[RWBY] The Great Temporal Step-Sibling War!

[AndrewJTalon]

A bit more on each child:


-Xander Arc-Nikos, son of Pyrrha Nikos. 17 year old human male, tanned skin. As tall as Jaune, with short red hair, and blue eyes. Roman-style armor with red cape, Roman-style shield and sword. Semblance: Magnetism (Like his mother but far more powerful). A very skilled young combatant and well learned, but not very confident standing in the shadow of his parents. He loves and respects them but is struggling to come into his own. His father has never seen him with his own eyes.

-Julian Arc-Rose. son of Ruby Rose. 16 year old human male, tanned skin. A little shorter than Jaune but taller than Ruby. Messy black hair with blonde fringes, and silver eyes. Red and Black coat and clothing. Sniper-scythe. Semblance: Golden Petal Burst (Super Speed). Genji, is energetic, brilliant at engineering, and a bit impulsive as well as melodramatic.

-Nicholas Arc-Schnee. son of Weiss Schnee. 17 year old human male, pale skin. Slightly shorter than Jaune, neatly coifed short white hair, blue eyes. Atlasian-style white and blue armor with a long blue coat. Sword and shield (Neo Crocea Mors). Semblance: Schnee Glyph Overdrive (Can make many Glyphs at once). Honorable, and practical, wants to be just like his father and can be exasperated with his mother. Good at making tea.

-Leander and Leandra Arc-Belladonna, son and daughter of Blake Belladonna,. 17 year old boy and girl Blonde Cat Faunus/human twins, pale skin. Leander is tall as Jaune, Leandra is as tall as Blake. Blonde hair and cat ears, blue eyes. Dark blue parka jackets with hoods, black pants, white undershirts (Leandra's is a tanktop) with black ninja sandal boots. Weapon: Matching Ninjato-pistols and various ninja tools. Semblance: Quantum Teleportation (They can teleport out from behind any object as long as no one is looking). They are devious ninja twins who enjoy deception and can be a bit impulsive, and aren't afraid to call out other's faults (like their mother).

-Xia Arc-Xiao-Long. daughter of Yang Xiao-Long. 17 year old human female, tanned skin. Slightly taller than her mother but shorter than Jaune. Wild blonde hair in a pigtail, with blue eyes. Black skirt, white tank top, boots, fighting gloves, and a blue and white jacket with the Arc symbol on the back. Weapon: Combat Gauntlets. Semblance: Super (Like her mother's but with an Aura boosting and energy retention feature. Can reach multiple levels of power by burning more Aura). A cocky martial artist with a heart of gold and who likes to fight. Very protective of younger children, and very enthusiastic about pushing her limits. Hates her grandmother Raven.

-Amethyst Arc-Sustrai, Daughter of Emerald Sustrai. 17 year old human female. Roughly the same height as her mother. Short blonde hair (dyed purple), blue eyes, dark skin. Knee height white dress, leather boots, dark blue jacket, jewelry. Weapon: None. Semblance: Unknown. A civilian jeweler who was just visiting Beacon to see her family friends and Moses. In way over her head, very unsure of herself.

-Ash and Ashley Arc-Fall, son and daughter of Cinder Fall. 17 year old human male and female twins, pale skin. Ash is the same height as Jaune, Ashley is a little shorter than her mother. Dark black hair, blue eyes, and burn scar marks over their left and right eyes. Ash wears dark blue jeans, black jacket, red T-shirt with woven Dust, and light black body armor with black combat boots. Ashley wears a black jacket, white tanktop, red combat skirt, tall combat boots with striped stockings. Both twins have a black messenger bag. Weapon: Dagger-machine pistols, anything else they can carry or grab. Semblance: Aura Drain/Leech. Combat pragmatists and dirty fighters, though with ironclad sets of rules. Traumatized by nearly being killed as children and having to kill with their Semblance to survive. Understand their mother's mindset all too well. Can be very cynical.

-Dorothy Arc-Goodwitch, daughter of Glynda Goodwitch. 17 year old human female, pale skin. A head shorter than Jaune. Curly, short messy blonde hair with green eyes. Wears a red and white blouse, blue flight jacket, and purple pants with black boots. Has goggles with angel wing motifs on the sides. Weapon: None. Semblance: Touch Telekinesis which allows her to fly, simulate super strength, and steal others weapons. Definitely a more by the book kind of girl, she's the class representative in her universe and very intelligent. Can be a bit wild at times when she loses her patience. Can be very sarcastic to her mother. Has romantic feelings for Moses.

-Prince August Arc-Sarkara, son of May Zedong/Maia Sarkara. 17 year old human male, dark skin. A head Taller than Jaune. Short dark blond hair, blue eyes. Wears a hooded jacket in white, blue and black, with black pants and white boots. Weapon: Sniper-Monk's Spade. Semblance: Aura Vision/Sight. A bit awkward but a very sober, serious and caring young man who feels the weight of responsibility, being a crown prince and all. Deeply respects his parents and all they accomplished and sometimes is a little intimidated by them. Can't help talking too much when he's nervous.

-Petra Arc-Atlan, daughter of Arslan Atlan. 17 year old female Lion Faunus/human female, dark skin. Long blonde hair in a braid, blue eyes. Slightly shorter than her mother. Wears White and red Table-Breaker Nun Robes with a white hood and golden sash. Weapon: Short sword with chain that can be used as a sickle-chain, wooden hook swords. A very serious, well educated and religious young woman. Very caring, but also very reserved and formal. Can be a little stiff around strangers and enjoys fighting a bit more than she really should.

-Theodore Arc-Schnee, 18 year old human male, pale skin. Messy white hair, blue eyes, sunglasses. Slightly taller than his father. Wears dark blue and black long coat over light white Atlasian body armor and dark blue trousers with white and black boots. Weapon: None. Semblance: Schnee Glyph Evolution (Has Blue Glyph for Increasing Anything, Red Glyph for Decreasing Anything. Can use them to teleport anywhere he knows the coordinates to, though only one/two people at a time. Can combine them with Dust for various effects, or combine the Glyphs themselves to produce a Purple Glyph that allows him to "Delete" matter from the universe".) A very intelligent young man, a bit cocky and arrogant though capable of being serious. Has some issues with defying and running around his parents in a desire to prove himself.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Of course the kids have some childhood traumas unrelated to their parents' sex lives...

- - -

Arc Farm, Radian, North Sanus

Thirteen Years After Salem's Defeat

- - -

Aura Sensing was not too hard for anyone to learn. Even people without a lot of Aura after unlock could figure out how to sense strong sources of it nearby. With enough practice, you could even sense certain things about the person: If they felt familiar or not. How strong they were. It wasn't as precise as Aunt Ruby's Silver Eyes or Aunt May's Aura Sight, but it did give advantages to those who knew how to use it.

Though at the moment, Ash Arc-Fall couldn't think of any. Not with this hulking brute of a man in the bedroom he shared with his sister. A man who was covered up in armor with a gasmask, and his gloved hand over Ash's mouth.

"Make a sound, and you die," the man husked, a gunsword in his other hand. Ash glanced over at his sister. She was waking up slowly. Her eyes locked onto the man and went wide. "Quiet! Or you both get it."

Ashley couldn't help a whimper, but obeyed. Ash's heart was racing, his eyes glancing all over the house. He tried to focus over his fear, tried to sense his family. His little sisters and brothers were still asleep nearby. Their parents were out-A meeting at the town hall. He forgot what it was for. Aunt Saphron, their babysitter... Aunt Saphron was downstairs-Her Aura was faint, but she was alive.

"Stand up," the man growled. Both twins glanced at eachother, a silent conversation held. They slowly stood up, sliding out of their beds. The man backed away, keeping his gun on them. He tossed them both jackets.

"Put them on," he growled.

"Where are we going?" Ash asked shakily. The man was masked, but he could feel the hatred burning behind those lenses.

"Where I say so," he growled. He gestured with the gun towards the door. "Go. Quiet. Slow."

The twins slowly came together. Ashley reached for his hand, and he took it. He opened the door and walked ahead, slowly, just as instructed. The man followed, his footsteps nearly silent on the carpet.

We have to warn Dad, Ash thought frantically, We have to get a message... An alarm... Something...!

Ashley clung to him, trying her hardest not to cry. Her mother had told them sometimes you had to be strong, you had to not cry, for people you loved. Ash swallowed hard as they made their way down the steps.

He looked into the living room. Aunt Sapron was sprawled on the floor, unconscious, but there was no blood. He swallowed hard.

"Is she okay?" He whispered. The man laughed unpleasantly.

"She'll be just fine, as long as you brats cooperate," he hissed. They headed for the door, opening it. They shuffled out onto the porch, down the steps to the ground. Their mother's flower beds were waving slightly in the summer breeze. Ashley tightened her grip on him.

"Why do you want us?" Ash tried.

"Your parents made plenty of enemies, brat," the man growled. He poked Ashley in the back, and she yelped. Ash held her tightly and turned, glaring at him.

"Don't touch her!"

The man laughed and backhanded Ash. The twins nearly went sprawling, but stayed up, stay together. The man shook his head.

"I'll do worse if you don't move. Go!"

They marched, into the Arcadia woods. Over the empty fields. The man never lost sight of them, never tripped up. They headed to the old Arc Manor Fort, deep in the woods near the tall CCT receiver tower. They walked the dirt road, some old bricks still there from when the great domed fortress was first built.

Now it was a ruin, the roof mostly gone, trees and flowers growing on the inside and out. The man kept them going, past the statues of Arc ancestors, towards the crypt. It was the only part of the ruin still used, marble stairs with two stalwart stone knights on either side, guarding it with real swords held in their stone grip.

"Stop," the man ordered, and the twins froze. They turned. The man walked up, thumbing a communications device that blinked green.

"Our ride is almost here," he sneered. "Don't try anything funny."

The man's Aura was strong. Not as strong as his mother or father's, but powerful. So powerful Ash discarded fighting him immediately, despite how his sister clung to him in fear. He took a breath.

Find an advantage, he thought, recalling his mother's words.

"Why us?" He whispered. "You could have taken our other siblings."

The man chortled behind his mask.

"Oh, they'll all join you soon enough," he growled.

The buzz of a stealthy airship registered overhead. The man looked up as a Bullhead appeared. He scoffed.

"About damn time," he muttered, as figures dropped out of the ship, "You sure took your sweet-!"

He leaped and dodged just before Jaune Arc's sword would have split him in two. He leaped out of the way of a fire blast from Cinder Arc-Fall, and scrambled to the children.

"MOM! DAD!" Ashley screamed. Ash tried to run, tried to pull her towards their parents-The masked man appeared like a shadow right behind them, and seized them with one large, muscular arm around their necks. He yanked them tight against them, and they slapped and beat on his armor to no avail.

"Let them go," Cinder snarled, red hot flames burning in her hands. Jaune's Aura burned like a small sun as he pointed his sword at the man.

"Now," Jaune added, cold and hard as steel.

The man laughed.

"I can end them both in an instant," he bragged.

Cinder sucked in a breath, her flames burning white even while her face was a stony mask of contempt.

"Hurt them, and there will be nowhere you can hide from me," she promised, death dripping from her voice.

"You think I care?! My goddess will revive me! My goddess will let me be born from the Shadows anew! You betrayed her for nothing."

Cinder's eyes narrowed. Jaune grit his teeth. The man's voice held a smirk as he tightened his grip.

"Yes... Even killing me after your brats are dead wouldn't soothe the pain, would it, traitor?"

The pain... The pain was so much! He was crushing them like an iron press! Their fists grew weak, their struggles slowed.

Aura... His life... Aura... We need...

He felt Ashley's hand in his. He felt power... Something spark between them...

We need... His strength, he thought woozily, we need it... Take it from him... Don't wanna... Die...!

"Though I suppose you can always make m-" The man staggered in the middle of his insult. He shook his head. He looked up in shock.

"What-What are you-?!"

MORE! Ash heard in his head. A thought he echoed. TAKE MORE!

"Y-You... No... NO-AAAUUGGHHH-!"

His Aura fell, faster, faster... Gone. He crumpled behind them, falling to the ground like a puppet whose strings had been cut. Ashley and Ash still held onto eachother tightly, the flow of Aura fading.

They saw Aunt Saphron, awakened, run into the citadel ruins. She was panting hard. She saw them, saw the downed man, saw their parents, and ran towards them. Their mother Cinder followed almost immediately, dousing her flames.

"ASH! ASHLEY!" Cinder cried. Her arms were outstretched. She wrapped them both in a tight hug, one Saphron joined.

"No, wait!" Jaune cried. Ash and Ashley were confused for a moment-Why was their father holding back-?

They felt Aura flow into them. Aunt Saphron collapsed, her face pale. Cinder gaped in shock, her own face paling, her Aura dying-

"MOM!" Ash and Ashley screamed in horror, as Cinder Fall-Arc fell to the stony floor.

- - -

Their father healed Saphron and their mother, as the twins sat nearby the entrance to the crypt on a fallen piece of marble. They relaxed a little as both Saphron and Cinder stood back up, none the worse for wear. Jaune smiled reassuring at the twins, walking over slowly.

"It's okay, kids, it's okay," he said. "I think... You need to calm down, all right? Can you do that? Deep breaths, for me, both of you, you're safe..."

The twins breathed in and out, slowly. Ash recalled some meditation exercises Uncle Ren did, and his heartrate slowed. He felt Ashley's slow as well. Only then did their father reach out to hug them. They were slow to return it. Waited...

They felt no Aura flowing. They wrapped their arms around their father and cried. Jaune sighed, stroking their heads. He turned back to his wife and sister, smiling gently.

"Their Semblance?" Cinder guessed, sounding amazed but also worried. Jaune nodded.

"Stressful situations do tend to activate them," he said. "It's safe now."

Cinder and Saphron joined the hug, their warmth reassuring. Still, Ash looked up and sniffled.

"M-Mom... Auntie... I'm sorry... We're so sorry..."

"We didn't mean to," Ashley whimpered. Cinder Fall-Arc smiled lovingly, tears in her own eyes.

"No... No, you were very brave," she whispered, "Mom... Mom is very proud... And very happy..."

"It's all right," Saphron said gently, with a kiss to the foreheads of both children, "What matters is you're safe."

They stood there, silent in the tomb, the corpse momentarily forgotten.

But they never did fully escape that night.

- - -

 

[FinalFormer]

Cross-posted From the SpaceBattles Thread

Childhood Memories: Burn Bright

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Arc-Fall Household , Radian, Vale. Ash and Ashley Arc-Fall. Ages: 16.

"No. Absolutely not."

That was the harsh response Ash and Ashley Arc-Fall got from their mother Cinder Arc. The twins had told their mother that they have decided to go to Beacon Academy to become Hunters. They both had given it some thought. They were sure of it. This is what they wanted to do!

"But Mom--!!"

"We're not having this discussion again." Cinder immediately cut off Ashley. The talk of the twins future was always a touchy subject. Her and Jaune certainly had a few fights about it.

"We've already been accepted," Ash boldly stated. Cinder turned to her son, her eyes wide with shock. Him and Ashley walked over to the door to the patio. "We signed up a few weeks ago. There's nothing you can do about it."

The door slammed shut. Cinder stood there silently, unsure what to do.

"Oh, I know that look," Her husband, Jaune Arc, had entered the room. "Are you plotting or are you brooding?"

Cinder let out a small laugh. In the many years they've been together, she had gotten used to Jaune's terrible sense of humor. He hugged her from behind.

"Am I a bad mother for not wanting my kids to follow in either of our footsteps?" She turned to hug Jaune.

"No. Unless you want them to commit a terrorist attack, then we're gonna need to have a family meeting," Jaune jested. Cinder lightly slaps his arm, looking up at him with a pout. "Let's give them a couple of minutes to cool off. We'll talk it out like a family, ok? Something tells me they made up their minds a long time ago."

Cinder sighed in defeat. He was right.

-----------------------------------------

It was the dark of night. No sounds but the crickets chirping and the crackling of the fire pit. Ash and Ashley sat next to each other outside their house. They were looking up to see all the stars twinkle in the blackened sky. The cold breeze brushed past them. It was nice to enjoy nights like these.

"Are you two ok?" Jaune asked, concern in his voice.

"Is she still mad?" Ashley asked.

"No. I don't think so," Jaune scratches his head. "You guys really caught her by surprise with that announcement."

"I don't understand why. I thought she'd be happy." Ash lowered his head.

"It's not like we don't understand where she's coming from," Ashley lamented. "But can't she see that we're ready? We've been training with you and Mom and Grandpa!"

"What happened to us... We don't want it to happen to anyone else." Ash spoke up. When they were eight years old, a man broke into their home and held them hostage. Cinder believed he was someone she might've wronged long ago. The day had caused the twins to see what evils hid in the shadows of the real world.

"What if they try something like that happens again? What if another kooky cult guy comes to our house and takes Ember or Dawn? What if they attack Aunt Ruby? Or Aunt Nora and Uncle Ren?" Ashley clenched her fists.

A proud smile formed on his face. Jaune had seen the look in their eyes before. It was the look he had when he told his mother that he wasn't going to be a doctor.

"There's no stopping them, hon. There's nothing we can do." Jaune looked over at the patio door. It was slightly ajar. Cinder had been listening to them from the other side. Her arms were crossed. Her face was unreadable. It was kinda scary.

"If I find out that Ozpin is behind this, I'm pulling you both out. Is that understood?" Her tone was even, but the threat was clear.

"Wait, you're letting us go to Beacon? Seriously?" Ashley asked, excitedly. She couldn't hide her excitement.

"No matter what I say or do, I know I can't change your minds," Cinder sighed. She walked towards her children and placed a hand on their shoulders. Her left on Ash andher right on Ashley. "But as your mother i can still ask you to make me a few promises for me."

"Sure. Whatever you want, we'll do it." Ash said, hoping that she wasn't going to ask for something ridiculous.

"Promise to call us whenever you have any spare time. And promise me that the two of you will increase the lengths of your sessions with your therapist." She was also going to ask Ashley to make sure Ash didn't get into any girl trouble, but this was a serious moment. Plus, knowing her husband, Jaune was probably going to ask the same thing.

"Yeah." "Ok." Both twins answered. Before they knew it, Cinder pulled them into a hug. She poured every ounce of affection she could into it. These two wonderful kids had been the culmin of her and Jaune's love and happiness and she wanted them to know that.

"And promise me... Promise me that you'll both keep each other safe. That's all I'll ask of you." Cinder hugged her children tighter, tears rolled down her face. The twins leaned into the hug.

"We will, Mom." Ash and Ashley said at the same time.

"And, Ash, if you could do me a favor and make sure Ashley doesn't get into any boy trouble, I'd really appreciate it." Jaune cut the tender moment swiftly. Ashley's face turned a deep red.

"WHAT!?" Ashley stamped her foot.

"Yes, sir. I won't let you down." Ash jokingly saluted. Ashley began hitting his arm.

Cinder wiped the tears from her face. She watched as her family squabble between themselves. She would cherish moments like these for the rest of her life.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I feel like, after all the stuff the twins went through, Cinder would be a bit overprotective of her kids. But unlike Isabel, she would have a little bit of faith in her kids. Also, I meant to get this out on Monday but got a bit of Writer's block.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Schnee Manor

Eleven Years After Salem's Defeat

- - -

Weiss was reviewing some papers for a major company project while baby Ren slept by her and her belly was round from another baby, when Nicholas, her son, stormed in. He had a skinned knee.

"Mother!" He declared. "I have fallen off my scooter! I need assistance to resume my battle!"

"Battle?" Weiss asked, raising an eyebrow, "With what?"

"The pavement! I was launched from my tricycle! It tried to defeat me! But I won our frantic battle! Now, bandage me so I might RIDE AGAIN!"

"Well, come over here," Weiss sighed, trying not to smile too wide. Nick walked up sternly, as Weiss had one of the household drones bring a first aid kit. She opened it up. Nick looked up at it and frowned as Weiss pulled out a bottle of

"What is that?"

"Hydrogen peroxide. I'll use it to clean the booboo," Weiss said. Nick frowned.

"Will it hurt?"

"Um... Just a little," Weiss said gently. Nick frowned, but put on a brave face.

"VERY WELL!"

Weiss bent over as best she could given her state, and cleaned the wound. Nick yowled and fell onto his back.

"IT BURNS! LIKE THE FIRES OF HADES!"

"It is not that bad," Weiss said.

"I AM FADING! FADING AWAY! ELYSIUM IS CALLING!"

"You'll be fine, it's just a little sting!"

"THE PAIN! I CAN SEE MY BELOVED IVANHOE!"

Weiss sighed.

"Your turtle did not go to Elysium-"

"HE DIED LIKE A WARRIOR SHOULD! AS I DIE NOW!" Nick wailed.

"You're being a little dramatic, Nick-"

"I AM THE DRAMA!" Nick cried.

Weiss shook her head and rolled her eyes. Thankfully, baby Ren was still sleeping. She pulled out two boxes of bandaids.

"Would you like a Sponge Robert or a Catman bandaid?"

Nick sat up, his tears drying.

"Catman."

"All right," Weiss said kindly, putting the bandaid on her eldest son's knee. She kissed the top of his head. "Now, go have fun and be more careful."

"VERILY!!" Nick shouted, running off. Jaune emerged, grinning down at their son.

"Woah! Where are you going, Nick?"

"To ride into battle as a brave knight should! To slay evil and bring hope where there is none!" Nick declared. Jaune grinned and patted his head.

"Great to hear, son!"

"TO GLORY!" Nick shouted, running off.

Jaune turned to his wife, who was glaring at him. "What?"

"I blame you for this," Weiss shook her head, "He's such a diva! Charging off into glorious battle, indeed! Where could he have gotten that from?"

Jaune smirked slightly.

"I can't begin to imagine."

Weiss glared.

"I am not a Drama Queen!"

"Of course not," Jaune said, stroking the top of Ren's head before he sat down with his wife on the other side. He pulled her into a hug and kiss. "Mmm... You're a Drama Empress."

"Keep that up and you'll never sleep with me again," Weiss pouted. Jaune kissed her tenderly and cuddled with her. He broke the kiss. "I-I mean it! You can't sweet talk your way out of this! You with your puppy dog eyes and broad chest and abs that look like they're chiseled from marble I-!"

She paused, and then scowled at him.

"Not. A word."

Jaune chuckled and nodded.

"Agreed."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Radian, Vale

Six Years after Salem's Defeat

- - -

It was the middle of the night when the cries knocked Jaune and Arslan out of slumber. Just as they had for most of the week. Jaune groaned, and slowly pushed himself out of bed. Arslan stirred next to him, mumbling.

"I-I can do it-" Arslan tried, but Jaune shook his head.

"I've got it," he whispered. He kissed her cheek. He got up, pulled on a shirt, and walked out of the bedroom. He headed over to the nursery, where the cries continued. He walked in, his keen senses letting him navigate through the darkness. He found his daughter easily enough-She was in her crib, crying and squirming. He gently picked her up, holding her in his arms.

"Shhh, shhh," Jaune murmured, rocking her, "Quiet Petra, it's okay, it's okay..."

He carried his daughter downstairs, Petra's wails quieter but still persisting. He went to the kitchen, taking some milk out of the fridge. He warmed it up, and while that was happening, he stepped out onto the porch.

The first fingers of sunlight were stretching out across the sky, turned purple and orange by the mountains. The Radian Valley was still mostly in shadow but the lights of the nearby villages were still glowing, like stars at night. Jaune sighed softly. The milk machine beeped, and he turned back. Arslan was already at the machine, pulling the bottle out. Jaune shook his head with a sigh.

"You could have just slept," he said, "You had the baby."

"And I'm fine," Arslan said, handing the bottle to Jaune. Jaune took it and held the bottle to Petra's lips. She suckled, slowly calming down into content silence. Arslan smiles and brushes her hand over Petra's smooth head.

Jaune smiled. They went out to the porch together, sitting down on the warm wood. Arslan scooted up against his side, as Petra guzzled her milk. Arslan wrapped an arm around her wait and rested her head on his shoulder. Jaune shuffled a bit, laying his artificial leg on the porch with a soft sigh.

"How is the leg?" Arslan asked quietly. Jaune snorted.

"I'm fine," he said.

"Are you sure?"

Jaune gave her a weary look.

"Ars... It's fine," Jaune said softly, "I mean, you're the one who carried and birthed her. Why are you worrying over me?"

"Because you worry over me," Arslan shot back. "I believe that is what marriage entails, does it not?"

"It is," Jaune sighed, "So why are we arguing?"

"I wasn't aware we were arguing," Arslan deadpanned. Jaune rolled his eyes.

"Neither was I," he chuckled. Arslan sighed and rested her chin on his shoulder, growling low in her throat.

"Rrrr... You take on so much," she muttered, "The wife should do her part."

"We both do our part," Jaune countered. "Besides... You should worry about yourself. Not my leg."

Arslan sucked in a deep breath and winced quietly.

"You read me too well sometimes," Arslan murmured. Jaune nuzzled her back as Petra snoozed in his arms.

"That's marriage," he said softly. Arslan sighed. Jaune sighed back.

"... Tablebreaker, I pray: Let my wife forgive herself for something she had no control over," Jaune said, "and let her relax from time to time?"

Arslan huffed and snuggled against him.

"Emperor Above, please make my husband realize I do it because I love him so much, and he's even more stubborn than me?"

"Impossible," Jaune countered, "Nobody's as stubborn as you."

Arslan snickered.

"And yet you won't give up. I believe you are more stubborn, my dear husband."

"Hmph," Jaune mumbled, "I thought you liked stubborn men."

"I do, but too much of anything is never a good thing," Arslan giggled. "Lord Aslan, let my husband realize he is not being funny."

"You laughed. I'm still funny."

"It was out of exasperation," Arslan defended herself, leaning in and closing her eyes.

"I could tickle you," Jaune suggested.

"Not when she just got to sleep," Arslan mumbled.

Jaune sighed, his smile impossible to remove.

He looks out at the sunrise, his daughter and his wife snoozing against him. He watches the golden orb rise, bathing the valley in color. He leaned in and kissed the top of Arslan's head, and then Petra's.

"Tablebreaker... Thank you for everything," he murmured.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Beacon, Vale, Sanus

Six Months after the Vytal Attacks

- - -

Cinder Fall... Had agreed to house arrest. She, Emerald, Mercury, Neo and Roman were held in one of the dorms on campus under surveillance. Every day, they would be allowed out for meals, to talk to Ozpin and other leaders, give them intel on Salem, and would return to their dorms: All under armed guard. All while Vale recovered and those in power decided how to approach things. A civil war in Mistral was attracting most people's attention right now, and Ruby Rose was training to master her Silver Eyes.

Nikos had gotten the other half of the Maiden powers, but even so, Cinder could have escaped at any time. She could have left this all behind. Even knowing Ozpin had magical restraints he could use on her wouldn't have stopped her if she put her mind to escape.

There was only one reason she hadn't.

She entered the common room, exiting her dorm. They weren't allowed to stay together in the dorms, so they each got one room.

Standing in the kitchenette was Jaune Arc, a pink apron on, cooking something up. He looked up at her and smiled warmly.

"Hey," he greeted. Cinder allowed herself a very small smile.

"Hey," she said back. She walked over and he opened his arms. She stepped into his embrace, and hugged him back tightly.

"Long day?" She asked, still surprised she cared. Jaune shrugged.

"Well... We've been doing a lot of search and rescue, and repairs," he said quietly, "It's lucky the attack ended when it did. A lot more people could have been hurt."

Cinder bit her lower lip. It wasn't so much that she felt guilty... But the pain in Jaune's voice made her hurt too. She sucked in a breath.

"Sorry," she whispered. Jaune sighed, and stroked her back.

"I know," he murmured back. "Let's... Focus on dinner, huh?"

"Y-Yes," Cinder said with a nod. "I... You should sit down-"

"I've got it this time," Jaune said gently, smiling at her, "Besides, you're not allowed to use the oven."

Cinder sighed. Another restriction. Still... It was far kinder than she would ever be to a captive... Another thing she didn't deserve.

"All right," she murmured. She turned. "Please tell me that your teammate isn't going to-"

"HEYAH!" Nora Valkyrie cried, popping up in front of her. Cinder screeched and summoned fireballs, but Nora just kept grinning. Jaune scowled at her.

"Nora! You're not supposed to surprise her like that!"

"But she looks so funny like that!" Nora pouted. Jaune sighed, as Cinder shakily dismissed the fireballs. The orangette grinned at Jaune.

"Besides! You need cheering up!" She insisted. She grabbed Cinder's hand and dragged her over to the TV. "Come on, come on! One of Jaune-Jaune's favorite shows is on!"

"I..." Cinder looked helplessly at Jaune, demanding he do something about his subordinate. Jaune shrugged and smiled.

"It'll take me a while to get dinner done. Just relax, huh?"

Relax, he said. Cinder sighed and sat down on the couch, as Nora turned it on. She grinned as the opening titles of Space Trek appeared.

"Ooh! It's one of his favorites!"

"It is," Jaune said, going back to his cooking. Cinder rolled her eyes.

"I know."

"This episode's one of his favorites!" Nora enthused.

"They're all his favorites," Cinder stated flatly. "Even the one with Spirk's Brain being stolen. Or the one with the space ghost that bangs the doctor. Or the one with the transexual Ferongi. Or the one with the people who turn into amphibians and have sex after going to Warp X."

Nora nodded eagerly.

"I know! Makes it easy to watch!"

Cinder sighed and scowled as the show unfolded. Nora bounced excitedly next to her, babbling about basically every little thing in the episode.

"Oooh! The trobbles! I love them! I wonder how they taste?"

"Like bits of fur sewn together," Cinder huffed. Nora pouted at her.

"Aw! Cindy, you gotta let go! Imagine!"

"No I don't," Cinder muttered. She glared at Nora. "I don't even know why you insist on popping in like this. None of the other guards act this way."

Nora grinned.

"Oh, that's easy! I'm not a guard!" She chirped. "I just think you could use a friend!"

Cinder scowled.

"I do not," she muttered. "And honestly, you should hate me. The rest of his friends do."

Nora hummed.

"Well, they are angry at you, and I get why," Nora said with a nod, "But I also know what it's like to lose everything."

Cinder stared at her. Nora stared back, her smile becoming more sad.

"You didn't have anything for a long time, did you?" She asked softly. "And nobody loved you, did they?"

Cinder gaped, and trembled.

"I..."

The Glass Unicorn... She clenched her fists and turned away. She could still feel Nora's compassionate smile.

"It's okay," Nora murmured, "You don't have to tell me anything. It's not like TV where you have to reveal your tragic backstory in a few episodes-"

"I... I don't see why I have to say anything at all!" Cinder hissed, glaring at the irritating girl. Nora beamed.

"Nope! You don't!" She said cheerfully. "And you have done bad things... But you're trying to do good for someone you love. And I'm the same way."

"You were abandoned," Cinder hissed, "By your own mother. You latched onto Lie Ren. Then onto Jaune, and RWBY, and Nikos..."

Nora beamed and nodded.

"Yup! Just like you!"

Cinder grit her teeth. She sucked in a breath, let it out slowly. Then another. And another.

I'm not... I'm not going to kill her... It would make Jaune mad... I...

It didn't help... That she was right.

Nora nodded.

"So I get it," Nora said cheerfully. Cinder huffed, and crossed her arms over her chest. She glared back at the TV.

"No you're not," she muttered. Nora nodded.

"Well yeah. You're not just like me! Then I'd be banging Jaune-Jaune every night! And while he's hot, he's not my Renny!"

"NORA!" Cinder and Jaune both shouted, both with cheeks turning bright red. Nora grinned and stuck her tongue out.

"I'm not wrong~!" She hugged Cinder. The raven haired woman growled.

"I could burn you to death."

"Yeah but you won't!" Nora said cheerfully. "You love Jaune-Jaune too much to want to make him unhappy!"

"I-I do not!" Cinder insisted. "It's just... Strategically smarter to side against my former master!"

"Sure it is!" Nora laughed. "Hey, can I be godmother to your kids?"

"It's a little early to be talking about that, Nora," Jaune said, blushing hard. Cinder shook her head and scowled harder at Nora.

"Like hell!"

"Too bad! I called it!"

Cinder sighed and glared back at the TV. She saw the exasperation on Captain Irk's face as he was buried in trobbles.

"I really hate you," she grumbled at Nora.

"Which is Cindy-speak for love you! Me too!"

Cinder sighed. Like hell would she ever let this maniac near her kids with Jaune... If they had them.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Radian, Gallia, Vale
Six years after Salem's Defeat
- - -

Emerald Arc stood over the crib in the softly lit nursery, one hand resting on the rail as she gazed down at their daughter. Baby Amethyst slept peacefully, tiny fists curled near her cheeks, rosebud mouth pursed in dreams. She was so precious, so sweet, so impossibly cute that sometimes Emerald's chest ached just looking at her.

And yet, tonight, the ache had twisted into something darker. A fleeting, horrifying impulse had flashed through her mind. A vision of her little girl going out the window into the dark night... By her own hand.

Tears slipped silently down Emerald's cheeks as she stared at the innocent little face, wondering where that came from.

A happy ending... I don't...

The front door opened and closed with a familiar quiet click. Jaune's voice drifted through the house, low and careful so as not to wake the baby. "Em, I'm back."

He hung his coat by the door and padded through the rooms until he found her. The sight of his wife crying softly over their daughter's crib made his heart clench, though it wasn't the first time he'd come home to this.

Without a word, he crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her from behind, nuzzling the back of her mint-green hair. She stiffened for a moment, then melted into him.

"J-Jaune…" she whispered, voice thick.

He held her tighter. "What's wrong?"

Emerald bowed her head, shoulders shaking. "I… I'm sorry…"

A sob broke free. "I just… for a moment… when I looked at her…? I wanted to throw her out the window!" The confession tumbled out in a horrified rush. "I… I'm still a monster… even after everything…!"

Jaune's arms didn't loosen. He turned her gently until she faced him, cupping her tear-streaked cheek and guiding her eyes to his.

"A monster?" He gave a soft, fond huff. "You're no monster." His thumb stroked her skin tenderly. "A monster wouldn't have hesitated. A monster would not cry over what they thought. Monsters don't feel remorse, and they certainly don't regret." He rested his forehead against hers. "So no—you are Emerald Arc. My wife, my love, my greatest treasure, and the mother of our child. You found your way back from being lost. You redeemed yourself. You became a hero the world will always be grateful for."

A watery laugh escaped her through the tears. "You… you always have to sound so… so corny?"

Jaune's smile widened, warmth lighting his tired blue eyes. "I'm a knight, a doctor, and—according to reliable sources—the world's greatest thief. I think I'm allowed to be a little corny."

Emerald sniffed, indignation cutting through the sadness. "Hey! I'm the world's greatest thief, thank you very much."

He looked away with exaggerated thoughtfulness, then turned back with a Cheshire grin. "Eh, I don't know about that. I did manage to steal your heart, didn't I? Pretty sure that makes me the better thief."

"You… you dork," she muttered, but she was laughing now, soft and genuine.

Jaune simply held her closer, resting his head atop hers as they stood in the quiet nursery. Amethyst slept on, undisturbed.

After a long moment, Emerald murmured against his chest, "…I stole your heart first, idiot."

He chuckled. "You can't steal what was already yours, Em. No matter how many times you say otherwise."

She flushed, burying her face in his shirt. "You… ugh. Why do you frustrate me so much? I was sad and depressed and you just… interrupt me…"

"If I can't get my wife out of a funk, then I'm clearly not doing my job right," he teased gently.

Emerald leaned into him with a quiet sigh. "…Part of me still doesn't think I deserve any of this. A happy ending. I keep waiting for something to take it all away."

Jaune nodded slowly, gaze distant for a moment. "Waiting for the other shoe to drop. I get it."

She licked her lips, eyes drifting back to the crib. "When I look at her… I want to kill anything that tries to hurt her." A pause. "Is… is that normal?"

"Yeah," he said without hesitation. "I'd say so. Just thinking about someone trying makes me want to bury them so deep not even tree roots would remember them."

"Good," she whispered. "Good."

She reached into the crib and gently stroked Amethyst's soft cheek. The baby whined faintly, then settled again under her mother's touch.

"She's so beautiful," Emerald breathed.

Jaune's smile softened as he watched them both. "Gets it from her mother."

Emerald snorted, but leaned in to nuzzle his jaw. Then, quieter: "…Take me to bed."

She pressed a tender kiss to his cheek.

"Of course," he murmured, brushing his lips against her forehead before scooping her up in a bridal carry. She wrapped her arms around his neck without protest as he carried her down the hall to their bedroom.

The room was humble, but warm—filled with wedding gifts they hadn't had the heart to pack away, and walls covered in photographs: Amethyst's first days, the two of them exhausted and glowing in the hospital, family portraits with Jaune's sprawling clan and the friends who had become chosen family.

Jaune whistled appreciatively as he stepped inside. "You know, looking at all this again, I'm starting to worry we'll run out of wall space for the rest of the kids."

Emerald arched a brow, lightly scolding. "Hm? Rest of the kids? You're already planning on more?"

He flushed, glancing away. "W-well—I mean, given my family's track record, I wouldn't be surprised if we somehow beat my parents."

"And when exactly were you going to ask me?" she pressed, but the familiar sly smirk tugged at her lips.

Jaune's embarrassment melted into a sly grin of his own. "Yes, but you never know. These things do just… happen."

Emerald paused, expression softening. She took a slow breath. "Jaune… I grew up all alone. I don't want that for Amethyst."

His cheeks colored deeper, but his eyes were steady and warm. "Then we'd better make sure she never has to feel that way, shouldn't we?"

She smiled—small, hopeful, real. Then her gaze flicked down to her post-baby body in the simple T-shirt and jeans. "Though… um… I know I'm… chubbier than I was—"

Jaune cut her off gently. "I'm gonna stop you right there, Em. If you think a few extra curves are going to turn me away, you must be mistaking me for someone else." His hand slid to her thigh and gave a playful squeeze. "Newsflash—I'm very into that."

Emerald's breath hitched, a slow, heated smile spreading across her face as she pulled him down toward the bed.

- - -

Written with RedDragonEmpress's help.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The throne room of Evernight Castle was vast and lightless, its black stone walls swallowing every torch-flame and spell-glow until only the pale, terrible radiance of Salem herself remained. She sat upon her obsidian throne as though she had always belonged there—immortal, untouchable, inevitable.

Below her, the spearhead of Remnant's last hope stood in a ragged semicircle: Ruby Rose, silver eyes blazing with defiance; Weiss Schnee, glyphs flickering at her fingertips; Yang Xiao Long, hair already burning gold; Blake Belladonna, Gambol Shroud drawn; Nora Valkyrie, Magnhild crackling with lightning; Lie Ren, StormFlower steady; Jaune Arc, Crocea Mors raised; Qrow Branwen, Harbinger in scythe form; and Oscar Pine, small and trembling but standing tallest of all.

Outside, the roar of battle shook the castle—friends and armies buying them minutes with their lives.

Salem's voice drifted down like smoke.

"You bring me all four Maidens. You have slain every last servant I raised. And still you come here, clutching your fragile hope." Her lips curved in something that might once have been a smile. "I cannot be killed. I cannot be overpowered. I have outlasted kingdoms, gods, lovers, children. I will outlast you."

Oscar took one step forward.

"Salem," he said, Ozma's ancient voice threading through his young one. "Please. Stop this."

The room stilled.

"This doesn't have to be your prison," Oscar continued, voice shaking but unbroken. "Immortality doesn't have to be loneliness. There's another—Weena Nebogipfel. She's still out there. You could find her. You could have a friend again. A family. Whatever you want, whatever you need—I know I failed you. I know I didn't love you enough. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

His knees hit the stone as he bowed his head.

"I'm begging you. Let me make it right. Let us find love again. Let us find hope."

For one impossible heartbeat, Salem's expression softened. She rose from her throne, gliding down the steps with a grace that belonged to a different woman in a different life. She extended a pale hand toward Oscar's bowed head.

Then she drove her fist into his stomach.

Oscar folded with a choked gasp, crumpling to the floor.

The others exploded into motion—steel and fire and lightning and ice and shadow all converging on Salem at once.

She flicked her wrist.

Black crystalline prisons erupted from the floor, snapping shut around each of them like iron traps. Jaune's shield cracked against his cage. Nora's hammer rebounded uselessly. Ruby's scream echoed inside her cell.

Salem stepped over Oscar's gasping form.

"Your sentimentality comes too late, Ozma," she said coldly. "I gave up being human when you forced me to. We both did." She turned toward the trapped heroes. "I will kill them slowly. One by one. And you will watch."

She reached for the other Relics, all on Oscar's person... But they vanished. She gasped.

"What?!"

A shimmer of illusion dissolved at the edge of the dais. Neo Politan stood there, smirking, the Sword and Crown in her hands. Beside her, Emerald Sustrai grinned with wicked satisfaction, holding the staff and the lamp.

Neo gave a mocking little wave.

Then they tossed the Relics to Jaune.

His black prison shattered outward as residual Ever After energy flared around him like white-gold fire. His reforged Crocea Mors sang as he caught all four mid-air.

Salem's eyes widened.

Jaune landed between her and his friends, the Relics blazing in his grip.

"You thought we came here to beat you with swords and Maidens," he said, voice low, steady, older than it had any right to be. "We didn't."

The prisons around the others cracked and fell away as the Ever After energy rippled outward from him, supercharging every aura, every Maiden spark, every Relic in the room.

Ruby stepped forward, silver eyes igniting until they burned like twin moons.

"We're not calling the Brothers," she said. "We're going over their heads."

"Wh-What?!" Salem gasped. "But-They said-!"

"They lied, Salem," Oscar wheezed, "They didn't create anything, just ruined our lives. This... Is the true Divine."

The four Relics—Knowledge, Creation, Choice, and now Destruction—rose from their bearers hands, orbiting slowly around Ruby. The Maiden powers flared in answer: Penny, Raven, Emerald (Taken from Cinder's fallen corpse outside), and Winter (Who bore the Summer Maiden's powers after Vacuo). The souls of everyone gathered lit up in their chests, all thanks to Jaune's Semblance working overtime.

Weena's magical runes, an intricate equation of magical power, wove through it all, a thread of pure Ever After possibility.

Ruby spread her arms, and ascended into the air.

Light poured from her eyes—not a blast, but a conduit. A direct line to the Source that had created even the Brothers. Silver wings spread from her back, ethereal, a symbol of something true and primal and eternal.

Salem staggered back, genuine fear flickering across her immortal face for the first time in millennia.

"No—no! You're summoning them! You're giving me what I—!"

"We're not," Ruby said quietly. "We're asking for Judgement."

Salem tried to run, tried to flee-But Oscar seized her from behind. She struggled, but even her immortal strength did not avail her.

"Whatever-Happens to me-Happens to you too-!"

"That is how it should be," Oscar said quietly, "We started this, we end it-together!"

The light became a pillar, vast and soundless, enveloping Salem and Oscar.

Within it, every deed, every grief, every crime and every sliver of lost humanity was laid bare before something far older and greater than the God of Light or Darkness.

Salem screamed—not in rage, but in terror—as the Source looked upon her. Oscar closed his eyes, and held her, more of a hug than a lock.

The pillar pulsed once, and spread out across the Evernight Castle and all the lands beyond.

When it receded, like the setting sun, every dark surface of the castle was now pure white, tan, and warm blue brick.

Salem still stood there... But as white stone, frozen in shock... And yet, almost relieved from her expression. Oscar fell back, panting softly. He fell to his knees. Qrow was the first to get to his side, while everyone else stared at the statue.

Then... The cheers broke out. Yang whooped, Blake cheered, Weiss broke into tears. Ren held Nora as the orangette sobbed happily, while Neo and Emerald beamed together. Despite this, Qrow's focus was on his old friend and mentor.

"Oz? You okay? What happened?" Qrow asked.

Ruby and Jaune knelt down in front of him, both looking worried.

"Oscar?" Ruby asked.

"What is it?" Jaune asked.

Oscar slowly looked up. There were tears in his eyes.

"I... I don't understand... Why didn't I...?" He looked at the statue that was his former wife. He stared at his hands.

"... I got a glimpse of... Something incredible," he whispered. "Something... Beyond me. I thought... It was the end. But it's not... Why isn't it?"

Ruby worried her lower lip. She reached out to Jaune. He took her hand. He smiled at her.

"Speaking as two people who got a tiny glimpse into eternity too," Jaune said, "I don't think the answers... Are ever easy."

"But maybe," Ruby suggested, "It's a sign. A sign that you shouldn't stop living... Until you find the answers."

Oscar stared at them both. He chuckled softly, sounding like an unsure young man.

"I guess... I'll have to do just that," he murmured.

"As for us?" Ruby pulled Jaune up with her, and kissed him. "Mmm... We are going to have the biggest party in the universe... And then sleep for like ten years."

Jaune chuckled, and held her tightly.

"And happily ever after... For a lot longer."

- - -

And that's how things went in the Ruby timeline... Possibly. I do rather enjoy the idea of our heroes basically calling on the Brother's Mom/Dad/Creator to sort things out, but it's up to Sift if it stays.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Solitas, Atlas, Schnee Manor

Nine Years After Salem's Defeat

- - -

The Schnee Manor glowed with warm lights and the scent of pine and cinnamon on this, yet another Aslanmas since the world had finally known peace. Nine years after Salem's fall, the scars of war had faded into stories told softly by firelight, and the great hall rang instead with children's laughter.

Weiss knelt on a thick Indrikan wool rug, surrounded by discarded ribbons and glittering paper, making silly faces at one-year-olds James and Isabel, while four-year-old Pyrrha triumphantly claimed an entire sheet of wrapping paper as her own and three-year old Andres played obliviously with a intricately detailed train set. James wailed in protest until Weiss scooped him up, bouncing him gently.

"There, there, little one," she cooed. "Auntie Weiss has you."

Across the room, five-year-old Theodore zipped in proud circles around the enormous tree in his new electric car—a sleek white model with sky-blue racing stripes—shouting "Vroom! Vroom!" every time he passed the couch where his parents sat.

Winter Schnee-Arc, hair still militarily neat even in retirement, leaned into her husband's side. The crisp lines of her old uniform had been traded long ago for soft cashmere, and the weight of Supreme Commander no longer rested on her shoulders. Jaune, comfortably domestic in a thick sweater, had one arm draped along the back of the couch, fingers idly tracing patterns on Winter's sleeve as they watched their children with quiet, exhausted joy.

On the coffee table before them sat their gifts: a new set of tactical history volumes for Winter (because old habits died hard), and for Jaune a hand-carved wooden chess set from Winter herself.

"I still can't believe I'm retired," Winter murmured, sipping spiced cider. "Three years ago I was signing reconstruction orders at three in the morning."

Jaune smiled, warm and easy. "Worth it, though. Atlas is whole again. Peace is holding."

Winter snorted softly. "It was considerably harder while pregnant with the twins, I'll have you know."

"Tell me about it," Jaune laughed. "I was the one holding your hair back after staff meetings."

She grinned, a rare, unguarded thing. "Still worth it." Her gaze drifted to the children, softening further. "And I wouldn't mind a few more."

Jaune's eyebrows shot up, then he chuckled low in his chest. "Give me a few months to recover from the last round, General."

Winter smirked and nuzzled him. "Now now... One should always be ready to serve their commanding officer, hmm?"

Weiss, overhearing, glanced over with a faintly wistful look before Isabel tugged her braid and demanded attention again.

Theodore suddenly braked his little car in front of the couch.

"Papa! Race me to the gardens!"

Jaune unfolded his long frame from the couch, stretching. "You're on, kid."

Winter set her mug down with mock gravity. "On your marks… get set… go!"

Theodore floored the tiny accelerator. Jaune jogged after him, keeping pace just behind the car as they headed for the glass doors leading to the snow-dusted gardens.

Halfway there, Theodore slammed on the brakes again.

"Papa, wait! Come here!"

Jaune slowed, bending down with an indulgent smile. "What is it, bud?"

The boy leaned forward, cupped a hand around his mouth as if sharing a secret—and then gunned the throttle, shooting out the door with a triumphant cackle.

"LOSER!"

Jaune straightened, hands on his hips, watching the little car shoot into the winter sunlight. He shook his head, laughing.

"Where on Remnant did he learn that?"

From the couch, Winter and Weiss answered in perfect unison: "No idea."

Their eyes met—sharp blue on sharper blue—and both women scowled at each other in instinctive Schnee fashion.

From his armchair by the fire, Klein Sieben, retired butler and eternal family fixture, chuckled into his teacup.

"Oh, I haven't the faintest notion either, sir," he said, voice warm with amusement. "Not the foggiest."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The Beacon infirmary's recovery wing had never felt so crowded.

Jaune Arc emerged first from the swirling portal of light—older, harder, eyes carrying the weight of the Ever After's impossible years. Ruby followed, Crescent Rose collapsed on her back, silver eyes wide with the disorientation of time lost. Then Weiss, Blake, Yang—each stepping through with the weary grace of survivors who'd stared down gods and curiosity and come out changed.

Cinder Fall came last, amber eyes wary, hand tight in Jaune's as the portal sealed behind them with a final shimmer.

Ozpin stood waiting with Qrow Branwen at his side, along with Nora and Ren (who hugged them all). The headmaster's expression was calm, but his grip on his mug tightened fractionally.

Qrow's flask paused halfway to his lips. "Well. Look what the cat dragged in. Literally, in some cases."

Ruby managed a tired laugh, launching herself at Qrow for a hug he returned with surprised stiffness. "We're back! And we stopped them from getting the Relic—but Iridescent—she got away with it and Fria—"

Ozpin raised a hand gently. "Slowly. You've been gone months in linear time. Start from the beginning."

They did—voices overlapping, hands gesturing, the story tumbling out in fragments: the ambush at the Winter Maiden transfer, the desperate fight, the fall into the Ever After's endless tree. Jaune's years there—decades of trials, growth, alliances forged in madness. Cinder's growth, and their acceptance of her truly.

Cinder stayed close to Jaune, fingers laced through his, her usual arrogance tempered by something softer.

Ozpin listened without interruption, face grave.

When they finished, Qrow whistled low. "So Atlas fell anyway but you saved everyone-Got them all to Vale. That's… something."

Ruby's smile faltered. "But Penny—she's being rebuilt, right? They said the core was recoverable—"

Ozpin nodded. "Yes. Pietro and Weena are overseeing it personally. She'll return."

Ruby's relief was visible, shoulders sagging. "Good. That's… good."

Yang frowned deeply. "Raven?"

Qrow's expression darkened. "Gone. Vanished right after Atlas. No sign of the Spring Maiden either. Just… disappeared. Winter's leading the search."

Cinder's grip on Jaune's hand tightened. "Three Maidens missing or dead..."

Jaune squeezed back. "Except for you," he said quietly.

Cinder's eyes flickered with old fire, but softer now. "One Fall Maiden. Against Salem's entire court."

The room fell heavy.

Then Goodwitch's voice crackled over the intercom—sharp, urgent.

"Headmaster! Turn on the holoscreen—now!"

Ozpin flicked his scroll. The infirmary's wall projector flared to life, tuning to VNN's emergency broadcast from Lutetia.

The reporter stammered: "And as you can see, every dog has its-!"

A news studio—normally polished, professional—was chaos. The anchor, a nervous human reporter mid-sentence, froze as a figure stepped into frame.

Iridescent.

Dark skin gleaming under studio lights, white hair cascading like moonlight, red Grimm-like eyes glowing with manic glee. She wore flowing black and violet robes that shifted like liquid shadow, beauty twisted into something predatory.

"Ah, miss-URK!"

Iridescent's hand clamped around his throat. Bones cracked. Blood sprayed.

Nora, let out a low whistle. "Whoa-ho-ho-ho, brutal!"

Iridescent grinned straight into the camera—perfect teeth, perfect madness.

"The following contains violence, coarse language, and adult situations not suitable for minors. Viewer discretion is advised."

She crushed the reporter's head in her fist—casual, effortless. Gore splattered the lens.

The room went ice-cold.

Iridescent wiped the camera lens clean, then her hand on her robe, all smiles.

"Ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls, and that technicolor rainbow in-between—I am Iridescent, the Herald of Salem. You may remember me from such hits as…"

Whimsical music played—cheerful flutes over footage of burning cities: Atlas's fall, Mistral's ruins, Kuroyuri's ashes scrolling across the screen.

"Especially if I missed you!" she chirped. "But that's not why I'm here today. Today… I'm making an announcement!"

Ruby's voice was small. "Huh?!"

Iridescent leaned closer to the camera, eyes wide with glee.

"I and my queen are ending the war against life on Remnant!"

Relief flickered—then died.

"After we level it and kill everyone!"

Ruby's shout echoed: "OH NO!!"

Iridescent held up a finger, playful. "Unless…"

Tension strangled the room.

"One of your planet's 'champions' can best me in one on one combat!"

She spread her arms grandly.

"I am officially hosting a once-in-your-lifetime event! A tournament so grand, it'll leave you breathless! I hereby dub it: THE IRIDESCENT TOURNAMENT! Be part of the conversation on Scroll at hashtag IRIDESCENTTOURNAMENT!"

Ren glanced at his device. "Aaaand she's already trending."

Iridescent continued, voice syrupy. "For those familiar with your adorable little Vytal Tournament, I'll borrow the rules. No brackets this time—yours truly will be your only opponent. And much like Blake's mother, I will accept all comers."

Blake's face went white with rage. "How dare—"

Iridescent winked. "Location: Beacon itself, atop my darling Monstro Grimm! Games start at noon, one week from today. Plenty of time to prepare—or for non-participants, time to connect with loved ones, get affairs in order, maybe kill your boss! Start a purge! Live a little!"

She chuckled, low and dark.

"Because in one week's time… well, to give you an idea—"

She turned, raising one hand toward the studio's back wall.

A blast of raw, violet-black magic erupted—annihilating the wall, the buildings beyond, the distant mountain in a cataclysmic beam that carved a smoking scar across Vale's horizon.

Iridescent faced the camera again, blowing a kiss.

"So, keep that in mind, and see you next Sunday! And feel free to pray to your god—but spoilers…I won't be listening."

The feed cut to static.

Silence.

Then chaos.

"We gotta stop her!" Ruby cried.

Weiss's glyphs flared instinctively. "We stop her. Now."

Blake's ears flattened. "A tournament… on a Monstro Grimm…"

Yang cracked her knuckles, hair igniting. "I've got a gauntlet with her name on it."

Cinder's grip on Jaune's hand was iron. "She's toying with us. But we have no choice."

Ozpin's face was grim. "One week. We prepare."

Jaune pulled Cinder closer, eyes hard.

"Then we end this."

The war for Remnant had just been given a deadline.

And the clock was ticking.

- - -

Maybe a bit too TeamFourStar but damnit, I had to make it. Because Iridescent with Three Maidens' powers would definitely be feeling Perfect.


View: https://youtu.be/SALrHYcFKzs

 

[AndrewJTalon]

- - -

The Vacuo safehouse was a tomb of silence in the dead of night: Sand whispering against the windows, the distant howl of wind the only company. Jaune Arc couldn't sleep. The Ever After clung to him like a second skin. Yang had reverted after, but him?

Maybe he was in a young man's body again, but his soul still felt old.

He wandered the halls barefoot, humming under his breath—a restless melody that had haunted him since their return.

"There must be some way out of here…"

"Said the joker to the thief," a familiar voice sang back, soft and almost bitter, from the kitchen.

The light glowed soft and golden. Jaune paused in the doorway.

"There's too much confusion..." Jaune sang.

Yang stood at the sink, back rigid, golden hair cascading loose like a waterfall of fire. Her hands gripped the counter's edge hard enough to dent metal. She sang the next verse: Low, frustrated, edged with pain.

"I can't get no relief," she grit out.

Jaune's heart twisted. "Couldn't sleep either?"

She didn't turn, but her shoulders hunched. "This stupid song. It's been looping in my head since we got back. Won't shut up."

He stepped closer, voice gentle. "Same here."

Yang finally faced him—lilac eyes shadowed, glistening with unshed tears she'd never let fall in daylight. The woman who burned bright enough to light up his entire world looked… small.

He reached out for her, but she pulled away. Hurt filled his eyes.

"Yang?" He whispered.

"I nearly killed you," she whispered, voice cracking like dry earth. "In that place… I was a monster. Mindless. And I almost—" Her fists clenched, nails biting palms. "I almost ended you. The man I love. And this damn song just keeps playing, like it's mocking me for failing you."

Jaune closed the distance slowly, as if approaching a wounded animal. "Yang… I forgive you. I forgave you-."

She laughed—wet, broken, furious. "You shouldn't. Damn it, Jaune, you shouldn't. I loved you—love you—and I hurt you. I could've taken everything from you. From us. And you just… let it go? Like it didn't rip your heart out?"

Her voice rose, trembling with the weight she'd carried alone.

'"Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth. None of them along the line know what any of it is worth-FUCK! Just... Stop it! STOP IT!"

Before he could reach for her, footsteps padded in.

Oscar Pine—eyes ancient with Ozma's weight—paused in the doorway, a sad chuckle escaping.

"I haven't heard that song in thousands of years," he said softly. "Curious how some things endure."

Jaune seized the brief reprieve. "You know it?"

Oscar nodded, moving to the window. Moonlight silvered his face as he sang-voice rich, layered with lifetimes of loss.

"There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief." There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief…"

Each verse carried centuries: weariness, defiance, the ache of inevitability.

"Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth. None of them along the line know what any of it is worth…"

"No reason to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke. "There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke…"

"But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate. So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late…"

The chorus rose—haunting, eternal.

"All along the watchtower, princes kept the view. While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too…"

"Outside in the distance, a wildcat did growl. Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl."

The final note faded.

Yang's voice was barely a breath. "What… does it mean?"

Oscar turned, eyes distant. "Even I don't fully know. It was ancient when I was young. Salem loved it—played it in quieter moments. There's confrontation in it. Destiny approaching. Ominous, terrible… yet beautiful. I've wondered if the divine wrote it—an eternal rhyme of humanity's pull toward conflict."

He gave them a weary smile and slipped away, leaving them alone.

The silence stretched, thick with everything unsaid.

Jaune stepped closer—close enough to feel the heat radiating from her. He broke the quiet first.

"The problem isn't that I can forgive you, Yang."

She looked up, eyes shimmering. "Then what is it?"

"It's that you can't forgive yourself."

Yang's breath hitched. Tears spilled over, tracing hot paths down her cheeks.

"I should've been stronger," she whispered, voice breaking. "Better. I've carried everything-kept Ruby safe, let her grow into this amazing person. We beat Cinder at Haven, stopped a whole damn war. Got everyone out of Atlas. Denied Salem everything she wanted. We survived that hell in the Ever After and… and still I turned into a monster and nearly took you from me."

Jaune didn't speak. He simply wrapped his arms around her-tight, unyielding, like he could hold all her broken pieces together.

She resisted for a heartbeat-then shattered.

Yang clung to him, face buried in his shoulder, sobs tearing free-raw, wrenching, the kind she'd never allowed anyone to see. Her fingers dug into his shirt like he was the only anchor in a storm.

"You were never a monster," he murmured into her hair, voice thick. "Not to me. You were fighting—always fighting. Even when you lost yourself, you came back. For me. For us."

Her body shook harder. "I was so scared I'd lost you forever."

"You didn't," he said fiercely. "You won't. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

Outside, the first rays of dawn crept over the dunes: Soft gold painting the desert, chasing away the long night.

Inside, Yang cried until there were no tears left. Until the song in her head quieted, until the guilt loosened its grip just enough to breathe.

Jaune held her through it all.

And when the sun finally rose, they faced it together.

- - -


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfaTEGGtVf8&list=RDxfaTEGGtVf8&start_radio=1

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Solitas, Atlas

- - -

The Schnee Dust Company's executive tower burned in the distance, Atlas's skyline fractured by the chaos of Salem's attempt to induce civil war. But in the abandoned sub-levels beneath the manor, the real betrayal unfolded.

Whitley Schnee—once the perfect heir, now hardened by months of quiet rebellion—stood beside Fafnir as Atlas authorities stormed Jacques's hidden vault. Evidence of embezzlement, worker exploitation, even ties to Watts's hacks—compiled by Whitley with Fafnir's silent aid and RWBY and JNOR's help securing the evidence—sealed Jacques's fate.

Jacques raged as cuffs clicked around his wrists. "You ungrateful whelp! And you—my own weapon—betraying me?"

Fafnir's red eyes were steady. "Debt's paid."

As the dragon turned to leave, his body locked. Eyes flickered unnatural green.

"Fafnir?!" Weiss cried.

"Override engaged," Watts's voice purred through hidden speakers. "Time to earn your keep, pet."

Fafnir's wings snapped open. His sword Knarra was unsheathed with the scream of high-frequency vibration.

Teams RWBY and JNOR charged into battle. Weiss hesitated.

"Fafnir—no!" She cried.

He didn't hear her. Watts's control was absolute.

The fight erupted in the manor's grand atrium—marble floors cracking under impacts, chandeliers shattering in Dust explosions.

Fafnir was a storm.

Wings buffeted hurricane winds. Knarra carved through Ruby's petals like paper and she barely evaded his strikes. His Terror Semblance rolled out in waves—Blake froze mid-shadow clone, Nora's hammer wavered, Ren's normally stoic face twisted in primal fear.

Even under mind control, he was merciless precision.

Yang charged first, gauntlets blazing. She was too angry to be afraid. "Snap out of it, you big lizard!"

Fafnir's claw caught her mid-punch, hurling her through a pillar. Weiss's glyphs shattered against his armor. Oscar used what little magic he had learned, but the spells barely slowed the cyborg down.

They were losing.

Jaune saw it—the way Fafnir's movements, though brutal, still carried that old warrior's economy. Watts was using him like a puppet, but the dragon's strength remained.

Jaune planted Crocea Mors point-down.

"Everyone—close in! I'm Amping!"

His Semblance flared gold, pouring into his teammates. Aura surged—wounds knitting, reserves refilling, fear blunted.

Fafnir sensed the shift. Watts's borrowed voice snarled through the mask's speakers.

"Priority target: the Amplifier."

Fafnir yanked Dust grenades from his belt—flash, smoke, concussive force-and unleashed them wildly. The blasts scattered the teams like leaves.

Jaune stood alone in the clearing smoke, coughing.

He'd counted on it.

Fafnir descended like judgment—wings flaring, Knarra screaming down in an overhead strike that could cleave a tank.

Jaune didn't dodge.

He stepped in, shield raised, and took the blow full-force. The impact drove him to one knee, Aura cracking—but he locked his arms around Fafnir's sword arm, holding the dragon in place.

Terror hit him like a tidal wave.

Every nightmare Jaune had ever buried—failing his team, watching them die, being too weak—flooded his mind in paralyzing clarity. His vision tunneled. His grip faltered.

Fafnir's free claw hammered down—once, twice—cracking ribs, splitting skin, even as Jaune's Aura flickered.

Jaune held on. He looked up into the eyes of the monster that had guarded Weiss most of her life.

Through blood in his mouth, he rasped, "You're… stronger… than this…"

The others recovered.

Yang and Weiss struck from the front—Ember Celica detonating against Fafnir's plating, Myrtenaster piercing and freezing joints with Ice Dust.

Ruby and Blake attacked from range—Crescent Rose's sniper rounds finding weak points, Blake using her Shadow clones to draw any attention while she fired on Fafnir with Gambol Shroud.

Ren slipped in close, Aura charged palms striking pressure points to disrupt motor control, while he fired shots from Stormflower to chip away at Fafnir's Aura.

Nora came from behind—Magnhild charged to maximum, hammer blow landing square between the wings.

The combined assault shattered Fafnir's defenses. His armor and knees buckled. His cybernetics sparked. Knarra fell from his nerveless fingers.

He dropped to his knees.

Watts's voice crackled, full of fury.

"Get up! Finish them!"

Fafnir's claw twitched toward the fallen sword.

"FAFNIR!" Weiss screamed.

His claw stopped.

"KILL THEM!" Watts bellowed.

With a roar of effort—pure will against the machines that made up his body—Fafnir seized Knarra's hilt...

And drove it through his own heart.

The blade punched clean through cybernetic chest plating, high-frequency edge cauterizing as it went.

He collapsed forward.

Weiss caught him—glyphs softening the fall, arms wrapping around the massive frame as he sagged. She kept him on his knees. She looked anxiously into his face, as Jaune struggled to get back up. Ruby was already applying Healing Dust.

"No, wait, I can help-!" Jaune gasped.

"You're coughing blood! Hold on!" Ruby shouted.

"Fafnir—!" Weiss cried.

His mask fell away. Watts's connection severed with a final electronic scream.

Red eyes met hers—clear, for the first time in a long time.

"I-I have Healing Dust, I can still-!" Weiss tried, but Fafnir shook his head.

"No... It's over..." he rasped, blood—real blood—bubbling at the corner of his ruined mouth.

Weiss's voice broke. "You idiot—why—"

Fafnir's eyes were almost soft.

"I swore... To protect you," he whispered. Whitley dropped down next to him, his eyes wide in disbelief. He glanced at Whitley, and nodded in approval.

"Always… remain strong." A claw—gentle now—brushed Weiss's cheek, careful of the metal tips, to wipe away her tears. "Apologize… for not being stronger. For not… ending him sooner."

His gaze drifted to the others—to Jaune, barely standing with Ruby's help. He nodded in respect to the blonde.

"At least… I die… a warrior. Not… a slave."

His hand fell.

The red glow faded.

Weiss held him as the massive body went still—tears cutting clean tracks through dust and blood on her face.

She didn't know what she felt.

Grief for the monster who'd protected her from childhood.

Rage at the father who'd forged him into a weapon.

Relief that the dragon had chosen his own end.

All of it tangled, raw and aching.

Yang laid a hand on her shoulder. Ruby knelt beside her, silent. Jaune joined her. Weiss looked into his eyes, the sobs breaking free. She leaned into his touch as he held her.

They stayed there until the authorities came—until the snow began to fall through the shattered skylight above.

Fafnir Volsung, last of his clan, died free.

And Weiss Schnee grieved for the complicated truth of it all.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Beacon, Vale

- - -

The party was in full swing, laughter and music spilling out from every corner of the common room like an overfilled punch bowl. Yang had to admit—it was fun. A bit overwhelming, sure, with the lights flashing and bodies packed in tighter than Grimm in a cage, but fun. Still, it was pushing the limits for her, and definitely too much for Ruby.

Which is why her blood ran hot when she spotted her little sister snagging a beer from the cooler, popping the tab with that innocent curiosity of hers.

Ruby lifted the can, sniffing it curiously. "Huh... Fruity and smells... Ugh! But...!"

Yang wasn't about to let that happen. She strode over, her hand shooting out to snatch the can just before it touched Ruby's lips. "Yeah, no."

Ruby's eyes widened in surprise. "What?! Hey!"

Yang glanced at the label, her eyebrows shooting up. "A 5% can, maybe, but not a 20% one! With your size, you'd be drunk before you even finished it."

Ruby scowled and grabbed it back. "I'm a Huntress in Training! I can have some!"

Yang reached for it again. "Ruby, you're not listening to me, that stuff is—"

"I don't care!" Ruby yanked it away, her glare sharp and defiant. "You can't just dump raising me the moment we get here and then keep pretending you're my MOM! You're NOT!"

The words hit like a sucker punch. Yang flinched, her growing anger snuffed out in an instant. She raised her hands, expression neutral, voice quiet.

"Okay, if that's how it is, then that's how it is." She turned away. "I'll be outside."

Ruby glared after her, then turned back to the can. She took a swig, making a face but forcing it down. "Gruhh...!"

Outside, the night air was a welcome relief, stars twinkling overhead like scattered jewels, the wind carrying just enough chill to cut through the haze in Yang's mind. She leaned against the railing, feeling... empty. Drained. Like the fight had taken more out of her than she'd expected.

"Uh... Oh, hey Yang."

Jaune stepped out beside her, a beer in hand, leaning on the railing next to her. He offered it with a small smile. "You okay?"

Yang took it, managing a half-hearted wave. "Hey VB, what brings you out here? Last I checked, Weiss-Queen and your partner were somewhere back in there."

Jaune shrugged. "Eh... I gave up on Weiss. Pyrrha is having fun with Nora. And uh... Well, it's nice out here. I wanted to see the stars and moon."

He wasn't fooling anyone, but Yang let it slide. She cracked open the beer—'Olive Branch's custom canned moonshine'—and chuckled at the irony. "I'm doing about as well as someone can be in my position."

Jaune nodded. "... I heard what happened with Ruby." He sighed. "I'm sorry."

Yang took a sip, the burn steadying her. "It's not your fault VB. Or is it?"

He panicked a little under her mock glare, and she laughed, easing up. "Honestly, this has been a long time coming."

"Yeah... Family, huh?" Jaune sighed, sipping his own beer before downing half in one go. "It's always complicated with them."

"Oh?" Yang turned to him, curious. "I didn't peg you for someone who's got familial trouble."

"Pfft... Trust me, I have plenty." He drank more, pulling out two extra cans from his pouches. He handed one to her, and she accepted it. "My mom wanted me to be a doctor, and bullied my dad into agreeing. Treated me like glass, basically planned out my entire life for me and never let me have any choice. We fought over it, and... I just had to leave."

He shook his head.

"Now? Now... I get why they tried to protect me but... It's still my choice."

Yang nodded. "So despite knowing why they did what they did, you're still angry with them."

Jaune nodded. Yang smirked.

"Good." At his confusion, she explained. "Look VB, just because they got a reason for doing all that doesn't mean you have to forgive'em. Understand it, sure, accept it, most definitely, but forgive it, nah. You have every right to not agree with what they did, and be upset with them because of it."

"But... I want to forgive them." He sighed. "I just... I don't like being angry with my parents."

Yang placed a hand on his shoulder. "Look, I'm not saying you have to be angry with them forever, I'm just saying it's okay to be upset with them. The same goes for forgiving them, if that's what you want to do then that's what you want to do, I'm just saying that it's okay not to. You're allowed to have those options, to feel those kinds of feelings, and make those kinds of choices."

Jaune squeezed her hand. "... Well... So are you. With Ruby."

Yang sighed and looked back out at the stars. "Yeah... I guess..." She shook her head. "She's growing up, like you said... And without her, well... I don't know what I'm going to do."

Jaune was silent, staring intently at her. Yang shrugged.

"I mean... I didn't plan on her being here, you know? I planned on being... Free."

Jaune opened his mouth, and Yang held up her hand.

"I-I don't mean that I dislike her or-or anything but-!"

"You just wanted to be yourself, rather than her mom," Jaune said softly. Yang flushed, and looked back out at the sky. She sipped her beer.

"... Yeah," she murmured. "So I tried to get her to fend for herself, first day... Then we ended up on the same team and, well..." She shrugged. "I can't get away... But now she's doing her own things and..."

Yang huffed.

"I've made my choice but..."

"Still hurts and sucks, huh?" Jaune asked. Yang nodded. "Yeah... I get it."

"Why do you think I'm telling you all this?" She smirked. "I already made those choices."

"So, you can make new ones," Jaune said, "And... You know, I can help you. Since I'm figuring this out, too."

Yang snickered.

"When did you get so wise?"

"Getting my ass kicked a lot either means you figure stuff out, or keep getting beat down," Jaune observed. Yang snickered.

"Yeah... Still..." Yang rested her head on her palm. "Considering some of the stuff I wanted to do, I'm not too sure about that."

"What did you want to do?"

Yang looked around to make sure they were alone, then turned beat red. "This doesn't leave this balcony, okay." When he didn't answer quick enough: "Okay?!"

"I swear, I swear!"

She sighed, resigned. "I wanted to go on a date with someone... maybe even finally kiss someone."

"... Oh?"

She pouted and half-buried herself in her arms as she leaned on the railing. "I just never had time for all that stuff, okay?"

"No no, I get it..." Jaune took a deep breath. "So... The Emerald Festival is happening next week."

"Yeah, what of it?"

"I was thinking of going to the dance pavilion since there are some good bands there... You... Want to go? With me?"

Yang's eyes widened. "Are you..." Disbelief colored her voice. "asking me out?"

Jaune laughed a little in disbelief, nodding. "Yeah. I am. This is probably the most we've talked, Yang. And... And I really liked it. I want to get to know you better, and have fun with you."

She blinked, then narrowed her eyes as her grin widened. "You're serious, aren't you? You really want to go out... with me."

"Why wouldn't I?"

Yang tried to come up with an answer, but couldn't. "Heh..." A fire lit inside her, and she turned to him with that adventurous smile. "Well, when you put it like that, how could I say no." Excitement built in her nod. "So yeah, let's do it!"

Jaune grinned, taking her hand. "Great!" She stepped forward to clap him on the shoulder.

Of course, with the alcohol they'd been nursing, her feet didn't cooperate as they should have.

"Oh shit." Yang stumbled, falling on top of him—or as much as one could on a small balcony.

"OOF!"

Silence. Then:

"Huh, you'd make for a surprisingly comfortable pillow, VB."

"Oof! I... Uh... You're... Better pillow material... I think..."

"Oh?~" She pressed her chest into his, making him realize just how on top she was. "Were you hoping we'd land the other way around, so you can get a face full of these?"

Jaune gulped. He looked her in the eyes, then at her nose.

"... Yes. Yes I was."

Yang's face exploded into dark red. She laughed nervously.

"Well aren't you bold today."

"I'm drunk with a hot girl who's going on a date with me... On top of me... Should I... Not be?"

"Depends." She leaned in close to his ear and whispered. "On whether you're a good boy or not.~" Leaning back, she kept her face close. "So, tell me, have you been a good boy?~"

Whether it was alcohol or his newfound confidence, he grinned nervously back at her.

"What if I'm bad?" He leaned in to breathe in her ear, softly running his hand through her hair.

She raised an eyebrow. "You know I've beaten up people for less, right?" She gestured to his hand.

"Yup. I know. But it's super soft and beautiful. You can kill me after the date?"

Yang smiled that mega-watt smile even through her blush.

"Sounds good to me, VB! Now..." She rested her head on his chest. "mind getting the both of us up? Pretty sure, not even you wanna be caught like this in front of everybody."

"Okay... Okay... Hang on..." He pushed himself up against her, wrapping an arm around her waist. He got them into a sitting position, her in his lap. "Okay... Okay... We're... Up... Sort of..."

"Oh yes, there's nothing quite like getting the girl who was laying on top of you into your lap, am I right, VB?" She asked sarcastically, but with amusement. "Especially, when said position gets you a face full of boobs and her straddling your waist."

"Well... I'd be a fool to disagree with you."

"Yes, yes you would."

- - -

First timeline's viewpoint of The Party! Go ahead and try to write your own! This one written with a lot of help from @RedDragonEmpress

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Beacon Academy, Vale

- - -

The party in the unused Beacon dorm was a full-throated rebellion against curfew, homework, and anything resembling adult supervision-Perfectly in tune with the upcoming Emerald Festival. Stolen festival lights twinkled overhead like captured stars, casting rainbow shadows over scavenged furniture and a dance floor packed tight with bodies moving to bass that rattled the windows. Upperclassmen had smuggled in the real stuff-bottles of hard cider, cheap beer, and a punch bowl glowing faintly blue that someone swore was "totally safe, probably."

Ruby Rose wove through the crowd like a red comet, cape still on because parties didn't count as "formal occasions." She was sixteen—almost seventeen, thank you very much-and tonight was proof night. No more baby sister. No more Yang's little shadow.

She spotted the table: a glorious shrine of forbidden adulthood.

Perfect.

With a quick burst of petals, Ruby zipped in, snatched a beer, and popped the cap before anyone blinked.

Victory tasted like… bitter, yeasty gym sock.

Ruby wrinkled her nose. "Ugh. Adults drink this for fun?"

But she was committed. Big girl mode: engaged.

She raised the bottle—

A blonde blur flashed.

Yang's hand plucked the beer away mid-tilt, not spilling a drop. She took a casual swig, wiped her mouth, and grinned down at her little sister.

Ruby's face scrunched into the ultimate pout slash glare. "Yaaaang!"

Yang slung an arm around her shoulders. "Nice try, Rubes. Still carded till twenty-one."

Ruby shoved out of the grip, cheeks burning hotter than the stolen lights. Anger surged through her, and hit her mouth before her brain could catch up.

"You can't just swing in and out of acting like my mom! You're not!"

The words hit harder than she meant. Yang's grin faltered-eyes widening like Ruby had slapped her. No anger, just... Hurt and sorrow.

Regret punched Ruby in the gut. The room felt too loud, too hot, too full of staring faces. She bolted—petals scattering as she blurred through the crowd and out to the balcony.

Cool night air hit her face. She reformed at the railing, gripping it tight, eyes stinging as she stared at the stars.

Stupid. So stupid.

"Crater Face? You okay?"

Ruby turned. Jaune stood in the doorway, beer in hand—his own, legal one—concern written all over his face.

She flushed, leaning harder on the railing. "Y-Yeah… No… I dunno."

Jaune joined her, setting a gentle hand on her shoulder. He sipped his drink, giving her space.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No," she muttered.

He nodded, leaning beside her in comfortable silence.

"That's okay."

The quiet stretched—city lights below, stars above. Ruby's anger ebbed into something heavier.

"Just… ugh," she groaned. "It's so frustrating. Yang was basically my mom most of my life. Then we get here and she either goes along with everything or makes decisions for me like I'm still ten!"

Jaune smiled softly. "I get it."

Ruby glanced up. "You do?"

"Yeah. How complicated it is. With parents."

Ruby frowned. "You haven't talked much about yours. They weren't… jerks, were they?"

Jaune sighed, staring at the horizon. "No. Not exactly. They love me. But they were Hunters—Mom a combat medic, Dad a paladin. And… they didn't want me to be one."

"What did they want?"

He snorted. "A doctor."

Ruby giggled despite herself. "Doctor Jaune?"

"Yeah." His smile turned wistful. "We fought a lot—me and Mom, mostly. Dad tried to keep peace, but he always sided with her. Treated me like I couldn't decide for myself or-or I was made of glass. So I took Crocea Mors, bought cheap armor, a ticket… and here I am."

Ruby's eyes softened. "So you feel guilty but… happy?"

"Yeah. Guilt's the worst part."

"Same," Ruby sighed, pouting at the sky. "I wanna be treated like an adult. I'm here two years early, leading a team, holding everything together—except when we're fighting, then they listen. I wish I had your team. They follow you, respect you—"

"It's a lot of work," Jaune said. "Nora's all my little sisters combined, with a grenade hammer. Ren and Pyrrha rely on me for direction. You're just in a different situation."

"Still… bet they'd take me seriously if I was older." Ruby huffed. "You treat me like an adult… mostly."

Jaune blinked. "Mostly?"

Ruby flushed crimson, covering her mouth. "I-uh-N-No, I didn't mean-!"

"What?" Jaune asked, worried. "Did I disrespect you? Tell me, Ruby-you're my best friend."

She grimaced, looking away. Stupid mouth.

"Do… do you think I'm pretty?" she managed, voice small.

Jaune stared.

"Like… like you thought Weiss was pretty?"

Silence.

Ruby's heart sank. She turned away. Still just the kid sister-

Jaune's hand gently turned her back. His face was bright red, but his eyes were steady.

"Yeah, Ruby," he murmured. "I do. I do think you're pretty. Very pretty."

Blood rushed to her cheeks. Her silver eyes darted everywhere but him.

"I… um… think you're pretty too." She squeaked, mortified. "I mean-handsome! That's pretty for boys!"

Jaune laughed-soft, warm. Ruby joined him, tension easing.

"So… why haven't you done anything about it?" she asked, braver now.

Jaune rubbed his neck. "First-you were younger." At her puffed up indignation, he continued quickly, "Second… Weiss was me trying to prove something. I had to get over myself. Third…" He met her eyes.

"You're my best friend. I couldn't imagine losing you if it ended badly."

Ruby bit her lip. "Well…"

She stepped closer, heart pounding.

"Maybe we don't have to worry about ending badly. Maybe… we just start?"

Jaune's breath caught.

The stars above seemed brighter.

And on the balcony, away from the party's noise, two best friends took the first, terrifying step toward something new.

- - -

@RedDragonEmpress Happy Birthday!

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Beacon, Vale

The "underground" party in the unused Beacon dorm had reached peak chaos-string lights twinkling like mischievous stars overhead, bass thumping hard enough to rattle the windows, bodies packed tight in a swirl of laughter, spilled drinks, and dancing that would've sent Ozpin into quiet despair. Upperclassmen had turned the place into a den of rebellion: hard booze flowing, beer bottles clinking, and that glowing punch bowl drawing crowds like moths to a very questionable flame.



Then the door exploded inward.



Not literally-though with the force behind it, it might as well have.



Glynda Goodwitch stood in the doorway like judgment incarnate-riding crop in hand, glasses glinting under the lights, green eyes narrowed to lethal slits.



The music scratched to a halt. Someone killed the lights. A collective "oh shit" rippled through the room.



"Detention," she said, voice cutting through the sudden silence like a whip crack. "All of you. Now."



Pandemonium.



Students bolted-petals, glyphs, shadows, hammers-scattering like roaches under a flashlight. Bottles clattered, cups spilled, furniture toppled in the mad dash for freedom.



Glynda's crop flicked-telekinetic waves corralling the slowest runners, pinning them gently but firmly against walls.



In the chaos, Jaune Arc-halfway through helping a tipsy Nora stand-stepped forward, hands raised.



"Professor! Wait-it was my idea! I planned the whole thing!"



Nora blinked at him from the floor. "Wha-? Jaune, you liar, it was my-"



He shot her a desperate look. Shut up, please.



Nora shut up, her eyes tearing up at her leader's bravery. She would sing songs of his sacrifice!



Glynda's eyes locked on him. "Mr. Arc."



Jaune swallowed. "Yeah. All me. Everyone else just… showed up. Punish me. Let them go."



The remaining students-frozen mid-escape-stared. Ruby mouthed "Jaune?!" from behind a couch.



Glynda surveyed the wreckage: spilled punch, overturned chairs, a suspicious puddle that might've been beer or worse.



Her crop lowered slightly.



"Very well. The rest of you-clean this up. Now. Mr. Arc… detention. My office. Every day for the next month. You'll assist me personally."



Jaune exhaled-relief for his friends, dread for himself. "Yes, ma'am."



The cleanup took hours. Glynda supervised with the efficiency of a general, students scrubbing under her watchful eye until the dorm gleamed (or at least didn't smell like booze and regret).



Jaune reported to her office the next afternoon-and every afternoon after.



At first, it was pure punishment: endless paperwork, grading stacks, filing reports. Glynda's office was a fortress of organization-files labeled, pens aligned, everything in its place.



Jaune, however, had a secret weapon.



His sister-in-law, Terra Cotta-Arc (Saphron's wife), was a tech wizard-former Atlas engineer turned CCTnet coder. She'd sent him a custom app: "Arc Family Admin Assistant"-a beast of a program that scanned, sorted, cross-referenced, and even predicted filing categories with scary accuracy.



Jaune plugged his scroll in on day three.



Glynda glanced over as a mountain of backlog vanished into digital order in minutes.



"…What is that?"



"Uh… family software? My sister-in-law made it. For farm records, mostly. But it works on anything."



Glynda's eyebrow arched. "Show me."



By the end of the week, half her paperwork was done. By week two, they were ahead.



Glynda-grudgingly-admitted it was efficient.



Conversations started small.



"You're surprisingly competent with administrative tools, Mr. Arc."



"Farm life. Lots of records-crops, livestock, taxes. Saph-my sister-married a computer genius."



Glynda's lips twitched. "I see."



They bonded over shared frustrations: bureaucracy, overly cryptic superiors, and the endless energy of students-Nora especially.



Jaune's earnestness wore down her walls. Glynda's dry wit made him laugh-really laugh.



She noticed his maturity-how he listened without interrupting, how he took criticism and improved.



He noticed her passion-how she cared fiercely for Beacon's students, even the troublemakers.



Weeks turned to months.



Detention became… routine. Comfortable.



Glynda found herself looking forward to the quiet hours with him.



Jaune caught himself smiling at her rare, genuine laughs.



But it stayed professional.



At least, that's what she told herself. All the way up to Vytal.



Which is when things began to change...

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Beacon, Vale

The unused dorm at Beacon had been hijacked into a full-blown underground rager-string lights pilfered from festival decorations twinkled overhead like mischievous fireflies, mismatched furniture formed makeshift dance floors, and the bass from the borrowed speakers thumped hard enough to make the windows vibrate. Upperclassmen had smuggled in the contraband: bottles of hard cider, cheap beer, and a glowing punch bowl that someone insisted was "totally safe, probably."

Bodies packed the space-dancing, laughing, grinding in ways that would've sent Professor Goodwitch into a meltdown.

Weiss Schnee stood near the edge of the chaos, a half-empty cup of that suspiciously glowing punch in hand. She hadn't meant to drink this much. One cup to loosen up. Two to drown the irritation. Three because… well, Neptune Vasilias was across the room, flirting shamelessly with a cluster of giggling third-years from Haven, one arm slung around a girl's waist like he owned the place.

Weiss's grip tightened on her cup. She'd dumped him-cleanly, decisively, with all the icy finality a Schnee could muster. He didn't deserve her time.
But watching him laugh, watching him not even glance her way-like she'd never mattered-hurt more than she'd admit.

Stupid. Pathetic.

She drained the cup, set it down harder than necessary, and slipped out the side door before anyone noticed the heiress fleeing her own humiliation.

The balcony air was cool, crisp-stars sharp overhead, the distant thump of music muffled. Weiss leaned on the railing, exhaling shakily, the buzz making her head light and her pride sting.

Footsteps approached.

She didn't turn. "If you're here to drag me back in, save it."

"Uh… no?" Jaune's voice was hesitant, surprised. "I was just getting some air. Too many people in there."

Weiss glanced over. Jaune stood in the doorway, hands in his pockets, looking awkwardly handsome in a simple button-up-hair tousled, cheeks flushed from the heat inside.

She huffed, turning back to the stars. "Fine. Stay if you want."

He joined her at the railing, leaving a polite distance. Silence stretched-comfortable, surprisingly.

Then the words tumbled out before she could stop them.

"He's such an idiot," she muttered. "Flirting with half the academy like I never existed. I ended it. I know I did the right thing. But it still… stings."

Jaune nodded slowly. "Neptune's… yeah. He's Neptune."

Weiss laughed-short, bitter. "Yang told me what you did. Made him dance with me at the ball. Why?"

Jaune rubbed his neck, cheeks pink. "I… just wanted you to be happy. You looked miserable, and he was being a jerk. Figured if he danced with you, at least you'd get one good moment out of it."

Weiss stared at him. Really stared.

All those months-flowers, terrible poetry, awkward serenades. She'd dismissed them as childish, desperate, beneath her.

But they'd been genuine.

Every clumsy gesture, every earnest word-he'd meant them. No games. No ulterior motives. Just… Jaune, wanting her to smile.

Like now.

Her chest tightened.

The buzz made her bold.

"Walk with me?" she asked quietly. "Under the moonlight?"

Jaune's eyes widened. Then he smiled-soft, real.

"Yeah. I'd like that."

A week later, Vale's finest café-reserved private booth, white roses on the table, soft string music in the background.

Their first real date.

Weiss arrived in a simple white dress-elegant but not too ostentatious. Jaune arrived in a jacket that actually fit, hair combed (mostly).

They talked-really talked. About family pressures, dreams, fears. Laughed over shared embarrassments. Held hands across the table when the conversation turned quiet.

No bravado. No ice.

Just them.

And under the café's soft lights, Weiss Schnee realized something simple and terrifying.

She was happy.

With Jaune Arc.

Of all people.

Oh no...

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Beacon, Vale

The unused dorm at Beacon had been hijacked into a full-blown underground party—string lights pilfered from festival decorations twinkled overhead like mischievous fireflies, mismatched furniture helped to form makeshift dance floors, and the bass from the borrowed speakers thumped hard enough to make the windows vibrate. Upperclassmen had smuggled in the contraband: bottles of hard cider, cheap beer, and a punch bowl glowing faintly blue that someone insisted was "totally safe, probably."

Probably.

Bodies packed the space—dancing, laughing, grinding in ways that would've sent Professor Goodwitch into a conniption. If she wasn't away at the moment.

Pyrrha Nikos—usually the picture of poised elegance—stood near the edge of the chaos, a cup of that suspiciously glowing punch in hand. She'd had one. Then two. Then… a few more. Liquid courage, she'd told herself. Just enough to loosen the knot in her chest that tightened every time Jaune Arc smiled at someone else.

Tonight, she'd decided, was the night.

No more watching from the sidelines. No more "he'll notice eventually" excuses. No more pretending her heart didn't race every time he smiled at her.

She spotted him across the room—talking to Ren, looking awkwardly handsome in a simple button-up, hair tousled from the heat. Her legs moved before her brain caught up.

Jaune noticed her approach mid-sentence. "Pyrrha! Hey, you okay? You look a little—"

She didn't let him finish.

Pyrrha stepped in close—too close—green eyes bright with alcohol and something fiercer. One hand braced on his chest, the other sliding up to his shoulder.

"Jaune," she said, voice low and earnest, "I've wanted to do this for so long."

Then she kissed him.

Not a gentle, tentative first kiss. A full, enthusiastic, "I've been pining for months" kiss—passionate, a little sloppy from the punch, and intense enough to make Jaune's eyes go wide as saucers.

The room didn't exactly stop, but a few nearby heads turned. Nora's whoop carried over the music.

Jaune's brain short-circuited. Pyrrha Nikos—the Invincible Girl, his partner, his friend—was kissing him like the world was ending.

He pulled back gently, hands on her shoulders, face flaming. "P-Pyrrha! Whoa—air—let's get some air—"

He guided her out to the balcony before she could dive in for round two, the cool night breeze hitting them like a splash of water.

Pyrrha swayed slightly, blinking as the fresh air hit. Then her face crumpled.

"Oh no," she whispered, sinking to sit on the balcony floor, back against the railing. "I ruined it. I'm sorry—I just—I love you, Jaune. I've loved you for so long and I never knew how to say it and now I've scared you and—"

Jaune dropped to his knees beside her, heart pounding. "Pyrrha—hey, hey, breathe. You didn't ruin anything."

She looked up, eyes glistening. "I did. I was too forward. Too much. You're scared of me now."

He laughed—soft, incredulous. "Scared? Pyrrha, I'm terrified because I thought you were way out of my league. Like… galaxies out of my league."

She blinked. "What?"

Jaune rubbed his neck, cheeks burning. "I care about you. A lot. More than a lot. But I always figured you were… above me. Too good. I didn't want to mess up what we have by being an idiot. And-And let's face it. I'm a massive idiot."

Pyrrha stared. Then laughed—wet, relieved. "You're not an idiot. You're wonderful. And I'm not above you. I'm right here. All... All you have to do is... Ask."

Jaune smiled—small, hopeful. "Then… maybe we take it slow? Both of us are kind of new to this."

Pyrrha's face lit up—radiant, even through the tears and buzz. "Yes. Slow. I'd like that."

She leaned forward, resting her head on his shoulder.

Then her eyes fluttered shut.

"Pyrrha?" Jaune asked.

A soft snore answered.

She'd passed out—peaceful, smiling, red hair spilling over his arm.

Jaune sighed fondly, scooping her up bridal-style without hesitation. She was heavier than she looked—all muscle—but he managed.

He carried her through the quiet halls, back to her dorm, tucking her in with careful gentleness.

As he pulled the blanket up, Pyrrha murmured in her sleep—content, happy.

Jaune brushed a strand of hair from her face, smiling.

"Slow it is," he whispered.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

No balcony in this one...

Beacon, Vale

- - -

The RWBY dorm room was a bit tense. Blake sat at the small vanity, carefully applying a touch of eyeliner—nothing dramatic, just enough to sharpen the amber of her eyes. Yang leaned against the bunk frame, arms crossed, a knowing grin plastered across her face.

"Come off it, Blake," Yang drawled. "This is your third 'outing' with Jaune. You're dating. Admit it."

Blake didn't look up from the mirror. "You've been on plenty of outings with the same guy. At least according to Ruby."

Yang's cheeks flashed pink. "Yeah, but come on—I didn't put on makeup for them. Not that much."

Weiss, perched on her own bed with a textbook balanced on her knees, sniffed. "This is all just a ploy so he can get to me, you know that, right?"

Ruby rolled her eyes from her spot on the floor, surrounded by scattered weapon schematics. "Weiss, you've been saying that since forever."

Blake capped the eyeliner and met Weiss's gaze in the mirror. "Actually, Weiss, you'll be happy to know you only came up in passing."

Weiss sputtered. "What?! Not… that I care!"

Blake's lips curved into a faint, satisfied smirk. "Besides, I've never been bowling. He offered to take me."

Yang snorted. "Pfft. Bowling? Lame."

Ruby's head snapped up. "I'd love to go bowling!"

Weiss rubbed the small of her back with a wince, remembering. "Actually, it can be quite a challenge to get the ball where you want on the second pass. Those lanes are…" She grimaced. "Slippery."

"Yes, we saw the video," Ruby said. Weiss' eyes widened.

"WHAT?! HOW?"

Yang and Ruby dissolved into laughter. Weiss's eyes narrowed.

"Whitley is behind this," she muttered. "I just know it."

Ruby grinned. "Bingo!"

Blake arched a brow, shifting the subject like a master fencer. "But to your original question, Yang—you were quite familiar with that police officer before Beacon, right?"

Ruby's eyes widened. "Eh-heh… I wouldn't call those encounters with Officer Lestrad dates, exactly."

Weiss sighed. "Why am I not surprised."

Yang flushed darker. "They weren't dates!"

Ruby chirped, "She got arrested!"

"RUBY!"

Blake tilted her head, voice mild. "And yet, using your logic…?"

Yang threw her hands up. "Pfft. Please. You are in the deepest pit of denial."

A knock sounded at the door.

Blake rolled her eyes, comparing two lipsticks. "If that's Jaune, tell him I'll be out in a minute."

Weiss eyed the lipsticks suspiciously. "You know, you aren't helping your case about this not being a date."

Blake paused, then tucked both tubes away. "… I'll use both."

Ruby scrambled to her feet. "Blake! Come on! So your last boyfriend was… um…"

Weiss supplied dryly, "A bloodthirsty maniac?"

Blake sighed. "Sun was—oh. Right. Him."

Ruby waved her hands. "WEISS! This is serious!"

"Is there a better description?" Weiss asked.

Yang glared. "You could try using tact, like you keep spouting."

Blake shrugged. "A blood-lusting sociopath?"

Weiss gestured triumphantly. "See?"

Ruby pressed on. "You don't have to deny that you're dating again!"

Blake gave her a long, flat look. "Ruby, if there was anything to deny, I would do it by not being seen."

Weiss blinked. "…That is surprisingly self-aware."

Yang wiped away a mock tear. "I am so proud."

Ruby gaped. "You're aware of the problem but you keep doing it?!"

Weiss smirked. "Says the cookie addict."

"THAT'S NOT THE SAME!"

Another knock—gentler this time. Jaune's voice came through the door. "Hey, Blake! Ready?"

Blake's ears perked. She crossed the room with an uncharacteristic bounce, opened the door, and slipped her arm through Jaune's without hesitation. They walked off down the hall together.

Yang stared after them. "…They're so dating."

Weiss scoffed loudly. "HA! Please! H-he'll botch it somehow! He always does! This is just his fiendish plot to get closer to me! You'll see! YOU'LL ALL SEE!"

Ruby bit her lip. "…Is it bad to admit that I'm dating Whitley?"

Weiss whirled. "WHAT?!"

In the next dorm over, Nora held out an empty palm. Ren sighed and placed a small stack of lien in it.

Out in the hall, Jaune glanced sideways at Blake. "What was that about?"

Blake waved a hand. "Nothing. They're being silly."

- - -

The bowling alley smelled of polished wood, fried food, and faint nostalgia. Jaune paid for lane and shoe rental while Blake eyed the colorful, slippery-looking shoes with suspicion.

"So why do we need to rent shoes?" she asked.

"So we don't scuff the alleys," Jaune explained. "Or the floor."

Blake examined the soles—smooth leather, no grip whatsoever. Huh. She changed slowly, almost lingering, as though unaware how gracefully her feet moved. Which was good, because this definitely wasn't a date.

Jaune cleared his throat. "Um… right. Let me show you. Let's put our initials in."

He typed: J O N

Blake took the console. B U K K E

She scowled. "…Stupid keyboard."

Backspace. B L A A

"Mother—!"

Backspace. B D S M

"THANK you."

Jaune laughed warmly. "Okay… now watch me."

He stepped up, swung smoothly—and the pins exploded in a perfect strike.

Blake applauded demurely. "Good job, Jaune. My turn."

Her first ball rolled straight into the gutter.

She stared. "…What?"

Jaune echoed, "What?"

Second ball—aggressive, determined—clipped the farthest right pin and kept going.

"URRGH!"

She flopped onto the bench as Jaune took his turns. Strike. Strike.

He glanced over, sheepish. "Blake… mind some help?"

"No! I don't need any help!"

She charged again, stopped too late, stepped onto the oiled lane—and her feet flew out from under her. She landed hard on her backside. "OW!"

The ball rolled mournfully into the gutter.

Jaune bit his lip, clearly fighting laughter, and offered a hand. She took it, slipping and sliding as he pulled her back to safety.

"Blake… it's okay."

She wasn't listening, yanking her next ball from the return. She reared back like a baseball pitcher.

"Woah—!" Jaune lunged, wrapping his arms around her from behind to stop the throw. "Blake. It's okay. Just chill out…"

Her ears flattened. Heat flooded her face. She gently set the ball down. "…Sorry. How am I supposed to throw this thing?"

"I'll teach you," he said softly. "You can take my next turn. We'll do it together, okay?"

She pouted. "Fine."

He retrieved his ball and handed it to her. "Don't hold it too firmly—just enough. You don't want it to wriggle, but you don't want to strain anything… there."

He stayed close behind her, arms around hers, guiding her grip.

"Okay… hold it up. Like this."

Blake felt oddly warm. "Okay…"

"Step like this, pull back… bend down while you roll and—!"

The ball rolled—veered slightly—but clipped three pins cleanly.

"Finally!" Blake spun and hugged him without thinking.

Jaune's arms came around her instantly, tight and happy. "Heh… wanna keep going?"

"Yes! I want to figure this out!"

- - -

Thirty minutes later the scoreboard read:

J O N — 300

B B D N — 17

Blake stared at it, eyes watery. "How are you so good at this?"

Jaune rubbed the back of his neck, clearly enjoying the victory. "Lots of practice."

Her competitive streak bristled—then she remembered how few wins Jaune actually had at Beacon. Letting him have this one felt… fair. As long as he didn't push it.

"Up for another game?"

She scowled. He winced. "I'm sorry… I am kind of smug. I shouldn't be. It's just kind of funny."

Blake rolled her eyes. "Yeah, well… you got pinned to a tree your first day. You deserve to feel smug."

He grinned. "Also, you're really cute when you're pouting."

Her ears flattened again. She looked away, blush rising. "Shut up."

"What? You are." A beat. "And yeah, another game!"

They bowled. They devoured greasy snacks. They laughed—more than Blake had in months.

Eventually they stepped out into the cool night air.

"We need to do this again," Blake said quietly.

Jaune smiled. "I can't believe Yang called this lame. She actually bowled a few times," he added. "She just likes to pretend her nerd days never happened. According to Ruby, anyway."

Blake hummed, filing that away for later blackmail and teasing. "Uh-huh…"

Jaune gently steered them toward a small nearby park, lamplight pooling gold on the path.

"I suppose I can understand wanting to rebuild your image when you make it to a new place," Blake murmured.

"Yeah…" Jaune's voice grew quieter. "Uh… Blake? I… I have some important stuff to tell you."

Dread coiled in her stomach. "…Yes?"

"It's a little… I just want to come clean, okay? Be honest."

She swallowed. "Of course. I don't exactly have room to judge."

He pulled out his Scroll, and opened a photo: a younger Jaune, grinning in a photobooth beside a pretty blonde cat Faunus girl with long, sleek hair.

"This is my ex-girlfriend, Katy Sith."

Blake's heart sank. She's lovely. The cold thought followed: Lost love. Impossible standard. Ghost. I'm his Lenore...

Why does that hurt so much?

"We were childhood friends," Jaune said softly. "Dated for a while. Broke up-it was ugly. She had this whole plan: I'd be a doctor, she'd be my wife. Didn't support my dream. Said she wouldn't wait when I failed and came crawling back." He shrugged, a little sad. "She apologized later, but still… couldn't wait."

Blake exhaled, relief surprising her. "Oh…"

Jaune tucked the Scroll away. "Which leads to the next thing. I like you, Blake. I really like you—like, want-you-to-be-my-girlfriend like you. But you wouldn't be a replacement for her. I needed you to know that. Because I… I care about you. That way."

The world narrowed to his earnest blue eyes.

"…Why?" she whispered.

"Why what?"

"Why me?" Her voice cracked. "You know enough. You should know that's a terrible choice."

Jaune tilted his head. "Why is it terrible?"

"I ran away at twelve to join a terrorist organization, for starters."

"And you left to make things right."

"Yeah—after I'd killed people. Awful people, but still—"

"Yes," he said firmly. "Even after that."

He took a slow breath. "My dad's militia captain back home. Quiet town, but we've had bandits. Dad's killed people. I was taught to guard my sisters with a shotgun if anyone came. Nobody ever did… but I knew what I'd have to do. So I get it. Innocent people? That'd be different. But you didn't."

She shook her head, frantic. "I don't stick around, Jaune. I'll run if it keeps people I care about safe from my past—"

"Then I'll follow you."

"But—why?!"

"Because I care about you."

She stared ahead, stunned, expression lost.

"My parents founded the White Fang," she whispered. "People will blame me for-for what they've become."

"So? It's not true, is it?"

"Well—no! But—they rule Menagerie now. You'd be dating an actual princess. Not the corporate nepo-baby kind. You ready for that attention?"

Jaune didn't flinch. The realization crashed over her like cool water.

By the Animal Gods' horns… we're dating.

"I know…" he said quietly. "I'm scared too. Really scared. But Dad always said courage isn't being fearless. It's conquering fear. Because some things are more important. Like… love."

The word hung warm between them.

Blake's mind spun through every buried romantic dream—and the teasing from earlier that night.

"Jaune, we…"

She flushed, and slowly nodded.

"... Okay, fine. We're dating." She met his eyes. "But no one must ever know."

He blinked. "What—why?"

"Because Yang will never let me hear the end of it."

He laughed softly, took both her hands, and grinned—that earnest, dorky grin that always undid her.

Then he leaned in.

She met him halfway—shy, chaste at first. Just lips under lamplight.

Then Jaune, surprisingly, deepened it—gentle pressure, asking. She parted her lips, let him in.

His arms tightened around her. She melted into the embrace, a low, involuntary purr starting in her throat.

- - -

Later, back at the dorms, they paused outside the doors.

"Thanks again, Jaune," Blake said softly. "I had a really nice time. We need to do that again."

The rest of RWBY chose that moment to appear, grinning like cats with cream.

Jaune glanced at them, then back. "…Yes. We should."

He leaned in to kiss her.

Blake gave him a quick, chaste peck on the cheek. "See you in the morning, Jaune." She slipped inside before her nerve broke.

Jaune's quiet "Good night, Blake" followed her in.

She ignored the smirks—especially Yang's. She did see Weiss' scowl... And couldn't resist.

"Oh, and Weiss?" she added lightly. "You never came up once."

Weiss growled.

Blake continued, casual. "He even showed off a picture of his ex. Definitely not something you do on a date."

Yang leaned forward. "Oh? And what did his ex look like?"

"Blonde. Faunus. Big… assets." Blake kept her tone perfectly innocent. "Well—not as big as yours, but trust me, Weiss, you aren't his type."

Weiss sputtered. "What?!"

"What?" Blake echoed. "I thought you wanted him to leave you alone. Clearly just a rebound. Now you're free. You should be thrilled."

"You—I—!" Weiss flung her hands up. "I DON'T CARE!"

Blake hid a tiny, satisfied smile and headed for her bunk.

- - -

 

[FinalFormer]

Cross-Posted From The Spacebattles Thread

Glimpss Into Another Timeline: Emerald: The Party

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Beacon, Vale.

The unused dorm at Beacon had been hijacked into a full-blown underground rager-string lights pilfered from festival decorations twinkled overhead like mischievous fireflies, mismatched furniture formed makeshift dance floors, and the bass from the borrowed speakers thumped hard enough to make the windows vibrate. Upperclassmen had smuggled in the contraband: bottles of hard cider, cheap beer, and a glowing punch bowl that someone insisted was "totally safe, probably".

Their mission was supposed to be a simple one: Blend in with the crowd and use everyone's lowered inhibitions to gain information.

But Emerald Sustrai had a different mission.

She had 5 cups of the mystery punch to give her liquid courage. Courage she needed to tell Cinder how she felt. To confess her love for her mistress.

"Cinder," She said, her words slightly slurred. "I, I need to talk to you..."

"Not now, Emerald. I need to focus on the... Are you drunk?" Cinder questioned her inebriated subordinate.

Mercury, who had been chatting with the skater girl from Haven, turned his head towards them. This oughta be good.

"Cinder," Emerald steeled her nerves. This was it. Now or never. "I love you. I owe you so much. And... and I want us to be together!"

Her face was flushed. Some people were staring at them but she didn't care. Cinder stared at her blankly.

"Let's talk about this, Emerald." She said.

"No," Emerald stopped her. She knew what Cinder was trying to do. She's done this before. Whenever she hinted at having feelings or confessing her feelings, Cinder would always deflect or make some lame excuse. Just what was she so afraid of! "I need to now if you feel the same way."

"Ok. I understand that. So why don't we just wait until we get back to discuss this further, Emerald." Cinder reasoned. There were even more people staring at them. That bimbo from team RWBY and the cow sniper from that team from Vacuo were the notable spectators.

"I need to know now!" Emerald shouted. Her drubken frustration finally reached its limits. "I want us to finally be honest with each other about our--"

"'Us'?, Cinder interrupts. Her tone now completely cold. "There is no 'Us', Emerald. There has never been an 'Us'. There will neve be an 'Us'."

What? Why? Why would Cinder say that?

"You need to get this little fantasy about us being together out of your head." Cinder said with finality. The words burrowed into Emerald's ear.

Emerald could hear her heart shattering like glass. Tears began to fall from her eyes. She ran out of the building. She needed to get away from the crowd. Away from Cinder. She ended up against the wall of the greenhouse just outside of the main school building.

She held her knees close to her chest as she cried. She cried so much she didn't know how long she had been sat there.

Emerald could hear footsteps approaching her. It must be Mercury coming to look for her and smugly tell her about how she shouldn't have gotten so attached to Cinder or something. A pair of sneakers appeared in her peripheral sight. Emerald looked up to be met with the person least expected.

"Um, hey," Jaune Arc let his presence be known, albeit in his awkward way. "I.. heard what Cinder said. I'm sorry."

"I don't need your pity." Emerald spat. She knew he had a problem with taking 'no' for an answer, so she hoped her attitude would be enough to get him to fuck off.

"You're right. You don't," Jaune then sat down next to her. Was he seriously this dense!? "But you do need a friend."

"We're not friends. You don't know me." Emerald spat once again. Maybe this time he'll go away.

"Well, my Mom always told me that strangers are friends you haven't met yet," Jaune smiled. He extended his hand to her. "I'm Jaune."

Emerald stared at him, completely bewildered by Jaune. He really wasn't going to leave her alone, was he?

"Emerald." She said, quietly.

Jaune sat with her until the sun rose, trying the best he could to make Emerald not focus on Cinder's harmful words. After all, his Dad did say it was a man's job to comfort a crying woman.

As for Emerald, she could feel her shatteresd heart piece slowly itself together, shard by shard.

----------------------------------------

I couldn't think of a title for this side story. Hope you guys enjoy!