What if... Liam were an only child?
(After watching the "What If..." series on Disney, I was inspired to continue this fanfic. I'm gonna try to make the chapters one-shots but if I feel I can expand upon them, I'll make a part 2 somewhere down the line. Anyway, enjoy!)
In the infinite void that is space, a single figure is seen observing worlds unlike our own. With glowing blue eyes, no hair and donning blue robes, this figure turns to address us.
"From here on, I will be your guide through this vast multiverse. I will show you what is, and what could be. Follow me as I lead you on ventures beyond your wildest dreams. I am the Watcher. Together, let us ponder the question: "What if..?"
With a single wave of his hand, the world he was looking at previous suddenly changed. Another world, exactly like the one before but... not, appeared before the Watcher.
Entering the world, we are brought to witness the events taking place.
Honing in on two individuals, a gruffy looking man, and a woman donning a white cloak with the hood up, could be seen. The man was standing behind the woman as she held a baby boy in her arms. The couple was smiling as the baby slept soundly.
"In another time, it was Qrow Branwen that was standing here, alone." The Watcher narrated. "Summer Rose had left him and eventually found herself in another team member's arms. She would then go on to end up missing. Or... maybe she's dead. Sorry, no spoilers. However, in this universe, that isn't the case. Summer decided to stay. And the little boy she was currently holding would be named Liam Rose."
The Watcher waved his hand once more and time suddenly began to fast forward until coming to an abrupt stop. Standing at the foot of a ramp to one of the many ships heading to Beacon, was Liam. A bag was slung over his right shoulder as he began to board the ship.
However, as he took his first step, another student suddenly hit his arm, getting his attention.
"Not even gonna say 'hey'?" A fiery blonde asked as she crossed her arms.
"Yang!" Liam said, excited to see his cousin. "Damn, it's been a while, huh."
"That's an understatement." Yang placed her hands on her hips. "So, where is it?"
Liam seemed confused by the question.
"What?"
"Your weapon, genius." Yang chuckled as she playfully shoved him. "Where is it?"
Liam reached over his shoulder and pulled a large device off his back. Showing it to Yang, she raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?" She asked.
Liam pressed a black button in the center of it, causing it to suddenly change. The blade of a scythe extended as did the handle for it.
Twirling it around his body, Liam pulled one of the two triggers at the bottom, getting the scythe blade to straighten and slide down to the hilt, much like Qrow's own weapon.
"I based it off dad's." Liam said, quite proud of himself. "Mom threw in a bit of her own flair, too." Pulling the other trigger, the blade was engulfed in a hot flame.
As the two continued to chat, the Watcher brought our attention back to himself.
"You may be wondering how these events came to pass in this timeline." The Watcher said. "In this universe, Summer did not pursue Salem."
The Watcher opened a small window, showing us a conversation between Summer and Raven.
"Raven, we have to at least try!" Summer tried her best to convince her.
"No, Summer." Raven shook her head. "You know, as well as I, that Salem can't be stopped. She can't be killed. You saw what Jinn showed us."
"She's going to grow an army." Summer argued.
Raven let out a deep sigh.
"I know you want to stop her because of your son." Raven began. "Believe me, I don't want Yang growing up in a world with someone like Salem in it. But I have to be here. For her. Think about your son, Summer. How do you think he would feel growing up without a mother? We can't risk it."
Summer's gaze fell upon hearing that.
"Go back to Qrow. Go back to your son." Raven told her. "Don't let him live his life without a mom. Every kid deserves one of those."
Summer slowly nodded her head.
"You're right."
Everything distorted as the Watcher moved us further ahead.
"Summer would spend years planning on how to take Salem down." The Watcher continued. "Even turning to Taiyang for assistance. Their planning would soon lead to... other activities... that would then lead to the birth of Ruby Rose."
An image of the girl, donning her cloak and scythe, appeared for a brief moment before disappearing as well.
"But that isn't how this story played out." The Watcher added. "Summer would return to Qrow and Liam. From there, Liam would go on to meet Weiss in a similar way his younger sister did."
Having landed at the pad, and quickly abandoned by Yang, Liam was left to wander Beacon alone.
Bumping into a tower of suitcases, Liam quickly turned around to steady them before they had a chance to fall. Once he had, the owner walked over.
"That could have ended badly." She said as she took a suitcase off the top to check the contents. Weiss pulled out a red dust crystal before shutting the suitcase. "First year?"
"Yeah." Liam nodded.
"Me too."
The two fell silent, staring at each other before snapping out of their dazes.
"Oh, I'm Liam Rose." Liam introduced himself. "And you are...?"
Weiss raised a single eyebrow. It was a rarity for her to meet someone who doesn't know a member of the Schnee family.
"Weiss Schnee. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Please. The pleasure's all mine." Liam replied.
Weiss smirked a bit.
"Is it now?"
We are pulled away as the Watcher continues his narration.
"Weiss and Liam." The Watcher showed the duo fighting Grimm. "An unbreakable bond." The Watcher said softly. "The two have witnessed so much heartache. So much loss." Images of their friends falling into the void appeared before vanishing. "And yet, the two fight on." An image of Liam fighting Grimm in the deserts of Vacuo appears. "One fights for revenge." Liam's face was filled with devastation and rage. But the image was quickly replaced by Weiss, with the Winter Maiden powers, protecting the civilians of Atlas. "And the other fighting for the people. But here, in this universe, that's not how the story unfolds. With Ruby Rose not having been born, a different leader was appointed to Team RWBY." The four original members of team RWBY are seen standing on the stage of Beacon's auditorium. Suddenly, Ruby's image is replaced by Liam standing beside the others. "Liam Rose would go on to be the leader. He would lead his team to the capture of Roman Torchwick at Beacon docks, and to the discovery of the White Fang operation under Mountain Glenn. As for Liam's original team, they had a different fourth member."
Ozpin was seen calling a new team to the stage.
"Marek. Chrome Belladonna. Nicole Redwood. And Lillith Xiao-Long."
"Did I forget to mention her?" The Watcher asked. "Pardon me. Meet Lillith Xiao-Long, second daughter to Taiyang and Raven." Matching her sister's blonde hair, albeit much shorter, and violet eyes, the two were vastly different. While Yang preferred up close combat, Lillith excelled in long-range support. She wields a sniper, with dust infusing capabilities, long sword hybrid. "Her semblance, unlike Yang's, allows Lillith to forsee the next fifteen seconds before it happens. Even though the sisters are different, they are still close. Now, with all that out of the way, our story begins during the Vytal Festival Tournament."
Leaning back to dodge the tip of a swinging sword, Liam had to place his hand firmly on the ground to keep himself from falling. With his hand acting as an anchor, Liam performed a backwards cartwheel.
As he landed on his feet, Liam held his sword backwards. Lowering himself, Liam's sword ignited in a red hot fire.
Just as he was about to swing, Weiss' semblance appeared, knocking the opponent away and onto their backs.
Looking over to the girl, she gave a smile before turning to help the others.
Giving a smirk, Liam went over to finish off his opponent.
"Ooh!" Oobleck announced over the comms. "That looks like it'll leave a mark!"
"Indeed!" Port agreed.
Hearing three more buzzes sound, Liam's team was shown on the screen as the victors.
"Yes!" Yang cheered as she fist pumped.
"With team BRNZ eliminated, team RWBY moves on to the next round!" Port said.
Outside, walking around the courtyard, Liam and Weiss were talking about their victory. The team had already agreed to send Liam and Yang onto the doubles round because of how well the duo worked as a team. With Blake and Yang wandering around the festival grounds, Weiss and Liam took this time to go on a date of sorts.
However, before either of the two could even leave Beacon, Liam's parents were seen leaving a different transport ship.
Spotting them, Liam's eyes widened as he rushed over to greet them. Weiss was hot on his heels.
"Mom! Dad!" Liam said, giving each a hug. "What're you guys doing here?"
Summer and Qrow shared a quick glance before looking to their son.
"We'd love to see your fights, Liam, but, unfortunately, we're here strickly on business." Summer answered. "We'll still try to catch what we can, though."
Liam was a bit down about the news but nevertheless was happy to see his family here.
"I understand. Still glad to see you guys." Liam replied.
Weiss was at a loss for words. She didn't think she'd meet Liam's parents this soon.
"Oh!" Liam said suddenly. "Mom. Dad. I wanna introduce you to someone." Liam moved to the side so they could see Weiss. "This is one of my teammates. Weiss Schnee. She's also my, uh, my girlfriend."
Summer seemed excited to meet the girl Liam was dating whereas Qrow could barely keep himself from chuckling a bit. Hearing it, Summer tapped his arm, getting him to stop.
"What?" He asked with a shrug. "Come on, admit it. It's kinda funny."
Summer rolled her eyes in response.
"What?" Liam asked, a bit confused and worried.
"It's nothing, sweetheart." Summer brushed Liam's concerns off. "He's just being weird."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Rose." Weiss said.
"Branwen." Summer corrected.
"Oh, sorry. Given Liam's last name and all, I assumed-"
"Ah, don't worry about it." Summer said in a gentle tone. "Anyway, you two must be busy, what with the tournament and all. We'll get out of your hair."
Walking off, Liam and Weiss were left in the courtyard.
"Oh."
"They did mention they were on business." Weiss whispered. "C'mon. We got plenty of time before our next match and we haven't had much time for us. So, let's make up for that."
Dragging him away by his arm, the two headed for the dorms.
"Although everything seems to be alright, a certain group was planning something... sinister." The Watcher spoke.
Inside a different dorm, Cinder, Mercury and Emerald were busy planning their next move to destroy Beacon.
"Is everything set?" Cinder asked.
Mercury, busy doing pushups, replied.
"Yeah."
"Good. Then we- oh?" Cinder stared at her scroll.
"What is it?" Emerald asked.
"It seems our little friend has gained another access point." Cinder chuckled.
"Is it any good?" Emerald sat upright.
"You could say that." Cinder watched the rotating image of Penny's chasis on her scroll.
The next day, Liam and Yang went up against Flynt and Neon of team FNKI.
Getting blasted back by Flynt's semblance, Liam stabbed the ground with his scythe. Shielding his eyes from the dirt and dust coming at him, Liam was finally able to regain his footing.
Stopping for a brief moment, Flynt twirled his trumpet as he adjusted his hat.
"That the best you got?" Flynt mocked.
Liam wiped his lip as he stood upright. Changing his scythe to it's sword form, Liam took his stance. Using his thumb, Liam flicked his dust cartridge, making it spin and land on the gravity type dust.
Shooting a bullet below him, the gravity dust sent Liam into the air. Firing behind himself while in midair, Liam launched himself towards Flynt, knocking him to the ground. With one final slash across the chest, Flynt was done and out.
"Most of these fights aren't much different." The Watcher continued us along.
Not long after, Neon was taken care of by Yang.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Liam walked by Yang while patting her shoulder.
"You can go into the singles round." He told her as he made his exit.
"Everything would go according to the timeline." The Watcher said. "Yang would go onto the singles round, battle Mercury, attack him after the match is over, and be locked under security. However, with Ruby no longer here, it is instead Liam who spots Emerald in the crowd when she was thought to be back in Mistral. Leaving his seat, Liam would then go on to encounter Mercury in the hall, perfectly fine."
"Hmph." Liam let out a huff as he glared at Mercury. "Knew it."
Mercury outstretched his arms as he grinned.
"Hey."
"Quite the show you put on." Liam growled. "Making my cousin out to be some sort of villain."
"What can I say."
"At least I get to kick your ass this time." Liam raised his fists as he took an offensive stance.
However, just before Liam was about to close the distance, Professor Port came on over the PA.
"The next match is between Penny Polendina and Pyrrha Nikos!"
Liam's eyes widened in horror at the realization of the situation.
"Ooh. Polarity and metal. Quite the combination, wouldn't you agree?" Mercury grinned.
Liam quickly shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"Penny isn't your only goal, is she?"
"Try bigger." Mercury replied before rushing Liam.
As the duo clashed, so did Penny and Pyrrha.
But, unlike with Ruby, Liam hid his true intentions. In all honesty, Liam was immensely worried about his friend.
Trading blows, Liam continued to try and get info out of Mercury.
Backing off, Liam glared at Mercury.
"What are you after, Ironwood's fleet?"
"We have that." Mercury grinned. "You're already too late to stop it."
"What then, the school?" Liam asked.
"Try the whole Kingdom." Mercury replied. "Even recruited help from the White Fang."
Piecing together the information, Liam found an opening and, using his avian form, rushed out the exit and towards the stage with Mercury giving chase.
Penny was preparing to attack Pyrrha when Liam changed back and slid in between the two.
"Stop the fight!" Liam shouted, his voice echoing in the arena.
Penny quickly redirected her attack, striking the ground instead.
"I doubt we have much time, so just listen while we have it! This-" Liam gestured around him at everything. "This has all been a setup!"
Whispers filled the arena as students began to talk to one another.
"Mercury Black, Emerald Sustrai and Cinder Fall are plotting to destroy the Kingdom!" Liam shouted. He didn't have time to contemplate the absurdity of his words. "They've allied themselves with the White Fang to work together to destroy Beacon!"
As he spoke, a half dozen Atlas robots surrounded Liam to escort him off the stage. Suddenly, the robots eyes went red as they aimed their guns at Liam and Pyrrha. Penny's eyes, like the robots, were also red.
Cinder, standing on the rooftop of the dorms, had taken control of the Atlas robots through her scroll and a hack made by Arthur Watts. Aiming their weapons at Liam, Pyrrha quickly jumped in the way to deflect the shots with her shield.
While Pyrrha focused on taking down the Atlas robots, Penny brandished her weapons as she walked up behind Liam.
Turning around just as she attacked, Liam rose his arm to block the swords. His aura made it so he didn't get physically hurt, but it was draining fast.
Everyone in Amity began to panic as Pyrrha fought the Atlas robots and Liam defended himself against Penny.
With Atlas attacking the students and civilians, and the arena PA announcing a large threat of Grimm quickly approaching, Liam knew they needed to get out of there. Fast.
"Pyrrha!" Liam shouted her name.
Not needing to be told twice, Pyrrha used her semblance on the Atlas robots, careful not to hurt Penny.
Once it was just Penny remaining, Penny stopped fighting and took multiple steps back before suddenly self destructing.
"Penny..!" Liam could only watch in horror as his friend was turned to a pile of parts.
"Not exactly what I had planned." Cinder's voice came over the PA system. "But I can improvise. With your little interruption, the original plan has to be altered. There's no point in denying it. Most of what that pest said is true. We have more than enough means to destroy both Beacon and Vale. I suggest you either flee or prepare. Before you all die."
With that, Cinder cut her link to the PA system.
The arena was filled with quiet whispers as people talked about what to do. However, it quickly switched to chaotic panic as the arena was suddenly surrounded by massive flying Grimm.
"Damn!" Liam turned to Pyrrha.
Professor Ozpin, in his office alongside Summer Branwen, turned to address her.
"Salem's behind this, isn't she?" Summer asked, crossing her arms.
"Most definitely." Ozpin agreed. "You know what to do."
Summer nodded in response.
"Most of the events would play out as planned." The Watcher interrupted. "Yang would still lose her arm. Weiss would summon part of her Arma Gigas. Blake would go on to get injured, and Pyrrha would still go after Cinder. However, Liam wouldn't chase after Roman. The two wouldn't fight, and Roman wouldn't get eaten by a creature of Grimm."
We're brought to the moment Weiss and Ruby would meet back up with Yang and Blake. However, instead of Ruby, Liam is standing beside Weiss.
Lillith was kneeling next to Yang, worried about her older sister.
Liam was speechless as he saw his cousin laying on the ground, missing her right arm. After getting over the initial shock, Liam focused on the massive problem at hand.
"Who's missing?" He asked as he turned to Ren.
"Jaune... and Pyrrha..." Ren said, fighting for breath. "They... went after... Ozpin... Beacon Tower..."
"We need to help them!" Nora stepped forward before falling forward in pain.
"I'll go help." Liam told them.
"I'll come, too." Weiss stepped forward.
"No." Liam told her. "I'm sorry, but I'll get there faster on my own. Stay here and help tend to the wounded."
Weiss hesitated before nodding her head in agreement.
"Don't die." Weiss said, a look of worry in her eyes.
"Don't worry." Liam smirked. "It's not on my schedule."
Weiss blinked and saw Liam fly off in his avian form.
Below Beacon Tower, Ozpin, Jaune and Pyrrha were running towards a pair of pods at the opposite end.
"What is this place?" Jaune asked.
"Not now." Ozpin told the boy.
Making it to the other end, Ozpin ordered Pyrrha into the pod. After brief hesitation, she did as told.
"Watch the elevator!" Ozpin told Jaune.
Turning around, Jaune took a defensive stance.
"However, the process to transfer over the power of the Maiden from the current to the next... never began." The Watcher said. "The power... wasn't there."
"What's happening?" Ozpin shouted before looking over to the current Maiden. He initially thought she was sleeping but now... he realized she was dead.
"How?" He asked as he opened Pyrrha's pod.
"What's going on?" Pyrrha asked.
"She's here." Jaune said, raising his shield.
Turning, Ozpin saw Cinder flying towards him, visibly pissed off.
"Where's the power?!" She shouted.
"With me."
Turning to the new voice, Summer was hovering a few feet away from Cinder. Her left eye glowed with the second half of the Fall Maiden power.
"You won't get the power from me, kid." Summer told her. "Stand down."
Cinder replied by charging Summer.
With Cinder occupied with Summer, Ozpin took the chance to get Jaune and Pyrrha to safety.
Summer and Cinder's fight took them to the top of Beacon Tower.
Seeing the two fighting, Liam quickly began heading for the top of the tower. Upon reaching the top, Liam changed forms and busted through the window. Landing with a roll, Liam saw Cinder pinned to the ground by Summer.
Seeing her son, Summer was taken aback.
"Liam?!"
Taking advantage of Summer's distraction, Cinder hit Summer with her elbow. Following up by kicking her away, Cinder got to her feet, brandishing two glass swords.
"Damnit!" Cinder barred her teeth.
Summer and Liam stood side-by-side, Liam wielding his scythe and Summer her halberd.
As the trio engaged, the top of the tower was knocked off by a large Grimm dragon. Struggling to keep his footing, Cinder took the opportunity to attack Liam. With his aura barely even active, Cinder quickly broke right through it.
Seeing it shatter, Cinder created a fireball to finish him off.
Just as she was about to throw it, Summer attacked, causing Cinder to miss and, instead, severly burn Liam's left arm.
Yelling in pain, Liam grit his teeth as he held his left arm. Seeing his son in so much agony, Summer grew infuriated. Attacking Cinder with as much ferocity as she could muster, Summer easily broke through the girl's defenses. Draining her aura, Summer didn't hesitate as she plunged the blade deep into Cinder's chest.
Ripping it out, blood dripped down Cinder's mouth as she fell back, dead.
The other half of the Maiden power rushed into Summer, becoming whole again.
"With Cinder dead, and Salem's plan to destroy Beacon foiled, life for the Branwen and Xiao-Long families slowly went back to normal." The Watcher explained. "Liam's arm would have to be amputated, replaced by a top-of-the-line Atlas prosthetic. However, with Roman, Neo, Emerald, and Mercury behind bars, Salem would need to find her own replacements. With Summer's help, Beacon was quickly rid of all Grimm. The involved White Fang retreated with their tails between their legs. Years would go by, and Ozpin continued to build his own following of trusted individuals."
Time began to go by as we're brought to a two story house in the middle of a clearing in Patch. Out back, Liam is training with a wooden dummy when the sliding glass door is quickly opened.
Tackled by two small kids, a girl, eleven, and a boy, eight, Liam fell on his back.
"Daddy!" The two yelled as they smiled up at him.
"Wesley, Lyla, breakfast!" Weiss called from the kitchen.
As the three of them headed inside, the scenery suddenly changed to the land of Grimm. Inside Salem's castle, she is back to planning. This time, she has many more followers than previously.
"Even with their current 'happily ever after' it won't last for long." The Watcher explained. "Salem will continue to cause destruction in her wake until she finally gets what she wants."
End of What If..?