Chapter 4: A Letter in Return
The match has come a long way before night befalls upon Vale like any other normal day of an equinox. Their last subject, which involved Professor Oobleck's teachings of History between Faunus and Human's war, was their last before any of the students returned to their dorms.
Oobleck took a sip of his coffee and whizzed across the room one point from another before taking another bubbly sip. It makes Ruby wonder if this certain professor is able to match to her semblance speed.
"Before class ends my fellow students, I want you to take notes for a research project for this coming week about Vale's history. May it be the net, the books, your friends, or even look in between the cracks of this town. Just remember to find its very existence all in one thesis like theory!" His words came out as a chatter fox if not completely understandable to his students, "And what research project?! Why, this is history! And since Beacon is in Vale and the only place you can stretch your search as far as the eye can see and fingers can touch, I want you to know more about Vale for now." He sipped his coffee again, "Type written, size 12, 5 to 8 pages!" Another sip, "Deadline next week. Class dismissed!" And darted out the class with flying papers behind his trails.
Team RWBY and Team JNPR both took their dinner in the mess hall before returning to their dorms, it was one of those occasions where the two teams were able to spend some little time together freely without the peer pressure of spars and competitiveness.
Nora is always hyper. Always. Ren sliced himself a pancake before eating the piece with Nora talking behind his ear as the usual. Phyrra and Jaune were having the same meal since it was Ren's specialty, and good lord were they good tasting that it served as the whole deal. RWBY is always welcomed to have a share of the meal and enjoyed it as much as they have.
Weiss, who remembered about the letter that was written on her notebook, felt for the longest time in one day bothered and impatient. She took a moment to finish her last slice before she stood from the table.
Yang had scooped a large amount of pancakes into her mouth. Noticing the departure of her teammate, she asked with barely enough time to chew and ask properly, "Done already?"
"Don't be rude and kindly speak when your mouth is not full." Weiss said, Yang already having the pancakes devoured down her throat as she did. "And to answer your question. Yes, I am." She walked away, leaving an unsurprised Yang to have another piece of pancake impaled with a fork raised to her mouth and bite off the fluffy goodness.
Ruby glanced at her partner's ways. Deep within her instincts, it was well enough known that she may be having a problem. A problem that was much deeper than just academics or physical pain, but emotionally, perhaps. She looked at Blake who still kept reading as she drank a glass of milk, and Yang who still worked her way eating like a champion. Sure enough, they too know that something was off and tipsy.
Weiss opened her notebook, sitting on her bed as she did. Ever since she left the letter unfinished in class, the letter began to aggravate her for the rest of the day that would gather small hints of her team worrying, though none of them really sank in her situation as she would just dismiss the subject for personal matters.
Her eyes settled on the cursive words, beginning to read where she left off.
I did and I have. And it's time I told you about Father's Past.
The last word caught her attention with the knack of curiosity. Surely, anything about their Father is not of her own importance and she could just skip anything that included him. The urge however, was unbearable beyond ones composure; perhaps she can just learn something that included family matters despite her hatred towards the man.
He was just any ordinary young boy who lived a rich life with his parents. It was a wealthy family with peace. Until in some certain point our grandfather turned for the worse.
He started to have interest in gambling and took wider dosage of alcohol. In a matter of days, half of their Lien was consumed by the number of cards he puts on the table, the men he spent drinking with his friends, and by being too drunk he never noticed his own wallet has been stolen by thieves and backstabbers. When everything fell with pockets empty, he started to force the savings from his wife and as well as his son, the savings of which could have been their hope of a decent future. Through the course of his selfishness, he turned against his own child and treated his wife like a slave. This went on for years of abuse until his son grew to his adolescence did he finally understood and rebel. The company that crumpled with bankruptcy years ago from his father was restored by his own hands. Through sacrifices and fierce competitions, he worked his way to the top. Until finally; he met our mother and gave life to us.
'That was interesting,' thought Weiss, 'but what connection will help me change my mind?'
His childhood is one of the traits we see him do to us today, but if you were to consider, Father is gentle and it was nothing compared to how his own Father treated him.
Why is Winter defending him? Doesn't she remember?
She could not entirely believe it. He may have a very sad past, but there was still no reason why he has to be so... Controlling! Any mistake he could have ever done to his own daughters never came back with apologies. There were no hugs and kisses. No compliments and praise. And certainly no love in what he does. It just makes a child think at such times when he was the only single parent that could have given hope, can only make the child wish they were never born. It pains to go through tests and trials to impress him, only to know that efforts were being wasted when he never looked in the first place. Thus, making Weiss of who she is today, burdened by a royal test. Burdened by the expectations of the Heir towards their princess. Weiss only upheld the name of the Schnee, but barely enough to uphold his legacy.
Give him, perhaps, a little more time, Weiss. There are so many reasons behind his actions; you just don't know them yet.
There she goes again. Being mysteriously wise.
Do you still remember the first time you had Myrtenaster?
Even in the midst of frustrating comprehension. The question had a little smile curled upon the side of her mouth. Of course. How could she ever forget her weapon that was forged together with her sister?
Myrtenaster, built with the finest silver and coiled together with the rarest dust. Was also crafted by Father himself.
To someone commonly different, they would be in awe. But to Weiss, it sounds preposterous.
Yes, I did want you to have a weapon, but we all know that he never let us wield such a thing without his consent, yet he stayed quiet and laid the structure for us to forge. The brilliant ideas such as having dusts in Myrtenaster wasn't mine either, but him. At least, this was something that he knows our passion for fencing, and not long after did I have mine as well with the same help that came through him.
Weiss's eyes strayed away from the letter towards the open curtains. She stared deeply into the illuminating moon, grasping each word that came into mind. She adored her own weapon. Hearing now that it was also created by the hands of her father said otherwise. She looked back at the note.
We both know Father is. Quite stubborn. When you had the decision to become a Huntress and wanted to go to Beacon, It is by no doubt you both had an argument.
And it was the first time he gets to talk longer than a word, the anger common and always loud throughout the hallways of their mansion.
He was actually sad that you had to leave.
Weiss rolled her eyes, If Winter is here, she would sure to be using sarcasm at her.
He expresses his feelings inaccurately. Creating misunderstandings and grudges all together. Deep inside, I'm sure Father is just a cranky man who's feeling so down because one of his daughters is leaving him all alone. But, he let you go. He is usually persistent and if he says no, then there is no way around him. At first I was surprised how you were able to come out alive and breathing, but when I was able to speak to him, thoroughly, with a challenge. I finally understood because Father himself is just as mysterious as I am. And there you are now, in Beacon Academy. Studying in one of the most outstanding schools in Remnant to become a Huntress.
This is dreadful. There just seems to be no sense in it. Father is heartless, he is cold. All those years of feeling so empty and now this is the time of knowing that he actually does care? No sense at all!
You'll understand little sister. Now, it is time that I settle down this pen. Keep practicing with your fencing so that someday, we can Duel to see who improved the farthest. Take care, and good luck.
Love, Winter.
Weiss shut the notebook close with one hand, the clapping sound reverberating around the room.
She was not sure how to feel. There was still hatred lingering inside of her. It was hard to accept, and actually hard to believe. But it was Winter who told her. Winter would never lie.
Weiss dropped herself to the bed and rolled to her side with the notebook still at hand. She glanced at it, studying the notebook's simple structure out of mind's emptiness of what to do. It felt as if life just passes on without anything to feel. She let go of the notebook and reach for her scroll in one of her pockets. Opening the phone like gadget, she looked closely for her mails. If she remembered correctly, it vibrated earlier that she had a notification. Three mails were left closed, patiently ready at any time to be uncovered.
Newsletter from Beacon Academy itself, Vale's News, and the last one from The Schnee Company Quarters.
That was odd. She tapped on the third letter. The mail opened within a second, the insignia of the company in the background. Maybe the company just had a raise of economy, or just discovered something new that could make the company grow even larger, extended in branches or perhaps updated about its charts. Usually these letters only comes during Sundays, but today is Thursday.
She quickly took a reading to get it over with. She was not surprised. The Quarters had given news that the Heir of the Schnee Company, her Father, had arrived in Vale earlier that day. Weiss wouldn't have cared if it weren't for the letter that Winter wrote. It was okay if Father was in the country, just as long as he did not bother her in school grounds. Or anywhere in particular.
Her mind rambled. She could have a visit? No. Father does not like to be bothered. But for once did she like to settle the problem. If it stayed as a problem, then so be it. If Winter by any chance was proven right about Father's intentions, then okay, that is one problem not to worry about.
As the Heiress, it is also best to check what is going on in the Company. Something that she could see with her own eyes and not through mails, news, and whatnot. It was an obligation she chose to stick with. That's right, an obligation.
She sat up from the bed, typing a letter to one of Vale's Schnee Dust Company building for her arrival and it would be best if they were to prepare the transport. One tap of the send button, the mail was sent. She settled the scroll on her bed; it would take less than a minute for their reply.
"Hey Weiss!" Ruby popped her head from the upper bunk, looking upside down at the white haired girl she frightened.
"R-Ruby! What are you doing?!" Her heart raced from the startling surprise.
Ruby laughed, "Just hanging around. Oh look, a pun."
Weiss rolled her eyes, "Just get out of my face, dolt."
Ruby raised an eyebrow, "Something wrong?"
"No."
"C'maaann." The girl in the red cloak let her arms hang from the edge, flailing her hands at the pessimistic young lady before her. "You can tell me you know? Were teammates!"
Weiss stayed persistent as she moved Ruby's hands away from her.
"Please?" Adorable puppy eyes flashed, burning a hole at Weiss's problems to be set free.
It was not for long that Weiss ended up with defeat slumped on her shoulders. "I'm just going to visit the company. That is all."
"Annnddd?" Ruby edged Weiss to say something more to that.
"And?"
Ruby nodded, rolling her hand in a circular motion, opting her to continue. Weiss sighed, "What more do you need to know?"
"Something that has to do with you looking down these past few subjects. Especially in the mess hall."
Weiss put a hand to her face, "You're not going to stop are you?"
Ruby used her semblance to come down the bed, instantly sitting beside the Ice princess, "Yep."
"Visiting the company was not a lie. I also do intend of speaking to my Father about personal matters."
"So basically, you have a problem with your Dad? Right?"
Weiss nodded. She expected the end of the discussion, but Ruby only watched her patiently for more to come. She groaned.
That night, Weiss told the insufferable little Red from the letter to the present. She balanced what is needed to be said, and what is needed to be kept.
Ruby with open ears listened carefully. She was glad that Weiss was able to share something that deep of a personal matter. Weiss could have dismissed her at the spot, she could have shouted at her, kick her out of dorm until she repented or even threaten her for that matter. So using this time, she was sure to treasure a moment of trust.
"Since tomorrow is Friday, I will use the time to survey the company. And, somehow greet my Father formally."
"Oh! Oh!" Ruby had an idea while she momentarily hopped from the bed excitedly, "I'm going to get the others!"
"No wait-" But Ruby already left the dorm with her malicious speed. Weiss groaned.
The next day followed. Outside Beacon Academy's landing points, a large hovercraft went on for a touchdown, safely steering on the center before the engines silenced. Last night, Weiss had to explain certain points, again, to Yang and Blake.
The two, at first, were confused why Ruby was so excited that she would jump on the walls. Ruby was pushing Black and Yellow back to their dorms with an augment effort with her semblance, but to no avail due to two people being as heavy as she was, she used her hands and feet to bulldoze the pair as swift as roses.. Barely.
"Guys, we're going on a field trip!" Said Ruby when she had gotten all teammates together.
"It is not a field trip." Weiss quipped, "It so happens that I am going to bring the three of you because you just went darting off and called them from the mess hall back here."
"Woah guys." Yang said while pushing the air with her hands as if to calm the atmosphere itself, "Where exactly are we going?"
Ruby beamed, "We are going to research a facility full of Dusts~." Suddenly her eyes sparkled in interest.
"The Schnee Dust Company. In Vale." Weiss corrected flatly.
"Think about it, it can be perfect on explaining Vale's History project!" Said Ruby.
Blake's bow twitched, "That would be interesting."
"Well, what are we waiting for, let's go!" Said Yang.
"Tomorrow." Said Weiss. "It's clearly late in the evening, so we leave tomorrow in the morning."
Thus, from where they are now, prepared and ready to go, they boarded the airship and took off. They planned on taking JNPR too, but it seems that their leader had somewhere he thought might be interesting to explore for the project. So it was a separate way.
Ruby had not exactly told the truth, but it was an opportunity and a cover to layer her intentions. At least Ruby had a sense of intelligence, wouldn't want more than one to know the Heiress having such minor problems.
The trip took no more than half an hour.
When the team had stepped out into the opening. They were welcomed with a man dressed like a military squad leader and formal gentleman, the top a formal dark white vest accompanied with a black tie, pants a military attire with straps and pockets and a gun strapped to his right side of the leg, and combat boots that goes along his attire.
"Ms. Weiss Schnee." He said and bowed low. It was known that a bow that was low signified the respect of someone who was at a higher rank, "Welcome back."
Weiss nodded once at him, appreciating the greeting. "These are my friends; please treat them the way you do to me."
"Yes, Ms. Schnee." The man then switched his gaze to the team and bowed only slightly, "Welcome, students of Beacon Academy."
"Hello~" Said Yang and Ruby in unison, while Blake just waved.
"I do hope that your stay here will be worthwhile. Please, follow me."
Weiss then took the lead while the others followed suit. When they came closer into view, the team, except Weiss, had their mouth gaping at the huge company. The Building's front was transparent with Fiber glass creatively connecting one wireframe of squares. They could clearly see the employees walking around and about with papers at hand, wooden crates on trolleys being pushed, and lab coat scientists with and without hazmat suits. White there, white here. In the middle of the entrance, it proudly showed the Insignia of the Schnee Dust Company, a snowflake that looked exactly like the one on Weiss's back.
Upon entering, glass doors slid open. There was a metal detector and swiftly, the man and Weiss walked through with no complaints. But when the others passed, the metal detector flashed red with three beeps. Security guards came closer with weapons an arm.
"Stand down." The man said while putting down a guard's rifle. "These are the associates of Ms. Weiss Schnee; you are to treat them with care and respect. Back to your posts." His tone was that of a man whose temper was trying to be contained. Immediately, the guards stood from where they came from, more alerted, but calmed and composed than the previous. "Sorry sir!" Said all of them in unison.
They walked until they reached a snowflake carved on the marble floor at the center.
"From here, he will be guiding you through the company." Said Weiss to her teammates.
"Where're you going?" Yang asked.
"I have a business to attend to." Weiss replied, already walking away another direction, "remember," she said without looking back. "Don't. Touch. Anything. Especially you Ruby."
Yang and Ruby looked at each other, and ended up giving a mischievous chuckle.
"Ms. Weiss Schnee has told me to lead you around the building. I have heard about the project as well and I know exactly where and what you need to know. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me." Said the man and smiled. "Come." He started to walk.
"Well, let's go!" Ruby walked first. Yang clasped a hand onto Blake's. "Wouldn't want you to stray away." She said, smirking at her with a charming wink.
"Yang." Blake hissed, the blush spreading across her face.
A/N: (The tittle. Get it? Get it? You know, read then she returns? No? ..Okay.)
So here's another chapter. Next chapter will come in a hell blaze. It's about to start and I'm excited to wreak everything. Kill all the people! Wreak all the emotions! Feel all the feels! /shot
Note, this story is set in their 2nd year. Let's say it stopped from the episode Dance Dance Infiltration since the Episodes for Volume 2 is having a turn of events that might confuse you with this AU.
Comments, Critics and Reviews are all welcome! Please don't hesitate to ask any questions at any time. And thank you all for the Favorites and Follows, may we see each other again in the next chapter :)