Here's the second chapter, and the last of the year. Happy New Year to you all!
I DO NOT OWN RWBY OR ANY OF THE SOURCES THAT I WILL HAVE THE CHARACTERS REACT TO. That being said, all of that is implied since it's fanfiction.
From Xero To Hero (Linkin Park)
Viewing Descriptions have lines
Mike Shinoda's Lyrics are normal
Chester Bennington's Lyrics are in Italic
"Which blonde?" Sun asked, getting excited. Am I finally going to appear?
"Taiyang!"
"Oh." The blonde faunus felt like the winds were taken out of his sails.
"Yep, and he's not alone either! Also…this time, the viewing will be musically-focused!" The host said as he moved towards the music room before abruptly stopping midway. "Actually…,let's just stay here. No need to get up and go back to the other room." Chrono clarified as some people who began to try and move to the music room, ended up going back, grumbling about how Chrono changed his mind.
"Hmmm. Why here? Wouldn't it be better to listen to music there?" Neptune asked.
"In most cases, yeah. But I decided that this viewing will be a live musical performance! You see, Taiyang, or his actor to be specific, is part of a band! He is one of the main people in it."
"Huh. Interesting. Who's the other main people?"
"Qrow!"
With the news of the viewing being a music video, and the fact that two members of Team STRQ are actually in a group together in the prime universe, everybody, especially the musically-inclined bunch in the cinema were now interested to see what new songs they would end up hearing this time.
This might be ironic to think about, but I hope the song isn't sad. Between me and Jaune's singing, a happier singer would be nice. That being said, we did just watch two comedic videos…" Weiss thought.
"So, me and Tai in a music video…I wonder why?" Qrow thought out loud.
"Well in whatever case, it's good to see that we're still basically brothers in another universe!" Tai said with a smile.
"Yeah…" Qrow replied with a wistful smile. If only it wasn't JUST us two though…
"I quite enjoyed the last music session we had, to be honest," Salem admitted. "I wonder what themes will be focused on through the lyrics in this one."
"I hope it's about the greatness of nihilism! About how nothing matters so we should just do what we want!" Tyran exclaimed with a grin.
"Wow," Watts uttered, astonished at Tyrian's statement. "I expected you to be focused on blood and gore, to be honest."
"Such as killing and painting the town red with gore! Hahaha!"
"Oh for goodness sake."
Chrono then began to play the viewing.
The video began with showing six men, among them the actors for Taiyang and Qrow, going up some stairs to a stage. As they were going up the stage, the sounds of thousands of fans cheerings could be heard, getting louder and louder.
As the camera focused on them, their attire could be seen. As they were a band, they all wear similar clothes - a mixture of black and white, with some caps, hoodies, and jeans. Qrow's actor in particular wore black sunglasses, a black bomber jacket over a white t-shirt, a pair of black jeans, and combat boots. Meanwhile, Taiyang's actor had worn blue jeans, black and white canvas shoes, and a black hoodie.
Qrow's eyes widened at how Taiyang looked in the viewing. Huh. I guess I'm not the only one who is also younger in this viewing. He looked at Tai, who was grinning at how he got to see himself look like he was back at Beacon.
"How awesome is this, Qrow!"
Qrow gave a small smile in response. "It's pretty cool…"
As they got up to the stage, the group collectively smiled and waved to the audience who went crazy, before they all received wires from the people going down the stage. The group then went to the instruments and microphones on the stage, already set up from the last performance, and connected the wires to get ready.
As he was the first to finish it, and with the others not done just yet, Qrow's actor jumped up and down in anticipation and gestured to the crowd to get even more pumped up.
When the rest of the band was done, one of the band members proceeded to play a memorable tune on his instrument that got the crowd roaring, and let the rest of the band know to start playing. [1]
It was time to perform.
"Nice opening…a simple piano tune." Weiss hummed.
"The crowd's going crazy though - I guess they're opening with one of their best songs?" Blake pointed out.
"That makes sense, the Achieve-Men always open their concerts with their hits!" Yang added on, remembering when she saw the Achieve-Men's at one of their tours to Vale. I can't believe Dad and Uncle Qrow are just like them!
(It starts with one)
One thing I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
To explain in due time
(All I know…)
Time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
Watch it count down to the end of the day
The clock ticks life away
(It's so unreal…)
"More somber lyrics? First Jaune, and now Ruby's dad?" Pyrrha questioned.
"Damn. I was hoping for some happier songs. I guess that's not happening." Nora pouted.
"Well Jaune did sing that funny song last time." Ren noted.
"Yeah but that was also him pretending to be a druggie!"
Didn't look out below
Watch the time go right out the window
Tryin' to hold on, did-didn't even know
I wasted it all just to watch you go
(Just to watch you go…)
The remaining members of Team STRQ shifted uncomfortably at what the lyrics were insinuating. Is this about how the team split up? Raven thought with a heavy look.
"This sounds like-" Tai said before Qrow continued.
"-what we might have thought about-?"
"Yep."
"I thought so." Dammit. Qrow thought as she looked at his sister. Well this viewing got awkward fast. Can't we just watch more skits?
Qrow held on to that note as Tai began rapping the next verse, to the audience's applause.
I kept everything inside and even though I tried
It all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually
Be a memory of a time when I tried so hard
Tai winced in shame as he remembered how he fell apart and basically stopped being a parent to Ruby and Yang for a while. I should've tried harder…
Both Ruby and Yang saw their dad in distress. Giving each other a look, the two sisters went up to him and gave him a big hug, knowing how he must be feeling. "'S'okay, dad. You've more than made up for it." Ruby began.
"I shouldn't have had to make up for it though." Taiyang stated back with an intense look to both of his daughters.
"Nobody's perfect! And if these lyrics are right, you at least tried! That's better than someone else here…"
Raven heard Yang, and grimaced. But not due to the insult. If only she knew…
I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end it doesn't even matter
I had to fall to lose it all
But in the end it doesn't even matter
Raven thought back to that final mission with Summer. Is this song not just about Qrow and Tai then? Is this about Summer? She could remember how Summer went up to her in an attempt to try and stop Salem. And how she basically abandoned the two children just as well. It's one thing for me to quit, I'm just a bandit. But you, Summer? Why?
One thing, I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind, I designed this rhyme
To remind myself how I tried so hard
(I tried so hard…)
In spite of the way you were mockin' me
Acting like I was part of your property
Remembering all the times you fought with me
I'm surprised it got so far
(Got so far…)
Meanwhile, outside of Team STRQ, some of the faunus in the audience were also feeling like the song was relevant to them as well.
Adam thought back to his relationship with Blake, and found himself shocked, just like Taiyan g was in his lyrics. I never treated her right. I saw her more as an asset and way to…relieve my stress, than as an actual person. The White Fang leader felt shame seep into his body. How did she take so long to leave me?
Things aren't the way they were before
You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
Not that you knew me back then
But it all comes back to me in the end
(In the end…)
Seeing Adam seemingly feel remorse made Blake suspicious once again. He can't be genuine right? Why is he only seeing it now? Are these viewings that Chrono is showing us really affecting him that much?
Once again, Qrow held on to that note as Tai went on to the next part.
You kept everything inside and even though I tried
It all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually
Be a memory of a time when I tried so hard
I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end it doesn't even matter
I had to fall to lose it all
But in the end it doesn't even matter
Tyrian looked at the conflicted faces and feelings that were apparent in the cinema, from the members of the disbanded Team STRQ to his fellow faunus, and grinned. After all, while many of his allies thought him to only care about blood and gore, he wasn't fully entertained JUST by that. He could find one percent of himself to be enthralled by the upset looks of his enemies as well!
The scorpion faunus let out a small giggle. Oh how delightful!
I've put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
For all this
There's only one thing you should know
Raven thought back to Ozpin, and how he used them and her team for her ends. And while she could just fully blame the old man, part of her knew that Qrow was right. It was still a fight that needed to be fought. She couldn't blame him for still trusting him.
But…why did it have to be us? She thought in dismay.
As Qrow continued to sing the bridge of the song [2], he began to sing louder.
I'VE PUT MY TRUST IN YOU
PUSHED AS FAR AS I CAN GO
FOR ALL THIS
THERE'S ONLY ONE THING YOU SHOULD KNOW
I TRIED SO HARD AND GOT SO FAR
IN THE END, IT DOESN'T EVEN MATTER
I HAD TO FALL TO LOSE IT ALL
BUT IN THE END, IT DOESN'T EVEN MATTER
As Qrow finished singing, the song began to end with the same tune that started it. The Crowd cheered and clapped for the band. Among the audience were a bunch of people dressed up as Soldiers with butterfly wings connected to their backs, waving flags. They were fanatics of the band.
Not every person in the cinema was focused on conflicts in their minds and of others however. Sun and Neptune found the song to be very entertaining.
"Bro! That song was amazing!" Neptune said to Sun.
"I know, right? Hey Chrono! What type of song was that, exactly? I've never heard of it before!" Sun asked the host.
"Nu Metal! It's a mix of classic metal rock and hip-hop and other genres, to simplify!" [3]
"Oh that sounds awesome!"
"I want one of those costumes too!" Neptune said, seeing the fans dressed up as soldiers with butterfly wings. "Wait…is that..?"
"Relax, Nep. It's fine."
"Oh. Phew!"
"That was a solid song." Cinder stated simply.
"Agreed, Cinder!" Emerald immediately replied.
Mercury rolled his eyes at Emerald's quick agreement. She is kinda right though…
"I'm shocked you actually liked a song like that, to be honest." Roman mentioned with Neo nodding her head in agreement.
"I'm NOT all work, Roman. I like to listen to music from time to time."
"I've literally never seen you go on a radio, wear headphones…or do anything music-related.
"And how many times do you even see me other than to tell your do better work?"
"...Good point."
Mercury laughed at the exchange.
As the crowd began to go silent again in anticipation of the next song, another member of the band, this time began the next song.
"So Tai and Qrow's band sing rock songs. Interesting." Ozpin noted.
"Well it was pretty popular back in our school days." Glynda added. "What is interesting though is the lyrics."
"Yes. While I'm sure it can apply to Team STRQ. It's also a very universal message." Even I can see where they're coming from…Ozpin (as well as Ozma) thought.
Why does it feel like night today?
Somethin' in here's not right today
Why am I so uptight today?
Paranoia's all I got left
I don't know what stressed me first
Or how the pressure was fed
But I know just what it feels like
To have a voice in the back of my head
Ozpin snorted. Case in point. Though I guess this would apply more towards my new incarnation when I actually die again. I wonder if he will have yet another similar name to me? I've been Oswald, Ozzie, Oziel, Ozymandias…I would love to be a simple Brian or Wulfric again…
Qrow and Taiyang considered the lyrics whilst giving each other a glance. "I don't think this reallies applies to us as much." Tai said.
"Yeah, this sounds more like the Tin Man if I'm being honest."
Ironwood heard the two and remained silent. In all honesty, they were correct. That's…somewhat accurate. Mettle is similar to a voice. A poisonous voice that always tells me that only I can do must be done…it definitely does breed mistrust…
Like a face that I hold inside
A face that awakes when I close my eyes
A face watches every time I lie
A face that laughs every time I fall
(And watches everything)
So I know that when it's time to sink or swim
That the face inside is here in me
Right underneath my skin
"Man it must suck to have paranoia." Ruby said.
"Indeed," Penny said sadly. "Not being able to fully trust, and believing that everybody is out there to get you…it can be lonely living like that."
Winter heard Penny and frowned. Maybe she was reaching here, but the amount of times she has heard her superior be called paranoid made her defensive of him by instinct. He's not paranoid, just cautious. And I'm sure he has a good reason for it.
Salem heard the lyrics and thought of her dreams, or to be more accurate, nightmares. While she is not paranoid. She does always think about how the Gods must be laughing at her plight. Why else would those arrogant buffoons leave me like this…
As Tai's first verse ended, Qrow went next to Tai and both began to sing the hook of the song.
It's like I'm paranoid lookin' over my back
It's like a whirlwind inside of my head
It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within
It's like the face inside is right beneath my skin
I know I've got a face in me
Points out all my mistakes to me
You've got a face on the inside too
And your paranoia's probably worse
I don't know what set me off first
But I know what I can't stand
Everybody acts like the fact of the matter is
I can't add up to what you can
Jaune was confused. "Is this song about being paranoid or about being anxious?"
"Both," Ren answered, "being paranoid and anxious go hand in hand, to be honest."
"Ah. That makes sense. Thanks Ren!"
But everybody has a face that they hold inside
A face that awakes when I close my eyes
A face watches every time they lie
A face that laughs every time they fall
(And watches everything)
So you know that when it's time to sink or swim
That the face inside is watchin' you too
Right inside your skin
With the second verse finished, Qrow rejoined the song.
It's like I'm paranoid lookin' over my back
It's like a whirlwind inside of my head
It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within
It's like the face inside is right beneath my skin
It's like I'm paranoid lookin' over my back
It's like a whirlwind inside of my head
It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within
It's like the face inside is right beneath my skin
As the final part of the song began - the cheers got louder.
The face inside is right beneath your skin
The face inside is right beneath your skin
The face inside is right beneath your skin
The sun goes down
I feel the light betray me
The sun goes down
I feel the light betray me
(The sun…)
It's like I'm paranoid lookin' over my back
It's like a whirlwind inside of my head
It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within
It's like the face inside is right beneath the skin
(I feel the light betray me, the sun…)
It's like I'm paranoid lookin' over my back
It's like a whirlwind inside of my head
It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within
It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within
It's like I can't stop what I'm hearing within
It's like the face inside is right beneath my skin
(I feel the light betray me, the sun…)
Oobleck decided to ruminate about the song he heard and contemplated about his students, and about society. Is this how people with such mental illnesses feel? I wouldn't be surprised if the singer had such a condition and decided to put it into song. I sure hope that the other teachers and I can at least help any student who feels this way…
The crowd once again cheered the band after the second song, but instead of waiting - the band started the next song immediately - resulting in the cheers getting louder.
This time, Qrow started the song.
I'm tired of being what you want me to be
Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface
Don't know what you're expecting of me
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
Upon hearing the lyrics, Qrow immediately thought back to his time back in the Branwen Tribe. I could see myself thinking like this back when I was with Rae…
Simultaneously, Ilia was reminded of her current situation with Adam and in the White Fang. Being faithless? Do I really feel like that with the White Fang? She thought of how she has become less focused on the actual revolution and more on finding Blake and trying to talk to her. Her eyes widened. When did I begin to think like this?
Qrow began to get louder for the hook.
I'VE BECOME SO NUMB
I CAN'T FEEL YOU THERE
BECOME SO TIRED
SO MUCH MORE AWARE
I'M BECOMING THIS
ALL I WANT TO DO
IS BE MORE LIKE ME
AND BE LESS LIKE YOU
Nora heard the hook and felt conflicting beliefs. On one hand, Ren and Nora have always gone hand in hand. They were a duo, they were partners. But…do I always want to be like that? I can't even think of who I am outside of being with Ren…
Can't you see that you're smothering me
Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control?
'Cause everything that you thought I would be
Has fallen apart right in front of you
Qrow held on to the last note as Tai began to join in.
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertow, just caught in the undertow)
And every second I waste is more than I can take
Qrow thought back to how intense the arguments and fights with Raven ended up, when it became apparent that he wasn't going back to the tribe. I thought she hated me…was she really just afraid of losing me? Did I just Rae too quickly?
I'VE BECOME SO NUMB
I CAN'T FEEL YOU THERE
BECOME SO TIRED
SO MUCH MORE AWARE
I'M BECOMING THIS
ALL I WANT TO DO
IS BE MORE LIKE ME
AND BE LESS LIKE YOU
AND I KNOW
I MAY END UP FAILING TOO
BUT I KNOW
YOU WERE JUST LIKE ME WITH SOMEONE DISAPPOINTED IN YOU
Jaune's breath hitched. That's like what I said to my parents..
While Jaune's parents eventually did agree to let him go to Beacon, even if they still didn't fully believe in him, it wasn't until Jaune pointed out that both of his parents' parents didn't approve of their life dreams and yet they still did it anyways. Dad was just like me, grand-dad didn't want him to be a Huntsman, especially after the war…
I'VE BECOME SO NUMB
I CAN'T FEEL YOU THERE
BECOME SO TIRED
SO MUCH MORE AWARE
I'M BECOMING THIS
ALL I WANT TO DO
IS BE MORE LIKE ME
AND BE LESS LIKE YOU
I'VE BECOME SO NUMB
I CAN'T FEEL YOU THERE
(I'm tired of being what you want me to be)
I'VE BECOME SO NUMB
I CAN'T FEEL YOU THERE
(I'm tired of being what you want me to be)
As Qrow sang the last parts of the song. A recording of Qrow's earlier lyrics played in the background to add to the song.
"Woah…that's a cool effect!" Russel pointed out.
"Yeah, they tend to do that for live concerts sometimes. Since you know, the singer can't exactly do every lyric when they're…I dunno, interpolated?" Cardin added.
"Interpolated?" Russel said, not sure what Cardin was getting at.
"Well I don't know the exact word, but when the lyrics are done at like the same time, ya know?" Cardin explained.
Russel just looked at him weirdly.
"Oh come on!"
Finally, when the song ended - the crowd cheered once again, as the band stopped for a few seconds to catch their breaths. The smiles and satisfactions were evident on their face however, especially for Qrow's actor, who beamed at how much the fans were enjoying the show.
After a second or so, the venue went dark with only the lights at the top of both the stage and the audience remaining lit. There was a sound of confusion from the audience, and the camera switched to show the behind of the band, with the audience now being in the background, instead of the foreground. On the other hand, the silhouettes of the band were all that was seen in the foreground. [4]
"Uh, what's happening?" Ruby asked, confused.
"Yeah, why the switch up?" Yang added on.
Yang looked to Blake, who simply shrugged and looked at her oddly. Why is she asking me? I have no idea.
While most of the audience thought the same, there were in fact two people who understood the change.
"Wait a second…" Coco started. "Bun, isn't this some kind of camera effect or something like that?"
Velvet's eyes widened as she realized what her leader was insinuating.
"Oh yeah! The lights at the top help to show all of the silhouettes!" Velvet clutched her camera. "I need to try and get some shots like that after we leave here…"
Coco chuckled. "Just make sure the shutter isn't loud like last time!"
The confusion was soon put to rest, as the band began to play their fourth song. As the iconic riff of the song began, the crowd began to disregard their confusion, and rock out.
"Oh that's cool!," Jaune exclaimed. "You can see the wings up on the level of all of the people's arms while they're going wild!"
"This feels like it should be part of a music video, to be honest." Ren also mentioned.
(I am) a little bit of loneliness, a little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints but I can't help the fact
That everyone can see these scars
(I am) what I want you to want, what I want you to feel
But it's like no matter what I do, I can't convince you
To just believe this is real
(So I) let go watching you turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be here 'cause you're all that I got
Adam thought back to his scar, touching it with his hand. All the looks, all the grimaces when people saw it, And the pity ... Adam looked down to the mask on his lap. Sensing a person looking at him, he went around only to see Winter Schnee quickly turn her head around with a frown on her face.
The Bull immediately felt a bit of anger. He huffed. Perhaps taking this off was a mistake…
Both Tai and Raven gave each other a look towards the end of the verse. After a bit of silence, Raven began to speak.
"For what it's worth…I-"
"You've gone to Patch from time to time, haven't you?"
Raven was shocked to hear that. …He knew?
Tai smiled sadly at his ex-wife.
"I know Ozpin wanted you to be a spy, but you're not as sneaky as you think, Rae."
As Raven remained silent, Taiyang continued. "At first I was angry, to be fair. After all, you can't even come back to try and face me person to person? But I get it now."
Raven gave a look towards Tai, as if to say how.
"…You didn't want to get your ass kicked, huh?"
Raven's eyes widened, not expecting that, before scoffing. "As if you could beat me. You're probably all rusty from only sparring against students." She said, as her face betrayed a smile.
Tai let out a chuckle before responding. "True! But I'm pretty sure it's still better competition than who you've been facing with your old family."
Raven felt her stomach drop. "I-"
"It's fine. There were all that you had, right?"
"..."
Tai got up from seat and talked quietly to Raven. "But they're no longer the only people anymore. Qrow told me about your talk. I'll be honest. I can't forgive you. Not yet. I'm not even sure Yang will. But if you do come back? Well, I'm not averse to a second chance."
Yang heard the talk and frowned. How can he still be willing to give her a chance, after all this time?
I CAN'T FEEL THE WAY I DID BEFORE
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME
I WON'T BE IGNORED
TIME WON'T HEAL THIS DAMAGE ANYMORE
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME
I WON'T BE IGNORED
"I have to say Qrow," Ironwood stated. "hearing you sing like this has been surprisingly pleasant. It's a shame that your actual singing skills are as good as your ability to follow orders however."
Winter smirked at that remark whilst Qrow just rolled his eyes with a smile. "Don't make me tell everybody here what you sung for G-"
"No, wait!"
"Sir?" Winter asked, confused by the General's outburst.
Qrow just guffawed, but ultimately kept his mouth closed regarding the matter.
(I am) a little bit insecure, a little unconfident
'Cause you don't understand I do what I can
But sometimes I don't make sense
(I am) what you never want to say
But I've never had a doubt
It's like no matter what I do, I can't convince you
For once just to hear me out
Nora nodded at the first part of the voice. She liked to think that she hid her fears well, but she can't help but wince internally every time someone looks at her like she's crazy. Ren doesn't mind though…just be brave right? And be yourself…
(So I ) let go watching you turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be here 'cause you're all that I got
I CAN'T FEEL THE WAY I DID BEFORE
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME
I WON'T BE IGNORED
TIME WON'T HEAL THIS DAMAGE ANYMORE
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME
I WON'T BE IGNORED
As Qrow began singing the hook, the camera changed back to show the audience's point of view, as they jumped up and down in excitement whilst watching Qrow scream into the microphone.
NO, HEAR ME OUT NOW
YOU'RE GONNA LISTEN TO ME, LIKE IT OR NOT
RIGHT NOW, HEAR ME OUT NOW
YOU'RE GONNA LISTEN TO ME, LIKE IT OR NOT
RIGHT NOW
Many of the hunters in training were nodding their heads with the beat, enjoying the song.
"Your dad and uncle's songs are so good, Ruby!" Jaune said to his fellow team leader.
"I know right? I kinda want to go to a concert now!" Ruby replied.
"Oh! We should totally go to an-" Yang started before Ruby interrupted.
"No! Not the Achieve-Men!"
"Come on, Rubes! You'll love them!"
"There aren't even rock like these guys!"
I can't feel the way I did before
Don't turn your back on me
I WON'T BE IGNORED
As Qrow sang that last lyric, the camera zoomed in to show his silhouette before zooming back out, as the lights in the venue finally went back up - showing the band in its glory.
Velvet had stars in her eyes at how the camera work focused on Qrow and how the lights came back on to reveal the band right before the final verse.
"Man…if I wasn't a huntress…"
Coco chuckled at her team member. She looked at her bag. "Yeah…I get what you mean."
I CAN'T FEEL THE WAY I DID BEFORE
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME
I WON'T BE IGNORED
TIME WON'T HEAL THIS DAMAGE ANYMORE
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME
I WON'T BE IGNORED
I CAN'T FEEL
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME
I WON'T BE IGNORED
TIME WON'T HEAL
DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME
I WON'T BE IGNORED
"I CAN'T FEEL!" Sun and Neptune sung loudly along with Qrow's actor.
Neptune began to sputter and cough after a bit. "Damn! How does he keep it up!"
"Maybe try to drink some water for your throat. Or are you scared of that too? Hehe."
"That's not funny, Dove!"
"Eh…it kinda is."
Now only having one last song left to perform, Qrow put the microphone back to his face to say thank you to the crowd on the band's behalf
"We got one last song left for you guys! Thank you so much, you were all great!" Qrow's actor announced as the crowd cheered yet again. Tai clapped along with the audience and the rest of the band looked happy at the positive reception.
With that, the final song began.
In this farewell
There's no blood, there's no alibi
'Cause I've drawn regret
From the truth of a thousand lies
So let mercy come and wash away
Both Qrow and Raven considered the lyrics and wide eyes. One thought of the past, while the other thought of the future.
For Qrow, he thought back to when he finally broke away from Raven and just decided to tell the truth to Summer. His gut twisted and turned as he thought about his confession, just like how it did when he revealed how he was a bandit, fearing that Summer would hate him, only for her to hug him and be happy for how he changed.
Qrow smiled. Best decision I ever made.
For Raven, she contemplated taking up Tai on his offer. To be a huntress again. A sister. A mother. A wife? No…that could never be the case again. Perhaps a friend again, however. Her gut twisted and turned as the possibilities of failure popped up in her mind however. What if Yang never stops hating me? What about Summer's kid? What about Ozpin? Will I have to work for him yet again?
Raven grimaced. I don't know…
What I've done
I'll face myself
To cross out what I've become
Erase myself
And let go of what I've done
Hearing the hook, Adam looked at his mask.
He thought of his parents in the mines, wishing for better.
He thought of comrades dying in his arms, wishing for better.
As he saw his reflection on the mask, Adam pondered if he was a hero like he truly thought.
Put to rest
What you thought of me
While I clean this slate
With the hands of uncertainty
So let mercy come and wash away
What I've done
I'll face myself
To cross out what I've become
Erase myself
And let go of what I've done
However, Adam then thought of Ghira and Sienna, who wished him to be better.
He thought of Blake, who left him when he failed to be better.
…He thought of Cinder, who wished for him to be no better than a monster.
His reflection gone, all he saw was a Grimm.
…I think I get it now.
He broke the mask.
"Adam! What are you doing?" Ilia asked.
Adam looked at his fellow comrade and gave a small smile. "Something we should've done a while ago."
Despite not singing for this song, Taiyang was able to personally put on one last show for the crowd, by doing a guitar solo for the bridge.
Weiss hummed in appreciation. Ruby's father is truly incredible.
Ruby smiled at her partner. "You enjoying it?"
Weiss let out a huff, but ultimately smiled. "Of course I'd enjoy good music!"
For what I've done
I start again
And whatever pain may come
Today this ends
I'm forgiving
What I've done
Regardless of personal thoughts and grievances, all of the audience nodded their heads, whether through intense headbanging or simple soft movements of their heads, in rhythm to the beat, enjoying the final song.
I'll face myself
To cross out what I've become
Erase myself
And let go of what I've done
(Na-na, na, na, na-na, na, na)
(Na-na, na, na, na-na, na, na)
What I've done
(Na-na, na, na, na-na, na, na)
(Na-na, na, na, na-na, na, na)
Forgiving what I've done
(Na-na, na, na, na-na, na, na)
(Na-na, na, na, na-na, na, na)
As the song ended, the crowd's cheers rose to a crescendo.
Qrow and Tai looked at each other with smiles, before raising their hands to the audience. The rest of the band members clapped passionately or let out whoops.
"That's all from us! Thank you and goodnight!" Qrow announced.
The screen went to black.
"Well I thoroughly enjoyed that. Perhaps more than I should've." Watts declared.
Hazel grunted in agreement.
"It was okay." Tyrian added.
Cinder looked at Tyrian like he was crazy. "Are you serious?"
"Oh don't get me wrong, I found the music to be good, but compared to all of the reactions I've seen from the people here? It pales in comparison! Haha!" Tyrian said with a laugh.
Meanwhile, the hunters in training were discussing the content of the songs.
"I found the lyrics to be very moving, and the stories they all evoked were very relatable." Weiss said. To break out of a toxic situation and to stop being like someone who doesn't respect you, and to ensure that you are heard, despite how faint your voice seems. I can fully understand, Mr Branwen and Mr Xiao Long.
"Hmm. I can see your point. I just didn't expect you to like rock music, Ice Queen!"
Weiss scoffed. "Do you really only think of me as a person that just listens to one type of genre, Xiao Long?"
Jaune heard that statement and laughed nervously.
"Of course you'd listen to only one type." Weiss groaned.
"Well, video game soundtracks can be different based on what type of game it is!" Jaune defended.
"...Video game soundtracks? Oh come on, VB!" Yang said with a laugh.
"What's wrong with video game soundtracks?" Ruby said with a pout.
Adam looked at Blake laughing and smiling at the exchange the hunters-in-training were having, and smiled sadly. I won't be able to make you smile anymore, Blake, but I can try to make others smile instead of making them scared.
He looked away from Blake to find Cinder going towards him, glaring at him and what he was holding - his broken mask. Adam felt a bit of fear come to him upon realizing that the powerful huntress was coming closer and closer.
So he put away the broken mask and walked away.
"Hey! Where are you going!" Cinder exclaimed.
"Huh. I wonder why Adam is running away from Cinder." Ruby commented.
Adam made sure to go to walk to the back right door of the cinema - to the break room.
As he entered the room, he went to one of the tables and leaned on it as he awaited the incoming wrath of Cinder.
"I saw what you did."
Adam put a hand to the broken mask inside his pocket. "What did I do?" He asked, feigning ignorance.
He felt a fireball go through him, but no pain. She must've forgotten Chrono's rules.
"Don't play with me, Taurus! I know that look anywhere! You're having second thoughts aren't you?"
Adam turned around and glared. "Perhaps I am. What of it!"
Cinder scoffed and went up to Adam, pointing a finger close to his face.
"What about that scar?" She asked. "Don't you want the Schnee to pay?"
"Those girls aren't Jacques Schnee. I've seen how they act around the others. They're actually…well, human."
Cinder frozen, before laughing. It was not a kind laugh. "Oh, so now the terrorist wants to spare people? To stop killing? You want peace all of a sudden? Is that it?"
She dropped her smile. "Enough of this."
Adam's face went stoic. "I agree." He pushed past Cinder and went out of the room.
Incensed by this, Cinder shouted back at the bull faunus. "ALRIGHT, FINE! YOU CAN PUT AS MUCH DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE TRUTH AS YOU WANT, TAURUS - IT CHANGES NOTHING. BUT GO AHEAD! PRETEND TO BE WHAT YOU'RE NOT! Just remember…" She shouted as she threw something, startling Adam as it actually hit him.
Adam turned around and saw what the object was. His one good eye widened. …How did she get that?
It was his broken White Fang mask.
"There is STILL one unavoidable truth you will never escape: You won't ever fully change. You will always be a monster." She snarled, as she shoved back past him to go back to the cinema.
Adam kneeled down to the mask and looked at it. He closed his eye.
"I know."
He picked up the mask and threw it away into a bin in the room.
"But I won't be a monster any longer." [5]
As Cinder stormed back to the cinema, she saw that most of the audience wasn't really focused on her and Adam going out. At least that's a relief…
Emerald immediately went up to her however. "What happened?" She asked immediately.
"...Let's just say, we'll need to find new help."
"Ugh. What's up with a lot of these White Fang guys having a change of heart all of a sudden. It's annoying…" Emerald complained.
For once, Cinder fully agreed and nodded. "So what did I miss?"
"Not much. Most of the students are just talking about how much they liked the songs. Ruby and Yang are talking with their dad about it."
Cinder hummed. "And of the others?"
"Raven Branwen has been talking to her brother about the songs as well, with yet another argument about her coming to their side occurring again. Ozpin and his group have been pretty quiet. The other faunus haven't had much to say too - other than the Blake girl's mom mentioning how the songs sound like songs her husband used to listen to back in the day. Emerald continued, with an eye roll at the end.
"Well that's good to know."
Finally, Chrono looked around at all the discussions happening about the music, before deciding to pop back into the discussion.
"It seems that the songs were a hit!"
"Indeed. They were nice." Salem admitted, getting agreements from every group.
Chrono smiled at the positive reception to the music. "Well I'm glad to see you all enjoy good music! Hopefully you guys enjoy this next viewing too!"
Adam will be back for the viewing, don't worry guys! As for how, it'll be explained next time!
That's it for 2023 from me! First it was The Weeknd, and now it's Linkin Park! I hope the chapter was a nice way to end the year. Linkin Park, to me, was a special band. I'll always be thankful for Chester Bennington (RIP), Mike Shinoda, and the other band members for all the good songs, memories, and of course - the AMVs that included it.
I'll be kind of honest however, I feel like the reactions for both were a bit subpar. Mostly since I felt like for the skits last chapter, it was hard to fully connect them to the characters' mindset and stories, since they were just comedic. For Linkin Park, while I love the songs, it was kinda hard to only have to react to just the music and lyrics alone - and while I love interpreting them - I felt like having the characters interpret them, especially with just the thoughts, kinda made the dialogue a bit boring, compared to other chapters. Hopefully, this isn't the case for the next chapters though - which will be posted next year!
[1] - It's the opening tune to 'In The End'.
[2] - That's what that part of the song is called, right? The different part of the song after the chorus/hook are sung twice already. It differs from a normal verse, and is usually right before one final hook.
[3] - I THINK that's how you simply Nu Metal. I could be wrong however.
[4] - This part is based on how the music video for 'Faint' is filmed. You can see it on YouTube!
[5] - I've been playing God of War 2018 and this moment made me realize why it won Game of the Year over Red Dead Redemption 2. IT'S SO GOOD! I had to reference it somehow in this story.
AND NOW TO ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS/SUGGESTIONS FROM REVIEWS:
triscythe59: I've heard a lot about Baki and have seen some memes that showed it out of context. It's…interesting to say, I'll think about it! I have to watch it on Netflix first!
yoshi3000: Thanks for the offer, man! I've read your story and it's very interesting!
keybladelight: I'll be honest - I'm not too sure about Xenoblade since it was a transcript provided by another author. It'll depend on them more than me, to be honest. As for Spy X Family, I will certainly try! Another 13k chapter would be expected in that case tho!
vmoneywashere: While your idea might be a bit too long for what I'm trying to write, I do think doing a Mass Effect chapter is interesting. I'd probably try to do a single mission however. I think 'Bring Down the Sky' would be a good mission to focus on JNPR. Of course, they would technically be different characters in this case…
A Guest: Summer as Yor Briar? Interesting, I was thinking of Raven for that role - and a lot of others have thought the same. Keeping Yuri as himself though, I agree with that lol.
sanjiv121606: Another Coeur work? I actually haven't Null compared to the other stories - I'll have to see if the first chapter is good enough, since Chapter 1 of White Sheep was what I got for the chapter I did for this story.
Savior16: Sorry, but I probably won't go back to COD. I only went for COD in the first place due to how infamous No Russian was. Maybe if there is another iconic mission (or to be more accurate - controversial), I would think about it.
MichaelMyers1234: Yep - I did One Piece! Someone had to - it's just a good story!
absa417: While it wasn't exactly to my taste, I did find the first chapter of Knight of Salem to be objectively funny. I think having a reaction to this might raise some eyebrows since this would be the second fanfic that the people in the cinema would be seeing that has Jaune and Salem be together in some way! Lol!
See you guys next year!
NEXT CHAPTER: Not sure yet. We'll see in 2024!