[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[SharkCultist]

Had a sad idea.


After the fall of Beacon Jaune Arc disappeared. Nobody knew where he disappeared to. Except his mother.

Whenever Jaune would get scared or upset he'd always go to his grandfather's old workshop.

It's been years since anyone had stopped by. Moss was starting to crawl up the sides of the old stone shack and a thin layer of dust covered almost everything.

The only things not covered in dust being a bronze shield and spear sitting on the floor next to Jaune Arc who sat huddled in the corner with cracks covering his skin that had light leaking from them.

"Oh Jaune."

It was a heartbreaking sight for a mother who tried to spare him this pain.

"Mom?"

His eyes are unfocused. There's swirls of green in them that keep almost fading before swirling back into form.

"I'm here Jaune. It'll be ok."

She hugs him. She wants to take away his pain so badly. But she's going to have to hurt him more.

"Jaune sweetie. You need to let her go."

Focus enters his eyes and as his awareness sharpens so to does his pain.

"I can't. It was too soon, it wasn't fair."

"Jaune. It's always too soon. But you're hurting yourself son. You need to let go."

He's quiet and she almost thinks he's drifting out of focus again.

"She loved me."

He looks at her with eyes almost a even split between blue and green.

"That was the last thing she ever told me."

Damn Ozpin and his schemes dragging her boy into this.

"You're killing yourself son. Would she want that?"

She knows he doesn't want to hear it. She knows it's tearing him apart.

But he lets her go.

Green drains from his eyes leaving only tear filled blue as Jaune lets everything out.

And as the light starts to fade from his skin and the cracks seal as he curls into himself and cries, for just a second the light looks like a lady in love giving one last hug.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Team RWBY was up early, and looked very unhappy as they staggered, like zombies, towards the training center.

Ruby: "Come on guys! We've barely done any group training all month!"

Blake: "I've been busy with White Fang!"

Yang: "Yeah, and I've had my own things going on."

Weiss: "We need to keep our grades up in this, Yang, Blake! Honestly, can't you take this seriously?"

Yang: "Says the girl who threatened to murder Ruby for waking her up with an airhorn."

Ruby: "Um, sorry?"

Weiss: dark look.

The four pass by a small courtyard garden... And pause. They see Jaune in the center of the courtyard, blindfolded, with earphones on. He was doing a handstand, and fidgeting only a little. He's also shirtless.

Weiss: "... What is that fool doing that for at this hour?"

Yang: "Giving a free show? Gotta say, it's a little avant garde but I like his hustle." ogles his muscles

Ruby: "Ew! Yang, gross!" bright red nevertheless

Blake: "I think it's some form of meditation or sensory training."

Blake approaches, enters the circle... Jaune mutters under his breath.

Weiss: "What's he babbling about?"

Blake: "... Books... Fish... Moonlight... Shadow...?"

Ren: "He's learning how to sense Auras."

Yang, Weiss, and Ruby jump. Blake merely raises an eyebrow as Ren steps out from behind a marble column.

Yang: "Geez! We need to put a bell on you, Zen Boy!"

Blake: scowls

Yang: "What?"

Weiss: "Aura Sensing? Isn't that a bit advanced for a dolt like him?"

Ren: "It is not easy for people to learn. But I've put him through a crash course and he's been doing fairly well. Helps with blind fighting, keeping track of your comrades in darkness, and in telling who is behind a door. After all, if Aura is the energy of the soul, parts of your soul will always radiate outwards if you don't learn how to control it."

Blake: "I see. That's how you always know I'm around."

Ren: "Among other reasons."

Ruby: "Wow... You're like a super ninja, Ren!"

Weiss: "Please! For all we know, he's just playing a prank on us and Arc!"

Ren: pulls out his scroll, turns it on "I've linked to the headset Jaune is wearing. Ruby, can you confirm it was not linked before?"

Ruby checks it over and nods.

Ruby: "Yeah, it just turned on."

Ren: "Jaune. You were muttering about what you were sensing before."

Jaune: "Oh! Sorry Ren!"

Ren: "No, no... I want you to say aloud what you are sensing." Hits mute "Blake, please approach Jaune again."

Blake walks back into the courtyard. Jaune grimaces.

Jaune: "Um... Aura in front of me... It feels like... Books... Moonlight... Shadow... Cats for some reason?"

Blake, Ruby, Yang and Weiss all gape in disbelief. Ren smiles softly.

Ren: "Good. Hang on." Mutes it again "Yang? If you would approach him? Any angle you wish."

Yang: "All right..." She walks around the small courtyard and then walks in behind Jaune, then moves to the right at random.

Ren: "Jaune?"

Jaune: "Warmth... Fun... Fire... Fury... Motorcycles for some reason... And... Motherliness?"

Yang gapes and flushes. Weiss scoffs.

Weiss: "This is ridiculous..." She leaps up and stands on a pillar above Jaune, and leaps to a bench on the other side. "There. Too fast for him to pick up-"

Jaune: "Cold... White... Speed, grace... Hidden warmth...? Maybe? It was quick so I couldn't get a lot."

Weiss flushes. Ruby grins and super speeds in front of Jaune, then away.

Jaune: "I felt joy... Mischief... Silver too... And I smell rose petals... Not hard to guess who that was."

Ruby: "WOW!"

Jaune pulls off his blindfold and gets to his feet. He smiles in a friendly way at RWBY.

Jaune: "Hey! How'd I do, Ren?"

Ren: "Better, though your range is still limited. And you can only sense when you are calm and not moving."

Jaune: face falls "Oh..."

Ren: "But it is impressive you're getting the basics down so quickly."

Yang: "And looking good while doing it, Studly." Grins "Mind if I train with you? I'll even go shirtless too if you want~."

Jaune: bright red "Y-Yang!"

Weiss: "YANG! Must you be so-so you?!"

Yang: "I must! It's a heavy burden but someone's gotta heft all this awesome hotness around!"

Weiss: "You would say that, you top heavy bimbo!"

Blake: "I would also be interested in training, Ren. My mother tried to teach me Aura sensing but I never got past the basics."

Ren: nods "I would be glad to."

Ruby: "ME TOO! Oh, it sounds so cool!"

Yang: "And all the shirtless Jaune we could want!"

Ruby: "YAAAANGGGG!"

- - -

The teams sharing some training techniques and concepts could be fun. Also, Ren learning how to become a teacher might be a very interesting character direction for him. Especially since I headcanon him learning his arts from a monastery that took them in. Nora meanwhile learned how to fight from the Norse-like berserker/blacksmith in the village near the monastery.

 

[SharkCultist]

Today was not team RWBYs day.

The school was out of hot water (Nora thought she could make the showers warmer faster using fire dust) , they had a double period with Port, and all the good stuff got taken at lunch before they got there so they got stuck with the brussel sprout soup and sardine and pineapple sandwiches (ports favorites that he insisted be part of the menu).

So to try to blow off a little steam the girls decided to take a trip down to the emerald Forrest and spend a bit of time mauling the Grimm.

Unfortunately someone else was already here.

He was BIG easily the tallest man they had ever seen and his frame was packed with muscle. He had a bald head and dark skin, and for some reason was standing on his tiptoes.

Though that was nowhere near the oddest thing about him.

"Stop your squirming boy you ain't getting out of this!"

They watched this grown man in a butter yellow speedo pin a Grimm down.

"What the hell is he doing?!"

He apparently heard Weiss yelling because his head snapped to the young Huntresses.

"I'm getting revenge snowcone!"

He snaps the Grimms neck and pops back up onto his tiptoes.

"For hundreds of years the Grimm have fucked humanity. Well Magnus Manus is here to fuck the Grimm!"

The girls were visibly disturbed by this obviously crazy man.

"You're definitely gonna catch something wild."

"Nah baby the light of my soul will protect me from the filth of a Grimm hole."

Yang was seriously considering shooting this guy. The detention would definitely be worth it.

"Well it's been fun hun but I got a run!"

And without another word he squatted down and clenched his butt cheeks before rocketing forward past the tree line.


"....man fuck Wednesday."

"Yeah."

 

[RedReaper]

Time to introduce this thread to TWRC.

The Whiter Rose Chronicles

---

To be frank, Whitley hadn't anticipated the raven haired redhead…or her beauty…or her genius…at allagreeing to this date of theirs. Sure, he'd asked and a Schnee always got what he wanted, but something about this, about her,that made this feel…different.

A buzzing in his heart, an airy head, limbs that felt like clay she could easily pull apart…weakness, he realized. It was total, complete, and utter weakness. And yet for some reason, despite all sense he wanted more. More of it, more of her.

He'd been a man dying of thirst without knowing until she'd arrived, and now that he knew he couldn't help but want to slake his desires with her, to drink up her endless warmth, her smile, and her love. It was simple. Ruby Rose had ruined him.

In a good way.

And he hated it. Hated how much he felt her pull on stringshe never thought he had before, hated how much his stomach coiled as it awaited every reply, and hated how much he let her do this to him. An insult to living. To being a Schnee.

Yet he let it happen anyway. Because of course he would when weakness felt this good. Of course, today would be different. He needed to put a good step forward, to make a good first impression, and he couldn't do that with this…weakness plaguing his soul.

Sighing in exasperation of his own self, he channeled every fiber of his training. To speak clearly and concisely. To stand tall and firm (despite his less than stellar height). To cut out his own heart.

It was woefully easy, at this point. An incision here, a snip there, and he was rid of paltry emotion. At least until he forced it back inside himself.

Knocking on the door, he held out a bouquet of Roses—All different kinds. White, Black, Yellows, Reds, even Blues and Magentas. It was a beautiful mixture of Vale, Vacuo, Atlas, and Mistral, speaking to life, love, (it's death and rebirth—Essentially, it's eternity), the enjoyment of each other and the Sun together, and more. (Flowers had a language and he'd speak it fluently if he could help it.)

The door opened, and the goddess opened the door slowly and shyly, in a black and red dress that fit her quite nicely. It revealed how shapely she was beneath her corset, how her…developing features, and yet was modest and elegant in how it still centered on her youthfulness. Innocence. Ruby's face was crimson, and Whitley smiled, channeling every inch of his father's countenance when he courted Willow Schnee.

"You're breathtaking, Ruby."

The girl slammed the door in his face.

Whitley…well, he stared at the door, confused. He couldn't make out what was being said on the other side, but it was quite loud and heated. Eventually, the door opened again, and the Older Goddess (Yang), opened the door instead.

"Uh, sorry about that. My sister's a bit…shy, so she's feeling really nervous and uncertain about this." The blonde beauty commented earnestly as she rubbed the back of her neck.

The Schnee hummed. "I…see." Silence.

Why? Well, internally Whitley was stretched between his cool nature he'd forced upon himself and the panicking and dejected heart he'd torn out, moments earlier. So he did the only thing he could think of—Try to regain control. And how did he do that? Talking.

"I suppose you must be the Great Yang Xiao-Long." He started, proddingly.

"The one and only!" She replied proudly, flexing her arm. It was then Whitley took stock of her apparel, and—Wow.The dress was purple, going all the way down the legs instead of stopping at the knees like Ruby's, clearly having been fitted to accentuate her bombastic chest and prodigious hips. It lacked any shoulder covering, as well, but it frankly didn't matter, as the lion's mane she called hair did all the work for her.

Put simply, she was voluptuous.

"Yes, I've heard quite a bit about you." Whitley pressed on, noting it all without flicking for even a second glance.

"Oh?" Yang asked confidently, cocking her hips, putting a hand on her hair, and giving her voice a low, sultry tone as she leaned forward. All purposeful. All to make his blood race. He'd seen it all before, though. From less gorgeous women, true, but the act was the same. Down to even playing with her marvelous hair. "And what have you heard?"

Whitley didn't even move his eyes from her own. "How much Ruby adores you. You're like the Sun to her. She praises your strength, confidence, intelligence, integrity, and even your beauty. She feels herself a…pale shadow, in comparison." He phrased carefully.

Yang's eyes narrowed. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying be careful. Ruby…she's sort of like me. She believes herself stuck in the shadow of another, and puts herself down for it." The teen admitted, softly as he looked away, towards the white tiled floor. "She doesn't deserve that when she's beyond peer. Frankly, I don't see how she could believe herself beneath someone like you."

And he meant it, truly meant it. Sure, Yang's body was voluptuous, but Ruby's was divine. Yang may have been confident, but Ruby's shyness was honest. Yang may have a better combat record, but Ruby was a prodigy. Yang may have been every man's literal dream, but Ruby was…pure.Yang was "perfect," and Ruby was simply better.

The Blonde Huntress-in-Training blinked at his honesty. "I—Well—Huh."

Whitley coughed and held the flowers back up. "Anyway, I just wanted you to know that you should perhaps invest in something that helps bolster her self-image."

Because he'd seen what a damaged self-image could do to a person. That same person walked around mindlessly, drunk endlessly, and abandoned him entirely to the depths of a bottle when he was eight years old. He didn't want something like that to happen to someone as wonderful as Ruby Rose.

"And please, give these to Ruby."

As the Schnee went to turn away, however, Yang's arm bolted forward, like a viper, gripping his arm. "No."

"No?" Whitley echoed, confused.

"Because you're going to give them to her." Then Yang opened the door, and pulled the two of them into Team RWBY's room.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

When Yang caught wind that her great-great-so on grandmother was on her way, a wild, desperate scheme sparked in her mind to shake the old woman off her trail. After all, she was of marriageable age and Ruby wasn't. While her grandmother had never been the closest with Tai, she'd started to get more involved now that they were grown. Some BS in Mistral had kept her from them, apparently. With all the civil wars that went on there, she supposed it was at least a reason. Better than Raven's had been.

Normally, Yang would be fine with telling the old bag off, and punching her in the face.

Which she had done. Then Granny had kicked her ass in two moves, sent her sprawling on the lawn in front of their house... And then offered to teach her how to fight just like that-But better.

Granny had then called Raven a deadbeat and disappointment, and Summer wonderful, and well… Yang was willing to at least respect her. Or at least try to avoid another asskicking.

(And naturally, Ruby loved that their grandmother was a kung fu master like out of their-ahem, her Mistralian animes).

The one issue they'd had was that Granny had asked about her love life. An issue she pestered her about ever since, many times.

Hence? She needed a boyfriend.

So, she went with her first choice of potential boyfriend who might get her Granny off her case.

She spun toward Ren with a grin that was half plea, half mischief.

"Hey, Ren? Mind posing as my boyfriend—?"

But before she could finish, Nora loomed up like a storm cloud, hissing through her teeth and hefting her hammer with a glare that could crack stone. Yang threw her hands up and backed off fast.

Ren gave her a wry look. One that said "Didn't think this through, huh?"

Point taken.

"Ahem… right. Never mind."

She sighed as she walked out into the courtyard of Beacon. Ren she had thought could just play along for a bit. It wouldn't get… Complicated. Not with…

"Hey Yang!"

She looked over. Jaune was there with a smile. She smiled back, a slight blush coming to her cheeks. She still wasn't quite sure how to handle things with him after that job with his uncle, but… Well…

"Something wrong?" He asked, eyes immediately filled with concern. It made her feel a bit gooey inside. She smiled warmly.

Hell. She liked him. She could admit it to herself. And dammit, she was not letting Blake get away with her 'fake fiance' crap anymore! Not when she was a lot more fun!

"Hey, Jaune!" she started, sauntering over, but then her eyes ballooned wide—Granny was closing in like a hawk. She was short, wrinkled, gray haired, hunched over, and using a wooden staff as a cane… Yet she still carried a menace that set the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end.

"Oh crap," she muttered.

Something Jaune was oblivious to as Yang ran up to him. She hugged him tightly.

"Y-Yang? What are you-?"

"Just play along, okay?" she hissed.

Jaune blinked, baffled.

"Play wha—?"

She didn't let him finish. Yang grabbed him and planted a kiss so fierce it could've knocked the soul out of him, then shoved his hands square against her chest for good measure. Despite his shock, he kissed back-Just as good as before. And his hands… Ooh! Okay, so he definitely missing his calling as a doctor!

"Mwah! O-Oh! Hey, Granny!" she chirped, stepping back with a grin that was all teeth.

Jaune, red-faced and reeling, managed a dazed, "Hwah?"

"Have you met my boyfriend, Jaune Arc?" Yang pressed, slinging an arm around him like it was rehearsed.

"Huh?!" Jaune squeaked, still catching up. She elbowed him, and he automatically wrapped an arm around her waist.

Granny's eyes narrowed to slits as she trooped up. She hopped up onto her staff, balancing perfectly despite her age and small stature to glare right into Jaune's eyes.

"ARC!? You related to that stupid cow, Arturia?"

"Um… Y-Yes?" Jaune stammered. "She's my great-grandma?"

"HMPH! Bitch fought me in the Great War!" Granny Xiao-Long growled. "Good fighter! Annoying! Let me live!"

She scowled harder.

"Sanctimonious and annoying! No taste for actual cuisine! All about burgers!"

"Well, um, my Papa does make really good burgers," Jaune said, even as Granny Xiao-Long glared harder. "Or-Or not?"

"Mortal enemies of Xiao-Long Clan!" Granny growled.

Yang's stomach dropped.

Oh shit.

"But Granny! I love him!" she blurted, yanking Jaune into a hug that teetered on a chokehold. "Can't we work all of this out? You know, f-for peace? If we get a piece of eachother?" Yang offered with a cheesy grin.

"And he loves me…" She glanced at him desperately, " Right ?"

"URK! Y-Yes! With all my heart!" Jaune wheezed, flailing in her grip. Jaune's eyes bugged out as his face went bright red. She loosened up a bit-It wouldn't do for him to pass out now.

Granny snorted.

"Hmph. Bad liar. That good. Keep working him, Yang."

Relief flooded Yang like a cool wave.

"Will do!" She said happily, saluting as she let Jaune go.

Jaune, indignant, sputtered, "What?! I'm not a liar!"

Granny reached out and patted his cheek like he was a dim puppy.

"Yes yes, you not liar. Just dumb. Just like my great-great-grandson. You no love her!"

She sighed, shaking her head, and Jaune's scowl deepened.

"I would literally die for Yang before I ever broke her heart! Or abandoned her!" he shot back, puffing up.

Yang's cheeks flared red.

Geez… He's overdoing it a little… Not that I mind…!

Granny arched a brow.

"Oh? You want die for girl you know for a year? You want make my granddaughter a widow!? You want my great-grandbabies to grow up fatherless!? You not dumb, you stupid! Idiot! Suicidal!" She got another cane and whacked him over the head.

"OW! W-Well, no!" Jaune backpedaled. "I wouldn't die if I could avoid it! But I mean… Okay… I'd protect her and our family with my life!"

"Better!" Granny barked. "What you do if you get her pregnant? You take responsibility?"

He took Yang's hand, and looked Granny Xiao-Long right in the eyes.

"Yes! I absolutely would!" Jaune said, all earnest fire. He tightened his grip around Yang's hand, as though to hold on harder.

Yang's blush deepened.

"Ah, Jaune, uh—"

"Good!" Granny cut in. "You have permission to court my granddaughter! Good catch, Yang.
You start making babies."

"Er… Thanks, Granny!" Yang managed. "We'll get right on that… after graduation?"

Granny sighed, annoyed.

"If you must. When I your age, was having plenty of babies!"

"Well, it's different now," Yang emphasized, "I wanna be a Huntress and have adventures!"

"Pfft! Had plenty of adventures while pregnant!" Granny Xiao-Long scoffed. "Gave birth in battle! Killed enemy soldier! Made sling for baby out of enemy uniform! You kids have it easy nowadays!"

"Uh, um…" Yang managed, not sure what to say to that. Granny sighed.

"That said, good to know you thinking about it! Don't wanna end up forty! Living with cats! All alone, no family visit! And Arcs, at least, have lotta babies! Very virile!"

Again, Yang blushed deeply.

Jaune, still dazed, mumbled, "Uh… Thanks, Mrs. Xiao-Long… I-I'll take care of her."

"You better!" Granny snapped. "Or I come back and rip penis off!"

Jaune gulped loudly.

When Granny finally shuffled off into the main hall of Beacon, grumbling under her breath about Arturia some more, Jaune rounded on Yang with wide-eyes.

"Yang? … What did you do?"

She grinned, sheepish.

"…So, I guess we're dating now?"

"You couldn't have warned me?!" he yelped.

"It worked out!" she shot back, all breezy confidence.

"Well, now we have to get married and have kids or she'll castrate me!"

"She was just exaggerating!" Yang laughed, then paused. "…I think."

Jaune's voice hit a pitch she didn't know he could.

"SHE DID NOT LOOK LIKE SHE WAS EXAGGERATING!"

Yang sighed.

"Would you feel better if we kissed for a while?"

Jaune blushed, considered, clearly remembering their last kissing session.

"... Maybe?!"


Naturally, Granny Xiao-Long is based on Granny Cologne from Ranma ½. And her great-great-grandaughter Shampoo might show up as well.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Ruby was practically bouncing off the walls with joy as she walked down the hallway, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to Jaune, who trudged along beside her.

"Come on Jaune! Isn't this exciting?! Our first leadership class!" Ruby exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

Jaune sighed.

"I know... Sorry Ruby, but given how hard everything else is? I'm not feeling the enthusiasm."

Ruby tilted her head, undeterred. "Aw, come on Jaune! This is awesome! We're our team leaders! And yeah, you kind of suck at, well, a lot of stuff-"

"Thanks," Jaune deadpanned. Ruby winced and then continued.

"-But you're good at leadership! Come on! Be happy! For me?" She let loose her puppy dog eyes.

Jaune let out another sigh and then shrugged.

"I'll try."

"YAY!" Ruby beamed, and Jaune couldn't help a little smile at that.

They reached the classroom where Professor Ozpin awaited them. Cardin, already inside, winced upon seeing Jaune, who scowled back. With a sigh, Cardin gestured to two seats beside him. Ruby blinked.

"Eh? Hey, what's your deal?"

"I'm trying to be nice, pipsqueak. You got a problem with that?" Cardin replied gruffly.

Ruby shook her head and shrugged.

"No! I guess? And I'm not a pipsqueak! I'm drinking my milk!"

"Thanks Cardin," Jaune offered quietly, as they took their seats.

Ozpin looked around gravely before he addressed the room.

"Good of you all to join us. Simin Magister, as the leader of team SLVR and one of our senior teacher's assistants, I leave the rest to you. I have other matters to attend to."

Why'd he bother to come if that's all he was going to say? Almost everyone thought.

With that, he exited, and a handsome young man with dark red hair, tanned skin, and a long gray jacket stepped forward, smiling warmly.

"It's great to see so many new faces," Simin began. "Now, leadership of a team is more than just keeping it together in the field and fighting. There's a lot of hard work off the field too."

Ruby perked up immediately.

"Ooh! Ooh! Like training?"

Simin nodded.

"That is also important... But more important? Is paperwork."

Ruby's jaw dropped.

"Paperwork?!" She gasped.

Simin smiled in nostalgia.

"Yep! As team leaders you must account for your team's stores of supplies, types of supplies, finances, training room time, medical condition, and many other things! You must also demonstrate your ability to write mission reports and convey information properly that other Huntsmen, the police, the military and other organizations use when it comes to Grimm, the ground of your missions, and damages you cause or others inflict."

Ruby faltered, but quickly rallied with a smile.

"Well... Um... I-I'm sure it can't be that bad to start, right?"

Simin beamed, his teeth shining like knives.

"That's the spirit!"

Moments later, Simin dumped several large stacks of paperwork onto the leaders' desks. Ruby gaped.

"Wait, actual paperwork?!" She cried.

Simin grinned.

"It's so you can get used to the digital stuff later. Trust me, it will be a breeze after this!"

Ruby slumped, her face slamming into the stack with a moan. Jaune chuckled and patted her on the shoulder.

"Living the dream, huh?" Jaune asked.

Ruby moaned louder.

Hours passed, and Cardin grumbled as he filled out another sheet.

"Geez... I thought helping dad with his campaign finances was bad..." Next to him, Ruby, her eyes spinning, cried out in despair.

"Wha... What's an index?! WHAT'S A LEDGER?! WHAT IS ALL THIS?!" She slammed her face into the stack again and moaned, then glanced to her right at Jaune.

"Jaune? You okay there budd-?"

To her shock, Jaune was already up, handing his completed paperwork to Simin.

"Wha-He's already done?!" Ruby stammered. Cardin's jaw dropped.

"No way... It can't all be done properly-!"

Simin flipped through the stack before nodding in approval.

"Very good, Mister Arc! Everything checks out! You can relax until everyone else is done."

Jaune smiled, "Thanks, Mister Magister!" and returned to sit beside Ruby. He then looked over at her and Cardin, who both stared at him in utter disbelief.

"What?" Jaune asked innocently.

"Wha-How did you get all that done so fast and correctly?!" Ruby demanded.

Jaune shrugged, looking a bit proud.

"Well, I had to help my mom with paperwork at the hospital, help my dad with paperwork at the militia, help my sisters with paperwork for various reasons, did some accounting for my great-grandpa's restaurant..." He shrugged, "In comparison, this isn't too hard! Plus, Nora has to ask me for more money for Dust and she has to get the proportions just right, so she's pretty good at keeping track of things. Pyrrha buys most of her own stuff but she still reports it to me, and Ren is very good at math too. So, we're pretty set."

Ruby's soul seemed to droop and drag her down with it at every word.

"Oh… Oh…"

Jaune smiled and patted her shoulder encouragingly.

"I'm sure you can get it too, Ruby! I mean, Weiss is rich: She must know something about business? And Yang was like your mom so she has to know finances? And Blake... Um..."

Ruby nodded weakly, "Y-Yeah... I'm sure they'll be fine... Totally fine...!"

Cardin spoke up at last, his face very serious.

"Jauney-boy? I take back every bad thing I ever said about you. Mind helping me out? My team will train with yours... I'll carry your books? Set you up with my hot sister?!"

Coco Adel leaned over from the desk behind them, adjusting her glasses with an eager grin.

"Like hell he will! Arc, you help me out and I'll let you take Bun-Bun on a date! And I'll make sure she's extra sexy for you!" Jaune laughed a bit nervously and held his hands up.

"It's just paperwork, guys. Don't be so melodramatic. But! I will help you all out... If!"

"I get Weiss to go out with you?!" Ruby guessed eagerly.

Jaune flustered.

"What?! No! I want to do that myself! I know I'm wearing her down!"

"Ummm," Ruby coughed, "Er, well…"

"Should have offered her your sister, she's much hotter," Coco suggested.

"Look," Jaune interrupted, "I'll just ask that we all be friends. And I get some help with the stuff I'm not good at when it comes to Hunting."

Coco smirked.

"So... Everything then?"

Jaune winced, and slowly nodded. There was a hint of pride in his eyes though.

"... Yeah... Except for this."

Coco hummed and then nodded.

"Sounds fair."

"Seriously, offering him your teammate?" Cardin muttered.

"What? She's got a thing for big, dumb galoots!," Coco countered, lowering her shades at Cardin, "Maybe if you weren't a racist on top of that, I'd have set you two up!"

Cardin blushed.

"I-I would never be interested in her! N-Never! I don't think she has pretty eyes either!"

Much staring. Cardin scowled.

"I didn't say that!"

Ruby hummed.

"Well... I guess it's nice to have more friends who are as awkward as us."

"I am not awkward," Cardin grumbled. Jaune chuckled.

"Yeah, see? We're socializing more already!"

Ruby beamed at her best friend.

"Yeah! I... I think this is gonna turn out just fine!"

And then the fight with the White Fang at the Wharves happened...

---

The next day, after Teams RWBY and JNPR had battled White Fang at the docks, Ruby looked like death warmed over in the Leadership classroom. Jaune also appeared tired but manageable. Cardin and Coco joined them, taking seats nearby. Cardin gave them a wry look.

"Geez, you look pretty bad, Pipsqueak."

Ruby moaned and slammed her face into her Scroll,

"So. Much. Paperwork... And Professor Goodwitch put it all on me! Jaune's not allowed to help!"

Jaune rubbed the back of his head.

"I mean... I did call the police before we went in, so I guess she let me off easy?"

Ruby groaned. Coco patted her shoulder with a consoling smile.

"There there. Hey, at the very least, you stopped some terrorists and didn't get expelled."

"I hate Blake so muuuuuch," Ruby moaned. She then winced. "Don't tell her I said that."

Cardin raised an eyebrow.

"What, she got a thing against Faunus or something? Weird given she is one."

Ruby jerked upright, staring in horror.

"Wait what?! You know-?!"

"Well duh. Her bow twitches. She's hiding her ears," Cardin stated flatly.

"Yeah, she really needs to get better about that," Coco observed, "And that bow is so last year."

Ruby looked between them in disbelief.

"But-But why haven't you-?!"

"What, she wants to hide who she is with a cheap accessory? I'm not gonna call her on it," Coco said with a shrug. Ruby looked over at Cardin.

"And why haven't you-?!"

"Bullied her?" Cardin coughed, "I mean... Um... I stopped doing that anyway and..."

"She would kick your ass," Jaune deadpanned. Cardin scowled.

"Hey! She'd kick your ass too!"

Jaune nodded, looking just the tiniest bit smug. "I know."

Simin arrived, stepped up to the front, and began the class.

"This time, we're going to introduce the concept of tactical planning," he announced. "Now, while you are in charge of four-person teams, there are Hunter operations that can require much larger groups. As well as operations where you cooperate with law enforcement or military forces. As a result, you need to learn how to manage not just your teams, but how to work with other kinds of forces. No one person can defeat every enemy all on their own: That is why we work together, and figuring out how to work together is critical to protecting people and not losing your team to injury or worse."

He avoided looking at Ruby, but she winced nonetheless. Simin continued.

"As such, I'm putting each of you into groups of four and will hand you a tactical scenario. You will come up with a battle plan and then present it to the class next time. Rose, Arc, Winchester, Adel, you're first."

The team leaders split into their groups. Jaune, Ruby, Cardin, and Coco were assigned an urban combat scenario where they had rescued a Person of Interest and were holding out in a warehouse dock area until a Bullhead could extract them.

"So we're defenders then? That's new," Cardin observed. Coco looked it over, humming thoughtfully,

"Right... We stop these guys from getting our hostage until our ride gets here. Okay, fixed defense it is."

Cardin frowned and leaned over the desk on his elbow.

"What, just hide behind crates and shoot?"

"It works just fine for my team!" Coco retorted, lowering her ever present sunglasses in irritation.

"Yeah, because you have a minigun!" Cardin snapped. Coco shrugged.

"So?"

Ruby looked discouraged, but Jaune smiled and elbowed her gently. He smiled warmly.

"Mobile defense would take the most advantage of all four of our teams," he suggested. "Pyrrha, Nora, Yang, Fox, Weiss, Russel, Dove and Ruby are all very mobile. We'd want to use that."

Ruby brightened, as Coco and Cardin both turned from their argument towards them. She knew what she had to do here: Support her bestie and fellow leader.

"Y-Yeah... Fox is held in support with his telepathy Semblance. I can zip around and keep fire on them as a skirmisher, with Weiss supporting me!"

Cardin frowned, his anger forgotten as he considered things. He then gave Ruby a snort.

"Yeah, but one hit and you're down, Pipsqueak." Ruby pouted.

"Nuh uh!"

"Not one hit, Ruby," Jaune clarified, "but you can't take as much punishment as a tank. Besides, you're better supporting Ren and Blake, who would do recon and skirmishing to stack up and harass the enemy force as they entered the area. Weiss could become more engaged as they got in further and provide obstacles to further stack them up, while also skirmishing with you."

Coco nodded, a smile growing on her face.

"Right. Nikos and Xiao-Long could give them more punch."

Jaune shook his head.

"Except Pyrrha and Yang are our overall strongest fighters. We'd want to hold them in reserve. We'd split our forces into two main groups: Fixed and Strike. Fixed would defend the Person of Interest and act as the main objective the attackers strive for. Strike would at first engage and harass the enemy to help the lure while reducing their strength while they head for their objective…" He pointed at the map of the warehouse area in the scenario,

"Then when they're fully engaged with Fixed, we bring in Pyrrha, Yang and Nora with the rest of Strike to counterattack. And Coco with Velvet? You can rain hell on them to take 'em out while Cardin, Yatsuhashi, and me keep them pinned"

Cardin hummed, looking it over and thinking it through.

"Hmm... Yatsuhashi, me, and Jaune as the heavy shield part of Fixed, with Shades here as fire support. It would work pretty well."

Coco grinned and shrugged.

"Well, you meat shields would definitely make my job easier. Still, Xiao-Long's not very patient." Ruby winced, feeling the urge to defend her sister… And then discarding it.

"Yeah, she has a tendency to be impulsive... Blake too," she grumbled.

"We might need to pair them with minders," Coco suggested, "Or, maybe keep Yang on the Fixed Team? Her Semblance gets more powerful the more she's hit."

Jaune and Ruby looked at eachother, and then at Cardin. He nodded back, and Jaune smiled.

"Could work, and between us we could keep her focused. Russel might be good support for Weiss since he's also Dust focused, but he's tougher than her."

Cardin chuckled, "He'll be happy you said that."

Ruby was already imagining prim and proper Weiss dealing with foul mouthed, hot blooded Russel. She fought down a giggle, and got her focus back on the task at hand.

"What about Sky? What's his semblance?"

Cardin sighed.

"... He can perfectly imitate anyone or anything's sound."

Ruby gaped, as did Coco. The little reaper was the first to speak.

"Wha-Seriously?"

"Yup," Cardin stated.

Ruby grinned.

"That's so cool!"

"Yeah, not so much after the first hundred times," Cardin muttered. Louder, he said, "But, we could use him in Strike as a distraction and harasser, and support for Belladonna and Ren."

Jaune nodded, pulling out a stylus to mark areas on the map.

"Right... Let's establish the engagement areas too. We'd need to make some open areas to maximize line of fire..."

"We could just go higher on these crates for line of fire!" Ruby grinned, then faltered in realization, "But that would expose us... Urgh..."

Coco pointed with a finely manicured nail and a smile at the map.

"Hence the mobile defense part. By the way, who does your nails?"

"Me! And not Yang! Totally not her, I do it myself!" Ruby insisted.

"I see," Coco hummed, and looked over at Jaune's hands, "And who did yours?"

"My sisters," Jaune stated flatly.

"Sisters? Plural?" Cardin asked, "How many?"

"Seven," Jaune sighed. Cardin winced.

"No wonder you uh… You were crazy enough to join this school."

"But with very nice cuticles," Coco complimented him.

"That will totally help fighting the Grimm," Jaune deadpanned.

"Sure they will! … What are cuticles anyway?" Ruby asked.

Simin smiled faintly as he watched Cardin, Jaune, Ruby, and Coco collaborate.

Perhaps there's hope for them yet, he thought.

Then Cardin slammed a hand down on the table.

"HEY! All I'm saying is that if the Person of Interest is a hot girl, I should get the kiss at the end!"

Coco laughed.

"HA! She happens to have actual taste! So she'd kiss me instead!"

Jaune groaned.

"How did we even get on this topic?!"

Ruby let out a weary groan.

"Why do we need kissing at all? I bet it's yucky!"

Simin chuckled to himself. He was only a few years older than these students, and yet, it felt very long ago.

"Ah, youth..."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Pyrrha was surprised, but pleasantly so, when her Aunt Erza arrived.

Pyrrha: "Aunt Erza!"

She pulled out her shield and sword to deflect and parry Erza's sword strikes.

Erza: "Excellent job, Pyrrha! You blocked the strikes just as I know you would!"

Pyrrha: beams "Thank you, Aunt Erza!"

Erza: "But you need to stay at the top of your game! After all, you are fighting for real now! No tournament rules!"

Pyrrha: nods "Yes Auntie!"

Erza: "Now, give me a hug."

Pyrrha does so.

Erza: "Hmm... You seem more confident. Happier."

Pyrrha: "Yes, well... Um... I got to fight a few great fighters... And um..." blush "I'm a bit closer to... Um..."

Erza: "Jaune Arc?"

Pyrrha: blush "Y-Yes... But um... Well..."

Erza: "Well? Well what?"

Pyrrha: sighs "Other girls have... Noticed him."

Erza: "And so you've defeated them and claimed him for your own?"

Pyrrha: bright red "Ummmm... W-Well, no..."

Erza: "Why not?! You can defeat all your rivals with ease!"

Pyrrha: "I don't think that will win his love."

Erza: "What, does he prefer the company men?"

Pyrrha: "NO! No! Not at all! He's definitely straight!"

Erza: "Then I shall deal with this!"

Pyrrha: "What? NO! Nonono-!"

Erza: "REQUIP! HEAVEN'S WHEEL ARMOR!"

Now in her flying armor, Erza flies off. She then seizes Jaune and flies back, dropping him in front of Pyrrha.

Jaune: "URK!"

Pyrrha: "JAUNE!"

Erza: "JAUNE ARC! YOU HAVE DISHONORED MY NIECE BY IGNORING HER FEELINGS!"

Jaune: "I-I have?!"

Pyrrha: "I uh..."

Jaune: "But-But I haven't ignored her feelings!"

Pyrrha: "You haven't?!"

Erza: "YES YOU HAVE! She loves you!"

Jaune: "Well yeah! I love her too!"

Pyrrha: "Y-You do?!"

Jaune: "Deeply. You're my friend and mentor! I care for you like my sisters! I would die for you in a heartbeat!"

Pyrrha: "I... I-I mean, that's... Um... I am glad... But um-"

Erza: "UGH! You fool! She loves you in the way of a woman does a man! A man she wants to marry and have his children!"

Pyrrha: "AUNTIE!"

Jaune: blinks "... Wait really?"

Pyrrha: "Um... W-Well... Uhh... I uh..."

Erza: "How could you not know she loved you and wanted to have your children?! That she wanted to do all manner of lewd and sexy things with you?!"

Pyrrha; "AUNTIIIIE!"

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

 

[AndrewJTalon]

In the heart of Beacon Academy's sun-dappled courtyard, Velvet Scarlatina stood frozen, her bunny ears twitching in a cocktail of confusion and paralyzing shyness. Clambering over her like a tiny, relentless mountaineer was a small orange-haired girl in a fluffy white bunny onesie, her chubby hands patting Velvet's legs with gleeful determination.

"Someone help? Please?" Velvet squeaked, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried not to topple under the toddler's enthusiastic assault.

"Bunny," the little girl declared, her tone reverent as she nuzzled Velvet's knee.

The courtyard's usual bustle faded into the background as Cardin Winchester, red-faced and frantic, barreled onto the scene.

"Samantha Jay Winchester!" he bellowed, his voice cracking with exasperation. "You can't go wandering off here!"

"Bunny," Sam replied, undeterred, her tiny fingers clutching Velvet's skirt.

Cardin's eyes finally landed on Velvet, and his expression shifted to one of pure dread.

"Oh no."

Velvet's ears drooped, a flicker of hurt crossing her face.

"Ouch. I thought you were being nice now."

Cardin waved his hands, flustered.

"I didn't mean it like that! It's just Sam really likes bunnies."

"Bunny," Sam confirmed, now attempting to scale Velvet's arm.

Velvet's eyes narrowed, though her voice remained soft.

"Cardin. She's three."

"Four, actually," Cardin corrected, rubbing the back of his neck. "She's just small."

"She's four," Velvet repeated, her tone flat. "How big a problem can she be?"

Cardin's gaze darted nervously to Sam. He snatched a nearby stick and, with the caution of a man poking a sleeping Grimm, lightly prodded his sister. Sam's tiny hand shot out, seizing the stick and crushing it into splinters with a squeeze that belied her size.

Velvet's eyes widened, her voice catching. "What the f—"

"Four-year-old!" Cardin interjected, his face a mask of panic.

"—unnel cake?!" Velvet finished, her ears shooting upright.

Cardin groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Dad awakened Mom's aura when she was pregnant with Sam, hoping it'd ease some of the pregnancy pains. Ended up awakening Sam's aura and making it so much worse."

"Bunny," Sam said, now snuggling into Velvet's side with alarming affection.

Velvet stood rigid, her voice a strained whisper.

"Cardin. Please get this child off me before she decides to hug me and pop me like a grape."

Cardin lunged forward, tugging gently at Sam's onesie, but the girl clung to Velvet like a koala. Velvet, desperate, tried to ease herself away, her movements careful but futile. Sam, growing impatient, gave a mighty yank, pulling both teenagers off balance. The collision was catastrophic—a clumsy headbutt that morphed into an accidental lip-lock, leaving Cardin and Velvet sprawled on the cobblestones, unconscious, blushing furiously, and pinned beneath a triumphant four-year-old.

Sam sat atop her conquest, her smug grin radiating victory. "Bunny."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Well, I just saw the Top Gun movies again. And I realized that Remant's air forces could use some strike fighters. Not just gunships that carry people. So to that end... Here's the equivalent of the F-14 Tomcat for the RWBY universe:

- - -

VSF-14 Cat Sìth Strike Fighter

The VSF-14 Cat Sìth was developed by Wayland Air Motors in the decades before the Vytal Tournament attack, serving as the VDF's primary multirole strike fighter during Vale's post-Great War militarization. The Cat Sìth (Nicknamed "Ghost Cat") was designed to balance air superiority, ground attack, and anti-Grimm capabilities, operating from Tempest- and Banshee-class airship carriers and ground bases. Its variable-sweep wings, robust airframe, and Dust-enhanced systems made it a versatile platform, capable of countering both conventional threats (e.g., rogue airships) and Grimm hordes.

Named after the Cat Sìth, a mythical creature resembling a large black cat with a white chest spot, the fighter embodies agility, elusiveness, and a dual nature—protective yet formidable. In Albion folklore, the Cat Sìth could bless or curse, stealing souls or guarding sacred sites, reflecting the VSF-14's role as Vale's guardian against Grimm and its potential for devastating strikes. The Cat Sìth preceded the VSF-18 Thunderbolt, which incorporated lessons from its operational history, such as the need for greater stealth and Dust efficiency. By the time of the Vytal Festival Attack, the VSF-14 is being phased out but remains in reserve squadrons, seeing limited action during the Vytal attack due to its age and the Thunderbolt's prominence.

The VSF-14 was a cornerstone of Vale's air doctrine, emphasizing carrier-based power projection and Huntsmen coordination. Its rugged design suited Vale's diverse terrains, while its Dust-augmented propulsion and weapons countered Remnant's unique threats. Though less advanced than the Thunderbolt, the Cat Sìth's reliability and versatility cemented Wayland Air Motors' reputation, paving the way for its successor.

---

Technical Specifications: VSF-14 Cat Sìth
General Characteristics

• Manufacturer: Wayland Air Motors
• Role: Multirole strike fighter (air superiority, ground attack, close air support, reconnaissance)
• Crew: 2 (pilot, weapons systems officer); single-seat variant (VSF-14A) for training
• Length: 19.1 m (62.8 ft)
• Wingspan:
  • Extended: 19.5 m (64 ft)
  • Swept: 11.6 m (38 ft)
• Height: 4.8 m (16 ft)
• Wing Area: 52.5 m² (565 ft²)
• Empty Weight: 19,840 kg (43,735 lb)
• Max Takeoff Weight: 33,725 kg (74,350 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × Wayland D-2218 Dust-Augmented Turbofans
  • Dry Thrust: 12,500 lbf (56 kN) each
  • Afterburner Thrust: 20,000 lbf (89 kN) each
  • Dust Propulsion: Fire Dust injectors for short bursts of enhanced thrust (Mach 1.6 without afterburners)

Performance

• Maximum Speed: Mach 2.1 (2,580 km/h; 1,600 mph) at 40,000 ft
• Supercruise: Mach 1.1 with Fire Dust augmentation
• Range: 2,400 km (1,490 mi) on internal fuel
• Combat Radius: 850 km (530 mi) with standard loadout
• Ferry Range: 3,700 km (2,300 mi) with external tanks
• Service Ceiling: 16,000 m (52,500 ft)
• Rate of Climb: 12,000 m/min (39,370 ft/min)
• Thrust/Weight: 0.85 (fully loaded)
• G-Limits: +7.0/-2.5 g

Airframe and Design

• Materials: Titanium-steel alloys with early Dust-infused composites for durability and minor radar cross-section (RCS) reduction.
• Stealth Features: Limited stealth with angled exhausts and basic radar-absorbent coatings; less advanced than the Thunderbolt's semi-stealth design.
• Wings: Variable-sweep wings (20° to 68°) for optimized performance at low and high speeds, ideal for carrier landings and high-speed intercepts. Wings fold for airship storage.
• Carrier Compatibility: Reinforced landing gear, tailhook, and compact folded dimensions for Tempest and Banshee-class carriers. STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) capability via Gravity Dust channels.
• Dust Integration: Fire Dust enhances thrust; Gravity Dust reduces takeoff/landing weight; early Hard-Light Dust experiments improve structural integrity.

Avionics

• Radar: Taranis Electronics RA/EPG-9 Pulse-Doppler Radar
  • Range: 150 km for fighter-sized targets
  • Features: Look-down/shoot-down, basic track-while-scan, limited ground mapping
• Sensors:
  • Infrared Search and Track (IRST) for passive Grimm detection
  • Early Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) with Dust-enhanced thermal imaging
  • Basic multispectral sensors for Grimm bio-signatures
• Countermeasures:
  • Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) with chaff/flare dispensers
  • Missile warning system
• Cockpit: Dual analog-digital cockpit with heads-up display (HUD) and multifunction displays. Basic Aura-integrated interface for pilot situational awareness (less advanced than Thunderbolt's neural link).
• Networking: Early secure datalink for coordination with Bullhead AWACS and Huntsmen, less robust than Thunderbolt's.

Armament

• Gun: 1 × 20mm Dust-Enhanced Rotary Cannon (700 rounds)
  • Ammunition: Fire Dust rounds for anti-Grimm incendiary effects; standard rounds for conventional targets
• Hardpoints: 10 (6 underwing, 2 fuselage, 2 wing glove)
  • Total Payload: 6,600 kg (14,550 lb)
  • Air-to-Air Missiles:
    • Short-range: RAM-12J Copperhead (early Dust-augmented seekers)
    • Medium/long-range: RAM-17B Bluejay (semi-active radar homing)
  • Air-to-Ground:
    • Unguided bombs (Dust-enhanced)
    • Early precision-guided bombs (Paveway-equivalent, laser-guided)
    • RGM-55 Maniac missiles (basic Dust warheads)
    • Rocket pods with Fire Dust warheads
  • Anti-Grimm Weapons:
    • Fire Dust cluster bombs for horde dispersal
    • Prototype Gravity Dust rockets for area denial
• External Pods:
  • Targeting/reconnaissance pods
  • Electronic warfare pods
  • External fuel tanks

Dust Integration

• Propulsion: Fire Dust injectors boost thrust for short bursts, enabling high-speed intercepts and evasive maneuvers.
• Defenses: Gravity Dust barriers (early version) provide temporary weight reduction for carrier operations; no Hard-Light shields, relying on conventional armor.
• Weapons: Fire Dust munitions enhance anti-Grimm effects; Gravity Dust experiments improve bomb accuracy but are less refined than Thunderbolt's.
• Sustainability: Basic Dust recyclers reduce consumption, but less efficient than Thunderbolt's advanced systems.

Operational Features

• Multirole Capability: Configurable for air superiority (missile-heavy), ground attack (bombs/rockets), or hybrid missions, though less flexible than Thunderbolt.
• Carrier Operations: Designed for catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested recovery on airship carriers. Variable-sweep wings optimize deck handling.
• Ground Operations: STOL capability supports improvised airfields in Vale's forests and coasts.
• Maintenance: Robust but complex due to variable wings; requires more downtime than Thunderbolt's modular design.
• Pilot Support: Early Aura-linked systems enhance pilot reaction speed, but less intuitive than Thunderbolt's.

---

Role in the Valean Defense Force
The VSF-14 Cat Sìth was the VDF's mainstay fighter during Vale's post-Great War era, when the kingdom focused on securing its borders and countering Grimm incursions. Deployed on Tempest and later Banshee-class carriers, it projected power across Remnant, supporting Huntsmen against Grimm hordes and deterring rogue factions in the Four Kingdom Pax. Its key roles included:

1. Air Superiority:
   • Engaged aerial Grimm (e.g., Nevermores, Griffons) and enemy airships with Bluejay missiles and its 20mm cannon. Variable-sweep wings allowed high-speed intercepts and dogfights.
   • Example: During a pre-Volume 3 Grimm surge, Cat Sìths from the carrier Vigilant repelled a Nevermore flock, protecting coastal villages.
2. Close Air Support (CAS):
   • Supported Huntsmen with Fire Dust cluster bombs and rocket pods, dispersing Beowolf and Ursa packs. Laser-guided bombs targeted Alpha Grimm.
   • Example: In a Valean forest campaign, Cat Sìths provided CAS for Team STRQ, clearing Grimm for civilian evacuations.
3. Anti-Grimm Operations:
   • Prototype Gravity Dust rockets disrupted horde movements, while Fire Dust munitions incinerated swarms. The Cat Sìth's multispectral sensors detected Grimm bio-signatures in dense terrain.
   • Example: Against a proto-Wyvern Grimm, Cat Sìths used coordinated strikes with Huntsmen, though their limited precision highlighted the need for the Thunderbolt.
4. Reconnaissance and Patrol:
   • Equipped with targeting pods, Cat Sìths scouted Grimm migration routes and enemy airship activity, relaying data to Bullhead AWACS.
   • Example: Routine patrols over Vale's outskirts identified White Fang staging areas, though political interference (e.g., Prunella Glocken's policies) delayed follow-up.

By the time of the Vytal Tournament attack, the VSF-14 is largely replaced by the VSF-18 Thunderbolt, which offers superior stealth, avionics, and Dust efficiency. However, reserve Cat Sìth squadrons are scrambled during the attack, supporting Thunderbolts against the Wyvern and Grimm hordes. Their slower response and outdated systems limit their impact, reflecting Prunella Glocken's budget cuts, which delayed fleet modernization.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

All right. Let's try again:

VSF-47 Tempest Viper

Overview

The Tempest Viper is the latest Dust-powered, multi-role strike fighter developed by Wayland Air Motors engineers for the Valean Defense Force, designed to counter the Grimm threat and rival nations' advanced militaries, particularly Atlas' airships and robotic forces. It combines speed, maneuverability, and adaptable Dust-based weaponry to engage diverse threats, from massive Grimm hordes to heavily armored human targets. Its sleek, aerodynamic frame reflects Remnant's futuristic yet grounded aesthetic, with a folding-wing design inspired by mecha-shift principles that in concert with its Dust-based engines makes it fully VTOL. This mechashift technology and VTOL capability allow it to operate from remote outposts as well as from airborne carriers.

Specifications

• Crew: 1 pilot, 1 RIO
• Length: 16 meters
• Wingspan: 12 meters (extended), 8 meters (folded for VTOL or high-speed flight)
• Power Source: Dual Dust Reactor Turbofans (Gravity and Fire Dust primary, modular secondary Dust types)
• Top Speed: Mach 1.2 (supersonic bursts using Wind Dust boosters)
• Range: 1,500 km (extendable with auxiliary Dust crystals)
• Armor: Lightweight Dust-infused titanium alloy plating, resistant to Grimm claws and basic ballistic weapons
• Sensors: Actively Scanning Doppler Radar, Infrared scanners.
• Aura Integration: Cockpit systems sync with the pilot's Aura for enhanced reaction time and feedback.

Design Features

1. Mecha-Shift Airframe:
   • The Viper features a variable-geometry wing system that shifts between extended (for maneuverability and VTOL) and swept-back (for high-speed strikes). This mirrors Remnant's transformable weapon philosophy, allowing the fighter to adapt mid-combat.
   • Retractable reinforced landing gear enables vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), crucial for operations in Remnant's rugged, Grimm-infested terrain.
2. Dust-Powered Propulsion:
   • Dual Dust reactor Turbofans combine Gravity Dust for lift and Fire Dust for thrust, providing exceptional agility and sustained hover capabilities.
   • Modular Dust slots allow pilots to equip Wind Dust for speed bursts or Ice Dust for stealth (cooling exhaust signatures), tailoring the fighter to specific missions.
3. Cockpit and Controls:
   • A holographic interface, powered by Hard-Light Dust, displays real-time Grimm movement (via ground-based sensors) and enemy positions.
   • Aura-linked controls amplify the pilot's reflexes, allowing precise maneuvers against fast-moving Grimm like Nevermores or Griffins. The cockpit monitors the pilot's Aura, warning of overexertion.
4. Defensive Systems:
   • Dust-infused alloy plating resists Grimm physical attacks and low-caliber projectiles but is vulnerable to heavy anti-aircraft fire (e.g., Atlas' beam turrets).
   • A Hard-Light Dust shield generator pod provides temporary protection against energy-based attacks or Grimm projectiles (e.g., Nevermore feathers), with a 30-second uptime and 2-minute cooldown.
   • Countermeasures include Gravity Dust flares to disorient flying Grimm and chaff to disrupt missile locks from rival nations.

Armament
The Viper is equipped with modular, Dust-based weaponry to handle both Grimm and human threats. Its arsenal leverages Remnant's reliance on high-explosive, Dust-augmented munitions, as traditional metal bullets are less effective against Grimm's durable hides.

1. Primary Weapon: Winchester Arms 30mm Twin Dust Cannons:
   • Mounted under the nose, these rapid-fire cannons shoot Dust-infused rounds. Default Fire Dust rounds explode on impact, ideal for shredding Grimm hordes or damaging unshielded vehicles.
   • Modular Dust types allow switching to:
     • Ice Dust: Freezes targets, slowing large Grimm (e.g., Goliaths) or disabling mechanical systems.
     • Lightning Dust: Disrupts robotic enemies (e.g., Atlesian Knights) or chains between Grimm in close proximity.
     • Gravity Dust: Launches kinetic bursts to knock back aerial Grimm or destabilize enemy aircraft.
2. Secondary Weapon: Multi-Mode Missile Pods:
   • Each wing houses a pod with eight missiles, configurable for:
     • High-Explosive Dust Warheads: For annihilating Grimm swarms or breaching airship armor.
     • Cluster Munitions: Scatter smaller explosives to clear Creeps or Beowolves in open terrain.
     • Tracking Missiles: Homing Gravity Dust warheads for engaging fast-moving targets like Sea Feilongs or Atlas dropships.
   • Missiles are limited (16 total), requiring strategic use against high-value targets.
3. Experimental Weapon: Pulse Emitter:
   • A prototype Hard-Light Dust emitter in an external pod projects a short-range shockwave that disorients Grimm by simulating positive emotions, briefly disrupting their aggression. Ineffective against older, smarter Grimm (e.g., Alpha Beowolves) but useful for escaping swarms.
   • Against human targets, the emitter can overload electronic systems, temporarily disabling the enemy unit.

Tactical Roles
The Viper is designed for three primary mission profiles, addressing Remnant's dual threats of Grimm and rival nations:

1. Grimm Suppression:
   • Objective: Rapid response to Grimm incursions, targeting hordes or high-threat individuals (e.g., Leviathans, Nuckelavees).
   • Tactics: Use VTOL to deploy near settlements, employing cluster munitions and Fire Dust cannons to thin hordes. For larger Grimm, pilots use Gravity Dust missiles to immobilize targets, followed by Hard Light Pulses or Ice Dust to slow movement.
   • Strengths: High maneuverability counters flying Grimm like Nevermores; Dust versatility handles diverse Grimm types.
   • Weaknesses: Limited missile reserves struggle against overwhelming numbers; armor is insufficient against elder Grimm's heavy strikes.
2. Anti-Air Superiority:
   • Objective: Engage rival nations' aircraft, particularly Atlas' Manta gunships or airships.
   • Tactics: Leverage supersonic bursts and tracking missiles to outmaneuver slower, bulkier enemy craft. Lightning Dust cannons disable robotic systems, while Hard-Light shields absorb return fire.
   • Strengths: Speed and agility outmatch most Remnant aircraft; Aura-linked controls give pilots an edge in dogfights.
   • Weaknesses: Vulnerable to concentrated anti-aircraft fire from Atlesian beam turrets or airship volleys.
3. Precision Strikes:
   • Objective: Target enemy infrastructure (e.g., Dust mines, command centers) or large Grimm (e.g., Monstra).
   • Tactics: Use stealth configurations (Ice Dust cooling) for covert approaches, deploying high-explosive missiles or kinetic Gravity Dust strikes. The pulse emitter can disrupt defenses before retreating.
   • Strengths: Modular weaponry allows tailored loadouts; VTOL enables flexible deployment.
   • Weaknesses: Reliance on Dust makes resupply critical; prolonged engagements drain pilot Aura.

Strategic Fit in Remnant

• Grimm Threat: The Tempest Viper addresses the Grimm's numerical advantage and durability by prioritizing area-effect weapons and mobility. Its pulse emitter offers a novel counter to their emotion-driven aggression, though it's less effective against Salem's smarter Grimm breeds. The fighter's ability to rapidly deploy from small outposts as well as major bases and carriers aligns with Remnant's need to protect scattered villages.
  
  
• Rival Nations: Against Atlas' technological superiority, the Viper counters with agility and electronic warfare (Lightning Dust and pulse emitter), exploiting weaknesses in robotic infantry and slow airships. Its versatility makes it a viable deterrent against Mistral's less advanced but numerous forces or Vacuo's guerrilla tactics.
  
  
• Technological Level: The fighter relies entirely on Dust, adhering to Remnant's tech constraints (no spaceflight, no non-Dust power sources). Its mecha-shift design and Aura integration reflect the setting's focus on individualized, soul-enhanced technology, while its holographic systems and Dust reactors align with Atlas' cutting-edge advancements.

Limitations

• Dust Dependency: Like all Remnant tech, the Viper is limited by Dust availability. Prolonged missions risk depletion, especially for exotic Dust types like Hard-Light or Gravity.
  
  
• Pilot Strain: Aura-linked controls enhance performance but tax the pilot's stamina, limiting sortie duration against relentless Grimm waves.
  
  
• Armor Trade-Off: Lightweight plating prioritizes speed over durability, making the fighter vulnerable to sustained fire from advanced anti-air systems or elder Grimm.
  
  
• Production Costs: Dust-intensive systems and complex mecha-shift components make mass production challenging. The Viper is thus limited for now to elite squadrons of the Valean Defense Force.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

AF/A-25 Sindri Industries Cavalier Strike Fighter

Overview
The Cavalier is an Atlesian strike fighter engineered by Sindri Industries to complement Atlas' hybrid carrier battleships, designed for air superiority, precision strikes, and support of robotic ground forces against Grimm and rival nations. Built with Atlas' signature blend of cutting-edge technology and militaristic efficiency, the Cavalier emphasizes firepower, durability, and integration with Atlesian command networks over agility. Its angular, armored design and glowing Hard-Light Dust accents reflect Atlas' cold, utilitarian aesthetic.

Specifications

• Crew: 1 pilot (optionally autonomous with AI control)
• Length: 18 meters
• Wingspan: 14 meters (fixed, reinforced for stability)
• Power Source: Triple Dust reactor Turbofans (Gravity, Ice, and Fire Dust primary)
• Top Speed: Mach 1
• Range: 2,000 km (supported by carrier resupply)
• Armor: Heavy Dust-forged titanium plating, resistant to Grimm attacks and ballistic fire
• Sensors: Active Scanning Doppler Radar, Infrared Sensors
• AI Integration: Onboard Atlesian AI for autonomous operation and coordination with carrier battleships

Design Features

• Reinforced Airframe:
  • The Cavalier features a fixed-wing, angular design optimized for stability and durability, reflecting Atlas' focus on overwhelming force rather than maneuverability. Its bulky frame can withstand significant punishment, ideal for prolonged engagements.
  • Retractable landing gear allows deployment from carrier battleships, with magnetic clamps for securing to airship decks during resupply.
• Dust-Powered Propulsion:
  • Triple Dust reactor turbofans use Gravity Dust for lift, Ice Dust for cooling and stealth, and Fire Dust for thrust. The system prioritizes sustained output over burst speed, ensuring reliability during extended missions.
  • Exhaust ports are reinforced with Hard-Light Dust shielding, reducing vulnerability to Grimm attacks from below.
• Cockpit and Controls:
  • A sealed cockpit with a panoramic Hard-Light Dust display provides 360-degree battlefield awareness, linked directly to the carrier battleship's command network for real-time tactical updates.
  • The fighter can switch between piloted and autonomous modes, using an Atlesian AI to execute pre-programmed attack patterns or respond to Grimm movements. Autonomous mode reduces pilot strain but risks hacking (e.g., Watts' tech expertise).
• Defensive Systems:
  • Heavy titanium plating infused with Ice Dust absorbs kinetic impacts from Grimm claws and rival projectiles, though it sacrifices speed.
  • A Hard-Light Dust barrier projector creates a forward-facing shield capable of deflecting energy attacks (e.g., Nevermore feathers or Dust cannons) for 45 seconds, with a 1-minute cooldown.
  • Countermeasures include Ice Dust chaff to freeze and disrupt Grimm sensory organs and electromagnetic pulses to disable enemy drones.

Armament
The Cavalier is equipped with energy-based and heavy Dust weaponry, reflecting Atlas' preference for precision and overwhelming force. Its arsenal is designed to support carrier operations, targeting both Grimm and enemy aircraft with lethal efficiency.

• Primary Weapon: Odin Arms Hard-Light Beam Cannon:
  • Mounted on the nos, this cannon fires concentrated Hard-Light Dust beams, capable of slicing through Grimm hides or piercing enemy airship armor. The beams have a high rate of fire but overheat after 10 seconds of continuous use, requiring a 15-second cooldown.
  • Adjustable settings allow for wide-area beams to sweep Grimm hordes or focused shots for precision strikes against high-value targets.
• Secondary Weapon: Heavy Missile Launchers:
  • Each wing houses a launcher with five heavy missiles, designed for:
    • Hard-Light Warheads: Penetrate armor, ideal for disabling rival airships or large Grimm (e.g., Monstra).
    • Fragmentation Missiles: Detonate mid-air, releasing shrapnel to shred flying Grimm like Griffons or clear ground-based Creeps.
    • Tracking Missiles: Use radar guidance systems to lock onto fast-moving targets, effective against agile fighters like Vale's Tempest Viper.
  • Missiles are limited (10 total), requiring resupply from the carrier.
• Support Weapon: Drone Deployment System:
  • The Cavalier can deploy up to four Atlesian micro-drones per mission, each equipped with a small Hard-Light Dust laser. These drones provide reconnaissance, target painting, or direct fire support, controlled via the fighter's AI.
  • Drones are vulnerable to Lightning Dust attacks and can be hacked by skilled enemies.
• Defensive Weapon: Ice Dust Turret:
  • A rear-mounted turret automatically fires Ice Dust projectiles to slow pursuing Grimm or enemy fighters, creating a temporary barrier of ice shards. Effective for covering retreats but has limited ammo (50 shots).

Tactical Roles
The Cavalier is designed to operate as part of Atlas' carrier-based strategy, supporting large-scale military operations against Grimm and rival nations.

• Air Superiority for Carrier Defense:
  • Objective: Protect Atlesian carrier battleships from enemy aircraft and flying Grimm (e.g., Nevermores, Wyverns).
  • Tactics: Use Hard-Light beam cannons to engage at long range, supported by tracking missiles for fast targets. The AI coordinates with the carrier's defenses, prioritizing threats to the airship.
  • Strengths: Heavy armor and shields withstand sustained attacks; beam cannons outrange most Remnant weaponry.
  • Weaknesses: Limited agility struggles against highly maneuverable fighters like the Tempest Viper.
• Precision Strikes on High-Value Targets:
  • Objective: Neutralize key enemy assets (e.g., Dust mines, command posts) or large Grimm threats.
  • Tactics: Deploy from the carrier with a full missile loadout, using warheads to breach defenses. Drones scout ahead, marking targets for beam cannon strikes.
  • Strengths: AI precision ensures minimal collateral damage; heavy firepower overwhelms defenses.
  • Weaknesses: Slow speed makes it vulnerable during approach; reliance on carrier resupply limits independent operations.
• Ground Support for Robotic Forces:
  • Objective: Provide air support for Atlesian Soldiers, Knights and Paladins against Grimm hordes or enemy infantry.
  • Tactics: Use fragmentation missiles and wide-area beams to clear Grimm swarms, while drones assist with targeting. The Ice Dust turret covers retreats if ground forces are overwhelmed.
  • Strengths: Excellent synergy with robotic units; durable design allows sustained support.
  • Weaknesses: Vulnerable to anti-air fire from fortified positions; drones can be countered by tech-savvy enemies.

History and Development

• Origin: The Cavalier was developed prior to the Vytal Festival Atttack, as Atlas sought to bolster its aerial capabilities amid rising Grimm aggression and tensions with other kingdoms. General Ironwood commissioned the project to ensure carrier battleships could project force without relying solely on manned units.
• Development: The Atlesian Military Research Division collaborated with the Schnee Dust Company to integrate Hard-Light Dust into the fighter's weaponry and defenses, a breakthrough that gave Atlas an edge over other kingdoms. Initial prototypes struggled with power management, as Hard-Light Dust drained reactors quickly, but the addition of Ice Dust cooling systems resolved the issue by Volume 5.
• Deployment: The Cavalier first saw action during a defense of Argus, where squadrons launched from the Atlesian airship Aegis successfully repelled a Leviathan attack, though at the cost of several fighters to the Grimm's energy blasts. By the Vytal Festival Attacks, the fighter became a mainstay of Atlas' aerial fleet, often deployed alongside Manta gunships to suppress Grimm incursions in Solitas' frozen wastes.
• Reputation: Among Atlesian pilots, the Cavalier is seen as a symbol of Atlas' might—reliable, powerful, but rigid. Rival kingdoms, particularly Vale, criticize its lack of adaptability, nicknaming it the "Flying Brick" for its relative lack of maneuverability. Despite this, its ability to dominate the skies around a carrier battleship is undeniable.

Strategic Fit in Atlas' Doctrine

• Carrier Integration: The Cavalier is designed to operate as part of a larger fleet, launching from hybrid carrier battleships to extend their reach. Its AI systems ensure seamless coordination with Atlesian command, allowing it to execute complex battle plans with minimal pilot input.
• Grimm Threat: Against Grimm, the fighter's heavy armor and Hard-Light weaponry provide a significant advantage, particularly against large, durable targets like Leviathans or Wyverns. However, its lack of agility makes it less effective against swarms of smaller, faster Grimm like Griffons.
• Rival Nations: The Cavalier excels in air superiority against other kingdoms' aircraft, using its beam cannon and tracking missiles to outrange and overpower lighter fighters like Vale's Tempest Viper.
• Technological Level: The fighter's use of Hard-Light Dust, AI, and heavy Dust reactors aligns with Atlas' cutting-edge tech, surpassing other kingdoms in raw power but lacking the individualized flair of Vale or Mistral's designs.

Limitations

• Limited Agility: The focus on armor and firepower sacrifices maneuverability, making the Cavalier a poor match for agile opponents in dogfights.
• Carrier Dependency: Its range and ammo reserves rely on resupply from carrier battleships, limiting independent operations—a critical flaw if the carrier is disabled. Data links to the carrier can also be jammed, which can be crippling to the Cavalier in autonomous mode.
• AI Vulnerability: The autonomous mode, while efficient, can be hacked by skilled enemies (e.g., Arthur Watts), potentially turning the fighter against its own fleet. The AIs are also very predictable in dogfights and easily bested by competent human/Faunus pilots.
• Dust Consumption: Hard-Light Dust weaponry drains reactors quickly, requiring careful energy management during extended engagements.
• Cost: Despite Atlas' massive industrial capacity, these fighters are still fairly expensive to maintain and produce.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Ruby: "Being a leader is difficult. Clashing personalities, egos, mutually exclusive beliefs, historical grudges. It's all a powder keg waiting to explode, and it takes unerring vigilance to keep it together."



Jaune: "Uh, no? Ruby, I've had none of that. Are you okay?"



Cardin: "My team had some issues to start, but now we get along great together, I don't know what she's talking about."



Sun: "Yeah we're all brothers from another mother."



Coco: "We had some issues in our first month but we got over them really quick. You okay, little red?"



Ruby, denying that team RWBY is just a mess: "I'm sure you'll be eating your words when it all falls apart."



Cardin: "Uh huh. Sure we will. But hypothetically, if your team was stressing you out...?"



Ruby: "... How much trouble would I get into if I murdered one of them? Hypothetically?"



Jaune: pats her shoulder "A lot."



Ruby groans.



Ruby: "It's just that... Ya know..."



Coco: "Yes?"



Ruby: "Can someone explain to Blake that everything is NOT FUCKING RACIST!? WHY IS SHE ACTING LIKE SUCH A FUCKING MITTENS?!"



Ruby slaps her hands over her mouth, horrified. Everyone else is shocked... Save for Cinder Fall, another new transfer student leader.



Cinder: "Slurs from the pipsqueak, oh my."



Ruby loses her temper.



Ruby: "SHUT YOUR COCK WARMER, HARLOT! SLUT! WOMAN OF THE NIGHT!"



Jaune is now hugging Ruby, though it looks more like he's holding her back.



Jaune: "Ruby it's okay, I'm sure Cinder was just-"



Ruby: "IF I HEAR 'That's oppressive towards indigenous Faunus peoples' ONE MORE TIME! I'M COMMITTING A FUCKING HATE CRIME!"



Cardin: "Wow. So that's what it's like from this side."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Coco: "I have to ask, why are your teams such troublemakers?"



Ruby groans something that sounds like "Blake, Weiss and Yang."



Coco laughs "Save that for senior year!"



Cardin: "Even we didn't get into a fight with terrorists and gangsters... Though Russel did get in a street motorcycle race."



Jaune: "Did you win?"



Cardin: "Of course we won! Though the sidepiece of the guy running the races wanted Dove, Dove wasn't interested, so she said he hit on her and we had to fight his goons... Wasn't much of a fight, just smashed a motorcycle and they got the idea that fighting us was a bad idea."



Ruby: "Seriously?! Why can't White Fang be that sensible?! WE'RE HUNTRESSES! WE HAVE AURA! We're going to beat you up! Just surrender!"



Cardin: "Why can't fanatical extremists be reasonable? I wonder that too, pipsqueak."



Ruby: "Thanks, I-HEY!"



Coco: "He has a point, Ruby."



Jaune: "Though I really hope they can be reasonable one day, too. Nora punting one of them between the legs was more than enough for me."



Every guy shudders.



Ruby: scowls at Jaune "Why do you keep getting away with fighting alongside us, anyway?!"



Jaune: "I call the police before we get into these things?"



Ruby: "Wha-You do?!"



Jaune: "Yeah, and send an alert to Professor Goodwitch that we got caught in a melee."



Ruby: "... Why the hell didn't we bring YOU GUYS instead of Sun and Neptune?! Those guys were USELESS!"



Sun: "Hey! I did fight!"



Ruby: "You got taken out in ONE HIT! And Neptune ran off the moment things got serious! You're both useless! From now on, Jaune, you're coming with us!"



Jaune: "On your illegal vigilante activities? ... Okay, sure."



Cardin: "Wait, really?"



Jaune: "Yeah. In Radian we don't have cops, just a militia. So I sometimes went on possess to bring in fugitives or help take out Grimm. I wasn't allowed to fight, just support, but I learned a lot."



Ruby: "... Why did your parents not unlock your Aura?"



Jaune: "Um... They wanted me to be a doctor."



Cardin: "Wait wait wait... You didn't have your Aura unlocked... When?"



Jaune: "Um... When I came to Beacon?"



Coco: "And you got unlocked... When?"



Jaune: "Initiation?"



Cardin: "And... You figured out how to use it in... What... An hour?"



Jaune: "Well yeah, but... That's really hard, right?"



Cardin: "... Holy fuck dude, you're just ridiculous."



Coco: "Geez..."



Ruby: "IT'S NOT FAIR! You're like those harem having guys in Blake's terrible Mistral manga!"



Jaune: "What? What?!"



Thankfully they are interrupted by Arslan, leader of team ABRN.



Arslan: "Jaune Arc... Are you by chance the son of Nicholas Arc, the Radiant Paladin?"



Jaune: "Er... Yeah?"



Arslan: deep breath... Represses squeal "Ahem... He is in fact one of my childhood heroes... Do-Do you think I could meet him?"



Jaune: "Um, sure?"



Arslan: "Wonderful!" She hugs him, kisses his cheek and heads off. Ruby scowls at him.



Jaune: "Um... What?"



Ruby: "And your dad's a super hero?!"



Jaune: "Your dad was a super hero too! Basically!"



Ruby: "Yeah but it's just like, totally unfair!" scowls



Jaune: "Ruby, come on. You can still kick my butt, you know this!"



Ruby: "Yeah..."



Jaune: "And we're best friends, right?"



Ruby: "Yeah..."



Jaune: Hugs her "So don't feel down about anything, okay?"



Ruby: smiles "... You know, just for that? I'm setting you up with my sister."



Jaune: "Er... Thanks? I think?"



Ruby: "Well if I don't, she'll just end up some lonely biker lesbian with an apartment full of cats."



Coco: "That's cruel."



Ruby: "You've never seen her flirt. Like she'll be all flirty seductive and then she gets shy and runs off or punches the guy! It's kind of hilarious! But honestly, she had to look after me and basically raise me. So she couldn't really... Well... Get any closer. But if you date her, it'll be fine!"



Cardin: "You make her sound like a single mom."



Ruby: "Yeah, and? Jaune, don't you like MILFs?" Jaune: blush "How did you-HOW do you know that word?!"



Ruby: "I'm Sixteen, not six! And anyway, if you make her happy, I'll marry you next!"



Jaune: "Huh?!" Ruby: "That's how it worked with our moms and dad!"



Coco: "Oh, All Team Taiyang Xiao-Long? Yeah, I heard about him!"



Cardin: "There were only two girls on his team though!" Coco: chuckles "Yeah, and?"



Cardin: "... Ugh."



Coco: "Don't knock it, buddy!"



Cardin: "I'll knock it all I like! Though uh... I hope your dad and uncle are happy together?"



Ruby: "Thanks! They are!"



Coco: "How happy?"



Jaune: "COCO!"



Coco: "This is the gossip Dust mine! I can't stop at just ONE!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Strike Fighter: Wayland Air Motors VSF-42 Viper

Overview

The Viper is a Dust-powered strike fighter developed by the Valean Defense Force as a mass-produced aerial defense platform in the post-Great War era. Designed for simplicity and affordability, it lacks the advanced features of its successor, the Tempest Viper, but its rugged design and abundance make it a reliable workhorse for the VDF. It is multirole, able to engage aerial, sea and ground threats, particularly in regions where the Tempest Viper's high cost limits deployment. Its twin 20mm Dust cannons offer versatility against a variety of threats.

Specifications

• Crew: 1 pilot (RIO on two seater models)
• Length: 14 meters
• Wingspan: 10 meters (fixed wings)
• Power Source: Single Dust reactor Turbofan (Fire Dust primary, Wind Dust secondary)
• Top Speed: Mach 1
• Range: 1,200 km
• Armor: Lightweight Dust-infused alloy plating, resistant to basic Grimm attacks but vulnerable to heavy firepower
• Sensors: Doppler Radar, Infrared sensors

Design Features

1. Fixed Airframe:
   • The Viper features a fixed-wing design with a sleek but utilitarian frame, lacking the mecha-shift technology of the Tempest Viper. Its wings are angular, making it maneuverable and a stable gun platform.
   • It requires a runway for takeoff and landing, limiting its deployment to established bases like Fort Celliwig, carriers, or makeshift airstrips near the frontier. However, its tough landing gear and frame allow it to handle rougher conditions and carrier landings.
2. Dust-Powered Propulsion:
   • A single Dust reactor turbofan uses Fire Dust for thrust and Wind Dust for lift, providing reliable performance. The system is less efficient than the Tempest Viper's dual reactors, consuming more Dust per kilometer but requiring fewer rare Dust types (e.g., no Gravity Dust).
   • The reactor's simplicity makes maintenance easy.
3. Cockpit and Controls:
   • The cockpit is analog-heavy, with mechanical gauges and a basic Dust-powered targeting system. There's no Aura integration, so pilots rely on standard training rather than enhanced reflexes, making the Viper accessible to non-Huntsmen aviators.
   • Later models and refit versions feature holographic displays and more advanced avionics.
4. Defensive Systems:
   • Lightweight Dust-infused alloy plating offers basic protection against Grimm claws and small-arms fire but struggles against heavier attacks (e.g., Nevermore feathers or Atlesian beam weapons).
   • Lacks the Hard-Light Dust shields and pulse generator of the Tempest Viper, relying on its speed and pilot skill to evade threats.
   • Countermeasures include chaff and Dust flares to disorient flying Grimm.

Armament
The Viper is equipped with simpler weaponry compared to the Tempest Viper, focusing on cost-effective Dust munitions suitable for mass production.

1. Primary Weapon: Twin 20mm Dust Cannons:
   • Mounted on either side of the the nose, these cannons fire 20mm Dust-infused rounds at a rate of 600 rounds per minute. Default Fire Dust rounds explode on impact, effective against Grimm hordes or unarmored aircraft. Each Viper carries about 800 rounds of ammo.
   • Modular Dust types allow limited versatility:
     • Ice Dust: Slows targets by freezing on impact, useful for controlling Grimm like Beowolves or slowing enemy aircraft.
     • Lightning Dust: Disrupts mechanical systems, a basic counter to early Atlesian drones, though less effective against modern tech.
2. Secondary Weapon: Hardpoints (8)
   • Eight external hardpoints allow for a payload of up to 10,000 pounds of munitions, including:
     • High-Explosive Dust Warheads: For annihilating Grimm swarms or breaching airship armor.
     • Cluster Munitions: Scatter smaller explosives to clear Creeps or Beowolves in open terrain.
     • Tracking Missiles: Homing Gravity Dust warheads for engaging fast-moving targets like Sea Feilongs or Atlas dropships.

Tactical Roles
The Viper is used more for support missions these days, reflecting its role as a mass-produced fighter in an earlier era of Remnant's history.

1. Grimm Suppression:

• Objective: Engage Grimm hordes, particularly in rural areas.
• Tactics: Use 20mm Dust cannons to strafe Grimm like Beowolves or Creeps, while Dust missiles, rockets, and bombs target larger threats (e.g., Ursai).
• Strengths: Affordable and numerous, allowing widespread deployment; Dust cannons offer versatility against basic Grimm and the aircraft is still very fast and maneuverable.
• Weaknesses: No VTOL limits deployment flexibility; fixed wings make it vulnerable to more agile Grimm. Lack of shielding and pulse weapons make it more difficult to engage hordes of Grimm.

1. Anti-Air Combat:

• Objective: Defend Valean airspace from rival aircraft (e.g., Mistralian scout ships) or flying Grimm.
• Tactics: Engage with 20mm Dust cannons, using Lightning Dust rounds to disable enemy systems or Ice Dust to slow flying Grimm. The Viper relies on numbers to overwhelm targets.
• Strengths: Simple design allows rapid production; Dust cannons give it an edge over non-Dust-equipped foes. Still very agile and effective in the hands of skilled pilots.
• Weaknesses: Lacks the firepower and shielding of modern Atlasian fighters.

1. Ground Force Support:

• Objective: Assist ground forces in large-scale battles by clearing Grimm, close air support, or providing reconnaissance.
• Tactics: Fly low to strafe Grimm with cannons, creating openings for Huntsmen to engage high-priority targets, use heavier munitions to even the odds.. The Viper's data links can relay information to ground forces in real time.
• Strengths: Enhances Huntsmen and conventional ground force effectiveness with aerial recon and close air support.
• Weaknesses: No Aura integration limits pilot performance; basic systems struggle against smarter Grimm.

Strategic Fit in Remnant

• Grimm Threat: The Viper's 20mm Dust cannons and flexible weapon payload are effective against smaller Grimm hordes, supporting Huntsmen by thinning numbers so they can focus on Alpha Grimm or strategic objectives.
• Rival Nations: Against older rival aircraft, the Viper holds its own, but it's outclassed by modern Atlesian tech unless it has the advantage of better pilots or superior numbers.
• Technological Level: The Viper fits the post-Great War era, using basic Dust tech (Fire, Wind, and limited Hard-Light) without the complex mecha-shift or Aura systems of later designs. Its 20mm Dust cannons are a stepping stone to the Tempest Viper's more advanced weaponry.

Limitations

• No VTOL: Requires runways, limiting its use in rugged terrain.
• Basic Armament: 20mm Dust cannons and basic munitions aren't as powerful or flexible as Hard Light Dust-based weapons.
• No Aura Integration: Pilots can't leverage Aura for enhanced reflexes, making the Viper less effective in high-stakes dogfights.
• Vulnerability: Lacks shields or pulse generators, relying on light armor that can't withstand heavy attacks.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Pyrrha: "Jaune? Arslan?"



Jaune: "Oh hey Pyrrha! Arslan's just showing me some Tablebreaker techniques for dealing with muscle strain!"



Arslan: "As well as other aches and pains."



Arslan is sitting in front of Jaune. He is putting his hands all over her back and sides.



Jaune: "How am I doing?"



Arslan: *purrs happily* "Very niiiiice~."



Pyrrha: "W-Well um... I have some techniques as well, Jaune! From my training!"



Jaune: "Really? I'd love to learn those too!"



Arslan: *raised eyebrow* "Really? Why don't you demonstrate them with me first, Pyrrha? I am the expert after all. It would be instructive for Jaune to watch."



Pyrrha: *bright red* "I don't... You...!"



Jaune: *brightly* "Sure! I do want to improve my skills!"



Arslan: "Though perhaps we should take it slow. While Pyrrha certainly dominated our fights, her mastery of certain esoteric skills is a bit lacking in some areas."



Pyrrha: *scary smile* "I'm sure I can handle anything you can dish out."



Arslan: *similarly scary smile* "I believe that's up to Jaune to decide, don't you?"



Jaune's Brain: Geez did it get tense all of a sudden... Wonder why?



Arslan may be a nun and a good person... But she is still mortal and VERY competitive.

 

[SharkCultist]

Instead of tired burnt out oz we have one who's still very gung ho about being a teacher. Unfortunately for his students all his soul fusions have made him a bit unbalanced and very intense.

On top of the fact that he keeps forgetting that modern remnant people are literally built different from his time. They're much softer.

And even more unfortunately for the students. Oz gets results so he's not getting fired anytime soon (and frankly he scares the piss out of the council so they want him staying in one place. Preferably year round.

---

Goodwitch: "Ozpin is a great teacher he's just a bit...intense."

Ozpin: "I look at you all and I see a crime. Beautiful unbound potential smothered in its crib by mediocrity and complacency. This. This will not stand. I will remake you, reforge you. Or I will break you."

Poor student who doesn't know what he's in for: "Sir I was just asking for the bathroom pass."

Ozpin: "ask? Child you seek to be a warrior. You do not ask, you take. Now come! Take your prize from me."

*Ozpin pulls out a weapon that's almost like a hammer. If a hammers head was made out of spinning and grinding plates of metal*

Dead man walking: "nevermind sir. I no longer need the pass."

Ozpin: "oh child. The pass was not your prize. Your continued ability to walk is the prize."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Ruby tries to help Weiss and Whitley with their relationship...

Ruby: "I mean, it can't be that bad, right?"

Whitley: "Weiss literally pointed her weapon at me when I was trying to help you all."

Ruby: "Okay that's... That's pretty bad. But you guys must have some nice memories together, right?"

Whitley: "Nope."

Ruby: "Wha... Not even one?"

Whitley: "Not a one. We've been pitted against eachother since we were kids and any attempt I made to reach out and be friendly was slapped away since they thought I was just like father."

Ruby: "Oh..."

Whitley: "I was trying to work within the system. They ran off on me. Left me here all alone. Does that sound like something family does?"

Ruby: "... Yang... Yang and my dad fell apart, a few times... But they tried and they love me! And I love them!"

Whitley: "Good for you. Not my situation."

Ruby: pouts

Whitley: "Look Rose, I appreciate you trying to help... I guess."

Ruby: "You guess?!"

Whitley: "You're not doing a good job."

Ruby: "I'm... I'm not?"

Whitley: "No. You're honestly terrible at this. This is your idea of conflict resolution? It's really not good at all. I mean, did you have a plan?"

Ruby: "I'm... Terrible?" tears up

Whitley: "I... I just meant at this-"

Ruby: "I'm terrible!" sobs

Whitley: eyes wide, waves his hands "At this, at this! Stop crying!"

Ruby: "I-I can't stop!"

An engineering problem, a hostile takeover, a mortal threat-All of these are things Whitley Schnee can handle. A crying girl? Not so much.

Whitley: Crap if she keeps crying she'll just get worse... Hmmm...

He gets up, walks around the desk... And pats her on the shoulder.

Whitley: "... There... There?"

Ruby hugs him tightly. Awkwardly, like his arms were made of metal, he slowly hugs her back.

Whitley: "Please don't cry."

Ruby: blubbers "Everyone's... Everyone's putting so much on me and I don't know what the hell to do...! Jaune's helping out but... But my team keeps expecting me to do everything and sort out their crap and just accept their stupid drama and... and...!" sobs harder

Whitley sighs, pats her head: What did I do to deserve this...?

 

[AndrewJTalon]

In the Ever After, during the Ponderstorm...
Blake: "Yang... Just say it. Please. Tell me how you really feel."

Yang sucks in a deep breath, holds onto the bridge. Blake smiles, open, encouraging... Sure she knows the answer...
Yang: "I hate you, Blake!"

Blake: "... What?"

Yang: "I've resented and hated you for a long time now! I've had to bury my true feelings all this time! Keep them down all for the sake of Ruby and the team and the world but the truth is: FUCK. YOU!"

Blake: "But-But why-?!"

Yang: "I HAVE A LIST! You ran out on me at my lowest point! On ALL OF US! You ran back to your parents and their fucking island paradise while we all SUFFERED! You didn't even come back for us, you just came back to try and redeem yourself!"

Blake: "But we killed Adam together! Surely... Doesn't that mean you care for me?"

Yang: "What?! Romantically?!"

Blake: "Well... Yeah?"

Yang: "Would I need to love you to kill the bastard who took my arm?! OF COURSE I HELPED YOU KILL HIM! And despite how angry I am with you, I wasn't going to let you die! But that doesn't fucking mean I love you! You ran out on ALL of us, Blake! And I don't know HOW the hell you got it into your head I was in love with you, but I'm not."

Blake: "You... You aren't?"

Yang: "NO. Hell, you haven't even APOLOGIZED for running out on us! Not ONCE have I EVER heard you say you were sorry! FOR ANYTHING! You're a stuck up, arrogant, self righteous, self absorbed bitch and I have tried, TRIED, to forgive you and move on because the world was more important! But those are my honest feelings, Blake! Straight from the heart!"

The storm keeps going, worse now.
Yang: "Oh what the fuck?! I was totally sincere! UGH! Fine. 'I love you, Blake! I'm a total simp for you just like Sun and I am nothing more than a means of affirming your self esteem and how amazing you are!'"

The storm ends.
Yang: "Fuck you too! Anyway, let's get going Blake."

Blake: tears in her eyes "Yang... You... You really hate me?"

Yang: sighs "... That's probably too strong a word but... I've been keeping all that inside because of how angry I've been. I've been trying to just hide it for the team but... Yeah. I'm not... I resent you a lot, Blake. That's the truth."

Blake: "... I'm sorry."

Yang: "... That's a start, at least. And... We're alive, so that's fine. Even with the Yuri-obsessed thought storms."

Blake: nods "Thank you. Though... You never even thought of me romantically?"

Yang: "Nope."

Blake: "... Not even a little-?"

Yang: "Nope."

Blake: "... Maybe once or twice-?"

Yang: "I'm dating Jaune, Blake."

Blake: "Wh-What?! Since when?!"

Yang: "This is the self absorption part I'm talking about..."

- - -

Yeah, so, I rewatched Volume 9, including that episode. It honestly made my stomach turn. The gay part is beside the point, this pairing makes no damn sense, has no set up, and ultimately was forced as fan service to try and score some brownie points with a few lunatics who, surpisingly enough, weren't numerous or rich enough to keep the show going. So yeah. Fuck Bumblebee. Hope the Japanese reboot erases it entirely.