Well suppose we can start off with a bit of an author's note, this will be the first chapter in a hopefully long lived story, the central focus will be on a forgotten kingdom of my own creation in the World of Remnant.
This is a story I've slowly worked on and developed for many years so hopefully it will live up to my expectations and I genuinely hope you all enjoy it. The primary ship of this story of Ruby x Winter, Ruby in this world is genderbent using the name Jasper Rose; his team was still Team RWBY.
Chapter 1: The Greatest Kingdom
Atlas. As soon as the 'greatest Kingdom' loomed on the horizon of their small airship Jasper felt a cold sense of dread settle into his stomach, he didn't know why and couldn't explain but he felt a sense of unease and dread. Perhaps it was the massive fleet stationed around the Kingdom, perhaps it was that they had been given this airship when they requested one almost as if they were expected or perhaps it was the way Weiss' eyes seemed to flicker with some unreadable emotion. Whatever the case was, Jasper knew there was something amiss about Atlas but he just couldn't place it and as they landed the airship just outside Atlas academy the sense of dread seemed to grow as they disembarked onto a landing pad.
There was a single figure waiting for them on the landing pad that being Weiss' older sister Winter, dressed in the traditional Atlas uniform and looking very composed as she usually did. They were given a very cold and business-like greeting before they were led to the headmaster of Atlas, General James Ironwood; the general sat behind his desk with an amiable smile when they were led in giving them all a once over with his eyes. was it a trick of the light or did Ironwood have silver eyes? Jasper shook his head slightly and the eyes of the general still seemed grey in color. "Welcome, I'm sincerely glad to see you all made it safely. Specialist Cordovin had been expecting you ever since we received a report about the battle for Haven and Leonardo's betrayal." Ironwood spoke in his usual formal and direct manner, not beating around the bush in the slightest.
Jasper shared a brief look with his teammates than with Jaune's team, Oscar and Qrow all in turn before he stepped forward and managed to give what he felt was a fairly appropriate response. "Thank you General Ironwood, We were coming here on directions from Ozpin." At this he withdrew the relic of knowledge from his belt and again he was certain he saw Weiss, Winter and Ironwoods eyes all seem to flash silver but it was gone so fast he couldn't be sure if he had imagined it. The general stood and slowly walked around the desk to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder "I'm aware Mr. Rose, please. I think the relic is safest with those who brought it here. Mrs. Calavera, we have a medical facility ready to oversee the procedure you mentioned to us." The general's tone had become very respectful when he addressed the living legend that was Maria Calavera, the old woman merely laughing softly and nodding being led out by a pair of Atlas soldiers to escort her to the med wing.
Once Maria was gone Ironwood went on to explain that he had made a plan known as the Amity Communication project, but than came the true bombshell. his eyes along with Winter's and Weiss' turned pure silver just like Jasper's. "Ozpin wasn't able to tell you this because we asked him to keep it a secret, but Atlas and Mantle are also the home of the silver eyed warriors. Everyone in Atlas has Silver Eyes and you young Jasper are the heir to one of the 12 founding families." It was again Ironwood who explained this and it was met with deep silence from most of the others, Jasper himself wasn't expecting this sudden drop of information. "You have some relatives who still live here. Two aunts and a cousin, who had expressed open hospitality to your friends and you if you feel so inclined." This time it was Winter who spoke, her voice having a hint of warmth to it.
"I...this is all really sudden but I think I'd be rude not to accept something so generous." Jasper couldn't help the meek smile to his lips which was met by a snort from Weiss. "You accepting a gift for what it is without being cautious? why does that not surprise me." Weiss looked bemused at her partner even if her lips had a light soft smile to them. Ironwood nodded at his acceptance and closed his eyes in thought for a moment before speaking "Unfortunately, the family reunion will have to wait until tomorrow. But for tonight you can stay in dorm rooms here in Atlas." with those words they were all led out by Winter who took the time to show them all the rooms and locations within the academy before bringing them to their dorms. Jasper was the last to head for his dorm until Winter gently touched his arm "I was hoping we could have a word in private Jasper?" The eldest Schnee sibling smiled tightly before she led him to a small balcony, he stood in the doorway as Winter walked to the edge leaning over the railing and sighed.
"There is no easy way to say this and I know you aren't aware of our ancient customs, but shortly before your birth your mother had signed a marriage contract. It stated her firstborn son would marry the firstborn daughter of the Schnees." Winter seemed to take a long pause before she continued. "While I understand you were raised in Vale as your mother had abandoned our way of life shortly after you were born..I felt it best to make you aware of that agreement between our families. If you do not wish to pursue such a thing I will speak to my father and see about removing it." She was tense as if expecting him to reject it, her words swarmed around Jasper's head as he considered all of this. He wasn't some smart aristocrat or even aware they had traditions, but he had read enough fairy tales to understand this and so he stepped forward and brushed his hand against Winters, a touch which was reciprocated by her taking his hand..
"Winter, I don't mind seeing how things go before either of us decide whether we want to continue. I've never been the best at the whole relationship or romance thing, I've always focused on being a Huntsman. But if you want to try this than I will to." He smiled brightly up at Winter and he was surprised to find her smiling back. "I think I would like that Jasper." They gazed at each other for several long minutes until the both leaned forward hesitantly and there beneath the full moon the two shared a soft kiss, her arms pulling him closer and his arms going round her to pull her closer. It was their first kiss and needless to say both were breathless when they drew apart, Winter than brought him back to his dorm room the two bidding the other Goodnight and Jasper headed inside closing the door to rest and prepare for the long day that would be tomorrow.
It was a lot of reveals in this chapter, the revelation of Atlas being a Kingdom of all silver eyed warriors and The Roses being one of their founding families. The society here does have a standard of betrothal contracts and arranged marriages, as these are done to ensure strong bloodlines marry strong bloodlines.
There will be parallels to other series with some of how this society works, you'll be getting to see more of the Silver Kingdom in future chapters. but for now I hope you enjoyed this first step into a new world.