[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AJ_Talon]

RWBY was inspired by shonen anime and JRPGs. And a classic part of the genre is a rival for the main character. Cloud has Sephiroth. Naruto has Gaara, Sasuke, etc. Goku has Vegeta, then Freeza, then Hit, etc. And so on.



So it's odd that Ruby doesn't actually have one.



"But Talon you man child obsessed with an animated webshow!" You might say, "Of course Ruby has a rival! She has Cinder! And Salem!"



No. For there to be a rival there needs to be some kind of personal investment, as well as a heavy juxtaposition between their worldviews, personalities, and philosophies. As well as a driving element of change in the story.



Yeah Cinder set up Vytal and killed Pyrrha, but everyone has a grudge against her for that. And we never saw Ruby and Pyrrha interact in any meaningful way before she died. If anything, Cinder is Jaune's rival. Their fight is VERY personal, for both of them. It's why Jaune trains so hard, pushes himself so hard, to stop Cinder. To avenge Pyrrha and stop Cinder. It DRIVES Jaune's character growth.



Ruby? Doesn't really have that with Cinder. She's another bad guy to stop. Yes, a big one, but there's nothing that multiple other characters wouldn't have with her. Ruby doesn't really CHANGE that much to deal with Cinder, not really.



(Which is another issue but bear with me.)



Salem is too impersonal to be Ruby's rival or main enemy. She's the Big Bad. It's not as personal, as visceral, and isn't concrete enough as a driving force.



So I have three ideas.



First? Someone who deceives Ruby during Haven or Atlas. An infiltrator who gets close and hurts Ruby in a very personal way. Neo might fit there, and giving her more to do is always good. She also wants revenge on Ruby for "killing" Roman, which... Doesn't make a lot of sense but you could always fix that up somehow. Neo would also need to rise in importance to Salem and become a more important villain. Problems with this are that Neo is too free spirited and independent. Sure she wants to kill Ruby but the connection is very one-sided and always has been. So this requires the most work to make possible.



Second? Tyrian. He is antithetical to Ruby in every way. She cherishes life, freedom, and takes joy in the everyday. Tyrian is a misanthrope, who worships Salem and only enjoys killing for his goddess. Ruby is being mentored by Ozma/Oscar, Tyrian is guided by Salem. But how to make it personal? Simple: Tyrian killed Ruby's mother, Summer. He reveals this to her during his first attack on RNJR. He gloats over her, makes her feel weak and powerless. This enrages her and pushes her to fight on, to figure out a way to get out, to get stronger. He takes a personal interest in Ruby after she injures him-Slices off his tail. He also changes to some extent interacting with her-Not like a romance, but a good rivalry between characters often brings out new things in both of them. This could work pretty well.



Third? And this is the weirdest one... Summer. Not as a Hound, because that concept was rather... Meh? Rather, Salem did kill Summer... But kept her body. She used her magic to create an artificial soul to power the corpse and made use of her as a weapon. Over time this Summer revenant developed her own feelings and personality, a dark echo of the original. Salem uses her as a weapon against other Silver Eyed Warriors, and to defend her from them. The Red Reaper became a Dark Reaper. Now that Ruby has been revealed as a potential threat, Salem sends Dark Summer after her. But Dark Summer hesitates to kill her, due to some lingering parts of the original Summer. Then it becomes more insidious: Dark Summer begins to appear to Ruby, and Ruby thinks it's a dream. Dark Summer gains Ruby's trust, and reveals herself to be real... Then comes the reveal she is working for Salem. A revenant in thrall to the Dark Witch of the Grimm. You could play with a lot using this concept.



What do you guys think?

 

[AJ_Talon]

You know, I like to imagine that once Jaune came out of the Ever After, he lost any sense of a filter. The man will say what he think when he thinks it.

Not because of any of the Afterains, but because he stopped giving a shit a long time ago.

Jaune's essentially an old man who stopped giving a fuck about what all the youngsters around him think and he's damn well going to make that clear.

(Basically he becomes a blond male Maria.)

Click to shrink...

At Vacuo...

Blake: "Blah blah blah Faunus rights blah feminism blah we're lesbians!"

Ruby: "Blah blah blah I've been reset again so cookies and adventure yay!"

Oscar: Blah blah blah glad you're safe blah blah Salem blah..."

Glynda: "Blah blah blah refugee crisis blah blah blah let's spend time on a sidequest about how people hate refugees despite it being entirely divorced from the real world context blah-"

Jaune: "ENOUGH!" He points at Ruby "No more abusing my best friend!" Points at Oscar "No more shitty fortune cookie platitudes from the possessed Twink!"

Oscar: "Hey!"

Jaune: points at Glynda "No more shitty political commentary!"

Glynda: "I-!"

Jaune: points at Blake and Yang "AND NO MORE OF YOUR STUPID MELODRAMA! YOU'RE LESBIANS! BIG FUCKING WHOOP! GOOD FOR YOU!"

Oscar: "But-You-I-!"

Jaune: "Hey, listen: Who has a Semblance that lets him never run out of Aura but also boost everyone else's to make them unstoppable? ME. Who has been fighting in a weirdass other dimension for twenty years refining it and his combat skills? ME. Who knows how to access said other dimension to finally kill Salem dead? ME."

Oscar: "But I've been fighting Salem for centuries-"

Jaune: "AND YOU'VE LOST. ALL THE TIME. So, you can either waste more time on BULLSHIT for a full volume, or we can call out Salem now and END HER SHIT. What's it gonna be?"

Ruby: "... I'm in!"

Weiss: "Hell yes."

Blake: "I am not melodramatic and you should care-"

Yang: "We both say yes!"

Glynda: "... Hell yes, Mister Arc."

Jaune: "GOOD! Nora?"

Nora: "Yes Captain?"

Jaune: "Ren?"

Ren: "Yes?"

Jaune: "Get me a Scroll. We're ending this bullshit."

Meanwhile, in Salem's Leviathan...

Salem: "What the... Who is calling-?"

Jaune: "Hey Salem! Ozma says you were frigid and your goth phase was lame. Didn't make you hotter, you just wanted attention."

Salem: "Why you-?!"

Jaune: "Come and get us, bitch! Rusted Knight, SIGNING OFF!"

Salem: "What in the...?! Ooh! Cinder! We're killing them all!"

Cinder: "Yes My Queen!"

They arrive at Vacuo... And a massive yellow Aura Slash erupts from the city and cuts the Leviathan in half. Salem and Cinder fall and land on the ground.

Salem: "... The FUCK?! Who has the balls-?!"

Jaune: "ME. I'm here to finally end your stupid ass!"

Salem: "HA! You and what army?"

A truly massive army of everyone left arrives, all supercharged thanks to Jaune's Semblance.

Salem: "Yes well, I have an army of Grimm-!"

Ruby unleashes her Silver Eyes, Supercharged, and every Grimm for miles is evaporated. Salem is badly hurt and shaking.

Salem: "... Um..." Holds Cinder in front of her "IT WAS ALL HER IDEA!"

Cinder: "WHAT?!"

Salem: "Medamnit I'm using your plot armor for me!"

Cinder: "YOU BITCH!"

Needless to say, after enough violence, Salem is persuaded to go into the Ever After to the Tree to die, Cinder is killed horribly, and all ends well.

Jaune: "Good! Now... I'm going home and I'm gonna sleep for the next ten years."

Ruby: "With me in your bed?"

Weiss: "I'm going with him!"

Yang: "Like hell! Just broke up with Blake and I'm getting a happy ending!"

Blake: "Not if I do it first! I'm a goddamned cat girl ninja princess, I deserve a happy ending!"

Ruby: "NOW YOU'RE FINE WITH GENDER ROLES?!"

Jaune: groans "I'll marry all four of you if you'll just SHUT UP?!"

RWBY: "... Okay!"

Glynda: "Um, Mister Arc-"

Jaune: "Fine, you too Miss Goodwitch."

Glynda: "That's not what I was going to..." stops "You know what? Sure."

Jaune: "GOOD! Nora, Ren? Card games after?"

Nora: "Strip poker, usual rules?"

Jaune: "Yes."

Nora: "WOOHOO!"

And they lived happily ever after...

- - -

Again, total crack, don't take seriously.

 

[AJ_Talon]

There was a lot of paperwork, debriefings, and various other unpleasant tasks to get through... But eventually, RWBY, JNPR, and everyone else returned to Beacon to rest.

Jaune made it to an empty dorm bathroom to wash up. He loved his friends, really... But he told them he needed some time to decompress on his own. Though he did share a significant look with Pyrrha before he headed off.

Once at the dorm, He took a long, hot shower... Then emerged in just a towel. And Cinder was waiting for him.

Jaune: "Oh! Uh... Hey Cinder."

Cinder: nods "Jaune."

Jaune: "So... What did you want to talk about?"

Cinder: "Team RWBY interfered in the plan. They managed to send an emergency signal to Vale... One you acted upon."

Jaune's Brain: Okay... Play it cool, play it cool...

Jaune: "Yes. To do otherwise would have blown our cover, as Adam Taurus should well know."

Cinder: raised eyebrow "At no point did I mention Adam Taurus. However did you deduce it was him I was working with?"

Jaune's Brain: Crap! Crap crap crap! Gotta stay calm...!

Jaune: little smile "That was a guess, but there aren't many bull faunus in the White Fang you would refer to. He's also young, aggressive, and charismatic. And he would love to make the cities of Man fall."

Cinder: nods slowly "Again, I underestimated you. General Ironwood has been placed in overall command of security for Vytal, but that was a foregone conclusion. Ozpin being removed by the Council is a ceremonial act at best. We killed no one. While it has heightened tensions, that was brief and the Vytal Festival is still months off." smiles "Still, it was not a total waste. Adam is now willing to work with me with far fewer complaints."

She smirked at him and crossed her admittedly amazing legs as she sat on the bed.

Cinder: "And now? Now you are beyond reproach and above suspicion in Ozpin's eyes. He will grant you even more access which will be far better for our plans than Adam's little temper tantrum."

Jaune: nods and bows his head "I am but your humble servant, Cinder."

Cinder: "Indeed... You have done well." She rose and walked up to him. "A good servant deserves a reward, don't you think~?" Sultry smile, lays a hand on his bare chest

Jaune's Brain: Urgh... You know, usually, I like bad girls but Cinder? Eesh... Stay calm and neutral...

Jaune: nods "I appreciate it again, Cinder... But the mission must come first."

Cinder: pouts "Really? I would let you have Emerald, Pyrrha, and even your little girlfriend all at once? And still you reject me?" Her eyes glowed with fire

Jaune: "Not rejection, Cinder. Practicality. We got here because we have been careful and professional. The side that wins makes the fewest mistakes."

Cinder: "And if I were to make it an order?" Her other hand has a small fire ignite in her palm

Jaune's Brain: Damn my Arc Rizz! Think fast, think fast...!

Jaune: "That would not be nearly as satisfying as when we can truly enjoy ourselves... When Beacon and Vale lie in ruins and you have your full power."

Cinder: glares... But sighs and releases her flames. She pulls her hand back. "I suppose you are correct... Your self control is admirable."

Jaune: "Thank you, Cinder."

Cinder: "Honestly, I wish I had run into you instead of Mercury or Emerald. How much more could we have accomplished if Salem wasn't playing such ridiculous games? What a pity. Still... Now, we are together. And the world is in our hands."

Jaune's Brain: Geez... She is in full chuunibiyou mode... I feel bad for her but it's easier to reject her when she's totally crazy and evil.

Jaune: "Yes Cinder."

Cinder: chuckles "Why so deferring all of a sudden?"

Jaune: "I'm always polite to women who come to my bedroom when I'm in a delicate state."

Cinder: chuckles again "Good. Keep it that way."

She heads out. Jaune breaths a sigh of relief... Which is when Pyrrha pops in through the window.

Pyrrha: "Jaune!"

Jaune: "GAH!" He jumps, holding onto his towel "Pyrrha!"

Pyrrha: "S-Sorry..." Stares with a blush and smile "Um... So... Things went well?"

Jaune: "Yeah. You did clear the room-?"

Pyrrha: "Of course! So don't worry... Um... But we have another problem."

Jaune: "What problem-?"

Yang, Ruby, Weiss, and Blake fall out of the ceiling.

Ruby: "GAH!"

Yang: "OOF!"

Weiss: "URK!"

Blake: "Ow."

Jaune: "Wha-What?!"

Pyrrha: "They um... They followed me."

Yang is up first and glaring.

Yang: "What the hell is that chick talking about?! And-And why are you meeting her behind my back nearly naked?!"

Ruby: "YEAH!"

Weiss: "We should freeze her solid!"

Yang: "Then I'll shatter her!"

Blake: "Honestly, if you were going to cheat on us, you should pick someone better than her."

Jaune: groans

Nora: also comes in through the window "Did we miss the soap opera?"

Ren: also comes in "I don't think so."

Jaune: "Okay! Let me explain... Once I have my clothes back on?"

Yang: "NO!"

Jaune: "No to explaining or no to the clothes?"

Pyrrha: blush "Ummm..."

Once Jaune has his clothes back on, and Pyrrha and everyone else have done some sweeps... Jaune explained the situation.

Jaune: "Yeah, basically, Ozpin is using me as a double agent with Cinder."

Ruby: "But how did you know all this stuff?!"

Nora: "Yeah! You knew the attack would happen at the square!"

Jaune: "Oh, I'm sure Oobleck just send the message to just-"

Ruby: "No, it was all over the city."

Weiss: nods "Every electronic billboard."

Jaune: "Well, uh... Um..." sighs

Pyrrha: "It's okay Jaune. Tell them."

Jaune: "... Fine... I can... Kind of. Sort of. See the future. Or I saw one possible future. It might be my Semblance, it might be something else, but... I know what was going to happen."

Stares. Silence. Nora held up a hand.

Nora: "Do I marry Ren?"

Jaune: "I didn't see that far but I'm hopeful? Last I saw you two were taking a break...?"

Nora: "What?! Seriously?!"

Ren: blinks "A break?"

Jaune: "Yeah, I don't know why. Things got really bad, it might have been the stress."

Ruby: "Then... The future... If you're trying to change it-?"

Jaune: "It was bad. Really bad. End of the world bad. I managed to survive it, somehow. A lot of people didn't..." shrugs "That's why I've had to be very, very careful with what I say or do. If we change too much? We will lose our advantage, and Ozpin ordered me to maintain the secrecy."

Ruby: "So, um..."

Jaune: "I can't reveal more details. Not now. Hell, Ozpin's going to chew me out for revealing this much. But we need to be on guard. Things are still in motion... And Blake? Adam is involved."

Blake: tenses

Jaune: "But don't worry. We will NOT let him win. We won't let any of them win. I promise. I just... I need you all to trust me. I have to keep things secret but it's not out of malice. It's because I've been ordered not to by Ozpin and because a lot of it doesn't apply anymore."

Weiss: "... I see."

Ruby: "Wow... Time travel..."

Jaune: sighs "So, let's keep this quiet, okay? Nobody talks about this unless we've done a thorough sweep of the room first. Understood?"

Much nodding and agreement ensues. Yang is very quiet. Jaune sucks in a deep breath.

Jaune: "Now... I'd like to speak with my girlfriend alone, please?"

Pyrrha: "I... Yes Jaune."

Ruby: "Yeah."

Weiss: nods "Of... Of course."

Blake: "Sure."

Ren: nods

Nora: pats Jaune on the shoulder, then Yang "Go easy on him?"

Yang: "... Yeah."

Jaune's Brain: Crap she's mad...

Everyone leaves the room, leaving Jaune and Yang alone. Jaune takes a deep breath as the door is shut behind them.

Yang: "... So... Did we end up together in the future? Is... Is that how you romanced me?"

Jaune: blinks "What?"

Yang: "I-I'm not mad if that's the case. I mean, if I went back in time I'd have... I'd do the same thing. God, that would be weird wouldn't it?"

Jaune: "Um..." rubs the back of his head "Actually, in the future I saw? You ended up with Blake."

Yang: snorts "Blake?! Seriously?!"

Jaune: "Yeah. It was really spur of the moment for both of you. You only admitted your feelings when the alternative was to basically die? So I don't know how strong it was..."

Yang: "But you didn't, like... Carry a torch for me?"

Jaune: "I mean... I might have? I apparently simped over Weiss for a long time and didn't notice Pyrrha's feelings for me until... Well. Until she died."

Yang: frown "Oh..."

Jaune: "Crap. I shouldn't have said that..."

Yang: "Does P-Money know?"

Jaune: "Yeah. She figured it out. She's been helping me with Cinder... Nothing's happened-"

Yang: "I know it hasn't. That's not what I'm... That's not the issue."

Jaune: "What is?"

Yang: sigh "I mean... It's weird, okay? You saw the future and you've changed it and... And we weren't supposed to happen?"

Jaune: "In that future? Maybe? Maybe not? It's a moot point because the world was about to end. That future timeline isn't going to happen. I won't let it happen. And even if it still was, somehow, going to happen? My feelings are real. I... I do love you. It isn't out of defiance of the future or anything... I love you." sighs "And if you want to... To work things out with Blake, break up with me-"

Yang: snorts and laughs "Seriously? Blake? Hahahaha!"

Jaune: "Eh?"

Yang: "Heh... Hey, don't get me wrong, I like her. And well... I mean... I do like girls too. But Blake? She's got issues. Sun's been chasing her for so long and she's barely given him a date or two... While she's pining after you! And teasing us. Point is, I like her... But I don't think we'd last very long if we took that step."

Jaune: "Oh..." That's very mature of her, actually

Yang: "And... And I love you too."

Jaune: bright red

Yang: smiles "H-Hey... A girl appreciates a man who is loyal, kind, brave... And looks great with his shirt off. You really laid it all bare!"

Jaune: "Hahaha!"

Yang: "But still... This is really heavy."

Jaune: wryly "Great Scott."

Yang: "Huh?"

Jaune: "Nevermind. The point is... I'm trying to save everyone because I care for all of you... But you're the one I really truly love."

Yang: slowly nods "... I see. Just... I just need to think about this for a little bit."

Jaune: nods back "I understand."

Jaune's Brain: It was too much to hope she'd get over it instantly.

Yang: "Still, this explains some things..."

Jaune: "Like what?"

Yang: sad smile "Why you look so old when your guard is down. The future fucking sucked for you, didn't it?"

She hugs him tightly. He hugs her back.

Jaune: "Yeah... It sucked for all of us."

Yang: "Well then... Let's make a better one, huh?"

Jaune: smiles "Absolutely."

 

[AJ_Talon]

Yang and Jaune talk some more... Then come out. All their friends are waiting outside.

Ruby: "O-Oh! Uh, hey guys!"

Weiss: "We weren't eavesdropping!"

Pyrrha: "N-Not at all!"

Ren: deadpan "They were."

Nora: "REN! NOT COOL!"

Blake: "I was."

Weiss: "YOU COULD HAVE LIED!"

Blake: "I'm not bothering." She looks at Yang "Yang? I also find you very hot... But I also agree any romantic relationship between us would be short lived at best. We're just too different and want different things out of life. Also... I'm... Not in a great place right now." She sighs "I have... A lot to work on."

Yang: "Oh..."

Jaune: "Blake... We all do. I don't know all your thoughts from the future, okay? So... So there are no judgements here."

Blake smiles.

Blake: "But we are all friends, no matter what happens, right?"

Yang: grins "Of course!"

Ruby: "Yeah!"

Jaune: "Always."

Weiss: "... Yes."

Blake: happily "And when we all get married to Jaune as part of my royal harem, we'll be even better friends-!"

Jaune: bonks her "NO! Bad Blake!"

Blake: "Owwwww! What? I'll include everyone! Nora and Ren too!"

Nora: "I'M A ONE MAN KIND OF WOMAN THOUGH I ADMIT I HAVE HAD THOUGHTS OF THAT NATURE!"

Ren: red face

Jaune: deadpan "Thank you Nora."

Weiss: "Still... Um... That is a heavy burden. Especially given..." She looks over at Pyrrha uncomfortably

Pyrrha: smiles "I'm not worried. We won't let that happen. I know... I know you won't." She squeezes Jaune's hand

Jaune: smiles. He checks with Yang, who smiles back. He turns back to Pyrrha. "Definitely."

Ruby: "We're not losing anyone... And we're going to save the world." Hugs Jaune

Jaune: "Yeah..."

Isabel: "JAUNE MILES ARC!"

Jaune: "Oh crap..."

Jaune's Brain: That's canon?!

Jaune turns back to see his parents walking up. Isabel is angry and Nick is grinning.

Nick: thumbs up "Great job, son! I knew you could do it!"

Jaune: "Oh, well, it was a team effort and we all worked together-"

Isabel: "Not THAT! Did you teach your friends my Might technique?!"

Jaune: "Um, well... Yes? And a few other Aura techniques? It helped us win and it was the least I could do since they all helped me train and study-"

Isabel: sighs in exasperation "Back in the day, you could only share those techniques with women you intended to marry or have join the clan!"

Jaune: "Wait... Wha... You don't mean-?!"

Blake: gasps happily

Ruby: blush "What?!"

Yang: "What?!"

Pyrrha: "What?!"

Weiss: "N-No way! How is that enforceable?!"

Nora; "YAY! WE'RE FAMILY NOW!"

Nick: "COME TO MY ARMS, DAUGHTER NORA! WE WILL SMASH MANY THINGS IN CELEBRATION OF YOUR BROTHER JAUNE'S MARRIAGES!"

Nora: "YAYYYY-Wait. Can I still marry Ren if we're part of the clan?"

Nick: "SURE AS SHOOTING!"

Nora: "YAAAAAYYYY!" Hugs Nick

Jaune: "Mom... There is no way this is legal. In any way. At all."

Isabel: "No, of course it's not."

Jaune: sighs in relief

Isabel: "But you deserved a scare after all the torment you put your poor mother through!" Hugs him tightly "My brave son...!"

Jaune: "Urk... Well... Sorry Mom, but this is what I needed to do."

Isabel: sighs "I know... I know... I'll get used to it. Eventually... Of course, your Nana is very traditionalist so let's hope she doesn't hear about any of this."

Nora: "Awww... Does that mean I don't get adopted?"

Nick: "You do! But not your boyfriend! So it's less incesty!"

Nora: "HOORAY!"

Jaune: "Well at least someone's happy..."

Yang: "What? Marrying a lot of hot babes isn't fun for you, sweetie~?"

Jaune: "I'm not answering that."

 

[AJ_Talon]

We need badass sky pirates in RWBY. We only got Tok, who sucks. So to that end, here's one I made:

While Winter and Weiss are on vacation in a resort town during the summer break (and where Team SSSN coincidentally took their vacation in):

- - -

Weiss had just settled in for the night, practically dancing on the air as she laid down into her comfortable bed in the Chateau D'Aulnoy. Her thoughts were light and happy, as she sighed and snuggled into her sheets.

A week. A week of romance with her first boyfriend, Neptune! He'd been such a gentleman! He had gone to the beach with her (she swam, he begged off to relax), explored the cliffs, toured the city, and they'd had so many meals together! He'd been endlessly warm and polite and complimentary! He had held her hand, and kissed it, and been so gallant and kind!

He had often seemed distracted at times, which had been a bit annoying. Especially around other women. She'd worked hard to keep his attention on her.

She should have been the center of his attention in all ways! Who did he think he was?

Though honestly, he was probably intimidated by Winter. Winter had followed them around, never overbearing but always around. She supposed she couldn't blame him. Winter intimidated her.

She appreciated her older sister's concern but really! She could handle herself!

Otherwise, it was a lot of fun. It was probably the most fun she'd had in a long, long time.

Even with Winter's overly protective tendencies.

Weiss was just about to drift off to sleep, hopefully with dreams of her wonderful first boyfriend… When the peace of the night was shattered by loud music and raucous singing.

"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me
We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me~!"

Weiss groaned and sat up.

"What is going on…?"

She got up out of bed and stalked to the window. She cast open the curtains and glared out.

"Who is making all that… Racket?!"

A gigantic red and gold airship was hovering alongside Ponce, over the beach. It was long and large, at least 200 meters long from Weiss' quick estimation. It had a massive, sleek hull, dagger shaped, with large Dust-powered engines in huge nacelles near the aft with long, trailing wings to aid it in flight. It had intimidating triple gun turrets on the dorsal and ventral sides, with several smaller guns all along the hull. A tall, swept back, fin-shaped mast stood on the top deck, covered in antennas and sensors, which made the entire vessel resemble a gigantic, sky-going shark.

And lit up with lights, a large black flag with a skull and crossbones waved from the mast.

From her studies of history, Weiss recognized it as a Valean Montana-class air battleship, one of the last ever built for Vale. Only one had been finished, but it had been left in drydock for decades before they decided to scrap it. She knew this because the SDC had been contracted to scrap it while her grandfather and her uncle were still in charge.

When they'd come to the drydock though, the battleship had vanished. It had been stolen and christened with a name that would strike fear into hearts across Remnant:

The Jolly Roger.

Smaller airships, mostly commercial or light patrol models, darted around Ponce, all painted in similar red and gold colors. One flew past Weiss' hotel window with a roar, and she shrieked in surprise. Yet even louder than the engines was the singing!

"We kindle and char and enflame and ignite
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho
We burn up the city, we're really a fright
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho~!"

Winter burst into the room, already in her battle uniform and wielding her sword.

"Weiss! Get dressed, get your weapon, they're pirates!" Winter cried.

Weiss complied, yanking on her combat outfit and taking up Myrtenaster. She grabbed any stock of Dust she had on hand and got ready in a few minutes. Outside, numerous pirates were spilling out of Dustcraft, into shops, bars and across the Ponce boulevard.

Winter and Weiss leaped out the window and landed on the main thoroughfare of Ponce, just as one of the many dust craft landed before them: An Atlesian gunship, painted in red and black stripes. Several other dust craft flew around them, spotlights illuminating the two Schnee sisters. Weiss held up her hand and scowled against the brightness, even as Winter stood firm.

The hatch on the gunship opened, and several air pirates ran out. All dressed in combat armor vests, boots, with guns and swords at their sides over their multicolored clothing. They formed an honor guard around the ramp of the gunship, and stood at attention as a man stepped out.

He was tall-Almost seven feet tall. His hair was black and curly, tied in a tail behind him. His face was almost aristocratic with his high cheekbones and pointed chin, with an immaculately tended beard to frame his face. His eyes were black as the night and swept over the area with a keen gaze.

He wore a broad-brimmed burgundy hat, topped with a black Nevermore feather. His pants were black and his shirt white, underneath a deep red greatcoat, and his boots were well travelled and up to his knees. Pouches hung from his belt, along with a well used cutlass. His left hand was normal flesh, but his right was shiny and metallic, flexing at some unconscious musing.

He stepped out onto the pavement of Ponce, his gaze finally zeroing in on Winter and Weiss. He showed no fear, no malice-Just a hard, unrelenting determination. If the situation were not so dire, Weiss might have called the older man handsome.

"Ladies," the man spoke with a smooth baritone voice, "Captain Jim Silverhand, at your service." He doffed his hat and bowed.

"What does the most infamous Valean air pirate want with a resort town?!" Winter demanded, pointing her sword at him.

"Yeah!" Weiss declared, pointing her own blade at the man.

Captain Silverhand stood back up with an almost charming smile.

"Why… We are here to celebrate!" He cried, holding his arms up, "Isn't that right, lads?!"

"YAR!" Bellowed his crew, from the dust craft to the pirates with him.

"You won't get past us!" Winter snarled.

"But you must," Silverhand chuckled. "For if you don't, the consequences will be most… Dire."

The pirates with him tensed, their hands on their weapons. Winter shifted into her combat position, as did Weiss.

"Weiss, I'll hold them off. You run and raise the alarm," Winter muttered to her younger sister.

Weiss stared in shock.

"Sister?"

"I'll handle this, you need to-!"

"Dad?!"

The tension was broken as both parties turned to look over at Team SSSN. Scarlet was staring in shock and disbelief, as Sun, Neptune, and Sage stood ready with their weapons.

Silverhand's expression abruptly changed from shock… To joy.

The pirate captain moved, and Winter made to strike to protect the young man. Silverhook however moved too fast for her reflexes, and in an instant, he was…

Embracing the redheaded teenager?

"SCARLET! MY SON! How are you?" Silverhand laughed, patting the shorter man on the back, "Look at you! Are you eating enough, son? Are these reprobates taking care of you?"

"Uh, yeah, Captain Silverhand, sir," Neptune managed, as dumbfounded as anyone not a pirate or Scarlet. "We are.

"Totally," Sun said, raising an eyebrow. Sage looked almost amused.

"Son…?" Weiss managed.

Scarlet pushed Silverhand away with a scowl.

"I'm fine, Dad! Seriously, what the hell is going on?! Why are you all flying around and making a ruckus?! You're scaring everyone to death!"

Silverhand looked a bit embarrassed. He rubbed the back of his head.

"Well, I wanted to find you and celebrate the good news!" He looked over his shoulder. "SMIEGEL!"

A shorter man in battle vest over a blue and white striped shirt darted out from behind the taller pirates. His hair was white, his blue eyes magnified behind spectacles, and he carried a Scroll rather than a weapon.

"Yes sir, Captain!" Smiegel cried, skidding to a halt in front of Scarlet and his captain, "Young Master Scarlet, the good news!"

He held up his Scroll and projected a large legal form. Winter and Weiss read it quickly, Winter finishing first with a disbelieving scowl.

"'Letter of Marque, issued by the Valean Government?!'"

"That is correct," Silverhand said cheerfully, "My fleet have gone legit! We are now part of the Valean Defense Forces… Such as they are!"

"You and your gang of ruffians?!" Weiss cried in disbelief. Silverhand grinned.

"Absolutely! We've all received a blanket pardon, and can now go about as lawful citizens!"

"Let me see that!" Winter demanded, looking over the Letter of Marque with a scowl. Smiegel looked over at Silverhand, who then nodded.

"But of course! Miss Schnee, Miss Schnee, you will find the documentation authentic, and my crew's behavior beyond reproach!"

A pirate was thrown out of a nearby bar. The man snarled, stood up, and pulled out his gun.

"I'll teach you to-!"

"HAWKINS!" Silverhand barked. Hawkins winced and looked over to Silverhook.

"Captain, I-I was just-!"

"We shall comport ourselves as gentlemen, Mister Hawkings!" Silverhand barked, "Or I'll keelhaul you!"

Hawkins shook and saluted.

"Aye-aye, sir!"

Silverhand smirked over at Winter, who scowled angrily back.

"As you can see, Miss Schnee, unless we are violating any laws, we cannot be impeded-Certainly not by a foreign agent."

"You… You're violating airspace!" Weiss tried. Silverhand looked over at Smiegel, who checked his Scroll.

"Aye sir, we might be loitering."

"Ugh," Silverhand sighed, "Pay the bloody fine!" He looked back to his son with a bright smile. "So, how are you, my lad?"

"I was better before you dropped in," Scarlet grunted. "Seriously, what is all this?!"

Silverhand sighed and shook his head.

"Right… I knew you'd be upset," he said. He turned to his pirates. "Crew! The song!"

"Aye sir!" His pirates cried. They produced musical instruments, and Silverhand held a tuning pipe to his lips. He blew it, producing an A. He nodded.

"Right, begin men!" Silverhand shouted.

The pirates began to play a jaunty tune, and the lead began to sing.

"It's okay to be gay, let's rejoice with the boys in the gay way
Hooray for the kind of man that you will find in the gay way-!"

"NO!" Silverhand bellowed, as Scarlet gaped in utter mortification, "NOT THAT ONE! WE ALREADY DID THAT ONE!"

Smiegel smacked every one of the pirate musicians, who all took the punishment stoically.

Sun and Neptune were coughing suspiciously behind their hands. Sage shook his head. Weiss wondered when this had become her life.

"Right, the other song-"

"I DON'T NEED A SONG!" Scarlet growled. Silverhand stared.

"You used to love singing along with the crew!"

Scarlet swept his hand through his hair, irritated.

"Yeah, when I was eight! Seriously Dad, what the hell?! Why are you doing all this?!"

"I just wanted to celebrate with my beloved son," Silverhand shot back, "Come on, lad! Isn't this what you were so upset about? You went off to be a hunter because you didn't want to be a pirate!"

"I didn't!" Scarlet growled. "So what changed, huh?!"

Silverhand sighed, and doffed his hat again. He pressed it to his chest, as the pirate band began to play somber music.

"Last year, we ran across a lad trying to make his way to Vale to become a Huntsman," he said, "A plucky boy, running away from home, defying his family. It wasn't an easy decision for him to make, but he still stuck to it. He was impetuous, and got in constant trouble… But he was a good lad, and earned my respect. Because I realized…"

Silverhand looked over at Scarlet, his face dark with emotion.

"He had become a man. He was no longer a boy. And you must respect a man's choices."

He looked into Scarlet's eyes, somber and serious.

"You had become a man, and I didn't respect your choices," he said softly, "Can you forgive me, Scarlet? Can you forgive your captain, your father, his mistake?"

Scarlet's mouth opened and closed a few times. He coughed and looked aside.

"I… Of course, Dad," Scarlet managed.

Silverhand held out his arms. Scarlet sighed, and stepped up to hug his father. They embraced.

"Awww," the pirates all cooed. Smiegel sniffled and wiped his eyes. Weiss, despite the ridiculousness of the situation, felt a bit touched and jealous of the obvious fatherly love and care the pirate captain was showing his son.

"Brings a tear to the eye," Neptune snarked.

"So wholesome," Sun sighed.

"I am very moved," Sage deadpanned.

"You assholes can shut up!" Scarlet snarled.

Silverhand laughed and patted his son on the shoulder.

"Well! That clear everything up, Miss Schnee?" He asked Winter. He looked over at Weiss. "Miss Schnee?"

Winter sighed heavily.

"If your men cause any trouble, you will answer to me," she growled. Silverhook grinned and nodded.

"Of course, miss, of course. NOW! Let's go drink and sing! DRINK UP, ME HEARTIES, YOHOOOO~!"

They headed off to a nearby bar, along with the rest of the pirates. Winter followed with a scowl. Weiss watched them go. She looked over at Neptune, who was grinning.

"Neptune?"

"Oh! Hey Weiss!" Neptune said. He closed the distance between them and embraced her. "You weren't scared, I hope? I'd have fought all those pirates for you."

Weiss flushed. Sun and Sage both rolled their eyes. Ugh, boys.

"I uh, I'm fine, thank you," she said with a smile. She shook her head. "Honestly? This has just been too… Weird. I kind of want to just… Go to bed."

Neptune waggled his eyebrows.

"Oho? I like forward girls."

Weiss went bright red, and giggled nervously.

"I-I mean… I didn't mean… Well… I mean… We… We might-"

"Weiss!" Winter called. Weiss and Neptune looked back at Winter, who scowled at them.

"We'll be keeping an eye on the pirates tonight. Sun Wukong! Your team too," she stated, glancing at Sun.

Sun sighed, and shrugged.

"As you wish, miss," he said. "Come on men. And Weiss… And Neptune."

"HEY!" Neptune growled, as his two friends headed off after Winter. Weiss chuckled.

"It… It's all right, Neptune," Weiss said with a smile, "I-I'm sure we'll get the chance for you to show your… Manliness, later at Beacon?"

Neptune glanced at her, and put on a charming smile. He took Weiss's hand.

"Of course, Snow Angel. Anything you like."

Her heart fluttered as she followed Neptune along. Even amongst all these raucous, poorly groomed pirates, it was still an amazing time.

Still… She really did look forward to returning to Beacon. It was sure to be much quieter, if nothing else. Even with her ridiculous friends.

- - -

Naturally Captain Silverhand and Smiegel are basically Captain Hook and Smee from "Peter Pan" (And a bit to Long John Silver from "Treasure Island"). Since Scarlet is a Peter Pan reference, it seemed logical for him to have some pirate (adopted) family.

The Jolly Roger is named a Montana-class air battleship, after the last battleships ever designed for the US Navy, the Montana-class. Montana is named for the Spanish word for "mountain", so it fits into Remnant fairly easily. She is named for Captain Hook's ship from "Peter Pan", and for the Jolly Roger flag typically flown by pirates.

Click to shrink...

And here is the info file on the Jolly Roger herself:

Jolly Roger

Length: 210 meters
Beam: 140 meters
Draft: 78 meters
Displacement: 56,000 tons
Crew: 480
Armament:
-Six 16" Dust Cannons in Two Turrets
-Eight 5" Dust Cannons in Four Turrets
-Four Atlasian Point Defense Dust Autocannons
-Multiple machine guns and small arms
Defenses:
-8" Ablative Armor
-12" Dust Forged Steel Armor
-MistralTron Electronic Jamming System
Powerplant:
-Eight Howe and Pushton Dust Reactors
-Four Valean Electric Afterburning Turbothrusters
-Dust-Powered Quantum Levitation System
Performance:
-Top Speed: 150 miles per hour
-Range: 15,000 miles

The Jolly Roger is the first, last, and only Montana-class air battleship that was built for the Valean Air Navy. It was under construction during a time when the Great War Treaty was being reconsidered given the Faunus Revolution. It was based on a design from the Great War. It had fairly open architecture to allow it to be easily upgraded, and was focused on a big gun, all-or-nothing armor approach. Her protection was maximized around her engines, command and control, powerplant, and main gun turrets. An extensive fabrication system, based upon Atlasian technology, was put into the vessel to make it as self sufficient as possible. Up to 90 percent of its spare parts could be manufactured by the vessel using local materials.

With the end of the Faunus Revolution, the Montana Air Battleship Project was not immediately canceled but was put under review, as the first vessel was nearly completed. With the expansion of the Great War Treaty to have Atlas take over all military operations for the Four Kingdoms, the project was ultimately canceled and the lone example was to be scrapped without even being given a name. However, an enterprising young air pirate decided to save the ship from her fate.

In a daring raid, Captain James "Jim" Silverhand stole the vessel and named her the Jolly Roger. Over the next fifteen years, she formed the core of his ever growing pirate fleet, her fabrication facilities allowing for him to maintain not only the very large and powerful battleship, but also numerous other vessels (though Jolly Roger herself is the only real warship among them). Over the years, Jolly Roger has been upgraded with more advanced tech and weaponry, including a MistralTron Electronic Jamming System that is military grade and allows the vessel to go undetected by radar despite its large size.

Despite her sustainability in terms of maintenance, Jolly Roger is a considerable Dust hog and so Silverhand's fleet has focused upon raiding Dust shipments to keep her going. Silverhand has also assisted other pirate groups, rogue nations and factions to keep his beloved "Lady" in operation, working as mercenaries and even doing legitimate security work. Said Silverhand, "When I saw her lying there in her dock, about to be scrapped and picked clean without ever feeling the wind underneath her wings, I knew I had to liberate her. Because a ship is freedom, and seeing one in bondage is the most horrific thing imaginable."

 

[LordofBones]

Ghira must tap into the deadliest power of them all: racist parenting!

Click to shrink...

Alternatively, Ghira employs another strategy: complete and utter acceptance.

Blake being a teenager, it works.

Blake: "You...you can't accept Adam!"
Ghira: "Sweetie, you know I'll always accept whoever you-"
Blake: "No! Just look at him! You're okay with me dating some temperamental edgelord with no future job prospects?! How's he supposed to take care of me?!"
Ghira: "I'm sure love will find a way, dear-"
Blake: *lips quivering* "Love? LOVE? He spends more time in front of a mirror than I do!"
Ghira: "I'm sure you just need some adjusting-"
Blake: "He needed to look up 'female orgasm' in a dictionary!"
Ghira: *cringing* "Well, practice-"
Blake: *lips wobbling* "You don't love me anymore!"
Adam: "My love, we-"
Blake: "Oh, go moo in a field somewhere, you glorified cow! We're through!"

Blake: "Daddy, this is Jaune, my boyfriend-"
Ghira: "Oh, hell no! You will not sully yourself with a human!"
Blake: "Wha - how dare you! Jaune's kind and sweet and-"
Ghira: "What happened to that Adam boy? Now he was someone with potential-"
Blake: "Jaune has a hundred times more potential! The only reason he's not in medical school is because he wanted to become a Huntsman!"
Ghira: "Adam was a real man-"
Blake: "I thought Jaune was a horse faunus the first time I saw him naked! There's a crater in the Emerald Forest from our last quickie!"
Ghira: "You will not bear this...human's...spawn!"
Blake: "Oh yeah?! I'm going to choke on his mega-cock in my childhood bed, then he's going to breed me with gold-haired kittens! Suck on that, old man!"
Ghira: *cringes, but discreet thumbs up to Jaune*
Blake: *ranting* "Take my fat ass hard, Jaune! I want everyone to know who collared Menagerie's princess!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

It took a few days for things to get better. RWBY and JNPR went off into Vale to help with clean up and aid. They even visited the Children's Hospital to see Ginger.

Ginger: "Jaune! Ruby!"

Jaune: "Hey!"

Ruby: "HEYAH!"

Ruby hugs Ginger. Jaune hugs her next.

Ginger: "Thank you for saving me! You're both the coolest!"

Jaune: "Thanks! You were very brave too, you know?"

Ruby: "Yeah! You only threw up once!"

Ginger's mother show up-An attractive older woman with ginger hair.

Ginger's Mom: "Oh thank you, thank you, both of you!" She hugged Ruby... Then hugged Jaune for much longer. "You-You saved my little girl!"

Jaune: "Er, well, it was a team effort ma'am."

Ginger's Mom: "Oh please, I'm-I'm not that old! Ma'am!"

Jaune: "Um, Miss?"

Ginger's Mom: blush "Oh my~..."

Jaune's Brain: Oh shit, it still works on MILFS?!

Ruby, thankfully, was on the case. She pulled Jaune away and pushed him out the door.

Ruby: "We'll see you later Ginger! And her mom!"

Ginger: "Do-Do you think I could be a great Hunter like you two some day?"

Jaune: smiles "Totally..."

Ginger: "HEE!"

Ruby pushed him out. Jaune sighed as they went down a hallway towards a maintenance area.

Jaune: "Thank you... That was getting weird-"

Ruby then shoved him by his shoulders against the wall. She glared up into his eyes.

Ruby: "Jaune..." Her eyes glowed "I've checked around. There's nobody, and I'm wearing a jammer system."

Jaune: "Is that why I've heard a buzzing sound? Is it gonna interfere with the medical equipment-?"

Ruby: "Jaune... I... I need to know about the future."

Jaune's Brain: Oh boy...

Ruby: "I... Look, I'm not great at social stuff but I've seen you look at me. Like you were so sad. And-And you've been my best friend and... And I just... I have to know!"

Jaune: "Ruby. That future isn't going to happen. I will never let it happen. We won't let it happen-!"

Ruby: "But I have to know! I have to... I mean... W-Were you my friend then too?"

Jaune takes her hands between his and looks her right in her silver eyes.

Jaune: "Ruby... There will never be a timeline where we aren't best friends. Where I don't love you."

Ruby: bright red "J-J-JAUNE!"

Jaune: "So we were best friends."

Ruby: "So... What happened? What are you so sad about?"

Jaune: "A LOT of things made me sad about the future, Ruby! There was no limit! Why do you want to know-?"

Ruby: "I-I just want to know! I just..." She closed her eyes "I just... I have to know."

Jaune: "But..."

Ruby: "Please Jaune?"

Jaune: "You won't... You just..."

Ruby: "Did... Did I hurt you? Did I... Did I break your heart? Did I... Did I...?" Her eyes began to fill with tears

Jaune's Brain: Goddamnit... How do I put this and explain it?! The explanation is that the writing was terrible and her character development was reset every damn season until she killed her duplicate and reset her character AGAIN! Come on, think, think...!

Jaune: "... Ruby. You took on everything. You tried to be strong for everyone. You kept going no matter what and... And it weighed on you. It hurt you to keep going. At some point, you couldn't... Couldn't take it anymore. You just weren't able to handle all the pain, the loss, the heartbreak, and you... You..."

Ruby: sniffles "... Did I... Break?"

Jaune: "... Yes. Yes, you did. It's complicated and involves magic stuff but you... Basically killed yourself. Or rather you killed a copy of your darkness and bad memories and reset yourself."

Ruby: confused "... Eh?"

Jaune: "I don't really get it myself... " Mainly because the fucking writers sure as hell didn't... He sighs "Look... The point is? That's not going to happen. Because we're not going to let it happen, okay?"

Ruby: "I... Y-Yeah..."

Jaune hugged her tightly. She hugged him back.

Jaune: wince "I didn't want to tell you because... Because I don't want to hurt you, Ruby. I want to help you. But... Not talking to you in the old timeline is what made things go so wrong and... Sorry... God, I made everything worse..."

Ruby: takes a deep breath "No! No... I... I mean... I'm realizing there's a lot I just don't know about... About so much. I've had to keep a lot inside because... Because I wanted Yang and Dad to be happy. Because I've had to keep the team going. Because... A lot of things."

Jaune: "Then let me make things clear, okay? You can talk to me about anything. Absolutely anything. I will never judge you, Ruby. I won't."

Ruby: "W-Well... Okay. Not now though, I..." shakes her head "I can't do it now."

Jaune: "No, I get it." pats her on the head "But I swear... We will get through this together. All of us."

Ruby: "... And you? What happened to you?"

Jaune: "... I'm... Not ready to talk about that either."

Ruby: nods "I-I get it... But I'm here for you too."

Jaune: smiles "I know. Thank you, Crater Face."

Ruby: pouts "Ugh... Did you have to ruin it like that, Vomit Boy?"

Jaune: "Pretty much!"

Ruby: "Ugh... You don't have any kids but you make so many Dad jokes!"

Jaune: "So, I'm a bit premature? Like a baby?"

Ruby: "UGGGHHH! You're lucky I love you!"

Jaune: "I know."

 

[AJ_Talon]

Ren and Nora are walking through Beacon. A child runs by... And then trips. He falls and cries.

Nora: "Oh!"

Ren kneels down and looks into the eyes of the child.

Ren: "Stand up... Stand up on your own. You can do it."

The child does so, sniffling

Ren: "Good. You must stay strong for those you care about. You want to be strong, don't you?"

Child: "Y-yes..."

Ren: nods "Then always get back up on your own. They need you."

The child nods and runs off back to his mom

Ren: Turns and sees Nora staring dreamily at him "... What?"

Nora: "Oh, nothing~..."

Nora sees the mother staring at Ren dreamily, and glares. She takes his arm and holds up her hammer threateningly.

Nora: "Keep walking, homewrecker!"

Ren: small smile

 

[TheFabulousCustodes]

I could believe it. Or at the very least he's the only one who actually understands civilians and their perspective.

Since his family didn't want him to be a hunter he probably spent more time actually interacting with people.

Click to shrink...

He has the strongest ability in RWBY.

A Fucking functioning Brain.

Click to shrink...

Jaune helps Beacon student's by using common sense, Part 1
​

Yang - "Arrggh, it's done it again!"

Weiss - "You're villainy ends now, you fly by night purse snatcher!

Ruby - "Stand back, I'll use Crescent Rose and free my babies!"

Jaune - "Girls, what's going on?"

Yang - "The cookies we bought got snagged on the vending machine hook, so I'm gonna give it my right hook!"

Blake - "This machine hates Faunus, let's protest!"

Jaune - "There's a simple solution to this problem that doesn't involve property damage."

Jaune wanders off screen
​

Weiss - "Hah, as if that simpleton could defeat this steel clad menace!"

Jaune returns with a Beacon employee
​

Jaune - Here, girls, this is Ratchet Sith, he's one of Beacon's facilities engineers."

Ratchet - "Sticky hook, huh? We'll rescue your cookies, girls!"

A few minutes later....
​

Ratchet - "There you go, cookies rescued, and the machine is fixed. See you later Jaune, and call your parents before your mother storms Beacon!"

Jaune - "Will do!"

 

[SharkCultist]

We definitely need more Katy Sith/Sith Family throwing shade at Blake/Menagerie.

Click to shrink...

*Fox faunus steps into middle of a boxing ring*

Announcer Todd: "Laaaaaadies and gentlemen welcome to the Radian summer festivals 21st annual Radian Ultimate Muscle Wrestling Tournament! Ladies Bracket."

Todd: "For our first match in the white corner your favorite fabulous farm feline and ten times reigning champion iiits Katy Sith!"

*Sounds of cheering and a few marriage proposals*

Todd: "And in the black corner, the big booty bitch, the stray cat strutting into town straight from menagerie. It's Blake Belladonna!"

Blake: hey!

*Sound of team rwy cheering and crickets"

Todd: "Remember we want a good clean match, that's why there's a aura dampener in the ring!"

Blake: "what?"

*Todd is outside the ring*

Todd: "alright activate the hardlight cage!"

Blake: "Wait what?!"

 

[SharkCultist]

It was quiet in the workshop. The only sounds being those of the young woman working on her weapon and the occasional chime of bells.

The lights were off but she moved throughout the shop like it was daylight.

To Ruby Rose there was no difference to day and night.

"Hey kid, you almost done? Your sister called. She's got dinner waiting for us."

She didn't even need the bells to know who this was.

A familiar voice and smell. The smell of alcohol and sage. A gruff voice that always made her feel calm.

Uncle Qrow.

"Just about. Wilted Rose just needs a final adjustment to the vibration generator."

A pause. She knows what comes next.

"Are you really sure you want to take the beacon exam? You're doing amazing as a crafter. I'm worried about you kid. The exam might be too much for you to handle."

She slammed the casing of her weapon closed. She's going to have to recheck the latch later.

"Because I'm blind."

"Ruby you've done more than anyone could possibly imagine given your situation, but sometimes you have to realize. Talent can only take you so far."

"Talent? Oh Uncle Qrow."

A chime of bells and the room changed in a second. Faster than he can track her staff is pushed against his chest and deadly wires wrap around his limbs.

"You can see so much and still you lack vision. Talent isn't what I've relied on, only my own efforts can be trusted."

She remembers the last time she trusted something other than herself.

"I'm going to save you Ruby. From that damned silver curse. You'll be safe!"

Hmm she must have been more annoyed by Uncle Qrow than she thought, she hasn't thought about dad Taiyang in months.

She moves herself back to her workbench releasing uncle Qrow from Wilted Roses hold.

"I've lost my appetite. You go ahead and head home, I'll be by later."

After he and Yang go to bed so she doesn't have to go through this again.

Fourteen years and their voices still hold pity.

It doesn't matter that she's zoomed through combat school at record speeds, finishing two years early.

It doesn't matter she's fully certified to work with huntsmen grade dust and weapons fabricators.

It doesn't even matter that her semblance is almost better than having eyesight.

To Yang and Qrow she's still the terrified little girl alone and in pain in the dark.

She's still pathetic.

Qrow tries to say something but eventually gives up and leaves.

Its just Ruby, her weapon, and the bells. It's all she needs.

It's all she trusts.

---

So this is a pretty sad one. Don't get me wrong it's dark but most of the darkness is in the past. Now it's just emotional scarring and misunderstanding.

So in this Taiyang didn't just breakdown after Summer died. He fucking snapped. He figured summer was only targeted because of her silver eyes.

So his best bet for protecting Ruby was making sure Salem didn't have a reason to target her.

I'm not sure what to do with him to be honest. Prison? Psychward? Salem agent because of how crazy he is, thinking he can flip his family and they'll be safe? Idk. But there's definitely something here.

Oh and if it wasn't obvious Ruby here has a different semblance. It's basically Daredevils power. It's why she surrounds herself with bells and her weapon uses vibrations....outside of their bullshit destructive power.

Her weapon is a staff that can turn into tonfa, a 3 sectioned staff, or a whip using its wires. She can also almost do a sword using some techniques to make the wires stiffen but that ones literally just for intimidation/show. It doesn't hold up well. (Yet).

Ruby also has some serious issues she doesn't trust anyone or anything outside of herself and stuff she's created.

Any attempt to help her is sabotage or pity.

Any concern for her is insulting or fake.

This Ruby has enough issues to open a library.

 

[AJ_Talon]

Jaune was hanging out with team CRDL at breakfast. Cardin had been making a real effort to be more friendly, and to be honest? It was kind of nice to be around other guys. Ren was his best male friend, sure, but he wasn't much of a bro.

Cardin: "Seriously? You rode horses all the way here?"

Jaune: "Well yeah, I'm a farm boy. We have horses back home. My dad had a few motorcycles, but I wasn't gonna take them to get here."

Sky: "Still, that's pretty cool Jaune! Man, you riding on a horse must have been awesome! How did you not have a girlfriend?"

Jaune: "Well, I did."

Cardin: "Pfft, sure Jaune."

Jaune: "No! No, I did!"

Russel: "Pics or it didn't fuckin' happen!"

Jaune shows them.

Cardin: "What?! A Faunus-!"

Dove: calmly "A really hot cat Faunus."

Cardin: pause "True. She is really hot."

Russel: "And what, you fuckin' left her behind?"

Jaune: sighs "We broke up. She wanted me to be a doctor, like my mom. We fought about it but we decided we wanted different things."

Cardin: "Well, that sucks man... But I gotta say. If you could land a hottie like that, why are you clowning around Weiss?"

Jaune: "Well it's not like my method of getting Katy to date me would work on her! She's sophisticated, elegant-"

Russel: "Feh! Come on! Whatever you did to land that hottie has to work!"

Jaune: "It really wouldn't!"

Dove: "Perhaps not on Schnee, that's true... But it would work on another girl."

Jaune: sighs "Why would I-?"

Cardin: Sees Yang walking by "All right Jaune. I'll make you a deal. You try whatever you did to land Katy on Xiao-Long."

Jaune: "Wha-Are you kidding?! She'll kill me!"

Cardin: "If you do it, I'll do your homework for a week. And if it doesn't work, I'll do it for a month."

Jaune: "And if it does?"

Cardin: "Well that's a reward all its own, right Jauney-Boy?"

Jaune: "I-I dunno-"

Russel: "Come on, ya pussy! Show us you can do it!"

Jaune: sighs "... Fine."

Jaune gets up and heads over towards Yang.

Dove: "I thought we were trying to be nicer to him?"

Cardin: "We are! Look, Xiao-Long's just gonna shoot him down but it'll toughen him up!"

Jaune approaches Yang. Yang smiles at him.

Yang: "Hey VB. How's the bird boy club doing? Hope you're not getting all feather-brained-"

Jaune continues to approach her, silent. His eyes narrowed in determination. Yang stares, and backs up a bit into the wall.

Yang: "Uh, you're looking a little intense there, Ladykiller. You feeling-EEP!"

Jaune... Slams the wall next to Yang's head. He locks eyes with her. She's startled.

Jaune: Even tone "Hey. I wanna date you."

Yang: turns bright red "I... Uh... What?"

Jaune: "You like to dance. I do too. Let's go dancing together. On a date."

It seems like the entire cafeteria has gone silent. Everyone's staring at this in disbelief. Yang blinks twice, then stares up at him almost shyly.

Yang: "... This Friday night?"

Jaune nearly loses his composure, but nods

Jaune: "S-Sounds good. I'll pick you up at seven. Dress nice, I'm bringing flowers."

Yang: "... Roses?"

Jaune: "Sure."

Yang: "Okay. Sure."

Jaune nods, removes his hand, turns and walks back to the tables. Yang watches after him, bright red and in some mild amazement.

Jaune sits down with CRDL.

Cardin: "... Dude."

Jaune: lets out a breath "Holy crap that was terrifying."

A pause.

Jaune: eyes wide "Holy crap that worked?!"

Cardin: "You have a date with Xiao-Long!"

Jaune: "I have a date with Xiao-Long?!"

Russel: "Holy fucking shit, bro." holds up his fist "Bro. Fist bump. You've earned it!"

Jaune: "But I-"

Nora: pops up "Take the first bump, Jaune!"

Jaune: "GAH!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

It took a few days for things to get better. RWBY and JNPR went off into Vale to help with clean up and aid. They even visited the Children's Hospital to see Ginger.

Ginger: "Jaune! Ruby!"

Jaune: "Hey!"

Ruby: "HEYAH!"

Ruby hugs Ginger. Jaune hugs her next.

Ginger: "Thank you for saving me! You're both the coolest!"

Jaune: "Thanks! You were very brave too, you know?"

Ruby: "Yeah! You only threw up once!"

Ginger's mother show up-An attractive older woman with ginger hair.

Ginger's Mom: "Oh thank you, thank you, both of you!" She hugged Ruby... Then hugged Jaune for much longer. "You-You saved my little girl!"

Jaune: "Er, well, it was a team effort ma'am."

Ginger's Mom: "Oh please, I'm-I'm not that old! Ma'am!"

Jaune: "Um, Miss?"

Ginger's Mom: blush "Oh my~..."

Jaune's Brain: Oh shit, it still works on MILFS?!

Ruby, thankfully, was on the case. She pulled Jaune away and pushed him out the door.

Ruby: "We'll see you later Ginger! And her mom!"

Ginger: "Do-Do you think I could be a great Hunter like you two some day?"

Jaune: smiles "Totally..."

Ginger: "HEE!"

Ruby pushed him out. Jaune sighed as they went down a hallway towards a maintenance area.

Jaune: "Thank you... That was getting weird-"

Ruby then shoved him by his shoulders against the wall. She glared up into his eyes.

Ruby: "Jaune..." Her eyes glowed "I've checked around. There's nobody, and I'm wearing a jammer system."

Jaune: "Is that why I've heard a buzzing sound? Is it gonna interfere with the medical equipment-?"

Ruby: "Jaune... I... I need to know about the future."

Jaune's Brain: Oh boy...

Ruby: "I... Look, I'm not great at social stuff but I've seen you look at me. Like you were so sad. And-And you've been my best friend and... And I just... I have to know!"

Jaune: "Ruby. That future isn't going to happen. I will never let it happen. We won't let it happen-!"

Ruby: "But I have to know! I have to... I mean... W-Were you my friend then too?"

Jaune takes her hands between his and looks her right in her silver eyes.

Jaune: "Ruby... There will never be a timeline where we aren't best friends. Where I don't love you."

Ruby: bright red "J-J-JAUNE!"

Jaune: "So we were best friends."

Ruby: "So... What happened? What are you so sad about?"

Jaune: "A LOT of things made me sad about the future, Ruby! There was no limit! Why do you want to know-?"

Ruby: "I-I just want to know! I just..." She closed her eyes "I just... I have to know."

Jaune: "But..."

Ruby: "Please Jaune?"

Jaune: "You won't... You just..."

Ruby: "Did... Did I hurt you? Did I... Did I break your heart? Did I... Did I...?" Her eyes began to fill with tears

Jaune's Brain: Goddamnit... How do I put this and explain it?! The explanation is that the writing was terrible and her character development was reset every damn season until she killed her duplicate and reset her character AGAIN! Come on, think, think...!

Jaune: "... Ruby. You took on everything. You tried to be strong for everyone. You kept going no matter what and... And it weighed on you. It hurt you to keep going. At some point, you couldn't... Couldn't take it anymore. You just weren't able to handle all the pain, the loss, the heartbreak, and you... You..."

Ruby: sniffles "... Did I... Break?"

Jaune: "... Yes. Yes, you did. It's complicated and involves magic stuff but you... Basically killed yourself. Or rather you killed a copy of your darkness and bad memories and reset yourself."

Ruby: confused "... Eh?"

Jaune: "I don't really get it myself... " Mainly because the fucking writers sure as hell didn't... He sighs "Look... The point is? That's not going to happen. Because we're not going to let it happen, okay?"

Ruby: "I... Y-Yeah..."

Jaune hugged her tightly. She hugged him back.

Jaune: wince "I didn't want to tell you because... Because I don't want to hurt you, Ruby. I want to help you. But... Not talking to you in the old timeline is what made things go so wrong and... Sorry... God, I made everything worse..."

Ruby: takes a deep breath "No! No... I... I mean... I'm realizing there's a lot I just don't know about... About so much. I've had to keep a lot inside because... Because I wanted Yang and Dad to be happy. Because I've had to keep the team going. Because... A lot of things."

Jaune: "Then let me make things clear, okay? You can talk to me about anything. Absolutely anything. I will never judge you, Ruby. I won't."

Ruby: "W-Well... Okay. Not now though, I..." shakes her head "I can't do it now."

Jaune: "No, I get it." pats her on the head "But I swear... We will get through this together. All of us."

Ruby: "... And you? What happened to you?"

Jaune: "... I'm... Not ready to talk about that either."

Ruby: nods "I-I get it... But I'm here for you too."

Jaune: smiles "I know. Thank you, Crater Face."

Ruby: pouts "Ugh... Did you have to ruin it like that, Vomit Boy?"

Jaune: "Pretty much!"

Ruby: "Ugh... You don't have any kids but you make so many Dad jokes!"

Jaune: "So, I'm a bit premature? Like a baby?"

Ruby: "UGGGHHH! You're lucky I love you!"

Jaune: "I know."

Click to shrink...

Securing Vale, aid missions, and schoolwork dominated Jaune's time. There was a lot to do, and being a team leader meant he had a LOT of work. Being seen as a hero by Vale also didn't help. He went on a good will mission on his own into Vale, something Ozpin personally requested of him. It mostly consisted of going around and shaking hands with a lot of politicians-Including Cardin's dad, Rufus Winchester.

Rufus: "So... You hooked my son up with his fiance, did you?"

Jaune: wince "Um... Yes sir?"

Rufus: "..." laughs "HAHAHA! You thought I was going to be angry, didn't you?"

Jaune: "Er, well-"

Rufus: "I only have issues with the White Fang, son. And I've met her! She's a wonderful girl and while it's early? I know my son will be a good husband and father. So thanks! Looking forward to the wedding!"

Jaune: "Yes sir..."

It took a while... But finally, Jaune was done. He sighed as he walked towards the Bullhead pads in Vale... When an attractive older lady with lavender hair, yellow eyes and in a black suit with purple blouse practically jumps him and shoves a microphone into his face.

Lisa: "Lisa Lavender, VNN! Jaune Arc, have you any comment on the terrorist attack on Vale's gates?"

Jaune: "No."

Lisa: "Is it true you were the one to sound the alarm and got the evacuation started?"

Jaune: "Yes."

Lisa: "How did you know what was going to happen? Do you have a precognitive Semblance?"

Jaune: blandly "I just saw the warning from Professor Oobleck, and since I didn't know he'd sent out the message to every billboard in the city, I decided to be safe than sorry. I just got lucky."

Lisa: "And perhaps the biggest question on the mind of many young ladies in Vale: Are you single?"

Jaune: "No."

Lisa: "Are you taking after your great-grandfather and starting a harem?"

Jaune: "Wha-No!"

Lisa: "Are you sure-?"

Jaune: "Yes!"

Lisa: sultry smile "Sure I couldn't change your mind~?"

Jaune smiles as he steps on the Bullhead. He turns around, still smiling. He leans in closer to Lisa, who leans in too...

Jaune: "Absolutely. Bye!"

He pulls back and slams the door shut in her face. Jaune sighs and rubs his face.

Jaune: "Ugh... Reporters are the worst in any universe..."

He made it to Beacon. He steps off. He gets a call on his Scroll to meet in the ballroom. He blinks, then shrugs.

Jaune: "All right... Hope it's not another meeting with Ozpin, I'm so done..."

He wanders into the ballroom. It's dark. Jaune frowns, rests a hand on his sword... The lights go up.

Everyone: "SURPRISE!"

Jaune starts. His friends, his mom and dad, Arjun and Saia, and even some of his sisters have shown up. There's a large cake on the table, and presents... And a motorcycle.

Jaune: "I... Guys...!"

Yang: "HA! Happy birthday, Stud!" She hugs and kisses him "Mmm~!"

Jaune: "Mwah! Oh... Heh... I actually forgot."

Isabel: "You forgot?!"

Nick: "Poor Jaune!" he hugs him "My poor son! Too much work has destroyed his brains!"

Jaune: "Oof!"

Ruby: "We gotta party right now to save his brains!"

Weiss: "Wait! Ahem... I believe there is a tradition of... Birthday kisses in Vale."

Blake: "Oh?"

Pyrrha: "Y-Yes! I believe so!"

Yang: growls

Nick: "HAHAHA! Easy Yang, easy!"

Ruby: "Yeah!" She kisses Jaune's cheek "See? That's all!"

Yang: "That had better be all-"

Blake kisses Jaune very deeply.

Yang: "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Blake: "Mwah! Sorry." Smirks and dashes away

Yang: "DAMNIT BLAKE!"

Weiss: "Ahem..." She stands on tiptoe and kisses Jaune's cheek "Don't think too much of it!"

Jaune: "Uh... No, I-I'm not."

Pyrrha hesitates... Looks to Yang for permission...

Yang: sighs "... Fine."

Pyrrha: beams, and kisses Jaune on the lips "Thank you..."

Jaune: "S-Sure thing...?"

Nora: "WHEE!" lands on Jaune

Jaune: "URK!"

Nora: "Thanks Bro-Bro!" kisses the top of his head

Tangy walks up and pulls Jaune up with a small laugh

Tangy: "Still getting bowled over, huh little bro?"

Jaune: "Hey Tangy. When did you get here?"

Tangy: "Got hired on for extra security. You've been doing... Okay, I suppose. But you could always be better."

Jaune: "I know. Thank you."

Tangy: "Anyway, my gift is the best..." Eyes Yang with a raised eyebrow "Well. Second best. But I think Dad wants you to see his."

Nick: "I DO!" Nick drags Jaune over to the new motorcycle "What do you think? A Fenrir 2010! Small and lighter than mine, but still powerful!"

Jaune: "Wow... R-Really?" Looks at Isabel "You're cool with this mom?"

Isabel: smiles "You are growing up, Jaune. And besides! If you're going to keep being a Huntsman, you're going to need every edge you can get."

Yang: "Ohhh wow... Your parents are the greatest!"

Jaune: "Yeah... yeah, they are." smiles warmly. He sniffles and wipes his eyes.

Lilac: "Oh no! Poor Jaune! You're overwhelmed with emotion and crying!"

Jaune: "What?! N-No! I'm just, I mean..." sighs and smiles "Okay fine. I am."

Yang: "Heh. You could just say it's liquid pride leaving the eyes."

Nick: "Hey! I say that too!"

Ruby: "Hee!" Steals another kiss off Jaune's cheek "Don't cry, Jaune! You haven't even seen my gift!"

Jaune: "I... Thank you!"

So it goes. The gifts are opened, the cake is had, and many fun stories are shared.

Nick: "He tried to pet the Grimm! Right then and there! He said it looked 'sad'!"

Much laughter. Jaune sighs and shrugs.

Jaune: "I was five, dad!"

Isabel: "Yes, and your father was very stupid to show you a captive Grimm, even if it was well outside the walls!"

Nick: "He wanted to see! And anyway, I killed it when it tried to snap at him."

Isabel: sighs "Yes..." fond smile

Jaune: "But yeah... This... This has been great. Thank you everyone. I-I mean it..." grins "I got so busy I just... Forgot. Thank you for not letting me forget."

Isabel: "We would never forget you, Jaune."

Ruby: "Not ever!"

Pyrrha: "Never."

Weiss: "You're far too annoying to forget."

Blake: "I owe you too much." smiles

Ren: "We are best friends."

Nora: "And we're family now!"

Lilac: "Family always."

Yang is quiet, smiling warmly.

Yang: "So... You gonna take me for a ride on your new bike?"

Jaune: "I... Yeah. I think I will."

There is some wolf whistling and catcalls (and several annoyed girls), but Jaune gets on his bike, and Yang gets on back. He drives off, going around the Beacon grounds. The broken moon is shining brightly overhead, along with the stars. They come to a stop at a rocky outcropping with a great view of the city beyond.

Yang: snickers "You really forgot it was your birthday?"

Jaune: sighs "Yeah... Again. It's felt like the weight of the world's been on my shoulders, what with... Everything."

Yang: "Mm..." hugs him "Well... Just don't forget that you're not alone. We're all in this together."

Jaune: smiles and turns to hug her back "I won't... And I'm sorry about the other girls and well-"

Yang: "Nah... I mean, I'm still not happy, but... Well..." smiles and hugs him tightly "... I know you would never stray."

Jaune: "Never." strokes her hair "I'd never abandon you, Yang."

Yang: sucks in a deep breath "... And I'll never abandon you, either. Especially not after..."

Jaune: "What?"

Yang: "... The night after the Breach? My mom stopped by in the Elphaba Gardens. I couldn't sleep, and... I guess I was drawn there. She told me something bad was going to happen... And that she was giving me the chance to come with her. To truly be strong."

Jaune: "... And?"

Yang: "I said no. She then said..." She tightened her grip on him "She said she'd give me another chance... Just one. After that? I'd be too... Too far gone. Too weak."

Jaune's Brain: So that's what that last scene was all about... Monty didn't finish it in our world...

Jaune: "... I'm glad you stayed."

Yang: smiles and nuzzles him "Me too... But that big thing-?"

Jaune: "We'll stop it. I promise."

Yang: nods "I know..."

They look up at the stars together in silence...

Jaune: "So uh... You... Had a gift for me?"

Yang: "..." sexy smile

Jaune's Brain: Oh boy...


- - -

Happy Birthday, Jaune!

 

[AJ_Talon]

Isabel and Jaune are chatting a bit over tea and cookies.

Isabel: "You are doing pretty well in your classes... Though you did very poorly at the start!"

Jaune: sighs "Yeah, I did. Mainly because someone didn't let me study or train to be a Huntsman!"

Isabel: flush "... Parents do make mistakes... But honestly, could you fault me for wanting to protect my baby boy and want him to be safe and helping the world?"

Jaune: "... Kind of, yeah?"

Isabel: crushed, depressed, super gloomy

Jaune's Brain: Oh shit I said that out loud! "N-No, I mean... Mom, I get why you wanted me to be a doctor and all! But Mom... That's not what I wanted. I wanted to be a hero, like you and Dad! And I know it's gonna suck and I know you want through a lot but... You went through that to save other people. And that's what I want to do, too."

Isabel: "Well... Um... I get that. And... Well... You can handle yourself. Somewhat well..."

Jaune: "I'll get better, I promise. Besides... You can't protect me forever."

Isabel: sighs "That is true. Still... You were so reckless!"

Jaune: "Yeah, I know."

Isabel: sighs "I had hoped you would take more after me, but you took after your father."

Jaune: "Mom, you literally overthrew a government in a violent revolution."

Isabel: blush "W-Well, um... It was the right thing to do?"

Jaune: "Uh huh."

Pyrrha: "AHEM."

Pyrrha, Ruby, Yang, Blake, Weiss, Nora and Ren are there. Glaring at Isabel.

Isabel: "... Something I can help you with?"

Ruby: "Yeah! You made Jaune want to hurt himself!"

Pyrrha: "You made him contemplate suicide!"

Yang: "He thought he was worthless and had no chance in his life!"

Isabel: "HE WHAT?! YOU WHAT?!"

Jaune: "NO! Nonono, it's fine, it's fine! It uh, it was um-!"

Isabel: hugs him tightly "MY POOR BABY! YOU WERE SUFFERING ALL THIS TIME IN SILENCE AND I FAILED TO NOTICE! I'M SO SORRY, SWEETIE! UWAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

Jaune's Brain: Me and my big mouth...!

 

[RedDragonEmpress]

Understand this is the first time I've written dialog, so bear with me as it's a little rough. It's even rougher than most since I don't have an editor so this is all just me. However, while I would normally say go easy on me, I need to get better at this kind of thing; so long as it's not mean spirited, tear this "One-shot" to shreds. Without further ado I give you:

Canon RWBY meets "In The Family Way" RWBY

Somewhere in the Commercial District of Vale

A bright flash of light emerges from an empty alley, in its wake is a disoriented OG Team RWBY, having just traveled dimensions once more.

"Eugh, I don't think I'll ever get used to that," Blake says, leaning into the alley wall and trying her best not to empty her stomach from the smell of the dumpster nearby.

"Tell me about it. Any idea where we're now?" Weiss responds, equally repulsed by where they've arrived.

"Pretty sure we're in Vale," Yang explains, pointing off to Beacon Castle in the distance. "Guess your minds still a bit mushy after all that flirting you did with cowboy Jaune eh Ice Queen?"

"Why you! How Dare! Urgh!," Weiss stumbles out, embarrassed by the notion that she a Schnee would stoop to such levels of depravity…though he did look quite mature, she thinks to herself before quickly parishing the thought. Unfortunately, not quick enough if Yang's knowing grin is anything to go by. "Oh just you wait Xiao-Long, in one of these realities is going to an Arc that gets you as flustered as me!"

"First off, good on you for finally being honest with yourself, and secondly, in your dreams ice queen. I'll admit that Raptor Jaune was pretty cool, and Cowboy Jaune was fairly handsome, but most of the other Jaunes we've met have been normal as far as our Jaune goes. So no, I don't think you'll be seeing me getting flustered by a Jaune anytime soon."

"Carefully what you wish for Yang," Blake sarcastically retorts.

Before Yang can retort, they are interrupted by an ecstatic Ruby holding up her scroll.

"Okay, Team RWBY thanks to your glorious leader having planned ahead in the previous reality, I have just finished successfully hacking into this world's version of my scroll. With that information we can use it to find this world's version of us, get them up to speed on what's happening, hopefully prevent any future catastrophes, and be one step closer to finding our Jaune!"

"When did you have the time to do this?" says a confused Weiss.

"A couple realities ago, when I linked up with Penny, she suggested that this would be the most efficient way of going about things going forward. I didn't use it until now because we weren't ever near a powerful enough CCT connection for it to work properly."

Ruby bashfully shrugs while Weiss gives an exasperated sigh.

"So what did you find out?" asks a curious Blake.

"Oh!" says Ruby as she pulls out her scroll again. "It says here that I have a pretty packed schedule today. Something about grocery shopping for Yang while she's at the doctor's. I guess this world's Yang is sick with something though it looks like a routine check-up given how I've labeled it. Other than that, based on the texts, our others are all over the place today."

"With our others spread out to Breaker knows where, it will be tremendously difficult to find and explain our situation to ourselves before the portal inevitably opens up and we need to leave again," states a concerned Weiss.

"Cool, so all we gotta do is split up and look around," pipes up Yand before snickering, "I guess you could say that's one way to find ourselves."

"UGH!" groans the rest of Team RWBY.

"Yang's awful puns aside, I don't think splitting up would be the best idea, there's no telling how different this world is to our original for all we know, despite what it says on Ruby's scroll, we could be wanted criminals," says Weiss after getting over terrible jokes.

Yang scoffs, "You got a better idea Weissy, cause it's not like we're just gonna conveniently bump into one of ourselves right off the street."

Before Weiss can retort, they hear a squeak from Ruby, and as they turn to look at her, become shocked by what they see. Ruby, wanting to get out of the smelly alley, bumps into a familiar-looking Blonde Swordsman of theirs.

"Not one word," says a disgruntled Yang to a smug looking Weiss.

Back with Ruby and the now identified Jaune of this reality, we see him apologize for bumping into her, not noticing at first that this is Ruby.

"Oh! I am so sorry I didn't see you there. Kinda got lost in thought for a second," Jaune says abashedly while rubbing the back of his neck, "Here let me help you…Ruby?"

"Oh ah hey Jaune fancy meeting you here now huh," Ruby says awkwardly.

"Yeah, fancy meeting you here too, but aren't you supposed to be with Nora and Ren making sure they don't go overboard when buying this week's groceries?" questions Jaune, "Did you finish early? Cause if you've got nothing planned for right now, I could always use a hand for some of the stuff on my list, and besides it's been a while since just the two of us hung out with me being busy these past couple of months and all."

"Yup, that sounds great Jaune, but before that I've got something I need to tell you, just promise not to freak out, okay," pleads a nervous Ruby as she gestures to the rest of OG Team RWBY.

"Why would I…Oh hey guys what are you all … doing … here?" Jaune begins to trail off after seeing a very different Yang before him.

"What's wrong, Vomit Boy? I know I'm quite stunning, but even this is a bit much." teases OG Yang.

Jaune remains silent despite OG Yang's teasing as OG Yang and the rest of OG Team RWBY become increasingly more worried for their friend's well-being as he stands near motionless before them. However, before they try to shake Jaune out of his stupor, he slowly and apprehensively approaches OG Yang. OG Team RWBY remains where they are, curious as to what this world's Jaune does next, but ready if he does anything untoward to their teammate. Jaune having reached OG Yang hesistantly places a gentle hand on her stomach and starts tapping on it with his palm as if testing for something that he knows should be there but isn't. After having confirmed that what he is seeing or in this instance not seeing is true, Jaune slowly backs away and his hands start to shake, his breath quickening, and eyes darting quickly along his surroundings fully taking in his friends appearances for the first time.

"You know, you really should buy a girl dinner first before you start to get handsy with her," Yang says, breaking the silence before pointing to her stomach, "But I've got a gut feeling that something more is going on here. So tell me what's going on Jaune cause you're starting to scare me a little."

This seems to break Jaune out of his funk, "OH! Oh! Ohhhhh! Uhhhhh!" Looks at OG Yang and the rest of OG Team RWBY staring back at him expectantly, "excuse-moi une minute."

OG Team RWBY watches Jaune walk away for a second and start fiddling with his scroll. After a moment or two, it picks up and from behind Jaune they can hear other Yang's voice on the other end of the call, but not so much what she's saying.

"Hey Honey, It's me…Yeah…No no it's nothing serious just curious is all if you're still at your check-up?... Uh huh…Yeah, I had a feeling listen it's nothing you need to worry about right now, but if and when you have the time, could you and Pyrrha gather the rest of our teams and meet me in Ozpin's office? Again, nothing major, but I just feel it would be best to explain everything once everyone is together, you understand right?" Jaune says to Yang over the phone, "Ah huh…Yeah…I-I'll meet you there…I love you too, see you soon."

"Be honest with me, is this a Nora drank coffee kinda bad or a Nora we're out of Pancakes kind of bad?," Jaune says as he turns back to OG Team RWBY, "Or is it even worse, a Yang got a haircut kind of bad? Breaker help us if it's all three."

"More like a X-ray and Vav issue #123 kind of bad," Ruby responds.

"Oh, so it's a Pyrrha lost the last chocolate pudding cup to someone else kind of bad? Got it," Jaune says back, worry etched into his face, "Well, no time like the present, let's get you all to Ozpin, see if he can't clear all this up." Jaune pulls out his scroll and says, "I'm just gonna make a few more calls to ensure everything is set up for when we get to his office. Quick question, have you guys met my parents yet? Their visiting, so they'll likely be there."

The conversation trails off as Jaune, Ruby, and Weiss discuss the specifics of the upcoming meeting while heading toward the bull-head docks. Blake is hanging back with Yang wanting to check up on her as she's been unnaturally quiet since Jaune's scroll call.

"Yang, you okay?" Blake asks concernedly.

"Huh Wha? Nah I'm good… How are you? That was some pretty weird stuff back there after all," Yang responds, trying and failing miserably to hide her attempts at changing the subject.

Blake looking unamusedly at Yang says, "Really? That's how you're gonna change the subject?"

"Yeah, I'll admit not my best work, but can you blame me? You heard what other Jaune said back there. It's one thing to hear from the other versions of me that they carry somewhat of a torch for him. It's another thing to see a version of me in a relationship with him. I mean, we barely even talked much in our world, all this is pretty surreal, it makes you think what if?" Yangs says despondently.

"Yeah I sorta get what you mean. Infinite universes and infinite possibilities mean that there's bound to be some of them where they end up like this for just about any of us. I'll admit it can all be a little overwhelming at times. Wondering about how things might have gone." Blake says back.

"How do you deal with it?" Yangs asks.

"I don't. Yang, if there's one thing I've learned after all this time, it's that living in the past and wondering what you should have done doesn't help you much in the present. Introspection is nice once-in-a-while, but if you're constantly judging things about yourself you'll lose sight of who you are now. Could you and Jaune have been a thing in our world? I don't know, but you can't change what is, only what will be." Blake replies to a still distressed Yang, "Listen, if you're that worried about it, try talking to Ruby or Weiss, or even this world's Jaune, expand your perspective, maybe that'll help."

"Gee aren't you a bucket full of wisdom?" Yang says sarcastically.

"Hehe, now you see why I became a Huntress not a therapist." Blake jokes back.

This world's Jaune and OG Team RWBY eventually make their way to Beacon proper and ascend to Ozpin's office, meeting with the Headmaster, the Vice Headmistress, and two people who introduce themselves as Jaune's parents. They explain the situation, giving as much info as possible to the nature of Salem in their world, how things went, why they ended up here, and so on. While this happens, Yang takes Blake's advice and asks Jaune if they could talk away from everyone. Jaune, though reluctant at first, wanting to hear all that Ruby was talking about, agrees once he sees the seriousness in Yang's eyes and moves aside with her.

"So… you wanted to talk?" Jaune says, steeling himself for conversation ahead.

"Huh, still getting used to these versions of you," Yang nervously responds under her breath.

Jaune thinks for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck, before saying, "Listen if this is about what you heard me say to your alternate over the scroll earlier…"

"No, no, it's fine I just wasn't expecting that is all," Yang quickly interrupts, "I mean we barely even talked back in my reality so it's just a little you know."

"Really? Not even a little?" Jaune says despondently.

Seeing Jaune's noticeable distress, Yang quickly says, "I mean it's not like we weren't friends or anything… we were just… um." Her face did little to help dig herself out of the hole she's placed herself in.

Both are quiet for a minute before Jaune asks, "So are motorcycles still your thing or …?"

There's a pause from Yang before she starts laughing, and not long after Jaune starts laughing too, "Wow, you are just that awkward in every dimension huh Vomit-boy?" Yangs asks, a slight smile in her grin.

"Hehe, wouldn't be me if I wasn't, ain't that right Spitfire?" Jaune responds, a bright smile etched onto his face.

Upon hearing that nickname Yang flushes a bit, turning away slightly, hoping that this coupled with the slight redness to her face from laughing earlier is enough to cover it up.

Jaune seeing this flushes a bit himself, turning away slightly to give her the courtesy of the idea that he doesn't notice her flushing before becoming serious once more and saying, "Look, I understand all this is very confusing and overwhelming for you, but I just want to assure you that I'm not expecting anything."

"Wait, what?" Yang asks, confused.

Jaune gently takes her hand in his, "I'm saying that I know that you're not my Yang, that you've lived an entirely different life from her and that your relationship with your world's version of me is just as different. So I'm not going to ask you, pressure you, or even force you to be with that version of me just because you're with me here in this world. How you wish to spend your life is entirely up you whether you decide to spend it with me as a lover, a friend, something more, or just nothing at all I would accept it because at the end of the day your happiness is all that matters to me," he let's go of her hand and begins to nervously rub the back of his neck, "That being said, if I could ask anything of you it would be to at least be there for me, I know it's a bit hypocritical of me to ask that of you after everything I just said, but… everyone deserves to have someone like you in their lives."

Yang scoffs dismissively at the idea that somebody like her is exactly what everyone needs in their lives, "Yeah, sure they do, and what could someone like me possibly give them."

Jaune smiles, "Your caring nature, your assurance that you would never abandon them, your fierce protectiveness of the things you hold dear, and, though everyone would want me to say otherwise, your sense of humor."

Yang, taken aback by Jaune's statement, can only say, "You like my puns?"

Jaunes rolls his eyes and thinks, " Of course that's what you latch onto," before responding, "They're hit or miss most of the time, but they're not all bad. However, you do tend to go overboard with a couple of them. Honestly, I think people groan so much at them because you keep using the same ones over and over again, but that's just my opinion."

"Huh, I'll take that into consideration," Yang says contently, "Thanks by the way."

"Oh, for what?" Jaune asks, confused.

"Why, for speaking with me about this, Sir Jaune the Dense," Yang responds teasingly in a voice that sounds all too similar to Weiss's, "Hehe, that being said, there's still one more thing I gotta ask you."

After doing his best to stifle his laughter, Jaune responds, "Anything."

"Why were you touching my stomach earlier? What is the Yang of this reality that much more on the pudgy side of things than me?" Yang asks jokingly.

Jaune tenses for a minute before responding nervously, "Ah… I knew I forgot something, no, the you of this reality is not fat she's just…well you're probably about to see in just a minute."

Before Yang can respond, she hears a choir of voices growing louder nearby. Turning toward the sound, she sees the elevator doors open as the rest of this world's Team RWBY and JNPR arrive in Ozpin's office.

"HEY THERE FEARLESS LEADER, WHOSE LEGS ARE WE BREAKING!" Nora yells excitedly.

"Nora, no, we're not breaking any legs today," pleads a tired Ren.

"I agree with Ren we should wait until Jaune explains the situation before rushing into such things," advises an anxious Pyrrha.

"Well whatever it is it better be worth it, I had to reschedule an appointment for this!" interjects an irate Weiss.

"That's what you're worried about?" Blake responds judgingly.

"Oh please Kit-Kat you're just mad we interrupted your 'private' reading time," Yang teasingly retorts.

"Jaune, we got your message, what's going on?" asks a concerned Ruby.

As they all step out of the elevator, Jaune points to OG Yang and the rest of her team. This elicits several reactions from everyone, but none so great as OG Yang when she sees herself.

"AM I PRE-!" Yang exclaims before being interrupted by Jaune.

"Pretty beautifully plump with our children, yes, you are!" Jaune says in both an excited yet equally nervous tone, "So as you can see, this you is not fat she's just got a bun or two in the oven."

"I'M HAVING TWINS!" OG Yang screams.

Yang deadpans to Jaune then looks back to her other self saying, "Ignore my husband, he just can't wait to have another batch, but no it's not twins it's just the one though we're hoping to have more in the future so twins aren't entirely out the picture yet."

"I'M MARRIED!" OG Yang yells, becoming even more distressed.

"Yes, I mean, no, I mean…look we haven't done an official wedding yet we're waiting until after the baby is born to go through with it," Yang tries to explain.

OG Yang barely hears this having fully shut down before finally collapsing unconscious to the floor.

"Nice one honey," Jaune remarks jokingly.

"Oh please, this is your fault for not warning her!" retorts an irate Yang.

 

[SharkCultist]

The Emerald Forrest was lovely this time of year. Cool enough to be comfortable but not so cold that you had to have a jacket.

Perfect weather for sending out a bunch of kids to practice the art of slaughter.

Jaune Arc was enjoying the Beacon entrance exam, and why wouldn't he? He had a nice breakfast, he had his jacket and scalpels, his partner wasn't boring (and a lightning physical enhancement semblance? There's interesting potential for development there), and best of all He was about to perform medicine.

Were his partner anyone else than Nora Valkyrie the wide grin and crazed glint in the shaggy haired giant would have scared them off.

But his partner WAS Nora. So she just got excited. So the two of them tore through the Forrest scalpels flying in every direction and trees falling with thunderous crashes.

"So Zaps what do you know about medicine?"

"It taste bad and it's expensive ."

"A fair assessment, but not what I was going for."

Here Jaune stopped Nora from crushing a Beowolves head with a casual grip of her hammer head. The beast was already disabled by the 40 or so scalpels sticking into it. And he wanted to show her something cool.

"A lot of medicine is made out of the sickness it treats. Molds and Bacteria and poisons repurposed to benefit humanity."

Jaune stuck his finger inside one of the wolves many many wounds and let his semblance activate.

Flesh flowed like a liquid and bones moved like molasses taking a new form following a blueprint in the mad doctors mind. And soon a new monster stood before them.

It was shorter than the wolf had been and thinner but judging how it's feet were digging into the ground it was also a lot heavier. The spikes and bone plating were mostly gone only covering the hands and feet like clawed boots and gloves, a long with a featureless bone white mask.

"Wow what's that?"

"Medicine."

And like the word was a signal the creature shot off into the woods to hunt its former kin.

Jaune allowed himself to feel a flicker of pride at a surgery well done. But he smothered it quickly they had a exam to pass.

After all every doctor needs their certification.

---

So a different mad doctor Jaune. And unfortunately he's paired with the absolute worst choice of a partner for teaching him good habits.

His semblance is basically panacea from worms power with a few small differences and one big one.

He can effect bacteria but he needs at least a vials worth, he can't just just his spit or what's in his skin.

He can however effect himself unlike Amy.

Hence why he's a giant here (just under 9 feet)

 

[SharkCultist]

Had a idea for a kinda fate/RWBY AU

Where the gods leaving didn't kill all magic just made it go from true magic to being more like magecraft.

Activating Aura gives you a blank class card that tells you your class and it slowly develops as you build your own legend (it doesn't do much. Mostly beacon collects them as a sorta year book or trophy kinda thing. But they are also there to be given to civilians if there's a big Grimm surge into the settlement.)

I was just kinda imagining a scene where the new beacon class is finding out their classes.

"Ruby Rose [assassin] "

"Cool!"

"Yang Xaoi-long [berserker]"

"Yeah seems about right."

"Weiss schnee [caster]"

"To be expected."

"Blake Belladonna [assassin]"

" *Gasp* assassin buddies!"

"Joy."

"Nora Valkyrie [Berserker]"

"Wooo!"

"Lie Ren [Assassin]"

"Lotta assassins in this class"

"Pyrrha Nikos [Caster/Lancer] ?"

"I didn't even know multiclass was a thing!"

"If anyone would be exceptional it's her."

"Jaune Arc....[savior]"

"What kinda class is that?"

---

So just to clarify those last two.

Pyrrha is multi class because of maiden. And I know saber is considered the best of the Knightly classes but she mainly fights as a spearwoman so lancer it is.

And I gave Jaune one of the non-canon classes. Though the only two I remember are savior and Launcher. (These aren't fan made. They're ones that were used I think in oneshots or concepts, though savior was apparently a mistranslation and was supposed to be saber)

I have Jaune that class because his semblance, healing and savior kinda go hand in hand. Plus he's a "outsider" to the huntsmen life (since he didn't get trained) he isn't quite like the others so he gets a class that isn't like the others.


And I'm not going to lie to you. I almost made Blake's class [shitty kitty]


And yes. Adam is a [Avenger]. Wear it like a badge of honor you edgy bitch.

 

[AJ_Talon]

It was the best birthday Jaune could ever remember experiencing. When he and Yang returned the next morning, holding hands, cuddling and kissing, he didn't think his good mood would ever vanish.

Taiyang: "Good morning Yang!" Maniacal smile, dark tone "Good morning, Jaune."

Yang: "Ah! Oh, uh, h-hey Dad! Um, what brings you here?"

Qrow: "You mean what brings us here." He looms behind Jaune ominously

Jaune's Brain: Oh shit he's Batman!

Jaune: "Uh... H-Hello, Mister Xiao-Long, Mister Branwen. Sirs."

Taiyang: still smiling ominously, he puts a hand on Jaune's shoulder.

Qrow: Puts his hand on Jaune's other shoulder

Taiyang: "We need to have a little chat with your boyfriend here. Won't be long!"

Yang: "Dad, I love him-!"

Qrow: "So we're just gonna have a little chat with him about it!"

Jaune: "It's okay Yang... I've got seven sisters." he smiles "I love you too."

Yang: blush "G-Geez... You gotta be that sincere?"

Jaune: "Yeah. And you're cute when you blush."

Taiyang and Qrow's ire seems to grow. But Jaune smiles and shrugs.

Yang: "... Hurt him and I'll beat both your asses!"

Taiyang: "Yeah yeah..."

The two older men lead Jaune away towards Ozpin's office.

Jaune's Brain: So... Stay cool, stay cool... They have every right to give me the business..."

They enter the elevator, and the doors slide shut.

Qrow: "... You two had sex, didn't you?"

Jaune's Brain: Okay... Um... Coming right out with it... Uh, I need to say something...

Jaune: "Yes."

Jaune's Brain: Craaaaaapppp!

Taiyang: "Qrow, come on. He was honest about it, they're legal, and he's helping us save the world."

Qrow: scowls "Why are you playing good cop? You said you wanted to be bad cop!"

Taiyang: groans "Damnit! I'm so used to being the good cop it just popped out of there!" He scowled and grabbed Jaune's armor "Listen Jaune. From everything I know, you're a good kid."

Jaune: "Yes sir, but she's your daughter and you love her."

Taiyang: "Yes!"

Jaune: "So do I. With all my heart."

Taiyang: "Good! And if you ever break her heart I'll punt you into space! That clear?!"

Jaune: "Yes sir!"

Qrow: "And that's not even getting into what I'll do to you, Kid." grins, holds up a knife

Jaune: gulps "Yes sir..."

Taiyang: "... Why is he the one you're more intimidated by?!"

Jaune: "I'm intimidated by you both, sir?"

Qrow: "Heh! I still got it! Also Kid: We're gonna be doing some training together, you and me! You're still struggling and frankly, you need a trainer who won't go easy on ya!"

Jaune: gulps "... Yes sir?"

Taiyang: "Damnit Qrow! We promised we'd do these things together!"

Qrow: "Oh now it's a we?"

Jaune's Brain: God this elevator is taking so damn long...

 

[AJ_Talon]

Something I may work on later. As said, a lot of the main characters of RWBY shouldn't have big families because that's crucial to their characters. Taiyang and Qrow not having anyone to intervene when they fell apart after Summer's death is crucial to Yang and Ruby's development. Ren and Nora are orphans and couldn't have anyone else. Pyrrha is socially isolated and awkward: We do get that one lady in Volume 5 at the memorial but she's never confirmed as a relative. But she could be, so there are possibilities there. Weiss, again, needs to grow up isolated but there could be a few other people in her family tree, and Blake might also have more family. So yeah, Jaune, being canonically part of a large family, is the go-to.

However! Since I have explored Yoruichi as Blake's aunt, we should expand things out more. So, how about Cardin's cousin Lara Colt? Essentially a Lara Croft expy but the pun was too good not to use.

She takes Teams CRDL, RWBY and JNPR with her on an archaeological expedition. Ruby fangirls HARD over her and is in disbelief that she's related to Cardin! Yang is very jelly. CRDL... Goons over her.

Cardin: Is the only one to show up

Ruby: "Uh... Cardin? Where's the rest of your team?"

Cardin: deep breath "They're in the infirmary. And I'm not answering any more questions."

Jaune: "... Violated the Bro code, huh?"

Cardin: "Yep. And I swear Jauney, if your stupid Harem powers get my cousin after you, I will END YOU!"

Jaune: "N-NO! NO! It's-I don't-They won't!"

Cardin: "GOOD."

Later, after a rip roaring adventure fighting ancient horrors and dealing with lost magic...

Lara: "You're not a half-bad bullet shield, Jaune!"

Jaune: "Urgh... Thanks..."

Lara: smirks "You single?"

Jaune: "Huh?!"

RWBY+P: "WHAT?!"

Cardin: "DAMNIT JAUNE I WARNED YOU! NOW YOU DIE!"

Jaune: "NO I SWEAR I DIDN'T-!"

Cardin: "JAAAAUUUUNNNNNE!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

As further expansion to Cardin's Family, in White Knight Errant we did have Argentia Winchester, his elder sister. Her name means "Silver". She would be VERY tall, almost as tall as her brother, and an Ace Huntress. Very much an Amazon and VERY strong. Think Makoto Kino as a redhead.

She's very good at Hunting but she tries to avoid the spotlight. She wants to live up to her family name and legacy and set a good example for her younger brother. She's also a very pragmatic fighter and not above "cheap" tricks to defeat Grimm or bandits. Her main weapon is a poleaxe. She calls it Striker, and it does have Dust Slots to enhance her blows. But she also carries Dust pistols, a rifle, and grenades. She was taught in a rather old school kind of way.

She could be friendly rivals with Winter, and unfriendly rivals with Qrow.

Cardin looks up to her and wants to live up to her example.

... And then she meets Jaune Arc.

Argentia: "You know, you should carry a side arm and grenades. It would give you a lot more options in battle. You're very strong but without mobility, you need to be more flexible."

Jaune: "Really? I mean, uh... I also want to learn how to do Aura Slashes."

Argentia: "Also great! And with Aura like yours, you should learn it! The more options you have, the better. I only got where I am because I learned to play the support role as well as the front line role."

Jaune: "Huh! That's a good point."

Argentia: "Do you have medical training?"

Jaune: "I do, actually."

Argentia: smiles "That's great! Everything you can bring to the table is good. Hunting isn't just fighting, it's every way you maximise the chances of survival."

Jaune: "Well, yeah... I guess there's just so much emphasis here on fighting ability..."

Argentia: "Ugh, I hated that. They've really cut down the curriculum to just the basics lately. You've got a lot of skills that Hunters would kill for out in the field! And having a tactical mind is also great! A lot of Hunters can't lead, they just fight. A good leader maximizes everyone's chances of winning."

Jaune: "Well... Thank you."

Argentia: smiles "Don't mention it!"

Argentia walks away, meeting Cardin nearby.

Cardin: "What was that about?"

Argentia: "Just getting to know your friend Jaune."

Cardin: "I... We..." sighs "I guess he is."

Argentia: "You should make sure. I think you two would be great friends." smiles "I'm only looking out for you."

Cardin: smiles "Thanks sis."

Argentia: "Still... Since you're friends, I was wondering...?"

Cardin: "What?"

Argentia: blush "... Is he single?"

Cardin: "GODDAMNIT JAUNE!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

So... Some friends of mine who were in the military have a decidedly low opinion of how RWBY portrays such things. And as a student of military history, yeah, I agree. It sucks.

So, what would Remnant look like if, just for the hell of it, we isekai'd a few famous military commanders from our universe into it? They did it with the Justice League, so why not people who actually know how to lead, organize, and fight wars?

How about Julius Caesar?

Or Ghengis Khan?

Robert E. Lee?

Alexander the Great?

George Patton?

Napoleon?

Ulysses S. Grant?

Tran Hung Dao?

Put them into Remnant, grow up with their memories activating, and let's see how things go!

 

[AJ_Talon]

Ruby was practically bouncing off the walls with joy as she headed to the first leadership class. Jaune himself trudged a bit.

Ruby: "Come on Jaune! Isn't this exciting?! Our first leadership class!"

Jaune: sighs "I know... Sorry Ruby, but given how hard everything else is? I'm not feeling the enthusiasm."

Ruby: "Aw, come on Jaune! This is awesome! We're our team leaders! And yeah, you kind of suck at, well, a lot of stuff-"

Jaune: deadpan "Thanks."

Ruby: "-But you're good at leadership! Come on! Be happy! For me?"

Jaune: sigh "I'll try."

Ruby: "YAY!"

They made it to the classroom. Professor Ozpin was waiting for them. Cardin winced when he saw Jaune. Jaune scowled back. Cardin sighed... Then gestured to two seats next to him.

Ruby: "Eh? Hey, what's your deal?"

Cardin: "I'm trying to be nice, pipsqueak. You got a problem with that?"

Ruby: "No! I guess? And I'm not a pipsqueak! I'm drinking my milk!"

Jaune: "Thanks Cardin." They sat down.

Ozpin: "Good of you all to join us. Siemen Magister, as the leader of team SLVR and one of our senior teacher's assistants, I leave the rest to you. I have other matters to attend to."

Ozpin headed out. A handsome young man in a long gray jacket, dark red hair, and tanned skin stepped up with a smile.

Siemen: "It's great to see so many new faces. Now, leadership of a team is more than just keeping it together in the field and fighting. There's a lot of hard work off the field too."

Ruby: "Ooh! Ooh! Like training?"

Siemen: nods "That is also important... But more importantly? Is paperwork."

Ruby: jaw drops "Paperwork?!"

Siemen: smiles "Yep! As team leaders you must account for your team's stores of supplies, types of supplies, finances, training room time, medical condition, and many other things! You must also demonstrate your ability to write mission reports and convey information properly that other Huntsmen, the police, the military and other organizations use when it comes to Grimm, the ground of your missions, and damages you cause or others inflict."

Ruby: "Well... Um... I-I'm sure it can't be that bad to start, right?"

Siemen: beams "That's the spirit!"

Siemen... Dumps several large stacks of paperwork on the various leaders' desks.

Ruby: "Wait, actual paperwork?!"

Siemen: "It's so you can get used to the digital stuff first. Trust me, it will be a breeze after this!"

Some hours later...

Cardin: "Geez... I thought helping dad with his campaign finances was bad..."

Ruby: eyes spinning "Wha... What's an index?! WHAT'S A LEDGER?! WHAT IS ALL THIS?!"

Ruby slammed her face into the stack and moaned. She looked over at Jaune.

Ruby: "Jaune? You okay there budd-?"

Jaune was up with Siemen, handing in his paperwork.

Ruby: "Wha-He's already done?!"

Cardin: "No way... It can't all be done properly-!"

Siemen: "Very good, Mister Arc! Everything checks out! You can relax until everyone else is done."

Jaune: "Thanks, Mister Magister!"

Jaune walked over to the desk and sat down next to Ruby with a smile. He looked over at his best friend and Cardin, who were staring at him in disbelief.

Jaune: "What?"

Ruby: "Wha-How did you get all that done so fast and correctly?!"

Jaune: sighs "Well, I had to help my mom with paperwork at the hospital, help my dad with paperwork at the militia, help my sisters with paperwork for various reasons, did some accounting for my great-grandpa's restaurant..." shrugs "In comparison, this isn't too hard! Plus, Nora has to ask me for more money for Dust and she has to get the proportions just right, so she's pretty good at keeping track of things."

Ruby: "I... Wha...?!"

Jaune: "Pyrrha buys most of her own stuff but she still reports it to me, and Ren is very good at math too. So, we're pretty set." smiles "I'm sure you can get it too, Ruby! I mean, Weiss is rich: She must know something about business? And Yang was like your mom so she has to know finances? And Blake... Um..."

Ruby: "Y-Yeah... I'm sure they'll be fine... Totally fine...!"

Cardin: "Jauney-boy? I take back every bad thing I ever said about you. Mind helping me out? My team will train with yours... I'll carry your books? Set you up with my hot sister?!"

Coco: leans over "Like hell he will! Arc, you help me out and I'll let you take Bun-Bun on a date! And I'll make sure she's extra sexy for you!"

Jaune: sighs "It's just paperwork, guys. Don't be so melodramatic. But! I will help you all out... If!"

Ruby: "I get Weiss to go out with you?!"

Jaune: "What?! No! I want to do that myself! I know I'm wearing her down!"

Ruby: "Ummmm..."

Jaune: "But I'll just ask that we be friends. And I get some help with the stuff I'm not good at when it comes to Hunting."

Coco: "So... Everything then?"

Jaune: wince "... Yeah... Except for this."

Coco: "Sounds fair."

Cardin: "Seriously, offering him your teammate?"

Coco: "What? She's got a thing for big, dumb galoots! Maybe if you weren't a racist on top of that, I'd have set you two up!"

Cardin: blush "I-I would never be interested in her! N-Never!"

Ruby: "Well... I guess it's nice to have more friends..."

Jaune: "Yeah, see? We're socializing more already!"

Ruby: beams "Yeah! I... I think this is gonna turn out just fine!"

And then the fight with the White Fang at the Wharves happened, but that's another story...

 

[AJ_Talon]

It was supposed to be a joke. It was just a bit of humor on his part. There was an empty seat on the Vale council and as a bit of fun he had put his name in. Then the scandal had erupted leaving him the only 'valid' candidate on the ticket for that seat. Now...Now he was a councilman. What was he going to do? What would Shiro do? Right laugh his ass off and say something to the effect better thee than me. Arturia? No she and Auntie Nero would be the worse. At least things were quiet now.

"Jaune!"

He froze at the voice. Turning he saw a smiling Cardin and Velvet walking over to him. Cardin stuck his hand out and Jaune quickly shook it. "Allow me to be the first to congratulate you Councilman. I didn't think you had it in you."

A flash of light and Velvet held her camera up. "The papers are going to love this."

'FUCK' It took all Jaune's willpower to keep the smile on his face.

- - - -

Headmaster Ozpin met with Jaune. The older man wore a wry smile as he walked into Jaune's new office.

"Congratulations, Mister Arc," he greeted him, "Or rather, Councilman Arc. I knew you would achieve great things, but even I never suspected how far you would go."

Jaune groaned.

"Headmaster, can't we rule this invalid or-or something? This isn't what I want to do with my life!"

Ozpin slowly shook his head.

"I'm afraid I cannot," he said, "There are laws to prevent the early suspension of your term in special elections, as they were written for emergency situations. Short of scandal, serious illness, injury, or death? You're stuck for two years."

Jaune moaned. Ozpin chuckled.

"Still, have no fear. You can continue your education on the side. Indeed, this may be a boon. Budget cuts have made non-combat focused classes a rarity at Beacon. In the old days, Hunter Commanders had to be able administrators as well as fighters. Your example might help Beacon out."

Jaune gave Ozpin a deadpan expression.

"You want a budget increase, don't you?"

Ozpin smiled and shrugged.

"It would be nice."

Jaune sighed.

"I'll have to do a proper audit of the Academy's finances first."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow.

"Is our current auditing not up to snuff?"

"You tell me," Jaune deadpanned, "Why is there money for training robots and payments to keep RWBY out of jail for their vigilante work, but no coffee in the cafeteria?"

Ozpin was silent. He sipped his mug.

"Touche, Councilman," Ozpin stated. "I did bring you a surprise though: Your security detail. It will be a rotating assignment of several Hunters-in-Training with a licensed Hunter."

Jaune smiled.

"Oh? Anyone I know-?"

"JAUNE!" Ruby cried, bursting into the room and tackling Jaune in a hug, "YOU OKAY?!"

"GAH!" Jaune cried out, slammed out of his chair.

Weiss, Blake and Yang entered, followed by Pyrrha, Ren and Nora. Nora grinned and held up her hammer.

"We thought you'd been taken by the government! So we were gonna overthrow it!" She pouted. "Until Pyrrha and Weiss made me leave my Fire Dust grenades!"

"He wasn't taken by the government! At least, in that way," Weiss scoffed, as Jaune got back up with Ruby still hugging him. Yang grinned and leaned over the table.

"Good on you, VB. You gonna need a hot secretary? I know a gal who could apply~."

Jaune blushed bright red.

"Yang!" Ruby growled, "Don't be all weird!"

"It's called puberty, Rubes, you'll hit it eventually," Yang said with a wink, as Jaune coughed. Weiss groaned.

"Don't be so crass, Yang! He has a very serious job to perform and there are people out there who will try to kill him!" She smiled genially at Jaune. "I would be happy to assist you in your new work, Jaune."

"Why are you suddenly being nice to him?" Pyrrha asked flatly. Weiss flushed.

"W-Well... Um... He's proven that he's got a great deal of potential?"

Blake scoffed.

"You're so transparent! Typical Schnee ambition and deception." She then slid into Jaune's lap, shoving Ruby out of it.

"HEY!" Ruby cried. Jaune blinked.

"Uh... Blake? What are you doing?"

"I have a lengthy proposal for legislation regarding Faunus rights, and it would be easier for both of us to read it this way," Blake said innocently. Ruby scowled, as did Weiss, Yang, Nora, and Pyrrha.

"While sitting in his lap? How typically Menagerian of you," Weiss sneered.

Arguments broke out. Jaune looked to Ozpin in desperation.

"Headmaster?!"

Ozpin sipped his mug, and shrugged.

"I'm sure you'll work it all out."

 

[AJ_Talon]

Jaune sighed heavily. He winced as he rolled his shoulders and looked around his office. He had been left alone to do some paperwork, which he supposed was nice. On the other hand, he had to do paperwork.

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" He called. The doors opened, and Yang strode in with a smile.

"Heyah, Ladykiller! Saw your speech today," she said. She sat down in a chair. "Though it was nice. Very short."

Jaune smiled back at her.

"Thanks. It's like everyone forgets the inaugural speeches of Councilmembers used to be like ten to twenty minutes," he chuckled. Yang shook her head.

"You knew that history but not the Faunus Revolution?"

"Er, well," Jaune rubbed the back of his head, "I always paid more attention to Nana Arturia's stories because they were a lot more exciting." He beamed. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm on your security detail for tonight!" Yang said cheerfully. "Pyrrha needed to do a photoshoot, Weiss is meeting her sis, Blake is meeting her parents, Ruby got detention with Oobleck, and Ren and Nora are..." She shrugged. "Got me."

"They do their own thing on the weekends," Jaune confirmed. He smiled warmly. "Thanks. I appreciate it. You always cheer me up."

"Well, someone's gotta keep you from getting too full of yourself," Yang winked, "Speaking of, you eaten dinner yet?"

"I was about to order something," Jaune said, turning back to his papers. "I gotta finish up this report to the press tomorrow-"

"Bah," Yang scoffed, putting a hand over his, "Come on. You gotta get out of here."

Jaune looked up in some surprise.

"You're acting... Well... I mean, friendly," Jaune said. Yang shrugged.

"Well... I did realize you're actually pretty cool, once you get past the awkward nerdy parts," she said with a smile. "And you're Ruby's best friend, and she'd have my head if I didn't make sure you were taking care of yourself."

Jaune smiled. He squeezed her hand back. Yang leaned forward.

"Besides, living a cushy life as a Councilman's Wife might be nice~," Yang teased. Jaune flushed.

"Y-Yang!"

"Aw, come on," Yang cooed, leaning forward with a sexy wink, "Don't tell me you haven't thought about it~. At least once? Unless you're into slim girls like Weisscream."

Jaune flushed.

"I mean... If I'm being honest? I thought you were out of my league," Jaune admitted. Yang blinked.

"Eh? But-But you went for Weiss?"

Jaune shrugged.

"I mean... That was kind of a pride thing, though I do think she's incredible. But you? You just... I love your smile, your energy, your eyes. You light up the room. If you rejected me... I dunno. It would hurt more." He smiled. "Plus, I mean, I didn't want Ruby to think I was her friend just to get your attention."

Yang flushed. She slowly nodded.

"I, yeah... Well..." She cleared her throat. "You really gotta get some air if you're getting all mushy like this, Stud. Come on! We should hit a diner, get some real food."

Jaune frowned.

"I dunno..."

"Come on," Yang winked, "I promise, I'll be your cute little bodyguard. I'll protect you. In and out of bed, if you'd like~."

"Yang," Jaune groaned, bright red. She giggled, and pulled him up to his feet. He sighed, but nodded as they headed out.

"All right. There's a diner close by. Let's hit it up, quickly."

"Relax, Councilman," Yang chuckled, "What could possibly go wrong?"

- - -

 

[SharkCultist]

Beacon academy is widely considered to be the best huntsmen school in remnant, not just because it produces the most exceptional huntsmen but also because they offer huntsmen support courses for people who want to help but just aren't combatant material.

Engineers, medics, lawyers, even camp setters. If it can help a huntsmen beacon probably has a course or class for it.

Up until attending beacon Blake had no problems with any of this. Then she met her.

Ruby The Rat. A (in)famous engineering student who is well known for her oddities.

She'll take any junk and scraps you offer as payment for her services. Her workshop is a mess full to the brim with broken weapon bits and spare parts (some of them Blake is pretty sure don't even go to weapons).

That wouldn't bother Blake (well not too much, that blue stuff in the corner doesn't look safe.), no what really bothers Blake is Ruby is a racist.

She has to be right? Why else would she have a mechanical mouse tail and ears? Makes her wonder what kind of person raises a 15 year old racist.

(It wouldn't be until much later that Blake would learn those are actual prosthetics that Ruby has had and upgraded herself since she was a small child who was in a vicious Grimm attack. And her name of Ruby the rat is because of her packrat tendencies, not anything racist.)

(Blake never did apologize and Ruby never knew she deserved one.)

---

Yep it's another world where Yangs Forrest trip went bad. This Ruby had some spinal and skull damage along with losing most of her hearing. The tail and ears are fully functional, they didn't originally look mouse like but Ruby figured leaning into the theme was better than just having unshaped hunks of metal on her head.

She still wants to help people but her early encounter has left her terrified at the thought of fighting so instead she's become a huntsmen engineer, weapon repairs, upgrades, even vehicles and prosthetics (she's really good with those).

Also just throwing it out there, some of her personal projects would definitely be of interest to Atlas. (Possibly Penny ship?)

 

[AJ_Talon]

JNPR, RWBY, and KDAM were making their way to a small village in Mistral.

Ruby: "Wow! A mission all the way to Mistral! This is so great, huh Yang?!"

Yang: "I mean... Mostly, yeah. At least Kazuma's keeping Aqua on a tight leash."

Aqua: eating some pickles and ice cream "Om nom nom... We wouldn't even need you if I wasn't pregnant!"

Kazuma: deadpan "Yeah, that's why they came along."

Aqua: "UWAH! Kazuma! How dare you be mean to the mother of your first child!"

Darkness: "How dare you not abuse me, your fiance! Oh, but this is also an abuse of sorts~!"

Megumin: "Seriously Kazuma, you scumbag!"

Kazuma: sighs "Anyway... Jaune? You can handle the heavy lifting here, right?"

Jaune: "Sure thing!"

Pyrrha: "Heavy lifting? You've been here before?"

Jaune: "Sure! And I've met several Crimson Demons before, not just Megumin!"

Ren: "The Crimson Demons are renowned throughout Mistral for having powerful Semblances and incredible Aura techniques... Among... Other things."

Weiss: "Like what?"

There is a burst of light ahead, and a small explosion. A group of four people with black hair in dramatic outfits appear. They pose, also very dramatically.

Crimson Demon 1: poses with glasses and a shiny employee ID badge "BEHOLD, WEARY TRAVELER! I am called CHARLIE! I am the most powerful HOTEL MANAGER OF THE CRIMSON DEMONS, AND MY DREAM IS TO ONE DAY BECOME A FIVE STAR HOTEL!"

Crimson Demon 2: poses with brochures held like shuriken "I AM RENATO, MOST POWERFUL TOUR GUIDE OF THE CRIMSON DEMONS! I dream of making enough money to move out of my parent's home! BEHOLD MY POWER!"

Crimson Demon 3: adjusts her tie, holds up a clipboard "I AM SENNA, MOST POWERFUL SECRETARY FOR THE CRIMSON DEMON VILLAGE'S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE! I WILL ENSURE A 3 PERCENT REVENUE INCREASE FOR THE VILLAGE WITH OUTSIDE INVESTMENT! HIYAH!"

RWBY and JNPR stare in utter disbelief. KDAM is non-plussed. Kazuma walks up and does some posing.

Kazuma: "I am Kazuma Satou, leader of team KDAM, adventurer and peerless rogue. My future wives, Megumin and YunYun, are the foremost archmage of the Crimson Demons."

Megumin: "THAT'S RIGHT! BEHOLD, I MEGUMIN OF THE CRIMSON DEMONS HAVE SECURED A WEDDING RING FROM KAZUMA! OUR NUPTIALS ARE ALL BUT ASSURED WITH MY RIVAL YUNYUN JOINING ME AS SISTER WIFE!"

Charlie: "WELL MET, KAZUMA SATOU OF KDAM! BUT WHO ARE YOUR COMPANIONS?! DO THEY REQUIRE ACCOMODATION AT OUR HOTEL?! DO THEY HAVE THE SPIRIT TO WITHSTAND OUR 24 HOUR ROOM SERVICE?!"

Ruby: "... Huh?"

Weiss: "What."

Pyrrha: blinks "... Sorry?"

Blake: scoffs "So melodramatic."

Nora: "COOL!"

Ren: sighs

Jaune: "Like we planned, guys."

Nora: "ROGER!"

Jaune steps forward. He flares his Aura and poses with his hand in front of his face. Ren and Pyrrha follow suit, with Nora standing behind them on her hammer and spreading her arms akin to Captain Ginyu.

Jaune: "I AM JAUNE ARC, LEADER OF TEAM JNPR AND NOT THE MOST POWERFUL STUDENT AT BEACON! BUT MY DREAM IS TO BECOME A GREAT HUNTSMAN LIKE MY FATHER BEFORE ME! THIS IS MY BOMBER NORA, FEARSOME AND UNPREDICTABLE! MY ASSASSIN REN, SILENT BUT DEADLY! AND PYRRHA, MY LANCER AND STALWART MENTOR, THE INVINCIBLE GIRL!"

Nora sets off some Dust grenades behind them, sending a pillar of fire into the air. The Crimson Demons all clap and cheer.

Yang: "... Seriously?"

Jaune: "It's just how they do things. Go for it, Ruby!"

Ruby: "Eh? OH! Um..." swings her sniper scythe around "I AM RUBY ROSE, LEADER OF RWBY AND MOST POWERFUL... SKIPPED TWO GRADES... HUNTRESS IN TRAINING AT BEACON! MY DREAM IS TO BE AS GOOD A HUNTRESS AS MY MOTHER AND TO EAT MY OWN WEIGHT IN COOKIES! ALSO I HAVE AN ADORABLE DOG!" She holds up Zwei, who woofs "THIS IS WEISS SCHNEE, MY BEST FEMALE FRIEND AND REALLY GOOD WITH DUST! BLAKE BELLADONNA MY NINJA GIRL WHO LOVES PORN!"

Blake: "EROTICA!"

Ruby: "AND MY BIG SISTER YANG WHO SHOULD REALLY BE BACKING ME UP NOW!"

Yang: sighs, poses behind Ruby.

Ruby: "WEISS!"

Weiss: "..." rolls her eyes and salutes with her sword.

Ruby: "Blake? Blaaaaaake!"

Blake: Stands there and does nothing

The Crimson Demons... Boo.

Megumin: "Jaune's was way better!"

Senna: "Yeah! Though we really appreciate your business!"

Ruby: "GUYSSSS!"

Weiss: "I don't care if it's for a mission, some things are not worth our dignity!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

You know, it occurs to me that Isabel would have been the most well off of teams STRQ and AARN. Arjun and Saia were refugees, Nick was an orphan raised by a hermit, Taiyang was not the most well off, Summer was the last member of her clan, and Raven and Qrow were from a bandit tribe.

Meanwhile, the Arc Clan wasn't in the best of financial straits but they were definitely better off than all of these people. So Isabel DID provide them with loans from time to time. And favors with her various family members.

Naturally by the time they left Beacon, the majority of these debts were unpaid... And quite large.

So when the children of her former teammates begin attending Beacon with her son, Isabel decides it's time to collect. Politely, but firmly.

 

[AJ_Talon]

Isabel: "DAMNIT TAI, RAVEN LITERALLY TOOK AN ENTIRE HERD OF COWS! AN ENTIRE HERD!"

Taiyang: "That doesn't mean we need to have a beef, does it?"

Pause. Isabel lunges for Tai, while Nick holds her back.

Isabel: "Let me go, Nick! I'm just gonna break his arms!"

Nick: "He needs those to sign things!"

Isabel: "That's a good point."

Nick: *sighs and lets her go now that she's seen sense* "I'm glad you-"

Isabel: "But he doesn't need his legs!"

Taiyang: *running away* "I need my legs!"

Isabel: "Get back here Xiao Long, your kneecap privileges' have been revoked!"

Qrow and Ozpin intervene and everyone settles down.

Qrow: "All right. Look, so Raven owes you a lot. It's not like you're gonna get it out of her-"

Isabel: "Why not? She'll just run away, is that it?"

Qrow: "Well... That and she doesn't exactly have anything worth... Ummm..."

Isabel: "And how exactly do you know that?! Are you keeping in communication with your criminal bandit sister or something?!"

Ozpin: sip "He's not at liberty to say, Isabel. In any event, I'm sure we can work this debt out with a fair compromise. It can't be that-"

Isabel slaps the bill down on the table. Ozpin reads it. Taiyang and Qrow look at him hopefully.

Ozpin: sip "... Oh would you look at the time?" flees

Taiyang: "Wha-?!"

Qrow: "OZ! SERIOUSLY?!"

Isabel: glares, cracks her knuckles

Nick: "Woah woah woah! Now I'm sure we can work this out. Come on Izzy, these are our good friends! Comrades in arms!"

Taiyang and Qrow: smile

Nick: "Sure they're terrible with money... And parenting... And planning for the future..."

Taiyang: "Seriously dude?!"

Qrow: "I have a retirement pension! ... Maybe? I should check on that sometime."

Nick: "But they are our dear friends!"

Isabel: sighs "... Fine. We'll work out a better way to pay off the debt. First off though, we should be better friends. Jaune, Yang and Ruby don't even know they used to play together as children!"

Taiyang: "That's true. They are... Childhood friends..." He grins "I think I just thought up a way to pay off our debts, Izzy!"

Isabel: "And that would be...?"

Taiyang: "Your son can marry both of my daughters!"

Isabel and Qrow: "WHAT?!"

Nick: "Wait, you can do that? Aw man. I've been paying off my loans like Grandpa George told me to! You can marry off your daughters for debt?"

Isabel: punches him "NO YOU CAN'T!"

 

[zMADLAXz]

Arjun and Saia actually have set up a monthly payment system now that Pandu is thriving.

But to make sure that none of the more volatile elements in the kingdom take it in a bad way and start a rumor that the new rulers are just as corrupt and embezzling funds for their own needs Saia came up with a brilliant Idea!

Her Idea? Well why not make Arc's as the legally allied partners of Pandu that provide protection, Alcohol and Medical facilities to them.

No one dare says anything against it , they saw the ferocity of Nick and Isabelle Arc in protecting their homeland, the medical genius of Isabelle actually creating the entirety of medical experts training and code of conduct(taking inspiration from Tsunade here)

Plus no one wants to miss out on the sweet Arc Winery produce.

Still some people have doubts that the Arcs will use it to their own benefits so Saia revealed her trap card.

A legal matrimony of the heir to Pandu's Throne and any one of Arc children.

But that thing became problematic when Maia/May went missing so now the rulers were facing a lot of pressure to marry Abhimanyu with one of the Arc children.

So with a heavy heart the Parents on both sides(Arjun and Saia along with Isabelle and Nick) decided to make a sham marriage between anyone of the girls and Abhimanyu in which both the parties will be free to pursue whoever they wish to in secret and the conception of the next child will be done in secret via IVF and a secret Incubation facility at La-Arc-en-Ciel.

Both sides were not happy to put this on their children until the good news arrives, our resident Sniper seems to have gained a taste for the resident Paladin and it seems the feeling is mutual(they meet in Vale festival and hit it off, but during the assault at Vale, Jaune signals his parents and they come with backup in the form of Pandu's royal couple)

After the shenanigans(Pyrrha lives) there are still two main plots going on.

1. Actively dealing with Salem's forces now that they have shown their opening hand.

2. Making sure the next line of succession for Pandu's throne is ready for her ascension along with her prince consort(Both the families are trying their damn hardest to make sure May and Jaune tie the knot)

The feelings are their but so is the conflict with Pyrrha still doing her "kiss you one last time" thing.

Except now she can't conveniently die off and let Jaune comes to term with it.

Spoiler: "Another important change"

(Pyrrha has some royality in her due to her being descendant of the Myrmidions' last ruler The Invincible Achilles)

It's a thrilling tale for a Saint's heart, two warrior Princesses and neither of them ready to back down.

Whose mark shall hit true? Two descendants of Lightning and yet only one wire to their Hearts.

Spoiler

Achilles was the son of Zeus and Arjun is the son of Indra.

 

[AJ_Talon]

Tangy is briefed by General Ironwood before she takes command of Vale's Defense Forces around Vale itself... And...

Tangy: "... Why are we putting everything into mindless robots all attached to a single network? Forgive me General, but I'm making sure the VDF defense systems have multiple redundancies and back ups to ensure nothing goes wrong."

Ironwood: "I assure you the system cannot be compromised-"

Tangy: "And your assurances are not worth the lives of millions of people, especially since the security systems of Vale have already been compromised. How else would White Fang and Roman Torchwick be clowning on the police and your own security forces? Good grief, nobody was checking for unusual activity around Mount Glenn? It's a giant abandoned city, raiders and bandits would still be stripping it bare even with the Grimm and it has a tunnel right into the city rail network. A guard needed to be on it at least."

Ironwood: "I see. You have the authority to do as you wish in regards to your own forces as long as they do not interfere with mine."

Tangy: "Good. I will. Visha! Weiss! Start issuing all our troops the following." Hands out shovels and bayonets.

Ironwood: "Shovels and bayonets?"

Tangy: "Shovels mean fortifications, graves, trenches, ditches, latrines, camps, dams, roads, sandbags, bunkers, and can function as a weapon-In short, everything you need to wage war. And bayonets mean your gun is now a spear when you run out of ammo."

Ironwood: "I see... Your approach is old fashioned."

Tangy: "That is the nature of warfare, sir. Many things about it change, but many things about it will never change."