Crazy busy week. I'm so exhausted. Shifting back into lockdown at work, dealing with employees demanding to know how I'll be judging their work while they're off (spoilers; by results). Seriously, one asked if I'd have mouse-tracking software to tell if they were using their pc. Like, what would be the point? You could be browsing Amazon for all I know. No, I'll be monitoring you by comparing how much work is done vs how much you normally got done in the office.

Personally, I don't care if they sit around in pyjamas or have fun so long as the work is done. If they can legitimately get their normal work done in half a day then they can have the other half off. It's very simple and yet they asked for more definition. Like, do you want to have to stay at work? No? Then stop asking weird questions. Work from home is still WORK. It's just from home.

I'd understand if this was the first time they'd ever done this but we spent a whole year working from home, so it's not like any of this is new. Lol.


Cover Art: Curbizzle

Chapter 6


Every morning saw a fresh set of reports on Ozpin's desk. That wasn't unusual. Glynda did a wonderful job of deciding what was and wasn't important, or what could be handled by someone else if needs be and parsed the rest out. With this horrific death game of the Brother Gods on the horizon however, the task had become much more difficult. Anything and everything could be important, and it expanded much further than just Beacon.

"-crime rates in the city haven't seen any noticeable uptick but the White Fang have been blamed for several dust robberies. We initially thought that nothing more than a front for Torchwick's activity, but he hasn't been seen in days and recent CCTV footage did catch White Fang masks."

"What are the chances that a Jaune found his way into working with the White Fang do you think?"

"I'd say low, sir. Jaune Arc is a human."

"These Jaune Arcs have been human, Glynda. What is to say an alternate world's might not be faunus?"

"You raise a good point, sir. I'll keep an eye on any activity. It does feel a little paranoid to assume everything might be related however…"

Ozpin agreed wholeheartedly, but paranoia was only such when it was unjustified. Even if he was wrong here, he felt that the entire fate of human race was justification for caring in the first place. "The news on Roman is troubling. I wonder if he's gotten involved or if he's just planning for some large heist. It wouldn't be the first time he's vanished to scheme or just take some time off and spend his earnings."

"We won't know until he next makes an appearance, sir. Carrying on." Glynda leafed to a new page. "There has been an increase in drug traffic that is not too far different from previous Vytal Festivals. Despite the Council's best efforts, they've not had any success in slowing that down. There were several incidents violence last night that I caught in this morning's online pages," she added.

Ah. Good. Ozpin had asked her to keep an eye out for anything and everything that might give them an idea of who they were working with. If there were neutrals in the city, they might fight one another or be fought by Salem's forces. Either way, that was information to be had. "Anything of interest?"

"A mugging turned violent outside the shopping centre. Not in the way you might expect. It turns out the seventy-six-year-old victim was a retired huntress and didn't take kindly to her handbag being stolen. A young man was knifed on his way back from a night out. He's currently in the hospital but is expected to make a full recovery. There was also a shooting incident at a nightclub in the city."

Ozpin's head shot up. "Was it Xiong's?"

"No sir. I would have led with that."

"Of course you would have. My apologies."

"The club is another not too far away, and there are claims a sex worker was shot. However, when the police arrived there was no body to be found and the gunman had fled. It's more likely the victim either survived and was rushed to hospital, or that people only believed he had been shot. No victims found and no injuries other than that."

Ozpin hummed. It wasn't much to go on but then there was no guarantee Cinder or her people would act out so recklessly anyway, or that they were in the city at all. They would keep an eye out, but so far nothing seemed too far out the ordinary. "What news in Beacon? Are the transfers settling in?"

"Well enough. We've had a few teething issues. Two teams were assigned the same room due to an administration error – that was sorted by Oobleck quickly enough. I do have complaints this morning from a Team BRNZ, however. They claim their equipment has been lost in a locker malfunction. I've promised to dispatch Port with two teams this evening to try and find where they landed. The trajectory would have seen them land in the Emerald Forest. The team insists they didn't enter any co-ordinates, but you know how that usually goes."

Yes, there were cases every year of rocket lockers being abused. Often innocently, but not always. Mr Arc had been launched into the forest by Mr Winchester earlier in the year. It had earned him a detention. Thankfully, Mr Arc came out of the experience safe and sound. More often, students would `prank` their friends by launching off their gear and making them go collect it. Neither way was particularly helpful for the school's budget given the dust costs.

"I wish we could lock the controls in place but then we're bound to have a case where a student needs and can't access them. I'd rather have an evening wasted than a team fighting unarmed."

"Agreed." Glynda said. "I'll give Team BRNZ a crash course on the lockers when we get them back regardless. Other than that, we've noted the obvious lack of Cinder Fall's team from those showing up. As expected, she's almost certainly the traitor we were looking for."

"Planning to sneak in under our very noses. Leonardo is still being cagey about how that happened. I'm beginning to lose faith in the man. If this were an accident or negligence he could simply apologise, but he has been making excuses. I'd like to see to that after this mess, but who knows? Hopefully, Salem won't be a problem after it. What of our Jaunes? How are they acclimating?"

"Team CFVY's iteration is doing well. He's compliant, peaceful and non-confrontational. He gets on well with his team. Team RWBY are similar, but I am concerned as to Miss Rose's… infatuation with Knight. I've never seen a clearer case of hero worship."

"Come now, I'm sure it's not that bad. The boy – no, man – certainly does carry himself well."

"Do you believe his claim of being King of Vale?"

"I do. You must remember these are alternate worlds, Glynda. Anything could be true. In our short conversations I've noticed he has great respect for you and I. That's a good sign as to what our relationships were like in his world."

"Hm. He still calls me Miss Goodwitch even at his age." Glynda rolled her eyes. "I'm only worried about what will happen if Miss Rose, or any of the girls, develop feelings for someone who will only exist temporarily."

"I don't think it will be a problem. She idolises him, yes, but I get the feeling Miss Rose has a crush more than any real romantic interest. What of Leviathan?"

"A little harder, sir. He's co-operative and friendly enough but this world is too far removed from his. Basic things like dust, scrolls and our computer systems are alien to him. Honestly, it's a miracle he can even read our language. According to him, his world has over a hundred distinct and different dialects."

"Interesting. Your concern?"

"He isn't fitting in. As a combatant I'm sure he will be fine, but he stands out like a sore thumb and Salem will have next to no difficulty identifying him in a crowd. There's also something… off about him. He feels cold."

"To you?"

"No. He's friendly and polite as I said, but I just get this… cold feeling around him. As in I feel cold. Temperature-wise. Clammy. Damp." Her eyes sharpened. "Not in any untoward manner."

"I didn't even think it."

"It's something I can't explain." Glynda shook her head, "It might just be my imagination. Or maybe a facet of his Semblance. If he is actively controlling water, I may be feeling water molecules on my skin. That would explain it. Either way, while those three are fine the problems come from Team JNPR's iterations. Those are both problematic. Hunter has no interest in competing and is outright hostile towards us. He's shown a clear dislike of huntsman culture in general, so I don't believe he dislikes us personally, but rather the entire system. Fate, meanwhile." Glynda sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I can't help but pity the me of his world. If she still exists and hasn't taken her life, retired or sworn off teenagers forever."

"Or been seduced," Ozpin quipped.

"Do not even joke about it!"

Glynda sounded horrified, and that implied that even she was worried it might be an actual thing in his world. Even if the chances were a hundred thousand in one, it wasn't impossible for Fate to have lived a hundred thousand lives.

"He is… ugh, he is a problem, sir. Poor behaviour, poor attitude, a downright abusive attitude towards Mr Arc himself. I nearly struck him down myself in that sparring session. Then there's his habit of being found sleeping around with other students. I know we don't police that, and I don't want to start, but it's getting ridiculous! I swear he takes a sick pleasure in being caught in the act as well. There's no other explanation for how often he's caught. He isn't subtle at all."

Ozpin shared her thoughts and feelings there but they weren't of the world-ending variety he was currently dealing with. "He's remained on campus, however? Nothing unusual from him?"

"He's stayed here. Honestly, he has next to no interest in exerting himself and it shows."

"He did so versus Mr Arc."

"Yes. That's the rare occasion. I did ask Mr Ren, and he says Jaune egged on Fate first. It might be a rare exception as to their stated animosity or perhaps Fate was interested in seeing the powers of his allies close up. I think we were all curious to see what Knight could accomplish in a spar."

Curious yes, but curious enough to set aside his laziness to come watch? It wasn't impossible, but it was interesting to know Fate elected to turn up. Perhaps he was not as divested from this whole thing as he liked to pretend.

/-/

"You went out last night."

Null paused in the doorway to Cinder's room. The Jaune was dressed down in a hoodie and a faded pair of jeans, one hand holding a plate of eggs already cooling on toast and the other a knife and fork. It wasn't much of a weapon in the hands of most people, but Null smirked at the fact Ashari kept a respectable distance all the same.

"I did." Null made a show of laying the cutlery on the plate. A gesture of peace or surrender – whatever his older self wanted to believe. "What of it?"

"What were you doing?"

"Scouting. Getting a lay of the land. I didn't study at Beacon like most of you did, so I don't know the area."

Ashari's face hardened. "You went to Beacon? Are you insane?"

"Not in a single night I didn't. Besides, I wouldn't get through the forest safely. I looked around the city. Got my bearings. Last time I was here, I was wanted for murder and had to hole up in an abandoned building. The place is a lot nicer when you can walk around and not have to worry about that."

Ashari breathed out and relaxed a little. Only a little. He was so on edge! Null wondered how many steps he could make it forward before Ashari acted. Not many by the looks of things.

"I wore my hood and kept my face hidden if that's what you're worried about." They both knew it wasn't. "But I'm not some superstar huntsman or Salem-slaying hero like you. I can't bleed Grimm or become a tentacle monster like the other. Excuse me if I have to do things the old-fashioned way. I didn't cause any trouble."

"There's blood on your shoe."

Null looked down. Sure enough, there was the smallest splatter of blood on the tip of his trainers. It had soaked into the white material. He clicked his teeth, more annoyed at himself than Ashari. Thought I'd washed that out before I came back. Must have stepped back in it. Either way, he shrugged and looked back up with a laconic smile, as if to ask what the man's point was.

"What happened in your world?"

"Oh gee." Null leaned on the doorpost and rolled his eyes. "Is this the part where we share stories, hug it out and become the best of friends? Because if so, can it wait? These eggs aren't going to microwave themselves again."

"You're fucked up. You're a mess."

"Who isn't? You? I've seen you take mental and emotional torture from Emerald and shrug it off with a smile. That's fucked up from my point of view. Meanwhile, our third cross-dimensional sibling flips newspaper pages with prehensile tentacles."

"What's your wish?"

"Bit of a personal question, isn't it? What's yours?"

"I'd wish to spend more time with my family." Ashari said immediately. "I'd wish to have them back and beside me in my world."

"Funny." Null turned away. "That's exactly the same wish as mine."

"What happened to your family?"

"Killed. Yours?"

"Somewhere I can't reach them." Ashari said. "Safe but…"

"At least they're alive. Dad never got a chance to see his boy grow up. Mom almost did. Almost. Got her on a transport flying out of Vale before they found us." Null mimed a gun with his free hand. "Boom. Airship blown out the sky. Mom ripped to shreds with her unburn baby inside her."

Ashari flinched slightly. Null took it as a victory, even if fighting over tragedy felt stupid. It wouldn't matter when he won. Once he beat them all, he could bring all his family back. You'll get a chance to meet Adrian, dad. Mom. You'll get to be grandparents and live happy lives away from the experiments and torture.

"Who?" Ashari asked him. "Who killed her?"

"Who? What were their names again? Oh yeah, Team RWBY."

"That can't-"

"Meeting!" Grimm called from the dining room. He clapped his hands together. "Everyone get in here, we need to have a meeting. That means you too, Cinder. I see you looking guilty in the corner."

"Excuse me!?"

"It's fine. It's fine." Grimm laughed jovially and waved her over. After a brief snarl, she complied and took a seat. Ashari spared a last glare for Null and followed, carefully sitting next to Emerald while the others took spots. Null sighed, dumped his now cold food in the trash and did the same.

"Since when do we host team meetings?" Cinder asked.

"Since we needed them." Grimm replied. "I spoke with mom last night. She has… uh… she has come up with a plan." The way he said it implied he wasn't convinced by it. Null wasn't sure if that was a bad sign or not. "Mother is convinced that we can overpower our opponents and doesn't want to give Ozpin time to recruit more."

Cinder smirked. "She wants us to eliminate the neutral factions?"

"No, actually. She wants us to show ourselves and draw out a reaction."

"What!?" Cinder rushed to her feet. It had to be the first time she'd ever agreed with Grimm in public and Null couldn't help but snigger. "Is she-?" Seeming to realise who she was insulting and to whom, she changed her tack. "Is she sure? We've no idea as to their capabilities yet. We are strong, yes, but they would have the home advantage."

"I agree. That's why I convinced her to alter the plan somewhat. Her idea was for us to simply reveal ourselves, cause some chaos and deal with Ozpin and his lot when they arrive."

Talk about blunt. Dumb, too. Null grumbled against the plan just as hard as Cinder. His was the route of stealth, of getting close and killing someone before they could figure out he was there or what he did. A running battle might give him time to snap a few shots off in the chaos, but he'd be just as likely to get killed himself.

"What're we changing it to, then?" Null asked.

"I managed to convince her to compromise somewhat." Grimm said happily. "Instead of all of us showing ourselves and being at risk, only one of us will. Me," he added before the inevitable question could drop. "I'm the most resilient out of all of us, and my abilities aren't going to stay hidden long. I'm also the most noticeable of us."

"Just a little." Mercury quipped. "The paper-white skin and red-black eyes stand out a little. Not to mention the eldritch horror you become with those tentacles."

Grimm didn't appear upset by that comment, nor at being insulted. He only looked back at Mercury and laughed with him. "Yeah, it's a bit of a problem. So, I'm offering myself up as bait to draw out some of the others. Our goal won't be to fight them, though."

"Information." Cinder said. "We'll be trading information on one of us for potentially all of them. This is their home, their city, so they'll have to take any threat to it seriously and send everyone they can. Smart. Smarter than I expected of you."

"You're the one who taught me, Cinder, so any deficiencies on my end are problems with your lessons."

"Or your intellect," she fired back. "This will have to be somewhere noticeable."

"Not somewhere crowded." Ashari said.

"Bleeding heart for all the innocent souls?" Mercury joked.

"No. Just efficient. Do this in a public area and you'll cause a mass panic. That'll make information gathering almost impossible, even for our side. This should be somewhere abandoned. Somewhere we can see anyone approaching and figure them out. Give them crowds of people and they'll hide in them."

That sounded like more excuses to Null – it was clear Ashari didn't want innocents involved. Null didn't argue, however. He'd kill whoever got in his way, but it wasn't like every Tom, Dick and Harry was an enemy. Even he could be stampeded by a terrified mob too. There was no point making this a public event if it didn't have to be one. And he's looking at me again like he thinks I'll argue. Idiot. Just because I'm willing to kill a few copies of myself that shouldn't even exist, I'm suddenly a mindless psychopath.

"It'll be harder to slip away without crowds." Emerald said.

"He's confident enough." Null chipped in with a lazy wave at Grimm. "And he knows his abilities better than we do. You saying you can get out safe, Grimm?"

Grimm nodded. "I'm confident I can. Assuming the people Ozpin brings aren't too impossibly strong. If they are, I can create a smokescreen of Grimm to get out. They'll have to stop and clear them if they don't want Grimm in the city."

Ruthless. Null was surprised.

"Of course, I'll make it clear to the Grimm that they shouldn't rampage even if they are spared. They'll not hurt anyone."

Never mind.

Cinder seemed to like the idea and Null could guess why. Having more intelligence on their enemies would make life so much easier, but what Grimm failed to realise was that it would also give them more information on him. He might have been an ally for now, but that would change eventually. When it came to putting the Grimm boy down, the more information he and Cinder had, the better.

And if the chance to take on or two of the enemy out while this was happening showed itself? Well, that wouldn't be a bad thing either, would it? The sooner Ozpin's side suffered; the sooner Null could start evening things out here.

"I'm also hopeful this might draw out some neutral parties as well." Grimm said. "If we can try and recruit any to our side, that'd be great. Especially if we can do so peacefully. It's only the three of us and I've a feeling we might be outnumbered."

Cinder caught Null's eyes and nodded once. It was little more than a brief bob of her head but he was able to put meaning to the unspoken instruction.

Kill the independents, eh?

He'd already dealt with two Jaune's and this war hadn't even started. It looked like he'd be getting a chance to take a few more out as well. Hopefully, those ones could put up more of a challenge because so far, he wasn't impressed.

/-/

Incident at the docks. Unknown players. One Jaune.

The message from Xiong updated on all their scrolls. How, no one knew. He must have hacked or gotten hold of their details somehow. Either way, Ozpin summoned Team RWBY and JNPR to his office once more. The eight students in training arrived with their four iterations, though Fate showed up dragged by Pyrrha.

"Team RWBY. Team JNPR. Thank you for coming quickly."

"Is it true?" Nora asked excitedly. "Is there a Jaune?"

"Xiong's information appears to be accurate. At 2000 hours a man entered the docking district. He has rebuffed attempts to remove him."

"Violently?" Weiss asked.

"Not yet. He has mostly ignored the attempts, though when an officer tried to remove him by force he subdued and cuffed the man with his own equipment before handing him back to the dockworkers. Given the skills shown, Beacon has been asked to intervene on suspicion of a huntsman-related crime." Ozpin brought up a still-shot from a CCTV camera. The footage was grainy. "This is what we have so far."

They all leaned forward but the best anyone could make out was that a person was stood on the end of the docks, his back to the water. He was wearing a hood up to cover his face and hair, but a distinctive feature was the sword drawn with its tip touching the floor. The man had crossed his hands over the pommel and was leaning casually on it.

"Is that Crocea Mors?" Jaune asked. "I can hardly tell."

"The footage isn't good enough but he isn't wielding it so we can only assume he's drawn it to send a message." Ozpin said. "Given the circumstances, I expect that he's trying to make it clear he is in fact another version of yourself, and that he wishes to be found."

"It's an ambush." Blake said.

"Or he wants to talk." Ren countered. "He's putting himself at risk like this."

"Whatever the case, Xiong is proving his worth." Ozpin interrupted. "And ambush or no, we have to respond. If he is an enemy, we need to deal with him; if he is neutral, we ought to talk and maybe even convince him to work with us. Ignoring him only gives Salem's forces their chance."

"And if it is an ambush?" Blake asked.

"There will be twelve of you there." Ozpin said. "I trust you can handle it."

"Twelve?" Fate asked sarcastically. "Twelve, you say. Hmm. Twelve. Twelve…"

"You won't show up even for this!?" Weiss snapped.

"Even for what? The docks are cursed as far as I'm concerned, but at least this time Blake isn't going on her own." He waved his hand toward the faunus, who scowled at the reminder but didn't dispute it. "And I've already told you I'm not interested in this wish, this war or anything related to it. Count me out."

"Coward." Yang hissed.

"Count me out as well." Hunter said. "I'd be of no use there."

"Hey! Coward buddies!" Fate's fist-bump went un-acknowledged.

"Forget them." Leviathan growled. "They're useless anyway. Ten of us is enough. It's by the docks, too. I'll never be stronger. We should take this guy out while we've got the chance. Or recruit him," he added with a roll of his eyes at Ozpin's stern expression. "Whatever. Get him on our side or deal with him. Don't look at me like that. I'm agreeing with you."

"I feel as though your priorities are markedly different, but no matter. The ten of you should be enough to deal with this, though I will encourage you to flee if things turn dangerous. We're fortunate that whomever this is, they've elected to draw our attention to a mostly deserted area. I'm hopeful this means they have the interests of the people at heart."

There were a few surprised nods of agreement from the teams and a general lightening of the atmosphere. Drawing them to the docks had felt like an aggressive move but put like that they could see it was also a safe and private place to talk without anyone overhearing. With the Jaune all but shouting out to them as well, it might be a good sign.

"Will Team CFVY be coming for support?" Weiss asked.

"No. Barista is a non-combatant and I don't want to risk his anchor unduly."

"Coward trio!" Fate joked. "The cowardly trinity."

"Barista stays because he can't fight. Same as Hunter." Yang snapped. "You're staying because you're afraid."

"I'm staying because I know better, but by all means run in. Charge ahead. It only cost you an arm the first time." He sneered at her. "An arm the first time, your sister the second, your life the third."

Yang's eyes widened briefly, then flickered to red. She stormed to her feet and would have launched herself at Fate if not for Weiss and Blake holding her back. "What do you know!?" she accused. "Tell me!"

"I know nothing. The future has changed." Fate stood, pushed his hands into his pockets and strolled to the elevator. "Good luck at the docks. You probably won't need it with his majesty on your side, but good luck anyway. And remember," he called back over his shoulder. "You're targets as much as we are. Any one of you could be an anchor from their point of view. Try not to get killed, eh?"

The elevator door swished open and shut. Fate disappeared. Slowly, begrudgingly, Yang let herself be pulled back down into her seat.

"He makes a point even if harshly." Ozpin said. "Though it is the iterations who must compete and fight, each of you is at risk for suspicion of being an anchor. Watch your backs. Protect one another. If Salem feels she cannot best Knight, she will send her people after Miss Rose instead."

The two teams nodded solemnly. Knight even went so far as to place a gauntleted hand on Ruby's shoulder and squeeze gently. "I will protect her," he intoned. "Of that you need not doubt."

Ruby's eyes sparkled.

So cool…

/-/

Grimm didn't feel the cold the same way most people did. He was aware of it distantly, but there was no discomfort. Only the tickling touch across his pasty-white skin. Normally, he would have taken his human form in such a place so as not to frighten people, but the Gods had for some reason, knowingly or not, blocked the ability from him. Being stuck in his Grimm form twenty-four seven wasn't a problem per se, but it did make walking around in public impossible, hence the thick brown hood and cloak he wore like some pilgrim from the movies.

"I thought you loved cloaks," Remy, the Grimm parasite that had lived inside him since his birth commented.

"Capes, Remy. I love capes. Superheroes wear those."

"Same thing." It wasn't, but Grimm laughed anyway. It was good to have that familiar banter in a world that wasn't familiar at all. "You can say that again. I can't feel my brothers and sisters and your mother… well, would it be offensive to say she needs to get laid? Or just startlingly accurate?"

"Probably the latter. I get the feeling she never met dad in this world. I feel sorry for her. All that happiness, all those memories, gone. Is it any wonder she acts so angry all the time if she's had to live for eternity without love?"

"You're assuming she cares at all. Don't judge her based on your – our – mother. This is an entirely different world with a different Salem and Cinder."

"Tell me about it. Big Sis is kind of a bitch here. Ash didn't deserve that…"

"Maybe it was a mercy. He loved her but she wasn't whatever Cinder he loved in his world. Better he died then then have to face the reality."

Grimm wished Remy wouldn't be so dismissive about life and death, but the concept was alien for a creature of the Grimm and he knew Remy didn't mean it cruelly. It was like asking a wolf to feel sympathy for the rabbits it killed. "Hey Remy. What do you think of this whole thing? This war?"

"Stupid. God of Light's idea for sure."

"It might be both. They were naïve even in our world."

"Idiot children playing at being adults. Not unlike you."

"Ha." Grimm smiled. "You're so mean."

"No. You're just an idiot."

"Your idiot."

"I'd say Yang's idiot. We both know she wears the pants." Remy cackled inside him, and Grimm laughed outside. The little jokes and jabs were more than just a distraction. They helped him remember that the events of his world were real. That he wasn't just imagining them. "Seriously, though." Remy said. "This isn't our world. These aren't our people. You know that, right?"

"I know it."

"But do you accept it?"

Grimm smiled awkwardly. "That's a little harder. It's one thing to know…"

"I get it. Just be careful. This Beacon isn't your Beacon. This Yang won't be your Yang. Same for Ruby and the others. They'll judge us. They won't take the chance to know or learn about us. They'll take one look at us and decide we're evil."

Grimm didn't respond, mostly because he knew Remy would dismiss his suggestion that it might not be that bad. The little parasite was such a cynic sometimes. Not that he was rarely wrong. It didn't matter anyway as the sounds of turbine engines roared ever closer, two aircraft bringing who he assumed would be Teams WJRP and RYBN to the battlefield – oh, would they even have those team designations here? It didn't even occur to him that it might not be them. There was simply no way his friends weren't at the centre of all this.

Called it, he thought as Ruby jumped out the aircraft and landed on the docks. The rest followed, no surprises there, but seeing himself, or a version of himself, was an odd experience. It was like looking in the mirror. Except that this Jaune looked small and frail, and carried himself awkwardly, like he wasn't sure what to do and was following the cues of others.

"He looks weak." Remy said.

"Be nice." Grimm chided. "I'm sure he's strong in his own way."

Remy muttered angrily about his tendency to see the best in everyone, but Grimm pushed the concerns aside, picked up Crocea Mors and sheathed it under his cloak. The action, clearly non-confrontational, appeared to surprise his guests. My enemies, he thought sadly. Salem had chosen her side and he could do nothing but support his mother like a good son should. Just because she was suffering and lashing out didn't mean he should abandon her. If anything, it was all the more reason to stay close, offer an ear to listen and a hug should she ever need it. And whether Salem would admit it or not, she needed it. Badly.

"Good day," he called to the assembled huntsmen and huntresses. My, the other Jaunes looked interesting. Only two – that was a surprise. One looked normal but felt ancient. The other was dressed head to toe in armour and looked downright fantasy. Cinder and the others should have been documenting anything they could.

Team RWBY and JNPR conferred for a moment and it was ultimately Weiss of all people they sent forward to talk. Ever the diplomat, he supposed. "Is your name Jaune Arc?" she demanded of him. Ah, still in her haughty phase. Fair enough. "Answer me! Are you or are you not Jaune Arc?"

"Well, I'm not Juan Dark, am I?" he replied teasingly. "Evening Weiss. It's good to see you again. You know, you were my team leader back in Beacon. Is that the same here?"

Weiss flinched back, caught off-guard by the downright casual comment. She must have been expecting immediate violence or threats. "I was-? Um. No. Ruby is my leader. Of Team RWBY."

"RWBY? Ah, so I take it Team Whirlpool and Team Ribbon aren't a thing here? That's a shame. Well, except for Blake. She's probably relieved to not have Nora as a partner."

"Hey!" Nora yelled.

At Blake. Not him.

"Focus!" Blake replied with an embarrassed blush. "We're working here."

"You were on the good side?" Ruby called out. It seemed the chain of command was falling apart. Or at least the designated plan. Crescent Rose dipped down as the small huntress – and goodness, didn't she look small? – smiled at him. "That means you're on our side, right?"

He wished it could be so – he really did. Grimm's silence painted a different picture. He supposed he could have lied, but he couldn't bring himself to mislead them like that. Big Sis would probably be angry he didn't take the chance to win their trust and betray them. Oh well, she was angry about a lot of things lately. He'd survive.

"Why are you hiding under a cloak?" Ren asked him. Clever Ren. Always the perceptive one.

"My appearance is… not what you are used to. I'm afraid it might provoke an unwelcome reaction if you see it."

The weapons came back up. Grimm sighed. He'd not held out much hope it wouldn't come to this, but it was nice to dream. Nice to see them all so happy as well. Hopefully, they could keep hold of that in the coming days. At least they could.

"Show yourself." Yang demanded.

"If you wish, Yang." He brought his hands up to his hood. "But don't say I didn't warn you."

His hood fell. Hair as white as Weiss' spilled forth, spikey and falling in bangs that covered his face. Even they couldn't completely hide how pale his skin was, nor the bone plates over his cheeks and neck. Red veins reached up the sides of his face, behind his ears and then spiralled out like jagged lightning bolts to eyes that were pits of black with a narrow, slitted red iris.

"Jaune Salem Arc at your service," he said, introducing himself with a courtly bow.

Ruby screamed. "GRIMM!" and fired off a shot without thinking. The round struck him dead in the chest, but the impact, despite being a high-calibre shot – only made him grunt and step back once.

"Warned you." Remy said.

"Yes, you smug little parasite. You did. Ah, but I expected this. It's always the same." Louder, and to them, he said, "That was a little rude, Ruby. But you did guess the nickname I've been saddled with. I much prefer Sheep myself but-"

He swayed sideways as Yang's fist punched through the air. Behind her, following swiftly, a spike of water speared for his chest. Pyrrha Nikos and the new Jaune in full shining armour closed in, weapons drawn.

So much for diplomacy…


Poor Sheep/Grimm. He just wants to say hi to his friends and they're jumping him because of what he is. Well, to be fair he's called "Jaune Salem Arc" and he's mostly Grimm, and they know who is leading the other side. They're not wrong in assuming he's an enemy, but I still feel bad.

Also, yes, we technically saw a new Jaune this chapter. Or, well, you didn't see him but he was referenced.


Next Chapter: 18th December

P a treon . com (slash) Coeur