[#] Rusted Professor is out, go check it out.
[#] I want your opinion on something: The next arc will begin with the expedition to Mountain Glenn. But I'd like to know if, before that, you would like Jaune to have some dates... and maybe some smut would be included too… at least one smut scene is guaranteed.
[#] As always, Ko-fi subscribers have access to 5 chapters ahead, plans start at 1 dollar.
COMMENTS:
Lord_Disaster[webnovel]:Later when you finish your other stories can you make one using the chaos gacha from bronzdeck?
AVIP: I Haven't read Bronzedeck's work, but... I have plans for a fanfic with gacha elements, it would be an isekai in 40k universe.
daniel_rahn[webnovel]: UFf so epic, im enjoying the harem development, i specially loved the fact that raven pointed out how similar are Jaune and Yang to Tai and Raven, honestly Jaune is basically Tai 2.0 with a few differences with Ruby and Yang being Summer and Raven. The resemblance is scary.
AVIP: I imagine a scene in the future, Tai trying to lecture Jaune about how wrong it is to crowd women like that. But Qrow is right next to him, mocking Tai, saying that the pot is calling the kettle black.
Funky_chiby_Anji[wattpad]: The confrontation between Yang and Raven was intense and cathartic do you think this moment will change how Yang sees herself and her past, or will those old wounds still haunt her moving forward?
AVIP: This Yang is definitely different from the Yang from season 1. She may not have resolved all her issues, but she's definitely moving forward.
bsgamer1[questionablequesting]: Lol. Jaune using Raven' philosophy to diss her
AVIP: I mean…It's all fun and games until someone stronger comes around and shoves your stupid philosophy at your stupid face!
---Chapter---
[Blake Belladonna]
I sit alone at the cafeteria table, the buzz of conversations around me blending with the clinking of silverware. My gaze drifts to the window, where the afternoon sun lights up the Beacon campus.
'Why did Jaune invite me to have lunch?' I wonder in silence.
After the whole incident with Jaune going commando and dragging the janitor by the neck…
I still shiver just remembering the fanfics I wrote about it.
I'll admit it, Jaune has become an endless source of inspiration for my creative side. He's practically my artistic muse at this point. But that still doesn't explain why he's interested in me, let alone why he asked me out on this… date?
Pyrrha, Ruby, Yang, and Weiss didn't seem too happy about it. I saw the looks, the tension in their faces. I understand they being jealous, but they really don't need to worry. The only thing I feel for Jaune is physical attraction.
"Blake."
Jaune's voice pulls me out of my daydream.
My eyes widen as I notice the muscular young man standing in front of me.
He changed a lot on his trip. Now even wearing something as plain and comfy as a white t-shirt and blue jeans, makes his muscles still stand out. But even with that fine specimen in front of me, my attention is completely drawn to what he sets on the table.
"Where did you get that pie?" I ask, curious.
None of the food offered today even came close to looking like a pie.
"This is a tuna pie," Jaune says with a mischievous grin.
My eyes lock onto the plate.
"Tuna pie?" I repeat, already salivating.
"Yep," he replies, cutting into it. "A broccoli cheddar tuna pie, to be exact."
The name alone is enough to make me salivate, but the smell makes my stomach react instantly.
GRRRRR!
"Either you want a bite, or there's an Ursa Major living inside you," Jaune teases with a smug grin.
Blushing, I cross my arms and turn my face away, but keep watching the pie out of the corner of my eye as he slices it.
"Where'd you get that?" I ask. "I didn't see anything like it being served."
"I made it myself," Jaune says, as if putting my favorite dish right in front of me was no big deal. "The lunch ladies are super nice to me for some reason." He turns and waves to a group of middle aged women giggling to him.
I watch as the divine creation is gently sliced and a piece placed on a plate. As soon as he sets it in front of me, I reach for it. But just before I touch it, the flat side of a knife taps my hand, making me pull back.
"HISSS!" I hiss at the offending human.
"Paws off," he says in a playful, yet wicked tone. "You only get to eat after we talk."
"That's all?" I ask, suspicious. "What do you want to talk about?"
"About you running from your team," he says bluntly, and my eyes go wide. "Running from Adam. And running from home."
His demand leaves me speechless.
"You want me to bare my soul… for a tuna pie?"
Jaune's expression turns serious.
"I want you to open up for a tuna pie to the guy who helped build the damn faunus nation. The same guy who lived with your parents and already heard their side of the story."
I gulp feeling dread. I don't owe him anything… but maybe I have something to gain from this conversation.
"Fine," I say, grabbing the plate with the slice. "I'll start from when my dad was the leader of the White Fang."
I sit there for almost an hour, telling Jaune everything while he listens in complete silence.
I talk about protesting as a child under my parents' watchful eyes, about how I rebelled against my father's pacifist stance. My eyes fill with tears as I recall the bloody path Adam chose while I was with him. I explain how I left the Fang and came to Vale, hoping to make a difference on my own.
When I reach the part about running away from Team RWBY, a tear drops onto my pie. Even though I've made peace with Weiss, I still feel bad about how I blew up back then.
"Do you know what your parents think of you? " Jaune asks, seriously.
I choke up, paralyzed by the idea of facing them. I try to speak, but my throat is dry, and my chest aches as tears start to stream down my face.
Jaune notices immediately, and his expression softens.
"Blake, hey… It's okay," he says, voice gentle but steady. "I didn't mean to make you cry."
He reaches out but stops short, respecting my space.
"You don't have to be afraid. Your parents… they understand more than you think."
I shake my head, trying to get a grip, but the tears won't stop.
"How… how is that even possible?" My voice is shaky, barely above a whisper. "I called them traitors and cowards just before I abandoned them."
Jaune sighs, leaning forward with his elbows on the table.
"I talked to them, Blake. They told me everything. About the White Fang, about Adam, about you."
My eyes widen again, my heart pounding in fear.
"They… they did?"
He nods, locking eyes with me.
"Yes, and they're proud of you. They understand why you did what you did, even if they didn't agree. They know you were trying to do what was right, even if it meant going against them."
A lump forms in my throat, the tears still falling freely.
"But… I disappointed them. I ran away. I joined Adam. I-."
Jaune cuts me off, his voice firm.
"You made mistakes, sure. But you also realized when things had gone too far. You left the Fang. You chose your own path. You, Blake, became someone who fights for what you believe in, even when it's hard."
He pauses to let that sink in.
"Your parents see that. They see your strength, your determination. They know you're doing the best you can."
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. His words feel like a balm, easing a pain I've carried for so long.
"I… I don't know what to say," I admit, voice still trembling.
Jaune gives me a warm smile that lights up his whole face.
"You don't have to say anything, Blake. Just know that your parents love you and they're proud of you. And I'm also here if you need me."
A warm feeling spreads through my chest, a wave of relief and gratitude. Through his words and actions, Jaune is showing me a path I never thought possible.
"Thank you, Jaune," I say, finally managing a smile of my own.
He nods, his grin widening.
"You're welcome, Blake. Now… how about we eat this pie before it gets cold?"
I chuckle softly, wiping the tears from my cheeks.
"Yeah. Let's eat."
We pick up our forks and start digging in, the silence between us now comfortable, full of understanding and support. And for the first time in a long while, I feel a real sense of peace… knowing that, no matter what happens next, I'm not alone.
"Man…" I whisper in delight. "I think I'm falling for you too."
"Faling for who?" As the blond blinking in confusion.
"N-nothing." I stutter in embarrassment. "Just shut up and eat you stupid himbo."
[Ozpin]
"I have to say, I expected some of you to make a decision within 24 hours," I remark, pausing to sip from my cup. "But I didn't expect all of you to decide so quickly."
In the underground chamber before me stood all the members of Teams RWBY and JNPR.
"So you don't know your students very well, huh?"
"Nora!" Ren scolds her.
The ginger just shrugs, clearly unbothered by the fact that she just insulted me.
Without another word, I tap my cane to the floor. The sharp CLANG echoes through the underground room like a signal.
From the shadows, four figures emerge, each carrying their own distinct presence. The students watch with wide eyes as I reveal the members of our inner circle.
"Now that you're all aware of the shadow war and have agreed to fight, it's time you meet the other members of my inner circle," I begin, my voice steady and clear. "The first one you already know: Professor Goodwitch."
Glynda steps forward, composed as ever. Her stern gaze sweeps the room. She needs no introduction, her reputation speaks for itself.
"The second," I continue, "may not always be present, but he plays a critical role in our operations."
Qrow Branwen steps into the light, his trademark smirk clashing with the seriousness of the moment.
"Qrow, our spy, and one of the most skilled Huntsmen in all of Remnant."
"Uncle Qrow?!" Ruby and Yang exclaim, stunned.
Qrow gives his nieces a casual wave as if we're just having coffee.
"The third…" I turn to the figure beside Qrow. "Amber Stone, the Fall Maiden."
Amber steps forward, her long chestnut hair flowing, her green eyes glowing with a deep, natural power. She smiles warmly, but there's an undercurrent of seriousness in her expression. She knows the weight of her role.
"And finally," I say, gesturing toward the last figure, "Maria Calavera."
The hunched elderly woman steps into the light, her lined face etched with the wisdom of countless battles and sacrifices. Her prosthetic eyes quietly settle on Miss Rose, who doesn't even notice she's being watched.
"I think we're missing a few people, aren't we?" Jaune asks, giving me a puzzled look.
"I'm aware we're still missing a few key figures," I reply calmly. "But the other headmasters are currently dealing with urgent matters at their respective academies. Theodore and Peter are handling internal crises. As for General Ironwood, he's on his way to Beacon as we speak."
"Wait! Professor Port is a headmaster?" Weiss asks, her eyes going wide with shock.
"Yes, Miss Schnee," I confirm with a neutral tone. "He's the new headmaster of Haven Academy. An unexpected choice for some, but his experience and skill are undeniable."
Weiss's jaw drops, her expression a blend of disbelief and confusion. She blinks a few times, trying to absorb the news.
"But… how? When?"
"Circumstances demanded a change in leadership," I explain, avoiding unnecessary detail. "Port was appointed recently and has already begun implementing significant changes."
"And he's doing quite well," Glynda adds, her tone sharp but approving. "His pragmatic approach and focus on intensive training are proving effective."
Qrow lets out a low chuckle.
"Just imagine: good old Port running a school. Who'd have thought?"
Amber smiles, amused.
"He's always had a commanding presence. I think he'll do fine."
Weiss just shakes her head, still trying to process everything.
"This is… unbelievable."
I bring a hand to my mouth and force a dry cough. The students turn their attention back to me. I scan their faces, gauging their reactions.
"Before we continue, I must stress the importance of secrecy," I say firmly. "The war against Salem and her allies must remain hidden. You'll continue attending Beacon as normal students, but in the field, you'll follow the orders of whichever inner circle agent I assign."
I pause, letting that sink in.
"Or Jaune Arc." I add.
Jaune looks stunned.
"Me?"
I give him a thin smile.
"Jaune will serve as the field leader for both teams when operating without direct supervision."
The room erupts with cheers. Jaune's teammates crowd around him, slapping his back and grinning. He's still stunned, trying to process the announcement.
"But… why me?"
Yang steps up, a confident grin on her face.
"You took down a Grimm Leviathan and fought Salem one-on-one. No surprise you're the leader."
Jaune's eyes shine with pride and the weight of responsibility. He nods slowly.
"Got it. I won't let you down."
The room quiets again as the gravity of the situation returns. Glynda steps forward, her voice sharp.
"Now that that's settled, let's talk about our next steps," she says, tapping at her scroll.
A map of the Kingdom of Vale appears mid-air, several red points marked outside the city limits.
"The radical White Fang core, while scattered after recent events, appears to be regrouping in Vale," Glynda explains. The red dots pulse ominously on the map.
"Our intel suggests they're planning something significant. There's been heavy movement in the outskirts, focused around Mount Glenn."
Curious, Jaune leans in, eyes fixed on the display.
"Mount Glenn? Are we going there?"
Glynda nods.
"Yes. And Qrow will accompany you."
Qrow crosses his arms, grinning.
"Pack your lunch, kids. This weekend we're going on a field trip."
Weiss lifts her chin, clearly annoyed.
"Professor Branwen, please don't treat us like children. We're here to fight for the sake of the world, not play games."
Unfortunately for her, Ruby and Nora are already skipping around, holding hands and singing:
"Field trip, field trip, field trip…"
"Ruby!" Weiss snaps, blushing. "You're the leader of my team! Act like it… please."
"Heh." Qrow chuckles. "She's just like the Ice Queen."
"I think that's enough for today," I sigh, exhausted. "Let's wrap this-."
"Before we do," Jaune interrupts, his voice steady but hesitant. "There's something I'd like to discuss with everyone, while the inner circle is here, to avoid confusion later."
All eyes turn to him, curiosity thick in the air. Jaune takes a deep breath, like preparing to dive into deep waters.
"I've been wanting to offer you all something, powers in similar scale to mine."
The room bursts into chatter and gasps. Nora jumps up immediately.
"Oooh! I already know whose skull I'm testing my new thighs on!"
Ren gulps, but stays quiet. Jaune raises a hand, silencing the room.
"Before you get too excited, I need to make something clear," he says. "I won't subject you to what I went through. What I did to myself… changed my body radically, even my DNA. I'm no longer fully human. Best case, I'm post-human. Worst case… I'm a freak."
Pyrrha starts to protest, but Jaune silences her with a raised hand.
"That's why I created powers you can give up if you want, without altering your bodies."
A heavy silence follows. Then Jaune continues, more confidently now.
"They're temporary. You can activate and deactivate them. No risk of permanent changes."
As if on cue, the elevator dings.
DING!
Out steps a young redhead with freckles pushing a cart with boxes.
"Ilia?" Blake asks, surprised.
"Blake?" Ilia replies, pushing a cart stacked with boxes.
Jaune steps between them, staying calm and focused.
"These items were crafted with each one of you in mind," he says, placing a box in front of each student. "You don't have to open them now, but you do need to understand: great power comes with great responsibility."
The air grows heavy with tension. Each student stares at their box, caught between curiosity and caution.
'At least, most of them… 'I think to myself, just as thunder echoes through the underground chamber.
CRACK-BOOM!
A gust of chaotic wind sweeps through.
"Nora!" Lie Ren shouts. "What are you doing?!"
But instead of answering, Valkyrie cackles like a cartoon villain.
"KNEEL BEFORE YOUR NEW GODDESS!"
"You are forbidden from using those powers anywhere near Beacon Academy!" Glynda snaps, already imagining the chaos Jaune has just unleashed on all of us.
[Jaune Arc]
Even though everyone was excited to try out the items I gave them. Professor Goodwitch somehow convinced them all to head straight to bed and postpone the testing until the weekend's expedition to Mount Glenn.
Back in our room, Nora is clearly the happiest with her gift. She mastered its potential almost immediately. Ren was less enthusiastic about his, but eventually got the hang of it. Pyrrha, on the other hand…
The redhead sat on our bed, staring anxiously at the box that held her power item.
"You okay, Pyr?" I ask, sitting down beside her.
She lets out a tired sigh, eyes still locked on the box.
"Do you believe in destiny?"
The question catches me off guard. A bitter taste rises in my mouth. That question, the one she asked before her death in the original story. But I quickly push my conflicting thoughts away.
'Relax,' I tell myself silently. 'That's not happening… not this time, never.'
"I do believe in it," I say, settling beside her.
She turns toward me, her face clouded with uncertainty. But before she can speak, I continue.
"But I also don't."
Pyrrha gives me a confused look, those determined green eyes of hers now filled with doubt and a flicker of hope.
I can't help myself. I lean in and press a soft kiss to her cheek. I feel her body tense slightly, but she doesn't pull away.
"I believe in destiny, Pyrrha," I say, my voice steady but gentle. "But I also believe destiny can be changed, shaped. And if it seems impossible to do that, it just means that you need some help."
She blinks, surprised. Her tense hands relax slightly on the box.
"How can you be so sure?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
I smile, trying to pour every ounce of my confidence into it.
"Because I've changed my own fate before. And I'll keep doing it, with help or without. But with help," I pause, locking eyes with her, "everything gets easier."
Pyrrha looks away, thoughtful. Her fingers trace the edges of the box, like she's trying to decide whether to open it or not.
"What if I can't?" she asks, voice shaking just a little. "What if I'm not good enough?"
I gently take her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze.
"That's what I'm here for."
She lets out a quiet breath and rests her head on my shoulder. I feel her body relax, some of that weight finally lifting off her.
"You made this for me," she murmurs, her voice muffled against my chest. "And I can't even open the box, let alone use what's inside."
I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her in close.
"The item might be picking up on your hesitation," I whisper. "When you're sure that you want its powers, you'll be able to use all of its power."
Pyrrha lifts her head. Her green eyes shimmer with a mix of hope and fear.
"And what if I never figure it out?" she asks again, her voice trembling.
I smile, unwavering.
"You will," I say, no hesitation.
"Because I'm the 'invincible girl'?" she replies with a hint of sarcasm.
"No," I answer, catching her off guard. "I believe you will do it… because you're you."
She blinks, thrown off by the sincerity. Her mouth opens to speak, but she hesitates, like the words just won't come.
"'The invincible girl' is only a small part of who you are," I say, my tone warm but strong. "You're so much more than that."
She looks away again, tracing the outline of the box with her fingers.
'I've got to do something to lift her spirits' I think, watching her closely as an idea comes to mind.
"Wanna cuddle until you feel good?"
I barely finish the sentence before she tackles me onto the bed.
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E ai gurizada…
[#] I have a good reason why I didn't say what the items are… I think it's cooler doing like this.
[#] I hope you enjoyed this chapter, if you are interested, my Ko-Fi[avipbr] subscriber has access up to 5 chapters ahead:
Chapter 47 - That's family
Chapter 48 - My body
Chapter 49 - Arrogance before the fall
Chapter 50 - Make your own destiny
Chapter 51 - Are you my brother?
[#] You can reach me on X/twitter, @AvipBr