A/N:

Surai98-Lemme guess the White lion lady looks like Shishiro Botan.

The lioness girl classmate looks like a loli/young siege from Arknights?

You guessed. . . WRONG! Honestly, I didn't have a look for either character. I was just gonna see what A.I. would give me and stick with it. Never even played Arknights. Never caught my interest, kinda like I wasn't interested in Genshin Impact. However, after looking those girls up, mm, maybe. If you wanna imagine them as Nishi and Nala, go for it. I ain't stoppin' ya. They're hot, so why not?

Guest- Wolverine and Sabretooth XD eyyyy XD and yes, thats pretty much what we're here for now in canon rwby: just enjoying the train wreck because we know that RT is gonna fuck it up XD

Well, damn, I thought I was being sneaky with those two as references. You'd be surprised how massive of a role those two play in the Menagerie Arc. Anyway, let's all enjoy ourselves an awesome exploding wreck.

Everyone was gathered in front of Belladonna Manor, where a happy Ghira was standing at a podium with the Menagerian Guard, Jaune's team at the front, with the Daimono's head, hung behind them.

"Today is a momentous day. These five brave souls ventured into the treacherous Manegerian Desert on a mission to quell the Devil Dragon infestation. Though they had taken but a single step in that particular task, they have come back with so much more. These heroes have discovered water in the desert, and even formed a new oasis!"

The Faunus were beyond excited about that news.

In the crowd of onlookers was Argent and his class, Ao Ana taking a last-minute field trip to the manor to hear the announcement. Argent was among his classmates, even though he could have easily been with his Aunt Kali, who was standing at the side of the podium. Of course, Blake and Verde were with the school, so he thought it was best to be with them.

As Ghira spoke, almost all of the students were listening to him save for one.

Uju.

She had her eyes on someone else... a deep blush on her face.

'That's him,' she thought. 'That's the strongest man in the world. The Hero of Remnant and the greatest Huntsman to have ever lived. Jaune Salem Arc. He looks incredible.'

"Is that really your old man," Banzai asked, annoying Uju as she glared in his direction.

"Yup. That's my dad," Argent answered.

'How the hell could that runt be related to him,' Uju mentally spat out.

"Not only is a new oasis formed in the desert, but we believe even more will form," Ghira stated, getting the Faunus even more excited. "I now give the stand to Ilia Amitola."

'Hm? Not dad? Oh, wait. He doesn't like being in the spotlight unless absolutely necessary,' Argent thought.

Ilia walked up and bowed toward Ghira. "Thank you, Chieftan. As he has already stated, we believe that more oases can be found and formed in the desert. What's more, each theorized location is in key parts of the island. Once we form these oases, all of Menagerie will finally be hospitable. Finally, after years of confinement to the smallest area of Menagerie, we will be able to make the entire island our home!"

The Faunus cheered at that.

"Ms. Amitola," a rabbit Faunus with a press pass went as he held his scroll toward her. "How is this possible?"

"Through him," she said pointing at Jaune.

"Oi," he went with half-lidded eyes.

"Through the abilities of Jaune Arc, channeling his powers to give him the characteristics of the Devil Dragons, the very Grimm we are hunting, we found the water veins sealed behind not only layers of sand but walls of bedrock. Admittedly, we found out that we just needed Serpent Faunus to more easily locate the water veins, but with his powers, we can locate, dig up, and release the water to create the oases."

"So, the legendary Vale Knight is going to improve our island?!"

"He really is the Hero of Remnant!"

"Gods bless you, Mr. Arc!"

"Wait a moment! What do you gain from helping us?!"

Jaune sighed as he walked up to the podium. "Nothing. I'm not doing this to receive payment or praise. Although, I will admit that there are people on this island I care about," he said as he glanced over to the Belladonnas. "As well as friends I wish the best for," he said as he looked towards his team, all four of them smiling. "Despite one of them trying to kill me in the past," he said with a sneaky smile.

"Are you ever going to let me forget that," Yuma chuckled.

"Nope." That got a laugh out of the crowd. "I promise you, people of Menagerie, as long as I stay on this island, training or working, I vow to do everything in my power to make life better for the Faunus of this beautiful island. This I vow as a Huntsman, a friend... and a family member," he said as he smiled toward Ghira and Kali, Kali wiping away a stray tear as the Faunus cheered.

Blake sighed. "Man knows how to make a speech," she said with a smile.

"He really is amazing," Verde said with a smile.

Ghira then took the podium once more. "Not only did this great team show us a path to finally conquer this island, but they felled one of its greatest defenders, the mighty Daimono," he said as he motioned to the head. "If a team of five can best this creature, then why not the rest of us?!"

"Master Chieftain, no disrespect, but reports state that the Goddess of Destruction-"

"I'm a Spirit!"

"That Lady Nimueh was the one to best the creature with just one blow!"

"And thanks to her we now have materials for new weapons and armor. It is said there are many Daimono swimming through the sands of the desert, as well as other fearsome creatures. However, we have the tools to fight back! We have the weapons! We have the heroes! And most of all! We! Have! The Drive!"

The Faunus cheered, fired up by Ghira's words.

"But before we can celebrate our future victories against the island that was so cruel towards us, we must enjoy this one!"

As soon as he said that, chefs came out with steaming dishes of various meat courses.

"I give you the boon of the Daimono!"

People were already salivating at just the smell of the meat.

"Though there is not enough to feed the entire island, those of you privileged to be here will be the first to try what will soon be commonplace!" Everyone was thrilled to hear that. "But first, it is only fitting that the Huntsmen who felled the beast is the first to indulge in it," he said as chefs walked up to the team with steaming plates of meat.

All five took their plates, staring at them.

"Ilia," Jaune went.

"Hey, your wife was the one to kill it. Let her take the first bite."

"Makes sense to me," Nimueh said before tasting the meat. Her eyes shot open. "HOLY CRAP! NO WONDER YOUR ISLAND WANTS THIS THING SO BADLY!"

Curious, Jaune took a bite. His eyes shot open. "WHOA, THAT'S JUICY!"

Ilia hummed in ecstasy. "It's even better than I heard!"

Yuma was chowing down at his meat, Trifa not being any better than her boyfriend.

Gira chuckled. "You heard it yourselves, Menagerie! Let's feast!"

After that, the people present for the conference, which included Argent's class, indulged in Daimono meat.

Meanwhile, in the prison, Creed was walking down the hall before stopping in front of a cell. He dropped a tray onto the floor before kicking it into the cell. "Here's your slop."

"As boorish as ever, Creed," Corsac said.

"Did you say something," Creed growled at the imprisoned Faunus, the two now locking eyes, Creed glaring at Corsac while he just stared back with a bored expression. "You know, Albain, I don't think anyone would mind if a fox went missing."

"Oh, please. We both know you won't do anything to me," he said as he closed his eyes, his head down.

Creed slammed his hands on the bars, holding back so as to not accidentally bend them or break them down again. "You wanna test that theory? Don't forget, tigers eat anything smaller than them."

"I know you, Creed. You would never willingly harm a fellow Faunus. You believe in Faunus supremacy. It's a shame you never joined the White Fang... when we meant something."

Creed spat. "White Fang. You were weak when you began, grew slightly stronger, and fell back to weakness. I never respected any of you pups, except for the High Leaders. Taurus was my favorite until he became obsessed with a worthless girl. You were NEVER worthy of me."

"And is the Menagerian Guard worthy of you now?" Creed growled. "Creed, you know as well as I do that Menagerie isn't nearly enough. That human, Jaune Arc, is only giving us a stone when we deserve gold. All of Remnant should belong to the Faunus."

"You're not saying anything I don't already know, but the Faunus is too weak. They're content with this tiny island. They were celebrating when they found out that the human can make oases! CELEBRATING! They might as well put on collars with that human's symbol on them!"

"Yes, that human has brainwashed nearly every Faunus on Menagerie by promising to expand this pathetic island. It's amazing what the bare minimum can do to those with weak minds. However, what if I told you I could get us more than this tiny island? More than Mistral like Brother Taurus wanted? The power to conquer New Mantle, or even that human's kingdom of origin, Vale itself."

"I'd ask if you thought I was an idiot before ripping out your throat when you answered me. I hate to admit it, but that human is strong. Stronger than any human I've ever seen. He's barely even human himself. He's more like... like..."

"Like a Faunus? Like us but more?"

Creed growled. "He has all that power, all that respect, all that wealth, and it's only thanks to power that resembles US! Everything he has should be OURS!"

"He has even more power."

"If you're yammering about that Grimm Magic of his, it's still basically just the Faunus with Elemental Semblances! He's nothing more than a glorified Faunus! A PRETENDER!"

"Then what would happen if TRUE Faunus had the gift of Magic?"

"What?"

Corsac stood up. "I was visited, Creed."

"You don't get visitors, Albain."

"Visited by God."

Creed chuckled. "You? Visited by the God of Animals?"

"No. One greater than he."

"BITE YOUR TONGUE, BLASPHEMER," Creed roared, accidentally bending the bars he grabbed. "THERE IS NONE GREATER THAN THE GOD THAT GAVE US OUR GIFTS!"

"Oh, but there is," Corsac said as he walked towards the bars, entering the light. "The God of Darkness."

"Keh. Guess you're finally eating your slop. Ya got meat on your bones again. But they must be giving you some Desert LoLo Cactus because you're talking crazy. The God of Darkness? Have you fallen so hard that you're worshipping a human deity?"

Creed's eyes widened when Corsac opened his palm, fire burning above it. "A deity who has answered my silent prayers with gifts I am unworthy of."

"How did you get a hold of Dust?"

"This isn't Dust, Creed," Corsac said as he willed the flame to travel down his arm, the light showing that Corsac was sleeveless. "Magic is real. Jaune Arc should be more than proof of that."

"Those rumors of his power were..."

"As true as you and I, brother."

Creed growled. "IF YOU HAVE POWER LIKE THAT, WHY STAY IN THIS CELL?!"

"Because my God has told me I am not yet strong enough. I have faith in him."

"You're just being a pet to an unseen ghost?"

"An acolyte to my god. And I believe I found a new follower." Creed growled at Corsac. "Creed, bestow your faith onto him. Allow God to grant you power. Power to rule Remnant. Power to take all that you deserve. Power to slay the human."

"I don't need anyone's help to kill a human," Creed said as he walked away. "I'll slit his throat right now to prove it."

"He is too guarded." Creed stopped. "He is already being worshipped as a hero. The people love him too much. He is so beloved that even now he resides with the traitorous Belladonnas." Creed growled, hating to so much as hear that name. "There is only one place in all of Menagerie you can kill Arc."

Creed's eyes sharpened in understanding. "The desert."

"Too much of it is unexplored. Too much is untamable to Faunus. More than enough of it is perfect to 'lose' sight of this so-called hero."

Creed smiled, liking what he was hearing.

"But you are not strong enough to kill him." Creed turned towards Corsac with a growl. "You need help."

"And you think your little 'god' can help me? He. Is. HUMAN!"

"A human who can already use Titanoboa." Creed's eyes widened. "Sidewinder, Viper, and Constrictor may as well already be his. Rattler may be even simpler. He already tamed one of the Five Beast Gods. Will you wait until he tames the rest? He already has knowledge of the Wolf God, and it is only a matter of time before he begins to train with the Eagle and Shark. Then, the Tiger will be all that is left. Will you still be able to beat him alone?"

Creed didn't even growl. Instead, he gripped his fists so tightly that blood dripped off his knuckles.

"Go and sleep, Creed."

"What?"

"My God will visit you in your dreams and speak with you personally. Then, and only then, will you be able to decide your own fate," Corsac said before disappearing back into his cell.

Creed glared at the cell before stomping away.

Up in the City Hall, Howl was biting into a piece of Daimono meat before sniffing the air and looking to see Creed walk up the stairs. "Not even your stench can mess this stuff up," Howl chuckled as he held up the meat. "Too bad you had to miss the big assembly to take care of those terrorists," he said before eating the rest of the meat.

"Fuck off, runt. I'm done for the day," he said as walked past Howl, not once looking up.

"Hey, Creed, just to let you know, I volunteered to be part of the expedition to colonize that new oasis." Creed stopped. "Gonna help build a settlement out there. Unless you sign up, this will be the last time you get to see my handsome mug, bub."

"Keh. I'm sure the buzzards and Nui Loa Crabs will love you. Maybe they'll bring me back your severed head in between their pincers if I ask them nicely," he said as he walked away, knowing full well Howl was flipping him off.

Creed was now standing in front of his bed, staring at it.

'Go and sleep, Creed. My God will visit you in your dreams and speak with you personally. Then, and only then, will you be able to decide your own fate.'

"Keh. Bullshit," he said before laying on his bed. "Show me what you got, 'God'."

Creed then closed his eyes, allowing sleep to take him.

Creed's eyes were closed for a long time before he felt the warmth of the sun. He then opened his eyes. They shot open in shock at what was before him.

Humans bow before him. Looking further beyond, he saw obvious human slaves crafting massive monuments and statues dedicated to him. He saw Faunus walking around with human slaves behind them carrying their shopping or groceries, humans being mistreated by Faunus, and the oddest sight to him yet, humans lovingly hugging Faunus children, the children hugging the humans back before pulling the humans' hand, pointing at the next thing they wanted to do.

It was Faunus Supremecy and he was a king.

QUITE THE MAGNIFICENT SIGHT.

Creed looked up towards the voice, seeing a shadowy figure that made him feel something he hadn't felt in years: fear.

"Y-You're the God of Darkness."

Darkness looked down towards Creed, making the large Faunus shutter. All of his animal instincts were screaming at him to run, but when those instincts failed to be comprehended, they all screamed to show this being absolute respect.

INDEED. I MOST CERTAINLY AM.

Sabertooth tried to get up, but he couldn't move. He instead gulped, trying something risky. "Lord, I can't move. Please, give me permission to stand."

RAISE, MY CHILD.

As if following a command, Creed could feel himself jump out of his throne. He looked down to finally see that he was wearing wild yet oddly royal clothes. His hairy, muscular chest was exposed. He wore a long cloak that trailed past him, purple fur on the collar, and a gold rope around his neck to keep it from falling. His pants had tears in them, but they still looked beautiful. He could still feel the velvety softness of the silk. He also noticed the necklace he had on, fangs hanging from them. . . and familiar-looking claws.

He chuckled at the sight of them. "Runt."

Creed realized what position he was in, turned towards Darkness, and bowed. "Lord, what is this?"

YOUR FUTURE.

"Are you serious," Creed asked as he looked up in excitement before looking back down, too afraid of the all-powerful being before him.

YES. THIS FUTURE CAN BE YOURS IF YOU PLEDGE YOUR LOYALTY TO ME.

"Lord, I only pledge my loyalty to the strong. So I ask you, who... or WHAT is stronger than you?! Of course, I pledge myself to you! NO! I BEG OF YOU TO ACCEPT IT!"

INTERESTING. DID YOU NOT DOUBT MY EXISTENCE IN FRONT OF MY ACOLYTE, CORSAC?

"I WAS STUPID, LORD! I DIDN'T BELIEVE IN YOU BECAUSE I WAS LIED TO SO MANY TIMES! I WAS LIED TO BY THE WHITE FANG! BY SIENNA KHAN! BY ADAM TAURUS! I WAS PROMISED STRENGTH, ONLY TO BE SHOWN WEAKNESS! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR TRUE POWER TO APPEAR BEFORE ME?! PLEASE, LORD! ACCEPT ME!"

Darkness chuckled. SUCH DEVOTION. TO CONFESS YOUR SINS TO ME SO READILY AND BEG FOR REDEMPTION. YOU ARE REDEEMED, MY CHILD. AS SUCH, YOU SHALL RECEIVE MY BLESSINGS.

Creed's eyes widened when he felt a surge of power. He looked down at his claws to see them swirling with heat so intense it was visible, wind swirling with such speed that it felt like it was cutting HIS skin, and sand so course it might as well be glass. "It feels like... Like..."

LIKE THE VERY DESERT IS UNDER YOUR COMMAND. IT IS AS MY ACOLYTE SAID. THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE TO KILL THE TRAITOR.

"Traitor, Lord?"

THERE IS A BLOODLINE THAT MADE MY POWER THEIR OWN WITH NO REVERENCE TOWARD ME. THE FIRST THIEF ABUSED MY POWER FOR CENTURIES, EVEN HAVING THE GALL TO CALL HERSELF THE QUEEN. NOW HER SUCCESSOR FOLLOWS IN HER FOOTSTEPS, BEING SO BOLD AS TO BE CALLED KING. SUCH BLASPHEMY AGAINST ME MUST BE PUNISHED.

Creed chuckled before he burst out laughing. "ARC! YOU WANT ME TO KILL ARC! FOLLOWING YOU IS THE BEST DAMN DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE! HOW DO YOU WANT HIM DEAD?! YOU WANT ME TO RIP OUT HIS HEART?! TEAR OFF HIS HEAD?! SKIN HIM ALIVE?! I'LL FUCKING EAT HIM IN FRONT OF HIS FAMILY IF YOU ORDERED ME TO!"

ALL EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS. ALL I WISH FOR IS HIS DEATH. TAKE HIS LIFE IN WHATEVER FASHIN YOU PLEASE, MY CHILD. AND SO, I UNLEASH YOU.

With that, Creed's eyes shot open.

He bolted up from his bed, panting. He was covered in sweat, could still feel the heat from the magic, could swear he was still wearing his royal garb, and even thought he saw his wounds from his own magic healing.

"Was that... real?"

Creed then looked at his hands and began to concentrate. His eyes widened when he saw the heat waves in his hand. He then held up his other hand and watched as wind swirled around his palm.

A sadistic smirk grew on his face as he stood out of bed. He started with a chuckle before it became maniacal laughter, drunk with the knowledge that he now had magic.

Magic that he would use to kill Jaune Arc, and anyone who stood in his way.

Jaune snapped towards a wall, glaring at it.

"What's wrong," Nimueh asked.

"I thought I felt something. Bloodlust. It's gone now, whatever it was."

"Then let's just hope it's nothing to worry about," Blake said as she was grading papers while sipping tea.

"You really do look like a teacher," Jaune commented at the beauty sitting around the table from him.

"I AM a teacher, hero," Blake shot back with a quick glare before going back to grading. "Mm, very good, Verde. 97%.

"Nintey-se- WHY?!"

"You put an unnecessary s on the word toward."

Verde pouted, Argent petting her head in an attempt to comfort her.

"You're ruthless," Nimueh went.

"I may be her mother, but I'm not about to play favorites," Blake said. "So, Jaune, are you going to do as my father suggested?"

"You mean take a break while the first expedition turns the oasis into Menagerie's first settlement in decades? If by 'take a break' he means 'go to one of the other Beast Gods', then yes."

Blake sighed. "Do you even know HOW to rest?"

Jaune made a quick glance at Nimueh's breasts, his wife pushing his face away. "That doesn't count as rest, hero," she said.

Blake sighed. "I miss Yang," she said before taking a sip of tea. "I wish she was here to at least try the Daimono."

"I'm sure she's just fine," Jaune said.

"BLEAH," Yang went as she slammed her mug on the table. "THIS BEER MUST BE WHAT PISS TASTES LIKE!"

"Hey, we're prisoners. What did you expect," the beefy bartender at the prisoner's recreation area asked?

"Maybe a strawberry sunrise," Yang asked hopefully.

"Hmph. Yeah, right."

"Come on, Coop. Can't you do something with your Semblance?"

"Oh, yeah. Impenetrable Skin makes getting good booze REAL easy," Coop went.

"Come on, Power Man. You gotta have something."

"Don't call me that, Flame. Here," he said as he placed a strawberry cake in front of Yang.

"Oh, if I wasn't already married."

"Sorry, Xiao Long. I'm already hitched myself. And I plan on being faithful until the day I can hold her again."

"If I had a glass, I'd toast to that."

Coop then prepared a drink for himself and Yang, the two toasting to their loyalty.

Blake sighed. "I sure hope she's alright."

Jaune was enjoying the last of his tea when he heard soft snoring. He looked around to see Blake sleeping on the tea table, her pen rolling out of her hand. He then saw Argent nuzzling up to Verde, the two sleeping together again.

"Well, they're knocked out," Nimueh said.

Ghira chuckled softly as he walked in. "I have heard from their schools. All of them are doing exceptionally well. They deserve this rest."

"But it's better for them if they sleep in their beds," Jaune said as he got up.

"I'll handle the children," Ghira said as he lifted the kids.

"You just wanna hold your granddaughter," Jaune deadpanned.

"And grandson."

"Ghira, we're not-"

"Just indulge an old man, Jaune," he said with a smile as he walked away.

"Well, see you in bed," Nimueh said as she got up and walked away.

Jaune sighed before looking down at Blake. He carefully straightened her paperwork, placing her pen on top of the stack. He then gently lifted the sleeping beauty, careful not to disturb her sleep.

"Whoa. Hey," Jaune went when Blake wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Love... you," she said softly.

Jaune sighed. "Yang must do this a lot for you," he said as he carried Blake to her room. He had just turned into the hallway.

"Oh, my."

He looked up to see Kali standing in the hall with her hand over her mouth, ears straight up, and eyes wide. Her eyes then narrowed teasingly. "Hmm?"

"Don't read into this. Remember, we're both married."

"Mm, that is very true," Kali said as she walked past Jaune, the hero sighing in exasperation. "But remember, hero," Kali began as she whispered into Jaune's ears. "Cats are polyamorous."

"Nah," Jaune went as he turned toward Kali, who was smiling at him in a playful manner before walking away. "She's messing with me. I SWEAR she's messing with me," Jaune grumbled before he heard Blake grumble. He looked down to see that she was getting uncomfortable. He adjusted his hold, Blake's expression softening before she snuggled up to him.

Jaune finally went into her room and tucked her in. He was about to leave when he saw Blake sleepily open her eyes.

"Sorry. Did I wake you?"

Blake didn't respond at first. Then, she shocked Jaune by kissing him... right on the lips. "Just get home earlier next time," she said before turning her back to him.

Jaune blinked. "Sleep deprivation is a scary thing," he whispered before leaving the room, sighing. "Hope Yang never finds out about that."

Meanwhile.

Yang sent a prisoner flying with one punch, the beauty standing in front of her pathetic bunk. "You really thought I'd be easier to take out asleep, Amber?"

Her assassin stood up with a grown, revealing to be a beautiful woman with long black hair in red. She growled as she took out a sai. "Nothing personal, Xiao Long. I just need you to forfeit the next match so I can get closer to Fisk."

Yang cracked her knuckles. "Sorry, babe, but I need to get closer to that land whale, myself. I don't fail my missions."

"Nor do I."

The two beauties then charged at each other, Yang's robotic arm clashing with Amber's sai, the match that they were supposed to have the next morning now occurring.

As the sun rose, Jaune was already in uniform, prepared to leave for Mahina's Hut to learn the rest of the Wolf God techniques.

"Jaune, don't you dare leave without breakfast," Kali called.

Jaune sighed. "That woman has better hearing than I do," he muttered.

"Of course I do! I'm a mother," she called.

"Might explain why it's hard to hide things from Nimueh," he muttered again.

"It does! Plus, I'm your wife, so that's a double-whammy for you," Nimueh called this time, Jaune rolling his eyes as he walked into the sitting room.

Ghira was already reading the morning newspaper with a cup of tea. On his left side of the table was Verde combing Argent's bedhead. You'd think that the Lioness Faunus would have messier hair with a mane that rivals her mother's, but it was actually quite well maintained. Argent's hair was sticking up, looking like Ruby again. Verde had other plans, puffing his hair to look like a lion's mane. When she was done, Argent shook his head, his hair somehow going back to his father's style of straight down, making Verde sigh before giggling. The last person at the table on Ghira's right was Blake herself, looking over her graded papers one last time.

Jaune sat at his preferred spot at the table, which happened to be the opposite end of the table from Ghira. "Anything interesting," Jaune asked Ghira.

"Just confirmation that the expedition to the oasis is today. The group should be leaving as we speak. Menagerie doesn't have many Huntsmen, but the few we do have volunteered to venture with the settlers."

"You did tell the group about my Devil Dragons, right?"

"Oh, don't worry. They know. I think some are more excited to get close up to Grimm than they are to actually colonize the desert," Ghira chuckled.

"Well, hopefully, my Dragons will keep them safe."

"I wouldn't worry about it. I heard Howl was going on the expedition," Blake said.

"Howl," Jaune asked.

"One of the best Menagerian Guards. A Wolverine Faunus who has a particular set of skills that makes him a bit frightening, but he's a good man. He used to be far more terrifying and savage, but Menagerie and his wife helped calm him down." Blake sighed. "If only the same were true for Creed."

"And who's he?"

"Someone I hope you never have to deal with," Ghira said. "You have enough to deal with on this island. Creed may be a Menagerian Guard, but he's too..."

"Bigoted," Blake suggested.

"Angry," Ghira said. "He's too vindictive. It's a wonder he never joined the 3rd Wave White Fang."

"Which didn't last long thanks to about three heroes, two of which being in this room," Jaune said with a teasing smile.

"Hey, you don't like being called a hero, so don't do it to me, superhero," Blake said.

Ghira just laughed.

"Alright, that's enough yammering," Nimueh said as she and Kali walked in. "It's time for the most important meal of the day," she said as she placed a tray full of plates of waffles with fruit and honey on them. Kali put down a tray that had fried eggs and ham plates. Finally, they came back with glasses of milk to go with the waffles.

"Time to eat," the cooks went.

"Thank you for this bountiful meal," everyone went in respect before enjoying the delicious meal.

Jaune did his duties as a uniformed Menagerian Gaurd before finding the hut. 'Bit smaller than Peela's,' he thought before entering. "Hello? Hm? Huh?"

Right in front of him was an old woman, sipping tea. She was only slightly taller than Maria Calavera, her wolf ears as grey as can be. Jaune saw the old woman shaking, showing how old and brittle she might have been. Jaune didn't believe it was her but asked anyway. "Are you... Mahina?"

"Hm?" The old woman opened her eyes, Jaune seeing how cloudy they were. Her cataracts were so severe that Jaune knew for a fact that she was blind. "Ah, the young King of the Grimm."

"I-It's just Jaune, ma'am."

"Oh-ho-ho, so humble. Humility is a fine character to have, young king. It shows that power does not yet corrupt you."

"Thank you, my lady. Um, I was hoping youuuuuu're student could teach me Wolf God Style?"

Mahina then stopped shaking. Her previously kind, blind eyes became unreadable. "My student. My students are scattered all throughout Remnant, young king. The Wolves are among the most numerous of the Faunus. I have many disciples, many worthy of taking up the mantle of God when my time has come. I can already see that one of them has trained you in the way of the Wolf."

Jaune's eyes widened. "Do you... do you mean Murua?"

"Ah, Murua Balto. She was talented. Truly worthy of being known as a Wolf God. If she were to succeed me, I would have no regrets. However, her duties compel her to follow a different path. Something you have knowledge of, young king."

Jaune looked down. "Yeah. I know." Jaune shook his head. "So, may I be so bold as to ask if Menagerie has another student you're proud of?"

"Plenty. Some with skills comparable to Murua's, others with talent that surpasses hers. Yes, Hero of Remnant, I have many students."

"Then could you please tell me where I could find one?"

"No."

"Huh?"

"Do you believe I am unable to train you, young hero?"

"Well, not to be rude, Lady Mahina, but it wouldn't feel right to force you to train me. Women like you deserve to rest. You've more than earned it. I'll gladly search for one of your other-"

Jaune's eyes widened when he felt a rush of wind past him. He then felt like he was just bitten by a massive wolf, his mind showing him an image of his shoulder and lower abdomen spewing blood if not for his Aura. "What?"

Jaune turned around and saw Mahina standing behind him, arms behind her back, hunched over, but still with an air of power to her.

"Rule #1 in martial arts, young man," she began as she turned towards Jaune, eyes closed. "Never underestimate your opponent."

Jaune reached for his shoulder, looking at it before looking back at the old woman. "What... WAS that?"

"That, my boy, was the first of the ten fangs: The Alpha's Bite."

"You brought both of your claws down at opposite sides of me, and at such incredible speed."

"You see much. Now, let me show you the Second Fang." This time, it felt like both of Jaune's shoulders were bitten off. "Alpha Pair's Bite," the old woman said as she landed behind Jaune.

Jaune stumbled, feeling his Aura drain all the way to orange, just below the threshold of it and green.

"Would you like to experience Cerberus?"

"Cerberus," Jaune asked as turned towards the woman, who was lower to the ground. "Wolf God Style, Third Fang," she said. Then, she zipped around Jaune. She gradually gained speed until she was just a blur. But that blur was moving in a certain way. A triangle. Then, Jaune noticed that each side had Mahina.

"Cerberus."

All three images appeared before Jaune and slashed him with enough force to make him airborne. Then, the three jumped up and stomped on him with enough force to smash him onto the ground.

Jaune groaned as he sat back up. "It really felt like I was struck by three people at once."

"Are you seeing a pattern with the Wolf God Style, young king?"

Jaune looked at the hunched-over old woman. "Speed."

"Indeed. The Wolf God Style is a martial art involving the speed of its user. The faster they are, the deadlier this martial art becomes. It is why even Cheetah Faunus trains in this style instead of the Tiger God Style. Rabbit Faunus are also quite talented in this field of combat."

"A wolf training rabbits?"

"Ho-ho-ho. It does sound quite silly, doesn't it? Of all the styles, Wolf God is quite possibly the most versatile and known. Many different types of Faunus practice that style, making it the most common of the Five Gods. However, it must not be underestimated. A majority is quite dangerous, after all. Now then, young king, shall we continue with your training?"

Jaune jumped to his feet, popping his neck before taking the stance Murua taught him. "Yes, lady Mahina. Please forgive my rudeness to you earlier."

"Oh, don't fret about it, young king. How many women my age can you think of that can fight this well?"

Jaune literally thought of Maria Calavera, smacking his head. He then realized that one of his exes and his OWN ACTUAL WIFE is MUCH older than the Wolf God. "You'd be surprised how many I know."

It was a clear, sunny day at Menagerie's ocean. On a pier far from the fishing boats and cruise lines, an Ocean Faunus was holding a stopwatch. She was keeping her eyes on the water, looking at the shadows underneath before she saw bubbles. Then, Honua the Elephant Girl popped up, coughing before spewing water out of her nose.

The Ocean Faunus clicked her stopwatch. "Honua Pani, half an hour. Not bad. B-" Honua whined softly, hoping she could do better before walking out of the shallow ocean. She felt even worse when he saw she was the first of her group to leave the water.

However, she didn't have to wait long for the next student, since Uju popped up next, gasping.

"Thirty-one minutes. B-, Ms. Ino." Uju growled before she walked out of the water.

She looked around to search for Banzai, only to see he wasn't up yet. Her eyes widened. 'I lost to that giggling idiot?!'

"WHOO-HA-HA-HAAA!"

Uju looked out at the water in surprise, her expression immediately turning to anger and annoyance.

"WHOO! IT'S REALLY SATISFYING TO BEAT YOU, U," Banzai laughed.

The teacher sighed. "Thirty-three minutes. That gives you a strong B, Mr. Aka."

"Worth it," he said as he got out of the water, still snickering. Uju had to really hold back her urge to pounce on him and tear him to shreds.

Several more minutes passed, and the forty-minute mark for an A now passed.

Then, someone popped out of the water with a gasp.

"Very good, Ms. Liona. You get an A."

Nala nodded respectfully to her teacher before walking out of the water. Despite being ten years old, only slightly older than Argent herself, the Lion Faunus was a sight to behold. She had a sort of royal beauty to her that even the young boys of her class couldn't ignore. Some of the girls had a crush on her too, save for one. Uju might be the only one who hates Nala since she sees her as her rival.

Nala then looked around. "Where's that human boy?"

"You mean Argent," Banzai asked. Nala nodded. "Still in the water."

Nala and Uju's eyes widened.

"Y-You mean I... I..."

"Mr. Arc, you can surface now. You get the highest grade," the teacher called.

Argent surfaced with a deep gasp before shaking the water out of his hair. He then gave a satisfied and relieved phew. "Forty-nine minutes. I think Mr. Sebas will be disappointed I didn't reach the full fifty. Shi-shi-shi."

"Oh, you know my old classmate. Well, if he says anything, just send him to me."

"Sure this, Ms. Kai," Argent said as he walked onto shore.

Nala stared at Argent in disbelief before regaining her neutral expression. "Lady Kai?"

"No need for formalities, Ms. Liona," Kai said as she wrote in her grade book.

"Class is dismissed for the day, correct?"

"Mhm. But don't forget that you lot have a swim test tomorrow."

Nala just nodded in understanding before taking one last look at Argent without the boy noticing. She then walked away. "I... lost. . . I've never lost to anyone my age before. . . Do I... finally have a rival," she thought aloud quietly... her eyes filled with... desire.

The other kids followed Nala's lead, except for Uju, who was glaring at Argent as he walked up to the swim teacher. She then spat on the sand before trudging away.

"Hey, Ms. Kai."

"Hm? Oh, Mr. Arc. Need something?"

"Just curious. Why did Nala call you Lady Kai? You some kind of big wig?"

Kai sighed. "Well, no surprise you wouldn't know. You are only human. Then again, I'm not really that important compared to the other four anyway."

"Other four?"

"I'm one of the Beast Gods. The Shark God."

". . . MY SWIM TEACHER IS ONE OF THE BEST FIGHTERS ON MENAGERIE?!"

"Mhm."

"But... shouldn't you be doing something cool like teaching people how to fight underwater instead of being a regular teacher? No offense."

"None, taken, guppy."

"Guppy?"

"Look around."

"Hm?" Argent did as she instructed.

"How many Aquatic Faunus do you see?"

"Uh... I see two swimming around."

"Exactly. Menagerie is extraordinarily short on water-based Faunus. Most of them just vanished. Rumors say they made their own kingdom deep in the sea."

Argent knew about the kingdom. He was just there, after all. "Why didn't you go with them?"

Kai shrugged. "I loved Menagerie too much. I had hoped I could help improve it somehow. Though, your father did more in a day than I did in years," she laughed nervously.

"Hm. So, you can't teach Shark God Style?"

She shook her head before holding up her hand, showing her webbings. "All the God Styles are unique in some way. For the Shark God Style, you need these."

"Why?"

Kai walked into the water and took a stance. 'Shark God Style: First Fin,' she thought. 'Tidal Wave.' She then swung up her hand, creating an actual tidal wave that rushed out towards the ocean.

"WHOA!"

"See? Shark God Style pretty much involves water manipulation, which is extremely difficult without webs."

"Doesn't look that hard," Argent said before standing next to Kai. He then tried to imitate her but used his Semblance. He was able to make a tidal wave but didn't go nearly as far as Kai's. "See?"

"No, no," Kai said before standing behind Argent and adjusting him. "You need to stand more like this. And try not to pinch your fingers together. You want your palm to be wide."

"Oh." Argent did it again. "Like that?"

"Better, but still needs work. How about NOT using your Semblance?"

"That obvious?"

Kai giggled. "You can't fool a master, guppy. Now, when you perform the Tidal Wave, you want to be able to really feel the water. I mean REALLY feel it."

"Huh?"

"Let me show you, guppy."

A/N: Well, if you're reading this on Saturday, today is the day. We learn of Neo's fate. Personally, I want her to survive, especially since next week might be a special. MIGHT. It all depends on whether or not Neo lives past this volume. Unless you convince me otherwise. Hope you're reading this, SilentKnightFan.