Disclaimer: Still don't own it
I am still looking for a Beta to edit this story; anyone who is interested, please contact me. I also want to thank all those who read and leave reviews; I appreciate all of them. I really do want them though for this chapter since I have a character reveal in this one and want to know what you think of my portrayal.
Weiss was moody.
That was at least in both Blake's and Yang's opinion as they drove through Mantle to get to their destination.
They had gotten up early to make the trip; though they did have a nice breakfast in the morning which Weiss had catered. The meal itself had consisted of some pretty fancy omelets, hash browns, local fruit, and even cookies for Ruby. It seemed that Weiss partially owned a local restaurant that was available to deliver the minute she called; which she seemed to rely on to eat on more than a few occasions. It was when their meal arrived that they all noticed that her mood had somewhat soured from the night before though she wasn't being hostile towards them; though she did seem to snap at Yang when the blonde made a bad pun. After Ruby made her sister stay silent, the Schnee informed them of the route they were to take though she had yet to be specific on the destination itself. The plan was to visit the place and then head back to the house where they would go over their next move; just in case their visit didn't amount to anything being learned.
They had actually slept pretty good inside Weiss's house; though it had been a bit cold until the fire they started managed to resonate heat to the rest of the place. While Blake and Yang had taken one of the guest rooms, which happened to be as big as two of their rooms back on Patch, Ruby had practically forced her former partner to sleep in her own room instead of the basement where her office was; taking the room next to it so that she was close on hand. The Schnee had protested until she realized that even she was tired after the events of the last few days and reluctantly agreed; even letting the others make sure her room was secure enough and having her door stay open. The three also took turns on keeping watch for the night with Ruby taking the first one and the other two following. Ruby had spent the time patrolling the grounds and watching through the various windows, Yang had watched a little television on Weiss's state of the art entertainment system while Blake read; staying awake along with her girlfriend. While there was a chance that something could have happened, it was a quiet night.
As they drove, Weiss seemed to get gloomier; as if she was about to do something she was dreading. While Yang and Blake were clueless about what was wrong, besides from the obvious situation, Ruby had some suspicion on what could be wrong; especially with the clue of Weiss mentioning that they were visiting family. Out of the three of them, the red-cloaked Huntress knew the most about her friend; things being revealed about during their years together during the war. There had been times on the front lines, in places like Vacuo and Mistral, which Weiss had opened up about her life before meeting Ruby at Beacon. It was then that Ruby realized that she had been blessed with a loving family; even with some of the darker secrets that had been kept from her. It was more than tempting to convince the Schnee that there was no point to this trip, if her suspicions were correct on their destination, but also knew that there was a chance that this meeting needed to happen. During her long separation from Weiss, Ruby had come to understand that she should have helped her reconcile the issues she had with her past; instead of acting the way she did.
"Did we just enter Vale?" Yang all of a sudden asked in a confused tone as she made the turnoff Weiss had instructed her to do once they left Mantle proper. It was out of nowhere that they entered a whole lot of green that should not be this far north.
At first, they had been traveling across tundra that had patches of snow when they suddenly entered a tunnel and were surrounded by vegetation in the form of plants not known to this part of the world. There also seemed to be trees going alongside a paved road that led to a large complex ahead of them; resembling Vale architecture. Looking out the window, Blake could see that the looked to be a stone wall though it was hard to see through the trees; that appeared to be rather thick. Overhead, the sun shined down upon the vehicle and the air almost seemed to be warmer now; though Mantle was a little more warm compared to Atlas given that it was farther south on the continent. As they approached the main building, it almost resembled a resort that they had once attended years ago; just after the final defeat of Salem. The orange color that lined the stone buildings had white canopies that helped shield large patio areas from the sun with a large parking lot right in front. There were more trees and gardens that lined the perimeter with what looked to be guests as well as personnel going about their business.
"I think I know this place; isn't this that famous rehab center for the rich and famous?" Blake inquired as Yang parked her car in the guest section.
"It is; the elite from all Four Kingdoms come here when they have a problem so that it stays out of the public eye," Weiss explained as they got out of the car and headed to the main part of the complex. Given her tone, she was definitely in some sort of mood though she was at least polite in her answer.
"Why are we here? Do you have a problem we should know about?" inquired the blonde and she almost flinched at the glare her sister was now giving her; though Weiss seemed to have ignored her and walked towards the entrance.
They entered the building and found themselves in a large reception area; reminiscent of an actual resort. The floor was made of an ugly yellow tile what the walls were a light brown hardwood though the corners of the room seemed to be made of stone. Overhead were a series of headlamps to illuminate everything though the stained glass windows that lined the upper parts of the reception area had the day sun shining through; not to mention the skylights with two of them in between the lamps. The walls had pictures of various scenery depicting nature while potted plants were at located at certain places with two on either side of the door; the plants being palms that were native to Vacuo. There was a few recliners with a large couch off to the right as you walked in; a light grey color with a black coffee table in front of them. Facing the entrance was the front desk that was enclosed with the only way in being a door off to the side; another one behind the young woman who manned the station. Dressed in a white nurse's uniform though she wore pants instead of a skirt, the blonde smiled as Weiss and the rest of her friends approached.
"Hello; are you checking in or visiting? If you are checking in, did you make an appointment?" asked the nurse as she stood there and eyed the attire of the new arrivals. While Weiss had worn something more formal than her combat skirt, a white pantsuit with her weapon back in the car, the others were in their usual Huntress garb.
"Visiting actually; I am here to see Willow Schnee," Weiss told the women in a tone that almost seemed downcast to everyone else. While Yang was somewhat confused by the name since she had never heard of that particular Schnee before, Blake's eyes widened while Ruby hissed to herself at the drama that was to come.
"Your name and relation to Mrs. Schnee?" inquired the nurse as she checked the computer in front of her to see if the patient was taking visitors. She knew the woman quite well and understood that only blood relatives were allowed to see her.
"I am Weiss Schnee and she is my mother," the Huntress declared with a slight depressed tone of voice; as if she had been dreading this meeting. All three of her companions looked at one another in alarm though only Ruby knew the whole story when it came to the relationship between mother and daughter.
"This is a surprise and I can see her in you; well you are in luck since Willow is taking visitors at the moment and is out in the garden for her afternoon meditation. I'll have someone escort you," informed the receptionist as she pressed a button with another nurse appearing a few seconds later. This one though was a bit older and wearing a skirt; motioning to follow her through the door that just opened.
"I don't think I've even seen your mother before," Yang remarked as they followed the nurse though the corridor; passing another staff and patients along the way. Not once in all the years that she knew her did Weiss ever mention her mother to the group as a whole.
"It's complicated," was all that Weiss said and the resentment in her voice was well detected by all those around her. Yang was about to ask another question when the sharp look from Ruby silenced her.
They went through a series of hallways until they got to a door that led them outside; to what was a rather large garden area. There was a field of green grass, trimmed neatly, that was surrounded by a wall of hedges; though not tall enough to block any view. There were also a scattering of flower beds with different types of species in circle type setup with red brick separating the grass from the soil. The area seemed to take up the entire back of the complex with a line of trees standing in front of the same wall that surrounded the resort; all native to Vale. Blake could see security patrolling with dogs and assumed that they were thare of different reasons; to protect the patients and to make sure no one tried to make a run for it. While one could walk on the grass, there was a yellow brick road that provided a pathway through the green with many different branch-offs to take one to somewhere else. Off in the distance to their right looked to be a tennis court and pool area while the one to the left headed to another set of buildings that could be anything. Currently, they were heading to what appeared to be a large canopy area with chairs which a single occupant was; seated on the grass in the shade.
"Mrs. Schnee; you have a guest," announced the nurse as they approached the backside the seated woman. When she turned her head to view the new arrivals, which was when they got a good look at her with Yang seeing that this was Weiss's mother.
"Well; now this is a surprise," said Willow Schnee neutrally as she rose from the grass and stared at her daughter. The nurse then left with mother and daughter facing one another; the other three Huntresses hanging back a little.
Standing just a bit taller than Weiss, though only by an inch or two, the older woman was almost a spitting image of what her daughters would look like if they were much older; and with wrinkles. While Jacques looked rather well for his age, Willow appeared a little more haggard which might be because of the alcohol she drank; though only Ruby knew from Weiss about the alcohol addiction the older woman had. Even with her aged face, her skin was just as pale as her daughters and she shared their blue eyes; though Blake could see the weight in them as if she had gone through a lot in her years. Unlike Weiss and Winter, Willow had chosen to have her hair short with it going just above her shoulders and none the Huntresses could tell if it was grey because of her age or was just natural; it also seemed to be uncombed as if the woman had just woken up a little while ago and not bothered brushing it. Currently, she was dressed in a white bathrobe though one could see that she was still in her pajamas; a purple color with green slippers.
"Hello Mother," greeted Weiss though it was hard to put out the words to do so; especially the mother part. The older Schnee noted that however and smirked at her daughter; though not really in a mocking way.
"So I am still "mother" to you? Thought that particular relationship between us was gone void like the one with your father," stated Willow almost mockingly as she turned and went to take a seat; still facing the young woman. While Blake and Yang shared a concerned look, Ruby was just staring intently at the two silver-haired women.
"That man is not my father," snapped Weiss without thought; almost raising her voice at the woman. Instead of getting bad though, Willow just gave her daughter a bemused look while slightly chuckling.
"I am sorry Weiss but Jacques is your father; though I wish I could say that I had you out of wedlock. His blood goes through your veins as mine do no matter how much you want to deny it," chastised the older woman as she leaned back in her chair and met the glare coming from the other Schnee. On the small table next to her chair was a picture of orange juice with two empty glasses, a bagel, and a couple of sliced apples on a plate.
"This was a mistake," Weiss muttered offhandedly and contemplated walking away. She had regretted coming to this place and had planned to avoid it when she first learned about Willow being admitted here.
"Sit down Weiss; quit acting like a child," Willow commanded firmly and the daughter didn't realize that her butt was on the seat until it was too late. The other three visitors weren't sure what to do and let them have some space; though Ruby was tempted to do something.
"You are looking well," Weiss lied in a pleasant tone after there was an awkward silence between the two.
"You were never a good liar to me Weiss; I look horrible," stated the older woman as she made a small laugh and poured herself some juice. She also poured her daughter a glass and ignored her when she tried to say she was fine.
"You….look older," the daughter said in all truthfulness as she studied her mother; realizing how much she had changed over the years. Come to think of it, Weiss couldn't even remember the last time they had talked; though it had to be before she had escaped the mansion to rejoin Team RWBY in Haven.
"I do , don't I? I didn't realize until I had stopped drinking after coming to this place; which I suppose I must thank your father for," Willow said as she sipped her juice and noted the uneasiness of her daughter's companions. They had moved to under the canopy but were trying to look like they were focusing on other things; though the youngest of the three seemed to be glaring at her.
"He made you come here?" Weiss asked, surprised since her mother's drinking had gone on for years without him lifting a finger.
"Pretty much; we got into a fight while I was drunk and almost killed him by setting the south wing on fire. Apparently, there was some fire dust in the room and I used a glyph to set it off," informed Willow as she smiled at the shocked expression on her daughter's face.
"I wasn't aware you could use the family's semblance," an astounded daughter said as she simply started at her mother with wide eyes.
"I am a Schnee by blood Weiss; I just never bothered to use it. I am pretty sure Whitley could use his if he gave it some effort; the males can still use the family semblance though it is a bit harder for them. My father could use his and it protected him when he had worked in the mines before the SDC," educated the mother as she leaned back in her chair; remembering the years when her father had still been alive.
"I see," was all that the younger Schnee could say; realizing that she had just learned something today. She wondered what other things about her mother she still did not know about.
"So, I imagine you are here about the attacks on you?" inquired Willow; wanting to get to the point of the visit.
"You've known" Weiss asked back; though it was more of a statement than a question.
"It made the news; I thought about contacting you but figured there was no point," the woman simply answered with a shrug; as if it were a trivial thing.
"Someone has been trying to kill your daughter and you haven't even bothered to call to see if she was alright?" Yang asked her with anger rising; Ruby also becoming enraged though she simply glared at the mother.
"What would have been the point? I have no doubt that Weiss would have ignored my messages given our history," answered Willow; again with a shrug.
"Even if your husband might be the one trying to kill her?" Blake demanded to know; now becoming angry as well. Ruby was still staying silent though Yang noted that her sister was shaking in rage.
"Ahh, now we get to the crux of why you are here; didn't think it was out of leisure. Jacques Schnee is many things but not even he would contemplate murdering his own child; it's one of his very few redeeming qualities," stated Willow to the group and noted their skepticism.
"How can you be sure?" Weiss asked quietly; her mind a mix of thoughts at the moment
"Because you are; you are here to confirm what you already knew. I can testify that Jacques is just as concerned about what is happening to you since he has the most to lose if you die," explained the mother as she took another sip of her juice.
"Why? If Weiss dies, then things will be easier for him," Ruby stated; speaking up for the first time. Her voice was flat and she was still giving the older Schnee a sharp look.
"No they wouldn't; he would get all the blame and Winter would make his life Hell giver her new position. I have to say that my husband and Whitley are the last people who want you dead right now; though there are others at the SDC that could be responsible which I am sure you already thought of," Willow said to Weiss and it seemed like she was talking more about the weather than a life or death situation; which Ruby found annoying.
"Still doesn't excuse the fact that you have done nothing," Yang said angrily; though she could see the logic behind the words.
"You are going to find Ms. Xiao Long that things are far more complicated than they appear. I have no illusions that I was a good mother in any way and my only comfort is that my two daughters have grown to be fine women absent of my contribution into their lives. Like I said to Winter months ago when she visited me, I am proud of you all and I even have hopes for Whitley which is why I still stay married to Jacques; even if he is a bastard," said the older Schnee woman to the group with a bit of mirth in her voice.
"You know who they are?" Weiss asked her mother though she should not have been surprised given their popularity.
"I watch the news; I know full well who your teammates are and have to admit that seeing them in person is far different than on the television," answered Willow honestly.
"So I pretty much came here for nothing," muttered Weiss though it was nice to confirm that her own blood wasn't trying to kill her.
"I like to think it was nice to be able to see you; the only visitors I get are Whitley, Jacques, and his new bride Alicia. Poor girl; used by her parents and now forced into a loveless marriage where she has to be an incubator for heirs. I will try and help her and I am willing to bet that her parents will try and use her to influence Whitley," stated the mother and you could hear the twinge of sadness in her voice.
"Are her parents that bad?" Weiss asked her mother since she had yet to look into the Bonaparte family in depth; other than the basics.
"I've met them on more than one occasion and I have to say that your father better realize what he is letting into the SDC. While the husband Pierre is more or less ambitious crook, Antoinette is a vicious shark that I would never turn my back on; which I would advise you once this marriage in complete," informed Willow as she stood and stretched her legs. Weiss took the opportunity to stand as well; wondering if it was time to go.
"Well I have a group meeting in about an hour so I need to get ready. It was good seeing you Weiss and I hope we can do this again; though I hope under better circumstances. I wish you luck with the SDC and know that your grandfather, that old bastard, would probably be proud of you. Some advice though, never forget that as much as hate it, you are your father's daughter as much as you are mine. No amount of denial will change that; ever," and with that said Willow hugged her daughter, though Weiss did not return it, and walked away.
Weiss then turned and left as well; followed by her concerned friends.
Please Read and Review!
