Here we are at Chapter 109. Now that things are beginning to get serious, let's see how Velvet and the gang will handle a party at the Schnee manor. I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 109. Enjoy.
Chapter 109: One Helluva Party
In their room, Team RVWBY, along with Oscar, discuss this new move that Weiss' father is pulling, after finding out that they've been invited to a party that he's hosting, which is also meant to be a trial for Ironwood's seat on the council.
"Leave it to my father to turn a hostile takeover into a PR move. This is so like him," Weiss groans while holding an invitation.
"On the news, he said he wanted to break bread and hash things out. Maybe it won't be so bad. We do want Ironwood to talk with these people, don't we?" Ruby tries to be optimistic.
"Ruby, I love you, but let me be the realist here. Ironwood only wanted to talk to these people when it was on HIS terms, but this little get-together will be on Jacques'. What's more, we all know that Jacques doesn't want to make friends with everyone. He wants Ironwood removed from power so he can end the Dust embargo and start making millions on the backs of the innocent again like he used to. What's more, other members of the council will be there, and I highly doubt they're going to take Ironwood's side. His public image has continued to drop ever since the Fall of Beacon. This is a load of crap, and we all know it," Velvet says.
"Not to mention the ludicrous fact that my father actually won the election. I thought Robyn was supposed to be the 'people's champion', wasn't she?" Weiss adds.
"What are you thinking?" Oscar asks.
"I don't know... There's just too many coincidences here. Something is very wrong about all of this," Weiss says.
"You... don't think your dad might be working with Salem, do you?" Yang asks.
"I think my father would do whatever it takes to win. As long as he's on top, he won't care how many lives his actions destroy... Nor the dishonor he brings to my family," Weiss replies.
"...Then let's find out for sure," Ruby suggests.
"What do you have in mind?" Blake asks.
"Well, Weiss knows her father better than the rest of us, and also out of all of us, she would be the only one who could snoop around the mansion without being questioned," Ruby says.
"But what if someone does?" Oscar asks.
"That won't be a problem," Velvet says, crossing her arms with a smirk. "After all, I'm already on Jacques bad side. And I never got my invitation. I'm sure I can keep everyone's attention off of Weiss long enough for her to find out what he's been up to. Besides, I've always wanted to make him miserable a little but more. I'm sure I can come up with something," Velvet says.
"Just... don't go doing anything that's gonna get us arrested, or all of us kicked out, okay?" Ruby asks.
"No promises," Velvet replies, making her girlfriend sigh.
…
Later that evening, the gang all head to Jacques' manor for the party. When they arrive at the front doors, they along with Ironwood, Penny, Winter, Qrow, and the Ace Ops exit their vehicles. Ironwood glances back at Velvet.
"I thought you didn't receive an invitation," Ironwood inquires.
"You really think that's going to stop me? Unlike everyone else in his life, I don't work for him. Besides, I'm not about to let Ruby go into that asshole's house without me close by," Velvet says.
"Just don't do anything that's going to make things difficult," Ironwood tells her,
"I'll try," Velvet rolls her eyes and he walks ahead. "...Of course, accidents do happen," she mutters.
Meanwhile, Weiss looks up at the manor and takes a heavy breath until Yang intertwines her fingers with hers.
"Hey, I got your back, okay?" Yang says, taking her hand and gently kissing it.
Weiss blushes a bit but smiles, "Okay," she replies and walks ahead while keeping their hands together.
Ironwood rings the door bell, and to everyone's disgust, it is Whitley Schnee that opens the door for them.
"Good evening, everyone," Whitley greets them.
"Where's Klein?" Weiss asks.
"Dear Sister, what an interesting way of greeting your brother after being away for so long... I'm afraid he was let go... I can't imagine why," Whitley says, smirking like the little weasel he is. The news makes Weiss feel like it was her fault that Klein was fired, while Yang holds her close. "General, just how big do you think our dining room table is?" Whitley asks.
"I happen to know it's enormous, but most of my guests will be on standby unless the council requests more eye witnesses. Until then, they'll be celebrating your father's victory," Ironwood says, being sarcastic on the victory part.
Whitley smirks, but that smirk quickly vanishes when he notices Velvet, "So, you're the foolish commoner that was brazen enough to strike my father. I don't believe we ever sent YOU an invitation," Whitley challenges her.
"I know I said I would cause a distraction. I didn't think they would make it this easy for me," Velvet mentally notes. "Oops, it must've gotten lost in the mail. After all, you invited the rest of my team, so I assumed you invited me as well. Now then, aren't you going to invite your guests inside, little errand boy?" Velvet taunts him.
"One: You are not a guest. And two: I am not an 'errand boy'. I am heir to the Schnee Dust Company," Whitley retorts.
"Heirlooms and unearned titles mean nothing to me..." Velvet says and then gets right into his face. "Just like selfish brothers who betray and stab their family in the back for more power. Now then, if you'll excuse me, I'll let myself in," Velvet says as she pushes Whitley out of the way by his face.
The others move on in before he can object, and with the current numbers against him, and with other guests to invite and entertain, he has little choice at the moment. Everyone walks inside to the main hall, seeing other rich and well-known Atlas big dogs all enjoying the party and the food and drinks. Of course, the scenery is not to their liking.
Whitley walks up in front of the group, "For those of you joining us in the dining hall, please follow me," he says and escorts Ironwood, Penny, Winter, and Clover to the dining hall.
"Wish us luck," Clover says.
"Heh, hey, they invited you, didn't they?" Qrow jokes, making Clover grunt in amusement before he leaves. Just then, a Faunus waiter approaches Qrow with a plate of glasses of wine. "Would you care for a beverage sir?" the waiter asks.
Quickly, Qrow steps away from the alcohol, "Uh, n-no, no thanks... Listen, I'm gonna stick to patrolling the grounds. You guys handle things here," he says and takes his leave.
The sight of the Faunus waiters is enough to get on Marrow's bad side, "Took the words right out of my mouth. Let's go," he says and begins to walk ahead.
"Right, well, don't wander off, don't break anything, and be ready if the General calls for you," Harriet says as she follows the others.
As they walk away, Melina looks back and winks at Velvet, making her roll her eyes before she turns to her teammates.
"Okay, so, how about we DO wander off, consider breaking some things, and all that other stuff?" Yang suggests.
"I need to go check my father's study. I might find something there. I'll be in touch," Weiss says, pointing to her scroll ear piece.
However, before she can leave, they all see Whitley return, with a few security guards with him.
"Now then, as I said before, you don't belong here. Now then, will you learn your place and leave peacefully, or must I have security escort you out?" Whitley mocks her.
Velvet winks at Weiss, giving her the cue to get ready, and walks forth, "Wow, you didn't have the spine to get me to leave yourself, so you called your lapdogs to help you. You sure are a big, strong man, little errand boy," Velvet mocks him back.
Whitley growls a bit, "Very well then. Kick her out, and do be quick about it," Whitley orders security.
The four guards in suits approach Velvet, who makes no move to stop them. However, once they get closer, she allows her aura to flare up a bit, causing them to feel the energy in the air. Even they can feel her strength and suspect that this is someone they shouldn't mess with.
"Well?" Velvet asks.
"Don't just stand there, get her out!" Whitley orders them.
The guards regain their nerves and prepare to grab Velvet. However, Velvet just walks right by them, subtly using her Maiden powers to freeze their feet to the ground with ice before deactivating her powers as she gets in front of Whitley.
"Those are nothing more than the pitiful cries of someone without strength. You think you're better than everyone, but I know plenty of people that are stronger than you in every way," Velvet says as she walks forth, causing Whitley to walk backwards to stay away from her. Weiss uses this chance to sneak by while everyone's attention is on Velvet's little show. A moment later, Yang runs to join her side and they head up the stairs. "You never earned your inheritance; you stole it from your sister. Because you were jealous of her, and of Winter. You want to know why? Because you never had real power. Not like them. They had the strength to break free from your father's grasp, and make something of themselves. They chose their own paths. You, however, never had that choice. The only choice you had was to be your father's loyal little pet. So, you try to mask that jealousy, that inferiority, by mocking your sisters and everyone else around you. Trying to make others feel bad just so you can feel good about yourself," Velvet says as Whitley's back hits a wall, pinning him. "But what happens when you're up against someone you can't control, or you can't buy with money? Your sisters were never afraid of you, and you never gave them any reason to respect you either. Just like me. You're no threat to me, you're no threat to anyone," Velvet taunts him.
"Who do you think you are talking to me in such a manner?!" Whitley retorts.
"Someone who doesn't care who you are. Remember, I nearly knocked your father's lights out. And I wasn't even trying then. Imagine what I could do to you if I put some actual effort in," Velvet threatens him as she gets right in his face, making him see her eyes glowing ominously for a second.
Whitley actually feels his legs shake for a moment as he stares back at her. Here is someone who just threatened his life, and actually seems ready to do it too. His first thought is to get security, but they're still stuck and trying to free themselves from the ice pinning their feet to the floor. His next thought is to get Ironwood or the Ace Ops to help, but they're Velvet's allies. His third thought, while the most embarrassing, would be to run.
"Go on then... RUN," Velvet mutters darkly.
Whitley finally thinks for a change and takes her advice, running out of the hall like the scared little boy that he is. The people attending the party are unsure of what to think, say, or do as they witness this strange girl who appears to be a huntress just tell off the heir to the Schnee Dust Company. However, they do know that if she's unafraid to do or say such things to him, what'll she do to them if they try something? With that thought in mind, the people go back to minding their own business and sipping their drinks, hoping to enjoy the rest of their evening despite the extra company in attendance. Velvet returns to her friends. As she's walking by, she releases the security guards from their icy bonds.
"Now then, you guys want to try again, or will you be smart about this and leave me and my friends alone? You don't cause them any problems, and we won't cause you any problems... anymore... Probably," Velvet offers.
Knowing that she could easily freeze them again, the guards fix up their suits and quickly disappear back into the background, intent on keeping their lives.
Velvet walks back to Ruby, "What?" she asks.
"You're impossible... But that's one of the reasons I love you so much," Ruby notes, making Velvet smile.
Meanwhile, Yang and Weiss sneak through the corridors of the mansion, making sure not to run into anyone along the way. Weiss could easily make up an excuse since she used to live here, but Yang is another story entirely. As they're walking though, Yang notices something.
"You know, I see how much stuff you guys have in this place, and how big it is, but it feels so... empty," Yang says, making Weiss look upset. "I-I-I mean, it's not like I was trying to be mean or anything!" she quickly says.
"No, you're absolutely correct. This place could have everything in the world, but it would always be empty... Because it's never once felt like home," Weiss says sadly, making Yang look at her in sympathy. As they continue moving, Yang notices a big family portrait of the Schnee family. She also notices that no one except for Whitley is smiling in the center. "This... is your whole family? You look so... sad," Yang mutters.
Yes. Yet another lie come to light. My father never cared about my mother, or about any of us. There are only two things he cares about in this world: himself and his money. My grandfather brought honor to our family, and my father destroyed it. All for the sake of his greed," Weiss says and walks ahead.
Yang watches her a moment before moving up to walk with her. They continue on their way to Jacques' study and eventually find it. They quickly and quietly open the door and enter the room before closing it before anyone notices them, and breathe a sigh of relief.
"Hello, dear," they hear behind them and look to see none other than Weiss' mother, Willow Schnee, standing at her husband's desk with a glass of wine and a bottle to go with it.
"Is that..." Yang mutters.
"Hello... Mother," Weiss greets her.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be there for the party. I'm... afraid I'm not feeling well right now," Willow replies.
"No, it's okay, Mother. It's fine," Weiss replies.
"What... are you doing in your father's study?" Willow asks.
"...Just looking for something I left from before," Weiss lies, glancing away.
"...That's right, left... You left," Willow notes sadly.
While feeling a little guilty by her mother's words, Weiss remains focused on the reason they're here.
"I need to use Father's computer," Weiss says as she walks up to the desk.
"Why?" Willow asks.
"Because I think he may have done something. Something wrong. And I don't mean what he usually does," Weiss says as she stands in front of her mother.
"I thought we all just simply assume that at this point," Willow calmly retorts.
"Yeah, well, unlike some people, we're trying to do something about it," Yang says.
"Yang!" Weiss quietly tells her to stop.
"And who might you be?" Willow asks, feeling a little insulted by Yang's jab.
"I'm Yang, Weiss' girlfriend" Yang introduces herself.
This surprises Willow a bit, "You mean... you're the one Weiss spoke about?" Willow asks.
"Wait, you told your mother about me?" Yang asks Weiss.
"I never told anyone here about you, except for... Eleanor and Zaveid," Weiss replies before her eyes widen as she stares at her mother. "How do you know about Yang?" Weiss demands.
Willow drinks her glass before answering, making Weiss look away in distraught at her drinking. This makes Willow feel guilty about it before she puts the glass down and picks up her scroll.
"I was watching... From the moment that girl came here with her strange friend, to the moment that the three of you... left," Willow says as she shows Weiss and Yang an image of Weiss speaking with Eleanor and Zaveid over a cup of tea. "I was close to calling security, but then I watched you interact with them, and it seemed like at least you were friends. You... were friends, correct?" Willow asks.
"Not at the time. They were old friends of one of my teammates that she told me about. She trusted them, so I felt that I could too," Weiss replies, but then realizes something. "Wait, you had a camera on us?" she asks.
"I put a camera in every room of this house. For our safety. In case I ever needed to... It was from this that I learned about your relationship with this girl here. Tell me, Yang: how do you feel about my daughter?" Willow asks.
Yang doesn't hesitate, "She's everything to me. Not the money, not the family name. Not the fame. Just her. Just WEISS SCHNEE. I love her," Yang says, intertwining her fingers with Weiss', making her smile.
Willow actually smiles a little bit at this, "I see... Good. I didn't want her... to go through what I went through," she says, and then pulls up another image on her scroll. "Weiss, you didn't come back to stay, did you?" she asks.
Weiss remains resolute, "No," she says matter-of-factly.
"Good... A man came by to see your father recently," Willow says as she hands Yang her scroll and then takes the wine bottle. "I'm afraid your father has gotten himself involved in something more dangerous than he realizes. Just promise me, Weiss... that no matter what happens, don't forget about your brother," Willow pleads as she stops at the door.
"Whitley wants nothing to do with me," Weiss says.
"Yeah, that little jerk treated her like crap and stabbed her in the back so her could become heir," Yang adds.
"Of course. Because you left him here alone... with us," Willow says and then leaves while Weiss looks at a portrait of her father when he was younger.
Yang holds her hand a little tighter, but still gentle. Weiss recomposes herself and they bring up the scroll, showing an image of another man speaking with Jacques in his study.
"Who are you?" Weiss mutters and hits the play button.
And that's the chapter. Velvet lets Whitley have it at the party, while Weiss and Yang find some evidence that could help prove what's really been going on around here. Now, I know people want Jacques killed in this volume (trust me, I'm tempted to do so), but because I have no idea what will happen in the next volume, I may not do that... yet. Possibly in the next volume though. Anyway, will Ironwood keep his place on the council? Who is the man speaking with Jacques? Until then, please Read and Review.
