Chapter 1
Chapter Text
Winter Has Come
The coliseum-like room reverberates with the sound of blade striking gauntlet.
Weiss and Yang sparred intensely in one of Beacon's lecture halls.
While the fencer utilized her hit and run tactics, the boxer bobbed and weaved, evading the Myrtenaster by narrow margins.
A strike grazes Yang's cheek, and causes her to manifest frustrating thoughts.
C'mon! "She" was faster than this. If you can't keep up with this speed, you'll end up losing again!
Weiss hits her with a three stab combo. Arm, arm, leg.
Out of irritation more than technique, Yang throws a wild haymaker. Though Weiss blocks the punch, the attack lands hard and sends her tumbling across the room. The fencer lands on her feet and shakes her head from the shock.
Hit after hit and nothing to show for it. How many times did my attacks actually find their mark, only to have her blast me across the room?!
Weiss and Yang chaffed under their own respective vexations. The fencer takes on her practiced form, while the boxer shifts to the balls of her feet.
The two combatants bolt towards each other. Weiss uses her Glyphs to glide smoothly through the air and Yang barrels down on her like a jet releasing its afterburners.
Just when the collision seemed imminent, Weiss uses her semblance to launch herself upwards at ninety degrees and back down towards Yang's shoulder.
The blade pierces a bit of flesh, but is taken a hold of by Yang's gloved hand. Pulling Myrtenaster out and swinging her opponent forward, she plants a shotgun punch clean on her sparring partner's face.
Weiss smacks hard on the ground, but eventually lands on her feet.
They both look at each other, panting hard with exhaustion. Yang nursed her injured shoulder, while Weiss wiped the blood from her lips.
They had been at it for hours.
The two of them fighting their own demons rather than each other. Memories of the events of "Breach" played out in their minds. Yang being handled with ease by Neo's finesse. Weiss being rag dolled by the White Fang Lieutenant's strength.
They each reflected the very thing that defeated the other, which was what led to the sparring session.
C'mon! Pull yourself together! If Weiss had aimed for your head, it would have been over. I can't keep getting outmaneuvered!
Yang badgered herself as Weiss had her own internal argument.
My strikes are too light! What's the point in having fast attacks if my enemy stands up right afterwards and trounces me?
Sitting on a bench, their scrolls alarmed for the umpteenth time. They were supposed to have ended their practice a while ago, and had been ignoring the timer's many chimes.
Weiss closed her eyes as she tried to remember her training. A cold female voice echoed from the recesses of her mind.
Remember, Weiss. A Schnee must carry herself with deadly beauty. Possess grace AND force. Inspire hope AND fear. Like an angelic violinist playing a devil's melody…
As the two were about to engage again, an odd ring tone filled the room. The scroll wasn't playing the timer's chime, but a caller's, and it was only Weiss's.
Weiss was going to ignore it but Yang held up her hand.
"It's probably Ruby. You should answer it."(Yang)
Weiss sighed and walked over to the scroll to see the ID of her caller.
She immediately froze upon reading the name.
Yang took notice of the sudden stiffness and glanced at the name displayed.
WINTER, it read.
"Hey, isn't that your sister?"(Yang)
The ringing ended and a red circle blinked on the display. After a moment of silence, the scroll began chiming again. Weiss flinched violently.
"Uh… Weiss?" (Yang)
"…Give me a minute." Weiss said as she sped out of the room.
"And I thought Ruby's semblance was speed…"(Yang)
It wasn't even a minute before Weiss ran back with a look of horror on her face.
"We have to go back. NOW!"(Weiss)
"W-What?"(Yang)
"Winter is coming…"(Weiss)
"Oh! Did Blake get you to watch Game of—"(Yang)
But she never finished her sentence as Weiss dragged her forcefully to their dorms, casting all her haste Glyphs along the way.
Back at team RWBY's dorm, Ruby was playing cards with Blake, and, for once, wasn't losing.
"Prepare, Blake Belladonna! This will be the day I've waited for~ "(Ruby)
And just as her victory was all but complete, Weiss burst into the room, dragging Yang and a heavy gust of wind behind her. The violent gale sent all the cards on the bed flying.
"…" Ruby stared blankly for a second. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
"What's going on?"(Blake)
"I WAS GOING TO WIN!"(Ruby)
"No, you weren't. I had a trap card, anyway. Weiss, what is it? You look pale…er… than usual."(Blake)
"You!" Weiss points at Blake. "Need to hide. Fast!" She points at Ruby. "And you. Stop your crying and put your speed to use! This room needs sprucing. Now!"
"Um, Ice Queen who rules over all that is bossy, I think you should tell us what's going on first."(Yang)
Weiss glares at Yang.
"You want to see the real 'Ice Queen'? My sister's coming for a visit and if everything isn't perfect, she'll…" Weiss's voice trails off as she imagines the consequences.
"Winter Schnee?" Blake asks with a strained voice.
They all turn to her and see she was wearing an expression of quiet anger.
Weiss is the first one to react and places her hand on Blake's shoulder with understanding.
"I know what you're thinking.
She has history with the White Fang. I've heard the stories, you're my friend, but she's still my sister. Which is why you need to disappear for a little bit."(Weiss)
Blake scowls but then checks her temper.
"Fine. I get it…"(Blake)
"… Sorry."(Weiss)
Everyone was momentarily taken back about Weiss apologizing so sincerely.
"Whoa…" Ruby awes with an open mouth. "Also, you have a sister?"
"ENOUGH! Get to cleaning! NOW!" Weiss yells hysterically.
Blake exits the room and asks team JNPR to shelter her, while Weiss, Yang, and Ruby move frantically to make the room more presentable.
"I don't know why we're in such a rush. I mean, your sister just called you a few minutes ago. It'll be hours before she even gets here."(Yang)
"She was probably nearby on business and decided to drop in on a whim, which means she could be here at any moment."(Weiss)
"What's your sister like?"(Ruby)
"My sister likes nothing and is willing to destroy everything."(Weiss)
"…Wha? I mean, what is she like?"(Ruby)
"She's..."
Weiss's words fail her.
"Is she that bad?"(Ruby)
"No! She's great. Really. My older sister is an exceptional musician, dancer, and warrior. The future successor of the Schnee Dust Company. She wields a significant amount of diplomatic influence and…and…" Weiss pauses. "We're not sisters like you and Yang, Ruby…"
A somber mood fills the room before Weiss speaks up again.
"Anyway! Don't do or say anything embarrassing!"(Weiss)
"Um—"(Ruby)
Weiss covers her mouth.
"I said don't say anything embarrassing!"(Weiss)
"Weiss, I think you need to calm down."(Yang)
"I am calm! I am completely and utterly CALM!"(Weiss)
The three suddenly hear movement outside their door. As they press their ears against it, they can discern a familiar male voice addressing someone on the other side.
"Why hello~ You must be Weiss's older sister. The name's Jaune Arc. Short, sweet—"
Apparently, Blake had told team JNPR about the situation and their leader had planned on getting good with the family.
*BANG*
Weiss burst through the door and cast Glyphs below Jaune, leading to the end of the hallway. He abruptly floated up and flew down the hall, gaining speed with every glowing circle he soared over.
"WAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaahhhhh…hh…h…"(Jaune)
Weiss was sweating profusely as she turned to her sister.
"Pay him no mind, sister! He was… a student who was suffering a concussion from our classes! Really, not in a great state of mind! Haha..ha..ha…"(Weiss)
"Bye Jaune…"(Ruby)
"See ya, lover boy."(Yang)
"He was suffering from a concussion and your solution was to levitate him, and sending him across the building...?" Winter spoke with a calm assessing tone.
"Uh… no. Well, see…"(Weiss)
"Please, Weiss. If you're going to lie, at least do it in a more plausible manner. And don't let your voice quiver. It gives it away."(Winter)
Immediately, Weiss, Ruby, and Yang stood with their spines rigidly straight. They eyed the real Ice Queen with both fear and awe.
Winter had her white hair cut to a practical length, while possessing beautiful bangs. She wore a sleeveless long dress that looked strangely like ballroom attire and battle armor at the same time. Fitting her feet perfectly were high stiletto heels, which gave her already exceptional height, even more daunting stature.
But what drew most attention were Winter's eyes. Piercing blue with the gaze of cold lithium. As if she expected the best performance out of others, but was eternally disappointed. It was hard to tell if she had ever blinked even once the whole time.
She smiled politely to the three, but there was no mistaking the air of intimidation exuding from her. It felt like Winter was measuring them all up, assessing their worth, and probing for weakness.
…And she most likely was.
The Ice Queen continued to stare cheerfully at the three, who were struggling to breathe and failing. An uncomfortable silence had lapsed before Weiss realized the reason for the tense stagnation.
She quickly elbowed Ruby in the stomach.
"GUH! OW—WAH AH I AM… Ruby! Nice to meet you… Weiss's sister!"(Ruby)
Yang attempted to salvage the situation.
"Helloo~ I'm Yang! I like your dress! It goes well with your…." Yang notices her weapon. "…Lance!"
Winter had her white and blue colored lance set on the wall, beside some luggage. The long weapon measured almost twice the height of its wielder. Welded steel designed as Blue rosed vines weaved elegantly to house the curved blades at both ends. Familiar looking revolver wheels were also attached to the shaft's edges.
All three gulped in synchronization upon eyeing the double ended lance more closely.
Winter stepped forward, grasped the ends of her dress and performed a perfect curtsey.
"My name is Winter Schnee. Executive Officer of the Schnee Dust Company. Thank you for taking care of my sister. It is a pleasure to meet you."(Winter)
Ruby struggled to respond to the formality and began bowing for some reason.
"Uh-h-h! Yes, please to meet you! I'm Ruby! Wait, did I already say that?!"(Ruby)
YOU DOLT!(Weiss)
Ruby, you've doomed us all…(Yang)
But Winter only smiled the same cold cheerful smile as before. She stepped in front of Ruby and Yang, placing a hand on each of their heads.
They both flinched.
"Cute." she commented ominously while petting them.
In the span of a few choice words, the Ice Queen had laid ownership to their souls….
In the team's dorm, Weiss nervously played tour guide to her sister.
Zwei quickly shuffled his short feet toward the new guest. Upon meeting a cold glare from Winter, the dog stopped, and reversed his shuffle into hiding.
"Not a… dog person?" Ruby inquired.
"I'm afraid not. Though I'm sure Weiss is fond of your pet, I'm more of a cat person. Oh, yes. Where is Blake Belladonna?"(Winter)
The three's thoughts raced.
"Sister, how did you know about Blake?"(Weiss)
"Please. Do you think I haven't done my research and kept track of your records? It's only natural I know who your teammates are."(Winter)
"Then… do you know she's…"(Weiss)
"Hm?" Winter raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing! Uh… I don't know. Ruby! Where is Blake?"(Weiss)
"Me?! I don't know at all either! It's a MYSTERY!"(Ruby)
"You are team leader, but you do not know the whereabouts of your teammates?" Winter asked in monotone.
*Gulp*
"Uh..I…uh…"(Ruby)
"Don't worry, I'm only teasing. I'm sure she's out training or what have you." Winter said smilingly.
Totally… not joking…(Ruby)
"If I may, could Weiss and I have the room for a bit? We need to have a little sisterly chat."(Winter)
Ruby could not have left the room any faster as the only thing that filled the space she was inhabiting, was her rose petals.
Yang smiled as she leisurely picked Zwei up from his hiding place under the bed. She left the room and closed the door.
"How have you been, Weiss?"(Winter)
"Well, dear sister. I'm at the top tier of my class, and am participating in the tournament soon."(Weiss)
"I see. Father was rather surprised you weren't chosen for team leader. 'Outranked by a peer two years younger,' he went."(Winter)
"Ah… did he…"(Weiss)
"Yes, but I wasn't surprised. I never thought you were leader material."(Winter)
The comments stung deep as Weiss struggled to keep a straight face.
"Inspire hope and fear, remember? A Schnee should have those around her afraid, and at the same time, irresistibly attracted to her. You never quite learned that."(Winter)
Winter walked over to a picture frame on a desk. It had all four members of team RWBY smiling jovially.
The older sister looked at Weiss in particular.
"I don't think I've ever seen you smile that much in any of our family photos."(Winter)
"…" (Weiss)
"Well… if you're happy, then maybe that's just fine. You're suited more for a support role, really."(Winter)
"…!"(Weiss)
"But a most reliable one at that. I will be depending on you heavily in the future."(Winter)
"What?"(Weiss)
"It's nothing to be surprised about. I have high expectations for you as my future right hand. You have the ability after all. There's no possible ally who is stronger, nor someone who I trust more."(Winter)
And just like that, like so many times before, Weiss's older sister gave a person confidence as easily as she could take it away. Maybe because she gave praise so scarcely, and high praise even scarcer, that when she did, it had such a deep impact.
Hope and fear… Weiss thought silently.
"Yes, sister. I won't disappoint you."(Weiss)
Winter caressed her cheek.
"Of course you won't. You never will."(Winter)
The moment was cut short as Winter's phone rang. She answered, said a few words, and then hung up with a business like efficiency.
"I've stayed long enough. Time to be on my way."(Winter)
"Oh, I'll see you to the gates. It's the least I could do for not receiving you there."(Weiss)
"Not at all. I'm sure I can find my own way."(Winter)
"…Yes. Please send my regards to father."(Weiss)
Winter nodded.
"It's a shame I didn't get to meet your fourth teammate. She seemed very unique on paper."
"Um… yes. I'll make sure to introduce you next time."(Weiss)
"I look forward to it."
As she was about to leave, she turned around.
"Don't forget your little childhood lesson, Weiss. As nice as your friends may seem, when the time comes, the only one who can save you is you."(Winter)
The words brought forth old memories that flickered through Weiss's mind.
"Take care."(Winter)
And with that, she was gone.
Weiss sighed heavily. All the air in her lungs must have exhaled as she felt like her life had shortened by a few weeks. She went over to the window and opened it violently.
"You can come in now."(Weiss)
Ruby, Yang, and Zwei nimbly entered the room.
"Wow, Weiss. Your sister is scary… No wonder you're… so Weissy."(Ruby)
"What does that mean?!"(Weiss)
"I kind of get it."(Yang)
""Huh?""(Weiss and Ruby)
Yang scratches her nose shyly.
"It's an 'older sister' thing."
"Okay… Well, I'm glad you're my sister, Yang…"(Ruby)
"Awwwww come here youuu!"(Yang)
"No…ugh… Stop…"(Ruby)
"By the way, what was that about a 'childhood lesson' at the end?"(Yang)
Weiss breathed another heavy sigh.
"It's a long story."(Weiss)
"Ooooh! A Weiss origin story! I love origin stories! AND FLASHBACKS!"(Ruby)
"Ugh… You pest…"(Weiss)
She gave a scowl, but was immediately met with Yang and Ruby's expectant eyes.
"Okay…. Well… it happened when…"
Winter's stiletto heels resonated pleasantly as she walked across the empty pathway. As she made her way between the fountain plaza to the school gates, something caught her attention.
Her pace halted and a grin crept over her face.
"Well, well, well, I get to meet the little kitty cat after all."(Winter)
With a short blur, Blake appeared in front of her.
"Winter Schnee…"(Blake)
"It's been a long time since we met that fateful day."(Winter)
"…"(Blake)
"Hm~ That's quite a lovely bow…But I think you look better without it."