#It’s My Turn (Atlas/Academy/Military)

[ein-schnee-sturm]

@skidqrow continued from here

A bar was, without question, the very last place on Remnant Winter ever wanted to be; she would have even taken The Manor over this. But orders were orders, even though the very smell, the very thought of this place made her stomach turn and tail twitch stiffly in discomfort she otherwise hid. Habitually standing at Parade Rest, the position of her hands was the only thing keeping them from shaking, while her gaze was fixed just to the left of Qrow’s own.

“To address your concerns in order; firstly,” the feline Faunus began, tone flat and words curt, “your dossier indicates but does not detail the loss of two Teammates. Thus, I surmised you may be feeling something akin to guilt. Secondly, the General has ordered me to ensure that you do not drink yourself into a stupor until your business in Atlas is complete. Lastly, I do not imbibe alcohol, regardless if I am on or off duty; it would negatively impact my medications.”

A momentary pause.

“Does that suffice, or shall I elaborate further?”

[dokidokitsuna]

Glass Houses

(So, fair warning: I am pulling this totally random idea straight from the drafts; no extra context, no explanation. I know what all the things mean and how they connect to the rest of the NeverFell AU, and maybe someday I'll take the time to explain them. But right now I just need this out of my brain like an exorcism)

++

In the distant future, long after the events of Beauty and the Beast and Diary of Penny P., Ironwood has gone missing. Clover Ebi is now the headmaster of Atlas Academy, while Caroline Cordovin has taken his place as general of the Atlas military.

The council election is still happening, with May Marigold promising to end the strike by bringing the SDC to heel (delivering justice to the Faunus and Mantle citizens), and Jacques Schnee promising to return stability to Atlas and protect the interests of the upper class. With the backing of the Atlas military and most of the prominent citizens, it looks like Jacques is gonna win…May is trying her best, but her partner Robin Hill doesn’t mind either way, and secretly plans to simply pocket the campaign funds after the whole ordeal is over, funneling the money into her underground criminal empire.

Meanwhile, the SDC is still sinking– between the worker shortage and damages caused by the increase in Dust accidents, the company in its current form may not survive the strike. But because of this, it has pivoted to research and weapons development, trying to get a handle on this new ‘magic’...and working with the government to capture existing magic users, particularly the Protector of Mantle, Cinder Fall.

Winter Schnee is at the center of this, trying to fulfill her duty as a soldier of Atlas and Cordovin’s subordinate, but still mourning the loss of Ironwood and unhappy with the status quo. She believes she could someday make a bid for the general position and turn things around…but in order to do that, she needs to somehow undermine Cordovin while maintaining her current position at the same time. And for this, she recruits her younger sister.

Weiss Schnee, the Songbird of Solitas. A popular recording star and world-class huntress, despite her relatively young age. She was disowned by her father soon after graduating from Beacon Academy, and although the ensuing drama helped to launch her singing career, she never fully recovered from the abuses of the tabloids.

She drank heavily for about a year, then pivoted to a strict combat training regimen to keep sober, leading to her many exploits in and around the kingdom of Atlas. Legend has it that she once took on a swarm of 500 Grimm single-handedly…she seems to find solace in fighting and perfecting her technique, much like she did when she was younger.

When Winter approaches her with the task of rescuing the Protector of Mantle (and potentially working alongside the Atlas chapter of the White Fang), at first Weiss is apprehensive. Although she’s unlikely to face punishment even if she’s caught, even rumored involvement with a rebellion against the Atlas government could derail her entire career, both as a celebrity and as a licensed huntress.

But after taking some time to think about it, she realizes she doesn’t care. She will always sing and she will always fight, with or without permission. And on a deeper level, this mission reminds her of the old days with Team RWBY, of trying to ‘do the right thing’ and fighting for the greater good, not just to destroy the Grimm. She had almost forgotten about that…maybe it’s not too late for her to be that rebellious girl again.

Weiss returns to Winter with her answer: she will accept the mission, and without even charging her usual fee for vigilante work. This one is on the house.

[ruins-of-tragedy]

Thoughts on season three's episode five to eight of RWBY... I am not okie. And it's about to get worse. Not ready. At all.

Season 03, Episode 05: Never Miss a Beat

- "There will be no rest..."

- Cardin's team members vs Penny and her mate.

- Penny and Ciel of Atlas win!!! Is Ciel there just for fulfilling the body count?

- "Thank you for a wonderful time." What's funny is, Penny actually means it. 🫶🏻

- Team RWBY were watching from the sidelines. Yang and Blake were watching each other there for a bit... ❤️‍🔥

- Ruby is off to congratulate her friend. Awwwwwwwww! And somehow survived Penny's enthusiastic hug. 😆

- Ciel Soleil. It rings a bell. Not sure because of what though... According to her, Ruby's status: Questionable. 😂

- "She is like Blake. If Blake was ordered to spend time with you." / "So like Weiss." 😭✨😆

- General Ironwood is involved. And doesn't want anyone to know of Penny's origins. This is going to be bad...

- That magnet mishap wasn't even that. Penny is too pure. Cinnamon roll! 💖

- Awwwwwwwww! She wants to attend Beacon. And has a plan to make it happen. YAYYYYYY!

- OOOOOOooooooooh! Yang and Weiss' match.

- Atlas' kingdom, forces and academy are the same?! Military rule. Fucking fuck. Not a big fan.

- I like this rainbow girl and jazz guy. They look cool. But FreezerBurn for the win!!!

- Jazz guy is called Flynt. Subtitles are a lifesaver. And he has a personal vendetta against the Schnees... Neon is a childish copycat. I don't like them anymore.

- This girl is jealous of not only Yang's hair but also her... top. Blake isn't in the field though. 😂

- Jokes aside, is Neon supposed to be inspired from Harley Quinn? Also, am mad at this lady on Yang's behalf. Let me at her!!!

- Lavaland and Iceland arena. Even the battlefield is going FreezerBurn. I know who am rooting for. ✨

- This guy's soundwaves are good. The trumpet noise is a little annoying.

- I like the song playing. Flynt and Neon may be pains in the arses, but have taken over FreezerBurn's heads. Shite.

- Yang is about to "cool off." ❤️‍🔥

- Flynt made a cheap shot regarding Weiss' abilities. Now he is suffering the consequences.

- His semblance is his own band?! Okie, that's pretty good.

- Oh no. It's not going very well for Weiss and Yang... Did this fucker just fat shame... I amma commit crimes now.

- Awwwww! Weiss sacrificed herself so Yang could remain standing. It's the fact that the opening sounds of 'Mirror Mirror' started playing when she did that... ✨🥹

- Two vs Yang. I know who is going to win. ❤️‍🔥

- Flynt Coal. You and your colourful annoyance of a headache are about to be knocked out.

- There's a desert and a cityscape in the arena too! I forgot they had four different habitats for the doubles round.

- "Ooooh. It looks like Yang's angry. And you wouldn't like her when she's... upset." -Peter Port saying this makes it so much more hilarious! 😆

- Super Saiyyan Yang!!!! ...Is this Yang's theme in jazz?!?! I love it!!!

- "Sour note for Flynt." 😂

- Neon has been turned into fireworks. Much heartfelt exchange for Weiss and Yang. 💖

- Flynt and Neon are from team FNKI? Makes sense I guess. At least they aren't sorry losers. Respect for that.

- Team RWBY is together and friends and thriving. ✨

- Cinder's goons and her... Oh no. She has found out about Penny. Nooooooooooooooo. Nooooooooooooooo. Nooooooooooooooo. She is going to use Penny. Fucking fuck fuck fuck. No alterations. No. No. Please. No. 🤬

- I am depressed about what's to come. Ozpin and Qrow are meeting.

- "Sometimes I am not even sure he has a heart." Qrow on Ironwood. He really be TinMan, but worse.

- Guardians are maidens and choose only ladies. Good Gods. Haven't women suffered enough.

- Ozpin is talking about Pyrrha Nikos... Fine, they got me. Thought it would be Ruby, true. But oh no. No.

- I am aware Pyrrha dies. In this very season. You cannot keep tabs on a show without being spoiled every once in a while... My sister however, has assured me that the how of it all will still be devastating. Can't wait to lose my will to live further. 🥂

- Even the Neon sketch and the rainbow fuel supposedly coming out of her rollerblades can't cheer me up. Fuck. The music is nice, but that's always been true. Flynt Coal sketch now. I like how all of his untied bowties have very neon colours too. Ciel sketch. I am still filled with dread. I need to finish this show in one sitting now... Whoa. Neon's nunchucks can change colours? NOICE! Ooooooh! Flynt's trumpet can become a gun.

Season 03, Episode 06: Fall

- "There will be no love..."

- Pyrrha is going to represent Team JNPR in the final round. Ozpin thinks that don't surprise no one. True, actually.

- Qrow is there. Pyrrha is humble. Qrow isn't. Pretty sure he thinks her team is holding her back...

- She is too nice to actually be rude when offended. UGHHHHHHHHH. Smart too cause now she be wondering why they called her.

- They are talking about fairytales?

- The seasonal story of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall... Four maidens. From four kingdoms?

- The fairytale is true. They don't need dust to wield great power. And can use magic... Semblance is not the same. Huh. I didn't realise that.

- Qrow gave Ozpin a hard look. What was that about?

- Pyrrha is reeling. And could be receiving the fall maiden's power soon.

- Glynda and Ironwood are here. Teachers having part-time jobs. More likely than you think. 💯

- The way they are all speaking in turns... Did they rehearse this?

- Elevator with no music is nerve-wracking. Pyrrha would agree. And now there's a vault beneath the school.

- Glynda is explaining the cyclic nature of maidens who have existed for thousands of years. Not one of them is allowed to hold the power forever. That's good. Power can corrupt folks.

- Also, I couldn't help but note the difference between how Ironwood, Ozpin and Qrow walk. The first one's back is ram-rod straight. The second one uses a cane and it's obvious. The third is just slouching while also strutting; yet it feels like he doesn't care enough to put in any effort... Much kudos to the team for these details. Really a great reflection of the characters!

- So whoever the last maiden thinks of in her final moments, that's who becomes the best candidate for the next maiden. Okie. And if it's a man or someone old, a random person is chosen then. Hmmm.

- Qrow mentions how this makes their job a lot more difficult. How do they make this difficult thing possible? Because he be right.

- Pyrrha wants to know why they didn't wait for her graduation to be over with. Qrow says the world is in danger. And a maiden was attacked and part of her power was stolen... Was this lady named Autumn? He mentioned her condition once before.

- Okie, so not Autumn. But Amber. Her face has some markings and is that an incubator? She is still alive at least!

- Amber might think of her attacker when she dies. And this person might get the rest of her power regardless, since the assailant already has part of it. Talk of impossible situations.

- Pyrrha wants to know why every one outside doesn't know about the maidens. Answer: fairytales and legends.

- Wait. Does that mean Team RWBY's adventures would later turn into our world's Red Riding Hood and the other allusions this show's characters are inspired from?! Within their world, I mean... The aburdists were right then. It's all a cycle. My morbidly boggling nerdy fascination aside, the point they are making is often true! Especially with rumours and many supernatural sightings. There's a little truth to them. Maybe of a different kind altogether, but yes. Something did occur to inspire it all, I feel.

- Bad people have threatened to take away the powers before. Hence, maidens' existence, common knowledge no more.

- Pyrrha doesn't want war and bloodshed. She is ready to take on the mantle, but that isn't enough? Shikes.

- Natural transfer of powers may not be possible. Ironwood is getting involved. I am getting scared.

- So now they can take away someone's aura and fill it in something else... This is bad. Who greenlit this research?! Don't tell me that's how Penny can generate her own aura. Shite. Shite. Shite. I really don't like Ironwood.

- Basically, Amber's very life force could also become one with Pyrrha. And this might effect her already existing soul adversely. Fucking hell.

- Desperate times calls for desperate measures. But isn't this too desperate?

- They need her answer before the Vytal Festival ends?!!??! She is still a kid!!! Fucking fuck FUCKKKKK.

- Ominous warning. First move from bad people has been made. Next move is coming, and pan to Cinder. Shite. I do not find her attractive anymore.

- One on one finals are about to begin. Yang, Sun, Penny, Mercury and Pyrrha. People I know. Nikos looks so out of it. Awwww.

- On a different note, the guy standing beside Yang gave major Robin Hood vibes.

- Peter called Doctor, Barty. Is this banter? ✨😆

- No brackets. Random contestants against one another determined immediately. First match between...

- Yang vs Mercury. They are both close combat warriors. This will be good. And of course I am rooting for Xiao Long. Should I be scared though?

- Also, did Cinder decide the pairing? Doesn't seem like it. She is leaving. May have done it beforehand though.

- And begin! DUDE. THAT MID-AIR FIX FROM YANG WAS SO COOOOOOOOL! She got hit, but returned to her stance while flipping. ❤️‍🔥🤌🏻

- Evenly matched. Yang literally experiences a meteor shower. I don't think that's the end of it though... AND SHE IS UPPPP!!!!

- Yang won!!!! Much celebration!!!!!!! Blake gave her a standing ovation!!!!!!!!! 💖

- I hope Mercury wasn't holding back or whatever.

- THE FUCKKKKK. DID HE JUST TRY TO ATTACK HER AFTER IT WAS OVER?!?? I GET THAT THEY ARE BAD GUYS AND ALL. BUT SHITE. This unsportsmanlike behaviour. 🤬

- The Grimm are getting ready... People are upset.

- ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!?!?!!? THESE FUCKERS. I AM GOING TO FUCKING BURY THEM INTO THE GROUND. THEY ARE ACTUALLY PUTTING THIS ON YANG. AGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! This is farther than far now.

- The vault landscape like thing in the end credits looks amazing. My emotions are all over the place, but I can still appreciate how good it looks. There's one darkened figure there with a whip. Wonder who that is. The music is making me want to make the bad people cry. Pyrrha's character sketches! Glynda Goodwitch's turn! They are both so COOOL! And that machine housing Amber now. The colours be more stark here.

Season 03, Episode 07: Beginning of the End

- "There will be no hero in the end who will rise above..."

- "I want to strong." / "I want to be feared." / "I want to be powerful."

- Are those the wishes of the maidens? The other dialogues were cohesive with one another, except for them. Someone did something wrong.

- Cinder with short hair. This is where she recruits Emerald. Ahhh.

- Emerald is a thief running from the law. Stole a ring. Hasn't eaten in a while.

- Mercury killed his father. He was a drunkard and an assassin. The house behind is burning.

- People in bad circumstances. Cinder takes them in. Makes her mission their own. Fuck.

- They went to Adam before. He refused. Oh good Gods. Blake was with him then. The night before the events of the trailer. How old is this fucker? Adam leads the White Fang. Of course.

- I like the cut to black and the conversations that happen then. It has a nice mysteriously somber effect. But by golly, I am terrified of what's about to come. This is just the beginning. Shite.

- "Excuse me... I am looking for a friend of mine." -Emerald. This was her first line, when we meet her. Oh no.

- The friend was Amber. She is riding the horse, isn't she?

- Emerald's semblance allows her to make mirages. Gotcha.

- Yuppity, it be Amber. This is where it happens.

- Even though I am on the fence about Mercury and Emerald, they are skilled enough to get Amber to use her maiden power on them.

- Here we have Cinder. Okie, turning burnt ground to glass is a nice effect... Three on one now.

- Three arrows surround one. Amber gets out. Everyone down. Emerald is about to suffer Amber's wrath. Cinder's arrow gets her.

- Eye symbol glove with other markings. Spider Grimm out of the portal?! These portal things also appear during the openings. I am dreading everything that's to come.

- Cinder has the other half of the power. She gets a brief makeover as a result. Thank Gods for Qrow. That's how the bad people know him.

- Who is Cinder talking to? Something about laying claim on what they deserve... A few swift hancuffs and a ride to forever prison, methinks.

- Back to Adam. A subordinate of his is talking about finding someone. Blake?

- Adam needs to return to Mistral. His place is attacked by Cinder. White Fang has joined the cause. A little unwillingly maybe. But then... Well. Adam offers his full support later. Fuck all of you. Things just keep getting better and better. 😭

- In the present now, tarnishing Yang's name. I feel like UGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! AGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

- Cinder is the one with an ambulance ready. Great getaway. 🤬

- Emerald plays with people's minds to create the mirage. Oh Gods.

- Neo is the driver. Chummy bad people.

- Everyday folks aren't happy with Beacon. Grimm attacks cannot be contained. Mercury has robot legs. I cannot. This is already bringing me down. Things will only get worse. Fucking fuck fuck fuck fuck.

- Cinder says there's more coming in the next match. 😭😭😭

- Who will it be against? Don't say Penny.

- Mercury needs to lay low, according to Cinder. Because if I find him... 🤬

- Cinder's sketch. UGHHHHHHHHH. Emerald and Mercury too. Amber's next, the music is making me want to lay out a flawless plan and execute it to perfection against Cinder and co. The landscape where the attack on Amber occurred. It looks incredible.

Season 03, Episode 08: Destiny

- "The good will crawl."

- Fucking Ironwood. This douche. Someone get him out. Just because the world saw it, doesn't mean it's true. Sometimes the entire universe can be wrong. Someone let me at this guy. Pwease.

- At least team RWBY has only been disqualified. Ironwood really rubs me the wrong way. AGHHHH.

- Ruby and Weiss believe Yang. Blake isn't sure what to believe. Yang is crying and I might be a little too.

- Obviously Blake has her reasons. Doesn't make it hurt any less, even though I understand the Adam of it all.

- Am glad she realises they are different people. Doesn't have to mean she entirely trusts Yang's version of events. She can just trust her word. And she is definitely trying, reserving judgement and isn't jumping to conclusions. It's realistic. I like it.

- Team JNPR are good neighbours. Pyrrha has too much to deal with to focus on the tournament. These kids...

- Nora has turned into Pyrrha's personal trainer and is doing all the drills for her? 😆. I really needed that pick-me-up.

- Ren's wearing an apron that says, "Please do nothing to the cook." 😂. Suits him too well.

- Awwwwwwwww! They think Yang's whole fiasco has Pyrrha down. Am not going to lie, under normal circumstances I also would have believed it. Pyrrha is just that good of a person.

- Ren and Nora are bantering. Pyrrha smiled a little because of it. Jaune notices something's up. Going out and about as a team now! Good leader move.

- Yang is down. This is a crime. Qrow is there.

- Oh my Gods. With everything going on, I forgot about Yang's mum. This is really coming at a great time for her. And now Qrow calling her crazy just... UGHHHHHHHHHHHH.

- Thank GODS. At least he made sure to confirm it was her mum. And Qrow and her are siblings? Ooooooh! I always thought Tai and Qrow were related. For whatever reason.

- Yang's mum's message was WoW. It's true, I guess. She won't be around everytime to save her. But the phrasing was very cutthroat.

- Her name is Raven?! Their family must really like birds. 😆

- Yang's about to go on a mother hunt with her uncle?

- Pyrrha's having a moment alone outside. The scene looks breathtaking.

- She may have to become the fall maiden and a fall leaf falls near her? Ensue flashbacks. Give this girl a break!!!

- Awwwwwwwww! Jaune with the pink candy floss to the rescue.

- The fact that Nora and him communicated with just one look... It makes me happy. Nora will now win Ren more stuffed animals! ✨😆

- Pyrrha was so shocked about something she dropped her snack. Now I am shocked... OH MY GODS. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. THEY ARE HOLDING HANDS!!!!! AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! IT'S HAPPENING!!!!!!!

- Now Jaune is shocked. Pyrrha is laying her head on his shoulder... The lone fall leaf has another leaf join it. 🥹🫶🏻✨

- The leaves have scattered. Pyrrha is talking about destiny being a destination you work towards.

- Side note: Jaune's left shoes' sole has 'left' written on it. Made me smile.

- Pyrrha is hyperventilating. Jaune said the exact words she may or may not have needed to hear. He is slammed into the wall.

- Thank Gods for his shield outfit. Pyrrha isn't having a great time. She said sorry and ran away. Shite. Jaune is left confused and sad and blaming himself. Emojis cannot capture my heartbreak.

- Oh my Gods. Coco saw a mirage as well. I had assumed Emerald could shapeshift then... So Mercury didn't actually try to attack. Emerald was making Yang see things. But that's still not done!!! AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

- Cinder needed Emerald again, last time they talked. Ruby knows something is up now. And she has spotted Emerald in the crowd! YAYYYYYY!!!

- Oh no. Don't go alone Ruby! Fuck fuck fuck.

- She has found Mercury. With no injury... Wait. Penny vs Pyrrha. Metal vs Polarity. These bad guys are really bad. And just as thorough... Things will get more worse now. I don't think I am ready.

- Ruby doesn't have Crescent Rose. Mercury is a close combatant. I AM NOT READY.

- Pyrrha isn't either. Fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCKKKKK.

- Penny's sketch. She looks so cute. I am filled with terror. The commentary box. It's nicely done. I need to scream from the mic. Velvet and her camera. Great work. The music is enhancing the melancholia in me. Jaune and Pyrrha's heart-to-almost-heart place. It looks beautiful. Team STRQ picture now. Am pretty sure this is volume is going to destroy me.

(No spoilers. Otherwise, am already feeling deranged and will not hesitate on forcing you to watch this season without a break. Chào!)

[arc-misadventures]

A Solider, A Huntsman, And A Monster

They made a wide berth around me as I walked through the halls of, Atlas Academy. Many moved to the side to make way for my presence, others stopped in their walking to jump back in alarm as they saw my ghastly visage before them. I tended to create, although involuntarily, stirs around people who haven’t seen me.

Although, many offered me a kind, and polite nod of the head in acknowledgment as they saw me walk by. These were mostly the rank, and file soldiers you would find strewn about the academy. Be they enlisted, or officers, my actions in the defence of, Atlas, and Mantle had earned me their respect, and mine in turn.

But, peoples fear of me would have to wait, General Ironwood wanted to speak with me, and I for one wasn’t planning to keep him waiting, especially since his summons seemed rather urgent. A notion that filled my broken soul with unease.

When I reached the doors leading to, General Ironwood’s office I softly knocked on the door, and entered. Well, what what I thought was a soft knock made a sound more akin to a hammer pounding warped steel. I looked down at my right hand, inspecting the white bone plate upon it, as I entered the generals office.

Jaune: My apologies… I thought that was knocking softly… evidently not.

Ironwood: It is quite alright, Mr. Arc. Please do come in.

As I entered his office I saw several other individuals in the room. Specialist Winter Schnee, Specialist Ebi Clover, several of Atlas’s council members, including its latest addition, Robyn Hill. My gaze lingered upon her longer than others, but it was soon put to an ease as she walked over, and held out her hand.

Robyn: It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Arc. How are you feeling?

I took her hand in mine, and simply replied:

Jaune: I’m doing fine.

There was genuine concern within her voice. Robyn, and I had created an ammoniacal relationship between the two of us. I found her presence calming, and her smile comforting, but more importantly I could use her semblance to gauge my mind’s true feelings. And, based upon the red grow that emanated from our hands. Well, there was much lies to be told.

Robyn: You’re lying, Jaune.

Jaune: To myself, or you? That’s the real question…

Robyn gave me a sad smile as she pulled away, patting my arm as she turned to stand beside her colleagues.

I thought my night with, Willow would have lifted my mood. But, seemingly only on the surface it had been lifted. But, now wasn’t the time for mopping about, or swallowing myself up in rage. I was summoned here for a reason after all. What that was, was the question.

Jaune: So, you wanted to speak with me, General Ironwood? May I assume this is about my work schedule, and teaching documents that I will need? Or, perhaps some individuals have voiced their objections to me becoming a teacher at, Atlas Academy because of various… circumstances.

I cast a cautionary glance to my left, I gazed upon the gaggle of council members currently present. I couldn’t blame them if they objected to my appointment as a teacher, I was a for the better part, a Valian after all, and not an, Atlasian. Many would find pause in that alone. Taking into consideration me being a Grimm/human hybrid, well, I’m still surprised I’m not locked up in another lab getter poked, and proded, again.

James saw through my not so subtle pointed questions, and smiled softly at that, and he shook his head dismissively.

Ironwood: No, no nothing of the sort. This is about something else all entirely.

Jaune: And, that would be?

Ironwood: I, General James Ironwood would like to, on the behave of, Kingdom of Atlas, and Mantle, would like you to offer you a military commission.

The eyebrow over my left eye rose as I looked at him skeptically.

Jaune: You want to buy my services as a mercenary? But, I’m already a Huntsman working for, Atlas Academy. Aren’t I already a mercenary under a contract?

General Ironwood, and the Specialists all looked at me wide eyed for a moment before bursting our in a small fit of laughter. Even, councilwoman, Robyn Hill chuckled at my expense.

Ironwood: Hahaaa… No, Mr. Arc, what I’m saying is that I want to offer you a position as an officer in the, Atlas Military. The process of doing so is called, ‘a military commission.’

My head nodded in understanding at the terminology, but I was nonetheless confused.

Jaune: I understand, but why are you doing this? Don’t I need to serve in the, Atlas Military for a while to become an officer?

Ironwood: Normally yes, however, Hunter’s, such as the, Specialists have, Huntsman level of training, and are a part of the, Atlas Military. This exemption to the rules also applies to you as well, since you were gifted you, Huntsmen license from, Atlas Academy. And, as for why we’re offering you a commission, well there are several reasons.

I could see an almost nervous sense of unease fill the room. I looked towards, Winter, and caught her gazing at me, her eyes quickly darted away from me. I did the same to other members of the, Specialists, and they gave the same distant look, but, Robyn kept her eyes locked with mine unlike the rest. Interesting.

I tore my vision away from, Robyn to look back at, Ironwood, and ask the question he wanted me to ask.

Jaune: And, those reasons would do doubt have to do with, Salem’s attack upon, Mantle, and Atlas, no?

Ironwood: You are correct. We lost a lot of people that day… Mostly soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the defence of, Atlas, and Mantle people. And, while we lost many of the common rank, and file soldiers, we have lost far more officers than we can allow.

I looked at him with a mild sense of confusion, his words didn’t add up. I knew the body count of that day, I knew how many soldiers died, I knew who were the grunts, and who were the officers among that number. I knew how many civilians they saved that day was, and I knew how many they couldn’t save that day. I knew all too well, and I could never forget.

Jaune: Unless I am mistaken the total casualty numbers for the day people have dubbed, ‘The Siege of Atlas,’ was around three hundred, and thirty eight, Of that number, one hundred, and seven were civilians, leaving that count being that there were two hundred, and thirty one casualties sustained by military personnel. Now, not counting the casualties sustained by the, Atlasian Knights, which I believe is around, three hundred, and ninety two. That number of, two hundred, and thirty one only, forty one of them were officers. Now, if we are not counting the nine, Paladin pilots who also lost their lives among that count. Since I assume you are counting officers that were in positions of command, and any soldier who is, ‘Fitted for their suit,’ as the slang goes is gifted the rank of lieutenant upon graduation. So that would leave approximately, thirty two officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Now I mean to speak no ill of the dead, but is that not considered, ‘An acceptable casualty rating?’

My words may have been as simple as reading a causality report, but the shocked looks I received from those present was odd. It seems like they didn’t expect me to know the exact casualty rates we experienced that day, and based upon how, Ironwood was over looking a series of documents in front of him he couldn’t believe it either.

Ironwood: You are correct, those were indeed the casualty numbers we received that day. And, the number of three hundred, and thirty eight fatalities among the enlisted personnel, the officer core, and civilians is indeed, ‘an acceptable causalty rating.’

: An acceptable casualty rating?!

I looked of to one of the council members, a lady whose name was, Mrs. Alicia Ophilia. She seethed in a cold, and silent rage as she started us down at our seemingly disconcert regards towards the glorious dead.

Alicia: I for one do not consider over three hundred dead civilians, and military personnel as an acceptable casualty rating! How can you be so callous, and emotionless towards such a substantial lose of life?!

Myself, Ironwood, the Specialist, and even, Councillor Hill understood fully well the reason behind her rage. Which made the cold, grim logic behind, Winter’s following words all the more damning on an already weery soul.

Winter: If I may, Mrs. Ophilia. The term: ‘Acceptable casualty rating,’ is an euphemism used by the military, and huntsmen alike to address casualties, or destruction inflicted by an enemy force that is considered minor, or tolerable.

Alicia: Tolerable?

Robyn: Please put it into perspective, Alicia; we lost over three hundred people during the attack, and out of two cities whose total population nears ten thousand, which would you prefer; one thousand dead, or three hundred dead?

Mrs. Ophilia looked at the group of soldiers, and Huntsmen before her, and as she processed the words spoken to her, and gave a heavy sigh as she relented.

Alicia: I concede. You are right: Theee hundred dead is a more… acceptable number… than one thousand dead.

Jaune: While I agree with you, Mrs Ophilia, that one death is one too many, I was actually referring to the casualty rating among the officers, not the total amount of dead. Wouldn’t losing thirty two officers be acceptable, surely there is more than enough soldiers to fill in the holes they departure has created.

Ironwood: That is the case, and those officers positions have been refilled by newly promoted soldiers. I’m afraid to say we lost more than thirty two officers.

Jaune: What? How?!

Shock roared through my voice causing others to jump back from me, I could see, Harriet from the corner of my eye adopting a combative stance. Their shock was understandable, but they mistook my cry of alarm for one of rage. An understandable reaction at the end of the day; I sound like a monster as much as I now look like one.

Jaune: My apologizes. My voice betrays my mood. I am not angry, but shocked that we lost so many officers. But, how did this happen, did we have a sudden, Grimm attack, or something?

Ironwood: We didn’t lose any more officers to the, Grimm after that. We did lose an additional forty seven officers, most of whom were dishonourably discharged afterwards though.

Jaune: Dishonourably discharged?

The confusion laced within my voice was just as loudly heard as the silent rage that echoed from the, Generals.

Ironwood: Yes, you are aware of what a, ‘bought officer,’ is?

Jaune: A corrupt officer?

Ironwood: No… Well it wouldn’t surprise me a few if a few of those officers weren’t taking money on the side to look the other way. But, no, a ‘bought officer’ is a slang for officers who purchase their rank with lien, not years of dedication to, Atlas, and its people.

Jaune: You have such officers in your ranks? That doesn’t seem like something you would allow.

Ironwood: And, I wouldn’t have. But, a contract made by the founders over a hundred years ago said we had too, and it would have taken just under another hundred years ago for it to expire. Luckily, taking in the results recent attack in mind, I was given the ability to remove such a contract, and the filth it brought with it from our ranks.

Jaune: And, the individual reason these officers were removed?

Ironwood: General cowardice: abandoning their post, leaving their men behind, trying to steal military craft to flee, Atlas. Simple things such as that.

Jaune: Ahh, well that certainly explains things…

I could remember seeing individuals fleeing from the frontlines at the beginning of the battle, all wearing officer’s uniforms now that I think about it. I couldn’t pay too much mind to it though, there were too many pressing matters to attend to at the time.

Jaune: And, you want to offer me an officers commission to fill in one of these missing positions?

Ironwood: Yes. You would still be a teacher at the academy, you would just also have an officers rank, and be expected, if the need arise to, to lead troops upon the battlefield.

Jaune: Just like what I did during, Salem’s attack?

Ironwood: Correct.

He wanted me to be an officer. An officer in the, Atlas Military. It sounded like in the end I would just have a change of clothes, and some pretty bobbles on my uniform. But, I looked down to my right hand, and thought hard about his offer. The white bone plate that covered my hand, and the pale skin that rested below it. I wasn’t human anymore, would these soldiers follow my orders into battle? During the, Seige it was different; There were no officers, just soldiers fighting for their lives. I gave them orders, and commanded them to obey my commands, saving thousands in the process. But, that was in the midst of a battle, the largest, and most deadly battle, Atlas had ever experienced. Would these soldiers be willing to follow my orders, the orders of a monster during a time of relative peace?

Ironwood: They recommend you.

Jaune: Excuse me?

I was ripped from my musing at the, Generals words. I was recommended for this position; By who, and why?

Ironwood: Several of the soldiers you fought along side that day were also promoted, and made officers to fill in the ranks. Now we have competent, and skilled officers in our ranks. But, while these officers were being promoted, they often asked the same question: Is the, Hero of Mantle, Jaune Arc joining us?

Jaune: H-Hero of Mantle? Are people calling me that?

Robyn: Its the name the people have given you for your heroic acts for saving them that day.

Jaune: Hero…?

Robyn: Jaune…

I looked up to see that, Robyn was holding my left hand in a comforting grip as she softly smiled at me.

Robyn: Regardless of what you think, people don’t see you as a monster.

Jaune: They don’t?

Robyn: No. People see as a victim of the horrendous acts of a true monster. They see you as a man who risked his life to save them. You are a hero to them, Jaune. You are not the monster you believe yourself to be. You are, Jaune Arc, the Saviour of Mantle.

I couldn’t help, but snort at her words.

Jaune: ‘The Saviour of Mantle.’ Sounds a little much now doesn’t it?

Robyn: Well, it’s shows you how the people truly see you as.

Jaune: But, I’m just a huntsman doing my duty. There’s nothing more to it than that. I

Robyn: But, don’t you like being called a hero?

Jaune: No, not really.

Robyn: You sure about that?

I looked at her skeptically before staring down at my hand enveloped in a red glow. I looked back to, Robyn’s cheeky smile as I swatted her hands away.

Jaune: Stop doing that!

Robyn: Not going to happen.

Jaune: Damn…

Ironwood: So, Mr. Arc, what do you say?

I turned away from, Robyn to address, General Ironwood. I straightened my back, and stood tall before everyone with my hands held firmly behind my back.

Jaune: If, if I accept this offer I would like to make one request.

He quirked, and eyebrow at me, as he straightened his back in turn to address me.

Ironwood: And, that would be?

Jaune: A custom uniform that would fit me properly, and new armour as well. My bodies… alterations have made my armour rather cumbersome to wear.

Ironwood smiled as he took in my simple request.

Ironwood: I think we can do that. Anything else?

Jaune: No that is all. In any case, I humbly accept my commission to… uhh… what rank will I be receiving… Sir?

Ironwood: You can save the ‘sirs’ until after your commission. As for your rank; taking into consideration the deeds you’ve accomplished in the service of, Atlas, and Mantle. We have agreed on giving you the rank of, Colonel.

Jaune: Does this mean I will outrank the, Specialists?

Ironwood: As a matter in fact, you will indeed outrank the, Specialists.

Jaune: Oh good… Now, Marrow can be the one getting me coffee instead… Heheheee…

Everyone seemingly flinched as I chuckled to myself. If, Marrow’s face was saying if he had a pair of ears instead of a tail, they would have dropped in fear.

Jaune: …

Jaune: That did not sound like I was making a teasing remark in the slightest did it?

The resounding choir of nos soon swiftly answered my question.

Jaune: Great, not only did he turn me into a monster, but he took away my ability to make a joke… Godsdamn bastard…

Everyone seemed to find something else to look at, all seemingly not wanting to comment on my feelings towards that particular monster. Like there was anything else to comment on it anyway.

Ironwood: Ahem. The award ceremony where you will be granted your new rank will take place in a week from today. I recommend you get fitted soon, so they can make your new uniform soon.

Jaune: I understand, will that be all?

Ironwood: That’s everything. I look forward to working with, Mr. Arc.

Jaune: Likewise, General.

We grasped one another’s hands in a firm handshake, before others came along, and also gave me congratulatory hand shakes as well. The Specialists were open, and receptive to my commission, while Marrow did look nervous as I teasingly smiled at him. Though I doubt it was very teasing, a smile filled with fangs no doubt always looked threatening.

The council members gave me celebratory handshakes as well, they were pleased with my appointment to become a colonel. No doubt for some political bullshit they were planning to use me in.

But, then there was, Robyn.

Robyn: So, Jaune, how does it feel to become an officer in the, Atlas Military?

Jaune: Ask me again when I’ve dawn on the uniform.

Robyn: I’ll have to remember to do that. I’m glad you accepted the offer, the other two council members are actually opposed to your appointment. You no doubt understand why.

I looked towards the other councillors as they addressed, General Ironwood. No doubt talking about future plans, and meetings they must attend to. However, as I looked upon the three of them a thought crossed my mind.

Jaune: Wait… Two votes for, and two votes against? You were the deciding vote.

Robyn: I was, and I voted: For.

Jaune: Why? You don’t trust, General Ironwood, and the military, why would you agree to have me instated in the military?

Robyn: Because I trust you, Jaune. I trust that with your calm head, you will be able to keep the others in check. That with your help we can lead, Mantle into a brighter future for the good of everyone.

Jaune: A brighter future lead by a, Grimm/human hybrid? I find that hard to believe. No, Robyn you are the Bannerman, the one leading others to a brighter tomorrow with hope as your forge a better future. I however, will be the sword that protects that future. I am more suited for that role. Soldiers can easily follow a monster into a war, but not in peace.

Robyn: Jaune, just because you look like a monster doesn’t mean you are a monster.

My head fell as I shook my head. Blind optimism fuelled by hope, I never thought I would miss someone talking like that. At least, Robyn has a realistic head on her shoulders. But, still blind optimism will never help me.

Jaune: We’re all monsters, Robyn. We may not look like ones since we’ve all been well groomed, are well dressed, and given etiquette lessons. Some monsters wear the skin of monsters, others wear the skin of humans. But, it doesn’t matter, because at the end of the day we’re all just monsters, now we’re just well dressed monsters.

Robyn: Well dressed monsters…

Robyn looked away from me as she pondered my words before she shook it away before looking back at me with this mad glint in her eyes.

Robyn: Jaune, are you busy this afternoon?

Jaune: I was going to grab my teaching manifest, and study what I need to be teaching the students. Why do you ask?

Robyn: Class doesn’t start for two weeks, you can put that off until tomorrow. Come with me, there’s a victory celebration being held in, Mantle.

Jaune: A victory celebration? But, the Siege was over a month ago, why are you having one now?

Robyn: The Siege turned everyone’s lives upside down, people needed time to rebuild, to morn those they lost. The people of, Mantle need to let loose, and relax. To let the burdens of, The Siege fade away, so we can all move on from it. So, we’re going to have a massive party to do so. So, would you like to come?

Her logic made sound sense, but I wasn’t sure if this was a good idea, I would probably cause a small panic, being a monster, and all. But, the people of, Mantle do call me, ‘The Hero of Mantle,’ so maybe they might actually enjoy me being there. But, I had to ask something very important before I offer her any answer.

Jaune: Will I have to give a speech?

Robyn: No I don’t think you would will have to.

Jaune: I’ll hold you to that.

Robyn: So you’ll come?

Jaune: I will, but don’t expect me to dance.

Robyn: We’ll see about that. Come on, Jaune we have a party to go to.

I hope this will be fun event. a chance to unwind, and relax, just as, Robyn said. But, honestly I just hope this wouldn’t be an event that I would come to regret.

I can at least hope for that right.

Right?

[invested-in-your-future]

Kingdom of Atlas

(This is a lore post for my RWBY rewrite.)

History

Years leading to the Great War, in its place stood the Mt. Atlas Research Station—a project bankrolled by one of Mantle's oldest families, The Schnees.

Built upon their land, the project, often dubbed a fool's errand, existed for a singular purpose—to survey and research the depths of the tallest mountain on Remnant. While most corporations and wealth had turned their eyes towards Menagerie, The Schnees, believing its roots to contain insurmountable deposits of Dust, had poured all of their generational wealth into The Atlas project. And on the eve of the Great War, they hit the jackpot.

After the Great War, with the Kingdom of Mantle in shambles and the world economy falling apart, the Schnees rose to prominence as the prime suppliers of Dust worldwide. In an effort to rebuild after the war, Vale, Vacuo, and Mistral signed lucrative trade deals with the Schnee Dust Company. In return, the Research station saw an influx of money and resources from all the Kingdoms.

As years passed, the decision had been made to expand the station into a full-fledged city.

The scale of The City of Atlas in comparison to how it had begun.

With the near infinite resources right near it and the climate that the Creatures of Grimm had trouble adapting to, The City of Atlas had slowly transformed into the primary settlement on this unwelcome continent as Mantle continued to wither.

Eventually, the Kingdom's elites had made the decision to migrate the capital there, establishing the Kingdom of Atlas with Mantle as its secondary manufacturing city.

To this day, the City of Atlas is considered a miracle. Its expansion had propelled the Kingdom to new heights of technological advancements and progress.

Indeed, Atlas's development rate might seem impossible, far exceeding other post-war projects like the City of Argus.

As of 790 E.A., ninety years after the Great War, and since its inception, the Kingdom of Atlas had surpassed the other Kingdoms—standing decades ahead in sciences, technology, and living conditions.

Structure

The City, etched into the side of the mountain, consists of three separate zones of elevation—The Military Complex, The Upper Level, The Lower Level, and the Boundary Zone.

Atlas Military resides within the Military Complex—a massive megastructure carved into the mountain itself. Within the Complex, most of the Atlas weaponry, mechs, and military technology are manufactured and tested. The Complex also extends beneath the city, elevating the Upper Level above the rest. The actual size of the Military Complex is classified.

The Upper Level is the newest and most luxurious zone where the nouveau-riche reside. Most of Atlas Government, the higher ranks of Military Personnel, and the upper echelons of the major corporations reside there. At the center of the Upper Level stands the Cross-Continental Transmit System tower. Even after the towers had gone down, due to elevation, the systems within still provide most of the inhabited areas of Solitas with access to the local network and communications. Right next to it stands the main building of the Atlas Academy. The Upper Levels also contain a variety of combat schools and arts academies, The Ercol Academy of Arts and Combat being one of many.

Below it lay the Lower Level, the sanctuary of commerce and science, where most of the Kingdom's population lives. The Lower Level also contains most of the corporate headquarters, as well the city's manufacturing and research districts.

At the very bottom, on top of the City's foundation, lay the area commonly known as The Boundary Zone. Its official, under-used name is “The Immigration Customs and Processing District”. Originally the ground zero of Atlas expansion, this zone is now primarily used as a buffer area for those traveling from and to Atlas and Mantle. Those desiring admission into the city proper—whether they were businessmen, foreigners, or Mantle's citizens having received the invitation to the Academy—are expected to await judgment there. As the process usually takes years, the buildings here are primarily used as living quarters. The entrance to the other levels of the city is strictly forbidden. However, the Atlesian Citizens and those with visitor passes can freely move back and forth between all Atlas zones, as well as Mantle.

[lipeg]

Theodore: She can't stay in this academy

Jaune: Who?

Theodore: She

Theodore pointed to Neo

Jaune: Ask you

Everything in the room fell silent. Yang was the only one who started laughing.

Theodore: I must remind you that you are talking to the Headmaster of this academy

Jaune: So what do you have to say about her, dear Headmaster?

Jaune pointed to Raven.

( The epilogue of v9 was "released" but the episode wasn't even finished, it was still in the storyboarding process, I don't consider it an epilogue, it's just something to draw attention to itself )

Jaune: And her

Jaune pointed to Esmeralda.

Jaune: Let's not forget them

Jaune pointed out to the RWBY team that, in the eyes of the people of Atlas, they were responsible for the destruction of the kingdom.

Jaune: You know, you're a bit of a hypocrite, 7 criminals in your school and you still complain about my wife. And who came up with the idea of calling her

Jaune pointed at Raven without looking directly at her.

Oscar/Ozpin: I

Jaune: Why am I not surprised, your incompetence has no Ozma

Weiss: Jaune!

Jaune: Me lying? His incompetence knows no bounds, he was in charge of Beacon and Beacon fell, he had important information when we were in Atlas but he didn't open his damn mouth!

Jaune: We've lost the relic of creation, the relic of knowledge is useless, Vacuo has become the favorite destination for Grimms and we have 1 maiden who wants to kill us and 2 missing maidens

Jaune: So I ask if anyone, ANYONE! had a plan, so said

Jaune looked at everyone, he looked at team RWBY, Qrow, Winter, Marrow Amin leader of Ace Operatives, Coco leader of CFYV and other leaders of elite hunting teams.

Vanitas Lunarblue.

Vanitas: So, boy, what are your plans?

Jaune: Wow, let's use the relic of destruction

This surprised everyone, and those who had just learned about the relics were shocked.

Vanitas: Let's see who will use the sword that can destroy the world

Jaune: Ren

Ren himself was shocked.

Ren: Why me

Jaune: You told me yourself that you've improved your Semblance, you told me yourself that you can suppress your emotions for hours now

Jaune: If you don't depend on your emotions then only reason will remain, and besides, I trust you. I know you well enough to know that you wouldn't let innocent people suffer

Ren was happy with his former leader's words.

Neo with his Semblance made a pile of papers appear on the table.

Jaune: I had some extra time and did a little study and now the Army of Atlas will serve as a line of defense and transport, they will enter combat unless it is strangely necessary, the focus will now be on protecting and better Vacuo

Jaune: About Nightmares Grimms. With only the VATC (Vatican) team, they are the only ones who can face these monsters and leaving only one is too risky, the CYFV team will help them in the battles

Jaune: Other teams like SSSN and others, I first need to know which areas they are good at.

Jaune turned his gaze to the RWBY team.

Jaune: Ruby, you'll be away from the battlefields and will work in weapons maintenance, your weapons creation and repair will be put to good use. Yang and Weiss both go to work as aides to the Atlas military. Blake, you and your Faunus features are going as vigilantes.

Blake: This is racism

Jaune: Blame God for creating the black night sky. Salem is going after the relics. We need to get in touch with Headmistress Glynda as soon as possible

[oceandirtcountry]

I think there’s some lore for my crossover AU I need to get out because it’s getting confusing even for myself:

The Ninja (Randy Cunningham, 9th Grade Ninja): The First Ninja, aka Finja, was a well respected warrior who hailed from Norrisville, a small town on the outskirts of Vale. Finja single-handedly held off hordes off Grimm on his own, and bested the Sorcerer, who was turning people into Grimm (by stanking them, since Grimm are attracted to negative emotions, so with enough negative emotions and a push from the gas, you can become a Grimm too! This’ll be important later.)

He kept Vale safe for years, especially during Ozpin’s lack of showing due to his depression. Eventually, after Ozpin gave his power to the Maidens, Ozpin also imparted some of his Semblance onto Finja, allowing him to pass on his learnings and his abilities to the next generation until a Ninja became powerful enough to stop Salem.

He fought alongside Ozpin in the Great War and was the catalyst for victory, and ended up dying of old age.

Randy Cunningham is the most recent to iteration of the Ninja, and Ozpin has found that the combined abilities of the Ninjas who came before him could very well be enough to stop Salem, but he needs a push. With the Sorcerer’s return and new threats, Randy needs all the help he can get.

The Omnitrix, Ascalon, and Map of Infinity (Ben 10):

Azmuth created the Ascalon as a show of his genius. However, after misuse, he brought great destruction to his galaxy, and looked to use it for good. He brought it to the backwater planet known as Earth during the Great War, and it was the reason why Ozpin was able to slay the Dagon and stop Salem from winning.

However, unhappy that it simply brought peace to one planet and would not bring his lover back, he left the Ascalon on earth for Ozpin to guard. The Ascalon then became The Relic of Destruction.

He then went on to create the Omnitrix, with the same backstory as the original series, with it being meant for Grandpa Max. It was found by ten year old Ben Tennyson, who was at first hesitant to touch it, but used it as a last resort when he was cornered by Grimm in a forest, starting a forest fire with Heatblast.

The map of infinity was hidden by Professor Paradox in an attempt to keep the forge of creation away from anyone who wished to abuse its power. The map can only be found once a question is asked to the Relic of Knowledge, an all-knowing genie who can answer any three questions once every hundred years.

Ben, Yang, Kevin and Gwen eventually race against Aggregor to find the map pieces, and team up shortly with Weiss and Randy to obtain the relic before going their separate ways once again, and meeting up much later with everyone in the big showdown.

The Nanite event (Generator Rex): As if Vacuo didn’t have it bad enough, the nanite experimentation facility was on a remote island near Vacuo. When attempting to cure a sick Rex Salazar, his parents accidentally unleashed a devastating nanite explosion. However, the nanites were contained by Atlas troops with powerful magnets and force fields, sealing the island off and labelling it “The Bug Jar.”

A young Rex eventually bursts out of the jar and wreaks havoc on Vacuo with his awakened Evo form, even turning many Grimm into hyper charged EVOs. He’s then found by Six and brought into the Providence wing of the Atlas military, specialised to deal with Earthly threats too dangerous for the normal military, to be trained with his abilities to cure EVOs, in a building on the very edge of the Bug Jar.

Rex hates his life there, and he enrols into beacon academy to become a Huntsman.

Summer Rose, the greatest Huntress that ever lived (RWBY): In an attempt to stop Salem, Summer storms Salem’s castle with a little help from Raven and a time-hopping Ben Tennyson, who’s trying to track down Maltruant in the Time War.

The trio are on the cusp of succeeding, but Salem reveals her secret weapon: an alliance with the Sorcerer.

Ben goes Clockwork as Maltruant tackles him into the time stream once again, leaving Summer to fend for herself, which is a huge mistake. She ends up losing quite horribly to the combined forces, and is kept alive for experiments on how to turn humans into Grimm.

Summer eventually becomes The Hound, a hyper-intelligent Grimm capable of tearing apart armies. With the abilities of Ghostfreak and Pesky Dust, plus Ruby’s silver eyes, Ben and Ruby manage to pull Summer out of the Hound and give Ruby her mom back.

Oh wait Invincible

I think I’ll just call it the CookieCross AU, since the fic I made is called cookies.

[novankenn]

Four of a Kind... WHY stop there?

/== Master Post List ==/

Fiona Thyme was not having a good time. Robyn had asked for a volunteer to go to Vale to keep tabs on Ironwood and Atlas' military... which should be protecting Mantel and not some "academy pissing contest", as Robyn put it. Fiona stepped forward, and now she was wishing she hadn't.

The job was simple enough... it was just the crowds. They were just causing her so much stress. Yet here she was on a guided tour of Beacon. She had to admit, Beacon was a nice looking school. Much less utilitarian that Atlas. She had just about gotten over her nerves when she froze, there were two people standing very close to her. As she stood there she watched the tour group move further and further away.

????: You're adorable!

Fiona: Ex... excuse me?

????: Yes she is. Sister Weiss, do you think Sister Pyrrha would mind?

Fiona stepped away and turned to face whomever had gotten so close to her. She froze when she saw a pair of young woman, both in blue dresses, trimmed with golden thread. She easily recognized Weiss Schnee, but not her companion.

Fiona: Ex... excuse me? Who are you and what are you doing?

Weiss: My apologies. This is my Sister Ruby.

Ruby: Hello.

Fiona: Hello?

Weiss: What are you thoughts on... children?

Fiona: Ah... what?

Ruby: She and Jaune would make rather precious little ones, don't you think?

Weiss: I agree.

Fiona: What are you two...

As one Ruby and Weiss, moved in. Hooking their arms through Fiona's they started to walk, causing Fiona to stumble and fall in step with them.

Fiona: HEY!!! Let me go! What are you doing?

Ruby/ Weiss: You have been chosen. Come sister-to-be, join us in making a better world.

Fiona: HELP!

Fiona tried to struggle, but the pair of young woman holding her were much stronger than one would have thought just from looking at them. But what was worse was how even though she was screaming for help... EVERYONE just vanished... like literally took off running in the opposite direction.

Weiss: Sister Pyrrha!

Ruby: We have found an initiate!

Fiona's face paled as she saw someone anyone would recognize... Pyrrha Nikos, also wearing the same dress as Ruby and Weiss... but what was really troubling was the struggling form of a red haired cat faunus draped over Pyrrha's shoulder like a bag of potatoes.

Pyrrha: How wonderful! I have discovered one as well!

Ruby/ Weiss: The King Mother will be over joyed! Blessed be the grand-babies!

Pyrrha: Blessed be the grand-babies.

????: LET ME GO YOU PYSCHO!!! I"M NOT BECOMING SOME FEISTISH BREEDING BITCH FOR YOUR SICK GAMES!!!

Weiss: Sister Pyrrha, that language.

Pyrrha: Neon. Enough.

Neon: STUFF IT BI... *Smack!* ... EEP! You just slapped my ASS!

Pyrrha: Shall I spank you again?

Neon: No...

Pyrrha: Thank you. Now who is you initiate?

Fiona: Fi... Fiona Thyme.

Pyrrha / Weiss / Ruby: SO PRECIOUS!!!

Fiona blushed at the praise, and then grew scared again as the group was once again moving. But they approached a very ominous looking door, fear spiked in side her, and Neon. It jumped even further when the door opened and Professor Goodwitch, also wearing a blue dress trimmed with golden thread stepped out.

Neon/ Fiona : HELP US!!!!

Glynda: Sisters, welcome back. The King mother wishes for a conference after the evening meal.

Neon/ Fiona: Please! Please!

The door snapped shut with an ominous thud when all six figures stepped inside the room. Across the hall a pair of heads peeked out into the hall.

Yang: This is starting to get out of hand. We should do something... or warn someone...

Blake: Yang, honey... do you really want to go head to head with a group that has Pyrrha, Professor Goodwitch, Weiss, your sister Ruby, May Zednog, Arslan Atlan, Neo, and Jaune?

Yang: Not really... but we can't just not do something!

Blake: I'll tell you what we will do, my little Sundragon.

Yang: (Blushing) ...

Blake: We are going to keep you as far away from those nut-cases as possible. I am NOT loosing my blond.

Yang: Huh?

Blake: Yang, I love you... and we're moving to Menagerie. We'll live with my parents until we can get our own place.

Yang:.. you love me?

Blake: Yes, now call your dad, tell him your moving in with your girl-friend, I'll start packing.

Blake gives Yang a quick peck on the lips, and then flutters her eye lashes at her.

Yang: Okay.

/====/ A/N : Well I have been give more suggestions... so I'll see what I can do to keep this insanity going.

Thanks to @freshmiraclecheesecake for suggestion Neon Katt, and thanks to @allday2006 for the suggestion of Fiona Thyme. Also Thank you to @segmentaldragon for the list of "potential initiates"... let's see if I can get a few more of these out?

[howlingday]

As Ironwood is leaving after giving the order to arrest team RWBY the door opens to reveal a VERY angry Vulkan who overheard everything, the Primarch of the Sakamanders decides to declare the general unfit for duty and take command of the entire atlas military.

General James Ironwood, headmaster of Atlas Academy and general of the Atlas military, glanced over his shoulder to the rebellious team he had taken into his care. The four girls had shown great promise since their arrival, and even now, he felt his near-instant graduation to licensed huntresses was no mistake. However, they had betrayed his trust, and the trust of the people of Atlas by allying themselves with the rogue element known as the Happy Huntresses.

"We won't let you take us!" Ruby Rose said as he passed his Ace Operatives, the elite of his elite specialists.

"I know." The door opened and he stepped through, ready to lock it behind him and fully enact his martial law. It was a difficult choice, but one that had to be-

"And just where do you think you're going?"

All the blood drained in the general's face as he was suddenly stopped by a wall of green ceramite as a voice as angry as a volcano spoke down to him. Looking up, he shivered at the sight of red eyes peering down with righteous fury into his very being. What else would one feel when on the receiving end of a primarch's ire?

"General Ironwood, I have heard many tales about your steadfast adherence to order," pushing Ironwood back into his office, everyone in the room gave the two a wide berth as the massive man began shouting at the formerly tallest one, "and I will admit, I feel a sense of nostalgia. You remind me of my brother, Dorn. But even he would see the folly in your decision to enact martial law!"

"Y... You don't understand, sir!" General Ironwood shouted back, surprising everyone that the mountain of a man not only outsized the general, but also outranked him! "Our kingdom is under siege of a terror most ancient and foul! A monster who intends to destroy all of Remnant!"

"A monster I have seen many a time, General." The primarch huffed. "But not once was imprisoning your people ever the answer to any of these crises."

"The enemy is in our homes, sir!" General Ironwood shouted still. "They have killed our people, have taken hold of our relics, and these girls have betrayed us all!"

His eyes passed over the girls standing ready with their weapons. The largest of them held her fists up to defend herself, likely in a fisticuffs manner that would likely be similar to his brothers Russ or Johnston. The one next to her held a crouched stance, as if ready to strike with agility, not dissimilar to his brothers Corax or even the vile Curze. On the far end of the group was a girl who held an elegant pose that he couldn't help but compare to his insidious brother Fulgrim. Last, but leading the group was the smallest of the four, but held the largest weapon that reminded him of his brother Mortarion, but her eyes seemed kinder, even with anger and fear pouring from them. He couldn't really compare them to any of his brothers, but instead of the children of Nocturne. It brough a smile to his face, however brief it may have been held.

"Is this true?" He asked. "Have you betrayed us?"

"No." The small leader replied with a steady heart. "We didn't."

The giant was quiet for a moment, then turned to the general. "Remove your martial law."

"But sir, if Salem-"

"Remove your martial law." His voice was more firm, and his eyes more focused. With a shaking hand, Ironwood removed the martial law from his scroll. The small leader took hold of her scroll and began conversing with someone on the other end. This must have been their rudimentary vox system. "Now, general..."

General Ironwood gulped.

"Let us discuss this problem proper." He then smiled. "I'm sure my sons would love to provide you aid."

[nightmare-foundation]

Yknow, it's really interesting to me how Ozpin hasn't actually been responsible for most things in rwby

Like, I'm gonna list a few things

Oz, obviously, didn't make any of the kingdoms (I've seen some people try to say it's possible he has, but I doubt it).

The Academies also aren't unique. Combat schools existed, at least in Mantle, prior to their creation. If I'm right (please tell me if I'm wrong), a combat school was turned into Atlas Academy, an old one specifically. So it's not a unique idea that Oz got from nowhere.

The CCTS also wasn't Oz's idea. It's explicitly stated it was Atlas's gift to the world, so it's pretty unlikely Oz even had a hand in making them.

The Circle also wasn't made by Oz. The other people who tagged along made it, with Oz as the figurehead. He likely wasn't even the leader because he was gone so often. He didn't even want the Circle to be a thing initially, but he saw how much good they were doing (protecting people, teaching people how to fight) and just let it happen.

The 4 man team ALSO wasn't Oz's idea. It's stated the King of Vale, aka Oz, got it from a fairytale (the hunters children I believe it's called??). Said fairytale was something he very likely was Not a part of, so this is true too.

The only thing he's really done is raising Atlas and abolishing the monarchies and militaries. Which, btw, the last thing was Objectively good (raising Atlas was a mistake and Oz 100% knows this).

Maybe another thing is that he made Beacon and Vale more friendly towards faunus, but honestly that's not entirely successful bc systemic racism is hard to get rid of, especially in one lifetime.

Really, from what I see is that Oz believes that humanity doesn't need anyone to guide them. Maybe something or someone to look forward to (symbols of hope are always nice to have but also have their own flaws), but otherwise? He's never tried 'guiding' humanity.

Which I think is REALLY interesting, bc between Oz and Salem, it was SALEM who seems to think that humanity is lost without Gods. She suggested that humanity needed guidance, and initially Oz went with it, but now he clearly disagrees with the idea that humanity needs to be 'guided'. And Salem doesn't seem to have changed her opinions, either. I think she wants to overthrow the gods and become humanities new Goddess, possibly the only God on Remnant.

But I digress, I think it says a lot about the both of their characters. And it's ironic, too. Salem, the woman who rebelled against the Gods, thinks humanity needs Gods to guide them because otherwise they're divided and lost. And Oz, the one who accepted Lights task (albeit being manipulated into it), thinks humanity doesn't need Gods to guide them because they're powerful all on their own.

It's even more interesting because, funnily enough, Salems idea that humanity is lost without Gods feels like a very Light thing to believe, but Oz thinking humanity doesn't need guidance is a very Darkness thing to think. It's utterly fascinating and deeply ironic.

These two bounce around my head All the damn time

[ein-schnee-sturm]

Birthdays at Schnee Manor were always either surprisingly alright, or disastrous — and even the ones that fell into the Surprisingly Alright category tended to be excruciatingly long, more often than not. And while Winter had ignored nearly all the invitations she received over the past three years (disowned or not, she was still Willow’s That Woman’s the Duchess’ daughter), she had never once missed Weiss’ birthday.

This one had been no different. Well, it had been slightly different, in that Jacques (or ‘Bastard Man,’ if you asked Ilya and Macaria) was nowhere to be seen — both a blessing and a curse, as it turned out. As a blessing, it meant that she didn’t have to hear That Name, or be addressed by Those Pronouns. (If the Duchess had ever done anything for her, it was accepting that she was a woman, and that her name was Winter.)

As for it being a curse… she certainly hadn’t missed the vicious arguments the Duchess and Jacques were prone to. But this time, it felt so much worse, making her tighten her hold on Weiss just a bit; even after three years away, she still slid back into old patterns easily. And then it happened — Jacques shouted the words Winter had always known the Duchess was willfully blinding herself to.

I only ever cared about your name and money.

@wintereign

[playedbetter]

Viktor Verses

This will be updated as verses are added or developed.

Main Verse

Set in the League of Legends/Arcane universe at any point in the timeline.

PsyOps Verse

Viktor was once a member of High Command, the leaders of PsyOps a group dedicated to protecting the world using their psychic powers. He left after the discovery of an alien gate in the artic which he has become obsessed with getting through it and utilizing it. To that end he became the leader of Black Rose Group and has been perfecting human bioweapontry.

In this verse Viktor has technokinesis which he can use on technology within 700ft of himself (about two football fields away).

Also can be used for crossovers with sci-fi, conspiracy, or military (with psionics/aliens present) based verses.

High Noon Verse

Dr. Viktor came from poor immigrate parents who came to the west looking for a fresh start but only found struggle. He had been looking for a way to save people from death itself by rehousing their minds in bodies made of clockwork, but faced with numerous set backs and his own failing health when the Mechanical Devil approached him he had no choice but to take up the deal and begin working for the devil.

Also can be used for crossovers with any magical wild west verses.

Battlecast Verse

Set in the battlecast verse. Viktor has become the creator and leader of the battlecast army and now is attempting to assimilate all of Runeterra into it.

Riftquest Verse

Viktor of Zaun is a battle smith who once tagged along with an adventuring party helmed by a brilliant paladin, where he ended up doing practically everything no one else had wanted to do. Eventually as his efforts continued to go underappreciated he decided to betray them and race them and their enemies for the powerful artifact they are all after.

This can also be used to crossover with d&d verses. In d&d lingo Viktor is a human urchin artificer (battle smith).

Battle Academia Verse

A second year at Labrys God-Weapon Academy who has fought to be among other future heroes, having incredibly weak abilities which he's had to augment with brilliant technology to keep up with his peers, and hopefully some day surpass them. He is a member of the luminary club.

Superhero Verse

By day Viktor is the lab partner of Piltover's darling Jayce and a renowned scientist in his own right. By night he is Machine Herald, a 'villain' working against the authority of the city through robbery and the killing of key targets.

Can be used in place of my dc verse if requested by dc muses/verses.

Modern Verse

Post university Viktor is working in the field of prosthetics. Heavy wip.

DC Verse

Born in the slums of Gotham city, Viktor was meant for better things, and he felt so did his peers. In his young adulthood he found work at Starr Labs in Metropolis, moving there in the process. Eventually he quit and disappeared off nearly everybody's radar, and in that absence a supervillain, the Machine Herald, has appeared robbing labs and terrorizing cities with his attacks on public figures. Threads can be set anywhere in this timeline.

More info to come.

ATLAS Verse

Set in the main universe of @outofthiisworld (check out their blog for more lore!). He was a member of ATLAS until eventually fleeing the company. Verse still in heavy development. Exclusive to @outofthiisworld.

Danganronpa Verse

He we scouted out from a slum in Russia by Hope's Peak for the talent of Super Highschool Level Cyberneticist in Class 66th. His time at the school was overall peaceful (as far as anyone recalls) and he graduated. In the time since then he's been working on human cyborgs along with service robots, creating Blitzcrank as a proof of concept. Then Tradgy overtook the world, and frankly he found the whole emotional battle of hope and despair stupid, neither would fix the world, his own logic could though. It's funny how apathy comes across as despair...

(Anyone other than Viktor himself would say that he's a despair and the experiments he's turned to are highly unethical at best if not literally a form of torture.)

Apex Verse

Set in the Apex Legends universe. Viktor is an employee of Mercenary Syndicate who's become disillusioned with the group, slowly working against them from the inside and plotting his escape from them.

Exclusive to @v1r4l

Misc Verse

For any thread where the verse is unclear or non-developed or one off AUs.

[team-oliv]

Part 1: One Year Ago

“Onyx Cheshire,

“Lapis Hamelin,

“Ivory Reynard,

“and Violet Goodfellow…”

“Allow me to welcome you to Atlas Academy. As most of you already know, I am Major Cobalt Ymir- third and fourth year combat instructor for Atlas as well as your team’s advisor. During this orientation you are allowed to speak freely and ask the questions you need before we begin with your first assignment.”

“I have a question, Uncle Cobalt-” Violet, the shortest of the four, spoke up. She held her slight frame in the best kind of official-looking stance she could come up with.

“Major,” Cobalt corrects, “You now part of Atlas Academy and we hold ourselves to military standards. Who I am in relation to any of you holds no bearing outside of the fact that I am your team advisor and an officer. Cadet Cheshire, the same goes for you. The fact that I am your father’s friend means nothing here.”

“R-Right! I have a question, Major,” When Violet received the nod to continue, she did. “Is it true you asked for all four of us by name?”

“I did. This does go against usual convention but occasionally we scout our entrants ahead and form teams accordingly.”

“And you claim no special treatment? The fact that all but one of us knew who you were ahead of time would hint at something else, wouldn’t it?” Onyx stands more casually than the others, but with an air of proper manners. A wide smile never left his face.

“I have to agree with Onyx, sir.” Ivory stood a full head over everyone else and nearly a full two over Violet. Unlike the others she stood with perfect soldier-like attention. “Both of us know you through Onyx’s dad and… you’re that one’s uncle?” She nods to head to Violet, “And you asked for us specifically. Why?”

“That would be because I know you and your families- and they trust me to work you hard and without exception.” Cobalt says in a stern official tone. “None of you will coast through this academy on name or privilege under my watch!”

“What’s that mean?” Lapis asks, finally opening his mouth to speak to Ivory. For such a large built guy, he was speaking plainly and quietly.

“Really? You’ve never heard the name ‘Cheshire’ before? Hamelin, was it?” Onyx gives a slightly haughty glance to the bulkier student.

“You mean that investment firm? The one founded by that former huntsmen?”

“That’s the one,” Ivory explains, “That former huntsmen is Onyx’s father and he’s an old friend of the Major. Mine works for the company. Onyx and I have known each other basically all our lives.”

“Uh huh…” Lapis says dully before turning to Violet. “What about you?”

“You’ll see…” Violet responds, deflating her shoulders and flicking her eyes to Lapis, then looking up to actually meet his face. “How about you?”

“That’s a good question, actually.” Lapis says, staring right at the Major with a demanding intent. “I don’t have any convenient friends or relatives in the army.”

“You are a very special case, Cadet Hamelin. Under normal circumstances students much finish a training school or receive private tutoring to become ready for the academies. You managed to pass our entrance exams without that. While not unheard of it is exceedingly rare. Rest assured the academy will be watching your progress closely.”

“Just don’t make it too close. I don’t plan on joining the army.”

“Whatever you all choose to do after graduation is your choice. However, starting today you are under my direct supervision. Beacon Academy has a tradition of launching their first year students into the Emerald Forest to test whether they have what it takes to survive being a huntsmen. We're going to do something similar. Gather your things and get some rest. Tomorrow you will embark on your first training mission as a team. Prove to me my faith in your capabilities is not misplaced.”

[etruatcaelum]

“Well,” Ozpin said, contemplative.

(Not for the first time, he felt fervently glad that he’d chosen not to enlist after he graduated from Atlas Academy. He remembers being a soldier, in other lives, hazily but well enough to know that he fears what they become when pressed into so strict a mold; and the Atlas military seemed no different.)

“I know that James filled you in regarding the essentials of my… situation,” he murmured, and lifted his teacup. The hibiscus blend, floral sweetness with the slightest kick of ginger, soothed him when little else could; would that it were that simple for the young woman before him. Ozpin shut his eyes momentarily to order his thoughts before continuing, “I’ve lived so many lives.”

Thirty-eight. But he found an air of ancient mystique too useful to puncture it by disclosing their real age.

“Only a very few of them have been individuals of historical note. King Osiander, of course, was my most recent form but one. Before him, Azaria of Pinemoor; the explorer Henyk Ozâka; the philosopher Azar Ištrimul… Emperor Zartosht–” (a wince) “—although that life is… difficult to remember. Every other soul with whom I’ve been paired has been… smaller. Ordinary people.”

He smiled faintly.

“I suppose one could call those smaller souls mere cogs in the machine of a divine plan much greater than any one individual; that is… in a way, the very purpose of my curse. Perhaps the Brothers erred when they entrusted the fate of their world to one person, or perhaps they knew that no one person could ever accomplish what was needed to stop Salem—”

The lie fell so easily from his mouth now that Ozpin could almost believe it himself, if not for the subterranean ache in their chest: that drowning pain.

(They’ve drowned before. Asena and Osher, sailors both; Zartosht who fed himself to the waves as penance. Four lives Destruction claimed before Osiander at last pried it free from the pitiless depths of Lake Matsu.

Every time, they think of her.)

“—but I do not think it matters, in the end. I am,” Ozpin said quietly, “the accretion of countless men and women all joined together by the thread of a single destiny. Some of them believed that they might be—enough—certainly Osiander saw, for a time, the culmination of all this… struggle within his reach. He was wrong. For all the good he achieved in his lifetime, he did still fail. This unprecedented peace of ours is so fragile, in need of such careful protection.”

He paused.

“It takes time, when I return. Never have I found my way back in less than a decade… and what I’ve learnt from all these lifetimes is that I am never as important as I fear.” His eyes crinkled at the corners with the genuine warmth of his smile. “The world turns. The sun will go on rising. If you should fall, even if the Winter Maiden should be lost, we’ll keep forging on. No good deed can be undone by misfortune. If it could, I would surely be counted among the vilest creatures on this planet.”

Head tilting, Ozpin tapped his thumb on the rim of his cup and added gently, “However, it occurs to me that it might ease your mind a little to decide an emergency successor now. It is—usually, not a matter we would discuss with a maiden who hasn’t yet even begun her training. I… to be blunt, and I don’t mean you any insult in saying this, your comfort speaking frankly of your own mortality is uncommon, particularly at your age; we try to be delicate about broaching this subject. Did James explain to you the specific means by which this magic is passed from maiden to maiden?”

Impassive ice blue eyes set in an equally impassive face tracked the Headmaster’s movements, a response to discomfort Winter had learned in early childhood — and since she was placed with her back to the door, it was the only thing keeping her even remotely calm. …Well, perhaps not quite the only thing; one clawed hand tapped the notation of her favorite violin piece, where it rested on her crossed knees. (The other held her teacup.)

The last time she had been in Vale, she had been eight years younger, participating in the Vytal Festival Tournament with her fractured Team; still, three of them had almost clinched victory for Atlas. And while some things remained the same (the welcoming atmosphere of the school and city, for one), others were very different. But all of that was irrelevant, just now. Words had escaped her — as always — entirely without her permission.

“One can only imagine how many times I have been lied to.”

The new Winter Maiden didn’t believe her statement was intended to be… bitter, or scathing, but. Much as strangers — or, rather, everyone she did not know very well — were complete blanks to her, Winter had always had a difficult time reading herself; utterly unpracticed at identifying her own emotions and tone. Yet, if how she had spoken bothered Headmaster Ozpin, he made no note of it. (Not beyond a momentary pause, which she couldn’t be sure was even related.)

As for how he addressed her, it was (perhaps?) only a return of her own introduction. Major Winter Schnee, sir, Commanding Officer of the Atlas Military’s Special Operatives Division. As always, she had remained crisply At Attention until explicitly told to sit down, at which point she had been handed a teacup. When the pause ended, and Beacon’s Headmaster continued, Winter exhaled a breath she hadn’t known she was holding. Pathetic trauma responses.

“I have experienced many more overwhelming things, sir,” the Faunus stated plainly, after thanking him for the tea. (A fragrant herbal blend, if her nose were telling her correctly.) “Raising my younger sibling was overwhelming. Realizing I am a woman was overwhelming. Nearly losing my best friend, and holding together the shattered remnants of our Team afterward, was overwhelming.” A sip of tea, enjoying the warmth.

“This, however? I was already aware that I do not know everything about the world — that General Ironwood informs me of only the things that I am required to know.” Blank and dispassionate as always, though after a more contemplative sip of tea, the snow leopard frowned a touch; tail swishing and ears beginning to fold against her skull. “…It is not the information itself that is overwhelming, sir,” the soldier finally admitted, quietly.

“It is the change that has… put me a touch ill at ease.” Though Winter was revealing something almost personal, her expression smoothed over, while her ears and tail relaxed. As ever, her posture was perfectly straight; spine erect, shoulders back, chin raised; gaze direct, even sans eye contact. “I have conceptualized my place in the world as merely a soldier, merely a woman, since I was old enough to understand such a concept.

“A cog in the machine; needed, but not particularly important. Yet suddenly, I am more. Suddenly, I am a wrench within my own machinery; important enough to the world that, should I die unexpectedly — without a successor in place — I will cause an upset in The Balance great enough to easily invalidate anything good I have ever done and will ever do.” A deep breath; outside of therapy, she wasn’t used to speaking so much.

Gathering her thoughts, Winter continued, switching to holding her teacup with both hands; now, claws delicately tapped against porcelain. “Unless you are able to soothe something that stems from my autism, sir, then no — I do not, at this moment, have any questions for you.” As for his thanks for “indulging” him, the Major shook her head. “I execute my orders; I was told that you wished to speak to me in person, and so here I am.”

Simply put because, to her, it was simple.

[alkaria]

Easily one of my favourite things about RWBY of late is how they’ve managed to retroactively apply The Girl Who Fell Through The World to so many members of the cast.

“A young girl flees the consequences of a choice, to a magical place. But, having never learned from her initial failure, she only succeeds in spreading it.”

Blake Belladonna flees the White Fang to Beacon Academy, but Adam follows her. Later, she flees Beacon to Menagerie, but the White Fang finds her again in return.

Raven Branwen flees the war against Salem to Anima, but both sides find her anyway.

Cinder flees the Glass Slipper, but she never finds the thing that makes her happy, that makes her safe, and death and destruction continue to follow her wherever she goes.

Neo flees the grief of Roman’s loss, but in doing so, she only brings grief to others, first to Blake, then Ruby.

Alyx flees the consequences of her actions at every turn, until, at the Tree, they overwhelm her. Would the cat have always betrayed her? Did Lewis’ writing the story in turn set team RWBY down the path that they followed, only spreading her chaos despite Alyx’s desire to fix what she broke?

Ruby flees her father’s grief and her sister’s loss to Anima, but they stalk her there. She flees the Atlas military’s iron grip, Neo’s revenge, the deaths of her comrades, but, like morning follows night, so too do Ruby’s burdens spread even as she tries to leave them behind.

And there, looming over it all, Summer flees the consequences of a choice- the same as Ruby’s? It does not matter what the options are, you are in this world and you must make a choice, everything that has been hammered into the narrative and into our heroes’ faces since Volume 7 has been choice, choice, choice.

Choose Mantle or Atlas to send resources to. Choose saving Atlas or saving the world. Choose who lives and who dies. Choose who gets the Maiden’s power. Choose who gets trusted with the relics. Choose who to follow. Choose who to believe. Refusing to choose is not applicable here - if you are not with us you are against us. You cannot flee this choice, even to another world - these choices will follow you and drag you, kicking and screaming, back to that choice.

It’s curious that the relics we have seen thus far have been knowledge and creation, yet their overall impact has been muted. The tone for the Anima arc was knowledge - who controls it, who has it, who does not have it. There was power in Raven being the only one who knew the Spring maiden’s location, just as there is power in Oz being the only one who knows the Beacon relic’s location.

And, like Summer Rose, it is the Beacon relic, the relic of choice, that has loomed over the narrative for the past three volumes. It is not just subtext, it is the screaming Chekhov’s gun, notable for its absence rather than its presence in the story until a pivotal moment.

To me it seems as though the Relic of Choice is the most powerful relic of all. If it isn’t - why build it up so much more than the others? And why make its maiden a central part of the narrative, one whose choices more than anyone have shaped the direction of travel since even before Volume 1?

As a witch once said to a crystal ball - “What are you planning?”

[arc-misadventures]

Kingdom of Lunaris au: Could we please have Glynda’s meeting with Jaune whereshe decides to join him and it’s decided that she shall be his Queen?

Accession to the Throne

Glynda: This… None of this was what I was expecting…

Wojtek: And, what were ye expecting?

Glynda: Last reports I received were that this place was just a mineshaft that found a rich dust vein. That only a hundred, or so people lived out side in a small village.

Wojtek: And, ere ye are, in da midst of da, Kingdom of Lunaris! All started by a man who was once yer student.

Glynda: Mr. Arc has always been a leader, but to turn this place into a kingdom, with him as his king in a fortnight… As a teacher I hoped for him to become the best, Huntsman he could possibly be. But, to give that all up, and become a king… I don’t know how to handle such information.

Wojtek: How any one should; one bit at a time.

Glynda: Wise words indeed. It’s just… This place has a highly functional economy, a military force that puts, Atlas to shame. Underground farms that are so well maintained, and operated, that you could stay trap inside for a century, and never go hungry. Wealth, an abundance that all are treated equally. A Hunter Academy filled with promising young students I have never seen the likes before. I could dare say this place is perfect.

Wojtek: Ha! Dare say you may, but not all is well. Da oder kingdoms do demand upon us, grain, and Dust. Why, because we’s ave it, and dey want it. Da, Grimm still besach our walls, and our mines with dere accursed presence! And, above all, da King stands alone…

Glynda: Alone? But, I thought he had plenty of… Concubine’s at his side. Why does he stand alone?

Wotjek: Aye, he may have concubines; an heir to da throne is someding we need not concern ourselves with. For one among dem may be capable of baring da weight of da crown. But, what we lack is a queen. A queen capable to stand besides ‘em.

Glynda: A queen? But, why can’t one of his concubines… Ugh, I hate referring my students in such a manner. Why can’t they become his queen?

Wotjek: Dey may each be strong in dere own right. But, none of dem ave da strength, nor da wisdom it takes to wear da crown. It shows dere strength dat dey recognize dis demselves. But, it does little to ease our worries…

Glynda: What do you mean by, ‘They don’t posses the strength, nor the wisdom to wear the crown?”

Wotjek: To bare da burden of da crown, one must ave unyielding strength, unwavering courage, and wisdom beyond der years, and must be an unwavering leader in der own right to bare the weight of da crown. Dos three have not the strength nor wisdom to bare it.

Glynda: What do you mean?

Wotjek: Yang Xiao Long, da Aideen Xifeng, of Clan Azar Blades may bare strength, and power like a raging inferno. But, her fire can easily become a raging wildfire if kept unchecked. Nor does she ave experience leading oders into battle. And, she could not bare da weight of a life that is lost under her command.

Glynda: I always thought her temper was one of her greatest weaknesses. If kept unchecked it could get her killed, or someone else. And, you are right, there are reasons we never gave her command of her own team, we knew she couldn’t handle the burden it places upon someone. But, what about, Blake Belladonna? Her father is, Ghira Belladonna, surely she bares some strength of leadership.

Wotjek: Da baying cats whelp?! Ha! She has not da head for leadership.

Glynda: What do you mean?

Wotjek: Blake Belladonna, da Enver Feichín, of Clan Duibhin, may see more in da dark den others, but she sees little upon her mind.

Glynda: You’re talking about how she can easily become tunnelled vision on something. To the point where she ignores resting, and eating in some desperate need to obtain her goal.

Wotjek: I was not aware she could become so clouded in a blind pursuit of her desires… Hmm… I best warn da others of dis possibility…

Glynda: Has she been causing you much trouble?

Wotjek: Not yet, but yer words worry me. Her focus on da Fa’nis is all consuming. She demands of da King to help dem. Yet she can offer no reasoning on why we should elp dem. Da law decrees we must be given a credible reason to elp someone. Yet, she has offered no such reasoning.

Glynda: Hmmm… What about, Pyrrha Nikos, why isn’t she a candidate to be the, Queen. Surely she is one worthy of a crown?

Wotjek: Da, Davika Valda, as da, Queen?! Bahahaha! Such a notion is a poor idea!

Glynda: And, why is that?

Wotjek: Da, Davinka Valda may be a great warrioress, and da King’s Champion. She has not da spine to lead, the marionette is too accustomed to being posed, and being told what she must do, then command dose she must lead.

Glynda: Ahh, I had hopped her time here may have changed that part of her personality.

Wotjek: It take time to change nature; Move too slowly, and da river never changes it course, too fast, and ye be unable to control its course.

Glynda: Wise words indeed. So, there will be no, Queen for the Kingdom under the mountain then?

Wotjek: Hmm… Da possibility still remains, but it depends on if she desires da crown, and more so him.

Glynda: Really, who is this person?

Wotjek: It matters not; unless she decides on where she wishes to tread, it is meaningless to us. Now come, Lady Goodwitch, da King awaits.

~~~

Glynda: I expected more gold covering the walls…

Wotjek: Da, King despises such vain displays of wealth. It betrays da true wealth of da kingdom for shiny baubles.

Glynda: And, what is the true wealth of the kingdom?

Wotjek: Da people who make da shiny baubles.

Glynda: Pff~! Hahaha-ahahaha~! Oh, I see, Jaune has grown much. Or, was he always like this…? Regardless which it is, I look forward to seeing him again.

Wotjek: Den why wait any longer, Lady Goodwitch. For ere is da, King!

Jaune: Da fock do ye bastards mean, we ain’t gonna send da Shield-Breakers?! Ya dink we’re gonna level da whole focking town?! Why, I’ll smash yer heads for dinking we woulds do someding like dat for da ell of it!

Glynda: …

Wotjek: …

Glynda: Well… He’s certainly became more… expressive since I last saw him.

Wotjek: Ahh, dey’s done upset da, King. Dere gonna get it now.

Azar Commander: But, My King. Why are we sending our troops to an little town? Dere’s nothing, but farm land out dere?

Jaune: Dat’s precisely why yer gonna go dere!

Skender Ásgierr Commander: I do not follow you my, King.

Jaune: Haa… You sees da map before ye?

SAC: I do my, King.

Jaune: And, what do ya see in it?

AC: Da, Kingdom of Lunaris.

Jaune: And, is dat all ye sorry sods can see?

SAC: Is there more to see my, King?

Jaune: Da towns, and villages! Da people dat live around, and about our glorious kingdom! Dat’s who yer supposed ta see!

AC: But, why my, King?

Glynda: Because just like any town, village, or hamlet, the true treasure are the people who live there, not the land, and resources about them.

AC: What?! Who da ell are you?!

SAC: Dis is a state matter, identify yourself outsider!

Wotjek: Dis be da, Lady Glynda Goodwitch! Deputy Headmistress of Beacon Academy. Former teacher to, Jaune Arc the Engraver, King of Lunaris. And, you will treat her with respect…

AC: My apologies, Lady Goodwitch. If I had know, I would ave held my tongue.

SAC: I offer my sincerest apologies as well. By insulting you, I ave also insulted my, King in turn. I shame myself, and my clan by my actions.

Glynda: You are both forgiven; You knew not who I was so your reactions are understandable.

AC: My thanks.

SAC: You have my gratitude.

Glynda: You are welcome. Now then, I believe your plan, King Arc, was to provide support, most likely military support, medical, or food supplies to the surrounding towns, and villages to form ties with them to eventually have them join as members of the, Kingdom of Lunaris.

Jaune: Ahahaha~! At last, someone who understands my thinking!

Wotjek: Is dat true my king?

Jaune: Aye it is! We will expand our lands, and build upon our kingdom! By brining in dese towns, and villages dat surround our kingdom! We will also enhance it in ways dat will benefit our kingdom for years to come!

SAC: In what ways my, King?

Jaune: As of now, our kingdom is built upon metal, and Dust. Dey’re finite resources! We must rectify dis problem, or we all will fall!

Glynda: You desire to build up this kingdoms industries?;By expanding your control to the surrounding lands, you can increase your farming yields, diversify the types of products you can farm, further expanding your industry, and manufacturing.

Jaune: Aye, I plan to dat an more, my Witch~!

Glynda: Y-Your witch…?

Jaune: Commander, Haakon!

AC: My, King!

Jaune: Take a force of your men along with some of da, Islywn Rangers, and establish relations with da people to the west of dis line!

AC: It will be done my, King!

Jaune: Commander, Aillard!

SAC: Yes my, King?

Jaune: You will do da same, but to da east!

SAC: As you command my, King.

Jaune: Wotjek da Storm Caller!

Wotjek: Your, Grace b

Jaune: Inform da, Hunters to prepare for training missions, and routine patrols of da surrounding lands. Even if da people chose not to join us, protecting dem will protect us in turn.

Glynda: Not to mention this activity will improve your relations with them to a point that they may chose to join for the benefits they will gain for the long run.

Wotjek: It will be done.

Jaune: Good, now go, I wish to talk in private with, Lady Goodwitch.

Wotjek: As you wish my, King.

~~~

Jaune: So, why are you ere, Lady Goodwitxh?

Glynda: Lady Goodwitch~! Ahem! I came here searching for my missing students.

Jaune: And, did you find dem?

Glynda: I did, and I wanted to bring them back home, back to, Beacon. However… They are already home.

Jaune: We are a kingdom dat accepts all who come, so long as dey are willing to prove demselves worthy of joining da people of, Lunaris.

Glynda: A noble idea. Something more kingdoms should accept. But, Jaune… There is something I wish to ask you.

Jaune: What is it?

Glynda: After being here, spending the day around the people here, around my students, and the new lives they have created here. And, after seeing how full their lives now are left me thinking how mu y life has been so monotonous, so routine. I desire a change in my life, and I know just what I want to do! I wish to join! Join you, and become a member of the, Kingdom of Lunaris!

Jaune: You’d be throwing away yer old life to come ere. Are you willing to make dis sacrifice?

Glynda: …

Glynda: I am willing to make this sacrifice.

Jaune: Very well… To prove yer worth to da, Kingdom. I place you as da head of da, Hunter Academy. And, I grant you da title of, Glynda Goodwitch, da Eidorthea, Headmistress’s of Bríghid Academy. May you serve us long, and with honour!

Glynda: It will be my honour, your Grace.

Jaune: Now den… Is dere anyding else you wish to speak about? If not, I as you to take yer leave, I ave much work to do.

Glynda: There is one thing else I wish to speak about your, Grace.

Jaune: And, what is it?

Glynda: I… I heard you were looking for a, Queen…

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This story is just gonna be a lot of world building, and I’m loving it!