"I WILL CASTRATE YOU, YOU HIMBO!"

"WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA! CALM DOWN, XIAO LONG!"

"CALM DOWN?! YOU FUCKED MY MOM! YOU GAVE ME A LITTLE BROTHER! HE'S THIRTEEN! I'M THIRTY-FOUR, DAMNIT! THIRTY FUCKING FOUR!"

The Arc grandparents were sipping coffee and eating snacks in the kitchen with their grandson, his mothers, his birth mother's wife, his aunt, and his cousins. Ren placed a plate of pancakes on the table while Nora was still making the eggs with Lyra making bacon. Everyone was nonchalantly ignoring the sound of Yang's gauntlets.

Only Ruby glanced up when she heard a shotgun blast.

"I WILL TURN YOU INTO A DAMN SCARECROW!"

"KINDA IRONIC COMING FROM YOU!"

"SHUT UP! MY NIECE WAS UNFORGIVABLE, BUT MY DAMNED SISTER?! I HAVE A NEPHEW NOW! A NEPHEW! I'LL KILL YOU!"

Ruby sighed as she put her chin on top of Argent's head, since she had the boy on her lap, much to Nimueh's annoyance. "So... what's your... brother like," Ruby struggled to ask.

"Are you still mad at dad for-"

"Don't finish that sentence, honey drop."

Argent shuttered a bit. "Um, Sparrow was seriously cool. He had an awesome mask and this cool sword. He was able to take on dad one-on-one."

"Able to take on Jaune? Raven trained him well," Weiss said.

"Yeah! He's also pretty chill, surprisingly." Argent took out his scroll. "He didn't even mind taking pictures with me."

The grandparents and Ruby immediately looked at the phone, Ruby unintentionally squeezing her son.

"Whoa. He looks just like Jaune, just with black hair, red eyes, and pale skin," Ruby said.

"He's a handsome young man," Cereza said.

"I knew it! I knew no one would call him 'cute'! How come he gets to be 'handsome' while I'm cute?"

"You don't like to be called cute," Ruby asked.

"I'm a guy! I'm supposed to be cool, or handsome, or good-looking; like dad or Sparrow! Only girls like Lyra should be called cute!"

"Oh? Is that right? You think I'm cute," Lyra asked teasingly.

Argent realized his mistake and hid himself in his mother's cape, making everyone laugh.

"Hm? Who's that young lady next to Sparrow," Aurum asked.

"Is she pretty," Argent mumbled through the cape.

"I would say so."

"Tanned?"

"Mhm."

"Next to Sparrow?"

"Yes."

"That's his fiancée, Qamar."

Everyone at the table jolted.

"Thirteen," Silber began.

"And already has a fiancée," Verde finished.

"Only because they apparently seriously love each other," Argent said.

"I suppose that is commendable," Ren said as he and his family brought everyone their breakfast before they sat down. "Very few are able to find love at such a young age."

"We did," Nora said.

"I believe you and I are the exception, not the rule." Ren looked at the picture before sighing. "So my leader has two sons. One with a Huntress and another with the most notorious and powerful bandit in the world. I swear, Jaune is a magnet for trouble."

"Don't I know," Ruby, Nimueh, and the grandparents said in unison.

"So, Arie, did your dad say what he's going to do next," Nora asked as she took an entire stack of pancakes, Lyra taking a stack for herself as well.

"Oh, we're going to New Mantle to see Aunt Winter."

Weiss and Silber did a spit take, their coffees clashing against each other like a beam struggle.

"MY SISTER?! WHAT COULD HE POSSIBLY NEED TO BOTHER HER FOR?!"

"He thinks the Science Division will help him with his powers. Make some sort of cure or something."

"I... suppose that's a fine idea," Weiss admitted.

"Dad said we'd come back to get warm clothes for Solitas, since even with our Aura, the cold is nothing to scoff at; or so he says."

A whoosh was heard. Argent looked to see an empty seat next to his grandpa. "Um, where's grandma?"

"She's your grandmother, Arie, and she just heard that you're going to the coldest place on Remnant. Where do you think she went," he asked with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

"Hm? Hmmm. Oh. Oooooh. Uh-oh."

He was then bounced on his mother's lap. He looked up, his silver eyes meeting his mother's silver eyes. "And how do you plan on getting to New Mantle? I know Jaune can afford a ticket there, but he'd need to go to Argus. You two planning on visiting your Aunt Saphron?"

Argent gave a toothy grin. "Nope! Skyshadow!"

"You're going to ride a Nevermore to New Mantle," Silber asked.

"Yeah! We get to ride a Nevermore pretty much where ever we want! Why wouldn't we-"

"Absolutely not," Weiss yelled.

"Huh?"

"The cold of Solitas is far too dangerous to ride a normal Nevermore through. I don't care what happens to your father, but I REFUSE to let you be put in any more danger. I'll call for a ship. It should arrive first thing tomorrow morning. More than likely from eight to nine. You'll be taken to New Mantle safely."

"But, Sky-"

"No buts!" Weiss then took a sip of her coffee.

"Bu-" Weiss then gave Argent a look that made him shrink. "Yes, ma'am."

"Good boy."

The back door then opened.

Everyone looked to see Jaune drag himself through the door, looking exhausted. "I hate my life."

Yang then slumped onto him, trying to strangle him in vain. "I hate your life, too."

Qrow slumped onto Jaune as well, following his niece's lead. "Not as much as I do."

Jaune dragged the two into the house before tiredly brushing the them off of him, both falling with a heavy thud before Jaune dragged himself down the hallway.

"Why are you so strong," Yang groaned.

"Vale Knight, sweetheart," Jaune said, knowing it would annoy Yang.

"I will punch you," she promised.

"Whatever. I'm going to get some sleep."

"Jaune, I hope you know we're coming to New Mantle with you," Ruby said.

"Whatever," he said before disappearing down the hall.

"Three," Ren began.

"Two," Nora continued.

"And one," Lyra finished.

"FUCKING WHAT?!"


"Yes, I am in need of an aircraft as soon as possible. . . Noon? I was expecting it to be in the early morning. . . Is that right? . . . No, no. I believe you. Grimm have been a bit more active as of late. . . No. I don't have a business meeting to attend to. I just want to return home safely. Besides, Whitely is running the company just fine in my absence. . . Actually, yes. This does have something to do with my sister. . . It may be difficult for you to reach her, but if you can, tell her that her sister has an urgent need for her help. . . Yes. . . Yes. Thank you, Sebas. I'll be waiting patiently for the ship." Weiss then ended the call.

"Noon, huh? You really think that idiot will wait that patiently for that long," Ruby asked, legs crossed as she sat on their bed.

"Hmph, he doesn't have a choice in the matter," Weiss said with a triumphant smile.

"Um, speaking of choice..." The two looked at Argent, who was nervously sitting next to his mother in pajamas. "Why am I here and not in my room?"

"You mean your dad's room," Ruby asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh... no?"

Ruby then grappled him into a hug. "You spend WAY too much time with your dad. It's about time you have fun with your mom."

"But mom-"

"No buts! If you argue..." Ruby then made a kissy face.

"No," Argent went in mock horror.

"Mwah-mwah-mwah."

"Noooo."

Ruby then proceeded to kiss Argent repeatedly.

"Aaaaaaah! Nooooo! Mom cooties!" Argent was laughing hysterically as his mom continuously kissed him. "Aunt Weiss, help me!"

"No," Weiss said with a teasing smile.

"Silber!"

"Oh, no. I've gotten enough of those. It's time someone else suffers that fate. Besides, you need to be punished for running off as much as you did," Silber said with a smile.

"Ooh, she has a point," Ruby said. "ATTACK OF THE MOM COOTIES!"

"NOOOOO! NO MOM COOTIES!" Argent then laughed some more as Ruby proceeded to kiss him, until he saw his chance. Ruby's pajamas didn't cover her feet. He took a chance and ticked Ruby's soles.

"AAAAH! YOU LITTLE MONSTER, YOU," Ruby laughed as she was being tickled.

"REVENGE!"

"OH, YOU THINK THAT'S REVENGE?! TAKE THIS," Ruby went as she tickled Argent back, the mother and son now participating in a tickling match.

Weiss giggled as she turned away to put her scroll away in the drawer.

"AAAH," Weiss screamed as she felt her sides being tickled. "What do you think you're doing, Tiny Arc," Weiss laughed as she looked down to see Argent tickling her.

"This is for making me stay in here! Vengeance," he cheered as he made his aunt laugh.

He then laughed as he was lifted by Silber. "Hey, now. You don't get to make my mother laugh like that."

"Phew. Thank you, Silber."

"Only I get to," she said with a mischievous smile.

"WHAT," Weiss laughed out. She then screamed as Silber lunged and began to tickle her.

Laughter could be heard all throughout the house from that one room, except in one. The room farthest from theirs, where Jaune was pacing back and forth, scroll at his ear.

He took a few deep breaths to calm himself before the call was answered.

'Well, this is a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure, Vale Knight,' a beautiful and sensual voice went on the other end.

"I wish it was a more pleasurable call, General, but I need your help."

Winter giggled. 'The legendary Vale Knight in need of MY help? Interesting. So, what can New Mantle do for the Strongest Man in the World?'

"I need the Science Division."

'For your new condition?'

Jaune sighed. "I should have known you'd know about that."

'Of course. News about the Greatest Huntsman in the World travels fast. I even saw your fight against that lunatic and his fellow fanatics.' Winter sighed. 'I honestly thought that fool took care of him.'

"Winter, Qrow's not fully to blame. I was there when it looked like he landed a killing blow."

'Don't make excuses for my husband, hero.'

Jaune sighed. "Yes, ma'am."

'How quickly can you get to New Mantle and how?'

"I'm hoping before dawn. As for how, I'll be riding a Nevermore."

'A Nevermore? You mean that massive beast you and Argent have been riding on?'

"The very same."

'Jaune, your hovercycle should be able to reach Solitas. You know the cold is too great for a standard Nevermore. Solitas has Beowolves, Manticores, and Megoliaths and yes, even Nevermores. They all evolved to handle the cold. Should you really-'

"There's something I want to test. If I'm not at your base before 8, send someone. If it hits 9, just assume I'm dead."

'Morbid. . .' Winter sighed. 'But acceptable. Very well. I'll be seeing you first thing tomorrow morning at 0800.'

"Thank you for understanding, Winter. I hope to see you, soon."

'As I, you,' she responded.

"Goodbye, Winter. I lo-" Jaune realized what he was about to say and shook his head. "Can't say that anymore."

'Jaune, our past relationship...'

"It's in the past?"

Winter sighed. 'Exactly.'

Jaune looked down sadly. "I know we both decided on it... and we left on good terms. . . But... did we really have to?"

'Jaune, we both know the answer. We both chose our careers over our. . . It wasn't meant to be.'

Jaune looked out a window, seeing the sun starting to set. "That wasn't the only reason, Winter. It just sounds better." Winter sighed. "Do you... ever regret it?"

'. . . If I said no... I'd be lying.'

"I see."

There was a moment of silence.

'I'll see you soon in New Mantle's Atlas Tower.'

"Yes, ma'am. Until then." Winter then hung up.

Jaune stared at his scroll, staring at the CALL ENDED on the screen. "I regret it sometimes, too," he said before falling onto a bed. He looked out the window, watching the sun descend before closing his eyes, falling into sleep.


It was close to midnight, the moon shining on the world, everyone in the Arc household now asleep.

Argent was sleeping soundly in bed, being cuddled by his mother. He then grumbled as he sleepily opened his eyes and sat up, his mother's hand falling off his head and onto the bed. "Toilet," he mumbled.

He then got out of the bed. "HUGGABOO," he cried out randomly as he fell to the floor. "Ow." He then sleepily looked at his arm to see he was handcuffed to Ruby. He grumbled as he sleepily used his Semblance to snap the cuff between his fingers, the cuffs falling to the bed softly and quietly. Argent yawned as he left the room.

After he got out of the bathroom, he heard the clatter of familiar boots and looked in time to see a silhouette walk into the living room. Argent's eyes widened, the boy fully awake, an excited smile on his face.


Jaune sheathed Nimueh as he quietly closed the door before walking towards a Beowolf. The beast spun around a bit before it sat down to make it easier for Jaune to mount it. Jaune scratched its chin, making the creature whine in content like any happy canine, the Grimm shaking its head after Jaune was done. Jaune then mounted the powerful Beowolf, prepared to ride.

His eyes then widened when he felt something jump onto the Beowolf's back and wrap around his waist before sighing. "You must really want your mother to kill me, kiddo."

"Shishishi. You can't get rid of me that easily, dad. The Arc's are a team! We just need one more member for a full four man group. Right mom?"

"He's not wrong, honey," Nimueh said within the sword.

"There's your sister," Jaune said as he moved his cape to show the lamp. It's a miracle no one noticed it. The news about Sparrow must have been more than enough of a shock to distract everyone. Plus, he had Argent hide it in his room as his parents were lecturing him.

"I will hurt you," Nimueh said.

Jaune chuckled. "Well, hold on. Oh, and Argent, try not to cheer until about a minute."

"No promises," he said with a peace sign.

Jaune rolled his eyes before he whistled, the Beowolf taking off. About a minute later, Argent couldn't hold it in. "AAAAAHH-HAAAAA!"

It didn't take long for them to reach the clearing. Jaune then whistled before patting the Beowolf's head. The beast then jumped. When it landed, it jumped again, much higher than before. It then spun at great speeds, looking like a black circle. When it stopped spinning, It was holding Jaune above its head, Jaune holding Argent in his arms.

The boy blinked a few times. "Eh?"

The Beowolf then flung its master.

"WHOOAAAAAAAAAAA-HAHAHAAAAAAA! WHAT'S GOING ON?! AWESOOOOOME!"

Jaune then landed with a roll.

"WHAT A RUSH! WHY DID IT THROW US?! Hm?" Argent then looked down and laughed. "SKYSHADOW," he cheered as he hugged the huge Nevermore, the beast screeching as it flew.

"Hm? Hey, dad, does Skyshadow seem bigger somehow?"

Jaune looked at the bird. His eyes sharpened when he realized his son was right. It was absolutely twice the size of a regular Nevermore, and could easily lift even a Goliath. Still, it didn't matter. More walk room. Jaune just walked up, sat near its head, and rubbed its neck, making the bird purr before squawking when he stopped, the beast concentrating on its flight.

"You did bring warm clothes instead of chasing after me, right?"

Argent laughed nervously. "Oh, did I," he said as he took off his bag. He opened it to show various folded up sweaters. He took one out and showed what it said.

"GRANNY'S LITTLE TREASURE," Jaune asked with a raised eyebrow and chuckle.

"Oh, it's adorable," Nimueh said.

"That's just it! I can't be looking cute! This is the coolest one she made," Argent said as he took out his favorite of the sweaters.

"Wow. That's a pretty looking deer," Jaune said. "Even made sure it was silver."

"But deers aren't cool! They're not intimidating or awesome like wolves! It's not even a Wendigo!"

"Why would your grandmother stitch you a sweater with a Wendigo," Jinn asked.

"Hey! Since when could you talk," Nimueh yelled.

"Come now, sister. You really think I wouldn't figure out when I could talk after your husband supplied me with enough Aura?" Nimueh grumbled at Jinn's answer. "Anyway, Argent, you still look cute in that sweater."

"But I don't wanna be cute! I wanna look cool or handsome! I wanna look like dad," he complained as he fell onto Skyshadow. "I'm not cute. I'm handsome."

Jaune chuckled at his son's antics before he noticed that he could see his breath. "Alright, kiddo. Put on your favorite sweater," Jaune said as he reached into his bag and took out his trusty cloak.

"Oh, come on! How come you get to have something cool?!"

"It was a gift from your Aunt Winter while I was in New Mantle. I worked with the Ace Ops, mostly Marrow, to take care of any incoming Grimm or criminals while New Mantle was under construction. A lot of those missions took place in the tundra of Solitas, so Winter had the science division make cloaks to help better protect us in the cold. It helped make sure our Auras weren't drained from those bone chilling winds. If you want, I can put in a good word for you and have an old friend make one for you."

"Please, do," Argent said with a blush as he wore the sweater.

"Aww, so cute," Nimueh and Jinn said in unison as they both materialized as spirits to coo over the now more embarrassed Argent.

"Hm? Wait a minute. Since when could you materialize without having your name called like I can," Nimueh asked.

Jinn just raised an eyebrow while giving her sister a knowing smile.

Nimueh's glare sharpened. "I hate you."


The sun had just begun to rise. The golden rays entered the borrowed room of the beautiful, silver eyed warrior. The beauty grumbled a bit before she reached out to grab something, only for her arm to fall onto the bed. She then tried to grab it again, only to just feel the bed. She then opened her eyes and saw nothing in front of her. She shot up, looking around before holding up her wrist.

When she saw the broken handcuff hanging, she growled, absolutely pissed. "AAAAAAAAARC," she roared, causing the entire house to jump.

"I SWEAR TO THE BROTHERS! I AM GOING TO HANDCUFF HIM TO ME NEXT TIME," she ranted as she got dressed. "NO! NOT JUST HANDCUFFS! I'M PUTTING A DAMNED COLLAR ON HIM! RIGHT BEFORE I SHOVE CRESCENT ROSE ALL THE WAY UP HIS-"

"Ruby, what's wrong," Yang went as she ran to her sister's room, panting.

Ruby just held up her wrist to show the handcuffs Yang lent her. When Yang saw it and looked around, her eyes turned red. "AAAAAAARC," she roared as she ran to her room to get dressed. "HOW MANY TIMES ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE MY NEPHEW FROM ME!? YOU'RE NOT THE ONLY FAMILY HE HAS! STOP MONOPOLIZING HIM, DAMMIT!"

Weiss was already dialing her phone to see if she could reach Argent, only to get his voicemail. She sucked her teeth in annoyance. "Oh, whatever. We'll reach New Mantle soon enough anyway," she went as she put her scroll on the table.

"That ship isn't coming until noon, right?! Anyway it can get here faster so I can shoot Jaune," Ruby asked.

"Or so I can punch him," Yang called.

"We're just going to have to be patient," Weiss grumbled.

Silber yawned as she was brushing her beautiful, white hair. "So, how do they plan on reaching New Mantle anyway? Do they even have an airship?"

Weiss immediately picked up her scroll and furiously typed in a number. She was tapping her foot as it rang. Then, "GET OVER HERE NOW! . . . I DON'T CARE! DO WHAT YOU NEED TO ARRIVE YESTERDAY! BREAK THE DAMN SPEED LIMIT IF YOU HAVE TO! I'LL HANDLE IT! JUST GET HERE, NOW!" She slammed her scroll onto the table.

"I WILL FREEZE HIM," Weiss roared. "Putting Argent in danger, having him fly through the cold of Solitas, AND ON WHAT?! THE BACK OF A DAMNED GRIMM?! IS HE TRYING TO GET ARIE KILLED?!"

"JAUNE, I'M GOING TO KILL YOU," Ruby, Weiss, and Yang yelled.

Silber, Verde, and Blake just sighed. "Sucks to be you, Jaune," they said in unison.


"Brr," Argent went as he got into his dad's lap and wrapped his cloak around them. "It's getting cold." Argent then heard a soft caw. He looked to see Skyshadow's eyes looking a bit dim. "Is Skyshadow alright?"

"No. Solitas used to be a deathtrap for Grimm before some of them evolved to handle the cold. It's probably starting to effect him now."

Argent's eyes widened. "You mean Skyshadow's going to die?! Dad, you have to do something!"

Jaune held up his hand. "Well, it's a bit risky and may backfire HORRIBLY, but I did have an idea. Tch, proooobably should have at least tested this theory out on some other Grimm before traveling to Solitas."

"You don't think ahead, do you," Jinn giggled.

Jaune sighed at the biting comment before placing his hand on Skyshadow's back. He then closed his eyes to concentrate. He then began to glow, much like when Pyrrha glowed when she unlocked his Aura. His eyes then shot open.

Skyshadow then screeched when he was completely engulfed in fire.

"DAD, WHAT DID YOU DO?!"

"HOPEFULLY, I DIDN'T KILL US!"

Skyshadow screeched as it flapped around before falling, its screeched mixed in with Jaune and Argent's scream as they fell into a glacial crevice, disappearing into the shadows.

Moments passed.

Then, what looked like a fireball shot out of the crevice. It spun around before wings of flame spread, Skyshadow screeching in what sounded like triumph as it shined like a sun. Its previously white skull was now as orange as a raging fire, its wings burning brightly, its tail now looking like a blazing torch.

The Burning Nevermore then began to fly around, doing barrel rolls, loops, and even flying sideways, its wings burning hot enough to melt even more of the crevice, making it larger. As it flew, an Ice Dragon tried to attack, seeing the flaming bird as a threat, only to actually melt before its teeth could even graze a feather.

Skyshadow then flew up and extended its wings again, actually shinning as it squawked before flying off towards its destination.

All this time, the Arcs were riding its back.

"THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME," Argent cheered. He then rubbed Skyshadow's wings, touching the flames. "It doesn't even hurt, but its still so warm! How did you do this, dad?!"

"Well, the God of Darkness created Grimm, and he also created magic. So, I thought, why not combine two of his creations?" When he said that, he felt a sharp prick in his head, making him reach for his head with a hiss of pain.

"You JUST created a brand new Grimm," Argent yelled in excitement.

'Not the first time,' Jaune thought as he remembered Big Ben. 'Except this time, it was on purpose.'

"Can't call you Skyshadow anymore, boy. You need a much hotter name now! You're like a phoenix now! Your flames are so awesome that they need to be a part of your name! A flaming Nevermore. . . Oh! I got it! You're Neverflame, the Flame that Never burns away!"

The Nevermore then screeched, almost as if responding.

"HE LIKES IT," Argent yelled in excitement.

"He really does," Jaune said in surprise. His eyes then widened. 'Wait, how do I know that,' he thought.

"ALRIGHT, NEVERFLAME! ONWARD! TO NEW MANTLE!"

The gloriously burning Grimm screeched as it flew towards the city, doing more barrel rolls along the way, exciting Argent as it did so. As it flew, it left behind a trail of sparkling flame in its path. If one was there, they would have believed they saw a legendary bird, practically a deity, leaving behind a streak of gold wherever it flew.

"Oh, but dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Couldn't you have just made him like a Solitas Grimm, covered in wicked ice armor?"

When Argent asked that, Jaune stared at his son for a bit... before bopping himself.

That made Argent laugh. "You don't think ahead," he, Nimueh, and Jinn said in unison.


A/N: Here's an alternate scene for the beginning of the chapter-

Jaune dodged Tai's drop kick. "OF ALL THE WOMEN YOU COULD HAVE SLEPT WITH, IT HAD TO BE RAVEN?! RAVEN?! SERIOUSLY!? DID TURNING INTO A GRIMM MAKE YOU AS DUMB AS THEM?!"

Jaune redirected Tai's attacks while avoiding Yang's. "HEY, GRIMM ARE PRETTY SMART WHEN GIVEN ENOUGH TIME! BESIDES, SHOULDN'T YOU BE MORE UNDERSTANDING?! I'M RAVEN'S EX LIKE YOU ARE!"

"BUT RAVEN IS HAPPILY RAISING YOUR KID," Yang yelled as she tried to punch him in the face, only for Jaune to backflip away. He then saw the father and daughter charge at him.

"WHAT MAKES YOU AND YOUR KID SO DAMN SPECIAL," they roared as they charged at him with their fists reeled back.

Jaune slumped down. "Oy vey."

So, did you wish the alternate scene was canon? I was more of a Qrow fan than a Tai guy, so I think I prefer the original.