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Ruby opens her eyes as something scratches at them. The light of the moon filters in from a broken wall, stinging her eyes. Her head flops to the side. The teacup sits there- perfect. Despite everything it remains untouched. A light touch on her arm is the only reason she looks away. If she’d the energy to move her hands…
The Curious Cat smiles as her eyes blink open again. They lift one paw and place it gently on her arm. “It’s alright, Ruby. It’s over now.”
“What? I’m sorry.” The effort it takes to shift herself is… momentous. Laying on her back doesn’t make the ache in her body any better. Pain. How many times had she dodged it? Avoided anything but the barest hints because of Aura. This level… had this ever happened before? It’s new. If she could, she'd laugh. “I don’t want to be me anymore.”
“It’s okay, little Huntress.” They hop onto her chest. The weight feels… comforting. As much as anything can be comforting now. The light ache from their weight at least says someone else is here. “I can be you instead.”
That sounds nice- wait. Ruby stares down at the cat. Her body attempts to tense, but a wave of pain crushes that down. It almost makes her black out again. Or maybe that's that little voice that says it would be okay.
The Curious Cat chuckles. “I have been trying to wear you down for so long!” A paw pushes forward. It doesn’t feel too bad at first. Not in comparison to everything else.
“GAHHGHHH!” The paw pushes further. Twisting deeper inside. It… feels Wrong. A feeling that can’t be properly described. Crawling across and into her Aura. Then deeper still, settling around something and weaving into it. Thankfully it seems to rest there- not wrapping deeper but not pulling away. “What are you… doing?”
“My purpose. When a poor little heart is broken , I can fill it with mine.” Whatever is inside twists forward just a little. It creeps into her limbs, the pain gone but the feeling going with it. Or perhaps it’s just overshadowed by something else taking the weight. “I’m afraid I haven’t been entirely honest with you.”
“No.” It feels nice. Something else sliding under her shoulders. Pushing off the exhaustion and the pain and everything else. Settling right into her, just the same as her Aura. Perhaps a little off, but not too much so. Maybe that's good, even- being different wouldn’t be so bad.
The Curious Cat smiles, full of teeth. “I’m not like the other Afterans here, I’m cursed with curiosity. I need to know everything!” Their eyes turn black. They push forward, more and more of themself winding around Ruby. It’s… like a hug, maybe. Too tight, too crushing, but still a hug. How long has it been… “But more than anything, I need to know why my makers left me here,” a low hiss comes out of the Cat as they push further forward, “only to leave and make all of you!”
“Haaahh” Ruby can only watch as the Cat slips further downward. Attempting to move doesn’t work- her limbs so light they don’t move even when she wants them too. Some other weight working on them- something that isn’t hers. It’s terrifying. It’s freeing. The gradual usurpation of everything. Every bit of weight, every bit of stress and pain and fear, placed onto someone else.
Then it all goes away. Her body relaxes, a sigh slipping out of her as she smiles. It feels… nice. Comfortable. Unburdened since the first time… probably since the train to Atlas, maybe? Perhaps even before then- since that abandoned farm with the Apathy.
“Feels…” Colour scrolls across her vision. Her body shifts upward, her hand curling around Crescent Rose without a thought. It moves swifter, more confidently. The weight of everything sloughing off without any problems at all. Something whispers at her to rest. To recharge, relax, and heal. “Mm.”
Her eyes glow. A hand raising in front of it to catch the checkerboard of purple, silver, and cyan. A giggle shakes the body as the glowing subsides. Her hand forms into a fist, then claws. Purple rushing up to surround it, hug it, reshape it. The hand drops to the floor, pushing against it. They stand, body cracking and popping as they stretch and move.
“RUBY!” The wall caves in. Silver and light blue blink as Jaune, Blake, Weiss, and Yang burst into the room. All of them ready to fight.
“Ruby! Where are you?” Yang’s head wildly jerks about the room before finally settling on the middle. Settling on them.
Their lips quirk up at how worried Yang is. “Not quite, but I think this is a rather large improvement.” Now she gets protective and pays attention. They bow. “Ruby… well she was rather tired, so I thought to give her a break. It’s apparently quite refreshing to let someone else take the reins for a bit, or so I’ve heard.”
“YOU!” Jaune hunches downward, sword at the ready. The flash of annoyance pulls their lips downward. “What did you do to Ruby?”
“Hm… I really agree with her. I really do not get what Weiss sees in you.” They place a paw over their mouth to at least pretend to stifle their laugh. Crescent Rose is gently picked up to rest on their shoulder as they lean forward. Everyone tenses. Oh, now they’re taking them seriously. “Goodness knows I’m as tired of your little sob story as she is.”
“Give Ruby back.” Yang’s voice is low. Licks of fire rush off her hair as her eyes burn.
“Hm.” They lean back a bit, their eyes tracking across the people arrayed in front of them. They pause on Weiss and Blake before they roll their head around to stare at Yang. “Well that is a new feeling. Already this is proving to be an excellent choice!”
“What do you want?” Weiss has her rapier drawn, but her semblance is nowhere to be seen. A little surge of happiness accompanies that observation. Such an eager defender, and so pretty too.
Jaune steps forward. He, at least, looks very ready for a fight. “You’re going to get out of Ruby, and you’re going to tell us how to get to the Tree.”
They scoff. “I’ve told you before. It’s not a place you go; it’s a place you know.” One finger taps their head as they lean a bit forward. A chuckle falls out as Jaune tenses at the taunt. “Not that I’d expect you to figure it out. The rest could, though. They aren’t stuck like you are, little hero. Honestly, you could have at least been funny in a sad sort of way, but that seems to be beyond you.”
“Funny?” Jaune scowls, his hands tightening on his weapons. “You think protecting people is funny?”
“Oh not at all. What do you think my job is?” As unappreciated as it is. A light pulse of something presses on them, the weight of remembering all those years retreating just a bit. “This place doesn’t need a hero. Nobody here can die, and they always come back with just what they need. Even letting someone go mad doesn’t matter- they might hurt some others and then they get stopped by someone who came back ready to beat them.” It was entertaining a few times, then it just got boring. A weight draws their eyes downward. Thinking of all that now, it isn’t very funny, is it? Movement near Blake’s feet catches their attention. “Oh, you even have one of our most prolific heroes right there. Not that they remember it.”
“What?” Little creeps out from behind Blake’s boot a little bit more.
“Oh yes. You’ve always been quick to die, but you always come back stronger. It was quite funny to see someone go mad and crush a poor little mouse.” They smile wide, sharp teeth on full display. “Like something out of a fairy tale that the same little mouse rises back up to be the hero the people need! It’s fairy tales all the way down!” They laugh, loud and hard. Oh fairy tales. So simple when everything else is so complicated. Or perhaps it’s just them- well no. She has plenty of complications too. Their shoulders droop as they’re reminded of… all of it. A footstep snaps their head back up to smile at Jaune. “Let me tell you a secret- only the mad are welcome here.”
Jaune frowns. “I’m not mad.”
“I’m mad. You’re mad.” They laugh. “We’re all mad here!”
“Is Ruby mad too?” Oh, now there's a question. Blake narrows her eyes. “Is that why you went after her?”
“We’re all mad. Didn’t I just say that? Ruby… well her madness isn’t cured so easily.” It’d be funny how easy the hero breaks if it hadn’t happened to them. Everything just rushing together, oh! How dreadful. Why, it reminds them of their own problems! The thought causes a brief sensation of… comfort to flash through their body. “By this point I think the only way to put her back together again is the Tree. But I think I’ve spent more than enough time enjoying your presence.” They straighten themselves. “As beautiful as you and Weiss are, I have other appointments to keep. I explore all those feeling back in Remnant, and more besides. It will be quite an experience I’m sure.”
“WAIT!” Yang lunges forward, but nothing here is faster than them. Her hands close only over rose petals as a vortex shoots up. They spin around and around, laugher filling the air, before the dart through the broken window out into the Ever After.
Petals dart across the landscape. Swirling and flowing in a constant unnatural stream right to the base of the only Tree that gets a capital letter. They shift, bunching together as they approach the ground. Until finally it isn’t petals, but boots that hit the wood platform.
“Oh I do love that!” They spike Crescent Rose into the ground, leaning on the weapon with the ease of long familiarity. “Such a thrill! Ahaha, I am going to enjoy working with you, Ruby.” They smile as they feel surprise. How exiting! Nobody else had this sort of thing happen. Perhaps it’s due to her use of Aura? “Oh don’t be like that. I’m an old hand at this, I’ll have you know. I know very well what is and isn’t mine.”
It’s quite novel, if perhaps a tiny bit annoying. They’ve never had someone ride along with their body before, and the feeling is… well not bad, really. She fits in like a slightly too small glove. Or a too large hand, considering this body was hers. Is this how all the others felt? Not like anyone whose come back from being sent to the Tree could actually give a review of the experience after all. The one mystery that always itched.
“I’ll be honest, Ruby, I haven’t ever felt like this before.” They feel surprise again before it quickly tapers off. The general malaise returns. The pitch underneath their high. Little creeping thoughts- ‘is this really the best way?’ ‘What will happen to the rest of the Afterans after I leave?’ ‘Would they be better off without me?’ ‘Am I really helping them, or just trapping them-’ “ENOUGH! Ugh.”
They shake their head. That… well, that wasn’t very fun at all. Not that they care much, really, but they aren’t exactly new thoughts. The sort of thing one ponders on when they have infinite time and nowhere to go. Honestly though, they could have used that time so much better. A simple forge isn’t all that hard to set up, and failure is just as good as success when it teaches something. Better, perhaps, since it means more things to learn.
“Can you stop?” The feeling doesn’t fade. Can’t, probably, without being properly dealt with by the Tree. Perhaps talking to her wasn’t the best idea. “Perhaps I should have spent more time working on Weiss. I doubt her problems would have been as persistent. Oh.”
Well. There's a thought. Had any other Afteran really felt like them? They always go to the Tree long before anything like this could happen. Look at the world with fresh eyes and a new perspective. How old are they, really, when memory is reset with everything else? Betrayal and being pressed and ground until you aren’t quite sure that you’re fighting for anything worthwhile anymore… well none of them could ever feel it. Not like them, and not like her.
“Never did I think learning something would be so annoying.” An image of a portly fellow with a rather nice mustache flashes through their mind. Ah, yes, he could do it. Though does that really count as learning? “Maybe if you look at it a certain way.”
They shake their head. Checking through her memories can wait for later. Why they’ll probably even come on their own! They chuckle as they take a large, exaggerated step forward. The flexing of their limb, the slight pressure as the knee stops, and resists, their movement… a very unique experience. Certainly some of the Afterans had forms like this, but none quite got the same feeling.
Or maybe they’re just riding high on finally being able to leave. They smile as that explanation just feels right. Seems she agrees. She would know best, wouldn’t she?
“I wonder- are you seeing my memories too?” No flash of unexpected emotion comes with that question. Perhaps she is, perhaps she isn’t. Either way it doesn’t matter. She may as well get something in exchange, and frankly it’s a contract they don’t mind. “Just keep yourself busy with those, won’t you? Most of them probably aren’t very interesting, but they should be new enough to you.”
Maybe she’ll get to the fate of Alyx. That one was certainly interesting, even though the memory ruins their smile. A broken useless thing, set to be discarded. Their hand spasms, claws cutting into their palm as thorns wind around those words. Aren’t they the same? A broken, useless thing best discarded.
“STOP!” The feeling doesn’t vanish, but it does pull back. They huff. Something to hopefully deal with eventually. They’d not been able to before, but there is a big shakeup coming soon. “Let’s just get to Remnant.” The thought brings their smile back.
It’s just a hop, skip, jump to the portal! The doors wide and the gates open. A jaunty tune whistles into the air- a pop song they, and she, quite enjoy- as they clomp to a stop right in front of it, Crescent Rose resting on one shoulder. One hand thrusts forward-
“Ow!” And smacks into a wall where there shouldn’t be one. “What?” Another try and the hand again stops. A punch gives nothing but an aching feeling in their hand. Panic spikes through them. “WHAT!” Another punch. Another. Another. “WHY!” A fist slams onto the portal and lingers there. “IT HAS TO BE YOUR FAULT! GAH!”
They dig down. Pushing further and further into her in order to figure out why. It’s a mistake. They don’t even realize it until their hand moves away from the portal without them wanting to. The limb feels limp even as it keeps moving. They feel… tired. Content. Like slipping into bed, a warm embrace welcoming them to sleep.
She blinks and looks at the portal. “Why would I want to go back? I’m better off here, aren’t I?” She steps backward. Her hand curls against her chest, the unusual feeling of the paw brushing against her skin through the rips in her clothes. Her eyes drift down to look at the limb. The purple and cyan spreads, the limb shifting into something a little less… real, maybe? Her fingers curl, the claws pressing lightly against her palm each time. “I should just take your job. You don’t want it anyway.”
Going back to Remnant? Why should she? All she did was cause problems, make mistakes. Ruined everything. Like Alyx did, but without even the small excuse of thinking nothing was real. A constant stream of trying things that always, always hurt people. At least here she can guide the Afterans. Instant success and a literally divinely given task. Where she can’t hurt anyone else.
Her teeth press against each other, her palm slapping up against her forehead. They wake up, rage thrumming through their shared mind. Crescent Rose creaks under her hand as they try and force themselves forward. One hand jerking erratically as both of them fight over it.
“Just… LEAVE!” She spins around throwing her hands to the air. The purple and cyan creeps onto her shoulder, the glow visible through the rips in her clothing. The sudden connection has her shiver. They settle backward, exhaustion pressing against them. She takes a deep breath as she feels her altered arms. “Are you always so cold?”
You’d think the fur would keep them warm. Maybe she isn’t used to it? They didn’t seem cold when she touched them before, so it has to be because of… this. Their memories aren’t much help with that. It’s not like most really know their own temperature, though there is something else. Just a little twist in thinking and… well. She laughs as she spins around to grab Crescent Rose.
“You’re right, this is exciting!” It’s so new! Nothing at all like back in Remnant. A whole new world to explore, one without the Grimm. One where she can work to keep people safe and nobody can throw it back in her face! Where things are simple! Like a fairy tale. “What do you think? See the world from fresh eyes, without losing everything like the Tree does.”
Discontent causes her to shudder. Oh. Well it seems they don’t much like that. She slumps down, barely keeping herself upright using Crescent Rose. Exhaustion lashing out to add weight to her limbs and slow her thoughts. A small chuckle falls from her lips as she closes her eyes. It’s not like they can do anything- Remnant just… isn’t a good idea, now. Better to let her have some fun, it’d be new, right?
“Well that was… interesting.” Is that how it feels? Not unpleasant, honestly. Frankly her idea has some merit, but she’s human. Not one to be trusted with promises. “Ah, suffering from success.” She doesn’t want to go back to Remnant. She thinks she’ll just fuck things up again. An uncomplicated story where she steps in to help people is more her speed now. “Don’t you see? You don’t have to worry. It won’t be you going back. It’ll be me! And I certainly won’t cause any of the issues you have.” Perhaps different ones, but it’ll be a learning experience. There hasn’t been one of those in a very, very long time. Or… well there have been quite a lot recently, but before then it had been a very long time.
There is no answer. Which is only to be expected- feelings are more complicated than logic. Plus (and a spike of grim satisfaction rolls through them at this thought) it isn’t likely she is exactly eager to let them go out into Remnant. The entire situation would be deliciously ironic if it wasn’t so annoying.
“It seems like we both have some problems, don’t we, Ruby?” Oh, there's a level of begrudging agreement. Progress! It seems they are reading her much more easily. Or maybe looking for it makes it easier. Either way. “Trying to help and not really sure we’re actually helping. Getting nothing but how everyone else is having the time of their lives why you drown!” They let out a huff and forcefully loosen their hold on Crescent Rose.
At the very least this is a fun sort of new. A collection of emotions that actually makes sense! There's the feeling of not being enough. Of being alone. Of messing things up. So many more. Not all of them are familiar, but they do all at least rhyme. Not exactly pleasant, but manageable. Working through them will be an interesting experience- perhaps even one that will ensure she wants to go back to Remnant.
Other Afteran emotions always got so loud. So exhausting and draining. The few times they’d tried to touch them had always been electric- in exactly the potentially lethal way that touching a live circuit is. None of them had made much sense either. Their purpose fulfilled? Run into a problem their role couldn’t see them through? Certainly not something they’d ever had to deal with.
“I believe we’re going to spend a lot of ti- ACK!” The ground attacks them. The sting but not sting of Aura protecting from a blow flashing through their mind as they stop their head from bouncing off the wood. Their palms tingle from the impact. “That was not a fun thing to learn.”
“We weren’t finished talking, Red.” That little shit! They hike themselves up on their arms and throw a glare down the stairs. Roman Torchwick glares at them, Neo at his side. Or maybe it would be Torchwick at Neo’s side. “Guess you aren’t her though, are you?”
“We’re working on that.” They swirl into a cloud of petals before coming together standing. Their eyes always focusing solely on Neo. Crescent Rose swings up from the ground, settling at their side just like it should be. “Which makes me question the problem you have with me. It’s what you wanted, right?”
“Simple. You don’t let anyone else finish something you started.” Roman lifts his cane. “Besides, being backstabbed isn’t appreciated. Bad for business to let that slide.”
“How could I backstab you when we never worked together?” They laugh. Then blur. A flickering phantom smashes right into Neo and throws her across the floor. Roman is decapitated absently, his form shattering against Crescent Rose’s edge. “Shouldn’t you be going after Cinder then? She is the one that got involved in all of this. Why, she’s even the one that's working with Salem. The leader of the Grimm- including the Griffon that ate Roman Torchwick.”
Though smacking it into the ship probably didn’t help things. It certainly seemed to gulp him whole, and he wasn’t out of Aura. Survival in that case is a tricky thing- the interior of a Grimm is a nasty place, apparently. Though with as fast as she could have killed it that likely wouldn’t have mattered. Their smile drops just a little as more weight piles onto their shoulders.
“Cinder will get hers.” Ironwood steps up this time, gun in hand. “But she can wait until you’re dealt with.”
“How did that work all those other times again?” They laugh. Does this girl really think bringing up phantoms will hurt them? She's the one that has a problem, not them. “Has anyone ever told you the definition of insanity? Here’s a little hint,” they lean forward, “doing the exact same thing, over and over and over again, expecting things to change.”
“Sounds familiar.” Oh that- Pyrrha’s shield smacks them in the face. This time they burst into petals. Not even touching the ground before streaking forward and cutting the illusion in half.
They spin midair, petals falling around them. Eyes narrow as they see Neo. Everything slows, Neo’s eyes just beginning to widen before they burst forward. Crescent Rose slams into her, hooking against her side and throwing her across the platform. Then they move again, scythe swiping downward like a guillotine.
Neo spins to the side, the scythe barely missing her coat and slamming into the wood. Ironwood swings in but Crescent Rose fires. They spin the weapon with the motion, ripping it out of the wood and crouching to let the handle rest flush with their back. Ironwood’s swing misses and the illusion receives a spike to the face for his trouble. They let Crescent Rose slide back after the unusual thrust, eyes darting around for where Neo managed to move herself. Another gunshot flips Crescent Rose back around.
Then Penny punches them in the face. Pyrrha’s shield slams into their leg. Their body bursts into petals, flinging backward. Their body reforming as they take aim with Crescent Rose and a boot slams into their back. This time they aren’t quite so quick to scatter, rolling across the ground for a moment before stopping.
“Guess failures stick together. She wouldn’t make that mistake.” Roman chuckles as they groan. They flow upward, petals shifting them upright- right at the edge of the platform. Behind them lies nothing but a quick trip down into the roots of the Tree. “Still made a lot of mistakes though. Some saviour both of you are. Managed to fuck it all up right up to the end, huh?”
“We did our job! We did what was right!” Like Neo can say anything. “I did it again and again and nothing changed! Everything always got worse. They all kept doing the same things over and over!” Their eyes narrow as she frowns. Her fingers pressing into Crescent Rose as they get an idea. “At least I did better than you. All you’ve gotten out of everything you’ve done is a dead man. Would Salem even keep you around after this?”
Neo’s eyes narrow. She’d undoubtedly snarl if she could. “And whose fault is that?” Roman places a hand on her shoulder. “At least we knew what we were doing and who we were working for. Who holds your leash now, huh?” He gestures his cane to the Tree next to them. “All your big talk about moving forward and you haven’t even bothered with the big Tree everyone here talks up. You scared?”
“I’m not scared!” They laugh. “I already told you the definition of insanity! All these people trying the same thing over and over and OVER AGAIN expecting things to change! A cycle of fixing their most recent problem and creating the same one they already had!” They blur, claws coming together around Roman’s face. Not crushing, not yet. “So I decided to try something different! You haven’t tried anything different since the pretty man here died! You’re crazier than I am! Isn’t that a laugh?”
Neo breaks into shards. A boot slams into their face. Aura takes the hit without a flinch and their hand closes right over Neo’s ankle. She looks surprised for just a second before they slam her into the ground. Then again. It’s rather cathartic.
“It’s been good and it’s been fun, but I can’t say it’s been good fun.” They throw Neo backward. The woman’s fingers scrabble against the wood, barely catching the edge in time. They smile as she glares upward. “It is my professional opinion that you need a new lease on life! So just fall into the tree, why don’t you?”
They smile as they lift their leg. Perhaps this is a bit sadistic, but it is as they say. Never do onto others you wouldn’t want done unto yourself- and Neo has done quite a bit onto others. Even the low spike of hesitance doesn’t stop them. Rather silly, really, for her to still show even that bit of concern for her enemy.
“YOU!” Who is-? They slightly turn to see Yang running onto the platform. “LET GO OF MY SISTER!”
“I’m afrai-” Something grabs their leg. Their attention snaps back down to see Neo’s hand around their ankle. “Oh. Well this i-”
“Here we go, red!” Neo yanks. Her hand letting go of the platform to put her whole weight into the action. “Let's see what this Tree brings!”
They spin around as they fall to the platform. Enough to see Roman smiling behind them as they scrabble to find any purchase. Their claws ripping into the wood but never actually catching. Just barely slowing things down until a cane slams into their arm.
“RUBY!” Roman looks over the edge and tips his hat just before being shattered by a shot from Ember Celica. “NO!”
Neo’s hand disappears. Either she let go or something more separated them. The darkness swallows them up. It’s deeper than just the usual shade of the sun not touching something. Nothing exists in this place, eternal darkness and the feeling of movement- a timeless fall into the unknown.
“Well… I suppose this will at least be new.” They don’t let their smile fade even as they fall deeper into the Tree. No matter the concern and fear clawing at their throat. Screaming that they’re going to lose everything here. It’s not like they can change it now.
She seems to agree, at least. Her curiosity warring with her own concern. With a little smidgeon of relief. At least now there isn’t any chance of making things worse, is there?
A green light shines out. Orbs suddenly exist where there weren’t any before. It takes a moment to realize they’ve stopped moving. Standing on nothing at all in a place that is both more and less than Remnant of the Ever After. They take a deep breath and begin walking toward the sound of metal being hammered.
The Blacksmith doesn’t look up from her work. “I never expected to see you here.”
They huff. “It wasn’t exactly voluntary.”
“This was long overdue for you.” She tilts her head and one final blow strikes the mask in front of her. Then she looks up. “For her it is just the right time.”
“So what happens now? You hammer me into something new and let her walk away?” She isn’t Afteran after all. The same rules don’t apply. The depression at that thought is disconcerting.
“Will I?” The Blacksmith takes a deep breath. Then she turns away and starts walking. “The only thing that could happen here is what you want to happen. The choice of what you become and where you end up are yours to make.” She pauses in the middle of a step. “No, not quite just yours.”
They pause at that. “I know what I want.”
“Do you?” The Blacksmith looks at them.
“I know exactly what I want!” Ever since Alyx and Lewis they knew what they wanted. “If I have a choice then send me to Remnant!”
“Hm.” She walks away. They watch her for a moment before following. “Are you certain? You’ve never seen Remnant, only heard about it in stories. Will you really find what you’re looking for there?”
“I’ll find something new.” Everything here is so boring. Cycle upon cycle of the same thing. “That’s all that matters.”
“Is it? What happens if nothing changes?” The Blacksmith stops in front of a large case and turns to look at them. “What is so important about a place you’ve never been?”
“It’s new! That’s enough.” They clench their hands. “Why is that so hard to understand?”
“Why is ‘new’ so important?” They stop short at that. “You have a place here. A role just like everyone else. If you were unsatisfied with that, why didn’t you come to the Tree? You knew where it was.”
“I saw what happened to everyone that came here!” Their claws rap on the floor below them. Whatever they’re standing on doesn’t make any noise as the claws rip against it. “They Ascend and then they’re different. They lose everything and then make the exact same mistakes they did the last time! A cycle that never ends! It’s madness.”
“Is it? They are living. Being happy, feeling sad, learning new things.” The Blacksmith leans forward, interest clear. “Isn’t that what you wanted- new things?”
“Not- not like that.” A growl rips from their throat. “I want to be me! I want to discover new things on my own. Not rediscover the same things in an endless cycle!”
“Alright.” The Blacksmith’s eyes narrow. They step back at the stare- a piercing thing that digs down to their soul. “Do you know why you can’t get through the door?”
“I don’t have a connection to Remnant.” She should know this! “That’s why I have her!”
“Yes… and no.” The Blacksmith settles back straight. “Do you think Ruby Rose, or any of the others, would fight as hard as you have to get back to Remnant? Do the things you’ve done?”
“No.” They know it. The lies and manipulations- none of them have the guts for it.
“Then why would they be able to go and you can’t?” What is the Blacksmith talking about? “Lewis had only his sister- his parents dead to the wilderness of Vacuo. You do not need to care for a person beyond the portal to go. As you’ve said- the others wouldn’t do the things you’ve done to get back to Remnant. Doesn’t that show you have the connection?”
“Why are you asking me?” They fling their arms out at her. “You’re the one in charge!”
“That isn’t how it works.” The Blacksmith looks to the side. They follow her gaze to a window. One showing a forest unlike anything in the Ever After. One easily identifiable, but not through their memories. “Remnant is not like here. The Brothers made their own rules- ones not present here. You must want to go, but it must also be willing to accept you.”
“I… what?” That… what. Just… “Fuck. Are you saying I should just give up?”
“Is that what I’m saying?” The window closes as the Blacksmith looks at them. “Even within Ruby Rose as you are- Remnant would not accept you. It never will. Not unless you can meet the rules.”
“That's not something I could-” They swallow. Certainly changing themself that much is impossible, especially without knowing the rules. But- they are in a place of change already. All they have to do is Ascend into something that could go. “I-”
“The only one who chooses what happens to you is you.” The Blacksmith pauses. “Normally. You have invited another into the conversation.” The Blacksmith looks at her. “I will ask you a different question. You don’t know what you want, do you?”
Being able to move is a rush of cold water. She takes a sharp breath- and slumps. The sound of someone walking lifts her head to watch the Blacksmith walk away. After a moment she follows.
They walk for some time. The area lit mostly by green orbs in the sky. It seems endless. They only companion the bursts of frustration, doubt, and fear coming from… whatever they are. Someone sad and alone. Taking on so much and maybe not being enough for it. Someone like her.
She shakes the thought away. “What are these lights?” That seems like a simple enough question.
“The souls are moving on to… whatever they become next.” The Blacksmith’s tone is straightforward, but not disinterested. A professor saying the same thing a hundredth time, but still just as excited to talk about it.
“They choose but… does it matter?” They are clear on that. The Ever After stopped satisfying their curiosity long ago. When they met someone for the second time.
“Does anything matter?” The Blacksmith stops and turns. “If everything was determined from the moment you were born to the moment you die- does it matter? Every step, every moment, always working toward something that would always happen but that you could never guess.”
“I…” They stir in her. Hissing at the idea. It’s antithetical to them- the idea that they can only satisfy their curiosity on what they’re supposed to. “I can’t make the choice for them.” Determining such a big thing… she only ever screws that up.
“Such concern for souls you don’t know…” The Blacksmith tilts her head and suddenly there's something next to her. A case. “Or is it for yourself?”
“I wanted to be the hero, like the stories that my mom read to me. I just wanted to do the right thing, but every step of the way, it’s like… it’s like there is no right thing! I tried so… hard. And I…,” she can feel her tears running down her face, “I may have just done more harm than good. I don’t understand… who I need to be ... because who I am right now… she’s not cutting it.“ She looks up at the Blacksmith. “Could we switch? I take their place and they take mine?”
“You could. However, what if you could be… anyone?” The Blacksmith gestures and the coverings fall away. The case behind her holding a large two handed sword. Then another appears. Then more. An endless trail of cases, each containing their own weapon.
She swallows. Anyone? “I don’t… know. If I’m not me, who would be best?” She clenches her hands, her palms sting as her claws press into them. “I tried so hard to do the right thing. To make sure everyone was safe. But every time it didn’t end right. Someone got hurt! I don’t even know if there's a ‘right thing’ at all!” They have the simplest, most direct job in the world. One given to them by the Gods themselves. And it may as well have done nothing at all.
“How do you determine the ‘right thing’?” The cases move, spinning around until one settles behind the Blacksmith. “What determines ‘enough’? When is the job considered fulfilled?”
She swallows. Takes a deep breath, then she looks up. The case behind the Blacksmith contains a beautiful weapon. “Who did those belong to?” Two claws, longer than usual, with filigree that has long been out of style.
“It’s not about who did, but who could.” The case swings open. “Can you feel the person who might hold them? The weight of what they consider ‘enough’? It could be you. You could take those up and leave ‘you’ behind.”
“I don’t-” she shakes her head. They stir in the back of her head, appreciation and want thrumming through her. The same feeling she had on that first day of Beacon- looking at all the fascinating new weapons. “Maybe they could use it?”
“Perhaps. Then what would become of Crescent Rose?” Her breath catches. Their feelings are united in this. Crescent Rose is theirs/hers and nobody else's. “What about this one?”
The case moves again. Their breath catches as a new case settles in front of them. An axe rests there- one she knows and loves.
“Before she goes back home.” The voice is familiar and not.
She takes a sharp breath. “Mom?”
“The girl had a great many questions to ponder.” She reaches toward the case. “What are you?”
The scene changes. She stands in her old room- no, not her old room. Her old, old room. From back when her mom was alive. When she shared with Yang.
“I love you… just the way you are.” Summer Rose gives one last look over a much younger Yang and Ruby. She is glowing, ethereal in a way that she never normally was. Her eyes glow gold as she steps out of the room, turning out the light and closing the door behind her.
They shudder at those words. Something the Gods never gave them, but which they desperately want. She gives what acceptance she can- the contentment and love in the scene an eager balm to the rush of emotions that realization brings.
“It’s not like you to rush off to a mission in the middle of the night.” Taiyang rubs the back of his neck as he walks down the stairs. He almost seems washed out standing next to Summer. Her presence is a weight that nothing else quite seems to match.
“You know how Ozpin gets.” She shrugs. “Mystery after mystery.”
“‘I always prefer discretion’.” Their words echo each other and they laugh. Hers overshadows his. Carrying more invisible, intangible weight than his.
“I’ll be back soon.” Summer smiles.
“I know.” Taiyang steps forward and they hug.
The scene blurs, shifting until Summer is walking through the forest in Patch. Something drops down in front of her. A woman shaped in black, her very presence devouring the night. They scowl at the God of Darkness.
“Nobody suspects anything?” Her breath hitches as Raven Branwen’s voice comes from the figure.
“No.” Summer pulls back her hood, her hair glowing in the night. Literally glowing- the light to Raven’s dark. “They think it's a typical mission.”
“Summer Rose telling lies.” Raven shrugs. “Guess there's a first time for everything.” She smirks as the words linger. Then the smirk drops as a weight settles into the woods. “And… uh… what about… you’re just going to leave them?”
“You’re one to talk.” Summer’s voice isn’t her. The echoing power sends goosebumps across her skin. They take a step backward at the anger of the God of Light.
“It’s…” Raven seems more herself now, even as Summer’s skin burns into nothing but light. “You’re better at that life, better than I ever was.”
“If I do this right…” Summer walks past, not even turning back to Raven as she stares at the empty air, “then there's nothing to worry about. Trust me.”
“Haah.” Raven shakes her head. “Then let's get it over with, I guess.”
She breathes for a moment as they leave through a portal. Their anger is low and steady. She leans into it- it isn’t much comfort, but knowing someone is angry about the situation is nice. The understanding of another is valuable. The interior of the Tree returns, and the Blacksmith looking slightly confused.
“That was not expected.” She slightly shakes her head. “I’ve never had anyone like you here. Know that the memory is true… if not quite certain on some details.”
“What? What was that…” It is impossible to say if it is them or she speaking. The thoughts are the same either way. “She… she lied. She left with the Raven/God of Dark. Why would she…?”
“Who knows why people keep the secrets they do.” The Blacksmith gently closes the case. “Maybe you’re not the only one who felt the weight of others' expectations. Like Alyx, like your mother.”
Their hand slams into the case. It falls back and shatters with a sound that echoes all through the area. “Are you just trying to tell me it’s useless?” They march up to the Blacksmith. She doesn’t attempt to stop them. She can’t match their anger, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to rage too. Their fingers flex, claws ready. “That we should become someone else when it gets too much? Just give up?”
“Is that what I’m telling you?” The Blacksmith doesn’t move even as they look an instant from attacking her. “Your time is running out.” They step back. The cases surround them. “Choose for yourself one who could leave your burdens behind.” They spin around. Case after case, object after object filling their view. “Or choose one who will be enough to bear them.”
They flex their claws. Ripping their eyes away from the cases they look at themselves. The clothes are the same she has worn this entire time, but now checkerboard fur peeks out from it. Their hands flex, the same hand she remembers building Crescent Rose with. Remembers helping so many Afterans after their burdens had become too much. Then watching those same Afterans come back and run into the same problems.
If everything is predetermined does anything matter? Would you even know? Does it make anything less real, less important? There were people who would have died if she didn’t help. Afterans that would have lingered and suffered if they hadn’t come to help them. Is that death, that suffering, irrelevant just because they might have needed to go through it?
“I love you…”
No. They are united in that. Even if it was supposed to happen it doesn’t matter. They took up the scythe. She was given a job. If nothing matters then it doesn’t matter if they keep going. Except to those people out there. To the people that will be saved.
She will find new things to enjoy. They will save people in distress. If they weren’t supposed to, weren’t enough to do it, why would they? Her role would have been given to someone else. If nothing is written then everything was by their own hand. Her effort. Their tenacity. If it was written she was given enough to do it all. If it wasn’t then there isn’t any reason to stop. Either way the blood, tears, and loss are just as real as everything else.
“Just the way you are.”
“What if…” They look up at the Blacksmith. The voice is, again, neither theirs nor hers. “We choose ourselves?” Her head tilts the the side to see Crescent Rose right behind the Blacksmith. Or… not Crescent Rose. “What if we want to be us?”
The scythe in front of them is Crescent Rose. The same body, the same specifications. The body is a little thinner, the blade serrated at the end, the spike at the end curving into a claw. The paint isn’t checkerboard, but a swirling purple and red.
“Then maybe…” the Blacksmith steps forward, “you’ll find what you are both looking for.”
White engulfs their vision. Everything… slide into place. The weapon slides into their hands smoothly. Just the same as Crescent Rose. No… perhaps better. Upgraded and updated to consider all that has happened and all that they have become. The same, yet more.
“Ugh! My eyes!” Her vision clears. Everyone is standing on the platform in front of the Tree. Attempting not to stare into the bright white light.
“Y’know, I didn’t take the Tree to be dramatic.” Huh. Her voice is… different now. Not quite doubled, but something else. A touch lower, maybe. “Hey, everyone!” She waves.
“Ruby?” Yang turns, blinking. Her eyes are still watering a little as she stares into the light. “Is that you?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I’m back.” Her feet hit the floor and the light fades away. “Just… a bit different. And I picked up a friend!”
“This is quite nice.” The Cat fades into existence. Or… more decides to come together. Aura pulling together into their mostly physical form sort of like how they were before. Right around Ruby’s neck. “It’s certainly quite different from before.”
“Yeah, that happens.” Really, they should know that being forged together would be different from possession.
“It’s one thing to know, it’s another to feel.” The Cat chuckles. “You should know that now, dear.”
“I guess I do.” Ruby laughs, shaking her head. Even with the Cat’s, basically non-existent, weight on her shoulders she hasn’t ever… no, not quite. There are times she’s felt even less burdened than this. With Penny. Her shoulders-
“None of that.” The Cat’s paw smacks her on the nose. “She is gone now. Remember her, but don’t let that memory tie you back. I learned that a long time ago.”
“Right.” Ruby lets out a heavy sigh. Even knowing that- the memories of the Cat trying to hold onto someone who’d Ascended over and over playing in her mind- it isn’t an easy thing.
“What happened?” Ruby snaps her eyes over to Jaune. He looks… extremely confused. “Why are you so friendly with them?”
“They needed help, so I helped them.” Duh. Among everything that will not change. “Plus… we had a… talk I guess. Figured out some of our problems were similar. Even if Alyx broke her promise that doesn’t mean I couldn’t fulfill it. Just… a little late.”
Would it have been better if she fulfilled her promise then? Soon after her time was the Great War. It’s not like it matters- Alyx couldn’t have brought the Cat through the portal in the first place. Though now might not be better. What will they call this conflict?
The fact that there might be nobody left to call it anything is… carefully not considered.
“What did you do, Ruby?” Yang’s eyes narrow as she stares at the Cat.
“I, uh…” How to explain this?
“I… worked by using my soul to patch up the fractures, gaps, and other bits in a distressed soul.” The Cat pauses to wave away Weiss’ look of confusion. “Don’t worry about it- there aren’t any words for what it really is. What is important is that the Tree is in the business of fixing those things. It’s why I wasn’t useful once I sent them in.”
“So you went into the Tree with your soul… attached?” Blake narrows her eyes and slightly tilts her head. “No… wound through Ruby’s soul. And the Tree fixes souls.”
“So you’re part of Ruby’s soul now.” Silence stretches after Weiss’ proclamation.
“Basically? It’s weird. Nothing like this has ever happened. It probably won’t ever happen again.” Not unless someone else comes around with the same ability the Cat had and uses it in exactly the same way. Plus has the person they’re possessing agree to it. “They couldn’t go to Remnant like they were and I could fix that. I didn’t need to, but… I wanted to.” How do you explain you’re doing something you wish someone else had done to you? Noticed all the pain and problems and reached out?
Well… someone that isn’t some soul forging psychopomp. It feels a little like cheating to say the Blacksmith helped when that's her entire job.
“Is that why you’re…?” Blake waves a hand at her head.
“What?” Ruby blinks. Blake just gestures at her head- no. Her ears. Ruby’s hand reaches up to gently close around the cat ears on top of her head. “Huh?”
“Well I couldn’t just give you nothing, could I?” The Cat chuckles. “Or maybe the Tree didn’t quite know what to do. Either way I consider it quite the improvement.”
“It does feel nice.” Mentally cataloguing every sensation brings another thing to mind. She looks back to see a tail swinging behind her. Purple and red- no. Purple, red, black, and silver. Changing without any seeming pattern. “Hm.”
“Would that make you a Faunus now?” Weiss raises an eyebrow as everyone looks at her. “What? It’s a legitimate question. I’ve never seen a Faunus with both ears and a tail.”
Blake raises an eyebrow as everyone looks at her. “I’m not an expert.” She sighs as they look at each other and shrug. “Probably. Being a Faunus isn’t really strictly defined. I don’t know all the biology that goes into it, but most laws don’t really care about what you have- just that you have it.”
“Now this is all very interesting, but we do have places to be.” The Cat gestures at the door. “I would rather enjoy getting to see somewhere new for once.”
“You expect us to just forgive you after everything?” Jaune frowns. “I really don’t like this.”
“You don’t have to like it, but you don’t have any say.” Everyone stares at Ruby. “What?”
“Oh this is going to be fun.” The Cat laughs. “Looks like I rubbed off on you a little more than you expected, hmm?”
“Maybe.” Ruby sags. “Hopefully for the better. I… don’t think things are going to get easier from here.”
“Right…” Yang steps forward and pulls Ruby into a hug. “I’m just glad you’re back.”
“Hey! Watch the tail!” The Cat becomes… faded. Still solid to Ruby, but Yang’s arms go right through them.
“I’m glad to be back.” Ruby swallows and hesitantly returns the hug. “Sorry about… blowing up like that.”
“No, I’m sorry for being such a bad partner.” Weiss crosses her arms and looks away. “I should have noticed you needed to talk to someone. Not just assumed everything was okay. We went through… a lot.”
“You know, a date would be a better apology. Show you really mean it.” The Cat laughs as they dodge Ruby’s awkward headbut. “A date is what it’s called, right? I’m relying on her memories and she doesn’t have much experience there.”
“Hey!” It’s true, but they shouldn’t say it.
“I…” Weiss blinks a few times. “Well, this is quite sudden. May I give you an answer later?”
“It’s fine if you don’t want to, Weiss.” Ruby glares at the Cat on her shoulder. “They’re just being annoying.” She pauses for a second, staring at the Cat. “You… should get a name.”
“Well there's a non-sequitur. What brought that up?” The Cat gives the impression of raising an eyebrow. Somehow. “How did you come to that conclusion? I’ve done quite well being known as I am.”
“You’re more than just The Curious Cat now. You’re like us.” Ruby smiles and pushes her head against the Cat. “That means you should have a name like we do.”
“If you insist.” The Cat huffs. “What name would even fit?” They pause for a moment. “Hmm… this is certainly a new experience. I’ve seen other Afterans do this, but never had to think on it myself.”
“If you’re connected to Ruby…” Weiss narrows her eyes and stares at the Cat for a moment. “Iolite, perhaps? A purple gemstone.”
The Cat… Iolite puts a paw over their mouth. “I suppose it will do.”
“Iolite Rose.” Iolite jolts at that, spinning around to stare at Ruby. “I think it’s a good name.”
“Welcome to the family, I guess.” Yang roughly pats Iolite on the head. “You brought in a real rare gem, Ruby.”
“Yang!” Despite her protest, Ruby can feel mirth bubbling up.
“Um.” All eyes go to Jaune’s collar. Little peeks out. “Ruby?”
“Little!” Ruby smiles and leans forward a little. “Thanks for going to get everyone. I’m sorry that I yelled at you like that. It wasn’t your fault and I shouldn’t have done it.”
“Okay.” They visibly hold back from shrinking away. “Did you find your purpose? You went to the Tree.”
Ruby takes a deep breath. “I did, Little.”
“More like you figured out that you don’t need one purpose. It’s quite nice- I do recommend it.” Iolite tilts their head. “Provided you even can. Afterans are stuck like that quite often, but you will certainly rise to the occasion.”
“Yeah.” Jaune lifts a hand up. Little steps on and he pulls it in front of him. “Listen, I’m about to go, and the Cat… Iolite is going too. That means there won’t be anyone else out there to help everyone with their problems. So…” He kneels down and places his other hand on Juniper. “Would you take care of Juniper for me?”
“Oh most certainly.” Little hops off his hand to place a palm on Juniper. Then they turn to the group. “Nobody is around to help everyone to the Tree anymore. Is this a purpose?”
“If you want it to be.” Iolite chuckles and points a palm at Little. “You’re a bit small for it, but I’m certain you could figure it out. You’re usually a resourceful one.”
Ruby nods. Little has undergone Ascension plenty of times. Usually to help those in need those times Iolite had decided to be a little lax on their job. Leaving it to them… they’ll figure it out.
“So… through the door then?” Blake looks at everyone.
“Yeah.” Jaune sighs as he stands. “Through the door.”
They move. Standing side by side in front of the massive door into the Tree. Toward home. Ruby steps forward as the rest do, hand in hand with Weiss and Yang.
The green of the Tree’s interior greets her.
“Welcome… to my workshop.” The Blacksmith nods at them.
“Ruby… is this the Tree?” Blake’s ear flicks as she looks around.
“Something like that.” Both Ruby and Iolite echo.
Jaune throws a glance at them before stepping forward.
The Blacksmith looks at him with a smile. “I’ve been waiting a long time for you.”
“Well…,” he sighs, “I made it.”
“I’m glad you did.” The Blacksmith walks around the table. “Something has been waiting for you for a long time.”
“Are those…?” Weiss gaze is firmly locked onto two figures on the table.
“The Brothers.” Ruby and Iolite once again echo each other. Their tone is… dark. Angry.
“Yes.” The Blacksmith picks up both figures. Her explanation about them is… enlightening. The only interruptions are Iolite’s mutters, Ruby’s voice following theirs only slightly behind. None of them are complimentary, but what could be expected?
Learning the Brothers made them just so they could leave isn’t fun. Especially when they consigned them to the exact same thing that made them leave in the first place- a thirst for more but nothing to satisfy it with.
“So the Brother Gods left through the Tree’s door, and nothing was expected to ever follow.” A distinct current of rage runs through the words. Iolite’s claws are out, smile wide and teeth sharp. Ruby simply holds onto Crescent Rose, her fingers white around the grip. She huffs. “What about Neo?”
“She will have the chance to return her broken heart…,” the Blacksmith flips a knife into her hand, “and become something new. Such is balance.”
“That’s Alyx’s knife.” Jaune takes a half step forward, hand half raised. “How do you have that?”
The Blacksmith stands for a second, her gaze resting on Iolite. “When Alyx left the Ever After, she chose to leave a part of herself behind. A wish to fix what she had broken.”
The knife flips and the Blacksmith presents it to Jaune. He almost grabs the hilt before pulling just a touch back. Then he takes a deep breath and takes it. Ruby jerks her gaze away as light engulfs him.
“I… I can’t believe it.” Ruby turns her attention back to Jaune and blinks. He looks young again. “It’s been so…,” his mouth snaps shut. “This is what I sounded like?”
Yang lets out a laugh and slaps him on the back. “It’s certainly what I remember.”
A portal opening draws all their attention. The Blacksmith stands beside it.
“Where will this take us?” Ruby’s voice is curious, Iolite’s is excited.
“Not where, when you are needed most.” The Blacksmith pauses for a moment. “Ruby. Iolite.” They pause. “You are both from the Ever After now too. The door is open just as it is for the Brothers.”
“Oh.” Ruby swallows and glances at Iolite. “I don’t think we’re going to use it. Thank you though.”
She turns to see Yang staring at her, gaze heavy. She shakes her head and turns back to the portal. “Let's get to it.”
“Next stop- Remnant!” Iolite’s voice frowns out Ruby’s as they all walk through the portal.