A Different Way Down: A RWBY fanfiction, by NotScot
The End of the Beginning
A/N: This wound up being a lot longer than I thought it would be. Enjoy!
My dear friends,
First, let me assure you all that I am not hurt. Jaune, I cannot thank you enough for what you did. Your Semblance truly is amazing, I hope you know that.
Second, I want to apologise for leaving without a proper farewell. But please understand that we do not have much time, and myself and Mr Branwen will need to keep a low profile if we are to make it to our destination without issue. With that in mind, please dispose of this letter after you have all read it.
I'm not sure how much you already know. To be honest, I don't know much myself. But I will try to explain as best as I can. You may find a lot of this hard to believe, but please trust me when I say it is all true.
According to Professor Ozpin, magic is real. There exists four people, whom he called 'Maidens', who possess powers that don't come from Dust or a Semblance. They have existed for thousands of years, and when one dies, her power is passed on to the person who was in their last thoughts. However, one of the Maidens was attacked and had a part of her power stolen. Her name was Amber, and she was the Fall Maiden. The one who stole her power was Cinder Fall, and it seems she was also the one responsible for everything that happened that night. The Grimm, the White Fang, the Atlas drones going haywire, even the destruction of the CCT was all her fault.
Professor Ozpin had, the day prior, approached me and asked if I would be willing to undergo a process that would result in my inheriting what remained of Amber's power. I had hesitated at the time, but after the attack on Beacon began, I knew I had to go through with it.
Jaune can fill you all in on what happened next in more detail, but to be brief, I am now the holder of what remains of the Fall Maiden's magic. I do not know what became of Cinder, but I do know that she is still alive. I can feel it. She must have escaped after Professor Ozpin defeated her. Sadly, he did not survive his injuries, as I am sure you are aware by now. His last words to me were to ask me to give his cane to Mr Branwen, and for me to go to Haven to seek help from Professor Lionheart.
I wanted to wait for you, so we could all travel together, but Mr Branwen was adamant that we travel as a pair, so as not to attract too much attention. He and I have already gone on ahead.
This is not goodbye. Jaune, Ren, Nora, we will see each other again. I will not ask you to wait for me to return, nor will I ask you to follow after me. You all need to do what you think is best. I only ask that, if you do choose to travel to Haven to meet up with me, you wait a few days before setting off. Take some time to rest and recover. I do not want you to get hurt on my account.
Please tell Ruby that I am so sorry for what happened to her friend Penny. I never meant for that to happen. I will understand if she cannot forgive me for what I did.
All my love,
Pyrrha.
"I don't blame her!" Ruby said, after she finished reading the note Jaune had given her. "I told her it wasn't her fault!"
"I know," replied Jaune. "But I think she still blames herself."
I can understand how she feels, at least a little.
Jaune had woken up the morning after the battle to find himself in the hospital in Vale. Or at least, what remained of the hospital in Vale. The building had taken quite a bit of damage during the night, and only the main ward was in anything resembling a useable condition. Ren and Nora had been sat by his bed, having both dozed off while waiting for him to wake up, but were thankfully unhurt themselves.
Pyrrha had been nowhere to be seen, and a folded-up note had been left on the table by Jaune's bed.
Ren and Nora were not the only ones who had bombarded Jaune with questions after he woke up. Professor Goodwitch had wanted to know what had happened in the Vault, as had General Ironwood. They had likewise filled Jaune in on what had happened above ground.
Vale was in ruins. Almost a third of the city had been rendered uninhabitable due to the scale of the damage. A count was still being made of survivors, but it was already apparent that several hundred lives had been lost in the chaos. Not to mention what had happened to the school, and most alarmingly to the CCT.
All told, it was a disaster on a scale not seen since the fall of Mountain Glenn. In fact, it was a small miracle that more people had not died.
A few students had even lost their lives in the fighting.
After they had read the note, Jaune, Ren and Nora had decided to stay in Vale for a few days like Pyrrha had asked them to. Once Jaune had recovered enough to leave the hospital, they had begun making their preparations.
"So you're going to Haven?" Ruby asked after taking a sip of her drink.
Jaune nodded. "Ren and Nora are back in the town getting the last of the gear we'll need. We leave tomorrow."
Ruby set her drink down on the table. "I'm sorry Jaune, but I can't go with you. I need to be here right now, for Weiss."
Jaune managed a small smile. "I know. I just wanted to say bye properly before we left. Ren and Nora too. They'll be here soon."
Jaune took a sip of his own drink. He and Ruby were sat in the living room of her house on Patch. Her dad was outside, tending to the flowers in front of the house.
"How is Weiss?" Jaune winced internally after asking the question. After all, how well would someone be after that?
Ruby took a deep breath. "She's… not great." Jaune saw Ruby's hands grip her skirt tightly. "She's been having nightmares, and she doesn't really… talk to me much."
Jaune swallowed nervously. "Well, what did the doctor say? After her surgery, I mean?"
Ruby was silent for a long time, long enough for Jaune to wonder if Ruby wasn't going to tell him. But then…
"She'll never walk again."
Ruby had said those words very quietly, but Jaune heard them loud and clear.
Jaune hadn't seen Weiss while he was in the hospital. When he had asked about her, they had told him she was in a different facility, undergoing surgery for her injury.
He remembered feeling physically sick when it was described to him, and had begged them to let him see her. Maybe his Semblance could help, he had thought. But they refused to tell him, saying he should leave her treatment to the professionals.
Security had to be called to remove Jaune from the building after he had punched the man who said that.
And now its too late. I can't do anything for her now.
Jaune got up and walked around the table. He sat down beside Ruby on the couch and pulled her into a hug.
"She's got you." Jaune didn't know what else to say. "So she's not alone."
Ruby put her own arms around Jaune and returned his embrace. "Thanks Jaune," she whispered.
The two remained where they were for a while, just holding each other in silence. It helped, if only a little.
The sound of the door opening was accompanied by two cries of "Jaune!" One was a fair bit louder than the other.
Breaking the embrace, Jaune looked up in time to see Nora bounding over to him and Ruby. Her strong arms looped around the pair of them and pulled them both into a tight hug.
"Hello Ruby," said Ren as he walked over. "It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too Ren. You too, Nora."
Nora pulled back, and Jaune saw Ruby's dad enter the room as well, hands coated in dirt from his gardening.
"Can I get you two anything?" Taiyang asked as he made his way towards the kitchen. "A drink, or something to eat?"
"We're fine, thank-you," replied Ren. "We had lunch while we were out." He set down the bags he was holding, taking a seat in the chair Jaune had vacated a moment ago.
"What about you, Ruby, Jaune? Want anything?"
"I'm OK," they both called at once.
"Are you OK? Really?" asked Nora, sitting next to Ruby, looking very worried.
Ruby nodded, but didn't say anything, not even lifting her head to look at Nora as she did so.
"Has Yang already left?" Ren asked before Nora could press Ruby again.
Ruby nodded again, but she did lift her head this time to look at Ren. "A few days ago. She and Sun are gonna search Vale first."
"They'll find her," said Nora confidently.
Ruby's gaze fell again, and she looked back down at her lap.
"She always does this." Jaune got the feeling Ruby wasn't talking to them. "She runs off on her own, and she never tells us why." Jaune heard Ruby's voice shake slightly as she spoke. "Doesn't she trust us?"
"Of course she does!" said Nora quickly. "She's your friend!"
Ren nodded. "I'm sure she has her reasons. Blake was always somewhat secretive."
Ruby looked back up again, giving a small smile. "I'm sure you'll find Pyrrha, too. And Uncle Qrow's with her, so he'll make sure she's safe. Plus, she's Pyrrha."
Ren smiled at that. "She certainly is."
Jaune chuckled slightly at Ren's quip. Ruby and Nora joined in, and their chuckling grew into full-blown laughter. Ren joined in himself a few seconds later. It wasn't really that funny, but they all laughed together, nonetheless. It felt good. It felt good to still be able to laugh after everything that had happened. So they laughed. Because they still could.
"What's so funny?" asked Taiyang as he walked back into the room, carrying a tray of snacks in his hands.
"No-nothing, dad," said Ruby, reigning in her laughter as Taiyang set down the tray on the coffee table.
Taiyang smiled. "I know you kids said you didn't want anything, but I figured you might change your minds later."
"I've already changed my mind," replied Ruby, swiping a cookie from the tray. Nora quickly followed suit.
Taiyang perched himself on the arm of the couch, now looking serious. "So where are you three staying for now?"
"We were staying in Vale," explained Jaune. "But we'll probably just find a room in town for tonight before we head out."
"Or we could put our new tents to good use," suggested Nora. Her smile indicated that she was only half-joking.
"Or you could just sleep here for the night?" Ruby offered. "I mean, if that's OK with you, dad."
"Of course it is," said Taiyang. "You three are more than welcome here. Stay as long as you like."
Jaune looked at Ren, then at Nora. They both nodded at him. "Thanks, Mr Xiao Long."
Taiyang chuckled. "Jaune, I already told you. Just call me Taiyang."
"Oh, right. Sorry, Mr- I mean, Taiyang, sir."
Now it was Ruby's turn to chuckle again. She playfully shoved Jaune in the side as she ate her cookie.
"Sheesh, Jaune. If you're like this with my dad, how are you gonna act when you meet Pyrrha's parents?"
Jaune became serious again. "We have to find her, first."
"We will, Jaune," Ren said with certainty. "We know where she's going. We just need to make our way there."
"I hope you kids realise what you're about to do," Taiyang cut in. "Haven is a long way away, and you're going on foot. You three will be travelling for months."
"We have to," Ren responded. "We can't afford to draw too much attention to ourselves. If anyone recognises us, it might make things harder for Pyrrha."
They all fell silent at that. Jaune took another sip of his drink, while Nora took another cookie from the tray.
"Where's Zwei?" asked Taiyang.
"Oh, he's in Yang's room with Weiss," said Ruby.
"Can we see her?" asked Nora.
Ruby downed the last of her drink and stood up. "I think she'd like that. Come on."
Jaune finished off his own drink, then rose to follow Ruby upstairs. Ren and Nora did likewise.
"GET OUT!" screamed Weiss. "GET OUT!"
Jacques Schnee recoiled at his daughter's outburst. "Weiss, what has gotten into you? I'm here to-"
"GET! OUT!" Weiss grabbed the glass from her bedside table and threw it as hard as she could. Jacques was forced to duck to avoid getting hit. "I never want to see you again! I hate you!"
Anger flashed across Jacques' face. "Now listen to me, Weiss. You need to come back to Atlas with me. I can get you proper treatment, and you can put all of this behind you."
Weiss began to reach for the plate next, when Ruby moved to stand in between her and her father.
"She doesn't want you here, Mr Schnee. I think you should just leave."
"How dare you! This has nothing to do with you, silly girl! Now, I am taking my daughter back home, so you can stay out of my family's affairs!"
Yang moved to stand next to her sister, cracking her knuckles audibly. "Want me to throw him out for you, Weiss?"
"You will do no such thing!" Jacques sounded downright furious. "In fact, you shouldn't even be allowed in here! Who gave you permission to visit my daughter?"
"She did," Yang replied, taking a purposeful step forwards. "Who gave you permission?"
"I am her father!"
"Mr Schnee, I'm afraid I have to ask you to leave." The nurse who was attending Weiss at that moment moved to open the door. "Your daughter has made it quite clear she wishes to be left alone, and I must respect the wishes of my patient."
Jacques rounded on the nurse, pointing a finger in his face. "I could have you out of a job with one word!"
"Considering what has just transpired in this kingdom, I highly doubt that." The nurse's response was delivered with a voice dripping with contempt. "Now, if you will not leave of your own volition, I will be more than happy to ask these two," he gestured to Yang and Ruby. "To remove you by force."
"You wouldn't dare."
The nurse turned to face Yang. "Ms Xiao Long, if you wouldn't mind."
"Alright, fine! I'm leaving" Jacques moved to exit the room. "But mark my words, you have not seen the last of me! I will be back to collect my daughter!"
As the door swung shut behind her father, Weiss couldn't keep it in any more. A choked sob escaped her lips, and then she finally broke down entirely.
"It's OK Weiss, we won't let him take you." Ruby sat on the bed and wrapped her arms around Weiss gently. "Right, Yang?"
"Of course! If he shows his face here again, he'll be sorry!"
Weiss buried her face in Ruby's shoulder, clinging to her as she cried her heart out.
"I hate him!" she sobbed.
"Hey, nurse," called Yang. "He can't just take her out of here, can he?"
"Not while she's still recovering, no. But we'll be discharging her tomorrow. After that, we can't stop him."
Weiss clung to Ruby's front more tightly. She didn't want that to happen.
"Well," said Ruby. "If Weiss stayed with someone else, would you have to tell him where she went?"
"That would be down to Weiss," came the nurse's reply.
Ruby pulled back slightly to look at Weiss. She lifted a hand to wipe a few tears from Weiss' face. "Well, Weiss? If you want, you could come and stay with us?"
Weiss looked at Ruby with wide eyes. The offer she had just made was so generous, could she accept?
"Y-you mean it?"
Ruby pulled Weiss back into another hug. A moment later, Weiss felt Yang wrap them both in her arms as well.
"You can have my room, since I'll be gone for a little while."
Weiss lifted her head to look at the nurse. "Don't tell him where I am. Please."
The nurse nodded his head. "Patient confidentiality, Ms Schnee. Only the most serious of circumstances trump that. His circumstances do not qualify."
Weiss hugged Zwei close as she sat upright in Yang's bed, propped up by several pillows behind her.
Well, she supposed it was technically her bed now, at least for the time being.
It had taken her a few days to accept that fact. For the first few days, she had been scared that her father would arrive at any moment, knocking on the door to take her back to Atlas with him.
Not back home. That enormous house hadn't felt like a home to her for a long time, even before she had left for Beacon.
But it had been almost a full week since she had arrived at Ruby's house, and there had been no sign of Jacques in all that time. So Weiss had finally allowed herself to settle down and believe Ruby when she said she wouldn't let him take her.
"Bark!" Zwei lifted his head to nuzzle Weiss' cheek with his nose, tail wagging as he did so.
Weiss smiled a little as moved her hand to scratch behind Zwei's ear. "Thanks for keeping me company, Zwei."
The corgi gave another bark at that, then his head turned to look at the bedroom door. Sure enough, Weiss could hear footsteps approaching.
The door opened, and Weiss was surprised to see that Ruby was not alone.
"Hello, Weiss," Ren greeted her as he entered the room behind Ruby. Nora and Jaune were with him as well.
Weiss felt her spirits lift a little at the sight of everyone, then she felt them sink again as she realised what they were seeing when they looked at her, a paralysed girl in her nightgown, propped upright by pillows because she couldn't even sit upright without help anymore, much less walk.
"Hey," she said in reply, putting on a smile. She didn't want them to see her moping, so she hid how she really felt.
The four of them filed into the room, Jaune closing the door behind him. Zwei barked and leapt off the bed to scamper over to Ruby, who crouched down to give him a pat on the head.
"Are you three going after Pyrrha, then?" Weiss asked. "Ruby said you might."
Jaune nodded. "We're heading off tomorrow." He tilted his head. "How much has Ruby already told you?"
"Just what her uncle left in his note. That he and Pyrrha were going to Haven to ask for Professor Lionheart's help."
Ruby stood back up, pulling a piece of paper from a pocket on her skirt. "There's more. You might want to read this one as well."
Frowning, Weiss reached out and took the paper from Ruby, unfolding it and beginning to read.
Qrow screwed the lid back on his flask, stowing it back in his breast pocket as he made his way back to the hut. He hadn't encountered any Grimm while scouting the area, so it seemed this would be a safe place to rest.
"Hey kid, we're staying here tonight," Qrow announced as he ducked under the crooked doorframe and entered the abandoned shack. "I'll take first watch, so you get some rest."
Pyrrha didn't respond to his words right away. She was sat against one wall, staring ahead with unfocussed eyes.
She's been doing that a lot. Well, not that I can blame her. It's been a rough few days.
"Hey Pyrrha," Qrow called more loudly, using her name this time.
Pyrrha started at his voice, turning to look at him. "Oh, I'm sorry Mr Branwen. I was just… thinking."
"Thinking about what?" Qrow asked as he sat down himself. He had long since given up trying to get her to call him Qrow. The girl was far too polite for her own good, in his opinion.
"It… doesn't matter," she replied hesitantly. "It's nothing."
Qrow didn't press her for an answer. None of his business, as far as he was concerned. "I'll wake you up in a few hours to take over from me. Try to get some sleep."
"Actually, Mr Branwen, would you mind if I took first watch?"
Qrow raised an eyebrow at that, but he wasn't about to turn down her offer. He could use some shut eye himself. "Sure, whatever you want. Just make sure you get me up in a few hours. Don't even think about trying to stay up all night, we have a long way to go yet."
Pyrrha nodded, getting up and moving over to the door, sitting down in a position that gave her a good view outside. "How much further until we reach this port you mentioned?"
Qrow shrugged. "Normally, another three days or so. But we're taking the long way round, so I'd wager we've got at least another week to go. Then, we just need to walk all the way across Anima until we reach Mistral."
They had to take the long way, because Pyrrha was far too recognisable after what had happened in the Vytal Festival. The whole damn world had watched as she ripped a girl apart on live television, and they did not need that kind of attention right now. So, they had to avoid the settlements as much as possible.
Well, the ones that were still standing, at any rate. Hence why they were hiding in the ruins of a shack in the woods. It was one of Qrow's old hiding spots that he had found some years ago.
Pyrrha herself, at his suggestion, had changed up her appearance in service of keeping a low profile. Her old armour had been discarded in favour of attire more suited to a long journey. Her heels were replaced with flat-bottoms, newer greaves with less-elaborate etching worn over the top of the high boots. Her gloves had likewise been abandoned in favour of armoured gauntlets that went up to her elbows. Her new body armour was more substantial than her old outfit, including a pauldron on her left shoulder. Her red sash was now worn around her neck like a scarf, and a new belt with four pouches replaced her old one. Not one piece of her attire bore her emblem. It was just too much of a risk if it were recognised.
Furthermore, she had stopped wearing her green eyeshadow, and had also cut her hair shorter. It was now in a bob that came down below her ears. Her circlet was the one piece of her old outfit that she had refused to part with, which was still worn atop her head. Qrow had relented on that front, as he could tell that it was important to her in some way.
He could appreciate that. He still had his necklace after all.
Qrow settled himself into the corner, ready to get some much-needed rest. They did have a lot more ground to cover.
His hand moved to his own belt, fingers feeling the end of Ozpin's cane.
Not for the first time, he contemplated telling Pyrrha the truth. She had seen Ozpin die in front of her, after all. He could put her mind at ease if he told her.
He sighed and let go of the cane, closing his eyes. Ozpin was his friend. He had to respect his wishes.
Blake winced as she tightened the bandage around her middle. The wound was healing well, and she likely didn't actually need the dressings any more, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Letting out a breath, she slumped against the wall and closed her eyes, letting herself rest for a moment. The last week had been hard, and she was exhausted.
The house she was staying in was on the outskirts of Vale, and had escaped the carnage of that night mostly unscathed. Unlike the other buildings in that area, it still had its roof, and most of its walls. It was also abandoned.
I can't stay here forever. Sooner or later, people will start searching this area for anything they can salvage.
Blake opened her eyes and stared out the window opposite her. In the distance, she could see birds flying west, presumably migrating back home for the winter.
Home.
It had been a while since she saw her parents. But how on earth would they react if she just arrived on their doorstep unannounced? After all, she hadn't exactly parted with them on the most cordial terms.
Blake grimaced at the memory of that day, of what she had said to her father before slamming the door in his face and running off with Adam.
How can I face them again after that? Dad must hate me for what I said to him.
But where else could Blake go? She couldn't hide in this ruined house forever. Who else could she turn to?
Her teammates? No way, not after what had happened. She couldn't.
Weiss…
The image of Weiss' body impaled on the end of his sword, of Adam's face as he smiled at his handiwork, convinced her that she could never go back to them.
Blake pulled out her Scroll and switched it on. The CCT may be down, but the maps saved to the device still worked. She needed to figure out her next move.
I can't use the port at Vale. I don't think it's even still active. So I need to find another way to Menagerie.
As Blake plotted out her route, the birds outside continued their own homeward journey, while the sun began to sink below the horizon.
"Thank-you both, you've been a huge help."
"Don't mention it," replied Sun nonchalantly. "You have a good night."
Yang shouldered her bag and began to make her way towards the accommodation area that had been set up for volunteers in downtown Vale. Sun followed behind her.
"So, you're sure you saw her head that way?" she asked without turning around.
"Sure did," Sun replied. "And I'm not the only one. That family we just helped say they saw her too. Which you'd have heard, if you'd been listening, by the way."
Yang resisted the urge to retort. She had learnt this past week that Sun liked to make taunts like that. It was his way of trying to lighten the mood, it seemed. Didn't make it any less annoying.
"Then I'm going that way tomorrow. Thanks for helping me so far."
"Hey, I'm going too," replied Sun, sounding a bit annoyed himself.
Yang did turn around at that. "Why? Shouldn't you be heading back with your team?"
Sun just shrugged his shoulders. "Eh, it's not like this'll be the first time I've gone somewhere without them. Besides, they'll be fine, they have each other. You and Blake, on the other hand, could use the company."
Yang's temper fizzled out at that. Sun may have come across as a bit devil-may-care at times, but his concern for Blake was genuine, Yang could tell.
Maybe two people telling her how stupid she's being will work better than just one.
"Well then, we'd better let Goodwitch know we won't be sticking around. Come on, let's get our stuff ready." Yang turned back around and resumed walking.
"Sweet! By the way, d'you mind if I drive the bike for a bit tomorrow? I have a licence, don't worry."
Yang felt her eyelid twitch. "Don't push it, Wukong."
This was going to be a very long journey.
"Be careful, all of you," said Taiyang. "Watch each other's backs, don't take unnecessary risks, and stick to the main paths as much as possible. You do not want to get lost in Anima, trust me."
"Don't worry, we'll keep each other safe," Ren replied, adjusting one of the straps on his bag.
"We always do," added Nora. She was giving Magnhild one last check, making sure it had enough ammo.
"I know you'll be fine." Ruby stepped off the porch to give Jaune a hug. "We'll see you again soon, I know it." She moved to give Ren a hug next, then Nora. The hammer-wielder's embrace made Ruby grunt a bit as Nora's arms crushed her slightly.
"We'll miss you!" Nora said as she set Ruby back down.
"Do you want us to give a message to your uncle when we see him?" asked Jaune. He gave his own gear a final check as he did so. He didn't want to leave anything behind.
"Oh, right!" Ruby pulled an envelope out of her pocket and handed it to Jaune. "This is for Uncle Qrow. There's a note in there for Pyrrha as well."
Jaune made sure to put the envelope safely in the back pouch of his pack. "I shall guard it with my life."
Ruby gave him a hard poke in the ribs. "Don't say that. It's not that important."
"Sorry," replied Jaune. He hadn't meant to upset Ruby. He was just trying to make her laugh a bit before he left.
"Hey Jaune!"
Jaune looked up. The top window was open, and Weiss was waving to him from her bed.
"When you see Pyrrha, make sure you tell her from me how stupid I think she is for running off all by herself, and that I hope she's well."
Ruby frowned up at Weiss, but Jaune could see that she was actually fighting down a smile. She was clearly happy to see Weiss looking a bit more upbeat this morning.
"She's not completely alone, Weiss. My uncle's with her."
Weiss added, "Jaune, you can give him the same message as well."
"And you can tell him that from me, too," Taiyang added on top. "Add a punch if you feel like it."
Jaune decided that he would not include that last bit.
"Well then, I guess this is it." Jaune held out his hand to Taiyang. "Thanks for letting us stay, sir."
"It was my pleasure." Taiyang shook Jaune's hand. "Just remember your training, and you'll be fine."
Jaune turned and began to walk down the path that led away from the house. Ren and Nora walked beside him.
"You absolutely didn't forget anything?" asked Ren. He wanted to make extra sure.
"Yes Ren, I have everything," Jaune replied in an exasperated tone. "I have my weapon, I have my pack, I have Ruby's note, I have my bedroll, I have my portion of the provisions, I have the spare map, I have spare clothes, and I even have my old house key, despite the fact that I don't need it any more. I have forgotten nothing."
"What about your Scroll?" asked Nora.
Jaune stopped walking and patted his pockets. Sighing, he turned back around and began to walk back towards the house.
"Ruby! Did I leave my Scroll on your table?"
Were Ren the more outwardly emotional type, he might have facepalmed at his leader and friend's antics. Nora actually did facepalm.
I do hope that this isn't a bad omen of some sort.
Author's Note:
Goodness me! The traffic stats of this story are not what I was expecting, certainly not this early on. Over 600 unique views in little over a fortnight! Now I just need to make sure I don't crash and burn after I just started. So, y'know, no pressure.
Well, this is indeed the end of the beginning. The prologue has covered the events of Volume Three, so it's time to move on now to the events of Volume Four.
Volume Four is one of my favourites of the series, if I'm being honest. It's just behind Volume Six for me with regards to how much I enjoyed it, and how much I felt it added to the world and characters. However, if there is one aspect of that volume that I had a slight issue with (and I know for a fact that I'm not alone), it was how it tried to juggle all of its stories at once, which did a number on the overall pacing of the volume. Not quite to the same degree as Volume Five, mind you.
So, with that in mind, this fic's version of Volume Four will be split into three 'arcs', told one after the other instead of all at once. These arcs will be in the following order:
1) The Menagerie Arc, following Blake, Sun and Yang as the three meet up with the Belladonna family and get involved in the plots of the White Fang. That's right, Yang will be meeting Blake's parents, and I'm already getting excited to write those interactions. (At this time, given how some people in the minority of the FNDM sometimes act regarding shipping, I will say up front that the 'cannon' Blake ship for this story will eventually be Bumbleby. As an aside, why did we decide to spell it like that? Word's spell-checker does not like that spelling). This arc will be about 4-6 chapters long if my own estimates are accurate, but don't hold me to that number.
2) The Patch Arc, following Weiss and Ruby as the former tries to come to terms with her new reality, in more ways than one, while Ruby does her best to support her friend and partner. This arc comes with a pre-emptive content warning attached, as it will be dealing with themes of trauma, PTSD and depression that some may find upsetting. I will do my level best to approach these topics with the level of care and respect that they deserve, so do please call me on it if you feel I am not doing a good enough job on that regard. I want to get this bit right. (Again, just to say in advance with regards to shipping, I have not yet decided if Weiss and/or Ruby will fall for each other or not. Whatever winds up happening will be what I feel makes the most sense with regards to how they both develop). This arc will most likely be the shortest of the three, around 3-5 chapters long, but again, take that estimate with a pinch of salt.
3) The Anima Arc, which will follow the two groups travelling towards Haven. Pyrrha, accompanied by Qrow, will be coming to grips with her new status as a half-Maiden, while also dealing with some... identity issues. Meanwhile, JRN (I shall pronounce this as 'Journey') will be following behind, trying to fathom their own part in this tale and likewise coming to terms with a few things of their own. This arc will likely be the longest, at around 6-8 chapters most likely.
In between each arc, there will be an 'Interlude' chapter that will focus on what is happening in Evernight with Salem and her followers. The first of these interludes will actually be the next chapter after this, and will answer the question of what became of Cinder. I will say no more than that.
I will try my best to stick to a 'one chapter per week' schedule for the time being, starting with the next chapter, but that is not a guarantee, so don't hold me to that promise. Nevertheless, Chapter 5 (Interlude 1) will be uploaded on Friday, so look forward to that.
One final point, I will be cross-posting this to Archive Of Our Own sometime soon under the same name and username (just as soon as I get the email that lets me set up an account), unless that is in some way forbidden by some rule of either site that I am not aware of. If it is, please let me know before I go and violate the terms of service and get one or both accounts suspended.
Until next time,
NotScot.
P.S: Over 6,000 words in one chapter. I've written essays that had shorter word limits than that.
