I've checked out some RWBY fanfiction author P a treon pages and some people are making some real mad bank by writing chapters and allowing members to access them a few days/a week early. Really makes me wonder…

Unlikely to happen, but how would you guys feel if I did the same as some other authors and gave early access to chapters for Patrons like five days in advance before posting publicly? It seems to be how some authors gain triple-digit member counts. Definitely a heck of a motivator to write more.

Also, a new oneshot idea inspired by 'A Big Red Flag' written by 'Madmin'. A comedic Knightfall story where Cinder is the Fall Maiden (just through random chance) and wants to take over the world…but she's an utter goob and doesn't really know how to do that. Mostly because she's a socially maladjusted young woman with no proper role models.

Enter one Jaune Arc who she ropes into being her evil sidekick during her first evil outing (going to a street corner and declaring herself the new queen). Jaune, using his vast knowledge of comics and tv shows, counter-ropes Cinder into being a hero through the use of logic. Why protect people from the Grimm? Because they'll be grateful and give her 'tribute' (read: pay her for a job well done)! Why fight bandits and other criminals? Well, less competition when she's ruling the world! Why cultivate a good reputation among the populace? To make it easier for people to accept their future ruler!

Cinder just buys into all of this and becomes one of Remnant's most famous heroes and beloved figures, all while believing she's an evil overlord in the making who's totally going to rule over those peons one day.

Enter rival Ruby. She props herself up as a rival evil overlord who's also doing nefarious deeds of killing Grimm and stopping criminals, and thus Cinder constantly tries to one-up her by doing more 'villain' work. Those offerings and adoration are meant for her, damn it! It helps that Ruby dresses in black and red and had a crimson scythe. She has to be evil with that look.

Jaune knew from his long...long talks with Weiss that the relationships inside the Schnee family were...strained. She'd described her dad as 'exacting', though he could tell she had to force herself to say it that way. The same way she had to stop herself from calling her younger brother a 'little shit' and had to quickly substitute it by saying he was 'somewhat difficult'. Even in the safety of the counseling room, she felt the need to measure herself.

Her mother was somewhat different. Weiss wasn't as critical of her as she was of her father and younger brother nor was she as positive as when she talked about Winter, Klein, and Pierre (her cake butler). Weiss barely referred to her at all, really. The few times she did, it was in the same dismissive way you'd refer to a cousin you only ever saw during family reunions. You knew they were there, but you didn't really feel much of anything for them either way.

Apparently, Willow had been an attentive mom during Weiss' early years, but starting from her tenth birthday onwards, Willow had secluded herself in the gardens at all hours of the day. Weiss was vague on what exactly her mother did there, though she'd once bitterly commented about how her mother 'preferred the company of spirits' under her breath; and something told him she wasn't playing with ouija boards all day.

Even now he could see the telltale signs of someone used to a little too much daytime drinking. Coming from a family of winemakers, Jaune had seen alcoholics of all types from the ones who only occasionally drank as a reward to those who treated every hour as happy hour. Willow Schnee was clearly the latter. There was a shakiness in her steps and a somewhat unfocused look in her eyes. Most people wouldn't have been able to tell, but it was clear as day to him.

He didn't say anything. It wasn't exactly a topic you could bring up to someone you just met.

"You said you were the student counselor, right?" Willow asked. Jaune nodded, "Hm, you look rather young for the position."

"Ahaha, well, Mom always said I had one of those faces. You wouldn't believe how old I really am." Because most people wouldn't believe a teenager being put in charge of the mental health of the future protectors of mankind. And if they did, they'd have a lot of questions for their esteemed headmaster.

It didn't take them long to find Weiss and Winter. Ruby had told him over text that the two were spending time in the south courtyard. Even in a sea of unique fashions, the Schneeblings (he was spending too much time around Yang...) stuck out. Weiss had been rather lax despite the tension among the rest of her team since she was sure neither her mom nor her dad would show up for the event.

"Mr. Arc, how good to see yo-" Weiss' greeting died on her lips as soon as she saw who was following behind him. Her eyes widened for just a moment before she pursed her lips and narrowed her gaze, not quite frowning but still evidently displeased. By contrast, Winter simply raised one regal brow and regarded the two of them with an impassive look. She seemed more curious than anything.

"Mother." Winter nodded.

"Winter." Willow nodded back. Jaune shivered from just how chilly the interaction was. They felt more like two acquaintances passing by on the street rather than a mother and daughter.

"I'm surprised to see you here, Mother," If Winter's greeting was chilly, then Weiss' was downright freezing. Every single letter was dripping with forced politeness and Weiss still looked like she was a second away from screaming in a rage, "I'll admit I didn't think you'd come for Parent-Teacher Conference. You weren't even there to see me off when I went to Beacon. I was half-sure you didn't even know I'd left."

"Parent-Teacher Conference? Is that what today is? I was wondering why there were so many parents around..."

Whatever the right thing to say was, it definitely wasn't that. Weiss didn't say a word. She just pushed her chair back, stood, and then left. Winter sighed and palmed her face while Willow winced, "Mother, why are you here? Besides unintentionally antagonizing Weiss, that is."

"There's been some news with regards to your father, news that's being kept quiet by the board of directors."

"Hm." Winter turned to him, "Mr. Arc, I know it's a lot to ask, but could you please go check on Weiss? She seems to trust you."

"Uh...sure." This really wasn't any of his business, but he found himself following along with Winter's request anyway. He gave one last look to the awkward mother-daughter pair before he went in the same direction Weiss left. Ruby and Yang were spending the day with their Dad and Uncle and Blake...well, he wanted to help Weiss, not make her decide that life wasn't worth living.

It didn't take long to find her. Weiss liked to talk about the troubles she had with her team and school on top of her family, so he also knew that she liked to go to the dorm roof whenever she wanted some peace and quiet.

Jaune awkwardly opened the door and put both his hands up when she turned around and glared at him, "It's just me."

"Oh, Mr. Arc. Hello."

She sighed and turned back around, looking over the edge and down at the crowds below. Jaune joined her after a moment's hesitation and neither said a word. He wanted to say something but still didn't feel he had the right to. They weren't friends, as much as Weiss loved venting to him about her complaints. It was because they weren't so close that she didn't feel awkward about it. A stranger couldn't judge you as much as a friend could.

"I acted rather poorly back there, didn't I?" Weiss asked after minutes of silence.

"I can't really say." Jaune smiled and gave a weak shrug, "You...don't talk about your mother much."

"One needs to be present to be really talked about." Not from his experience, but he let her have that, "I told you before that mother was distant ever since my tenth birthday. Well, distant isn't quite the right word for it. She was physically present, but that was all she was. Father was exacting, but at least he was there, even if only to ensure Whitley and I followed his rules. Mother would spend all her time in the gardens and weeks could go by without her saying a single word to us."

"Do you know the reason why?"

"No. I tried to ask her, but she was either too deep in the bottle or too hungover to talk like a normal human being. She's...She's a drunk." Weiss said the word like a curse, "I'm surprised she didn't stumble in here with a vodka bottle in her hand." She laughed bitterly under her breath, "You know, despite my behavior, a part of me actually hoped she really did come here for the conference. It would've been such a pleasant surprise that maybe she actually did care about what I was doing with my life."

"Do you hate her...?"

"...I'm not sure." She shook her head, "I have...negative feelings about my father and even Whitley, but my mother? I mostly feel apathy. If father had come here today then I wouldn't have had any shred of hope he came here to show me support, but I still did for her."

"What was your relationship like before your tenth birthday?"

"She...tried." Weiss laughed under her breath. It actually sounded genuine, "Grandfather didn't have father's business nor his lack of morals, but Mother was still raised in luxury. She tried to do things regular parents did. Cooking, planning extravagant parties, and taking an interest in our hobbies. She wasn't the best at it, mind you, but all of us appreciated that she tried regardless."

"...I have a big family." Weiss blinked at the response. He usually tried to keep his own history out of sessions...but this wasn't a session, was it? "Growing up with seven sisters was sometimes hard. All the arguments, fighting for Mom and Dad's attention, feeling like you're the unfavorite cause you're the middle kid. Despite that, I wouldn't trade any of them for the world."

"I'm envious of you."

"I can't imagine the idea of being so cut off from any one of my family so maybe I'm not the right person to say this, but if your mom is here then maybe it's a chance for you to talk. She can't run into a bottle here."

"I think you underestimate my mother's ability to have a drink on hand." She smiled wryly, "I suppose I should at least see what she wants, hm?

"You don't have to do anything."

"But you just said-"

"I gave a suggestion, but that doesn't mean you should do something if you don't want to. Like I said, I don't know what your relationship is really like with her and I'm just an outsider looking in. If you're going to talk to her then it has to be because you want to, not because you feel like you have to."

"Hm." She looked at the sky briefly then huffed, "You know that just makes you sound wishy-washy, right?"

"I'm a student counselor. I'm not supposed to tell you how to feel or what to do." Nevermind that he already broke that rule with Pyrrha and Blake. Hey, a little hypocrisy never hurt anyone. His credentials were built on a lie, after all.

"So would Jaune the counselor and Jaune the person give the same advice?"

"I...guess so?"

"Then I suppose I'll talk to her because I want to." Weiss laughed, "I'll admit I'm curious about what brought her here. Mother's a real homebody. She rarely even leaves the house to go into the city. It must be something big if she personally came here by herself instead of sending a servant in her stead."

"Good luck, Weiss.

"Thank you, Mr. Arc."

She and Jaune went their separate ways and he went back to his office. He agreed to skip Blake's session for tonight so her parents could emba- uh, they could spend time together as a family. Yes, that was it.

He was just prepared to relax and bask in how amazing his revenge was when there was a knock on the door, "Yes?" He opened the door and blinked at the sight of Winter and a catatonic-looking Weiss.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Arc. Could we please come in? I believe that Weiss needs someone to talk to."

"Of course." He let them inside and prepared some coffee. Weiss practically snatched the offered cup and then drank the piping hot drink in one gulp, showing no sign that the heat bothered her. Winter sighed and offered her younger sister her own cup, which Weiss drank down to. She did so without a word or meeting either of their eyes. Her eyes only flickered to stare at his own cup, which he held protectively.

"Forgive her. We just received some shocking news." Winter sighed, "Nothing we say can leave this room, correct?"

"As long as you're not planning to hurt yourself or anyone else."

"Our father was eating in his study when he choked on an apple. Since he insisted on his solitude so much, it took quite a while for anyone to realize what was happening. He's still alive, but he'd lost oxygen for a long enough time that he received an Acquired Brain Injury. Not to mention that in his desperate flailing, he knocked the back of his head against his needlessly garish desk and acquired a Traumatic Brain Injury on top of that. He's in a coma right now."

...

"What?" Jaune asked flatly.

"Yes, it truly is a tragedy," Winter said, face blank and sounding utterly bored by it. Weiss was still staring at his coffee, "We were hoping to talk to you about his hap- ah, tragic accident." She smiled. Then she realized that was the wrong expression and frowned. She looked mildly annoyed at best, "I hope you don't mind, Mr. Arc? I understand grief counseling is also part of your purview."

"I...I guess?" This felt like a prank. but Winter's eyes told him this was dead serious, "What did you want to talk about?"

"Well, we can start by talking about how horrible of a father he was."

"Was? He's not dead."

"Things can always end for the worse, Mr. Arc." There was that smile again.

Weiss snatched his coffee and drank it down. Meanwhile, back in Atlas, Whitley Schnee felt like he was missing something.

"You hate me, don't you?"

Jaune looked back and gave Blake a look of utter hurt and confusion. The delusional cat Faunus met his look with a glower and Jaune had to resist the urge to grin back. Oh yes, seeing her annoyed was better than any drug. It gave him a high like no other. He could go to sleep smiling just remembering how much annoyance Blake had to suffer through because of his revenge.

No, he didn't have a problem. Shut up.

"What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about." She growled. Or at least that's what she would've said she did. Personally, he thought it sounded more like a hiss, though he didn't say that out loud. As much as he wanted to invoke righteous vengeance on Blake, he wasn't going to be prejudiced to do it.

"I really no no idea."

"You're taking me to a dog shelter!"

...Hey, he wasn't being racist or anything. Kali and Ghira loved dogs, so it really was just Blake being a weirdo about the objectively best animals on Remnant. They weren't called man's best friend for nothing. And yes, he checked to make sure it wasn't traumatic like a police dog biting her during a protest or something. According to Kali, Blake just hated dogs and loved fish since she was a toddler.

"Actually, it's a dog training center for emotional support animals." Jaune corrected. Blake's amber eyes narrowed into slits, "Some students are facing problems, and having one around could be really helpful to their mental health." Apparently, Ruby and Yang's pet corgi acted as one for their dad, "Mental health is no joke, Ms. Belladonna and I find it offensive that you think I'm using it against you."

"And I'm sure it's just a coincidence that you just had to come here right when we're supposed to have our session, hm?" She crossed her arms.

"I'm a very busy man, and this was the only free time I had," he lied as easily as he breathed, "But if you're really that against it, I can't force you to stay. Say hi to Professor Oobleck for me, would you?" Blake's sessions were special. He didn't have to do them in the counseling room like everyone else since her previous behavior made it clear that normal sessions didn't work.

She was also on thin ice considering she kidnapped him, so any attempts to skip sessions would be met with having to work as Oobleck's assistant for the next week. Skipping that would lead to immediate suspension if not outright expulsion, so this time she wouldn't get the chance to go looking for the White Fang or get into some other kind of trouble now that they were behind bars.

"...I hate you."

"I can assure you that the feeling is not mutual. I only want what's best for you."

Her almost-pout kept him satisfied as they walked inside. Oh yes, seeing her expression - the look of someone running into the lion's den while covered in bacon - was glorious. Jaune fought the urge to smile and walked over to the woman at the counter. Ozpin and Glynda had given him a budget, but they left choosing the exact dog up to him. They figured he'd know best.

He didn't have the heart to tell them he was just as clueless.

Blake stuck to him like glue as the woman led them to where the dogs were kept. Funny, he'd always imagined a pretty girl pressing up close to him would feel different. A whole lot more blushing and a lot less smug satisfaction for one, "Our dogs are all very friendly," the woman said, "I'm sure the people at Beacon will love them. Some of them are even trained to fight alongside Huntsmen."

"That's cool. What do you think, Blake? Wanna have one for a partner?"

"Absolutely not!" Okay, that time she definitely hissed.

The wide room where the dogs were was filled with canines of all kinds. Labrador Retrievers, Corgis, Poodles, Great Danes...there were so many of them. He could already see Lily squealing in joy and running to the fluffiest dogs she could get.

Blake gasped and had a look of pure horror on her face, which only got worse when the dogs sensed her fear and moved to try and comfort her, "St-Stay away from me!" She looked for the woman only to find that she'd already gone and left them alone to play with the doggos, "Back! Back, I say!" She held his shoulders in a vice grip and feebly kicked at the most eager puppers. They looked up at her with bright eyes and open mouths, eager to help their new friend.

"Come on, Blake, they just want to be your friend." And then, using the patented weak spot Kali had told him about, he poked at her side. Blake yelped at the sudden touch and he used the chance to slip away from her, leaving Blake to be surrounded by dogs on all sides.

And all of them wanted hugs.

Blake gasped as she realized she was trapped. She looked around frantically for an escape only to suddenly glare at him as he walked to another room full of gods.

"I hate yooooouuuuuuu!"

Jaune closed the door just as Blake was swarmed by the horde. Ah, vengeance truly was sweet.

"...Mr. Arc?"

"Ms. Schnee?" Well, that was surprising. The last thing he expected to see was Winter playing with a large white labrador, "Looking for a companion too?"

"Ah, no..." She looked down and petted the dogs that pressed up close to her. Her smile was sad, "I'm here under orders."

"Someone ordered you to pet dogs? Sounds great."

"Not quite." She laughed softly, "You see, I've had a rather...drastic change in circumstances recently. It has caused some turmoil. Nothing that I can't handle, but General Ironwood insists that I not take any chances. He believes an emotional support dog can help me remain at peak performance."

"You don't sound like you agree."

"No." She shook her head, "I appreciate his intent, but my life is difficult at the moment. Even without my new circumstances, I spend most of my time on my various duties. It would be unfair to buy a pet without being able to truly care for them only for my own selfish relief."

"Hm..." He knelt down and scratched the ears of a chocolate brown pug, "What about a dog sitter?"

"Possible, though again it would feel unfair. A pet is a responsibility. Buying one and then foisting off its actual care to someone else is wrong." He almost laughed at the serious way she said it. There was something weirdly innocent about it.

"Hm. Tell you what, I'm here to buy a good boy of my own. I know you're not a student, but there's nothing saying you can't drop in and visit them while you're here for the Vytal Festival. Sounds good?"

"Are you sure I wouldn't be imposing?"

"It's fine. Besides, it'll be good to have someone visiting not because they're in trouble or need to unload on someone."

"Then...I would like that, Mr. Arc."

"You can call me Jaune. You're not a student." Even though a lot of the students actually did call him by his first name. Ozpin laughed and said it meant they felt comfortable around him, though Glynda suspected that it could have also meant a lack of respect.

"Ah, then you can call me Winter. It will make things more convenient given that you refer to Weiss as Ms. Schnee."

"Sounds good. You wanna help me look for which of these guys I'm taking home? Two heads are better than one."

"Agreed."

They spent the next hour looking over and playing - mostly playing - with the dogs before they found the perfect guy. A small, affectionate golden retriever puppy that had his Aura unlocked. The little guy licked Jaune's face as soon as he picked him up. Jaune laughed and nuzzled his face against the furry belly. They had dogs back home, but they were all pretty old. Their playing days were long gone.

"It's adorable. Not as cute as Weiss, of course, but that's to be expected since she's on a different scale altogether," Winter said.

"I dunno, I think this little guy can dethrone her."

"Perish the thought." She laughed. It sounded nice, "Oh, and Jaune, could we talk soon about my...circumstances?" Ice-blue flames flickered at the edges of her eyes. Okay, he definitely didn't imagine it that time. Part of her Semblance, maybe? Weiss did always brag about how versatile her Glyphs were.

"Whenever you're ready, Winter."

"Thank you."

He went back to the other room to grab Blake and was met with quite a sight. The rebellious Huntress-in-training, the woman who showed no hesitation in kidnapping someone and walking into a terrorist rally, lay flat on her back and stared at the ceiling with an utterly haunted look on her face. All around her were numerous dogs cuddling, licking, and generally doing the best at what they did.

"...Are you satisfied now?" she asked in a broken voice.

"Uh..."

"You have dragged me to damnation and torment for your own vile enjoyment. Tell me, does this make you happy?"

"Why are you talking like that?"

Blake ignored the question and stood up, looking at him with terrifyingly calm eyes, "You expect me to take revenge on you after this, don't you?"

"Well...yeah," he said, too creeped out to deny it.

"Then I suggest we make peace." She stepped forward and, amazingly, completely ignored the puppy he was holding as she held out her hand. He looked down at it blankly, "I still resent you for what you did, especially since I was right in the end-" He nearly screamed at that quick aside before she continued on, "But despite how embarrassing it was, I did meet my mom and dad again and we're working to patch things up. So I do have to thank you for that."

"Wait, you're telling me you have no elaborate revenge plans? I don't believe you."

"I swear that I won't. If I do, you can kick me out of sessions and put me on permanent detention with Oobleck."

Oh Gods...she was serious. This was it. Blake Belladonna had conceded defeat and acknowledged him as her superior in their war. It was everything he ever wanted and now he felt...empty. He'd joy of total victory turned to ashes in his mouth as he realized that this was the end. No more elaborate revenge plots, no more excitement at the thought of Blake being knocked down a peg. Now there was only peace.

"...My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined."

"WHY?!" Jaune ignored Blake's angry cry and walked out of the store, the cat Faunus screaming expletives about how none of this made any sense.

Man, Jaune was mean to Blake in this chapter. Don't worry, after this, they're more reciprocal like they are in Seasons. We also get some progression with the Schnees: a new problem for Weiss to rant over and Winter planning to talk about her struggles as the Winter Maiden.

Anyway, I'll be focusing on making a commission for a long-time reader after this, so this might be my last update in a bit. Anyone that wants to commission me, send something over on storylover543 gmail . com or drop your email in a review and I'll contact you.

Wanna help support me? Then check out the link below. I also made some tweaks on the tiers that some people might find interesting:

P a treon . com (slash) Vendetta543

Questions:

1. Same question as before, who do you wanna see tackled next? We have a lot of existing characters already or we can introduce new ones like Sun with his commitment issues regarding his team or Adam somehow managing to wrangle sessions with Jaune as part of his prison sentence.

2. How soon do you guys want Jaune clued in on the Salem and Ozluminati stuff? Right now some readers find it funny that he's an inducted member without knowing it, so when he finds out it's going to lead to some big changes.