Epilogue: Armed and Ready
The morning was bright and beautiful.
So nice that Tai decided to wait outside on his front yard for Madame Xahn to arrive for a therapy session with Yang, who was still in the house. Ruby was gone for the morning, but not to school. Because of the attack on the USJ, a full investigation into the assault as well as the break into the school has been going on. As such, the students were given a day off so the investigators would have work room and so the students of 1-A could wind down from the shock of the incident.
Tai took in a deep breath, enjoying the clean air good for his body and mind. Notably now. He was worried – scared – for Ruby. When he got the news from Qrow, Tai thought he was going to faint during that phone call, just like when he was called about Yang's accident. In nearly three months, Tai nearly lost daughters.
It reminded him of what happened eleven years ago…
As a pro hero, he was proud that his daughters wanted to become heroes. But as a father, he was terrified. Terrified for his daughters. The very thought of them facing such danger again and again and again. However, as much as he would rather keep his girls close, safe and sound, he can't stop the girls from wanting to be heroes. As he sees the nun-like woman walking close to his house, he vowed to continue to support his daughters.
"Good morning, Madame Xahn," Tai greeted.
"Indeed, it is, Flame High," the woman replied politely. "Is Ms. Xiao Long up?"
"Yes, she is," Tai answered. "Why don't we head inside and have tea before your session?"
"That would be wonderful."
They moved to get inside only for the door to open, revealing Yang.
Now wearing her new arm.
Seeing the two adults stare at her, Yang gives them a strained smile and waves at them with her prosthetic. She glances at it and looks at them pair with a softer expression. Tai could see in her eyes. There still some conflict them, but the man could see sparks of Yang's inner fire slowly rekindling themselves.
It was a step in the right direction.
And that's it on this arc. The next arc will contain the Sport Festival and Hero Killer Arc, plus the OVAs – Save! Rescue Training and Training of the Dead! I plan to corporate the OVAs, the novels, and the Movies, especially since the movies are considered canon. Especiallysincewhathappenedonchapter330ohmygod! Squeeeeeeee!
I've estimated the number of chapters to be 24 (plus epilogue), give or take another depending on how it goes. I usually try to limit my number of pages at around 16-18 and I try to lengthen my first and last (not epilogue) chapters to the 20s.
Also, heads up. This isn't the end of Yang's trauma. It's gonna linger. I'll do my best with it. I'm mostly afraid of somebody coming after me because of how things like PTSD are portrayed in the media. I will say though that, as someone who fought off major depression last year, it's like one of those things that…comes and goes…and it hits hard when it does either. I think that people with PTSD have it more rough than depressed blokes like me, but that's me. Things like this differ with each person.
Plus, the five new students for Class 1-B will be formally introduced: Penny Polendina, Sun Wukong, Neptune Vasilias, May Marigold, and Fiona Thyme. Further information about them will be available on the Team TIBWR tumblr page once the arc is released, in like two months. I was planning one month, but, you know, holidays.
So…
"This is Our Hero Academia!"
"Stand tall and announce to the world that you are here!"
"I'm bored!"
"I'm queen of the castle~!"
"Don't you fucking dare, extras!"
"Fight well!"
"Go, Ruby! Go!"
"Gotta find a team…Gotta find a team!"
"I knew I chose correct when I gave you that vote."
"I will get into the hero course."
"Salutations, Midoriya! Please, don't go easy on me!"
"What is this about Young Polendina being my successor?"
"Are you…the daughter of Silver Line?"
"Will you shut up already!?"
"It's your power! Not his!"
"Do you think a snowflake has a chance in fire?"
"I am more than a name!"
"I hope to represent that goal as an underground hero!"
"Have you ever heard of a hero called La Cazadora?"
"Ida, don't!"
"Why do you…look like her?"
"I'm so happy that you two are alright!"
"What kind of hero do you wish to be, Weiss Schnee?"
"You're one interesting kid."
"All for One?"
"I'm so sorry, kids…I…may not be there when that happens…"
"Why is this happening?"
Over at the Team TIBWR Tumblr, there will be a colored font version of the dialogues. Annnnd, the cover art!
Stay tuned for Taking the Next Step Arc coming out on January 3rd!