I appreciate any good story with a villain focus that DOESN'T turn into or imply a contrived redemption bid (because those feel hideously played out by now).

Kudos on this one.

Do you think that Mercury has that close a bond with Cinder? Emerald, definitely but Mercury always struck me as being more of a mercenary, in it for what he could get out of the action rather than any personal loyalty to Cinder.

That was pretty good. Um Sally, remember what happened last year with this volume? Well you see if you look at the pattern, it's pretty obvious it will come back in the fall/Autumn (It means the same season, people) most likely in October just like LAST YEAR. So yes, we have RWBY Chibi to sustain us till then. Maybe everyone could do fanfiction on their interpretation of Volume 6 while we wait since I don't want to wish for Autumn to come so quickly anyway.
If you are doing a rose ship thing maybe find a way to get past the 'Ozpin in his head; issue ok?
Thank you! :)

Very nice story,i also ship Jaded, tought i'm on the redemption for those two. Best of luck for your story and good year.