Mirror… Tell Me Something
Blake glares daggers at Winter Schnee, who was wearing her long white dress reinforced with steel armor. The woman with ghostly blue eyes responds with only smiles. They both stand alone in the empty courtyard, under the bright moon light.
No one would have been able to interfere if they had decided to fight each other.
"You've murdered hundreds of my people," Blake accused.
"I make it good habit to make sure those who wish to pick a fight with me, find one." Winter responded cheerfully.
"Grrrr…"
"Is it not normal to answer those who point their blades at me in kind? Although…" Winter makes a small chuckle. "… I did make one or two exceptions."
She eyed Blake with a pointed gaze.
Blake responds by clenching the sword at her hip.
"Seems the cat grew bigger claws since the last time I saw her. Do you plan on continuing what you started all those years ago?"
"I could kill you…"
"Darling… I'd love to see you try~ "
Back at team RWBY's dorm, Weiss and Yang wait for Ruby to return from the bathroom. Apparently, she didn't want to have to go in the middle of the story telling.
Weiss holds a parchment of music in her hands with "Mirror Mirror" titled at the top. She ran her fingers across the title and the measures below. A deep pang of mixed emotions cracks her heart.
"Okay, I'm back!" Ruby yells and interrupts Weiss's reflection.
Their leader was now carrying a large tub of popcorn.
"I thought you went to the bathroom?!"(Weiss)
"Yeah… And I also got some popcorn."(Ruby)
"Nice~" Yang says as she grabs a handful.
"Ugh! I don't even want to tell the story anymore!"(Weiss)
"Noooo! You can't do that! Do you want some popcorn?! Will that make you feel better?!"(Ruby)
"You think you can bribe me with popcorn?!"(Weiss)
"… So… you don't want any?"(Ruby)
Weiss throws her an angry glare before grabbing a handful and shoving it in her mouth. After swallowing and clearing her throat, she shows them the sheet music she was holding.
"It all started with this."
A child Weiss was crying bullets as she hung her head in despair. Her body choked and trembled uncontrollably.
The Schnee Dust Company was holding one of their annual showcases. It was right before a ballet performance when the little heiress was sobbing back stage. Adults were arguing all around her.
"Where are the replacements?!"(Weiss's Father)
"There are none, sir! They're prototypes. We barely made enough as it is."(Engineer)
A few minutes before, Weiss's ballet shoes had disappeared. Normally this wouldn't pose such a problem, but they were a new type that incorporated cutting edge Schnee technology, allowing the wearers to practically fly through the air. The performance was meant to double as advertisement for investors and buyers.
Weiss was the Prima Ballerina, the lead dancer of the whole number. It was practically her show, and now she wasn't going to be able to perform in it.
The reason for the disappearance of her shoes was obvious. Someone wanted the main role for themselves. Either that, or they wanted to knock the heiress down a peg. The whole situation screamed foul play.
"Then take the shoes from one of the other dancers!"(Weiss's Father)
"We'll have to recalibrate it and…"(Engineer)
"Then do it!"(Weiss's Father)
*Gulp* "I understand… then…"(Engineer)
Weiss's father and the engineer looked at the other dancers who were on standby. The little girls had a look of fear in them. They had prepared tirelessly for this one performance for the last few months, and one of them was going to have that hard work turned into nothing. Weiss couldn't bear to see how this all played out.
"That is unacceptable."
A harsh voice cut through the tension and all eyes turned to the source.
A younger Winter stood in a beautiful white dress, with her hand placed on her hip. Her gaze fell over them and then focused singularly on Weiss.
"Will you doom another for your mistake? For your complacency?"(Winter)
Weiss made no response.
"Weiss."(Winter)
Weiss jolted in her seat and looked up at her sister. The voice was not loud, but spoke volumes. A scolding harsher than if she had yelled angrily.
"I... will step down…" Weiss muttered.
"Now wait just a second, Winter—"(Weiss's Father)
"It's fine isn't it? Weiss isn't much of a dancer anyway. If her heart isn't in it, why waste the time?
The audience can sense an ugly performer when they see one. Everything is laid bare through music and no amount of pure talent can cover that."(Winter)
"Winter!"
A hand laid on the Ice Queen's shoulder. It belonged to a well built, red haired man wearing a sharp tuxedo.
"Stay out of this, Apollo. This is a family matter."(Winter)
"Still, you don't need to be so harsh."(Apollo)
"It's fine." Winter looked to the performance director, who had been silent this whole time. "Well? You understand the situation. Get on with the performance."
The director jumped and began flusteringly collecting himself.
"Yes, so without Ms. Schnee, Aria will be the Prima."(Performance Director)
The little girl called Aria nodded quickly. As the line of performers began shuffling towards the stage, Winter whispered something to Aria.
"Remember, the audience can sense an ugly performer when they see one."(Winter)
The little girl looked at her with horrified eyes. Aria expected her to say more, but it seemed Winter would keep her secret.
An hour ago, she had seen the ballerina carrying out the sabotage. Aria was caught handling Weiss's shoes and had expected to be reprimanded then and there. But the elder Schnee only smiled and walked away, knowing that her little sister's shoes were never going to be seen again.
With a strain in her heart, Aria continued to walk on stage.
The audience can sense an ugly performer when they see one.
The words resonated deeply in the girl's tiny body and wreaked havoc on her insides.
Meanwhile, Winter stood in front of Weiss, who was still slumped in her chair, tearful face buried in her hands.
"Like I said, you're not cut out for as a dancer, Weiss."(Winter)
It was something Winter had routinely commented on long before.
""Winter!"" Weiss's father and Apollo tried to stop her, but fell mute under Winter's raised hand.
"On the bright side, I have an alternative for you."(Winter)
She pulled out a few pieces of paper and held them out. The younger sister looked at it with shock.
"Those are—!"(Weiss)
They were sheet music titled: "Mirror, Mirror".
"I found them lying about. See, Weiss, I was right. You're not cut out to be a dancer; especially in that group.
You're a singer. One that needs competent accompanists. Particularly, a pianist and a violinist, it seems."(Winter)
Winter eyed Apollo with expectation.
Apollo looked flabbergasted, but then made an uncomfortable smirk.
By violinist, you mean me, huh? And you're going to be the support pianist? Do you even know how to step out of the spotlight?
Their father caught on. He immediately grabbed the sheet music and skimmed it over.
" Who wrote-?"(Weiss's Father)
He eyed the composer's name with surprise.
"She wrote this?"(Weiss's Father)
"It's not quite my speed. A bit too slow for my liking, really, but we should be able to perform it flawlessly."(Winter)
"Your showcase is supposed to be next."(Weiss's Father)
"And now it's Weiss's."(Winter)
Their father fell silent for a moment.
"… Did you plan all this?"(Weiss's Father)
"What ever could you mean, father? In any case, I've performed the main number countless times. People know how brilliant I am. There's no need to remind them every year. Redundancy is rather appalling, wouldn't you say?"(Winter)
Their father seemed to look for words to respond, but ended up harrumphing, and storming off. As soon as he was out of earshot, Apollo addressed the obvious issue before them.
"She hasn't even consented to performing."(Apollo)
"She will." Winter looks at her little sister. "Won't you, Weiss?"
The little heiress felt cornered.
After being plunged into the depths of despair, a ray of hope had appeared, a light at the end of a tunnel. But before she could get there should would have to cross a path littered with thorns.
Would she be able to perform well? The question repeated in her mind like a thousand annoying birds chirping at once.
"I'll do it…" Weiss muttered weakly.
Trial by fire, Weiss.
Her older sister's lecture badgered her.
"I'll do it!" Weiss spoke more confidently.
Winter nodded, while Apollo shrugged.
"Get ready then. The tailor should be able to put together a dress that matches mine."(Winter)
Weiss nodded fiercely and ran off.
"I wonder. Are you spoiling her or are you hard on her?"(Apollo)
"Hmmm~ A wonder indeed."
The ballet performance had gone poorly. Replacement Prima, Aria, had not risen to the occasion well. Despite the setback, the Schnee sisters' father did not have much to complain about. Though the dance was mediocre, the performance of the ballet shoes was well received.
The general consensus was that the show would have been complete trash if it hadn't been for the graceful gliding and movement due to the Schnee footwear technology. It was like making a product look even better by putting it beside a product that was completely inferior. As if the slowest of people could move at groundbreaking speeds as long as they possessed the Schnee product.
Did that girl plan for this as well?
Meanwhile, Weiss and Apollo prepared for their performance.
Apollo was quickly scanning the notes, frantically memorizing and rehearsing the key measures. Winter was nowhere to be seen, but would definitely show up before the call. Weiss was running through her vocalization drills in hurried desperation.
The little heiress didn't feel butterflies in her stomach; she felt a wasp's nest. Weiss looked down at her long dress with worry. It was an elegant thing that looked too mature for her. A complete replica of what Winter had been wearing before.
"You okay, kid?" Apollo asked behind her.
"…Yes. I'll be fine… I think."(Weiss)
"Of course she'll be fine. She's a Schnee." Winter spoke with a gentle voice that quelled any disobedience.
Weiss and Apollo froze at the sight of her.
Contrary to her white shining dress before, Winter was now wearing a jet black outfit with a matching colored ornament in her hair. Her appearance exuded a feminine devil-like aura.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised anymore, but weren't you supposed to match your sister?"(Apollo)
"Really? I rather think the contrast fits perfectly."(Winter)
"Did you even study the piano sheets?"(Apollo)
"I gave it a look over."(Winter)
Apollo sighed.
I really can't keep up with you. Of course, I doubt anyone can.
"Sister… I don't think this dress fits me very well…"(Weiss)
"Yeah… To be blunt, she looks too young and immature to wear it." Apollo comments as he looks her up and down.
"Well then, shall we go?"(Winter)
She really does just go at her own pace… was what Weiss and Apollo thought.
The MC could be heard announcing Weiss's song.
As the three were signaled to walk out, Winter, who was in front, did not move an inch. A moment passed after the announcement was made, and there was still no movement.
The other two panicked and stared at their pianist.
"This is your piece. You're supposed to be the first one to walk," Winter whispered.
Weiss gasped and nervously moved in front of her older sister. As she passed, Winter whispered one last thing.
"Remember, Weiss. The only one who can save you is you…"
The three musicians took their respective positions. The grand piano sat ominously in the back. Apollo took his position off center and a bit stage right. Weiss nervously stepped forward, closest to the audience, the main attraction.
They looked at each other and Winter began moving her fingers across the piano keys.
Soft, supple, and perfect, the intro of Mirror Mirror went.
Weiss's vocals joined in and rung throughout the hall.
Eventually, Apollo's violin made its appearance and the pace picked up.
It went well. Completely as scripted. It was a great testament to Winter's and Apollo's musicianship to be able to play new music on the fly.
As the first nervous jitters faded away, Weiss began to ease into her singing.
It wasn't going to be a mediocre performance. The little heiress was going to redeem herself. She breathed in and out calmly in the break between the vocals.
It was going to be fine.
The piano solo played out.
…
…..
Weiss and Apollo felt like they were in sudden free fall.
The notes on piano sounded like violent snowfall as Winter's fingers danced with inhumane dexterity.
Wait…wait…wait wait wait wait…
Weiss's face portrayed none of her uncertainty, but beneath the surface, she felt like she was drowning.
THIS ISN'T HOW I WROTE IT! THE PACE IS TOO FAST!(Weiss)
I told you, Weiss. It isn't quite my speed.(Winter)
The sudden tempo change meant Weiss's already difficult Melisma part had to be even sharper and smoother. It was the high point of the whole piece where the singer's skill was displayed with dynamic transition tones and volume. Too long and it would sound like oversinging. Too quick and it would seem sloppy. It was going to require precision the little heiress had never practiced.
Deeper dread set in with every one of Winter's notes.
Weiss's Melisma was rapidly approaching.
The piano solo pushed the tempo futher.
Her own song! Are you trying to destroy your sister?!(Apollo)
I won't slow down, Weiss. Don't you dare run out of breath. Don't you dare fall behind!(Winter)
C'mon, kid. Nail the Melisma!
The piano solo ended and silence filled the room.
It lasted in the span of a breath.
Soft, but then quickly growing was a chilling voice.
Weiss poured out her soul for all to see.
I knew it... Weiss, you…(Winter)
Whaddya know, the little princess can sing. (Apollo)
…are the only one that can keep up with me!(Winter)
Weiss's voice pierced through the silence like a threading needle.
No one in the audience dared to move or even breathe.
They only heard the voice. The background melody merely minor support.
Tears streamed down her face as she emptied herself into the resounding air.
When the song ended, the audience had forgotten to clap for the longest time. Still straining with the lack of air in their lungs, they applauded mechanically.
But the three musicians paid no mind. They bowed and exited the stage in exhaustion. Though they played but a single piece, it was long enough and performed fast enough to push them to their limits.
Weiss heavily panted as the tears seemed to have slowed in their flow. Rather violently, she wiped the excess moisture from her face, and struck it away with a flick of her wrist. The little heiress looked at her two accompanists with a fierce stare.
"I don't think she's too immature for that dress anymore, do you?"(Winter)
"Ahaha. No… she grew up quite a lot after that…" Apollo answered, still out of breath.
Weiss flashed them a bright and beautiful smile….
…right before she began hurling into a trash can.
The rollercoaster of emotions had annihilated the last of her nerves.
"Ugh…"(Apollo)
"I would've been surprised if she didn't do that."(Winter)
"Whoa…"Ruby awes as she shoved another handful of popcorn into her mouth.
"That was… a thing…"(Yang)
"Thinking about it now, I still feel like I want to throw up."(Weiss)
*Dorky snorty laugh* "Vomit girl."(Ruby)
"So that was the childhood lesson?"(Yang)
Weiss twiddled her fingers.
"That's half… After that…"(Weiss)
"GASP* I need more popcorn! Intermission!" Ruby and leaves.
Upon opening the doorway, Team JNPR falls through like overstuffed luggage. An awkward stillness permeates the air as Jaune, Pyrrha, Nora, and Ren look up with clumsy smiles.
Ruby stares at them for a second, and then dashes out, rose petals in her wake.
"Um…hi."(Nora)
Weiss looks like she's about to pop a blood vessel.
"WHY ARE ALL OF YOU SO FOND OF EAVESDROPPING?!"(Weiss)
"Oh… then you better not open the window…(Yang)
Weiss viciously opens it and finds Sun and Neptune on the building ledge.
"…. FOR THE LOVE OF—!"(Weiss)
"I'm back!" Ruby yells as she comes back with an even larger tub of popcorn.
"Hm? Blake's not with you guys?"(Yang)
"She said she had to ask Ozpin something and left." Nora said as she grabbed some of the popcorn.
"Too bad she's not here to hear the story."(Yang)
"Well none of you are hearing the rest of it!"(Weiss)
The whole room erupted in anarchic refusal.
""NOOOOOOOOOO!""(Ruby, Nora, and Sun)
"Oh come on!"(Yang)
"I wanna know the end!"(Jaune)
"It would be a shame if you stopped there."(Ren)
"Sorry, but I really would like to hear the rest of it, if you don't mind."(Pyrrha)
"ENOUGH! *Heavy sigh* Fine…"(Weiss)
"Is she done throwing up yet?"(Apollo)
"She's sleeping now."(Winter)
*Sigh* "You really put her through the ringer. One day, she might break."(Apollo)
"It's for her own good. 'Trial by fire'. If it means making her stronger, I'll gladly stick her between any manner of hammer and anvil."(Winter)
*BOOM*
An explosion fills the theatre and members of the White Fang begin pouring inside. In the ensuing chaos, Winter and Apollo quickly move to protect the Schnee sisters' father. They each pull out their respective weapons and a wild battle royale commences.
(Present time, in Beacon's courtyard)
"I wonder...Back then, did you see our performance, Miss Belladonna?" Winter asked with a playful voice.
"… I did…"(Blake)
"What did you think?"(Winter)
Blake looks away, refusing to answer.
"I suppose your silence says enough. I wonder how Weiss would react if she knew that you had actually met her before entering Beacon."(Winter)
Winter gave a light chuckle.
When the battle in the theatre was over, a head count was done. Many of the attendants and Schnee employees were injured, some even killed.
"Weiss Schnee is missing."(Theatre Employee)
The statement hung in the air for a while before a blade was heard stabbing into the concrete floor.
It was the first time in a long time that Winter Schnee's cold mask had cracked, and revealed her raw emotions.
Unperforated fury…
A wrathful Ice Queen, who looked thirsty for blood…