(RWBY is property of Rooster Teeth)
(Azur Lane is property of Shanghai Manjuu and Xiamen Yongshi)
- Sovereigns of the Ocean -
(II)
- The Pride of Atlas -
I'm a mess…
Throughout her life, more so within her later years, Winter had strived to become the model of perfection in all that she did - be it in her duties as an Atlas Specialist or as a member of the Schnee family - which, given some members of her family and their historic achievements, be them known or not, was a rather understandable aspiration.
Winter was, to that regard, grateful then that so many within the Atlas military, and the kingdom as a whole, saw her as such. From the lowest of officers or officials too the likes of General Ironwood and Chancellor Hill themselves, most, if not all, said that she was a prime example of what any Atlesian military specialist should strive to be - the height of perfection as it were.
So, with this in mind… that was why Winter was currently checking herself over for the fifth time since arriving at the academy's private landing pad. She had to make sure she was one hundred percent presentable for when their guest arrived. After all, it wasn't only her image she had to look out for, but that of Atlas and it's military… Not to also mention-
"Winter, dear. Please do stop fidgeting." a stern yet still deeply caring voice spoke from besides the Specialist; interrupting her prior trains of thought, "Your uniform is perfect, I checked it over for you myself upon our arrived. Though, if you continue on like this however you'll just end up creasing it; then no one will be happy."
Looking to the person standing to her right - one of four other people who were called to be members of this greeting party - Winter found a woman not too dissimilar physically from herself in many ways. They were both dressed in near-identical clothing, though instead of a custom overcoat which Winter was currently wearing, the woman besides her instead chose an older and far more regal, naval-styled double breasted tailcoat; with a more traditional military great coat draped over her shoulders. Another difference between the two was the inclusion of a stylised, cross-like brooch which hung from the space of the woman's collar. The red jewel at it's centre shining majestically in the light of the early morning sun.
The Iron Blood Signet… Winter noted with absolutely certainty. A reward heralding all the way back to the later years of the Great War. One of the most prestigious honours a soldier of the Atlas - then Mantle - could ever be given, and something scarcely, if ever, rewarded without substantial merit.
"Apologies mother." Winter spoke softly in response; begrudgingly relenting in her attempts to straighten her already presentable uniform as she acknowledged the seemingly far older woman's advice.
Willow Schnee. Rear Admiral of the Atlesian Navy, Co-CEO of the Schnee Dust Company, the mighty Argent Hydra of the North, and… Winter Schnee's firmly supportive mother…
"It's fine dear." Willow smiled gracefully as she placed a gloved hand on her daughter's shoulder, "I'm sure once she arrives she'll be most pleased by your growth and success since last you met. There's no need for you to worry so much."
"Indeed Winter, Rear Admiral Schnee is most correct." came a frankly beaming voice from the other side of Willow, "Mother will surely be impressed by your past academic, combat and strategic scores, as well as your present mission success rate. There is indeed no need for you to worry about such troubles."
"Quite true." another, though a tad bit more subdued, voice fallowed from the same direction, "Mother will, without a doubt, see you as the honourable and well driven soldier of Atlas, which you are. You really should not concern yourself over what is already a certainty."
Peeking out slightly from behind her mother's left side, Winter could easily make out the short, shoulder length gold and silver bobs of hair belonging to the two Polendina sisters - that of Penny and Marie Polendina respectively. The twins were the third and fourth members of their greeting part; both choosing to patiently wait alongside the two Schnees' for the arrival of their progenitor. Penny happily bouncing on her heels with a bright smile on her face whilst Marie was content to just simply stand with her hands behind her back and head raised to the sky - likely searching for any incoming aircrafts.
Winter - for her part - simply "hummed" in response. The assurances of both her mother and the twins were sound, and under any other circumstance she'd relent to their superior logic. However, this wasn't just any other circumstance. This was a big deal for her. Not necessarily in regards to her career, but instead for the personal validation it would bring if she made a good impression.
As a Schnee, Winter already knew she had some big shoes to fill. Her family was built on legends after all. The evaluating eyes; the hush comments made by her peers and other likeminded individuals comparing her to those who came before. Doubt easily sank its hooks within Winter's psyche the first change it got. This issue only then worsening further after her grandfather's passing…
… She couldn't well say that it wasn't a hard time for her, because it most definitely was… to cope and deal with such monumental expectations… Especially in the early days…
Winter couldn't really say how many times she just wanted to curl up into a ball and cry in some unseen, far off corner of the academy back then. As if the thought of showing any weakness would cause her to be cast aside as a failure to everything she ever knew - no matter how unlikely that was…
Still, Winter wouldn't be put down so easily… Even after receiving some much needed therapy thanks in no small part to the diligent actions of her Mother and partner, Winter still continued to reach for those standards placed upon her - all be it in a much more healthier way. All to prove once and for all that she was indeed capable of carrying on her family's legacy into the future.
Now however, she had the chance to see if her efforts were indeed fruitful. To get vindicated of her doubts by the individual who'd set the Schnee's on the path of greatness all those decades prior, and to be told with true certainty that she had indeed become worthy of the mantle which awaited her - even if it was a bit early than Winter initially would've thought…
"-Alright, I'll inform her now." Pocketing his scroll, the fifth, and final, member of their welcoming party joined them as their group of four waited patently by the edge of the landing pad. "Rear Admiral Schnee." the man, Specialist Clover Edi, greeted crisply with a salute as he approached, "Lady Bismarck's manta should be coming in to land now."
"Thank you, Special Operative Ebi." Willow replied with a polite nod of acknowledgment before the Ace Op Leader got into line with the rest of their party.
Looking to the sky above them for her own confirmation, the Schnee Specialist could indeed start to make out an approaching Manta-class transport accompanied by two of Iron Blood's own Tiger-class attack gunships; all sporting the identifying marking of the Atlesian Special Forces - the Wéhrmacht. This has to be her… Winter surmised easily enough as the now recognisable transport made to land whilst it's two escort craft hovered overhead for area defence.
With a mild gust of wind sent in their groups general direction by the aircraft's decent, the manta touched down softly, and without issue, on the landing pad. A few moments later, after the boarding ramp was lowered, the side door of the transport opened revealing three women dressed in marginally differing variations of the classic Atlesian Naval and Military officer's uniforms.
Front and centre was of course the woman of the hour. Her Ladyship Bismarck - wearing most notably a rather form-fitting, naval-styled double breasted greatcoat with silver epaulettes and officers cap - walked down the boarding ramp with an overwhelming sense of purpose - her long, dull golden hair flowing freely behind her as she descended. Hanging affixed from the crevice of her heigh collar lay in prominence an Iron Blood Signet; similar to the one her mother wore around her own neck.
The two individuals accompanying Bismarck meanwhile were both dressed in the more older styles of traditional white and grey military officers uniforms; which mainly comprised of a dress uniform with jodhpurs, boots and a cap. Though, saying this, the two did implement some small amount of personalisation with their uniforms in regards to the accessories they chose to incorporated into them. The younger of the two for example - Second Lieutenant Raven Dar, if Winter recalled correctly - wore a medium length, clasped cloak, cross strap and white gloves, whilst the eldest - Warrant Officer Morse - simply incorporated a silver aiguillette over her right shoulder.
All-in-all, they were quite the image of military professionalism - if only a tad bit dated. In a paltry sense, Winter felt somewhat underdressed in an informal sort of way when compared to these women. A sentiment seemingly not shared by her mother.
Walking out of line without a care, Willow moved to meet their guests. "Guten tag, Dame Bismarck." she greeted with a small but still elegant bow as the three members of Iron Blood reached the base of the boarding ramp, "It's been far too long since we've last had chance to see each other in person."
"Guten tag aúch, Kónteradmiral Schnee. Indeed, it most definitely has been too long." Bismarck replied rather formally, unlike Willow. A ghost of a smile however reached her lips as the woman looked upon and momentarily past the Schnee matriarch.
Willow, for her part, gave Bismarck a frankly unimpressed look in response. "Come now. I shall hear no more talk of ranks and such formal nonsense from you, meín liéber mutter." The Schnee matriarch stated before immediately pulling the far older woman into a surprising, but ultimately rather tender hug; alarming Bismarck somewhat initially but after a couple seconds the blond relented and firmly embraced Willow in return. The two basking in the other's presence for a few quiet moments, by which point they then separated.
Stepping back, Willow still held onto Bismarck's arms with the utmost care as she smiled at her most intimate companion. "It is truly good to see you again. Though I must admit, I am rather hurt that you didn't feel the need to inform me that you were pushing forward your visit. If it wasn't for James calling upon my expertise for this meeting you organised, I likely wouldn't have known you came at all."
"… I apologies for that…" she paused briefly, "In truth, I was hoping to surprise you and the rest of the family once everything was dealt with." Bismarck ultimately spoke, a hint of strained disappointment in her voice, "It appears that James thought it best to ruin it by asking you to greet us here however."
Willow nodded in what Winter assumed was understanding before proceeded to rub the blond's arm affectionately, "Maybe it was for the best then. At least this way I was given ample time to reorganise my schedule so that we can now spend some additional time together in peace. Not to mention I'm sure that Weiss'll naturally be overjoyed to have more time with you before her initiation~." Willow paused, as if realising something, "You will be staying with us at the Schnee manor for the duration of your visit, of course?" It wasn't a question, more so an order, and one both Winter and Bismarck knew well enough. Still, the woman didn't seem too overly troubled at the thought with how elated she seemed.
"Indeed. I have yearned to return to the estate for a good while now, and I'm sure that all of the children have grown substantially since my last visit. It'll overjoy me to see them all again after such a long gap." Bismarck spoke, absently looking past Willow again; directly at Winter this time. The Schnee Admiral fallowed her companion's gaze before finding her eldest daughter standing exactly were she left her.
With a small nod of encouragement from her mother, permission was given, and so Winter steadily marched over to the two individuals which both inadvertently and deliberately set her on path she currently walked. "Specialist Winter Schnee, my Ladyship. It is a honour and a pleasure to meet you once again; though now as a fully fledged member of the Atlesian Military." She greeted, choosing the straight-backed and wholly formal approach upon reaching the two. It only really occurring to Winter then just how relatively young the woman before her truly seemed - even after all these years spent apart.
Oh, Winter was fully aware of the Bismarck's true nature, and that of the wider world in general, but still… Unlike with Ozpin, who she'd been told would live through one host body before moving onto a new one once they passed, Bismarck was the genuine article when it came to true immortality. Whether it be from photographs taken long ago, memories of the woman during her childhood, or her standing here right this instant, Bismarck never seemed to aged a day - would never age… The woman was essentially a fact. An unreachable icon of time itself. Someone who would always be there to support Atlas, and Remnant as a whole. Guiding and inspiring those who knew and didn't into a prosperous futur-
"How astoundingly formal… Gött, I remember a time when you would steal my cloak and cap as a child and go marching down the halls of the Schnee manor giving out orders; pretending to be the captain of your very own ship…" Bismarck reminisced almost absently as a small smirk breeched her lips; interrupting Winter's train of though as she did, and ultimately causing the Specialist to falter somewhat as her face went red with mild embarrassment at both the memory and Bismarck blatant disregard for her efforts at a formal reintroduction.
… And in truth, though this woman was indeed an unreachable icon which had cemented herself within Remnant's history worldwide, Bismarck was also a notable and still very much beloved member of the Schnee family - a fact Winter unintentionally forgot to take into account during her preparations for this meeting… After all, for all intents and purposes - even if it wasn't by blood - Bismarck was by all accounts still Winter's loving and doting grandmother…
The Atlesian Specialist still even now vividly remembered the discussion she had with her late grandfather - Nicolas Schnee - and then again with her mother back during her childhood. How such an innocently question of "Why doesn't Grandma get old, Grandpa?" upon looking through a family photo album led into apparently - from learning of the whole ordeal years later - a long and hard discussion between her parents and grandparents regarding if and / or when she should be told the truth.
Apparently Bismarck was against telling Winter the truth initially until she was much older, but Nicolas was in firm disagreement - feeling that Winter had the right to know everything about who, and more prominently what, her grandmother was. Ultimately however, and with a good deal of mediation from both of her parents, they came to the agreement that she'd be told some of the truth; with the rest being explained in full once she was older and could better understand it. The truth that Winter was told at the time being that her grandmother was simply neither a human nor a faunus; that she was something truly "magical", and because of that she didn't age like normal people do.
Honestly, looking back on it, Winter couldn't help but find a good amount of humour from how her family went about explaining the situation to her younger self. Oh, she absolutely ate it up with starry-eyed glee at the prospect of having a "magical grandma"; especially when Bismarck was made to prove it more physically by manifesting a dazzling purple tinted, blue tesseract which she then explained was what gave her existence through the collective belief of others.
A good part of Winter still found how accurate that statement was rather mind boggling. Yet with all the truths she'd come to learn in relation to the wider world as she grew older, cubes which can apparently turn inanimate objects such as warships into living, thinking people if enough individuals believed hard enough didn't seem all that far fetched - especially in a world were literal god-like entities existed.
Naturally this was all very hush-hush, especially the information she was told regarding Bismarck herself. In fact, if Winter wasn't mistaken, she could realistically count how many people alive knew such truths regarding her grandmother's past and that of Iron Blood as a whole on both her hands, and even then Winter knew that the amount of information known varied between people. Bismarck, of course, was very forthcoming when it came to family ofter the "talk", but anything outside of her immortality, how it roundabout worked, as well as some more generally known elements of her past in regards to Remnant's and their family's history, she usually tended to keep close to the chest.
Winter knew such truths naturally - being told just before her enrolment into the Specialist program and her mirror training. The same went for her mother and late grandfather - as expected - and to some extent her farther, but her siblings were still mostly in the dark; only knowing the basics as was the case when she first accidentally broached the topic all those years prior. She was aware that her mother and grandmother were thinking over the prospect of filling in Weiss before her enrolment into Beacon in case Ozpin tried anything, but as far as Winter was informed the whole thing was still up in the air at the moment.
Winter knew it would be a lot to properly process of course… a lot to accept - especially at the start of a new chapter in your life… but Winter believe in her sister; that Weiss would ultimately come out a far greater, and a substantially more emboldened, person because of it - especially once her own mirror training could begin. Maybe, likely Winter herself had, she'd even find a new sense of respect and admiration for the woman who had not only led their people into a new age of prosperity after the Great War, but who had also become almost like a second mother to them as they grew up. Bismarck was indeed a truly remarkable woman, if not a bit awkward and downright embarrassing at times due to her deep motherly, or rather grandmotherly, nature…
… It was honestly kinda funny… How someone who had done and experienced so much in her long life, could at the same time still be so undeniably human to those she loved…
Suppressing a tiny spout of laughter at Bismarck's moment of recollection, Willow moved to stand by her daughter's side once more; smiling as she did. "I remember those days very well. If I'm not mistaken, we usually spent them fallowing her around as she preformed her "inspections"?"
"Yes, we did…" Bismarck answered before sending a small yet deeply saddening smile to Winter, "But that time has long since passed it would seem… I can see for curtain now that you are no long that innocent child we used to watch and tell fanciful stories to. You have indeed grown into quite the respectable young woman, meín liéber. If what your mother tells me from our recent corespondents is true, then I can say without any doubt that you would have made Nicolas so very proud Winter." Reaching into one of her greatcoat pockets, Bismarck brought out what appeared to be some type of badge or clasp.
From what Winter could tell it mainly depicted the Iron Blood insignia surrounded by a golden laurel wreath, being held by an equally golden eagle in flight. In fact, the design somewhat reminded her of the small silver or gold pins she'd seen being worn by Iron Blood soldiers of the past and present. Looking over her grandmother and her aids, Winter noted the same pins adorning their left lapels and the peaks of their caps. An eagle in flight holding a cross encompassed by a laurel wreath…
Leaning in, Bismarck lightly grasped Winter's right hand by the wrist before - without any resistance - bringing it palm up. Meeting the woman's sea blue eyes, the eldest of the Schnee siblings was wholly taken in by the sheer scope which lay within the woman's azure orbs. An endless expansion of deep and calming water backed by a clear sky. An environment ripe for discovery in whichever direction her soul desired.
Bismarck then firmly press of the clasp within her palm, making Winter wince slightly as it's pin pierced her glove and into her hand - drawing a little blood as it did so. "Through iron and through blood our futures are now one." the woman spoke slowly, "May discipline and loyalty guide you on the path of honour and glory. Within my rite as leader, I welcome you firmly, Winter Schnee: daughter, granddaughter and sister of Iron Blood."
Even as Bismarck released her wrist, Winter remained still. After a few moments of contemplation her far gone eye broke contact with those of her grandmother; instead she looked down too the clasp still imbedded within her palm. Bismarck's words slowly setting in as the seconds passed her by.
A quiet "… Thank you…" was all that came from her lips, just above a whisper. Winter honestly didn't even know if her words could even be heard…
She'd just been officially brought into the fold.
She - Winter Schnee - had just been formally made a part of Iron Blood, and by her grandmother no less - the single most person besides her mother and grandfather she'd held the most respect for. If Winter was a weaker woman she might have shamefully squealed or even cried out in utter joy at the validation this meant. Being officially a member of Iron Blood was no mere thing to be taken lightly after all.
A good part of her realised then just how thankful she was for her training and the air of professionalism which came alongside it. God only knows how embarrassing such a display would've been - especially in front of her seniors…
After some time of simply taking in all the little details of the icon bestowed to her, a set of equally gloved hands took hold of Winter's. Her mother was now standing before her instead of Bismarck, and without words, pulled the clasp from her hand - small traces of blood staining both the pin and the palm of her right glove.
Willow proceeded to then hand her daughter a white handkerchief to help with the bleeding before fastening the newly acquired clasp to the left breast of Winter's waistcoat - making sure to straighten her daughter's overcoat as she did. Moving to hold Winter by her arms, the older Schnee looked her over critically before smiling. It was a true and pure thing; a smile which Winter could easily tell spoke volumes for her mother's own pride at seeing what was currently standing before her.
Without any warning, Winter was, within mere seconds, fully engulfed by her mother's arms. The Schnee matriarch hugging her daughter with overwhelming content.
It was honestly kind of a strange sensation - from a strictly personal stand point at least. Don't get her wrong, her mother was indeed a very family oriented person. In fact, Willow saw a great importance, and even a necessity, in building strong family bonds - a trait which, the Schnee Specialist knew, was passed on by not only Bismarck, but Nicolas as well. Yet, as Winter grew older, she understood that her mother was a woman of two distinctive half's - yet again, not too dissimilar to her grandparents. One being the caring and supportive parent, whilst the other was the hardened professional and unyielding hydra.
It was the latter part of her mother which Winter had grown to know more deeply as time went on and her Military career started to flourish. Though she did still see the woman who lovingly nurtured her during her childhood, Winter's life nowadays however was more prominently filled with the sight of Rear Admiral Schnee, the Argent Hydra - her no nonsense and downright ruthless superior.
Now, to be fair, looking back on it Winter didn't blame her mother for acting in such a way. If anything, the Specialist readily supported the treatment she was being given - or lack thereof, as it were. It showed that Willow wouldn't play favourites with her just because she was her daughter. A sentiment which Winter couldn't have been happier for, even if it did cause some amount of strife early on - really, she could've done without the mental stress. Still, with time, it present Winter with the opportunity to develop independently.
Oh sure she struggled, but in the end she came out all the better for enduring those hardships first hand - for getting were she was now through her own will and determination, and it was in no small part thanks to her mother's methodology.
It was with that thought that Winter finally relented and hugged her mother back. The two Schnee's formally locked in their own isolation as they embraced one another. No words could truly describe Winter's emotional state in moments such as these - when the switch was flipped and her mother would return to her. It was truly a heartfelt moment; one which Winter knew she'd look back on with fondness.
Their moment together was ultimately short lived however, with both separating from each other only a few moments later. No words were said between them, and frankly, Winter didn't believe they were needed. She knew for a fact that her mother was well and truly proud of her.
Looking around the landing pad, the Specialist soon noted that the two of them were almost completely alone now. The only other person who was left with them was her grandmother's confidant - Morse…
Winter knew the woman moderately well; mainly from the many encounters she'd had with the adjutant early on in her childhood. Usually the Warrant Officer - a rank she possessed even back then come to think of it - would accompany her grandmother wherever she went and, as per the woman's duties, aid her with whatever she needed. She was a diligent and strictly professional woman, from what Winter could gather, yet always seem to have a smile on her face - the same smile she currently wore at this moment in fact…
If Winter was being wholeheartedly honest with herself, a small part of her kinda found how the woman never relented with her eerily "happy" demeanour no matter what she did to be the slightest bit disturbing… Not in a creepy way, mind you… The woman seemed perfectly sane from their prior interactions. Morse for all intents and purposes apparently just had a weirdly happy sense of being which Winter simple couldn't fully understand.
"Hmmm… It looks like we've been left behind?" Willow noted rather absently as she scanned the platform; almost annoyed and somewhat accusatorially if Winter was interpreting her mother's mannerisms correctly, "Couldn't have waited, the utter shark…" she then muttered to herself.
Noting the presence of Morse instantly in her observation of the platform, Willow proceeded to send the woman a questioning look to which the senior Iron Blood member simply continued to smile at - though her icy eyes were now focused solely on Willow's own azure orbs. The two stared at each other in total silence of around half a minute, with the Schnee matriarch occasionally furrowing her brow at the woman as if she was being informed of something she wasn't all too happy about.
With a sigh fallowed by an almost invisible shiver to anyone else besides Winter, her mother broke eye contact with the Iron Blood adjutant before looking to her daughter, "If you wouldn't mind dear, would you accompany Morse to the academy's private visitors lounge?" she asked, pausing momentarily, "Marie and Penny should be already there waiting for you. I'll just be having a small chat with our Ladyship and the General in private. We shouldn't be too long."
"… Of course mother." Winter replied, though with slight hesitance. A good part of her was still honestly a bit confused as to what just occurred between the two women. Saying that however, Winter understood when was the right time to ask questions and when wasn't - the latter obviously being the case here it would seem.
"Good." Willow replied calmly; giving Winter's shoulder a comforting squeeze before turn her body slightly towards the gangway leading off the landing pad, "I'll see you later then, alright?"
With a small nod of confirmation from Winter, Willow let go of her daughter before silently walking back across the bridge and into the academy proper; leaving the Schnee Specialist completely alone with the Iron Blood Warrant Officer. Even the two escort gunships which accompanied Bismarck's Manta were now gone - likely being recalled seeing as their charge was currently safe within the academy. Still, it was strange and somewhat disheartening how Winter could simply miss the sound of their engines disappearing, but then again she did have quite the emotionally taxing last couple of minutes…
"Seven minutes."
Huh? Confused, Winter shifted her gaze over to Morse questioningly. The older woman still absently smiling the Specialist's way - chillingly content and composed as can be.
"It has been seven minutes since you were officially given a formal position within our organisation, or rather our joint military scheme as it's official labelled," she said with a small but polite chuckle, "and then subsequently blanked out. However, circumstances as they are, may I be the first to formally welcome you, Specialist Winter Schnee, to Iron Blood's Atlesian Wéhrmacht. Mögen Gött mit dir sein." Morse spoke off in a calm and measured tone, though Winter had to admit that her delivery of their military motto in particular held the slightest bit of scorn if she wasn't mistaken.
"… Thank you." was all she truly could truly say, not fully comprehending the connotation of the woman's initial response, before letting out a weak chuckle herself at how today had gone for her - a part of Winter really couldn't wait to discuss the cliff notes with Adam once she has the time and privacy. Morse's final words strangely sticking with her as the now the Iron Blood Specialist and accompanying Warrant Officer started to walk back inside.
… May God be with me indeed…
Willow wasn't strictly the most overjoyed as she marched through the halls of Atlas academy in the direction of James's office. Thankfully both students and staff alike could tell she wasn't in the best of spirits, given that they were allowing her a wide, cautionary birth as she past them by. In the end, it just made her journey all the less aggravating.
Now, in all honesty, Willow wasn't that upset with how things went. Truthfully speaking, she was only marginally annoyed at being left behind at the landing pad in such a fashion - if that. What did get her goat though was the fact that her mother was obviously trying to keep her out of whatever it was that brought her to Atlas ahead of their schedule.
Not bothering to notified me ahead of time simply because she wanted it to be a surprise? What utter trash! Her mother was as formal and as strict as you could be when it came to scheduling, especially when it regarded family visits. She wouldn't just throw out all the planning they've done without at least checking a good month or so ahead of time…
Not to mention that the first chance she got the damnable woman had scampered off to James's office for this meeting with the audacity of having Morse inform Willow to wait until they were finished! So whatever her mother needed so direly, she assumedly could only get it from a James and only James. This, in of itself, led Willow to come to the only possible conclusion which made any amount of sense.
… Something was going down with Ozpin…
Now was it a definite conclusion? Willow sadly couldn't say it was… Yet, given James was the decrepit wizard's closest and most trusted - heh~ - agent within Atlas and her mother wanted a supposedly private talk with him specifically and no one else within the government or military, it meant that there was a honest possibility that the old degenerate was involved at least in some regard.
So, if this was indeed the case and Ozpin was the instigator, what exactly did he do to get her mother's interest when she'd been more than happy to do her own thing for the last several decades? And more to the point, why didn't she bother to inform Willow immediately as she'd usually done when something of note happened - dangerous or not? It was all rather out of character for her mother in Willow's honest opinion, which only sort to worry the elder Schnee even more…
Thank God James was not in on this scheme of hers… or at least not to the extent as to not notify me regarding her visit… The Rear Admiral thought absently as she continues her long march down the ever-more sparse hallways of Atlas academy. Maybe I should get him something as thanks? Hmmm… Something to consider later. For now though…
Turning the final corner which would bring her before the small stairway leading into James's office, Willow was soon met by the form of a blond woman in old, though not outdated, military dress attire leaning by one of the walls next to the main door of the Headmaster's office - seemingly not paying attention to the elder Schnee's approach as she was absently fiddling with the minor intricacies of her mother's discarded coat and hat.
"Lieutenant Dar!" Willow spoke louder than usual, though if she startled the Lieutenant the young woman didn't show it. Instead, the blond officer simply inclined her head up to gaze at Willow. A small but honest smile reaching her lips as she stepped away from the wall before standing strait-backed in front of the Rear Admiral, and effectively blocking the only way forward…
"Ah! It's been a long time, Rear Admiral Schnee." the Lieutenant greeted happily enough as she folded Bismarck's great coat over her arms, "It's a pleasure to see you again and have the chance to actually speak, though… I must say, I was under the impression that you, alongside Specialist Schnee, would be waiting within the visitors lounge alongside Ladies Marie and Penny for us?"
And there it was, more wood for the fire… or would it technically be a barricade in this sense…?
"Not at all, Lieutenant. General Ironwood himself believed it necessary that I be precent for this meeting due to my near-unparalleled authority within our organisation as it's Commander." Willow paused momentarily in her show of complete authority to take in Dar's neutral facade - the underlining trepidation of someone conflicted and not knowing how to proceed were definitely starting to bleed through. "… That is unless the opinions of the General and myself are not valid in this situation?"
The Lieutenant was silent for a good few moments more; her mask slipping momentarily to reveal a more visible nervousness before hardening back up once again.
Come now Ray, I know you're better at controlling your reactions than this-… Wait… A sudden and shattering thought came to Willow's mind. "Raven…" she spoke with a chilling calmness as she stowed her suspicions away for the time being; gaining in turn the younger woman's full and undivided attention, "Stand aside please."
"… Is that an official order, Ma'am?"
Willow paused momentarily at that; internally weighing how she wanted to approach this specific barrier. Lieutenant Dar wasn't as personally knowledgeable of Willow's steadfast nature in obtaining what she wanted unlike someone like Morse who had worked alongside her countless times prior. Even though a model soldier on paper, Dar was still relatively young and lacked the necessary amount of experience and intuition to accurately separate her loyalties when put on the spot in Willow's opinion - though that was under the assumption that her hypothesis was wrong and this wasn't just some elaborate show for anyone who might be watching…
"… I don't want it to be, but it could easily become one if you continue to delay what I was called here to do any longer. All I am asking of you right now is a simply courtesy. Just stand aside."
Silence engulfed the two as the blond assumedly went over her relatively small list of options.
"… Understood, Ma'am…" the Lieutenant finally uttered, dolefully, before stepping aside with her head held low, "Apologise for the inconvenience."
Now out of her path, the Schnee Rear Admiral took in her junior; deciding to give the woman a reassuring pat on the shoulder and a small smile. Willow, after all, didn't want the woman to believe she'd failed in some important task, even if - depending on what came out of the next few minutes - she ultimately might not have.
Releasing her grip on Dar's shoulder the white haired Rear Admiral past the young woman her own great coat before finally crossing the proverbial finish line. Though, upon opening the door into James's office, Willow was met by a rather puzzling argument going on between her mother and the academy's Headmaster. One she honestly neither expected nor truly fully understood…
"-I simply don't know why it's relevant?"
"Somethings don't always need an explanation attached to them James, just answer the verdammt question!"
"… I don't have them documented if that's what you're after; we didn't even think it necessary to document. Why would you even want her measurements anyways? Unless you know something none of us do, I can't see the use of having what Amber's-" Ironwood suddenly paused his tirade as he looked past Bismarck, noting the arrival of Willow.
For her part however, the older Schnee was honestly rather confused.
… Amber's… measurements…? … That couldn't be what all this cloak and whispers business was truly about… Willow refuse to believe the absurdity.
The elder Schnee had naturally been informed of the regrettable fate of said woman fallowing the attack a week back - even discussing it in detail with her mother. She had even been placed in charge of the transfer of equipment to Vale which would better help keep Amber's condition stable whilst separately both Iron Blood and Ozpin's inner circle figure out what to do next. Willow had already been planning a trip to Vale anyways to personally make it clear to that parasite that her daughter would be off limits during her four year stay at Beacon, so essentially she was basically killing two nevermores with one high explosive shell at that point.
Still, putting that topic aside for the time being, the mental slew of questions continued to plague Willow as to why her mother would come all this way to simply ask for- …
… Wait a minute…
Slowly, the puzzle pieces were suddenly beginning to fall into place for the older Schnee as her brain stared to logically compile the information she been receiving over the past several minutes; coupled with other key bits of information she'd gathered over the last week… Pieces, once appearing wholly unrelated, were slowly starting to made a somewhat compelling picture as to what was currently going on.
Was she now fully aware of what her mother's plans were? No… not in the slightest. In fact, Willow could easily be missing the mark by several feet, but a good part of her honestly didn't think she was all that far off from the truth. All Willow needed to do now was simply wait, learn and put on a good act - just like how she'd been trained to all those decades ago.
"What exactly is going on here?!" Willow asked, making sure to emphasised the confusion in her voice as she looked from Ironwood too her mother - if Willow's hypothesis was correct then she needed to keep up the act laid out for her until her suspicions were without a doubt confirmed. "I get informed out of the blue that you've organised an "important" meeting with James; a meeting, mind you, you've clearly gone behind my back to organise. Then, after arriving, you run off whilst undeniably setting up multiple ploys to block me at every turn so that you could ultimately have a discussion regarding the size of a comatose woman?! Am I understanding that right?"
Though the question was aimed at her mother, in the end it was James who ultimately answered Willow's inquiry. "As it stands, yes." he stated tiredly, "Maybe you could get some answer out of her regarding her reasonings. Gods knows she's not talking to me about it."
"She will not get anything out of me which she doesn't need to know or which can cause a breach in our current security, James." her mother stated immediately - shutting down James's proposal.
Willow could tell that the man wasn't too happy about it, but ultimately he chose to stay his tung instead of prolonging an argument. Likely not seeing the point in going against someone who obviously had no wish to elaborate their reasonings. After all, you can only punch a wall so much before realising that is not gonna give way.
And sure, her mother was structurally out of line with denying them information and likely being purposefully vague, but what else could they reasonably do at this point if she didn't want to actually talk things through with them. Yes, both James and Willow outranked her, but Bismarck knew for a fact that neither of them would use their positions as leverage to get their questions answered - they simply respected the woman too much and knew if she wasn't revealing something she damn well had a good reason for it… To Willow's own personal dismay.
James had assumedly tried to enlist information and got nothing useful for his efforts, whilst Willow never got the chance in the first place - being shut down and ignored immediately. Both knew that Bismarck wouldn't budge if she didn't want to so why bother trying? Willow, for her part, knew that fact probably more so than anyone on Remnant - no matter how much it irked her during those rare times.
I'll try again later when we're alone… Even if my theory's wrong - which I doubt is the case - I'm still likely the best to get her to open up. For now we just need to get things moving again…
"James." Willow called, eliciting a tired look from her old friend, "You wanted me here for my opinion, so I'll give you it. Compile all the information you have on Amber Autumn and hand them over to Iron Blood for evaluation. If our Ladyship is choosing to keep us in the dark, we both know she must have a good reason." Or at least I severely hope you do…
"… Fine." he said, straightening up a bit in his chair, "Though like I've told Bismarck, it'll most likely take a good while, I'm sure you know-"
"No it won't." her mother interrupted; putting a stop to the Headmaster's explanation, "We keep exemplary watch over the known maidens and have every action they make on record - officially or not - no matter how minor it is. I expect that folder by days end at the very latest James."
"… You know why I need the extra time."
"Yes, and I believe you've had plenty of time over the couple weeks to properly inform Ozpin regarding any discoveries you may have, or have not, made in regards to who Amber's mystery assailants could be. Besides, I'm sure that he'll be more interested in the news you'll be sharing tomorrow morning from the Admiralty that the great granddaughter of our glorious first Chancellor plans on heading to Vale within the coming months for the Vytal Festival. To celebrate the Great War's seventieth anniversary, the founding of modern Atlas and the continued prosperity of all five Kingdoms world wide." her mother blatantly answered back, though in turn causing shock and disbelief to run through both Ironwood and Willow at what she just disclosed.
What?! Why?! Was honestly all Willow could think about upon hearing such a thoroughly shocking revelation. From first hearing of the decrepit wizard in passing during her childhood between both her parents too this very morning, her mother always seemed to be so steadfast in not wanting to have anything to do with that parasite… Detesting even the thought of being on the same continent as him…. So what changed?
…
… Ambers attack…? It had to be that. Nothing else of note has happened lately to my knowledge. But what's so important about it that mum would be willing to temporarily forfeit her hatred for the man?
True, a Maiden was attacked and severely hurt, but it wasn't like that was anything new. Maidens were always prime targets for those wanting power and who knew far more then they rightfully should. Besides, it wasn't like Fall was the most treasured of the Maidens. The Relic of Choice after all wasn't even kept within it's volt, and sure, the power was definitely a boon in of itself… but such a simple answer didn't match with how serious her mother seemed to be taking thing…
Meanwhile however, whilst Willow was totally absorbed in her own mental tirade, James was busy attempting to get to the root of the matter head on.
"Would it be too much to ask why the sudden change of heart? Ozpin hasn't said much regarding Qrow's visit a week ago, but with what little I did manage to scrounge, you were seemingly dead set on staying out of whatever was currently happening."
"This isn't a change of heart James. I still have no plan on helping my old Commander with whatever he desires of me." she spoke honestly, "Truthfully, I believe it's simply an apt time to make a public appearance. With the seventieth anniversary and Vytal Festival coming up, everything is culminating into an event which will only serve to bring Remnant together like it never has before. The fact Ozpin asked for my assistance is merely a coincidence. Nothing more."
James was quite as he heavily pondered Bismarck's words, "Though I'm not one to simple accept such a coincidence, Robin did propose expanding this years Vytal Festival to the Vale Council to better celebrate the anniversary several months back… I'm assuming this was your idea then?"
The blond just shook her head casually. "… Not quite." she ultimately answered, moving slowly towards the windows behind James's desk, "Though I did give my approval naturally, as well as a few small suggestions, the idea was solely Robin's."
"Her proposal never mentioned you'd be making an appearance?"
"… She initially suggested it but I was uncertain at the time, so she left it out of the final version. With the Council of Vale's recent desire for Atlas to provide security due to the increase in Fulcrum activity within the Kingdom, I decided that Iron Blood would lend aid to your efforts whilst also adding substantial to the event."
James made to inquire further, but Willow chose then to interject herself back into the conversation, "Though I can't say I'm too pleased with your decision, especially being left in the dark so wickedly, I will ultimately support it. Am I to assume that the Admiralty has already been informed of your plans and that's why a segment of the navy has amassed at Fort Brest?"
Willow of course knew of Robin's proposal, having even been with her mother at the time when they were initially discussing it. Couple in some noteworthy inclusions within the Chancellor's proposal and Vale's desire for additional security for the festival, one could say then that the recent notifications the Schnee Admiral had been receiving in regards to the immediate transfer of multiple naval assets to the fortress port didn't seem all too out of place… A bit overkill, but when wasn't that the case with Atlas…
It was all too perfect a disguise…
"Indeed." her mother confirmed absently as she looked out over the academy's main courtyard, "Though as James has gratefully mentioned, it was primarily Robin who suggested the show in the first place. The Admiralty were already putting things in motion when I decided to apply myself to the force. If their new estimates are correct, and the shakedowns go off without issues, a battlegroup comprising mainly of KAS Bismarck, Gráf, Rúhmm as well as the Carriers Star Dust and Weiß will be leaving for Vale by the end of next month; accompanied of course by an escorting flotilla comprising of several defence, support and supply ships."
With her mind slowly coming back to her and away from rampant speculations, Willow mentally made to go over the desired main battlegroup her mother had briefly spoke of - a couple of which being of minor note, that being the Panzerschiffe Rúhmm and the Auxiliary Carrier Star Dust, which were apart of Robin's original proposal. Giving a few small nod of approval regarding the inclusion of the Gráf and Weiß specifically, Willow promptly stop as her mind suddenly came to terms with one truly noteworthy inclusion she'd somehow glossed over.
"… James." Willow spoke with a show of sincerity, "You wouldn't mind lending us your office for a while, would you? I desire to have a private talk with our Ladyship about this upcoming movement of assets in more detail seeing as I've regrettably been left out of the loop in regards to a couple things. Beside, there's that file on Miss. Autumn which needs compiling. You should really get to work on that if you don't want to be shouted at again."
Willow knew James well enough to know he perfectly understood her meaning. "Get. Out. NOW! I need to have a long and loud talk with my mother!"
So, with only a tired but wholly understandable sigh, James got up from his chair and slowly made his way out of his office; leaving it to the mercy of the Hydra's unfavourable temper. Sensing the growing tension as well, Lieutenant Dar swiftly fallowed in his wake, fumbling a bit with both Willow's and her Lady's coats as she did. The woman likely resigning herself to stand guard outside once again so they wouldn't be disturbed - hopefully this time to better effect.
When the door finally closed for good and their privacy now assured, Willow, instead of releasing a flurry of shouts and accusations towards her mother regarding her deceitful and rather rash decision making as of late… merely just stood there - silently waiting. Though she did indeed want to immediately start loudly questioning her mother about everything, Willow resigned herself to simply wait and see. If there was any moment for the act to waver, and the pieces to fall perfectly into place, it would naturally be now.
… So when her mother retrieved her scroll from one of her pockets and subsequently typed something into the device before casually tossing it onto James's table, Willow knew she had been on the money with her silent speculation. A couple seconds past the two women by as the main door into the office dead-locked and windows outwardly tinted themselves black. Her mother had engaged the emergency safe room protocol, locking them in and safely away from the outside world.
On instinct alone, Willow walked quietly forward until she was standing besides her mother. The two of them wordlessly looked out over the academy through the tinted glass, side-by-side, watching the current and future generations of huntsmen, huntresses and soldiers going about their daily lives in relative peace. People simple walking, chatting, running about… It was all so amazingly normal.
Taking a peak at where exactly her mother was looking at, if truly anything specific, Willow couldn't help by stifle a slight laugh as she found her intently glaring at the statue at the centre of the academy's court depicting herself alongside Auntie Mirror commissioned during the years fallowing the Great War.
Two sides of the same coin would be the best way to describe it… The steadfast warrior fighting to defend her homeland and the guiding leader of the people, sitting back and leading them into a bright future. Truly, Willow didn't know why the thing bothered her mother so much. Anything else outwardly referencing her first persona - as she would occasionally describe it as - she didn't have a problem with. It was simple just that statue in particular which suffered most of the woman's irk.
Eventually, her subdued laughter and overall enjoyment of the scene beside her naturally gained the full attention of her mother; who, after shifting her glare to Willow questioningly, soon steadily broke down as well through simple proximity. The mother, daughter duo in no time at all started laughing all out at one another for honestly no real reason besides them simply needed a good laugh. If anything, Willow thought it was a good ice breaker for the likely conversation to come…
Managing to eventually gain back some amount of control, her mother promptly took hold of James's discarded chair before taking a seat in it. "I'm an open book to you, Willow. I'm truly sorry for keeping you in the dark about all this for as long as I did… It's just- … Whatever you want to know, it's yours. Please, just ask." she said with a small, honest, yet tired, smile as she leaned back into the chair.
"Thank you." Willow replied plainly as she walked back to lean against James's desk. "Honestly though, mum… I don't know where to even begin." And wasn't that just the truth… Should they start with the general black out of information between them? The coming Festival? Whatever was actually going on with Amber and Ozpin? - because apparently the parasite had sent his pet bird to have a chat with you… Just add that to the list of things I didn't know…
Her mother released a heavy sigh - frowning regrettably as she did so, "I really should've told you sooner Willow. Explained everything clearly to you… but truthfully, I didn't have the time; I needed to get things in motion as fast as possible without drawing any unwarranted suspicion. It's why I set this meeting up the way that I did, I knew James would send for you even if I never explicitly told him too."
"But why not simply contact me? Our channels are secure enough."
"… Because I needed it to be completely secure Willow. This talk had to be an in person meeting with no chance of anyone I can't full trust knowing the truth. Form now on, I'm activating the Serenity protocol for all Iron Blood agents… Tell me you understand?"
Serenity… "Is it that bad?" Truthfully, the Serenity protocol was something Willow was familiar with, even activating it herself on several occasions. Essentially speaking, it was a prime directive order which can be given by any ranking officer in situations were information channels or agents themselves have the potential of being compromised, and so as a safeguard, any top secret or important operational information had to be passed on personally within strictly secure locations. Yet to activate it for all of Iron Blood… Something major had to have happened - but what? Her mother wouldn't enforce something like that if it wasn't truly needed.
The last time she did was five years ago, when…
"It could be." she broached, cutting off Willow's recollection of that dark time, "Truthfully however I can't fully say for curtain." her mother went on, looking rather conflicted with herself, "You know Mirror's been acting up as of late. Not getting enough sleep, and… and… I've also been suffering the same. Nightmares… Past events and actions coming back to haunt me, ghosts and phantoms dragging me down, taunting me… And maybe its nothing. Maybe I'm simply overreacting, overworking myself, but-"
"-we need to be prepared in any case. Right? To protect humanity, no matter the threat?" Willow finished for her mother. The two instantly sharing a smile between each other in complete understanding.
"Indeed." her mother spoke, more softer, "… Thank you."
"… You will always have me to talk to, mum." Pushing herself off of James's desk, Willow moved over to her mother before crouching down and placing a comforting hand upon the woman's thigh. "And if not me, I know that Mirror, Morse, Rouge…" she took a brief, "We'll all be there for you. Loyally standing side-by-side, no matter what."
Looking into each others eyes, Bismarck nodded softly. Memories of years long past ran between the two - memories of love, happiness… loss and hope… Looking down, attempting to hide away a few stray tears running down her cheeks, Bismarck placed one of her free hands firmly upon her daughter's; interlocking their fingers and giving it a gentle but reassuring squeeze. "I know… I know…"
"… Come on." Willow eventually said after a brief few seconds of needed silence. Standing back up, the Rear Admiral helpfully pulled her mother out of James's chair and back to her feet. "Let's go see what the girls have gotten themselves up to in our absence."
"Oh?" her mother questioned a bit shakily as she absently wiped away the wetness left by her moment of vulnerability, giving Willow's proposal a light chuckle in response, "You're not going to ask me anything more?"
Willow released a light chuckle of her own at that. "There'll be time for such things later, be sure of that." she said with a firm smile, "Now however, we should spend our time together as a family… Besides, you need to made amends to Winter for that display at the landing pad."
Her mother looked at Willow questionably - confused even, "Oh? Did I upset her in some way?" she asked, looking a bit lost, "I was under the assumption she required a boost in her sense of self esteem and worth? Moreover, you yourself stated she should be officially brought into our fold as a member of Iron Blood. I honestly thought my actions today were a well meant solution for both problems…"
"Oh, don't get me wrong, it was indeed a long time coming and Winter was also overjoyed by the action." Willow spoke as she picked up her mother's scroll from James's dest, "I merely think you could've presented it better than simply saying a few ceremonial words, handing her an icon and walking off to get this plan of yours into motion. Ich bedeúten Gött mum, Winter deserved more from you than that."
Bismarck's face straightened up quickly as she made to look anywhere else besides Willow. Shame obviously taking up it's root inside the far older woman as the white haired Rear Admiral walked to the middle of James's office before promptly stopping to wait for her mother.
"I concede, it's likely that I should have thought more about the possible implications of such a lacklustre display. That being said, I still believe that my methodology was valid. The way I went about it may have been simple, but the interaction we had was also heartfelt, and personal." she explained, fallowed Willow's lead, "Winter also deserves that from me, correct?"
As they stood side-by-side once more, Willow couldn't help but give a strained but truly honest smile at her mother for using of her own point against her. "True…" she spoke, absently passing back the woman's scroll, "But we still should do something more for her. This is something which should be better celebrated, even if it's simply between close friends and family."
Bismarck smiled heartedly back as she slung a comforting arm around her daughter's back - nodding her head in a show of acceptance of Willow's argument, "If that will make you happy. Kómm jetzt." releasing the safe room protocol on the office from her scroll, normality returned to the room, "Let's finally meet back up with the girls, hm?"
"Indeed. Let us go…"
And with that, the mother and daughter duo went forward. Stedfast and united, both knew that whatever may be on the horizon, no matter how dark or able it might be, they'll be able to face it together.
…
… For even the softest of jellyfish can have the most fiercest of stings if provoked…
A fallow up and a potential continuation of the Sovereign of the Ocean storyline? Quite possibly…
Honestly speaking though, I was at first going to add this, alongside it's followup chapter, to the original story but thought better of it over the last few weeks - I'm not all that good when it comes to a consistent uploading scheme as you may have already known, that and I kinda want to work on some other stuff after finishing this particular storyline up. So instead of having it all together and ultimately leaving it in a rather awkward place to work on other things, I'm choosing to turn this idea into a more "series" based format of short, connected stories.
Hopefully this overall idea turns out for the best. Still, I'll see how the reactions to it go…
Anyways however, to all those who have been giving this and the original story support, I wish you the best, my thanks and a Happy Valentines day.
Till next.