[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AJ_Talon]

Jaune had been doing his best to be a better friend to everyone after the Dance, to make up for being so... Ugh... Cringey. Especially towards Weiss.

So when he came across Flynt Coal, one of the Atlasian exchange students, arguing with her, he waited a moment to watch and figure out what was going on-Even though his instinct was to barge in and defend Weiss.

Flynt: "You just strut around like you're the queen of everything, when your father stole everything he ever got!"

Weiss: "I'm sorry that my father did that! It-It was business but-"

Flynt: "But what? You don't have anything to do with it?!"

Jaune: Wow, Pyrrha was right. Taking a moment to assess the situation is great... Okay then...

Jaune: "Except she didn't."

Jaune walks up to them. Flynt glares as Weiss stares in surprise.

Jaune: "She couldn't have anything to do with her father's decisions! You're just lashing out at her because you can't get to her dad!"

Flynt: "Listen White Knight, you don't have any-!"

Jaune: "She's a good person! I know her well enough to know that! And she didn't do anything, so what does that make you?!"

Flynt glares back at Jaune. Jaune glares back. Flynt sucked in a breath, slowly nodded, and turned to Weiss.

Flynt: "... I'm sorry. He's right."

Weiss: "What?"

Flynt: "I just... I've been so angry for so long I wanted something to lash out at... But it's not fair to you. Can... Can we start over? I'm Flynt Coal, and it's nice to meet you."

Weiss: "..." takes a deep breath, and slowly nods "I'm Weiss Schnee. It's a pleasure."

Flynt: looks at Jaune "Thanks man. That was pretty cool."

Jaune: flush, shrug "Just... You know... Trying to be a good friend."

Weiss: "Well... Thank you Jaune. Flynt and I need to talk...?"

Jaune: "Oh, uh, sure."

Jaune leaves.

Later, Weiss approaches JNPR in the cafeteria.

Weiss: "Jaune? I wanted to thank you again for helping me with Flynt."

Jaune: "Oh, um, you're welcome. I just wanted to help. Things going okay?"

Weiss: "Great actually! He asked me on a date... And I accepted!"

Jaune: "Oh... Oh. Um... Th-That's great."

Weiss: "Isn't it? And it's all thanks to you!"

Jaune: depressed but keeping his smile up "You... You betcha..."

 

[SharkCultist]

For anyone who knew him what Ren was doing was both shocking and not shocking.

Ren was cooking pancakes. Without Nora.

It was a week break at beacon and Ren managed to get Nora to stay with Pyrrha while he went off on his own for this little trip.

He told Nora it wasn't anything big, he just needed a calm week.

He lied.

Stormhall was a surprisingly old village. Thick stone walls surrounded the buildings. There were about four rings. Evidence of when the village expanded. Instead of tearing a wall down they just built past it and kept it as extra protection.

Ren has gotten a one week job at a inn, free room and board in exchange for doing the cooking and kitchen cleaning.

Not the most relaxing break but that's fine. He wasn't here for fun.

He was here for the woman in the back.

Greying orange hair that hadn't seen a wash in a while, dull blue eyes and a smell like a brewery.

She was as pathetic as he always imagined.

Hed been looking for her for so long, to see if she regretted what she did to nora. She did but it was too little too late.

And instead of looking for Nora what did she do? Drown herself in booze and throw a decade long pity party.

She deserves to hurt and he would make it happen.

Nora didn't talk about her mom often but Ren always took note when she did.

Her sweet tooth was a inherited trait and her mom had a nickname for her.

Ren was going to use that, step one of his planned punishment? Cooking these pancakes. Light and fluffy with plenty of syrup. Just like Nora likes.

He had the plate taken by a different cook, he didn't want her to see him, a long with a note.

From your lightning-bug

He waited until he heard the crying. Revenge complete. All it took was weaponizing the trust his friend had in him.

He took a bite of one of the extra pancakes since he hadn't eaten yet.

How bittersweet.

 

[The Brotherhood of Steel]

Ruby and Weiss are seething seeing Jaune with them

Click to shrink...

Jaune gets a job at Victoria's house keeping.

Ruby and Weiss see Jaune having Boba tea with Ellen and approach them.

Ellen: "You must be Jaune's friends Ruby and Bleiss."

Weiss: " It's Weiss"

Ellen: " oh... cool"

Weiss: "Anyways Jaune I wanted to see if you were free for dinner..."

Ellen "We're gonna be working late tonight on a commission."

Jaune "we are?"

Ellen "yeah but I'll treat you to a meal later. We should get doing our break is almost over."

Weiss: seething as Ellen drags Jaune away.

Later at a café Ruby is trying to calm Weiss down.

Ruby: "relax Weiss they're just coworkers." looks out the window to see Jaune walking alongside Corin and crushes her cup.

 

[AJ_Talon]

The latest episode ended. Jaune, Ruby, and Yang stared in utter disbelief at the show credits as they rolled. Yang gaped, Ruby moaned, and Jaune's face was in his hands.

Yang: "What the hell was that?!"

Ruby: "Language!"

Yang: "Ruby? There are exceptions to every rule. This is one of them. Fuck this show!"

Jaune: groans "The first game was so good... How did they screw this up so much?"

Yang: "Ally is gay by the way."

Jaune: "Ugggghhhh... I don't wanna watch anymore. I'm not getting paid for it, I don't wanna know more."

Yang: "Aw, come on VB! Aren't you at least... Morbidly curious? Eh? Eh?"

Jaune: "... Was that a pun?"

Yang: "I'm TRYING here, but this show is destroying my brain!"

Ruby: "I'm getting some snacks."

Ruby gets up and heads off. Yang and Jaune scowl at the screen for a bit.

Yang: "... I really loved the first game, ya know? I mean I don't usually go for horror games but... It was fun."

Jaune: "It was. Jonah and Ally's relationship was... Was just amazing."

Yang: "And seriously? Rewriting the whole thing to make Jonah the bad guy for not letting the Cockroaches cut open Ally's brain in HOPES of a cure? It's just bullshit!"

Jaune: "Totally! And I'm fine with Ally being gay, my eldest sister is gay, but that's like her only character trait!"

Yang: "Except when she's a total bitch!"

They both sigh.

Yang: "... And... Ya know... A father being willing to go through anything for you? I... I like that."

Jaune: smiles "Yeah... I get it. My dad's pretty awesome. He can be a big goof but... I really wanna be like him someday."

Yang: "Oh? Eight kids and all, huh?"

Jaune: "I mean I wouldn't mind that, but more... I just wanna be someone people can depend on."

There is a beep and a small explosion.

Ruby: "ACK! NO! MICROWAVE, WHY HAVE YOU BETRAYED ME?!"

Jaune: sighs "Hang on, I've got this."

Yang: "Hm?"

Jaune: "Relax."

Jaune goes to the microwave, unplugs it, gets a screwdriver and fiddles around on the inside "Nora and Pyrrha have damaged our microwave in our common room a lot. And before I met them? I had three sisters who loved to fiddle with technology..." He tweaks the electronics, and buttons it all back up. He plugs it back in "Try it now."

Ruby does. The microwave hums away happily.

Ruby: "Yay! Great job, Jaune!"

Jaune: "You're welcome. Besides, I want microwave smores too."

They return with their snacks. Ruby moves to sit by Jaune, but Yang scoots up next to him. Ruby, confused, sits on Jaune's other side.

Yang: "So, you're pretty handy, huh?"

Jaune: "Well, like my dad always said: If the ladies don't find you handsome, let them find you useful.'"

Yang: "Heh. I think you're cheating on that a little, VB."

Jaune: "Hm? How?"

Yang: takes a smore and eats it with a grin "You're both."

Jaune: flush deeply "Ah, uh..."

Ruby: "Ugh! Can you guys not? I want to watch something good! How about an anime Blake recommended?"

Yang: "I don't know..."

Jaune: "Come on, I'm sure it's not that bad..."

Ten minutes into the anime... Jaune and Yang are both covering Ruby's eyes as Jaune frantically hits the off button.

Yang: "I told you! I told you!"

Jaune: "My fault for being an optimist, fine!"

Ruby: "It was just getting good!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

As a thought for fixing RWBY further, I had a discussion on my Discord that made me realize a way to make the Jaundice arc better, and make CRDL actually matter:

For one thing? RWBY, JNPR and CRDL are all vying for the position of top First year team.

Team RWBY has incredible combat talent, but Ruby is both the strong and weak link: Strong because in combat she is a great leader, weak because outside of combat she cannot keep her team focused and organized due to her inexperience. And conflicts between the team members outside of combat can weaken their performance.

Team JNPR has incredible combat potential, but Jaune is both the strong and weak link: Strong because his leadership and management allow JNPR to come together cohesively and resolve their issues, weak because he is not as well trained or combat experienced as the others which can be a liability in a fight.

Team CRDL has decent combat potential and Cardin is not the weak link: He's the center of gravity for the team with a powerful Semblance, excellent training in combat, and some experience as a leader in his combat school and thanks to his father's instruction. They may not have the same incredible overall talent as RWBY or JNPR, but they have grit, good teamwork and experience to make up the odds.

Cardin is still a bully, but he bullies Ruby and Jaune by calling out their weaknesses. He can still be a racist asshole, but he can have a VALID POINT: That Ruby and Jaune's teams have a lot of issues and weaknesses.

Thus you have Cardin and CRDL serve as recurring rivals, antagonistic, who can help Jaune and Ruby realize their weaknesses, confront them, and grow from them. Rather than having CRDL be punching bags, here they serve a narrative purpose. You can even expand on their characters like in Evermore to give them more nuance and depth. Yes Cardin in that series is a total asshole and bully and gets kicked off the team: Here? He's a bit more akin to Flash Thompson from the Spider-Man comics. Yes Flash could give Peter a hard time, but he was also always trying to drag Peter off to parties and set him up with girls. He was rough and went too far sometimes, but he was in the end trying to help Peter "man up" and be more social.

You don't have to "redeem" Cardin if you don't want to, but making CRDL actually strong and having a point ("It's not enough to just be talented, you have to be strong") gives them more of a point in the narrative and more things you can do with them. And rivalries can be good for character growth and exploration as well as plot advancement.

 

[AJ_Talon]

Team JNPR entered their dorm room, a bit exhausted but triumphant.

Nora: "WOOHOO! We smashed all those guys in the training matches, didn't we?!"

Jaune: "We did! Great work everyone! You're really coming along, despite my mistakes."

Ren: "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself, Jaune: You held your own in all the matches."

Pyrrha: "Indeed! You served as proper support."

Nora: "And I love that we got to use our combo move! Nora's Arc! You were all 'I'm ready!' and I was all 'HAMMER TIME!' And you were all 'Wait Nora not that hard' and I was like 'THUNDERSTRUCK!' and you screamed like a little girl!"

Jaune: sighs heavily "I did. A bit."

Pyrrha: smiles "But we won all the matches, which is what counts."

Nora: "Yeah! Girly Scream to victory! It's our new battle cry!"

Jaune: "It is not."

Nora: "But it was sooo funny!"

Jaune: "Literally anyone would scream like a girl if you were swinging their hammer right at you!"

Nora: "Aw, thanks Jaune!" hugs him "But I'm already taken by Ren! You'll need to find another orangette for your harem!"

Jaune: "I don't have a harem damnit!"

Pyrrha: "Of course not! But I would join it if you did, Jaune!"

Jaune: "Not helping!"

There is a sneeze from the closet, and it rattles. Everyone is on guard.

Nora: "Gasp! Something's in our closet!"

Jaune: "Blake? That you? Yang? Ruby? Zwei?"

Nora: "Double gasp! If it's not any of them, or Pyrrha... Who could it be?!"

Pyrrha: "... How could I be in that closet when I'm right here, Nora?"

Nora: "TRIPLE GASP! You've secretly been a ninja this whole time, Pyrrha! Why didn't you tell me?! It's so unfair! Ren's the only ninja on our team! Multiclassing is cheating!"

The closet door wobbled again... Jaune went forward, and took hold of the handle. He slid it open... And a blonde girl in glasses, a black hoodie, jeans and sneakers fell into his arms.

Girl: "Haa..." She stands up and hugs him properly, before saying in a monotone: "Thank you Jaune. It was getting a bit scary in there. It is nice to see you well."

Jaune: "Orchid?"

Nora: "WHAT?! THE CLOSET MAKES GENDERBENT CLONES OF JAUNE?! SHE'S SO CUTE, CAN I HAVE ONE?!"

Ren: "No Nora, that's his sister."

Nora: "Oh! Well... That makes more sense."

Pyrrha: stares into the closet with Jaune. There is a very elaborate computer set up with multiple holoscreens, a keyboard, and several other doodads as well as several figurines "Wait... Starlight Brigade?"

Orchid: "Yes. It is my very favorite show ever. Please don't touch those, they are collectors."

Jaune: "Then why did you bring them with you, Orchid?!"

Orchid: "They missed you too."

Jaune, Pyrrha, Nora, Ren and Orchid go to the common room and sit around the table, after getting some snacks.

Orchid: "I decided to come and see you compete in the Vytal Tournament, Big Brother."

Jaune: "Well, that's great Orchid. But uh, wouldn't you rather stay in a hotel?"

Orchid: "No. The CCT signal is best here. I can maintain my business operations very easily. Plus, your closet is very large and comfortable. Much like my closet back home."

Pyrrha: "You're locked in a closet back home?!"

Jaune: "Nonono! Orchid's just, you know... She's very shy."

Orchid: "Indeed. I prefer the solitude and dark, enclosed spaces. My family often tries to drag me out for social events or to improve my health. Jaune too."

Jaune: "It's because we love you."

There is the slightest smile on her face before she returns to being utterly tactiturn.

Orchid: "I know. I also love you too. But I do enjoy being alone, save for when I don't."

Nora: "That makes sense!"

Ren: nods "Indeed."

Pyrrha: sighs "Still, maybe staying here wouldn't be the best option? I mean, it's pretty crowded already. And your... Uncle?"

Orchid: "One of dad's friends. Since he was an orphan, he has a lot of old friends who aren't actually related to us but we call them Uncles and Aunts."

Nora: "Wow! You just recruit family members?! Can we sign up?!"

Orchid: "Perhaps. I think you and Dad would get along very well. Jaune already thinks of you like a sister, and Ren like a brother."

Nora: "Awwww! Really Jaune?"

Jaune: smiles warmly "Absolutely, Nora, Ren."

Nora: "Hee~!"

Ren does give Jaune a small smile. But...

Ren: "As to Pyrrha's previous point though...?"

Orchid: "I believe I am fine where I am. And I can provide payment for my stay."

Jaune: "You don't need to pay rent, Orchid! You're my sister-"

Orchid: "It's not rent. All of your friends all have high potential as future Hunters. Establishing good relationships with them will make my business go better."

Pyrrha: "Um... You never told us what that business was, Orchid?"

Orchid: "I helped get Jaune into Beacon. That is just one of my... Various business ventures."

Jaune: cough "Most of which are still very, very legal, yes?"

Orchid: "Yes. Most."

Ren: "Ah."

Nora: "Ooooh! You're a hacker! Neato!"

Orchid: "Yes."

Pyrrha: "Um, well, that's nice but I do think that you staying in our closet is much too-"

Orchid reaches into her hoodie, and produces... Pictures. Pictures of Jaune in a gothic lolita dress.

Jaune goes bright red. As does Pyrrha.

Jaune: "ORCHID!"

Pyrrha: "I-I completely accept you, Orchid! I look forward to working with you more in the future!"

Orchid: "Excellent. Please distribute these to the members of Team RWBY, with an offer for more. You can get another exclusive picture if you-"

Pyrrha is GONE.

Jaune: "ORCHID! SERIOUSLY?!"

Orchid: "It's not my fault Hunters also tend to be a bunch of perverts."

Jaune runs after Pyrrha. She turns to Nora and Ren.

Orchid: "As for you... I am willing to offer several financial and information services... In exchange..."

Nora: "For? I mean pictures of Jaune-Jaune in a dress are pretty funny but we'll need more!"

Orchid: blush "... I would like... Pictures of..." She glances at Ren, then looked down with a deeper blush "Um... In... A dress?"

Silence. Nora stares at Orchid. Ren flushes.

Ren: clears his throat "I'm... I'm sorry?"

Nora: "... You like Ren too?"

Orchid: "He is my ideal man."

Nora: "Hmmm... Usually I'd just hammer anyone who had a crush on MY RENNY..."

Ren tenses, and moves to protect Orchid from Nora... Before Nora grins.

Nora: "But if we're family, then we can get along! And I agree! Renny would be super cute dressed as a girl!"

Orchid: "He would... It's kind of my... Thing."

Nora: "IT'S MY THING NOW TOO! OH RENNY~!"

Ren, wisely, turns and jumps out the window.

Orchid: "... I'll track him down, you capture him."

Nora: "Sure thing, new sister!"

- - -

Yes, Orchid is a bit of a gremlin like Futaba from Persona 5. I thought it would be funny.

 

[AJ_Talon]

A training mission with RWBY, JNPR... And KDAM.

Weiss: "How did you get assigned as trainers?"

Kazuma: confident smile "Our impeccable credentials as heroes of the town of Axel!"

Megumin: "YES! THE FOREMOST GRIMM HUNTERS AND ADVENTURERS OF AXEL! WE WILL-"

Jaune: "You needed to do a favor for Ozpin so he would make sure you didn't have to pay fines, right?"

Aqua: wince "Ahahaha... Haa... Why Jaune, my beloved little brother, why would you say such a thing-?"

Jaune: "Cause he texted me."

Kazuma and Aqua: CRAP!

Weiss: "I'm already dubious about you, Arc, and your sister, but her husband?! And his harem?!"

Darkness: "Oh! You think I'm just a sex slave, a pathetic object of my team leader's lust? Nothing more than his plaything?"

Weiss: "Ah, no, I didn't mean-"

Darkness: "BECAUSE I AM! Ohhh, the way my master abuses and ignores me even while we are married-"

Jaune: "Kazuma, your wife is way too horny again, please stop her. There are children present."

Ruby: "I'M NOT A CHILD! I DRINK MY MILK!"

Megumin: "YEAH!"

 

[SharkCultist]

Jaune Arc was not having a good day. It might have been the milk for his cereal going bad.

But it's probably the gaping hole in his gut full of scorpion Grimm poison. Damn initiation was a bit harder than he expected.

And to add insult to injury the damn thing didn't even finish him, just tossed him into the ruins around them like trash.

Oh man you are fucked.

Andnnow he's hearing things. Guess he's bleeding out faster than he thought.

You aren't dead dumbass. Well at least not yet, but you will be in about four minutes maybe?

Why thank you creepy snarky voice it's really great knowing I've got four minutes of agony to look forward to.

I'm not in your head dumbass. Look on the ground next to your hand.

There's a mask laying on the ground. It looks similar to a white fang or Grimm mask but slightly different. There's no red marks on it. It's a simple bone mask shaped similar to a human skull if less detailed.

There you go, and hey you have two minutes left, now I'm sure you don't wanna die going out like a little bitch so how about you and me make a deal?

IT may be the blood loss talking but it couldn't hurt to hear what kind of deal is on the table.

We've got things each other needs. I have centuries of knowledge on killing things, and you have limbs. So lets make a trade. I'll make you a monster in combat and all you have to do is PUT ME ON. Or you could bleed out in the next thirty seconds. Your call Blondie.

Jaune reached for the mask like a half blind drunk but he managed to grab it and drag it up to his face.

Oh yeah by the way this is going to hurt. A LOT.

Jaunes Aura not even two hours old was warped and changed instead of covering him like a forcefield it sunk into his flesh. His Semblance not even yet awakened was cannibalized into fuel for the strange and horrifying changes Jaune was undergoing.

His flesh twisted and grew until Jaune went from a noodle into a mountain of muscle and murder, the bone mask that caused these changes fusing to his own skull and his blue eyes turned a haunting yellow.

Not bad kid, not bad at all. Still weak human flesh but I can work with this. Now how's about you and me go show that overgrown arachnid who's house this is?

"What did you do to me?!"

I did exactly what I said I would. I made you into a monster, you want to renegotiate? Well we're gonna need to do a few things first. Step one? KILL SOMETHING.

Jaune wanted to respond but he was hit with a endless well of hate and bloodlust. He had a second to realize it was coming from the mask connected to his face before a haze overtook him and he burst out of the ruins and threw himself at the Grimm.

"Hey Spidey, welcome to the splatterhouse!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

The Beacon courtyard appeared peaceful under the midday sun, the air thick with the scent of blooming roses and the distant clang of training weapons. This illusion was quickly shattered by two loud shouts.

"YOU!"

"YOU!

Students moved quickly, fleeing the storm brewing where Cardin Winchester and Velvet Scarlatina stood frozen, their faces drained of color.

Cardin's usual swagger was gone, replaced by a litany of muttered curses—"Crap, crap, crap…"—while Velvet's rabbit ears twitched in sync, her soft voice echoing his panic. "Crap, crap, crap…"

Across the cobblestones, two legends of a bygone era squared off, their presence like showdown from ancient mythology come back to life.

Yosemite Sam Winchester, Cardin's grandfather, stomped forward, his red mustache bristling like a lit fuse, his cowboy hat casting a short, angry shadow. Opposite him, Benjamin "Bugs" Scarlatina, Velvet's pawpaw, leaned casually against a lamppost, munching a carrot with a smirk that screamed trouble. The moment their eyes locked, the courtyard crackled with the weight of their ancient feud.

"Well, well, well," Yosemite growled, his boots thudding. "If it ain't the rabbit!"

Bugs's smirk widened, his chomp on the carrot deliberately loud. "Well, if it ain't ol' Shorty."

Yosemite's face went as red as his hair, his growl like a revving engine. "Still addicted to carrots? Surprised ya ain't gotten diabetes yet, rabbit!"

"Ehh, still addicted to blowin' yerself up?" Bugs shot back, twirling the carrot like a baton. "Seems more hazardous to yer health, Sammy Boy."

Velvet, her brown eyes wide with dread, darted forward, her voice a desperate plea. "Papa, please, let's not fight—"

"Yeah, Granddad, it's not a big deal—" Cardin added, his broad shoulders hunching, his usual bravado crumbling.

Bugs raised a brow, his gaze flicking to Velvet. "Eh? You know this redheaded sprog o' Sam's, Velvet?"

Yosemite's eyes narrowed, his glare pinning Cardin. "You know this little brat o' the rabbit's?"

"Don't you call my granddaughter a brat!" Bugs snapped, pointing a gloved finger. "I wouldn't be talkin' with the musclehead you produced!"

"Better a musclehead than a delicate little—!" Yosemite started, his voice rising to a bellow.

Velvet, her face flaming scarlet, grabbed Cardin's hand in a panic-driven lunge, her voice cracking. "Papa, please! He's my boyfriend!"

Cardin's jaw went slack, his hazel eyes bulging as his brain short-circuited. The courtyard fell silent, save for the distant chirp of a sparrow.

Bugs and Yosemite's voices exploded in unison. "WHAT?!"

"Yer datin' Sam's grandson?!" Bugs gaped, his carrot hitting the ground with a soft thud.

"No boy o' mine is gonna date any relation o' the rabbit's!" Yosemite roared, his hat nearly flying off as he shook a fist.

"He's no good fer ya, sweetie!" Bugs added, flailing his arms. "He's all guts, no brains—!"

"Oh like yer little brat is any great prize!" Sam snarled.

"Still better than your overgrown lummox of a grandson!"

"She got yer effeminate nature, ya doggone lowdown crossdressing varmint!" Sam bellowed.

Bugs snickered. "Heh! Seems to me you passed down yer taste fer 'em!"

"You crossdressin' varmint!" Yosemite bellowed, his mustache quivering. "That's all yer fault!"

The two grandfathers launched into a full-blown shouting match, their insults echoing across the courtyard—"Carrot-chompin' con artist!" "Dynamite-dumb dimwit!"—as students began to gather, drawn by the spectacle.

Cardin seized the chance, grabbing Velvet's wrist and dragging her toward the dorms, his voice a harsh whisper. "Seriously?! How did that help?!"

Velvet's ears drooped, her face still burning as she stumbled after him. "I panicked!"

"Well think of something, quick!" Cardin hissed, "Before they break out the big guns!"

"I-I can't-!"

"You can!" Cardin growled, squeezing her hand tightly. "Come on! You can do it!"

"You… You believe in me?" Velvet asked in shock.

Cardin's point was more that Velvet had gotten them into this mess… But beggars couldn't be choosers.

"Yes!" He said firmly, squeezing her hands between his as he stared into her (gorgeous) eyes, "I believe in you!"

Velvet flushed.

Shit that's cute, Cardin thought.

Velvet turned to their arguing grandparents, and took a deep breath.

"HEY! CUT IT OUT!" She screamed.

Both Bugs and Sam paused, one wielding a singing sword, the other his twin guns.

Velvet, her ears trembling but her resolve hardening, doubled down, her voice firm despite the blush consuming her face. "W-Well, we're madly in love, and you'd better behave yourselves, or we won't see you during the holidays! Or let you see your grandkids!"

Cardin, snapping out of his daze, managed a shaky, "Y-Yeah!"

Bugs and Yosemite froze, their eyes narrowing as they sized each other up, the weight of Velvet's ultimatum sinking in.

Bugs scratched his chin, his tone grudging but softer. "Well… if it's true love an' all… eh, no accountin' fer taste…"

Yosemite crossed his arms, his scowl deep but wavering. "I ain't gonna attend no weddin' with no rabbits!"

Cardin's voice cracked, his face paling. "Wedding?!"

"Well, if he's gotten her with a bushel of bunnies, he's gonna marry her!" Bugs stated firmly.

"Oh no he ain't!" Sam bellowed, holding his guns up. Bugs stood right up to him, sword held up.

"Oh yes he is!"

"Ohhh no he ain't!"

"OHHH YES HE IS!"

"OHHH NO HE AIN'T!"

Bugs took a deep breath.

"OHH NO HE WON'T!"

"OHHH YES HE WILL!" Sam shouted.

"OH NO HE WON'T!"

"OHHH YES HE WILL!"

"OHHH NO HE WON'T!"

Sam threw his hat down on the ground and growled.

"DAGNABBIT IF HE'S GOTTEN HER PREGNANT HE'S GONNA MARRY HER BECAUSE A WINCHESTER STANDS BY HIS WOMAN! EVEN IF SHE'S RELATED TO THE RABBIT!" He glared at Cardin and thrust a finger at him like he was pointing his gun. "YOU HEAR THAT BOY?! IF YOU KNOCK HER UP YOU'RE MARRYING HER AND NEVER BREAKING HER HEART!"

"Y-YES SIR!" Cardin declared, holding Velvet's hand more tightly as he stood at military attention. "I'LL LOVE AND TREASURE HER FOREVER!"

Sam nodded, crossing his arms over his chest with a firm nod.

"Dang right!"

"Well well," Bugs chuckled, "Guess that showed me, Sam. Good to know yer raising an upstandin' young man."

Sam preened, putting his thumbs behind his suspenders.

"I am!"

He paused and frowned.

"Wait a second… Somethin' don't seem right about this here situation," he muttered.

Velvet squeezed Cardin's hand desperately. The redhead cleared his throat.

"Pr-Probably because we're not having a nice luncheon with our grandpas! T-To celebrate us dating!" Cardin offered.

"Sounds good to me!" Bugs laughed, pushing Sam towards the cafeteria, "Come on, let's go, let's go!"

"Fine fine, don't rush me, rabbit!" Sam huffed.

As Bugs passed by Cardin, he still grinned… But lowered his voice.

"Just so you know, you break her heart, you're not gonna make it, Doc~."

In that moment, staring into the old Rabbit Faunus' eyes, Cardin knew true terror. Then Velvet stepped up with her (adorable) pout and scowled at her grandfather.

"He won't, Pawpaw," Velvet said sincerely.

"Y-Yeah, I won't," Cardin managed.

Bugs' smile became warm and light again, as did the atmosphere.

"Great! Let's see how the roast carrots are here!"

"You and your carrots, rabbit!" Sam groaned, as the two old rivals bustled into the cafeteria.

Cardin and Velvet looked at eachother.

"What have you gotten me into?" Cardin sighed.

"I-I could say the same," Velvet managed. She sighed. "Still… If we can keep them from fighting when they visit, it'll be worth it."

Cardin nodded.

"Yeah… Yeah, sure."

"But um…" Velvet smiled shyly, "Thanks for playing along."

"I didn't exactly have much choice," Cardin deadpanned. Velvet flushed.

"I-I know… Still…"

"Come on," Cardin sighed, tugging her by her hand, "Let's make sure those two don't start fighting without us."

"Y-yeah," Velvet agreed.

The two headed into the cafeteria, still holding hands.

For the sake of Beacon's peace and quiet, of course.

- - - - -

Notes:
Naturally, Cardin's grandfather is Yosemite Sam and Velvet's grandfather is Bugs Bunny, both from Looney Tunes.

I meant to post this last week on my Patreon but I screwed up. So it's here a bit early.

 

[SharkCultist]

There are some friends that you love as a person but dread interacting with in public.

Nora was one such friend for Weiss.

So when she heard the loud girl yelling for her across the cafeteria she braced herself for the incoming headache.

"Weiss you know lots about dust riiiight?"

"I'm not helping you make better bombs."

"I don't want that, well I don't want that right now, nah I got some new weird dust types, crystal and powder and I want you to tell me what they are."

Sigh. Ok it could definitely be worse.

"Alright show me."

Thunk

Weiss stared at the substances on the table.

"Nora. This isn't dust."

"Huh? Then what is it?"

"I have a better question, where the hell did you get crystal meth and cocaine in a school?!"

"Dr.Oblek dropped em! I was gonna give em back but he zippied off before I could."

"Somehow that makes far too much sense. Well we better dispose of these."

"We just throw them in the trash?"

"What? No. We put them in team CRDL's lockers and call Goodwitch."

 

[AJ_Talon]

After reforming, Cardin and his team had taken it upon themselves to be bros to all-Especially Jaune and Ren. During a study break, Team CRDL, Jaune and Ren were discussing things at a table some distance from RWBY, Nora, and Pyrrha.

Ruby: "Sooo... What do you think they're talking about? Blake?"

Blake: "Not telling."

Yang: "Come onnn! You should!"

Blake: "No."

Weiss: snorts "It's probably lewd and asinine. Like comparing which girl has the largest chest or something."

Nora: "Oooh... So they won't be talking about you? Clever, Weissy!"

Weiss: furious "You-I-URGH!"

Yang: laughs "Relax Weiss! VB's still got a torch for you!"

Weiss: "I don't care!"

Pyrrha: "Still... It might be nice to know what they're talking about? Blake?"

Blake: "I said no."

Abruptly, Jaune gets up. He turns and walks over to the table where the ladies are sitting at. He looks Yang right in the eyes.

Yang: "Uh... Something I can help you with, VB?"

Jaune: "Yang? I think you'd still be one of the hottest girls at this school even if you had a beard. I bet it would be just as beautiful and luxurious as your hair."

Silence. Yang's jaw drops. Jaune flushes, then shrugs.

Jaune: "All I wanted to say." He turns back, walks back to the table, and sits down. The rest of the young men stare in awe at him.

Yang: "I... What?!"

Pyrrha: "What-What were they talking about that led there?!"

Blake: turns back to her book "I can't even understand it myself, so I'm not even going to try."

Ruby: "At least give us a heads up next time?!"

Blake: "No. This was funnier."

 

[SharkCultist]

Jaune Arc was a simple man with simple desires.

Oh sure once he dreamed of heroics and battle as any young boy does but time had tempered that fire.

No Jaune was content with his farm life, his beautiful wife, and his kids.

Up at dawn while he left his lovely wife cocooned in their blankets, her crimson hair the only thing poking out from the blanket barrier.

Pyrrha wasn't a morning person and that was ok. He made the better breakfast anyway.

After making a quick batch of pancakes (with extra red syrup of course) and covering plates for his family he ate quickly and went to the fields.

First things first check on the animals. Make sure that Blake and Zwei had their bowls filled and that that damn bull Adam wasn't tearing up the fence. Again.

After that check on the scareqrow and make sure it didn't need any repairs.

No tears, no wood rot in the stand and it was well secured.

It was fine. Everything was fine.

So why did he feel a pit in his stomach?

He decided to give the entire farm a once over.

The sun was beginning to creep up in the sky and move the shadows in weird angles. That one over by the Forrest almost looked like a person.

Except when Jaune took a second look that was a person. Or close to it. Against the tree a person shaped shadow, female obviously by the dress outline, kinda short.

Jaune?

Pain lanced through his head and he had to close his eyes for a second to let it pass. When he opened them whatever hallucination he saw was gone. It was just him and the Ravens in the trees.

Wonderful. The heat must be getting to him, it's about lunch time, might as well go take a break instead of standing around doing nothing.

He enters the house and notices the door squeaking, he'll have to fix that later.

For now a sandwich and some tea sound magical.

Pyrrha is up and at the table waiting for him. She's nursing a glass of hot tea and still has bedhead. The kids aren't around, must be out playing.

"Hey."

"Hey."

She's a vision of beauty even like this, bleary eyed and grumpy. He loved every part of her. Her hair, her eyes, even her scar...her...hmmm. lost his train of thought.

"Hungry?"

She gave a hum and shook her head. That was fine.

"How was your day?"

"Fine. Started feeling weird and figured I needed a rest. Came back home."

There was a odd look in Pyrrhas eyes. One part pity, one part pain.

"It's time to get up Jaune. There's been enough rest."

Something about her tone made his stomach drop.

"Pyrrha?"

"Jaune. I love you and I wish I didn't have to do this. But people need you."

He's just a farmer, who would need him? He's fine here with his family.

"How did we meet Jaune?"

They met at Beacon.

"It was....after you left beacon right?"

"How many kids do we have? What are their names? Boys or girls?"

That's a easy one their names are...he can't remember their names. He can't remember their faces. This is wrong. This can't be happening.

"Jaune. What injury do you think made me leave beacon?"

Yeah. They got married after she had to quit being a huntress. Because of the injury. The Arrow.

He was crying. He was confused and scared and even though Pyrrha was right there it felt like she was far outside of his reach.

He looked at her begging for some kind of lifeline. Something to prove that this was just a cruel prank.

She was crying. Just as hard as he was.

"I don't want you to go. I want to be selfish, to hold you here with me. But people need you, good people. Our friends and family, real family Jaune not dreams, need you."

His friends....RWBY. his family Ren and Nora and all the Arcs. They needed him. But.

"I don't want to go."

"I know. But you will."

"I should have stayed a farmer."

Jaune got up from the table feeling like his body was weighed down with the weight of the world. He headed to the door and went to face the world.

---

He woke up Inside some kind of large goopy black egg. Thrashing and glowing harshly with aura he ripped himself out of the fleshy prison and collapsed to the ground throwing up lungfuls of black goo.

He looked around. There were more of the eggs with his friends floating in them. Their faces twisted in anger and fear.

He got to work ripping them out of the eggs one by one.

The first one to recover enough to talk was Ren.

"T-thank you Jaune."

"How'd you get out?"

He wasn't sure who asked that. His head still wasn't in a good place

"Pyrrha woke me up after things started to get strange."

It was dead silent.

"Pyrrha was there?"

"Yeah. What people were in your dreams? And how come I'm the only one who woke up?"

"We didn't have dreams Jaune. We were alone in the dark. All of us."

The words hit Jaune harder than any blow. Already he could feel the fake memories fading away, no games with kids that didn't exist or toiling away on a farm that wasn't there. It was all draining away.

Except.

He still remembers her voice, dancing together in the barn, cuddling on the porch in the moonlight, soft touches and warm laughter.

Everything else may have been fake. But Pyrrha was very real. And she saved him one last time.

 

[AJ_Talon]

They really needed to stop going out to be vigilantes. It never ended well! Jaune had tried to talk Blake out of it, so had Ruby. But somehow his "fiance" had run off like she always did!'

Now RWBY and JNPR had followed her out to an outpost where the White Fang were holed up. And they were... Past tense. Now there were nothing but Grimm, including an Alpha that roared at them.

Jaune: "Okay... Ruby? We'll begin a fighting retreat. Pyrrha and Yang in the back!"

Ruby: "Right! We'll cut our way out back and-!"

A sudden chill fell over the rickety old outpost... And a blue and black blur burst through the window. Grimm fell to pieces as frost and ice erupted all around them.

Weiss: "What the-?!"

The Alpha Grimm roared and charged at the blur. It stopped, but its icy blade blurred as it was slashed through the air at superhuman speeds. The Grimm fell back, frozen solid... and then fell apart into pieces. It collapsed into a pile. The icy mists receded... And a curvy, beautiful fox Faunus girl stood amid the ice, sheathing her sword.

Miyabi: taps her earpiece "Building is clear." She turned to the group "Hunters-in-training have been located."

Jaune blinked a few times, as did Blake.

Jaune/Blake: "Miyabi?!"

They start and look at one another.

Jaune/Blake: "You know her?!"

Miyabi approaches Jaune with a soft smile. He hugs her... Much to the ire of the other women.

Jaune: "It's great to see you!"

Miyabi: "Likewise. It has been some time, Jaune... Same with you, Blake."

Blake tensed.

Miyabi: "As Section 6 chief of the Special Operations Force for Atlas' Public Safety Division, I do have the jurisdiction to place you under arrest for terrorism, grand larceny, arson, conspiracy to distribute pornography without a license-"

Weiss: "That last one is somehow the least surprising..."

Jaune: "Miyabi... Um... Things are... Complicated-"

Blake: "He's my fiance! I'm pregnant!"

Miyabi: "Why are you on a mission then? That's very irresponsible. You should care for your unborn child better, Blake. You were always irresponsible."

Blake: "You signed up with Atlas and human security forces!"

Miyabi: "Yes. After Menagerie banished my family for political reasons."

Blake: "My parents tried to prevent your expulsion!"

Miyabi: "Yes, which is why I'm willing to hear you out and not just knocking you out."

Jaune: "Um, well..."

Blake sighs.

Blake: "Please call Headmaster Ozpin on this number."

Blake hands it over. Miyabi calls.

Miyabi: "Headmaster, this is Hoshimi Miyabi. It is about Blake Belladonna... I see. It would have been nice to have been informed of this beforehand... I understand. Thank you. Have a good evening." She ends the call "I see... Forgive me, Blake. I did not know the situation."

Blake: "It... I have a lot to make up for."

Miyabi: "Yes. You do."

Blake: scowls "How do you know Jaune, anyway?!"

Miyabi: "My father and I stayed for a time in Radian after our exile. We stayed with the Arcs while my father set up his businesses. Jaune was very kind."

Pyrrha: "He is at that." A bit tense.

Miyabi: "In fact, I believe he proposed marriage to me."

RWBY, Jaune and Pyrrha: "WHAT?!"

Nora: "Another shocking twist! Ren! We need dramatic organ music!"

Ren: "No."

Nora: "Awww!"

Jaune: "I DIDN'T! I-I mean, I don't think I did!"

Miyabi: "My apologies. That was a joke."

Nora: "HAHAHA! That was great!"

Jaune: "It wasn't! I-I mean, it was funny, Miyabi, but um... Maybe with time?"

Miyabi: "Ah. I shall continue my training in comedy to improve. In any event, it is good to see you both well, Jaune, Blake. My section is on detached assignment in Vale for the time being. It would be nice to catch up."

Jaune: "Y-yes, it would be!"

At the glares of her fellow teammates... Blake sighs.

Blake: "Sure."

Miyabi: "Excellent. Excuse me please." She dashes off

Weiss: "Seriously?! You BOTH know her?!"

Jaune: "Small world, huh?"

Blake: "It's getting a little too small and... What's that in your pocket?"

Jaune: "What? Oh... Um..." unfolds a piece of paper "Her Scroll number."

Yang: "With a lipstick mark?" sarcastic

Jaune: "It's just another of her jokes! Honest! I see her like a little sister!"

Ruby: "A little sister with bazongas out to here! HOW IS THAT FAIR?!"

Weiss: "Oh gee, you think YOU have issues?!"

Ruby: "So you're admitting I'm bustier than you despite being two years younger~?"

Weiss: "DIE!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

The Beacon courtyard buzzed with the usual hum of student chatter, the air thick with the scent of freshly cut grass and polished Dust-infused weapons. Team RWBY and JNPR lingered near a fountain, catching their breath after a sparring session, when a bizarre duel erupted before them. Jaune Arc, his blond hair mussed and his blue eyes blazing, squared off against Billy Kid, a lanky, gunmetal-gray android with glowing yellow optics and a star-spangled scarf fluttering dramatically. Billy, a close friend of Jaune's father and an honorary "uncle" to the Arc clan, clutched a volume of Starlight Knights like a sacred relic, his mechanical voice crackling with nerdy indignation. Jaune, brandishing a pristine Starlight Brigade manga, wasn't backing down.

"You take that back!" Jaune shouted, jabbing his manga forward. "Starlight Brigade is superior to Starlight Knights!"

"NO WAY, STARLIGHT BUDDY!" Billy retorted, his optics flaring as he waved his manga. "How dare ya turn yer back on Starlight Knights! Starlight Brigade's just a cheap knock-off!"

"They're totally different!" Jaune countered, stepping closer. "But Starlight Brigade is BETTER!"

"BLASPHEMY!" Billy's voice glitched, his metal fingers tightening as he lunged, manga raised like a sword.

Their volumes clashed with a thwap, pages fluttering in the breeze as they parried and swung, their nerdy duel drawing a crowd of gawking students.

Ruby Rose's silver eyes lit up, and she couldn't resist. She snatched a Starlight Brigade volume from Jaune's backpack, leaping in with a squeal. "I'm with Jaune! Starlight Brigade forever!"

Billy's head swiveled, his optics narrowing. "What?! How could ya join the side of EVIL, lil' scythe gal?!"

Jaune held up a hand, his voice firm despite the absurdity. "Stay back, Ruby! This is a duel between men over hot-blooded manga! We can't fight him two on one—it'd be unfair!"

Weiss Schnee, her arms crossed and her ice-blue eyes rolling, muttered, "What am I even looking at?"

"Hey, beats History class," Yang snickered.

"GO JAUNE AND JAUNE'S ROBOT UNCLE!" Nora cheered.

Billy struck a dramatic pose, his scarf billowing as he raised his manga high. "STARLIGHT BREAKER SUPREME!"

Jaune mirrored him, his voice booming. "STARLIGHT POWER CHORRRRD!"

With a final smack, Jaune's swing knocked the manga from Billy's grip, sending it sailing into the grass. Billy's optics flickered, and he dropped to his knees, his metal hands clutching his faceplate. "NOOOOOOOO!!!"

Jaune's triumph faltered, his eyes widening with guilt. "Oh! Billy! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to!"

Billy's voice hitched, his servos whirring mournfully. "It was a limited edition with FOIL WRAP, Jaune! Signed by the artist at Vale Comic-Con!"

Jaune's face crumpled, his voice a horrified gasp. "NOOOOOOO!"

The crowd murmured, Yang Xiao Long biting her lip to hide her grin, her lilac eyes glinting with suppressed nerdy glee—she itched to join the manga brawl but feared outing herself as a closet geek. Blake Belladonna, leaning against a tree, smirked behind her novel, while Pyrrha Nikos watched with a mix of concern and amusement. Nora Valkyrie cackled, nudging Ren, who sighed, "This is why I avoid conventions."

Before the drama could spiral further, a nearby TV screen on the courtyard's bulletin board flared to life, blaring an ad. A bombastic voice announced, "Prepare for the ultimate crossover! Starlight Knights and Starlight Brigade unite in a special episode, with a new line of limited-edition merch dropping this week!"

Billy's optics snapped up, his voice glitching with awe. "GASP! Starlight Buddy… we shouldn't be fightin'!"

Jaune's eyes sparkled, his grin wide as he grabbed Billy's metal shoulders. "YEAH! STARLIGHT IS THE BEST!"

"YEAAAAHHHHH!" Billy cheered, as he and Jaune high-fived, their feud forgotten.

Weiss's patience shattered, her voice a shrill bark. "WILL YOU TWO WEIRDOS CUT IT OUT ALREADY?!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

Astra Yao: "Oh, hello Weiss~! Quite a change in career wouldn't you say? From songtress to Huntress?"

Weiss: irritated "I'm sure you're happy for less competition."

Astra Yao: "But I enjoyed our little rivalry! I think it brought out the color in your cheeks~."

Weiss: "Grrrr...!"

Jaune: "Hey Weiss, Ruby wanted me to-Oh wow! Astra Yao?!"

Astra: "Oh, are you a fan?"

Jaune: "My sister has all of your albums!"

Astra: "Oh, wonderful~!"

Weiss: "Wha-HOW IN THE HELL HAVE YOU HEARD OF HER AND NOT ME?!"

Astra: "Now now, Weiss, I'm sure your boyfriend enjoys your singing voice more than mine."

Weiss: "HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!"

Jaune: "Did you do tours across Vale?"

Weiss: "I DID 2 TOURS THROUGH VALE!"

Jaune: "Oh... I guess my sisters weren't fans?"

Weiss: "Wha-THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU LISTEN TO ME?!"

Jaune: "Sorry? I was busy with farm work and studying for medical school?"

Astra: "If he's not your boyfriend why do you even care, Weiss~?"

Weiss: "I-YOU-I DO NOT-SHUT UP!"

 

[AJ_Talon]

The bustling streets of Vale's downtown district thrummed with life, the air heavy with the scent of street food and the hum of Dust-powered neon signs. Jaune Arc, his blond hair catching the evening glow, walked stiffly beside Blake Belladonna, her amber eyes scanning the crowd with a wary edge. Blake's hand rested on his arm, her grip a touch too tight, as she leaned in.

"I don't know how you talked me into this," Jaune mumbled, "Why are we going on dates?"

"Because we need to keep up this up!" Blake hissed. "I-I don't want to let my parents down!"

"Maybe you could just tell them the truth?" Jaune asked, not unkindly. "I'm sure they'd forgive you."

Blake sighed, her ears drooping underneath her bow.

"I'm sorry, I-I just... I'm not ready to..." She shook her head. "I can't. I'm sorry."

"Blake," Jaune said with a soft murmur. He squeezed her hand compassionately.

"That said," he added, "Yang is also playing the fake fiancé thing."

"So?!" Blake demanded. "Your Nana thinks you're engaged to five girls anyway! You should at least be able to make time for me, your first fake fiancé!"

Jaune blinked slowly.

"Wait what-?!"

"JAUNE!"

Jaune turned to the voice. Out of the crowd emerged a white haired lynx Faunus man in a blue police uniform, a shield and an electroprod sword on his back. At his side was a rat Faunus woman in torn stockings, jean shorts, a black tanktop and denim jacket, smirking at them as her tail waved lightly. Jaune's eyes widened, and he grinned.

"Cousin Seth?!"

"JAUNE! HAHAHAHA!"

Seth ran up and hugged him tightly, a hug Jaune returned. The rat Faunus girl walked up, her hips swinging confidently as she spun a ring knife around her finger.

Blake blinked rapidly.

"W-Wait... You have a Faunus cousin, Jaune?!"

Jaune pulled back and grinned.

"Yeah! I mean, well, he's not blood related but he's the son of my dad's friend, and I grew up calling him Uncle! So, yeah, cousins!"

"You've gotten really tall!" Seth laughed, slapping his back, "Shield and sword too, huh?"

"Definitely!" Jaune said.

"Ahem?" The rat Faunus woman coughed. Seth winced and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Oh! Sorry. Jaune, this is my girlfriend Jane Doe! Jane, this is Jaune, my cousin, and...?" He looked at Blake. Blake immediately clung to his arm, as Jaune coughed.

"Ah, this is Blake Belladonna. My-"

"F-Fiance!" Blake insisted. Jaune's forced smile wobbled, his blue eyes darting nervously.

"Y-Yeah, that!"

"Wow! Congratulations Jaune!" Seth called, his voice bright as he adjusted his Public Security badge, his scarf fluttering. "Didn't expect to see you and your fiancée out here!" His yellow eyes sparkled with genuine delight, fully buying Blake's act. "Man, you're already getting hitched? Uncle Nick must be over the moon!"

Jaune's face flushed, his voice cracking. "Uh, y-yeah, Seth, it's… a thing." He shot Blake a pleading look, but she just squeezed his arm, her bow twitching as she doubled down.

"Indeed," Blake said, her voice smooth but strained, her tail flicking under her coat. "Jaune and I are… very committed. Right, darling?"

"Darling?!" Jaune squeaked, his blush deepening as Seth beamed.

Jane, her rat-like tail swaying, leaned against Seth with a smirk that could cut glass. "Oh, darling, is it? How adorable." Her voice dripped with mock sweetness, her green eyes glinting as she twirled a lock of dark hair. "You two are just the picture of wedded bliss. When's the big day? Got a venue picked out? Or are we still… pretending for the cameras?"

Blake's eyes narrowed, her ears pinning back under her bow. "It's not a pretense," she said, her tone sharp. "Jaune and I are—"

"Totally in love, yeah, yeah," Jane interrupted, waving a hand, her grin wicked. "I mean, look at you, clinging to him like he's your lifeline. And Jaune, that nervous sweat? Pure romance. Bet you're already picking out baby names."

Jaune's voice hit a new octave. "B-Baby names?! We're not—!"

"Jane, c'mon, don't tease 'em," Seth said, his tail flicking as he nudged her. "They're engaged! It's serious! Right, Jaune? You're gonna make Blake an Arc, keep the family legacy goin'!" His earnestness was almost painful, his belief in the ruse unshakable.

Blake's cheeks flushed, her voice faltering. "Y-Yes, exactly. The… Arc legacy."

Jane's laugh was a low purr, her eyes locked on Blake. "Oh, kitty, you're good. But you're gonna have to sell it better than that if you want to fool me." She leaned closer, her voice dropping. "What's the real deal? Dodging an ex? Covering for some White Fang shenanigans? Or just messing with poor Jaune for kicks?"

Blake's tail lashed, her voice a hiss. "There's no 'real deal.' We're engaged, and that's that."

"Sure, sure," Jane said, winking at Jaune, who looked ready to bolt. "And I'm the Queen of Menagerie. Tell you what, 'fiancé,' let's see a kiss. Seal the deal right here, in front of your cousin and me."

Jaune's eyes widened, his face a beacon of red. "A k-kiss?!"

Blake froze, her ears twitching violently. "That's… not necessary—"

"Oh, c'mon!" Seth urged, clapping Jaune on the back, his tail swishing. "Give her a smooch, cousin! Show us that Arc charm!"

Jane cackled, her grin feral. "Yeah, go on, Blake. Pucker up. Unless… you're not actually engaged?" Her eyebrow arched, daring them to crack.

Jaune and Blake exchanged a panicked glance, the weight of the charade crushing them. Blake's jaw tightened, her voice barely audible. "Fine." She grabbed Jaune's collar, yanked him down, and pressed a quick, stiff peck to his lips before pulling back, her face scarlet.

Jaune stood frozen, his brain short-circuiting, while Seth whooped, "That's my cousin!" Jane's laughter rang out, sharp and knowing, as she clapped slowly.

"Wow, such passion," Jane teased, her tail flicking. "I'm swooning. You two are gonna have the most convincing wedding ever."

Blake glared, her voice low. "Enough, Jane."

"Aw, don't be mad, kitty," Jane said, looping her arm through Seth's. "I'm just havin' fun. You keep up your little game, and I'll keep my mouth shut… for now." She winked, tugging Seth along. "C'mon, babe, let's leave the lovebirds to their… engagement."

Seth grinned, waving as they walked off. "Congrats again, Jaune! Blake, welcome to the family!"

As they vanished into the crowd, Jaune slumped, his voice a groan. "Blake, why are we still doing this?!"

Blake's ears drooped, her voice soft but stubborn. "It's… complicated, okay? Just… play along a bit longer."

Jaune sighed, rubbing his temples, while Yang's voice echoed in his mind from a poker night long ago, warning him about Blake's schemes. "This is gonna end in disaster, isn't it?"

Blake's gaze softened, a flicker of guilt in her eyes. "Maybe… but thanks, Jaune. For sticking with me."

He managed a tired grin, his voice wry. "Yeah, well, what's family for?"

 

[AJ_Talon]

A fun idea was that thanks to his family's shenanigans, Jaune is fairly genre savvy. And so he has to keep his friends from getting into all sorts of supernatural trouble. For instance:

Nora buys items that belonged to two lovers who committed suicide.

Jaune: "... Why?!"

Nora: "They were on sale!" They start to glow "Also they glow!"

Jaune quickly smacks them away with his sword... And they hit Cardin and Velvet

Cardin: "What the-?!"

Velvet: "Ah-?!"

They stare at eachother, eyes glowing... And then begin to vigorously make out

Jaune: "... Well... That was close."

Nora: "Eh?"

Jaune: "I'm not going to NTR my best male friend, Nora."

 

[SharkCultist]

Sun was a lot more spiritual than most people expected.

It kinda comes from being raised by a monk.

He spent his formative years deep in stories and myths of legends and gods. Things long forgotten by modern man and some that had never been written and recorded, only passed through the ages by mouth.

Sun had come to a few conclusions about gods. They were prideful, they were powerful, and they loved to see mortals suffer and sacrifice.

So when he saw a tidal wave of Grimm tearing through Vale and he was out of aura within a hour of constant fighting he decided to give a god what they wanted.

He got a handful of blood (there was plenty of it on the streets) and began painting symbols on his body harsh jagged lines and circles full of strange characters painted up and down his arms and legs with two big circles on his chest and forehead.

Most of the gods had been completely silent. Faded, forgotten, or fled from the world. But still one or two had a whisper in the world, and there was one god who might be willing to answer him.

"Father of my father's father. Ancestor of ancestors. I call upon the god of might and the final mercy. My flesh for your form, my soul for your salvation. Please grant me victory. Animus!"

The symbols burned themselves into his skin and his body shifted. Dark rust colored Fur climbed up his arms and legs, sharp claws erupting from his fingers and toes. Venomous fangs filled his mouth as patches of silver scales appeared on his cheeks and chest while a crown of feathers and horns grew from his scalp as the color bled from his hair. Even his tail didn't escape unchanged, it lengthened and thickened until it was a twice the length of his body and as thick as his arm with a small tuff of fur at the end hiding deadly quills dripping venom.

Sun had sold his soul to a god for power. And power he received.

The constructs of a old woman using the left behind dregs of a gods power were nothing before a demigod champion hand crafted by a god of death.

Just being within a hundred miles of him had them melting.

Vale was brutalized but healable. In any other story this would be where he have our good ending. Happily ever after.

But being a demigod is a change down to the soul and Animus still had jobs for his newest son. And his first job?

"Bring me the one who is many, the shattered reflection, and the puppet."

Sun had work to do.

 

[SharkCultist]

Remnant has some odd holidays, a lot of them aren't widely celebrated (looking at you buttslappen day). But one holiday that is surprisingly popular and widely celebrated is the Soup Festival.

Remnant has had a lot of hard times, kinda comes with having giant evil shadow monsters everywhere, and whenever there's been need to stretch supplies, or a nice comfort during the colder months, soup was there.

So once a year around the start of fall a week long festival would be held. There would be people showing off recipes they had made or sharing traditional dishes. Plenty of stalls ladeling out bowls (or cups if you wanted to be mobile) of hot (or sometimes cold) soup. And more eating contest that is strictly healthy.

Even the beacon group were taking part.

Ren was happily sharing a traditional soup from his home known for its health benefits. The seven liver soup.

Nora and Ruby, ever the gremlins, made "sweet soup" by melting ice cream and throwing chunks of fruit in it (had she seen this neo would have definitely stabbed them.)

Pyrrha was in a heated argument with everyone not from Mistral defending her stance that yes Chili was a soup, it was just a really thick stew (before weeks ends people would be throwing hands).

Blake would make a hearty fish chowder (and share none of it.)

Yang would make a family chicken soup recipe (which would leave her and Weiss slightly melancholic for a bit, if for different reasons).

Ozpin would make many strange and obscure soups, or older versions of soups, that hadn't been popular for many years.

Cardin would make a surprisingly delicate butternut squash soup that he would savagely beat his team for eating the majority of (They at least left him enough for a picnic for two).

And Jaune would go all in and take over a entire kitchen to himself so he could make all his sisters favorite soups.

By the end of the week there would be many belly aches and more than a few people on their knees worshiping at the porcelain throne because their eyes and egos were bigger than their stomachs.


What a magical time of year.

 

[zMADLAXz]

OK, it seems I got the same bugs that AJT got, while I was revisiting Jaune SI BS threadmarks. Two souls, where one runs away from home and the other yearns for it.

Thankfully, the bastard ROB gave the unfortunate hitchhiker access to his world's Internet.

Be warned, I tend to swear like a guy who just learned how to swear while I think and that's gonna reflect on the SI.

Click to shrink...

Ok since all this plot discussion has got my engines revving I am going to continue this.

---

SLICE. SLICE. SLICE.


If one observed Training Room 11, they would see it littered with slashes, dents, cracks, and all sorts of other marks of destruction—signs one would usually attribute to an entire classroom of juvenile Huntsmen deciding, "Man, screw this architecture."


However, today, it was a single trainee responsible for this historical small-scale re-enactment of the battle between the Queen of Sabres and the founder of Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū style of fighting.


Ironically, it is the now-retired Queen's descendant who has decided to employ her favorite strategy of dealing with enemy castles.


Why is this fellow so stuck on this, you may ask? He is trying to achieve the pinnacle of sword fighting.


"Huff... hufff... hufff... I'm gonna shoot sword beams, even if I have to break every bone, dammit," huffed out Jaune Arc.


It is indeed Jaune Arc, the recently made leader of Team JNPR—and also an isekai insert target. However, he recently discovered that "that web show wasn't shit," and the worldbuilding is a lot more comprehensive, convoluted, and rampantly plagiarized than his prior knowledge suggested.


For example, Sabre and Archer were here and somehow related to him directly? Jaune (pre-SI) was not mind-bogglingly unaware of things pertaining to this world where things like Huntsmen were at the center?


Weiss and Ruby were actually somehow cuter in person? Also, did they not feed Weiss anything growing up, or is she naturally so portable and travel-sized?


Pyrrha was actually built like a demigod (he had to remind himself that while the Jaune part of him was raised by a not-Goku, half of him wasn't—but goddamn those quads).


There were a lot more nations that may be minor in size but still have a lot of history attached. Warfare was also more streamlined and practical (though Huntsmen were still flashy as a disco ball to maintain positivity and hope).


More importantly, his being here had either shifted the entire world directly or Remnant is more of a death world—because this time there was more than one Death Stalker on his team's ass. Through a clever application of his newly discovered Semblance (Aura amp for the win, baby), Nora being an absolute amazing Thor, Pyrrha with her needle-point accuracy and efficiency, and Ren's ability to always find the best blind spot, they had dispatched those arachnid bastards.


Team RWBY, like the original, tried to jury-rig a trap similar to arresting wires on a carrier to trap and decapitate that big bird. However, due to the fact that there were a lot more, well...

---

Flashback


Team RWBY had the perfect plan. However, they still found themselves on the back foot due to the fact that an entire pack of Giant Nevermore suddenly appeared to assist their entangled brethren.


Hastily, they had to disengage. But due to their positioning, they ended up back near the temple with the destroyed bridge.


Finding a good spot, and using both Yang and Nora's strength, they carved (more like demolished) out a minor structure into the wall of the giant ravine as a hiding spot. Now it was time to strategize.


"This is completely absurd—a flock of Giant Nevermore as soon as we were about to take care of one of them!" exclaimed Weiss, as she and the rest of the (currently not named) Team RWBY and Team JNPR bided their time.


"Umm, guys, I know this doesn't seem like the best position to be in, but I'm sure we can figure something out again. This is Beacon we're talking about! I know they probably made some way for us to survive and win if we just look hard enough," said Ruby, desperate to find something they might have missed.


"Well, I would suggest stealth, but it seems our options are limited if we truly wish to get everyone out," said Blake, already scanning the area and realizing there weren't any stable pathways out from this ravine—at least not if they wished to go undetected.


"Ren, do you think if I amp you enough, we can all pass by?" asked Jaune, reeling from the sudden turn of events. Facing multiple Death Stalkers and now this... the scenario was diverging fast, and he feared his supposed advantage would soon be moot.


"Usually, I would say yes," replied Ren, calm on the outside but frustrated within. "But the Grimm here are already in 'attack' mode. They've seen all of us, so even if I do it, they can still track us using audio or visual cues. Plus, if we make it to the plains and your Aura runs out, then we'll be in an open field—somewhere you absolutely don't want to be against a Nevermore, much less six of them."


"I think that a confrontation is inevitable now. We should plan on an attack rather than hope for a clear way forward, no?" said Pyrrha.


"Yeah, she's right. We already got them where we wanted at first, now we just have to get a combination to make sure we can all deal with them," said Yang, determined and ready.


Weiss started to protest against it, but Nora joined in on Yang's statement and it was starting to seem like another one of his sisters' arguments—so Jaune put a stop to it.


"OK, OK, people—we can get out of this situation. But for that, we need to keep the aggression on the low side, clear? So I agree that we need to make sure we don't attract too much attention on ourselves, but I can also see that a fight is inescapable right now. So here is how I think we should move, and tell me if you guys wish to add anything, alright?" Jaune said. While both sides of his mind were scared shitless, he knew he had to think calmly. He disassociated from the situation, treating it like one of his daydreams. That had worked until now—and he needed it to work now more than ever.


"And how exactly do you wish to achieve that?" questioned Weiss, one hand resting on another in the universal (more like multiversal) way of showing doubt.


"Using the best way of dealing with a group of dangerous adversaries, obviously: divide and conquer," said Jaune, with a slight smirk on his face and mischief in his eyes.


Outside, the Nevermore still circled, knowing their prey was near. Their instincts told them to stay put, to attack at the first sign of aggression. They weren't sentient, not as we know it—but they had instincts. They were made to be the devourers, the death, sorrow incar—


BOOOOOM. BOOOOOM. BOOOOOM.


Several explosions rang out amidst the flock, as Nora, standing on a glyph platform, used Magnhild to demonstrate her excellence over explosions.


"COME HERE AND TASTE SOME OF THIS SWEET, SWEET PINK, 'CAUSE MOMMA BROUGHT ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE!" shouted Nora, setting off another explosion, creating a lot of smoke as cover and shooting out of it, riding Magnhild.


The Grimm followed her, successfully taking the bait of Ruby and Jaune's plan.


"First, we need to assign roles. Nora and Yang can make a lot of noise and do a lot of damage, and Blake can distract with her clones. So I think one of them should be our opening act," said Jaune.


"Make a lot of noise? Yeah, Magnhild and I can easily do that—but then what, Leader?" asked Nora, enthusiastically.


"Well, I was thinking we can use that opportunity to move out using Ren's Semblance. However, we need to make sure not all of the Grimm are after her. I think we will have to take it from two sides," said Jaune, thinking of ways to make it happen.


"WAIT, Yang and I can do that!" exclaimed Ruby suddenly. Everyone looked at her, while Yang pointed at herself, confused.


BANG. BANG.


Two shots rang out, hitting two of the Nevermore. As they turned mid-chase, they saw Yang standing on another platform, gauntlets at the ready. Not seeing the hidden scope of Crescent Rose, they dived toward her.


And as soon as they reached within her distance—


"That's where you come in, Weiss," said Jaune, starting to understand what Ruby was playing at. Now it was her turn to look confused.


Ice structures surged. As Jaune amped her Aura to the max, Weiss used her glyphs to create icy platforms that pinned one of the Nevermore.


Immediately after—


"By the way, Pyrrha, what's your Semblance?" asked Jaune. He knew the answer but didn't want to face awkward questions if Pyrrha brought it up later.


"Weiss! Pyrrha! Railgun!" Jaune shouted.


Pyrrha hurled her javelin at the pinned Nevermore's eyes. Boosted by her polarity, the spear struck true, skewering it—making it easy pickings for Ruby with her Crescent Rose.


Meanwhile, Weiss summoned her time dilation glyphs, and Yang used them to leap onto the other Nevermore that had dived.


"Oh, you're partying with me today, big boy!" yelled Yang as she wrenched the Grimm upward using its head, steering it toward the flock behind Nora. Blake jumped from her hiding spot and hopped onto the Grimm alongside Yang.


"After that, it's basically us playing tag with the Grimm—keep in pairs, shift your attention from one Grimm to another after you finish destroying one," said Jaune.


"Also Blake, you will have to play diversion from time to time. Whenever you think a Grimm is getting in a stable position, distract it and then signal me to take it out!" said Ruby, finally in a comfortable spot to strategize.


"Alright Ruby, you know what to do," said Jaune.


He amped Ruby's Aura, and she immediately dashed after them in a storm of petals, keen on finding a good vantage point to use Crescent Rose like a sniper rifle, discreetly taking out targets. With Yang, Nora, and Blake limiting the Nevermore's flight patterns, she finally had the angle.


"Weiss, I know I was acting like a dumbass, but our exit strategy depends on you from here," Jaune said, trying to apologize for his earlier behavior.


Weiss took a deep breath and calmed herself. The strategy sounded more and more outlandish by the second—but also, paradoxically, like a good one.


"Well, I suppose since you have realized where you erred—and this is also about our survival—my grudge against you isn't of great importance at this moment. So, tell me what to do after that," said Weiss.


Using Weiss's time-dilating platforms—supercharged by Jaune's amplification—the remaining team of Ren, Pyrrha, Weiss, and Jaune moved out.


As soon as they reached the surface, Weiss sent off a large flare into the sky using fire Dust, alerting a Grimm who was chasing after another of its kind that Nora was currently hammering while riding its back.


As the Grimm broke off, following Jaune's instructions, it was cloaked by Ren and redirected toward Ruby, who was facing another Nevermore drawn in by Blake's distraction.


Due to this sleight of hand, it could only see Jaune and Pyrrha—both cloaked in Jaune's amplification, shields at the ready, legs bent and stable. When the Grimm volleyed feathers, they defended. And when it dove to finish them—


Without any signal, as though they'd fought side by side for a lifetime, Jaune and Pyrrha separated. As it passed between them, they struck its sides in unison—cutting it in half. Its momentum carried forward, and Pyrrha held the pieces down with her Semblance.


Meanwhile, by the combined efforts of the rest of the team, the final Grimm was taken down—


Securing victory for the budding teams of these young Huntsmen.

---

"That was a bitch and a half," thought Jaune.


After this entire debacle, Headmaster Ozpin had declared the teams—thankfully keeping the same layout as before—but this time, Team RWBY and Team JNPR were given an extra round of applause for their efforts in the face of this unanticipated hurdle.


Back in the present, Jaune was finishing up in Training Room 11. He packed away the gear, took a swig from his water bottle, and mentally drafted a schedule. Sunday training. Saturdays off. Vale had too much to explore—and too much that might burn one day—for him to waste it. If he was going to protect it, he needed to understand it.


He went to sheathe Crocea Mors... then chasing a slight flight of fancy, paused, holding it in his arms.


Canon made it look like a basic sword, but after today? After the forest and this training session? He couldn't help but chuckle. Corcea Mors, It was Gaius Julius Caesar's sword in the world History., and this blade's only known story he could remember was ironically of how he lost it to a prince during a fight. But here?


The balance was flawless. Edge razor-sharp. The blade had seen hell and came out without a scratch. Some cleaning, sure, but still good as new. It was just as durable as its shield-sheath. The grip fit like it was handcrafted for him.


He'd had a fleeting thought—go full Anakin Skywalker, get a blade that could switch lengths. Arming sword, longsword, montante. Modulate the edge with Dust, maybe even adjust for reach mid-fight. Heck, why not actually add a gun to either the blade or a mini gun to the shield?


But could anyone forge something like that and preserve this quality?

Canon Jaune had a blacksmith who reforged Crocea Mors using Pyrrha's tiara. And sure he assumed that this world's metallurgical excellence far outstripped Earth's due to the existence of demand for excellent weapons and magical element of Dust.

But despite those facts, a part of him didn't wish to go all gamer and optimize it at whim. On one hand he didn't have the skills to flaunt around various different mechashift forms on fly on the other.....

He never understood that a weapon could be made for you, sure he had enjoyed Bleach and it's concept and various other storied talked about it, but never felt it himself.

Yet, holding Crocea Mors now, remembering how it felt to fight against Grimm with it's firm steel under his command?

The sword was perfect.

Not ideal. Not optimized. Not even particularly flashy.

But perfect. Balanced like it was meant for him. The weight, the edge, the way it hummed in his grip. No chips. No bends. It took his rage and focus and carved a path through monsters like it was always meant to. It didn't need to be more.

Not yet.

He still wanted reach. Versatility. There were things he knew this-his sword couldn't do.

But for the first time… he wasn't sure if that meant it needed to change.

Maybe he needed to grow into it first.

Later, when he reconnected with the Arcs—when he understood what it meant to carry this name—maybe then, he'd earn the right to reshape it.

"I suppose it was inevitable that some room would be demolished once an Arc enters Beacon", came the sudden voice of Glynda Goddwitch.

Jaune, turned and immediately sheathed his Crocea Mors, putting it with the rest of his stuff.

"Ohhhh.... ummm good evening professor, and I am sorry for that, I thought I would figure something out but I guess I was too hasty, ha ha", nervously chuckled Jaune, as he rubbed the back of his head in a slightly embarrassed manner.
"Well, it can't be helped, though after that performance I'd advice you take some rest but I can also understand after-fight jitters, especially after the first fight", casually said Glynda as she turned away, fixing the room with her semblance.

"Oh well umm yea- wait first fight?", asked Jaune, suddenly alarmed and tried covering up. Immediately alert.

"Yes, yes I meant first fight" said Glynda, as she turned back slightly and looked at him from the corner of her eye, having fixed the room already.

"I do not understand professor, I mean you saw my performance, I-" "Yes I saw it Mr Arc, you held it admirably, making excellent strategy and leading your team, while also showing some above-amateur fighting prowess, but I know the truth... Jaune" said Glynda while simultaneously interrupting his rebuttal.

Jaune grew silent, he was experienced enough to know that any more contradiction from his side and her seemingly good mood will deteriorate.

'No, I mean I know in canon she suspected Jaune and Ozpin knew about it for sure yet why is she suddenly so sure about it here? I think I did better than canon Jaune did and it's not like she knows me person-

Wait, that face, this Jaune's memories...... Aunt Lynda, Glynda Goodwitch!

Fuck, I got 'PLatypus? Perry the Platypus!'d here. Come on. Not now, not when I thought I made a change' , thought jaune, dread suddenly filling him.

He remembered Aunt Lynda, with her open hairstyle, her sundress and her smile, when she used to visit him in the hospital because of his sickness till the age of ten, how she talked about the city and the various Grimm, how she would tell him of huntsmen. This Jaune really wasn't living in the canon timeline.

He knew his admiration for her, he knew how she used to come to the old Arc vineyard to drink and relax often, she wasn't actually his aunt but such a close friend of his.

He knew the silent sadness in her eyes when she told him about how huntsmen fight grimm, now realising that the cause of that sadness was the loss of her students that died in the line of duty. How she still persevered.

How, in his childish innocence he told her that he would marry her one he grew big and strong and how she told him to grow up fast and help his parents and siblings before thinking about that. How she said that if he became healthy once again she will help him become a good huntsman and still he said that after becoming that he will marry her. She just laughed but then looked at him. Like she was sure of his strength.

And now those same kind, sad eyes, were looking at him, with fierce determination, asking him a silent question, Are you gonna admit it, Jaune?

"Yeah, yeah..... it was the first one", said Jaune, head hanging slightly low, accepting his fate.

"Mr Arc..... everytime you enter a fight against Grimm, you enter not for any other purpose such as fame, glory or accolades, no, you enter because you have taken a burden, to be Huntsman, to acknowledge that the danger this creature possesses and what your priorities are.

It is not at all inaccurate to say that huntsman are the defenders of Humanity and Faunus kind alike.

So in this delicate position, one doesn't simply ride it by the seat of their pants, without training, without knowledge, without will.

Because your loss or your.....death, isn't only yours, it isn't just stat to be shown, it is a loss for those you have taken responsibility of, those who care for you, those who love you, do you understand that, Mr. Arc?", asked Glynda, with a minor almost-almost unnoticeable tremble in her voice at the last sentence.

"....Yes, Yes I do" said Jaune, feeling more guilty than ever. A pit forming in his stomach and his throat clenching as if his very heart was clenched away from his chest. That slight message behind those words, that tremble at the end. He could read between the lines and it, it....hurt.

Taking a deep breathe Glynda resumes, "So taking that into consideration, and seeing your peculiar.....background, you will be taking remedial lessons with me, as it seems that your prior academy couldn't teach you everything. I will give you your schedule, the extra work to be done, the training you will have to go through so you are both an acceptable huntsman and a leader. You will leave this academy a capable warrior Mr Arc-no Jaune, you will make sure you stay alive and go home safe. You will not be the cause of your family's sorrow, you won't force those who love you to go through the sorrow of losing a part of their heart, do you understand me...Jaune?", said Glynda, barely holding her voice and posture together, clutching her riding crop The Disciplinarian in both hands, as if pulling on strength and discipline she knows she doesn't have.

"Yes,.....yes I understand, Professor", Jaune said, barely holding himself together, but knowing what his professor-no his Aunty Lyn, is trying to say.

I won't lose you too Jaune, those were her words, even if she didn't say them, but he heard her loud and clear all the same.

"And...I am sorry, I know it sounds shallow, but, believe me professor-no believe me Aunt Lyn, I have to do this, I know I can save people, I know I can save other huntsman. I am selfish guy I know that, to me my family, friends, they are too precious to lose, I can't sit back you know, that's not how I wanna be, I want to be able to save them, to protect them, I want to be able to protect my sister, dad, mom, my team, my friends. I want to protect you and thank you for when you protected me", said Jaune, both sides of him, they both loved closest to them after all. It was without deceit, an honest declaration of an honest heart.

Glynda didn't say anything to him, eyes closed, suddenly she her hands surged forward. Startled, Jaune was put into a hug, despite his height, she pulled him down, hugging him close, pulling his head to her chest as if keeping him in proximity of her heart would calm it down.

Slowly Jaune hugged her back, realising the full extent of his burden, this wasn't a "guy gets a bunch of powers and girls", they were his, his to cherish and his to protect.

She slowly released him from her arms, fearing that he will burst in a cloud of smoke if she let him go, but she still was Glynda Goddwitch, one of the few remaining Huntsmen who could beat a Maiden in a fight, she had a duty as a teacher, she will see it through.

As she turned to exit, she looked back at him and said, "I will send the schedule and my contact info directly to your scroll Jaune-I mean- Mr Arc, please follow my instructions, also I would recommend working with your partner Ms. Nikos, she will be good for you. That is all. Good night Mr Arc and please make sure you go to bed at an appropriate time, there is much to learn tomorrow", said Glynda, leaving.

"Yeah, good night to you too, Professor", said Jaune.

He watched her leave, scroll at his side, sword resting near his bag, and something in his chest finally stilled. Not silence. Not peace. But something steady. Like purpose, maybe. Like the start of something real.

---

Well fuck, that too went out of my hand.

 

[AJ_Talon]

Let's see. Some ideas for how everyone could have trained and improved their abilities:

-Ruby gains greater control over her speed, using momentum to strike through multiple enemies and eventually, to fly. She gets better control over her Silver Eyes, which can be used on individual Grimm tactically, or even against magical attacks. She can also learn how to see Aura itself and learn how to predict enemy movements from it. See their souls so she can see through illusions and solid walls.

-Weiss focuses more on Casting and learns how to multicast with multiple glyphs. She leans into summoning more and coordinates with her summons in battle. Or combines her summons with Dust.

-Blake learns how to use her clones for offense, combine them with Dust. With meditation she learns how to control a clone and use it remotely as a scout or infiltrator. More Aura slash techniques, maybe combining with her Shadow Clones to hide in the shadows.

-Yang learns how to store up more and more energy to increase the power of her Semblance. How to use it not just as a finishing move but how to tactically and strategically build it up and use it as Tai was trying to teach her. As well as eventually improving its power to fly in brief bursts, like with her gauntlets.

-Ren not only learns how to sense other emotions, but how to channel that energy. He can boost people's moods as well as suppress their feelings. He also gets more Aura techniques thanks to his incredible Aura control, short range bursts of Aura to disable enemies, create short lived shields, etc. Build on what we saw in Volume 1.

-Nora learning how to boost her electrical power and strength. A belt that holds Lightning Dust she can tap to charge herself up. Learns how to arc lightning for short range attacks. Maybe even drain electrical power from devices.

-Jaune is the ultimate Support Tank: Dust Grenades he can toss to his Teammates, a Dust Projector in his shield for short range attacks, his Aura Amp to boost everyone else's abilities, and if needed, he can learn Aura slashes to unleash heavy attacks. He's still not the most mobile asset but he can be the anvil for other attacks, or the hammer.

What are your ideas?

 

[SharkCultist]

Of all the gods and goddesses on remnant Homeostasis (Asi to her friends) was the most overworked.

Probably because most of the gods and goddesses didn't actually do shit or just let humans passively draw in their domains.

And she would love to do that too. If her fucking idiot older brothers hadn't ruined everything!

Things were great before. She had her Kernel system setup to nudge humans away from species death and could just sit back and relax.

Until they made a immortal bitch hell bent on killing everything. Which ok, bad but she could have dealt with that. Made some adjustments to Kernel and everything would have been fine.

Except the two Geniuses had the brilliant idea to insert an randomly reincarnating mage into things! Now every time the old bastard reincarnates it throws her entire system off and it takes decades to recalibrate and adjust to his presence, and by that time he's usually already halfway through his current bodies lifespan!

And the others don't do anything. Khur doesn't give a fuck because as the goddess of the wild she's perfect fine leaving the Grimm alone since they don't target animals.

Animus is too busy stirring up shit with his faunus creations and enjoying all the suffering. Weirdo.

Breaker would help but he's always busy making sure things don't slip into Remnant. Since their two biggest deterrents decided to fuck off to Mom knows where.

Mom's to busy forging and overlooking everafter to clean up their mess.

Sometimes she wishes she can go back to the days when she and her siblings were newborn spirits, before all the power and responsibility. Back when she was just a small glowing, floating pink owl.


But no, it is what it is (somewhere in the multiverse a counter ticks up). So she's got to think of something. She can't do anything directly about the Hag and the Glitch. Her brothers put a lock on their souls until certain conditions were met. And the Glitches condition is the death of the hag. And she can't fucking see the hags condition!

So she needs some way to even things out, Aura was a good start but it isn't enough. So she may have....fudged some numbers here or there.

Look she may respect free will and freedom of choice but she needed some help! So while she didn't brainwash anyone she may have tweaked a few things.

Made Qrow a bit more sober when his nieces were missing.

Maybe gave a little push in the direction Rens semblance developed to help him and Nora survive.

Really the biggest change she made was making Jaunes dad forget to lock up the family sword after some maintenance.

She didn't need champions. But those small touches on their souls give her something much more useful.

Data points around the Glitch. Hopefully she can feed that into Kernel and it can cut down on recalibration time. And with any luck maybe it'll even compute a way to get rid of the headache inducing fuckers.


Now if only she could figure out why it keeps trying to run a program called Hrmprotg.jaune.Oum

She didn't write that program. And it keeps reappearing no matter how much the system keeps trying to delete it.

 

[AJ_Talon]

Astrid, the Maid: "Hello Mistress Blake! It's so nice to see you well!"

Weiss: "You have a maid?"

Astrid: "Why yes, I've been Mistress Blake's servant since she was very young! I am her governess!"

Ruby: "Oh... So... What kind of Faunus are you? I can't see any characteristic-Oh! Do you have a tail under your dress? Are you a shark Faunus?"

Yang: "Why a shark Faunus?"

Ruby: "Because sharks are cool!"

Astrid: "Oh no, I'm human!"

Yang, Weiss and Ruby: "WHAT?!"

Blake: wince "H-Hello Astrid. It is nice to see you again."

Astrid: "Indeed, it is good to see you well. Are you eating enough? Sleeping enough?"

Blake: "I-I'm just fine, I promise!"

Astrid: "I've made your favorite tuna green salad for lunch, just the way you like it! And meals for your friends, as well!"

Blake: "Th-That's... Great... So great..."

Weiss: "Astrid? You're a human?"

Astrid: "Yes!"

Weiss: "Are you a recent employee of the Belladonnas?"

Astrid: "Oh no! My family has served the Belladonnas for generations! My ancestors were taken as slaves by the Faunus noble houses, but we are now paid servants!"

Weiss: looking like the cat that ate the canary "Rrrreally~?"

Blake: "It-No-We pay her very well!"

Weiss: "Uh huh. And can she, for example, vote in a Menagerian election?"

Astrid: "No, but why would I?"

Ruby and Yang are gaping in disbelief.

Weiss: grinning mercilessly "Why would you indeed~?"

 

[zMADLAXz]

Ok since all this plot discussion has got my engines revving I am going to continue this.

---

SLICE. SLICE. SLICE.

Click to shrink...

Ok so take this as a bonus snippet of a future that is yet to come, And coincidentally quite similar to what we were discussing currently

Adam Taurus.


The name of the worm he couldn't quite bring himself to crush—no matter how easy it would've been with the spectral arms of his construct. He didn't want to think about what it looked like. Didn't care.


Right now, it took every cell in his body to not clench his hands into a fist.


So he focused instead.


Flexion of the fingers.
Flexion of the thumb.
Opposition of the thumb.
Adduction of the fingers.
Isometric contraction.


He could name each movement. Could list the muscles used.
Flexor digitorum superficialis.
Flexor digitorum profundus.
Flexor pollicis longus.
Palmaris longus.


It kept his thoughts in check. Gave him structure. Clinical distance.


He could build the muscles into the construct if he wanted. Could render each tendon and sheath with fractal clarity. But he wasn't thinking about aesthetics or function. He was keeping himself from snapping the bastard in half.


Because if he crushed Adam now—if he let himself become an executioner—the message wouldn't be justice. It would be war.


"White Fang martyr brutally slain by Huntsman."


That would be the headline.


They wouldn't report how Ren was barely alive. How Nora had to be held back. How Adam had nearly taken everything from them.


No. They'd see Jaune Arc, the blond swordsman from Vale, using mystical powers to rip a Faunus apart.


And that was all it would take.


One corpse. One wrong image. One slanted newsfeed.


And suddenly hundreds—thousands—of Faunus kids would be watching it on cracked screens, huddled in shelters, hearing whispers that this was what humanity really wanted. That they were right to fight. That Adam's fury was justified.


He'd seen enough history on Earth to know the playbook. Take one wrong, amplify it, and fuel an army.


Even now—ha—he hated himself for hesitating. For this weakness. For not just ending the threat when he had the chance. But that's what made him a Huntsman.


Ren had nearly been cleaved in half. Nora was half a second away from becoming the Grimm in this story. Pyrrha was trying to hold the team together.


And Jaune?


Jaune was on the ground, kneeling, focused. His construct was working like a 3D printer of biology, weaving Aura-threaded scaffolds for Ren's shattered ribs, severed vessels, torn abdominal wall. Aura Amp fed life into every stitch of light. Micro-healing, but fast—surgical regeneration without a scalpel.


Hold steady. Heal first. Rage later.


Then—


"Cough—cough. Nora? Jaune?" came Ren's voice, hoarse but alive.


Nora bolted toward him, tears already falling. She tried to throw her arms around him.


Jaune reacted instantly—fine strands of aura intercepting her. Gentle. Firm.


The healing wasn't done.


He let out a breath.


Then he made the call.


He turned toward Adam—beaten, barely conscious—and with a flick of his arm, threw him aside. Not with cruelty. Just enough to rattle his ribs and send a message.


You lost.


Jaune didn't even watch him land.


Adam would survive. Faunus resilience would make sure of that. Maybe he'd crawl off and stew. Maybe he'd spin it into a victory.


But this time? He wouldn't get a body to raise like a flag.


Ren was more important than the delusions of a broken man.


And Jaune Arc wasn't going to feed a war with another corpse.

 

[AJ_Talon]

It was late when Jaune pulled out his Scroll. The rest of his team was sleeping. He got up and snuck away to the common room, making sure nobody was around. Only when he was satisfied he was alone did he open up his Scroll, and made the call.

A ring, another ring, and then a sleepy looking bearded man appeared on the screen.

"Jaune? You okay? Are you all right?" Nick Arc asked urgently. Jaune smiled.

"I-I'm okay, Dad! Really," he said. He sighed. "Um... I-I just... I wanted to call. Is now a good time?"

Nick smiled warmly despite the bags under his eyes.

"Always, son," he said, "I heard from Ozpin you got in!"

Jaune's jaw dropped.

"Wait, you called Ozpin-?!"

Nick grinned wryly, and scratched the back of his head.

"Well... We realized you had set off without getting your Aura unlocked," he said, "Your mom was freaking out. So was I! Glad you found someone to do it for you!"

Jaune smiled slightly, even through his exasperation. His folks were still his folks.

He took a deep breath.

"Dad, listen... I... I'm sorry I ran off. I'm sorry I-"

"Son," Nick said, gentle but firm, "I knew you were going to leave for Beacon eventually. You weren't cut out for medical school. You wanted to follow in our footsteps."

He sighed.

"I should be the one saying sorry. Along with your mom. She forced you into this and I went along with it, even though I knew you were unhappy."

Jaune clutched at the Scroll a bit more tightly.

"D-Dad, I-"

"I'm sorry, son," Nick rumbled, "I should have respected you. Gone against your mother." He sighed. "I know why she stopped you from getting trained. I understood... But you were going to get there. And I should have understood that. So I am very, very sorry."

"... I'm sorry for running off," Jaune said quietly. Nick smiled gently.

"For what it's worth? I am very, very proud of you, son. And I know you'll do great things. Just... Be yourself. Be confident. Work hard. Accept your mistakes, and work on them. Laugh and love... And fight for what you believe in. And when you die? Die with a smile on your face."

Jaune slowly nodded.

"I... I will Dad. I promise."

"Good," Nick said, "Also? I sent you money so you can live."

Jaune sighed in relief.

"Oh thank God."

"You spent all your money on tuition? You know it gets reimbursed, right?"

Jaune gaped at his dad... Then facepalmed.

"Oh my God..."

Nick laughed.

"Ah, you're just like me at your age, son!"

"That... Makes me feel better, somehow," Jaune mumbled, a smile on his face. "Thanks Dad."

"You're welcome, son."

 

[SharkCultist]

Jaune Arcs Fathers Day gift to his dad is the same one it is every year.

All the BBQ he can eat and the biggest pie Jaune can make.

And he'll never say it but it's definitely his favorite.

Wallets and golf pants and tools are nice. But it gets old pretty fast. Especially with 7 daughters all panic buying him gifts from the same list of dad standby stuff. (Though occasionally they will surprise him like when tangy got him a kitten and aqua made him brandy.)

But nothing beats a good slab of ribs. And Jaune does something different every year, and this year? It's spicy.

"Got a bit of a kick to it son, what'd you put in it."

"Well since last time I tried to do spicy it was underwhelming I used some more exotic ingredients. You've got the usual stuff like mango and pineapple for flavor and cutting a bit of the heat, but then we have this little beauty. The Geist Pepper."

"You mean a ghost pepper?"

"Nope, starts as a ghost pepper. See these bad boys are made in a interesting way. You get a Geist to possess a bunch of plant matter, including the pepper plant, then you kill it without destroying the peppers. It's like their hate seeps into the capsaicin. All that hatred and anger is then concentrated into a single purpose. Absolutely ruining your toilet."

"...taste good though."

"That's the trap dad."

 

[AJ_Talon]

The Arc Clan: Pyrrha's Aunt Erza

---

Pyrrha Nikos stood in the training yard of Beacon Academy, her heart leaping with delight as a familiar figure approached, clad in gleaming armor and radiating authority. "Aunt Erza!" she exclaimed, her voice bright with affection.

Without warning, Erza Scarlet, her crimson hair blazing in the sunlight, lunged forward, her sword flashing in a series of precise, relentless strikes. Pyrrha reacted instinctively, raising Milo in sword form and Akouo to parry and deflect the onslaught, her movements a seamless dance of skill and muscle memory.

"Excellent job, Pyrrha!" Erza declared, her voice ringing with pride as she sheathed her blade. "You blocked the strikes just as I knew you would!"

Pyrrha beamed, her emerald eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Aunt Erza!"

"But you must stay at the top of your game!" Erza continued, her tone firm but warm. "You're fighting for real now—no tournament rules!"

Pyrrha nodded, her resolve unwavering. "Yes, Auntie!"

Erza's stern expression softened, and she opened her arms. "Now, give me a hug."

Pyrrha melted into the embrace, her shield and sword clattering to the ground as she wrapped her arms around her aunt. Erza pulled back slightly, studying her niece with a perceptive gaze. "Hmm… You seem more confident. Happier."

Pyrrha's cheeks flushed, and she fidgeted, her voice dropping to a shy murmur. "Yes, well… Um… I got to fight a few great fighters… And, um…" Her blush deepened. "I'm a bit closer to… um…"

Erza's brow arched, a knowing glint in her eye. "Jaune Arc?"

Pyrrha's face turned scarlet, her hands twisting together. "Y-Yes… But, um… Well…"

"Well?" Erza pressed, folding her arms. "Well what?"

Pyrrha sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Other girls have… noticed him."

Erza's eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. "And so you've defeated them and claimed him for your own?"

Pyrrha's blush intensified, her voice a squeak. "Ummmm… W-Well, no…"

"Why not?!" Erza demanded, her tone incredulous. "You can defeat all your rivals with ease!"

"I don't think that will win his love," Pyrrha murmured, her gaze dropping to the ground.

Erza blinked, tilting her head. "What, does he prefer the company of men?"

"NO!" Pyrrha yelped, waving her hands frantically. "No! Not at all! He's definitely straight!"

"Then I shall deal with this!" Erza proclaimed, her voice resolute. Before Pyrrha could protest, a blinding flash enveloped her aunt. "REQUIP! HEAVEN'S WHEEL ARMOR!"

In an instant, Erza's form shimmered, now clad in radiant, winged armor that gleamed like polished starlight. With a powerful beat of her wings, she soared into the sky, leaving Pyrrha gaping in horror. "What? NO! Nonono—!"

Erza was a crimson streak against the clouds, her mission clear. Within moments, she swooped down to the courtyard where Jaune was chatting with Ren, oblivious to the storm descending upon him. With the precision of a hawk, Erza seized Jaune by the collar, hoisting him into the air as he yelped in surprise. She flew back to the training yard, dropping him unceremoniously before Pyrrha with a thud.

"URK!" Jaune grunted, scrambling to his feet, his eyes wide with confusion.

"JAUNE!" Pyrrha cried, her hands fluttering uselessly as she hovered between panic and mortification.

Erza loomed over him, her armor clanking ominously. "JAUNE ARC! YOU HAVE DISHONORED MY NIECE BY IGNORING HER FEELINGS!"

Jaune's jaw dropped, his voice a squeak. "I-I have?!"

Pyrrha stammered, her face a furnace. "I uh…"

"But—But I haven't ignored her feelings!" Jaune protested, his hands flailing.

Pyrrha's head snapped up, her heart stuttering. "You haven't?!"

"YES YOU HAVE!" Erza roared, pointing an accusatory finger. "She loves you!"

Jaune blinked, his expression softening. "Well, yeah! I love her too!"

Pyrrha's breath caught, her eyes shimmering. "Y-You do?!"

"Deeply," Jaune said earnestly, his voice warm. "You're my friend and mentor! I care for you like my sisters! I would die for you in a heartbeat!"

Pyrrha's hopeful expression faltered, her voice trembling. "I… I-I mean, that's… Um… I am glad… But um—"

Erza groaned, slapping a gauntleted hand to her forehead. "UGH! You fool! She loves you in the way a woman does a man! A man she wants to marry and have his children!"

"AUNTIE!" Pyrrha shrieked, her face now a beacon of crimson as she buried it in her hands.

Jaune froze, his brain short-circuiting. "…Wait, really?"

Pyrrha's voice was barely audible, muffled by her hands. "Um… W-Well… Uhh… I uh…"

Erza, undeterred, barreled on, her voice booming. "How could you not know she loved you and wanted to have your children?! That she wanted to do all manner of lewd and sexy things with you?!"

"AUNTIIIIE!" Pyrrha wailed, her knees buckling as she sank to the ground, wishing for the earth to swallow her whole.

Erza shrugged, unfazed. "What? You wrote to me all about your fantasies! Incidentally, you need an editor."

 

[AJ_Talon]

Jaune's boots echoed on the polished floor as he stepped into Ozpin's office, the towering windows casting long shadows across the headmaster's desk as the clockwork clicked, whirred and ticked in the background. The air smelled faintly of coffee and old books, and Ozpin sat poised behind his desk, silver hair glinting under the lamplight, his eyes twinkling with that unnerving mix of warmth and calculation.

Jaune sat down in the chair directly in front of the old Headmaster, feeling very awkward.

"Hello, my boy," Ozpin said, his voice smooth as velvet. "How are you finding Beacon?"

Jaune rubbed the back of his neck, his armor clinking softly. "Oh, uh, great so far, Headmaster! Yup! It's challenging, uh, since—"

"Since you entered as a civilian with no training and falsified transcripts?" Ozpin interjected, his tone light but piercing.

Jaune froze, his stomach lurching. "Yeah, I—… Oh shit—!"

Ozpin's laughter rang out, rich and disarming. "Hahaha! Relax, young man! Do you really think your friends Miss Valkyrie and Mister Ren could attend proper combat schools while living as wandering, homeless orphans? Or that Miss Belladonna had any formal education while she was a terrorist with the White Fang? You passed the Initiation, and that's what matters!"

Jaune exhaled, his shoulders sagging with relief. "Oh… Oh thank God. So… So I'm not expelled?"

"Not in the slightest!" Ozpin said, leaning back in his chair, his cane propped against the desk. "However… I must request a favor."

Jaune blinked, hesitant. "Well… I mean, sure? I guess?"

Ozpin's gaze sharpened, though his smile remained. "Jaune, it is a terrible shame your family didn't want you to become a Huntsman, because the Arcs have an incredibly powerful trait: massive Aura reserves, and Semblances that massively increase Aura in general. Indeed, you have more Aura than me despite our considerable age difference!"

Jaune's eyes widened, his mouth forming a small 'o'. "Wow, really?"

"Yes," Ozpin said, his voice carrying a quiet intensity. "Properly trained, you will become a great Huntsman, of that I have no doubt… But we must look to the future!"

"The future?" Jaune echoed, leaning forward slightly, his curiosity piqued.

Ozpin nodded, his fingers steepled. "You know Huntresses like Miss Nikos, Miss Rose, Miss Xiao-Long, Miss Schnee, Professor Goodwitch, and Miss Belladonna. You know their incredible Semblances and fighting ability. Imagine if they had massive Aura reserves to boost their abilities. They would be unstoppable."

Jaune's brow furrowed, then lit up with realization. "Oh… Oh! You think my Semblance might let them become even more powerful?"

He grinned, picturing himself as the ultimate team buff—less screw-up, more superhero. Well, more like the team healer but hey, that's how you won games.

"Yes!" Ozpin said, his eyes gleaming. "I suspect that it could! Once you unlock it, if my guess is right based on past members of the Arc family, you'll be able to supercharge them and act as both a Healer and an able Support, while also being tough enough to fight up close!"

Jaune's chest swelled, a grin tugging at his lips. "Wow… I-I could be… I could be a big help?"

"You could be a tremendous help, Jaune!" Ozpin said, his voice rising with enthusiasm. "But you're thinking too small. Again, consider the future. What if there were dozens of such Huntsmen and Huntresses with your massive Aura reserves? Raised by kind, loving parents to protect mankind?"

Jaune scratched his head, his brow creasing. "Uh… Well, that would be great, Headmaster. Are you asking me to donate my genetic material or something?"

He laughed nervously, half-expecting a sci-fi syringe to pop out.

Ozpin waved a hand dismissively, chuckling. "No, no, no, nothing that impersonal, I'm not some Atlasian mad scientist! No, I think the old-fashioned way would be best. And given your parents? You'll have no trouble handling it!"

Jaune's smile froze, his brain screeching to a halt. His palms began to sweat as an ominous feeling arose in his chest.

"Handling what?"

Ozpin reached into a drawer with the flourish of a game show host and slid a book across the desk. Its gold-embossed title gleamed like a neon warning sign. Jaune read it, and his soul seemed to pass right out of his body.

"… 'How to Manage a Harem'?!" he yelped, voice cracking so hard it echoed. His face turned tomato red, his hands flailing like he could physically reject the idea.

Ozpin beamed, his expression maddeningly serene. "What do you say?"

Jaune's brain blue-screened. His mouth opened, closed, opened again—nothing.

Five seconds later, he was a blur, sprinting for the elevator, jabbing the call button like it owed him money.

"Nope! Nope! NOPE!" he muttered, sweat pouring, heart hammering like a war drum.

Behind him, Ozpin sighed, adjusting his glasses.

"I see I'll have to be more persuasive…" he murmured.

 

[AJ_Talon]

Velvet hates White Fang because White Fang goons brutalized her parents for being a human married to a Faunus. And Blake was there the night it happened.

Blake didn't participate in the beatings and was unaware of how brutal they got. She was there as a lookout with a handler to keep her away from this nasty business. Blake thought they were there because Velvet's mother was an ex-pat of Menagerie and she thought she was selling secrets about Menagerie to Atlas through her husband, and they were finding out what she knew. She was still very uncomfortable with the whole thing and got them to leave early by faking that the cops were coming.

Turns out it was to make an example of them, Since Velvet's mom married a prominent Atlasian Engineer who was human. Blake saw their state before they left. She complained about this to Adam, who promised to look into it... And did nothing to stop the intimidation visits to any Ex-Pats from Menagerie-Especially ones married to or close with humans.

Velvet finding out that Blake was with the WF thugs one who did this to her family would make her livid. How would Blake try to salvage this? How would she try to redeem herself? How would her friends help?

And keep in mind, this did happen in the RWBY comics: Blake did go around with Adam's cell intimidating and using violence on Faunus who didn't cooperate.

 

[AJ_Talon]

"Come on, Cowboy! Pony up!"

Jaune looked up from his homework to the table in the JNPR common room. Team RWBY and Pyrrha were gathered around, while Nora and Ren were watching a movie nearby. Yang grinned like a hungry shark as she held up a deck of cards. Jaune's eyes narrowed.

"You stole my playing cards," he accused her. Yang nodded, unrepentant.

"And you'll get them back if you play a few hands with us, Stud," she said, "it'll be aces!"

Weiss groaned in a long suffering tone. Nora scowled from the couch and held up a thumbs down.

"Booo!"

"Wow, it must be really bad if Nora didn't like it," Ruby snickered. Yang shook her head.

"Shut up, Ruby. Come on Jaune! Why won't you play poker with us? Afraid we'll win and get your body~?"

Jaune coughed. Pyrrha blushed and looked speculative, as did Blake. Weiss was bright red and sputtering, but her eyes went to Jaune all the same. Ruby covered her redface, but peeked through her fingers at the cowboy. Jaune finally sighed.

"All right," he said, slowly standing up. He walked to the table and calmly pulled out the one remaining chair. He sat down in it.

"What we playing for? And if it's strip poker, I'm out," Jaune stated flatly.

"Awww," Yang pouted. Weiss cleared her throat.

"Just a friendly game," she stated, holding up a box of chips, "with nothing perverted happening. We just wanted to see your skill, since you said you've played before."

"Of course, that might just be a lie," Yang teased. Jaune scowled.

"I'm not a liar, Miss Xiao-Long," he stated. He looked seriously offended.

"Don't take it so personally, Cowboy!" Yang said with a smile. Jaune's scowl grew deeper. Pyrrha reached out to rest a hand over his.

"She didn't mean anything personal, Jaune," Pyrrha said quietly, "You know this."

Yang winced a bit. She slowly nodded.

"Yeah... I'm just curious about your skills."

Jaune relaxed very slightly.

"Well... If it's just friendly like," Jaune said with a shrug and a small smile. Yang grinned mischievously. She glanced at Ruby and Blake, who nodded. Weiss maintained her poker face, but only just.

Their plan was simple: Win enough to escalate into removing clothing. Jaune was frustratingly polite and reserved, never doffing any clothing around them even in the scorching heat. Even Pyrrha, sweet and "innocent" as she was, was in on the plot.

Between all five of them, they were sure they could get Jaune down to his bare chest at least.

What could possibly go wrong?

Three hours later...

Jaune coughed, looking very uncomfortable as Blake laid in his lap and Yang massaged his shoulders from behind. A huge pile of lien stood in front of him, with various objects tucked in haphazardly.

"Ah... Ladies? Can we call it a night?" Jaune asked.

"NO!" Weiss growled, a fire in her eyes, "I know I'm going to win! I just know it!"

"Not before I win first," Pyrrha stated, as firm and grim as a warrior on a battlefield.

"You got my Crescent Rose!" Ruby said, almost desperate, "I can't let that stand!"

"I didn't ask you to bet that!" Jaune insisted, "I didn't ask you to bet anything! Certainly not Miss Belladonna and Miss Xiao-long's bets!"

"What? You don't want us to be your slave girls?" Yang asked, frustrated but enjoying the blush she got out of him.

"I-You-I certainly didn't mean to win that hand!"

"Well you did, so accept the consequences, nyah," Blake stated, smugly smirking at the fuming Pyrrha, Weiss and Ruby.

Nora for her part was scowling at the movie box.

"What the heck do they mean it's a deconstruction?! Shinji's not the first mentally ill, traumatized giant robot pilot! And the symbolism doesn't mean anything, it just looks cool! And they explain everything that happened! It's not up to your interpretation at all!"

Ren sighed and patted Nora on the back.

"One should never believe the hype," he wisely stated.