#Yang and Weiss be having Issues

[dragon-razor-writings]

*RWBY and JNPR are vibing*

Nora: "Hey, Jaune?"

Jaune: *looks up from handheld console* "What's up, Nora?"

Nora: "Can you do The Voice?"

Jaune: -_- "I'm not doing it."

Weiss: "Voice? what voice?"

Jaune: "So I've told you all how I can do impressions, right?"

RWBY: *general confirmations*

Jaune: "Well, I kinda did one around her and now she won't stop badgering me about it."

Blake: "Now I'm curious."

Jaune: "Please don't make me do it."

Yang: "Come on! Do it, do it, do it!"

Nora, now chanting along: "Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it-!"

Jaune: "By the Shepherd and the fuckin' Twins, fine! But I don't want to hear shit about this from any of you! Got it?"

Jaune: *clears his throat, then in a voice that is definitely not his* "Just remember, I’m never going to leave you. That’s a promise. Until my dying breath, I’ll never let you go of you, my dear Beloved~.”

Jaune, in his normal voice: "Happy now?"

RWBY, stunlocked: "..."

Pyrrha: "A-are...are they okay?"

Nora: "Eh, they're probably fine."

Meanwhile, Team RWBY:

Ruby: *caught off guard*

Blake: *now interested in what other voices he can do*

Yang and Weiss: *having Thoughts That Shall Not Be Said*

[lovingdabeessss]

Yang doodles

Yangs record with having a good relationship with parents is TERRIBLE and she had THREE CHANCES

Like 2 left her 1 neglected her there’s NO way she’s gonna be chill about meeting Blake’s parents

I’m 100% a “nobody told Blake about Raven believer” as well as a “Yang has never so much as come out to her family just expected them to know and wont directly tell any one that she’s dating Blake till she’s handing out wedding invites and even then they won’t talk about it” believer

[diaryofamadsunwukongfan]

Tfw you dislike how Jaune centric Volume 2 is, but you're going to kill Jaune off anyway so you can't afford to cut his screentime out

[fishpondpages]

bee's schnees should be endgame and crwby are cowards for trying to make it seem like weiss actually likes men

[pajama-nerd]

Feeling cute.

Might write an alternate universe of RWBY that changes the parts of it that I felt weren't particularly well-written or supported by the narrative and potential themes later

[rachetmathart]

RBYN Cheating?

Oscar: Ruby!

Ruby: Hey Oscar Wh-

Oscar: don't play innocent. I saw you. 

Ruby: What?

Oscar: I saw you kiss Jaune on the lips.

Ruby: *confused*

Nora: Ren come on.

Ren: Nora I don't want to talk right now.

Nora: Ren what's wrong? Why are you upset?

Ren: Don't play dumb Nora I saw what you and Jaune were doing.

Nora: What? What are -

Ren: After all we've been through Nora. I'm sorry about Atlas but kissing Jaune because of that is wrong. And you know it. How could you use him like that?

Nora: *confused* what the f*** are you talking about?!

Yang: Blake!

Blake: I don't want to talk to you Yang!

Yang: Oh so we're playing that game?! Really!?

Blake: Oh don't play victim now! I saw everything!

Yang: Oh so we're lying now?! Okay, I'll bite.  What did I do Blake?

Blake: I saw you kissing Jaune.

Yang: Wait… wait what?

Blake: Don't play dumb now! I saw-

Yang: Woah- woah- woah! Hold the hell up! I saw you kissing Jaune.

Blake: What? No. I wouldn't do that to you or Jaune.

Yang: And I didn't do it.

Nora: Okay so I am confused right now. What is happening?

Oscar: I saw Ruby kiss Jaune.

Ren: I saw Nora kiss Jaune.

Yang: Ruby really?

Ruby: No I didn't.

Nora: Neither did I.

Blake: So-

Weiss: Hey. 

Ruby: Weiss -

Weiss: Spare me the lies, you harlots. How come I saw all Ruby, Nora, Blake and Yang kiss Jaune.

RNBY: *confused*

Oscar: Okay something is off.

Ren: Besides Weiss knowing where Jaune is at all times yeah.

Weiss: *blushes* Shut up.

Jaune: Hi everyone. 

Weiss: Jaune I am so sorry. 

Jaune: For what?

Oscar: Well it seems Ruby, Nora, Bl-

Jaune: Stop. Look where's Emerald?  Where is she?

Everyone else is even more baffled by the demand.

Ruby: Emerald? 

Emerald: What?

Ruby: Can you come here?

Emerald joins the group.

Emerald: What's the issue?

Ruby: Well Jaune want-

Jaune: *kisses Emerald on the lips out of nowhere*

RWYNOL: *caught off guard*

Blake: *blushes*

Emerald: *completely flustered*

Jaune: *let's off* Yep it was you.

RWBYNRO: What?!

Emerald: How did-

Jaune: First you're a bad actor. 

Emerald: Hey.

Jaune: Second, you knew where I was going because I told you after you kept calling me a couple of times.

Emerald: Okay. 

Jaune: But mainly no matter how good of an actor you are, the taste of your lips are the same.

Emerald: Oh. 

Jaune: So. Were you doing all this for a prank or were you-

Emerald: *kisses Jaune in return for a minute*

Jaune: Oh. Um.

Emerald: *blushes* I was… … but I then… I started to enjoy it. A little too much. 

Jaune: … …. ..

Emerald: Anyways girls I'm sorry. I-

Ruby: It's cool.

Nora: Don't do it again.

Yang: Never do it again.

Blake: Live and learn.

Emerald: Anyways I'll be upstairs. Later.

Jaune: Hey Emerald.

Emerald: Hm.

Jaune: *whispers in Emerald's ear and makes her blush even harder*

Emerald: *softly talks to Jaune's ear in response*

Emerald: *walks off*

Ren: Um Jaune?

Jaune: Hm.

Ren: What was that just now?

Jaune: Nothing important. Anyways I'm going upstairs. Later. *walks off*

Oscar: Um… Ruby.

Ruby: I have a movie we can watch together. I’ll forgive you if you bake me some cookies. 

Oscar: Okay.

Ren: The usual.

Nora: Every favor. Extra syrup.

Yang: Wanna just go out to eat.

Blake: Sure, I’ll pay. Want to come with us, Weis?

Weiss: No way I’ll be third wheel. I’ll- *scroll rings and check it*

Weiss: *shocked*

Weiss: Um… you know what I’ll just be upstairs for a moment. Just pick me up something. 

Yang: What do you plan on doing?

Weiss: I got things I want to do. Have fun you two and Ruby make sure to turn the volume up. High.

Ruby: You sure.

Weiss: Positive. Bye. *heads upstairs*

Blake and Yang: *leave*

Yang: Blake is she-

Blake: Mm-hmm

Yang: So does that mean Jaune-

Blake: Mm-hmm. 

Yang: Damn

[ficretus]

Full names are silly

*RWBY and JNRO bonding*

Jaune: *telling a story* ...and then my mom showed up, oh boy was she pissed. As soon as she shouted my full name I knew I was screwed.

Ruby: Wait, what's your full name?

Jaune: Sigh... Jaune Paul D'Arc.

Ruby: *chuckles*

Yang: That's so silly.

Jaune: I know right. That's why I always shorten it to just Jaune Arc. Short and sweet, ladies... don't really like it.

Weiss: I'm sure they like it. Besides, I have similar issue with my name.

Yang: What's your full name? Weiss Cream? Ha ha.

Weiss: *sarcastically* Ha ha. No it's worse. It's Edelweiss Bianca Belaya Albedo Schnee.

Yang: *laughing* Yeah, that's way worse. *laughing*

Ren: *chuckles*

Nora: *laughing*

Blake: *chuckles* Traditions can be a bit silly.

Yang: You wanna share it with class Blakey?

Blake: Sigh... Blake Meow Belladonna.

Yang: HAHAHAHA.

Blake: Middle name signifies Faunus species.

Weiss: Mine is still worse.

Ren: *chuckles* No offense, it's bit silly.

Nora: *rolling on the floor* Meow meow.

Blake: What about you two?

Ren: Just Lie Ren.

Nora: Nora Valkyrie, real name, no gimmicks.

Oscar: Sigh... Oscar Connie Pine.

Yang: *laughing* That's a girl's name.

Oscar: It was suppose to be Conifer.

Jaune: I know how you feel. My mom called me Jeanne when I was a kid.

Yang: *points at Ruby* This dork's real name is Rubert Rose.

Ruby: Awwww, I was suppose to be the one with cool name.

Yang: Not happening Rubes, only Ren, Nora and me get to hang out in cool name club.

Qrow: Actually Yang... there is something you need to know.

Yang: Oh I'm listening. How much did Bird Lady butcher my name?

*some time later*

Yang: *eyes red* DICKCISSEL?!

Raven: It's a family tradition to name a child after a bird.

Yang: DICKCISSEL?!

Raven: Because you are a blonde. See *shows scroll*

Yang: How about Warbler? Goldfinch? Canary? Not naming me after a bird?!

Others: *laughing in the background*

[deadbeatbirdmom]

One of the themes in RWBY is about the current generation being failed by the previous one. We see it a lot with the mess that is the Xiao Long-Rose-Branwen family.

Every single member of Team STRQ failed Yang and Ruby, to a greater and/or lesser extent.

(read more cut because this gets long, although I make no promises that I'll cover everything, and please forgive any typos, I'm very tired)

Raven abandoned her daughter and her husband (yes, husband, according to 'The World of RWBY' book by Daniel Wallace, written with input from CRWBY), and the rest of her team. Yang wasn't old enough to remember her, and may well have still been a baby at the time. The reason why seems to have been for Raven to take the leadership of the Branwen tribe of bandits, although I think it was more complicated than that, which would fit with Raven being such a complicated woman.

Summer. Yang's super-mom. The mother who stepped up. I deeply respect that. She had the best of intentions when she left on that super secret mission with Raven, presumably to confront Salem. To protect her family, and hopefully so she'd never need to leave them again. Unfortunately good intentions pave the road to hell, and she ended up never going home to her girls. That truly tore the family apart, and it never really recovered. Yang's abandonment issues aren't only from Raven leaving, and a lot of Ruby's issues come from trying to live up to the memory of Summer while being held to impossible standards.

Tai didn't react well to the loss of Summer. To quote Yang: he shut down. Yang had to pick up the pieces and keep things together. Alone. Because Tai was always busy with school, and Ruby couldn't talk yet. It's striking that Yang refers to her dad by name in Alone Together when talking to Weiss about it. Most kids don't do that when referring to their parents. Your mileage may vary about what that means, but to me it sounds a lot like resentment. Don't get me wrong, Yang loves her dad. But it's entirely possible to feel both love and resentment.

I do empathise with Tai. I'm all too familiar with grief and loss and depression. I'm sure he did his best, and as far as we know he did keep his kids fed and clothed, and gave them treats from time to time like the boba tea mentioned in the RWBY Beyond episode. But the fact remains that Yang ended up doing more to raise Ruby than she ever should have or would have if at least one of her mothers had stayed. Yang had no reason to lie to Weiss about that.

And Tai definitely failed his daughters. Even without anything else, there's the incident when Yang and Ruby were left alone when clearly too young to be unattended, and Yang went in search of Raven, with Ruby pulled in a wagon. That they weren't devoured by Grimm is thanks to Qrow, and possibly Raven for getting Qrow there, because I don't know how else he found them in time besides good luck for once (or very bad luck for the Grimm).

Does that mean Raven might have given Yang more than one save, or wriggled out of her rule about that by getting Qrow to do the saving? Does she secretly have a bond with Ruby, and that was Ruby's save? Whatever the case, Raven failed them too, because Yang wouldn't have been looking for her if she hadn't needed a mother, and Raven was well aware she no longer had one.

I do think it quite likely that by this point Raven had become the Spring Maiden, so might not have felt able to return even if she wanted to - it would have risked endangering the girls if someone learned Raven was a Maiden and tried to take the power for themselves.

Did that near disaster give Tai a wake up call? Did Yang only raise Ruby until then? We don't know for sure, but as someone raised by a single mother for a while, I can tell you that single parents can't work and raise children without help. There doesn't seem to be any extended family around to have done so, probably all killed by Grimm in the dangerous world that is Remnant... Plus there's Ruby's words to Yang when they're reunited in Volume 9: "If you thought we wouldn’t come for you, then you must’ve forgotten who raised me." I really don't think Ruby is referring to Tai there. Especially with referring to just herself and not both Yang and herself with 'who raised me.'

Childcare exists in Remnant, at least in Argus (there's a mention of needing to collect Jaune's nephew from childcare in Volume 6). I can't imagine it's unheard of in Patch. Yet Tai doesn't seem to have used it. To be clear, if any of the rest of Team STRQ had been left as a single parent they'd have needed help with childcare too, you can't both work and raise children at the same time. That goes for Summer too, even super-mom would need help. Maybe Tai's teaching job didn't pay well enough for him to afford it. Maybe he feared reaching out for help would mean losing his daughters, and I have no doubt that he loves them, and not just because they're all he has left of their mothers.

The way Tai talks to Yang during her training session in Volume 4 does make me wonder if he associates her far too closely with Raven, because while there are similarities Yang is very much her own person and also influenced by Summer far more than by Raven. We don't see him interact much with Ruby, but I wouldn't be surprised if he similarly associates her too much with Summer.

It doesn't help that Yang and Ruby so closely resemble their mothers - and they do, despite Yang's hair and eyes being different to Raven's, apart from when her eyes turn red. That must've given Tai quite a shock the first time it happened... Anyway, my point is that Raven is like a dark reflection of Yang. Or Yang a bright reflection of Raven, I'm not sure which. The physical resemblance of mothers and daughters can't have helped Tai with constant reminders of them, especially as they grew older and the resemblance more striking.

Qrow... I'm sure Drunkle Qrow did his best to help out, but at the time his mindset on his Semblance would have limited him to fleeting visits rather than living with Tai and the girls. He simply loved them too much to want to risk Misfortune hurting them.

That and Qrow was raised by bandits, a rough upbringing where he was made to feel like a bad luck charm. I'm not entirely certain he'd have seen the problem with Yang having to raise Ruby. There is a story in the Yang official manga anthology where Qrow acknowledges kid!Yang has every right to be angry about being burdened with the responsibilities of grown ups, but how canon those anthologies are is ambiguous.

One thing for sure: both Yang and Ruby were familiar with Qrow being drunk, and having to deal with that, although never as bad as it got in Volume 6.

And yes, Ruby does talk about Qrow teaching at Signal, and having taught her to fight, and that Tai taught Yang, but that does not mean they were a happy family living together while that happened. Sorry, this family has been haunted and broken ever since Summer disappeared, and the cracks appeared when Raven noped out of there to be a bandit queen.

I've mostly talked about how Yang was affected. But Ruby was too. Sure, she had more of a childhood than Yang did, because to some extent Yang made sure of that. Chances are Ruby got good at pretending things are fine when they aren't. That and Ruby is quite possibly socially awkward for a reason: she was at least partly raised by a child only two years older than she was. Yang did her best, I've no doubt about that, but there's no way she knew what she was doing.

Why does Yang seem comparatively normal if she at least in part raised herself? Because she's good at blending in and wearing masks. She'd have to be to avoid raising suspicions with her teachers about the situation at home, because Tai couldn't have been the only one who afraid about the kids being taken away. One of Yang's worst nightmares must've been about being taken into care by social services and separated from Ruby. Presuming of course that Remnant has social services. It surely has to have something because of the likelihood of those orphaned by Grimm attacks, in addition to the more usual family breakdowns.

In conclusion: this is such a messy family, and as has been noted by @one-real-wrimonkey that's part of what makes them so interesting (sorry, I hope you don't mind being tagged).

[falleri-salvatore]

Something to note...

I still find it hilarious that a certain section of the FNDM keep saying that RWBY would improve if they took Jaune out of it, when it was confirmed (time and again) that there wouldn't be a Team RWBY OR a Team _NPR without Jaune. Ruby would have spent her Beacon Days alone and friendless with only Yang as her company and then died in her continental trek to Haven. Weiss would have died in battle without Jaune there to save her. Yang would have completely shut down due to: (a) losing her arm, (b) being abandoned by Blake, (c) losing Ruby shortly after (reminder: Ruby is both her younger sister, one she raised as like pseudo-daughter as well. This alone would shatter her), (d) losing Weiss. Blake would be even more wracked with guilt upon realizing that, in her endeavour to keep her teammates safe from her mistakes, she practically abandoned them to their deaths. With her own former partner now being nothing more than a shell of a person. Pyrrha would have completely ceased to exist; since she had no reason to hesitate accepting the Maiden Power. Not that it mattered, Hazel and Tyrian both took her down without issue. Nora and Ren just decided to return to Kuroyuri, since their Team was pretty much all but discontinued: only to return to the Nuckelavee and die to it. Jaune, meanwhile would be back on his home: unhappy but safe. Unaware that him not going to Beacon changed the fates of many for the worse.

[rachetmath]

Seduction Strategy

Yang: Jaune, I need your help.

Jaune: With what?

Yang: You see a friend of mines was having trouble pleasing his partner last time. She wasn't-

Jaune: He or she?

Yang: Pardon?

Jaune: Like is this person a he or she? Is their partner a girl or boy? I mean you and this person are two different people so-

Yang: Okay. I-I need help. I need another way to please Blake in bed. I've tried everything but nothing works.

Jaune: Why me though? I’m not in a relationship.

Yang: Come on, what about your sisters’ advice?

Jaune: Have they ever worked though?

Yang: Okay, yeah, j-just guess. I’ll take anything.

Jaune: I mean what are Blake's interest.

Yang: Well. She likes fish. And reading books. And that's it.

Jaune: Okay does she have a favorite book?

Yang: Well, she does, and it is called “Ninja of Love.”

Jaune: So read the book and find some way to focus that into sex.

Yang: Hm. Really?

Jaune: I mean, “Ninja of Love”, doesn’t that scream sex?

Yang: ….

Afterwards Yang read the book and put her plan into motion. Blake was heading to their room to figure out what Yang wanted after she texted her. She walked inside and;

Blake: Yang. What did you- *gasp*

Blake was in shock. She saw her girlfriend was wearing a very sexy ninja outfit. Her hair was in a ponytail. She was wearing black but the skirt was short. And her top was tight, revealing her breast. Yang smiles as she saw her girlfriend blushing at her and decided to make a move. She walked towards the bed, swaying her hips as she slowly laid down, giving Blake a lot of the details.

Yang: Hi Blake. Care to learn the ways of the ninja.

Blake: Yang. Why are you-?

Yang: Oh. Sorry. I should probably mention I read one of your favorite books and I was wondering… would you like to reenact a few scenes with me?

Blake gave Yang her answer as she strips down naked. Afterwards Yang and Blake were going at each other for weeks. Then when Ren asked on how she did it, she replied to ask Jaune. Ren was confused at first but she said “Trust him.” Ren then goes to Jaune for advice.

Ren: Jaune. Yang told me how you helped her. Can you help me with Nora?

Jaune: Ren. Come on, you know me, I am not qualified to help with your relationship problems.

Ren: I mean so far you have been able to help everybody with their issues by talking to them and listening. How is this different?

Jaune: Look man., figure that out yourself.

Ren: Jaune, please?

Jaune: Fine. Um. Just wear an apron that states "Baked With Love" and say "I have a new pancake recipe for you to try." I guess.

Ren: Hm. Alright I’ll try.*leaves*

Jaune: Don’t blame me if it doesn’t work.

Later that night.

Nora: Ren. What do ne-e-eed… Oh my

Nora was stunted for words. She was looking at Ren completely naked with just an apron as she stared at his butt. Ren turned around revealing “Baked With Love” imprinted on the apron and said the words exactly as Jaune told him.

Ren: Hi Nora. Sorry to have called you so late. But, I made a new pancake I need you to try.

Nora: R-really? So where are the pancakes?

Ren: Oh don’t worry. *pulls up his apron* I have a special one made just for you.

Nora saw what Ren was doing and she liked it. Afterwards Nora was blowing Ren like no tomorrow. Both Ren and Yang were enjoying the results of Jaune’s guesses. However one thing they never accounted for is Oscar listening in on them. Oscar wanted the same result so he can finally score with Ruby, so he asked Jaune for help. However;

Oscar: Jaune, help me score with Ruby.

Jaune: Nope.

Oscar: Please?

Jaune: No!

Oscar: Please.

Jaune: No!!

Oscar: PLEASE!!

Jaune: NO!!!!

Oscar: Why not?!?

Jaune: First, Yang will kill me! Second, you’re too young, so I don’t know why you’re thinking about this, after everything you’ve been through. Third, Yang will kill me!

Oscar: I'll tell Winter you almost got Weiss killed.

Jaune: You little bastard, you wouldn’t.

Oscar: I would. And she could kill you faster than Yang can.

Jaune: Damn, you right. Fine. Um… go to the store. Buy some whip cream and gum drops. Get naked. And make yourself look like a gingerbread man.

Oscar: What? Why?

Jaune: Ruby loves cookies. And you almost look like a cookie.

Oscar: Jaune that isn’t going to w- oh yes!

Oscar was feeling the up most pleasure as Ruby was bouncing up and down from his pine tree in her team bedroom.

Ruby: Yes. Harder. Harder!! Make me your wife, Gingerbread Man!

Oscar: Yes ma’am.

Afterwards, Jaune, finally thinking he’s done, was relaxing. That was until Cinder Fall appeared out of nowhere. She was very angry too.

Cinder: Seriously?

Jaune: What?

Cinder: I mean, come on, you can help everyone get laid but not yourself. Pathetic.

Jaune: Okay. What’s your point? Why is this your business? Also how did you get in this house?

Cinder: Okay?! Look Arc, I'll show you pity for today. If you can get me to sleep then you get me as your reward. No attempts on your life at all.

Jaune: What if I say no?

Cinder: Why would you?

Jaune: I mean Pyrrha was better looking than you. So is Winter. And Penny.

Cinder: I am very capable.

Jaune: Really?

Cinder: Must I-

Cinder stops and thinks for a minute. Jaune knows she loves to prove how better she is than everyone else around her. She thought for a moment and realized Jaune was toying with her emotions and pride. She smiled, giving him some credit but a failed attempt was still a failed attempt.

Cinder: Ah. You almost had me. Try again.

Jaune: Okay. Hand please.

Cinder: Why?

Jaune: Give me your hand and find out.

Cinder grabs his hand. Jaune uses his semblance to amplify her powers. Cinder felt a surge of power flow in her body as her maiden power suddenly activated. She then stares at Jaune, with smug look on his face.

Cinder: Wha- what did you-?

Jaune: Liked that huh?

Cinder: Um… no.

Jaune pulls Cinder close where her back is towards his chest.

Jaune: You know Cinder, instead of having to track down maidens to gain power. How about I let you take a bit of mines?

Cinder: Um… well you see- Ah~.

Cinder can feel Jaune’s sword rubbing on her butt as she blushes. Jaune continues to smile as he sees her so flustered. To Jaune, Cinder look so cute. However, he wonders why she so was easily tempted. He thought about it and came to the conclusion that;

Jaune: Oh. Cinder Fall, is this your-

Cinder: S-shut up!

Jaune laugh sand gently places his hand on Cinder’s face, turning her towards his own. Cinder was amazed by the glow of his eyes. She was enjoying this. She could feel his power coursing to her veins. She want more so bad she was close to kissing him however-

Cinder: No. You fool. We can’t. We’re enemies.

Jaune: So what? I mean we don’t have to love each other to make a fire. So, are you going to make the first move and express your dominance? Or am I going to show you how strong I really am?

Cinder giggles and turns towards him with her chest to his.

Cinder: Is that a challenge?

Jaune: If that’s how you want it to be.

Cinder: Then don’t hold back.

Jaune: Same.

Jaune and Cinder, without hesitation, kissed and spent a whole night in a ‘hatred’. Cinder was screaming in pleasure as Jaune brutally ‘stabs’ her.

Cinder: I am so glad I killed Pyrrha! ~

[razorblade180]

Streamer AU 6

Number 5 <-

Weiss:*rolls into view*….I’ve returned.

Yang:The bitch is back.

Weiss:Wow! Okay, rude. It’s not like I really left. I was in your streams all the time. I just don’t feel like doing my own after missions.

Yang:And yet somehow you still have more subscribers than me.

Photo Bunny gifted 30 subs

Weiss:Oh my gods! Velvet, thank you so much!

Yang:And the rich get richer!!!

Weiss:She says, knowing I’m not rich anymore.

Yang:And yet the money still pours in. Chat, make her play a horror game for being gone for so long.

“Yes!”

“PLEASE!”

“Alien Isolation.”

Weiss:Absolutely not. We have plans already. I’m just waiting for my co-host.

Yang:What am I then?

Weiss:A person who saw me hit the “live” button and immediately hopped into call to call me a bitch.

Yang:It’s in all in good love.

The Reaper: “Ayo! Look who’s back!”

Yang:Ruby, call Weiss a bitch.

Weiss:I’ll un-mod you. I’ve learned to do that recently.

Ruby: *enters call* Oh gods, chat, she’s learning computers. Tech savvy Weiss is dangerous. Who taught her such power?

Weiss:Your girlfriend.

Ruby:Oh, sorry chat. My girl can do no wrong.

Protector of Friendship: “💚”

Ruby:What’s the gameplan today? “Just chatting?” We can play Uno again.

Weiss:You hate teamwork. I swear you do.

Yang:Sends us on a life threatening mission where trust is needed, just to ruin it a day later.

Thunder Thighs: “How was mission? Everyone okay?”

Weiss:It was just bandits. Lots and lots of them. Unfortunately they ruined a village so most of the expenses went to rebuilding the town.

Yang:Chat, this woman is only on camera right now because her power bill is scaring her. This cute face has a price tag.

Weiss:Hey! I actually missed gaming. It’s oddly relaxing when I don’t listen to Ruby’s suggestions. Or Blake’s.

Ninja of Love: “League actually isn’t that bad.”

Ruby:That’s what I’m saaaaaying!

Yang:Don’t listen to them. They’re ill and can’t be cured.

Weiss:*looks at scroll*…Oh, I’ll be right back. Yang, you’re in charge. *gets up*

Ruby:Why not me?

Weiss:Because Yang doesn’t play League!

Ruby:You two lack vision. The four of us could be our own team! We could grab a few more friends and train for tournaments.

Ren: *enters call* Ruby, you are way too toxic for that. *leaves call*

Yang:Hahahahaha!

Ruby:You can’t just show up to say that!?

Weiss walks back into view rolling a second chair next to her. She’s then handed a coffee cup she gladly sips as she sits back down, all nice and cozy. Sitting next to her is Jaune, chilling in her merch hoodie as he waves.

Jaune:Hello…

“Whaaaat?”

“Oh it’s the guy.”

“Hi Jaaaaaaune!”

“Nerd alert”

“Co-host?”

Yang:I can’t believe you chose the other blonde over me. How cruel. What does he have I don’t?

Jaune:*holds up Kingdom Hearts*

Ninjas of Love: “FINALLY!”

Yang:..I would’ve bought it.

Ruby:Alright, maybe you chose better than Uno.

Weiss:Okay everyone, you can guess tonight’s game. It’s not like it hasn’t won several polls.

Ruby:Oh! Oh! Weiss, sub goal idea! 80 subs and you have to do a cover of the opening!

Weiss:I haven’t even heard it yet!

Jaune:You might like it more than the song from FFX.

Weiss:….

Yang:She’s setting you up for success.

Weiss:…We will circle back to that. Speaking of FFX, same rules apply. I don’t need back-seating from chat. My wonderful co-host here will help manage the stream and aid me with anything I ask.

Blake: *enters call* Jaune, what version is that?

Jaune:It’s from the 1.5 collection, so final mix. Post the patch.

Blake:You’re a good man.

Weiss:Do you want the camera on you or is that uncomfortable?

Jaune:I’m okay. This setup is nice.

Ruby:Questions like these wouldn’t be an issue if you got a VTube model. Penny could hook you up.

Weiss:I only recently learned how to fix normal PC problems. Don’t put that burden on me.

Yang:What does OBS stand for?

Weiss:I saved your life yesterday. What’s your damage with me?

Big Bags & Miniguns: “Is this the mystery boyfriend we’ve been searching for?”

Weiss:Cocoa, you’ve known Jaune forever. He’s always been around as a mod.

Thunder Thighs: “That wasn’t a no.”

Jaune:I literally showed my copy of the game. You all know why I’m here.

Cardinal Pride: “As if she’d date someone as lame as-

Message Deleted

Photo Bunny: “Please remember the chat guidelines before typing”

Ruby:I would’ve blocked him.

Weiss:He gets one more chance. I’m in a good mood.

Jaune:That’s the Kingdom Hearts spirit. *puts disc in*

Weiss:This won’t make me cry like Final Fantasy did, will it?

Blake:Oh….sweetie….

Weiss:*inhales* Great.

Yang:I already made a crude layout for the singing goal. I swear graphic designers should be thankful I like cars and fighting Grimm more.

Jaune:Don’t have any lower goals?

Weiss:I’m 20 away from having to cosplay a character from a game I’ve played. They also get to vote on an emote.

BB&MG: “How many subs for a boyfriend reveal?”

Weiss:…*rubs chin*

Ruby:You’re thinking about it!?

Weiss:I mean I’d have to talk it over with him to see if he’s comfortable with others knowing, but also that goal has to be high enough for Cocoa to be scared.

Jaune:….This game isn’t terribly long, and you have new followers. Personally I’d shoot for no less than 300.

The Monkey King: “Bleed her dry. 350”

BB&MG: “I thought we were friends Sun?”

Weiss:350 it is! After I discuss it of course.

“You’re on!”

“You underestimate our power!”

“I swear if it’s Neptune.”

“Just wait until payday!”

Yang:Like I said, the rich get richer.

[anthurak]

Having been rewatching some of Ice Queendom lately, I’d like to talk about something I really wanted to discuss after the series wrapped, but haven’t gotten around to until now.

Namely, the shows use of Jaune, and specifically how it’s one of my biggest issues with the anime.

Now talking about this is somewhat complicated because I don’t have any issues with how Ice Queendom presents and writes Jaune directly. In fact I was actually pretty IMPRESSED watching the show at the frankly keen understanding the writers seemed to have of Jaune’s character and what he’s meant to represent.

Namely, that Jaune is a massive subversion of so many classic male fantasy-hero protagonists. He’s NOT some cool, badass fighter and whenever he tries to be one, he gets his ass handed to him. Instead, he’s able to show his real strength by supporting and helping others.

And there’s a bunch of great subtle details like how Jaune’s dream weapon being this flashy, oversized sword that he just cannot fucking use not matter how hard he tries is just the PERFECT metaphor for his character in the early volumes. A weapon that represents all the ‘big strong hero guy’ expectations Jaune believed he had to live up to at the beginning of the show but is actually IMPOSSIBLE for him to use because that’s NOT what he’s really meant for. And the one time he IS able to wield that sword is though the assistance and support of his friends, namely (dream)Pyrrha, which in turn provides a great hint towards his still-dormant semblance.

Instead, the real issue I have is that every time I look back on Ice Queendom and see Jaune, I can’t help but ask myself ‘Why is Jaune even here?’ Specifically, WHY does the story need Jaune to be Team RWBY’s ‘guest party member’ to go into Weiss’s dream to rescue her from the Nightmare?

Now sure, they bring up the idea that Jaune having just been possessed by a Nightmare basically ‘inoculated’ him to the Grimm and could allow him to be undetected by the Nightmare possessing Weiss. But let’s be real; that’s a justification, NOT a true narrative REASON for Jaune to be going into Weiss’s Nightmare.

Because what actual connection does Jaune even HAVE to Weiss that would give him a thematic reason to be going into her Nightmare? He’s not on her team and they only even met a few weeks ago. Especially given that IQ even removes almost all references to Jaune having any kind of big crush on Weiss. During Ruby’s first visit to the nightmare, we see what Weiss thinks of him:

Lumped in with Nora, Ren, Cardin and literally everyone else she doesn’t have time or patience for.

So what’s the actual narrative potential of Jaune joining Ruby, Blake and Yang to save Weiss? How can he tie into the story of Weiss’s character and Ruby’s, Blake’s and Yang’s attempts to free her?

Simply put, he can’t. And so he DOESN’T. Instead it feels like the only reason Jaune is here is simply because he’s the most prominent supporting character in the franchise.

And the REASON this sticks out to me so much is that I can’t help but think that a different character would have made a far, far BETTER option to join Ruby, Blake and Yang to save Weiss:

PYRRHA.

I mean, the reasons for Pyrrha going into the Nightmare to help Weiss kinda write themselves, right? From minute one it’s clear the Weiss idolizes Pyrrha, and it’s really all but outright stated she has a huge crush on Pyrrha. It’s only natural that Ruby, Blake and Yang would go to her for help getting past Weiss’s emotional defenses in the dream.

Like I think it’s easy to imagine how Ruby might happen upon this idea: In her first entry into Weiss’s Nightmare, Ruby could note that Jaune, Ren and Nora are all in ‘Silly Jail’, but Pyrrha notably ISN’T. And later while scouting or perhaps while fleeing from Weiss, perhaps Ruby catches a glimpse, far off, of Pyrrha within the walls of Weiss’s castle, perhaps looking out a window.

And when Ruby mentions this to the others, Shion could comment that this means that Pyrrha is special to Weiss, and thus keeps her memory ‘close’ to her. At this point we’d probably get Yang chiming in with a quip about how Weiss ‘Hasn’t exactly been subtle about that.’

Then of course, one of Ruby, Blake or Yang hit on the idea that if they brought Pyrrha into the nightmare, she might be able to get past Weiss’s defenses much more easily. Something which Shion confirms to be very likely. From there, RBY seek out Pyrrha for her help much like what happened with Jaune. But with the difference being that Pyrrha being some kind of ‘secret weapon’ feels FAR more natural based on what we already saw in the show up to that point.

And from that point on, I feel like it’s kind of obvious just how well Pyrrha would fit into the narrative and both Weiss’s and Ruby’s character arcs. Like I joked about a ‘White Rose/Schneekos Love Triangle’ while the show was airing, but that’s kind of exactly what we see potentially set up in the first three episodes of IQ:

Weiss is clearly massively enamored with and idolizes Pyrrha, while Ruby really wants Weiss to like her and be friends with her.

And placing Pyrrha into the nightmare as a major figure alongside Ruby, Blake and Yang for Weiss gives the perfect opportunities to play Pyrrha and Ruby off of Weiss. Exploring what Weiss being so enamored with Pyrrha actually means to her, what that could mean for her feelings about Ruby, and how Ruby and Pyrrha could get her to confront those feelings.

Imagine the story making a point about Weiss having essentially put Pyrrha up on the constructed, idealized pedestal instead of knowing the actual Pyrrha, and then contrasting this by showing that Ruby actually embodies so many of the traits Weiss idolizes Pyrrha for.

Which in turn has Pyrrha being the one to help Weiss realize that.

Not to mention on the flipside, this change would give us a lot of Pyrrha and Ruby interaction. Which I think we can all agree would be VERY fun and interesting.

I mean just picture Ruby really wanting Pyrrha’s help to save Weiss, while also clearly repressing a fair bit of insecurity and maybe even a bit of jealousy over how enamored Weiss is with Pyrrha, which in turn leads to a meaningful and cute conversation where Pyrrha gives Ruby a much-needed pep-talk while also diving into Pyrrha’s own well-hidden insecurities and generally revealing just how similar these two really are.

Which in turn perfectly plays into Ruby’s journey to save Weiss across Ice Queendom.

Finally, there is a more subtle, but perhaps most meaningful reason why I think Pyrrha would have made a much better option over Jaune:

For as well as Ice Queendom writes him, we really don’t learn anything new about Jaune that we didn’t already know. The fact is, we know Jaune pretty well after the (at the time of IQ’s release) eight volumes he’s had in the show.

So what if instead of a character we’ve already spent all this time with, what if Ice Queendom focused on a character we only had three volumes to get to know?

A character who, unlike Jaune, Nora, Ren or basically any of the other supporting characters at this time in the story, is no longer around to get focus or development.

Simply put, Pyrrha being the member of Team JNPR to get the most focus in Ice Queendom would have been a chance to explore and develop a character who we simply DON’T have opportunity to do so in the series proper.

[danurso]

NWN Challenge

*At a nice bar in Atlas*

Ruby: You’re still dealing with the fallout of that mess?

Blake: Of course. As the head of the white fang I can't just clean up a mess and ignore what caused it and who was affected by it…..*sigh* The last thing I want is people thinking we’re slipping back into what we used to be years back.

Yang: Good thing your pops is really good at de-escalating, well that and Weiss’ PR team.

Blake: Yeah. Where is her by the way? I wanted to thank her personally for all the help.

Ruby: She said she was coming, something came up during work.

Yang: Or someone. If Jaune went to visit she might be an hour or so late.

Blake: That. . . . . . probably isn't the case.

Yang: Why?

Blake: *nods* Because she doesn't look like she just had a good time.

The trio then turned to see a familiar heiress coming in, looking like she was about to murder someone.

Weiss: *sits down on the table*

Bartender: What will it be mi-

Weiss: Vodka. Pure. And make it a triple.

Yang: Yeesh. Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed today.

Ruby: What happened?

Blake: Who did you kill?

Weiss: He's not dead, the doctors said just broke a few bones.

R_BY: . . . . . . . .

Weiss: . . . .what?

Blake: . . . . .i was joking.

Weiss: Oh. . . .right. . . . .

Ruby: Wait, wait, you tried to kill someone!?

Weiss: I didn't! I just exaggerated a bit while dealing with a jerk.

Yang: What happened?

Weiss: . . . . .*sigh* I was venting to Winter about some private things about Jaune, as soon as she left an associate came in, he must've heard something about what we're talking, because as soon as we were done talking business he tried asking me out.

Yang: Doesn't everyone at the company know you just married?

Weiss: They do and he knew about it. But he insisted saying we could do something “fun” and that he could “Give me what i needed” since my husband wasn't doing so.

Ruby: Oh gods. . . . . .

Yang: Hah!

Blake: Like, I understand why that made you angry, but did you have to send the guy to the hospital?

Weiss: Not really, but i’ve been having a really stressful week and even after i said no multiple times, he kept pushing, and the moment he got too close i catapulted him out of the room with a glyph, though because of everything i miscalculated and sent him through a wall instead of the door.

Yang: *laughs* Please send me the video whenever you can! I wanna see that.

Ruby: Well, jerk aside, is everything okay? You sound like there's been stress even before that.

Bartender: Here miss. *Puts down her drink*

Weiss: Thanks.

Blake: Is everything okay at home? You said you were venting about Jaune, is everything okay between you two?

Weiss: No! The last three weeks been awful! HE has been awful!

Blake: Wait what?

Yang: Wow, That's a surprise.

Ruby: But why? What's wrong with Jaune?

Weiss: He’s been the worst! I keep having to deal with issues at the company! Cleaning the mess my father made! And then, after an awful day of work, what am I greeted with!?

Yang: A blown up house?

Blake: Another woman?

Ruby: Jaune wouldn't do that blake! Geez. . . . .Oh! Was it maybe a dead body?

Weiss: No! As soon as I come in he greets me with that stupid! Bright! And warm smile! He hugs me tight goes on about missing me soooo much! He covers me in kisses! Takes me in to show the warm bath he prepared for me! The house which is basically spotless and the dinner which was my favorite! Aaaarggh! Just thinking about it makes my blood boil! *Chugs the drink*

Ruby: . . . . . . . .

Yang: . . . . . . . .

Blake: . . . . . . . . . .that's it?

Weiss: Oh no. No no no, it gets worse. After dinner he brings me a whole cheesecake! Freshly made! And after we ate he took me to the living room and massaged every corner of my stressed body! I felt like I was melting! Oh gods the nerve of that man!!!

Yang: Wow, sounds like a nightmare.

Weiss: I know! Because it is!

Blake: *deadpan* Is it though?

Ruby: Err, Weiss? Are you sure there's a problem there? Because you make it sound like he's doing something bad but apparently he's been really sweet to you.

Weiss: I know! And it's unbearable!

Ruby: But why?

Weiss: BECAUSE IT'S NOVEMBER RUBY!!!

R_BY: Ohhhh. . . . .

Blake: He’s doing that dumb challenge too? I thought it was just Sun.

Ruby: *sigh* Nah, Oscar was doing it too.

Yang: Sounds like a headache. Lucky me and Arslan don't struggle with that stuff.

Blake: Yes, because she's not a guy, they tend to be incredibly stubborn about the stupidest things. Well, as stubborn as you can be with someone who knows all your weaknesses.

Ruby: Got him to give up?

Blake: Around a week in, would’ve been sooner if i wasn't busy with the fang. Oscar giving you trouble?

Ruby: Nope. He went for ten days straight, then he walked in on me coming out of the shower and he snapped. *Chuckles* I wasn't even trying to make him lose.

Weiss: *eyebrow twitching* Good to know I'm the only one suffering here.

Yang: Come on ice cream. You know that guy is basically addicted to you, if you give him a push in the right direction I'm pretty sure he’ll just crumble.

Weiss: And you think I haven't tried!? Skimpy swimsuits, Lingeries, Nudes throughout the day, dirty comments, cosplaying his favorite characters, offering to do the most questionable things! I used every last trick in the book and he STILL didn't cave in!

Yang: Oh, wow.

Blake: I knew he had a strong will but this is still surprising to hear.

Weiss: It's so frustrating! I get to come back home every day to the most wonderful husband in the world, who pampers and looks after me, doing everything I wish and making me the happiest woman in Remnant! And you tell me I can't ride him to oblivion after all that!? It's unfair!!! Utter Injustice!!! I wished I knew who came up with this challenge so I could strangle them until they're blue!!!

Yang: *chuckles* I can't tell if you're angrier at not getting laid for three weeks now or at him for not falling for your charms.

Weiss: BOTH!!!

Ruby: I mean, you said you tried everything but it doesn't sound like it.

Weiss: I did Ruby. I most certainly did! And wore basically anything you could imagine, I went as far as to wear things that, if images were leaked online, my life would be ruined and Blake would never talk to me again.

Yang: . . . . . . .you wore a-

Blake: *covers her mouth* Please don't, I’d rather our friendship still exist by the end of the night. For once in my life i do NOT wanna know.

Yang: *pushes her out* Wow. You really pulled all the stops.

Weiss: And it did nothing to him!!! *Depressed sigh*

Ruby: I mean, so far it sounds like all you did was dress up and act sexy to try and make him cave in.

Weiss: What else was I supposed to do!?

Ruby: Did you forget who you're married to? It's pretty easy to get him to bend and do what you want once you pin his weakness down.

Weiss: . . . . . .that sounded very wrong, especially being about my husband.

Ruby: What? I never abused that weakness mind you! He's my best friend, I could never!

Yang: Unless he has your favorite cookies.

Ruby: *pink* That's different!

Weiss: Spit it out already!

Ruby: *sigh* . . . . .fine. but he ever asks, you didn't learn this from me.

-

Weiss: *walks in* I’m home.

Jaune: *wearing pajamas* Hey, how was your night? *Hugs her* Everyone doing well?

Weiss: Yeah. *Kisses him* Everyone is doing well.

Jaune: I left some food for you in the microwave, wasn’t sure if you would eat out so i made something.

Weiss: It's fine, we got something to eat on the way back.

Jaune: I’ll pack it up for tomorrow then. *Walking to the kitchen* By the way, Whitley called. He said something about a guy you sent to the hospital. Is everything okay at work?

Weiss: Yeah, someone tried hitting on me earlier, and I accidentally used too much force to push him off when he tried to get too close.

Jaune: *storing the food* Ouch. Almost makes me feel bad for him. . . . .almost. *feels a pair of arms wrapping around his torso from behind.* . . . . . .Weiss?

Weiss: *inhale* . . . . . .*deep exhale*

Jaune: *serious* Weiss. . . . .that guy didn't hurt you, did he?

Weiss: *chuckles* Good to know my knight is still there to protect me if I ever need, I thought he ended up buried under my cute husband.

Jaune: Weiss-

Weiss: He did nothing, just a few sweet words which I already forgot. I just wanted to hug you.

Jaune: If you say so, then I believe you. What do you wanna do now?

Weiss: Bed. I’m tired, could you come with me though?

Jaune didn't answer, he only turned around and picked her up in his arms, making her chuckle in response, he took her to the bedroom and helped her out of her clothes and into her nightgown, and soon enough, they were both in bed cuddling.

Weiss: *Chuckling*

Jaune: What’s so funny?

Weiss: Nothing. I’m just happy.

Jaune: That's good to hear. You seemed a little stressed these last few days.

Weiss: Yeah. . . .but I'm fine now. In fact, I couldn't be happier.

Jaune: Really?

Weiss: Of course. *Hugs him closer* I’ve got a nice house, a good job, great friends and above all else *Looks up to him* the most wonderful husband in the world.

Jaune: *pink, scratching his cheek* Hehehe, I’m just doing what I can. It's not a big deal.

Weiss: It is for me. . . .for someone who grew up in a cold house, surrounded by people I couldn't trust, having someone that I can trust and love this much is everything.

Jaune: Weiss. . . . .

Weiss: You never ignore me, you always know when I'm not okay, you look after my every need, you go above and beyond to make me happy, and you know me even better than I do myself. I must've been a saint in a past life to be blessed with someone so wonderful as you are. I wanna stay like this and hold on to you for the rest of my life. *Angelic smile* Thank you for marrying me, my love.

Jaune: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

-

Jaune: *naked on the bed and spooning her* God damnit. . . . .

Weiss: *sweaty and giggling*

Jaune: I can't believe I fell for that.

Weiss: Fell for what~? I was being honest, you know?

Jaune: I know! And that makes it even more of a dirty move!

Weiss: My heart bleeds for you.

Jaune: *groan* I was just a week away. I resisted everything you threw at me and this is how I lost?

Weiss: Yep. I thought there was no way out until a certain someone reminded me how weak you are to someone being genuinely emotional with you.

Jaune: It was Ruby wasn't it? Every time i have her favorite cookies she'll go on this emotional speech about how much it matters to her that i’m her best friend and all we went through, and when i realize i already gave her the cookies.

Weiss: I won't confirm nor deny anything.

Jaune: Ugh, figures.

Weiss: *turns to him* Oh please, you say it as if you didn't like it.

Jaune: Of course I did, I've been craving you for weeks.

Weiss: Good to hear, I felt the same.

Jaune: Just don't do that next year or I'm telling Blake about your secret costumes.

Weiss: You’re doing that again next year!?

Jaune: *chuckles* That's your main concern?

Weiss: Of course I am! These last three weeks have been hell!

Jaune: If that's the case. . . .*on top of her* Then let me take you to paradise.

Weiss: *pink* That wasn't enough for you?

Jaune: Nowhere near enough to make up for these three weeks. You gotta work Tomorrow?

Weiss: Not really, they have to fix the wall in my office so. . . . .

Jaune: Good. You won't have to make up an excuse then. Might need one for after tomorrow though.

Weiss: *red* . . . . . . .I’m in danger aren't i?

Jaune: The plan was to win the challenge and slowly ease back into routine. You tricked me into losing so now I’m giving you what you want, all of it.

Weiss: *redder* C-can we talk about this for a mome-AAHHHH~!?!?

[hadesisqueer]

I have a terrible memory and haven't watched RWBY since Vol 9 ended. Did anything happen between Blake and Yang that was remarkable?

Here's an example from other ships: Aneela x Kendry – Aneela slaughtered hullen to find Kendry, Aneela tortured Gander for Kendry, Kendry carried and raised Aneela’s child, Aneela shared her green with Kendry to make her immortal again, they rule Qresh together Adora x Catra – They kept each other alive in the Horde, Catra sacrificed herself to save Glimmer for Adora, Adora rescued Catra from Horde Prime, Adora used her magic to bring Catra back from the dead, they saved the universe with their love

I know Yang lost her arm but I don't know if it was something she did for Blake and I know the punderstorm created the platform and bridge so they could confess their love but I don't know whether to include that because it wasn't something either of them did.

Okay so basically they're partners. Blake chose Yang as her partner, and Yang is a parallel to Adam, her previous lover and partner too, a better version of him, which is very interesting: to see the fact that Yang was a character foil to Adam from the start. It makes her dynamic with Blake very interesting. Yang is also a person with huge abandonment issues, so her Love Interest being a girl who thought of herself as toxic and ran away because of that makes their dynamic very interesting and complex. And then there's what happened in volume 3 during the Battle of Beacon is that Blake separated from Weiss and ended up confronting Adam, you know, her abusive ex boyfriend. Adam kept guiltripping her as you know and told her that he would make it his mission to destroy everything Blake loved. Then Yang, who'd talked to Weiss and was searching for Blake, showed up calling for her. Adam saw the way Blake looked at her, connected the dots and said he was gonna start by destroying Yang. Then he stabbed Blake to get Yang's attention and Yang went red eyed and jumped to defend Blake with no second thoughts telling Adam to get away from her. Then Adam takes his chance and cut Yang's arm off. Would've killed her, too, if Blake hadn't rushed to get the both of them out of there —while being wounded herself. So, basically, kinda yeah. Yang lost her arm trying to protect Blake and that gut cut her arm off out of jealousy and because he wanted to torment Blake. Cue Blake leaving because she felt guilty, coming back two volumes later after both she and Yang went through interesting character arcs and them trying to rebuild their relationship throughout all v6, and then fighting Adam again, together, and ending him. Some of their biggest moments yeah. That and when Yang fell in v8 and Blake failed to catch her and thought she'd lost her and called out Yang's name and fucking lost it having to be held back by Weiss from jumping too and then immediately trying to kill Neo with zero hesitation since she was the one who pushed Yang. They have some very remarkable and memorable moments.

Also, their eyes are canonically the color of each other's soul so it's fucking cute

[maxiemumdamage]

So, I’m thinking about it, and…I’m not sure if Blake has never had a true, proper, solo song. A musical theme all her own.

From Shadows should be it, obviously, but…even as it’s her musical theme, I don’t think the song as a whole is actually hers. Because the lyrics and more intense instrumentals and just…everything after the beat drops is so clearly not Blake. It’s Adam. If not his voice, then his influence on her.

That’s not to say nothing there was Blake’s. The piano at the beginning and end of the song — before Adam appears and after Blake leaves him — are clearly her own style. Her own motif. But…for the most part, when that song recognizably reoccurs, it’s not for Blake alone, but for her in conjunction with Adam. It’s in the context of their toxic, abusive relationship and the way he corrupted her worldview.

Like Morning Follows Night is definitely more about Sun as Blake’s supporter and interlocutor — I mean, we don’t really learn much about him in canon outside of his relationship with her. But that’s still ultimately a song about Sun as Blake’s supporter (and, within the rap part of it, his unrequited crush on her). Yes, part of it is her processing/being called out on her own issues and trauma, but that’s still done largely in Sun’s voice.

Wings is…tricky. It’s clearly about Blake, but I don’t think it’s her own perspective at all — it’s either Weiss or Yang (depending on the interpretation, though given when it occurs in the actual show I actually think Weiss is the likelier suspect) talking about and to Blake. And I don’t think it’s exactly a complete picture.

Similarly…BMBLB and All That Matters are Yang, singing to or about Blake. And she’s coming at it with her own emotions and perspective, meaning that while Blake is part of the song it’s not her song. Not hers alone.

Nevermore and Worthy are literal, explicit duets, and Treasure still has room for ambiguity in whether it’s Blake or Yang or both of them together. (Wow, the Bees have a ton of songs.) Blake has a voice for sure! But it’s not about her alone.

…writing this made me realize how while Blake may not have a single solo, she’s still very well-represented musically. There are so many songs Blake has where she’s dueting and/or sharing the themes with someone else! I think that’s a reflection of both her multitude of interesting relationships and her role as a leader in her own right. But more on that part later.

Touch the Sky from Volume 7 is probably meant to be for Blake, but like…not distinctly, not beyond a doubt, and not with any specificity. You COULD read it as a Weiss song just as easily. Hell, it applies to everyone among the main cast to an extent. Which makes it hard to argue that it’s a Blake solo song.

And from the same Volume’s soundtrack…Brand New Day is absolutely Blake’s, specifically, but she shared it with Qrow. It’s about how both of them are changing and lightening their worldview and feeling freer. And again, could technically apply to even more people. But it’s explicitly at least two of them.

But there’s one duet that I still think is Blake’s first and foremost — This Time from the Volume 5 soundtrack.

It’s definitely got a heavy presence with the male vocalist/lyrics as an interlocutor, but first and foremost it’s a resolution to the issues Blake has been wrestling with. She’s putting her past with the White Fang behind her and instead is organizing a new Faunus rights movement.

Some people do argue that the interlocutor’s identity is ambiguous — which I disagree with, I think it’s definitely Ghira, since Sun isn’t actually very invested in the Faunus rights storyline. (Probably a symptom of him being from Vacuo, where no one can afford to be racist.)

But Ghira being the accompanying support and backing vocals for his daughter does work well with RWBY’s themes of legacy and generational trauma and making things better for those who come next. Ghira is back on the wagon because his daughter inspired him to get there — Blake’s not subsumed in the duet by any means.

I would still very much like to see a proper, complete, solo Blake song at some point. But I worry the ship may have sailed by now. She’s reached…maybe not an endpoint, but she’s getting close to fully realized and confident in terms of character development. Plus, I suspect her romantic relationship and the Faunus rights movement are her next major plotlines, both of which don’t much lend themselves to solo ballads.

…but also, a lot of Blake’s songs are also Bumbleby songs, and I can’t say I’m mad about it.

[zexapher]

Stupid Cupid

Started this edit almost an entire year ago, right when RWBY Beyond dropped the boba episode. I immediately caught onto the idea of chibi Ruby being a little cherub to use for shipping characters. Of course, I immediately distracted myself with other creative projects and the Ship Wars 8 (which White Knight won in spectacular fashion btw) and life got in the way. But I came back around to it this past month. Perfect timing really, since it means I got it out for Valentine’s Day.

I just think it’s lovely how CRWBY have nurtured this ship subtly in the background, until they finally decided to get right up in our faces about it with Volume 9. That’s kind of what I wanted to portray here, with Cruby on a mission to make White Knight a reality, but Jaune and Weiss had already grown close without that final brazen intervention.

It’s really something special to start this meme essentially right as Rooster Teeth and RWBY closed down, only to come back and finish it with the news that Rooster Teeth was bought by Burnie and RWBY’s now moved on to VIZ. Both of them continuing on in their way. Kind of heartwarming to be honest, like a message of perseverance, keep on trying even if circumstances bring you down.

I can still see a few influences from my early work on the edit, was playing a little Republic Commando at the time, so we get Ruby’s comment about her skills with a bow confusing and frightening CRWBY. Speaking of, I think we can all see why I chose Cruby as Ruby’s cherub name. Perfect for someone tasked with building up White Knight. And, come on, the shipping rock is a perfect replacement for a bow. You may have noticed me sneak in the Golden Oreos or Rooster Teeth’s logo to celebrate the recent news (Jaune’s put a little sticker on the pummel of his sword).

With editing, I still run into trouble every now and then as I learn and familiarize myself with my software. Even now after a year of practicing it, and a decent chunk on gimp in particular. On this edit I ran into a weird issue with the color picker tool, where when I sampled a color, the brush would only apply a pastel or grayer version of that color. Wasn’t sure how I enabled that, if it was a glitch or I accidentally enabled some key shortcut or something. I worked my way around it though, in the most obtuse manner.

Pretty cool to be learning something new as I go through these edits. Like all the color correcting for my Vacuan Nights meme. Or even small quality of life things like how I decided to start making thicker outlines for the text about halfway through. That’s something that helps making the words pop, the outlines were a bit too thin before. And at the end I can really pump out some of the more complicated edits that used to take me a long time a year ago.

Redrawing Jaune for panel 9 was a ton of tedious busywork. The screenshot I pulled that from had bad lighting from the portal behind Jaune, so I needed to fill in colors for proper lighting. I think it came out pretty spectacularly.

And I just really like the premise for this meme. CRWBY helping push White Knight along, but the relationship was already well on its way in the background. That little bag of ‘cupid’ rocks just seems really cute to me, too. Fun, cheap little drawing.

Chibi Ruby is cute as can be; so happy they gave us this version of her in Beyond. Especially like that devious look I gave her. Yang looks great too, really enjoy Beyond’s style, and the exasperated palm to the face. And, of course, I loved writing and drawing up the cute interaction between Jaune and Weiss. She needs to see those shark pups! :)

Anyway, hope you all enjoy your Valentine’s Day, and this fun little meme I drew up.