[RWBY] The Great Temporal Step-Sibling War!

[AndrewJTalon]

As they entered the hanger, Blake's heart hammered so loudly she was sure the soldiers outside could hear it over the distant rumble of Chimera tanks and the whine of Tigertail engines.

Ghira and Kali stepped out into view, regal and composed. Ghira turned back and offered Blake his hand.

"Stay behind the Tigertail for now," he said gently. "Let us open the conversation. You'll know when it's time."

Blake nodded, throat tight. She slipped behind the sleek, bulky fuselage of the Wayland AV-47 Tigertail airship, pressing her back to the cool metal. The aircraft's shadow felt like the only shelter she had left.

She could hear the shuffle of boots, the low murmur of prisoners, the crisp orders of VDF troopers in green battle dress. Medics moved among the captured White Fang members, checking bandages and offering water. No one was being mistreated. That only made the guilt twist harder in her stomach.

All of this... If only I'd... If I'd just-!

Footsteps-light, familiar-suddenly appeared right behind her.

"Mom?"

Blake jumped, ears shooting straight up, a startled "Mrrp!" escaping before she could stop it. She spun, glaring at the two blond cat Faunus now standing there with identical sheepish grins.

"Leander! Leandra! What are you two doing here? You're supposed to be with the others!"

Leandra rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry… We wanted to be with you for this. We know it wasn't easy the first time around."

Leander nodded solemnly. "We helped get all these people captured. The least we can do is see it through with you."

Blake exhaled shakily, pressing a hand to her chest to slow her racing pulse.

"Where did you two learn that kind of... Of irresponsible responsibility?"

The twins smiled in perfect unison.

"From you and Dad," they said together.

Blake's face flushed hot. She opened her mouth, closed it, then managed a weak laugh that sounded more like a sob.

"…Of course you did."

A moment later, Ghira's voice boomed across the hangar, calm but carrying the full weight of a chieftain.

"Listen to me! All eyes here!"

The captured White Fang members fell into stunned silence as the Belladonna rulers approached. Then the whispers started.

A tall tiger Faunus-Tora Nyan, Blake recalled-pushed to his feet, chains rattling.

"Chieftain Ghira! Why are you here? Have you come to surrender us to these human filth? Have you betrayed your own kind?!"

Angry shouts erupted as more White Fang rose to hurl anger and abuse at Blake's father. Soldiers shifted, rifles ready, but Ghira raised one massive hand.

"QUIET!"

The roar cut through the hangar like thunder. The noise died instantly.

Ghira's golden eyes locked onto Tora.

"You have betrayed Menagerie. You have betrayed Faunuskind. And you have betrayed all of Remnant."

More furious cries. A slender deer Faunus-Tawny Doe, Deery's twin sister-shot up beside Tora.

"Explain yourself, Chieftain! You founded the White Fang! You taught us to fight humanity!"

Ghira's voice remained steady, heavy with sorrow.

"You learned the wrong lessons."

Kali stepped forward, raising a small holoprojector. The device hummed to life. An old black-and-white photograph appeared: the original founders of the White Fang standing proudly in front of a modest schoolhouse in Mistral.

Kali's tone was soft but clear.

"You all know this picture. But look closer."

She flicked to the second image. The same photo... except most of the people standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Faunus founders were human.

Confused muttering rippled through the prisoners. Tawny's eyes widened in disbelief.

"That's a fake!"

"It is real," Ghira said. "Of the original forty members, twenty-five were human. Humans who risked everything: marched with us, funded us, defended us in court, and protected our people. They were our allies and friends because they believed oppressing Faunus was wrong."

Kali continued, voice steady.

"But the calls for violence grew louder. Even after Ghira was elected leader of Menagerie. Even after we won legal recognition—Vale was the first kingdom to acknowledge us as a sovereign nation. Sienna was charismatic. I had hoped her fire would keep the pressure on peacefully. Instead…"

Ghira's expression darkened.

"She turned it into a war. And humans who once stood with us began to fear and hate us instead of seeing us as equals."

Tawny shouted, "Then why haven't you done anything about it now?!"

"Because," Ghira answered, "you were days away from launching an attack that would have murdered tens of thousands-Faunus and humans alike. And second…" He glanced back toward the Tigertail. "Because Blake was Sienna and Adam's hostage."

Kali played a short recorded call. Adam and Sienna appeared on the holo, both staring intently at the camera.

Adam's voice was smooth, possessive: "Father Ghira… Blake does well. I look forward to becoming your son-in-law and advising her when she assumes the role of Chieftain."

Sienna's smile was cold. "Rest assured, she's in good health… and will stay that way, until we achieve our ends and she rightfully assumes power. So allow us our way."

Several White Fang members cried out that it was fake. Tawny looked physically ill.

Blake stared at the image, chest tight. She had known, of course-her parents had told her-but seeing Adam speak so casually about using her…

Familiar hands slipped into hers from behind. Leander and Leandra pressed close, hugging her tightly. Their warmth, their steady presence, pushed back the old urge to run.

Blake drew in a shaky breath. Then another.

She stepped out from behind the Tigertail.

The twins stayed right beside her, matching her pace.

Gasps and whispers exploded across the hangar as the prisoners recognized her.

Blake stopped beside her parents. Kali gave her a quick, concerned glance. Blake shook her head once, small but determined, and faced the crowd.

Tawny's voice cracked with disbelief.

"Lady Blake! You… you can't be serious! You betrayed us too?!"

Blake's ears flicked. She forced her voice steady.

"It's true. I did run. I couldn't stomach the violence anymore. The lies. The cruelty. We brutalized our own kind. We hurt and killed innocent humans. None of it helped Faunuskind. Not even a little."

Tora snarled, "They oppressed us! Enslaved us-!"

"And we did the same to them in the distant past!" Blake shot back. "And they did it to other humans! And we did it to other Faunus!" She took a deep breath, heart still hammering. "I was young and foolish. All I could see was black and white. But I've learned… we were all lied to. The world isn't perfect. But killing people, committing terrorism, unleashing Grimm on innocents? None of that helps us. Or humanity."

Tora's lips curled in disgust.

"Says the girl who's a whore for a human!"

Ghira and Kali both moved, hands twitching toward concealed weapons. Blake stepped forward before they could, locking eyes with Tora.

"Jaune Arc is my fiancé," she said, voice clear and surprisingly steady. "And… I love him very much. The situation is complicated, but I know he loves me too. This is the real answer: make love, not war!"

A stunned silence fell. A few VDF soldiers cleared their throats awkwardly. Tora, Tawny, and the rest stared at her in open disbelief.

Tora finally found his voice.

"Do… do you mean—?"

Blake's face burned crimson, but she doubled down, ears flat with determination.

"I mean exactly what I said! Hatred and anger only draw the Grimm! Love is what will save us! Love between humans and Faunus! And for that love, I will never run away again. I will fight for a wonderful future! I-I'm already planning on having twenty children with him!"

Dead silence.

Then Tawny-eyes wide, voice cracking with sheer bewilderment-blurted:

"What, does he have a giant penis or something?"

Blake turned scarlet. Ghira and Kali struggled mightily to keep straight faces. Behind her, Leander and Leandra looked openly haunted-they had far too many memories about how… enthusiastic their future parents could be.

Blake swallowed once, then lifted her chin and declared with every scrap of Belladonna dignity she could muster:

"YES! But that's beside the point!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The hangar's echoes were still dying down when Blake ducked back behind the Tigertail's sleek fuselage, heart hammering like a war drum. She immediately pressed both hands over her face, mortified heat radiating from her ears all the way down to her toes.

Ghira and Kali had done the heavy lifting in the conversation with the prisoners from then on. Blake had stayed on, as stoic as she could manage... But the moment she had some privacy, she felt like falling apart.

Kali stepped in beside her, bright and unflappable as ever.

"I think it went well!"

Blake's muffled groan was answer enough. Leander and Leandra flanked her without a word, each twin reaching up to pat one of her shoulders in gentle, synchronized comfort.

"That was a total disaster…!" Blake whimpered through her fingers.

Kali clicked her tongue, soft and maternal.
"Now Blake… the fact they listened at all is a win. Enough to give us some hope. They aren't trying to escape, or fighting back against us even while we send them home to be tried."

Blake moaned. Kali reached up and rubbed behind her ears affectionately.

"Sometimes in politics you must take what you can get."

Blake lowered her hands just enough to peek out, cheeks still flaming.

"Ugh… You taught me so much and I just… I forgot it all. All for...!"

"Love?" Kali guessed. Blake blushed brighter.

"I... I don't know if it's that far but... Um... Maybe."

"Not just of your fiance," Kali said gently. Blake flushed and bent her head again, mumbling.

"... It is a big mistake I made-"

"And you're working to correct it," Kali said gently, "As hard as you can."

Blake sighed.

"I just... I wish I had retained more of your lessons... Maybe not been so... Stupid."

Leandra gave her shoulder another reassuring pat.

"Trust me Mom, you become an amazing negotiator in the future!"

Leander nodded sagely on her other side.

"Yes, very good."

Leandra's smile turned impish. "And you teach us!"

Leander's grin widened. "Trust me, it was useful having to deal with eighteen siblings."

Blake let out a long, theatrical groan and slumped back against the aircraft's metal skin.

From the other side of the Tigertail came the sound of approaching footsteps—military boots mixed with the lighter click of restraints. Ghira appeared first, calm and regal, followed by Sun (grinning like an idiot) and two VDF guards in green battle dress. Between them walked Ilia, in some casual clothes, wrists cuffed in front of her and a simple leather collar around her neck. A leash clipped to the collar rested loosely in Sun's hand. Lieutenant Colonel Stuart brought up the rear, one eyebrow arched in bemused curiosity.

Ilia's eyes flicked up and met Blake's. She offered a small, awkward nod.

"…Hello, Blake."

Blake straightened quickly, despite the added awkwardness.

"Ilia…"

Ilia shifted, cuffs clinking. "I… Your parents spoke with me. About everything. And um…"

Blake swallowed hard. "Ilia… I did screw up a lot with you. I know. I've… I've generally screwed up everything. I think I screwed this up too. I'm so sorry you got dragged into all this."

Ilia's colors flickered-brief flashes of regret and embarrassment dancing across her skin.

"Well… I mean… I did a lot of bad things too-"

Ghira's deep voice cut in, gentle but firm.'

"Blame never solves anything. At some point, you have to ask… what are you going to do about it?"

Sun grinned wider, giving the leash a tiny, playful tug that made Ilia's spots turn pink.

"Yeah… That's what I told her."

Ilia huffed, cheeks tinting pink. "Hmph… So… Um… I will give intelligence to Chieftain Belladonna. Now that I understand the situation better. I'll work with them to help stop all this. And ensure everyone gets a fair trial."

Sun beamed like the sun itself. "And I'll be there every day with you!"

Ilia's colors flared brighter. "Y-You don't have to be there all the time!"

Sun leaned in, utterly unbothered. "No, but I want to."

Kali clasped her hands together with an audible "Awww…"

Leander and Leandra exchanged a quick, slightly nauseated glance before shrugging at Blake in unison.

Leander muttered, "They're as lovey-dovey as you two."

Leandra added under her breath, "Please, no one's that lovey-dovey."

Sun perked up. "How many kids do we have in the future?"

Leander answered without thinking. "Like… seven… teen?"

Ilia's eyes went wide. "S-S-SEVENTEEN?!"

Sun punched the air. "WOW! I'd better start getting ready!"

Ilia's colors flashed through every shade of mortified pink before she simply fainted dead away. Sun caught her effortlessly, cradling her against his chest with a soft chuckle.

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart raised an eyebrow, voice dry. "The future?"

Blake's heart stopped. A drop of ice plunged straight into her stomach. They were supposed to keep this secret-!

Ghira and Kali exchanged a single, perfectly synchronized glance. Kali turned to the colonel with the sweetest, most diplomatic smile in the Belladonna arsenal.

"Colonel Stuart… surely you understand the nature of discretion when it comes to delicate diplomatic situations?"

Stuart's expression didn't change, but the corner of his mouth twitched.

"Oh… of course." He looked to the two soldiers beside him. "Did you hear anything, Corporal?"

The corporal stared straight ahead. "No sir."

Stuart turned to the private. "How about you, Private?"

"Not a thing, sir!"

Kali beamed at Blake, warm and proud.

"Politics."
Blake let out a shaky breath, the tension in her chest easing just a fraction. She looked at her mother-really looked-and the words slipped out before she could second-guess them.

"…I… would like to relearn, Mother."

Kali's smile softened into something gentler, almost misty.

"Of course! But first-" She reached out and gently tugged one of Blake's cat ears. "We need to get you ready for your date!"

Blake blinked, the absurdity of the day crashing back in full force. Behind her, Leander and Leandra snickered quietly while Sun adjusted his grip on the still-unconscious Ilia and grinned like he'd just won the lottery.

Blake covered her face with her hands again, but this time a tiny, reluctant smile peeked between her fingers.

"…Yes."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The safehouse was quiet in that dangerous, too-still way that always set Thanh's instincts on edge. He moved like liquid shadow through the dimly lit corridors, claws extended just enough to taste the air, tongue flicking out to sample the faint metallic tang of oil and ozone. His red eyes gleamed with predatory hunger.

He paused at the threshold of the recharging chamber.

There sat Caliban Testoasa-once the terror of Vacuo's underworld, now a towering eight-foot titan of blackened metal and reinforced plating-motionless in a throne-like support rig. Thick cables snaked from ports along his spine and shoulders, feeding power into his systems. His helmeted head was bowed, crimson optics dark.

He looked… vulnerable.

Thanh's fanged grin widened. He crept forward on silent, clawed feet, tail low and still, every movement a hunter's prowl. Closer. Closer. The komodo dragon Faunus raised one set of razor claws, ready to drive them straight through the exposed joint at Caliban's neck—

A soft shing of metal on metal.

Caliban's sword was suddenly there, tip pressed lightly but unyieldingly against Thanh's throat. The big man hadn't moved. Hadn't even lifted his head.

"Don't even think about it."

Thanh froze, then slowly leaned back, fangs still bared in a mocking smile.

"…So… not so helpless after all, metal man?"

Caliban's optics flared to life with a low crimson glow.

"No. Never helpless."

Thanh chuckled, low and rasping, as he took one deliberate step back.

"You lost everything you were to the Arcs. Why?"

Caliban remained seated, sword still leveled with perfect, mechanical calm.

"I sought to make Isabel Arc my bride. With her power and medical knowledge, my empire would have grown. I could have ascended to the heights of power in Vacuo's government."

Thanh's grin turned vicious.

"And now you've lost your dick!"

The sword blurred.

Caliban rose in one terrifying surge, blade whipping in a horizontal arc that would have taken Thanh's head clean off. The komodo dragon Faunus twisted away at the last instant, the edge slicing a shallow gash across his scaled chest. Blood welled—then the wound knit closed almost instantly, scales rippling back into place.

Thanh laughed, licking a drop of his own blood from his claw.

"Temper, temper, metal man… or should I say woman?"

Caliban took one heavy step forward, sword rising for a downward slash that could split a tank in two—

A theatrical cough echoed from the doorway.

Roman Torchwick stood there, Melodic Cudgel out and pointed vaguely in both their directions. Mercury leaned against the frame beside him, legs crossed, while Zhu bounced on her toes, toxic purple eyes sparkling with glee.

Roman sighed deeply.

"Gents… I think we can put our energies to more productive things, don't you? Let's start mapping out routes around the city and into Beacon. Fire Lady wants us to prepare for the next phase."

Thanh snarled, turning that predatory glare on the smaller man.

"You presume to order me around, little man?"

Roman didn't flinch. He tapped the barrel of his cane against his palm.

"Big, little? I'm the guy with the gun."

Silence stretched. Thanh's tail lashed once.

Then the komodo dragon smirked.

"I've heard of you, Roman Torchwick. You were impressive. The Gentleman Thief, King of Vale's underworld. Now you're Fire Lady's errand boy."

Roman's smile was thin and sharp.

"So are you. Now, you can work for her breathing… or as matched luggage. What's it gonna be?"

Thanh held the stare for a long, venomous second. Then, with a low hiss, he turned and stalked off down the corridor, every line of his body promising future violence.

Mercury shook his head slowly as the heavy footsteps faded.

Roman lowered Melodic Cudgel with a tired exhale.

Caliban's sword finally lowered. The massive armored figure shook his helmeted head.

"You should let me kill him."

Roman gave a dry chuckle.

"If it'll make you behave, I promise—I'll let you kill the bastard when the time comes."

Nobody was under any illusions about him.

Caliban's optics glowed brighter for a moment.

"Yes… Right after Nicholas Arc dies by my hand…"

The titan turned and walked away, heavy footfalls echoing like distant thunder until he disappeared around the corner.

Roman let out a long breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"Geez… What happened to crime for money? For glory? Hell, for fun? Why do we get all the crazies?"

Zhu skipped over and patted his shoulder with exaggerated sympathy.

"There, there, Roman. You're just as sane as I am!"

Roman gave her a flat look.

"That doesn't help in the slightest."

Zhu giggled, bright and unhinged.

"I KNOW! That's what makes it funny!"

Mercury pushed off the wall, arms folded.

"I mean… you also want revenge, right?"

Zhu spun on her heel, still humming.

"Sure do! But money's better! So if I can't get revenge…" She tapped her chin, then brightened. "Hmmm… I can always try again! Can't do it if I'm dead~!"

She skipped off down the hall, singing a cheerful Fuujin pop song at the top of her lungs.

Roman and Mercury watched her go in silence.

Roman finally muttered, "…Crazy. All of them."

Mercury snorted.

"And what does that make us?"

Roman exhaled through his nose. He went for his cigarettes and lit up, taking a long, calming drag. He breathed out a smoke cloud, the nicotine flowing reassuringly though him.

"Scared shitless," he admitted.

Mercury snorted.

"Tell me about it…"

A beat passed. Roman glanced sideways at the young assassin.

"…Your green friend… She really met her daughter from the future?"

Mercury's expression darkened, but he nodded.

"Could I make up shit like that? Cinder's got kids from the future too. With Arc."

Roman stared down the empty corridor for a long moment, then tapped his cane against the floor.

"Then we have some homework… Finding out what happens to us in the future."

He turned and started walking, Mercury falling into step beside him.

Neither of them looked particularly thrilled about the assignment... But it beat being in the splash zone of however this ended.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The heavy door to the basement levels of Beacon clicked shut behind them with a solid, final sound. Ozpin led the way into the basement lab, cane tapping softly against the stone. Glynda followed a half-step behind, riding crop already in hand, her posture rigid with the kind of tension that had been building since the previous night.

Raven was sitting cross-legged on the floor of her reinforced cell, fiddling with something small and metallic she'd clearly scavenged from somewhere. She didn't look up as they approached.

Ozpin's voice was calm, almost gentle.

"That won't work, Raven."

Raven snorted without lifting her head.

"Worth a try."

Glynda flicked her riding crop once. A wave of her Semblance rolled through the air, invisible threads of force checking every bar, every seam, every dust-weave reinforcement in the cell. Everything held. She gave a short nod as she snatched the tool from Raven's hands and caught it.

Raven finally looked up, eyes narrowing as she caught Glynda's stare. She leaned back against the wall, arms draped casually over her knees. On the small table beside her cot, the photos of her future grandchildren and the life she'd never had still lay spread out like silent accusations.

Ozpin moved to the main lab area, crouching beside Amber's stasis pod to check the readouts. Glynda remained where she was, staring at Raven through the bars in heavy silence.

Raven's lips curled into a mocking half-smile.

"So… how's your future husband doing?"

Glynda's nose wrinkled.

"He's fine."

Raven nodded slowly, as if tasting the words.

"Fits. I always figured you'd need an act of God to land anyone. Guess the universe finally took pity on you."

Glynda's grip tightened on her riding crop.

"It's no surprise you ran away from Tai. You could never handle anything more complicated than swinging that sword of yours."

Raven's eyes flashed dangerously. She pushed herself to her feet in one fluid motion.

"You're competing against my daughter, old crone. You'll lose."

Glynda's chin lifted.

"In my timeline, my husband and I… we get along fine."

Raven barked a short, sharp laugh.

"Then what's got you so insecure? You're practically vibrating."

Ozpin straightened from Amber's pod and stepped back into the main space, voice cutting smoothly between them.

"You really shouldn't be talking, Raven. You're already feeling the effects of age yourself." He adjusted his glasses. "Besides, Isabel will be down soon to check on you. Thank you for providing more life for Amber though."

Raven's scowl deepened, eyes narrowing to slits.

"What the hell are you talking about, effects of age?"

"Some women handle it better than others," Ozpin said, calm and confident. He turned as Raven stood up.

"What the hell?! What effect?!"

Ozpin ignored her completely, turning toward the lift with the calm certainty of a man who had played this game for centuries. Glynda followed, but not before shooting Raven one last cool look.

As they entered the elevator and the heavy doors sealed behind them, Glynda exhaled slowly.

"I'm sorry, Ozpin. I lost my cool."

Ozpin waved a dismissive hand, though his own shoulders carried a faint weariness.

"No need to apologize. The entire situation-old friends, new complications, Jaune… it has shaken all of us. I'm a bit off my game myself."

They reached the top of the tower and entered his office. Glynda's heels clicked sharply against the floor.

"I just… it's all hit me at once," she admitted quietly. "Jaune. The futures. Children... Everything."

Ozpin nodded.

"I understand. But we will make it through. We have eleven ways to win this war now. It won't be easy… but the chance of victory is real for the first time in a very long while." He smiled gently. "And you do have a happy future."

Glynda's steps slowed slightly. She nodded, but swallowed before she spoke again.

"…It wasn't without great cost in every timeline."

Ozpin was silent for several paces. Then he gave a single, solemn nod.

"Victory is never without cost. But it is a cost I will pay gladly, knowing we can finally save the world."

He stepped around behind his desk and sat down. Glynda stood at attention in front of him, then hesitated, biting her lower lip.

"Ozpin… I've learned something important from Dorothy."

He reached for his ever-present coffee mug and the pitcher from the coffee machine, pouring some into his mug and taking a slow sip as he turned back to her.

"What is it?"

Glynda drew in a steadying breath.

"Jaune… He's the Rusted Knight."

Ozpin paused mid-sip. He slowly lowered the mug, eyes sharpening behind his spectacles.

"I mean… he will be. He is right now… It's complicated."

Ozpin set the mug down with deliberate care. He swallowed once.

Then he tapped his Scroll.

"Weena? I think I might have a breakthrough for you."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The guest wing of Beacon was quiet at this hour, the kind of dignified hush that came from thick carpets and centuries-old stone. Willow Schnee sat at the small writing desk in her suite, Scroll held to her ear, voice low but steady.

"I know, Mister Hurt. I know. But we need this information, please."

The gruff voice of the old Mole Faunus crackled through the speaker.

"Hmph! Funny of you to be interested now, after all these years."

Willow's expression flickered—hurt flashing across her features for a brief moment—before she steadied herself and nodded, even though he couldn't see it.

"You're right. I have a lot to make up for. That's part of why I'm doing this. Please… whatever you can do to keep Jacques busy, do it."

There was a long pause on the other end.

"…I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you."

Another gruff huff. "Hmph… If you'd married that blond idiot instead of that jackass, we'd all be in a better position."

Willow's eyes closed for a second.

"…I know."

The call ended with a soft click. Willow set the Scroll down and rubbed her temples, exhaling slowly.

The door to the sitting area opened. James Ironwood stepped in, posture still rigidly military despite the warmth of the afternoon sun shining through the windows. He took the chair across from her without waiting for an invitation.

Klein appeared in his usual enigmatic way-seemingly materializing from the shadows near the sideboard-carrying a silver tray with two cups of tea. He poured for both of them exactly the way they preferred: strong and black for Ironwood, with a single cube of sugar and a splash of cream for Willow.

Ironwood accepted his cup with a small nod and a rare, tired smile.

"I see we've both been busy."

Willow lifted her tea, inhaling the soothing aroma before taking a sip.

"Extremely. How are things going with you?"

Ironwood sighed, shoulders sagging just a fraction.

"I've turned the proposal for the alliance over to the Council. Both chambers are in an uproar… but you probably knew that."

Willow offered a soft, knowing smile.

"I still have a few old friends in the Council. Do you think they'll go for it?"

"I have seldom pushed hard for specific policies, save at the most desperate need. I do have a fair amount of capital, but this will be difficult."

"I'm willing to do all I can to help… but anything really substantial requires we deal with Jacques."

Ironwood nodded grimly.

"I know."

Willow sucked in a breath. She contemplated the tea cup in front of her.

"I wouldn't ask for you to... Take any illegal action," she said. Ironwood nodded.

"I know. You wouldn't be the first to ask."

Willow raised an eyebrow. Ironwood allowed himself a small, bitter smirk.

"Do you think he's only made enemies of his family? His behavior has often cost us. He has fomented rebellions in Mistral and Vacuo. Forcing us to intervene. He's certainly not done our reputation any favors. But he's always had just the right friends in the right places to block any serious efforts to remove him. Made himself indispensable."

"But you could remove him," Willow said, quiet. Ironwood nodded grimly.

"If the stakes were high enough, yes... But I would destroy any attempt at this alliance. Once you cross that line... You either surrender yourself to the authorities to be tried, or you go all the way to seize power." He shook his head slowly. "Atlas suffers a devastating civil war in several of these futures. I can't risk instigating it now, even knowing the future."

"I know," Willow sighed. "So... I suppose for the time being all we can do is stall."

"Until we can nail him," Ironwood agreed. Willow smiled gently at him.

"I... There are times I wish I hadn't been so foolish in love."

Ironwood slowly nodded.

"Don't we all?" He murmured. Willow studied him carefully.

"Do you know... Her future? In the timelines?"

Ironwood was still, almost lifeless.

"... I do." He shakes his head. "All I can do is hope she's not a casualty in this one."

Willow nodded.

"I suppose so..."

The door opened again. Weiss stepped in, looking utterly exhausted—shoulders slumped, hair slightly disheveled, the faint scent of Dust and lab chemicals still clinging to her clothes.

"Oh… Hello, General." She gave a quick, automatic curtsy. "Hello, Klein. Hello, Mother."

Klein bowed his head with grandfatherly warmth.

"Hello, Miss Weiss."

Ironwood offered a respectful nod.

"Hello, Weiss."

Willow's expression softened, the smile reaching her eyes even if it was still a little tentative.

"Hello, Weiss… Are you all right?"

It was still awkward between them—years of distance and pain didn't vanish overnight—but Willow was trying. Weiss could see it. She slowly nodded.

"I am. I did get to work with Jaune in Dust Studies today. He is actually quite knowledgeable about Medical Dust. I suppose that makes sense, given his mother."

Willow's smile warmed a fraction.

"Yes, Isabel Arc is one of the foremost experts in Healing Dust. Jacques tried to hire her a few times as his personal physician, but she refused each time."

Weiss let out a heavy sigh and sank into the nearest chair.

"…I can't believe I… I was so stupid…"

Klein, ever the diplomat, spoke gently as he adjusted the tea tray.

"Speaking frankly, Miss, he hardly covered himself in glory when he first courted you. You're both young and foolish. It happens."

Weiss scowled, frustration bubbling up.

"Yes, but he and Winter…!" She trailed off, then shook her head. "I'm up against so much right now, Mother. Against the first friends I've ever made and my own sister!"

Willow leaned forward slightly, voice sincere.

"I know. And I am so very sorry, Weiss. If I hadn't been—"

Ironwood cut in quietly but firmly, raising his synthetic hand and closing it into a fist as he stared at the metal fingers.

"Guilt and self-blame never helps. Trust me." His voice carried the weight of old, painful memories. "All you can do is what you can do."

Weiss exhaled, shoulders slumping again.

"Yes…"

Willow reached across and gently touched her daughter's arm.

"The only way this will work out is as a group arrangement, Weiss. I doubt you want to see any of the children vanish into nothing."

Weiss sat up straighter, eyes widening.

"No! Of course not!"

Willow nodded.

"So you will need allies. I believe Winter would be most amenable to start with… but I do know how women can get when the heart of a man is the prize. So you must be cunning and clever, Weiss. I know you have it in you."

Weiss blinked, a spark of determination lighting in her eyes.

"I… Thank you, Mother!"

Willow's smile turned a touch mischievous.

"But I have neglected you in… many ways. Not the least of which is how to properly woo a man. Especially an Arc man. I learned that subtlety is not your friend."

Weiss stared at her, dumbfounded.

"What do I have to do? Hit him over the head with a hammer?"

Willow's eyes twinkled.

"If you must—and conveniently, you have a friend with such a weapon!"

Before Weiss could protest, Willow gently but firmly guided her toward the back room, arm looped through hers like they were old conspirators.

Ironwood raised an eyebrow at Klein, who was calmly collecting the empty teacups.

Klein gave a small, fond chuckle.

"If it helps, this is the happiest and healthiest I've ever seen their relationship."

Ironwood took another sip of tea, expression thoughtful.

"I suppose it does…"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The late afternoon sun had dipped low enough that Training Yard 69 was bathed in warm gold, turning the scattered rubble and craters into long, dramatic shadows. Sweat glistened on Jaune's skin as he and Winter circled each other in the open grass, both breathing hard but focused. Isabel stood a few paces back, arms crossed, offering quiet corrections while Penny hovered nearby like an enthusiastic referee.

Winter moved first—sharp, precise, a textbook Arc-style entry that blended Isabel's brutal efficiency with her own Atlesian discipline. Jaune slipped inside her guard, caught her wrist, and used her momentum against her. They grappled for a moment, Aura flaring, until Jaune twisted, swept her leg, and brought her down hard onto the grass.

He followed through immediately, dropping his weight to pin her shoulders with his knees and pressing one forearm across her collarbone. Winter's breath hitched as she found herself flat on her back, Jaune looming over her, both of them flushed and breathing heavily from the exertion.

"Got you," Jaune panted, a small, proud grin breaking through.

Winter's ice-blue eyes widened for a fraction of a second—something softer and far more personal flashing behind the soldier's mask—before she recovered. A faint blush colored her cheeks.

"…Well executed," she managed, voice slightly tighter than usual. She didn't immediately try to throw him off.

Isabel nodded approvingly. "Better control on the finish, Jaune. You're starting to feel the flow instead of forcing it."

Before Jaune could reply, the sound of approaching footsteps and cheerful voices cut through the yard.

"Jaune! There you are!"

Pyrrha's bright call carried across the grass. She, Nora, and Ren were jogging up the path from the main campus, all three dressed in casual-but-nice clothes clearly chosen for a night out. Pyrrha's red hair was loose and shining, a soft smile on her face that faltered the instant she took in the scene:

Jaune straddling Winter Schnee on the grass, both of them sweaty, breathing hard, Winter's hands resting lightly on his arms as if she'd been about to counter but had paused instead.

Pyrrha stopped dead. Nora skidded to a halt beside her, hammer slung over one shoulder, eyes going wide with delighted mischief. Ren simply raised an eyebrow, calm as ever, though the corner of his mouth twitched.

Winter noticed them a heartbeat later. Her expression shifted—professional mask snapping back into place—but not before a flicker of something possessive and competitive flashed across her face. She didn't shove Jaune off immediately. Instead she held the pin for one deliberate extra second, letting her fingers brush his forearm as she finally allowed him to help her up.

Jaune scrambled to his feet, offering Winter a hand she accepted with graceful dignity. Both of them were still flushed from the spar.

"Pyrrha! Nora! Ren!" Jaune waved, a little too enthusiastically, clearly trying to diffuse the sudden tension thickening the air. "Hey! You guys are early—uh, we were just finishing up some training with Mom."

Isabel coughed lightly, hiding a knowing smile behind her hand.

Winter brushed grass from her uniform, posture ramrod straight, but her gaze flicked to Pyrrha with cool assessment.

"Miss Nikos," she said, voice perfectly polite and just a shade too crisp. "I hope we're not delaying your evening plans. Jaune was showing excellent progress with the Arc family style. It's… quite physical."

Pyrrha's smile tightened, green eyes narrowing just a fraction. She stepped forward, posture every bit the champion—shoulders back, chin high—but the flush on her cheeks wasn't entirely from the jog over.

"No delay at all, Specialist Schnee," she replied, matching Winter's politeness with a sweetness that had a razor edge underneath. "Though I'm glad to see Jaune is getting such… hands-on instruction. He does learn best when someone keeps him on his back."

Nora let out a loud, delighted cackle. "Ooooh! Catfight! I mean—friendly rival bonding! This is gonna be the best double date ever!"

Ren placed a calming hand on Nora's shoulder, but his own voice was mild. "We came to collect Jaune for the group outing. If the training is finished…?"

Jaune rubbed the back of his neck, looking between the two women like he was watching two very pretty trains heading for the same crossing.

"Uh… yeah! Training's done. Mom?"

Isabel nodded, stepping in smoothly before the tension could thicken further.

"You did well today, both of you. Winter, you picked up the basics remarkably fast. Keep practicing the low-level Aura flow—it will make the throws feel natural instead of forced."

Winter gave a crisp nod, though her eyes lingered on Pyrrha a moment longer. "Thank you, Doctor Arc. I look forward to incorporating it properly."

Pyrrha offered Winter a small, tight smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I'm sure Jaune will be happy to spar with you again sometime. Perhaps when we're all less… occupied with dates."

The word "dates" came out a touch sharper than Pyrrha probably intended.

Winter's lips curved in the faintest, frostiest smile.

"Of course. Priorities."

Jaune cleared his throat loudly. "Right! So… group date? JNPR style? Sounds perfect. I just need to grab a quick shower and change—give me ten minutes?"

Nora bounced on her toes. "Make it five, Fearless Leader! We've got reservations at that new Mistralian place and I want to see if they have the exploding shrimp appetizer!"

Pyrrha stepped closer to Jaune, slipping her arm through his with gentle but unmistakable claim. She glanced back at Winter.

"We'll wait right here. Take your time."

Winter's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the casual contact, but she simply straightened her uniform jacket.

"I should return to my own duties as well. Theodore, Penny—shall we?"

Theodore, who had been watching the whole exchange with poorly concealed amusement, gave a lazy salute. "Yes, Mom."

Penny beamed. "Have a wonderful evening, Friend Jaune! I will continue monitoring for any suspicious activity!"

As Winter turned to leave, she paused just long enough to meet Pyrrha's gaze one last time. The look was cool, measured… and carried the unmistakable message of a woman who had no intention of yielding ground.

Pyrrha returned it evenly, champion's poise wrapped around a quiet steel that said the same thing right back.

Jaune, caught between them, offered an awkward little wave as Winter and the others departed.

"…So. Double date?"

Nora slung an arm around both Jaune and Pyrrha's shoulders, grinning like a shark.

"This is gonna be fun."

Pyrrha let out a slow breath, forcing her shoulders to relax as she leaned lightly into Jaune's side.

"Yes," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "It will be."

But the competitive spark in her eyes lingered long after Winter had disappeared down the path.

- - -

A quick detour to Team JNPR's dorm room to freshen up had been needed after the workout training had put him through. Fortunately Ren had the foresight to lay out an outfit for him while he showered so he was dressed and ready to go in short order.

Jaune checked the outfit in the mirror as he made sure his hair was combed back in a manner appropriate for a date. Overall it was fairly similar to the outfit he had worn for his dates with Winter and May but it felt less formal with the lack of jacket to go with the buttoned up shirt. The difference felt right, as this wasn't about first impressions and getting off on the right foot. This was about strengthening a bond that already existed, seeing if it could be more.

Satisfied with the way his reflection looked Jaune left the bathroom and took in what the rest of his team was wearing. Ren was in a nice button up shirt and slacks just like Jaune, while Nora wore a sundress that matched her eyes.

Pyrrha had elected to wear the traditional garb of her homeland's classical era. Her outfit consisted of a crimson peplos over a golden yellow chiton and a bronze crown of a different design than her normal headdress; a simple circlet that had a slightly thicker portion at the front.

"You look like a classical sculpture came to life," The compliment flowed smoothly from Jaune's lips, surprising himself almost as much as it surprised Pyrrha.

"T-thank you Jaune," Her blush was luminous enough to be seen through her makeup as she looked to the side with a smile.

Jaune couldn't remember seeing his pattern look bashful before and she had never been one to be giddy, but a strange combination of those two emotions harmoniously danced across her face in a captivating display. As that beautiful expression faded into Pyrrha's more regular pleased face Jaune decided he wanted to see it again.

With a new goal in mind Jaune offered Pyrrha his arm. which she happily accepted. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Ren and Nora linking their arms in a similar way.

"So I'm guessing you two had a place in mind when you offered to make this a double date?" Jaune ventured as he looked to his friends.

"We do," Ren confirmed as both couples left the room, Penny joining them and taking point as they started heading in the direction of the airfield.

"Yep," Nora chimed in with a giggling grin, "We picked out a venue that's Just Right."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Nicholas's glyphs lit up the forest floor in glowing gold lines as he skated at full speed, Amethyst clinging to his back like a terrified koala.

"Faster! FASTER!" she shrieked in his ear.

"I'm trying!" Nicholas hissed back, pouring more Aura into the glyph trail. Behind them the sounds of battle were already ridiculous—steel ringing, explosions, someone (probably Xia) yelling "DODGE!" at the top of her lungs, and the unmistakable BOOM of Nick's railgun sword firing.

Nicholas risked a glance over his shoulder.

Nick had somehow already slipped past every single one of his grandchildren. The man was a golden blur, laughing like a maniac as he closed the distance with terrifying speed. Xander was on the ground trying to get up. Petra was tied to a tree with her own chain-sickle. Ash and Ashley were firing wildly into the trees, missing completely, before an Aura Slash from Nick forced them to scatter. Dorothy was floating upside-down, clearly disoriented.

"Grandpa's cheating!" Amethyst wailed.

Nicholas couldn't help a goofy grin on his face despite his terror.

"He's not cheating, he's just good-!"

Nick appeared right in front of them like he'd teleported.

Nicholas yelped and threw up a wall of glyphs. Nick's sword smashed through it like wet paper. Nicholas barely twisted in time, the flat of the blade whistling past his ear.

"Too slow, kid!" Nick grinned, already swinging again.

Nicholas dropped into a slide, glyphs flaring beneath his boots as he carried Amethyst under the horizontal slash. He kicked off a tree, reversed direction, and launched himself sideways just as Nick's follow-up strike cratered the ground where they'd been.

"XIA! XANDER! A LITTLE HELP?!" Nicholas shouted.

"WE'RE ON IT!" Xander shouted, opening fire on Nick from behind as Xia blasted herself at Nick and dropped down with an axe kick. Nick unleashed another railgun round as he rolled, using the recoil to speed up his dodge. Xia landed... Right in the path of Xander's fire.

"OW! DAMNIT XANDER!" Xia shouted. Xander shook his head.

"I'm sorry-I-LOOK OUT-!"

"DODDDDGE!" Nick bellowed.

There was another explosion and a very loud "OW, MY FACE!"

Nick cackled. "You kids are fast! But you're thinking like Huntsmen! I'm thinking like a grandpa who's been doing this for forty years!"

He suddenly dropped low and swept Nicholas's legs with the flat of his blade. Nicholas jumped—too high—and Nick was already there, rising like a golden rocket. His shoulder slammed into Nicholas's chest, sending both Nicholas and Amethyst flying.

Amethyst screamed as they tumbled through the air. Nicholas twisted mid-fall, wrapping his arms around her and taking the landing on his back. They hit hard, rolling across the mossy ground until they stopped against a tree.

Nicholas groaned. "You okay?"

Amethyst coughed, holding her head.

"I think I swallowed a leaf…"

Nick landed lightly a few meters away, sword resting on his shoulder, grinning like he was having the time of his life.

"First hit on the civilian!" he announced cheerfully. "Clocktower stairs. Five times. All of you. Now."

A collective groan rose from the trees as the rest of the kids dragged themselves out of various states of defeat.

"Already?!" Xia complained, picking pine needles out of her hair.

"We literally just started!" Xander protested.

Nick pointed his sword at them. "That's the point! In real fights, there is no 'just started.' There's only 'you're already losing.' Move it!"

The kids grumbled but obeyed, jogging toward the distant clocktower that overlooked the training grounds. Nicholas helped Amethyst to her feet and they joined the miserable procession.

As they ran, Nick fell into step beside them, still smiling.

"You did good, Nicholas," he said quietly. "Glyph acceleration on the fly like that? Not bad for someone who's never trained with me before. You're like Wills in her prime!"

Nicholas flushed. "Thanks, Grandpa."

Nick's grin widened. "But next time? Don't run in a straight line. And don't forget your shield can block me too. I'm big, but I'm not invincible."

Nicholas nodded seriously, already filing the advice away.

Behind them, Xia elbowed Xander. "He's having way too much fun with this."

Xander sighed. "He's Grandpa. Of course he's having fun beating up his grandchildren."

Amethyst, still catching her breath, looked up at Nicholas.

"…Do you think we'll actually survive this week?"

Nicholas looked back at his grandfather, currently laughing as he watched them struggle up the first flight of stairs, and smiled despite everything.

"Yeah," he said. "I think we will."

Nick's voice boomed from below.

"Faster! The Grimm won't wait for you to catch your breath, and neither will I!"

The kids groaned in unison and picked up the pace.

Nicholas glanced at his paradox half-siblings running beside him and felt something warm settle in his chest.

This… this was what family was supposed to feel like. He wasn't sure about the competition with all his alternate siblings, the risk of their own nonexistence... But this? This felt familiar. This felt safe.

Even if that family was currently trying to murder them in the woods for training purposes.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The sun was sinking behind the distant spires of the Albus Mountains, painting the ruined training yard in long streaks of amber and rose. Craters and shattered marble pillars cast jagged shadows across the grass. Theodore stood in the center of it all, breathing hard, sweat glistening on his forehead. His coat was half-unbuttoned, and he looked thoroughly wrung out.

Isabel and Winter had finally called a halt. The three of them sat on a low stone bench that had miraculously survived the afternoon's chaos, sharing a canteen of water and a few protein bars Isabel had pulled from her coat.

Theodore sighed deeply and rubbed both hands over his face.

"Sheesh… You're just as tough as in my timeline, Mom."

Winter's lips twitched into a small, proud smile.

"Thank you, Theodore… Or Theo?"

Isabel tilted her head, eyes twinkling.

"Why not Teddy?"

Theodore groaned like a dying man.

"Ugh, no to both."

Winter's expression turned instantly frosty.

"Certainly not!"

Isabel chuckled, waving a hand.

"Yes, I suppose it does sound a bit off. So, Theodore… were you always this impertinent, headstrong, and reckless?"

Theodore blinked, then gave a crooked little smirk.

"How was I any of those things? …Today? In the last hour?"

At the synchronized flat stares he received from both women, he shrugged and sighed, the smirk fading.

"Sorry. It's just… the fate of the world. Eleven worlds. That we're talking about here. What am I supposed to do, sit around?"

Isabel's voice softened.

"I suppose not. Still, you could at least ask for help from us. You have your own team, right?"

"Yeah… but I'm also the leader."

Winter studied him for a long moment, something quietly vulnerable flickering behind her usual composure.

"Am I a permissive mother? A bad mother?"

Theodore's head snapped up.

"What? No! But come on. When you have power, you must use it for good. You did teach me that."

Winter's shoulders eased.

"Good."

Isabel gave him a fond but pointed look.

"Still, you could learn some tact."

Theodore grinned, clearly unable to resist.

"Grandma, Dad told me about the time you destroyed an entire castle."

Isabel coughed into her fist, ears turning faintly pink.

"Well, there were mitigating circumstances… Still… I suppose, under your circumstances, I certainly understand your desire to do good… and cause giant explosions."

Theodore's grin widened.

"That's half the fun!"

Winter gave him a stern look.

"Theodore…"

He raised both hands in surrender, but his eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Balto Pass. The Jörmungandr Grimm?"

Winter's expression tightened.

"That's hardly fair to keep using future knowledge against us that we can't verify-"

"Also your team captured a serial killer at Atlas Academy."

Winter flushed a deep, mortified red.

"We were forced into it!"

Isabel laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine.

"I suppose… that adventurousness is what attracted my son to you."

Winter's flush deepened, but she managed a small, sincere nod.

"Thank you… Um… Isabel." She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Forgive me. It's still… overwhelming."

Isabel reached over and gently patted her knee.

"I think we're all feeling that way. Still… like Ozpin said: we know that we save the world in eleven timelines. And you have a happy ending. So it's not all bad."

Theodore went quiet at that, looking down at his hands. In his timeline, Isabel had died. He didn't say it out loud, but the weight of it sat heavy in the silence.

Isabel noticed. She smiled softly at him, voice gentle.

"No… not all bad. But… it would have been nice to have known you then, Theodore."

Theodore's smile grew warmer.

"Well, I'm glad we can meet like this, Grandma."

He stood up without another word and resumed his katas, golden Aura flickering around his fists as he moved through the forms with renewed focus. Isabel scooted a little closer to Winter on the bench, voice dropping into something more conspiratorial.

"So… how did the date go?"

Winter's cheeks immediately turned scarlet.

"I… I believe it went very well."

Isabel beamed.

"I'm glad. My Jaune's only other girlfriend had to basically force him to be her boyfriend."

Winter's head snapped toward her, one eyebrow rising sharply.

"Previous girlfriend?" There was a distinct note of tension in her voice.

Isabel waved both hands quickly.

"No no no, it's fine! It was puppy love. They broke up before Jaune ran away to Beacon. They were friends longer than anything else. Besides… you have enough competition as it is, don't you think?"

Winter let out a long, weary sigh.

"Unfortunately. I don't know… I hope it's a genuine feeling. I'm afraid I never had much experience in… love before."

Isabel's expression softened with understanding.

"That's all right, Winter. We're all doing the best we can in this situation. And I'd say you're on the right track, hm? Given you two kissed?" She winked.

Winter's blush returned full force.

"Yes… That was very nice."

Isabel grinned, looking far too pleased with herself.

"I imagine it was. Also, good on you for being direct. I practically had to strip naked and tie Nick up to get my feelings across to him!"

From a few feet away, Theodore called out without breaking form:

"Grandpa says he knew he loved you when he saved you from Count Caliban. Like, how your eyes sparkled when he, Uncle Arjun and Aunt Saia saved you from him."

Isabel flushed bright red.

"Aww… But yes. That helped a lot… Though I will admit, I was very stubborn about it. I didn't think I could love such an idiot… but I did. And I was never happier."

Winter looked down at her hands, voice quiet.

"That's wonderful… But here, well…" She sighed. "I'm competing with so many other women… My own sister…!"

Isabel's voice was firm but kind.

"Again… it's just as crazy for everyone else. So take it a step at a time… but don't be afraid to make a move. You don't want him to get distracted."

Winter nodded slowly.

"I suppose not…"

Theodore, still flowing through his katas, added helpfully,

"Yeah, distraction can cost you everything in an insta-"

"BANZAI!"

Theodore barely had time to yelp before Nick came charging out of the treeline like a golden comet, railgun sword blazing. He swung and unleashed a massive golden Aura Blade straight at his grandson.

"GYAH!"

Theodore teleported at the last second, reappearing on top of a half-shattered marble pillar, breathing hard.

Nick didn't even pause. He fired another blast.

"OH COME ON!"

"TOLD YOU!" Nick shouted cheerfully, already charging up another shot. He glanced over at the bench with a bright grin. "Hey Winter, hey Izzy! Is my boy treating you right, Winter?"

Winter, still flushed from the earlier conversation, managed a small, genuine smile.

"Just fine, Mister Arc."

Nick pointed his sword at her.

"Hey, told you to call me Nick! You okay, Izzy?"

Isabel chuckled, waving.

"Yes, thank you, dear."

"Great!" Nick turned back to the pillar, cackling as he fired another Aura-charged railgun blast. Theodore barely dodged, teleporting again mid-air.

"GRANDPA! SERIOUSLY! YOU ALREADY AMBUSHED ME! THE SURPRISE IS SPOILED!"

"IS NOT!"

"IS TOO!"

Isabel laughed softly, the sound warm and fond as she watched her husband gleefully torment their grandson. Winter sat beside her, watching the chaos with a quiet, thoughtful expression.

For a moment, she let herself imagine it.

A future where this kind of ridiculous, loving madness was simply… normal. Where her son teased his grandfather, where she sat beside Isabel like this, where Jaune came home every night and kissed her in the doorway.

"GAH! GRANDPA! I'M GOING TO ERASE YOUR BEARD!"

"HAHAHA! IT'S TOO AWESOME TO ERASE!"

The thought brought a small, warm smile to her face.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Ruby's silver eyes glowed faintly as she sat cross-legged on the grass, sweat beading on her forehead and trickling down her temples. She was trying-really trying-to extend her perception behind herself, to see the world the way Arjun described. The gentle flow of Aura, the luminous shapes of souls, the faint echoes of life in the grass and hedges around them.

It wasn't working.

Her shoulders were rigid, her breathing shallow. Every time she thought she had it, the image would flicker and collapse. She could still see, but to see more... It just wouldn't come!

Arjun's calm voice finally cut through her frustration.

"Ruby. Take a break."

"I'm fine," she insisted, voice tight. "Just… a little more-"

"Ruby."

Ruby's eyes snapped open. Arjun was giving her the Look-the same one her dad used when she tried to skip meals to work on Crescent Rose.

She grumbled under her breath, stood up, and stomped over to the stone bench where Saia sat. She dropped onto it with a dramatic pout, arms crossed.

Saia giggled softly.

Ruby turned, cheeks already pink.

"Hm? What is it? What's funny?"

Saia's smile was warm, almost nostalgic.

"Heh… It's like being back in the past. You look so much like Summer when she was struggling."

Ruby flushed deeper.

"I get that a lot… I just haven't been told a lot about her. And I don't know why. I mean, not being told about Salem? Fine! But my mom? Yang was the only one who told me a lot about her! I didn't even know about you all or Jaune's parents until this happened!"

Saia's expression softened. She reached out and gently squeezed Ruby's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Ruby…" She sighed. "It isn't much comfort, I know. We did want to visit. Honestly, we did. But things got so busy. We tried to send letters, but we never got any responses. Ozpin told us not to get too involved, too."

Ruby's head snapped toward her.

"What? Why?!"

"To protect you, I assume," Saia said gently. "To let you grow up without Salem's attention."

Ruby crossed her arms tighter.

"Hmph…"

"I know," Saia admitted. "It seems stupid."

"It is!" Ruby burst out. "I'm only learning this stuff now!"

Saia rubbed her back in slow circles.

"I think they were all waiting to tell you… until you were better able to defend yourself. When you could handle the weight of your burdens."

Ruby's pout deepened.

"Hmph… Sure… Tell me I'm supposed to save the world. Is anyone able to handle that at any age?!"

Saia chuckled and pulled her into a warm side-hug.

"I suppose that's a good question. All we can do in the end is what we can do."

Ruby leaned into the hug for a moment, then pulled back with a frustrated little noise.

"Yeah… But what can I do? I mean… I'm learning this stuff but…"

From the center of the courtyard, May suddenly gasped.

"Oh! OH! The birds… There are nine birds behind me!"

Arjun's deep laugh rolled across the grass.

"Ha! Very good, May!"

Julian groaned.

"Aw man… I can't see out the back of my head yet!"

August smirked, arms folded.

"I can."

Julian's head whipped around.

"Cheater!"

"How?"

"Somehow!"

May immediately stepped between them, hands raised.

"Guys, c-come on-"

Arjun just laughed harder as the two boys started bickering in low voices. Ruby watched them, her pout returning full force. Saia gave her shoulder another gentle squeeze.

"Ruby…"

Ruby's voice came out small.

"I-I mean… I was promoted two years early… They keep telling me I'm a prodigy and all this junk… Just like Mom…"

Saia's voice was soft but firm.

"She was. It also still took her time and hard work to get where she was. And it will be the same for you. You're doing just fine, Ruby. The weight of the world isn't all on your shoulders, and it would be unfair of us to say it was. Has anyone told you that you're our only hope? That you did everything all by yourself? That you have to?"

She took up her staff threateningly.

"Because if they have, I'll teach them a very severe lesson-"

Ruby shook her head rapidly."

"No! No… But my mom-"

"Your mother was a wonderful person," Saia said, "but she was human, sweetie. Flawed. Just like you. So try not to let it get to you. May is also struggling in her own way."

Ruby's pout turned sulky. She glanced over at May—curvy, glowing with quiet confidence as Arjun gently corrected her stance.

"She got to kiss Jaune…" Ruby muttered. "She's doing better than me… She's more…" She flushed unhappily, eyes flicking over May's figure before she looked away. She hated feeling like this but... The reality of everything just seemed to crash on top of her. Like everything was more... Real now.

Saia gave a soft, knowing sigh.

"Oh Ruby… This whole situation is crazy, but don't overthink it."

Ruby's voice cracked just a little.

"It-It just feels like I'm falling behind and if I don't keep up, if I don't-!"

"Ruby!" Saia turned her gently by the shoulders until they were facing each other. "Even if things unfold like they do in the other timelines, you have years to get where you need to be. And Jaune? Jaune is going to care for you regardless. We know he can." She gestured to Julian, who was grimacing hard as he tried to look back through his head.

"Urgggh! Come on Eyes!" He groaned.

Ruby's shoulders slumped.

"Yeah, but… your daughter…"

Saia's smile was warm and steady.

"I love her. I'm thankful we found her again… But I care about you too, Ruby. So does May. So does Arjun. So does Julian, Jaune... All of us. So take it easy, hm?"

Ruby pouted harder, but it was a softer pout now.

"…I'll try."

Saia's eyes twinkled with sudden mischief.

"No… Do. Or do not. There is no try."

Ruby blinked.

"What does that mean?"

Saia chuckled, the sound rich and fond.

"Something Arjun's master used to say."

From the training circle, Arjun's voice called out again, warm and encouraging as he guided May through another exercise. Julian and August were still quietly arguing, but even they looked like they were having fun.

Ruby watched them for a moment, then let out a long breath and leaned against Saia's side.

"…Okay," she murmured. "I'll… do."

Saia hugged her tighter.

"That's my girl."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Neptune Vasilias moved through the quiet corridors of Beacon with purpose, hands shoved in his pockets and jaw set. Sun was off with Ilia (lucky bastard) and Sage and Scarlet were off training, so he was the odd man out. So he had a bone to pick with Arslan. Now? Now he was going to pick it, and pick it hard.

He made it to the ABRN door, and knocked hard. He knew she would recognize him-She always did.

"Come in, Neptune!" Arslan's voice called from inside, calm and steady as always.

He pushed the door open.

Arslan Altan sat at the main table with Reese, Bolin, and Nadir, all of them surrounded by open textbooks, scrolls, and half-empty coffee mugs. They looked up as he entered.

Neptune blinked.

"…What are you doing?"

Reese didn't even look up from her notes.

"Studying, duh."

Neptune's eyes widened.

"We're on vacation!"

Nadir gave him a flat look over the top of his scroll.

"This explains your grades."

"I do just fine!" Neptune shot back automatically. He shook his head and turned to Arslan. "Anyway, Arslan, um… you got a minute?"

Arslan nodded once, closed her textbook, and stood. She followed him out into the common room without a word. They sat on the long couch by the
window, the late afternoon sunlight slanting across the floor.

Arslan turned to him, golden eyes patient.

"Yes, Neptune?"

Neptune rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling awkward.

"Well… I'm just wondering how you're holding up. Things are… crazy, huh?"

Arslan considered this for a moment.

"They are. I will admit, things are a bit stressful."

Neptune stared at her like she'd grown a second head.

"A BIT?! The spacetime continuum has turned inside out and it's a BIT stressful?!"

Arslan's lips curved into a small, serene smile.

"Yes. What's your point?"

Neptune grumbled under his breath.

"You always have to act so cool."

Arslan's smile widened just a fraction.

"We can only do what is within our power to do. The rest is up to the Divine."

Neptune huffed, but there was no real heat in it.

"Yeah yeah…"

Arslan tilted her head slightly, voice softening.

"What is troubling you, Neptune?"

He let out a long breath and leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

"Just… learning that I die in the future. It's weird. You know?"

Arslan nodded slowly.

"You only die in one timeline, Neptune. Very heroically, I might add." Her expression grew more serious. "Poor Pyrrha dies in many."

Neptune ran a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, yeah, but… it's just… Ugh. I don't know how to handle it, you know? It's bizarre. It's… freaky."

Arslan was quiet for a few seconds, then spoke with quiet sincerity.

"I know. It is disturbing. That it happens in the timeline where I get together with Jaune… is very sad. I don't want to lose you."

Neptune's face went bright red in an instant.

"Geez… You gotta say stuff like that?"

Arslan met his eyes without flinching.

"Yes."

Neptune looked away, ears burning.

"Well… thanks."

"I'm going to make sure it doesn't happen here, Neptune," Arslan said firmly. "I promise. We won't let you die."

Neptune flushed even harder, half-laughing, half-exasperated.

"G-Geez… Again with that?"

Arslan smiled, calm and unshakable.

"Yes."

Neptune threw his hands up.

"All right… All right… First things first: Don't die. Second… Don't let Arc die. Or you. Or… Let's just prevent people from dying in general, huh?"

Arslan nodded.

"Yes… And after that?"

Neptune's grin turned mischievous.

"Welllll… Could you ask the kids who I marry in each timeline? I wanna know which one I should focus on, how hot they are, especially Arc's sisters-
ACK!"

Arslan moved like lightning. In one smooth motion she hooked an arm around his neck and pulled him into a tight headlock, her other hand pressing down on the top of his head.

"URK!" Neptune choked, flailing. "J-JUST-JUST KIDDING!"

Arslan's voice was perfectly calm, even as she tightened her grip.

"No you weren't."

"WELL IT'S NOT FAIR-! YOU HAVE A FUTURE HUSBAND-ARGH! MY SPINE!"

From inside the dorm room, Reese's voice drifted out dryly.

"…Should we stop her?"

Bolin didn't even look up from his textbook.

"Nah. Let her work it out."

"Heh," Reese smirked. "You know... He's actually kind of cute when he's in pain."

Nadir raised an eyebrow.

"For all you know, you marry him in one of those futures."

Reese's face went as green as her hair.

"Don't joke like that!"

"Who's joking?" Nadir grinned.