RWBY Volume 9 Beyond Episode 4 Review - You Are (Not) Alone

[@lukeskywalkerthe2nd773]

This is probably my favorite episode of Beyond as well. We were LONG overdue with some time dedicated to having Yang and Ruby having some moments of them actually spending time as sisters and it was so nice and wholesomely done! I am very worried for Tai, though. It definitely makes sense for him to be away from Vacuo because of how overwhelming it would be to see the daughters he thought were dead alive again after weeks or maybe even months. It's great that we got some good news about the future of RWBY, too! Hopefully whoever they are in talks with will let them finish Monty's final gift to us like it deserves to be the right way!

[@RWBYfangirl9320]

Best sibling bonding episode. I’ll miss RWBY for a while. But when RWBY returns in the future, we the RWBY fans will be ready to see vol 10.

[@CatKun-2000]

Same but I wish there was more RWBY beyond or at least more RWBY CHIBI

[@christiancervantes4264]

Indeed.

[@kidprime6863]

@@CatKun-2000 I couldn't agree more

[@CatKun-2000]

@@kidprime6863 ?

[@kidprime6863]

@@CatKun-2000 Oops, sorry. I meant to say I couldn't agree MORE

[@Gungelion]

okay the Boba Comes out of nowhere, BUT! I could easily see her having that same reaction for something famous that has to do with weapons.

[@ShadowStar91]

Definitely the best way to give RWBY a breather, ready for its epic return in the future. Glad to see that both Ruby and Yang finally got some time for sibling bonding with Yang declaring that they'll take on the burdens together, even with the crowd getting in the way for a brief moment. I'm still wondering if Yang and Blake's actions of them going behind Ruby and Weiss's back in Mantle, will be addressed when the show returns. Even though there are mentions of everyone else, my question is where is Zwei?

[@djsaucy_tonight]

People keep bringing up Yang and Blakes secret but those two aren't the only ones that kept a secret. This is what Eddy Rivas says about that in the Volume 7 commentaries: Eddy: "So one thing about this scene is that.. again, me.. being my redundant self this was a late addition (chuckles) in the outline where virtually we didn’t have this whole storyline about.. Amity taking supplies that Mantle needed.. and so, having- being able to add that and then give Blake and Yang a moment where they make a decision to do something and maybe not tell other people the truth worked out. I felt like, really well and I was able to put Robyn’s semblance on screen a little bit sooner but then it basically gave every member of team RWBY kind of a different moment..." Eddy: "...Cause Ruby had her moment with Ironwood, Weiss has her moment where she doesn’t quite tell Winter the truth in chapter 5..." So it was set up for every member of Team RWBY to keep secrets. So it boggles my mind that Yang and Blake would be singled out like this when ALL of them had kept secrets.

[@ShadowStar91]

@@djsaucy_tonight that part I understood, plus getting to Robyn’s semblance was a plus. But Ruby and Weiss got blamed and treated like dirt, I’m talking from a scale balance perspective. So Yang and Blake don’t get off from keeping secrets. Plus it’ll probably make for an interesting plot point, if volume 10 is brought about.

[@yfelis]

This moment brings back memories from episode 2 of volume 1 because that's when the Chibi Ruby trait of Ruby debuted and gave birth to RWBY Chibi. Secondly, this moment at the cafe is very important for both of them, now it's time that the siblings and team relationship the cat broke in the Ever After through manipulation, stalking and deception towards Ruby gets fixed

[@Rman94]

I could see volume 10 starting with Tai arriving in Vacuo to report how his mission went and reuniting with Yang and Ruby after a cool fight scene to show off Team RWBY’s new outfits.

[@ShadowKillerX]

The Boba😍 I love Ruby so much

[@Salemwaaa]

Phoenix uploaded and Kendrick dropped the most insane diss today was a great day! I loved seeing Yang and Ruby FINALLY having time to talk and just be themselves with each other

[@lhhOriginalGrey]

The siblings bonding was adorable

[@bearfriend580]

This episode was so important. I'm so happy, and the news for the new Volume is awesome. I'm so happy we may just be able to finish this journey. I'm worried about Tai though, I will riot if he gets mentored.

[@jamiedeem7291]

I think it's amazing that Ruby and Yang have their own sister moment and in my own imagination in RWBY I was hoping that they have a little more sisterly moments here and there. I think after the Ever After making realized that Ruby wasn't talking to her or the team making her realize that her sister has signs that she needs help and realize that her bond with her sister is further away, the doubts that is creeping up Ruby's thoughts and how deep the scar and the burden of leader that she didn't see is suffocating her sister. So I really like that that they got a chance to talk and I think they should have more emotional talks later and Weiss and Blake need to get in on this and also they felt the same way too also, since Yang is not the only one. And I want to know about Team SRPH and their adventures please I want to know what happened next's in Team SRPH chapter's, their trails, challenges and how they each overcome and overcome together. Also how Team SRPH open up to each other and how each of them help one with another.

[@kidprime6863]

That's exactly the point, my friend. Ruby wanted to make it loud and clear that she wasn't okay. She wouldn't even let them get a word. Yang even had to get between her and Blake to make sure the former doesn't try to get physical in the argument. Blake even tried to de-escalate it but Ruby told her to shut up. Mainly because she was done with the whole "Gotta stay positive" spiel. Jaune even made it worse even though there was truth in his words. But in Ruby's defense, he phrased it as more like "Oh, you think it's always about you. What about us?" But in his defense, he took Ruby calling the suicidal Paper Pleasers his "imaginary friends" as an insult. Both him and Ruby made good points in their arguments, not going to lie. However, keep in mind, when Team RWBY first arrived in the Ever After, they barely had time to process their recently stunning failure in the last volume nor did they have time to get their bearings. Everything was kinda thrusted at them the moment they arrived. Ruby barely even had time to process Penny's death, let alone grieve and mourn it. Made worse by seeing her sister and best friend finally hooking up a few hours afterwards as if her happiness got traded for theirs. That was bad timing and, to her, a bad trade-off. While I can understand that they were literally forced to confess their feelings and trying to make the best of a bad situation, they should've put it on hold for now. Besides their public displays of affection were making Ruby (and by extension Weiss) uncomfortable. Plus, since they don't know if everyone made it to Vacuo or if the Relic is safe, finding a way out of this freaky dimension and get back home was their one and only priority. Plus they were dealing with a ton obstacles. From Yang getting her arm stolen, to them finding each other, to getting captured, to getting shrunk, this and that. It's no wonder why they never noticed Ruby's pain and why Ruby couldn't get a chance to tell them because they couldn't get at least FIVE MINUTES. But here, now they can finally speak. And yes, Weiss and Blake should get in on the action because they're sisters to Ruby and Yang, too. Yang is not only Ruby's older sister, but she's been more of a mother to her as well.

[@neofulcrum5013]

This was a pretty good episode. Love the callbacks to the very early volumes. Hopefully this puts the “yang is a terrible sister” vitriol to bed. Edit: seems I was wrong. There’s still people that seem to think these two need to be attached to the hip for some reason or just want a reason to bash the show as usual.

[@kidprime6863]

Tell me about it. That's been to death. Besides, why does it always have to be Yang's job? What about Weiss or Blake? They're pretty much sisters to Ruby as much as Yang is.

[@rinkusan978]

vitriol? lol sure

[@jonathonsirlord8251]

Yes but technically no

[@mauriceisaac3646]

Even if Yang starts to make up for it now, it won’t erase how she’s been,in fact, a terrible sister the past few volumes.

[@rinkusan978]

@@mauriceisaac3646 there's a middle ground here where it's neither of the extremes. But I do tire seeing people (like OP) try to downplay valid criticism.

[@Rman94]

Well one of Ruby’s wishes has somewhat 😉come true, becoming like the heroes like in the stories she read as a kid. Though not quite the knowing what that would be like at that time.

[@viperx27]

2:44 - Wouldn’t Mistral still be standing right now? At this point, Atlas and Vale have been destroyed. I’m sure Menagerie hasn’t been touched yet and Mistral should still be around with minimal damage, right?

[@SSobotkaJr]

According to the Epilogue, Glynda Goodwich is in Mistral, trying to rally support for Vacuo and the forces gathering there. I shouldn't wonder if elements from the newly-made Fanus organization -- that Ghira Belladonna offered to form after the liberation of Mistral -- are there, and representing the Faunus on a whole.

[@shelbybayer200]

So......... Ruby likes Cookies, Weaponry and Boba Tea. Why does this feel Fitting 😅

[@kidprime6863]

She likes strawberries, too

[@shelbybayer200]

@@kidprime6863 You're right, I nearly forgotten that. She even used to Wear Pajama Bottoms with Strawberries on them all the way back in Beacon Academy

[@Ultra_Instinct_Jaune_Arc]

Now that rwby vol 9 beyond has ended hears what i got from it. - from ep1 we got to see 2 new characters professor Theodore (more like what his appearance look like since he was in the books) and a unknown hooded figure that probably will play some role in vol 10. - from ep2 we got some info about jaune in the ever after and his time with alyx and luis. But whats interested is that alyx and luis is not only from the past before the great war but coincidently from a past version of vacuo. And i also wonder since they all shared more info about the past from alyx and luis and about the future from jaune. But i also wondered if jaune asked alyx and luis on how they ended up in the ever after since i dont think they used the staff of creation to get there so the anser is somewhere in vacuo and that will play some majore role since someone came out of a portal in ep3 -ep 3 we get to see the adventures of somewhat and juniper and a unknown person coming in a portal to greet them. My guess it's either jaune and ruby since both of them have a connection to there aftian companions and possibly in theory a return of neo later in the future. -ep4 we finally got yang and ruby bonding since i barely remembered when they did that since a whole lot of stuff going on cause of salem so its nice to see that. But also the fact that taiyang wasn't there to see yang and ruby will probably have them Questioning about there dad. Either he doesn't know there alive or is worried he might be a burden of them with him being overprotective of them (which i hope is either going to be funny/cringe type of overprotective) But i do hope the rwby ip will be in good hands so we can have a conclusion to this series

[@xLotusAngel626x]

This is my second fav episode and Jaune’s episode is my first fav!

[@kidprime6863]

Finally, Yang admits and apologizes to Ruby for the major part she played in her sister's crisis of faith and emotion pain. No deflections or whatever. I hated that it took so long for her to do it but it's better late than never. It may not change all the bone headed things she did in the past volumes. But at least she's showing some remorse and humility and taking responsibility. She can't go back in time. And she'll be damned if she's going put Ruby's life in danger a third time. Besides, Yang is both a sister and mother to Ruby. She'll now do whatever it takes to not shirk her responsibility, again. And I'm happy that even Ruby admitted and apologized for not speaking up and telling her teammates what was going on her when she had every opportunity. And she's right, asking for help from her friends can be a hard thing for a leader to do. It's a common misconception that leaders asking their friends for help is a sign of weakness. It's actually a sign of strength as your mustering up the courage to speak up and having faith that your allies won't judge you. Even a hero needs saving. Now that they have the distress code "Boba", both of them can signal each other in case something is going on and can't straight up ask for help. I hope they teach it to Weiss and Blake, too. They might need it in the future. You know, I think every family or friend should have and use distress codes like that. It can really help them resolve whatever problems, emotional or otherwise, they're dealing with and get help before it's too late. Edit: Why do people keep insisting that helping Ruby in case she's feeling down should be Yang's job only? What are teammates Weiss and Blake? Chopped liver? They're pretty much sisters to Ruby as Yang is.

[@djsaucy_tonight]

I do agree that Blake and Weiss should have been included. People like to single out Yang all the time. Also While Yang played a part in it, Ozpin played a bigger part. He's the one that set the course for Ruby's idea of what a team leader should be. He gives the worst advice not just to the team leaders but to the rest of the students as well. Volume 1: Ozpin to Ruby: "Being a team leader isn't just a title you carry into battle, but a badge you wear constantly. If you are not always performing at your absolute best, then what reason do you give others to follow you?" Ruby took this to heart and with how Ozpin addressed other students, they all took it to heart too.

[@kidprime6863]

@@djsaucy_tonight Exactly. Mind you, Ozpin did have good intentions but he did not act with a little more tact. Instead, he just left it at that and called it a day. He should've told her more stuff like that "a good leader knows when to back off and when to take charge". Or that being a good leader requires trustworthiness, clear communication, empowerment of others, decisiveness and resilience. It's further revealed that in the novel, "After The Fall", Team CFVY's leader Coco shared conversations with Ozpin about what a good leader should be. And at one point, Ruby came to Coco for some leadership advice from a seasoned Huntress. Coco gave Ruby some words she got from Ozpin. Similar to what he told Ruby and the rest of his students, she told her about keeping a brave face because everyone is counting you or something like that. Ruby took that advice to heart and her and Coco became close after that. So Coco played a part in this, too. Keep in mind, Ruby was only fifteen at the time. She was still a kid. Sure, the rest of the students were kids, too. However, most of them were two years older than her. She still had a lot to learn. She wasn't even ready to become a Huntress, let alone the leader of a team. Ozpin drafted two years, too early. Even Glynda Goodwitch questioned his decision. Could be because he saw incredible potential in her from her fighting skills, cunning, weapon knowledge and, mostly, her Silver Eyes. Or it's because, at this point, he's desperately trying to find something, anything, that will give him an edge to win this secret war. He might've somehow knew Jaune cheated his way into Beacon but deliberately turned a blind eye to have Jaune unlock his potential. Again, either out of potential or desperation. Jaune wasn't ready, either, thanks to his lack of formal training and experience. Ozpin should've been more careful. Especially with Jaune and Ruby. The last time he did this, a student (Gretchen) lost her life on her first day at Beacon during a training mission and that resulted in her brother (Hazel) vowing retribution. She could've been no younger than Ruby for all we know. If it happens to Ruby, then Yang would vow retribution, too. Another dumb thing Ozpin did was not tell Ruby and Co. that the Relic attracts Grimm. And he made them bring it on board a train full of unarmed, innocent civilians. I can understand why he kept everything else about this war a secret. But this? This was something they needed to know otherwise they wouldn't have to gamble with innocent lives (as well as their own) just to get to their destination. That completely goes against everything they stand for. He didn't even think to create a Grimm-proof box to put the Relics in so the Grimm can't sense it in the event he had to relocate them. If he had told them, then they could've figured out another way to get to Atlas without putting lives in jeopardy. Finally, not long after that, that got separated from the others and were rightfully angry at him for putting them into this mess. And just for that, they demanded Jinn to tell them everything on what else he's hiding from them. And once they found out, they got more angry after learning that Salem is immortal and Ozpin has no final plan, whatsoever. Even he doesn't know how to stop her. And then he locked himself away in Oscar's head, like a kid locking himself in his room after an argument with his parents. He didn't come back out until the end where he helped Oscar maintain control of the airship during the Leviathan/Colossus Crisis. And worse, during V7, Ruby and co were on their own with getting Ironwood on their side and Ruby was afraid how Ironwood will take the news and what he would do. Forcing her to lie to him like Oz did to them. Oz wallowed in his own shame when they needed him most. He could've backed them up by explaining to Ironwood why they lied to him and the part he played in it. Ironwood would've joined their side for sure. Instead, he only came back out to save Oscar's life, again. Part of me thinks Ozpin is just winging this. He probably wants to finally die like Salem does.

[@benfrawley7167]

Yang is a good sister, you guys are just mean. Jokes aside, this and RWBY x Justice League Part Two have cemented Ruby and Yang as some of my favorite siblings in media. The strength of their bond, even after the turmoil both have endured over the course of the series, is deeply compelling.

[@kidprime6863]

I heard that. Yang may not be the sister Ruby deserves but she's the sister Ruby needs.

[@mauriceisaac3646]

@@kidprime6863Why would she need a sister who neglects her in favor of her girlfriend?

[@kidprime6863]

@@mauriceisaac3646 She was NOT neglecting her. If anything, Yang and Blake should've put it on hold or at least dial it down a notch. No offense to the lovebirds but their public displays of affection were making Ruby (and by extension, Weiss) feel uncomfortable. Especially when Ruby barely had any time to process Penny's death, let alone grieve. Ruby isn't feeling neglected, more like insulted. As if she lost her close friend, so her sister could find love. Talk about a bad trade off. Besides, Yang started caring more about Ruby in the Crossover to the point of being overprotective. After what she failed to prevent, I don't blame her. She put Ruby's life in jeopardy once before and she'll be damned if it happens a third time. Unfortunately being overprotective made Ruby more reckless. The real reason Ruby blew up on them was because they took her leadership for granted. They expect too much from her. They believe that no matter what she's dealing with, she'll always bounce back. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it puts a lot of pressure on her. She's not made of Adamantium. They have forgotten how to function as a team. And it's mostly Ozpin's fault for giving Ruby a bad example of what a leader should be and her friends believed him too. Which is partially why she hesitated to tell them what was going on. Being a leader isn't always about telling people what to do, it's about lifting them up and letting them shine. They must help her like she helps them because their her teammates. Every one of them has a part to play. I know Yang has a tendency to deflect blame, even if it is her fault. That's one of her flaws. But there are times where she accepts the blame where it's due.

[@mauriceisaac3646]

@@kidprime6863 She definitely neglected her when she stepped in front of Blake when Ruby started ranting towards her, yet did nothing when Jaune yelled back at Ruby, blamed her for everything, and made her cry. This, combined with Yang being more worried about what Blake thought of her leaving in Volume 8 than Ruby, despite her being who she was arguing with, just goes to show how she puts her girlfriend before her sister.

[@kidprime6863]

@@mauriceisaac3646 Okay, I'll admit that part in V8 was dumb. Don't know why the writers couldn't have Yang be concerned about both of them instead of one over the other. That easily could've been fixed. But then again, that's what happens when you pander to toxic shippers. I don't think Yang was stepping in front of Blake to defend her from Ruby. More like she was trying to make sure Ruby's rants don't escalate into a physical argument against anyone in general. But it would've worked better and more believable if Yang was getting in front of Blake AND Weiss while Ruby ranted. Like "Hey, just because you're hurting doesn't mean you should take it out on us. We're not the bad guys." Hell, Ruby didn't even let them get a single word in because she wanted to make it loud and clear she was not okay. Jaune, on the other hand, made it worse with his counter-argument. Especially, when Ruby called the Paper Pleasers his "imaginary friends". Yet, both of them made good points. Both of them were hurting all because of Penny's unnecessary sacrifice. And if they keep it up, they'll be joining her real soon unless they break the cycle.

[@bigbywolf1330]

So I came across something on Reddit and I never thought of the Boba at the time but someone pointed out Yang took Ruby to get Boba, which I found to confirm if it was true Boba is a class of tea and Boba shop Ruby loves is a tea shop…so Ruby taken to a place of tea, something that she took in the Ever After to kill herself…I was like Jesus Christ whose idea was that?

[@toothedacorn4724]

People: Fussing over Ruby Ruby: *FearResponseFearResponseFearResponse*

[@CatKun-2000]

Sigh I feel sorry for the people who pretty much gave up on RWBY like my friends / family on Discord like Shan who’s from New Z land

[@daeshawnblaylock6523]

If RWBY volume 10 does come out will they make it like the beginning of avatar the last Airbender season 3 with the whole world thinking that they're dead and when Salem comes to vacuo team RWBY will there secret weapon

[@yfelis]

I don't know. My guess is that volume 10 will be like the story of Tekken 7

[@daeshawnblaylock6523]

I ment to add a be will be their secret weapon against her

[@TheEverythingEnthuiast]

Evangelion Rebuilt aahhh title

[@combatmagi1006]

So it been a week but I remember it being kinda vague with Tai. My hope is he is just busy and on a mission and not the worst worst case scenario. Theres alot of negativity in Vacuo already and if Ruby and Yang went depressive that would hurt the entire city's morale. If that was the case however I feel Qrow would still tell them and it doesn't make sense to hide it since Raven still is connected to Tai with her semblance so it would be a infeasible secret to keep. Also if Tai's gone that means Zwi is gone and thats illegal.

[@maxtusker4380]

Maybe Tai is a means to escape if things go wrong in Vacuo. Raven can create a portal to him as a way to get others out. His mission may be to secure a hidden safe house.

[@icereaper8918]

What about team SRPH

[@enriquej.beltran171]

I love your watsonian explanation of why Tai isn't there, but I'm sitting here saying the doylist explanation is they probably just couldn't get Burnie to voice any lines.

[@eliudesantos3237]

So, it's over, isn't it? Is this the end? No more RWBY? They could, at least release the rest of the story in a comic format so that we know how it ends...

[@kidprime6863]

I heard that RT has said that they are still going to give RWBY a new home and the discussions are going good so there may be hope for this series, yet.

[@neofulcrum5013]

It’s definitely not over. We’ll be hearing an update in the coming weeks according to Kerry and Miles.

[@muddybootknight6319]

Boy Tai sure does seem to have bad luck involving the women in his life

[@kidprime6863]

Can't the man catch a break?

[@zate333]

Hey random question is it confirmed Summer is actually dead? Just wondering if she could be in hiding and be the summer maiden with her name.

[@kyrorogers1395]

Can Crunchyroll or Scholastic animation get RWBY?

[@lowellhouser7731]

Juane and Ruby are BOTH dealing with their issues outside of the regular volume, meaning that CRWBY will NOT be dealing with those issues in Volume 10. Ruby became reckless because she realized that she's probably going to die young in the crossover movies while Juane had to be reminded of Pyrrah and their time at Beacon - which probably fed into the campfire imaginings from the previous Beyond ep. Juane and Ruby are each other's mirror, each other's perfect foils, and I think we can expect both of them to move in each other's direction in volume 10.

[@justynhill4814]

Or it’s the complete opposite and they still have more time to talk about in the vol. plus the justice league crossover is cannon and they still had a talk back there as well.

[@lowellhouser7731]

@@justynhill4814 That's what I'm getting at -CRWBY is freeing up time in the volume for something other than talking out the basics. Okay, so Juane is dealing with being older than he looks. Okay, Ruby is trying to figure out how to ask for help and has realized that she doesn't have to die young. So, now Juane and Ruby are freed to up to actually talk to each other rather than having to deal their issues and then talk to each other. They can START at Juane asking Ruby to forgive him for Penny only to find out that she doesn't blame him, or whatever. They actually have the time to bring them back into being close friends who rely on each other. That's what I'm getting at.

[@MissLyssT]

Rent Ruby and Oscar the kids in the group and the rest are almost grown up

[@jude4195]

Still funny she took ruby.………… to tea

[@arkdragon222]

ITS BOBA NON CAN RESIST ITS POWER

[@matteomiriello1661]

RWBY is not death?

[@NPC-rq6vn]

Anyone else find it weird for Yang to take Ruby to a tea shop after Ruby tried to kill herself using tea?

[@NobodyImportant5023]

Weird? Nope. Funny? Totally

[@djsaucy_tonight]

Drinking Boba is nothing like drinking hot tea. Especially considering they come in different flavors like fruit flavors too. Boba is basically a shake with tapioca unless you count Tai Tea with boba where it's brewed from camellia sinensis plant. Afteran tea leaves are from the tree. Yes, I know semantics, but they probably don't drink tree leaves. Also she's part Mistrali (from her dad's side). Tea is probably common for them like breathing. She was too traumatized to use her Crescent Rose too but then she ended up using it again at the end. People have different coping mechanisms 🧋🍵

[@jonathonsirlord8251]

The difference is Neo isn't the one serving the damn Tea!

[@soulsearcher117]

You know how Ruby said in a joking way, "I probably just won't ever want to be sisters again."? If we're lucky, and this is foreshadowing, the Great Tree from the Ever After made sure that Ruby and Yang aren't related anymore. Also, did you intentionally make part of the title an Evangelion reference?

[@onyxrose4349]

... why would that be lucky???

[@soulsearcher117]

@@onyxrose4349 ask the many people who hate Yang and the people who sent death threats to Rooster Teeth to force them into making the Bumbleby ship cannon.

[@onyxrose4349]

@@soulsearcher117 You're the one talking about how it would be lucky if they weren't related anymore.

[@soulsearcher117]

@@onyxrose4349 Bumbleby shippers need to learn a lesson like this.

[@onyxrose4349]

@@soulsearcher117 You haven't said a coherent or correct sentence yet.