AN: So, it's been a week here in quarantine in the states. Other than that, life has been decent enough, although I'm getting a bit of cabin fever being stuck inside the house all week. Hope you guys stay safe, and remember, wash your hands! There will be another AN at the end of this chapter. That being said, here's chapter 3!
DISCLAIMER
The following is a fan-based
FICTION
RWBY are all owned by Rooster Teeth LLC and by Monyreak 'Monty' Oum (R.I.P.)
Please support the official release.
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So, today I turn five.
I'm supposed to be twenty-two.
As I stare into the mirror, I'm greeted by a young boy with horse ears on the top of his head. With black hair, tanned skin due to multiple hours of training with mom under the sun and black almond-shaped eyes that have an exhausted quality to them found in the eyes of older men who have been through multiple hardships. It's entirely possible that I'm being melodramatic for the sake of it, though it makes sense in this scenario since I have no one to talk to about this. I look away from the mirror and go towards my room. Once I enter I reach under the bed to pull out a notebook.
Although the memories are fuzzy, I still remember the events in the show that will be important. To prevent me from eventually forgetting about them, I review what I remember from the major events that would be happening in the near future in a journal that I commandeered. In the event that this notebook is discovered, I decided to use code names for the characters on the off chance either side finds what is essentially a cheat sheet for the future. Here is what I wrote down.
Year 1 Beacon Arc
From Dust till Dawn
Red fights Clockwork
Initiation Players n Pieces
RWBY, JNPR, CRDL are formed: Butterfly effect?
Black/White
Belle reveals her identity as a former terrorist of WF, runs away. Clockwork attempts a major dust heist. Introduction to Pinocchio and Goku. (Attempt to sway Clockwork and Ice Cream?)
Best Day Ever
Before the second semester, Green and Gray assassinate Librarian (Attempt to stop if possible, Librarian may be useful to find WF Dust cashes). Cinderella initiates Phase 2 and orders Clockwork to stop stealing Dust and relocate to the southeast. (Is Mt. Glenn?)
Welcome to Beacon
Tinman arrives in Vale with a fleet of airships. Cinderella, Green, and Gray infiltrate Beacon from Haven (deal with the headmaster traitor). RWBY begins the investigation of WF.
DANCE DANCE INFILTRATION
Cinderella infiltrates the CCT to implant the virus Order 66 during the Beacon Dance.
(Attempt to engage; if possible stop virus)
BREACH
A train from Glenn breaches inner-city Vale (be prepared for the invasion), releasing Grimm, students, teachers, and droids to stop them. Clockwork is in Ironwood's custody (This leads to Order 66, do not let this happen).
ROUND 1
40th Vytal Festival begins in Autumn, marking the Beginning of the End.
Beginning of the End
Green deceives Dragon with a hallucination (distract Green) leading her to "wound" Gray's metal legs. This leads to the audience distrust in Huntsman. Grimm begins invasion.
PVP
Green deceives Canada, leading her to accidentally destroy Pinocchio (shows during Season 7.) Cinderella interrupts with a live broadcast to instill fear and terror in civilians, causing a Grimm incursion in Vale and Mistral.
Battle of Beacon
White Fang forces attack the city. Clockwork commandeers a battleship and reprograms Atlesian droids on the ground with Order 66, causing mass civilian casualties. A Wyvern awakens under a mountain and heads towards the city.
Heros and Monsters
Students attempt to retake Beacon from invading forces. Clockwork is swallowed by a griffon (presumed KIA; may have survived). The rouge airship crashes, disabling the droids. Bull cuts off Dragon's arm. (Save Clockwork? Have Dragon learn restraint). Cinderella kills Brown, gaining full maiden power. Z dies after a skirmish with Cinderella.
End of the Beginning
Wyvern destroys Vale's CCT tower, disabling worldwide communication. All forces withdraw from Beacon. Cinderella kills Canada (STOP AT ALL COSTS) causing Red to activate silver Sharingan, which freezes the Wyvern and greatly wounds Cinderella. The Grimm are driven out of Vale but control Beacon. Red and Dragon go back home to Patch. White is forced back to Atlas by Gele. Belle abandons her friends to go back to Menagerie to warn parents of WF. Scarecrow hints for Ruby to go to Haven Academy (remember to kill the traitor) he acquires the cane and assumes Z duties. Winter begins, Red, Moon, Thor, and Flower form RNJR, followed by Scarecrow. Queen intends to wipe out humanity and states dividing them by creating doubt is her first move.
Year 2 On the Road Arc
The Next Step
Queen's Faction meets to discuss the next course of action after the Fall. It involves a meeting with the leader of the WF, targeting Red with intentions to capture her, and setting Haven Academy as the next to fall.
Tipping Point
After a charity performance, White loses her temper at the guests' uncaring behavior and accidentally summons a Boarbatusk, which attacks one of the guests. Results in Gele removing her as heiress to the SDC. (Either calm White down or kill Gele prior to this event happening; ideal scenario to have Willow inherit the company. PS Ice Cream is disguised as a waitress with green eyes and black hair, find her and convince her to join our party.)
Dread in the Air
Bull assassinates Tiger in a coup to take over the WF. He lies about her death to make her a martyr and galvanize a war with Humans.
Alone Together/True Colors
An assault on the Bell Family Home is made with the intent to kill the Bell family. It fails, however, and the assailants are arrested. Belle uses this attack to rally the Faunus to defend Haven Academy.
The More the Merrier/Downfall/Haven's Fate
The WF, Queen's Faction, and Raven's tribe assault Haven Academy; Adam's WF is defeated, and the Queen's plan is stopped. The group sets a course for Atlas to hide the lamp.
The Coming Storm
Queen blames the failure of the Assualt on Haven Academy solely on Cinderella. Tells her to prove her worth, recruits Ice Cream to kill Red.
Stealing from the Elderly/The Lady in the Shoe/Seeing Red
During the mission to get to Atlas, Belle and Dragon kill Bull while the rest of Red's team deals with She-Devil in a Colossus. Several Grimm, including a Leviathan, attack Argus, causing damage to the city, but are defeated by the heroes.
Season 7 Atlas Arc; Future Unknown
The Greatest Kingdom
We see the extent of Tinman's paranoia. The party land in Mantle where they meet Geppetto, defend the city alongside a newly rebuilt Pinocchio and arrested by ACEOPS Specialists.
A New Approach
The police take the team to Atlas Academy where Tinman, Ice, and Pinocchio discuss a plan to restore global communication using Amity Colosseum. Meanwhile, Scorpion and Doctor arrive in Mantle, to carry out a plan of their own.
Pomp and Circumstance/Sparks
Teams RWBY and JNR are granted Huntsmen licenses by Tinman and assist the ACEOPS and Atlesian Military on several missions in the construction and launch of ACT. Doctor and Gele strike a deal to humiliate Tinman and grant Gele a council seat in the upcoming election. The next night, Gele shuts down all non-essential SDC operations, stating that he will fix what Tinman has broken if elected. A riot begins in Mantle.
A Night Off
A pre-victory event for councilwoman candidate Robinhood is held on the night of the election, but outside machinations due to Doctor causes a blackout, and a massacre ensues. Pinocchio is accused of being the attacker and Gele is elected as Councilman. The panic in Mantle causes a Grimm attack.
Worst Case Scenario
Robinhood's group begins a series of terrorist raids on the transport trucks heading for Amity, stopping construction progress. The ACEOPS and other Huntsmen are sent to capture them, but Belle and Dragon betray Tinman the tower plans to Robinhood to try and get her on their side.
Cordially Invited
Tinman and his subordinates are invited to a council meeting by Gele to defend his position. Gele attempts to make out Tinman as trustworthy but the meeting is interrupted by White who shows the council footage of her father scheming with Doctor, who was responsible for hacking the election. This leads Gele under arrest for his crimes of rigging the election and framing Pinocchio.
As Above, So Below
Another riot in Mantle begins once more when the heating grids were suddenly shut down and caused a snowfall. The people blame Atlas, start a bonfire with stolen fire Dust and attack military personnel. The riot causes a mass Grimm Invasion. Tinman and the Council receive news relating to these alarming situations.
Out in the Open/Gravity
All Atlas Huntsmen are deployed to evacuate Mantle civilians to Atlas and defend them from Grimm. During this process, Robinhood and Tinman release a broadcast revealing Queen's existence to both cities. Scorpion and Doctor are lured out of hiding and arrested, but the skin of Tinman's human arm is burned off during his battle with Doctor.
With Friends Like These
The leader of the ACEOPS Lucky is killed by Scorpion using Scarecrow's Weapon framing him for the murder. He and Robinhood are arrested by Atlas authorities
The Enemy of Trust
Pinocchio and Ice fight Cinderella over the Winter Maiden powers, resulting in Pinocchio receiving them instead of Ice as planned. Pinocchio flees Atlas authorities in an airship with Team RWBY, JNR, her father and Witch. Ice Cream steals the Relic of Knowledge from Tree and gives it to Cinderella. Tree confronts Tinman in the Vault, who shoots him off the platform. This results in Z's reemergence and Tree unlocking his magic. The Queen arrives at Atlas on a huge whale with a massive Grimm force. The future is uncertain.
For now, I'll use this information as a crutch. It's entirely possible that events would be subject to change. By simply existing in this world, I have undoubtedly caused some sort of the change in the broad scope of things.
I remember one line that Weiss used to have friends, but not anymore due to the radicalization of the White Fang. I considered that I am inhabiting a body that was originally supposed to die in the Canon timeline. It is distressing to think that I, as a person, took the place of a life that was supposed to live. But that's a subject matter for another time. Hopefully, some things don't change so I have an insight into what is to happen in the near future.
Those are all the major events that I remember that I wrote down. Honestly, I don't even know if this could make a difference, I'm not arrogant enough to believe that I can stop these events since I'm only one man. Even if I am reborn into this world, I don't have the resources or the manpower to combat this. I could go to either side and beg for clemency. But then, I would be little more than a pawn in Ozma and Salem's eternal chess game.
If I side with Oz and told him everything I know, he would either consider me a spy or mentally insane. I would then be kept under lock and key, monitored by Qrow who would track my movements, and frankly, I don't want that. On the other hand, if I sided with Mommy Salmi, I could act as a spy for humanity, and maybe influence events my way and the true protagonists of this Grimm fairy tale. But if I was ever found out… I would end up like Lionheart, skewered by a Seer. Those are the reasons I don't want to pick a side, at least not yet anyway.
As I was musing about my current predicament, I heard my mother's voice come from downstairs "Jien! Come downstairs please!"
Not wanting to keep her waiting I shout "Coming Mom!"
As I pull on a pair of pants and grab a shirt from the laundry hamper, as I rush to make my way downstairs.
What I don't expect is small, colorful pieces of plastic to settle in my hair and noisemakers being blown into.
"Happy Birthday!" the small crowd in front of me shout as I grin at this surprise party that my family and the good Schnees threw for me.
"Oh, my little boy is growing up so fast!" as my mother smothered me in a spine-breaking hug.
"Ma'am, you might want to release him, his face is turning purple…" Stated Winter as she looked on with an amused glint in her eye.
"What did I tell you about that 'ma'am' nonsense? It's Auntie, remember little Winter?" releasing me while I take deep breaths to avoid passing out from oxygen deprivation.
"Yes, ma- Auntie" Blushing lightly at being called out at her seeming cold exterior. Though after getting to know Winter better, I know this couldn't be further from the truth. After spending so much time around the Schnee sisters, I learned an interesting little tidbit about them.
They are both extremely violent.
The wind leaves my lungs a second time as I'm knocked to the ground. Struggling to breathe once again, I look up to see a small Weiss on my chest with an embarrassed look on her face. "H-happy birthday you dunce!"
Stealing Yang's nickname for the girl, I reply with a smile on my face "it's good to see you again Weiss-cream, but could you get off of me now? You're kinda heavy."
It's absolutely hilarious to see the small girl turn into a tomato when she yells out "I am not!"
Giving her a head-pat has always calmed her down, to which I reply "just kidding Weiss, you are always so much fun to tease though."
"And to think I would give you a gift, hmph!" turning her head with the fiercest pout that I've seen in a while.
Rolling my eyes at such a childish display, I know her well enough then to truly make her upset, so I attempt to placate her by begging for my forgiveness, apparently. Arms held wide I say "I'm sorry little sis, can you forgive me?"
I feel soft hair tickly my chin as small arms wrap around me "Of course dummy" she mumbled into my chest.
"I see my little girl is already staking her claim I see" as I hear Wil-Auntie's voice behind me.
Pushing me roughly away, Weiss crosses her arms as she frowns once again at her mother "Mom, you're embarrassing me…"
Holding a baby Whitley, Auntie just has the largest impish grin on her face like the cat that just caught the canary."You're not denying it though sweetie"
Trying to defuse the pouting bomb in front of me, I decided to bring the attention away from whatever they're talking about to a more comfortable topic. "So, I helped Mom make brownie ice cream cake, do you want any?"
Perking up at the mention of cake, all I see is a white blur as princess dashes to the dining table with all the force of a meteorite. With a massive grin on her face, she hastily replies with a "Yes, please!"
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I know this is common knowledge to the fandom, but Weiss does enjoy singing. It is a shame that we never actually get to see it in the actual show, asides from the white trailer. From opera to rock, she has an insanely melodic voice that, if she didn't become a huntress, she would be one of the top singers in Atlas, if not the world. Maybe I'm doting on her, but I managed to encourage her to sing a duet with me.
This is why I'm not surprised to see a ridiculously expensive hand-held microphone in a gift box in front of me.
"Do you like it?" Weiss asked in a hopeful voice, sitting next to me as I stare at the black box in my hands.
"It's great… But I'm not sure if I can accept this…" I hesitantly said.
"What?! Why? Is it not what you wanted?" Weiss practically shouted in my ear.
"No no, it's not that! It's an awesome gift and I am extremely happy that you thought about me like this, but this is way too expensive, is all" As I attempt to placate the miniature heiress.
"That's all? I thought it was because you didn't want to sing with me…" with puppy dog eyes that would put Ruby's to shame.
"No! It's not that at all! I would love to sing with you after we finish opening presents!" In an attempt to calm her down.
"Yay! Big brother is singing with me!"
I swear, my heart just melted a little.
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After managing to compromise with the young girl, I unwrap a few more gifts from the Schnee family, such as Remnant: The Game which I am eager to try out. A history book of Atlas and Mantle, no doubt from Winter. And the latest scroll, which I tried to decline, only to be stopped by Auntie who insisted that the device was for staying in touch with the family.
The final gift was definitely an interesting shape. It was a little over three feet in length and was skinny. My suspicions were proven correct when I opened the simple box. What was revealed inside was an ancient sword that is one of the most beautiful objects that I have ever seen in this life.
Now, I'm no sword-smith, though even to the untrained eye, I can tell this is a blade made to last. The sword itself comes in an ornate ebony scabbard adorned with what seems to be hand engraved brass fittings shaped like miniature dragons and Chinese script on the wood. The handle is made of the same material as the sheath, signs of heavy usage evident with the wear-and-tear of the wood. The pommel is brass with intricate designs etched into the metal, with it, a piece of jade attached to a simple black cord. The pommel itself is somewhat intimating as it is the face of a fierce dragon, frozen in a snarl. Unsheathing the blade with a rasp, the metal gleamed in the afternoon light. There is a definite weight to the blade as my small body attempts to compensate for the length of the sword. Looking closer near the base of the hilt on the steel is the family surname 'Pan' 潘 my family name, in this world and the world before it.
"It was your great-grandfather's sword." Mom explained "After The Great War, there were massive amounts of negativity generated in Atlas due to their massive loss against Vale and Vacuo. Due to this, a massive dragon Grimm, called Sea Feilong, known for being an army buster and hunter-killer was attracted to the city. Your ancestors fought and slew it. After this battle was over, however, it is said that Pan Cheng vanished in a blinding bright light, and the blade was all that remained. It is speculated that he perished due to his wounds, but the body was never recovered. Some even said that his soul ascended to another world, devoid of Grimm, but that is just a fable some people believe."
"Yeah… a fable, ok that was an… interesting story, thank you for the sword." I was still trying to process the information. This raised all sorts of questions that are absolutely mind-numbing. My ancestor was summoned to this world? How? Why? Knowing I won't be getting answers anytime soon, I sheath the blade and set it down on the coffee table. "I promised Weiss that I would sing with her, I'll be going upstairs now."
"Have fun sweetie!" Mom replied.
With these heavy thoughts in mind, I ascended the stairs.
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AN: And done! This was a bit of a longer chapter due to the journal entries that I wrote down. I wanted to be as descriptive as I could be while describing the sword. For anybody interested in what the blade looks like here is a link qiang-jian-hand-forged-clay-tempered-folded-steel-blade-battle-ready-chinese-jian-sword. Currently looking for a beta to edit these stories, PM me if you're interested. Be sure to leave a review, they are the lifeblood of an author! That being said, I will see you in about a week!