[RWBY] RWBY Shorts

[AndrewJTalon]

As a thought for fixing RWBY further, I had a discussion on my Discord that made me realize a way to make the Jaundice arc better, and make CRDL actually matter:

For one thing? RWBY, JNPR and CRDL are all vying for the position of top First year team.

Team RWBY has incredible combat talent, but Ruby is both the strong and weak link: Strong because in combat she is a great leader, weak because outside of combat she cannot keep her team focused and organized due to her inexperience. And conflicts between the team members outside of combat can weaken their performance.

Team JNPR has incredible combat potential, but Jaune is both the strong and weak link: Strong because his leadership and management allow JNPR to come together cohesively and resolve their issues, weak because he is not as well trained or combat experienced as the others which can be a liability in a fight.

Team CRDL has decent combat potential and Cardin is not the weak link: He's the center of gravity for the team with a powerful Semblance, excellent training in combat, and some experience as a leader in his combat school and thanks to his father's instruction. They may not have the same incredible overall talent as RWBY or JNPR, but they have grit, good teamwork and experience to make up the odds.

Cardin is still a bully, but he bullies Ruby and Jaune by calling out their weaknesses. He can still be a racist asshole, but he can have a VALID POINT: That Ruby and Jaune's teams have a lot of issues and weaknesses.

Thus you have Cardin and CRDL serve as recurring rivals, antagonistic, who can help Jaune and Ruby realize their weaknesses, confront them, and grow from them. Rather than having CRDL be punching bags, here they serve a narrative purpose. You can even expand on their characters like in Evermore to give them more nuance and depth. Yes Cardin in that series is a total asshole and bully and gets kicked off the team: Here? He's a bit more akin to Flash Thompson from the Spider-Man comics. Yes Flash could give Peter a hard time, but he was also always trying to drag Peter off to parties and set him up with girls. He was rough and went too far sometimes, but he was in the end trying to help Peter "man up" and be more social.

You don't have to "redeem" Cardin if you don't want to, but making CRDL actually strong and having a point ("It's not enough to just be talented, you have to be strong") gives them more of a point in the narrative and more things you can do with them. And rivalries can be good for character growth and exploration as well as plot advancement.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

Team JNPR entered their dorm room, a bit exhausted but triumphant.

Nora: "WOOHOO! We smashed all those guys in the training matches, didn't we?!"

Jaune: "We did! Great work everyone! You're really coming along, despite my mistakes."

Ren: "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself, Jaune: You held your own in all the matches."

Pyrrha: "Indeed! You served as proper support."

Nora: "And I love that we got to use our combo move! Nora's Arc! You were all 'I'm ready!' and I was all 'HAMMER TIME!' And you were all 'Wait Nora not that hard' and I was like 'THUNDERSTRUCK!' and you screamed like a little girl!"

Jaune: sighs heavily "I did. A bit."

Pyrrha: smiles "But we won all the matches, which is what counts."

Nora: "Yeah! Girly Scream to victory! It's our new battle cry!"

Jaune: "It is not."

Nora: "But it was sooo funny!"

Jaune: "Literally anyone would scream like a girl if you were swinging their hammer right at you!"

Nora: "Aw, thanks Jaune!" hugs him "But I'm already taken by Ren! You'll need to find another orangette for your harem!"

Jaune: "I don't have a harem damnit!"

Pyrrha: "Of course not! But I would join it if you did, Jaune!"

Jaune: "Not helping!"

There is a sneeze from the closet, and it rattles. Everyone is on guard.

Nora: "Gasp! Something's in our closet!"

Jaune: "Blake? That you? Yang? Ruby? Zwei?"

Nora: "Double gasp! If it's not any of them, or Pyrrha... Who could it be?!"

Pyrrha: "... How could I be in that closet when I'm right here, Nora?"

Nora: "TRIPLE GASP! You've secretly been a ninja this whole time, Pyrrha! Why didn't you tell me?! It's so unfair! Ren's the only ninja on our team! Multiclassing is cheating!"

The closet door wobbled again... Jaune went forward, and took hold of the handle. He slid it open... And a blonde girl in glasses, a black hoodie, jeans and sneakers fell into his arms.

Girl: "Haa..." She stands up and hugs him properly, before saying in a monotone: "Thank you Jaune. It was getting a bit scary in there. It is nice to see you well."

Jaune: "Orchid?"

Nora: "WHAT?! THE CLOSET MAKES GENDERBENT CLONES OF JAUNE?! SHE'S SO CUTE, CAN I HAVE ONE?!"

Ren: "No Nora, that's his sister."

Nora: "Oh! Well... That makes more sense."

Pyrrha: stares into the closet with Jaune. There is a very elaborate computer set up with multiple holoscreens, a keyboard, and several other doodads as well as several figurines "Wait... Starlight Brigade?"

Orchid: "Yes. It is my very favorite show ever. Please don't touch those, they are collectors."

Jaune: "Then why did you bring them with you, Orchid?!"

Orchid: "They missed you too."

Jaune, Pyrrha, Nora, Ren and Orchid go to the common room and sit around the table, after getting some snacks.

Orchid: "I decided to come and see you compete in the Vytal Tournament, Big Brother."

Jaune: "Well, that's great Orchid. But uh, wouldn't you rather stay in a hotel?"

Orchid: "No. The CCT signal is best here. I can maintain my business operations very easily. Plus, your closet is very large and comfortable. Much like my closet back home."

Pyrrha: "You're locked in a closet back home?!"

Jaune: "Nonono! Orchid's just, you know... She's very shy."

Orchid: "Indeed. I prefer the solitude and dark, enclosed spaces. My family often tries to drag me out for social events or to improve my health. Jaune too."

Jaune: "It's because we love you."

There is the slightest smile on her face before she returns to being utterly tactiturn.

Orchid: "I know. I also love you too. But I do enjoy being alone, save for when I don't."

Nora: "That makes sense!"

Ren: nods "Indeed."

Pyrrha: sighs "Still, maybe staying here wouldn't be the best option? I mean, it's pretty crowded already. And your... Uncle?"

Orchid: "One of dad's friends. Since he was an orphan, he has a lot of old friends who aren't actually related to us but we call them Uncles and Aunts."

Nora: "Wow! You just recruit family members?! Can we sign up?!"

Orchid: "Perhaps. I think you and Dad would get along very well. Jaune already thinks of you like a sister, and Ren like a brother."

Nora: "Awwww! Really Jaune?"

Jaune: smiles warmly "Absolutely, Nora, Ren."

Nora: "Hee~!"

Ren does give Jaune a small smile. But...

Ren: "As to Pyrrha's previous point though...?"

Orchid: "I believe I am fine where I am. And I can provide payment for my stay."

Jaune: "You don't need to pay rent, Orchid! You're my sister-"

Orchid: "It's not rent. All of your friends all have high potential as future Hunters. Establishing good relationships with them will make my business go better."

Pyrrha: "Um... You never told us what that business was, Orchid?"

Orchid: "I helped get Jaune into Beacon. That is just one of my... Various business ventures."

Jaune: cough "Most of which are still very, very legal, yes?"

Orchid: "Yes. Most."

Ren: "Ah."

Nora: "Ooooh! You're a hacker! Neato!"

Orchid: "Yes."

Pyrrha: "Um, well, that's nice but I do think that you staying in our closet is much too-"

Orchid reaches into her hoodie, and produces... Pictures. Pictures of Jaune in a gothic lolita dress.

Jaune goes bright red. As does Pyrrha.

Jaune: "ORCHID!"

Pyrrha: "I-I completely accept you, Orchid! I look forward to working with you more in the future!"

Orchid: "Excellent. Please distribute these to the members of Team RWBY, with an offer for more. You can get another exclusive picture if you-"

Pyrrha is GONE.

Jaune: "ORCHID! SERIOUSLY?!"

Orchid: "It's not my fault Hunters also tend to be a bunch of perverts."

Jaune runs after Pyrrha. She turns to Nora and Ren.

Orchid: "As for you... I am willing to offer several financial and information services... In exchange..."

Nora: "For? I mean pictures of Jaune-Jaune in a dress are pretty funny but we'll need more!"

Orchid: blush "... I would like... Pictures of..." She glances at Ren, then looked down with a deeper blush "Um... In... A dress?"

Silence. Nora stares at Orchid. Ren flushes.

Ren: clears his throat "I'm... I'm sorry?"

Nora: "... You like Ren too?"

Orchid: "He is my ideal man."

Nora: "Hmmm... Usually I'd just hammer anyone who had a crush on MY RENNY..."

Ren tenses, and moves to protect Orchid from Nora... Before Nora grins.

Nora: "But if we're family, then we can get along! And I agree! Renny would be super cute dressed as a girl!"

Orchid: "He would... It's kind of my... Thing."

Nora: "IT'S MY THING NOW TOO! OH RENNY~!"

Ren, wisely, turns and jumps out the window.

Orchid: "... I'll track him down, you capture him."

Nora: "Sure thing, new sister!"

- - -

Yes, Orchid is a bit of a gremlin like Futaba from Persona 5. I thought it would be funny.

 

[AndrewJTalon]

A training mission with RWBY, JNPR... And KDAM.

Weiss: "How did you get assigned as trainers?"

Kazuma: confident smile "Our impeccable credentials as heroes of the town of Axel!"

Megumin: "YES! THE FOREMOST GRIMM HUNTERS AND ADVENTURERS OF AXEL! WE WILL-"

Jaune: "You needed to do a favor for Ozpin so he would make sure you didn't have to pay fines, right?"

Aqua: wince "Ahahaha... Haa... Why Jaune, my beloved little brother, why would you say such a thing-?"

Jaune: "Cause he texted me."

Kazuma and Aqua: CRAP!

Weiss: "I'm already dubious about you, Arc, and your sister, but her husband?! And his harem?!"

Darkness: "Oh! You think I'm just a sex slave, a pathetic object of my team leader's lust? Nothing more than his plaything?"

Weiss: "Ah, no, I didn't mean-"

Darkness: "BECAUSE I AM! Ohhh, the way my master abuses and ignores me even while we are married-"

Jaune: "Kazuma, your wife is way too horny again, please stop her. There are children present."

Ruby: "I'M NOT A CHILD! I DRINK MY MILK!"

Megumin: "YEAH!"

 

[SharkCultist]

Jaune Arc was not having a good day. It might have been the milk for his cereal going bad.

But it's probably the gaping hole in his gut full of scorpion Grimm poison. Damn initiation was a bit harder than he expected.

And to add insult to injury the damn thing didn't even finish him, just tossed him into the ruins around them like trash.

Oh man you are fucked.

Andnnow he's hearing things. Guess he's bleeding out faster than he thought.

You aren't dead dumbass. Well at least not yet, but you will be in about four minutes maybe?

Why thank you creepy snarky voice it's really great knowing I've got four minutes of agony to look forward to.

I'm not in your head dumbass. Look on the ground next to your hand.

There's a mask laying on the ground. It looks similar to a white fang or Grimm mask but slightly different. There's no red marks on it. It's a simple bone mask shaped similar to a human skull if less detailed.

There you go, and hey you have two minutes left, now I'm sure you don't wanna die going out like a little bitch so how about you and me make a deal?

IT may be the blood loss talking but it couldn't hurt to hear what kind of deal is on the table.

We've got things each other needs. I have centuries of knowledge on killing things, and you have limbs. So lets make a trade. I'll make you a monster in combat and all you have to do is PUT ME ON. Or you could bleed out in the next thirty seconds. Your call Blondie.

Jaune reached for the mask like a half blind drunk but he managed to grab it and drag it up to his face.

Oh yeah by the way this is going to hurt. A LOT.

Jaunes Aura not even two hours old was warped and changed instead of covering him like a forcefield it sunk into his flesh. His Semblance not even yet awakened was cannibalized into fuel for the strange and horrifying changes Jaune was undergoing.

His flesh twisted and grew until Jaune went from a noodle into a mountain of muscle and murder, the bone mask that caused these changes fusing to his own skull and his blue eyes turned a haunting yellow.

Not bad kid, not bad at all. Still weak human flesh but I can work with this. Now how's about you and me go show that overgrown arachnid who's house this is?

"What did you do to me?!"

I did exactly what I said I would. I made you into a monster, you want to renegotiate? Well we're gonna need to do a few things first. Step one? KILL SOMETHING.

Jaune wanted to respond but he was hit with a endless well of hate and bloodlust. He had a second to realize it was coming from the mask connected to his face before a haze overtook him and he burst out of the ruins and threw himself at the Grimm.

"Hey Spidey, welcome to the splatterhouse!"

 

[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.