Here's the second and final chapter of Reverse RWBY. Some people might be interested in more chapters, but I'm already swamped with too many fics and I don't have the time or the money to keep piling more. Ending it here means it's another thing I don't have to put on my plate.
Anyway, I put up a poll on my fanfiction profile on what omake you guys wanna see next. There are five choices:
- Project MAIDEN (Penny Winter Maiden)
- Team CFVY (Coco, Velvet, Fem Fox, and Fem Yatsuhashi)
- Team JNRZ (Fem Jaune, Reese, Neon, and May)
- Team GENDERBEND (Fem Sun, Fem Neptune, Fem Ren, and Fem Mercury)
- Team HENCHGIRL (Melania, Miltia, Emerald, and either Neo or Ilia)
Team HENCHGIRL is new, but I was curious on the idea of villains who are working for other villains getting the godlike power and having to deal with the results. Especially Emerald who's loyal to Cinder but not exactly keen to be killed for the Maiden abilities.
I left team YANDERE out cause, as I said before, I'm finding it a bit difficult to write. I'll get back to it when I can.
Ruby Rose hummed as she walked down the hall leading to the outside gardens. She'd felt lighter than she had in years and there was a spring in every step she took. How could she not be in such a state? It had only been a couple of days in Beacon and already she'd found her soulmates; and she was lucky to have more than one!
Oh, it was just like when mom saw dad and mother Raven for the first time! When mom met them she just knew that she had to have them both, and although dad had been uninterested in romance and mother Raven insisted that she only wanted one partner, mom had won them both over in time! Now it was this Rose's turn to bloom, and she couldn't wait to see the garden she and her soulmates would build.
It was such a shame that she hadn't been paired up with either of them. Due to various circumstances that headmistress Salem assured them were very complex, Pyrrha was assigned to the team across the hall from them - one team NERV (Nerve) - and been assigned as leader. She'd been in near-tears and said that she wasn't the right person for the role as her teammates pushed her onstage, but Ruby knew she was simply being humble. Pyrrha was like that from their admittedly limited interactions.
Fortunately, her other beloved had been closer at hand. Jaune, in an odd twist of fate, was assigned to their team - team YRBS, which somehow translated to Herbs - as an attache member. Ruby had been overjoyed at the news, as was their teammate Blake for some reason. Ruby would have to keep an eye on her. While she was open to more soulmates, the Faunus hadn't given her the same spark Pyrrha and Jaune had.
"There you are!" Yang screamed, jolting Ruby from her thoughts. Yang was her partner and team leader, and while she adored her little sister more than anyone in the world, she'd hoped that going to Beacon would be a chance for them to both spread their wings, "We have to train, sis!"
"I've already trained plenty today," Ruby huffed. Yang's obsession with strength and training was something she'd clearly inherited from dad. Ruby well understood that training was important, but Huntresses were not automatons. As future protectors and also role models, were they not meant to promote positive emotions in order to combat the negativity that drew the Grimm?
"We still have free time! We can train more!"
"I won't discourage anything you want do in your own free time, Yang, but please understand that not all us share your passion," Ruby said, taking a lecturing tone, "Besides, I believe I've more than proven my skill in Ms. Fall's combat class." Ms. Fall, adopted daughter to Headmistress Salem, was another delightful person she'd been pleased to make the acquaintance of. Like Ruby, she too understood the importance of finding one's soulmate.
If only Yang could feel the same.
"No way! We're having a spar, team leader's orders!" Yang put her hands on her hips and looked up at Ruby smugly, "I've been training super hard, so I can totally kick your but now!"
Ruby sighed, "Alright, if that's what you want."
Yang did not, in fact, kick her butt. If Ruby was being honest then the butt being kicked belonged solely to Yang, who had received some rather painful slaps of wind on her derriere courtesy of a few nudges of her Maiden power. As fervent as Yang was in combat, Ruby had always been the better of the two in controlling their magical gifts.
"Ugh, no fair!" Yang pouted up at her, rubbing her sore buttocks.
"You were the one who asked to use our full capabilities." Ruby hummed, "Now if you don't mind, I should-"
The sounds of clapping reached her ears and when Ruby turned to the source her cheeks turned into a pretty shade of pink when she saw Jaune sitting at the closest seat near the combat arena. Had he always been there? Oh, she hoped that he didn't think the slaps to Yang's rear were uncouth. Just because they were Huntresses didn't mean they had to be barbarians about it.
"Hey, Jaune!" Yang greeted happily, "When'd you get here?"
"Oh, I came in a few minutes ago," He said with an easy smile. Ruby almost swooned seeing it, "I was hoping to get some training done, but then I saw you two sparring i couldn't help but watch." He put a hand on his chin, "You're both much better trained than the average Beacon student."
Rubly blushed, "Well..."
"That's cause of mom, dad and mama Summer!" Yang piped up, grinning brightly. If he showed any confusion at them having three parents, he didn't show it. Just another sign of how she, Jaune and Pyrrha could make it work.
"I've heard about them. Team STRQ, right? Headmistress Salem had a lot of good things to say," Jaune said.
"Of course she did! All of them were badass!" Yang beamed in pride.
"Language, Yang," Ruby chided. Her little sister stuck her tongue out in response.
"Ha." Jaune laughed softly, the sound music to her ears, "Now that I've seen you two in action, I was actually wondering if I could spar with either of you?"
"That's coo-"
"Of course, Jaune, I'd be honored," Ruby cut in with a demure smile on her face. Yang looked at her with a raised brow. Despite Ruby's skill in both fighting and magic - which could at least be partially attributed to her origins as a Silver-Eyed Warrior - she never sought out combat the way her younger sister did. To her fighting was a chore; something to be done as a necessity, nothing more.
"Great!" Jaune grinned, and Ruby did find herself swooning just a bit when he turned around to grab his gear and prepare. Yang looked at her with narrowed, suspicious eyes, which Ruby ignored. Yang would understand once she found her own soulmate/s.
The fight was...majestic. Jaune more than lived up to his title of the Invincible Sentinel. What hits he didn't dodge or deflect he took without so much as a single flinch. Yang oohed and ahhed in wonder while Ruby found herself smiling all throughout their bout. This was just like how mom convinced dad to be with her. He'd been so serious about being a Huntsman and it was only after she proved her skills that he finally understood she was perfect for him and mother Raven.
By the end of it the two of them stood across one another, face red and breaths coming out in ragged pants. Their Auras had stayed strictly above fifty percent, and she knew that anyone else would've long since lost at this point. Yang looked at the both of them with stars in her eyes and Ruby found her heart beating with with both adrenaline and excitement. Fighting like this wasn't just a normal spar. It was a dance, a form of communication without words because such things weren't needed. They understood each other with just the slightest movements.
But it wasn't enough for her.
Ruby charged ahead with her Semblance then made a show of re-materializing just a bit too early. The cloaked maiden flew through the air in a 'stumble' and Jaune's eyes widened, dropping his sword and shield to catch her in his arms. Ruby relished the feeling of his firm, muscular torso and strong grip around her shoulders. Oh, if only Pyrrha was here it would be perfe-
"No perving on my big sis!" Yang shouted, getting in-between the soulamtes and bodily shoving them apart. For the first time in her life, Ruby wanted to murder her beloved sister. Yang paid no mind to her irate state and turned to glare at Jaune, "I don't care how badass you are! She's off-limits!"
"I am not-"
"It's okay, Yang." Jaune, of course, didn't look at all displeased or offended at the turn of events. Such a gentleman. With the same smile as before, he regarded her sister with unending patience and calm, "Ruby just tripped and I caught her. Better than her faceplanting on the floor, right?"
"...I guess." Yang grumbled and crossed her arms, looking away with a pout.
"How about we spar too? It should only take a bit for my Aura to come back."
"...Fine, but I'm watching you, buster!" Yang pointed right at his face. Jaune just laughed apologetically.
Ruby found herself fuming as her little sister and future soulmate sparred. Her foul mood continued even as she met up with Professor Fall after the afternoon classes finished. It might've seemed odd for a student and professor to spend time after hours, but Beacon had always been a bit non-standard when it came to the divide between the students and the staff.
Professor Fall listened with obvious sympathy as Ruby recounted her day. It was bad enough that her and Jaune's moment had been interrupted, but when she saw Pyrrha and attempted to make up for lost time the other redhead had practically jumped in the air as soon as she said hi. And while it would've been romantic if Ruby caught her in a princess carry, Pyrrha had practically flew down the hall before Ruby could so much as reach her arms out.
"I guess we're both unlucky." Professor Fall simpered, taking a delicate sip of her afternoon tea. By all accounts the woman was absolutely gorgeous. Flawless skin, silky black hair that covered one of her striking yellow eyes, and a crimson dress that was both flattering yet practical. Many of the male students, and some of the female ones, had obvious crushes on her. She'd heard that she received at least half a dozen confessions a week.
Such a shame for them that she was a woman who took after Ruby's own heart. Just like her, the older woman was digilently waiting for The One, her Knight in Shining Armor who could whisk her off her feet. It was the reason the two had made such fast friends. Too many people thought that one should casually date instead of finding your perfect soulmate/s.
"I don't know what I'm doing wrong," Ruby moaned, "With Jaune I just have to make sure to keep out of sight of Yang, but Pyrrha's so...reticent!" The younger redhead huffed. She knew Pyrrha liked both guys and girls - her partner, Emerald, had teashed her about staring in the locker room - and yet she'd been so reluctant to take Ruby's advances. Was she doing something wrong?
"What have you tried?" Ruby recounted all she did the past few days, "Hmm...perhaps she's simply shy? The girl is rather meek. She reacts similarly whenever Jaune tries to initiate anything with her."
"Why would she be meek? She's so brave and skilled."
"That doesn't always translate to being well-versed in matters of romance." Professor Fall laughed softly, "Why, you should see Professor Tyrian when he tried to court mother. The man was a stuttering mess the whole way through!"
"But he's so strict in class!" So much so that he reminded Ruby of her dad.
"Like I said, some people just can't handle romance." She set her cup down, "My advice? Play to your strengths, what makes you unique. Anyone can flirt, so what makes Ruby Rose so different?
And just like that the metaphorical lightbulb flashed. Her Maiden powers. She would've used the powers of her Silver Eyes, but those could hardly be used for setting up a romantic moment.
She thanked Professor Fall profusely and started making plans. First she had to make sure the timing was right. The afternoon sun would make for the most majestic scene. Then of course she had to get the two of them as a pair. This wouldn't work if they were alone and she wanted all three of them to be together.
Her chance came when she spotted the two of them talking amongst themselves under one of the trees in the courtyard. Jaune, bless his heart, was inviting her to go down to Vale with him while Pyrrha appeared tentatively interested yet also nervous.
"Good afternoon, Jaune, Pyrrha," Ruby greeted. Jaune returned her greeting with a kind smile while Pyrrha squeaked and did so far more nervously. Poor dear. She needed more confidence, needed to see what Ruby and Jaune saw in her.
"H-Hello, Ruby." Pyrrha's eyes darted from side to side.
"I was hoping to run into you both." She drew closer to them, making sure to keep an eye out for Yang. She didn't need another interrupted, "I was planning to head down into Vale and I thought, what better way to spend time than with two dear friends?" She giggled at Jaune's flattered blush and Pyrrha's far more fierce one. Oh, these two were so adorable.
"Sounds like a good idea to me. Pyrrha?" Jaune turned to her.
"O-Oh, um...I suppose there's no harm in it?"
"Perfect." Ruby clapped her hands and beamed, "Oh, and I have the perfect way for us to get there."
"We're not taking the Bullhead?" Jaune asked as they walked to the docks.
"No, I think you two will like this better." She led them towards the edge of the docks where no one would be around. As soon as they were close to the edge she turned back around, "Do you two trust me?"
"Of course I do." Jaune nodded.
"I...I guess?" Pyrrha shifted from one foot to another.
Ruby frowned at Pyrrha's reluctant answer. Oh well, she would change that in time, "Then please take my hand." She offered them a hand each. Jaune took it immediately while Pyrrha, as expected, was more hesitant. She closed her eyes and briefly relished at the feeling of their hands in hers. Right now, at this moment, everything felt right with the world. The three of them together with no one to interrupt.
And then Ruby opened her eyes and they flew.
It was a magical sight. The three of them hand-in-hand with the sunset at their back as they flew towards Vale. Jaune's grip remained firm while Pyrrha had forgone handholding altogether and wrapped both arms around Ruby in a tight embrace. Ruby hummed happily in response. She knew that this would work. What was more magical than a flight with your partners?
Of course, if Ruby was less biased she would've seen that Jaune's face was green from sudden airsickness while Pyrrha had practically fainted, mouth open and frothing as she silently screamed and held on for dear life. To the rosy reaper, however, it was a scene of perfection that they would tell their children one day.
"You two need to be careful," Nurse Mercury Black said as he put a bandaid on Yang's cheek. Aura healed most wounds, but it never hurt to be careful when it came to infection and scarring. Not that Yang would've minded a badass scar. It'd tell everyone how much of an awesome Huntress she was gonna be.
"I told you it was a bad idea..." Nora sighed, sounding half-asleep. For someone with the last name Valkyrie she was a super downer. Yang was surprised she was even here, but from what Ren told her where he went Nora followed; no matter how much she complained. Apparently the two were dating? She didn't really ask what he meant when he sai they were Together with a capital T.
"But it was awesome!" Ren said, not letting the fact that he had a broken arm ruin his day. She liked that about him. Everyone else on her team was kind of a buzzkill. Ruby was obsessed with finding her 'fated romance', Blake was always doing stuff with her family business, and Weiss barely talked to them unless you counted her brooding to the side about how much her family sucked.
Their sister team wasn't much better. Pyrrha was a scaredy-cat, Emerald spent all of her free time helping out in charities cause she felt guilty for being so rich, and Nora was practically narcoleptic. The only one who was any fun was Ren.
"You two exploded," Mercury sighed.
"And it was an awesome explosion!" Yang argued back. Okay, so maybe it wasn't a good idea to mix her fire magic with that much fire dust, but they did it in the Emerald Forest so at least no one was hurt. Well, except the Grimm, but they sucked anyway. Professor Tyrian was just being a butt, lecturing them on safety standards or whatever, "Whatever, we're both fine!"
"I'm not..." Nora said glumly.
"You weren't even hurt!"
"But now I have to wait here while Ren gets better. My sleep schedule is ruined."
"You could just...not wait for him?"
Nora didn't say anything and just looked at Yang like she'd personally spit in her Pumpkine Pete's. The blonde looked away, suddenly feeling awkward, "Uh, so what's the news, doc? Can I head out?" Nora kept looking at her and Yang shivered. How could someone so tired be so scary?!
"Sure. Just don't get into any more trouble and your Aura should have you all healed up before the day's done. Mr. Ren, on the other hand, will need to stay a bit longer."
"Yay..." Nora cheered sarcastically.
"Oh, don't forget, Ren, we're gonna be checking out that new combat arena that opened up in Vale! It's gonna be awesome!"
"Heck yeah!"
Yang said goodbye to her friend and sort of-friend before she hightailed it outta there. The nurse was nice and all, but she hated going to hospitals or being fussed over. She was gonna be a huntress, gosh darn it, she didn't need to be babied! In four years she was gonna explore the world, kick Grimm but and save the people in distress. Whoever heard of a hero that needed bandaids for their scrapes?
Her dorm, of course, was empty when she got there. Yang sighed. For all that she was the team leader, there was barely a team to actually lead. The few times they were all together as a group there was this really heavy feeling in the air, like someone dropped a stink bomb or something. It sucked. Why couldn't she be on a team with people who actually wanted to go kill the Grimm?
Yang faceplanted onto her bed and stayed there for a few minutes till the door opened with a soft click. Yang looked and smiled slightly when Jaune entered the room. She still didn't like the idea of him being too close to Ruby, mostly for his sake cause she was kinda crazy about that love stuff, but aside from that he was a really cool guy to be around. She'd watched a few of his tournament fights even.
"Hey, Yang. Guess it's just the two of us, huh?"
"Yup," she said, popping the P, "Wanna play some scroll games."
"Sure."
It was kinda weird to have a fifth member, but so far no one had any complaints. Well, Weiss did, but it was less about Jaune and more complaining about life in general. Seriously, was there anything that didn't suck as far as Weiss thought?
They played games for the next hour and Yang felt better. At least with Jaune here she knew that Ruby wasn't being weird around him...though that probably meant she was being weird around Pyrrha instead. Poor girl was a bundle of nerves and her big sis asking her to dinner dates probably wasn't helping any. What was she even doing at Beacon, anyway? It was obvious to anyone that she didn't wanna be a Huntress.
It was on her third consecutive win that Yang put the scroll down, "Agh, kicking your butt in the game is boring! Let's go spar!"
"I'm game." He laughed and stood up, Yang following after. Another benefit of Jaune being around was that she finally had a good sparring partner. Ruby and Blake were always busy with their schemes, and while Weiss was usually open to it finding her without scouring the campus was a huge pain. Most of the time she was out in Vale doing Gods only knew what.
Yang felt her blood pump as the match started and they exchanged blows. With every punch that landed she felt as if she might as well have been hitting a brick wall without her Aura. His Aura barely moved from the strikes and he didn't so much as flinch or move no matter how hard she sent her fists coming his way.
And yet she knew he was still holding back.
Yang growled in frustration as he tilted the pommel strike at the last second to cushion the blow to her cheek. Yang jumped back and pumped her fists together, "Stop holding back, Jaune! I can take it!" she shouted, eyes red and hair burning bright. He looked hesitant for just a moment before he nodded, blue orbs turning steely and his stance shifting to something more aggressive. Yang grinned. Finally.
Ask and you shall receive, like mom always said. The battle, which had so far been even, immediately turned against her. Not a single punch or kick she attempted had landed and he'd punished her for every mistake she made. A shield bashing against her face, the pommel striking her gut, even a headbutt that would've broken her nose if her Aura had been drained.
And she didn't land a single hit on him.
When she was pushed to the edge of the arena, instinct took over and she power of the Maiden flared in her blood. Yang shot out two fireballs straight ahead of him and Jaune charged forward without any hesitation. The first fireball was blocked without slowing him down at all and the second one flew over his head as he rolled and finished getting up in her face.
Yang's eyes went wide as the edge of Crocea Mors pressed against her neck, "...I win." He smirked and pulled back while Yang collapsed on her knees. Her Aura was still at ten percent so there wasn't any danger, but it was more than that. She'd lost control. Mom, dad and mama Summer told her to always keep in control. The Maidens were special, and that meant having a big responsibility.
But more than that, he'd beaten her even with her magic. He wasn't surprised and he didn't panic at all. Yang's heart beat loud against her chest and she bit her lower lip. Yang couldn't deny it to herself any longer. She wanted him. She wanted Jaune...
...to be her fighting master!
"So cooool!" Jaune turned back and jumped in surprise to see Yang kneeling on all fours with her head pressed against the ground, "Please teach me your ways, master!" Yang begged, "I know I'm not the best, but I'm tough and I'm eager to learn!" Oh, how cool would she be once she had Jaune's level of training?! Grimm would run away just from the sight of her!
"Uh...what?"
"Is...Is that a no? You won't teach me how you fight?" Yang looked up in shock.
"That's not what- I mean I am willing to teach you, but you don't have to call me mas-"
"Yes! Oh, thank you, master!" Yang squealed happily and hugged him tight, "Oh, this is gonna be so great! I get to learn from a tournament champion! Maybe I'll finally beat big sis in the arena!"
Yang spent the rest of the day feeling super great. For some reason Jaune winced and others gave him dirty looks whenever she called him master out in public, but she paid it no mind. Jaune was being super weird and telling her not to call him master too, but that was the one command she had to ignore. He'd earned her respect and calling him anything but her master was something she couldn't do!
Her good feelings ended when she heard an all-too familiar voice.
"Wakey, wakey, Yang! The early bird catches the worm!"
Yang groaned and opened her eyes only to see a raven that, somehow, had the biggest poo eating grin on its face. On the bunk bed over her's, Ruby sighed softly while across from them Blake and Weiss looked at the talking bird with wide eyes. Jaune was still asleep somehow. Maybe cause she insisted on training up past midnight?
"Mom..." Yang groaned again as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. The bird playfully pecked at her messy hair and she shooed it away, "Ugh, what are you even doing here?!"
"Is that any way to speak to your mother?" The bird tutted. Yes, somehow. No, she didn't question it.
"Excuse me, did I hear right? You said this animal is your...mother?" Blake asked.
"Pretty weird to hear a Faunus say that. Aren't you guys super sensitive about the A word?" Blake's super offended response was cut off when the bird transformed back to the mom she knew and, as much as she hated to admit it, loved. Weiss screamed and fell off the bed in shock while Blake just looked at mom. Great, she could practically see the Lien symbols in her eyes. She was already thinking about how she could use this to make money.
Yang was just groaning again cause her mom came in with her 'battle outfit', "Mom, you're almost forty! Stop wearing a miniskirt!" Yang cried.
"Hey, I don't hear Tai or Sum complaining." Yang gagged. No, she did not need to think about that, or the fact that way too many people back at Signal thought her mom was a MILF. Gross, gross, gross! "As for why I'm here, my little fiery egg-" Yang scowled at the nickname, "-Salem called in a favor and said that she needs me to sub in for combat class. And I figured, hey, why not? It'll give me a chance to see you and Ruby again."
"Yay..." Ruby cheered sarcastically.
Yang's entire body froze and she looked up at her grinning mom in dawning horror. This...This had to be a joke! That's right, this was just one of her mom's jokes, "Y...You can't be serious?"
"Oh, I totally am. That Callows guy apparently got into an accident and needs surgery to fix up his tail, so Salem figured, hey, why not one of the best fighters Beacon ever churned out?" Mom put a hand on her chest and laughed, "Don't worry, I'm not gonna embarass my little sunshine. I'm one of the cool moms, you know? I get today's youth, girlfriend."
Ruby snorted while Yang looked down at her pillows, mouth parted in a silent scream. This was happening. Her mom was really here and she was gonna stay here for a whole week.
"Now come on, homeslice, let's bounce."
Yang burst into tears.
Things had not gone well for Blake ever since she'd arrived in Beacon. Not only did she not have Jaune as a partner, but she'd ended up on one of the mose dysfunctional teams in Beacon. Her leader, Yang, was a child whose solution to every problem was punching it, Ruby was practically attached to Jaune and that nervous wreck Nikos, and the less said about her partner, the better.
Blake did not like Weiss, which was a mutual sentiment since Weiss very clearly did not like her either. She hoped, at least, that the Schnee would be professional and understand that fighting solved nothing. They could stomach their distaste for each other until their four years were up, right?
"Why don't you go fuck yourself, you prissy bitch?" Blake sighed as the no-good criminal Schnee sneered down at her.
Evidently not.
Blake sighed once more and proceeded to ignore the Schnee's ranting. She, Jaune and Weiss had gone into town to, in Jaune's words, 'just have some fun'. Blake would've never agreed to spending more time with the criminal than absolutely necessary, but Jaune had insisted on it. And so she (very reluctantly) consented to coming along.
And then for no reason whatsover the Schnee had gone off on her. The heiress rolled her eyes and just let the woman rant and rave about God only knew what. Honestly, best to just let her get it out of her system. Like a child throwing a tantrum, sometimes the best way to handle it was just to let them tire themselves out.
"You know what?! I'll show you!" And then she was off. Blake blinked and watched her retreating back. Show her what? She wasn't paying attention.
"Blake..." Jaune put a hand to his face and sighed.
"What?" she asked, more defensive than she would've liked. She did nothing wrong! "She was the one who went off on a tantrum!"
"Blake, you said she was only attending Beacon because she was planning to steal from it!" Blake blinked. She did? Perhaps. Honestly, whenever she had to converse with Weiss she'd more-or-less gone on autopilot, "And then you said she was probably the reason that Neopolitan was stealing all the Dust from the WF Corp." Well, it as a good guess! Why else would a thief steal more dust than they could feasibly smuggle?
"Well, it was still no reason for her to run off like that."
"Do you even know why she ran off?" Her silence said it all. Jaune sighed once more, "She said that she'll prove you wrong and stop the next robbery before it happens, and that maybe then you'll trust her."
"Then I wish her good luck. Now, where else should we go?"
Jaune just looked at her for a moment before he turned around and walked away without another word. Blake couldn't mute her surprise and she found herself following after him automatically, "Hey, wait! Where are you going?"
"To find Weiss?"
"Why? Let that criminal go off if she wants, she-" Blake stopped and froze at the withering glare Jaune threw her way. She was a trained combatant, had the power of the elements, and she'd successfully outmaneuvered opportunists twice her age. Yet despite all that, seeing the anger and, worse than that, disappointment in his eyes was enough to render her helpless.
"...Why do you hate her so much?"
"What? I don't hate her."
"Really? You sure act like it." He turned around and crossed his arms. She very much felt like a child being lectured.
And she hated it.
"It's not my fault she's being immature!"
"Blake, literally every time she tries to talk to you, you insult her!" He threw his hands up, "Every single time you make a snide comment asking if she stole something or if assaultedf someone or when she's gonna drop out when she realizes Beacon can't be heisted. Anyone would be frustrated having to deal with that every day. Are you surprised she's so closed off and angry?"
"I..." Did she do that? She'd been doing her best to ignore Weiss entirely and she'd barely even paid attention to the things she said. Regardless, Blake felt compelled to defend herself anyway, "Her family's criminal, Jaune. They'd stolen and cost the WF Corp no end in grief. Am I supposed to forget that over the course of their thefts that they didn't hesitate to kill guards and anyone who got in their way?"
"No. Hate the Schnee mafia all you want, but why Weiss? She hasn't done anything to you. She's been cut off from her family ever since she chose to attend Beacon."
"She...has?" Another possible lie, but she did at times hear her grumbling curses at her family when she thought no one could hear her. If not for Blake's enhanced hearing she would've missed it too.
"Yes, so how do you think it feels having you snipe at her day in and day out." Jaune brought a hand across his face, "Look...I'm not saying you have to be friends or anything, but you're taking your grudge against the Schnees on Weiss because it's convenient. She says she's gonna prove to you that she's trying to do right, but what if you all your insults just made her run back to her family or give up on being a Huntress altogether?"
"I doubt words alone can do that."
"How would you feel if your partner treated you like that every day?"
Honestly? She'd ignore it. She was all too used to people jealous of her position throwing insults; it was the only way they could try to get at her. At times they would be even more base and throw slurs her way, calling her an animal that had dared to rise above her betters. Blake's skin had thickened after years of such treatment, and in some ways she preferred it to the honeyed words that hid a serpent's venom.
But she understood, in some small way, that not everyone could deal with that. Even she hadn't been so immune to barbs and slander when she was younger.
"Look, I'm gonna go find Weiss and see if I can't convince her to come back. You can come with me if you want or just go back to Beacon. Your choice."
"I'm...coming with you." Blake let out a long, frustrated breath. It was always painful to accept fault, especially for a Belladonna, but she'd acted unbecoming. That wasn't to say Weiss was wholly blameless, she did treat her race as a curse during their first meeting, but if she was despise her than it would've been on her flaws, not that of her family.
"Good." Jaune smiled once more, "Let's go."
Weiss hopped up on the nearby rooftop and cursed how she almost stumbled in the high heels of her boots. Fucking things were a (literal) pain in the foot, but she'd forced to put it along with Winter's old dress before she went to Beacon. It was to make a good impression, she told herself. She knew damn well what the Schnee name was and she knew it'd be an uphill battle coming in.
And then she met her. Blake Belladonna, heir to the White Fang Corporation and the person who would have had the biggest grudge against the Schnees. She'd tried to make a good first impression, but then Blake scoffed and said she was nothing better than the rest of her family. She'd still tried to keep a calm head, but seeing the look in her eyes - the sheer contempt like she was looking at garbage - caused her to hurl insults right back.
They became partners after that and things only got worse. Again Weiss had tried to bury the hatchet, but every single time she tried the heiress would make comments about how she didn't belong there; that she was no better than a common criminal.
Weiss' hands balled into shaky fists. She was wrong. Mother would've loved it if she was nothing more than a trained soldier, but father had given her a chance. He'd also been the one to encourage Winter to leave and apply to be a Specialist. Mother had never forgiven him for that. Leaving him behind was one of her few regrets. She wished she was strong enough to fight her mother and that monster Klein.
And poor Whitley. So young and already emulating mother because he saw no other way to live. He probably thought she and Winter had abandoned him, and in many ways she had. She needed to be stronger - strong enough that she could ensure the safety of her father and brother. That was why she had to stay in Beacon. There was too much riding on her. Mom, dad, even Penny. Someday she would free them all.
That was why she had to prove her worth to her partner. She had to stay in Beacon and she'd do whatever it took to accomplish that; even if it meant openly turning against her family.
Weiss looked down at her right hand let the icy mist cover her palm. Her mother had given up so much in order to track down that Fria woman in order to take her power...only to realize too late that she could never have inherited it. Imagine her surprise when her daughter had been the one to possess the gift. Mother had been oh so sweet after that, promising her the world so she would use her powers for the benefit of the Schnees.
To hurt innocent people.
Weiss grit her teeth then shook her head. No, she had to do this. For herself, for her family, for Ad-
"There you are."
Weiss jumped in shock and turned around only to see Jaune and Blake not far behind her. The blonde knight looked hesitant while Blake was...she didn't know what to call it. Not disgusted like she often was, but not approving either. Unimplressed, maybe?
"Wh-What are you doing here?" Weiss asked.
"Looking for you, you dolt." Blake sighed and closed her eyes, cat ears twitching. How could someone so annoying have such adorable kitty ears? "Were you honestly going to assault a group of armed goons by yourself."
Weiss' cheeks burned red and she stomped her foot, "I've got just as much training as you do, princess, and I'm just as powerful too." Light blue fire surrounded her eyes and the wind air around them turned cold, "If you're just here to make fun of me, then fuck off. I didn't ask you to come."
"Before you go off on your reckless crusade, there's something I want to say." And then Blake bowed. Weiss almost fell off the roof in her shock, "Jaune has informed that I've been far more unfair to you than I've realized. You are not your family, and unless you prove otherwise I've made a mistake treating you in such a way. I'm sorry, and if possible I'd like to start over."
"Wh-What?" Weiss gasped.
"What she's saying is that she's been a jerk and she's really sorry about that." Jaune patted her head. Anyone else would've gotten sued, but the heiress just blushed slightly at the gesture, "So let's go home."
"B-But wait, my family- their hired goons are still down there." She looked back at the docks where Neopolitan was ordering the white-suited men around, "Look, if you think going by myself is stupid then come with me! With the three of us we can-"
"I don't think that's necessary." Blake smirked.
She was about to ask what that meant when the bright glare of floodlights and loud sirens almost blinded and deafened her. From seemingly out of nowhere, the suited men and master thief found themselves surrounded by over a dozen police officers screaming at them to put their hands up. Those that attempted to run or fight back where immediately incapacitated by a group of sword-wielders led by a familiar black and red figure.
"When we found proof that the Schnees and Neopolitan were going to attack our shipment tonight, I decided to call the police and our own security forces. Adam had been quite eager to lead the charge." Blake laughed under her breath, "I should thank you for this, Weiss. If not for you we would've never realized that this was happening."
"Yeah..." Weiss mumbled, barely paying her partner any mind. She was too busy looking at the scene of Adam Taurus handily defeating Neopolitan.
The Schnee mafia members alongside the master thief were arrested easily after that. Blake was talking with Adam and the rest of the officers while she and Jaune hung back out of sight, "I'm glad you two could make up," he said, "I know Blake can be a jerk sometimes, but she does mean well."
"I get why she hates my family," Weiss said neutrally. Mother was never shy of getting rid of anyone that got in the way of her making a profit. From guards to workers just trying to earn a paycheck, she didn't hesitate.
And Blake had attended every single one of their funerals.
Mother had sneered once that it was an obvious PR stunt, and both guilt and curiosity had bade her to attend a funeral herself. Blake had kept up a stoic front, but she couldn't hide the guilt and anger that burned inside her. She couldn't just let go of Blake treating her like a pariah for all those weeks, but she could at least understand why.
"You coming back to Beacon?"
"Fuck kind of question is that?" Weiss smiled up at him wryly, "Of course I am."
"I'm glad."
Blake finished talking after that and Jaune went to join her, leaving her alone.
It didn't last long.
"Ms. Schnee." Adam looked down at her.
"Mr. Taurus." She looked up at him.
The two of them walked out of sight of everyone and, once she was sure they were alone, she grabbed him by the collar of his black suit and tugged him down into a burning kiss. Adam immediately reciprocated and deepened the gesture, pushing her against the nearby wall roughly; just how she liked it.
The two of them kept kissing for a minute before the need for air forced them apart, a bridge of saliva linking them together before Weiss licked her lips, "Fuck yes," Weiss whispered, looking up at her boyfriend through half-lidded eyes, "Gods, I missed you so fucking much."
If anyone saw them now they would've been scandalized. The (estranged) daughter of the Schnees and the White Fang Corporation's top agent. It was a Romeo and Juliet for the modern age. It was the deepest, darkest secret that they both knew they could never reveal. Even Blake's tentative offer peace would've been shattered if she found out the two had been seeing each other for a year now.
"So did I." His hands trailed down to her waist and he tugged her close, "I ached every day I couldn't see you."
"You sappy bastard." She grinned, though it quickly faltered, "I can't stay long. I gotta-"
"I know." He smiled down comfortingly, "Good luck in Beacon. I'll see you soon."
"Yeah, you better."
Jaune cricked his neck as he walked back to team RWBY's dorm. Today had been a busy day. He'd spent most of the day training Yang and spending time with Ruby. Right now the two sisters were down in Vale doing some shopping, with Ruby in particular giggling that she had a surprise for him. Blake and Weiss, on the other hand, were making an effort to be better partners and were currently in the cafeteria having dinner.
Which left him alone. He was just fine with that. He had no idea what to think when Headmistress Salem told him all about magic and Maidens and the Brother Gods, but he'd readily agreed to the role with little hesitation. Her goal was a noble one, and he shared her belief that team RWBY had the capability of doing great things. For how different they were, they truly did have the potential to be heroes.
He opened to the door to the room and stopped at the sight of the unfamiliar figure inside, "I was wondering when you'd arrive." The figure said, back turned towards him as he stared out the window to the night sky.
"Who are you?" Jaune unsheathed Crocea Mors and pointed the sword at him.
The man turned around. He was older than him by at least a decade with tan skin, dark brown hair and brown eyes. The suit he wore was ornate and gray with a teal undershirt and inner lining. Despite being an intruder he carried himself with an easy confidence and Jaune eyed the dark cane he held with his left hand. It wasn't to help him keep balance. It was a weapon.
"Calm down. If I wished to attack you then I wouldn't waste time with words."
"I'll ask again: who are you?"
"I've had many names, but you may recognize this one: Ozma." Jaune's eyes widened and his mouth parted, but no words, "I suppose Salem's told you all about me." He smiled bitterly, "I know who you are. Jaune Arc, if I'm not mistaken?"
"...What do you want?"
"What I want is something you can't give me, but if you're asking for my purpose here..." He sat at a nearby chair and gestured to the nearby one across from him, "Salem has filled your head with false hope and misguided idealism on the Maidens." He leaned forward as Jaune sat, "What has to she told you? That if mankind stands hand in hand then magic will return and it will be the beginning of the golden age?"
"Stop talking in riddles. What do you want?"
"I am here, Jaune Arc, to talk. And I believe you will be interested in what I have to say."
Alright, that's the end of Reverse RWBY :) I know Jaune didn't have a lot to do with Blake and Weiss' segments, but that's more a consequence of it taking place from Reverse RWBY's POV rather than his.
Like I said before I might come back here to do those two Reverse Pyrrha segments, but apart from that I think we left off on a decent note. Jaune's living his life with the Maidens, and while they're a bit better than when they started there's still going to be issues, especially with Ozma trying to convince Jaune to abandon the mission entirely.
Also, Jaune really felt like a Marty Stu this chapter cause we don't see from his POV. Guy's practically flawless and never makes a single mistake. Felt weird to write.
Take a vote on which omake you wanna see next and I'll see what I can do. I'm also considering another joke omake where the various Jaunes from the main story and the omakes have a multiversal support group or something. Might be funny to see the wildly different Jaunes commiserating. Or main story Jaune being weirded out that every single Maiden team beat Salem by shoving her in a jar then shooting it to space.
Questions:
1. So what did you guys think of Reverse RWBY in general? I only had two chapters to really showcase it so there wasn't a lot of exploration or focus on side characters, but at least the four main girls got time to shine.
2. Did Ruby's behavior come across as creepy? I did write her as a love freak wannabe shoujo heroine, but it might have gone too far into creeper territory with how she seems to fetishize both Jaune and Pyrrha.
3. Do you guys prefer omakes where the teams are relatively stable or more towards where the team is more insane and Jaune is the team's one link to sanity?
Review Answers:
Proshara - It's not retroactive. Before the powers you're fine, but after the powers you get enforced celibacy. It's why Raven killed herself.
freddy lane 1 - Nothing would happen. Maiden powers mean they can't release period no matter who does what.
Chuck B. Winanaki - If they tried that then Jaune would just refuse and let himself die to spite them. They don't wanna risk that.
Enchie - I mean...team RWBY still want to live, so that won't work. Also, Asexuals can experience sexual frustration, so that's just delaying it. Ruby may or may not be asexual and she's still as cranky as her friends.