RWBY The Champion and The Monster (RWBY x OC's) [On Hiatus]

A Much-Needed Talk

Anima Forests, Nighttime

Around a campfire, Ruby Rose, Qrow Branwen, Rody Azuris, Jaune Arc, Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie sit on four logs positioned in a square. Qrow has just finished telling the story of the Maidens. Rody has his head down.

There is silence and Qrow takes a swig from his flask. He has a bandage wrapped around his abdomen over his clothing.

Qrow: Really? No questions?

Jaune: Of course we have questions. This is just... a lot to take in.

Qrow: (sighing) Sure, of course.

Ruby: So, these... Maidens... They're powerful fighters that don't need Dust to use magic.

Qrow: Yeah.

Nora: And there are four of them?

Qrow: Yup. Always.

Ren: Which means that, whenever one of them dies, the power transfers to someone - a female - that they cared about?

Qrow: Whoever was in their thoughts last. Important distinction. Best option is someone we can trust. Regardless, their souls become combined, in a way.

Jaune: And that's what you were trying to do to Pyrrha... the night the tower fell. You were trying to turn her into one of them.

Qrow: The previous Fall Maiden, Amber, had been attacked. She was young, inexperienced. And her assailant, who we now know is Cinder, somehow managed to steal some of her power, but not all of it. We were afraid that if we didn't do something, the rest would go to her as well.

Jaune: (looking angry) So you forced it on Pyrrha. (turns to Rody) And you were going to let this happen?

Rody: Yes, but personally I was against that whole procedure.

Qrow: Don't get angry with him. We didn't force anything. We explained the situation and gave her the choice, and she chose. You were there, you heard her.

Jaune hangs his head for a brief moment before getting up and walking several feet away from group. Qrow watches him go.

Ruby: That guy, Tyrian - why was he after me and Rody?

Qrow: (sighing) Well, you definitely painted a target on your back with what you did at Beacon. I told you having silver eyes is a rare trait. And the fact that you were able to use them seems to have upset some very powerful people. Not many people know about the silver eyes. Those that do aren't very happy that one has surfaced. As for Rody, well, that's a different story. He's Isabella's successor and inherited all her power, so all of her enemies that she's made over the years will turn to him. That's why I've been keeping an eye on you in order to make sure you were safe. All of you.

Ruby: Well, then, why not just travel with us? It seems like that would've been way easier.

Jaune answers her loudly enough to be heard, but with his back still turned to everyone.

Jaune: He was using you both as bait.

Rody: I don't think so.

Qrow: Look, I wouldn't put it like that - it's complicated.

Jaune: (turning back to face him) What is all of this? Ruby's being hunted, the schools are being attacked, Rody has a new responsibility, all for what?! What is the point of all of this?! Will you just tell us what's going on?!

Qrow stares at him, then slouches over with a sigh.

Qrow: Would you sit down? You're stressin' me out, 'kid.

Rody: Please, Jaune.

Jaune sits back down on his log and crosses his arms. Qrow starts to take another swig, but changes his mind before the flask reaches his lips.