Its Brawl in the Family

Beacon Academy Courtyard…

"I've brought you back here." Homura said, looking at Jared. "And time is stopped just as we left it."

"Thank you Homura." Jared said, watching Homura resume time. "I'll see you around."

Homura then walked away from Jared, entering the Chevrolet Camaro.

Jared looked around the Beacon Academy courtyard to see that it's dusk, "Hey White Rose."

Weiss Schnee, Ruby Rose, and Jared Shay are running up the main avenue towards the docking bays.

"Weiss! What is the big deal!? Who is it? Who is she!?" Ruby exclaimed, running with Jared to catch up with Weiss.

"Her sister." Jared said, looking over to see Weiss stopping and smiling at the sight of Winter Schnee. "That's the big deal for Weiss."

"Jared's right. I felt time stop for a moment. You stopped time for me to think things through. When I saw Winter." Weiss said.

"Yeah, that's why we did this." Jared said, standing in between Ruby and Weiss to watch Winter Schnee being escorted by crimson-colored Atlas Soldiers and Atlesian Knight-200's as she exits her airship. "Me and Homura. We know how much you care about her."

"Wait...your sister?" Ruby asked.

Weiss cups her mouth, "Winter!"

"Winter Schnee, one of the second most badass adult characters in Remnant." Jared said, running up to the elder Schnee with Ruby and Weiss.

"Second most?" Ruby asked, and Winter turns to see them. "Who's the first?"

"Your uncle Qrow." Jared said.

"Winter! I'm so happy to see you! Oh…" Weiss said, suddenly curtsies. "Your presence honors us."

"Beacon...it's been a long time. The air feels...different." Winter said, looking around as she approaches the three.

"I mean it is fall, so, eh, it's probably colder." Ruby said.

"Shut up, Little Red." Jared said, punching Ruby in the shoulder hard. "You'll ruin this nice moment for the ice queen."

"Owww." Ruby said, gasping in pain. "Sorry."

"Thank you Jared, at least you know when to shut yourself and Ruby up." Weiss said, turning back to her sibling. "So, what are you doing here?"

"Classified." Winter said.

"Oh, right. Well, how long are you staying?"

"Classified."

"Of course." Weiss said, nodding her head and smiles in understanding.

"Well…this is nice...I think." Ruby said, looking pensively around in the silence.

"You're going to love it here!" Weiss said, excitedly. "I know you travel a lot like Jared, but so much of Beacon is different from Atlas!" She discreetly whispers. "Vale, too. The government and school are completely separate! Can you believe it!? I…"

"I'm more than familiar with how this kingdom handles its...bureaucracy. That is not why I came." Winter said.

"Right! I'm sorry!"

"Nor did I come here to watch my own blood fail so miserably in battle. But it appears that I have no choice in the matter."

"But, we won!" Weiss said, a puzzled look on her face.

"Only a novice would refer to that as a victory. I counted at least three strikes missed." Winter said, as she turns to her security. "Leave us." The AK-200s obey, walking two steps backwards into formation as she sighs and smiles a little more warmly at Weiss. "How have you been?"

"Oh, splendid! Thank you for asking. I'm actually in the very top ranking of our sparring class! And the rest of my studies are going wonderfully, too! I'm…"

"This is a nice day so far." Jared said, watching Winter's hand slap Weiss, leaving a massive bump on the heiress' head. "And Weiss, shut up."

"Silence, you boob! I don't recall asking about your ranking, I'm asking how you've been. Are you eating properly? Have you taken up any hobbies? Are you making new friends?" Winter asked.

"Well, there's Ruby and Jared." Weiss said.

Ruby giggles as she pushes the lump back into Weiss' head, "Heh, boob."

"Remember those Drake and Josh episodes I showed you where Megan constantly called Drake and Josh boobs." Jared said, laughing a lot. "That's her nickname for them."

"I see. So this is the leader you wrote of. How appropriately...underwhelming." Winter said, looking at Ruby.

"Uh...thank you!" Ruby said, happily.

"Greetings, Ruby Rose. I wish to thank you for taking an interest in my sister."

"Oh! Uh, yes, of course!" Ruby said, attempting to salute and curtsy. "The honor is in my...court!"

"Careful, Ruby." Jared said, catching Ruby when she nearly lost her balance with this gesture, waving her arms until she can get back up with the fanboy lifting her off the ground.

"Thank you."

"I have business with the General and your Headmaster. But, seeing as I'm early, why don't you take me to your quarters?" Winter asked.

"Really?" Weiss asked.

Winter and Weiss began walking towards the Academy, followed by the androids, "Yes. I wish to inspect them and make sure that they are up to my personal standards."

"Of course. Just so you're aware, the bunk beds only look unstable."

"Bunk beds?"

"We'll catch up…" Ruby said, waving goodbye behind Weiss and Winter. "I mean, we will...reconvene with you both...at a later…"

"Juncture?" Jared asked, while Ruby pauses with her hand on her head, whacking her brain for the right word.

"...juncture!" Ruby said, raising her finger, before stepping out of sight to the left with Jared. "At a juncture. Yeah."

Courtyard...

Weiss, Winter and the androids walking towards the courtyard, where a certain someone dizzily sneaks up behind the AK-200s and promptly decapitates one, before kicking its head towards the group.

"Hey!" Qrow said, and the group turns around to see him there. "Yeah, I'm talking to you, Ice Queen!"

Qrow tosses the decapitated machine aside.

"Halt!" Winter said, as one of her automated soldiers advances, rifle raised.

"Excuse me! Do you have any idea who you are talking to!?" Weiss exclaimed, angrily walking up to the offender's face.

"Sssshhh." Qrow said, placing a hand on Weiss' face. "Not you."

Qrow pushes Weiss out of his way as he moves forward.

"Hey!" Weiss said, annoyed.

Qrow looks at the irritated Winter as he clarifies, "You."

Beacon Academy...

"Ooo, I hear a raven nearby." Jared said, holding Ruby's hand. "That's your aunt, Ruby."

Beacon Academy courtyard...

A raven is seen perched on a lamp post before flying off and circling past the group.

"Saw that gaudy ship of yours in town. I guess you're here, too." Qrow said.

"I'm standing right before you." Winter said.

Qrow squints through his hazy state of mind, "So it would seem."

"You realize you just destroyed Atlas Military property."

"Oh, oh I'm sorry." Qrow said, sarcastically apologizing as he looks at his surroundings. "See, I mistook this for some sort of...sentient garbage."

"I don't have time for your immature games, Qrow." Winter said, walking over to face Qrow.

"Wait, you two know each other?" Weiss asked.

"Geez, you Atlas Specialists think you're so special, don't you?" Qrow asked.

"It's in the title." Winter said.

"Well, you know what you really are? A bunch of sellouts. Just like your boss."

"I'm not sure what you think you're implying, but I've heard enough."

"Oh I heard, too. I heard ol' Ironwood finally turned his back on Ozpin."

"Ozpin?" Weiss asked.

"Weiss, it's time for you to go." Winter said, shoving Weiss aside.

"What…"

"Listen to big sister, Weiss. She'll protect you. Just like Atlas is going to protect all of us, huh?" Qrow asked.

"If you won't hold your tongue, then I will gladly remove it for you!" Winter said, drawing her sword.

"Alright then…" Qrow said, slicking back his hair. "Come take it."

The square clears before Winter charges at Qrow, starting a fight.

"Come on Ruby." Jared said, entering the crowd with Ruby as Qrow and Winter are spinning and trading blows. "We're missing a good show."

"What's going on?!" Ruby exclaimed, as she and Jared are standing next to Weiss.

"Some crazy guy just started attacking my sister!" Weiss said, angrily.

"Oh no! Who would do such a th.." Ruby said, seeing Winter's opponent. "That is my uncle!"

"What?!"

"Kick her butt, Uncle Qrow!" Ruby yelled, loudly.

"Uh…" Weiss said, deciding to shout her own encouragement. "Teach him respect, Winter!"

"Jared, who do you like more?" Ruby asked, looking at Jared. "My Uncle Qrow or Weiss' sister?"

"Uh, I don't…" Jared said, spotting Mercury walking in the crowd. "I'd say Qrow!"

"Huh?" Mercury asked, seeing Qrow and Winter fighting.

Mercury then runs off from the impromptu duel, as the two continue their battle.

The fight comes to a close, with Winter propelling herself forward, screaming in rage and preparing a thrust towards Qrow, just before a commanding voice is loudly heard in the courtyard, stopping her blade's point mere inches away from Qrow's neck.

"SCHNEE!" Ironwood said, angrily.

Winter looks behind her to see General Ironwood standing behind her, with Penny

Polendina behind him.

Winter lowers her blades as she addresses Ironwood at about face, "General Ironwood, sir!"

"What in the world do you think you're doing?" Ironwood asked, approaching Winter with Penny by his side.

"He started the altercation, sir!" Winter said.

"That's actually not true. She attacked first." Qrow said, putting his hands behind his head in a relaxed stance.

"Is that right?" Ironwood asked.

"She did attack first." Jared said, loading up a video of the fight with it starting off with Winter heading towards Qrow. "I knew it was coming. And all I did was sit back and watch it unfold."

Winter searches for words, only to realize Qrow and Jared are right. She looks down in shame.

"And you." Ironwood said, as Qrow points to himself in mock confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"I could be asking you the same thing." Qrow said.

"I…"

"Now, now, everyone." Ozpin said, intervening beside Glynda Goodwitch. "There is a sanctioned fight happening just around the corner at the Colosseum, that I can assure you has better seats…" He swirls his cocoa. "...and popcorn."

"Break it up, everyone! We will take care of this mess." Goodwitch said, glaring at the three.

"Let's go." Ironwood said.

As Ironwood and Winter leave, Penny notices Ruby and Jared and quietly waves to them, while the two waves back at the redhead. Ruby then leaps giddily onto Qrow's arm, shaking her legs in delight.

"Uncle Qrow!!!" Ruby said, as she hangs on Qrow's outstretched arm. "Hi. It's so good to see you! Did you miss me? Did you miss me!?"

"Nope." Qrow said, and they share a grin as he pats his niece's head.

"I kept a good eye on your niece for you." Jared said, giving Qrow a fist bump. "Keeping her safe from danger whenever I can."

"Thanks." Qrow said, smirking. "I really appreciate it."

"Qrow!" Ozpin said, while the Huntsman turns to look at the headmaster as Ruby gets dropped. "A word, please."

"No problem." Jared said, catching Ruby from her fall.

"And nice catch." Qrow said, as Goodwitch then repairs the courtyard using her telekinesis

"Thanks." Ruby said, looking up at Jared.

"I think I'm in trouble." Qrow said, to Ruby discreetly.

"You did kinda tear up our courtyard."

"Yeah, I did." Qrow said, winking and giving Ruby a fist bump also. "Catch ya later, kid."

"He's as cool as Yang and Jack." Jared said, watching Qrow walk off to join the others. "That's what I think."

"And suddenly, your recklessness makes sense." Weiss said, walking up beside Ruby and Jared, with her arms crossed.

"You're just mad because he whooped butt." Ruby said, nudging Weiss' shoulder.

"That was a draw, at best!" Weiss said, but Ruby and Jared's grins say otherwise.

"Nope, not a draw, ice queen." Jared said, laughing a lot. "Qrow totally won that."

"Favoritism."

"Nope."

"It is favoritism!"

"Nope."

"Why am I dealing with two kids?"

Kirito and Asuna's house…

"Now that was a good fight." Homura said, looking at Ruby. "Your Uncle Qrow won that."

"He really did a number on Weiss' sister." Kirito said, smirking.

"For one, Qrow did have the upper hand." Sayaka said, walking around the house.

"He did." Asuna said, drinking her cup of tea.

"Qrow was a total badass." Jared said, eating a jelly baby. "Enough said."

"Well, um, you don't really think he was that reckless." Madoka said.

"What I find funny is that we have nothing to complain about." Sayaka said. "Especially from the likes of Kirito, Jared, Madoka, and Homura. You guys like to act before you think."

"So do you, Sayaka." Jared said, annoyed. "We can talk about this all night if you want to."

"Ooo, I want to talk about how awesome my Uncle Qrow was during that fight!" Ruby said, raising her hand up.

Ozpin's office…

It's late at night. Ironwood is waiting with his arms crossed while Winter is impatiently pacing about. Suddenly, a smirking Qrow, accompanied by Goodwitch and Ozpin, arrive in the elevator.

"What were you thinking!?" Winter exclaimed.

"If you were one of my men, I would have you shot!" Ironwood said, angrily.

Qrow pulls out flask as the three enter the room, "If I was one of your men, I'd shoot myself."

"While I wouldn't condone his behavior, retaliating like you did certainly didn't help the situation." Goodwitch said.

"He was drunk!" Winter said.

"He's always drunk!"

The four turn to Qrow to see him drinking from a flask. His eyes widen when he notices them staring, and he holds the flask out to the side, looking at it awkwardly before grimacing.

"Qrow, why are you here?" Ozpin asked, staring at Qrow in shock, then sighs before sitting down.

"You've been out of contact for weeks! You can't just go dark like that in the field!" Ironwood said, annoyed.

"I'm not one of your special operatives, Jimmy!" Qrow said.

"General." Winter said.

"Whatever. You sent me to get intel on our enemy, and I'm telling you, our enemy is here."

"We know." Ironwood said, leaning against Ozpin's desk.

"Oh! Oh, you know! Well, thank goodness I'm out there risking my life to keep you all informed!" Qrow said.

"Qrow…" Ironwood said, exhaling some air.

"Communication's a two-way street, pal. You see this?" Qrow asked, pulling out his Scroll and points to it. "That's the SEND button."

"They had reason to assume you'd been compromised." Winter said.

"And I have reason to assume you don't need to be here." Qrow said, pointing a finger at Winter. "Seriously, who invited her?"

"Schnee, we'll discuss this incident back at my ship." Ironwood said, after a moment of silence, without looking at Winter.

"But sir!" Winter said, surprised.

"Winter. Leave."

"Yes sir." Winter said, saluting Ironwood.

Winter turns on her heel and gives the winking Qrow a dirty look as she exits via the elevator.

"Go on." Ironwood said, gesturing to Qrow.

"Your little infiltrator isn't just another pawn. They're the one responsible for Autumn's condition." Qrow said, taking a drink from his flask once more.

"What?" Goodwitch asked.

"Despite what the world thinks, we're not just teachers, or generals, or headmasters. The people in this room, the leaders of the other two academies, we're the ones that keep the world safe from the evils no one even knows about!" Qrow said, getting up in Ironwood's face. "It's why we meet behind closed doors, why we work in the shadows. So you tell me, James, when you brought your army to Vale, did you think you were being discreet, or did you just not give a damn!?"

Ironwood stares down at Qrow as he places his Scroll on Ozpin's desk. "Discreet wasn't working."

The center of the room projects a hologram of Vale, Beacon Academy, the Amity Colosseum and Ironwood's fleet of Atlesian Airships.

"I'm here because this is what was necessary." Ironwood said, gesturing towards the hologram.

"You're here because Ozpin wanted you here! He made you a part of this inner circle and opened your eyes to the real fight that's in front of us!" Qrow said.

"And I am grateful."

"Oh, well, you've got a real funny way of showing it."

"The people of Vale needed someone to protect them; someone who would act. When they look to the sky and see my fleet, they feel safe, and our enemies will feel our strength."

"You…" Qrow said, as he started laughing. "You think they're scared of your little ships? I've been out there and I've seen the things she's made, and let me tell you...they are fear."

"And fear will bring the Grimm." Ozpin said, standing up. "A guardian is a symbol of comfort. But an army is a symbol of conflict. There's an energy in the air now, a question in the back of everyone's minds…" He gestured to the display. "If this is the size of our defenses, then what is it we're expecting to fight?"

Ironwood glares at them before sighing and walking forward, picking up his Scroll just as it flashes with the image of a Black Queen. "So then, what would you suggest we do?"

"I suggest we find our guardian."

Dorm room...

Mercury is sitting in a chair, reporting on the fight he saw earlier, while Cinder Fall walks back and forth, interrogating him with Emerald Sustrai resting on a bed nearby.

"And you're sure?" Cinder asked.

"Bad hair, used a scythe, and smelled like my dad after a long day. It was him." Mercury said.

"What do we do?" Emerald asked.

"Nothing. We stay the course. They have no idea who we are, so we have no reason to worry. Besides, the last of the heavy lifting is being taken care of thanks to our clever little friend." Cinder said, picking up her Scroll as it too flashes with the Black Queen. "Speaking of which...it appears we have a new access point."

Ironwood is shown on the Scroll as an icon, along with a curling 'W' in the other corner.

"Anywhere good?" Emerald asked.

"You could say that. Go to your rooms. I'll prepare everything for tomorrow." Cinder said.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Got it." Mercury said.

The Scroll reveals the roster of the Vytal Festival Tournament doubles round, which includes CRDL's Russel Thrush and Sky Lark, SSSN's Sun Wukong and Neptune Vasilias, and Penny Polendina and Ciel Soleil.

"Let's give the crowd a good fight." Cinder said, scrolling down each pair until she selects Mercury and Emerald to face off against Coco Adel and Yatsuhashi Daichi in the doubles round.

Amity Colosseum...

The next morning, the crowd sees the rigged match-up on the screen at the Amity Colosseum.

"The randomization process is complete! Ladies and gentlemen, your doubles tournament fight!" Port said, over the announcements system.

As the announcement is heard, RWBY and Jared cheers with arms raised, JNPR is seen providing applause, and SSSN is shown sitting in front row seats. Bolin Hori and Nolan Porfirio are seen talking to each other behind RWBY and Jared, and Dove Bronzewing is sitting behind JNPR. The camera shifts to Cinder, now watching her teammates in the seats as she menacingly claps with a devious smirk, before it cuts to black and the credits roll.