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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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....

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.

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! 🌹🌹🌹

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

I know one thing he wont be able to fool Salmon that's for sure. Also she cant die so easily at all, she immortal after all and she being fooling everyone for years

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

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

“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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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

something I find very interesting is that the cat refers to himself as "cursed", almost the same way Qrow refers to *himself* as "cursed". Don't know if there's anything deeper to it than that, but may be something we need to gnaw on for a bit

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

What I don't get is if whoever wrote the book knew about the Cat's true nature, why wouldn't they put that in the story as a warning in case anyone else made it to the Everafter?

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 :/

The Gods are really bad with cursing people, aren't they? They cursed the Cat with endless curiosity, Salem with immortality, and Ozpin with parasitical reincarnation.

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

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...

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

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.

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 😵‍💫

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.

Yknow I felt bad for Neo. Killed a kid pretty much and felt incredibly guilty about it once she realised it didn't fix or diminish her grief or feelings about/around Roman's death. Broke down completely for the second time in her life and then immediately got possessed by a malicious luminescent cat.

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.

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.

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

I didn't know why Curious Cat is acting suspicious since Ch. 3 (Vol. 9), and what does he mean by "Why my Makers left me here only to leave and make all of-" until he got interrupted by Neo. I wonder why.

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.

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

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

Seems like the Cat is the hidden villain you see in so many superhero and fantasy movies.

Why do i feel when everything is said and done, the cat will laught saying " I've done it, i made it out"

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.

I can't help but think that the Curious Cat WILL manage to escape Ever After. If RWBY and Jaune manage to leave Ever After and return to Remnant, then imagine that the Curious Cat escaping would make him a rival of Jaune's. Cinder is essentially Ruby's rival, even if Jaune has a bone to pick with her. And Salem is in need of more allies. Emerald has defected, Watts is dead, Hazel defected and is dead, and Mercury is likely to defect as well. That leaves only Cinder and Tyrian to support her.

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

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

I wonder if the cat may not have been able to make it to remnant the first time because it is an afteran. So perhaps possessing a person or being from remnant is the way they need to try to get there this time? Perhaps there is a barrier that the gods made to keep the worlds separate? Also the butterflies are also a similar color of the spirits in the relics, could they have something to do with Jin and Ambrosious?

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I think Ruby’s going to have a talk with her mom this volume. Not just see her.

Butterflies represent the cycle of death and rebirth...as well as change.

The Cheshire cat May have been a mischievous character but at least he wasn’t secretly evil