Confessions Within Cumulonimbus Clouds
Everyone was back in their seats, ready to start the next episode. The sour face on Glynda's face drew Qrow's attention.
"Hey, Glyn, what happened?"
"Nothing, Qrow. Let's just start the episode."
Qrow raised an eyebrow, and noticed Raven's smirk, but he merely shrugged his shoulders.
The lights dimmed as the episode started.
*There are sounds of fighting and screaming off-screen.
JAUNE: (off-screen) Penny! J-Just hold on!
Eyes open in Jaune's point of view of him falling while being surrounded by floating red balls.*
"It seems we'll be seeing what happened to Jaune when he fell."
"So it would seem, Dr. Pietro." Klein replied.
*Jaune panics as he sways his arms. He shuts his eyes. He opens them again, only to see a burning up Crescent Rose falling a few meters away.*
"Woah," Nora says, "That's…kinda creepy how the scythe is on fire. Any idea why?"
"Jaune's shield isn't glowing, nor is there any sign that his sword is, so…why is Ruby's-" Winter stopped herself, as she seemingly answered her own question, "Oh."
Tai clenched his hands. 'So, the moment Ruby landed, the Ever After was after her?'
*He pulls his arms in and propels himself towards Crescent Rose.
Jaune landed in the Ever After, and can be seen pulling himself forward on the ground, with his Crocea Mors behind him. He eventually runs out of stamina and collapses on the sand before pulling himself up and letting out a cough.*
"That's the same beach Ruby landed on." Tai stated.
"So Jaune wasn't dropped on a different part," Saphron added, "But, what happened? Why didn't he find Ruby? They couldn't have landed too far apart."
*JAUNE: Where…am I?
The camera pans out to what looks like a jungle. Moments later, Jaune can be heard slashing away at what can only be assumed are leaves and branches. He then takes a little break and leans on Crocea Mors beside a rock. He looks up to see a little pocket watch on a tree, ticking away.*
"A…clock tree?" Oscar questioned.
*Jaune walks towards the ticking watch and inspects it, pulling it off where it was held in place.*
Oscar's eyes widened in horror, "No, wait!" But it was already too late.
"Oscar," Ren exclaimed, "What's wrong?"
"Just…just watch."
*The pocket watch suddenly stops and turns counter-clockwise as the sun suddenly disappears.*
"Oh shit." Qrow muttered.
"This is what I was afraid of. With how insane this world is, a tree with clocks as fruits should be treated with caution. Though, I doubt that Jaune's really thinking about that at the moment."
*JAUNE: Hey… No, uh… Wait… Wait, wait! Stop it! Please stop!
As time in the Ever After continues to to reverse backwards, streaks of light rise into the sky.*
"Wait," Whitley exclaims, "Was that Weiss and her teammates?"
"Had to have been, Master Whitley. Good eye. The only question is," Klein sneezed, his eyes turned red, "How far back the bloke will end up?"
*Jaune struggles to stop the fruit-like stopwatch as he shakes it before throwing it to the ground. He destroys it with the sheath of Crocea Mors. Time in the Jungle Arce suddenly stops. Jaune pants and looks around before looking down at the pocket watch, now broken with a pair of crooked hands and glass cracks.
Jaune is then seen sitting on a rock overlooking the ocean, suddenly, the sun goes down with a flash and he suddenly brings his hands to his face.
JAUNE: (offscreen, to Team RWBY) I thought I'd never see you again…
Time seems to have continued as Jaune's armor rusts and his physical appearance looks older.*
"Brothers," Ghira somberly said, "How long was he waiting?"
"Oh, right," Saphron exclaimed, "Colva sent another message when you all left and I asked Kali the same thing. Jaune has been in the Ever After for twenty years."
"Twenty years!" Nora cried out.
"Jaune…" Ren muttered.
Others had similar reactions, while a few, namely the Branwens, had respect. Twenty years, alone, with all the craziness of the Ever After? They probably would've gone mad within a year.
*JAUNE: But I knew if I waited long enough, then you would fall…
Jaune stands up and brings his hand up to the sky as he sees what can only be described as two falling stars.
JAUNE: Just like I did.*
"Those falling stars," Pietro said, "They look like the same things that Ruby and her teammates came down on."
"Could," Saphron replied, "Could one of them be Alyx?"
"If so," Glynda finished, "Then why are there two of them? Alyx's story only mentioned herself going through the Ever After."
*Back in the Gardens Arce…
JAUNE: It… It's really you, right? When I saw you in the market…*
"Guuuuuu," Nora groaned in agony, "I want to hug our boy soo BADLY! You girls better hug him soon, because he needs it!"
*Jaune hesitantly pauses and looks down. Team RWBY look at each other before looking at Jaune.
RUBY: Jaune. It's us.
Team RWBY warmly hugs Jaune. Little, who appears on top of Jaune's head, also hugs him. Jaune smiles with tears of joy.
RUBY: How did you find us?
BLAKE: How are you the Rusted Knight?
YANG: And when did you get so…
WEISS: (grinning with her hand on her chin) Mature?*
The Schnees and Klein looked horrified and embarrassed by Weiss's response, while most of the rest of the group died of laughter.
"Damn, Winter," Qrow exclaimed, "Didn't know your sister liked older men."
"S-S-Shut up, you drunken bastard!"
Willow, blushing, kept herself as small as possible. She didn't feel an attraction to Jaune's new look mainly because of how much he looked like her father Nicholas. However, Weiss's response…
'Hmm, a princess and a knight.'
Oscar then rolled onto the floor, laughing even harder.
"Oz, you can't just say that!"
Tai, still chuckling, leaned forward. "Kid, what did the old man say?"
"A princess and a knight."
And the laughter intensified, while Whitley merely shook his head in disappointment, while Winter buried her face in her hands.
"Oh, NOW you take an interest in him?!" Nora cried out in anger, but still laughing, "Where was this attention back at Beacon?!"
*Ruby, Blake, and Yang all stare at Weiss; Ruby raises her brow while Blake and Yang smile wryly at Weiss.
WEISS: Uh… (blushes and collects herself)*
"Ren, when they get back, I'm going to badger her for the rest of her life about this."
"Nora, please don't."
*RUBY: What happened in Atlas... after the rest of us fell?
JAUNE: (sighs) I, uh… Guess we've all got a lot of catching to do…
Later, Team RWBY, Jaune and Juniper have already left the Gardens Arce and arrive in a flower field.
RUBY: She's…got two Relics now?
YANG: And with Cinder, the ability to get another.*
"Does anyone know where Beacon's Relic is, besides Ozpin?"
"Oz kept that one closer to his chest than all the others," Qrow responded, "So, no, Winter, none of us know."
"What makes Beacon's Relic so much more dangerous?!" Sun exclaimed.
Ozpin took control and looked to the others. "It is far more dangerous because of its potential. You all know the restriction of the Lamp, correct?"
"Yes," Ren replied, "Only three questions every one hundred years."
"Slight correction. Each question has a century timer. Meaning that you can use one question, and that question 'slot' as you could say, can't be used for a hundred years. But, more on topic, the other, major restriction, is that it can only show the past or present. The Relic of Choice, however…well, choices are of the future, aren't they? Or, if you need an example, look to the fairy tale 'The Indecisive King'." With that, Ozpin released control back to Oscar.
Everyone had a sense of foreboding. If Ozpin was right, and the Crown of Choice could show the future…yeah, they definitely don't want Salem to get that.
*BLAKE: She doesn't know where the Beacon Relic is!
WEISS: Well there's that to be thankful for at least.
Jaune sighs. Ruby sits on a small rock
RUBY: We lost Atlas and the relic…
BLAKE: (assuringly) But we got everyone out safely. Jaune said so.
Weiss places her hand on Blake's shoulder.
WEISS: We've risked their home to save the Relic... And we failed.*
"It's not a failure if we get the people out of there!" Nora cried out, "At most it's a…Ren, what's it called when you take a massive beating, but still come out on top? Or, hell, even if you don't win, you make the bad guys bleed more than it was worth?"
"I think you're talking about a pyrrhic victory," Ghira answered, "The second one would be a pyrrhic defeat."
"Thank you, Mr. Belladonna."
"In a sense," Winter added, "Both sides suffered a pyrrhic defeat. We lost Atlas, but, depending on our next actions once we get back, a united front against Salem has been formed. Salem may have gained two relics, but the lamp is useless now, that…whale monstrosity likely took a long time to create, and she's lost how many of her agents?"
A parchment materialized above Winter, who instantly grabbed it as she read aloud.
I can confirm that Hazel and Arthur are dead.
Emerald's eyes widened. "Wait, how did Watt's die? Last I heard, Cinder was going to bust him out of prison."
When no one could answer, Whitley spoke up.
"Was…was he still imprisoned when Atlas-"
Winter shook her head, "No. Only father and Ironwood were in the cells when we began to evacuate."
"So none of us knows how one of the smartest agents of Salem died?" Pietro exclaimed.
"Guys," Sun interjected, "Is it really important how he died? I mean, knowing Cinder, she probably killed the guy once he stopped being useful."
Emerald turned to Sun, "That's…honestly very likely. When we were planning to…attack Haven, Cinder talked to us about how she was going to kill Raven once they got to the vault."
Raven merely narrowed her eyes. 'So, even before the attack began, that brat was planning to backstab me. Well, it seems like I grew lax.'
*BLAKE: Getting everyone out has to count for something.
RUBY: (angrily) What good is saving anybody if Salem just destroys the world anyway…*
No one needed to say more on how it was clear Ruby was losing hope.
*Yang places her arms on her sister's shoulder and leans in.
YANG: That's how Ironwood thought... you don't mean that.
Ruby looks down.
JAUNE: You done?!
Jaune waves his arm and Juniper prances behind him and stops.
JAUNE: We need to move before the weather turns, or it's gonna take us a lot longer to get to safety.
Team RWBY is silent and Jaune takes a deep breath, exhaling.
JAUNE: There'll be plenty of time to lick your wounds later. Come on.*
"Man, Jaune got really…" Sun put a hand on her chin, "I don't want to say bossy, because that isn't being nice to him, and he isn't being mean here. Ren! What's the right word?"
"Assertive? And when did I become an encyclopedia?"
"Since Nora said you were back at Beacon. And thank you!"
"He certainly has gotten a more take charge attitude," Glynda compliments…only to blush badly when she remembered what she thought earlier. She sank into her chair, subtle enough that those around her didn't notice.
'I swear, I'll never be able to look at that boy ever again.'
*Jaune, Juniper, and Team RWBY are seen walking in a large field of grass.
YANG: So… Where're we going again?
JAUNE: My village. Heh. I still can't believe you made it all the way from the Crimson Keep on your own.
BLAKE: Not on our own. We had help. The… Oh. (notices the Curious Cat isn't with them now) I hope the Cat is okay.
Jaune stops as the sound of thunder is heard.
JAUNE: (grimacing) What Cat?
Blake and Yang turn to each other, confused.*
"Uh, you okay, Jaune?" Sun questions.
"It seems that the cat may not be so friendly as you all assumed." Raven declares.
"B-B-But he's been helping them!" Nora exclaims.
"Or leading them on," Emerald retorts, "After all, you can't lead someone into a trap without first making them follow you."
*LITTLE: (jumps and points in their direction) That Cat!
The Curious Cat is running towards the group through the grass, their bottom half picking up the rear before reuniting with the top half, causing them to tumble.
CURIOUS CAT: Oh! Woo! I found you. (catches their breath for a moment) Why is it you always find the thing you're looking for in the very last place you look, hah!
The Cat notices Jaune with Team RWBY.
CURIOUS CAT: Jaune! Oho-my! It has been an indeterminant amount of time hasn't it? (beat) So, how've you been?
WEISS: Wait. You two know each other?
RUBY: Well, they'd have to. From the story.
Jaune angrily unsheathes his broken rusted Crocea Mors sword. Blake and Yang stop him.*
"Woah, hostile." Ilia exclaims.
"So there's definitely something up with that cat." Tai commented.
*YANG: Whoa, Jaune!
BLAKE: I think there's a misunderstanding. The Cat can get us all out of here.
The thunder returns, louder.
JAUNE: We don't have time for this! We've got to get to my village! Don't worry, we don't need a guide.
CURIOUS CAT: But your friends wanted to go to the tree.
JAUNE: (to Blake) That's where you're letting them take you?
BLAKE: Well, yeah. That's... that's how... Alyx got out. Right?
JAUNE: (to the Cat) You didn't tell them anything.
CURIOUS CAT: No, that's simply not true. I told them plenty of things. A few any things and lots of somethings.*
"Alright," Whitley deadpans, "I now know what you two are talking about with the cat."
"You couldn't look more suspicious." Nora exclaimed.
Raven nods in validation, as Emerald smirked.
"Told you."
"But what could the cat be hiding?" Ghira leaned forward, hand on chin.
*WEISS: Can somebody please make sense?!
JAUNE: That tree is death.
Ruby and Weiss turn to Jaune.
JAUNE: It absorbs you, takes your memories, and turns you into something else. If you go there, it's going to erase you! They call it "Ascension" here. That's really what it is.*
"So, what," Sun cries out, "The cat was just leading them to their deaths?"
"But that doesn't make sense," Willow replied, "The story says that the Curious Cat led Alyx to the tree, which is what led her back home."
"But the story also says that Alyx wasn't the same girl when she got back." Raven retorted.
"But Alyx clearly didn't lose her memories." Ghira quipped back.
"Maybe Ascension works differently for humans," Kali added, "And Jaune is working with only part of the truth."
*RUBY: Wait. The tree is what causes the Ascension?
BLAKE: That's what got the Herbalist. The roots of the tree.
YANG: (glares at the Cat) Pretty curious that you neglected to mention that…
CURIOUS CAT: (chuckles) Excellent pun-manship. But, you are not from here. It won't do that to you guys!
JAUNE: Oh yeah? Then what happened to Lewis?
RUBY: (to Jaune) Who?*
"Uh, yeah," Sun exclaimed, "Who is he talking about?!"
*JAUNE: Alyx's brother.*
"Wait, WHAT?!" Saphron yelled.
"Alyx had a brother!?"
"Why didn't the story talk about him?"
"Those lights at the start! There were two of them!"
"What does this mea-"
Oscar stomped his foot on the ground, catching everyone's attention. Based on Oscar's face, it was clear Ozpin was in control.
"Oz," Qrow stated, "Did you know about this?"
"I knew of Alyx's family. However, as I told Oscar, I did not interact with them. In those times, noble families were a dime a dozen, and were constantly fighting each other, despite my efforts. Most of those conflicts weren't even instigated by Salem or her forces. By the time Alyx's story became popular, her family itself had died out. So any information I could have gotten was lost. Though," Ozpin placed a hand on his chin, "The name Lewis sounds…familiar. When I remember, I'll be sure to tell you."
That seemed to calm everyone down, enough to refocus on the screen.
*Team RWBY looks at the Cat in disbelief over the shocking revelation.
BLAKE: That… That can't be right.
YANG: She had a brother? Why didn't you mention him?
CURIOUS CAT: Well, you never asked, silly. It was always "Alyx this" and "Alyx that".*
"Oh, that's a bunch of bull." Qrow nearly deadpanned.
*WEISS: We've been following the story the whole time, and it's not even true?
The thunder returns the third time, louder than the previous as the wind begins to pick up.
JAUNE: Let's go. I've got a plan.
CURIOUS CAT: (scoffs) A lot of good that's done after... what? How many years?
RUBY: Can everyone please stop! This is a lot to take in…
CURIOUS CAT: Huh. Looks like we're stuck at a crossroads then…
JAUNE: No!
There's a sudden flash of light and everything goes black.*
Most of the audience jumped at the sudden light show.
"Uh…" Sun exclaims, "Was that the Cat or something else?"
"I think it was the storm," Pietro replied, "Jaune was adamant on getting to his village before the storm hit."
"But what just happened?" Glynda questioned.
"We'll find out in a couple seconds." Klein answered.
*JAUNE: (sighs) Damnit.
The scene returns to what appears like a rollercoaster of connecting stone pathways, all featuring blue arched doors at the end.*
"Okay," Nora muttered, "Where are they now?!"
*JAUNE: Welcome to a Ponderstorm. A uh... weather pattern that creates a physical manifestation of a mental, or emotional problem. So we appear to be at metaphorical and literal crossroads.*
Ghira rubbed his forehead, "So that's why he wanted to avoid the storm. If any of them had issues, then they'd be caught in the storm."
"And Ruby clearly has some issues going on." Kali added.
*WEISS: How perfectly stupidly Ever Afteran. (sighs) This place really is the pits.
A hole suddenly appears below Weiss and she falls, screaming. The hole quickly closes.*
The group was shocked when the ground opened up. However, Nora soon laughed.
"Let's be honest, you asked for that, Weiss."
*JAUNE: The only way out is to solve the problem... (looks upward, holding his hand up) Or wait until the storm passes. Let's just get moving…
Jaune lowers both his hand, and his head, hanging it down. Weiss can still be heard screaming and eventually lands on her back, startling Ruby.
WEISS: Okay. I asked for that.*
Nora laughed even harder, "I love how Jaune just doesn't care. He's been through this enough that he knows what's dangerous or not, and didn't even bother to cushion her landing."
A few people chuckled at Nora's words, but they were still nervous about this Ponderstorm.
*RUBY: Where's Yang? And Blake?
JAUNE: Must've had something bigger to work out.*
*Another sudden flash of light appears, transitioning to Yang who seems to be in the middle of another part of the storm. The clap of thunder and wind awakes her as she realizes she's on a swaying bridge.
YANG: Huh?!
Yang struggles to understand what exactly is happening as she can't stay still on the swaying bridge. She looks forward, only to see Blake on the other end.
YANG: Blake!
Blake and Yang are on each of the bridges swaying, equal distance from a circular platform in the middle.*
"Well," Sun exclaims, "This is just a bit of a pickle."
"What are they doing there!?"
"Remember what Jaune said, Miss Goodwitch," Ghira answered, "Supposedly, they have something bigger to work out."
"What could that possibly be?!"
At Whitley's words, Ilia narrowed her eyes, before they widened and her freckles turned pink.
'Well…here's seeing if I ever had a chance.'
*BLAKE: Yang!
YANG: What do we do?!
Blake struggles to stay afoot on her end of the bridge.
BLAKE: We need to get to that platform!
YANG: (looking down) But how do we take the next step…
The scene spirals, zooming in on the abyss below Yang…*
Nora let out a long gasp.
"Ren! It's happening!"
Ren attempted to get an answer out as Nora shook his shoulders.
"No-ra-we-aren't-sure-what-it-go-ing-to-hap-pen."
"No, my gut tells me it's time! By the end of this, Yang and Blake will be a couple, or they'll remain friends forever."
Now that the room understood what was going on (either having it confirmed for them, or having the thought put into their heads), they had various opinions.
Sun blushed, now understanding what Ilia was blushing about. Honestly, like he thought before, he'd be upset that he wouldn't get to be Blake's boyfriend. But he wasn't the kind of person to hold a grudge over it.
*Back to Jaune, Juniper, Ruby, and Weiss, they stop at a crossing sign, displaying a drawing of a Human on the left side, and a drawing of a claw on the right.
JAUNE: Y'know this would go quicker if you make up your minds…
Ruby and Weiss chuckles sheepishly; Ruby gives a sweatdrop while Weiss blushes and looks away.
RUBY: I just don't get how the story is both real... and not.*
"It's frankly not that hard," Raven stated, "Victory is written by the victor."
"So, what…?" Ilia replied, "Did Lewis get left behind, and Alyx just wrote her own brother out of the story?"
Raven merely raised an eyebrow. The message was clear.
Is that so hard to believe?
Qrow definitely knew it wasn't that hard, given his own sister's last interaction with him.
*They continue walking and seem to pass through one of the doors. Ruby's back is turned but a faint reflection of an apparently young Summer Rose can be seen.*
"Uh…" Sun exclaimed.
"Yes," Oscar replied, "We all saw her, Sun."
"Good, just making sure."
*JAUNE: It all happened. (stops and stares at the watery reflection of Penny smiling before continuing walking) Just not the way Alyx said when she wrote it.*
"Why was Penny Polendina in Jaune's…" Saphron stopped herself, "What would you call that? A waterfall? A mirror?"
Pietro shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure. But perhaps they show something that's deeply in their minds."
"That would line up with what's going on with Ruby," Tai replied, "But why would Jaune be deeply thinking about your daughter? From what you've said, they didn't interact much."
*Ruby stops and sees Weiss in front of the watery reflection of the destruction of both Atlas and Mantle. Weiss walks away, with a guilty look on her face.*
"Well, that confirms Dr. Polendina's theory." Whitley declared.
*WEISS: (to Jaune) So what? She just lied?
JAUNE: You have... no idea…
He passes another watery reflection as the camera stops and slowly zooms in, beginning a flashback.
JAUNE: I waited for you to fall. For years, but... somebody else showed up first.
The scene shows Alyx and Lewis, backs facing each other.
JAUNE: It was Alyx and her brother, Lewis, two siblings from Remnant. I told them I was from there too. I was waiting for my friends.
The scene shows them in the Garden Acre where Team RWBY found the Herbalist. Jaune with his hand raised, Alyx behind him, looking around.
JAUNE: Once I started helping them, it didn't take long for me to figure out I was in her story. I... was the Rusted Knight. But things weren't always the same as the book.*
"Man," Sun exclaimed, "That…had to be mind breaking. I mean, we're dealing with one hell of a time paradox breaking whatever it is here!"
*The scene shows Alyx staring forward.
JAUNE: Like Alyx... she wasn't just a little petulant or inconsiderate.
Alyx shows a smirk.
JAUNE: She was selfish... cruel. Like this whole word was simply make-believe and the rules didn't apply to her.*
"It's amazing how cruel we can end up being…when there's no consequences involved."
"Really, Raven? Must you…"
Raven said nothing to her husband.
*The scene switches to a worried Lewis, before facing forward.
JAUNE: Lewis was the kind one, the clever one.
The scene shows Alyx and Herbalist laughing, Lewis upset, with the Curious Cat laying beside him.
JAUNE: We went places she didn't mention in the story. Like the Herbalist. Something changed there.
Alyx is staring down.
JAUNE: Whatever he said to her, she wasn't the same after that.*
"Any idea what she saw?" Willow questioned.
"Probably her own snotty brattiness thrown right back at her." Nora declared.
"The red head beat me to it." Qrow muttered.
*The scene changes to Alyx looking behind her, almost paranoid, Jaune and Lewis behind her, Jaune raising his hand in hopes of stopping Alyx.
JAUNE: She lost all trust in us, started accusing us of things. The more I tried to get the story back on track, the more she distrusted me…*
"Why would-Oh dear…" Glynda began, but her eyes widened as she stopped herself.
"Jaune likely didn't tell them that their entire adventure would be written in a story book." Saphron hypothesized.
"That would make any attempts to 'correct' their path come off as suspicious," Ghira added, "Like he's luring them into a trap or something of that nature."
"Which would only feed into her paranoia." Klein replied.
*Jaune is seen sitting at a campfire with his hands on his head, very confused and paranoid.
JAUNE: Was it my fault? Did I change the story? I couldn't even be the make-believe hero. I didn't have time to make it right.*
To those that knew Jaune personally, particularly during his Beacon days, they knew how much Jaune wanted to be a hero, especially after Pyrrha's death. And it hit them hard to see him like this.
*Alyx drips a poison into a cup and then hands it to Jaune. He accepts it with a smile on his face. Jaune drinks.*
Several people were initially confused when Alyx picked the poisoned berry, but then all realized what was happening.
"The Rusted Knight drank the poison in Alyx's stead." Saphron recited a passage from the story.
"That little hag!" Nora exclaimed, "And she wrote this part like Jaune willingly took the poison, rather than-GUUAAA!"
"I think it's safe to say," Kali exclaimed, "That we're all going to need to reexamine Alyx's story after this."
*JAUNE: The Rusted Knight drank the poison in her stead.
He collapses, with an angry Alyx staring down at him.
JAUNE: She said she wouldn't let anyone get in the way of her leaving. That she'd do whatever it takes. And then she was gone.
The flashback ends, the scene returns to them back on the path, Jaune staring out, Ruby and Weiss staring at him.
JAUNE: So… not exactly my favorite story anymore.*
Raven gave a light chuckle, "And, yet, everyone will still believe in Alyx's version of the story."
"What are you talking about?!" Sun replied angrily, "There's no way we're going to let thi-"
"I'm going to stop you, monkey boy. Tell me, how many people are going to believe anything we say here?"
"Uh-Wha-That's-"
"No one will," Winter solemnly declared, "No one will believe what we've seen. Even if Weiss and the others return, barely anyone will believe that Jaune's the Rusted Knight, let alone that Alyx's story is a complete lie."
"Not only that, but would you tell them?"
"...Okay," Ilia stated, turning to Raven, "You lost me. Of course I would tell them!"
"So, despite millions of people having learned important life lessons from Alyx's story, you want to tell those people that the story they all learned as children is a lie?"
Nora, already prepared for a retort, registered the words Raven said. Emerald nodded.
"It's a slippery slope."
Saphron looked down. 'Maybe I shouldn't tell this story to Adrian anymore.'
*WEISS: I'm so sorry.
RUBY: Wait. Why don't you trust the Cat then?
Jaune stares at his past self in the water reflection before giving a sigh.
JAUNE: The Cat's role in the Ever After. I figured it out later, but the Cat came back for me once Alyx left. (turns to Ruby and Weiss) When people lose their way here, the Cat... convinces them... somehow. Either to keep performing their role, or... to go to the tree, get a new one. The Cat calls it "healing", but… it's manipulation. The Cat was never helping Alyx or you. Their purpose here is to feed the tree, to keep the cycle going.
RUBY: How can you be sure?
JAUNE: Because the Cat took Alyx and Lewis there. Only one of them made it back to our world.
Jaune turns around and continues on, looking down. Weiss stares at Ruby.*
"That seems pretty definitive."
"Now, hold on," Kali retorted, "Perhaps the truth is more complicated, Ghira. Maybe Lewis didn't want to be written into the story. I mean, some people don't like the spotlight on them."
A few people gave her raised eyebrows. It was highly unlikely, but not impossible. Ren and Nora found it more likely, given Pyrrha, but…
*The scene returns to Blake and Yang, still on the swaying bridge. The wind is howling, Blake struggling to keep her grip.
YANG: You alright?
BLAKE: (struggling) I'll feel a lot better, when we're together, on that platform.
Blake looks down as another step of her bridge appears as if indicating something. Blake then takes the step forward and stares across at Yang, who looks down at her side.
YANG: Uh... (tilting her head) Is it a password or something? Together!
It doesn't work.
YANG: Platform!
That doesn't work either.*
"Careful, blondie," Emerald snarked, "Get a wrong answer, and you'll be locked out for an hour."
*BLAKE: No luck?
Yang shakes her head.
YANG: (looking back at Blake) I'm sure you'll figure it out though. (tilting her head, almost smiling) You're good at that.
BLAKE: (looking up) You think so?
YANG: Well... yeah! You've got a really good... brain.*
"Not the best compliment-" Tai muttered, but the screen continued, stopping his thought.
*Yang chuckles as a piece of her platform appears.*
"So, did she accidently say the password, or is there something I'm missing?"
"The next step appeared," Ren replied to Sun, "When Blake was talking about the both of them, and Yang complimented Blake. So-"
"So that means!" Nora exclaimed, "That they have to compliment each other. Ren, I'm telling you, it's HAPPENING!"
*YANG: Okay, that did something! (steps forward) Uh... I talked about you! So... (clears throat) You have cat ears!*
Everyone, with the exception of Tai and Raven, began laughing.
"Smooth, Xiao Long."
"I just want to tell everyone, she's actually better at flirting than dear Tai here."
"Qrow! I didn't think it was bad."
"It was."
"Glynda!"
'Dear Brothers, now I definitely know that leaving her behind was a mistake, if she picked up on Tai's flirting habits.' Raven thought, head in her hands.
*One of Blake's ears flap and she smiles, but it doesn't seem to work as Yang looks downward. She then looks back up across at her teammate.
YANG: I think your cat ears are cute.
Another piece of Yang's bridge appears and she happily jumps to it.
YANG: Nailed it! Even though I don't know what... "it" is yet…*
"Oh, COME ON!" Nora screamed, "How do you NOT know!"
"This is Tai's kid we're talking about. He's about as dense as your friend Jaune used to be."
"When did it become 'beat up on Tai' day?"
"It's been that way for a long time, partner."
*BLAKE: (looks down on the bridge steps) Maybe it's... saying things we never said. (looks back at Yang) To each other.*
"Well, at least Blake knows what's going on."
"I'm not sure, Sun," Ilia replied, "Take it from me, she can sometimes be just as ignorant about someone being in love with her."
*Yang shrugs and motions towards Blake to have her turn.
BLAKE: (looks shyly to her left) I... think, you're an extraordinary person.
Yang smiles, then her face changes as Blake continues.
BLAKE: You're... always the first to lighten a situation. You act bravely, when you're afraid. You do what you say.*
"This…" Pietro began, "Feels very personal."
"Yes," Kali replied, "I wish we could skip this. Not that I don't want to see this, but this is clearly something we shouldn't be intruding on."
"Unfortunately," Klein retorted, "The screen won't go unless we're all paying attention."
*Four steps on Blake's side of the bridge appear and she walks forward to the end where they stop and she looks up at Yang.
BLAKE: (chuckles) Try to keep up! (smiles)
YANG: (smiles then stares down) I like that you've never been intimidated by me. (looks back up) Even when you didn't like me all that much.
BLAKE: I was a little wary of people in general. (She looks back at Yang, then downward.)
YANG: But you never gave up on them.
Blake turns her head back towards her.
YANG: Even when they hurt you. You never give up. You know what matters to you.
Three steps appear on Yang's side and she walks towards the edge.
YANG: Let's make things quicker. Any big truths we haven't dropped each other yet?
Blake smiles at Yang and blushes as the clouds begin to move away. The sunshine appears. Yang stares at Blake before she flusters and looks away. Suddenly, the bridge enhances the length, forcing both of their sides further back, completely ruining any ground they made.*
"What the-What just happened?" Sun exclaimed.
"If they're meant to get things out in the open," Willow replied, "Then Yang or Blake thought of something big, but decided not to say it. In response, all their work was undone."
Ilia then blushed deeply. 'So, it is going to happen.'
*BLAKE: Did you... just think of something, but didn't say it?*
"Seems you were correct, mother." Winter responded.
*Yang is visibly flustered and motions her hand to brush her hair away, looking left and right, then back at Blake.
YANG: This can't be what this is about…*
"Yes! It is!" Nora exclaimed again. Having seen those two do this dance, this gives her vindication.
Kali had her hands covering her mouth in excitement, Ghira, Qrow and Taiyang all had smiles on their faces, while Raven…was simply neutral.
*YANG: (in thought) It's like a cliff. And if I do it, I'm just going to fall.
BLAKE: (in thought) I think we're already falling. (turns to Yang) Just, say it, Yang.*
"Wait," Whitley exclaimed, "How did Blake hear Yang's thou-You know, forget I said anything."
"Good call, Whitley." Oscar replied.
*Yang takes a deep breath.
YANG: I think I love you.
BLAKE: I love you, too.
Yang and Blake stare at each other, surprised. They are now both on the grassy platform. Three lines of vines appear and wrap around the platform, pink flowers blooming out of them. Blake and Yang both blush and smile at each other. They embrace each other and finally kiss as flowers bloom in the grass below. The camera rises upward to the sunny sky.*
"They said it!" Nora cried out in joy. Ren merely rolled his eyes at Nora's antics. Despite everything that's happened, he doubts that Nora will ever let this go. A high pitch noise was heard, and all heads turned to Kali, who's face was flushed with embarrassment.
"Sorry."
Qrow chuckled, "I take it you approve."
"Well, I don't know your daughter that much, Taiyang, but, from what I've seen these past few episodes, she's not only good to Blake, but good for Blake. Definitely a step up from Adam."
"No arguments there." Ghira added. As the adults discussed things, Ren walked over to Sun and Ilia.
"Are you going to be alright?" Ren asked Sun, keeping his voice low, "I know you…well…"
"It's fine."
"I mean," Ilia added, "I'm also in love with Blake, but I'm not going to let that ruin anything. It's just going to be awkward for me, and me alone."
"Here, here, sister." Sun offered a fistbump. Ilia raised an eyebrow, but then scoffed, reciprocating it.
No one could see it, but Raven herself had one side of her mouth curled upward. 'Blake isn't that bad of a partner, as far as I've seen. Though her newfound addiction to puns needs to be curbed.'
All eyes turned to Emerald when she gave a hysterical laughter.
"Um…" Oscar inquired, "Are you alright?"
"Sorry, sorry, it just hit me. So, how long have they been doing this 'Will they, won't they' dance."
"Hmm," Nora mutters, "I'd say maybe a year. They might've been attracted to each other during Beacon, but I don't know if they were in love with each other back then."
"Okay, then let's say a year. They've been doing that dance for a year. They've been in the Ever After for two days."
"Yeah," Whitley replied, "So?"
Then it was Raven's turn to chuckle.
"In just two days, the entire Ever After was sick of them doing it, so forced them to confront their feelings."
At the realization, most of the audience chuckled. Who knew a wordly entity could get sick of something.
"Wait," Oscar said, frowning, "That means one of two things. And neither could be good."
"What?" Pietro questioned.
"Either the Ever After has very little patience…or it's somehow aware of Remnant."
"Well, of course the Ever After is aware of Remnant," Taiyang exclaimed, "Alyx went through it."
"True," Glynda replied, "But how would it know what Blake and Yang have been through?"
That got everyone's attention. Either the Ever After could actively see Remnant, or it's able to read the memories of people in the Ever After. Honestly, they didn't know which prospect was scarier.
*The scene returns to Jaune, Juniper, Ruby, and Weiss continuing their trek along the path. The Curious Cat is seen walking upside down, eventually noticing the group.*
"Well, hopefully the cat will get us some answers." Oscar says.
*CURIOUS CAT: (gasps) Oh how odd. (dropping down) This time you were in the first place I looked, rather than the last!
Ruby and Weiss angrily step towards the cat.
RUBY: Jaune told us.
CURIOUS CAT: (scoffs) Now, I thought there was more to the story. (shrugs) You're accusing me of something. Same page now.
RUBY: You're the one who gives Afterans to the tree. Why haven't you been telling the truth?
CURIOUS CAT: When Afterans get all higgledy-piggledy, I help them return to the Ever After, yes... but you're, not, Afterans! I'm not taking you there to ascend! I'm taking you there because you all have such delightful information for me!*
Emerald narrowed her eyes. 'He's good. But he's never tried lying to a liar before.'
*WEISS: You pretended like you'd never heard of the story when you met us. But Jaune had already told you.
CURIOUS CAT: I think ol' Jaune's... maybe a few sand berries short of a picnic these days... Wouldn't you say?
Jaune growls at Cat with his reflection of his past self on the water mirror.
CURIOUS CAT: I… I don't know. She had told me she'd take me with her through the door to Remnant, but… she tricked me. Just… Just like all of you.
Weiss looks down.*
"He's very good."
"What?" Ilia exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention to Emerald.
"Take it from someone who lied for most of their childhood, he's lying. But, there is truth to his words. Since Alyx got home, clearly Alyx did trick him. But there are holes in his story. He deflected their accusation of him not knowing Alyx's story, and he lied about why he was taking them to the tree."
"Right," Pietro said, "The Cat said he wanted to go to Remnant just now. So why did he lie a moment earlier about why he was taking them to the tree?"
Emerald nodded, "Worst of all, before any of them could think about that little plot hole, he's attempting to sideline them by guilt-tripping them."
"I didn't even think about that!" Sun exclaimed, "Man, that cat is good!"
Raven rolled his eyes, "No, you just suck at spotting a liar."
"You didn't catch it either, Raven." Qrow retorted.
"No. But at least I knew not to trust that cat."
*CURIOUS CAT: You only want to use me, in the same way I've only seen others as sources for knowledge and entertainment.
The Cat turns around, Jaune staring down at the cat while Ruby and Weiss become upset.
CURIOUS CAT: Well... at least now I know what not to do.
The Cat walks away from Ruby, Weiss, Jaune and Juniper.
RUBY: We… We just want to get home.
CURIOUS CAT: Thank you for this lesson, Ruby. Rose. Huntress. I'll be on my way now. Stay with your friend.
As the Cat disappears, the watery mirrors turn into ice and shatter in pieces.
Ruby, Weiss, Jaune and Juniper find themselves back in the flower fields.*
"And," Glynda states, "With that, all crossroads have been passed."
"Yep," Qrow added, "Yang and Blake settled their relationship (for now), and the Curious Cat has abandoned Ruby and the others."
"Well, how are they supposed to get to the tree now?" Ghira questioned.
"I'm sure Jaune has some plans," Saphron offered, "He's been in here for years."
"You're assuming," Raven leaned forward, "That the boy has found the way out. Remember what the cat said. He's been here for years."
Both Nora, Ren, and Oscar, not to mention Saphron, turned to Raven angrily/annoyed.
*Ruby, completely clueless as to what Weiss and Jaune are staring at, realizing what's happening with a little peep. Blake and Yang are still kissing, Blake holding her leg up. Little is the last to notice and breaks the tension with a gasp.*
A couple people chuckled at their reaction.
*YANG: (still with her arms around Blake) Did we miss anything?*
"Only some major developments, a potential betrayal, and now the loss of a plan," Whitley snarked, "Nothing major."
*JAUNE: Feels like I've been waiting forever for that.*
"THANK YOU, JAUNE!" Nora cried out. It was frankly getting repetitive on how much she was egging this on. However, his response did make several people laugh.
*JAUNE: (lets out a small chuckle and turns around and waves at Juniper) C'mon.
Night came after Team RWBY and Jaune arrive at his village. Juniper is sleeping outside of Jaune's hut. Yang and Blake are seen sitting next to each other in front of the fireplace, Ruby is sitting at a table, arms crossed, and Weiss is getting ready to take a sip of tea, blowing on it first. Ruby notices that Yang's hand is on top of Blake's.*
"Is…Ruby okay?" Oscar muttered.
'Oh dear.'
'Oz?'
'I've seen it before. As we've discussed, Ruby needs help, and Ruby herself knows she needs help. So, seeing others find happiness while she hasn't gotten any help…'
'But the others don't know that she needs help.'
'And that might even make it worse. It's one thing to be refused. It's worse to be ignored.'
*Jaune appears out from his room, holding a chest.
JAUNE: Hey, there's... something I've been holding onto for you.
Jaune sets the chest down on the table in front of Ruby as she sits up straight.
JAUNE: It was the first thing I saw. (opens the chest) When I was falling.
Ruby's eyes widen, seeing the folded form of Crescent Rose inside the chest.*
"Finally!" Sun exclaimed, "Ruby can fight now."
*JAUNE: Years later, when I finally found it, I knew I'd caught back up to the t…
Jaune becomes inaudible as Ruby zones out, closely staring at her weapon.*
While initially prepared to talk about how Jaune may have found Crescent Rose, the topic changed before it could even begin.
"That…can't be good." Whitley said.
"It's almost like she's horrified of her own weapon." Ghira added.
"Ruby has NEVER looked at any weapon like that," Tai exclaimed, "Especially her own weapon."
Oscar turns to the others. "Oz just said that Ruby might have PTSD."
Qrow put a hand to his face, "Yeah, given everything those kids have been through, it wouldn't surprise me."
"But-But, shouldn't the others have PTSD, too? I'm not an expert on that, but they went through the same thing she did."
"They might, Whitley," Willow replied, "But they seem to be dealing with it in their own ways."
Winter nodded in agreement, "Not only that, but, as the leader, she believes every mistake they made, every failure, is her fault. Which makes her PTSD even worse."
*JAUNE: Ruby?
Ruby snaps out of her daze and looks up at Jaune before turning to her teammates.
YANG: Hey!
Yang smiles and holds up her prosthetic arm, Blake claps and Weiss smiles.*
"They are completely oblivious to what's happening," Emerald states, "And it's Ruby's own fault."
"We get it! Ruby feels she needs to keep her emotions down, even when she needs help."
"I think we all get it, Nora."
"Well, she doesn't need to keep reminding us!"
"I only said it once!"
"Once is too many!"
*RUBY: I… (sighs) Thank you, Jaune.
JAUNE: Don't mention it.
Jaune walks back where he came from but stops as Ruby asks him a question.
RUBY: Jaune. What did happen to Lewis?
Jaune looks down with a sigh and he turns to Ruby.
JAUNE: I think... Alyx traded him to the tree, in order to leave. And then she wrote him out of the story. Good night, everyone.
Jaune leaves as he heads inside his room. Ruby stares down at Crescent Rose in the chest, gives a sullen look and shuts the chest containing her weapon.*
WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTINUE: YES/NO
"Yeah," Qrow muttered, "Ruby is less than happy about getting her weapon back."
"The girl's going to have her breaking point in the next episode, if not, then very soon."
Raven's words gave the group a sense of unease. As everyone was about ready to continue, a vortex opened in front of the theatre, with Colva stepping out, much more calmly than his last appearance.
"Before you begin…there's something you should know."
When no one responded, he continued.
"In the next episode, there will be references to an event concerning Jaune. However, the context of this event will appear mysterious to you all, unless you had prior knowledge of it. I can manipulate the episode to first show that context, if you all wish. However, for some of you…it won't be pretty."
Colva's tone made it clear that he wanted them to have context, but also didn't want them to see whatever he was talking about. To his dredge, it was Pietro who spoke up.
"I think that, as horrible as you make it out to be, understanding it will make seeing the next episode easier for us."
Colva closed his eyes behind his shades. 'How…ironic that he says that when it concerns Penny.'
"Very well. It'll take a moment to reconfigure the screen. The text to continue will reappear when I'm done."
With that, he exited back through the portal, and the theatre screen text disappeared.
Author's Notes: To those who believed this story was dead, HA! In all seriousness, this chapter took way longer to finish. I'm only able to get one or two pages written per day (if I do two pages, it's one on two seperate stories). I was mainly focusing on my other reaction fanfic. However, with the newest chapter of that one over fifty pages and counting (this one being 29), I figured it was time to crack down and upload this next chapter. Add to that Armored Core 6, a family reunion not two weeks ago, and other IRL events, and this took the two months. I 'hope' the next chapter doesn't take quite as long, but I'm working on a project that I've long promised readers of a particular fanfic, so no promises.
Also, a small change, I retroactively changed pUnderstorm to pOnderstorm. Given the context, ponder was much better than punder.
With that, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.
