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It was probably the worst pain that I had experienced in my lifetime. But to think out of all the tragedy at the fall of Beacon I would be felled by something so small and insignificant. I was fighting for hours at that point, I had killed nearly a hundred Grimm or so, not even counting the Atlesian Knights I crumpled to the ground, I even destroyed a war machine that supposedly was as good as a train huntress, and gotten my friend to the top of the tower. Yet after all the exhausting combat were I proved to be indestructible the single breather I took was my downfall. I stupidly lowered my aura among my peers to catch my breath. That's when it happened.
A one in trillions of a chance shot. Not even a Grimm or a member of the White Fang did the deed, it was a destroyed Atlesian Knight lying on the ground. The thing wasn't even active. Someone, not naming any blue haired boys, tripped on it. Causing the machine to clench it's finger around the trigger, that wasn't even the impressive part.
It wasn't aimed at me. The bullet ricocheted off of a statue, into the green member of that team's sword, whizzing passed several other people catching some strands of Velvet's hair come to find out, off the armored chest of a Cardin Winchester, into a lamp post before spiraling right into my precious face. Sure it hadn't hit me directly, but it had entered my right eye before tearing it's way out just in front of my left temple skimming the back of my left eye.
And like always in my life I prevented myself from screaming bloody murder… I wish… I may have lost all my credentials as a woman of refinement that day with the amount of profanity I spewed. Luckily they were able to drag my screaming form to the medical shuttle allowing me to be shipped out to the hospital with Yang. Though the ambulance didn't have drugs to spare and I may have slightly angered them with all the profanity I was indiscriminately shouting. Then my next memory is waking up on the plane back to Atlas, or wind tunnel. It was so loud.
It's not like I could tell. I couldn't exactly see when I woke up… though I could feel the icy presence of my father. I was actually surprised he made the effort to come pick me up. He even tried to talk to me about how since my dream was dead that I should look forward to running the company. I assume that's what he was trying to talk to me about.
Now in the two weeks since it has been nothing but bed rest while my senses are going haywire. Klein told me it was a side effect of losing my eyes but he didn't sound convincing. I may not be able to see but bat-like hearing isn't something that happens because of losing one sense.
It was fine.
I was adjusting. I just didn't enjoy knowing which maids were attempting to become my step sister. Luckily Whitley was far too busy to notice the advances of the maids, so busy in fact that he hadn't bothered to visit me since my arrival. But suddenly being able to hear every part of the Manor did come with some perks. Like knowing that father scheduled me for an appointment with the best Prosthetist money could buy. Now on the day of said appointment I could hear father walking down the hall with what sounded like a tank. Though I could hear the boisterous breathing of a larger man. Father didn't even stop to knock on the door, he barged in without a thought.
I was a fair maiden so it was fine, but if I was at all like Yang or Ruby I would be half naked doing something stupid. But I wasn't, so I was sitting in the same dress I had been wearing for three days at this point. I must smell tragic… Although the doctor smelt like dust and grease so maybe he wouldn't notice.
"Weiss I have a little sur-"
"Hello doctor I've been waiting all week. Can you fix my eyes?" I didn't care for fathers prattle, I would much rather solve the problem than pretend like I was going to act like an obedient pet in hopes that it will fade eventually.
"I'll have to see. I'm not exactly sure about your condition at the moment..." He trailed off as I heard the large clanking of machine legs. He was coming towards me… wasn't he? I felt a bag getting set down on the bed as he approached me.
"Weiss, I hope you understand how difficult it was to get Mr-"
"You call one phone call difficult? If that is the case how do you run a multi trillion dollar company?" Father gasped as he tried to regain his composure. I have little doubt he would have slapped me for that in any other circumstance. But even if he was taken back he stood firm once again.
"You should be more grateful for the small amount of effort I put forth, it can easily be none." Like it was my entire childhood? Oh I'm so scared. He only ever fathered when he needed to keep up appearances. He remained silent to signal he wanted my response.
"Understood father," If I could have scowled at him I would have. He didn't move, clearly wanting to watch the procedure but the Doctor could almost feel my discomfort with him present.
"This could take several hours... I wouldn't want to waste your time." Father clicked his tongue as he thought about it for several seconds. But I was glad for what he ultimately decided.
"Very well… Oh and Weiss," I don't know what motion he is making or what's on his face but I hated it. I guess that was one perk of being blind, not having to see his face ever again, "Do come see me when you can see again."
Now I almost don't want new eyes. But with the rhythmic clap of loafers he made his way out of my room, before shutting it entirely. It seemed like the doctor wasn't exactly a fan of him either, "Awfully a blowhard isn't he?"
"Tell me doctor, do you insult all those who pay you?"
"Only those that deserve it," He chuckled like a large jolly man, it was infectious allowing me to begin giggling as well.
"That's a good policy," I don't know what was on his face but it sounded like he was smiling. But after the laughing died down he opened his bag and asked.
"So what seems to be the problem?"
"I lost my eyes…" Did father not inform him? Hadn't I? How old was he?
"Oh yes of course. That would explain the bandages… Do you mind?" I didn't know what I looked like underneath but from how Whitley and Klein described 'I was horribly deformed' and 'it isn't too bad.' I couldn't wait to actually know. I began unraveling them as the doctor fiddled with his tools. When I felt the crisp touch of cold air on my eyes for the first time in two weeks I was relieved. Even if I couldn't see.
"Is this alright doctor?"
"Yes dear. Now if you would remain still for just a moment." I could feel him lean in as he took a tool to my eyes to inspect it. I sat in silence as I waited diligently. I had been told eye prosthetics were one of the more difficult to get working properly. So I had Yang beat in that sense. He gently placed his hand on my cheek as he pulled my face around to get the other side. I had been told that I was missing an eye and the other looked dead in the socket. I narrowly avoided losing it the first time only to fail and lose both of them at the same time.
"Hmmm," He hummed to himself while he pulled away. He began using a different tool that wasn't so close to my face. He was scratching his head at the same time and I could tell there was a confusion in there. It didn't sound pleasant, I needed to say something but I don't think he knows enough about my condition to give answers so I shouldn't ask about that. What would Yang say?
"How do I look doc? Am I going to be able to participate in the Miss Atlas Beauty pageant any time soon?" I grinned as I said it to convey the joke. But I don't think he got it.
"Perhaps, but I doubt someone of your stature would lower herself to participate in such a farce," That hurt.
"Oh, don't notice all the trophies on my shelf then." I may not have enjoyed it, but it was the last thing my mother really took me to on a regular basis. Then I asked to participate on my tenth birthday and she was so happy… Then the fight. I got to participate, sure… but she wasn't there. Still, I won all the junior champion tournaments.
"Aside from your right eye being missing, you might develop another scar on your left side. Though it may just merge with the other one." That didn't sound good. The bullet barely scratched my skull, basically bouncing off that as well before it found its way out. But the scar on my left eye wasn't that big… was it? Oh Yang will have a field day with this… Thinking of which.
"You wouldn't happen to know any good prosthetic arm doctors would you?" He paused as he lowered his tools.
"I am, why? Are you planning to lose one or-"
"My friend back at Beacon lost her arm. I was just wondering if I could get her a new one." That could have been awkward. I'm glad I got to the point quickly.
"Oh Ms. Xiao Long, I already got the order for hers. Though it's on the back burner with all the work I have piling up…" How did he know Yang?
"Who are-" I didn't get to finish when his tool dinged. He inspected it only to gasp shortly after.
"Oh dear… that isn't ideal."
"What is it?" I was beginning to panic. But he was clearly hesitant to talk to me.
"It appears… that along with destroying your right eye, the bullet… destroyed both of your optic nerves." That didn't sound good. I wasn't an eye doctor so I was hoping it just meant everything would be a little fuzzy for a while. Maybe I could only see in one color. Please don't be what I think it is.
"What does that mean?"
"Well, we clamp the prosthetic eye to that nerve so it can interpret and convert information for your brain to understand. And without it... I'm sorry there is nothing I can do."
"Oh."
After the doctor left, I was left sitting there in that bed. Father had wanted to see me after I could see again but since I couldn't I didn't particularly care what he wanted. I needed to do something however, even if it's just going for a walk. I was tired of sitting in my own filth anyway.
I tossed the covers off before gently taking my feet to prod at the ground. I may know it was there but at this point I was honestly checking that it hadn't disappeared entirely. And I felt it. That was good. I placed the other on the ground to make sure it was still there and when it didn't slip right through I began to shift my weight onto them. Simple.
Then all of my weight was shifted onto them. I tried to stand but when I got off the bed my legs suddenly felt so weak. I couldn't help it quickly falling to the ground in the process. In a blind panic I activated my aura to cushion the fall, even going so far as summoning a Glyph to stop me entirely. It didn't even slow me from hitting the ground, "Ow…"
I sat up trying to regain my bearings, why had my legs been so weak? I was a warrior and suddenly I was so weak I couldn't even walk? That sounded suspicious. I put them on the ground once again and forced myself to my feet. They were still weak. And the little standing I did felt considerably more exhausting than it should have… I hadn't walked in a little more than 3 weeks.
I had atrophied. Great, now I'm blind and my legs don't work properly. I would need to pick training back up if I didn't want to lose all my hard work. It would be difficult if I couldn't see… I couldn't let that stop me now. I already made my decision, I am going for a walk. When I finally balanced myself on shakier legs I took one step. This would be the first of many for my new life. Even if I couldn't see where I was going, that wouldn't stop me. My pinky toe collided with the corner of my dresser, "SON OF A FUCK!"
I was back on the ground in an instant. I hate this. I was not only trapped in my old prison but in my body now as well. I couldn't escape without some way to see. I needed something to help me… Wait dresser. The case!
I dragged my arms across the floor before I found the corner of my dresser once again. Then I groped my way up it until I was on my knees reaching for the case on top of it. That was easy enough to find… being the only thing on it since I returned from Vale. As slowly as I found it I had to feel around for the latches on the front of it. Then it was a quick and easy flick to open it. If I could see I would be glad to have seen Myrtenaster again. But I couldn't see, so feeling it would have to do. I pulled the blade out of its case and held it like I had so many times before, "I'm sorry about this…"
Muttering to myself wouldn't help as I found my foot hold again and stood back up. This time though I used the sword like a cane. Clacking it against the ground to make sure I find the proper placement for my feet. It wasn't perfect but each time I clacked it against the cold marble ground I could almost hear it reverberate off of everything in the room. Either way it made it easier for me to guide myself out of the room. Well until I got to the door then it was a game of feel up the door until I found the handle.
Even if it was considerably more difficult I made it out into the hall. I was free of my room. I should have changed before this because it was becoming clear that a single slightly short nightgown doesn't mix well with the soon to be winter Atlas. I needed to go get a coat… but those were back in my room and I wasn't particularly wanting to go back there. I was already in the hall after all.
"Oh dearest sister, finally coming out of your cave. After such- JESUS FUCK!" As I turned to Whitley he recoiled as I faced him. I may not be able to see him but he saw me fine… hadn't he seen my eyes prior?
"I thought you already saw?" I arched an eyebrow. He umed and ahed trying to think his way out of this.
"I assumed…"
"Well why not get a clear look now? Come give your beautiful big sister a hug~" I motioned him to me with my fingers as I had once seen Yang do so much with her sister. He remained where he was.
"I would rather not get all… disgusting."
"It's not like getting eyes shot out is infectious."
"You haven't showered this week have you?"
"Ah." Not entirely inaccurate. I had been forced into more than a few uncomfortable sponge baths since I got here… they just weren't as good as a shower. I would roll my eyes if I could. But as he was keeping his distance I knew how I could get him, "It's awfully chilly in here. Would you mind grabbing my coat?"
"I'm not your butler. Get Klein to do it." He was as indigent as ever.
"But I wouldn't want to burden him with such a simple task, and I can't exactly call him without being able to see his number on my phone." I grinned as devilishly as possible slowly inching my way closer to him. He was getting me that coat whether he liked it or not.
"Fine. Wait here." The shuffling of well tailored shoes would have told me he had gone to get it but I knew him too well.
"Please Whitley, it's actually really hard for me to find anything right now." I turned my head to face where Whitley had walked in place.
"Alright... " This time the shuffle of his feet said he actually did go for my coat. I stood there for a second waiting for him. Before I realized he had left… what a little-
"I assume you want the long one that smells like blood," he had actually gotten it for me.
"I would be more partial to a clean one-"
"Well I was partial to not finding what you store in the back of your closet but we all make sacrifices."
"What was so bad in the back of my closet?" Klein said they retrieved my personal items from Beacon, but I don't actually know what they collected. He also said he hid some of my more illicit items in my closet. What items? Clothes? Textbooks that I can no longer read? Books about princesses breaking out of her tower- What are the chances everyone else went back for their stuff? Oh gods! BLAKE'S PORN COLLECTION! Calm down I'm sure they would have realized that wasn't mine, it wasn't in my area after all… Oh gods. Yang's underwear that covered nothing that she threw everywhere! Or worst of all- Ruby's… No. There was nothing to really be worried about for Ruby; she was fairly neat. Unless they accidentally stole her cleaning kit.
"Really? Big. Bright Yellow. Pound me written on it?"
"Oh gods! YANG!" The gag gift. Yang bought me… well… she bought me something she shouldn't have. A large latex forearm… She thought it was merchandise for her participating in the tournament. She bought one for all of us. She even said she sent one to her father, "Did you receive any of the letters I wrote?"
"The ones you wrote to Winter?"
"Oh… right."
"She offered them to me after she got them." Had he actually followed along? I had written several letters and they may have told several stories about my team…
"Well my teammate was… dumb. Yes very dumb."
"Hhhhhmm." He may not believe me. But he still offered me the coat. I placed Myrtenaster on him before I slung the coat around me. He handed Myrtenaster back shortly after.
"Thank you… Would you like to-"
"Sorry I have business to attend to. I'm sure you can find your way," He quickly turned his way down the hall running from me. That was always like him, abandoning the helpless to focus on himself… Then again what did that make me? I shook it off. I needed to go for a walk. I turned on my heel and pointed myself the opposite direction from Whitley and began.
I may have overestimated my ability to remember my way around the grounds. In my defense I hadn't been home in over 5 months. Even if this was the place I had spent my entire childhood here I wasn't exactly finding it easy to navigate the millions of halls with just my touch and hearing. I had found the library for all that was worth... or I think it's the library with the distinct smell of old books, could just be a glue factory.
Each new door that I opened was like its own little adventure. Will this be a new path or did I just walk into another janitor's closet for the third time. I felt like my unclear end goal was to make it to the garden to smell the flowers but I had little to no idea where I was. That was only compounded by my attempts to avoid the staff. Sure I couldn't see but letting them guide me around would be an entirely different kind of humiliating. I couldn't see but as I walked I was beginning to get a sense for the rooms I was in.
Like my hearing had improved enough that echolocation was possible. Was my aura compensating for my lost sense or was this something that just happened? Either way it made not running into things far easier. I haven't accidently knocked over any priceless vases for a while now… I had however knocked them over on purpose. I was going to use this blind thing to my advantage at least. I played to my strengths like the other members of my family.
Whitley wasn't kidding about business, he was stuck in the middle of an hour long lecture about proper finances that was boring me to tears from a mile away. Father had gotten tired of waiting and left for business. And Winter was nowhere in range. So everyone was playing to their strengths as well. However when I caught the mild scent of flowers I knew I was getting close to the garden. It was just far enough away from the courtyard that I could pretend Winter didn't just put me through the most difficult and unfair training while we had tea. I had to be strong and smart, no one is going to watch my back out in the real world. That may have been her experience but I knew it wasn't true.
I could always rely on my team. Ruby would always come up with some childish plan that proved she was still a child, Blake would act distant as she hid in shadows acting like our invisible guardian, and Yang would stand up front like a shield determined to turn into a sword. Our teamwork was meant to make us better, to raise us and allow us to fight things far above any of our levels alone. That may have been the real purpose of Beacon, teaching people to be a part of the whole. I'm glad I learned it… but it does make me wonder about Winter's team in Atlas. To my knowledge she never had one.
Must have been lonely...
*THUMP*
"I should stay focused…" I muttered to myself as I rubbed the growing lump on my forehead. I felt up the door I walked into. I was sure it should be open, I could even still feel a draft coming from it. But there it sat, in my way, "Stupid moving wall, reveal your deception and prove to be a window of the correct path."
…
…
…
Why was this door refusing to move? I had specifically ordered it to. I was about to blow it off the hinges when Klein arrived, "Weiss dearest the door is already open."
"That doesn't sound right." I began tapping the door with Myrtenaster barely allowing myself to make out the door being a few inches separated from the frame. It was ajar not open. Why was that? I tapped around to the other side of the double door to find it was already open… There goes my stubbornness hyping itself into overdrive this time. I checked around the other side of the door that refused to open, finding the gardener. Having had a door opened into him, "Oh I'm sorry sir."
"It's fine." I feared the look on his face as I tried to escape into the garden. Klein was quick on his feet panicking as I darted down the stairs.
"I'm not exactly sure this is alright. You're still recovering-"
"I've been recovering for two weeks! My body is healed." I wouldn't hold it against him. He was only worried about my safety. I was however determined to enjoy what semblance of freedom I had. Even if it did lead me through several rose bushes. Though I was glad I wasn't in that bed anymore.
"Body, maybe! But eyes, definitely not!" I pretended I wasn't listening as the cool tile pathways followed by sharp bushes were a far more interesting endeavor. I was finding it harder to hear everything while outside it seemed, or more specifically I was finding it easier to hear everything. I could almost hear things outside of the Schnee compound. It was all garbled and I found it increasingly difficult to make out any one thing in particular. But with this new hearing came something else, I felt small. Smaller than I ever had when I was just alone in this castle.
"Why are you in a bush?" Older and more mature… mother.
"Well I find this bush is the only thing that doesn't hide it's pointy nature in this compound." I picked a rose off the bush and presented it too where I assumed the voice was coming from.
"I can't tell if you're trying to imply that I'm hiding my nature or calling me a prick." That was sharp for someone that had to be horribly inebriated at this point. I gave a quick sniff as I tried to gauge how drunk she was, no doubt smelling of several layers of vodka by this point in the day. Yet the only thing I could smell was the abundance of roses surrounding and covering me. I sighed as I made my way out of the bush to her spot under the gazebo. I only barely made it out of the bush when Klein arrived, practically tossing the tray to the table next to Willow before coming to my aid.
"I'm sorry, madame. I fear Weiss is letting out all her pent up energy after being trapped in her room- And you're not listening." He helped free me from the bush as several thorns had caught my coat and nightgown. I could just barely make out the cap of a bottle of liquor being removed as I was freed. Willow definitely had her priorities straight, "You shouldn't act so recklessly, especially now that-"
"I'm fine Klein. I'm going to have to learn to fight like this after all." He gasped a little as he took my hand, determined to lead me. I resisted certain that I was going to enjoy myself outside some more.
"I don't think you will be capable witho-"
"Forgive my ambivalence, but I thought Winter already taught you to fight." Mother was adding her two cents as the fresh stench of alcohol was just beginning to grow on her.
"I can, but it will be more difficult without-" I motioned to my eyes, I was certain she had heard. Then again it may have just slipped her mind. I was able to move around easily and unaided after all.
"Without what, dear?" Now she was just trying to toy with me at this point. I slipped Klein's grasp as I marched over to the gazebo. Since she wanted it, she was going to get a piece of my mind. Right as I entered the overhang I marched to the table where I swept the hair out of my face revealing the eye hole that I had forgotten to cover.
"It will be difficult to fight when blind! But at least I won't remain the most blind in our family, even if you only chose to be blind. Or better yet I can drink myself into such a stupor that I don't even realize it," Not the worst thing I could have said but I'm sure it would do something to her.
"I don't think that chair can see Weiss." Willow had gotten up from her seat and began leaning on the frame of the gazebo by the time I climbed out of the bush. I groaned as my triumphant moment was ruined. I turned to her, allowing my eye hole to remain visible, "Ew that looks like it hurt."
"Well this was as helpful as ever. Klein take me back to my room," I extended my hand expecting him to come to my side in an instant. Only for a much more feminine hand to slap it out of the way. Mother was trying my patience at this point. I may not like my father but he and I had about the same opinion of her… she was a drunk. I could even hear the splashing of a wine glass as she just barely raised her opposing arm.
"Leave us." Klein went to protest immediately.
"Madame I don't-"
"Look, we both know I'm years out of practice so there is nothing I can do to hurt her."
"That's not exactly-"
"Klein!" Willow could command a room well enough it seemed.
"Right away madame," The hesitance in his voice was palpable. I wanted to ask him to stay but I knew he had no say in the matter. Mother on the other hand took to immediately finding her seat again. I remained where I was uncertain of if I would need to flee… or how I would.
"Sit."
"I'd rather be able to run at the first sign of annoyance." I didn't know where any other chairs were but I also didn't want her to know that.
"Don't act like you're completely blind, you still have one eye," I tilted my head to the side as I swept the hair off my temple to reveal the hole, "Oh, you are."
"Yes. I am completely blind." To think she was once a great huntress. That must have gone out the window when she started drinking. Then one of the chairs got kicked out from under the table making enough noise for me to notice it, she made a motion that I assumed was telling me to sit. I shook my head as I found myself sinking into the seating. But afterwards I was completely left wondering as we sat in silence. If it didn't hurt to glare I would have.
All I could hear was her leaning over the table while inspecting my face. She didn't say anything, but she did take several large swigs of her 'wine'. She drank it like it was water, she never actually drank anything else... Almost makes me wonder how she stays hydrated. Though when she leaned back she began mindlessly tapping her middle finger against the table, "How is your hearing?"
"Fine. I can hear fine." What was she talking about? My aura was just making up the difference-
"Just fine and not incredible?" I was taken aback, what did she know about my hearing?
"I mean... it has improved since-"
"Let's test it out. Which finger am I tapping the table with?"
"Middle and it has only improved because I'm focusing on it more than thanks to my current lack of vision." I answered on instinct before I explained my hypothesis.
"Correct, and correct." Of course it was. It had only improved because I had lost- Waitaminute.
"What do you know about my hearing?" Now I was suspicious, Mother didn't know how these things typically worked.
"Yours specifically- nothing. But your grandfather Nicolas went blind and inexplicably his hearing got considerably better." I could feel the grin growing on her face. She always compared me to grandpa. I had never met him, he died the same day I was born. Whitley used to joke I was his reincarnation, tough chance. I wasn't some old man in a past life.
"Sounds fascinating, but like I tell Whitley I'm not him." I rolled my head to sort of accentuate that I was rolling my eyes. I wasn't, I couldn't but I wanted the emotion to be conveyed on my face.
"No, you very much aren't. Far too flat… but you do share his blood." What was that crack in the middle of it? I was still growing! Wait what does she mean I share his blood?
"What do you-"
"Well on one of my drunken adventures I ordered one of those DNA testing kits," Oh I didn't like where this was going, "Turns out, we are part long defunct Mantle noble."
"Oh, that's not too bad-"
"They are defunct because they kept marrying their Faunus slaves," Oh this was going to be a horrible racist tangent, "And while we may not be Faunus we have direct ancestors that were. Which isn't too uncommon come to find out. But what was most surprising was we inherited several of our most recent Faunus ancestors traits, such as my grandfather's bat ears."
"Oh that is fascinating. Too bad it's not true. My ears are positively human and-"
"But are your eardrums?" That made no sense. That isn't what made them better, it just made them slightly different. It also couldn't explain the uptick in my other senses, "I mean, sure pretend you can't hear everything around you."
"I can't! I mean… our family aren't Faunus."
"Maybe… but the white hair is directly from grandpa."
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