They all hoped listening to songs would be much more tame than watching all those RTX clips. Raider walked up to the front like she had an announcement, which she did. "You guys are aware that I continue to add people to join when they become relevant to the plot, correct?" Yes, they all knew as both Sun and Oscar were proof of that. "Well, I shall add one more with us right now so she can use everything." She? Who was this she? "She will become very important in your mission as she will serve as a spy. When I mean 'spy', you all will understand when you watch Volumes 7 and 8."
Raider snapped her fingers and appearing out of thin air was Winter. Weiss gasped, immediately rushing to hug her sister. Winter is startled by the sudden embrace but upon realizing that it's her sister she becomes slightly less tense. "Weiss?" Winter was beyond confused, taking a look at her surroundings and the rest of them sitting on the ground before she averted her attention to Raider. Winter pushes Weiss behind, about to reach for her blades when she realizes they're not there. "Who are you?! What is this place?! And why do you have my sister and her friends?!" Raider puts her hands up in surrender, showing she means to harm, but Winter isn't buying it.
Using her own summoning, a beowulf immediately charges toward Raider. "Wait, Winter, stop! I know what this looks like but let her explain!"
"This stranger kidnapped you and your friends, what explanation is there to be had?!" Winter yells back at her sister. Raider easily gets rid of the beowulf in a matter of seconds and Weiss stands in front of Raider, holding her arms out.
"She brought all of us here to help us and change the future from further disaster," Ruby says, standing beside Weiss. The rest of her friends join her and Winter is nothing but confused. "Just let her show you and you'll understand." Winter still holds a defensive stance, eyeing Raider skeptically.
"She really did bring us here to help us." Winter stares at her sister but then turns to glare at Raider.
"What is there to show me?" Raider steps forward and with a snap of her fingers, every moment they've all watched flashes through her head. Winter drops on one knee as everything becomes too much. Her eyes are unmoving from the ground as it takes a while for everything to sink in. The Fall of Beacon, the Fall Maiden, Penny. Weiss… Tears burn her eyes as Winter looks at the exact same spot her sister had gotten impaled. She almost lost her…and she wouldn't have been there to keep her safe… She planned to kill Cinder where she stood the next time she saw her.
Salem's immortality, Ozpin's lies, the farmhouse. They've all seen so much and Raider showed it all to them, their future. "Raider brought us here so we could rewrite our own story, be able to change the events."
"We were brought here to help us unwind and relax until we move on to the next volumes. Raider was just about to have us listen to some songs," Weiss says. Winter looked back at her sister.
"Why bring me here?" Winter asked Raider.
"Because you have a very important job when you all get sent back. You will be keeping an eye on Arthur Watts, Tyrian Callows, and General Ironwood." The general? Why would Winter need to keep a close eye on the general?
"Why would I–?" Raider cuts her off.
"That will be explained when you watch the next couple of volumes and it will do a much better job than I'll be able to tell you." Winter clearly looks like she wants to say more, but Raider doesn't give her the opportunity, ushering everyone to sit back down. "There won't really be a specific order of which songs you will listen to, so the most you can do is just enjoy, have fun, and relax!"
There was so much going through Winter's mind and this Raider was insinuating that she just roll with it? Winter's uncomfortableness was palpable and Weiss placed, what she hoped was a comforting, hand on her shoulder. "We know all of this is a lot to take in, which is why Raider does these breaks every 3 volumes so we can have time to process ourselves but at the same time, give our brains a rest. It wouldn't have been good for us to watch everything you've witnessed back to back."
"And besides, Raider's really fun once you get used to her. She's actually very laidback, just a very big stickler when it comes to spoilers," Yang added. Raider nodded her head, agreeing with the blonde. Weiss's eyes abruptly widened.
"I wish this could have been done under better circumstances, but these are all of my friends that I've written to you." All of them went around introducing themselves, some more nervous than others due to Winter's intimidating presence. Ruby anxiously introduced herself but kept the dating her sister thing quiet as she and Weiss hadn't discussed that with her yet. None of them noticed Raider wince. This was going to be really awkward between Winter and Ruby when they do comics next.
"Oh, and you don't have to worry about missing anything back home, time doesn't exist here," Nora said as if it were one of the most natural things in the world. Winter just stared at her blankly, her mind trying to process that information. "We know it's a lot to handle, trust us, we understand the feeling, but you'll get used to it," Nora waves off-handedly.
"So, Raider, what will our first song be that we'll be reacting to, and how many?" Pyrrha asked, wanting to distract everyone by getting everything moving.
"Your first song you'll be reacting to is called Forever Fall and the video I'm showing is by Heda Bee. I plan to have you guys listen to the serious ones before moving on to the fun ones. To answer your second question, you'll be reacting to about 6 or so songs." All of them frowned upon hearing that news. Of course, they would be listening to the depressing ones first.
All of them nodded and mentally prepared themselves for what they were about to hear. Raider pulled up the video and not even a moment in they were all already wanting to cry. Seeing the image of Pyrrha brought their hearts nothing but pain. What quickly made it worse was the music, they immediately recognized where it was from since Volume 6 was still fresh on their minds.
"You're a monster for doing this," Nora says to Raider. Winter wasn't as deeply affected as her sister and friends, but she holds a deep respect for Pyrrha Nikos and her sacrifice.
Once, like a dream…you looked at me.
"Raider, what is this song about?" Jaune asked.
"It's about Pyrrha falling in love with you." Both the two in question felt their faces flush as well as their hearts tug. Jaune didn't know what to say, they made an entire song about Pyrrha's love for Jaune. Coos rang around the group as they all thought that was lovely, but even more heartbreaking knowing the context.
And everything felt new.
The music was so gentle and the voice singing it was so soft. They were listening to a piece of their friend's heart and what she felt for Jaune. Jaue couldn't stop the rapid beating of his own heart as it threatened to burst out of his chest.
Time, slipped away…the past seemed to fade. My hope restored by you.
Pyrrha gasped when she felt a hand grip hers. Her cheeks tinted pink when Jaune's hold tightened. The group felt saddened as Jaune's counterpart would never truly get to know Pyrrha's feelings for him. The entire thing was just a mix of love and pain.
Pyrrha can still remember the days when she first started falling for her partner and she must admit while listening to this those same ones were beginning to arise. All those feelings were being resurfaced.
"This son is so beautiful, but it's so sad," Ruby whined. Weiss hesitated to rub Ruby's back but went through it. Weiss was laser-focused on her sister's reaction but tried not to make it obvious. She hoped she wasn't being obvious.
And I know for some it's temporary, like a shooting star soon out of view.
All of them felt how true that line is. Love could be something everlasting or a fleeting feeling that doesn't stay for long. Others could feel it burning passionately in their souls, or some fall out of love. It hurts all of them in the case of her counterpart Pyrrha.
But this will always be, it's my destiny to be in love with you.
Jaune could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. It was Pyrrha's destiny to fall in love with him. Those lyrics hit him harder than he could possibly imagine. Jaune glances at Pyrrha, wondering how such an extraordinary girl could have fallen in love with him.
Pyrrha's answer was simple: just being himself.
Some people fall in love for life.
Team RWBY's friends attempt to discreetly look at the four of them.
Others never get it right.
Yang solemnly thinks back to her own parents, her mother. She was sure there were many people out in the world experiencing this. Everyone's hearts go out to those who suffer through the pain. All of them, except Winter, thought back to Salem and Ozpin all those centuries ago.
Love's fickle when it calls.
Love wasn't an easy thing and it truly was fickle. It works in strange ways and it can either bring fortune or loss.
One thing that I know for sure, longer than our lives endure. You're my forever fall.
The students felt like they all just got punched in the heart, more specifically Jaune. She saw him as her forever fall. Jaune couldn't possibly think he'd ever felt so much love in a single song. Every word sung felt so sincere it shook him to the core. This, this is what Pyrrha felt for him. Jaune noticed that Pyrrha couldn't keep eye contact with him, but Jaune wanted nothing more than to stare into them, to drown in their depths at this very moment.
If he could do it for just a single second. "Pyrrha," Jaune whispered. Pyrrha slowly looked at him and Jaune could see it and he had never felt so happy. They were absolutely beautiful.
Your trust, honesty helped me believe. A ray of hope shined through.
Jaune brought a new feeling inside of her and helped her to see. Pyrrha wouldn't trade away that ray of hope for anything in the world, it was much too precious to her. Pyrrha had confessed to him before, but these were a part of what wasn't spoken, what was kept inside.
You set me free, saw what the world couldn't see.
Jaune didn't see her as the warrior or as anything special, he just saw her for her, for who she truly was.
I found my joy in you.
Jaune felt pride swelling in him that he was such a source of Pyrrha's happiness and he hopes to do his best to continue to be that someone. This was certainly the extra push that Jaune needed. When they were done, he would officially ask Pyrrha to be his girlfriend. After a song like this, he wouldn't think of a more perfect song.
Every life is filled with passing moments. Like the seasons change they come and go.
With everything they've witnessed and seen, they planned to live life to the very fullest and when they got back they weren't going to have any regrets in enjoying the life they were given. They don't know if they'll make it to the end, they would have to wait and see what the rest of the volumes have in store, but they were going to cherish every single moment they have.
But this is infinite, nothing, even death, could separate our souls.
Their souls were so connected that nothing was ever going to tear them apart. Given how Pyrrha shared some of her soul with Jaune to unlock his own aura, they weren't far off. Both of their own souls had become intertwined with one another. Jaune's grasp on Pyrrha's hand strengthened further.
At this rate, nothing was going to break their hands apart.
'Cause you're my final goal.
And you are mine, Jaune said to himself, wordlessly looking over at Pyrrha.
Some people fall in love for life, others never get it right, love's fickle when it calls.
All of them let out their own noises of disappointment, the song was coming close to its end and they wanted to hear more of its soothing melody. They knew they should have been sad when it came to listening to this song, but all it did was bring them a new sense of peace. Pyrrha's counterpart had died at the hands of Cinder at the Fall of Beacon and they all viewed this song as her passing on.
The point of this song may have been about her journey of falling in love with Jaune, but this was a song made in remembrance of her. To let her memory continue and live on.
One thing that I know for sure, longer than our lives endure. You're my forever fall.
That song had left all the students emotional in more ways than one. That song was a beautiful testament to Pyrrha. "You guys okay?" Ruby asked, looking back at her friends who were still holding hands.
Pyrrha squeezed Jaune's hand, "Yeah, we're okay." They appreciated Ruby for asking.
"What's the next song?" Oscar asked.
"The second song you will be listening to is called Nevermore and the video you'll be watching is by FlyntofRWBY," Raider explained. Everyone frowned upon seeing Adam on the screen with Blake and Yang.
Nevermore.
Winter felt her gut clench the same as Weiss's when she first saw the branding over his eye. Their father was the one responsible for creating this monster and now innocent people are suffering the consequences.
Nevermore.
In their world, nevermore would Adam hurt anyone else, but when they return he will still be alive and out there. They all hope to make the world better and safer with the knowledge they have all obtained from being here. Winter plans to go back and fight to make a bigger difference for all.
Will I be afraid, nor will I run away.
Blake was tired of running away, only seeing how doing so had hurt her friends much more. Blake intended to stay with them, but she wasn't going anywhere. As if Yang could sense her thoughts, she took hold of her hand and squeezed. They were going to stick together.
It's behind me.
Yang shouldn't have been that surprised that they would be getting both the thoughts from her and Blake. Yang's losses have only made her come out stronger than ever before.
Freedom is finally here.
Both Blake and Yang looked at the art of their counterparts on the screen. They would no longer be held down by Adam and they were finally freed from his chains.
You may have taken the lead but I'll even the score. You won the battle now you won't win the war.
The students appreciated the back-and-forth between Yang and Blake's lyrics, getting further perspective on each of their thoughts. Ruby looked over at her sister who was holding her head up high as she stared at the screen, the same as Blake.
Not now and nevermore.
A few let out noises of surprise from the drums and other instruments coming into the song. Yang was smiling while Nora and Sun were bobbing their heads to the beat. "That's something they like to do with a lot of their songs," Raider said from behind them. "They start off a little bit slow before picking up the tempo and it's really cool."
They all agreed and they hadn't even heard the entirety of it. Raider knew they were going to enjoy listening to the full song of this Life is Mine which would come after this one.
You talked of subjugation, I answered your violent plea.
Blake thinks back to how she was before when she was still with him in the White Fang. She doesn't want to dwell on those moments for too long.
Youth and infatuation kept me too blind to see.
Blake felt the urge to look away from the screen. Her own heart made all the red flags invisible and she wishes she could go back and tell herself to have left much sooner. Yang places a hand on Blake's shoulder.
You think you're someone's hero, you're hiding more than your eyes.
Many times Adam truly believed that what he was doing was what was also best for the Faunus. No, all he was doing was helping himself.
I challenge your weak manifesto, the goal of a savior is to not be lionized.
Adam had placed himself on such a high pedestal and viewed himself as the good for all Faunus kind. "We all challenge his weak manifesto!" Nora shouted.
Back when it started I thought justice was your goal. Then in the darkness, you lost your mind and I lost my soul.
All of Blake's friends frowned when they heard that line. Adam had messed up Blake so much that a piece of herself had been stripped from her. The longer that Blake stayed away, she gradually obtained what she once lost. With the help of all of her friends, she has been getting it back.
That's in the past and I won't be controlled.
Yang's gaze hardened. If the same type of events came to pass she isn't going to let Adam haunt her and keep her down, she has all her friends and girlfriend to help her to keep going.
Nevermore! Nevermore! You'll torture my heart and my head.
Winter quietly observed the screen. This song was showing but a fraction of just how much their counterparts have endured and overcome. They have seen so many things and surpassed many obstacles that she was actually impressed. Winter looked over at her sister and was proud to see how she's grown. Though she hasn't been through the same things as what was shown to her, she could see a difference in her younger sister.
Nevermore! Nevermore! Will I be afraid.
Nevermore, Yang sang to herself.
Nor will I run away. It's behind me!
It was behind all of them.
Freedom is finally here!
They don't know when freedom will be there for them, but they will continue to fight for it.
You may have taken the lead but I'll even the score! You won the battle, you won't win the war! Not now and nevermore!
The students were now starting to sing along with the song, getting really into it. Weiss absolutely loved listening to the piano solo, getting a few laughs from her friends. The music was just amazing to all of them. Lyrics that hold so much meaning, catchy melodies, and wonderful vocals from the singers.
You had me down, defeated. A state that I can't allow.
Yang was determined to not let that future repeat itself. She's learned more since she's watched this, from both what they all witnessed in general to personal advice.
It's over my fears retreated, I'm more like an army now.
Yang's counterpart has been transformed from a single huntress to a one-woman army. Yang herself was going to strive to be the very same.
You offered hope, salvation. Gave me a place to be. But your vision of liberation was all about you and would never apply to me!
Blake will never grow to be like Adam and with her friends by her side she is going to accomplish much greater things. They all were.
I won't stay a martyr. It's my turn to take back what you stole! And this time I'm smarter!
Yang punched a fist into her palm. Yang was going to make sure she was going to steal something from him. She wasn't going to make the same mistake of letting him take her arm, she was going to be smarter, train smarter.
I made a vow, I'm not alone. Not dying now, we're protecting our own!
Both Blake and Yang squeezed their hand. They were protecting each other and they were going to do their best to also keep their friends safe.
Nevermore! Nevermore! You tortured my heart and my head!
Nevermore! Nevermore! Will I be afraid, nor will I run away! It's behind me!
This time it was Yang who was the one singing it, but that didn't matter much as it held the same power as it did when Blake was the one singing it. None of them were going to run away anymore, not now, not ever. Blake knew Adam was going to be in for a real shock when she fights back after they meet once more.
Freedom is finally here!
You may have taken the lead, but I'll even the score!
You won the battle you won't win the war!
Not now and
"NEVERMORE!" All the students sang, screaming the lyrics along with the music.
There's no cause to celebrate, another soul consumed by hate and spite.
When Blake and Yang had watched themselves kill Adam, there were no cheers that erupted around the theater room, there was no celebration. Blake knew there was a time she had once cared for that same person, but that care had long since disappeared. Adam was someone born under the circumstances of constant mistreatment and cruelty.
He was a product of all the darkness in the world.
Another destroyed life!
There's no pleasure, there's no joy! It's just a story of a boy who lost his way!
A boy who was fed darkness and grew into what he constantly consumed.
Into shadows strayed.
Adam has lost his way.
He'll see the light of day!
There were many reasons why they doubted that to happen, but this was probably the moment before the name of the song was sung.
Nevermore! Nevermore! You tortured my heart and my head!
Nevermore would Adam be able to plague anyone's counterparts. Nevermore would he be able to harm another soul.
Nevermore! Nevermore! Will I be afraid, nor will I run away! It's behind me!
There will be a time that it will be behind all of them. They dream of the day that this entire war will be behind all of them, but they haven't seen the end of it yet, so they don't know when.
Freedom is finally here!
You may have taken the lead but I'll even the score!
You won the battle you won't win the war!
Not now and NEVERMORE!
The group of students greatly enjoyed listening to that song. An anthem that Adam would no longer be able to drag them down. There were so many elements to the song that they would like to talk about. They liked how the song went between both Blake and Yang and how Adam personally had an impact on each of them.
Both Blake and Yang feel more powerful than ever after hearing that song. It succeeded in making them feel empowered in themselves and what their counterparts have conquered. "Are you guys ready to listen to the next song? Weiss, I know both you and Winter will personally enjoy this one. It's another song that you've heard before," Raider points at Weiss.
"What song is it?" Weiss asked.
"This next song is called This Life Is Mine and the video is by the same person." Weiss gasped in excitement, she had wanted to hear this song in full. The rest of the group were just as ecstatic. Winter remembered hearing a glimpse of it when all the information washed through her.
Mirror, can you hear me?
Everyone was excited to hear this song in its entirety just so they could hear Weiss's singing voice. Ruby knew she should try to be less obvious with her awestruck at just how great her girlfriend was at singing, but it was going to be a little bit hard. "Your voice is really beautiful," Ruby whispered. Weiss politely thanked her though on the inside she was melting.
Do I reach you?
What certainly wasn't helping Ruby was the art on the video, it just made her more stunning than she already is. Keep it together Ruby, you can get through this song!
Are you even listening? Can I get through?
"Your voice is so good," Yang compliments. Weiss smiles warmly, thanking her friend. This is only the second song they listened to about Weiss, but it seems both of them were her specifically speaking to a mirror. It sounds like she's trying to contact the person on the other side of the glass. Is that person a part of her that's trapped or is it referring to something else?
There's a part of me that's desperate for changes, tired of being treated like a pawn.
Everyone frowns, especially Winter, feeling a sense of guilt that she left both her siblings to be treated like simple pieces in a board game. Winter plans to make the most of her time with her sister while she has it. Ruby glares at the screen, knowing Weiss is talking about her father and Ruby remembers him slapping her. Vividly. She would still want to have a little chat with him about that.
But there's a part of me that stares from inside the mirror, part of me that's scared I might be wrong, that I can't be strong.
"Weiss, you have proven time and time again that you are strong!" Winter says sternly, "So I don't want to hear another word out of you against it, do I make myself clear?" Weiss doesn't respond with words, just bringing her shocked sister into a hug.
"I understand," Weiss says breathlessly. Winter doesn't know what to do so she just awkwardly reciprocates the embrace.
"You're sister's right, you're plenty strong Weiss, so you have nothing to be afraid of!" Jaune adds.
I've been afraid, never standing on my own! I let you be the keeper of my pride!
"If only those people listening to your concert had actually paid attention to the lyrics, your father's image would have been tainted," Sun whines in disappointment.
Believed you when you told me I was nothing on my own.
Ruby's hands clenched as Weiss admitted that her father told her she was nothing. Her and the rest of them would sure like to give that man a piece of their minds. Jacque knew Weiss's words, when he slapped her, held the most truth. He only has what he does because he married into the family.
Listen when I say, I swear it here today, I will not surrender this life is mine!
Winter would love to personally be present when her sister sings this song. She would love to see her father's face in real-time, but unfortunately, he wouldn't realize the meaning behind the lyrics.
Weiss wasn't going to let her father hold her down any longer. This was her life and she was going to live it how she pleased and she wasn't going to care what her father thought of it.
Amazing how you conquered me, chained me to servility, and made me see! The world the way you told me to, but I was young and didn't have a way to know the truth!
Winter scowled as father tried to do the same thing to her, but she was able to escape. She hates having to see her siblings go through the same thing. Weiss has been able to free herself and see their father's lies and the mask he holds up.
Born to live your legacy, existing just to fill your needs, a casualty. Of this so-called "family" that you have turned into a travesty!
Jacque Schnee is the one responsible for this broken family. He's the reason that mother has turned to alcoholism, he's the reason Winter left for the military in the first place, and he's the reason Weiss decided to become a huntress so she could fix the mess that he has created.
But I don't intend to suffer any longer, here's where your dominion falls apart. I'm shattering the mirror that kept me split in pieces, that stood between my mind and my heart, this is where I'll start!
I don't intend to be stuck under your thumb, your rule. I'll be making my own path and my mind and heart are finally one now that I'm away from you, Weiss tells herself. All her friends look at the screen with admiration for their friend, proud to see that she's breaking free from the warden that is her father.
Weiss hopes to find a way to free her brother as well.
I'M NOT YOUR PET, NOT ANOTHER YOU OWN! I WAS NOT BORN GUILTY OF YOUR CRIMES!
"Sing it, Weiss!" Nora yells from the back.
"Preach!" Yang joins. Weiss rolls her eyes at her friend's antics. Winter gives a glance at the two girls.
YOUR RICHES AND YOUR INFLUENCE CAN'T HOLD ME ANYMORE! I WON'T BE POSSESSED! BURDENED BY YOUR ROYAL TEST! I WILL NOT SURRENDER THIS LIFE IS MINE!
The students were all clapping and Weiss was sitting in her spot, feeling a bit embarrassed. She's never really sung in front of her friends, and while this was more of a secondhand version, that feeling still bubbles within her. They remember this from the Volume 4 episode and they're still enamored.
The students got even more pumped when the guitars and the fast rhythm began playing. Raider wasn't kidding when she said they liked doing this with songs. None of them minded, they loved the contrast and change. This played during the queen lancer chase and they were pumped they'd get to hear it again.
Shame that it took so long to rescue me from the guilt you used to tie me to your family tree!
Weiss grinned triumphantly, now she was free.
I guess your training failed, you're not in charge, I'm free! You're patriarchal prison won't hold me!
Ruby couldn't hold it, she happily cheered for her girlfriend's singing, clapping with the music. Ruby knew she was saved by others joining her.
Now this conversation's fin'ly over, mirror mirror now we're done!
"Yes!" Yang yells, loving the beat.
I've pulled myself together now, my mind and heart are one! Finally one!
I'M NOT YOUR PET! NOT ANOTHER THING YOU OWN! I WAS NOT BORN GUILTY OF YOUR CRIMES!
Weiss could feel her face burning a bright red as all her friends were singing along with the song, quite literally screaming along with the lyrics. Weiss could see the faint of a smile on her sister's lips which had her ease up a little.
YOUR RICHES AND YOUR INFLUENCE CAN'T HOLD ME ANYMORE! I WON'T BE POSSESSED! BURDENED BY YOUR ROYAL TEST! I WILL NOT SURRENDER THIS LIFE IS MIIIIIINE!
Everyone stood up for a standing ovation. "Weiss, you're singing is incredible!" Ruby shouts in excitement. Weiss's eyes softened as she looked at her girlfriend before turning a looking at all her friends who were applauding.
"Your leader is right, your singing is extraordinary," Winter agrees. Weiss's chest swelled with pride at the praise from her sister. "Now if only you could sing that in front of a live audience once we return." Weiss nodded, mind set on singing it. All the students were feeling amped after listening to those last two songs. They were prepared for another one just like it, but Raider had other ideas.
"This next one is different, it's more on the sweeter side like the first one, but I have a feeling you are all going to enjoy it," Raider announces. Sweeter side like the first one? They were all riding on a high, they didn't want it to be ruined by something sad. Raider could see their disappointment. "It's not anything depressing, don't worry. This next song is called Bmblb."
All eyes immediately went to Blake and Yang who were sitting with wide eyes. There was a song made for them?
Both Blake and Yang instantly blushed at the sight of the art. The rest of them cooed as they found the thumbnail art to be adorable.
There's a garden where I go, if you meet me there no one will know.
Blake and Yang could feel their friends giving them looks. Winter looked more or less disinterested. Ruby pouted when the video started playing and it was just the lyrics on screen.
In the springtime, in the sun, we can be alone without anyone.
Yang had an inkling of a feeling that these lyrics were coming from her point of view and she was saying these things to Blake. That realization brought a massive blush to Yang's cheeks as Blake seemed to have come to the same conclusion. She spared a glance at Yang with a shy smile.
All the butterflies and the birds.
Ruby squealed when the art appeared on the screen. One stare from Weiss in Ruby's direction had her quiet to louder ones, but she still bounced with giddiness. Raider laughed to herself, to think this was the same person who was going to yell at counterpart Blake and Yang getting together. Weiss rolled her eyes fondly.
Keep our secret no they won't say a word. But they watch us, and they know, and they're happy to see our love grow.
All of their friends were happy for them as well and they just knew it was going to be a "finally" moment when their counterparts actually make it official. They just know it.
We'll sit for a while as I drink in your smile, it feels like a dream that's come true.
Blake could feel her heart filling with love from hearing each word. Blake doesn't hesitate to lay her head on Yang's shoulder. The blonde freezes for a moment before quickly relaxing. Ruby looked about ready to pop, she just thought the two were so cute! "Ruby, contain yourself, you look like you're about to burst," Weiss says. Ruby was well aware, but she didn't care.
My head starts to buzz, and my heart fills with love over you…
Both of their hearts were filling with love.
Baby can't you see? You could be with me, we could live in a garden of ecstasy!
Blake was pretty sure that's where she was right now, as corny as that was. But, she wouldn't have it any other way. She was the one to fall in love with this pun-loving woman and she doesn't regret it one bit.
You could be my queen!
Blake's face burns red. H-Her queen?
I could be your dream!
Blake feels like her brain just short-circuited for a moment there. To be Yang's queen? Yang looked to be equally as embarrassed, but she didn't exactly have any problems with referring to Blake as her queen.
Our lives like a fantasy, maybe set me free? Let me be your bumblebee…
"Why are you two so cute?" Ruby asks rhetorically.
"Yeah, what's your secret?" Nora teases. They didn't have any kind of secret.
Now the flowers are in bloom.
"Aww, now it's your turn to sing about me," Yang says with a large grin, a complete contrast to how she was just a couple of seconds ago. No one was really surprised how quickly Yang switched into teasing mode.
And you've chased away my darkness and gloom. When the wind blows through the trees, and your voice is like a song in the breeze.
Yang had no idea Blake found her voice to be that soothing. Yang's eyes glossed over with love as the lyrics appeared.
My doubts disappear every time that you're near, the clouds seem to run from the sky.
Yang was proud of herself that she had such a positive effect on Blake. She chased away all her doubts and clouds? Yang has never felt happier. Yang was extremely glad that Raider decided to share this one with them.
The thought of your kiss sends my soul into bliss, I get high!
Yang smirked, oh really now? Blake knew that look on Yang's face, but she wasn't fast enough to get away when Yang swiftly brought Blake into a kiss. She broke away after a couple of seconds, but Blake's face was scarlet as Yang had such a toothy grin. Blake wanted to scold her, but her heart was beating much too fast.
Baby can't you see? You could be with me, we could live inside a garden of ecstasy!
Yang was going to take this song back with them and sing it to Blake over and over again.
You could be my queen, I could be your dream! Our lives like a fantasy. Maybe set me free? Let me be your-!
Like a serenade, every word you say, has me fallin' more and more in love with you!
If Blake's heart wasn't already melted enough… This was definitely a song they all needed for a break. Now Ruby was feeling a little jealous, is there, somewhere out there, a song for her and Weiss?
Like a party beat, you are oh-so-sweet. Every day is sunny, tastes like honey!
Feel so alive take me back to the hive!
Yang would love to be a part of that hive! At this rate, Yang would follow Blake anywhere. Yang wasn't safe either from feeling like her heart had just been shot with an arrow. Blake made all of her days better as well. What was making this better for Yang was the amazing guitar solo.
Yang was going to ask Raider if she could take a recording of this back with them, she would love to have this on repeat.
Baby can't you see? You could be with me, we could live inside a garden of ecstasy!
You could be my queen, I could be your dream! Our lives like a fantasy! Maybe set me free, let me be your bumblebee!
The group all loved that song, it was adorable and they loved getting to watch Blake and Yang turn into tomatoes throughout it. Weiss looked over and Ruby was quite literally vibrating. "Ruby," Raider said with a laugh, "Do you need a moment?" Ruby doesn't respond, just continues to shake.
"We're gonna take that as a yes," Oscar said. Raider nodded, grabbing Ruby and taking her away for a moment. Winter's eyes grew panicked until Ruby returned just a second later, much more composed and calm.
"Did you get it out of your system?" Yang asked. Ruby nodded. Raider wasn't going to tell the group that Ruby had spent the last 5-7 minutes squealing about her sister and friend.
"This next song is called Boop and it's another happy song." Nora and Ren got the feeling that this song had to do with them.
"Aww, that's a cute song title," Ruby gushed.
Never knew a time, when you weren't by my side.
Ren and Nora's cheeks flushed at the art on screen. So this song was about them and judging by the colors of the lyrics, they were from Nora.
The one thing I could always count on.
Ren smiled as he was glad that Nora saw him that way. He could always be able to count on her as well. Having been together, not together together, for so long they've become so in sync with one another.
Always there for me, you've been my family.
They've been with each other through thick and thin, stride and strife. Ren would always be there for her the same that she had for him. Ren and Nora's friends were sharing looks with one another, wondering where the lyrics were that were about to spill everything. They knew they were coming.
Even when all other hope was gone. But for a while things have seemed so different.
Ren tensed, what has become different? He hoped it wasn't anything bad.
Like it's the same, but still brand new. I can't believe it.
Ren leaned closer to the screen, wanting to know what this "it" was. Nora's eyes widened, she knew exactly what this was going to reveal. She looked over at Raider who just smiled at her, gesturing for her to turn back to the screen.
When did I start to fall for you?
Everything was brought to an abrupt pause as Ren stared at the words on the screen, his face slowly growing more and more red. Nora…fell for me? Nora was looking anywhere but at him. Ren's heart was beating so loudly he could hear it from inside his chest. "Looks like everyone's feelings are getting exposed while we're here," Yang said.
Sun chuckled, "And to think you gave them so much relentless teasing."
"Now it's your turn," Jaune adds.
"Nora…" Ren said quietly. Nora didn't know what to say.
The rest of the students were vibing with the beat as Ren's brain was struggling with the revelation that was given to him.
Have I lost my mind? Have I just been blind?
Ren was having his own version of those thoughts swarming through his head. Nora felt like she wanted to crawl into a hole and die at the moment as her feelings were being splayed out on the screen. Blake and Yang's were different from hers, they've already confessed their feelings and are now dating.
Never to have seen you might be, everything I need, everything I dream.
Nora was covering her face with her hands as Ren just seemed to look even more mesmerized as the song continued to play. He was everything Nora has dreamed of? Ren felt like his own heart was going to beat out of his chest.
"You gotta admit, this is a really nice beat," Sun said.
"I don't think that helps," Oscar says with a nervous chuckle.
All along has it been right in front of me? We've been together for a long, long, long, long time. I never thought that you and I could be a thing.
Lately, unaware of the other, those thoughts have been sprouting up more and more. Both of them look at one another at the same time. Have they been blind to see because it has been in front of them for so long?
This is happening!
Their blushes were burning them as if this was really happening. Nora and Ren could hear their friend's snickers in the background as Nora witnessed all of her teasing coming back to bite her.
I think oh woah what am I to do? I didn't know that I would fall in love with you!
Neither wasn't expecting it to happen until it was already too late for the both of them, respectively. They've fallen down a rabbit hole and they weren't stopping anytime soon. Neither of them wanted to stop.
And what to do right now I haven't got a clue.
None of them knew what to do now that the feelings were out in the open. But they knew one thing: they were scared. They were scared that if they said something it would ruin what the two of them have. They both meant too much to the other to let that happen.
I just bite my tongue and when I want to say "I love you" I say boop, boop, boop!
Every single moment of Nora doing that, all the nose boops, the actual word being said. How could he have not picked up on it sooner?! Nora has done it so many times that he should have caught on. Their friends found that to be an adorable thing to do.
They all remember the initiation after Ren had killed the king taijitu, Nora had hung from above him and done it. And, listening to this melody, was the same thing that played when it showed Ren and Nora as kids.
Every chatelaine wants to share her reign, so come and join me in my castle. We'll crush our enemies, bring them to their knees.
"They'll break all of their legs," Yang whispered to Blake. The Faunus giggled and Yang was met with a pillow to the face.
"You asked for it," Pyrrha said to the blonde. Yang thought it was totally worth it though. Yang just saw herself as giving Nora a taste of her own medicine.
And though I have a tendency to babble.
Eyebrows were raised, a tendency? It was a lot more than a tendency.
Oh, when I think about you I can't help my heart from racing.
Nora really wanted to destroy this screen for utterly exposing her right now. She also wanted to have some choice words with Raider as she was the one to play this song in the first place. Ren looked over at Nora, a soft smile blooming on his face. He always did find her rambles to be sweet.
My mind goes fast and my knees start shaking. My stomach does flips and my brain does flops.
This whole song to all of them was just precious. Listening to this song of Nora's feelings for Ren was so delightful to listen to. To listen to how Ren made Nora feel inside was something otherworldly.
And these feelings that I'm feeling I don't think that I can stop. I could just say it, I love you everything, but I can't quite tell myself if you're feeling quite the same.
Ren normally hides his emotions with such an expression of indifference most of the time. Nora can't be blamed for not being able to figure him out.
Maybe I should slow it down.
"No!" Ren shouts unexpectedly. All his friends look at him with a smirk as he realizes what he just shouted. He quickly goes quiet as Nora stares at him with a look of awe. Ren doesn't want her to slow down, he doesn't want her to stop being herself.
Try to show restraint. Hold Magnhild I think I'm gonna faint!
You and me both, Nora said to herself. She didn't know if she was becoming lightheaded or if it was from something else. Yang was air guitaring to the solo, absolutely jamming with it, and Sun was joining her. Blake rolled her eyes fondly.
I think oh what am I to do? I didn't know that I would fall in love with you.
Ren could feel his heart swelling with emotion as the song repeated the lines that his best friend has fallen in love with him.
And what to do right now I haven't got a clue.
Nora is still internally grasping for straws as she doesn't know what she's going to do after this song is finished.
I just bite my tongue and when I want to say "I love you" I say…
I say "Boop!" Boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boo, boop! When I want to say I love I say Boop!
The moment the song was over, Nora jumped up and burst through the forest. The students sat stunned before Ren quickly got up and gave chase, shouting for Nora. Raider quickly reassures the group, "There's nothing here that can hurt them, I made sure of this when bringing you here. You all stay here and don't go anywhere!"
Raider rapidly flies off after the two as the students and Winter are left where they are. The rest of the group shares glances with each other, wanting to follow after their friends, but they knew they would be alright with Raider and they think they could use the privacy to talk out their feelings like some of them have.
Deep in the trees, Nora continued to run. She had no clue where she was going or what she was doing, but something inside her was just compelling her to run. Nora doesn't know how long it's been or how far she's gone since she took a moment to stop. She looked around and found herself near a small creek. She sat down on a nearby rock and just began to think. Why had she gotten up and run in the first place?
Because you're scared. A voice in her head tells her simply. You've been with him for so long that you're scared of the possibility of everything changing. You don't want things to change, you don't want to lose him.
But do they really have to change? Another voice spoke. Do things really have to be different? Who says they have to change?
Nora is brought out of her head by the sound of rushing footsteps. When she looks up, Ren stands above her, slightly panting. Nora looks at the running water when she speaks, "I don't want whatever we have to be different. But, I love you, and I don't want to lose you. You mean so much to me that…if I lost you…I don't know what I'd do." Ren doesn't say a word as he joins her.
"I…" Ren pauses, trying to find the right words, "I love you too, and you mean a lot to me as well. But…if you…want to remain friends–"
Nora cuts him off, "No! I-I want to try…I'm just scared. What if it doesn't work out? What if it ends up hurting our friendship? What if–" Ren stops her by grabbing hold of her hands, holding them in his. Nora finally looks up at him, her eyes watering. "I can't lose you, Lie Ren." Ren takes his thumb and wipes away a stray tear. Nora melts into his hand as Ren hesitantly leans in closer. He stops for a moment, but Nora closes the gap.
After a few seconds, the two of them break away and stare into each other's eyes. "Does this mean we're a couple?" Nora asked softly.
"Do you want to be?"
Nora looks at him for a moment, then nods, "Yes." The two stay in their peaceful silence, the only noise being the rustle of the leaves and the trickle of the water beside them. Hearing flapping overheard, Raider lands in front of them and eyes Nora.
"You got far."
"How far?" Nora asked with a lilt.
Raider looks behind her through the trees. "About 3-4 miles out." That would explain to Nora about Ren's panting when he found her. "Are you two ready to head back? You still have one more song." The two of them nod and Raider escorts them back to the group. She could have just teleported them back but figured it would be better to have them process the turn of events from just a couple of seconds ago.
When they got back, all of their friends were worried and asking if Nora was okay. "You shouldn't just run off like that!" Jaune scolds, "We know we're safe here, but we wouldn't have known where you were!"
"I'm sorry, just…needed to clear my head, that's all," Nora apologized. "But, on the plus side, Ren and I are dating now!" There was a moment of silence before all of them broke into congratulations.
"We're all very happy for you, but don't think this is gonna get you out of an earful," Jaune adds. Nora sighs as she should have expected that. The students showered them in more happiness as they all sat down.
"So, what's the last song we'll be listening to?" Ren asked.
"Caffeine!" Raider shouted. All of them wordlessly blinked. "You'll understand the hype in a second." The song started playing and the majority of them immediately loved the music.
"Team CFVY!" Ruby shouted excitedly. They all remembered this song from the Volume 2 finale. Man, that felt like a long time ago.
Listen up, strap in, notify your next of kin!
"Now this is my kind of music," Yang commented, bobbing her head to the drums.
You're about to take a ride a little on the blazin' side!
"You said it!" Nora shouts, loving the lyrics already.
Guzzle down your Red Bull, you're gonna need a bucket full! Watchin' me accelerate and tear apart the interstate!
The majority of the students were enjoying the music, dancing along while a few others listened and observed as this wasn't their style of music. Yang noticed Blake flinching a bit and waved Raider over. She pointed to Blake's ears and with a snap of her fingers, her ears were covered so Blake could only hear out of her regular ears.
"Is that better?" Blake nodded and kissed Yang on the cheek.
A certified monster, I'm an absolute trip! Like Otis Redding, hard to handle so better get a grip! A super fast, super fly, bonafide wise guy, and say goodbye write your will; it's time to die!
"Caffeine!"
Oh, I'm Caffeine!
"Caffeine!"
Oh, I'm Caffeine! I'm a bad dream! I'm a bad scene! I'm a tad mean! But I'm not afraid to take you out!
The students could just picture Team CFVY again, taking down all those Grimm back in Vale like they were nothing. They would love to see them in action again, but certainly not at the cost of the city's safety.
Afraid to take you out! Afraid to take you out! Afraid take you out!
"The vocals on this guy are insane!" Sun yelled, loving listening to it.
I'm a cheetah on the plains, I'm a highway star! A supersonic princess in a million-dollar car.
"It's a shame we haven't asked this yet, but who's the one singing?" Pyrrha wonders.
"The man is Lamar Hall and who you've been hearing for the other songs is Casey Lee Williams."
"Well, both of their voices are amazing," Pyrrha complimented.
Blood on fire, pumping through my veins! Weaving in and out while I'm bolting through the lanes!
It's a good thing these are just lyrics and not something they've actually done, Winter says to herself.
I'm hyperactive, overdrive, hit the gas at fifty-five! Breakneck, trainwreck, in my presence genuflect!
Track-roundin', speed-a-soundin', 'lectrifyin', pulse-poundin', heart-pumpin', brain-thumpin', watch me get the party jumpin'!
"Caffeine!"
Oh, I'm Caffeine!
"Caffeine!"
Oh, I'm Caffeine! I'm a bad dream! I'm a rad scene! I'm a tad mean! And I'm not–
"Afraid to take you out!"
Afraid to take you out!
"Afraid to take you out!"
Afraid to take you out! Afraid to take you out! Afraid to take you out!
"Yes! Give us that guitar solo!" Yang shouted, mock air-guitaring along with it.
Yo, listen up, I hope you like it hot! Grab yourself a mug 'cause I made a fresh pot!
"These songs go so hard!" Sun yells, "These lyrics too!"
Come and get a dose of my kick-ass java! Fuelin' your addiction with this thick black lava! We can do up an expresso, or the cappuccino way!
Team CFVY would seriously love this song made for them, especially Coco. They should see if they can take a recording of this one as well to give it to them. Bringing back the song wasn't really revealing anything, so what would be the harm?
Sure to get your fix, venti, or grande! Sugar, Splenda, Equal, maybe Sweet'N Low! Everybody's happy when they're hangin' with Joe; let's go!
"Caffeine!"
Oh, I'm Caffeine!
"Caffeine!"
Oh, I'm Caffeine! I'm a bad dream! I'm a rad scene! I'm a tad mean! But I'm not–
"Afraid to take you out!"
"Afraid to take you out!"
"Afraid to take you out!"
"AFRAID TO TAKE YOU OUT!"
That ending left all of them feeling pumped and they were disappointed that that was the last one. "It was good that we ended off on such a great one though," Yang says, attempting to lift their spirits. While everyone was talking about the songs they just listened to, all Jaune could do was keep sneaking glances at Pyrrha.
The song Forever Fall made him realize that he can't wait to get back home. Listening to the song and thinking back on everything he has watched, he doesn't want to waste the chance that has been presented to them. When he does talk to her, he plans on having them kept quiet for just a little bit so as to not overshadow Ren and Nora.
Jaune took a breath as Raider announced that the final thing they would be doing was watching comics.