AN: I present to you dear readers our newest chapter! It's easily the longet yet. Really nothing I can say here that can't wait til the bottom of the page so let's jump into it with:
Chapter 3: White Legacy
At that moment there was no one else she'd rather be.
Who else could say they were part of the most powerful company on Atlas and traveling deep within the military's headquarters with the Schnee Dust Company's CEO, general and head of the military and her very own sister? Weiss Schnee could and she was dang proud of it!
"You will of course stick to our agreement correct?" her father asked, his expensive shoes echoing off the stark white walls around them. "Your support will all but ensure my placement on the council."
Even from her position trailing behind them 10 year old Weiss could see the genral's expression tighten. There were several moments before Ironwood responded, "Of course. As I said previously, that is a fair trade for your willingness to allow Winter this opprotunity. But I will remind you that there is still the opprotunity to refuse. There was never a problem when Willow-"
"Ridiculous! Just because my wife was foolish enough to turn down the chance to strengthen the company's place in the world doesn't mean Winter will." He stopped and looked back at where Winter was. "Right?"
There was no response and Jacque's expression darkened before Weiss nudged her sister with an elbow. Winter started, clearly having been lost in her own thoughts. "What? Oh... yes, yes of course father."
Weiss frowned, though Winter kept her expression neutral she could see that something was clearly bothering her.
"See?" Jacques said triumphantly and turned to continue walking.
What could she be worried about? She too had heard their father's long lectures about how this was Winter's destiny, her chance to ensure the family's legacy and be their most revered member in centuries!
Ironwood however continued to study the teen for several moments before sighing. "I just felt the need to remember that the choice is still there."
Waiting until the adults returned to their bickering Weiss moved closer and touched her arm. "Are you ok? You've been really quiet ever since we left the mansion.."
Winter glanced at her, then down at her feet for several moments again. "it's...it's nothing Weiss. Just a lot on my mind."
"I bet you're really excited right?" Weiss said enthusiastically. Sure this wasn't proper but she couldn't help but get esctied thinking about it. "You'll be the hero of Atlas in just a few minutes! Come on!"
Winter watched her hurry to catch up to their father before sighing and continuing after. "Yes. So escited..."
The group stopped at large armored doors andnd waited as Ironwood input the code. Jacques looked back at Weiss warningly. "Touch nothing and stay silent. You will not ruin this for Winter."
Weiss lowered her eyes and nodded as the doors wooshed open. "Yes sir." But she couldn't hold back the gasp at the sight of the room beyond.
The room clearly was huge and Weiss wasn't quite sure how the military had built it underground. They passed technological items of many shapes and sizes, from prototype mechs and half built rockets to several banks of computers and vehicles she'd never seen before. As they started making their way down the long aisles Weiss couldn't help but try and look at everything.
"Is this a museum?" she wondered quietly, then flinched as Jacques scowled back at her again. The general though seemed unfazed by the question.
"Not quite. This is more where we keep our protype projects, things we may never finish or are waiting for the right opprotunity to reveal to the public. As well as several items that are too vitally important to Atlas and the rest of the world. You will not find a more secure place in any of the other kingdoms. We guard this vault with the best Atlas and our military have. No matter what ertain others may think." He stopped then gestured. "Including this."
As Weiss moved to peer around her father she had to admit she was severly disappointed. For all she'd expected and heard her father hype the object in the display case was seemingly nothing compared to the technological marvels around them.
"It's... a marble?" she asked confused, not bothering to hide her disbelief. Sure it was a pretty marble, an ice cold blue that almost seemed to glow. She blinked, if she looked at it right it almost seemed as if there was snow swirling in it... But she yelped as her father yanked on the back of her shirt and pulled her away from it.
"What did I tell you?" he growled. "You are to stay silent and out of her way!This is your sister's moment, she will achieve far more than you ever will and you will not ruin this with your childishness!"
Weiss bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears and sob daring to burst forth. He was right, this was Witer's moment to make the Schnee name immortal and here she was being a dumb little girl. "I-I'm sorry father, I didn't mean to-"
"Come now Jacques." Ironwood interjected, stepping between the two. "I too thought it was just a marble as well when I first saw it. I'm sure Winter wasn't bothered by your sister's curiosity.'" When Winter nodded in agreement Ironwood stepped between them, creating more space and forcing Jacques to back further away from Weiss. "No need to overreact. That would be real childishness." Jacques glared at her a moment longer before clearing his throat and adjusting his tie.
"Of course. Let's just get this done and over with." Ironwood eyed him for a moment then stepped forward and typed in a code on the keypad on the front of the case. With a hiss the front of the glass separated and the marble was raised up. As the light reflected off it Weiss suddenly felt a shiver. As Jacques steered Winter in front of the case Weiss realized she was seeing her own breath puff out. When had it suddenly gotten so cold?
"Alright Winter as we discussed. Just reach out and take ahold of the aura sphere. All that's required for the bonding is the chosen to take ahold of it. Each reaction is different for every chosen."
Winter eyed the jewel warily. "Will it hurt?"
"From what our research said none of the other chosen had died from the initial contact."
Winter frowned, that hadn't really answered her question. "Than why don't you try it?" she asked, looking pointedly at her father. Jacques scowled, not noticing as Weiss started rubbing her arms, trying to return feeling to them.
"Because 1 I have far better things to do than being a so called 'protector of the world'. Someone has to make sure the SDC continues to benefit from your making sure everyone realizes a Schnee keeps them safe."
"As well as the fact that no one but the Chosen ia able to bond to their specific sphere." Ironwood added, crossing his arms. "We've had several previous candidates try."
"Of which Winter will now render pointless!" Jacques snapped. "And you will regret that you hadn't asked me sooner." Ironwood sighed and rubbed his temple. Behind them Weiss's teeth started chattering. What in the world was going on...? It was like she'd jumped in an icy pool and she couldn't seem to get warm again...
"You're being paranoid again. You and the company are a vital part of the Atlas inferstructure-"
"Which you've gone out of your way to undermine and make look bad!" Between them Winter seemed to decide something and take a deep breath.
"That has nothing to do with your being power hungry and despera-"
"I won't do it." Winter said. Both Jacques and Ironwood froze and looked at her.
"WHAT?!" Jacques erupted advancing. But Winter squared her shoulders and looked him dead in the eye.
"I won't do it. I don't want to do this Father, and I've come to realize I never really did. I want to help the people and the rest of the world. But I'd rather do it normally. Perhaps as part of the military." she smiled at Ironwood who nodded.
"That's your right Winter. I can respecct your wishes." He moved to close the case but Jacquas slammed an angry fist against it. Despie her chills Weiss couldn't help but watch the jewel bounce on the platform. "Hey!"
"Dammit girl I'm sick of your refusing to listent to me! Do you have any idea what you're doing, mouthing off, you think you're so smart, so cool standing up to me!" he pounded on the glass with each sentence. "BUT. YOU'RE. NOT!"
-"Jacques no, be careful! Watch it-" but Ironwood was too late, the jewel bounced again and was airborne. The three could only stare as it flew downwards, bouncing off the floor and rolling. Ironwood lunged forward as did Jacques. "Get it!"
Weiss ran forward, her eyes trained on the jewel. It almost seemed to be heading right for her. "I've got it!" Ironwood's eyes widened and he yelled a warning again. But he was too late as the girl's hand closed on the jewel. "Ha caught-"
There was a flash and it was as if time froze as soon as her hand touched the jewel. She gasped as suddenly the jewel seemed to melt into her hand and she watched in horror as icy trails started up her arm. The freezing feeling returned and she started desperately rubbing at her arm. But it seemed unstoppable and she was finding it harder and harder to breath. "It's cold.." she whimpered. "Too cold... help..." her eyes rolled back and she was gone...
A flash of white, a blade swinging as a haunting voice echoed around her. "Mirror, tell me something..."
A knight staring down at her as snowflakes spun. "I'm more than just a name..."
Silver eyes she could get lost in against red flapping in the wind... "You dolt!"
The red spun around her before shooting upward and mixing with shadows and a buring flame..."I'll be the best teammate you could wish for!"
With a gasp she awoke, finding herself on the floor. Panting she looked around, finding Winter, Ironwood, and Jacques staring down at her. The cold was gone, though now the floor and various things around them seemed to have frosted over.
"Weiss!" Winter said relieved, barely holding back tears.
"Wh-what happened...?" Weiss asked shakily. Ironwood sighed.
"It seems we've found our chosen Ice Warrior."
Weiss could only stare back at him in shock. Over Ironwood's shoulder Jacques had an open and almost gleeful expression on his face, sending chills worse than before through her.
At that moment she wished she could be anyone else.
"Excuse me Ms. Weiss."
Weiss blinked, startled out of her memories at her assistant's voice. Shaking her head clear she glanced around, reminding herself where she was. Briefcase on her lap and coffee in hand? Check. Expensive limousine stuck in a Vale traffic jam? Check. Overly perky AI hologram waiting patiently for a response on the seat across form her? Check.
"Sorry Penny, spaced out there for a moment." The hologram smiled and waved that away.
"It's quite alright. I just wanted to inform you that while we haven't moved much in our travel yet you're recieving an incoming call from Councilor Schnee."
Weiss groaned. It was barely 3 hours since the jet had left Atlas and he was already butting in on what she was dong.
"Can we tell him I'll get back to him once we arrive at the SDC building?" she asked hiping beyond hope. But Penny shook her head.
"Unfortunately he's overriden my attempt to prolong answering and marked the call Top Priority." Weiss sighed and flopped back against the seat.
"Fine, audio only on our end please. Let's just happen to have a slow connection speed if you can. I'm sure he'll love waiting."
Penny giggled and nodde. "Call confirmed. Please stand-by." She disappeared and was replaced by a spinning SDC logo. Smiling Weiss couldn't help but marvel at the programming again.
The Personalized Electronic Neural Net Interface, codenamed PENNI (Or as Weiss had come to nickname her Penny) was according to General Ironwood the highest quality Artifiial Intelligence program Atlas had ever developed and Weiss couldn't disagree. Receiving it a month ago, she now had a phone, computer, secretary, data analyst, technician, battle strategist, and confidant all in one place. Penny was sassy yet polite; questioning when need be but more than willing to listen to Weiss's various ranting and complaints every time. Weiss assumed that the programming was insanely complicated but the fact Penny's "brain" was stored in a scroll sized device on her writst was a feat in itself.
The symbol in front of her flickered, before being replaced by the impatient form of her father across from her. "About time," he grumbled. "These communication delays are starting to become an irritant."
Weiss shrugged. "I apologize yet again Father. The problems Penny has had lately are becoming worrisome may have to dismantle her from the ground up." Jacques face briefly flickered to a sad emoticon and Weiss could barely hide a smile. She had to admit that loved the personality quirks Penny's creator had installed."May I inquire why you called? I haven't reached the Vale SDC building."
"I noticed that when I checked the tracker in the limo." Jacques said simply and Weiss glared, glad her fahter couldn't see her expression. Of course he would be tracking her. "I called to make absolutely sure that you remember why you're in Vale for the forseeable future."
"Of course Father. I remember quite well from every time you as well as Genral Ironwood went over it. There really is no need to do so again-"
Jacques eyes narrowed. "Humor me." Weiss rolled her eyes, looking around to try and find something to delay. But other than some weirdo girl on a motorcycle trying to look in the limousine's tinted windows there wasn't much.
"Officially I'm also here as the SDC heiress to analize the Vale branch of the Schnee Dust Company and how it's been affected by recent attacks by the White Fang terrorist organization on local Dust mines as well as several shipments bound for Vale. Other branches have reported loses but the Vale branch seems to be than expected."
Jacques nodded. "And you will of course will be sure to achieve that as well as your other priorities won't you? We cannot allow the SDC to look weak against the White Fang or our business competitors."
"I'm also here as the SDC Representative for the Atlas military. I am to assist local police and Vale military forces in tracking down the White Fang and making sure to aid them in whatever way I can in making sure that they are stopped and all decisions requiring any show of force must be approved by General Ironwood himself."
"As well as the Atlas Council of course. Our opinions and and will be considered equally as important to those decisions." Jacques said pointedly, and Weiss rolled her eyes. It would always be a stupid power game between her father and the genral. Outside the motorcycle roared and Weiss glanced over briefly to see it pull away from the limo and take off down a hill. "The sooner we get rid of that Faunus scum the better. They will be put in their place as the lessers to us humans and bow to the power of my company."
"Where they belong." Weiss agreed, scowling at the thought. "Too many people have died thanks to them. Don't worry father I'll make sure they pay." It wasn't a pretty thought but the stupid mutts in the White Fang had long since moved things as far from pretty as it could be."
"That's my girl." Jacques said with a smile. The sad thing was Weiss felt it was as genuine a smile as she'd ever get from him in response to her. "And let's say you're there unofficially for something?"
"Than I would be here to find and track down the vigilante running amok in Vale know as the Yellow Phoenix. All indications point towards the believed female being the Aura Warrior classified in prior records and stories as the Fire Warrior. While their intents may or may not be positive, the fact they're currently apprehending criminals in Vale in violent and unsanctioned fashion can not be allowed to continue. As the Ice Warrior I am one of the few who can bring them under our as well as Vale's jurisdiction. I have Penny scanning all news and information we have and any that comes up while we're here. She's also running facial recognition software whenever I'm out in public and comparing it to the known images we have of her."
"Indeed. The fact that there are other Warriors awoken who have no leading governmentt to keep them in line is a truly worriome fact." Jacques said, his voice dripping in fake pity. "Ironwood of course feels that convincing them that wrking with us would bring about the best results."
"That's how explained it to me. We don't want to make enemies of her father. Prior rulers of the kingdoms had made sure to work with them against the greater enemy." Weiss pointed out. "But there was osmething in his eyes that made her nervous.
"But my dear, what if this Fire Warrior refuses to work with us? What if they decide theyd rather stick to their violent ways and talking doesn't work?"
She frowned. "I don't understand what you're getting at..."
He leaned forward and his image seemed to stare right through her. "I'm saying what Ironwood won't Weiss. If the Fire Warrior won't play ball then it's apparent she doesn't need to stay in possession of her power. In fact I as well as the other councilors feel that should be the priority over recruiting the woman herself."
There was a chill in the limo and she knew it wasn't from the jewel resting in a necklace around her nectk. Instinctively she reached up to caress it. "And if she won't let us, you want me to..."
"Than I think we need to make sure she isn't a problem. Permanently."
She wasn't sure how to respond. While she saw his logic she knew that for one she'd ever had to actually kill someone. the very idea sickened her. Sure she'd occasionally fought humans in training duels but for the most part it had been automated opponents and certainly never to the death! Plus was what the vigilante doing actually wrong from a moral standpoint...?
Seemingly sensing her inner debating Jacques's eyes turned even colder. "Will that be a problem my dear?" She was truly glad he couldn't see her at the moment. But he wouldn't accept any answer than th eone he wanted at the moment, she'd have to figure this out if they crossed that bridge.
"No..." she took a deep breath. "No it won't be sir."
"Tha's my girl. We'll talk again soon." With no goodbye the image flickered out, leaving Penny to look at her worriedly.
"This sucks Penny. I don't want to do this Penny, I really don't..." Weiss muttered, forward, rubbing her forehead as the limo finally started moving again.
"But who else can?" Penny asked quietly, and Weiss had no answer.
AN: Hi again everybody, hope you were willing to read this far down. A bit of a long one indeed.
This was kind of a diffiuclt one to write for several reasons. The flashback was easier than you might think, I knew exactly wha I wanted to show and how I wanted to show it. Biggest problem was the beginning leading up to them entering the vault. Once they were there the words flowed easily. Figured there might be some confusion though so I'll abridge it best I can.
- We finally get a bit more one who and what the Aura Warriors are, I'm basically making eveyrone who have the elemental jewels gain the ability each possesses. Where each jewel is and who is in possession of one remains to be seen. The Ice Jewel currently held by Weiss was in the possession of the Atlas military but originally came from the Schnee family line. Whether the vault they were in is the Relic vault is open to your interpretation.
- Jacques is an ass. Always has been, always will be. He uses Weiss becoming the Ice Warrior as leverage to get onto the Atlas Counil much to Ironwood's dismay.
- Whitley does exist in this story, he was just too young to get to go along with the sisters. Weiss was ten in the flashback, Winter 16.
- I hope it's kind of obvious but the current day part of this chapter takes place at the same time as the previous chapter. i added hints to such in the conversaiton. That's actually my plan for this and the next two chapters and we cover the introduction to our main four with Yang's wrapping it up. The story will continue after that of course, but won't be singularly devoted to one character. That may change depending on what's happening in the plot at the time and how long the chapter is.
- Yes that's Penny, just not in physical form. I would have loved to include her as an android but I loved the idea of her as Weiss's Jarvis too much to not include. Gives Weiss a friend and advisor right off the bat. The other girls will be getting one. A couple you may already have figured out but I know one should be a surprise I hope.
I hope everything else is fairly understandable, please feel free to inquire otherwise. Just remember I may not clarify to not spoil future events.
Anyways this Author's Note is getting long and I don't think we need this to get any longer. Please feel free to leave a review, I'm always looking for tips and pointers on this little story that I'm brewing here. Just be nice about it please, I'll readily admit I'm not a master wordsmith. Have a enjoyable weekend and we'll see you next time in Chapter 4:Black Repenting