[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

Lilac Arc and the Bull

---

The White Fang's operations often involved taking hostages, and this time, Adam Taurus himself led the mission. He seized a woman from Radian, bringing her to their hidden headquarters with a clear purpose.

"Her mother is holding three of our agents in her hospital after they were captured," he told his guards right outside the cell in the abandoned building, his voice cold and commanding. "We use her to compel their release. Keep an eye on her, but do not harm her."

"Sir!" the guards responded in unison.

Adam departed for another mission, leaving the guards with Lilac Arc, who sat calmly in her cell, her demeanor surprisingly serene for a hostage.

One of the guards coughed harshly, the sound grating in the dim corridor. Lilac tilted her head, her expression softening with concern. "That sounds bad," she said gently. "I know a remedy for it, if you have a kitchen."

The second guard snorted, his eyes narrowing. "Ha! Nice try! What's the remedy, rat poison?"

"No, of course not," Lilac replied, unfazed. "It's too salty."

The first guard coughed again, wincing. "Ugh…"

"You can keep suffering, or you can feel better," Lilac said, her tone earnest. "I much prefer people to feel better. Besides, I would never poison someone."

The second guard's scowl deepened, but the first guard's pitiful coughing grew worse. With a heavy sigh, the second guard relented. "Fine…"

They escorted Lilac to the kitchen, where she gathered local herbs with practiced ease and brewed a fragrant tea. As she worked, she glanced at their meager supplies. "Hmmm… You all look like you could use a good meal," she mused, her face brightening. "Do you have any venison? I can make a great stew!"

The second guard scoffed. "Oh, please, like we're going to fall for that!"

The first guard, however, took a cautious sip of the tea. His eyes widened as he inhaled deeply. "Wow! It… I can breathe! Cough's gone! And… And it tastes great! Try it!"

"Oh, come on, you can't be serious!" the second guard snapped.

"Serious as a heart attack," the first guard insisted. "Besides, she's one woman without her Aura activated. What could she do even if she poisoned it?"

Grudgingly, the second guard sipped the tea. His skeptical expression melted into disbelief. "It… It's amazing!"

Lilac smiled warmly. "Old family recipe! Like this stew!" She was already stirring a pot, the rich aroma filling the kitchen. Other White Fang members drifted in, drawn by the scent.

"Oh! Hello!" Lilac greeted them cheerfully. "Grab a bowl, it should be done soon!"

The first guard hesitated. "Hey, hang on a second, even if it smells good, we should test it!"

"Come on," Lilac said, her voice light but firm. "I would never poison food! Then you wouldn't get to enjoy it."

The second guard's eyes narrowed. "You… Do realize you're our hostage, right? If you don't cooperate, we'll kill you."

"I am cooperating," Lilac replied simply.

The first guard nodded slowly. "She's got a point."

"Wonderful!" Lilac beamed.

When Adam returned, he found his guards noticeably relaxed, their usual tension replaced by an odd ease. "Sitrep?" he demanded.

"Oh! Lord Adam!" the second guard said, straightening. "Uh, everything's fine, sir! The hostage is safe and compliant."

"Good," Adam said, his tone clipped. "Her mother is proving difficult. We'll need to make a video to show how serious we are."

"Errr… I see, Lord Adam," the first guard mumbled, exchanging a glance with his partner.

Lilac approached, her demeanor as warm as ever. "Hello, Lord Adam! Let me take your coat. It's freezing out there, hm? Here, have some hot tea!"

Adam accepted the cup absentmindedly. "Ah, thank you." He took a sip, then froze, spitting it out. "Wha—Why are you out of your cell?!"

"Well, I couldn't finish my knitting in there, My Lord," Lilac said, presenting him with a red scarf. "Here you are! Goes with your hair."

The first guard let out an involuntary "Aw…"

Lilac turned to him with a playful wink. "I didn't forget you, sweetie!" She handed him a green scarf. "Goes with your scales!"

"Oh, sweet!" the guard said, catching Adam's furious glare. "I-I mean, um… Thank you, you pathetic human!"

"You're welcome!" Lilac said brightly.

---

A day later, Adam found Lilac in the kitchen again, cooking for the entire camp. She hummed a soft lullaby under her breath, unaware of his approach until he stood beside her, alone. "Oh. Hello, Lord Adam," she said, pausing. "Is there something you wish of me?"

He studied her for a long moment. "If they refuse to pay the ransom, your life is forfeit."

"I know, Lord Adam," she replied calmly.

"You aren't afraid of that?" he pressed.

She shrugged, her eyes steady. "I am."

"Yet you still persist like this."

"Yes, Lord Adam."

"Why?" he demanded, his voice tinged with irritation.

"Your men needed good food," she said simply. "Your men need kindness. Everyone does."

"We are holding you hostage," he snapped.

"Yes."

"We are criminals by your estimation."

"Yes."

"We are Faunus, and our goal is to overthrow your oppression and tyranny."

"Have I oppressed you, Lord Adam?" she asked softly.

He faltered, then glared. "You annoy me."

"I'm sorry, Lord Adam."

His patience snapped. He seized her long hair, forcing her to her knees with a yelp. Drawing Wilt, he pressed the blade to her throat. "I could end your life in an instant."

"Yes, Lord Adam… I-I know," she whispered, trembling.

"So drop the act," he snarled. "You're just trying to manipulate us with lies and deceit!"

"No, Lord Adam! I-I assure you, I am not—!" she pleaded.

"Then why this?!" he roared, the blade digging into her skin. "Why all of this?! You're trying to make us drop our guard! Allow you to escape!"

Lilac winced, her voice strained. "Even if I tried… I know I'm too far away from anywhere civilized to escape. I'd be killed by Grimm or brought back."

"Then why?!" he shouted. "WHY ACT LIKE THIS?!"

She closed her eyes, taking a shuddering breath. "Because it's the right thing to do!"

Adam froze. "What?"

"I firmly believe…" she said, her voice steadying, "that people in pain need help and kindness. That it's the right thing to do to help others, even if they want to—to kill me or hurt me. To try, at least."

"What makes you think I'm in pain?!" he growled.

"You are," she said softly. "We all are… It is why the Tablebreaker came, is it not? To heal the hurt of the world—?"

"That religion is nonsense!" Adam spat. "Just a means of control of the masses! It turns a Faunus into a martyr, just to try and pretend to be fair! All the while the church and governments oppress Faunus!"

"No… No, it isn't," Lilac countered. "Corrupt priests and churches can do bad things in the name of the Emperor Above, but it doesn't change the good at its core!"

Adam's voice dripped with venom. "And so you would do this? Be kind, even to your captors? Even if it meant your death?! All because of your belief?"

Lilac, shaking, met his gaze. "Y-Yes… Yes, I would."

Silence hung between them. Adam's grip slackened, and he pulled the blade away, stepping back. "You're confined to your cell," he said, his voice low. "You will not do anything else but sit and be silent."

"As you wish, Lord Adam," she replied, rising slowly.

---

Days later, Adam summoned her from her cell. Three Faunus escorted her to a small chamber where a camera waited. "On your knees," he ordered.

Lilac complied without protest. Adam turned to his guards. "The negotiators are trying to buy time. We need to send a stronger message. We have other hostages… We'll kill her to show we mean business."

The first guard hesitated. "S-Sir… Um, she is the most prominent. Maybe we need to—"

"Those are my orders," Adam snapped. "Set up the camera."

Reluctantly, the guards began preparing. Adam waited until the camera was ready, then spoke, his voice cold. "You have ignored our demands. This is the price you will pay."

Lilac's voice broke the tension, soft but steady. "Lord Adam… May I have a request, please? W-Well… Two requests?"

He glared at her. "What?"

She reached into her dress pocket, producing a small photo. Adam snatched it, his eyes widening behind his mask as he saw it. "You—!"

"My fiancé… Mercer," Lilac said, her voice trembling. "He… If you could return that to him…"

"You… You're engaged?! To a Faunus?!" Adam demanded.

"Yes, Lord Adam…" she said, wincing.

He glared, his jaw tight. "And the other?"

"May I please pray?" she asked. "Before you… You execute me?"

Adam gritted his teeth but stepped back. Lilac bowed her head, folding her hands. "Tablebreaker, merciful Lord… Please… Forgive them. They know not what they do… And… And please look after my family. I… I won't be there for them anymore…"

The room fell silent. One of the guards sucked in a breath. "Sir… Lord Adam, please," he said. "We-We don't need to kill her."

"Are you questioning my orders?!" Adam roared.

Another guard spoke up, voice shaking. "Sir, she—Please! Yes, humans are our enemy, but—Please, maybe she's one of the good ones—!"

"There are no good ones!" Adam snarled. "It's a trick! A deception! She's still trying to manipulate you for her life! SHE'S THE ENEMY!"

Lilac continued praying, her body trembling but her voice steady. A third guard stepped forward. "Sir, please! Look… I've known many a bad human, but she's done nothing!"

"Humans have done plenty to us!" Adam shouted. "Especially when we did 'nothing'! YOU THINK SHE ACTUALLY CARES?! YOU THINK THIS IS REAL?!" He struck Lilac, sending her sprawling to the floor. "SHE'S A LIAR! A TRICKSTER!"

He seized her by the collar, lifting her off the ground as she choked. "You're just manipulating us! You don't believe we're good! You don't believe a word! Say it! SAY IT!"

"N-No!" Lilac gasped. "I won't! And I won't stop!"

Adam's grip tightened, but he sensed the growing unrest among his men. They were on the verge of turning against him. After a tense moment, he dropped her to the floor. "Take her back to her cell," he ordered, his voice low.

"Yes, sir…" the first guard said, helping Lilac to her feet.

---

The next day, Lilac awoke in a forest clearing, the air cool and quiet. Adam stood nearby, his expression unreadable. He tossed a canteen at her feet. "You're a day's walk from Matron Village. There are no Grimm around. They'll get you home."

Lilac blinked, stunned. "… You're letting me go?"

"You're too disruptive as a hostage," Adam said coldly. "My men are threatening to mutiny. Your manipulations are too strong… You're too dangerous to keep. So… Go."

Lilac smiled softly. "Thank you, Lord Adam—"

"Stop that," he snapped. "I don't believe you for a second. This was all an act to get me to release you… And you won."

"No… No," she said, her voice gentle. "I mean… I'm glad to be free… But you're still in pain. And still lost."

Adam scoffed. "I don't need you to save me."

"We all need someone to save us," she replied. "We're all in this together, human and Faunus."

He stared at her, silent for a long moment.

"If more humans thought as you do…" he said finally, his voice quieter, "… maybe I wouldn't have to do what I do."

Lilac nodded. "I know."

Without another word, Adam turned and vanished into the woods, leaving her alone in the clearing.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

A fun and silly idea: In My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Earth Ponies can channel their magic into the Earth to make plants grow stronger and better.
Not only that but imbue the food with, essentially, status effects. Good ones. Improved health and such (mainly in the MLP RPG but hey). Earth Ponies also live for a VERY long time. Granny Smith, the matriarch of the Apple Family, is well over 200 years old but she only looks like she's in her 70s or 80s.

Might be amusing if the Arc Family is like that. They just have ridiculously powerful Auras but they've mainly been using it for farming. And they didn't know what they were doing, just putting energy into the ground and the food. Which made it grow stronger, better, and more delicious.

Ruby: "Uggghhh... I tried to grow my own mint for cookies but it's dying!"

Jaune: "Hang on..." He pushes a hand down onto the potting soil, and the mint plant springs back to life, practically glowing "There you go! Though try not to water it so much from now on."

Ruby: "... Wait what?"

Jaune: "Well I did grow up on a farm. I did this all the time with my family when he grew stuff on our farm. Though, this was a lot easier! Usually it takes me like an hour to get a plant back up. Maybe it's because my Aura is unlocked, huh? Cool!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune was busy cleaning his guns and relaxing in the JNPR common room. Nora was making a card house, while Ren watched. Pyrrha was doing some weapon maintenance... Which is when Weiss charged in.

Weiss: "JAUNE!"

Nora's card house collapsed.

Nora: "NO! MY BABIES!"

Weiss: "I'm sorry, but um... Jaune? I need some help."

Jaune: "You do? What with?"

Weiss: "Um... First... Please, forgive me. I got a little... Carried away."

Jaune: "... Carried away how?"

Weiss: clears her throat "Um..."

A blue haired young man in fancy clothes walked in, the very picture of foppish arrogance.

Henry Marigold: "Well well well! You're the man I have to kill for Weiss's hand in marriage, are you?" sniffs "You don't look like much to me!"

Jaune: "And you are, sir?"

Henry Marigold: "Henry Marigold, of the Atlas Marigolds. And Weiss will be my wife, you-you homewrecking barbarian!"

Pyrrha: "What?!"

Nora: "What?!"

Ren: "What."

Weiss: clears her throat "Henry, please wait outside. Jaune will... Will be out soon."

Henry: "He'd better hurry! I want to have lunch after I kill him!"

Henry walked off. Jaune glared at Weiss, as did the rest of JNPR. Weiss wilted.

Pyrrha: "... Weiss? Explain."

Jaune: "Quickly."

Weiss: "He's courting me, my father approves of him, I do not, I told him you were also courting me-Again, courting, nothing more formal! But under Atlasian and Valean law, he can challenge you to a duel! And I... I am sorry I didn't tell you, Jaune! I will do anything you want after, but please... Please... Do not let this man take me away. Please?"

Jaune takes a long, deep breath. He lets out an equally long, deep sigh.

Jaune: "... Do I have to kill him?"

Weiss: "I... N-No, I don't think so. Just beat him in a duel."

Jaune: "All right. That makes things simpler."

Five minutes later, JNPR and Weiss leave the dorm for the quad. Henry is standing there, looking smug.

Henry: "I'm looking forward to ending this, but first... Jaune Arc, was it?"

Jaune: "Yes sir."

Henry: sniffs "Of the former Royal House of Gallia? Your family's been long fallen from grace. I hear your mother's some quack with an ancient hospital and your father's a brute with more swords than brains. And you! A cowboy? A lowlife, ignorant cowhand?" He looked to Weiss, shaking his head "My dear, your tastes have been corrupted by this... Huntress lifestyle. Come back to Atlas, and become the Lady of Beauty and Grace you were meant to be! My wonderful wife! Free of responsibility, care... And ruffians like this."

Jaune: "..." takes a deep breath "Mister Marigold, was it?"

Henry: smirk "Yes?"

Jaune: "As much as I would like to start shootin', I would like to politely offer you to withdraw."

Henry: "Oh? You're giving up Weiss?"

Jaune: "Weiss is my friend and her own person. I would never make her do anything she didn't want to. I'm just saying that you have the opportunity to walk away from her and this situation, sir."

Henry: "And why would I do that? I will slay you in this duel and resolve everything!"

Jaune: "All right then. Draw." In flash, Jaune draws his gun and shoots Henry in the knee.

Henry: "GAH! WHA-YOU-YOU DIDN'T EVEN WAIT FOR THE DUEL TO BEGIN! DON'T YOU KNOW ANYTHING?!"

Jaune: "My mistake. By all means, draw your piece sir."

Henry tries to draw his gun, and Jaune promptly shoots the gun out of his hand and then in the other knee.

Henry: "ACK! YOU-FINE! YOU WIN, YOU WIN!"

Jaune: "Would you like me to go three for three, Weiss?"

Weiss looks severely tempted for a moment, before shaking her head.

Weiss: "I-I... No, that's... That's quite sufficient. I have no interest in you, Henry. You've lost, so please leave."

Henry: "ARGH! YOU-YOU CHEATED!"

Jaune: "Ah, you'll have to forgive me, sir. I am, after all, just an ignorant cowhand." He twirls his gun and holsters it. "Weiss, I do believe you have some explaining to do."

Weiss: "I... Y-yes... Yes, I do..."

Jaune: Lower voice "But I understand how it is to be put into a desperate situation and need to ask forgiveness rather than permission. So I ain't holdin' that against you, especially when the matter of your freedom was at stake."

Weiss: "Really?"

Jaune: "Weiss... I ain't lettin' anyone I care about get sold off like cattle. Hell, I'd shoot him again on principle."

Weiss: smiles warmly "Thank you Jaune..."

Pyrrha: "You know, I would also be willing to shoot him."

Weiss: "Hm? What's wrong, Pyrrha? Jealous that Jaune would maim a man for me and not you?"

Pyrrha: terrifyingly plastic smile "He'd do it for me in a heartbeat without being coerced."

Nora: "Renny, when are you going to maim a man for me? It's so romantic!"

Ren: "I'll get around to it."

Nora: "Yay!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune enters an ancient temple his great-grandmother brought him to.

Jaune: "What's this?"

Nana: "A test. One all Jedi must face."

Jaune: "What's in there?"

Nana: "Only what you take with you." frowns "I sense... Someone else is within... But how?"

They enter together... But the walls shift, and suddenly Jaune is cut off from his Nana.

Jaune: "Nana?! NANA!"

He takes deep breaths... Calms himself... And then hears footsteps in the ancient temple. He turns... And sees him.

Adam: "... To think, I would once have been content with power over this small world. That is a good start... But only a start."

Jaune: "Adam... How did you find this place?!"

Adam: "My mother left me a memento. Before a human killed her." He held out a pyramid shaped object that glowed red. Jaune sucked in a deep, horrified breath.

Jaune: "A Sith holocron?!"

Adam: "Yes... Did you really think your great-grandmother was the only one to survive? Did you think this world untouched? Long ago, Force Users unto the Gods fought on this planet, and above it. Shattered the moon, devastated civilization. This Temple was left by the Jedi... But the Sith left one behind, too. The Force flows through this world. It is strong... With the Darkside of the Force."

Jaune: "The Light is still stronger! The Grimm are nothing but distortions of the Force! The Darkside twisted life into something horrible, unnatural!"

Adam: "Unnatural? Or the next step in evolution? You are locked in the old ways. The Jedi create order... It become complacent, corrupt, weak and feeble. The Sith, sensing weakness, seize upon it and the galaxy is torn apart in war. Foolish Jedi... We are part of an unending cycle. But... We can end it."

Jaune: "... How?"

Adam: "Join me. Our combined strength can end the Dark Witch AND the feeble Wizard. Can end the conflict between Man and Faunus! We command the Force! The greatest power in the universe! Why suffer these weaklings to hold any power? They abuse it! Together, Light and Darkside, we can prove we are the true rulers of this world! We can bring peace, order-"

Jaune: "Tyranny! Slavery!"

Adam: snorts "Weak people, who cannot hear or feel the heartbeat of creation, are responsible for those things."

Jaune: "Like the Sith?!"

Adam: "The Sith I have been learning from had a similar, revolutionary spirit. She saw the endless conflict for the stupidity it was. Her conclusion was wrong though. This power cannot be destroyed... But it can be used to bring about true balance. You are soft, weak... But kind. I am cruel and strong... But willing to compromise. We would be the perfect choices to rule this world!"

Jaune: "... Oh no... The holocron of Darth Treia?!"

Adam: smirks "The same... But where she betrayed, I offer my hand. My friendship. What do you say?"

Jaune: ignites his lightsaber

Adam: "... So be it." Ignites his own red lightsaber, and the battle is joined

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Jaune fought Adam... But despite his training, Adam was still the better swordsman. Their sabers clashed, burning in the temple, their scream of static as they forced their blades against eachother.

Jaune tried to use the Force to get the upper hand, but Adam matched him, blow for blow.

Adam: "You seem to have some assumptions, Jaune. You think I'm just another Force user driven mad by the revelation of my power. Intoxicated by the Darkside. No... No, I see things clearly, Jaune."

Jaune: "Do you?!"

He flips over Adam, striking from above. Adam blocks the strike, and swings behind him. Jaune uses the Force to dive out of the way and launch stones at Adam. Adam deflects them with his lightsaber and charges, forcing Jaune back.

Adam: "Yes! I see the battle for what it is! It is not human and Faunus, it is not Grimm versus the Souled, it is not Grimm Witch against Ancient Wizard! It is order versus chaos! The Force gives us the power to bring true order and freedom! FREEDOM from this endless conflict!"

Jaune: "Haa... Haaa... People will fight you! I will fight you!"

Adam: "We could stand together! As brothers in the Force! Darkside, Lightside, what does it matter?!"

Jaune: "It matters to me! It matters to the people of this world!"

Adam: "So does freedom from this war! Think of it! Our powers combined could free the people of this world from the Witch and Wizard's squabble! And we could guide them! With the power of the Force, there is nothing we could not do!"

Jaune: "We still have limits, even with the Force!"

Adam: "We are blessed with the power of the universe! Its very essence! We should be in charge! We should rule!"

Jaune: "Then you've learned NOTHING!"

Adam: "And you are still bound by the Jedi's chains!"

Adam knocks the lightsaber out of Jaune's hands, and knocks him down a chasm.

Jaune: "AAAAHHHHH-!"

He slows down. He comes to a stop in another part of the temple. Tall pillars stand over him. Nearby, there is an man with angular features, black hair, with a short trimmed beard sitting in Jedi robes.

Man: "You all right?"

Jaune: "I... Yeah... Thank you for saving me."

Man: "It's all right... It has been a while since anyone came here."

Jaune: "Who... Who are you?"

Man: "... I have borne many titles... Jedi Hero, Savior of the Galaxy. Dark Lord of the Sith."

He stands, and for a moment he is dressed in Sith armor with an ominous mask over his face. Jaune's eyes widen in disbelief.

Jaune: "... Revan...!"

The specter returns to the older man with a soft smile.

Revan: "Yes... You know me?"

Jaune: "I do! But... Aren't you dead?"

Revan: "Yes... And no. I became one with the Force long ago. My teacher was the Jedi Master who became Darth Traya. Her holocron being activated... Alerted me, for lack of a better term."

Jaune: "So... Can you help me win?"

Revan: "Perhaps... That all depends on how you define winning."

Jaune: groans "Look, I'm not... I'm not some Jedi Master sitting in a temple contemplating stuff isolated from the universe! I'm here! In the real world! You can't just quibble over crap and think you're wise!"

Revan: grins "Yes... That sounds like your Nana all right."

Jaune: flush "Uh, sorry-"

Revan: "No... There is something to be said for that. The Jedi become locked in a cage of dogma, weak and stifled. The Sith though become locked in a cage of endless betrayal and self destruction. The Jedi seek peace and create stagnation, the Sith seek freedom and create tyranny. It is the tragedy of both Orders."

Jaune: "So... What's the answer?"

Revan: "A fool would say that it is some arbitrary middle ground between the philosophies. The truth is... The Force is. It is infinite, far more beautiful and terrifying than can be put into two arbitrary boxes. The Darkside can destroy you through corruption... But the Lightside can destroy you through stagnation. You must feel the Force, understand it, embrace the greater mysteries of it. Let go of your prejudices and truly seek answers without preconceptions. Only then can you truly know the Force, and yourself. Only then can you be what a Jedi is meant to be."

Jaune: "That still sounds like the Sith are the enemy."

Revan: "They are. But the Jedi too can be an enemy. But if you define a Jedi as one who masters himself while trusting the Force, to do what is right and necessary? Then a Jedi you will be, Jaune Arc. Are you willing to delve into these mysteries, Jaune? To truly understand the Force and yourself?"

Jaune: "... I am."

Revan: "Then let us begin..."

 

[SharkCultist]

Sometimes Ren loves his semblance. The coolness and clarity of mind suppressed emotions brings comes quite in handy sometimes.

Like when mercilessly hunting down his friends.

Ruby and Jaune were first. Too trusting, they were down before they even realized it.

Yang was the second easiest to take down, just had to taunt her a bit and she literally ran face first into his attacks. She even dragged Weiss down with her.

He had to cheat with Blake and Pyrrha, he couldn't catch Blake and there's no way he could beat Pyrrha. So he led them into some tripwire traps and let them do the job for him.

And now was the hardest battle. Nora.

"Please don't do this renny, we can talk this out."

"You know that's not the case."

"But I don't wanna fight!"

"Oh Nora."

He points the barrel at her chest.

"This was never a fight."

And pulls the trigger.

Her clothes are splattered with pink paint.

"Nooooo my sloth shirt."

[Beeeeep]

"The exercise is over. Lie Ren is the victor of the survival exercise. He will be exempt from the next exam. Meanwhile the rest of you will have extra lessons this Saturday because of that frankly embarrassing defeat."

"Aww miss Goodwitch come on!"

"You're the ones who thought you could win a 7 v 1 against the stealth specialist. And miss Valkyrie the next time you don't want to get a shirt ruined perhaps you shouldn't wear it to the paintball maze."

"This was my favorite shirt....."

"Nora you have 9 more."

"silence betrayer! How could you mercilessly gun down your childhood friend."

"There are no friends in paintball. Only targets."

 

[SharkCultist]

Today was a different lesson than usual for beacon academy. They had a guest speaker.

He was old, nobody could tell quite how old because he was also quite large.

If you were to ask Ruby to describe his body she would just say "baymax".

He had a shock of pure white hair and a clean shaven face with a near constant smile along with a very bright pair of green eyes.

You'd be forgiven for thinking he was just someone's sweet old grandpa.

If it wasn't for the hundreds of small nicks and scars all over his hands and arms.

"Welcome class, I will be your guest lecturer today. My name is-

"Santa?!"

"Hoho! I'm afraid not miss Valkyrie. No my name is Marshall Mello. I'm a retired huntsmen and humanitarian worker."

"Oh yeah I think I've heard of you. Kinda. Don't you have a kid who does music?"

"Why yes my granddaughter Enn does do music under the name Mello Melodies, but that's not what we're here to discuss today miss rose. I am here to ask you one simple question. What is the purpose of a Hunter?"

"Kill Grimm!"

"Catch criminals!"

"To serve our kingdoms!"

"To pick up chicks!"

"Incorrect all of you! Especially that last one. See me after class."

"Ah beans."

"No children Hunters exist for a single reason."

He looks at the class and raises his aura, using it to amplify his voice.

"A Hunter exists to help. Nothing more, nothing less."

---

So Marshall is old school. How old? He was teammates with Ozpin two reincarnations ago.

Oz never brought him in on Salem. Not because he didn't trust him but because he was doing far more good in his own then he would getting tied into his shadow cabal shenanigans.

Mallos semblance is the ability to convert body mass into aura. Hence why he's so large (though you won't see him complaining about it).

He's a guy who enjoys as much out of life as he can. And he has a fairly large family. It isn't Arc big but he at least has enough immediate family members to make two sports teams.

 

[SharkCultist]

So I was thinking about Atlas and for some strange reason I get the feeling they're the kingdom with the most patriotic people and holidays.

And I'm just picturing rby waking up one day to Weiss decked out in some kind of super Atlasy outfit and setting up a meal full of stuff they've never heard of and a concerning amount of homemade dust fireworks.

Yang: "What exactly...is this?"

Weiss: "It's a traditional Atlas dish, from back before we were quite as technologically advanced as we are now and had to be much more careful about waste."

Yang: "Nice dodge. But seriously. What the hell is that? Because it's stinking up the common area."

Weiss: "It's a stew made with crispy chittlin, offal, potatoes, and various hot spices in a rich broth made with marrow and a secret ingredient."

Yang: "Weiss I swear to the brothers if I have to grab a dictionary I will beat you with it."

Weiss: "FINE! It's a stew made from blood and bone broth with organ meat and crispy skin strips!"

Yang: "see was that so hard? Also next time cook it outside. Also eew."

Weiss: "I'm sorry THIS is too gross for you? I've seen you eat a burger so greasy it made squishing sounds when you picked it up."

Blake: "yes but everyone eats burgers."

Weiss: "your favorite pizza is pineapple, anchovies, and onion. Nobody puts any stock in your food opinions "

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Written with RedDragonEmpress, a short fun idea: Jaune accidentally summons his ancestor, Jeanne D'Arc of Radian, who destroyed the Witch Queen of Argus. She did this with the help of Ozpin's incarnation at the time, who posed as Ozmas the Wizard.

Unfortunately Jaune managed to get her Alter form. Yes, Jalter!Jeanne is loose.

Jalter: "BURN THE HERETICS!"

Jaune: "But Greatest Grandmama, they're my friends!"

Jaltar: "Then take them as your concubines! That's how we did it in my day!" Raises her flag up high. "Now where is the emerald wizard?! HE OWES ME A NIGHT IN BED!"

Ozpin: "Oh no."

Jaune: "Um, Headmaster?"

Jalter: "YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM ME!"

Ozpin: Already packing his bags. "Mr. Arc, considering this is your fault, I'm leaving you in charge. Let me know when she's gone!"

Jaune: "ME?!"

Jalter: "FOUND YOU~!"

Ozpin: "WITH MY LAST BREATH, I CURSE JAUNE ARC!"

 

[SharkCultist]

So this idea hit me. It's got a bit of Danny phantom and a sprinkle of one or two specific Kamen rider in it. And something secret.

---

He's eight years old when he messes everything up.

He asked his parents to train him again, and again they said no. But this time instead of going to his room and sulking he decided to act out.

There's a HUGE tree out back behind the house, a old oak that's been around almost longer than the family. His mom doesn't like the kids playing near it.

So obviously to spite her he had to climb the damned thing. He'd never been the greatest climber, his stamina is pretty shit, but spite can be a wonderful motivator.

He made it at least seven stories up before the inevitable happened and he fell.

Have you ever heard your own bones break? Jaune has. He heard his liny arms and legs and ribs snap as he slammed into the branches on the way down and he heard his ribs shatter when he hit the ground.

The sound was unpleasant but luckily he couldn't focus on that, unluckily that's because he was in pure agony.

And the cherry on top was landing at his mother's feet.

He was dying. She was using all her skills trying to fix him but she was just dragging it out, he would have screamed at her to stop if he still had the ability.

Finally something changed. She realized she was losing the battle so she switched tactics and awakened his aura. It shouldn't have done much if anything at all but somehow it let her beat out the rate of him dying.

Second by second, inch by inch she dragged him away from the grave.

He spent a year healing after that even with his moms legendary medical skills though part of that was because his body and aura became a bit....odd.

His heartbeat and temperature were 2/3rds under anyone else and he could do things with his aura others couldn't.

He could extend his aura past his body without needing a weapon, he used it to kinda float around a bit or to do tricks for his sister's by making their toys orbit around him.

Whatever that was it wasn't a semblance. They weren't even sure if he had a semblance or if it burned out keeping him alive.

But Jaune knew there was something there, he knew because of the odd feelings with himself. How his aura telekinesis trick felt like something reaching out past from I der his skin, or how the floating felt like it was dragging his body around instead of enveloping it.

He's eleven years old the next time he asks for training and they finally say yes. It feels like blackmail, not a victory.

They almost train him back into the grave. If they can't stop him from risking his life then they'll make him as hard to kill as possible.

He sweeps through the exams to bypass a prep academy before hitting Beacon.

It's always been his dream to attend this school. Beacon academy the home of heroes. It's all looking up, he's somehow stumbled his way into a gorgeous and friendly partner, and they've already almost finished the exam with a pretty big group.

Which is when the big ass scorpion and bird show up and Ruby almost dies to a stinger that Weiss ends up saving her from, unfortunately they both ended up knocked into a tree from the force of its stinger stab hitting Weiss barrier and the hit is hard enough to shatter their auras.

Jaune doesn't want to see death again.

Something in him clicks and for just a second he feels the familiar and dreader sensation of falling again.

Only instead of his body falling he's falling into the back of his own head as something shifts and his aura goes from a sunny yellow to a angry crimson.

To everyone else they watch a much more dramatic change as his hair shifts the a coal black color and his eyes turn a haunting and acidic green color, which is some of the only color left on him as most of it seemed to leech away from his clothes and armor except for a light blue color around his fingertips and on his sword that Weiss was quick to realize was ice.

But if his physical changes seemed extreme they were nothing to the changes to his presence.

A feeling in the air around him of dread, a cold terror that sunk into your bones and made you want to run even though you knew it was pointless.

Jaune chuckled. Like dry dead tree branches rubbing up against each other. Finally he spoke, in a much deeper voice dripping with sarcasm.

"It's good to be alive."

---

Ok so a couple things about this Jaune.

The ghost form is his semblance. It's not quite a full ghost thing like Danny has but it's got some different scarier abilities.

The ghost form is still Jaune but it's all the worst parts of him combined with his trauma and the bulk of his power. It'll still work towards what Jaune wants but not always in a way he would approve of.

For instance he might stop cardin from bullying velvet by attempting to break his neck.

Also if you want to imagine his voice it's literally Dan Phantoms voice.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The dorm room was pitch-black, save for the faint glow of moonlight slipping through the curtains, when Ruby Rose's frantic voice pierced the silence. "Jaune! Jaune!" Her small hands shook Jaune Arc's shoulders, rousing him from a deep sleep. Blinking groggily, he squinted up at her, her silver eyes wide and pleading as she loomed over his bed at 1 AM—an increasingly annoying habit.

"Hnn? What?" Jaune mumbled, rubbing his eyes. "What did Blake do now?"

"It's not Blake, it's Yang," Ruby said, her voice a mix of worry and urgency.

Jaune sighed, sitting up and running a hand through his messy blond hair. "Okay… what happened?"

"I-I just know she needs a tow… and you have a driver's license… so, um… could you go help her?" Ruby's puppy-dog eyes were dialed to maximum, her hands clasped together in a desperate plea.

Jaune stared at his best friend, his resolve crumbling under her gaze. "Wh-Why can't Weiss or Blake help?"

"We're not allowed to leave campus again because of our detention!" Ruby said, her voice rising. "Which was totally Blake's fault, by the way—!"

"Okay, okay…" Jaune sighed, swinging his legs out of bed. "I'll go help her."

"Thank you!" Ruby squeaked, bouncing on her toes before darting out.

Grumbling under his breath, Jaune made his way to Vale, his Hunter-in-Training ID smoothing the way to rent a beat-up truck. The late-night streets were quiet, the city's neon lights casting long shadows as he drove to the coordinates Ruby had texted, his annoyance simmering. When he spotted Yang Xiao Long sitting on the sidewalk, his irritation faltered. She looked listless, her lilac eyes dull as she stared at the wreckage of her beloved motorcycle, Bumblebee, its yellow frame battered and twisted. Jaune winced, pulling the truck to a stop.

"Yang? Yang, you okay?" he called, hopping out.

Yang blinked, her gaze lifting slowly. "Huh? Oh, uh, hey, VB." Her eyes widened at the truck. "You got a truck?"

"Well, Ruby said you needed a tow," Jaune said, scratching his neck.

"Yeah…" Yang sighed, her shoulders slumping as she glanced at Bumblebee.

"What happened?" Jaune asked, crouching beside her.

"…I poked a hornet's nest for some info, and, well… my baby got in the crossfire," Yang admitted, her voice heavy.

Jaune eyed the motorcycle's mangled frame and winced again. "Geez… yeah. That's pretty beat up."

They worked together to heft Bumblebee into the truck's rear bed, the silence between them thick but not uncomfortable. Jaune slid into the driver's seat, Yang settling beside him, her usual fire dimmed. He glanced at her, then fiddled with the radio, landing on a late-night soul station, its smooth melodies filling the cab.

"Uh… how about some music?" he offered.

"…Sure," Yang murmured, staring out the window.

Jaune stole another glance, her morose expression tugging at him. "You… you're gonna fix her up though, right?"

Yang's voice was soft, uncertain. "I… I'm gonna try… I've always fixed her up before, but…" She shook her head. "She was a wreck when I found her, but I put her back together. Made her run. She's my baby… but this much damage? I don't even want to imagine how much it'll cost." Her eyes glistened, her voice dropping. "I don't know if you can understand… but getting her? Making her mine? Just taking her out on the road? I felt… free."

Jaune's grip tightened on the wheel, his voice quiet but earnest. "…I spent most of my childhood in the hospital. I remember this one time my dad took me out for a ride on his motorcycle. He held me in front and drove, just flying down the roads. I felt… I felt like a bird, going so fast. It was just… a perfect moment of freedom. This feeling that… that I wasn't small or weak. When I got older, I started working on his bikes with the rest of the farm equipment. He let me take rides on his bike… I remember the first ride I took by myself. I was scared out of my mind, but that… that feeling of freedom? That came back in full. It was even better. So… so I get it, Yang. I do. She's more than a bike… she's your friend."

Yang's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes warming as she looked at him. "Yeah. I mean… I'm not giving up. It's just… it's gonna take a while."

The sadness lingered in her gaze, and Jaune nodded slowly, a plan sparking in his mind.

- - -

A few days later, Yang trudged into the Beacon garage, her boots scuffing the concrete. Her attempts to repair Bumblebee had stalled, the spare parts she needed months out of reach. She steeled herself for another disheartening look at her bike's broken frame, but when she opened the garage door, her jaw dropped. Boxes of spare parts—painted her favorite shade of yellow—were neatly stacked around Bumblebee's hulk, ready to be installed. Jaune stood nearby, unloading one last box, his grin bright as he caught sight of her.

"Oh! Hey, Yang!" he called, wiping sweat from his brow.

Yang's voice was a stunned whisper. "Wha… what's all this, VB?"

"Well, I, uh, asked my dad if he knew anyone with the spare parts you needed, since your model of bike is similar to one of his," Jaune said, scratching his neck. "And he sent me all these parts!" He winced. "I, um, still had to pay for it, but it was at a discount!"

Yang moved through the boxes, her fingers brushing over the parts—used but in solid condition. Her lilac eyes flicked to Jaune, who stood there, a touch awkward but earnest.

"So… why?"

Jaune blinked. "Why? Why what?"

"I mean, why do this for me?" Yang asked, her voice soft but searching.

Jaune's smile was warm, his tone simple. "Because you're my friend. And she's your friend. And you help your friends out… I mean, does it have to be any more complicated than that?"

Yang's throat tightened, her voice barely above a whisper. "I… I guess not… but…" She crossed the distance in a heartbeat, pulling him into a tight hug. "Thank you."

Jaune's cheeks flushed, but he hugged her back, his arms steady. "Any time… well, um, almost any time. It was still pretty expensive."

Yang giggled, pulling back with a grin. "Yeah, I imagine… you're gonna be okay, right?"

"Yeah," Jaune said, his grin turning wry. "It's actually less than I have to pay when I take my team out to lunch."

Yang's eyebrows shot up. "Seriously?"

"Nora is an eating machine," Jaune said, a haunted look crossing his face. "My wallet will never recover."

Yang laughed, the sound bright and genuine. "Heh… so, um… you busy?"

Jaune tilted his head. "No. Why?"

"Wanna help me fix her up?" Yang asked, her grin softening. "You did get the parts, and you have some experience."

Jaune hesitated, his voice gentle. "I… are you sure? She's your baby—"

"Yeah," Yang said, her eyes warm, "and you're helping to bring her back to life. So… what do you say, Stud?"

Jaune's grin widened, a spark of confidence in his eyes. "I'd like that…"

They got to work, Jaune pausing as he began unscrewing a panel on Bumblebee's frame. "But, Stud? Why that?"

Yang's smile was playful, her voice teasing. "You've earned it."

Jaune chuckled, his tone light but bold. "Huh… works for me, Spitfire."

Yang's cheeks flushed, her voice rising in mock protest. "H-Hey! You can't just call me that!"

"Why not?" Jaune asked, his grin mischievous. "You have your nickname for me, I have one for you. Isn't that fair?"

"You have to go for the most obvious one?" Yang huffed, crossing her arms.

"How about Sunshine?" Jaune offered, his voice sincere. "Because you brighten my day!"

Yang's blush deepened, her hand covering her mouth as she muttered, "G-Geez! Take it easy, Ladykiller!"

Jaune blinked, genuinely confused. "What? I mean it sincerely!"

Yang mumbled under her breath, "Yeah, that's the problem."

"Huh?" Jaune asked, leaning closer.

"Nothing!" Yang said loudly, turning to the bike. "Let's get to work already! Time's a wasting!"

Jaune grinned, picking up a wrench. "All right, all right… as you wish, Sunshine."

Yang's pleased blush was impossible to hide, though she tried, her voice soft. "G-Geez…"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Yang has learned that Jaune Arc's mother, Doctor Isabel Arc, is one of the strongest hand to hand fighters in Vale's history. So she decides to test herself against her. How hard could it be?

Yang-centric, Action/Drama, Original Character, One-Shot. For Dragonslayer Week 2025.

- - -


Yang Xiao-Long had looked up Isabel Arc, and the woman's record was nothing short of staggering. A former Huntress who had overthrown a corrupt government and battled a Grimm Hydra, Isabel was a legend in her own right. Yang, ever the martial artist, burned with curiosity to test the strength of Jaune's mother for herself. When she learned Isabel was visiting Beacon to volunteer, Yang seized her chance. She found Isabel meditating in a field of ruins just outside the academy, dressed in her usual green dress, white labcoat, and glasses, exuding a serene calm. Despite having eight children, Isabel's presence was striking—her martial prowess evident in her controlled movements, and Yang couldn't help but note, with a touch of awe, that she was still undeniably attractive.

Without opening her eyes, Isabel spoke, her voice steady. "Hello, Yang. What can I do for you?"

Yang, caught off guard but not entirely surprised—her stealth wasn't exactly top-notch—grinned and shrugged. "Heyah, Doc Arc!" she said, her carefree smile masking the thrill and slight unease of being so easily detected. "What's up?"

"Not much," Isabel said with a soft, curious smile, "Something on your mind?"

Slamming her fist into her palm, Yang's eyes gleamed with determination. "From what I heard, you're the one to beat. Figured while you're here, I could see why."

Isabel stood, stretching and rolling her shoulders, her tone measured. "It's been a very long time since I was a Huntress, Yang. Glynda Goodwitch outclasses me-"

"Yeah, but not in hand to hand. Everyone says you're still incredible," Yang insisted. "I also heard that my mom… Fears you."

Isabel raised an eyebrow.

"Does she?"

"Do you not know?" Yang asked. Maybe Qrow had been exaggerating… In which case, she needed to know. If Yang wanted answers from Raven, she'd likely have to fight for them, and what better way to gauge her own strength than by challenging the one person who made Raven back down?

"It was a long time since we last fought," Isabel mused. She shook her head. "Still… Is that a good enough reason to fight me?"

"Yes!" Yang nodded.

"You really want to see where you stand?" Isabel asked, her gaze piercing. Yang nodded eagerly.

"More than anything," Yang whispered, her voice carrying the weight of a shout in the quiet ruins.

Isabel studied her carefully, before she nodded.

"All right," she agreed, slipping on worn black-and-white fighting gloves and assuming a loose, graceful Taekwondo stance.

"I take it Taiyang taught you South Mistralian Kickboxing? That was his style," she said, cracking her neck.

Yang nodded, admitting she'd never quite mastered the kicking but excelled in other aspects. She settled into her own stance, mentally and physically bracing herself. Isabel, still perfectly calm, invited Yang to make the first move, her demeanor suggesting Yang posed no threat—an attitude that sparked a flicker of irritation in the younger fighter.

A wind swept through the ruins as Yang launched her attack, throwing an aura-infused haymaker followed by rapid jabs aimed at Isabel's midsection. She aimed to overwhelm with sheer force, testing the waters, fully expecting Isabel to dodge or block. To her shock, Isabel didn't move an inch, effortlessly slapping away each punch with one hand, as if shooing a bee.

"Well… It's a very polished style," Isabel remarked, her voice almost casual. "Extremely direct."

Without warning, Yang charged, closing the distance in a heartbeat, her fist snapping out in a quick jab at Isabel's head. Isabel's frown was subtle as she parried the punch with a fluid motion, her foot sweeping out to trip Yang, sending her stumbling past. Yang's aura flared, her hair sparking, but she spun back, undeterred, unleashing a flurry of punches, each one fueled by her Semblance's growing heat.

Isabel's face remained a mask of indifference, her movements precise as she parried every strike without shifting from her spot, her hand deflecting Yang's gauntlet-powered blows with an ease that bordered on insulting. The stalemate grated on Yang's nerves, her patience fraying as she mixed in reckless kicks and wild punches, her aura blazing brighter, hoping to land even a single hit. Isabel's frown deepened, and with a swift motion, she caught one of Yang's punches in her palm, her grip like iron. Yang growled and dashed back. Isabel raised an eyebrow.

"Are you upset I'm not putting in more effort?" She smiled wryly. "I suppose that is unfair of me."

"Honestly, a little, yeah…" Yang said, her voice sharp but teasing, "but then again, I wasn't really expecting you to take me seriously to begin with. So this is all just par for the course."

With a burst of speed, she darted to what she thought was Isabel's blind spot, her fist rocketing toward her side.

Isabel shifted, her movement a blur, catching Yang's punch in her palm. With a fluid twist, she executed a judo throw, sending Yang hurtling toward a nearby column. The impact shook the ground, Yang's breath exploding from her lungs as she crashed upside-down, her hair tangled with dirt.

Damn, Yang thought, gasping, she has to be faster than Ruby, at least! At short range!

"I do hope that wasn't your best," Isabel said gently, but with a hint of challenge in her eyes. Yes, despite her age and maturity... There was a spark in the doctor's eyes. The thrill of the fight. Yang grinned.

She scrambled up, bloodied but unbowed, her eyes locked on Isabel, who hadn't moved far, her hands now both engaged—a small victory. Yang resumed her fighting stance, her aura flaring, her voice rough.

"You want me at my best, fine then!" She slammed her foot down, her Semblance igniting fully, flames licking around her, her body ablaze with righteous fury, burning with the intensity of a small sun.

Isabel's smile was encouraging, genuine. "Good!"

Before Yang could blink, Isabel dashed forward, unleashing a barrage of jabs, punches, and kicks—each strike a hammer blow, faster and stronger than anything Yang had faced. Yang blocked what she could, each impact like stopping a truck, her aura straining. She retaliated, using the momentum to fuel her Semblance, searching for an opening. She didn't need to match Isabel's quantity—just one quality hit, one punch to make her feel it, to prove Yang was on the right path.

Isabel switched tactics, her attacks now like an avalanche of boulders—punches, kicks, knees, elbows, relentless and precise. Yang endured, her blocks faltering against the onslaught, her aura dwindling.

She pushed past the pain, the frustration, the torrent of emotions her Semblance amplified, waiting for her moment.

There! An opening!

Yang's fist surged through Isabel's guard, connecting with her jaw, snapping her head back.

But in that split second, Yang's vision filled with Isabel's fist, perfectly placed where her head was aimed. Yang's own momentum carried her into it, and blackness swallowed her.

Yang came to, birds singing faintly, the scent of Healing Dust sharp in the air. She lay at the bottom of a crater, her body aching, her hair a mess of dirt and singed strands. Isabel knelt beside her, channeling Aura through glowing Healing Dust, her blue eyes filled with worry and guilt.

"Yang? Yang, are you all right?"

Yang tried to speak, but pain seared her chest, reducing her to a pained moan. Isabel winced, channeling more Aura, the pain easing to a dull ache, then fading as Yang's Aura rallied.

"Better? Any pain anywhere?" Isabel asked, her voice soft but anxious.

Yang wanted to be mad—her hair was ruined—but she couldn't muster it. She'd forced Isabel to use her full strength, even if it was by instinct. A weak chuckle escaped her, followed by a cough.

"…Y-you really are the one to beat… hehe… Jaune wasn't kidding, and neither was anybody else."

Isabel's expression softened, but her voice was firm.

"I'm not a measuring stick, Yang." Her mask was unreadable, but her eyes held a quiet challenge. "Why do you want to think of me that way?"

Yang closed her eyes, an unapologetic smile tugging at her lips. "Because you're 'not a measuring stick'…" Her tone turned serious, her voice steady despite the ache. "…you're the top in hand to hand combat for Huntresses, and I wanna reach it someday. So if I'm ever going to, I need to see where I'm at now, and understand whether the path I'm on will lead me there."

Isabel's gaze softened, a faint smile breaking through. "…You know, my path led me to the top. And then… I retired. I raised a family. I became a doctor, to heal rather than harm." She shook her head, her voice heavy. "A civilization that has to rely on children to defend it from monsters…"

Yang's eyes opened, her curiosity piqued.

"It... Shouldn't be that way," Isabel sighed. "But it is what it is."

Yang scowled.

"My dad said the same thing about my mom," she growled. She punched her palm with her other fist. "I hate that saying. Like... There's nothing that can be done. Nothing you can do to change things!"

Isabel shook her head, her tone becoming gentler. "There are some things you can't change, Yang. No matter how strong you are. The truth is, Yang… I knew Raven. I knew her… and you're better off without her in your life. Behind all her anger and bluster and strength… was a little girl too scared to make a different decision than what her parents wanted her to."

Yang's breath caught, her heart twisting at the mention of her mother. She scowled up at her.

"I want to hear it from her."

Isabel's next words cut deeper. "You won't get a better answer than that."

"Maybe I'll find out for myself," Yang huffed. Isabel nodded.

"If that's what you want, all right. But that's not much of a goal for getting stronger. Or just to be the best-They'll both just lead to disappointment. So what do you want to get strong for?"

Yang lay silent, her lilac eyes searching the sky, the weight of Isabel's question settling in. She thought of her friends, her family...

"To protect them," she said finally, her voice firm. "To be strong enough so they don't have to be. And... Maybe to see the world. Be free."

Isabel nodded, her smile warm but tinged with sorrow.

"Good answer." She stood, offering a hand. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up. Jaune will have my head if I break his girlfriend."

"I-I'm not his girlfriend!" Yang insisted, her cheeks bright red. Isabel raised an eyebrow, and Yang flushed. She then shrugged. "I mean… I wouldn't be opposed to it though. If he grew up a little."

"Neither am I," Isabel said warmly, which made Yang feel warmer and lighter.

Yang took her hand, her grin returning, though her body ached. "Deal… but I'm coming for you again, Isabel."

Isabel's laugh was soft, her eyes glinting. "I'd expect nothing less."

 

[SharkCultist]

Norman Valkyrie had been lied to.

He was told that Beacon College was a place full of crazies and weird stuff. Well it's been three days since orientation and everything is as normal as him.

Actually he was getting a little hungry, might as well see if Ren wanted to get something to eat.

Just a quick toss of a grenade at the ceiling to make a hole for him to pop his head in aaaand Ren is changing. And those are boobs. In the boys dorm.

"...so you wanna get panc- ohfucknottheface!"

She (and definitely a she, he didn't see no bulge while getting his head stomped) probably isn't in the mood to grab a bite...huh who else is there?

Pretty sure Cindy (no wait shes calling herself Cinder this week.) is busy trying to summon demons with the drama kids and miss Salem. Wonder how that's going?

---

Somewhere on the other side of campus a pale woman with way too much goth makeup is talking to a demonic bone and shadow wolf trying to get it to make her husbands life hell.

"What do you mean Grimm stopped accepting human sacrifices?!"

"Look lady we got a union now, yeah souls are tasty but they don't pay rent. You seen rent it hell? It ain't cheap. So if you want demons to fuck with ya ex it's gonna cost ya."

"Got all these damn students for nothing. Fine how much?"

"60$ a hour. And we don't work Sundays, that's the day of rest."

"Something about demons being religious is both odd and fitting. You accept PayPal?"

And so the negotiations went with a bunch of tied up and annoyed (and in the case of a few of them aroused) students watching.

---

Eh it's probably fine. Maybe Ruby isn't busy? No wait. Wednesday, she's got robotics club. Damn it why are all his friends nerds?

---

Ruby stands next to a covered table with a large lump under the covering.

"ok let's see how the project is going. Since we've redone the programming. Again. Pennybot run boot up sequence."

The lump jerks and moves before a chrome cokored hand rips through the covering and pulls it apart revealing a mechanical girl.

"Statement: Boot up successful. Inquiry: where the thicc bitches at?"

"Damn it! Why the fuck did I let Weiss train the AI on dating sims?"

---

He'd go with Jaune but he got hit by a truck and will probably be gone for a month again.

---

"Dang it! Whys it always a truck? Just once I'd like these Isekai to not be painful. Where even am I?"

"Welcome brother. The emperor protects."

"Fuck."

---

Guess he's eating alone. Maybe afterwards he can find a movie or something. Anything to kill his boredom.

There ain't shit going on at Beacon.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

RWBY and JNPR were walking through the courtyard, excitedly talking.

Weiss: "We need to maximize our training for Vytal! I won't settle for anything less than the finals!"

Yang: "Hey! I wanna win this thing too, Weiss-cream, but I think semi-finals is best we're gonna do with Pyrrha and Penny involved. They are crazy strong."

Ruby: "Yeah! I've been running the numbers and geez!"

Jaune: "Well now, don't count yourselves out just yet, ladies. After all, Pyrrha might not be up to it."

Pyrrha: gasp "Jaune!"

Jaune: grins and winks "Why, she might catch cold day of and only make it to the semis."

Pyrrha: pouts as the other girls giggle "That's not very funny, Jaune!" She's blushing brightly

Yang: "Still, least Stud can tease. You wanna try that with me, Cowboy~?"

Weiss: "YANG!"

Jaune: "Now that's a game I don't plan on getting in. Nobody wins."

Yang: "Or we both could~."

Weiss: "YANG!" She groans as there is a musical note in the background... And she then trips. "AH!"

She slams facefirst into the pavement. Yang is the first to pull her up.

A lower key variation of one of Weiss's songs is played nearby on a trumpet. Weiss frowns as she turns. A dark young man in Atlasian dress plays, and smirks at her over his trumpet. He lowers it.

Flynt Coal: "Sorry bout that. But it was worth it to see Miss High and Mighty faceplant."

Ruby: "HEY! You can't use weapons on other students outside of Combat Class!"

Flynt: "Who? Me? That was an accident."

Ren: "It was not."

Flynt: "Well, call it a small bit of payback for what her family did to mine. Flynt Coal."

Blake: "... Of Coal Dust Distribution?"

Flynt: "My father. Her father put mine out of business."

Ruby: "SO!? That was her father, not her!"

Flynt: "A Schnee's a Schnee."

Yang: growls "That's no excuse! I'm going to break your smug face-!"

Pyrrha holds Yang back. Yang growls. She looks around for support. She sees Jaune stepping forward, eyes narrowed.

Jaune: tightly "Mister Coal. I believe you owe this lady an apology."

Flynt: scoffing laugh "What? Like hell I do!"

Jaune: "Where I come from, Mister Coal, a man hits a woman he doesn't get to keep his teeth. However, I am trying to adhere to the rules of this institution. So once again, you owe her an apology."

Flynt: "Ah. Heard about you. Arc, wasn't it? I heard you've killed men."

Jaune: "That's right. I have."

Flynt: "You think you're tough, do you?"

Jaune: "Tough enough for you."

Ruby: "H-Hey! Let's chill out! Hang on... How about this? If Jaune beats you in a contest that doesn't involve violence, will you apologize to Weiss?"

Flynt: "Hmph... All right, pipsqueak. But I pick the contest. Music." smirks

Jaune: "Fine. We'll need a neutral judge."

Flynt: "Suits me fine!"

Jaune got his guitar. Flynt prepared his trumpet. Ruby brought in Glynda Goodwitch.

Glynda: "Well... I would be happy to judge this."

Flynt: "Sounds good, Professor."

Jaune: "Yes ma'am."

Glynda: "Begin!"

Flynt plays a sweet jazz piece that even Weiss could admit was very nice. It attracts a crowd that enjoy it. Flynt finishes with a flourish, and gets some applause. He smirked at Jaune.

Flynt: "Go ahead, redneck."

Glynda: "Mister Coal! Kindly keep yourself in check."

Flynt: "Yes ma'am."

Jaune then plays a song, and begins to sing.

Jaune:
I am a man of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to ol' Hentucky
The place where I was born and raised~!"

He pours a great deal of passion and even pathos. And soon attracts a crowd that begins to clap and dance along. Jaune finishes with his own flourish, and is greeted by cheers.

Glynda: "Well... If it comes to technique, then Mister Coal has won. When it comes to passion, I believe it would be down to Mister Arc. I believe you two should resolve this yourselves."

Flynt: "..." sighs "Not bad, cowboy." He smiles in respect to Jaune

Jaune: Modest as ever. "Me? Nah. Just an amateur. You have a lot of talent."

Flynt: "..." Looks over at Weiss "Look, I'm sorry. That wasn't cool."

Weiss: glares "..." Ruby elbows her "... Thank you."

Flynt: "I thought he was singing just to simp for you... But the music carries the true heart of the musician. So... Thank you. Maybe we could jam together. You as well, Schnee-"

Jaune: clears his throat. Nora and Yang both punch their palms.

Flynt: "... Miss Schnee."

Weiss: "... It would be nice. It's been a while since I got to make any music."

Flynt: "I will admit, I have never listened to any of your songs... Out of spite. Maybe I should change that."

Weiss: "I... I would appreciate that. Though I will admit, the words were... Not mine. Or not as much mine as I would wish."

Flynt: "Well hell, we could come up with something, right Cowboy?"

Jaune: "I wouldn't mind it, Mister Coal."

Flynt: "Heh! Call me Flynt!"

Jaune: smiles "Thank you, Flynt. Call me Jaune. Please ladies, friends? If you'll excuse me?"

Jaune and Flynt headed off with Weiss. Yang, Pyrrha, and Ruby scowled after them.

Pyrrha: "I've sung with him... Why didn't they invite me...?"

Yang: "I can sing too ya know!"

Ruby: "I can make noise!"

Nora: "Come on guys! What's suggestive about Jaune-Jaune, Weissy, and Flynty going off to make beautiful music together?"

Ren sighs. Blake is already writing a new fanfic.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Yang was pretty quiet the whole trip up to northern Sanus. It wasn't like she had much more to say, after all.

She watched the world go by through the window of the armored train car, then the Bullhead. Radian looked pretty gorgeous, in a corny, fairy tale sort of way. A big white castle, a mountain with a waterfall, fields of green grass and forests around a cozy town enclosed by walls with banners-It could fit into any Wizney production easily.

Taiyang led them to the local hotel to prepare. Her father hadn't said much since he'd dropped this bombshell on them. He hadn't smiled a lot, either. Another failure from her father, what a surprise. At least he was quiet about it.

Ruby for her part wouldn't shut up. Not even when she was pulling on her beizi and other ceremonial vestments. She didn't wear them often, but she had to admit, looking at herself in the mirror in her golden and yellow dress, she did look beautiful in them.

Ruby: "You can't just get married! You can't!"

Yang: sighs "What do you want me to do, Ruby? Dad and Uncle Qrow said they had a debt to pay, and since we don't have the money, this is what we can offer."

Ruby: "You shouldn't give up your whole life for me! It's not fair!" She began to cry "Not anymore!"

Yang: "Ruby..."

Yang hugged her little sister tightly. She stroked her hair. She held back her own tears... Because she had to be the strong one.

Yang: "Ruby... You can't fulfill this. You're too young. Besides, it's just a marriage meeting-"

Ruby: "Wh-What if he's an old creep?! A weirdo?!"

Yang: grimly "Then I'll do what I have to do. Hopefully if he's some old creep, he'll just let me finish school before we have to marry."

Ruby: "What kind of stupid debt are you supposed to sell yourself for, anyway?!"

Taiyang entered. He cleared his throat. Ruby glared death at him, while Yang looked resigned. Taiyang was smiling.

Taiyang: "Hey... He's here."

Yang: "... What's he like?"

Taiyang: "He's your age, actually. Goes to Beacon too. We know his parents."

Ruby: "Wait, we do?! Then why are they calling in this debt like this?! What friends do this?!"

Taiyang: sighs "Well... It's not just his family pushing it. Granny Xiao-Long and his granny are very old fashioned. See, his parents saved us, and we saved them... And uh... We had to ask for a few loans to build the house, and they were actually good with money..."

Yang: exasperated "Daaaad..."

Taiyang: "Relax! It's just an engagement for now. You two meet, if you hit it off, no harm, no foul. You get married when you finish school. If not? Well... We'll figure out a way to pay off the debt in a face saving manner."

Ruby: "What, like you killing yourself for a debt of honor?"

Taiyang: "Maybe."

Ruby: eyes wide "I DIDN'T MEAN IT!" She hugs Taiyang "I'M SORRY DAD!"

Yang: "He goes to Beacon? Who is he?"

Taiyang: smiles "It's tradition to keep that quiet until you meet. Come on Ruby, you gotta get into traditional dress too."

Ruby: "Hmph... Fine... But if he's a jerk, I'm gonna kick his butt!"

Taiyang: "Trust me, you'll have to get in line."

Ruby dressed in her own red and black Beizi, Moxiong, and Songku. Taiyang did up Yang's hair in an elegant brain with a hairclip, and did Ruby's with a similar hairclip. He stood back and smiled warmly.

Taiyang: "Your mothers would be very proud."

Ruby: "Aw, Dad..."

Yang: sighs "Let's just get this over with, huh?"

The party headed out down the hallway. Yang mentally considered who she knew from Beacon who could be the prospective groom. Couldn't be anyone from Team CRDL... She hoped. One of the other boys? Hm...

They finally entered into a private conference room. While the Xiao-Longs/Roses had opted for traditional Mistralian dress, the groom's party was in traditional Valean dress. A beautiful older blonde woman with blue eyes and a figure to die for was in a classy green gown with a simple golden circlet. A seven foot tall blondman with a beard, gray eyes, and a scar over his right cheek stood by her in light white and black armor, a blue cape hanging from his shoulders and a silver circlet around his head. A stately looking older woman in blue dress and a golden crown stood with the other woman, her hair white, her eyes with wrinkles, yet she still stood like a warrior queen with her sword and red and white furred cape. A tall, older, tanned man with white hair stood by her, in red vestments, light black and white armor, and twin swords on his belt. His eyes were a warm brown, and he smiled at them.

The old woman nodded to them, and Taiyang, Ruby and Yang bowed respectfully.

Taiyang: "Thank you for your welcome, Your Majesty, Queen Arturia, Consort Shirou, Lord and Lady Nick and Isabel of Radian."

Ruby: eyes widen

Yang: Wait, Queen Arturia?! The former Empress of the Vytalian Empire?! And Shirou, Master of Unlimited Blade Works?!

She'd heard of them, since Ruby was a fan of top ten fighters. Two of the most fearsome warriors in Valean history! Nick and Isabel also seemed familiar but she couldn't explain why.

Arturia: smiles "Well met, Taiyang Xiao-long of Patch. Word of you and your great deeds has reached me. Your grandmother is a mighty warrior, and despite our rivalry, she has my undying respect."

Yang: Granny Xiao-Long fought alongside the Lion Saber Queen?! Holy shit! Who IS this guy?!

Taiyang: "Thank you. Your own deeds, and those of your family, are also legendary. It helps I was there for some of them."

Tall Guy in Armor: "Heh! It's great to see you again, Tai!"

Taiyang: "You as well Nick, Izzy."

The woman sighed.

Isabel: "Isabel, please. And you are Yang and Ruby. It's nice to see you again. You played with my son long ago, I don't expect you to remember it."

Ruby: "Wait, we did?!"

Nick: "Before Summer... I'm sorry."

Taiyang: "It's all right."

Yang: "Wait, we know him?! Where is he?!"

Shirou: "We wanted it to be a surprise." He calls out "Come in!"

A side door opened. In stepped a familiar tall blonde boy in properly fitted white and black armor, a long blue cape, with an equally familiar sword and shield at his side.

Jaune: "Yes Papa, I'm here. It's good to meet yo-Yang?! Ruby?!"

Yang: "Vomit Boy?!"

Ruby: "Jaune?!"

Qrow, who had been skulking outside, stuck his head in through the open main door and grinned.

Qrow: "Yup. Totally worth it for the looks on their faces."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

In an alternate universe, Jaune is the oldest of his siblings and has had to take care of his little sisters. Who all come to visit Jaune. Surely RWBY, Nora, Ren and Pyrrha can watch them for a little while without issue... Right?

One-Shot, written for CrimeSorciere, Comedy.

- - -

Pyrrha Nikos was, to be frank, giddy. Oh certainly, coming to Beacon to escape her fame and do what she truly wanted to do, be a hero, was wonderful. Being able to make her own decisions was fantastic, even.

It seemed to turn into a dream thanks to her partner, one Jaune Arc. From the moment she met him, he had been steadfast, mature, and uncaring of her status. He was a goof in unguarded moments, which utterly endeared her to him. He was also very skilled: He had taken command of their team in the Initiation fight, kept a cool head, and used his immense strength to keep the Deathstalker pinned while the rest of the team crippled it. He'd finished it off with a very powerful Aura Slash, which had gotten everyone's attention. Especially Team RWBY's.

It was little wonder he'd been selected as team leader of JNPR. A team leader she was proud to call her partner and friend.

That said… He was quiet about his past. Nora and Ren had shared their pasts, though Ren's had been rather perfunctory and tragic. Team RWBY had been… More forthcoming in some respects. Blake moreso after the incident with the White Fang at the docks.

Yet Jaune remained an enigma. Which made him more interesting, in Pyrrha's view. Unfortunately it made him more interesting in the view of other girls, which irritated Pyrrha a bit.

They were seated in the cafeteria, enjoying lunch after a long school week. Jaune was usually relaxed but watchful, but now he seemed rather distracted. Pyrrha was about to ask him about it… When RWBY arrived.

"Hey Stud!" Yang Xiao-Long greeted him happily, hugging Jaune from behind and very obviously pressing her chest into his back. "How's it going?"

"Just fine, Yang," Jaune greeted her kindly. Ruby hugged him next from the side, and slid into his lap.

"Geez, that week was the worst!" Ruby moaned, settling in. She grinned at Nora, Ren and Pyrrha. "Hey Ren! Hey Pyrrha! Hey Nora!"

"Hey Ruby!" Nora greeted happily, as Ren nodded. Pyrrha put on her best "I'm not plotting to kill you" smile and nodded to both Ruby and Yang.

"Hello Yang, Ruby," she greeted.

"Hey Cereal Girl! Zen! Nora!" Yang greeted back, looking a tiny bit annoyed with her younger sister.

Weiss Schnee showed up next, sitting next to Jaune with her usual grace and elegance. She smiled warmly at Jaune, before she turned an almost imperious eye to the others.

"Hello Jaune. Hello Pyrrha, Nora, Ren," she said. Her greeting was returned, politely.

Finally Blake arrived. She gave Jaune a rather intense look before nodding politely to the others. She sat down and began to read, which was an improvement from before.

"You should sit in your own seat, Ruby," Jaune said calmly, "You need to eat your lunch."

"Aw, can't I sit here?" Ruby asked, her innocent act not quite meeting her eyes. Pyrrha's fork began to bend thanks to Polarity.

"Certainly not! It's improper!" Weiss scolded her team leader.

"I think I'm fine right here, Stud," Yang said with a smirk, as Ruby pouted but moved to sit on Jaune's other side. Jaune looked up at her, unamused.

"Come on Yang, you need to eat," he said, a note of authority in his tone that warmed Pyrrha's insides. Yang pouted.

"What, you don't want me here~?" She asked, and Pyrrha began to bend her fork again.

"You can't eat this way," Jaune said blandly, which made Yang snort.

"You could always feed me," she cooed, and Pyrrha's fork snapped in half. Everyone looked over in shock. Jaune reached out and took Pyrrha's hands between his.

"You okay, Pyrrha?" He asked urgently. "What happened?"

"Ah, um, w-well," Pyrrha started, but then bowed her head, "Sorry. I lost control of Polarity."

He examined her hand with a medic's eye, and shook his head.

"You'll be all right," he said, "Maybe you should try to relax a bit more, huh?"

"Y-yes, I will do that," Pyrrha said, flushing a bit. The jealous looks from team RWBY were certainly making her mood improve a bit… Though she quickly dispelled her ugly thoughts.

No no no! Don't be like that! She ordered herself.

"Geez, what forked you off, Cereal Girl?" Yang asked, again pressing up against Jaune's back with a smug look.

Pyrrha's ire returned, and she reinforced her non-homicidal smile.

"So, Fearless Leader, you're looking tense," Nora observed, eating her pancakes, "I mean, more than usual. Somethin' going on?"

Jaune coughed. All eyes went to him. It was times like this that Pyrrha appreciated how perceptive Nora was… But more than that, her bluntness.

"Oh, well," Jaune shrugged with a sigh, "My family is visiting."

"Your family, huh?" Yang asked, as Weiss frowned, Blake looked in interest, and Ruby smiled in interest. Pyrrha's smile softened as well.

"Is that a bad thing?" Pyrrha asked.

Jaune shook his head.

"No, it's not," he said, "I missed them dearly. It's been really rough on them. This is the first time we've been apart since my folks died."

"Oh, Jaune," Ruby murmured, grasping his hand in sympathy. Weiss too looked grave, while Blake's expression was solemn. Yang hugged him more tightly, as Pyrrha, Nora and Ren leaned forward.

"I'm sorry," Ren said quietly, his expression knowing and empathetic. Nora reached out to grasp his hand while taking Ren's. Jaune nodded thankfully, as Pyrrha reached out to squeeze his free hand.

"Thank you," he said, "I became head of the household then. We were pretty good on money, and our great-grandparents helped out, but it was still rough on my little sisters."

"How many sisters do you have?" Pyrrha asked, curious.

"Seven," Jaune said blandly. Many eyes went wide.

"Seven?!" Weiss gasped. Jaune wordlessly held up his Scroll with a picture of himself, stalwart and strong, with seven adorable little girls all surrounding him. Two girls had red and green ribbons in their hair and were twins. One was a bit older, closer to Jaune's age, with a purple bow and a warm smile. Another had blue hair and was crying. Still another had orange tied pigtails and was scowling at the camera, while one with a yellow bow, also a bit older, was holding a baby with a violet bow who was sucking on a pacifier.

"Awwwww…" Everyone murmured. Even Ren. Yang's hug tightened.

"You had to raise them, huh?" Yang asked quietly. Jaune nodded slowly.

"Since I was twelve."

"I'm sorry," Weiss said softly, squeezing his shoulder. Jaune sighed.

"I honestly feel guilty coming here sometimes. My other relatives are taking care of them, but here I am, pursuing my dream."

"Is your dream for them?" Blake asked softly. Jaune started and looked over at Blake.

"Huh?"

"Is your dream to protect and support them?" Ruby asked with a warm smile, getting what Blake wanted to convey. Pyrrha beamed. Jaune slowly nodded.

"It is," he said.

"Then it's not selfish," Yang smiled. "So don't be so hard on yourself, Stud."

Jaune smiled softly. He slowly nodded, his lips twitching a bit. He tried to remain so stoic, even now, but his small tells warmed her heart.

"Thank you," he murmured. His Scroll beeped. He checked it and groaned.

"Oh not now," he muttered.

"What?" Ruby asked, looking over his shoulder.

"I have to go see the Headmaster for a meeting right now," Jaune sighed. "My sisters are supposed to meet me at the dorm in ten minutes…!"

"We'll meet them!" Yang said with a warm smile. Weiss nodded eagerly.

"Yes! Don't worry!" Weiss insisted, "We'll keep them entertained!"

"Are you sure?" Jaune asked, concerned. Pyrrha beamed.

"I'm sure we can keep them safe long enough for you to get back."

"Yeah! We'll kill anything that looks a them funny!" Nora cheered. Ren nodded gravely.

"We will."

Blake smiled gently.

"They're here for you. They can wait for a bit longer," she said softly.

Jaune smiled gratefully and nodded to them.

"Thanks guys," he said, "I owe you all."

"Friends don't hold debts," Ren said calmly.

"We can discuss your repayment. It might involve whipped cream," Yang teased, wiggling her eyebrows. Weiss and Pyrrha's faces turned bright red, as Ruby whacked Yang's shoulder. Blake had a smug smirk on her face. Jaune, oblivious as ever, nodded.

"No problem. I'll add extra sprinkles," he said, "Later!" He got up and headed off. Ruby puffed up her cheeks and pouted extra hard at Yang.

"Do you have to be so-so weird?!"

"What?" Yang asked, looking innocent, ""He said he'd add sprinkles."

"You're such a pervert!" Weiss groaned.

"I-I'm sure he didn't take it like that," Pyrrha said.

"He probably did," Blake observed, "At least that's what you all hope."

"No it's not!" Weiss, Ruby and Pyrrha all cried.

"At least he didn't talk about adding hot gooey syrup," Nora suggested. She gave Ren a smirk. "Huh Renny? You gonna squirt hot gooey syrup all over my pancakes?"

"I always do," Ren observed, much to the befuddlement and amusement of the others.

They made it to their dorm common room, whose door was open. The sounds of children playing and yapping echoed in the hallway. Ruby entered first, followed by everyone else.

An absolutely adorable white haired old lady in a blue skirt, white blouse, and blue jacket was sitting at the table, sipping tea, as she held a baby in a purple onesie in her lap. A scowling girl in orange clothing was trying to read a book, while twins in red and green garb shot eachother with nerf guns and laughed. An older girl in a light purple dress was making sandwiches, while a girl in a darker orange blouse and brown skirt was typing on a laptop.

"Hey!" Ruby greeted, "We're Jaune's friends!"

The old woman looked up with a warm smile.

"Hello! I'm Jaune's great-grandmother Arturia. Call me Nana," she greeted. Weiss, Pyrrha, Yang and Ruby all looked very eager at that, while Blake was more reserved. Nora grinned and waved.

"Hey Nana!"

"Jaune is running a bit late, he had a meeting with the headmaster," Pyrrha smoothly explained with her best public relations smile, "But we can keep you company until he arrives."

Arturia smiled happily.

"Oh! Brilliant to hear!"

Arturia turned her head and nodded to the girls.

"Girls? GIRLS! Attention!" She barked.

The youngest girls formed up, the short girl in orange standing at military attention with the rest. Arturia nodded in approval, and pointed to each one as she introduced them.

"This is Saphron, Lilac, Tangerine-"

"Tangy!" The short orange wearing girl protested. Arturia chuckled.

"Tangy, the twins Coral and Verdy, and this little cutie is Orchid."

The children all greeted them back, even Orchid cooed cutely. Weiss and Yang cooed back over the cute little baby. Nora grinned at the twins, who grinned back mischievously. The grim looking little one stared back intensely at Ren, while Pyrrha beamed at Lilac and Ruby grinned at Saphron.

"Jaune should be along soon," Ruby said happily, "So, would you like to stay for tea or-?"

"No, no," Arturia chuckled, standing up. She patted the heads of all her great-grandchildren, "I'm off for a break. Good luck~!"

She gave them a wry little smirk as she walked out.

"You're gonna need it~," she said, as though propriety was the only thing keeping her from running out at full speed. Teams RWBY and NPR watched her go.

"That… Seemed ominous," Blake murmured, looking back at the seven now grinning children.

"Oh come on, Blake!" Ruby said, with the incredible foresight and leadership skills that would serve her so well in the coming years, "What could go wrong?"

- - - -

Jaune Arc sighed as he trudged his way back towards the Beacon Dorms. He grumbled a bit under his breath.

"Great, asking me to talk to Nana for him," he sighed, "why can't he just do it himself?"

Glynda Goodwitch had been very reasonable the whole meeting, politely but firmly trying to get him out of there when Ozpin began to repeat himself. He should really do something nice for her at some point. Maybe make her dinner? Lots of people dropped by when he made dinner for his team and friends. He could invite her.

He approached the dorms, and down the hallway… He could hear some familiar chanting from squeaky voices and some slightly less familiar cries and squawks.

Now come on, Jaune, he thought to himself, I'm sure everything's just…

He turned the corner and looked in the door.

… Fine.

Yang was tied up with chains and had an apple in her mouth as she squirmed. A pot was held over her full of boiling water. Weiss and Blake were held upside down over it, while Coral and Verdy were holding them at bay with their own weapons. Tangy was holding Crescent Rose while Ruby was tied up and hanging by her ankles from the ceiling fan, while Ren sat with Nora and Saphron on the couch eating snacks. Nora was wearing a crown from Burger Monarch, while Aqua cackled as she danced around the boiling pot.

Pyrrha was sitting with Orchid in her lap, and she was also tied up. Lilac was peacefully cooking in the kitchenette despite all the chaos about.

"JAUNE!" Ruby cried, "SAVE US!"

"JAUNE!" The younger girls all cried happily. They all rushed to hug him, save for Lilac, who was still cooking, and Orchid-Whom Pyrrha had to carry over to Jaune.

"JAUNE! HELP US! PLEASE!" Weiss screamed. "NORA BETRAYED US!"

"They let me be the Queen of the Castle," Nora said, surprisingly calmly, "I am appeased!"

"They assured me it was all for show!" Pyrrha protested.

"I wouldn't mind this so much if not for the boiling pot," Blake opined.

"SHUT UP, BLAKE!" Weiss shouted.

"And Lilac didn't help at all!" Ruby complained angrily.

"MMMNNNGH!" Yang bellowed through her apple gag.

Lilac shrugged, sipping a sample from the pot.

"Someone has to make sure dinner is made on time," she said calmly, "The appetizers are ready, Jaune!"

"Good," Jaune sighed, "Now, untie my friends and clean up! It's time for dinner!"

"Yes Jaune!" The girls (and Nora) said. They scurried off and put everything right. Ruby gaped in disbelief at Jaune, as did the rest of his female friends.

"Th-That's all you had to do?!" Weiss cried.

"No," Tangy stated firmly, "You had to be Jaune."

Weiss blushed.

"I… I suppose so," she murmured.

"Geez VB, you're definitely daddy material," Yang observed, her own cheeks bright red. Jaune smiled warmly and shook his head.

"Nah, this wasn't so bad," he said, "You should see their last birthday party. You'll never look at a pinata the same way again."

"Like you'll make it to our birthday party!" Aqua sneered in challenge. Weiss, Ruby, Blake, Pyrrha, and Yang all looked at eachother. As one, they nodded and smirked back at the smirking Arc Sisters.

"We'll just see about that," Ruby declared.

"Hm?" Jaune asked, confused. Nora giggled and patted him on his shoulder. Ren patted the other.

"You'll find out~!" Nora giggled.

"Find out what?" Jaune asked.

"You'll see," Ren added.

"See what?"

Ren and Nora shook their heads together. They looked over at Saphron, who shrugged and smiled.

"He's always been like this."

"Oh good!" Nora cheered, "Then we're going to have a lot of fun!"

"At a safe distance," Ren said. Nora pouted.

"Where's the fun in that?"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The 1K Society: A Secret Order of Mantlean Loyalists

Origins and Ideology

The 1K Society was born in the aftermath of the Great War, when the Kingdom of Mantle's defeat by Vale forced its transformation into the Atlas Federation under the Vytal Peace Accords. The dissolution of Mantle's monarchy, a symbol of Solitas' unity and imperial might, was a bitter loss for the kingdom's noble families. These elites, including the ancient Hardy family and the influential Marigold family, refused to accept the new democratic council and its federation of sub-kingdoms. They formed the 1K Society, named for their ambition to forge a thousand-year empire that would dominate Remnant, restoring Mantle's glory and imposing order on humanity and Faunus.The society's ideology blends nostalgia for Mantle's imperial past with an aristocratic belief in their divine right to rule. They view the Atlas Federation—divided by its sub-kingdoms and constrained by Vytal's peace—as a betrayal of Mantle's legacy. The 1K Society seeks to overthrow the council, restore a monarchy under their control, and transform Atlas into an expansionist power. The society operates as a shadowy aristocracy, manipulating Atlas' military, economy, and politics to achieve their goals. Their ultimate vision is a Remnant united under Atlasian rule, with the 1K Society as its guiding elite.

Structure and Membership

The 1K Society is an exclusive order, limited to roughly 1,000 members from Atlas' most elite families, primarily those with ties to Mantle's pre-war monarchy. Membership is hereditary, though exceptional individuals can rise through merit. The society is organized into three tiers:

1. The Inner Circle: The ruling council, comprising the heads of the 12 most powerful families, including the Hardy and Marigold family. The Inner Circle sets the society's agenda, approves covert operations, and guards its secrecy. The leader, known as "The Sovereign", is a mysterious figure rumored to be a descendant of the last Mantlean king, their identity known only to the Inner Circle. The Marigolds, led by figures like Henry Marigold's family (from RWBY canon, associated with Atlas' high society), wield significant influence due to their wealth and social connections, orchestrating propaganda and social events to sway Atlas' elite.
2. The Nobles: The majority of the society, drawn from noble families across Atlas and its sub-kingdoms. These members hold key positions in politics, industry, and the military, executing the Inner Circle's plans. They manipulate Dust trade, sway council votes, and recruit sympathetic Huntsmen. The Marigolds dominate social influence, hosting galas and salons to recruit allies and spread imperial rhetoric, while families like the Hardys focus on military power.
3. The Initiates: Younger or newly inducted members, tasked with dangerous missions like sabotaging rival kingdoms or eliminating threats. Initiates undergo rigorous vetting, and betrayal is met with death.

The society maintains secrecy through coded communications and rituals. Their emblem, a crown pierced by a thousand needles, symbolizes their loyalty to the monarchy and their covert precision. Meetings occur in hidden estates, abandoned Dust mines, or aboard Sedna's private ships, shielded from Atlas' surveillance. They have several public faces: The Young Atlas movement, which provides scholarships and youth outreach programs to find promising candidates for their agenda, the Marigold Foundation which promotes charity and artistic endeavours, and the Order of Saint Shift, a chapter of the Atlasian Tablebreaker Orthodox Church, which has a primary loyalty to the Society over God.

The Marigold Family's Role

The Marigold family, a prominent Atlasian dynasty known for their wealth and high-society status, is a cornerstone of the 1K Society. Their lineage traces back to Mantle's early aristocracy, and they view themselves as cultural stewards of the old monarchy's grandeur. Unlike the martial Hardys, the Marigolds specialize in soft power, using their social influence to shape Atlasian opinion and legitimize the society's imperial vision. They host lavish events, patronize the arts, and cultivate alliances with other elite families, making them the society's public face—albeit a carefully disguised one.

The Marigolds' wealth, derived from investments in Dust refining and luxury goods, funds the society's operations, from bribing officials to arming Shadow Hunters. Their leader, Lord Reginald Marigold (Henry's father or uncle, a charismatic patriarch), sits on the Inner Circle, advocating for a "civilized" empire that combines military might with cultural dominance. However, their elitism and disdain for the lower classes, including Faunus, align them with the society's supremacist tendencies, creating tension with more progressive sub-kingdoms like Rana Niejta.

Jacques Schnee's Ambition

Jacques Schnee, head of the Schnee Dust Company (SDC), is not a member of the 1K Society but desperately seeks entry to bolster his influence. As a self-made elite who married into the Schnee family, Jacques lacks the hereditary pedigree of the society's aristocratic members, making him an outsider despite his wealth and power. He sees the 1K Society as a path to cementing his legacy and expanding the SDC's dominance beyond Dust trade into political control.Jacques has approached the society through intermediaries, offering financial support and access to SDC resources in exchange for membership. He believes aligning with their imperial goals will secure his family's place in a restored monarchy, potentially positioning his heirs (like Weiss or Whitley) as key figures. However, the Inner Circle, particularly the Marigolds and Hardys, views Jacques with suspicion, seeing him as a nouveau riche opportunist lacking true loyalty to the Mantlean cause. His harsh treatment of Faunus workers and his public feuds with Atlas' council make him a liability, though his resources are tempting.The society strings Jacques along, accepting his funding while withholding full membership. Jinjur Hardy interacts with him cautiously, using his Dust shipments to arm the society's forces while keeping him at arm's length. Jacques' desperation makes him vulnerable to manipulation by Arthur Watts, who encourages his overtures to the society to sow discord and advance Salem's agenda.

Watts, himself a former member of the 1K Society before his exile, is using his old connections to aid in Salem's plans.

- - -

Who doesn't love an evil secret organization as an antagonist for our heroes? And them being manipulated by the bad guys is, again, more interesting than the shit they pulled in Volumes 7-8.

 

[dragon_cloud16]

How's this for a idea for a bit of Dragonslayer.

Jaune was often times stuck in bed from being so sickly. The only people he could talk to was his family at least until his mother signs him up for a penpal program. And he suddenly finds himself having to write letters to a Yang Xiao Long. Who surprisingly writes him back, to the point that they are pretty much their only friends that can be completely honest and blunt with each other.

Years go by, with Yang keeping up the habit of writting to Jaune who accepts and consoles her over everything that she had to do to support her little sister, father, and uncle. And Yang understands and supports him as he laments his denied chance to become a huntsman, his time spent studying medicine, and his slowly recovering/improving body. They send pictures rarely, and think that the other is cute.

Cue their arrival at Beacon, where Yang gets her boots thrown up on by Jaune. Although she is a bit more mature about it, even saying her best friend has motion sickness. It wouldn't be until she is passing by his locker, right when Pyrrha and Weiss are standing by it that she learns the guy that threw up on her boots was HER Jaune.

HER Jaune that didn't have a unlocked aura, didn't get combat training, and was often stuck in bed as a kid...

She tries to get his attention and instead gets partnered up with him during orientation. Leaving Weiss and Pyrrha to team up, Ren and Ruby, and Nora with Blake. She unlocks him aura damn near the next moment she gets even as she chews him out. But it isn't out of fear for him but because she cares for him.

And now the butterfly effect is fully in the air. How will Weiss and Pyrrha react to the sight of Yang literally pushing her bed against Jaune's to sleep with him on cold nights? How will Weiss react to Yang and Jaune being quite friendly and not as rambunctious since she doesn't have to push herself forward for Ruby' s sake?

How long until Nora breaks Blake's legs for getting into trouble and dragging her Renny into it?

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Yang and Jaune rushed into the common room and changed the channel. They then sat down on the couch. Weiss and Blake scowled at them.

Weiss: "I was watching the news!"

Blake: "So was I!"

Yang: "What are you, sixty? ValeWatch is on!"

Weiss: "You're watching... Valewatch. The show about barely clad lifeguards who are also Hunters? Why?"

Yang: "Because it's trashy and terrible and hilarious!"

Jaune: "Totally!"

Nora: pops in "YEAH!"

Ren: "I believe the term is 'so bad it's good.'"

Blake: groans "There are literally dozens of better television series to watch than this trash."

Jaune: "Yeah, and I like those. But we also like this."

Yang: "Totally! Don't be so salty, Weiss! You'll sea the appeal!"

Weiss: "Uggggh... Wait, Ruby? Why are you watching?!"

Ruby: "I mean I don't really care about the acting or the drama or anything else... But I love the hardware! All the product placement of Winchester Armaments and Nachfolger Autocannons! It's so blatant but the gear is soooo cool!"

Yang: "And the hot studs don't hurt, either."

Ruby: bright red "YAAAANNNG!"

Yang: "What? I'm glad! I was afraid you'd end up with Crescent Rose as your boyfriend!"

Ruby: "That's sick and weird, Yang! He's my son!"

Pyrrha: sighs "Oh no... This show..."

Jaune: "Come on Pyr, it's great fun! Why are you so-?"

The opening credits reveal Pyrrha... In a tight red swimsuit... With her weapons... Jogging towards the camera on the beach. With 'And starring Pyrrha Nikos as Diana Prince.'

Jaune: "... Oh... Wow."

Yang: "HAHAHA! Seriously Cereal Girl?!"

Weiss: "What?!"

Pyrrha: bright red "It-It was for one season! My agent made me star on it! It was terrible!"

Jaune: "How bad could it be?"

One hour of thoroughly terrible television later...

Weiss: "... Let me get this straight. Diamond smugglers used a rocket powered surfboard to smuggle their stolen goods... And then it got eaten by a killer octopus... While terrorists held everyone in an airship that was about to explode... While Rich Masterson, aka Dave Hoff, had to give a charity concert?"

Blake: "... I have read fanfics that made more sense than this."

Yang: "And written them. But that's the charm! Also, damn Cereal Girl! You did take acting lessons, right?"

Pyrrha: moans, face in her hands "I tried. I really did... I was just so nervous..."

Jaune: "Well, um... For what it's worth, I thought you did a good job as a villainous femme fatale... At least when you weren't speaking."

Pyrrha: "R-Really?" brightens

Jaune: "Yeah! Also... Hahahahaha! Oh man... That guy cast the opposite of you was so dense! His character can't tell your character was into him?! What a numbskull! There's nobody that dense in real life!"

Pyrrha: "Ha... Haha... Y-Yes..."

Nora: "I liked the explosions! Though I think they just reused them from the last season!"

Yang: "Yeah, those were dope. Crazy part? This isn't even the first time they had a terrorist plot with diamond smuggling and a giant killer octopus."

Jaune: "Oh man, and that alien abduction episode? What was that about?"

Yang: "I know right?!"

Weiss: "Ruby... Please tell me you did not enjoy that travesty."

Ruby: "Did you see those rescue airships?! The latest Wayland Tigertails! Ooh, I think they got the upgraded IFF sensor nodes, too!"

Weiss: "... I'm the only sane one here, aren't I?"

Blake: "Ha. Please."

Yang: "So... You don't want to watch more?"

Weiss: "..." sighs "Fine."

Yang and Jaune: "WOO!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Blake: "What's next? Lifeguards fighting samurai? Or ninjas? Or ninja samurai?!"

Jaune: "Actually, they already had episodes with samurai. And ninja. And ninja samurai."

Blake: "Wait. What."

Yang: "Yeah! Dave Hoff put away a Fuujin crimelord and when he gets out of jail, he comes after Dave to try and kill him and his family! With his team of ninjas!"

Weiss: "... How did a lifeguard put a Fuujin crimelord in jail?"

Yang: "Those kinds of questions don't matter when it comes to Valewatch."

Jaune: "Honestly, asking any more questions than necessary kind of defeats the point of watching it."

Blake: "So... Don't think about it?"

Yang: "Nope!"

Jaune: "Not too hard, or you'll give yourself a stroke."

Weiss: "And so much is explained about you two blond bimbos."

Yang and Jaune: "Hey!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Once again, our heroes are tuning in for another episode of ValeWatch. Even Weiss has gotten into making fun of the stupid show.

Weiss: "Vikings... Frozen Vikings from Solitas. They were in an ice berg, unfroze, and attacked the city."

Yang: laughing her ass off

Jaune: ditto

Ruby: "Ugh... Those axes and swords are all wrong! They're modern Dust refined steel, not forged!"

Nora: "I know right?! My enjoyment of this episode is severely impaired!"

Ren: "More caramel popcorn?"

Nora: "Thanks Renny! I am appeased!"

Weiss: groans "Well at least Pyrrha is in the episode to-"

Pyrrha on screen: "Hey you! Stop that! You Vikings! Are! So bad! I will defeat you!"

Weiss: Stares at Pyrrha "... How many acting classes did you take again?"

Pyrrha: blush "I was nervous!"

Jaune: "Still, this is a great fight scene. You're the best at those, Pyr!"

Pyrrha: "I-Oh, w-well, thank you!"

Yang: "Hmph. I could do better fight scenes..."

Jaune: "Huh?"

Yang: louder "Yeah, that was basically the only saving grace of this show: Cool fight scenes, hot guys and girls, and total insanity."

Weiss: "Wait, was? It was cancelled?!"

Jaune: "Yeah. I'm guessing they brought Pyr on as a desperate hail mary?"

Pyrrha: "Unfortunately, yes. Then they made a spin off set in Menagerie and um... Well that lasted four episodes before being canceled."

Ruby: "I heard the producer got thrown out of a window in his office building."

Stares

Ruby: "He was fine after!"

Nora: "Oh good! That's what I was worried about!"

Yang: "So, you've gotta have all kinds of dirt from behind the scenes, Cereal Girl-Right?"

Pyrrha: "Oh, well... Not really. Mister Hoff was actually very nice. He tried to help me with acting and even gave me advice for a singing career... Which um... I didn't go for. Not fully."

Jaune: "I bet you sing great!"

Pyrrha: bright red "Th-Thank you!"

Yang: scowls "I also sing, ya know."

Jaune: "Oh, I'm sorry Yang. I'd love to hear you sing too!"

Weiss: "I am literally a professional singer!"

Jaune: blinks "But I've already heard you sing, Weiss."

Weiss: "Hmph!"

Jaune: ... Women.

Jaune: "Anyway! Next episode!"

Weiss: "Please tell me this isn't as crazy as the last one?"

Yang: "It totally isn't! In fact, Blake? Stop reading your smut fics and watch with us! I think you'll find it hilarious!"

Blake: "I somehow doubt it."

They watch... And...

Blake: "... Let me get this straight. The Straw Feminist and Faunus Rights Activist who died an episode ago... Is reincarnated as a dog."

Yang: "Eeyup!"

Jaune: "Totally!"

Blake: "... And this episode's writer's other credits include?"

Jaune: "Mostly 'World's Blankiest Blank' kind of stuff."

Blake: "Well, at least they're consistent."

Weiss: smirk "Oh, I am just loving this~."

Blake: "You would, racist!"

Weiss: "Brat!"

Blake: "Sow!"

Weiss: "Hypocrite!"

Jaune: sighs as Weiss and Blake argue "Maybe this was a bad idea."

Yang: "At least it wasn't the Cat People Episode. We'd never hear the end of it."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Sage Ayana has the Semblance of Psychometry.

Sage: "Jaune. May I examine your sword?"

Jaune: "Hm? Oh, sure."

Sage: "I like to try my Semblance on older weapons, and since yours is the oldest one here, I think it would be a unique experience."

Jaune: "Er... Sure."

Sage touches Crocea Mors. His Semblance activates and he hums thoughtfully.

Sage: "... Huh. Shirou, your great-grandfather, killed a LOT of soldiers with this."

Jaune: "Oh yeah. A lot."

Sage: "So did your great-great grandfather. And a lot of Grimm."

Jaune: "Uh huh...?"

Sage: "On many battlefields. Impressive... I am seeing the Battles of Camelot, Camlenn, Argus, the siege of Mantle..."

Jaune: "That's incredible!"

Sage: "... Your Nana was quite attractive. Like, REALLY attractive. How were those things real? Wow, she was just the hottest-"

Jaune: takes his sword back "Okay, that's enough of that."

Sage: clears his throat "Sorry about that."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The Beacon Academy JNPR common room was a lively mess, with snack wrappers and open books strewn across the table, the late evening light filtering through the windows. Team SSSN and Jaune Arc sprawled across the couches, the air thick with banter and the faint hum of Aura from their earlier training. Jaune, in his black hoodie and white armor, leaned back, his blonde hair slightly mussed.

"It is nice to train with guys once in a while," Jaune observed.

"And Neptune," Scarlet snarked, cleaning his sword.

"Haha," Neptune huffed, working on his goggles.

"No problem, Jaune!" Sun grinned. "Any friend of Blake's is a friend of ours!"

"More or less," Sage observed. At Jaune's stare, Sage blinked. "That was a joke."

"Oh," Jaune mumbled, thinking of Ren. He wondered if he and Sage met in secret to work on being deadpan together.

"Woah! Who is the babe?!"

Jaune looked over at Neptune, who was holding up a framed picture of Jaune's family. Jaune scowled.

"That's my mom," Jaune growled.

"She's like the ultimate MILF!" Neptune crowed, "Hot Damn!"

"Neptune, answer me honestly," Jaune said, his voice teasing but sharp. "How would you personally feel if I was enjoying the view of your mother?"

Neptune, his blue hair catching the light, froze, his goggles slipping from his fingers. His voice was flat, defensive. "My mom's not a babe."

Jaune's eyebrow arched, his grin widening.

"What if she was one at our age?"

Neptune's eyes narrowed, his eyebrow twitching irritably. "Then she's not my mom, is she?"

Sun Wukong, lounging nearby, his tail swishing lazily, chimed in, his voice dripping with amusement.

"Dude, I know I'm a little late on the upkeep, but before you dig yourself deeper, I gotta let ya know something. A while back, I was walking in the park and saw Jaune helping a bunch of little kids get their ball back from a tree. The look their moms gave him afterward? Like they were starving and he was a plate of prime rib. So, I'm just saying… there's a good chance he seduces your mom outright."

Neptune's jaw dropped, his voice a yelp. "He would not!"

Scarlet's grin turned wicked, his eyes glinting. "He has Professor Goodwitch's Scroll number."

"HE WHAT?!" Neptune squawked, his face reddening.

Jaune waved his hands, his voice flustered.

"It's just because she's tutoring me, and I'm working as a teaching assistant!"

Sun leaned forward, undeterred, his voice sly.

"You also have the number for Blake's mom! Don't deny it, I saw the caller I.D. yesterday!"

Jaune's blush deepened, his voice defensive. "Well, I'm trying to help Blake reconnect with her parents!"

Neptune's eyes bulged, his voice a shout.

"Why are you doing that?!"

"She asked me to?" Jaune said, his tone bewildered, his hands raised.

Scarlet, perched on the armrest, smirked. Jaune prayed he wouldn't stoke the flames any further... But his prayers were not answered.

"What about that white-haired woman who kept saying she was Weiss's mom?"

Jaune groaned, rubbing his neck. "She was friends with my parents!"

Sage Ayana crossed his arms, his green hair catching the light, his voice calm but pointed.

"What about that strange raven-haired woman who looked like an older version of Yang and tried to throttle you last week?"

Jaune's face darkened, his voice sharp.

"That's Yang's mom. She's a bitch. My mom tried to make her come home and apologize to Yang for abandoning her."

Sun placed a hand on Neptune's shoulder, his voice mock-solemn.

"Still, dude, you're four for four on moms right now. I'm sorry, man, he'll seduce your mom. It's inevitable at this point."

Neptune's face was now a brilliant shade of red, his voice a strangled growl. Jaune flailed, his voice desperate. "No, no, no! My parents are trying to make Raven apologize to Yang! I don't—She's not hot!"

Sage's eyebrow arched, his voice dry. "She's a near one-to-one copy of Yang. Are you saying Yang's not hot?"

Jaune's eyes widened, his voice a frantic scramble.

"Physically, yes! But she abandoned her entire family and is a bandit! She's terrible! That kills any arousal at all."

"Then why is she following you around?" Neptune demanded. Jaune shrugged helplessly.

"I have no idea!"

Neptune was turning red at this moment, huffing like an angry bull.

"And anyway, it doesn't matter! I haven't met Neptune's mom!" Jaune added.

Sage held up his Scroll and projected an image of a very attractive older woman in a suit with a skirt with long blue hair. Jaune stared, and blushed.

"Oh... Wow... She's uh... I-I mean she looks... Nice?"

"And she's coming for the Vytal Festival," Sun grinned.

Scarlet placed a hand on Neptune's other shoulder, his voice teasing. "Tsk, tsk, sorry, Nep. Looks like Jaune's gonna seduce your mom."

Neptune's control snapped, his voice a roar. "YOU BASTARD!"

He launched himself at Jaune, hands aiming for his throat.

"HURK!" Jaune gasped, stumbling back as Neptune tackled him, the two crashing into the couch.

Sun cackled, leaning back, while Scarlet snorted, his voice dry. "Why exactly did we do this?"

Sage shook his head, his voice calm but amused. "It means he's now one of us."

"Having Neptune freak out and try to strangle us?" Scarlet asked.

Sun nodded.

"Totally! We all went through that!"

Scarlet hummed and shrugged as Jaune yelped in desperation.

"Fair enough."

- - -

There you go, no Jaune harem antics. Just Neptune freaking out and losing his control and Team SSSN being trolls.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

With how I write Team SSSN, Sun being a bit like Abridged!Son Goku, and Sage, Scarlet, and Neptune being like Piccolo, Tien and Yamcha respectively, it amuses me to no end to write Neptune as a spazz behind his front of being a cool, confident playboy. Oh sure he's perfectly competent in a fight but his desperate need to look cool is his downfall.

And he seems most likely of SSSN to have had incidents where he lost his temper and strangled one of his teammates. Here's how it went with Sun!

After a training session gone wrong, Sun was caught in an explosion. His team rushes him to a Bullhead as they evacuate back to Haven.

Neptune: "Sun! Buddy?! Can you speak to me?! What's wrong?!"

Sun: "Ohhhh... Ohhh... The pain, the painnnnn...!"

Neptune: "Where does it hurt?! WHERE?!"

Sun: "I'm sooo... Sooo...!"

Neptune: "So what?! WHAT?!"

Sun: "Hungry! We missed lunch for this training session and I didn't pack any snacks!"

Neptune: "YOU STUPID MONKEY BASTARD!" Strangles him

Sun: "HURK!"

Sage: "I feel like we should stop this."

Scarlet: "Nah. Sun'll be fine. He said so himself."

Sage: "Huh. Fair enough."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Phillip Graves walked into the office in Vale's government building that his niece was using. Honestly, he was proud of her: The troops she had stationed around the area were all sharp and eyeing him with suspicion, and were in regular uniform rather than the elaborate dress uniforms Varnholt had insisted upon with tall fuzzy green hats and ridiculous gloves.

He stepped in, scanning the interior. His niece was just where he thought she'd be: Standing in the middle of several holowindows and plots, dictating orders, while Visha stood at her side, ever faithful and supportive.

"Rip those older security systems out, pay the local electricians double if you have to," Tangy snapped, "We are NOT running the Vytal Festival with this mess of a security system! Especially not in that sector!"

"Yes ma'am!" Said the man in the window-Weiss, Graves believed. Tangy turned to another holowindow.

"Colonel, we're still dealing with Grimm infestations at Fort Celliwig," the man (Grantz he believed), "We can't pull any more troops from other bases to supplement their numbers."

Tangy frowned and nodded.

"All right. Issue another round of training missions for Beacon. Offer double pay, we've got the budget. Afterwards, get in contact with the public high schools and religious schools: See if they have any legal aged students looking to do volunteer work to help fix up the base."

"Yes ma'am!" Grantz saluted. Tangy turned to one last window, with a long faced man-Koenig, as Graves recalled.

"Colonel, there's a bandit encampment confirmed in Forever Fall. They're near the new logistics base we set up. Most likely they're after the latest Dust shipment that's waiting there for distribution."

"Cheeky bastards," Tangy muttered. "How many forces can we spare to wipe them out right now?"

Koenig shook his head.

"We're overextended as is. Can we call in an airstrike?"

Tangy hid her irritation behind her cold professional mask, but Graves knew better.

"The VSS Banshee's battlegroup doesn't arrive for two more days. They had to deal with a pirate raid," Tangy stated.

"We could ask the Atlasians," Visha suggested. Tangy sighed.

"As a last resort, we will. But if we aren't able to handle a bandit camp in our own backyard, we don't deserve the name of a military," Tangy stated.

"Then could Colonel Graves spare any men?" Koenig respectfully suggested.

Tangy looked expectantly at her uncle, who sighed.

"Sadly no. We're dealing with Grimm extermination missions for the next 48 hours. It's almost like they were all migrating here at the same time."

"Mm! We've only seen that phenomenon a few times in history, Colonel!" Visha contributed, holding up her Scroll, "But never on this scale! We haven't been able to find anything to correlate to it!"

"Keep looking," Tangy ordered, "Even Varnholt wasn't so incompetent as to let in this many Grimm around Vale on purpose."

"How is the old War Horse, by the way?" Graves asked. Tangy gave her uncle a smirk.

"He is being tended to by tailors, armorers, and publicists all day to ensure he is at his best for the Vytal Festival opening, mid, and closing ceremonies," she said, "As a man of his age and reputation should look his absolute best."

Graves grinned savagely.

"That's my girl," he said, and Tangy preened a bit. She then looked back at her subordinates, who were all attempting to hide smiles. Well, most of them: Visha didn't even bother. "Don't you all have work to do?"

"Ma'am!" They responded in unison with salutes. Tangy fixed her eyes on Koenig.

"I'll call in a favor for the camp. Maintain observation."

"Ma'am!"

The holowindows closed with a wave of Tangy's hand. She turned her full attention to her uncle, as Visha stood at her side.

"You didn't just come for that I take it?" Tangy asked.

Graves smirked a bit.

"I had a visit from Nana," he said. "She wants to know everything about Jaune's potential paramours."

"What makes you think I would waste time investigating them all?" Tangy asked, almost offended. Graves continued to smirk. Tangy sighed, and nodded to Visha. The curvy girl beamed and handed over a holochip.

"The full intel dossiers on all of them," Visha said brightly, "I think you'll be very interested! The Colonel personally made lists on how to tease them all!"

"Visha!" Tangy hissed. Visha blushed.

"Oops! Sorry!"

"Ah, that's my great-granddaughter," a kindly female voice spoke, as a dainty but agile hand snatched the holochip out of Grave's hand. Tangy goggled as Arturia Arc beamed at her. Visha grinned and waved.

"Hey Nana! There's a great new cheeseburger place near the capital building! You want to check it out?"

"I would love to!" Arturia beamed. Tangy flushed as Arturia sized her up.

"Nana," Tangy stated, "Preparations for the festival are underway. Though there are many obstacles… We are overcoming them."

Arturia stared intently at Tangy, the full force of her presence falling over them. Graves stood at attention, as did Tangy. Visha beamed, oblivious, but she remained quiet. This presence, this Aura, was strong and as heavy as the judgement of Heaven.

It then passed, leaving only warmth and love, as Arturia smiled honestly.

"As I expected of you, Tangerine," she said, "I am very proud of all you have done."

Tangy flushed, but nodded stoically.

"Thank you Nana," she said, quiet but genuine.

"So," Arturia said, glancing at Visha knowingly, "Do you have a date for the Vytal Gala?"

Tangy coughed.

"It would be inappropriate for me to take a date to the Gala, as I only know subordinates-"

"We'll be going as friend, Nana!" Visha said cheerfully. Tangy scowled.

"I didn't say that!"

"You didn't have to!" Visha bubbled, "Besides! Imagine the buffet! You wouldn't leave me out of that, would you, Colonel?"

Tangy sighed heavily.

"I suppose not," she muttered. She scowled as her uncle and great-grandmother smirked at each other. "Stop that!"

"We didn't say a word," Graves chuckled.

"You didn't have to," Tangy grumbled, as Visha began eating a chocolate bar. "Visha, don't eat while we're on duty."

"Oops! Sorry Colonel!" Visha apologized.

"So," Arturia said, "That bandit camp out in Forever Fall. How are you going to handle that? Do you need Shirou and I to go out?"

"No Nana," Tangy said, shaking her head, "While I appreciate it, if any of them got a lucky hit on you two, that would be disastrous for morale. Several Beacon teams are already deployed to Forever Fall right now for training missions, they're going to see the whole thing."

"So, who are you sending after them?" Graves asked.

"I asked a favor," and here Tangy grinned devilishly, "Of Cousin Zechs."

"You do realize that means he won't kill any of them unless he absolutely has to, right?" Graves asked, raising an eyebrow. Tangy nodded.

"Yes. As much fun as slaughtering them all might be, we do need to mind our optics," Tangy said. "Besides, returning them weaken, beaten, and demoralized will send the proper message."

"I'm so proud," Arturia sniffled.

---

Shay D. Mann had been confident this raid would be a clean sweep. Raven had dispatched him and a handful of her tribe's flunkies to hit a small Valean military logistics hub on Vale's outskirts in the Forever Fall, banking on the chaos of the White Fang's attacks to cover their tracks. The target: a hefty cache of Dust, ripe for the taking.

Things had gotten a bit complicated: A few Beacon Hunter-in-Training teams had been near the small logistics base, and were fighting them. He'd spotted Raven's daughter among them.

Raven's orders about her daughter were clear: Don't hurt her or her friends. But with the way she was charging into the fight, some blond dope with a sword and shield fighting alongside, that wasn't going to be easy. Hell the redhead was giving them enough trouble!

Even so, it was supposed to be easy… But things had gone catastrophically wrong.

"Wh-Wh-WHAT IS THAT?!" a bandit shrieked, his voice breaking in panic.

From the growing darkness as the sun set, it flew: A Mechashift Armor, its crimson and black frame gleaming with malevolent elegance, like a dragon forged in steel. Its sleek, predatory design crowned with curved, horn-like protrusions, loomed over them. In its grip, a massive Dust beam saber crackled to life, glowing with volatile energy, while a colossal heat rod extended from its arm, pulsating with menacing light. Its green, slit-like optics glared down, exuding an aura of ruthless precision.

Shay's blood ran cold. He knew exactly what this was. "That's a Mechashift Armor!" he yelled, his voice raw with dread. "IT'S A GUNDAMMMM—!"

The massacre was relentless. Epyon moved with terrifying grace, its heat rod lashing out like a serpent, slicing through bandits and their crude weapons in a blaze of sparks and screams-Only their Aura kept them from dying instantly. The heat rod swept through the air, incinerating anything in its path with molten fury.

Shay, driven by pure desperation, sprinted through the chaos, dodging energy lashes and flying debris until he reached the rendezvous point, lungs burning and heart hammering.

"RUN!" He bellowed, his fellow bandits all following his lead as they ran. A red cut appeared in reality, and one of Raven's portals opened up like a great eye. Shay dove through, the rest of the bandits following suit. They tumbled through the portal, falling to the dirty floor of the latest Branwen Tribe base. The portal shut behind them. Shay, panting hard, slowly looked up into the enraged eyes of Raven Branwen.

"Shay? What happened?" Raven demanded.

"W-Well… Um… We tried to get the shipment," Shay said, "But a lot of training teams, including Pyrrha Nikos, your daughter and her boyfriend, were fighting us."

Raven's eyes glowed with anger. Shay continued quickly.

"W-We didn't hurt them! We avoided any real harm, I promise! They're all okay… But then a GUNDAM of all things came in! A freaking Gundam! We thought they were all inactive but it came! It beat us all to a pulp! We-We're only alive because it let us go! Please, I-I take responsibility! Don't kill us all for this failure!"

Shay may have been a dirty coward but acting like he wasn't a bitch was the only way Raven wouldn't kill him. Raven stared intensely at him.

Raven then grabbed Shay's shoulder, pulled him up, and dragged him off to a private part of the old building. He heard the sighs of relief of the other bandits behind him as she pulled him along.

Traitors, he thought angrily. Raven shoved him against the wall and stared into his eyes. He held his breath.

"... When it comes to a legendary warrior, retreat is the wisest decision," Raven decided.

Shay held in his sigh of relief and tried not to sag. He nodded.

"Thank you, Raven."

"Now," Raven growled, making Shay cringe, "Tell me…"

About the shipment? The Gundam? Vale's defenses?

"... About my daughter's boyfriend," Raven asked, her eyes narrowed. "Who is he? Is he strong? What does he look like?"

Shay blinked.

"Huh?"

---

Back at the Forever Fall, Teams JNPR and RWBY looked on in awe at the dragon-like mecha shift armor. The bandits had fled from its fearsome power, though they'd been holding their own. Still, Jaune wasn't going to complain as he grinned at the ominous looking mechashift armor.

"Dragon Robot saved us!" Nora cheered. "WOO!" Lie Ren smiled indulgently. Weiss groaned.

"Why can't we just have one training mission where nothing happens?" Weiss cried, "Just one boring, straightforward mission?"

"What's the point of those?" Ruby grinned. "Oh wow, Epyon! So amazing! I wanna take it apart and put it back together!"

"It's been a while since I saw it," Jaune added, also broadly grinning.

"Wait, you know that mechashift armor?!" Weiss gasped.

"Yeah!" Jaune said with a nod with a grin. Weiss groaned.

"Oh no, don't tell me-"

The armor stepped forward. The helmet opened, revealing an incredible handsome man with piercing blue eyes and long platinum blond hair that hell down his back. He smirked a bit as Jaune waved.

"Cousin Zechs!"

"Cousin Jaune," Zechs nodded, "Glad to see you well."

"Glad to see you here!" Jaune laughed, running up to hug him. Zechs hugged him back, patting him on the shoulder.

"Super glad to see you too!" Ruby cried, clinging to Zechs' left arm eagerly. Zechs raised an eyebrow.

"Ruby Rose, I presume?"

"You've heard of me?" Ruby squealed.

"Heero told me about you," Zechs chuckled.

"HEE~!"

"Of… Of course," Weiss sighed, "Another freaking Arc." Yang elbowed her.

"Stop complaining," Yang grinned, "It's a nice preview of the future."

"Very nice," Blake agreed.

"Yes it is," Pyrrha sighed.

Weiss blushed severely.

"I-I didn't say it wasn't-I-you-Shut up!"

---

 

[AndrewJTalon]

I mean this could work for Pyrrha... But Yang could verge towards bullying a few times in the show. Sooo...

Yang steals Jaune's lunch.

Yang: "My lunch now, VB!"

Jaune: "Wha-Seriously?!"

She does it again and runs off.

Yang: "Loved your sandwich! Gonna love this one, too!"

Jaune: "YANG! DAMNIT!"

Then... Yang is about to eat his mother's cookies. In front of him.

Yang: "Mm... They smell even better than Ruby's cookies!"

Ruby: "Yang!"

Jaune finally has had enough.

Jaune: "I swore I'd never hit a girl who didn't hit me first..."

Yang: "Oh really, VB? Whatcha gonna do, VB? Not like you're man enough to-MMMPH?!"

Jaune kisses the hell out of Yang, dipping her. He then lets her go, speechless. He plucks the cookie out of her hand and eats it.

Jaune: "My cookie."

Yang: "..." licks her lips "Wait... I want a taste."

Jaune: "Like hell I'd give you-MMPH!"

They resume kissing... Angrily... Then passionately as they begin making out vigerously.

Ruby: "Damn you Yang...!" She has one of Jaune's mom's cookies, cries "Damnit! They are better! Well, if Yang marries Jaune maybe she'll teach me how to bake?"

Pyrrha: TWITCH 'I needed to bully him! THAT WAS THE KEY!'

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Cardin: "Velv... I gotta ask. You were strong enough to beat the crap out of me. Heck, you could have had your team beat us up and we'd have been no mater."

Velvet: "So?"

Cardin: "So... Why didn't you do that when I was tugging on your ears?"

Velvet: "..." blush "Um... W-Well... I actually kind of like it when you pull my ears."

Cardin: "..." blush "Oh."

Velvet: "Sooo... You want to try tugging them now?"

Cardin: "Okay!"

Blake stares at the two.

Weiss: "Blake? Stop that."

Blake: "But they're living out so many of my fantasies-!"

Weiss: "Stop being you!"

Blake: "Racist!"

Weiss: "Pervert!"

Cardin: "God I hate it when couples fight in public."

Weiss and Blake: "SHUT UP!"

 

[zMADLAXz]

If Naruto talked with Sun.

Naruto: Kid, I love your dedication but a Romance is not the way to go about it. And if Romance is your primary goal there are different ways to go.

Sun: Then what do I do?

Naruto: First, instead of one moody volatile princess, you go after several of them, but the trick is to never flirt with them.

Sun: Never?

Naruto: Absolutely Never, then you have to be yourself, that is to say a hyper competent buffoon.

Sun: Done.

Naruto: Good, next you are gonna need a grand dream.

Sun: Does family and going for a semi-peaceful revolution through funny pranks count?

Naruto: THAT is the winning strategy. You are a quick learner.

Sun: Aww, thanks for believing in me.

Naruto: Well, you best Believe that. Ok, now comes the most important part, that is, you ignore all of them because your purpose is more important to you and after a few hundred episodes, you go for the best girl that was always there. Who is also shy and a princess.

Sun: Well, sorry to disappoint Sensei but us modern kids don't get 700 episodes. Also a shy princess?

Naruto: Well, shit. OK, ok we can still fix this. Now where to find your princess? (looks around and finds May shyly looking from behind a wall)

Naruto: Well Kid, you ever dated a sniper girl before?

Sun: ....no?

Naruto: Buckle up because you are about to.

Naruto quickly knocks both of them out and cleverly locks them in a room with all the necessities but very cramped space. Thankfully neither of them need much light.

Sun: I am SO SO SO sorry for Sensei, he doesn't really care much about people's opinion about training and calls it his "Toad Sage Extreme" strategy, and now you got stuck with me as part of his shenanigans.

May: Um, well It's no problem, besides I wanted to get to know new people as well, and this is a great approach, if unorthodox isn't it? I am May Zedong btw.

Sun: Oh, well that's fine. Also hi May, I am Sun Wukong. Now let's figure out a way to get out of here, your family must be worried.

May: Ummm, I only have my team and no family.

Sun: Oh shit you too huh. Well anyways, sorry for assuming anyway still , try to get out of here hmm?

May blushes and as they both try to figure out a way outside.

---

Meanwhile, Naruto on a random rooftop with Ichigo.

Naruto: Well that's one pair done, what about you, had a nice talk with the lad?

Ichigo: He mostly has it figured out, now I just need him to go from survival mindset to winning mindset.

Naruto: Ahhh, the "Old Man Zangetsu" approach?

Ichigo: Yep, hey btw, since you are better at this social engineering thing than me, you think you could fit Yang in that Arkos thing you are trying to accomplish? I can't let another Tatsuki go alone like that man.

Naruto: I am pretty sure it won't take too much pranking; sure, I'll assign a few more shadow clones to that. Also do you think we should start with combat training, I know how to beat up a magnet style user and also how to light the fire of motivation under a shy princess/warrior, and in my opinion Pyrrha needs a more unique training style.

Oh! Almost forgot to tell ya, I am adopting Ruby and Nora, these two precious ones need to grow up badass like my Hima and Boruto and rule the world.

Ichigo: You do that, I'll be seeing if we could get rest of the kids' families here, Blacksmith lady could only give us some limited time.

Naruto: Great! Now let me just get Aang and Uncle Iroh here and I am pretty sure we could set that Ironwood fella straight. The way things are going, he might end up like Danzo, which would be a waste of a leader like him.

Ichigo: ...you think it can get that bad?

Naruto: Ichigo, buddy, this world is like if someone took a mix of all our stories and worlds, blended them together, boiled it, and then diluted it till it looked like its completely clear.

It's just a matter of remembering old patterns pal.

Ichigo: hmmmm, you aren't wrong, well lemme see, hey do you think a strong Grimm would make for a good sword?

Naruto: ......why? You know he doesn't have to be a dual wielder you know, he is more healer and protector ain't he? Won't a bigger a shield be better?

Ichigo: ......Naruto, do you know what my Name means?

Naruto: "The one who protects", right?

Ichigo: Correct, now do you see me using a shield?

Naruto: Well, you have that Hollow technique that acts as a physical protection ain't it? Plus Zangetsu does the Reiatsu condensing for you to launch sword beams. Also the Quincy powers.

Ichigo: And he has his Aura and Semblance, look sometimes you gotta realise that when all the world's going stupid and crazy, you gonna need more leverage and sharpness than a shield.

I am not saying a shield is bad, but you of all people must understand that before you move forward and improve something? You gonna need to split some heads.

Naruto: ..... I think I saw a Grimm with a pretty useful gimmick in Ever After, think that'll work?

Ichigo: See? 'tis only a matter of need.

Naruto: Now let me see if I can find a way to teach Rasengan to Sun, no student of mine will go without being able to make more shadow clones than sand on a beach and a swirling mass of energy packing more punch than a wrecking ball.

Even if I have to convince one of the Tailed Beasts. I think Son would be upto the task.

 

[zMADLAXz]

A lot of people say that Jaune should have died instead of Pyrrha.

That seems just like a bad end waiting to happen.

Because in this scenario, Jaune somehow shielded Pyrrha from a fatal blow, in which case Cinder is still going to kill her anyways and if say Jaune pushed her away and still went to fight Cinder by himself, then too Cinder is just going to come back and kill Pyrrha again.

Because here is the sad fact, Cinder is stronger and more clever than Pyrrha.

Now you just have a Maiden and high level fighter on your ass, with no healer.

And yes, Pyr can obviously fill the role of a combatant and somehow make up for the lack of Jaune in some fights, but here is the thing, without Jaune's semblance Weiss would still die.

Because again, Cinder can defeat Pyrrha and this time Pyrrha won't have Jaune to come and save her. Also unlike Jaune, Cinder will take Pyrrha more seriously this time, because in Haven she just mocked him and let him do his own thing, which allowed him to use his awakened semblance.

And what about escorting all the civilians from Mantle? Jaune's semblance and leadership was prudent for that along with Ren.

And without Jaune and his guaranteed boosts, even Ren's improved semblance won't do shit.

So now you just have a Cinder who is even more cautious and bloodthirsty, who is going to finish her job, you have no healer/tank to rely on, and as soon as Salem shows up?

Unless you make the argument that Pyrrha can somehow beat her, they'll stand no chance at all.

A lot of the attitude of the anti-Jaune hatedom of RWBY unironically sounds like those parties in Light novels that kick out the healer because they are doing no damage.

Sure, they beat Cordovin, well congrats you still have that giant ass Grimm, who is not magnetic.

Also funnily enough, if these Jaune haters had watched Naruto, unironically they would appreciate a healer more because Tsunade made three rules of Medical Ninjas, which make absolute fucking sense.

1. no medic ninja shall ever stop medical treatment until the lives of their party members have come to an end

2. no medic ninja shall ever stand on the front lines

3. no medic ninja shall ever die until they are the last of their platoon

There is also a 4th rule but that is for those who can use the Hundred sealing: Yin Seal technique.

But it is still applicable to Jaune because of his ability to quickly recharge his Aura, and use it to heal and defend. So instead of relying on Hundred sealing, he can rely on his own Aura.

These rules make sense, you want the healer to die last so that you can keep more people alive.

Some other big brains say that it would parallel Patroclus and Achilles.

To them I will say a few points.

1. The premise of RWBY is that roles flip on their heads, the tin man doesn't have a heart, the brave little lion was a coward, the little red riding hood killed the wolf, THE GOD OF THE SEAS is afraid of Water.

So it makes no sense for Patroclus to die.

2. If you have read Illiad and rest of the Trojan war books, it would become very clear that why the death of Patroclus was such a big deal to not just Achilles.

Patroclus was EVERYONE's favourite person.

These are from Richmond Lattimore's 1951 translation of The Iliad.
Menelaus Defending Patroclus' Body (Book 17, lines 97–101)

"But Menelaos, dear to Ares, stood over Patroklos,
speared him round with his great spear, as a mother cow
stands lowing over the calf she has brought forth.
For Menelaos, Atreus' son, stood over Patroklos."

Click to shrink...

Showing an almost motherly protectiveness.
Ajax (the Greater) Joins in the Defense (Book 17, lines 356–360)

"Then Aias came near him, carrying like a wall his shield,
and stood fast by Menelaos. So the two of them
thought only of fighting round fallen Patroklos."

Click to shrink...

Two of the greatest Achean soldiers are there just to make sure that his body is defended.
Briseis' Lament (Book 19, lines 287–299)

"You were always so gentle. You would not let me weep.
You told me that godlike Achilles would make me his wedded wife,
and take me back in his ships to Phthia,
and there among the Myrmidons we would have our wedding feast.
So now I weep your death without ceasing. You were kind always."

Click to shrink...

The Army's Mourning (Book 19, lines 302–303)

"So she spoke, weeping, and the women mourned in answer,
mourning for Patroklos, but each for her own sorrows."

Click to shrink...

All the women of the camp join in mourning Patroclus.

So here's the thing, he wasn't just important to Achilles. He is widely considered one of the most loved characters.

And Jaune here, is till this point none of this.

Yes his friends would be sad, but not to the level that somebody inspired by Patroclus deserves.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The Beacon courtyard was a tranquil haven, dappled with the fading light of dusk, the air carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. Lie Ren sat cross-legged on the grass, his eyes closed, his breathing steady, the picture of serene meditation. Beside him, Jaune Arc was decidedly less serene, wobbling precariously on his head at Ren's insistence, his blond hair splayed out and his face flushed red from effort.

His hoodie bunched awkwardly under his armor as he groaned, "Gah… uh… you sure you trained like this, Ren?"

"Very sure," Ren replied, his voice calm, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Nnnngh… how do you achieve inner peace standing on your head?!" Jaune grumbled, his arms shaking as he fought to balance.

"Practice," Ren said, his tone even, his magenta eyes still closed.

Jaune scowled, his voice laced with exasperation. "Like not getting upset over your teacher making you do ridiculous things?"

Ren's smile grew, subtle but genuine. "Exactly."

A booming laugh shattered the quiet, rich and warm. "Hahaha! Oh man, I remember that! Shifu put me through that all the time at the start!"

Ren's eyes snapped open, his calm fracturing as he sprang to his feet, turning toward the voice. Jaune, still upside-down, craned his neck awkwardly, catching sight of a portly Panda Faunus in elegant green robes, a conical hat perched on his head, a wooden staff in hand. His teeth gleamed under the fading light, his grin wide and infectious.

Ren's hands clasped in a respectful fist-over-palm salute, bowing deeply. "Master Po! I-I did not know you were coming!"

Po's grin widened, his eyes twinkling. "Well, I was in the area. I wanted to see how you were doing." He glanced at Jaune, still wobbling. "Your student?"

Ren straightened, his voice steady but warm. "He is my team leader… and friend."

Po's smile grew, his staff tapping the ground. Jaune, with a grunt, flipped off his head, landing with a stumble before offering a bright grin. "I'm Jaune Arc!"

Po bowed, his robes rustling. "I'm Po! Ren was my student!"

Jaune's eyes widened, his voice curious. "So, wait, you're… a kung fu master?"

Po chuckled, his tone humble. "I'm called a master, but you never truly master anything. You learn something new every day…"

Jaune nodded, his grin thoughtful. "Huh… sounds familiar."

"Now!" Po clapped his hands, his stomach growling loudly. "Let's catch up… at the cafeteria."

The Beacon cafeteria was a bustling chaos of clattering trays and student chatter, but the arrival of Teams RWBY and JNPR turned heads. Nora Valkyrie led the charge, her turquoise eyes blazing with excitement as she spotted Po. "PO!" she shrieked, launching herself at him in a tackle-hug that sent the Panda Faunus crashing to the floor with a laugh.

"HAHAHA! Nora! I missed you too!" Po roared, his staff clattering as he hugged her back.

"How's Old Tavish?!" Nora demanded, bouncing on her heels.

"He's doing well!" Po said, climbing to his feet. "Still blowing things up, but happy in retirement. He was really excited over you blowing up a Deathstalker!"

"YAY!" Nora cheered, fist-pumping.

Ren quickly introduced Po to the others, his voice calm but proud. Yang Xiao Long, leaning against a table, raised a skeptical eyebrow, her lilac eyes glinting. "You're Zen's master?"

Po, happily munching a meat bun, nodded. "Mmhm! Hnnn… they're way too salty."

Ren's voice was soft but firm. "I agree, Master."

Nora beamed, her voice bright. "Yeah! Ren's pork buns are way better!"

Po grinned, swallowing. "He was very good at those. I also taught him cooking!"

Yang's eyebrow arched higher. "Uh huh…"

Weiss Schnee, arms crossed, frowned. "You just seem… very unlike what we expected."

Yang snorted, her voice teasing. "I mean, can you even run a mile?"

Ren's eyes narrowed, a rare scowl breaking his calm. "Yang! This man took me and Nora into his home! He trained me!"

Yang raised her hands, her grin faltering. "Hey, hey! I'm sorry! No offense meant—!"

Po held up a paw, his voice gentle. "Ren. It's all right."

Ren's scowl lingered, but he forced himself to relax, the outburst startling everyone.

Po's grin softened, his tone reflective. "Heh. Nobody thought I was cut out to be a kung fu master when I started, either. Me least of all. But! It turns out appearances can be deceiving. Not that it was easy. I sucked. I sucked hard, at the start. But eventually… with enough hard work… you realize you can stop sucking."

He held out his paw, and the pork buns in a nearby bowl glowed with his Aura, rising up into the air. The teams gaped as the buns floated in a graceful orbit above Po's head, then behind him, his control effortless.

"But only if you believe you can be more than what you appear to be," he said, waving his hand to guide the buns back into the bowl.

Yang stared, then grinned wide. "Can you teach me that?"

Po laughed. "Maybe! Right now, I gotta make some real food. Come on, Ren! We're commandeering the kitchen! Let's make you and your friends a real dinner! We'll be right back!"

"Yes, Master," Ren said, following Po into the kitchen.

The cafeteria kitchen was nearly empty, the staff unbothered by the intrusion. Po set to work, his paws a blur as he kneaded dough and chopped vegetables, while Ren assisted, his movements precise but heavy with unspoken weight. As Po started a pot of broth, Ren sighed, his voice low.

"I'm sorry, Master. I shouldn't… I shouldn't have lost my temper. I don't have any right to defend you or… or anything. Not after what I did."

Po glanced at him, his tone curious as he rolled out noodles. "Hm? And what did you do?"

Ren's head bowed, his hands kneading dough. "I… I left. With Nora."

"Yeah," Po said, his voice light. "And why?"

"I wanted to be a Hunter… and…" Ren's voice faltered.

Po raised an eyebrow, frying noodles with a sizzle. "And?"

"... Get justice for my family," Ren admitted, his voice barely audible.

Po nodded, his tone warm but firm as he stirred pork into the broth. "Wanting justice isn't a bad thing, Ren. I wanted justice for my family, too. And being a Hunter is a wonderful thing! Protecting and saving people, pow pow pow! That's great! We're very proud of you both, all of us!"

Ren's lips twitched into a small smile, but Po's expression grew somber.

"But vengeance… vengeance is not the way to do it."

Ren's hands stilled. "I shouldn't kill that monster?"

"I didn't say that," Po said, his voice gentle but pointed. "What I did say… is that you shouldn't go into a fight not caring if you come back alive."

Ren froze, his breath catching.

Po's eyes softened, his tone heavy. "Hey. My masters did the whole 'I can see into your mind' thing with me, too. I was amazed and annoyed by it, like, all the time… Your dough's getting dry."

Ren blinked, adding a pinch of water to the dough, his hands moving mechanically. "Ah…"

"You know," Po said, pouring pork and broth into buns with aura-fueled precision, "it was a very sad day when you two left. You were really good, Ren. Amazing, even. One day, you could be better than me."

Ren's eyes widened, his voice a whisper. "I-I could never be the Dragon Warrior—"

"Heh," Po chuckled, sealing the buns with a flick of aura. "And that's what I said, too." He slid the tray into the oven, his voice softening. "For me? It was doubting I was anything more than some fat dummy raised by the best cook in the Valley of Peace. For you? It's fear and anger."

Ren's jaw tightened. "I don't fear—"

"You fear, Ren," Po cut in, his eyes locking onto Ren's. "Come on. Be honest. You fear getting too close to anyone because you think you're going to die." His voice dropped, heavy with truth. "Because part of you feels you deserve to."

Ren's breath hitched, his eyes dropping to the counter. "…Shouldn't I?"

Po's paw rested on Ren's shoulder, firm and warm. "Wha—of course not, Ren! It's not your fault the Nuckelavee killed everyone, any more than it's my fault some crazy peacock attacked my village!" He turned Ren to face the cafeteria, where Nora was animatedly recounting tales of the Valley of Peace, her eyes catching Ren's with a radiant smile. "And most importantly, you saved Nora."

Ren's gaze softened, his voice a whisper. "…I did…"

Po's grin returned, gentle but firm. "She cares for you, Ren. Loves you. And you don't want to break her heart, do you?"

"…I do not," Ren said, his voice steady but raw.

"Or the hearts of your friends, right?" Po said, pointing out at the teams. Ren slowly shook his head.

"No."

"Or our hearts?" Po asked, looking very solemn. Ren slowly shook his head, his voice catching.

"No… But…"

Po nodded as he let go of Ren, pulling the buns from the oven, their aroma filling the kitchen. "Yeah. I get it. And hey, one conversation doesn't fix everything. That's just in movies." He levitated a bun with his aura, grinning. "But it's like my dad said: It's like pork buns."

Ren blinked. "Pork buns?"

"Every single pork bun adds up," Po said, popping the bun into his mouth, then yelping, "AH! HOT HOT HOT! TOO HOT!" He fanned his mouth, his eyes watering, but his grin held.

"You eat one on your own, eh, it's just a meal. Even if they taste really, really good. But! Keep making pork buns, and more people come in. They pay you to make more if you make 'em good enough. They come to eat, and talk, and you meet great people. You become friends. Even family. And after a while, the pork buns aren't just pork buns. They're every happy meal, every satisfied customer, all your happy memories."

Ren's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile, his eyes soft. "…Master… I'm sorry I left you in

anger."

Po swallowed the bun, his grin wide. "Eh… as long as you don't come back to take revenge on everyone, you're good. Just like…" He popped another bun into his mouth, sighing happily in bliss. "This pork bun."

Ren smiled back at his master. Soft, still guarded, but the warmth was still there. Po nodded back.

"Now, let's have dinner with your friends," Po said cheerfully. "We want to make more happy memories!"

"Yes Master."