Chapter Text
A world where gods and humans lived side by side, a realm much different from the Remnant that we all know and love. Sollus was the name of that world.
Long ago, a war ignited between the first gods. Many were killed, leaving both the divine realm and humane realm in crumbles. Yet this world, Sollus, still stands, thanks to the effort of the remaining survivors. But the damage was done, humanity was robbed of their fortune, magic and devastatingly, immortality.
Millennia went by, the gods, too, forgot their own pain and past.
In the middle of nothingness, a figure awoke, their calls marked the beginning of a new era.
~~~
The Divine Realm was a dimension that existed interconnected with the Mortal Realm, yet humans had lost the ability to traverse between worlds long ago, so now the place is filled with gods, hence the name, the Divine Realm. The place featured no land, only clouds and endless space. Time was synced to the Mortal Realm, and so were the sun and moon. The gods lived in shrines that lay on clouds, their lives perhaps much similar to those of humans.
It was very early in the morning, the realm stood still, with no traveller insight. To the West of the Realm, stood a worn-down shrine on grey clouds. Its cracked wooden columns were kept up by several metal bars, each inscribed with intricate patterns. The curved roof seemed to have lost most of its tips, with only one remaining. The hazy early lights shone upon its dusty carved windows. Inside their frames, a girl in a red hood could be seen frantically jumping up and down.
'WAKE UP UNCLE QROWWWW!' shouted Ruby. 'It’s finally here! My very first day of training as a proper GODDESS. No more stupid “demigod” teases from Weiss AND I can visit Yang as much as I like. My life will be REBORN,' she enthusiastically continued.
'Calm down Ruby, it’s only five in the morning' Qrow sleepily replied.
'But the sun is awake, so I’m awake, and we have to trainnnn,' whined Ruby.
'I’m up! I’m up! Jeez, even the Wukong boy doesn’t wake up this early,' said Qrow, giving up.
Being a god was a lot of tough work, especially for Qrow. It had not been easy to balance out divine work and family matters. It was even harder when you were a god of misfortune. Drawing out and giving misfortune to mortals was his job, and he hated it. But Qrow had always been good at separating his duties from personal feelings. And today was no exception, but he wanted Ruby to get to love this somewhat eternal responsibility, so he tried his best to give her a great impression.
'Come on uncle Qrow, I can’t wait any longer!'
'Just a ‘sec'
With the mess that the Divine Council had been lately, Qrow could only hope that he tried his very best to prepare Ruby. Looking at the frantic girl waiting for him outside the bathroom door, Qrow wondered if Summer would’ve done the same thing.
Looking at himself for the last time in the mirror, Qrow attempted to smile “happily”. And immediately horrified by his own reflection, he decided to just go with the usual laid-back attitude, or as Ruby called it, “that cool uncle face”.
Qrow walked out of his shrine and noticed the unusual blue sky. The colour seemed to only present around his home, and was fading rather quickly. Weird blending space at the border of the spell, with colour smearing everywhere. It was evident that whoever cast this, they were not doing a good job.
'Illusion magic is difficult, and reality-bending magic is even harder. Don’t wear yourself out with spells like this,' Qrow advised. 'This is a neat trick from that Schnee girl, isn’t it? That weather girl does have a knack for blue skies and snow,' Qrow added.
Ruby ended the spell with a swift hand gesture, 'I wanted to surprise you, but I can’t do this right no matter how many times I practised,' her face fell.
'You are a goddess of protection, Ruby. Of course it’s gonna be hard to cast these kinds of things. But maybe if you hang out with that girl more…' Qrow winked, followed by Ruby’s tomato face.
'Anyway, it’s high time to start our practice for the day. Ruby, please transport us to The Middle,' Qrow said.
Ruby took a deep breath and channelled her power into her hands. Then, in a blink of an eye, a scarlet scythe appeared out of thin air. Although the weapon was both larger and taller than Ruby, she wielded it with ease, holding the thing with one hand. Focusing on her powers again, Ruby slashed the space in front of her, murmuring the words:
‘As the night falls and as the sun flies
Tear me the way where the centre lies
The border where truthful hearts unite
The heavens where the worlds collided
I, Ruby Rose, the God of Silver Protection, in my divine name, shall tear apart the fabric of space, and lead the way to the Central Path.’
Following the scythe’s tip, a gap in space appeared, leading to what seemed like a massive ballroom. With uncertainty, Qrow darted at Ruby, waiting for her to make the first move. Ruby turned to him and was taken back by her uncle’s serious look.
‘Why do I feel like you are even more stressed than me?' smiled Ruby.
Qrow looked away, unsure of what to say. Maybe the girl didn’t feel it, but Qrow felt like a thousand weights had just crashed upon his shoulder. Maybe Ruby would’ve liked the pressure, she had always been better than him in that matter.
‘And that’s why she’s gonna be a better god than you.’
‘Huh? Did you say something?’ Ruby asked. ‘No, nothing.’ Looking back at the gap, Qrow hesitated, and, holding her hand, jumped into the gap. The sudden action was followed by Ruby’s screech (EEK).
‘How’s that for a start?’
‘Uncle Qrow I am seriously thinking of revoking your uncle licence.’
‘Nah, you love me too much.’
The Central Path was filled with gods and goddesses traversing. The place resembled a massive ballroom, with golden statues everywhere. Hanging rainbow lights, followed by clouds; magical creatures roaming freely, it was all too much for Ruby. Perhaps the most entrancing of all was everyone’s clothing. Glowing robes gilded with gold, gowns made of light, a suit made entirely from a living tree. The place was basically a magical fashion week.
‘This place is AMAZING!’ Ruby grasps. ‘Is that real flame on a hat? Me must touch.’
‘Careful, Ruby, we don’t want you to get seriously hurt on our first day.’ Qrow must admit, seeing Ruby like this might be the peak of his caretaking life. Filled with wonders of the young, a flower newly blossomed.
‘But wait, I thought this place is called Central “Path”,’ Ruby questioned, ‘Why are there no “paths”, only ballroom?’
‘The Central Path now is more of a room, or a departing station, than a path. The name came from the ancient time when humans could still visit our lovely realm, which at the time it was designed to be more of a crossroad,’ voiced out a white-haired man behind Ruby.
‘Professor Oz! You’re here too?’ exclaimed Ruby. ‘This is basically my second office, where I keep track of all the events throughout the lands,’ chuckled Oz.
Sipping his black coffee, Oz turned to Qrow. Perhaps Qrow was imagining things, but those eyes were clearly laced with pride, maybe happiness too, those brown eyes never lied. Detached with thoughts, Qrow kept staring at Oz, only to find him smiling back. Embarrassed, he hustled Ruby to move forward.
‘Human Realm, Transient Columns, we’ll be back by evening.’ said Qrow bluntly.
‘Got it. Have fun you two !’ chuckled Oz.
The pair walked into the glowing portal, only to disappear immediately.