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arc-misadventures · 6 months

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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?

#rwby #jaune arc #winter schnee #willow schnee #clover ebi #marrow amin #robyn hill #jacques schnee #rwby salem #james ironwood #harriet bree

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hadesisqueer · 2 years

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RWBY as the Onion Headlines

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magfairycircles · 4 months

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Ironwood is Winter’s real dad this and Jacques is Winter’s real dad that

Glynda is Winter’s stepmom outsells

#rwby #winter schnee #glynda goodwitch #james ironwood #jacques schnee #Willow x Glynda should be a more popular ship.#look regardless if it’s James/Glynda or Willow/Glynda #Glynda is Parenting Winter.

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robynsscarf · 2 years

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diamond-punk0963 · 1 year

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My RWBY Wonderland AUs!

Heyo, everyone! Diamond Punk here! Due to recent RWBY announcements, I wanna spill on some RWBY Wonderland AUs that I have. I’ve been planning on making content with these AUs (fics and headcanons in the future) so look for stuff for that as time progresses. With that said, I hope you guys enjoy them as much as I loved making them. (If you want to learn more about these AUs, feel free to DM me!)

(Key; 🐞🍀= Luck Siblings AU, 🃏= with OCs, 🐞🐈‍⬛= crossover with MLB, 💙= Ironwood-Schnee AU added, 🌹= Canon Characters Only)

1. Intertwined (🃏/💙) Growing up in remnant with a single, Ebenezer Schnee always asked a lot of questions. However, the only question he couldn’t find the answer to lies within his own family’s history. That question being; "What was his father like?" It seemed like a disaster waiting to strike to ask such a question, the answer being brushed off by Willow’s reminisce of the past and arguments he would get into by Winter. No matter how hard he was pushed away from the truth, it only caused Eb to wonder about his father even more. The only info he ever got on him was how much of bad person he was or how Willow told him that he looked so much like him.

Neither outcomes could bring his curiosity at ease. He wanted the truth about his father and his family’s opinion on him didn’t help on the matter. He didn’t believe Winter much from her own form of bias on the matter. Kailey, Weiss, and Whitley kept quiet on the subject. As for why, Eb wasn’t entirely sure on. One thing’s for certain, he wanted to find out who his father was on his own accord. If he was as bad as they said he was, where’s the evidence. Leaving him out of family albums and stories of the past that he felt was one-sided wasn’t the most reliable form of evidence to convince him of their claim.

Accompanied by his girlfriend Shae, Eb went off on a secret mission to find his father’s whereabouts or any information he could find on him. He had to be careful, sneaking out every chance he could to find evidence of his father’s whereabouts. He would often disguise his investigations as him going on dates with Shae or having sleepovers with friends. (Which wasn’t entirely true at times) Talking to those that were close to his mother or knew her when she arrived before him and youngest sister were born, he hoped that he could find the evidence to solve this family mystery. However, that fell short rather quickly. No one really knew who Eb’s father really was nor have they met him. Tried looking info by internet means but nothing of him appeared. It was almost like he didn’t even exist.

The search lasted for seven months until Winter caught him, looking for answers. This led to a rather heated argument between the two siblings. Eb couldn’t understand why his eldest sister was so negative about him. Just because she hated him doesn’t mean he has to either. Words were said and nerves were tested. It was when Winter made her final statement is what pushed Eb to the final straw. Tired of living without answers of the past, Eb pushed winter away and ran off into the emerald forest. She tried to go after him but got lost within the city crowd as she was looking for him.

Once finding a quiet spot within the forest by a tree was when he broke down in tears. He only wanted to find out who his father was. He never meant to upset Winter or his family. He was tired of being the odd one out when it came to having a dad in his life. All he wanted was proof of his father’s existence. Something he felt was simple to obtain but difficult to find in the end. He felt all alone at this point. Alone at finding the answers on who his father was and what was he like.

What happened next happened quick upon a moment’s hesitation. Everything went pitch black and suddenly, he was falling down somewhere. It was quick, a moment’s hesitation before he fell into he felt was oblivion. Eventually, he was guided by a light and a terrible headache when he landed. All of it became a blur when woke up within the forest. Or what he thought was the forest that he ran off to after his argument with Winter. Everything was colorful but his mind was filled with confusion as he wandered into what he felt was forever for him. His vision felt blurry and he had a terrible time, trying to pull himself together. The last thing he could remember before his mind went blank was feeling some form of liquid going down his throat as if he was drinking something.

Reborn into a new identity with no memories of the past, Eb lived within a small house within the forest. It wasn’t much but it felt like home for him. He grew an addiction for tea and loved making clothing for himself. Hats where a special thing for him but he also enjoyed expanding his horizons. Every so often, he would venture out into the local village for supplies. He made a small business, making hats and was able to make just enough to survive on. If anyone within the village were to ask him about his family or where he’s from, he would often respond with a funny remark to make others smile. When in reality, he couldn’t think of a single thing of them. At this point, he thought of himself as a orphan who lived in the forest. Raised himself to survive and made something of himself with his work.

Time was a fickle little thing that he couldn’t keep track of and once upon another round of errands for a supply run, he bumped into the king of hearts. Or well, the king bumped into him while the young electric blue and green eyed boy was buying supplies. He’s never been the one to look into royalty and the mere fact that he caught the eye of one was enough to scare him. He wasn’t the best when it came to social interactions. The king grew very suspicious of Eb, never seeing him around made him extremely likely to be a troublemaker within his eyes. He didn’t want Eb around for that reason alone. He let the young madman buy what he needed for the month and let him be on his way but his gaze was something Eb couldn’t help but shiver on the thought of.

What started off as a first awkward interaction became the beginning of a chain of events to come. The king hearts while he was strong and cunning as they say, he started to be plagued by his mind upon the thoughts about the past. However, he kept his thoughts well hidden. He didn’t want his subjects to know that he was starting to wander into his own mind, causing weakness of occur from being distracted. Eb started to wonder about his own past as the questions about his family started to grow bigger into his mind. Curiosity becoming his worst enemy as the ‘what if’s’ became unable to avoid. How come he didn’t remember his family? Did they even want him? Was he just abandoned in the first as a child or was there something more occurring upon his path of isolation than what he believed to know.

The journey of finding memories would lead to the king and young madman’s paths to intertwine to the pool of tears; giving hints to answers in exchange for a tear of pure emotion. The deeper they went into finding clues of the past, the more they started to unravel upon themselves. Eb’s hunger to find answers became his guide to finding the truth. Meanwhile, the king slowly started to lose himself towards his temper as he ventured deeper into the fray.

What will Eb find of his family? What will the king discover what was missing in his life before the war? And most importantly, what will happen once they find the truth? When two paths are intertwined, danger is bound to strike.

2. Lost Memories (🐞🍀/🐞🐈‍⬛/🃏) Marinette was your usual average girl in Paris. Between wanting to date the boy she fell in love at school and achieving her dreams to be a famous fashion designer, she was always on the run to getting what she needed to accomplish for the week. It was a tiring series of events, hanging with friends and making sure to be on top of your school work. Upon a week upon her life, she went though a burnout after completing a group project. It was at the end of that week, she decided to jump into some time to unwind by a trip to the forest.

Packed with her sketchbook for inspiration, should it strike, she couldn’t wait to see what lies ahead of her. What she didn’t expect is to find a series of random objects upon the path where she started to get ideas from the scenery. Even more so, that path leading into a man in the woods that seemed very . . . Odd to her. She wasn’t one to judge but how could a man live in a forest on his own, only having a some kitchen furniture to use. Well, at the least, he was well mannered towards her. What started off as a friendly interaction became another series of events that would lead the young fashion designer to discover upon.

She started to see the lucky hatter, a few weeks after that forest trip. She didn’t mind him being around but she started to sense something familiar about him that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. The young man, who she found out his name to be Clover as she got to know him better, started to help her out whenever she felt like she needed someone to talk to. Sharing that and many fond moments that made her grow closer towards him for, Clover was a many of many mysteries. His past was something Marinette couldn’t quite figure out on her own. However, she didn’t want to push things too much for him so she brushed it off too the side for the time being.

It’s all fun and games until some magic becomes involved. By then, what will lie ahead of her and what’s so special this bird that Adrien keeps gazing off to?

(Wrote a one-shot to start it off if y’all wanna read! 👆🏻)

3. Memories (🃏/💙) Living in Wonderland, Eb’s faced many adventures that he took delight upon discovering what’s around the corner. When you’re the second son and fifth child to the king of hearts, living life can be a paradise above the sky. However, Eb wasn’t always the one to live above the clouds. He would much rather be on the ground and into the forest where he could wander for hours. What’s life without adventure and the journey to discovering what lies ahead?

That’s how he ended up meeting Ruby Rose and Oscar Pine. Two of the few that Eb keeps within his inner circle of his friends. Oscar’s the nephew to Ozpin, the mystery man within the forest that always asked questions that left him wandering for hours within his own mind. Ruby’s the daughter of the mad hatter within the forest that he secretly admired. The three would often sneak into the forest to either hang out or have private tea parties. Having tea parties was Eb’s favorite thing to do besides discovering through the woods. They would often talk about their day, what chatter they heard through the crowd, or dare eachother into drinking teas that would have unique effects on themselves.

The only issue at hand was feud between Eb and Ruby’s fathers. James Ironwood, the king of hearts and Qrow Branwen, the Mad Hatter of the forest. They . . . Didn’t quite see eye to eye with eachother. As for why, neither of the three knew. James didn’t want Eb to hang out with Ruby and Qrow for fear of their carefree influence getting into him. Qrow didn’t want his daughter around James for reasons he didn’t want to explain clearly. Eb was someone he kept a close eye on at times. He wasn’t sure what to think of the young prince but if he’s anything like the king, he wasn’t sure if being around Ruby was the best idea for her.

It was clear to see that both kids where annoyed at their fathers for pulling them apart at times. So much into the point where they would have to sneak out in secret to assure that trouble wouldn’t arise between the two. Oscar was annoyed about the situation as well, seeing that he didn’t like his friend group being pulled apart of their father’s bias towards the others. Coming towards Ozpin when they felt like they couldn’t take sneaking around to meet anymore, they wanted to figure out what was the reason why their fathers had a distaste for each other.

What they didn’t expect was to find out upon the past, Qrow and James were actually pretty close friends. Close into the level where Ruby and Eb lie upon today. However, it was an unfortunate event that caused the two to tear apart from each-other upon the past. Determined to make amends, the wonderland trio set off on a quest to discover the secrets of the past and figure out what the past is hiding from them and their families.

What they didn’t expect was the danger and tests of trust and friendship that lied ahead for the three of them.

4. The Lost Rose (🌹/Modern AU) Moving into Vale after getting accepted to Beacon High wasn’t something Ruby expected. A new life meant change upon her daily routine. Meeting people and making friends wasn’t her strong suit but Yang, her older sister, encouraged her to break out of her shell to at least, try to make one friend. Trying is what lead Ruby to make a rival towards a girl with white hair that she couldn’t remember the name of. She never meant to bump into her and spill lunch on her skirt on purpose.

Going into a week in of a new school and Ruby couldn’t feel anything but a short of a mess. On days where she couldn’t handle being a social person, she would head to the courtyard and read a book by a bench. She would sometimes, see a girl with long black hair do the same but couldn’t muster up the courage to talk to her. It was one day when she was reading was when she made her first friend. Unexpectedly; a bird. A crow, as she later discovered by a simple research.

It wasn’t often that she would see birds around the school but a crow would often appear around her bench, whenever she was reading on her own. At first, it was to steal her lunch. Sounds typical but later on, she brought snacks for said lunch thief. The next time she saw the crow come over, she gave it a snack so hers wouldn’t be taken away. This became routine for a few months. She didn’t mind the company. It was a little secret of her own.

It was on a rainy day of school when things started to change. Another failed attempt at making a friend left her in the mud. No, I’m serious. She tripped and fell into mud, face first. It was at her lowest when she met someone. He was tall but had a mysterious aura about him. He held up an umbrella above her so she couldn’t get any future wet that she already was. Her silver eyes gazed upon his faded pink gaze. She didn’t know who this man was or why he was helping her.

He introduced himself as 'Qrow'. With a Q. An odd name for a man but at this point, Ruby saw herself as an odd person, herself. He helped her out of the mud and walked her home. It was strange, being walked home by some stranger. Naturally, she kept her guard up. Her dad often warned her of weirdos and she debated to herself if he was what her father warned her about. This time, she was glad that he didn’t pulled any stunts before he left her with said umbrella when she arrived home. Wouldn’t he get cold and wet too?

Upon the next month, she would often find this mysterious man with a hat at the strangest of times. When she was reading, nearby a window when she felt like she was dozing off, or whenever she was alone, he would find him upon her gaze. She attempted to show Yang the man but when she turned to introduce him, he had already disappeared. At times, she would only see a crow upon where he once stood. How odd, this situation must be.

Why was Qrow always disappearing whenever she attempted to introduce his sister or anyone towards him? Why was he acting so kind towards her? Where was he from? Questions similar to this filled the girl’s mind with the possibilities of answers. The deeper she ventured through to find the answers, more certain she started to fall into a place where she never imagine to be.

5. Connection (🐞🐈‍⬛/🐞🍀/🃏/💙) Curiosity; it gets the best of us when we’re at a young age. Every kid wants to venture into the unknown and discover something new. Whether it would be alone or with friends or family, it’s with imagination that takes us into a place unknown. Filled with excitement but danger. It’s simply a dream towards those who imagine the possibilities of falling into curiosity.

However, Adrien Agreste wasn’t one of those kids. Not in the beginning, anyways. Being a son of a famous model and often helping his father with his company, it seemed like another form of a dream for others as well. When in reality, he was only doing what he was told in hopes for earning his father’s affections. It never came in the end. He never admitted it but he was envious of those who had loving families. All he wanted was his father’s love. Even then, it wasn’t often he would receive any love from his father. Only person she saw that gave him any form was Natalie.

It wasn’t too out of the ordinary for him to wonder on what his life could’ve been if his mom hadn’t gotten sick. Maybe, he would’ve had the family he dreamed of having. He grew close to his mother as he grew. Thus, imagining the possibility also had a heavy burden to add to what happened within the last year or so. When he got too deep, he would take his mind off with either classes or what he could spot within his line of vision. Like at the camera for his picture to be taken, a nearby flower, or Marinette. He couldn’t help but feel some strange emotion whenever she was around him. The kind of emotion that would make him feel weak to the knees and accidentally mess up on his words or trip on his own feet.

Regardless of how he felt about the coming days of his life or about her, he still kept going. As each day passes by, he would keep thinking about the possibility of his life being different if things changed back then. It slowly became an annoyance towards him. Not about Marinette though, he could never be annoyed towards her. She was amazing and he always told her that as much as he could. It was clear he wanted to date her but didn’t know how to ask. Then again, he wasn’t sure his father would approve of him dating.

He wondered about change within his life. One day, he managed to get what he wanted. Just maybe not in the way he expected. He taking a walk upon a forest, nearby his hometown. The trip was pretty easy, seeing that he only took a bus to head into the forest for a nature hike. He figured he needed a break from the city life and this was his chance. It was interesting, seeing all of the greenery upon the natural sunlight. He managed to take a few photos with his phone to show his friends for when he returned.

Among taking photos during the trip, he started to lose his sense of direction after wandering for a bit. He attempted to find someone to help him and saw a young man in the distance. Tall with black hair and had some variation of formal attire. Odd outfit to wear to a forest but he wasn’t one to judge. He held a gold pocket watch, looking at time before running off. Not wanting to be alone again, he ran off to follow him. He managed to keep up with him for around twelve minutes until he was gone upon his line of vision. Last he saw of the stranger, he was nearby a huge tree he never saw before.

How did the stranger suddenly disappear by a tree? Upon further investigation, he found a hole among the stump of said tree. It looked big enough for someone to fit inside. Maybe it was a deep hiding spot? Why would the stranger hide for? He called out into the hole, asking if anyone was in there. He sat, near the edge to see if he could get a better look inside. This is where Adrien’s curiosity got the better of him; a single slip of his knees before he fell down into the endless void.

Bracing for impact, Adrien became ready for the worst. However, he wasn’t ready for when his eyes opened. It was a forest, much like the one he ventured except it’s different. The sky was a different color. So were the trees and flowers. Where he’d fallen down into became a mystery he had to solve. He ventured into the mysterious forest, finding any sense of direction that could aid him on discovering his current location.

He had no idea he fell down into a whole new world that he’d never imagined to discover. Even more so, finding the people that lived upon this new world. As he would later to find out, wonderland is a place where those who are lost and in need of finding someplace or someone to belong to.

( Tag List: @dashflashy-arts @mitchpatrick23 @dowhatteverer @eviltomb @autistic-swanprincess @naturallyunstablegamer @blue-cheeseinmyoffwhites @howlingday @rootbeerflotsam )

(Note; Ozpin, if you’re reading this, this is KJ from Instagram. We talked during that Q&A you had on insta when you were signing stuff. Here’s the wonderland post with RWBY that I told you I’d write. Sorry it took so long. Hope you like it!)

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bafflement · 8 months

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Deaged Oz AU - A Rather Expected Birthday Party

Tip was watching the calendar, having got the impression that no matter how much he argued with them, his family wasn't going to ignore his birthday. He wasn't actually turning eleven, of course, but his body was very much still ten years old.

He knew how kidnapping worked, but that they'd changed his birthday as well as the year felt strange to think about. It wasn't like the birthday of the current host really mattered all that much, the wizard's soul was thousands of years old, after all. But his body wasn't. At least he'd started to grow? He thought so, at least, there was definitely some wrist showing at the end of his sleeves. He sighed at that, Winter seemed weirdly intent on making him wear blue as much as possible. It might be Atlas' color, but he'd always felt more comfortable in the deep green he'd favored as an adult. That wasn't necessarily the best idea right now, considering Salem and the very real possibility that she was gunning for him, but a lot of people wore green. Surely it wouldn't be that unusual?

He glanced up, catching his reflection in the mirror and pulled a face. Even at almost eleven, he still looked just about enough like himself that anything he did to hide would be less than a perfect cover. His hair wasn't pink any more, so there was that at least, but the silver wasn't exactly unrecognisable. He pushed his glasses up his nose, a nervous habit he had never quite gotten out of and sighed. Even though they were a different shape, his photosensitivity wasn't exactly easy to hide ether. They were still tinted the same dark shade they always had been, since without the tinting he tended to get some rather vicious headaches. But he wasn't fool enough to think for a second that Salem wouldn't recognise him in a heartbeat. If not by sight then surely by Ozma's soul, heavy in the back of his head, still not quite remerged with his own.

At least Atlas was relatively safe?

December twenty second dawned even colder than it normally did in Atlas. Tip muttered something rude in a language that nobody else was ever going to understand, but swung himself out of bed anyway. He glanced over to where his brother still slept fondly. At least his nightmares never really disturbed Oscar? He could use all the sleep he could get, really, since they were all expected for training today. He just hoped the Ace Operatives wouldn't try to go easy on him due to his physical age. But then again... a smirk touched his lips briefly at the thought. They'd tried that in the past, it hadn't ended well and for more than that one training session. Oh, he did hope that Winter hadn't told any of them that it was his birthday, though he thought that was probably futile. Considering how much people seemed to know about the boy he'd once truly been, maybe they knew anyway? Best to just ignore things for now, though. If he didn't acknowledge the day, maybe nobody else would either? He was far too old, really, for birthdays.

How old was the wizard, anyway? He couldn't remember ever having been given a straight answer to that, like several other things he'd never really known. Had he been so incurious before that he'd never asked, or was that yet another thing he'd forgotten as their souls had parted when Beacon fell? There was so much that becoming a child again had changed that it was easy enough to blame that for the lack, yet something didn't quite feel right. He resisted the temptation to ask Ozymandias, though. Unlike him, the old king had never really been a morning person. Unlike Tip, he'd never really had to be. It would have been nice, he mused briefly, to have others to do things for him. Then again, he'd get very bored, very quickly with nothing to do but sit there and look pretty. There was a sleepy murmur in the back of his mind, so at least that had woken Ozymandias up briefly? He should insult him more often...

Going downstairs he blinked out at the dim light outside. It was earlier than he'd thought then, but there was no way he was going to risk going back to sleep. His dreams had been the same set they tended to be, lately. He was bleakly certain that the dreams were what should have happened when Cinder Fall had tried to kill him. was it better or worse, that she'd used the maiden powers in her attempt, he mused? If she hadn't, maybe he wouldn't be trapped in the body of his sickly, limping ten year old self. Well, eleven year old self, now. Then again, it could so easily have been someone like Oscar in his place. He shuddered, though the thought was becoming more and more common lately. If it should have been Oscar, the closest thing this host had to a living brother, he was glad that it wasn't. Some mistakes were more than bearable with that as an alternative. If only he knew for a fact, then he'd know to keep himself alive as long as possible. The others would miss him, yes, but the wizard's tale was rarely a happy one. Did he truly have the right to hope that his own would be any different?

He curled up in a chair with a mug of cocoa and a book, waiting for the others to wake up. At least that thought had distracted him from the very real possibility that they were going to want to celebrate? The others had celebrated their own, of course, but that was different. They were actually children, he really, really wasn't.

Then again, considering just how much Willow had missed him for all those years, he suspected this would be a losing battle. It was nice, having a family, even though it put them in danger. Salem wasn't likely to leave them alone, since they were very obviously related to him, but... if James' plan went through and Winter became the next maiden, then they'd be targets anyway. At least it meant there weren't multiple families caught up in all of this? Huh, he really was that tired, wasn't he? Maybe he really should try to get some more sleep at some point today. Maybe he'd have a nap later, that wasn't exactly unusual anymore, either...

It felt like, and probably was, hours before the others woke up enough to venture into their shared common room. He really did admire that about Atlas, to be honest. They all had private or semi private rooms, which none of them had at Beacon. He'd argued that that should be the case, but they'd never listened to him. Maybe they would, this time around? At least if things went the same way, though he rather suspected his family might have a thing or two to say about that if Vale tried the same trick. Maybe they could even stop them, though he'd have to see that to believe it. He wasn't really that likely to survive the war as he was, so it might be a none issue? He drifted, not really asleep but not quite awake, visions of the many deaths the wizard had suffered over the millennia floating behind his eyes. No, he was rather glad that none of the others were awake to hear this.

"Oh, Pocketsized..." a murmur intruded. Tip blinked, coming to himself enough to recognise Nora's concerned face looking down at him fondly. Maybe he really had slept, he hadn't even noticed her coming downstairs. Looking around blearily, he saw the others scattered around the room. Well, most of the others. Qrow either wasn't awake yet or off somewhere doing something else. Either was possible, though depending how much he'd drunk last night... well. At least he'd be better rested than Tip was? Even if it wasn't a good way to go about that. But then he'd given up trying to convince Qrow of that, it was something he'd have to work out for himself.

Thankfully none of the others mentioned anything special about the day and he felt himself starting to relax. Maybe they really had forgotten, after all? That would be the preferred outcome, since he didn't really want to think too closely about just how old he technically was right now. Did the wizard actually count? Did the period of time when he hadn't actually been alive? Hs own chronological age? It probably didn't matter, but he'd not had anyone care in long enough that it was making him paranoid.

Glancing at his scroll, he rechecked their schedule, grinning at the three hours set aside for training purposes. That was another good thing about Atlas, their training simulations really were top notch. Besides, the more he kept in shape, the less danger the others would be in from his presence alone. As long as he could prove he could look after himself, then maybe they'd stop trying to smother him quite so much? He didn't technically need their protection, but for some reason nobody tended to listen to him, these days. He missed being an adult, for a great many reasons, but especially that one. They used to listen to him more, especially James. Not that he didn't now, but he was very fed up of feeling so much like he was being humored by those around him. He was growing though, he was sure of it... maybe they'd listen more once he wasn't quite so, well, small?

No, no he wasn't going to do this today. Today was going to be a good day no matter what his dreams had been like last night. It was what it was, his body was in the state it was in and there was no easy way to change that. There were technically machines here that might artificially age him, but though the idea had been mentioned, it tended to have some very unfortunate side effects for people of his physical age. Besides, training meant he was being given the perfect excuse to go and beat the smug look off Clover's face. He wasn't blind, he could see the way the other man watched Qrow. He wouldn't blame him, but that didn't mean that the thought hadn't made him uncomfortable. Besides, Clover kept trying to treat him like an actual child, despite what he was told by others. You'd think he'd get the memo, but that didn't seem to have happened yet. No, he wasn't going to pass up any chance to make him look silly. Maybe that counted as enough of a present that Winter would accept it? Probably not, but he could dream...

A few hours later, they were all in the training scenario. The others seemed to be having as much fun as he was, though he hadn't seen Qrow or Winter at all yet today, which was making him suspicious. It was very unusual not to see or hear from either one of them, and considering what day it was, he felt he had the right to his paranoia. His mind flitted briefly to the gun buried in the bottom of his bag and he winced. If that was a taster of things to come... he really, really hated guns.

And yet, the training simulation went as it normally did. You would have thought they might be used enough to him wielding Old Regrets on his left hand and The Long Memory in his right, but as usual that seemed to make them slip up. He grinned savagely, ducking out of the way as Clover stumbled. Oh, he wished he had a camera right now, it would serve the man right for that to be immortalised. He was aware he wasn't really playing fair, considering his semblance hadn't been officially registered to Wintertip Pine yet. But then, it very much was still registered to his adult self, was it really his fault that none of them had bothered to check? Clover had the excuse of being Clover, but he was very well aware that the other Ace Ops knew exactly who he had been. Was? He shrugged mentally at the thought. He was still Oz, he was just Tip, too. A problem for another day, really.

Harriet smirked at him as they left the training room.

"Hey kid, happy birthday." Tip blinked, that had been the first time anyone had mentioned it, though at least it answered the question as to whether Winter had told them.

"Thank you." He murmured quietly, smiling slightly. He might be uncomfortable with celebrating, but that didn't mean he could be rude and he knew that Harriet meant well. She smirked at him again, looking worryingly knowing and his stomach sank. There wasn't anything else on the schedule for today, and since Harriet at least did seem to know... yeah, there was very little chance the others had actually forgotten. Oscar had been giving him guilty looks all day, too... this wasn't going to be massively fun, was it? He really didn't want all the fuss this was likely to turn into, but since it was likely to come from a good place, he couldn't gracefully decline it either. At least it was only one day a year?

His eyes narrowed, noticing that the others were moving slower than normal. A few of them were deep in conversation, but this was starting to feel very deliberate to him. Considering the continued guilty glances from his brother, he felt justified in his suspicions. They were planning something, he was sure of it. Then again, he was pretty certain that Yang still hated him, so maybe not. Hopefully not.

The door was shut. He stared at it, suspicious, knowing they'd left it cracked when they left. That hadn't been normal either, so it had stuck in his mind as something odd. Glancing at the others, he could see Ruby looking like she wanted to laugh and amusement dancing in several of their eyes. Yes, they obviously knew, but if they didn't think he did then he might as well play along. They were his friends, after all, there wasn't any way this could go too badly. Right?

... why did he think he'd just jinxed himself?

Jaune smirked at him. The door opened. He blinked at the sight of not just Qrow and Winter, but Willow and James, too. Why was James there? That didn't really make a lot of sense, though they were very good friends. Maybe he thought he needed to be, due to the fact he was standing as his temporary guardian?

Qrow and Winter exchanged amused looks at just how adorably confused Oz looked. They were both very aware that he'd probably been dreading this, but then again he was only ever going to turn eleven twice. They hoped. From what Qrow had shared about his upbringing the first time around, it was wildly unlikely anyone had ever thought to celebrate. Oh, Qrow had, later... but that wasn't really the same thing, especially as they'd gotten the date wrong anyway.

Besides, the kids had all very much been on board for this. They'd all seen just how protective Oz was of them and wanted to repay the favor, even just a little. Oscar had come up with the idea of a surprise, though the others were very much on board with it at the suggestion, adding more and more complications. Qrow just hoped that his silence hadn't worried Oz too much, though from the comments he'd had from the members of thr Ace Ops he'd, well, basically beaten up, that hadn't seemed to change anything. One day, they'd learn not to underestimate Oz just because he was young and small right now, bit today obviously hadn't been that day, Then again, there were certain people he dearly hoped would underestimate him. The less competent certain elements believed Oz to be, the safer he might be in the long run. If they weren't expecting a kid to fight, especially one that limped as much as he did, then that might be the difference if it ever came down to a real fight.

Oz still felt vaguely confused, though Willow was smiling at him mistily, opening her arms. He blinked, staring at her for a second before stepping into the hug. After all, there wasn't any way he was going to get out of this. He stiffened as he felt someone place something on his head, though he was pretty certain it was a party hat. Huh, they really had gone all out for this, hadn't they? It was strange, considering the fact that he knew they shouldn't really have gone to so much effort, just how touching the whole thing felt. Oh, it was ridiculous, of course... but they were his friends and they actually cared, unlike those that had raised him the first time. Even if he was ever forced to go back to them, he'd remember today for the rest of his life. Was this what it was meant to feel like, to have a family that loved him... friends like these? It was a foreign concept in so many ways, yet Ozymandias radiated joy and comfort in his head, everybody looked so happy... it was strange, but strangely not unwelcome. Considering the state of Remnant and the ongoing war with Salem, they were very unlikely to have too many days like this. He should really enjoy it while it lasted.

It was very nice, having friends. Hopefully that lasted for awhile, too.

#deaged oz au #ozpin #qrow branwen #winter schnee #birthday #oscar pine #atlas #birthday wishes #friendship #team rwby #team jnr #willow schnee #whitley schnee #james ironwood #clover ebi #ace operatives

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the-laridian · 3 months

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In Vault 76, Bold Abernathy (@porkwithbones) had a serious high-school crush on Willow Ironwood. He never said anything, and now that everyone's out in the wasteland, Willow's with Beckett.

But Bold could dream! And this is one of those daydreams, of him with Willow. 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Happy Valentine's Day!

#fallout 76 #willow ironwood #laridian arts #my art #friend oc #bold abernathy #ockiss24 #ockiss 2024

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rainbow-multishipper · 1 month

Note

Do you have any ship trials for Sienna x Ironwood x Willow?

RWBY Ship Name Trails #148

Sienna Khan x James Ironwood x Willow Schnee is

Souls of Platinum

Iron Trees

(Hehe, I got to make a Kung Fu Panda 2 reference. Best movie of all time, don't at me.)

Thanks for the suggestion! Remember ask box is OPEN for Ship Summaries, Headcannon Requests and Ship Trials!

#souls of platinum #iron trees #sienna khan #james ironwood #willow schnee #rwby #rwby ship #multishipper trials #dice tests

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thebunnyremix · 1 year

Photo

RWBY Volume 7

Chapter 4: Pomp and Circumstance

#RWBY #james ironwood #yang xiao long #blake belladonna #weiss schnee #ruby rose #jacques schnee #qrow branwen #jaune arc #lie ren #nora valkyrie #willow schnee #bastard realized he was losing the argument so he played the mom card #this is why he won't be missed #(among many other reasons)#my gifs

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arc-misadventures · 1 year

Note

So how was Winter's first meeting with Acheius and knowing she has 10 brothers and sisters now

Uhh… Whitely, Jaune, Weiss, Jeanne, Saphire, Luna, Angela, Thiriana, Carol, Saphron, and Janette.

That’s… Eleven. Eleven siblings in total.

This should be fun.

Revelations Unexpected

Specialist Winter Schnee was putting her gear away in her locker when her dear friend came by to talk with her.

: Nice job out there, Winter.

Winter: Thanks. You did a great job out there too, Cinder.

Specialist Cinder Fall, was a girl who came from a rough background, but she struggled, and fought her way through all of that to become one of, Atlas’s top Specialists, and one of, Winter’s dearest friends.

Cinder: Still not good enough though.

Winter: Why is that? You handled taking down that pack of, Beowulfs flawlessly. Did you gut hurt?

Cinder: No. I accidentally melted the ground underneath my feet again; I nearly slipped, and fell flat on my face. Again.

Winter: Ahh, this again. Might I recommend training on your foot work on a ice rink later? I can send my summons after you if it helps.

Cinder: I’d appreciate that, thanks, Winter.

Winter: My pleasure. What do you say we do it…?

(Ping, Ping, Ping~!)

Their conversation was quickly cut short by an unexpected caller.

Cinder: Is that you?

Winter: Yes, it’s my… It’s my mother…?

Cinder: Your mother? What could that drunkard want?

Winter: Probably wants me to help to get her some sort of expensive bottle of vodka for her again. Hold on… Hello, Mother.

Willow: Hello, Winter. You’re… You’re looking well.

Winter: Thank you. You’re looking… Sober? Are you planing on fixing that; Did you call me to get you another expensive vodka, or something else of the sort?

Willow: No, nothing like that. In fact, I think I’m going to stop drinking from now on.

Winter: You are?

Willow: It would be for the best if I did. In the mean time I wanted to talk with you.

Winter: About what?

Willow: I can’t tell you over the scroll, this is a private matter we need to discuss.

Winter: This isn’t some sort of ploy by father to get me back into the, SDC is it?

Willow: Haa… I am such a terrible mother aren’t I…

Winter was about to reapond with curt, and blunt, ‘Yes.’ But, stopped when she noticed that her mother’s gaze was drawn else where as a soft smile spread across her face before her attention returned to, Winter.

Apparently her mother wasn’t alone, but them there was a question to be asked: Who was she with?

Winter: …

Willow: It has nothing to do with the, SDC, or Jacques, Winter, but… I need to… I have to tell you this… So please… Can we talk?

Winter: …

Winter: Very well… We can talk.

Willow: Really?

Winter: Yes, I will talk with you. I’ll be home within the hour.

Willow: Oh, I’m not at home, I’m in a hotel right now. I’ll send you directions, and we can talk when you’re here.

Winter: You’re not at home; Why?

Willow: I’ll explain when you get here. Okay?

Winter: Very well. I will be there swiftly.

Willow: I’ll see you soon. Oh! And, Winter?

Winter: Yes?

Willow: I love you. Bye.

(Click~!)

Winter stood looking dumbfounded at the screen as she heard those three simple words echo in her mind for what seemed like an eternity.

Winter: …?

Cinder: That was… Weird…

Winter: That’s putting it lightly. Mother is sober, she isn’t at home, and she wants to talk to me…

Cinder: And, she said she loves you.

Winter: Yes… That too… Whatever it is she wants to talk about, it must be serious. Quite serious.

Cinder: Do you want me to come with you?

Winter: No, but can you be on standby? I’ll send you a signal if things get hairy.

Cinder: Will do. I’ll try, and see if I can get some of the other, Specialist’s to help me.

Winter: Thanks, Cinder. I appreciate it.

Cinder: Hey, we’re bestfriends, of course I’ll always have your back.

Winter: And, I’ll always have your back if you ever need me.

Cinder: I know. Now, get going. Let me know how it goes.

Winter: Alright, here goes nothing.

~~~

Winter stood before the door to the hotel room her mother was currently staying at. Looking about to make sure she wasn’t being followed. After checking her surroundings she decided now was time to take the plunge.

Winter: Hmm… This place is rather pedestrian for mother’s taste. So why would she be here? Is she hiding? Hmm… Well, best just ask her herself.

(Knock knock)

(Click)

Willow: Hel… Winter! You’re here!

The door opened just a crack before bursting wide open to see her mother with a wide, and happy smile. She was about to rush forward, and hug her daughter, but quickly stopped herself as she noticed, Winter’s cold gaze.

Winter: Hello mother. Care to explain what this is all about?

Willow: O-Of course. Please, come in.

As, Winter came in, she noticed a duo of blonde’s, one male, and one female in the room. Apparently these two must be the ones her mother was talking to when she called her. The woman looked at her with a hint of excitement, and curiosity in her eyes. As for the man, he seemed to be looking for something when he looked upon her, but what was he looking for was the question.

Willow: Oh, these are some dear friends of mine. Allow me to introduce, Juniper Arc, and her husband, Acheius Arc.

Juniper: Oh, I have been waiting to meet you for so long!

Winter: Have you now?

Juniper: Well, for at least a month.

Winter: I see.

Acheius: Hello, Winter.

Winter: Hello, Mr. Arc.

Acheius: …

Winter: …?

Willow’s gaze darted between the three before her. The awkward stiffness that hung in the air between them was palatable. Broken only by the nervous stuttering from her mother.

Willow: W-Why don’t we sit down, and I can explain why I asked you to come here.

Winter: Very well.

Willow sat down on the couch with, Acheius, and Juniper sitting besides her. Winter raised an inquisitive eye at this as she took the a seat in the chair opposite of them. Silence hung in the air for a minute as, Willow’s gaze datred between the three of them, but soon stop as she turned over to see, Juniper gently grasping her hand, and giving her a calming, and reassuring smile.

Juniper: It’s okay, we’re here for you.

Willow returned her smile as she took a deep breath before she turned to address her daughter.

Willow: Okay… Winter… I have to be blunt with you, there’s no other way to say this, but… Jacques Schnee is not your biological father.

Winter: …

Winter: What…?!

Winter: I-I’m not, Jacques’s daughter…?!

Willow: No… No you’re not… Remember how I’ve told you how you were born prematurely?

Winter: Yes, you have. Am I to assume that wasn’t the case?

Willow: No, no you didn’t. You were born right on time. You see, one month before my wedding to that… That thing. Juniper here took me, and some of our friends out for a little hen party.

Winter: A hen party? What is that?

Juniper: A stag party, but for girls.

Winter: I see…

Juniper: So… When the party was over, and everyone was heading home, I will still in the mood for some fun, and so was, Willow. So, I dragged her along with me to the hotel I was staying at, and when we got here… Well I got a little handsy with, Willow. And, shortly after that my husband came to see us, and… Well, we…

Winter: Had sex? I’m a grown woman, Mrs. Arc. I can handle such foul language being spoken to me.

Juniper: I bet you can. But, can you say the same when it involves your own mother, and is about the night of your conception?

Winter held eyes with the, Arc matriarch for a moment before looking away with a faint blush on her face.

Winter: I would prefer not to, but I can if I must.

Juniper: Very well then.

Winter: So, the three of you had a threesome, and you were impregnated during said threesome.That would mean that you would be my father?

Acheius: Indeed I am, Winter. And, if you’re willing to, I would love to get to know you.

Winter: How can you even prove you are my father? This is just speculation, how do you know that I wasn’t really an early birth, hmm?

Acheius: What’s your blood type?

Winter: O-.

Acheius: And, your parents?

Winter: Both of them are, B+.

Acheius: And, both of your siblings, what about them?

Winter: B+… What blood type are you…?

Acheius: O-.

Winter: This isn’t possible…

Acheius: Look, I know this all sounds crazy, and the circumstances are at best happenstance. But… I see it as it is; That you are actually my daughter, and I’m your estrange father. And, if you want proof that we are actually related, then lets go have a DNA test. That way we can see whether, or not this is true.

Juniper: I thought you did believe she is your daughter?

Acheius: I do believe that she is my daughter; everything adds up too nicely to make it seems like its some sort of elaborate lie. And, I am more than willing to put my life on the line if it means I can save either of them, just like I feel for the rest of my family. But, if Winter needs proof that it is, or isn’t true. Well, let’s go see if it is. So, what do you say, Winter; do you want to find out if all of this madness is true, or just a lie?

Winter looked at the three of them, each of them had this pleading look of hope in their eyes. Whether they were hoping that she would agree to this test, or that she wasn’t, Jacques daughter, and was really, Acheius’s daughter she couldn’t tell. But, she still had some questions to ask.

Winter: If… If this is true… why didn’t you tell me, either of them for that matter that I am potentially his daughter?

Willow: When this happened, Juniper had recently had her third child by the time I found out you weren’t, Jacquess. What did you want me to do, burst into their home, and tell them that you were, Acheius’s child? I couldn’t risk that… They’ve been happily married for years now, I didn’t want to break that up. Besides, no one, but myself knew you were not, Jacques daughter. Everyone thought you were just born early. So, I shut my mouth, and told no one, and I was happy with that.

Winter: You were happy that I wasn’t, Jacques daughter?

Willow: At the time I was just happy that you were a healthy baby girl. Whether, Jacques, or Acheius was your father didn’t matter to me. Just that you were mine. However, after what your father did to me, you, your siblings, and to our families legacy… Well, would you feel a little better if it turned out he wasn’t your father?

Winter: …

Winter: I would feel a little better knowing I wasn’t related to him… Haaa… Fine, let’s go to the academy, we can get our DNA test there. Your argument on how this man could be my father makes sound sense. But, it could simply be a highly elaborate lie to trick me. If you are going to convince me that you are my biological father, then you must prove it to be true. Is that acceptable?

Acheius: I’m willing to believe what, Willow said is true. But, I gotta admit, I want to see if we really are father, and daughter, so let’s get going.

Winter: Alright then.

~~~

Cinder: Okay, I have several questions.

Winter: And, those are?

Winter’s focus was mostly at the console sitting before her as she typed in a serious of commands for the computer to execute.

Cinder: Why did we take a blood sample from that guy, and who is he at that? Who’s the woman standing next to him? Why is your mother wearing a hoodie trying to hide her identity? Why did we take a blood sample from her too? And, why are you bringing up your own medical records?

Winter: Several questions indeed… Okay, promise me you won’t tell anyone about this?

Cinder: Okay.

Winter: No, I’m serious, Cinder. You can’t tell anyone anything about what I’m about to tell you.

Cinder: Are you serious?

Winter gave her friend a cold gaze, one carved from ice, and stone. Cinder’s eyes widened in fear for a moment before she placed her hand over her heart, and said:

Cinder: I Cinder Fall swear upon my life that death will take me before I reveal the secrets you have told me.

Winter stared at the serious face her friend displayed before as she made her vow. Her eyes watched her friend intently before, Winter broke into a small fit of laughter.

Winter: Hahaha~! Okay, I appreciate your sincerity, Cindy, but don’t you think that’s a bit much?

Cinder: Maybe. But, hey, I got you to relax a bit now didn’t I?

Winter: That you did.

Cinder: So, what’s going on, Winnie?

Winter: …

Winter: Well, to answer your questions: The man there is, Acheius Arc, the woman next to him is his wife, Juniper Arc. The reason my mom is hiding her identity is because well, she’s in hiding…?

Cinder: She is, why?

Winter: The Arc couple more, or less snatched her away from my families home.

Cinder: Snatched? Wait… Did they kidnap her?!

Winter: No, they just wanted to take my mother away from our family’s home, and to a get her away from father so they could talk.

Cinder: About what?

(Beep, Beep!)

Winter: T-This…

Winter pointed to the screen before her as a shocked look enveloped her face. Cinder noticed the shocked expression on her friends face before she looked at the screen herself. On the screen it showed three separate, DNA samples, one from her mother, one from, Acheius Arc, and the last was one from, Winter herself. Cinder’s eyes scanned the screen lightly reading over over the words presented before her. However, her eyes widened in shock as one single sentence flashed before her.

“DNA Match Co firmed.”

Juniper: Oh gods…

Willow: It’s true… It’s really true!

Acheius: …

Cinder: W-W-Winter…?! What the hell is this…?!!

Winter: Cinder Fall… may I introduce to you my real biological father… Archeius Arc…

Acheius: Hi.

Cinder: Your father?! This man is your biological father?! When the fuck did this happen?!

Acheius: About twenty-three years ago.

Cinder: You shut it! Winter are you okay? This is, this is huge!

Winter: …

Winter: I… I don’t know… My father… Jacques is… is an absolute heartless bastard who doesn’t give a damn about anyone, even his family. He will use, abuse, and exploit anything, and anyone for a quick Lien… and, here’s a man… A man who I have know for not even a day, who has said he would willing sacrifice himself if it meant it would save either me, or my mother. I… I… How do you think I should handle this, Cinder?

Cinder: One step at a time?

Winter: It’s a very big first step though…

Acheius: Winter, can I offer up a suggestion?

Winter: You may.

Acheius: I’m not going to tell you, you have to start calling me dad, or anything. But, I want you, as well as your mother to come back with us where we can get to know one another. Do some father daughter bonding, get to know one another, and see how things go from there. And, if you want, we can become a proper family, or we can forget about all of this, and go back to being complete strangers. What do you say?

Winter: …

Winter: Very well… I will come with you. I’ll need to talk to, General Ironwood to obtain a leave of absence.

Juniper: Wonderful! Ohh~! I can’t wait for you to meet all of your new brother, and sisters!

Winter: Brother, and sisters; How many kids did you have?

Juniper: Eight.

Winter: E-E-Eight?!

Cinder: You’re kidding right?

Juniper: Yep! One boy, and seven girls~!

Winter: …

Cinder: Well… Explains why it only took one night for you to conceive, Winter…

Juniper: Yeah… I would have had way more children if the last one didn’t make me infertile… Haa if only… But… Say, Willow…?

Willow: Yes…?