"It's time we ended the oppression by merging faunus and humans as equals!"
Weiss Schnee, president of the Schnee Dust Company stood tall and proud on an elevated stage, half of her body covered by a small podium. Beside her was her wife Blake, standing tall as Weiss proudly delivered her speech. All around them were the soaring metallic skyscrapers, flashing street lights and shining glass windows of downtown Atlas. The buildings towered over them, the windows blackened by the midday sun. They cast gloom over the city like steel monoliths, their blinding sparkling exteriors pronouncing the cities pride. The streets were scrubbed clean, so meticulously sanitized that it would appear that no living creature had ever lived there or that anything the city deemed unsanitary would simply be brushed away. The blinking lights of the crosswalks and street corners also seemed to portray that polished look, painting the glimmering streets in reds and greens.
Walk, don't walk, watch where you're going.
They gave silent orders as in the entire city was herding a population of their own kind. Mindless, droning robots existing only to take orders. To anyone new to Atlas Weiss sometimes wondered if it did.
"For to long, the faunus have been denied the basic treatment offered to every Remnant citizen and I intend to change that, starting with Atlas"
In front of the stage was a sizable crowd, the rally had attracted a good amount of people this time but setting up in the middle of the bustling heart of the city probably helped.
However, attention was mixed.
The crowd shifted in and out of density, high brow citizens mixed with everyday people would come in and out of the performance. The richest members stood the tallest among them, having pushed themselves to the front. Seemingly too used to their own privilege to consider any other position. They stayed the longest but only to sneer at the stage and its occupants. They're faces were half curiosity half disdain, their arms folded or casually in their pockets like they were reading the morning paper, just another part of their daily routine.
Behind them were the regular citizens. They watched the presentation with mild interest, nudging each other and muttering things under their breaths, they provided the most spoken opinions among the gathering. Intermixed were people who came in and out, approaching the stage to satisfy their curiosity then shrugging and moving on to their destination.
At the end were the faunus, shifting nervously or half hidden in alleys. Not used to being out for so long without being noticed or pushed to the side but still deciding to attend rather out of support or obligation.
If Weiss squinted she could see Tabby's tipped, white kitten ears pointing out from the very back of the crowd standing next to her siblings. She had tried to get the ten year old to dress up for the occasion but she refused, defaulting to her normal vest and shorts and Weiss was to pressed for time to debate her. That wasn't including the fact that her spiky hair was impossible to tame on a normal day. She wondered if her yellow eyes were glittering with excitement or rolling with boredom and if Manx and Chausie were behaving. They didn't have time to bring extra security for them before they left, so after some pleading they decided to bring their Great Dane Prince with them, the only reason why she agreed to let them stand at the back is that they would stick close but she still worried.
Weiss kept her eyes on her daughter's ears as she finished her speech "Many of you may doubt the legitimacy of the Schnee Dust Company in making these claims, so perhaps you would prefer to hear it from a faunus"
She moved aside to let Blake finish when something flicked in the corner of her eye. As she turned Tabby's ears fell, moving to the side. Weiss paused, she wouldn't think much of it but it felt odd. Tabby wouldn't go off on her own, she knew better and she certainly wouldn't leave the other two. Something didn't feel right and Weiss wasn't the type to ignore her instincts. She raised an arm, stopping Blake as she walked up.
Blake followed her wife's gaze, she knew Weiss well enough to pick up on her concern. She trained her ears towards the crowd, she couldn't see that far back but she heard nothing.
That's what gave her pause.
Weiss and Blake quickly descended the stage. A few members of the front row raised they're eyebrows as the couple ran past them.
She had to get to Tabby that was Weiss' only thought, she didn't know why she just had to. She pushed through the people, unapologetic to get to her child. She kept her eyes on the spot where she last saw Tabby's ears.
The crowd seemed to get denser as they pushed closer. Blake pointed her ears forward to catch any sounds. She couldn't see Manx or Chausie or for that matter, Prince. She was pushing closer but Blake's view of her children was still blocked. Her skin began to feel cold and clammy, something was definitely wrong. They were about halfway through the crowd, the people not put off by their intrusion started to disperse. They were close enough now that the kittens would hear their approach.
"Tabby!?" Blake cried "Tabby!"
"Manx, Chausie!" Weiss yelled
There was no response at first. Weiss' heart jumped to her throat.
Were they not there?
It became hard to swallow, she could feel sweat falling down the side of her face. A feeling of dread crept up her spine, the world around her started to spin. The crowd started to fade, molding together into a faceless formless mob. It formed closer together, getting taller and thicker until it was like a wall. The blobs had no sound, no objection as Weiss moved them aside.
It was endless, for every shape that moved there was another one in its place, blocking her from her kittens. Weiss felt like she was in an ocean, kicking and pulling as hard as she could but still being held by the current. She wished she was a faunus, she wished she could hear they're voices. Her head started to pound, a sharp pulsing pain at the front of her skull. They had to be there, they had to be
They had to be.
Blake felt dizzy, she didn't even know if Weiss was still beside her. She pointed her body forward, her ears twitched and swivelled, desperately searching for the slightest sound of her children. Was Chausie crying and she couldn't hear? She was so small for a five year old, her cry was distinct. Was Manx calling for her?
Were they further then she thought? Did they have to run?
What about Tabby, was she trying to protect them? If so, why wasn't she yelling for her mothers? Manx was always trying to act mature for an eight year old, maybe he was trying to keep them quiet.
But why?
Every moment of silent felt like a punch in the gut. If they were here they would let them know. They knew Blake could hear them, she could always hear them.
But if they couldn't, what if they're cries were going unheard.
What if they were separated?
"Manx, Tabby, Chausie!" She wailed "Call if you can hear us!"
Blake's eyes started to dampen, she blinked to dry them but that just freed the blinding tears to fall down her cheeks. Her vision started to turn fuzzy, devolving into a watery, foggy mess. There had to be someone who was with them, there had to be someone who would answer her calls. There had to be someo...
Prince!
Of course, Prince would never leave them. If she couldn't hear him they had to be together. Blake took a shaky breath, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand.
"Prince, come here boy!" She called, trying to steady her voice "Prince!"
Sensing her wife's intentions, Weiss joined in her calls for their loyal dog.
"Prince!"
Finally a sound broke through the silence. It was a sharp cry but it was so sudden, impossible to hear if you weren't listening.
Blake paused, that sounded like Tabby.
Her heartbeat picked up, the sound came from the right. She broke into a run, she could hear Weiss' heels behind her. Blake's ears were still pointed, the sounds were getting louder.
Immediately after the cry a strangled yell rose above the crowd.
Blake heard someone swear, it sounded like a man.
A moment afterwards, the silence was interrupted by an anguished scream.
Weiss and Blake finally broke through the crowd. They were at the end of the street, the road veered off to a small alleyway to the right half hidden by the huge shining building of Atlas' National Bank.
Only then did Blake smell it, the scent of blood.
Tabby was crumpled up against the bank, next to the alley. She was bent over, the bangs of her black tipped white hair obscuring her eyes, her legs were splayed out. She was holding her right arm with clenched teeth. Her kitten ears were folded down, a stream of blood dripped down from her left ear to her shoulder from a deep cut. Her body was shaking
Standing above her was a man, his face covered by a hoodie. He leaned intimidatingly over the girl, his fist was clenched over a red stained knife and blood trickled down his other hand.
His body was trembling as he spoke "You think you get away that easy!?" His voice was rough and gravelly "A little shit like you doesn't deserve faunus blood, your a disgrace!"
Tabby flinched as he yelled.
"You'll never be e..."
His rant was interrupted by a loud bark. He turned as claws clicked across the pavement, racing towards them.
The man barely had time to react as a beast ran at him. A huge black and white spotted dog jumped, knocking the knife out of his hand with a raged growl, pinning him to the ground.
"Augh!" He pushed back as the dogs jaws attempted to clamp down on him "Get him off me!"
Tabby looked up weakly, her attention drawn by the vicious growling "Prince..."
Weiss' vision went red. All she could see was knife laying on the ground, covered in her daughters blood.
How dare he
How dare he.
"How dare you!"
She moved without realizing. She didn't care if she had to push Prince out of her way, she was going to rip his throat out. A single thought ran through her mind
He hurt her!
He hurt her!
He hurt my child!
She was going to tear his eyes out, she was going to snap his arm. She was going to make him feel every inch of pain he inflicted on Tabby, she was going to...
"Weiss!"
The president turned, Blake was holding Tabby in her arms. The girls head against her mothers chest and her arm lain slack. At her feet were the other two that in her rage, Weiss hadn't even noticed.
Chausie was glued to Blake's pant leg, her white pigtails shook along with the rest of her body. Her tail was wrapped around one of her legs but it was her eyes that surprised Weiss. They were wide and panicked, a green and yellow orb staring back at her but whether the fear came from her or the concern for her sister, Weiss didn't know.
Manx was on the other side. He didn't look panicked like Chausie, his arms were held back and his legs were split like he was expecting to run. Even his tail was pointed outward, the grey and black fur matching his hair. But his deep blue eyes weren't any less wide.
Blake's face was hardened but her eyes held so much sympathy "We don't have time for this right now" Her voice was rigid and controlled "We have to get Tabby to the hospital" Her arms trembled as she held the injured girl, her oldest kitten. She closed her eyes but her body continued to shake, she had to be feeling the same as Weiss.
A long sigh exited the faunus' lips "Leave him to security, we have to go"
Weiss' paused, her body trembled as she forced down her anger. She took steady breaths, trying to grasp the world around her. Blake was right, Tabby was hurt. As much as it pained her to pull away, she'd have to get her retribution later.
She turned to her daughter's loyal saviour, the growling dog still pinning the terrified man "Prince, no biting" She ordered, she still wanted him alive to interrogate him later.
Blake looked up, addressing the crowd "The rally is over for today, thank you for your time"
"My arm hurts..." Tabby whimpered.
Weiss grabbed her scroll, calling their driver to meet them there. A moment later, a long black limousine screeched to a halt in front of the confused crowd.
Prince kept his post, keeping the man still until he was picked up by two burly security guards. The loyal dog gave one last bark and turned, running after his family.
In the back of the limo Weiss grabbed roll after roll of tissues from her purse trying to staunch the blood pouring from Tabby's ear. The cut was deep and the bleeding wasn't letting up.
Tabby said nothing, only groaning when the the tissues were placed on her ear. It only then occurred to Weiss that she hadn't even cried through this whole thing. Manx and Chausie were silent, either to afraid or to apprehensive to speak up, Prince was laying his head on his mistress' lap, his wide brown eyes looking up at her with innocent sympathy, he whined pitifully.
Tabby groaned louder.
Blake looked up "Francis, step on it" She ordered their driver.
The car pulled forward but it wasn't over yet, it was a long drive to the hospital.
A week later Weiss paced nervously around her office. The room was large and airy, an intricate rug lay on the floor muffling her heels. To the right were several bookcases lining the walls, to the left was a small desk in front of a grand bay window. The curtains were drawn, casting white light into the room. It was the beginning of summer and the sky hadn't turned pink yet. Weiss preferred the natural light, the only other source was a small lamp on the immaculately organized desk only covered in pictures of her children.
Blake sat at the desk, watching her wife wear a hole in the floor.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Weiss asked for the third time.
"It's the best idea we have" Blake answered simply.
"But uprooting them like this, it seems kind of sudden" Weiss argued "What if they-"
Her concerns were cut off by a rapping on the door.
Blake looked up "Come in"
A young man entered the room. He was tall and lean wearing a polished black suit, his eyes were covered by a pair of black shades. His shaggy light brown hair stuck out every which way despite an obvious attempt to tame it. He walked proud, back straight and arms at his side like a well trained soldier. He stopped in the middle of the room, turning on his heel to face the couple.
"Mr Constantine?" Blake asked.
The man nodded "Yes ma'am" He lifted his gloved hand removing his glasses, his eyes were hazel but looked friendly despite his rigid posture "Please, call me Vincent"
Blake nodded, folding her hands on the desk in front of her "Vincent, this situation is a bit unorthodox for my wife and I but your credentials were the best in the academy"
Vincent smiled, bowing slightly "Thank you"
"Which is why" Blake continued "You've been chosen for this assignment, what do you know about the Schnee family?"
"Not much Ma'am" Vincent admitted "I've been briefed a bit about this job but not everything"
"I see" Blake's eyes drifted to Weiss', the conversation didn't seem to diminish her worry. She sighed, she would be lying if she said she didn't understand it.
She turned back to Vincent, might as well not put off the inevitable "Due to.." She paused, wringing her hands "Recent events, we'll be sending our children to my wife's sister for the summer"
"I'll be expected to guard them?" Vincent finished.
"Correct"
Vincent nodded "I understand, how many are there?"
"There's three" Weiss answered this time "The oldest is ten"
Vincent nodded again
"We understand how odd it is to bring in an Alas soldier for this job" Blake interjected "But understand we can't send them on their own without extra security"
Vincent placed his arms behind his back "I will do as ordered"
Blake shifted her gaze to Weiss again, she still seemed apprehensive but stated no objection.
"Shall I meet them?" Vincent asked.
Blake nodded "Of course"
The children were collected in Tabby's room on the second floor. The trio walked down the hall silently, This all seemed so wrong to Weiss, sending them away when they would need them the most but they couldn't bring them to anymore rallies and she didn't trust their safety home alone.
This was the only option they had.
She tried to tell herself it was just for the summer and they'd be back in the fall for school but it didn't make it any better. The memory of that event still twisted at Weiss' heart, she always wondered could it have been any worse?
What would've happened if they hadn't gotten there when they did, would he have gone after Manx or Chausie next? Would Tabby had gotten more hurt then she was? Would she have... lost one of them?
Weiss shivered, banishing the terrible thoughts from her mind. What done was done, there was no need to to make it worse. They'll be safe at Winter's, she knew it.
They arrived at Tabby's room. Blake knocked to announce they're arrival and entered.
Tabby was resting on a window seat, overlooking the manor's main gardens. Her arm was wrapped in a cast kept close to her body with a sling, gauze was taped to her ear to cover up the stitches. Prince was at her feet and Manx and Chausie were next to her.
They turned as the door opened. Blake smiled as they entered, arranging themselves around the room. Tabby looked between the adults, her eyebrows were drawn together as she examined them.
Blake gestured to their guest "Everyone this is Mr Constantine, remember the guard we talked about"
"Constan-tine?" Chausie repeated slowly
Blake nodded "That's right"
"That's hard to say" Manx chimed in
Tabby scrunched her nose, turning back to the window.
Weiss recognized that expression, she raised an eyebrow at her oldest daughter "Tabby, is there something you want to say?" She asked
Tabby stiffened, her body trembled a common gesture when she was trying to keep something to herself. Though of course she never could, she quickly turned back "Why do we have to bring a suit with us anyway?" She asked "Isn't Aunt Winter enough?"
"Yeah, and Prince" Chausie added
Weiss expected this, her children were as unsure as she was "I understand, but this the best option" She tried her best to stay calm but she knew the same apprehension that was running through her was running through them "You'll be safe with your Aunt"
"But do we have to go?" Manx asked "Can't we stay here?"
Weiss looked into her son's eyes, she could see all his worry. This was the first time they'd be separated for so long. She wanted to wrap all three of them in a hug, to tell them they didn't have to go anywhere but this was the best option, for all of them.
It's what they had to do.
Weiss looked away, she couldn't stand to look into their pleading expressions and feel the fear running through all of them without tearing up.
"It's not forever" Blake said comfortingly "You'll be back for school, you'll see"
Chausie bit her lip, staring down at her feet "I don't want to go..." She whispered
Blake knelt down next to them, placing her hands on their shoulders "Come on now you'll have lots of fun with Aunt Winter, you remember her right?" She smiled, trying to lighten the mood seemed to be the only thing she could do but she didn't want them to be scared.
They all nodded hesitantly
Weiss sighed looking back, leave it to Blake to stay calm when she felt like she was falling apart "You'll have each other too" She added "You can look out for each other and Prince will be there"
The grand dog, who had been listening quietly, barked at the sound of his name
The president could feel her heart was breaking as she watched them. Sending them away made it seem like they didn't want them that they weren't strong enough to stay together. She wondered if that what was going through their heads that they wanted to yell and kick and object until they agreed to keep them here but were holding back.
Blake took their hands "You'll do that for us right?" She asked, almost pleadingly "You'll stay together?"
The siblings looked at each other, a spark of understanding seemed to light between them and they nodded.
Blake sighed, closing her eyes in relief "Good" She kissed each of their heads and stood up "Go ahead and grab your luggage, we'll be leaving soon"
Manx and Chausie hopped up, silently heading to their rooms with their gazes were fixed to the ground. Tabby stayed, staring out the window just like she did when they first walked in. Blake couldn't read her expression.
Tabby was usually so energetic and playful it killed Blake to see her so melancholy. She must be holding back a lot.
The faunus ran her hand over her kittens head, tangling her fingers in her soft monochrome hair "It'll be okay" She whispered softly, leaning in "Your strong, you'll see"
Tabby stiffed but offered no response.
Vincent stood by the door with a look of pride on his face. He had watching the family exchange silently, all at once he understood the enormous trust the couple was putting in him.
He intended to live up to that trust.
An hour later, Weiss packed the last suitcase into the limo "That's it, we're ready to go" She announced. The family and Vincent piled in and they headed out.
The limo was uncomfortably silent. No one knew what to say, they barely even dared to move. Chausie was clinging to Weiss, as if letting go would mean she would melt away. Manx was next to Vincent, he was sitting straight and proper with her hands on his lap but his calm expression was forced. It was amazing how much he reminded Weiss of herself sometimes.
Tabby was across from them with Prince lying at her feet, his dark eyes staring up at her sadly from between his paws. The young faunus girl kicked her feet impatiently, she was turned away from them.
Chausie looked up, staring curiously at her new bodyguard "What was your name?" She asked innocently.
Vincent smiled down at the tiny girl "Call me Vinc-"
"Tina!"
They all turned, Tabby had bolted up pointing at Vincent with a crazed expression "Your name is Tina!" She announced boldly
Vincent was taken aback "Ex-cuse me?"
Tabby's eyes widened, like Vincent had just asked something that was obvious to her "Well, Constantine is really hard to say so I'm gonna call you Tina"
Chausie giggled "Tina" She repeated
"Yeah, Tina" Manx joined in
The three siblings started repeating it, laughing and poking at the man much to his dismay.
Weiss smiled, they nicknamed him at least that was good. It made her feel a bit better knowing that after everything that had happened, they were still able to laugh.
The car pulled up on Winter's house too quickly. Tabby stared at it as they drove up the driveway, she had only been to the home a few times when she was little but she remembered a few details. Winter wasn't rich like they were and her house was small but Tabby always thought she liked it small. The outside was blue, it was only one story with a wrap around porch. Tabby was at least glad the swing was still there. The house was also outside the city so there was some grass around it.
Tabby saw her aunt on the porch as the limo coasted to a stop. She was in casual clothes, she waved but stood stiffly with her other hand behind her back, to conditioned as a soldier to stand any other way. The family was silent as Francis came around and opened the door.
The sisters acknowledged each other as Winter came up to help them with the luggage. The siblings piled out, taking in their unfamiliar surroundings. Tabby's memories of the home were fuzzy but Manx and Chausie couldn't remember anything. They stuck close together, holding their suitcases.
Prince hopped out last, he sniffed the air cautiously never leaving his young masters sides.
Winter raised an eyebrow at the dog, leaning in to her sister "You didn't say they were bringing a pet" She muttered
Weiss smiled apologetically "I hope you don't mind" She whispered "They couldn't bear to leave him behind"
Winter stared into her little sister's face. She was never one for dogs but Weiss was already going through so much pain, she couldn't bring herself to deny her "I'll pick up some dog food" She sighed.
Weiss smiled.
The luggage was brought inside and soon the time came, the time to say goodbye. The family faced each other, there seemed to be nothing to say in that moment just uncomfortable silence as they awaited the inevitable.
Weiss spoke to break it "Now be good for your Aunt Winter and try to behave, we'll see you in September"
"Don't eat too many sweets and try to have fun" Blake added in
"Mama... I'll..." Chausie paused, her head pointed to the ground. Her tiny body trembled, her hands gripped the handle of her suitcase until they started to turn red. She whispered, so low that Blake and Weiss could barely hear it "I'll miss you..."
Weiss could feel a lump forming in her throat "I know honey, we'll miss you too, all of you"
Blake tried to think of something else to say, some other advice she could give to keep holding on a little longer but she couldn't.
The family pulled each other into a tight hug, clinging desperately to hold on to the last few moments together.
They pulled back to soon. Weiss and Blake smoothed back their children s hair, trying their best to smile.
"We'll see each other soon" Blake whispered "We love you all"
They hugged again and the siblings watched as the car pulled out, carrying their parents with them. They waved until the limo was out of sight.
Leaving them alone with their aunt, their dog and their bodyguard.
Winter took a deep breath, trying to rid herself of the thick atmosphere "Okay, grab your suitcases" She ordered "I'll show you where you're staying"
The house opened up to a small boot room. They kicked off their shoes and Winter led them to the living room. It was simple, clean and immaculately organized with a door leading out back. There was a TV and a small computer but not much outside of that in terms of entertainment. There were few pictures on the wall, mostly of the Schnee sisters at varying ages, pictures of the siblings as babies and a few photos of Winter in the military, no other family members were shown.
"I only have my room and a guest room so you'll all be sharing the same bed" Winter explained "I hope you don't mind using the couch Mr...? She turned to Vincent.
The Atlesian soldier smiled politely "Constantine, but please call me Vincent" He bowed his head "I don't mind at all Miss Schnee"
"Tina" Tabby interjected
"Tina..?" Winter repeated confused
Vincent sighed "It's a long story" He lamented
Prince lagged behind them, getting accustomed to the new smells but following them diligently.
Winter opened a door at the end of the room "Here's the guest room" The room was small, a large bed took up most of the space with a closet to the right. Luckily there was a TV facing the bed so they wouldn't be completely bored.
"You can leave your suitcases here" Winter continued.
"Um Aunt Winter, can we use the bathroom?" Chausie asked innocently.
"Of course you can" Winter answered "Why would you need to ask?"
"We didn't have time to shower before we left" Manx added.
"I see" Winter had only one bathroom so they had to go one at a time. Tabby would take the longest so Winter decided to let her go first. The bathroom was small, just like everything else there was a standing shower and a low bathtub against the back wall.
Deciding it was easier for Tabby's cast, Winter leaned over the tub, she waited until the water was chest height and put in the plug.
Tabby pulled at her vest but trying to remove your clothes with a sling wasn't an easy feat. Winter knelt down helping her, she carefully slipped off the sling and pulled off her shirt and vest. Finally free, Tabby slipped out of the rest of her clothes.
Winter placed a small towel on the edge of the tub "Be careful not to get your cast wet" She warned as she helped her in.
Tabby rolled her eyes "Yeah, yeah I know" She said quickly. She had heard the doctor drone on enough about that at the hospital. Winter left as Tabby sank into the water, she gently placed her arm on her towel and sighed, leaning her head back.
She stared lazily at the tiles on the ceiling. She knew her aunts bathroom was different then theirs but she couldn't help comparing them. Her family's main bathroom was huge with white marble and spotless checkered floors. They had a huge round bathtub in the corner it stretched further then her arm span, less of a tub then a swimming pool. When she was little she used to pretend it was a swimming pool, she imagined she was a pirate commanding her armada of toy boats and pouncing on sea monsters, which usually ended up being whichever mother was trying to wash her. Occasionally they would bring out a few bottles of bubble bath and the three of them would create such a huge, wet, soapy, terrible mess that by the end the entire bathroom was dripping from sink to ceiling and the servants had to spend most of the next day cleaning it.
They didn't bring out the bubble bath often.
It was all so different now, this bathroom was so quiet. No bath toys, no soapy water and absolutely nothing to look at. She sunk down lower, staving off her boredom by blowing bubbles in the lukewarm water. Her eyes drifted down, peering above the water while her hair floated around her.
There was a bar of soap in front of her, she was about to reach over and grab it when she heard the door peek open. She peered over the edge of the tub, that's right she didn't hear it click shut when her Aunt left. She expected to see Winter coming in with extra towels or something but instead she heard clicks.
Tabby only realized her visitor when it was too late to stop him. Her objection was cut off as Prince bounded in the room, jumping paws first into the waiting water.
The cat girl laughed joyously as her dog bounded about, barking loudly and sending water everywhere "Prince, stop!" She cried, covering her face from the splashes. The Dane ignored her pleas, jumping and pouncing like the bath was a giant puddle.
Tabby could barely breath she was laughing so hard.
Winter threw open the door, drawn by all the commotion "What's going on in here!?" She yelled. She stopped when she saw the giant dog jumping around, soaking her bathroom.
"Prince!" She shrieked, loud enough to be heard over the laughter and barking "Bad dog, stop that!" She rushed over, grabbing the giant by his collar and dragging him forcefully from the tub. The dog responded by shaking, sending the bath water flying.
Winter sheltered her face, sputtering and groaning as the wretched dog drenched her. By the end she was almost as wet as her niece and Prince was panting happily. Winter glared at the beast, shaking the water from her arms, she was about to reprimand the mutt when the door bell rang.
Winter rolled her eyes "Oh, what now?" She groaned, she quickly grabbed a towel from the cabinet, sending a quick warning to Tabby to hurry up, who was pounding the rim of the tub with her good arm in a vain attempt to catch her breath and left, dragging Prince behind her.
The Dane scampered off as Winter dried herself off, trying to make herself presentable as she approached the door. She expected a solicitor or mail person but stopped short when she saw who stood on her porch "Oh General Ironwood, welcome"
The broad man bowed his hand at his subordinate. He was in rare casual clothes, a blue sweater and slacks. Not uncommon wear in the summers of Atlas where even the warmest days had a chill to them. He stood proper with his arms behind his back and he was clean shaven. Neat, polite and commanding as a general should be.
"Good evening, Winter" He greeted cordially "You wanted to see me?"
Winter ran a hand tiredly over her face. Right, in all the excitement she had forgotten she'd invited the General over an hour ago. She took a deep breath, looking up at her commanding officer with a professional smile "Come in, General"
She stepped aside, closing the door behind them.
"So what did you need?" James asked.
"Well, I don't know if you've heard from my sister as of late" Winter answered, trying to appear proper in front of the General "But due to circumstance, I'll be keeping watch over my nieces and nephew for the summer so I'd like to request time off from duty to properly care for them, I thought it best to ask face to face then over scroll"
Even asking this small favour of the General felt odd to her. She never asked him anything before so even this request made her feel like she was crossing her boundaries.
James rubbed his chin thoughtfully "I see" He said slowly "Something must have happened to put them in your care"
"It's..." Winter paused, trying to find a way to put it delicately "Extenuating circumstances"
James nodded understandingly, returning his arms behind him his back "Take all the time you need, I'm sure the military could afford to lose its top specialist for a few months" He smiled.
Winter's body relaxed and she returned it genuinely "Thank you, sir"
"Who's that guy?"
The pair turned, Tabby was standing at the end of the boot room wrapped in a towel. Her arm was still out of its sling and hung at her side, she had the other across her chest like she was trying to cross them. Her hair clung to her neck and shoulders and she watched them with a suspicious look in her eye.
Winter looked between them, she smiled at James trying to distract from the fact that Tabby was basically glaring them down. She gestured at the girl "General this is my niece Tabby" She turned to the girl "Tabby this is General Ironwood, I answer to him in the military"
James nodded "It's nice to meet you"
Tabby tilted her head side to side, scrunching her nose as she inspected them "You don't look like a General" She commented.
"Well, I thought it best to change clothes before I came here" James explained.
Tabby's eyebrows snapped together "Did you kill anyone?" She asked scrupulously "You have to kill someone to be a General"
"Tabby!" Winter snapped. The girl quickly turned, walking away before her aunt could get another word in. The specialist had to grit her teeth to avoid losing her temper, the bluntness of that girl she was definitely her sister's child.
The presence at her back reminded her that the General was still there. She plastered a smile and turned "I'm sorry about that" She apologized quickly.
James waved her off dismissively "It's fine, children will be children" He smiled "Either way, if that's all you wanted to discuss I should go"
"Of course" Winter held open the door "Have you good night, General"
"You too, Winter"
The bathroom took so long to clean that Manx and Chausie had to shower together to save time which didn't bother them as Chausie was still unfamiliar with the house and stuck close to her brother anyway. After the whole fiasco, Winter headed out to get supplies for Prince and pick up anything missing from their luggage. The younger Schnee siblings went with her but Tabby had to stay behind with Vincent.
The young cat faunus sat bed, propped up by pillows. Her arm was once again tied in its sling and wearing a long nightshirt. She pointed the remote at the TV, the holographic screen popping up in front of her. It opened on a news program.
"Onlookers are still reeling after the attack on the Schnee Dust Company Heiress Tabby Schnee, the attack occurred during a rally in favour of the White Fang yesterday and while the assailant was taken into custody the children have been moved to an undisclosed loca-"
Tabby changed the channel.
The next program was a kid's show and Tabby leaned further into the pillows.
An hour passed then another and soon everything started to meld together. Tabby blinked tiredly, she had tuned out a while ago and now stared like a zombie at the flashing screen. She groaned, sinking further into the pillows trying to force her increasingly slipping interest. However this just proved to turn her jadedness into annoyance.
Eventually she grabbed the remote, chucking it across the room "Ah, I'm so bored!" She growled. Feeling thirsty she hopped up, heading to the kitchen.
Vincent was sitting on the couch with Prince at his feet as Tabby stormed through the living room. The kitchen was through an arch at the end of the room and wasn't hard to find. She threw open the fridge and grabbed a juice pack that Winter had purchased before they arrived and gulped it down.
Vincent peeked in "Anything wrong, Miss?" He asked innocently.
Tabby whipped around "What is taking them so long!?" She cried "There's nothing to do!"
"I'm sure they'll be back shortly" Vincent replied flatly.
Tabby groaned
Vincent thought for a moment but being a rather practical individual he couldn't think of much in terms of entertainment and thus suggested the first thing he thought of "If your bored, there is still a lot of unpacking to do" He replied.
Tabby rolled her eyes "That doesn't help, Tina" She muttered.
Vincent sighed, closing his eyes "Miss, my name is Vincent" He corrected dryly.
Tabby pulled her lips into a line, kicking the fridge door shut behind her "My parents may have hired you but as far as I'm concerned your working for me" She replied stubbornly "Which means I can call you whatever I want"
Vincent lowered his head, his young Miss was only ten but so far reminded him of the toughest drill sergeants from his time in the military. He wondered if she was used to speaking like that, either way it seemed like the nickname was staying.
With her decree heard Tabby reached up to itch her bandaged cat ear, which was easier said then done with an occupied hand as her drink nearly spilled "Ugh, I hate this stupid sling!" She cried.
Vincent nodded understandingly "It's needed-"
"I know it's needed!" Tabby snapped "Doesn't mean I have to like it and can you believe how long I have to keep the cast on, six weeks, six weeks, can you believe it!?"
"If it's Doctors orders" Vincent stated.
Tabby pulled her lips into a line again which seemed to be common expression when she was annoyed.
Vincent scratched his chin "By the way, I wondering" He hadn't gotten much context on the Miss' injuries and though he tried to contain it, the curiosity was eating at him "It's alright if you don't want to answer, but I wasn't given much insight on the incident and I just wanted to know, what happened?"
Tabby took another sip of her drink "I bit him" She stated simply
"You... bit him?" Vincent repeated.
Tabby nodded "Yeah I bit him, he was trying to cut my ear off that's why he threw me into the wall, I didn't ask for a broken arm"
"Indeed"
Tabby chugged the rest of her juice and left it on the counter, walking past her bodyguard "Prince, let's go see if there's anything on TV now" She ordered.
The Dane barked cheerfully, following her.
Vincent watched after her, she answered everything so easily. He didn't know if she was brave or hadn't properly processed everything as she treated the entire scenario as nothing more then an aggravating inconvenience. The child he saw now was so different then the quiet one he had met, it made him wonder what was going through her head at the time. He shook his head, he didn't know enough to form an answer and didn't want to assume anything. He put the thoughts out of his head as he grabbed his Miss's juice pack, throwing it away.
Winter returned before long, luckily the siblings had ate before leaving so she didn't have to worry about dinner and thought it best to get them to bed. After helping them find their pajamas and making sure their teeth were brushed she started to put away the groceries she had picked up.
Vincent grabbed a can "Please, let me help" He offered.
Winter smiled politely "Thank you"
They worked in silence, Vincent not familiar enough with the woman to consider any small talk and Winter to tired to offer any pleasantries, only speaking up to tell Vincent where to put something. But even then, something was eating at her.
Only when they finished did she talk "Tabby, was she alright today?"
Even though the faunus had to stay behind for the sake of her arm when they went out, Winter had still worried.
Vincent nodded "She seemed to be, she's a fiery young girl"
A small smile spread on Winter's lips "Yes, she has been ever since she was little but I wonder if she's taking everything well"
Even though that same thought had entered Vincent's head he certainly didn't want to worry the specialist "If anything she's brave and this whole incident doesn't seem to have diminished any spark she has, if that spark leads her to be loud and brash"
The soldier chuckled "I suppose" She looked up at the man with a much more genuine smile "Thank you"
Winter yawned as she shut off the living room light, it had been a long day and she was looking forward to some well earned sleep. She walked past the guest room and paused, she knew they were all tucked in but she still wanted to peek.
She slid open the door quietly, giving her eyes a chance to adjust.
What she saw surprised her.
The siblings were fast asleep, they're soft breathing echoing through the room but that wasn't what interested her. Prince was spread across them his head on his paws like a security blanket, he had even taken special care by avoiding Tabby's cast. He slept peacefully, an occasional flicking ear the only sign of alertness.
He lay there like he was protecting his own puppies
Winter smiled as she watched, the weight of day seemed to melt off her shoulders. She was unsure she would be a decent guardian at first but now she understood her sister's decision. No matter what, they were safe and that was all that mattered. She didn't know what was going to happen but she had been trusted to protect them and protect them she would.
She whispered a small goodnight to them from the doorway and silently closed it, heading to bed with the warm smile on her lips.