Jaune felt their ride's bumpy trail reach an end, and saw the snowy world around them show itself as much.
Atlas, in particular the northernmost boundaries outside the city, was perfect for mining. The quarries connected to the mountainside ran deeper than anything humanity has touched.
Like those in old school exploration movies. Those classic action set ups, where they find the scroll of Vale or some shit? And then explore a destroyed civilization? Finding just the right stuff to get rich with, and all the cool ancient science thingies left behind?
Jaune knew these old tropes very well. It's the kind of stuff that made him first consider science stuff, or really even the pursuit of his dreams.
His pussified dreams of one day making catgirls, that is.
Those hours watching holo screens must've helped him fray that idea into mind. Momma did say that's whatcha get when staring at them media thingies for too long. Nothing good at all.
Yet then again, she's a single mother with a shitty four day twelve hour work week, and he's alive.
The Atlassian skyline-draping with long winding clouds greeted him like a new friend. As though that snow brushing against the windshield said to itself 'wow! Look at this guy!', and wanted to meet him.
Jaune felt an irrational, but comfy, love in this environment he couldn't describe for shit-
But, if he did? It's just like that: a chilly cold hug, from a distance, and on the other side of a blocky window. He enjoyed that almost respectful foreignness between them, but it couldn't last forever.
Matter-in-fact, their ride already stopped on top of a big snowbank. Giving him ample sight in seeing the distant catgirls waddling along the other side of the window.
In and out the brooding mountainside they've driven right to the edges of. Jaune knew the uniqueness of this little happenstance, and took the sight in all the more.
Those catgirls-he's assuming as much, he sees big dresses-didn't pay the blocky grey truck on high any mind. Too busy involved with the gaping hole marking the very bottom of the high-reaching peak. Their forms keeping that in and out mantra towards their duty.
They shifted through the snow. Three feet deep, with that colorful display of shiny stuff dutifully heading alongside. The materials themselves tugged by silvery mine-carts, packed to the very brim.
All sorts of colors there: blues, reds, purples, yellows. He liked the way they shined through even the snowy atmosphere blinding them all.
Those dust crystals were truly a treasure, man. If he didn't focus in the biogenetic or engineering kinda enterprise?
He'd love to have Jacques's Dust company. In full.
Nothing's more enjoyable than collecting the colors of the rocky rainbow in mass.
And for what other market-capital collecting reason, besides the sole purpose of consumption? So the people could contuse their bread and circus at affordable prices?
Well, except catgirls. But hey...why not both?
That's exactly why Jaune took a shit ton of motion sickness pills, and a flight to Atlas. Followed by a drive though it's north-most frontier, which ended up with him here today.
Waiting for the wheels of his newest joy-ride product to stop. In Between sight seeing his belated flesh cats.
A bulky-and sorta inexpensive-vehicle it was, made solely because his puckered asshole felt chafed after riding regular dust cars around too much. The medicine hardly felt like it's kicking in on a ride like this.
And now he's here, with a slightly less puckered asshole, on a comfy dust-truck seat he had made in bank and little expense. Being escorted by his fellow market mogul's personal butler, Klein.
Who seemed really happy to get his hands behind the wheel, for a trip not related to moving guests around. Beaming a smile almost brighter than his hazy yellow eyes watching their snowy travels.
A dutiful worker, who-ever since first meeting Jaques-seemed to mean well.
The little man turned to them. That nervous smile stuck like the hounding snowflake bits on the truck's front window. Though, after contact with the window wiper he put into gear, it got smudged away.
"Miss Schnee should be right outside with them. Poor girl! She's truly invested in these...creatures...of yours, Jaune."
Klein shook his head.
"It boggles my mind every time I see them. They've replaced most labor positions we had within Schnee manor... Well, except the cooking jobs Faunus workers still habit, but they're... exceptions that confirm the rule, so to speak. Including me as well!"
Tabby-who sat all nice and bundled up besides him-didn't give the conflicted man any mind. She focused instead on the little snow bits that landed against her side of the truck. Keeping that dull gaze nice and solid on the little dots of her fluffy companions a walk over.
A product of her programming, most likely. She's only a Beta, they couldn't express themselves out of a goddamn hand basket.
"Anyways, Jaune." The little butler sighed, pulling him from his Tabby-related thoughts. Who, as she waited patiently by his side in her seat, kept zoned out. "Miss Schnee should be somewhere amongst them. It's been several weeks and even with the vital festival coming soon, she's there. I wonder why?"
Tabby poked at the window, and he took a moment to think on that, toying with the car latch.
"I've thought about catgirls very often."
He started, watching another blob of them stumbling along.
"But it's best to take in mind that they are unique from anything else. They're not Faunus, or human, or even anything we'd think transcendent. They're just kinda gunk with humanoid forms, who can do stuff for us in mass."
"Like they're doing now, I assume?"
"Yeah," he pointed. "See them?"
The butler followed his finger, likely seeing the catgirl outlined past the snowy winds, and nodded.
"A little. The snow's horrible for sight seeing. It's fortunate this vehicle you and Master Schnee sponsored could take us this far. What's-"
Jaune tired of the question and answers real quick. So, with eyes on the actual prize, he ignored the build-up and pushed the car door open. Feeling the freezing cold numb his legs ankle deep, and most certainly not fucking enjoy it.
Still, after Tabby quietly hopped out the bulky ride with him, Jaune gave the curious little man a smile. It showed his patience for the-kinda annoying-but well deserved questions.
It was the 'ELON-SCHNEE BRAND DUST-TRUCK.' Trade mark included.
A modern marvel so casually boring, yet stupidly effective when it matters. Capable of all terrain mileage from kingdom to kingdom. With the smallest amount of electric dust consumed ever recorded.
By way of pre established academic sources, that is.
Well, by most of his official brand's sponsors and their sources. Ones that're outside of Atlas governing bodies still. The producers of them are kinda swindling any potential competitor into compliance. And more so, making them like it in equal amounts as enjoying its monetary profits.
Though the government's still pretty weary about the whole thing. Free catgirls and super waifu soldiers can do that too ya.
But anyways-
This vehicle? It's the most mind-fuckingly bare-back thing Jaune's ever seen in his life. Outpacing all the other large scale passion projects he yoot off the drawing board and into their side expenditure 'SCHNEE MECHANICS' and stuff. Where all the big ships and weapons actually come from.
Though...that's not taking into account all the grown men interested in said equally all terrain catgirls. Worse yet, as the older they were, the younger they tended to favor their variety.
It was stunning-
The dust truck was a stunning thing too, with it's dopey grey color scheme and big-ass tires. To the blocky windows with those scuffed drawing-like houses for glass material.
Beautifully childish, as all science should be.
Which made sense, as It's an off-hand curiosity project. They've been cooking up these stupid dust-based inventions in the office for months on end. As it stupidly were, in any context not ELON brand, testing those dust-engines proved a lot.
All around the streets of Mantle, they cruised until people took to social media in curiosity. Just to know about these bulky fucking things, and why they're so stupidly fast and effective. A question-from the last time he and Jaques talked-the Atlas government would also like to know.
And how effective this hot-wheels was? Well, uh...
Jaune took a gander at his watch.
"Four hours." He said, whistling. "Four hours from here to Southern Atlas. That's at least one thousand miles of pure electric dust going sixty miles an hour. Burned straight through a fucking snowstorm, Klein! Could you believe that?"
"I..." Klein's pretty floored by the comment, thoughtfully leaning forward in his seat. "I suppose I would have to, Jaune. Your inventions are realer than life itself."
Jaune liked the acceptance.
"Good man! I'll be back in a bit, hopefully with the heiress in tow. If she's already got a bullhead in sight, then I'll text ya to leave on your own otherwise." He smiled. "You're gonna enjoy riding this baby out, I just know it."
That last bit pulled Klein from his quiet stupor. Since they've began their dust-truck adventures at the docks, he's had this mentality. One not unlike some boomeristic notions plaguing the adventure capitalists Jaune talks with.
You know, where the little things get you worked up and make you stupid sounding to young people?
Also liable in making you not understand the true fact of scientific advancement? The fact of catgirls collectivizing at the door of progress immortal. Ready to aid in fighting against evil Grimm things hoarded together?
Jaques has this to some extent. In the sense that he'd either question this whole thing, or overdose on the product whenever he could. Probably to cope with his shit domestic life.
Anyways-
"But sir! This is one of the first modules I've seen you and Master Schnee use! Surely you'd like it in peak condition to-"
"Klein, I'm gonna be one hundred with you."
June adjusted his shiny suit before continuing on his progress mantra. Looking that little butler dude in the eyes with his measured swagger.
"That contraption you've zoomed the literal 'country-side' of Atlas with? It's a goddamn sideshow of what my brand can do, Klein."
For effect, he patted the truck's side, letting its meaty clang ring true.
"I can have fucking thousands of those made and distributed. Just like whatever yummy baking shit your mom would sell to other poor people on the streets. Your mom was poor, right?"
"Y-"
Jaune didn't let him finish, waving the words off.
"Keep the keys, seats, air conditioning, and whatever the fuck else me and your boss cooked up. It's cuz, ya know, making little technological trinkets and comfy stuff just for consumption tends to make you lienient with your products."
The mini rant made him think about the details, so he rubbed that leathery truck-door down.
"Or some other reason I probably forget."
He shouldn't have mentioned any company secrets. That touchy information liable to get his estranged business partner all ansty. But the side note slipped out anyways, as it was really weird.
Plus..Jaques wasn't as valuable as he once was, considering all the influence Jaune's already developed somewhat independently of him.
"In-between heavy petting sessions with some quality catgirls."
...And on that note, Jaune had to shudder.
"You oughta pray that man's marriage stays stable, man. He's got some really fucked control issues, and sorta expresses it on the catgirls. The younger ones especially."
That spooked Klein hard, and it for Jaune did too, when he saw that old bastard hugging Deltas like body pillows. Those surprise conferences at two in the morning weren't Jaques's forte, or any 'te' to be honest.
Yeah, yikes. Imagine loving flesh cats more than your alcoholic wife-
On second thought, Jaune didn't think on that further.
His business partner had some fundamental-and worrisome-issues, sure. But Jaune's not hoping to worry about them. Especially now with all the opportunities available.
Weiss has kept stable where Jaques hasn't. Which, in a grand-plan way, gives the Arc opportunities he's feening to take advantage of. It warmed his insides and staved off the cold, without the fluffy orange coat his Tabby wore so she could do the same-
Oh, right, he had to get going.
Jaune shook his head, returning his focus to the frowning butler man eyeing back in confusion. His gazes mixed with strains of concern thinly beneath the surface.
For the queer little duo letting all the heat out, or himself?
It's a hard call, man. Jaune decided that's too much of a thing to concern about too, and shut the door tight. Seeing that butler's bushy mustache perk up in an inaudible question. Probably from the loud and careless action itself.
Yeah, well...Jaune shrugged.
"Get outta here, Klein."
He turned his back from the bulky ELON truck. Keeping that swagger whilst trudging through snowy peaks and icey indents alike.
"I've got some deals and business to make, all for the grand plan you'd best not mention shit about, yeah? I gave you a car and my good-will, so I'd hope you agree?"
Though he said this from a bit of a distance, Jaune heard the rumbly sound of an ELON truck turning around in the snow. Becoming nothing more than an afterthought. As it's engine blurred and muted into the snowstorm all around the mountainside.
Back to civilization, and back-
Wait, what the fuck. Jaune didn't want him too-
"Myaster?" He heard his tabby quietly call, feeling that comfy hand on his shoulder. "We should go. Myistress Schnee surely waits for us by the entrance."
"...Right..."
Just this once, Jaune figured to let the little man off for the moment.
The ELON truck was pretty fun to drive in, after all. And what else could convince that nervous reck to be fucking retarded? Nothing but the glorious bulk-truck capable of intercontinental travel, surely.
Anyways...he sighed.
"Let's get going, yeah?" He grabbed that hand on him, feeling it's muscles relax when he took control. "Weiss's better than them all, she's smart and apparently likes watching them."
Tabby knew this, and hummed. Like usual.
Jaune hadn't even the care to sigh, simply choosing to trudge on.
/-/
The Beta's at the cave-opening finished their current dust run. Putting away their current bulky cart and reaching for another one off to the side.
In silence, they worked to move another mine-cart, deft hands pressing against it. Snow caking their Schnee-sponsored winter gear yet not their scuffed measure of duty.
Jaune liked the look, and judging by the silent huntress-in-training side by side with him? He wasn't the only one.
"They don't require nutrients, Jaune" He heard her say, in a chilly cold and quiet voice. Barely louder than the snowstorm blinding their vision. "For forty days and forty nights, I've been here to monitor their care of the dust, in absence of Faunus or human worker."
She held a coated arm up, all the way to a small bricked house on a particular high snowbank. Even through the snowy winds and whistling noises it made, Jaune could see a fire billowing on top. Even some catgirls standing idly by its entry door, with weapons at the side and guards surely up.
They did seem to be Alphas, after all. Long hair and mechashift weaponry notwithstanding.
"Right from that ridge, Jaune. I got to experience these 'catgirls' you and father blabber about all the time, instead of hear about it."
"Thanks to Beacon?"
She sighed. "Yes, I've had a lot of work on my plate, you see. My time at Beacon has so far given me both eternal migraines and physical migraines, but..."
Once more, another set of orangey bundled up Betas came from the depths. Moving their mine-cart of dust crystals from behind, with pickaxes left on the waist and legs at an angle.
A move that let them put their whole body into it, and move that cart past the snowy mounds left over from shovelers. Gammas could do that much at least.
"These things?"
She whispered, turning to him with a troubled expression, yet tinged with fascination.
"They are marvels. They are machines. They are creatures that Monty has forsaken and left to rust in the muck of humanity's degeneracy. Do you see them working their wonders for us?"
The second mine-cart got lined up with many others, by the hands of a veritable battalion of Gammas. Who were previously at the edge of the opening on standby. Fingers just itching to continue the progress march he and Murdock planned them with.
After that quick pushy-pushy session, courtesy of the Gammas, a dull clanging continued. From a storm of pickaxes meeting their fever pitch against solid rock and metal.
Or Dust. Hopefully dust-
"Every night and day, no matter the time, and only the place. They push through hunger, health, stability, and indigestion so the job may end with the further product of the bottomline and above."
She shuddered, probably making a sound as well, yet he heard nothing of it over the working catgirls. The pitch of pickaxes were a constant wave of stimuli almost pleasing to the ear.
Almost. It took his desire for progress to actually feel okay about it.
"I once saw one shit, Jaune. It squatted down next to a mine-cart, and you know what came out?"
"...?"
"Green." She hissed, tugging on his suit jacket, shuddering. "Green gunk, that rivaled the consistency of a booger on horse Faunus steroids. It didn't even slip out, Jaune, it poured itself out her shitter like mother's special wine on a Sunday night."
He snorted, she squawked.
"I'm serious! Be honored that I tell you this, you absolute fiend!"
She's shaking him now, with all her little might. Nothing that he hadn't dealt with in Menagerie though.
"I'm in a state of shock and adoration for this system you've peened to my family name! It's almost maddening to know that we've a potential super weapon. One not even the Atleasian government beholds..."
Her eyes glazed over a bit, but unlike Jaques, she came back from the abyss, shaking her head.
"It's frankly the only reason I came out here, so I could observe the beasts in action with my own eyes."
She stepped away from him, eyes back on the Beta masses shuffling about.
"Regardless of if Headmaster Ozpin and those goons they call my teammates disagree. They'll be there, and after a while more...I will too. After I find understanding."
The casual acknowledgement-of the world's most cherished huntsman-figure shook him. Like an avalanche of Wiess's incomprehension showered all Jaune was with bullshit. Pure, raw, and stinky bullshit that smelt of catgirl food and low probability.
He reached out for her, continuing without a pause when she jolted at the hand onto her shoulder.
"Weiss." He stressed-no, wheezed. "If you're talking about Headmaster Ozpin of Beacon Academy? The one who's known for becoming Remnants youngest Headmaster in history. With literal civilizations thanking him for producing quality super soldiers of his own...?"
She didn't comment, so he went on, squeezing that shoulder a bit.
"Then you-..."
He had to think for a moment.
She was as confused as him, looking into his eyes for an explanation. And after several mouth-opened seconds, Jaune delivered on that look with gusto. Also a hinge of longing, as he's remembering all the conflicting feelings about this.
Huntsman schools were still a sore spot for him to think about. Even if it's bullshit in concept and only meaningful on a small scale, or a pipe dream he'd never be able to reach.
Ozpin-whoever he was-countered this, in some way, as even though it's dumb? It fucking worked for him. That man built a huntsmen school from the ground up and now it's considered the best rated in the entire country. If not fucking Sanus.
In short?
Ozpin did something Jaune wanted to do... Condense power into one area that comparatively rocked the rowboat in his favor. Seizing the means of production in his own way, without the catgirls or dust trucks.
So, with that double-think in mind, the negativity rang out much higher than anything else. Even the rationale of actually liking huntsman shit, or feeling shock at Weiss's snark.
Jaune shook his head with a sigh.
"Nevermind, we'll talk about Beacon later." He put that hand down slowly, choosing to then turn towards the Gammas lounging nearby with a small smile. "I've got some conflicted feelings on huntsmen schools, Weiss."
"...Very well," he heard her say, brushing off some excess snow-dew caking on her fluffy Schnee coat. "We could surely watch the plebeians at work for a while longer, or..."
Her boots did a couple steps in place, and he saw that arm raise to the little brick house again. "We could discuss things like rationally business minded people, yes?"
Her calmness and determination-for what it's worth-didn't set Jaune off.
Matter in fact? As another set of Beta's stumbled out of the darkened depths, the causal confidence was good. He liked the way she said this without hesitation, and even now, strut through the ankle deep snow and storm.
Towards the little house, towards comfort.
Jaune saw nothing wrong with it, and followed along.
/-/
"So, you're hoping to compete in a tournament?"
Weiss took a healthy sip of her catgirl delivered hot chocolate. wiping away the excess goey bits with a trademarked Schnee Dust Company napkin. A thing she also had delivered.
She's ditched her fluffy jacket in the warmth of the little house's wooden interior. Taking solace in the equally quaint fire raging in the living room fire pit for their enjoyment. Oh, and also for the Delta's and Gammas crowded around it, 'Nyah'ing their satisfaction at the stuff.
"The Vytal festival," she muttered, putting the drink down, looking him in the eyes with purpose. "It's surely something you would know of, yes? Where huntsman teams compete in a famous arena with little restraint? And for the enjoyment of the collective people of our kingdoms?"
"...Yeah..."
Jaune put his own hot chocolate down, rapping a random tune into the coffee table they've been sat at. Crackly pops of fire ablaze, ringing out in the comfy atmosphere like a chiming bell. Doing funny things for his thought-process, too. Helping him remember basic culture things a huntsmen academy would've taught him.
"It's a tradition spanning back all the way to the end of the Great War. Like, right after it, as to build moral and increase incentives to not fucking hate each other."
She didn't like the crass language, taking another sip whilst he spat his shat out.
Unfortunately for her moralisms, though? Jaune hadn't brought his collection of fucks to give at the moment. He's a businessman who thrives on reality, cussing up a storm only enhances that on some level. It's less an indicator of his anger and more a sign of manipulation. The good kind, Jaune would claim.
So the lack of tack-like usual-stayed, much to her sipping consternation.
"They decided that this fighting stuff was a good compromise for people long-term. As a way for calming the people down from all the mayhem."
Jaune tapped the table, shifting some loose paper off to the side.
"You know how many people died in the conflict overall, ya? At least half the population of fucking Mistral. That's rough, man." He leaned on his fist, imaging the scenery already. "I heard it's a floating palace, with lots of room to spectate the fighting stuff going on."
"You haven't seen it at all during your travels?"
"No, It's alluded to me forever." He mumbled, wistful. "I don't need to see it in my life, but if I'd speak from the heart? Nothing would be better to me, than letting my product sell itself in mass, whilst I collect valuables."
From behind their talky area, a Gamma dutifully refilled Weiss's cup of choco. A look of inferiority presupposed on her, with a permanent numbness and servitude. Not anything sad, or angry, or even negative.
Just basic obeying, like a good catgirl would do. Not even willing to express her innate programming of Jayne-worship. Though he saw the desire for it in her golden eyes, and almost experienced it from the smaller girls.
Weiss stopped that earlier, too, and told them to stay by the fireplace until further notice-
"What do you mean by 'valuables?'"
He broke from his happy cat musings then.
Considering the question in mortem of that; his eyes back on her, and head tilted at her perceptive frown.
"Those that I'd love to fulfill my grand plan with, Weiss. People who deserve the very best I've got for the value they're meaning to me."
Tabby-who drank her own liquid stuff besides him, hummed something positive at that. Even in the small ways, always around to support him and all the crazy shit he's planning. Knowing nothing about anything, yet willing to do anything.
Jaune valued that in many ways. Not nearly enough to prioritize Tabby over other things, but the points remain the same. Valuable things are valuable, and...well...if they're her-
Memories of Menagerie glory came to him. True, real, and prominent golden eyes from the past filled Jaune's vision. In all the alluring ways not even the quirky 'nyahs' of catgirls could challenge. An ancient feeling settling deep into his gut, enough to make Weiss speak up.
"Jaune? Are you well?" She asked, holding her hand down on the table and on her feet, eyes intense. "Because, might I say? I've finally begun understanding these catgirls of yours, all their little habits, likes, dislikes..."
Her ice blues looked away, seeing the Deltas circled up on the living room carpet. Not doing anything with board games, and instead, simply making noises at each other. Enjoying the company as a mindless collective.
"...and yet you, Mister Arc, are probably a bigger enigma than even them! You dodge, space out, consider, and plot in ways my father could only dream about!"
She took a seat again, flicking her pony tail off to the side. "It's that willfulness with your product which made me wish to see it for myself. These catgirls within my family halls, who my father rattles on about. Not without rattling on about the man who helped him accomplish it either."
Another sip, Weiss put the cup down. And Jaune? Well, he'll let the ice lady talk.
"I knew you were coming, Klein told me as such. Reception works even at the edges of civilization."
For added effect, she shook her scroll phone around. It, and it's shiny Shcnee cover.
"And now that we meet again, after...Monty above...how long's it been?-"
"Since we went to my island, I think. At least five or so months ago."
Jaune saw the dots connect, and added. "You're a huntress in training now, aren't ya? You got admitted and everything from the sound of it earlier."
"...Yes. Yet I desired a bit of momentary separation from them, if not to hone my own craft. Both personal, and familial."
Her fingers snapped, and that same Beta-with her frazzled yellow hair-came close. Head lowered down once more, waiting for orders. Her outfit-a dress, but a custom one befitting a scuffed Atlas maid-hung onto her.
"This is Sunny. She is 'Subject 2585', and was the first product my father lended me during my momentary return back home."
Weiss ran a hand through the Beta's hair. Like a passionless mother, full of thoughts and considerations.
"She's been wholly-in all aspects-the reason why I stay here. Left to shiver in this freezing hellhole, tempered though it be."
The hand separated from the fuzzy scalp, much to the Beta's small satisfaction.
"The rations are plentiful, and Alphas destroy the Grimm. Comparable to actual huntsmen, no less..." she shook her head. "And, more than that, I can interrogate her on the basics of catgirl culture from indoor comforts. For example..."
Clapping, light and abrupt, sounded off. Sunny perked up in kind.
"Myistress Schnee?"
"Sunny, dear." Weiss muttered, running a dainty white fingernail on the edges of her choco cup. "Tell me of you comrades again. How they work in the mines, and how they replaced all the Faunus workers."
"..."
Sunny met his eyes, nodding to him.
"It's been several months out here. First in this cabin, then with all the others who transported here to replaced the old workers."
She fidgeted with her dress a bit, pulling up the material.
"They were firstly dissatisfied with the immediate removal, then, as they...integrated...in. Things began to change, and many of them up and left right afterwards. Apparently guaranteed good jobs by the Meowster Schnee somewhere, though I know not what or how. My older sisters wouldn't say."
Weiss nodded, as the catgirl continued.
"All I know is what the others say..."
She raked her gaze to the steadily louder bunch by the fireplace. Dull golden orbs-not enchanting in the slightest-looking them over with longing. As said cats fawned over each other without a care.
"And they say these things. That our great creation-must've led us here, to work towards all the Schnee's interests. So we work day and night for the Schnee: brining the stones from the deep, and preparing them for delivery. Without rest, and always in haste."
Her eyes locked on his, a dull-but determined-thing.
"You deserve everything, Myaster." She mumbled, cheeks flushed. Face neutral-like his Tabby-but not unaffected by his biologically ingrained holiness.
Which, after a while, feels pretty neat.
"If I didn't follow my orders, I'd be up and over everything in preparation to praise you. It's been so long since I've witnessed the glory of you and the creation station-"
Weiss butted herself in with a measured abruptness.
"Thank you Sunny," she waved to their cabin's cozy leather couch, with all sorts of pale fur draped over it. "Now be a loyal worker and enjoy your comrades like any other of your kind."
With a measurement not unlike Weiss's own, Sunny tore her beady gaze from him in an instant. Nodding to her owner without missing a beat, and quietly-so quietly-meeting her comrades.
When she left them, Weiss continued.
"They know you. My workers and useful servants whisper about you like a god."
"Yeah, guess they do."
"And...that doesn't worry you sometimes?"
"Why would it?"
She sighed, he kept his face straight.
"Maybe because they're so...life-like in a way. Faunus-like, sort of, if they couldn't do anything but serve. And not that, but do nothing but serve until death comes for them. If it even can."
"They do."
"...?"
"Yeah, Weiss." He cracked a smile. "Things die when they get killed. I've known this ever since I ran away from home and listened to old people tell me how to rule the world."
"But I don't, Jaune. Like I was saying..."
Despite his morbid sarcasm, she pushed through it like a champ.
"Neither do I know the reason for your being here, and thus had to assume you'll tell me in some satisfactory way."
She leaned on her curled fist, a business woman through and through.
"My time here's busy, Jaune. I must either tend to my charge, or prepare to leave them to their duties in the soon to be tournament preparations. Have you something else in mind with this sudden arrival? Another opportunity?"
Jaune crossed his legs over, taking a long moment to collect his stringy thoughts and prepare. As this was the kinda stuff he came by for, besides the desire to see the ice-cold heiress again, with all her neat quirks.
"I'm interested in many things." He went on, with that exact same-almost conspiratorial-tone from their last talk. "Markets, goods distribution, wellness of the people..."
A giggly sound bounded off the walls, as some of Weiss's gifted Deltas prodded Sunny all over. Much to the girl's quiet glee, and Tabby's absentminded curiosity.
"And most of all? The ability to do what I want with those I want. I've told you this then, now, and again, Schnee."
This time, it's his turn to lean into the wooden table, hands triangle together like usual.
"That's where you and your father came in. Which I can't thank you enough for, because my products are already hitting the markets. As much as the public interest too, have you seen?"
"...Partially," she admitted. "It's a new product, which has a relative lack of media coverage so far. Well, except for fringe online informants scouring the web for content to cover. But nobody truly pays those plebeians any mind, I'd think. It's simply the results of you and my father's business, on both the market and Faunus."
"Right, but wouldn't you say people are getting interested in it? Overall?"
They locked eyes for a second, as Weiss searched for something within them.
"Jaune, please don't play these word games with me. I've been privately taught with the greatest education one can buy, and it's empowered me. I will not tolerate swindling and I'd like you to treat me as such."
Ah, nice. Jaune-again-liked that gusto more and more. Whatever these catgirls of his mean to her, she's willing to express her authority over them and him.
Well, try to, because once again: Jaune's work is fucking absolute.
So with that in mind, Jaune stopped beating around the bush.
"I'm interested in you, Weiss."
She squawked.
"No, not in that way." He brushed her-and the death glare she gave-off. "I'm interested in what mentality and identity you bring to the round table. Ya know, what's making you all tough as nails even though I can have these catgirls fucking desert you in a second."
Her anger faded away immediately after that. Apparently growing pretty fond of her preordained flesh cats. Regardless of origin, though, he continued on.
"Good. Just...listen up," he sighed, putting his hands together. "I like you more than your father, even though he's my current business partner and advocate. Because no offense? But he's kinda an unstable asshole who fetishizes little girls."
In a weird moment of carelessness, Weiss didn't even squat or squeak. Choosing to do nothing but shrug her shoulders at his blinking face. Even over the literal accusation of pedophila on her dad's behalf.
Jeez, man. That's fucking weird-
But he's not here for details. Jaune's here for results, so he continued on.
"So that's mostly the reason why I showed up today: to offer you something again."
His left elbow came onto the table then, raising that hand palm side down.
"Something that you'd gain from even more so...then say...being daddy's little secretary. I'm offering you another spoof to your knowledge, Weiss, and it's a good one."
her eyes-though not face-glanced at the spotless palm. Not showing any weakness yet.
"What if I told you..."
He turned the palm over, rapping a numb tune into the wood again.
"That I-after we ingrain our product completely in Atlas-can find a way to replace your father with you?"
...
...
...
Once again, Weiss peaked his curiosity and interests with her reaction. That being a complete lack of empathy for the man Jaune's unfairly dissing. No hesitation to apathy, nor an expression of dissatisfaction at the idea...
Pure, unadulterated consideration bloomed on her face and nothing more. Weiss must've truly lost all love for her family, or at the very least her father.
Makes sense though. He's a weirdo through and through. Even better now was the fact Jaune's plans sorta meshed into place with her lack of faith.
She'd listen to the entirety of the grand plan now. Which is fucking fantastic if he'd have the pleasure of saying. And he did!
Jaune smiled.
"What if I...arrange some things here and there, make some unfortunate circumstances a foot. Do that which'd anger your mother, and-"
"Jaune." She cut in, adamant again. "My mother's well being is of little concern to the man, no matter how hard he tries to put everyone together. She will always drink her heart out, and father will...continue to enjoy the comforts of his product. I've no heart for these flawed and broken people, who neglected me in many ways I find detestable..."
Those eyes shone with determination much like his own, only more...streamlined. And personal, too, with all that mind on the people who she'd likely dislike.
Yet not the catgirls. Never the catgirls.
"So yes, Jaune. I trust that you have potential I should consider."
She turned In her seat, actually smiling a thin line at Sunny. Taking enjoyment in the way she bumped shoulders with the stupider girls.
"These catgirls are like the pets I never got as a child... When they dedicated my life to the family business and nothing but. No friends, companions, loves, or fluffy creatures that would listen to my late night rants."
Turning back, Weiss even gave him a thin smile. Much to his muted surprise.
"My father and his cohorts never respected or cared for me like your catigirls do." She turned over, to the sounds of happy catgirl's the couch over. "Like Sunny does. She's the kitty cat I never got, so..."
...After a couple of seconds, her silence became clear enough to speak through, so Jaune did just that. Nodding to her thoughtful face, and gently rubbing at his chin.
"You're welcome, then." He stopped rubbing his chin, tilting his head at her instead. "But besides that, you're sure about this? Ya know, of hearing me out fully, and not just getting the little details? There's a lot more to this stuff then boring business meetings, I'll tell you now-"
She nodded, and he nodded too, preparing himself.
"Right..."
He coughed, seeing her seeing him.
"I want the world."
"...?"
"You heard me," he cracked a smile. "I want the world's complete inflation with all my shit, like a toxic relationship. I want the people to know what greatness and protection awaits when accepting the usage of my girls. For both the domestic and public good."
As he spoke, Deltas began pitter pattering across the house. Some dusting off the cabinets here and there, others repositioning used furniture. And even more than that?
Some came up to him, happy smiles on their faces.
"Myaster! Myatser!" A plucky one said, rougey red hair in a quaint ponytail. "You want food? We have many-"
With a smile still, Jaune shook his head, mumbling a 'no' to her, and shooing the funny little one away. Weiss blinked at the weird familiarity, something akin to confusion in her eye.
Not missing a beat, he continued.
"I want not only Atlas to experience my product... But the good people of all corners of our great Sanus. Every functional individual in our market economies with a fair bit of lien in their pocket. Ready to soon consume all sorts of goods at my disposal, chief among them my catgirls. Not just the people and their beneficiaries either..."
He put his scroll phone onto the table.
"I've chatted with several advisors to general ironwood," Jaune quipped, feeling pretty smug. "They've yet to really get their boss in on this so far, but they're getting there. Telling me all about how he's 'seen some merit' in our Alpha breeds and their thick skin. Which they wrote down and sent to me in a nice video call, if you'd like me to pl-"
"No-no." She held her hand up, shaking her head. "I believe you, just continue."
He did.
"Right. Well, guess what I'm trying to say is...I've got some serious credibility with this stuff now. And this Vtyal festival coming up? With all those people around willing to consume products? With wonderful figures like you there to preform...?"
Oh...she liked that last bit, rolling her eyes off to the side, yet not stopping his shtick any. He grinned at the small victory.
"It's a-if not the-golden opportunity to sell my ideas to the masses in ways not even the government could. Where you can show the world catgirls in style, and make having one a cool idea. First with the rich, then the middle class, and yada yada, as the product gets more and more available."
Yep, she's getting it now, her mouth 'oh'ing in understanding.
"So all I ask, then, is if you'd be willing to aid in that goal, right to the heart. And also be willing to 'broadcast' that idea to your Headmaster for me while I crusade the product to the people, as I'm actually hoping to go along with all this."
"...To the tournament?-"
"Uh-huh. I wanted to do some things there..."
He smiled, looking away.
"Important things, you'll understand. But can you also do this stuff for me in the meantime?" He turned back. "Can you basically become my partner? As I, uh, take care of the Jaques problem with some somewhat clever planning?"
Weiss saw...something in that, and blinked.
"You're serious?"
He nodded.
...
...
...
It took a long moment-with Weiss looking off at her servant-but she came to a conclusion. What that'd be he's all ears and eyes for now, as Jaune laid everything bare. In the sense he sorta admitted of his true intentions of control without some level of stigma.
She'd totally freak out if he said 'hey, wanna replace world governments in the next decade?' and seriously meant it. Most rational-and not catgirl influenced-people would do the exact same. Buuuut, as it were, this business runs on dragon energy and not rationality.
This must've sunk in, as her puckered expression went lax, eyes squinted at the lines of woof below. Once more, another soul sees the light of progress, in a way of complete submission. WIllingly or otherwise.
First-to some degree-Jaques, and now? After a hefty amount of months weaning the product into society? Whilst replacing Faunus workers and introducing the new evolution of labor? Cars included?
Weiss was in, and hopefully a full-time partner as of today. Jaune's gonna look forward to seeing her...well, everything really. Fighting skills, habits, friends, and hopefully Beacon Academy.
That was his top pick all those years ago-
"I accept."
She said, conviction a heady rumble, her hand sliding onto his.
"I shall avanege my past and take this business from the hands of it's incompetent. Those years in isolation and abandonment from my family should not go unpunished... This is fact."
"Ah, nice."
"Indeed. What else do you have in mind, now?"
Jaune felt himself relax with her hand on him, despite its unnatural chill from the digits down.
"Well..." he sighed. "I'd rather get some more hot chocolate before I explain anything." though he's not planning to say much, as there wasn't much else he could say to Weiss then.
Their stockholders were coming in droves, and the product itself has a major market in the upper to middle classes already. She only needs to listen to him and they'd succeed.
Regardless, Weiss nodded, looking over her shoulder.
"Sunn, dear." She hummed, cutting through the noise of busy workers without a single pause. "Get us more hot chocolate. And give your..."
Strangely, she met his eyes, actually smiling her satisfaction. Unlike the angry-ish girl from the moment prior and all the more intriguing for it.
"Myaster Jaune, extra marshmallows with his. He employs the best in his efforts of revolutionizing our corporate interests."
Sunny really moved for this one, becoming a yellow blur blitzing form the couch. Nearly hitting the doorway to the rustic kitchen on the way out, yet not slowing down the tiniest bit.
When she left, Weiss went to her scroll, muttering to him.
"I must text Klein, he didn't mention how he knew you'd be here..."
That...made Jaune sigh.
"New invention, old desires locked away a an incompetent exterior."
She didn't get that, but Jaune hadn't a care if she did or not, and let himself get cozy too. Putting away the thoughts of one rebellious man servant to the curb, like he oughta do, but eh. Klein's just doing his job and nothing else. Jaune did get here because of him.
With that outta mind, he dug deep into his coat pocket, dragging out a small picture with a dusky tinge to its wear. A material Weiss surprisingly noticed within seconds of him placing it on the table. An obvious concern and question in her inquisitive-and apparently business savvy-blue eyes.
"A picture?"
He nodded, and smiled. Looking down at the item himself.
Menagerie. In particular, him and Kali within the walls of the palace. Just another fresh morning together under the beaming sunlight, head to chest in bed. Her smile-on her beautiful dusky face-almost shining in its aesthetics. While he himself would have made himself out to be a drunkard with all that bed hair, compared to her refined looks.
They took that two weeks before he had to leave and really start his business. Leaving his Kali all alone on that island again, forced to deal with Sienna and her bullshit palace guard... A sad thing he wished never had to happen, but the whole process would have slowed down if they'd-
No. He can't think about that.
Jaune took a deep breath, imagining the Vytal festival and all its opportunities.
Maybe...just maybe...he can make do with his words, and bring the truest catgirl of all along for the ride? Maybe he could take her on adventures that they could've gone on if he had stayed? The faintest possibility of this one event doing this for him...
It made his blood boil, but in a good way, but also in a way that made Weiss's brow raise at him. He toiled not with that confusion, however, instead he planned.
"Yeah, a picture."
He looked back up at her, eyes shining his true determination, which she balked at.
"That's me and my...friend, so to speak. She's currently far away from us-and me-right now, and I'd like to get her nearby soon..."
He held the picture tight, a conflicted-but overall happy-smile on his face.
"After all, everybody needs a momma in their lives, especially the catigirls."
And Kali could provide that...if she's okay with everything. This entire journey up to this point wouldn't have happened weren't it for her DNA stuff.
Which, all things considered?
He can only hope she'd agree, somehow, over the Faunus rainbow.
And hope he did: with that picture by his side, and Tabby's attentive gaze on his back. Intense in that usual and weird way.
"You'd understand, right?"
...Strangely, her frown didn't tell him that. Having an intimate relationship with a very beautiful single mother was unique. More so than most things.
So as Sunny came back, he shrugged.
"No? That's cool." He muttered, holding the pretty white mug in his grip, clearing his throat. "But let's worry about romance later, yeah?"
"...ugh..." She rolled her eyes, holding her new hot chocolate too. "Fine, what've you in mind?"
He grinned, then continued to bullshit for the rest of the conversation. More focused on that picture resting smugly in his coat pocket than anything.
Soon, though...Kali's face won't be a mere picture. She'll come back to him.
Even if it takes the horsepower of one thousand Dust-trucks, or more relevant, the souls of the damned.
He liked the latter one a bit better. Just a bit.
"Right, so..."
Yep, notes time:
*We're going to be seeing Kali next chapter, as she gets introduced to the catgirls/girls girls. Which yes, is going to be a thing that'll surely divide some characters. Especially RWBY ones.
*If it's clear not already, Catgirls will be a major contender against and or with Ironwood's shit-bots, and MIGHT find a way to convince Ozpin somehow to use them as the protection of Vale. Which would turn out one hundred percent better for basically everyone.
*This chapter was long due to flimsy plotting and I'm only somewhat happy about it. At least you've got an idea that during the thre volume long jump cut we've decreased Faunus slave labor and now use waifus to do our bidding. I.e hot chocolate and mining.
*Jacques will die sometime soon, because why not.
*I'm thinking of doing some Jaune x Weiss x Kali somehow, but idk. I'm just hyped that I made the cyber trucks a legitimate function of this story now. Ain't it great, dear reader?
Anyways, I'm slacking on this shit, I'll be honest. I'll be heading off on a four day field trip like the next morning from when I post this, and I idly wonder if Washington D.C will infect me with corona virus.
Probably won't, but hey, never know.
Cheers.