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dextixer · 9 months

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What Vtuber Ruby and Miles cameos say, matter (kinda).

So, a day or so ago we have had people discuss about Rubys Vtubing appearances and the things she has said on video. People have had mixed opinions on what was said, some people think its not a problem, others think its a problem, some others dont care. So, i wanted to chime in on this entire discussion and why in my opinion this, and the cameos that Miles makes matter and are not "irrelevant".

Disclaimer

Before i start, i will note. I dont really think that these things are HUGE problems and "OH NO, THIS RUINS THE SHOW" or any other nonsense. Some people have seen these things way too negatively. But i also think that people who say that it doesnt matter at all are taking 2 way too extreme positions.

Lore Swiss Cheese

One of the main problems of RWBY has, for a long time, been the very vague concepts of what is canon and the in-show lore. From the very start of the show, it had commentary tracks, the creators talking about the show etc. Despite not being in the show itself, we have had many tidbits of information (such as Rubys favourite food) and the like given to us in outside of canon content. And it has not just been some minor things either. Ironwoods semblance basically does not exist in the show, and yet it seems to exist in lore, and it was shared with us from outside the show.

And later on, after V3, RWBY has received a lot of different media that expands on its lore and are considered canonical, despite sometimes never appearing on the show, or even creating very weird situations where something is conspicuous by absence in the show itself. For example, we have a very often discussed topics of V7-8 of the defense of Mantle/Atlas. One of the discussion points have always been how weirdly weak the defenses of the kingdom are. While one could chalk that up to people having an "inflated" view of Atlas military, but we have been canonically told and shown a lot of Atlas tech that is conspicuous by absence in the show.

Automated turrets, different versions of Atlesian Knights etc, which were said to be canonical in Amity:Arena. Or for example stealth tech. Yea, Atlas has stealth tech, like, genuine stealth. Its in one of the books. And yet nowhere in the show.

We have two canonical games, Grimm Eclipse and Arrowfell, with characters and concepts in them that have never been seen in the show. Has anyone ever seen team BRIR in the show? Heard of them? Maybe the tech from Arrowfell would kinda be useful, even if outdated against the Grimm invasion? What about the outlying Atlesian villages? Are they just dead at this point? Where the heck is Thornmane? He gets captured and hes nowhere in jail even as a cameo? And why does noone talk about Grimm Eclipse? Tech enchanced Grimm seem like a bit of a topic that kinda should be discussed sometime, no!?

We also have the comic books with various questionable canonical decisions including Raven turning into a bird to fuck with child Ruby. Blakes involvement with Adam which is somewhat weird because the comic books try to humanize Adam while the show demonizes him.

And let us not forget the whole "Canon Adjacent" nonsense where RT cant even come out and say that its obviously non-canon stories like Ice Queendom and even crossovers with DC are not canon. They cant even come out and say that!

Oh, and of course, i just remembered, the Grimm DnD campaign which is also apparently canon!

The reason i am listing all of these summarized versions of the multiple lore issues that the show has is that the lore of RWBY, is swiss cheese. It has lore that is given partially in so many different places, including in out of universe that its almost impposible to follow it properly, and if you do try, you are only going to get more confused because the main show feels like completely separate from it all, despite being in the same lore.

Vtubing and Cameos matter

And this brings me to of course the very simple claim, that due to the fact that the lore is already swiss cheese, these statements made in Vtubing and Cameos actually matter. Because even if they are not stated to be directly canonical, the lore is already so incredibly fucked and unclear (To the point that some people cant even decide if DC RWBY comics are even canon or not!) that adding these examples to the mix? Its just bad practice. Because at the end of the day, Vtubing Ruby, IS Ruby. She is played as in-universe Ruby, by the same Voice Actress, hosted by the SAME company.

And it matters especially because these things DO affect the FNDM. People who say that these things should be easily ignored are missing one key aspect. A lot of the FNDM are affected by these. BB being a key example. No, im not going to argue that the FNDM forced RT to make it canon. What i WILL argue is that the toxicity of BB community and its rabidness was intentionally cultivated AND enabled by RT. Does it matter that the BB song is not canon? No, it did not. Its not canon in the show and yet it made pro-BB and anti-BB crowds hysterical. Same for the song that was made for Blacksun. These songs directly contributed to the shipping wars. The various moments of people like Barbara also indulging the shippers just further fueled that entire movement.

Hell, the same can be said for Qrow x Winter shippers. While it was never a big thing one of the main "fuels" it had for a long time was because Vic and the VA for Winter interacted in a single panel. Or lets remember the whole "Vibrator function" which is OBVIOUSLY not canon, yet has become a part of often referenced and established fanon.

RWBY does not have a stable FNDM, i know, im a part of it. It does not matter if something is or is not canonical when not only are the lines of canon/noncanon blurred to barely existing, but the FNDM can often take things very far to fuel their expectations, wishes, and behaviour.

Especially when it can fuel what i will refer to as simply exploitative behaviour.

Cameos. Cameos, in my opinion are a fine way for VA's to make money. Such as many other things like, for example, music producers reviewing songs, voice coaches evaluating singing etc. Such content has cropped up maybe 4-5 years ago now and imo, is a fine thing.

But like any thing, imo, there are good and bad ways to do this kind of content. When for 40 bucks, one can ask one of the main WRITERS of the show questions about the shows world and opinions about things like ships. That is, imo, a bit far. Not only does that give an incentive for people to pay money for extra snippets of lore, but also, a way for people to validate their beliefs of ships and other such things. Because that is what his Cameo is all about. Its not VA work, its his words, in relation to his work as a writer for the show. And considering the earliest cameos and Ironwood discussions, that in my opnion is NOT a good thing.

The BB Onlyfans thing is ALSO an example of that, that i think was bad. Once again, disclaimer. I think that OF is fine, you want to do it? Go ahead, i paid for Markipliers photos, i aint ashamed, hes hot. I think it becomes at least slightly concerning however, when the VA's of a controversial ship decide to do an underwear photoshoot together with the same theme as their character in-show relationship.

Because...

Parasociality

A parasocial relationship is feeling a connection with a persona/thing that does not know of your existance or only humours you. Celebrities, sports teams etc.

RT has, for a long time cultivated a STRONG parasocial relationship with the FNDM. There is a reason why they pretend to be down to earth, why they pretend that they are not a corporation and why even to this day, some RT fans STILL believe that RT is some kind of "indie company". There is nothing inherently wrong with having it. Its kind of even unavoidable.

But what RT does is Cynically abuse that relationship. Just like any other corporation. Overworking animators for example? Part of that has been parasociality, people willing to work for their "loved" company etc.

Things like Miles Cameo, the BB photoshoot? The Vtuber Ruby? They are meant to encourage parasociality. To make it seem like the people, the watchers are "closer" to people performing or related to the show. Its all a cynical ploy to get people to pay money, to watch RWBY etc.

There is a reason why even after the RT expose not too long ago, people just went ahead and forgot about it. There is a reason why RWBYTubers that have previously condemned RT for their BS are now shouting at people to support RWBY, supressing those who criticized V9 and are encouraging people to buy merch.

Its all parasocial BS. BS that leads to extreme behaviours.

Such as, but not limited to - Biphobia, Homophobia, calling people facists for liking characters, calling people abuse apologist, groomers, Stalking. Just to name a few.

Also... On an ending note

Its just shit Vtubing

Consider this an unrelated tangent. I watch Vtubers relatively often, usually clips but sometimes i catch streams. Vtuber lore is usually irrelevant even in corporate settings. What people come to watch are the streamers themselves who usually partially play a character but mostly just act like themselves. Not really being lore accurate is not really of importance.

The thing is, those Vtubers usually dont have really established settings and they stream Multiple hours a day, so it all makes sense.

Why in the fuck is the Vtuber Ruby Rose, not acting like Remnant Ruby Rose!? Im not expecting deep lore drops here. But for crying out loud, why make statements that Rabbits or magic dont exist? Ruby Rose being visiting Earth is an AMAZING roleplaying set-up!

There is no dust, no aura, no Grimm! So many differences between the worlds that Ruby Rose can notice and act out! "Oh anime? We have our own version of that! One of the most watched shows is Sailor Sun! (Because the moon is broken)".

Its just a concept that can pay-off so much! Its an isekai in Vtubing form! As far as im aware Vtuber Ruby Rose doesnt even stream daily so its even easier to stay in character! So why in the bloody hell are we getting Dora of Explorer levels of childishness?

Anyway... Here are my thoughts. Peace out.

#rwde #rwby

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bridgyrose · 1 year

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Ruby and ironwood bond over a shared passion of weaponry

“That’s an impressive weapon you have there,” Ironwood said as he walked over to Ruby. “You and your team all have some very… unique weapons that Pietro was excited about being able to handle for a bit.”

Ruby smiled a bit. “Thanks. I’m glad that he was willing to be careful with her. If anything had happened, I’m not sure what I’d do.”

“He’s one of the brightest minds we have. He’s the mind that came up with the Penny project and the Atlesian Knights that we use now, along with the technology that’s been used for our prosthetics for huntsmen.”

“He mentioned that to us.”

“Right.” Ironwood sat down for a moment and looked out over the city as night started to fall. “You know, I could show you where all of our weapons and technology is made.”

“You can?”

Ironwood smiled a bit as he heard Ruby’s voice perk up. “Its only fair since you let us handle your weapon for a while. And it can be our little secret.”

“Does it have to be a secret?” Ruby asked. “Cant my team come too?”

“Unfortunately, since most of you are from other kingdoms, we cant exactly allow for all of you to know our secrets. However, I can make an exception to you since we are working together.”

Ruby nodded and checked the time on her scroll. “Guess we’ll want to do this tomorrow, right?”

“We can see it now if you’d like.” Ironwood stood up and gave Ruby a warm smile. “You will have plenty of time to rest before your mission in the morning.”

“If you’re sure, then… alright.”

Ironwood nodded and started to walk back into the Academy, making sure Ruby was following close behind as he took her through the halls of the school and down into the military base. His smile faded to a serious look as he continued his way through, using the ID on his scroll to make his way through each of the doors for clearance. Finally, he stopped at a window that overlooked an automated workshop. “And here’s where the magic happens.”

Ruby stepped over to the window, her smile fading and her excitement fleeing as she watched the machines work. Hundreds, if not thousands of copies of her and her teammate’s weapons were being made and equipped to new robotic soldiers, each completed weapon being tested against captured grimm. “You’re… making copies of our weapons?”

“Each of your weapons is uniquely made, each one proving to be an effective deterrent to the grimm unlike others we’ve seen.” Ironwood moved away from the window, hands behind his back as he made his way further down the hall. “And by allowing us to work on them, you’ve given what we need to make sure our soldiers can push the grimm back when we tell the world about Salem.”

“And you couldn’t have asked us first before mass producing the weapons we care about?”

Ironwood paused in his step. “Salem is already making her move and you and your team have already proven to be effective huntsmen. Almost as effective as the Ace-ops. What Atlas… what I’m trying to do is make sure that we are ready for what is about to come. And while I am able to provide the soldiers needed to protect each kingdom, we’re still missing the strength needed to fully hold Salem back.” He motioned to the next window, calmly. “So we’re taking… different measures.”

Ruby walked to the window he motioned to and paused as she watched a few Atlas soldiers start to mimic her fighting style with a scythe, rushing through grimm with ease as they struck with deadly accuracy. A few other soldiers using copies of her friends’ weapons, including a variation of Penny’s, were following suit as they practiced on hard light copies of grimm. “This is… wrong.”

“Its what needs to be done in order to keep everyone safe.” Ironwood walked up behind Ruby, hands still behind his back as he watched the robotic soldiers. “They’ll be field tested tomorrow while you and your friends are helping Mantle. Once we know that they’ll work-”

“And if we dont agree to this?”

“Why would you need to?”

“These are our weapons! Our fighting styles! They’re us!” Ruby turned around and glared at Ironwood. “Dont you think that we need to have a say in how you use our property?”

Ironwood sighed and closed his eyes for a moment as he pressed a button on his scroll. “I was hoping you’d see things my way. Since you arent and are unable to make the choices that are necessary, I think its time I relieve you of your duty.”

Ruby paused for a moment as she heard her scroll go off as a notification ran through to disable her huntress license. “You cant do that!”

“I can and I will.” Ironwood turned around and started to walk off as he pressed another button on his scroll. A couple soldiers came through the doors at the end of the hall and rushed to Ruby to arrest her. “I hope the next appointed leader of your team will see things better.”

“You cant do this!” Ruby yelled as she struggled against the grips of the soldiers. “We’re supposed to be working together!”

“We were.” His eyes glanced through another window he walked by and watched one of the robotic soldiers be given synthetic skin and an outfit similar to Ruby’s. “And I think I know a way for us to continue working together without your interference.”

#rwby ruby rose #ruby rose #general ironwood #james ironwood #drabbles #shared bond au #shared bond #rwby

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rwby-redux · 1 year

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What is the Atlas Military like in Redux?

I mean, technically speaking, it’s not actually the “Atlesian military.” People often call it that since the general is the headmaster of Atlas Academy, but it’s not all that accurate. The correct name for it is the “global” or “world military,” since it’s a joint peacekeeping operation dictated by Remnant’s 17 world leaders.

Some historical context:

After the Mistrali-Mantic Alliance officially surrendered in 10 IB, the leaders of Remnant’s four great powers convened at the Island of Vytal. This meeting, later called the Vytal Summit, was to discuss reparations, concessions, government restructuring, and international laws that all countries would abide by.

One of the main talking points was, “What do we do with our armed forces?”

Understandably, people were reluctant to fully disband their militaries, since international tensions were still a bit high. No one wanted to create a scenario where one country complied, only to then be left vulnerable and at the mercy of its neighbors. And even if that weren’t the case, Grimm remained an active threat—perhaps now more than ever, since their global activity dramatically spiked over the last ten years. Many settlements fell to them during the Great War—Periit, Kuebiko, Amervaile, the Yrrose cities.

It was an all-around unpleasant situation.

King Ozark, Vale’s last reigning monarch, was the one who suggested a specialized Grimm-killing task force. After all, most of the countries in attendance already had something like it back home: Vale’s knights, Mistral’s rangers, Vacuo’s outriders. Huntsmen, as they were later called, would be the world’s answer to the Grimm: specialized fighters, jointly educated and trained to protect people, regardless of national borders. Huntsmen would be a preemptive measure, a way to routinely deal with Grimm and keep their numbers low.

But here's the thing: Huntsmen are by default meant to fight Grimm, not people. And the Great War wasn’t caused by monsters—it was caused by man.

It’s worth pointing out that the formation of the academies did help significantly decrease international tension, by rallying people against a common enemy. But Huntsmen couldn’t fully dispel generations’ worth of imperialism, nationalism, and genocide. There was the lingering fear that groups of people might try to kickstart another war.

That’s where the world military comes in.

Repurposed from the ranks of Mantle’s armed forces, the world military was created as a final, last-ditch measure to deal with disputes manufactured by people. Its purpose is to intervene in conflicts too large or aggressive to be handled domestically.

In order for the global military to be mobilized, it requires a unanimous vote from all 17 world leaders—the four councilors of each kingdom, and the leader of Menagerie. There’s an exception to this rule, which states that if a country is violating international law, then the military can be deployed with a unanimous vote sans that of the country at fault.

Hypothetically, let’s say Mistral tried to reinstate slavery within its borders, and word got out. The World Council is obligated to hold a meeting with Mistral’s council and try to find a peaceful solution. If Mistral’s government refuses and continues to violate international law, then the other world leaders can vote to mobilize the military. In a case like this, only a 13/17 vote is needed, since Mistral’s council has forfeited their right to vote. It’s never gotten to this point in the last eighty years, thankfully. International relations have been pretty stable, all things considered. There have been a few smaller conflicts where the military did get deployed, but they weren’t on the scale of wars. But that’s a topic for another day.

The head of the military, as mentioned earlier, is the headmaster of Atlas Academy. Academy headmasters are unique in that their council positions aren’t democratically elected, unlike the other three council seats. Instead, headmasters are chosen from amongst their peers. This means that James’ position was only solidified once Ozpin, the Haven headmaster, and the Shade headmaster voted him into power. It’s a quirk which has its share of detractors. That being said, there is a reason why this “design flaw” exists, and it was very much deliberate on Ozark’s part.

The “main” base of operations for the military is the Island of Vytal, where the eponymous Fort Vytal was built. There are also a handful of other outposts located across Remnant, like Fort Nubuck (which is situated on Bycast Island, within Argus). Resources for these outposts are supplied by all five countries.

Nowadays, the military’s more or less in perpetual standby mode. It hasn’t seen a lot of action in a long time—which means that it’s doing its job correctly.

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ironwoodprotectionsquad · 2 years

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so watching a RWBY reaction video, as you do, and someone just said 'he's getting a taste of his own medicine' when the Atlassian Knights are hacked and activate in Ironwood's ship, which is just like. what. Prior to that moment we see robots (sans Penny) fight three times: minutes before against grimm, end of volume 2 against grimm, and only against people during Blake's trailer where (though justified) she is committing a heist and we know Adam was willing to kill people. Make it make sense

*Sigh* anon I wish I could make it make sense. Their was no reason in volume 3 to hate the Atlesian Knights, they repeatedly helped people and the citizens where happy to watch James's demonstration and seemed very happy by his announcement. In volumes 2 and 3 James was standoffish towards Ozpin yes but at the end of the day he was clearly a friend and ally. People since volume 8 have been trying to find any and every reason to hate on James and turn every action into this big horrific act of violence because in their minds bad guys have to always be wrong and evil and good guys always kind and right no matter what. And the world just doesn't work that way.

#RWDE #james ironwood #ironwood protection squad #pro james ironwood #pro ironwood #general ironwood #general dadmiral #dadmiral ironwood

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itsclydebitches · 3 years

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I’m assuming the little animation in Arrowfell of team RWBY against the Atlesian Knights and Soldiers is a training mission? Or maybe it’s like a License Exam that was offscreen and ‘cut for time’ to shade critics who were like “RWBYJNR getting their Huntsmen licenses was (rightfully) unearned.”

Oh, training is a good guess! Honestly, they look so intense and at one point Weiss seems outright scared

that I just assumed it was a legit battle rather than training (where the group tends to be more playful). Would Ironwood have them destroying the expensive big mechs during a time when resources are scarce just to prove their worth, especially when Mantle supposedly has an endless supply of grimm they can fight? Who knows, that may be too much continuity to expect, in which case yeah, something-something training mission could be the explanation. I would hope, however, that it's not framed specifically as a license exam given that I'm pretty sure the group is shocked when Ironwood presents them with those licenses in Volume 7. That surprise wouldn't make sense if they'd gone on this mission knowing they were angling for status as professional huntsmen.

Then again, our Volume 9 teaser is a little retcon-y too. Outside of Ruby expressing way more emotion there than she did in the actual battle, I've seen others pointing out that a number of important details aren't adding up, such as in Yang and Ruby's fall. Whether it's intentional or not, I think Volume 9, this game, and maybe even Roman Holiday are going to do a fair bit of "fixing." Already these tiny promos are being used by other fans to excuse or outright deny what we got in Volume 8, so I have the bad feeling that a lot of Volume 9 will be watching things that don't quite add up with what we've already gotten and then watching the community either a) brush off those problems completely, or b) uphold the better version in the supplementary material over our primary canon. Yes, in some respects it will be great if Arrowfell clears up aspects of Volume 7... but being happy we got that doesn't mean we can't also be frustrated that such important info didn't make it into the story too. Fans shouldn't have to play a however-expensive game to fully follow RWBY's story. It's the "I shouldn't have to play this mobile game/read this novel/listen to this Q&A/etc." issue all over again.

#rwby #rwde #mymetas

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rwby-sk · 3 years

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If there's one thing that's going to get under Neo's skin, is that Jaune doesn't blame her for Pyrrha's death. She's probably going to keep following him around and demanding that he blame her for it. Unfortunately for her, Jaune's not in the business of punishing her just to assuage her own guilt.

This is where I think Silent Knight gets really, really interesting

Of course Neo played a role in the Fall of Beacon. Her actions lead to Watts' virus taking over all of the Atlesian military tech

But with or without the bots turning on everyone, it's not her fault that Pyrrha died. Cinder killed Pyrrha. And Jaune wasn't there to help her.

Jaune blames Cinder, sure. But mostly he blames himself

Which is the opposite of Neo. Roman died because they were separated and she couldn't be there to watch his back. She blames Ruby for seperating them. Not herself

Which is why I think she's so determined to hurt Ruby. Because Neo has to blame Ruby. Because if it's not all Ruby's fault Roman died, it has to be hers. (Cinder already distanced herself from that responsibility after her fight with Neo in vol.6)

So we have a really weird dynamic between loss and responsibility between these two

I think once Neo gets her closure from Ruby and decides to stop fighting her, she'll have to turn on herself, and put all of the guilt back on herself because it has no where else to go

And why not tack on Pyrrha's death to her conscience while she's at it? If losing Roman was all her own fault (it wasn't) then taking someone else's Roman is her fault too

Which leads us to them helping each other heal

Jaune can tell Neo that Roman's death isn't her fault. That it was all Cinder and the Grimm (both leading back to Salem). That just because she couldn't be there, doesn't mean it's all on her and that it's unfair for her to blame herself

But it's ironic, because that's exactly what Jaune blames himself for too

And Neo can tell him that he's not to blame for Pyrrha's death. That Pyrrha made the choice to go alone (a choice she made against Jaune's will) and it's Cinder's fault for killing her

But telling Jaune that would make her a hypocrite. It's the same thing she blames herself for

Which leads us back to the same Fall Maiden they both tried to fight in Mistral, and the repercussions of their loved one's own actions. Loved ones that they need to let go of

#rwby #neopolitan #jaune arc #silent knight

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silvokrent · 3 years

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RWBY Character Analysis: Pietro and Penny Polendina

Up until now I’ve been keeping quiet about my opinions on the newest volume, in no small part because my personal life has been one absurd setback after another, and I haven’t had the energy to engage in fandom meta. If you do want to know what my current opinion of RWBY is, go over to @itsclydebitches blog, search through her #rwby-recaps tag, and read every single one. At this point, her metas are basically an itemized list of all my grievances with the show. I highly recommend you check ’em out.

Or, if you don’t feel like reading several hours’ worth of recaps, then go find a sheet of paper, give yourself a papercut, and then squeeze a lemon into it. That should give you an accurate impression of my feelings.

In truth, I have a lot to say about the show, particularly how I think CRWBY has mishandled the plot, characters, tone, and intended message of their series. And while I enjoy dissecting RWBY with what amounts to mad scientist levels of glee, I think plenty of other folks have already discussed V7′s and V8′s various issues in greater depth and with far more eloquence. Any contribution I could theoretically make at this point would be somewhat redundant.

That being said, I’d like to talk about something that’s been bothering me for a while, which (to my knowledge) no one else in the fandom has brought up. (And feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.)

Today’s topic of concern is Pietro Polendina, and his relationship with Penny.

And because I’m absolutely certain this post is going to be controversial and summon anonymous armchair critics to fill my inbox with sweary claptrap, I may as well just come out and say it:

Pietro Polendina, as he’s currently portrayed in the show, is an inherently abusive parental figure.

Let me take a second to clarify that I don’t think it was RWBY’s intention to portray Pietro that way. Much like other aspects of the show, a lot of nuance is often lost when discussing the difference between intention versus implementation, or telling versus showing. It’s what happens when a writer tries to characterize a person one way, but in execution portrays them in an entirely different light. Compounding this problem is what feels like a series of rather myopic writing decisions that started as early as Volume 2, concerning Penny’s sense of agency, and how the canon would bear out the implications of an autonomous being grappling with her identity. It’s infuriating that the show has spent seven seasons staunchly refusing to ask any sort of ethical questions surrounding her existence, only to then—with minimal setup—give us Pietro’s “heartfelt” emotional breakdown when he has to choose between “saving” Penny or “sacrificing” her for the greater good.

Yeah, no thanks.

If we want to talk about why this moment read as hollow and insincere, we need to first make sure everyone’s on the same page.

Spoilers for V8.E5 - “Amity.” Let’s not waste any time.

In light of the newest episode and its—shall we say—questionable implications, I figured now was the best time to bring it up while the thoughts were still fresh in my mind. (Because nothing generates momentum quite like frothing-at-the-mouth rage.)

The first time we’re told anything about Pietro, it comes from an exchange between Penny and Ruby. From V2.E2 - “A Minor Hiccup.”

Penny: I've never been to another kingdom before. My father asked me not to venture out too far, but... You have to understand, my father loves me very much. He just worries a lot.

Ruby: Believe me, I know the feeling. But why not let us know you were okay?

Penny: I…was asked not to talk to you. Or Weiss. Or Blake. Or Yang. Anybody, really.

Ruby: Was your dad that upset?

Penny: No, it wasn’t my father.

The scene immediately diverts our attention to a public unveiling of the AK-200. A hologram of James Ironwood is presenting this newest model of Atlesian Knight to a crowd of enthusiastic spectators, along with the Atlesian Paladin, a piloted mech. During the demonstration, James informs his audience that Atlas’ military created them with the intent of removing people from the battlefield and mitigating casualties (presumably against Grimm).

Penny is quickly spotted by several soldiers, and flees. Ruby follows, and in the process the two are nearly hit by a truck. Penny’s display of strength draws a crowd and prompts her to retreat into an alley, where Ruby learns that Penny isn’t “a real girl.”

This scene continues in the next episode, “Painting the Town…”

Penny: Most girls are born, but I was made. I’m the world’s first synthetic person capable of generating an Aura. [Averts her gaze.] I’m not real…

After Ruby assures her that no, you don’t have to be organic in order to have personhood, Penny proceeds to hug her with slightly more force than necessary.

Ruby: [Muffled noise of pain.] I can see why your father would want to protect such a delicate flower!

Penny: [Releases Ruby.] Oh, he’s very sweet! My father’s the one that built me! I’m sure you would love him.

Ruby: Wow. He built you all by himself?

Penny: Well, almost! He had some help from Mr. Ironwood.

Ruby: The general? Wait, is that why those soldiers were after you?

Penny: They like to protect me, too!

Ruby: They don't think you can protect yourself?

Penny: They're not sure if I'm ready yet. One day, it will be my job to save the world, but I still have a lot left to learn. That's why my father let me come to the Vytal Festival. I want to see what it's like in the rest of the world, and test myself in the Tournament.

Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of the approaching soldiers from earlier. Despite Ruby’s protests, Penny proceeds to yeet her into the nearby dumpster, all while reassuring her that it’s to keep Ruby out of trouble, not her. When the soldiers arrive, they ask her if she’s okay, then proceed to lightly scold her for causing a scene. Penny’s told that her father “isn’t going to be happy about this,” and is then politely asked (not ordered; asked) to let them escort her back.

Let’s take a second to break down these events.

When these two episodes first aired, the wording and visuals (“No, it wasn’t my father,” followed by the cutaway to James unveiling the automatons) implied that James was the one forbidding her from interacting with other people. It’s supposed to make you think that James is being restrictive and harsh, while Pietro is meant as a foil—the sweet, but cautious father figure. But here’s the thing: both of these depictions are inaccurate, and frankly, Penny’s the one at fault here. Penny blew her cover within minutes of interacting with Ruby—a scenario that Penny was responsible for because she was sneaking off without permission. Penny is a classified, top-secret military project, as made clear by the fact that she begs Ruby to not say anything to anyone. Penny is in full acknowledgement that her existence, if made public, could cause massive issues for her (something that she’s clearly experienced before, if her line, “You’re taking this extraordinarily well,” is anything to go by).

But here’s the thing—keeping Penny on a short leash wasn’t a unilateral decision made by James. That was Pietro’s choice as well. “My father asked me not to venture out too far,” “Your father isn’t going to be happy about this”—as much as this scene is desperately trying to put the onus on James for Penny’s truant behavior, Pietro canonically shares that blame. And Penny (to some extent) is in recognition of the fact that she did something wrong.

Back in Volumes 1 – 3, before the series butchered James’ characterization, these moments were meant as pretty clever examples of foreshadowing and subverting the controlling-military-general trope. This scene is meant to illustrate that yes, Penny is craving social interaction outside of military personnel as a consequence of being hidden, but that hiding her is also a necessity. It’s a complicated situation with no easy answer, but it’s also something of a necessary evil (as Penny’s close call with the truck and her disclosing that intel to Ruby are anything to go by).

Let’s skip ahead to Volume 7, shortly after Watts tampered with the drone footage and framed her for several deaths. In V7.E7 - “Worst Case Scenario,” a newscaster informs us that people in Atlas and Mantle want Penny to be deactivated, despite James’ insistence that the footage was doctored and Penny didn’t go on a killing spree. The public’s unfavorable opinion of Penny—a sentiment that Jacques of all people embodies when he brings it up in V7.E8—reinforces V2’s assessment of why keeping her secret was necessary. Not only is her existence controversial because Aura research is still taboo, but people are afraid that a mechanical person with military-grade hardware could be hacked and weaponized against them. (Something which Volume 8 actually validates when James has Watts take control of her in the most recent episode.)

But I digress.

We’re taken to Pietro’s lab, where Penny is hooked up to some sort of recharge/docking station. Ruby, Weiss, and Maria look on in concern while the machine is uploading the visual data from her systems. There’s one part of their conversation I want to focus on in particular:

Pietro: When the general first challenged us to find the next breakthrough in defense technology, most of my colleagues pursued more obvious choices. I was one of the few who believed in looking inward for inspiration.

Ruby: You wanted a protector with a soul.

Pietro: I did. And when General Ironwood saw her, he did too. Much to my surprise, the Penny Project was chosen over all the other proposals.

Allow me to break down their conversation so we can fully appreciate what he’s actually saying.

The Penny Project was picked as the candidate for the next breakthrough in defense technology.

Pietro wanted a protector with a SOUL.

In RWBY, Aura and souls are one of the defining characteristics of personhood. Personhood is central to Penny’s identity and internal conflict (particularly when we consider that she’s based on Pinocchio). That’s why Penny accepts Ruby’s reassurances that she’s a real person. That’s why she wants to have emotional connections with others.

What makes that revelation disturbing is when you realize that Pietro knowingly created a child soldier.

Look, there’s no getting around this. Pietro fully admits that he wanted to create a person—a human being—a fucking child—as a "defense technology” to throw at the Grimm (and by extension, Salem). Everything, from the language he uses, to the mere fact that he entered Penny in the Vytal Tournament as a proving ground where she could “test [her]self,” tells us that he either didn’t consider or didn’t care about the implications behind his proposal.

When you break it all down, this is what we end up with:

“Hey, I have an idea: Why don’t we make a person, cram as many weapons as we can fit into that person, and then inform her every day for the rest of her life that she was built for the sole purpose of fighting monsters, just so we don’t have to risk the lives of others. Let’s then take away anything remotely resembling autonomy, minimize her interactions with people, and basically indoctrinate her into thinking that this is something she wants for herself. Oh, and in case she starts to raise objections, remind her that I donated part of my soul to her. If we make her feel guilty about this generous sacrifice I made so she could have the privilege of existing, she won’t question our motives. Next, let’s give her a taste of freedom by having her fight in a gladiatorial blood sport so that we can prove our child soldier is an effective killer. And then, after she’s brutally murdered on international television, we can rebuild her and assign her to protecting an entire city that’s inherently prejudiced against her, all while I brood in my lab about how sad I am.”

Holy fuck. Watts might be a morally bankrupt asshole, but at least his proposal didn’t hinge on manufacturing state-of-the-art living weapons. They should have just gone with his idea.

(Which, hilariously enough, they did. Watts is the inventor of the Paladins—Paladins which, I’ll remind you, were invented so the army could remove people from the battlefield. You know, people. Kind of like what Penny is.)

Do you see why this entire scene might have pissed me off? Even if the show didn’t intend for any of this to be the case, when you think critically about the circumstances there’s no denying the tacit implications.

To reiterate, V8.E5 is the episode where Pietro says, and I quote:

“I don’t care about the big picture! I care about my daughter! I lost you before. Are you asking me to go through that again? No. I want the chance to watch you live your life.”

Oh, yeah? And what life is that? The one where she’s supposed to kill Grimm and literally nothing else? You do realize that she died specifically because you made her for the purpose of fighting, right?

No one, literally no one, was holding a gun to Pietro’s head and telling him that he had to build a living weapon. That was his idea. He chose to do that.

Remember when Cinder said, “I don’t serve anyone! And you wouldn’t either, if you weren’t built that way.” She…basically has a point. Penny has never been given the option to explore the world in a capacity where she wasn’t charged with defending it by her father. We know she doesn’t have many friends, courtesy of Ironwood dissuading her against it in V7. But I’m left with the troubling realization that the show (and the fandom), in their crusade to vilify James, are ignoring the fact that Pietro is also complicit in this behavior by virtue of being her creator. If we condemn the man that prevents Penny from having relationships, then what will we do to the man who forced her into that existence in the first place?

Being her “father” has given him a free pass to overlook the ethics of having a child who was created with a pre-planned purpose. How the hell did the show intend for Pietro to reconcile “I want you to live your life” with “I created you so you’d spend your life defending the world”? It viscerally reminds me of the sort of narcissistic parents who have kids because they want to pass on the family name, or continue their bloodline, or have live-in caregivers when they get older, only on a larger and much more horrific scale. And that’s fucked up.

Now, I’m not saying I’m against having a conflict like this in the show. In fact, I’d love to have a character who has to grapple with her own humanity while questioning the environment she grew up in. Penny is a character who is extremely fascinating because of all the potential she represents—a young woman who through a chance encounter befriends a group of strangers, and over time, is exposed to freedoms and friendships she was previously denied. Slowly, she begins to unlearn the mindset she was indoctrinated with, and starts to petition for agency and autonomy. Pietro is forced to confront the fact that what he did was traumatic and cruel, and that his love for her doesn’t erase the harm he unintentionally subjected her to, nor does it change the fact that he knowingly burdened a person with a responsibility she never consented to. There’s a wealth of character growth and narrative payoff buried here, but like most things in RWBY, it was either underdeveloped or not thought through all the way.

The wholesome father-daughter relationship the show wants Pietro and Penny to have is fundamentally contradicted by the nature of her existence, and the fact that no one (besides the villains) calls attention to it. I’d love for them to have that sort of dynamic, but the show had to do more to earn it. Instead, it’ll forever be another item on RWBY’s ever-growing list of disappointments—

Because Pietro’s remorse is more artificial than Penny could ever hope to be.

#rwby #rwby volume 8 #rwby spoilers #rwby thought dump #my posts #i speak #rwby meta #pietro polendina #penny polendina #james ironwood #arthur watts #ruby rose #rwby worldbuilding #rwde

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skye-huntress · 3 years

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RWBY V8 Episode 10 “Ultimatum” Reaction

How is there still FOUR MORE EPISODES after that damn cliffhanger. We’ve still got a while to go for the finale and they had got to be more shit the show can throw at us and I’m terrified to find out how they top Ironwood threatening genocide for his idiotic plan that will doom everyone. I’m not sure how much more I can take at this point, but like the masochist I apparently am, I’ll suffer through it anyway

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Jimmy. I’ve said it a thousand times, the man has a desperate need to remain in control of everything, and the more control he loses, or rather the more his illusion of control is shattered, the more desperate be becomes to take back control, whether imaginary or not

It’s confirmed, the birds have escaped their cages. Given Robyn was hurt, Qrow will likely prioritise getting her to safety before doing anything stupid. Which would be a good thing, because it occurred to me Robyn could be very important to dealing with this new problem. More on that later.

No one gives a f@#$ about Jacques Schnee

It’s important to note that the soldiers reporting to Jimmy were practically shitting their pants, and I know it’s not only the Grimm they are afraid of, in fact the Grimm must feel like a secondary threat to them

It seems I was wrong, I thought Oscar would do something to slow Salem down but it seems he made a pretty big explosion. Good thing it didn’t set of the military’s bomb... or maybe not so good.

Seems all of JOYRE made it out and Monstra is dead

Blake finally called Yang

Why am I not surprised Ren suspected Ozpin came back? Even when he’s being busy brooding he’s still really observant

Not as much fallout as I’d expected, especially with Yang’s growing hatred for secrets, but maybe it will come later

Whether Emerald can be forgiven will take time to answer, and depend mostly on her actions but also on whether or not they give her a chance to earn their forgiveness. Seeing the reality of what she was apart of might spur her to seek atonement

Neo seems done with being the pawn of another minion. I knew she was the wild card here, she owes no one loyalty, only her own goals matter

It’s weird seeing Watts call someone else out for acting entitled. Wonder if with all that supposed brain he has comes with self-awareness. And of course he underestimated Penny. She’s not an Atlesian Knight or a Paladin, she has sentience, something that can’t simply be overridden with a computer virus.

The reunion we’ve all been waiting for. Starting with a nice reunion from the sisters, though I doubt the matter about Ruby’s leadership will be resolved anytime soon.

More importantly though, the Bees! It’s not a kiss, maybe still too early for that, but the way they held and looked at each other was the next best thing

Sorry, Renora shippers, looks like you’ll have to wait next week.

Did Emerald just interrupt a RG moment?

Did Jimmy just interrupt a Precious Gems moment? You dick, I don’t even ship but I was actually looking forward to that!

So for perhaps the first time Winter actually thinks for herself for a change and it’s already coming back to bite her. How easily she falls out of favour with Jimmy with one action after years of following his dumbass orders unquestioningly

As for Harriet, she might pretend that she’s being loyal (might even fool herself into believing that is true) but the reality is she is just petty as fuck and only ratted Winter out to get back at her. More than once, she has questioned Jimmy’s orders and I suspect she’d go against them just to settle some silly grudge.

Jimmy is still stuck on his stupid plan to open the vault. Atlas has already been breached, Salem is already there even if she is in pieces, running isn’t an option so what the fuck does he think he’ll accomplish besides removing the only real protection the Staff still has.

Before Volume 8 began, I predicted something. I suspect the someone would try to manipulate Penny into exposing herself by way of threatening hostages. That only part of my prediction I got wrong was that I thought it would be Salem.

Gone from murdering political rivals to using people he had a sworn duty to protect as hostages. He’ll do it, too. He had already written them off to be slaughtered, their lives no longer matter to him. And if he has his way, Penny will open the vault and destroy herself, and it won’t matter what Jimmy does with the Staff, it will be exposed

So, I see two ways to potentially save both Mantle and Penny. The first option is using Emerald’s semblance to decieve Ironwood, he certainly won’t expect that. It has a few holes though, it has to work long enough for Ironwood to give the order to whoever has the bomb to stand down and then neutralise Ironwood so he can’t give new orders. Even then nothing is guaranteed until the bomb is defused or disposed of

The second option, forget Jimmy and the bomb itself, take away the one thing he needs that still gives him any power, his men. Jimmy might have built up the image of a capable and respectable leader, but he’s been pissing it away since Beacon. Right now, he’s telling his soldiers to kill their own people for them, to commit genocide so he can get his way. At this point, instead of serving him out of respect or trust, they follow his orders because they either fear him or fear what they’d be without him. What I think is needed to tip everything over the edge is to give them an alternative leader to follow. Someone charismatic, someone they know, someone to remind them that their job is not to serve one broken man’s agenda but to protect the people. The ideal candidate is Robyn.

Also, if there was a time for Marrow to defect, preventing genocide would be it. Dude, seriously, why aren’t you defecting yet?

#rwby #rwby8 #rwby8 spoilers

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real-jaune-isms · 3 years

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RWBY Volume 8 Chapter 13 Review/Remix

We should have guessed something would go wrong. Things were going way too right at the end of the last chapter. But shit didn’t just hit the fan, it hit the ground and then bounced over the edge into an abyss. And with only the finale chapter left in this Volume, I can’t imagine how they’re going to fix all of this before we have to wait another year for more good news.

Since we can’t have bad without first knowing good, the writers are kind enough to open this episode with some hope. Jaune’s half of the group, that is to say JNR plus Oscar and Emerald, see one of the portals open for them in the communications room. They don’t know if people will actually know to use these things to evacuate without the message Jaune was trying to send, so they decide to do some portal hopping and spread the word on foot. But first they have to make sure these things actually work, so they need to send a giunea pig through. Just his luck, they send Jaune and it does not pair well with his history of motion sickness. He doesn’t hurl, but he does land on his face and rise to his hands and knees when he safely comes out the other side of what looked like the trippy space rift from 2001 a Space Odyssey. The others follow close behind and take a moment to be in awe of this pocket dimension they find themselves in. Jaune recovers quickly and takes command. He and Nora will be going from portal to portal spreading the word about evacuation to Vacuo, while Ren Oscar and Emerald will be leading the pack and calling Shade Academy once they’re in Vacuo that they need to prep for hundreds of refugees. They part ways and Oscar gives a playful little salute, then Jaune leaps over the edge of the platform they were on. Someone should have told him about Ambrosius’ dire warning last week... Okay fine, we see a frame or two of him opening his shield so clearly he’s gliding down to the nearest other portal not falling into the void. Meanwhile Nora is once again riding Magnhild like a rocket powered broomstick to fly away into a portal of her own. We abruptly cut to a subway station where everyone is comedically hiding behind the stairway and peek out to look at the portal before them. One civilian is coaxed into stepping forward and checking it out, so he throws a rock at it. Because his luck continues to screw him over, Jaune comes through at that exact moment and gets hit on the head with the rock. His sudden appearance scares everyone into diving behind the stairs again, but they do peek out once more after taking a second to realize they just saw a person come through to talk to them. Jaune pulls out his Scroll to show them his Huntsman license so they’ll take him seriously, and presumably it works out great. We see Penny and RWBY coming in through their own portal and likewise being amazed by Ambrosius’ handiwork before seeing other people starting to pour in while Nora and Jaune are calling out directions and reassurances, such as the Happy Huntresses and the refugees under their protection. They wonder aloud about how few people have come through yet, but the priority is getting Penny and the Staff into Vacuo safely so they’ve got to trust Jaune’s team with this. Speaking of Vacuo and Jaune’s team, we see what happens when the green team gets into the desert outside the city. There’s an intense sandstorm raging around the area where the portal lets them out, and they can’t see which way to go to reach Shade. Worse still, cell service is down so they can’t call anyone. And civilians are starting to come through into this chaos so it’s just getting worse and worse. Ren can mask them from any Grimm that might catch a whiff of all that negativity, but only for so long.

As Nora is leaving one crowd of incoming civies to go help bring in another, Cinder arrives hiding beneath a cloak and we see her give a little smirk. Next thing we know, and explosion goes off and at least a dozen innocent people are launched into the void below. Irreversible consequences there, as far as we know, and it causes a real panic. Team RWBY tell Penny to just keep going into Vacuo while they deal with this, and we see Cinder gleefully flying around looking for the object of her hatred. She spots which way the team is heading and blasts some fire in the path to cut Ruby off. Cinder makes a clear reference to something Oscar said in an earlier conversation the heroes shared, and this throws the girls for a bit of a loop but they’re still ready to throw down.

With a swing of Crescent Rose, we cut back to Cinder and Watts meeting with Neo in the alleyway. She’s learned you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, so she apologizes for how she’s treated Neo and promises she will get the revenge she wants so badly this time, but in order to do that Cinder will need to use the Lamp. Neo reluctantly does some magic of her own and pulls the Lamp out of her hat. The two glare at each other for a moment as Neo refuses to let it go, but she conceded and through unknown means tells Cinder the password. Maybe she wrote it on her Scroll and showed her? Either way, Cinder uses the final question to ask to be shown what Team RWBY’s plan is for the handoff with Ironwood. Jinn seems upset to hear she has to go against those nice kids, but the rules of her existence must be obeyed so she grants it anyway. I got some real “Jafar steals the lamp from Aladdin” vibes, and I can’t say I minded being reminded of that great Disney film. Cinder’s trio get to see every conversation the heroes have planning out all the successes we just saw last episode, and now we know they’re totally prepared to make it go wrong at every turn. Seeing Cinder so in control and prepared brought me back to Volume 3 where she was at her most dangerous as a villain, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s been a long time coming and justifies her continuation as a threat. What quelled the pit in my stomach a bit was the look of betrayal when Cinder realized Emerald switched sides on her. She recovers quickly and suggests they help Watts finish what he started and tear the Kingdom down with his intellect. To that end they break into Atlas central command and slaughter just about everybody inside. This would seem to include that devil of the workplace Bill who spilled coffee and microwaved salmon at work. And if that was Velvet’s dad as we liked to theorize, then that’s a real shame. The ladies leave Watts to his work, but on her way out Cinder tells Watts this is everything he deserves, possibly as a way to mend bridges between them. I prefer to hope she sealed that door shut behind her and she’s leaving him to die with the plummeting city because she’s still mad he roasted her. We see that Jaune’s warning broadcast getting cut short was indeed Watt’s doing, and just to be more of an asshole he wipes a bloodstain off an apple and eats it while he does so. With that sabotage taken care of he shifts focus to the airship hangar where the birds are cuffing the Ace Ops. But they only manage to restrain Elm before Watts sends an AK (Atlesian Knight) into the area and has it charge right at them primed to self destruct. It almost gets Robyn but Marrow jumps in the way and is knocked out. That means his Semblance wears off and Harriet is free to sprint into the airship the bomb is still loaded on to. She’s intent on finishing this last mission even if it means killing herself. Vine runs after her and manages to grab the closing cargo door with his stretchy arms before it’s too late. Robyn and Qrow are left quite worried.

Speaking of desperately destructive military personnel, Ironwood regains consciousness in his cell to the sound of crumbling debris and the realization of his failure at the hands of these teens. Jacques is in the next cell and wastes no time criticizing him for failing to keep Atlas afloat. He’s happy to gloat that his fellow man has lost, though he does wistfully admit he’s lost too. Ironwood looks like he might have a breakdown as he processes the fact that all his efforts have been foiled and he can’t be the hero of this situation, that those he thinks are the dangerous insurrection who will ruin everything are going to win... when he hears a buzzing sound. The door to his cell seems to be glitching before shutting down entirely. He’s hesitant to walk out but it stays deactivated and he finds his weapons just casually lying on the ground a few yards away from his cell. Jacques seems to not understand there are consequences to insulting a person every chance you can get and pleads for James to let him out of his cell too. Ironwood just silently loads up his big laser gun and turns it on the door of Jacques’ cell. Sure, he’ll open the door, he says emotionlessly. And the man opens fire. Jacques has a moment to realize what’s happening and seems fearful, but he lost the pity of the FNDM 4 Volumes ago. Whatever Ironwood calls this cannon of his, it leaves behind green fire and annihilates Jacques’ cell... and him along with it. Weiss’ father in name alone is dead and the Schnee family will never get a chance to settle things properly with him for how he treated them. Weiss arresting him, Winter promising him Weiss wants him to be rescued from the falling city, gods only know what Willow had said to him last, and whatever obedience Whitley showed him before he was dragged off to jail. There are the last things they said to him and they have to live with that forever. Question is, who’s going to tell them Jimmy did the deed? He’s got no time to do so, he’s a man with a mission.

We go from one fiery dilemma to another as Team RWBY are still struggling to deal with Cinder even 4 on 1. She flies upward and creates a cyclone of fire beneath her to make it that much harder to reach her, before complimenting the team on the depth of their plan. She acknowledges she wouldn’t have been able to deal with it by herself, so in a way she’s grateful these girls taught her to ask for help. That help indeed comes from Neo, who’s approaching in disguise from behind Ruby. Yang notices Neo approaching, and charges in to push Ruby out of the way. But that means Yang takes the hit instead, and it takes out the last of her Aura. She hits the ground hard, and tumbles over the edge of the platform. In a threefold shot we see Neo mad that someone got in the way of her surprise attack, while Ruby and Weiss are freaking out and Blake immediately sprints past the latter to try and make a save. She throws Gambol Shroud as far as the ribbon will let it go, but it’s not far enough. Yang falls into the void below, dissolving into gold sparkles once she reaches a certain depth. This has all seemingly happened in a matter of seconds, which would explain why Ruby didn’t have enough time to get back on her feet from being shoved to the ground and use her Semblance to try and save her sister, and why Weiss didn’t have a chance to try and catch her on any glyphs or summon a Lancer to ride down and catch her. She’s not the fastest with making those summons anyway, she’s still got some room for improvement before she can make instant saves in that way. Long story short,

Don’t give the writers shit for having Blake be the only one able to try and help.

The fact that she fails to save her partner is of course very upsetting for Blake and she screams Yang’s name with all the appropriate despair and sorrow. Ruby doesn’t have a lot of time to process the fact that her sister may have just died since Neo wastes no time attacking her and all her focus has to go into self defense and trying to win that fight. We can see in the background Weiss holding Blake back, because this poor woman seems to want nothing more than to dive in after Yang either out of suicidal despair or a last feverish hope that she survived and can be rescued. The denial and depression soon turns to anger though, and she grabs her weapon with a look of murderous rage before charging in to attack Neo for what she did. She grabs Neo with her ribbon and tries to slice her in two, but it’s just an illusion and the real one is fighting with Ruby heading up a pathway towards one of the portals. Weiss turns her attention back to Cinder, and is doing an okay job of holding her own but not getting any hits in of her own. The tables seem like they could turn for our protagonists when Penny flies in to join the fight and punches Cinder in the face. But Weiss didn’t want Penny getting involved, and Cinder seems pretty glad to get another rematch with her. And she certainly is more prepared this time, compared to Penny who tries to summon her swords and forgot she doesn’t have them anymore. She takes a hit and lands in a crowd of civilians, though she does land on her feet and quickly improvise by making some new swords with her magic and then flying back into the fray. Weiss skates on her glyphs up a path to get a better vantage point, and pulls Cinder out of attack mode with a black holding glyph that seems to yank on her like gravity. Turns out the glyphs are vulnerable to fire though, so Cinder burns through it and quickly finds where Weiss is so she can send a flurry of fiery glass blades her way. Weiss happened to choose a spot right by 3 portals so there’s about a dozen innocent bystanders around her that are in danger. She thinks fast and summons her Knight’s sword to shield them, but some of the blades do go through a portal and send some other people diving for cover in the train station. Jaune is there to defend some of them with his shield, and immediately realizes the evacuation job just got a lot harder. Unfortunately for Weiss, these glass shards superheat and explode at her feet, sending her flying off the platform. She still has Aura though, and catches herself on a glyph to catch her breath. In the meantime, Cinder goes back on the defensive against Penny and Ladybug continue to tag team against Neo. Blake hears screaming and realizes she could also try and help Weiss and Penny deal with Cinder, but feels really conflicted about it. Who needs her more, can she just give up on getting vengeance for Yang? What can she even do against a Maiden? She just doesn’t know.

Back in the skies, Harriet is getting close to Mantle when she gets an alert of a disturbance in the airship’s cargo hold. Putting the controls on autopilot, she goes down to check on it and sees Vine made it aboard. She’s about to arm the bomb, but he stops her and voices his thoughts that this may not be the best plan for them anymore, much to her annoyance. She asks him if this is really the side he wants to take here and now, and he doesn’t want to call it a divide like that. But he lays out the facts: Their commanding officer has been deposed so his authority is moot, the city is going down and there’s likely going to be no stopping that, and the people are going to be brought to safety regardless. So why bother bombing a city full of innocents whose other options are run away to the barren desert or be crushed under a giant hunk of rock? But Harriet isn’t having that shit. It’s the principle of the matter, it’s about following through and standing with her decisions. If she’s not obeying what Ironwood ordered... then what is she anymore? To disobey him or let the teens continue their rescue efforts means acknowledging they’re in the right and she’s wrong. And after the last few days of seeing them as her enemy and losing a fight to them... her pride just won’t allow it. She has to see this through, because it’s what Clover would have done. He was a good soldier, he died doing what the general told him he had to. Vine admits that doesn’t mean he was right to die on that hill. He wasn’t an infallible paragon of good judgment. Harriet doesn’t like hearing that either, but she can’t seem to find the right words to defend her stance on Clover. Probably because those words are something to the tune of “Clover was my friend, and I want to do right by him because I miss him dearly”. But to say that would mean the Ace Ops were also wrong after the mission in the mines, when they were so condescending in telling Team RWBY that you have to just be coworkers with your team and you can’t be friends. And she seems to prefer suicide bombing death over admitting some teenagers knew more about friendship and teamwork than her and her squad. That ego and temper really need some working on, and one starts to worry she’s too far gone to ever get a chance at working on them. Before Vine can give some heartfelt reassurances about being allowed to feel their feelings for each other the airship gets bumped hard and Harriet goes back into angry work first mode. She arms the bomb and tries to dump Vine out the cargo doors before rushing back up to the cockpit and regaining control of the ship. The bumping was caused by Robyn flying another airship into them to try and keep the bomb from being delivered, because how was she to know Vine was about to defuse the whole situation? She does have the good sense to let up on her efforts and come around behind the other airship to rescue Vine when she sees he’s hanging on for dear life. In the meantime, Harriet has to deal with another angry bird as Qrow uses his bird form to fly right up to her windshield and turns back at the last second to crash through the glass and tackle her to the floor. The two fall down the ladder back into the cargo hold, where Qrow seems ready and willing to give Harriet the rematch she’s been wanting so badly. But since nobody’s at the controls and Harriet didn’t turn autopilot back on, the ship’s going to crash... except it’s not because Watts overwrites that too and makes sure the bomb is gonna get where he wants it to.

Down in the Vault, Winter is trying to call any of the teens she can reach to get an update on the plan’s progress. No signal, we know now to thank Watts for that, but what she does find is a red dot appearing on the ground and quickly moving to the center of her chest. She promptly realizes its a laser sight and puts up a glyph to shield herself, but it’s a real strong green blast. Ironwood is coming down the elevator with his greek fire cannon, and he fully intents to put his former lieutenant down for betraying him. For all his paranoia he never thought she would stab him in the back, but that’s just what happens when you have good people at your side while you go mad with power. James tries one last time to insist he knows the right course of action for Atlas. Winter should just step aside and let him kill Team RWBY to reclaim the Staff and Make Atlas Floating Again. But she won’t back down, it is her job and her passion to protect Atlas and its people, and she’s not quitting in the face of this new enemy of the peace. Because Ironwood is the villain here, as much as he thinks he’s right. The extremes he considers necessary are too far. Ironwood actually sheds a tear when faced with this declaration, but I think it’s the last of his heart and humanity leaving as he shuts himself off from all but his machine like devotion to the cause.

Back in the Vacuan desert, Ren’s Aura runs out after spending a few minutes masking thousands of refugees, and the three green teens wonder where the heck Penny is, since she should have been among the first through the portal and her Maiden powers would be able to make quick work of the sandstorm. Oscar grows especially concerned and tries to run back into the pocket dimension to go check on her, but he hits the portal hard and gets bounced back. Oz realizes this new issue is Ambrosius’ doing, and we flashback to when Weiss was telling the big blue builder how to make the central location and all its portals. She happened to use the phrase “a one-way ticket to Vacuo”, since they had no intention of going back to the crashing Atlas. But Ambros took that too literally in the wrong way, and made the Vacuo portal the only one to be one way. They can hop around between Atlas portals all they want, but once you’re in Vacuo there’s no going back to help with the fight they don’t even know is happening yet. But these three have problems of their own, because bat-like Grimm are swarming in and attacking the unguarded civilians. We end the episode there, and boy am I not ready for the finale to only make things worse before 8 months of no resolutions. Are you?

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im-the-king-of-the-ocean · 4 years

Text

Rose Puppetry Ch3: Grimm

Summary:

A century ago or so, Atlas set out to conquer the world. Penny was built to be a spy, an infiltrator meant to find weaknesses in Vale’s defenses before the invasion.

She did. Then she fell in love. And rebelled against the kingdom that had created her.

Ch1. Ch2.

No thick, pollution smog billows over Atlas.

As they emerge out from the service tunnel onto the streets, Penny and her team stop to gaze upwards. They don’t have the time to spare, but they can’t help themselves. It’s not often they get to see the sky like this, sprawled out above them like some great, sapphire painting.

Penny grimaces. Beautiful as it is, the sky is a reminder of all that’s been taken from her too. Even after this mission, even if it’s successful, she won’t be able to simply relax and enjoy a peaceful, sunny day. Not so long as she has to always look over her shoulder for the Atlesian Military.

At least she’ll have Ruby back, Penny quietly reminds herself, so, perhaps, being haunted by the ghosts of her past won’t be so horrible.

Setting a determined, brisk pace, Penny leads her team down the street. She glances at each and every person they pass. Sure, they have a well-prepared cover story for why they’re there and what are likely some of the best fake IDs in existence, but those things were attained for the eventuality of them being stopped and questioned. They do nothing to prevent that happening in the first place.

The first pair of eyes that avert their gaze when they accidentally look in Penny and her team’s direction she doesn’t think much of. The second, and then the third, though, indicate a pattern. No one wants to notice them, Penny realizes. She observes as fancily-dressed Atlesians see them, and then abruptly cross the immaculate street. Businessmen in finely tailored suits push past like Penny and her team don’t exist. Elegant ladies in silky dresses huff and avert their gaze as if coming marginally close to resting their eyes on maintenance workers will sully them.

Penny and her team are invisible.

It shouldn’t bother her. It makes traversing the streets of the city unchallenged that much easier. Still, an uncomfortable feeling settles in Penny’s gut. She remembers a time, long ago now, when she was treated like an object. A robotic toy with no mind of its own that simply did as instructed. One that could be flaunted like a trophy.

Maybe not today, because today she needs to be focused and covert, but one day, one day, Penny will make sure they see her. They really see her.

Atlas Academy rises above the rest of the city, a verifiable stronghold of sleek, ivory towers, unmarked by the dirt and grime of the world that sustains them. Originally, the academy was meant to be a symbol of brilliance at the heart of Atlas. The crowning jewel of the flying marvel itself. A declaration of all the greatness that Atlas encourages its people to aspire to.

To some, namely the heirs and heiresses of the wealthy elite who can afford to enroll them as students, the academy remains so.

Maybe once the less fortunate believed in the school, too. But then, the gates were closed to them. Access to the hallowed halls where so much knowledge lies in wait restricted, unless they first enlist and fight in Atlas’s war of conquest. After all, the wealthy elite fund the academy. Why should the mostly the poor of Mantle be given the same privileges, without offering something in return?

A small handful of such hopeful, would-be students lived through their tours of duty and were granted a place at the academy for their service. Many more did not.

Stories are told in Mantle, of the ones who don’t come back, and the hardships faced by the ones who do. Very few make the attempt anymore. Not that the General King needs them. Years have passed since he ordered the first unit of Atlesian Knights. The Atlesian Army is far more robotic than man these days.

Penny and her team stop in a forgotten library. Tomes of their kingdom’s history before Atlas rose sit in wait, gathering dust around them. Seeing these books makes Penny sad. Since joining the Rebellion, she’s met so many who would be eager to come here, read them, and learn from them. She doesn’t have much time to ruminate on the books, though. They’re only here for a brief stop, a final preparation before their move to infiltrate Watts’s laboratory.

Penny checks her connection to each of the daggers she has on her person and their battery charges. All of them, as expected, are primed and ready to go. The daggers are far smaller than the blades Penny uses as part of her main combat weaponry system, but far easier to conceal and faster to activate if the need should arise.

Penny thinks back to that last night with Ruby, and how her swords had been far away, on the other side of the room, useless, during the attack. She forged her daggers at the first opportunity she got after joining the Rebellion, and seldom takes them off her person. Never again will she be caught off guard without means to protect herself and the ones she loves.

Once everyone is ready, they set out for the laboratory.

Contrary to the mental image Penny created for herself, the building housing the laboratory of Arthur Watts looks like any other on the Atlas Academy campus. Penny knows this, has always known this in fact, but, since Ruby’s capture, she’s started to think of it as a darker, more sinister place, similar to the villains’ lairs she’s read about in storybooks. A looming castle-esque fortress with intimidating battlements and twisted gargoyles. Not a squat, clean, whitewashed building lording over an out-of-the-way courtyard.

They make their approach, careful not to let the security cameras capture a full view of their faces. Inside the building, there’s a small reception area with a front desk, which an automaton is stationed behind. They hand over their fake IDs, the robot makes an affirmative sort of noise and directs them to an elevator bay.

It’s when they’re riding down, waiting for their lift to finally arrive at their destination, that Penny truly begins to worry about the ease of it all. Sure, Watts’s lab has never had as much security as other sensitive locations at the Academy. The idea anyone would break into a place where, if they were caught, they’d be left at the scientific mercy of its master, has long been considered unbelievable. But, Penny doesn’t think it should be this easy either. They planned for so long, gathered so much intel. To just walk in, find Ruby, and get back out, it doesn’t feel right.

As the elevator dings its arrival at the laboratory level, Penny switches her daggers to ‘combat ready’ mode.

No one’s there when the doors open. No soldiers, robotic or otherwise. No lab techs or assistants. Not even Watts himself. No one prevents them from approaching the heavy steel double doors of the laboratory. Their loud, echoing footfalls go unheard.

Penny stops when she reaches the door. The others stand behind her, waiting for her to make the final decision. She stares at the doors’ gleaming handles, sucks in a sharp breath she doesn’t necessarily need, wraps a hand around the cool metal, and tugs the door open.

The laboratory, surprisingly, is in a state of utter and immaculate cleanliness. Penny blinks at the space, reseting her optical receptors to ensure they’re working correctly. She expected something grittier. Bloodstains splashed across surfaces. Pieces of horrific experiments left out to rot. Something to indicate the gruesomeness of what goes on here. But there’s nothing. It’s as if Watts simply packed everything up and neatly stored it away.

Well, almost everything.

At the very back of the laboratory, pushed against the wall is a throne-like seat. Given its location in such a place as the lab and its resemblance to the other stools scattered about, it wasn’t built to be of great importance. Someone had gone through the trouble of attaching a back and armrests to it, as well as acquiring thick, deep scarlet, velvet cushions for the person upon it to sit comfortably.

The only indication that that person doesn’t have the power most would assume belongs to someone in such a seat are the clasps firmly locking her wrists and ankles down. Her helplessness doesn’t seem to bother her. The person—a young, recognizable girl—doesn’t try to fight or break free of her bindings. She simply sits on her throne, with her eyes closed, her breathing slow and calm. Waiting. Like a puppet whose master has put its strings to rest for the time being.

Upon her head is a pitch black crown of mechanical spikes and thorns. It is this that Penny’s eyes go to as she approaches, and the blood red ruby precisely centered in it above its wearer’s forehead. The jewel could have been an amazing, priceless treasure, if not taken and used for such a horrid-looking device. Now it is naught more than a cruel mockery. Beauty taken and warped into something deeply unpleasant.

Penny reaches out. Her hand trembles as it closes the distance to Ruby’s cheek. She hesitates, gulps, and then allows her fingers to touch her beloved’s cool skin. The moment Penny makes contact, the spell holding her back breaks. She lets out a relieved, little laugh. She cups Ruby’s cheek fully in her hand and affectionately runs her thumb across it.

“I’m here,” Penny tells Ruby. “I came for you. I’m so sorry. I’m going to get you out of here.” She reaches for the clasps keeping Ruby in place. Before she can touch them, Ruby lifts her head up and away from Penny’s touch. Slowly, almost mechanically, Ruby opens her eyes.

The denial Penny has been able to drown herself in these few, precious moments dissipates completely. She looks into Ruby’s eyes. Rather than the friendly, loving silver she knows so well, bloody crimson irises in a sea of charcoal black gaze back out uncomprehending at her.

“Ruby?” Penny’s voice wavers. She barely manages to keep it from breaking completely.

#rwby #nuts and dolts #ruby rose #penny polendina #whirls writing

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strykingback · 3 years

Text

War is Coming...

Location: Odin, The Capital City of the KIngdom of Artorias.

Time: 8:00 AM

OST: Victory for Artorias

____________________

The streets of Artorias was filled with cheers of citizens who had received the announcement of Atlas’ fall with soldiers marching down the streets looking forward and some of them so overjoyed that their war with Atlas had finally come to an end. Parents, Husbands, Wives and Children hugged their loved ones even attempting to march with them.

Despite it being Imperius Prime who destroyed Atlas and Mantle it was enough for the Artorians to finally feel sated after months of fighting. Now they can have a respite. Which every soldiers unit lined themselves up in front of Daedalus Corner. Inside the Grand Hall of the Artorian Council was Glestchner and Hans walking together.

“Brother, full glad I am to see that you are alive after everything those savages put up against our forces….but I must ask you something where is Salem?” Glestchner said which Hans stopped walking.

“Salem was killed by that of the Prince of the Brumelians and The Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. As for Watts he was captured by an Atelier Agent so far we have no spot on his location yet. But We do have two things now….” Hans answered. “And that is?” “The Relics of Knowledge and Creation. How lovely both of these would be…. Thanks to Cinder.” Hans said which both him and Glestchner looked behind themselves looking at Cinder who had a confident smirk on her face. “Still… you used the last answer for the Relic did you not Cinder?” Hans asked looking at the Fall Maiden.

Which she could feel that confidence fall back a bit being questioned that feeling many eyes being stared at with Hans Elite guard prepping themselves which she had no choice but to say it. “Y-Yes… I used the Relic of Knowledge to find out what Ruby and her friends were planning...then I used the Relic of Creation to-” Cinder spoke which prompted Hans to put his hand up telling her to stop which he snapped his fingers with one of the Elite guard bringing up miniature V-PAD showing the footage from Atlas. “I do not care about Han’s so called plans! I just want to kill Ruby and I have the power to do so and after I am done with her I will kill Hans and his useless brother next, Tyrian, and whoever gets in my way!” Cinder shouted on the recording towards Neo who seemed unfazed by her shouting which the recording ends there which Hans returned the V-Pad to the guard stepping backwards. “So you had plans on killing me? I will admit this is very unpredictable of you Cinder little did you know that you have to be careful with what you say.. For your words can become consequences…” Hans said “Guards… remove her Grimmified arm and also… make sure she loses her Maiden Abilities… Permanently.” Hans said with Cinder preparing herself to attack with her eye glowing before she felt something pricked against the back of her shoulder which she grabbed it with her human hand and looked at it feeling drowsy trying to approach Hans before falling down. As two members of the Elite Guard picked her up and carried her away. “Now brother.. Time for your speech it will be broadcasted to all of Remnant… and thus we shall ascend as the fourth kingdom replacing Atlas once and for all.” Hans said placing a hand on his brother's shoulder with Glestchner returning a soft smile as he walked out of the Hall along with his brother.

_________________

Location: Actus, Capital of Brumel. War-Room.

OST: Pride..

Time: 9:00 AM

_________________

Rodrigues looked at the empty podium waiting for Glestchner to begin his speech whilst Guangxian who was busy hacking away ready to get things started with Rodrigues’ speech instead. Which the King himself had spent days conversing with the Knights of the Roundtable, and the Brumelian council about the action Brumel should take and it was Unanimous. Declare War…

Brumel would be going to war for the first time in fifteen years and this time it would be with a vengeful wrath this time around.

“Activate the Sleeper Agents..” Rodrigues said leaving the room with one of the War Room Attendants calling the numbers of the Artorian sleeper agents… -Back in Artorias-

A Phone Went off in three different places One in an apartment, another in a security guard position in a broadcast station, and finally in a Soldiers pocket who was talking with some family members with each one picking up their phone as they answered with a brief “hello” with all of them hearing this one phrase….

“For the Glory of Brumel…”

With all three freezing up and hearing their mission objectives in their head, with the apartment sleeper agent leaving his apartment and going to the broadcasting station, the security guard who moved to shut off all cameras grabbing his pistol and leaving his post into the guards break room. Which they all looked at their former ally who had their gun raised at them with everyone trying to scramble to pull out their pistol only to be met with bullets to their heads sighing softly as he left the area of carnage to go meet with the broadcasting crew.

The soldier sleeper agent left his family saying he had something to do, meeting up with the Apartment agent with both nodding at each other and going to the broadcast station which both had their own objective there. Which the soldier explained to staff that this person was selected by Hans to help the broadcast team which the two were escorted by the security agent as when all three arrived at the door they prepared their weapons which the Soldier gave the Apartment agent a pistol. Finally opening the door and closing it to the confusion of the broadcasting staff as they were met with bullets as all of them were killed….

Which the apartment agent hopped on and took out a USB drive he had from when he went on “Vacation” beginning to upload it into the stations mainframe which back in Brumel Guangxian smirked knowing that agents were getting the job done which he and the Apartment agent worked together on the hack finally opening up a connection Brumel which Rodrigues’ can broadcast his speech not only to the Artorias but the rest of Remnant as well which after a few minutes passed the hack was complete. All the Apartment agent had to do was wait until Glestchner said something that would change it from the speech to Rodrigues doing his speech.

Back to the Grand Hall came out none other than Hans and Glestchner with Hans taking a seat with his most trusted Generals. With many soldiers and citizens shouting the salute of Artorias.

“HAIL ARTORIAS!!!”

Which Glestchner smiled preparing to speak with the salute dying down as everyone in Remnant with the exception of Atlas….

“My people, sons and daughters of Artorias. It has been done, the Atlesians who had laughed at us has now been eliminated from the world of Remnant and to dust it returned!!! We have proven ourselves in the face of a most contemptible opposition but we had risen and shown our pride! I thank you the soldiers who had joined us against our Atlesian foe! We have Rebuilt Our Nation, We Have Regained Our Strength and WE HAVE BECOME THE NEW FOURTH KINGDOM TO REPLACE ATLAS ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!” Glestchner said with Pride. With Vacuo and Vale’s people looking on with horror seeing what remained of Atlas until it was switched over to Rodrigues’ sitting behind his desk on every screen in Artorias, Vale, and Vacuo.

“You will not be such a fourth kingdom…” Rodrugues spoke on the screen.

“Whats this?!” Hans said putting his finger up to his communicator, “What is happening?” He said with an angered tone.

“Sir, the broadcast station is not replying, we have zero conncection with it at all and are sending teams to check it out over.” A reply came over which Hans nodded.

OST: Atelier

“For years we had merely did our best helping wherever we can within Remnant, the Atelier Agents, The 105th Atelier Rifle Division, and much more. Yet, we too had attacked our Atlesian brothers and sisters. But We found it in our hearts to forgive them as they were led by a cruel dictator.” Rodrigues spoke.

“Such foolishness and they suffered for their mistake when they-” Glestchner spoke.

“Yet, if we only knew of your plight we would’ve helped you. We could have helped stabilize and return your kingdom to its former glory. Instead you allowed a son to murder his father in a planned attempt to destroy Atlas… instead you had succeeded where we had shown mercy in taking the lives of our Atlesian brothers and sisters and going as far as to destroy their home.”

“I know this, My son.. Had told me this HANS AMADEUS. That a son who murders his father who sought to converse with the Atlesian council for aid and succor is a fool to do so!!! This is no longer a reconciliation this… is what we shall do. The Kingdom of Brumel hereby declares War against Artorias… may the Brothers Grimm have mercy on you, your soldiers, and its people…. Enjoy your days of peace as they will be short-lived.” Rodrigues said with the broadcast shutting off with an explosion going off where the broadcast station.. And smoke rising from it.

Which many people including soldiers who thought they were doing this with a good cause started walking away and with many civilians calling out Hans for what he did but others getting in arguments thinking it was the right thing to do…

War was coming… and is Artorias prepared for it…? Only time will tell..

#[Sometimes A Story Has Its Heroes- Drabble]#[A Wise King of Honor- Rodrigues]#[Grand Leader of Artorias- Glestchner]#[Symphony of Destruction- Hans]

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faultyparagonfiction · 4 years

Link

Chapters: 1/? Rating: Teen. Check AO3 for more comprehensive tags.

Summary: Clover Ebi was just an ordinary guy managing social media for a small event planning agency. He’s great at presenting the best face of the company to their clients. However, Clover’s skills are not the best against the Grimm Reaper, Qrow Branwen, former leader of the Branwen Tribe of bandits. Unfortunately, when he finds himself transported into the body of an Atlesian knight, he is given an ultimatum:

Die by the Reaper’s scythe… or become his henchman.

Clover’s always been able to put his skills to good use. Working PR for a villain can't be that hard, right?

-aka Clover gets isekai’d into a medieval fantasy Remnant, Qrow and James hate each other, and I binged precisely one (1) short isekai manga and have ended up here. Oops. Fair Game.

#updates #fanfic #rwby #rwby fanfiction #fair game #fair game fic #fairgame #lucky charms #clover x qrow #clover ebi #qrow branwen #medieval au #isekai

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bssaz97 · 4 years

Note

Juane and ruby go missing for a year only to show back up to tell yang she’s an aunt and ren is The Godfather

Missing For A Year… (1)

*At the newly reopened Beacon Academy, a large groups is congregated in front of a new statue inside the school, currently covered in tarps. Of this group consists the remains of team (R)WBY, (J)NPR, SSSN, CVFY, C(R)D(L), FNKI, Ace-Ops, (S)TRQ, Penny and Pietro Polendina, Maria Calavera, Winter, Willow and Whitley Schnee along with their butler Klein, Ghira and Kali Belladonna, the redeemed Illia Amitola, Mercury Black, Emerald Sustrai, and Neo Torchwick, as well as the entirety of the Arc Family and Athena Nikos, and the old Beacon Faculty. They are all seated in the auditorium as the newly appointed Headmistress Goodwitch takes the podium.*

Glynda: Good Afternoon everyone, I know for many today may not be such a good day. Today we are here to commemorate the death of Ruby Rose and Jaune Arc, two of Remnant’s greatest heroes. They sacrificed their lives today precisely one year ago at the final battle against Salem. You here are the many who know what the war was like and what it has cost. ‘Sigh’ I knew both Miss Rose and Mr. Arc, I want to say that they were two of the most exceptional students during their time here, but that would obliviously have been a lie.

Everyone: *Laughs*

Glynda: While they may have not been the most prominent of their peers, they held the most promise. I know for a fact that Ruby Rose was born to be a huntress, but it was her heart that made her a great one and Mr. Arc....I knew when he first came here that he was wildly unprepared for the trials that were to come before him. He did not excel in any subject he was in, and at the time he wasn’t particularly strong, but he more than made up for that with his desire to learn and to support his team. They were.....

*The Audience saw that Glynda took a moment to compose herself. Those who knew Goodwitch always aware that she cherished her students very much. After the Fall of Beacon, she had to count the amount of students had been slain by Grimm, Atlesian Knights and White Fang Insurgents. It was difficult for her to keep her emotions hidden at times but kept a strong front for many years, but she wasn’t perfect. As she recomposes herself she continues.*

Glynda: They were wonderful students and showed us all that even the most simple souls can conquer great forces. As such, we are here to commerate them and those who have fallen throughout this conflict by adding this monument to our newly reestablished Beacon Academy, so that others may know of their heroic deeds and ultimate sacrifice for all mankind.

*With that the tarp is removes and showcases a statue of Jaune and Ruby together in similar poses to the statue at the front of the school. Behind it is a large marble wall to serve as a memorial to those who had fallen at the fall of Beacon and its reclamation.*

Yang: ‘Sniff, sniff’ See sis...I told you you’d be the bee’s knees. Just wish you’d be here to see it.

*The group gathered are so preoccupied with the commemoration to notice that the main doors opened and someone walking through. At the stage, Oscar Pine prepares to say his own words.*

Oscar: I hadn’t known Ruby and Jaune as long as many here, but they have had a profound impact on my life. They encouraged me when I was pretty much thrusted into a conflict I was gradually unprepared for. But they were there for me and I will always be grateful to them. Ruby...Jaune if you can hear us, we miss you and we hope you two are in peace.

*The person walk towards the group, while everyone is too busy to focus on the new guest. At this point Weiss Schnee has taken the platform.*

Weiss: Ruby was my partner and team leader but more importantly than that she was my friend and sister in arms. I can’t say we started out that way, I constantly butted heads with her and wasn’t the best teammate at first. As time continued, I saw her for the qualities that made her a great leader and a powerful huntress. But she is more than that...she’s my best friend. Who I miss every day.

*The person stops to take a seat behind everyone else and waits until the event is almost completely done.*

Yang: That was great Weiss, thank you for saying that.

Weiss: I meant every word, I....I just wish Ruby and Jaune were still with us. ‘Sniff, sniff’

Neptune: You did great, I’m sure she would have appreciated to hear that.

Weiss: ‘Sniff’ Thank you. I just miss them so much.

Yang: Me too, Weiss. Me too. *Wipes a tear with her bionic finger, when someone next to her hands her a tissue. Which she takes and blows her nose.* Thank you.

Ruby: Any time sis!

* * * * * ‘Ding!’

*Everyone in attendance does a double take and looks to her right to see her ‘deceased’ half sister right next to her with a box of tissues. One of which she uses herself.*

Ruby: Everyone has said so many nice things it’s *Blows Nose* So beautiful!

Everyone: RUBY?!?!?!?!

Ruby: Huh? Why is everyone so surprised? I mean I was a bit surprised nobody invited me to the reopening of Beacon and a little ticked no one tried to contact me.

Yang: Ruby? You’re here? You’re...YOU’RE ALIVE! *Grabs her sister in a tight embrace that almost turns Ruby blue*

Ruby: Guh...Yang...can’t Breathe!

Yang: Wait a minute! *Lets her go* You’ve been alive this entire time? Where have you been?! We looked for you for almost a year!

Ruby: Oh, well I was preoccupied with my-.

Voice: Look I’ve already told you I’m a former student here, now if you just let me through!

*The front door opens once again to reveal another guest, this time in the form of the ‘deceased’ Jaune Arc, with baby carriers strapped onto him. He looks over the crowd and stops the person he’s looking for.*

Jaune: Ruby, there you are I was looking all over for you! Man you won’t believe how rude these new guards are. Barely let me in here without a fight.

Ruby: Hehehe. Sorry Jaune! I just got so excited to see everyone again that I guess I forgot to wait for you.

Everyone: JAUNE?!?!?!?!

Jaune: Huh? Oh hey guys, long time no see!

Nora: F-Fearless Leader? You....YOURE ALIVE!!! *Prepares to glomp him. Making his eyes enlarge.*

Jaune: NORA STOP!!! *Outstreched his arms.*

*Nora almost collided with him when she stops mid air, she falls down when she takes note of the little people on his chest. One girl and one boy.*

Nora: Are...are those...?

Jaune: Yeah they’re babies. Well more particularly me and Ruby’s babies.

Everyone: BABIES?!?!?!?!

Ruby: Well of course they’re our babies, I mean Jaune and I have been married for almost a year now.

Everyone: MARRIED?!?!?!?!

Yang: OH FOR GODS SAKE WILL EVERYONE JUST CALM DIWN FOR TWO SECONDS!!!

* * *

Babies: *Start crying*

Yang: Oh shi-! *Rushes to the two infants sides* No, no! I didn’t mean you two! Oh I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to scare you. Please don’t be mad at Auntie Yang.....oh gods, I’m a Auntie!

Ruby: Yep. Also Ren and Nora are the godparents.

Ren: G-Godparents! *Blushes*

Nora: ‘GASPs!’ I. Have. God Babies! *She grabs the boy and holds him above her.* Oh my gods you and I are gonna have so many adventures together! Oh my wittle, shmittle, melittle...what’s this baby’s name?

Jaune: That would be Rowan.

Nora: Rowan! My little man, I’ll take you on all my conquests and together we will rule the lands!

Rowan: *Cute baby laughter*

Jaune: Not even a day and she’s already claimed him. Sorry little guy.

Yang: *Moves towards his side* Annnnd this one would be? *Gestures to the baby girl*

Ruby: This is little Summer.

Yang: *With permission from Jaune she grabs the baby gently and hold Summer in front of her* Summer huh?

Summer: .....*Cute baby giggle*

Yang: *Blushes* ....I’ve only known this baby for five seconds but I would protect her with my life.

Ruby: Yep babies will have that effect. But I’m really surprised that you didn’t know about them until now. Haven’t you been getting our letters?

Yang: Letters?

Ruby: Yeah, the letters we’ve been sending you every month for the past year.

*Everyone looks perplexed about what the young mother was talking about.*

Jaune: Wait you guys are serious you haven’t been receiving any of our mail to you all?

Neptune: Dude for a year we thought you guys were dead!

Ruby/Jaune: HUH?!?!?!

*Both finally noticed that everyone was wearing all black and that the decoration around them was fit for what seemed to be a wake. Including the giant memorial statue in the back of the auditorium.*

Ruby: What the-? JAUNE! Did you not send any of those letters through the mail!

Jaune: Of course I did! You had them all stamped right?

Ruby: .......oh gods I forgot about the stamps.

Jaune: What?! How could you forget about the stamps! That’s the only way to make sure the mail gets to where they’re supposed to go!

Ruby: It’s hard ok! They get so sticky and at the time it was hard to do so without ripping them. I thought they’d make a exception.

Jaune: Ruby, the postal services always check for stamps, otherwise they don’t send the mail!

Ruby: Oh~ I’m sorry.

Jaune: ‘Sigh’ Look it’s fine Ruby, I didn’t check and assumed the stamps were there in the first place so we’re both to blame.

Ruby: ‘Sniff’ Thank you dear! *Hugs Jaune* I love you!~

Jaune: I love you too Rubes!~

Weiss: .....Ruby....Jaune.....

*The lovey dovey couple suddenly stop their affection when they feel an icy chill up their spines. Slowly they turn around to see their longtime friend Weiss Schnee behind them with a shadow overcasting her eyes and Myrtenaster in hand.*

Ruby: N-Now Weiss! Let’s talk about this!

Jaune: Y-Yeah it was a honest mistake!

Weiss: I know...that’s why you get a five second head start. Right now.

*Without a word, both husband and wife race outside the doors and run for their lives.*

Jaune: The kids will be ok right?!! We can trust the others to handle them right!!!

Ruby: Yeah they’ll have a blast!!! Just don’t look back!!!

**Explosion!**

Weiss: YOU DUNCES!!! COME BACK HERE AND TAKE HOUR PUNISHMENT!!! YOU’RE GONNA PAY FOR ALL THE TEARS I’VE SHED!!!

-Fin-

Author Notes:

Yes i made a JoJo reference.

I decided to add my two OC Lancaster babies. This is not canon to that particular AU but I loved the idea and consider it a AU to the AU.

I may continue this for a little if you guys want. Probably nothing too serious but fluff.

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elizabethemerald · 4 years

Text

Nuts and Dolts: comfort

@im-the-king-of-the-ocean

The airship rocked gently as it flew. After the chaos of the last few weeks it felt good to have a moment to just relax. Most of team RWBY were already asleep. Maria and Oscar were piloting the airship. Blake and Yang were sleeping against each other. Weiss was curled up in the corner under several blankets.

Ruby yawned and stretched, trying to get her cramped muscles to relax, then leaned against Penny’s shoulder. She was surprised when Penny flinched a little under her touch. She turned to look at the other girl but Penny didn’t make eye contact. She was staring across the small cabin of the airship, but it was clear she was looking much farther away than that.

“Penny?” Ruby whispered softly. Penny still didn’t respond. She had never seen her friend like this. She carefully entwined her fingers with Penny’s. The other girl looked down at her hand in surprise then finally looked at Ruby. “Penny, are you ok?”

“I…” Penny hesitated. For a second she put on a bright smile, but then it disappeared. She let go of Ruby’s hand and sat forward and put her face in her hands. This Ruby had seen before. When she had first received the maiden’s powers. When she had been so desperate to cry but unable to. It killed Ruby to see her like this.

Ruby immediately wrapped her arms around her. She held her tight, not fearing to squeeze too hard. She held onto her with all her might.

“Talk to me.” She whispered. She could feel Penny shifting under her arms.

“I’m not one of those things am I?” Penny’s voice broke and cracked as she spoke.

“One of what things?” Ruby asked, but as Penny tried to curl in on herself more, she suddenly realized what she was talking about. The Atlesian Knights. Watts had managed to hack Ironwood’s army. Again. Team RWBY had deployed to save civilian lives to prevent a Grimm incursion.

Ruby personally felt better fighting the Knights over Ironwood’s living forces. At least she didn’t have to worry about accidentally killing a person. But she could easily see why Penny didn’t feel the same. Especially after what she had done to them.

Penny had started the fight primarily fighting with her lasers and with Floating Array. She kept the Knights away from the citizens, and was able to fly around and prevent any escape. Then Ruby took a hit. It knocked her aura down completely. The Knights moved in to finish her off, and Penny stopped them.

She unleashed the full power of the Winter Maiden. She created a whirling cyclone of ice and lightning around Ruby. She was completely safe in the calm at the center of the cyclone. Penny used her knowledge of the physical construction of the Knights to end the fight. She froze their joints solid, then electrocuted them, frying their circuits. Certainly that could have killed a human, however it was a method designed to kill a robot. A method designed to kill Penny.

Ruby couldn’t hug Penny any more than she currently was, but she still tried her best. She gently rubbed her face on her shoulder and moved her legs so they were touching Penny’s. She strove for as much physical contact as she could.

“Penny, you aren’t one of those things. You aren’t a soulless machine. You are a real person!”

“That’s not what the people think.” Penny’s voice was muffled by her hands.

“What...do you mean?” Ruby asked.

“You didn’t see, Blake and Yang were getting you out of conflict, Weiss covering for you. I landed near one of the civilians. I just wanted to make sure they were unharmed.” Penny let a soft sob shake her frame, she might not be able to cry but she still liked to act like she could, like her friends. “He threw a bottle at my head. They called me Ironwood’s toy. They said I was no better than one of the Knights. One malfunction away from trying to kill them too.”

Penny sat up straight as the cabin was briefly illuminated with a brilliant flash of light. She whipped her head around to look at Ruby. She had her eyes squeezed tightly shut, with a faint line of silver light seeping between her eyelids. After a second the silver light faded and instead a few slow tears seeped out.

“How could they?” Ruby whispered. “How could they say something like that?”

Ruby opened her eyes, tears still softly rolling down her face as she gently cupped Penny’s cheek. Penny could feel herself starting to heat up, and couldn’t help but notice how close Ruby was.

“After everything you’ve done for Mantle, people can still be so cruel.” Ruby leaned closer, pressing her forehead against Penny’s. “That’s what makes you different. That’s what makes you a real person. You are never cruel. You never want to hurt people.”

Ruby was now crying harder, more tears falling from her eyes.

“I know it doesn’t help to say not to listen to them, but the people who matter the most know you are a real person. We do. … I do. You’re amazing and sweet, and kind and you always care so much about the people you are protecting, and about us… and about me. And I care about you too. And you’re real! You’re a real woman. And I love you, and I can’t stop loving you and I-"

Penny could see that Ruby was babbling. More tears falling down her face. So she did something, something that she had seen Blake and Yang do. She closed her eyes, and ever so gently pressed a kiss to Ruby’s lips. Ruby only hesitated a moment before leaning into the kiss.

After a moment Ruby leaned back and smiled through her lingering tears.

“And that was one of the most human things you could have done.”

Ruby leaned forward and kissed Penny right back.

#ruby rose #penny polendina #nuts and dolts #RWBY #writing emerald

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