[#] I have some news to share at the end of the chapter, a mix of professional and personal updates that will affect my release schedule.
[#] You can join my discord server:discord.gg/52MmzuEQhR
[#] As always, Ko-fi subscribers have access to 5 chapters ahead, plans start at 1 dollar.
COMMENTS:
SomethingFunny[scribblehub]:
Woohoo update! Now they are learning about the show, I wonder if Jaune with tell them that Yang and Blake get together in cannon.
Avip:
Sorry, but he wont get in detail.
---Chapter Cover---
[Point of view: Jaune Arc]
The room is silent, the weight of my revelation hanging heavy in the air.
Pyrrha, Ruby, Yang, Weiss, and Blake stare at me, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. I can see the questions swirling in their eyes, the struggle to comprehend what I've just told them.
Weiss is the first to break the silence.
"So, you're saying we're... we're characters from a tv show?"
I wince at her tone, but correct her nonetheless.
"Web series, actually."
"Not relevant." Weiss responds through gritted teeth.
Blake cuts in, her voice cool and collected. "It's not such an aberrant idea. Some scientists have speculated that works of fiction might actually be depictions of other realities across dimensions, with glimpses of such realities inspiring their creators."
"Scientist?" Yang raises an eyebrow in disbelief, leaning back in her chair. "Or do you mean sci-fi nerds, right?"
Blake's arms cross, her gaze shifting away, a hint of offense in her posture. Before the tension escalates, Ruby pipes up, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"So, Jaune, is everything exactly like you saw in the show?"
I shake my head, a wry smile playing on my lips.
"Not quite. The show didn't delve too deeply into certain details. For instance, I had no idea Jaune Arc's original family was a bunch of powerful, bloodthirsty lunatics."
Pyrrha chimes in, her expression thoughtful.
"I've met your sisters. They did mention that your behavior is different from what they're used to."
Weiss interjects, her tone skeptical.
"That would be good evidence that our Jaune is telling the truth and not simply a delusional lunatic."
"Hey." I snap, offended.
"I'm sorry," Weiss says sarcastically. "Is being insane such a preposterous idea?"
I open my mouth to argue, but nothing comes to mind, so I just close and look down dejected.
"Weeiiiss." Ruby complains in a whine. "You could be less meaner."
"Fine." Says Weiss crossing her arms. "I will refrain from offending him."
"Everyone, please," Pyrrha's voice cuts through the chatter. "We're losing sight of what's important here."
I lift my gaze to meet hers, finding confidence and determination in her eyes. She continues, her voice steady and sure.
"Firstly, I would like to say that it's a tragedy that the original Jaune Arc vanished from this world so young."
The room falls silent, the weight of her words pressing down on us. A familiar guilt gnaws at me, a companion.
"But, at the risk of sounding like a heartless cynic,I have to admit," Pyrrha says, her expression softening as her voice lowers, "I honestly couldn't care less."
Gasps ripple around the table. The others stare at Pyrrha, stunned by this cold, almost selfish tone so unlike her. I can see the questions flickering in their eyes, the struggle to reconcile her words with the woman they thought they knew.
"I apologize if I seem selfish and cold." A tender smile plays on Pyrrha's lips as she continues. "But what matters to me is that the Jaune I first met at Beacon's initiation, the silly, cheerful, kind, and hardworking boy, is the same one sitting before me now."
Ruby nods fervently, her eyes shining with agreement. Yang, Blake, and Weiss exchange relieved smiles, their expressions mirroring Pyrrha's sentiment.
Her words resonate within me, striking a chord that echoes through my very soul. The weight that has been crushing my spirit lifts, replaced by a profound sense of relief.
A tear of joy traces a path down my cheek, a silent testament to the gratitude welling up inside me.
"Thank you," I manage to whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "I... I didn't know how you'd react. I was afraid-."
"You shouldn't be." Weiss cuts me off, her tone gentle yet firm. "You did so much for me, you would be a fool to expect nothing but my total support."
I laugh, a sound filled with gratitude and relief, as I meet Weiss's gaze. But as my laughter subsides, a question burns in my mind. I look around the table, my eyes meeting Yang's, Ruby's, and Blake's in turn.
"I kind of get why Weiss and Pyrrha like me. But what about you?" I ask, genuine curiosity in my voice. "Why are you all interested in me?"
Yang leans back in her chair, a shy smile playing on her lips.
"Not gonna lie," she admits, rubbing the back of her neck. "You've been on my radar since you put me in the friend zone."
"For real?" I ask incredulous.
"Yep," admits Yang shrugging. "Than you offer to find my mom in a silly bet, had to do some soul searching, kicked cereal girl ass on the way."
"You fought Pyrrha?" I question looking at the redhead avoiding my gaze. "And you won?"
"Heck yeah!" Yang confirms, puffing her chest with pride. "But we kinda became besties talking about you."
Before I can process what she said, Ruby chimes in, her voice soft and earnest.
"I-I love spending time with you, Jaune," she says, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink. "At first, just as friends, of course. But sometimes, when it's only the two of us, I feel… different. Excited, but not like when I'm facing a Grimm or heading on a mission, something else entirely. I didn't understand it at first, until I discovered that Yang, Pyrrha, and Weiss were holding meetings about forming a harem for you. I might have… persuaded Yang to let me join, by threatening to snitch to Dad and Uncle Qrow."
"How long are you guys planning this?" I ask, turning to Weiss, Pyrrha and Yang.
Blushing Pyrrha and Yang avoid my gaze as Weiss stutters an answer.
"I-It wasn't exactly a building a Harem for you from the start," Says Weiss, embarrassed. "They were just friendly meetings between people who shared a mutual interest."
"Me?" I ask, confused.
"Yes you, you dolt." Says Weiss more mortified than angry.
Ruby makes a false cough, a shy smile playing on her lips as she speaks up.
"I wanted in because I felt left out," she admits softly. "But what really hurt was imagining a future where you'd be with someone… and it wasn't me."
"Ruby… I didn't know." Yang whispers feeling guilty.
"It's ok." She says smilling. "Thats why we are here, we like the same dense boy who doesn't notice a bunch of girls like him."
I give an awkward chuckle as I move my gaze to Blake. Without missing a beat she states.
" Just plain carnal interest for my part," she admits, her tone dry. "I've always thought you were hot, you being kinda dumb just add to your golden retriever vibe."
…
"Damn, girl," Yang exclaims, letting out a chuckle.
"That's it?" I ask, disbelief lacing my voice. "You like me… just for my body?"
"It's a nice body." Blake admits, shrugging.
"That's bullshit Blake." Yang snaps, a smug grin spreading across her face. "You can't seriously expect us to believe that's all there is to it."
Blake's eyes widen for a split second, but she quickly regains her composure, turning her face away with a dismissive shrug.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Yang."
Yang lets out a low, wicked laugh, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Are you sure about that?" She leans forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Because I happened to get a little peek at your scroll when you weren't looking a couple of times."
Blake's face pales, her blood running cold. She swallows hard, her eyes darting nervously between Yang and the rest of us. Yang's grin widens, clearly enjoying Blake's discomfort.
"Imagine my surprise," Yang continues, her voice laced with mock innocence, "when I found out that our dear Blake here is none other than... Knightshade."
The room falls silent for a heartbeat, then erupts into chaos. Pyrrha, Weiss, and Ruby all turn to Blake, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
"You're Knightshade?" Pyrrha exclaims, a scowl forming on her face.
"The one who's been stalking Jaune and posting his pictures all over the Beacon forums?" Weiss adds, her eyes narrowing in accusation.
"The same one that writes that filth of my first friend from Beacon with other men?" Asks Ruby.
"You… took pictures and wrote yaoi smut of me?" I ask, feeling violated.
Blake's cheeks flush a deep crimson, her both pairs of ears twitching nervously. She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out. Yang, meanwhile, is laughing so hard she's practically falling out of her chair.
"The most important thing today is to establish the dynamics of our harem," Blake declares, trying to change the subject.
"Dynamics?" I repeat, confusion lacing my voice.
Weiss steps in, her tone matter-of-fact.
"Typically, in a harem, you have a primary couple consisting of two people, and the others are secondary brides."
I frown, the term striking a chord.
"That sounds more like... concubines."
"It's not entirely dissimilar," Pyrrha nods, her expression thoughtful. "But in this context, the secondary brides have rights, just fewer than the primary bride."
"Wait, wait." I hold up a hand, my mind racing. "Now thats sounds like... marriage talk."
"That's because it is, Jaune." Says Yang with a grinning. "It wasn't as important to Blake and me, but Weiss, Pyrrha, and Ruby really want to officiate it, to make the harem dynamic clear."
I stare at them, my mouth agape. Marriage? Harem dynamics? This is all moving too fast. I take a deep breath, trying to process the whirlwind of information.
"Why the rush?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why now?"
Weiss sighs, her expression softening.
"Jaune, we've all seen how you operate. You're always putting yourself in danger, always ready to sacrifice yourself for others. We want to make sure that, no matter what happens, you have a place to come home to. A family waiting for you."
A family, a home…
I'd never considered having those since arriving in this world, but now…
I look around the table, meeting each of their gazes. They're all so different, yet here they are, united in this... this plan. It's overwhelming, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all. But something doesn't sit right with me.
"Wait," I say, holding up a hand. "If one of you is the primary... wife, won't the others feel jealous? Or at least left out?"
Weiss sighs, exchanging a glance with Pyrrha.
"That is a potential issue," Weiss admits, her tone thoughtful. "But it's one we've considered, discussed, researched… and we believe we've found a solution. Thanks to the founding of Faunaria."
I blink, confusion washing over me.
"Faunaria? What does that have to do with... this?" I ask, gesturing vaguely between us.
Pyrrha leans forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Think about it, Jaune. There is no worldwide government in Remnant. Each kingdom has its own sovereignty and laws."
I blink again, still not following.
"And...?"
Ruby grins, bouncing excitedly in her seat.
"There are five of us, Jaune. And thanks to Faunaria, there are now five kingdoms in Remnant."
Beside her, Yang leans back in her chair, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"That means," Yang says, her voice a low purr. "Each of us can marry into a different nation. Thus, the five of us would have the same importance as a main and a secondary wife. No jealousy, no rivalry. Just... cooperation in a U.S.H. United States of Harem."
The realization hits me like a freight train, and I can't help but question. "Is this... is this real world?"
Yang nods, her grin widening.
"You can bet your sweet ass, Lover Boy. We've got it all planned out. Weiss will handle the legalities in Atlas, Ruby will stay in Vale, Pyrrha will be in Mistral, Blake will be in Faunaria and me and you can get hitched at a casino in Vacuo."
Weiss shakes her head, a disappointed tone in her voice.
"I can't believe you're actually considering getting married in a casino, Yang."
"I know, Weiss." Yang grins, undeterred. "It'll be a blast."
I scratch my head, still trying to wrap my mind around this whole conversation.
"When... when are these weddings supposed to happen?"
Pyrrha smiles softly, as she answers.
"After the Vytal Festival. When things have settled down a bit."
My eyes widen for a split second, a chill running down my spine as memories of the Fall of Beacon flash through my mind. But I quickly shake my head, dispelling the grim thoughts. At this point, Cinder's plans should have already crumbled.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. This is all so sudden, so overwhelming. But looking around the table, seeing the hope and excitement in their eyes... I can't deny them and myself.
"Alright, I'm in" I say, a small smile playing on my lips. "Now, can we get some overrated and over-expensive food?"
Ruby cheers, Yang grins, and Blake nods, but Weiss holds up a finger, a stern expression on her face. I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.
"There's still one thing left to do," she says, reaching into her bag and pulling out a thick stack of papers. She places them on the table and slides them towards me.
I furrow my brow, picking up the document and scanning the first page. My eyes widen as I read aloud.
"This is a prenuptial agreement, hereafter referred to as the 'Harem Contract,' combined with a fidelity contract...'" I look up at Weiss, confusion and disbelief warring within me. "Weiss, what's a fidelity contract?"
She crosses her arms, her expression serious.
"Just what it says on the tin, Jaune. A contract outlining the terms and conditions of our... unique arrangement. As well as a guarantee of your... exclusivity to us."
I blink, shaking my head in disbelief.
"Exclusivity? You can't seriously think-"
"I don't think you would seek someone to betray us, Jaune." Weiss interjects, her tone firm. "But you have no idea how many… hussies have their eyes on you."
"Yeah right." I snort, a sound of pure disbelief.
"Miss Scarlatina, for one," Weiss says, ticking off names on her fingers. "Faunaria general and I bet even that brunette that went to Menagerie with you has a thing for you."
I can't help but laugh at Weiss's suggestions, the sound bubbling up from deep within my chest.
"Come on, Weiss," I chuckle, shaking my head. "I'm not some harem anime protagonist."
Blake raises an eyebrow, her expression skeptical.
"You sure about that, Jaune?" she asks, her voice laced with a challenge.
I blink, taken aback.
"Well, yeah," I say, shrugging. "I mean, look at me. I'm not exactly the stereotypical playboy type."
Pyrrha sighs tiredly, but continues smiling.
"That's where you're wrong, Jaune," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have a certain... charm. A magnetism that draws people to you. You don't see it, but we do. And this is not about penalizing you if you ever decide to be unfaithful. It's about keeping others from trying to take you away from us."
I scratch my head, still not quite believing her words. But the sincerity in her eyes, in all their eyes... it's hard to deny.
"Alright, alright," I say, holding up my hands in surrender. "I'll sign your contract, Weiss."
Weiss nods, a satisfied smirk tugging at her lips as she slides the document towards me. Ruby puffs out her chest, pride shining in her eyes.
"And just so you know," she says, her voice firm, "if anyone else wants to join the harem later, they'll be secondary wives. We five... we're the primaries. The OGs, the best of the best."
I can't help but snort at that, a sarcastic comment springing to my lips.
"Yeah, because I'm sure I'll be attracting so many more people to this harem," I say, rolling my eyes.
Blake lets out a tired laugh, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
"You wanna bet on that, Jaune?" she asks, a predatory smirk playing on her lips.
"I don't like when you stare at me like that."
"Nobody does." Says Blake, chuckling.
End of Act 4.
------------------
E ai gurizada?
[#] I know what you are thinking: 'Why end an Arc right now? You only recently finished the Menagerie/Faunaria arc, why do this now?'
The harem became an important part of this story, even though I didn't plan it from the beginning. The official harem, or at least its core, has been decided:
Pyrrha Nikos - Mistral
Ruby Rose - Vale
Yang Xiao Long - Vacuo
Blake Belladonna - Faunaria
Weiss Schnee - Atlas
[#] And now I want your help in the comments... what would their wedding be like? Each of them will get married in one of the kingdoms listed above, but what would each ceremony be like?
Would Blake's wedding be similar to a Shinzen kekkon? Would Ruby or Weiss's be something like a Christian wedding? Would Yang's be a casino or maybe an UFC match/marriage? For Pyrrha I'm thinking Greek or... Hungarian.
[#] You can join my discord server:discord.gg/52MmzuEQhR
[#] I hope you enjoyed this chapter, if you are interested, my Ko-Fi[avipbr] subscriber has access up to 5 chapters ahead:
Chapter 54 - What the fuck are those?
Chapter 55 - Neo is Nasty
Chapter 56 - New sheriff in town
Chapter 57 - Who is SHE?!
Chapter 58 - Arkos S2 [Smut here!]
[#] You can reach me on X/twitter, @AvipBr
[#] I know what you are thinking: 'Why end an Arc right now? You only recently finished the Menagerie/Faunaria arc, why do this now?'
[#] Good news: Landed a new job with solid pay, killer perks like food and transport allowances, health and dental insurance. It's rock-solid stable, it'd take a economic collapse worse than COVID did to shut it down. So now I can help out with family bills, which I'm really grateful for.
Bad news: New gig means less time for writing. Gotta drop from 6 posts a month to 4. More details below.
2 stories will be fixed monthly, the others will be bimonthly, alternating the other two slots. This is next April and May:
April:
[#] Multiverse Crafter
[#] Dick The Builder
[#] Anthro State Vs Isekai Hero
[#] Rusted Professor
May:
[#] Multiverse Crafter
[#] Dick The Builder
[#] Isekai Gamer: Monster Girl Harem
[#] RWBY NOT!
- Multiverse Crafter:
will have a fixed position, as it's my most popular story across multiple platforms.
- Dick the Builder:
will also have a fixed position, as it's my new original book project I'm working on [When the story reaches chapter 12, I will publish chapter 2 for noj ko-fi subscribers].