You know, there's a mega note at the bottom – those who consider it "too soon" or the wounds "too fresh" might want to give it a miss. I know it's a big-ass post, but I have received about forty or so individual PM's asking me about my thoughts on it… so… yeah. Read or ignore, it's not important to the plot here ;)

Also, yeah it inflates my word count – but the actual chapter is the same length as usual, and no one judges fics based on "word count" – so I'm not sure why that frustrates some people xD

Cover Art: Coeur al'Aran

Day 2 – I Burn

The sound of whistling air, a quick splash – then frenzied paddling. Neo swam back up to him as she held her hands out towards him, a wide smile on her face.

Jaune couldn't hold in his own laughter, placing his hands beneath her armpits as he hefted her into the air once more, throwing her further into the ocean. The small girl cartwheeled happily, face showing that if she were able to talk, she'd surely be squealing in glee.

He didn't even have the heart to tell her his arms were aching or that his stamina was waning, such was the power of her bright eyes and smile. Instead he simply fought on; lifting and throwing her each time she swam close, taking some subtle pleasure in her enjoyment.

Maybe it was the contrast? That great difference between her usual bitchy attitude, and this cute little girl he wanted to pamper?

He couldn't tell. And as much as he knew she was playing him, convincing him to do more work for her pleasure, he couldn't deny her. It was the next time she swam up to him however, when he laid one hand atop her shoulder – that he noticed her flinch and shy away.

"What's wrong?" He pushed after her, walking along the floor of the ocean, even as the other girl was forced to tread water. Once he reached her he placed a quick arm around her waist, letting her use him as a buoy so she could rest her legs, all the while he poked her left shoulder with one finger – ignoring the way she slapped her hand against his back.

The skin there was a little pinker than usual, and judging from the way she squirmed in his grip as he touched it…?

"Ah, you're getting sunburn," he chuckled, taking his hand away from the sensitive skin, even as she pouted up at him, eyes narrowed. "Alright, alright – I'll stop touching it, but we'll have to put some sun-tan lotion on you."

She didn't seem to like that idea, twisting her head away as she glared from the corner of one eye at him. With one hand she splashed the water, pointing for him to throw her once more.

"I promise we'll go swimming again afterwards," he started walking back to the shore, pretty much carrying the girl like one might a small child. Once the water got down to his waist however, and the girl suddenly regained all her weight, he was forced to let her go. She was still upset though, and made sure he knew it by stomping to the deck chairs.

He could only shake his head and follow, subtly enjoying how childish she was being about the issue. One of those rare occasions in which he could have the upper hand and laugh at her expense. In secret anyway, he wasn't that stupid.

"Okay, I need to dry you off as much as I can," he spoke as he settled a towel around her shoulders, rubbing it over her skin. She seemed fine with most of it, though when he moved to her shoulders she pulled away, dabbing at it herself rather than let him roughly towel her down. She made sure to give him a warning look from the corner of one brown eye as she pulled her damp hair over her shoulder, holding it against her breasts so he'd have better access to her back.

The message was clear… and it didn't look like she'd quite forgiven him for that unfortunate instance in his office.

"It won't take long," he promised, squeezing some of the cold lotion out onto his hands and rubbing them together. Shuffling forward, so that she was between his legs, he was amused to find that she fit into his hold fairly well. With her legs between his, and her head coming to rest just under his chin… even as she leaned forward with both hands on her knees.

She flinched initially, when his hands settled on her upper back. The cold sensation of the lotion against her warm skin making an interesting contrast even for him, let alone how she squirmed. Knowing better than to push his luck however, he settled for rubbing it into her skin, trying to ignore just how smooth and creamy her back was.

It had been so easy to think of her as a child earlier, when he was throwing her around in the ocean. Suddenly, with her legs pressed against his, and her back hot against his palms? Her diminutive height didn't do enough to disguise her maturity. Especially with how if he looked down he could see straight into her cleavage… and her narrowed eyes staring up at-

Shit, shit, abort! He needed a distraction, and it was with a small amount of guilt that he slipped his hands up to rub lotion into her sore shoulders.

"…!" The girl bucked slightly, driving an elbow back into his ribs even as he whispered a small apology. She didn't look like she really believed it, which was fair enough given the circumstances. But she let him continue, relaxing slightly as the initial pain began to fade.

She had such pale skin, he thought to himself as he continued to massage her back and shoulders. There was little wonder she burned so easily, especially compared to him. That was what made her swimsuit stand out so much as well. That contrast between alabaster skin and such bold colours. His fingers would pause as the stretched out over her back, touching against the straps as his mouth went dry.

"Hi there," a voice spoke from nearby, making Jaune jump in surprise. He pulled his hands back as though burned, excuses coming to his mind before he realised it wasn't even someone he knew, let alone had to explain himself to. It was a young woman, perhaps a few years older than them, though not by much. With light purple hair and a cute face, she giggled as she offered him a small grin.

"Oh, uh… hey!" Jaune fired back, laughing as he scratched the back of his hair. Something dug into his ribcage again, but he ignored it in favour of the girl talking to him.

"I was just wondering," she looked aside for a moment, before turning back to him, "once you've finished with your little sister, if you could rub some lotion into me?"

Little sister, did they even -? No, never mind that – a cute girl was asking him to rub lotion into her? Hells yes!

"Ah sure, once I've finished," he looked down at the girl before him, noticing her narrowed eyes, even as he suddenly realised her back was perfectly dry, no lotion to be felt. Holy crap, how long had he been rubbing her back for? "Ah well… I guess I've-"

Or not, as it turned out. Neo, offering her arms to him with a raised brow. Well, that made sense, he supposed. If her shoulders were fair enough to get burned, then there was no reason her arms wouldn't as well. Squeezing out a little more lotion, he worked it between his hands, before gripping both her arms at once – his hands large enough to close entirely around hers

Her arms were soft, yet hard too. Filled with power, and the unrelenting fact of strong muscle, it was impossible to think of her as anything other than a trained Hunter. Even as she leaned back and let out a short sigh, appreciating the way he squeezed and stroked her muscles. After a few moments though, the lotion was rubbed in, and Jaune pushed Neo back onto her own seat with a quick sigh.

"Okay, well I-" he tried, only to grunt as one of Neo's legs landed across his lap, toes wiggling. "S-seriously?" The vicious killer didn't look at him, her gaze fixed above his head as she smirked and nodded.

With a quick gulp, Jaune complied – lathering lotion across her toned leg as he worked his way up and down. From her toned and smooth shin, all the way up to her incredibly soft thighs. He had no idea where he was supposed to stop, though he a good six inches or so from anywhere that might get him killed. He finished at her ankles, working both hands across her feet as he watched the white liquid slowly melt into her skin.

Just in time to receive her other leg.

Is it hot out here, or is it just me?

"Ah – um - " the girl watching them stammered, even as Jaune placed Neo's leg down – finally finished with ensuring the small girl was safe from the sunlight. "So uh… you done now?"

I guess she's annoyed it took so long, Jaune nodded to her as he made to turn around, only to pause as he felt Neo's hand settle on his shoulder. No way… she couldn't mean to have him do her front? Neo was kneeling on the deckchair beside his, holding the bottle out towards him.

-SQUELCH-

"Hah?" Jaune looked down at the globules of lotion dribbling down his chest, hardly noticing the shadow rising above him, until something warm and soft settled on his hips. "N-Neo!?"

Oh gods, he was going to suffer for this – again! The last time she'd been in his lap had gone badly enough, but how was he supposed to control himself when she was wearing a revealing bikini, he was topless, and her small hands were slowly rubbing into his pecs?

The answer was simple. He wasn't, and he had an unfortunately hard problem immediately. The difference this time however, was that the girl seemed to have remembered the incident as well, and has shifted herself a little higher. So thankfully for her, and by extension him, she didn't feel his little problem.

Which unfortunately for him, wasn't the same as it not being a problem in the first place.

"Mummy, why is that woman on top of that man? And why is there something in his shorts?"

"Ack! Timmy, close your eyes!"

"Ah – I um… ah – I see…" the lilac haired girl stuttered, wide eyes fixed firmly on his lower body, which he couldn't see past Neo's frame, but he knew what she'd no doubt be noticing. "I'll just… uh… leave you to it then!"

Jaune barely heard her leave, too focused on all the sensations he was feeling. Small, warm hands on his chest – the way she pushed down into his muscles. Even her soft thighs, pressed against his sides as she perched with her rear on his stomach.

Don't look at her chest, he said to himself, no – not that area either! Just… just close your eyes, it's safer that way.

Except that closing his eyes just allowed him to feel every other sensation all the more keenly. From touch, to smell, maybe even tas- no, no, no!

She stopped. Hands leaving him as the cool air descended on his skin once more. One azure eye cracked open, noticing the lotion still dripping down his chest. Not rubbed into his skin at all. The girl above him pouted, turning around as she pointed back towards the ocean.

"Wha?"

"…!" She bounced on his stomach, driving the air from him as he reared up in shock. Once again she pointed to the ocean, though this time she made a clear throwing motion, causing him to groan.

"You got rid of her so that she wouldn't interfere in me throwing you?"

She nodded, cocking her head to one side with a wicked grin – as though asking what he thought she'd done it for. Not that he was going to answer that question. She knew full well what effect she'd had on him... he could tell by the look in her eyes. That self-satisfied smirk that said she'd won yet again, and would continue to do so.

"Come on then," he sighed, trying to hide his amusement at the way she clapped her hands and scampered off his body. Even as she grabbed his hand and dragged him back into the cold water. "You're a real piece of work, you know that?" He asked as he lifted her up, extending his arms and propelling the girl atop the waves as her face contorted in delight.

Despite his words, however… he couldn't help the indulgent smile that slipped across his face.

MEGA NOTE INCOMING – Sore or Still Hurting? Maybe give it a miss – Also Spoilers Inc.

You know… a few (at least 25-35) people have asked me what I actually think of the last episode. And possibly what I'm about to say may come across as quite controversial – so feel free to skip this if the wounds are too fresh.

Also keep in mind that I'm not disparaging anyone's choices, nor am I saying it's wrong to feel emotional. That's the sign of a good story, and decent writing. I'm only giving "my views" – since so many have asked for them. Keep in mind they're subjective only. Also… spoilers, naturally.

I love that Pyrrha died.

The thing is… I'm a writer, it's what I do – I do it 9-5, and when I get home I do more. So in some ways I think in terms of plot structure and story than I do love for individual characters. I do love certain characters, of course I do, but I don't wear the tinted goggles others do. I can read any pairing, read any story - where as some won't even so much as touch something if it isn't Arkos, or White Rose, or Bumblebee. I enjoy story, I enjoy plot and developing narrative...

That's one of the reasons I never liked Pyrrha as a character, because she was an obstacle to that plot, in a lot of ways. Beyond that, I always felt like she didn't have much character, she was always just a foil and a tool for the development of Jaune's character. With her being an almost constant "yes-woman" to his problems, someone to ultimately train him so he can be stronger, then die so he can be vengeful. I don't mean that in a nasty way to her, it's not her fault, but allow me to list some examples.

1) She mothers Jaune too much, trying to take on all his problems for him. This is a result of her romance for him, which honestly I was never a fan of for reasons I've said a million times before… I mean come on, she complains about fans treating or judging her, and yet there's not a SINGLE person in the show who ever does that. Weiss, you could argue, but her reasons weren't even fame (Weiss having enough herself), she just wanted a strong team. Anyway… Pyrrha was an obstacle to Jaune growing as a character because she literally HAD to intervene in all of his problems. Because that's her character, that's what RT gave her – so it would have been OoC for her to sit back.

As such, her death opens the door for Jaune to really grow into his own – and from that, his team as well.

2) Pyrrha was too strong. Her semblance is in a word, overpowered vs anything with a weapon. And since this is RWBY – a world where Ironwood's choice of a gun that is a… well a gun – is "quaint," at the least – and downright bizarre at the worst. Every gun-scythe-coffee-maker-ICBM would be made of metal, meaning Pyrrha could theoretically defeat everyone (made all the worse with maiden powers on top).

3) JNPR never really had a reason to be involved in the plot. Other than self-defence, anyway. Sure, they are friends with RWBY and might have helped had they been asked – but without a personal reason to get involved? Well, they were never going to be major players in the next season.

Now however, it got personal – great.

4) Pyrrha becoming the maiden would have shifted the balance of power too heavily, and honestly guys… the show is called RWBY – did anyone really think Pyrrha would become the Fall Maiden? Four girls, four maidens, titular characters? If Pyrrha had inherited the power of the Maiden, then it would have been an immediate end-game moment, in which – with supernatural power added to vast skill and experience, she could have won the war alone – relegating RWBY and JNR to side-characters.

So no, I'm not displeased with the ending – I got really excited. I don't think Yang is out, at all, she will bounce back with a robo arm or something. And the thing is… I don't know how anyone didn't see Pyrrha's death coming.

I mean, let's look at this… Rooster Teeth names characters after things. Pyrrha is based on Achilles, the invincible warrior (Invincible Girl – remember the nickname?) – and RT loves to make sure the myths still apply – hence Nora's semblance and Joan of Arc – Cardinal of Winchester references. Anyway, Achilles could only be defeated through his single weak spot – the heel (or Achilles tendon) where he was shot with an arrow. Which, for those who might have missed it, is exactly how, and where, Cinder shot Pyrrha.

The thing is… that's the only thing about Achilles in the legends. Unless they wanted to have Pyrrha drag a corpse around Vale behind a chariot, there was no other legend they COULD have chosen – other than to kill her with a heel shot. So to me at least, the death had been obvious for ages. Achilles is literally famous for the way he died – that's his legend.

Hell, she even achieved her "Pyrrhic Victory" in declaring her love, making out with her boy toy, then dying a few minutes later. RT doesn't do this on accident guys, I mean we all saw the Cardinal Vs Joan of Arc moment coming, right? So why are we surprised now?

So, who else might die, from the main cast anyway?

The realistic contenders, to me at least, are Jaune, Ren and Blake. (and maybe Ruby in the final battle).

Jaune is based on Joan of Arc, who was burned at the stake – burning being Cinder's main form of killing. His death would also complete the Arkos as a tragedy – a nice touch. That said… Jaune might have an out from this, because Joan was burned by the Cardinal of Winchester – meaning that Jaune has already been "metaphorically" burned by Cardin, through bullying. This might mean he's escaped his death, but we still don't know. There could be a final scene where Jaune goes all revenge mode and sacrifices his life to defeat a big enemy – or give the others the opening they need.

Ren is (as far I can tell) based off Hua Mulan, who – despite Disney alterations – did commit suicide later in life. Now, while I doubt Ren will be threatened into becoming a sex slave like she was, it still has potential for a moment where Ren's life is taken to achieve their true goal. Also it might be a fitting tribute or memorial to Monty – God bless him.

Blake… for me it would be perfect irony – and while I love Blake (literally my favourite character) that still doesn't mean I can't see the value in killing her. Blake has been running away all her life, and continues to do so – making Adam's prophetic "You will" comment apt. It would be a redemption moment in Blake's mind for her to stop running away, and give her life to save someone else – or take Adam down. Saying "I'm not going to run away any longer," as she kills him and dies.

Of course, being one of the 4 titular characters, she might have plot armour. Remember people, it doesn't have to protect every part of your body – so long as your heart keeps beating, you can afford to lose a few hands.

Anyway, predictions aside – to answer the questions a lot of people are asking me. Did I like the last episode? Yes, I loved it – it was great, really love where they are going moving into the next season.

Am I sad that Pyrrha died? Not in the slightest, in fact, her death did a lot to make me like her as a character – the way she acted around Jaune, finally showing some emotion that could be termed as selfish. I liked that, and it was some nice character development. A shame (for her) that she had to die for it, but I approve of the decision nonetheless.

Am I sad about Yang's dismemberment? No, I also love that! What a perfect way to smash aside the naivety shown by the cast, by striking at one of the strongest. Again, did no one see this coming? Remember Qrow's words – hell, everyone's words. "A single day out there is worth a year in here!" Man, they were really trying to hammer this home for a long time. Penny was likely meant to be a hint too, one that's easier to bear.

Anyway, I'll be sad if Yang doesn't grow from this and come back stronger than ever (which I'm 100% sure she will). But I really approve of both Yang's early depression (because it will give her a chance to become more complex as a character), but also Blake's decision to flee (because it's both in-character, and also increases the conflict she feels emotionally). This also takes away one of Ruby's protectors, in the same way that Pyrrha mothered Jaune – this gives Ruby a chance to grow without Yang's care.

So nope… nothing about it disappointed me. Well, except for Ruby's sharingan powers or whatever… that was a bit meh, as I always prefer people to fight and win through determination and strategy, rather than one-shot super powers. But you can't have everything…

I wanted to see an epic fight scene however, I mean Ruby has super-speed and a sharp weapon, that should be more than enough to kill Cinder if she goes all out.

Too soon? Maybe, but in my mind also "not soon enough." RWBY is turning into something with a PLOT, rather than a high-school slice of life drama with goofy White Fang enemies who are "apparently evil" but never seem to actually kill anything. And Grimm who are "apparently" horrifying, yet are cut through like butter.

Roll on you crazy death wagon, I can't wait to see where you travel next.

Though given Rooster Teeth killed off Roman, Penny and Pyrrha? Nora might want to be a little careful… maybe look at dying her hair a different colour at least! Not saying they have something against redheads but… well…

Oh and yeah, Qrow dies, for sure. Probably Taiyang too.

Anyway yeah, this isn't a rant against the character - I don't dislike her... more, I dislike how she was portrayed and how her character was executed in the show. She was never deep enough, and never had any real motives or emotions past "let's do what makes Jaune happy." The only time she seems to develop or show any of these, is right at the end, when it was sadly too late.

In a show where many of the characters are bombastic, exciting - deep or conflicted... a heavy cliche like Pyrrha just didn't fit well for me. Too passive, too quick to agree to things... odd even, for a competitive fighter. You'd expect a bit more of an aggressive attitude from that, at least.