Hello, readers. WaterDragonMaverick here with the newest chapter of my RWBY OC fic, "Sideline: Another Story". Now the last time we left off, Fragment Hunter had finally made it to the village of Mirabelle, Azalea's hometown. When there, the entire village celebrated the group's safety with a party and we even met some new characters, like Slate's parents. After the party, Azalea and her parents decide to bring the group to their home, Plum Blossom Farms. And we'll continue our story there.
Home sweet home.
RWBY is owned by Rooster Teeth and was created by Monty Oum (R.I.P)
The only things I own are my own original characters.
Azalea happily led the way to her family's home as Fragment Hunter followed. "Come on! We're almost there," she called out to everyone with her parents and uncle joining her.
"I don't think I've ever seen her this excited before," Cereza remarked as Team FCSA was behind the Cow Faunus with Slate's family joining them.
"Well, you have to remember that she was pretty homesick the first few weeks of school," Rebecca stated as Team SAFR followed.
As Team SLVR was at the back of the group with Percival, Bianca, and Lazuli. While they walked, Vixen was happily reading a book she checked out of the Mirabelle Public Library. "What are you reading," Percival asked curiously.
Vixen didn't take her eyes off the pages as she answered. "It's called 'Hanahaki: The Bouquet of Emotions'. It's a collection of love stories where the main characters all have this disease that makes them cough up flower petals when experiencing strong emotions toward the ones they love until their feelings are reciprocated," the Fox Faunus explained. "It's a dangerous condition as the more intense emotions, the larger the flowers. They would end up vomiting full flowers and even blood. But the real danger is if the blooming flowers end up causing them to choke," she said, catching everyone's attention. "Each story is so emotional and beautiful. Tragic unrequited love that turns to a happy ending. It's a wonderful book so far."
Everyone looked at each other as they didn't expect Vixen to read that sort of book. Ivy only chuckled in amusement as she faced the girl. "I've actually read that particular book quite a few times," the mother told everyone. "I have my own copy back home. I used to read it and a number of fairy tales to Azalea as a child."
"Yeah. Those stories are a rollercoaster of feelings," Azalea added as she stopped and smiled at the familiar sight in front of her while the dogs all ran further ahead and barked happily, even Xena.
Everyone soon saw the gate with a sign in front of them that read 'Plum Blossom Farms' and had an emblem of a cow's head on a shield of vines underneath the name. Stepping through the gate, Azalea and her family beamed as they returned home to see the Holstein Family's pride and joy. "We're home," Ivy stated as Terracotta put an arm around her and a hand on Azalea's shoulder.
Fragment Hunter and their traveling companions looked at the farm to see a large snow-covered orchard with numerous trees, a stable and fenced area for horses, a water tower in the distance on the property, gardens covered up for the winter chill, a large red barn, and a pair of big farmhouses in view. "It's beautiful," Celadon voiced as everyone looked at the area.
"You should see it in spring," Azalea said before heading down to the larger farmhouse. "We can't stay out here. We have things to deal with."
Knowing that Azalea was right, the group went down to the house that the Cow Faunus was heading toward. "What's with the second house," Rua asked.
"Well, you can't expect all the farmhands to sleep in my home," Ivy playfully remarked. "There wouldn't be any room."
"But it looks pretty big to me," Sunset stated as she saw the large house.
"There have been several renovations over the years," Ivy explained.
"At least there's enough room for all of us," Rebecca stated.
Azalea and her parents were soon on the front porch of their house and Azalea reached into her pocket for a house key that she kept with her since first attending Beacon. Unlocking the door, she entered the house and smiled at the sight of the cozy interior. "I've missed this place so much," she said as everyone started entering.
Looking around, everyone could see feel that the area gave off a welcoming atmosphere and felt the warmth of a fire that was going. "Who's there? Close the door. You're letting the cold in," exclaimed an elderly voice that Slate and Pinkie recognized. Stepping into view was a gray-haired woman that looked like she was in her 60's or 70's. The old woman stood at 5 feet tall with brown eyes and skin that looked like she spent decades in the desert. She wore a long-sleeved dress that looked like it was as old as the story of The Grimm Reaper, a pair of slippers, a bead necklace, and a pair of earrings that resembled swords. "Kids! You're here," the woman said as she looked at Slate and Pinkie.
"Grandma," the Quartz siblings exclaimed as they gave the elderly woman a hug.
"Carmelita, did I hear you right or am I finally going deaf in my age," a second elderly voice asked as an old man that measured at 5'6" stepped into view. He had wrinkled and tanned skin that showed he spent his life in the desert, especially with the small scars on his face and arms. He wore a light gray tunic, a hooded black cloak, tan cargo pants, and a pair of black boots with brass buckles. His viridian eyes showed that he carried himself as a leader, even in his current age that matched the old woman. Looking over the group that arrived, the old man smiled. "How are my grandkids doing," he asked excitedly as he held out his arms.
"Grandpa," Pinkie exclaimed as she jumped into the man's arms while Slate walked over to him.
"Hey, Gramps," Slate greeted before hugging the man.
Seeing her boyfriend with his grandparents, Azalea couldn't help but smile before speaking up. "Hi, I'm Azalea," she said as she caught the attention of the elders. "Welcome to Plum Blossom Farms."
At her introduction, the old man chuckled before he spoke to the girl. "Hello there. I'm Vasco Quartz and this is my wife, Carmelita," he greeted back. "It's nice to see the family of the woman who was so generous as to give us all a new home after we finally left Vacuo. I may be a survivor that led my people for nearly 50 years, but I'm not what I used to be," he said. "At least I know my successor is a capable man that will continue our old tribe's survival."
"Always going on about our time in Vacuo, my love," Carmelita remarked with a playful smile. "But enough of the past. Our family is together again after that tragedy at Vale," she said as she gave her grandchildren another tight hug. "I don't care what that woman said! Pyrrha Nikos is not a murderer and that other girl was just an innocent child. Not to mention how she was speaking only made the Grimm act up more. She's the true villain, not Professor Ozpin."
As Carmelita went on, the members of Fragment Hunter only looked at each other as they remembered the deaths and injuries from that night. Grayson Quartz was quick to pick up on it and spoke up. "Okay, Mom. I'm sure that the kids know about all of that already. Maybe we should all get some rest after the traveling Slate and the others have been doing," he said.
"I'll show you the rooms you'll be in," Ivy said as she spoke to the teenagers. Walking upstairs with everyone following, the Holstein matriarch showed some rooms that weren't being used. "Aside from Azalea, you'll all be sharing rooms," Ivy stated. "That won't be a problem, will it?"
The teenagers didn't argue as they were used to sharing rooms at Beacon before they had to leave. "I'll need the extra help anyway," Lapis remarked as she walked forward, bumping into a wall and nearly causing a painting to fall off.
"Careful," Azalea exclaimed before making sure the painting was back on the wall correctly. "This is one of my aunt's works. She gave it to my dad when he first moved in," she said as everyone but Lapis looked at a portrait of Terracotta Gaia posing heroically with his red coat blowing in the wind and his sword over his shoulder. Looking at the painting, Ivy and Terracotta couldn't help but remember that very day. When Team NOCT first arrived at Plum Blossom Farms on a training mission.
Many years ago...
Team NOCT made their way through the village of Mirabelle as they accepted the mission to protect the area from some Grimm that have been lurking close to Plum Blossom Farms. As the four approached the farm, Noir Steele spoke to everyone. "After the incident with the Velgeroc, I'm sure we could all use this," he said as he faced the three, showing that he had an eyepatch over his previous injury.
"Glad to know you're back to normal," Aurora Celste remarked. "Now, we're supposed to meet somebody that will take us to the last known location of the Grimm, right?"
"That's what they said," Terracotta stated. "We're supposed to meet them at the farm gates." Walking along the path, they soon arrived at their destination and saw somebody waiting at the gate. "It's nice to meet y-" Terracotta tried to introduce himself, but he soon saw the girl fully and was speechless when he saw her skimpy working uniform of a low-cut tank top, jean shorts, boots, and a cowboy hat.
Looking at who was talking to her as she took off her hat, the girl turned and was surprised at the muscular Bull Faunus that stood in front of her. The Cow Faunus was barely able to think straight until Noir walked up to them. "Hello, we're the Huntsmen team that is supposed to help with the Grimm problem you've been having," the team leader explained.
"Oh, um, yes," the girl said as she and Terracotta composed themselves. "I'm Ivy Dahlia Holstein. My sister and I were asked to show you around," she said as she looked at the warriors. Her gaze lingered on Terracotta for a little longer than she wanted and both blushed as they looked away. Adjusting their outfits, both bovine Faunus coughed awkwardly before Ivy started off. "Well, shall we go?"
"Y-yeah," Terracotta agreed. "Let's help the beautiful girl and her family out," he added, blushing along with Ivy as they heard what he said. As they did this, Aurora chuckled as she saw her friend being so flustered while Orchid openly stared at Ivy's choice of attire.
Making their way through the verdant farmland and into the orchard, Team NOCT soon got the full story of some younger Grimm being reckless and attacking the farm during the peak of the work day. Soon, they encountered a younger girl that looked similar to Ivy. Aside from a slightly smaller chest, the main obvious difference between the two was that the other girl had apple red hair. "Hey, Ivy. These the Huntsmen," the girl questioned.
"This is my sister, Malus Holstein," Ivy said as she gestured to her sister, who was wearing a more modest version of Ivy's current outfit. "Malus, this is Team NOCT from Beacon."
"You'd expect some folks from Mistral to take the job instead," Malus remarked.
"Vale's closer to this place, so the mission was available to us from there," Terracotta stated. "But don't worry, ladies. We'll make sure that you're kept safe," he told the girls, looking at Ivy a bit longer than Malus.
The redhead noticed this and her sister's blush before chuckling. "Well, looks like my sis has found herself a man of her own. Maybe now she'll stop stealing my dates."
"I can't help it if they find me just as pretty as you," Ivy playfully retorted.
"It ain't a matter of a pretty face. It's more about how much skin you show around them," Malus countered, glaring at her sister. Or more precisely, at her top. "Those things are weapons of mass distraction!"
"They really are," Terracotta remarked as he looked at Ivy before he realized what he said. "Did I say that out?"
"Yes," the rest of Team NOCT stated with teasing smiles on their faces. Orchid and Aurora started to laugh while Terracotta hid his face in embarrassment. When he did, Noir quietly chuckled to himself while Malus watched her sister blush.
After the laughing fit from the girls of Team NOCT ended and everyone calmed down, Malus guided the Huntsmen to the last known Grimm sighting. "We saw them around here recently," Malus stated as she showed a part of an orchard that had scratches on several trees and broken farm equipment scattered everywhere.
Looking at the trees, Terracotta surveyed the damage and recognized the claw marks. "Beowolves. Shouldn't be too much of a hassle, but we should be on our guard with the girls around," the Bull Faunus stated, concerned about the Holstein sisters getting hurt.
"As much as I'm flattered by you wanting to keep us safe, we can defend ourselves," Ivy told Terracotta, snapping out of her flustered state to speak to him normally. "We only asked for your help because it was a larger group than we usually handle."
"Yeah, we can take care of our home," Malus stated as she picked up a pitchfork and held it in her hands.
Not going to argue with the girls, Noir simply readied his sword because he knew the Grimm were close. Hearing growling, the other members of Team NOCT got their weapons ready as well. Taking a nearby pitchfork, Ivy readied herself against any Grimm that came close. Soon, a large pack of Beowolves arrived from the nearby forest and Team NOCT counted at least 20 or 30 Grimm in the pack, including a very big Alpha Beowolf that was easily identifiable as the leader. "Get ready," Noir told everyone as he held onto his sword for a quickdraw when needed.
With a howl to the sky, the Alpha Beowolf signaled for the other Grimm to attack. Charging at the six teenagers, the Beolwolves growled before they were cut down or shot by Team NOCT. Using her Semblance to enhance her speed and attacks, Aurora was easily cutting down the demonic wolves with beams of sunlight or swings of her sword. As her light attacks surged through the area, the shadows around grew larger and Noir used his own Semblance to enter them to avoid attacks before cutting down his own number of Grimm. With fast and precise slashes, Noir easily killed off half-a-dozen Beowolves that evaporated as soon as he sheathed his blade.
"Nice one, Noir," Orchid exclaimed before jumping away from a claw. Hooking her lizard tail around the Grimm's arm, she swung the monster into another pair of them before shooting at them with her pistols. While the Grimm whimpered in pain from her shots, they didn't die immediately. "Let's bring out the big one," she said in a flirtatious tone before combining her guns together into a rifle form. Taking aim, she fired and managed to kill off several Grimm as she kept moving around the place. Getting into the nearby trees, Orchid was able to pick off several Grimm that would have gotten her team from their blind spots. "Oh yeah," Orchid said to herself as she licked her lips and took aim at more Grimm that were getting closer to Ivy and Malus.
The Cow Faunus themselves were handling themselves pretty well despite a lack of formal training like Team NOCT. Using their pitchforks, they impaled several weaker Beowolves and were able to kill them off. But as they dealt with the last of the younger Grimm, the Alpha howled and charged at the girls. Before either Holstein sister could react, Terracotta was already grabbing the Grimm by the throat and choking it in his grip. The Beowolf tried to claw at his arms and managed to leave a few scratches before Terracotta slammed the monster into the ground. Swinging his sword, the Bull Faunus cut the Grimm in half before the Earth Dust in the weapon made several rock spires pierce the remaining Grimm. With the last of the Beowolves killed, he turned around and placed his sword on his shoulder. "You girls okay," he asked as the wind picked up and blew his coat around, making him look even more heroic to the farm girls.
Ivy and Malus both blushed at the larger Faunus before they smiled. "He's all yours, sis," Malus stated quietly, making the older girl blush. "I still think I want to save this moment for another time," she added as she took a picture.
As Team NOCT regrouped and checked their equipment, Ivy's attention was focused on Terracotta again. While she did have her sight linger on his chest and abs for a while, she soon focused on his arms and saw they were bleeding. "Oh no, you're hurt. Let's get you patched up," Ivy said as she took Terracotta by the hand and brought him to the farmhouse. Not arguing with the girl, Terracotta only followed and the others all smiled before joining them inside after handling the Grimm.
Sighing at the fondness of the memory, Ivy and Terracotta soon continued to show their guests around the house. After giving them their rooms, Fragment Hunter soon started to relax and Gin Aurum was able to use his Semblance to give everyone their belongings. While Team SLVR and Team SAFR unpacked, Team FCSA was still exploring. "And here's Azalea's room," Ivy said as a door with a large butterfly on the front was opened.
Team FCSA looked around and Layla was the first to speak after a few seconds of silence. "This is exactly what I pictured Azalea's room to look like," she remarked. The walls of the room were painted a soothing shade of green while the ceiling was sky blue and the windows had lavender curtains. The bed had pink sheets and a large quilt, but also had a menagerie of stuffed animals placed near the pillows. Among the various plush toys included numerous colored ponies, a round owl with a leaf bow tie, a snow-white fox with deer antlers, a round plush cow, a soft and squishable hamster, and a colorful smiling bat with wings patterned like stained glass.
Azalea walked over to pick up the bat and smiled as she set it back down. Moving over to a desk in one corner of the room, Azalea placed the music box she got from Valencia down on it before opening the box to listen to the song again. "It's so good to be home again after everything," Azalea said before approaching a bookshelf and pulling out a copy of 'Fairy Tales of Remnant'. She opened the book and glanced over some of her favorite stories before placing the book on her dresser to read later.
Seeing her daughter checking over her room just as Drei arrived and leaned against the girl, Ivy soon had a thought and left to retrieve something. Returning after a few minutes, the mother Cow Faunus held a large and old-looking book in her hands. "Azalea, I think after everything you went through during your first year at Beacon, it's finally time you had this," Ivy said as she held out the book.
Azalea was surprised at the item as she took it before Cereza was the first to speak up. "Is there something special about this old book? It seems like it's seen better days," the leader of Team FCSA remarked.
Ivy only chuckled as the rest of Fragment Hunter found Azalea's room. When everyone was present, she explained. "This journal was in my family for generations. It has been passed down from parent to child to share their lives and add to the Holstein family history," Ivy stated as Azalea opened the book to the most recent pages. Everyone looking at the book saw the contents of the pages were Ivy's feelings about when she was engaged to Terracotta, when Ivy was pregnant with Azalea, and when Azalea was a baby. "It was a tradition started by Diana Demeter Holstein when she lost her mother as a child. She hoped to write down her life experiences and stories of people she encountered in case anything happened to her when her own children were young," Ivy continued. "There are many stories from past Holstein women that you may find interesting and inspiring. And I'm sure that you'd want to share everything that happened since your training began, Sugarcube," she told Azalea.
Looking at the book in her hands, Azalea went back to her desk and started to write down her own experiences. As everyone saw her working at filling the pages of what would be her section of the Holstein Family Journal, they let her alone to share her own story before they read any of the book for themselves. "She doesn't have anything to hide that we don't know about anyway," Sunset remarked as she left the room. Making her way downstairs, she soon saw Slate's grandmother working in the kitchen with Ivy. "What's cooking," the flame-haired girl asked.
"I thought after everything, we deserved a healthy meal before bed," Ivy stated. "So, I'm making tacos and burritos for everyone."
"It'll be so nice to not have to scavenge for food at my age," Carmelita voiced as she cut up some onions and started to cook them up.
Smelling the food, Slate and Pinkie wandered into the kitchen to find out what was for dinner. "Mmm~ That smells delicious," Slate said as he was about to steal some peppers for himself. Suddenly, he felt something hit his hand sharply. "OW!"
"Meep," Pinkie squeaked as she saw their grandmother giving them a stern look as she held her slipper in one hand.
"You will wait for dinner to be finished, Slate," Carmelita warned as she menacingly held her slipper up like it was a weapon.
"Not the slipper," Slate yelled in fear before dragging Pinkie with him, zooming past Ivy and their father.
"Was that really necessary, Mom," Grayson questioned while trying to steal a bell pepper for himself, getting smacked with the slipper and receiving the same stern look of discipline. "Not the slipper! Please, Mom," Grayson exclaimed before running after his children.
Ivy chuckled as she watched the whole thing. "I guess some things are needed no matter where you live," the Holstein matriarch said.
After a hearty meal, everyone was resting up and enjoying the heat from the fireplace or were up in their rooms. Sitting in the living room, Azalea was reading through the Holstein Family Journal that was given to her. Since she finished writing up her stories in the book, she decided to read some of her ancestors' own tales. As she was reading through her great-great-grandmother's childhood, she soon heard a soft mewling by her feet and saw a kitten that wandered into the house for warmth. "Aww. Hey there, you little cutie. Come here," she said as she gently picked up the kitten and let it get comfortable as she lied back on the couch. The kitten soon decided to nap on Azalea's chest and began purring after a few minutes of listening to the girl's heartbeat.
"That cat's so lucky," Pinkie and Vinyl both muttered without anybody else hearing.
"Azalea, what did you do before you wanted to become a Huntress," Carmelita asked.
Looking at the old woman, Azalea thought back to her days between her Huntress training at Sanctuary Academy. "Well, I mainly worked on the farm. Dad always had the idea of turning chores into training. Increasing the weight on hay bales that I took to the horses or the baskets of fruit I had to collect," Azalea said. "However, I did go swimming at my cousin's place before and even to the beach with her. Mom had me take some lifeguard training to make sure I could help if somebody was in trouble."
"That would definitely come in handy," Vasco commented. "Then again, not that many places to go swimming in Vacuo," the old man dryly remarked.
"Knowing CPR can be useful for more than just helping somebody that has trouble breathing," Azalea stated. "It can be used in combat by striking at an opponent's heart to deal heavy damage." The fighters in the room all thought about it and silently agreed that using Aura in combination with that kind of attack would devastate nearly any foe. "I've also helped cook for dinner a bit," Azalea said as she moved on. "I'd love to try some of the recipes a few of my ancestors left in the journal."
Looking at the book Azalea had on her lap, Sunset grabbed it and began reading the first page she came across. "It had been a month since he first arrived injured on our doorstep. Back then, I insisted he stayed until his wounds healed and he was fit to go on. His spirit was indomitable and he was always saying he had a job to do. I never knew why he kept trying to leave, but he was definitely a big help when the blight hit the farm and our fears about the harvest attracted Grimm. After helping fend off the abominations, he decided to at least stay until we were able to get by. Luckily, we managed to recover and had enough for the market. He says that he'll leave tonight, but I hope some sweets will change his mind. This man with silver eyes doesn't deserve to wander Remnant alone, but I don't want to leave the farm either. I just want to make sure both of us can help who we can."
Everyone listening was amazed by the entry Sunset read. "Who wrote that," asked Slate.
"The section says it was written by a 'Hathor Holstein'. Another page says she decided to become a nurse for the Great War, helping anybody that was injured near the village," Sunset answered as she flipped through the book.
Ivy smiled as she overheard the name of the woman who wrote that entry. "She was a great woman. She even had a clinic named after her for all her service. It's actually where Lapis is going to get her vision restored later," Ivy stated.
"Doctor Whitethorn, right," Silver asked.
Ivy nodded as Silver was correct with the doctor's name. "We'll handle everything soon enough. It's getting dark now anyway," Ivy said.
At the mention of the time, Azalea remembered something and got up. After gently placing the kitten down on the couch she was lying on, she went to get something from her room. Returning downstairs with Penny's swords, everyone realized what she was going to do. "I'll be back soon," she said before stepping outside.
Watching the girl head into the night, everyone in the living room was quiet until Carmelita spoke up. "Slate, go help her. I'm sure she needs the support," the old woman said to her grandson.
Agreeing with her, Slate went out with Sunset following. Eventually, all of Fragment Hunter along with Terracotta, Ventus, and Ivy joined on the walk through the farmland. Reaching a hill with a large tree, they found Azalea standing in front of a grave with a field of special marigolds that were still in bloom despite the winter cold. Placing all of Penny's swords in the ground, Azalea was soon standing in silence as insects began floating around her. Looking at them, she recognized them as Stardust Butterflies and Diamond Dust Fireflies, which were known to withstand low temperatures and have bioluminescence.
"I bet you would have liked it here, Penny," Azalea said as she looked at the swords and held her arm that Penny's ribbon was wrapped around. "My family wouldn't have minded letting you stay with us if visiting. We would have treated you like you deserved. You may have been a robot, but you were still just a girl like me." As Azalea spoke, everyone could tell she was holding herself together despite the sorrow. "I know that you could come back someday because of how you were, but it still hurts to know that you went away like that. It was so painful to see what happened," she said as tears welled in her eyes. "I... I just wish you, Pyrrha, and everyone else could have stayed with us. But we can't just wish everyone back, even if we wanted to. I've been through so much on my own, but I met so many people that I love and appreciate. You were one of them, Penny." Sunset could feel her own tears building just as Azalea started to cry, teardrops falling down onto the snowy ground below. "I may be putting this grave up for you, but I feel like it should be for everyone who was lost in the Fall of Beacon. Please, be safe. Wherever you are. I'll do what a Huntress is supposed to do. Keep moving forward and help whoever she can because that's her duty. I'll miss you," Azalea said before she fell to her knees. Holding onto the ribbon, Azalea let her tears fall while the insects surrounded her, as if they were trying to give comfort to the girl before Slate approached her.
Seeing her boyfriend kneeling next to her, she felt his hat be placed on her head before she clutched his shirt and cried into his chest, letting out all of her tears and sorrow. "It's okay," Slate said as he put his arms around Azalea. "We're here for you."
Azalea sniffled as she saw her friends and family nearby, knowing they heard her speaking to the grave she made. "I... I haven't b-b-been this sad since my grandmother died," Azalea said, looking at the gravestone near the tree, which listed numerous names from the Holstein Clan. "I needed this," she voiced.
"Let's go back inside," Sunset said. "It's cold out here and we don't want the Grimm to get us."
Nodding as she listened to her friend, Azalea soon walked back home holding Slate's hand. As they headed off, she looked back to see the glowing insects gather around Penny's swords. Soon, Azalea used her Semblance to create a wisp of light that floated toward the grave, shaping it into a butterfly before it faded away. After it did, she thought she saw the fireflies congregate into the same shape as Penny, who then waved at her. Azalea thought it was just a trick from her emotional state, but still waved back to the image of Penny. As she turned around, the fireflies soon flew away from the swords, making it seem like the image of Penny was flying and had longer hair.
And with this chapter, we return to Azalea's home, Plum Blossom Farms. It's been quite a while since I've worked on this story because of work, another fanfic that I've been focusing on, and some bad news that happened around the end of October. My grandmother passed away a few days before Halloween. I'm okay with it, but still sad she's gone. At least she went peacefully in her sleep after a long life of 85 years. I'm glad that she was in my life for so long and that I was able to introduce Slate's own grandparents in this chapter.
Moving on, I hope you enjoyed the moments I made for this chapter with the conversations, description of the farm, the flashback with Team NOCT, the Holstein Family Journal (which will show up more later on) and the ending scene with Azalea making good on her promise with Penny's swords and the memorial. I wanted to add onto Remnant wildlife with the insects and reference RWBY Chibi through the fireflies. I thought that the final moment was beautiful and helped with foreshadowing the later events in canon. I'm hoping that eventually, I can get my characters to Mantle and Atlas just to meet Pietro and the rebuilt Penny, especially since I can give a reason for the robot girl's longer hair and flight capabilities thanks to this fic that could work with canon.
Anyways, next chapter will focus on not just Doctor Whitethorn, but also how Lapis' vision will be restored and who gave Lazuli the Dust Driver. After all, I stated the scientist who gave it is around Mirabelle now. We'll meet them soon enough. You'll soon know what they're like and how they'll help out. Plus, it's a new Kingdom that the heroes are entering, so they'll need to get some upgrades to equipment and outfits. What they'll all look like is something you'll have to wait and see. I'll still let you guess, though. I have plans for most of them, but I haven't full decided on a few.
I hope you all enjoyed reading this new update after all this time. I'll keep trying to work on more when I can. BTW, if you can guess some of the shout-outs of Azalea's plushy collection, you'll get a cookie! XD Until next time, WaterDragonMaverick signing out.
