[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

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.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

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.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

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!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

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."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

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.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

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!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

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?!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

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!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

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?"