*Y/N POV*

Ruby and I tried to follow our new tour guide, but we lost it in the plains just outside the red forest.

Ruby: "Here, kitty, kitty, kitty. Here, kitty, kitty, kitty!" I sigh and look around.

(Y/N): "Hey, anyone has a laser pointer or some catnip? It worked one time."

Blake: "(Y/N), please. Stop reminding me. It's bad enough that I'm as small as a mouse."

Little: "And what's wrong with that?" it looks to our right and squeaks, "Eek! Cat's hindquarters" it points to the ed grass, a cat tail standing above the blades.

Ruby: "Uhh... Excuse me?"

Curious Cat: "You're excused" it pops behind us as Ruby jumps and Little hides again. It gets to its second part, and they connect like a finely made puzzle.

(Y/N): "Okay, another weird thing..." I look at the feline. "Um, are you Curious Cat? Cat? Uhh... Which one do you go by?" I then quiet down. "They call him variously depending on the book revision, ugh..."

Curious Cat: "Oh, I don't go by; days and years do, but not me. If you're asking what I am, I'm indeed a cat most curious."

Ruby: "Of course you are. Heh-heh. Look, my friends and I really need to get to that giant tree. Unfortunately, nothing we've done so far has gotten us any closer to it."

Weiss: "It looks to me like we're even farther!

Yang: "Yeah, I think that's because we're six inches tall."

Mako: "We're in the size of a pencil."

Weiss: "It could be both" she glances away

Curious Cat: "The tree... Tree, tree, tree, tree... Oh yes, that is indeed a most impossible task. You do not go to the tree. The tree goes to you unless you're me... you see"

Yang: "Not even by a bit."

Curious Cat: "Well, that's your problem. It's all a matter of perspective."

Ruby: "That doesn't make any sense. Ugh, okay, well, couldn't you take us there? Since you've been there before."

Curious Cat: "So, why would I want to go back? Ah, yes, I'm glad we've reached an understanding. No sense in seeing a sight seen" its attention goes back to the butterfly.

Ryze: "For fuck's sake... Look, can you please show us the way to the tree? You showed it to Alyx before."

Curious Cat: "Alyx! Alyx, Alyx? How do you know her? Are you friends of hers? Old arch enemies? No, wait, I think I got it... Okay, no, I don't. Please tell me!" it flies to Ruby's face, as our friends if you didn't notice, are still 6 inches (ca. 15 cm) tall and ride in her hood.

(Y/N): "We don't know her personally, but we know something about her."

Weiss: "Alyx wrote a book about her adventures here in the Ever After" the Cat flies around Ruby

Curious Cat: "A book?! Is it a popular novel?"

Sam: "It's a popular children's book back where we're from. All of us read it when we were kids."

Curious Cat: "Ooh, interesting. Please, tell me more. What did she write about? How was I portrayed? And," it sniffs around. "Do I smell a mouse?" it looks over at Little, who hides behind Yang. Blake also covers our little rodent friend.

Blake: "Um, could you give us a minute?"

Curious Cat: "Oh, so much for that idea. Well, by all means, do hurry. I have so many, many questions" it flies off into the tall grass in search of more butterflies.

Weiss: "Are we sure they're not the constantly annoying cat?"

Yang: "Got'em, totally roasted" Most of my team look at her. "What?"

C*MS: "Cringe" Yang slumps back.

Ryze: "My Oum... babe, come on!" he sighs and facepalms. "Okay, back to the topic, guys. Cat helped Alyx get back to Remnant in the book. It also said that it loves new information too."

(Y/N): "So we fill its curiosity while the Cat guides us to the tree. A win-win situation."

Ruby: "Okay, so we can just tell him about stuff from Remnant and us. That should keep his attention while we head for the tree. That shouldn't be too hard. We know all sorts of stuff and-"

Yang: "The cat's gone," she deadpans, while Ruby freaks out and searches for the Cat. I spot it in the tall grass, chasing another butterfly.

(Y/N): "There it is" we made our way to our new feline companion.

Ruby: "Wait, didn't you say you had questions for us?! We'd be happy to answer them now!" she sighs when the front half of the Cat approaches us.

Curious Cat: "I sense a 'but' approaching" just as it says that its back half gets out of the grass and again connects, making a cat whole. The feline sits on the ground, looking at us.

Ruby: "No buts. We still need to get to the tree, but there will be time for that later. During which time, how about we tell you about our world and what goes on in it."

(Y/N): "Have you ever seen a scroll before?" I pull out my scroll.

Curious Cat: "Luminous rectangle. Oh, what does this button do?" it takes a selfie of himself, surprising him. "How is it creating tiny, flat versions of me? Is that what I look like when I smile?"

Weiss: "Hook, line, and sinker."

We continue to walk down the path. Along the way, we tell it about Remnant, the kingdoms, the academies, and those who live there. We also tell it about our journey and our mission to stop Salem before she destroys the world. The secrets we learned, the powers we've seen, and the battles we've fought.

Curious Cat: "So you four have powers coming from the children of the old man and the witch?"

(Y/N): "Not exactly... we've powers coming from their distant successors; my many greats-grandmother used to be Fall's Maiden. In the case of my teammates, they inherited it because they have similar Semblance to their predecessors."

Curious Cat: "Whoa, talk about legacy. And this 'Guardian' power is what gives you the ability to control fire?" he flies around me. "How exciting!"

(Y/N): "No. It's my Semblance, which comes from it... which means you're right," I state rather tiredly.

Curious Cat: "Well, you need to heat the atmosphere from time to time, huh? Ancient power bonding with one family for thousands of years. Just as interesting as putting a city in the sky, am I right? You've all certainly seen some exciting sights. Oh, what was my original question again?" Yang groans.

Yang: "Blake... it's your turn."

Blake: "You asked about the origins of Remnant," she states, rather tired

Curious Cat: "Oh, right, yes. Those two brothers. Talk about your god complex, huh? Well, your story has certainly been an fascinating one. So many ups and downs and characters to keep track of. But I admit some of them seem rather uninspired.

Wouldn't you agree, Mr Four Eyes?" He flies to Ryze

Ryze: "It's Ryze. And those are not eyes; they're my goggles. Before you ask, they protect my eyes when I'm flying."

Curious Cat: "Hahaha, apologies. Well, to your credit, you all certainly know more about Remnant and the secrets it keeps than Alyx did. That girl could barely see past her own nose."

Ruby: "What do you mean?"

Curious Cat: "Oh, you know, just too focused on minor things that really weren't all that important. It was almost funny."

Blake: "Yeah, but she learned her lesson in the end, right."

Curious Cat: "I'd certainly say so. Ah, here we are. The edge of the Garden's acre," it motions to the dark forest ahead of us, with several glowing plans from within. Beyond it, our destination, the tree. We look up as colorful leaves flow with the gentle draft.

Sam: "It's like each 'acre,' as they call it, is different puzzle pieces."

Yang: "It makes no sense to me at all. What's the deal with all this?"

Curious Cat: "Each acre is made specifically for its inhabitants and their roles. Is it not the same back on Remnant?"

(Y/N): "Well, not really. Each Kingdom has a different culture and setting, but it's far more complicated."

Curious Cat: "Hmmm, interesting. It never even occurred to me to ask that before."

Weiss: "I have a more immediate question: how long before we're finally back to normal size?" she's getting more impatient with her current height

Curious Cat: "Not long at all. The garden is just down this path. And it's certain to have all the ingredients we need for a Grow-gurt parfait. Just don't go talking to anyone without me. If you're not careful..."

Mako: "We will end up without our heads or worse..."

Curious Cat: "Pretty much. Certainly, an intriguing way for first meetings, wouldn't you say? Oh, you Remnant folk sure like to cause trouble" we enter the garden

Weiss: "Well, once we're back to normal, that won't be a problem,"

Curious Cat: "Personally, I don't see the issue. I have a number of friends who are only six inches tall. I think you should be more worried about that Salem character you spoke about. Uh, how many more relics does she need to end the world? How are you even supposed to stop her now that Atlas is gone?" Ruby stops; I turn around and look at her face... full of worry, hesitation... sadness.

(Y/N): "Petals... something's wrong?"

Ruby: "I... uh..." she trails off, closing her eyes

Blake: "Maybe we should focus on what's in front of us right now. We'll worry about home once we're back there."

Yang: "The cat is gone!"

Ruby: "What?! How?! Oh, I wasn't paying attention. Where did they go now?"

Little: "Oh, they went after a bug," it pops up. Yang scolds the rodent.

Yang: "And you didn't say anything?"

Little: "It was an interesting bug," it tries to justify itself before popping back down. Weiss sighs.

Weiss: "Of all the characters in the book, why did it have to be the Cat?! Why couldn't it be the Lively Carpenter or the Rusted Knight? One was sweet, one was handsome, and neither of them had the attention span of a goldfish!" Little pops up behind her.

Little: "Hey, you think we could find a fish in one of these ponds?" Weiss facepalms.

(Y/N): "Guys, enough. Let's try to fi-" I cut myself up, hearing a humming in the distance. "What's that?"

Blake: "It sounds like... humming?" I look to the side, following the sound. Ruby is right behind me.

Ruby: "Is this... the garden?" she looks at the plants around us

Ryze: "Maybe, but what's with the weird humming? It's making my hair stand" a pile of leaves ahead of us starts shaking. We stop as three eyes open up from the leaf pile.

???: "What are you?" I pinch the bridge of my nose.

(Y/N): "Seriously... this question is tiring me."

The figure emerges from the leaves, revealing itself as a human-sized caterpillar with four arms, a pair of tiny wings on the back, and an insect-like head. The figure holds a rake in one pair of arms and a large sac in the other. His sudden appearance freaks out most of us.

Caterpillar: "What question?"

Yang: "What are YOU?!"

Caterpillar: "Oh, that question. Can't you tell? I'm a herbalist. THE Herbalist. At least... until I'm not anymore" it rakes some leftover leaves.

Ryze: "Yeah, because that answers all of our questions easily" Sam and Mako elbow him in the stomach

Ruby: "Um, sorry to bother you, but... My friends and I could use some help if you would. We're trying to reach that giant tree, but nothing's worked so far, and now my friends are really tiny."

Herbalist: "Help getting... to the tree. Ah yes, everyone needs help these days. EVERYONE. Come with me" it starts sliding on the floor. We follow it to one giant, glowing mushroom when suddenly a hole opens up on one side, revealing its living quarters within. We hesitate to step inside until the Herbalist returns. "Well, are you coming in, or aren't you?"

(Y/N): "You can turn my friends back to their normal size, right?" the Herbalist groans before heading deeper inside. Hesitantly, we follow only for the way in to close up. We look around, finding other sacs, tools, beakers, and other items set up around the place.

Herbalist: "I must admit, you all seem a bit... hesitant. What did you say you were again?" He mixes some herbs.

Ruby: "We're Huntsman and Huntresses"

Herbalist: "And what exactly do Huntsmen and Huntresses do?"

Ruby: "Fight monsters... I'm sorry, but I don't understand why this is important,"

Herbalist crawls around us.

Herbalist: "I don't understand why YOU don't understand! I am a herbalist. I make potions and remedies to aid those on their journey. It is what I am" he takes out a scale and balances the weight with some leaves. "So, do you know what Huntsmen and Huntresses do, or are you just guessing?"

Blake: "Huntsmen and Huntresses are heroes. We protect those who can't protect themselves."

Herbalist: "Thank you. At least someone is paying attention. Now then, would you say you are good Huntsmen and Huntresses then?" Ruby hesitates to answer, but I step forward.

(Y/N): "I say we are good. We've helped many people and kept living. The ones not good enough usually don't live too long."

Herbalist: "I see. You may not see it, but this is important. You're just making it more complicated. We all have our titles, our roles to play, and our purposes to perform. However, if you are to become what you need to become, you really need to have a better understanding of what you are now!"

Weiss: "Okay, perhaps we should continue this conversation after we figure out how to open the door," Herbalist facepalms

Herbalist: "This is how a king ends up as a prince. Come with me. My work never ends" he crawls into another room. We follow him, entering a room with more plants and mushrooms, a fireplace going, and the Herbalist smoking what looks like a pipe.

'Wait... King ends up as a prince... so...'

Herbalist: "Come, come. Take a seat."

Ryze: "Um... Ruby, (Y/N)... Let's leave."

Herbalist: "This won't take long" we turn to leave, but the entrance closes. "Just answer the questions" he holds leaves in his hands, taking another puff. "What. Are You?" he drops leaves into the fireplace, causing a lot of smoke to build up in the room.

*3rd POV*

Ruby coughs and drops the others as she falls, with (Y/N) behind her

Herbalist: "Are you sure you know? You have to be sure of what you are. And of what you're going to become?" Mako stands up; he looks around, searching for any known faces.

Mako: "Hey! (Y/N)! Ruby!" he looks around some more "Blake? Twins?! Hey" smoke flows around him and changes into his image from when he enrolled in Beacon.

Past Mako: "Why do you even continue? You lost so much doing so. Why don't you just go back?"

Mako: "Huh? Why would I?"

Meanwhile, Ryze is having the same episode as Mako. He's standing opposite his old self.

Past Ryze: "Trying to be good while still enjoying doing bad things? Our dad tried to straighten us up and give us a hint in which direction we walk our life. Now you can choose, be a Huntsman... or be a villain.

Ryze: "I... do like destroying stuff..."

Sam is, too, standing opposite his old self.

Past Sam: "After everything our mother did to us, we should just... leave her name behind. We're not Kiryuin anymore. Why bother? We will finally be free from our mother."

Sam: "Free of my mother... influence... NO! I don't care what my past may think; this experience and everything she did make me into who I am now. Her accomplishments will not define me! I'm Samuel Kiryuin, and I write my own story!"

Mako: "I may lose my eye, I may lose my smile, but I gained and kept things much more valuable than them. I may be a 1/400 of a cyborg, but I didn't lose my humanity with that eye. I fight, so others don't need to. I desire to protect people, protect my family and my friends. Turning around, abandoning them and running away would be shameful to this degree, I would perform seppuku."

Ryze: "Choosing one side is an easy choice," he smirks. "Which is why I stay balanced. You can't always do something good without destroying stuff, and you can do something bad, not influencing the environment. Thinking one option is easier would be foolish."

Meanwhile, (Y/N) stands opposite his past self, eyeing himself up and down.

(Y/N): "Heh, I looked good in that blue hoodie; too bad Ruby stole it after the dance," I chuckle

Past (Y/N): "Always easygoing, huh?" he looks at me. "So, are you still the Beacon of Hope for those in the dark? One who protects the weaker and helps those who have fallen to the bad side? You try to be a hero, just like Dad, Granddad, or even Grandma Maria. What's the point of it? Each step leaves you with another painful memory, another person's blood on your hands. Sure, you won small battles like in Haven or even against Ace Ops, but what about a full-scale war? Any progress? How about Penny, our sister?" (Y/N) looks at his old past with hatred; he grids his teeth. "She died twice. What about Clover? Dead too. Why fight while there is nothing but death all around you."

(Y/N): "I'm not dead yet."

Past (Y/N): "And yet, you killed that Faunus girl with cold blood. What about Ruby? Our precious little flower. Remember what we promised Yang? That we will protect her and keep her safe? And yet, she lost Penny twice. She found out an immortal witch killed her mother and our father. She couldn't stop Salem at Atlas, her sister lost her arm, and her friends were dying and getting hurt. Did you protect her from all of this?" (Y/N) looks away

(Y/N): "It's true, I failed so many times..." he looks back at his past self. "I will fail many more times, I'm certain about it, but I will not stop. I have a promise to keep, and I will NOT stop at least trying to keep Ruby safe" he looks his past in the eyes, a glimpse of resolve in his silver eyes. "Otherwise, I would never be able to look her in the eyes. I believe in Ruby, in our friends, and everyone. Just because I failed doesn't mean I'm done for. If so, I will get up and keep moving forward. I will fail and fail until one time; I will succeed. That's because I'm (Y/N) (L/N) Calavera, and I'm a Huntsman!"

Sam/Mako/Ryze: "I'm a Huntsman!"

Meanwhile, Ruby sits on the ground, looking defeated, as her old self walks around.

Past Ruby: "So, are you a Huntress? Like the ones in the fairytales you read when you were little?"

Ruby: "I... I don't know..."

Past Ruby: "They always saved the day in the end, didn't they? They always saved the innocent, stopped the bad guys, and beat the monsters. Always knew what to do and how to do it. Always won in the end."

Ruby: "But, I... life isn't like stories and books."

Past Ruby: "That's right. That's why we're here to make it better. Isn't that what you said once? It all depends on you. Your sister needs you. Your friends need you. (Y/N) needs you. The whole world needs you to keep fighting, forever and ever. Against an invincible monster that took your mother and killed (Y/N)'s father. Mom was the best, and (Y/N)'s dad was the best Huntsman in Atlas, the Fall's Guardian. And yet, they all fell in the end, and you and (Y/N) suffered because of it. It doesn't seem fair, does it? (Y/N), we knew he went through so much, but because you keep trying to stop Salem, he's forced to follow and suffer even more pain. He lost his sister and home, and he doesn't know what happened to his mother. Isn't that sad?"

Ruby: "But... what am I supposed to do?"

Past Ruby: "You can do whatever you want. Go wherever you want, and be whoever you want. You could be Ruby Rose, or you could be someone else. So, what are you going to be?" Ruby glances away, unsure of how to answer. Then, Curious Cat jumps through the illusion of past Ruby and stands before her.

Curious Cat: "Get away from her!" the smoke dissipates, and both teams come to. The Herbalist gets into a coughing fit while the smoke clears out.

Herbalist: "Oh my... that's a bit much" Cat's ears drop

Curious Cat: "Oh, Herb, look at yourself. You're done. You're supposed to help others find their way. But how can you do that when you've lost your own? Please, let me help. And have a little bit of my heart. It'll make you feel better" it walks up and places its paw on the caterpillar. Green and purple lights from the foot ride up the Herbalist until they reach a symbol on his chest, and suddenly his personality changes.

Herbalist: "Oh, I'm so sorry. I guess I got a little carried away there. Perhaps I've been working too hard. Huntsmen and Huntresses, was it? How peculiar" a hole in the ground suddenly appears underneath him; and he falls below, and then it closes up.

The group looks in horror and shock at the sight until Little wakes up and emerges from the coziness of Ruby's hood.

Little: "What's going on? Oh, I found the cat!" the little rodent slept it all off

A/N: Teams meeting the Herbalist, done. Team CRMS and RWBY getting high on some 'weird leaves,' and Ruby had a bad trip. Checked. A slight detour, but their journey is far from over. Next time, they will finally meet with Rusted Knight. Watch out for a surprise... I was surprised as heck :D What else awaits our heroes? See for yourself in the next chapter of Continuing the Legacy!

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).

ED: "I watched today's EP. Well... I'll need to think about a roundabout for some 'romantic shit'. Spoilers below.

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Bumblebee happened