[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

In Atlas...

Ironwood: "... Pietro?"

Pietro: "Yes?"

Ironwood: "Why is Nicholas Arc inside our prototype spacecraft?"

Pietro: "Well, if it can survive him, it can survive anything."

Ironwood: "That's... Not reassuring."

Nick: "Hey Doctor Pietro! I tested the oxygen thing! That was fun! Hoo, I'm lightheaded!"

Pietro: "That's good Nick, you're supposed to... Where did you get that muffin?"

Nick: "Muffin button."

Pietro: "But... I didn't install a muffin button!"

Nick: "Then where did I get this muffin?"

Ironwood: "..."

Pietro: "..."

Nick: "Well, I'm gonna train in high gravity! This looks neat!"

Pietro: "No! You can't just increase the gravity level! You could seriously injure your body under high gravity conditions-!"

Nick: "Bored now. Gonna train. Later!"

Pietro: "No wait-!"

Nick turns off the communications line. He grins.

Nick: "I like his mustache!"

Outside...

Ironwood: "Survive him it will survive anything, huh?"

Pietro: "Am I wrong?"

Ironwood: "... Touché."

For the Mistralian Civil War I want to accomplish a few things:

1: To show Salem is a cunning villain who has made good use of her assets like the White Fang, Lionheart, and others to cause chaos, destruction and misery. She needs the nations of the world divided and fighting amongst themselves to empower her Grimm and herself.

2: To test our heroes. They will have to make it to Haven to try and find Cinder and reconnect with Lionheart, Ozpin's ally. They'll have to have a lot of adventures on the way there and going through a war zone knowing that it's all a plot by Salem will test them severely. Ruby will hit a moment of despair at this senseless waste, not helped by a confrontation with Tyrian where he mocks her convictions of heroism. It is a challenge for her to overcome, to find hope in this darkness and senseless brutality.

3: To show that Salem just used existing conflicts between these factions and made things worse, pushing them into open warfare.

4: To have Ruby and our heroes make a real difference in the world against Salem. They will fight hard, get victories, little ones that add up. Spread the word and the truth that this conflict is being pushed and everyone's being manipulated, ultimately being able to prove this to the people in charge so that some kind of peace can be made. It will be a temporary peace, yes, but ending the conflict and giving people the chance to forge alliances to eventually fight back against Salem would be a huge victory. It makes Ruby and her friends' travails much more meaningful: They aren't just out on a solo revenge mission, they are actively doing good in the world and making a real difference.

5: To PROPERLY develop the theme that CRWBY kept yapping about but didn't actually show: To keep going and still have hope no matter how hard things get. It wasn't until VOLUME FUCKING NINE that Ruby had a breakdown and that led to her committing FUCKING SUICIDE for all intents and purposes. Here? Ruby and her friends get a look at the brutality of humans and Faunus making war, confront how brutal they can be, ask if it is worth it to continue... And they KEEP. GOING. They find hope in the darkness. And they make. Things. BETTER.

A theme for a story is not just something the author SAYS is in the story, the theme is IN THE STORY. It's a KEY part of it. Having Ruby and her friends go through this terrible conflict, have to make hard decisions, suffer, feel despair but find hope and TRIUMPH: THAT is how you execute and explore a theme of a story. Just saying the theme is "to keep pressing on" is meaningless: The show keeps going, that does NOT mean the theme is in the show especially when there is NO EXPLORATION OF IT.

At least that's what my aim with the Mistralian Civil War is. And yeah it would take more Volumes than in the canon to show off all this: So what? It's fanfiction, I can expand things as I like! And more would happen in these fanon volumes than actually occurred in the real ones!

The thing is, yes RWBY is an action show and yes this story of mine would be punctuated by action. But the action would have a point, it would serve the theme of the story. The Apathy would be drawn by the despair of the war to try and cause more of it, they wouldn't just be a random ass encounter. Tok is fighting as a mercenary for one of the factions in the conflict who doesn't care about their ideals, just in money. Cordovin is seeking glory and using Atlasian assets to escalate the conflict for her personal gain, and she's not a servant of Salem. Kurokuri is being wrecked by the war and the Nucklavee and Ren has to decide between saving his friends and innocent lives or throwing his life away for vengeance. There's a LOT you can do with a war going on in the background, and that's why I am putting it into my fan canon. For anyone to use.

Alas, due to me mentioning my Patreon on a number of my stories on Ao3, those stories are now hidden. So I've been doing a lot of editing to ensure those stories are not permanently deleted. Sigh.

Anyway! This is a commission I did on my Patreon for a member. I can do commissions for this and many other fandoms if you wish, just contact me on my Patreon. I'm currently unemployed so every little bit helps.

- - -

"This final championship bout has exceeded all expectations! As we enter the fourth overtime round, it's astonishing how these two prodigies refuse to yield!"

The announcer's voice blended into the background noise Pyrrha Nikos tuned out. The crowd's roar, the background music, the birds chirping in the arena's rafters—all faded as blood pounded through her veins, her lungs drew in air, and blood dripped from a wound on her arm.

Her opponent was her sole focus. His white-and-black armor bore as many cuts, scrapes, and dents as hers. His blond hair, slick with sweat, mirrored her crimson locks. His intense blue eyes locked onto hers as he gripped his sword and shield with effort. His Aura still crackled, a storm of power, just as her own soul's energy thrummed through her body.

No other opponent had been as difficult to fight. No other fighter had been more of a challenge. And given how many times they had clashed? It was not a stretch to call him her greatest rival. She was the Invincible Girl… But he? He was the Implacable Boy. Their fights were popularized as the most bitter of rivalries, hated enemies both competing for the top spot.

The reality was somewhat different… Though there were times he could be a bit infuriating.

Between labored breaths, her opponent flashed a cocky smirk.

"Gotta say, Pyr… you're tough to bring down."

"Y-Yeah," Pyrrha replied, measuring her breaths, "I'm actually enjoying myself… for once, Jaune."

Jaune shook his head slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. He was too skilled to make such a mistake.

"What? Our earlier fights weren't good enough for you? Sore loser," he teased.

She flushed.

"Must you… Tease me?" She asked.

"You're beautiful when I do," Jaune replied easily. She blushed, and hid her smile.

Pyrrha then tensed slightly, and he adjusted his stance in response. She sprang forward, swinging Milo in a flurry of strikes. Feinting toward his throat, she aimed Akuo at his knees, but his shield met hers, deflecting it with a shower of sparks. She darted to the side, leveraging her superior mobility despite her exhaustion, but he swung his sword into her path. She parried with Akuo and attempted to bash his shield.

He met her force with equal strength, and she felt his shield give way. Her smile widened… then turned to shock as he surged forward, sending both shields flying. He threw a punch while pushing her sword aside, the impact jarring her side and straining her Aura like cracking glass. Reflexively, she drove her fist into his gut with all her strength, and he coughed up blood as his own Aura faltered.

They staggered apart, clutching their sides, swords trembling in their hands.

"Good trick," Pyrrha managed.

"Lucky," Jaune replied modestly and breathlessly. He adjusted his grip, wielding his sword with both hands. Pyrrha mirrored him. They charged, exchanging probing strikes—or rather, strikes fueled by whatever energy they could muster. They searched for any weakness, any opening to end the fight.

"You can't outlast me, Pyr," Jaune gasped.

"Really, Jaune? I think… we're both feeling this fight," Pyrrha shot back, forcing a cocky smile despite her exhaustion. Jaune chuckled, thrusting his blade in a quick feint toward her face. She anticipated it, parrying his true strike at her side. She lunged to capitalize, but his renowned footwork allowed him to recover and defend. Their swords clashed like hammers on an anvil.

The crowd fell nearly silent, heightening the surreal atmosphere.

"We are," Jaune agreed. His eyes locked onto hers as he shifted to a higher stance, raining blows down on her. She deflected them, though his brute strength made it challenging. She might be faster, but he was a tank, an unstoppable force.

Pyrrha licked her lips, her heart racing. She tried to trap his Crocea Mors against Milo's guard, mechashifting her weapon into rifle mode as Jaune flexed his wrist. She pushed forward, and both weapons flew from their hands, clattering onto the stone arena floor.

They stood panting, staring at each other. She flexed her hands, curling and uncurling her fingers. Jaune mirrored her, his shoulders heaving with deep, slow breaths as sweat dripped from his nose. He shifted into a boxing stance, and she adopted her Pankration stance.

He took a deeper breath, his brilliant blue eyes fixed on hers.

"Before this ends… I need to tell you something, Pyr," he said.

Pyrrha frowned slightly. "What?"

Jaune's smile warmed. She had always loved his warm smiles, even when he smirked cockily—still so handsome.

"Whatever happens… will you come to Beacon with me? Become Hunters? Together?"

Pyrrha flushed. "T-Together?" she stammered.

Jaune nodded. "Yeah. I got into this to prove I could fight and support my family… but I want to make a difference. I want to make the world better. And I… I know you do, too."

Pyrrha's cheeks burned brighter. She held her guard but felt a warmth unrelated to her Aura flood her body.

"I do," she said, nodding. Her smile turned dreamy. "I mean… I would like that."

His smile matched hers, warm and wistful.

Jaune charged, and so did she. He threw quick jabs, which she dodged and deflected with her forearm. His haymaker swung up, but she caught it, pushing herself to flip over his head while gripping his wrists. He let her, his arms loose, then turned and broke her hold. She gasped as he pulled her against his chest, his arms encircling her waist, pinning hers to her sides. His breath was hot against her ear.

"I'm so glad," he whispered. "I can't imagine my life without you anymore. And I don't want to."

Pyrrha nearly swooned but turned it into a move, using her feet to trip him while grabbing his arms to throw him. His impeccable footwork saved him, and he spun her away, catching her hand to halt her. It felt like a dance.

Their smiles were wide and genuine. She yanked his hand, raising a fist. He pulled back, his own fist ready.

"Sorry," they muttered in unison, just before their fists connected with each other's cheeks. Their Auras shattered simultaneously, and they collapsed to the arena floor. The crowd erupted, screaming with riotous cheers.

"And… that's it! IT'S A TIE! THEIR AURAS BROKE AT THE SAME TIME!" the announcer bellowed. "INCREDIBLE! A CROSS-COUNTER KNOCKOUT! BOTH ARE DECLARED CHAMPIONS! THIS IS THE MOST ASTOUNDING TOURNAMENT FINAL I'VE EVER SEEN!"

Pyrrha slowly opened her eyes, the shock of her broken Aura fading, leaving aches and pains. She looked at Jaune, who grinned back, though his expression was pained.

He slid his hand toward hers. Smiling, she reached out to grasp it.

"You okay?" he gasped softly.

Pyrrha nodded, smiling. Her mother might be upset about the fact she was sharing the title, and the pain was intense… but honestly?

"I've never been better."

Jaune: "Wait. Why do I have to drive?"

Weiss: "Because you are the only one with a valid permit to do so and Yang is busy out buying supplies."

Jaune:" Why didn't she take the car then?"

Ruby:" It was only supposed to be a short run and she had to have something checked on Bumblebee. She's afraid that new Garage, Torchwicks totally honest garauge and not a front, may have done something too it."

Jaune:" Uh huh. Anything else?"

Ruby looking at Weiss both speak up[ far too quickly: "Nothing."

Jaune: "Anything. Else?"
[7:03 PM]typhonis1138: Weiss looks nervous.

Ruby poking fingers together.

Ruby: "Just one tiny, pretty insignificant thing."

Jaune:" Yes?"

Ruby: "We need to pick up Zwei from the Vet along with Blake."

Jaune: "Okay... Wait. Blake's at the vet with Zwei?"

Ruby nervous smile

Ruby: "Yeah. She was with me when I took him to the Vet. You know how she doesn't like him. Well....they kept her over night for observation. Something about her temperature being too low for her breed. Plus she needed some shots."

Jaune: "She's a Faunus, not an actual cat! Oh God... Did she insist on it?"

Ruby and Weiss: Nervous laugh.

Ruby :"Yang....doesn't know. Please don't tell her!"

Jaune: "I promise I will keep it secret."

Ruby: "An Arc promise, right?"

Jaune: "No. It's too funny for that. Though..." Stares at Weiss "Why aren't you going to tease the hell out of Blake for this?"

Weiss: "Future blackmail."

Jaune: "Ah, that makes sense."

Technical Profile: M-77 Chimera

• Type: Main Battle Tank
• Manufacturer: Kalvis Motors
• Origin: Vale
• Role: Anti-Grimm operations, armored assault, border defense, mobile fire support
• First Deployment: Year 69 Post-Great War
• Cost: Moderate (designed for mass production with modular components)
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 10.2 meters (including barrel)
  • Width: 8.5 meters
  • Height: 5.7 meters (turret roof)
  • Weight: 40,000 kg (combat-ready)
• Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver), four passengers on the outside
• Powerplant: Wayland Motors D-12 Hybrid Combustion Dust Engine (1,500 horsepower, augmented with Gravity Dust for enhanced torque and a hybrid electrical powertrain for stealth mode)
• Performance:
  • Top Speed: 65 mph (72 km/h) on roads; 40 mph (48 km/h) off-road
  • Range: 360 miles
  • Ground Clearance: 0.5 meters (adjustable via active suspension)
• Armament:
  • Primary: 1 x Vasagus MG-90 120mm Dust-Accelerated Smoothbore Cannon (Fire Dust high-explosive rounds, Lightning Dust armor-piercing rounds; 40 rounds, mechashift autoloader at 15 rounds/min)
  • Secondary: 1 x Coaxial 7.62mm Machine Gun (Gravity Dust-enhanced, 2,000 rounds)
  • Tertiary: 1 x Commander's 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (roof-mounted, remote or manual, 800 rounds)
  • Optional: 2 x Redeye Dust Missile Launchers (4 missiles total, 500 lb capacity, mounted on turret sides)
• Defenses:
  • Reinforced composite armor (titanium-steel with Ceramic plating, resistant to Grimm claws and 105mm rounds)
  • Reactive Armor Plating System
  • Anti-Grimm Sonic Emitters (50-meter radius, disorients lesser Grimm)
  • Countermeasure Drones (Fire Dust flares to deter aerial Grimm)
  • Smoke and Grenade Launchers (Various Dust Versions)
• Electronics:
  • "Deadeye" Sensor Suite (thermal, Dust-signature, and motion detection; tracks up to 30 targets)
  • Secure Comms Array (encrypted links to VDF units and Huntsmen teams)
  • Terrain Mapping System (real-time analysis for Vale's rugged landscapes)
• Special Features:
  • Four-Bogie Suspension: Complex, independent bogie system for enhanced mobility over Vale's mountainous terrain; allows climbing steep gradients and navigating rocky paths
  • Hybrid Powertrain: Extends range, allows for stealth mode.
  • Fast Autoloader: Mechashift-based system enables rapid firing (15 rounds/min) to counter Grimm swarms
  • Modular Armor Panels: Replaceable sections for quick repairs and mission-specific upgrades.
  • Amphibious Kit: Optional sealing for shallow water crossings (up to 1.5 meters)
  • Aircraft Deliverable

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Background and Development

Kalvis Motors, a cornerstone of Vale's industrial sector, has a storied history dating back to the Great War, supplying rugged tanks, transports, and civilian vehicles to the VDF and Vale's populace. Known for blending affordability with reliability, Kalvis has long competed with Atlas' high-tech manufacturers like Nachfolger Industries, prioritizing practical designs suited to Vale's diverse terrain and Grimm-heavy threats. The M-77 Chimera was commissioned in response to the VDF's need for a versatile main battle tank to replace aging models, capable of tackling both Grimm hordes and potential human adversaries while navigating Vale's mountains, forests, and valleys.

The four-bogie suspension, though complex, was deemed essential for Vale's rugged landscapes, allowing the tank to traverse steep slopes and rocky outcrops where Atlasian vehicles struggled. The fast autoloader, developed with off the shelf mechashift technology, addressed the VDF's need for rapid response against swarming Grimm, enabling sustained fire without sacrificing mobility. Tested extensively in Vale's Forever Fall and mountain border regions, the Chimera proved its worth against Beowolf packs and larger Grimm like Death Stalkers. Its modular design and cost-effectiveness made it a mainstay of the VDF, with variants adapted for urban defense, anti-air roles, and even civilian recovery operations. Despite its success, the Chimera faces competition from Atlas' more advanced (and pricier) armored platforms, though its rugged reliability keeps it a favorite among Valean tank crews and Huntsmen. While not as heavily armored as Atlas' armored weapons, the Chimera's advanced sensors, mobility and gunnery keep it competitive and it has been exported to other independent kingdoms.

---

Capabilities in Remnant's Context

• Anti-Grimm Operations: The Chimera's 120mm Dust-accelerated cannon delivers devastating Fire and Lightning Dust rounds, capable of obliterating mid-tier Grimm like Ursas or crippling elder Grimm with sustained barrages. The fast autoloader ensures rapid engagement of swarm targets, while sonic emitters scatter lesser Grimm, creating space for Huntsmen.
• Mobile Fire Support: Designed to support VDF and Huntsmen teams, the Chimera provides direct fire with its cannon and machine guns, coordinating via its "Deadeye" suite. It can also elevate its gun and use special munitions to provide indirect fire support with the aid of data links, allowing it to function as mobile artillery in a limited capacity.
• Stealth and Mobility: The hybrid motor's electric mode enables silent approaches, ideal for ambushing Grimm or bandits in Vale's urban, forest or mountain terrain.
• Terrain Adaptability: The four-bogie suspension excels in Vale's mountainous and forested regions, climbing gradients up to 40 degrees and navigating uneven terrain. The amphibious kit supports operations near rivers or lakes, critical for Vale's border patrols.
• Survivability: The composite and reactive armor withstand Grimm assaults and light enemy fire, though it's less durable than Atlasian tanks. Countermeasures like smoke and Dust grenades provide evasion options, ensuring survival in chaotic battles.
• Psychological Impact: The Chimera's sleek yet rugged design and rapid-fire cannon boost VDF morale, symbolizing Vale's resilience. Its presence deters bandits and smaller Grimm, though elder Grimm require coordinated efforts.

Yes it's basically the M820 Scorpion. But I thought it would be fun to add to the universe.

Tell me Ruby wouldn't be drooling over this thing.

An old but fun idea of mine: Roman helping Jaune get into Beacon is a popular trope. So he now cashes in the favor:

Roman: "Listen kid. This crazy redhead with a scythe and this nutty catgirl in black keep attacking my deals. They're your classmates. Any way you could, ya know, get them to stop being vigilantes?"

Jaune: "Have you thought about not committing crimes on a level that get them to notice you?"

Roman: "Assume that isn't an option."

Jaune: "Aw geez, Roman. I don't wanna hurt them, they're my friends."

Roman: "Hurt-!?! For Pete's sake, boy! Did the theatres and arcades stop working when I wasn't looking? Take them out for freaking dinner or something when they look like they're bored so they stop looking for crime to stop!"

Roman trains Jaune how to sweep the girls off their feet so he can do crime in peace.