Chapter 18

She knew it.

Peach told Miyako that today would be a fuckfest when Weiss appeared that early in the morning. For burn treatment remedies no less. With a sigh, Peach crosses a leg of the other within her seat. The soft hum a bullhead thrumming out to their destination. Today went from bad, to worse. The incident is all over the news, and now she's being sent to investigate the cause of deaths. Could it possibly get any worse?

"Excuse me for being blunt, but exactly why am I going with you on this?"

Peach groans to herself, of course it could. She could have someone that will whine the whole time. Weiss was staring toward her expectedly, "Because I need an assistant for this, and it is a rush job. I didn't feel like looking around for anyone else that was free." Trust her, she rather Weiss not be here either.

She is a trouble magnet. Just like the other small brat.

Weiss narrows in annoyance, "Yea, I got that the first few times, but didn't you say I could look after Ashe for the day?"

Peach's patience was already wearing thin, she could use some more coffee. "Yes, and I personally went to check on Ashe. She will be fine on her own for a while. Brat will probably just sleep the whole day anyway." Before Weiss could retort, the bullhead lands with a thump. "We're here, let's go, Princess."

"P-Princess? Are you mocking me?" Weiss quickly chases after Peach with an angry stomp. Once she makes her way out, Weiss finds they landed upon a reefer ship on the docks. Peering around in curiosity, there are swarms of investigators and law enforcement excavating the boat. "Where…are we?"

Peach strides by with a suitcase. "A boat."

Weiss angrily snorts and stomps after her once more, following her toward the superstructure. "I never would have guessed. Would it kill you to be a little nicer, and less sarcastic?"

Peach shrugs, "Stupid question, stupid answer. Didn't you watch the news this morning or something? It's all over the damn place." Peach grumbled with a hand in her lab coat's pocket. She was supposed to have an easy day and spend some of it with Miyako. This is her wife's slow day after all, and she didn't mind closing early to hang out in the Academy.

Excuse Peach for being grumpy about their day being ruined.

"Well, excuse me. I didn't exactly have time to catch up on the morning news. Considering I was preoccupied with something more important." Retorted Weiss, she wasn't in the best of moods either. "So, I would very much appreciate it, if you could fill me in on exactly what is going on."

An investigator gopher yells out in anger from Professor Peach snatching a cup of coffee from his tray. "Quick brief. Last night, shit went down on this boat. The authorities got a call from some hostages that they were hold up in a ship on the docks. Records indicate that someone was escorting them but split off to deal with some matters. We do not know who or why, because by the time the call was traced to a pinpoint location." Reaching the entrance to the superstructure, Peach extends her hand to block Weiss's path. "They were slaughtered."

Glancing down at the offending hand, Weiss looks up toward Professor Peach with uncertainty. "What do you mean by…slaughtered?"

Chugging down her stolen coffee, Peach throws it at a random lacky. "Look, I'm going to be blunt here. You are still a first year, I did not want to bring you, but you were my best option. I had no time to prepare, and I know you studied some first aid. You'll at least make for being a decent gopher."

Weiss sputters, affronted, "G-gopher?!"

Peach's eyes harden, "Shut up, I'm being serious." Weiss's teeth click shut. "Like I said, you're a first year. You have yet to see the horrors that huntsmen and huntresses are exposed to on the daily. I am giving you a choice, right here, right now."

Peering over her shoulder, Peach nods in the direction of the superstructure entrance, "You can follow me into that complex, and see first-hand the gruesome tragedy that you will be exposed to on this path. Or stay here and remain innocent for a while longer." Peach's hand lowers.

Puffing her chest, Weiss steps forward, "I'll fol—"

"Do. Not. Make this choice lightly."

The two stared at one another a moment longer. Peach did not budge or relent from her position. Weiss was silent in her thoughts. Debating the pros and cons of her decision. She has already seen a brutal murder firsthand. When a faunus slaughtered her uncle and aunt during her youth. Not only that, Weiss is going to be a perfect huntress. The greatest. What kind of precedent would it set if she ran from this?

No, she will not run. Weiss will walk the path of a huntress, no matter how difficult it may be. She is far behind. Pyrrha out classes her in every way. Ashe, while not nearly as book smart, was a much better fighter. Her experience was much greater than anyone else's in their class. Not just that, but the way she stumbled in on death's door and the event she's being told happened here…

It cannot be a coincidence. Ashe had something to do with this. Weiss will figure it out. She does not leave things half-assed. Steeling her eyes over like glaciers, she stares at Professor Peach with a soft nod. "Hm, well then. You'll need this." Weiss caught a barf bag thrown her way. With a click of her heels, Professor Peach disappears around the door into the superstructure.

Clutching the bag in hand, Weiss shadows Peach into the door. She hardly caught a glimpse of the inside. Red was the only color present, and then the stench slammed into her soul. The effect was instantaneous. Bile rushed from her stomach and into the bag. Just the smell alone caused her body to react.

It made Weiss sick and nauseous. Her stomach was churning a whirlpool, her nose was burning and splitting her head. She could even taste it in the air, the rot and decay. Weiss did not even realize when she collapsed. Bracing herself against the doorframe and upon her tender knees, she needed fresh air. To get away from the rot, Weiss struggled to raise herself back to her legs, keeping her eyes closed and tight to avoid the sight.

Peach gave Weiss a sideways glance before taking a step toward her. "Stay here and get used it. Don't even think about running out that door. You made your choice and I'll tell you this now…" Turning back around with purpose, Peach makes way toward the senior officer. "This is tame, compared to what Grimm leave in their wake."

Weiss's vision struggled to watch Peach get briefed by the leading investigator. She leans her shoulder against the frame and keeps the bag clutched closely. Thankfully, she skipped out on breakfast this morning due to Ashe. There was just…so much red. It was on the ceiling, coated the walls, drenched onto the flooring, everywhere. Don't even get her started on the bodies. They were just as red and stiff.

Peach calls out to her in the distance. Struggling to her feet, Weiss forces movement and approaches. Avoiding as much of the crimson liquid as possible. Safety and hazard clothes are thrown to Weiss. "Put these on, don't touch anything unless I tell you, and do as I say. No questions." Without a word, Weiss absentmindedly puts on the equipment.

The next few hours passed by in a blur for Weiss. Professor Peach kept to her word and made Weiss a glorified gopher. Never a moment of rest. She constantly demanded something from Weiss. Either fetching a tool, questioning an investigator for details to tell Peach, or even just getting her some coffee. On the off chance there was nothing to fetch, Peach would lecture her on what she was doing and to pay attention.

It was all boring, mundane, and overbearing.

Weiss was grateful.

It occupied her mind, gave her something to focus on. Over time, the red and bodies were just a part of the background. The stench fading and becoming part of the norm. Not only that, she was learning a multitude of new things. From tools, correct procedures for investigation, and furthering her anatomy knowledge.

Weiss ponders if her sister, Winter, ever had to deal with this as well.

They descended the ship first, a few bodies here and there, that were quickly looked over. Peach mumbled about how quick and clean made her job much easier. Weiss couldn't help but roll her eyes at the last body. Professor Peach was griping to herself about whoever killed these goons. Apparently, Peach figured the assailant had a grudge against this guy. Crushed throat and death by oxygen deprivation.

Interesting choice.

Weiss quickly noticed Professor Peach has a habit of talking to herself. When she questioned her about it, "Hm? Oh, simple really. If I worked in silence, I would have gone mentally insane by now. It helps as a coping mechanism because the silence of working around so much death isn't for the faint of heart." Weiss didn't question nor ask for her to expand on that line of reasoning.

They had one more stop, and that was toward the navigation control room. When they reached their destination, Professor Peach groaned in frustration. "Of course, this one would be messy."

To say it was messy was an understatement. The room was destroyed completely. First responders were forced to shut off the power to the room. Consoles were sparking and on the verge of exploding and injuring the personnel. At least there was only one body.

Peach crouched before the decapitated corpse. "Well…at least this one put up a fight." Weiss stood by and watched Peach work with interest. It was sad to say, but Weiss quickly got used to the mess. It didn't take long for Peach to remove her gloves in a sigh. "Nothing all that interesting. Just the cuts are extremely smooth, so it was an expert to say the least. But that doesn't give them much to work with. With semblances, weapons, dust, and who-knows-what, anything could make cuts that fine. At least it wasn't a Grimm. We are done here, let's go."

Helping Peach pack up her things, the two quickly leave back to the waiting bullhead. Professor Peach sinks into her seat with a deep and tired sigh. Weiss sat beside her and elegantly, but in thought. "How often are you set out on these…missions?"

Leaning back, Peach uses her bun as a makeshift pillow, "I've lost count. The more skilled you are, the more in demand you are. Be mindful of that."

Weiss had no control of what she blurted out in peak curiosity. "How do you cope with it all?"

Peach remains silent for a minute, "Honestly, lots of coffee, finding coping mechanisms during work, but most importantly." Raising her left hand, she shows off a golden band upon her ring finger. "Finding someone that keeps me anchored and reminds me that I'm not some machine going on auto-pilot. If it wasn't for her, I'd probably be an emotionless husk."

A small pause, "You're…quite open about this."

A smirk and glance in Weiss's direction, "Coping mechanism, it helps to talk about it. However, I would like to think I am a good judge of character. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders, and the type that doesn't want some bullshit answer about getting used to it. Because you don't."

Weiss stares toward Peach a moment before giving a soft grin of her own. Well, it's not like Professor Peach is wrong. She does have a good head on her shoulders. The best mind you. If there's one thing she is beginning to like about Professor Peach, it's her blunt and forward honesty.

It didn't take long before they arrived back at Beacon. Well after lunch time. Professor Peach ordered her to get some food and to meet back in Ashe's room. Apparently, Peach wants to do another check-up, but Weiss isn't stupid. The investigators have no lead and will be doing a blind search of the city.

Weiss had found it odd when Peach denied having any suspects in mind.

Ashe is the main person of interest, her injures cannot be coincidental.

Entering Ashe's dorm with food in hand, Weiss sets it down on the desk before checking over Ashe. Her fever was now more pronounced. She was red and sweating. At least her bandaged arm and cheek appear to be unmoved and firm. Taking the damp cloth from her forehead, Weiss wipes her down before moistening it more in the bathroom.

Squeezing at the cloth, Weiss stares at it. Her brows furrow inward, staring at it more intently. Her eyes widen in shock before rushing out of the bathroom in a panic. Approaching back to Ashe, Weiss double checks to find her ears exposed and resting peacefully. Clutching the wet cloth, water oozes out, but it goes ignored.

"I did not leave a washcloth." Setting it back upon Ashe's forehead, Weiss turns to the bookstand and braces her body against it. "Someone else saw them." She nibbles onto the back of her thumb nail, light blue eyes hardening. "Someone else knows." Her lunch had no taste after that. Her mind was whirling in gears, grasping at straws. Weiss understands there is no use thinking about it. She has nothing to go on, but it occupies her mind.

When the door bursts open, Weiss turns to find Professor Peach kicking it in with a small bag. Though she wasn't alone. Looking behind her, Weiss finds Professor Ozpin smiling toward her with a mug in hand. "Good afternoon, Ms. Schnee. I hear Professor Peach took you on quite an adventure today."

She gives a polite curtsy. "Good afternoon, Professor Ozpin. Yes, it was quite a new experience. I learned many new things today."

A sip of his mug, "I see, that's wonderful to hear. I take it our princess is bedridden?"

"Yes, and I plan to keep it that way. She needs more rest." Cut in Peach, it was a strange sight. Her expressions and voice were annoyed and aggravated, but her movements were slow and caring. Gently lifting Ashe, Peach makes her take some medicine. "So, your questions can wait."

"Oh, but it is imperative that we get answers as quickly as possible."

Peach sets her back down comfortably, "Obviously, but there is no point in forcing her awake. Her fever is quickly getting worse. Force waking her up, will make her delirious. I don't know if she would even be able to answer your questions at that point, or just be speaking incoherently." Setting the washcloth back on her forehead, Peach collects her bag and stands before Ozpin. "I understand she's our prime suspect and person of interest, but it can wait for the time being."

Ozpin perks a brow, "How do you know she won't flee at the first opportunity? She could wake at any moment and run away."

Peach scoffs and waves him off, "Please, you and I both know that won't happen. If I am correct, she's making her own anchor." Her eyes flicker toward Weiss for only a glance, "And I highly doubt its going anywhere anytime soon."

After a sip of his mug, Ozpin shifts to glance toward Weiss. "Are you sure you should be so loose-lipped around her?"

Weiss looks affronted at the comment before Peach snorts, "She's a brat—"

"Hey! I'm right here!"

"But she's not stupid. She'll figure it out on her own. Saves everyone a hassle."

Ozpin hums before shrugging his shoulders casually, "Well, alright then. I suppose you are correct. I'll put my questioning on hold for the moment. Ms. Schnee, if you are looking over Ms. Souris, please be sure to notify us immediately when she shows signs of waking."

"Yes, sir. Of course."

He quietly exits from the room, Peach stares at his departure before closing the door and taking a seat. "Sit down, we need to talk." Weiss quietly obeys and takes a seat at the feet of Ashe's bed. "Like I said, you're a brat, but you aren't stupid. So, there's no point in keeping you in the dark here. I'll tell you only what you need to know, so don't ask any stupid questions."

Weiss narrows her eyes, "I don't ask stupid questions."

Peach chuckles to the side, "Yea, whatever helps you sleep at night. Don't worry about the news coverage, it will be quickly censored and forgotten." Her hand raises at the question on Weiss's lips. "Because it will cause unnecessary wide-spread panic. Which in turn would lure Grimm in mass. Keep the gossip to a minimum, because it needs to be brought under control quickly."

She then points toward Weiss lazily, "You are more than likely, going to notice a few changes. Depending on what she says when she wakes up, she will be under tight surveillance. Which in turn, will most likely affect you, considering you are the one most close to her. Be wary."

Standing calmly and collecting her things, Peach approaches Weiss and looks her down with a serious expression, "Lastly, when Ashe begins to wake, do not inform the other Professors or Ozpin immediately." She was expecting the look of confusion, her hand reaches out and rests upon Weiss's slender shoulder. "You need to talk to her before anyone. Figure out what happened and come to me first."

With a sigh, Professor Peach ruffles her messy bangs and bun. "Or not, that's up to you. You're not stupid. I am sure you can work things out in that head of yours." Giving Weiss a pat, Peach retreats toward the door. "Good talk."

Weiss stands before she could leave, "Why are you telling me this?"

Peach shifts to glance over her shoulder, looking at Ashe for a moment. "Let's just say, during my school days, I used to have a friend. A friend that was in a similar position. Things happened, and I didn't help. Now, she's completely walled herself off from everyone. I don't even know if she's alive out there. Last I heard, she had a child and disappeared. Miyako was the one that pointed it out to me. You and I are quite a-like."

Grabbing the handle, "We think too much, and generally over-analyze things. Before we know it, it's too late." Peach stalks out of the room and clicks the door shut.

Gracefully sitting back on Ashe's bed, Weiss turns to her with a thoughtful expression. Turning over the one-sided conversation she just had. She was right, Peach is very blunt and straight-forward. While that may affront her at times, Weiss adores it. Her lips quirk up before patting onto the ankle under the blanket. "I like her. I may have found my favorite Professor."

No response, she expected as much. Tidying up the room for a moment, Weiss makes sure Ashe is comfortable before leaving the room. For the time being, she spent the rest of her time studying in the library. Classes were still going, and there is no need to hold herself up in team RWBY's dorm, or with Ashe and doing nothing.

She prefers to be productive.

By the time the final bell rings for the day, Weiss had a tower of books beside her. Logging the time, she decides to check up on team RWBY. Mostly to find out what she missed and homework she needs to catch up on. She will let someone else clean up the mess. Weiss doesn't really do the whole cleaning up deal.

Only if it's for a friend of hers. Even then, that's debatable.

Entering into her team's dorm, a certain red figure poofs before her. "Weiss! Where have you been?! We've been looking everywhere for you."

She rolled her eyes in response, "I sent you a message. I had an assignment with Professor Peach."

"What?! You had an assignment, and no one thought to invite us as well?" Ruby flops and clings onto Weiss. "We are a team! And a team sticks together! You totally should have taken us with you. School was so boring."

Yang chuckles in the background, "Come on Rubes, it wasn't that bad. We didn't get much homework, and we had lots of self-study today. It was great!" Blake nods her head, nose deep in a book.

Ruby groans in frustration, "That's the thing! There was nothing to do~, and the Professors were super stiff today. Like they were distracted with something."

"Well yea, because of what happened today." Weiss gets two blank stares and an ear. She sighs before pushing Ruby away for more personal space. "Do none of you check the news? Like, at all?" She's afraid of the answer to that question.

Ruby pokes her index fingers together, sheepishly, "Yes! I mean…sometimes…when I can…Okay, not really."

Yang barks in a laughter, teasingly giving Ruby a smack on the back. "She's never watched or read any news in her life. Ruby has trouble with things like that."

Ruby puffs up like an angry chipmunk, "Well excuse me! Those things are super boring and always so depressing!"

"She does have a point." Interjected Blake from the sidelines. Yang waves her off.

Weiss palms her face with a scowl, "I'm not explaining it. If you want to know, then look it up." A sudden thought comes to mind, "By the way, did any of you check on Ashe today?"

With a shrug, Yang works through her scroll for the news. "Not that I am aware of, why? She wasn't in classes either."

"No reason, she's come down with a high fever is all."

"Oh no! I'll get the milk-Urk!" Ruby sped toward the door, only for a pale hand to snatch her by the hood.

"Please don't. She needs medicine, not milk." The speedster grumbles before flopping onto her bed. "I already checked on her a while ago, and so did Professor Peach. I was just wondering if anyone else did."

Blake peers over her novel, "None of us did. You could check with team JNPR though, but I'm not sure why you're so curious."

Weiss peeks an eye in her direction before haughtily turning away to leave. "Thank you." Striding across the hall, she gives their neighbors a quick knock. The door hastily creaks open with a flustered Pyrrha, "Ah, Weiss. How may I help you?"

"Good Afternoon, I was wond—"

Crunch. "My back!"

"You take that back, buster! Right now!"

Pyrrha sheepishly chuckles, "Um…Excuse me for a moment." The door closes before a series of thunks and grumbles dull through the door. With a quick sigh, the door swings open once more with Pyrrha. "Please, come on in."

Stepping into the room, Weiss curiously looks around for a moment. Nora is grumbling on her bed and staring at Jaune. He's on his bed pouting and cleaning his weapons. "I just had a quick question for team JNPR. Did I come at a bad time?"

Pyrrha shakes her head, "No, no, don't be silly. Everything's fine. We are all well-behaved stu—"

Nora thrusts a finger toward Jaune, "I said you take that back!"

"Nora!"

"No!" Jaune huffs smugly, "I only said what is true and factual!"

"That's it!" A stomp on the bed, and Nora is perked and ready to go. "It's go time!" Raising a sleeve, Nora leaps over the beds and tackles Jaune to the ground. The two begin a wrestling match in the limited space.

Weiss perks a brow and stares at Pyrrha. Said redhead palms her face and gives up on life. "Exactly…what are they arguing about?"

Thankfully, Pyrrha didn't have to respond. Nora squeezes Jaune in a sleeper hold from upon the floor. "Admit it! I'm Ashe's favorite!"

"Never!"

Weiss turns in disbelief toward Pyrrha. A small whimper escaped from the warrioress. "They've been like this since lunch time. No matter what I do, they just go back to each other's throats."

The heiress waves her hands toward the wrestling teens. "How…How did this even come about?"

"In the morning, Nora was being her usual self when Ashe is missing." Weiss figured as much. Nora wouldn't be…well Nora otherwise. "Eventually, Professor Goodwitch got fed up, and told us that Ashe wasn't feeling well. During lunch time, we decided to go check up on her and see how she's doing." Weiss perks up. "Ren mentioned that too many at once, may cause her discomfort, so we decided to just send one of us."

"Yea! And big head over here, said that he should be the one to go because he was—" Nora squeezes tighter and mocks out his voice, "Her favorite. Fat chance!"

Jaune squirms and wiggles around, "Because it's true! That's why she helped me on the first day! She even came to me to embroider her handkerchief!"

"She only helped you because she felt sorry for you!"

Weiss can feel the growing migraine within her head. Perhaps team RWBY isn't so bad after all. She could have been stuck with much worse. "Okay, ignoring all that. Who ended up going to check up on her?" Nora perks and stares.

Pyrrha blinks, "Oh, we had decided on Ren, but—"

"Thank you." Spinning on heel, Weiss stalks out the dorm with a new purpose. Ren, she needs to find Ren. She's never really talked to him one-on-one before, but he is a quiet person that keeps to himself. While she doubts, he would blab about Ashe being a faunus, she needs to reinforce that belief.

Only a few feet away from team JNPR, Weiss notices another figure heading to team JNPR's room. Shifting her eyes, she narrows and gives him a cold stare. He tried hitting on her once, but she stomped his attempt into the ground. Ever since, he's been a thorn in her side. She only remembers his name, because he's the team leader of the person that Ashe stabbed during her first spar. Cardin Winchester.

He watches her closely before coming to a stop with a smug grin. "Hey Ice Queen, where's the fire? You look like you're in a hurry, considering you weren't in classes today."

Weiss closes one eye to stare from the corner of the other in annoyance. "Make it quick. What do you want?"

Cardin raises his arms in surrender, "Relax, I'm just making some small talk. No need to be so defensive." He grins to himself, "Or is the Heiress too good for us commoners?"

"I don't have time to waste on you. Stroke your measly ego with someone else." Weiss angrily walks away with a whip of her side tail. Cardin frowns while watching Weiss strut away. He continues his way before stopping at the door of team JNPR.

Weiss has many dislikes in her life. In fact, you can more readily count the things she likes on one hand. While she may not hate Cardin, considering he has not really done her much harm, she has an extreme dislike for him.

Ever since Ashe's first spar with Russel, Cardin has been at her neck. In fact, most rumors and slandering appear to originate from Cardin, but he always denies it. The hallway chills at her thoughts. Recalling all the moments he would taunt her in the halls or in class. He would call Ashe names and pick at her trauma like It's some kind of joke.

Though Ashe never complained or rose up to his provocations, Weiss knew better. She could see it in her eyes. The way they would flicker and dim. Or how her hands would tighten and squeeze with her body coiling and becoming tense. It was difficult for Weiss to watch. At times, Ashe would have a haunted expression, like she wasn't there and staring at something that wasn't here.

Many times, Weiss would boil over in her defense, but Ashe would gently hold her back or give her a look. When Weiss demanded to know why Ashe does nothing about it, she gave an empty and dead smile before whispering out her answer.

"I wouldn't be able to stop myself. I'm afraid I would kill him, and then she would be disappointed me again. So long as he doesn't touch me or anyone I care about, it's okay."

Coming to a stop, Weiss's eyes flicker in thought. She had asked Ashe who she meant, but the girl tightly closed herself off again. Weiss would be lying if she said that it wasn't frustrating at times. Stomping her heel, she huffs and calms herself down. With her mind at ease, she catches whiff of something cooking. Following the scent, she stumbles into the student's lounge and kitchen.

There, she finds Ren at the stove, casually stirring a pot. He tilts his head to look over his shoulder with a smile. "Hello, Weiss, and how are you today?"

Weiss finds him alone, "I am well, thank you. What are you doing?"

Ren beckons her closer, showing her the contents of the pot. "I am cooking up an old recipe that my mother used to make for me when I was sick. I believe she called it Congee. I only remember the taste, so it might not be same."

Looking into the pot, she tilts her head before clasping her fingers before her skirt. "I see, and for what reason are you making it? I just came from team JNPR's room and none of them are sick. In fact, they were quite…energetic. To say the least."

Ren rolls his eyes with a sigh, "Of course, I doubt Pyrrha was able to stop the storm that is Nora. I'll have to make it up to her later. I am making this for Ashe, since she is feeling under the weather. I figured it would help."

Light blue eyes harden and narrow, "Tell me, did you already go and check up on her earlier today?"

Ren remains silent, turning the stove off in silence. The porridge was already almost done when she arrived. "If I have?"

"I'm curious to know. If you saw anything…unusual."

With a hum, Ren sets the pot on a tray with empty, clean bowls and utensils. He then hands Weiss a tea kettle and cups. "Carry this and follow me. I think we need to talk. In a more private setting." Weiss complies and follows behind Ren. Keeping him within her sights, they take an all to familiar path. Not a moment later, and they find themselves in Ashe's dorm.

Weiss tightens her grip on the kettle. She was right, he knows. Ren casually places the tray upon Ashe's desk before renewing her washcloth. Setting down the kettle as well, Ren politely steps in to pour themselves a cup. Like the gentleman that he is. Once more, Weiss finds herself sitting at the foot of Ashe's bed. "Like I thought, you saw them."

Ren perks a brow, "If you mean her mouse ears, then yes. It was interesting to actually see them."

"Wait…What do you mean by that?" That was an odd way to phrase it. He said it like…

He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly, "I already knew about them. Rather, someone told me about them."

The cup within her hand groans in protest from her clutch. Someone else knows. How? Who? For how long have they known, and why would they tell Ren? "Who told you about them?"

His hand raises to silence her politely and calmly. "That should be answered by the person in question. They should be here any moment."

A soft knock on the door signals the person's arrival. Weiss sets down her cup and glares at the entrance. A familiar figure peers her head through the door with a neutral smile. It was different from her usual expression, more subdued and calmer. Though her aqua eyes were still sparkling in mirth. "Howdy~ Looks like you got yourself in quite the pickle."

Ren offers a smile and nod, "Indeed, it looks like we aren't the only ones who know. Mind coming in and talking with us? I think we both have plenty of questions to ask one another."

With a soft nod, Nora closes the door and calmly sits next to Ren. It was strange to see her be so calm and collected. Weiss has always seen Nora moving at warp speed. Though, her random thoughts can wait. She has plenty of questions to ask. "When did you find out about her being a faunus?"

Nora and Ren look at one another, he allows her to answer with a nod. "Well~, I found out after the first day…or during…Time is weird." Weiss's eyes widen a fraction. Since the beginning? How? Nora waves her off, "I know that look, you're wondering how I found out. It was completely by accident. It was back when everyone was sleeping…"

Back during the examination, after the first day when everyone was sleeping in the ballroom.

Nora groans and groggily sits up in the middle of the night. It was difficult for her to sleep with so many people around her. Sure, she loves to cause a commotion and be around others, but not when it's time to sleep. It just makes her more uncomfortable. Her hair was a mess with an obvious cowlick on the side of her head. With a soft yawn and smack of her lips, she looks around the crowded room. Ren was beside her and sleeping comfortably.

She grunts in frustration at how he can sleep anywhere. Slowly working to her feet, Nora makes use of the bathroom facilities and stretches at the entrance of the ballroom. With a yawn, she once more makes her way through the moonlit ballroom. But it was only a few steps through the crowd that she heard it. Even though it was faint and meek.

Coming to a stop, Nora perks her head and looks around the room for confirmation. There it is again, the same sound. A soft whimper rings through her ears. Peering in the general direction, curiosity takes a hold of Nora. Minding her steps, she works through the bodies toward the source. The whimpering grows louder and more frantic with each step.

When Nora approaches the source, she finds a small girl, huddled into a ball and shivering upon the floor. Glancing around once more, Nora peers down at the pathetic sight. The girl looks pained and desperate. She must be having quite the nightmare.

Nora tilts her head in thought, what exactly should she do? She doesn't know the girl, and she should get back to sleep. They do have an exam to take in a couple of hours. With a silent sigh, Nora makes to stand and return to her spot.

"…Someone…"

Stopping in her tracks, Nora ever so slowly tilts to look over her shoulder toward the cowering girl. A fresh set of tears are cascading down. She looked so pitiful. "…Please…" Rubbing onto her face, Nora sighs before lowering back down. What was she thinking? There's no way she can walk away from that. Though she has no idea what to do, she can at least make her more comfortable. The last thing the small girl needs is to wake up to some stranger right in her face after a nightmare.

With the lightest of touch, Nora gently lifts the girl easily with her strength. Sitting her against the wall, accidently letting the back of her head gently bump against the wall. Nora winces, but finds her still heavily snared in her dream. Releasing a sigh, Nora uses her thumbs to wipe away the fresh set of tears. The moonlight shines through the window to illuminate her features.

A bell reflects the limited light, but the most noticeable features within the ash colored hair, were the mouse ears upon her head. A faunus? Interesting, she's never seen a pair of ears up close before. The faunus she's come across are always in passing and guarded. She instinctively raises a hand to touch them, but suddenly stops. Her fingers clench into a fist and withdraw.

No, that wouldn't be right.

She shouldn't just touch a faunus's appendages like that without permission. That would be rude. Standing to her feet once more, her joints pop lightly from the awkward crouch. Nora notices a top hat beside the sleeping girl and pays it no mind. Without fanfare, Nora returns to her sleeping area. It's a shame, she never noticed a set of amber watching her every move.

Back in Ashe's dorm, Nora takes a quiet sip from her fresh cup of tea.

"And that's how I found out about her being a faunus. After that, I couldn't help but want to help her out. Every time I look at her…I'm reminded about that night. When she was whimpering and shivering in a ball. It's burned into my mind now, so I do what I can. I never want to see that again."

Weiss takes a sip from her cup before setting it back down. "I see." Her gaze shifts toward Ren. That only explained how Nora found out, so what about Ren? Though, she has a good hunch.

Ren shrugs casually, "Nora told me later on during breakfast." His head tilts to Nora, they smile at one another. "We've never kept secrets from one another, and that's not going to change any time soon." Nora's smile brightens while giving him a playful shoulder bump.

Flickering her light blue eyes, Weiss nods at the information. Letting it all process within her mind and file neatly. "Does…Did you tell anyone else?"

"Nope~ When I told Ren, he said for me to keep it a secret. Because she had them hidden, that maybe she doesn't want people to know." Nora leans her head back in a soft grumble. "No idea why~ Those ears are just so cute~"

Ren sighs, "Nora, we've been over this."

"Yea, I know, I know. I'm just sayin', yeesh." Nora lurches back forward toward Weiss, "So~ How'd you find out, huh? Sneak a peek when she was bathing or something? What a perv~ Who would ever do something like that?!" Ren perks a brow at Nora's sheepish laughter.

Weiss turned a small shade of red at the accusation, "Wh-What? Why, I'd never! I'm not some lecherous woman. I have perfect control over such impure thoughts!"

Nora plasters her face into a smug grin, accusingly pointing toward Weiss, "So, you have had lewd thoughts about her, huh?" Weiss vehemently flusters a bright shade of red. The tips of her ears burning hot at being called out. Sputtering out denials, which only caused Nora to cackle madly and gleefully. "Maybe you're not such a prude as I thought you were~"

"P-prude?! You're just as bad as Yang!" Weiss angrily and embarrassingly turns toward Ren, "Do something about her!"

Ren chuckles, finding himself to be quite delighted at the scene before him. Deciding to take pity on her rosy and embarrassed expression, he decides to change the topic. "How did you find out?"

Weiss clutches onto the change of topic like a lifeline.

Flat-out ignoring Nora's gleeful cackling. Thankfully, Ren is paying attention to her recollection of the exam. She told them about when they were searching for Ashe at the end and how she found her first. Eventually, Nora finally got herself under control, but kept a shit-eating grin upon her face. Weiss was looking anywhere except Nora. "If you two could, keep her being a faunus a secret. She really doesn't want people to know. No matter how often I try to convince her otherwise."

Ren politely bows, "Of course, the secret is safe with me. I deciphered as much."

Weiss returns the bow with her own in a respectful and polite manner. "Thank you, I know you'll keep it a secret. I trust in you." She then turns at the shit-faced Nora with a smug grin. Weiss scowls with rosy cheeks. "It's her I'm worried about."

"Relax~ My lips are sealed, I mean, no one else has found out, right? That should speak volumes about how I totally know how to keep a secret." Her lips twist up further, "You deviant."

She finally snaps. Weiss stands and haughtily stomps her heel upon the floor while pointing at the door. "That's it! Out with you! Before I freeze your degenerate butt!"

Nora laughs mischievously while swaying to the door with a wiggle of her bottom. Tilting her head back, she winks and sticks out her tongue toward Weiss. "Pervert~" A pillow slams into the door after Nora fled to safety.

Weiss huffs and puffs, whether out of anger or embarrassment, it is difficult to decipher. Ren holds both his and Nora's cups within his hand. Grabbing the assaulting pillow, he tosses it back for Weiss to catch. "Don't worry, though she may be loud and energetic, she knows how to keep a secret. Trust me."

Taking a deep and calming breath, Weiss nods once in composure. "Very well, I shall…trust…that her secret will be kept safe."

Ren makes to open the door but pauses for a moment. He turns back to Weiss at her confusion. "If I may be so bold…I just wanted to say that, it brings me joy, to know that you are looking after her. A Schnee and a Faunus, together." His eyes crinkle up in mirth. "It brings me hope to know that people can change."

Weiss's eyes flicker in thought, "Does…Does the Schnee name, really bring such shame in the treatment toward Faunus? The whole world must view us as some corrupt and evil nobles. But we are not." Her body sags timidly, "I'm not…"

Ren huffs quietly, "It is not right for me to judge, for I do not know. I will say this however…" Opening the door, he has Weiss's attention. "Not everything is as it seems. I would look more closely at how the Schnee's treat their laborers with your own eyes. I'm sure you will find your answer. Have a good day." With his piece said, Ren leaves with a soft click of the door behind him.

She stood quietly in the dorm in her own thoughts. Weiss was never allowed to venture toward their properties and businesses. Her father said there was no point. That her time was better spent with studies and mannerism. When she was older, she would be allowed to tour their facilities.

Just getting permission for the green house was a terrible ordeal.

Perhaps it would be best to just…go one of these days. Regardless of permission or not. It's not like they can deny her access or send her away. She is the heiress and a Schnee of the main family. She can go where she damn well pleases. Mind made up; Weiss checks up on Ashe once more before returning to team RWBY's dorm to gather her pajamas. Ruby and Yang appear to be out and about, Blake is reading as per usual. She barely bats an eye at Weiss.

Belongings collected, Weiss returns to Ashe's dorm and locks the door. Setting her clothes on the bathroom sink, she runs the tub before reapplying Ashe's washcloth. Thankfully, Ren made the porridge and kept it in a closed pot. The contents are still freshly hot. She could use a meal after her soak. She has plenty to think about.

With a sigh of bliss, Weiss lowers into the warm waters. Relaxing and letting it sooth away her ire. Repeating the whole day from start to finish gave Weiss another headache. It was one thing after another. It didn't help that she was cranky from being woken up earlier than usual. Only to find Ashe stumbling through the door with a crippled arm and delirious.

Then after tending to her injuries, Professor Peach comes by and whisks her away. Kicking and screaming mind you. Only to have one of the most enlightening and trauma inducing experiences ever. Perhaps being a huntress isn't as prideful and elegant as she first believed, but that doesn't mean she will stray from her choice. Weiss wants to be a huntress and to be free from under anyone's control. Who cares if its more deprave than she believed? If Winter could do it, then so could she.

Then come to find out, that she isn't the only one who knows about Ashe being a faunus. Weiss dunks her head under the water for a moment. That was quite a shock to be honest. Though she did not let it show, it was unsettling. Because she was unaware, and she hates that. Could it be possible that other people know? If so, how many? Are they planning something? So many questions, her mind is just going in circles.

Why does she care so much? It's not her problem to begin with.

Rising from the warm waters, Weiss rests her head against her arm on the tub. Why does she care so much? She repeated it once more within her head. It's true, why does she? It has no bearing upon her whatsoever. In fact, it is only causing her more problems that can easily be shrugged away. There is no merit in this endeavor at all.

So why does she care?

Weiss likes Ashe.

Weiss knows this, she's not so ignorant to deny such an attraction. It's how she's always been. She's aware of her own feelings and thoughts. Though, she even surprised herself. Her body went on autopilot when she gave Ashe that red tulip a few weeks ago. A red hue shines over her nose and cheeks at the memory. Yea, she really let her emotions get the better of her back then. Though, she doesn't really regret it at all.

Just surprising really.

Though she was split on the outcome. Half of her was grateful that Ashe didn't know the meaning of the flower. That would have been entirely embarrassing for her to be called out on. While the other half was annoyed and let down. Part of her was hoping Ashe knew, so something could happen. What was that something? She doesn't know either. But that was one way to express it without saying anything.

A declaration of love.

With a sigh, Weiss has had enough and decides it's time to get out of the bath before she drowns herself in thoughts. She's getting hungry anyways. Dressing herself into pajamas and wrapping her hair in a towel, Weiss exits the bathroom.

Approaching Ashe, Weiss sits upon the bed and looks out the window. The sun has mostly set, basking the world in a dark blue with a copper tint. She removes Ashe's washcloth and sets it upon the bookshelf. Looking down at the faunus, Weiss slowly finds herself staring.

Weiss's slender hand slowly reaches out and glides the back of her fingers across Ashe's forehead. Brushing her moist bangs to the side. Ashe has been asleep for the whole day. Not even a stir. Her body was so warm to the touch. Weiss knows its from the fever, but she can't help her hand caressing to Ashe's cheek. Stroking her thumb across the bandage tenderly.

Removing the towel from her head, Weiss's damp hair cascades down her shoulders. Leaning over, her eyes turn into half-lids. Her mind is turning into a fog, the hot bath also making her feel warm. The past few weeks have been interesting. Weiss has been testing her limits with Ashe without her knowledge. It started off small.

Dragging her around by the arm in the beginning. Then slowly by the wrist. Before long, Weiss was pulling her along by the hand. Ashe never showed any discomfort. She allowed it.

When Weiss would brush her hair, she'd pull Ashe to lean against her comfortably. Once again, she allowed it.

Then she would see Nora smother Ashe in hugs and affection. It lit a fire within her at times. Weiss herself has been affected by Ruby's hugs and affection, so she at least knows how its done. The first time was endlessly embarrassing, and the remembrance still makes her feel uneasy. Never has she been the one to initiate a hug or anything of the like to a non-family member. But she couldn't stop herself before she did it.

It was Ashe's turn on their next destination, and she chose the park. There was nothing special about it, no event going on, or even a picnic. They just walked around and enjoyed each other's presence for a while and talked. Weiss learned quite a bit about Ashe on that day. Though it was all after she left the fang.

How she would wander from one destination to the next and take in the sights. Apparently, she was quite the nomad. Ashe spent most her time in their parks and relaxing. All in solitude by her lonesome. Though, Weiss did not approve of how Ashe earned Lien on the side. She has a feeling Ashe watered it down completely, but she will choose to believe for the moment. Ignorance can be bliss.

But on that night in the park, Weiss went to get themselves something to drink from a nearby vending machine. The cart owners were all packed up for the night. With two drinks in hand, Weiss found Ashe at the spot she left her. Sitting on a bench overlooking a small fountain with Ivy growing around it. Approaching from behind, Weiss comes to a stop at the scene.

There under the lamp's light, was Ashe with her small notepad and pencil. The way her eyes would shift back and forth between the fountain and pad, it was strange to see her so focused on something. Something that wasn't in a spar. It was quite sublime. Dare she say it, Ashe looked more attractive. There's just something about seeing someone focused on their hobby and in their own little world.

Her feet moved without thought, approaching her own object of interest with drinks in hand. Standing behind the bench, Ashe hummed at her arrival. Weiss isn't sure why, but the thought of Nora having hugged Ashe, burns away at her. Is she the jealous type? She's not quite sure.

Leaning down, Weiss wraps her arms from above and around Ashe's neck. Leaning down to look over her shoulder and at her drawing. Resting her head near Ashe's, the scratching of the pencil comes to a stop. The smaller teen tilts her head over toward Weiss momentarily. "Mm?"

With arms draped over, Weiss shrugs her shoulders with a red tint to her cheeks. "I just felt like hugging you. You don't mind…Do you?"

Ashe shakes her head with a soft smile, "I don't mind. I'll put this away."

Weiss gives her a squeeze, "No. I want to watch you draw. It's…nice."

With a tilt of her head, Ashe nods and turns back to her notepad. "Mm, if that's what you want."

"It is."

That's how they spent the rest of the night. The drinks were left forgotten within her hands. Not once did Ashe show any signs of discomfort and went about her drawing till it was late. In fact, she appeared to be calmer and more relaxed. Ashe allowed the closeness. Ever since then, Weiss would hug Ashe in private. Mostly in her dorm or if they go out somewhere. She's grown quite fond of it. Addicted even.

Weiss hardly received any affection during her younger years. Now she has someone to initiate it with.

Nora was correct about one thing. Weiss does have some impure thoughts, but she keeps them in a tight lock and key. But, doesn't everyone? At the end of the day, she's just a young adult.

Raising her free hand, Weiss brushes back her snow colored hair behind her ear. Though she leaned further down and closer to Ashe, she sighs deeply. Willing and controlling herself, she rests her forehead against Ashe's for only a moment. Wrestling her urges, Weiss resists and focuses on her hunger.

It was quiet during her meal, but it was peaceful. The meal was also delicious. Ren is a wonderful cook. She wouldn't mind eating some more of his meals. The sudden sound of a whimper comes from next to her. Setting down her mostly finished bowl, she finds Ashe slightly shuffling and eye lids struggling to open.

Weiss instinctively reaches to grasp onto Ashe's good hand. It softly clings with a weak grasp. It takes time, but eventually Ashe wakes up with a flutter of her eyes. But when Weiss sees them, they are cloudy and unfocused. Her voice was dry and raspy. "W…Where?"

"Hold on a second. Let me get you something to drink. All I have is tea though." Regrettably, Weiss must release Ashe's hand to pour her a drink.

"Weiss?"

"Yes, it's me. I'm going to help you sit up." With as much care as she can muster, Weiss imitates Professor Peach from earlier. Slowly sitting her up to help drink some tea. Hopefully Ren added some medicinal herbs. She's never been one for distinguishing her teas. "Here, drink."

Slowly, more life enters the faunus. Her eyes begin to focus and adjust to her setting. Eventually, they land upon Weiss. "My room?"

Fluffing her pillows, Weiss helps Ashe to sit up and lean against her headboard. "Yes, this is your room. You've been asleep for the whole day. It is nighttime now. How are you feeling?"

Ashe weakly leans against her headboard, the signs of her fever being more pronounced in sweat and heavy panting. "Horrible." To further her point, she coughs to the side.

"Yes, you look it as well." Ashe groans in protest before a somewhat damp cloth presses against her cheeks. "Where does it hurt?"

"Everywhere…But…I can't feel my arm."

Weiss's lips thin, "That's not surprising. You really did a number on your arm. It's going to take a while to heal properly. Are you comfortable?"

Ashe's head rolls to the side in exhaustion. "Nn…hungry."

Pouring a bowl of porridge, Weiss wonders if her drowsiness is from exhaustion or the medication that Peach gave her. It's difficult to tell at this point. "Here."

Weiss holds out the bowl, but a drowsy Ashe just stares at it. A pause fills the room. "Feed me."

"Excuse me?"

"Feed me…" Ashe takes a slow and long blink. "I can't eat on my own."

Pulling the bowl back momentarily, Weiss gives Ashe an assessment. A damaged arm, high-fever and delirious, and suffering from exhaustion from lack of sleep and nourishment…Yea, she's probably right. With a sigh, Weiss offers a spoonful toward Ashe. "Tell no one. I mean it."

"Mm…" It was a slow and time-consuming process, but Weiss did it without complaint. Ashe barely got a few bites in before becoming drowsy and having a difficult time remaining awake.

Setting down the bowl, Weiss tucks her back into bed. "Get some rest, you can barely stay awake." Weiss couldn't help but grin at Ashe's incoherent mumbling. Pulling the blankets up, she is mindful of Ashe's arm. A shadow of smoke whisks by the window in her ministrations.

Staring down at her, a sudden thought plagues at Weiss's mind. Ashe is more than likely on the verge of sleeping, and she's always honest. She's also delirious, so the chances of her lying are very, very slim. It's been on her mind for a while now. "Ashe…"

"…Mm…"

Weiss leans over her and places a hand upon her own chest, "I'm your favorite, right?"

"…Mhm…"

Yea, she's totally the jealous type.

(A/N)

Hello everyone! Sorry this one took a bit longer than expected, but I've been busy with some real life stuff, and today is mah Birthday! Huzzah! Feel free to leave a review on your thoughts of the story thus far. I'll see you all next chapter!

Darth