[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

Dating System for Remnant:


Naturally there would be several calendars, but since the Tablebreaker faith is the largest and most widely established, their calendar would be the one most widely used. So, what's the Calendar?

Well. it's based on the Gregorian Calendar. In that calendar, AD/BC stand for:

Anno Domini ("In the year of our Lord" in Latin)

and

Before Christ.

RWBY came out in 2012 AD but I have put their date at around 2000 years after the Tablebreaker was born.

Thus:

The dating system is anchored not to the Tablebreaker's birth but for his most significant act, referred to as the Fractura Mensae (Breaking of the Table), the beginning of the path to unity and victory over the White Witch (Death and the ultimate Evil). For simplicity, we'll assume this event occurred 2000 years before RWBY Volume 1, marking the year as 0 AMF (Annus Mensae Fractae, Year of the Broken Table).

• Before the Breaking: Years before the epoch are denoted as Ante Fracturam Mensae (AFM, Before the Breaking of the Table). For example, 100 years before the epoch is 100 AFM.
• After the Breaking: Years after the epoch are denoted as AMF. Thus, RWBY Volume 1 would be approximately 2000 AMF.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The Beacon courtyard appeared peaceful under the midday sun, the air thick with the scent of blooming roses and the distant clang of training weapons. This illusion was quickly shattered by two loud shouts.

"YOU!"

"YOU!

Students moved quickly, fleeing the storm brewing where Cardin Winchester and Velvet Scarlatina stood frozen, their faces drained of color.

Cardin's usual swagger was gone, replaced by a litany of muttered curses—"Crap, crap, crap…"—while Velvet's rabbit ears twitched in sync, her soft voice echoing his panic. "Crap, crap, crap…"

Across the cobblestones, two legends of a bygone era squared off, their presence like showdown from ancient mythology come back to life.

Yosemite Sam Winchester, Cardin's grandfather, stomped forward, his red mustache bristling like a lit fuse, his cowboy hat casting a short, angry shadow. Opposite him, Benjamin "Bugs" Scarlatina, Velvet's pawpaw, leaned casually against a lamppost, munching a carrot with a smirk that screamed trouble. The moment their eyes locked, the courtyard crackled with the weight of their ancient feud.

"Well, well, well," Yosemite growled, his boots thudding. "If it ain't the rabbit!"

Bugs's smirk widened, his chomp on the carrot deliberately loud. "Well, if it ain't ol' Shorty."

Yosemite's face went as red as his hair, his growl like a revving engine. "Still addicted to carrots? Surprised ya ain't gotten diabetes yet, rabbit!"

"Ehh, still addicted to blowin' yerself up?" Bugs shot back, twirling the carrot like a baton. "Seems more hazardous to yer health, Sammy Boy."

Velvet, her brown eyes wide with dread, darted forward, her voice a desperate plea. "Papa, please, let's not fight—"

"Yeah, Granddad, it's not a big deal—" Cardin added, his broad shoulders hunching, his usual bravado crumbling.

Bugs raised a brow, his gaze flicking to Velvet. "Eh? You know this redheaded sprog o' Sam's, Velvet?"

Yosemite's eyes narrowed, his glare pinning Cardin. "You know this little brat o' the rabbit's?"

"Don't you call my granddaughter a brat!" Bugs snapped, pointing a gloved finger. "I wouldn't be talkin' with the musclehead you produced!"

"Better a musclehead than a delicate little—!" Yosemite started, his voice rising to a bellow.

Velvet, her face flaming scarlet, grabbed Cardin's hand in a panic-driven lunge, her voice cracking. "Papa, please! He's my boyfriend!"

Cardin's jaw went slack, his hazel eyes bulging as his brain short-circuited. The courtyard fell silent, save for the distant chirp of a sparrow.

Bugs and Yosemite's voices exploded in unison. "WHAT?!"

"Yer datin' Sam's grandson?!" Bugs gaped, his carrot hitting the ground with a soft thud.

"No boy o' mine is gonna date any relation o' the rabbit's!" Yosemite roared, his hat nearly flying off as he shook a fist.

"He's no good fer ya, sweetie!" Bugs added, flailing his arms. "He's all guts, no brains—!"

"Oh like yer little brat is any great prize!" Sam snarled.

"Still better than your overgrown lummox of a grandson!"

"She got yer effeminate nature, ya doggone lowdown crossdressing varmint!" Sam bellowed.

Bugs snickered. "Heh! Seems to me you passed down yer taste fer 'em!"

"You crossdressin' varmint!" Yosemite bellowed, his mustache quivering. "That's all yer fault!"

The two grandfathers launched into a full-blown shouting match, their insults echoing across the courtyard—"Carrot-chompin' con artist!" "Dynamite-dumb dimwit!"—as students began to gather, drawn by the spectacle.

Cardin seized the chance, grabbing Velvet's wrist and dragging her toward the dorms, his voice a harsh whisper. "Seriously?! How did that help?!"

Velvet's ears drooped, her face still burning as she stumbled after him. "I panicked!"

"Well think of something, quick!" Cardin hissed, "Before they break out the big guns!"

"I-I can't-!"

"You can!" Cardin growled, squeezing her hand tightly. "Come on! You can do it!"

"You… You believe in me?" Velvet asked in shock.

Cardin's point was more that Velvet had gotten them into this mess… But beggars couldn't be choosers.

"Yes!" He said firmly, squeezing her hands between his as he stared into her (gorgeous) eyes, "I believe in you!"

Velvet flushed.

Shit that's cute, Cardin thought.

Velvet turned to their arguing grandparents, and took a deep breath.

"HEY! CUT IT OUT!" She screamed.

Both Bugs and Sam paused, one wielding a singing sword, the other his twin guns.

Velvet, her ears trembling but her resolve hardening, doubled down, her voice firm despite the blush consuming her face. "W-Well, we're madly in love, and you'd better behave yourselves, or we won't see you during the holidays! Or let you see your grandkids!"

Cardin, snapping out of his daze, managed a shaky, "Y-Yeah!"

Bugs and Yosemite froze, their eyes narrowing as they sized each other up, the weight of Velvet's ultimatum sinking in.

Bugs scratched his chin, his tone grudging but softer. "Well… if it's true love an' all… eh, no accountin' fer taste…"

Yosemite crossed his arms, his scowl deep but wavering. "I ain't gonna attend no weddin' with no rabbits!"

Cardin's voice cracked, his face paling. "Wedding?!"

"Well, if he's gotten her with a bushel of bunnies, he's gonna marry her!" Bugs stated firmly.

"Oh no he ain't!" Sam bellowed, holding his guns up. Bugs stood right up to him, sword held up.

"Oh yes he is!"

"Ohhh no he ain't!"

"OHHH YES HE IS!"

"OHHH NO HE AIN'T!"

Bugs took a deep breath.

"OHH NO HE WON'T!"

"OHHH YES HE WILL!" Sam shouted.

"OH NO HE WON'T!"

"OHHH YES HE WILL!"

"OHHH NO HE WON'T!"

Sam threw his hat down on the ground and growled.

"DAGNABBIT IF HE'S GOTTEN HER PREGNANT HE'S GONNA MARRY HER BECAUSE A WINCHESTER STANDS BY HIS WOMAN! EVEN IF SHE'S RELATED TO THE RABBIT!" He glared at Cardin and thrust a finger at him like he was pointing his gun. "YOU HEAR THAT BOY?! IF YOU KNOCK HER UP YOU'RE MARRYING HER AND NEVER BREAKING HER HEART!"

"Y-YES SIR!" Cardin declared, holding Velvet's hand more tightly as he stood at military attention. "I'LL LOVE AND TREASURE HER FOREVER!"

Sam nodded, crossing his arms over his chest with a firm nod.

"Dang right!"

"Well well," Bugs chuckled, "Guess that showed me, Sam. Good to know yer raising an upstandin' young man."

Sam preened, putting his thumbs behind his suspenders.

"I am!"

He paused and frowned.

"Wait a second… Somethin' don't seem right about this here situation," he muttered.

Velvet squeezed Cardin's hand desperately. The redhead cleared his throat.

"Pr-Probably because we're not having a nice luncheon with our grandpas! T-To celebrate us dating!" Cardin offered.

"Sounds good to me!" Bugs laughed, pushing Sam towards the cafeteria, "Come on, let's go, let's go!"

"Fine fine, don't rush me, rabbit!" Sam huffed.

As Bugs passed by Cardin, he still grinned… But lowered his voice.

"Just so you know, you break her heart, you're not gonna make it, Doc~."

In that moment, staring into the old Rabbit Faunus' eyes, Cardin knew true terror. Then Velvet stepped up with her (adorable) pout and scowled at her grandfather.

"He won't, Pawpaw," Velvet said sincerely.

"Y-Yeah, I won't," Cardin managed.

Bugs' smile became warm and light again, as did the atmosphere.

"Great! Let's see how the roast carrots are here!"

"You and your carrots, rabbit!" Sam groaned, as the two old rivals bustled into the cafeteria.

Cardin and Velvet looked at eachother.

"What have you gotten me into?" Cardin sighed.

"I-I could say the same," Velvet managed. She sighed. "Still… If we can keep them from fighting when they visit, it'll be worth it."

Cardin nodded.

"Yeah… Yeah, sure."

"But um…" Velvet smiled shyly, "Thanks for playing along."

"I didn't exactly have much choice," Cardin deadpanned. Velvet flushed.

"I-I know… Still…"

"Come on," Cardin sighed, tugging her by her hand, "Let's make sure those two don't start fighting without us."

"Y-yeah," Velvet agreed.

The two headed into the cafeteria, still holding hands.

For the sake of Beacon's peace and quiet, of course.

- - - - -

Notes:
Naturally, Cardin's grandfather is Yosemite Sam and Velvet's grandfather is Bugs Bunny, both from Looney Tunes.

I meant to post this last week on my Patreon but I screwed up. So it's here a bit early.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Cardin's Semblance, Aegis, allows him to manifest a protective spectral shield that draws on the strength and resolve of his warrior lineage. The shield appears as a shimmering, translucent barrier imbued with faint imagery of his ancestors' heraldry (e.g., a stylized mace or crest associated with the Winchester family). It can absorb and redirect physical and energy-based attacks, growing stronger the more Cardin channels his determination to protect others or uphold his family's legacy. However, the Semblance's effectiveness is tied to his emotional state and conviction—doubt, anger, or prejudice can weaken its stability, causing it to flicker or falter.

Activation: Cardin summons the shield by focusing on his duty as a protector, often accompanied by a resolute stance or a rallying cry. The shield can cover himself or extend to protect nearby allies within a small radius (about 5-10 meters).

Strength: The shield's durability scales with Cardin's emotional resolve. When he's driven by a genuine desire to protect (e.g., defending teammates or innocents), it can withstand significant damage, even from powerful Grimm or Huntsman attacks. When clouded by rage or prejudice, the shield becomes brittle, cracking under pressure.

Redirection: Cardin can redirect absorbed energy or force as a concussive burst, though this requires precise timing and focus. The burst is not as powerful as the original attack but can stagger enemies or clear space.

Cost: Activating Ancestral Aegis drains Cardin's Aura significantly, especially if maintained for long periods or used to absorb heavy attacks. Overuse leaves him vulnerable.

He's been using this Semblance just to get in close enough to bash enemies, thinking that the shield didn't last long period. But he could learn over time that channeling more positive emotions can make the shield stronger and last longer.

Just an idea.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

• Name: Jinjur Hardy
• Allusion: General Jinjur, The Marvelous Land of Oz
• Naming Process: Ginger refers to a spice, from Old English ginȝifer, ginȝiber, from Late Latin gingiber, from Latin zingiberi, from Greek zingiberis, from Prakrit (Middle Indic) singabera, from Sanskrit srngaveram, from srngam "horn" + vera- "body," so called from the shape of its root. But this may be Sanskrit folk etymology, and the word may be from an ancient Dravidian word that also produced the modern name for the spice, inchi-ver (inchi "ginger", ver "root"). Hardy: Old German element hart meaning "hard, firm, brave, hardy".
• Age: Late 30s/Early 40s
• Background: The Hardy family is an ancient and noble family, tracing their roots all the way back to the founding of Mantle. While no longer among the richest, they are still elites and have a storied lineage of politicians, soldiers, and heroes. Jinjur Hardy is the first daughter of the current family head, Fredrick, and has had a meteoritic rise in the Atlasian Military. Graduating first in her class from the Atlasian Military Academy, she excelled in politicking and delegation, having a knack for finding competent people to solve problems. She had no shortage of confidence and began to rise by making excellent connections and taking on challenging assignments. Her combat abilities were also very impressive, combined with her unusual Semblance. However, underneath all this lay a dark side: A century ago, the Hardy family had supposed the coup against the Mantle Government, an act that led to the Great War. The Hardys and other older Atlasian families felt it was their destiny to rule over Remnant, and create a mighty empire that would last a thousand years. The 1K Society thus made it their mission to push Atlas back on the path to imperialism for the good of mankind and Faunus, and Hardy was fully onboard. Her ambition was nothing short of becoming the next sole ruler of Atlas, and then Remnant as its protector. Her ambition and skill led her to becoming the youngest General in Atlasian history. Her aggressive style and emphasis on pushing Atlas' agenda, however, has made her a number of political enemies: General James Ironwood among them. While professional enough to work together on operations, Jinjur's domineering personality caused a great deal of conflict between the two. Jinjur thus sees James Ironwood as an obstacle on the way to her destiny. And she will find a way to remove all such obstacles.
• Race: Human
• Emblem: Twin Needles
• Weapon: "Singer" - A needle gun. She also uses individual needles as projectile or melee weapons, infused with Dust or Aura to strengthen them.
• Semblance: "Voodoo"
  • Jinjur is able to inflict various status effects on enemies she can hit with an item she has infused with her Aura-In this case, she mainly relies on needles to pierce their flesh and establish a stronger connection. This ranges from causing intense pain, paralysis, or taking control of their bodily functions. Or hitting vital areas to cause maximum damage.. She must overpower the will of a victim and can only control one person fully at a time-Groups of people she can only inflict pain or other status effects. She can even take over Grimm briefly, but again, only one at a time and it's temporary. The larger the Aura charge she can put into a needle, the longer the effect can last. She can make the effect last longer if the needle is connected to her by a silken thread to conduct Aura through, though this has many disadvantages.
• Appearance: Beautiful redhead woman of slightly below average height with severe freckles over her cheeks, brown eyes, hair is short and curly. Graceful and athletic in appearance-Slimmer than Pyrrha, built more like Weiss but taller.
• Outfit: Standard Atlasian military uniform, with the exception of a long skirt instead of pants, a red cape, and a tall shako hat. Her rank allows her these modifications. She has her Singer gun at her side and knitting needles all over her uniform, ready to be used at any times.
• Personality: While outwardly charming and charismatic, as well as a competent manager and tactical thinker, inside Jinjur is self obsessed and narcissistic. She is intelligent but overly prideful, often holding grudges in private while outwardly being kind and understanding. She is an accomplished schemer and politically minded, with a ruthlessness born of her heritage and ambition. She has a few true friends and companions on her journey to become ruler of Atlas, but is prone to paranoia and mistrust. Devious and never to be underestimated or fully trusted.
• Notes: I felt Ironwood's villain arc was poorly done and as a result, I took another Wizard of Oz character for inspiration for a General Ripper. We've already seen that crazy midget with the giant robot in Argus, why not another vainglorious Atlasian military officer to be an actual villain? Unlike, say, Jacques Schnee, Jinjur would not be a direct agent of Salem. Watts would just manipulate her into following her worst impulses and becoming a villain, a useful idiot. And after Vytal, she would be the kind of person who would politick to replace Ironwood as Supreme Commander of Atlas' military forces. Thus, you have Ironwood demoted and having to work with RWBY and JNOR against the Mad General.

 

[SharkCultist]

There are some friends that you love as a person but dread interacting with in public.

Nora was one such friend for Weiss.

So when she heard the loud girl yelling for her across the cafeteria she braced herself for the incoming headache.

"Weiss you know lots about dust riiiight?"

"I'm not helping you make better bombs."

"I don't want that, well I don't want that right now, nah I got some new weird dust types, crystal and powder and I want you to tell me what they are."

Sigh. Ok it could definitely be worse.

"Alright show me."

Thunk

Weiss stared at the substances on the table.

"Nora. This isn't dust."

"Huh? Then what is it?"

"I have a better question, where the hell did you get crystal meth and cocaine in a school?!"

"Dr.Oblek dropped em! I was gonna give em back but he zippied off before I could."

"Somehow that makes far too much sense. Well we better dispose of these."

"We just throw them in the trash?"

"What? No. We put them in team CRDL's lockers and call Goodwitch."

 

[AndrewJTalon]

You know, for something based on shonen anime it is strange RWBY never had a ranking system for... Anything, really. The earliest example I can think of is power levels in Dragonball Z-And yes, that was meant to deconstruct the idea of power levels that fans were assigning and show that they weren't the end all be all of how strong a character was. That was up to the character (and the narrative). But some kind of ranking system for Hunters would have been a good idea as narrative shorthand: It can demonstrate how strong or weak an opponent is, it can be defied, it can be set up to measure several things and give an overall idea of how strong a character is and in what ways.

It's not like you have to drop an entire RPG guidebook's worth of info in every episode-Indeed, you shouldn't. But it's a helpful way for fans to interface with the universe, better understand it, and improve immersion. So, here's a quick and dirty system I devised:

The Woggle Bee Scale is used as a standard metric for the strength class of Hunters and other Aura Activated Individuals, and assigns ranking based on overall metrics from Aura Strength, Semblance, Intelligence, Strength, Speed, Utility, and other factors. These Ranks are not permanent: Hard training, Semblance evolution, technological assistance or other skills and assets can increase an individual's ranking. And within the rankings there can be different degrees. A rating of C-1 would be stronger overall than a ranking of C-10, as an example.

E Rank

Individuals whose Aura, while unlocked, is too low for significant combat potential. High intelligence and training can improve this rating but the majority of people with no Aura or low Aura are E-Ranked.

Examples: Saphron Arc, Athena Nikos, Lisa Lavender, most civilians.

D Rank

Individuals with below average potential even with Aura unlocked. Having a viable Semblance is the basic requirement to be at D-Rank but its combat or utility potential is low. Usually become support personnel such as mechanics, Aura healers, scouts, etc. Can fight regular humans/faunus just fine but aren't anywhere near the level for entrance into an elite Academy.

Examples: Aura unlocked White Fang Henchmen, Local militia members, standard members of the military.

C Rank

Individuals with average potential. These make up regular Huntsmen forces and fill out PMCs. With hard work they can get into an Elite Huntsman Academy. Have a combat viable Semblance or combat potential to let them fight well or serve as support.

Examples: Most of Beacon's background students, combat medics, higher level members of military forces, Team CRDL, Team BRNZ, Jaune Arc in Volume 1-2.

B Rank

Individuals with above average potential. They have strong Aura reserves, a good Semblance, great talent or training with advanced weapons or some combination thereof. These tend to go to Elite Huntsman Academies, Military special forces, or the highest levels of PMCs. Many can become Hunter Captains with hard work.

Examples: Team RWBY, Jaune Arc, Nora Valkyrie, Lie Ren in Volume 3-4, Team CVFY, Team SSSN, Professor Peach.

A Rank

Individuals with well above average potential. Incredible Semblances, great fighting ability, fantastic support skills or training, weapons mastery-These tend to be among the most elite fighters or support. Easily tops at Elite Huntsman Academies, military special forces, PMCs, or other special outfits.

Examples: Pyrrha Nikos, Cinder Fall pre- Full Maiden powers, Penny Polendinia in Volume 1-3), Mercury Black, Taiyang Xiao-Long (Present), Roman Torchwick.

S Rank

Individuals who are the top tier period. The most powerful, most skilled, best armed, best trained, and most dangerous. The best of the best of the best, and most formidable in combat or support.

Examples: Qrow Branwen, Raven Branwen, Summer Rose, Taiyang Xiao-Long (In his prime), Penny Polendinia (Volume 7 onwards), Cinder Fall (Full Maiden powers), Isabel Arc, Glynda Goodwitch, Winter Schnee.

Note: Isabel Arc is S-Rank but that doesn't mean she can fight on the same level as Glynda. Her Semblance and healing skills just make her that exceptional for support.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

• Name: Rufus Winchester
• Allusion: Perun, Slavic God of Storms, Gimli from Lord of the Rings, Commander Adama from Battlestar Galactica
• Naming Process: The name Rufus is of Latin origin, meaning "red-haired." The name Winchester is of English origin, derived from the city of Winchester in Hampshire, England. It comes from the Old English words "ventaceaster," meaning "dweller at the Roman fort," and is linked to the city's historical significance as a Roman settlement known as Venta Belgarum.
• Age: 50s
• Background: The Winchester family can trace its roots all the way back to the founding of Vale, and were minor kings in Arminius before their dynasty fell and they were taken in by Vale under the Emerald Emperor. They were loyal knights who served well, and fought alongside the Vale. They did intermarry with other nobles across Sanus, and had several members who fought alongside the Gallians, Albions, and other great nations of the continent. But their primary family was in Vale, and they served the Emerald Emperor well. In the Great War, the Winchesters acquitted themselves well as frontline fighters and generals, and helped bring about victory. Absalom Winchester was a great military commander, whose victory at the Battle of Saranto is still studied in military academies to this day. However, in later years Absalom was appointed to deal with the Faunus Revolution. This did not go well, as the old war horse was stuck in old fashioned ways of thinking. While not personally known to be prejudiced against Faunus, he ordered brutal attacks on Faunus population centers to flush out their troops and was branded the Butcher and was blamed for the Albus Pass Massacre. While the Faunus revolution was not as bad in Vale as it was in Atlas and Mistral, this appelation still stuck with him after he was removed from his position and retired. He was then killed by a Faunus assassin in the family mansion. His only surviving son, Rufus, took up leadership of the family at the age of 17, when he entered Beacon Academy. He excelled in all his studies, particularly in law and military history, and graduated first in this class. He became a Hunter Captain and lead several operations against terrorist enclaves, supporting military operations against major Grimm, and in the Vytal Games he was appointed Master of Ceremonies, a very prestigious honor. He retired and entered law school at the age of 24, graduating and starting his own law firm. By age 32, he successfully ran for city council, and won. Over the next decade he worked hard in politics and law, before he was elected to the High Council of Vale by age 40. He became popular among Hunters, the military and native Valeans, but his grandfather's past has always been used against him by his political rivals. Rufus has been skeptical of any Faunus right initiatives that involved the White Fang, and has spoken out against formal diplomatic ties with Menagerie until they disavow the White Fang entirely. He has raised his children to live up to the ideals of their family and Vale, and to serve the nation proudly. To protect all their citizens, human or faunus, but not everything translates properly. And while he loves his son, he has made mistakes in how he raised him.
• Race: Human
• Emblem: Double Axes
• Weapon: "Judgement": A double-headed great axe with Dust Slot enhancements, delivering high powered Dust blasts with every blow. Has four smaller single-headed axes he throws, called "The Jury".
• Semblance: "Focus Aggression"
  • Rufus is able to focus his negative emotions and pulse it, attracting all Grimm within a set area towards him. This allows him to act as a decoy and pull all Grimm attention on him and not on anyone else. He has used it to lure Grimm hordes away from targets or into ambushes, and to split up enemy hordes.
• Appearance: Stout, muscular middle aged orange haired man with a bushy mustache and beard. Tall with a bald head.
• Outfit: Dark green and teal suit with a red tie as a councilman. Usually wearing a Huntsman pin from Beacon on his broach.
• Personality: A bit of a blowhard and prone to argument and debate, Rufus is nevertheless an intelligent and cunning lawyer and politician. He is unafraid to speak the truth and hates subterfuge, but knows how to make himself appear less intelligent than he really is. Can lose his temper and be quite fierce, but is able to be talked down. His honest and direct approach has won him many fans among the working class and Huntsman, but many enemies among the political elite. He prefers direct action over subterfuge, but knows how to play the game. Does love his children, but was hard on Cardin to ensure he grew up strong. And sometimes doesn't know how to speak on his feelings with those he cares most for.
• Notes: Prunella Glocken's enemy and antithesis, and Cardin's father. He's not a paragon, mind you. But he is a badass and a forthright politician, though it has cost him a great deal. He is nevertheless someone Ozpin can trust, even if he will argue with him on multiple points.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

After reforming, Cardin and his team had taken it upon themselves to be bros to all-Especially Jaune and Ren. During a study break, Team CRDL, Jaune and Ren were discussing things at a table some distance from RWBY, Nora, and Pyrrha.

Ruby: "Sooo... What do you think they're talking about? Blake?"

Blake: "Not telling."

Yang: "Come onnn! You should!"

Blake: "No."

Weiss: snorts "It's probably lewd and asinine. Like comparing which girl has the largest chest or something."

Nora: "Oooh... So they won't be talking about you? Clever, Weissy!"

Weiss: furious "You-I-URGH!"

Yang: laughs "Relax Weiss! VB's still got a torch for you!"

Weiss: "I don't care!"

Pyrrha: "Still... It might be nice to know what they're talking about? Blake?"

Blake: "I said no."

Abruptly, Jaune gets up. He turns and walks over to the table where the ladies are sitting at. He looks Yang right in the eyes.

Yang: "Uh... Something I can help you with, VB?"

Jaune: "Yang? I think you'd still be one of the hottest girls at this school even if you had a beard. I bet it would be just as beautiful and luxurious as your hair."

Silence. Yang's jaw drops. Jaune flushes, then shrugs.

Jaune: "All I wanted to say." He turns back, walks back to the table, and sits down. The rest of the young men stare in awe at him.

Yang: "I... What?!"

Pyrrha: "What-What were they talking about that led there?!"

Blake: turns back to her book "I can't even understand it myself, so I'm not even going to try."

Ruby: "At least give us a heads up next time?!"

Blake: "No. This was funnier."

 

[SharkCultist]

Jaune Arc was a simple man with simple desires.

Oh sure once he dreamed of heroics and battle as any young boy does but time had tempered that fire.

No Jaune was content with his farm life, his beautiful wife, and his kids.

Up at dawn while he left his lovely wife cocooned in their blankets, her crimson hair the only thing poking out from the blanket barrier.

Pyrrha wasn't a morning person and that was ok. He made the better breakfast anyway.

After making a quick batch of pancakes (with extra red syrup of course) and covering plates for his family he ate quickly and went to the fields.

First things first check on the animals. Make sure that Blake and Zwei had their bowls filled and that that damn bull Adam wasn't tearing up the fence. Again.

After that check on the scareqrow and make sure it didn't need any repairs.

No tears, no wood rot in the stand and it was well secured.

It was fine. Everything was fine.

So why did he feel a pit in his stomach?

He decided to give the entire farm a once over.

The sun was beginning to creep up in the sky and move the shadows in weird angles. That one over by the Forrest almost looked like a person.

Except when Jaune took a second look that was a person. Or close to it. Against the tree a person shaped shadow, female obviously by the dress outline, kinda short.

Jaune?

Pain lanced through his head and he had to close his eyes for a second to let it pass. When he opened them whatever hallucination he saw was gone. It was just him and the Ravens in the trees.

Wonderful. The heat must be getting to him, it's about lunch time, might as well go take a break instead of standing around doing nothing.

He enters the house and notices the door squeaking, he'll have to fix that later.

For now a sandwich and some tea sound magical.

Pyrrha is up and at the table waiting for him. She's nursing a glass of hot tea and still has bedhead. The kids aren't around, must be out playing.

"Hey."

"Hey."

She's a vision of beauty even like this, bleary eyed and grumpy. He loved every part of her. Her hair, her eyes, even her scar...her...hmmm. lost his train of thought.

"Hungry?"

She gave a hum and shook her head. That was fine.

"How was your day?"

"Fine. Started feeling weird and figured I needed a rest. Came back home."

There was a odd look in Pyrrhas eyes. One part pity, one part pain.

"It's time to get up Jaune. There's been enough rest."

Something about her tone made his stomach drop.

"Pyrrha?"

"Jaune. I love you and I wish I didn't have to do this. But people need you."

He's just a farmer, who would need him? He's fine here with his family.

"How did we meet Jaune?"

They met at Beacon.

"It was....after you left beacon right?"

"How many kids do we have? What are their names? Boys or girls?"

That's a easy one their names are...he can't remember their names. He can't remember their faces. This is wrong. This can't be happening.

"Jaune. What injury do you think made me leave beacon?"

Yeah. They got married after she had to quit being a huntress. Because of the injury. The Arrow.

He was crying. He was confused and scared and even though Pyrrha was right there it felt like she was far outside of his reach.

He looked at her begging for some kind of lifeline. Something to prove that this was just a cruel prank.

She was crying. Just as hard as he was.

"I don't want you to go. I want to be selfish, to hold you here with me. But people need you, good people. Our friends and family, real family Jaune not dreams, need you."

His friends....RWBY. his family Ren and Nora and all the Arcs. They needed him. But.

"I don't want to go."

"I know. But you will."

"I should have stayed a farmer."

Jaune got up from the table feeling like his body was weighed down with the weight of the world. He headed to the door and went to face the world.

---

He woke up Inside some kind of large goopy black egg. Thrashing and glowing harshly with aura he ripped himself out of the fleshy prison and collapsed to the ground throwing up lungfuls of black goo.

He looked around. There were more of the eggs with his friends floating in them. Their faces twisted in anger and fear.

He got to work ripping them out of the eggs one by one.

The first one to recover enough to talk was Ren.

"T-thank you Jaune."

"How'd you get out?"

He wasn't sure who asked that. His head still wasn't in a good place

"Pyrrha woke me up after things started to get strange."

It was dead silent.

"Pyrrha was there?"

"Yeah. What people were in your dreams? And how come I'm the only one who woke up?"

"We didn't have dreams Jaune. We were alone in the dark. All of us."

The words hit Jaune harder than any blow. Already he could feel the fake memories fading away, no games with kids that didn't exist or toiling away on a farm that wasn't there. It was all draining away.

Except.

He still remembers her voice, dancing together in the barn, cuddling on the porch in the moonlight, soft touches and warm laughter.

Everything else may have been fake. But Pyrrha was very real. And she saved him one last time.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

They really needed to stop going out to be vigilantes. It never ended well! Jaune had tried to talk Blake out of it, so had Ruby. But somehow his "fiance" had run off like she always did!'

Now RWBY and JNPR had followed her out to an outpost where the White Fang were holed up. And they were... Past tense. Now there were nothing but Grimm, including an Alpha that roared at them.

Jaune: "Okay... Ruby? We'll begin a fighting retreat. Pyrrha and Yang in the back!"

Ruby: "Right! We'll cut our way out back and-!"

A sudden chill fell over the rickety old outpost... And a blue and black blur burst through the window. Grimm fell to pieces as frost and ice erupted all around them.

Weiss: "What the-?!"

The Alpha Grimm roared and charged at the blur. It stopped, but its icy blade blurred as it was slashed through the air at superhuman speeds. The Grimm fell back, frozen solid... and then fell apart into pieces. It collapsed into a pile. The icy mists receded... And a curvy, beautiful fox Faunus girl stood amid the ice, sheathing her sword.

Miyabi: taps her earpiece "Building is clear." She turned to the group "Hunters-in-training have been located."

Jaune blinked a few times, as did Blake.

Jaune/Blake: "Miyabi?!"

They start and look at one another.

Jaune/Blake: "You know her?!"

Miyabi approaches Jaune with a soft smile. He hugs her... Much to the ire of the other women.

Jaune: "It's great to see you!"

Miyabi: "Likewise. It has been some time, Jaune... Same with you, Blake."

Blake tensed.

Miyabi: "As Section 6 chief of the Special Operations Force for Atlas' Public Safety Division, I do have the jurisdiction to place you under arrest for terrorism, grand larceny, arson, conspiracy to distribute pornography without a license-"

Weiss: "That last one is somehow the least surprising..."

Jaune: "Miyabi... Um... Things are... Complicated-"

Blake: "He's my fiance! I'm pregnant!"

Miyabi: "Why are you on a mission then? That's very irresponsible. You should care for your unborn child better, Blake. You were always irresponsible."

Blake: "You signed up with Atlas and human security forces!"

Miyabi: "Yes. After Menagerie banished my family for political reasons."

Blake: "My parents tried to prevent your expulsion!"

Miyabi: "Yes, which is why I'm willing to hear you out and not just knocking you out."

Jaune: "Um, well..."

Blake sighs.

Blake: "Please call Headmaster Ozpin on this number."

Blake hands it over. Miyabi calls.

Miyabi: "Headmaster, this is Hoshimi Miyabi. It is about Blake Belladonna... I see. It would have been nice to have been informed of this beforehand... I understand. Thank you. Have a good evening." She ends the call "I see... Forgive me, Blake. I did not know the situation."

Blake: "It... I have a lot to make up for."

Miyabi: "Yes. You do."

Blake: scowls "How do you know Jaune, anyway?!"

Miyabi: "My father and I stayed for a time in Radian after our exile. We stayed with the Arcs while my father set up his businesses. Jaune was very kind."

Pyrrha: "He is at that." A bit tense.

Miyabi: "In fact, I believe he proposed marriage to me."

RWBY, Jaune and Pyrrha: "WHAT?!"

Nora: "Another shocking twist! Ren! We need dramatic organ music!"

Ren: "No."

Nora: "Awww!"

Jaune: "I DIDN'T! I-I mean, I don't think I did!"

Miyabi: "My apologies. That was a joke."

Nora: "HAHAHA! That was great!"

Jaune: "It wasn't! I-I mean, it was funny, Miyabi, but um... Maybe with time?"

Miyabi: "Ah. I shall continue my training in comedy to improve. In any event, it is good to see you both well, Jaune, Blake. My section is on detached assignment in Vale for the time being. It would be nice to catch up."

Jaune: "Y-yes, it would be!"

At the glares of her fellow teammates... Blake sighs.

Blake: "Sure."

Miyabi: "Excellent. Excuse me please." She dashes off

Weiss: "Seriously?! You BOTH know her?!"

Jaune: "Small world, huh?"

Blake: "It's getting a little too small and... What's that in your pocket?"

Jaune: "What? Oh... Um..." unfolds a piece of paper "Her Scroll number."

Yang: "With a lipstick mark?" sarcastic

Jaune: "It's just another of her jokes! Honest! I see her like a little sister!"

Ruby: "A little sister with bazongas out to here! HOW IS THAT FAIR?!"

Weiss: "Oh gee, you think YOU have issues?!"

Ruby: "So you're admitting I'm bustier than you despite being two years younger~?"

Weiss: "DIE!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The Beacon courtyard buzzed with the usual hum of student chatter, the air thick with the scent of freshly cut grass and polished Dust-infused weapons. Team RWBY and JNPR lingered near a fountain, catching their breath after a sparring session, when a bizarre duel erupted before them. Jaune Arc, his blond hair mussed and his blue eyes blazing, squared off against Billy Kid, a lanky, gunmetal-gray android with glowing yellow optics and a star-spangled scarf fluttering dramatically. Billy, a close friend of Jaune's father and an honorary "uncle" to the Arc clan, clutched a volume of Starlight Knights like a sacred relic, his mechanical voice crackling with nerdy indignation. Jaune, brandishing a pristine Starlight Brigade manga, wasn't backing down.

"You take that back!" Jaune shouted, jabbing his manga forward. "Starlight Brigade is superior to Starlight Knights!"

"NO WAY, STARLIGHT BUDDY!" Billy retorted, his optics flaring as he waved his manga. "How dare ya turn yer back on Starlight Knights! Starlight Brigade's just a cheap knock-off!"

"They're totally different!" Jaune countered, stepping closer. "But Starlight Brigade is BETTER!"

"BLASPHEMY!" Billy's voice glitched, his metal fingers tightening as he lunged, manga raised like a sword.

Their volumes clashed with a thwap, pages fluttering in the breeze as they parried and swung, their nerdy duel drawing a crowd of gawking students.

Ruby Rose's silver eyes lit up, and she couldn't resist. She snatched a Starlight Brigade volume from Jaune's backpack, leaping in with a squeal. "I'm with Jaune! Starlight Brigade forever!"

Billy's head swiveled, his optics narrowing. "What?! How could ya join the side of EVIL, lil' scythe gal?!"

Jaune held up a hand, his voice firm despite the absurdity. "Stay back, Ruby! This is a duel between men over hot-blooded manga! We can't fight him two on one—it'd be unfair!"

Weiss Schnee, her arms crossed and her ice-blue eyes rolling, muttered, "What am I even looking at?"

"Hey, beats History class," Yang snickered.

"GO JAUNE AND JAUNE'S ROBOT UNCLE!" Nora cheered.

Billy struck a dramatic pose, his scarf billowing as he raised his manga high. "STARLIGHT BREAKER SUPREME!"

Jaune mirrored him, his voice booming. "STARLIGHT POWER CHORRRRD!"

With a final smack, Jaune's swing knocked the manga from Billy's grip, sending it sailing into the grass. Billy's optics flickered, and he dropped to his knees, his metal hands clutching his faceplate. "NOOOOOOOO!!!"

Jaune's triumph faltered, his eyes widening with guilt. "Oh! Billy! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to!"

Billy's voice hitched, his servos whirring mournfully. "It was a limited edition with FOIL WRAP, Jaune! Signed by the artist at Vale Comic-Con!"

Jaune's face crumpled, his voice a horrified gasp. "NOOOOOOO!"

The crowd murmured, Yang Xiao Long biting her lip to hide her grin, her lilac eyes glinting with suppressed nerdy glee—she itched to join the manga brawl but feared outing herself as a closet geek. Blake Belladonna, leaning against a tree, smirked behind her novel, while Pyrrha Nikos watched with a mix of concern and amusement. Nora Valkyrie cackled, nudging Ren, who sighed, "This is why I avoid conventions."

Before the drama could spiral further, a nearby TV screen on the courtyard's bulletin board flared to life, blaring an ad. A bombastic voice announced, "Prepare for the ultimate crossover! Starlight Knights and Starlight Brigade unite in a special episode, with a new line of limited-edition merch dropping this week!"

Billy's optics snapped up, his voice glitching with awe. "GASP! Starlight Buddy… we shouldn't be fightin'!"

Jaune's eyes sparkled, his grin wide as he grabbed Billy's metal shoulders. "YEAH! STARLIGHT IS THE BEST!"

"YEAAAAHHHHH!" Billy cheered, as he and Jaune high-fived, their feud forgotten.

Weiss's patience shattered, her voice a shrill bark. "WILL YOU TWO WEIRDOS CUT IT OUT ALREADY?!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Astra Yao: "Oh, hello Weiss~! Quite a change in career wouldn't you say? From songtress to Huntress?"

Weiss: irritated "I'm sure you're happy for less competition."

Astra Yao: "But I enjoyed our little rivalry! I think it brought out the color in your cheeks~."

Weiss: "Grrrr...!"

Jaune: "Hey Weiss, Ruby wanted me to-Oh wow! Astra Yao?!"

Astra: "Oh, are you a fan?"

Jaune: "My sister has all of your albums!"

Astra: "Oh, wonderful~!"

Weiss: "Wha-HOW IN THE HELL HAVE YOU HEARD OF HER AND NOT ME?!"

Astra: "Now now, Weiss, I'm sure your boyfriend enjoys your singing voice more than mine."

Weiss: "HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!"

Jaune: "Did you do tours across Vale?"

Weiss: "I DID 2 TOURS THROUGH VALE!"

Jaune: "Oh... I guess my sisters weren't fans?"

Weiss: "Wha-THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU LISTEN TO ME?!"

Jaune: "Sorry? I was busy with farm work and studying for medical school?"

Astra: "If he's not your boyfriend why do you even care, Weiss~?"

Weiss: "I-YOU-I DO NOT-SHUT UP!"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

The bustling streets of Vale's downtown district thrummed with life, the air heavy with the scent of street food and the hum of Dust-powered neon signs. Jaune Arc, his blond hair catching the evening glow, walked stiffly beside Blake Belladonna, her amber eyes scanning the crowd with a wary edge. Blake's hand rested on his arm, her grip a touch too tight, as she leaned in.

"I don't know how you talked me into this," Jaune mumbled, "Why are we going on dates?"

"Because we need to keep up this up!" Blake hissed. "I-I don't want to let my parents down!"

"Maybe you could just tell them the truth?" Jaune asked, not unkindly. "I'm sure they'd forgive you."

Blake sighed, her ears drooping underneath her bow.

"I'm sorry, I-I just... I'm not ready to..." She shook her head. "I can't. I'm sorry."

"Blake," Jaune said with a soft murmur. He squeezed her hand compassionately.

"That said," he added, "Yang is also playing the fake fiancé thing."

"So?!" Blake demanded. "Your Nana thinks you're engaged to five girls anyway! You should at least be able to make time for me, your first fake fiancé!"

Jaune blinked slowly.

"Wait what-?!"

"JAUNE!"

Jaune turned to the voice. Out of the crowd emerged a white haired lynx Faunus man in a blue police uniform, a shield and an electroprod sword on his back. At his side was a rat Faunus woman in torn stockings, jean shorts, a black tanktop and denim jacket, smirking at them as her tail waved lightly. Jaune's eyes widened, and he grinned.

"Cousin Seth?!"

"JAUNE! HAHAHAHA!"

Seth ran up and hugged him tightly, a hug Jaune returned. The rat Faunus girl walked up, her hips swinging confidently as she spun a ring knife around her finger.

Blake blinked rapidly.

"W-Wait... You have a Faunus cousin, Jaune?!"

Jaune pulled back and grinned.

"Yeah! I mean, well, he's not blood related but he's the son of my dad's friend, and I grew up calling him Uncle! So, yeah, cousins!"

"You've gotten really tall!" Seth laughed, slapping his back, "Shield and sword too, huh?"

"Definitely!" Jaune said.

"Ahem?" The rat Faunus woman coughed. Seth winced and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Oh! Sorry. Jaune, this is my girlfriend Jane Doe! Jane, this is Jaune, my cousin, and...?" He looked at Blake. Blake immediately clung to his arm, as Jaune coughed.

"Ah, this is Blake Belladonna. My-"

"F-Fiance!" Blake insisted. Jaune's forced smile wobbled, his blue eyes darting nervously.

"Y-Yeah, that!"

"Wow! Congratulations Jaune!" Seth called, his voice bright as he adjusted his Public Security badge, his scarf fluttering. "Didn't expect to see you and your fiancée out here!" His yellow eyes sparkled with genuine delight, fully buying Blake's act. "Man, you're already getting hitched? Uncle Nick must be over the moon!"

Jaune's face flushed, his voice cracking. "Uh, y-yeah, Seth, it's… a thing." He shot Blake a pleading look, but she just squeezed his arm, her bow twitching as she doubled down.

"Indeed," Blake said, her voice smooth but strained, her tail flicking under her coat. "Jaune and I are… very committed. Right, darling?"

"Darling?!" Jaune squeaked, his blush deepening as Seth beamed.

Jane, her rat-like tail swaying, leaned against Seth with a smirk that could cut glass. "Oh, darling, is it? How adorable." Her voice dripped with mock sweetness, her green eyes glinting as she twirled a lock of dark hair. "You two are just the picture of wedded bliss. When's the big day? Got a venue picked out? Or are we still… pretending for the cameras?"

Blake's eyes narrowed, her ears pinning back under her bow. "It's not a pretense," she said, her tone sharp. "Jaune and I are—"

"Totally in love, yeah, yeah," Jane interrupted, waving a hand, her grin wicked. "I mean, look at you, clinging to him like he's your lifeline. And Jaune, that nervous sweat? Pure romance. Bet you're already picking out baby names."

Jaune's voice hit a new octave. "B-Baby names?! We're not—!"

"Jane, c'mon, don't tease 'em," Seth said, his tail flicking as he nudged her. "They're engaged! It's serious! Right, Jaune? You're gonna make Blake an Arc, keep the family legacy goin'!" His earnestness was almost painful, his belief in the ruse unshakable.

Blake's cheeks flushed, her voice faltering. "Y-Yes, exactly. The… Arc legacy."

Jane's laugh was a low purr, her eyes locked on Blake. "Oh, kitty, you're good. But you're gonna have to sell it better than that if you want to fool me." She leaned closer, her voice dropping. "What's the real deal? Dodging an ex? Covering for some White Fang shenanigans? Or just messing with poor Jaune for kicks?"

Blake's tail lashed, her voice a hiss. "There's no 'real deal.' We're engaged, and that's that."

"Sure, sure," Jane said, winking at Jaune, who looked ready to bolt. "And I'm the Queen of Menagerie. Tell you what, 'fiancé,' let's see a kiss. Seal the deal right here, in front of your cousin and me."

Jaune's eyes widened, his face a beacon of red. "A k-kiss?!"

Blake froze, her ears twitching violently. "That's… not necessary—"

"Oh, c'mon!" Seth urged, clapping Jaune on the back, his tail swishing. "Give her a smooch, cousin! Show us that Arc charm!"

Jane cackled, her grin feral. "Yeah, go on, Blake. Pucker up. Unless… you're not actually engaged?" Her eyebrow arched, daring them to crack.

Jaune and Blake exchanged a panicked glance, the weight of the charade crushing them. Blake's jaw tightened, her voice barely audible. "Fine." She grabbed Jaune's collar, yanked him down, and pressed a quick, stiff peck to his lips before pulling back, her face scarlet.

Jaune stood frozen, his brain short-circuiting, while Seth whooped, "That's my cousin!" Jane's laughter rang out, sharp and knowing, as she clapped slowly.

"Wow, such passion," Jane teased, her tail flicking. "I'm swooning. You two are gonna have the most convincing wedding ever."

Blake glared, her voice low. "Enough, Jane."

"Aw, don't be mad, kitty," Jane said, looping her arm through Seth's. "I'm just havin' fun. You keep up your little game, and I'll keep my mouth shut… for now." She winked, tugging Seth along. "C'mon, babe, let's leave the lovebirds to their… engagement."

Seth grinned, waving as they walked off. "Congrats again, Jaune! Blake, welcome to the family!"

As they vanished into the crowd, Jaune slumped, his voice a groan. "Blake, why are we still doing this?!"

Blake's ears drooped, her voice soft but stubborn. "It's… complicated, okay? Just… play along a bit longer."

Jaune sighed, rubbing his temples, while Yang's voice echoed in his mind from a poker night long ago, warning him about Blake's schemes. "This is gonna end in disaster, isn't it?"

Blake's gaze softened, a flicker of guilt in her eyes. "Maybe… but thanks, Jaune. For sticking with me."

He managed a tired grin, his voice wry. "Yeah, well, what's family for?"

 

[AndrewJTalon]

A fun idea was that thanks to his family's shenanigans, Jaune is fairly genre savvy. And so he has to keep his friends from getting into all sorts of supernatural trouble. For instance:

Nora buys items that belonged to two lovers who committed suicide.

Jaune: "... Why?!"

Nora: "They were on sale!" They start to glow "Also they glow!"

Jaune quickly smacks them away with his sword... And they hit Cardin and Velvet

Cardin: "What the-?!"

Velvet: "Ah-?!"

They stare at eachother, eyes glowing... And then begin to vigorously make out

Jaune: "... Well... That was close."

Nora: "Eh?"

Jaune: "I'm not going to NTR my best male friend, Nora."

 

[SharkCultist]

Sun was a lot more spiritual than most people expected.

It kinda comes from being raised by a monk.

He spent his formative years deep in stories and myths of legends and gods. Things long forgotten by modern man and some that had never been written and recorded, only passed through the ages by mouth.

Sun had come to a few conclusions about gods. They were prideful, they were powerful, and they loved to see mortals suffer and sacrifice.

So when he saw a tidal wave of Grimm tearing through Vale and he was out of aura within a hour of constant fighting he decided to give a god what they wanted.

He got a handful of blood (there was plenty of it on the streets) and began painting symbols on his body harsh jagged lines and circles full of strange characters painted up and down his arms and legs with two big circles on his chest and forehead.

Most of the gods had been completely silent. Faded, forgotten, or fled from the world. But still one or two had a whisper in the world, and there was one god who might be willing to answer him.

"Father of my father's father. Ancestor of ancestors. I call upon the god of might and the final mercy. My flesh for your form, my soul for your salvation. Please grant me victory. Animus!"

The symbols burned themselves into his skin and his body shifted. Dark rust colored Fur climbed up his arms and legs, sharp claws erupting from his fingers and toes. Venomous fangs filled his mouth as patches of silver scales appeared on his cheeks and chest while a crown of feathers and horns grew from his scalp as the color bled from his hair. Even his tail didn't escape unchanged, it lengthened and thickened until it was a twice the length of his body and as thick as his arm with a small tuff of fur at the end hiding deadly quills dripping venom.

Sun had sold his soul to a god for power. And power he received.

The constructs of a old woman using the left behind dregs of a gods power were nothing before a demigod champion hand crafted by a god of death.

Just being within a hundred miles of him had them melting.

Vale was brutalized but healable. In any other story this would be where he have our good ending. Happily ever after.

But being a demigod is a change down to the soul and Animus still had jobs for his newest son. And his first job?

"Bring me the one who is many, the shattered reflection, and the puppet."

Sun had work to do.

 

[SharkCultist]

Remnant has some odd holidays, a lot of them aren't widely celebrated (looking at you buttslappen day). But one holiday that is surprisingly popular and widely celebrated is the Soup Festival.

Remnant has had a lot of hard times, kinda comes with having giant evil shadow monsters everywhere, and whenever there's been need to stretch supplies, or a nice comfort during the colder months, soup was there.

So once a year around the start of fall a week long festival would be held. There would be people showing off recipes they had made or sharing traditional dishes. Plenty of stalls ladeling out bowls (or cups if you wanted to be mobile) of hot (or sometimes cold) soup. And more eating contest that is strictly healthy.

Even the beacon group were taking part.

Ren was happily sharing a traditional soup from his home known for its health benefits. The seven liver soup.

Nora and Ruby, ever the gremlins, made "sweet soup" by melting ice cream and throwing chunks of fruit in it (had she seen this neo would have definitely stabbed them.)

Pyrrha was in a heated argument with everyone not from Mistral defending her stance that yes Chili was a soup, it was just a really thick stew (before weeks ends people would be throwing hands).

Blake would make a hearty fish chowder (and share none of it.)

Yang would make a family chicken soup recipe (which would leave her and Weiss slightly melancholic for a bit, if for different reasons).

Ozpin would make many strange and obscure soups, or older versions of soups, that hadn't been popular for many years.

Cardin would make a surprisingly delicate butternut squash soup that he would savagely beat his team for eating the majority of (They at least left him enough for a picnic for two).

And Jaune would go all in and take over a entire kitchen to himself so he could make all his sisters favorite soups.

By the end of the week there would be many belly aches and more than a few people on their knees worshiping at the porcelain throne because their eyes and egos were bigger than their stomachs.


What a magical time of year.

 

[zMADLAXz]

OK, it seems I got the same bugs that AJT got, while I was revisiting Jaune SI BS threadmarks. Two souls, where one runs away from home and the other yearns for it.

Thankfully, the bastard ROB gave the unfortunate hitchhiker access to his world's Internet.

Be warned, I tend to swear like a guy who just learned how to swear while I think and that's gonna reflect on the SI.

Click to shrink...

Ok since all this plot discussion has got my engines revving I am going to continue this.

---

SLICE. SLICE. SLICE.


If one observed Training Room 11, they would see it littered with slashes, dents, cracks, and all sorts of other marks of destruction—signs one would usually attribute to an entire classroom of juvenile Huntsmen deciding, "Man, screw this architecture."


However, today, it was a single trainee responsible for this historical small-scale re-enactment of the battle between the Queen of Sabres and the founder of Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū style of fighting.


Ironically, it is the now-retired Queen's descendant who has decided to employ her favorite strategy of dealing with enemy castles.


Why is this fellow so stuck on this, you may ask? He is trying to achieve the pinnacle of sword fighting.


"Huff... hufff... hufff... I'm gonna shoot sword beams, even if I have to break every bone, dammit," huffed out Jaune Arc.


It is indeed Jaune Arc, the recently made leader of Team JNPR—and also an isekai insert target. However, he recently discovered that "that web show wasn't shit," and the worldbuilding is a lot more comprehensive, convoluted, and rampantly plagiarized than his prior knowledge suggested.


For example, Sabre and Archer were here and somehow related to him directly? Jaune (pre-SI) was not mind-bogglingly unaware of things pertaining to this world where things like Huntsmen were at the center?


Weiss and Ruby were actually somehow cuter in person? Also, did they not feed Weiss anything growing up, or is she naturally so portable and travel-sized?


Pyrrha was actually built like a demigod (he had to remind himself that while the Jaune part of him was raised by a not-Goku, half of him wasn't—but goddamn those quads).


There were a lot more nations that may be minor in size but still have a lot of history attached. Warfare was also more streamlined and practical (though Huntsmen were still flashy as a disco ball to maintain positivity and hope).


More importantly, his being here had either shifted the entire world directly or Remnant is more of a death world—because this time there was more than one Death Stalker on his team's ass. Through a clever application of his newly discovered Semblance (Aura amp for the win, baby), Nora being an absolute amazing Thor, Pyrrha with her needle-point accuracy and efficiency, and Ren's ability to always find the best blind spot, they had dispatched those arachnid bastards.


Team RWBY, like the original, tried to jury-rig a trap similar to arresting wires on a carrier to trap and decapitate that big bird. However, due to the fact that there were a lot more, well...

---

Flashback


Team RWBY had the perfect plan. However, they still found themselves on the back foot due to the fact that an entire pack of Giant Nevermore suddenly appeared to assist their entangled brethren.


Hastily, they had to disengage. But due to their positioning, they ended up back near the temple with the destroyed bridge.


Finding a good spot, and using both Yang and Nora's strength, they carved (more like demolished) out a minor structure into the wall of the giant ravine as a hiding spot. Now it was time to strategize.


"This is completely absurd—a flock of Giant Nevermore as soon as we were about to take care of one of them!" exclaimed Weiss, as she and the rest of the (currently not named) Team RWBY and Team JNPR bided their time.


"Umm, guys, I know this doesn't seem like the best position to be in, but I'm sure we can figure something out again. This is Beacon we're talking about! I know they probably made some way for us to survive and win if we just look hard enough," said Ruby, desperate to find something they might have missed.


"Well, I would suggest stealth, but it seems our options are limited if we truly wish to get everyone out," said Blake, already scanning the area and realizing there weren't any stable pathways out from this ravine—at least not if they wished to go undetected.


"Ren, do you think if I amp you enough, we can all pass by?" asked Jaune, reeling from the sudden turn of events. Facing multiple Death Stalkers and now this... the scenario was diverging fast, and he feared his supposed advantage would soon be moot.


"Usually, I would say yes," replied Ren, calm on the outside but frustrated within. "But the Grimm here are already in 'attack' mode. They've seen all of us, so even if I do it, they can still track us using audio or visual cues. Plus, if we make it to the plains and your Aura runs out, then we'll be in an open field—somewhere you absolutely don't want to be against a Nevermore, much less six of them."


"I think that a confrontation is inevitable now. We should plan on an attack rather than hope for a clear way forward, no?" said Pyrrha.


"Yeah, she's right. We already got them where we wanted at first, now we just have to get a combination to make sure we can all deal with them," said Yang, determined and ready.


Weiss started to protest against it, but Nora joined in on Yang's statement and it was starting to seem like another one of his sisters' arguments—so Jaune put a stop to it.


"OK, OK, people—we can get out of this situation. But for that, we need to keep the aggression on the low side, clear? So I agree that we need to make sure we don't attract too much attention on ourselves, but I can also see that a fight is inescapable right now. So here is how I think we should move, and tell me if you guys wish to add anything, alright?" Jaune said. While both sides of his mind were scared shitless, he knew he had to think calmly. He disassociated from the situation, treating it like one of his daydreams. That had worked until now—and he needed it to work now more than ever.


"And how exactly do you wish to achieve that?" questioned Weiss, one hand resting on another in the universal (more like multiversal) way of showing doubt.


"Using the best way of dealing with a group of dangerous adversaries, obviously: divide and conquer," said Jaune, with a slight smirk on his face and mischief in his eyes.


Outside, the Nevermore still circled, knowing their prey was near. Their instincts told them to stay put, to attack at the first sign of aggression. They weren't sentient, not as we know it—but they had instincts. They were made to be the devourers, the death, sorrow incar—


BOOOOOM. BOOOOOM. BOOOOOM.


Several explosions rang out amidst the flock, as Nora, standing on a glyph platform, used Magnhild to demonstrate her excellence over explosions.


"COME HERE AND TASTE SOME OF THIS SWEET, SWEET PINK, 'CAUSE MOMMA BROUGHT ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE!" shouted Nora, setting off another explosion, creating a lot of smoke as cover and shooting out of it, riding Magnhild.


The Grimm followed her, successfully taking the bait of Ruby and Jaune's plan.


"First, we need to assign roles. Nora and Yang can make a lot of noise and do a lot of damage, and Blake can distract with her clones. So I think one of them should be our opening act," said Jaune.


"Make a lot of noise? Yeah, Magnhild and I can easily do that—but then what, Leader?" asked Nora, enthusiastically.


"Well, I was thinking we can use that opportunity to move out using Ren's Semblance. However, we need to make sure not all of the Grimm are after her. I think we will have to take it from two sides," said Jaune, thinking of ways to make it happen.


"WAIT, Yang and I can do that!" exclaimed Ruby suddenly. Everyone looked at her, while Yang pointed at herself, confused.


BANG. BANG.


Two shots rang out, hitting two of the Nevermore. As they turned mid-chase, they saw Yang standing on another platform, gauntlets at the ready. Not seeing the hidden scope of Crescent Rose, they dived toward her.


And as soon as they reached within her distance—


"That's where you come in, Weiss," said Jaune, starting to understand what Ruby was playing at. Now it was her turn to look confused.


Ice structures surged. As Jaune amped her Aura to the max, Weiss used her glyphs to create icy platforms that pinned one of the Nevermore.


Immediately after—


"By the way, Pyrrha, what's your Semblance?" asked Jaune. He knew the answer but didn't want to face awkward questions if Pyrrha brought it up later.


"Weiss! Pyrrha! Railgun!" Jaune shouted.


Pyrrha hurled her javelin at the pinned Nevermore's eyes. Boosted by her polarity, the spear struck true, skewering it—making it easy pickings for Ruby with her Crescent Rose.


Meanwhile, Weiss summoned her time dilation glyphs, and Yang used them to leap onto the other Nevermore that had dived.


"Oh, you're partying with me today, big boy!" yelled Yang as she wrenched the Grimm upward using its head, steering it toward the flock behind Nora. Blake jumped from her hiding spot and hopped onto the Grimm alongside Yang.


"After that, it's basically us playing tag with the Grimm—keep in pairs, shift your attention from one Grimm to another after you finish destroying one," said Jaune.


"Also Blake, you will have to play diversion from time to time. Whenever you think a Grimm is getting in a stable position, distract it and then signal me to take it out!" said Ruby, finally in a comfortable spot to strategize.


"Alright Ruby, you know what to do," said Jaune.


He amped Ruby's Aura, and she immediately dashed after them in a storm of petals, keen on finding a good vantage point to use Crescent Rose like a sniper rifle, discreetly taking out targets. With Yang, Nora, and Blake limiting the Nevermore's flight patterns, she finally had the angle.


"Weiss, I know I was acting like a dumbass, but our exit strategy depends on you from here," Jaune said, trying to apologize for his earlier behavior.


Weiss took a deep breath and calmed herself. The strategy sounded more and more outlandish by the second—but also, paradoxically, like a good one.


"Well, I suppose since you have realized where you erred—and this is also about our survival—my grudge against you isn't of great importance at this moment. So, tell me what to do after that," said Weiss.


Using Weiss's time-dilating platforms—supercharged by Jaune's amplification—the remaining team of Ren, Pyrrha, Weiss, and Jaune moved out.


As soon as they reached the surface, Weiss sent off a large flare into the sky using fire Dust, alerting a Grimm who was chasing after another of its kind that Nora was currently hammering while riding its back.


As the Grimm broke off, following Jaune's instructions, it was cloaked by Ren and redirected toward Ruby, who was facing another Nevermore drawn in by Blake's distraction.


Due to this sleight of hand, it could only see Jaune and Pyrrha—both cloaked in Jaune's amplification, shields at the ready, legs bent and stable. When the Grimm volleyed feathers, they defended. And when it dove to finish them—


Without any signal, as though they'd fought side by side for a lifetime, Jaune and Pyrrha separated. As it passed between them, they struck its sides in unison—cutting it in half. Its momentum carried forward, and Pyrrha held the pieces down with her Semblance.


Meanwhile, by the combined efforts of the rest of the team, the final Grimm was taken down—


Securing victory for the budding teams of these young Huntsmen.

---

"That was a bitch and a half," thought Jaune.


After this entire debacle, Headmaster Ozpin had declared the teams—thankfully keeping the same layout as before—but this time, Team RWBY and Team JNPR were given an extra round of applause for their efforts in the face of this unanticipated hurdle.


Back in the present, Jaune was finishing up in Training Room 11. He packed away the gear, took a swig from his water bottle, and mentally drafted a schedule. Sunday training. Saturdays off. Vale had too much to explore—and too much that might burn one day—for him to waste it. If he was going to protect it, he needed to understand it.


He went to sheathe Crocea Mors... then chasing a slight flight of fancy, paused, holding it in his arms.


Canon made it look like a basic sword, but after today? After the forest and this training session? He couldn't help but chuckle. Corcea Mors, It was Gaius Julius Caesar's sword in the world History., and this blade's only known story he could remember was ironically of how he lost it to a prince during a fight. But here?


The balance was flawless. Edge razor-sharp. The blade had seen hell and came out without a scratch. Some cleaning, sure, but still good as new. It was just as durable as its shield-sheath. The grip fit like it was handcrafted for him.


He'd had a fleeting thought—go full Anakin Skywalker, get a blade that could switch lengths. Arming sword, longsword, montante. Modulate the edge with Dust, maybe even adjust for reach mid-fight. Heck, why not actually add a gun to either the blade or a mini gun to the shield?


But could anyone forge something like that and preserve this quality?

Canon Jaune had a blacksmith who reforged Crocea Mors using Pyrrha's tiara. And sure he assumed that this world's metallurgical excellence far outstripped Earth's due to the existence of demand for excellent weapons and magical element of Dust.

But despite those facts, a part of him didn't wish to go all gamer and optimize it at whim. On one hand he didn't have the skills to flaunt around various different mechashift forms on fly on the other.....

He never understood that a weapon could be made for you, sure he had enjoyed Bleach and it's concept and various other storied talked about it, but never felt it himself.

Yet, holding Crocea Mors now, remembering how it felt to fight against Grimm with it's firm steel under his command?

The sword was perfect.

Not ideal. Not optimized. Not even particularly flashy.

But perfect. Balanced like it was meant for him. The weight, the edge, the way it hummed in his grip. No chips. No bends. It took his rage and focus and carved a path through monsters like it was always meant to. It didn't need to be more.

Not yet.

He still wanted reach. Versatility. There were things he knew this-his sword couldn't do.

But for the first time… he wasn't sure if that meant it needed to change.

Maybe he needed to grow into it first.

Later, when he reconnected with the Arcs—when he understood what it meant to carry this name—maybe then, he'd earn the right to reshape it.

"I suppose it was inevitable that some room would be demolished once an Arc enters Beacon", came the sudden voice of Glynda Goddwitch.

Jaune, turned and immediately sheathed his Crocea Mors, putting it with the rest of his stuff.

"Ohhhh.... ummm good evening professor, and I am sorry for that, I thought I would figure something out but I guess I was too hasty, ha ha", nervously chuckled Jaune, as he rubbed the back of his head in a slightly embarrassed manner.
"Well, it can't be helped, though after that performance I'd advice you take some rest but I can also understand after-fight jitters, especially after the first fight", casually said Glynda as she turned away, fixing the room with her semblance.

"Oh well umm yea- wait first fight?", asked Jaune, suddenly alarmed and tried covering up. Immediately alert.

"Yes, yes I meant first fight" said Glynda, as she turned back slightly and looked at him from the corner of her eye, having fixed the room already.

"I do not understand professor, I mean you saw my performance, I-" "Yes I saw it Mr Arc, you held it admirably, making excellent strategy and leading your team, while also showing some above-amateur fighting prowess, but I know the truth... Jaune" said Glynda while simultaneously interrupting his rebuttal.

Jaune grew silent, he was experienced enough to know that any more contradiction from his side and her seemingly good mood will deteriorate.

'No, I mean I know in canon she suspected Jaune and Ozpin knew about it for sure yet why is she suddenly so sure about it here? I think I did better than canon Jaune did and it's not like she knows me person-

Wait, that face, this Jaune's memories...... Aunt Lynda, Glynda Goodwitch!

Fuck, I got 'PLatypus? Perry the Platypus!'d here. Come on. Not now, not when I thought I made a change' , thought jaune, dread suddenly filling him.

He remembered Aunt Lynda, with her open hairstyle, her sundress and her smile, when she used to visit him in the hospital because of his sickness till the age of ten, how she talked about the city and the various Grimm, how she would tell him of huntsmen. This Jaune really wasn't living in the canon timeline.

He knew his admiration for her, he knew how she used to come to the old Arc vineyard to drink and relax often, she wasn't actually his aunt but such a close friend of his.

He knew the silent sadness in her eyes when she told him about how huntsmen fight grimm, now realising that the cause of that sadness was the loss of her students that died in the line of duty. How she still persevered.

How, in his childish innocence he told her that he would marry her one he grew big and strong and how she told him to grow up fast and help his parents and siblings before thinking about that. How she said that if he became healthy once again she will help him become a good huntsman and still he said that after becoming that he will marry her. She just laughed but then looked at him. Like she was sure of his strength.

And now those same kind, sad eyes, were looking at him, with fierce determination, asking him a silent question, Are you gonna admit it, Jaune?

"Yeah, yeah..... it was the first one", said Jaune, head hanging slightly low, accepting his fate.

"Mr Arc..... everytime you enter a fight against Grimm, you enter not for any other purpose such as fame, glory or accolades, no, you enter because you have taken a burden, to be Huntsman, to acknowledge that the danger this creature possesses and what your priorities are.

It is not at all inaccurate to say that huntsman are the defenders of Humanity and Faunus kind alike.

So in this delicate position, one doesn't simply ride it by the seat of their pants, without training, without knowledge, without will.

Because your loss or your.....death, isn't only yours, it isn't just stat to be shown, it is a loss for those you have taken responsibility of, those who care for you, those who love you, do you understand that, Mr. Arc?", asked Glynda, with a minor almost-almost unnoticeable tremble in her voice at the last sentence.

"....Yes, Yes I do" said Jaune, feeling more guilty than ever. A pit forming in his stomach and his throat clenching as if his very heart was clenched away from his chest. That slight message behind those words, that tremble at the end. He could read between the lines and it, it....hurt.

Taking a deep breathe Glynda resumes, "So taking that into consideration, and seeing your peculiar.....background, you will be taking remedial lessons with me, as it seems that your prior academy couldn't teach you everything. I will give you your schedule, the extra work to be done, the training you will have to go through so you are both an acceptable huntsman and a leader. You will leave this academy a capable warrior Mr Arc-no Jaune, you will make sure you stay alive and go home safe. You will not be the cause of your family's sorrow, you won't force those who love you to go through the sorrow of losing a part of their heart, do you understand me...Jaune?", said Glynda, barely holding her voice and posture together, clutching her riding crop The Disciplinarian in both hands, as if pulling on strength and discipline she knows she doesn't have.

"Yes,.....yes I understand, Professor", Jaune said, barely holding himself together, but knowing what his professor-no his Aunty Lyn, is trying to say.

I won't lose you too Jaune, those were her words, even if she didn't say them, but he heard her loud and clear all the same.

"And...I am sorry, I know it sounds shallow, but, believe me professor-no believe me Aunt Lyn, I have to do this, I know I can save people, I know I can save other huntsman. I am selfish guy I know that, to me my family, friends, they are too precious to lose, I can't sit back you know, that's not how I wanna be, I want to be able to save them, to protect them, I want to be able to protect my sister, dad, mom, my team, my friends. I want to protect you and thank you for when you protected me", said Jaune, both sides of him, they both loved closest to them after all. It was without deceit, an honest declaration of an honest heart.

Glynda didn't say anything to him, eyes closed, suddenly she her hands surged forward. Startled, Jaune was put into a hug, despite his height, she pulled him down, hugging him close, pulling his head to her chest as if keeping him in proximity of her heart would calm it down.

Slowly Jaune hugged her back, realising the full extent of his burden, this wasn't a "guy gets a bunch of powers and girls", they were his, his to cherish and his to protect.

She slowly released him from her arms, fearing that he will burst in a cloud of smoke if she let him go, but she still was Glynda Goddwitch, one of the few remaining Huntsmen who could beat a Maiden in a fight, she had a duty as a teacher, she will see it through.

As she turned to exit, she looked back at him and said, "I will send the schedule and my contact info directly to your scroll Jaune-I mean- Mr Arc, please follow my instructions, also I would recommend working with your partner Ms. Nikos, she will be good for you. That is all. Good night Mr Arc and please make sure you go to bed at an appropriate time, there is much to learn tomorrow", said Glynda, leaving.

"Yeah, good night to you too, Professor", said Jaune.

He watched her leave, scroll at his side, sword resting near his bag, and something in his chest finally stilled. Not silence. Not peace. But something steady. Like purpose, maybe. Like the start of something real.

---

Well fuck, that too went out of my hand.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Let's see. Some ideas for how everyone could have trained and improved their abilities:

-Ruby gains greater control over her speed, using momentum to strike through multiple enemies and eventually, to fly. She gets better control over her Silver Eyes, which can be used on individual Grimm tactically, or even against magical attacks. She can also learn how to see Aura itself and learn how to predict enemy movements from it. See their souls so she can see through illusions and solid walls.

-Weiss focuses more on Casting and learns how to multicast with multiple glyphs. She leans into summoning more and coordinates with her summons in battle. Or combines her summons with Dust.

-Blake learns how to use her clones for offense, combine them with Dust. With meditation she learns how to control a clone and use it remotely as a scout or infiltrator. More Aura slash techniques, maybe combining with her Shadow Clones to hide in the shadows.

-Yang learns how to store up more and more energy to increase the power of her Semblance. How to use it not just as a finishing move but how to tactically and strategically build it up and use it as Tai was trying to teach her. As well as eventually improving its power to fly in brief bursts, like with her gauntlets.

-Ren not only learns how to sense other emotions, but how to channel that energy. He can boost people's moods as well as suppress their feelings. He also gets more Aura techniques thanks to his incredible Aura control, short range bursts of Aura to disable enemies, create short lived shields, etc. Build on what we saw in Volume 1.

-Nora learning how to boost her electrical power and strength. A belt that holds Lightning Dust she can tap to charge herself up. Learns how to arc lightning for short range attacks. Maybe even drain electrical power from devices.

-Jaune is the ultimate Support Tank: Dust Grenades he can toss to his Teammates, a Dust Projector in his shield for short range attacks, his Aura Amp to boost everyone else's abilities, and if needed, he can learn Aura slashes to unleash heavy attacks. He's still not the most mobile asset but he can be the anvil for other attacks, or the hammer.

What are your ideas?

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Astrid, the Maid: "Hello Mistress Blake! It's so nice to see you well!"

Weiss: "You have a maid?"

Astrid: "Why yes, I've been Mistress Blake's servant since she was very young! I am her governess!"

Ruby: "Oh... So... What kind of Faunus are you? I can't see any characteristic-Oh! Do you have a tail under your dress? Are you a shark Faunus?"

Yang: "Why a shark Faunus?"

Ruby: "Because sharks are cool!"

Astrid: "Oh no, I'm human!"

Yang, Weiss and Ruby: "WHAT?!"

Blake: wince "H-Hello Astrid. It is nice to see you again."

Astrid: "Indeed, it is good to see you well. Are you eating enough? Sleeping enough?"

Blake: "I-I'm just fine, I promise!"

Astrid: "I've made your favorite tuna green salad for lunch, just the way you like it! And meals for your friends, as well!"

Blake: "Th-That's... Great... So great..."

Weiss: "Astrid? You're a human?"

Astrid: "Yes!"

Weiss: "Are you a recent employee of the Belladonnas?"

Astrid: "Oh no! My family has served the Belladonnas for generations! My ancestors were taken as slaves by the Faunus noble houses, but we are now paid servants!"

Weiss: looking like the cat that ate the canary "Rrrreally~?"

Blake: "It-No-We pay her very well!"

Weiss: "Uh huh. And can she, for example, vote in a Menagerian election?"

Astrid: "No, but why would I?"

Ruby and Yang are gaping in disbelief.

Weiss: grinning mercilessly "Why would you indeed~?"