Billy: Alright, intermission time!
Bunny: This is the part where there's gonna be a musical of sorts, right?
Billy: Eh... somewhat
Anon: Yup, so we hope you guys enjoy this little break for our motley crew of an audience as they chill, drink and discuss some... stuff
Disclaimer: The Trio of Madness does not claim ownership over RWBY, RWBY is the property of RoosterTeeth and Monty Oum (RIP). Song credits are at the end of the chapter.
[Badass Linebreak]
As the viewers were lounging and talking amongst themselves, we go to the adults over at the table near the bar, where Qrow is seen at said bar already 5 drinks in and one away from blacking out, and a few seats away was Winter, simply sipping on her martini looking at the bird brain with disgust.
Meanwhile with aforementioned adults at the table, Ironwood had a look of suspicion, more so at the Hosts who were serving snacks to the students, who were lounging near the movie-screen, now a simple Home Theater screen.
"I'm still not sure of our situation, or what to make of our Hosts." The tin-man said, slight edge in his voice when he mentioned the Hosts.
"Well so far, they treated us with no harm at all." Ozpin replied, taking a sip from his mug. "And after all, they did show us the possibility of other worlds so we should take their word for it."
"I agree, what was seemed to be a mere theory on the Multiverse is now proven true right in front of our very eyes!" Oobleck excitedly added, stars in his bespectacled eyes.
"Indeed! And for us to see our students in other worlds show their mettle in the field of battle reminds me of the glory days during my youth!" Port said, stroking his mustache.
"You all may be right. Still..." Ironwood's voice trailed off before he continued, "I won't drop my guard easily, we might never know what will happen next."
"While I would agree that we should remain vigilant, it doesn't mean we should treat our Hosts with open hostility, James." Glynda chided with a stern look before pushing up her glasses.
"In addition, they've shown us a glimpse of the future, there is a chance that we might change it once our universe's timeline is fixed." She added.
"And the fact that Summer is out there somewhere, alive." Taiyang spoke up, a hopeful look in his face. "I was skeptical at first, I thought that what I saw was just a made up video and was about to call this whole thing a sick joke, but when I was told that it could be possible."
"We share your grief, Taiyang." Ozpin cut in, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "The disappearance of Summer was a wound to us all, some more affected than others..." He looked on at Qrow with an amused, but sad look as the Branwen was already passed out with Winter poking his cheek for a response.
"But we mustn't lose hope," Ozpin looked back at his inner circle. "If what the Hosts say is true, then..."
BONK!
"GAH SHIT, I KNEW IT!" Billy yelled out in agony as everyone looked at the source of the noise.
A fax machine which was on the floor, and it seemed to have hit the bombhead's uh... head, by the large red bump seen near his fuse.
"Guessing that's for you?" Sun asked, taking another bite from a banana as the fax machine beeped and whirred until it printed out a message.
Groaning, Billy ripped the paper off from the machine and read it and slowly did his face morphed into one of sheer fucking jubilation.
"XIAO-LONG-SAMA!" Billy screamed out with equal jubilation.
Suffice to say, an awkward silence ensued, and both Xiao-Longs were needless to say, confused as to what "Sama" meant and which one of them was called.
Reading the room, Billy cleared his throat and spoke again. "Mr. Xiao-Long."
"Uh, y-yes!" Taiyang stood, curious yet eager to see what made the Host so excited to shout his surname.
"We got her!" Billy said, excitement in his voice.
Taiyang gasped, with the half-sister duo having excitement and shock in their faces, Qrow's head shot up immediately as he suddenly gained the ability to sober up at the mention of something very fucking important as he overheard Billy's message.
Just then, the small movie screen glowed red and a smaller sounding rendition of the alarm sounded as Anon grinned, knowing exactly who it was.
"We're getting a new guest?" Jaune asked, unsure of what to make of the faces that Ruby's family was making.
"Even better..." Ruby sniffled, which made the blonde knight all the more confused.
"I'll go get our guest, sit tight because I'll be right-" Anon was cut off when the door burst open and a woman in a ragged cloak ran in, her black and red tipped hair was almost a mess and she had bruises on her face, which had a look that has seen some shit.
The woman could be heard mumbling as she aimed her rifle between people.
"Summer?" Tai's voice was heard and the woman, Summer, quickly aimed her gun at the older blonde's head, shocking him and breaking his heart a little.
"Sum, no!" Qrow called out, as Ironwood was about to draw Due Process, only for Ozpin to hold out his hand, stopping his fellow Headmaster.
Billy sighed, he anticipated this as he pulled out an odd looking pistol and fired at Summer's neck, making her collapse.
Gasps were heard before Bunny cleared her throat as Anon approached Summer and placed two fingers on her throat, still feeling a pulse.
"What's happening to her?" Qrow asked with a grave voice.
"Mrs. Rose is alive, if you're wondering." Anon said, pulling out the tranq dart and holding it out for all to see. Hearing sighs of relief, he continued. "As you saw, she wasn't in the right state of mind, so she'll need an hour or two at most in our medbay."
"Yup, she has multiple unhealed wounds along with a few broken bones." Bunny said, scanning Summer's body with a... radar dish with a small screen? Ok, this is getting ridiculous but it works.
"Indeed. SO, who's willing to accompany Mrs. Rose while she's recovering?" Billy asked. "Anyways, the universe we're gonna show in a minute is just for funsies and it's just an intermission universe anyway."
The Beacon staff, Taiyang and Qrow raised their hands while Ironwood and Winter volunteered to make sure no one's hurt, despite the reassurances from the Hosts, they ain't taking their chances.
Yang and Ruby tried to volunteer to accompany, only for Qrow to stop them, reassuring them, "It'll be alright kiddos, go have fun and watch that world thingy with your friends."
With reassuring smiles from their friends, the sisters reluctantly stayed behind as Bunny, along with a few medical bots, carried Summer's unconsious body and went out of the Theater, along with all the adults who volunteered.
"AL~RIGHTY!" Billy spoke up, pulling out a rock-themed microphone. "Who's ready for some fun, fun and musical MADNESS?!"
"Yeah!" The more excitable students shouted
"More singing?!" Nora asked excitedly, as Pyrrha blushed, remembering the last time she saw herself singing.
"Yup, this will be a reoccurring theme in future intermissions and even some normal universes." Anon explained.
"Hell yeah, so that means all of us are gonna be on the big screen?" Sun asked as Anon nodded.
"However, to add a little suspense and a little flavor, these "Music-verses" will have no preview as to who is featured so you may as well take your guesses, in addition there will be a little story telling on the side." Billy added.
"But enough talk, it's time for some Music AU." Anon said in finality as the students huddled together around the couch and a few beanbag chairs.
"Music AU?" Ren asked.
"Music Alternate Universe." Billy clarified, earning a nod from the ninja as the viewing started.
The screen opened to a small family bar in the city of Vale, inside people were eating, drinking, some were even singing on stage and some families spent quality time there.
As the last singers finished their song, the host and the audience clapped.
"Alright! Thank you very much, now who wants to volunteer?" The host asked.
"We do! We'd like to volunteer our son!" A familiar blonde man spoke up.
"Dad..." Jaune said, remembering his father from the first universe but shook his head, he wasn't dead here thankfully.
"Dad!" A small voice yelled out in embarrassment as a young Jaune was shown hiding behind his mother.
Several coos came from the girls, and an embarrassed Jaune was covering his face, which had a profuse blush.
"Little Jaune!" Nora squealed then gasped. "Tiny Leader's gonna sing!?" She asked the Hosts.
"Well..." Anon pointed to the screen.
"Come on, Jaune." The blonde's mother insisted, kneeling down to meet her son. "It will be alright."
"B-but what if I screw up?" Jaune asked, tears threatening to fall as he was shown clutching a ukulele close to him.
"Aww, you won't Fearless Leader!" Nora reassured the more embarrassed knight.
"I never knew you had a ukulele, Jaune." Pyrrha told her partner.
"Well, it's how I got into playing the guitar back then." Jaune replied.
"You won't son." Jaune felt a hand on his tiny shoulder and looked to see his father smiling at him. "Anyone who says otherwise is obviously jealous!" His father said.
The young Arc looked at his ukulele for a moment before looking back at his mother with a determined look.
"Ok. I, I'll do it!" Jaune said, wiping his tears away.
"Yeah!" Jaune's friends cheered. They then saw Little Jaune march up to the stage, which they found very cute.
Once on stage, he sat on the short stool provided as the host approached him.
"What's your name, little guy?"
"Jaune, and I'm not little!" Jaune corrected with a pout.
"Ok, young man. I like your enthusiasm!" The host chuckled as he faced the growing audience. "Alright, for this next one is a duet! We're gonna need another volunteer."
"I-I would like to volunteer." A small, yet familiar voice spoke up as the spotlight pointed to a young Pyrrha Nikos, who was wearing a red scarf and brown hoodie.
Gasps were heard as the Arkos duo blushed at what's gonna happen.
Again!? Both thought, though their reactions were vastly different.
"Two in a row?" Sage asked teasingly.
"Yes!" Nora yelled victoriously. Her ship is sailing!
Pretty... Jaune thought, looking at the redhead's hair.
"Well, come up on stage little lady." The host said as Pyrrha came up and sat down on the stool provided.
Jaune, who still stared at her, saw that she was staring back as he smiled awkwardly.
Pyrrha, who saw the cute blonde staring at her, smiled back with equal awkwardness. GOD THESE TWO ARE DORKS.
"These two are such dorks!" Yang squealed. EVEN YANG AGREES.
"I know!" Nora added, much to the chagrin of Jaune and Pyrrha, who were blushing up a storm.
"Alright, what's your name?" The host asked.
"Pyrrha." The young redhead replied.
"Alrighty. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Jaune and Pyrrha!" The audience clapped.
"You can do it, Pyrrha!" Pyrrha could hear her parents cheering her on, which made her smile at them.
"Go Jauney!" Jaune's sisters cheered, which made the little knight blush in embarrassment.
"Wait, how come the host didn't know who Pyrrha was?" Ruby asked.
"It's because Pyrrha probably hasn't joined any tournaments yet." Weiss said, looking to the redhead for confirmation and got one by a nod.
"Alright, whenever you're ready." The host said.
It was silent for a moment, as the two children looked at each other, mentally asking for who was going to go first.
Thinking for a moment, Jaune held his ukulele and started playing a tune.
Some were impressed and surprised at how Jaune can play the ukulele and wondered how he can play the guitar, especially if he's not nervous, as he said.
Verse 1:
Jaune: Do you want to go first?
Jaune looked at Pyrrha, who was still silent as he cleared his throat.
'Cause I'm happy to wait, I
Practiced really hard
But I'm finding it strange to start
With you
Jaune kept playing the tune, waiting for his singing partner to start.
Come on! He thought.
Pyrrha: So how does it go?
I've forgotten the tune, I
Haven't warmed up today
So I might sound a bit strange
The blonde looked at the redhead who shrunk at his gaze, he impressed by her ability to sing.
Yes I do
Chorus:
Jaune: 'Cause I
Pyrrha: Can
Jaune: Sing
Jaune looked at his partner again, who smiled encouragingly.
Pyrrha: I
Both: Swear it's true
They both swayed their heads until they looked at each other.
I'm just a little nervous in front of you
They looked away awkwardly as Jaune continued playing.
Most of the girls, except for Pyrrha, once again were cooing at the sight of two little dorks singing.
"So freakin' cute!" Nora squealed.
Verse 2:
Jaune: So who's on the third?
Feeling confident, Jaune stood straight.
I think I'm better at mel-o-dy
Until he saw Pyrrha's amused grin.
Oh, I'm going to get it wrong
Jaune stopped playing.
Shall we try another song?
Jaune looked around for an answer, then to the redhead beside her, who blinked.
"No, okay." Jaune muttered in front of the mic, as he resumed playing.
This earned some chuckles from the blonde's friends.
Pyrrha: Let's just go for a take
Jaune once again glanced at Pyrrha, who smiled nervously.
And see how we sound, my
Heart is beating fast
Oh vocal chords, please last
Here we go
Chorus:
Pyrrha: 'Cause I
Jaune: Can
Pyrrha: Sing
Jaune: I
Both: Swear it's true
I'm just a little nervous in front of you
As Jaune kept playing, he thought of what to sing next, then an idea came up as he looked his singing partner with a reassuring smile and nod, as if saying, "Follow my lead".
Jaune: Aroo-doo-do-to
Pyrrha: Aroo-doo-do-to
Pyrrha smiled.
Aroo-doo-do-to
Jaune: Aroo-doo-do-to
Ahhhahhhahhahhahah
Pyrrha: Hahhahha
"They sound so well..." Weiss said, impressed.
Jaune: La-da-da-da-tA
Jaune coughed briefly, earning a giggle from Pyrrha and some chuckles from the audience.
Some were giggling as well at the voice crack.
"And I take it back a little." Weiss sweatdropped.
"Yikes, voice crack." Neptune said in pity.
"You know the feeling?" Sun asked.
"Too well." The blue-haired hydrophobe shuddered.
Pyrrha: Hah-ah-ah-ah
Both: Ooooooooooooooooo
Haaaah-ahhhh
Both young singers looked at each other in shock.
"That harmony!" Scarlet said, amazed.
"Maybe they should sing karaoke sometime when we get back." Yang suggested with a chuckle.
Pyrrha: Hey, we sound good
Jaune: Yeah, we sound good
They both smiled, feeling a little more comfortable
Pyrrha: Yeah, we sound good
Jaune: We sound so good
Pyrrha: Yeah, we sound good
It was from here that they started to go all out with their vocals, showcasing the TALENT HIDDEN FROM WITHIN.
As they listened, they were more in shock and amazed at how these two, as the song suggested, SOUND SO FUCKING GOOD.
"Okay, now they're just showing off." Blake commented dryly, earning sheepish chuckles.
"Sorry." The Arkos duo said in unison, making them look at each other before laughing awkwardly.
Then Jaune, seeing the smiles from the crowd, felt the comfort slip away and stopped just as Pyrrha finished a note, which impressed Jaune but both singers suddenly felt the embarrassment and awkwardness weigh them and somewhat humbled them as Jaune meekly played again.
Verse 3:
Pyrrha: I think I messed up
I just wanted to improvise
Shall we try another day?
"I think you sounded great, so.." Jaune muttered into the mic for all to hear as Pyrrha blushed and "awes" were heard from the crowd.
And at the same time, there were "awes" from the students as well, making the blonde and his partner blush, with the latter internally smiling.
Opting to finish the song, Jaune played the chorus tune.
Chorus:
Pyrrha: 'Cause I
Jaune: Can
Pyrrha: Sing
Jaune: I
Both: Swear it's true
They then looked at each other once more, smiling fully.
I'm just a little nervous in front of you
At that, Jaune stopped playing, letting out a little "Thank you" to the mic as the audience applauded.
And the audience watching the viewing joined in the clapping.
As Jaune was approached by his family, he saw the pretty redhead left with her parents. He then noticed that the girl dropped her scarf.
"Go get it back to little Pyrrha, Tiny Leader!" Nora cheered.
"Yeah!" Ruby cheered as well.
Running quickly back to the stage, he grabbed the scarf and ran towards the redhead and her parents.
"Wait!" Jaune called out as Pyrrha looked back and was surprised to see the blonde with her scarf.
"You left this." He panted, holding the girl's scarf out.
Pyrrha smiled at the blonde's kindness as she gently pushed his hand back. "Keep it."
"What?" Jaune asked, confused.
"Keep it." Pyrrha repeated. "It's my uh..." She played with her hair, glancing up at her parents, who smiled in approval.
"My gift to you." She finished, looking back at Jaune with a smile.
"Oh..." Jaune blushed but then realized. "But, I don't have anything to give in return, though! It won't seem fair!" He panicked, searching his pockets for anything.
"Yeah!" Jaune agreed, making everyone, except for Pyrrha, look at him with teasing looks. "I mean, yeah..." He scratched his chin awkwardly, making his friends chuckle.
"W-well, I have one condition..." Pyrrha said, looking away with a blush.
"Huh?"
"Can we see each other again soon?" Pyrrha asked.
"Of course!" Jaune agreed quickly, placing a hand over his heart. "Arc's Promise, I'll somehow find a way to meet you again and when I do..."
Jaune then wore the girl's scarf. "I'll give this scarf back to you!" His smile was like the sun for Pyrrha, she returned the smile as she and her family left.
Jaune sighed as he returned to his family. As he returned, they noticed the scarf he wore and had smirks on their faces, at this Jaune paled.
Oh no...
At that, the viewing was over.
Sniffling was heard, they turned to see Nora, Ruby and Oscar hugging each other with tears in their eyes.
"It's so beautiful!" Nora blew into a tissue.
"I know!" Oscar agreed, having read a few books in his spare time.
"It's like those childhood marriage promise thingies!" Ruby wailed out, earning a massive blush from Pyrrha and Jaune.
It was then that Yang noticed her partner looking down. "Uh, Blakey, you alright or..?"
"So beautiful..." Blake looked up, her eyes closed as a lone tear runs down her cheek.
"Okay...?" Yang said, unsure of her partner's odd behavior.
"Man, the singing's great and all but that last part really got me." Sun commented, wiping some stray tears from his eyes.
"Alright, that was it for our intermission." Anon said, checking his pocket watch. "And it's only several minutes more until Mrs. Rose can be safely discharged."
"So Mom's gonna be okay!?" Ruby gasped, Yang looking at the Hosts with hope in her face.
"Silly girl." Billy scoffed with a wave of his hand. "Of course she's gonna be okay! Granted most of the remaining time would be making sure she's mentally stable and healthy but overall, she will make a full recovery with a few nasty but somewhat awesome scars."
"So use what remaining time you have in this intermission to eat, drink, go to the bathroom, whatever." Anon told the students before looking at the Xiao-Long-Rose sisters with a small smile. "Or in your case, you can this time to think about what you're gonna say to Mrs. Rose, every multiversal God knows she needs a little social interaction with you two in particular."
Both nodded as Anon conversed with his twin away from hearing distance from any faunus.
"And as for our "Schnee" situation?" Anon asked.
"Yes, it's concerning somewhat considering that her er..." Billy paused, twiddling his fingers until he continued. "Personality and mannerisms has been rooted already as part of her Canon Character but yes, we might want to dial down on her exposure to Multiranium."
"Not too much for her to suffer from Non-Canon Personality Disorder, just enough to balance her "Tsun" and "Dere" halves." Anon mused.
"Indeed, do we need to apply this to everyone else?" Billy asked.
"Afraid so, it's necessary that the effects of Multiranium exposure should be controlled but it comes at the cost of slowing down the repairs of their timeline."
"Well, it's the Multiverse, brother." Billy placed a comforting hand on Anon's shoulder. "Possibilities are endless and plus." Billy looked through the confines of their reality, and straight at the readers of this fanfiction.
"It's the Theater of Madness, no such thing as dull here." Billy said, his shades twinkling with mischief.
"I could not agree more." Anon chuckled.
[Badass Linebreak]
Billy: Sorry, I couldn't resist the Fourth Wall break there
Anon: Don't worry, I was itching too
Billy: But yeah! Summer's here! Granted she needs some medical attention but after about 4 or 5 chapters? She's finally been found
Anon: Yup, and we did a cheeky thing where we used Bunny taking care of Summer as an excuse to tell you now that Bunny won't be in the next two chapters of this shit since she's gonna be busy with her part-time job, luckily she left us the List so we got options to pick. Just letting you guys know
Billy: Yup, but anyways how's the first intermission?
Anon: As always, Read and Review
Billy: Favorite and Follow!
Anon: Stay Cool and Anonymous
Billy: AND STAY BOMBASTIC!
Song Credits:
An Awkward Duet- Dodie Clark feat. Jon Cozart
Edit: WE HAVE HEARD YOUR CALLS, ANON AND I HAVE FIXED IT, WE HOPE IT'S OK NOW, THANK YOU!