Rude, Red, and Royal
*On the path to the Crimson Castle, a toy soldier, who is drumming, leads Team RWBY who are followed by three more toy soldiers.
YANG: Uh, are we sure we should do this?
RUBY: Well, the Red King helped Alyx.
WEISS: We aren't Alyx.*
"Yeah," Emerald added, "And the King will likely not like humans, especially after being tricked by Alyx."
"Not only that," Tai stated, "But they'll be walking right into the lion's den. If a fight breaks out, they won't be able to escape."
*As they walk, a turquoise butterfly is seen landing on top of a stone pillar.
Entering a courtyard, they see many Toy Guards lined up along the pathway. A soldier does a drumroll, and the soldiers along the path play an extravagant fanfare. Pair by pair, they step aside, making way for a rather short-statured, crowned figure dressed in royal garments who walks down to Team RWBY. They pose dramatically as the fanfare comes to an end. Team RWBY look on flabbergasted.*
Most of the audience shared their expressions. With the exceptions of Sun and Nora, who only giggled.
"That's the Red King?" Ren questioned.
"He's a LOT smaller," Sun added, "Than what the story says."
"Wait," Ghira questioned, "Then, are we sure it's after Alyx's journey? If the Red King is younger, then perhaps—"
"Then why is Jinxy older?" Willow retorted.
Glynda groaned her face into her hands as she mumbled, "Damn fairy tale logic."
*RUBY: You're the Red King?
?: (stammering) How dare you! There is no King! I'm the Red Prince. Hmph! Why, I never! Coming to someone's castle without even knowing who they are, and on my birthday!*
"Okay," Ilia exclaimed, "So, either this is before Alyx's journey, and the King is still a Prince, or after, and the King had a son that we never heard of."
"Going with the latter." Whitley decided. Mainly because it would help his sanity. If it was before, then why would Jinxy look older. But if it was after, then why would the King regress into a Prince—It was just much less confusing to believe the King had a son that was never said in the story.
"Man," Qrow chuckled, "That kid has one hell of an ego."
*TOY GUARDS: Happy Birthday, Your Majesty!
A soldier is distracted by the butterfly from earlier, before his fellow soldiers nudges him.
TOY GUARD 01: Happy Birthday, Your Majesty! (stands at attention again)
The Prince looks on with a slight anger in his eyes, before calming his composure.
RED PRINCE: Yes, yes. A joyous occasion, thank you very much.*
"I can't tell if this will be easier," Kali said, "Or harder. If it's the Red Prince, maybe he won't have that hatred towards humans. But he's clearly much easier to anger, soooo…"
Ghira nodded, "Yes, they'll have to tread lightly."
*BLAKE: (whispering to Ruby) Red Prince?
YANG: The King wasn't nearly as rude, or small, or loud.
TOY GUARD 02: (gasps) Well, if it hadn't been for your kind, the King would still be here!
The Toy Guards shush him.*
"Okay," Oscar declared, "That confirms it. This is after Alyx's journey. But…what happened to the King?"
"Maybe he took his loss against Alyx," Winter answered, "More seriously than the story suggests. He could be missing."
"Or he could be dead." Raven countered, "Which might be helpful. They won't have to deal with him, but, if the guards mention what happened, the Prince will certainly lash out. After all, they—" Raven stopped herself, "Wait, if just now occurred to me. This is after Alyx's journey."
"Yes?" Tai replied.
"How much after?"
Everyone was silent, processing Raven's words.
"HOLD ON!" Sun cried out, "But Alyx's story's been around for centuries! How is that possible!"
"Perhaps time works differently in the Ever After?" Saphron suggested, "I mean, this world already has rules that bend reality, so why not time as well."
While it was an acceptable answer, it did make the others worry just how long they would be in the Ever After relative to their own time. For all they know, they could have already gotten back, or it could be years until they get back. And only a few days would've past for RWBY-J.
*Ruby sighs and steps forward.
RUBY: (smiling and does a curtsy) Happy birthday, Your Majesty.
LITTLE: Happy birthday!
YANG: Ugh, happy birthday…
BLAKE: (nervously) Happy birthday.
WEISS: Happy birthday, I guess…
RED PRINCE: (gasps) How do you know such privileged information?! (climbing on a soldier) You must be infiltrators! Here to steal my crown!*
Winter facepalms. "You literally just told them."
Tai added, "You kinda had posters all across town, too, soo…"
*Weiss facepalms.
YANG: You literally just told us.
WEISS: Also, we saw advertisements for your party… everywhere.*
Everyone got a good laugh at Winter and Tai echoing Yang and Weiss's statements.
*RED PRINCE: SILENCE! You are in the presence of royalty! (a guard kisses his hand) That's me, thank you very much. (hot tempered again) The heir to the Crimson Castle!*
"Ooookay," Sun states nervously, "This kid clearly has a superiority complex."
"Whitley, how did you get there?" Nora jokes. Whitley stammered.
"Why I never…" Whitley crossed his arms indignantly.
*A snot bubble appears from his nose, the guard he's standing on pops it for him.
WEISS: Ew. (to Blake) Did I used to be this unbearably pompous?*
"Yes." Nora snarked.
*They are shoved out of the way by the soldier escorting them.
TOY SOLDIER 02: Your majesty! We have brought you a magnificent gift, befitting of the royal birthday! (kneels)
TOY SOLDIER 01: (presenting the gift wrapped in a cloth) It is very rare! The weapon of the greatest warrior to ever live!
TOY SOLDIER 02: Acquired by us and only us with no help at all.
WEISS: (scoffs) But we're the ones who gave it to you- Ow! (gets shoved back by another soldier)
TOY SOLDIER 01: No help at all.*
Raven smirked, "This is going to end badly for those men."
"Why?" Kali questioned.
"Simple. Brats like the Prince will always look for flaws. Even if what they claimed was true, there's one glaring piece of information that the Prince will hate…the sword is green."
"Why's that a—Oh."
Several people flinched at the implied implication.
"The Red Prince might not be happy about a green weapon. Hell, it could be the Sword of Destruction, and he wouldn't care because it wasn't his color."
*The Red Prince jumps off the guard and eagerly unwraps his gift, revealing Penny's sword. The prince's expression turns to disappointment.*
"Told you. And, because you wanted all of the credit, you get the punishment."
*RED PRINCE: Uh green…? Why. Is. It. GREEN?!
The Prince angrily kicks the sword over a red hedge nearby. Ruby gasps and tries to go after it, but is stopped by a guard.
RUBY: (disheartened) How could you…?*
"Okay," Ilia stated, "I hate to say it, but, Ruby Rose, diplomacy is out the window. I may not know much about Penny, but I can clearly tell you cared about her. Get that sword back, and kick that brat's butt."
Ruby's friends nodded in agreement.
*TOY SOLDIER 02: Forgive us, your majesty! We didn't know it was green!
TOY SOLDIER 01: Please, please forgive us!
The soldiers continue to beg pathetically as the prince walks away from them.
RED PRINCE: (sighs) Take them away…*
Nora giggled, "To the dungeons, with you!"
*A couple of guards grab the begging soldiers and drag them away.
TOY SOLDIER 01: Your Majesty, please!
TOY SOLDIER 02: They gave it to us!
Their cries are heard on deaf ears, and they are dragged behind a red hedge.
BOTH TOY SOLDIERS: PLEASE!*
Nora's face fell, as a dark thought entered many of their minds.
"Wait," Emerald stated, "Are they about to—"
*A pair of axes are raised, before swiftly swinging down, and silence follows.*
"Holy crap!" Sun cried out in shock. Many of them were horrified at what they saw. The only ones who weren't were the veteran huntsmen, but even they were stunned at how nonchalantly the Prince executed his men.
"Team RWBY," Ren slowly said, "Will have to tread very lightly here."
"Ya think!" Emerald retorted.
*Team RWBY looks on with horrified expressions. Ruby turns and runs to the prince.
RUBY: No, wait! Maybe we can help cheer you up!*
"Why would you want to cheer him up!?" Nora exclaimed, "He kicked Penny's sword!"
"Ruby must be thinking about getting everyone home," Ren retorted, "As much as Ruby cares about Penny, she's…she's…" He didn't have the heart to say it.
Pietro looked down. He understood Ruby wanting to get everyone out. It just didn't sit right with him that Penny's sword was so callously tossed aside by the Prince. He spoke up.
"And, if Ruby went to get the sword, they may lose their chance to get back home. I…don't think Penny would want that for Ruby."
"It's quite simple, really," Raven stated, "She can either claim a dead friend's weapon, or get their teammates home. A pretty easy choice."
The several angry looks people gave her told her they didn't appreciate her tone, but Raven merely shrugged.
*RED PRINCE: (touching his chin) Hm. Beheading people does cheer me up… But, go on…
RUBY: We heard you like to play games… (smiling mischievously)
The Prince turns around, likewise smiling.*
"Ruby, this won't be as easy as you think." Qrow stated.
"Yes," Ghira agreed, "The Prince likely knows that his father lost, and won't want to suffer the same fate. So I expect some underhanded tactics."
*Another fanfare plays, the turquoise butterfly from earlier is seen flying down the ringing bell tower over the castle. It then flies into a large room below. The floor is checker-patterned with a six-pointed star. There are winding staircases at each corner. In the center, a game table is shown with a throne-like seat at one end. Many soldiers stand guard, and the prince and Team RWBY enter the room.
RED PRINCE: So, what exactly do you desire from me in exchange for playing my game? (takes a seat on his throne, adjusting his crown) There's always a catch.
RUBY: Your Majesty, you are as wise as you are… uh…
Little whispers into Ruby's ear something.
RUBY: (smiles) … Small!*
Several people facepalmed.
"Well," Saphron groaned, "There goes diplomacy."
*Ruby cringes upon hearing what she says, and the rest of Team RWBY groans at their leader's choice of words.
RED PRINCE: (gasps) Thank you! (bows)
LITTLE: (quietly) Yes!*
"Wait," Saphron gasped, "That worked!?"
"Makes sense," Emerald retorted, "Rich snotty brats like him will take any form of compliment in stride." She turned her head to Whitley.
"When did I become the punching bag?"
"Because it's soo easy to taunt you."
*RUBY: If we win, our only request is that you help us get to… the tree.
RED PRINCE: The tree? It's so… far away.
RUBY: That's uh… why we're asking. (smiles sheepishly)
RED PRINCE: Hmm… (hums to himself as he looks at Weiss, Blake, and Yang. He then stands up on his throne.) If you win, I will help you with what you ask. (sits back down)
RUBY: (sighs in relief) Great! (sits down at her end of the game table) So, uh… how do we play?
Suddenly, the prince and the guards burst out laughing hearing her question.*
"Huh," Kali stated inquisitively, "History repeating itself. The Red King also laughed when Alyx asked the same question."
"So, what are the rules again?" Whitley questioned. Saphron shook her head.
"This game is different. The original game was more similar to croquet. This…this looks like a chessboard."
*RED PRINCE: Rule one!
The guards hup and stand at attention again. The pawns on the game board suddenly come to life.
RED PRINCE: Each player may move every pawn one space each turn. Rule two!
Little yelps. The guards hup again, causing one of the pawns to fall over.
RED PRINCE: Whoever gets the most pawns to the other side of the board wins. Rule three!
The guards hup one more time.
RED PRINCE: To take over a space, you must dispose of whoever occupies it…
RUBY: Dispose of?
The Prince snaps his fingers, and the red pawns on his side of the game board draw their weapons and organize themselves into formation. The white pawns on Ruby's side of the board all groan, already looking roughed up.*
"Given what happened to the guards," Sun retorted, "The white pieces likely gave up on purpose. Otherwise…URAK!"
"If Ruby's pieces aren't going to give it their all," Oscar stated, "Then how is she supposed to win."
*RUBY: Okay… um… I think I'm missing some pawns…*
"I don't think the Prince will care." Nora rebuffed.
*RED PRINCE: Hmm… How perfect that you brought along friends to play then…
Ruby gasps in realization.*
"Okay, time to run!" Sun cried out.
"Run where?!" Ilia retorted, "They're surrounded!"
*The Prince snaps his fingers, and suddenly, red dust surrounds and shrinks Weiss, Blake and Yang, transporting them onto the game board. They are now the same size as the other pawns.*
"What the hell?" Glynda exclaimed.
"They're at the Prince's mercy at this point!" Ghira added.
"What do they do?" Kali questioned, "Ruby doesn't have a weapon, and the others are too small to fight."
"Win…" Raven answered. When others turned to him, she continued. "All they can do is beat the Red Prince."
"She's right," Tai added, "If they win, the Prince will take them to the tree…and hopefully get them back to normal size."
*RUBY: Hey! What are you doing?! Weiss?! Yang?! Blake?!
LITTLE: Now we're all Littles!
YANG: We're okay! (gives a thumbs up)
BLAKE: Ruby! The most important thing is winning this game!
WHITE PAWN 01: What's wrong with them?
WHITE PAWN 02: I dunno, they look stupid.*
"Well that was just uncalled for." Ren stated, with Nora, Sun, Ilia and Emerald chuckling at the comments.
*WEISS: (sighs) I guess these are our teammates… (draws Myrtenaster)
RUBY: No one's going to get hurt… right?
RED PRINCE: (smiles smugly) As I am a gracious ruler, the white team may go first. Begin!
The lights around the room suddenly go out, a single spotlight shines only on the game table at the center of the room. The game has begun. Ruby tries to think of her first move.*
"Ruby needs to use her teammates." Raven states.
"Well, duh." Nora retorted, "She knows them best."
"Yes. And the red pieces don't."
"I see," Whitley muttered, "You think that, in order to dispose of an opponent's piece, your own piece has to beat it in combat. And, since all the white pieces are battle damaged while the reds are pristine, it's clear the red ones are superior. Or, like Sun said, the white pieces may just give up so they don't get punished by the Prince. But Weiss and her friends—"
"Don't need to follow those rules," Raven finished for him, "Exactly."
*RUBY: Uh… (to one of the white pawns near the front of the formation) Can you advance one space forward please?
The white pawn groans as they face the red pawn in front of them, who is clearly larger than them. The white pawn charges forward and engages in a duel with the red pawn, but gets knocked down. It dramatically "dies".
RED PRINCE: (laughs) Victory for me!*
"I hate being right sometimes." Sun grumbled.
*Ruby winces. A stretcher appears next to the downed white pawn, and they roll onto it. It floats away and the pawn on it stretches its arms and yawns. Weiss scoffs at them.
RUBY: (sighs) Okay… How about you three? (points to the three white pawns in front of Blake and Yang)
They charge forward, but get easily knocked down. Ruby groans and Little facepalms.
RUBY: Weiss, do you think you can take that space?
Weiss smiles, readying Myrtenaster.
WEISS: Have some faith!
Weiss goes forward, easily dispatching the red pawn with Myrtenaster in front of her. The white pawns gasp.
LITTLE: Go Weiss!
Weiss curtsies. The prince gasps as he watches his pawn float away on a stretcher. He then regains his composure.
RED PRINCE: Beginner's luck. Doesn't bother me!*
"Are you sure about that?" Ilia snarked.
*Ruby looks back down on the game board. The prince's expression turns from a smile to a serious face.
RED PRINCE: So… tell me, why do you want to go to the tree?
RUBY: We want to go home, and we believe the tree can get us there. Yang, you're up!
YANG: All over it!
Yang cocks Ember Celica and goes forward. She flips into the air and knocks another red pawn to the ground, delivering a barrage of blows. The white team cheers her on as she takes in the glory. Blake gives a small clap at her.
RED PAWN 01: Who are these people?
Yang smugly rubs her chin with her thumb. The prince growls and nearly balls his hand into a fist, before calming himself down again.
RED PRINCE: And how do you know this?
RUBY: Well, it… worked for someone we know. (rubbing the back of her head nervously) Uh… Blake, your turn!
Blake then goes forward, easily taking down another red pawn with Gambol Shroud. The crowd cheers for her.
YANG: Yeah!
Blake turns around and does a little blush from the compliment. Some of the white pawns murmur amongst each other.*
"Hmm," Ren began, "It seems that they never had confidence in winning. Now that they actually are, the white pawns might try to win, instead of simply getting it over with."
"You mean that RWBY won't have to do it all themselves?" Nora snarked, "Well that's a relief."
"Maybe…" Oscar replied.
"Oscar?" Saphron questioned.
"Just something I'm concerned about."
*RED PRINCE: (livid) Someone you know, hm…?*
"Oh," Glynda said, "I think I know what you're worried about, Oscar."
"Yeah," Qrow added, "If the kid realizes that they know about Alyx, the kid will flip the fuck out."
*WHITE PAWN 03: (to Ruby) Hey, hey! What about us? What do you want us to do?
Ruby points forward, and the white pawn charges forward taking down another red pawn.
RED PRINCE: ENOUGH! It's my turn! ATTACK! Full speed ahead!*
"Hey!" Sun exclaimed, "Ruby didn't move all her pieces yet!"
"And the Prince isn't going to give her the chance," Emerald retorted, "He's clearly losing, so he's going to cheat. It's what I'd do."
*All the red team charges forward and clashes with the white team, leading to an all out battle. Weiss, Blake and Yang help take down some pawns too. Some pawns are sent away on stretchers. The prince slams his fist against the armrest.
RED PRINCE: No! (kicks his throne) This is not how it's supposed to go! This isn't right! This isn't fair! (falls to his knees) You're… you! (breathes heavily) Wait… what type of creatures did you say you are again…?*
"Ruby," Tai exclaimed, "Be very careful how you respond."
*RUBY: Well, uh… Blake is a Faunus, Little's a mouse, at least I think…
LITTLE: Sure!
RUBY: And the rest of us are human? (the word "human" echoes)
Suddenly, a pair of turquoise eyes appear behind Ruby.*
"What the-Who's that?!" Kali cried out in shock.
*The pawns gasp. Some of the red pawns raise their weapons at Weiss, Blake, and Yang.*
"I do believe they all know what humans are," Willow states, "Which means-"
"They all remember what Alyx did to the Red King," Raven adds, "Whatever it was beyond that. The guards may have suspected, but now they all had it confirmed."
*The Prince's porcelain head suddenly cracks upon hearing this.
RED PRINCE: Human…? HUMAN?! I KNEW IT! You must've cheated! (hops onto the table) ALL OF YOU! GET THEM! GET THEEEEEM!*
"Okay, now we have a fight on our hands!" Klein cried out in dismay.
*Suddenly, both the red team and white team charge towards Weiss, Blake, and Yang. The three prepare to fight. Blake swings Yang around with Gambol Shroud, knocking some pawns down. Weiss swiftly dodges and quickly moves around with her Glyphs, taking down more pawns. Weiss then leaps off a sword that flings backwards to knock three white pawns down. Blake and Yang take on more pawns. Yang delivers a series of blows onto a white pawn, planting explosive rounds on them in process and blowing them up. Blake tries to go help Yang, but gets knocked back into a wall near the edge of the board.
RUBY: Hey! Leave them alone! You're going to hurt them!*
"Ruby," Qrow snarked, "That's the point! He wants you girls dead for what Alyx did to his father."
"If Ruby had her weapon," Glynda added, "I'd tell her to get the girls, and just run."
"But they'd still be stuck small." Ghira retorted.
"They can figure it out later. Right now getting out of there should be their first priority. Even if they somehow beat all the pawns, there's no way the Prince will honor his deal now."
*RED PRINCE: It's my royal birthday! And I can do whatever I like!
Some of the eliminated pawns return to the board on the stretchers. Yang gets dogpiled by some white pawns. Weiss and Blake end up getting cornered at the top of a cubed hill near the edge of the table. Blake tries to fire some rounds with Gambol Shroud's pistol form, but quickly runs out of ammo. Ruby helplessly watches as she puts her head in her hands.
RED PRINCE: I've won! Give up already…*
"Ruby, go all 'TITAN SMASH!' on them!" Nora cried out.
"Not a good idea," Ren rebutted, "Right now the Prince is only using the pawns to attack the others. If Ruby herself gets involved, he'll likely bring in the guards."
"Gah! This is so frustrating! Ruby, if you girls get out of there, you need to find your scythe."
*RUBY: (sighs) We. Won't… (standing up) Kick their WOODEN BUTTS!
Now motivated, Team RWBY gets back into battle, Weiss prepares a series of black glyphs, allowing Blake to run over to her.*
"Okay, that's kinda cool!" Sun cheered. Before, most of the audience was rather nervous at the sudden turn of events, but, now with RWBY getting their fighting spirit back up, that nervousness was replaced with excitement.
*Weiss then uses a summoning Glyph to sprout Nevermore wings, shooting feathers at the pawns.*
Winter smiled. It takes great skill and concentration to summon parts of your own summons. She'd be hard to believe that she herself could do so at Weiss's age.
*Yang activates her Semblance, knocking off the pawns that dogpiled her. She propels herself into the air. Weiss and Blake, on a black Glyph each, hold an end of Gambol Shroud's ribbon. Yang goes to the center of the ribbon, and another summoning Glyph appears above her. The Arma Gigas' sword then appears in Yang's hands. Ruby cheers them on as the Prince looks on in shock.
RUBY: (pumping her fists) Yeah!
With assistance from Weiss and Blake pulling the ribbon, Yang is flung downwards and she delivers a slam onto the ground with the sword, knocking back all the pawns. Team RWBY have won this battle.*
The audience either cheered or gave happy claps for RWBY's victory.
"Okay," Emerald conceded, "I have to admit, that last move from Blondie was pretty cool."
"I know, right?!" Sun exclaimed. "Man, those girls got good!"
*Suddenly, the Red Prince angrily flips the table, sending Weiss, Blake, Yang, and the pawns flying.*
"First, Red, grab them!" Qrow cried out, "Second, someone's a sore loser."
*Ruby quickly dashes over with her Semblance, reaching her shrunken teammates in time. Weiss and Yang land in her hands, while Little helps pull up Blake. The rest of the pawns are not so lucky as they fall over the edge of the platform.*
"Anyone else realizing just how deep that abyss goes?" Raven questioned.
"Yeah…where are they in the castle?"
"Doesn't matter, Mr. Long," Pietro retorted, "They need to leave right now."
"We're preaching to the choir," Tai replied, "But sometimes we can't help repeating ourselves."
*RED PRINCE: If you won't concede, then I will have you beheaded!
RUBY: You can throw a tantrum if you want, but we won! Take us to the tree!*
The audience gave various responses, mostly to the effect of 'Get out of there!'.
*The toy soldiers surround them, pointing their weapons.
RED PRINCE: Guards! THEIR HEADS!
?: Your Majesty!
The Prince suddenly stops and turns around, the turquoise eyes from before appear on the overturned table.
?: (manifesting itself) Oh, you must be so distraught. (licks its paw)*
"Who is that?" Ilia questioned.
"Do…do you think it's the Curious Cat?" Saphron added.
"Maybe," Emerald answered, "But, so far, this fairy tale has had very little resemblance to the book. So take it with a grain of salt."
*CURIOUS CAT?: Not able to do the one thing you were put on this acre to do. I understand. Surely you don't want to behead them, they are but fragile things without a head. If you get angry and break them, they might not ever come back…
The cat causes its head to disappear, startling Ruby.*
"Anyone else find that both cute and creepy at the same time?" Kali questioned, with Willow and several others nodding.
"That has to be the Curious Cat," Saphron exclaimed, "It could disappear and reappear body parts just like in the book."
*RED PRINCE: Bu- bu- bu- but- it's my birthday! And they wouldn't let me–
CURIOUS CAT?: I know, Your Majesty, it truly isn't fair. You must play your game and win at any cost. It must hurt your heart. Let me help.
The cat has a part of itself near the Red Prince's heart.*
"What did the cat just do?" Ren asked.
"Oz?" Oscar added.
'The book doesn't say anything about the Cat 'giving a piece of itself' to someone else. So I'm unsure. But, whatever it did, it calmed him down.'
*RED PRINCE: (sniffs) Fine! I won't behead them… BUT I NEVER WANT TO SEE THEM AGAIN!
The Prince proceeds to throw a tantrum, crying like a spoiled child.*
"Is," Emerald said, "Is he crying marble balls?"
"Well," Ghira, "The Prince does appear to be a mannequin, so normal tears probably wouldn't exist."
*TOY GUARDS: Your Majesty!
The guards rush over to console him.
RUBY: What about my friends? They're still tiny! And he promised he would–
CURIOUS CAT: Promises are like birds, they taste great, but always escape.*
"Uh, what?" Sun asked. Emerald groaned.
"Basically they're easy to make, but just as easy to break."
"Not only that," Raven added, "But the Prince never promised to help them. Only if Ruby won the game. And since both the white and red pawns attacked them, I think the game is forfeit."
*CURIOUS CAT: (whispering into Ruby's ear) You should go, before he changes his mind…
RED PRINCE: (jumping back up) Don't touch me! (pointing to a guard)
CURIOUS CAT: Come! Quickly!
RED PRINCE: You're…BANISHED!
TOY GUARDS: (overlapping) Banish them!
The guards proceed to chase after them. Ruby and the cat are seen going up one of the winding stairs. The hallways of the castle are very confusing, twisting and turning, and some have Ruby run on the walls.*
"What the heck?" Nora felt dizzy in the head watching Ruby escaping.
"Right…" Whitley reminded himself, "Everywhere here is insane."
*TOY GUARD: Come on, men! They went this way!
RUBY: Whoa!
TOY SOLDIERS: There they go!/I see them!/They went that way!/Get them!/Not a single one gets out of here!/This way!/Your Majesty!/Banish!
The cat continues to lead the way and avoid the soldiers stationed around the castle at every turn. Ruby leaps through a door, barely dodging the swing of the soldiers' axes.
TOY SOLDIERS: Go, go, go, go!/They went this way!
Ruby runs down another hallway, but the cat stops them.*
"Wai-wha-how?" Qrow stuttered, pointing to the side of the screen and the door in the wall the cat appeared from.
*CURIOUS CAT: Here! This is the way.
TOY SOLDIER: Where'd the red one go?!
Ruby enters the secret passage with the cat, closing the doors behind them. The soldiers continue to run, searching and shouting at each other.
TOY SOLDIERS: They're out here somewhere!/Keep searching!/Who saw her?!/Where did she go?!*
The audience felt relief that RWBY were able to escape the castle, or, at least avoid the guards.
*Inside the passage, Ruby sighs in relief. Her shrunken teammates and Little rest in her hood near her neck.
RUBY: I don't know how that went so wrong… but thank you for saving us.
Ruby and the cat proceed to crawl through the passageway.
CURIOUS CAT: Good thing I dropped by the Prince's party when I did. I usually hate parties. How did you end up in his game anyway?
BLAKE: We wanted to speak to the Red King, but he wasn't there. And, now we're back to where we started.
CURIOUS CAT: The King?! How did you know him? (purrs) Well, time's changed, you know. And so do we when it's our time to change. Don't you?*
'Interesting. Mind if I have a moment, Oscar?'
Oscar nodded, letting Ozpin have control. He turned his head to the others.
"Ozpin?" Glynda inquired.
"I don't know exactly what they could encounter, but the Curious Cat might be hinting at what's in store for them."
"Change…" Pietro answered, to which Ozpin nodded.
"Precisely. I don't know what they'll encounter, but this land is going to test them. And they'll either have to change their mindsets, or remain strong enough in their current beliefs to hold against those forces."
*A light then appears at the end of the passage, engulfing them. Ruby and her companions find themselves outside in the forest again.*
"What the—?" Winter exclaimed. When no one else voiced their shock, she simply dropped her shoulders. Even if they wanted to voice their confusion, they've already seen the rules of logic broken multiple times, to the point it almost wasn't even worth pointing it out.
*YANG: Did you hear that? There was a Red King.
BLAKE: Right. But something's changed since then…
WEISS: Great! So we're not in the stupid story after all. We're in its stupid sequel!
Little, asleep again, snores and leans into Weiss, much to her chagrin.*
Several people chuckled at Little using Weiss as a pillow, basically.
*CURIOUS CAT: First things first. What are you? What did you need to talk to the King about? And what… (lying on its back) is your favorite dessert?*
"Why would-" Klein stopped himself, sneezed, and then his eyes turned mint green, "Right, Curious Cat. Forget I said anything."
*RUBY: (sighs) What, again? We're humans, and–
CURIOUS CAT: Ugh, I must say, you're not nearly as interesting as the others I've met. What about… (gasp) Hold that thought.
The cat spots a butterfly land in the bushes, and proceeds to chase after it.
WEISS: What's the deal with this cat? Can't anyone here be normal?
BLAKE: That's not just any cat. When Alyx was lost, she met the Curious Cat, who loved to ask questions.*
"Well," Tai said, "At least we have that confirmed for us."
*YANG: And the Curious Cat helped Alyx find the tree.
WEISS: Wait, so the cat is our ticket out of here?
YANG: Rubes, don't let that cat get away!
LITTLE: Cat! What cat?! Oh goodness… (yawns) Now I need a nap.
Ruby quickly chases after the Curious Cat.*
"Hold on," Nora cried out, "I just had a thought. Since they don't need the Prince anymore, couldn't Ruby just go back and get Penny's sword?"
Qrow shook his head. "No, too dangerous. The Prince kicked them out, Yang, Blake, and Weiss are too small to defend themselves, and Ruby doesn't have her scythe. At best, Ruby would have to leave the three behind while she snuck in alone. If something went wrong, none of them could defend themselves."
"Not to mention," Glynda added, "That they might lose the Cat. And, as far as we know, they'll need that cat to get back home."
"So, Penny's sword is just going to remain in some crappy Prince's garden forever? Man, I hate this!"
Pietro looked down in sadness, agreeing with Nora's words. "Ruby is probably thinking the same thing, and it's going to weigh down on her."
*Elsewhere, the Jabberwalker runs to a new acre of the Ever After; a purple wasteland with a thunderstorm casting over it.
JABBERWALKER: Go… Run…
The Jabberwalker runs past some sharp plants, leaving drops of blood behind. It then stops to pick up something.*
"Good," Raven states with a smirk, "It can bleed."
"I thought that was obvious." Emerald replies.
"We didn't see any physical injuries when we first saw it," Raven retorts, "But, since we know it can bleed…"
"They can kill it." Ren finishes, "If necessary."
*JABBERWALKER: Fix… (tosses the object away)
A pink-colored light crashes onto the wasteland. The Jabberwalker turns around. It reveals Neopolitan has crashed there. Neo is on her knees before she angrily uses her Semblance to transform as Ruby. The Jabberwalker climbs and observes Neo, who then transforms into Cinder Fall.
JABBERWALKER: Find…
Neopolitan stands up and looks up to see the Jabberwalker. As the Jabberwalker approaches Neo, she transforms back to herself and confronts it. Suddenly, Neo notices a clone in her image appearing by her right side. Jabberwalker watches. Neo then notices another clone appearing to her left. Jabberwalker watches multiple Neo clones appear.*
Everyone who was even remotely aware of Neo were shocked at what they were seeing.
"What…the hell?!" Oscar cried out.
"What's going on?" Kali questioned, curious by the horrified looks.
"Neo's Semblance allows her to disguise herself as someone else," Ren answered, "She's never been able to—"
"I'm gonna stop you right there," Emerald interrupted, "I have seen Neo make clones before."
"What!?" Nora replied, "When?!"
"Back before…Beacon. It was only once, and she only had one clone. Don't remember what the clone looked like, only that it was a girl. She can also use it as a...field of sorts, to conceal those around her. But…," Emerald turned back to the screen, "She's never summoned this many clones before."
*JABBERWALKER: Stop…It…
Neo stares at her clones from left to right; the clones did the same thing.*
"Neopolitan looks just as confused." Ghira furrows his brow, "Meaning her Semblance might've only been able to summon one clone before, and not this many."
"A Semblance Evolution?" Oscar questioned, "Like with Ren."
Glynda's eyes widened, "Wait, Lie Ren went through a Semblance Evolution?"
"Oh, yeah!" Nora cheered, "Before, he could only suppress people's emotions from the Grimm. Now he can see your emotions. So cool!"
"So, does this mean that Neo's Semblance has also evolved?"
"If that's the case," Sun replied, "We're in trouble if she gets back."
Oscar turned to the side for a moment. He then turned to the others. "Oz might have a different theory."
"Go ahead, kid." Tai beckoned.
"Remember how, when Ruby was depressed, the weather turned to rain?" When some of the people nodded, he continued, "Well, maybe Neo's rage, combined with her Semblance, may have caused the Ever After to affect her Semblance."
"So, as long as she's in the Ever After, Neopolitan's going to be more dangerous than ever before."
"Great." Sun groaned.
*Neo opens Hush and snaps her fingers. The clones then intimidatingly approach the Jabberwalker with Hush in their hands.
JABBERWALKER: Cease! No! NO! NOOOOOO!
As the Neo clones corner the Jabberwalker, Neo sharply grins.*
WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTINUE: YES/NO
"Yikes," Sun said, "We may not have seen it, but I'm pretty sure Neo just murdered the main villain from Alyx's story."
"Yes," Whitley nodded, "Truly—Wait! Something's not right."
"Ain't that obvious?" Emerald snarked.
"You shut your mouth, thief. What I mean is, Neo fell right alongside Ruby, right? But she's only appearing now."
As the revelation dawned on them, others spoke up.
"Not only that," Kali added, "But she was practically next to Ruby. Why didn't she appear on the beach, same as Ruby?"
"The Ever After." Oscar answered
"What do you mean?" Raven questioned.
"This place clearly has a will of its own. After all, doesn't it seem strange that, with how large this place is, that all of team RWBY got together so easily? Remember what the Cat said about change. The Ever After might have separated Neo from the others in order for her to find her own path. Though, clearly it's backfired. It also explains why RWBY found each so fast, why Jaune hasn't been found, and possibly why Ruby's scythe is missing. It's trying to test them, just like it tested Alyx."
There was a moment of silence as they digested Oscar's words.
"Was that your words, or Ozpin's?" Glynda questioned.
Oscar rubbed the back of his head. "He's kinda congratulating me on my guess."
"Well," Tai replied, "It's a pretty damn good one."
With nothing more to say, they continued to the next episode.
Author's Notes: As always, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.