The Curious Manipulation of a Selfish Cat | RWBY Volume 9 Theory/Discussion

[@TheZero1312]

What saved Jaune is a lot simpler than the Paper Pleasers. He just never gave up hope that he will see Team RWBY again. The cat was never able to destroy that hope.

[@HighPriestFuneral]

The Cat did try though. "I learned of the Cat's true purpose after they took Alyx and Lewis to the Tree. They call it "healing", but its really manipulation." It seems like the Cat thought to find Jaune so broken and beat that they could take him over.

[@antonitocotter447]

​@@HighPriestFuneral And learned the hard way that he has more willpower than anyone in the Ever After....

[@jonnjones8263]

So that means Jaune survived all this time without being broken down by the Cat? Very impressive display of willpower for Jaune. Always knew that boy had Conqueror's Haki.

[@shelbybayer200]

Uh no, he was actually manipulated. Just not to be a Vessel

[@dvontechappel1579]

If there was a form of Haki in RWBY then Jaune might as well be a Green Lantern.

[@elijahpage7687]

Can wiss Blake yang and jaune save ruby and neo and stop the cat

[@dvontechappel1579]

@@elijahpage7687 I’m pretty sure if Ruby comes back she’ll pull a Goku and want to spare Neo and save her, she does and this honestly will help the grand scheme of things with the whole “we have to unite the world and show that we can coexist peacefully so that Salem can’t win.” What’s a better way to kick that off than turning a coldblooded murderer into an ally, if not permanently then in the end game.

[@jonnjones8263]

@@shelbybayer200 And? Doesn't change the fact that the cat didn't break his spirit.

[@spectra5407]

You know who the Cat reminds me of? Starscream, someone who pretends to be your ally only to stab you in the back the moment your back is turned. The Cat will die How you ask? What's that age old saying? Curiosity will killed The Cat?

[@kidprime6863]

That's one way of putting it

[@jeancaron9325]

And may take Neo with it!

[@aerissai8341]

Many say that the Curious Cat is similar to the flying thing from Madoka Magica.

[@josecarlossidancona960]

Ruby rose finally returns and saves neo Jabberwalker eat the cat evil

[@yangxiaolong613]

​@@aerissai8341 Kyubey?

[@143Oshawott]

I actually think the cat was preventing Herb from making her realize she is a huntress. It seem like the nature of the drug was overall positive, and Ruby coming back to her senses about it would foil his plan. We didn’t see how long the others of Team RWBY were under the drugs, just the result so Ruby gaining back her resolve wouldn’t let the cat take over her anymore.

[@SkullsNightshade]

I agree. That was the only time at that point in the volume that the cat expressed frustration and had an angry tone. I'm sure that's the reason.

[@143Oshawott]

@@SkullsNightshade Yeah, also if Herbs purpose is getting people back on track with who they are he was doing a excellent job with the rest of team RWBY, so him losing his purpose kind of makes no sense since he was doing exactly that.

[@elijahpage7687]

Well I hope wiss Blake yang and jaune find away to rescue and save ruby and neo and stop the cat from leaving the everafter

[@143Oshawott]

@@elijahpage7687 I think ultimately the cat will be ascended, especially since we don’t know their actual true purpose yet. It seems like it’s to bring other afterins to the tree, but it’s curiosity with its makers seems like it’s not aligned with its purpose. This is also a good thing for Neo’s character if she ends up living this ordeal, switching her hatred to Cinder. I think they will beat the Cat or maybe make it some sort of ally because Salems forces are already man handling them, adding another enemy in the cat seems so unreasonable to deal with.

[@RandomizerX3]

This is what I agree. They helped everyone else form a resolve, and if Ruby achieved her resolve, she wouldnt fall to the cats manipulation.

[@HestiaVesta]

The cat's power and Neo's upgraded powers are terrifying thoughts combined with the hostile intent of the cat

[@taddad2641]

we actually don't know how hostile the cat will be on remnant. i doubt he'd go around blwoing shit up but he wouldn't necessarily be an ally... unless he sees salem as a direct threat to his curiousity.

[@malikabdurheman2340]

Hey guys we think this is terrifying neo upgraded semblance or the cat's magic Then what if the The cat goes to remnant find Salem possesses her her powers and the cat's magic I mean that's pretty much an overlord threat

[@HestiaVesta]

@@malikabdurheman2340 you saw Phoenix Night's video too?

[@doubl2480]

I think the butterflies might be the "eyes" of the Blacksmith (or the tree), rather than the cat's. They could also simply have a symbolic of transformation, of metamorphosis. The vines about the hole in the ground in the last episode did look like a cocoon of sort.

[@ThePmbstudios]

Yeah, and the butterflies were constantly distracting the cat from Team RWBY.

[@wendyxz2276]

I actually had a similar thought a while back where I thought they be a parallel to Odin with his birds (Ozpin with qrow and raven)

[@ArcMage95]

I kind of agree with this idea as well. If we assume the blacksmiths is the trees way of giving physical form to the trees reforging and ascension process which seems likely in my opinion, back in episode 5 when we saw the blacksmith it seems to be forging a butterfly in the fire while talking to Ruby. So the butterflies may actually be working with/for the tree if all this is the case as a way of watching all of the Everafters inhabitants.

[@doubl2480]

@@ArcMage95 I thought the forged butterfly wing was going to be Herb's new form, but it might be either I suppose!

[@vinny8589]

I think Alyx may have poisoned Jaune to keep him away from the Curious Cat as she may have realized something was amiss and that he was the strongest person in their group. It would also explain the Cat's temperment with the Rusted Knight as a sense of "Failure" every time he sees him, and why he pushes his frustrations onto Jaune upon their paths accidentally crossing again as perhaps as a Plan B incase he couldn't take control of Ruby he kept widdling at Jaune's failures also in hopes one of them would be worn down... This is only a possibility though based on observations of what we've been told and seen so far.

[@0axis771]

It's clear that the Curious Cat has never once ascended. From the time Jaune met Alyx to the time Jaune met the cat again after RWBY fell, the Curious Cat retains all his memories. The Curious Cat likely refused and did not wish to ascend because it meant forgetting everything he had learned. I can't help but feel that the cat refusing to ascend is the very reason that he's grown too chaotic and vicious. It's existed long past its ascension date, and as a result, it's become a dangerous figure. The Ever After and Ascension is basically a system. Everything has a system. Society, the human body, etc. The concept of Ascension is just a safety mechanism to prevent Afterans from becoming "cancerous" and becoming a threat. But the Curious Cat refused to Ascend and thus continued to exist, watching many Ascend while still retaining his curiosity until it drove him insane.

[@mindassassin]

I think it actually wants to ascend, or at least did at some point, but it can't because it had been given a perpetual task. If its purpose is to keep the wheel of ascension turning, then that purpose can never actually be fulfilled. It would have to eternally facilitate a cycle that it could never actually be a part of. I think being effectively banished from ascension ultimately drove it mad; like being banished from death has driven Salem mad. It's like the gods put them onto a treadmill and are forcing them to keep walking forever. They're exhausted and just want it to end.

[@MandalorOrdo]

​@@mindassassin it could easily prevented if there are more individuals with the same task. That way one can ascend and rest.

[@taddad2641]

Honestly i think he actually 'refused' it too. the more you loko at his design with alyx the more you realize that he HAS changed.

[@kidprime6863]

​@@MandalorOrdo Yeah, there must always be somebody doing this task but that individual can't do it forever. There has to be another to take the job or else they'll be burnt out on it. Like two people taking shifts depending on the time of day or night.

[@ThoraxetheImpaile100]

@@mindassassin With that logic in mind, maybe in finding a way to reach the Cat, the team will find a way to reach Salem.

[@thisguy1924]

I found this guy a few rwby episodes back and i have to say i enjoy his breakdowns and theories on the show. glad to see people enjoy the show rather than dunk on it for not being the same as season 1-3

[@OrbPrime11]

Yeah, he's much better than Eruptionfang who's biased.

[@HighPriestFuneral]

Phoenix/Night, MurderofBirds, You All Write, they are, for me, what makes the experience of watching RWBY much more than the sum of its parts. Of course there are other brilliant content creators, but those are the big three for me that I always enjoy hearing their theories, views and opinions.

[@OrbPrime11]

@@HighPriestFuneral Of course the infamous. Vexed Viewer is still toxifying the show.

[@kidprime6863]

Not mention sometimes theories have a habit of being proven true

[@kidprime6863]

​@@OrbPrime11 Even though there are some merits to his points, sometimes.

[@AnimeArtistSpecalist]

For the butterflies, I think they actually work with the Blacksmith- because when Ruby walks up to her, she was forging a set of butterfly wings. So if she is a key component of reforging the lives and purposes of the people of Ever After, it would make sense for her to make the butterflies that locate those that lose their purpose- maybe?

[@jamesnichols3519]

plus the cat attacked the butterflies ...kind of

[@AnimeArtistSpecalist]

@@jamesnichols3519 Oh yeah- that was a thing, where it was a special butterfly I think it was more than just 'cat attacking butterflies'

[@jismeraiverhoeven]

Given all the symbolism in the ever after i wouldnt be surprised if the blacksmith turned out to be the tree in a form that ruby understands. Remember how in volume one she said that weapons are an extention of a person, and in the reflection of the weapons ruby saw a reflection of the person it belonged to. Then there is the fact that the blacksmith offered her to change her weapon, clearly referencing ascencion

[@knowhered]

What makes the most logical sense to me is the idea that the cat **literally** cannot leave the Ever After without taking over a vessel. This would also mean that the cat somehow knew what happens when someone like them tries to cross the gap between drastically different realities. I can see this going down two ways, the first you described in your video, and the second way: the cat filling the "void" in Neo's heart and fusing with it would allow the cat to leave, but with a price. The cat would essentially "ascend" into Neo, keeping the boosted semblance ability, but losing their own unique powers that may very well be unable to break reality. Salem would get an ally that's stronger and more knowledgeable than anyone else under her, one that Cinder would even fear, and would be dealt with in volume 10 after Ruby and team's ascension.

[@rileyduncan3927]

I think the reason for Alyx’s behavior is because of the Curious Cat.

[@Zack_Zander]

I feel like the Cat’s motive started after Alyx betraying the cat, and that most likely Alyx was the one that ascended while Lewis was the one that got out.

[@pumpkinwarrior7138]

@@Zack_Zander I kind of hope the solution isn’t like that Alyx being the ultimate evil of this world doesn’t feel so satisfying

[@msk-qp6fn]

It is very likely at this point. This might mean Alyx may not have been evil or truly bad to the core, but rather too smart for her own good or manipulated by curious cat.

[@CatKun1234]

I wouldn’t be that surprised especially knowing what we all know now

[@Zack_Zander]

@@pumpkinwarrior7138 Don’t know where you’re getting “ultimate evil” from. All I said is that Alyx betrayed/tricked the cat, specifically about bringing them out of the Everafter which caused the cat to decide to take someone over to get out.

[@christophermitchell9739]

The cat is an emotional abuser. Making someone doubt themselves, "helping" them to ingratiate itself, making them doubt someone who genuinely cares for them (Jaune), and preying on moments of weakness.

[@kidprime6863]

What a monster

[@benfrawley7167]

Given that their innately curious nature makes them want to know why they were deemed a failure by their "makers" (Bet you a nickel it was the brother Gods), I'd say they've been in on the whole "struggling with identity" thing this Volume is going for, but in a much darker way than the main cast has up to this point.

[@DaniellexCxD]

*he, his, him

[@noppornwongrassamee8941]

Simply learning about Remnant would make the Curious Cat do anything to go there just to satisfy its curiosity. Learning the Brothers had made Remnant was just icing on the cake.

[@dvontechappel1579]

It was them, he said it in the episode that he wants to know why his creators abandoned him to make Remnant before Little bit his tail

[@JamesRT1291]

I don’t think the Cat will try to assimilate Salem at first, I think he will join her as a powerful if not equal ally, but the moment Salem turns against the Cat or is no longer useful then he might.

[@blue-9017]

Or they would join her only to slowly drive Salem to breakdown and than get her. And honestly, Salem still psychologically vulnerable. She definitely was on the edge when she grabbed Oscar and ask why Ozma keep coming back

[@alexander.tahtadjian]

This was an amazing analysis. This video is the reason why the Curious Cat is one of my new favourite characters from RWBY. His backstory, his personality, his methods, his overall goal was so well written and its these kinds of characters that I like to see disected and analyzed since they always have something interesting to share.

[@kamikeserpentail3778]

He's my favorite and I refuse to accept the outcome. The show's creators had something interesting to work with, and they blew it up... why? Ugh.

[@AbruptCanine4]

Butterflies are usually a signal for renewal, rebirth, new beginnings, like the symbolism of when a caterpillar leaves a cocoon, it's reborn as a butterfly, it's a cliché idea, but I like to think they are subtle nods to the fact Ruby isn't gonna ascend, but more renew, she'll be the same Ruby but with different goals, a different perspective, a different look on life, but all in all a positive change, because the butterflies all look beautiful and have beautiful colouring of blue and sparkle, so I just think this is leading to that! 🌹🌹🌹

[@mrwits5713]

I really believe the purpose of the Jaberwalker is to "fix" the problem that is Curious Cat, and that it will fullfil that purpose by episode 10

[@dvontechappel1579]

Same. Honestly I’m hoping they save Neo so CC can get the Scar treatment near the end of Lion King with it screaming as a whole pack of Jabberwalkers pounce him.

[@jismeraiverhoeven]

I thought more that the jabberwalker is simply a creation of the god of darkness similar to the grim whereas everything else is the creation of the god of light or both similar to every non grim creature in remnant. The place the jabberwalker lives and the fact that it is the only thing that can prevent ascention are pretty big clues of this

[@taddad2641]

jabberwalker is probably something reater than that, but he might be needed.

[@kidprime6863]

​​​@@jismeraiverhoeven Jabberwalker was probably some kind of prototype Grimm. Maybe it was originally intended as some sort of population control method in case there were too many denizens living in Ever After before inspiring the God of Darkness to create the Grimm.

[@acrazysheepdog1555]

@@dvontechappel1579 say no more!

[@chrissycurtis4152]

I wonder, maybe Ruby will only partially ascend? She needs to still remember, but she still needs to change, so I'm really curious to see whats going to happen

[@matthewcostello8572]

I think if she runs into her mothers promise emblem it might help reawaken her memories after being ascended to take the first step to returning/restoring her back to normal

[@peterpecoraro8807]

@@matthewcostello8572 I think Ruby will be ascended back to take care of the cat and stop it from going.

[@Digital_Acid]

It's possible that since she only drank a cup of tea from a single leaf, the ascension process might be significantly limited.

[@elijahpage7687]

Well wiss Blake yang and jaune will save ruby and neo from the tree and the cat

[@elijahpage7687]

Would that work because if summer rose come to get ruby rose back to normal

[@chenteramos09]

I think before herb lost his way, he actually helped Alyx. She might have showed her the cats true nature and distrusted everyone because of the cat. Thinking they were under his control. Could explain why he poisoned John thinking he was under the cats influence and tried to stop her. That's probably why she sacrificed herself at the end to save her brother....

[@taddad2641]

to be fair i think the cat's behavior was different.... HE was different before. if you look at the cat when we seen him he's bisected.

[@kidprime6863]

Considering that the poison didn't kill Jaune but only knocked him out for awhile. I wouldn't say she "poisoned" him, more like she "sedated" him. If Alyx didn't trust Jaune, why did she knock him out instead of killing him?

[@jcam5]

The Curious Cat being a true antagonist has definitely been a possibility but when it actually happened, I was still shocked. The chaos they can unleash on Remnant will make Salem look like a rank amateur.

[@kidprime6863]

He was probably another mistake by the Brothers

[@dvontechappel1579]

@@kidprime6863 he is. The ever after is. Their whole aspect of living with one purpose to do until they die and be reborn to fulfill the same purpose is why they were a failure. The cat especially since they made him with a purpose that can never be fulfilled as knowledge is an infinitely spanning concept. He wants to learn everything he sees, he’s curious, and when they discarded him he wanted to know why. That was sparked when RWBY told him about the Lost Fable.

[@taddad2641]

honjestly we have to take into account what he wants. he wants to keep learning more and more. bu he wants revenge.

[@GaruWumon]

​@@taddad2641He never actually states that he wants revenge. He says that he wants to know why he was abandoned. This is the ultimate question to the cat, and his driving factor. This could very well turn into revenge, as there will never be an answer that satisfies that kind of question.

[@kidprime6863]

​@@GaruWumon Right, if he finds out they abandoned him and Ever After because his unquenchable knowledge for answers was becoming dangerous and that Ever After failed to live up to their expectations, he'll want revenge on them for considering him and Ever After a failure.

[@BloodyRosalia]

Just wanted to say, that Little being Alyx is also represented by the fact Alyx guided team RWBY in the opening and that was Little’s declared job.

[@muddybootknight6319]

Starting to seem that Ozpin wanting to “play things close to the chest” is appearing to be less and less evil. As far as with Herb I’m thinking the cat jumped in to stop it before Ruby had a sort of breakthrough that would lead to her recovering. I’m thinking the butterflies might not be with the cat but perhaps some unknown entity that is on the opposite side of the cat. Also thinking that with Alyx and Lewis that they trusted that they would be taken along but when that didn’t happen, either through being tricked or by some rule, they decided to be more forceful.

[@scrambledEgg69]

You know I’ve always wondered if the pics the cat took on Ruby’s scroll will stay on her scroll when they get back (kinda like in IQ, Ruby took a pic of the map with her scroll to show everyone outside of Weiss’ dream)

[@tobytrooper3928]

This puts so much into perspective, and it’s honestly scary. This is pure speculation, but it makes me wonder if The Cat can maintain the abilities of those it possesses as well. If The Cat can utilize Neo’s disguise Semblance, and/or even manage to bring out her new self-cloning ability in Remnant, there is no telling what kinds of chaos could ensue with such a massive threat.

[@HighPriestFuneral]

We see them leaving using a combination of their glitch effects and Neo's shatter sparkles. So it seems like they have an enormous amount of power in Neo's body.

[@kidprime6863]

If he possessed Ruby and tapped into the full potential of her Speed Semblance and Silver Eyes, then he'd be more unstoppable than he would be in Neo's body.

[@luciuslightseeker7508]

I'm pretty sure the cat knew the entire time what remnant was. Which was why he latched upon the first humans he could find. You can hear a lot of frustration and hate when he talks to Jaune after possessing Neo. "Couldn't face the truth of his own futility" That line makes it seem like the cat had been trying to break Jaune down so that he could posses him for years but was unable to. Jaune is nothing if not determined to improve and believes in his friends. As mentioned in previous comments I'm pretty sure the cat was the reason behind Alyx's behavior. The poisoning was either her protecting Jaune from the cat, or the result of the cat manipulating her.

[@mayfaynezzz]

I was so distracted by the events and emotions of the episode I didn't even consider what it would mean for the cat to get to Remnant, what it could do the Salem, or how it could have tried to break down Jaune before team RWBY arrived. The existence of the cat is somewhat of a curse, if it is created to always be curious and also keep the system of ascension going, then it can never ascend itself even when it needed too. So much to think about! I can't imagine how they will end this season 😵‍💫

[@zodfanza]

When the cat said "you do not go to the tree, the tree goes to you, unless you are me, you see" they actually meant that THEY COULDN'T go to the tree because their curiosity could not be sated. They couldn't ascend, they couldn't rest, they are eternally curious. Then they let Team RWBY think they could because they offered it an invitation - instead of having to hide in the shadows and follow and spy on them they could be part of their party and ask all the questions they wanted and find out how humans got back home. Only at that point did they learn about the gods and become even more obsessed with getting to Remnant. I'm guessing the cat manipulated Lewis/Alice and pitted them against each other and the knight, possibly through Herb so Jaune wouldn't suspect. Maybe the poison wouldn't have killed Jaune and the cat intended to posses him once he lost purpose apon waking and learning he'd failed but Juniper rescued him before then.

[@kamikeserpentail3778]

You do not go to a change in purpose, your purpose comes to you, unless you are me, you see, as I bring others to their new purpose.

[@atnicole461]

The blue butterfly's are also there during Maria's speech to Ruby in volume 6 in the garden, so I'm thinking that it has to do with hope or the SEWs

[@liviousgameplay1755]

About the butterflies, they remind me of pandoras box. If the cat wants to get out of the fairy tale, the butterflies tell him who has lost hope, which he makes happen by opening them up. Its reading deep, but it would fit in really well accept for the fact that pandora's box is an entirely different myth from wonderland.

[@Corpoganger]

The cat is gonna be the reason everyone on remnant will come together like the gods wanted.

[@nicodalusong149]

Not sure if it was intended, but Neo got added to the list of people Jaune failed to save (supposing the assimilation was permanent). He had a chance, and actively tried to stop the cat but was too late again.

[@dvontechappel1579]

He still has a chance. People say that the ever after in V9 is gonna end in V9, if we’re wrapping up everything then Jaune will get his fix as well as Neo by Jaune saving Trivia

[@nicodalusong149]

@@dvontechappel1579 Hopefully.

[@HighPriestFuneral]

Jaune, bless the boy's heart, has not had a good record this volume so far (of which he's only been back for 3 episodes!). Failed to save... Hawker, Market, Paper Pleasers, Ruby, and Neo. Five failures in the span of a day (and two of those cut very deep to the core).

[@justinrodriguez5957]

Given how the boy has the ability manipulate people's soul. I think Jaune is probably in the best position to help by essentially exorcising the cat out of her. It seems the clear the narrative has setup a final battle between the cat vs the knight who just doesn't quit

[@MultiMMM]

Neo + Cat reminds of Ozpin and his reincarnations two souls in one body. The cat assimilated with Neo it hasn't to our knowledge killed neo yet. There is probably some way to separate the two entities if they chose to do so. I have a feeling that if the cat does separate from Neo the Jabber walker will eat the cat as poetic justice. As for the butterflies I don't think they have anything to do with the cat. We've seen butterfly references here and there in the volumes from time to time it's probably a metaphor for rebirth and reincarnation going through change/metamorphosis much like how much change ruby is struggling to go through.

[@gildardoarteaga9730]

Ruby Rose is like queen chess pieces when a queen die you can use a pawns to Resurrection your queen back.♟️

[@muriok2474]

I actually never noticed the Salem thing, that's a freaking awesome catch

[@mckenziebryant6729]

I think the Cat was friendly to Alex and Louis because they came from a world where the people find their own way themselves. So The Cat follows guilds them, so he can to Remnant which his plans almost worked. When Team RWBY came to the Everafter, The Cat knew what to do to succeed this time.

[@billa3785]

For a few chapters, I was of the opinion that the Curious Cat was a dark relics spirit, but now after chapter 8 I am thinking it is just an angry sentient pet of sorts. Imagine if it makes it to Remnant, it can take over any grimm, and hold its own against both Ozpin and or Salem.

[@khairoohsem6327]

Everyone in blacksmith room: Little: got stomp by feet, how you unalive. Ruby: got beat half dead by everyone I'm love and suicide by drink poison leaves tea. Trivia (she could talk) : got deep throat by a cat and vore it whole.

[@ma3mc3mu-X]

The Cat could've gone with Lewis on the other side. Did they even consider that instead of murdering Alyx?

[@antispeedrun]

I thought for a minute the cat was like shapeshifting into the butterflies, but, I kinda think that it might be indicative of some part of her that she lost as she walked... like, Little almost feels like an extension of Ruby's character in a way, to the point that even though they're two characters, it kinda feels like a piece of Ruby that Ruby lost IS Little, and that's Little's purpose... so,, something along those lines, perhaps? But if not, then yeah, probably the cat thing :/

[@k.h7180]

I feel like the butterflies being ever so present is less so the cat and more so a connection with Alyx somehow

[@leofontaine-ferland6895]

I still want to believe that neo will be save, I love this character

[@runerdude141]

That’s my biggest fear so far. I don’t want Neo to be killed off. There’s too much potential there.

[@elijahpage7687]

Don’t you worry wiss Blake yang and Jaune are still going to save ruby rose and neo so team rwby+j+neo will get out for the ever after I do not want to lose ruby rose she means everything to me and everyone she still my friend

[@HighPriestFuneral]

This is an excellent overview of most matters dealing with the Curious Cat, from their intention to their continual manipulations, but I think one very important part was left out. Him leading RWBY to the Herbalist had three purposes. 1: To break Ruby down further 2: To "save" Ruby from the overwhelming desire to Ascend. 3: To show Ascension in a way that would get the girls talking, so they could explain it in the rosiest manner possible. "Becoming who you were always meant to be", just at the minor cost of "forgetting everything". As they continue to build pressure on Ruby (perhaps in a battle of competing wills with the Blacksmith?) to do something. I wonder if it will eventually be revealed that the Curious Cat had manipulated Neo in some way before this? The attacks on the market and the Paper Pleasers seemed planned to get the most emotional reaction and lead Ruby to this entirely broken state.

[@striberx]

I too had somewhat of the same idea with Alyx and Lewis. The idea I have is that he does somehow succeed in possessing Alyx, but the bond of the siblings or something similar, made them fight back his control, telling Lewis to kill them before they lose themselves to the cat. So the said sibling did so, but retained their heart so the cat couldn't possess them too. They then enter the door back to Remnant, locking the cat out of their desire to go there. Thus then the surviving Lewis made the book not only to honor the loss of his sister but retain what love he had left for her, while changing what happened in the book just in case it repeats itself.

[@kidprime6863]

But why did he exclude himself from the story?

[@striberx]

@@kidprime6863 He could've easily just removed himself for a more better story to learn from? But again, this is just my little theory and I could be wrong. Just something I thought of when watching ep 8.

[@SonicNitro]

I got a feeling that if the Brothers (The Gods) did create the EverAfter and the Curios Cat, then they must have a reason for leaving him. Maybe they realised that the more knowledge the cat gained, the harder it would be to control it. That's all I can think. I still think the gods have a lot to answer for though.

[@mariogordon9212]

I believe that the Curious knew about the gods of Creation and destruction but didn’t know about the relics or how to summon them.

[@emyamodio3398]

Ruby sees blue batteries in season 6 when her and the old lady are talking about Rudy's silver eyes. They are also an indication of the herbalist (caterpillar) evolving into a butterfly. So it's possible that they show people who Are ready to evolve/change

[@aerissai8341]

I actually want the Curious Cat to escape into Remnant, that kind of villain sounds badass and Neo can still appear in the show and talk, just not as herself.

[@All_Beef_Hotdog]

Imagine what a horrible fate that is for Neo. Her Semblance still works, meaning her soul isn’t gone, which also implies that she’s a prisoner in her own mind. Imagine she can see, hear, and feel everything that’s happening, but she has no control of herself anymore. She’s lost all autonomy and become a flesh puppet for the cat. Even with all the horrible things Neo has done, she doesn’t deserve that kind of fate. She’s nothing more than a common criminal that got mixed up with the wrong crowd, and is paying a far steeper price than ANY of the other villains

[@k.h7180]

@@All_Beef_HotdogI would actually love for that to happen as that would bring in another villainous player into the chess game in the main plot. There’s a chance that they could align with Salem or to be another counter to Salem and our heroes.

[@All_Beef_Hotdog]

@@k.h7180 I’d rather see Neo get free somehow and not be subjected to the loneliness she’s been trying to escape her whole life again instead of being a prisoner with no sense of self. Cinder, Tyrian, and Salem have all done far worse than her and they’ve gotten off pretty easy thus far, meanwhile Neo is paying with her own autonomy. I don’t like that direction at all

[@GenZealous]

@@All_Beef_Hotdog Neo went down this path when she decided vengeance against Ruby was the most important thing.

[@All_Beef_Hotdog]

@@GenZealous You’re telling me that you wouldn’t do everything you could to avenge the death of the person you love most?

[@masonvlogs1320]

Ok I’ve been thinking this for a long time the cat is going die, because Curiosity killed the cat. The cat is leading itself to its own death, the curiousness of the cat is going to be his demise. As for the butterflies I have no clue what they mean.

[@mikegotti4086]

I think he will try to go to remnant through the tree but the tree will realize somehow and separate the cat from neo, allow neo to go through but force the cat into ascension. He did say afterans don’t die but they ascend, and we don’t know what exactly happened to alyx OR Lewis. We just know her story made it out not if she came out alive with it.

[@masonvlogs1320]

@@mikegotti4086 Yeah I feel like Alyx or Lewis made it out but if lewis made it he was morning his sister but lied because he knew exactly what the cat could do and if it were to be Alyx then she lied in her story possibly to misguide anyone who made it to the ever after on a trail that almost got her killed. So when anyone read her story and followed her path they would end up dead.

[@madsword19]

Possibly Jaune will throw himself, Neo and the Cat to their 'deaths' to finally save someone else.

[@bigfan10-gaming79]

Honestly I've got a suspicion about the Butterflies, In Quite a Few Myths they are symbols of Rebirth, Some more Culture associated ones are Transformation and Hope(That's among Native American Folklore) while Celtic Mythos also associates them with Transformation in addition to Creation,,, But from what I see There is a Celtic Saying about them Being The Souls of the Dead Waiting to go through Purgatory, and Pairing that with Ever-After I'd Say the Butterflies are Watchers from the Tree meant to help people find their way. Also in Episode Three the Cat went chasing after one and tried to catch it, which makes me think it was also guiding him to the Herbalist

[@etinceellee]

As I watched your video, I really realized how much a threat the Cat would be if they were able to go to Remnant wow. I considered the fact that with Neo, they were already really powerful, but if they were able to work with Salem or to use her as a vessel ? This would be chaos :'))> Also, I think the blue butterflies represent change and rebirth, that's why it would be a consistant theme for Ruby this volume. But I also like your theory, it could work for both !

[@walterhellsing3399]

Phoenix, i do think that Jaune and the cat met before Alyx as because when he first sat on the beach he's still wearing his Atlas gear, so he HAD to get his new armor somewhere and i don't think he just conjured it up and had to go explore for the materials needed. My guess is that he had met the Blacksmith whom made the Armor and was possibly going to work on Crocea Mors but stopped at Jaune's request. The cat was the one who probably told him about the Blacksmith after seeing Jaune's desire to acquire new gear. Only if RT could make a RWBY Game of Jaune's time in the Ever After before RWBY arrived. i think it would fill in more of the world to get a better understanding of it, it could also show us how he got Juniper too. PS I want Juniper to go with Jaune at the end of the Volume, if he does go which i think he will, he still has unfinished business with Ren and Nora and Cinder as well.

[@jacobmangus2382]

I’ll say it ruby and jaune need a hug after all the shit they’ve been through

[@justinrodriguez5957]

Knowing how this world works, how the Tree is essentially a deity, it is almost certain that the Paper Pleasers had a second purpose by the Tree without their realizing. It was to make sure Jaune did not break until the time arrives he could be reunited. It allowed him to be able to not be able to remain idle. Still doesn't change the fact our boy is built different and has will power akin to a force of nature allowing him to react. But it's interesting to note how the Tree has been helping him. No doubt, in my mind in preparation for this moment. For as strong willed Jaune is, the Tree also took extra care to safeguard him. It made sure that Jaune remained true to his self-designated purpose.

[@henshaw33]

I still find it interesting how the story describes the cat as an ally. Whoever made it back to Remnant and wrote the story left some things out and rewrote others. Would there be a reason for writing the cat as an ally if it had been lying to you and manipulating you throughout your journey? Did the person who made it back to Remnant not ever catch on to the cat's goals and intentions? Or was the cat actually an ally for Alyx and Lewis and it was "betrayed" the way the cat claims? Perhaps whatever happened at the end of their journey changed the cat, and Ruby and Neo are paying the price.

[@msk-qp6fn]

I think there is a higher chance that the cat was always planning on using the body of those from remnant. I just have a feeling that it may be the first time remantians(?) fell to the ever after and alyx and lewis aren't the first group of people the cat tried to take advantage of.

[@mlkywine6852]

That’s very likely. I mean how else would he know about that stuff

[@CatKun1234]

The Cheshire Cat may have been a mischief maker but at least he wasn’t secretly evil

[@sonowbrand7824]

The profile picture, that name. OH MY GODs!

[@CatKun1234]

@@sonowbrand7824 lol of I had a nickel for every time I got commented because of my profile picture I would have two nickels

[@kidprime6863]

Exactly Sure, the Cheshire Cat's riddles were cryptic and didn't always make a lot of sense and his mischief did land Alice into trouble a few times. But he was never a bad guy, just a cryptic, mischief maker.

[@CatKun1234]

@@kidprime6863 Yeah

[@wendyxz2276]

Ppl have mentioned how little fell with ruby and have said that maybe they will merge. At first I didn’t think so but then I remembered that moment during the 2nd episode where jinxy is holding that jar and it goes from penny’s sword to little. Little represents ruby’s hope and maybe them merging is what will help ruby get back to the way she was. The butterfly glowing actually reminds me of the way the birds eyes were glowing when the cat gave it a new purpose so I do think it serves the cat though idk how it actually helps it so you might be right. And one last thing, I know ppl have been in disagreement for how long team rwby+j are going to spend in the ever after but I don’t think anyone has mentioned where they will come out on remnant’s side. Story wise it makes sense that they’d end up in vacuo but would they end up inside the vault? Will they fall through the world? I can’t imagine them just appearing out of nowhere but then again, crazier things have happened this volume.

[@nicodalusong149]

"A little hope goes a long way" I'm guessing? I see what you're going for.

[@elijahpage7687]

Will ruby still have crescent rose and her mom emblem

[@wendyxz2276]

@@elijahpage7687 idk abt the emblem but I’ve always theorized that she does keep crescent rose but adds elements of penny’s sword to it like jaune did with pyrrha

[@kidprime6863]

I'm starting to think that the Curious Cat was a rogue creation of the Brothers. Because of his desire to learn more, he probably was getting a little too curious with his creators' work and the Gods didn't want one of their creations to learn the secrets of their power or else a catastrophe could befall them. Someone theorized that Ever After was the Brothers' testing ground of sorts. Possibly used to experiment with the concepts of Choice, Knowledge, Creation and Destruction, which would later inspire them to create the Relics. And the Jabberwalker was possibly some kind of prototype Grimm. However, why is the Jabberwalker is only thing that can permanently kill an Afteran? I guess is was originally use ld for population control. Tree was like some kind of "Recycling Center" to renew these people. But I don't think it ascends them right away, it probably needs to process them, first. Learn who they are, where they're from, etc. Before wiping or altering their memories for them begin their new lives and find a new purpose. But considering what happened to the Red King and Herb, it probably works a little too well. Like perhaps it fixes the flaws but at the same time it makes them worse than before. For example, the Red King was turned into the Red Prince and became a cheater so he can never lose, again. And, since Ruby was negatively affected by her emotions and failures, the Tree might remove her emotions to make her successful. Essentially making her a robot. But considering we don't know if Non-Afterans are ascended the same way as Afterans, there really is no telling what it'll do. The Gods realized that this was a mistake and it caused an imbalance between Life and Death. Not helped by the fact that the Afterans are so dependent on it. Thus, they considered it all a failure and left. But in doing so, the Cat was left confused as to why they left without explanation and did they create him in the first place, resulting another "Salem Situation". If the Cat possessed Ruby and tapped into her Silver Eye power, he could've been unstoppable and maybe even challenge Salem. As for why he wanted to possess her, maybe he needs a vessel that's given into despair.

[@jacobweatherford4696]

Honestly im just imagining if the cat makes it to remnant hes probably gonna nuts and start pestering people they'd find with questions and possibly look for the relics especially the lamp since we know full well jinn can answer pretty much any question

[@danielragin2880]

I do believe the cat was showing signs of grief for both itself and also Ruby (as an extension of how she feels). The cat continues offering the tree but in a sense of mystery along with toying with them. In grief, specifically bargaining, one might often feel conflict with specific choices, let alone settle with them. I do believe Alex was never evil but Definitely clever and aware of the Cat's motives. It wants to leave the ever after and is willing to manipulate any and everything around it to do so. Another comment spoke on how she probs poisoned Jaune in order to protect him and Lewis. With Ruby, it does show a sense of relatable parallelism: both question a purpose while feeling trapped in how they view said ramifications from it. However, it does seem that the Cat might’ve had chaotic motives to begin with. He manipulates ones heart with his own: perhaps he was never evil but prideful and gluttonous of info. Even in the story of Alice, the Cheshire wasn't evil but moreso a studious gray character. I like to believe that it will prove that Ruby, too had potential to become like the Cat if pushed and abandoned via the gifts given

[@zodfanza]

When they meet the cat they pounced on something which burst into a flurry of butterflies. Might've been the yellow butterfly they seemed to be tasting. Maybe they are sending the cat messages and like everything else the cat possesses them and turns them blue. Maybe they are markers and the cat can even teleport via them and anyone they share their heart with, since we saw a butterfly enter the bell tower at the Crimson Castle and later the cat appears.

[@frostyguy1989]

I doubt Salem would ever get taken over by the Cat. She may be suicidal, but she's also driven by spite and a desire for vengeance against the Brothers. She wants to die, but not before she gives the Brothers one last middle finger by ruining their experiment on Remnant.

[@dragonstouch1042]

Honestly, I wanna see the gods get someone just so someone can knock them down a peg, especially the god of light

[@dvontechappel1579]

@@dragonstouch1042 same.

[@taddad2641]

she would 100% die without destroying remnant if she could. destroying remnant is a meants to her literal end and nothing more........ the cat might come to remnant and bargain with salem though.

[@kidprime6863]

The way I see it, doing this will make the Gods destroy the planet to prevent such corruption from poisoning the universe. And what's waiting for Salem in the afterlife? Her children? Doubtful, once they hear about what she did and what she has become, they'll be afraid and disgusted of her. She'll have nothing. She's just trading one Hell for another.

[@jonathonsirlord8251]

The Jabberwalker is the true hero maybe the one it was tracking in the vol 9 start was The Cat & was gonna fix him but neo Intervened but now Will be on the hunt Ripping the cat from Neo's body and Eat them

[@agentquake9914]

What if the Jabberwalker's past victims were like the bird? The Cat was putting them in the firing line to protect itself.

[@jonathonsirlord8251]

@@agentquake9914 then He was removing anyone who was influenced by the Cat's manipulation for it knows it's better than being a Puppet to the Cat's control

[@georgexenakis3545]

It seems like the butterfly is the cat. The first blast came from inside the house so only a butterfly would go unnoticed inside

[@sonowbrand7824]

Alyx didn't poison Jaune, the Cat did. It possessed Alyx, poisoned Jaune, and Lewis somehow tricked the Cat into ascending. However, the Cat can't ascend, that's its curse, but Alyx can and did, becoming Little. I think the butterflies are the Cat or at least related. With how other Afterians talk about ascension, you can influence how you change when you ascend based on what you want to become. The PP wanted to become something that can make things that last. The blacksmith talks about options. My sleeping pills are kicking in, I can't think, so I'll end this with: If the Cat makes it to Remnant, they will need to give it the Relic of Knowledge to trap it.

[@SirPresho]

I don't personally think Ruby will be 'ascended' or at least not fully ascended. Ruby is the main protagonist of the show, for the last 9 volumes virtually everything has revolved around her. It would make no sense to completely remove her character from the show. I'm not saying Ruby is invincible - which is why I think the tree will at least slightly affect Ruby's personality. In any case, I think how Ruby goes about regaining her resolve and mental strength will be key to how this volume ends.

[@elijahpage7687]

I hope so beca I want wiss Blake yang and jaune to save ruby and neo from there terrible fate

[@neoclayman0302]

I really hope none of these dark predictions come true. And there are only a few hours left till episode 9. So all we can do is wait and see. And as for the Butterflies Phoenix Night; Butterflies typically represent Transformation, Hope and Rebirth! And I got a feeling Ruby is going to get most of these in spades now that she's at the tree.

[@Skollshorties]

I think that -hopefully- Team WBY and Jaune will be able to free Neo along with an Ascended Ruby. Thus defeating the cat and maybe just maybe Neo will get some payback by summoning those Walkers up to deal with the cat and get what They justly deserve.

[@juanalonso1600]

I really hope team RWBY and Jaune defeat the cat. They definitely need a W.

[@kidprime6863]

They need everything

[@solariseclipse901]

But what will it cost them if they do.. 😢

[@AntGar-bw8ym]

I think Ruby ascension was going to happen the moment Ruby met the blacksmith and I think the blacksmith is a good person cause it tried to help Ruby see clearly but now that Ruby is possibly being remade as the cat is making it's way too the tree and Ruby will stop him by removing the cat from Neo's body and helping neo finding a new path and the cat tries to manipulate Ruby again but Ruby does not fall for it this time and says to the cat "you don't deserve to be remade or reborn or repurposed all you deserve is death so no one will fall for your lies ever again" and the is killed by a Jabberwocky neo creates and the episode end neo in tears and Ruby hugging her

[@elijahpage7687]

Will ruby have crescent rose with her and her moms emblem because I want ruby to have crescent rose and her mom emblem again

[@dvontechappel1579]

Oh my God I hope that’s how this volume ends. We need a W with all of the Ls and hollow victories since V6

[@missingwlws1400]

praying that neo survives the cat. also, like others have said, i think the herbalist was trying to help the girls since the others were able to overcome their doubts because of him. which might be why he got so mad and made the herbalist ascend [?]. im excited for once to see what happens.

[@rebekahstockwell8706]

My relationship with the cat is an interesting one because I kind of went the opposite way with my thinking of him. When we were first getting trailers and getting ready for volume 9 to start I didn't want to trust the cat because I knew the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland wasn't very trustworthy. Then when we get to the episode with Herb, I fell hook line and sinker for it and really believed that he was trying to protect Ruby. Again, in the Punderstorm, he felt so genuine in his confusion over what happened with Alyx and he really felt betrayed by her, that I again really believed in him. From what I can tell, most fans have been the opposite of this, they thought the cat was going to be an ally before the volume started and then as we began seeing him that fans started to not trust him. I just think that's kind of interesting. That line about his creators really threw me off at first because I have thought, since before this volume started, that the gods did create the Ever After but AFTER they created Remnant. Here's why: their experiment on Remnant was based on free will and choice and the Ever After seems to not really have that. Ascension, a given specific purpose that you MUST fulfill. If Remnant was seen as such a failed experiment, (which we know the gods certainly think that) then my thought was the next world they created wouldn't have free will... Which is why I thought the Ever After was next, not before Remnant. As for the blue butterflies... I don't know what to make of them. I have been noticing them in a few episodes and wondered what their significance is and I can't figure it out. I like your theory that they're scouts for the cat. Also, since I just love his voice so much... Can we please give a shoutout to Robbie Daymond for his amazing performance as the cat this volume? I can't imagine anyone besides him voicing him.

[@HighPriestFuneral]

The Curious Cat is a great character, but that performance is truly incredible. The perfect amount of whimsical aloofness and a sinister malevolence. Everyone's done a great job as VA's this volume.,

[@smileyface81mc77]

There’s no way it’s just a coincidence that the Curious Cat smelled a mouse, probably with the intention of eating Little, within one of their first interactions with team RWBY. Yeah, it was a funny cat v. mouse joke, but if Little really was meant to symbolize Ruby’s hope, then yeah, the cat might’ve actually been aiming to get Little out of the way first.

[@LisaFlanagan-cf7kn]

A thing im not seeing people talk about is that neo should have no way to know the details of pennys second death. But the cat did know... and "dealt" with the jabbawalkers. I think the cat teamed up with neo to break Ruby further... and it stopped neo right at the last moment so the cat could take Ruby...

[@revanius2213]

I wonder if Alyx and Lewis did trick the Cat, they might have had a different personality back then like the Red King. Also there are powers in Remnant that are similar to the Cat, Augustus Caspian who enhances emotions, the Asturias brother who controlled minds. The Cat is powerful, especially if they are merged with Neo, but I don't think they are a greater threat than Salem.

[@Wolffang1996Hyano]

I think he knew about them and watched them or Ruby when they got there. He probably hid himself just to listen to them and gather more information because when they get to the mind storm he called her all the things that she herself recited to Lil when they met. Plus, thinking back on it a little more, Lil's 'people' were talking about how they intended to triumph over cats. So maybe they had seen the curious cat and immediately saw a threatening cat and thus taking initiative to go after Blake who is a Feline Faunus.

[@TheStrikeknight]

The Cat pitted the siblings against each other and the Cat also convinced Alyx to poison Jaune

[@kidprime6863]

That's a possibility

[@HighPriestFuneral]

You'll notice that right after Alyx gave the poison to Jaune that the cat's eyes flashed closeby (similar to the opening.)

[@Neo.K-689]

I'm knew it!!! Beautiful end for my dear and perfect Neo

[@fluffdafire157]

I like the fact that the cats meow laser has the diamonds in them and the diamonds look kinda like playing cards

[@sammyjones2081]

To summarize how I think this twist is honestly brilliant is because the Cat was hiding his actions behind an alien mindset - Team RWBY (hell, the audience) didn't think twice about his hurtful questions about how they could possibly win because they figure that's simply his thing in the Ever After, and that he cannot help it, like asking a fish not to swim. But the truth was, whilst he may be hardwired to seek knowledge, his thought process is much more typical; he's knowingly cruel and manipulative in order to get what he wants. Not someone bound to a way to taking action; he's able to decide for himself, and he decided to be ruthless and selfish.

[@Lmolina90]

Phoenix/Night Thanks for making this video. Some other viewers got a little too hung up on Juane's obvious trauma as something to discredit him. This cat made me unfortable from the first few conversations on. Jaune's distrust of the at sealed the deal for me. Now I just hope Ruby is helped to a better state so she can help stop the cat from going to Remnant. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the gods of light and dark are a couple of irresponsible and hypocritical pricks. They left behind an entity like the cat and a world where death is not the norm and have the audacity to judge their later creations for not understanding the need for death with limited knowledge of the extent of creation. As fitting as it would be for the cat (wearing Salem) to be the one to confront them in a Grimm-ravaged remnant, that's not what needs to happen. The cat needs to be stopped at all costs. It would be too easy for the brothers to be like "Whoops! forgot about that little bugger..." and chalk it up the EverAfter's systems malfunctioning. The residents of Remnant, with mortality and imbued with all the gifts the gods gave them need to be the ones at the final confrontation to make an impact.

[@neofulcrum5013]

Gosh I really hate seeing demonic entities entering from the mouth of an ordinary person. Anime is especially guilty of it.

[@kidprime6863]

Man, I hate having things forced into my mouth and down my throat. This is why I'm a gagger.

[@neofulcrum5013]

@@kidprime6863🤔

[@davidgarrido5506]

Calling it now volume 10 will be about Jaune , Possessed Neo and Team Rwby arriving in Vacuo with the possessed Neo running off to target Salem so the cat will will leave Neo and possess either Cinder or Salem

[@AaronS4]

Are saying Jaune will gain the cat powers to control people's hearts? That actually be a interesting plot development/device if the cat lost and disappears he probably want someone to carry over that burden.

[@greyworld6242]

“Ah those two brothers, talk about a god complex am I right?” They need a vorpal like sword to deal with this new threat. Remember the cat can be the jabberwalker. Defeat the curious cat and save neo!

[@elijahpage7687]

Yeah wiss Blake yang and jaune are going to rescue ruby rose and neo and get ruby to talk to neo about what happened to the death of Roman torchwick back and get back to reminiscing

[@RaphaelRavenwing]

How else do you stop a cat? With a dog! Zwei for volume 10 confirmed!

[@outformunch8490]

With the cat in Neo, my theory of Neo being the sacrifice to the tree so the others can get back home seems more plausible. Her arc and purpose for the story are complete.

[@skyrogue1977]

When the cat said it would fill Neo up, it was certainly literal.

[@corenasue]

I can see people putting that in a sexual window.

[@neofulcrum5013]

@@corenasueit’s the internet. It’s probably happening already.

[@msk-qp6fn]

​@@corenasue most of us are too horny for our own good 😂😂😂

[@ShinKyuubi]

I do foresee some...interesting fan art popping up soon. Though I will say...that looked painful as all hell, and as been pointed out on TVtropes recap of the episode, is a call back to how Roman ended..Roman's negative emotions brought a Grimm to him which ate him..a mostly black and white creature. The Cat turned black and white and then forced it's way into Neo's body via her mouth...in a rather painful way if the look in her eyes is anything to go by. Whether she lives or dies from the body snatch experience is currently up for debate.

[@corenasue]

@@ShinKyuubi Say hello to RULE34 porn even animations.

[@h_4victory293]

I think that the while the Cat's ability to manipulate a person's heart is obviously powerful, I would say it as made out as you might have mentioned it. Don't get me wrong, I agree with most of what you said, but just humor me for a moment. There's just one thing that you got me thinking. If the Cat could just simply manipulate anyone's heart whenever they wanted, how come it didn't do that to Ruby or anyone else (like Jaune who was there by himself for a long time) sooner. I think that in order for it to truly manipulate a human's heart or possess them, that person would have needed to lose themself or lost their way. Such as what happened to Ruby and Neo. After all, if it could just casually manipulate a human's heart at their leisure, then why didn't it take over Jaune much sooner? While the Cat would potentially be a greater threat to Remnant than Salem, it's difficult to say that they could just manipulate anyone. And don't get the wrong idea. I actually understand and agree with most of what you said. It's just this part I brought up that got me thinking. But obviously I do agree that the Cat is a very big problem for Remnant all the same.

[@dvontechappel1579]

The cat can’t manipulate hearts exactly, but fill holes in one’s heart with pieces of its own to influence them. In Neo’s case it used its whole body to fill the void and trap her mind in her own body. This could happen if it gets to Remnant. The Cat is basically Baby from DBGT, where Baby took over mankind by laying eggs in people, the cat can produce copies of the cat and spread like a plague by infecting everyone in Vacuo who thinks RWBYJ are dead and the people of Mantle and Atlas who are broken by the loss of their home and have them attack Vacuo, infect those people when they develop holes in their hearts, and repeat across remnant.

[@johanstenfelt1206]

Hm, the Cat certainly has turned out to be a very interesting Antagonist, it’s going to be interesting to see how things will go. Also, Butterflies, a Symbol of Rebirth, Reincarnation, what you said about them sounds quite likely, but we’ll have to wait and see.

[@kittylover62]

Show of hands, who prefers Chibi Neo after this episode?

[@dvontechappel1579]

🖐️

[@kgmotte2363]

Seems to me like the Cat might actually be Something that could be used as a weapon AGAINST Salem... When Djinn said that Salem couldn't be Beat, it's entirely possible that what she said was only true for what Exists in Remnant, after All djinn was Made to know everything in Remnant, not Necessarily everything in every world. The Cat isn't FROM Remnant, so that Might not apply to it. Salem is Immortal, but this does not mean that other things can't Happen to her. Like say if the Cat Nestled it's way into her heart, but instead of taking her over, it just ended up Stuck in a Husk, with both Wills Clashing with each other for the rest of time unable to take control over the body. And this Scenario could happen in both cases of if the Cat Stays Bad and on it's course, or if it has a change of heart and starts to try and actually Help RWBY. There's also no way to know if Salem's Body would Remain immortal if SHE isn't still the one In control of it. It seems to me that the Gods Cursed her Soul, not her Body, If her Soul is Vacant, Will it still be Immortal? Can the Cat even Overwrite an Immortal Soul? Final thought... What Happens when the Cat Encounters the Grimm? They are creatures with bodies but no soul, Could the Cat Take them over? And when it's Current host is destroyed move to the next one freely, allowing the Cat an Ever Changing Cycle of powerful Bodies that it can enhance with it's own powers... This could be a thing that could be put into use no matter what side it's on...

[@darkjester374]

I personally want to see Salem and the cat meet just for the interaction

[@kidprime6863]

I think he's the Salem of Ever After

[@darkjester374]

@@kidprime6863 that would make sense

[@adaml.7736]

I think Salem would see right through him or simply not trust him right away. picture this, Salem smirks at the Neo/Cats proposed partnership, then out comes the rainbow Sith lightning like with Oscer, heh heh heh.

[@glitchyfox8706]

i feel like we are going to learn what the axe in the forge actualy was next episode. ruby saw pennys blade turn into alyx's dagger so if we find out what that link is maby we will have a good idea as to what it is. Im gonna guess that axe might be something to do with the silver eyes and might be the key to ruby finding a new power from herself that could help take out saluem

[@mikegotti4086]

Yo… this comment right here. I didn’t even think of that. If the tree does give RWBY a way to control her silver eyes as good or maybe better than the grim reaper, then it could be a way to defeat salem.

[@Laughlikeagoblin]

We already know what the axe is.

[@ryuseijitsu1748]

I mean if semblances can evolve why not the silver eyes.

[@Dawnslight16]

I always thought the butterflies were the blacksmith's spies since we saw them crafting one

[@remingtonwright6796]

Honestly, I'm still with your theory that Jaune is going to be instrumental in Neo having a change of heart. I think that if they can get The Cat out of Neo, Jaune will be the only one who isn't ready to basically finish Neo off, and that Jaune and team RWBY saving her from the cat might provide the basis for Neo to do some reevaluating. Alternatively, I have an idea that Ascension is actually how they'll achieve this. The Blacksmith could then simply pull Neo and The Cat apart, spit Neo back out where she was standing, and essentially put The Cat all the way back to square one. Thus, balance would be restored, which is what I believe the tree wants.

[@viniciuspaiva3578]

I feel Salem's heart has been somehow filled again But certainly the cat could manipulate Salem to work with them After all, both of them want to confront the gods

[@silverfrost4217]

Strangely enough, i dont think that the blue butterflies are bad. They kinda remind me of the blue butterflies in Persona 5 that appear to the MC whenever he's in trouble and reaching a low point. A voice calls out encouragement to him, but is also asking for help, giving him advice on what to do. Maybe these/this butterfly isn't actually for the cat, but someone/something watching out for Ruby in some way?

[@kidprime6863]

Perhaps they're the Blacksmith's eyes and ears?

[@Laserstormelpies]

3:56 Wow havent thought about that yet. That makes Jaune so much stronger as a character !

[@entropyOTD]

Why do they NEED to stop the cat? At this point they can't even stop Salem, arguably making things more chaotic by having multiple worlds that should never have interacted seems like the best way to finally get the gods to blame themselves since they seem incredibly fickle.