Chapter 50:
There was no apparent method of organization behind the seating, as it seemed that everyone was free to sit where they liked. The table was completely round, so there was no "head" of the table for anyone to sit at. The visitors milled about in confusion for a moment before settling into seats.
Yang, naturally, sat next to Kyo, who chose to sit a few seats down from his mother and father, rather than right next to them. Ruby and Jaune found themselves sitting next to Murasame, while Ozpin sat on the Elder's other side.
Sun and Blake naturally sat together, both of them jumping in surprise when Ozma took the seat next to Sun, while Blake's parents took the seats next to her. Sun's happy grin at being able to sit next to the girlfriend he hadn't been able to see for months, except on a CCT screen, turned nervous as her father turned and fixed Sun with a suspicious glare. Blake sighed and gave her father an irritated look while her mother simply giggled in amusement.
Weiss kept her distance for the time being, trying to remain as far across the table as she could get from where her father was, at the moment. She didn't want to sit down until she was at least fairly certain that there wouldn't be a seat that Jacques could take next to her. She wasn't sure that her father had even noticed her yet. It was only a matter of time, but she wanted to put it off for as long as she could.
Neptune noticed Weiss' plight and looked to help her. However, they had both agreed some time ago that they should do nothing to suggest to Jacques that they were in any way together, something neither of them doubted he would disapprove of if he knew. Looking around, Neptune noticed that the girls of NDGO had yet to pick out their own seats, and he quickly went over to them and whispered to them for a few seconds. A moment later, Nebula and Gwen detached themselves from their team and went over to Weiss, who had finally seemed to settle on a chair. Much to Weiss' surprise, Haruka immediately picked the seat on her right, which left Nebula and Gwen to take the seats on her left. Weiss gave the girls a grateful look and they smiled in return before Weiss turned her eyes to Neptune and shared a smile with him as well.
Jacques finally seemed to notice his daughter, his eyes narrowing. He took half a step, as though to go over and order that someone vacate a seat next to her so that he could sit by her. However, he recoiled as Haruka turned a powerful glare on him that made him think better of it. Instead, he took a seat next to Ironwood, who had sat himself next to Gwenyth. The three of them took the seats next to Sora and Kyoichiro, looking distinctly uncomfortable with their position.
Sharing grins, Dew and Octavia of NDGO chose to sit next to Kyo. Makoto took the seat next to them, with Pastoria sitting down next to him. Finally, Sage, Scarlet, and Neptune all took three of the remaining seats, with Ren and Nora settling in next to them.
"Please, eat as much as you like," said Sora, gesturing to the fare positioned on the table. "There is plenty for everyone."
Yang fought back the urge to drool. The Mibu had outdone themselves this time, providing a wide variety of dishes. There was everything from pancakes, waffles, porridge, and other breakfast fare; along with heavier foods and salads for those who were interested in lunch food. They were arranged around the table so that everyone had access to nearly everything on their own. If they didn't, then it was usually within easy reach of the person next to them.
As they ate, they conversed with their neighbors. The students from different schools took the opportunity to catch up with one another in the time they had been apart, though every time Sun got a little too flirty with Blake, he found himself quailing under a glare from Ghira, much to Blake's consternation.
Kyo and Yang found themselves subjected to countless questions from Dew and Octavia about their relationship, making Kyo blush, while Yang happily filled them in on their history and excursions, though Yang wisely decided to save the racier details for a more private setting.
Before she even reached for the first bowl of strawberries, Ruby turned and cast a curious glance at Murasame. "Where's Penny?"
"Ah," said Murasame, actually looking slightly startled by the question. "I asked her to spend the day with Ciel-kun at Makoto's school. We've talked extensively about this, and the fact that she cannot attack the General while he is our guest. However, we decided that it is best to avoid confrontation while he is here. To that end, we are taking measures to avoid an unfortunate encounter while the General is present."
"Oh," said Ruby, looking down. She glanced across the table at where Ironwood sat stiffly with the Councilwoman from Vale and Weiss' father. He didn't seem particularly interested in conversing with Kyo's parents, instead choosing to confer quietly with Jacques more often than not. He also wasn't showing much interest in his meal, choosing very little and eating very slowly and carefully, as though he were tasting each bite for poison.
"By the way, allow me to congratulate you and Penny on her adoption," said Ozpin on Murasame's other side. "It gives me great pleasure to hear that she is well looked after."
Murasame chuckled. "And it gives me great pleasure to look after her," he said. "I understand she may have an interest in returning to your Academy, Ozpin."
"If that is her decision, we shall gladly accept her," said Ozpin.
"Do you two know each other?" asked Jaune, leaning forward so that he could address the two of them across Ruby, who was also looking at them expectantly.
"We know each other quite well," said Murasame.
"Murasame was one of my teachers when I was with the Mibu," commented Ozpin. "I learned a great deal from him, much of which continues to serve me to this day."
Ruby blinked and shared shocked looks with Jaune. Even though they knew about it now, it was easy to forget that Ozpin had been around since before the Great War, and that Murasame had apparently been around for even longer.
"Makoto was also one of their teachers," added Murasame, gesturing across the table at his colleague, who was chatting amiably with Pastoria. "He spent most of his time teaching Ozma the healing arts, which I'm told she uses extensively at her school."
"Within limits, of course," said Ozpin. "Due to the restrictions imposed upon us, we can't do anything that would draw our students' attention to the art of advanced Aura-manipulation."
"Hopefully that will change with this arrangement," said Murasame. "We have no intention of keeping our means a secret, particularly not from those who have the intent to learn them."
"I certainly hope so," said Ozpin.
Ruby and Jaune frowned, looking at one another. This whole affair had them feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Hunting and killing Grimm was one thing, chasing down an evil organization hellbent on bringing the Kingdoms crashing to the ground had been a lot more complex. But even that paled in comparison to the confusing morass that was politics, where people who couldn't stand each other chatted like old friends, offering assurances and trading threats, often in the same breath. This was an arena they weren't prepared to compete in.
"You needn't worry about that," said Murasame, patting Ruby's arm. "You young ones should just worry about developing yourselves to the best of your abilities. Leave these dry, complicated matters to oldsters like us."
"You already have a mission of sorts here, Ms. Rose," added Ozpin, giving her a proud smile. "And, from what I can see, you are fulfilling it splendidly."
Ruby flushed at his praise. "Thank you, Professor."
After the meal concluded, the whole group was ushered out into a courtyard, this one consisting of several gardens, the theme of which seemed to be "green". Rather than colorful flowers, what was instead on display were all manner of bushes, trees, and other plants with leaves of various shapes and shades of green. Many of them were artfully shaped into elaborate forms, grown in a manner similar to bonsais. It gave the garden an easy, relaxed feeling, as the greenery served as a relaxing background to the social interactions taking place.
As soon as they were free to wander and socialize, Weiss sought out Murasame. Unlike Ruby, Jaune, and Yang, she'd had few dealings with the swordsmith since they had arrived. But she had questions that needed answering and she doubted that Haruka was willing to answer them.
"Excuse me," she said, coming up on Murasame as he chatted amiably with Pastoria.
"How can I help you, Weiss-dono?" asked Murasame as he turned to look at her. "You were addressing me, weren't you?"
"Yes," said Weiss. "I was wondering if we could talk later...I have questions that I hope you will be able to answer."
"Of course," said Murasame. "This affair is scheduled to continue for another hour or so, then we will adjourn and be free until dinner. You can come to my quarters during that time."
"Thank you," said Weiss.
Pastoria chuckled and looked Weiss over with a merry twinkle in his eyes. "There's no need to be polite with this old sap," he said, gesturing to Murasame. "He's a sucker for children in general. Why do you think he adopted your friend?"
Murasame laughed as well. "Well, I cannot deny a fondness for them. Still, I'm no match for our King in that regard. Were it up to him, I don't think he'd sit on that throne at all. He's perfectly happy spending every moment he can teaching our younger ones."
"Very true," agreed Pastoria with a cackle. "You can tell a lot about someone by how they look after their children." His smile faded slightly and he looked at Weiss with a much more serious expression. "On that note, there's someone here whose treatment of his children speaks volumes. I think you know who I'm talking about, Ms. Schnee."
Weiss swallowed and nodded, then unconsciously looking over her shoulder, as though she expected her father to loom up behind her like some kind of specter.
Pastoria's expression softened. "Perhaps you had best stay with one of us. I don't think Old Man Schnee will come after you if he thinks he can't get you alone."
"Thank you," said Weiss. "But I won't spend my time here acting as though I'm afraid of him."
Murasame nodded. "But you are afraid of him," he noted, his gaze seeming to penetrate into the recesses of Weiss' soul.
"...Yes," Weiss admitted after a moment's hesitation. "I'm very afraid of him. But I won't allow that fear to control me."
Murasame laid a hand on her forearm, his fingers barely brushing against the fabric of her sleeve. "Remember, you are a guest of Kyo and our Clan," he said. "Your father cannot change that. We will protect you."
"Thank you," said Weiss, giving him a grateful smile.
She moved on, feeling a bit better, though she still kept a wary eye out. Even if she refused to cower under the protection of an Elder or Academy Headmaster, that didn't mean she couldn't seek out company. Looking around, she spotted Neptune standing in one corner of the garden, talking animatedly with Neo of all people. Their eyes met and, just as quickly, they looked away from each other again. Weiss resolved to find some time to speak with him too...when her father wasn't around.
Over in another section of the garden, she saw Blake and Sun. The two of them were clearly trying to find a moment of privacy to better express their feelings with each other, after spending so much time apart. However, it seemed that Blake's father was not keen on giving them that chance right away, following them while throwing Sun glares that made the poor boy quail and shake. He probably would have clung to Blake for security, only stopped by the knowledge that doing so would probably only land him in even hotter water.
Weiss giggled and moved on, keeping a wary eye out for her father.
"I...uh...I think I need to go get a drink," said Sun, giving Blake a shaky grin. "I'll be back in a bit."
"Okay," said Blake, giving him the brightest smile she could manage under the circumstances. Sun smiled back, looked over her shoulder, and cringed at the look her father was giving him, before darting off down the path, which led to the pavilion in the center of the courtyard, where refreshments were stocked, along with seating for those who wished to rest in the shade.
As soon as Sun was out of earshot, Blake whirled on her father with an angry glare. "What are you doing, Dad?"
To her surprise, Ghira's severe expression faded, replaced by a smile. "Just making sure your boy understands his place in the grand scheme of things," he said.
"I thought you'd already given your approval, dear," said Kali.
Ghira's smile stretched into a grin. "I did. He's a good boy, when all is said and done, and he's exceptionally loyal, which I approve of."
"Then why are you harassing him like this?" demanded Blake.
To her surprise, Ghira threw back his head and laughed. "Because it's my solemn duty as your father and..." He grinned down at his daughter. "...it's fun to watch your boy squirm."
"Daaaaad..." groaned Blake, lowering her head, her cat ears drooping.
Kali rested a hand on Blake's arm. "Don't worry, dear," she said softly. "I won't let him keep it up the entire time. After this is over, you'll be able to spend plenty of time alone with him. We understand that the students that came with the delegation will be quartered with you and your friends. That should give the two of you plenty of time."
Blake sighed. "Fine. Please don't tease him too much, Dad."
Ghira chuckled and rested a hand on Blake's shoulders. "I promise," he said. "I may have not liked him when I first saw him, but he's more than proven himself to me."
Blake nodded, having to hide a happy smile from her parents.
"So it looks as though you've been improving," observed Ozpin as he smiled proudly at Yang, who was, naturally, with Kyo. "Did Murasame forge that for you?" he asked, glancing at the silver and gold armlet Yang now wore, a pleasant complement to the bracelet that graced her left wrist.
"Yeah," said Yang, with a grin. "I ended up helping him with it."
She and Kyo proceeded to describe the process by which Murasame had forged the gauntlet around her arm, shaping it to the projection of her Aura.
"That sounds like quite the ordeal," noted Ozpin.
"It had its rocky moments," said Yang, grinning as she brushed her fingers over the engraved surface of her armlet. "But it was totally worth it in the end."
"I am most pleased to hear that," said Ozpin.
"The difference in her fighting has been quite pronounced," said Kyo. "It's a good fit for her."
"I look forward to seeing it," said Ozpin. "Perhaps you can give us a demonstration before the conference is over."
"Maybe," said Yang, blushing slightly at the idea. Under normal circumstances, she would have been all to happy to show off the new skills and strength she'd acquired to the world. However, her humiliation at the previous Vytal Festival Tournament still stung, leaving Yang more than a little leery of doing a public demonstration.
Still, maybe she could have another bout with Penny. That had been fun. Or maybe she could take on Hayate and see what he was capable of. Who knew, she might even be able to give Nigel a run for his money, and pay him back for wrecking her prosthetic a couple months ago. The possibilities seemed endless and exciting.
"Have your other teammates been improving as well?" asked Ozpin.
"They've been working hard," said Yang. "They've all been getting advice from different people around here."
"I very much look forward to seeing the fruits of your hard work," said Ozpin.
Now that she had found a place of safety of sorts, Weiss allowed herself to relax a little. She now found herself with Ren and Nora, both of whom were talking with Ozma and Makoto. It surprised Weiss to learn that Ozma not only knew that Ren and Nora were orphans, but that they had been under the care of one of her orphanages for a time. In addition to being the Headmistress of Haven Academy, Ozma also managed a network of orphanages and foster homes throughout Mistral and across Anima.
"I'm sorry, what?" asked Weiss, raising her head up, realizing that Ozma had been speaking to her.
Ozma smiled indulgently. "I was just wondering if you are doing all right, Ms. Schnee," she said. "You seem somewhat distracted."
"Her father is here," said Ren. "That's plenty of reason for her to be distracted."
"Ah, yes," said Ozma her tone somewhat sour. "It's still unclear if James actually invited Jacques along, or if Jacques invited himself, and James just didn't have the spine to tell him to stay put in Atlas." She rested a small, childlike hand on Weiss' arm. "If he gives you any trouble, just call out to any of us and we'll do everything we can."
"I understand," said Weiss, looking to Makoto, who likewise gave her an encouraging smile. "I've already been reminded that the Mibu will protect me while I'm their guest."
"As any proper host should," said Ozma. "You have grown into a fine young woman. If your father can't appreciate that, then it is his loss."
Weiss nodded and decided to move on, looking for a new group of conversation partners to join. She made her way along the paths through the courtyard, looking for someone else to talk to. Her eyes lit up when she spotted Ruby and Jaune, the two of them now locked in an animated conversation with Radcliff, the Councilman from Mistral, and Sora. She turned down the path that led their way, looking to join them.
"Here you are," growled an all too familiar angry voice behind her. A hand seized her arm in a grip like a steel vice.
Weiss turned around, her fear rising. Her first impulse was to struggle to yank her arm free of her father's grip. However, she stuffed her feelings of fear and panic down into her gut, keeping them from overrunning her. She still remembered that incident during the afterparty of her charity concert, when she had inadvertently summoned because of her runaway emotions. She refused to cause a similar incident here, where the people had been so unfailingly kind and helpful towards her.
"Father," said Weiss in a cold tone, narrowing her eyes at him.
"I finally find you after you ran off and humiliated me in front of my peers and I find you here," he growled. "Now you've fallen to consorting with these mongrels."
"The Mibu are hardly mongrels, father," said Weiss in a cold tone. "I've learned far more from them than I ever did from you. It also seems they know a bit more about proper behavior than you do, seeing how you've been acting lately."
"These lying thieves have been actively undermining my company, attacking my profits, costing me millions, and I find you consorting with them," growled Jacques. "It is clear that it was a mistake to allow you to leave. When this is farce is over, you will return with me to Atlas, and I will take care of educating you properly."
"I will. Not!" snapped Weiss, finally yanking her arm from her father's grip. "I have chosen my path, Father. You don't control me anymore."
"We'll just see about that," snarled Jacques, raising his arm, ready to backhand Weiss across the face.
Weiss automatically steeled herself for the blow, shifting her Aura to her cheek, tempering it to withstand the impact. When her father struck her, he would be in for a surprise. If she was lucky, maybe he would break his hand on her face.
But her preparation proved unnecessary. Before Jacques could even begin to swing his arm, a white form with shimmering plumes drifted between them, Sora seeming to move with the ease and grace of a cloud riding the breeze. Weiss stifled a gasp, not having even noticed her approach. There was more to it than just speed. She hadn't even sensed Sora's presence before she had slipped into Weiss' line of sight. It wasn't as though she was using Suppression either. Her Aura was plain for Weiss to see and feel, now that she had noticed her. Rather it was as though Sora had somehow slipped in, moving through the gaps in Weiss' own consciousness. From the way he flinched, Weiss realized that Sora's approach had caught her father just as off-guard.
Sora moved in between them, adjusting her path so that only Jacques was forced to stumble backwards to make room for her in the gap that suddenly appeared between him and his daughter.
"Schnee-san," said Sora in an icy tone, her fan out and opened over her mouth to hide an angry scowl, "already, you have strained the limits of our generosity by coming where you have not been invited, and spewing your bile in my domain. Now you dare to harass one of my honored guests. My patience with you is fast approaching its end."
"Out of my way, you filthy beast," snarled Jacques, his words and tone making Weiss gasp. "I have a right to do as I please with what is mine."
"That is very true," agreed Sora, her fan beginning to waver slightly, making Weiss tremble. She had never seen Kyo's mother this angry. She'd have felt less danger if the volcano the Palace was built onto the side of were in imminent danger of eruption. "A person has a right to do as they wish with their property. However, being one's daughter does not make her your property."
Jacques snorted. "I suppose you would say the same for the mongrels you stole from my mines."
"I have no idea about what you are suggesting," said Sora, "save for the fact that it seems your corporation appears to practice slavery, which is not something we of the Mibu can condone. I will be sure to consider that when it comes time to determine our relationship with Atlas."
"There will be no relationship with Atlas!" snapped Jacques. "We will never have dealings with a nation where humans willingly answer to a filthy faunus bitch!"
Weiss gasped in horror, taking a step backwards, the feeling of danger multiplying. Around her, silence had fallen as all eyes and ears turned towards the confrontation between her father and Sora. She took an unconscious step back, certain that her father had just signed his death warrant. While she had come to despise him over the years, that didn't mean that she wanted him dead.
"Is that so?" asked Sora, her tone polite, but the look in her eyes anything but. "Then perhaps we should excuse the Atlesian representatives from the remainder of this conference, or does Schnee-san not speak for you, General?"
"Jacques," said Ironwood, approaching at a hurried walk, "that is enough."
"I agree," said Jacques harshly, turning his glare on Ironwood now. "We have played along with this little farce of treating these backwoods peasants as though they are equal to us truly civilized Kingdoms. Hurry up and bring these beasts to heel."
Ironwood was pale, clearly not liking the fact that Jacques was trying to dictate terms for his Kingdom. What was more, he obviously felt the same sense of danger that Weiss did. On top of that, as the one who effectively governed Atlas, now that he had forced the Council to cede the majority of its authority to him, Ironwood could not allow himself to be bossed around by Jacques in front of representatives from the other Kingdoms.
Sora waited patiently, keeping her comments to herself, waiting for Ironwood's response.
"Jacques, need I remind you that you are not in charge here," said Ironwood. "If you cannot hold your tongue, then I will ask you to see yourself back to the ship."
Jacques lips pulled back, baring his gritted teeth as he glared at Ironwood. "Fine," he snarled, "if you want to play nice with these savages, so be it." He whipped his head back around to glare past Sora at Weiss. "However, if I am going, I am taking my daughter with me. I refuse to leave her in the clutches of these beasts."
"That is not your decision to make, Schnee-san," said Sora calmly.
"Weiss! Get over here, now!" snapped Jacques.
"No," said Weiss.
"You insolent brat," he snarled, stepping forward, only to find Sora still staying between them. "Out of my way," he said, glaring at Sora. "I will make you move if I have to."
"No, you will not," said Sora calmly, lowering her fan, keeping her face angled the tiniest bit upward as she rolled her eyes downward to look at him.
"Get out of my way," growled Jacques.
Weiss shifted nervously. In truth, her father had no skill at combat. He had married into the Schnee Family. His primary contributions had been his shrewd business skills, which had allowed the SDC to dominate the marketplace for years. However, he had no combat training, and his Aura wasn't even unlocked. Despite that, he had a powerful personality, which, combined with his financial clout, made him the kind of person few defied openly.
Naturally, Sora was one of those few. She merely raised her eyebrow at him. "That is not how you make people bend to your will, Schnee-san. This is..."
A rumbling, like distant thunder, rolled through the air. Sora's body seemed to glow white, shedding off streams of different colors around her. Weiss could feel Sora's Aura surging outward, the entirety of its strength directed at the man in front of her. Abruptly, Jacques' body sagged, beginning to collapse as though he was suddenly burdened with an immense weight. He strained to look up at Sora, grunting and straining, barely able to even breathe. He had intended to spit out words of anger and defiance. But they all died upon his tongue at the sight of the pure fury that filled Sora's eyes. It suffused her Aura, crushing down on him, threatening to strangle him and crush the life from his body.
"On. Your. Knees." said Sora, the power of her Aura and will redoubling. With a choking groan, Jacques collapsed down onto his knees, before the weight bore down once again, bending him over so that he had to brace his hands against the ground to keep his face from being forced down, his head hanging low. Sora's Aura now trapped him in a pose of forced supplication.
Finally, the power of Sora's Aura relented. Jacques gasped for breath, hacking and coughing, unable to rise up off his hands and knees, his head still down as he fought to fill his lungs once again.
"Your apology is accepted, Schnee-san," said Sora, looking down at him contemptuously. "Thus, I have allowed you to live. However, you are now banned from these grounds, and anywhere else within our lands. You will be returned to Ironwood's ship. If you set foot anywhere in our territory without my personal...express...permission, your life will be forfeit."
Jacques coughed once more and finally raised his head to glare at Sora, rage and hatred burning in his gaze at the humiliation he had just been subjected to. However, Sora already seemed done with him. "Dougal...see him out," she said simply.
"At once," said Dougal, suddenly appearing behind Jacques, having risen up out the man's own shadow. Before Jacques could say a single word, Dougal gripped his shoulder and the two of them sank back into Jacques' shadow, vanishing without a trace.
"What did you do with him?" demanded Ironwood, looking to Sora.
"I enforced my decision," said Sora. "Dougal will have left him aboard your ship within a minute or so. Feel free to check with them if you wish."
Sora now turned her attention to Weiss, who took a nervous step back. However, all the anger was gone from Sora's gaze, replaced by a warm smile, full of concern for the girl in front of her. "Weiss-dono, are you all right?"
"Y-yes," said Weiss, bowing her head slightly. "I'm fine."
She felt a pair of hands on her shoulders. Weiss looked up just as Sora pulled her into a gentle hug. "You have nothing to fear from that man, so long as you are with us," she said softly, so that only Weiss could hear. "We will protect you."
"Thank you," said Weiss, leaning into the embrace.
Not far away, Jaune and Ruby watched the whole exchange between Sora and Jacques with baited breath. Both of them let out a simultaneous sigh of relief, once Weiss' father had been forcibly evicted from the premises. "Glad that's over," said Jaune.
"Yeah," agreed Ruby.
They both jumped slightly as the sound of someone's heavy tread came up behind them. Looking over, the saw that they had been joined by Radcliff. "Oho," he said, rubbing his chin, combing his fingers through his beard. "What a formidable woman Mrs. Sora is."
"Yeah, she's something all right," agreed Jaune. "She brought him to his knees with just her Aura."
Radcliff chuckled. "It's not just that. She manipulated the entire situation to get an additional edge over Atlas."
"What do you mean?" asked Ruby.
"The inclusion of Jacques in our party was an addition she wasn't expecting. However, she made it work to her advantage," explained Radcliff. "By allowing a confrontation between him and his daughter to occur, she gave herself the opportunity to intervene on your friend's behalf, which makes her appear the compassionate benefactor and protector. She knew how Jacques would react to a faunus actively opposing him, so she acted with the aim of having him make a scene. Naturally, that forced James to intervene. Now James has been shown to have trouble reining in Jacques at a function he shouldn't even have been at, which will make people question whether or not Atlas is actually run by James, or if he is just Jacques' puppet, and whether James is speaking for Atlas' interests...or the SDC's."
Ruby swallowed hard, looking at Sora in a new, frightening light.
Radcliff continued. "Then Mrs. Sora demonstrated her own dominance by subduing Jacques and ordering him out. Doing it like that gives the impression that she was acting to help James save face, thus putting him in her debt to a certain extent, when she reined in the person that he couldn't. And, finally, there's the message she sent by sending Jacques directly back to the ship, assuming that her underling actually managed it." Radcliff's smile faltered for a moment, as his eyes took in the shaken expression on Ironwood's face as he lowered his scroll, having just finished checking the validity of Sora's claim. "And, from the looks of it, he did. That means that one of the Mibu just successfully set someone inside of one of Ironwood's airships, with no one being the wiser." He gestured to the Jaeger, which stood off to one side of the courtyard, and had been recording everything. "And the whole world just saw it."
Both Ruby and Jaune shivered at that revelation. They could understand the message being sent by that, another quiet warning by Sora, in response to the absurd amount of firepower that Ironwood had brought with him. Dougal had delivered Jacques back to Ironwood's command ship, casually penetrating the amassed firepower, sophisticated sensors, and superb security of what was, essentially, a flying fortress, showing James that his vessels were nowhere near as impregnable as he thought they were.
What made them even more nervous was the things it revealed about Kyo's mother. They had seen her hospitable nature, her willingness to help them grow stronger, along with her willingness to trust them with critical knowledge about the Mibu Clan. She had shown them every courtesy, and treated them with all the warmth and affection she had shown her own son. But this was a side to Sora they weren't as familiar with. This was a cool, calculating, manipulator, a politician who carefully twisted people's words and actions to suit her needs and intentions. Jaune supposed that this was the persona of Sora, as the true ruler of the Mibu Clan, the woman who had worked her way to become the head of the Taishiro and who, with every action, showed that she deserved that important position.
"Hmm...there's no mistake," said Radcliff. "We've been dancing to her tune this whole time. I'd best not underestimate her."
"Yeah...good luck with that," said Ruby wryly.
Radcliff burst into laughter at her words.
Weiss sighed and sagged into a seat in the shade of the pavilion, the loss of tension, the feeling of the adrenaline draining away, left her body and shivering mess. She needed a few minutes just to recover from that affair. It had been brief and terrifying. But now it was over. She could only hope that she wouldn't have to deal with her father again while she was here.
"That was intense," said Neptune as the blue-haired boy settled into the seat next to her, covering Weiss' hand with his own. "You okay?"
"I'll be fine," said Weiss, taking a deep breath, and taking a good look at Neptune for the first time since he'd arrived. She smiled at finally being able to speak to him. However, at the same time, she realized that the warm, fluttery feeling in her heart that she used to get at his nearness was gone. In its place was a warm affection, a feeling of friendship for the young man. But the romantic spark between them seemed to have fizzled out. From the look in Neptune's eyes, she could tell that he'd felt it too.
"I guess we couldn't make it work the way Blake and Sun did, huh?" asked Neptune in a wry tone.
"I suppose not," said Weiss, feeling guilty. Part of her wondered if it was her fault. If she hadn't met Hayate and started spending time with him, getting to know him, developing feelings for him, perhaps she would still be able to look at Neptune the way she used to, to want to feel his arms around her, and his lips against hers in the brief, chaste kisses they had once shared.
However, the rest of her reminded her that those feelings had grown cold quite some time ago. She'd held onto the hope that seeing Neptune in person again would rekindle those feelings. But it hadn't worked.
She felt Neptune's hand squeeze her own. "For what it's worth, I don't regret what we had," he said. "It was great while it lasted."
Weiss nodded. "We can still be friends, right?" she asked.
"Of course we can," said Neptune with a grin. "That's why I'm here. I'm your friend, trying help you after you've just had a tough last few minutes."
Weiss giggled and relaxed, leaning her head against Neptune's shoulder. "Thank you," she said softly.
"Come on," said Neptune, grinning as he stood up, pulling Weiss to her feet. "Let's ditch this joint."
Weiss sighed. Technically, they had a responsibility to act as the representatives of their respective Academies. However, she could also use a walk to clear her head. She was sure that Dougal or someone would find them before long and direct them back to the guest quarters.
After the incident with Weiss' father, Sora waited less than fifteen minutes before calling an end to the period of mingling. The delegates were guided to the sections of the Palace where they would be spending the night to rest and refresh themselves. They would be free to have dinner in the courtyard of their quarters, and have time to rest and confer, before the actual conference began the next day. Ironwood, suspicious and paranoid as ever, opted to return to the ship, while the remaining members of the delegation, even Gwenyth, chose to avail themselves of the Mibu's hospitality.
The students, on the other hand, were guided to the guest quarters where Kyo was already staying with the members of RWBY and JNPR.
Finally free from the watchful and mock-wrathful gaze of Blake's father, Sun was finally free to wrap his arms around Blake. Before she could offer more than a token protest, he swept her up and began to carry her along. Blake rolled her eyes playfully before smiling and kissing Sun on the cheek. Their fellow students observed the interaction between them with laughs and giggles. Blake's friends were especially happy to see her and Sun enjoying each other's company.
"You're back," observed Hayate, looking up from a book as Weiss and Neptune entered the pavilion.
"Yes, we are," said Weiss, sitting down in a chair, while Neptune took the one next to her.
"Everything all right?" asked Hayate.
"My father was there," said Weiss softly.
"Oh..." said Hayate, his eyebrows going up slightly. "I guess that makes it a really good thing I didn't go."
"Uh...Weiss...who's this?" asked Neptune, looking at Hayate in confusion.
Weiss sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Neptune, this is Hayate. You've probably heard more about him as the Lightning Lord."
Neptune's jaw dropped and he gaped unashamedly at Hayate. "What? Really? This guy?"
"Yep," said Hayate.
Neptune looked back and forth between Weiss and Hayate. His expression of confusion melted into one of amusement. "I see," he said with a chuckle.
"You see what?" asked Weiss, looking at Neptune with genuine bemusement.
"Let me borrow her for a second," said Neptune with a wink to Hayate.
Before Weiss could protest, Neptune had pulled her out of her chair and then led her out of the pavilion. Hayate remained where he was, blinking in confusion and staring at the space where the two of them had been only a second before. "Okay..."
Neptune pulled Weiss back down the hall until he was fairly certain they were out of earshot before letting go of Weiss.
"Neptune...I..." Weiss wasn't entirely sure of what to say. She realized that Neptune had apparently already noticed something between her and the young faunus.
Neptune grinned. "Look, I'm not mad," he said. "We both know things kinda fizzled out between us a long time ago. I don't blame you." He sighed and looked to the side.
"Neptune..." Weiss raised a hand and gently held it to his cheek, turning his head so that he was looking at her again.
"I don't think you really need my permission for this," said Neptune. "But I just wanted to say that I'm okay with it."
"But I'm not even sure about this," said Weiss, wrapping her arms around herself. "The way I feel..."
"Hey, you like him, I can tell," said Neptune. "Sure, he's a little on the young side. But I'm guessing he's a good guy." He let out a small laugh. "Though it's gonna be tricky making that work. Not only is he a faunus, but he's someone who's dedicated himself to being the biggest thorn in your dad's side."
Weiss nodded at that. It was something she hadn't really considered before, though she should have. Hayate and her father were practically mortal enemies...or at least mortal from her father's viewpoint. Given the opportunity, Weiss didn't doubt that her father wouldn't hesitate to have Hayate killed. If she entered into a relationship with him and it came to light to her father, it would likely burn any bridges she had left with her family and company. Weiss still had to wonder if Hayate was worth that. There was no way Jacques would accept her as the heir to the SDC if she took that step.
"I think it's up to you," said Neptune. "But...if you decide that it's worth a shot, I'm behind you all the way."
"Thank you," said Weiss, smiling at him. She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "We tried our best. I'm grateful for that."
"Me too," said Neptune, smiling back.
"It would seem that things are going well," observed Kyoichiro as he and his wife made their way down the hall towards their own rooms, followed by the other three members of the Taishiro.
"More or less," agreed Sora. "Things are going according to plan. The presence of Schnee-san was an unpleasant surprise. However, that turned out to work to our advantage." She sighed. "At this point, things are going a little too well."
"What makes you say that?" asked Makoto.
"Right now, if we do everything perfectly, without stumbling, we will sow the seeds of serious problems that we will reap in the future," said Sora. "Even agreeing to at least some settlements that are disadvantageous to us will only seem as part of the plan to those observing from the outside."
"What do we require then?" asked Murasame, his eyes narrowing.
"We need to stumble," said Sora. "Sadly, if we stumble on our own, then it will only seem as though we feigned it for the sake of lowering the other Kingdoms' guards. We need a genuinely unforeseen circumstance."
Murasame frowned. "You wish to present us as vulnerable to the outsiders."
"Just less than perfect," said Sora. "Right now, everything we do is just manipulation. We need an intervention from outside."
"Surely you aren't saying you want someone in the delegation to do that," said Murasame, a trace of anger making its way into his voice. "If that's the case, we might as well allow Ironwood to start firing on our capital."
"Of course not," said Sora. "Fortunately, we have determined enemies, enemies whom I hope will not miss this opportunity that we have given them to sow chaos, and try to advance their own agenda."
"You are hoping that the Twelve act during the conference?" asked Makoto incredulously.
"If they do, I believe that it will work out to our advantage," said Sora cryptically. "Is it so strange...to have faith in one's enemies?"
"No," said Kyoichiro, a smile playing over his lips, "not at all."
Trolling Jacques is always so satisfying. The guy's a total douchebag. One might even say that he's this story's Prince Humperdink, with "humiliations galore" in store for him. Of course, he's still a threat in his own way.
Sora is one of my favorite characters, mainly because she has so many facets. She's Kyo's mother, a genuinely caring and loving person, but also a skilled politician; someone who knows her way around the game. So, even though she's doing it for the best of reasons, she still has the capacity to be shrewd, cunning, and manipulative.
