In which plans and schedules are made.Rooster Teeth
"The Perils of Paper Houses" is the seventh episode of Volume 9 and the 113th episode of RWBY. It premiered on Crunchyroll on April 1st, 2023.
Summary
The episode starts facing outside of Jaune's house, where a lamp is lit. This causes the time to change showing that Ruby has not slept, clearly still reeling from her depression. An explosion wakes everyone up; causing Jaune to explain that he's 'late'. Team RWBY is confused by this, and why Jaune claims that he is late. They run to town, and find one of the houses on fire. A village resident welcomes Team RWBY to the village, and claim that they will serve the team. The team is confused about why this creature isn't panicking about the burning house. This creature then explains that they have a 'hero' to protect them.
Jaune stops the fire; causing more of the creatures to cheer. Jaune also explains how fires are a daily occurrence in the village. Team RWBY also asks about the creatures found in the town. They are explained to be called the Paper Pleasers. He describes the Paper Pleasers as "hospitable" and "clumsy". Jaune also explains how the Paper Pleasers are named after everyone he knows from Remnant. A Paper Pleaser calling itself "Ruby" approaches the team. They claim that they hate it. Jaune takes the team over for brunch.
Jaune explains his whole plan to return back home; he searches for Afterans on different acres who are able to take him home. Team RWBY is confused by this, and asks if that's the plan. Jaune assures them that it is the plan. He introduces the team to a daily schedule of every issue that happens to the village. He asks the team if they can complete the schedule; rather than him doing it himself. Weiss explains how the tree will kill the group.
A Paper Pleaser walks up, and explains how the tree doesn't kill anyone; it just changes them as something different (or as the Paper Please put it "Resurrects and Rebuilds".) The Paper Pleaser explains how they have tried to ascend through the tree, but Jaune has always put a stop to it. The paper decides to leave them be, and the team discusses this new information. The team claims that Jaune has lost his mind slightly (this is when he enters the house again). He storms out of the house, and is mad that they believe the Paper Pleasers.
Jaune stereotypes all Afterans; claiming that they're 'clever', 'stupid' or 'crazy'. Weiss asks if he only considers Afterans to be those; why does he protect the village? He explains that he is able to protect the pleasers; unlike the others he has faced in the past. Before they are able to continue the conversation; it is cut short by the Jabberwalker clones ripping Jaune's house. Jaune and Team RWBY both decide to fight the Jabberwalkers by working together. Yang and Blake work together, Jaune, Juniper, and Weiss all work together.
The scene then cuts to Ruby just watching the battle; she is clearly on the verge of a mental collapse but forced herself to try and fight. Before she can a Jabberwalker approaches Ruby. She soon sees visions of Cinder, Penny, and even Salem from the beats causing her to have trauma flashes and get pinned helplessly. The Jabberwalker opens its mouth to try and eat Ruby before it is pushed back by her team. The Jabberwalker is then revealed to be Neopolitan. She points her fingers menacingly at Ruby and then disappears. The team are curious how Neo semblance evolved so much. Jaune however, is angry and asks Ruby why she didn't help. He tries to give her Crescent Rose, but she quickly steps back in fright, causing the group to finally realize something is wrong with her.
This moment is then cut short by the Paper Pleasers flooding the village. Jaune thinks that the Paper Pleasers are dead, but Weiss and Yang assure him that they will return; just changed into something different. They ask Ruby to comfort Jaune too, but little do they realize this would be the last straw for Ruby. She is mad about how everyone has cared more about everyone else's feelings or getting home, but they keep taking her mental health for granted and ignore her suffering. Ruby blows up on everyone nearby, and asks why they're supposed to be "mourning Jaune's make-believe friends"? Jaune blows up on Ruby for everything too, and blames her the paper pleasers deaths, indirectly Penny’s death, and getting trapped in the Ever After, causing her to cry and worsen her mental health.
Jaune realized that what he said only made Ruby feel worse and remorsefully explains how he is crazy, and how he was the only one who had to kill Penny to stop Cinder, but is gonna have to live with that guilt forever. Blake tries to calm the situation, but Ruby can’t take the situation anymore. She bitterly tells Blake to stop talking and accept the reality of the situation, to the groups shock. Ruby cries then uses her Semblance to flee with Little in tow. Her team looked on in shock at her departure while Jaune laments the fate of the pleasers and their village.
Transcript
Nighttime in the Origami Acre. A small origami bird is seen landing in the windowsill of Jaune’s home. A tall torch in the background can be seen lighting the lantern that serves as the “sun”. Light begins to illuminate the sky and turns it to day. Team RWBY can all be seen sleeping on mats in the living room, while Jaune is asleep in his own bed. Ruby’s eyes are open as she stares at the chest with Crescent Rose in it. Suddenly, a crash is heard, and Jaune bolts awake.
Jaune: I’m late!
Team RWBY wake up hearing the commotion.
Jaune: I’m late! I’m late!
Jaune hops over Team RWBY as he bursts out the door. Team RWBY gets up and follows him out.
Weiss: What was that?!
Weiss looks over to see the town below is on fire.
Jaune: (petting Juniper) I overslept… I never oversleep! Yesterday, ugh! All the excitement! Keep your head together, you can fix it! You always fix it!
Jaune mounts Juniper and prepares to ride off.
Blake: Jaune!
Jaune: I can’t wait! I’m late! Any second there’s gonna be another--
Another loud explosion is heard.
Jaune: Damn it, right on time! (to Team RWBY) Get to town, I’ll meet you there!
Juniper proceeds to gallop with Jaune riding.
Little: (rubbing their eyes) I’m never this upset when I oversleep…
Yang: Uh, what did he mean “right on time”?
Blake: I’m sure we’ll find out when we get down there. (to Ruby) Ruby, where’s your weapon?
Ruby: Oh! Sorry, still waking up.
Weiss: Hurry! People are counting on us!
Ruby runs back into the house and grabs Crescent Rose out of the chest.
Team RWBY arrive in the town, taking in the sights.
Blake: Whoa…
Yang: Who makes a town out of paper?!
Blue Paper Pleaser: Hello.
Team RWBY turn around, startled.
Blue Paper Pleaser: Welcome to our village. We hope that it pleases you. Would you be so kind as to tell us what you are so that we may serve you?
Ruby: Serve us?!
Weiss: Your town is on fire!
Blue Paper Pleaser: Oh… no. We are quite safe! We have our hero!
'Juniper is seen leaping over one of the emblazoned houses, Jaune is seen dumping a bucket of water over it, putting out the flames. Jaune lands by Team RWBY, the Paper Pleasers cheer.
Blue Paper Pleaser: Hooray! Three cheers for the Rusted Knight and his white rabbit!
Jaune: Stop! Stop, there’s water everywhere, you’ll dissolve!
Yellow Paper Pleaser: Hello, water. How may I serve you?
Jaune picks up the yellow Paper Pleaser.
Jaune: Stop that… Ugh, I can’t believe that almost happened. It’s been ages since I missed the first fire.
Ruby: Do fires happen… often?
Jaune: Oh, everyday.
Team RWBY stiffens in shock.
Yang: What?!
Jaune: Oh, uh right, I guess, uh… introductions. These… are the Paper Pleasers. They’re probably the most polite, most hospitable Afterans around. Because… that’s their purpose.
A purple Paper Pleaser has a tray of drinks and offers Jaune one, but he declines with a hand motion.
Jaune: (sighs) When Alyx left me to die, Juniper found help, brought me to the Paper Pleasers, who got me back on my feet. They work all day, not just serving travelers, but serving the land they live on too. They beautify it, make it a place of peace. Unfortunately, they’re… a bit clumsy, but that also makes them predictable.
Jaune catches a Paper Pleaser being carried away by the wind.
Jaune: I told you to hold these. (gives the Paper Pleaser rocks)
Green and Pink Paper Pleaser: Thank you, brave knight! (runs off)
Jaune: (chuckles) Classic Ren.
Weiss: You named them… after your teammates?
Jaune: No, I named them after everybody.
A red Paper Pleaser approaches them.
Red Paper Pleaser: Hello! I am the one called Ruby. What are you?
Team RWBY look on horrified.
Yang: Hate that!
Jaune: Okay, the disastrous lighting of the morning lantern is dealt with. (mounts Juniper) That gives us just enough time to strategize before the calming pebble tower crumbles, crushing the koi pond dam, and flooding the entire village! So I’m thinking… quick brunch?
Team RWBY look at him with weird looks.
Little: I could eat!
Jaune lays out a map of the Ever After he made, all the acres are in hexagonal shapes, with the tree at the center. Some acres are labeled with words that Team RWBY has already explored, like “HUNTER MICE”, “CRIMSON CASTLE”, and “GARDEN”, with some that have not been explored like “BLOB”, “STINKY CHEESE”, “GREEN CHAPEL”, “SWAN LAKE”, and “VOLCANO”. One acre has a drawing of the Jabberwalker’s head on it.
Jaune: (sighs) My life’s work.
Team RWBY look over the map Jaune has made.
Jaune: Over the years, Juniper and I have been systematically exploring as many of the nearby acres as possible. If you think you’ve seen it all here, let me tell you… you haven’t.
A purple Paper Pleaser sets down a plate full of quiches. Little proceeds to grab one and eats away.
Blake: What exactly have you been looking for?
Jaune: Anyone or anything that might be able to take us back home.
Weiss: Okay… and, what have you found?
Jaune: Uh, so far? I mean, not much, but I got a really, really good feeling about this one acre we saw with a bunch of pyramids.
Yang: (raising her hand) Sorry, um… I’m just… trying to make sure I follow. Do you have any leads… at all? Any other plans?
Jaune: This… is the plan. Look, I- I’m sorry I didn’t solve all our problems by myself, but… I- I can’t just run off and let them die! But, between protecting the village, searching for you guys, searching for an exit... we’ve got a really tight schedule to keep. Or rather, you’ve got a tight schedule to keep.
Weiss: I beg your pardon?
Jaune: (pulls out a piece of paper) This is the schedule of catastrophes that befall the village everyday. (unfolds the paper to reveal more pieces of paper taped together) Or, at least they would if it wasn’t for me and Jun.
Jaune’s list says thus:
-Disastrous lighting of the Morning Lantern (the first fire)!!!
-Save PP from the residual water from stopping the first fire
-BRUNCH!
-Patrol the town - check-in on individual PP
-Stop the Pebble Tower from toppling!!
-Secure the dam
-Save Ren from falling into the Koi Pond
-Watch out for Tearable Two's!!! ☆ ☆ 😠
-Keep away from shredder!
-If any traveling salesman/traders come through, check for hazardous goods
-If you wouldn't give it to a baby, don't give it to the PP's!
-Help w/ daily construction/beautifying projects (so PP don't get injured)
-LUNCH!
-No more fried foods (too much grease)!
-Tea shop fiasco
-Stop the second fire
-Save PP from the residual water from the second fire
-Check-in at sandpaper knife-shop
-Help rake the sand (*you'd be surprised how dangerous a rake can be!)
-Keep Oscar away from anything that can be used as a kite string
-STOP THE GOOSE
-Repair scarecrows in rice fields
-If late, fight off giant crows/ make new scarecrows (Ruby will help!)
-Stop carts from crashing > East Marketplace
-Stop the coffee maker at the café before it explodes
-Call paper indoors before Daily Wind Surge
-Stop Nora from climbing the Pebble Tower during the storm < (trust me, this one ends poorly ☹️ )
-Take the scissors from Neptune
-Stop the "Bandits"
-Stop the third, and final (hopefully?) fire
-Help Pyrrha w/ her HW 🙂
-Stop The Un-Foldening (*you'll know it when you see it)
-Take away the makeshift lighting rods during the storm
-Get Paper Pleasers to bed
-Final Rounds
-Find a way home…
Jaune: With this, you guys can save the day no problem, which means I can go out to keep searching without any interruptions. With Juniper’s speed and my familiarity with this place, we’ll find our solution in no time.
Team RWBY look at Jaune’s list with bewilderment, sitting back down trying to process it all.
Jaune: Guys… (stammers) this is it! If there’s one thing I’ve learned after all these years, it’s that patience. Pays. Off. It’s why we’re finally back together! I know I can find us a way out, okay? I-I know it… (raising his voice) I know it! (slams his fist on the corner of the map)
Team RWBY and Little look at Jaune concerned, the latter gulping down their recent bite of the quiche.
Jaune: (softly) This isn’t crazy… I’m not crazy… (clears throat) This… isn’t crazy, it’s easy! You know, we still got time before the Pebble Tower falls. (stands up) How ‘bout I, uh… saddle up Juniper and show you around myself. (starts to walk away) Point out some of the clumsier Papers! (chuckles) Just wait till you guys meet Neptune!
As Jaune walks away, Yang grabs Jaune’s list.
Yang: (reads Jaune’s “plan”) Damnit, Jaune. This isn’t a plan, it’s a to do list.
Blake: (places her hand on Yang’s prosthetic hand) He’s obviously been through a lot…
Yang: Yeah…
Blake: We can be frustrated later. Right now, Jaune needs us. And we still need him. We just… can’t count on him.
Little nibbles their quiche and looks at Ruby, who’s feeling sullen.
Weiss: Then who does that leave us with? It’s obvious we need someone to guide us or we could end up thrown back in time, or killed by the tree, or worse…
Ruby: Well, if that’s how everybody--
Purple Paper Pleaser: The Great Tree does not kill. That is what we keep trying to tell him. But our hero still insists that we never ascend…
The Purple Paper Pleaser places another plate down on their table. Weiss, Blake and Yang look to the Paper Pleaser, while Ruby looks down, still looking sullen.
Weiss: What?
Purple Paper Pleaser: I do not wish to be rude, but our work has been completed for quite some time. Because of us, the land is beautiful, but we have realized that like ourselves, it is also very delicate. We would like to make something that is pleasing, but also resilient. Because of this, we are ready to leave ourselves and merge with the Tree, so that it might return us as something new. But… our hero is displeased by this course of action.
A flashback is shown, some multicolored leaves of the tree are seen falling. The Paper Pleasers try to catch them, but Jaune grabs them, making a waving motion with his finger.
Purple Paper Pleaser: We tried reaching out to the Tree, but our hero forbade it.
Another Paper Pleaser is shown try to hold scissors, but Jaune picks them up.
Purple Paper Pleaser: Then, the wisest of our village suggested breaking from our physical forms, so that the winds may carry us back to the Tree.
On a dark, stormy night, a pair of Paper Pleasers are seen trying to leave the village, but Jaune is shown taking their walking stick.
Purple Paper Pleaser: But our hero is clever and brave, always keeping us from harm.
The flashback ends.
Purple Paper Pleaser: You must understand, the Tree does not kill, it resurrects and rebuilds. We do not wish to displease our hero, and I hope I have not displeased you, but… we so desperately wish to return to the Tree, to return home, so that we may carry on with our work.
Yang: Return home, huh?
Purple Paper Pleaser: Oh, do not be sad! The wisest are going to topple the Pebble Tower today! I am sure it will work this time.
Weiss: What makes you so sure?
Purple Paper Pleaser: (beat) Nothing!
The Purple Paper Pleaser then walks away.
Yang: That’s so sad. Weird, but sad.
Blake: But it also means Jaune might not be totally right about the Tree. It’s not Death, it’s… Rebirth.
Weiss: From a certain perspective, maybe. But… What happened to Lewis then? Jaune said--
Yang: Jaune wasn’t there. The Cat wasn’t even there! None of us know the full story and we’ll never learn anything, babysitting these villagers! We have to convince Jaune to let them go.
Weiss: But how? He’s clearly not… all there.
Suddenly, Weiss gasps, Blake turns around to see what she was gasping at. Jaune is standing with a hurt look on his face.
Jaune: Is that what you think?
Jaune then walks away, exiting the building. Team RWBY follows him outside.
Yang: But what if the Cat was telling the truth? Maybe not about everything, but about the Tree!
Jaune: The Tree is the last thing you should listen to them about. Th-They’re just doing what they’re designed to do. They don’t care what happens when you get there!
Blake: We’re not listening to them! We’re listening to the Afterans. And they’re telling us the Tree is nothing to be afraid of, that they want to go!
Jaune: They don’t know what they want. You’ve seen the way they act, nothing here is that straightforward, okay? Afterans are all either too clever, too stupid, or too crazy to trust!
The Paper Pleasers watching the scene unfold all groan sorrowfully.
Weiss: Then why do you care so much about this village?!
Jaune: (almost tearfully) Because I can actually PROTECT these people!!
Suddenly, Jaune’s home in the distance collapses. Jabberwalker doppelgangers can be seen over the ruins.
Jabberwalkers: Scouring… Searching… Stalking…
The Jabberwalkers roar, and the Paper Pleasers scream and run away in fear.
Jaune: (sighs) They found us…
Jaune puts his fingers in his mouth and whistles. Juniper is seen galloping out of the forest to the village.
Jaune: I am not letting them down!
Jaune reaches his hand out and grabs onto Juniper, still galloping. Jaune mounts them and rides towards the Jabberwalkers.
Weiss: If those Walkers make it down here, those Afterans will never ascend!
Blake: Then we won’t run this time.
Yang nods, agreeing with Blake. Weiss, Blake and Yang run towards the Jabberwalkers. Ruby just stands there, with a concerned look on her face. She hesitates but quickly runs after her teammates.
One of the Jabberwalker clones roars, and the others charge forward. Jaune rides in on Juniper, slashing his sword at one, before blocking another with his shield. The clone is then dispelled by Weiss’ Arma Gigas summon.
Jaune: Thank you.
Yang: Stay focused!
Yang and Blake charge forward into battle. The two work together to take down one clone, and then Yang activates her Semblance as two more come charging towards them. They easily dispatch them. Jaune and Weiss take on more clones, with one being thrown into the river nearby by the Arma Gigas. Suddenly, it gets dispelled by another clone, and Weiss is flung into the air by its tail, landing on a black Glyph in the air. Jaune tries to slash at it with his sword, but it flings it out of the way. Weiss manages to catch it.
Weiss: (throws Crocea Mors sword) Jaune!
The sword spins in midair before Jaune uses the gravity Dust in his shield to fling it at the Jabberwalker clone, dispelling it into pink petals. As they all continue to battle, Ruby simply watches it all happen from the edge of the bridge into town. She pants heavily, watching the battle and then down to her folded weapon. Suddenly, the Jabberwalker clone that fell into the river pops out and tries to swipe at Ruby, but she uses her Semblance to dodge out of the way. The Jabberwalker clone menacingly approaches her.
Jabberwalker: Missed… Hating… Thinking… Waiting… Wanting… Drooling…
Ruby cocks her sniper rifle.
Jabberwalker: Craving… Tasting…
From Ruby’s perspective, the Jabberwalker suddenly turns into Cinder Fall, flames falling around her in the Evacuation Central Location.
Little: (muted) Ruby!
Suddenly, Ruby snaps out of it as the Jabberwalker lunges toward her. She then hallucinates again, seeing the Jabberwalker’s head transform into Penny Polendina when she was hacked, green Maiden flames trailing from her red eyes.
Jabberwalker: Wanting…
Penny lunges toward Ruby, and she is disarmed and pinned to the ground by the Jabberwalker.
Jabberwalker: Hating…
Ruby now sees Salem’s head, her red eyes then turn an irisless black. Ruby looks back at it utterly terrified.
Jabberwalker: YES! READY! STARVING! TAKING!
The Jabberwalker opens its mouth, revealing its black maw as drool drips from its top teeth. Its jaw is dangerously close to Ruby.
Yang: (off-screen) Ruby!
Weiss, skating on the Glyphs, slashes the Jabberwalker with Myrtenaster. Blake double-kicks it away from Ruby. Yang jumps past Blake, who uses her Semblance to create her clone and gives Yang some boost. Yang delivers a blow on the Jabberwalker. Yang, Weiss and Blake come towards Ruby. Ruby sits up and they watch the Jabberwalker begin to spasm and vanish in bright, pink light, revealing Neopolitan in their place. Neo smirks and makes a gun hand gesture at Ruby before she disappears into broken pieces.
Blake: The Walkers from the Market…
Yang: But that’s… Those were more than just her usual tricks. They eat, and grow, and… How had she gotten so powerful?
Jaune gets off from Juniper and lands on the ground.
Jaune: Well, she didn’t do it by standing around. (picks up Crescent Rose) I know you may not care about protecting this village, but you could at least help your friends when they’re in dang--
Ruby yelps and quickly steps away from Crescent Rose as Jaune suddenly drops her weapon. Ruby stares down at her hands. Jaune, Weiss, Blake and Yang look at Ruby.
Yang: Ruby? Are you o--?
Paper Pleasers: (off-screen) Push! Push!
Team RWBY and Jaune hear something coming from the village and turn to see the Pebble Tower, beginning to tumble. Giant pebbles fall and destroy the dam.
Jaune: (shocked) Oh no, no, no! What time is it?! No!
Jaune quickly runs towards the village but it is already too late as the dam is destroyed and the village, along with the Paper Pleasers, is engulfed by the waters.
Jaune: (horrified) NOOOOOOO!!!!
Jaune falls to his knees, devastated as the village is flooded. Blake kneels down next to him and gently grabs his shoulders.
Blake: Oh Jaune…
Jaune: (slamming his hands to the ground) I couldn’t save them… I was supposed to save them and… and they’re dead…
Juniper walks to Jaune’s side and comforts him.
Yang: No, Jaune. They’re gone, but they’re not dead. They’ll be back.
Weiss: Yeah, it’s what they wanted. (turns to Ruby) Right, Ruby?
Ruby has a scowling expression on her face.
Ruby: (venomous) Why are you asking me?
Weiss, Yang, and Blake look at her in shock.
Blake: Um, we just--
Ruby: Because I’m the leader? (clenches fist) Because I’m just supposed to have something to say? (looks up angrily) Cuz I don’t… I mean, why do I have to be the leader anyway? Why do I have to always be the one to pick people up? What about me? “No time”, right? (walks to Weiss, who reels back) “Gotta get home!” “Gotta help Jaune!” Gotta find someone who isn’t just going to screw everything up! (turns to Blake and Yang) “Gotta stay positive!” Right?!
Blake hides behind Yang, who instinctively protects her as Ruby approaches them.
Ruby: Smiles all around! Maybe even finally get our feelings sorted out! Good for you, by the way. We’re all so happy for you!
Yang: (angered) Hey…
Ruby: I’m sorry, is this a bad time? Are we supposed to be mourning Jaune’s make-believe friends?!
Jaune: (seething) They’re gone… because of you! (stands up) The Walkers came for you, because Neo. Hates. YOU! (walks over to Ruby) Oh, and let’s not forget the reason we’re in the Ever After in the first place is because of your plan that didn’t work! What about you?! IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!
Ruby looks up at Jaune angrily, gritting her teeth and on the verge of tears.
Weiss: Jaune…
Jaune snaps out of his rage.
Jaune: I’m sorry, I… I know I’m not okay. I- I’m not right, but… How am I supposed to be…? I’ve been alone… for SO… LONG! Here… On that bridge… I was the only one that could do it! I was the ONLY ONE!
Weiss, Blake, and Yang, look at Jaune in pity.
Jaune: And I… (tears stream down his face) And now I have to live with that forever… In here or back home…
Blake: Guys, I know things are bad, but--
Ruby: (grimacing) Shut… Up…
Weiss, Blake, Yang, and Jaune look at Ruby wide-eyed.
Ruby: Don’t… do that… (tears begin to stream down her face) Just don’t…
Little lowers their head in pity in Ruby’s hood. Ruby then turns around and picks up Crescent Rose, using her Semblance to fly away from her friends into the forest. Weiss, Blake and Yang helplessly watch their leader go, while Jaune and Juniper overlook the now submerged village of the Paper Pleasers.
Characters
- Ruby Rose
- Weiss Schnee
- Blake Belladonna
- Yang Xiao Long
- Jaune Arc
- Juniper
- Little
- Paper Pleasers (First Appearance)
- Jabberwalker (Clones)
- Cinder Fall (Hallucination)
- Penny Polendina (Hallucination)
- Salem (Hallucination)
- Neopolitan
Trivia
- This is the fifth episode to have a warning at the start of the episode. After "The Final Word", it is the second to have one relating to distressing themes.
- This episode aired on the company 20th anniversary of Rooster Teeth.
- This episode's title refers to the frequent disasters that befall the village of the Paper Pleasers as well as Ruby and Jaune's fragile mental state that collapse at the end of the episode.
- Jaune constantly stating that he was late during the episode is a reference to the White Rabbit's famous line "I'm late for a very important date" from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland".
- The episode marks the beginning of Ruby's breakdown.[1]
See Also
Image Gallery
References
- ↑ RWBY Roundtable episode 7
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