A/N: Welcome everyone to the second part of the incredible story that is 'RWBY: The Hidden World'. The chapter which follows this little announcement is not a chapter, but a (short) prologue to announce the rest of this story.
Why, you're probably wondering?
Because the second part of this story takes place years AFTER Summer and Salem return to Remnant.
As you can imagine, a lot has changed since then, but you will discover that soon enough.
Some of you specifically asked me to make sure that Jaune has a Harem... I'm still thinking about this idea. If this is what you want, tell me in the comments.
Okay, now that that's all been said, I'm going to leave you alone so you can read this prologue in peace.
I WISH YOU ALL A GOOD READING !
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Many years has passed since Salem and Summer returned from the Hidden World with the help of Fawkes, the noble and majestic Phoenix, and Ancalagon The Black, the mighty and powerful Dragon King, and so many things happened since then.
The two women recounted their adventures to Taiyang, Summer's husband, and needless to say, the man was shocked by what he was told (who wouldn't be after learning that their world was above 'another one?) but had promised to keep it a secret and not reveal it to anyone... especially Ozpin.
When the man asked him why, Summer told him the story of Ozpin... before revealing that the woman who accompanied him was none other than the Queen of Grimm (well, formerly now) herself .
The very one that Ozpin wanted to destroy to save Humanity.
Taiyang, hearing this, almost attacked the woman but after some explanations, he had allowed her to live under their roof… much to the joy of Summer. Once the stories were told, the three adults had went to see Yang (the little blond who happened to be Taiyang and Summer's older daughter) who had been in another room, fawning over Fawkes. Little Ruby, her, had been in her crib but her silver eyes hadn't looked away from the crimson and golden bird.
Once the adults had entered the room, Yang had asked them many questions and needless to say that they were happy to hear that there was a new addition in the family. Later, Fawkes left to return to the Hidden World, much to the chagrin of the two little ones, but once they were told that Phoenix couldn't stay because he might get hurt by mean people, Yang had reluctantly accepted that… while Ruby had cried for hours afterwards.
She was still too young to understand the difference between good and bad.
Over the next few days, Salem began to enjoy her stay at Patch and quickly grew accustomed to the other people in the house. Summer and her were practically sisters in all but blood and Taiyang was kind enough to hang out with. As for the girls ? They were absolute darlings. Yang was a bit loud and rambunctious at time, but she was a delight to have around. She was also quite protective of little Ruby and showed a maturity that amazed her.
Speaking of Ruby, she was without a doubt the most adorable baby she had ever seen. Her chubby, adorable face could melt anyone's heart and her silver eyes, so similar to Summer's, seemed to shine under the light with an innocence so characteristic of someone her age.
After a few days around her, the two girls started to call her 'Auntie Salem' which had both shocked and delighted her as it was another proof that she was a member of this family. The former Queen of Grimm also got to meet a friend of the family : Qrow Branwen. She had heard of him and the fact he was a drunkard and pervert. The moment they met, the man tried to flirt with her !
However, instead of being annoyed by this, Salem calmly told him to stop unless he wanted to lose the one thing that made him a man. Qrow, despite not being the brightest man of Remnant, understood the message and left her alone. Never again did he tried to flirt with her again. Apart of that, they all passed a good time with the man… but none of them told him about the Hidden World nor who she really was.
After all, the man was loyal to Ozpin and if he got a wind of their secrets, he would hesitate to tell him.
So you can understand that, once he left, they all released a collective sigh of relief.
No one else would visit them afterward...at least, no humans would visit them. Why ? Because a familiar crimson and golden bird would sometimes visit them, appearing in a burst of flames while releasing a melodious song. Of course, everyone was delighted to see the noble birds again… especially the girls.
Ever years later, Yang and Ruby would wait eagerly for the majestic bird to visit them.
Salem and Summer would great him with affection, which he returned wholeheartedly before turning his attention to the young ones, beaming under their praises and attention.
Taiyang, him, respected Fawkes because, thanks to him, his wife was back safe and sound but he, one day, hoped to meet the second individual who helped her to return home : the Dragon King himself. However, it would not be possible for now as Salem and Summer were the only one allowed to return to the Hidden World.
Speaking of which, the two women would, from time to time, go back to the Hidden World to visit some of the people (and creatures) they befriended during their journey there : Lord Scalanis, his daughter Shenarah and the elven guard Alenia from the peaceful village of Malon, the little Niffler Taisce, the Hippogriffs Shadowheart and Moonwing, Queen Shannyria and King Falael of Lelfalion and finally, their dragon friend, Aurora. From time to time, they would also visit the mighty Dragon King himself. Now used to his huge size, they were no longer afraid or intimidated by him.
As the time passed and during each of their visits, our two friends learned more secrets of this new underground world… while also befriending more people. However, Summer wanted her family to be able to share this incredible experience too and spoke to the King about it.
After discussing it with other leaders and lords of the Hidden World, Ancalagon gave his agreement but under some conditions: his daughters could only come if they promised not to reveal anything about this world to anyone… same for her husband. Previously, the great Black Dragon had made this same request to Summer when the latter wanted to reveal this adventure to these girls.
With this new promise, they were going to kill two birds with one stone. Needless to say that Summer had been ECSTATIC by the news and had fervently accepted those conditions. Salem, who had been there at the time, had been happy for her friend and adoptive nieces as they would get to experience what they were experiencing themselves.
Of course, once back in Patch and after announcing the news to Taiyang, the blond man had decided to wait until the girls were old enough before joining them to visit this new world. Because of the age gap between Ruby and Yang (aka 2 years), they decided to wait until they both go to Beacon Academy.
It was a good comprise.
However, things turned different after some times.
Why ?
After this decision, life returns to normal... with a major change.
What change?
Well, 2 years after the two women returned from the Hidden World, Salem got tired of staying on an island and decided to take a trip around the world. When asked why, she explained that she wanted to see how the world had evolved.
At first, Summer was reluctant to see her friend leave but eventually reluctantly agreed.
With a final goodbye, the former Queen of Grimm began her long journey. Thanks to the device that Summer had given her, a Scroll, Salem not only sent photos and videos of her travels, but also chatted with her friend and her nieces (when the latter were on the other end of the line).
During her journey, she went to many places… except a large island named Menagerie where Faunus lived, knowing that she would not be welcomed there. However, again during her journey, she also got to meet a little girl (who seemed to be a few years older than Yang) named Cinder in an orphanage and decided to adopt her when she saw the sadness and the despair shining in her amber eyes.
Summer had congratulated her for adopting such a poor soul as she knew the former Queen of Grimm would make a good mother for the little one.
Once the adoption was complete, Summer and her new charge returned to Patch where Cinder got to meet her caretaker's family. At first, the young girl had been apprehensive of those new people but as the time passed, Cinder grew attached to them… and became best friend with Yang (despite being older) and a second older sister to little Ruby.
Cinder was a kind soul… but don't ever anger her because she had a fiery temper almost as bad as Yang's ! And she demonstrated it many times since she first came to live with her adoptive family. But despite this, everyone loved her.
Even Fawkes.
Speaking of which, a few days after her arrival on Patch alongside Salem, Cinder got to meet the Phoenix and had been amazed and shocked by the majestic firebird. Of course, questions were asked and answered were given. All ending with Cinder promising everyone to not tell a soul about Fawkes. Such a beautiful creature deserved to remain hidden… because if someone with bad intentions caught him…
Anyway, years passed and Cinder, Yang and Ruby all grew together like sisters. Being the oldest, Cinder went to Signal Academy, later followed by Yang and later by Ruby. While the girls were at school, Summer and Salem would go to the Hidden World to visit their friends, especially Aurora who was their closest friend beside the Elves and Fawkes.
Years passed happily… until the time when secrets would no longer be hidden.
How will Yang, Cinder and Ruby react to the existence of a magical fantasy world, one hidden far beneath their feet ?
Will more people learn about it ?
And if so, what will happen ?
You'll find out in the second season of 'RWBY: The Hidden World' !