The Perils of Paper Houses
Most of the audience got up, deciding to stretch for a bit while they waited for Colva to reconfigure the screen.
"Any idea what Colva could show us?" Saphron questioned.
"He did say it would concern Mr. Arc." Klein replied, "However, he said that, without context, it would seem confusing to us. So, does anyone here know of something like that?"
Ren and Nora looked at each other. They both had one idea, but it didn't make sense. Why would it be relevant to what's going on?
"I…have an idea."
"Ren…"
"Nora, if Colva's going to reveal it, better they hear it from us first."
"What is it?" Glynda questioned.
Ren took a deep breath. "Jaune…faked his transcripts into Beacon."
"Wait, what?!" Tai exclaimed. Raven raised an eyebrow, while Qrow merely smirked. Saphron looked horrified. Her baby brother, actually committing a felony. Glynda scowled, her face screaming 'I knew it!'.
"Woah, woah, woah," Sun said, "You mean to tell me Jaune, who practically was like a boy scout, actually lied his way into Beacon?"
"Yes. However, I don't know why that would be relevant to what will happen in the next episode."
Then they heard chuckling…from Oscar.
"Oscar?" Ilia questioned.
"No," Ozpin replied, "I've taken control for the moment. Lie Ren, I will alleviate your concerns. From the moment I saw Mr. Arc's 'transcripts', I knew they were faked."
"What?" Nora cried out.
Glynda pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering, "Of course you did."
"However, he had put such a wonderful effort into making it, so I decided to give him a chance. If he showed no signs of improvement during initiation, I would expel him right then and there. And the only thing he 'faked' is where he got his training. So, as far as I was concerned, it was a near harmless felony."
"I'm not sure how I feel about Ozpin letting students get away wi-"
"Don't misconstrue my words, Mr. Belladonna. Even if a student had a flawless transcript, if I saw they were unwilling to improve, or incapable of improving, they'd be expelled. What I look for is the ability to improve yourselves. Ren and Nora should understand this."
Nora raised an eyebrow, but Ren responded.
"Your opening speech, back at Beacon."
"Correct. I said that I saw all the new applicants as wasted energy, in need of purpose. And it would be up to you to take the first step. Jaune was willing, despite his below-requirement skills. So I allowed it. However, I doubt that's what Colva intends to show us."
"We thought the same," Nora responded, "But it was the only thing we could think of."
The lights began to dim around them.
"Looks like our host is done." Raven declared, "Let's get ready."
"Anyone else getting a severe sense of foreboding?"
"Good thing it's not just me, Mini Schnee." Sun replied. Whitley looked offended at the comment, but decided not to reply.
*Within the Central Location, Weiss held Gambol Shroud in its pistol form, firing shots at Cinder as tears streamed down her face.*
"Okay, I saw this place in the first episode, but I didn't get an explanation," Tai exclaimed, "Where are we?"
"Right," Winter replied, "We were using the Staff to transport the people of Mantle and Atlas to Vacuo. However, it seemed, with so many different entry points, it needed a central location, hence this…void."
*Jaune parachutes to Nora.
JAUNE: May, Joanna, any Huntsmen that went through that gate, bring 'em here!*
"URRRGH!" Nora yelled, "If only we knew it was one way!"
*They shake hands as Nora heads through the Vacuo portal. Weiss is seen getting knocked back as Cinder hovers above her.
CINDER: It figures that a Schnee would be the last one standing, letting all her friends die first.*
Everyone didn't have a particularly nice thought on Cinder's words, the Schnee's taking great offense. Winter herself clenched her hands tightly in anger. Even Raven didn't approve, mainly along the lines of 'pot, meet kettle'.
*Cinder spews a fire breath attack, but Penny flies in and blocks the attack with her Maiden swords.
PENNY: You wouldn't know anything about friends…
Cinder tries to attack again, but Jaune arrives and knocks her back using the gravity Dust in Crocea Mors' shield.*
"Okay!" Sun exclaimed, "That was awesome!"
"It SUCKS I didn't get to see that in person!"
"Nora, if you stayed, you might've fallen down with them."
"Even better, Ren! Jaune clearly looks like he needs help, so does Ruby."
"But then, if Colva didn't bring us here, I'd think you were dead along with Jaune."
Nora wouldn't retort to that.
*Jaune, Penny, and Weiss (dual wielding Myrtenaster and Gambol Shroud's katana), ready themselves to face Cinder again. Cinder gets back up, but suddenly her Grimm arm starts to act up.
CINDER: She's back…*
"What does she mean?" Saphron questioned.
"Notice how," Qrow answered, "During this entire thing, Salem hasn't shown up?" When people nodded, he continued. "Well, from what the girls told me, Oscar unleashed all the energy built up in Ozpin's cane, turning it into a bomb, and detonated it at point blank range. Obliterated Salem's body, and gave us time to regroup and think of a new plan."
"And Cinder's reaction," Willow added, "Must've been when she finally reformed her body."
"That would be the safe bet."
'Well,' Sun thought, 'That answers my question on what's going on with Cinder's arm.'
*Cinder creates a shockwave to knock the trio of teens back, and then launches two flame swords that Penny blocks easily. Suddenly, Cinder creates flames in a V shape, separating Jaune, Penny and Weiss.*
"Oh, shit." Tai muttered.
"They can't beat her one on one," Ghira grumbled, "And Cinder knows it."
Pietro's eyes widened, a dark dread now coming full force.
'Is this what Colva meant by-?'
*Penny looks to her friends, but suddenly screams out in pain. She looks down and notices Cinder's Grimm arm impaling her chest and starting to drain her Maiden powers. Penny notices Weiss jumping in to fight Cinder again before falling over. She starts to lose consciousness from blood loss. Jaune comes into her view.*
"Waitwaitwaitwait!" Sun exclaimed, "Blood? I thought she was a robot!"
"D-during Salem's attack," Winter stammered, her mind still on Penny's injury, "Arthur Watts, a former scientist of Atlas, implanted a virus on Penny. I don't know exactly what Ruby and her friends did, but they made a human body for Penny."
Ilia was about to retort, when she blinked, and stopped herself.
"Right. Staff of Creation. Figures it could make a whole new body."
"Not exactly how it works," Oscar retorted, "But close enough."
Pietro felt a hand on his shoulder. Winter had moved closer to him, but he didn't tear away from the screen. The tears were already falling down.
*JAUNE: Penny! Hold on! (activates his Semblance to boost Penny's Aura) My Semblance–
PENNY: No… there's not enough time to heal me…*
"Have to give the robot credit," Raven said, "On death's door, and still thinking tactically. There's no way the Schnee can handle Cinder alone long enough."
"Winter, I just noticed," Qrow stated, "Where were you during this whole thing?"
Winter scowled before her face turned to sadness. "Holding the General off."
Qrow's eyes widened. James must've broken out, and was trying to get to Ruby and the others.
"Man," Qrow rubbed a hand down his face, "That entire last day turned into a clusterfuck. Me and Harriet fighting around a bomb, you and James, and this whole mess. And NONE of us knew what was going on with the other. Well, mostly."
*Jaune notices Weiss and Cinder still fighting behind him.
PENNY: She can't get the Staff and the power… but there is something you can do…*
Pietro's breathing quickened. He didn't know how to react. He already was told Penny died, and now he had to watch how it happened.
'How could this possibly be related to Jaune?'
*JAUNE: (taken aback) I don't know where the others are, but… Weiss will give us time!*
"Gods, that poor boy," Kali muttered, "Waiting for Nora, anyone, to help them, not realizing that no one is coming."
"Perhaps failing to save Penny is eating up at Jaune." Glynda exclaimed.
"That would make sense," Ren added, "If Jaune hadn't unlocked his Semblance at Haven, we…we could've lost Weiss."
*Weiss blocks Cinder's attacks, but is pushed back.
PENNY: Let me choose… this one thing… trust me…!
Penny limply touches Crocea Mors.*
Saphron's eyes widened in horror. "I need a reminder. The Maiden Powers only transfer…once the current host is dead, right?"
Everyone then realized what Penny was asking.
"Gods…she can't mean…?"
"Jaune…"
Pietro wanted so badly to look away. However, the screen wouldn't continue without everyone watching. It was like an insidious joke. So, he shouldered on.
*Jaune draws his sword, his tormented expression reflected on the blade. Cinder knocks away Gambol Shroud and Weiss watches it fall into the abyss, before being knocked to the ground by Cinder. Cinder prepares to finish Weiss, but freezes when she hears Jaune scream out in anguish, her expression shocked. Jaune is seen standing over Penny's body as his tears drip to the floor. Her blood drips from his crimson-stained blade.*
No one could say a word. Jaune killed Penny. Sure, it was a mercy kill, but he still killed her.
If it was anyone from Salem's faction, Pietro could have damned them to hell. But Jaune…he could only feel pity alongside the tears. He'd blame himself forever.
Saphron merely covered her mouth, tears flowing. Her baby brother's hands, stained with blood. Worse, based on how they described Penny, innocent blood.
*Cinder scowled as she angrily launched herself forward to Jaune. He pushes her back with gravity Dust. She conjures a flaming sword and charges Jaune again. Jaune extends Crocea Mors to parry her swing, but the force of Cinder's attack shatters his blade. Jaune looks at his broken weapon in shock, before he is knocked to the ground. Cinder advances on him, looking enraged.
CINDER: Where did it go?!
Suddenly, a blue blast hits Cinder. She angrily looks for where the blast came from, and sees Winter floating above her.*
The screen suddenly turned to static, followed by blackness.
"Wait, what happened?" Ilia exclaimed.
On the screen, text appeared.
WE WILL NOW BE RETURNING TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM
"Woahwoahwoah," Sun retorted, "Wait, what happened after that?!"
Winter sighed. "There isn't much that can be said. Cinder and I fought, during which Weiss ended up falling. After that, Cinder retreated with both the lamp and the staff. We fled to the exit but…Jaune didn't make it."
"Mr. Polendina," Glynda consoled, "WIll you…be able to continue watching?"
Pietro took a deep breath. "Yes," he rubbed the tears away, "I already accepted my daughter was dead. It's just…I didn't think I'd have to see it."
"Though," Raven added, "I think we have an idea of what's going to happen. Something is going to snap, either Jaune or Ruby, and Penny's death is going to be brought up, directly or not."
"Though," Sun said, "Jaune, along with Ruby, are going to need some SERIOUS therapy when they get back!"
The lights dimmed, as everyone turned back to the screen.
*Nighttime at the Origami Acre. A small origami bird is seen landing in the windowsill of Jaune's home. A tall torch in the background can be seen lighting the lantern that serves as the "sun". Light begins to illuminate the sky and turns it to day.*
Whitley opened his mouth, paused for a moment, then groaned.
"Please tell me that was covenant timing, and the torch didn't literally bring the morning."
Willow placed a hand on his shoulder. "Honestly, it could go both ways."
*Team RWBY can all be seen sleeping on mats in the living room, while Jaune is asleep in his own bed. Ruby's eyes are open as she stares at the chest with Crescent Rose in it.*
"Given Ruby's mindset," Tai said, "There's no way she got a good enough sleep. Which will make angering her much easier."
*Suddenly, a crash is heard, and Jaune bolts awake.*
Several people jumped at the explosion.
"Or easier to get caught off guard!" Qrow exclaimed, "That's also possible."
*JAUNE: I'm late!
Team RWBY wake up hearing the commotion.
JAUNE: I'm late! I'm late!
Jaune hops over Team RWBY as he bursts out the door. Team RWBY gets up and follows him out.
WEISS: What was that?
Weiss looks over to see the town below is on fire.*
"Oh," Whitley said, "I knew Jaune said something about a village, but, well…"
"That village looks downright normal compared to everything else." Ilia replied.
"Give it time," Sun retorted, "I'm sure something is crazy."
*JAUNE: (petting Juniper) I overslept… I never oversleep! Yesterday, ugh! All the excitement! Keep your head together, you can fix it! You always fix it!
Jaune mounts Juniper and prepares to ride off.
BLAKE: Jaune!
JAUNE: I can't wait! I'm late! Any second there's gonna be another–
Another loud explosion is heard.
JAUNE: Damn it, right on time!*
"Hold on," Qrow muttered, "'Right on time'? Has he done this before?"
"Given what he said," Oscar replied, "I'm starting to think that this is a daily occurrence for him."
"So, his village is getting attacked every day?" Nora questioned.
*JAUNE: (to Team RWBY) Get to town, I'll meet you there!
Juniper proceeds to gallop with Jaune riding.
LITTLE: (rubbing their eyes) I'm never this upset when I oversleep…
YANG: Uh, what did he mean "right on time"?
BLAKE: I'm sure we'll find out when we get down there. (to Ruby) Ruby, where's your weapon?
RUBY: Oh! Sorry, still waking up.
WEISS: Hurry! People are counting on us!*
Sun groaned, "Gods, it's annoying. We know why they wouldn't notice Ruby's problem, but it's still frustrating to see it happen."
*Ruby runs back into the house and grabs Crescent Rose out of the chest.
Team RWBY arrive in the town, taking in the sights.
BLAKE: Whoa…*
"Is that…paper mache?"
"Yes, mother." Winter replies, wanting to be bewildered, but given up at this point.
"Who'd make a town out of paper?" Ilia exclaims.
*YANG: Who makes a town out of paper?!
?: Hello.
Team RWBY turn around, startled.*
"Uuuuuh…Okay." Sun muttered.
"I think we've all become desensitized to the craziness here."
Ghira nodded, "That we can agree on, Mr. Sieben."
*BLUE PAPER STAR: Welcome to our village. We hope that it pleases you. Would you be so kind as to tell us what you are so that we may serve you?
RUBY: Serve us?!*
"They're being unusually calm for their town being on fire." Glynda stated.
"Yeah," Nora added, "Almost like it's just a normal thing."
"If it is…," Tai joined in, "Then it's no wonder Jaune hasn't found a way out. He might've been too busy trying to help the villagers."
*WEISS: Your town is on fire!
BLUE PAPER STAR: Oh… no. We are quite safe! We have our hero!
Juniper is seen leaping over one of the emblazoned houses, Jaune is seen dumping a bucket of water over it, putting out the flames. Jaune lands by Team RWBY, the Paper Stars cheer.
BLUE PAPER STAR: Hooray! Three cheers for the Rusted Knight and his white rabbit!
JAUNE: Stop! Stop, there's water everywhere, you'll dissolve!*
"Oh boy," Kali said, "That has to be a hassle. Pretty much everything can harm those…things?"
Raven replied, "That might be the best way to describe them."
*YELLOW PAPER STAR: Hello, water. How may I serve you?*
"That's a bit weird," Sun muttered to himself, "But so is everything else in this world."
*Jaune picks up the yellow Paper Star.
JAUNE: Stop that… Ugh, I can't believe that almost happened. It's been ages since I missed the first fire.*
"First fire?" Whitley deadpanned.
*RUBY: Do fires happen… often?
JAUNE: Oh, everyday.
Team RWBY stiffens in shock.
YANG: What?!
JAUNE: Oh, uh right, I guess, uh… introductions. These… are the Paper Pleasers. They're probably the most polite, most hospitable Afterans around. Because… that's their purpose.*
"Their purpose is to serve others?" Ren questioned.
Raven shrugged, "Some people just don't think they're cut out for leadership. They'd rather serve under someone else because it gives them purpose."
She obviously phrased it in a way that would be least offensive. No reason to keep beating a dead horse, after all.
*A purple Paper Pleaser has a tray of drinks and offers Jaune one, but he declines with a hand motion.
JAUNE: (sighs) When Alyx left me to die, Juniper found help, brought me to the Paper Pleasers, who got me back on my feet. They work all day, not just serving travelers, but serving the land they live on too. They beautify it, make it a place of peace. Unfortunately, they're… a bit clumsy, but that also makes them predictable.
Jaune catches a Paper Pleaser being carried away by the wind.
JAUNE: I told you to hold these. (gives the Paper Pleaser rocks)
GREEN AND PINK PAPER PLEASER: Thank you, brave knight! (runs off)
JAUNE: (chuckles) Classic Ren.*
Ren did a double take.
"Wait, what?" Nora exclaimed.
"Ooooh boy." Sun added.
"Yeah," Tai replied, "Twenty years with no one but yourself. I mean, I could get naming his pet rabbit/deer thing after your team, but the Paper Pleasers…Yeah, Jaune is definitely not alright in the head."
*WEISS: You named them… after your teammates?
JAUNE: No, I named them after everybody.*
"The fact," Ghira deadpans, "That he doesn't consider why that might be a problem should be very concerning."
Kali nodded,
*A red Paper Pleaser approaches them.
RED PAPER PLEASER: Hello! I am the one called Ruby. What are you?
Team RWBY look on horrified.
YANG: Hate that!*
"Agreed, please get Jaune some help."
"Glynda," Qrow replied, "Given their situation, I think maybe helping Ruby would be the better idea."
"Why? Wait, let me rephrase that. Both of them need help, but Jaune is clearly down the more insane route than Ruby is."
"Well, if my gut is telling me anything, we should watch for a little bit longer, and we'd have the answer."
*JAUNE: Okay, the disastrous lighting of the morning lantern is dealt with. (mounts Juniper) That gives us just enough time to strategize before the calming pebble tower crumbles, crushing the koi pond dam, and flooding the entire village! So I'm thinking… quick brunch?
Team RWBY look at him with weird looks.
LITTLE: I could eat!
*Jaune lays out a map of the Ever After he made, all the acres are in hexagonal shapes, with the tree at the center. Some acres are labeled with words that Team RWBY has already explored, like "HUNTER MICE", "CRIMSON CASTLE", and "GARDEN", with some that have not been explored like "BLOB", "STINKY CHEESE", "GREEN CHAPEL", "SWAN LAKE", and "VOLCANO". One acre has a drawing of the Jabberwalker's head on it.
JAUNE: (sighs) My life's work.*
"This place is bigger than I thought." Ghira muttered.
"Given how insane the place is," Raven added, "I'm not surprised he hasn't searched everywhere, despite how long it's been, for him."
*Team RWBY look over the map Jaune has made.
JAUNE: Over the years, Juniper and I have been systematically exploring as many of the nearby acres as possible. If you think you've seen it all here, let me tell you… you haven't.
A purple Paper Pleaser sets down a plate full of quiches. Little proceeds to grab one and eats away.
BLAKE: What exactly have you been looking for?
JAUNE: Anyone or anything that might be able to take us back home.
WEISS: Okay… and, what have you found?*
"I'm going to guess," Willow states, "Not much progress."
"The Cat did say," Ren added, "That Jaune's plan hadn't worked for years. And, if Jaune did find the way out, he likely would've marked it on the map."
"Or," Nora replies, "Better yet, gone straight there instead of going to his village."
*JAUNE: Uh, so far? I mean, not much, but I got a really, really good feeling about this one acre we saw with a bunch of pyramids.
YANG: (raising her hand) Sorry, um… I'm just… trying to make sure I follow. Do you have any leads… at all? Any other plans?
JAUNE: This… is the plan. Look, I- I'm sorry I didn't solve all our problems by myself, but… I- I can't just run off and let them die! But, between protecting the village, searching for you guys, searching for an exit... we've got a really tight schedule to keep. Or rather, you've got a tight schedule to keep.*
"Why not just cut the middle man!?" Sun yells, "Find out who's attacking the Paper Pleasers, which will stop the attacks, and you guys will have soo much more time to search!"
"What makes you think the Papers are getting attacked?" Nora questions.
"Well, it's the only thing that could make sense. If these events happen every single day, to the point Jaune has it down to a schedule, then clearly it's organized."
"And what makes you think the Paper Pleasers aren't doing it to themselves?"
Everyone turned to Raven.
Winter spoke, gobsmacked, "What possible reason could they have for trying to destroy themselves?"
"The boy clearly is insane, and perhaps trying to keep the Paper Pleasers 'safe' is the only thing keeping him from finally cracking. And their purpose is-"
"To help others," Oscar interrupted, "They have to help others…Possibly to the point of self destruction."
*WEISS: I beg your pardon?
JAUNE: (pulls out a piece of paper) This is the schedule of catastrophes that befall the village everyday. (unfolds the paper to reveal more pieces of paper taped together) Or, at least they would if it wasn't for me and Jun.*
(I was originally going to put the list, but that's a LONG list, and would take up too many pages, so I'm just going to have their general reactions)
"I'm starting to believe Miss Branwen is correct." Ghira declared.
"Yeah," Glynda dumbly replied, "That's…a lot of disasters that Jaune has to deal with."
Saphron was eerily reminded of Terra's list regarding their son, and she felt…solidarity with her brother.
*JAUNE: With this, you guys can save the day no problem, which means I can go out to keep searching without any interruptions. With Juniper's speed and my familiarity with this place, we'll find our solution in no time.
Team RWBY look at Jaune's list with bewilderment, sitting back down trying to process it all.
JAUNE: Guys… (stammers) this is it! If there's one thing I've learned after all these years, it's that patience. Pays. Off. It's why we're finally back together! I know I can find us a way out, okay? I-I know it… (raising his voice) I know it! (slams his fist on the corner of the map)*
"Jaune's losing it." Nora whispered to Ren. The older audience members remained silent, a few of them knowing full well how close Jaune likely is to snapping.
*Team RWBY and Little look at Jaune concerned, the latter gulping down their recent bite of the quiche.
JAUNE: (softly) This isn't crazy… I'm not crazy… (clears throat) This… isn't crazy, it's easy!*
"Jaune," Ren says, "Saying that doesn't help your situation. It only makes the Cat look more believable."
"Unfortunately," Glynda replied, "Jaune would take that poorly."
*JAUNE: You know, we still got time before the Pebble Tower falls. (stands up) How 'bout I, uh… saddle up Juniper and show you around myself. (starts to walk away) Point out some of the clumsier Papers! (chuckles) Just wait till you guys meet Neptune!
As Jaune walks away, Yang grabs Jaune's list.
YANG: (reads Jaune's "plan") Damnit, Jaune. This isn't a plan, it's a to do list.
BLAKE: (places her hand on Yang's prosthetic hand) He's obviously been through a lot…
YANG: Yeah…
BLAKE: We can be frustrated later. Right now, Jaune needs us. And we still need him. We just… can't count on him.*
"I…" Saphron began, "I want to say that's not being fair to him, but, after what we've seen…"
"It's hard to imagine," Winter says, "That those you care about are…damaged, unless it's blatantly obvious."
*Little nibbles their quiche and looks at Ruby, who's feeling sullen.
WEISS: Then who does that leave us with? It's obvious we need someone to guide us or we could end up thrown back in time, or killed by the tree, or worse…*
"I'm starting to understand what you mean, Qrow." Glynda exclaimed, seeing Ruby's expressions.
"Yep," Qrow replied, "Jaune is at least somewhat stable. He's less likely to break because he has the Paper Pleasers to keep him busy. Ruby on the other hand looks ready to punch someone."
"So…" Nora questioned, "Jaune's closer to crazy, but doing it slowly, whereas Ruby is getting there much faster?"
"Nailed it."
*RUBY: Well, if that's how everybody–
PURPLE PAPER PLEASER: The Great Tree does not kill.*
"Gods damnit!" Tai yelled, "Again, they come soo close to addressing Ruby's condition, and something gets in the way!"
"Hate to say it, Tai, but Raven's right. Only way this is getting addressed is if-no, WHEN someone snaps."
*PURPLE PAPER PLEASER: That is what we keep trying to tell him. But our hero still insists that we never ascend…
The Purple Paper Pleaser places another plate down on their table. Weiss, Blake and Yang look to the Paper Pleaser, while Ruby looks down, still looking sullen.
WEISS: What?
PURPLE PAPER PLEASER: I do not wish to be rude, but our work has been completed for quite some time. Because of us, the land is beautiful, but we have realized that like ourselves, it is also very delicate. We would like to make something that is pleasing, but also resilient. Because of this, we are ready to leave ourselves and merge with the Tree, so that it might return us as something new. But… our hero is displeased by this course of action.
A flashback is shown, some multicolored leaves of the tree are seen falling. The Paper Pleasers try to catch them, but Jaune grabs them, making a waving motion with his finger.
PURPLE PAPER PLEASER: We tried reaching out to the Tree, but our hero forbade it.
Another Paper Pleaser is shown trying to hold scissors, but Jaune picks them up.
PURPLE PAPER PLEASER: Then, the wisest of our village suggested breaking from our physical forms, so that the winds may carry us back to the Tree.
On a dark, stormy night, a pair of Paper Pleasers are seen trying to leave the village, but Jaune is shown taking their walking stick.
PURPLE PAPER PLEASER: But our hero is clever and brave, always keeping us from harm.
The flashback ends.*
"Oh," Oscar says, "So the Pleasers aren't intentionally trying to kill themselves in order to 'help' Jaune. They just completed their purpose, and are now trying to ascend."
'Honestly,' Ozpin laments, 'I'm not sure which is worse.'
"How could the second one be worse?"
"What?"
At Sun's question, Oscar flinched, realizing he said it out loud. Needless to say, they got the general idea of what Ozpin was suggesting.
"Actually," Whitley declared, "The dead Headmaster may have a point. If it was the former, then it's simply in their nature, and they can't help it. But, since it's the latter, then…it doesn't look good for Jaune."
"It makes Jaune seem more like a tyrant," Qrow added, "Not unlike Ironwood. He's trying to help these people, even if it's from themselves."
"But, but why?" Saphron question.
"Because he kept failing." Ren exclaimed, almost dead. When everyone turned to him, he continued.
"He couldn't stop Cinder from killing Pyrrha. Nor could he stop her from stabbing and nearly killing Weiss. And we just watched as he was unable to save Penny, and was forced to kill her. He may be looking for any way to 'save' people. And the Paper Pleasers might be the only people he could, in his mind, realistically save. And he'll do everything he can to keep them from ascending because, in his mind, ascending means death, and he doesn't want anyone else to die. I doubt any of us want people to die, either, but we've accepted that it could be a possibility. Jaune refuses to even consider letting them ascend."
*PURPLE PAPER PLEASER: You must understand, the Tree does not kill, it resurrects and rebuilds. We do not wish to displease our hero, and I hope I have not displeased you, but… we so desperately wish to return to the Tree, to return home, so that we may carry on with our work.
YANG: Return home, huh?*
"The biggest issue with Jaune," Ghira exclaimed, "Is that he's attempting to stop them from 'ascending', when it's the entire point of Afterans. It's like…" Ghira couldn't find the right analogy.
Luckily Klein could. "It's like two cultures clashing. What one culture finds abhorrent, the other might find it as normal, maybe even religious."
"Jaune believes," Glynda adds, "That the Tree is death. That anyone that ascends dies. However, we have no evidence to support that. Yes, Lewis didn't make it back to Remnant, but there's no evidence to suggest that Alyx sacrificed him to the Tree, or that it's even possible to sacrifice someone. If the Tree only remakes things without a purpose, I doubt it would accept a sacrifice."
"Well," Klein counters, "Unless the tree wouldn't let them go home, and Lewis offered himself to get Alyx home. But that would still debunk Jaune's theory, to an extent."
*PURPLE PAPER PLEASER: Oh, do not be sad! The wisest are going to topple the Pebble Tower today! I am sure it will work this time.
WEISS: What makes you so sure?
PURPLE PAPER PLEASER: (beat) Nothing!
The Purple Paper Pleaser then walks away.*
"Uh, what was that about?" Ilia questions. Ghira's eyes widened.
"Those Papers are geniuses!"
"Dear?"
"The Paper Pleasers have done these disasters so many times that Jaune has a list of what they do. Not just that, but also the order and time at which they do it, right?"
"Yeah."
"So what if they changed the order?"
"..."
"If they changed the order," Willow answered, "Jaune wouldn't be able to stop it in time."
"Exactly. Jaune said they had some time before the tower falls. However, I believe the Paper Pleasers intend to drop it much sooner."
Raven then chuckled, "Those paper men are also devious. When the day began, they started a fire, exactly to Jaune's schedule. So Jaune thinks that today will be no different. So he won't be prepared for when they change the plan."
"That does mean," Nora retorts, "That we're likely about to watch an entire city be destroyed, even if it's just how Afterans reincarnate or something."
"I'm concerned with how Jaune might react." Ren declares.
"Well, at least he has the others now."
*YANG: That's so sad. Weird, but sad.
BLAKE: But it also means Jaune might not be totally right about the Tree. It's not Death, it's… Rebirth.
WEISS: From a certain perspective, maybe. But… What happened to Lewis then? Jaune said–
YANG: Jaune wasn't there. The Cat wasn't even there! None of us know the full story and we'll never learn anything, babysitting these villagers! We have to convince Jaune to let them go.
WEISS: But how? He's clearly not… all there.*
"He's right behind them, isn't he." Whitley deadpanned. He didn't even phrase it as a question, because it would be so obvious that, of all times to come back, it would be just as the others were questioning his sanity.
*Suddenly, Weiss gasps, Blake turns around to see what she was gasping at. Jaune is standing with a hurt look on his face.*
Whitley throws his hand up in vindicated annoyance.
"Well, this is gonna be a fine mess to deal with." Sun declared with a dull expression, "And a perfect distraction from helping Ruby, damnit!"
Saphron gulped. She wanted Jaune to get help, but he knew how stubborn Jaune could be. If he needed help, he wouldn't ask for help. He'd think he'd have to fix it on his own.
Nora and Ren glanced at each other, reminded of how Jaune tried to improve on his own when he first got into Beacon.
*JAUNE: Is that what you think?
Jaune then walks away, exiting the building. Team RWBY follows him outside.
YANG: But what if the Cat was telling the truth? Maybe not about everything, but about the Tree!
JAUNE: The Tree is the last thing you should listen to them about.*
"Jaune," Qrow says, his voice dull, "At this point, the Tree is likely the only way of getting out. And since time is all screwy there, you have no idea how long you have to get back home."
*JAUNE: Th-They're just doing what they're designed to do. They don't care what happens when you get there!
BLAKE: We're not listening to them! We're listening to the Afterans. And they're telling us the Tree is nothing to be afraid of, that they want to go!
JAUNE: They don't know what they want. You've seen the way they act, nothing here is that straightforward, okay? Afterans are all either too clever, too stupid, or too crazy to trust!*
"Yikes!" Sun exclaimed.
"Jaune's…" Ren stopped himself, "He's not thinking clearly. The Paper Pleasers have been the only thing keeping him sane, so the idea of them 'dying' has him trying to control their lives."
"Scary thought, but I'm reminded of Ironwood."
"Nora's comparison," Winter sighed, "Isn't a far off one. General Ironwood cared for his people, but his desire to control the situation broke him. And, well, we all know what happened once he broke."
*The Paper Pleasers watching the scene unfold all groan sorrowfully.
WEISS: Then why do you care so much about this village?!
JAUNE: (almost tearfully) Because I can actually PROTECT these people!*
"And there is it." Raven exclaimed.
"Jaune…" Saphron mumbled.
"Jaune's failed so many times," Tai adds, "That he's desperate. He wants to help people so badly that he's almost enslaved this entire village. I mean, it's not a one to one comparison, but you can see it."
Nora and Ren flinched at Jaune's words. They knew he was already carrying the burden of not being able to help Pyrrha, but this…They were already planning on giving him the biggest hug when he got back, but now they don't plan on letting him out of their sight.
'I've been there many times.' Ozpin says, 'It's a hard feeling to shake off, and you never really lose it.'
'Yeah. I get that.' Oscar replies.
*Suddenly, Jaune's home in the distance collapses. Jabberwalker doppelgangers can be seen over the ruins.*
"Oh, you've got to be KIDDING me!" Nora yells.
"How did Neo find them so fast?!" Kali questions.
"If she's connected to her illusions," Glynda inquires, "Perhaps she only needs one of them to find out where they are, then she can rally the others."
"Any chance the real her is amongst them?" Ilia asks.
"No," Ren retorts, "Neopolitan may have gotten a boost in power, but she's still Neo. She wouldn't commit herself unless she's forced, or she's sure she could win. That being said, it wouldn't surprise me if she's nearby, watching the situation."
*JABBERWALKERS: Scouring… Searching… Stalking…
The Jabberwalkers roar, and the Paper Pleasers scream and run away in fear.
JAUNE: (sighs) They found us…
Jaune puts his fingers in his mouth and whistles. Juniper is seen galloping out of the forest to the village.
JAUNE: I am not letting them down!*
"Jaune, you're already doing that." Saphron countered.
Ghira agreed, "By not letting them ascend, he's denying them their path in life. I can understand why, but that doesn't make it right."
*Jaune reaches his hand out and grabs onto Juniper, still galloping. Jaune mounts them and rides towards the Jabberwalkers.
WEISS: If those Walkers make it down here, those Afterans will never ascend!
BLAKE: Then we won't run this time.
Yang nods, agreeing with Blake. Weiss, Blake and Yang run towards the Jabberwalkers. Ruby just stands there, with a concerned look on her face. She hesitates but quickly runs after her teammates.*
Everyone could see that the tension with Ruby was building as another crack in her spirit showed.
*One of the Jabberwalker clones roars, and the others charge forward. Jaune rides in on Juniper, slashing his sword at one, before blocking another with his shield. The clone is then dispelled by Weiss' Arma Gigas summon.
JAUNE: Thank you.
YANG: Stay focused!
Yang and Blake charge forward into battle. The two work together to take down one clone, and then Yang activates her Semblance as two more come charging towards them. They easily dispatch them. Jaune and Weiss take on more clones, with one being thrown into the river nearby by the Arma Gigas. Suddenly, it gets dispelled by another clone, and Weiss is flung into the air by its tail, landing on a black Glyph in the air. Jaune tries to slash at it with his sword, but it flings it out of the way. Weiss manages to catch it.
WEISS: (throws Crocea Mors sword) Jaune!
The sword spins in midair before Jaune uses the gravity Dust in his shield to fling it at the Jabberwalker clone, dispelling it into pink petals. As they all continue to battle, Ruby simply watches it all happen from the edge of the bridge into town. She pants heavily, watching the battle and then down to her folded weapon. Suddenly, the Jabberwalker clone that fell into the river pops out and tries to swipe at Ruby, but she uses her Semblance to dodge out of the way. The Jabberwalker clone menacingly approaches her.
JABBERWALKER: Missed… Hating… Thinking… Waiting… Wanting… Drooling…
Ruby cocks her sniper rifle.
JABBERWALKER: Craving… Tasting…
From Ruby's perspective, the Jabberwalker suddenly turns into Cinder Fall, flames falling around her in the Evacuation Central Location.*
"Okay, Neo's gotten good!" Nora exclaimed.
"That's not Neo." Qrow retorted darkly.
"What?"
"Neo's gotten stronger," Emerald replied, "But she can't manipulate the environment around them…at least I hope she can't. What's happening is all in Ruby's head."
"She's got PTSD." Winter concludes, "And is having a panic attack in the middle of a battle."
How dangerous that was didn't need to be said.
*LITTLE: (muted) Ruby!
Suddenly, Ruby snaps out of it as the Jabberwalker lunges toward her. She then hallucinates again, seeing the Jabberwalker's head transform into Penny Polendina when she was hacked, green Maiden flames trailing from her red eyes.*
Pietro squeezed his hands. Her daughter's death is having such a profound impact on Ruby, just like before. Only, this time, it could get Ruby killed. If Penny could see this, she'd probably be hating herself for dying.
*JABBERWALKER: Wanting…
Penny lunges toward Ruby, and she is disarmed and pinned to the ground by the Jabberwalker.
JABBERWALKER: Hating…
Ruby now sees Salem's head, her red eyes then turn an irisless black. Ruby looks back at it utterly terrified.*
"Okay!" Sun cries out, "That is a lot of NOPE!"
Tai's hands were trembling. Ruby couldn't defend herself, both physically and mentally, and was about to be killed. Sure, he didn't want his daughter to be 'remade', but that was certainly better than having her completely erased!
*JABBERWALKER: YES!READY!STARVING!TAKING!
The Jabberwalker opens its mouth, revealing its black maw as drool drips from its top teeth. Its jaw is dangerously close to Ruby.*
"Okay, I'm with Sun," Nora cries out, "Nope. Nope! NOPE!"
*YANG: (off-screen) Ruby!
Weiss, skating on the Glyphs, slashes the Jabberwalker with Myrtenaster. Blake double-kicks it away from Ruby.*
"Oh, thank god."
Qrow patted Tai's back.
*Yang jumps past Blake, who uses her Semblance to create her clone and gives Yang some boost. Yang delivers a blow on the Jabberwalker. Yang, Weiss and Blake come towards Ruby. Ruby sits up and they watch the Jabberwalker begin to spasm and vanish in bright, pink light, revealing Neopolitan in their place. Neo smirks and makes a gun hand gesture at Ruby before she disappears into broken pieces.*
"Well, out of the oven, and back on the frying pan."
Glynda turned to Ilia, "How does that work?"
"They've dealt with Neo, but now they have to deal with Ruby, because I doubt that Ruby freezing up during the fight isn't going to go unnoticed."
"It's worse than that," Willow commented, "Depending on who and how they respond, it'll likely make Ruby's condition even worse."
*BLAKE: The Walkers from the Market…
YANG: But that's… Those were more than just her usual tricks. They eat, and grow, and… How had she gotten so powerful?
Jaune gets off from Juniper and lands on the ground.
JAUNE: Well, she didn't do it by standing around. (picks up Crescent Rose)*
"I'm going to guess Jaune shouldn't be the one to confront her."
Pietro shook his head. "No, he shouldn't. He's too focused on the Paper Pleasers, and likely won't realize what he's saying."
*JAUNE: I know you may not care about protecting this village, but you could at least help your friends when they're in dang–
Ruby yelps and quickly steps away from Crescent Rose as Jaune suddenly drops her weapon.*
"Exactly my point."
"Ruby's almost…terrified of her own weapon."
Most agreed with Kali's words.
*Ruby stares down at her hands. Jaune, Weiss, Blake and Yang look at Ruby.
YANG: Ruby? Are you o-?
PAPER PLEASERS: (off-screen) Push! Push!*
"You've got to be kidding me?!" Nora yells out.
"Again, smart plan," Ghira compliments, "Even better that they had an accidental distraction to keep Jaune busy. But this was horrible timing. They nearly addressed Ruby's mental state."
Surprisingly, Raven chuckled. But it wasn't malicious, it was almost…in pity.
"It's worse than you think. Jaune's immediately going to fall into a depression, knowing he failed to 'save' them. And the others are naturally going to address the immediate problem, rather than focus on Ruby. Even if it's only for a moment, but Ruby won't see it that way. Not their fault. I'm sure the rest of you would've done the same thing."
"Are you saying you wouldn't?"
"Actually, yes, Schnee. I'd know the rest of them would comfort Jaune, and I'd keep an eye on Ruby. Make sure she doesn't do anything drastic."
*Team RWBY and Jaune hear something coming from the village and turn to see the Pebble Tower, beginning to tumble. Giant pebbles fall and destroy the dam.
JAUNE: (shocked) Oh no, no, no! What time is it?! No!
Jaune quickly runs towards the village but it is already too late as the dam is destroyed and the village, along with the Paper Pleasers, is engulfed by the waters.
JAUNE: (horrified) NOOOOOOO!
Jaune falls to his knees, devastated as the village is flooded.*
For most of the audience, they were conflicted. They were glad the Paper Pleasers were finally able to ascend, but they also felt bad that Jaune's only mental support for years, as unhealthy as it was, is gone.
*Blake kneels down next to him and gently grabs his shoulders.
BLAKE: Oh Jaune…
JAUNE: (slamming his hands to the ground) I couldn't save them… I was supposed to save them and… and they're dead…
Juniper walks to Jaune's side and comforts him.
YANG: No, Jaune. They're gone, but they're not dead. They'll be back.
WEISS: Yeah, it's what they wanted. (turns to Ruby) Right, Ruby?*
"Bad move." Sun exclaimed, chuckling nervously.
"Told you," Raven almost taunted, "Not their fault, but I knew they'd forget about Ruby's mental state."
*Ruby has a scowling expression on her face.
RUBY: (venomous) Why are you asking me?*
"Oooooh boy," Nora whined, "This is not going to be pretty."
"Even worse," WInter adds, "Is that Jaune, saddened by the Papers' 'deaths' might take that sadness, and turn it into anger against Ruby, which will just make everything even worse."
*Weiss, Yang, and Blake look at her in shock.
BLAKE: Um, we just–
RUBY: Because I'm the leader? (clenches fist) Because I'm just supposed to have something to say?*
"Yang, get in Ruby's face right now!"
Everyone looked at Tai like he had gone mad, with the exception of Qrow, who merely nodded his head approvingly.
"How is that going to help?!" Kali questioned.
"Ruby isn't thinking clearly. She's beyond angry, and is going to take it out on everyone else. Likely going to say things she doesn't really mean."
"And Yang getting in her face helps how?" Nora retorts.
"It's something I did whenever Yang or Ruby got really angry as kids. They said some really hurtful things, but they never meant it. They just needed something to vent against. So, when Yang or Ruby started yelling, I'd get in front of them, be the thing they vent at. Instead of Ruby or Yang yelling at their sister, they're yelling at me. Yang kinda emulated that as they got older."
"I've never seen Yang do that?" Ren counters.
"Have you seen Ruby blow up in anyone's face until this point?"
Ren conceded that he hadn't. However, a few were still confused.
"But how exactly does that help?" Whitley says.
"Simple, kiddo," Qrow responds, "By having a source to vent, Ruby can put all her anger on one person, instead of blowing it up on everyone else. Only one person gets pissed, instead of everyone."
*RUBY: Cuz I don't… I mean, why do I have to be the leader anyway? Why do I have to always be the one to pick people up? What about me? "No time", right? (walks to Weiss, who reels back) "Gotta get home!" "Gotta help Jaune!" Gotta find someone who isn't just going to screw everything up!*
"I'm starting to see what you mean." Winter comments.
"This," Oscar mutters, "This is almost horrifying to watch."
'Yes,' Ozpin adds, 'And it hurts that I unintentionally helped foster this.'
*RUBY: (turns to Blake and Yang) "Gotta stay positive!" Right?!
Blake hides behind Yang, who instinctively protects her as Ruby approaches them.*
"Not surprised by Blake's reaction," Ren comments, "She's always seen Ruby as the bundle of joy in your group. Now she's seeing something I don't think any of them have seen."
Tai sighed, both glad that Yang is semi-remembering how to handle this, but upset that it might be too late.
*RUBY: Smiles all around! Maybe even finally get our feelings sorted out! Good for you, by the way. We're all so happy for you!
YANG: (angered) Hey…
RUBY: I'm sorry, is this a bad time? Are we supposed to be mourning Jaune's make-believe friends?!
JAUNE: (seething) They're gone… because of you! (stands up) The Walkers came for you, because Neo. Hates. YOU! (walks over to Ruby) Oh, and let's not forget the reason we're in the Ever After in the first place is because of your plan that didn't work! What about you?! IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!*
The audience had a varied reaction. Jaune's reaction was understandable, justified, even. But so was Ruby's, and Jaune's words were only making her feel even worse, validating her own anger. It was hard to find the words.
*Ruby looks up at Jaune angrily, gritting her teeth and on the verge of tears.
WEISS: Jaune…
Jaune snaps out of his rage.
JAUNE: I'm sorry, I… I know I'm not okay. I- I'm not right, but… How am I supposed to be…? I've been alone… for SO… LONG! Here… On that bridge… I was the only one that could do it! I was the ONLY ONE!
Weiss, Blake, and Yang, look at Jaune in pity.
JAUNE: And I… (tears stream down his face) And now I have to live with that forever… In here or back home…*
Saphron covered her mouth, tears in her eyes. Her brother was…broken. I mean, it was obvious from how he treated the Paper Pleasers, but this…this was too much. Pietro also cried, knowing that, in death, her daughter unintentionally caused so much harm.
*BLAKE: Guys, I know things are bad, but–
RUBY: (grimacing) Shut… Up…
Weiss, Blake, Yang, and Jaune look at Ruby wide-eyed.
RUBY: Don't...do that...(tears begin to stream down her face) Just don't...
Little lowers their head in pity in Ruby's hood. Ruby then turns around and picks up Crescent Rose, using her Semblance to fly away from her friends into the forest. Weiss, Blake and Yang helplessly watch their leader go, while Jaune and Juniper overlook the now submerged village of the Paper Pleasers.*
WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTINUE: YES/NO
Oscar sighed, "As much as we need to watch the next episode, I think we should take a moment."
"Is that Ozpin's opinion, or-"
"No, Glynda, it's mine. We don't need a break, just a moment to talk about what happened."
"It had to happen eventually." Raven comments, with a face that screams 'I told you so'.
"Honestly," Sun exclaims, "Don't know whose side I should be on here. Both of them are justified in their anger, but they said some really hurtful things."
"I think the tipping point for Jaune," Ren replies, "Wasn't the Paper Pleasers' 'death', but rather what Ruby said."
"Yeah," Nora chimes in, "Calling them make-believe wasn't nice, but even Jaune, thick headed as he is, should know Ruby didn't mean it."
"Actually," Ghira retorts, "I think he did, but the way she said it made him not care."
"Oh?"
"Remember what Alyx did to him. She was cruel, treated this world like a plaything, and eventually poisoned him. She considered this world fake, make-believe, and was willing to do whatever it took to get back home. Ruby's words might have triggered memories of Alyx. Combined with everything else, the idea that Ruby is paralleling Alyx might've been too much for Jaune, and, well, we saw the end result."
"I…" Saphron began, "I want to be on Jaune's side on this. I mean, we saw what he had to do, and how long he's been alone. But, seeing Ruby's descent into depression, it's hard for me to choose."
"I don't think any sides should be taken in this," Winter replies, "Only that both of them need help."
"Right," Kali adds, "What they need to do is have Yang and Blake go after Ruby, while Weiss stays with Jaune. That way both of them know that someone is there to comfort them."
"Ruby's seems too smart for that," Raven counters, "If even a single one of them stays behind, her mind might conclude that those people don't care about her feelings."
An eerie silence fell upon them.
"So…" Emerald remarks, "Who wants to bet that Neo's going to ambush Ruby next episode."
"No bets," Qrow retorts, "Because it's guaranteed."
Tai's eyes were filled with dread. Qrow patted him on the back.
"Don't worry, buddy. Ruby's fast enough to get away from her if things go bad."
"Not what I was thinking."
"Huh?"
"Ruby has just had an identity crisis. She doesn't want to be the leader, doesn't want to be the one to solve their problems. And she's alone. Sure, Little is there…but that didn't stop the Tree from interacting with her anyway."
Any fear they had for Neo attacking was instantly quashed by the realization that, if the Tree was, at any point, going to make Ruby ascend, it would be now. With those dark thoughts in mind, they turned to the screen as the lights dimmed.
Author's Notes: I'm back, people. With regards to the whole 'Jaune vs Ruby' debate, I consider it the same with RWBY vs Ironwood. They both are justified in their anger, and have crossed a line they shouldn't have. As well as Yang's response. At face value it makes Yang look bad to 'shield' Blake from Ruby, but, given the entire series, it'd almost be surprised if Blake wasn't scared of Ruby, and Yang knows her sister better than anyone. Now, could it have been done better, absolutely. I've always said that my biggest critique of Volume 9 was that it was too short, thus having to rush some aspects. But I'm getting off track.
Now, in case you've been wondering, and have been posting reviews demanding an explanation for where I've been, as I've said on my profile page, I've been at my mother's house for the past two months, helping her deal with knee replacement surgery. I want this to be clear to everyone, NONE of my stories will every be declared dead unless I SAY SO. If a story is dead, I will post a chapter saying this. Even for the stories that I haven't touched for over a year, I don't consider them dead, just not on my attention. I don't get paid to write these, so writing these stories aren't my biggest priorities compared to my job, as well as other recreational activities. However, once I got back, I broke my normal 'do one page a day' routine in order to get at least one chapter out before the new year.
Which brings me to my second point. People have misunderstood what I mean by 'do one page a day'. In the context of this story, it does not mean 'I write one page of Ever After Theatre', it means 'Write one page of a story I chose'. This could mean that the next update to this story could be months away, as I focus on other stories. I'm sorry if that upsets you, but, again, I don't get paid, and this is simply a side hobby of mine.
With that, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, because next one...won't be pretty of some of the audience...or any of them, to be honest.