious. He knew he wanted to do this, but there was still a certain part that was doubting whether his parents would be proud of him. Whether his sisters would be proud of him. After all, he was the sole male heir of his name. Not that there was a rich heritage to his name, but there was still a certain pride connected to the name 'Arc' from the past wars.
Gently, Jaune shook Ruby. "We're at Vale, Ruby. Wake up.".
With a soft murmur, Ruby opened her eyes. Still sleepy, she gave Jaune a goofy grin. "Good morning."
Jaune chuckled as he stood, hooking Crocea Mors to his belt. "Good morning to you too. Slept well?".
Ruby stretched, groaning loudly as she stretched her arms behind her. "Yes, very. You?".
"Not at all." Jaune said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
Ruby gave him a disapproving look. "You should've woken me up earlier then. We could've talked or something.".
"It's fine Ruby. I'm just glad you're here with me." Jaune said, holding out his hand for her to take to stand up.
Sighing, Ruby took his hand and stood. "Remember what I said, though. Rely on me the same way I rely on you. We're doing this together." she said, giving the blonde a small smile, which was answered by a roll of the eyes and a gentle kiss.
"Yes. I'll remember." Jaune said with a hint of amusement in his voice, sliding his fingers between Ruby's.
A soft thud and stumble signalled that they had landed, and it wasn't soon after that the doors opened with a hissing sound. Daylight blinded them for only a brief moment as the dawning sun greeted them.
"Well. Let's go find my parents." Jaune said as he left the airship.
Weiss had obsessively been gathering the information scattered around the base. There was still the chance in her mind that Raven would escape them and they would need all the intel they could get from this place. However, every time she stopped to grab some more she could feel the heat rolling off of her teammate increase in intensity. Weiss of course knew this wasn't because of her, but it still didn't make her feel any more at ease.
"Can we please get a move on, Weiss?" Yang spat, causing Neo to stick a finger up in the air as if to make a point. "Yes, Neo, I know, tactical importance, but that doesn't mean Blake's any less captured. So, let's, go."
They had been walking through the base for the last hour. It was exceptionally large despite its hidden nature. Weiss pulled out her scroll and checked the GPS again. "Blake's signal is up ahead. Only a little further and we should be seeing where it's coming from." Weiss said, keeping her scroll open as they walked as the base opened up to a larger area.
"Stop." Weiss suddenly called out, causing both Yang and Neo to turn towards her. Weiss kneeled down and picked up the broken Scroll.
Neo's heart skipped a beat as she heard the heavy metallic clunk. The irises of her eyes turned white as snow from the fear as she ran towards Yang and Weiss to take them to the ground, narrowly avoiding the flaming blade flying towards them. It didn't take long for Yang to stand from the tackle, taking a stance and scanning her surroundings. Her anger hadn't faded in the least and it was then that she locked with the red eyes.
"Ah. Hello my daughter." her voice called out, not a hint of any emotion in the words.
Fury overtook Yang as she lunged towards the shining red eyes only to strike at a phantom. Yang could only react in time to cross her arms as the counter-attack from a wind slash hit her back to middle of the area, her feet digging into the concrete to weather the blow.
"Hmm. Curious. I thought you had only one arm left, since Adam had .. relieved you of one." Raven mocked, the taunt reverberating through the area only further fueling Yang's rage.
Neo helped Weiss up, handing her Myrtenaster. Weiss gratefully took it and readied herself, as did Neo. "Yang. She's taunting you. Don't fall for it. She wants you to give in to your anger." Weiss said, as calm as she possibly could hoping it would reach Yang.
"Ah, Roman's old lackey and the Schnee heiress, fighting by your side. I wonder why you're allying with your enemy. You must still remember that I saved you from her trying to kill you." Raven said, stepping out of the shadows.
Immediately Yang reacted, shooting her gauntlets behind her, propelling her towards Raven with a cry of anger. A flash of light and Yang's metallic fist had connected with the flat side of Raven's blade. An explosion at the point of impact blew Yang back again, but Weiss was quick to react and create an icy slide that would safely slow down Yang's momentum of the explosion.
Raven scoffed, sliding the broken fire dust blade back into the revolving chamber, spinning it and pulling out another blade. "Come on. Is this all you have? Such a measly punch. I'm almost ashamed to call you my blood." Raven mocked, the words laced with malice. "Barely fit to even save her friend."
"ENOUGH!" Yang yelled, a small nova of her heat expelling out from her, staggering Neo and Weiss but leaving Raven mostly unfazed. "I've had enough of you. I am ashamed of you. About the fact that you as a mother left me to fend for myself. But then Summer came, and treated me like her own daughter. Showed me kindness, compassion. Love. All my life I have been directing all my anger towards you and let it fuel me, let it consume me as I tried to improve. Not only for my sake, but also for Ruby's. So I could protect her."
Slowly, the heat in the area faded away. But the fire around Yang's hair and in her eyes only burned fiercer and fiercer.
"Then your 'apprentice'. Your 'protégé' took my arm as I tried to defend part of what I loved in this world. That which mattered to me. And I lost everything all over again. Because of you!" Yang yelled, tears slowly streaming from her eyes.
"But I'm done with that. I am done with the past. I am going to beat you. And you are coming with us, whether you want it or not." Yang said, staring into the red eyes with her own, filled with determination.
Under the Nevermore mask, Raven smiled broadly and earnestly.
"Good. Then show me everything you've got."
Jaune's finger hovered over the doorbell. He felt a reassuring squeeze in his hand from Ruby, but it did nothing to calm his nerves. He swallowed and pushed it. Silently, he hoped nobody would be home. But again, he swallowed in and pushed down the fear of it all.
A stumbling sound could be heard from inside before the door slowly opened. "Jaune..?" the violet-haired girl hesitantly asked, her voice nearly a whisper.
Jaune awkwardly rubbed his neck and looked away. "Hey sis.."
The door was flung further open and the girl jumped towards him, embracing him tightly and burying her face in his shoulder. Jaune eyed Ruby nervously who only gave him a compassionate smile and let go of his hand so he could return the hug, which he did gently.
"We all thought you had died so long ago.. But then the legends were spread and I think we all just knew that it was you. It could've been only you." the girl sobbed into his shoulder.
"Yeah.. Sorry. I should've come by earlier. But I won't be staying, Violet. Sorry." Jaune said, letting go of the embrace.
"At least come inside. I'm sure Mom, Dad and the others are going to be just as glad to see you." Violet said, wiping away the tears with the back of her hand before noticing Ruby.
"Oh, sorry. I'm so rude.. My name's Violet, I'm Jaune's second youngest sister." Violet said and held out her hand.
"Ruby Rose. Jaune's.. uhh.. partner." Ruby said, smiling a little awkwardly as she shook Violet's hand.
"Pleasure to meet you. Come on, let's go." Violet said, motioning for them to follow her.
Down the hallway a male voice could be heard. "Who was at the door?"
Violet motioned for Jaune and Ruby to keep quiet. To Jaune, everything felt like how it was since he left. For Ruby, the house was very impressive due to how large it was inside. It surprised her. But then again, Jaune had told her he had seven sisters. It would make sense for them to have a large house, although most would've left by now since Jaune was the third-youngest of the family.
"Oh, an old acquaintance. I'm sure you'll recognize them." Violet said before turning the corner towards the very large living room. The greying man sitting in the chair stood up as Jaune turned the corner into view, not even speaking any words as he embraced his son tightly, Jaune returning the embrace tightly.
"My boy.. Finally you came back." his father said, before breaking the hug after a little while.
"Yes, dad. Although I've only come here for one reason." Jaune said and unhooked Crocea Mors from his belt.
"I've come to return what I took all those years ago."