RWBY Volume 6 Episode 9 - Lost: Review

 


The episode starts off with Mercury and Emerald; Mercury is practicing his combat moves in the background, while Emerald sits on the floor. She comments that she doesn’t like being kept in the dark. Mercury comments to her that even though Cinder was a pain to them, she at least kept them filled in on the plan. Emerald asks Mercury why he came with her and Cinder the night they found him. He tells Emerald that it just made sense. Emerald is slightly baffled by his answer. Mercury tells her “All my life, my father trained me to be a killer, an assassin like him. And them moments after I killed him, you two showed up looking for someone with my exact skills. Just felt like it was meant to be.” Emerald is not satisfied with his answer and asks him if there is something that he wants from this. Mercury replies that Salem has promised them everything and that they win the fight against Ozpin and Team RWBY, they will be top dogs in her new world.

He asks Emerald what more could she want. She tells him “Cinder was the only family I ever had. She cared about me, taught me things. But without her here, I don’t know if what we’re doing--.” Mercury interupts her and tells her that Cinder doesn’t care about either of them. Emerald snaps at him and says that he doesn’t know what he is talking about. Mercury responds “You’re in denial. And if you’re gonna start having a crisis of identity or some crap, keep me out of it.” Emerald lunges at him a punch and a fight breaks out. He continues his remark - “I’m sorry you didn’t have a mommy that loved you. But I had a father who hated me. He never went easy on me. Every day of training was a beating. And when I unlocked my Semblance, he stole it with his. ‘This is a crutch. This makes you weak.’ He told me I could have it back when I was strong. So I got strong. But I never got it back. I’ve had to work harder than anyone to get where I am. You may not like it here without Cinder, but I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” The big takeaway from Mercury’s monologue is that his semblance was stolen from him by his father and his Semblance. The thought of the possibility of one losing their Semblance and the existence of a Semblance that can steal another’s Semblance never crossed my mind. This detail is an absolute shocker.

Mercury attacks Tyrian, who dodges Mercury’s kick and lands one on Mercury and knocks him down. Tyrian stands over him, Emerald tries to get Tyrian to back off. He says to them that he wants to tell both of them a little secret, that their question is all wrong. Emerald is confused by his remark. He continues “What do you want from this? Children, please, if you’re not loving what you’re doing, then you’re in the wrong field.” Emerald comments to him if he’s saying that they should just leave. Tyrian is surprised by her comment and laughs while telling her that she can’t do that. Mercury asks him what he came here for. Tyrian tells them that he came to say farewell. He also says that there has been a change in plans and Salem must act swiftly if they are to succeed. He also comments that if General Ironwood comes to his senses and calls for reinforcements from Vacuo, their plan might fail and that he and Dr. Watts are being sent to Atlas to prepare. Emerald asks him what are they preparing for. But her question goes unanswered as Dr. Watts calls for Tyrian as it is time for them to leave. As he leaves, he tells Mercury and Emerald to do what makes them happy. The music becomes very ominous as he says this.

Meanwhile in Argus, Jaune, Nora, Ren, and Saphron are searching for Oscar. Jaune says that this is all his fault and that he overreacted. Saphron tells him that she doesn’t really understand what happened. She asks Jaune if it was about the mission. Nora tells her that it’s a bit hard to talk about. Saphron says that she knows the mission is top secret. She asks if Oscar did something wrong; Jaune tells her that he didn’t. He says that they just got some new information, and it’s going to be a lot harder than they thought. Saphron says that if the mission was easy, then it wouldn't be important. Ren tells her that they are all just a bit unsure of what to do next. 

Saphron suggests to them that they could stay in Mistral, get their Huntsman/Huntress licenses at Haven and come back to Argus. She says “There’s a lot of good you can do here. I know your mission is important. But it’s not like you’re the only ones who can do it. It’s not the only mission that needs doing.” Jaune tells her that it’s not that simple. As they turn the corner, Saphron tells them that she should go pick up Adrian from daycare. She also says that she will let Terra know what happened and that they will meet up with Jaune, Nora, and Ren later. Nora spots a cafe down the street and suggests to Jaune and Ren that they get something to warm up. Jaune tells her that he alright and that she and Ren can go on ahead. He walks off and takes a seat on a bench. Nora says to him “You don’t want anything?;” Jaune doesn’t answer and Ren tells him that he and Nora will be right back.

A maple leaf lands in front of Jaune and is then blown away from him as some solemn music begins to play. Jaune follows the leaf into the park across the street. As he reaches the center of the park, something grabs his attention. The shot jump cuts to a close up shot of the lower part of a large statue, which is holding a very familiar looking shield. It’s a statue of Pyrrha Nikos, who was Jaune’s love interest and teammate. I started tearing up during this scene. Jaune approaches the statue, he looks up at it’s face and then takes a knee to get a closer look at the plaque at the statue’s base. This statue is part of a memorial for Pyrrha. Jaune stands back up and looks up at the statue. Footsteps are heard in the background. 

As Jaune is about to leave, a woman comments towards him “It’s really beautiful, isn’t it?” Upon hearing this, Jaune turns around to see a red-haired woman holding a bouquet of flowers. This has got to be Pyrrha’s mother. Jaune asks her why the statue is here. Pyrrha’s mother says to him “She trained here, Sanctum Academy. Everyone was crushed when she chose Beacon over Haven. No one wanted to see her go, but it was where she wanted to be. I’m just glad she was surrounded by such amazing people.” As she finishes this remark, she looks towards Jaune, who appears to be caught off guard by this statement. He turns his head towards Pyrrha’s mother and says to her that Pyrrha should be standing here as he starts to tear up. Pyrrha’s mother replies “She is.” Pyrrha’s mother turns towards Jaune and says “She understood that she had a responsibility to try. I don’t think she would regret her choice, because a Huntress would understand that there really wasn’t a choice to make. And a Huntress is what she always wanted to be.” Jaune says “Pyrrha never got the chance to graduate. But she was a Huntress.” Pyrrha’s mother starts to tear up and thanks Jaune as she wipes the tears from her eyes.

Jaune then hears Ren calling for him; Ren and Nora are standing outside the park and begin walking towards him. As he turns his head back towards Pyrrha’s mother, she is no longer standing there. The bouquet of flowers that she was holding are now lying on the base of the statue. As Nora is about to ask Jaune why he ran off, she gasps as she looks up at the statue of Pyrrha. Ren looks at the statue in awe. Jaune says to them “I’m sorry. I’ve been a terrible leader and a terrible friend, and I--.” Ren interrupts him and tells him “- Jaune, this has to stop.” Jaune looks towards Ren and Nora. Nora tell Jaune “We heard what you said to Cinder, at Haven. You’re not being fair to yourself. We love you just like we loved Pyrrha. We’re teammates, family.” Ren adds “We don’t want to lose you too.” Jaune looks back up at the statue’s face and says “- I think -- I think she knew she wasn’t going to win, that she might not come out alive, but she also knew she was the only one that could try.” Ren replies “So she did.” Nora adds on to Ren statement “Maybe we should too.” Jaune replies to her that they should. Nora remarks “Pyrrha may not be by our side anymore, but we can fight like she is.” Jaune adds “And in a way, she will be.” Ren then says that they should check back in at the house. Jaune takes one final glance at the statue of Pyrrha and says thank you.

Now to check in with Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang and see what they are up too. Ruby is not very happy at the moment. Yang comments “I’ve never seen him this bad.” It looks they finally found Qrow. And he’s passed out drunk on the stairs to Saphron and Terra’s house. Ruby tells Yang to help her get Qrow up. As they get Qrow up, he asks why he is on the stairs. Ruby says to him “Probably because no one’s home, Uncle Qrow. We’ve been out looking for Oscar.” Then Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, Qrow, and Maria hear footsteps approaching; it’s Saphron, Terra, Adrian, Jaune, Nora, and Ren. Terra has a shocked look on her face. She sarcastically comments "I’m sure this looks great to the neighbors.” Saphron elbows her for saying that. Ren asks Blake if they had any luck looking for Oscar. Blake tells him that they didn’t and asks the same question back. Jaune says “Don’t worry. We aren’t going to Atlas without him.” Ruby comments “We?” Jaune tells Saphron “Sorry we won’t be staying.” Saphron replies “No, you’re not.” Terra suggests that they all get out of the cold. Suddenly the door opens. Wait a minute, didn’t Ruby say that no one was home? GREAT SCOTT!!! IT’S OSCAR!!! He tells everyone that he was wondering when they would get back. And he’s got some new threads. I’m digging this new look for Oscar, he looks like a sharp-dressed man. Everyone is so happy to see that he’s safe and sound.

Nora then starts to scream and then some cartoon antics break loose. She jumps up in the air and starts running mid-air. Then Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, Jaune, and Ren all take up a cartoon ready to run pose. Nora then dashes through the air and tackles Oscar back into the house followed by Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang, Jaune, and Ren who leap over the stairs into the doorway. Weiss says to Oscar “You had us worried sick.” Ruby says to him “Are you okay?” and Nora asks him “What are you wearing? More cartoon antics can be seen here as Weiss, Ruby, and Nora ask their questions. As Terra, Saphron and Qrow walk in, Terra asks “Is something cooking?” Oscar replies that there is. He tells everyone “I thought maybe you guys would appreciate a hot meal after spending all day looking for me, apparently.” Jaune says to Oscar “It’s my fault we were all out there in the first place.” Jaune also apologizes to Oscar for what happened earlier. Oscar says that it’s okay. He also says “These past few days, I’ve been scared of the same things you were. I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be me. But I did some thinking, and I do know that I want to do everything I can to help with whatever time I have left."













Jaune replies “Good. This team isn’t the same without you, Oscar.” Suddenly an alarm starts beeping. Oscar gasps and realizes that it’s his casserole. Saphron says to him that she and Terra are on it. Ruby tells Oscar that his new combat gear looks good. Qrow then starts to head upstairs. Ruby asks him where he is going. Qrow says to her “I don’t want to get in the way of your celebration.” Ruby replies to him “You’ve been gone all day. Just sit with us.” Qrow sighs and says to her “Look, Ruby, I’m glad you kids worked out, uh, whatever all that was. But the fact is, we’re not a single step closer to Atlas.” Jaune says to Qrow “Actually, I think I have an idea. But it’s sort of a no-going-back kind of idea.” Ruby says to Jaune “Well, let’s hear it.” Jaune tells everyone his plan “With Cordo on watch, only Atlas airships have the clearance to leave for Solitas. So we steal an Atlas airship.” Well it’s an extremely risky plan, but at least someone came up with a plan.

Jaune replies “Good. This team isn’t the same without you, Oscar.” Suddenly an alarm starts beeping. Oscar gasps and realizes that it’s his casserole. Saphron says to him that she and Terra are on it. Ruby tells Oscar that his new combat gear looks good. Qrow then starts to head upstairs. Ruby asks him where he is going. Qrow says to her “I don’t want to get in the way of your celebration.” Ruby replies to him “You’ve been gone all day. Just sit with us.” Qrow sighs and says to her “Look, Ruby, I’m glad you kids worked out, uh, whatever all that was. But the fact is, we’re not a single step closer to Atlas.” Jaune says to Qrow “Actually, I think I have an idea. But it’s sort of a no-going-back kind of idea.” Ruby says to Jaune “Well, let’s hear it.” Jaune tells everyone his plan “With Cordo on watch, only Atlas airships have the clearance to leave for Solitas. So we steal an Atlas airship.” Well it’s an extremely risky plan, but at least someone came up with a plan.

Weiss says to Jaune that his plan definitely worse than just breaking the law. Yang asks him how would they even get onto the airfield. Jaune tells Yang that he hasn’t figured out that part yet. Qrow says to Jaune “Okay, stop! Just stop! Look, if this thing goes south, it’s not something we can just fight our way out of. This is the Atlas military we’re talking about. For your sake, just drop this.” A disheartened look appears on everyone else’s face as Ruby turns to look at the others. A determined look appears on Ruby’s face. Ruby turns towards Qrow and says that she wants to hear him out. Qrow tries to stop her but she adamantly says 

“I want to hear him out! I know you’re trying to protect us, that you’re afraid we can’t do it, but right now, I don’t really care what you think! Just because you don’t have an idea, doesn’t mean we’re out of options. Oz hasn’t been here to tell us what to do, but we still managed to get this far anyway. We’ve been in bad situations before, and we didn’t need an adult to come save us or tell us what to do. We just did it our way. And I say we do it our way.” 

As Ruby goes through this monologue, the leitmotif from “Rising” is heard in the musical score. The looks on the faces of Weiss, Blake, Yang, Oscar, Jaune, and Nora brighten up. Ruby continues “And if you think can keep up with us kids we’d be happy to have you.” Maria chuckles and says to Qrow “Looks like you didn’t give her enough credit either.”






Wow, that was some speech Ruby gave there. She was able to raise up the spirits of her team and friends. This is the kind a speech a great leader would give and that’s what Ruby has become. She has come so far as the leader of Team RWBY from their days at Beacon Academy. Ruby is no longer the shy and socially awkward teenager that we met back in the beginning of this series. She has turned into a determined young woman and a great leader. It’s very exciting to see this type of character development for Ruby.