NOVEL NEXT Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Next Steps III (Finale); The Way Forward
Hopefully you all enjoyed the last Chapter, though it was on the shorter side. Last couple of chapters have been mainly focused on Baron and Flare (rightly so) due to the village hosting a marriage ceremony for them before they leave to rejoin the others. This chapter will catch up with the other groups just before the time skip where they're all at Ruby and Yang's house.
I haven't focused on the Rwby cast as much, so just assume that they're doing the same thing as in cannon after Beacon fell (with the exception of Jaune, Ruby, Yang, and Neptune).
If y'all were to pick, who would Hailfire Fall in love with?
Giblet
Oscar
Yatsuhashi
Fox
Zero
Beat
Cardin (Assuming he's freed from the devil possessing him lol)
Valvahdern
Let me know in the comments or leave a review for this chapter when it releases. Without further ado, onto the story!
Opening theme:
Hibana - Tales of Arise opening theme
Visuals: Starts out showing Odyn walking forward with Ruby following behind him as it pans up to the sky upon showing the title card: Flame and Crimson. The screen briefly goes to a shot of Odyn's hands before cutting to field surrounded in flames. Ruby looks up to the sky as the silhouettes of her family members are seen walking in the background of her mind. The camera then pans to Odyn reaching a hand towards Ruby, who accepts it as the they walk forward. The camera then pans to others within the group of friends, ranging from Khanna and Mercury fighting off Grimm, to Syrrai and Jaune training as they clash swords. Roy and Yang are seen sparring before she falls to the ground frustrated with herself momentarily before Roy offers a hand to help her up to her feet. It then pans to several lights, representing the group of friends. Odyn reaches out towards Ruby and the two of them grab hands before standing back to back with their weapons drawn. The dark elf then draws his blade as he rushes towards a giant Grimm. After slashing it, a few times and dodging it with Roy accompanying him. They're saved by a shot from Ruby's sniper scythe. The scene then pans to Baron and Flare fighting off a wyvern Grimm with Blake, Shallot, Yang, and Sun helping. As the beast closed in, Syrrai rushes in and knocks back the beast with an Arte from her shield. This opened up things for Daikon to blast the beast away. Odyn is then seen to be clashing swords with someone in dark armor briefly before both gain distance and charge in again for a final clash. The clash causes the screen to go white, fading into a field where everyone meets and walks off towards mistral together.
Chapter 28: Next Steps III (Finale) - The Way Forward
Author's note: We'll return to what our heroes are up to until the time of their departure for Mistral. But, for now, let's see what a certain group of villains is scheming at the moment.
The opening then fades into a close up of a dark pool of black liquid. The backdrop is barren as the landscape is rigid with dark red mountains and dirt and a purplish black sky with ominous clouds swirling overhead. A large paw emerges from within the slime and a Beowolf gradually crawls out, slime sliding off of it and onto the ground.
The camera pans out to show several such pools and many Beowolves emerging. It pulls further and further out to show a mostly dark and desolate land made up of red ground, purple crystals, and a red and black clouded sky.
The images shimmers and we see Emerald Sustrai's face being reflected in a window overlooking the scene. She sighs in a bit of frustration as if she was still in thought about something.
"Why, Mercury? Why'd you have to get your memory back? We were partners and now... you're not here.," Emerald thought to herself.
It has been 4 months since the Fall of Beacon, the same amount of time since Mercury seemingly turned his back on her and Cinder. Since he left, things have been.. rather difficult for the girl to say the least. She was held in far more scrutiny and wasn't successful in finding a replacement partner on her missions since then. Furthermore, she began to have... doubts concerning her future with this group. True, she owed Cinder her life for saving her. However, she began to think more and question more about the legitimacy of Cinder's plans and of her personal involvement with the current Fall Maiden.
Watching from inside a high building. Emerald has her hand to her mouth, while also feeling slightly disgusted at the grotesque sight in front of her. A gloved hand appears between two purple crystal formations and snaps its fingers.
A wide shot reveals a large windowed room, at the center of which is a long purple, crystal table. Four people sit at the table with seven chairs. One of them is Cinder Fall. Emerald moves away from the window. There's a close-up of the man sitting across from Cinder, Arthur Watts. He is looking at his Scroll.
Next, is the man to Cinder's right, Tyrian Callows. He sits in a crouch casually on his chair, resting his arms on his knees.
Across from Tyrian, is Hazel Rainart. His arms are crossed, and he looks asleep.
Cinder sits quietly, while Emerald moves to her side. She could tell that the villainess was still quietly fuming about how she suffered such a crushing and humiliating defeat at the hands of two dark elves. The girl sits quietly next to Cinder. As she sat next to Cinder, she began to think.
"Is what I'm doing really the right thing? Matter of fact, why am I even here?," She wondered to herself.
Watts chuckled to himself.
"Yes, Yes, keep your posse in check woman. Oh wait... didn't one of your own betray you? Can't really call it that now can you with only 1 follower now, eh?" Watts said smugly.
Emerald goes to make a move towards him, only for Cinder to hold her back.
"You hear that sound? Silence...," Watts said continuing to berate Cinder. "I have half a mind to thank that little girl who bested you."
"If that's what you think watts, you're mistaken. It wasn't her that defeated Cinder. It was... a pair of incredibly powerful Dark Elves.," Emerald corrected him.
Watts scoffed at such a notion, there was no way Cinder, who had the entirety of the Fall Maiden's power now could've possibly lost to a couple members of the "Forsaken" Race as Emerald claimed. The very idea was preposterous.
"Preposterous. She must have just let her guard down, allowing them to defeat her and catch her off guard.," Watts scoffed.
Emerald became angry pointed towards the man.
"I'm telling you that it's true! You.. Weren't there.. The power of those elves is... (slight shivers) frightening to say the least. They completely overpowered Cinder.," Emerald said angrily.
Hazel then spoke.
"If Emerald is this scared of the ones who defeated Cinder, they must be powerful foes indeed. We mustn't underestimate them Watts. Or need I remind you who's the weaker one between the two of us, hmm?," Hazel said with his arms crossed.
"If I were you, I'd hunt them down. They took your eye, didn't they?," Tyrian asked.
This guy... He didn't know the elves fighting strength like she did firsthand. If he did, he'd know just how much of a suicide mission that would be! There was but one thing on Cinder's mind then: Revenge.
Cinder only stares at Tyrian while he cackles at her. Cinder tries to speak but only manages to make quiet exhaling noises. Emerald leans in to hear her.
"Pathetic. Why did you even-," Watts began to berate her but was interrupted.
There is a sound of a heavy metal door being unlatched. The doors open and everyone stands just before Salem enters. She glides alongside the table with soft footsteps before reaching the head of it, jewels jangling from her hair. Salem stops, facing away from them and toward a candle and crystal display.
"Watts.," Salem said calmly and coldly.
Watts straightens, looking toward her.
Salem turns towards the man as she spoke in a calm, yet chilling voice.
"Do you find such malignance necessary?," Salem asked.
She gestures for all to sit down, which they do.
Watts clears his throat before speaking.
" I apologize, ma'am. I'm not particularly fond of failure.," Watts responded.
Salem and Watts both sit down simultaneously.
"Then I see no reason for your cruelty towards young Cinder. She's become our Fall Maiden, destroyed Beacon Tower, and most importantly, killed dear Ozpin. So I'm curious, to what failures are you referring?," Salem replied.
Watts cleared his throat as he prepared his argument.
"Why the girl with silver eyes of course.," Watts answered.
"Yeah. We've dealt with her kind before, so was it that a complete novice was able to best one of ours?," Hazel asked.
"My thoughts exactly. Even without her new power, it should have been effortless." Watts said.
Emerald spoke again.
"Th.. that would be incorrect, sir Hazel. Two of the Dark Elves were the ones who defeated Cinder. One of which had far more power than I think she had anticipated him having..," Emerald.
This gained the attention of Salem while Cinder quietly curled her fingers into a fist in frustration.
"Oh?" Salem asked curious.
Salem turned towards Emerald as did the others.
"And what did this Dark Elf look like?," Salem asked.
"I have to admit, even I'm rather curious.," Watts added.
Emerald gulped as she pictured the one who crushed Cinder quite handily.
"Aside from from the darkend skin and pointed ears.... His eyes were that of fire, though one was more red in color. But the most distinctive feature about him was his long, dark blue hair.," Emerald said.
"Blue hair you say...?," Salem wondered in thought.
"Blue hair? I know of only one family with hair that color.," Hazel said.
"You do Hazel?," Watts asked. "What were they like?"
Hazel crossed his arms as he scowled at the memory.
"Simply put: They're a family of bonefide warriors. I've never fought any one person with as much tenacity, raw power, and controlled anger.," Hazel said.
The focus shifted back to Emerald.
"And what was this young dark elf's name?," Salem asked.
Emerald started to sweat profusely as she really had been scared of Odyn when he gave her a warning.
"H-His... name was... O.. O... Odyn A-Albanar.., The son of Berethon and Hyatan Albanar... The High King and High Queen of the Dark Elves.," Emerald managed to say.
Hazel and Watts eyes both widened, while Salem gained a noticeable frown upon her face.
"I... see.. So.. It's them.," Salem said with a noticeable glare in her eye.
Tyrian noticed this and became excited.
"U.. um.. my queen, I know this is presumptuous of me to ask.. b-but do you perhaps have some past history with the Albanar's?" Emerald asked.
"History with them? Oh, yes. I.. do indeed.," Salem said rather curtly.
She sighed and returned to the topic at hand.
"Back to the topic of our Fall Maiden.... It is because of the Maiden's power. Make no mistake, Cinder, you hold the key to our victory. But your newfound strength brings with it a crippling weakness. Which is why you will remain by my side as we continue your treatment.," Salem said.
Cinder is unhappy about this and lowers her head. Emerald looks at her in sympathy.
"Dr. Watts, you are to take Cinder's place and meet with our informant in Mistral. But... do be careful. It would not be wise to underestimate those you refer to as "forsaken". They can be quite cunning and very resourceful." Salem instructed.
"Very good."Watts said in response.
"Tyrian, I would like you to continue your hunt for the Spring Maiden."
"Gladly.," He says excited.
"And Hazel, I'm sending you to the leader of the White Fang. Adam Taurus has arranged the meeting. The boy continues to prove loyal. Ensure that Sienna Khan feels the same.," Salem told the burly man.
"As wish, my Queen.," Hazel replied with a slight bow.
Cinder raises a finger. Emerald fails to notice this gesture for a moment, but then looks back and sees it.
"Oh!" Emerald said noticing the gesture.
Emerald leans in to hear her.
Cinder rasps into her ear as she still can't quite speak properly. Her wounds had... mostly healed, but her voice had seemingly not 100 % healed yet. Emerald straightens as she listens to Cinder.
"Speak, child.," Salem commands.
"She wants to know...(hesitates for a moment) What about the girl?" Emerald replied.
"What about her? Seems to me that this is Cinder's problem, not ours.," Watts said scoffing.
Cinder slams her fist onto the table and glares at Watts, who grins at her.
"That's enough. Tyrian?" Salem said curtly. " Spring can wait. Find the girl and.. the young elf who did this to Cinder. But.. I'd advise you to be careful. The young man who protects that girl is quite powerful according to Emerald here."
Tyrian giggles elatedly and claps.
"And bringthe girl, here to me.," salem ordered.
Tyrian freezes, groans disappointedly, pouts for a second, then looks back up at Salem with an acquiescent shrug.
Hazel then spoke.
"You know that elf won't let Tyrian just take the girl without fight, don't you my queen?," Hazel asked cautiously.
"I'm aware of that, Hazel. If this Elf defeated Cinder like Emerald here says, I'd like to get an idea of his power. Tyrian should be quite the entertaining challenge for him in that regard." Salem replied.
Salem continues.
"Because of your efforts, Beacon has fallen. And Haven will be next.," Salem said.
Everyone rises.
Tyrian snickers at Cinder and points to his left eye.
"Eye for an eye.," Tyrian says laughing wickedly.
Tyrian goes into an uncontrollable fit of manic laughter, while Cinder grits her teeth.
Meanwhile elsewhere...
A/N: Oscar WILL be older in this fic, so he's closer to our main cast's ages.
Oscar Pine, a young man with freckles and hazel eyes, wakes up in a panic and sighs in relief after looking around. He emerges from the loft of a barn and climbs down a ladder. The young, teenaged man is wearing patched khaki pants, a white shirt, and orange suspenders and gloves. He's about average height for someone in his late teens to early twenties.
Tucked into his pocket is an orange-based multi-colored cloth. He opens the barn door to a peaceful country scene with a rising sun and birds tweeting. White mountains are a background to a dirt road, grass, a few trees and a green water pump.
He smiles and pumps water into a blue bucket. As his gaze wanders the landscape, he becomes distracted from the pump and utters a quiet sound of surprise upon realizing he has overfilled the bucket. His shoulders fall with a sigh.
The scene cuts to the young man shutting and turning a green compost tumbler that is marked with a yellow crown bearing the initials CK.
While hoeing rows in a garden, he suddenly straightens up and looks out into the distance.
Meanwhile...
Back on Patch, Ruby had just regained most of the strength she had lost after being bed ridden for the first month after Beacon's Fall. She was seen to be training with Odyn, doing some light sparring to get the feeling of strength back in her limbs. Also during this time, Ruby had discovered that she'd been gifted some new abilities likely due to the elf blood flowing within her now.
One of those new abilties was of course, the capability to use elven magic. While it was weak, at first it has been steadily growing stronger the more she practiced with it. Perhaps due to the knowledge that she would no longer be a human soon, Ruby embraced the changes she was going through physically and... mentally as well. One of the physical changes she was steadily undergoing was that her hair had grown longer, it was now shoulder length... and it had grown to be a lighter hue of blue with parts of it remaining itself normal black still.
While her hair had originally started turning silver, due to the dna from Odyn that mixed with her unique blood... Her hair started to take on a similar appearance to the elf she had shared intimacy with. In this case that particular Dark Elf was Odyn. Her hair still had the crimson higlights at the tips of it, but the black from her hair was slowly disappearing. Another physical change she was adjusting to was that she had grown significantly taller in height. This was her blood likely trying to match her with her Lover's height.
Ruby was seen to be training in water magic with Odyn currently. She was starting to get the hang of it after much trial and error at first. She still liked using her Dust Weapon, Crescent Rose, but she also recognized that she'd have to fight like a Dark Elf soon enough.
"Ngh... come on...!," Ruby grunted as she wobbily created a shield made of Water.
"Almost there, little Rose. Just a bit further... You can do it!," Odyn said cheering her on.
The water shield steadily shifted shapes until it formed the weapon Ruby was accustomed to: a replica of her sniper-rifle scythe, completely made up of magical energy.
"Now.. hold it!," Odyn instructed his lover.
Ruby tried holding it, but her arms were getting tired, causing her to eventually drop the formed weapon and collapse to her knees.
"Sorry, Odyn... That was too much mana for me.," Ruby apologized.
Odyn shook his head and smiled at his girlfriend and lover as he helped her up.
"Hey, don't be. You did really well for your first time using your own Mana. This will only get easier the more you train with it.," Odyn told her.
Ruby smiled at him and leaned her head against Odyn's chest. He was still taller than her, but now, it wasn't so drastic of a height difference between them. Ruby now came up to about the base of Odyn's neck, whereas she was only about level with his shoulders before. Physically, she'd grown much stronger too. Ruby was more than likely stronger than her sister Yang was at her peak as a Beacon student.
"Shall we take a small break, so you can catch your breath?," Odyn asked.
Ruby nodded.
"Yeah... that'd be nice.," Ruby replied.
The two of them then headed back to the house for a nice, long break. After all, tomorrow was the day, they talked about finally setting out on the road to Mistral.
"Are you nervous, about Tomorrow?," Ruby asked.
"😅 No... I'm just more thinking how we're going to break the news to your Dad is all...," Odyn said sweatdropping.
"😅 Yeah..., Noted.," Ruby replied mirroring the action. "That... will be... difficult."
Odyn sighed and smiled at his girlfriend.
"Say... Ruby?," He began in question.
The girl looked towards him.
"Yes, Odyn? What is it?," She asked.
"You uh... do know that we'll have to let your friends in on your secret, right?," Odyn asked.
Ruby nodded and sighed. Her boyfriend was right of course, but she wanted it to be their exclusive shared secret for just a bit longer. She felt like it brought them closer since they had something in common now.
"Yeah... I'm aware. Though, I'm sure Sarai knows already about my um... "drastic changes"." Ruby replied.
Odyn nodded.
"That I'm sure she does. I'm speaking about your other friends. Blake, weiss, Nora, and Ren. Do any of them know about the whole... "Elf blood" thing concerning you, yet?" Odyn asked curiously.
Ruby shook her head.
"No. I don't think so. The only one who knows aside from you elves so far is Yang. Though she realizes that I'll become an elf soon, I.. I don't think she's realized just how drastic of changes I've gone through or.. the severity of them.," Ruby said.
"I see..." Odyn says before pausing and then continuing his thought.
"Ruby, I think it's time we had a proper talk with Yang. She deserves to know just what exactly is happening to you, her younger sister." Odyn said finishing his thought.
"Right..," Ruby said in realization.
Odyn rubbed Ruby's back as they made their way back towards the house.
Short time skip later....
Back inside the house, Odyn left Ruby outside of her sister's room while himself and Roy went to discuss some things with Tai.
"Good luck, Little Rose." Odyn said as he began to walk away.
"Thanks, Odyn. I love you.," Ruby said in reply.
Odyn smiled at her.
"And I love you, Ruby.," Odyn responded with a smile.
The two then shared a quick, but brief kiss before the Dark Elf walked away.
Ruby then looked at the door to her sister's room with a sigh before walking towards it. She then hesitated before summoning her courage and knocking on the door.
*knocks on Yang's room door*
"Hey, Sis? It's me, Ruby. Can we talk for a bit? There's something important that I need to tell you.," Ruby called out.
Ruby had used her growing elven mana to disguise her hair to fit its appearance from the last time she had spoken to Yang. After a moment of silence, Yang finally answered the door.
"Rubes? Come on in I guess.," Yang said opening the door.
Ruby smiled as she saw that her sister was up and walking now at least, that was a positive sign. The blonde walked over and sat down on her bed, but facing her sister now. The last time they spoke to each other, Yang wouldn't even look at her sister until she revealed that her blood was changing.
"So Rubes, you wanted to tell me something important?," Yang asked.
"Well first off, I want to show you something.," Ruby replied.
She snaps her fingers and the magic which was disguising her hair color came undone. Yang saw it as a barrier , at first, but she widened her eyes once she saw the color of Ruby's hair. It was a light blue with the black highlights and the crimson tips that her sister was known for.
"Oh my oum... Rubes, what.. what happened to your hair?!," Yang asked suddenly wide eyed in shock.
"It's a sign of the changes I've been going through, sis.," Ruby replied in explanation.
"Changes? You mean because of your blood changing, right?," Yang asked in concern.
Ruby nodded.
"Maybe this didn't quite sink in the last time we spoke, but... I really am not goung to be human for much longer sis. Look at me. My appearance really is becoming more and more like that of an elf girl.," Ruby said gesturing to herself.
Yang could only put her hand on her sister's face an offer a sad smile.
"No, Rubes.. your message got through alright. Look at you, your hair's gotten so long now. And... is it just me or.. have you grown taller by a bit?" Yang continued before she felt her sister's ears beginning to change.
She pulled her hand back slightly in surprise, but then put her hand back.
"And, your ears... they're starting to become like Odyn and Roy's... What's happening to my baby sister?," Yang said in thought.
"This is just part of the price of giving up my humanity, sis.," Ruby answered her sister's question.
Yang's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait.. Rubes, you mean you chose to become an elf?," Yang asked in suprise.
Ruby nodded in response.
"There are some other changes too, but.. I can tell you about those later on.," Ruby said.
Yang looked at her sister and asked her directly:
"And... you're okay with this? Becoming an Elf?"
"If it means I can stay with Odyn longer.. (blushes slightly) then, yes. I'll gladly give up my humanity to be with him.," Ruby answered determined. "Incidentally... what about you, sis? Anything... different since um.. well you know the whole going beserk mode during the fight with Turles?"
"Well... I guess you could say my balance has been a little off, due to the whole... having a tail now. And...I've been oddly craving large quantities of food for some reason lately." Yang said in thought.
"I see. But you're alright besides that, yeah?," Ruby asked.
Yang nodded.
"Yeah, I believe so. There any reason you're asking me this, Rubes?," Yang replied.
Ruby shook her head in response to this.
"No particular reason, sis. I just wanted to be sure that you're okay.," Ruby answered.
Yang looked directly at her sister again, this time far more seriously.
"You're leaving tomorrow, aren't you Rubes?," Yang asked directly.
Ruby sighed. She just couldn't hide anything from Yang, she was her older sister for a reason. Yang could be oddly perceptive when it came to the more important things. She nodded to confirm her sister's suspicions.
"I am. What happened at Beacon at the end there... it.. left me with questions. Questions that I need answers to.," Ruby replied.
"And you think those answers are on the road to Mistral, right?," Yang asked.
Ruby nodded again. Just then, Odyn and Roy came back. Ruby's boyfriend then walked up beside her and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Not to worry, Yang. I'll be going with her. She's precious to me after all.," Odyn said.
Yang smirked.
"😏 You'd better, otherwise I'll come and kick your butt mister.," Yang said in reply.
"I'll make certain of that.," Odyn said smirking back.
Realizing that it was getting late, Odyn and Ruby then turned and began to walk out of the room.
"We'd better turn in then, we've got a bit of a journey ahead of us after all.," Odyn said.
"Love you, sis.," Ruby said.
"I love you too, Rubes.," Yang replied.
They walked out of the room but not before Roy spoke to Odyn.
"You're not going to tell her about Ruby's new abilities?," Roy asked his brother.
"Nah. I figure it's better if Ruby surprises her team with her new abilities when they reunite. She can give them the full lowdown then.," Odyn answered.
Roy smirked.
"Heh. Alright, if that's what you think is best. May udiyah guide and protect you out there, brother.," Roy said.
"Same to you, Roy. Just get out resident blonde firecracker back on her feet, okay? I don't care how you do it.," Odyn said.
"Heh. Okay I'll do my best.," Roy said as the two brothers fist bumped each other.
Odyn and Ruby then walked away from Yang's Room, leaving Roy alone with the blonde haired brawler. The dark elf then looked towards Yang, who gave a small smile upon catching the gaze of the young dark elven man who was with her.
Time skip.... The Next Morning
Ruby and Odyn are seen to be quietly stepping outside as she sliwly shuts the front door. Each of them had backpacks for the road ahead.
"Got everything?," Odyn asked.
Ruby nodded.
"Yeah." She replied.
Before the two even get a couple steps away from the door, they see team JNPR standing there in front of them. Jaune, who looks a bit older now, is the first to speak up.
"Hey." Jaune says.
Ruby smiles so they know it's her.
"Hey, Jaune. Haven's a long way to go.," Ruby said.
"I know. It's the oy lead we have.," Jaune replies.
"Are you sure you want to come along with us?," Ruby asked.
He looked towards Sarai, who smiled and nodded towards him.
"Yeah, I'm sure. It's... what "she" would want. Pyrrha would want me to help you.," Jaune said somberly.
Ren chose to speak up.
"The journey will be perilous, and whether we'll find answers at the end is entirely uncertain." Ren said.
"And we wouldn't even be here if we weren't up for it. Also... we have to thank Sarai for convincing us to come with. We'd never leave Fearless leader all by himself!," Nora said.
Odyn looked towards Ruby.
"Shall we then?" He asked.
"Yeah, let's get started. Haven, here we come!," Ruby said as the party of 6 begin their long trek towards Mistral.
Nora then spoke as they walked away from Taiyang's home.
"By the way Ruby, what happened to you?," Nora asked.
Ruby chuckled and smiled.
"I'll tell you guys on the way, Nora. It's a bit of a long story.," Ruby said as the camera begins to fade away from the group of 6.
"A smaller, more honest soul... It's true that a simple spark can ignite hope, breathe fire into the hearts of the weary. The ability to derive strength from hope is undoubtedly mankind's greatest attribute. Which is why I will focus all of my power... to snuff it and the life of the one who guards it out."
As the above is spoken, Taiyang is seen bringing breakfast to Ruby's bedroom, but suddenly drops it when he sees she's not there. The concerned father then runs out of the room, unaware of the note Ruby left behind on her bed. As Taiyang runs past Yang's bedroom, she notices a raven perched on a branch, before watching it fly off. Roy then is seen walking into the room with Yang as she offers him a small smile.
"How does it feel, knowing that all of your time and effort has been for nothing? That your guardians have failed you? That everything you've built will be torn down before your very eyes? Your faith in mankind was not misplaced. When banded together, unified by a common enemy, they are a noticeable threat. But divide them, place doubt into their minds, and any semblance of power they once had will wash away."
As the above is spoken, Grimm are seen marching toward what was the ruins of Beacon. Elven soldiers donned in golden armor then quickly slay the beasts before they take off charging towards another horde of Grimm as the scene transitions.
In Vale, Glynda is seen trying to repair a shop with her telekinesis, but fails to hold it together. Several dark elves then walk up beside her as they are instructed by a young man in red armor to help move some of the rubble.
Elsewhere, Blake is seen running across rooftops. She stops to notice Beacon in the distance before continuing onward. Behind her a ways are Shallot, Sun, and Jinjer following the faunus girl.
Weiss is then shown sitting in a passenger plane with her father. She sighs as she thinks about those she was forcibly taken from.
"Of course, they won't realize it at first. Like you, they'll cling to their fleeting hope, their aspirations. But this is merely the first move."
As the above is spoken, Ruby is seen visiting her mother's gravestone again, alongside Odyn who stood a bit behind her. She turns to join him, Jaune, Sarai, Nora, and Ren.
"So you send your guardians, your Huntsmen and Huntresses, and when they fail and you turn to your smaller soul, know that you send her to the same pitiful demise."
The scene transitions to a battlefield where Hyatan thrusts her arm forward as the elven armies march onward. Berethon joins her as they continue towards their destination, the encampment of the armies of Atlas.
The camera then cuts to a view of Lylah, Hailfire, Mercury, and Khanna continuing on the road as they discuss future plans for when they reunite with the others.
Baron and Flare are seen in a similar scene as the previous trio, just coming from a different location.
The scene then transitions to an ominous-looking stone stairway lined with dark, purple crystals. The camera pans up revealing a figure in black overlooking a barren wasteland.
The figure narrows her eyes as she recognized some unforeseen opposition impedes her plans.
"This is the beginning of the end, Ozpin..."
She turns her head towards the audience.
"And I can't wait to watch you burn."
Her eyes glow ominously as she makes an evil grin, before the screen cuts to black.
The screen briefly comes back up as it then transitions to a view of Hyatan's faces as she narrows her eyes.
"Salem... Devils... Your time has come, judgement is coming for you both. Evil will not be allowed to survive any longer. Not as far as I'm concerned.," Hyatan said.
Berethon withdrew his sword as the elven soldiers offered a raucus war cry.
"Udiyah, protect and guide us all.," Hyatan said as the screen fades to black.
After the credits, Qrow is seen watching Ruby and her friends continuing on their journey. He then holds up Ozpin's cane, before jumping from the cliff. A crow takes his place and flies towards Ruby's group.
End Chapter...
Ending:
Ending theme: (Tales of Zestiria the X ending 2)
Visuals: Pans to different groups of the cast each fighting their own battles. Odyn and Ruby's group taking on Grimm, Roy training Yang who has her new arm, and the saiyans plus Neptune training against one another. The song ends with Odyn and Ruby ahead if the group of teens as they confront Cinder and Salem with chage towards them in a freeze frame.
Hey guys hopefully you enjoyed the chapter! I know, it was mostly focused on Odyn and Ruby. But since Ruby's undergoing some massive physical changes it kinda had to be that way. Not to worry, next few chapters will be more focused on the different groups then on just Ruby and Odyn. And.. lol 😂 Salem has no idea what she's getting herself or her followers into. The villains.. at least the rwby ones are about to be in for a very rude awakening going against the elves. But i digress.
Who should find love next?
A. Blake
B. Hailfire
C. Emerald
D. Sun
E. Note
F. Glynda
Below is a list of potential pairings, vote on which seem like a good idea:
A. Blake x Shallot
B. Giblet x Velvet
C. Note x Beat
D. Hailfire x Sun
E. Neptune x Scarlett
F. Valvahdern x Emerald
G. Yatsuhashi x Jinjer
Let me know your thoughts on the chapter. Good? Bad? Meh? What would you have changed?
Anyways, the conflict is starting to heat up and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds! See you guys next time!
Next time: Chapter 29: Future Steps Part 1; Convergence of Good vs Evil