*3rd POV*

Tick makes her way through the destroyed market on the lake. Chaos and smoke are all left after Neo's attack.

Tick: "This little kid was too easy to beat, and his 'toy soldiers,'" she laughs. "Good joke." She looks around. "Damn', this girl sure is nuts. She sure knows how to make a mess when she wants."

Then, a Jabberwalker clone attacks her from atop one platform. Tick grabs her blade and slashes it, sending it away. The creature strikes again, only for Tick to activate her Semblance. Clone slashes at her, but crocodile Faunus smirks, impaling her weapon into the illusion as it shatters away.

Tick: "Her Semblance for sure is stronger. Hmm, maybe this weird world is the reason." she walks forward. "It doesn't matter; if she doesn't get in my way, she can do whatever she wants. Heck, maybe I can find her; we have the same goal." Another illusion attacks her but stops. "Speaking of which, hello there, Neo. It's been some time, sugar cube" The Faunus smiles while Jabberwalker turns back into Neo, who has her eyes wide open. "Yeah, I'm alive. Ah don't know how, but Ah am" Neo smirks and tips her hat. "Come on. We know what we have to do. Grimm Reaper's flower is here," Neo changes into (Y/N). "He is here too?" Neo changes back and nods. "Good" Tick flashes her metal teeth as the villain duo walks away from the market.

*(Y/N) POV*

Jaune just finished telling us his story of how he ended up in Ever After and messed up with a time plant, sending him back years before neither of us would fall into the void back in Atlas.

Jaune: "I thought I would never see you guys again. But, I knew if I waited long enough... eventually you would fall down here too, just like I did" He looks at us. "It's... it's really you, right? I believed it was when I saw you all in the market, but I..." We look at him, and most of us have smiles on our faces.

Ruby: "Jaune... it's really us." All nine of us get into a group hug, happy to see the vomit boy alive. Jaune gets teary-eyed, probably because he didn't see us in such a long time.

(Y/N): "Now, vomit boy... how did you find us?" Jaune groans. "Yes, I will still call you that," I smirk.

Blake: "How did you end up as the Rusted Knight in the story?"

Yang: "And how did you get so-"

Weiss/Sam: "Mature/Old" Weiss looks shocked at Jaune and grabs Sam's sleeve

Weiss: "You should grow out a beard, Sammy" she whispers while Sam smiles at her

Sam: "I will think about it, snowcone" He pets her head

Ryze: "Jaune, what happened in the Atlas after we fell? You were the last one, right?" Jaune sighs.

Jaune: "Oh, right. Guess we have a lot to catch out about. Come on, I will explain on the way" He leads us out to the safety, into plains territory, away from all the chaos, explaining his last moments on Remnant. Well... he didn't bring good news whatsoever.

Ruby: "You're saying... Salem has two Relics now?"

Yang: "With Cinder, she has the ability to get the third."

(Y/N): "It's been almost three years since Beacon fell, and Crown of Choice is still locked up. Oz said he took extra steps to keep it safe."

Weiss: "Well, at least some good news" Ruby meanwhile hangs her head down

Ruby: "We lost Atlas AND the Relic" I get in front of her, kneel to her level, and put my hand under her chin, making her look at me

(Y/N): "Rubes... we got people out of Atlas and Mantle. They're safe; they make Atlas a kingdom; it's their people, not the building or streets, them."

Weiss: "We risked their homes to save the Relic and lost both. (Y/N), it was our home, too," I sigh

(Y/N): "And? Buildings can be rebuilt; streets can be repaved. But you can't bring back somebody's life."

Blake: "(Y/N) is right. We got people out to safety. That has to matter to something."

Ruby: "What good is saving anyone if Salem destroys the world anyway. Nowhere is safe"

Yang holds her arm.

Yang: "Ruby, that's what Ironwood thought, and look what happened to him. You don't mean that."

Jaune: "Are you done now? We need to move quickly before the storm hits, or else it will take a lot longer to get to safety" He gestures to the dark clouds on the horizon.

Mako: "Jaune, we just got a shitton of bad news, especially about Relics. It's a lot to think about," Jaune sighs deeply.

Jaune: "Look, you can rest and talk about it when we get to safety. Follow me" He jumps on his jackalope, and we follow him through the field.

Ryze: "Where are we going exactly?" he asks, as he hoovers next to our blonde friend

Jaune: "My village. We'll be safe there. Honestly, I still can't believe you guys made it all this way past the Crimson Castle on your own. It must've been pretty crazy, right."

Blake: "We weren't exactly on our own. We had a little help. The-" she cuts herself off, "Oh, they're not here. I hope the Cat is okay," Jaune stops.

Jaune: "What cat?" his tone confuses us as the storm closes on us. Little jumps and points at the Cat.

Little: "That cat!" we look where it points, seeing Curious Cat finally catching up to us. Cat puts himself together.

Curious Cat: "Ah, finally, I found you. Why is it you find what you're looking for in the very last place you look instead of the first?" Cat brushes his fur and then notices Jaune. "Hey, Jaune! My, my, it sure has been a very long time, now, hasn't it? Have you been well?"

Weiss: "Wait, you two know each other?"

Ruby: "Well, they had to. From the story." Jaune meanwhile turns while unsheathing his sword. Seething, he tries to go to the Cat while Mako and Sam hold him back.

Sam: "Whoa, whoa, wait a sec. Jaune, the Cat is helping us get back on Remnant" We can hear the storm getting closer by a sec.

Jaune: "We don't have any time to waste. We need to get to my village. Don't worry; we don't need a guide," he spites the Cat.

Curious Cat: "But your friends wish to go to the tree."

Jaune: "THAT'S where you're letting them take you?!" he asks us

Ryze: "Well, yeah. I mean, Alyx got out of here through the tree. It's like in the book, right?" Jaune glares at the feline.

Jaune: "You didn't tell them anything, did you,"

Curious Cat: "Now, now, that's simply not true. I told them plenty of things, along with some somethings and a few anythings as well."

Weiss: "Can you stop speaking in riddles?"

Jaune: "The tree is death! It absorbs you, destroys your memories, and turns you into something else. They call it ascension here, but it's nothing more than death!"

Ruby: "Wait, that's how ascension works here? Because of the tree?"

Blake: "That's what happened to the Herbalist. It was the roots of the tree that opened up the hole and took him."

Yang: "Pretty curious that you bypassed telling us about that" Cat chuckles while the blond-haired brute looks away in anger

Curious Cat: "Oh, nice punsmenship there, but you are not Afterans. It won't happen to you guys."

Jaune: "Oh yeah, then what happened to Lewis?!"

(Y/N): "Wait... who's that?"

Jaune: "...Alyx's brother" Ryze turns to the Cat.

Ryze: "...Her brother?" everyone looks at the feline.

Blake: "But, that's... how is that possible?"

Mako: "She had a brother? How come you never bothered to mention that to us?"

Curious Cat: "Oh, well, you never asked, silly. You only ever went on about Alyx and no one else."

Weiss: "We've been following the story the whole time, and it's not even true?!" Jaune holsters his sword.

Jaune: "Let's go. I've got a plan" Just then, the storm caught up to us.

Curious Cat: "Oh yes, and that plan has turned out so well for you. Say, how many years has it been now?" I think something in me snapped.

(Y/N): "EVERYONE ENOUGH!" I burn like a torch in orange flame. "I know, but for fuck's sake, it's the same scenario. The same as for Ozpin after we learn about Salem. The same with Ironwood's paranoia! Now what?! Just because Cat said nothing about Alyx's brother doesn't mean he wants to harm us! I'm sick and tired of this!" Curious Cat stands on its tail and crosses its limbs.

Curious Cat: "Huh. Looks like we're stuck at the crossroads then..."

Jaune: "NO" he yells as a flash of white occurs

*3rd POV*

The group finds themselves in an alternate dimension when the light dies out. The storm is still there, but they are on a pathway over some water, with different paths going everywhere, with doors to them.

Jaune: "Ah, damn it. Well, this is what's known as a Punderstorm. A weather pattern that creates a physical manifestation of a mental or an emotional problem. So, we are unfortunately at a literal and metaphorical crossroads" He looks around, as there are some of them missing, mostly Team CRMS and Blake.

Weiss: "How perfectly, stupidly Ever Afteran. Ugh, this place really is the pits" A hole appears under her as she falls, screaming.

A/N: Weiss is just Yamcha of RWBY

Jaune: "The only way out is to resolve the problem or wait until the storm passes. Let's get moving" He goes ahead. A while later, Weiss' scream can be heard again. She falls on the spot she was standing before.

Weiss: "Okay, I asked for that" Ruby looks around

Ruby: "Umm... where are the boys? And Blake?"

Jaune: "Probably got their own things to sort out right now. Maybe something bigger."

On another side of the crosswalks, Team CRMS minus Mako walks down another path.

Ryze: "Where are the girls? And Mako?"

(Y/N): "Hopefully, in a safer place than we are. Come on, let's keep moving" They walk ahead, trying to find their way back. Meanwhile, with Blake and Mako, the freshly paired young adults stand on two opposite rope bridges with missing planks as the strong wind swings both constructions. Mako holds for his life and looks ahead.

Mako: "Blake!" Blake looks ahead.

Blake: "Mako!"

Mako: "What are we supposed to do?!"

Blake: "We need to get to that platform!" Mako looks down, finding no footing, only clouds.

Mako: "I wish I had Ryze's powers now" He sighs. "Okay, I will think of something! Hang on, Kitty!"

Back with girls and Jaune, they got to a split, with two signs on them, one of a paw print, the other with a face of a boy.

Jaune: "You know, this would go a lot quicker if you'd just make up your minds" The trio gave him an embarrassed chuckle, with Ruby sweatdropping. As they walk, they discuss the story and how different it is.

Ruby: "I just don't understand how the story can actually be real but so different from the book" They pass through a doorway onto another path. Other openings materialize on the side of the track, and as Ruby passes one, the image of her mother, Summer Rose, appears in it for a moment. "I mean, did any of it actually happen?"

Jaune: "It all happened" He sees the image of a smiling Penny in one doorway. "Just not the way that Alyx wrote it."

Weiss stops at one doorway, showing an image of Atlas. The sight saddens her as it's now gone.

Weiss: "So she just lied while writing her book?"

Jaune: "You have NO idea. I waited for all of you to fall for years. But, when I saw something falling, it turned out it wasn't you guys. It was Alyx and her brother Lewis-two siblings from Remnant. I told them I was from Remnant too, and that I was waiting for my friends. I decided to help them while I waited for you all. Soon enough, I realized I had played a role in her story. I was the Rusted Knight. But things weren't always the same as in the book. Especially Alyx. She wasn't just a little irritable or inconsiderate. She was selfish and cruel. She acted like this whole world was just some make-believe fairytale and that the rules didn't apply to her. Lewis, however... was kind and clever. We went to many places she didn't mention in the story, like the Herbalist. But something changed with her there. Whatever he said to her, whatever she saw... it changed her. She wasn't the same after that. She started to doubt everyone, losing all trust in her brother and me. The more I tried to get the story back on track, the more she distrusted me. I started to worry if I had done something wrong. I couldn't even be the make-believe hero. But before I could make things right, it was too late. She tricked me into drinking poison. She said she'd stop at nothing to return home, no matter the cost. And then she was gone... So, not exactly my favorite story anymore" Jaune looks at the doorway, staring at the image of his younger self

Weiss: "Jaune, we're so sorry that happened to you."

Yang: "But, if Alyx did all that, why are you so hostile with the cat?" Jaune sighs.

Jaune: "The Cat's role in the Ever After... It took me a while to figure it out. When people lose their way here, the Cat convinces them or persuades them somehow to either continue fulfilling their role or go to the tree and get a new one. Their ascension, as they call it. The Cat says it's supposed to help them, but... it's just manipulation. Just using them. The Cat was never helping Alyx or you guys. Their purpose, their role... is to feed the tree with the people here. That's how the ascension works. To keep the cycle going."

Ruby: "How are you so sure about it, Jaune?"

Jaune: "Because the Cat took Alyx and Lewis to the tree. And only one of them returned to Remnant. Come on; we need to keep moving."

Back with Team CR*S, the boys walk on a pathway. (Y/N), however, stops in front of one doorway. It didn't show him, but his father.

Ryze: "Hey, (L/N), you good?" he and Sam see the picture

(Y/N): "I wish I was. Guys, listen, I know I'm not perfect, and sometimes I try to act like I am, but... After Penny... After Qrow informed my mom about dad... and later my grandma told us about Grimm Reaper," He closes his eyes. "I remember her training to protect life even if the attacker has to pay with their own. Since I was ten... all I knew was to keep fighting, to protect the innocent, but... I think I was running away, running away from the pain, from sadness. My father..." He looks at the picture. "His death... it all started this... My mom gave up being a Huntress... I wanted nothing more than to become a Huntsman, to avenge my dad, and not to let anyone live through what I had to do. My travels with my grandma, where I got put in 'fight or die' situations daily. That's until I started Sanctum where I met Pyrrha. Then, I got to Beacon, where I met you guys, and we formed our team. I remember our first day; we just got along like we had known each other for so long. And then, after the Fall, you guys not only listened to me, you guys actually cared for me. Even after Mako lost his eye, each of you assured me that there was nothing we could do. That we did everything we could. Sam," the black-haired twin looks at him, "I remember what you said, that you guys will follow me through the fire if you need to. I'm glad you guys are keeping your word. I'm grateful I met each of you."

Sam: "(Y/N)..."

(Y/N): "I'm not done, don't interrupt your leader," He jokingly scolds his teammate. "When we started calling each other brothers, it made me happy that my team sees me not only as their leader but also as a close friend. You two, Mako, girls, our friends back on Remnant or stuck here, I feel like we're just a big family." Ryze places a hand on his shoulder.

Ryze: "We do to, (Y/N). When the time comes, we will face Salem together, brothers" He smiles

(Y/N): "Thanks, brother" The image of (Y/N)'s father changes to Ruby

Sam: "Something else on your mind, (Y/N)?"

Ryze: "You're worried about our little Rose?"

(Y/N): "It's Petals, yeah... After all, we have been through; there is no way she's okay. I've seen it; her eyes are losing the spark they always have. I know her, and she just feels not the same. She's in pain."

Ryze: "(L/N)"

(Y/N): "The tragic death of my sister, losing yet another Relic to Salem, the Fall of Atlas. Lastly, finding out it was that witch who killed Summer. Everything in only one month. No one can bear so much pain in such a short time. I'm worried she's reaching her breaking point. Blake, Yang, and Weiss got it after Fall of Beacon, but two of them were with you, while Blake had Dereck and Sun. I want to help Ruby overcome this... but." he looks at his hands. "When I look at my palms, I see blood stains. Blood of those people I killed. They were bandits, murderers, and human traffickers, the worst scum. Only to protect innocent lives or myself. Yet, there are times I'm afraid to touch Ruby. We're engaged, and I'm sometimes afraid to hug her or just hold her, not to taint her with this blood. I gave Yang and Summer my word to protect Ruby until I'm alive, and I couldn't... I couldn't protect her from the pain of losing someone, from all this sadness and depressive things she has to endure. I want to keep fighting... but what about my Rose? How do I help her through this? I talked to her, but I don't think it worked" The two brothers look at their leaders' silver eyes, as they look duller than usual.

Sam and Ryze: "(Y/N)..." None of the twins has any answer

Meanwhile, with Blake and Mako, the duo try to think about getting to that platform

Mako: "How are you feeling?!" he shouts

Blake: "I'd feel a lot better if we get to that platform together!" out of nowhere, a missing plank appears in front of her. Blake walks forward while Mako looks at her.

Mako: "Um, is it a secret phase? Better! Platform! Open sesame!" nothing happens. "Well, it was worth the shot."

Blake: "Any luck?" Mako shakes his head.

Mako: "None. But I'm sure you will solve this, Blake. You're good at those things" He smiles.

Blake: "You... you think so?"

Mako: "Yeah, I even know so! You're quite intelligent, Blake. Don't cut yourself short!" this time, two planks appear on his side, and he steps forward. "Hey, it worked. I was complimenting you. You know what to do, Kitty?!" Blake nods. "Hmm... Cute cat ears" Blake flops her left cat ear and smiles as another plank appears. Mako smiles. "Fuck yeah, we're burning it! Even if I don't know what it is?"

Blake: "Maybe..." She looks up at Mako, as both have small blushes on their cheek. "Maybe it's something we never said to each other."

Mako: "Hm... I once ate out of the dumpster," he tries, making Blake giggle. "It's not our secrets then."

Blake: "Michael, come on... you know what I'm talking about" Mako, in return, gestures to her to start with a deep bow

Mako: "Ladies first."

Blake: "Mako, I... I think you are a wonderful person. You... you're the one to protect us... you are the first to take action and are truthful to yourself and to others. You're honest about everything. I adored you for that back in Beacon, and I still do today" A set of planks appear on her side, and she walks forward. "Try to keep up, slowpoke" She smiles at the boy, making him smirk.

Mako: "You just wait," He thinks a little "I... I like that back at Beacon; you weren't afraid to open up and didn't judge my many shenanigans," Blake giggles.

Blake: "I think those were funny... and cute. Especially the 'Hallelujah' gig you started doing since Ryze and Yang got together." She blushes even more

Mako: "I tried my best, thank you. What else... I like that you didn't give up on others, even when they hurt you. You kept going with Taurus or Weiss. Or on me" Another set of planks appears before him as he walks forward. "Well, I'm feeling funny... just like..."

Blake and Mako: "Like when we kissed back in Mantle" The two look at each other

Blake: "There is one thing we haven't said to each other that day" She smiles and starts blooming with happiness. Mako looks at her, while the wind becomes now a gentle breeze. Overall weather clears out

Mako: "I think... I..."

Blake: "Just... say it, Michael."

Mako: "I... I love you, Blake."

Blake: "I love you, too."

Suddenly the duo got on the platform surrounded by grass, and they stood opposite each other. Both smile and slowly get into a hug. Mako tilts his head, and both initiate a kiss as the brown-haired boy tightens his hug, afraid if he lets go, his significant other will disappear. Meanwhile, Blake cups his face in her hands, not wanting to let go.

A/N: "So... yeah, call it Black Metal or Shadow Steel; either will work."

Back with Jaune and the girls, they continue on their way until they come across the Cat walking upside down on another path.

Curious Cat: "Ah, here you are. For once, I find something in the first place I look. Doubt that will ever happen again" Ruby and Weiss glare at the feline.

Ruby: "Jaune told us the truth" The Cat waits some more

Curious Cat: "...Ah, sorry, I was expecting something more. You're accusing me of something, correct?"

Ruby: "You're the one who gives Afterans to the tree. Why haven't you been telling us the truth?"

Curious Cat: "As I said before, when Afterans achieve their purpose or lose their way, I help them ascend to the Ever After to start over. But you're not Afterans. I'm not taking you there to ascend. I'm taking you there because you have such delightful information for me."

Yang: "You already knew about the story that Alyx wrote because of Jaune, but you never told us that."

Curious Cat: "I think Jaune's a few cards short of a full deck these days, don't you think?" Jaune growls.

Ruby: "What happened to Alyx and Lewis when you took them to the tree?" Cat's colors dim as they sit down in sorrow.

Curious Cat: "I... I honestly have no idea. Alyx said that she was taking me through the door with her. To Remnant. But... she tricked me... Just like all of you. You've only used me to get to the tree just as I've used others as sources of knowledge and entertainment." this makes Team RW*Y look away with guilt. "Well, at least now I know what NOT to do" They walk away.

Ruby: "We... just want to get back home."

Curious Cat: "Well, yes. I'm sure you will figure something out. As long as it doesn't take as many years as it took Jaune not to find a way out. Farewell, then Ruby, Rose, Huntress."

The Cat vanishes. Every doorway crumbles as they're back in the plains, joined by the rest of their pack... with one surprise.

*Y/N POV*

I stand there, sinking the image with wide eyes, as the rest of my team, as well as Weiss, while Yang smiles, thinking of ways she will tease those two. Ruby, too turns around and gasps, as well as Little. And what shocked us so much? Well, Mako and Blake are holding each other as close as ever, with the latter having her arms around his neck while he has his around her waist. By the looks of it, they're enjoying their kiss, with Blake holding one leg bent back. The two broke it, noticing us, and Mako turns to us.

Mako: "Oh, hey, guys. We missed something?" Ryze meanwhile smirks.

Ryze: "Oh hell yeah!" he turns to Sam and me. "You two owe me 200 Lien!"

'Ehh, it's just a tradition to bet about those things. I hope I'll get my money back from our bet about Oscar and Alice,' I smile.

A/N: 'Ship name: Shepherd, for now. Feel free to suggest anything else'

(Y/N): "When we get back on Remnant," Jaune meanwhile comments on the new pair with a smile

Jaune: "Finally, I feel like I've waited an eternity. Nora would be happy" He walks away. "Not to interrupt your precious moment, but we should go. It's going to be night soon" We follow Jaune as Blake and Mako intertwine their hands.

'Alice will be surprised to have another Faunus in the family. I wish you two the best, man,' I look at Ruby. 'Even if my relationship is not so good right now, I'm happy for you two,' I smile.

Later that night, we finally made it to Jaune's house. He's been living there since coming to this village. Most of us rest around a fireplace as I made a little show, changing its shape while keeping it safe. Ruby, meanwhile, sits near the table. I walk to her, put a hand on her shoulder and give her a small smile.

'Do not be afraid... she knows about your past, and she's fine with it...'

(Y/N): "I'm here for you, Ruby, remember that" Ruby nods while Jaune enters the room, holding some mats and sleeping bags

Jaune: "It's not much, but it's better than sleeping on a hard, cold floor" He is without his armor, wearing only his brown pants and a Pumpkin Pete shirt

(Y/N): "Thanks Jaune" I chuckle. "You still have it."

Jaune: "Don't mention it," he smiles. "And I didn't send those fifty box tops for nothing" I can hear a small chuckle from Ruby.

Ruby: "Jaune... what did happen to Lewis?" Jaune sighs.

Jaune: "I think... I think that Alyx exchanged him with the tree in order to return to Remnant. And then she wrote him out of the story. Goodnight, everyone" He returns to his room, turning in for the night.

Ruby, meanwhile, gets her weapon out and inspects it. She shakes her head and lies Crescent Rose back on the table. I look at her before looking out of the window at the night sky.

A/N: Well, the two teams reunite with their old friend. He sure has a lot to tell them, making them even more confused about the Ever After. Black Metal/Shadow Steel happened! Yay, ship 'Crimson Rubies' is finally true! Meanwhile, Ruby gets even more depressed, and now it's affecting (Y/N) as he starts to worry even more about her. Will he be able to help his lover? What still awaits them in the Ever After? Find out in the next chapter of Continuing the Legacy!

Also, Vera messed around with A.I.-generated art, and as one try, she tried to generate mine and hers (Y/N). We think it's pretty good.

Mix the upper's face and hair with the bottom's outfit and there you have it, mine and Vera's (Y/N) during Volume 9

Feel free to vote and comment!

Punkie and Vera out and over!

RWBY belongs to Rooster Teeth and was created by Monty Oum

OCs belong to me

(Y/N) belong to you (and to Ruby).