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[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

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Why Nick Arc is Not Allowed in Pietro's Lab Anymore
In Atlas...

Ironwood: "... Pietro?"

Pietro: "Yes?"

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

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

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

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

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

Nick: "Muffin button."

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

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

Ironwood: "..."

Pietro: "..."

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

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

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

Pietro: "No wait-!"

Nick turns off the communications line. He grins.

Nick: "I like his mustache!"

Outside...

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

Pietro: "Am I wrong?"

Ironwood: "... Touché."
 
The Mistralian Civil War: Why, How, And What
For the Mistralian Civil War I want to accomplish a few things:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The thing is, yes RWBY is an action show and yes this story of mine would be punctuated by action. But the action would have a point, it would serve the theme of the story. The Apathy would be drawn by the despair of the war to try and cause more of it, they wouldn't just be a random ass encounter. Tok is fighting as a mercenary for one of the factions in the conflict who doesn't care about their ideals, just in money. Cordovin is seeking glory and using Atlasian assets to escalate the conflict for her personal gain, and she's not a servant of Salem. Kurokuri is being wrecked by the war and the Nucklavee and Ren has to decide between saving his friends and innocent lives or throwing his life away for vengeance. There's a LOT you can do with a war going on in the background, and that's why I am putting it into my fan canon. For anyone to use.
 
The Champions
Alas, due to me mentioning my Patreon on a number of my stories on Ao3, those stories are now hidden. So I've been doing a lot of editing to ensure those stories are not permanently deleted. Sigh.

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

- - -

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

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

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

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

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

Between labored breaths, her opponent flashed a cocky smirk.

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

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

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

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

She flushed.

"Must you… Tease me?" She asked.

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

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

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

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

"Good trick," Pyrrha managed.

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

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

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

The crowd fell nearly silent, heightening the surreal atmosphere.

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

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

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

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

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

Pyrrha frowned slightly. "What?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

His smile matched hers, warm and wistful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You okay?" he gasped softly.

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

"I've never been better."
 
License to Be Exploited - Written with Typhonis
Jaune: "Wait. Why do I have to drive?"

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

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

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

Jaune:" Uh huh. Anything else?"

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

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

Ruby poking fingers together.

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

Jaune:" Yes?"

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

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

Ruby nervous smile

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

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

Ruby and Weiss: Nervous laugh.

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

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

Ruby: "An Arc promise, right?"

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

Weiss: "Future blackmail."

Jaune: "Ah, that makes sense."
 
On Worldbuilding: Kalvis Motors M-77 Chimera MBT
Technical Profile: M-77 Chimera
  • Type: Main Battle Tank
  • Manufacturer: Kalvis Motors
  • Origin: Vale
  • Role: Anti-Grimm operations, armored assault, border defense, mobile fire support
  • First Deployment: Year 69 Post-Great War
  • Cost: Moderate (designed for mass production with modular components)
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 10.2 meters (including barrel)
    • Width: 8.5 meters
    • Height: 5.7 meters (turret roof)
    • Weight: 40,000 kg (combat-ready)
  • Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver), four passengers on the outside
  • Powerplant: Wayland Motors D-12 Hybrid Combustion Dust Engine (1,500 horsepower, augmented with Gravity Dust for enhanced torque and a hybrid electrical powertrain for stealth mode)
  • Performance:
    • Top Speed: 65 mph (72 km/h) on roads; 40 mph (48 km/h) off-road
    • Range: 360 miles
    • Ground Clearance: 0.5 meters (adjustable via active suspension)
  • Armament:
    • Primary: 1 x Vasagus MG-90 120mm Dust-Accelerated Smoothbore Cannon (Fire Dust high-explosive rounds, Lightning Dust armor-piercing rounds; 40 rounds, mechashift autoloader at 15 rounds/min)
    • Secondary: 1 x Coaxial 7.62mm Machine Gun (Gravity Dust-enhanced, 2,000 rounds)
    • Tertiary: 1 x Commander's 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (roof-mounted, remote or manual, 800 rounds)
    • Optional: 2 x Redeye Dust Missile Launchers (4 missiles total, 500 lb capacity, mounted on turret sides)
  • Defenses:
    • Reinforced composite armor (titanium-steel with Ceramic plating, resistant to Grimm claws and 105mm rounds)
    • Reactive Armor Plating System
    • Anti-Grimm Sonic Emitters (50-meter radius, disorients lesser Grimm)
    • Countermeasure Drones (Fire Dust flares to deter aerial Grimm)
    • Smoke and Grenade Launchers (Various Dust Versions)
  • Electronics:
    • "Deadeye" Sensor Suite (thermal, Dust-signature, and motion detection; tracks up to 30 targets)
    • Secure Comms Array (encrypted links to VDF units and Huntsmen teams)
    • Terrain Mapping System (real-time analysis for Vale's rugged landscapes)
  • Special Features:
    • Four-Bogie Suspension: Complex, independent bogie system for enhanced mobility over Vale's mountainous terrain; allows climbing steep gradients and navigating rocky paths
    • Hybrid Powertrain: Extends range, allows for stealth mode.
    • Fast Autoloader: Mechashift-based system enables rapid firing (15 rounds/min) to counter Grimm swarms
    • Modular Armor Panels: Replaceable sections for quick repairs and mission-specific upgrades.
    • Amphibious Kit: Optional sealing for shallow water crossings (up to 1.5 meters)
    • Aircraft Deliverable
Background and Development

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

The four-bogie suspension, though complex, was deemed essential for Vale's rugged landscapes, allowing the tank to traverse steep slopes and rocky outcrops where Atlasian vehicles struggled. The fast autoloader, developed with off the shelf mechashift technology, addressed the VDF's need for rapid response against swarming Grimm, enabling sustained fire without sacrificing mobility. Tested extensively in Vale's Forever Fall and mountain border regions, the Chimera proved its worth against Beowolf packs and larger Grimm like Death Stalkers. Its modular design and cost-effectiveness made it a mainstay of the VDF, with variants adapted for urban defense, anti-air roles, and even civilian recovery operations. Despite its success, the Chimera faces competition from Atlas' more advanced (and pricier) armored platforms, though its rugged reliability keeps it a favorite among Valean tank crews and Huntsmen. While not as heavily armored as Atlas' armored weapons, the Chimera's advanced sensors, mobility and gunnery keep it competitive and it has been exported to other independent kingdoms.
Capabilities in Remnant's Context
  • Anti-Grimm Operations: The Chimera's 120mm Dust-accelerated cannon delivers devastating Fire and Lightning Dust rounds, capable of obliterating mid-tier Grimm like Ursas or crippling elder Grimm with sustained barrages. The fast autoloader ensures rapid engagement of swarm targets, while sonic emitters scatter lesser Grimm, creating space for Huntsmen.
  • Mobile Fire Support: Designed to support VDF and Huntsmen teams, the Chimera provides direct fire with its cannon and machine guns, coordinating via its "Deadeye" suite. It can also elevate its gun and use special munitions to provide indirect fire support with the aid of data links, allowing it to function as mobile artillery in a limited capacity.
  • Stealth and Mobility: The hybrid motor's electric mode enables silent approaches, ideal for ambushing Grimm or bandits in Vale's urban, forest or mountain terrain.
  • Terrain Adaptability: The four-bogie suspension excels in Vale's mountainous and forested regions, climbing gradients up to 40 degrees and navigating uneven terrain. The amphibious kit supports operations near rivers or lakes, critical for Vale's border patrols.
  • Survivability: The composite and reactive armor withstand Grimm assaults and light enemy fire, though it's less durable than Atlasian tanks. Countermeasures like smoke and Dust grenades provide evasion options, ensuring survival in chaotic battles.
  • Psychological Impact: The Chimera's sleek yet rugged design and rapid-fire cannon boost VDF morale, symbolizing Vale's resilience. Its presence deters bandits and smaller Grimm, though elder Grimm require coordinated efforts.

Yes it's basically the M820 Scorpion. But I thought it would be fun to add to the universe.
halo_5_m820_scorpion_by_optimushunter29_debf27c-pre.jpg

Tell me Ruby wouldn't be drooling over this thing.
 
Last edited:
A Favor
An old but fun idea of mine: Roman helping Jaune get into Beacon is a popular trope. So he now cashes in the favor:

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

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

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

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

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

Roman trains Jaune how to sweep the girls off their feet so he can do crime in peace.
 
On Worldbuilding: Wayland Air Motors AV-88 Dragonet
  • Technical Profile: AV-88 Dragonet
    • Type: Heavy-Lift Transport Airship
    • Manufacturer: Wayland Air Motors
    • Origin: Vale
    • Role: Heavy cargo and troop transport, disaster response, anti-Grimm operations, power projection
    • First Deployment: Year 72 Post-Great War
    • Cost: Moderate (uses off-the-shelf components and modular design for cost efficiency)
    • Dimensions:
      • Length: 30.5 meters
      • Width: 23.3 meters (including stub wings for stability)
      • Height: 10 meters (approximately 33 feet), or 10.5 meters with landing gear extended)
      • Weight: 50,000 kg (unladen); 95,000 kg (max takeoff)
    • Crew: 8 (2 pilots, 2 navigators, 2 gunners, 2 technicians); up to 40 passengers (Huntsmen, VDF troops, or support personnel)
    • Cargo: 45,000 kg (99,208 pounds; capable of transporting 1 M-77 Chimera tank or equivalent heavy equipment)
    • Powerplant: Four Brigid Electric DPS-33 Dust Reactor Thrusters (primary lift and stability, augmented with Combustion Dust for thrust)
    • Performance:
      • Top Speed: 200 mph (322 km/h)
      • Service Ceiling: 18,000 feet
      • Range: 800 miles (extendable to 1100 miles with external Dust pods)
    • Armament:
      • 1 x Winchester M-79 25mm Dust-Accelerated Autocannon (retractable, ventral turret, Fire and Lightning Dust rounds, 650 rounds/min)
      • 6 x External Hardpoints (10,000 lb total capacity: Fire Dust missiles, Ice Dust cluster bombs, Blast Dust guided rockets)
      • 4 x Side-Mounted Machine Guns (14.5mm, Gravity Dust-enhanced, 2,000 rounds each, crew or remote operated)
      • 1 x Anti-Grimm Sonic Disruptor Array (100-meter radius, disorients lesser Grimm)
    • Defenses:
      • Reinforced composite hull (titanium-steel with Ceramic Dust plating, resistant to 20mm rounds and Grimm claws)
      • Anti-Grimm Sonic Field (continuous low-frequency pulse, 150-meter radius, deters smaller Grimm)
      • Flare, Chaff and Dust Munition Launchers (Fire Dust for IR seeking missiles, Ice Dust-based for concealment)
    • Avionics:
      • Orb-33 Sensor Suite (thermal, Radar, Dust-signature, and motion detection; tracks up to 30 targets)
      • AI-Assisted Navigation System (optimizes for Vale's terrain and Grimm threats)
      • Secure Comms Array (encrypted links to VDF command, Huntsmen teams, and air support)
      • Terrain Mapping System (real-time analysis for Vale's mountains and forests)
    • Special Features:
      • Heavy-Lift Capability: Sling-load system for 1 M-77 Chimera tank (40,000 kg) or equivalent cargo (e.g., vehicles, Dust containers)
      • Modular Cargo Bay: Configurable for troop transport, medical evacuation, or mobile command post
      • Dust Refueling Probe: Mid-air Dust canister swaps for extended range
      • Amphibious Sealing: Gaps in superstructure allow water landings and limited buoyancy
      • Four Landing Thrusters: Enhanced stability for precise landings in rough terrain
  • Background and Development
  • Wayland Air Motors, a leading Valean manufacturer, has a storied history of producing versatile aircraft and vehicles for the VDF and civilian markets, competing with Atlas' high-cost manufacturers like Nachfolger Industries. Following the success of the AV-47 Tigertail, Wayland was commissioned to develop a heavy-lift airship to address the VDF's need for transporting heavy assets like the M-77 Chimera tank across Vale's mountainous terrain, supporting disaster response, and bolstering anti-Grimm operations. The AV-88 Dragonet, named for a small dragonfly, was designed to embody the Tigertail's cost-effective, modular philosophy while scaling up for heavy-lift capabilities.
  • Developed in three years, the Dragonet leveraged off-the-shelf avionics and Dust systems from the Tigertail, ensuring affordability and rapid production. Its four Gravity Dust reactors and robust thrusters were optimized for lifting 45,000 kg, enabling transport of a Chimera tank or equivalent cargo. Testing in Vale's Forever Fall and border highlands proved its ability to navigate rugged landscapes and deliver payloads under Grimm attack. The airship's modular design made it a favorite for VDF logistics, disaster relief, and even civilian applications (e.g., construction or resource transport), though its combat capabilities ensure it remains a battlefield asset.
  • Despite its success, the Dragonet faces challenges from Atlas' advanced airships, which boast superior armor and tech but at a higher cost. The Dragonet's balance of speed, capacity, and affordability keeps it competitive, reflecting Vale's scrappy resilience.




  • Capabilities in Remnant's Context
    • Heavy-Lift Transport: The Dragonet's 45,000 kg capacity allows it to sling-load an M-77 Chimera tank or heavy equipment, supporting rapid deployment in Vale's remote regions. Its cargo bay accommodates 40 Huntsmen or modular command units, ideal for disaster response or troop insertions.
    • Anti-Grimm Operations: The 25mm autocannon and hardpoint munitions provide defensive firepower against aerial Grimm like Nevermores, while sonic arrays scatter lesser hordes. The side-mounted machine guns allow passengers to engage threats during landings.
    • Terrain Adaptability: Four landing thrusters and a robust stabilization system ensure stable landings in Vale's mountains and forests. Amphibious sealing supports water landings, critical for coastal or riverine missions.
    • Survivability: The composite hull and Aura shielding withstand moderate Grimm attacks, though less durable than Atlasian designs. Countermeasure drones and Ice Dust smoke enhance evasion, ensuring cargo delivery in hostile zones.
I realized I didn't have a vehicle that could transport the Chimera-tank around Remnant, which is a big selling point. So I made one, which fulfills a similar role as heavy lift helicopters in today's militaries. Basically imagine a version of the AV-47 Tigertail that's bigger with four engine pods, and that's a Dragonet. It can also be used as a gunship.
 
Solitas: The Sub-Kingdoms of Atlas/Mantle
GunnersGlory said:
For worldbuilding I have an idea for a sub-kingdom on the continent of Solitas. This is a government and military that a buddy and I fleshed out for a SWN game that didn't go anywhere and adapted to Remnant, removing anything space-based and replacing psions with Hunters.

Balto: Originally established by exiled remnants of Mantle's army following the Great War, Balto is located to the South-East of Mantle/Atlas, along the coast.

Despite militaristic origins, the government of Balto is split in two between civilian and military leadership.

Civilian government is inspired by an idealized United States comprised of a Senate, Council of Judges, and President. All elected by popular vote for 10 year terms, with a hard single-term limit.

Military government follows a similar model to Atlas with a council, only all members are Commanders and Generals. The military council elects a representative every 5 years to act as "Grand Commander" and interface with the civilian ggovernment. Due to a smaller pool of candidates they do allow re-elections, just not more than 2 terms, and no consecutive terms.

Balto does not emphasize hunters nearly as much as other nations, instead they operate similarly to Atlas with a relatively small but well-trained and well-equipped military. Though hunters do operate in and around Balto, they are treated more like mercenaries.

The Balto Armed Forces (BAF) consist of 6 armies, each specialized for specific tasks.

1st Army: Logistics - These are the pencil-pushers, mechanics, transport, and all other rear-echelon staff that keep a military moving. Still trained and armed to fight.

2nd Army: Medical - Doctors, nurses, psychiatrist, therapists, ect... The medical corps. can fix every ailment short of death. More of a "Do no harm, but take no shit." approach to the hippocratic oath.

3rd Army: Scouts - Land/Air/Sea recon. Snipers. Cartographers and Outriders. These men and women push the boundaries of settled land to track Grimm and other threats.

4th Army: Regular Ground Forces - Infantry, Mechanized Infantry, Armored Cav, Artillery. If a target needs to be softened or captured, the Fighting 4th has what you need.

5th Army: Air Force - Close Air Support, Air-to-Air Combat (dogfighters), Air-Navy. Used primarily for clearing out aerial Grimm and force-projection should Atlas, or anyone else, cast a jealous gaze on Balto.

6th Army: Naval Forces - Patrolling trade routes, culling seafaring Grimm, and fending off more traditional pirates are the norm for these folks.

7th Army: Officially does not exist. This is where the soldiers with aptitude for counter-terrorism, black operations, and all other things best not bragged about, go. Unlike the other armies, these men and women have their Aura awakened as a requirement to join, and they are not trained with Grimm in mind.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

A did have some ideas for a few more sub-kingdoms that made up Altas/Mantle. In addition to the Republic of Balto:

Rana Niejta: Named for the Sami Goddess of Spring, this nation is Finnish in character with a large native Solitas population that converted to the Tablebreaker religion and formed a constitutional monarchy that joined into the larger kingdom of Mantle.

Midgard: A Germanic/Norse culture with some influence from Mistralian immigrants, it is technically a democracy but has heavy corporate influence at its head. Functionally ruled by its electric company. Uses the name of Earth in Norse mythology and the city from Final Fantasy VII.

Sedna: Based on some aspects of Inuit culture, this former Valean/Mistralian colony became a regional naval power with influence from the Hellenic Confederacy. They were a commonwealth that voted on their kings and command most of the fishing and sea industries around Solitas. Named for an Inuit Goddess.

Hyperborea: A Vacuoan and Valean colony that became a very rough republic with a culture similar to Colonial Spain and Rome. A republic that elected dictators in times of crisis and required all members of the government to be capable of fighting. Some influence from Conan the Barbarian's Cimmerian culture and named for both the land of Conan and the Greek word for a land of "Utter north".

Indrik: The oldest and most advanced civilization on Solitas when it began to be colonized, which is believed to have been a Mistralian/Hellenic colony that interbred with the natives. While it took many wars, it was eventually respected as a fellow power. It advanced into a great monarchy and became a major power. It has however suffered many violent revolutions but it pulled itself back together and became a backbone of Mantle/Atlas, showing incredible resilience against cold, the Grimm, humans and Faunus. Heavily based on Russian culture with the name being of the Russian mythical "King of Beasts" Indrik.

Any thoughts?
 
Lisa Lavender, Ace Reporter (Revised)
Jaune Arc froze in the bustling courtyard of Beacon Academy, his eyes locked on a peculiar sight bouncing towards him and Ren.

"...Is that Lisa Lavender in a school uniform?" he muttered, disbelief coloring his voice.

Ren, ever composed, glanced over with a slight nod. "Looks like."

Jaune's brow furrowed as the woman strutted toward them, her Beacon uniform improbably snug and her lavender hair barely contained under a beret.

"And… no one's stopping her?"

"Looks like," Ren repeated dryly.

Lisa Lavender, Vale's most relentless reporter, closed the distance with a dazzling smile, her notepad clutched like Ruby clutched Crescent Rose.

"Hello, fellow students! Are you Jaune Arc and Lie Ren?"

Jaune exchanged a wary glance with Ren. Ren gave the barest shrug possible before Jaune answered.

"...We are."

"Can I have a moment of your time?" Lisa chirped, her voice syrupy sweet. "Just to confirm some rumors? Since I'm a transfer student I wanna stay on top of the social sea!"

Jaune sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "We know it's you, Ms. Lavender."

Lisa's jaw dropped, her composure crumbling.

"Wha—But—My disguise is perfect!"

"I mean, it's very…" Jaune hesitated, his face flushing, "um, sexy, but that's also the problem since you're clearly not a teenager."

Somewhere, Cinder Fall sneezed, her own undercover schemes momentarily disrupted.

Lisa's confidence faltered, but she rallied with a desperate edge.

"Oh, come on! Look, I need a case. A story. I'm desperate here!" She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"I'll even let you touch my boobs?"

Jaune's eyes widened, his hands flailing in panic.

"N-No thanks! I mean, it's—Uh, no!"

Lisa tilted her head, batting her lashes.

"Oh? Are you sure~?"

"Very sure! I-Ren?" Jaune turned, only to find empty air where his teammate had stood moments ago. "Traitor," he grumbled under his breath.

Lisa, undeterred, whipped out her recorder, her reporter's instincts kicking into overdrive.

"Sooo… You're the leader of Team JNPR, with Pyrrha Nikos on it. How's that going for you?"

Jaune shifted uncomfortably.

"Fine, thank you."

"Are you and Pyrrha romantically involved?" Lisa pressed, her pen poised like a dagger.

"Wha—No!" Jaune sputtered, his cheeks flaming. "Of course not! We're just friends!"

Lisa held up a stack of grainy photos, her grin wicked. "Are you sure? She's definitely hugging on you a lot in some of these!"

"She's holding me up after training!" Jaune protested, his voice cracking.

Lisa's eyes gleamed as she pivoted.

"All right, what about you and local bad girl, Yang Xiao-Long?"

"Also friends!" Jaune said, his patience fraying.

"Her little sister, Ruby Rose?"

"FRIENDS!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the courtyard.

The interrogation dragged on, Lisa firing names like bullets—Blake, Weiss, Nora, even Velvet. Jaune's responses grew increasingly frantic, each denial more emphatic than the last. Finally, she threw a curveball.

"And your father and Isabel Arc?"

Jaune blinked, utterly baffled. "Happily married!"

Lisa snapped her notepad shut with a triumphant flourish.

"Okay, that's all I need! Thanks, Jaune! See you again soon~!"

"Haha, yeah, I don't think so," Jaune said with a forced smile, waving back at her nervous.

He sagged with relief, wiping sweat from his brow as she disappeared behind a pillar.

"Phew… Finally. It's all over," he muttered. He had been as boring as possible, and truthful. What would she possibly make out of that?

That evening, Teams JNPR and RWBY sprawled across the common room, laughter and chatter filling the air as they unwound. Jaune was on the couch, reading through the latest issue of X-Ray and Vav. Ruby collapsed next to him, sighing in exhaustion.

"Scoot over, gimme," she mumbled, scooting up against him to read the comic over his shoulder. Jaune chuckled and patted her shoulder.

"What a week, huh?" Jaune asked. Ruby groaned.

"Ugh… Tests are evil. Pure evil."

"Tell me about it," Jaune chuckled. Pyrrha was trying to play a video game with Yang, and losing. Pyrrha's eyebrow twitched even as her smile remained.

"One more round," Pyrrha stated.

Yang looked over at her.

"Uh, Cereal Girl, you all right there-?"

"One. More. Round," Pyrrha said tightly, her smile downright terrifying. Yang coughed.

"S-Sure! Sure!"

Jaune winced.

"It's amazing that Yang can bring out her competitive side," he muttered.

"She can bring all sorts of things out of other people," Ruby giggled.

Weiss was eating some candy while reading a book. Blake was reading across from her. Weiss sighed and finally looked up at Blake.

"I will admit the prose is… Good. The narrative is well constructed and the characters are well defined… But…" She blushed deeply. "Is… Is all the smut necessary?"

"Erotica," Blake said flatly, "And while I admit I can appreciate the classics, is The White Whale really something you need to read three times over? It feels rather dated in many ways."

Weiss sniffed.

"Oh, a story about the dangers of obsession. I can see why you would miss the point."

Blake and Weiss began to argue again. Ruby giggled.

"Like clockwork," she murmured.

"Yeah," Jaune sighed. Ren and Nora were cooking. Well, Ren was cooking. Nora was hovering around, eagerly awaiting his latest pancake-based creation.

Jaune smiled and leaned back. This? This was what it was all about. These happy moments at peace with all his friends.

The holoscreen, which was showing the end of some trashy TV show that was serving as background noise, switched to Vale National News, and Lisa Lavender's polished voice cut through the room like a siren.

"Lisa Lavender of VNN! Our top story: Is Beacon Academy a hotspot of teenaged debauchery?" Several images of various students with their eyes and faces blurred appeared, including Jaune, Weiss, Pyrrha, Yang, Blake, Ruby, and Ren.

"Excerpts from a student reveal he is in a polyamorous relationship with his team, another team, and a boy on his own team! In this newscast, we will explore the spicy and steamy underbelly of Vale's elite Hunter training school!"

"Oh… Shit," Jaune muttered.

His eyes widened and his face paled as his friends' heads all swiveled toward him. Pyrrha's game controller clattered to the floor. Yang choked on her soda. Weiss's face paled in unfathomable rage as Blake's jaw dropped. Nora cackled uncontrollably, while Ren, the traitor, merely raised an eyebrow.

Jaune slowly looked to Ruby, hoping for some kind of help. No such luck: She was staring intently at him, her face caught between confused and appalled.

"Jaune? What did you do?"

"...Fuuuuuuuuuck!" Jaune groaned, burying his face in his hands as the common room erupted into chaos, Lisa's broadcast blaring on, oblivious to the storm she'd unleashed.
 
VTuber PaleMagic
Goodwitch is not having a good time.

Fucking Ozpin has decided that instead of doing his paperwork and taking care of all his other responsibilities he should instead spend all his time ( and a sizable portion of the budget) simping over a new Vtuber.

Goodwitch doesn't know who PaleMagic is but she hates her.
Meanwhile Salems goons (not those kinds of goons.) aren't having a good time either.

The queen of darkness has sequestered herself away and isn't giving them instructions anymore. She also hasn't been reminding the Grimm that they are allies so they have to either fight for their lives to go anywhere or just stay in the castle.

At least she's got a new stream of money coming in (quite a bit). It's at least letting them pay off the surprisingly competent delivery people who are keeping them from starving to death.

Salem is quite enjoying this streaming thing. She can interact with people without actually having to be around them, and they keep suggesting new things for her to try out.

And one of her fans is both surprisingly generous and charming.

Perhaps one day she'll meet TimeKnightO in person.
 
Lilac Arc and the Bull (Revised and Final Version)
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.
 
Aura Farming
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!"
 
Cowboys of Remnant: "Another Duel" (Rough)
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!"
 
Nothing Left to Fear 4
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
 
Nothing Left to Fear 5
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..."
 
Ren's Lack of Mercy
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."
 
On Worldbuilding: Technical Profile: LRV-22 Dart
Technical Profile: LRV-22 Dart
  • Type: Light Reconnaissance/Support Vehicle
  • Manufacturer: Eglin Vehicle Company
  • Origin: Vale
  • Role: Scout, rapid troop transport, light fire support, anti-Grimm operations, border patrol
  • First Deployment: Year 72 Post-Great War
  • Cost: Low (designed for mass production with modular components)
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 6.2 meters
    • Width: 2.4 meters
    • Height: 2.1 meters
    • Weight: 3,200 kg (combat-ready)
  • Crew: 3 (driver, commander/gunner, passenger/gunner); up to 4 additional passengers
  • Powerplant: Eglin D-8 Combustion Dust Engine (400 horsepower, augmented with Electric Motor System for silent mode)
  • Performance:
    • Top Speed: 90 mph (129 km/h) on roads; 55 mph (89 km/h) off-road
    • Range: 400 miles (extendable to 500 miles with external Dust canisters)
    • Ground Clearance: 0.4 meters
  • Armament:
    • Primary (Standard Variant): 1 x Winchester 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (turret-mounted, Gravity Dust-enhanced, 1,200 rounds, crew or remote-operated)
    • Optional Variants:
      • Anti-Grimm Grenade Launcher: 40mm Grenade Launcher
      • Missile Pod: 4 x Redeye Dust Missiles (200 lb capacity, anti-armor or anti-air)
      • Rocket Launcher: 6 x Fire Dust Rockets (150 lb capacity, high-explosive)
  • Defenses:
    • Light composite armor (titanium-steel with Ceramic Dust plating, resistant to small arms and Grimm claws)
    • Anti-Grimm Sonic Emitters (30-meter radius, deters lesser Grimm)
    • Smoke Launchers (Ice Dust-based for concealment)
  • Avionics:
    • "Deadeye" Sensor Suite (thermal, Dust-signature, and motion detection; tracks up to 20 targets)
    • AI-Assisted Navigation System (optimizes for Vale's terrain and rapid scouting)
    • Secure Comms Array (encrypted links to VDF command, Huntsmen, and air support)
  • Special Features:
    • All-Terrain Suspension: Independent four-wheel system for Vale's mountains and forests
    • Hybrid Dust/Electric Mode: Silent electric mode for stealth reconnaissance
    • Modular Weapon Mount: Swappable turret for machine gun, launcher, or missile pod
    • Dust Refueling System: External canisters for extended range
    • Amphibious Kit: Optional sealing for shallow water crossings (up to 1 meter)
  • Variants:
    • Dart-S (Scout): Enhanced sensors and improved stealth for reconnaissance
    • Dart-G (Gun): Standard machine gun variant for fire support
    • Dart-M (Missile): Missile pod for anti-armor or anti-air roles
    • Dart-R (Recovery): Equipped for medical evacuation or light towing
Background and Development: LRV-22 DartEglin Vehicle Company, a Vale-based automotive giant, has a long history of producing reliable vehicles for both the VDF and civilian markets, from rugged transports to civilian cars. Known for durability and affordability, Eglin was tasked with developing a light, fast vehicle to replace outdated VDF scouts, capable of supporting Huntsmen and tanks in Vale's diverse terrain. The LRV-22 Dart was designed to provide rapid reconnaissance, light fire support, and troop mobility at a low cost.

The Dart utilized off-the-shelf Dust systems and modular components from Eglin's motorsport division, reflecting Eglin's expertise in mass production. Its hybrid Dust/electric motor and all-terrain suspension were tailored for Vale's mountains and forests, while its lightweight armor balanced speed with survivability. Tested in Forever Fall and Vale's border regions, the Dart excelled against Beowolf packs and small Grimm swarms, its agility complementing the Chimera's firepower. Its versatility led to civilian adaptations for exploration and emergency response, though some units have been acquired by bandits, prompting VDF concerns.
Capabilities in Remnant's Context: LRV-22 Dart
  • Scouting and Mobility: The Dart's 80 mph speed and all-terrain suspension make it ideal for rapid reconnaissance in Vale's rugged landscapes, scouting Grimm movements or enemy positions.
  • Light Fire Support: The 12.7 mm machine gun and optional missile/rocket variants provide flexible firepower, supporting Huntsmen or Chimeras against mid-tier Grimm like Ursas.
  • Troop Transport: Carries up to 7 personnel, enabling quick Huntsmen deployments or civilian evacuations in disaster zones.
  • Survivability: Light armor withstand small Grimm attacks, with Ice Dust smoke aiding evasion. Sonic emitters deter lesser Grimm, preserving ammo.

Essentially the Remnant equivalent of the Halo Warthog and real world HUMVEE.
 
On Worldbuilding: VDF Carrier Battlegroup 1: "Banshee Strike Group"
VDF Carrier Battle Group 1: "Banshee Strike Group"
  • Unit Type: Airborne Carrier Battle Group
  • Parent Formation: VDF Naval Command, Valean Defense Force
  • Role: Power projection, anti-Grimm operations, border defense, disaster response, strategic deterrence
  • Base of Operations: Port Prendwyn, Vale (primary VDF Naval base in Vale Capital City)
  • Strength: Approximately 2,474 personnel, 1 carrier, 3 frigates, 4 corvettes, 2 combat support airships, 77 aircraft (70 carrier-based + 3 frigate-attached Tigertails + 4 attached Dragonets)
  • Motto: "Qui Plantavit Curabit" (He who has planted will preserve)
  • Commander: Rear Admiral Kael Vortex (a veteran VDF officer with Huntsman training)

Organizational Structure

The Banshee Strike Group is structured like a U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group, comprising the VSS Banshee as the flagship, a carrier air wing, an escort group of three frigates and four corvettes, and attached heavy-lift airships. Each frigate has one AV-47 Tigertail for support. The group maximizes mobility, firepower, and versatility in Remnant's skies, countering Grimm and rival forces.

Flagship: VSS Banshee
  • Type: Airborne Aircraft/Command Carrier
  • Specifications:
    • Crew: 1,250 (command staff, pilots, gunners, Dust technicians, support personnel)
    • Vehicles: 70 aircraft (detailed below), 180,000 tons cargo, 500 troops
    • Armament: 8 x Winchester M77 30mm CWIS autocannons, 8 x Redspot Small Multirole Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), Njord QSA-566 Jammer System
    • Defenses: Reinforced composite hull (titanium-steel with Ceramic Dust plating), Anti-Grimm Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
  • Role: Command and control hub, air wing deployment, heavy troop/cargo transport, disaster response, communications relay. The Banshee's modular deck supports hospital, cargo, or troop configurations, with sensors tracking Grimm across 100 miles.
Carrier Air Wing
  • Personnel: ~800 (400 pilots, 100 RIOs, 100 gunners, 100 Dust technicians, 200 support crew)
  • Aircraft (70 total):
    • 2 x VSF-47 Tempest Viper Squadrons (24 aircraft, 12 per squadron):
      • Type: Multi-role strike fighter
      • Role: Grimm suppression, anti-air superiority, precision strikes
      • Armament: 30mm Twin Dust Cannon (Fire, Ice, Lightning Dust), 16 x Multi-Mode Missile Pods (Fire, Ice Dust), experimental Pulse Emitter (Hardlight Dust, Aura and electronics-based disruption)
      • Details: VTOL-capable with mecha-shift wings, ideal for rapid deployment against Nevermores or Atlasian airships.
      • Squadrons: VFA-11 "Dragon Fangs," VFA-22 "Corsairs."
    • 3 x VSF-42 Viper Squadrons (30 aircraft, 10 per squadron):
      • Type: Multi-role strike fighter
      • Role: Support missions, Grimm suppression, ground force support
      • Armament: Twin 20mm Dust Cannons (Fire, Ice, Lightning Dust), 8 x Hardpoints (10,000 lb, Fire/Ice Dust munitions)
      • Details: Fixed-wing, runway-dependent, used for cost-effective support against smaller Grimm hordes.
      • Squadrons: VFA-55 "Hard Riders," VFA-66 "Thunder Hawks," VFA-77 "Storm Riders."
    • 2 x AV-47 Tigertail Squadrons (12 aircraft, 6 per squadron):
      • Type: Medium utility VTOL transport/gunship
      • Role: Utility, search and rescue, close air support
      • Armament: 30mm Winchester M77 autocannon, 4 x Hardpoints (5,000 lb, Fire/Ice Dust), 2 x 7.62mm Machine Guns, Sonic Disruptor Array
      • Details: Supports Huntsmen deployments, medevac, and close air support.
      • Squadrons: VAQ-88 "Stingers," VAQ-99 "Swifties."
    • 1 x AV-88 Dragonet C-Variant Squadron (4 aircraft):
      • Type: Heavy-lift/command airship
      • Role: Heavy lift, heavy utility, search and rescue, command coordination
      • Armament: 25mm Winchester M-79 autocannon, 6 x Hardpoints (10,000 lb, Fire/Ice/Blast Dust), 4 x 14.5mm Machine Guns, Sonic Disruptor Array
      • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
      • Details: Configured with enhanced comms and holographic battle maps, capable of transporting M-77 Chimera tanks or 40 personnel. Squadron: VAH-101 "Big Busters."
  • Role: The air wing delivers versatile capabilities: Tempest Vipers handle high-threat Grimm and rival airships, Vipers support mass engagements, Tigertails provide utility and close air support, and Dragonet C-Variants offer heavy lift and command support.
Escort Group
  • Personnel: ~234 (180 frigate crew, 24 corvette crew, 24 Tigertail crew)
  • Vessels:
    • 3 x Rapier-class Frigates: VSS Morrigan, VSS Bellona, VSS Arthur
      • Type: Airborne Guided Missile Frigate
      • Crew: 60 each (total 180)
      • Specifications: 360 mph, 40,000 ft ceiling, 60,000-mile range, 190m length, 20,000 tons
      • Armament: 8 x Cappadocia 155mm Dust Cannons, 10 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannons, 16 x Balor ASM-44 Anti-Ship Missiles, 2 x Redspot Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), Njord QSA-566 Jammer
      • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
      • Support Vehicle: 1 x AV-47 Tigertail per frigate (3 total, 8 crew each, 24 personnel)
      • Role: Heavy escort, anti-Grimm defense, long-range missile strikes. Tigertails provide close air support, reconnaissance, or troop insertion for frigate operations.
    • 4 x Phantom-class Corvettes: VSS Lugh , VSS Mars, VSS Bran, VSS Potter
      • Type: Airborne Corvette
      • Crew: 6 each (total 24)
      • Specifications: 420 mph, 40,000 ft ceiling, 10,000-mile range, 80m length, 1,000 tons
      • Armament: 2 x Cappadocia 155mm Dust Cannons, 2 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannons, 2 x Redspot Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), 4 x Balor ASM-44 Missiles, Njord QSA-568A Jammer
      • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (100-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
      • Role: Fast, stealthy escort, patrol, and close air support. Corvettes screen for smaller threats and deploy Huntsmen.
Role: Escorts protect the Banshee, with Rapiers providing heavy firepower and Phantoms offering agility and reconnaissance. Frigate-attached Tigertails enhance flexibility for scouting or troop support.

Support Group

  • 2 x Nereid-class Heavy Support Airships: VSS Melusine, VSS Lorelei
    • Type: Heavy Support Airship
    • Crew: 300 each (total 600)
    • Specifications: 320 mph, 35,000 ft ceiling, 70,000-mile range, 220m length, 150,000 tons max takeoff
    • Armament: 6 x Winchester M88 30mm CWIS autocannons, 4 x Redspot Missile Launchers (40 rounds each), Sonic Disruptor Array
    • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (200-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
    • Role: Combat logistics, Dust and munitions resupply, troop transport, medical support, search and rescue. Carries 60,000 tons of cargo and 200 troops, with mid-air resupply capabilities.
  • Role: The support group ensures endurance, with Nereids resupplying the fleet and Dragonets delivering heavy assets or serving as command posts.
Attached Heavy-Lift Support
  • Squadron: VAH-105 "High Rollers."
  • Personnel: 32 (16 pilots, 8 gunners, 8 Dust technicians)
  • Vessels:
    • 4 x AV-88 Dragonet C-Variant:
      • Type: Heavy-lift/command airship
      • Crew: 8 each (total 32)
      • Specifications: 200 mph, 18,000 ft ceiling, 800-mile range (1,100 with Dust pods), 30.5m length, 45,000 kg cargo
      • Armament: 25mm Winchester M-79 autocannon, 6 x Hardpoints (10,000 lb, Fire/Ice/Blast Dust), 4 x 14.5mm Machine Guns, Sonic Disruptor Array
      • Defenses: Composite hull, Sonic Field (150-meter radius), Fire/Ice Dust flares and chaff
      • Role: Transports M-77 Chimera tanks, supplies, or troops, and provides command coordination with enhanced comms.
  • Role: Dragonets deliver heavy assets and serve as mobile command posts, supporting ground forces and disaster relief.
Total Battle Group Composition
  • Personnel: ~2,474 (1,250 Banshee, 800 air wing, 234 escorts, 632 support group)
  • Vessels/Aircraft: 1 Banshee-class Carrier (VSS Banshee), 3 Rapier-class Frigates (VSS Morrigan, Bellona, Arthur), 4 Phantom-class Corvettes (VSS Lugh, Mars, Bran, Potter), 24 VSF-47 Tempest Vipers, 30 VSF-42 Vipers, 15 AV-47 Tigertails (12 carrier-based, 3 frigate-attached), 4 AV-88 Dragonet C-Variants, 2 Nereid-class Heavy Support Airships (VSS Melusine, Lorelei)
And some military organization for a carrier battle group for the VDF.
 
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A Hunter Exists To Help
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.
 
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Culinary Exchange
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 "
 
Jeanne D'Arc Returns
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!"
 
The Ghost Kid
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.
 
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Dragonslayer: Pick Me Up
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…"
 
Dragonslayer: "The Top"
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."
 
Nothing Going on at Beacon
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.
 
Cowboys of Remnant: "Battle of the Bands"
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.
 
Dragonslayer: The Marriage Meeting (Rough)
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."
 
Big Brother Jaune
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?"
 
On Worldbuilding: History of Mantle/Atlas
Pre-Great War: The Rise of Mantle and later Atlas

The continent of Solitas, a harsh and frigid land, was initially sparsely populated by nomadic tribes and small settlements of native Solitas peoples who survived the cold and relentless Grimm incursions through resilience and ingenuity. Long before the Great War, the Kingdom of Mantle emerged as the dominant power on Solitas, centered around a fortified city that leveraged Dust deposits and technological innovation to thrive in the unforgiving environment. Mantle's early success attracted attention from other kingdoms—Vale, Mistral, and Vacuo—who saw Solitas as a frontier for expansion and resource exploitation.

During this period, several colonies were established across Solitas, primarily by Mistral and Vale, with some Vacuoan influence. These colonies, often founded to exploit Solitas' rich Dust veins and strategic coastal access, evolved into distinct cultural and political entities over time, and gained their independence from their mother kingdoms by various means. The oldest of these was Indrik, a Mistralian-Hellenic colony that intermingled with native Solitas tribes. Indrik's advanced infrastructure and martial traditions made it a regional power, though its history was marred by violent revolutions. Despite these upheavals, Indrik's strong Russian-inspired culture and resilience against both Grimm and human conflicts earned it respect as a cornerstone of Solitas' power structure.

Other colonies joined with Mantle:
  • Rana Niejta, founded by native Solitas peoples who adopted the Tablebreaker religion, became a Finnish-inspired constitutional monarchy. It joined Mantle willingly, seeking protection from Grimm and economic stability.
  • Midgard, a Germanic-Norse based Valean settlement with Mistralian immigrant influence, developed into a democratic state heavily controlled by its Dust-powered electric company, reflecting corporate dominance akin to modern conglomerates (with some inspiration from Midgard from Final Fantasy VII).
  • Sedna, a former Valean-Mistralian colony that mixed extensively with its natives, emerged as a naval power with Inuit and Hellenic influence, particularly in its system of governance. Its commonwealth system, which elected kings to oversee its fishing and maritime industries, made it a vital economic player.
  • Hyperborea, a Vacuoan-Valean colony, formed a rough republic modeled on Colonial Spain and Rome, with a martial culture that elected dictators during crises. Its name, drawn from myths of the "utter north," reflected its rugged identity. (Influence by the Conan the Barbarian stories).
  • Balto, established later by exiled remnants of Mantle's military after the Great War, would not emerge until the post-war period. It became akin to the young United States with its republic style of government and focus on the individual.
Mantle, as the central power, began consolidating these colonies into a loose federation to coordinate defense against the Grimm and manage Solitas' resources. However, tensions arose due to Mantle's authoritarian tendencies, which clashed with the diverse governance systems of its colonies.

The Great War and Mantle's Transformation

The Great War (approximately 80 years before the events of RWBY) was a turning point for Mantle. As one of the four major kingdoms, Mantle allied with Mistral against Vale and Vacuo, driven by territorial ambitions and a desire to control global Dust trade routes, as well as spread Utopianism: The philosophy of suppression and control of emotions to prevent Grimm attacks. Mantle's initial technological superiority, including early airships and Dust-based weaponry, gave it an edge, but its provinces were strained by the war effort. Indrik and Sedna provided significant military and naval support, while Rana Niejta and Hyperborea contributed resources and fighters. Midgard, however, leveraged its corporate influence to profit from Dust exports, causing friction with Mantle's central government.

The war's conclusion, with Vale's victory and the signing of the Vytal Peace Accords, forced Mantle to relinquish its authoritarian policies, including its suppression of individuality and emotion. The loss of the war also led to internal upheaval, with Mantle's military fracturing. A group of exiled soldiers, disillusioned with Mantle's leadership, founded Balto in the southeast, along Solitas' coast. Balto's dual government—split between a civilian system inspired by an idealized United States and a military council—reflected its desire to balance martial tradition with democratic ideals.

In the wake of the Great War, Mantle restructured itself into the Kingdom of Atlas, named after the new capital city that rose as a beacon of innovation and progress. Atlas sought to unify Solitas' disparate sub-kingdoms into a formal federation, granting them semi-autonomy while maintaining centralized control over military and Dust production. The Atlas Academy, established to train Huntsmen and Huntresses, became a symbol of this new era, though its emphasis on military discipline over individual Huntsmen training set it apart from other kingdoms.

The Atlas Federation: Structure and Dynamics

The Atlas Federation, as it came to be known, comprises the central city of Atlas (formerly Mantle) and its five major sub-kingdoms: Indrik, Rana Niejta, Midgard, Sedna, and Hyperborea, with Balto joining later as a semi-independent partner. Each sub-kingdom retains its own governance and cultural identity but contributes to Atlas' collective defense and economy:
  • Indrik, with its Russian-inspired culture, serves as the federation's industrial and cultural backbone with Atlas/Mantle as its capital, producing advanced Dust technology and maintaining a disciplined military. Its history of revolutions has made it wary of centralized Atlas control, leading to occasional tensions. It was slow to adopt democratic government.
  • Rana Niejta, under its constitutional monarchy, provides agricultural and spiritual stability, with its Tablebreaker faith fostering unity among Solitas' native populations. Its Hunters are often religiously motivated, serving as protectors of sacred sites.
  • Midgard, ruled by its electric company, dominates Dust energy production, making it a key economic player. Its democratic facade masks corporate oligarchy, and its Mistralian-Norse culture blends tradition with modernity. Jacques Schnee has massive influence here.
  • Sedna, with its naval dominance, controls Solitas' maritime trade and fishing industries. Its elected kings maintain a delicate balance between autonomy and loyalty to Atlas, often mediating disputes among the sub-kingdoms.
  • Hyperborea, with its martial republic, supplies fierce warriors and leaders who thrive in crisis. Its elected dictators, chosen during Grimm surges or external threats, have occasionally challenged Atlas' authority.
  • Balto, the newest member, operates as a semi-independent ally rather than a fully integrated sub-kingdom. Its small but elite military, modeled after Atlas' but with less emphasis on Huntsmen, focuses on coastal defense and anti-Grimm operations. Balto's civilian government, with its elected Senate, Judges, and President, contrasts with Atlas' military-dominated council, leading to ideological friction.
The Atlas Federation is governed by a High Council, with with representatives from each sub-kingdom. The council oversees Dust allocation, Grimm defense strategies, and foreign relations, but internal politics are fraught with competing interests. Indrik and Sedna often push for greater autonomy, while Midgard's corporate influence sways economic decisions. Hyperborea's martial culture aligns closely with Atlas' military, but Balto's independent streak and democratic ideals make it an outlier.

By the time of the RWBY series, the Atlas Federation is a complex entity: a technological marvel and military juggernaut, yet internally divided by its sub-kingdoms' competing agendas. The rise of threats like Salem and global tensions with other kingdoms further test the federation's unity, with each sub-kingdom contributing uniquely to Atlas' response.
 
On Worldbuilding: The 1K Society
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.
 
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