Dealing with the emotions of RWBY Season 8 again

 So, in at least the penultimate episode of RWBY Season 8, Yang Xiao Long falls into an infinite abyss, despite the best attempts of her girlfriend Blake Belladonna.  To do some writing therapy, yesterday, I wrote this:

Byleth awoke in the Adrestian Castle, yawning as she headed downstairs.  It felt odd to do so alone, but her wife Edelgard was off on a mission last night with Samus Aran and Blake Belladonna.  The door opened as Byleth almost morosely ate her breakfast cereal, missing El’s smiling face as she would eat a cinnamon roll and drink a glass of chocolate milk.  El really liked sweets, making Byleth half-smile.  It was like the sun was gone, though, so it faded quicker than it appeared.  The door opened, the Adrestian Empress coming in, laying Amyr by the fireplace mantle.  “Did you get her?” asked Byleth.  Edelgard shook her head sadly as she poured a glass of milk, seasoning it with chocolate syrup.

“You’d think a pink and brown-haired lady with an umbrella would be easier to spot, but we’ve not found her.” She sighed as she stirred with a spoon.  “The war axe Amyr still patrols in defense of our community.”

“Blake…is Yang…?” fumbled Byleth.

“Yang will recover, you don’t take a fierce warrior down so easy.” Reassured Edelgard.  “But we may not hear from her until November.  When not patrolling with us…Blake doesn’t leave her side.”

“We should go to Brigid.” Said Byleth, wiping a tear from her face.  “This whole thing makes me realize how important your closest friends are…someday, you may not have them.”

“I agree, and I bet Petra and Dorothea would be glad to see us, too.” Smiled Edelgard softly.  She arranged the details with Petra via letter and in a couple of weeks, the two couples were in Brigid, enjoying a relaxing day at the beach.  Byleth was clad in a black bikini, Dorothea in a purple one and a sun hat, Edelgard in a red bikini and a white T-shirt, and Petra in a white bikini.  “Thanks for arranging to see us on such short notice.” Said Edelgard.

“It is not a problem; I hadn’t heard of your Proud Friend.” Said Petra.

“No, honey, she said ‘friend from Pride Events.’ That’s what mainlanders call celebrations of the LGBTQ+ Community.  Men who like men, women who like women and such.” Explained Dorothea.

“Hmm, on Brigid, we have no such events.  Everyone is free to be themselves every day.” Said Petra.

“Most cultures aren’t so lucky.” Said Edelgard.  “When I brought Fodlan forward from Rhea’s rule, I had to learn that most places treat you differently if you’re a man who’s interested in men or a woman who’s interested in women.  Some places even torture and kill you for that, the barbarians.”  Petra held her hand to her mouth in shock.  “But I decided to make Pride Events a priority in Fodlan so any outsider visiting would be welcome to engage in them.  It’s enabled me to bond with Samus and Zelda of Hyrule and their friends, Yang and Blake.”

“So, you take this very seriously, Edie.” Said Dorothea.

“It’s like if someone tried to kill one of my own family, again.  I’ve lost too much to see someone else just get ripped away from us all before they’re ready to say goodbye.” Stated Edelgard, squatting down to doodle in the sand with a stick.  Byleth, Petra and Dorothea saw she was doodling the three of them, and around them, Bernadetta, Yang, Blake, Lysithea, Leonie, Shamir, Marianne and Annette.  “The Ladies of my Strike Force, protecting the Bees.” She said to herself.

“I like it.” Smiled Byleth.

“Yeah, let us know if you need us to help you look for the aggressor, we’ll be happy to lend a hand.” Nodded Dorothea.

“Glad to hear it.” Smiled Edelgard.  She got up.  “I’ll definitely consider it.” She added.  The four continued walking down the beach.

“Edelgard, your hair seems more brown than when I saw you last.” Stated Petra.

“Yeah, it’s been getting some of its original color back since Spring Festival Last Year.  I don’t know why.” Replied Edelgard.

The End 

 

Then, this morning, still not feeling whole, still not feeling fully well, this exacerbated by the weights I've born lately, I fought four Smash Bros. matches and produced the following two screenshots.

 

Yang Xiao Long, I've realized, I love not just because she's a kick-butt, strong independent woman.  I love her because she reminds me of one of my lesbian friends in my congregation at Garden Street United Methodist Church.  She's always been strong, her hands worn with work, kissing her now-wife on her forehead, having short, blue-dyed hair.  She reminds me why I fight for what I'm fighting for.  Here's hoping things improve in Season 9 of RWBY and in real life.