• An addendum to Rule 3 regarding fan-translated works of things such as Web Novels has been made. Please see here for details.
  • We've issued a clarification on our policy on AI-generated work.
  • Our mod selection process has completed. Please welcome our new moderators.
  • Due to issues with external spam filters, QQ is currently unable to send any mail to Microsoft E-mail addresses. This includes any account at live.com, hotmail.com or msn.com. Signing up to the forum with one of these addresses will result in your verification E-mail never arriving. For best results, please use a different E-mail provider for your QQ address.
  • For prospective new members, a word of warning: don't use common names like Dennis, Simon, or Kenny if you decide to create an account. Spammers have used them all before you and gotten those names flagged in the anti-spam databases. Your account registration will be rejected because of it.
  • Since it has happened MULTIPLE times now, I want to be very clear about this. You do not get to abandon an account and create a new one. You do not get to pass an account to someone else and create a new one. If you do so anyway, you will be banned for creating sockpuppets.
  • Due to the actions of particularly persistent spammers and trolls, we will be banning disposable email addresses from today onward.
  • The rules regarding NSFW links have been updated. See here for details.

[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

Having Winter be a mentor for Jaune in a potential V10 makes pretty good sense, though.

Helping a man who has gone through that much mental trauma to finally find a way to come to grips with it would be a good story for V10 underneath the other story elements such as getting strategic on Salem and company.

Granted, I think Winter should be helping train him in more facets (physically and discipline, honing what he's learned from his experience and from Pyrrha). But being a confidant and a friend outside of the teams would do him a world of good. I think it would be much better than if he tried to talk more with Oz/Oscar and/or Qrow.
 
I am still of the mind that they should just do a reboot. Call it RWBY - World of Remnant or something. The current volumes as they are have turned people off from RWBY, and honestly, it is like spreading far too little butter on far too much bread.
 
R/FNKI is the best RWBY subreddit next to NSFW2

Most people hate on Jaune because of the hentai/smut but again in the show he is the White Mage, you do not FUCK with the White Mage and BROKEN in Grimm Eclipse so we have seen his full canonical strength
ly6i4zlb4v8g1.png
half this thread is lore and crack fuck those fake fans

meanwhile FNKI
Maria is the Best SEW and Huntress so far
m4lgal65617g1.jpeg
Glaze the Best

make fun AU
hvtghqx71s8g1.png
alot of AU on FNKI

RWBY and JNPR reacting to the 'based on a true story' fanfic shows and movie based off there adventure
1qis6cdcel8g1.jpeg
thats-a-wrap-jadenkaiba-v0-lg7nbc0fu1a81.jpg

thats-a-wrap-jadenkaiba-v0-exhbqb0fu1a81.jpg
atleast the actors are funny
tviv05epvv8g1.jpeg
you can tell the photographers focus

k624kvoodw8g1.jpeg
also Ren and Nora wear less clothes

Yang Timeline jokes
lppvm26ais8g1.jpeg
the Rusted Knight

Cinder wore the same outfit alot
do-you-think-it-was-a-good-idea-to-make-cinder-an-abuse-v0-8lei6uxgrr8g1.png
Glynda and Ruby not recognizing her still bugs me
 
Secret Father Winter New
RWBY, JNPR, SSSN, and a few others were all in a Secret Father Winter... And so...

Nora: "Ooh! Money? Who gave me this?"

All: "Weiss."

Weiss: blush "What?! Everyone could use some money!"

Nora: "Aw, I wanted pancakes!"

Nora's Brain: Money can buy many pancakes!

Nora: gasp "Explain!"

Nora's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services.

Nora: "HOORAY! THANK YOU WEISSY!" Hugs her

Weiss: blush "Well... At least someone appreciates me!"

Yang: "Uh huh. Well... Let's see... What did I... Huh? Goggles and a headscarf? And a tool set?"

Jaune: "That's from me. My dad and sister both ride motorcycles, so I asked them what you needed. I mean, your hair is really pretty when you're riding your bike in the wind and all, but keeping it covered means it doesn't get caught or ruined."

Yang: blush "Ah, well... Thanks, VB. Heh. Maybe I'll give you a special gift later~."

Jaune: "But that's not how Secret Father Winter works-"

Pyrrha: "Jaune! How about you open my gift to you?"

Jaune: "Oh, thanks Pyr!" opens it "Oh wow! Swing Dance lessons! Great! But I already know how to do it."

Pyrrha: "Oh, um, I don't! You could take me!"

Jaune: "It would be nice to teach you something, even if it's useless."

Pyrrha: "Oh, it isn't!"

Yang: "Or you could take me, Stud. I'd love to learn how to swing it with you."

Pyrrha: "I-I need the lessons more!"

Weiss: "You're seriously arguing over who gets to spend time with the Dolt?"

Jaune: "We could go dancing, Weiss!"

Weiss: "Fat chance!"

Jaune: "Aw..."

Sun: "Let me see my gift... Ooh! A weapon cleaning kit! Let me guess Blake, you got me this?"

Ruby: "What? No! I did! Everyone needs a good weapons cleaning kit! Especially you!"

Sun: "I... Oh. Thanks kid."

Ruby: pouts "I'm not a kid dangit! Blake! Open your gift!"

Blake: "Very well..." She opens it. She blinks "This is just a link to Neptune's Flashygram page."

Neptune: "Of course! What would be a better gift that the gift of moi?"

Sage: "That's a non-refundable gift, isn't it?"

Neptune: "HEY!"
 
Remember part 3 New
Remember part 3

For this one I decided to try intersect two povs hope it works.

The ceremony moved forward whether Ozpin was ready or not. Students stood in neat rows across Beacon's great hall, faces bright with excitement, nerves, and ambition. Banners hung high above them, stirring faintly in the air. Glynda stood at the edge of the stage, posture perfect, eyes sharp and observant.

Ozpin held the scroll. His voice was steady as he spoke, practiced over lifetimes. But his mind was not in the hall. It was elsewhere, during a time far older than Beacon. Far heavier than the moment demanded. How many times have I stood here? he wondered.

The ruins did not fall silent. They listened.
Stone still thrummed beneath their feet, echoing lives that had never truly ended. The air was heavy with memory, pressing down until breathing felt like wading through water.
Ruby was the first to break. She dropped to her knees, hands clutching at her chest as if something vital had been torn free.
"I..." Her voice cracked. "They were calling me Mom." Yang froze. Weiss sucked in a sharp breath. Blake staggered, catching herself against a broken pillar. Pyrrha's knees buckled, and she sat hard on the stone, eyes wide and shining. Jaune felt it then, the final lock breaking. "They were ours," he said quietly.

Ozpin's gaze drifted across the crowd, and for just a heartbeat, the faces blurred into others.
People who had trusted him., who believed in him. They followed him. All the People he had failed. Villages passed by because they were inconvenient. Communities that did not fit neatly into the gods' design.

Souls who only wanted to live quietly, raise children, grow without judgment. He had told himself it was necessary. That obedience was wisdom. That the Brother Gods knew better.
That his role was to guide humanity within their rules, not question them. Coward, a quiet voice whispered, not accusing, just true.

Yang turned on Jaune, eyes blazing and shattered all at once. "You knew?" "I didn't," Jaune replied. "Not until now." The memories surged. Not visions imposed by magic , but lived experience finally returning home. Ruby remembered teaching a little girl how to hold a wooden scythe, too big for her arms.
Yang remembered lifting a boy onto her shoulders so he could see festival lights.
Weiss remembered arguing budgets not for kingdoms but for schools.
Poor Winter alone on an airship, looking out the window remembering different lives, including standing watch so children could sleep without fear.

Blake remembered bedtime stories and lessons on listening, to danger and to hope.
Pyrrha remembered guiding small hands, never pushing, always believing.
And Jaune...
Jaune remembered holding them as the world collapsed. Not one child but Several looking up for him to protect them. His children, Their children together. To his his greatest rage and sorrow he failed.

He dropped to his knees, hands pressed to the stone like it might keep him from breaking.
"I tried to keep them safe," he whispered. "We all did." Ruby crawled to him and buried her face in his chest, sobbing. Yang wrapped her arms around both of them, shaking with silent rage.
"They were taken," Blake said hoarsely.
"No," Pyrrha said, voice trembling with certainty. "They were erased."


Ozpin thought of Salem.
Not the witch she became, but the woman she once was. The one who begged him to stop accepting divine cruelty as fate. The one who wanted humanity to move on, to live without being corrected. If only you had been allowed to move on, he thought. If only I had chosen differently. The scroll felt heavier in his hands.
How many tragedies had been born not of malice, but of inaction?
Of choosing order over compassion?
Of following commands instead of conscience?
His eyes drifted, unbidden, to a blond boy near the center of the crowd. Jaune Arc stood straight, expression calm, almost thoughtful.
Too thoughtful for a first-year. A soul that wants peace, Ozpin thought. And yet... Fear coiled quietly in his chest. If they remember… will it already be too late? And worse, should I even try to stop them?

A quiet footstep echoed through the ruins.
Ren and Nora stood apart from the others, near the heart of the ancient stone. Nora's usual brightness was gone. Ren's calm held devastation beneath it. "We remember too," Ren said. Nora knelt, pressing her palm to the stone. "Ours were different." Jaune looked up. "You and Nora." Ren nodded. "Always." "Same souls," Nora whispered. "Different names. Different laughs." Her voice wavered. "But they always ran toward him first." Ren closed his eyes. "And they always slept better when she sang."
The ruins seemed to breathe with them.

Ozpin inhaled, grounding himself. The present demanded his attention. "Ruby Rose," he said aloud. The girl stepped forward, wide-eyed but determined. "From this moment forward," Ozpin continued, voice clear despite the storm inside him, "you will be known as Team RWBY."
Applause followed. Smiles. Relief. Names continued to be called. Partners assigned. Teams formed by chance, by fate, by forces Ozpin could no longer pretend to understand.
"Jaune Arc. Pyrrha Nikos. Lie Ren. Nora Valkyrie."Ozpin paused, just a fraction of a second. "Team JNPR."

Weiss wiped her eyes at the ruins and forced herself to think. "If those towns existed… then the vaults existed too." Jaune's head snapped up. "Yes," Ren said. "Our vaults." "And the original one," Jaune added. The stone beneath them answered, vibrating deeper, older than memory. "Before Maidens," Ren explained. "Before keys. A vault hidden not just from humanity…" "…but from the gods," Blake finished. "Is it still there?" Ruby asked softly.
Ren closed his eyes, sensing. "Yes. Anchored outside the cycle. Untouched." "So they didn't take everything," Yang muttered. "No," Jaune said, standing slowly. "They never could."

Ozpin watched the newly formed teams settle together. They laughed quietly. They exchanged looks of trust. They looked like they can be the next hope for the people.
They could be a good batch, he thought. Strong. Kind. Capable.If the world allows them to graduate. If I allow them.
For the first time in centuries, Ozpin did not feel like a man guiding humanity forward.
He felt like a witness...
Standing at the edge of a story that might finally move beyond him.

At the ruins, Jaune felt it again. Not metal or magic, but only a single glorious purpose.
Something being forged deep within his soul, not to destroy creation, but to end judgment.
"It's almost ready," he murmured. Ruby looked up. "What is?" Jaune met her eyes, steady and unafraid. "A way," he said, "to make sure no one ever loses their children to the will of gods again."

Far away, Salem stirred.
And in a way, a wizard felt a grief he could not name...
And feared a reckoning he might finally deserve.
 
Last edited:
Jaune Arc was Dying.

Pyrrha had pushed him into a rocket locket to try to save him from the big battle at beacon and he got smacked out of the air like a fly.

So here he lies on the ground a mangled mess of hamburger and bone shards slowly bleeding out.

And apparently hallucinating.

One second he's bleeding out starring at a rock the next second a girl is sitting on it.

She wears a gothic style dress full of frills and ribbons in various shades of grey, red, and purple. Her hair is ash colored and moves in strange ways. But the part that made Jaune absolutely certain he was dying was her eyes. Completely black and darker than any other darkness, they seemed to almost suck the light and leave her face partially in shadows

Why is the grim reaper a loli?

"You are dying sir squire."

Yes. Wonderful dedication. 10/10.

"How fortuitous for you that I am here."

Shes standing over him now and he can see some sort of purple glow just barely visible on the dark pits of her eyes.

"I come to a world without Gods and find a sad broken little thing playing at being the Devil. It is....vexing. like watching a fingerpainter copy a masterpiece you created."

She held her hands over him and dark blood seeped from her skin without any wound to create it.

"I have been many things sir squire, not many of them have been nice. But if I am to pick a fight with the Devil of this world I suppose that makes me God? And gods need a champion. So will you rise sir squire?"

He didn't have a clue what she was talking about. It didn't matter anyway, just the mad ramblings his dying brain cooked up. So not seeing the harm.

Jaune nodded as best he could.

"Wonderful. Then take this gift of blood sir Knight. Rebuild yourself in a image befitting my Knight and get to work."

The blood that she had held over his wounds finally began to obey gravity and dropped down onto his mangled mess of a body.

And Jaune Arc Knew Pain.

His body began twisting and contorting ruined fragments of bone coming together seamlessly and whole. Pulped flesh and organs returning to a pristine and pale state.

It should have felt nice being whole again. But there was a icy feeling in his chest. Like his heart was pumping slushy through his veins. But the transformation was not yet done.

The blood and broken bits of his armor and the locker began to break apart into metal sand and flow across his body leaving behind new armor for him.

Dark in color and far too organic looking it followed every contour of his body up to his chin. Around his lower body was a armored kilt and in his hands was a weapon not meant for a hero.

It was a blade the color of bone run through with jagged veins of purple. There was no guard, no decoration. This was not a blade for showing off, this was a blade for killing.

Jaune Arc stood with his eyes closed and took in a deep breath. Reality seemed to shudder with his inhale as he opened his purple eyes and left without another word.

There were beasts to slay.

That which twists the light watched him leave before she too disappeared without a trace.
 
Last edited:
Cool, vampire knight. Don't know if she's a reference to anything, I thought Feath the endless at first but not her.
Not exactly? Jaune is more similar to a Revenant than a vampire. So no sunlight weakness but he does have a almost manic need to kill his killer. Which in this case has been set to be Salem and by extension all of the Grimm.

The armor was supposed to be similar to Riku's dark form from kingdom hearts.

She's a Eldritch creature. Not really a god or a demon but she has a habit of breaking other people's toys.
 
Arc Family Aslanmas New
Another reason Glynda dreaded Jaune Arc being at Beacon... His family.

Nick: bursts into a classroom "PROFESSOR PORT!"

Port: "Nick, old boy! How are you? Merry Aslanmas!"

Nick: "YOU TOO! Come on, Jaune! We're going on a Holiday Train Ride! All your friends are invited! There will be eggnog, hot cocoa, candy canes, cakes, and plenty of Grimm to kill! I even got you an autocannon!"

Jaune: "WOOHOO!"

Ruby: "What kind?"

Nick: "The kind that shoots 20mm rounds 1000 times a minute of Aslanmas cheer!"

Ruby: "YAY!"

And Isabel, surprisingly... Is almost as bad.

Isabel: "All right everyone! Our Aslanmas Sweaters are all ready, and all ugly! Let's take fun photos while wearing them!"

Weiss: glares at Yang and Pyrrha... And Ruby... And Blake... And May... "Why are they all so tight except on me?"

Blake: "You know why."
 
I am sorry if I have asked this question before but seriously, what is stopping Glynda from picking a person up with her Semblance, and then crushing them like a grape?

Is it some inherent thing to her that she cannot do?

And what if she just yanks your weapon out of your hand? Like can you overpower the effects of another person's semblance by waging a "Tug of War" with their aura or something?

Otherwise literally how can anyone beat her other than a surprise attack, one shot one kill move?
 
I am sorry if I have asked this question before but seriously, what is stopping Glynda from picking a person up with her Semblance, and then crushing them like a grape?

Is it some inherent thing to her that she cannot do?

And what if she just yanks your weapon out of your hand? Like can you overpower the effects of another person's semblance by waging a "Tug of War" with their aura or something?

Otherwise literally how can anyone beat her other than a surprise attack, one shot one kill move?

When Glynda applies telekinesis to someone or something with Aura, it is akin to interacting with an object many times heavier and denser; the more Aura the target has, the greater its psychic weight and density (Source: RWBY - After the Fall novel).

It is more efficient to just hurl an object at the target for the same level of impact.
 
Last edited:
A Visit to Father Winter New
The Saint Lucy's Orphanage had transformed its main hall into a proper winter wonderland for the fundraiser. Warm wooden walls glowed under strings of golden lights, shelves overflowed with donated toys, and hand-painted Aslanmas banners fluttered gently overhead—lions rampant, stars of the north, the whole bit. At the center sat an honest-to-goodness carved oak throne piled with furs and pillows, flanked by a massive evergreen draped in paper chains made by the kids.

Jaune Arc—decked out in deep red and blue robes trimmed with white fur, silver embroidery swirling like wind and snow, an ushanka atop his head, and a very authentic-looking beard—was in his element. Father Winter, Remnant's own guardian of joy and miracles, boomed with laughter that echoed off the rafters as each child climbed up, whispered their dreams, and scampered off with candy canes and wide eyes. Arslan Altan, in a deep green tunic, green cape and pointed hat that somehow still looked dignified on her, stood at his side handing out small wooden toys and offering the occasional dry remark when a kid got too grabby.

During a brief break, Jaune sighed and slumped back in his throne.

"I still can't believe I got 'voluntold' to do this by Professor Goodwitch."

Arslan smiled gently.

"You're perfect at it: Your gestures, your kind eyes, the voice-"

"It's rough on my throat," Jaune mumbled, rubbing his Adam's apple.

"The children adore it," Arslan said. She rested a hand on his forearm, "And you're bringing joy to them. Hope. That is the core of the season, and the mission of Father Winter."

Jaune blushed, and slowly nodded.

"Thanks," he murmured. "Still, why did you volunteer?"

Arslan flushed slightly, and cleared her throat.

"I too enjoy making children happy," she said quietly. "Sometimes I can be intimidating."

Jaune chuckled.

"Not as an elf you aren't."

Arslan made a face.

"That is another issue. Elves weren't in the Good Book. How did they get added in? It feels sacrilegious somehow."

"Well," Jaune tried… But he trailed off as his eyes went wide behind his half-moon spectacles. "Oh no."

Team RWBY and the rest of JNPR walked into the main lobby of the orphanage, all decked out for the cold weather.

Why are they here?! Jaune thought frantically.

Jaune's stomach dropped straight through the throne, but Father Winter didn't flinch. He just adjusted his beard and boomed,

"Ho ho ho! Welcome, young huntresses and huntsmen! Come, come, the night is merry and full of wonders!"

Arslan raised one perfect eyebrow at him. "Subtle," she muttered under her breath.

"Not like I have any choice," he muttered back.

First came Ruby, practically vibrating with excitement. She bounced right up and plopped onto his lap without hesitation.

"Hi Father Winter! Okay, so I've been really good—mostly—and I'd like some of those new high-precision micro-tools for Crescent Rose, the ones from Atlas with the adjustable torque settings? Oh, and…"

She paused and worried her lower lip. She glanced back at her friends beyond the garland covered fence, and looked back to Father Winter.

"... And I wanna be a good leader. Like, a really good one. My team's kinda crazy and I'm scared I'll mess it up. Since I've messed it up a lot."

Jaune's heart squeezed. He rested a gentle hand on her shoulder.

He didn't know what Jaune Arc should say, but he knew what Father Winter would.

"Little Rose, you'll do fine. Sometimes leading means laying down the law with love—and you've got friends who'll stand with you. That tall blond boy on your sister team, Jaune was it? He'll help. He believes in you."

Ruby's eyes went comically wide. "How did you—?!"

Father Winter tapped the side of his nose. "Wouldn't be much of a winter spirit if I didn't know these things, now would I?"

Ruby squealed, kissed his cheek, and zipped off shouting "BEST TRADITION EVER!"

Weiss approached next, arms crossed, cheeks pink. She perched on the edge of his knee like she was afraid of catching something.

"This is absurd and I am here under protest. You'd better not be some pervert in a costume."

"Only the finest volunteer, my dear," Jaune assured her in his deepest Father Winter rumble. "No judgment here."

"Indeed," Arslan said.

Weiss huffed.

"I'm only doing this because Ruby insisted. But... fine. Can I be a better friend? To Ruby, to... to my other friends? I don't always know how."

Beneath the beard, Jaune smiled softly.

"Ice can hide the warmest heart, child. They already see the good in you. Meet them halfway when you're ready—no rush. Friends are patient."

Weiss blinked, then gave the tiniest smile. "That's... actually decent advice for a holiday volunteer." She stood, smoothing her skirt. "Thank you."

Yang sauntered up next, grinning like a cat in cream. She dropped into his lap with deliberate flair.

"Hey there, big guy. Got room for one more?"

Jaune coughed, cheeks burning under the beard.

"There are children present, Miss Xiao Long."

Yang laughed. "Relax, I'm good. Motorcycle could use a tune-up—maybe some new shocks? And..." Her voice softened, just a touch.

"What?" Jaune asked softly.

"A boyfriend would be nice. Someone who gets me. Not a jerk, not a creep. Someone I could maybe ride across Remnant with someday. There's this dork at school—total goof, but he's sweet. Real sweet. Competition's fierce, but I play to win."

Jaune chuckled warmly. "Sounds like this fellow's denser than a fruitcake. Subtle hints won't work on an idiot like that. Just tell him straight, my dear. Courage is the best gift."

Yang's grin turned sharp and hopeful. She kissed his cheek. "Direct. I like it. Thanks, Father Winter."

Blake lingered at the back until Ruby literally dragged her forward. Ruby then skipped back with a smile. Blake scowled at her and then back at Jaune. She coughed.

"Ruby blackmailed me," she muttered, ears flat under her bow as she sat stiffly.

"You never have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable," Jaune said gently.

Blake exhaled. "She made this feel like a confession."

She looked over at Arslan, who stared back impassively.

"No judgement, and nothing leaves here," Jaune said gently.

Blake shook her head, worrying her lower lip.

"I just... I want to know if I can ever forgive myself. For everything."

"That's a heavy gift to ask for," he said softly. "But running from it won't make it lighter. You've got people who care—people who'd stand with you if you'd let them. Maybe start with one. That monkey boy over there donating toys? He looks like he'd listen."

Blake followed his gaze to Sun, arms full of boxes, laughing with some kids. Even though he wore a parka, he still had it open to show off his bare chest.

Something softened in her eyes.

"Yeah. Maybe I will." She stood. "Thanks."

As she walked toward Sun, Jaune leaned toward Arslan. "Exhausting, but good-hearted."

"Agreed," Arslan said dryly.

Ren approached next, expression calm but faintly pained. He lowered himself onto the throne with the dignity of a man attending his own execution. Jaune coughed.

"You don't have to sit if—"

"Tradition," Ren said simply. "I'm Pathist, but Nora loves Aslanmas. I just want her to be happy. All of them happy. I don't want to lose this family." His voice dropped. "I'm afraid of losing them. I bury it."

Jaune rested a hand on Ren's arm. "Burying fear doesn't kill it. Face it with them—train, grow, stand together. That's how you keep what matters."

Ren nodded slowly. Then, quieter: "It's absurd no one else has noticed it's you."

Jaune's eyes crinkled. "Right?"

Pyrrha came last among his friends, shy and hesitant. She sat carefully, hands folded in her lap.

"I um… I've never done this before," she admitted. "Well not outside staged events. I just wanted to… To do it for myself, you know?"

Jaune nodded slowly.

"It's all right," he said, "Say whatever you want."

Pyrrha was silent for a bit, before she began to speak, slow and soft.

"I just want courage," she whispered. "To be honest with the people I love. I'm so used to being the Invincible Girl... I'm not sure who I am without it. And there's this prophecy from when I was young—that I'll rise high but fall, live bright but burn out fast. It's hard. Because there's someone I… I really care about and he has no idea and I just…"

She paused and shook her head.

"I feel like such a coward for not being honest."

Jaune's heart ached. "Prophecies are just stories until we write the ending. Fate brought you friends who love you—all of you, not just the champion. Be brave enough to show them the real Pyrrha. You've got the courage. You've always had it."

Pyrrha's eyes shimmered. She kissed his cheek gently.

"Thank you." As she stood, she smiled at Arslan. "Hello, Arslan."

Arslan inclined her head. "We should spar sometime."

Pyrrha took a breath, wore a glamorous smile.

"I never wanted to continue our rivalry-"

"I do, but as friends," Arslan said softly, "That's all I have ever wanted from you. I am sorry I did not explain it properly."

Pyrrha blinked, surprised and touched. She beamed.

"I'd... like that very much."

After Pyrrha left, Arslan murmured, "I thought she knew I considered her a friend back at Sanctum. Clearly I was not direct enough. She should not feel so alone."

"She's lucky to have people who notice now," Jaune agreed quietly. Arslan flushed and smiled gently.

Then came Nora—full launch, arms wide, nearly knocking him backward even with the bulk of the throne holding him up.

"Father Winter! I want Renny to smile more and be super happy! And for me to be happy with him! And Jaune-Jaune to stop being such a sad sack! And Pyrrha to open up! And pancakes forever!"

Jaune laughed, hugging her tight. "All reasonable requests. Consider them delivered, little thunderbolt."

Nora hugged back fiercely, then whispered in his ear, "You're the best, Jaune-Jaune. Secret's safe."

Nora flounced off, joining the rest of their friends. He smiled and waved back at them as they headed for the exit. He leaned back in his throne, his heart light and full of joy.

He was riding high—actually feeling pretty darn good about himself—when a local mother guided her fussy toddler forward. The little girl, maybe two, clambered up his knees. He reached out to hold her when she grabbed a fistful of beard for balance, and yanked.

The entire fake beard came off with a loud rip of spirit gum.

Arslan lunged, throwing her elven cape in front of Jaune's face just in time to block the kids' view, but every single one of his friends—gathered near the exit with hot cocoa and cookies—saw everything.

Dead silence.

Jaune coughed awkwardly, beard dangling from one hand.

Nora's eyes narrowed into a terrifying glare at the oblivious toddler.

"YOU BROKE THE SPELL! NOW I WON'T GET MY WISH! THANKS A LOT, KID!"

"NORA, STOP YELLING AT CHILDREN!" Jaune shouted, voice cracking back to normal.

"NEVER!"

Ruby's mouth hung open. Weiss looked like she'd been slapped with a fish. Yang was gaping, her entire face bright red. Blake's ears were straight up in shock under her bow while Sun doubled over laughing hard. Pyrrha's hands flew to her mouth. Ren just closed his eyes like he was praying for patience.

Arslan sighed, long and suffering.

"Happy Aslanmas, everyone."

- - -

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

And elves on Remnant have capes because I say so.
 
"A boyfriend would be nice. Someone who gets me. Not a jerk, not a creep. Someone I could maybe ride across Remnant with someday. There's this dork at school—total goof, but he's sweet. Real sweet. Competition's fierce, but I play to win."

Jaune chuckled warmly. "Sounds like this fellow's denser than a fruitcake. Subtle hints won't work on an idiot like that. Just tell him straight, my dear. Courage is the best gift."

Denser than Nora's hammer, but we love him!

Aslanmas short idea, Team RWBY finds out they were on the naughty list for all their escapades, what do they receive?
 
Jaune Arc, Single Father 5 (Revised) New
Mia had her own little bed wedged right next to Jaune's in the JNPR dorm, a tiny fortress of blankets and stuffed animals. He was trying (really trying) to let her stay there all night, to give her that sliver of independence she'd need someday. Most nights she still ended up crawling in with him anyway, but tonight she'd stayed put.

Until she didn't.

She woke up groggy, eyes sticky with sleep, and padded barefoot out of the room on a mission she only half-remembered. Down the hall, past the correct kitchenette, straight into RWBY's.

The only light came from the open fridge door. Yang stood hunched in front of it, hair tied up in a messy bun, tank top and shorts, muttering to herself.

"Where did Ruby put the eggs now?... I keep telling her those are for protein…"

A small voice, soft and uncertain, floated up from the doorway.

"Mama…?"

Yang spun around. "Wha—?"Her eyes landed on Mia, barefoot in her pajamas, clutching her teddy bear, rubbing one eye with a fist.

She dropped to a knee instantly, voice hushed. "Mia? What are you doing up so late?"

"Mama… Had bad dream… Want water…"Mia toddled forward and wrapped both arms around Yang's neck.

Yang went very, very still.This had happened before, years ago, with a much smaller Ruby.But Mia wasn't Ruby.

"Sweetie… I'm not…"Mia just hugged tighter.

Yang's heart cracked right down the middle. She scooped the little girl up with one arm, settling her on her hip. "Do you want it extra cold?"

"Yeah… With lemon…"

Yang smiled, small and shaky. "Alright… let me cut you a lemon then…"She set Mia on the counter, sliced a wedge of lemon, poured cold water into a plastic cup with little crescent moons on it, dropped the lemon in, and carried both cup and child to the couch.

"…Do you want to tell me about your dream?"

"Mmhm… Daddy was fighting… He was fighting darkness… It all got dark… And I screamed for him… He didn't come…"

"Darkness?" Yang pulled Mia into her side; the little girl burrowed in without hesitation, face pressed to Yang's ribs. "And then you woke up?"

"Mmhm… I saw Daddy. He was okay… He's tired. And sad."

"Sad? Why is he sad?"

"He misses you… He works really hard for me and stuff…"

Mia lifted her head, eyes huge and earnest. "Why'd you have to go away…?"

Yang's throat closed. Raven's back as she walked away. Summer's grave. A hundred nights asking the exact same question.

"I…" Her voice came out strangled. "Sweetie I'm… so sorry…"

"Daddy says you didn't wanna go…"

"No… No I didn't. But I… I didn't have a choice." The words spilled out before she could stop them, raw and aching. "But every day… I miss you… and your father so, so, so much, Mia. And I'm so proud of you… for who you've become. And I… I…"

Breaker, Jaune, I'm so sorry for this.

"I love you and your father so much… and I'm so sorry…"

Her eyes burned. She was losing the fight against tears when Mia wriggled up and settled herself in Yang's lap, arms around her neck again.

Snuggled close, Mia's voice faded into a sleepy whisper. "Love you Mama…"

A single, broken sob slipped out of Yang. "…I love you too Mia…"

She didn't go to the gym. Didn't move an inch. She sat there on the couch until her own eyes drifted shut, Mia's warmth anchored against her chest, and slept.

- - -

Morning came soft and gray.

Jaune woke, saw the empty cot, and didn't panic. He'd done this dance before. Hoodie on, hair still a mess, he checked their common room, then padded to RWBY's door and eased it open.

Thank the Breaker.

Yang was curled on her side, cheek resting atop Mia's blonde curls. Mia's arms were still looped around Yang's waist like she'd never let go.

Jaune's shoulders sagged in relief. He crossed the room quietly and crouched, gently shaking Yang's shoulder. "Yang?"

She didn't wake at first—just tightened her hold on Mia with a sleepy murmur. He tried again.

"Yang."

Her eyes fluttered. "Huh… wah…" She smacked her lips, blinked up at him, and then everything crashed back in at once. "Jaune?! Um… it's… I didn't—"

"It's okay. Mia wanders off sometimes when she sleeps."

"I… yeah… ok…"Yang's voice shook. She didn't make a single move to dislodge the child glued to her front.

Jaune carefully slid his arms under Mia and lifted her. For a second Mia clung to Yang, tiny fingers fisted in her tank top.

"Hey sweetie… Time to wake up…"

"Nnngh… Mmph…" Mia pouted, curled into Jaune instead, and promptly went boneless again.

Jaune chuckled under his breath. "All right. Another hour."

He carried her back to JNPR, tucked her into the little bed, and returned to find Yang exactly where he'd left her—curled into a tight ball on the couch, arms wrapped around herself.

He sat on the coffee table in front of her. "Everything okay?"

She was quiet so long he thought she wouldn't answer. Then, hoarse and barely audible:

"…She called me Mom."

Jaune froze. "…O-Oh…"

Yang nodded, slow. "I was… getting ready to go work out… since the gyms are usually empty at that time… And I guess… since she was so tired… her kid brain saw my blond hair… and… everything… and thought I was her."

"I see…"

She swallowed hard. "I wanted to tell her that I wasn't her… just… her Auntie Yang… but she… Jaune, I'm so sorry."

"I… I'm sorry, Yang."

"No! Nonono, it… It's okay."

He sighed. "…You know, when she looks at pictures or vids of Katy? It's like… It's like she's looking at a stranger."

"…I get that actually…" Jaune blinked, confused. Yang turned to him with a sad, tired smile. "This happened with Ruby too once… when we were younger…"

"Oh? Oh," Jaune's tone changed as he realized. Yang slowly nodded.

"Yeah… when Dad shut down after Summer died… I took care of everything y'know? I cooked, I cleaned… Heck, I helped teach Ruby how to read so she wouldn't make a fool of herself at school… Learned how to make a mean omelette at seven…" She tried for a laugh; it came out wet. "And Ruby? She idolizes Summer… or at least the idea of her… because Summer died before she could ever really meet her in a sense."

Jaune stayed silent, letting her spill.

"And then one night… when I turned off the lights and told Ruby good night? I heard her in the dark say 'good night mom' back…"Her whole body shook. "I… I was seven years old, Jaune…"

"Oh God… Yang…"He pulled her into a hug without thinking. She folded forward and cried quietly into his shoulder while he stroked her hair—slow, careful, the way he did for Mia.

"I… I was seven years old… doing laundry for three… cooking for three… while doing my homework, homeschooling my sister… Ruby never called me that again… I don't think she even remembers it but… but when she said that… I didn't know what to do Jaune…"

Jaune kept stroking her hair, trying to pour every ounce of comfort he had into the motion.

"…I… I wouldn't know what to do, either…"

Yang didn't answer, just relaxed a fraction and inhaled shakily. "So when Mia called me her mom? It was… it was like I was seven all over again… but this time it was…"

"…It was?"

"…I don't know Jaune… wrong? She… I get that she was tired and confused but… with Ruby… Ruby is my sister. She's family. But with Mia? She's… gods I don't know how to explain this. She's yours Jaune. She's not mine. But when she hugged me tight… told me she had a bad dream… about how much you miss Katy… I panicked… and for five minutes, to her… I was Katy Arc. And I'm so sorry Jaune."

"…It's okay, Yang… Look. I don't… I don't know if it's wrong. I just know… I mean… She was smiling in her sleep after a nightmare. And you did that."

"We will have to talk to her about her Mom… Being gone. It's like, she kind of gets it? But she doesn't… Really understand it."

He sighed. "I just… I'm sorry if it brought back bad memories, Yang."

"It's… It's fine. There's no way either of you could have known."She forced a grin that wobbled hard. "I just wish Ruby fell asleep as easy as Mia does, y'know? When she was younger?"

"Yang…" He looked at her, worried. "…If you don't want to be a mom I—I get it."

"You kidding? I'd love to be a mom… have my own kid you know? Smother them with so much love they'd never be afraid of me leaving them…"She winced. "I just… I wish I didn't have to get an early access pass to it y'know? No offense! I—oh gods that sounds so messed up given the context…"

"No, no… I get it." His voice went dark, quiet. "I do… I feel like I grew up ten years overnight when Katy…"

"It's okay. You didn't do anything wrong. She just… Even if she doesn't know her, she misses her. So… Thanks for being there for her."

Yang's smile turned soft, real. "For her? Anything…"She rested her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence a moment, then she added, small smile against his hoodie, "You know… from one single parent to another?... You've done a mighty fine job, Mr. Arc."

"Well… You did a great job with Ruby, Miss Xiao-Long." He smiled back.

"Heh. Don't I know it…"

"Thanks though, Yang. Um… Look. My team, you guys… You've been helping me out a lot. I know it's selfish to bring her with me…"

"Not really… Again, I'm probably the only one who can kind of, maybe relate to what it's like… being you. And if right now, Ruby was still five years old? I wouldn't want her anywhere else but with me here either. Besides… she's adorable! Who wouldn't be okay with her around here, livening up the place?"

She nestled deeper into his shoulder. "We're here for you… I'm here for you. And always will be…"

"…Thanks Yang."He wrapped an arm around her and held her close.

"…Just… Don't let me do anything stupid. I promised I'd always be there for her…"

"Don't worry… even without her around, I'd be doing that anyways I think. And honestly, just like how I'm here for you, I'm here for Mia too."They sat, comfortable, quiet. Then: "….Hey do you think Mia would want to come to the gym with me at some point? No, that's crazy right?"

"I think she'd love it. Just take it easy on her, huh? She just figured out jump rope."

Yang snickered. "Can you imagine Mia throwing Weiss around like a ragdoll at… what is she now? 4? Or better yet, Cardin?"

Jaune actually laughed. "That would be funny."

"Maybe I'll ask her… once her hour is up."She tilted her head to look up at him, cheek still on his shoulder, his fingers still threading gently through the ends of her hair. "You wanna join us? Could be fun."

"I would love to."

"Cool." She smiled, turned forward again, and tried to hide her red cheeks.

It's… a date I guess. I mean… not a date-date, a friend date. With a friend and his adorable child. Totally not a date.

…Probably.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top