[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[SharkCultist]

Ozpin is supposed to reincarnate into a "compatible" soul. And for the most part he's perfectly fine with Oscar. There's just one hang up. One VERY big hang up.

"Oz stop trying to make me kill myself."

"You're allergic to coffee! I can't deal with all this without coffee. Hell you're a farm boy how do YOU get up at dawn without coffee?"

"Very strong tea."

"You sick bastard."

"I'm sure you'll adjust to one lifetime out of hundreds without your precious burnt bean water."

*Oscars hand moves outside of his control and bitch slaps him*

"Wait we can do partial control?"

*Second bitch slap*

"Stop that!"

"HERETIC."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

A number of horror protagonists... Simply wouldn't work in RWBY, if we're being honest.

For instance...

A serial killer in a Ghostface mask and cloak sneaks into the Beacon Dormitory, knife raised... Only to be met with several Hunters and Huntresses with their firearms and weapons raised.

Ruby: "Hi! You're the serial killer targeting teenagers, right?"

Ghostface: "... Um... No. I-I'm the plumber."

Ruby: "Really?!"

Jaune: "No. No he isn't."

Ruby: "Oh... Ohhhh!"

Ghostface: "..." Tries to run and gets shot "ARGH!"

Same thing happens with Michael Meyers, et al...

As for the more supernatural killers...

Pyrrha is chilling out in front of the TV. It lights up, and a well appears. She stares at this in disbelief... And yelps as a pale woman with long black hair, a white dress, and gray skin crawls out.

Pyrrha: "Oh no oh no oh no...!"

Jaune walks in.

Jaune: "Hey Pyr, what's-?"

Pyrrha: "JAUNE! It's-It's-!"

Jaune: brightly "Sadako!"

Sadako: smiles happily "Jaune!"

They embrace. Pyrrha gapes.

Jaune: "So good to see you! It wasn't too much trouble to get here, was it?"

Sadako: "No, I have my magic-I mean Semblance!"

Jaune: "Great! Pyrrha, this is Sadako! She's my childhood friend! Sadako, this is Pyrrha, my partner and good friend!"

Pyrrha: "How... How do you do?"

Sadako: "Wonderful to meet you!"

Jaune: "Let me get some food cooking! Meet me in the kitchenette, just give me a bit!"

Sadako: "Sure! Can't wait to taste your cooking again!"

Jaune leaves. Pyrrha smiles nervously at Sadako.

Pyrrha: "So... Um..."

Sadako: "In love with him, too, huh?"

Pyrrha: bright red "I-But-Um-Uh!"

Sadako: sighs "I mean I was gonna kill him, being a spirit of vengeance and all, but... He's just so nice. Kind. Sunny..." drools "And well hung."

Pyrrha: "... How well hung?"

And of course... Our heroes confront IT in its giant spider clown form in a cavern beneath Beacon.

Ruby: "How are you doing this? Why are you doing this?!"

IT: "You see, I represent a great spider god, made of pure evil. I oppose a great turtle god that created the universe and may or may not be dead-"

Blake: "Wait, why are you here just messing around with some teenagers?"

IT: "Well that goes back to the creation of the universe and a covenant I held with some cultists who thought I was the turtle god but really wasn't-"

Yang: annoyed "Can we get to the part where we banish you or whatever?!"

IT: "Have you tried an underaged gangbang? Because I'm really into that kind of thing... Which will banish me, I swear."

All: "..."

Blake: "I'm ready when you are-"

Everyone Else: "NO!"

- - -

Yes, Stephen King actually has an underaged gangbang in his book. And yes the turtle and spider god thing is more or less what he tried to justify things with. No, I don't get it either. Nor do I want to.

But what other horror monsters would not do well here in Remnant?

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Freddy: "Herrrre's Freddy~!"

Ozpin: sips his hot chocolate "Greetings. You're the dream demon targeting my students, correct?"

Freddy: "Yeah. Whatcha gonna do about it, Poindexter?"

Ozpin: smiles

Five seconds later, the entity that was Freddy Krueger is reduced to a gibbering pile of madness. Ozpin calmly sits up from his bed, examines the shuddering pile, and shakes his head.

Ozpin: "Oh come now, that was only a thousand years of my memories. That's all that it took to get you out here?"

Freddy: whimpers and foams at the mouth

Ozpin: sigh "Pathetic."

Ozpin calmly blows the monster's head off. He then taps his Scroll.

Ozpin: "Glynda? Would you be a dear and clean up the intruder in my bedroom? ... No, you're not my maid, Glynda, but given it was an attempted assassination I thought it would be best to call you in. And please, bring the pine-scented wood soap."

 

[Snarky_Hastur]

I really can't explain or justify this one. Just take it and enjoy.

The place Ruby had found herself in after drinking the tea was an expanse, an endless stretch of darkness drenched in an eternal twilight, light only by scatter glowing motes. She couldn't help but think back to the arguments made by Jaune and the Curious Cat. Was Jaune right? Was this death, or was it some sort of in between where she would meet who came next? Either honestly felt good right now…

The only break in the endlessness was a familiar banging noise. It had been ingrained in her head when she made Crescent Rose. A memory of a time spent with her father, Taiyang, working together to machine the parts that would eventually become her weapon, her baby.

So Ruby followed it, like a moth to a flame. Up to the towering woman of metal banging away at an anvil.

"I didn't expect you here just yet…", The matronly voice of the Blacksmith echoed out.

"I didn't expect to be here…" Ruby replied weakly as she stepped forward, "...Are you the tree?"

Then the Blacksmith laughed, like one would when a small child said something amusing, and explained in the barest of details what she was. Then The Blacksmith beckoned Ruby to follow, passing through swarms of glittering motes as they trailed off in every direction. When Ruby asked about them The Blacksmith answered as she had been, eased Ruby's questions but giving no real answers.

Then She presented Ruby with a hall of weapons, each more magnificent than the last. She told Ruby to choose, that whatever she chose would be a template from which a new Ruby Rose would come forth, no end or beginning but a continuation. Still, Ruby couldn't pick. It was too heavy a burden, knowing that whatever she chose the new Ruby would still be burdened down by her failures. Then she saw her Mother's weapon…recalled an old memory and gained new insights.

Something about it sparked her soul, made her stronger or the burden lighter. The options then began to fall away revealing Crescent Rose, just as Ruby had built her. With her fighting spirit reinvigorated she was able to approach her weapon once more. Ruby could even swear she heard a tiny little, "I've missed you…" echo out from the weapon in her own voice.

She reached out, decision ready…"WAIT!", another voice called out.

Confused, Ruby turned around to see Crescent Rose. She whirled back around to check the box she walked to and saw that it contained Crescent Rose as well. God, she suddenly felt very sorry for Jaune if this was the sort of bullshit he had to put up with.
With a deep sigh, Ruby turned around to see the other Crescent Rose had moved closer. At that distance Ruby could clearly see the differences, the slight differences that only Ruby, the creator of crescent rose would be able to notice.

Then the new Crescent Rose began to argue the case to become her Ruby. "Okay just hear me out, pick me and you can still be you. Nothing would change, it would be just like if you picked your original Crescent Rose….but with bigger tits."

"Wait, What?" Ruby stuttered in surprise.

"Yep, the only change would be you get bigger boobs!", The other Crescent Rose explained,

Ruby just stood there shocked, before Original Crescent Rose chimed in, "Shit…you should totally take that offer. I can't even be mad about that," before fading into the background.

"Uh…oh..kay…" Ruby mumbled as she reached out towards her weapon, choice made and then revised.

Hell, if she was gonna put up with the ever-after and this reincarnation shit should she might as well take the bigger tits when offered.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune, Yang, Isabel and Nick meet some time afterward in a park on campus. Yang and Jaune are rather mortified. Isabel is a bit uncomfortable.

Nick keeps shooting his son thumbs up when Isabel isn't looking.

Isabel: "Ahem... I am sorry about uh, all that. It was rather thoughtless. I just wanted to make sure you two were being careful. You don't want to start a family before you're ready, after all."

Jaune: "Mom, it's okay. We're being very careful and taking things slow."

Yang: "Y-Yeah..." mutters "Maybe too slow..."

Jaune: flush

Isabel: "Honestly, that's probably for the best. After all, Nick and I have eight children. I think it's safe to say you two should be very careful."

Yang: bright red

Jaune: "Er... Y-Yeah... Eheh..."

Nick: "Yes. I hope you're the one for each other, but if you're not? You don't want to give away your first time to someone you'll just break up with." nods sagely, and takes Isabel's hand "Izzy is the only woman I have ever loved in every definition of the word. When your souls meet with a person who loves you more than anything else in the world? It's... Like magic."

Isabel blushes, deeply pleased.

Isabel: "N-Nick..."

Jaune's Brain: Wow... He really is my father... It's weird but, when I invented this fanon? I just wanted a nuanced take on things. My own take. But it feels so right. Am I the dreamer, or the dream? Either way... I'm glad he's my father. However this happened.

Nick: brightly "Of course, if you two settled down right now, I might have to come out of retirement to train Jaune right! And Adrian could use a cousin for a playmate! And Izzy was back up and fighting in like, a week or two after every pregnancy so it's not big a deal-!"

Isabel: elbows him "NIIIICK!"

Nick: "OW! I'm just saying, Izzy!" pouts "I wanna be cool for my grandkids!"

Jaune: sighs "Yeah, I get that Dad."

Yang: "Heh..." smiles "You're dad a complete dork."

Jaune: "Is that really a surprise?"

Yang: "Not really." leans in closer "Still. It's a nice heads up for when we do go all the way."

Jaune: bright red

Jaune's Brain: WHEN! SHE SAID WHEN! YES! WOO! WOOOOOOOOO!

That said, Jaune had a lot of other things to deal with in preparation for the dance. He and Yang worked to decorate, get a band, set up snacks and the punch, and many other things.

For instance...

Jaune: "Okay, Sun? You're trying WAY too hard."

Sun: "How do you mean?"

Jaune: "You flirt non-stop with Blake constantly. She's got the message. You can't just batter her defenses down, you gotta be more subtle."

Sun: frowns "I dunno Jaune... I mean, she keeps saying she's into you and you'll give in-"

Jaune: "No no no! Ugh. Look. She's my friend. My friend. Period! Which is why I'm gonna help you with her. I mean... Blake thinks like a cat, acts like a cat, and so on, right?"

Sun: "Right..."

Jaune: "The best way to get a cat to want something is to make it look like she might lose it. You need to make her chase you, with me so far?"

Sun: nods "Oh... I see... So, me showing up in her dorm room in just speedos is like... Giving a cat a treat? They still prefer getting their own food?"

Jaune: "... Yes."

Jaune's Brain: I wondered why Blake looked so mortified last Monday...

Jaune: "Anyway... If you go along with my plan, you'll also A: Be making up for something Neptune did, B: Getting Blake interested, and C: Piss of Jacques Schnee AND the White Fang."

Sun: "That's quite the trick, Jaune. How do we pull it off?"

Jaune just smiles.

Cut to the Star Maiden Memorial Garden, where Weiss is waiting. Jaune approaches.

Jaune: "Hey Weiss. Thanks for meeting me on such short notice."

Weiss: "Well, I wouldn't mind a break from planning Velvet's baby shower. It's all so adorable and wonderful and-" She coughs and hides her blush "Ahem. Well, what do you want, Jaune?"

Jaune: "About the Dance. You see-"

Weiss: bright red "O-Oh! Well, um, if you wanted me to go with you... I-I mean, I suppose if you wished and Yang was all right with it, I wouldn't mind it too much! You are a bit of-of a degenerate but honestly in a sort of endearing way if you squint-"

Jaune: "Er, no Weiss. I'm going with Yang."

Weiss... Looks rather sad, but hides it quickly with a blank expression.

Weiss: "O-Oh... I see..."

Jaune: "I mean, I'm very flattered of course. But I love Yang, and neither of you would deserve me if I was the type to cheat."

Weiss: growls "Like Neptune. He flirted with every attractive girl he could on our dates! Right in front of me!"

Jaune's Brain: Well, that's not the story he told me... Geez. I gotta keep him from ending up Ron the Slytherin. One problem at a time, focus!

Jaune: "I see. Well, there's someone here who wants to make up for what he did."

Weiss: raised eyebrow "Oh? You're trying to set me up?"

Jaune: "Yup. He's a good guy, trust me. It's just as friends but it beats going along and being unhappy. Besides... If you go out with him? Your dad will be pissed."

Weiss: "Who is it?"

A pause. Jaune looks at a column.

Sun: "... Oh, that was my cue. Right."

Sun emerges, holding a single yellow flower-Which means "friendship" in the floral language of Atlas. He smiles, walks up to Weiss, and holds it out.

Sun: "Would you like to go to the dance with me, Miss Schnee?"

Weiss: "I... Um, well..." scowls "You're usually all over Blake."

Sun: "Yeah, but if she's not interested, why go to the dance alone?" shrugs "Besides, Neptune really screwed up. He thought you didn't want anything serious. He's uh... He's got some growing up to do. As team leader, I should try to make things right. I just want to go to the dance and show you a fun time, that's all."

Weiss frowned deeply.

Weiss: "You're not just trying to make her jealous are you?"

Sun: "I mean... Um... A little?" He winces "But I also think you're really cool. And pretty."

Weiss: "..." sighs "I... I really want to be the better person. Honestly. And... As much fun as it might be... I-I think I'll just go alone. But... I'll save a dance for you?"

Sun: "Oh..." sighs and smiles "Sure. I get it." He hands the flower over to Weiss. "Keep it. Flowers aren't my thing anyway. Later." He heads off, leaving Weiss and Jaune alone

Weiss: "... Did you think this up?"

Jaune: wince "... Yes. I did. Ya know... I just thought that maybe-"

Weiss: sighs "I... Appreciate the thought, Jaune, but... My heart's not that strong. And... You're the last person who should be doing this."

Jaune: "Huh? Why?"

Weiss: groans "You are a complete dolt, aren't you?!" She stormed off

Jaune's Brain: Ugh. Great going, genius. Well... Could have been worse. Maybe I'll just stop trying to matchmake for a while. I clearly just got lucky with Cardin and Velvet...

Click to shrink...

After that, Jaune decided against any more matchmaking. It just wasn't going to end well. He couldn't get a Nat 20 every time, after all.

So he helped Yang and Ruby with setting up the decor for the dance in the Grand Ballroom. Hanging streamers, setting up the lights, and the bandstand...

Jaune: "Okay... We didn't get the Achieve Men, thank God, but we got a nice Fuujin band on their Valean tour to perform."

Yang: "A heavy metal maid band?"

Jaune: grins and shrugs "They're pretty awesome to listen to, gimmick aside. Also, nice color choices!"

Yang: "Thanks! I did actually learn some charm school stuff from Sister Lucy on Patch."

Jaune: "Wow... What's she like?"

Yang: "She's pretty awesome for an old lady. She helped Ruby and I with our homework when Dad couldn't do it, taught us cooking, cleaning, knitting, all sorts of things. She helped Uncle Qrow get Dad back into shape too... Mostly by yelling at him and waving her cane."

Jaune: "Heh... She sounds incredible."

Yang: "You wanna meet her? I mean... I did meet your parents."

Jaune: "I'm uh... I mean, sure. Shouldn't I meet your dad first?"

Yang: "I thought we were taking it slow? You wanna start picking out rings, VB?" winks "I could give you a ring right now~."

Jaune: "I-You-But-!"

Yang giggled. Jaune sighed.

Jaune: "Geez..."

Yang: "Gotta keep you on your toes, VB." She nuzzled him "Mmm..."

Jaune: "Thanks. I just... I mean... How do you feel about this? I feel like I'm making a lot of decisions here and maybe I'm not listening to you as much as I should."

Yang: "You act like this stern alpha male in battle but now you're asking about my feelings?"

Jaune: "Says the biker chick who knows how to make amazing pancakes and has an apron that says-"

Yang punches him lightly in the side with red cheeks. Jaune snickers.

Jaune: "Owww...! What? It's cute!"

Yang: "Just-Not so loud, okay?"

Jaune: "Why? I like that you don't fit into any one box."

Yang: "Y-yeah, well... I like that about you, too." Smiles and nuzzles him "Hmmm... I mean... I'll admit I kind of... Worry... About you getting stolen away."

Jaune: "Yang-"

Yang: "But the fact you actually care about me so much and aren't just rushing to... To the good parts? That means everything."

Jaune: genuinely confused "These are the good parts, Yang."

Yang: bright red "..." She kissed him deeply and wrapped her arms around him "Mmmm~..."

Jaune: "Mmph?! Mmmm...!"

Jaune's Brain: Holy shit this is amazing I love this so much...! MY DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE-HOLY SHIT!

Glynda: "AHEM."

The two blonds separate, blushing brightly.

Glynda: "I believe you two have work to do? Which doesn't involve making out?"

Yang: "C-Come on, Professor! We were just uh... Getting in the spirit of things!"

Jaune: "T-Totally!"

Glynda: "That requires your tongues to be in eachother's mouths?"

Yang: "... Yes."

Glynda: "Please Miss Xiao-Long... Wait for that until your senior year at least?" Glares at Jaune "Even your parents were able to graduate before full consummation."

Jaune: "Shows what you know. My oldest sister Saphron was born exactly nine months after the liberation of Pandu. So she was at the graduation ceremony too."

Glynda: "And if you want to see your own graduation ceremony, you'll both get back to work!"

Yang and Jaune: "Yes ma'am!"

They do get back to work. Jaune is under a LOT of scrunity by Goodwitch... While Yang watches him with a dreamy look in her eyes.

She recalls a fairy tale Sister Lucy and her mother read her... About a Knight and a Princess.

"Take my hand," said the knight to the princess, "for the world is a big and scary place. I will protect you from all danger, and you will protect me when I fall. And we will walk this world, hand in hand, together."

It was just a childhood story and so much in her life made her doubt it... But when she was with Jaune? She wanted to believe.

 

[SharkCultist]

Salem was lonely. It's a odd thought but true, you can only sit around stewing in your own anger for so long before it starts to get to you.

Thirty thousand six hundred and twenty four years in her case.

Salem wanted a break so for the first time in a long time she put her mind towards something other than fucking over Ozma.

Firstly was making a disguise, she had learned after much....stress testing that she was immortal but not immutable, she could change as long as some criteria stayed the same.

She couldn't become a man (she could however temporarily do a change into one of the women with extra equipment as seen in mistralian manga), she also couldn't for some reason get rid of red and black in her color palette, she couldn't become a animal permanently and....that was about it.

So off she got to crafting. She wanted to be nonthreatening and someone who in general would be overlooked. A young girl form would do, black hair with some red in it to cover her color requirements. A false spell to make her eyes appear silver (to further disconnect the disguise from her). perfect.

Now that she had a disguise she needed to craft a long term memory spell, nothing too invasive. She just needed to pick some border town and insert memories of her disguised self growing up and living there, just tossing herself in the background of a few memories is enough, most people will assume she's a orphan or socially awkward.

The nature of the human mind should fill in the blanks well enough.

Now comes the tricky parts. If she just disappears Ozma is going to be frantically searching for her and any chance of this working is dead in the water.

So she makes a Doll. Animated alchemically with basic commands and made in her image to keep directing the Grimm in her usual patterns and to occasionally let itself be seen by a atlas drone or one of Ozmas spies.

And finally a spell to cast on herself once she's out of the grimmlands and her disguise is active.

A sort of acting assistance spell like what bards and showmen from the previous era of humanity would use to get into character. Suppressing her true self and letting the character take control until either it's preprogrammed time ran out or she suffered a strong enough shock for the spell safety to kick in and undo itself.

With her preparations complete Salem the Grimm Queen walked out of her castle.

And Summer Rose walked into the world.

 

[Abramus5250]

Why Jaune doesn't use a shotgun

It wasn't supposed to be like this. He'd found a place he could be safe, away from the kind of life he'd left behind. But of course, the organized crime of the area just had to come calling, trying to extort him for protection money, lest they burn his business down. Tukson had said no, and now here he was, trapped in some random building, locked in a cell and bruised from their beatings. Apparently their boss was interested why he'd said no, but after that, the Faunus had a pretty good idea what'd happen to him. People 'left town' or 'disappeared' no matter where organized crime was a problem, and he wouldn't be the last to find himself on the wrong end of such an organization.

At least he'd managed to get a message to Miss Belladonna on his situation before he'd been taken in the middle of the night. He'd informed her of his hidden shotgun, one he'd sadly not been able to reach before being grabbed, that would be easier to use as its serial numbers and identifying markers had been filed away long before he'd had it.

He had a past too, after all. Hopefully it'd be less conspicuous than the weapons she and her friends had used down on the docks, even with the less-than-lethal Dust rounds he had with it.

"Well well well, whatta we gots here?" a voice said.

Looking up from his 'cell', Tukson saw a man, flanked by a pair of large goons, step into the light. He'd not even heard them enter.

"My boys tolds me ya didn't wanna play ball, Mr. Tukson," the apparent leader of this gang said, pulling up a chair and lighting a cigar. After blowing a smoke ring into Tukson's cell, he smiled grimly. "See, we's run this side of town when it comes to protection from certain 'accidents' than can befall businesses such as yours. Other bosses, they's focus on gambling, prostitution, smuggling and the like, but me? I's figure it's safer ta just have yous shopkeepers pay to keep us outta your hair, and in return? We make sure them other outfits don't go sniffing around those under our protection."

This guy was straight of out an antiquated gangster film, yet given his life was currently in this greaseball's hands, Tukson thought it wise to say nothing on the matter.

"So," the man continued. "You turned down our generous offer of protection of your little bookstore for… what? Pride? Thinkin' yer better than us, Faunus boy? That them friends of yers that make trouble for Roman down by the docks might comes and make us leaves ya alone?"

"They aren't my friends," the shopkeeper muttered. "What do you want?"

"Wells, we was gunna just lets ya go after roughin' ya up a bit, but see, after lookin inta things, yer bookstore could be worth a lot more as our property than just bein' burned down for the insurance," the man said. "One of two things can happen. You sign over the deed to your little store ta us, and then leave town to never return while we's turn it into something else. Yous can even take yer books with ya, and we's won't tells the White Fang yous was here."

"And the other option?" Tukson asked, an icy feeling in his gut already telling him the answer.

The man gave a wicked smile. "Or we's collect the insurance on your place after we burn it down with yous inside it, and get the White Fang on our side for a change. Some of the boys are pretty good with their scrolls and could have one of us as your life insurance beneficiary in less than two hours. Shame that you'd lose all them books in the fire too, but hey, that's life. So, whattaya say, Faunus boy? Do we's got a deal?"

Before Tukson could respond, there was a loud noise at the far end of the building. The boss turned to his goons, likely to order one to investigate, before a far door didn't just open, but was blasted off its hinges. Silhouetted by smoke and the light of the full moon behind them, a figure stepped forward, one of the gang's goons struggling vainly in his grasp.

"What the-," was all the boss managed to say before the struggling goon was tossed aside like a bag of potatoes, a sickening crunch echoing as he bounced off a support pillar and lay on the ground, twitching in agony. The figure, Tukson's shotgun suddenly appearing in one hand, steadily marched forward, their slow gait echoing on the floor like small claps of thunder.

The two goons drew their firearms, the sharp staccato of the gunfire echoing as the figure continued to close the distance. Either they were missing horribly, or the guns… had no effect.

After two rounds of gunfire were emptied into the figure, with no affect other than some holes in the leather jacket, he was upon them, a blast from the shotgun sending one flying into the wall, where the goon landed on the floor in a crumpled heap. With a quick twirl, the figure reloaded and unleashed another blast into the other goon, the man skidding across the floor and into the darkness beyond. The boss tried to run, but in a flash, he'd been grabbed by the throat and hoisted into the air, feet kicking uselessly as the figure looked into Tukson's 'cell'.

The young man seemed familiar, save for the large sunglasses he was wearing… at night… and indoors… for some reason.

"Tukson?" he asked, his garbled accent an odd mix of several distinct dialects from across Remnant. Was that old Atlasian?

"Y-Yes?" he replied. "W-Who are you?"

"John," the young man answered as he leveled the shotgun, and with a blast, blew away the lock holding the bars in place. Holstering the weapon across his back, he offered his free hand, even as the gang boss began to choke and splutter. "Come with me if you want to live."

Quickly, Tukson accepted and was hauled to his feet, only for the man to turn around and lead him away. Stepping through the door first, the Faunus found the outside was a scene of disarray and pandemonium. Crumpled shipping containers, a hole in another wall in the rough shape of a man, and even a car that looked like it had rammed into a concrete pillar. The cops were pulling up alongside some of the local militia, and as Tukson blinked away a bright searchlight casting onto the doorway, a familiar face appeared.

"Tukson!"

"Miss Belladonna?"

She quickly supported him, as even the act of walking out with his number of bruises was not easy. From behind them emerged the young man from before, still carrying the choking gang boss and dragging the other three goons by the backs of their jackets. Tossing them in a heap, Tukson noticed what was hopefully the rest of the gang either tied up or being carried away on stretchers to awaiting bullheads.

Blake's entire team was talking to a number of police, and another group of what had to be their friends were assisting in clearing some rubble from atop a few of the criminal's vehicles. One of the more damaged vehicles was missing a door, though a bit of it was still dangling from where it had been ripped clean from its hinges.

"Here's the ringleader," the one called 'John' said as medics began to tend to Tukson, dropping the boss at the feet of several police. Before the man could try and get up, the familiar student placed a boot on his chest and pointedly stared down at him.

"Enjoy your stay in prison or else… I'll be back."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Ozpin sends Nick to meet with Sienna Kahn to defuse tensions with the White Fang, Sienna spends most of her time trying to seduce Nick to hilariously little effect.

Click to shrink...

Sienna, dressed in silk robe that's see through and very little else, smiles seductively at Nick.

Sienna: "Hello Nick~. What do you think? Come to catch a tigress by her tail~?"

Nick: "... You don't have a tail, Sienna. Also, aren't you cold in that get up?"

Sienna: "Why don't you warm me up~?"

Nick: "Okay!"

Nick walks towards Sienna... Closer... Closer...

Sienna: Yes, yes...! He's finally going to be mine!

Nick then walks right by her... To the thermostat. Which he turns up.

Nick: "There we go! All better!"

Sienna: "..." twitch

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Blake Belladonna had fled the White Fang. She'd left her entire life, even her boyfriend, behind. All for her principles. Principles she had forgotten, but remembered when she'd seen the fear in the eyes of those humans.



She'd found refuge in a barn when she abandoned the train. She'd taken what sleep she could, only to be awakened by loud thunder and cold rain pouring down onto her. With a grimace, she'd left the barn and tried to see shelter out in the cold, wet night.



She'd found the main road, and a truck had splashed a puddle all over her. Cold, exhausted, wet, and depressed, she'd sat down under a tree and curled up.



She had no one. No one at all. She'd run away from everyone who had ever cared for her into a cold, unforgiving world.



She had no one to blame for herself... It was all her fault...



"Hey... You okay?"



She looked up in shock. She hadn't heard the approach of the boy over the harsh pounding of the rain. He was tall, a bit scraggly but well built. He wore white and black armor over a black hoodie, jeans, and boots. A large backpack carried his supplies and a sword was at his side. He smiled kindly and held an umbrella up over her.



A knight? She thought.



"I..." She bowed her head and stared down at the ground.



"H-Hey," the boy tried, "You don't have to answer. I just... Look. I'm going to the local inn. I've got money for a room. If you want to share it..."



He blushed and shook his head rapidly.



"N-Not that I mean to-I mean-I'm not-!"



Blake stared at him in disbelief. He resembled the protagonists in her fantasy books. So kind, so warm. She could feel his Aura from here and it was like a beautiful bonfire. She could see nothing, hear nothing but kindness and sincerity in his heartbeat and his body language.



"Um... My name is Jaune Arc. What's yours?"



Her life was so cold, so empty. Here was a light in the darkness. A source of warmth.



Maybe... Maybe Heaven had not abandoned her. Maybe... This was another chance.



One she didn't deserve, but she'd been given all the same.



She reached out and took his hand.



"Blake Belladonna..."



He'd been as good as his word. He'd gotten them a room at the inn. He'd slept on the floor and given her the bed. He'd gotten her a hot meal. They even went shopping for new clothes-She'd paid for them, even if he'd insisted on it.



He was so kind and genuine... A little too kind and genuine, at times. She'd kept him from falling for a few scams from bandits. After that, she'd finally asked where they were going.



He said he was going to Beacon, to become a Hunter like his parents.



Mysteriously, an offer from the Headmaster to join Beacon hit her Scroll soon after.



So she'd gone with it. They had the same goal, after all. They began to train together.



He was... Incredibly unprepared and untrained. But he was strong, had enormous Aura power, and was quick to learn. His sheer power was honestly staggering-He had more Aura than Adam and his top five lieutenants, her included, combined.



He had so little control over his Aura it just radiated everywhere, and she felt so warm and happy around him!



But Blake refused to put her neuroses on him. Her last romance had ended terribly. She... She couldn't afford to be selfish. Not to such a kind, loving, warm young man.



Her... Her friend.



Her partner. Or rather... Who she thought would be her partner.



Jaune walked along in the Emerald Forest, scanning around carefully as Blake walked at his side... Pyrrha on his other.



"Thanks for pinning me to that tree, Pyrrha," Jaune said with a laugh, "Uh, I'm still working on landings with Aura."



"Oh, think nothing of it, Jaune!" Pyrrha giggled.



Blake dug her nails into her palm. She grit her teeth.



Yang was following along too, Blake's partner. She was... Fine. Aside from the puns and the bounciness, the fact she wouldn't stop talking...



"Yeah, but it's good we got up and leafed, right?" Yang giggled. Jaune actually laughed, and Blake bristled.



Don't laugh at her jokes! They're terrible!



"Anyway," Jaune said, "Blake? You smell or hear anything dangerous?"



Blake sniffed and listened.



"Yes. Eight Beowulves, and Four Ursas are in our way," Blake said.



Jaune nodded. Shortly after, they came across the Grimm gathered in a pack. Jaune pulled out his sword and opened up his mechashift shield.



"All right. Yang? We'll be up front-Hit them towards me, we'll keep them boxed in. Pyrrha and Blake? On the flanks. Let's take them down."



"Of course Jaune!" Pyrrha said cheerfully.



"Sounds fine by me! You be the anvil, and I'll be the hammer!" Yang grinned.



"Just fine," Blake muttered as she drew Gambol Shroud.



They made quick work of the Grimm. Jaune was the strong, support tank, Yang was the strong offensive tank. Pyrrha was fast and mobile, hitting hard at all ranges, while she swept through the stragglers. They finished them off in no time. Jaune grinned.



"Wow! We did great work! Even faster than when it was just you and me, Blake!"



"Yes. It was," Blake grumbled. Pyrrha beamed.



"I think we're going to be a great team!"



"The best!" Yang laughed, bumping Jaune's shoulder with her own.



Blake ground her sharp teeth.



Yes. It was good. So good...



"You okay Blake?" Jaune asked, frowning in concern, "You're gripping Gambol Shroud pretty hard."



"I'm fine," Blake hissed. Jaune took her hands in his, and massaged some pressure points.



"Don't overstrain your muscles, we've got a ways to go," Jaune said firmly. "Here: My mom did this for my dad all the time when he fought. Does it feel better?"



She saw how stiff Pyrrha's smile became. And how Yang raised an eyebrow.



She smirked a bit smugly as Jaune's warmth was once again solely hers.



"Just fine..."



- - -



Doctor Knowall watched the Initiation play out on the holoscreens with Ozpin and Glynda. Ozpin sipped his hot chocolate, while Glynda made some observations every now and then.



"Winchester's team seems well suited to close-range combat. None of them have any stealth or much range, though Sky's Voice Imitation Semblance might come in handy for distractions."



"Miss Rose and Miss Schnee are an unlikely pair... Hopefully they won't kill eachother."



"Zalbar's team is a bit light on muscle, so we may wish to shuffle them around. Plus, what name would you make out of ZXXZ anyway?"



There was an alert and a few red-tinged holoscreens appeared. Ozpin looked at this cluster as several people in white masks and black outfits walked into the woods. He frowned.



"Intruders in Sector 56," he murmured.



"White Fang," Glynda growled, "In such numbers?"



Ozpin looked over at Knowall.



"Knowall? Anything to add to this?"



His eyes widened in shock. Glynda's soon followed.



Knowall's face was locked in a cold, furious snarl. His fists were clenched and glowing with Aura energy.



"... I'll handle this," he growled.



"You will need backup-" Glynda protested, but Knowall shook his head.



"No. I will not," Knowall stated, firm and angry. He turned and headed out.



- - -



Rathbone peered down the sights of his sniper rifle. A black bowed girl in white and black was running along with a bunch of humans.



Not that there was any shortage of them around.



"That's her," he muttered to his comrades, "Adam's main squeeze. If we bring her back after killing all these students... He'll reward us greatly!"



"Sure those Dust Rounds won't kill her? We can't bring back a corpse," he comrade grumbled.



"They'll be just fine-"



Something blocked his view. He scowled.



"What the-?!"



Someone yanked his rifle out of his hands. That same someone crushed the rifle between his hands like it was made of tinfoil. Rathbone looked up in shock at the tall blond human in a simple blue suit, red tie, glasses, and white lab coat.



He grinned furiously, his blue eyes burning with Aura.



"White Fang, huh? Here to kill a load of innocent students for your master?"



Rathbone gasped.



"You-Kill him-!"



His comrades pulled their guns and opened fire. Rathbone's eyes widened in disbelief as the man caught every round with his hands. The White Fang members stopped firing, and gaped as he dropped the bullets in front of them.



"Yeah. Not today,"



Jaune punched all of them, so fast he was only a blur. He then stepped back. Rathbone gaped, and felt his stomach.



"I... What... What did you do?! I didn't feel-!"



Pain filled his entire body. He coughed and covered his mouth with his hand. He looked down at the blood and gaped in shock.



"I just triggered your immune systems to consume your bodies from the inside," Knowall snarled. "Your lungs, your liver, your heart-It will all tear itself apart. Your brain, lungs, and heart will be last, along with your nervous system so that you will die in the worst agony possible for anyone to experience."



Rathbone gaped as his body went numb. His comrades gasped in horror as they too began to shake and cough blood.



"But... But why-?!"



Knowall glared. His hatred seemed like heat from a fire that was threatening to consume him.



"Because you took everything from me," Knowall snarled. "You destroy all life just for your selfish hatred, consumed by your idiocy and rage. You never look beyond your own pain, you just inflict it upon others. Well... Guess what? You get to experience a fraction of what you've caused the innocent."



"N-No, please!" Rathbone begged, falling to his knees. "Please! We-We'll tell you anything! Help you give up our plans! Please! J-Just... Just don't! PLEASE! You're a doctor, right?! You-You're a doctor!"



"You're a doctor, right?"



Jaune had looked up to his fiancé from some notes he was taking. They were sitting in their small apartment in Atlas. She was full of concern for him. He shrugged.



"Yeah, I am," he said.



"So, aren't you supposed to do no harm?" She asked. "You've been doing a lot of harm in a fight."



Jaune frowned.



"I... I can't let you fight alone," he said. "Besides, if I'm with you... I need to help."



"Yeah but..." Yang frowned, "You're so... Gentle."



"So, what?" Jaune scoffed. It was the same argument his mom had used. "I'm not cut out to fight with you?"



"No, you're actually pretty great," Yang said with a soft smile, "But... I just... I don't want you to become something you're not. I don't... I don't want you to become cruel. The world beats people down... It can destroy them."



She contemplated her cybernetic arm for a moment.



"Don't let the world turn you into a monster, Jaune. No matter what it does... Promise me?"



Jaune turned to her, and smiled warmly.



"I promise..."



Knowall took a long, deep breath. Glynda descended behind him. He could tell she'd been there for a while though, from how concerned her tone was.



"Doctor Knowall?" She prompted. "Well?"



"... You will cooperate with the authorities in every way," Knowall stated. "Leave nothing out."



Rathbone nodded frantically. Knowall quickly touched all of them, and their vitals slowly returned to normal. A few police Bullheads flew up overhead, and cops descended. They began to cuff and secure the White Fang members. Knowall turned away and looked down into the valley. Glynda looked at Knowall in deep concern. She hesitated.



"Doctor?"



He adjusted his glasses.



"... Sorry about that," he murmured, "I'm fine now."



Glynda stared intently at him.



"Are you sure about that?"



Knowall's eyes found a blonde head of hair down in the valley. He was silent for a time.



"... Sure enough," he murmured.



- - -

Click to shrink...

In all honesty, the team selections were still a bit of a mystery to Jaune.



"JNPR and RWBY?" Jaune muttered, as he stowed his gear in his locker, "seems pretty strange."



"I like Junipers!" Nora Valkyrie chirped, the energetic orangette practically bouncing around the room, "Juniper berries go great with Renny's tea!"



"Yeah but..." Jaune sighed. Ren cocked an eyebrow.



"Your friend Blake?" He asked. Jaune winced then shrugged.



"Yeah. I-I mean, no offense guys! I'm so glad to be here with you all," he smiled, "You all did great against that Deathstalker!"



"It was thanks to your leadership, Jaune," Pyrrha said with a shy smile as she sat on the bed opposite his, "You did very well."



"But you wish you could be with your companion," Ren surmised. Jaune nodded. Ren wore the ghost of a smile as Nora plopped down next to him.



"I understand," he said.



"Me too!" Nora said, "But now we'll all become great friends! We just gotta kill some more Grimm together and we'll be the best!"



Jaune laughed. Nora was a handful but he definitely liked her spirit.



"Absolutely," he agreed. "I promise guys: I'll be the best leader you could ask for."



Pyrrha again smiled warmly.



"I know you will," she said.



After that, they got ready for bed. The guys grabbed a shower first since they wouldn't take as long, and they got out and dressed for bed as soon as the girls went in. Jaune laid down to sleep in his twin bed and sighed, shutting his eyes.



If he was being completely honest? He did miss Blake being there. They'd slept cuddled up together in haylofts and in their tent. Nothing had ever happened, of course. He was a gentleman. He refused to take advantage of her, especially after what she had been through.



Still... He did miss her warmth.



I guess I'll just have to get used to going without, he decided.



Pyrrha and Nora emerged from the bathroom, dressed for bed. Nora pushed her bed up against Ren's and immediately plopped down to sleep next to him. Pyrrha watched this, blushed, then carefully avoided Jaune's gaze as she laid down in her own bunk. The lights went out. Jaune relaxed and did his best to fall asleep.



He heard a very faint creak. Something most people wouldn't have noticed. He opened one eye and scanned the room.



Nothing. He scanned for a moment more, before he slowly closed his eye.



Then he felt it: A warm, female, and familiar body slipping into his bunk. His eyes flew wide open as he jerked his head to look. There was Blake, sliding into his bed and wrapping her arms around him.



"Blake," Jaune hissed, "What are you doing-?!"



"Couldn't sleep," she explained softly. "You don't mind, do you?"



"I-Um-But the rules-You-!"



Blake snuggled into his side and closed her eyes.



"Good night," she murmured.



Jaune held back a long sigh. He laid back in the bunk and wrapped an arm around her.



Well, he had missed her company while sleeping.



I suppose this is on me, he thought, as he slipped into dreamland.



- - -



Classes at Beacon started after breakfast. First up was Professor Port's class: HIs stories were very long winded, but Jaune thought he could pick out the useful tips amidst all the blather. He also knew how to keep people's attention by bringing live Grimm into the classroom-Something Weiss handled with ease.



She really was incredible. It was hard not to stare.



They then went on to Combat Class, led by Professor Goodwitch. She called up pairs of students and had them fight. She was extremely stern but definitely knew her stuff. She could pick out everything right or wrong with a students' combat performance at a glance and made sure you knew it.



After a few matches, she gave Jaune a stern look before she called out:



"Jaune Arc, you're up against Cardin Winchester."



Jaune looked over at the scion of the Winchester family. The young man was a lot bigger and taller than him. He wore a cocky smirk as he walked up to the ring in his full armor, holding his large mace menacingly.



"You got this, Jaune-Jaune!" Nora said encouragingly. Blake and Ruby also gave him smiles.



"Show him what you've got, Vomit Boy!" Yang cheered.



Jaune got up and walked into the ring. He drew Crocea Mors and opened his shield up. Glynda looked between the two combatants.



"We will continue until one opponent's Aura is in the red, or there is a ringout. Ready? Begin!"



Cardin charged and swung his mace hard, obviously trying for a knockout right away. Jaune waited until the very last second and danced out of the way of the strike. He swung his blade, charged with Aura, and swung for Cardin's arm.



"GAH!"



The taller boy was slammed back. Jaune pressed the advantage, striking furiously as Cardin began to guard. The redhead swung his mace around furiously, but Jaune was too quick and nimble after training against Blake for months to let it catch him. He deflected one blow of the mace with his shield before he stepped in and stabbed Cardin in the gut. Cardin snarled then charged up his mace.



He slammed it down on the sandy floor, unleashing a massive blast of Fire Dust. Jaune was blown off his feet and slammed onto his back. He grunted in pain, then rolled, just barely getting out of the way of Cardin's next mace slam.



All right... Gotta finish this quick, he thought. He rolled up onto his feet and took a wide stance. He channeled his Aura, toughening himself up. Cardin smirked and charged again, relying on his bulk to steamroll Jaune.



Jaune held his ground, waiting... Waiting...



Now!



He ducked under Cardin's swing and rammed his shield up into his gut. Channeling his Aura to boost his strength, he twisted his hips and swung his blade at Cardin's feet. Thanks to Aura, he didn't cut through them-But the force sent Cardin into a stumble.



A stumble that Jaune used to pitch him right out of the ring. Cardin slammed down on the wooden floor outside the sand hard. He grunted, and got to his feet. He gaped in disbelief as Professor Goodwitch held up her riding crop.



"Winner, Jaune Arc."



"WOOHOO!" Nora cheered loudly.



"YAY!" Ruby added.



Cardin glared angrily at Jaune, who kept his facial expression neutral. He didn't want to appear too smug.



Goodwitch summoned them both into the center of the ring, where she gave them her assessment:



"Mister Winchester: Good to try and take initiative right off the bat, but brute force is not always going to win. Your opponent was able to turn things around with some good tactics and quick thinking. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is. In addition, while unleashing a Dust blast at point blank range can work in a dangerous situation, it can also easily backfire and cause yourself damage. Only save it as an absolute last resort."



"Yes ma'am," Cardin managed, shooting Jaune a dirty look. Glynda looked at Jaune with a raised eyebrow.



"Good footwork and tactical thinking, Mister Arc. However, your inexperience shows: You got a bit sloppy. Continue to refine your combat skills, as you will not be able to defeat all opponents with a ring out."



"Yes ma'am," Jaune said with a nod. Goodwitch hummed.



"That strength boosting technique. Did you learn it from your mother?"



"Er... Sort of," Jaune allowed with a shrug. Goodwitch nodded.



"Continue to improve it, Mister Arc. As it is, it can give you a temporary boost in strength in battle but it clearly took you time to charge it up. Had Mister Winchester noticed that, he could have struck before you were ready and then you would be in real trouble."



Cardin looked calculating at that. Jaune nodded again.



"Yes ma'am."



Jaune felt pretty good all said when he returned to his seat with his team. Even Weiss seemed to be somewhat approving.



Blake just sat down on his other side and smiled.



"Good work," she said, "I knew you could do it."



"Thanks to you," Jaune said gratefully. Blake's smile grew by a fraction. Pyrrha, Yang, and even Ruby all noticeably tensed.



Which was strange, but soon forgotten as Jaune watched the next bout between students.



- - -



Lunch was pretty uneventful. Or at least, that's what Jaune had hoped it would be. Cardin was still in a bad mood after his defeat in combat class, and was now tormenting a young rabbit Faunus girl. He tugged on her ears, making her cry out.



"Haha! What do you know? They are real!" He laughed.



"Ow! Pl-Please, don't!" The rabbit Faunus girl cried out.



Jaune was already on his feet and about to intervene. He couldn't stand to see this happen and refused to allow it: He wasn't weak anymore, he had strength...



Which was went Doctor Knowall, as if appearing out of nowhere, calmly grabbed Cardin's wrist and squeezed. The redheaded boy yelped and let go, as Knowall lifted his wrist.



"Now now, Mister Winchester," Knowall stated in a kind of teasing voice, "Save that kind of play with your crush in private."



Cardin and the rabbit Faunus girls' cheeks went bright red. Cardin found his voice first.



"Wh-What?! Professor, I didn't-URK!"



Knowall squeezed Cardin's wrist and the young man grunted in pain. He looked up in fear at the terrifying smile the doctor now wore.



"The alternative interpretation," the doctor stated quietly but still loud enough to be heard, "Is that the son of a Councilman decided to bully a girl a year ahead of him because she was a Faunus. This would reflect very poorly on him and his family, and might even become grounds for expulsion. Further, even if you weren't expelled, it would spread among the student body and later on to any potential future employers you might have. That you are a bully and a coward who picks on others just to make yourself feel big. Now... Which interpretation shall we be going with, Mister Winchester?"



Cardin grimaced. The doctor's grip on his wrist tightened.



"I... I'm sorry...!" Cardin managed. "I-I won't... Do it again...!"



"Now, why don't you apologize to this young lady and offer to take her out to dinner as recompense for your clumsy attempt to woo her?" Knowall asked, all smiles. He finally let go of Cardin's wrist. The young man rubbed his wrist, blushed, and then looked over at the blushing young Faunus rabbit.



"I'm... I'm really sorry... Can I please buy you dinner?" Cardin ground out, shooting fearful glances at Knowall every so often.



The rabbit Faunus girl, oblivious to this, blushed harder and nodded.



"S-Sure! Um... I'm Velvet Scarlatina, what's your name?"



"C-Cardin Winchester," he returned, stuttering in shock. Velvet smiled at him, and rubbed her ears.



"I um... Let's maybe work out when and where?"



Cardin again glanced at Knowall, then back at the rabbit Faunus girl. He sighed in resignation.



"Sure."



They walked off together. Knowall looked around at everyone's stares and raised an intimidating eyebrow.



"Don't you have food to eat? Nothing to see here," he stated firmly. Most of the students did so. Yang watched him with starry eyes as he turned and walked out of the cafeteria.



"Wow... He actually made the bully take her out on a date?" She giggled. "Damn! That is twisted! I kind of like it!"



"Isn't that just rewarding the brute?" Weiss sniffed. "Still... I-I admire his composure."



"Weiss, you're bright red, are you feeling okay?" Ruby asked.



"I-I'm fine!" Weiss said quickly, shaking her head. Yang laughed.



"Careful now, you don't wanna get melt, Weisscream!"



"Sh-Shut up!"



Jaune frowned as he turned back to his food. Pyrrha, ever alert to his moods, frowned with him. As did Blake.



"Something wrong, Jaune?" Blake asked. "He did deal with that bully."



"It's just that... He was using a technique of my mom's," Jaune murmured, "But it's one she's never taught to anyone... No one that I know of."



"Maybe he figured it out himself?" Ren suggested. "Beacon only hires the best."



"Maybe," Jaune allowed. "Still... Maybe I'll sent her an email. Just to ask."



- - -



Doctor Knowall twitched and shuddered. He shook his head and frowned. While not exactly superstitious, even after all he'd been through? That still felt like a bad sign.



Still... He supposed he would deal with it when it came. No sense worrying about it right now. He had a future to save.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Ruby Rose was not a peeper. She wasn't! Honest!

She wasn't some kind of weirdo pervert like Blake! She wasn't going to go into a locker room and ogle her best friend ever!

However... She was curious.

On a trip to the pool, everyone else had jumped in and had fun in the water. Yang of course went with a bikini. Pyrrha had too, much to the shock of everyone else. Nora had just gotten a one piece that showed off her curves very effectively, which Ren, Semblance or no Semblance, definitely noticed. Even Weiss had loosened up enough to don a flattering one piece, as had Blake. Ren, for all his serenity, had gone shirtless.

Not Jaune though. He had his swim trunks, a white T-shirt, and a Hawaiian shirt over that. He hung out at the small snack and drink bar at the pool, laughing with them but never venturing towards the water.

This was curious. Curious enough Ruby decided she needed to investigate.

So she approached Jaune at the bar in her cute one piece-Black and red with some nylon laces. She sat down next to him and smiled.

"Hey Jaune."

"Hey Rubes," he returned, smiling warmly.

"You know," she said, "We're starting some volleyball in the pool. You wanna join?"

"Thanks, but no thanks," Jaune said, sipping a fruity concoction of some sort, "I'm okay just chilling out here."

Ruby nodded slowly. Her devious mind considered things and presented her with a possible means of gaining an answer.

And as Ruby often did, her impulse reached her body before anything else. Quick as a flash, she elbowed Jaune and knocked his drink out of his hands. His eyes widened as it fell, spilling strawberry and mango goodness all over his undershirt.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry, Jaune!" Ruby apologized. This wasn't even a lie: At his shocked look, she felt bad. Still... She wasn't going to let this chance escape her. "Let's get you to the bathroom!"

"Ack! Hey!"

Ruby dragged Jaune away insistently. While he was bigger and stronger than her, she was able to use his confusion and her speed to bully him where she wanted him to go. Inside, she still felt kind of bad but also thrilled.

What secret was Jaune hiding under his shirt? Tattoos? Maybe a great big dragon tattoo? Or was he in a biker gang and had their tattoos?

"R-Ruby!" Jaune gasped as she pushed him along, "This is the men's restroom-!"

"Well we're not going into the girls' restroom!" Ruby giggled, "I can't clean you off there!"

Jaune blushed VERY brightly. Her own cheeks turned red as she realized what she had said.

It wasn't enough to slow her down though. She got them into a shower stall, and began to tug at the bottom of his white shirt. He reached down and grasped her wrists, but she was too fast-She dodged his hands and grabbed onto the shirt's hem again!

"Ruby! Ruby, WAIT! I can clean myself-!"

"It was my fault, let me do it-!"

"I don't need you to-HEY!"

Ruby yanked the shirt up, up... Over his head. Her blush intensified as she got a good look at what was underneath.

Oh... My... Pyrrha's been training him really well... Why does he look so good? Why do I like looking-?
She then saw something else. Several something elses. Her eyes widened, and she fell back in shock and horror.

There were... Scars. Ranging from a white round blemish the same size as a 9 millimeter round near his left nipple, to three white ragged claw marks on his left side. Other cuts were all over his body. Ruby's hands went to her mouth and tears peaked at the corners of her eyes. Raw horror and guilt filled her as Jaune yanked his shirt back down. She chanced a glance up at his face.

He looked... Concerned.

"Ruby? Rubes, you okay? Wh-Why are you crying? What's wrong?"

"Wha... What...?"

Jaune glanced down at his chest. He let out a small sigh and shook his head.

"Oh. These," he mumbled.

A tense, awkward silence fell. Ruby sniffled.

Oh... Oh God, I... I'm such a terrible person, she thought, He was hiding these... He was...!

"Wha... What happened?" Ruby managed shakily. She shut her eyes tightly and shook her head.

NO! How could you-He was HIDING THEM FOR A REASON, IDIOT! Oh God, he must hate me now! He must think I'm a jerk! I'm the worst friend ever, I can't believe I just-!

She felt his hand rest on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and sniffled. She avoided his gaze... Until he cupped her chin and tilted her head up.

He was smiling gently, still very concerned.

"Sorry," he murmured, "Um... Well. Turns out that hiking all the way out from Radian without Aura was... Not the best idea."

Ruby's jaw dropped to the floor. She stared at the scars again. She closed her mouth, opened it, and then closed it again.

"I... I just..."

Jaune pointed to the three ragged scars on his side.

"I managed to outrun an Ursa, but he got me with his claws," he explained. He pointed to the round scar. "Got shot by a farmer here since I accidentally trespassed on his land. He was really sorry, helped fix me up and let me stay the night."

He pointed to another scar over his rock hard abs that resembled a small, messy star.

"And here I wandered into an electric fence," he said, "Electrified barb wire. That wasn't very smart of me-I ignored the signs, heh."

Ruby trembled. She held back a sob. Jaune, seeing this, immediately put both hands on her shoulders. His shirt fell, obscuring the scars.

"I'm sorry Ruby-"

"N-No! No, I-I'm sorry!" Ruby bawled. "I-I just-I wanted to know why you weren't shirtless and-and I just-I forced you and I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, please don't hate me-!"

He pulled her into a very tight hug. He rubbed her lower back, trying to sooth her. She hiccuped a bit, but managed to calm down. Jaune then pulled away and smiled warmly at her.

"It's okay. I mean... When I got my Aura? It all healed up. I mean, mostly. None of it hurts. And my mom's medical training let me handle it." He shrugged.

"I just... I didn't want others to..." He trailed off. "To think less of me. I mean... What kind of idiot hikes all the way here without Aura? I... I just don't want people to see how weak I am-"

"You're NOT weak!"

Ruby hadn't meant to shout it, but the surge of emotions from her chest wouldn't let her keep quiet. Ruby sniffled and stared intently into his eyes, as Jaune stared back with a dropped jaw.

"You... You survived the whole way here," she whispered, "Without any Aura. All just so you could realize your dream. I... I don't know if I could do that."

She couldn't remember when she didn't have Aura, if she was honest. It had taken years for her to even learn how to use it.

"You shouldn't... Shouldn't be ashamed of it, Jaune," Ruby whispered, "You should be proud. You... You're willing to do anything for your dream. Anything."

Jaune stared back into Ruby's eyes. He smiled softly. He reached up and wiped his eyes.

"I... Th-Thank you, Ruby," he said quietly, "That... That means everything."

She felt so warm inside and out, she had to give him another hug. He returned it happily.

"Um... I'm still really sorry about... About everything," she said with a wince at his ruined shirt.

Jaune looked down at it for a while, before he slowly shrugged. He pulled his Hawaiian shirt and undershirt off, and rolled them up into a bundle. He smiled.

"It's okay," he said. "I... Well... How about we go play pool volleyball together? That... That would be fun, right? Besides, I suck at it and I'll need your help."

Ruby blushed again, looking him up and down. Now that she thought about it... His scars and his very fit and toned body were... Oh wow, very attractive. Like something out of one of Blake's smutty books.

So rugged and determined to fight through the hordes, all for his dream and-

"Rubes? You okay? Remnant to Crater Face?"

"AH!" Ruby turned away, her entire face burning bright red. "I-I'm fine! I'm fine!"

"You sure?" Jaune asked. He reached out to rest a palm over her forehead. "You don't have a fever or anything, right?"

Ruby rapidly shook her head.

"N-No! No! Let's just-um-go! Let's go!"

She dashed out of the bathroom with her Semblance, and reappeared out near the deck chairs and umbrellas where Teams RWBY and JNPR had stashed their gear. She was still bright red, her heart racing a mile a minute.

How... How does he do this to me?! Why?! She demanded of herself.

She wasn't a pervert! She WASN'T!

Yang smirked at her expression from her position on her towel and raised an eyebrow.

"Hey Ruby! You're looking like your namesake. You okay? Where's VB?"

Her eyes narrowed.

"Did he do anything-?"

"No! N-No!" Ruby said quickly, waving her hands, "He's totally fine-Nothing-I'm fine! He's fine!"

Yang looked up... And blushed a bit herself.

"You're telling me," she murmured.

Ruby looked up. Her blush returned with a vengeance: Jaune was walking towards her, no shirt, his body practically gleaming in the sun thanks to the sunscreen he had so recently applied. He beamed at her.

"Hey Rubes! Sorry, needed some sunscreen first," he said, "You still want to play pool volleyball?"

Ruby, in a daze, opened her mouth to say yes but-

"Sure is!"

Ruby gaped in shock as her sister got up and walked right up to Jaune. The blonde grinned at the taller blond, deliberately leaning forward.

"Heck, I'll even join your team, Stud. I think we'll make a splash!"
Jaune blinked then laughed softly.

"Stud? What happened to Vomit Boy?"

"You just got promoted," she grinned. She grabbed Jaune's hand. "Shall we?"

Ruby's silver eyes narrowed. She locked her gaze onto Yang. Yang looked back... Then smirked in challenge.

The look in her eyes was clear. As clear as whenever they sparred.

"Unless my baby sister wants to sit this one out?" She asked. "It might be too much for you-"

"Jaune's not too much for me!" Ruby declared. "I-I can take him no problem!"

Jaune blinked. Yang snickered. Ruby desperately wished that Remnant would open up and swallow her whole.

"I-I mean we can-I can-LET'S JUST PLAY VOLLEYBALL OKAY?!"

"Suits me fine," Yang smirked, bumping her hip against Jaune's, "I wanna see how Stud here handles large, round objects. No reason~!"

Jaune blushed. Ruby growled.

Great. First she had gone crazy, now Yang?! Was Jaune really so good looking he turned her into a pervert?

"Coming in, ladies!" Yang called out. Ruby looked at the rest of their teams... And her silver eyes went wide.

Pyrrha was staring at Jaune with the hungriest expression she could ever recall on the Spartan girl's face. Weiss was bright red and trying desperately not to look his way while sneering as best she could. Blake had put aside her book and was openly ogling him.

And they weren't the only ones!

Damnit... We're all perverts, aren't we? Ruby mentally sighed. She then narrowed her eyes and grabbed Jaune's hand.

"Let's beat them into the... Water, Jaune!"

Jaune, confused but smiling, nodded.

"Whatever you say, Rubes!"

They did leap into the water. They did have fun... But Ruby's world had changed. She now saw feminine wiles clashing and calculating around Jaune. Her Jaune. A whole new way of being had emerged...

The way of the pervert.

At Jaune's smile though, Ruby blushed... And made a vow.

Well then... If I am a pervert... I'll be the greatest pervert of them all!

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Well, since I wrote an Archer Jaune, why not a Jaune who was taught by his godmother Saia?

- - -

Weiss Schnee was trying to connect with Pyrrha Nikos in the locker room before Initiation at Beacon. After all, linking with such an incredible superstar could only guarantee success!

But her plan was rather spoiled when they bumped into a tall blond young man. He wore white robes that had seen a lot of hard travel and carried an old looking Dust Projection Staff.

Jaune: "Oh! I'm sorry!"

Pyrrha: "It's fine, I'm so sorry-"

Weiss: "Why don't you watch where you're going?! Do you know who you nearly ran over?"

Jaune: "Er... No but-" His eyes widen "Oh! Weiss Schnee, right? My godmother told me about you and your cool Semblance!"

Weiss: "Huh?"

Jaune: "Yeah! The things you can do with your Glyphs-She says they're amazing!"

Weiss: "I... Well thank you. It's nice to be appreciated, I suppose." scowls "Still! You should apologize to Pyrrha Nikos! Don't you have any idea who she is?"

Jaune: blinks "Um, no."

Pyrrha stares with a very happy smile.

Jaune: "But I'm very sorry. I should have paid closer attention to where I was going."

Pyrrha: "It's quite all right."

Jaune: "I'm Jaune Arc. I was wondering if either of you might consider teaming up with me? I'm afraid I'm not very good at close range combat yet, only ranged."

Weiss: "Are you or are you not a Huntsman-in-training?"

Jaune: "I am! Really! I just uh, well, we all have our strengths and weaknesses, don't we?"

Weiss: "Hmph!" She storms off

Jaune: "I'm sorry. I ruined your talk with her."

Pyrrha: "It's all right. I um... I don't mind. So, you're only good at long range combat?"

Jaune: smiles "Yeah, but I'm pretty good at it and-"

Speaker: "Will all prospective first year students please head to the Initiation Area?"

Jaune: "Well... I guess you'll see if we team up."

Pyrrha: smiles "I look forward to it!"

Everyone gets to the Initiation area and get flung out into the Emerald Forest. Pyrrha makes sure to angle her flight near where Jaune lands. She watches him... And her interest in the young man only increases.

Jaune: "Crap crap craaaaappp... Okay... Okay... And...!" He fires off several blasts of Fire Dust from his staff, channeling his Aura through it. This slows him down enough he can land, though not very gracefully "Oof! Okay... Okay... That was tough."

Unfortunately, when Pyrrha lands and heads over to him... Ruby Rose is already walking with him.

Ruby: "Oh! Hey! Pyrrha, right?"

Pyrrha: A tiny bit annoyed, but she still smiles "Yes. Ruby?"

Ruby: "Yeah! I found Jaune!" pouts "My partner met with me but then blew me off. So I looked for Jaune!"

Jaune: "Glad you did. My landing was a little rough."

Ruby: "Anyway! Let's go find the relics!"

Jaune: "Sounds good to me!"

Pyrrha: "Yes, let's..."

They got through the forest fairly easily. Ruby and Pyrrha took out most of the Grimm they encountered before Jaune could even get his staff ready. He did shout out warnings and suggestions though, which helped them coordinate. At one point, a Grimm Beowulf broke through and charged him.

Ruby: "JAUNE!"

Jaune: "Hang on, hang on...!" He held up his Staff, slammed a Dust cartridge into it, and unleashed a Fire Blast that reduced the Beowulf to ashes in one shot!

BOOM!

Jaune: "Don't worry about me! I'll handle-PYRRHA!"

Jaune fired another blast, and Pyrrha ducked. It shot forth and took out another Beowulf trying to ambush her.

Pyrrha: Her smile is growing "Thank you Jaune!"

Jaune: "Don't mention it... Again, I'm sorry I'm no good at close range. In this forest my vision is kind of restricted and so it's hard for me to be much use-"

Ruby: "Nah, that was great! I'm sure you'll do even better on open ground!"

Jaune: "Thanks, that means a lot."

They make it to the ruins and meet up with the others. They grab a relic.

Weiss: "You took your time, you bird hitting nutcase!"

Ruby: "Hey, I'm sorry! But I don't see the birdy around anywhere, so it's all good!"

Indeed, the Nevermore from before had crashed in the woods. Unfortunately... The ground began to rumble. A gigantic beast rose from the forest, bellowing in its rage. A long serpent like neck with a white Grimm mask, attached to a large, dragon-like body.

Weiss: "A GRIMM HYDRA?! ARE YOU KIDDING?!"

Yang: "Okay, time to run everybody!"

Blake: "It's closing too fast, we'll never escape over the bridge in time-"

Jaune: "I can handle it."

Everyone stares at him.

Weiss: scoffs, incredulous laugh "You?! How?!"

Jaune: "My godmother taught me a technique. I'll need Gravity Dust and Lightning Dust... And someone to cover me up close."

Pyrrha: "I'll-"

Jaune: "Pyrrha, you'll be more useful hitting that thing in the face and keeping it off guard. Miss Weiss, right? Do you have Gravity and Lightning Dust?"

Weiss: "Yes, but what makes you think you can-?"

Jaune: "Look, if I fail, we can still set off the Dust in a big blast to distract it and hopefully get enough distance between us and it. Please... I know I can do this, if you can keep it in one place for a few minutes."

Nora: "... This sounds crazy..." grins "I'm in!"

Ren: "All right."

Blake: stares "If you're sure."

Jaune: "I am."

Yang: "Then I'll guard ol' Vomit Boy! Rest of you? Hit that thing!"

Ruby: "RIGHT! Follow my lead!"

Weiss sighs, then hands over the Dust to Jaune. She joins the rest of the teens attacking the Hydra Grimm, who roars. Several smaller Grimm charge at the command of the mighty Hydra towards Yang and Jaune. Jaune is mixing the Dust together, and then puts the cartridges into his staff. Yang takes out the small fry with ease.

Yang: "Hate to rush you, VB, but we're on the clock!"

Jaune: "I know, I know, hang on..." He kneels down and channels his Aura, which flares around him. The combined Dust begins to react inside the Projection Staff, and Jaune adjusts some knobs "My godmother can do this with her Semblance, I gotta fine tune it a little manually..."

Yang: "JAUNE!"

Jaune: "READY! Okay... EVERYONE! GET CLEAR!"

Ruby: "YOU HEARD HIM! BREAK BREAK BREAK!"

The teens flee from the Hydra, who roars loudly enough to deafen anyone and everyone around it... Which is when Jaune unleashes a MASSIVE energy beam from the staff.

Pure white from the mixture of Dusts and the power of his Aura, it blasts the body of the Hydra away, leaving only its surprised head to fall to the ground and begin to dissolve. Many trees are on fire or straight up gone behind the rapidly decaying remains.

Everyone stares at the dead Hydra Grimm... And then to Jaune. He wobbles a little, but he's grinning.

Jaune: "HA! ... Second... Try..." He then falls over into Yang's arms, passed out.

Yang: "Woah... Easy there..." She stares at the destruction Jaune did, and then back at the unconscious young man "Holy crap...!"

Nora: "... I WANNA LEARN THAT! I call dibs on him being my Sensei!"

Weiss: "He... He did that with Dust mixing? But the only people who know how to do that are-!"

Pyrrha: "The Kingdom of Pandu." She smiles in amazement and maybe a hint of lust "So that's who his godmother is..."

Ruby: "... Crescent Rose? You're gonna get an upgrade! Yes you are, yes you are!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

A Mother's Sacrifice
​

It was a feeling. One Isabel Arc had associated with dread and fear from the first moment. The first time she met... Her.

She looked out into the darkness of the woods near the farm. She could see the hint of red in the darkness. She took a deep breath.

It was time.

"Izzy?"

Isabel looked away from the window over the kitchen sink at her husband. He smiled in concern, even as he dried the last of the dishes.

"Everything all right?" He looked out the window. Isabel shook her head.

"It's fine," she said quietly. "Just... Could you finish up for me? I need to check on something outside."

Nick frowned. It was a strange look on her spouse's face. Still, he leaned in and kissed her forehead.
"Of course... If you want to talk about what's wrong, I'll listen. I promise."

Isabel smiled, but her eyes were very sad.

"I know you will," she said softly. "I love you."

Nick's smile returned.

"I love you too," he said.

Isabel walked out of the warm kitchen. She saw Jaune pretending to study while reading a comic. Lilac was doing some sewing nearby, not minding his distraction. The twins, Coral and Verdy, were giggling over a weapons magazine. Orchid was working on a programming project.

Jaune started and looked up, as though sensing her presence. He grimaced in guilt and switched to his text book.

"I got it, I got it Mom," Jaune said quickly, "Um, the signs of renal failure are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, swelling, changes in urination frequency-"

"No, no, it's fine," Isabel said gently. She smiled warmly. "I'll be back, all right? Everyone just sit tight... And stay inside, all right?"

Jaune stared at her in concern.

"Mom?"

"Are you all right?" Lilac asked, a gentle frown on her kind face. Orchid stared at her mother intently but said nothing. The twins looked up in concern.

"Mom?"

"What is it?"

"Just stay inside," Isabel said with a voice of maternal authority and force. None of her children moved as she went out, the floorboards creaking in a familiar pattern. She shut the doors behind her and walked off the porch. She walked down the steps, remembering every step's creak and groan. She walked out into the woods, the stars shining clear and bright overhead.

She followed a dirt path deep inside the copse of trees, until she reached a small pond. A Fuujin-style stone lantern stood nearby, lit and casting a faint orange light over the lily pad covered pond.

In the dim light stood... Her. Tall, shapely, with pale skin and blood red eyes. Her hair white as bone with black streaks running through it. She wore a black cloak that waved slightly in the nighttime breeze. Her very presence seemed to chill the air. Isabel took a deep breath and walked up to her. She then knelt before her.

"Queen Salem," she greeted her with a voice devoid of emotion.

"Hello Isabel," Salem said gently. "Stand up, child, stand up."

Isabel obeyed, but kept her eyes downward. Salem hummed.

"Your children have grown strong. I can feel the love you have for them. It is strong."

Her voice was heavy with nostalgia.

Isabel sucked in a breath.

"I have done as you asked," she said, "I have researched all the old magics. I have no power in it-"

"But your mind is like one gifted by the gods, child," Salem said, almost gently, "Your Semblance is an echo of magic... But a strong one. It is why I made that deal with you, in your grief and desperation." She spread her hands out.

"Have I not kept my bargain? Have I not repaid it in full? I saved you. I saved the man you love. I saved your son when your medical arts could not heal him."

Isabel winced at every one of those statements. She nodded but an inch.

"I have done as you asked, searched for weapons to use against Ozpin," she said.

"They are weapons your family will wield for me," Salem stated firmly, "You will free this world from death with me. Your family would not exist if not for me."

"And you would make them your slaves, to be disposed of when no longer needed," Isabel said, holding back her anger with great difficulty. Salem stared intently at her.

"That is the way of the world," Salem said, "This war is older than your family has lived on this globe. I have seen things, known things you cannot grasp in my eternal search... My search for an end to death."

"Yet more than that, you seek freedom," Isabel argued. Salem snorted.

"There is no freedom for me-"

"The gods you gained power from, who made it so you were cursed," Isabel spoke up, "They are not my God. They may have claimed to have created this world, but they were lying. I have found... A loophole."

Salem stared intently at her. Isabel shook and reached into her labcoat. She held out her Scroll shakily. Salem took it, and scrolled through the spell book pages Isabel had scanned.

Isabel took a deep breath.

"Their curse that links you and this Ozma... It does not care who takes up the burden. They do not care, as long as two human souls, a woman and a man, are suffering their immortality."

Salem's red eyes glanced up at Isabel. They widened slightly. Isabel stood her ground and met her gaze evenly.

"You... Would have to switch with someone else. Take their life... Their identity," Isabel said quietly. "But you would be free... You could die. Only naturally, but... You would."

Salem stared at the magic runes and calculations. She slowly nodded.

"Yes... Yes. It could be done. But the other... Would have to continue the war on Ozma. There is no other way."

"That is true," Isabel said, "They would be bound to that fate. They would have to carry it out... But they would be in your place. Whereas you would be in..."

Salem's eyes narrowed.

"Yours?"

Isabel stared back, silent.

"You would give up your life? Your identity? Your family? To take the place of an ancient cursed witch?" Salem asked skeptically.

"To save them from your service?" She slowly nodded.

"I-I would."

Salem stared for a very long time at Isabel.

"What makes you think I would give up my power?"

"Because you are a prisoner of fate, Salem," Isabel said quietly. "You would have freedom at last. You would have... Everything. As long as you lived... L-Lived my life. As long as you didn't break the bargain... You would be free. And I... Bound to your fate."

Salem stared for a while longer.

"... You could not reveal who I really am," Salem stated. "You could not change my plan. You would be doomed... You would accept that all for your family?"

Isabel shakily nodded.

Salem smiled. It was not pleasant for her.

"Then... It shall be done. Thank you, my child. When I am free of this world... You may have it. May you find a way to conquer death yourself, and get revenge on the gods. As for me?"

She reached out her hand, the clearing billowing with Eldritch energies that blotted out the broken moon and the stars.

"I shall know peace at last," she hissed.

Isabel stared at her hand. She closed her eyes. Even now, her emotional control held.

She reached out, grasped Salem's hand... And everything went black.

- - -

Nick had finished the dishes. He joined his children in the living room, looking over his sword and checking its electromagnetic systems with a seasoned eye.

The doors to the Arc Farmhouse opened, and shut. The floorboards creaked in a new pattern. The Arcs all looked up in concern... A concern that vanished as Isabel stepped into view.

"Hey Mom," Jaune greeted, followed by his sisters, "Everything all right?"

Isabel smiled softly. She nodded, a flush on her cheeks.

"Oh, everything is just fine, Jaune," she said, "Just fine!"

Nick frowned in concern. Isabel beamed back at him. He cleared his throat.

"That thing you were worried about-?"

"Oh, it's all been taken care of, Nick," Isabel chuckled. "Everything is... perfect."

For a moment, Nick swore he saw a hint of red in his wife's eyes... Yet it vanished. He frowned but then shrugged as Isabel walked in and began to chat happily with her children.

Probably just a trick of the light, Nick reasoned, Still... Nice to see her smiling again.

- - -

A dark female figure stood at the edge of the woods. She stared at the Arc family through the large living room windows. Her red eyes were filled with tears that ran down her cheeks. She sobbed softly, before she bowed her head.

She turned away and vanished into a dark portal to return to the castle she was now bound to.

The Queen of the Grimm had a destiny to fulfill.

- - -

Bit more spooky but turned into something rather tragic. Still, I hope you enjoyed it.

 

[AllSlayer]

What We Like

​

3 years post AJT's canon

Jaune, Ren, and Whitley watch while nearly a dozen females are locked in what looks like one large fight to the death free-for-all. There were explosions and crashes everywhere. Screams and roars, with glyphs, petals, metal, smoke, shattering, and every different element being thrown around.

Jaune and Ren had quiet acceptance expressions on their faces. The only one looking even remotely concerned was Whitley who actually looked like he wanted to intervene but held himself back as he kept watching the chaos and glancing at the other two. Hell, they looked almost relaxed! Jaune was on his feet at least, even though he was leaning his left side against the tree next to him with one foot planted and the other crossed at the shin behind it the toes touching the ground. Ren on the other hand was sitting lotus position! He even had his eyes closed.

"Uh" Whitely started getting Jaune's eyes to shift to him and Ren to slightly tilt his head to show he was listening. "Are we going to do anything about them?" Whitley asked as they heard Nora roar and slamming her hammer into the ground causing even them to feel the ground quake as the area around her slam cracked and crumbled under the strain of the hit.

Hearing his question Ren opened his eyes and he and Jaune shared a quick look before his eyes re-closed. "No." was all Ren replied.

"B-but they are seriously destroying the clearing!" Whitely replied.

Jaune's eyes went back to the younger white haired young man. "We're aware. But their destruction is isolated and as long as they don't get too far from here Ozpin, Goodwitch, or anyone else won't care." Jaune gained a small smile and chuckled "Hell, Port may even commend them for the destruction." Ren snorted lightly trying to hide it behind a cough but the small smile he had betrayed his amusement for the joke.

"Ok, but they could seriously hurt each other!" Whitely argued.

This caused Ren to open his eyes again as he and Jaune shared another look. Ren at least looked a Whitely this time as he answered, "No, they won't. They are far too stubborn for that."

"Yeah, there is not much that can put any of them down. Hell, your partner is part of my cousin clan, the Fuujin. I know she is the youngest next to Ruby in there, but she seems to be holding up quite fine." Jaune added on.

That is when they heard a shout from a girl in an orange and black coat with an orange version of Yang's black short shorts. She had golden blonde hair similar to Jaune's in color that she had styled in a set of twin tails that went down to almost her mid-back. and blue eyes that were a couple of touches lighter than his but still darker than Weiss's. She threw her hands forward, and a huge wave of wind launched out of them sending most of the others away, other than the couple who could dodge or get some cover. Turning up the ground from the pressure in the process.

The three men had watched the attack. Jaune giving a low whistle seeing mostly successful attack and destruction it wrought. "Look at her go."

Ren nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Kiiro, seems to have gotten quite better with her output the last few months."

His words shook Whitely out of his daze at seeing the destruction his partner wrought. "Of course she has! With our training, I have been working here to get as much out of her wind as possible for as little aura usage as possible. Even though it doesn't matter much for her since she has a ridiculous level of reserves."

Jaune scratched the stubble on his chin in thought, "Yeah, our bloodline is quite known for a huge amount of aura. Glad to see she is getting a more refined control of it." He gets a sly smirk on his face as his eyes go back to Whitely. "Spending a lot of time with her huh?" Jaune asks with an innocent tone.

Whitely, whose eyes had gone back to the brawl, didn't see Jaune's face when he asked the question. "Of course, we're partners after all. I have to make sure the partner of a Schnee is amazing."

Jaune smirk became the grin of a Cheshire cat, "So she's amazing, huh?"

"Without question!" Whitely retorted. "She's more than amazing she's-" Whatever he was going to say tied in his thoughts as he slowly turned to Jaune and Ren sounding like a heavy metal door.

Jaune still had that damned grin of his while Ren had gained a small crooked smile, his eyes full of mirth.

Whitely gained a healthy blush, and on his pale white skin the redness was even more prominent.

"I actually been meaning to ask you both something." He said quietly his eyes aimed at the ground and head tilted that way as well.

Jaune and Ren lost their amused expressions and met each other's eyes again both having a small look of concern.

"Yeah of course man. What's the question?" Jaune gently prodded.

"Why are you guys with your partners? Most are the opposite of you. Like you, Jaune: Yang, my sister Weiss, Blake, Neo, and Cinder seem to be the exact opposite of you. I can understand Ruby or Pyrrha or even both. Both have matching or at least the closest personalities to you, yet you are with all of them where a majority are in "different categories". And you Ren, Nora is just about the polar opposite of you as someone can get. Even if she carried a torch for so long. Why are you with her when it seemed like she didn't work?

He had gained both their undivided attention, and he could see the gears turning behind their eyes. Again, they shared a look, and Ren gave him a slight nod, which Jaune returned. Jaune got up from his leaning position to fully straighten and turn to the young man.

"While it's true our relationships don't fully make sense, hell even I am still surprised by mine. I don't know how I got so many girls interested in me and I am still amazed I have kept all of them happy these last 2 years. But even though they are all so different on the surface, they are all so much deeper than those couple surface-level stuff they show off. All of them are so wonderfully kind and caring, that a couple have to have it coaxed out, but I have seen they are enjoying how much they are helping people now. And if not fully that, I know they love seeing how happy I am at all the good they do. And even though it isn't fully for the right reasons I am still glad they are doing good now."

"Yes, most have some emotional baggage or some issues but who doesn't? No one is perfect. It is seeing all the good and bad of a person and still staying with them through the ups and downs of life as they do the same for you."

Ren nodded his head, "Indeed, Nora and I met on the worst day of my life. And we stuck together for years. We have been to each other's rocks that entire time. I have loved her for as long as she loved me. But I always feared I wasn't good enough for her, that she deserved someone more expressive or emotional than me. But she finally beat into my head she didn't want that and she decided who was good enough for her, and in her eyes, I was the only person good enough."

"W-wow," Whitely stuttered out. Amazed by how beautiful their explanations were. They were so deep and full of meaning it almost him want to lose a few tears for how moved he felt.

"But honestly?" Jaune said gaining a slightly embarrassed expression with Ren matching him. Whitely looking at them in confusion.

"We like a pretty girl that can fight." Jaune and Ren said in almost perfect unison.

Whitely's reality cracked at that as he gave them the best deadpan look he could give. It had nothing on the stoicism that was Ren's been he got pretty close.

"This can't be real life." Whitely said with a groan.

"Yet it is," Jaune responded as they all turned their expression to the brawl that seemed to be finishing up.

"Oh, you break my cousin's heart? I castrate you." Jaune nonchalantly says

"Wait what?!"

Ren nodded, "I'll help if it happens."



Phew this got way deeper near the end there then I wanted it to, I blame the music I was listening to.

Also yes the blonde OC is genderbent Naruto if she was in the RWBY world. Kiiro means yellow in Japanese.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

After that, Jaune decided against any more matchmaking. It just wasn't going to end well. He couldn't get a Nat 20 every time, after all.

So he helped Yang and Ruby with setting up the decor for the dance in the Grand Ballroom. Hanging streamers, setting up the lights, and the bandstand...

Jaune: "Okay... We didn't get the Achieve Men, thank God, but we got a nice Fuujin band on their Valean tour to perform."

Yang: "A heavy metal maid band?"

Jaune: grins and shrugs "They're pretty awesome to listen to, gimmick aside. Also, nice color choices!"

Yang: "Thanks! I did actually learn some charm school stuff from Sister Lucy on Patch."

Jaune: "Wow... What's she like?"

Yang: "She's pretty awesome for an old lady. She helped Ruby and I with our homework when Dad couldn't do it, taught us cooking, cleaning, knitting, all sorts of things. She helped Uncle Qrow get Dad back into shape too... Mostly by yelling at him and waving her cane."

Jaune: "Heh... She sounds incredible."

Yang: "You wanna meet her? I mean... I did meet your parents."

Jaune: "I'm uh... I mean, sure. Shouldn't I meet your dad first?"

Yang: "I thought we were taking it slow? You wanna start picking out rings, VB?" winks "I could give you a ring right now~."

Jaune: "I-You-But-!"

Yang giggled. Jaune sighed.

Jaune: "Geez..."

Yang: "Gotta keep you on your toes, VB." She nuzzled him "Mmm..."

Jaune: "Thanks. I just... I mean... How do you feel about this? I feel like I'm making a lot of decisions here and maybe I'm not listening to you as much as I should."

Yang: "You act like this stern alpha male in battle but now you're asking about my feelings?"

Jaune: "Says the biker chick who knows how to make amazing pancakes and has an apron that says-"

Yang punches him lightly in the side with red cheeks. Jaune snickers.

Jaune: "Owww...! What? It's cute!"

Yang: "Just-Not so loud, okay?"

Jaune: "Why? I like that you don't fit into any one box."

Yang: "Y-yeah, well... I like that about you, too." Smiles and nuzzles him "Hmmm... I mean... I'll admit I kind of... Worry... About you getting stolen away."

Jaune: "Yang-"

Yang: "But the fact you actually care about me so much and aren't just rushing to... To the good parts? That means everything."

Jaune: genuinely confused "These are the good parts, Yang."

Yang: bright red "..." She kissed him deeply and wrapped her arms around him "Mmmm~..."

Jaune: "Mmph?! Mmmm...!"

Jaune's Brain: Holy shit this is amazing I love this so much...! MY DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE-HOLY SHIT!

Glynda: "AHEM."

The two blonds separate, blushing brightly.

Glynda: "I believe you two have work to do? Which doesn't involve making out?"

Yang: "C-Come on, Professor! We were just uh... Getting in the spirit of things!"

Jaune: "T-Totally!"

Glynda: "That requires your tongues to be in eachother's mouths?"

Yang: "... Yes."

Glynda: "Please Miss Xiao-Long... Wait for that until your senior year at least?" Glares at Jaune "Even your parents were able to graduate before full consummation."

Jaune: "Shows what you know. My oldest sister Saphron was born exactly nine months after the liberation of Pandu. So she was at the graduation ceremony too."

Glynda: "And if you want to see your own graduation ceremony, you'll both get back to work!"

Yang and Jaune: "Yes ma'am!"

They do get back to work. Jaune is under a LOT of scrunity by Goodwitch... While Yang watches him with a dreamy look in her eyes.

She recalls a fairy tale Sister Lucy and her mother read her... About a Knight and a Princess.

"Take my hand," said the knight to the princess, "for the world is a big and scary place. I will protect you from all danger, and you will protect me when I fall. And we will walk this world, hand in hand, together."

It was just a childhood story and so much in her life made her doubt it... But when she was with Jaune? She wanted to believe.

Click to shrink...

It seemed like it took forever but the night of the dance finally arrived. JNPR was all set and ready. They walked out of their dormroom to wait on RWBY in the hallway.

Pyrrha: "Y-You look great, Jaune."

Jaune's Brain: Ohhh my God she's hot. She's unbelievably hot. Like Starfire drawn by a pro hentai artist hot. GAH! No, no... I am not going to think about it. Don't focus on it! She's beautiful and your FRIEND... That's it! A friend who is madly in love with you-SHUT UP!

Jaune: "You too." He smiled "And I'll save you a dance tonight."

Pyrrha: "Oh, thank you!"

Jaune: "But, you're also going to go out and dance with some other guys, all right?"

Pyrrha: flush "... I mean... If you want me to-"

Jaune: "No, that's not what I meant. I mean I want you to have a good time, Pyr. Really."

Jaune's Brain: That should help...

Pyrrha: "I... I see."

Nora: "We're totally gonna have a great time! Ooh! Ooh! I can't wait for Ren to shoot a bottle and get me a stuffed sloth doll!"

Jaune: "Er, we don't have that at the dance Nora."

Nora: "What?! What kind of a dance is this?!"

Jaune: "But that will be available at the Vytal Festival! You just need to be a little patient, okay?"

Nora: "Hmmm... Renny? Will you shoot a bottle and get me a stuffed sloth at the festival?"

Ren: "Of course."

Nora: beams "YAY! I am appeased!"

The door to RWBY's dormroom opens. Ruby comes out first in her dress and heels. She pouts.

Ruby: "Ugh. I hate lady stilts!"

Jaune: "You still look nice, Ruby."

Ruby: "R-Really?" blush "Thanks!"

Weiss emerges next, shaking her head at Ruby.

Weiss: "You can literally run up vertical surfaces and yet you have an issue with high heels?"

Ruby: "It's totally different pressures and mechanics involved, darnit! Why do we even wear these things?"

Jaune: "Makes you look taller and shows off your legs."

Ruby: bright red "... Huh... Um... I mean, that doesn't sound too bad..."

Blake emerges next, and gives Jaune a smile.

Blake: "Hello Jaune."

Jaune: "Hello Blake. You look very nice."

Jaune's Brain: Ohhh fuck she's hot. She's so hot... WHY ARE THEY ALL SO HOT?! EVEN RUBY IS HOT! HOW DO I DEAL WITH THAT?!

Blake: smiles "Are you sure that's all you want to say?"

Jaune: tightly "Yes. Very."

Blake: "Hmph. Well, here's Yang."

Blake moves aside. Jaune of course recalls how Yang looked in the show and in fanart... None of it does the real thing justice.

Yang: "H-Hey... So uh... How do I look?"

Jaune: "..."

Jaune's Brain: Say something... SAY SOMETHING. SAY THE FIRST THING TO COME TO MIND!

Yang: "Um... Jaune?"

Jaune: "... Humina... Pretty..."

Blake: "I think you broke his brain."

Weiss: "He had a brain?"

Jaune: shakes his head rapidly "I mean... You look amazing, Yang. Like an angel."

Yang: flush "Geez... You don't usually go for the flowery praise, you know."

Jaune: "Oh? Is that a problem-?"

Yang takes his arm and leans against him with a smile.

Yang: "Nope. Keep it up, Wordsmith. After all, a pun is like poetry."

Weiss: "They are not remotely the same."

Yang: "Says you!"

The part heads out to the ballroom. They run into May, who is in a beautiful red and gold sari. Her escort is... A surprise.

Weiss: "Neptune?!"

Neptune: "Hm? Oh, hey Snow Angel. I just asked the princess if she wanted to go to the dance, and she said yes." He grins and winks "I'm gonna show her a great time!"

May: "Oh, um, thank you. Hello Jaune! Hello everyone!" beams

Jaune: "Hey May! You look very nice."

Neptune: grins "Arc. I'm going out with your godsister. Hope you don't mind?"

Jaune: "Dude, it's not me you have to worry about. May is a sniper after all. And her dad is the best archer in the world. He could probably hit you from Vale if you make her cry."

Neptune: gulps "Uh... N-Not that I'm going to! Not at all!"

May: giggles "It's appreciated, Jaune, but don't worry! Neptune's a nice guy... When he doesn't strut so much."

Neptune: "Oh, hey!"

They head off ahead of the group. Weiss scowls after them.

Ruby: "You okay Weiss?"

Weiss: "I'm fine... Jaune? May I also get in a dance with you?"

Jaune: "Er... If Yang's okay with it?"

Yang: "Yeah, I'm okay with it."

Cardin and Velvet show up next. Velvet looks radiant, even as her belly begins to round from her pregnancy. Cardin has an arm around her shoulders protectively.

Jaune: "Hey guys!"

Blake: "Hello Velvet!"

Cardin: "Hey!"

Velvet: "Hey!" She giggles "This is so exciting! I'm glad Coco could adjust my dress in time for the dance!"

Jaune: "You look great!"

Velvet: "Aw, thank you!" snuggles with Cardin "Mmm... Cardin liked it too. We nearly didn't get out on time~."

Cardin: pleased blush "Velv, c-come on..."

Velvet: "Awww... But I wanna show off my wonderful man~!"

Cardin: "Just... Not all the time, huh?"

Velvet: "Aww... All right." kisses his cheek "Mmm... Anyway, see you inside!"

They leave. Nora blinks.

Nora: "Wow. They're really affectionate, huh?"

Ren: "Yes."

Yang: "Why aren't we like that, Jaune?"

Weiss: "Because we'd kill you if you were that disgusting all the time?"

Yang: "Bring it on~! You might get a hit on me if I was making out with Jaune~!"

Weiss: "Why you-!"

Cinder and her team show up. Emerald and Mercury are holding hands. Mint is prancing about in her dress and shooting flirty looks at Jaune. Cinder... Is less than pleased with her date.

Cinder: "Hello all."

Jaune: "Hey Cinder, Emerald, Mercury, Mint... Jack."

Jackie Arc is Jaune's cousin. He resembles Jaune in most details save for his greener eyes, messier shorter hair, and air of douche. He's in a loud green suit and grins back.

Jack: "Hey Cousin Jaune! Wow... You got yerself a whole harem!"

Jaune: "They're friends."

Jack: "Well, maybe they'd like to be my friends too-?" Cinder twists his hand painfully "OW OWOWOWOW! CUZ! HELP!"

Jaune: "I admire your restrait, Cinder. Usually I wanna deck him after five minutes of listening to him."

Cinder: twitch "I'm sure he'll behave himself the rest of the night. Won't he?"

Jack: "Y-YES! YES! TOTALLY!"

Cinder lets him go and smiles dangerously.

Cinder: "Good~."

Pyrrha: "So... You're Jaune's Cousin? It's nice to meet you!"

Jack: "Oh boy, it absolutely is! Man, Pyrrha Nikos in a dress? You know, I do photography for a... Fairly reputable website. I was wondering if I could get you to pose-?"

Cinder looks like she's about to melt Jack's head off. Of course, she can't.

Jaune: "Anyway! Why don't we all go inside?"

Yang: "Yeah, we need to be at the front desk anyway."

Cinder: "Sounds good."

Cinder's entourage enters. RWBY and JNPR head in too. Jaune and Yang take their seats at the front desk and begin to take tickets.

Ruby: "I mean... All those people..."

Jaune: "Relax Ruby. Look! There's Penny!"

Penny arrives with a happy smile. She takes Ruby's hands in hers.

Penny: "Hello Friend Ruby! I am so looking forward to this dance, aren't you?"

Ruby: beams "Definitely am now!"

They head off. Jaune and Yang relax a bit.

Yang: "I'm glad she'll have Penny along... Though it might mean that there's a fire by the end of it."

Jaune: "Oh, I'm pretty sure there will be one..."

Yang: "By the way, why did you set up your cousin with Cindy? You want her to hate you?"

Jaune's Brain: Well I do want to torture her a little since she is evil...

Jaune: "Eh... Maybe she'll whip Jack into shape. I gotta look out for family, after all..."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

Ruby was practically bouncing up and down for joy as she stood in the comic book shop line. Jaune was right behind her, similarly excited though not as bouncy.

"Oh my God oh my God oh my God, I can't believe that the Tim Pellegri is here and signing copies of Kamen Vale!" She squealed softly. It was absorbed by the shelves upon shelves of comic books and collectibles around them, but the rotund nerd ahead of them turned around and shushed her anyway. "Sorry!"

"It's cool," Jaune said with a smile, "I'm excited too. Just uh... Easy, huh? Poor Zwei's gonna hear you from here and come running."

Ruby scowled at her best male friend in the whole wide world.

"Are you saying my voice is squeaky?"

"I don't have to say that," Jaune said playfully, "You kind of prove it every time you speak."

"Oooh!" Ruby pouted. "Big talk from Mister Ukulele! It's not even a real instrument!"

"Is too," Jaune retorted, "Kamehameha Island made it its official instrument!"

"I-I'm just saying, nobody uses a weaponized ukelele in comics," Ruby sniffed.

"Well yeah, you couldn't hit anyone hard enough with one," Jaune nodded, "You'd want like, a bass guitar at least."

"Yeah but then you'd just break it," Ruby hummed, "Unless you built it with a proper aluminum frame..."

"I don't think an aluminum guitar would sound great, Rubes," Jaune deadpanned. Ruby shook her head.

"It can just be electric!"

"It doesn't sound the same!"

"Ugh, why are you such a music pendant?" Ruby groaned. Jaune shrugged.

"My mom made us all take piano lessons. Said it would let us do better in school."

"Did it?" Ruby asked, curious. "Cause I can make synth music with my electronics but I don't think it made me better at school!"

"I... Huh," Jaune rubbed his chin, "That is a good question."

"Next!"

Ruby and Jaune looked up. There was an impatient security guard standing in front of the table where the comic book writer sat patiently. Nearby was the entrance into the back of the store, protected by a simple purple curtain. Ruby and Jaune flushed.

"Oh!"

They immediately walked up to the desk and held out their copies of Kamen Vale: Volume 1. The comic creator, a balding man of Mistralian descent in a blue T-shirt with the titular character emblazoned on it, smiled and dutifully signed both books.

"Thanks for coming out guys," Chris said thankfully, "It means a lot! Promoting an indie book is still pretty tough."

"Oh, but this is great!" Ruby gushed, "I love how you present the struggles of a reluctant superheroine! She's reluctant not because of deep personal hang ups but because she's got no experience! And now she has to handle things herself because of all the people who tried to exploit her!"

"Yes, exactly!" Chris said with a vigorous nod.

"I like that she makes friends but also misses out on things," Jaune added. "Makes it feel a lot more, well, real."

"Yes," Chris said with a nod, "'Realistic' has kind of become a buzzword. A lot of people think it means everyone has to be an asshole. But for every bad person being selfish in the world, there are others who act kindly and responsibly. I don't think it's more realistic for everyone to be a jerk."

"Totally!" Ruby grinned. "So uh-Like-Did you base Kamen Vale on anyone in particular?"

Chris sucked in a breath.

"Oh, well-"

A truly drop dead gorgeous blonde woman with curves and a chest that might make even Professor Goodwitch envious stepped out from behind the curtain. She was dressed in the tight body suit and mask of Kamen Vale, her blue eyes glowing with mirth.

"I might have had a hand in it," the woman said in a silky smooth voice with a hint of an Altesian accent, "Isn't that right, Chris?"

"Y-Yeah, yeah," Chris managed. Ruby's eyes widened. She let out a high pitched squeal.

"Oh my God oh my God oh my God-Jaune-Jaune we gotta get a selfie-Jaune-?!"

Jaune's eyes were wide. At first Ruby scowled: Seriously?! Ogling a hot blonde bombshell when she was here?! It was so... Irritating!

"Aunt Irene?" Jaune breathed.

Irene's eyes widened behind her mask.

"Oh... Hello Jaune."

- - -

They met Irene in a cafe nearby as the weather was nice enough for it. She'd switched to more casual clothing: A white skirt, matching jacket, and white blouse that did everything possible to show off her body and made Ruby feel like a stick.

She normally didn't really care about this kind of stuff but... But Jaune was here and somehow that made things different. In a way she couldn't really articulate.

Irene calmly sipped some tea and smiled over it at Jaune and Ruby. The sounds of the city washed over them.

"Sorry I didn't call ahead," Irene apologized, "It was kind of a last minute job."

"No, no! That's totally fine!" Jaune said with a happy smile. He turned to Ruby. "Ruby, this is my aunt Irene. Auntie, this is Ruby Rose, my best friend at Beacon!"

"H-Hello," Ruby managed. She tilted her head. "So um... Are you like a real aunt or an honorary aunt? Because it's a little confusing."

Irene chuckled.

"The Arc family can be like that. But no, I am the younger sister of Jaune's mother. We have three brothers: Alexander, whom you've already met, Ken, and Trey. Isabel, Jaune's mother, is the eldest."

"Oh, I see," Ruby nodded. Honestly, she kind of found learning about families interesting. She knew so little about her own. "So, what do you do for work? I mean, are you a full time model?"

"Oh, me?" Irene chuckled modestly, "No, no. I do it from time to time to pay the bills and help with my freelance work. I actually do a lot of teaching."

"Teaching?" Ruby asked eagerly, "Teaching what?"

"Vytalese, believe it or not," Irene said with a smile and shrug, "It's the lingua franca of commerce thanks to their old Empire and plenty of places still don't speak it. Lets me travel a lot."

"Oh," Ruby said with a nod, "But uh... Um... Why is your Aura activated?"

Irene raised an eyebrow at Ruby.

"You saw that huh?" Irene asked quietly. There was a hint of a deadly edge in her voice, like she was about to pull a knife. Ruby winced.

Oh no... Did I offend her?!

"She has to travel to rough places sometimes," Jaune said with a smile, "That's what you said, right Auntie?"

Irene again was all smiles as she sipped her tea.

"Indeed. But honestly, I don't do much fighting. I'm not as good at it as I could be."

"O-Oh, sure!" Ruby nodded eagerly.

"It's good to see you doing well, Jaune," Irene said with a smile at her nephew, "I didn't think Izzy would ever let you leave the nest!"

"Um..." Jaune winced. Irene raised an eyebrow, then smirked.

"Oho? You ran away from home? That explains why she's been so tense when we talk."

Jaune winced harder. Ruby patted her best friend on his forearm.

"I just... I was going to realize my dream, one way or another," Jaune admitted quietly.

"Good."

Both teens looked up at the older women. Irene smiled proudly.

"When our parents died, your mother insisted on taking care of all of us," she said, "She was always stubborn. She wanted to make sure we could be happy and pursue our dreams. She sacrificed so much to make money and send it back to us. To let us keep the farm, to stay a family."

Irene sighed and shook her head.

"She made enough money to send Alex to seminary. Send Ken to financial school, Trey to a maritime academy. But she acted like our mother more than our sister. She thought she had to control everything we did just to ensure we were safe. That wasn't the case with us, and it wasn't with you. It's high time she learned this lesson."

"Wow... Thank you Auntie," Jaune said with a smile. Irene nodded fondly. Ruby blinked.

"Um... Where did she send you?" Ruby asked.

A dark look passed over Irene's face. It passed before she smiled beatifically.

"Oh, she sent me to Lady Browning's Preparatory Academy For Girls in Vale City," Irene explained, "Where I was to learn how to become a rich, proper lady."

Ruby's eyes widened. Jaune nodded with a grin.

"And Auntie's been an incredible lady ever since!"

"Mm, indeed," Irene said with a nod. "Oh, Jaune? Mind getting us some more tea?"

"Sure!" Jaune said cheerfully. He got up and headed back into the cafe. Ruby stared at Irene in horror.

"So," Irene said quietly, "You know?"

"I... Y-Yeah," Ruby managed in shocked horror, "Uncle Qrow helped with the... The cleanup. He told us stuff when he was... Um... Drunk."

Irene nodded slowly and set her tea cup down. Ruby steeled her courage.

"So... You're-They made you into a-?"

"I'm a teacher, that is what I do," Irene said quietly. "It's what I love doing. But my skills allow me to help out from time to time and ensure what happened to me? Will never happen to anyone else."

She smirked slightly.

"Plus, it pays really well."

"I-I see," Ruby muttered. Her eyes widened again.

"You-You're not-You don't have to kill me-I-I won't tell-!"

Irene chuckled again, an elegant sound.

"Relax sweetie," Irene said, "Do you think my cover so flimsy that you could blow it?"

"W-Well," Ruby pouted a little, "I mean I could! N-Not that I would! Honest!"

Irene nodded slowly. There was just a tiny hint of vulnerability around the woman's eyes.

"I know. I just ask that you don't tell Jaune. I... Do care about his opinion and if I tell him? I want it to be on my terms."

Ruby thought for a moment, then nodded.

"I-I won't. Promise."

Irene smiled.

"Good... I'm glad you're his friend. He was so sheltered for much of his life because of his illness. So shy, so awkward... Thank you."

Ruby blushed bright red.

"I um... I-I'm not much better," Ruby mumbled, "And I'm not very... I don't know if I'm a good friend back. I-I don't really know how to be. I-I think I do? But it's so hard sometimes and... Um, well..."

Irene scooted her chair around the table to sit right next to Ruby. Her smile was full of warmth. She reached out and squeezed Ruby's hand gently.

"Nobody is an expert at anything overnight," she said quietly, "It took me years to open up. To stand on my own. I'm sure you will too one day. So cut yourself some slack on that end, and take it a day at a time. Forcing it will not make it better. It will only make it artificial, a tool."

She shook her head.

"You don't want to become an empty shell who sees interacting with humans as just a game or a job," she said softly. "I almost became that if not for my friends and family. So please... Take good care of them."

Ruby nodded back, very seriously.

Jaune walked into view, carrying more tea on a serving platter. He grinned as he set it out.

"Just the way you like it, Auntie! You too, Ruby!"

"Thanks Jaune," Ruby said, smiling warmly at her best friend. He sat back down. Irene's Scroll went off and she checked it. She sighed in resignation.

"Oh darn. I need to meet with a client," she sighed. She beamed at Jaune apologetically. "Sorry Jaune. I'll meet back up with you and your friend next week?"

"That would be great!" Jaune nodded. Irene stood up and walked over to him. He stood up again and they hugged tightly. She planted a kiss on the top of his head and patted his shoulder. She smiled at Ruby.

"It was nice to meet you too, Ruby. Remember what I said, okay?"

"S-Sure," Ruby nodded with a nervous but grateful smile back. Irene turned and walked away, vanishing into the crowd. Jaune sat back down with Ruby, smiling at her.

"So uh... What do you think?" Jaune asked nervously.

"I think she's pretty cool," Ruby said with a smile.

"Yeah, she is," Jaune agreed. "Sometimes I feel like she's not telling me everything... But that's okay. I still think she's amazing."

"Y-Yeah," Ruby said softly. She scooted a little closer to Jaune. "So um... How did you get into Kamen Vale?"

"Oh, well, Auntie Irene told me about this thing she was doing and..."

- - -

The Amalthea Hotel was one of the jewels of Old Vale: A gorgeous high rise skyscraper, a symphony in glass, marble, and steel that still shone in the skyline like a beacon. It was the hotel, with a ground based casino, five star restaurants, pools, arcades, and many other distractions for eager tourists to the capital of Vale.

One of many penthouse suites on the upper floors was occupied by a black bearded, swarthy man of prodigious girth. He was dressed in a fine red silk robe and held a glass of wine in his hand as he surveyed the city.

He was Aizere Rakhimov, a rich Mistralian businessman from the Temujin Sub-Kingdom. He relaxed as he took in the view of the city, his grin oily and broad.

"Well... If the Valean underworld is gonna lose its head, another must take over," he chuckled to himself. He didn't know how it had happened, but Roman Torchwick had been left the most powerful man in Vale's underworld. Nature abhorred a vacuum, after all. Aizere had invested previously in Vale, and now? It was time to reap the rewards.

The doorbell rang. His grin widened as he licked his lips.

Speaking of rewards...

"Enter!"

The door opened. A beautiful woman in a skintight outfit and mask walked in. She smiled dutifully at Aizere, and struck a heroic pose.

"I believe you called for a heroine, sir?" She asked in a silky, seductive tone.

"I did," Aizere chuckled, "My son is a fan of these comics... I thought it would be good to understand the appeal."

"Oh?" She asked, tilting her head. "You have that kind of interest?"

Aizere shrugged and sat down on the decadent couch. He gestured with his hand, and the woman slunk right up to him. She settled down in his lap with a smile that was pure honey, as the Mistralian crime lord chuckled.

"Well... I'll be coming into Vale more often for my business interests," he said, "I should get to know the people and culture better, mmm~?"

"Of course, sir," she simpered, "A crime lord should know all about what he's getting into~."

Aizere paused. He frowned at the costumed prostitute.

"What makes you think I'm a crime lord?"

"Because my dear Aizere," here the woman's smile became positively terrifying as she placed a finger against his carotid artery:

"I'm paid to kill crime lords. Especially those who profitted off of academies that turned innocent girls into weapons."

A pulse of Aura went through his blood vessels right to his brain. He fell limp, unable to move a muscle. He couldn't even groan as she stood up and continued to smile in that terrifying way.

"A little technique my sister taught me," she said, "But the rest of this? It's just what I was trained to do."

Aizere wet himself in his terror as the woman loomed over him.

"I hope you appreciate it," she whispered as she drew her knives.

- - -

Naturally Irene Arc is based upon Irina Jelavic from Assassination Classroom and Natasha Romanov, aka Black Widow, from Marvel.

 

[SharkCultist]

Neptune was afraid of water. It was something that was just a part of life to his team.

Grass was green, Grimm were bad, and Neptune was a wuss.

They never really asked about it, not that he'd tell them.

Choking gasping hands holding him under the cold water.

No it's not something he would ever be comfortable sharing.

Hurt betrayal why? Whywhywhy?

Neptune never met his father but his mother always told him how much he looked like him. How handsome he was and that's all a eight year old boy needed to hear.

He didn't hear her talk about how he was a cheating manwhore who ran off with the first pretty girl he could get away with.

Well he didn't hear about it until she was screaming about it while drowning him.

And all because of a innocent comment.

"I like school mommy there's so many pretty girls to play with."

A innocent comment that tore his poor mom apart. He didn't mean it.

Dying. Cold. Something inside him waking up and making the water get away.

If he could go back he'd probably never even look at a girl.

Coughing. Looking around half dazed in fear and seeing his mother. Laying in a poor of water quickly turning red.

But he can't go back. So he does the next best thing, he stays away from the water and buries himself in whatever beauty he can grab.

Except...

Once loving grey eyes like a storm clouded with madness and a halo of seaweed colored hair laying limp in the water.

He doesn't date girls with grey eyes or blue-green hair.

Just another thing his team notices but never really comments on.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

It seemed like it took forever but the night of the dance finally arrived. JNPR was all set and ready. They walked out of their dormroom to wait on RWBY in the hallway.

Pyrrha: "Y-You look great, Jaune."

Jaune's Brain: Ohhh my God she's hot. She's unbelievably hot. Like Starfire drawn by a pro hentai artist hot. GAH! No, no... I am not going to think about it. Don't focus on it! She's beautiful and your FRIEND... That's it! A friend who is madly in love with you-SHUT UP!

Jaune: "You too." He smiled "And I'll save you a dance tonight."

Pyrrha: "Oh, thank you!"

Jaune: "But, you're also going to go out and dance with some other guys, all right?"

Pyrrha: flush "... I mean... If you want me to-"

Jaune: "No, that's not what I meant. I mean I want you to have a good time, Pyr. Really."

Jaune's Brain: That should help...

Pyrrha: "I... I see."

Nora: "We're totally gonna have a great time! Ooh! Ooh! I can't wait for Ren to shoot a bottle and get me a stuffed sloth doll!"

Jaune: "Er, we don't have that at the dance Nora."

Nora: "What?! What kind of a dance is this?!"

Jaune: "But that will be available at the Vytal Festival! You just need to be a little patient, okay?"

Nora: "Hmmm... Renny? Will you shoot a bottle and get me a stuffed sloth at the festival?"

Ren: "Of course."

Nora: beams "YAY! I am appeased!"

The door to RWBY's dormroom opens. Ruby comes out first in her dress and heels. She pouts.

Ruby: "Ugh. I hate lady stilts!"

Jaune: "You still look nice, Ruby."

Ruby: "R-Really?" blush "Thanks!"

Weiss emerges next, shaking her head at Ruby.

Weiss: "You can literally run up vertical surfaces and yet you have an issue with high heels?"

Ruby: "It's totally different pressures and mechanics involved, darnit! Why do we even wear these things?"

Jaune: "Makes you look taller and shows off your legs."

Ruby: bright red "... Huh... Um... I mean, that doesn't sound too bad..."

Blake emerges next, and gives Jaune a smile.

Blake: "Hello Jaune."

Jaune: "Hello Blake. You look very nice."

Jaune's Brain: Ohhh fuck she's hot. She's so hot... WHY ARE THEY ALL SO HOT?! EVEN RUBY IS HOT! HOW DO I DEAL WITH THAT?!

Blake: smiles "Are you sure that's all you want to say?"

Jaune: tightly "Yes. Very."

Blake: "Hmph. Well, here's Yang."

Blake moves aside. Jaune of course recalls how Yang looked in the show and in fanart... None of it does the real thing justice.

Yang: "H-Hey... So uh... How do I look?"

Jaune: "..."

Jaune's Brain: Say something... SAY SOMETHING. SAY THE FIRST THING TO COME TO MIND!

Yang: "Um... Jaune?"

Jaune: "... Humina... Pretty..."

Blake: "I think you broke his brain."

Weiss: "He had a brain?"

Jaune: shakes his head rapidly "I mean... You look amazing, Yang. Like an angel."

Yang: flush "Geez... You don't usually go for the flowery praise, you know."

Jaune: "Oh? Is that a problem-?"

Yang takes his arm and leans against him with a smile.

Yang: "Nope. Keep it up, Wordsmith. After all, a pun is like poetry."

Weiss: "They are not remotely the same."

Yang: "Says you!"

The part heads out to the ballroom. They run into May, who is in a beautiful red and gold sari. Her escort is... A surprise.

Weiss: "Neptune?!"

Neptune: "Hm? Oh, hey Snow Angel. I just asked the princess if she wanted to go to the dance, and she said yes." He grins and winks "I'm gonna show her a great time!"

May: "Oh, um, thank you. Hello Jaune! Hello everyone!" beams

Jaune: "Hey May! You look very nice."

Neptune: grins "Arc. I'm going out with your godsister. Hope you don't mind?"

Jaune: "Dude, it's not me you have to worry about. May is a sniper after all. And her dad is the best archer in the world. He could probably hit you from Vale if you make her cry."

Neptune: gulps "Uh... N-Not that I'm going to! Not at all!"

May: giggles "It's appreciated, Jaune, but don't worry! Neptune's a nice guy... When he doesn't strut so much."

Neptune: "Oh, hey!"

They head off ahead of the group. Weiss scowls after them.

Ruby: "You okay Weiss?"

Weiss: "I'm fine... Jaune? May I also get in a dance with you?"

Jaune: "Er... If Yang's okay with it?"

Yang: "Yeah, I'm okay with it."

Cardin and Velvet show up next. Velvet looks radiant, even as her belly begins to round from her pregnancy. Cardin has an arm around her shoulders protectively.

Jaune: "Hey guys!"

Blake: "Hello Velvet!"

Cardin: "Hey!"

Velvet: "Hey!" She giggles "This is so exciting! I'm glad Coco could adjust my dress in time for the dance!"

Jaune: "You look great!"

Velvet: "Aw, thank you!" snuggles with Cardin "Mmm... Cardin liked it too. We nearly didn't get out on time~."

Cardin: pleased blush "Velv, c-come on..."

Velvet: "Awww... But I wanna show off my wonderful man~!"

Cardin: "Just... Not all the time, huh?"

Velvet: "Aww... All right." kisses his cheek "Mmm... Anyway, see you inside!"

They leave. Nora blinks.

Nora: "Wow. They're really affectionate, huh?"

Ren: "Yes."

Yang: "Why aren't we like that, Jaune?"

Weiss: "Because we'd kill you if you were that disgusting all the time?"

Yang: "Bring it on~! You might get a hit on me if I was making out with Jaune~!"

Weiss: "Why you-!"

Cinder and her team show up. Emerald and Mercury are holding hands. Mint is prancing about in her dress and shooting flirty looks at Jaune. Cinder... Is less than pleased with her date.

Cinder: "Hello all."

Jaune: "Hey Cinder, Emerald, Mercury, Mint... Jack."

Jackie Arc is Jaune's cousin. He resembles Jaune in most details save for his greener eyes, messier shorter hair, and air of douche. He's in a loud green suit and grins back.

Jack: "Hey Cousin Jaune! Wow... You got yerself a whole harem!"

Jaune: "They're friends."

Jack: "Well, maybe they'd like to be my friends too-?" Cinder twists his hand painfully "OW OWOWOWOW! CUZ! HELP!"

Jaune: "I admire your restrait, Cinder. Usually I wanna deck him after five minutes of listening to him."

Cinder: twitch "I'm sure he'll behave himself the rest of the night. Won't he?"

Jack: "Y-YES! YES! TOTALLY!"

Cinder lets him go and smiles dangerously.

Cinder: "Good~."

Pyrrha: "So... You're Jaune's Cousin? It's nice to meet you!"

Jack: "Oh boy, it absolutely is! Man, Pyrrha Nikos in a dress? You know, I do photography for a... Fairly reputable website. I was wondering if I could get you to pose-?"

Cinder looks like she's about to melt Jack's head off. Of course, she can't.

Jaune: "Anyway! Why don't we all go inside?"

Yang: "Yeah, we need to be at the front desk anyway."

Cinder: "Sounds good."

Cinder's entourage enters. RWBY and JNPR head in too. Jaune and Yang take their seats at the front desk and begin to take tickets.

Ruby: "I mean... All those people..."

Jaune: "Relax Ruby. Look! There's Penny!"

Penny arrives with a happy smile. She takes Ruby's hands in hers.

Penny: "Hello Friend Ruby! I am so looking forward to this dance, aren't you?"

Ruby: beams "Definitely am now!"

They head off. Jaune and Yang relax a bit.

Yang: "I'm glad she'll have Penny along... Though it might mean that there's a fire by the end of it."

Jaune: "Oh, I'm pretty sure there will be one..."

Yang: "By the way, why did you set up your cousin with Cindy? You want her to hate you?"

Jaune's Brain: Well I do want to torture her a little since she is evil...

Jaune: "Eh... Maybe she'll whip Jack into shape. I gotta look out for family, after all..."

Click to shrink...

The band came, music and dancing ensued. Jaune and Yang handled the front table for a while.

Jaune: "Geez... I feel like we're being punished."

Yang: "Hmph. Bet Goodwitch is just sad she's some lonely old spinster who will never get laid."

Jaune notices Goodwitch looming nearby. He clears his throat.

Jaune: "Now now Yang, maybe she's just waiting for that special guy. She is pretty amazing and hot, after all. As well as brave, strong and smart! It'll just take a really formidable guy to land her, that's all."

Yang: "Oh? You think so-?" Jaune elbows her "Ooh! I mean, yeah! She does make me second guess my sexuality at times! Rowr!"

Goodwitch's scowl intensifies.

Yang: "... Not buying this, huh?"

Goodwitch: "No. However, we have two volunteers willing to take your place so you can go dance. And corral your teams."

Jaune: "We do?"

Nick: "HEY SON!" Grins brightly in a dark blue suit and red tie "How's the dance?"

Isabel: In a blue shimmering dress that draws everyone's eyes "Don't mind us, we're just here with a few other alumni to help out!"

Jaune: "Mom? Dad?!"

Nick: "Haha! Don't worry, buddy! We won't cramp your style! You two go on, have some fun!"

Isabel: "Yes, we'll handle this."

Jaune: "I... Wow. Thanks Mom and Dad."

Yang: "Totally!"

Nick: "GLYNDA!" He gives her a big hug "HAHA! So nice to see you! Come on, let's catch up! How's everything?"

Glynda: "URK!"

Isabel: "Easy Nick! You don't want to break her!"

Nick: "Come on, she's like the strongest Huntress ever! ... Except for you sweetie! And I can't break you!"

Isabel: "There are differing opinions on that..."

Jaune and Yang flee the potentially mentally scarring conversation and get to the dance floor. Ruby is hanging out by the punch bowl, looking awkward.

Jaune and Yang look at each other.

Jaune: "Um... Yang, I know I really want to dance with you but... Well..."

Yang: sighs "No... It's okay. Take Ruby for a spin first. She needs it..." She sees Pyrrha hiding near a window sipping punch "... And P-Money too."

Jaune: "Really?"

Yang: smiles "I know you'll always come back to me. I shouldn't be so jealous."

Jaune: "Aw... Thanks babe." Kisses her cheek

Yang: "Hee..."

Jaune takes Ruby out onto the dancefloor. She's very nervous.

Jaune: "It's okay Rubes, it's okay. Just focus on me."

Ruby: "R-Right... Sorry if I step on your toes."

Jaune: "What happened to Penny?"

Ruby: "Oh, she got called away by her dad or something."

Jaune: "Huh... I see..."

Jaune's Brain: That didn't happen in the original timeline... Then again, I have changed a LOT.

They dance to the music for a while. Ruby begins to relax, and smile. Jaune sends her into a twirl, and she stumbles.

Ruby: "ACK!"

Jaune though manages to catch her.

Jaune: "Heh... Relax, it's all right."

Ruby: bright red "... Th-Thanks."

Jaune: "Any time."

The song ends and Jaune leads Ruby back to the punch bowl. He gets them three glasses as Yang joins them with Pyrrha in tow.

Yang: "Hey! Not bad, Rubes!"

Ruby: "It uh... It was hard, but... I managed to stop thinking about all those eyes on me."

Pyrrha: "That's the hardest part, Ruby. Really."

Jaune: "Yeah. So hey Pyr? You want to dance this next song?"

Pyrrha: looks to Yang, who nods. She beams "I... I would love to!"

Jaune: "Great!" He takes a sip of his punch "I'll be back for this later."

Ruby: "I'll hold onto it!"

Jaune: "Aw, thanks Rubes!"

Jaune leads her out. Yang and Ruby watch... As Ruby drinks his punch.

Yang: "Um... Ruby?"

Ruby: "S-Sorry! I didn't think about it..." Eyes wide, face red "Wait... Indirect kiss?!"

Yang: "No! I mean, yes, but it's not as sexy as Mistralian manga makes it out to be! Kissing him directly is way better-!"

Ruby faints, bright red.

Yang: "Ohhh boy..."

Pyrrha and Jaune dance together happily.

Pyrrha: smiles "So um... Cinder's plan is going down tonight, isn't it?"

Jaune: "Yeah. Everything's set."

Pyrrha: "I still don't see why we can't just arrest her now."

Jaune: shrugs "Headmaster's orders. We need to ensure the chain of events fits things in my visions as closely as possible so my knowledge is still relevant."

Pyrrha: "I-I see..."

Jaune: "Not that I'm letting you die, Pyr. I swear."

Pyrrha: "I know... I trust you..." Sighs as Jaune spins her around "I know... I know you probably think this is shallow. How I feel about you-"

Jaune: "Pyr... You literally died to try and save me. There's nothing shallow about it..." shrugs "But I love Yang. I... I just do. It's not fair to either of you if I'm a cheater."

Pyrrha: sad smile "I know..."

Jaune: "I mean... Maybe you'll find someone else who-who you care this much about? Instead of some guy who got knocked on the head and got visions of the future-"

She leans in and kisses his lips quickly. She smiles and shakes her head.

Pyrrha: "I don't think so... Thank you for the dance, Jaune."

Pyrrha leaves the dance floor. Jaune stares at her. She goes to Yang, and they begin to talk.

Jaune's Brain: Aw crap...

Blake then steps up to him.

Blake: "Do you need a partner?"

Jaune: "I... Sure." They begin to dance. It would have to be a slow, romantic dance of course.

Blake: "My mother and father are opening official relations with Vale." smiles warmly at him "Headmaster Ozpin is, well... Spinning things to make it look like I'm here as a peace offering. Councilman Winchester is actually arguing in favor of it... Seeing as his son is marrying a Faunus, he has some incentive."

Jaune: "Oh... That's great to hear!" smiles

Blake: "We'll even be sending an envoy to the Vytal Festival. There's... A lot to get done, but um... It is happening. It's all thanks to you, Jaune."

Jaune: "Woah now... All I did was be your friend and help out Cardin with his lady problems. I'm a side character in this at best-"

Blake: "But an important one. If not for you? I... I wouldn't have had the courage to talk to my parents and make my second chance count. So... So thank you Jaune. I owe you so much."

Jaune: "Hey, I live in the world too, Blake. I just did the right thing."

Blake: "I know... Which is why I do care for you deeply, Jaune."

Jaune: "Blake... Again. I have a girlfriend-"

Blake: "I know. And she's my friend too. I just... I can't change how I feel."

Jaune: "I know. Just please... Don't confuse drama for romance, okay?"

Blake: "I won't. Not anymore." She leans in and presses her forehead to his "But I'm still determined to make sure we're all happy."

Jaune: bright red "... Harem endings are a fantasy for a reason, Blake. The more you split your heart the less time and energy you have for everyone. I refuse to be selfish. I want you all to be happy."

Blake: "So do I... And I think you underestimate yourself."

Jaune: sighs "Sun is-"

Blake: "Sun struts and simps and is flashy. You're a man, Jaune. A good man who did so many things for me just because they were the right thing to do. Even when I annoyed you. You... You're amazing. Maybe one day... You'll see what we see." She kisses his cheek "And I'm... I'm willing to be patient for this. But not too patient."

Jaune: "I... Blake you-"

Blake: smiles as the song ends "Just please... Don't think it's something superficial?"

Jaune: "... I don't. But I love Yang."

Blake: "I know... Which makes me love you all the more."

She turns and heads to join her friends. Jaune sighs.

Jaune: "Goddamnit..."

He finally spots Weiss on her lonesome near a column, drinking alone. He walks over to her.

Jaune's Brain: I am their friend... Period.

Jaune: "Hey pretty lady. I believe you asked if I could dance with you?"

Weiss: "... You did."

They go out and dance for a slow song.

Jaune: "So, how do you like the band?"

Weiss: "Not my taste but I can dance to it. So it's not all bad."

Jaune: "Yeah."

Weiss: "You're pretty good, you know. At dancing."

Jaune: "Seven sisters, lots of practice."

Weiss: "I see..." She sighed "I do appreciate your kindness, you know? Despite everything."

Jaune: "We're all going through crap, Weiss. I appreciate you trying to grow past it. Despite everything."

Weiss: smiles "Thank you..." Jaune sends her through a spin "You know? I was determined to just be miserable this whole evening. I thought this would just... I don't know, make Neptune jealous. I'm sorry about that."

Jaune: "It's all right. I mean... We're all teenagers. We're all going to do stupid things."

Weiss: giggles "The way you say that... You sound like a much older man."

Jaune: "Oh... Er, well..."

Weiss: "I see it sometimes... You look like you'd seen a lot, Jaune. That you've gone through a lot."

Jaune: "... I'm just some doofus, Weiss. That's all."

Weiss: "You're also a terrible liar."

Jaune: "Well... That depends on your point of view, I suppose."

Weiss: "I just want you to know? I appreciate everything you've done. Even that stunt with Sun."

Jaune: "Thanks. Sorry about that again-"

Weiss: giggles "Honestly? I'm most upset that you didn't ask me yourself."

Jaune's Brain: Ohhhh shit oh shit...

Weiss: "But... If you weren't so loyal to Yang? I don't think I'd like you as much."

Jaune: "Weiss-"

Weiss: "It's all right..." sighs "I've... Had to learn from a young age not to get my hopes up. My mother once said... All love is unrequited."

The song ended and she stood on her toes to kiss his cheek.

Weiss: "But if things don't work out with Yang...? I mean... I wouldn't be opposed to a date. With you."

Jaune: "... Thanks."

Weiss: "J-Just to... To go out with someone with his head on straight. Better than Neptune any day."

She snorted as she saw him standing with May. May was wincing but still smiling politely as Neptune kept stepping on her toes.

Jaune's Brain: Well I'll be... How did he get out here on his own? Still... Good for him for trying harder.

Jaune: "Thanks, Weiss. I... I appreciate that."

Weiss smiled and walked off to join the others. Nora and Ren were dancing quite happily as Jaune stood in the middle of the dance floor, alone. He shook his head. His eyes met Yang's, as she sat at a table with their other friends. She smiled back.

Jaune's Brain: Time for Yang and less confusing feelings in general...

Which is when Emerald cut in.

Emerald: "Mind if I take this dance?"

Jaune: "I-"

Emerald: "Good!"

Emerald spins him around, practically manhandling him as the music continues.

Emerald: low voice "Just so you know, spy... If you try to double cross Cinder? You won't live long enough to regret it."

Jaune: also low voice "Trust me Emmy, you have nothing to worry about on that end. Speaking of, where is she?"

Emerald: "She should be placing the second holodrive into the tower."

Jaune: "And Jackie?"

Emerald: snorts "Mint made him think he was with Cinder in the garden. He'll be found humping a thorny bush."

Jaune: wince "Ouch."

Emerald: "It's no less than he deserves! That insufferable bastard couldn't stop hitting on her!"

Jaune: "Yeah. But he is a man... Kind of. So I can't help some sympathy."

Emerald: scowls "Just so you know... I don't believe that you're telling the truth."

Jaune: "I'm a spy. The truth is often just an excuse for a poor imagination."

Emerald: "I mean about everything... I don't trust you. But if you try anything with Cinder? I swear I'll-!"

Jaune: "I get the picture, Emmy. Relax. She's not my type."

Emerald: angry glare "But you are hers."

Jaune: shakes her head "There's a lot more to power than just cunning and scheming, Emmy. Trust me on that."

The song ends. Yang stands there with an angry smile.

Yang: "Hey. Cutting in with my boyfriend?"

Emerald: sickly sweet "He's all yours. I gotta get back to my date anyway." She saunters off. Jaune gratefully embraces Yang

Jaune: "Thank you for saving me."

Yang: "What was her deal?"

Jaune: "She thinks her lesbian crush is sweet on me."

Yang: "Is she?"

Jaune: shrugs as he begins dancing with Yang "Who knows? Doesn't matter to me though. You're the only one I want to be dancing with."

Yang: blush, smiles as a slow song comes on. She cuddles up to him "That's the right answer."

Jaune: smiles and holds her close "Yeah..."

Yang: "Still... I mean... Thanks for... For helping our friends out."

Jaune: "It's what I do."

Yang: sighs "Yeah..."

Cinder returns without any issues. She then marches up to Jaune and Yang.

Cinder: sweetly "Mind if I borrow Jaune for just a moment? I want to apologize for Emerald's behavior."

Yang: scowl "You can do it right now-"

Cinder: "He also owes me a dance, given who he set me up with."

Lightning seems to crackle between the two's eyes. Jaune sighs.

Jaune: "It's all right Yang, I'll be right back. Promise." He kisses her. She sighs happily

Yang: "All right... One song."

Cinder: "All I need~!"

They dance as the song starts up.

Cinder: "Mission accomplished. You got me in without any issues."

Jaune: "Good."

Cinder: sighs "I suppose I should be grateful that you used your imbecilic cousin as my date. All our bases are covered."

Jaune: "I do know what I'm doing on occassion."

Cinder: smiles "Indeed... You know... I could have Mint and Emerald put an illusion on your girlfriend."

Jaune: red "What?"

Cinder: "Let her believe what she wants. They'll take good care of her..." She presses herself against Jaune "While we... Celebrate?"

Jaune's Brain: Jesus Christ this man's rizz is insane!

Jaune: "... Sorry. My answer is still the same. Mission comes first... Not that I'm not tempted of course. But..."

Cinder: sighs "... I suppose the anticipation will make it even better." smirks "And when we accomplish our mission... I'll even let you keep the other girls. But I...? I will be first and foremost in your heart, Jaune Arc." She caresses his cheek "After all, then? You will have no choice."

Jaune's Brain: Fuuuuck...!

Jaune: "Um... Sure."

Cinder lets him go and walks off. Yang walks up, glaring daggers at her.

Yang: "... Mind telling me what that was about?"

Jaune: "... Later. Much later."

They resumed dancing... Which is when there was a loud crash near the entrance.

Jaune: "What in the-?!"

Isabel and Glynda are locked in drunken mortal combat while Nick Arc tries to keep them separated.

Isabel: "YOU KISSED MY HUSBAND!"

Glynda: "WELL... WELL HE WAS HOT!"

Isabel: "THAT'S NOT AN EXCUSE!"

Nick: "Ladies, please-!"

More violence ensues. Jaune facepalms.

Jaune: "... I vote we run to a diner off campus. Any objections?"

Yang: "None!"

Jaune: "Good!"

They and their friends flee as the adults engage in drunken nonsense.

- - -

Hoo boy, this was a long one! This silly parody got serious. That keeps happening, damnit. Ugh. Still, we will conclude this little arc next time and then? Back to more bullshit.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Ruby and Jaune were sitting down to play some video games. It's a fighting game, which Jaune's SI sucks at. Hard. However, Jaune is actually very good at such games. So in the end...

Jaune: "Ha! All right! We're tied!"

Ruby: "No fair! You just button mashed the right combo!"

Jaune: "It's called skill, Crater Face. Don't be jealous of it!"

Ruby: "I'm not. Hmph. Besides, I flattened you five games straight with Phoenix Mistress!"

Jaune: "That's because Phoenix Mistress is broken."

Ruby: "Ha! Sounds like someone's just jealous of my skills~!"

Jaune: "Yeah yeah... Oh! I've gotta get going."

Ruby: "Your date with Yang, right?"

Jaune: "Yup! I'm taking her somewhere wild."

Ruby: "Like a big dance club?"

Jaune: "Nah, we've done that a few times. We're trying something different wild."

Later... Jaune and Yang dismount off Bumblebee and walk to the zoo entrance.

Yang: "Heh. You know, I haven't been to the zoo in a while."

Jaune: "Oh? I haven't been in forever! Not since a class trip my Nana organized. I was like six."

Yang: "Heh. Did you cry at the any point?"

Jaune: "Yang, I was six. Of course I cried."

They enjoy themselves, looking at the animals, and eating snacks they smuggled in. They take a break near the tiger exhibit on a bench under a tree. Peacocks run wild around, eating stray french fries.

Yang: smiles "... This was fun."

Jaune: smiles back "Yeah."

Yang: "Just chilling out, looking at the beauty of nature... Well, what's left of it."

Jaune: "Hey, come on. We're not thinking about work or Grimm right now."

Yang: "Yeah, I know. But it's like... Habit. Like with Ruby. I can't help thinking she's gonna go sledding off the top of Beacon or something and break her neck."

Jaune: "She's not that reckless... Usually."

Yang: "Yeah but... It can be hard to not worry." Grumbles "I could not worry when I was at the clubs because I knew she was asleep and... Ugh. I'm talking about my fifteen year old sister like she's a baby!"

Jaune: "Again, it's cool Yang. I get it." smiles "I actually like your maternal side."

Yang: flush "G-Geez... Again with that?"

Jaune: "What? I think you'd be a good mother. The best."

Yang: blushes harder "Quit it! You're being weird and-and mushy and sincere!" sighs "Why don't you just, I dunno, say I've got nice tits or something?"

Jaune: "You don't have nice tits."

Yang: "Eh?"

Jaune: "You have amazing tits."

Yang: laughs "What?! You just said it?!"

Jaune: "I'm not lying am I?"

Yang: giggles "Geez... What's gotten into you?"

Jaune: "Well, we've been dating a while. We're comfortable with eachother." He holds her close and nuzzles her "We can both be more open because we're in a better position."

Yang: teasing "Oh? What's your preferred position then, Stud?"

Jaune: "You in my arms. Where you belong."

Yang: blush "D-Damnit!" laughs "You're so corny...!"

Jaune: grins "Thought you liked corny?"

Yang: "It's rough on my ears."

Jaune: "Well, good thing we're not in a maize, huh?"

Yang: laughs "That was terrible!"

Jaune: laughs with her

They just sit and relax in the sunlight, holding each other in silence. Yang clears her throat.

Yang: "So... Uh..."

Jaune: "Hm?"

Yang: "I watched you playing video games with Ruby."

Jaune: "Yeah. She kicked my ass a lot."

Yang: "Well... You want to learn how not to get your ass kicked?"

Jaune: "... Okay?"

Later... At the local arcade... They're playing the same fighter game on a big console.

Yang: "Dash then strike! Don't forget to block! Come on, you cannot possibly be losing to this!"

Jaune: "Sorry. I have literally never found you hotter than right now."

Yang: blush "You said that when I made you breakfast in an apron!"

Jaune: "Don't make me choose!"

 

[SharkCultist]

Jaune Arc loved his momma.

Most people do. But to be honest he didn't get a long with her that well.

They were just too different. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was always hopefully optimistic.

His mom was outwardly cold and calculating and didn't believe in Optimism, just effort and results.

He knew she loved him, but she didn't really support him.

When his efforts towards his dream didn't immediately offer results? She pushed him down the path she did see progress in.

For a while he resented her for it. It's probably part of the reason he ran off to beacon. One part living the dream, one part spite.

But as they say time heals all wounds. Being at beacon with his friends and the intense training he was doing helped him. He saw the efforts he put in before really weren't the greatest, oh sure he tried but he was just missing that little push.

It also showed him all the ways his mother did support him, the study sessions with his team reminded him of the schedules and sessions his mother meticulously put together for him to be a doctor. Not the path he wanted but she was trying.

His mom and dad visited a few times but while he trained with his dad he didn't talk much with his mother.

It's like there was a big awkward wall between them and neither of them knew what to do about it.

So Jaune turned to his friends and they helped arrange something.

Mother's Day was coming up and due to a freak "accident" involving Nora a dust generator and Ruby testing out a high powered stun rifle beacon would be closed for about a week.

So Jaune was going home, just in time for a surprise SDC sponsored talent show.

Funny coincidences those.

It took a little bribery to get his dad to get his mom to go to the talent show (he would be cooking a LOT in the next few days).

But there she was sitting right in the front of the crowd close enough that he could see her eyes widen when he walked on stage with his guitar.

Well if he can't speak what he wants to her maybe he can sing it at her.
Showtime.

Hey look ma I made it~

---

I thought the song was fitting for Jaune and his mom.


View: https://youtu.be/vqQDp522wQU?si=2I-rnv5JUC32p2k-

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Weiss was out for a walk in the Star Maiden Garden of Beacon. She passed by the white marble pillars and admired the flowers and fountains. She came to a stop near one fountain in particular, which had water gently falling from three tiers like a cake carved of the finest marble. She sat down on a bench and sighed, just enjoying the ambience of the garden. She loved the sound of the falling water and birdsong, the aroma of the flowers and...

She made a face.

"Who's smoking?" She demanded. She heard a cough from behind a pillar. She stood up and scowled harder. "Come out right now!"

A tall blond form emerged from behind one of the pillars. Between his fingers was a lit, half-smoked cigarette. Weiss's eyes widened in disbelief.

"J-Jaune?!"

"Er, howdy Weiss," Jaune said nervously. He tossed the cigarette aside.

"You were smoking?!" Weiss gasped. Jaune coughed and smiled nervously.

"Er, well... Yes miss, I was."

"You have any idea how bad that is for you?!" Weiss demanded. "You're a Huntsman for goodness sake!"

Jaune chuckled and held his hands up.

"Now now Weiss, it ain't that big a to-do," he said, "Aura regenerates any lung damage."

"Still, how did you pick up such a filthy habit? And why?" Weiss sniffed.

"Well, out on the frontier you need every edge you can get," Jaune explained carefully, "And hey, everybody else was doing it."

"That's no excuse!" Weiss blustered.

Jaune sighed heavily.

"You know, you sound like my ma," he said wearily, "And she smokes more than me!"

"Wha-She does not!" Weiss sputtered. "She's a doctor!"

"Who can heal herself from any injury," Jaune pointed out dryly.

A pause. Weiss sniffed.

"E-Even so! It's a filthy habit and you should stop it right now!"

"Sorry, sorry," Jaune said, holding his hands up, "I've been workin' on it, honest. Sometimes I just need a break and well, it's very soothing."

Weiss sniffed.

"It also makes you look like a-a lout and a ruffian!"

Jaune... Actually looked offended.

"Now Weiss, that ain't fair," he said, "I know I'm not much to look at, but my pa always said a man looks the coolest when he smokes."

Weiss huffed. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"I find that hard to believe."

Jaune scowled.

"I ain't never told a lie in my life."

"Well then..." Weiss flushed. "Prove it!"

"All right, I will," Jaune stated firmly. He pulled out a small black case and opened it up. He pulled out a square of paper and calmly knocked some dried, crumbled tobacco into the middle of the paper. He licked the edge of the paper and rolled it up. He then closed his case, slid it back into his belt pouch, and held the cigarette up to his mouth. He then flicked a match and held it up to the end of the cigarette. He lit it up and took a drag off the cigarette. He then blew a ring of smoke out, as he leaned back against the pillar.

The smoke wafted around him like a shroud, as he smiled at her.

"Well?"

Weiss blushed deeply. She sniffed and looked aside.

"Th-That proves nothing! After all... I-I already thought you were... Um... Quite..." Her face turned red. "H-Handsome!"

Jaune's own cheeks turned red.

"Ah..."

"E-Extremely!" Weiss managed, "I uh... Um... I have to go!"

She turned and scurried off as quickly as she could. Jaune watched her dash off, blinking dumbly. He shook his head.

"Women," he muttered, leaning against the pillar and resuming his smoke.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Yang and Jaune had taken to arguing a lot lately. Ruby frankly was sick of it.

Yang: "You don't get to boss my team around, Vomit Boy!"

Jaune: "Well someone has to do it if you won't take responsibility, Firecracker!"

Yang: "It's none of your business!"

Jaune: "It is my business when my best friend gets ignored by her own team!"

Yang: "We don't ignore her!"

Jaune: "You absolutely do!"

Yang: "You don't have any legs to stand on, Fumbles!"

Jaune: "Someone has to stand up to you, brat!"

Yang: "Asshole!"

Jaune: "Ditz!"

Ruby: "ARGH! WILL YOU TWO ARGUE SOMEWHERE ELSE ALREADY?!"

Jaune and Yang: "FINE!"

They storm off into an empty dorm.

Pyrrha: "Oh my... I hope Yang doesn't give Jaune too much trouble. Why is she so hard on him?"

Blake: snerk

Pyrrha: stares "Blake?"

Blake: "Oh... I think he's harder on her, to be honest." Smug cat expression

Ruby: "So you can hear what they're arguing about? They aren't gonna get rough, are they?"

Blake: "I believe they like it rough."

Weiss: scowls "That's disgusting, Blake! There's no way even Yang would sully herself with Arc!"

Ruby: "Sully...? Wait, you mean... Sex?"

Weiss: "How do you know that-?!"

Ruby: "I'm SIXTEEN, not dead."

Pyrrha: "Wh-What do you mean, sex?! They can't be having sex!"

A beat.

Nora: "They're totally having sex."

Ren: nods "Indeed."

Pyrrha: devastated "NO! They-They aren't-!"

Ruby: "We would know!"

Blake: "And who would know better than me? With my ears-?"

Weiss: "You're just a perverted cat!"

Ruby gets up, uses super speed to appear in front of the dormroom Yang and Jaune vanished into, and smirks. She opens the door.

Ruby: "HA! I'll prove it! I will prove that they are absolutely, positively, NOT-!"

Jaune and Yang are making out feverishly, and about to yank eachother's clothes off.

Everyone: "..."

Jaune and Yang pause, then slowly look to the side. They break the kiss. Jaune coughs.

Jaune: "Um... Hey guys?"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The band came, music and dancing ensued. Jaune and Yang handled the front table for a while.



Jaune: "Geez... I feel like we're being punished."



Yang: "Hmph. Bet Goodwitch is just sad she's some lonely old spinster who will never get laid."



Jaune notices Goodwitch looming nearby. He clears his throat.



Jaune: "Now now Yang, maybe she's just waiting for that special guy. She is pretty amazing and hot, after all. As well as brave, strong and smart! It'll just take a really formidable guy to land her, that's all."



Yang: "Oh? You think so-?" Jaune elbows her "Ooh! I mean, yeah! She does make me second guess my sexuality at times! Rowr!"



Goodwitch's scowl intensifies.



Yang: "... Not buying this, huh?"



Goodwitch: "No. However, we have two volunteers willing to take your place so you can go dance. And corral your teams."



Jaune: "We do?"



Nick: "HEY SON!" Grins brightly in a dark blue suit and red tie "How's the dance?"



Isabel: In a blue shimmering dress that draws everyone's eyes "Don't mind us, we're just here with a few other alumni to help out!"



Jaune: "Mom? Dad?!"



Nick: "Haha! Don't worry, buddy! We won't cramp your style! You two go on, have some fun!"



Isabel: "Yes, we'll handle this."



Jaune: "I... Wow. Thanks Mom and Dad."



Yang: "Totally!"



Nick: "GLYNDA!" He gives her a big hug "HAHA! So nice to see you! Come on, let's catch up! How's everything?"



Glynda: "URK!"



Isabel: "Easy Nick! You don't want to break her!"



Nick: "Come on, she's like the strongest Huntress ever! ... Except for you sweetie! And I can't break you!"



Isabel: "There are differing opinions on that..."



Jaune and Yang flee the potentially mentally scarring conversation and get to the dance floor. Ruby is hanging out by the punch bowl, looking awkward.



Jaune and Yang look at each other.



Jaune: "Um... Yang, I know I really want to dance with you but... Well..."



Yang: sighs "No... It's okay. Take Ruby for a spin first. She needs it..." She sees Pyrrha hiding near a window sipping punch "... And P-Money too."



Jaune: "Really?"



Yang: smiles "I know you'll always come back to me. I shouldn't be so jealous."



Jaune: "Aw... Thanks babe." Kisses her cheek



Yang: "Hee..."



Jaune takes Ruby out onto the dancefloor. She's very nervous.



Jaune: "It's okay Rubes, it's okay. Just focus on me."



Ruby: "R-Right... Sorry if I step on your toes."



Jaune: "What happened to Penny?"



Ruby: "Oh, she got called away by her dad or something."



Jaune: "Huh... I see..."



Jaune's Brain: That didn't happen in the original timeline... Then again, I have changed a LOT.



They dance to the music for a while. Ruby begins to relax, and smile. Jaune sends her into a twirl, and she stumbles.



Ruby: "ACK!"



Jaune though manages to catch her.



Jaune: "Heh... Relax, it's all right."



Ruby: bright red "... Th-Thanks."



Jaune: "Any time."



The song ends and Jaune leads Ruby back to the punch bowl. He gets them three glasses as Yang joins them with Pyrrha in tow.



Yang: "Hey! Not bad, Rubes!"



Ruby: "It uh... It was hard, but... I managed to stop thinking about all those eyes on me."



Pyrrha: "That's the hardest part, Ruby. Really."



Jaune: "Yeah. So hey Pyr? You want to dance this next song?"



Pyrrha: looks to Yang, who nods. She beams "I... I would love to!"



Jaune: "Great!" He takes a sip of his punch "I'll be back for this later."



Ruby: "I'll hold onto it!"



Jaune: "Aw, thanks Rubes!"



Jaune leads her out. Yang and Ruby watch... As Ruby drinks his punch.



Yang: "Um... Ruby?"



Ruby: "S-Sorry! I didn't think about it..." Eyes wide, face red "Wait... Indirect kiss?!"



Yang: "No! I mean, yes, but it's not as sexy as Mistralian manga makes it out to be! Kissing him directly is way better-!"



Ruby faints, bright red.



Yang: "Ohhh boy..."



Pyrrha and Jaune dance together happily.



Pyrrha: smiles "So um... Cinder's plan is going down tonight, isn't it?"



Jaune: "Yeah. Everything's set."



Pyrrha: "I still don't see why we can't just arrest her now."



Jaune: shrugs "Headmaster's orders. We need to ensure the chain of events fits things in my visions as closely as possible so my knowledge is still relevant."



Pyrrha: "I-I see..."



Jaune: "Not that I'm letting you die, Pyr. I swear."



Pyrrha: "I know... I trust you..." Sighs as Jaune spins her around "I know... I know you probably think this is shallow. How I feel about you-"



Jaune: "Pyr... You literally died to try and save me. There's nothing shallow about it..." shrugs "But I love Yang. I... I just do. It's not fair to either of you if I'm a cheater."



Pyrrha: sad smile "I know..."



Jaune: "I mean... Maybe you'll find someone else who-who you care this much about? Instead of some guy who got knocked on the head and got visions of the future-"



She leans in and kisses his lips quickly. She smiles and shakes her head.



Pyrrha: "I don't think so... Thank you for the dance, Jaune."



Pyrrha leaves the dance floor. Jaune stares at her. She goes to Yang, and they begin to talk.



Jaune's Brain: Aw crap...



Blake then steps up to him.



Blake: "Do you need a partner?"



Jaune: "I... Sure." They begin to dance. It would have to be a slow, romantic dance of course.



Blake: "My mother and father are opening official relations with Vale." smiles warmly at him "Headmaster Ozpin is, well... Spinning things to make it look like I'm here as a peace offering. Councilman Winchester is actually arguing in favor of it... Seeing as his son is marrying a Faunus, he has some incentive."



Jaune: "Oh... That's great to hear!" smiles



Blake: "We'll even be sending an envoy to the Vytal Festival. There's... A lot to get done, but um... It is happening. It's all thanks to you, Jaune."



Jaune: "Woah now... All I did was be your friend and help out Cardin with his lady problems. I'm a side character in this at best-"



Blake: "But an important one. If not for you? I... I wouldn't have had the courage to talk to my parents and make my second chance count. So... So thank you Jaune. I owe you so much."



Jaune: "Hey, I live in the world too, Blake. I just did the right thing."



Blake: "I know... Which is why I do care for you deeply, Jaune."



Jaune: "Blake... Again. I have a girlfriend-"



Blake: "I know. And she's my friend too. I just... I can't change how I feel."



Jaune: "I know. Just please... Don't confuse drama for romance, okay?"



Blake: "I won't. Not anymore." She leans in and presses her forehead to his "But I'm still determined to make sure we're all happy."



Jaune: bright red "... Harem endings are a fantasy for a reason, Blake. The more you split your heart the less time and energy you have for everyone. I refuse to be selfish. I want you all to be happy."



Blake: "So do I... And I think you underestimate yourself."



Jaune: sighs "Sun is-"



Blake: "Sun struts and simps and is flashy. You're a man, Jaune. A good man who did so many things for me just because they were the right thing to do. Even when I annoyed you. You... You're amazing. Maybe one day... You'll see what we see." She kisses his cheek "And I'm... I'm willing to be patient for this. But not too patient."



Jaune: "I... Blake you-"



Blake: smiles as the song ends "Just please... Don't think it's something superficial?"



Jaune: "... I don't. But I love Yang."



Blake: "I know... Which makes me love you all the more."



She turns and heads to join her friends. Jaune sighs.



Jaune: "Goddamnit..."



He finally spots Weiss on her lonesome near a column, drinking alone. He walks over to her.



Jaune's Brain: I am their friend... Period.



Jaune: "Hey pretty lady. I believe you asked if I could dance with you?"



Weiss: "... You did."



They go out and dance for a slow song.



Jaune: "So, how do you like the band?"



Weiss: "Not my taste but I can dance to it. So it's not all bad."



Jaune: "Yeah."



Weiss: "You're pretty good, you know. At dancing."



Jaune: "Seven sisters, lots of practice."



Weiss: "I see..." She sighed "I do appreciate your kindness, you know? Despite everything."



Jaune: "We're all going through crap, Weiss. I appreciate you trying to grow past it. Despite everything."



Weiss: smiles "Thank you..." Jaune sends her through a spin "You know? I was determined to just be miserable this whole evening. I thought this would just... I don't know, make Neptune jealous. I'm sorry about that."



Jaune: "It's all right. I mean... We're all teenagers. We're all going to do stupid things."



Weiss: giggles "The way you say that... You sound like a much older man."



Jaune: "Oh... Er, well..."



Weiss: "I see it sometimes... You look like you'd seen a lot, Jaune. That you've gone through a lot."



Jaune: "... I'm just some doofus, Weiss. That's all."



Weiss: "You're also a terrible liar."



Jaune: "Well... That depends on your point of view, I suppose."



Weiss: "I just want you to know? I appreciate everything you've done. Even that stunt with Sun."



Jaune: "Thanks. Sorry about that again-"



Weiss: giggles "Honestly? I'm most upset that you didn't ask me yourself."



Jaune's Brain: Ohhhh shit oh shit...



Weiss: "But... If you weren't so loyal to Yang? I don't think I'd like you as much."



Jaune: "Weiss-"



Weiss: "It's all right..." sighs "I've... Had to learn from a young age not to get my hopes up. My mother once said... All love is unrequited."



The song ended and she stood on her toes to kiss his cheek.



Weiss: "But if things don't work out with Yang...? I mean... I wouldn't be opposed to a date. With you."



Jaune: "... Thanks."



Weiss: "J-Just to... To go out with someone with his head on straight. Better than Neptune any day."



She snorted as she saw him standing with May. May was wincing but still smiling politely as Neptune kept stepping on her toes.



Jaune's Brain: Well I'll be... How did he get out here on his own? Still... Good for him for trying harder.



Jaune: "Thanks, Weiss. I... I appreciate that."



Weiss smiled and walked off to join the others. Nora and Ren were dancing quite happily as Jaune stood in the middle of the dance floor, alone. He shook his head. His eyes met Yang's, as she sat at a table with their other friends. She smiled back.



Jaune's Brain: Time for Yang and less confusing feelings in general...



Which is when Emerald cut in.



Emerald: "Mind if I take this dance?"



Jaune: "I-"



Emerald: "Good!"



Emerald spins him around, practically manhandling him as the music continues.



Emerald: low voice "Just so you know, spy... If you try to double cross Cinder? You won't live long enough to regret it."



Jaune: also low voice "Trust me Emmy, you have nothing to worry about on that end. Speaking of, where is she?"



Emerald: "She should be placing the second holodrive into the tower."



Jaune: "And Jackie?"



Emerald: snorts "Mint made him think he was with Cinder in the garden. He'll be found humping a thorny bush."



Jaune: wince "Ouch."



Emerald: "It's no less than he deserves! That insufferable bastard couldn't stop hitting on her!"



Jaune: "Yeah. But he is a man... Kind of. So I can't help some sympathy."



Emerald: scowls "Just so you know... I don't believe that you're telling the truth."



Jaune: "I'm a spy. The truth is often just an excuse for a poor imagination."



Emerald: "I mean about everything... I don't trust you. But if you try anything with Cinder? I swear I'll-!"



Jaune: "I get the picture, Emmy. Relax. She's not my type."



Emerald: angry glare "But you are hers."



Jaune: shakes her head "There's a lot more to power than just cunning and scheming, Emmy. Trust me on that."



The song ends. Yang stands there with an angry smile.



Yang: "Hey. Cutting in with my boyfriend?"



Emerald: sickly sweet "He's all yours. I gotta get back to my date anyway." She saunters off. Jaune gratefully embraces Yang



Jaune: "Thank you for saving me."



Yang: "What was her deal?"



Jaune: "She thinks her lesbian crush is sweet on me."



Yang: "Is she?"



Jaune: shrugs as he begins dancing with Yang "Who knows? Doesn't matter to me though. You're the only one I want to be dancing with."



Yang: blush, smiles as a slow song comes on. She cuddles up to him "That's the right answer."



Jaune: smiles and holds her close "Yeah..."



Yang: "Still... I mean... Thanks for... For helping our friends out."



Jaune: "It's what I do."



Yang: sighs "Yeah..."



Cinder returns without any issues. She then marches up to Jaune and Yang.



Cinder: sweetly "Mind if I borrow Jaune for just a moment? I want to apologize for Emerald's behavior."



Yang: scowl "You can do it right now-"



Cinder: "He also owes me a dance, given who he set me up with."



Lightning seems to crackle between the two's eyes. Jaune sighs.



Jaune: "It's all right Yang, I'll be right back. Promise." He kisses her. She sighs happily



Yang: "All right... One song."



Cinder: "All I need~!"



They dance as the song starts up.



Cinder: "Mission accomplished. You got me in without any issues."



Jaune: "Good."



Cinder: sighs "I suppose I should be grateful that you used your imbecilic cousin as my date. All our bases are covered."



Jaune: "I do know what I'm doing on occassion."



Cinder: smiles "Indeed... You know... I could have Mint and Emerald put an illusion on your girlfriend."



Jaune: red "What?"



Cinder: "Let her believe what she wants. They'll take good care of her..." She presses herself against Jaune "While we... Celebrate?"



Jaune's Brain: Jesus Christ this man's rizz is insane!



Jaune: "... Sorry. My answer is still the same. Mission comes first... Not that I'm not tempted of course. But..."



Cinder: sighs "... I suppose the anticipation will make it even better." smirks "And when we accomplish our mission... I'll even let you keep the other girls. But I...? I will be first and foremost in your heart, Jaune Arc." She caresses his cheek "After all, then? You will have no choice."



Jaune's Brain: Fuuuuck...!



Jaune: "Um... Sure."



Cinder lets him go and walks off. Yang walks up, glaring daggers at her.



Yang: "... Mind telling me what that was about?"



Jaune: "... Later. Much later."



They resumed dancing... Which is when there was a loud crash near the entrance.



Jaune: "What in the-?!"



Isabel and Glynda are locked in drunken mortal combat while Nick Arc tries to keep them separated.



Isabel: "YOU KISSED MY HUSBAND!"



Glynda: "WELL... WELL HE WAS HOT!"



Isabel: "THAT'S NOT AN EXCUSE!"



Nick: "Ladies, please-!"



More violence ensues. Jaune facepalms.



Jaune: "... I vote we run to a diner off campus. Any objections?"



Yang: "None!"



Jaune: "Good!"



They and their friends flee as the adults engage in drunken nonsense.



- - -



Hoo boy, this was a long one! This silly parody got serious. That keeps happening, damnit. Ugh. Still, we will conclude this little arc next time and then? Back to more bullshit.

Click to shrink...

As it turned out, there was a bar at Beacon. It was called "Cliff's" and it was run by a big red dog Faunus named Cliff. He wasn't as big as a house as the dog in the original story was, but he was tall enough to tower over Jaune's father easily. He also had an eyepatch to add to his mystique.



That said, he welcomed the refugees from the Dance into his warm, wooden bar without issue. Jaune and his friends crowded around a round table in the back. Jaune hadn't pulled his face out of his hands since he'd sat down.



Yang: "Come on Jaune. It's not that bad!"



Jaune: groans



Pyrrha: "I mean... So your mother, father and professor Goodwitch got into a drunken melee. I'm sure worse things have happened in the school's history!"



Nora: brightly "Probably involving your parents!"



Weiss: "NORA! That's not helping!"



Nora: "I thought I was!"



Jaune: sighs "It's fine guys, it's fine. It's not the end of the world. That's how I'll feel tomorrow, anyway. After some beer."



Yang; "There, see? Bucking up already, aren't you deer?"



Jaune: laughs as everyone else groans "That helps. You too, Nora."



Nora: "HA! You see?"



Sun and his team approach. Neptune is with May.



Sun: "Hey guys. Man Jaune, your parents are nuts!"



Jaune: "Sorry guys, I-"



Sun: "Hey, we're not complaining! I mean, a catfight between Goodwitch and another super hot MILF? That's like a dream come true!"



Scarlet: "I would have preferred your father fighting with another DILF. Bara is more appealing to me."



Jaune: TWITCH



Blake: "Guys, guys! You're making it worse!"



Sage: "All things pass in time."



Neptune: "And hey! It was fun, right May?"



May: smiles "It-It actually was! My mom and dad got in there and restored order. So everything's okay."



Neptune: "Yeah! More than okay!"



Jaune: sighs "Thanks guys... Also May: Neptune treat you right?"



Neptune: "Hey! Can't you take my word as a man?"



Yang, Weiss, Blake, Ruby, Pyrrha, Nora: "No."



Neptune: "G-Geez...!"



May: "He was a perfect gentleman... But um..." Smiles kindly "It was just one date. So um... It's not like we're in love or-or anything."



Neptune: sags "Oh."



Jaune's Brain: Uggghhh... I really don't want to do this but... Damnit. I gotta be a bro since he behaved himself.



Jaune: "But... He has a chance to win your love in the future, right?"



May: shy smile, blush "M-Maybe...?"



Neptune: lights up



Jaune: "And of course, if he cheats on you, Uncle Arjun and Aunt Saia will murder him."



May: still smiling "Probably!"



Neptune: goes pale



Sage: "Good luck, buddy."



Scarlet: "You're gonna need it!"



Sun then looks at Blake, who is sitting next to Jaune. They communicate in silence for a moment. Sun sighs and nods. He then glares at Jaune.



Sun: "You'd better take good care of her, Jaune."



Jaune: "Eh? No, w-we're just friends-!"



Sun: "She's all yours, now. Come on guys! Let's buy some drinks as manly as we are!"



Sage: deadpan "So some Zimas since Neptune is with us."



Neptune: "HEY!"



They head off. Blake smiles innocent at everyone else's glares.



Jaune: sighs "Great..."



A very contrite looking Isabel, Glynda, and Nick (All three of whom look like they went through a war) approach the table with Ozpin, Arjun and Saia alongside.



Isabel: "Ahem... Sorry about that, kids. I thought we were sharing a normal bottle of meade..." She glared at Nick, who winced "But it turns out your father decided that it would be great to bring one of Nana's 400% proof bottles to the Dance."



Nick: "Come on Izzy! How was I supposed to know Glynda was a lightweight? She only had a sip!"



Glynda: "I am NOT a lightweight! That meade is not natural! Especially since it turned you," she glared at Isabel "Into a drunken berserker!"



Isabel: "You still kissed my husband!"



Glynda: "I'm sorry for that! ... Mostly!"



Isabel: "MOSTLY?!"



Arjun: sighs "It's like we never left Beacon."



Saia: "Indeed, dear."



Nick: "Anyway. Sorry about that, son. Son's friends."



Isabel: "Yes. Sorry."



Glynda: "Same."



A pause.



Arjun: "We have nothing to apologize for."



Saia: "At all."



Ozpin: "Indeed."



Arjun: "Thought if my daughter's getting pawed by that Argusian, I may need to apologize for murdering him. Excuse me."



Arjun headed off. Saia followed. Isabel and Glynda left, looking like they had a lot to talk about. Ozpin looked at Jaune, who sent a hand signal that the mission with Cinder was proceeding properly. Ozpin nodded and headed off.



Nick beamed and gave Jaune a thumbs up.



Nick: "Have a great night, you all! Also... Nicholas is a great name for a baby!"



Jaune: "DAD!"



Nick: "Just saying!" He headed off



Jaune: sighs



Weiss: "Honestly? Be thankful for your parents."



Ren: "Agreed."



Nora: "Yup yup!"



Jaune: "..." smiles "I am. And for my friends. And my girlfriend... And a whole lot of other things."



Yang: "Speaking of... Our dance got interrupted. You're not gonna leave me Yangin', are you?"



Jaune chuckles and takes her hand.



Jaune: "Never."



They head over to the jukebox. Jaune scans through it, and finds the perfect song. He then leads Yang out onto the floor as the music starts up.



Yang: snickers as they start to slow dance "You picked a really old song, ya know?"



Jaune: "Hey. You're dating a grumpy old guy in a young guy's body. You knew what you were in for."



Yang: smiles and holds him close "Yeah... You're lucky I like oldies too."



Jaune: "I know how lucky I am..." He kisses her cheek



Yang: blush, beams "You corny..."



They keep dancing. Ren and Nora relax, drink... And observe how their other tablemates are staring at the blonds, pining away.



Nora: "You think we should do something?"



Ren: "We can only be supportive of all our friends in their endeavours." sips his drink "And try to keep the collateral damage to a minimum."



Nora: "Can we watch with popcorn?"



Ren: "Of course."



Nora: "WOOHOO!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Set in Volume 4-5.

- - -

Ruby awoke to a headache that seemed to be in her whole body. She groaned as she shifted on a pile of animal furs. Her Aura, usually a raging bonfire inside of her, now felt like a tiny flicker from the lighter Dad hid in the potpourri.

(Like they didn't know he still smoked sometimes.)

The scents that filled her nostrils were of animal fur, pine needles, smoke from wood burning, and a delicious stew of some kind. She sat up and looked around, hands already on her weapon.

She was in a log cabin. There was a large fireplace nearby, built of simple stone and mortar, with a raging fire. There was a table and chairs, made of cheap reclaimed wood. A pot of stew boiled merrily in the fireplace.

And a tall figure in a dark black cloak with a balaclava stared at her from where he was stacking firewood.

"Ah. You're awake," he said quietly in a pleasant if rough tone. It sounded like he didn't speak very often. He went to the table and picked up a steel water bottle. He carried it over to her and handed it over. "Drink. You've had a busy day."

Ruby blinked a few times.

"Oh! Thank you," Ruby said with a smile. She took the bottle and drank deep. The water was cool and refreshing.

"I got you some aspirin," the man continued, handing out the bottle, "Not sure what the dosage for a Huntress is. You would know better than I."

"Well thank you-Hey wait a second!" Ruby scowled. "Where am I? What happened? Who are you?"

The man stared at her. At this distance she could see his eyes were red, with black sclera. She grimaced a little.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

The man chuckled.

"Quite all right. I would react the same way," he said, "I found you at the bottom of a ravine. I heard a great battle with Grimm nearby. Lots of gunfire and explosions. You were unconscious. I can only surmise you were Aura broken. I took you to my cabin-It wasn't too far away-And tended your wounds as best I could."

Ruby looked over herself. No clothing had been removed, but she had some bandages on her head, arms, and legs. She did notice her corset was undone. She flushed and glared at the man, who held up his hands.

"I did have to examine you for wounds. Relax, I'm not interested in that sort of thing," the old man went on. "As for who I am?"

He paused a moment.

"Ahasver," he answered. "And you are?"

"Ruby Rose," she answered. Her silver eyes widened in remembrance.

"Oh! Yeah, the villagers said you lived around here," Ruby said cheerfully. "They said you were like... An old wizard hermit!"

The man chuckled again, as though at some joke Ruby wasn't getting. She was kind of used to that though, so she didn't feel offended.

"Those are the nicer things they say about me," Ahasver said quietly. "I prefer solitude. Anyway, I lit a signal fire outside the cabin. Your friends will see it and come and get you."

"I don't suppose you have a Scroll?" Ruby asked. Ahasver shook his head.

"Sorry," he said.

"It's okay," Ruby said, "I-I mean, you wouldn't be much of a hermit if you have a Scroll, r-right?"

Ahasver stared. Ruby winced.

Okay, joking is not working... Um... Let's try asking him more questions!

"Aren't you worried about the Grimm?" Ruby asked worriedly, "I mean, you live outside the village walls and all!"

Ahasver was silent. He turned and went to the pot of stew.

"That is not an issue for me," he said quietly. He opened the pot up, and used a ladle to transfer it into a large ceramic bowl. He picked up a spoon and a large loaf of bread from the table, before presenting them to Ruby. "Eat. You need to regain your strength."

Ruby ate eagerly. She was very hungry. Ahasver continued to do work around his cabin-Shoring up the insulation, checking on his books and other items. There were a lot of odds and ends all over the place-Most of them very old.

"You're a collector?" Ruby asked. Ahasver nodded.

"I am," he said, "I am interested in... History. What happened before the Moonshatter, among other things."

"Really?" Ruby asked eagerly. "That sounds cool! What was it like?"

He paused.

"Different," he said, "Very different."

"Can you tell me?" Ruby asked. If she couldn't go anywhere or do anything, she wanted some kind of stimulation. Ahasver turned, and rubbed his chin through his balaclava.

"I can tell you some things," he decided. He pulled up one of his rickety old chairs and sat down in front of her.

"The era before the Moonshatter was one of magic and power. Grand cities with skyscrapers that stretched high into the sky. Flying machines that broke the sound barrier. Great ships that could reach up, up... Past the edge of the atmosphere and go to the stars!"

"Really?" Ruby asked. "They had like, spaceships?"

Ahasver nodded slowly.

"Indeed. The history of this world is very long, young Ruby. Strange and terrible and beautiful empires have ruled over our little world, over tens of thousands of years. But throughout it all... Mankind has not changed. Not really. Not over our great history."

"Or herstory," Ruby said. At Ahasver's stare, she blushed. "Sorry. My friend Blake makes corrections like that."

Ahasver chuckled, slightly amused.

"History is derived from a Hellenic word, historia. It means 'inquiry', the act of seeking knowledge. It has nothing to do with gender."

"Oh good, she'll like that," Ruby chirped.

"Indeed," Ahasver said.

"So um... What's your history?" Ruby asked. "I-I mean... Were you always a hermit or... Or is it just a job?"

Ahasver stared at her for a very long time. Long enough she noticed his eyes: They were red, with black sclera. She grimaced, then shook her head.

Come on, she told herself, just because they look like Grimm eyes doesn't mean anything!

Ahasver continued to be silent, and Ruby was about to change the subject when he began to speak. His tone was sad: Far sadder than before.

"There was once a brave and foolish young man who wished to become a hero," he said quietly, "He was a knight for his local lord. He met a noble lady, one who was warm, kind, smart, and beautiful. He fell in love, and proposed marriage. They married, and were happy... Until the lady fell ill. The kingdom's greatest doctors could do nothing for her. The knight was told he should accept the inevitable. That death comes for us all."

He paused. He turned to stare into the fire before he continued.

"The knight though was brave and foolish. He had heard legends of a witch, older than the moonshatter, more powerful than the foundations of Remnant, who could do miracles. He set out to find her. He traveled over the waters to a dark and desolate land. He fought through Grimm, legions of them, before he came to her doors. They opened, and let him in. He beheld the witch, in all her terrible glory. She asked him why he had come."

Ahasver took a slow, deep breath.

"He told her his story and asked for her help. The witch, perhaps amused or nostalgic, accepted it in exchange for his fealty. He gave it to her. He took home a cure, and his lady recovered. They were very happy together... Until the witch came for her due."

Ruby's eyes widened.

"What did she want?"

Ahasver was silent for a moment, and only the sound of the crackling wood in the fireplace filled the cabin.

"She wanted a Dark Knight to serve her, in her war against a great and terrible wizard," he stated. "She took him to her castle, and transformed him with her dark magics. Made him... Like her. Part man, part monster. He would never age, never die. He took up his sword and waged war on man."

He bowed his head for a moment, before looking back up.

"She thought his will was now hers. That the knight was but her puppet. She made him slaughter his kingdom, the women, the children... He faced his beloved wife and son, who wept and begged for mercy..."

He shook his head.

"But there was none. It was only after the knight looked upon his sword, covered in blood... That he woke up. He realized the kind of monster he had become, and wept over the bodies of his family."

Ruby's jaw dropped. Ahasver shook his head.

"The witch kept trying to get back control of her Dark Knight. Even now, so long after, she tries to regain control. But the Dark Knight has no interest in being her slave again. So he lives out alone, unbothered by Grimm... For he is just another monster. He deserves his fate. The only one who might free him would be a Silver Eyed Warrior... But alas, they are all gone. So forever will he suffer his penance..."

He locked his eyes on hers as her heart pounded in her ears.

"As a monster deserves."

Silence fell save for the crackling of the wood. Ruby stared in fright, her knuckles white around the hilt of Crescent Rose.

Ahasver then laughed loudly. Ruby nearly jumped out of her skin as he cackled.

"Ah... Forgive me," he snickered, "The look on your face."

Ruby glared.

"That wasn't funny!" Ruby growled.

"All comedy requires is tragedy and time passing, Ruby Rose," Ahasver chuckled, "And I would prefer to laugh at the absurdities of the universe than cry. Wouldn't you agree?"

The tragedies she had gone through... The fall of Beacon. The death of Pyrrha... It all bowed her head. She sighed.

"... Yeah... But I don't think I can laugh anymore," she murmured softly.

Ahasver knelt and patted her on the shoulder.

"There is always hope, young one," he said, "And a hero has to find it, and show it to others. I believe you will do that."

Ruby smiled.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

There was a knock at the door. Ahasver rose and walked over. He opened it. Jaune and Yang burst in, weapons drawn and pointed at Ahasver. Nora and Ren were right behind in, weapons ready. Ruby held up her hands.

"It's okay! It's okay!" She said frantically, waving her hands. "He just took care of me! I'm better now!"

And she was. Her Aura returned to full power, and her injuries seemed to vanish. Yang immediately came over and looked her up and down.

"Yeah, but don't scare us like that again, okay?" Yang said with a forced laugh. She looked over at Ahasver, as Jaune eyed him curiously.

"Thank you," Yang said gratefully.

"I just helped her out," he said modestly. "You should get going. You have a long journey ahead of you. Would you like some provisions? I don't have much but I will give you what I can spare."

"Thanks, we really appreciate it," Jaune said with a smile. He did his own once over of Ruby too, but Ruby shook her head and pouted.

"I'm fine, really," she said.

They packed up, and went back on their way. They were headed to the village to get their pay for taking out the Grimm nearby.

Ruby... Lingered for a moment and stared back at the sad little cabin in the woods. Ahasver stood outside, waving goodbye. She waved back.

It was just a story, she thought, Just a story... So what if he knows about Silver Eyed Warriors? It doesn't mean anything...

And yet...

"Something wrong, Ruby?" Jaune asked. "You want to say goodbye some more?"

"He did help out when you were down and out," Yang said, grinning a little at the joke: Which was pretty weak compared to her usual caliber.

"And he gave us snacks!" Nora cheered. "Even syrup!"

"I just..."

Ruby hadn't had a lot of luck with her Silver Eyes since she'd discovered them. Qrow and Dad hadn't been a lot of help. But channeling Aura to them did usually make something happen.

I have to know... I have to...

She focused her Aura into her eyes then locked onto the small of Ahasver's back. She narrowed her eyelids as he examined the wall of his cabin, willing her power to emerge...

Nothing happened. She winced and shook her head.

What was she thinking? A poor man living all on his own, being part Grimm? He had lost his family! Why was she so suspicious? Just because he mentioned Silver Eyed Warriors?

She felt guilt. Guilt over suspecting a kindly old man. Guilt over thinking she could use her power like this. Like how she failed to use it to save Pyrrha-

A silver light erupted from her eyes... And Ahasver fell to the ground near his cabin.

Ruby's jaw dropped.

"AHASVER!"

She used her Semblance to speed up to him. She found his cloak in a pile, but no limbs to be seen. She trembled and hesitated as she grasped his shoulder... And turned him over. The balaclava fell away. Her jaw dropped.

What was left of a man stared back at her. His skin was pale, sallow and wrinkled. His jaw was thin. Scars covered anything else she could see, but judging from what was left in his cloak? It wasn't much.

Yes he smiled up at her with clear blue eyes.

"... Thank you," he whispered, "I have... Hope again... I'm... I'm free... Thank you..."

He closed his eyes and went still. She heard her friends shouting at her and surrounding her. She felt Yang and Jaune hug her between themselves. She saw Ren examining the man, and Nora urgently asking if she was okay.

All that existed for her in that moment though was the peaceful smile on the old man's face. Even through her tears and sobs, she couldn't look away.

- - -

Just came to me.

Ahasver is one of many names given over the centuries to the legend of the Wandering Jew: A Jew who is said to have laughed at Jesus Christ during his crucifixion and thus was cursed to wander the Earth, immortal, until Judgment Day. It seemed a fitting name for a man cursed with immortality by Salem.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Convincing May Zedong to come out and shop with her had taken a LOT of courage, a lot of patience, and a lot of sugar. Surprisingly, Jaune and Penny had been the most help there. May and Jaune just kind of clicked easily and Penny's encouragement had driven Ruby to seek out the shy sniper from Vacuo.



They actually had a fair amount in common. Both took great pride in their weapons, both enjoyed comic books, and both were constantly exasperated with their teams. Once they'd broken the ice, they were actually getting along great in the costume store in Old Town Vale! It wasn't very elaborate: Most of the year it was a thrift shop, actually. But that was all the better! Ruby loved thrift shops and combining them with a costume store just made them even better!



"I guess I'm still a little nervous," May admitted as she looked through the racks of various costumes in plastic bags under the glare of cheap LED lights, "We uh, we don't have Halloween persay in Vacuo."



"Persay?" Ruby asked, looking through the accessories section, "What do you have instead?"



"Well, Hispania has the Day of the Dead," May explained, "Which is somewhat similar. Parties, parades, costumes..."



"Sounds neat!" Ruby enthused. May hummed.



"It also had an old ritual where you would dig up your dead ancestors and bring them in for a meal."



Ruby made a face. May nodded in mutual disgust.



"Yeah," the Vacuoan said, "Thankfully most people don't do that anymore. Nolan couldn't eat for a week after that mission."



"I can't blame him," Ruby agreed, shuddering a bit. She spied a costume and lit up. She picked it up. "Ooh! This one looks great!"



May looked at the costume and blushed a bit. It was the costume of a pirate queen.



"Um... Are you sure it would look good on me?"



"Sure I'm sure!" Ruby said cheerfully. "Go ahead! You already have an eyepatch!"



"I just wear my beanie over one eye for night vision," May mumbled. She took the costume and headed towards the dressing room. It was a simple stall with a latched swinging door for privacy. She entered, Ruby giving her one last thumbs up before she shut the door.



"Let's see," Ruby mused, "I did the whole 'I'm Crescent Rose and Rose is me' costumed last year... Maybe I can recycle it! But I'll have to update it a lot..."



She checked herself out in the mirror with a big smile. Screw what Weiss said, she was definitely developing! All that milk was definitely going to the right places!



The dressing room door swung open.



"I'm ready!" May announced nervously. Ruby swung around, a compliment on her lips...



That died in shock as she got a look at the sniper. Her eyes bugged out.



May's pirate queen outfit was certainly... Revealing. Tight tan breeches that visibly strained to contain her hips and bottom. A red top tied up beneath her very impressive chest with a vest that did nothing to cover it up. A bandanna and eyepatch completed the look as May bashfully tried to keep her hands in front of herself.



"I... Wha...?" Ruby managed. "Wh-Where did... All this come from?! You were just this-this baggy shapeless girl!"



May blushed harder.



"S-Sorry? Um... That's part of why I dress like that," she mumbled. "I know I look... W-Well... Fat and weird-"



"No! Nonono! You don't!" Ruby insisted, her shock giving way to compassion for her friend. She reached out and rested a hand on her shoulder, making May jump and look up. "You look great! S-Super great!"



So great Ruby's good mood from before had basically evaporated. That said, Ruby was not going to let May feel bad if she could help it!



"Really?" May asked, hopeful.



"S-Sure!" Ruby agreed, "But um... Maybe something more covering? It's gonna be cold."



"You're right!" May nodded, already shivering, "This place is chillier than I'm used to already."



"Yeah, I can see that," Ruby muttered petulantly.



"What?"



"Nothing!" Ruby said quickly. She beamed and pulled a classic witch's costume from the rack. "Here! This is... A size up! Give it a shot!"



May beamed.



"Thank you Ruby. I really appreciate it!"



"Think nothing of it!" Ruby said with a grin.



May once again went into the dressing room. Ruby sighed and looked at herself in the mirror.



"It's fine," she said quietly, "You're still growing. It's not a big deal... Why do I care about that stuff anyway? Not like we're competing for a boy. Boys are dumb. Except for Jaune. He's nice..."



She recalled him in that dress at the dance. It had been great of him to dress up to cheer Pyrrha up, and he'd even given her a spin or two around the dance floor after all the chaos and shooting! He'd even introduced her to May, and now she had another friend who also struggled with normal people things!



She really shouldn't feel jealous of her. Not at all.



"Okay!"



Ruby once again turned. Her face fell. May stood there in the black witch's dress with a wide smile.



"So uh... What do you think?" May asked.



Her neckline was plunging. Her curves were all fully visible. The hat seemed to emphasize everything else.



How is she sexier with more covered up?! Ruby thought angrily.



"That's... That's really great," Ruby managed.



"I think I might need a cloak or something," May said, "It's still pretty chilly-"



"That's a great idea!" Ruby pounced, grabbing onto May and pulling her along, "A nice thick cloak! Perfect!"



May smiled back and let Ruby lead her on.



"Thank you Ruby!"



Ruby scanned the racks. Her eyes lit up. She reached out and seized the thickest, fluffiest cloak with faux fur lining she could see and handed it to May.



"Here! Try it!"



May pulled it on... And it fell open naturally, making her look as regal as a queen. Her bust and hips all seemed even more majestic thanks to the pale fur lining of the cloak.



May beamed at Ruby happily.



"It's perfect! Thank you Ruby! You're a great friend!"



"Y-Yeah... The greatest," Ruby mumbled, despondent. May hugged her tightly.



"I'm serious," May said firmly, "It's nice to-to have a friend who doesn't just make me do their chores or homework and then never listens to me. You and Jaune are... Are wonderful. Thank you!"



Ruby slowly smiled back. She hugged May tightly.



She really was getting worked up over nothing. She was young. She would grow up and fill out. She knew she would. And she'd still have a great friend like May along!



"You're welcome," Ruby said earnestly.



May then blushed.



"Um... Also... Do you... Do you think Jaune would like my costume?" She asked nervously.



Ruby's silver eyes narrowed.



"Why?"



"Well, um... A-A Halloween date... Might be fun!" May stuttered. "If-If he was interested, I mean. I don't know if he would be, but-but I think it might be fun... M-Maybe... I-I don't think I could ask him but... Could you, um... Maybe...?"



Ruby's good mood once again fell, and hard.



"I'll... See what I can do," she grumbled, not even sure why she felt this way.



Still... Maybe her Crescent Rose costume could use some modifications. To show off a bit more.



Just to show off how much she'd grown!



Definitely not anything to do with Jaune! No siree!

 

[mgl1206]

Jaune stared at the door in front of him, his hand raised to knock but unmoving. He was worried about what he would say to get Weiss to help him, especially after all the times he'd annoyed her by asking her out.

Something which in hindsight he definitely regretted. The way he'd asked her out that is, not the asking her out part. Hopefully, now that he's stopped, she'd be willing to hear him out.

Taking a deep breath he lightly knocked on team RWBY's door and patiently waited. If he couldn't get Weiss's help then he could probably ask Ruby if she could help as well. It may not be a gun that he needed help making, but with how smart Ruby was he had no doubt she'd be able to help as well.

But as smart as Ruby was, he knew that Weiss was the dust expert, and a dust expert was what he needed right now.

A few more agonizing seconds passed before the door opened and a surprised Yang greeted him.

"What's up VB. Looking for Ruby?" Suppressing a groan at the unfortunate nickname, and a wince at the memory of their first meeting, Jaune continued with his main goal.

"Uh, no. I was. Is Weiss here? I wanted to ask her something." He tried not to wince at her questioning look, and he could only sigh in relief when she went back into the room.

"Hey Weiss-cream! Vomit-Boy wants to talk to you!" Taking a deep breath he tried to calm himself, but the sharp clacks of Weiss's footsteps only increased his anxiety. Seeing her, his breath betrayed him again like it always did, his heart skipping a beat, and he found himself unable to speak. She was breathtaking as always, and although he had no intention of pursuing her anymore, especially when she was pining after Neptune, a part of him was still in love with her.

"What is it Arc? You better not be asking me out again." he flinched at the tone of her voice, but he couldn't help but agree that he deserved it as he moved to deny the justified accusation.

"No no no no!" He flinched again at the questioning look. "Sorry, I uh, I kinda need your help making something," he spoke softly, unsure i asking her for help after all he'd done was even the right thing to do.

"Shouldn't you be asking Ruby then?"

"Maybe, but this isn't exactly a gun. It's mostly involving dust and you're the smartest person I know when it comes to dust. So you were the first person I thought I'd ask." He answered sheepishly, but he couldn't help but lighten up when he saw Weiss smile at the compliment.

"Well, maybe I can help. What exactly are you making?"

"I wanted to create something that'll allow Nora to activate her semblance safely." Weiss's eyebrow shot up as she examined him, and he couldn't help but shuffle uncomfortably under her gaze.

"And why now?"

"Well, it's Nora's birthday soon and I wanted to give her a present. So I thought why not kill two Grimm with one strike and give her something for her semblance as well." Silence took over as he finished. He could feel her judging gaze on him, and he couldn't bring himself to look back at her.

"Alright, I'll help." Surprised, Jaune looked up at Weiss to see her with a soft smile he'd never seen on her before, and it took his breath away. "Come on, Jaune. Let's go over the details in the library." Knocked out of his stupor, Jaune quietly followed behind the heiress, unsure of what had happened. But there was one thing he knew for sure, moving on from Weiss was going to be harder than he'd expected.

-----------

AN: This was just supposed to be about Jaune making a gift for his new sister, but it somehow turned into a White Knight story. Not sure how that happened but it did lol. But the reason why Weiss was colder at first was that she was testing Jaune and yes this is just after the dance.

 

[SharkCultist]

Ruby had seen monsters in her life, vicious creatures with claws and fangs.

She'd seen evil in her life, from petty selfishness, to people who just wanted to cause pain for the sake of pain.

But what she was looking at right now?

Was a fucking abomination.

It was some new form of Grimm. With thick powerful legs and a large body that looked like it would easily shrug off most bladed weaponry and bullets.

Unfortunately they weren't able to test that. Because the bastard had human children as a shield.

It stared at Ruby with its disgusting bulbous eyes and too large grin.

And then it fucking spoke.

"Well hi there miss! Do you wanna come play with Mr.Hugs?"

Brothers she was tempted to just say to hell with it and start swinging anyway.

And she might have. If her fucking back up wasn't also hugging the fucking thing!

Just because it doesn't have claws or fangs doesn't make it harmless! It's evil! E V I L!

And so Ruby had a borderline breakdown while Mr.Hugs completed it's evil mission.

Annoying the shit out of her and Ozpin.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

It was probably not the best idea. No, strike that, it was a terrible idea.

A game night with both RWBY and JNPR? With alcohol Yang snuck in? Terrible.

Jaune's seven sisters had given him an insight and wisdom that told him the truth. An eternal truth.

This could only end one way: Truth or dare. Via Spin the bottle.

And there sat Jaune, looking nervous as hell while the bottle spun in the middle. Yang was grinning evilly.

"Round and round it goes~!"

"I still can't believe you dragged me into this," Weiss muttered.

"I can't believe you won't let me play!" Ruby pouted from the bed, still slogging through her game.

"Big sister veto, deal with it," Yang stated. The bottle came to a stop... On Jaune. The blond felt several predatory eyes on him. Mainly Yang, enhanced with her shit-eating grin.

"Oho~! Vomit Boy is our first victim! So, truth or dare?"

"Dare," Jaune stated instantly. Yang raised her eyebrows and Jaune shrugged.

"Easier to get it out of the way."

"Oho?" Yang grinned. "All right then... I dare you to kiss-"

"Not me!" Weiss cried.

Jaune winced. Weiss looked a bit taken aback, but still adamant. Geez, he said he was sorry.

"Fine, fine," Yang pouted. She scanned around. Pyrrha went bright red for some reason-Was kissing him that bad? He didn't think so but still. At least Ruby wasn't here, that would make things incredibly awkward.

Blake just stared at him intensely, like a cat peeking out of a closet. He couldn't figure out what she was thinking.

At last, Yang smirked.

"Kiss Ren!"

Nora beamed, and then held up Magnhild.

"Try it and die, Yang-Yang," Nora said cheerfully as Ren flushed. Yang coughed.

"Er, um, well..."

Jaune rolled his eyes.

"Nora, Ren, this is totally platonic," he said. He then leaned over and pecked Ren on the cheek. He pulled back and sat back down. Ren blinked. Pyrrha was strangely tense. Nora hummed and nodded in approval.

"That's acceptable, Fearless Leader!"

Yang scoffed.

"Come on, that's not a kiss!"

"You didn't specify," Jaune replied, flushing a bit but holding his ground.

"He's Gallian anyway, so kissing on the cheeks is normal for him," Ruby pointed out.

"Yeah, pretty much," Jaune shrugged, "Everyone in Radian kissed cheeks. Men, women, girls, boys."

"Well then that doesn't count!" Yang declared. "You have to kiss someone for real!"

Jaune blushed heavily.

"Er, um, wait-"

Yang grinned.

"I know~," she said in a sing song voice. She got on all fours and crawled towards him-Which was, if he was honest, an awesome view. She crawled up into his lap with a giggle and set herself down.

"Ah, Yang-" Jaune stuttered. He could smell the wine on her breath-Geez, she was a lightweight?! But he also smelled her. Felt her.

Which is when she kissed him. Her lips pressed against his and all thought just vanished from his mind.

It was like the universe was suddenly reduced to just him and Yang. Her soft, warm lips. Her tongue. Her electrifying skin... Their tongues entwined and he wrapped his arms around her waist. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, the kiss deepened and-

"Th-That's enough!" Ruby shouted, red faced, as she pulled Yang's shoulders to get her off Jaune's lap. Pyrrha took hold of Jaune's shoulders and pulled him away.

"Y-Yes, the dare is complete now!" Pyrrha said with a high-pitched voice. Jaune shook his head and got his senses back. Yang, bright red, was suddenly not looking his way.

"Aw, but that was fun to watch!" Nora complained. Blake slowly nodded.

"Indeed," she said, sounding just a tiny bit smug.

Weiss's entire body seemed to burn bright red.

"You-That was-So lewd-!" She kept sputtering like a car that needed an oil change.

"OKAY! JAUNE-JAUNE'S TURN!" Nora cheered. "Come on, give it a spin!"

"Uh... Um, y-yeah," Jaune managed. He took hold of the bottle and waited for everyone to sit down before he spun it... Studiously not looking Yang's way. All the while, Yang watched with a bright red face, even though she tried to hide it with her hair.

The rest of the night was a lot less exciting, thankfully. But it was impossible for Jaune to not touch his lips on occassion.

And equally impossible to miss that Yang did the same thing.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

It might be funny if they keep trying to pretend they're not involved after they get together, and unfortunately nobody believes that Cardin is actually bullying Velvet anymore.

Jaune: "I mean, you've got hickeys."

Cardin: "M-Mosquito bites!"

Jaune: "Through your Aura?"

Cardin: "Y-Yeah! Grimm Mosquitos!"

Nora: "The fact you keep going out on dates?"

Velvet: "N-No! Those aren't dates! He's uh... He's just taking me out to apologize! For being a jerk!"

Jaune: "Why are you lying? It's obvious!"

Cardin: "N-NO! I'M A RACIST BULLY AND I DON'T LIKE HER AT ALL!"

Velvet: "Y-YEAH! HE'S STILL A TOTAL JERK AND I DON'T LIKE HIM AT ALL!"

Coco: "Velvet, everyone knows you two are banging."

Velvet: bright red "E-Everyone?!"

Cardin: "EVERYONE?!"

Yang: "Everyone in the dorms heard you two banging! INCLUDING RUBY!" glares "You perverts! Stop corrupting my baby sis!"

Ruby: "YAAANG! I know what sex is!" blush "Though um, Cardin and Velvet definitely made it a lot more clear-"

Yang: "YOU FREAKING EXHIBITIONISTS!"

Weiss: "Y-You're so lewd! Stop denying it!"

Blake: Is busy writing a massive epic about a racist human master becoming kind and warm to his submissive rabbit Faunus slave girl... While her nose bleeds...

 

[AndrewJTalon]

I got this very interesting idea from a guest poster over on Ao3, so here it is:

Cardin' struggles with his Semblance called "Empathy" that allows him to void the pain and emotions of others by taking them on himself through touch. Dove broke his leg and freaking out? Cardin can numb his pain while he fireman carries his teammate to safety even as his own perfectly healthy limb groans in discomfort! He can't heal people, but he can take away their pain or keep them from panicking.

The problem really starts when he goes to the local hospital to visit his Nana, only to overhear a sobbing couple whose kid won't make it through the night and don't know what to do.

So Cardin offers them the chance to take away the pain and allow their kid one more night filled with bedtime stories and silly games free from pain with Mommy and Daddy before she drifts to sleep one last time...

Cardin spends the next day in Beacon's combat room trying to forget how it feels to die scared and all alone.

Eventually other parents with terminal kids find out...and Cardin?

...Cardin just doesn't have it in his heart to say no.

Not without remembering that first night of panic and dread and realizing what saying no would do to those kids. Because what kind of manly, heroic Hunstman would give up on them?

So everyday Cardin ends up leaving the hospital a little more angry, a little more absentminded, and a little more scared cuz he doesn't know how to process it.

Eventually it gets so bad that Blake chews Cardin out for accidentally knocking her over in the halls before Cardin loses it and trashes her stuff before leaving.

Dove and Sky finally accept that something isn't right with their friend and call in the "big gun" to help him out.

Cue Velvet finally putting her foot down with her boyfriend who unsuccessfully tries to shrug her off, and pinning him down in the arena until he comes clean with his problem.

Eventually, Cardin goes from feeling frustrated, to angry, to finally feeling lost before he can't hold hold it in any more and confesses, weeping tears and all. Feels so ashamed he isn't strong enough to help the kids with their burdens or strong enough to say no, only for Velvet to hug and comfort him back, holding him.

Fic ends with Cardin going a clinic for therapy and nearly chickening out before he feels Velvet holding his hand and the loving encouragement/support she sends him. Proceeds to take one last breather before getting some well-earned help.

Click to shrink...

What do you think?

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Been working with an AI on some brainstorming. It gave me this for the Quitalan Empire (Which would have been the equivalent of the Romans in Remnant):

The Quitalan Empire began as a city-state on the continent of Sanus, formed by various tribes united for mutual defense against the Grimm. It evolved from a republic into an empire, expanding through conquest, diplomacy, and the establishment of a centralized power structure.

Expansion and Military:

• Legions and Early Huntsmen: The Quitalan military was known as the Legions, with an elite cohort of Huntsmen and Huntresses, the Praetorian Guard, who were skilled in Aura techniques but did not have the advantage of Dust. Their combat methods would focus on tactics, strategy, and the use of Aura for defense and offense against both human foes and Grimm.
• Fortifications and Roads: Without the benefit of Dust, their expansion relied heavily on their ability to construct defensible positions and safe routes, like the famous Quitalan Walls and roads, to facilitate travel and trade while minimizing Grimm encounters.
• Naval Strength: Their navy was crucial for coastal defense, but without Dust, their ships would be more traditionally built, relying on speed, ramming tactics, and boarding actions to fend off sea Grimm and rival navies.

Governance and Society:

• Aura Utilization: Aura would have been a significant aspect of Quitalan life, integrated into governance, sports, and daily activities. Training in Aura might have been widespread, with special academies for those with strong natural talents to become Huntsmen.
• Legal System: Their legal systems would have addressed matters related to Aura misuse or the handling of Grimm threats, without reference to Dust.
• Cultural Assimilation: As the Empire grew, it assimilated various cultures, adapting their religions, myths, and Grimm-fighting techniques into its own. This cultural amalgamation would strengthen the Empire's resilience against Grimm through diversity in tactics.

Infrastructure Against Grimm:

• Coliseums: Beyond entertainment, these could serve as training grounds for combat against Grimm, where citizens could learn to fight or watch Huntsmen demonstrate techniques, turning public spectacle into practical education.
• Aqueducts and Water Management: Water was a deterrent for many types of Grimm, so aqueducts would not only supply cities with water but also create barriers or traps against Grimm.
• Lighthouses and Signal Towers: These structures would also serve as watchtowers for Grimm sightings, allowing the Empire to mobilize defenses quickly.

Decline and Fall:

• Defensive Overreach: The Empire would have reached its limits in controlling vast territories without Dust, leading to vulnerabilities where Grimm could exploit weak spots in their defenses.
• Internal Decay: Similar to historical Rome, decline could come from within due to political corruption, economic troubles, or a breakdown in the societal structures that maintained their defenses against Grimm.
• Natural Disasters and Grimm: Without Dust or advanced technology to manipulate the environment, the Quitalan Empire would be more susceptible to natural disasters, which could also trigger Grimm outbreaks due to the resulting fear and negative emotions.
• Barbarian Invasions: Tribal groups or rival nations outside the Empire's direct influence might have developed their own anti-Grimm tactics, which could prove effective against the Legion's Aura-based strategies.

Legacy:

• Cultural and Technological Contributions: The Quitalan Empire would leave behind a legacy of advanced architecture designed to withstand or deter Grimm, legal systems that influenced future governance, and a cultural blend that would influence art, literature, and religion across Remnant. Their methods of dealing with Dust and Aura might have laid the groundwork for later Huntsmen academies.
• Ruins: Ruins of Quitalan cities, roads, and forts would be scattered across Sanus, some still functioning as defenses against Grimm or repurposed by later inhabitants, while others stand as haunted reminders of the past.
• Myths and Legends: The heroic deeds of Quitalan Huntsmen and leaders would become legends, with stories of their battles against monumental Grimm woven into the cultural fabric of Remnant, inspiring future generations.
• Breakdown into Smaller Kingdoms: Post-Empire, the provinces of Quitalan would have fragmented into smaller kingdoms and city-states, each potentially maintaining elements of the Quitalan military and cultural practices, adapted to local conditions.
• The Arc and Other Noble Lines: Families like the Arcs might trace their prestigious origins back to the Quitalan era, with their ancestors perhaps being notable Huntsmen or political figures during the Empire's height.