Howdy! I know it's been a long ass time since I've updated!

I just thought I'd let y'all know that a lot of crazy shit has happened to me in the year since I've updated
I had to deal with bad anxiety and a whole lot of bad shit. Been bad lows and reached hella highs, and I'm now engaged!
Also, I released my first book! So those interested just pm me for a link!

So, anyway, this leads into the main super cool (maybe) parts of this story! I've been tossing between certain power ups
but I realllllllllllly didn't want Jaune to be the only one to receive one, and since this story does really technically focus mainly
on Jaune and Cardin and Ren (and respective ships involving said twats), Cardin's power up was character development
Ren and Jaune's are about to be seen now

I rewatched RWBY with my fiance (her first time watching it too), and I realized that certain plans I had would break all the rules
that Monty himself wrote out. Sooooo, I had to change it around a bit and added in my own creative touch and now
we have the crazy nonsense that we have now.

Disclaimer: I don't own RWBY

Chapter 28: The Brothers Grimm

Run!

Get behind the barriers!

Reload! Reload! Reload!

Protect the Belladonnas!

Protect the King!

Jaune!

Jaune!

JAUNE!

Jaune watched the world around him, spiraling and shaking. Colors swirled and twisted like oil against the surface of water. There were screams in the distance followed with the blasting of rifles and the clashing of spears. Jetpacks blasted, with the hint of debris dragging against concrete. A hovering roar, zooming through the air above him, wherever above him was, echoed in his ears, making him whip back and forth with no idea of where he was or what he was doing. The Arc was far from terrified, however.

There were shouts, gasps, grunts and roars of man and Faunus. They said things that not even he could understand. Their words slurred, distant and nearly muted in the ambiance of the chaotic battle. As screams disappeared and gunfire vanished, he found himself alone. Beyond the shell casings dancing against concrete and the bodies hitting the dirt, there was a near nonexistent light at the end of the darkness.

Normally, he'd remember the words of his dear sisters when he first got his ass beat as a young child. Don't follow the light. Jaune chuckled, wading through the entropy, he swam along feeling almost no resistance as he did. The light grew only barely in size, no longer just a tiny dot through the vast expanse of empty void, it was now the size of a silver plate. Don't follow the light. Maybe this is why? How far is this shit?!

As he tried to close the distance, the plate-sized light had grown just slightly larger. He was getting closer, but for a moment, it made him nervous. The sheer size of the entrance had to be gargantuan to take this long to see the end of the tunnel. No matter, he told himself. His armor didn't weigh more than a feather, he sped forward, watching the light grow no larger than a standard SUV, brightening the nonsense of the strange world he was in.

If I shout, would anyone hear me? Jaune wondered. If I cry out, would someone answer me?

"Hello?!" Jaune shouted.

His arms froze mid swipe. Where is my voice? What the hell?

Channeling his aura, his semblances, nothing moved, nothing worked. Trying to force himself forward, he moved with a fearful strength, trying to escape the hell he found himself in. As the realization arrived, the sounds of battle rushed in, all too familiar. Explosions, shells and bullets dancing about. From the blades still meeting, the crackling of semblances, even the hissing and the crying moans of shattering overshields. What truly terrified the man, the growls and hissing roars of the Grimm rushing in. The creatures screamed, roared and beat their massive claws against their barriers and the shields they barely managed to erect.

He could feel the battle raging through the void, rippling against his bones and against his armor. The ringing in his ears, feeling like a shrill screech through a nighttime song. He fought against the treatment, ignoring the singeing tune. Forcing himself forward, he drifted along at the speed of river rapids, beating through the void, finding the light overbearing, blasting against his eyes through his helmet. The colors were vivid illuminating through his orange visor, no distortion nor the changing of colors.

It was strange to come so close to the hole in reality, there was no darkness, only light. From the light, the pale white of pristine cleanliness was all he could see. He reached out, fighting through the searing pain, but there was nothing there, nothing for him to reach for, nothing for him to achieve. Now that the light had conquered the darkness, he couldn't hear the clashing of blades, the roar of Grimm, nor that of the humming moans of overshields breaking and recharging. There was nothing in the silence. As if blind in the darkness was bad enough, he blind in the light.

Once more shouting, begging for an answer, he nearly jumped when he heard his voice. It was coarse, rough and irritated, breaking and cracking with each syllable he attempted. But as he waited for a response, the light shifted, tearing and melting, warping and breaking all the same, until he found himself on a couch, sitting in front of a vaguely familiar image sitting upon a chair of his own. The two of them stared at one another, the bright lights washing their faces and features from being seen. Even though they could not see one another, there was a sort of similarity about the silhouettes.

"Ren?" Jaune asked.

"Jaune?!" The man replied. His voice came at the same tone, aching and torn, almost as if he spent the last five years of his life shouting at the top of his lungs. "Jaune…what the hell happened?"

"I don't know…I could ask you the same thing." Jaune replied. "What is this place?"

"Like I would know…" Ren's face began to clear, the colors, the tan and the bright magenta eyes hard to forget. "One second I was having tea with Dew…and congratulating Cardin and Velvet…next thing I know…"

"I was in Kuo Kuana…the Grimm attacked in such an absurd number…I used your semblance in a way I have never used it…" Jaune wondered, his blue eyes drifting to the white floor beneath them. "I…did I do this?"

"I don't know." Ren reassured. "I wouldn't be too quick to point the blame at anyone just yet."

"It would make sense though." Jaune rose from his seat. "I was able to use your semblance in any way I pleased in the future…because you were dead. I had your aura. You're not dead so maybe…I've been siphoning your aura all this time whenever I use your semblance…"

"That could be plausible, but we don't have any proof yet." Ren said. "Again, don't be too quick to place the blame on anyone or anything."

"Ren…I…" Jaune struggled to find the words. "I saw your mother, rather, I heard her speaking to me, or was it you?"

The boy nodded. "I saw Blake and Pyrrha…I saw the Grimm and the White Fang attack on Menagerie. Maybe there's something about our semblances coming together."

"There's no way you were using mine."

"But you were using mine." Ren said simply. "They say that the Semblance is a reflection of our soul. Memories are probably linked to it."

"But that doesn't explain how you saw Blake and Pyrrha and I saw your mom." Jaune added. "I can't say for sure, but I don't think it's a coincidence that your semblance brought this out. I've used Pyrrha's and Yang's and even Blake's and Cardin's more than I've used yours, but nothing like this happened."

In the great expanse, a noise was heard in the distance. Both moved quick to defend themselves, bringing up fists and falling into stances. Quickly throwing their backs to one another, they watched the blank slate, finding absolutely nothing.

"Jaune. We have to find a way figure this out." Ren said. "I know we won't be in here too long, but once we get out, we'll need to pool our resources together and try to understand the extent of your semblance."

"Then what would you have me do?" Jaune asked. "I'm in Menagerie, probably unconscious."

"There is nothing we can do but trust those we love to do the right thing." Ren nodded. "Think they can do it?"

"Well…"

"That didn't sound very confident."

"Uh…"

Blake sighed, staring at the setting sun. Clutching the handle of Crocea Mors, the Faunus glared at the horizon, hissing as the orange rays beat against her amber eyes. She wanted to shout, to scream, maybe even cry, but she knew that would do nothing but kill their already shrinking morale. The people were terrified, broken and they had only just won a pyrrhic victory against the White Fang. She should have known that their string of victories couldn't have lasted as long as it did. It was almost unnatural.

Lowering her gaze, the crews of the warships they journeyed with, were delivering food, supplies and medical equipment to the populace of Kuo Kuana. Large lines of men, women and children gathered through the winding, tight city streets, all for a spoonful of rice and soup. While the resources around them were plentiful, the fear of the Grimm and what lied beyond the great mountains against the Badlands, kept their crops, the papaya, the fruits ripe for the taking, to rot.

Tightening her hold on the sacred Arc blade, she hadn't heard from Pyrrha or the members of MSTN. They journeyed into the Badlands with hopes of finding the White Fang training camps – maybe even a forward operating base. Blake pleaded with the redhead not to do it, but Pyrrha was adamant that she had to do something while waiting for Jaune's recovery. It made her stomach twist with anxiety and terror, despite the attack they barely managed to survive, she couldn't help it. Jaune was already in a bad condition, she couldn't risk losing another loved one.

After returning to Menagerie with the promise of hope and future, with the tools to make it a reality, destruction fell upon her people. The very ones she swore to protect and fight for. It had been a few days since the battle and they were still digging up the dead from the conflict. White Fang, King's Fist, Civilian. None of it mattered when they were corpses in shallow graves. While the city praised their quick defense, praised their strength and willingness to defend them, it didn't feel right for the Faunus. None of it did. They lost too much. It wasn't worth the price.

A footstep sounded behind her. Without thinking, she drew the venerated blade, the length singing softly as it glinted in the fading light of dusk. Tears trickled from the corner of her eyes, cascading against her slightly tanned cheeks. She couldn't believe what she had just done. Standing at the end of the blade, her father stood, hands up with a tray of tea resting against the floor, overturned and spilling between the wooden floorboards.

"Maybe I should've said–"

The man grunted midsentence. Blakes arms wrapped around the giant Panther Faunus, holding him as the sword fell from her hands. She was quiet, not a word whispered or spoken, but he could hear her soft whimpers, the sniffling and he could feel the tears, wet as they were, spatter against his furs and bare chest. Doing the only thing he could, he wrapped his arms around her as well, sharing his fatherly warmth with his terrified daughter. Like her, he too deigned from speaking. There was nothing they could say to make the situation any better.

As they broke, the girl sighed in disbelief at the trail of snot that found its way onto his plate armor. "Gods, that's disgusting…"

"Don't worry, Blake. It happens."

The girl started to giggle. "No dad, that's a lot of snot. Gods, I'm a mess."

Picking up Jaune's blade, the sun's light glimmered along the length of the beautiful weapon. "Dad…it's going to be okay…right?"

"Of course, Blake. They have thrown their weapons and forces at our walls and now, they've shown they've exhausted themselves. Right now – let the King rest. Kuo Kuana can be rebuilt using the ruins the battle left behind. The less you worry – the better off your army will be. They look up to their Queens."

With that, the giant panther walked away, his boots echoing against the bamboo floorboards. Blake looked away, careful not to follow his fleeting shadow. She stared at the distant horizon coloring orange and gold along the many thousands, millions of colors dashing across the parchment. It was strange, watching the sunset without her blond fool beside her. It was strange, without Pyrrha resting her head on her shoulder. She was alone, trying to keep even a semblance of normality. However, she knew she was playing herself. She couldn't hope to have life return to normal without her glorious King and her wonderful Queen.

Thoughts danced and wandered, thinking upon the many things that happened recently. She could smell the scents of roasting beef and watery MRE's boiling in the distance. Large mess halls were erected, stocked with provisions and rations for the displaced peoples of the Faunus homeland. Smoke danced into the skies like winding pillars, snaking about in a never ending spiral. The scents soon varied between stews for the herbivore Faunus and fiery pits dug out to broil meat for the carnivore Faunus. It was slowly encompassing her.

Taking a few shaking breaths, sheathing Crocea Mors against her hip, she turned on her heels tightening her vambraces and activating her overshield. One could never be too careful after the nonsense they survived. Walking through the ruined halls of the once great manor, she nodded at the sergeants and lieutenants of the Kuo Kuana Guardsman Corps as she passed them. Clapping her feet against the floorboards and wooden steps of the entrance, she took in the smell of smoldering ash and scorched earth.

From blackened homes to the impact craters made by Dust infused mortars, the destruction was city-spanning. Black burns were seen dotting the street, denoting energy weapons. Large black trails danced across the dirt, back blasts of rocket launches and rocket propelled Dust grenades. Even mangled metal constructs – mortars she assumed. Some were colored red and maroon with the remnants of Human and Faunus blood painted over it.

While she immediately ran to the Palisades, she could only imagine the heroes who clutched the mortars with their lives hanging by literal threads. She could hear their boots beating against blood soaked streets and pathways – the jingling of bullet casings and expended energy coils. Each step she took felt like she walked through the battlefield once again. The cries of Captain Terra thundering as powerful as the booming explosions. The rapid fire of machine guns and assault rifles blasting away into the forest and the tree lines.

Coming to a stop, she saw the remnants of the palisades and the parapet she stood before everything fell. She saw the collapsed walls, the dirt and the metal twisted beyond repair. She knew there were men buried underneath the chaos, but they didn't have the time or resources – nor the morale to dig them out. A wave of guilt washed over her, seeing ghosts of men and women she was tasked to lead. She knew nothing of their fates beyond the dog tags and pieces of clothing they left behind. It made her stomach twist knowing she failed them.

She didn't know if the Grimm killed them or if bullets and rockets did the final deed. Shaking her head, trying to ignore the screams echoing in the back of her mind, she walked along, stumbling over rocks and overturned debris. Amber eyes caught the sight of young Faunus children playing hide and seek in the warzone, laughing and having fun, despite the dreariness of it all. She was envious, maybe, finding their innocence a rare but precious commodity.

There among them, an iguana Faunus playing with a dog and rabbit. They stopped for a moment, coming out of their crevices and hiding places, just to stare at the Belladonna. It was almost unnerving how strong they stared, locked with her image and shadow. As she continued to walk, the rabbit of the three children waved at her, smiling a toothy grin, letting one of her little ears bend in delight. Smiling at the young child, the woman walked along, almost finding a new spark in each step.

Maybe…I am just worrying for no reason.

Beyond the safety of the great mountains that separated Kuo Kuana from the rest of the Menagerie, the Badlands resided. A desolate place, one filled with scorching hellscapes and sandy wastes. There was nothing there, beyond the occasional oasis and the numerous White Fang bases – no doubt. While there was little to no reconnaissance of the area, understandable, given its winding, almost infinite nightmare of an expanse, the King's Fist and the Kuo Kuana Guardsman Corps knew it was worth braving for the sake of all that they love and hold dear.

Having spent much of the last few days journeying and fighting Grimm incursions, they found their theories were true. Having found it by accident, a large underground complex was found, carved deep into the mountains. Given the great crimson banners of the White Fang, they found what they were looking for. Though, they weren't given a warm welcome. Attacking the base, a horde of Grimm bore down upon the base, pummeling its defenses and the inhabitants.

In the midst of it all, they charged into the fray, knowing well enough the threat those terrorists were. Moving quick, the leader of their expedition, Pyrrha Nikos, Queen of Vale, blasted through the first squad of White Fang riflemen, only to find the great clawed paw of an Ursa Major swinging too close to her orange visor for comfort. Before the beast to rear its massive body, a great warhammer smashed into its bone mask, revealed to be Marsha of the venerated Fireteam MSTN.

Without another moment to spare, Pyrrha whipped around, kicking a Creep in its boney jaw. Watching it roll about the sand and rocks, she flipped on the ground, turning Milo into its rifle configuration. Taking quick shots, aiming and snapping between the Grimm preparing to strike at the Kuo Kuana Guardsmen, they dropped like leaves from a tree. One by one, the area was slowly clearing of the dark beings.

Bending back, a few bone spikes were dodged from the strange monstrosity that flew by, its wings blowing sand and dust into the air. It was a Manananggal, a type of Grimm that hurled bone spikes and sucked blood from its victims. Already four of her troupe were taken down, and she refused to lose any more. Turning Milo into its second form, pulling the trigger, launching the weapon forward with fire and smoke burning off its base.

As a Guardsman howled, dropping her weapon, slowly being taken by the same flying bat-like beast. A great spike extended from its open maw, multiple spines and suckers appeared as well, threatening to puncture the young Faunus. However, before it could succeed, the javelin jabbed into the creature's face, releasing the Guardsman, letting her grab her rifle. Triggers pulled and semblances used, the creature was ripped apart, letting it fall to the ground below, hissing and vanishing into dust.

"I want more Guardsmen against the sandbags and MSTN – follow me! We're going to destroy this White Fang FOB!" Pyrrha shouted. Drawing upon Milo and Akouo. "The White Fang retreated into the caverns. Activate threat sensors and watch each other's backs!"

Her power armor hissed, glowing with energy, the shields came to life, shimmering over her body. Moving quick, letting MSTN cover her flanks, she ran through the operating base, dodging spikes and spines from the incoming Grimm and even the gunfire from the White Fang's automated base defenses. Bullets and beams of energy crashed against her shields and Akouo, deflecting and hitting unsuspecting infantry.

Ducking beneath a curved blade, she clashed Milo's edge into the fighter, slashing him across his chest, sending him spiraling back. Dropping to a knee, she slid across the sandy concrete, she pulled the trigger on Milo, putting bullets with immaculate aim, into kneecaps and chests, taking as many of these would be assailants out of the fight as quickly as possible. Gunfire and rockets were heard speeding across the battlefield as King's Fist and Guardsmen moved as one to handle the Grimm Horde.

Drawing upon her aura and semblance, the great metal doors, no doubt barred and sealed, were ripped open like paper. The White Fang within were violently dispatched, bullets and slashes, blood sprayed across walls and glass windows and doors. Kicking and fighting where she had to, she blitzed through the winding halls and corridors, practically emptying the base on her own. It was strange, they were almost no longer putting up a fight. It was almost too easy. She wasn't even sweating!

"Your Grace, we've cleared the first two floors. We'll secure the White Fang who surrendered and follow up as soon as we finish." Marsha's voice sounded. "Be safe, Your Grace."

"I will. Marsha, don't take too long – I have a bad feeling about this." Pyrrha said, cutting the conversation.

Taking a moment to breathe, she rested her back against one of the blood-soaked walls. For the first time, her muscles quaked, shaking in her power armor. Removing her helmet, the beautiful crimson locks fell like a waterfall of fire. Emerald eyes scanned the empty halls, listening to vibrations and echoing commands being shouted and given. Behind her, dead and dying White Fang, clutched their wounds and limp appendages, rolling about in pools of their own blood.

It was then that it hit her. The carnage she caused, the dead she left in her wake, she shuddered at the sight, slowly losing her breath. Turning back and forth between corpse ridden corridors to flooded halls that only waited to be drained. Pyrrha looked to the ceiling, watching lights slowly dim and flicker with each explosion and rumble on the surface above. In her rage, she felt, she caused death unlike any other – she did this to them. She took their lives and she didn't even flinch doing it.

Shaking her head, trying to regain any sense of reality, she slid her hair back into a bun, slapping her helmet over her head. Hisses were heard as the body glove latched onto the helm, sealing her armor shut. "For Blake. For Jaune."

Jaune stood with Ren, venturing through the white void. It was blinding and ever winding. What made the entire experience a nightmare, he was getting annoyed with the pastel-like splotches of color that appeared over their faces and clothing. If the discolorations persisted, he was certain he was going to rip his eyes out. Regardless of his aggravations, he continued onward through the infinite expanse of vanilla emptiness with no one but the long haired, green clad, ninja to keep him company.

"Any ideas what this place could be?" Ren asked once more, scanning the realm with his magenta eyes. "It seems like a different dimension."

"Something like that. I wouldn't be surprised if it was." Jaune responded. "With all the supernatural bullshit I've seen through the long years I've lived, that wouldn't surprise me in the slightest. Oh well…maybe we'll find an answer if we keep going where we're going."

"Where exactly are we going?" Ren questioned. "We have no directions, no guides, no idea."

"What if I told you I was winging it?"

Ren couldn't do anything but sigh in defeat. "I wouldn't be surprised either way…did you sense that?"

"I…yes. It sucks that we don't have our weapons on us." Jaune growled.

Moving forward, their boots clapped against the nonexistent floors, echoing around them. It came from all sides, every direction, even from under them. As they drew closer to the strange energy, the boy tried to fight the growing curiosity in his head and heart – why was there sound coming from literally every direction. Looking down, he noticed something strange; there were copies of himself and Ren running underneath him. Snapping over to his left, he could see doppelgangers sprinting in the opposite direction, occasionally tripping over their own two feet.

Feeling sweat rain upon his blond hair, Jaune looked up, catching the sight of himself and Ren running, but upside down! They were gasping and panting, but they continued to run, charging for some unknown destination. Trying to collect his thoughts, the boy turned once more, running toward the source of the energy he felt.

"Uh…Jaune. Don't you think we should be a bit more careful?" Ren questioned. "The energy source is getting stronger and we might be getting in over our heads."

"Nah, don't be afraid Ren, think of this as training. Whatever we face, we'll destroy it with our own powers – easy enough right?"

"Could be worse…"

There was a powerful gust of wind, a strange occurrence given no source for wind, and a shifting of energy. Jaune reached over, grabbing Ren and jumped, carrying their bodies into the air. Landing in a painful heap, the pair looked back at the doppelgangers, they too were dodging left and right, like madmen or drunken fools. However, there were few who did not react fast enough and were struck to the ground, like rats, they scurried about, trying to regain their footing. What Ren and Jaune saw shook them to their core.

Almost invisible, strange silhouettes hovered about, grabbing the fallen clones and mirror images. Piece by piece, the doppelgangers were consumed, disappearing from the naked eye, becoming one with the eternal empty white void. Rising to their feet, the pair quickly dashed away, running toward the source of energy in hopes of not attracting whatever the silhouette was.

Suddenly, he froze, feeling his body crack and break and pressurize. The boy tried to fight the energy clasping his body to no avail. Roaring, shouting at the top of his lungs, Ren joined as well, roaring in ways the blond had never heard before. However, from their screams, came a soothing calm, one that eased their tightening bodies and bones, one that quieted the voices screaming in their heads. They fought against it, trying their hardest to remain standing, but the power forced them to their knees, cringing and screaming in the strange energy's grasp.

But as they writhed and twisted, their eyes slowly cracked open to the white world around them. Standing above them, a yellow silhouette with great antlers watched. No facial features to speak of, but this image, this man, was well muscled from what they could tell. He didn't do a thing to help them, only watching from his great height.

Jaune Arc, of the House of Arc. Lie Ren, son of Li Ren. A deep, calming voice echoed in their ears. Be at ease.

The pain disappeared as quickly as it had come. Snapping at attention, the pair drew upon their aura, letting their energy build within each other. Standing side-by-side, they fell into a stance, prepared to fight this being, knowing just how dangerous hovering specters are. Moving as one, they pair rushed at the horned man, Jaune swung first, his fist quickly caught by the steel-like abdominals of the great being. In his surprise, Ren quickly followed, a wide kick coming around, connecting with the golden man's head. But much like Jaune, the man was unfazed.

Jumping back, the pair repositioned, confused that the being wasn't fighting back – rather, he seemed amused. Sliding their feet against the ground, they paced around the giant, fists clenched and bouncing on their heels. Without a word shared between them, Jaune activated Cardin's semblance, fists glowing orange, while Yang's semblance ignited his golden hair. Ren shutting his eyes and drawing on his own power, disappeared from sight, sprinting in and out of distance.

Throwing his fists forward in lightning fast repetition, the Arc's fists sent exploding blasts of energy into the man's chest and torso, flames and smoke billowing off the impacts. Speeding forward, fire waving off of his body in waves, Jaune kicked and elbowed at the giant man, each attack only meeting his shins, his knees or his own elbows and forearms. Nothing he did could make this man flinch or even fight back.

In their confrontation however, Ren appeared, smashing his foot once again into the man's head, this time, finally, making the man stumble. Jaune quickly moved, grabbing his leg, wrapping his own around the giant appendage, twisting his weight, forcing the great being to the ground with a loud resounding thud. The ninja of the pair finally reappeared, rolling over the trapped being, fists balled and ready to pound away.

"You are both strong, but there is no need for violence against my brother." A deep, hissing voice sounded. "Humans. Always so quick to strike."

Jaune and Ren released the golden being, quickly falling into formation. "What the hell is going on? What are you? Who are you?"

"You had no reason to be afraid, Lie Ren." The golden man was no longer on the ground, but this time standing beside the newcomer, a man of similar stature, but instead of antlers, twisting goat horns. He was a purple monstrosity, oozing with malice. "We are many things, but your enemy is not one of them."

"Oh no." Jaune glared menacingly. "It's the God Brothers."

Ren ignored the blond. "Did you bring us here?!"

"Yes. We did." The purple one answered. "I must ask however, are all humans as impudent as you? Your first decision is to attack something you don't understand. Quite barbaric if you ask me. You two have transcended time and space, you more so Arc. And inadvertently, brought your best friend along for the ride. How are you, Ren? Given everything that you know of this blond oaf so far, do you truly think you can believe everything this fool says?"

"Fool?!" Jaune growled. "Who the hell are you to insult me?!"

"I am the God of Darkness. Who are you, but a limp, scrawny pup?" The purple being bowed his head slightly.

Jaune was blown back, a strange energy had smashed against his chest. Flying through the air, he landed, barely able to keep his footing. Just as he managed to stand, a great purple fist lodged into his jaw, breaking any chance to recuperate. Bringing his arms up to block, another fist went around his defense, smacking him around like a ragdoll. Jaune closed the distance but he left himself open. The God grabbed the blond by his face, swinging him about before smashing him into the ground.

Bringing himself to his feet, Jaune was punched once by the gargantuan fists. In his daze, a knee lodged into his chest, denting his armor. Trying to bring his arms to block, a powerful hand slapped him around for a few moments, breaking any sense of reality from his pained sapphire blues. Keeping his eyes open, the Arc found and opening. Forcing aura into his limbs, bringing out every trick he knew, blue eyes turned crimson, blond hair ignited with flame and his body slowly began to phase in and out of physical time-space. Charging for the god, he prepared his most powerful strike, bringing his palm around. However, channeling Cardin's semblance, he pushed forward, palms coalescing power.

But he froze.

I don't think so, child.

Without another word, the energy growing in his hands disappeared, siphoning away from his open hands, vanishing like ghosts into nothingness. The flames of his hair slowly seeped away. He tried to use a shadow clone, but that too disappeared. Every semblance he had did nothing to save his life. If the deity had a face, he knew he'd be smiling. Bringing its giant hand around, the orange explosive energy of Cardin Winchester appeared in his massive purple palm, slapping Jaune across the face, igniting the power writhing within. The explosion ripped across his face, if it weren't for his aura, the boy knew his skin would have melted off.

Once more, Jaune found himself flying across the white field. Crashing with the ground, he rolled about, breaking bones and shattering what ribs weren't already. Coming to a grinding halt, the boy groaned, hissing and creaking like a rusted gear. Blood coursed from his gashes and wounds tearing across his face, pooling beneath his head. Cascading from his mouth, his white armor was colored crimson, dripping about his body glove and weapons. He was surprised that his armor had even stayed intact.

"Now, boy. Stay down before I unleash power beyond your comprehension."

"Brother. That's enough." The God of Light spoke. "You've made your point…Jaune Arc. You knew who we were, only now you've seen our physical forms."

"The brothers." Jaune hissed. "You…created Salem."

"What?!" Ren fell into a stance, but a golden hand held him back.

"Impudent to the last breath." The God of Darkness made a threatening step forward. "You truly wish to bring about my wrath, don't you? One human brought the destruction of Remnant and now, another insults us. Why must we give him satisfaction of conversation, brother?"

"Because, we are better than this." The God of Light reminded.

Jaune snapped. "Are you?! You destroyed humanity on a whim. You created Salem because of your strange sense of pettiness. You destroyed our moon! Your relics did nothing for Humanity, for Faunus! Your relics left us on a pointless chase across the nations, only for Salem to get to them first and use it against us! So, you tell me, oh great God of Light, how are you better than that?!"

"I thought we were pawns in Salem's game, but in the end, we were yours to toy with! Even in your absence, we were nothing more than pieces to throw about, trash to replace, scum. You, you God of Light, where was your light when Salem sunk Anima into the seas?! You, God of Darkness, so evil and malevolent, where was your rage and malice when Salem denounced you and took your name and worship?! Where were you, oh holiness, when my friends died in my arms everywhere I went?! Where were you?!"

"Don't think for a second that because of what I know, that I'll simply do as you ask. You've abandoned us for too long and you have no right to come into our lives now!" Jaune hissed with heat. Slowly, his features began to change, phasing in and out of his younger features, to the older, grizzled war-torn visage of his past. Their voices merged as one, older and younger, in a helix of pitch. "When Salem brought the relics together, I thought the two of you would come and destroy Remnant, but where were you?! Salem had me trapped; Salem was ready to torture me until I was nothing but a shell of myself! So, where the fuck were you?!"

"Jaune…" Ren backed away. "What?"

"I already told you about the relics, Ren."

"But you didn't tell me that they were ultimately useless!"

Jaune glared. "I did that to protect you–"

The boy stayed silent.

The Gods stood over him, hovering like specters. Ren had done the same as well, watching him with eyes and gaping mouth. Jaune paused for a moment. I…I sounded like Ozpin, like Ozma. Bringing his head up, tears trickled down his pale, bruised and bloodied cheeks. The blood had stopped coursing but he was still in agony – this time, beyond physical. Collapsing to the floor, his lowered his head once more, keeping his face from sight.

"Now, you understand, Arc." The God of Darkness loomed. "You go down the same path as that fool you call a Headmaster."

"It seems when you took his Aura, his semblance, you were the one." The God of Light followed. "Ozma was a powerful man, and the subsequent reincarnations were of equal prowess, but you, Jaune Arc, are truly the one I sought. You, were the one I saw."

"Now to you, Lie Ren, son of Li Ren." The deity turned slightly. "You and Jaune have formed a bond that transcended time and space, lifetimes and eras. Your friendship, your brotherhood, surpasses even my own. I know our absence from this world has made many fall to barbarism and hatred – seeing everything from your lens truly puts my actions into perspective. Jaune, Lie – I know I could never receive it, but is there a chance that you can forgive me and my transgressions?"

Before the two could respond, a snort was heard from the purple deity. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. I just came here to let the two of you know – that usurper, Salem, is far more powerful than you give her credit. Your machines, your warriors – even your so-called Huntsmen and Fireteams, will do little more than aggravate her." The God of Darkness said. "However, I do feel like being in a giving mood. Lie Ren, Jaune Arc – my brother and I have come to the conclusion of returning to Remnant, however not in the capacity that you imagine."

"Merge with us." The God of Light said. "Myself with you, Jaune Arc and my brother with you, Lie Ren. I understand the implications, the worry you may have in merging with the evil that is my brother – your semblance, Lie, is perfect for keeping his corruptive nature at bay. While neither of you bear silver eyes, you have one in your ranks that does."

"M-Merge…?" Jaune questioned, coughing blood and spit from his throat. "What the hell do you mean? Why are you here?"

"I have seen what you've done through time and space – you fought a valiant battle against all odds and somehow still managed to be a thorn in Salem's side. You alone, managed to bring together, Humanity and Faunus together in one coalition. A surprising feat, judging by what we saw for generations. You gathered armies twice, neither for the sake of conquer, but for the sake of saving Remnant. A commendable feat."

"We cannot return to Remnant, as shown by what happened in the past. Salem had grown too powerful." The God of Darkness chuckled. "But we can give you our power. Lie Ren, your semblance as my brother said, can keep my malevolence under control, but if you wish to retain your personality, as foolish as it may be, then you are both going to need one another to maintain the balance within you – less you maintain the cycle we have for millennia."

"But w-why?" Jaune questioned. "Why are you doing this, now? Where were you when I needed you first?"

"Would you have rather lived a life in an empty world, devoid of all reason and meaning, or would you rather have been given a second chance with all the strength and knowledge of the first time? Because as selfless as you try to be, I know what lies in your heart. You yearn for normality again. You hope that it will be calm and quiet for once in your tiring life. But in this life, this occupation you've taken upon yourself, you know it can never be normal."

"We knew what you deserved, Jaune Arc. As with you, Lie Ren. Your father faced a Nuckelavee around this time of year, several years ago. You carry that trauma with you everywhere you go. I can't say that I can bring them back from the dead but I can give you some sense of solace. Why destroy what I made, when you can control them?"

"Why destroy life – when you can save it?"

Jaune and Ren looked to one another, confused and honestly at a loss of what to say. Forcing himself to his feet, the blond boy coughed the last blotch of blood from his mouth, spitting as he did, aura rushed over his body, healing his wounds and broken, shattered, powdered bones. Defiant as always, the Arc stared at the purple monstrosity and the golden being with a cruel, but pondering leveled gaze. There was something about their words, something about their offer that was totally off.

"You still haven't answered my questions. Why? Why come now?"

"Humanity can't be saved, young Arc." The God of Light said. "We cannot judge a world of nothing but empty vessels, of hateful beings – we want to return to Remnant, we want to be among you again, but Salem, her actions have left a wound in time and reality – on Remnant. There is no possible way we can return, even with the collection of the Relics. It would seem the quest I set Ozma…Ozpin, on was for naught in the end. She has become a God."

"And that is why we are so offended. She stole my power and bastardized my brother's own." The God of Darkness added. "Under normal circumstances, I would applaud her curiosity and growth, but those are my creations. Those are my children – not hers. We left to let her rot, but because of my brother's dear Ozma, we inadvertently created a monster greater than any Grimm, greater than myself. So, you tell me, Arc, you who absorbed Ozpin's power, did you know what exactly you were thrusting yourself into? Do you truly understand that gravity of the situation you're in?"

The young King thought for a moment, remembering everything he'd seen and done. From the bullheads taking them to Atlas when Anima sunk into the seas, to every death that followed until his final stand in the sands of Vacuo. Everything he did to spite Salem, everything he did to try and stop Cinder – even with all the power he gained, he still didn't manage to beat those he swore to beat. He couldn't manage to stop the enemies he needed to. No matter how early he starts his campaigns, no matter how large his armies get, how much tech he gets his hands on – the gods were right.

With a dejected tone, the King released a pained sigh.

"I…I understand…"

Blake walked through the streets of Kuo Kuana, feeling awash with nostalgia. From the different biomed Faunus to the various parks and districts she used to play in. There was a time, a time long forgotten, where she was just a child, one that wasn't picketing, one that wasn't protesting. She smiled softly at the memories coming. She was but a child, thrown into a world no child should be in. There was something in the innocence of children, something in the purity of it all, that seemed so foreign to her.

Going through the camps that were erected throughout the safe zones, she helped where she could, feeding and smiling, acting like a true Queen for the beaten and wounded men and women of the King's Fist and the Faunus. When she arrived, their faces immediately brightened, smiles and confidence spread between them. As hurt as they were, some rose to their feet just to nod and shake her hand, crutches and splints and all.

There were well wishes and affirmations given to the young Faunus Queen, but she was afraid it was nothing more than bravado. Continuing through the camps, a tall woman with elephant tusks peering from her cheeks was seen pouring soup into bowls and scooping rice into plates. Blake couldn't help but beam at her – Jade Terra, captain of Lightning Squad and veteran of the Kuo Kuana Guardsmen Corps.

When she arrived in the HQ in Vale, Blake almost fainted, recognizing the woman and her tusks. Heading to her, the Queen was received with the same confident smirk that was always expected of the Captain. "Jade! How are you?"

"Oh, you know – feeding the people and resupplying the Guardsmen." Jade responded. "What brings you here, Your Grace? How is the King? How's the Queen?"

"He's…still resting." Blake answered, joining the Faunus. "Pyrrha is still with Fireteam MSTN and we haven't received word from the Badlands yet. Without air superiority, it's difficult to truly discern."

"I see…" The Captain frowned. "Our King is strong and our Queens just as strong. He'll pull through. I know it."

"I…I know…"

Without warning, gale force winds screamed into existence from the seas. Ocean water rushed to the coast, shaking their warships anchored at port. Faunus screamed running left and right, trying to escape the waves and screaming sea foam. The late day sun was suddenly replaced with darkened clouds booming with thunder. Clouds and tendrils spiraled about, merging and swishing together like demonic tentacles.

"K-King's Fist!" Blake shouted, dodging lightning bolts and whipping winds. "Move to protect the civilians!"

Jade moved quick, throwing her helmet on. "Lightning Squad, you heard the Queen! Let's go!"

Winds picked up, howling as they screeched by, tearing tents and tarps from their spikes and all other things into the air. Blake fell back, quickly dodging a spinning board of wood chocked full of nails and screws. Buildings that were recently erected were suddenly torn down, blowing into the ocean. Those that landed in the seas were promptly spat back out by the thrashing waters, only to receive the brute force of the powerful winds. It was torture.

Struggling against the powerful blasts, the young Belladonna pushed onward, catching civilians with Gambol Shroud and throwing them to safety. With Lightning Squad hot on her heels, they saved as many as they could but they couldn't stop all of them. Powerful white light seared into existence, blinding all who looked toward the great mansion. The roads trembled and the mountains themselves quaked. Even the howling Grimm in the distance turned from vicious to fearful.

What the hell is happening?!

Finally arriving at the steps of her family's mansion, grabbing onto railings and whatever else was bolted down, Jade Terra and the remaining members of Lightning Squad quickly gathered around the base of the mansion. At the epicenter of the growing light however, a silhouette could be seen in the gathering smoke.

Crawling from the smoke, Ghira and Kali appeared, smoke hissing off their shoulders. "Blake! Blake!"

"D-Dad?! Mom?!" The girl shouted, drawing her weapon, aiming at the glowing silhouette. "Lightning Squad! Prepare to fire!"

"Wait! No, don't!" Kali shot to her feet, sandals clapping against the steps. "It's not what you think!"

"Please! Lower your weapons!" Ghira did the same, putting his strong hands on Gambol Shroud's barrel. "Look!"

The winds calmed and the storms parted slightly. The thrashing seas had also stopped, coming to a slow crawl against the coast. The terror of the city had calmed as well, coming to a silent, almost serene silence. Walking through the smoke, a man appeared with powerful golden armor bearing the same designs as Jaune's own. But unlike Jaune, great antlers protruded from his forehead, longer and stronger than any other deer Faunus that she'd ever seen. From his body, light as bright as the morning sun roared outward, bringing even the softest of Grimm roars to a quiet emptiness.

"No way…" Jade could be heard saying under her breath. "I-It can't be…"

Almost floating, the silhouette hovered along, golden light and rays flowing off of his body. However, before it could be blinding, Light dimmed, revealing ornate bronze and golden highlights against white armor. Beneath, a familiar black body glove and on his shoulders, Ursa bone head pauldrons. Ceasing the levitation, the being landed, kicking dirt and dust as he steadied, revealing none other than Jaune Arc, King of Vale.

"J-Jaune…" Blake hobbled forward. "How? Y-You're…"

Raising his hands, Grimm that somehow managed to crawl back into Kuo Kuana from the Badlands, were turned to smoke. Buildings that were destroyed in their battle were suddenly reconstructed – roads and statues were reformed. Even the men and women struggling in seas were lifted, levitated and brought back to land. The world around them, the city the Faunus built together, was repaired before their eyes. Wires and power generators were refit and brought together, powering the structures they needed. Little by little, Kuo Kuana returned to what it once was before the great battle.

As if it couldn't get any more insane, the dead that was revealed, White Fang, Civilian and King's Fist or otherwise, appeared from the gathered dust and smoke. Weapons dropped, spoons, blankets and whatever else was held, fell as families were reunited, squads were reformed and friends were brought back together. As the winds swirled and hissed about, there was no danger – everything was coming to be as it once was.

As Kuo Kuana looked no different from the day they first arrived, the antlers disappeared from his forehead and the golden lights were no more. His eyes that were once golden faded, replaced with the usual sapphire with flakes of red. Slowly, his eyes closed. Taking his time to walk down the steps of the great mansion, he looked to the thousands watching him with wide eyes. It wasn't fear however, it was confusion.

Before he could open his mouth however, the thousands fell to their knees. One by one, they bowed before him, lowering their heads, their tails and ears and horns before him. Not one word was shared, not one thought was made. They knew who he was. They knew what he was. They all saw it for themselves. Hell, even Blake had fallen to her knees, Gambol Shroud having fallen to either side of her.

"J-Jaune…" She whispered. "How…?"

So, Jaune and Ren are basically Gods - But clearly, there're limits.
They won't be all 'zomb he's super hax lolz' bs - yet. Probably.
But it'll be a good trump card against certain shitheads they'll come across in the future!
MAYBE, they'll have control over the Gods and the power they have, MAYBE, they'll be worshiped fr,
MAYBE they won't be at all.
Who fucking knows?

So, aside from all of that, what were your thoughts on Volume 6?!
I thought that shit with the God of Darkness fucking up the moon was fucking INCREDIBLE.

anywayyyy, Review, Fave and Follow!

Ja ne!

gottahavekyuubi