Chapter 11: Conquered

Four pairs of eyes watched as the limousine departed from the gates of the Schnee Mansion. The lights flashed over the plant life that proved a valuable hiding spot, before Viridian turned his head to the distant mansion. Let's go. He made for the walls of the household with haste, taking care to remain hidden. He turned back, hands folded open and waiting while he crouched. Seraphina ran towards him and he sprung her high into the air. She came back down two seconds later, caught in Viridian's reliable arms.

Nice catch, V. Sera giggled as she enjoyed being held like a princess. Viridian scowled, dropping her in a harsh manner and ignoring the glare she cast at him.

So what did you see? He asked, leaning back against the high wall.

Generic surveillance system, nothing extraordinary. There are six Atlesian Knights patrolling the gardened area, shouldn't be anything too difficult for you to handle. The real worry is the camera system, but even that shouldn't be a problem after an EMP blast.

"EMP blast?!" Coal blurted. No sooner had he cried out Viridian clamped his mouth shut. That's right, we'll have to be dragging this imbecile around with us. He let out a sigh, turning to Seraphina.

If our info is good, and Sorrell guessed right, then Jacques should have his study protected, even from something like that. I agree with using an EMP.

Well I don't! The three were surprised to see it was Coal's proclaim. He pulled Viridian's hand away from his mouth, stirring anger in the brute. An EMP would render our Scrolls useless! How would we transfer the data with dead devices? Not to mention it's suspicious! What else would raise suspicion that something is wrong better than every machine dropping dead?

As much as Viridian disliked his 'leader', his claims did make some sense. Not that he had to like it. He glanced back at the wall, the first obstacle between them and their objective. Then we'll delete the footage when we access his computer. Viridian then gave a nod to Azure, who nodded back in understanding. The two women dragged their confused leader back as Viridian got into position again. Inhaling, Viridian waited for the assassin to begin.

The sudden sounds of blades striking the wall beside him ensured him they were ready. It was time to do what they trained for. Azure was the first, difficult to notice as her small form rushed towards him. Grunting, he lifted her up and above the wall with mild ease. Like clockwork, he reset and the psychic was next, flying through the air like a butterfly as she too passed over the wall.

And then there was Coal, still astonished. Viridian groaned as he motioned for him to come. Even in the darkness, he could tell his team leader swallowed hard. And then, he too had charged towards him. In half a second, he was over the wall. The gladiator tilted his head side to side, popping sounds erupting beneath his shoulder blades. He turned to the knives dug into the wall, five in total, forming a makeshift staircase.

Viridian emerged on the other side, the soft grass crumpling under his weight. He didn't know if the others had landed without problem, and he didn't care. What he did care about were the two Atlesian Knights aiming their rifles at the four intruders. They began wailing some warning message, but it did little to stop Viridian's hulking form approaching. He cleaved through both of the androids with a single slash, sparks and fluid flying out of the broken halves.

(-)

Coal was left with little choice other than to watch his ally pulverize the robots. Viridian continued on as if nothing had happened, his foot stomping the flickering light of the android's face. Come on, he heard resonate in his head. Coal became uncertain if this was the path he wanted to walk, the path of crime. But, it's not like I have any choice in it now. The deed is done. Letting out a sigh, he followed to discover more mechanical scraps, nuts and bolts. No doubt a functional robot moments before encountering Azure's blade. Coal wondered if his own weapon would be enough to puncture steel.

No other life signs in the area. It was Sera, arms crossed with a look of intense focus on the frown she wore. Notable individuals to be on the lookout for: Mrs. Schnee, Weiss, Whitley. We're safe for the time being, but we really should hurry. We don't know what kind of other security measures are in place. Her telepathic message ended as Viridian drove his sword into the building.

We do now. In the opening he created, a device next to the door was crackling. It didn't take long for Coal to figure out what it was. A motion detector connected to the door. With Mr. Schnee out on business, this was here to ensure the entire household would be on full alert should someone be brave or stupid enough to challenge the Schnees. Viridian kicked the door, falling flat on the floor as the hinges were disarranged where his sword had destroyed the wall.

Splendid. Sera brushed past the gladiator, her gentle fingers rolling off his shoulder. She entered, glancing around the inside. Few cameras here, we'll smash them so they won't hinder our exit. Which reminds me. Azure, dear, could you get the one outside? The sword master tossed a dagger out of nowhere, destroying the camera. Perfect. Quickly now. We don't want to overstay our welcome. Coal rolled his eyes at her coy remark, but followed nonetheless. He was startled when Sera tossed her Scroll to him, almost dropping the device after it bounced between his fingers. Here, hold this. Let us know when we reach a documented area.

Coal studied the screen, a poor quality map glowing. There were few passages shown, and the other markings were obscure, with a single word written at the side. What the hell kind of map is this? It's like a four year old drew this. And what's this word supposed to be for? What the hell even is Gelé? But that train of thought came to a stop, reality setting in. He was holding the map. Everyone had an important role; Azure watched their backs and took out any cameras, Sera kept a mental note on anyone approaching, and Viridian butchered anything in their way. And here he was, being next to useless. Isn't there anything else I can help with?

Just stay out of our way. The aggressive order no doubt came from Viridian, who stopped at an intersection. After a moment, he led them all to the left. This hallway still didn't resemble any on the map, disappointment settling in Coal's gut. This was gonna be a long night.

(-)

The docking hanger was almost barren, the few workers Mr. Schnee entrusted with the responsibility of sealed lips scurrying about. Sorrell gave them no heed, his eyes taking in the luxuries immense amounts of lien can buy. Jacques' private ship, sizeable yet humble, and no doubt stocked with some of the finest delicacies and liquor. With the Schnee family insignia emblazoned on the side, subtlety lost meaning as one couldn't refrain from noticing such a large and sparkling design.

The hangers massive doors shuddered as they opened, giving way to a breeze. The Solitas chill lingered among them, yet Sorrell ignored it, gaze focused on Jacques as the door to his ship swung open. The businessman stepped onto the walkway, his son watching his every move with admiration.

"Whitley," Jacques began. "I leave the mansion in your care. Look after your mother while I'm gone." The boy nodded back, and his father's gaze fell to Sorrell. His expression darkened. "Mr. Alaric... I hope I can trust you to keep an eye on the White Fang?"

Sorrell fought to hold back a grin. "You have my word. I have someone entering their ranks very soon." Jacques glared, yet remained silent, entering his ship without so much as a farewell. Sorrell almost felt sorry for the old fool. If not for the child left in his care, he might have departed cackling away. The aristocrat looked at the young patrician who followed him back to the limousine. Without his father present, Whitley appeared distraught.

"What did he mean?" Whitley asked with concern. "About that terrorist group. What do you mean you'll have someone on the inside?"

"You ask a lot of questions." Was all Sorrell said. He had hoped his expression didn't appear as annoyed as he sounded, though he had no qualms if it showed.

Whitley let out a chuckle. "Father says curiosity is a fine trait. In the business world, it's a poor decision to never ask enough."

"Did he make mention of the crime world? Too many questions can lead to one's demise." Sorrell had seen the child was startled, perhaps even frightened. The aristocrat smirked at Whitley's reaction. "If Mr. Schnee wanted you to know, then he would have discussed it with you, wouldn't he? Doesn't he trust you? I believe it's time to return you to your home." He opened the limousine door, ushering the boy in. Another ride with the pest. T'will be a long, torturous ride.

(-)

Another dagger pierced the metallic layer protecting a camera, and the group moved on. Azure was glad this was her only duty for the time being. With how much her Semblance is being used today, she wasn't certain she would have enough Aura reserves for a battle. Yet despite how proud of herself she was, the heavy atmosphere surrounding the four intruders felt almost tangible. They had been wandering for several minutes now, still no progress on entering an area marked on the map Sorrell drew for them.

Even from the back, she could hear Viridian grumble to himself. It seemed as though there could never be enough Atlesian Knights to destroy. After pulverizing his twenty eighth android, still he marched on with bitterness. Sera was focused on making sure they remained undetected, having detoured everyone twice already to avoid other people. And Coal, just in front of her, wasn't even paying attention to the map anymore. He lurched forward like a zombie, munching on a banana he plucked a while back. His eyes glazed with boredom, free hand stuffed in his pocket.

We're lost, you know. Coal had announced.

Viridian let out a heavy sigh, though it didn't seem to relieve any built up stress. Yeah, I know. But does whining help us? No? Then keep walking!

Seraphina massaged her temple, face strained. Please refrain from shouting in our heads. The sooner we get this job done, the better.

Considering we're walking in circles, sooner isn't really a possibility. Coal replied.

Viridian groaned again, fingers twitching around the hilt of his sword. We're not walking in- But he never finished that thought, having turned the corner to find a pile of smashed scrap metal. His shoulders trembled, and in the next motion, his sword was being driven towards the wall in a fit of rage. But Coal was faster, his shields halting the blade's path, preventing it from smashing a crater in the wall, and to a greater extent, himself. It took a moment to discover Coal was holding the remains of his snack in his mouth.

After pushing back the heavy weapon, Coal fished another banana from his pocket. Viridian, have a snack. You're not you when your hun- Viridian slapped the banana out of his hand, the fruit skittering across the floor. Coal watched it slide away, rolling his eyes. Well, ok, screw me.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Viridian hissed, grabbing the collar of Coal's shirt.

"I could ask you the same. Wasting food like that-"

The gladiator throttled him against the wall, eyes blazing as he shouted "Keep out of our way and shut your pie hole! That was all you had to do!"

Coal laughed in his face. "What, while I watch you lead us nowhere?! We're wasting valuable time! You're wasting-" But he never got any further, instead bringing his hands over his ears and shuddering. Viridian did the same, though he never released his grip on the sword. The two continued convulsing in silence when Azure noticed Seraphina's hand risen towards them, shaking. Then she realized what kind of pain the two men were under.

Knowing Seraphina for as long as she has, Azure had seen her do many gruesome acts, bordering on torture. And this was one of them. Using her Semblance, she overloaded one's mind with whatever madness it was she harbored. It was always terrifying watching her conquer people with this cruel method, always with such ease. Azure could only stare as the two writhed in agony, Coal began scratching at his scalp with his claws, his Aura struggling to prevent damage. And then Sera's hand fell to her hip, the two returning to normal. If you could call struggling to stand, sweat rolling down their skin normal.

If you two are done fooling around, Sera began. We still have a job to complete. Honestly...

"You... Witch..." Viridian murmured through heavy breathing, glaring with all the killing intent he could. Coal shared a similar gaze, though Azure could sense fear and confusion mixed in as well.

Behave. And desist wasting precious time, as our leader so remarkably pointed out. Coal, if you think you can do a better job than Viridian, then by all means, lead us. Coal stood up, the after effects wavering. Yet Azure knew it's imprint would be permanent. Nonetheless, he turned and guided them down the hall.

(-)

Coal's legs felt like jelly. His brain felt vulnerable, while his senses still recovered from the attack on his psyche. He risked a glance at Viridian, who was scowling as usual with no change in his pace or posture. Has he had to endure that kind of torture before? Coal shooed the thought away, instead marching down the hall. In the end, he was still right; they wasted too much time here.

Coal was grateful for the ludicrous ends the Schnees went to for the sake of luxury. Every passage they had been through was decorated with some kind of tapestry, statue, or painting. It made it much easier to keep track of their location, and already he could tell they had yet to tread this specific carpet. Unless the mansion was larger than they anticipated, they should reach an area on the map soon. And from there it's a cakewalk to Jacques' workroom. Which did remind him of one of his concerns. How are we getting into the study anyway?

Seraphina blinked several times, and Coal's heart sank. Surely, you don't mean to tell me we are this unprepared for this mission.

Sera bit her lip, hesitating. The whole point of the mission was to gather information, which implies we don't have much to begin with. From what Sorrell had told us, it is very well protected. The structure, walls, ceiling and floor are incredibly tough, while the entrance is bound to be protected by Atlesian Knights. Even the ventilation shafts leading to it are closed off with a locked grate. In other words, it's impenetrable. We'll have to think of something when we arrive. It's strange, normally Sorrell doesn't leave us so unprepared.

The words struck at Coal as a revelation. Impenetrable. That did explain many things, particularly why Sorrell had recruited him and exactly what his role for this mission was. Despite how much Coal disliked the bastard, he had to give credit where it's due. Sorrell was clever. And very trusting if he didn't think Coal would flee or jeopardize the mission. His mind recalled when Sorrell interrogated him. His wrists still ached from the shackles that restricted him two days ago. Was it really just two days ago? To him it felt like weeks, and the fear of that man still lingered.

Then we have a change in plans. Coal's message caught his allies off guard, shooting him puzzled looks. We'll instead head to the room behind Jacques' study. I have an idea that this vault can be conquered.

(-)

Whitley sat in silence as he and his 'chauffeur' returned to his home. Remembering his father's echoing words about public image, the boy did not hesitate to sit opposite of the mysterious Sorrell. Hands on his lap, sitting straight, Whitley gazed around the vehicle. He was nervous about meeting Sorrell's gaze, but his strict upbringing forced him against avoiding eye contact for long. Gathering courage, he took a deep breath before looking at the one who had kindly escorted his father to his ship.

And without a second going by, Whitley regretted it. Sorrell was staring with intensity at him, a peculiar, unsettling avarice in his hazel eyes. Not once had the adult taken his eyes off of him. Whitley began to feel like prey to an owl, yet never once did it show. I have to do Father proud, even without him present. Father left me with a great responsibility, after all. Few others he trusted with looking after the mansion. Whitley couldn't fail him when his idol had placed such trust in him.

"...aren't you..."

Whitley jumped, cursing himself for becoming lost in thought. "I'm sorry?"

Sorrell's mouth twitched in amusement before repeating. "You really are your father's child, aren't you?"

Although confused, Whitley still smiled and nodded in gratitude. "Yes, I really look up to him. I hope I can be just like him someday."

"What a shame."

The words stung as much as they surprised the young patrician. Even though it was a vague, if not petty comment, he still understood what this ignorant man meant. "I see you've heard some foul and false rumors about my father's business."

"Rumors stem from a hint of truth." Sorrell replied.

"Or envy." Whitley snapped back, almost losing his cool. He breathed in, calm once again. "Even you must have people that view you with scorn and disdain."

"But of course." Sorrell chuckled, helping himself to a glass of wine. He swirled the blood red liquid around in the glass, studying it with an odd joy. "People trample others for their quest of success. I'm just more... open to admit it."

"... Then I suppose I should thank my father for having the decency to keep his hypothetical skeletons in his closet. It is the way of a true gentleman, after all." Whitley saw the gates he was so familiar with whiz by in the window, grateful for the ride to end soon.

"He's not perfect, you know." Sorrell took a long sip, as if he was drinking in more than the fine liquor. "Nobody is. How old are you again? Thirteen? Fourteen? Heh, no matter. Far too old to still believe that people can be absolutely flawless or absolutely flawed." The vehicle came to a gradual halt, the jerking of the limousine bothering neither passenger. "It is time for me to bid you farewell, Mr. Schnee. It was truly a pleasure to meet you."

Whitley wasted no time in departing. It felt like a weight had been lifted, pleased to be back home. As he entered the front door, he made a mental list of his duties for the time his father will be absent. Father's office should be reinforced with more guards, I'll have to manage the servants workload, though I hope Klein assists. Then there's looking after the incoming and outgoing trades for the Schnee Mansion itself. Lastly-

A crinkling of metal beneath his feet caught his attention. Whitley looked down to discover he had trampled upon the remains of an Atlesian Knight. It was butchered to scraps, nuts and bolts, and realization set in. A quick glance to the cameras, only to find them all destroyed, further alarmed him. He checked his Scroll, having connected to the household network. The alarms were still passive. Someone had broken in. Someone had destroyed the androids lent by General Ironwood. Someone was here for something. And it was most likely his father's study.

Whitley made haste for the hallway leading to his father's vault like chamber. With the cameras disabled, he would need to manually record evidence of the culprits. He weighed the option of the infiltrators being hostile or kidnap him, but a man must take action. Whitley readied the camera on his Scroll, dashing down the halls.