Hello everyone! Longtime no see.
Sorry for how long this took but I haven't gotten a break for my hobbies in months. It was my birthday today... well, yesterday I guess as of this upload it should be a few minutes into the 16th of April meaning the 15th has passed, I didn't even get to really celebrate because I had a major project presentation that took the majority of the day. It just felt like one of those really stressful days.
There are going to be some parts that seem like I didn't elaborate as much as I wanted to and that's because I have plans to revisit this chapter in the future, but for now, I didn't want to keep putting it off.
Trigger Warning: This chapter does contain mentions of attempted suicide, abuse, and self-hatred. Readers are warned.
EDIT: I forgot to address Zacatac's review about a smut chapter. I did say I wasn't going to make one unless I got a request for it, and well I now have a request for it. Writing that stuff is super embarrassing but I'll try my best.
Other edit: Also while I'm here, for Astray-Tech, my idea for the Neo x Weiss ship I've been thinking Wicecream or Frozen Treats or something like that, Ice Schneam doesn't sound too bad either lol
Chapter 70: The Beginning of Snowfall
Ruby and Nova were gathered in Randolf's shack, an urgent message coming in through the radio. He'd been just got done sparring with his uncle in the field and was ready to engage in the next part of his routine which involved learning how to be diplomatic in the face of impossible to handle individuals.
"NOVA?! RUBY?! ANYONE THERE?!" The broadcast came through. It was the desperate voice of Yang.
The red leader instantly picked up the receiver that was hanging on the desk, "Yang? What's going on?"
"Ruby? Oh thank god… something terrible has happened… it's… awful…" Yang gasped, they could hear the shakiness of her voice. "You need to come back right away!"
"Yang, calm down and talk to me. What's going on? What happened?".
There was a soft pause before Yang spoke up again, "Salem happened. Her cronies, that crazy guy who attacked you in Mistral. The one you said injured Uncle Qrow? Him and his brother attacked Robyn Hill's election day campaign and… and…" she was struggling to find a way to explain it.
"What's the damage? Did anyone get hurt?" Ruby asked, a cold look on her face.
"Dead… several civilians dead, and Jacques got elected to the council. Ruby… they've made their move and I think Jacques is working with the enemy." Yang plainly stated.
This caused alarm bells to ring in both leader's minds, "What did you just say?" Nova asked now very wary.
"At the time the power went out when it all started… Robyn was supposed to win but… then when the lights came back on… he was the winner. I think they forged the votes…"
"Weiss is not going to be happy about this…" Ruby muttered quietly.
"Listen, you guys need to hurry up and come back. Our enemies have made their move, and it's time we make ours." Yang said, finally calming herself down.
Normally Yang wasn't so shaky, but the burden of being the interim leader was wearing on her nerves and that incident threw her off the edge.
Nova and Ruby shared a look.
'We need to go back' they both mimicked.
In the great hall of the clan, everyone was gathered. They had rarely seen each other in the week, especially Luna and Weiss who seemingly dropped off the face of the earth.
Qrow didn't look that different, just a little stubble on his chin growing out, Elain looked as disheveled and sleep-deprived as usual, but Weiss looked different.
Her hair was shinier, her skin like porcelain. Her radiant blue eyes seemed to generate a serious intensity that wasn't there before. There was a strength about her that could not be visibly discerned but felt.
"Where's Luna…?" Nova asked curiously, searching for his dear sister.
Randolf and Elain looked at each other nervously. They'd managed to keep the secret about Luna taking the serum for a whole week, and the blue dragon was still undergoing the evolution process. She was taking much longer than her brother, most likely due to that, her semblance worked in the exact opposite to her brother's.
While his was to internalize and adapt, hers was focused on outward protection and prevention.
Elain opened her mouth to give an excuse when a voice echoed from the doorway, "I'm right here."
Standing in the doorway was Luna Sapphire Flareheart, except, she looked much different. She was taller, by a few inches, her one doll-like appearance now looked more matured and held a sense of wildness. Her long flowing hair was cut just up to her shoulder blades, and her eyes were piercing as if they saw through the world itself.
"Saph…? What happened to you?" Nova asked hesitantly.
His sister shot him a sweet smile, that held no undertones, just pure happiness, which echoed her true self. It reassured Nova that he was still gazing at his sister but even he could tell her change was more than her appearance, "I did what had to be done to not be the one holding you back anymore." She stretched out her hand and her nails erupted into dark blue claws with cyan coloured energy wisping around them, sea blue scales covered the arm and a trail of energy followed, her eyes turned to reptile-like slits and her fangs became more defined.
She looked exactly like a blue version of Nova when he used his power.
The eyes of the room went wide as they saw Nova shake, "You took the serum?" He spun around, his anger flaring as the temperature of the room suddenly grew drastically higher, "You allowed this to happen?! WHAT IF SOMETHING WENT WRONG?!" he was glaring daggers at his mother.
Suddenly a strong gravity weighed down on Nova as Luna was glowing cyan blue, the powers clashed until a stalemate evened out the room and the non-powered people could breathe again.
"It was my choice to make, she tried to stop me but I fought her down. I'm not some defenseless kid anymore," she snarled, baring her fangs.
Startled by his sister's sheer ferocity, Nova calmed himself and the flames subsided as he saw the determination in her eyes, "I… I'm sorry. I should've known," he bowed in apology to his mother.
She just waved him off with a tired look, "Hey it's no problem. I was expecting it anyway."
"I'm sorry Luna. I know I can't protect you forever, but… can you promise me one thing?"
"What's that?" she asked, now returning to her normal self.
"Don't overdo it. Don't follow in my footsteps…" he was implying that he didn't want her to ever be a sacrifice.
She nodded, "I understand, but I can't promise you I won't do what's necessary."
Nova just sighed in defeat.
Olwen raised her eyebrow at the awkward atmosphere, "Well now that's over… care to explain why we've been pulled out of our daily duties to come here?"
"Oh please. Like you do anything meaningful all day," Elain sneered with distaste.
The older wolf just rolled her eyes, fully used to her daughter's spiteful words.
Nova placed his hands on the table, resting his weight onto one arm as he used the other to pinch the bridge of his nose, most likely due to the irritation of dealing with this.
"A few minutes ago, we received a message from Atlas. I'm going to be brief in my words but believe me when I say, 'shit has hit the fan'." His gaze was serious and hard, boring his eyes into theirs.
"Dead civilians, injured people, Jacques on the council, and apparently Tyrian and Thorian Callows have made an appearance. Their presence can only mean one thing…"
"Salem has made her move," Ruby finished his sentence.
Everyone froze up instantly. They weren't ready for it to be this soon, and they knew it.
"Wait a minute backtrack. What are the Ace – Ops doing? Surely they could handle that scorpion easily?" Weiss made her counterargument.
"Well apparently, they can't, or at least don't know-how. We can only assume that since Salem has made her move, there's going to be more than just a crazy Faunus and his brother." Nova got up and began walking around the table, "Salem lost the Fall Maiden when I… killed Cinder. Currently as far as we know, Raven is still the Spring Maiden, but they don't need her because we have the relic at Atlas. It's easy to guess their next plan of attack."
"So they're coming after the Winter Maiden and the two relics, and possibly the Fall Maiden as well…" Randolf muttered what everyone was thinking.
"We need to cut the training short, and head back." Ruby finished for them.
Olwen was the first to voice her opinion, "Absolutely out of the question. The rest of you lot can go back but this one isn't ready yet," she pointed to Weiss who blinked rapidly at being referred to as 'this one'.
"Granny, like it or not, we're going. We no longer have a choice, and as much as I would like Weiss to stay back and train, we're going to need the full force of team ASHNRWBY on the field," he glanced at his cousin warmly and Weiss let out a small smile in return, "Every piece is equally valuable."
"We're heading back tomorrow. If there's anything left to do, get it done today and pack up. Any further questions?" Ruby said adopting a military commander attitude. It seems as though she'd been learning a few things because a week ago Ruby would not have been this firm. This side of her was shocking to everyone and quite pleasing to her boyfriend. He always was a sucker for women in power.
Olwen looked like she wanted to argue but the reaper's tone had instantly silenced any hope of that, which was a new feeling to her.
"None?" Ruby asked back, they all shook their heads. "Good. Now get moving."
-Atlas City-
After spending the day packing up and having Olwen impart whatever knowledge she could onto Weiss before they left, the team was picked up by an airship a few miles outside of the range of the village. Olwen valued her hideaway and Ironwood understood enough to let them be.
The shining city lights amidst the black of Atlas night was a welcome sight to them as they'd essentially been stuck in the middle of nowhere for a week. It was comforting to see modern civilization, even if the view was accompanied by the ever sinking feeling of reality.
The moment the airship touched down and doors were opened, Ruby was tackled into a hug by Yang, and Nova was fully overwhelmed by the incoming bodies of the Zephyr siblings.
"Guys… please… I can't… breathe…" Nova choked out, a singular hand grasping for an invisible rope.
"Yang… my hood… don't… damage it…" Ruby struggled against her sister's iron grip hug.
Weiss looked at them warmly and then saw Winter standing with the rest of their team. They shared a hesitant glance.
"It's… good to see you alive and well, Weiss," came the reclusive words of Winter.
Weiss just smiled to herself knowing that's exactly what to expect from her.
As the younger Schnee was about to step off, feeling content with just the words of her sister even after all the hell she went through, she was surprisingly swept off her feet by a brown-haired blur.
Sputtering in surprise Weiss glanced to see her assailant was none other than Anastasia, whose arms were now wrapped around her and her cheerful smile staring up at Weiss.
Weiss blushed furiously from the unexpected contact but awkwardly hugged back, earning gaping stares from her colleagues, which further enhanced her embarrassment. Though compared to the genuine happiness off of the shorter girl, she was willing to deal with it. The smile brought true warmth to her and she didn't understand how a person she barely knew could bring her such joy.
"Hey Ana," Weiss said warmly as she detangled herself.
Anastasia aka Neopolitan signed, 'I missed you. Where were you? Are you okay?'
Weiss giggled, and signed back, "I'm okay, as for where I've been… that's a secret. How's your training been?"
'Getting better. Glad to have you back,' Ana signed.
"Glad to be back."
Everyone else was awkwardly trying to give them space. Initially, they were thinking of Ana as another little sister to Weiss or a protégé, but the more they looked at their interaction, despite the height difference of a few inches, they looked more like colleagues with the chemistry between them.
Oscar on the other hand was having a hard time registering what he was seeing. Luna was completely different from a week ago. The last time he saw her, she was more like him, young and innocent, filled with the youthful vigor of naïve dreams. Now she looked taller, more like his height, her face and eyes were more mature and he felt as if she'd grown up while he was just there in the dust. The same could be said for him when he'd gone missing, but the feeling was not something he could get used to.
He felt an increasing sense of nervousness as he took in her figure. There were signs of stress on her eyes and darkness hovering around her that made her feel almost like an unapproachable beauty.
Oscar was fully ready to shy away, when she called out to him, "Oscar?! Hey!" she skipped off the airship platform and ran up to him, he could definitely see her height was the same as his now, perhaps a few centimeters taller.
They stood there nervously staring at each other and fidgeting making everyone want to facepalm.
Oscar swallowed the lump in his throat, "H-Hi Luna… you look um… different."
Luna flinched and began rubbing her upper arm, "I-Is it bad…?"
Oscar instantly panicked, "No! NO! NO WAY! I mean… you look… good, like really good…"
Luna turned crimson and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, "You think so…?"
Winter had enough of the awkward teens, "Alright enough standing around. We need to meet in Ironwood's office to give you all a full briefing on what happened."
Once the full briefing was over, the team was left to retire to their quarters while mulling over the information they were just handed.
Weiss collapsed on the bed instantly, grateful to feel the soft comfort of a mattress on her aching spine compared to the cold hardwood floors of Olwen's dojo.
"We've been gone for what? A week? And suddenly people are dying, Ironwood's shipments are being stolen and he's being painted as the villain. Robyn Hill is playing vigilante doing the hijacking and Jacques Schnee is head of the council." Luna vented as she threw herself onto the bunk under Weiss.
"So what do we do now? We have no leads, no direction, and no clue as to where our enemies are hiding. We could spend every day stopping shipments and supplies from being hijacked but that will still leave us with nothing to show for it." Oscar voiced, pulling up a chair alongside the bed.
Nova, Ruby, Yang, and Hex filed in followed by Blake and Jaune.
"How about we stop moping and analyze the information we do have?" Hex pointed out, rolling her eyes. She was quite annoyed with the state of things herself.
Everyone shot her confused looks so she sighed and propped up against the wall, "Look, my parents aren't exactly happy about what happened either. With the CEO of the SDC on the council, the ZSC is going to be hit hard. Nitro's been going back and forth between here and the company because Ironwood's been hard pressing us for defenses against the hijacking."
Nova blinked as he realized he was missing his red-headed friend, "I was wondering why it was so quiet… he's not here…"
"Yeah, he'll be back tomorrow. That being said… Ironwood said to give you guys these…" She threw a white envelope to Weiss.
The Schnee caught it between her index and middle finger without even looking, impressing Luna greatly, "What's this?" she asked curiously turning over the envelope.
In shimmering gold letters wrote 'To Weiss Schnee'. Inside it was a letter, Weiss began reading aloud, "To my daughter Weiss Schnee, in celebration of the successful elections, I, Jacques Schnee, will be holding a dinner party… blah blah blah… you are allowed to bring up to two guests should you chose to come…"
"Sounds like someone wants to show off to the daughter that abandoned him?" Nova asked sarcastically.
Weiss snorted, "Please, like I'm going to give him the time of day." She was about to toss the envelope in the trash when Hex called to her.
"Wait don't!"
"What?"
"I got one too, well it was for my parents but they don't want to go so… I thought of something." She said smugly.
Yang saw that look in her eyes, "Ooo, I love it when you get like this… what's itching at your brain?"
"We're like 90% sure Jacques is working with Salem right?" Hex asked. They all nodded in confirmation. "Well if I can get access to any terminal, maybe his office, I can find concrete proof."
"And who better to navigate the Schnee estate than their daughter!" Jaune gaped.
Weiss was silent for a moment, "My dad does have an office... and there was a shady guy there the last time…"
"So it's settled then!" Yang said clapping her hands, "We finally have a lead!"
Nova chuckled, "Alright, put on your dancing shoes, we're going to a party!"
It was still a few more days until the party, this left the team with a couple of days of rest and preparation. Nova and Ruby were taking a much-needed breather in their room when a subtle knock was heard on the door.
"Come in~" Ruby called from the bed where she was sprawled playing on her scroll.
The mechanical door swooshed open to reveal a red-headed Zephyr standing in the doorway, looking slightly happy and also guilty at the same time. His eyes bore signs of stress and worry. Something seemed to weighing heavily on his mind.
"Oh good, you're both here," he said acknowledging both leaders.
"Nitro? Bro? What's got you so worked up?" Nova asked from the desk chair he was sitting at.
The red-head leaned against the doorframe and sighed with a smile, "First up, nice to see you back and all but... I got something I need to get off my chest, and I need you both to hear this."
Ruby and Nova shared an awkward glance before nodding, "Alright, talk to us man, what's eating at you?"
"It's about my parents... listen... this is hard to say..." he rubbed the back of his head, "I'm worried about them. They have no idea what we're up against, and have no way to look after themselves, sure they might have their machines and stuff, but with the fight coming to Atlas, and with Salem's goons making their move... I'm not sure how much they can hold out on their own when... if things go south..."
Nova instantly understood what he was implying, he didn't want what happened to people at the Fall of Beacon to happen to his parents in the event that Atlas does fall the same Fall of Beacon shook Nitro in ways that left deep emotional scars. He'd heard from Hex the horrors they'd witnessed in the streets of Vale when the Grim invaded, he didn't blame Nitro for worrying.
"I... I know I've sworn to follow you, to be by your side as a brother in arms... but I can't fight alongside you while constantly worrying about them. I can't choose between my parents and the family I've come to love. I want to protect you both, but I can't do it at the same time," he clenched his fists and bit his lip in frustration, "I've come to ask both of your permissions to take up my fight alongside my parents, and you, at least in the event things go haywire, I want to get them out first. I know this sounds selfish but I promise I will come back to you, I just... need to keep them safe..."
Ruby shook her head and smiled warmly, glancing over at Nova who had a similar expression, "Dude, you don't need to ask us. Go to them, make sure they make it out okay and then catch up to us later."
Nitro felt tears welling up in his eyes, he'd been so terrified that his friends would reject him for his choice, but they were so accepting it almost made him feel worse, "T-Thank you," he sniffled, "I've already told Hex... she's agreed to let me handle things over there while she stays with you guys. We Zephyrs are a package deal, so you know I'll be back soon..."
Ruby just laughed and patted the tall boy on the back, "Get out of here, if you feel the same guilt when you get back then we'll work you extra hard you hear?"
The redhead wiped his eyes, "Thanks guys... I'll see you around..."
Neopolitan was sitting in her room, bored out of her mind. Within the week that Team ASHNRWBYJNR had been dispersed, she'd managed to gain all the intelligence she needed on the layout of Atlas Academy. She worked in tandem with Jacques as Arthur Watt's inside man... or woman... that helped him get access to the Atlas mainframe. On top of all that, she'd mapped out the fastest route to the vault of the Staff of Creation and how to escape at any time. The relic of knowledge was still a problem, but Arthur assured her that in the coming week, an opportunity should present itself to steal it away.
She didn't know what that meant but considering the nature of Salem and Cinder, she didn't doubt it would be disastrous... for everyone. She had an idea of where the Winter Maiden was, she'd secretly followed Winter into a secluded section of the Academy but couldn't get past the security check at the door.
With nothing left to do, she just sprawled on her bed, the image of a certain white-haired Schnee popping into her mind. Beautiful blue eyes, porcelain skin and a badass scar over her eye.
'When shit hits the fan... I wonder if Weiss will be okay?' she thought, and instantly her brows furrowed in confusion.
Why was she thinking about this? Weiss was just a means to an end, everyone on that team was just a toolto be used. Once she got the Maiden's power, everything would be better. She could abandon them and never look back, she wouldn't even feel bad... would she?
The smiling face of Weiss as she hugged her, flashed in her mind causing her cheeks to colour.
There was just no way... right?
She had to make sure, confirm it with her own eyes that the Schnee was nothing more than a passing fancy.
Resolving herself, Neo clambered out of bed and donned her disguise again, taking on the appearance of Anastasia, she quietly crept along the hallway toward team RWBY's room. The cold of the night air bit at her skin despite the indoor heating, making her shiver and regret not walking out in warmer clothes.
After about a minute she crossed the threshold and found herself in the common room for the Ace-Ops and the team. It was rarely ever used so Neo would sneak here on mornings and steal Nora's cocoa mix from the cupboard and make her own cup, however this time, someone was already there.
"Ana? Is that you? Why are you awake?" the object of Neo's torment asked. Weiss Schnee stood with a cup of what looked to be herbal tea in her hands.
'Anastasia' signed, "Couldn't sleep... thought I could use something to drink maybe..."
Weiss giggled and used the remaining hot water in the kettle she'd used, to make Anastassia a cup of cocoa. Handing it over she whispered, "Don't tell Nora, this is just our secret okay?" she winked.
Neo took it awkwardly and nodded as if she hadn't done it before.
They sat on the couch, quietly sipping their beverages, the hum of the ventilation system and various machinery made for comforting background noise.
"How have you been coming along in your training?" Weiss asked curiously, trying to make conversation, though her eyes were holding something back.
The disguised girl signed a lie, "I'm getting really good... it's thanks to you really..."
Weiss snorted, "Please, you're your own best teacher. You know, you remind me of me kinda..."
Neo tilted her head in confusion, "How so?" she signed.
"When I was a kid, my dad refused to let me be a Huntress, so I used to teach myself in private. When Winter was home she would try to help me but when she left for the military, we rarely saw each other. Eventually I got private tutors but, at the end of the day, no one could help me learn better than my own practice."
Weiss suddenly realized how she sounded, "Sorry if I come across as snobby at that. I know not everyone had the advantages I had as a kid... but you know... it wasn't all peaches and cream... not even close..." her eyes were dark.
'Anastasia' looked on in concern, she was sure that as a Schnee, the girl grew up in a sheltered environment with all her needs catered to her so how could her life have possibly been bad?
"I'll spare you my sob story... don't wanna ruin the mood..."
Neo began signing quickly, "No! Tell me! If you tell me yours, I'll tell you mine? How's that sound?"
Weiss rubbed her chin, "You sure...?"
Neo nodded affirmatively.
Weiss sighed, "Life was... lonely... I guess. Dad was always working, never spent time with us. His children were always just trophies and nothing else. We were worth nothing more than our achievements, and there was no love in our family. He was abusive when we didn't do as told and a piece of shit to his wife. Mom got tired of him and they had a huge fight, now my mom drinks herself silly every day to hide the pain and my sister left for a better life... I don't blame her, but back then it was the three of us siblings. After she left... it felt like just me."
"I stuck up to Jacques the last time though... you should have seen his face when I exploded at his little 'chairty event'. I summoned a Boarbatusk out of my semblance and attacked a snobby guest who was making fun of the people who died at Beacon. Dumb broad had it coming..." Weiss snickered as she recalled.
Neo giggled silently and signed, "You're very brave to do that..."
Weiss waved her hand dismissively, "I should've done more..."
There was an awkward silence before Neo resolved herself, and signed, "Well a deal's a deal. It's my turn..."
The look on her face was stiff and almost looked like her soul was trying to cave in on itself so Weiss hurriedly said, "Hey you don't have to! If it's too much..."
Neo gripped her arm and swallowed the lump in her throat. She'd never told this story to anyone, not even Roman... so why was she talking to Weiss now?
'She won't see me again anyway... once we go our separate ways... besides... venting is healthy right?'
Neo signed, "No I should... it's only fair... besides... I want you to know," she then began saying, "My parents died when I was just a kid, a car accident apparently. My aunt took me in right after but well... my aunt... wasn't the best person in the world. She blamed my dad for her sister's death, said it was his fault that they died in that crash..."
Weiss was quietly listening but she wanted nothing more than to wrap Anastassia in a hug. The face she was making was enough to make Weiss want to tell her to stop, and tell her it was going to be alright, but she knew she couldn't... not yet.
"I wasn't born a mute, but the problem, according to my aunt, was that I looked exactly like my father but sounded just like my mother. Whenever I spoke, sometimes my aunt when she was drunk would completely lose her mind, as if I were my mother in the body of my father, haunting her like a bad spirit. She would freak out and attack me. I'd get beaten badly, but when she sobered she'd stand there staring at me like I was an abomination... well one day I'd had enough. There was no reason for me to keep living if it was just an endless cycle of pain with no way out."
Weiss gasped, holding her hands over her mouth at what Ana was implying. The girl continued to sign, "I went to the bathroom and smashed my reflection in the mirror. Took up a shard of the glass and cut my own throat. I simply lay on the floor of the bathroom, ready to bleed out, willing to accept my death... but the gods had other plans for me..." she sighed and removed the choker that was wrapped around her throat to reveal a long scar that ran lengthways along the line on her neck. "You've heard of spontaneous Aura generation right?"
Weiss weakly nodded and replied, "A very rare case when Aura in a person is unlocked without any warning, chant, or someone else unlocking it for them..."
Neo signed, "It was then that my Aura activated, and my wound began healing itself, but the damage had already been done. I might've survived, but I lost my voice... just another curse of my existence... maybe I shouldn't have been born in the first place..."
Without warning, Weiss pulled Anastassia into a tight hug, tears streaming down her face, surprising the other girl, "You're not a curse, and don't let anyone, even yourself, tell you otherwise. Everyone has a right to live and life shouldn't be taken so easily..." she was referencing the time she'd killed Hazel. Not a day went by when she didn't regret controlling herself back then, wishing that she was stronger so she didn't need to put an end to the man's life. When Ana was talking about taking her own life, Weiss' instincts to protect instantly triggered.
Neo wasn't sure why so much warmth and care was being expressed by someone toward her, but in her emotionally vulnerable state, she didn't care, thoroughly relaxing into Weiss' embrace until they eventually bid each other good night.
-Two days later-
The Schnee Estate was grand, not quite as large as the Zephyr Manor in Mistral but still very luxurious even by Atlas standards.
A white limousine pulled up at the base of the white staircase leading up to the large doors. Guests of all kinds were arriving at the same time, but the car took special priority, as once the passengers disembarked, it was clear to see why.
General Ironwood and Winter Schnee stepped out first, clad in their standard Atlas Military garb, nothing out of the ordinary on them, but following closely behind were a few select members of Team ASHNRWBYJNR and the Ace-Ops and Qrow.
Nova, Ruby, Luna, Oscar, Yang, and Hex, all wearing formal clothing… and then there was Weiss and Penny and the others in their usual outfits.
Oscar was clad in a black tuxedo with a green undershirt and black tie that brought out the colours of his eyes while Luna was wearing a dark blue slim dress with white stilettos that she borrowed from Weiss.
Yang wore a sun-yellow version of the dress she wore at the Vytal Dance with the same purple necklace that matched Hex, which was yellow. The tech-wizard wore a black fur-ended jacket loosely around a violet undershirt and dress pants.
Ruby and Nova stood out from the others, however. While everyone looked fashionable and attractive, the pair were particularly eye-catching.
The red-reaper had abandoned her red-hood for a red-scarf that wrapped around her shoulders loosely. Her combat outfit was replaced with a shimmering black dress, a single red rose symbol on her left chest above her heart, while the top portion of the dress was open (Think black Chinese dress style). The dress itself extended to her upper thigh where slits ran along her sides revealing her legs, which had a garter strap around her left leg. A pair of black heels completed the look.
Nova wore a pinstripe black suit with a red undershirt and black tie with his symbol on it. (Think Soul Eater's outfit from the Madness room). His horns were protruding out of the top of his head in full display, and his hair swept back, revealing his scar.
Weiss refused to give her father the time of day and simply wore her combat uniform, like her sister, refusing to acknowledge their standing.
"I swear you rich people and your giant houses…" Nova groaned as he stared up at the towering manor.
Ruby flicked his forehead, "Didn't you used to live in a mansion or something?" she tried to counter.
The dragon shrugged, "I mean yeah, but that was humble compared to this monstrosity… you think ol' Jacques is compensating for something?"
"Oh definitely," Weiss and Winter said with simultaneous dry tones.
"Any chance of you being nice to them?" Ironwood asked Winter as he gestured to the oncoming guests.
Winter stood stoically, "Sir with all due respect… I'd rather die."
"Noted"
They approached the door and were greeted by a one Whitely Schnee, with a mixture of surprise and disinterest… and something complicated, plastered on his face.
"Whitely? Where's Clyne?" Weiss asked, confused as to why the Butler was not the one to greet them at the door.
The younger Schnee feigned offense, "Why sister, what an odd way of asking, Oh dear brother how have you been?"
Weiss just shot him a look that said 'really? You're doing this?'
He just shrugged and replied, "You won't find him here… he's been let go. Can't imagine why…" he said that last part with a tone of accusation toward Weiss.
The ex-heiress had downcast eyes, wondering if her running away had done it.
Once they were let in, Ironwood, Penny, and Winter moved toward the dining room where Jacques and the other council members were waiting. Before they entered, Harriet turned back to them, "Be ready for anything. Don't wander off and break anything or cause trouble. Remember why we're here."
The teens abruptly nodded, but once he was gone, Nova turned back to them, "Alright, so here's the plan. We wander off, break everything and cause all sorts of chaos? Sound good?"
Ruby snickered while Weiss and Luna hit him over the head, "We're not here to make a scene as much as I want to. I'll take Hex to my dad's office and see if she can jack into the system. Oscar and Luna see if you can learn anything from the staff. You're both small and unsuspecting…" Weiss then turned to look at the leader couple.
"You two… go look pretty I guess? Just be ready when we call." Weiss almost asked.
Nova and Ruby shared a look, "Nora's not here but I think we can manage that role."
"Good, let's do this!"
As Weiss and the others disappeared into the house Oscar and Luna moved across the main room together, looking for a quiet place to eavesdrop on guests.
Taking up the traditional wallflower post of leaning against a support pillar, they were content with sitting in silence, surely, but the longer they stood together the more Oscar became painfully aware of his situation.
He was standing around with the girl he liked, whom he hadn't seen for more than a week, and there felt like a serious tension between them. The more he realized their eavesdropping was getting nowhere, the more his gaze began to wander to the white and blue dragon standing next to him.
Truly she was a sight to behold. Luna was cute before, but something happened during that week to change her. She was taller, her cuteness was there but the air of maturity could not be disregarded. She was cooler and calmer, much more conscious about herself than before.
A waiter approached them holding glasses of wine, "A drink for the couple?" he offered with a light smile.
Instantly they both turned red, "W-We're not… a c-couple… she's not my date. W-We're just friends..." Oscar stuttered out. He swore he was over his stuttering after the incident in Argus but it seemed to come back to bite him when he least expected.
Luna frowned at his words, 'He could've at least not denied it so readily…' she thought to herself. 'Maybe he only sees me as a friend?'.
The waiter chuckled, "Of course, my apologies, it's just the two of you do look like quite the pair. I assumed you were another one of the star couples attending," he said gesturing to Nova and Ruby who were making idle chatter with a few guests. He then proceeded to walk off.
"Oscar, are you embarrassed to be here with me? Would it have been more comfortable if I were Weiss or Nova?" Luna asked, deciding to press the attack. She liked him and she needed to weed out his thoughts. She knew he was feeling something for her, but whether it was platonic or romantic was still unknown.
The Pine boy flew into a panic, "Shit, NO! No of course not! Why would I possibly be embarrassed?"
Luna frowned, it seemed Oscar still held onto his inferiority complex, "Because you rejected the idea of me being your date so easily, I thought maybe you thought the idea was gross." She knew exactly how to play this.
"WHAT?!" he suddenly realized he'd offended her. "Luna, I'm sorry. I figured maybe you didn't want to be misunderstood is all. I'm just some dumb farm-boy, don't want rumours spreading that Princess Luna Sapphire was dating some farm-boy from the middle of nowhere."
Luna frowned even harder, and turned her head, "Maybe I want something like that. Maybe I happen to like dumb farm-boys named Oscar?" she said it so quietly Oscar couldn't hear.
"What was that?" he asked, wondering if she was cursing him under her breath.
She turned around and grabbed him by the hand, it seemed that she needed to make it painfully obvious that she actually liked him. "Boys can be so dense…" she muttered again as she dragged Oscar across the room.
She found a waiter with glasses of champagne, "Excuse me, ma'am, I'd like a glass for me and my date," she gestured to Oscar who looked like part of him had just died inside.
Across the room, Nova and Ruby were observing the two with amusement.
"I was wondering if I had to go over there and help the kid out, but my sister seems to have it under control," he snickered as he wrapped one arm around Ruby's waist.
The red-reaper giggled, "You think we were like that?"
"According to Weiss? We were so much worse…" Nova replied casually.
"Hail young man!" A manly voice was heard calling to Nova from across the room. The couple turned to see a large man with ginger hair. Accompanying him was an equally tall woman with a fluffy tail, it was auburn with a white end. She looked very fox-like. The man wore a green and white suit while the woman wore a brilliant maroon dress.
Nova turned with Weiss to see the man, "Um, hello?" he responded confused as to why this person would call him out.
"Don't be so tense young man, my apologies if I've made you nervous," he said with a hearty tone.
The woman patted the man on the shoulder, "I'm sorry for my husband. He saw another mixed-race couple and had to say hello." She straightened her dress and held out a hand to shake, "My name is Kiyo and this is my husband Peter,"
Ruby calmly shook the woman's hand with a smile, "It's nice to meet you two. I'm Ruby Rose and this is my boyfriend Nova Flareheart."
The man whose face was happily smiling a second ago suddenly blinked in surprise, "Flareheart you say? Like the same one that gave that incredible speech at the Vytal Tournament last year? As in his royal highness?!"
Nova rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Well I wouldn't say the speech was all that great but yes I am the one and the same."
The man squealed uncharacteristically, "I'm such a fan, your highness!" he looked between himself and his wife.
Nova was felt a little awkward, "A fan?"
"Well yeah! Let me start from the beginning," he took his wife's hand in his, "Kiyo and I have been married for nearly twenty years and our marriage was always frowned upon, especially by my parents who weren't too keen on inter-racial unions…".
"We've been advocates for racial equity for years but haven't made much of an impact, so when my husband saw you winning the hearts of thousands of people, single-handedly unifying the races, he instantly became obsessed with you." Kiyo explained further.
"Aye, it's people like you and my grandfather who are the true pioneers of the future. My grandfather was the one who fought my parents to let Kiyo and I get married. That's why I'm proud to carry on his legacy!" he said raising a fist to the air.
Nova was amused by the man's theatrics, "Legacy?" he was curious as to what kind of legacy this man was carrying on.
The man smirked, "Fufufu… the legacy of PUMPKIN PETE'S CEREAL!"
Nova and Ruby almost fell over, "Wait you own Pumpkin Pete's cereal?!" Ruby said incredulously.
"Indeed we do! My wife and I are the co-owners of the company. Say… what would you say to be on the cover of our new line of boxes?" Peter inquired, leaning down to Nova's eye height.
Nova sputtered, "I-I would love to! Maybe one of these days… but…" he glanced back to Ruby, "We have a lot going on right now…"
"Ah to be young and taking on the world… so noble!" he wiped a tear from his eye. "Honestly, I would be nowhere without Kiyo. She's my rock, my anchor, and together we handle the world."
Nova nodded his head vigorously, "I know the feeling! Without Ruby, I don't know where I'd be!"
Both men's significant others were turning red from embarrassment.
"Oh, before I forget, I want to introduce a good friend of mine! He might look a little shady but he means well." Peter said promptly before gesturing behind him.
Nova was curious as to whom he'd meet now until he heard Peter call out, "Noir! Over here, you wouldn't believe who I found!"
Ruby faltered, "Noir…? It couldn't possibly be…"
Suddenly a hunched-over man in a pure white button-down trench coat and plague doctor's mask appeared, with a white cane and matching top hat.
Nova and Ruby looked absolutely dumbfounded, as the man took off his hat, revealing his messy black hair, before bowing, "Your highness, master Flareheart, Miss Rose, it's good to see you two in good health."
"Mortus Noir?! How are you here?!" Nova asked incredulously, almost disbelieving his own eyes.
"You know each other?" Peter was pleasantly surprised.
Nova nodded, "More than know! He was instrumental in helping citizens evacuate Vale. I thought the Grimm had gotten to him after…"
The old man chuckled, "It takes a lot more than a few Grimm to kill me off your highness," he laughed. "Though I can't say the same for my old apprentice…" his tone was hinting at sadness.
"My condolences for Torchwick's death… I couldn't save him…" Ruby apologized with a bow.
Mortus waved his hand dismissively, "The brat had it coming. He chose life and those of us who walk the path are always prepared for the end. His apprentice though, that little girl… I feel regret I was not able to locate her afterward. She was a genius indeed…" he said referring to Neopolitan.
"Still… How is one of Vale's most notorious crimelords at a dinner party for the Schnee Dust Company?" Nova asked quietly.
Mortus snickered, "Since I left Vale, I've taken up a part-time job of being Pumpkin Pete's supply chain and go-to transport service," he mentioned quietly, fitting the puzzle pieces together for the prince.
Suddenly Nova felt a tug against his horns and he turned around to see Luna with her eyes faintly glowing, gesturing to the door to the main dining hall where Ironwood and Jacques were. Nova understood the signal.
"I apologize for cutting our talk short. It was nice meeting you again Mr. Noir, and you as well, Peter and Kiyo." Nova smiled as he grabbed Ruby's hand and made heading for the room. It was time to shine.
Weiss and company crossed the main hall and took the stairs up while eyes were focused elsewhere. Being the ex-Heiress of the SDC, no one dared question why Weiss Schnee was moving about her own house, after all, how could they know just how wide the relationship between her and the family had grown?
"Weiss, who are all these people?" Hex asked as they walked down the hallway, passing the numerous pictures hanging on the walls.
Weiss didn't even bother to look at the portraits, "Ancestors, 'family', though I don't even know, nor have ever seen, half the people up here," She explained as the clopping of her heels against the tiled floor was the only noise in the nigh vacant path.
"All these and there's not one single picture of you…" Yang mourned as she observed the stern gazes of the lifeless pictures.
Weiss shrugged, "Not that I want to be up there with those pricks anyway," As they rounded the corner a door stood out, adorned against the wall, "We're here."
Hex strode up to the door and brought out a cube from her back pocket which expanded into a full-sized duffel bag, loaded to the brim with gadgets. She pulled out a familiar device she once used on her dorm room in Beacon, all those months ago, and scanned the door.
"It's wired for sure, I see two cameras, an alarm system and all of it is encrypted, nobody's breaking in here." Hex proclaimed as she tucked away from the device and began rummaging around in the pack.
Yang raised an eyebrow, "So what? Is it all a bust?"
Hex then pulled out a laptop and jacked into a nearby power socket then ran one of the USB ports to a handheld device, that looked like something she used in Argus, "Nope. After all, you can just call me Nobody," she laughed.
A few taps and some minutes of waiting, and a soft click was heard on the other side of the door, "Aannnnd… we're in!" she packed up her things and casually opened the door.
Inside Jacques' office was way too neat to be humanly possible, but Yang figured the guy probably walked in a straight line from the door to the desk without any variation in his step.
She managed to plug into the system and hack into his security feeds easily.
"Let's see what old Jacques has hidden under his camera logs huh?" Hex began skimming through the video feeds.
"No… not this… no, not this one either… Weiss why are like 90% of these footages of your mother drinking herself into a stupor?" Hex asked genuinely confused.
Weiss grimaced, "Mom has a… problem…"
Yang shrugged, "Well married to Jacques with three kids, I'd be drinking myself stupid every day as well…"
After a while Hex finally found something, "Oh my god…" she mouthed as she took a good long look at the man standing in the frame of the video. The trio was staring down the face of one Arthur Watts.
"Well… we just found our evidence…"
Back at the main room, Nova had approached the door that was guarded by two burly men. "Step aside gentlemen, I believe our presence is requested in the council meeting."
The two men looked at each other then back at the shorter Nova, "No unauthorized persons allowed inside, no guests."
Nova shrugged, "I assure you, gents, we are with the good General…"
The men moved more to block the door, "No entry."
Nova just sighed and turned to Ruby, "Well I tried the casual approach…" just then he got a ping on his scroll. A text from Hex saying she was on her way with proof of Jacques' corruption. This brought a grin to his lips. "Showtime," he whispered.
He walked up to the men and swiftly reached up behind their necks and pinched the nerve ending, knocking them both out silently, "Waiter! These men have fainted, please look after them," Nova gestured to a nearby waiter before he barged into the council room, Ruby Rose in tow.
Inside the room, things around the table were getting heated.
"Let me tell you how it is James," Jacques said with a slimy tone, "You have no more control on this council, and as per the majority vote, this embargo will cease."
Ironwood grit his teeth, "You don't understand. What I'm… we're doing is best for Atlas… it will help thousands of people…"
"You no longer have that say. Why don't you explain to us exactly what you've been hiding all this time? Let's settle this, right here, right now." Robyn Hill got up from her chair. She stuck out her hand to the general, "You're all aware of my semblance correct? I can bring out the truth in people?"
Ironwood hesitated, his pale skin looking sickly under his dead eyes.
Suddenly the doors burst open and Nova Flareheart strode in with Ruby behind him, "Ladies, gentlemen, Ice queen, and old fart in the white suit. How are we all doing today?" he asked with a peppy tone, grinning madly.
Jacques got up from his chair with fury in his eyes, "Who are you?! How dare you disrupt this meeting! I'll have you thrown in jail for this! GUARDS!"
"Stop, he's one of my men," Ironwood said calmly.
Nova almost snorted at that term but said nothing.
"One of your men? First, you lie to us and bring on the embargo and now you bring this hooligan in when you're under the fire?" Jacques fumed.
"Don't stretch your mustache out slime-ball. If it's fire you want, the heat should be getting here sometime soon…" Nova mused.
Jacques looked about ready to pull out his hair, "I don't know who the hell you think you are, but I am not going to stand for this. I am head of this council and you will…"
Nova feigned disbelief, "Oh my, I'm hurt! You don't even recognize family? Well, I guess we are distantly related but still…"
"Family? What preposterous…"
Now everyone in the room was curious.
Soon Weiss came in followed by Hex and Yang.
"Council, General Ironwood is innocent. We found the one responsible for framing him, for rigging the elections, and I think my father does to…" she threw her scroll onto the table.
"Wonderful timing 'cousin'," Nova said smugly.
It was then one of the council members, a woman with dark brown hair and glasses stood up, "I recognize you… you're that Prince! Firearm or something?"
"Flareheart ma'am, and yes I am that prince."
Winter's brows furrowed, "What's this about us being related? You called me cousin before too…"
Weiss answered up, "Long story. The Schnees are basically a branch family of the Flarehearts, started back from great-grandma being the same as Nova's great-grandma or something… that's not really important right now. What's important is this…" She double tapped her scroll and a large screen displayed, instantly Jacques paled.
On the screen were Jacques and Arthur Watts, drinking wine and talking.
"My god… is that Arthur Watts?! But that's impossible! He died in the paladin incident years ago!" a council member said.
"Yes well it turns out he's not dead and…" she hit play.
"Damn that James. He's already cost me a fuck-load of money with that bloody embargo… I'd lay off every worker in Mantle if I could but I need their damned votes for the council elections…" Jacques was heard saying on the recording.
Everyone gasped, as Arthur Watts said "What if I told you, you could have your cake and eat it too? I just need access to the Atlas mainframe…"
That was the final nail in the coffin for Jacques, as everything fell apart at that moment.
Instantly the council turned on him, "YOU! YOU DID THIS?! You slimy, lying dirty bastard!" Robyn screamed in fury.
Jacques was backed up against the wall as Ironwood approached him, "Selfishness and ignorance is all you live and breathe. That access to the mainframe just drilled a huge security hole in our system and now we're all compromised. But you didn't think about that did you?!"
A blackout suddenly hit the whole city. Power was momentarily restored to the manor due to backup generators, but everywhere else was hit.
The field protecting Mantle and Atlas was gone.
In the far distance, the sound of thundering footsteps was heard. The Grimm were upon them.
So I had done a great bit of debate on how I wanted to handle the whole Robyn Hill situation where Yang and Blake basically snitch on Ironwood's plan to her. In the end, I decided to completely leave out that scene since Robyn Hill is an extremely minor character in this story and whether she knew or not doesn't affect what's coming. If Robyn is one of your favourite characters, I do sincerely apologize, not that I don't like her, but that I just have a lot to consider for my plans for the future of this story and how I'm going to re-do volume 8.
Also how did you all like Neo's backstory? I plan on expanding it in the future with a fic centered around Neo as the MC.
As always, let me know of any inconsistencies or parts that don't mush well together, I'll be happy to correct them when I rework this chapter in the future.
Until Next time!