Author's Note: Forgot to mention. But in this Earth timeline, RWBY was never made or known. So the people of Earth have no idea what most of everything RWBY related at all is.

The air over Menagerie was eerily calm as the human forces returned to Kuo Kuana, their vehicles rumbling into the village while troops moved with precision and purpose. The battle against the Grimm had raged for eight grueling hours, from sunrise to mid-afternoon, and now it was over. The announcement of victory spread quickly among the Faunus villagers, who gathered in stunned silence to witness the return of the troops.

The troops looked weary but resolute, their armor scuffed, their weapons slung low but still at the ready. Despite the toll of the battle, they walked with the confidence of warriors who had achieved something monumental. Trucks and APCs rolled into the square, carrying Americans, Japanese, and Australian troops, alongside a handful of the Menagerie Guards who had joined the final sweep. The announcement came shortly after their arrival: the Grimm in Menagerie's immediate vicinity had been eradicated.

The Faunus villagers erupted into cheers, some crying in relief, others embracing their loved ones. For them, the humans had done the impossible—delivered a decisive victory against a relentless enemy that had plagued them for generations. Yet amidst the joy, there were others who stood in stunned silence, struggling to process what this victory meant.

Sienna watched from a shadowed corner of the square, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her sharp eyes followed the humans as they moved with a quiet, disciplined efficiency, organizing their wounded, checking their weapons, and tending to the minor injuries sustained during the fight. She felt the weight of their victory pressing down on her like a physical force, suffocating and undeniable.

Around her, the White Fang grunts stood in uneasy clusters, their earlier confidence shattered. The sound of the F-35s, the sight of napalm consuming the jungle, and the relentless BRRRT of the A-10s' cannons still echoed in their minds. They hadn't even fought these humans, but they felt the sheer scale of their power. And now, with the battle won and the Grimm destroyed, the implications were impossible to ignore.

"They wiped out the Grimm... in eight hours," one grunt muttered, his voice low and disbelieving.

Another grunt, a younger member with wide, fearful eyes, added, "If they turned those weapons on us... on the White Fang... we wouldn't last a day."

The older grunt nodded grimly. "Not even close. A few hours, maybe. They could take out a cell before lunch."

Sienna clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she listened to her followers' whispers. The fear in their voices, the awe in their tones, it was like a dagger to her pride. For the third time in her life, she felt utterly powerless. First against the systemic oppression of the Faunus, then when her ideals for the White Fang were twisted by necessity. And now... against these humans, with their terrifying machines and overwhelming firepower.

She hated it.

She hated the way the humans had swept in and achieved in hours what the White Fang had failed to do in years. She hated the way her followers looked at them—not with anger, but with fear and grudging respect. And she hated the small, insidious voice in her mind that whispered the truth she didn't want to admit: the White Fang could not stand against them.

If these humans decided to turn their might against the White Fang, it would be over before they could even react. The thought sent a chill down her spine, one she couldn't suppress.

The Menagerie Guards, though not involved in the battle itself, stood among the villagers, watching the human troops with a mixture of admiration and unease. Menagerie Guard Captain Rylos, a veteran of countless Grimm skirmishes, felt his pride as a Faunus warrior falter in the face of what he'd witnessed. The precision, the discipline, and the sheer firepower of the human forces were unlike anything he'd seen before. He had always believed in the strength of the Faunus, in their ability to defend their homeland. But now...

"They cleared out the Grimm," one Guard member said, shaking his head in disbelief. "All of them. In one day."

Rylos nodded slowly, his expression somber. "They fight differently than we do. More... methodically. Efficiently. It's not just their weapons—it's how they use them. They don't waste movement, or energy."

The younger Guard members exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence shaken. They had always seen themselves as the protectors of Menagerie, the last line of defense against the Grimm. But today, they'd been relegated to the sidelines, watching as these strangers did their job better than they ever could.

Sienna's gaze flicked to the Marines and their officers, who stood together, discussing their next steps with calm authority. She noticed Anthony and Fernandes among them, their stances relaxed but their eyes sharp, as if constantly assessing the situation. She hated that they didn't look victorious—just prepared for the next fight. As if this battle, which had shaken her to her core, was just another mission to them.

For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like if the humans turned their attention to the White Fang. If they decided that the White Fang was a threat, would there even be a White Fang left after 36 hours? The answer was painfully clear: no.

She swallowed hard, the bitter taste of defeat heavy in her mouth. The White Fang had not fought these humans, but in every way that mattered, they had lost.

Sienna turned to her grunts, her voice sharp and commanding, though it trembled slightly at the edges. "We regroup. Keep quiet and watch them. Learn everything you can. And remember—this isn't over."

Her followers nodded, though she could see the fear in their eyes. They obeyed out of loyalty, but their shaken confidence was evident. Sienna hated the idea that she couldn't reassure them. For now, all she could do was mask her own unease and wait for an opportunity to regain the White Fang's footing.

But deep down, she knew the truth: the balance of power in Menagerie had shifted, and it wasn't in their favor.

The atmosphere in Kuo Kuana had shifted dramatically in the days following the battle. With the Grimm threat temporarily eliminated and high command instructing the human forces to remain until supplies for forward operating bases could arrive, the troops found themselves with a rare opportunity to relax and interact with the Faunus villagers. The once-tense village now bustled with cautious cooperation as the Americans, Japanese, and Australian troops helped the Faunus resettle and move into now-safer parts of Menagerie.

Anthony and David, having completed their assigned tasks for the day, decided to explore the village. They stumbled upon a cozy bakery near the village center, its warm, inviting scent of baked goods drawing them in like a magnet. Inside, the space was small but charming, with wooden shelves lined with cakes, pies, and pastries. The air was rich with the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and freshly baked bread.

Behind the counter stood an elderly Bengal tiger-based Faunus woman. Her amber eyes glinted with a sharp intelligence, and her dark complexion, black bobbed hair, and numerous tiger-stripe tattoos gave her a striking appearance. Her four ears—two human, two Faunus—were adorned with six golden earrings, and a small jewel resembling a bindi sparkled on her forehead.

"Welcome, dears," she said warmly, her voice carrying the weight of experience and wisdom. "What can I get you?"

Anthony and Fernandes exchanged a glance, immediately charmed by the elder's presence. "We'll take whatever you recommend, ma'am," Anthony said with a polite nod.

The woman smiled, her sharp teeth glinting slightly as she reached for two plates. "Try the cinnamon apple pie and chocolate torte. Both are village favorites."

The two Marines settled into a small table by the window, their plates in front of them. As they dug in, their expressions lit up with genuine delight.

"This is amazing," Fernandes said between bites, his voice muffled by a mouthful of pie. "Like, hands down, the best pie I've ever had."

Anthony nodded in agreement, savoring the rich flavors. "Better than anything we had back at base, that's for sure."

The elder Faunus chuckled from behind the counter. "You're too kind, boys. It's good to see someone enjoying themselves after all the chaos."

Anthony looked up, a question forming in his mind. "Excuse me, ma'am. Do we... know you from somewhere? You seem familiar."

Before the elder could answer, the door to the bakery swung open with a chime, and in walked Sienna Khan, her presence as commanding as ever. She paused in the doorway, her golden eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. Her gaze fell on the two Marines sitting comfortably in her mother's bakery, enjoying pie and chatting like old friends.

Anthony and Fernandes immediately recognized the resemblance. The sharp eyes, the regal bearing, the tiger-stripe tattoos—it all clicked into place. They exchanged a quick glance, silently putting two and two together: this woman was Sienna's mother.

Sienna, however, looked anything but pleased. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and her posture stiffened as she stepped further into the bakery, her sharp gaze flicking between the two humans and her mother.

"What are they doing here?" Sienna demanded, her voice sharp as a knife. She didn't raise it, but the tone carried enough weight to draw everyone's attention.

The elder Faunus raised an eyebrow, her expression calm but laced with subtle amusement. "They're my customers, Sienna," she said smoothly. "And good ones, too. You could learn a thing or two about manners from them."

Sienna's eyes widened slightly, and her jaw tightened. "Mother, do you realize who they are? They're—"

"Humans," her mother interrupted, her tone firm but still warm. "Yes, I know. Humans who helped rid Menagerie of the Grimm. And if they're in my bakery, they're under my roof and my rules."

Fernandes leaned closer to Anthony, whispering, "This just got real awkward."

Anthony stifled a smirk, but his body remained tense, his instincts sharp as he observed the exchange between Sienna and her mother. He didn't know much about Faunus family dynamics, but he knew enough to keep his mouth shut and let them sort it out.

Sienna turned to the two Marines, her golden eyes narrowing dangerously. "You think you can just walk in here, eat pie, and act like everything is fine?"

Anthony put his fork down, meeting her glare with calm resolve. "Ma'am, we didn't know this was your mother's bakery. We're here because the pie's good. If our presence offends you, we can leave."

The elder Faunus held up a hand, silencing both of them. "Enough," she said firmly. "Sienna, these boys have done nothing but enjoy themselves and show respect. If you have an issue, you'll speak to me, not them."

Sienna hesitated, visibly frustrated but unwilling to argue with her mother. She huffed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter, her eyes still glaring daggers at Anthony and Fernandes.

Anthony, sensing the tension wasn't going to dissipate anytime soon, decided to lighten the mood. He turned to the elder Faunus and said with genuine admiration, "Ma'am, I just want to say, you've got a real gift. This pie is incredible. Best I've had in years."

The elder woman smiled warmly, her amusement clear as she replied, "Why, thank you, dear. At least someone appreciates good food and hospitality."

Fernandes chimed in, grinning despite the tension. "Yeah, honestly, ma'am, I'd march through another jungle full of Grimm just to get another slice."

Sienna's expression faltered for a moment, caught between annoyance and reluctant amusement at the audacity of the two humans. Her mother, on the other hand, laughed, a deep, rich sound that filled the bakery.

"See, Sienna?" her mother said, her tone teasing. "Not all humans are bad. Some even know how to enjoy a good slice of pie."

Sienna scowled, but there was a flicker of something in her expression—perhaps confusion, perhaps a glimmer of doubt. For now, she said nothing, merely standing to the side and observing as her mother served two Marines who, despite the odds, seemed intent on finding peace in the strangest of places.

That evening it was cool, with the faint hum of distant insects and the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the village square. Marines, Japanese soldiers, and Faunus alike were winding down after another long day. Some shared meals, others stood watch, and a few even mingled cautiously, though the air of unease still lingered. Among them, David leaned against a wooden post near the bakery, enjoying the rare quiet moment.

That quiet was interrupted by the sharp click of boots on the stone path. Fernandes looked up to see Sienna approaching, her stride purposeful, her golden eyes locked on him with a fiery intensity. She stopped a few feet away, crossing her arms as she tilted her head slightly, scrutinizing him.

"You," she said simply, her tone sharp.

Fernandes raised an eyebrow, his usual easygoing demeanor slipping into confusion. "Uh... me? What about me?"

Sienna stepped closer, her posture straight and unwavering. "I want to fight you."

Fernandes blinked, genuinely puzzled. "Fight me? Like... right now? Why?"

Sienna narrowed her eyes. "Because I need to know if you're as capable as you pretend to be. I've seen what your weapons can do, but I want to know what you can do. Hand-to-hand. No weapons."

David scratched his head, glancing around as if looking for someone to confirm this wasn't a joke. "You serious?"

"Completely."

It wasn't often that Fernandes found himself at a loss for words, but this was one of those rare moments. "Okay, so... you want to throw hands with me? Just like that? Why?"

Sienna's tone was clipped, though there was a faint edge of curiosity. "I want to see if you can handle fighting someone with Aura."

David's confusion deepened, but curiosity got the better of him. "Aura?"

"A protective energy we have," Sienna explained curtly. "It shields us from most physical damage. If you can land even a single blow that matters, I'll consider you worthy of... respect."

David stared at her for a moment, processing the situation. On one hand, this was one of the strangest requests he'd ever gotten. On the other, he had plenty of time to kill, and it wasn't every day someone challenged a Marine to a fistfight.

"Alright, fine," he said with a shrug, straightening up. "Let's do this. But just so you know, I'm a 6th-degree black belt in USMC Mixed Martial Arts. This ain't my first rodeo."

Sienna smirked faintly, the hint of a challenge in her eyes. "Good. Let's see if you're as skilled as you claim."

A small crowd began to gather as the word spread: Sienna Khan had challenged one of the Marines to a fight. Faunus villagers, White Fang grunts, and even a few curious troops formed a loose circle around the two combatants, murmuring among themselves.

Sienna stepped into the makeshift ring, rolling her shoulders and taking a fighting stance. Her Aura flickered to life around her, a faint golden glow that shimmered like a protective barrier. She exuded confidence, her movements fluid and precise.

Fernandes stretched briefly, then adopted his own stance—loose, but with a practiced balance that spoke of years of training. His expression was calm, though there was a glint of excitement in his eyes. He'd fought plenty of opponents, but this was his first time facing someone with what she called "Aura."

"Ready?" Sienna asked, her voice steady.

Fernandes smirked. "Born ready."

The fight began with Sienna darting forward, testing his reflexes with a quick series of jabs. Her movements were fast—faster than most opponents Fernandes had faced—but he blocked and sidestepped with ease, his instincts sharp.

Sienna's strikes became more aggressive, her fists and kicks aimed with precision. She aimed for his ribs, his legs, his jaw, but Fernandes countered each move, his own strikes landing solidly against her Aura. The shimmering barrier absorbed the blows, but each hit seemed to push her back slightly, her eyes narrowing in surprise.

"You're good," Sienna admitted, her tone grudging. "But you haven't broken through yet."

Fernandes grinned, his stance relaxed but his movements calculated. "Guess I'll just have to try harder."

He feinted to the left, drawing Sienna into a defensive move, then pivoted sharply and drove a powerful right hook toward her torso. The blow connected with a resounding impact, and to everyone's shock, Sienna staggered back, her Aura flickering and cracking like glass under pressure.

The crowd gasped, the Faunus onlookers whispering in disbelief. White Fang grunts exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence in Sienna wavering.

Sienna herself froze for a moment, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. She steadied herself, her Aura flickering back to life, but the damage had been done. That punch had gone through her Aura like it wasn't even there.

"How..." she muttered, narrowing her eyes at Fernandes.

The Marine shrugged, rolling his shoulders. "I guess it's the same as punching through armor. Gotta put your weight into it."

Sienna growled low in her throat, her movements becoming more aggressive. She rushed him, throwing a series of rapid strikes, but Fernandes was ready. He parried her attacks with precision, countering with his own punches and kicks that kept her on the defensive.

Another blow landed—this time a spinning back kick to her side—and her Aura shattered completely, the golden glow fading as she stumbled. The crowd fell silent, the tension thick in the air.

Sienna straightened, breathing heavily, her pride visibly wounded. She raised a hand, signaling the end of the fight. "Enough."

Fernandes stepped back, lowering his guard but keeping his eyes on her. "You alright?"

Sienna nodded curtly, though her expression was hard to read. "You're... stronger than I expected."

Fernandes smirked, his usual humor returning. "Told you I wasn't just talk."

She glared at him for a moment but then turned to walk away, the crowd parting to let her through. As she disappeared into the night, the onlookers began to disperse, their whispers filling the air.

Anthony approached Fernandes, shaking his head with a grin. "Man, you just can't keep out of trouble, can you?"

Fernandes laughed, wiping sweat from his brow. "What can I say? She asked for it." He glanced in the direction Sienna had gone, his expression thoughtful. "She's tough, though. I'll give her that."

Anthony nodded, his tone more serious. "Yeah. But I think you gave her something to think about."

And as the village settled back into its rhythm, the echoes of the fight lingered, leaving both Sienna and the White Fang with a new perspective on the strength of the humans in their midst.

Two days after Fernandes' fight with Sienna Khan, the tension in Kuo Kuana had slightly eased, though the memory of the confrontation still lingered. Word had spread quickly among the Faunus and the human troops about Fernandes breaking through Sienna's Aura with nothing but raw skill and power. The Faunus were split—some saw the humans as formidable allies, while others saw them as an overwhelming threat.

Sienna, however, had spent those two days brooding, her pride stung and her mind racing with thoughts about how a mere human could outmatch her. She was one of the most skilled fighters in the White Fang, someone who had faced dozens of Atlas soldiers and Huntsmen without flinching. Yet Fernandes had proven to her that the humans here weren't just soldiers—they were warriors of a completely different caliber.

And so, she made up her mind.

Anthony Grant stood near a newly established checkpoint on the outskirts of the village, supervising a few Marines assisting the Faunus in setting up barricades and supply caches. His tall frame was imposing, his presence calm yet commanding as he worked with a mixture of quiet efficiency and humor. He wore his usual relaxed demeanor, though his sharp eyes missed nothing.

It was then that Sienna appeared, walking with purpose toward him. Her expression was unreadable, but her posture radiated determination. Anthony noticed her approach out of the corner of his eye and straightened, curious about what she wanted.

"Sergeant Grant," she called out, stopping a few feet away. Her tone was clipped, formal, but carried the unmistakable weight of a challenge.

Anthony raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his broad chest. "That's me. What can I do for you?"

Sienna's golden eyes locked onto his, her voice firm. "I want a fight. With you. Hand-to-hand. No weapons."

Anthony blinked, caught off guard by the request. "A fight? With me? Why?"

"I need to see if you're as strong as you seem," she said, her voice unwavering. "Your friend proved himself two days ago. Now I want to see if you're capable of the same."

Anthony scratched his chin, his expression thoughtful. "And what's in it for me if I win?"

Sienna's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "You'll have my respect. And maybe I'll stop questioning your people's intentions."

Anthony chuckled, the sound deep and rich. "That's a big promise, coming from you." He glanced at the Marines nearby, who were now watching the exchange with interest, then back at Sienna. "Alright, I'm in. Let's do this."

Word spread quickly, and by the time the two fighters stepped into the makeshift ring in the village square, a sizeable crowd had gathered. Faunus villagers, White Fang grunts, and human troops all stood side by side, eager to see how this clash would play out. The tension in the air was palpable, a mixture of curiosity, excitement, and unease.

Anthony removed his gear, leaving himself in just his combat boots, trousers, and a tan top that revealed his muscular frame. He stretched briefly, his movements fluid and confident, while Sienna stood a few feet away, rolling her shoulders and flexing her hands. Her Aura flickered to life, a golden sheen that surrounded her like armor.

"You ready for this?" Anthony asked, his tone casual, though his posture was already in a fighting stance.

Sienna narrowed her eyes. "More than ready."

The two circled each other, the crowd holding their breath as the fight began.

Sienna moved first, her strikes fast and precise. She aimed for Anthony's sides and legs, testing his defenses, but he countered each attack with a fluidity that surprised her. His blocks were strong yet controlled, his movements calculated. She pressed harder, her strikes increasing in speed and intensity, but Anthony remained calm, his stance solid.

When he finally struck back, it was with the force of a freight train.

Anthony's first punch landed cleanly on her forearm, deflecting her attack and sending her stumbling back. Sienna's eyes widened slightly as she felt the sheer power behind his strike, even through her Aura. She recovered quickly, but her mind raced. His punches weren't just strong—they were devastating.

"Not bad," she said through gritted teeth, circling him again. "But let's see how you handle this."

She launched into a flurry of attacks, her fists and legs moving like a blur. Anthony parried and dodged with practiced ease, his expression calm as he studied her movements. When she tried to sweep his legs, he jumped back and countered with a brutal roundhouse kick that connected with her side.

The impact was like a sledgehammer. Sienna's Aura cracked visibly, the golden glow flickering as she staggered. The crowd gasped, the Faunus whispering among themselves as they realized Anthony's strikes could penetrate Aura with ease.

Sienna grit her teeth, refusing to back down. She rushed him again, using her agility to dodge his punches and land a few blows of her own. But Anthony barely flinched, his body absorbing the hits as if they were nothing. When he struck back, it was with a brutal combination of punches and kicks that sent her reeling.

A particularly vicious uppercut shattered her Aura completely, leaving her defenseless. Sienna stumbled, her breath ragged as she steadied herself. She glared at Anthony, her pride wounded but her determination unbroken.

"You're holding back," she accused, her voice sharp.

Anthony smirked, his tone light but laced with truth. "Yeah, I am. If I wasn't, you wouldn't be standing right now."

Sienna's eyes burned with frustration, but she knew he wasn't lying. Every strike he landed felt like it could break bones if he truly unleashed his strength. And the ease with which he dismantled her Aura left her feeling more exposed than ever.

The fight ended when Sienna raised her hand, signaling her surrender. The crowd was silent, the tension thick as Anthony stepped back, lowering his guard. He didn't gloat or taunt—he simply offered her a nod of respect.

"You've got skill," he said simply. "But sometimes, skill isn't enough."

Sienna stared at him for a moment, her pride and anger warring with a grudging sense of respect. She exhaled slowly, nodding in return. "You're stronger than I thought. Both of you are."

Anthony smiled faintly. "Glad we could clear that up."

As Sienna walked away, the crowd began to disperse, the Faunus and humans alike buzzing with what they'd just witnessed. Anthony returned to his squad, Fernandes clapping him on the back with a grin.

"Man, you didn't even go all out," Fernandes said, laughing. "You're scary when you fight."

Anthony shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "She's tough, I'll give her that. But sometimes, tough doesn't cut it."

And as the night settled over Kuo Kuana, Sienna couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just witnessed the tip of the iceberg when it came to the strength of the humans. For the first time, she truly understood the gap between them—and it left her wondering what else they were capable of.