A Different Perspective
A/N: This story is meant to bring a new perspective to the Schnee family, specifically Weiss's father, and to shed light on both the implied and explicit lore of the series. This won't be an action packed thriller, romantic fluff, or your usual fanfic. This is going to be a fleshing out of the Schnee family, business, and lore with my own "realistic" spin on it. I say again, do not expect war-zones, lemons, fluff or feels in much abundance. This is the story of an emotionally stunted man who runs the biggest Dust company in all of Vale as he struggles to reconnect with his daughter, do what he sees as right, and protect what he values. So angst may or may not be a prevalent theme, but business transaction, intrigue, war and ethics will be prevailing themes.
Before we start I'm going to need to set down some of my own 'verse' rules, seeing as we will be delving into Dust and its uses, as well as its implications in the RWBY verse. The technology level of this verse is never explicitly stated, but I think we can all agree it's well into and likely past the Western worlds current level. Especially militarily, seeing as they have highly advanced aircraft that can move at great speed while also acting as a helicopter. Androids and other autonomous machinery also prove this point. Moving on, the current political state of the world is likely a bunch of kingdoms. This is established in episode 15, and who lives under what is never made clear. Finally, in episode 2 its stated that the Schnee company is "one of the largest producers of energy propellant in the world".
Right before Blake says this Weiss implies that Dust is this verse's version of power/propellant "Fire, water, lightning, energy!" So Dust must be needed to power weaponry, boats, electronics, and other everyday devices that require power. This includes anything that may use oil, so large boats/tankers that we see are, again, powered by Dust as are the aircraft and even the "scrolls"(tablets) at the academy. This would also explain as to why there needs to be Dust shops open all over cities. If it only powered weaponry I can't imagine how any of these small shops would stay in business. It can also be assumed that different colors of Dust are used for different utilities. Lightning for electricity and fire(red) for combustion with a combination of the two being used for a multitude of purposes. Now that this essay is over let's get started. If you have any verse questions, concerns, ect just PM me. Hope any and all readers enjoy!
Disclaimer: Never got this point of these things...I do not own RWBY or anything associated with it, the characters are not mine outside of those of my own creation. I am not making any money from making this.
Augustus Schnee was a simple man. All he demanded was the best, both from his family and employees. Being the head of the Schnee Dust Company wasn't what all the media and commoners thought it to be. Sure, he had wealth, power, respect and prestige but the stress and effort needed to run such a business weighed heavily on his mind. He had little time for trivial things such as family, his wife understood that until the day she was murdered by the White Fang.
He never told Weiss the truth surrounding her mother's death, who wanted to be a huntress. She wanted to protect those who could not protect themselves. Telling her the truth would only sour her chances of success. Today was actually the day that Weiss had left the Schnee estate for Beacon Academy, a school where legends were born. He worried little for his daughter. Weiss knew that she would be the sole inheritor of the Schnee Company and its legacy, no amount of military training would ever change that.
Looking back on what had caused him to pull some strings to get Weiss into Beacon made his heart swell with pride. His daughter had learned all she could from the best trainers at the age of 16, surpassing some even. It was one of the few times Augustus himself was there to push Weiss to be the best she could be, reminding her of the legacy she was to inherit, of the responsibility that awaited her far into the future. Augustus Schnee could still be considered young, at the age of 34 he had no doubt that he was a rather handsome man. Standing to his full height of 5" 9' Augustus made his way around his organized work was truly of high quality, being made of polished marble it fit well into the white and light blue color scheme the Schnee family adopted. His office was no exception. White shoes clacked on marble floor as Ice Blue eyes came into focus.
Now was not the time for sentiment, he had another merger to negotiate. Fixing his light blue tie, Augustus Schnee looked himself over in a mirror on the wall. His snow white hair, skin and suit gave off a cold impression, with icy blue eyes completing the frigid business look. The only thing that remained of his younger self was his long hair. Though even that was made to give off the most intimidating look. Framing his sharp jaw as it reached for his neck, his blue eyes were given more color as white bangs came down to just above his eyes. Content with his appearance, Augustus steeled himself and opened a large white wooden door.
"Please, do come in. I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival." Faking a warm voice was effortless now. Years of practice had long since dulled his emotions when he worked. The only problem was he did nothing but work.
"Thank you Mr. Schnee. Your too kind." Calculating black met icy blue as the two company owners sized one-another up. Both knew that this moment was an eventuality. Not even the most tenacious could hope to compete with a Stalwarts were the final stepping stone to achieving a monopoly in the Kingdom of Vale. Now, like all other competitors, they were on the verge of bankruptcy and wanted to salvage what little they could.
Stepping aside, Augustus motioned for the elderly businessman to take a seat by his desk. There was already a white cushioned chair waiting to be occupied. Closing the door with a near silent click, Augustus had to keep a genuine smile from crossing his face as Mr. Stalwart looked at his office in poorly contained awe. He was rather smug every time it happened, he had designed the space after all. He knew the light blue walls were a good choice, as were the many glass works of art stationed around the perimeter of the room. All of it made to show wealth.
"So what has brought you down to my humble abode this evening?" His voice deep and monotone, Augustus knew how to hide his glee at finally getting the monopoly he had long wished for. The aging Stalwart was less happy. The dejected sigh told everything he needed to know.
"Let's not waste our precious time with pleasantries. Stalwart Dust would like to merge with your company. All capital and financial assets are ours, and we have no outstanding promises or debt. Would you agree to letting us stay in management under a generous salary?"
Showing no outward signs of emotion, Augustus opened a drawer on his right and brought out the large contract he had made long in advance. He had been waiting for months now after all. "I think we both know that you are in no position to negotiate pay. To be blunt, you ran a very efficient company but your labor policy dealt you a fatal blow. You will get the starting salary of 145,000 per year, still a rather large amount, and retain control of your sector. If your profits fall below desired levels you will be replaced immediately..." stretching out his hand, Augustus waited for the handshake he knew would come. "Do we have a deal?"
He only had to wait a second before he felt the a wrinkled hand shaking his own. It was Schnee tradition to give company rivals a second chance to prove themselves. It also really helped in getting easy mergers. As rare as they were, for many simply crumbled under the overwhelming force of the Schnee Dust Company, it was nice to have a merger negotiated in under an hour so he could get back to more pressing matters.
With a genuinely pleased, but small, smile Augustus lead his new found employee out of his office before closing the door and smiling smugly at the signed contract. Today was a good day. Now to get back to researching possible investments, approving trade deals, scheduling meetings with politicians, and making sure his daughter had arrived at her destination. The little details of this merger could wait. He didn't have people constantly watching over her, nor did he hack into Beacon's security system. No, he just called the servants that had taken her and her luggage to confirm everything went smoothly.
A/N: Whelp. That's chapter one. This is my first fanfic so keep that in mind if I ever get anyone to follow or review this. All criticism is welcomed.
STORY IS CURRENTLY UNDER MASS EDITING