Remnant's Planeswalker

by bubbajack

Meet Jon Arc first of his name as he is banished from his world. Now be ready to read about his return to his ancient home and adversaries of old have grown in his absence. Yet so has he in his travels. This time will be different. This time, he'll be ready. This time, he means war! Jon Arc x harem! dark fantasy multi-crossover story!

Remnant's Planeswalker

By: Bubbajack

Editors: Icysnowsage, First Hassan

Disclaimer: We don't own anything you'll see in this fic.

Ch.1: It begins with a Spark.

Note: Special thanks goes out to my Super Donors, Bobby Glass, Kenni Neilsen, Meraj Alimi, and Selmephren.

I always remember the sky. How beautiful it looked before everything went wrong. The stars shone so brightly as if prophesying our victory. My queen told us of a coming revolution. How we would no longer be puppets of the world and forge our own freedom. How to break our chains we must take our freedom from those who dare entrap us. She spoke of a wisewoman and how she mentioned the pettiness of our overlords and how they ruled us with an iron yet uncaring fist. I was happy. Oh so happy. My family would no longer suffer. We could be free. I could not wait for my sisters, mother, and father to be free of the trappings of the Gods. I offered to join the growing army of our kingdom. I was joyous at the opportunity to become a hero. I was not the strongest, fastest, or even most tenacious. However, my mother said my heart was what made me special. I joined with my neighbors and together we prepared to go to war against the gods who deemed us their subjects and pawns. The wise woman mentioned how the gods are fallible and was able to steal part of their immortality. She led my queen and my people into believing we could overcome the gods and reclaim this world as ours.

Oh how naive I was then.

Our Queen joined with two monarchs of other kingdoms and together with the wise woman led our combined armies to lay siege upon the gods. Together we combined all of your strength, all of our hopes, and all of our dreams into a barrage of magic to bring the gods low. It was then I understood the overwhelming distance betweens the gods and us humans. With just a wave of his claw, the God of Darkness absorbed all of our might and magic. Then he rained death. I saw everyone around me start to fall and dissipate into ash. All I could think is that I had to live, that death was not the future for me, that I had to live on for my family and people. I felt the pain and burning as I was assaulted by the magic of the Gods. I felt as if my heart had become a furnace and soon I would follow my brethren and Queen and see them in the afterlife. And then I ignited in a flash and I was gone. Leaving everything I knew behind. To this day I wonder why I survived when all those who I loved, respected, and cared for perished.

---

Plane Alara, Shard Jund Year Unknown?

I fell hard into a puddle and felt dirty water come into my mouth. It tasted of dirt, grime, and other filth. I coughed and wheezed to get the dirty water out of my mouth. The burning sensation all over my body dissipated and I felt as if I was finally cooling down. I looked at my shaking hands and realized by some cruel fate that I had survived. I had escaped the Gods' judgment.

"Curse you wise woman! You offered us prosperity but you only brought ruin and death. A thousand curses upon you. May you never know rest, may your heart succumb to darkness and any joy you feel be sucked from you," I cursed and cried about the fates of my people and how that snake of a woman destroyed us all. Now I wonder if that was the first time I used my spark to cast a spell. A curse of hatred is quite strong after all.

I looked around where I was and saw a thick forest and heard the sound of a nearby river. Hopping to clean off some of the filth on me I got up and walked through the thick underbrush. I saw so many new things that I became overstimulated a little and grew dizzy. I struggled a little I admit and when I finally got to the river I plunged my head in to drink from its rejuvenating waters. The only problem ….

I wasn't alone.

I soon learned that the plane I arrived in was Jund. There was only one Law on Jund.

Eat or be eaten.

I heard a splash nearby and looked up. What looked back at me was some kind of creature with giant pale eyes and it looked into my soul and found prey. Its skin was pearly white in demeanor that reminded Jon of the grimm. The creature's mouth had hundreds of teeth that would put a beowulf to shame.

I jumped back as the creature snarled and bit where I stood. I had no weapon, only my fist, the clothes on me, and a drive to survive. So naturally I did the only thing I could…

I cast magic at it. The innate magic granted to us by the very Brother Gods the wise women had rallied our people to rebel against. A beam leaped from my hand that was a swirling vortex of color. It struck the creature in the side… and dissipated like it was nothing. With my one true means of defense lost to me, I did the only thing I could…

I ran.

Sadly that only made me prey to a much bigger game.

"Jón…"

"Jón…"

"Jón!"

---

Jón Arc awoke with a gasp, his cerulean blue eyes looked around frantically for the dragons that haunted his dreams. A pair of hands found themselves on either side of his face and he soon found himself looking into a pair of eyes that almost mirrored his own in hue, and he found himself calming as he stared into them. Their owner was Luna Mousekewitz, his constant companion. She was not tall, being only 4'6, her hair was the purest white like fresh fallen snow, and her eyes were the blue of a lake. She had large mouse ears sticking out of the top of her head and a tail swishing back and forth out of her attire. The current set being a white blouse, jeans and platform sandals that add about three inches to her diminutive height.

"Are you okay?" She asked her eyes filled with concern, "I think you were having another nightmare? Jund?"

"Yes, and fuck Jund," He growled out before he yawned and sat up, the animal pelts he used for sheets he had covered himself with sliding off his chest, showing faded scars mixed with runic tattoos. Throwing the skins off of him and revealing his natural glory to the world Jón Arc made way to the thick drapes over the windows and threw them open allowing natural light to cascade into the room. The sunlight gleamed off the weapons and trophy heads that hung on the walls, but Jón ignored them all as he walked across the pelt strewn floor, also paying no mind to the rich wooden furniture in the room that he and Luna shared, and walked into the bathroom of the small shared apartment Luna and he lived in as he asked, "Was there any other reason you woke me up besides the dream?"

"Yes actually, something has happened to the Curve, it's been broken for lack of a better term."

"Broken?" Jón asked as he turned on the shower to its hottest possible setting. Sometimes when out in the wilds he was forced to bathe in cold streams that caused chills for days so when he had the chance of a hot shower, he took it. "That's not good, I'll get ready quickly. I don't suppose you made breakfast?"

"Already packed up, and waiting," Luna confirmed, "I knew once you heard about this you'd want to check on that man," She said with distaste.

"Come now Luna, he's one of billions,"

"And they're all self-absorbed, nihilistic drunken louts!" She replied before she took a breath to calm herself. "I honestly don't know what you see in this particular one Jón,"

The bathroom door opened and a trail of steam followed Jón Arc out. His blonde hair was now held back in a ponytail by a metal hair band shaped like a serpent eating its own tail, and his beard was trimmed neatly. "He has potential," With a snap of his fingers he was wearing rune carved heavy plate mail, with a round shield strapped to his left arm. "Okay Luna, let's go see what kind of mess Richard has gotten himself into this time."

Clearing her throat and glaring up at him with hands on her nice shapely hips, the Mouseling said, "Ahem, and what of the breakfast I painstakingly cooked for you? Hmm?"

"I'll take it with me of course, if we have any extra we'd best bring it, knowing Richard, he might be half starved."

Sighing, she consented, "You are too kind Jón."

"Perhaps… but if he hasn't gotten his shit together and started treating Mortimer better I'll rearrange his spine," Jón said resolutely.

Luna reappeared a couple of minutes later carrying a picnic basket. "Let's go then, I may dislike Richard but my heart does go out to poor Mortimer, dear boy doesn't eat enough he's practically a stick figure."

Placing a hand on her shoulder asked, "Ready?" Seeing her nod he reached down into his core to the small flame, the spark that dwelt there, he blew on it and the spark became a flame, a flame became power that he directed to his whims. One moment the duo were standing in their apartment, the next they were flying through a cordoned off chunk of the Blind Eternities, looking for an old frenemy.

---

Citadel of Ricks, wreckage:

"Man Morty this, this is just like that one Marvel movie huh? You know, the one with that one guy who's stuck in space that isn't as smart as me dying slowly and…" *burp* Not as epically."

Morty who had just tried and failed to create a portal, and had just ended up creating a green blob that had a small creature that quickly became a dying mass of flesh, turned back to his grandpa and said, "Besides pretending not to know who Iron Man is, do you have anyway to get us outta here Rick?"

"No, with no portal travel as well, we're kinda screwed kiddo," Rick replied as he took a swig from his flask, or he tried to. He shook it upside down above his open mouth, for nary a drop to come out for all of his efforts. "Well this just keeps getting better and better, not only are we running low on air, with no food, but I'm also out of uh… booze."

Weakly getting up Morty plopped himself next to his grandpa, "Well, if this is how I go can I just say I have one, no two regrets,"

"Which are," Rick said as he put an arm around his grandson's shoulder.

"Firstly, the fact that we're dying because of that asshole Morty. He hated Ricks? Fine but he decided to fuck over everyone, the Beths, Summers, Jerry's, even his fellow Morties, he deserves… an ass kicking," Morty was a little breathless after his tirade. Unfortunately, there just wasn't enough air left for him to get excited.

"Ahmen and I mean that in agreement, I'm not actually religious, ehm, Morty." Rick said, patting his shoulder before giving him a sideways glance and asking, "What's the other thing?"

"Dying a virgin."

Rick scoffed, "You aren't dying a virgin Morty, you had a kid with a sexbot, plus you got mermaid pus in Atlantis remember?"

Morty nodded, "Yeah, but I don't really count either of them, cause, well, they aren't human you know I mean one was a robot, and the other was… a fish person?"

Rick gave his grandson a sideways look, "So… what? If they aren't human it doesn't count? Look Morty take it from Grandpa Rick the guy who fucked a planet. If it wasn't meant to be impregnated it wouldn't have holes in it that lead to reproductive organs."

Morty raised a finger as if to argue, then lowered it, "You, have a point. Plus I really don't want my final conversation with you to be about sex… I love you grandpa."

"I care deeply for you too, Morty."

"You can't just say it, can you you ass?" Morty laughed.

"Fuck all this sentimental crap," Rick said, "I am Rick Sanchez! I fuck planets and casually make the laws of physics my bottom bitch for fun! I am not dying here!" He ranted at no one in particular.

"I must say, nice speech Richard, and this one was comprehensible, what with you not being completely plastered."

Rick's head snapped so quickly to the left it cracked. Standing not too far away was someone he hadn't seen since… the final battle against the Galactic Federation, a good what thirty years ago? Rubbing his eyes he said, "Jón?" Glaring at the heavens he cursed, "This is fucked up! My brain is hallucinating due to lack of oxygen and the person I get as my personal grim reaper is the guy who can teleport without portal tech?!"

"Umm, grandpa? I can see him too, you know?" Morty replied.

"The fuck… Morty you… you serious right now? Cause that means one of two things. First we are both inhaling Xenuvian Swamp Gas that makes people share hallucinations, or, Gah fuck!" Rick swore as he was smacked upside the head by the blonde warrior

"Or I'm really here you idiot. Luna get these two some food would you?"

"Must I feed Richard as well? Can't we just wait a teensy bit longer and just let nature take its course?"

The scientist made a rude hang gesture, "Fuck you, you talking Capybara,"

In response, Luna shoved a sandwich in Ricks mouth, "Careful you don't choke now," She then turned to Morty even as Ricks face turned blue and tutted, "You dear boy you look like quite a sight," Pulling out another sandwich she offered it to him, asking, "Do you have the strength to eat?"

The young man took the offered food and took a bite, "This tastes amazing!" He then felt something he didn't think he'd feel again…a breeze. Fresh air was wafting from the warrior known as Jón, as he muttered words under his breath.

"So um, who are you two?" Morty asked as he tried to slowly eat the heavenly confection known as a sandwich. It was just turkey, tomato cheese, and mayo but after nearly a week with no food, it may as well have been manna from heaven and Luna could well have been an angel.

"We fought alongside Rick in his war against the Galactic Federation." Jón replied before grabbing a sandwich for himself. "I suppose you could say we are old comrades in arms."

Morty nodded and polished off his sandwich only for Luna to press another one gently into his hands, "Here you are dear, you look thin as a rake, you really do need to eat more."

"Thanks,"

"And you Richard," Jón said, slapping him on the back as his face began to turn purple, "Need to learn to chew your food."

Taking a breath of sweet, sweet air now that his airway wasn't being blocked by half chewed food, Rick spat out, "Well if someone," He glared at Luna who glared right back, "Hadn't shoved one half down my throat, I don't think I'd have that problem,"

To which Luna immediately snapped back, "If you would learn some common decency you likely wouldn't have people wanting to shove things down your throat in the first place Richard Sanchez!"

"Peace Luna, we aren't here to kill Richard… though I likely do owe him a blooding," Jón mused.

"What," Rick tried to rise to his feet only to fall, he hadn't regained enough strength to move yet, so he could only sit there as Jón loomed over him, a towering statuesque man of muscle with his arms crossed, "What did I do to you?"

"You trapped me here when you created the Central Finite Curve Richard. I have been stuck here, with an infinite number of you, for the past thirty years!" Jón's eyes glowed ominously as his voice rose, "Do you have any idea how… grating just one of you is? Now amplify that by a nigh infinite number… Add that I can never return to my home and be trapped with you?"

Rick hissed through his teeth, "I… I fucked up real bad. That was my bad Jón-boy… What? What's that look for?" The mad scientist asked upon seeing the stunned look on Jon's face.

After a moment the Planeswalker laughed, "See Luna? What did I tell you? Our Rick has potential!"

"I don't believe it… Richard… just apologized!" Luna said, as she pinched her cheek to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Amazingly she didn't wake up in bed snuggled with Jon.

Rick folded his arms and looked away, "It's called having a character arc? That was so last season, try and keep up."

"And he's back to being delusional again," Luna said, sounding relieved as she put a hand to her chest. "I was genuinely afraid he was about to start quoting some kind of scripture."

"Fuck you Cappy."

"Same to you, you egotistical, self-absorbed, narcissistic jackass," She said with faux-warmth.

Shaking his head with his hands on his hips as he smiled, Jón inquired, "If you two are finished expressing your affection for each other, perhaps it is time we get young Mortimer and yourself home Richard?"

"We are not affectionate towards each other!" Luna and Rick shouted at the same time, only to glare at each other.

"Of course you are," Jón replied, turning to Morty he stage whispered, "They argue like siblings no?"

The teen looked back and forth between them and then slowly nodded, "Now that you mention it, they are acting like-"

Rick interrupted saying, "Finish that sentence and I'm not going to let you pick any adventures for ehh, month Morty."

"That's it?" Luna asked, "I thought you would make all his food taste like bile or something of that nature."

"Sweet jesus titty cinnamon I'm not a monster you walking delicacy!" Seeing the incredulous look he was being given he amended, "Anymore, I'm not a monster anymore. So, are we leaving or what?" Rick said, getting to his feet, refusing Jón's offered hand.

"Of course Richard," Helping Morty to his feet, he asked, "Ready to go Mortimer?"

The nervous teen nodded, "Um yeah but can you just call me Morty? Like everyone does."

Jón nodded, "As you wish Morty, everyone hold hands."

"Are we gonna sing kumbaya now?" Rick asked as he reluctantly took Luna's hand in his.

"No," Jón replied as he closed his eyes and concentrated on his spark for a moment before he once again flew through the Blind Eternities, with more passengers in tow.

---

Moments later he arrived on the Smith Family's front yard, the cement was cracked all the way around the building as if the house had been teleported. Jón looked to Rick in askance, saying "What did you do Richard?"

"Threw one hell of a party," The scientist replied as he made his way towards the front door.

"It couldn't have been that grand if you didn't invite Luna and myself to provide food and drink. That Squanchy is just snuffing drink mix me and Luna made after all. You guys never thought to just add water," Jón said with a sigh.

"Fuck man I remember your shit… got any on you right now."

"Does a polar bear hunt seals?" Jón replied as he tossed Rick a horn of mead that seemed to appear from nowhere.

Rick grinned like a kid on Christmas morning, "Fucking score!"

Morty looked in exasperation until Luna pulled on his shirt sleeve and offered him a goblet of an unknown drink, "I don't know if I should drink that Luna. Alcohol and my family tend to lead to bad things."

"Oh nonsense dear. I made this mead myself. It is just right in flavor, taste, and alcohol content. Trust me okay," the caring and motherly look on Luna's face made any reservations Morty had crumbled.

He took a sip from the goblet and was surprised with the rich berry, honey, and some nutty flavor mixed into the drink. He didn't even feel a buzz. Just a feeling of content and fullness. It reminded him of better times. He gently sipped from the goblet as he thought of all the progress he and his grandpa had made as people.

Rick meanwhile quaffed the horn of mead like a man dying of thirst. It was sweet, foamy, tasting of spices and nutmeg. When he was done, he let out a satisfying belch. "Shit that's the stuff, the alcohol content never was very high in this shit though."

"As I've told you numerous times, old friend mead is meant to be drunk and share tales, one cannot due that if they cannot speak properly hence the low proof but that does lead to much imbibing," Jón said as he pulled another horn from somewhere and started drinking himself.

"Yeah your shit always was good," Rick said. Morty was surprised to hear Rick compliment someone else.

"Thank ye kindly," Jón said toasting him while raising his gold and gem encrusted horn that bore the head of a dragon at the front.

The front door opened and Beth and Jerry ran out to hug their son. "Morty, we were worried! You and your grandfather were gone for almost two weeks!"

"He missed school Rick," Jerry said disapprovingly, before noticing the two strangers and saying, "And who're these two some tagalongs from some weird space party or something?"

"Jerry, Jerry, Jer, you, err, you're gonna wanna shut your mouth right now before it writes a check your ass can't cash," Rick warned him waving his arms in a 'no stop motion' and spilling his mead in the process.

"Oh yeah, what makes him any different than the other space freaks you hang out with on a regular basis?" Jerry asked.

Jón slowly walked up to the man as Rick sighed, "Jón-boy please, just don't kill 'em. It'd be hell to get a new one at this point."

Jón nodded silently as he stepped into Jerry's personal space. Towering over the man he glared down at him silent as the grave, until he started to squirm uncomfortably. Only then did he sign to speak with power and authority enhancing his tone, "I, Jared Smith, am Jón Arc. Last of the men of the realm of Faerie, walker of over a hundred worlds, and bane of dragons! I have seen the sun set on distant shores, piled unknown numbers of corpses of mine enemies, loved women and buried them as they passed, burned down villages, and raised families, and just recently, I saved the life of your own son. Who are you, who are so content to live your life in your little bubble of safety and security to question the likes of I?"

Jerry usually had a witty sharp retort when Rick said something but hearing the calmness and seeing the weight of years if not centuries behind the man's eyes, he just looked down, his words dying in his throat.

"Thank you very much Jón, for saving our son," Beth said diplomatically. "We really do appreciate it, don't we Jerry?" Beth said as she nudged him in the ribs.

"Yes, ahem, thank you," Jerry said as he coughed into his hand awkwardly.

Jón nodded before taking a step back, "You are most welcome,"

"Would you like to come in?" Beth motioned to the door, "The least we can do after getting dad and Morty home is invite you in."

Jón raised his hand and shook his head, "Unfortunately I cannot. With the destruction of the Central Finite Curve, I can finally do something I've put off for far too long."

"Woah, hey Jónboy are you actually?" Rick asked only to receive a solemn nod from the blonde warrior.

"Yes Richard, I'm finally going home," Walking back to Luna and taking her hand in his he said, "We all need to bury the past sometime Richard, even you. I strongly suggest you don't put it off as long as I have?"

With his piece said, the Planeswalker disappeared, with his companion in tow. After he was gone Rick said, "Huh, well, that was a thing… Well I better get to fixing portal travel, I probably just need to reset the portal index and that'll be that, shouldn't take too long,"

Fate often plays its hand when least expected and has a way of making us self reflect as the Smith family will soon discover.

---

The Plane formerly known as Faerie.

Jón and Luna arrived on the outskirts of what looked to be a very large city at dusk. Not a ruin overtaken by nature and the Creatures of the Grimm God, the Brother of Darkness like he expected, but an actual habitable city. "What on earth?" Jón said hushed in awe, his eyes wide as he stared in wonder. "There is no way anyone could've survived the blast sent by the God of Darkness, so what… How could this be?"

"It says that here, that is the kingdom of Vale," Luna said looking at a nearby welcome sign.

Jón looked at it himself, the emblem was that of a laurel crown with the name underneath. "There was no such kingdom back in the day."

"Well someone built it… Hey Jón? You might wanna look at this," Luna said tugging on his arm, prompting him to turn around and see what she was pointing at.

"What is… WHAT IN ALL THE HELLS HAPPENED TO THE MOON?!" Jón yelled as he looked up to see the great satellite had been smashed clean through by… something. "The moon Luna, someone, something destroyed the moon," Jón said.

"Yes, it's… confusing," She agreed.

"Confusing my ass! How does this affect the tides!? Is comet fall a common occurrence now? I have many, many questions!"

Patting his hand comfortingly, Luna said, "Then I suggest we head inside this Vale dear. I surmise we just might be able to find some answers there."

Jón nodded dully, "Right, yes, you're right of course. I'm sorry I'm not thinking straight, this is all just so much. I expected to find ruins not… not a functioning society! Lord have mercy the others will laugh at me for my overreaction. Of course they may also comfort me and say its okay to cry,"

"Now now, I'd like to think they'd be more understanding than that, this is a big moment for you after all," After a moment of silence she tugged on his wrist saying, "Shall we head inside?"

"Yes, let us see what this kingdom of Vale is like." He said as the two walked towards the front gate.

---

Vale was for lack of a better term, quaint. Once they were let inside they were ushered in what passed as both a checkpoint and constables office and questioned on a variety of things, where they came from and were asked to see their scrolls. When they said they had none, two small mechanical devices were provided to them and they were told to fill out their information for the CCT Network.

Once they did so, the young man who was grilling them, Lazarus Coal, a reedy thin man in a suit with slicked back reddish hair looked over their information. "Umm some of this can't be right can it? Miss it says here you're over a hundred?"

"And still considered quite young by my species terms actually," Luna replied, getting a look of bewilderment from the guard. Lazarus had no idea that faunus could live that long and dared not inquire further.

"And you mister Jón says you claim citizenship from a place called Agraba?" He asked.

Jón nodded, "I would've moved there due to political marriage but… well it ended up not working out at the last second," He sounded solemn at the end.

Lazarus rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry to hear that," He then sighed, "Well anyway, i guess everything's in order so i guess you can go, just keep your noses clean ya hear?"

"Yes sir. Good day to you," Jón said before he and Luna were let out of the checkpoint and into Vale proper.

It was again, quaint. The buildings were a multitude of colors, primarily yellows and blues, neon signs glowed and cracked here and there showing different shops and wears, and Jón's head was on a swivel as he took it all in. Luna meanwhile was fiddling with her new scroll. "This thing is highly advanced, Jón. It has wifi, maps, a keyboard and it can make calls all wired into some kind of hard light display."

"It does seem… useful," Jón nodded, reluctantly, causing Luna to shake her head. She loved Jón but he wasn't the best with technology. He didn't hate it, he was just used to using magic. It was simpler to him and often times faster. She was better at embracing technology than he was. To his credit he learned how to use a microwave at their old place, it just took him a month.

Suddenly a gunshot was heard. "Did you hear that?" Jón asked, seeing the mouseling nod, the Planeswalker rushed down the alleyways towards the sound of gunfire.

---

What he found tinged his vision red, several thugs had a girl in a red cloak carrying what looked to be some form of fusion between a sniper rifle and a scythe as they advanced on her with cleavers, bats, and pipes in hand. Luna merely grimaced as she knew how her husband would react.

"No," He growled lowly as he drew his round shield, along with the blade, from his back. Both were works of art, the shield was wood and leather covered in bronze. On its face was the image of the wolf Holti chasing and consuming the sun. His sword was no less magnificent, glowing with the might of runes along its blade, it depicted the events of Ragnarok along its scabbard in bas relief.

Luna just signed at her husband's heroic tendencies and brought out a tub of popcorn to eat while she watched the show.

As he marched forward he chanted a kenning, "And thus did the winds blow, and nary an arrow nor missile struck the warrior that day. His blade as keen as the Dreadwolf's fangs, he fell'd many a foe this day."

With Protection from Arrows and Keen on his weapon, he waded into the fray, his first foe he bashed about the head with his shield, feeling the resistance of some sort of barrier of force Jón wondered, 'Mage armor, on common crooks?' He took no chances as he stabbed his foe hard directly through the heart. The Sword was held back for a moment, before it gave and sank into and then through flesh tearing out the man's chest like an infant alien in an old movie he and Luna had watched. Wasting no time, and using surprise to his advantage, he smashed another man in the knee before he stabbed him in the back of the throat and spun to slam his shield into an oncoming foe. He measured his blows making them harder then normal to shatter the mage armor protecting his foes.

While they were distracted the hooded girl was not idle. She darted around, a burst of gunfire and rose petals with her scythe swinging like a dervish as she disarmed and sent foes flying. 'She doesn't kill her opponents,' He noticed as he stabbed his sword into his enemy's stomach. 'She's green.'

"Well you guys were worth every red cent. Truly you were," A man with red hair wearing a bowler cap and a white suit said, His eyes strayed to Jón for a second before he added, "Then again we didn't account for a blonde barbarian to show up."

"Who…woah!" The girl in the hood said, noticing Jón for the first time, "You… you killed them?!"

"Aye, in my experience, it is unwise to leave your enemies alive. when the fight is over they'll just come back… they always come back, stronger knowing more about you. Your tactics, how you fight, and usually with revenge on their mind. More devious in their methods to bring you to ruin and finally death"

"I mean yeah but still, they were people!" The girl said.

"They were going to beat you to death and dismember your corpse. What did you think the cleavers and pipes were for?" Jón replied flatly, his eyes never leaving the thief.

The girl gulped at that, "I… guess you have a point but still the heroes aren't supposed to kill, right?"

Jón snorted, "Girl you've read too many storybooks. Heroes and villains are subjective. One person's hero is always another's villain. Go on, ask mister gentleman thief over there. I'm sure he'll be delighted to confirm."

She glanced at the thief, who just smirked cockily and nodded as he gave a foppish bow, "He's not wrong Little Red, good, bad it's all a load of bull. Some people rob from the rich to give to the poor, and all that."

"Is that why you robbed the Dust store?" She asked.

"Haha no. I have a backer who is being very… let's say, persuasive," The man replied as he pulled at his collar nervously while looking back and forth to make sure no one else was conscious or alive to rat him out to his boss.

"You're being blackmailed," Jón noted, "Or threatened. One of the two. You don't want to rob all these stores, not that you wouldn't, but it's likely to bring too much heat on you."

The street was silent for a moment, then the thief said, "You… figured all that out, from one tell?"

"People are easy to read if you get enough experience, let's just say I've had plenty. Surrender now, and I promise I will take care of this backer of yours. A man's freedom should not be hindered for good or ill."

"No killing!" The girl said petulantly stomping her foot on the ground, "Heroes don't kill!"

"Were you not paying attention?" Jón asked her amused.

Something clinked on the ground between the two, a red crystal of some kind as the thief spoke, "As much as I appreciate the offer, I'm going to have to decline," He said before he raised his cane and shot a bullet out of the end at the crystal causing a massive explosion.

Jón coughed as he growled out in annoyance, "Is every damn thing here also a fucking gun?!"

"He's getting away!" The girl said pointing before she converted herself into rose petals and flowed up the building as the thief ascended using a grappling hook.

"I am getting tired of this," He said with a sigh as he said, "Fly"

Luna just giggled at Jón's expense. She brought out another tub of popcorn as she gently climbed up the ladder after them.

He proceeded to float to the rooftop where the thief was entering a VTOL of all things. 'This is just a bit much isn't it?' Jón wondered to himself. Then he sensed it.

Magic. Someone from within started throwing fireballs. Without thinking, he covered the girl. His shield was her safe harbor in this rain of flames.

'He saved me,' Ruby thought to herself, surprised by his actions. 'He kills people so that makes him bad, but he saved me, so that makes him good, doesn't it?' She was conflicted as her worldview was being challenged by the actions of this man. 'His back is so broad' She noted as she hunched down behind him.

"Enough! He roared, "Ball Lightning!" An arc of lightning arced from the tip of his sword and struck the VTOL causing it to smoke and sputter, for klaxons to blare from within. The VTOL took off wobbling in the air dangerously, just barely skimming the tops of nearby buildings as disappeared over the horizon.

"Are you alright girl?" Jón asked, turning before he started patting her down, checking for wounds that may have occurred from the heat and flames.

"I-I'm not hurt thanks to you," She said blushing a bit as his hands roamed her arms and legs. 'He was just checking to make sure I wasn't hurt,' She told herself. "I'm fine, my name's Ruby, Ruby Rose," She said, offering her hand.

He reached out and clasped her forearm instead of grabbing her hand, "Well met Ruby Rose. You acquitted yourself well in the fight, all things considered,"

"Thanks, you too."

"It's good to hear you are unharmed Miss Rose," A stern authoritarian voice said, causing Jón to turn and see a woman wearing glasses her blonde hair done up in a tight bun, she wore a cape on her shoulders and tights over a white blouse and high heels of all things, as she carried a riding crop in one hand, "Because you both are going to have to come to the police station with me and answer some questions,"

"And who," Jón said, stepping forward, his sword held low but at the ready, "Are you to order me to do anything?"

Glenda Goodwitch I'm-" She was interrupted by the squee of the red hood wearing girl.

"She a Huntress! An actual qualified huntress! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! CanIgetyourautographormaybeaselfie?"

"Ruby!" Jón raised his voice a bit and got her attention, "Take a breath, and calm yourself."

She nodded and did just that, "Right thanks."

"Regardless, I need you to come with me," Glynda said.

"Hunters? Of what?"

"Grimm," was Ruby's joyful reply.

"Of the Grimm?" Jón snorted, "A fool's errand, they are as unending as the ocean. Killing a hundred or even a thousand of them is like killing a drop of water, it's pointless."

"Don't say that!" Ruby said while she pouted at him cutely. "A Huntsman's job is important! They're heroes, they protect people! Even… even if they don't always make it back home…" Ruby seemed to withdraw into her cloak as she recalled an unpleasant memory.

Jón strode forward and put a hand on her shoulder speaking quietly, "I meant no offense Ruby, it's just… the Grimm are a force of nature. They come with the seasons, the rising of the moon and sun. They have always been ever since," He paused, having almost said, 'Ever since I was first here,' He stopped himself at the last second, "Ever since man first walked this plane of existence. You could no more kill the ocean, than you could end the threat of the Grimm."

"That's true," She said after a moment, before she suddenly gave him a hug, "Thanks for saving me."

"You are most welcome," He turned to the blonde woman who was watching with a slight smile on her face. "I shall indulge your whims for now Glynda was it?"

The woman nodded, "Yes, and you are?" she asked,

"Jón, Jón Arc." He replied, "Let's get this over with shall we?"

"I'm coming too!" piped up Luna startling not only Ruby but Glynda too who never noticed the albino mouse faunus of all people.

---

Headmaster Ozpin Chrono Ishtari had a plan firmly in place as he headed to the interrogation room of Vale's police station. Recruit one Ruby Rose to Beacon Academy. It would be simple enough, just give her the option, she being able to attend his school two years ahead of schedule would no doubt jump at the bit to attend. 'And with her elder sister no less,' He thought as he put his hand on the door handle. 'Yes this works out rather fortuitously. We need a Silver Eyed Warrior now more than ever now that 'her' pawns are starting to move. I just need to be careful with her, we can't risk her dying… not like her mother. She may well be the last of her kind.'

So thinking he opened the door and paused in the doorway, for a man was sitting calmly in the chair next to Miss Rose, whittling a piece of wood with a knife he had on him into what looked like a blooming rose. His cerulean blue eyes locked with his as he entered the room. Ozpin felt an intensity in that gaze he'd only felt from 'her'. After a moment the unknown man spoke. His tone full of power and authority despite his seeming youthful appearance, "Are you just going to gawk or are you going to introduce yourself, greybeard?"

"My apologies, I guess I'm used to my reputation preceding itself, I'm Ozpin Chrono Ishtari, Headmaster of Beacon Academy. I apologize. You've caught me off guard. I was expecting Miss Rose, you are Mister Arc yes? I assumed Glynda would be speaking with you."

To which Jon replied evenly, "Ruby Rose though fighting more than adequately than ten men of twice her age and stature, due to her age she should still be allowed an adult present if she is being interrogated in a police station should she not?"

"Hey, I'm an adult, I drink milk!" Ruby protested.

"And you're an adult yourself?" Ozpin questioned, ignoring the girl's protests.

Jon nodded, crossing his arms, "I'm old enough to be seen as one under the traditions of my people," Jon replied calmly. "I passed all rites of manhood to qualify as such."

Ozpin nodded, 'A tribe from outside the Kingdoms? His arms and armor seem too well made to be bandit made, but a tribe or village isn't out of the question,' He took a seat from across the two and nodded, "Very well, if you wish to be her council then that's fine but she isn't being interrogated,"

Jon looked around the room, "Oh really? Could've fooled me. They took our weapons and the scrolls as well."

"Yes well… you did kill three men, Mister Arc," Ozpin replied, looking over the report.

"They were no doubt going to do the same to Ruby. I just did unto them before they did unto her. I make no apologies for killing the wicked to save the innocent," Jon said simply.

Ozpin closed his eyes as he nodded, "You are no doubt correct, but still. Negative emotions can rally the Grimm, so do try and keep the killing even in self defense to a minimum."

"No promises," Jon replied, "I am not the type to leave my enemies alive behind me. I've learned that it always bites me in the ass. So I make a point of finishing them off if I can. If the grimm come I shall kill them too."

'He's seen death, war maybe? Did he fight in the Great War?' Ozpin dismissed it. 'No even if he did he'd be showing his age by now, even my hair has at the very least gone gray.'

Mister Arc was an enigma, a puzzle, a mystery… and above all a potential threat. Was he working for her? Some other as of yet unaccounted for rogue element? Or was he an unknown variable altogether? The fact of the matter was that Ozpin didn't know, which made him nervous. Rogue variables only caused Ozpin trouble in the long run.

Ruby took the moment of pause in the conversation to ask, "So if I'm not in trouble, why am I here?"

"You are here Miss Rose, because I wish to make you an offer," Ozpin began to make his pitch, "From what I've seen of your heroic actions on the camera footage the police provided, I believe you would make an excellent addition to my academy. Would you like to join?"

"SQUEE!"

Yet before she could give anything resembling an answer, Jon interjected, "You're actually going to hobble her like this?"

"Huh/excuse me?" Ruby and Ozpin asked at the same time.

"Whaddaya mean Jon?" Ruby asked, "Do you not think I can do it?" She asked, her lower lip quivering a little, silver eyes misting. For despite not knowing him for long, they had already fought together and he'd even saved her life. He'd even killed for her sake! Despite that, or maybe because of it, Ruby Rose considered Jon Arc a friend, her friend. Not a friend of Yangs that she also knew, and that she was friends with by proxy, but her's, just hers. It was a sublime feeling to say she had made an actual friend.

He shook his head, "if it was just about being capable of fighting, I would have no doubts Ruby. You would also be lacking two years of study, of knowledge that would be commonplace amongst your peers, of experience and training that they have which you do not. You will also likely be looked down on by others due to your age, and perceived favoritism by the headmaster. It is not an insurmountable gap, but it is a gap nonetheless. Now, knowing all of this, do you still want to go to Beacon?"

"Umm why're you telling me all this Jon?" Ruby asked quizzically. She was deeply touched her friend cared for her so much.

Resting a hand on her shoulder Jon looked into her eyes as he replied, "You wish to be seen as an adult do you not?" Seeing her nod, he continued, "So I am respecting that decision by treating you like an adult. By giving you all the information on the current topic so you can make an informed decision like an adult. Some decisions are hard but they can change your life. This is one such decision. Should you choose to go to Beacon, it won't be easy, you'll be behind your peers, you'll need to work at least three times as hard just to keep apace with them, but you have… potential. Do I think you can do it? Yes, but only if you apply yourself from day one."

Ruby closed her eyes and she digested his words like she did a plate of cookies. 'Wish I had some cookies right now… No bad Ruby! Think about everything Jon said! It's more important than cookies right now! It's true I'll be behind like, alot, and he's probably right that people will see me like a little kid… and I get enough of it from Yang as is… and she'll be in class with me too. It also doesn't help that I'm an introvert… but every rose has to bloom sometime right? Right!' She thought confidently she was about to answer only to pause, look at Jon and ask, "Jon, are you going to attend Beacon too?"

"That really depends on one or two concessions the Headmaster is willing to make," Jon replied evenly as he looked at the older man.

This, Ozpin did not expect but he could easily turn it to his advantage all the same, "Which are?"

"I will need accommodations made for my wife," Jon said.

"Wife?!" Ruby said surprised, "Is that the Mouse Faunus who followed us to the station?"

The blonde nodded, "Luna Mousekowitz yes, and though I call her my wife, we have never been officially married, she is for lack of a better term, my common law wife."

Ozipn was the more rational of the two, "I see, that's surprising but I'm sure we can find accommodations for her, even a job, if she has any useful skills."

"She's a chef, and an expert in the fields of baking, several types of meat preparation, and candy making," Jon boasted, "I specialize in drinks."

"I do believe we can hire her, are your drinks of the alcoholic variety?" The Headmaster inquired, as he took notes on his scroll.

"Yes, though I suppose they don't have to be," Jon sounded pained just saying that sentence. "The proof is very low, only eight percent."

Ruby patted him on the shoulder, "There there Jon,"

The Headmaster questioned, "Is this a traveling business?"

"Something like that, yes," Jon affirmed with a nod.

"Well that is rather low… I suppose as long as students don't show up to class drunk it's not a problem."

"It won't be, I've learned to see the signs, I know when to cut people off," He promised.

The Professor looked at Jon for a moment, before nodding, "I can possibly give you and Miss Mousekoitz an unused room to set up shop in on the weekends, if you'd like."

"That would do, I have two other demands," Jon said,

"Just two Mister Arc? I'm beginning to feel like a genie," Ozpin joked.

"You are no jinn," Jon replied, "You cannot warp reality to your whim can you professor?"

"No, no of course not. What else do you require?" Ozpin asked calmly while he was frantically wondering, 'How does he know about Jinn? Does he know about the other Relics? He didn't correctly guess about her powers? Does he work for her?'

"I would like to request a private quarters for my wife and I… I highly suggest you soundproof it if it isn't already," Jon said straight faced.

Ozpin coughed into his hand, "Yes, yes I do believe I understand, and the last thing?"

"Your talking about sex right?" Ruby asked.

"Yes Luna… screams… a lot," Jon replied easily.

Three loud thumps came from the wall behind them and a voice muffled through the wall yelled, "Whose fault is that you three legged bastard?!"

"Love you too Luna!" Jon replied, ending with a hearty laugh.

Ozpin took a long gulp from his iced coffee to collect himself. He's been alive for a long time but he'd never come across a couple who were so affectionate yet brazen with each other. He wished his own wife was as affectionate once upon a time.

"I'm short!" Luna yelled through the wall.

To which the man replied, "I know, I keep putting inches in you but you're not getting any taller!"

"Prick!"

"You love that part of me!" Jon replied.

"You're not wrong!" Luna replied, "It's the main reason why I keep you around!"

"So you've only wanted me for my body this whole time! I'm shocked… Well, not that shocked," Jon mused, "I mean I know you weren't sticking around for my brains."

"Why are all the pretty ones so dumb?" Luna wondered.

Jon shrugged, not that Luna could see it, "I've a theory that the greater the one's external looks, the smoother their brain is in compensation due to not having to try very hard to secure a mate."

"Sounds logical. Are you almost done over there?" Luna asked.

Again Jon nodded, "Almost, landed us a job."

"You work fast. Well finish up then and I'll finish up with the dominatrix while I'm at it, the tea is getting cold."

"Right well I know better than to keep a lady waiting," Jon said as he cracked his neck. "My last demand is simple Ozpin, I want Miss Rose on my team."

"What?!" Ozpin didn't expect this, but maybe he should have. Jon Arc knew of things he shouldn't… things only she could've told him. 'How else could he know of Jinn? Its impossible unless he's an immortal as well, but that can't be. Only she and I have been cursed to walk Remnant through the ages.'

"Why Jon?" Ruby asked.

"You have potential Ruby. I intend to see to it that you reach that potential, to see it fulfilled. I guess you could say I've taken an… interest in your development. After a fashion anyway."

"So you wanna help me catch up to everyone at Beacon?" Ruby asked.

"And beyond," Jon affirmed.

The Red Reaper hugged her friend so he couldn't see her blush. "Aww, you're so sweet." She said, as she enveloped him in her cloak "You're so nice," 'No one's ever gone this far for me before, Jon's… something special.'

"Well, Mister Arc, that might be a bit difficult as the selection process is randomized you see."

"Wizard," Jon said, playing one of the cards he had in his hand. He could sense it, the man had magic, he didn't want to say anything just in case… But the girl Ruby Rose also had it, it was a deep reservoir of magic yet it was sealed. He felt that this Ozpin character knew, and he wanted her for that very reason. He didn't know his intentions, so until he did, he would protect her, take her under his wing, and protect her with talons of steel. It amused him the way the Headmaster went stock still for a moment, and his parlor became unusually pale. He'd hit the nail on the head it seems. Knowing he now had the man's full attention, he spoke again, "I care not for the rules of this land. They matter not to me, for in the end only two rules really matter, the strong dictate, the weak obey, and from many a harsh lesson, the weak can become strong. How much would you like to wager that your strength exceeds mine own?"

For just a brief moment he let his concentration slip and with it, a wave of power washed over the room. It was of decay, burning leaves, growth, death and destruction. Rebirth, encapsulated over and over again. It passed just as quickly as it came but he could tell he'd gotten his point across. "Get it done Wizard," Jon said as he stood, before offering the girl a hand, "Coming Ruby?"

"I um yeah. I'll see you soon Headmaster," She said as she followed the warrior outside the interrogation room. She did wonder why he called Ozpin a wizard.

They only appear in fairy tales after all.

---

Turning around to face the taciturn disciplinarian, she said, "You were saying?"

"I'll have you know I am not a dominatrix Miss Mousekowiz," Glynda said pointedly as she glared at her from over her glasses.

Luna giggled behind her hand, "You'll have to forgive me for the assumption then but you certainly aren't doing yourself any favors. What with the way you dress, act, even your weapon is a riding crop for Celestia's sake! Pray tell what's it called?"

"The Disciplinarian," The blonde replied,

"With a name like that, you still claim you aren't a Dominatrix?" Luna asked, raising a disbelieving eyebrow. "I'm not judging if you are, Celestia knows Jon and I have-"

"That's enough!" Glynda said, "I do not need to hear about this. If you and your husband will be acting as both students and running a cafe, I expect you to be on your best behavior."

"We promise not to get caught," Luna said, raising her right hand solemnly. "What?" She asked upon seeing the woman's stern glare, "Do you have any idea what my libido is like being a mouseling? I'm almost always horny damn it! And there isn't much that doesn't turn me on. Trust me lady, you don't want me to go through a dry spell… last time that happened, well my inner beast came out to play and several men ended up in a trauma unit deathly afraid of women."

Glynda just stared silently for a moment before she sighed at the mouse faunus in front of her, "Right… just try not to be a bad influence on the students please?" She requested as she nibbled on the small sandwiches the woman she was interrogating had provided her along with some very nice tea.

"Certainly, I may look like one but I'm not an animal. Jon and I won't just rut anywhere. Exabitionishm isn't one of our kinks… outdoors is but not where people can see us."

"I did not need to know that Miss Mousekowitz," Glynda waved her away. The pain she got from daily dealing with students had doubled just from speaking with her for the past hour, "Please go before my headache gets any worse."

Luna got up and headed to the door, but didn't leave before saying, "Of course Professor, perhaps you should go home yourself, take a nice long bath, relax a bit. Have a good night."

'I wish it were that simple,' She thought as she saw Ozpin enter the room, his expression stern.

"What do you think, Glynda?" He said after a moment of silence.

"Are they spies? If they are, they are the worst spies in history… but…"

"That could be a feint," Ozpin nodded, "I thought much the same, still we can neither accuse nor interrogate them without proof one way or the other."

The blonde sighed, "So all we can do is wait and watch?"

The reincarnator nodded, "For now, yes."

---

The trio walked in silence from the police station, their weapons in hand. Ruby had a lot on her mind. Something was bugging her and she decided to ask, "Umm Jon?"

"Yes Ruby? Oh that reminds me, Ruby Rose, Luna Mousekowitz," He said introducing the two.

"Well hello there Ruby-Doll," Luna said, offering her hand to Ruby which she took while asking "Doll?"

"You're dressed cute, like a doll so I kinda wanna dress you up. Can I?" Luna asked almost begging with her big adorable eyes looking into Ruby's mind and soul.

Ruby giggled a bit, "Maybe later Luna?"

"Yes yes of course," the mouseling said hastily. "Pardon me, I have a weakness for things I find cute."

"It's fine, you're cute too," Ruby told her earnestly.

"It's why I keep her around," Jon said, "Whenever we go anywhere I always manage to get child's tickets, it's a bonus… that, or I just call her my very articulate sexbot."

Kicking him in the shin, as she flipped him off, Luna said, "Fuck you! You bastard!"

"You already did that… repeatedly. Just last night if I recall," Jon replied drolly, before Luna, Ruby, and he burst out laughing. Ruby was just happy she was being treated like an adult. They were talking well… Like adults around her. Like how her Uncle Qrow, Dad and sister would talk whenever they thought she'd gone to bed. But she'd lay awake and listen to them talk and joke just like this, and it both hurt and annoyed her that they kept treating her with kid gloves.

"What was your question, Ruby-Doll?" Luna asked.

"Oh right, what was that back in the room Jon, you gave off a… weird feeling," Ruby said, finding it hard to articulate what she'd felt in that moment.

"It's a long long tale to tell Ruby and I am in no mood to tell it at the moment. Some other time perhaps," Seeing her look dejected but nodding, he added, "Understand I am not saying I won't tell you because of your age, I'm just tired and it is getting late, and Luna and I must still find accommodations for the night."

"Ohh, I know! You can come to my place on Patch!"

The blonde warrior and diminutive mouse girl looked at each other before asking as one, "Patch?"

Ruby laughed, "Yeah it's a little island just off the coast of Vale. You guys must not be from around this part of Remnant huh? C'mon if we hurry we can catch the last Bullhead, it leaves at sunset." She said as she moved ahead to show the duo the way to the Bullhead station.

"Remnant, that's what they call Faerie now huh?" Jon muttered to himself.

"Did you say something Jon?" Ruby asked, turning on her heel.

"No Ruby, nothing important, lead the way," He replied.

"Right c'mon, it's this way," She said, leading them towards the docks.

---

The island of Patch was decently sized as far as islands go. It was verdant though the leaves were now vibrant hues of yellow and red, signifying the onset of Autumn and the coming of Winter. Jon couldn't notice any of this however as he shakily got off the Bullhead, walking mechanically his breathing ragged and knees almost shaking as he walked down the gangplank, as he was guided to a nearby bench by a worried Luna and Ruby. "Are you going to be alright Jon?" Ruby asked in concern.

"I'll be fine…" He replied, "I just… don't like…flying… if men were meant to fly, the Gods would've given us wings. A mass of iron like that shouldn't be able to fly," He said looking at the Bullhead in distrust.

Ruby patted his hand comfortingly, "Well, at least you didn't get airsick… you could've told me you were afraid of heights though."

"I am not afraid, I simply dislike the idea of flying when it is not under my own power. That is all," He said, disgruntled.

Ruby nodded, she supposed that made sense. 'Jon seems like the kind of guy who likes to know what's going on. He liked to, if not be in control then at least know who is, for him to trust his life to someone he doesn't know must've been nerve wracking for him,' "How about I go get us some drinks?" She offered, "I still have some Lien on me, it should be enough for that,"

"You have my thanks," Jon said before he flicked her a coin. She caught it. It was round with a square hole in it, but that wasn't what caught her attention. It was the fact it was made of solid gold. One of four precious metals that backed up Lien. With the others being, Silver, Platinium, and Dust. Gold was the second most valuable next to Platinum, with solid high quality dust crystals being at the top. And he just casually flicked it at her to buy drinks.

'Just what's your story Jon?' Ruby wondered as she walked away.

"Are you okay Jon?" Luna asked.

"I'm fine, I just need a moment… the idea of flying like that it…"

Luna nodded sympathetically, "Reminded you of Jund?"

"Fuck jund!" Jon spat, " And their damned overlords!"

Luna patted his hand. " I know dear, just breathe, you aren't being carried off by a Hellkite drake you know? You're sitting on a bench, you're fine."

The blonde rubbed his eyes with his fingers and thumb, "I know, it happened so long ago now but every now and again it…"

"Just pops up?" Luna inquired, "Trauma never fully goes away, we just learn to live with it dear."

"I'm back," Ruby appeared in a burst of rose petals, carrying a trio of cups and a pitcher of lemonade in a large plastic container. "I kinda bought him out with that coin you gave me Jon," She showed him the coin pouch she now sported on her belt, "Your change, it's about four hundred ninety lien."

"Go ahead and keep it," He told her. "Spend it on ammo for that weapon of yours."

"A-Are you serious?!" Ruby squealed. "You're just giving me almost five hundred lien?"

"You fought well today, consider it a spoil of war, well earned," Jon said as he motioned for the drink. He grunted a bit as the petite girl slammed into him with her full body weight as she tried her damnedest to envelope him in a hug.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Ruby said over and over again.

"You are most welcome. Now how about that drink?" jon asked.

"Right, here you go," Ruby said, pulling away and awkwardly offering him the tray.

Taking one, the blonde warrior took a long swig, "Not bad but I prefer my own brews."

"Right, you mentioned that in the interrogation room, you make alcohol?" the Little Red Reaper asked.

"I do, I make various forms of mead, honey wine, I also make Cider, Kings Ale, and mulled wines,"

"That's a lot," Ruby noted, "My Uncle Qrow would like you though, I've never seen him not have his flask on him."

Jon snorted, "is he a drunkard or a warrior?"

"He's… well he's both!" Ruby defended as she touched Crescent Rose affectionately. "He taught me how to use Crescent Rose, you know?"

Jon nodded, "Well, at least he's not completely incompetent. A warrior who has lost himself to drink is no warrior. Drink is meant to be enjoyed, yes, but to let it consume you, to dull your senses yourand to slacken in one's skills is the greatest shame a warrior can face."

Ruby shook her head, "Uncle Qrow isn't like that, he taught me everything I know and I've still never beaten him when we sparred."

"He taught you everything you know, not everything he knows Ruby," Jon informed her.

Ruby paused as she had been leading the group through town towards the woods and her family's cabin, "Wait, you mean he was holding back on me?! Even Uncle Qrow was treating me like a kid?!"

"Ruby, if I were to spar with you right now, I'd utterly crush you. A master does not need to use every skill they have against a novice. It's just not needed. It's overkill would reek of arrogance, pride, and would only be done if one were trying to utterly crush the spirit of the trainee."

"Oh… that makes sense… wait? Are you saying you could take me? Is that a challenge? I'm feeling challenged!" Ruby said puffing out her chest in an attempt to seem menacing.

All it did was make her seem cute to Jon. "Ruby, ask yourself, do you honestly think you could fight to kill?"

The Silver Eyed girl was quick to shake her head, "Umm… no?"

"I can, you've seen it. What does that tell you?" Jon said, keeping his voice and eyes level with her.

"That you've killed before… and you won't hesitate in a life or death situation… unlike me?"

"Correct," Jon said nodding, "With that comes a certain edge if you will. I… don't like killing, but I would also recognize certain openings and opportunities you wouldn't think to take advantage of. Lethal and underhanded moves that only people who've had their lives on the line would consider."

"Ah…" Ruby continued walking at a more sedate pace deep in thought. After a while she asked, "Have you been in dangerous fights a lot?"

"More than I care to recall," Jon replied, "Melee's with multiple people are a mess. Armies are nothing like the movies say, it's just hacking slashing trying not to get stabbed by either spear or arrow. Then there is calvary to consider and possible artillery… Anyway," Jon said, giving himself a shake after Luna nudged him in the leg, "This is not important, are we almost to your house?"

"Yeah it's just up the trail… Oh wait, I'm getting a text… from dad?" Ruby said after her scroll let out a chirp of noise. "Yang got in trouble and forgot to pick up things so he could make dinner so he's asking me to stop at the store for him. Do you mind waiting a bit longer?" Ruby begged.

"Of course not, what do you need?" Jon inquired. "Chances are, I might have it on me."

"Not unless you have bread dough, tomato sauce, cheese, and ground beef," Ruby said with a laugh before much to her surprise Luna pulled those very things out of her pockets. How the heck?! What else do you keep in there?"

"All manner of things Ruby-Doll, but another time perhaps. Now if that's everything, please lead me to your kitchen, I have a pizza to bake," Luna declared imperiously.

"How did you know dad was going to make pizza? Are you psychic?" Ruby asked, pointing a finger at Luna.

"Ruby-Doll, what else would someone need bread dough, meat, cheese, and tomato sauce for?"

The would-be huntress opened her mouth then closed it, "Good point, right then follow me! Not only am I hungry, but it's not often Yang gets in trouble so I kinda wanna see this,"

"It's not nice to enjoy your sister's suffering, Ruby," Luna chided, though there was a chuckle in her tone.

"Well to be fair, usually it's me. Don't eat all the cookies Ruby you'll spoil your dinner. Don't make a bark operated weapon system for Zwei Ruby, No putting high explosive rounds in Crescent Rose Ruby! Sheesh, they never let me have any fun!"

"High explosive rounds would change your sniper scythe into artillery so that would be interesting in a siege but not necessarily for your mobility. So maybe keep some in case?" spoke Jon.

Ruby threw her hands up in joy, "Finally someone gets me!"

"Don't encourage her, Jon," Luna said with a sigh.

"Too late!" Jon and Ruby said at the same time before they laughed.

"I'm the shortest person here, usually mistaken for a child yet why is it I feel like the only grownup at the moment?"

"Cause I usually act immature for my age and Ruby is mature for hers?" Jon opined.

Luna found herself nodding in agreement, "That's probably it, yes."

---

The last rays of the sun were showing through the trees when the trio arrived at the cabin. It was two stories tall, and had three windows on the upper story facing the front with two more being on the ground floor. Ruby skipped to the door and reached into her left boot, pulled out a key before unlocking the front door and yelling, "Dad, Yang, I'm home!" almost as an afterthought she added, "I have news… and brought guests for dinner!"

"Ruby?" An older man with blonde hair and a goatee poked his head out of a room off to the side, his blue eyes widening upon seeing the people who were standing behind his daughter Taiyang Xiaolong said in a stern tone, "Ruby who are these people? This is like the time you tried to lead the Beowulf pup home all over again!"

"Well, in my defense they did follow me home Dad," Ruby retorted. "This is Jon," She motioned to the blonde warrior, "And this is Luna," She introduced the short mouse faunus, who nodded.

"Hello, where is the kitchen?" Luna asked with a polite tone of authority.

"Through here?" Taiyang said while pointing, confused as to what was going on.

The mouseling proceeded to commandeer the kitchen pushing Taiyang, and Yang out into the hall in the process.

Yang looked back and forth just as if not more confused than her dad, "Ruby who was that… who is this? What is going on?"

Beaming, Ruby said in barely restrained tones, "Dad, Yang, I've got some news… I got accepted into Beacon two years early after foiling a store robbery by Roman Torchwick… that's also how I met my new BFF Jon,"

"Nice to meet you. You have a lovely home sir," Jon said.

"Right, let's go… living room talk?" Tai pointed to the opposite room.

Going to the living room, Tai pointed, "Sit," Ruby sat. "Explain young lady."

"Wha- but but Yang… and… why am I suddenly in trouble?" Ruby cried.

Jon put a hand on her shoulder and spoke calmly, "Just take a breath Ruby, and explain what happened. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Doing just that, the silver-eyed girl smiled up at her savior. "Thanks Jon."

"Better?" he asked, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

"Better," Ruby assured him. "Okay so anyway-" Ruby was interrupted by Yang, whose eyes had turned red as she glared at Jon.

Pointing at him the blonde brawler said, "Just who're you and how do you know my baby sister pal? You're awfully handsy and I don't think I like it."

Putting her head in her hands Ruby half-whined, half-begged, "Yang please stop, I'm not a baby anymore,"

Taiyang threw in his own two Lien, "I gotta admit I'm curious about you myself, mister Jon was it?."

"Dad, not you too! Please stop! Just let me explain," Ruby pleaded, raising her head, tears forming in her eyes, with her cheeks flush in embarrassment.

"I bet you're just some kinda creep who's into little kids I mean first that faunus girl, now Ruby?" Yang nodded knowingly not noticing how the atmosphere changed with her irrational declaration, "Yeah I know your type,"

Jon's eyes became stormy with withheld rage, "You know nothing about me, child. If your sister had not already offered me guestrights you would be choking on your blood for that insult."

'Guestrights? Oh, oh he's old fashioned,' Taiyang quickly realized before he slapped a hand over his eldest's mouth before she dug her grave even deeper. "I'm sorry about her, she's already in enough trouble as it is," He said giving her a glare. "Jon right?"

"Jon Arc, sir," Jon said before he locked eyes with Yang and said cooly, "As for you child, you can call me what I am, and that is your better."

Yang almost rushed forward only to stop when her father held out an arm stopping her. "No, Yang!" Tai said. His honed senses as a Huntsman were telling him this man was more dangerous than any Grimm. He felt like he was in front of a mighty predator and one wrong move would have the Yang swallowed whole.

Jon shook his head, "So easily provoked, so green… also, your form is unbalanced, you need to lower your center of gravity. If you can't even master proper footwork you won't last long against someone competent."

Yang's hair blazed like fire as she let out a roar of frustration and came at him with a telegraphed haymaker, Jon leaned back, avoiding the blow, then lashed out with his leg kicking hard with his left foot, there was a sickening crack as Yangs aura and then her kneecap broke. Collapsing to the side in a howl of pain, Jon darted like a falcon for a fish, and grabbed her by the hair dragging her up to his height and lifting her off the ground. "I do hope I will not need to demonstrate the difference between the two of us again?"

"F-Fuck you!" Yang spat in anger, in response Jon dropped her on the floor, causing her to cry in pain as her knee couldn't support her weight.

Kneeling down to her height, Jon spoke again, "You are brash, hotheaded, and arrogant," Yang swung at him with her left fist slugging him in the face. Jon ate it like cheerios. The scariest part is Yang didn't feel any aura yet Jon's face didn't move an inch.

"Why didn't your aura…?" Yang asked in pained gasps.

"What aura?" Jon replied as he laid a hand on her shattered kneecap, "Regenerate,"

The Xiao Long family's mouth dropped as they watched Yang's kneecap knit itself seamlessly back together. After a few moments Jon said, "There, you should be able to walk now."

Yang tested it as she got back to her feet, and to her surprise it felt fine. "I what, how?"

"Was that your Semblance Jon?" Ruby asked only to shake her head, "No it couldn't be you said you didn't have aura… but then how've you survived all this time?"

"What do you think the armor is for, decoration?" the warrior asked while thumping his chest giving off a resounding clang.

"Okay," Tai said, trying to wrap his head around this. He'd seen magic before he knew about Qrow and Raven but this was different, this was more. "I've got a lot to ask but the primary one in my mind, and that's what are your intentions for my little girl?"

"Stop," Ruby said from the depths of her hood, as it pooled around her form like a security blanket.

"Yeah!" Yang said, forgetting her earlier humiliation. "I'm still not convinced you're not a pedophile."

"I said stop," Ruby said again but no one was paying attention to her… except Jon.

Giving her a flat look, Jon replied, "Would you like me to break the other leg?"

"You got lucky and took me by surprise, it won't happen again," Yang said even as she felt a twinge of phantom pain from her knee.

"Uhuh, but about Ruby going to Beacon?" Jon inquired,getting the situation back on topic causing Yang to be annoyed at being ignored.

"Ha! Ruby isn't going to Beacon, she's too young," Yang said dismissively, waving the idea away like an annoying fly. "Old Ozpin must be getting on in years if he thinks she can go from one year at Signal to Beacon."

"Yang, your sister is capable, but even I admit going to an academy two years early is… a bit much,"

"That's enough!" Ruby said, raising her voice, causing her sister and father to look at her in confusion. "I am not a little kid anymore damn it! I am fifteen, not five! I fought an entire store full of thugs trying to rob it of dust, and with Jon's help, we won! I was offered by the Headmaster himself to come to Beacon. I would've thought that if anyone thought I could do it, it'd be my dad and sister, but Iguess I was wrong," Her outburst done with tears streaming down her face, Ruby ran upstairs in a burst of rose petals.

"Ruby, wait!" Yang made to go after her only for Jon to stop her, "Let me go, pedo!"

Jaune resisted the urge to smack this ungrateful bitch before him and turned to the man of the household, "May I sir?"

Taiyang nodded, "I yes please, we… we love her we… Just don't want her getting hurt," Looking at a picture on the mantelpiece, Tai said faintly, "Not after what happened to her mother."

"You've raised her to be strong sir, now you must let her prove that strength, excuse me."

Jon then proceeded up the stairs. Yang tried to follow but Tai held her tight. He shook his head telling her to let Jon handle it for now.

---

Jon found Ruby in a room she likely shared with her sister, laying face down in a pillow. From the shaking he could see she was more than likely crying. "Ruby," He called, as he slowly approached the bed, "Would you like to talk about this?"

Looking up at him showed her eyes were red and puffy, her silver eyes even more luminous and vibrant with unshed tears. "I-I'm sorry you h-had to see that J-Jon. That probably wasn't v-very warrior-like huh?" She said as she rubbed at her eyes.

Grabbing a tissue from a box next to some Grimm figurines Jon handed it to her while sitting on the bed, "On the contrary even the most stalwart of warriors cry. I have, many a time. During weddings and burials of friends, at the senseless loss of life I've seen on battlefields, at the beauty of a skalds retelling of an epic saga of triumph. A warrior has many reasons to cry Ruby. We are not hewn from stone. We are not without emotions such as fear, sadness, and anger."

"Even you've been afraid?" Ruby asked as she dabbed at her eyes. "But you seem so courageous."

"Yes. You see Ruby, courage is not the absence of fear, it is being afraid, terrified even, but being able to stand up and do the right thing anyway," placing a hand around her on her shoulder, Jon continued, "Do you know why your father and sister treat you as they do?"

Ruby wracked her brains and could only come up with one possible conclusion, "Are they afraid I'll end up like my mom, Summer Rose?"

"Yes, and that fear is keeping them from treating you like the adult I see. So, you know what you must do, don't you?"

Ruby nodded, "I need to reassure them, give them the courage to let me go out on my own."

"Indeed," Jon rose, "Now I believe I smell pizza meaning dinner is almost ready, shall we return downstairs? I believe you need to have a serious talk with your family."

"Right… you'll back me up right?" Ruby asked nervously.

"I will give you my silent support. There are some battles one must fight alone," he told her solemnly.

Ruby rose from the bed, taking a breath, "Yeah I do, let's go then."

---

Dinner was a tense silent affair. Pizza was passed and plates clinked, but a tension hung in the air that prevented discussion outside of someone asking for food to be passed. Deciding to nudge things along, Jon decided to take action. Pulling out his golden, gem encrusted drinking horn, he rapped on his glass which he'd already drained of water and said, "A toast to Ruby Rose, who is now a bloodied warrior and has defeated her first group of thieves and brigands!"

"Jon…" Ruby flushed and tried to hide in her cloak, only for the Viking to throw back her hood and pour some of his mead in her cup that was less than half full of water.

"Here," He said, "Drink up, you've earned it, it's not much of a toast if one has nothing to drink, is it?" Jon said smiling.

"It truly is a good brew that is deserving of a celebration!" chimed in Luna as she nibbled on the pizza and drank from her own glass.

"Dad?" Yang growled from across the table at the bad influence on her sister.

Tai put a hand on his daughter's shoulder, "It's fine Yang, that's mead and it's watered down so it shouldn't be too strong," Tai gave his youngest an encouraging smile. "Go ahead princess, you've earned it."

"Daaad! I'm an adult! Please don't call me Princess!" Ruby pouted, huffing and crossing her arms.

"This has nothing to do with age. You're my little girl. No matter how old you get you'll always be my princess, just like how your sister will be my Little Sun Dragon," Tai told her warmly.

"Dad!" Yang said scandalized. "Stop it!"

Tipping his glass towards Jon, Tai asked, "Can I have some?"

"Certainly!" Jon poured him half a glass, then looked at Yang, "Pour some water in that cup and I'll treat you Little Sun Dragon… we don't need you spitting fire quite yet," he said with a smile on his face and in his tone.

"Jon quit it. She isn't a real dragon just has the temperament of one," giggled Luna cause Yang's face to flush in embarrassment,

"Watch it bub and you girl need to watch your tongue in someone else's house" Yang said as she got to her feet, "It's not like I've never snuck a swig from Qrow's flask anyway," she muttered under her breath.

Not low enough for her father to hear however, "What was that?!" Tai asked sharply.

"Nothing daddy!" She said primly as she filled her glass at the sink and came back to the table grinning sheepishly under her father's steely gaze.

Once everyone had a drink, Jon raised his in a toast, "To Ruby Rose!"

"To Ruby and our first ever drink of alcohol!" Yang said nervously as her father gave her the evil side eye.

"To the upcoming warrior and her rite of passage as an adult and as a woman," cheered Luna.

Everyone took a long drink, but ruby didn't stop until her drink was gone. Yang looked on in worry, "Um Rube, don't overdo it all at once, you might throw up the first time."

"How would you know?" Taiyang asked, narrowing his eyes.

"I've uh, seen it happen to Uncle Qrow more than once?" the blonde brawler said weakly.

Licking her lips at the fine flavor that flowed down her tongue and throat. She felt relaxed in a way she never had before as a sense of clarity settled in her mind. The Little Reaper said, "I think I liked that better than milk!"

'Oh no, she liked it!' Yang thought, 'She's gonna end up just like Qrow!'

Turning to Jon, Ruby held her glass out and asked, "Can I have some more?"

"Water first, you need to build up a tolerance first," Jon said, he leaned in close and said in a whisper, "Besides you want to be clear headed for this talk don't you?"

"M'kay," Ruby didn't fight him and headed to the kitchen. She came back moments later with half a cup of water, which he filled with mead, Ruby sipped at it this time, savoring the taste. After a moment, she looked at her sister and father, "Dad, sis, I know, you're afraid, since mom… passed. I am too. I'm afraid everytime I fight a Grimm," she took a breath and looked at Jon who nodded, "But a friend told me that courage isn't not being afraid, it's being afraid and doing the right thing anyway. Being a Huntress, that's what I've always wanted to do, it's been my dream… but more than that, it's the right thing to do," Ruby shook her head, "I can't do it though if you won't let me, if you don't believe in me, if your too afraid of losing me."

"Ruby…" Tai began only to pause, "You remind me more and more of your mother by the day. That's something I'd expect her to say. If you're sure, then of course I'll support you. I'll never stop worrying because you're my little girl… but you're right, you're not so little anymore."

"Thanks dad…" Ruby turned towards her sister "Yang?"

Yang took a breath and let out an annoyed sigh, "You'll be two years behind you know that?"

Ruby nodded, "I know, I plan to study hard to catch up, Jon laid it all out for me before I accepted Ozpins offer, I'll probably be looked down upon, be disrespected, thought of as unworthy or being shown favoritism because i got to skip a couple of years at a combat school. But I won't be alone!" She finished cheerily.

'This is the part where she says I'll have her back, and of course I will, but I was hoping two years apart would kinda force Ruby to come out of her shell,' Yang thought wryly. She loved her sister, she did, but she wasn't the most social. So she had hoped with her gone to Beacon for two years Ruby would be forced to make her own friends. She hadn't seemed to be able to make any while she was with her at Beacon, 'Yet maybe I was worried for nothing?' Yang thought as she looked over Jon and Luna. 'I'm pretty sure he's older than me though so it's a bit weird.'

"Yep, Jon's already been promised to be on my team… or I'm on his! Anyway, I'm not gonna be alone! I'll have someone I know there already!"

"What?!" Yang looked back and forth between her sister and her… friend. "You're going to Beacon?"

"Yes," Jon replied

"And you're going to be on the same team as my sister?" Yang asked.

"Yes," Jon said again in a single syllable word answer.

Yang decided to ask, "Just how old are you anyway?"

"Old enough to do most things, and wise enough to know not too." Jon replied.

Pointing a finger at him, Yang retorted, "That's not an answer!"

"Yes, it is, now put that finger away before I break it like your knee, I've already violated guest rights once tonight because of you, don't make me do so twice," Jon said his voice was dangerous and low.

Yang's finger promptly disappeared, and Taiyang guessed, "I'm going to guess you're about twenty?"

Luna snickered and giggled so hard she spilt some of her drink, "Twenty he says. Dear Celestia, that's funny!"

"Yeah sure," The Viking replied as he took a drink before he pulled a long pipe whose bowl end was shaped like a dragon out of somewhere, and asked, "Do you mind?"

"Go ahead, and I'm glad you'll be looking after Ruby. It puts me at ease."

Lighting his pipe with a snap of his fingers and a wordless spark spell Jon took a puff, "No problem, sir. Though I've no doubt she can handle herself, I'll guard her back just in case."

"We'll protect each other, as friends," Ruby promised warmly.

"Indeed, tis an oath," Jon agreed. "We are shield-kin to each other now."

"Like family? Ruby asked, she didn't really like the idea of that. Not with Jon, it didn't feel right to call him brother.

"Not exactly shield-kin are two who fight and defend each other on the battlefield. Luna too is shield-kin to me."

"Damn straight… damn this highchair!" The diminutive mouseling cursed as she almost tumbled out of the chair from all the giggling from the free comedy show she was watching.

"Sorry, it's the only thing we had that could get you up to table height," Taiyang apologized.

Grumbling, the white-haired girl replied, "I'm used to it… unfortunately. I've been called a toddler before, now it's just official."

"The pizza is top notch Luna," Yang said, as she grabbed another slice."

"Thank you dear… but if you ever force Jon to break guest rights again, I will be the one who deals with you, and I am far, far worse than he is… am I clear, young lady?"

Yang swallowed her half-chewed food hard, "Yes ma'am won't happen again."

"Good, as for becoming a shield-maiden, I've no problem with it. Jon is a good judge of character, and I've learned to trust his judgment."

"Thank you, Luna," Ruby said, "I won't let you down."

"I'm sure you'll do just fine dear, now if you're all finished eating could someone get me down from this blasted thing before I lose all of my dignity?"

Yang let out a laugh, "Here little baby coochie coochie coo,"

"I'll eat you along with the pizza, I've got room I assure you," Luna deadpanned, only to stop when she saw Jon rapidly shaking his head.

"Hahah, unfortunately for you I'm not into girls or I might take you up on that offer," Yang said nervously.

"Yang!" Tai said, your sister-"

"Needs to get used to this if she's going to Beacon dad," Yang replied. "You mean you weren't crass as hell as a teenager?"

To which Ruby replied, "What's the matter Yang? Don't want your peach eaten? You've got two giant melons that look ripe for the picking to me."

Tai looked back and forth between his smirking youngest daughter to his gob smacked eldest, before shaking his head and saying, "I blame the CCT access I gave them as they were growing up."

Jon and Luna just laughed. This was the start of something…epic.

---

Word count: 14,446 Number of Pages: 33 Date Completed: 11/28/2022

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AN: Hello loyal readers! It is I Bubbajack, back from the prison that is my mind to bring you a RWBY fic. As while canon RWBY may be ass the fanfiction is usually topnotch. So i figured "Fuck it I might as well throw my hat into the ring right? Right!" So here we are. I do hope you all enjoyed the chap and now, a word from our Friendly Neighborhood Snowy!

Hey Snowy here. Just so you know this chapter has some new additions to it. Such as our super donor tier from . We are now thanking all members of this tier where they have earned their spot at the top of every story. If you would like to get your name join ou at Bubbjack and pick the super donor tier for 10 bucks a month. If you can't afford that, pick the support donor tier for a chapter a week early before we post on fanfic . net I owe Bubba after killing. I mean suggesting that his other rwby stories didn't work. I owe him big so now I am away to go back to the grindstone and work on the next story. Snowy out

Yo! First Hassan here! Like what Snowy said, we would like to thank all those people who has gracefully donated Bubba some money. I no we are so proud of you guys motivating our lovable author to continue his passion for writing. As for this story, Bubba decided to do a different approach of RWBY fanfic instead of following the canon. This would be centered out a lot of DnD elements, so those who are playing Dungeons and Dragons, be prepared for some massive epic story that is incoming! We(Mostly Bubba) has some plans to make it worth your while. That is all I have to say(Turning around while blue flames surrounds Hassan before disappearing)

Till next time everyone this has been an Icysnowsage, First Hassan, and Bubbajack Production! Peace!