#im not discrediting anyone's theories so don't try to discredit mine

[gelatomesomeironqrow]

Thoughts on V7 Ch11 that I can process right now.

James motherf***ing Ironwood. I knew he didn't have alot of aura but he really has the drive and will to keep fighting. I suspect he doesn't have a semblance which makes him even more badass to me. That fight, the way both of them were counting their bullets and not having any more ammo with them. Watts and James have a history and dare I suspect they used to date?

The way Watts said this;

I don't think he was talking about his jealousy over Pietro. I think, if they didn't date, Watts had some one sided feelings for James and like who wouldn't, look at the man. But damn, that line strikes me as the kind someone says to a person that broke their heart, intentional or not.

It makes, Watts going to Salem for the sole reason to attack Atlas, his home, more sense to me. Watts knows how much James cares for Atlas. He knows that by attacking Atlas, he is essentially attacking James. Even in V3, his role was to hack Atlas security. James' line about loyalty being everything, and carrying Watts' suitcase around after dropping him in lava. Perhaps he also still cared for Watts, not romantically, but like those feelings don't just go away after you break up with someone.

Their fight was amazing and beautiful, and James... my poor baby hurt himself and even Watts seemed surprised. Also to note, Watts didn't seem like he was trying to kill James, especially not at the end.

Moving on;

Tyrian. My man. What was that fight? Lmao, I couldn't stop laughing, a normal person doesnt break into hysterical laughter when their aura breaks. But man am I glad you are still alive.

Cinder. Man, she irks me. Purposefully triggering James like that. James was hurting already from Watts, now his PTSD (which I worried would come into play) has led him into a spiral. He is right about everything he said. Team RWBY, they are right to voice their fears and complaints. But James' decision is ultimately correct. They don't have the time to save everyone in Mantle. Their defenses are down. They still have enemies in Atlas with more on the way. They can't afford to waste anymore time. Is it fair? No. But it is the best plan they have right now.

Ruby telling Salem the truth in spite, when she couldn't/wouldn't tell James everything right away. James was right to be angry and upset about that. He gave them so many chances to trust him, and (granted they had had adults in the past who they trusted, betray them) but James was the most trustworthy and yet no one would trust him.

I'm looking forward to RWBY vs the Ace Ops next episode though. Marrow is going to switch sides, he was the only one who seemed to side with RWBY.

Summer. Her mission remains a mystery. Was she acting on Oz's orders or not? Why would she have faced Salem alone?

I felt for Ruby there, which like her not being able to use her silver eyes this volume is interesting to me.

Clover, Qrow, Robyn. The way they were sitting in that truck. Robyn and Qrow sitting together with Clover across from them. If that didn't highlight the divide I don't know what did. Clover will side with James, Clover is all about loyalty and I believe his loyalty lies with James. He wouldn't be James' right hand man if he wasn't loyal. Qrow will side with Ruby because family. Robyn will side with the people of Mantle even if she knows deep down that this is the best solution.

I hope Qrow hightails it to Atlas to speak with James. He remains the only person who could get through to the man.

I'm lowkey upset that we didn't get to see Neo taking Oscar but like it's ironic that that fight is left to our imagination.

Jaune has a bit of a PTSD too. This is the second time he couldnt get through to someone via scroll and the second time one of the members of his team has gone missing.

The next two episodes are going to be intense and I'm still worried for James' safety.