A/N: Hiiii~! Sorry for the delay~!

As ever, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story for the time being.

Sad as it might sound, if folks don't like this, it'll be deleted. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? POOF! Gone. Completely. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. I'm working two jobs, trying to keep a roof over my family's head, and at the end of the day this is very much a HOBBY. I simply don't have time to write a story no one likes, and feedback sustains me...

Of course, reviewing is your choice. I can't force you.

Now lets move onto your questions, comments and concerns:

Q: Have you seen Arcane?

A: What's all this about Arcane, now? I know jack all about League of Legends but alright, I'll give it a look...

.

..

...

Damnit. Well. Now I saw Arcane. Moreover, THAT episode. Moreover, that scene with Vander. *inhales deeply* NOPE NOPE NOPE! I AIN'T HAVING THAT SHIT! Still, I restrained myself long enough to finish this first. There's a homage in here. Nothing overt, just a little something.

Bloody hell, now I've got the "Revenge" track from Arcane banging about in my head...

Q: So to be clear, there are nine kids, right? You just haven't revealed two of them? Is that what you're saying?

A: More or less. As we all now, Naruto's not above adopting...

Q: Did...did Weiss just flip Jaune's switch?

A: In a sense. Like many of us, Jaune's a completely different person when it comes to a fight.

Q: Genshin characters in this story? You could make Aether or Lumine Naruto's kids...

A: Folks don't want to see that sort of thing anymore. Makes me said, but there's nothing I can do about it...

Q: Are you still taking requests?

A: Yes...and no. It depends on several factors.

Q: Wait. Is Port who I think he is?

A: Port is Port! Who else can he possibly be? Suppose that depends what you think of him. He could be anyone, really. Or just himself. Am I going to tell you outright here? No, no I am not. That would ruin the surprise.

But I will say this. You know what they say about those that play the fool.

What's that? You don't know the saying? I'll give you the sparknotes version, then.

BEWARE.

Q: More Naruto scenes, m'lord!

A: I'm really not the lord of anything; really, there are writers far greater than me. But as to your request, worry not, you'll have them. After all, he and Jaune are the main focus in this tale. Just because last chapter was fixated solely on Jaune doesn't mean the same will be said for every chapter.

Alright then, I think I've kept you long enough.

As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. Now off we go.

I think...we'll go with "Just" for the titles from here on out. Feels right at this point.

"I won't tell you how to live your life, Jaune. Grow up, find yourself a nice woman and settle down. Or don't; its your choice. I can't make that choice for you."

"But how will I know when I meet the right one? What's the difference between love and lust? I mean, you and mom...

"Ahem! Yes, that was certainly based off lust in the beginning...well, I could explain, but that's something you need to learn on your own. Definitely. If I tell you anymore your mother will jump in, and I'm sure you don't want the details."

"Seriously?! What kind of mystic mumbo-jumbo is that?! Throw me a bone here, old man!"

"Alright. I'll give you a hint. Love and hate are two sides of the same coin. Same goes with lust."

"And...?"

"And, that's it. Sometimes its the girl who falls for you at first sight.

Sometimes, its the ones that hates your guts.

Sometimes, its the one you least expect."

~Father and Son.

Just a Little Lust

Naruto was no stranger to lust.

You see, lust came in many forms. He'd seen them all in his world and this one. Lust for knowledge. Lust for power. Lust for recognition from one's peers. Even lusting for love. Lust was a little bit like greed in that regard; just about everyone knows it. Well, he knew more love than lust at this point, but the saying still stuck.

Naruto Uzumaki loved Juniper Arc, just as she loved him. They were madly in love. And also lust. Perhaps its something that happens when two blonds get together. Maybe wires cross somewhere. Or stars align in the heavens. That sort of thing. Who can say? Regardless, the two of them were utterly, madly without restraint when it came to to their life together, to say nothing of more...intimate matters.

How else do you think they could have so man children? With no signs of stopping at that!

So, yes, he understood what it was to feel...strongly for someone, and how powerful those feelings might be. But at the end of the day, whatever one might say, Juniper was more than enough for him. His gaze did not wander, his eyes did not rove; because he felt no need to. One was better than two in his mind; any more than that and he'd surely go mad. Likewise, he'd tried to steer his offpsring in the same direction -wouldn't do overrun Remnant!- and for the most part, he felt he'd succeeded.

...for the most part.

The ghost of a smile touched his lips as he scribbled another line in his journal.

"Went through Pietro's ledger again today," he murmured to himself, words rising over the faint skrtch-skrtch-skrtch of his pen. "Narrowed a few names down." his mouth pursed in a frown as a thought occurred to him, a suspicion that was swiftly jotted down. "Schnees might be involved in the attack." a query followed the statement. "Ironwood innocent?" he drew a line under it before writing below. "Still looking for Jaune. Not in Vacuo or Atlas. Might need to keep an eye on the kids. Especially-

A faint banging from upstairs distracted him. And then. "Look out below, pops!"

Kurama scoffed in his head. "Speak of the devil!"

Naruto's right arm snapped up without so much as a backward glance, lazily catching the object before it could strike the back of his skull. He whipped it around to hold it before his face, considering it with a keen eye. Strange little device. Almost looked like a mechanical monkey of some sort. He didn't turn at first; if only because doing so would have revealed his smile. Instead he set the device pen down and laid his free hand on the table. Blue eyes alighted upon the window and beheld a bright shock of dyed azure hair in its reflection just behind him.

He tutted softly and shook his head twice. "Making explosives again, are we, Powder?"

A soft gasp reached his ears, telling him he was right on the mark. "No...?"

Firm fingers glided over the mechanism and peeled it apart. "What have I told you about these?"

The cheeky slip of a girl stared at her toes. "To do it outside?"

Naruto quirked a brow. "And...?"

Her heard a little shoe scuff against the floor. "To only use them on Grimm?"

"That's my girl."

With a flick of his fingers the would be incendiary device sailed up into the air to tumble end over end. For a moment it hung aloft, before gravity had its say. He let it land then spin merrily on one finger before batting back into his palm. She really did have a talent. Still, this was mostly harmless as it was now. An explosion was hardly going to hurt anyone in the Arc family. They were made of sterner stuff than most.

A lazy underhand throw sent the toy hurtling her way.

He heard his daughter scuttle forward to catch it and finally pivoted in the chair to face her fully. Her pale, hopeful face stared up at him, cheeks pinching in a frown. She wasn't his blood, not like the others, but he didn't regret that fateful day, nor taking her in, even for a second. They'd found her dying in a ditch and nursed her back to health. The Arc family was his, after all. If he wanted to adopt the odd urchin here and there he certainly could. Juniper certainly didn't mind.

Finally, she found her voice. "So...you're not mad?"

"Why would I be?" he patted her head. "You have a gift. Use it."

The tiniest smile bloomed. Her eyes flitted to the table and his messy notebook. "Whatcha writing?"

"Nothing you need worry about." Naruto kissed her forehead, then laughed when she squired away. "Go play with your sisters. And remember." he pulled back and flicked her toy with a wink. "Its our little secret. Besides," he leaned against his chair, "If you want to see a really big explosion, just ask me."

She perked up. "Really?"

"Sure. Ask me in a few days and I'll set something up."

"M'kay!" She darted forward, gave him a quick hug, burying her head in his chest.

Naruto waved her off with a smile. "Go on, now. Don't let your mother catch you with that.

and scurried outside with a giggle. "Thanks, papa!"

Kurama scoffed. "Softie."

The wayward warrior shrugged and returned to his notes as the pleasant sounds of laughter echoed forth from the yard.

Life was good. Now if he could just track down his equally wayward son.

Jaune's call had been a mite bit grainy the other day, but he'd seen enough to draw his own conclusions. A quick check of the student rosters merely confirmed it. Unlike Mistral and Vale, Shade and Atlas were known to display the names of their would-be huntsmen most proudly. If Atlas had Jaune, they would have negotiated from a position of strength, rather than send a squad after his family. Moreoever, his son had always hated hot climates. He wouldn't last a day in the desert on his own.

Which left Mistral and Vale; each problems in their own right.

Naruto was fairly certain she had Haven wrapped around her little finger, while he held Beacon firmly in hand. One academy was practically right next door, not even a day's run for him. The other was clear across the world. He could send a clone to one and investigate the other

He shrugged and kept writing, muttering out his notes as he did.

"Talked to Terra." a pause, followed by a quick note near the bottom. "Seems nice."

Saphron's girlfriend had been an unexpected surprise all things considered, but at the end of the day it was her life to live.

So long as she was happy, so too was he.

After all, he'd looked into her.

Much to his chagrin, Terra wasn't an Atlas spy, a foreign plan, or even some naer-do-well hoping to strike it rich on the secret of chakra. She was, all things considered, a perfectly normal girl with her Aura unlocked. Even her semblance wasn't particularly noteworthy. She could harden her skin to deflect damage. Her record was utterly ordinary. Nothing squeaky clean mind you -which would have drawn suspicion of a different sort!- just a few misdemeanors here and there, an arrest for protesting against faunus abuse, nothing more. If she was to believed, Saphron had been the one to bumbled into her.

...believable." he jotted another note down. "Seems like something she'd do."

"Something you'd do, more like."

True. Saphron did take after him. His little super-girl, always charging headfirst into danger; leaping first and asking questions later.

Thankfully, none of her siblings had shown any romantic inclinations just yet. Vaylin had no interest in anything other than her training; likely because anyone she met failed to meet the herculean standards she'd set. She wanted someone strong, but also one who would also pamper her, someone able to best her in battle, yet in the same vein no so proud as to deny defeat. Sabrina and Sable were likewise extremely choosy, all but refusing to interact with anyone outside of the family. Jean was too young to understand such things, and likewise, Azula was more likely to burn a boy as look at them.

To say nothing of Powder. She was more interest in her "toys" than anything else. She'd make a fine Arc once he trained her up. Maybe a bit of chakra would help.

Penny was...well, Penny. His granddaughter would be fine.

After all, she too, was an exception. When he'd first met Pietro all those years ago, he'd been little more than a man with a dream; a scientist down on his luck. He'd taken him in given him a bit of instruction, a nudge in the right direction, followed by a few drops of his own precious blood and chakra. All with no expectations of a reward or any real result.

And now, surprise surprise, years later, he had a grandchild.

Naruto cocked a weather eye at the thought of her...no, at his granddaughter. By the log it felt weird to say that. He and Juniper had often contemplated the idea of grandchildren in the future, just not quite this soon. But she'd been made from his chakra and Pietro's aura. Polendina, who had been like a son to him in all but name. Penny was his daughter. Thus, HIS granddaughter. What else could she possibly be? She'd slotted right into their little family.

Even now he could hear her laughter just outside. Silly girl. She was probably tormenting Vaylin again.

And then they came to the black sheep of the family.

Kurama grimaced. "You mean Jaune."

...I do."

Naruto sighed and tapped a finger a finger against the table.

Ah, but Jaune...Jaune...! He was so proud of him, and yet so very, very worried. He needed to find which Academy he'd gone to.

"He's got two girls on his team." the timeless warrior muttered to himself as he scribbled down another note in his journal. "What am I going to do with that boy?" the pen snapped in his hand, spattering the page with ink so dark it almost looked like blood. "I don't even know where he is!" A new notion struck him even as he snatched up another. "Wait." he flicked a thought inward. "Kurama, you've kept in contact with him, right?" A noise of consent confirmed his suspicions. "Great! Then you can save me some time. Where'd he run off to?"

The kitsune clammed right up; indeed, his silence proved telling.

Naruto sighed into it. "You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"He's doing well. That's all I'll say."

Cheeky little furball...! "Kurama!"

"Sorry." he didn't sound apologetic. Not one bit. "This is for the best. Your brat needs a chance to spread his wings and learn. I'll be there to keep an eye on him. Speaking of which...

A hand laid itself on his and broke the link. "Daydreaming again, dear?"

"I'll leave you to it. Have fun~!"

"Oi! I'm not done with you!"

Silence reigned.

Naruto craned his neck up to find green eyes close to his, framed by a blond hair and a coy smile. His lips parted to speak and Juniper silenced them with her own. His brain blanked for a moment as he inhaled reflexively; the brief lapse of which gave her the chance to slid into his lap. The chair creaked beneath their combined weight. He barely noticed; because her hands were threading through his hair, breasts crushing against his chest, hips grinding against his through the fabric of their clothes...!

He realized what she was getting at a moment later and drew back. "You're trying to distract me." he frowned a little. "Aren't you?"

"That depends." His wife chased him with her lips, breath hitching softly between linger kisses. "Is it working?"

"The girls are right outside." he muttered as her hands began to play with the buttons of his shirt.

"For the most part." she cooed between kisses. "They're carving."

A blond brow rose. "Carving what, exactly?"

She winked. "You'll see for yourself."

For a fleeting moment he considered resisting. Then he looked at her again. Even after all these years, Juniper Arc was just as lovely as he remembered - no, even moreso. Perhaps it had something to do with all the time they'd spend together, laid together. All their children. Maybe fate was finally smiling on him. Truth be told, Naruto didn't know, or care. His arm tightened around her waist, drawing her close.

"You're about to see a whole lot more...!"

Her smile was all teeth. "As I recall, I was on top last time."

She knew just what to say to rile him up. "That's about to change...

The door clattered open behind them before Juniper could hope to to respond.

"Grandfather!" A familiar voice called! "Grandmother! Look what I made!"

Naruto slumped with a sigh. Juniper didn't budge from his lap, though she did roll her hips against him one last time to ease him further. He bit back a groan. Sneaky succubus, leaving him him and dry like that...still, there was nothing he could do. He daren't move; if only because he couldn't trust his legs to carry him at the moment.

Penny knew none of this; she darted forward and held up her creation for him to inspect. "Look grandfather! Did I make it properly?"

She held up the fruits of her labor, a fine wooden carving in the shape of a nine-tailed fox. Naruto reached over and traced his thumb over it, admiring the craftsmanship.

He looked away, face gone red. "Too adorable. Must protect...

"My sweet precious girl!"

Juniper was less subtle. She all but dove on her.

Naruto watched with a smile.

...maybe he could give Jaune a few more days.

So long as his son held back, there was nothing to worry about.


(.0.0.0.)


He wasn't holding back!

Weiss knew it at the first brush of their blades; felt that telltale flicker of dread when she and Jaune crossed weapons for a second, then third time, followed by a fourth and a fifth. Each exchange left her arms screaming, shoulders aching as shockwaves slammed down her arms. Not even five minutes of this and already her fingers had gone nearly numb against Myrtenaster's grip. Merely blocking was a physical effort in and of itself; one that took more and more from her with each pass.

Really, she had no one to blame but herself.

In hindsight she really should have known better than to engage Arc in a contest of brute strength, but she was just so terribly cross with him at the moment. Instead, like some rank amateur, she'd let that fury cloud her judgement. Anger had her standing her ground, when she really shouldn't have.

Anger nearly got overpowered her almost immediately; a broad sweep of his blazing blue saber sent her stumbling away.

"What's wrong?" He gave his blade a flourish, sending it it thrumming through the air. "I thought you wanted to fight."

Weiss bridled. "Why you-

Sparks flew as Arc's plasma weapon slammed into Myrtenaster. A tiny gasp tore past her lips. Even at low power his weapon threatened to sheer clear through hers. Had it a voice, her rapier would have shrieked in pain. Weiss nearly did when that blade swept across her hand. Hot! It burned! She recoiled, pivoted, to no avail.

Taking his blade in both hands, Jaune planted his feet, grit his teeth, and pushed her blade back.

Weiss leaned with it, knees buckling under the onslaught. There were no jokes or jabs now. Only cold, searing intent. Azure orbs met startled ice blue. One of her legs buckled and her balance faltered. She heard her Team gasp behind her, even as JNPR cheered their leader on. All the while she was forced down, down...down...

"I'm sorry." Jaune sounded almost contrite as she fell to a knee. "This is the part where you lose."

He wasn't even being cruel about it. That made it so much worse. Did he think her weak? She hadn't even begun to fight! Frantic, she slammed an elbow up at his groin, only to find herself blocked by one of his greaves. A faint hiss pushed past her lips when he redoubled his efforts and pushed her back yet further.

'Think Weiss, think!' she flailed for a solution as her muscles quivered. 'What do you have that he doesn't?!'

The gods were good, for the answer came to her almost immediately. Range. For all his speed and strength, Arc had already revealed his hand; showing himself to be a close combat fighter. Time and time again he sought to close the distance between them and strike. She'd played his game out of anger, but now, with the odds against, she realized that was a mistake. She did not have to fight like a Berserker; nor was she bound by such conventional limitations.

Time to fight like a Schnee.

In a rare lapse of decorum, Weiss took one hand from her rapier's hilt and flicked two trembling fingers at his serene visage. Myrtenaster clicked furiously as she brought a fresh dust cylinder to bear. A solid white glyph smashed Jaune right in the nose, hard light dust burning through the air to do strike him head on. On the screen above, his aura barely budged. The same could not be said for his body; he staggered back on reflex, startled by the brash maneuver. Weiss let him take three steps, weapon raised before her face, and whirled.

"Yah!"

With a triumphant cry she flicked her rapier's cylinders. Fire dust clicked in. Her fingers moved anew, trailing red light as they kissed cold steel. The moment she reached the rapier's peak she stepped forth and flung a wave of fire dust in his face. It struck Arc head on and exploded, leaving him coughing harshly. He waved a plume of smoke away from his visage. Now! She took the chance to surge forward and strike at his knees. She'd knock him off his feet and end this in a single blow! That would show him...!

A low growl pierced the haze. Blue burned gold in the smoke. It was her only warning.

Weiss dropped a glyph and kicked off it with all her might. Even then she wasn't fast enough. Blazing light filled her vision and she twisted, her spine all but parallel with the ground as that blazing bar of blue light whistled over her head. A few stray strands of white hair fluttered to the ground, leaving her to swear at the near miss. Then he was on again, forcing her back, back, back once more, driving her through a dizzying array of glyphs and kick just to evade Too close! Jaune wasn't trying to kill her -and frankly he couldn't with her aura up- but it would've hurt all the same.

She realized her mistake a moment later.

Admirable as her acrobatics were, her last leap had carried her just a touch too far; leaving her wide open. Jaune was many things; but he wasn't a fool when it came to combat. He leaped up to meet her, caught her by the right ankle. She had half an instant to balk. That was no mere leap!

"You can fly?!"

Jaune beamed. "Nope! Jump good!"

Then he yanked. Pain flared in her leg; pain that was eclipsed as he whipped her into the mat face-first like some raggedy doll.

Weiss scarcely had time to yelp before she struck the ground; a yelp that turned into a scream of pain as stars flashed before her vision.

Distantly, she heard Ruby's cry. "Weiss!"

Not now, you! She tried to speak only for her body to betray her; all she managed was a raspy gasp as she curled in on herself. Oh gods, the pain. It felt like he'd cracked one of her rib. Her fingers touched her nose and came away red. But how?! Her aura was still up! She could feel it! You couldn't just...cut through it!

"Thatta boy, Jaunie!" Nora hollered encouragement over her muted whimper. "Show that silly Schnee whose boss!"

In the corner of her eye, Goodwitch began to raise her weapon. "Miss Schnee? Are you unable to continue?"

Pride sparked back to life in her chest and she slapped a closed fist against the mat.

"I...can still fight!"

She wouldn't be defeated like this! No! Nay! Never! To surrender now after such a horrid showing...she'd never live it down. Laughter echoed in her ears, imagined or otherwise.

Jaune hesitated in her peripherals, golden eyes shimmering back to blue. "Maybe you should stop...?"

Anger knotted in her stomach. "Shut your mouth! This isn't over!"

Miss Goodwitch sighed. "...then stand, Miss Schnee."

Wasted and gasping for air, Weiss nevertheless found the strength to claw her way one her knee. Her body fought her every step of the way. Muscles creaked. Bones ached. She raised her head and stole a glance at the scoreboard above; balked at what she found there.

It couldn't be.

Look again, her mind cried!

We are, answered her eyes! Its real!

Much to her chagrin, her aura was well into the yellow, while Arc's remained a healthy green. Shame stung her like a swarm of angry rapier wasps. She had worked for this. Earned her place in Beacon. And yet this cheery fool was making a fool of her. It was, by any and all accounts, a clear accounting of their skills. Her fingers bit into the mat as she growled.

The world held its breath.

...as you wish." At length their instructor complied, though the look Weiss received proved absolutely scathing. "However, this match will end once either of auras reached the red. Am I clear?"

Weiss nodded. "Crystal, ma'am."

Miss Goodwitch stepped back. ""You may continue."

Jaune flicked a reluctant look at her. "Do we have to...? Look, I'll forfeit. There's no need to...

All the world went red.

A line of white glyphs sent Weiss surging forward at unnatural speed. Myrtenaster rammed forward. She crashed into him at speed, driving him back half a pace.

Her sole reward was a grunt.

...continue." Arc finished with a sigh, lowering his shield. "I'm sorry, did I say something to offend you?"

"Offend me?!" Her forehead smashed against his. "Your existence offends me!"

His right foot shifted just so; more than enough to spook her. Kicking off his shield, she pirouetted away, caromed off another glyph, and landed at the edge of the ring. Myternaster trailed a wave of hoarfrost in the air as only she could; a flick of the wrist sent a wave of jagged icicles hurtling his way.

"Thatta girl, Weiss!" Ruby hollered her support for the brief stalemate! "Represent team RWBY!"

Jaune turned a puzzled expression on her. "I thought you were cheering for me?"

Her teammate quailed, looked left, now right. "I...um...go both of you?"

"You heard her!" Yang thumped a fist down. "Fight!"

Pyrrha hollered her support. "Be brave, Jaune!"

Weiss bridled as the boy actually turned his back on her to frown at the stands. "I don't think bravery's the problem here!"

She slammed into him with a shriek, abandoning finesse entirely. Myrtenaster met the blazing blade of Crocea Mors time and time again in a wild waltz of light and steel. More than once, he crashed through her guard as if it weren't even there. A vicious kick caught her ribs and hurtled her to the ground.

Her aura plummeted that much more.

Jaune didn't give her a chance to feel the pain, much less rise to catch her breath. An overhead swing hammered down as she rolled aside, and a line of fire burst forth, nearly catching her ponytail as she tumbled aside. It was too much. He pursued relentlessly, using nothing more than sheer bloody strength and speed to overwhelm her forcing her to disengage yet further, skipping backward like a frightened child. He closed the distance all too quickly.

A stray blow caught her tiara and tore it in half, freeing her hair from its ponytail; it blew down into her face at once, eliciting a snarl.

"Huh." Jaune hesitated. Crocea Mors touched the floor, eliciting a sizzling hiss. "You look kinda nice with your hair down."

In the background, Yang gave a low whistle. "Smooth move there, whiskers."

Weiss felt her face flame a bright embarrassed pink. "How dare-ack?!"

He surged forward, and something in her recoiled despite her best efforts to stay strong. Distance! She must put some distance between them! There was a way to beat him; there has to be! A mistake, some weakness he had, an accident she could exploit! Something! Anythingwowthosereallywerebrighteyes! She threw herself to one side as his blade swept in at her ribs. It raked her thigh instead. Pain blossomed there, but still she fought on in spite of it, whirling to meet him anew.

Her aura plummeted anew as they traded blows.

Arc fought well. Too well. His blade blurred in at vicious angles, and his agility left him near impossible to track. For every blow she landed he dealt two more. All her training, all her skill, all her everything meant nothing before a foe like this. Weiss knew herself well, knew her skills better than anyone else. She also knew her limits.

She was beginning to fear the outcome; that she wouldn't be able to win. It gnawed at her.

Never had the gap between her and another become more apparent than it was now. No, not a gap. This was a chasm! It didn't make any sense! A frustrated scream tore out of her as Myrtenaster glanced off his shield; less so when said shield bashed her in the face. She stumbled away, clutching at her nose. She was a Schnee! She'd given her body and soul to her training. She had sacrificed and bled, and sacrificed to get where she was now. So why was she losing to some country bumpkin?!

"How?!" The word tore out of her as she flicked a fresh wave of ice at him. "How are you this strong?!"

"I'm really not." Jaune evaded and allowed himself a smile, utterly at his ease, seemingly the first real smile he'd felt in quite some time. "But if you want an answer...?" he thumbed his chin, considered her words for a moment, and finally shrugged. "Pushups, situps, and plenty of juice?"

Weiss felt her right eye begin to twitch anew. "Juice...?"

Blake leaned forward just so. "Here it comes..."

Everyone facepalmed.

It was the straw that broke the camel's back.

She thrust forward in a blind rage, aiming for his center mass. Two fingers flicked out and pinched, catching her rapier's thin point before it could pierce one of his joints. His fist closed around it fully, entrapping the metal against firm fingers.

"You really should stop." his words were her father's all over again. "I don't want to hurt you."

Hurt her?! He'd wounded her pride well past repair; dealt her courage a fatal blow, maimed her dignity beyond recognition.

"I was meant for this!" Tears pricked at her eyes as she snarled up at him; his words further stoked the fury in her soul as she struggled to extricate her weapon anew. "I trained for this! Threw myself into it! Mastered my senses! Were did you train, Arc?! On a farm?!"

The blond boy blinked. "...yes?"

Pyrrha stifled a smile against her palm.

Weiss drove her knee into his shin. When he moved to defend she tore her rapier free and stabbed down, rendering the ring a glossy sheet beneath their feet. It was a good move; a timeless classic that hadn't failed her before. He should have slipped and fallen. But he didn't. He laughed and all but skated across; somehow moving faster despite the unstable terrain. Why were his feet glowing?!

Weiss backpedaled. Too little, too late. "No! Stay back! Stay-

Clenched knuckles slammed into her stomach and blasted the breath from her lungs, physically lifting her feet from the floor. Weiss felt her aura plummet. Spittle sprayed from her lips. Her body folded with a whimper as her knees hit the mat soon thereafter. Myrtenaster fell from her fingers and clattered to the mat. Time slowed to a crawl. Someone cried out. She wasn't sure who.

Weak. A nasty little voice whispered in the back of her head.

No.

Useless. Just like Father said.

No, no.

Nothing like your sister.

No, no, no!

"I'm sorry."

Arc's hilt came crashing down to deliver the knockout blow.

Something snapped deep inside Weiss. No, perhaps that wasn't it. She felt a pierce of herself click into place. And quite suddenly. She understood.

"ARC!"

An icy glyph burst beneath her; the sheer force of which drove her foe back three steps.

And.

Just like that.

Something came through.

A giant armored arm forged of white hoarfrost tore its way into existence, breaching the surface of the glyph with an awful hiss. As she looked on in awe, it land planted itself upon the mat for balance and levered itself upright. With its passing came another arm, followed by a pair of broad shoulders, a neck, a head, then finally the main torso itself.

Jaune stepped back. "This is new...

In no time at all it loomed large over them both, casting both combatants in its stellar shadow. Only then could she truly take it in. Her new ally wore a medieval suit of armor, easily twice as tall as she, its visor dark as the blackest shadow. Glistening with white-on-blue frost, it called forth a sword and brought it to bear in her defense, warding her foe away.

Weiss felt her lips part, forming a small, round oval of surprise.

As she looked on the knight planted its blade in the ground, knelt before her -actually knelt!- and offered her a giant hand. She flinched, recalling an unpleasant memory, if only for a moment. Fortunately her fingers were quick to betray her. They curled around a giant digit and allowed it to help her stand.

"You...?"

The knight bowed its head yet further.

Weiss recognized it at once; how could she not? It was the very foe -that blasted Arma Gigas!- she'd defeated not long ago back in the manor; the same implacable enemy she'd bested at her father's behest, and in doing so, won the right to attend Beacon. But why was it here? Unless...?

Realization dawned. Her semblance! She'd finally made a breakthrough!

Jaune looked up with a wry express of awe. "Wow! That's certainly something!"

"It is? Ahem! I mean, it is, isn't it?" She pivoted to face him on trembling legs, grimaced for a moment at her faltering aura reserves, then rallied. "I'd understand if you want to surrender."

Behind her, the Arma Gigas rose to its full towering height.

'Please surrender.' A little voice whimpered in the back of her head. 'Everything's spinning...

Her eyes flicked back up to the scoreboard. After the beating she'd taken, that little "breakthrough" jus tnow had left her aura nearly in the red. Even now she could feel it plummeting. If she'd didn't finish this soon she'd be the loser by default, Semblance or no. But maybe she didn't have to win. He was clearly impressed by the sight of her summons, and his back was to said board. If she could just press the advantage intimidate him to give up the bout...

'Just give up before I keel over!'

"Nah." his smile shattered any hope she might have had. "I think I've changed my mind." There was something different about his smile now, a wild edge that hadn't been there before. "I didn't know you were hiding an ace like this." He tilted his head just so. "You're pretty amazing after all."

Weiss bridled. Again with the compliments?! Was he really-no! There wasn't any time! She needed to act now, before she passed out!

She flicked a thought at her summons and prayed it wasn't a fluke. The knight moved accordingly; readying itself and leaping forward, all but devouring the distance in a single bound. Its speed startled even her; had it always been so agile? Whatever the case, it closed the gap well before Jaune Arc could rush in again. Behind it, Weiss dove on Myrtenaster, retrieved her trusty weapon, and clamored to her feet. As such, she raised her gaze just in time to see her knight strike.

Its blade slammed down in a single overhand sweep.

Jaune's right arm rose to intercept.

Frost sprayed upward.

Weiss flung up an arm against it, squinting in the haze that followed; a mist that blinded both combats and spectators alike. It cleared almost immediately, but the damage had been done. She saw. He'd tanked it on his shield. His aura definitely took a hit and the metal had suffered for it, warping and cracking before the sheer cold of the knight's blade. She supposed she should be grateful for that. If he'd caught it barehanded she would've lost her mind-nevermind that! He shouldn't be standing at all!

A threadbare whisper pushed past her lips as he continued to stand tall. "What are you?"

His smile was pure as the glistening snow. "Just a normal student. Like you."

"Normal," she muttered. "And I'm the Queen of Remnant!"

"Really?" he blinked a bit at that.

"You cannot be serious-

BZZZZT!

A bell rang. Weiss looked up, terribly startled, but already knowing what she'd fine there. Her aura had finally reached the red. No, beyond that. It was virtually gone. But his! She'd finally brought him into the yellow. The faintest smiled creased her pale face. With it went the last of her strength. She slumped to her knees, hair covering her face. legs sprawled out beneath her. Her knight planted its blade and fizzled out behind her. In place of anger, she felt only exhaustion. No. Perhaps that wasn't quite true. Something strange and unfamiliar itched at her chest. It felt like respect. She pitched forwards.

"Whoa, there!"

Her head landed in Arc's arms as he caught her. Embarrassment blazed through her anew. She pawed at him weakly for a moment and succeeded only in entangling herself with him further. Her good arm slapped at his chest to no avail. Had she the strength, she would've stuck him in the leg for holding her as such. As it was, she managed little more than uncoordinated flailing.

"Enough." Hazy blue eyes flickered up to meet his "...I yield."

Miss Goodwitch reacted instantly. "Jaune Arc wins by merit of forfeit!"

"Really?" Jaune regarded her with a sigh as the buzz of conversation rose around them. "I wanted to go a little longer...

A strange noise bloomed in the air. It took Weiss a long moment to realize it was laughter. Her laughter. When was the last time she'd laughed? She couldn't recall. Perhaps it was the exhaustion. Maybe it was all that aura she'd lost. She didn't know. Didn't care. Everything felt so heavy. She couldn't keep her eyes open. Her head felt fuzzy. Did she have a concussion...? Still, Arc really did have nice arms. Firm and strong, all corded muscle. He held her gently, despite having no reason to do so. She rather like that.

...definitely a concussion.

Either way, she wasn't satisfied. Not completely. "This isn't over, Arc."

"Eh?" Jaune scratched his cheek with a lone finger. "Um, I think it is, though?"

"It...most certainly is not." she tried to stifle a yawn, to no avail. "Mark my words...I will have...my revenge...

She'd tan his hide next time! Once her aura recovered; once she mastered her awakened Semblance...she'd show him!

"Normal."

Her pale face flushed anew.

"You really aren't normal at all, Arc...

"Jauuune!" Ruby slammed into his back before he could respond. "Gimme your sword!"

He recoiled and the moment was lost...for now. "Ruby, what?! Wait just a second! Hey! Don't grab me!"

"Ruby, yes!" The little weapon addict giggled, all but reaching ove rhis shoulders. Show me more! Show me, show meeee~!"

Yang shrugged. "You brought this on yourself. She's never gonna stop now until you give up the goods now."

Ruby made a keening noise and rounded on her. "Yaaaaaang! Don't say it like that!

It was all too much. Weiss closed her eyes and surrendered to her body.

Sleep now, deal with this madness later. Much later.

Normal, Arc had said. She'd see about that...


(.0.0.0.)


"Quite the show, wouldn't you say?"

"Hmm." Glynda hummed noncommittally as she and Port watched two Teams hoist the exhausted Schnee between them. "It certainly was." Her lips pursed as she considered Jaune Arc anew. "Semblances aside, there's something about that boy...something familiar...almost as if he's...

"Nonsense, my dear!" Peter clapped her on the back, distracting her at the last. "You must be imaging things."

Was she? She didn't think she was. Arc's fighting style ranged from eclectic to outright explosive. Could that be his semblance? He'd moved with frightful speed, tanked hits he had no business enduring, and recovered far, far too quickly. To say nothing of his skill with the blade. She'd seen that sword style somewhere before. But where? A faint pressure blossomed in the back of her head, bringing forth a mild migraine as she dwelt upon it further. She winced.

Where had she seen that form?

A young woman appeared in her mind's eye, dancing with a blade. She had green eyes and flowing blond hair. She smiled at her.

"You're getting sloppy, Glynda."

The memory slipped through her grasp when she reached for it; so much oil in water.

Bah. She shook off the sudden malaise that followed. If it really was that important, she'd remember, sooner or later.

"Yes," she relented after a moment, "...I suppose you're right." she touched a hand to her brow. "Its been a long day, and I'm tired. Good afternoon, Peter."

Port wavered after her. "Give James my regards!"

.

..

...

Peter waited until she rounded the corner. Only then did he smile.

"Nothing personal, dear girl." he muttered to himself once she was gone. "I'm afraid I can't let you spill the beans just yet." A spark of something flashed through his oft closed eyes as he opened them, mustache lifting above his smile. "After all, you'd spoil all my fun and then I wouldn't get to see him dance...

Peter Port whistled a merry little tune as he waltzed off.

It promised to be an interesting year.

"What fun, what fun...!"

A/N: Please read this note. It has some crucial info regarding certain tings.

First! I ain't saying jack about Port! Not one blasted thing!

Second, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule.

If folks don't like this, it'll be deleted. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? POOF! Gone. Completely. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. I'm working two jobs, trying to keep a roof over my family's head, and at the end of the day this is very much a HOBBY. I simply don't have time to write a story no one likes, and feedback sustains me...

Once again, reviews are my fuel. Without them I simply cannot write.

So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...

...Review...Would You Kindly?

And enjoy the previews.

POTENTIAL ONES!

Soooo! Tell me what you want to see~!

Next time: Just a little Misunderstanding.

(Previews)

Naruto turned to face the shadows. "How long are you going to skulk about?"

Something stirred.


...Pyrrha? Are you mad?"

"No." she looked away. "Whatever gave you that idea?"


Ozpin considered the footage. Rewound it. Considered it again.

Did the Arc boy have magic? He didn't want to consider it, and yet the notion persisted...

Those skills went beyond a mere Semblance; they defied the realm of possibility, of imagination itself.

...had he not had children after Salem? Before he had split his power, before the Maidens? He certainly had. He'd thought that bloodline long extinguished.

His mug fell from his fingers and clattered to the floor.

In the end, only one thought occurred to Ozpin.

...does this make me a great grandfather?"

EDIT: And so the glorious misunderstanding begins~!


"Let me go, blast you! I want to be alone!"

He had FAR too many sisters not to know that lie. "...no, I don't think you do."

"People really should talk to other people everyday. "Jaune held her close, despite her struggles. "Even if it's just small talk. Otherwise their hearts grew dark and sullen." his arms tightened around her, not harmful, not firm, but gentle all the same. "Talking to others build bond of friendships and relationships, it broadens the mind and it makes you feel grateful to be alive. That's the kind of creatures we humans are. So," he swallowed a little, "Talk to me. I know we don't know each other very well, but I want to hep."

She sniffed into his shoulder. "You're just full of wisdom, aren't you?"

"Nah, my dad told me those words." he beamed. They fit, right?"

Tears burned her eyes, a crack in her resolve."Maybe a little...

"You can cry if you want. I won't tell anyone."

She warbled and the floodgates opened.

"I...its just not fair...

EDIT: My my, whoever could he be talking to? *grins*


"What fun, what fun! Its been awhile since I...tried."

"Who are you, really?"

Peter tittered merrily as they traded blows. "I'm just a teacher!"


"This is an absolute rule, Jaune. You're forbidden from using this form unless you have no other choice. Do you understand? The same rule applies to your sisters. I've sealed that knowledge and power from them. It didn't quite take with you...which is why we're having this conversation in the firs place." An arm swept outward, nine scarlet tails waving behind it. "Kurama and I refined this form, mastered it over the years of careful practice through thick and thin. But even now, it carries an inherent limit."

A single clawed finger rose.

"One minute." the words rang through the clearing like a bell. "That's the threshold. Even for me. Baryon mode amplifies everything tenfold." His fist scythed outward, casually flattening an Ursa with no now than a flick of his wrist. "Strength, speed, stamina; makes you damn near untouchable." Another blow destroyed the ground behind it, obliterating the swarm with one punch. "After that comes the risk."

"Risk, huh?" He gulped, reliving the memory. "And what happens after a minute?"

Glowing scarlet eyes met his.

"You die."


"Hello, dear brother." bright eyes met his across the room. "Enjoying our vacation," she took a deep, hearty bite of her apple, "Are we?"

Jaune choked. Of all the people to visit...!

"H-Hey, sis..."


"I told you to stop." Naruto blew out an irritated breath. "This is pointless." He reared up. Smashed their head down again. "You're not winning this fight."

A blade flashed out at him, piercing his stomach.

He looked down. Frowned. Sighed.

...is that all?"

R&R~!