#I’m imagining Weiss looking on in despair

[st-hedge]

U know what. All of my nier replicant doodles in one pile. Both thirsty and wholesome

#nier replicant #brother nier #kaine #Emil #i will make good art once I get this out of my system #I’m imagining Weiss looking on in despair #had I played as daddee nier I would have also put him in hot pants #but alas #our stint was brief but full of meaning #my favourite feature of nier is his…….. perseverance and gentle nature #yeah #that’s it

[razorblade180]

Twin Snowflakes 46:Weathering the storm

Pt 45 <- here

As wind and ice increased, seeping through bricks and metal, the famed heroes of the world only gained more to deal with. In the eyes of a seasoned knight and leader, Jaune didn’t falter in the face of the elements. However, his body trembled. How badly he wished to blame the cold, but that was not the case. He had made it back home where he was sitting by a fire, a journal in his hands filled with the most soul chilling things to come from this experience.

Ruby and Weiss sat quietly in the room as he read one of Shiva’s many books. They had told him what went down the moment he walked through the door. From the journals’ insight about their daughter, to the ravaging confessions of Veronica.

It was strange, ironic even. The words Summer wrote cut into his heart, yet deep down he had gathered she was struggling. After all, he hasn’t forgotten the misery and outright despair saving the world inflicted on him. Jaune, Whitley, Weiss, Ruby, and even long ago with Blake and Yang dealing with the fall of Beacon, they all knew the feeling of falling into depression. Some even struggled with more dangerous thoughts similar to Summer’s, and yet it still snuck up on them despite their best efforts and support. He could make a good assumption that a similar realization had hit Veronica which was too much to handle. In the midst of her own darkness, she didn’t realize not only the extent of Summer’s, but that she added to it. Jaune had only gotten through three journals, but he had a feeling with so many, it was only a matter of time before everyone found their name in one.

He closed the journal and sighed. “When it rains, it pours.” He rubbed his face in exhaustion.

Weiss didn’t hesitate to get closer and drape her arms over him. He didn’t hesitate to hold the hands resting on his chest in response. Weiss wasn’t blind to the past several days. Jaune had been strong for both of them. Now she wanted him to rest.

“Don’t forget to lean on me too. I’m here for you.”

That alone made his eyes tear up, but he did not cry. Not out of stubbornness or fear, but because there was still so much to sort out. “Thank you, Weiss. I’m just getting overwhelmed fast.”

“Take your time.” Ruby said, locking her fingers together. “Nobody is ready to move after today.”

“How is everyone else exactly?”

“Winter is with Whitley near the garden. They wanted some time to…internalize it all. I can’t imagine Oscar, Qrow and Sparrow not being here has made things easier for Winter.”

“Ren and Nora?”

“With Valerie, patching her up. She took a pretty hard fall in the fight. As for the other three…”

xxxxx

Up in Veronica’s room, the lights were out. Not a word was said to break the silence of the raging blizzard. Only slight breathing from tear stained faces as Veronica slept in her bed, both her parents holding her hands as they slept beside their daughter.

xxxxx

“They have each other. I don’t know how any of them will feel later on. Only time will tell.”

“That’s fine.” Jaune looked over at the boxes of journals.

“That can wait.” Weiss said sternly. “Believe me, I want nothing more than to go through them all but not when we’re all like this. We’d just be torturing ourselves.” She tightened her embrace. “So the surgery has started?”

“Yeah…all that’s left is waiting.”

Something that was increasingly getting harder to do. You’d think they’d be used to it and how there’s only so much to do before it’s left to fate. Nope. It’s never easy. Not one bit. Ruby stood up and grabbed Crescent Rose.

“I’m gonna make sure the landing pad for supplies is still good. We should be getting another shipment before dark.”

Weiss and Jaune both looked at her ready to stop her but their dear friend cut them off before they could get a word in.

“I know, I know, alone? Yes. People are depending on us. This isn’t just our problem. All I’m doing is dashing over there, then coming back.”

“And if Shiva decides to say hello?” Weiss frowned.

“Trust me, one positive today is Shiva may be strong, but is no veteran huntsman. She can’t keep up with my strategic withdrawal tactics. I’m perfect for this.”

It’s true if anyone had the best chance of running away then it’s undoubtedly Ruby, but they still like the idea.

Ruby crossed her arms and assumed her leadership pose. they all knew and put up with. “Rest up. I’ll handle this.”

They let out a sigh of defeat, knowing she won’t budge. Jaune looked at her seriously. “Please don’t give anyone more reasons to cry.”

The Reaper smiled, “Heh, you’re talking to gal that went toe to toe with Cinder. What’s a little ice after all that fire?”

xxxxx

True to her word, Ruby intended to keep this an in and out job; choosing to perch herself on top of a roof that overlooked the sight. It should arrive any moment. Not to her surprise, the landing zone was unbothered. It might honestly be possible to leave the supplies here in the frigid weather until tomorrow. Not like anything would spoil. The thought crossed Ruby’s mind and it definitely was a safer option. However, battle prowess wasn’t all that Ruby accessed in today’s brawl. If one thing she and her friends did wrong, it was their failure in acknowledging Shiva’s persistence in observing them. They never skipped out on an opportunity.

Ruby thought of the events of not only recently but the build up to this situation. Rampages, check ups, school, tournaments, etc. She was done underselling Shiva. Especially when it came to surveillance. If body heat was a dead give away and at the speed Ruby moved to get here…the lady of frost was sure to have noticed.

“I know you’re close.” Ruby said, looking across to another building. Her words were enough for Shiva to walk out from behind a broken heater with hands behind her back and a sway in her walk.

Shiva’s confidence in revealing herself would be respectful if not unsettling. She stood on the edge of the roof with a blade in hand and more composed than before.

This didn’t go unnoticed by Ruby. The upright stance, the way one foot was a bit more forward while her breathing remained calm yet alert. Ruby had a feeling if she tried to sweep Shiva’s legs, all that would happen is a graceful back flip.

“For years you berated my goddaughter. Now you adopt her fighting stance?”

Shiva flashed a smirk. A fair but rather silly question. “Your goddaughter was weak and foolish in many ways, but I don’t remember criticizing how she moved her body. Even I can’t claim to know it as well as her in terms of physical prowess. I take that it was my last stunt near the end of our earlier squabble that put you on alert. Nothing gets past you. Well, almost nothing.” Referring to the depths of Summer’s misery.

Ruby wasn’t gonna be baited so easily. Shiva most likely revealed herself for similar reasons to why Ruby chose to come out here. Information. It was already potentially paying off with Shiva admitting she doesn’t know the limits of Summer’s body; or rather how to use them. However, the fact that she’s taken an interest in mimicking them…

Ruby’s eyes narrowed. “Do you really think sifting through her memories will be enough?”

“She’s fought you all more than I. Afraid a little muscle memory and superior power is gonna do you in?”

“If it was then we wouldn’t be talking now would we? You’re taking a risk just being this close, but you’re banking on me not wanting to harm Summer.”

“Don’t get too cocky. We both know as things stand, we’d be dead in the snow. It’s pretty comical. Your scythe around my neck in the blink of an eye, it would make you a hero to everyone but your family. Not very heroic to weigh personal feelings more.”

“I find it odd that someone hell bent on victory has offered reasons for me to kill them. It’s even more strange that I haven’t counted a dead body yet. It’s not like you can’t feel the warmth of every person here. Makes a girl think.” Ruby stood up.

Shiva could tell Ruby was looking for something she wasn’t gonna find. “I thought I made it pretty clear she can’t see or hear you? As for your curiosity, it’s not like I hate those civilians. They’re just caught in your mistakes. If you want to run yourselves ragged then be my guest.”

“So that’s it. You know better than to have our undivided attention. It’s why you allow supplies to get through even if it hampers your goals.”

Shiva’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t think I’m scared of you.” Her tone was low yet murderous. “I’ve come too far to make mistakes now. You all will pay soon enough.”

It wasn’t as if Shiva didn’t make her reasons clear, and yet Ruby couldn’t shake this feeling inside. There was more to learn; always was. Everyone spent so much time trying to learn about Shiva. Time to ask about Summer for a change.

“Did she hate us too, Summer that is?” Ruby said solemnly.

“Hmm?” A shocking question to say the least “Does that even need an answer? Of course she hated you all. I thought that would be obvious. Though to be fair…I suppose resentment is a fitting word. Surely you knew that. It’s what’s made this so damn easy.”

Amused by the question, Shiva relaxed a bit by lowering her blade. “All you people ever did was tell her to bear with things without producing meaningful results. You think all those smiles she gave were real? The fool was just too tired to scream her head off. Day in and day out she cried, whinnying in her pity party. It gave me such a headache. Good material for egging her own though. An assault on all sides. Couldn’t do it without you all.” She chuckled, too herself.

“Are you really pinning the blame on us and not your constant torturing? All we ever did was try!”

“See!? That’s the best part. It’s why this is such a hopeless situation for you. It’s not that nobody cared, but the opposite. All that love and effort shown, and yet nothing changed. You all are so useless!” Shiva watched Ruby’s eyes grow wide. “Oh what? Never thought of it like that. Summer isn’t delusional. She knows love for her is real. It’s just worthless. You’re worthless. The heroes of Remnant, her family, they’re nothing but failures who let a little girl cry for years. Why wouldn’t she try taking matters into her own hands? Too bad she forgot she’s the child of failures.”

Ruby shot a glare more chilling than the snow. “Do not speak ill of her parents. Especially in front of me.”

“Calling it like it is. I didn’t sow these seeds, I just reap them. That’s the beauty of it. Let’s entertain for a moment you get the better of me, what then. All you have left is a broken child who’s lost faith in you for years, and killed her brother. It's so terrible that even I’m shaking right now. How could you be careless with someone so close? There is no fixing this. You’re fighting for a broken mirror. You’re never gonna see what you want out of it and yet you decide to stay anyways? It’s so laughable!”

A gust swirled around the girl as she tried restraining a laughing. Her pupils shook and despite who she was, her blood boiled. “Giving up would make this a whole lot easier! Chalk it up to a lost cause, but no! It’s not in your nature! Do you have any idea that nugget of knowledge was echoed in this head!? I-”

Her temper wavered, it’s festering stalled by Ruby’s tears. The reaper quickly wiped them. Even she was caught off guard by her own emotions.

Ruby pulled her hood up and cleared her throat. “Ya know…I do wish circumstances were different. I wouldn’t know how they’d be, and frankly there’s not much of a point dwelling on it. What can I say? You are right about a few things. We’ve failed Summer. Even so…who are you to decide she’s weak and frail? Enduring as long as she did, that sounds like pure strength.”

“……”

Ruby turned her back to Shiva as the lights of the supply truck grew closer. “You were also right about none of us giving up on her. We’ll get her back, and when we do, I’ll accept all the hate she has for me. Sure it might hurt but I’ll choose that any day over losing her.” Her words brimmed with confidence.

The response moved Shiva in a way she couldn’t comprehend. Ruby didn’t say anything she wouldn’t normally say, but hearing those words spoken, it was….frustrating. Shiva’s eyes darkened as they narrowed in on Ruby’s brilliant silver gaze.

“You never change.”

A flurry of snow swept wind came between them, and then Shiva was gone. Ruby looked around but no longer felt in immediate danger.

“Never huh?” Ruby had a feeling she moved herself to the top of Shiva’s list of least favorite people.

The ship finally landed, the last rays of light still piercing through.

xxxxxx

Nearly two days passed before Veronica rose from her sleep steadily. The girl looked around to see no one in her room. “Where are-” she remembered her last interaction with her parents; with everyone. Cat ears fell down and her heart began to ache at the memory. What could they all possibly be thinking? What was she thinking? What if they read all of the journal…? Veronica didn’t want to think about such things. True or not.

A click at the door as the knob twisted open caught her attention. Winter and Penny entered with fresh towels and water.

“Ummmm” was all Veronica could muster.

Penny perked up seeing the child sitting up in bed. “You’re awake!”

“Why wouldn’t I- agh!”

A thermometer was popped into her mouth and towels placed on her nightstand where she spotted a few pill bottles. The heck was going on!?

Penny took away the thermometer and was happy with the results. “Splendid! Had me worried for a moment.”

“About what!?” She desperately asked.

“Oh, you got sick. Been out nearly two full days due to extreme stress, dehydration, exhaustion, and being out in the weather probably didn’t help.”

A blank stare burrowed into Penny as Veronica tried wrapping her head around what was just said. The young girl leaned forward to look at Winter with a look that asked for confirmation.

“Yes. You cried yourself to illness.”

Penny pouted, “Don’t phrase it like that Winter. Anyones’ immune system gets significantly weaker when under high stress physically and mentally.”

“So I cried myself to illness?” Veronica said bluntly.

“Ummm…yeah….” Penny gave in. “I thought that might sound insensitive or embarrassing.”

“Oh it is.” Veronica layed back down

Winter walked over to the bed . Below her was a miserable mess of hair. The sun kissed skin of an islander looked unnaturally faded when dark circles made themselves known under Veronica’s eyes.

“Did you know you cry in your sleep?”

“I’m…vaguely aware that’s a thing I’ve been seen doing. What of it?” Veronica turned away from the helpers. “Gonna tell me I can’t escape guilt?”

“I don’t have to tell you things you already know. Instead I’ll tell you what you don’t.” Winter sat on the edge of the bed. “Summer thinks so highly of you.”

Penny watched Veronica stiffen. “Winter, is this really the right ti-”

“It’s the perfect time. A record needs to be set straight. Veronica it’s no secret we aren’t each other’s favorite person.”

“You’ve never liked me. Though…I guess I can see why.” Her voice trembled.

“I never said I didn’t like you. I’m defensive of my family and well yes, I thought you did more harm than good as an influence on both of them. However, the truth is more complicated than that. Especially with Summer.”

“Those journals say otherwise.”

“Can you please just listen for now?” Winter said with a sigh. A single cat ear shot up, signaling her to continue. “I did my damnedest to keep Summer on a schedule when it comes to eating, school, and anything in between. Never stuck. Maybe I’m softer than I think but you got Summer to move when no else could. Believe me, I’m in no way excusing the nastier parts of your relationship, but it’s foolish to see it as completely horrible. When it came to you, Summer was envious and wanted to be more like you.”

“Why would she ever want to be like me when she has the kingdom in her hands?”

“Because you’re beautiful to her. I know even if you don’t see that in yourself, she certainly did in many ways. Summer stuck to the diet to impress you. Not once did she want to lose to you. You told her she was holding back and then she trained harder. You pushed back against her bullies; Summer told me about that. Also how it annoyed her so she finally pushed back too. Said it felt exciting and how you laughed she put that Amber girl in her place. She also said how it was your voice that saved her at the lake. That she dug deep to save both of you because you called out. Your relationship is not perfect. I’m aware both of you have said hurtful things to one another. But if I’m being honest with you…I think Summer wanted nothing more than you in her corner as a friend.”

“How could you think such a thing? After all our history? It just doesn’t make sense.”

“How? Simple, because it took nearly two decades before I realized my own brother only wanted my support the way I wanted his. We were just too busy in our own pain to notice the signs we gave one another. It’s not the exact same situation, but I don’t think I’m wrong when I say you don’t hate Summer. Not really.”

A silence lingered. Veronica sat back up and looked down at her lap. Facing Winter felt wrong for some reason. Talking in general was strange, yet not as difficult as expected.

“I’m sorry for all the troubles I’ve stirred up.”

“Don’t tell me that. It’s better saved for Summer once we get her back. Winter got up from the bed and went to leave, stopping at the door. “Trouble or not, I’m glad I know you.” She walked out.

Veronica directed her attention to Penny. “Parents out being heroes I take it?”

She nodded, “Always. Don’t worry though. Nothing dangerous these past couple days.”

“Shouldn’t you be at the hospital, or am I causing problems for you too?”

“Please don’t talk like that Veronica. The bulk of medical work has been finished for a while and even if it wasn't, I’d always make time for you.”

Veronica looked into Penny’s sincere eyes. She couldn’t understand it, the woman’s gentleness. It wasn’t learned through tribulations. Penny was nice; plain and simple.

“I say this as a compliment Penny; kindness like yours could only be programmed.”

“I respectfully disagree. My father was a gentle soul. That’s all there is to it.”

“Wish I could’ve met em.”

“Hehe, I’m sure he would’ve loved you. Now then, Veronica, I’d like to discuss something with you.” She said cautiously.

Veronica could tell at a glance what it was about. A doctor should have as much information on their patient as possible, and no way the grownups wouldn’t tell Penny what went down.

“Does the Goliath in the room really have to be addressed?” She retreated inward.

Penny frowned. “Veronica…”

“Fine. Yes, I tried taking my life. That what you wanted to hear? I already know you all are going to look at me differently and that’s whatever, but can we not have a drawn out conversation over it please? I just can't, okay?” Her ears fell back down but Veronica kept eye contact. Penny needed to see how serious she was about this. “Please?”

The tremble in Veronica’s throat made Penny’s heart ache. “Nobody is looking at you differently. I’m also not Oscar; I can’t offer you any help in a professional capacity. Nor would I try to. It’s not what I was going to attempt with you.”

“Then…what exactly is it that you did want to say?”

“A different perspective I need you to hear. I’m case it was something you never really thought about. Our struggles in life are different and similar at the same time; I get that. Still, we looked for belonging, tried to fit in, hoped to understand those different from us, and wondered why people kept treating us differently. It causes a lot of doubt, darkness. I can’t begin to know the intricate details and depths that got you to such a merciless breaking point. However, I need you to understand how incredibly strong you are Veronica. Even in all that darkness…you gripped tightly to the light left inside. You chose to live in the end. That’s a strength never to be downplayed. That strength is beautiful.”

Truly…Penny was too kind. Veronica couldn’t keep up her tough girl act or brush off such words. Her reserved expression broke down into tears, her body lunging forward and pulling Penny into a hug.

It takes the robotic girl off guard for a moment before she wraps both arms around Veronica, rubbing her back.

“Thank you for taking care of me.” Vee wept.

“A doctor takes care of their patient, and a friend always reaches out. Thank you for letting me help. I know it’s not always easy to do.”

“Can I ask you a favor?” Veronica let go and wiped her face. “Help me get dressed? I wanna go somewhere.”

“Okay. But ummm…” Penny cocked her head to the side, “Where?”

xxxxx

“In retrospect, I should’ve known it was the hospital.” Penny said, leaning against the elevator wall. “I was half expecting somewhere iced off.”

Veronica laughed to herself. “Haha, yeah I can’t blame you. If I had the confidence then I would’ve asked you if sneaking in the school is possible, but that’s probably out of the question.”

“What’s at the school?”

“I went into Summer’s room a couple times after everything went down with her, then when Val woke up and told her story I remember noticing Summer’s bag wasn’t in her room. It’s probably in that meeting room.”

“Is there something relevant in there perhaps?”

“Not sure how relevant to be honest but Summer would take a journal everywhere she could. Kinda like me…” Veronica never really thought much about that detail before. “Odds are there’s one in her bag. It would be the most up to date.”

“Hmm you’re not wrong, but Almanac is very much the den of Shiva. That’s way too dangerous for potentially gaining nothing. For all we know Summer could’ve only been on page one. Even a full one might not have anything useful for our immediate problems.”

Veronica let out a sigh while rubbing her still messy hair. She didn’t really care much about her appearance right now. She could tell Penny was enjoying her temporary look however. It had gotten so cold most of Veronica’s designs that she brought weren’t really fit for Atlas weather anymore. Fortunately for her, Penny’s lived here forever and made clothes focused on extra warmth ever since Shiva was around.

Standard black tights and long sleeves infused with flame dust. That wasn’t the kicker though. Those close were underneath as insulation. What pretty happily flew off to get before they left was her old outfit back in the days when she was known as The Defender of Mantle.

“Nothing is too tight is it?” Penny asked.

“It’s alright. Not like there’s many options for clothes that handle immense windsheer. Aura feels normal too. Think the only problem is that shamrock isn’t exactly my color.” Vee quipped.

“You must be tired of me saying this but I think you look wonderful.”

Penny’s smile lit up the small space. Genuine to fault. Vee couldn’t help but tease a tiny bit. “Why do I get the feeling I’m fulfilling some sort of little sister wish you’ve always had?”

“Hehe, I wouldn’t go that far. I just always liked to see you as my little niece. Though if you want a big sister then I’d be more than happy to be!”

A hint of red came to Veronica’s face. Looks like she was the one getting teased in the end. Vee turned her head towards the door. “I’m good with niece.”

Penny couldn’t help but giggle. One minute Yang, the next minute Blake. It was hard to know who Veronica spent more time with.

The door finally opened and they walked out into the stuffy area. People were as restless as ever. It almost made Veronica’s ears ring.

“You think Nick’s allowed visitors?”

“He isn’t in any operations right now. If all is going well then he’s stable and in bed for the time being.” Penny let a frown show. “His coma is wearing me down a little however. Even with his body slowly recovering, it’s dangerous for anyone to be out for too long.”

“Aren’t there stories of people in a coma for years until recovery?” Veronica saw the look of shock hit Penny. Vee immediately wished she didn’t say that. “Not that I’m saying that he will be! All I meant was is there any reason to be worried after a few days?”

“No. I don’t like it is all. Call me greedy, but saving his life would be bitter if he loses so much time.”

“That’s not greedy at all. Any doctor should want the best outcome.”

“You know…you’ve taken Nick’s condition better than the rest. I’m a little shocked if I’m being honest.”

Vee shrugged, “Hard to explain. Guess I can’t really picture someone like him not making it through this. Val said it herself, he was trying to save his own life right up until he passed out. In a way that’s pretty terrifying.”

A perspective like that made it easy to see why Shiva would go for him first. Penny was sure there was more reasoning but that had to be a major one. After all, nobody has been quite themselves ever since. Speaking of which…

Penny nudged Vee and pointed. “Hey, look.”

Vee turned her head and spotted Valerie, sitting alone in what used to be a waiting room. Her usual vigor was gone and she was hunched over with a gaze that was clearly not looking at anything. Veronica looked at Penny.

“You knew she was here, didn’t you?”

“Of course. Valerie actually has been here since the fight.”

That couldn’t be good. Veronica winced, “Don’t tell me her arm is worse?”

“Oh no. Despite the best attempt between both of you, that arm endured the abuse. Valerie couldn’t stand being in the manor unfortunately. I heard you two said some…not some nice things about each other.”

Veronica got the picture. She wasn’t exactly happy about it, but…it would be a lie to say their last fight was like the rest. It was no secret why Valerie wouldn’t want to stay. Not after all the things said. Veronica thought about telling Penny she wasn’t up for more drawn out talks, but if Winter could give her the time of day, then there’s no real excuse not to confront Valerie.

“Guess I got no choice…”

“Please no more fist fights.” Penny warned.

“Penny, this is a hospital.” Veronica walked over to her target.

“Eh, it had to be said just in case.” Penny went on about her own business to check Nick. If she remembered correctly, Ren and Weiss should be around somewhere while the others are patrolling or tending to other locations right about now.

In her own world, the young Valkyrie stared at the floor, adrift in thought. It was only when puffy black boots obscured the glare off the hospital’s tile floors that she raised her head to see Veronica standing before her. The two spoke no words, only a minute long stare before Veronica sat in the seat next to her. Silence between them remained while the world kept moving along. Parents bundling kids, nurses pushing wheelchairs, the near and distant murmurings of peoples’ distress over anything and everything. For Veronica it was sensory overload if she focused too hard on it, yet she since the appeal of Valerie being here over anywhere else. What a perfect place to be miserable and drown out your own thoughts. Then there was the obvious reason as well.

“You see him?” Veronica finally spoke, but was given no immediate response. A low grunt left her lungs as she exhaled, choosing to sink into the chair.

“Did you know…Nick hates hospitals?” Valerie asked, breaking her silence with a dry, somber voice. “I always thought I understood why. He spent a lot of time seeing Summer here.”

“Not hard to figure out.”

“That’s what I thought, but no. Now I think I’m really understanding why. Seeing a person you care about so vulnerable is already a lot, but being there when things go wrong…”

Veronica slowly sat up and looked at Valerie with shock. The athlete’s hands were shaking, eyes filled with tears.

“Only a few days here and I’ve seen Penny, nurses, and other doctors rush into that room as he started seizing.” She held her hands together tightly. “I don’t want to hear that flatline again.”

“That’s it, I’ve heard enough.” Veronica got up and stood in front of Valerie. “Is this what you think you deserve? You’re so called punishment. I can tell you right now there’s not a soul that would wish this on you. Especially your parents. The hell are you doing!?”

“Just leave me alone.”

“You don’t get to say that after telling me that willingly. Do you think Nick would want-”

“When have I actually ever done what Nick asked for me!?“ she nearly yelled. “I’m a selfish person, remember? Not even a real friend towards either of them. By all means, this arm being hurt doesn’t begin to be a consequence.”

“In case you forgot, I’m a hundred times worse. Wasn’t even friends with one.” Vee sat back down. “If Shiva fucking up your arm and immense guilt isn’t enough karma for your screw ups, then by that logic, guess I’m gonna end up dead for sure by the end of all this. Ironic, but probably deserved all things considered.”

Veronica turned to see Valerie’s uncomfortable and sympathetic look. Suddenly she felt like instead of putting the problem in perspective, it was wrong entirely. Valerie probably couldn’t get the image of painful crying in the garden out of her head.

“Too dark? Guess I can’t say those kinds of things lightly anymore around people.” Veronica huffed. “Listen, I’m not really good at talking like this.”

“You’re a public speaker.”

“Talking about equality is a bit different than this mess.”

“From where I sit, I’d say we’re equally shitty. Hate to admit it…but you were right about me. I just didn’t want to acknowledge it. I’m selfish. Simple as that. I stopped considering their true feelings for the sake of my own and half the time I didn’t even realize.”

“Don’t mean to drive the knife in deeper but are you aware why Nick is so fond of you?” The lack of any kind of response said enough. “He told me how you inspired him to stop thinking about all the prying eyes. You gave him the answer to reclaiming joy in the things he loves to do, all by being that example. What happened to that girl? I certainly never got the chance to meet her.”

“I don’t know. We got older? The eyes on him looked at me but not really. Bit by bit…it all became so confusing. Nothing feels like when we were kids. I don’t feel like myself anymore. All that talk about being the top and the one people look to, yet here I am now. The twins are gone and now it’s really starting to sink in that I don't know what to do. I really did need them around after all. I…didn’t even get the chance to tell them I’m-”

“Can you stop talking like they’re dead?” Veronica spoke in a stern yet wavering tone. “And do you mean you don’t know what to do? Take a look around. People need help and you damn well those two would caffeinated out of their skulls and get to work. Listen, I can’t tell you that they’ll forgive you for sure and I can’t lie to myself and say I completely understand you because let’s face it, we don’t know each other well. Not really. All I know is we need to get our act together. I’m tired of worrying my parents. Let’s stop thinking about us and start thinking about everyone else for once. I mean hell is freezing over at this rate. Might as well play along.”

Her logic was flawed yet correct. Unreasonable, but somehow compromising as well. Valerie was unsure if she’d ever get used to how Veronica did…well, everything. But maybe she didn’t have to. At least not right now. Like she said, hell was freezing over. That took priority. Valerie found herself sighing with a glimmer of peace finally on her face.

“Fine. You win. I’ll pick myself back up again.”

Behind both of them, a voice called out. “Oh? Were you knocked down? Figures…”

Val and Vee both turned around and gasped. For the first time since this mess started, the two of them saw Eliza. Not only did she wore her battle clothes from the tournament, but she carried a bouquet of her namesake in her hands.

“Eliza!?” Valerie yelped.

“Why are you still here!?” Veronica added.

The young witch raised an eyebrow. “Odd question. Atlas is my home and my people need help. They haven’t been getting by on dust alone you know?” She made a tiny flame on her finger before blowing. “Anyways, are your families okay?”

“Alright. But uhh…” Veronica pointed at the marigolds. “I feel like we should be asking you that. Your dad isn’t hurt is he?”

“Heh. Thank you for the concern but these aren’t for him. He actually came with me here. I got a feeling I’m here for the same reason you two are then?”

Just then, Weiss came from down the north hallway. “Veronica? Eliza?” Her eyes shifted towards the back near an exit to see Henry leaning near a lamp. If she wasn’t tired, Weiss would’ve groaned. Ignoring him for now, she walked over to the girls. “Come to keep Valerie company?”

“Not particularly.” Veronica said bluntly, earning a huff from the girl.

Eliza presented the flowers. “I probably should’ve asked first, but is Nick allowed flowers? The other day, I actually saw you and some others here looking…not yourselves. Valerie told me bits and pieces when I found her in the school, so I put two and two together.”

No one had noticed Eliza around several days ago, especially Weiss. She looked at the flowers and smiled gently. It was nice knowing more people were thinking about Nick than she realized. “Flowers would brighten up that room nicely. Thank you.”

“I can put them in there for you.” Veronica chimed in. “I actually came here to check in briefly. If…that’s okay with you?” She asked Weiss. It was hard looking at her now. Was it gonna be like that for everyone? Veronica couldn’t tell if it was guilt, embarrassment, or both.

“If Eliza is okay with it.”

Veronica’s head peeled up. Weiss showed her a compassionate smile before walking off towards Henry. Vee felt her heart become at ease. Eliza handed over the flowers.

“Knock yourself out. I can tell this means more to you than me.”

“Thanks. By the way, you wouldn’t happen to know any problems that we could help with?”

Valerie crossed her arms. “Look around you. What happened to that mentality?”

“I still have it! A list is just more efficient.”

Eliza thought for a moment. “Well…I can think of several things. However, it’s gonna cost you both.” Both stared at her silently. “Got your attention huh? Good. Now can you kindly tell me what I don’t know? I’ve been quite reasonable with everyone, including the twins when it came to helping in complicated circumstances. But I’m through with being in the dark. This is bigger than a household issue. Even if that house is a manor.”

Eliza was correct, and downright reasonable like she said. Without ever knowing the full scope, acting accordingly was never an issue for her. Veronica looked at Valerie, putting the athlete off.

“What?”

“What? You should be the one filling her in. I didn’t know jack shit before this visit. Have fun, lorekeeper.” Veronica waved with the flowers and walked off.

“Hey!?” Valerie looked at Eliza, who’s eyes were as serious as a grimm’s. Suddenly the witch attire felt intimidating. “Take a seat. It’s gonna be a minute.”

Weiss stood in the back next to Henry as they watched the kids and the rest of the people. Weiss’s arms were crossed and her mood not the greatest while Henry kept his hands in his pockets.

“What’s your game?” Weiss finally spoke rudely.

“My game? Haha, still shrewd. Here I thought you’ve lost all your edge with you not being as public or active these several years.”

“It’s called being a parent.”

“All well and good, but that doesn’t reduce the amount of eyes wanting to see you or public image. By all means you’re still seen as this city’s Queen in many perspectives.”

“You haven’t answered my question yet.”

“My game isn’t anything. Contrary to what you may believe, I’m very much in the passenger seat when it comes to the affairs of our children.”

Weiss rolled her eyes. “Why do I find that hard to believe?”

“Don’t misunderstand me. Eliza is highly aware that I want her to achieve greatness and that I personally would love to move our family higher up in status given our…decent. She’s already done wonderfully. I mean her very birth is a gift.”

“Would you say that if she couldn’t use magic?”

“Absolutely. I don’t have an heir. It’s also pretty boring alone. Children seem to be the spice of life in practically any environment.”

“Hmph, well, that’s one thing we can agree on.”

Henry sensed the lack of energy in her words. “…I do wish the best for Nicholas in this difficult time. He is an honest and good kid.”

“Thank you…”

“Where’s the other one?”

“…She’s dealing with a lot right now.”

“Fair enough. Eliza was actually the one to tell me Nick was hurt and that she wanted to do something. If it were up to me I would’ve left, but she insisted.”

“Saving face are we?”

“Like I said, I’m a parent too. If there is any angle here it’s the simple benefits that come from my daughter helping people in this trying time. I wonder if it’ll sway opinion about your family?”

Weiss shot him a side eyed. “Excuse me?”

“I never told Eliza to be competitive with your kids. She found reason to see them as rivals based on them as people. That being said, those children are Schnees, and like I said, there’s an expectation and power with that. One that seems to be carried more and more by the new generation because the King and Queen want to play parent only.”

“My children are not here to play some chess game for status quo and power.” Weiss said firmly. “Screw what any media outlet says.”

“Oh we both are too old to act like it’s not completely meaningless or possible to avoid. I’ll be frank. Right now you have no moving pieces on your board. All that power, and nobody’s feeling it. That’s bound to cause problems for your family one way or another when this is all over and nobody can really say how the Schnees helped; then again I guess that’s normalized. Kids take after parents, and your parents-”

“I will give you ten more words so choose them carefully, Henry Marigold.” A vigor reignited in Weiss. Too bad it was fueled by irritation of all things.

Henry smirked, “Act like a Queen to spare your kids.” And with that, Henry walked away.

Weiss didn’t have to search for some hidden meaning behind the words. She was just upset that of all people, Henry had to say it. “You still have two words.”

“Good luck.” He said casually.

Damn him. Being a father might’ve reshaped him over the years, but he is still petty and disrespectful as ever towards her. Though it goes to show it only extends to Weiss ,and her siblings. Not even Henry would be immature or idiotic enough to dislike the twins. Weiss wouldn’t be shocked if his only problem he saw with them is being her kids, but that’s merely an assumption. One that angered her nonetheless.

Weiss took a deep, slow breath through her nose and out her mouth. Silently to herself she whispered, “No more tears.”

xxxx

Back in the hallway, Veronica walked in silence as she reached Nick’s room, walking in immediately to not psyche herself out. As Valerie said earlier, machines beeped, a distinct smell of medicine, and bright lights that somehow made the room feel dim. Nicholas laid peacefully in a hospital bed with the headboard against the middle of the wall. His skin looked a little more colorful than before but Veronica could already tell by his fingers and forearm that he was getting slimmer. Hopefully Penny already has a plan to keep his nutrition okay. Aside from the obvious oxygen mask and needles in his arm, one would mistake his condition for beauty sleep. Veronica could only guess how long he’ll slumber.

She got closer to the nightstand beside the utilities and placed the flower in a vase next to what must’ve been on Nick before operating. A wallet, his scroll, keys, and what caught her eye, a golden cross necklace. She remembered their conversation about prayers but never knew he had this. She picked it up gently and let it dangle from her fingers before letting it fall softly in her left palm. Veronica was never one to pray but…

“Not him.” She said softly, closing her eyes and closing her hands together. “You don’t get to have him. Not when there’s so much he still wants to do. If this can’t end perfectly then …put the ice in my heart.”

xxxx

Friends, strangers, enemies, loved ones; despite the situation, everyone hopes for the best in this blizzard. From the vigilante, to the unconscious…

In a place unknown and unseen, something stirs; clinging to what is and maybe all there ever was. A boy, a knight, a prince. Nicholas opens his eyes and sees nothing but a chilling fog that engulfs all as he stands motionless and confused. Weakly he ponders…

“Where…am I?”

#rwby #rwby au #veronica belladonna #val valkyrie #ruby rose #penny polendina #jaune arc #winter schnee #weiss schnee #eliza marigold #henry marigold #rwby twin snowflakes #nicholas schnee

[fishyfod]

(Slightly) more organized thoughts on the V8 finale.

tl;dr I think the finale had some issues.

I’ll start this off by emphasizing again that this is my opinion, so read something else if you can’t handle negative criticism of RWBY. I say this because too often people in this FNDM can’t handle a difference in opinion without insulting or patronizing others, and I want none of that.

Now, RWBY’s general structural issue is a lack of time to fulfill all their ambitions, and they usually tend to neglect one aspect a bit more than others. In volumes 7 and 8 this proved to be quite a problem, because they wanted to tell quite a complicated story while introducing a fairly large amount of new and returning characters. I very much like the story they told in these volumes, but it must be said that the development and focus on the regular cast, and team RWBY in particular, has suffered for it. It’s not a deal breaker for me personally, but I do think it’s an issue.

So when I saw the finale episode only had about 20 minutes, I figured the best course of choice for RWBY would be to focus on the Atlas-only plots, and leave RWBY & co’s stories for the next volume, which by all accounts seems to be focused only on their character. And credit where credit is due, this is what RWBY decided to do with this finale. This doesn’t really solve the underlying issue that the main cast has yet again been relegated to such a minor role in their own show, but I can live with it.

I still do have a problem with how RWBY’s role in this finale was handled, and forgive me because this might be the least well-explained part of this review. The best way to describe it would be that, though I know I’m watching team RWBY, they don’t feel present in the finale? I struggle to put my finger on it, if it’s more an issue of direction or execution, but something about RWBY’s fight felt off for me.

By comparison, when I think of the episode before, I don’t have this issue. While the way Yang fell isn’t RWBY’s best execution, the reactions of RWBY to that fall worked quite well. There was individual focus on Yang falling, Blake screaming and raging at it, Weiss’s heart breaking into two, Ruby falling into more despair - the tragedy works because of it. I don’t feel the same about the finale, RWB fall almost as if they’re passerby rather than the main characters.

Again, maybe this is just me, maybe I’ll change my mind later. Whatever.

I think Cinder is the one I’m most satisfied with. She seems in character, she acts a lot like she did in her confident state during Beacon, and I did get the impression Salem knows Cinder is lying to her. I admit that I did not expect this direction for Cinder, it seemed like the right spot to have her break free from Salem, but it’s too early for me to call where her arc is going to.

The only nitpick I have with Cinder is how she offed Arthur. I felt like it could have a little more focus? I get that his death is supposed to feel completely inconsequential, but I wish there was just a little bit more there. Again, only a nitpick.

Vine - I think my opinion on Vine’s death is quite unpopular. It felt too last minute, without enough setup. See, while killing Harriet here would have its own set of issues, she was well developed enough where you could actively feel for her, while also expecting a possible death. I can’t say the same about Vine; Vine is only a teensy bit more developed than Elm, which isn’t a lot. He’s making a huge sacrifice, but the lack of character makes him seem expendable by design. It feels like the writers put all their efforts into threatening Harriet’s life, realized last minute that actually they could a lot more with her character (good call), so they shoved in Vine in her place because they still needed a bomb sacrifice.

On the flip side, three of the Ace Ops surviving and proving once and for all they broke away from Ironwood too, with Harriet and Marrow still alive - that is good. I’m not sure what more they’re planning to do with their characters, but it’s preferable to far worse alternatives I can imagine. We’ll see.

Then there’s Penny. sigh

I’m not sure what I can add that P5, bell or cosmokyrin, and probably a few others haven’t already said, but I don’t think it was well written. The whole body-thing in “Creation”, sure, I can accept that was a difference of interpretation. This? This whole, let’s resurrect Penny, develop her immensely as a character, reaffirm her autonomy multiple times over, avoid multiple deaths, only to die like this?

I know the common comparison people make here is with V3, and I can see where people are coming from. After all, Pyrrha and Penny’s deaths were impactful and tragic there, and most people agree that was well written. What’s the difference here? Some differences in circumstance are worth visiting here.

Penny of the Beacon era, lovable character that she was already, was not the most developed character. At the end of the day, most of what we knew of Penny then was in relation to Ruby - we knew Ruby cared for her a lot, we knew why they bonded, so we had setup as to why her death would impact the Fall so much. It works, because it gave enough focus on her for us to care about, but not overly so where the shocking factor of the Fall wouldn’t work.

With Pyrrha, I think we all knew the signs were there at the end of the day. I’d argue that Pyrrha’s very conception as a character lead to her death, she was just slightly too perfect for us not to expect a tragedy to occur. Importantly, her major arc in V3 sets us up to her death - through her conversation with Ozpin’s gang and Jaune, the introduction of Ember and the soul transfer device, killing Penny - by the time Pyrrha dies you’re prepared for it, and it still hurts. Even if the tragic scenario presented (losing Pyrrha because of the soul transfer) wasn’t the one used, dying because she tried defending the use of those powers from Cinder made sense. It was enough of a switch you weren’t bored because you expected everything to go to plan, but it wasn’t too drastic where you felt completely unprepared for what would happen.

The trouble with how Penny’s death was handled here, is in part because they just kept pushing us to the edge, making us worry about one tragic scenario, another way for Penny to die, only to alleviate our fears - only to kill her off anyway in a completely separate way. It happened so often in these two volumes, when we were already fresh off recognizing Penny wasn’t dead in V3, that rather than feeling like an expected death that is tragic, is feels like they toyed with out perception constantly only because they could. When you raise and lower death flags over and over in such a small amount of time, the tragedy you aimed to convey is lost. Perhaps unintentionally, the point no longer seems to be telling a tragic story, it’s only playing this cruel game of perception with the audience. What’s the joke about Jean Grey in x-men, that she keeps being killed off and resurrected so often it’s hard to care about it all? Is this how I’m supposed to look at Penny, RWBY’s Jean Grey?

Granted, I’m not sure that if they committed to one consistent death threat with Penny and followed through, that necessarily would’ve been better. I’m not sure how I’d think of RWBY if she died from the virus, for example. At least, however, I’d be more confident in saying that was a difference of direction, rather than a difficult writing choice to comprehend.

It’s only fitting I’d talk about Winter now, huh? I think you all know my stance about her as a character, I’d argue that she, Ironwood and Cinder were the best handled characters in these two volumes by a fair margin, but the finale leaves me very conflicted about her.

On the one hand, it’s everything I want. Winter’s confrontation with Ironwood is like a mix of Blake facing off against Adam and Yang confronting Raven, and while not as impactful in terms of storytelling, they do deliver on the same fronts. Winter calls out Ironwood for his lies, establishing once and for all it was by her volition she broke off, her conscience that was always better, and there is something poetic about her gaining the Winter Maiden powers to fulfill her goal of protecting others.

...but I can’t separate this from Penny’s fate. And it frustrates me to no end, because I love her connection to Penny, I made comparisons of how it reminds of Bumbleby’s relationship, it drives their characters forward so much, heck, I like that Penny took a part in taking down Ironwood with Winter, in a sense. But because Penny’s death feels so contrived, its connection to Winter almost cheapens the importance of their relationship with each other. And it doesn’t seem quite needed either, since they individually as characters already broke free from Ironwood.

I can sort of see that I am supposed to interpret it as a tragedy, and I do indeed think Winter getting the Maiden powers is tragic for her character (not unlike Spring Maiden!Yang theories), and I am excited to see where this is going. I thought this was the end for Winter’s major impact on the story, but there’s a whole other arc waiting, and Penny’s a major part of it too.

To say I’m conflicted about Winter would be an understatement.

The actual silver lining, for me, is the post credit scene. Volume 9 is an opportunity for RWBY to try and change some of the problem I presented initially. My hope is that by focusing almost exclusively on team RWBY, with Jaune and Neo, and putting less emphasis on developing the settings of giant-tree-land and not over-complicating the plot. Hopefully, this would allow them to focus on developing the main cast again, in in particular addressing some of the main issues presented; notably, the Bees confessing, Ruby maybe reaching her breaking point, Yang’s issues being addressed, and hopefully something more individual for Blake and Weiss as well. Neo is an interesting curveball to throw into this equation, and I have a decent amount of hope with Jaune (although then I remember it’s probably going to be about Penny, and, ugh...).

Yeah, that’s all I have at the moment. If you want to talk about it, my inbox and DM’s are always open. If you disagree with me that’s fair, just give me the minimal amount of respect rather than being an ass about it.

#RWBY/ #RWBY Spoilers/ #RWBY Crit #RWDE #my posts

[rwbyvein]

Firen Lhain:  Chapter 805:  King: Part III / III

Cinder laid on a relatively comfortable patch of scruff, with Jaune, less his armour, kneeling beside her. He breathed in deep. "Are you ready?"

"I really have no idea."

"I can feel your Aura." Jaune stated. "I'm going to use it to heal you, so, try to think about that."

"If I knew how to heal myself, I wouldn't need you." Cinder snapped. "I mean?.."

"Ssh." Jaune said to her, "Try to relax, and try to accept me."

"Do we really think this is going to work?" Emerald asked, and Mercury just looked on. He met her gaze,

"It worked in Haven."

"Will you children be quiet?" Cinder snapped. "I'm sorry."

"Did she just apologize?" Mercury asked.

"Please?" Jaune asked, as his Aura started to glow, a white, yellow, golden glow. It started as a faint halo before turning brighter. It flowed down his arms, until Cinder started to flow as well. First the glow of Jaune's Aura, but soon after the glow of her own. She lifted her left arm and thought it over. She had forgotten what her own Aura looked like. For so long she had relied on her Maiden or Grimm powers, that her own Aura seemed liked a distant memory. She then started to feel burning in her Grimm arm and Grimm eye. It wasn't pain, as Humans would normally perceive them, but it felt like burning without the pain. It was getting more and more intense. Cinder felt herself being overwhelmed by it.

"Is that what it felt like?" Blake asked.

"Not that I know what she's feeling?" Weiss asked, "But for me, it was... more welcoming, inviting, like a warm hug enveloping every part of you."

"Jaune's hugs do feel like that." Ruby stated.

"I am thankful that I finally get to enjoy them." Weiss stated. "In my greatest moment of despair, it felt like my greatest moment of hope."

"That's what my eyes felt like." Ruby added.

"I was falling down a precipice, and Jaune's hand and heart reached out to catch me. I was lifted up from my despair, into his warming arms. I am terribly ashamed of how I thanked my saviour."

"Will you guys, please?.." Jaune asked, and Weiss stood up at attention, the group quickly silencing. "I really have no idea how I'm doing this."'

Weiss pressed against him from behind, "You are doing wonderfully, Jaune-dear." she stated, and kissed him on the cheek from behind. This seemed to renew Jaune's vigor as he pressed on. Cinder was lost in the intensity of the emotions. It took everything Emerald had to not jump over and help her. While Mercury seemed more grounded, he too fought everything he had to destroy the man assaulting his boss. The two sat there and watched at what looked liked pain, but not pain, on Cinder's face.

* * *

Cinder awoke with a start. She found herself in her bed, in their floor on the tower. She was in her underwear. Simply sitting up seemed to use up what was left of her stamina, and so quickly laid back down. Mercury uncertainly stared at her from his bed, across the room while Emerald rushed over to her side. She grasped one of Cinder's hands. Cinder's other hand found her face and gently craddled it.

"How do you feel?" Emerald asked.

"I feel?" Cinder asked her, and paused, as she heard herself speak. Not the harsh, gravelly tone from earlier, but the delightful singsong voice she had from before Beacon. No, somehow it seemed even sweeter. She looked over to the hand Emerald held, and it was her left hand, her real left hand. The one she had before. Her gaze glossed over before drifing to the ceiling and then back downa gain. She looked Emerald in the eyes, "Tell me?.." she asked.

"It's beautiful." Emerald lovingly said to her, and she felt something in return, something she thought she had never actually felt. Her left hand cradled Emerald's face and her right hand clutched her heart. She paused for a moment before her gaze refocused.

"And, him?.." she asked.

"Tuckered himself out." Mercury stated, "Nearly passed out. His, uh, wives had to carry him away."

Cinder struggled to sit up, only to have Emerald gently grab her shoulders and push her back down. "You're healed." Emerald said to her, "Just relax, just let yourself relax. Let us take care of you. We'll be free."

With this Mercury scoffed. "We just painted a giant crosshair on our back."

"Like we didn't have one before." Emerald snapped at him.

"WORSE - THAN - BEFORE!" he shouted.

"Please?" Cinder weakly asked them, and the two of them stopped. "Once my body is back, we can decide what to do, but for now, let's just relax, let's enjoy ourselves."

"How long are we going to stay here?" Mercury asked her, and Emerald quickly glared at him.

"I honestly don't know." Cinder stated, "I almost believed this day wouldn't come. I doubted we could even earn his trust." She then looked up at the ceiling, letting her eyes lose focus.

* * *

Jaune's eyes opened up. He sat up just enough to look around their bedroom and saw pretty much everyone else there. He then slumped back down. "If everyone's here?.." he asked, and paused to catch his breath, "Who's watching Neo?"

* * *

Raven as a raven stood on a crate and glared at Neo whom glared back at her.

* * *

Jaune blinked his eyes and looked around again. Weiss and Yang were right next to his bed, eagerly wanting to help him. Ruby and Blake were further, Ruby looking on nervously, Blake solemnly. He turned his head to see Nora and Ren against a wall. He weakly smiled at them before his head slowly turning back to see Aurora there. "Hm?" he asked.

"Jaune-dear?" Weiss eagerly, nervously asked him.

"Is, um, Ilia naked?" he asked. A wall started to change colour, and as he turned his head he saw Ilia walking towards him. He slumped his head back down.

"I will remind you that you did give her permission to..." Weiss tried to say.

"I know..." Jaune sighed, "I honestly count on her stalking me."

"It has, you know, saved you." Ruby stated.

"A few times..." Jaune moaned. "Man, body hurts."

"We can help you with that." Yang salaciously said, causing Weiss to let out a loud huff.

"We will do no such thing until he has properly recovered!"

Blake stepped forward, "We can wait a few days until the castle starts shaking again."

"Friend-Jaune?" Penthesilea asked, causing him to groan again.

"Yes, Pen?" he moaned.

"Estimated full recovery will likely take two days from this point." Penthesilea said, and Jaune let out an affirmative groan. "Do you believe it was worth it?" Jaune let out another affirmative groan. "I have no more questions. I do have a statement. Your control over your Aura has improved considerably. You should be proud of your progress." Jaune let out another affirmative groan.

"He is magnifiscent." Weiss said with glee.

"Indeed." Aurora added, causing Yang to glare at her.

"I have made my intensions clear." Aura said to her with a smile.

"You... have..." Yang voiced.

"Is there anything we can do for you, Jaune-dear?" Weiss asked.

"I could..." he groaned, "use someone to cuddle." He saw Yang move, and by the time he had turned his head she was down to her underwear. Ruby Petal Burst next to the bed as Yang climbed in.

"Easy, Ruby." Jaune groaned, "You all... get cuddle time..."

"We had better." Blake stated. There was a pause before Jaune's stomach growled.

"I'm also really hungry." he groaned.

Aurora took a step forward, "Mr. Xiao Long has invoked his dad priviledges to cook us dinner."

"He'd probably want you to call him dad." Blake said with a smile.

"Well, yes," Aurora said with glee, "but I am a minion, and therefore Mr. seems more appropriate."

Nora then raised her hand, "Does that mean we can't call him dad?"

"Maybe he should adopt you." Blake said with a wide grin.

"Would he?!" Nora asked, and Jaune quickly sat up with a groan.

"You guys are my minions. I wouldn't give you up for the world." Jaune said, as Yang sat up, wrapping her arms around him from behind.

"You charmer, you." Nora said, "But I've got Renny."

Jaune slumped back on the bed, Yang helping him back down before cuddling into him again. "As minions." he stated. "Still not giving you up."

"Even should we choose to flee?" Ren asked, and a couple tears appeared on Jaune's cheeks.

"If you wanted to go."

"Oh, shit, he's crying." Yang said. Ren wanted to say something, but tears were flowing down his cheeks.

"We mean that much to you?" Nora asked between sniffles.

"Of course you do." Jaune stated. He groaned as he sat up. This time Yang tried to help him up before hugging him from behind again. "You know what? I REALLY didn't want a noble house and whatnot, but now that I've got a home for us all to stay in, I'm not giving it up."

"Even naked butt?" Yang asked him, causing Jaune to look at her.

"Knowing she's stalking me," he said, "is comforting."

Ilia momentarily lost control of her camouflage, changing between pinks, reds, and whites, before returning to her normal colouration.

"And Little Bit?" Yang asked.

Jaune tried to lay back down, and once again Yang helped him.

"Imagine us bumbling around to do what she does?" Jaune asked.

"Weiss could do it!" Ruby eagerly said.

"All of it?" Blake asked.

"Okay, maybe?.." Ruby asked.

"I am nearly useless in the ktichen." Weiss stated.

"Nearly?" Blake said as she slipped up behind her, wrapping her arm around her waist.

"I have... learned... to be of some use..." Weiss said with quiet giddiness.

"She always makes really good coffee." Yang stated.

"Indeed." Weiss asserted.

"Aurora is a minion worth dying for." Jaune stated.

"What about us?" Nora asked.

"Of course you guys are."

"And myself, Friend-Jaune?" Penthesilea asked. Jaune lifted his head up to look at her, before dropping it back down.

"Sure."

"Penthesi... y..." Ruby voiced, "Is a minion?"

"Isn't it awkward?" Nora asked Yang, "to do that with a guy with antlers?"

"You're just jealous." Yang replied.

"You apparently don't know how limber Ren is." Nora replied.

"I don't know, why not?" Jaune asked, "Does Penthesilea want to be a minion? I mean, at this point, we might as well build an army."

"I had not considered this?" Penthesilea asked, "But I did wish to fight alongside my friends."

"We can talk about this after Jaune-dear has had a chance to recover." Weiss stated.

"You just want him all to yourself." Yang said from the bed, causing Weiss to scoff.

"Perhaps?" Weiss asked.

"Why don't we leave Freezerburn as bed warmers?" Blake asked.

"But?" Ruby exclaimed, and Blake turned towards her.

"We can have our turn later."

"Oh, right." Ruby replied.

#rwby #firen lhain #faunus au #pollinated knight

[wu-sisyphus-gang]

Motion Sickness Chapter 196

pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq pq

“You’re also dating Miss Rose?” Glynda asked. “Aren’t you a lucky man.”

“That’s what everyone keeps telling me. Am I? With everything you know about me?"

"Well…" she didn't have a ready retort.

"Anyway, there just isn’t room in the dorm for everyone. I’ll be buying a house out at Patch and flying in to commute everyday.”

“Is your Mover rating that high?”

“Yeah. It is. And Ruby and Weiss both want kids and there’s no way that will fly in the dorms here.”

“So you’re keeping this job?”

“Looks like it. Ruby and Weiss both want me to so I don’t really have a choice.”

“It does have benefits.”

“They like how safe it is for me. Compared to the sort of work I could be doing it’s really incredibly safe. And the pay is good enough to raise our family, coupled with our savings.”

“But Ruby Rose needs a place to stay while you house shop?”

“An extra dorm, maybe? If one is free. I don’t want to impose and I can make other arrangements if I have to. I’d like her and Weiss to be close though while we shop and plan our wedding.”

“You’re engaged to them?”

“Only recently.”

“You didn’t mention any of this whenever I brought up team RWBY,” Glynda smirked.

“I… tend to keep that sort of thing private. It’s not something I run around bragging about.”

“But you probably could.”

“Look… I could also rip a person in half. Probably shouldn’t do that. Or brag about that just because I can. Probably shouldn’t brag about my relationships either.”

“Those are the same thing to you?”

“Well, they’re both something I probably shouldn’t do. Occasionally the situation merits it. I have two fiancés. That’s pretty slick. They’re both beautiful girls who want my children. They like me more than I like me. That’s nuts.”

Glynda laughed at me. “You poor, poor man. How will you survive a dual pregnancy?”

“Maybe keep my dorm open here…”

“No. You have to pay the piper,” she laughed some more. “I’m glad you have this. I was worried when you told me about your experiences that you had no good things tethering you to this world. I’m glad that isn’t the case. You lost so much. It’s good that you have some bright lights in your life to keep you strong and happy. It’s far too easy to give into despair without something like that. It did weigh on my mind. What would I really do to stop you if the worst should pass? But you have these other hooks pulling you to the world besides your work. I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you…” I trailed off. “I hope we never have to answer the question of stopping me. I hope it never comes to that. But I’m glad that you were preparing yourself. It makes me feel a little safer. That’s one of the perks of this job really. You. You probably stand the best chance of getting in my way.”

“But you don’t think I could stop you.”

“Maybe that will change. But no, I don’t think you can. That scares me.”

“I’ll get you the keys to another dorm next to yours. Best of luck with the house shopping and wedding.”

“Thanks.”

“Miss Rose’s presence won’t impede your work, will it?”

“I don’t think so. Our attempts to find a good antipsychotic are more likely to disrupt my work than Ruby is.”

“But that’s important and you should do it.”

“Yeah. It’s important and I really need to do it. But it’s hard. Have you ever been on that sort of medication?”

“No, not me. I was a little depressed after Beacon fell but not so much that I required medication.”

“Yeah. It’s difficult to describe exactly what those meds are like. They change you. They change the way you think and function. Every aspect of your life just becomes slightly twisted and wrong. The way you remember stuff and feel emotions and think in general just becomes slightly off. And that’s the goal. To find the right twist of yourself that causes you to be more stable. But it’s a fumbling and blind watchmaker. They have your genetics which can show them which meds might work. But you still have to try them and that takes months. It seriously takes a long time to go up on a given med, see if it works, and go back down. And your goal is just to survive and get through the day while that happens.”

“Well, nobody has reported any problems with your teaching ever since you started a new batch. So I don’t see that as a problem. I wish you the best of luck in finding the right medication combination.”

“Thank you again.”

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“You got an extra dorm room?” Ruby asked. “Who is going to want to sleep there? The other two will be snuggling up in this dorm and one other person will be left out in the cold.”

“He obviously planned for himself to be the odd one out,” Weiss interpreted.

“What?”

“Come on. He meant for us to be together and for himself to be out in the cold.”

“That’s so like him. I want to pull my hair out.”

“It’s temporary,” I cut in. “Just while you guys find a house you like out in Patch.”

“So it’s true. You meant for you to be the one out,” Ruby glowered.

“Temporarily,” I reminded. “Come on. There just isn’t room here.”

“I don’t like it,” Ruby said.

“Neither do I,” Weiss agreed.

“Then find a house you like fast and buy all the furnishing you want.”

“What’s our budget look like for that?” Ruby asked.

“Something in the ballpark of two point five million,” Weiss informed her. “That leaves plenty for the honeymoon and wedding and a decent amount of savings. Jaune’s making something like two hundred thousand a year here.”

“Well that should be fine then. We’ll have our pick of houses. We can even build one.”

“If you want to wait that long,” Weiss interjected.

“Oh. That’s true. Jaune will insist on being out in the cold that whole time. He’s such a goofball.”

“I’m right here,” I pointed out.

“Ah? So you are,” Weiss observed. “But for how long?”

“Um…” I trailed. I looked between them.

“You dumb blonde.”

“What am I going to do? Kick one of you two out?”

“We could alternate,” Weiss proposed.

“Don’t be ridiculous. If I can’t alternate spooning you two, you have to see why I have to be the one out in the other dorm. That’s life as a guy. I just have to hold that ‘l’.”

“Goofball.”

“But I’m not wrong, am I? I have to be the one out because the alternative is one of you being the one out and that just won’t fly.”

“And why not?” Weiss pressed.

“You know why not. I can’t kick one of my ladies out into the cold. That’s not okay with me. I’m very much not alright with it. And you wouldn’t have me any other way. That’s just the way it goes. You girls get to be warm and cuddled up and I need to find a way to deal with it.”

“That’s not fair,” Ruby disagreed.

“That’s my job,” I fired right back. “I always automatically get the short straw. That’s the price I have to pay for being engaged to two fantastic girls. You two need to accept that. That’s about as fair as it gets.”

“Ugh. You make me want to hit you,” Weiss decided. “But you like it when I hit you.”

“You’re such a darling. Especially when you hit me. It’s like, wow- how can I even cope without you hitting me in that way you do? Hit me some more, Weiss. Just go to town on me. I can take it.”

“It means I’m mad at you and I want you to stop.”

“Sometimes. Sometimes it means ‘that was clever but I know what you did.’”

“We’ll have to find a house fast then. And set a date for the wedding. And Jaune and I need to get an engagement present for Weiss and Weiss and I need to get something for Jaune. Oh no, we need to get something for Jaune. What do we do, Weiss?”

“I was hoping you would have ideas…”

“He is hard to get things for because he’ll love it no matter what. What are we going to do?”

“Just get me any old thing and I’ll be happy that I’m being thought of at all?” I suggested.

“Shut up, Jaune. This is serious,” Ruby informed me gravely. “No matter what we do he’s going to treasure it.”

“That’s what I thought about you but we managed to pick something out. None of us like material things like jewelry,” Weiss pointed out. “But yes, he’s going to be impossible to shop for.”

“I’m literally so easy. Just get two rings each of which has your name or signature on it and call it good.”

“Ugh,” Ruby managed. “He’s awful.”

“He’s the worst,” Weiss agreed.

“And yet you two are marrying him. Me. Marrying me. Fucking wild.”

“Language,” Weiss chidded.

“Butt,” Ruby reminded. She thumbed her new necklace. She popped the little latch open and closed as she worried it. It clicked and clacked minutely. “Well I don’t know. I have no ideas about what to get for him. This is going to take some serious brain storming. And it can’t be his ring idea because that will just gratify him.”

“He’s seriously horrendous about it. Could you imagine if we actually have to resort to that idea?”

Ruby shuddered.

“What’s wrong with the ring idea?” I asked. “I’d love it.”

“You suggested it. That’s what’s wrong with it,” Ruby pointed at me with venom. “We can’t use it for sure now.”

“She’s right. We can’t. It could have worked but because you came up with it, it just won’t fly,” Weiss agreed.

“I don’t get it. Is this just one of those girl things?”

“No.”

“Kinda,” Ruby informed me.

Weiss sighed. “We can’t let you win.”

“So it’s a game?”

“No,” Ruby informed me.

“A little,” Weiss said. But somehow they seemed in total agreement.

“This is super serious,” Ruby told me. “We have to make sure our idea is original and good.”

“But we can’t take your word because no matter what we get you, you will say you like it. And we can’t take any idea that comes from you because it has to come from us. So it’s kind of a game but it’s a fun and serious game. And you keep entrapping us more and more.”

“So if I come up with more suggestions-”

“Don’t you dare,” Weiss warned.

“Got it,” I said but I didn’t really at all. “I was just trying to make your lives easier.”

“We know. But that makes our job all the more difficult,” Ruby said. “You’d do anything to make our lives easier. You’d love a crummy gift and cherish it forever. So we have no way of knowing if our idea is any good.”

“And you coming up with suggestions just limits the things we can actually do because we have to be the ones to come up with it without your help. It’s honestly a little like why you think you always deserve the short straw. It comes from a gentlemanly place but it’s frustrating to deal with and we can’t even really be mad at you for it because it’s gentlemanly. Do you see?”

“A little better now. I’ll send you guys a list of suggestions.”

“Don’t!” Weiss ordered.

“No!” Ruby begged.

“I don’t know. I sort of like this strange power I have over you.”

“I’ll give you head if you don’t,” Ruby bargained.

“You’d do that anyway. You’re such a bottom. You do whatever I tell you in the bedroom.”

“Maybe I’ll take charge and be in control for once,” Ruby threatened. But she was threatening me with a good time.

“Sure. Yeah. Go ahead,” I agreed. “Whenever you want, sweetheart.”

Ruby’s gaze wavered then fell. “You butt.”

“Don’t bully Ruby. And don’t come up with any more suggestions. You basically eliminated our ability to choose rings as a gift at all,” Weiss informed me. “Just like that. In one fell swoop you demolished so many possibilities. Don’t make our lives any harder by trying to make our job any easier.”

“So if I just started listing jewelry items you would be screwed.”

“Seriously do not. I’ll give you head,” Weiss somehow made that sound threatening. “We’ll both give you head.”

“That would seriously be a good enough engagement gift,” I told them both. “Like honestly I don’t want anything and time spent with you would be priceless. Weiss could sing for me and I would be like, ‘this is enough.’ Ruby could look at me with those eyes and it would be a job done for you guys. I really don’t want anything more than what I already have.”

“We know that too!”

“That’s why you’re so hard to get a gift for,” Weiss explained. “No matter what we do it will be ‘good enough,’ and you know what? Maybe we want to do better than 'good enough.' But we have no way of knowing if it really is better than ‘good enough’ because you belong to us so completely that all you really want is a tandem blowjob or the sound of my voice or Ruby’s gorgeous eyes. We want it to be more special than that. We want it to be something you carry around and always feel to remind you of us. A blowjob just isn’t it. Or Ruby looking at you. Or listening to me sing just won’t cut it.”

“I think that depends on the blowjob. And therapy costs money but listening to you sing is priceless.”

“Aw.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere. Don’t ‘aw’ that, Ruby. That’s how he gets you. He’s just trying to flatter me.”

“Yeah. I am,” I agreed. “And you can’t take that away from me. Because you’re my darling and I want to flatter you. I would be honored if you were flattered by me. It would be my special, privileged pleasure.”

“You’re such an asshole,” Weiss decided.

“It’s shameless how you flirt with me,” I swooned. “Insult me. Hit me. Abuse me. It only shows that you care.”

“I can’t win with you,” Weiss decreed. “No matter what I do you get to walk away from this the victor. I can’t reward you. I can’t punish you. There’s nothing to be done because you take it all in stride.”

“You could come give me a hug,” I suggested. “Let me scoop you up in my arms and kiss your neck.”

“I bet you would like that wouldn’t you. I bet you would just love that.”

“Yeah. I would. I really would. And so would you. Don’t rebel against your desires, Weiss. Would it really be so awful to get swept up into my arms and kissed around the ears.”

“You plague me. Just because I told you not to bully Ruby, you harass me instead.”

“But you’re so adorable when I trap you. It’s like when Ruby blushes. I want it so bad. It ought to be criminal how you enslave me. But no, you walk around as a totally free woman to tease and taunt and make me into a dog. That’s what is really not fair.”

“You give me that power over you. Of your own free will.”

“You give me this power over you. You could deny me. You could deny me and shoe me off. But you don’t. You like it.”

Weiss’s cheeks turned rosy and she looked at Ruby for assistance.

“What? I would also like to kiss your neck. I’d like to watch him eat you for lunch. Don’t expect me to bail you out. Tell us, Weiss.”

Weiss sighed resignedly.

“Look how red she got around her ears,” I pointed out to Ruby.

“Careful. You’ll melt her, Jaune,” Ruby agreed.

“I told him not to bully you and this is how you repay me? You’re supposed to have my back,” Weiss demanded.

“I do have your back. Just not how you want me to.”

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-WG

#war of the roses #motion sickness #rwby #ruby rose x jaune arc x weiss schnee #lancaster #white rose #whiterose #whiteknight #white knight #glynda goodwitch #ruby rose #jaune arc #weiss schnee

[kate-likes-this]

Pedro for New Potato (07-7/14)

Written & photograped by Danielle Kosann (when she met Pedro...)  Related: photoshoot / list of articles

We can’t deny that all of us (male and female alike) were basically in tears when Game of Thrones’ Oberyn (aka Pedro Pascal) was killed during his fight as champion for Tyrion Lannister. To our delight though, upon recently seeing Much Ado About Nothing at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, we learned that Pascal’s head is still very much intact – and looking better than ever for that matter (For those confused, Pascal’s demise on GOT involved a kind of head-squeezed-until-exploding situation). 

It’s hard not to have an instant crush on Pedro Pascal, something you’ve definitely gaged from these photos, and that you’re about to gauge from his interview below. Tonight is the last night Pascal can be seen on the Delacorte’s stage as the perpetually-plotting villain Don John, so you may want to stop over and wait in line for tickets. We personally met up with Pascal at The Smith Lincoln Center – a favorite restaurant of ours around the park – to chat on all things Game of Thrones, Shakespeare, and his idea of the perfect first date (ladies, get out your moleskins)…

From start to finish, what would be your ideal food day?  I’d start with very strong, very tasty espresso, runny eggs and buttery toast, someone to share blueberry pancakes with, and then more coffee. A burger and a shake (or a beer – or both) for lunch, and at some point, gin and oysters. And someone with me to remind me to eat some greens.

What are some pre and post shoot routines?  Pre-shoot, I’m just muttering, “Don’t f*ck it up,” under my breath. Post-shoot, relief or despair over having or having not f*cked it up.  And barking. I usually bark.

Most memorable moment on set…  For me, it was sitting between Charles Dance and Lena Headey during Tyrion’s trial and watching them, Sibel Kekilli, Peter Dinklage, the extras, design and creative team and entire crew work their magic. All I had to do was sit there and take it in from one of the best views in the house.

Do people snack on that set? What do they have?  In Belfast there is a lot of tea going around. In Croatia, there were cheese and ham sandwiches that I couldn’t stop eating.

How did you prepare for your role as Oberyn?  The preparation for the role really came from talking with the show’s creators, David Benioff and Dan Weiss, and one of the show’s directors, Alex Graves. They invited me into dialogues about the character very early; what motivates him, what makes him human. They were very trusting and generous, so there was a lot of room to explore, and to let the imagination run free. The writing was so good, so that really did most of the work.  The stunt team put me in some Wushu training with a master of the form for a couple of weeks before I started, and very intense fight rehearsals throughout.

How did you prepare for your role as Don John in Much Ado About Nothing?  The major difference for me in doing a play, as opposed to TV or film, is the rehearsal process. Six days a week for four to five weeks (usually) you’re rehearsing, and it’s during that process that I find the character – a character that becomes even more clear to me in performing before a live audience over and over again.  

What’s it like going from playing a hero to a villain? They’re both equally fun. The best part is discovering the qualities of a bad guy that don’t make him much different than a hero – that make him just like any of us.

What did you always have with you on set during your ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ rehearsals?  My script! And coffee.

What would be your last meal? Who would it be with?  Something bad for me, with my family.

Have you ever done a workout or diet specifically for a role? What was it? Up until now, I’ve really only relied on the physical demands of whatever role I’m playing at the time. Like one character is a boxer, another can helicopter a spear through the air, and this one [Don John] sits on his ass and bitches all day. I’ve yet to face something that would mean experiencing a specific physical transformation and have always been curious if I’d be up for the challenge. I hope so.

Your idea of the perfect first date…  A date that doesn’t feel like a date. And hopefully by the end, or throughout, very good kissing.

Words to act by…  One word. Relax.

If you could host a dinner party with any five people living or dead, who would be there? What would be your quote-of-the-evening to all?  Carrie Fisher, James Baldwin, Henry Miller, Salvador Allende and Karen O.  I wouldn’t have a quote for all. With this company, I would just shut up and listen.

And, most importantly…do you still have a headache?  I’m feeling much better, thank you. 

#Pedro Pascal #pp article #2014

[marithlizard]

First impressions of RWBY v8 finale, “The Final Word”

Finale time!  uh.   That is NOT a content warning I was expecting.

A suicide prevention hotline message?   When I said Qrow might jump, I wasn't *serious*. Mostly.  Damn it,  there isn't a single character  I want to die that way, villain or no.   This is upsetting and I haven't even started watching yet.

GDI Rooster Teeth you better not have had that kind of end in mind for Qrow all along.  I imagine everyone else saying something similar about their favorites.  (My tentative guesses right now are Cinder or Harriet, but there are so many plausible awful possibilities.)

Dissolving whale, looking like the biggest murmuration of birds ever.  So we're skipping back in time a bit.  Something flickers in the ashes.  Salem starting to reform? I can't tell.

GO WINTER don't you dare die here  either.  Ironwood's actually pleading his case with her,  as he hasn't deigned to with anyone else.  It's not a convincing argument, but he cares what she thinks of him enough to try.

Penny looking like a brilliant dragonfly, darting around with her swords like wings.

Just how far can that Grimm arm extend?

Jaune my boy! You remembered mission priority!  You've grown so much since the fall of Beacon, when you forgot all about calling Glynda for help in favor of melodramatically smashing your phone.   This is a horrible situation, but you've got a job to do and you know what it is.  

...Maybe you should just stop trying to sound like Mignogna, Liebrecht.   Right now you just sound like you've got a painful sore throat.  

Harriet finally looks unsure of herself.

One last flicker of luck...was it real? I dunno. But Qrow certainly believes it.

Watts, what did you just do?  I thought the bomb was already on a countdown.  Did you stop it, or start one?  And am I going to be right about where you want it to go off?

Ruby vs Neo round two!  They've both improved a lot.  Interfering with her umbrella is still a good tactic, though.

And YEET she goes through the portal to Vacuo!  One threat deferred to next season. (I highly doubt she'll get there and start slaughtering refugees, she has no reason to. She'll  fade into the background and regroup.)

- wait, how'd she do that?? The portals are one-way! Was that an illusion of herself that got yeeted? Someone explain this.

oh carp, Ruby's unarmed now.

30-second countdown.  Harriet is right, that's not enough to escape.  You were about to blow up thousands of civilians out of spite,  woman - Vine, what are you going to do?  You can't possibly shield a thing like that, how could you get it out of range?

You ARE going to shield. Huh.  Qrow doesn't have a word to say - they never knew each other more than slightly, and there's no time to fumble with phrases,  but he could've said "thank you" or "sorry".  

I didn't think that would work, but heroic sacrifice  gives you a lot of power points, we all know that from anime and superhero movies.  

Yeek, they're really teasing this fall thing.

YEEK did not expect that.

YEEK

Knowing it was going to happen takes a lot of the shock out of it, but still.  And *Penny* doesn't have any meta knowledge.

Jaune goes off mission, but despite what I said earlier, I can't fault him - Cinder's holding two relics! Ooh, and he and Nora don't know the portals are one-way yet.   They weren't even present when Weiss announced the specs.

Oop, what's going on with the arm?  She's had it under control for a long time, is it just coincidence that it would rebel now?

"She's  back".  OH.

Oh, that's disturbing.  Almost as much as the bug she used on Amber. Cinder doesn't need proxies to Grimmsuck the power out of someone anymore.

oh no Penny - that isn't going to WORK is it?

oh, no, no, no, Penny

You can't ask that of Jaune. You just can't.

You did.

Aw man, now i'm crying.

I mean, that's seriously badass, and all, but - but -

Those frost birds are beautiful!

And that makes four.

That was Salem screaming, wasn't it?  I can only imagine how loud it sounded outside of gatespace.

Why are the portals  disappearing?  Cinder didn't use the staff, she's just holding it.  Did RWBY specify an end condition when they designed them?  

Five!  Did not expect that.

Could really use  some Vacuo cavalry about now.

Or, y'know, a Maiden. That'll do.

Cinder, lying as rapidly as possible.   She blames the loss of Ruby and the lamp's last question on others.  Will Salem buy it?

She will!

They're just going to ignore Ironwood.  Seems fitting.  Why even bother?

Oh.  Cinder *wasn't* lying about that part. She did use the staff, and that's why the portals disappeared.  Can't really bring myself to mind much.    (Especially since the portals being gone means they can't follow the survivors.) But I would’ve liked to see her talking to Ambrosius.

And Ironwood is left alone on a  crashing Atlas.

Qrow, Robyn, Elm, Harriet, and Marrow overlook the rubble. 

Oh,  no....Qrow's getting the news through an earpiece,  I don't  know who from.  I think we're all glad not to be able  to hear him.

A flood? Pretty,   but where'd the water come from?  

Annnnnnnd that's a wrap. For Atlas and Mantle.

While the credits are playing,  let me take stock.  Where is everyone?

RIP:  Ironwood, Penny, Watts, Vine.

The ruins of Atlas:  Qrow, Robyn, Elm, Marrow, Harriet, Pietro, Maria, Salem, Cinder.

Vacuo:  Nora, Ren, Oscar and Oz, Emerald, Winter, Willow, Whitley, Klein, and an unknown number of refugees. And Mercury and Tyrian and CVFY and SSSN.   And presumably FNKI.   And the rest of the Happy Huntresses, what was that about slimming down the cast?

Fallen:  RWBY,  Neo, Jaune.  

(who *did* give Qrow the news?  Maybe no one, and he’s just calling and not hearing any response.  I’ll go with that, it’s less awful. He can hope they made it to Vacuo and are simply out of range.)

Post-credit scene!  Water. Ocean of magic water.  Beach. Jungle, with giant shells.  Crescent Rose is waiting for Ruby.  A very big tree.  And that's it.

I'm...not really sure what I think, overall.   Ironwood just seemed to fizzle out into irrelevance, and while I'm sure a lot of people will find that appropriate, none of it is what I  would've hoped for his character arc.  Penny's fate was moving and unexpected.  (In contrast to her first death, they took care not to show her body or what Jaune had to do to her. They didn't want this to be gruesome.)     Amity, Maria and Pietro just seemed to get totally forgotten.  Watts didn't seem to have a plan for the bomb after all besides idle malice.

RWBYJNeo will be fine, but the others are going to spend the volume believing almost all their friends are dead.   That's  just brutally depressing. It does not put me in the mood for wacky Alice-in-Wonderland adventures.  (Time travel or somesuch that shows us  more about Oz and/or STRQ,  that I'd still love to see.)    

We didn't get despairing suicides, we got heroic sacrifices, and not wasted ones either.  That part's okay with me.  

Mmph. Mostly I think I feel numb. How about the rest of you?

#rwby #rwby spoilers #rwby v8 spoilers #rwby volume 8 spoilers #rwby v8c14

[likeanemployee]

“There you are! What are you doing now you big dolt” A voice said just before the head that voice belonged to appeared hovering above Ruby. A white pony tail pointed down at her from the left side of that head and as Ruby rolled her own head back the rest of its owners body came into view. It appeared to be standing on the ceiling of the world and falling into the endless night sky from this angle and Ruby simply smiled up at it in spite of its chiding words, the hands resting tartly on it’s hips or the frown staring down at her.

“Hi-ya, Weiss” She answered brightly as if the other woman’s greeting had been as friendly as could be “I’m watching the stars”

The same frowning face stared down at a Ruby for a few seconds more before at last its owner sighed rolled her eyes and tossed her shoulders back in an exaggerated shrug.

“Of course you are” Weiss said with an exasperation which was even more dramatic then the shrug “why what else would you do on a frigid night like tonight except come lay out on the bare cold ground and stare pointlessly into the sky while you wait to catch a cold, or worse!”

“Exactly” Ruby chuckled back “well except the part about it being frigid and me catching a cold”

Even Weiss had to know she had been exaggerating pretty heavily to call this night frigid it was a bit on the cool side sure but only enough to add that crisp sense of… of… something! Ruby wasn’t quite sure what to call it but the coolness against her skin, not so much to be truly uncomfortable but enough to constantly remind her it was cool, added something surreal to the experience. Or maybe, she thought, it was the exact opposite maybe that something was not a surreal-ness but a reminder, as constant as the cool air against her skin, of just how real it all was, that she was really here in the midst of the cool outdoors staring up at real stars and not warm inside somewhere looking at a picture. It didn’t really matter, she decided, whatever that something was she knew she felt it and that’s all she really cared about. As her thoughts wandered, Ruby had looked away from Weiss and returned her gaze to the vast clear sky and she was surprised when Weiss reappeared not behind and above her but right next to her on the ground.

“Well If you insist on laying out here foolishly”she started sternly as she appeared and moved to lay next to Ruby “you can at least let me lay here with you, just to keep you warm and make sure you don’t freeze to death of course” she continued her voice softening suddenly as she moved to wrap one arm around Ruby and snuggle up against her.

“Of course” Ruby agreed looking away from the stars twinkling above her to smile into the eyes twinkling beside her. Weiss smiled back but neither said anything more and after a moment they returned their attention to the night sky.

They lay silently that way for a long time before at last Ruby spoke, softly and without turning her head or looking at Weiss “Do they tell the tale of the lovers in Atlas?” She asked “ it’s not exactly the most common fairytale even in Vale and I’m not sure if you would have heard it.”

“I’m not sure” Weiss answered honestly “there are a lot of stories about a lot of lovers you’ll have to be more specific”

“they say” Ruby started and her voice was soft almost dream like as she told the story without ever looking away from the stars “that there was once a noble woman more beautiful than any other and with her beauty came offers from every nobleman in the world promising wealth, power, happiness and everything in between in exchange for her hand in marriage. But for all they offered, for each man who had come to her to show what wonderful people they were, and many of them were good people, who really honestly wanted to earn her affection, she hadn’t found a single one she could love. Until one day a young common born guard happened to glance in her window at just the right moment. Their eyes met and they smiled at one another and instantly they fell for each other. The noble woman invited him in and they spoke briefly before he had to return to his duties. From then on they both found every excuse they could to be together and before long the endless potential each had felt in that first lucky glance turned into a love greater then either had ever imagined. The love was not to last however, the noble woman’s father saw what was happening between his only daughter and a mere foot soldier and became furious he locked her away in a tower until he could arrange a suitable match for her and he sent the guardsmen off to war.” Ruby trailed off, at first Weiss thought it was a dramatic pause but it lingered a little too long and Weiss began to wonder if that was the end of the story.

It seemed like a rather sudden and unhappy ending but… her thoughts were cut off suddenly as Ruby spoke again. Her voice had changed it was suddenly rushed and the younger girl had looked away from the stars for the first time since the story began, actually rolling over slightly to speak directly to Weiss

“ok I know the beginning is a little cliché but it gets better and…”

“Hush Ruby!” Weiss cut her off, her tone revealing none of the smile which crept across her face as she recognized the self conscious worry in Ruby’s voice. It was so like the dolt to start head long into a story and only realize halfway through that maybe Weiss wouldn’t like it. In fairness to Ruby there was no reasonable way for her to tell how much Weiss had been enjoying it. Weiss had never looked away from the sky above her and she doubted that even now staring right at her, Ruby, from her side profile view, recognized the smile plastered across Weiss’s face. There’d been even less evidence for Ruby to gauge Weiss’s reaction with when she’d still been staring up at the stars herself. None of which really mattered because she was enjoying the story. How could she not? The calm quiet night, the beautiful black, light speckled canvas unfolding before her, the cool not quite cold breeze which made her appreciate Ruby’s warmth against her side that much more, all of it helped build the perfect atmosphere. Perhaps Ruby’s story had been a little cliché and a little predictable but there was a reason such stories had become cliché and just now, with Ruby at her side, all Weiss wanted was to hear it’s simple tale of love, told with the passion, an unusually quiet and serene passion for Ruby but passion none less, with which she told it. “just keep telling the story” Weiss finished a moment later letting her soft voice reflect the longing she felt for Ruby to continue.

Ruby paused a moment longer, first to smile at Weiss then to look back up into night and let the peacefulness of the world around them reassert itself before she continued in that dream like tone “it didn’t take long, after only one short month word arrived confirming the woman’s worst fears her love had died in the fighting. Stuck in her tower and deprived of all hope she fell deep into despair. In her darkest moments she began to cry out and beg her guards to put an end to her misery. The gods saw this and were moved by the depth of her love, pitying her they gathered up everything she was and deposited her amongst the stars. Then they reached out again, found the soul of her lover and gave him a place in night sky as well. But even this would prove to only keep them apart, doomed to spend eternity staring across the horizon at one another.“

“Realizing this the woman broke down in tears once again and finally hope was found, the tears fell from her face and became a river of stars. A river which stretched out toward her love, perhaps in time it would reach him and she could cross it and at long last they could be together.”

A silence hung in the air as Ruby finished the story and Weiss found she was actually holding her breath afraid even simply exhaling might break the perfect stillness of the night. That silence couldn’t have lasted more then a few seconds but it felt much longer before Weiss released her breath whispering “It’s a beautiful story Ruby. I…”

“There look” Ruby interrupted pointing to a portion of the sky, her tone lacked the dream like, almost mystic, quality it had as she told the story but it was still much softer and more serene then was Ruby’s wont ”it took me a while to orient myself but see that’s the woman.. and there her lover and the river between them. It’s getting close isn’t it? I like to think it won’t be much longer now”

Weiss took a moment to examine the constellation Ruby had pointed out, and she smiled as she did because Ruby was right the “river” was close to reaching the “man” but even as she recognized that another thought itched at the corner of her mind. “That’s a pretty thought but..” she hesitated and frowned “well It’s sad really isn’t it because your right, Ruby, it is so close, they’re so close but they’ll still never be together, I mean the night sky never changes.” Weiss was a little shocked by how sad she sounded, how sad she actually was as she said that, she wanted those lovers to be together with a passion she would never have expected such a short simple tale to inspire.

“Maybe not to you and me” Ruby said and something in her tone told Weiss she’d thought about this before, “but to the stars? Who knows maybe our whole lives, hundreds of our lives are but a moment to them and really does it matter how long it takes as long as in the end, after everything, they get to be together.”

Weiss didn’t have an answer to that and that ever present silence reasserted itself as she tried to find one. “Maybe.” She whispered back after a moment. It was all she was able to come up with. Astronomy had never been a particularly important subject on Remnant and she didn’t know much about stars or their life spans, so she supposed it was possible Ruby’s theory was correct, at the very least Weiss certainly couldn’t disprove it but it was hard to imagine those little dots twinkling away in the sky unchanged and unmoving for centuries or more and yet able to grow and change, and if it were possible for that river of light to grow wasn’t it equally possible for it to go out? If the night sky did change after all, who said it could only get brighter maybe after all those years the river would spread only to find the lovers ripped apart once again as the light of one or the other dimmed and went out…

Weiss felt suddenly tiny and insignificant as she contemplated the eternity spreading out before her and strangely that tininess made her appreciate the night infinitely more. It was as if the recognition of her own smallness forced her to recognize those things which seemed small to her and she stopped to take it all in. The warmth radiating off of Ruby, the slight pressure of their bodies against one another, the rush of a cool gentle breeze against her skin and the indescribable peacefulness of the silent world around them, Weiss could have stayed in that moment forever and she closed her eyes and let herself melt into it. As she did she found she could suddenly feel individual blades of grass poking or brushing against her skin and the slow rhythmic pattern of Ruby’s breathing and then a stirring beside her. it was slight that stirring almost more imagined then felt and at any other time Weiss probably wouldn’t have noticed it but she felt it now and she opened her eyes slowly, gradually returning to the present and wasn’t surprised at all when Ruby spoke up a moment later.

“you wanna hear something even crazier?” She asked not quite laughing at herself

“What’s that?”

“The real reason I came out here was to see if the story was true.”

For a moment the comment didn’t sink in and Weiss lay smiling up at the stars and then she blinked and sat up suddenly. She looked down at Ruby with one eye brow raised in an expression which simultaneously questioned Ruby’s seriousness and her sanity and found that she couldn’t come up with a single word with which to reply to that.

Ruby snorted at Weiss’s reaction and a little at her own absurdity and continued “well ok I didn’t really think it was true but well I’ve been thinking it turns out a couple of the fairytales I heard as a kid, and always thought were nothing more then that, fairytales, are actually true or at least had some truth in them and so I wondered what other stories might have some truth in them. I always liked that story, although it wasn’t really one of my favorites growing up. I always preferred stories with action, heroics and monster slaying...” Ruby moved her hands in imitation of martial arts moves as she spoke and it made Weiss chuckle.

It was hardly the first time Weiss had seen that imitation and considering how good Ruby herself was at “action, heroics and monster slaying”, it always amused her how bad of an imitation it was. Weiss shook the thought aside and smiled down at the goofball she had fallen in love with.

“Somehow, dolt, it doesn’t come as a great surprise to me that you like adventure over romance.” She said and somehow didn’t quite roll her eyes as she said it.

Ruby smiled impishly back “well okay, yeah but it’s not that I don’t like romance. I mean in all the best adventure stories the hero always saves someone and they fall in love and live happily ever after its just romance stories are always so mushy and boring.”

“By which you actually mean you always wanted to save the damsel in distress and just have her fall hopelessly in love with you and not have to deal with all the drama that’s in a good romance story” Weiss challenged.

“Well that is what happened isn’t it?” Ruby teased back

“Ruby Rose” Weiss answered in a dangerous tone “I will spar with you right here and now if you really think I’m some princess who needs you to rescue me!”

“Don’t be ridiculous” Ruby laughed “you’re not a princess you’re a queen! Her majesty the Ice Queen, slayer of grim and freezer of adorable girlfriends! Long may she reign!”

Weiss scowled at her a moment longer but the Ice Queen melted before her “adorable girlfriend��, she always did after all, and smiled as she responded wryly “You’re lucky we both left our weapons inside, it’s not worth the effort to walk all the way back to the house just to try and beat some manners into you, not since it seems to have failed all the other times anyway.”

“Plus you’re afraid you’ll lose.” Ruby answered smugly unfazed by Weiss’s threats

“Oh, is that so? I think you’ll regret those words, Ruby Rose.”

“I think you’ll have to make me, Weiss Schnee.”

They held each other’s gaze challengingly until suddenly Weiss shrugged and then jabbed Ruby ruthlessly in the side with a finger.

“Hey!” Ruby protested wagging her own finger under Weiss’s nose “that’s not what I meant! Besides it was no fair I wasn’t ready”

“Well are you ready for this?” Weiss asked and promptly leaned in and kissed Ruby

“N…no” Ruby blushed a moment later but then her tone shifted “so I guess you’ll have to do it again, now that I am ready.” She smirked

“Why? What fun would that be?” Weiss answered with a teasing air of superiority

“well I think it would be plenty of fun but mmph…” Ruby started mumbling grumpily before being interrupted with another kiss “you’re mean.” She finished after the kiss but she was smiling almost as brightly as she was blushing.

“And just you remember that” Weiss said and laid back down beside Ruby. As she did Ruby moved to wrap herself around her, snuggling her as tightly as she could, and lay her head on her shoulder before closing her eyes and treasuring the embrace but then her eyes popped back open. “hey! You went and got me all off topic” She said.

“And what topic were we on exactly?” Weiss answered without moving

“Why I came out here!” Ruby answered in an offended tone although she didn’t make any more effort to break off the embrace then Weiss did.

“Oh I thought we settled that, it’s cause you’re crazy and trying to catch a cold.”

“NO!” Ruby answered and this time she did go so far as to lift her head and stick her tongue out at Weiss although she laid it right back where it had come from before she continued “it was because of the story, the one you said you liked”

“It was a good story…” Weiss answered thoughtfully

“See” Ruby smiled “I think so too and I’d been thinking about it a lot recently and the more I thought about it and those fairy tales that turned out to be true the more I wanted to come look at the stars again. I hadn’t done it since I was a kid and I don’t know I thought maybe with everything we know now I’d see something different maybe I’d find out there was some truth to that story too, I didn’t really expect to but.. well I still wanted to come look at them again.”

Weiss thought about that for a moment a decided it probably wasn’t quite as crazy as it sounded on the surface, no crazier then a dozen other things Ruby did regularly at any rate but then another thought occurred to her “I suppose that makes as much sense as you ever make” she said “but why that story, I mean like you said it wasn’t really one of your favorites growing up and why did you feel like you needed to tell me that’s why you came out here?”

“Well that’s because of umm.. you.” Ruby answered and it was clear she was feeling embarrassed “I just I really love you, Weiss, and when I think about you and… and things I always think about that story.”

There was something odd about Ruby’s tone something Weiss couldn’t quite place and then it hit her like a ton of bricks

“Ruby?” She asked softly cautiously “are you afraid you’ll lose me? Like the lovers in the story lost each other?”

“Yes” the answer came back in a tiny quiet voice as Ruby sat up slightly so she could look Weiss in the eyes, her own on the brink of tears “aren’t you?”

“I…” Weiss began but hesitated, trying to swallow down a lump which had suddenly appeared in her throat, “of course I am.” She continued “How could I not be, I love you too and considering what we do for a living, it terrifies me sometimes.” She fell silent and, despite the single tear which had broken free and run down her cheek Ruby seemed to take comfort in knowing Weiss felt the same way she did. She managed a sad smile which said she would be ok but said nothing before laying her head back against Weiss’s shoulder.

They lay silent for a time taking comfort in each other’s presence until at last Weiss spoke up again “I think I understand now what you meant when you said you wanted to see if maybe there was some truth in the story, even if you didn’t really think there would be. It’s the same reason I so wanted to believe you were right about the stars and the river because maybe, maybe if the story does have some truth and if the two lovers really will be together again some day then maybe we don’t have to worry. Even if one us...” she stopped unable to actually say the word “even if something happens” she said instead “if we just love each other enough then we know one day we’ll be together again, and like you said isn’t that all that really matters.” She paused again and took a deep breath “but just because I want that to be true doesn’t mean it is and it scares me, Ruby, more then I know how to say. I’ve fought monster and creatures and seen things which should only exist in nightmares and not one of them scares me as much as the thought of losing you and I would so love to be able to say look see look at the stars, at the lovers, they were okay in the the end and we will be too, but I can’t and I hate that I don’t know what to do or say to quiet my fears and I hate even more that you feel the same way and I don’t know what to do or say to help quiet yours either.”

“Maybe not” Ruby said and there was something almost like humor in her voice “but I think I actually might.”

“I shouted at my dad once” she started “I regretted it later and still do in some ways but I know he never held it against me because I was young and hurt and angry and he knew all that too. It wasn’t so long after my mom died, I was still just a little kid really and my dad, he was incredible. After all he lost he kept soldiering on, taking care of me and Yang and most incredibly he kept loving us. He would laugh and joke and we could feel how much he still loved us. One night when I really missed my mom I started crying and he saw how hurt I was and tried to comfort me to tell me that it was going to be ok and that he loved me and I called him a liar I still remember the exact words I said “you don’t love me or if you do you never loved mommy” he didn’t even flinch, or maybe he did and I was just to young and upset to notice but it doesn’t matter because what he did in response was ask me “ why do you think that?” And he wasn’t mad or upset he simply asked it calmly and seriously and I screamed my tiny little furry back at him “because you couldn’t, you couldn’t have loved her and still love me! Its not possible!” I bawled and he just smiled, it was a sad little smile I can still see it now, and he said “Ruby it hurts to lose someone you love, I know, Ruby, I know, it hurts and I did love your mom just like I love you I promise you that Ruby. But there’s a price that comes with love, to truly love someone to wrap so much of your happiness and your being into them, you leave yourself vulnerable, vulnerable to them and what they might do to you, vulnerable to others who might use your love for them against you and vulnerable to losing them. I won’t lie to you Ruby it never gets less painful every time you lose someone you love it’s like losing a little part of you. So you have to decide is all the happiness, the wonder of loving them in the first place worth the pain of losing them, I think it is, if I could go back knowing what was going to happen I would still choose to love your mother. The time we had together was infinitely better the eventual pain of losing her and I will always love you and your sister no matter how vulnerable that might leave me but not everyone makes that decision some people decide it’s better not to love, better to be on there own and not have to face that pain. I don’t think you’ll be one of those people I think your braver then that, stronger then that but in the end I can’t decide for you it’s a decision you’ll have to make for yourself.” I didn’t really understand at the time but the words have always stuck with me and I came to realize he was right, love, it is worth it. All the pain it could ever cost can never compare to how wonderful it is to have people in your life you love. I know that Weiss and have believed it for a long time. So when I say I’m afraid of losing you Weiss, I am, when I come out and stare at the stars because I want some tiny reassurance that maybe just maybe I don’t have so much to be afraid of, it’s because I do so desperately want something anything to reassure me it will all be ok but it doesn’t really matter because even when I don’t get that reassurance, even when I’m so so scared of what might happen. I still love you and nothing could ever cost enough, hurt enough to make me stop loving you. but there is one thing you can do to help and I hope I can to it to help you too and that’s what your doing right now, be here with me, so that I can experience that wonder, that happiness, that love and remember exactly what is I’m getting in exchange for that risk, because when I do I can’t imagine what more I could ask for.”

Weiss stared at the love of her life in wonder. It wasn’t the first time she had been amazed by Ruby Rose and she doubted it would be the last but it took her by surprise every time and made her lover her even more. “You’re right” she said when she found her voice again “love will always be worth the risk. I think I knew that before just never had the words to express it but you’re absolutely right, Ruby, love does leave you vulnerable but it is worth every ounce of that vulnerability, and I can’t think of a single thing I would rather do then be here loving you.”

#rwby #ruby rose #whiterose #white rose #rwby whiterose #rwby white rose #weiss schnee

[unsteadyshade]

Despair

a/n: this contains spoilers for volume 8 chapter 13! after watching the episode, i had a sudden burst of inspiration and wrote this as soon as possible. it’s not meant to be a prediction or anything similar, but it’s an avenue i wanted to explore. there will be pining and lots of feelings all around. the finale will likely derail this, which is why i want it up as soon as I can. some of the fastest writing i’ve ever done is here, so excuse the mess. but then...maybe that’s better for this particular scenario. enjoy...and i’d love to know any thoughts you have. AO3

For the past several minutes that feel like a lifetime--like a life, like her teammate's that was just lost into the abyss--Weiss has been doing her best to assist Penny against Cinder. She's getting tired though and can tell her friend is too. Penny's body is still new, and Weiss has seen her stumble a few times in the fight already, something also unfortunately noticed by the Fall Maiden currently smirking at them.

"And I thought fighting the Winter Maiden would be harder. You should've just stayed a machine. But I guess...it makes sense that you'd want to create something new for yourself. That power must have called you to the staff." Cinder's eyes flash with fire. "I wonder what that feels like--"

"I will not let you take this power! I am the protector of Mantle and the Winter Maiden now. I refuse to--"

Cinder's sharp, sharp laugh cuts her off, eyes gleefully scanning the panicked people below her. Those who haven't fallen off, at least. Her smirk grows along with the fire in her palms. "Silly girl. You never had a chance, and you've made it increasingly harder for yourself to stop me. What would your creator say once he sees how weak you are? After you've failed him and the people of this kingdom?" She charges again, and the maidens clash once more. Their fighting is fast and furious, Weiss choosing to conserve her energy until an opportune opening presents itself to assist.

While she's watching and waiting, Cinder's words cause a furrow in her eyebrows. She hopes that Pietro and Maria are alright. Then thoughts shift to her own family, and Weiss grits her teeth to stop herself from screaming. Are they alright? The portals to Vacuo are apparently working, but she hasn't had the chance to check in on them. All of them. Including her rotten father, once they'd move him. After that, Weiss hoped that her family would get some sort of closure and start healing together. It was what they--

"--Don't deserve this!" Cinder's furious cry snaps her out of it, and she jumps back in the fray. In the corner of her eye, there's a dark flash. A shadow. A friend. She brings up a glyph like they've practiced plenty of times before just in time for Blake to propel herself off, and suddenly there's more shouting. Blake's is anguished, and Weiss can't begin to imagine how she feels right now.

(Well, she can. But no one needs to know the secrets of her heart.)

As she's surveying her surroundings, Weiss catches a glimpse of her partner fighting Neo. Her eyes widen, and she meets Blake's frantic gaze. "We have to protect Penny." Blake's voice is shaky and troubled, and Weiss can't fault her for assisting her. They both turn back to the fight, newly motivated to help Penny end it quickly. In the meantime, Weiss has to trust that Ruby can handle herself. She does. She has to. Trust Ruby.

Lights flash, and blades continue to clash. There's an uptick in movement all around, and they're all breathing heavily under Cinder's relentlessness and experience with her own powers. It's unfair, Weiss thinks, left hand gripping Myrtenaster tightly as the Fall Maiden continues to taunt and toy with them. It's so unfair, Weiss thinks, grip tight enough that she's shaking once her mind decides to torture her again with Yang's face as she fell. There's a pressure building within Weiss, and she's telling Blake to buy her time before she realizes that she's on a knee and summoning a Nevermore.

The Nevermore. The one she, Ruby, Blake, and Yang all took down together. The memory is like a shockwave, empowering her enough to send Cinder flying. She thinks she sees her aura flicker out and goes for a slice of her own retribution for that scar she has from Haven Academy until Neo shatters that illusion.

When she looks back, Ruby is battered, bruised, but still standing. A surge of pride rises in her chest at seeing their leader, her partner and best friend, as strong as she is. Then she glances back just in time to meet Neo's next strike. She and Blake coordinate their attacks, but Weiss can tell that her teammate's movements are just a bit off. Too reckless. It reminds her of...

"Yang!" It feels like a lifetime ago already, but they haven't even been here that long. Ruby speeds in to help, and they knock her over the edge.

For the first time since Yang fell, Weiss hopes that the abyss is a point of no return.

Fire and heat--the wrong, unfamiliar kinds--draw her attention back, and Cinder's attacks start being unpredictable. It's not good for any of them, and their auras are all running low now.

With a wordless glance to her teammates, Ruby suggests a last ditch effort. It's time to stop Cinder once and for all. The younger girl looks to Penny reassuringly, letting her know that they've got this handled.

In no time at all, they'll be heading to Vacuo.

In no time at all, Cinder has managed to dig deep within herself to knock them back. Weiss doesn't have time to process Ruby's cry of pain or Cinder's triumphant laughter. She's clinging to the edge, staring down into amber eyes pleading with her. She knows what Blake wants; she stopped her from jumping earlier, after all.

(Even though she so desperately wants to do the same. Even now, with so much uncertainty hanging around them, Weiss wants to let go. But she can't. She can't lose--)

Near them, Ruby and Cinder are also barely hanging on. The way that they're fighting now is how Weiss imagines they might've fought two academies ago during a dance with missed opportunities for her. Then, Ruby is the one clinging to the edge, and she meets those familiar silver eyes. There's an exhaustion hidden behind unshakable determination, and Weiss knows she'd rather let herself drop than endanger Remnant with the risk of Cinder.

Ruby lets go, and Weiss is quick to follow. Blake still clings to her leg, and they lock eyes. Wherever they're going, at least they'll have each other. She can only hope that their leader will be there with them.

-----

Weiss has heard the word weightless before but never has she ever felt anything close to it. She's also--in all her days of knowing Blake Belladonna--never heard her friend sound so desperate. What is she saying? It sounds important, and worthy. A word, a name filled with weight.

"--not again. No please...Weiss!"

With a gasp, Weiss opens her eyes and sits up. Or tries to, at least. Her body feels disoriented from lack of aura and this odd...place they're in. She turns to where the sounds of sobbing are loudest and swallows the heartache within her. She needs to be strong for Blake, so she calls out. The voice that comes out is small, pitiful. But it seems to be enough for Blake to pause.

"...Weiss? Talk to me!"

"I'm here! I'm..." Weiss squints, unable to see clearly through the haze. It's not exactly fog, the ambiance too otherworldly for that, but it's still frustrating to peer through.

A strong, familiar body collides into hers, causing Weiss to groan as she falls. Instinctively, her arms wrap around Blake, and she indulges in the warmth of her friend for a few moments before the familiar conflicted feelings rise within her. She sighs and murmurs, "I'm here..."

"I know. I thought..." Blake doesn't elaborate. Her sniffling, tight hug, and visible tears say more than words ever could.

"It's okay. We're okay." She's not sure if that's objectively true, but Blake needs all the comfort she can get right now. The words seem to have some effect, Blake nodding furiously against her shoulder. Weiss isn't even aware that she's been sobbing until she stares up at what she presumes to be the sky and is met with blurriness, the wetness around her eyes letting her know that this is all too real. "We're okay," Weiss repeats, quieter this time.

They take a few moments to themselves, for themselves, before Blake lets out a shaky sigh and sits up. Her Faunus ears flop downward, and Weiss holds up a hand to stop the unnecessary apology before it comes. She has to bite back a comment about how cute Blake looks, but that's nothing new.

"I...needed that. Thank you." Weiss just nods, not wanting to admit how much she needed that too. Blake needs strength--she'd likely prefer her partner's, but Weiss tries not to think about that--now, so she'll support her like she always has since they reconciled. She stands, feeling a bit more steady on her feet, and scans their surroundings. There...doesn't seem to be much of anything. It makes Weiss frown as she extends a hand and pulls her friend to her feet.

The location is unfamiliar enough that Weiss starts pacing, a hand to her chin as she thinks out loud. "We...fell, and I think we're still alive somehow. Whether that's by design or through luck, I'm not sure. But we should find a way out or through this abyss. And if we're alive, then it stands to reason that Yang--" Blake's ears perk up at the mention of her partner, and Weiss quickly turns around as she continues. "--Is also still alive."

"That's good." Blake states. Then, with a smile Weiss doesn't have to see to hear, she repeats herself. "That's good!" Weiss smiles despite herself and exhales shakily.

"Right, so we should probably pick a direction and start walking." She's surprised when she doesn't hear an immediate response and turns to see Blake looking at her with furrowed brows. It's the look she gets when she's scrutinizing something, and Weiss swallows, plasters on what she hopes is a believable smile, and opens her mouth to say something but is interrupted by Blake's concerned voice.

"Is everything okay? We don't have to start moving right away. We both took some hits up there, and I don't mind resting."

"No, we can't stop. We have to keep moving--" Blake's hands gently clasp hers, and she quiets immediately, looking up into amber eyes filled with worry.

"Do you remember back at Beacon when I wanted to push myself and not rest?" Weiss nods, a small grimace forming from the reminder. "And do you remember how well that turned out?" She huffs, rolls her eyes, and nods again.

"So you don't want me to end up in the same state," Weiss concludes. The small smile Blake gives her makes her heart skip a beat, which she tries to ignore with another roll of her eyes. Still, she concedes--a cornerstone in their bond, Blake and Weiss giving to each other what their predecessors have refused to--with a sigh. "Fine. We both need the rest anyway."

After a quick scan of their sparse surroundings reveal nothing new, Blake shrugs and pats the spot next to her on the ground. Weiss sighs but sits by her, surprised when she's immediately pulled closer. Blake drapes an arm around her, and it's only then that she realizes she's been shivering.

"For someone who grew up in Atlas, you get cold really easily." Blake teases, but Weiss is too busy trying to will the blush she feels creeping up away and her heartrate suddenly speeding up down to a normal pace as the words brush against her ear just so. She can't help the quick breath she takes in or the way her eyes close as she tries to think of anything but how much distance separates her from Blake. Her mind decides to remind her of an earlier time full of uncertainty when they were on their way to Argus and the blanket and soft look Blake had given her then.

Gasping sharply, Weiss opens her eyes and stares at her friend, her expression just as caring as it had been in the recesses of her memories. Her lovely face is all it takes for Weiss to break. Between everything that's happened since arriving back in Atlas to the seemingly unending events in the past hours that bled into days that bled into now, Weiss sobs. She sobs for herself, for Blake, for Yang, for Ruby, for her family, and she's not sure where the lines to those bonds start and end. Then Blake pulls her into a tight hug, and she's not sure if it's better to pull her closer or push her away.

She's not sure how long she sobs, but Weiss eventually calms herself enough to hear the light humming Blake presses into her temple. The realization that Blake's lips are softly pressing into her skin is enough for Weiss to jerk away, trying to escape the strong arms around her. Blake abruptly stops humming, a confused noise replacing the comforting sound. Weiss shouldn't be here. This close? Physically and...otherwise. It's not right; it's not her place.

When she regains enough composure to face Blake again, Weiss lets out a shuddering breath before doing so. Blake has yet to let go of her, and it makes her heart ache for entirely new reasons. Because if--when--they find Yang, how long would it take for Blake to let her go? “I apologize for that. It was--”

“No, it’s okay.” Blake pauses, voice unsure with her next words. “Did I...do something wrong?”

Weiss can’t think of anything more incorrect. She wants to tell Blake how brave, kind, and selfless she’s been like she did back in Mistral with Yang--and oh, they all really have been orbiting each other since Beacon--but the words won’t come out. It’s somehow harder to tell Blake now. Instead, Weiss swallows those words and says something else.

“No. It’s not you. It’s me.”

“What do you mean?” Blake asks, her voice as soft as the blanket she draped over Weiss on the road to Argus. It unravels Weiss, and she’s not sure if what she’s about to confess will be foolish or not. Still, she faces her friend because eye contact is the least Weiss can give her.

(The most is her heart, but Blake already has that.)

Carefully, Weiss takes Blake’s hands along with a shaky breath in. Amber eyes watch her closely. “Blake, there’s something I have to tell you about myself. There’s never been a good time to bring it up, but after everything we’ve been through and the uncertainty of the future, I can’t keep this to myself any longer.” Another breath in, a secret out. “I’m queer.”

“You are?” Blake’s voice is uncharacteristically high when she asks, and there’s an unfamiliar flash of something new and awed in the amber eyes that can’t seem to decide where to look.

“I am.” Weiss says, confidence filling her tone and heart. The initial reaction doesn’t seem to be negative, which eases that grating imposing voice in the back of her head that filled her with doubt.

“That’s wonderful, Weiss. Thank you for telling me. I...” Blake looks away for a moment, suddenly shy, though it does nothing to hide the small grin on her face. She tucks a stray strand of hair behind an ear, and Weiss’s pulse picks up from the simple action. “I’m bisexual.”

Well, it’s nice to have it confirmed. Weiss had suspected ever since her teammate had returned with more confidence and lingering glances aimed at her partner. But how can such a confession make her heart soar and break at the same time?

“It’s nice to know I’m not alone,” Weiss comments, when she can’t take those adoring eyes any longer. Blake’s grin widens, and her ears flicker excitedly.

“It feels good to admit that to someone.” Blake cocks her head, curious now. “But why did you decide to come out now?”

“I...” Weiss sighs, feeling the exhaustion weighing her shoulders down. “I have something I need to tell you. I don’t expect any particular response, but with the end of the world and possibly our lives imminent...I can’t hold this in any longer.” She turns to face her friend. “Blake, I’m not sure when exactly this started, but I...like you.” A pause. “As more than just a friend, if that wasn’t clear.”

“O-oh...” Weiss sees emotions too quick to name pass over Blake’s face until she has to turn away. Her friend is deep in thought, and Weiss looks down at their hands. She doesn’t know what she was expecting from this, honestly. When had Blake ever looked at her more fondly? When had Blake ever felt--

“I’m flattered, Weiss. Really.”

“But...?” Weiss presses, wanting the rejection to as swift and straightforward as possible. It’d ease her mind, if not her heart at least.

But the rejection doesn’t come. Or at least not in the way Weiss thought this conversation would go.

“When Yang came back, we spent some time talking. You...came up a few times. She really wants to see your Nevermore summon and wants to be a part of your growing bond with your family. She’s--we’re both--proud of you. You’re an invaluable part of our team.” Blake looks her in the eyes. “Our family.”

Weiss’s pulse picks up, and she has to focus on staring at Blake’s hands to avoid looking into her eyes. She’s not sure where the conversation is going now, and it’s not helping her nerves.

“Family...?” Weiss repeats, uncertain.

“It’s what you called us in front of Jacques,” Blake says softly. Weiss remembers that clearly, the comfort of Blake’s hand grounding her then as it does now. “Do you know what that means to me?”

Still refusing to meet Blake’s eyes, Weiss shakes her head. Then, Blake unexpectedly takes a hand away and tilts her chin up. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Well what’s that supposed to mean? Weiss opens her mouth to ask but ends up gasping softly instead when Blake presses the gentlest of kisses to her forehead. She lingers, and the warmth of her lips against her skin makes Weiss’s face gradually heat up.

“What...?” It’s all Weiss can say in the face of her crush in an attempt to not embarrass herself. She’s not sure if she should move but doesn’t want to leave the sudden warmth surrounding her.

“Yang and I...” Blake has to pause and breathe in deeply, the motion rocking through Weiss’s frayed nerves. “We’re not--I never told--” She pauses again, and Weiss can practically hear the thoughts racing through her head. “Oh...I get why you felt like you had to say something now.”

Weiss wraps her arms around her, shaking her head at how they seem to constantly be comforting each other. There’s silence between them--not uncommon or unwelcome--for a few minutes as Weiss listens to a rapid pulse, unsure if it’s hers or her friend’s. If it is Blake’s, who is she thinking of? She’s not sure if she wants to know.

“I suppose we’re in the same boat.” Weiss states once the silence stretches on for longer than she’d prefer.

“Same boat...” Blake repeats lowly, the words tickling Weiss’s hair. She leans back, and Weiss is afraid for one second that she’ll pull away completely. But all she does is look at Weiss, a spark of wonder in her eyes. “I guess we are...but we owe it to ourselves and each other to have an honest talk about this once things settle down.”

“You’re not rejecting me?” The words escape Weiss’s lips faster than she’d like, and she clamps them shut immediately afterwards.

Blake purses her lips, and Weiss does everything in her power to maintain eye contact. “It’s...something I’ve never thought about.”

“Me?”

“N-no...” Blake turns a bit pink, and Weiss marvels at the reaction. “I have thought about you...all. Back in Menagerie, I couldn’t wait to get back to you. Then once I saw the three of you again, I’ve never felt the urge to run towards and away from you so strongly. You were the first one to reach out to me for the team hug, and...” She swallows. “You mean a lot to me, Weiss. But I think we all need some time. Is that okay?”

“Of course it is.” Weiss responds immediately, still reeling from the lack of a rejection.

Blake’s smile is nothing short of beatific as she stands and extends a hand to help her up. “We’ll talk about this later. For now, why don’t we go find our girl?”

Our girl. The words seem to open a new door in the back of Weiss’s mind filed with more possibilities for them--all of them--even if she doesn’t have a concrete idea yet. And sure, they’re trapped in an unknown location surrounded by uncertain circumstances, but Weiss is feeling hopeful that their team will reunite eventually.

She takes Blake’s hand, and neither of them let go as they start traversing the area.

a/n: i hope you enjoyed! it was an experience writing this, but i felt oddly inspired. i rushed to finish this before the finale airs, and depending on what happens, it might get a continuation. or maybe if one is requested? we’ll see. thank you for reading!

#bees schnees #bee’s schnees #rwby spoilers #suffer with me #feel free to yell at me

[jcmorrigan]

Seen your post so a few more asks from me

Fandom: Danganronpa

Top 5 episodes

5. Chapter 6, DR1. Because of Junko being Junko.

4. Chapter 6, SDR2. Junko has returned and has a pretty legit evil plan to re-take over the world. Monomi defeats her with THE POWER OF RAINBOWS.

3. Chapter 2, DR1. Look, the way they treated Chihiro's gender was kinda fucked, but the fact that Mondo moved his murder victim's body to preserve their honor and secret, the stuff that came out about him and Daiya, Taka's breakdown as Mondo is hauled off in the end...so many heartstrings were pulled on that day.

2. Chapter 3, NDRV3. Look. It's fucked up and I like horror things. The entire atmosphere of that floor is just a chef's kiss from me, and the way it panned out that Kiyo was not at ALL what he presented himself to be was just the kind of cold shock I love in the murder mystery genre.

1. Chapter 4, SDR2. The Grape/Strawberry House scene change was super cool and horrific, and Monokuma picked maybe the best ever motive to get them to kill or else. But mostly I'm here for Gundham pulling the sacrifice move. He may be a murderer, but he's the GOOD kind of murderer.

Favorite character: Kazuichi Soda! Good bean.

Least favorite character: Pretty much every villain who debuted in Ultra Despair Girls

OTP: Crossover - Kazuichi Soda x Weiss Schnee (RWBY). Non-crossover - Sondam!

Favorite non-romantic relationship: Canon goes to Shuichi and Kaito, but let's be real. I want Kazuichi and Gundham to be actual friends and bury the hatchet. I'm not really that into the ship (no shade to those who are), but please make them friends and my heart will melt.

Favorite villain/arc: Junko Enoshima, SDR2. I love her, I love her, I love her, she's so fucked up, she's so FUN, I love her.

Least favorite villain/arc: The Warriors of Hope and/or Haiji Towa, UDG. The Warriors were all just a bunch of cool designs with incredibly wasted potential, and the FUCK was up with that throwaway line they gave Haiji about you-know-what and then that's not even addressed as part of his villainy? Aside from that, he was frickin BORING.

5 songs I associate with it and why:

1. "Unstoppable" by Sia - had discovered this song in general, and I was unofficially using it as a theme for the survivors.

2. "Dressed in Black" by Sia - was listening to this while playing DR1 and just randomly imagined the dead gathering on a celestial stage to sing this song together. (Note: this was, uh, before Sia had her little...meltdown. I DO still like the songs but to clear the air, I do not think she acted appropriately or chose a good way to go about that project.)

3. "All Things Must Die" from RWBY - made a joke vid that I left unlisted where I sped up the trilogy openings to fit to the runtime of this song and see how well it all fit together, and it...was pretty spot-on and fun.

4. "The Devil" by Blue Stahli - the line about how "you're the architect of your despair" IMMEDIATELY made me think of Junko and then the whole song became about her, I don't make the rules

5. "Candy Store" from Heathers - Had a small AU going for fun where it was DR Heathers, starring "The Junkos" - Junko herself, Mukuro, and Tsumugi. And they sang this to recruit Celeste, who would then team up with Korekiyo to raise hell...never really went anywhere but it's still really fun to picture those fabulous ladies in song and dance!

#danganronpa #ask to tag #i know i briefly touched upon some sensitive stuff here but not sure how much needs tagging

[laulink]

I know it's super fun to imagine all the heroes (safe for Weiss) stressing over what fork to use for salad, but one last reality check before the new ep.

Knowing what cuttlery to use is the easy part. If your dinner table has been set by competent people, the cuttlery you need for a dish is ALWAYS the one farthest away from your plate. When you're done with your dish, you put the cuttlery on your plate so the waiter takes it away and when the new dish comes, the knife and fork that are now the farthest away from it are the ones you need. Easy peasy.

So do you know what will actually be a NIGHTMARE to remember for our heroes ? Table manners and how to place the cuttlery on the plate. 'cause yeah, the placement is hella important. I don't remember all of them, but there's a specific way to set your cuttlery down on your plate to tell your waiter to not take the plate away just yet, another one to tell him you're ready for the next course, another one to say that you're done for the meal and don't want anything else and I think there's even one to let the chef know if you liked or disliked his cooking.

In other words :

- give me Nora setting her cuttlery the wrong way and not getting anything else than the first course to eat because her cuttlery said "I'm done.".

- give me Ruby loving the course, but setting the cuttlery in a "I disliked it" way and not understanding why the waiter looked at her weirdly when she told him to send her compliments to the chef, nor why Weiss is holding her head in her hands and shaking it in despair.

- give me Jaune and Yang not understanding what the bowl of water put in front of them at the beginning is for and starting to drink until they notice all the elite people looking at them weird and Weiss screeches "This is to wash your hands, stop drinking that !".

- give me Blake and Oscar trying to imitate Weiss' every move to not make a mistake, but looking ridiculous/taking it too far/being thrown in utter distress when she leaves the table to go to the bathroom.

Just... Everyone trying their best but failing at everything.

#rwby #rwby spoilers #rwby7 #rwby volume 7 #ruby rose #weiss schnee #blake belladonna #yang xiao long #jaune arc #oscar pine #nora valkyrie

[razorblade180]

Yang was caught red-handed this time, imagine what would happen should her hiding Raven being the Spring Maiden comes into the limelight. She hasn't told even Blake about it, and at this point her abandonment issues might just put her to the test.

Listen....

Everyone who reads this is about to understand just how deep my nonsense goes; how often I plan and think of possible things in this show or in possible fanfiction.

I want that to happen next volume. You all are going to hate me for this but imagine another team split up? Yang’s secret gets outed and before she can even explain herself Ruby loses it and starts yelling at her sister about going behind her back; her teams back of all people. Naming every time Yang brought up hating secrets and how the choices she has made is a piece of the reason things got worse in Atlas (which I assume will drop out the sky) they yell at each other in frustration and it ends with Ruby telling her to leave; giving everyone the choice to leave because she’s about to be a lot more dominant when it comes to her being the leader.

Ruby automatically tell Blake to leave with Yang because she doesn’t trust to be okay with her decisions. Weiss leaves with them because the way Ruby is acting is very reminiscent of her father not allowing anything to stray from his design or go against it. Ren opts to leave as well because his heart can’t take anymore despair of seeing homes fall and gives Jaune a very torn look about his choice but Jaune completely understands and doesn’t hold it against him at all. It’s obvious he’s sticking with Ruby. Then you have Nora stuck in a crappy situation. She’s expressed before how much Jaune means to her like Pyrrha was and doesn’t want to leave his side in fear that he’ll die; but leaving Ren was something she never dreamed of doing. In the end, Jaune motions her towards Ren because he’ll be damned to separate two people that love each other so much. Qrow sticks with Ruby and Oscar is still kidnapped.

I don’t know exactly where it goes from there with only three people sticking around but I know it ends with Jaune and Qrow helping Ruby through her grief and realizing the odds are way too hard. Ruby finally starts putting the pieces of herself back together and they make a detour to regain their friends mend the bonds either at the very end of the volume or they reunite in like the first episode of the next.

As you can see I may or may not have had ideas about this before. The moment people were talking about Oz being a liar and stuff I’ve been like “man the day Ruby learns her mom died because of something related the Salem, it is a wrap. She’s gonna go stone cold and shut people out.” I’m keeping that energy. Somewhere in vast list of old story ideas there’s a broken Ruby in Vacou that is willing to fight her friends and possibly drink when no one is around. I am ready for this character development arc like you won’t believe. Been plotting since 2015.

Someone find that picture of the dude smoking and explaining things on a board that has strings connecting different things please. 💀

#rwby #rwby vol7 #rwby volume 7 #ruby rose #weiss schnee #blake belladonna #yang xiao long #qrow branwen #jaune arc #lie ren #nora valkryie #rwby spoilers

[katcadecascade]

New Qrow fic WIP

It’s a bit of a character study but mostly RWBY/JNOR/more doing shenanigans.

The only problem, I can’t think of a name for this fic.

Anyway here, Chapter One/Round One: Throwing Down the Gauntlet

Blake will admit, she’s a sucker for romance.

How could she not be?

In a world where morbid emotions attract monsters, where injustice breeds from hatred of culture and birth traits, something as simple and layered as love is beautiful and strong and can power people through their darkest moments but also bring them to their knees.

She should say she just learned this all from her books but honestly in the last year or so, Blake has certainly lived through some crazy shit.

But let’s not get into that right now.

Sure her tale begins with her people’s suffering, her parent’s pacifism, a poor boy’s spite, and her own frightful shadows. She could go write to great lengths on how the journey gained her treasured friends, bonds forged through fire, and how it lead them to the coldest place of the north.

That’s where this game begins.

Yes a game indeed or maybe a war by the sharpness in the Valkyrie’s eyes or the telltale song notes of glyphs charging up.

It began with a series of events that piqued the interest of the eight (and later on more) charges under the wings of Qrow Branwen.

The first thing they noticed took place on their very first night in Atlas, where one General James Ironwood hugged the scythe master. The two thought they were alone but the nieces back tracked to get their uncle.

While they made the wise decision to leave the men alone, the girls immediately blurted their findings to the rest of their friends.

Their reactions were of surprise and cooing but it only trigger their radars to look out for more of these moments. None of them could recall ever seeing Qrow be so vulnerable with anyone else. Granted they didn’t spend the most time with him but even Yang and Ruby were caught off guard.

This was their uncle so ultimately this was under Yang’s and Ruby’s discretion or wonderment.

That didn’t stop the rest of them from being curious to see what else will happen between Qrow and Ironwood.

Small and subtle were the ways of the General, lingering eyes or the quietly inviting the huntsman into his office. Ruby’s sniper skills were used for observations like these. Her skills in stealth could’ve been better to muffle her cooing.

Things were going steady, slowly seeing the man underneath the steel. Maybe then the kids could decide to trust him with the truth from the Lamp. Not that Qrow’s compromised in anyway, but seeing this spark between them certainly helps the kids trust the general a little bit more.

James Ironwood appeared to be able to offer up his heart to Qrow.

So imagine their surprise when Clover Ebi entered the game.

There’s that word again: game.

It’s a little immature to describe it as so but Blake couldn’t think of any other word.

Blake and the others keep noticing certain events focused on Qrow, usually engaged by one man or the other.

Small side glances, a brushing of hands, coffee treats and many more that can be listed as intimate or thoughtful or purposeful. Although, Clover’s flirting are rather forward. Most importantly, Qrow’s happiness is the growing outcome.

And pray tell what game is this? Where two men woo a common thread that is slowly becoming enamored by these actions?

A courting game.

Hands slam down on the kitchen table. “Everyone, place your bets!”

“We are so not betting on this!” Weiss crossed her arms, perfectly poised and unmoved.

“Come on,” Nora whined, “There’s nothing else to do here.”

“Aside from doing our jobs and brainstorming how to save the world?”

“All I’m saying is that we need a break from all the seriousness and focus on Team Dad.”

On the couches, only Blake noticed the resident nieces share a glance. They don’t argue against their uncle’s title, instead they quirk their lips in a knowing look.

(Blake later understands their silent exchanges when a game changer occurs)

“Nora’s right,” Jaune agreed, “and I usually never want to say that.”

“Hey!”

“You’re the one who broke the coffee machine by trying to fix it,” Oscar pointed out. Behind him said device has a despairing groan.

Ruby follows up, “And then got the rest of us blaming each other for it.”

“Enough, enough,” the redhead shouted, “We’re getting off track!”

“We are not conspiring on Qrow’s love life!” Weiss proclaimed.

“She’s right,” Ren said with the composure of a sage, highlighted as he sipped his tea, “There’s no need to.”

Yang raised an eyebrow, both curious and surprised, “What do you mean?”

Everyone waited for their resident ninja to finish another long drink, for dramatic effect Blake must note.

Then simply enough, he answers, “Qrow would fall for the General.”

That was clearly not the answer Nora wanted.

She’s a sputtering mess while next to her, Weiss holds her head high.

“Thank you, someone else sees my point,” the ex-heiress nods.

Sharpness in Jaune’s voice catches her off guard, “Your point? You think Ironwood’s gonna get with Qrow?”

“Is it not obvious?”

Nora butts in, a strange tension in her shoulders, “Sure yeah but look at Clover!”

Her team leader listed off, “They’re mission partners but also hanging around each off in their downtime.”

“Yes,” Nora nods enthusiastically, “Just like Jaune with Marrow.”

“H-hey wait-“

“You haven’t seen Qrow with James alone though.”

Again, everyone is quiet as they stare down their resident cute wizard boy.

Oscar squirms a little under the attention, backtracking, “Oh, um, I only mean um I would see them right before James tutors me? And Qrow would sometimes be there too and,” he sighs heavily, “honestly it’s like my aunt’s romance novels.”

Blake immediately guesses the classic tropes of longing, quiet vulnerability, trust and intimacy. She doesn’t voice her thoughts. No need since Weiss happily regales her own findings.

“Winter says that she’s never seen Ironwood so relaxed before. Sure she’s a little teed that it was Qrow’s doing but the results are still good.”

“But what about Qrow’s ‘results’ when he’s with Clover,” Nora argued.

Ruby does her little head shake, musing over her thoughts, “He is a lot calmer or relaxed.”

Nora cackles at the fuming Weiss, affronted at her girlfriend not on her side.

That’s rectified as Ruby taps her chin, scholarly and not noticing Weiss’ heat, “Although he is a lot more teasing around Ironwood.”

“See!” Weiss grins as if this is victory. Her current rival is unbothered.

“He’s the same with Clover,” Nora counters and honestly Weiss can’t possibly argue with that.

Too many times have the kids witness Qrow becoming a bumbling, blushing mess when Clover compliments him. There’s so much bi/gay tension there to even think of denying.

“Qrow must be taking his time then,” Blake voiced. “With both Ironwood and Clover, maybe he’s a bit overwhelmed.”

Next to her, Yang sighs, “Knowing him, he might not realize what’s going on unless someone tells him.”

“Or he’s aware of all of this happening and dismisses it as something that can’t actually happen to him,” Jaune painfully accurately describes as what is probably going on.

This type of denial of happiness, this consuming pit of numbness and pain, people who loved and lost and felt guilty for even loving and losing need to be told they’re deserving of love.

Maybe Jaune’s speaking for himself or maybe Blake’s interpreting for her own experiences.

But one shared glance with the knight confirms her thoughts. Qrow must have talked to him too about this type of grief.

The blame and the guilt and the responsibility of losing someone, be it person of goodness or of spite, it’s a heavy feeling that Blake, Jaune, Qrow and possible the others too have carry.

So while the huntsman tries to assure the two kids of their grievances, there hasn’t been an opportune time to ask how he’s coping. As the young adults under his care, they all worry about him, especially his nieces. At first he was the mysteriously cool uncle as proclaimed by Ruby and later on the secretive and paranoid uncle explained by Yang but in their shared time together, each kid gotten to know the crow by their own definitions.

It’s like that little thing Blake does, associate a word with a person.

She told Sun about her girls, Earnest, Defiance, and Strength.

Then there’s team JNPR, Tenacity for Jaune, Zestful for Nora, Ascendancy for Pyrrha and Acuity for Ren. It took some time but eventually Oscar became Perseverance.

As for Qrow, well, she jokingly thought Mother Hen but now she’s satisfied to call him Memory.

It’s mostly because of all the Muninn parallels but there is just so much history behind Qrow Branwen. Carried in the creak in his bones, dips in his scars, the grey of his feathery hair, the surprise in his laughs, like he’s relearning how it is to walk with ghosts and angels.

So yeah, Blake sometimes worries about him and then she and Weiss worry about Ruby and Yang getting worried too.

But maybe there’s no need to.

From the soft gazes he sets on James and Clover, maybe they’re the ones making sure their Team Dad/Uncle is doing okay.

Now if only Qrow’s love life can move to the next stage.

Their conversation during breakfast was more than enough as food for thought, analyzing everything they know of Qrow Branwen and how he interacts with two men in particular.

Early mission meetings are obviously designated Clover Flirting Time as they get to their seats.

“I wouldn’t mind having another match with you,” Clover said casually as if it didn’t take weeks of near begging for a one on one fight.

“Really? You enjoy falling on your ass that much, lucky charm?”

“Sure do,” Clover slides close, letting his hip press against Qrow’s. “But I like seeing you down on the mats just as much.”

That flirt was meant to be whispered, low and teasing and it definitely sends a blush down Qrow’s neck. It’s a real shame that Blake has an extra set of ears to hear this.

Then from the sight of Marrow almost choking on his coffee, he probably heard it too.

The dog faunus and the cat faunus exchange silent misery.

“Ooh, another match?” Nora, being her glorious self, pops right at Qrow’s side and the two men nearly jump. “Hah, that’s a bit boring by now.”

Clover raises a brow, slightly wary and challenged, “Boring?”

Nora nods her head as Ren-like as possible, “Yep, I mean, training doesn’t have to be combat does it?”

Qrow blinks at her, and so does her teammates because hey, this is Nora complaining about combat training. “Nora, you got something else in mind?”

This encouragement, openness and trust, Blake wouldn’t have noticed it before but Qrow has been putting a lot more faith in them since Argus. It’s really nice to have an adult take them seriously. Then again this is Qrow. He encouraged Yang and Jaune to start a prank war.

Their resident lightning in a bottle had a million volt grin, “Parkour and freerunning! We all saw the Ops jumping around in the mines and that time Qrow and Winter destroyed the campus.”

“Miss Valkyrie,” hissed the ice queen, “I advise you to refrain from telling that anecdote.”

“What, feeling sore since you lost?” Qrow grinned.

“I did not lose, Qrow,” she glared, “it was clearly a stalemate.”

“Wow, now I’m really curious,” Clover said.

“I’ll tell you all about it then,” Qrow winked, “like how I clearly would’ve won.”

Next to Nora, Jaune added in, “There was a recording of it going around campus, like from the moment Qrow bushed back his bangs to the end where the General stopped the fight.”

To Blake, it’s a little odd to see Jaune gush about this since majority of them choose to ignore the usually mushiness of Clover Flirting Time. But then she notice the way Jaune subtly elbowed his teammate.

“Brush your bangs?” Clover’s focus on that little detail had him reach over to do said action, “Huh, you don’t look that intimidating like this.”

Like this, as they all observe, is Qrow blushing madly at the close contact and gentle action, the way Clover’s fingers glided through his dark hair like water.

Oblivious to the two men, everyone else in the room saw Jaune and Nora fist bump each other. They don’t even hide their smugness. No they toss it over at Weiss and Ren.

Ren is slightly alarmed.

Their resident ice princess on the other hand is silently fuming.

Like Blake mentioned before, this is a game.

It may be petty, invasive, and a tad immoral.

And yet it has begun.

-

So yeah, I need fic title suggestions and ideas

pls

#rwby fic #blake belladonna #qrow branwen #fair game #ironqrow #my fic

[cygnuswheel]

after running away, a young boy stops, stone still. argus is so dreadfully cold. let’s see what he can do to fix that...

“ i like this one. “ oscar says, holding up the jacket to the mirror with a little smile. the colors are a bit new for him, especially with them being in such bold ratios, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing in his book. “ what do you think? “

there’s no answer.

the boy expects as much, considering the silent treatment that he’s gotten the past few days, but that doesn’t make the way his heart falls any softer. always too loud when no one expects it, always too quiet when everyone expects him. the walk around argus had been so quiet without the constant thrum in the back of his head, small pushes of approval, disapproval, or pure amusement being left to only the static ring of his ears and mind. blinking, he folds the outerwear gently before placing it into his basket for later.

ozpin hasn’t talked to him in days. a few months back, oscar would have found that to be a blessing, a chance for him to finally think for himself and settle on the idea that destiny never looked good on him. that there was no responsibility to be had, only himself, only the farm, only the routine that he had grown used to living with, as much as he wanted to complain about it at times. it would all be numb again, and he could go on living without thinking too hard on what things could have been. he was just a farmhand, a boy. he was normal. 

but it’s too late for that by now, and he knows that. the passing sight of a dark haired man bedridden flies through his mind, the memory still as fresh as newly fallen snow. the child is reminded that his mental company was also just a boy once, one who strived to do what was right from the very beginning. one that was forced to learn that one day, in order to do what was right, he would have to do wrong. the very notion broke this fairytale boy’s heart into pieces until he had to bury it within himself and hide how much he cared about his own actions. living on had been an apology at some point: i’m so sorry that i wasn’t able to stop everything in time, before it was too late.

“ these belts are good. i wouldn’t have to worry about my outfit flying everywhere if it was held down. “ again, he muses aloud, the accessory sitting innocently on his hands. gods, he never had to think about fashion before, aside from how easy it was to move in them for his work. this was the same line of thought, but a bit more... refined. oscar almost laughs. his aunt would be so happy to know that he finally cared a bit about how he looked. he catches the warped reflection of one of his eyes in the belt buckle. with it comes a sigh. 

it’s not just for him, no.

the greens, the reds, the blacks and golds-- it’s a strange amalgamation for him, but he has to realize that these choices aren’t just on his own behalf, as quiet as the world is right now. “ this place really has some fancy stuff. “ some of the price tags had already made him sweat. how could anyone afford this? the amount of lien wasn’t something that he could bring himself to fathom. but still, good gear could only aid combat. ( he would have been lying if he said that he wasn’t cold out of his mind, too. ) it would take some time for him to get used to it, but hey, oscar’s life seemed to be filled with new things lately. this is just another thing to get used to. “ and i’m going to keep talking to you whether you do or don’t reply, you know. “

there’s the smallest shift in his core. a ripple of some emotion... embarrassment? were he not paying attention, the boy wouldn’t have been able to pick up on it at all. talk about tuning into your inner self. the store keeps humming along despite the boy talking to himself, mostly because the overhead music would drown out whatever whispering he’s doing to anyone but himself. anyone but himself and whoever else is stuck in his head with him, that is. finally, something that stopped the static ring. but oz still doesn’t say a word. oscar rolls his eyes and slips some gloves into the basket. 

this is going to cost his entire life savings at this rate. he hadn’t wanted to tap into them when travelling to mistral, but that was because he was still somewhat in denial at that point. the trip wouldn’t be that long, he told himself as he settled into the train seat and stared out the window. he would have been back before he knew it, and life would have gone back to normal. a glance at his surroundings. yeah, that really panned out exactly how he expected it to, huh. but even back then, he knew that this would be something different, something more magnificent than his naive imagination could have ever conceptualized back then.

( a clash, a scream, a silent apology. he remembers the girl’s first cries so clearly that he still hears it when he closes his eyes. ‘ i don’t have one. ‘ the defeated king says with his head held low, and all oscar can feel is how cold his hands are as the world around them falls apart. ) 

reality was always going to be confusing. it would always come to hurt him more than he expected and rip him away from any fantasies that he had previously. the fairy tales themselves are tainted, and so is his view of everything that he’s ever grown to believe. what a horrid fate for a boy of fourteen years. and what an awful reality that a man of many millennia had come to accept as his new normal after countless failed attempts at trying to forget why he had come back to the land of the living in the first place.

even without the other speaking, oscar knows that ozpin is not one that appreciates pity. the very gesture of it is lower and more pathetic than anything that he could accept, and, in a way, the boy can understand that. to have someone feel bad for you, you, when all they should have been doing was worrying about themselves... it’s not something unfamiliar. maybe that was to be expected, being the wallflower that he had grown up as. for someone to acknowledge all of the wrongs of your life means that you would need to regard yourself as a person worthy of being regarded as human. and ozpin had thrown away that right so long ago when he finally came to accept his mission. so why, oh why, the headmaster asks silently with a certain feeling of wryness that the boy feels in his blood, was oscar pine, his current cursed vessel, feeling bad for him?

“ i’d tell you to shut up, but you’re being smart with me. “ a scoff. he feels the impression of his headmate raising a brow. “ if you weren’t so busy moping, you’d already know. “ fitting room, fitting room... ah. there. “ i thought you were better at the whole mind reading thing compared to me. whenever i try for you i just get a montage of you drinking hot cocoa and looking at your scroll. “ that i can’t read for some reason, he almost adds, but opts against it in favor of sneaking into one of the last available rooms. he’s losing oz’s presence, it feels like a dying wick on its last legs. the man is tired, but so is oscar. and the kid will be damned if the other leaves before saying what he needs to say. “ ... you’ve made a lot of mistakes. “

“ actually, you’re pretty awful. “ oscar mumbles to himself as he takes off his shirt, slipping on the new one. it feels way too new, he’s only worn hand me downs for the last five years or so. but it’s comfortable, in its own way. he’ll get used to it. the stained and worn shirt that he had grown to love is folded neatly and left on the bench. “ i think if we were face to face, the first thing i’d do is kick you where it hurts. “ 

“ but i’m not mad, and it’s not because of your ‘ i can stay calm during anything and everything ‘ attitude. “ the finality of the tone startles even himself, and no doubt shocks his company. “ life sucks, the gods suck, and immortality sucks, no matter what form it comes in. that’s what jinn taught us, remember? “ no response. typical. oscar’s eyebrows narrow, and he readjusts one of his belts. a pause. he takes a breath.

“ jaune’s nephew is really cute. “

surprise. confusion. curiosity. this wasn’t what either of them expected to bring up, apparently. “ i was looking at him the whole time we were at the cotta-arc house. he has a good family. “ clothing himself is so exhausting. oscar lets his arms drop to his sides for a  moment. ( he won’t acknowledge that trying to start up a conversation for the past two hours or so was starting to wear at his stamina. ) “ it reminded me of that one family you had. when you started to try again. “ their smiles are so bright and loving. the wife’s expression is filled with such warmth. 

“ maybe the world is big. maybe it’s hard to protect. “ he continues on, pressing, pushing, trying. “ maybe trying can feel pointless after some time, and maybe people can be difficult and hard to help after all of your effort. “ oz’s eyes are wandering, trying to avoid the conversation. but oscar won’t let him. he holds the other’s shame in his hands and grips it firmly. “ but having a future is important. being able to appreciate the small things is important. “

“ i want to make sure that people still have a future, even if the world is against them. “ the boy is patting himself down now, brushing off any dust specks that he can catch in his sight. “ and i don’t want it to be based on lies this time. “ yang’s eyes still burn so brightly in his memory. he remembers the shock on weiss’ face, the absolute hopelessness on blake’s. ruby had never looked so hurt before. and qrow... the headmaster scowls. he never wanted them to hurt that badly. he didn’t want to destroy everything that they had been working for. he would have been content holding everything on his own shoulders until the end of time, because he had felt how many lifetimes the truth had ruined. a single one would never be enough time to despair. 

“ they’re stronger than you think. “ he retorts, putting a hand to his own chest. he remembers how scared he used to be, how terrified he was at the thought of everything going wrong. “ they want the next generation to grow up happy, like you do. don’t forget how much you care. you just... “ oscar trails off. the entity is quiet, waiting. for once, he wants to listen. “ you just don’t have to care alone anymore. “ 

hm.

he’s done. turning around, oscar finally looks at himself in the mirror. gods, he looks like a completely different person. months ago, he would have never been able to imagine himself in this position, looking this fancy. he can feel in the back of his head that someone else is looking on too, admiring the thread-work, and while his approval is silent as can be, it speaks volumes. they’ve both changed so much over the months. “ well. ready to fake it till i make it. “

the other still doesn’t know how to respond to all of this. to oscar’s newlyfound sense of maturity, to the kindness and acceptance that he had offered to his own plague. it’s a warmth that he had never thought to offer himself in centuries, wretched imitation of humanity that he was. for once he felt... accepted. normal. even though nothing about this situation was normal. if the one person he had wronged the most in this scenario was willing to believe in his goals, then were his constant efforts to face in the inevitable not for naught? maybe.

maybe things would end up okay, if he was working with someone like oscar.

“ now. “

“ i took all this time trying to find something that we’d both like. “ ozpin doesn’t like the smirk that’s starting to grow on the boy’s lips. “ so give me your bank account info or i’ll walk out of this room naked. “

a snort, and then a laugh. but it’s not his own, no. ugh, finally. the boy lets the smile grow more freely across his face as his eyes narrow in pride and satisfaction. as he takes out his scroll, he can hear the slightest whisper in his mind that guides his fingertips...

#oscar pine #professor ozpin #ozpin #rwby #( two souls. ) #[ this is just word vomit i haven't written a fic in years so im sorry if this looks weird! ] #[ i just had a lot of feelings and needed to get it out ] #[ i love ozpin and oscar so much yall. id do anything for them pl ]

[albion-93]

RWBY Analysis: Who is the Main Antagonist of Volume 6?

Disclaimer: Contains intense RWBY theorising and speculation inspired by Volume 6 Chapter 9 that is subject to being made redundant should the rest of the Volume go along like nothing as follows in this post.

RWBY has an interesting history when it comes its villains and antagonists. From Volumes 1 to 3 we saw a succession of rogues who fit the bill, each nastier than the last, from the likes of Roman Torchwick to Adam Taurus, Cinder Fall, and finally Salem. When it came to these four especially, and their criminal cohorts, the terms villain and antagonist went hand in hand. And with good reason, they were in active or indirect opposition to our protagonists’ actions, and their intentions and deeds ranged from petty theft to Machiavellian manipulation, terrorism and mass murder. Roman was a solid rival and foe to Ruby Rose, while Cinder served her role as main villain and antagonist well in Volumes 1 to 3, with Salem’s overarching series antagonist role revealed as a cliffhanger.

With Volumes 4 and 5, there were certainly plenty of villains but the role of main antagonist became somewhat complicated. As Team RWBY split up, most of them faced their own antagonist to overcome in various stages. In Vol 4 Weiss had her abusive father, Jacques Schnee; Blake had the White Fang operatives in Menagerie; Yang’s was at first psychological - the trauma of losing her arm and regaining her resolve to fight - and the second came in the form of her estranged survivalist mother Raven Branwen. Lastly is Ruby, who is sadly the most lacking in this department. Apart from her battles against the Grimm alongside Jaune, Nora and Ren, nothing came close to Roman or a potential enmity with Cinder, alas.

Now that RWBY is back together, things have changed. Cinder is now a month behind everyone else and unable to confront anyone. Salem is moving her minions into place in Atlas but doesn’t pose a direct threat to the heroes, though we will probably see Hazel, Tyrian and Watts out in the open at some point. Emerald is experiencing a crisis of allegiance, while Mercury seems to have chosen his side. Finally, Adam Taurus is as yet unaccounted for with no White Fang support to be found. 

You could argue that we’ve had the threat of personal demons and some excellent opposing interplay within the group, such as Ruby dealing with Qrow’s alcoholism and despair, Weiss’s reluctance to return to Atlas, Blake and Yang keeping a lid on their issues, and everyone falling into despair and anger at learning of Salem’s immortality. As effective as these are, there hasn’t been a single villainous character directly or indirectly circumventing the heroes’ actions. Odd.

So, I ask again, who is the main antagonist of Volume 6?

My personal take might shock many if you.

Since the start of Volume 6, this character’s words, choices and unfortunate past mistakes has led to more problems for the heroes than anything caused by Adam, Cinder or Salem. He’s nominally on the side of good but has failed in upholding his mission and his stagnation and secrecy has become a source of fear, discord, disunity and despair, more so than any servant of Salem. I am referring to Professor Ozpin.

Now let me be absolutely clear about this: Ozpin is NOT a villain.

Ozpin does not crave death, destruction, domination or the suffering of humanity. In the past, he was a kind and wise mentor to Ruby at Beacon, and a fair leader. He is ultimately someone who wants to put an end to Salem’s evil and somehow lift the curse, maybe once he believed he would be the one to finally do it. But now, he he’s a liability to Team RWBY, the remains of Team JNPR and of course his most recent incarnation, Oscar Pine.

If he had elected to tell the heroes that the Lamp attracts Grimm before boarding the Argus Express, and most vitally trust them, they might have avoided separation and being stranded. His constant omission of the truth, while claiming that it was for the greater good, is the same mentality that contributed to the Fall of Beacon. The more his pessimism, bitterness and double standard thinking emerged, the more the group’s distrust grew, culminating in Oscar briefly regaining control and revealing the Jinn in the Lamp. He was even prepared to use force to stop Ruby from asking Jinn what he was hiding. Overcome with despair and shame, he retreated deep into Oscar’s mind. They were left there to endure the Brunswick Farms horrors because of him.

I don’t blame him for retreating as he did, especially given the secrets regarding Salem. But when they finally reached Argus and the truth was revealed to Team JNR, he didn’t even re-emerge to come to Oscar’s defence from Jaune’s anger, and let him take the brunt of it. Again, there was no malice on Ozpin’s part, but in not intervening he allowed the rift between Oscar and the others to widen. In an older post, I said that if I were Oscar I would have taken my chances with the cold weather and Grimm rather than stay with people mad at me for another man’s mistakes. That came true in Dead End. So how is it he went from this...

To this?

The thing that struck me in the recent episode Lost was the reveal that Oscar had seemingly been waiting for the group at the Cotta-Arc house sporting new,  princely clothes and having cooked dinner for everyone. I do not think for a moment that that’s the real Oscar who welcomed the gang back. Absolutely nothing about what we saw in the previous episode, being threatened, isolated and emotionally dumped on naturally leads into him being relaxed, willing to reaffirm his mission to help RWBY, accepting his fate, easily forgiving Jaune and cooking dinner for everyone. Why would he do any of this? 

Looking at his body language and choice of words, he seems too calm, confident and controlled to be Oscar. His new combat outfit lines up with the green motif shared in other past Ozma incarnations, even with the red flourishes and leather fittings. Also, take a read of this dialogue, and instead of Oscar pretend it’s Ozpin saying this to the group:

Many have said that this sounds an awful lot like someone with a terminal illness would say, and that this could be a sign of the Merge happeninng. But why is the story acting like Oscar is the one who will fade away, when Jinn showed the different approaches Ozma had to coexisting with his hosts? 

Personally, I think it’s Ozpin imitating Oscar. He seemed surprised when he found out the group were looking for him, so how could Oscar not know why they were looking for him? For Ozpin, it’s a perfect cover since the group still doesn’t trust him but are are happy to see the boy safe. Asserting his desire to help extends a proverbial peace offering, while keeping the nature of the possession ambiguious. Also, isn’t cooking dinner for someone (or indeed twelve people) a pretty good way of making amends? 

But hang on, how could Ozpin still be an antagonist if he’s promising to help the heroes and wants to bury the grudges between them? He’s not telling the truth and remaining entrenched in the same mindset that has weakened their efforts in the past. Also, if Oscar is being locked inside his own head and being used for deception this is certainly a moral breach.

I think Oscar would have succeeded in running away or done something much worse if Oz didn’t forcibly intervene. Such a move would be very in keeping with Ozpin’s pattern of actions; the idea of committing a little evil in the name of the greater good, i.e. to return Oscar safely  to the group he had to forcibly take over. Also, the omission of vital truths and maintaining an amiable facade in the belief that everyone is happier for not knowing the full story. There’s even escalating a dangerous solution whilst potentially alienating or endangering others and removing the option of choice, just like in Volume 3.

It would be a cruel twist of irony if Jaune’s angry rant at Oscar in the house actually became a self fulfilling prophecy; “How do we know it’s really him?! What if we’ve been talking to that liar this whole time?!” By denying Oscar’s individuality when he was at his most vulnerable, he sowed the seeds for Oz to return and deceive the heroes into thinking Oscar returned of his own free will.

Now, imagine if all this crazy theory-crafting proved correct and the truth came out, Ozpin would have to contend with the wrath of RWBY and JNR, for duplicity, manipulation and subduing another’s will. And yet, unless something changes within him or his soul and Oscar’s battle for survival, there is nothing anyone can do. A once good mentor turned antagonist, with no villainous intent or goal, who cannot be challenged, driven away, imprisoned or killed without hurting his innocent host. Now that is a terrifying foe...

Aside Note: If it IS Oscar talking and this is something that he has decided himself, we didn’t see the process of making that decision for himself and go through classic character development or spiritual guidance to reach that point and signal his newfound commitment to the mission. This isn’t just a plot hole, this is an easy fix, and completely antithetical to good storytelling. After eight episodes where there were no easy fixes in the plot, why is this suddenly allowed? Maybe a character short could retcon character growth into place, but I have serious doubts.

The one point I will give is the look shared between Ruby and Ozcar when she complimented his new attire. That seemed like a genuine Oscar moment and expression, and I could buy that he chose red to earn Ruby’s attention. But I’m still suspicious.

Thank you to all who’ve read this long analysis post. I’m sure the next episode has a very different idea from what I’m proposing, maybe a much less dark outcome, but this was a very interesting train of thought to indulge.

#rwby #RWBY volume 6 #rwby spoilers #rwby lost #rwby analysis #rwby theory #rwby ramblings #rwby villains #rwby antagonist #rwby salem #cinder fall #rwby volume six #rwby vol 6 #Ozpin #rwby ozpin #ruby rose #Team RWBY #team jnpr #Jaune Arc #adam taurus #ozma rwby #weiss schnee #yang xiao long #Blake belladonna #rwby6 #rwby6 spoilers #rwby ozcar

[thecomicsnexus]

Heroes for Hope

HEROES FOR HOPE DECEMBER 1985 BY CHRIS CLAREMONT, ANN NOCENTI, JIM STARLIN, JIM SHOOTER, STAN LEE, ED BRYANT, LOUISE SIMONSON, STEPHEN KING, BILL MANTLO, ALAN MOORE, HARLAN ELLISON, JO DUFFY, MIKE BARON, DENNY O’NEIL, GEORGE R. R. MARTIN, BRUCE JONES, STEVE ENGLEHART, MIKE GRELL, ARCHIE GOODWIN, BERNIE WRIGHTSON...

JOHN ROMITA JR, JOHN BUSCEMA, BRENT ANDERSON, JOHN BYRNE, CHARLES VESS, RICHARD CORBEN, MIKE KALUTA, FRANK MILLER, BRIAN BOLLAND, JOHN BOLTON, STEVE RUDE, BRET BLEVINS, HERB TRIMPE, GRAY MORROW, PAUL GULACY, ALAN WEISS, JACKSON GUICE, HOWARD CHAYKIN...

AL GORDON, KLAUS JANSON, JOE SINNOTT, TERRY AUSTIN, DAN GREEN, JEFF JONES, JON J MUTH, TOM PALMER, AL MILGROM, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, P. CRAIG RUSSELL, CARL POTTS, AL WILLIAMSON, SAL BUSCEMA, BOB LAYTON, JOE RUBINSTEIN, STEVE LEIALOHA, WALT SIMONSON... 

DAINA GRAZIUNAS, MARIE SEVERIN, BOB SHAREN, PETRA SCOTESE, CHRISTIE SCHEELE, MICHELLE WRIGHTSON, GLYNIS OLIVER, GEORGE ROUSSOS, LESLIE ZAHLER AND JANET JACKSON (NOT THAT JANET JACKSON)

SYNOPSIS

The X-men are attacked by a strange entity that makes them feel despair and end up going to Ethiopia to help people against the famine (and fighting this entity after a while).

OFFICIAL CONTEXT

CONTEXT BY CHRISTOPHER PRIEST

The most heated racial episode in my career occurred during Marvel's production of their charity book for Ethiopian famine victims. Promoted as work from "the top writers and artists in the industry-- the very best of the very best," profits from this effort were going to be donated to help the poor starving Africans. It was a truly noble effort, one the entire industry rallied behind (at least until DC decided to do their own book, thus dividing the talent pool along company lines). Denys Cowan dropped by and mentioned, amused, that he'd seen the list of talent working on the famine relief project. There wasn't a single African American creator invited to participate. This actually amused me tremendously, and I went over the list myself to make sure, but, yup, no blacks had been thought of as, "the very best of the very best," and none were invited to work on this book.

Tickled, I picked up the phone and called Larry Hama, telling him no blacks were on the list. Larry was hugely amused, and suggested we do our own charity relief book for the poor white trash of Appalachia. He and I howled with laughter, and then shook off the dumbness of it all and got on with our lives.

Only, a white staffer had overheard part of the conversation (I assume the notion of my "recruiting" Hama to do my "own alternate charity book"), and some warped interpretation of my conversation with Hama got reported down the hall to the X-MEN office (where the book was being developed). The editors became incensed and loudly demanded my head on a plate for, essentially, inciting the black talent to stop working for Marvel. I mean, this thing got blown to huge proportions, so much so that, by the end of the day, it was largely accepted as fact that I was organizing a walkout of black talent, and the EIC kind of put me and the X-Men editor in a room to negotiate a deal.

I just couldn't stop laughing. I mean, it was all so stupid. These were stupid people. It was extremely stupid to do an African relief charity project and not invite any damned Africans to work on it. It was even sillier for these stupid people to invent some massive protest out of a silly joke in a 30-second phone call with Larry Hama.

The X-Men Ed was not amused, and refused to believe me when I said I had no intention of bad-mouthing the project. I was invited to participate, but I just chuckled and said, "No affirmative action, please." And this just set the Ed off into a screaming match that could be heard everywhere in the office, "What is WRONG with you? Why do you have to make a RACIAL ISSUE OUT OF EVERYTHING?!?!?!"

It just got out of control, and the episode (along with my paying my assistant to stay home on MLK's birthday once it was ratified as a national holiday but Marvel refused to recognize it, other than the numbingly patronizing "We got us our own holiday" speech by Luke Cage in the VISION & SCARLET WITCH Miniseries) fairly cemented my pariah status at Marvel. Without saying a word and without actually doing anything, I was routinely assumed to be some radical activist who saw everything as a race issue.

I felt trapped in a world of loons. It was totally no-win, and I tended to simply withdraw from the office more and more, from people who, in my view, had now invented a justification to do what they'd been doing all along: fencing themselves off from me.

CONTEXT BY JIM SHOOTER

Pam had arranged for Oxfam America to receive our donation. Their reaction to our offer, at first, was what one might expect from people who had never seen a comic book up close: “Comic book? There’s nothing funny about famine!” Sigh.

For some reason Pam was determined that we should donate the money to them, though, and we convinced them that comics weren’t always comic. They still demanded to review the finished book before they would commit to accept our donation.

When the book was ready to go to press, we sent a mock-up to Oxfam America to review.

Their response was that they wanted nothing to do with it. Flat rejection.

Furthermore, they said that the book was unbelievably offensive and that we, the people of Marvel Comics, were racist, sexist and reprehensible.

When this was told to me by Pam and Marvel President Jim Galton I felt as if I were being called on the carpet. I was flabbergasted. I showed them the mock-up.

They didn’t see anything wrong with it.

Galton called the exec at Oxfam America we’d been dealing with to ask what their specific objections were.

Their response was that, while under no circumstances would they have anything to do with our project or with us, they would send an executive to meet with us and explain the many horrific, repugnant, disgusting elements that made our “comic book” anathema.

So they did. Oxfam America’s representative came to meet with Galton and me. The meeting took place in Galton’s office.

I do not remember the man’s name.

He was a nice-looking, thirty-something man. He had on a suit that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. Designer shoes. He had on more gold and diamond jewelry than I’d ever seen on a human being. Jeweled watch. Cufflinks. Stickpin. Bracelets. A neck chain that would make a rapper blush.  Doubt me, go ahead. Discount by two-thirds what I’m telling you and you should still have an image of a guy wearing clothes and jewelry that at market price would feed a thousand starving people for a month.

After the greetings and handshaking, Galton, making conversation, said that he imagined that Oxfam America and other charitable organizations had, at least, gotten a lot of people to focus on the ongoing tragedy in Africa, and had inspired many efforts such as ours from musicians and performers and artists.

This Oxfam America fellow, let’s call him Midas, just plain gushed about how good for business the East African famine was, how donations were rolling in at record levels. He talked about the millions dying as if it were a great marketing opportunity.

Galton and I were stupefied. We couldn’t believe how thrilled Midas was that his business was booming.

Midas explained that the purpose of his visit wasn’t here to request changes or negotiate. He had come to save us from our own folly. He made it clear that Oxfam America had nothing but contempt for us and our work. He came as a favor, to urge us not to publish the abomination that we had created. He assured us that it would destroy Marvel Comics.

Right. Well, naturally, I wondered why.

Midas flipped through the mock-up. Again and again he pointed out black characters that he said “looked like Michael Jackson.” We were obviously trying to capitalize on Michael Jackson’s image and fame.

Michael Jackson in particular and the Jackson family in general were huge supporters of Oxfam America, by the way. Every drawing of a woman, he said, was sexist and exploitative. He was particularly offended by depictions of Storm, which he thought were more than sexist, a denigration of women of color.

I mentioned that the men were heroic and glamorous, too. Just like in the movies, stars tend to be good looking.

He pointed out a panel in which Chris had a carnival barker saying: “Yowza….” That, he said, was racist in the extreme. I don’t have the book handy, as explained above, but wasn’t that character Caucasian?

Moore and Corben’s pages? Yikes.

I cannot begin to tell you all the racism, sexism and hate that he (and Oxfam America) read into the words and pictures.

Wow.

The punch line is this: Midas accused Marvel of “stealing Janet Jackson’s logo.” He believed that the Heroes for Hope logo, credited to Janet Jackson, was ripped off.

I offered to introduce him to the designer on our staff who had created the logo, one Miss Janet Claire Jackson. He dismissed my obvious attempt at a cover-up.

No, really, we have a designer named…. Oh, never mind.

No wonder Janet Claire Jackson eventually started going by the name “Blog Elf.”

Finally, the lunatic left. Galton and I shared a moment of “what a jerk.”

Pam was instructed to find some other organization to which to donate the money. She came up with the American Friends Service Committee.

Heroes for Hope was a huge success. Thanks to our sales department, we got donations from downstream—distributors, retailers, even fans.

Can’t find the press release and the picture of me and Galton giving the AFSC honchos the PR “Big Check” created by our production department to symbolize the real check. I think the initial donation was $500,000. Much more came later.

It was a great thing. Jim Starlin, Bernie Wrightson, Ann Nocenti and Chris Claremont are great heroes in my book. Heroes for hope. There are people alive today who wouldn’t be without their efforts.

AND ABOUT THOSE STEPHEN KING PAGES

The non-comics writers who participated needed some help in most cases, which Ann and Chris provided. The biggest challenge was Stephen King’s contribution. I may be exaggerating here, but not by much—he gave us something like 5,000 words for three pages. Almost overnight, by the way.  Chris, Ann and I somehow cut that down to what would fit on three comics pages. 500 words? I forget.  Has anyone else ever had to cut out 90% of Stephen King’s brilliant words?

REVIEW

This was bound to not be a nice comic-book to review. The famine in Ethiopia at the moment had political origins that people decided to look over in favor of Live Aid and We Are The World.

Let’s just say that sending super-heroes there to help doesn’t guarantee a success (although they could have done something more against politicians, but let’s not go there).

The story is a bit abstract and the characters pretty much end up making sense of it without ever checking their facts (like the entity being a mutant and why it exists). The sequences about each X-man being tortured psychologically was too repetitive. By the time they end up in Africa (something that happens on a wild guess), the book is almost over.

The art doesn’t have a nice unifying feel. Something that could have been possible with breakdowns and less inkers and colorists.

But you know what? I understand why it had to be like that. This book was made ad honorem, and people did a great effort to just put the damn thing on the stands.

My other concern is that the X-men weren’t the right fit for a story like this. I understand they were popular back then, but these comics should attract non-readers as well (it’s for a good cause after all). And to be frank, things like Rachel Summers, Storm not having powers, Magneto being the leader... those are things of that time. Very hard to relate to. The Avengers would have been a better choice, or even Spider-man and the Fantastic Four (even if Spidey was looking a bit different at the time).

I like the message of not losing hope, and hope being the one thing keeping people alive in such tragedies... but then they kind of go back home. Leaving hope?

I don’t think the ideas in the book were brought down on something concrete or to keep thinking on. It is just confusing.

I give the book a score of 5

#heroes for hope #famine #marvel comics #x-men #1985 #comics #review #modern age #live aid #arthur adams