[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

The training hall was empty except for the echo of Ruby's boots on the mats.

She had been waiting twenty minutes. Crescent Rose sat assembled beside her, polished and ready. Yang had promised—promised—they would run partner drills after dinner. Just like they used to back in Patch. Just like they had every night during the first weeks at Beacon.

Yang had not shown.

Again.

When the doors finally banged open, Yang strode in wearing her usual after-hours grin, hair still damp from a shower, a protein bar half-eaten in one hand.

"Hey, Rubes. Sorry I'm late. Got caught up with—"

Ruby didn't look up. "You said seven. It's seven-fifty-three."

Yang's grin faltered. "Okay, yeah. I know. I just needed—"

"You needed time to yourself." Ruby's voice was small and tight. "That's what you said last time. And the time before that. And the time before that."

Yang tossed the wrapper into a bin harder than necessary. "It's fifty minutes, Ruby! I've been training all day. Combat class, extra sparring with VB, helping Weiss with Dust theory because she asked. I'm allowed to breathe, Ruby!"

"I waited." Ruby finally stood. Her silver eyes were shining. "I always wait. Because you're my sister and you said you would."

Yang's temper, already frayed from a long day, snapped.

"I've taken care of you all this time," she said, louder than she meant to. "I packed your bags. I made sure you ate. I stayed up when you had nightmares about Mom. I deserve some time to myself! I don't have to hold your hand all the time, damnit! I shouldn't! You're a Huntress-in-training now, deal with it and stop-stop dragging me down!"

The words hung in the air like a live grenade. Yang's eyes widened, as though the words finally registered.

Ruby's face crumpled.

"I didn't ask to be admitted two years early!" The shout tore out of her. "I didn't ask Dad to send me here! I didn't ask to skip Signal! It's not my fault I'm here! It's not my fault you had to keep looking after me!"

Yang's mouth opened, then closed. The color drained from her face.

"Ruby, that's not—!"

"You wish I wasn't here." Ruby's voice broke completely. Tears spilled over. "You wish I was still back in Patch so you could just… be Yang. Without the little sister you have to babysit."

"That's not what I said—!"

"It's what you thought!"

Ruby snatched Crescent Rose and bolted.

The door slammed hard enough to rattle the weapon racks.

Yang stood alone in the sudden silence, fists clenched, heart pounding with the sick realization that she had just said the one thing she could never take back.

---

Jaune found her first.

He had been heading back from the kitchen with leftovers when he heard the shouting. By the time he reached the hall, Ruby was already gone and Yang was sitting on the mats with her head in her hands.

He sat down beside her without asking. Years of seven sisters had taught him the value of just being there.

It took her some time, but she finally broke the silence-Barely.

"I messed up," Yang whispered.

"Yeah," Jaune said quietly. "You did."

She let out a wet, humorless laugh. "Thanks for sugarcoating it."

"You don't need sugarcoating. You need to go after her." He nudged her shoulder. "I've said worse to my sisters. Stuff I didn't mean when I was tired and frustrated."

Yang wiped her face with the heel of her hand. "She thinks I don't want her here."

"Do you?"

"Of course I want her here." Yang's voice cracked. "She's my baby sister. I just… I've been her mom for so long I..." She lowered her head. "Maybe... Maybe I forgot I was her sister."

Jaune stood and offered her a hand. "Then go be her sister."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that," Jaune said gently. "She loves you. She just wants to be with you. It's not that complicated."

Yang looked at the walls of the gym.

"Then why does it feel so complicated?" She muttered.

Jaune shrugged.

"Maybe it is... But you can solve that stuff later. Right now, you just need to resolve this. And you can resolve it."

Yang sniffled, and tried to hide that she was wiping her eyes. He handed her a handkerchief anyway. She scowled.

"You always carry one of those?"

"Comes in handy more often than not," he said with a shrug. He then offered her his hand. "You ready to find her?"

Yang paused, then took his hand. He pulled her up.

---

Pyrrha found Ruby on the roof.

The youngest Huntress-in-training was curled against a ventilation unit, hood up, Crescent Rose clutched to her chest like a stuffed animal. Her shoulders shook with quiet, hiccupping sobs.

Pyrrha sat down a respectful distance away, red hair catching the moonlight.

"She didn't mean it," Pyrrha said gently.

Ruby sniffed. "She said it."

"People say things they don't mean when they're scared and tired and trying to protect someone they love." Pyrrha's voice was calm, patient. "Yang has spent her entire life being the strong one for you. Sometimes the strong one forgets that the person they're protecting is allowed to be strong too."

Ruby peeked out from under her hood. "I just wanted to train with her. Like we used to."

"I know." Pyrrha smiled softly. "And she wanted that too. She just also wanted one evening where she didn't have to be the big sister who has everything under control. Both of those things can be true at the same time."

Ruby's lip trembled. "I hate fighting with her."

"I know that too."

Footsteps sounded on the roof access stairs.

Yang appeared, looking smaller than Ruby had ever seen her. No grin. No fire. Just her sister, pale and apologetic.

"Ruby…"

Ruby didn't look at her.

Yang crossed the roof and dropped to her knees in front of her little sister.

"I'm sorry." The words came out raw. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. I never wished you weren't here. I just… I got tired and I took it out on the person who least deserved it. That's on me. That's all on me."

Ruby's voice was tiny. "You sounded like you meant it."

"I know." Yang's eyes were wet. "And I'll spend as long as it takes making sure you never hear that from me again. You're not a burden. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. Even when you sneak cookies and leave rose petals everywhere and wake me up at 3 a.m. because you had a new idea for Crescent Rose."

A small, watery laugh escaped Ruby.

Yang opened her arms.

Ruby launched into them.

They stayed like that for a long time—Yang rocking her little sister the way she used to after nightmares, Ruby's face buried in her shoulder.

From the stairwell, Jaune and Pyrrha watched in silence.

Jaune whispered, "Told you they'd figure it out."

Pyrrha smiled. "They always do. They just needed a little help remembering how."

When the sisters finally pulled apart, Yang wiped Ruby's cheeks with her thumbs.

"Tomorrow," she said. "Seven o'clock. Partner drills. I won't be late."

Ruby nodded, still sniffling. "You'd better not. I'll tell Dad."

Yang snorted. "Low blow, kiddo."

Ruby managed a real smile. "I learned from the best."

 

[GraveyardShift]

Put me down!

"Look all I'm saying is Weiss is that you REALLY should get Myrtenaster checked for lubricant maintenance."

"No Ruby, I'm not letting you take apart my weapon."

"PLEASE??! PLEASE WEISS I'M BEGGING YOU!"

Yang watched with mild interest as Ruby tried once again to let Weiss 'examine' her weapon. Which to Ruby meant complete disassembly of all parts and studying every tiny mechanism which could take weeks before Weiss would have to take the entire thing in a bag to Forge and have it professionally reassembled because Ruby wouldn't pay attention the first time too caught up in the excitement of a new weapon.

As much as a weapons fanatic and mechanical genius her little sister was, she did have a tendency to get overexcited to forget small details. Yang had to go five months with only one gauntlet the first time she made the mistake of letting Ruby 'examine' Ember Celica.

The weaponsmith when Ruby finally admitted defeat was livid and forced Ruby through two weeks of detail-oriented tasks when Tai finally took it back for assembly. Old Brunz was NOT amused even if he was fascinated how a 9-year-old had managed a clean disassembly without resorting to 'percussive deconstruction'.

"It's just a little weapon's maintenance... I promise I'll be careful!"

"Myrtenaster is a one-of-a-kind Mastercraft assembled by the best professionals in Atlas. You're not even Basic Armorer certified!" Weiss snapped at Ruby.

Yang watched hoping for something more entertaining, but this was old hat to her at this point and she was quickly becoming bored.

But then, as if answering her prayers, one Jaune Arc marched up behind Ruby. Too invested in convincing Weiss she'd be 'extra careful' and return it the same day, Ruby was not prepared when the blond noodle suddenly seized her sister under the arms.

"Eh?"

And then hoisted her from the bench of the lunch table carrying her off.

Yang perked up now curious. She wasn't the only one as Blake peered over her book having tuned out the argument. Weiss also unused to be interrupted in this manner watched confused.

Ruby looked over her shoulder and up. "Jaune? What are you doing?"

"Settling a debate."

"Okay...? Can you put me down?"

"No."

Jaune marched right up to Cardin before lifting Ruby up and thrusting her into his face. Both teens looked at each other bewildered.

"...Hi?" Ruby said nose to nose with the bigger boy.

"Look!" Jaune said referring to Ruby. "Is she not only a girl but also a CUTE girl?"

Ruby's face went red. "Heh?" she squeaked.

Cardin shifted sideways away from Ruby while also gently trying to push her out of his personal space. "...be cuter with bunny ears..."

"What'd you say?"

"I said yeah Arc, I can agree she's cute."

"And as men, do we or do we not like cute girls?" Jaune shoved Ruby back in Cardin's face who squirmed uncomfortably with what was going on.

"Jaune can you put me down?"

"Not until he admits it's manly to like cute girls!"

Steam started coming out of Ruby's ears as she stuttered.

"Alright Arc! It's manly to like cute girls! Now stop shoving Rose in my face!"

Jaune pulled Ruby to his chest making her squeak loudly and turn further her namesake. "So you agree then that it is manly to like cute things!"

"Put me doooooown!" Ruby wailed wanting desperately to flee the situation.

"No."

"Alright Arc you win! It's manly to like cute things! But only if they're cute girls! Jeeze!" Cardin grumbled. "Now piss off and get a room if you're going to make out with Rose like that."

Jaune snorted vindicated and walked off still carrying Ruby.

"Put me doooooown!" Ruby wailed again.

"No."

Jaune sat down in Ruby's former seat with her in his lap still wrapped up in his arms.

"Okay Vomit Boy what the hell was that?" Yang asked unsure if she should be teasing them or punching out Jaune.

"Cardin tried to emasculate me by saying it was unmanly to like cute things. I needed something cute to prove to him he was full of bullshit."

The girls aside from Ruby made a collective noise of understanding and nodded in agreement.

"Why not Weiss?" Yang asked. Weiss shot both her and Jaune a glare that could have frozen the sun.

"Because Weiss is the definitive definition of classical beauty and grace more then she is cute thought that is not to say she ISN'T cute, but her beauty rates higher than her cuteness attribute and wouldn't have satisfied the debate."

The glare instantly melted. Weiss turned away huffing trying to hide her pinking cheeks.

"Ruby on the other hand is universally considered Beacon's cutest freshman."

Yang nodded. "I find no error in this assessment. You have chosen wisely."

"Can you put me down now?"

"No."

The bell rang signaling the end of lunch and everyone stood up to move to their next class. Jaune picked up Ruby carrying her off.

"Put me doooooown!"

"No."

"Put me doooooooooooown!"

---

Had to do it. This thing was infesting my head and needed to get it out. Lancaster if you squint, I suppose. Jaune finds Ruby cute and refuses to put her down.

 

[GraveyardShift]

GraveyardShift's Award Winning "Why Bumblebee was not Planned."

I figured that. Things seemed to be set up that way. Especially since I have a suspicion that Blake's original pre-volume 4 backstory was street rat that grew up in the white fang and not Princess.

I Know that he was kinda set up as a pair for her, or at least a possibility. I Just have a hard time figuring out how it would work.

Click to shrink...

Like I am ready to accept that Blake and Yang were planned from start, but then why do Blake and Sun get an entire volume together, fighting side by side and Blake overcoming her past with her abusive ex.

Sun even met her parents.

Click to shrink...

I haven't forgotten about you two. Simply had to sleep on it.

I am awake now.

Alright the first thing I have to introduce is the smoking gun that kills Bumblebee dead before it even gets to the starting line. The one that supporters of that ship always sidestep and pretend does NOT exist because if they DID acknowledge it, it shatters EVERYTHING they have 'carefully' built up.

All students are in the Great Hall. Many are already in sleeping wear and the sleeping bags are laid out.

Ruby is scene lying across one and writing a letter to her friends at Signal.

Yang: *offscreen* "It's like a BIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-" *flops onscreen onto her sleeping bag next to Ruby* "-IIIIIIIIG Slumber Party!"

Ruby: I don't think dad would approve of all the boys.

Yang: I KNOW I DO!

*Camera pans over various teenage boys doing typical teenage boy flaunting. Nearly all of whom are shirtless. The entire line up is nothing but males.*

Yang: *offscreen Voice Over* rrRRRRRrr!

Click to shrink...

As early as THIS in Volume 1 Episode 3, Yang is confirmed to be Heterosexual and attracted to males. (Potentially confirms Ruby as well since that's the first thing out of her mouth on an automatic thought given she's occupied with writing the letter but not enough evidence to cement it like Yang.)

To kill the "Bisexual until otherwise" argument, Yang has never once until Volume 7 with Blake, EVER shown this kind of attraction to ANY OTHER GIRL.

Even if you take Ruby out of the lineup, there's still Weiss, Pyrrha, and Nora to 'flirt' with aside from Blake. You can even toss Penny in there since Yang doesn't know she's a Robot until Pyrrha 'kills' her during their match. She just sees Penny as a 'weird girl'.

That is in-universe TWO YEARS to go without demonstrating any kind of attraction to girls. And by the time she does, CRWBY has firmly entered their "only the current volume is canon" phase. This means they change up the rules and ignore all previous evidence as long as it lets them do their dream scene in the current volume. Thus disregarding continuity. Argument for bi or any other kind of sexuality other than Hetero invalidated.

Now that I've killed Bumblebee, let's look at Black Sun.

Blake's archetype, other then the "Idiot Activist" is the 'Kuudere' or "Cool-dere" type. Cool and aloof (but not Ice Queen level like the Tsundere) on the outside. Sweet goober on the inside. Hence introvert.

So that means that Blake tends to keep her personal thoughts to herself. Much like Ren, she doesn't speak unless she feels it necessary.

So when Blake is outted as a Fanus and as a former White Fang operator, she runs away. Sun catches her in the courtyard by the statue when we get the ear reveal.

The two go into Vale and Blake, for the first time, practically spills her heart and secrets out TO SUN. The walls she's built up come down around SUN.

Not YANG. SUN.

If an Introvert does this to you, they've basically already declared themselves married to you.

I mean the entire setting is basically a first date for them.
Just the two of them in a cozy cafe? Check.
Both of them talking about themselves? Check.
Learning things about each other and clarifying who they are? DOUBLE Check.

This is what an actual date used to look like. Two people getting to know each other to find out if they still like each other as opposed to whatever 'idea' they've built up in their heads about the other person as a romantic partner.

And so far, neither of them seem disgusted or opposed to what they are presented with.

They have a SECOND date to the Beacon Dance and Blake is shown laughing having a genuinely good time dancing with Sun. The walls are coming down around him. She's comfortable around him and doesn't flake out the same way she does with team RWBY.

Then you get to Kuo Kuana and they have a THRID date where Blake talks about how she categorizes people before she brings him home to meet the parents.

Blake does NONE of this with Yang. There are no dates. There are no deep discussions baring themselves to each other to break down the 'romantic ideal' of each other. Hell for the entirety of Volume 4-5, Yang genuinely seems to HATE Blake for pulling a Raven and would probably attack and kill her onsight for that. Trust once broken like that is not easily regained.

And Blake broke Yang's trust three times over in the first three volumes.

Sun however, kinda has Blake somewhat figured out and her issues don't bother him as much as they do Yang. He's broken down far more of her walls then Yang has ever scratched and he doesn't hate what he sees. Yang however is practically spitting venom when Weiss tries to bring Blake up in Volume 5.

 

[GraveyardShift]

The thing about romances is that we always get the romance started in Beacon.
What if Jaune was ALREADY someone's boyfriend when he gets to Beacon?

Thus I present to you:

*Squeak!*


Lancaster:

"Don't think Dad would approve of all the boys." Ruby Rose, Super Awesome Huntress in Training, remarked to her big sister Yang Xiao-Long as she penned a letter to her old friends at signal.

"I know I do!" Yang said shamelessly ogling the various shirtless boys flexing and wrestling with each other to show off. "Rrrrr!" she purred.

Then one boy strutted past in a baby blue full body onesie.

Yang recoiled. "uUUUulgh!"

Ruby looked up from her letter at Yang's sudden shock. "Hmmm?" Looking around she spotted the boy in question who paused looking their way. She broke out into a wide grin and started waving at him. "Jaune! Jaune! Over here!" She bounced.

Jaune, spotting the girl also broke into a wide grin and hurried over. Ruby bouncing up to her feet and tackling him in a hug.

Yang watched from where she lay on her sleeping bag with equal parts interest and confusion. Ruby tugged him over and Jaune plopped himself down on Ruby's sleeping bag.

Then Ruby, instead of plopping down next to him, proceeded to drop right into his lap.

THAT caused Yang to raise an eyebrow. "Whoa. Moving a little fast there little sis?"

"What are you talking about Yang? This is normal." Ruby said wrapping Jaune's arms around her.

"Ruby I have never seen this person before and you are NEVER this cozy with someone who's new."

"He's not new."

"He is to me."

Jaune looked down at Ruby. "You didn't tell her?"

Ruby tapped her fingers together. "I was gonna..."

Yang's eyes narrowed. "Tell me what? ...wait..." Her eyes widened in shock as she sat up. "RUBY ROSE! YOU HAVE A BOYFRI-"

Ruby launched herself from Jaune's lap tackling Yang and covering her mouth with both hands. "SHHHH! SHHHH! Yang not so loud! Everyone will hear!" She hissed.

People in the room turned to look at the commotion. Some watching the exchange curiously.

Yang easily freed herself from Ruby. "How? When? Why didn't you say anything?" She hissed.

"I didn't say anything because I didn't want everyone to act all weird about it." Ruby hissed back before poking her fingers together again. "Last year at the comic convention is where we met. We were next to each other in the X-ray and Vav line."

"You were together that long?"

Jaune spoke up. "No we only started going out 4 months ago. We were doing stuff together long before that. We met up again at the release of Issue 357 of Owlman Forever." Ruby crawled back into his lap. "We exchanged numbers and started talking about comics and video games. Started going out monthly on new release day." Jaune extended a hand as Ruby pulled the other one around himself. "Jaune Arc. Ruby's said a lot about you."

"Oh? She talk about how kickass and awesome I was?" Yang asked shaking it.

"Naw, more about how you hog up space. Like the shower in the mornings. The couch after school."

Ruby twisted trying to cover his mouth. Yang cackled. "Oho so it's like that is it sis? Worried your big sister is going to steal away your man so you made me look bad?"

"Shut up!" Ruby hissed.

"Well good to meet you finally then Jaune. Meanwhile little Rubaby GOT SOME 'SPLAIN' TA DO. when DAD hears about this."

"Yang! No! Please!" Ruby whined. "Jaune's really nice and he treats me well!"

"As he should." Yang cracked her knuckled. "Now look Jaune I'm gonna be cool with this because Ruby coming out of her shell like this is a good thing. Don't abuse it. Oblatory big sister protection threat."

Jaune nodded. "Understood. Seven sisters."

Yang blanched. "SEVEN?"

Ruby nodded. "I met some of them once when Jaune and I were on one of our bi-weekly arcade dates."

Yang narrowed her gaze. "Is THAT what those trips into Vale were about? Oh dad is going to lose it."

"Can we at least wait until we graduate before we tell him?" Ruby pleaded.

Yang tapped a finger to her lips. "Hmmm... make it worth my while. I'm not sure you two are together."

Jaune decided to solve that problem by gently turning Ruby to face him before he leaned down to kiss her.

"*SQUEAK!*"

Yang fell backwards laughing as Ruby's face turned her namesake. "Oh this is gonna be the best year ever!"

---

Dragonslayer:

"I know I do! RrrrrRRRrr!" Yang Xiao-Long, kickass Huntress and punner extraordinaire purred as she ogled the boys on full display.

Then one boy in particular crossed her field of view strutting past.

And sudden there was an increase in brightness as Yang seemed to literally light up on spotting him. Shooting upright and waving frantically with megawatt grin and blonde locks glowing slightly. "JAUNE! JAUNE OVER HERE!"

The equally blond boy glanced over curious before face morphed into an equally bright grin as he hurried over.

Yang flopped back down patting her bag next to her which Jaune took up before she backed into him. Jaune flopping an arm around her waist.

Yang with a mischievous grin pushed it further up her ribcage.

Ruby watched all this happen in confusion before her face turned suspicious with a narrowed gaze before hissing "Yang! We're in public."

Yang just gave her sister a smug grin. "I know."

"Hey Ruby." Jaune said. "Small world."

Yang looked between the two. Returning Ruby's suspicious gaze. "And how do YOU know my boyfriend?" She questioned.

"When you abandoned me! and left me to explode!" Ruby accused puffing up.

"Yikes. Meltdown much?"

"No she literally exploded." Jaune answered. "I found her in a crater and everything."

"Oh my Aslan you actually exploded..."

"You!" Ruby gestured to the pair. "This! Does dad know?"

"I was gonna tell him next semester."

"If he lasts that long." Ruby muttered before turning to Jaune. "Sorry Jaune. She goes through a boyfriend like ever three weeks."

Jaune nodded. "I know."

"You KNOW?"

"Open communication is important in any relationship." Jaune went on. "It builds and maintains a healthy foundation to build upon."

"And unlike you, he knows a good pun when he ears it."

Jaune chuckled. Ruby groaned and tried to smother herself with her pillow.

"See? That was good one!" Yang complained.

"I've got a better one." Jaune grinned at Ruby. "How is Yang like a mouse?" Ruby peeked out from behind the pillow while Yang shot him a look that warned him he was on thin ice.

"Because she's cute and sounds like this." Jaune suddenly rolled Yang toward him and kissed her firmly on the lips.

"*SQUEAK!*"

Ruby chuckled. "Okay that was pretty good."

---

Knightshade:

"HELL-OOOOOO~!"

Blake Belladonna, former member of the White Fang and prospective Huntress-in-Training froze before cautiously peeking over her book...

...and spotted the one thing she dearly wished she was imagining.

An approaching extrovert.

Oh dear Horned God please let that be going to someone else... No No NO NO NO NO...

Blake quickly ducked her eyes back down. If she didn't make full on eye contact then they would ignore her....

...no such luck. Just keep reading Blake...

A throat cleared. Blake looked up again. Damn it...

A few awkward starts that Blake answered in short one-word sentences. Get the hint... go away...

She bristled at the 'lost cause' insult but they seemed to finally get the message.

"Oh I wouldn't say lost cause. Just shy."

Blake's ears shot upright as another person approached them. This one a far more welcome sight. YES! PROTECT ME! SHIELD ME FROM ATTENTION OH BLOND SAVIOR!

The boy came to plop himself right next to her. Blake quickly snuggled into him hiding behind her book again. Jaune started scratching the top of her head gently at the base of her ears causing her to lean into him and murr approvingly.

"Jaune Arc." He introduced himself. "This dark beauty is Blake. She's not trying to be rude. She's probably all socialed out. Sorry it took me so long love."

"Mmmm... keep petting and you are forgiven."

Jaune engaged the two girls taking attention away from Blake. She relaxed into him in gratitude. The blonde one, Yang, seemed overjoyed at the idea of having found a couple. Stupid teenage gossip no doubt. Shallow things that didn't matter in the long run to Blake.

"...What's it about?"

Blake blinked looking up at the younger one. Ruby. "Your book." Ruby asked.

The side conversation stopped as attention turned back to her.

Blake paused for a moment then shrugged. She could handle this. "It's about a man with two souls."

"I love books. My mom used to read to me every night."

Blake noticed the shift in mood instantly. Something she was good at. Something wistful came across in both girls. Jaune nudged her slightly.

Blake softened. These two had lost someone precious to them as Ruby talked about the stories of heroes and their deeds.

"Sounds nice. Sadly not everything in the world can be like a story."

"Oh I disagree." Jaune said drawing attention back to him.

Blake gave him a flat look. "And pray tell what exactly is like a story?"

"Those romance novels you have me read to you."

Yang lit up at the prospect of more juicy gossip. Blake flushed pink. She socked him in the arm. "Are not!"

Jaune tilted Blake's face toward him gently by the chin. "Challenge accepted." He pressed his lips to hers in a kiss.

"*SQUEAK!*"

Ruby covered her mouth turning red. Yang couldn't stop grinning. "I think he won that one Blake."

---

White Knight:

"Do you mind! Some of us are trying to-"
"OH NO NOT YOU AGAIN!"
"OH NO NOT YOU AGAIN!"

Weiss Schnee, Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company and soon to be Top Rated Huntress of Beacon was tired, grumpy, surrounded by useless posturing plebians, and somehow expected to sleep amid all the ruckus. She stomped over to a particularly loud group to demand they silence themselves and go to sleep at a respectable hour... only to find out that said group contained the dolt who had exploded a quarter of her dust and the loud blonde bimbo who looked like she'd rather be at a rave then a respectable institute.

Weiss grit her teeth and prepared to lay into the big titted bitch when someone swept up behind her and scooped her up. Stunned she instinctively looped her arms around the individual's neck trying to figure out what just happened as she let out a dignified yelp.

"Okay Snow Angel calm down. You know it's not good for your complexion to go to bed angry."

Weiss turned pink as she came face to face with her boyfriend. Jaune Arc. "Unhand me at once!"

"No."

"Unhand me!"

"No." Jaune simply adjusted his grasp on her preventing her from wriggling free... not that she fought him at all. Being picked up and carried like this as if someone's priceless treasure was one of her guilty pleasures. "Sorry about this." Jaune apologized to the other girls. "Weiss has come a long way from Atlas and she's had a bit of a rough day. She gets grumpy when she doesn't go to bed on time."

The other blonde pivoted from irate to glee. "Oh ho ho ho! Now I see why you wanted to talk about boys Ice Queen. Wanted to show off your own?"

"Why YOU-"

"WEISS." Jaune fixed her with a firm glare causing Weiss to immediately quit struggling to strangle the harlot. She shrunk further in on herself. "Good girl." Jaune praised her causing her to turn a deeper shade of red. Jaune turned to the other girls. "Nice meeting you all! Hope to see you in initiation. I'd better go put this one to bed so she'll be a little nicer tomorrow. Won't you dear?" Jaune fixed her with a stern look.

Weiss gave a tiny nod. "Mmm..."

"Good." Jaune leaned down to kiss her as he turned to bring her back to her own bedroll.

"*SQUEAK!*"

The two left behind a snickering trio as her darling knight went to put his princess to bed.

---

Arkos:

"And naturally it only makes sense that the two most prestigious Huntress of their generation pair up to ensure compatible excellence." Weiss stood before Pyrrha Nikos who was check the last of her armor. Pyrrha gave her a smile. "That sounds... grand Weiss." She said gently. "But I kind of already have a partner in mind."

Weiss mentally broke. "H-h-have a p-p-partner?" she stuttered.

Pyrrha nodded. "But if there's room on a team I'm sure we wouldn't mind having you. For that was planning on... letting the chips fall where they may. But I have a partner in mind already." She clasped her hands together bowing slightly. "Sorry!"

Weiss inhaled regrouping and rallying. "I see. They must be exceptionally indeed if you were looking to partner with them. I wouldn't say no to more exceptional individuals of course. Who did you have in min-"

Weiss froze as the tall lanky blond boy slipped up behind Pyrrha. His hands grabbing her by the waist and hoisted her into the air.

"OH!" Pyrrha started as she was gently tossed up and spun before coming back down being caught by someone. As her emerald eyes locked onto blue ones her gentle thin smile exploded into a genuine megawatt grin. "JAUNE!" she laughed as he held her before putting her back on her feet facing him.

"Gotcha!" Jaune grinned.

Pyrrha's eyes glittered mischievously. "You certainly did."

"EXCUSE YOU!" both turned to face Weiss who laser focused on Jaune. "Who are you to manhandle Pyrrha Nikos like that!" She moved to separate them standing between them. "You obviously know who this is!"

"It's Pyr-Pyr." "Jaune!" Pyrrha blushed at the use of her pet name.

"It's PYRRHA NIKOS!" Weiss advanced on him jabbing him in the chest. "The Invincible Girl! Four-Time National Champion of the Mistral National Circuit! Favorite to win the Vytal Tournament!"

"You forgot girlfriend of Jaune Arc."

"Girlfriend of Jau-GIRLFRIEND?!?!" Weiss went ramrod straight.

Pyrrha stepped around her back into Jaune's embrace. "We... don't advertise it. You understand right? Could you keep it quiet?" She asked.

Weiss just stood there spluttering. "There is... there is no way... you and him... no way..."

Jaune sighed. "Guess I have to prove this the fun way." Without warning he swept Pyrrha off her feet dipping her and kissing her on the lips.

"*SQUEAK!*"

Weiss went mentally dark. Pyrrha just hung limply in his arms with a goofy smile and unfocused eyes. "FiVe MoRe Of ThOsE tO gO pLeAsE..." she slurred somewhat drunkenly.

---

Ugh... this was a LOT more fun in my head and also included a lot more origin stories of how Jaunex(Girl) met but was an absolute slog to actually sit down to type out which wasn't as fun...

Jaune likes to make his girlfriend squeak. It's cute. Maybe I'll come back to this.

 

[GraveyardShift]

What if someone tried to create a Grimm/Human hybrid?

Click to shrink...

A Daughter's Vengence

The woman stood there with stark white hair pulled back in a feathery ponytail that triggered something in Jaune's memory but he couldn't get his mind to cooperate at the moment to recall. Porcelain white skin with black and red markings reaching into her face along her temples, cheeks, and jaw.

Most striking however were the eyes.

Black sclera ended in glowing green irises in emerald. The same color as the moon staring down at them.

"Hello Mother." she snarled the second word. Acid dripping from the tone.

Click to shrink...

So someone makes a Grimm/Human hybrid. Top secret lab. Speed grown.

RWBY and JNPR with Oobleck investigate this lab, where the staff has mysterious disappeared, leaving one surviving scientist... And a strange little girl.

A little girl who knows nothing beyond a cell in a laboratory. Who has undergone torture and horrific experiments.

And now... She is starting to hear a voice in her head. An older, female voice...

Click to shrink...

And what, pray tell, are you...?

"Hu-Who's there?" The girl fled for the corner of her cell looking around desperately for the voice.

She had been enjoying the silence. The first in ages.

Don't bother looking with your eyes child. I am not there. At least not physically... though even that is a matter of debate considering what your signature is returning. Strange. Very strange indeed.

"Who are you?"

Of course they wouldn't see fit to tell you. *tch* I am your progenitess. Your origin and beginning.

"Yu-...you're my mommy?"

I did not give birth to you so technically no. But given the manner of how you came to be from my flesh and blood I suppose we should nail down exactly what we are to each other. You were born from the remains of my flesh. Cut free during an encounter with a rather nasty Bounty Hunter. From that waste my genetic material was isolated and replicated. Cloned if you will. And from that you were created.

"I... I don't understand."

*sigh* Forgive me. I forgot what I was dealing with. Someone cut my arm off.

The girl looked at her arm.

Yes. That. It grew back. Don't worry about how at the moment. And no that arm you're looking at is yours. Not mine. You were created from it's remains.

"S-so you're not going to cut mine off?"

Goodness no. I've already grown mine back. There's no need for me to go cutting off a perfectly good arm just to try and replace it with a child's.

"You're... you're like me then. They cut me. But it keeps growing back. It always grows back." She curled up tightly in a ball.

*sigh* Of course... bloodly sadists... though sometimes you have to brute force the science... right, so you were created from the remains of that flesh which means you are my clone.

"...I'd rather have a mommy..."

...

"Could... could you be my mommy? Could you take me away so they won't hurt me anymore?"

Well since you're my clone, that makes you ether my twin sister or my daughter and frankly I have enough trauma to deal with regarding sisters. Mine were taken from me and tortured so probably for the best I see you as just another daughter.

"So... you are my mommy?"

I suppose given the context... yes, I'd be considered your mother. Now the question is what to do with you...

"Take me away! Take me out of here! I don't want to be hurt anymore! Please make it stop!" she begged.

The voice was silent for a moment. She feared it had all been another trick. Another torture.

Then the groan reverberated in her skull. It hadn't been a trick.

Alright. To be honest I should just kill you and be done with it. But there's a slight chance. Slight. That it wouldn't stick. Given you're already growing back limbs or whatever else they're cutting off you. And honestly this has never happened before. You're the first successful clone ever created. I'm curious about what you would do. In over six thousand years you're the first new thing in a long time. Long time... I can't even tell if you'd have The Spark.

"...What's that?"

The Spark. True Magic. Humanity is but a shadow of its former self save for two people. Though technically I was born during the Second Era and so I suppose I'm technically Second Era Human even if the circumstances of my birth and my own ability to do True Magic makes me First Era. It's a lot of guesswork.

"...You're smart."

I should hope so. I've been around long enough.

"You're as smart as I'd wished you were. I bet you're pretty and strong too."

Alright. Alright. No need to flatter me further. So here is what's going to happen. I'm going to break in and wreck the place. You are going to run.

"Run where?"

Anywhere. Doesn't matter.

"But how will I find you?"

You'll know the way Home. All you have to do is Believe.

"O-okay... Just believe and I'll find the way Home."

And one last thing before I get started. Clearly my voice is stronger than hers, but she WILL notice. She will try to get you to call her Mother. She is NOT your mother. She is your grandmother. Do NOT trust her. Her words will sound sweet but they are poisoned honey. Your grandfather is no better. You will come to know them as Salem and Ozma. They will lie to you. They will manipulate you. They will sound sweet and kind but know that they care more for their feud then your wellbeing. Do. Not. Trust. Them. Understand?

"Yes mommy."

Good.

The room suddenly shook as an explosion sounded somewhere deep outside her cell. Loud alarms started blaring. Shouting began outside.

More explosions. More shaking. More alarms. More shouting.

Suddenly the cell door was torn open by an invisible force. There was nothing on the other side.

Run.

She ran.

In truth. She had no idea where she was going. She ran this way. She ran that way. She dodged around the adults who were unconcerned with her and more concerned with the other test subjects.

Horrific abominations that made unholy noises and ran around in complete madness killing and scrambling around.

With each one she touched them mentally like she'd been able to do. Look away please. Don't see me. Leave me alone.

And each one would turn away from her. But none of them were able to talk back. Not like the true Grimm.

She could hear them on another level.

The adults shouted and fought back. Their scary weapons exploding and turning everything into noise. Screams.

She kept running.

She burst into the food room. Something she'd only seen in passing.

And that's where she first saw The Stranger.

The Stranger wasn't dressed like the rest and didn't have the same weapons. The Stranger gutted one of the Mean ones with the guns before rising to her feet and turning to look at her.

Both of them stood there staring for a minute at each other. The Stranger wearing a cloak with an empty face. Only two glowing green orbs present where there should be eyes. The same emerald green as her own.

A shout drew the attention of both of them. The Mean ones with guns were running toward them.

The Stranger flicked their head.

The door slammed shut.

Then the door just vanished.

The Stranger looked back at her. The orbs had vanished. Instead a long pearly white smile at her.

Another jerk of her chin. This time the wall burst open followed by six more behind it.

"Run little one. Find your way."

She didn't hesitate long before running down the opened path.

"See the world! Find your place in it! And remember that if you need to, just Believe and you will Know the Way Home!"

She stumbled looking back in surprise just as another test subject leaped at her from behind.

"Mommy?"

"GO!"

She ran.

---

The blast doors sprang open, then slammed shut, then slowly opened again with a screeching noise before jamming open.

"HA! SUCK IT WEISS! I TOLD YOU I COULD GET IT OPEN!!" Ruby Rose cheekily did a victory dance around her partner and super awesome bestie Weiss Schnee.

"Yes yes. Fine. You were right. Now stop being so smug about it." Weiss rolled her eyes at Ruby dancing around her.

One Doctor Bartholomew Ooblek led the way in with a light in one hand and his thermos which he aggressively sipped from in the other. "Capital work Miss Rose. Engineering should never be looked down upon. Now let's see exactly what this mysterious place of ours was up to."

Beacon Academy in Vale had recently received a rather strange signal from somewhere deep in the Emerald Forest. Which was strange because there were no marked settlements out that way. It was a generic SOS Beacon but on a security band that had almost been missed had it not been caught by one of the third year students who had a hobby of listening in to radio broadcasts.

So Ozpin dispatched teams RWBY and JNPR as they were the only available teams on standby and this should have been a routine search and rescue.

This was turning into anything but.

At least Ozpin had seen fit to send Professor Doctor Ooblek with them. (He didn't earn his PhD for fun you know!)

The troupe marched inside spreading out as they observed the wreckage.

"What... happened to this place?" Yang Xiao-Long asked out loud.

"What happened... clearly took out the entire facility." Blake Belladonna noted. She knelt down to the floor feeling it near a body. "Quagulated. This is at least a day or so old."

"Right so... Grimm attack maybe?" Yang guessed.

"Oooh! Oooh! I know! This is a secret government lab where they were running unethical experiments until one of them got loose and set off a chain reaction where the whole place went crazy and everyone started killing each other!" Nora Valkyrie theorized before looking around wide eyed. "And one of those experiments is in the room right now with us!"

Everyone just looked at her. Someone coughed.

"That is definitely not what happened." Jaune Arc said shaking his head.

"That is totally too what happened!"

Someone coughed again.

"Students! Silence please!" Ooblek deployed his thermos into its flame staff form. "We are not alone..."

Everyone else pulled their weapons fall back into formation.

Another cough.

Ooblek wordlessly gestured.

Pyrrha Nikos slowly advanced. Milo poking out at the pile of debris nudging it aside.

"...Help..."

"Survivor!" She announced holstering her weapons and starting to dig aside the pile.

What they found was... not expected.

"Good heavens!" Ooblek exclaimed.

A badly wounded scientist curled up tightly around a child barely alive. "...Help... us..." She croaked. The child was unconscious.

But the most damning thing about the child was the skin coloration. Pure bone white. But with red and black markings.

Like the Grimm.

"HAH! I WAS RIGHT! PAY UP!" Nora cackled in glee.

Lie Ren sighed. He would be making so many pancakes later for this....

---

How far do the labs reach and what secrets do they contain?

Who is this child and will she survive meeting the future Huntsmen and Huntresses of Remnant?

Who is her mother and what is the Way Home?

AJT set me off one morning so this was particularly a Spite Writing but eh. I think maybe it's something I can do with in the future.

 

[GraveyardShift]

I know Blake deserted her team only a couple of times: when she tried to take on White Fang at the docks on her own and when Beacon fell. Were there other times Blake abandoned them? I think I forgot, or I don't know.

Click to shrink...

The Crimes of Blake Belladonna:

"Black Trailer": Blake Belladonna is an active member of the terrorist group 'White Fang'. Which she then abandons.

Volume 1: Blake Belladonna conceals her identity (badly) before outing herself as White Fang. She then abandons Team RWBY to try and 'redeem' the White Fang by proving they aren't working with Torchwick knowing full well they're a bunch of criminal Faunus.

Volume 2: Blake decides to abandon her team AGAIN by obsessing over the White Fang and refusing to care for herself. To the point where Yang had an intervention to force her to socialize with the team and reconnect with them so they wouldn't have another docks situation where Blake runs off to do something stupid. This results in her team following her into doing something stupid resulting in two fights that damage critical city infrastructure. That being the Highway and 'The Breach'.

Volume 3: Blake is the odd woman out. Actually, standing AGAINST Yang when Yang is framed for the 'crippling' of Mercury. She then abandons the fight in the middle of the battle of beacon to go challenge Adam to a 1v1 she knows she can't win resulting in Yang having to chase after her and lose an arm to save her life. Or at least distract Adam so she can save them both. And of course, Blake runs off after the fall.

Volumes 4-5: Blake then spends two seasons isolated on Menagerie and shows no indication of wanting to return until the White Fang try to burn down her home and kill her family and friends. She is instantly forgiven despite Yang having demonstrated acidic levels of hatred and vitriol whenever Blake is brought up.

Volume 6: Blake AGAIN draws off Adam into a 1v1 requiring Yang to come rescue her AGAIN instead of drawing Adam toward Yang.

Volume 7: Blake convinces Yang to side with the LITERAL CRIMINALS who are stealing civic resources and betray Ironwood's trust in them by disregarding strategic secrecy to keep the Amity Project concealed until such time it could be properly revealed when it was too late to be sabotaged. This has the knock-on effect in Volume 8.

Volume 8: Blake actually sides with Ruby AGAINST Yang over a completely pointless argument between the sisters designed to drive drama despite the fact they have the numerical ability to freely split up and achieve both their stated goals with no need for a drama-based split. And this is on top of their numerous lies and betrayals coming to light against Ironwood resulting in his mental break.

Ironically this also causes the failure of the Amity Project. As a result of Cinder chasing Penny and Ironwood being forced to prematurely reveal Amity, the communications satellite is damaged and isn't able to make it to space. Penny keeps it up high enough for just long enough for Ruby's completely pointless message to get out begging for help when it's too late before Penny, having sustained too much damage in the fight to drive off Cinder, fails to keep Amity aloft and it crashed back down to Solitas.

Yes I was surprised too when I finally watched it for the first time after dropping the show in Volume 6 after the closure of RT. Turns out Pieto and Maria DON'T die in space alone but somehow survived a crash and that's why Amity shows up in Volume 9 in Vacuo.

Though it does baffle me how the hell they got it there when Atlas has been destroyed along with all the manufacturing at the bottom of a giant lake.

So Blake does in fact have a documented tendency to go 'off the rails' and abandon people at the wrong time for the wrong reasons.

 

[GraveyardShift]

Eh... a couple more

Blake's Hypocrisy

But to be fair, just how hypocritical was Blake throughout the series—from Volume 1 to Volume 9?

Click to shrink...

Volume 1. She straight up sasses Weiss for being a rich bitch who mistreats people... all while being the Secret Faunus Princess and former White Fang terrorist. Then she has the gall to argue that the White Fang wouldn't work with human criminals and can't be held accountable for their actions because humanity was so much worse in their racism. Again trying to White Knight LITERAL TERRORISTS WHO KILLED WEISS' FAMILY AND FRIENDS per Weiss herself which caused Weiss and her siblings to be socially isolated in fear of being collateral damage or even turned into targets by the White Fang just by association. (This is downplayed by the writers.)

Volume 2. Blake practically kills herself desperate to put a stop to the White Fang because 'only I have the power to stop them'. She insists that the proper authorities are useless and won't do anything. Ironically the best thing Blake can do is actually cooperate with and give Ozpin and the VPD her insider information that would actually let them DO SOMETHING but she refuses because it's 'her responsibility'. And yet it abundantly clear that Blake can't fight a GLOBAL ORGANIZATION by herself.

Volume 3. Blake turns on Yang because she reminds her of Adam in the moment she attacked Mercury. Despite the fact that Blake and Yang have been partners for the better part of a year. They have lived together. Fought together. And survived together. It's made abundantly clear that Yang and Adam are significantly different people. And if the Wasps are to be believed, Yang and Blake are starting to have budding feelings for each other at this point which the rose-tinted glasses should ensure that Blake would overlook this incident and insist that Yang was innocent. (Point against Bumblebee being 'planned from the start'.) To further add injury to insult. Blake has made multiple promises now that she'll trust her team and stick with them. By the end of the volume, she breaks them all and runs home.

Volume 4. An exasperated Blake explodes on Sun that she is 'too tired to fight' and just wants to rest and recover at home. However that very same day not more than 4 hours later chronologically speaking, the White Fang knock on her front door in the form of the Alban Brothers and she's already back in the fight. To say less about 'The Slap' in which Jaques slapping Weiss is supposed to be a travesty but Blake slapping Sun is meant to be a comedy.

Volume 5. Sun finally calls out Blake on being a selfish little brat constantly trying to run away from her friends to keep them from getting hurt. Reminding her that 'it's our choice to fight for the people we care about. and we accept what comes when we do. you don't get to deny us that choice'. Not to mention Blake choosing to believe Ilia having 'second thoughts' and walking into an obvious trap with no weapon and no backup when Ilia publicly spoke out against her that very morning. If Sun hadn't chased Blake down that night, Blake probably would have wound up an actual prisoner of the White Fang while they killed her parents.

Volume 6. Blake trying to overcompensate for the harm she's done to Yang. Then trying to fight Adam alone making Yang chase her down AGAIN. To save her from Adam. AGAIN. and the whole retarded speak about 'not protecting each other but protecting each other'. I'm dead serious when you parse that whole declaration out, that's what it sounds like.

Volume 7. Blake is a former Terrorist Operative. She should know about proper operational security. First thing she does? Spill military secrets to a known and confirmed criminal who is actively and proven to be stealing military supplies. Supplies that was paid for by Atlesian taxpayers for a military operation that would restore global communications to ALL sectors, military and civilian alike. Apparently Blake still romanticizes criminals and crimes against society despite being next in line for rulership of Menagerie. (Assuming that's how it works.) She is actively working against critical global infrastructure that would benefit the entire world not to mention their fight against Salem just so she can feel good about sticking it to Ironwood.

Volume 8. After undermining Ironwood and disrupting his plans resulting in him being caught on the backfoot resulting in a poor showing against Salem, Blake then sides against her supposed 'girlfriend' to get a message out to the world after sabotaging the very project to get that message out in the first place. Then hides like a coward in the Schnee manor sipping tea while civilians are dying in a LITERAL WAR outside.

Volume 9. Surprisingly, this is the first time Blake is not a complete screw up at anything. Probably helps there's no Authority to overthrow, injustice to fight, or cause to champion. The only thing she's guilty of is being part of the most toxic mainstream lesbian ship to ever be held up as the 'gold standard'. That's not really hypocrisy on her, that's more on CRWBY and the FNDM.

 

[GraveyardShift]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV8Lpn29BhY
This is a scene I would love to see - either by my own words, or someone else - Fleet Admiral Thorn, giving Yang a private guided tour of his gallery of art collected from various bandit and pirate tribes he has battled across his career, as an offer to teach her about Raven in a way the woman herself was incapable of.

Click to shrink...

But I can probably do something with that prompt between Thorn and Yang.

Click to shrink...

Culture - The Turning Point of Civilization

Yang eyed a painting and tilted her head sideways trying to make sense of it.

The group was experiencing a moment of down time between missions of securing the Amity Launch site and training. This being Atlas, Weiss had insisted on taking Team RWBY to an Art Museum. "To add a touch of class and sophistication to this team." she argued.

Ruby had been all for it and had followed Weiss around like an excited puppy. Blake was keeping with Weiss who was acting as a tour guide for the group but kept getting sidetracked by Ruby when the concepts kept flying over her head and Blake occasionally snarking Weiss about the overrepresentation of human pieces compared to Faunus ones. Blake had gotten much better since Mistral about the whole racism issue but some habits were dying harder then others. Weiss bit back at Blake but gently. This kind of thing more reaffirming their bond over old habits then any real argument.

Yang on the other hand was hanging back from all this. As pretty as some of the art was, it wasn't really her speed. She was a punch fast and party hard type of girl. The atmosphere a little too slow and stuffy for her.

But she came anyway wanting to support the team after the whole separation of last year.

As Yang trailed behind the group, the creak of a door caught her attention.

A door behind one of those velvet barriers had come unlatched somehow and came open.

Yang watched it a minute. She looked around as if expecting someone to be watching her.

A moment of rebellious mischief took her. An unsecured door blocked off by a barricade that was easy to bypass?

Yang grinned to herself as she looked around to make sure no one was watching before she slipped under it and edged carefully through the door. A little trouble to spice up this trip was just the rush she needed. The thrill of almost getting caught being somewhere she shouldn't have been.

The thrill wasn't quite to last though, as the wing was simply more of the same... until she spotted it.

One of the paintings was vandalized.

Yang approached curiously.

Under the surface, the painting looked like any other ordinary painting in the museum. One of those boring drab pieces that Weisscream would drool over and go on about some kind of subliminal meaning of life.

But layered on top of it was a bunch of bright spray paint markings. Symbols more akin to gang graffiti and defiling. One of the people in the image had the childish crude horns and devil tail.

Yang looked over it carefully. The casing surrounding the painting was intact. So clearly it had been preserved in this manner and there wasn't some kind of art vandal running around. Shame... she could use a good work out to wake up.

But her curiosity led her to pay more attention to the rest of the room. It was there that she realized that a lot of these paintings were of a similar slant. A lot of the other works were also much cruder in design then the gentle slopes and professional shaping of the statues and other things in the main room.

Yang ventured from exhibit to exhibit. Her mind now cataloging the stark differences between this closed off area and the area that Weiss had been leading them.

She stopped taken in by a fairly large portrait that was clearly a centerpiece. It was not vandalized in the slightest.

It was a woman dressed in black leaned back almost enticingly on a sofa. A hood pulled up shadowing her face.

One side gave the hint of a closed lip smile. The green eye barely visible to the pale skin but the color shone out brightly. That half of the woman carefully painted out in elegance and beauty.

A clear split had the other side of her face encased fully in shadow. Bright white teeth shone out of pitch-black almost mockingly compared to the gentle smile on the other half. The 'eye' little more than a burning green dot even having licks of fire on one side of it compared to its more natural counterpart. The shadows jagged and squared as if to prick or hurt anyone that tried to touch it.

Yang just stood there a moment captivated by the duality of the portrait. It's eyes seeming to pin her in place with a kind of elegant superiority. Her knees shook a little as if wanting to bow down.

"Supposedly that's the Charlatan Queen herself having willingly posed for this piece as a reward of sorts."

Yang yelped whirling about cocking one fist back to strike at the surprise.

Standing next to her also staring up at the paining was a man in an Atlesian military uniform.

A man with blue skin.

"Most people doubt the tale. That the most powerful kingpin of the underworld would lower herself for such an act... personally I believe it to be true meaning the artist was one of the few to capture the Queen on canvas and live to tell the tale."

He turned his head to look at her, body still facing the artwork head on.

"What say you Ms. Xiao-Long? Do you believe this is an authentic portrait or an artistic inspiration?"

Yang lowered her fist giving the man an up-down before looking back at the piece before back at the man. Then back to the painting. "Uhhh..." She scratched at the back of her head. "...I mean... it's fancy I guess... feels kinda... snobby the way she's looking down on us."

"Hmmph." The man gave a one noise chuckle as he looked back at the painting. "Part of why I believe it to be authentic then artist interpretation. With an interpretation there's a kind of deadness to the eyes. But an authentic portrait often captures that essence of life within its subject. Someone as powerful as her looking down on us imperiously as if we were lesser then her. And we feel that weight as intensely as the artist did as it was fixated on him when he translated it to canvas."

They both stood there. Emerald green eyes looming down on them.

Yang shuffled uncomfortably. "So uh... just to be clear mister, I didn't break in here. The door was open so I just kind of figured... yaknow... and then I saw that one painting that was vandalized and thought there might be some mischief going on and well uh..."

"Entirely intentional Ms Xiao-Long. The painting was found that way when I had the Skullsplitter Gang in Vacuo crushed. I left it as I found it as a reminder."

"...So it's supposed to look like that?"

"No. The Sunny Day in a Grassy Park was done by a respectable artist before it was stolen from Vale by an Art Thief and eventually thought lost forever. It's clearly changed hands a few times and traveled around quite a bit. I left it as was found as a reminder of what it is people lose when they turn to banditry and anarchy. Much like your mother."

Yang's eyes went red and her hair started sparking gold. "Summer Rose was an upstanding Huntress and a hero to all! She'd never turn to crime like that!"

The man simply regarded her quietly a moment. "Ah. My apologizes. I was referring to Raven Branwen."

"That BITCH is nothing more than a cowardly egg donor and that's all she is." Yang snarled.

"Quite." The man turned back to the portrait as Yang reigned herself in. Controlling her breathing. Pulling back in the rage and anger.

The sparks faded and red was swallowed by lilac with a blink.

"What would some Art Snob in a fancy suit know about bandits anyway?" Yang groused, her anger slipping control.

"You'd be surprised what one can learn from art." The man replied. "Culture shapes life. Culture shapes art. Therefore, lifestyle and habits are often translated into physical expressions of the feelings of people. Honesty can be found more with the stroke of a brush or the scrape of a knife rather than words from lips."

Yang gave him a quizzical disbelieving look.

The Atlesian chuckled throatily before offering her a hand. "Admiral Thorn of the Atlesian Navy."

"Huntress-in-train... no, Fully Licensed Huntress Yang Xiao-Long. Patch."

Thorn raised an eyebrow with an amused smile. "Is that the new Atlas title we're giving to our Hunters?"

Yang turned pink but puffed up in defiance as she gripped his hand.

After releasing said hands, Thorn turned away. "Walk with me Huntress Xiao-Long. Let me show you what I mean..."

---

The first thing the two of them approached was a wooden effigy held up inside a case. "The first thing you'll notice is how mundane this piece is compared to the regal piece that was The Charlatan Queen. What do you think that says about the one who made it?"

Yang studied it a moment before shrugging. "It's just a piece of wood. Why bother?"

"A vaild question Ms. Xiao-Long. Why bother indeed? Why create anything? Why create something? The first question that comes to mind when facing the dregs of society. Shouldn't they have other concerns?"

Yang frowned. Slightly frustrated she scrutinized the piece harder. Eventually she gave up before throwing her hands up in the air. "I don't know. Shouldn't they be out robbing someone or fighting to the death somewhere instead of wasting time with wood that would be better thrown in a fire?"

Thorn nodded. "In the first days of humanity. The priority was 'survival'. Everything was functional. There was no place for useless fluff pieces. But on the topic of survival, I ask you. How would these people communicate?"

Yang looked again at the wood. She blinked. Then leaned in closer. She tilted her head before slowly moving to the right. Her eyes widening in realization. "Wait... holy shit is this some kind of MARKER?"

Thorn nodded. "Just as animals would leave some kind of marker of specific territory, so too would the early humans also make markers themselves. Things to signal safety. Danger. Resources. Direction. Distance. Location. Things that would help them navigate the world. This particular effigy was a tribe of feral humans from a lost settlement that eventually started raiding and cannibalizing their neighbors. It was to mark the edge of their territory. Serving as a warning to outsiders and a sign of safety for the raiding parties. Note the crude structure as opposed to modern signage we used today which is an evolution of these early markers."

"And this is... art?"

"Of a sort. Look carefully. I see your attention is drawn to the shape and patterns. Things your brain recognizes as abnormal in nature but draw the eye anyway. What does it look like to you?"

"It's... unsettling actually. I see... I think it looks like some kind of head. Something like paper. And... an arrow?"

"Skulls are often an unsettling reminder of our mortality. Hence why they're often used to signal death and danger. The paper in question is actually something more akin to skin. This particular group worshiped the skin. Human skin in particular was highly prized. It features prominently amount their society. I believe they may have referred to themselves as some kind of 'Skinflayers'."

"Okay... so what does THAT mean?"

"It mean Ms. Xiao-Long. These particular savages sought to capture their prey with as little damage to the skin as possible. Preferring traps that include nets and poison darts. Things to avoid damaging the skin during the capture so that it can be prepared for the processing phase. They do not actively hunt something unless it's for food. Wanting the skin in as pristine condition as they can get it."

"Huh... that's... actually a lot of information out of a crude piece of wood."

"Indeed. Remember that things like this are for that specific purpose. Functional. To pass on information. It also speaks to a society that does not have its basic needs met. Everyone must work toward the survival of the Tribe."

"Survival of the fittest..." Yang mused as she considered the wood.

Thorn let her stand there lost in her thoughts for a few minutes before he gestured onward. "Come. We have more to consider."

---

"...How is a flag 'Art'?" Yang asked very confused by the series of flags along one wall. The cloth having seen better days but preserved in their cases.

"You tell me Ms. Xiao-Long." Thorn said.

Yang considered them for awhile. "They're.... signals right? I heard something once in school about boats using flags as signals. Sema... sem-something."

"Semaphore Ms. Xiao-Long. And entirely correct those these particular flags aren't used for that purpose. But they do speak to actually being used as signals. To identify specific individuals. Much in the same way that land armies used banners. As for what makes them Art, take a closer look. What is different about these flags compared to the effigy?"

"They're..." Yang peered closer. "They're of better quality. Someone actually took the time to make these and ensure they could be properly seen. Guess they wanted to ensure they could properly Flag down someone eh?"

Thorn raised an eyebrow.

Yang chuckled nervously.

"I suppose so."

Yang tugged at the collar of her jumpsuit.

"But consider what that means. These ocean-going raiders had the means to ensure their survival. They had downtime. Downtime they could use to ensure the quality of their signals and banners. And that speaks to Order. Of organization. People have a system because the system is efficient. At turning a job from a taxing endeavor to a simple chore."

Yang blinked turning back to the flags. "Like Weiss keep organizing our schedules trying to ensure 'efficiency'. To ensure we have the time to do our work and then have extra time to spare."

Thorn nodded. "Precisely. A system to ensure the flow of small tasks are completed. Even if it's dull drudgery to you at your age." The man gave Yang a thin smile.

Yang snorted. "Only issue is that Weiss wants to use it for more work. We earned that downtime! We should be able to goof off and have fun!"

"Ah. A good segue into our next set of works..."

---

To the left, Yang could immediately spot the clear Atlesian origin of the painting. A simple hallway devoid of color.

The right on the other hand was a loud cacophony of clashing colors and shapes with no rhyme or reason to them. She couldn't identify the origin and... frankly it hurt her eyes to look at. Turning back to the Atlesian work was a much-needed relief.

Thorn chuckled seeing Yang avert her gaze. "Yes. The Atlesian Nightmare is something of an acquired taste and getting used to it takes time." He said facing the loud discord on the right. He considered it a moment before glancing sideways at Yang. "Which do you think came first Ms. Xiao-Long?"

Yang pointed at the hallway. "I'd wager that one. Probably The Atlesian Dream if the title is anything to go by."

Thorn smirked. "Ironically no. The Serene Path was actually in response to The Atlesian Nightmare. Two rival artists, the Nightmare from Vacuo while the Path was actually of Valish Origin. Though the Valish artist was 4 generations from immigrants from Atlas to Vale. The family I believe was escaping persecution from Atlas as a result of 'The Suppression'. They supported the existence of Art in a society that was oppressing it and had to flee. The Vacuian Artist creating the Nightmare as a mocking statement of Atlesian culture of the time. The Valish one in response to his rival to demonstrate the beauty of simplicity. The gentle appealing shapes in a pleasing order as opposed to the sharp loud cacophony of screaming chaos. I suppose to a society like Atlas that finds peace in Law and Order, the Nightmare is just that. While the Path represents the serenity in calm organized fashion."

Yang looked back between the two wincing at the Nightmare again. "Yeah Thorny, I kinda have to agree with that. Patch is kind of rustic and we're all about loud self-expression in Vale but that just hurts to look at. It's like they just took random paint and splattered it wherever."

Thorn nodded. "An interesting admission Ms. Xiao-Long."

"Don't get me wrong. I don't see how this applies to Weiss giving us extra work ahead of where we were at in Beacon."

"Consider the difference between the two cultures. Ms Schnee is Atlesian. We prize efficiency. The truth being is that we teach our children a strong work ethic first and foremost. The thing they need to learn afterwards is rest and relaxation." He gestured to the Path. "The very thing the Path's Artist was trying to convey to his audience in addition to a message being sent to his rival."

Yang blinked in surprise. "You mean you military types aren't all work and no play?"

Thorn chuckled. "At one time perhaps. But humans are not automatons. Even machines need to be switched off and have maintenance periods. The maintenance of the human mind is a different procedure but no less crucial. There's a philosophy in Mistralian culture specific to the Pathist sects down there in regard to their work ethic. I believe it goes: "Work hard, Study well," but the latter half I say with emphasis goes as: "and Eat and Sleep Plenty. The Pathists understood that the human body requires downtime for proper maintenance. Rest-" Thorn gestured to The Serene Path. "-is just as crucial for the well being of the body and mind. No matter what my or your collogues would argue. Your upbringing argues that rest is necessary but the thing you need to learn as you grow is that too much rest or 'Sloth' need to be brough to heel and a proper work ethic needs to be established. Just because you live in a society with Plenty does not mean the work stops completely."

"Farmers still farm because they have to and people rely on them for food." Yang mused. "Even if they have machinery to help them."

"Correct." Thorn acknowledged. "But these systems only work when people contribute to them. What happens when people stop? Walk with me and we shall see."

---

They returned to the vandalized painting.

"The Sunny Day in a Grassy Park right?" Yang asked.

"Formerly. Given its state I have given it a new title. The Loss of Humanity." Thorn glanced at her. "Why do you think that is?"

Yang pondered quietly. Thorn let her be. Both simply staring at the desecrated work. "You said you got it from a criminal gang right?"

"Recovered might be a more applicable term but yes."

Yang tapped her lips. "A group of people who don't contribute anything to a society. Formerly out of one with plenty but then reduced to an early state where survival is dependent on taking from those with too much." She turned to Thorn. "But wouldn't it just make sense to just ensure that everyone got what they needed if there's so much?"

"Remember the flags compared to the effigy and everything we've seen so far compared to The Charlatan Queen." Thorn nodded toward the portrait in the distance. Still looking down on them even this far away. "Time and effort spent to create quality. The more spent, the better quality the final product. The better quality the resources also spent, the greater the end." He turned back to the vandalized painting. "It is well known that handouts and things received for free often aren't treated with the same reverence and care as things that were earned through time and effort. Consider your own work Ms Xiao-Long. Would you be a Huntress for free?"

"I mean. That's kind of the whole point of being a Huntress right? We're the Defenders of Humanity. We're the good guys."

"And while I'm sure good feelings and goodwill are necessary. Will they sustain you? Can you eat them, so they nourish your body and replace the energy you expend on said efforts to protect your fellow man?"

"No... but I can charge fairly for it!"

"Indeed. Even if it's but a single lien for all the Grimm on Remnant, that alone shows that you value your time and have respect for what you can do. And people are more likely to take you seriously. Consider this painting and the vandalization. The amount of care and effort that went into A Sunny Day in a Grassy Park. Do you think the previous owners after it was stolen respected any of that?"

Yang opened her mouth to snap. Paused for a moment. Her jaw clicked shut. She studied the work more closely. Thorn seemed to approve the pause to truly consider her answer before answer the same as she would have instinctively. "...No."

"And why is that?"

"Because they got it for free. They stole it without a fair trade."

"From a system built on efficiency to provide plenty and ensure people had time to create works such as this one to a system that barely better then early feral humans because they felt the need to rebel. Rebel against a system they felt they were incompatible with. In a way that defilement is its own message. We reject what makes us human."

"The strong take from the weak." Yang mused. "The way animals do. The Loss of Humanity...." her eyes widened and she whirled on Thorn. "That's why you call it that!"

Thorn simply nodded. "They many speak like we do. Use tools like we do. But their way of life. Their culture, is radically different from ours. To understand that is to better understand ourselves."

"But not every culture is bad!" Yang argued. "I mean look at the Faunus in Atlas and how they're treated!"

"Quite." Thorn agreed. "I personally do not see any of the cultures of the Four Kingdoms as inherently bad. But being able to separate those who agree to live by a Code. Live by Law. Live by a set of rules. An understanding of how to behave to participate. Separate them from those who refuse. To better understand who needs to be fought. Who need to be protected and who needs to be challenged."

"...Like Raven. She doesn't understand how to live by rules other than her messed up law of the jungle where she doesn't care about anything but strength. Not even her own family... something Dad gave freely... was... was Dad wrong for that?"

Thorn shook his head. "Contrary to belief. Relationships are transitional to some degree. Your father offered his attention, companionship, and ability to provide resources. In return, he'd gain similar from Raven in return. And after all your conception required participation from both parties." He offered a wry smile to Yang's flush and averted gaze. "To anybody else, it was a good trade. The kind that has kept humanity going even in the face of Darkness. Raven apparently didn't see the value in the trade if she just thinks she can take what she wants for free."

Yang nodded relaxing. Dad wasn't wrong. Raven was just a stupid subhuman bitch for not upholding her end of the deal. The way her REAL mom. Summer did. She saw what Tai-yang had to offer and returned in kind. Giving them Ruby too.

"I think we've viewed enough today." Thorn said leading them back to the wing entrance. "The thing about proper lessons is that the brain needs time to digest and process the information if it is to retain it. "But if you retain anything today Ms. Xiao-Long..." Thorn held aside the velvet rope for Yang to pass through. "Art is only useless to those who do not understand the Culture underneath it. To view art properly is to gain an understanding of the lifestyle and culture that created it." Thorn ensured the door was closed properly before turning to Yang. "I believe this exhibit will be open next week. Do come again Ms. Xiao-Long. Art is meant to be appreciated after all."

Admiral Thorn turned and strode off.

"Yang! There you are!" Weiss stomped up grabbing her by the wrist and dragging her off. "Stop goofing off! We're going to look at some Kalendros works! The contrast between the watercolor and acrylic paints is something that isn't usually done. The difference between the two mediums..." Weiss continued to ramble on.

Yang tuned her out. She had a lot to think about. Maybe this day at the museum wasn't such a waste after all...

---

Gotta be honest, this was a little difficult given Bandit cultures generally don't do art other than to steal it from societies that have the time and resources to produce it. *shrug* Hope it's appreciated anyway.

 

[GraveyardShift]

The only shortcoming I see is that I was hoping Yang could have stepped away with a more nuanced appreciation for bandits, rather than seeing them as 2D subhumans.

Click to shrink...

For that kind of viewpoint, Yang would have to approach the bandits themselves or someone in a position of power who does that kind of balancing act to make the bandits a kind of 'necessary evil'.

Click to shrink...

Culture II - "The Eye that wears the Crown"

Yang pushed her way through the main doors of the Art Museum she'd been to a week prior. Hot on her trail were the other members of her team.

"You wanted to come BACK?" Weiss seemed aghast at the rather abnormal behavior for Yang.

"Isn't this what you wanted?" Blake shot at her

"I mean... I'm not complaining that SOMEONE is getting in the spirit of things. It's just... Yang of all of us? It's a surprise."

"I'm lost too." Ruby said as the three bewildered Huntresses followed their teammate who was clearly on a mission directly to the information kiosk.

"Oi! You lot? You seen an Admiral Thorn in today?" Yang challenged the worker.

"Admiral Thorn? Ah! He's in the Southeast Wing with the new exhibit he's sponsored opening today. I believe he's playing host to some foreign dignitaries."

"Where?"

Yang marched off following the directions outlined by the worker with the kind of single-minded direction developed over years of giving and receiving verbal directions.

"Yang! Slow down!" Ironic considering it was Ruby.

Ignoring her sister Yang zeroed in on a familiar door she crossed last week. However the velvet barricade was gone. The door wide open. And voices reached out from inside.

Yang marched through and stopped. Eyes searching the crowd.

"Seriously Yang. Why in such a hurry? And how do you know Admiral Thorn?" Weiss asked as the other three caught up.

"What even is this?" Blake asked taking in the room. Everything Yang remembered being there. From The Loss of Humanity, to The Serene Path and The Atlesian Nightmare. The flags along one wall in their own section. The various effigies of feral tribes mixed with other works. All of which overseen by the dominating portrait of The Charlatan Queen.

"Did... did someone vandalize these?" Weiss seemed shocked looking at some of the various paintings. Vandalized in the same way The Loss of Humanity was.

Yang spotted her target. The blue skinned man along one wall watching four others. Two of which were in deep discussion.

"YO! THORNY!" Everyone except the two women in discussion turned to face Yang as she marched over.

"Ah. Huntress Xiao-Long." Thorn did not raise his voice at the approaching girl. He simply nodded. "Welcome back. And I do see you brought some friends along."

"They kinda just followed me."

"Well when you march off the way you did I think we have some right to be concerned." Weiss stepped up offering her hand. "Weiss Schnee of the Schnee family."

Thorn took her hand and bowed shaking it gently once before turning to Blake. "And Blake Belladonna of the Belladonna family in Menagerie. Founding family of the White Fang. You might be interested in some of the pieces we have here surrounding them."

Blake winced. "We're turning over a new leaf. Going back to the old ways." She defended.

"Quite. We'll see how long that lasts." Thorn said nothing more turning to Ruby expectantly.

"Oh uh... Ru-Ruby Rose... of the Rose family?"

Thorn tilted his head. "I consider myself well informed of the Great Families of Remnant. I do not recall a 'Rose' family among that significance."

"A-ah." Ruby shrunk on herself. Yang stepped between Thorn and Ruby taking his attention onto her. "Look are you busy? I've got more questions."

"Over what we discussed last time Miss Xiao-Long? I would be happy to entertain you when I have more free time. Alas today I am entertaining two very important individuals." he gestured to the women engage in debate. "Warlady Duchess Kyinaye Artic and Her Royal Majesty Queen Arturia Pendragon-Arc of Albion."

"Former Queen of Albion Agrippa." The blond and silver woman broke off from the bluehead to correct him.

Thorn gave her a thin wry smile. "I sincerely doubt anyone here believes there is any such thing as a Former Queen Your Majesty." He countered causing the accompanying bluehead and white-haired man next to Arturia to chuckle while Arturia grumbled. The man leaning over to kiss the top of her head. She kicked him in the leg.

"Ah! Be gentle My Queen." he purred causing the grumbling to intensify though the woman went pink. Kyinaye openly laughed at the display.

"I can wait." Yang said crossing her arms making it clear she wasn't going anywhere.

"Pash!" Kyinaye barked. "See to the girl Thorn. Arturia and I will be at this for a bit."

Thorn inclined his head. "If you are agreeable your Grace." he turned fully toward Yang and the rest.

Yang took that as her cue. "If there are scum out there that are so bad..." she waved toward The Loss of Humanity, "...why do we even let them exist? Why not stamp them out? The Branwen tribe for one could use eradicating. I even know where they went."

Thorn nodded his head. "I am of like mind Miss Xiao-Long but that is Mistral and this is Atlas. There are rules to be observed in order to maintain Order less we descend into the same barbarism that governs said tribes. I cannot simply sanction a raid unprovoked into Mistralian territory without repercussions."

"So we go to the Mistral council."

"They're complicit." Blake cut in. "Everyone knows the Mistralian council isn't so much elected as installed and controlled by the various 'Families' of Mistral. They'll do whatever is best. It's probably why the Branwen tribe resides there."

"So a whole kingdom just gets away with letting human scum like that go free? Why would they do that?"

"Many reasons." Kyinaye spoke up. "The lawless are still as much subjects as the law abiding."

"You're Vacuian Warlady. Vacuo is just as corrupt as Mistral." Weiss accused.

Kyinaye half shrugged not denying it.

"Half of what we've been through has to do with criminals and terrorists!" Yang argued. "You ought to just stamp them out and be done with it."

"And what of free will?" Arturia spoke up. Voice even and imperial causing team RWBY to just freeze up and listen. "Would you be content to live subservient to a will that isn't your own directing and controlling your life?" She pointed at Blake. "This one already knows the answer. Born of a movement not content to remain under the yoke of human masters though such hasn't been the case for centuries now."

Silence from the girls as they squirmed under Arturia's words.

"Most people don't see the world from the perspective of those made to rule." Kyinaye crossed one arm to rest in the crook of her elbow as she gestured with the other. "Not even Thorn here has the complete picture though I'm sure he has his private thoughts on the matter. Though I think we'll spare him having to voice them aloud."

"My gratitude your Grace."

"But speaking as one such head that wears the crown and does so actively, understand that while outlaws are not necessarily a positive thing for one's rule, there are certain benefits to them."

Arturia made a hollow laughing noise. "This should be rich coming from the woman sheltering the phony with the accurate name." She jerked a head toward the painting lording over the wing.

"And how many privateer writs were graced by your hand?" Kyinaye shot back eyes flicking momentarily toward the wall of flags. "Some of which are still passed down in Freeport."

"Our sniping aside." Arturia turned back to team RWBY, "there is a certain principle that comes with a modern society with specialized disciplines."

"What have you done for me lately?" Kyinaye said.

"Communities often have milia, the farmers, carpenters, menial laborers, and such. They take up arms and fight if their community is in danger. But they are not as skilled as those who dedicate their lives to the craft of combat. Warriors. Soldiers. Knights. Huntsmen and Huntresses. But to devote their lives to such craft, they do not then contribute anything of tangible benefit."

"We defend humanity!" Countered Yang.

"And does any of the other kingdoms aside from our current hosts have a standing formal army?" Kyinaye brought up. "People below the ruling class tend to value material things more the services. Things that can be physically produced. Touched. Seen. Experienced with the senses." She waved her arms throughout the gallery. "Such things as these over intangible services that are not needed on a daily basis. The famer will be lauded and celebrated their entire life as every day they work to feed the community." She lowered her arms. Because everyone needs food. But does everyone need defending from harm on a daily basis?"

"A community that regularly finds itself under attack will most certainly value it's defenders. Consider here in Atlas though. How many people do you see walking around without a care as if they've never seen a Grimm?" Challenged Arturia.

"Thorn there works hard to ensure they can live such peaceful idyllic lives free of such concerns of danger." Kyinaye pointed to the man in question who inclined his head. "Guarantee though many such people do not actually consider him of any real importance and think him a waste of taxpayer money. They'd much rather cut his salary and see that money spent on government handouts to the needy so they can feel good about themselves. All because they don't feel the very threat he works every day to eliminate."

"What does this have to do with criminals?" Yang asked.

"What is the other threat besides Grimm that soldiers and warriors face out there?" Kyinaye asked.

"They make for excellent fodder for training up your own soldiers and getting them blooded before asking them to fight the Grimm in overwhelming numbers." Arturia offered.

"They also act as a bulwark against outside threats." Kyinaye supplied. "Some beekeepers actually keep a hive of wasps in the area of their apiaries to act as guardians against wild wasps and other things that prey on beehives. So too will ruling individuals keep around certain groups and tolerate them if it means they'll serve as deterrents and guardians against their own kind. Most criminals don't like competition set up in their territory and will fight off other criminals. The Devil you Know."

Arturia sighed. "I'd rather be suffering a rash of thieves, pickpockets, and highwaymen then deal with murderers and rapists running rampant. If the thieves and pickpockets can deal with them so I don't have to, I supposed that's a trade I can live with."

"It's all about trades." Kyinaye nodded. "You cannot stomp out crime entirely. The people will make demands of you to outlaw things based on their perceived safety. You will make laws against things for their own safety. But in doing so you will create a need. A vacuum. Something that someone enterprising enough and willing to risk your wrath for riches and gain. Once again, material goods valued higher than services."

"And I suppose even you make use of such services in times of crisis and need." Arturia directed at Kyinaye who nodded. "I'd be a fool not to."

"That's all well and good but then you've got scum like the Branwen Tribe." Yang tried to raise again.

"Kingdom renewal." Kyinaye countered.

"What?"

Kyinaye shook her head. "This is going to be one of those uncomfortable truths that only Rulers understand and deal with. It's not something we generally share with the peasantry such as yourselves. Mostly because of how distasteful you find it." She fixed Yang with a hard look. "Sometimes a settlement absolutely needs to be wiped out. Something changed in the region, and you need to build something new but the people there are resistant to change. I've had tribes in the past too deep in their own traditions and other culture that they ended up being incompatible not just with Shar'vel, but Vacuo as a whole. Therefore they had to go. It's much like forestry. I'm sure you're aware of Vale setting fire to its own forests."

"Forest Management." Weiss spoke up. "I read about that. They cut down and burn the brush to renew the forests in order to prevent even worse wildfires from burning out of control."

"I inherited such a kingdom." Arturia said. "Fractured and corrupt. Burning out of control in a metaphorical way. I had to cut and burn out the rot. I did things I regret. I killed people who stood in my way. Some good. Some bad. But all in the name of ensuring that Albion would eventually still be standing on the other side of the crisis."

Shiro moved closer and pulled the woman into him who leaned into him with a sigh as he comforted her.

"And when something like that must be done. Sometimes the only people you can turn to are those with no morals at all." Kyinaye finished. "When that happens, having a group of raiders on hand can be a necessary evil. No matter how vile and distasteful it is." She crossed her arms fixing the girls with a look. "These are decisions that is made by those who wear the crown. We cannot allow ourselves to rule completely as moral and ethical. There are some decisions we MUST make to save the rest. We will be condemned for those decisions. Even if history paints us in a better light when the long-term implications come to light."

There was silence across the entire group. Finally Shiro spoke up. "Kyinaye it's been grand seeing you again but I think my wife needs a moment after this."

Kyinaye nodded. "Of course. Arturia it was wonderful seeing you again dear. We can pick up this discussion another time. I should go find my daughters before they wind up adding more vandalized paintings to his exhibit anyway. Ruru, come." The silent armored behemoth that had been completely missed by the group tromped after her smaller liege as she exited the wing.

Shiro smiled at the group as he led Arturia toward the door. "It's nice to meet you all. Jaune's actually said much about the vaunted team RWBY. Tell him hello from us and he should come see us in person."

Thorn turned to the group. "Well my schedule seems to have opened up. No harm done. They'll be back I'm certain. Would the rest of you like the tour?"

As Ruby, Weiss, and Blake were led through the wing on the same journey Yang had been taken on, Yang just followed along lost in her thoughts...

---

And that shall do for now I believe. I think I've got one more installment to make on this, but we shall end it here for now.

 

[GraveyardShift]

Okay. Last one for today. For real. I promise.

Men only want two things...

Blake: Men only want two things and they're DISGUSTING!!!

Thing 1:

Jaune and Adam are piloting giant robots. Both are already heavily damaged and barely functional. As the sun begins to set, the rumble of thunder and dark clouds choking the stars begins to form.

Jaune: How fitting that our final battle takes place at the death of the day. Just as the sun sets over Remnant, so too will it set on one of us.

Adam: Indeed. It has been a long road my adversary. We have clashed many times but this time? This feels like the last. Tonight we end it.

Jaune: Your reign of terror ends here Adam! Tonight justice for all the innocents you've harmed will be carried out!

Adam: Justice? I fight for the freedom and equality of all Faunus Jaune. To break them free of their shackles and shape them into swords so that they may rise up and fight for their own future!

Jaune: Through what means Adam? You terrorized good innocent people who might have sided with you into compliance! Now that fear has turned to anger! You turn people into the very monsters you claimed to fight!

Adam: And yet we're not so different you and I are we? Both of us championing those who cannot fight for themselves. Who fight as proxies on behalf of those in power too cowardly and stubborn to fight their own battles.

Jaune: We're nothing alike Adam! I don't target innocent civilians and paint my enemy as the worst monster alive to instill fear in my own side to take up arms to fight!

Adam: Search your feelings Jaune! You've seen the aftermath of our fights. Experienced the callousness of your masters who send you to fight pointless battles in the hopes that you die so that one day you won't turn on them. We've fought so many times I know you almost better than I know myself. I've come to look forward to our duels. I... I could almost call you... my brother.

Jaune: ...I could say the same the same of you Adam. I truly believe that somewhere in there you believe on some level you know what you do is wrong. No one who fights as honorably as you in our duels could truly be such a monster. I wish I could spare you... my brother... but I must face you and see justice carried out.

Adam: Then let us end it now... brother... our final clash. Words alone will not decide who is right and who is wrong.

Jaune: *levels a sword toward Adam* Indeed... brother. Let our swords carry our ideals and prove who's is stronger in this, our last hour.

*Thunder cracks and booms above. Rain starts to fall and ping off the metal. The two mechas slowly rise to ready stance and stare at each other as the rain comes down harder until the mechs are barely visible to each other in the sheets of water. Then they charge.*

Jaune: RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Adam: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Both: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

*They strike at the same time with Lighting striking and illuminating every clash of blades. The ringing metal and explosions of missiles drowned out by thunderous booms of thunder. The exchanges are numerous, furious, and epic. Finally they dash apart and circle before lining up for a final pass. Lighting flashes at the instant of contact blinding everything with thunder muting the exchange. The two freeze having just crossed paths.*

*Nothing happens for a moment. Jaune's mech collapses to one knee. Then Adam's mech suddenly radiates smaller secondary explosions before collasping completely flat*

Adam: *coughing as smoke fills the cockpit with the computer warning him the reactor core is going critical and to evactuate. But the emergency evacuation system has also malfunctioned trapping him inside* Its *cough* seems Brother...*cough* Your ideas were stronger this *coughcough* this day.

Jaune: Adam... are you sure this is what you want? I could save you now!

Adam: *cough* No brother. *Coughcough* This is a good end to a *cough* good fight. *cough cough cough* This is my *cough* escape from *cough* from this war.

Jaune: *nods solemly pointing his sword toward Adam* ...To the best enemy I ever had... brother...

Adam: *forces a thumbs up* I *cough* will be waiting for you *cough* brother. *cough cough* to continue our battle *cough* on the other *cough* other side. *he forces the mech to raise up to watch the sun finish setting* Ah *cough* The best view *cough* at the end.

*lighting flashes one final time as the mech goes super critical and explodes in bright light with no sound taking Adam with it*

*Jaune exits the mech and turns his face skyward as the sun vanishes consumed by the horizon and the rain. Was this victory even worth it? He would be hailed as a hero by his superiors and the people. But when the moment passed... would any remember or understand him like the man, his adversary of a thousand battles, his... brother in arms would? The rain would wash away the blood. But not the bitter taste of being truly alone. This was no victory to celebrate...*

Thing 2:

Yang: *wearing nothing but an apron* Welcome home loverboy! I made you a sandwich! Aw you look like you've had the hardest day! Come here! That's it. Lay down in my lap while I lower my top. You can enjoy your sandwich, then snuggle into my nude bosom and forget alllll about your terrible horrible no good very bad day! Shhhh... that's it. *tenderly strokes hair* You are safe. YOU ARE LOVED.

Blake: Well? What do you FILTHY DISGUSTING PERVERTS think about that?

Jaune & Adam: *clinging to each other bawling their eyes out* BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! *Sniff* ISH! *Snort* ISH SHO *hic* ISH SHO BOOTAFUUUUUUUUUUUUL! BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

Jaune: DATSH EGSHACTLY HOW IT WUD GO DOUWN!

Adam: *hic* YOU *Hic* YOU *HIC* YOU MEAN IT? YOU'D SAY ALL THOSH THINGSH WURD FER WURD?

Jaune: I WOULD. *holds up hand* BROTHA!

Adam: BROTHA! *claps hand firmly with solid sound and bulging arm muscles*

Ruby: *is breathing heavily with heaving chest and broken smile with a massive DOUBLE nosebleed at an epic mech fight*

Blake: YOU. YOU. YANG! CLEARLY YOU OBJECT BEING OBJECTIFIED LIKE THAT!

Yang: I mean I dunno Blake. Use what you got and I... *crosses arms lifting chest grinning* got a LOT to use. It honestly sounds more like you're jealous of my Smokin' Sexy Stylish Feminine Charms.

Pyrrha: *tapping index fingers together* ...I could make sandwiches in a naked apron and sooth Jaune with my naked boobs too....

Weiss: *pffft* Of course YOU would resort to such appeal Xiao-Long.

Yang: Don't be jealous I got more to hate Ice Queen.

Weiss: WHA- I COULD EASILY SOOTH JAUNE WAY BETTER THAN YOU FAT BIMBO!

*Blake watches in despair as Jaune and Adam begin eagerly discussing what an Adam victory and dialog would be like with Nora eagerly interjecting to add more explosions which is just as eagerly accepted by the boys. Ruby starts giggling between heaves and looking like she's about to pass out from her own 'epic explosive finisher'. Yang and Weiss start bickering about who would be better at soothing an emotionally drained protagonist with Pyrrha timidly trying to insert herself as an option*

Blake: Oh Horned Animal God... why hath thou forsaken me?

Ren: *gently touches her arm* In an era that demands complexity and a desire for the material, it is good to see people so passionate about simple pleasures.

---

Men only want two things in life. A worthy adversary and a loving life companion.