Vale

After the Fall of Beacon

Weiss was back to the Schnee Manor, since Beacon Academy have fallen at the hands of Grimm. All she could do now is just look at her window where airships are flying by. The mansion is nothing but a silent place. The only time there when she has a conversation is when her close confidante and butler, Klein is called to let her know that her father calls. She wishes her sister would be there to assure her that everything will be alright. But the truth is, it isn't. Now Winter is still with the Atlas Military to find some answers about the Fallen Event. The house, no the manor is nothing more than a prison in her father's presence. Her brother minding his own business complaining about his sisters' "barbaric" huntsmen training.

The worse part of the chaos is when she is seeing her friends injured, scared, and sad. Some classmates crying over the loss of their teammates and loved ones. Such horrific images still stuck in her head. Ruby running up to the tower of Beacon to save their friend, Pyrrha Nikos whose battle cannot be won against a formidable foe. Blake, happened to be stabbed on the side of her abdomen. And Yang, whose left arm was cut off trying to help Blake against an enemy. Her teammates are more like sisters to her since the day they formed a team; Team RWBY. It was their first time at the Vytyl Festival, and their enemies have ruined it.

The other worse part of the Fall, is that her father, Jacques have showed up in his ship. "Father?" She said in shock. But her ankles have shaken. But she tried her best to keep her composure. Yang, still lying on the ground, injured. Watches in sadness to see her friend leave. Neptune notices some red flags judging by the slight reaction of Weiss seeing her father. "Time to go, Daughter. There's no use in staying in this useless obstruction." Jacques said coldly. Making the students shocked of what he was saying. Neptune gently grabbed her wrist as she reluctantly walked towards him.

"Hey, you don't have to." He insisted. Making Weiss flustered. But she shook her head and pulled away her hand. "Sorry, everyone. I have to go." She apologized.

"Don't make me warn you again, Weiss." He sounded more serious. That's when Nora Valkyrie, a ginger-haired girl with a black sweater vest, white shirt and pink skirt came to her defense that Weiss wasn't asking for to not cause trouble for them. "Hey, old man! She doesn't have to go if she doesn't want to! So why don't you just pack up and leave?!" Nora yells at him. As her friend Ren, a raven-haired boy tried to intervene before she hurts anybody.

"Yeah! Go home before we make you sorry!" Sun backed up.

"Weiss, come on." Neptune offers to take her away from the conflict. But seeing how ruthless and powerful her father was, she knew things would be worse for her friends if she resists. She takes one look at Neptune one last time before departure. "I'm sorry, I have to go. There's nothing we can do now. However, I wish you all safe." Weiss stepped inside the ship before it lifts off.

Back in the Manor

Weiss is sitting on her bed waiting for her sister to at least come home for a visit to feel better. Everywhere she goes in the manor, her father has constant eyes. Then a knock on the door. It was her butler, Klein. Despite working under her father, he was the closest friend and father figure Weiss had been close to when she was younger. He didn't like the way Jacques have treated his daughter. So he tried his best to keep her happy while keeping in low profile. "Ms. Schnee."

"Yes, Klein?"

"I believe this letter is for you. I must say, I never thought you'd be getting letters since you left for Beacon. Let me know if there's anything I can do."

"Thank you, Klein." She nods after Klein have left for other occupations around the household. Weiss then looks at the letter, there was no return address. But she opened it to see who the letter belongs to by reading it.

Hey Snow Angel,

How have you been? I was wondering if you're okay. I know it wasn't the best time writing to you this letter. Pretty awkward, right? I know we haven't spoken much since the Vytyl Festival. What I saw what you did back then, was pretty amazing. I know things are hard for us all, my team and I went back to Mistral for some recuperation. Sun left to find Blake because she felt ashamed for what happened to Yang. It must feel worse being separated from your own team. And believe me, it gets worse to lose someone you cared for. Trust me, I may be not look like I did. But I felt that before, because I lost someone important to me a long time ago. When it's winter, the snow reminded me of you. How the breeze flows like your hair, your eyes glamour like the icy waters. When you fight, I can see you soar like the swan. When you sing, it brought such a gentle melody in the air. Like the moonlight hearing your call. The truth is, I just missed you. You became the first woman to have approach me with a smile. Keep that smile to fight the good fight. Things will get better when your team gets back together. Trust me, blood or not, family is about bonds that are shared. Like how Sun ,Scarlet and Sage have been brothers to me. Right now, Scarlet is kinda angry at Sun for leaving without telling us. As for Sage, mostly silent. They didn't take this very well. But I could understand what Sun is trying to do.

P.S.

If there's any chance you visit Mistral, I'll be happy to show you around for some time.

-Neptune.

Weiss is then blushing at his words he wrote to her. Like the blossoms falling from the wintery weather. Looking at the window. At the shattered moon. Her eyes closed in happiness, that someone have written to her. It have given her hope for the day she will be free from the patriarchal prison.

Neptune. She thought. Thank you. She then placed her lips on the letter as a sign of luck.

Ever since you wrote me this letter, it set me free. Actually, you have set me free. I know now that I cannot depend on Winter anymore.

Weiss thought back about that night she received the letter. She picked it up from her satchel and read it secretly without him knowing it on the ferry. She then hid it away. The letter may be a few years old, but it is still the treasure she has held. Sitting on the bench next to Neptune who is looking down on the floor. She scooted towards him and has her hand over his to keep him company. Much to his relief.

"Are you exciting to see her?" She asked.

"Well, I haven't seen her for months. She would basically check on my health every time I came home from Haven for summer vacations. What about you? What did you do when school was out?" Asked Neptune.

"Mostly at home. Back when I was an heiress, there was absolutely nothing but studies and tutoring 24/7." Weiss sighed. "Now that Whitely is the new heir to the Schnee Dust Company, I don't see the point of staying in the mansion." Now as a former heiress, Weiss is even ashamed at her own name since it was in ruins, no thanks to the man who fathered her and her siblings. "Still, I hope he does better than my father. Cause the last time he ever run the company, he got what he deserved, an orange jumpsuit." Weiss joked. Reminding her the time she read the headlines in the newspaper. Where the newspaper shows an image of him in an orange jumpsuit. And his mustache and hair got all messy having not been groomed for months after. Given a life sentence due to Winter being given the position as the new leader of the Atlas Military. And she wasn't going to let him out anytime soon.

"Seriously, that's hilarious!" Chuckled Neptune.

"I know, right?! I doubt Winter is going to let him off easy. Even if he is our father, he is beyond redemption." Weiss points out.

"That's insane coming from him." Neptune commented. They both laughed. "Are you sure about coming with me on this one?" He asked. Thinking of whether or not that Weiss is sure she wants to help him out of the situation she already put herself in.

"Of course, I do. I am not backing down on this one." Weiss assured him. Then she decides to change the subject. "Your parents are nice." She compliments. Making Neptune glanced at her and smiled. "They're the best. Dad can be kinda busy at times when Jupiter looks after us. But he's also an expert at amplifying weapons. As for Mom, straight but also lovable. She won multiple cases and a zero loss whether she's the prosecutor or the defender."

"A lawyer, huh? Yeah, she told me that. It was amazing of how hard she works." Weiss said. Looking back at the environment Neptune have lived in, it was all normal. Like many families, there could be arguments, but can be resolved later on. How parents could be supportive. How siblings do things together. She felt slightly jealous that she wishes it could've been this way if her family was never rich. Winter have told her some tales about their maternal grandfather before he went into retirement. A nobleman who works in honor of his own father when he left a small amount of his inheritance to create the Schnee Dust Company. She never met him, but was aspired to bring honor of his lineage. But after she was revoked from her inheritance, she decides to no longer bear the Schnee name, she will be just Weiss. But will still use her semblance in his honor.

Unbeknownst to them, there was a man hiding from the front row of the ship and took pictures of them both. Then they heard the click. "Did you hear that?" Asked Weiss.

"Yeah, I heard that too." Jolted Neptune.

"It sounded like a camera." Then the man was nearly caught but hid his face from behind. "Please tell me someone else is spying on us?"

"That's weird. Maybe we're just hearing things." Weiss shaken. "Or maybe there could be someone on the ship."

"We might have to keep an eye out. I have a bad feeling about this." Neptune points out. Looking at the mirror hanging on the ceiling of the ship where it shows the man still hidden without knowing that Neptune is glancing. "If we could just play it cool like nothing happen, that's when he or they'll let their guard down." He whispers. "We'll wait until the boat stops and we run for it and get lost." Weiss nods. Gripping his hand in nervousness. In theory, there could be anyone who heard the news and wanted them for their bounty. Or worse, assassination. But the general was never the type to put their head on the bounty. But rather to bring those alive. And Weiss knows that there is still heart that her sister would never be tempted to murder someone.

The ferry stops at Vale City. The kingdom where Beacon Academy was still underdevelopment after the students transferred to Shade Academy for catching up the semester. "Here it is. Vale." As the citizens are walking off the ship. Weiss and Neptune walked further and carefully listening to the footsteps the man is making. They cannot make a glance at him, or the worse can happen. They walked faster until they hid the alleyway and lost him at last. "He's gone." He sighed, much to their relief. Getting lost in the crowd means the man have gotten confused and went to search somewhere else.

Vale Hospital

Neptune and Weiss have made an appointment in an attempt to meet Ceres. With claims of a fever. Once the nurse have called them from the waiting room. They have entered the office. The door opened, to Neptune's surprise, it was a blue-haired and eyed woman. With a curly ponytail. A lab coat with a sweatshirt and brown skirt under. Reading glasses above her bangs. "Hello, I'm Dr. Ceres Vasilias. And I have been informed of..." The doctor was cut off when Neptune reveals himself.

"Sis, it's me." He interrupted.

"I beg your pardon, sir?" The doctor tilted in confusion. Until Neptune removed his hood and goggles. "Nep...tune?" She questioned.

"Yeah, it's me." The she overchecks him for any injuries. As the youngest of five siblings, Neptune was the one they could mostly be worried about. "Oh my gosh, are you okay?! Are you hurt?! Are you injured?! Did you have water on your ears and eyes again?! I swear you'll go deaf if this happens!" Neptune breaks away from him before she gets exhausted. "Hey, hey, hey! I'm fine. There's no need to freak out." He assured him, knowing his sister, she's always worried for his wellbeing after what happened with Jupiter.

"Oh. Sorry, it's been months, you have no idea how freaked I got when I got promoted." Sighed Ceres. She then walks over to the door. Looking in both ways before locking the door. "Anyway, you shouldn't be here. There are men looking for you." She said , worryingly. "I know, I just want to see how are you, Sis." Could she blame him for checking on his family. Normally, she would tend his injuries.

"Ever since Haven Academy fell, I wasn't sure if attending Shade is a good idea since there is a lot of rogues in the streets. But seeing you coming back alive, it was a relief." Ceres explains. She has been scared hearing him going to Shade. But then again, where else can he study with Beacon and Haven gone, and Atlas' borders being shut down. Shade has become the best option to fight for survival. She then turned to Weiss. "Wait a sec, let me guess. Former heiress of the Schnee Dust Company?" She guessed. And Weiss shamefully nods. But she straights her face up for an introduction.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, you are probably aware for who I am."

"I wouldn't mind. I never thought my little brother would bag you up." Teased Ceres.

"Seriously, you too?!" Neptune protested. And Weiss covered her face while feeling the heat.

"Oh well. By the way, don't tell me you went on a mission to find Jupiter, didn't you?" She asked, sternly. After telling him not to take the mission to have the police involve. But Neptune disobeyed that request and went on. But being a huntsmen, it's an instinct. At least what Ceres can understand. "Sorry, Ceres. I just wanted to be sure it was him."

"I get it, you're desperate. But do you have any idea what this have cost me?" Ceres stared at him in the eye. "There were policemen questioning me for your whereabouts."

"It's called instincts, I have a feeling that the police can't get their facts right if they still think he's dead." Neptune argued. Then again, the police have already given up the search again since the huntsmen were called to Poseidon Island to search for the Thunderbolts. Which upsets her to think they would reopen the case. "You're right, it's pointless to have them involve. You're lucky you're wearing a disguise. Still it would be a good idea to dye your hair and change your name. But I can give you some plastic surgery." She suggested. But Neptune wants none of it.

"And ruin my looks? No way." He shook his head.

"Fine. By the way, there were sightings of Jupiter and his team being made in the news." Ceres points out, which got her brother perked up to hear the name of their older brother. "I heard that he's somewhere in the Emerald Forest. The thing is, the Thunderbolts have been digging up. Looking for something. It has to be some kind of relic, perhaps." She theorizes.

"We'll check it out ourselves." Neptune then embraces his sister before parting ways. "It's great to see you again, Sis."

"Me too, bro. Me too. If anyone asked, I didn't see anything." Ceres told him, and Neptune nods. "Now, hurry before the security finds out." She ushered, prompting him and Weiss to exit the building.

Later on, they made a reservation for a hotel room for the night. The room has white walls for each side. Glass shower windows. Brown curtains with the soft texture. Separate beds with white sheets and pillows. Pretty much three-star level of a hotel. But enough to stay for a few days until they get what they came for. "At least this way, we can take a break." Weiss sighed.

"Pretty much. It's great to see that Ceres is doing well. We should be searching for Jupiter tomorrow. There's a good chance he could be there. Or another moon stone." Neptune plopped onto the bed close to the window. While Weiss slightly opens the curtain to see if there's any police or any militia force around. "Looks like nothing came around yet. We should be safe for tonight." Weiss said. Knowing that they cannot hide forever. Even with their scrolls destroyed, there are still chances that sightings will be linked. "Looks like being huntsmen wasn't easy for anyone."

"No doubt about it." Then his stomach growls, all the walking and traveling have gotten him empty. Struck with hunger. Weiss then notices. "Wow, I'll bet all this trouble have gotten us starving. Tell you what, I'll be getting us something to eat while you stay here." Weiss offers. Not wanting to risk him getting caught.

"Are you sure about this? I don't think it's safe for you to go out walking today." Neptune objects to the idea.

"I'll be fine. There's nothing to worry about. You need to keep in low profile for now." Neptune wanted to come along, but then again, he might be recognized. They don't have the scrolls to call each other to ensure each other's safety. But Neptune need s someone he can trust with his goals. He cannot call his team, it'll also cost them to be arrested for harboring a fugitive. For now, Weiss is the only person he can rely on.

"Okay, just be careful." He told her. And Weiss nods walking out of the room to grab some grub. After Weiss bought some appetizers from a restaurant, she then takes routes in the city to make sure she isn't followed. But it backfired when she heard footsteps in the alleyways. It grew louder. It was a sign that there is a stalker on the loose. She then makes a step ahead to levitate with her glyphs to the top of an apartment building. Running on the roof until the mysterious shadow threw roses at her as she deflects them. Pedals have been torn apart from the stems of black thorns.

"How delightful to see you again, mi belleza de nieve." His voice is deep with the accent. Weiss is stunned to hear a voice she never wants to hear for a while. Then man is dressed in a black jumpsuit, with a mask and hood covering his mouth. A red scarf tied to his waist containing a whip and a toledo sword. "There's no point hiding in that mask. I know who you are, Carlos Vega." She said furiously. He then chuckled uncovering that hood of his. "How wonderful that you recognized me. I believe your father would like to have a word with you. If you can come with me." He extended his hand towards her. But Weiss backs off in refusal. "But he's in jail. There's just no way."

"On the contrary, I helped him escape. Yes it was me, Specialist Carlos Vega. The supreme graduate student of Atlas Academy. Heir to the Vega Corporation."

"Nobody cares, Vega. And by the way, I want nothing to do with my father. And when my sister finds out you broke him out. She'll lock you up for good." Weiss paces around him and has her hand on the Myrtenaster in case he is ready to attack. Shoot, I should've warn her about him. I forgot about him for so long, I never want to remember him at all. She thought. She then felt pain in her shoulder. Causing her to look down and saw a rose pierced into her shoulder. "What the-?! She winced. her body feeling weak as the eyesight got blurry.

"Unfortunately, you are clearly unaware of what my semblance was. My rose is extremely, poisonous. Once a rose is pinned into your body, the poison will stream into your veins and you'll be weak. I call it the Death Amor." Described Carlos.

No, I have to fight back. Neptune is waiting for me. I cannot let Carlos him near him. Otherwise we're done for.

"Please understand that I am doing this, all in the name of admiration." Carlos said in a sweet tone. Disgusting Weiss.

"Admiration? I call it sickening." Weiss retorted. She then dashed at the heir to clash his sword. Pushing each other away. Carlos then throws ten roses for defense. But Weiss blocks them all while dodging them with her glyph.

Carlos has the upper hand swinging his whip catching Weiss in the air. Pulling her back down on the roof. But Weiss cuts his whip but another rose is thrown into her abdomen. "Ah!" She winced again. But she is still standing. "Nice try, I'm not going to give up that easily!" Carlos spun and sings his blade. Crossing blades against her. But Weiss smacks him with a handle. But he tumbled back. While Weiss tries to knock his sword off his hands. Lunging him and it was a success. "Give it up, Vega. You have no chances of winning...Dah!" Weiss stumbles back and saw another rose on her right arm. She tries to take them all off, but they were too strong. They are stuck. Weiss collapse to the ground, still trying to fight the poison.

The former heiress pushes herself to get up, but she fell back down. Staring at Carlos with a glare. "Too bad, mi belleza de nieve. It looks like I'll be taking you after all." He taunted. Weiss' vision got all foggy and then all goes black for a moment.

Author's note: "Belleza de nieve," means Snow Beauty in spanish.