( ) = Thoughts

Italic = Whisper/Singing

Bold = Yell/ Comm. Device

Underlined = Emphasized Words

Italic Bold = Store Signs/Titles (Read Aloud)


Lifting the Vale Pt.2

"So, what do you think?" Carde asked as we looked over Grid Plaza.

"It's… well…" I stammered out, my brain overloading from stress and awe. "I really can't think of the words to describe it right now."

"Alright, now I think we need to get you settled into Ed's penthouse." Carde suggested. "Or do you want a bite to eat first? The General said you haven't eaten since you made it to Vale."

"Yeah I could eat, but what about Reaper?" I asked, as my "little" pet hopped onto my shoulder. "He's not exactly your 'average' dog."

"As long as he doesn't go 'full size' he'll be fine, the owners love pets." Carde reassured me, while petting Reaper's head. "Is it me, or did his breed change?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, when I looked at Reaper he wasn't the Rottweiler puppy he used to be, he was now a German Shepherd puppy. "Oh, I guess he changed to appeal to a more 'casual' crowd."

"Since Atlas has more militarized citizens, he changed from a intimidating breed, to a more mixed personality breed." Carde determined, until he suggested. "Now, since you're not a fan of flying, I'd recommend taking a car."

"Ok, isn't there a garage near the apartment building?" I asked, Carde nodded as he lead me to the private elevator.

"We'll take this down to meet the building manager and get the keys to both the garage and your room." As he continued his explanation. "He's a little crude in his manner of speaking, but you'll enjoy his sense of humor."

When we made it to the main lobby the only word that went going through my head was, "Cozy". The room was painted dark-green, brown and white, the floor was a combination of cedar planks and black marble. The furniture was black & white with silver stitching, and the lighting was bright white & yellow LED bulbs held in antique brass chandeliers. There was only one other person there, the manager, Theo Martin.

"Afternoon Theo, any new residents?" Carde asked, leaning on the counter.

"Not t'day." Theo said with a thick British accent. "Who's the little blighter beside ya'?"

"This." He said standing aside. "Is the new landowner. Meet Rodger Mayson Ocel."

"Pleasure to meet ya' boss." He said holding his hand out. "I suppose you're takin' the old bosses flat?"

"Correct, and call me Rodger please." I answered, shaking his hand. "So you run this place when my stepfather was away?" He nodded with a smile on his face. "One question, do you mind pets?"

"Pets?" He looked at me curiously. "Nah, love the little buggers, no matter what they are." At that statement Reaper jumped out onto the counter.

"Well, it seems Reaper likes you." I noted, rubbing the backs of his ears. "I should tell you this before you freak out, but Reaper's a Grimm."

"Really?" Theo asked me suspiciously "Then why is he so damn adorable?"

"That's his 'travel' size, watch this." I picked Reaper up and set him on the ground. "Reap, show him what I mean." I asked, seeing him nod he grew to his full size.

"What the hell?!" Theo and Carde yelled, jumping in surprise. "You weren't kiddin', he's bloody massive!"

"He may be big, but he's still a sweetheart." I replied, while scratching the backs of his ears again. "Go on, he won't bite. Unless you piss me off." Warning them both.

As the two of them began to pet the large wolf-like Grimm, Reaper began to pant & his tail began wagging. Theo got me set-up, gave me keys to both my penthouse (Which was the entire top floor, about 19,000 .) and the garage. After that I remembered something about my brother Leon's project for my birthday. So I asked Theo if he wanted to join us for food, he obviously said yes, since I was paying. I lead them to the garage, knowing what Leon's gift was.


"So, if we're going to eat, why are we going to the garage?" Theo asked. "Wouldn't it be faster to fly over?" I also noticed that his accent was gone, guess it was for show.

"Rodger hates flying, can't stand being high up." Carde explained. "So we're getting one of the old man's cars to drive."

"No, not one of Edward's cars." I corrected. "We're taking 'my' car, or the car I would've gotten from Leon for my 19th birthday."

"Really?" Theo asked, looking at me suspiciously. "You're 19?"

"Dude I'm 6'1", and part Grimm." I answered, rolling my eyes. "Kinda' accelerated my growth rate." I finished, not realizing I gave away my secret.

"You're part Grimm?" They asked me looking shocked, after they said they physically saw me turn white.

"I didn't mean to say that…" I whispered. "I didn't mean to say that…" I continued to say that for about 5 minutes until Carde attempted to calm me down.

"Fácil Rodger, cálmate, respira." He instructed, as I began to breathe deeply. "If you didn't mean to say that, then stop talking." He finished helping me stand back up.

"Sorry, it's just…" I began, hesitating. "I really don't want to relive that part of my life, until I'm ready."

"Then tell us, tell whoever you trust when you're ready." Theo added. "Maybe some food will help, always helps me after a little episode like that."

"I guess you guys are hungry." I concluded, see the two of them vigorously nod yes in reply. "Ok then, the car's under a hologram to prevent it from being stolen, just look for a really junky car."

After 10 minutes of searching I heard Theo yell that he'd found a really scrapped car, "Found a rust-bucket with your family insignia as a hood ornament!" He yelled from the other side of the garage. We ran toward him to find a white 1969 Pontiac Firebird, rusted to all hell.

"Huh, Leon had a good taste in disguise cars too." I thought. "Now where's that damned remote?" I thought aloud, digging in my pockets.

"Remote?" Theo asked. "Wouldn't a key make more sense?" Until Carde explained, "He said the car is under a hologram disguise remember? So he'll need to deactivate the cloak-" He was cut off by my excited yell. "Found it!"

"It was in my sweatshirt pocket." I said holding a red & silver keychain remote. "Now, for the grand reveal…" I said, pressing the ignition button. As the disguise faded, the roar of the engine filled the garage.

"Where, and how did that glorious sound come to be?" Carde asked, drooling slightly.

"Theo, Carde, meet my stepbrother's greatest engineering masterpiece." I began.

"The Gemini XL-15." The Gemini was a modified Ferrari F80 sports-car, bulletproof windows, titanium chassis and frame with a 745 HP engine, painted orange, white & silver. The interior was crimson & black colored leather, and a carbon-fibre dashboard. I couldn't help grinning, seeing the stunned faces of Carde and Theo.

"Beauty, ain't she?" I asked, the two of them nodded their heads. "Leon didn't spare on any expenses. This thing could take a Goliath stomp and still run."

"Wait, aren't Ferrari's two seaters?" Carde asked, snapping out of his stupor. "How are three people going to fit in that?"

"Carde, you and I will take the Gemini. Theo gets to take Samson's gift, the Orion." I pointed to the black & yellow sports-cycle. "Keys are in the ignition, just take them out when we get to the restaurant."


After getting transportation sorted, Carde showed me the directions to the place we'd be eating. Thanks to the cranked-up engines in both the Gemini and the Orion, we got there in record time. Once I got out of the car, I got a better look at the place we were eating at. It was an old brick & mortar two story building, wrought iron bars held the opaqued windows in place, with bright yellow street lamp styled light fixtures.

"The owners have yet to come up with a name for the place, if you're wondering why there aren't any signs." Carde explained. "By the way, how in gods name did you learn to drive like that?" I just shrugged. "Why you keep so many secrets, I'll never figure out."

"Who cares how he drove, I'm hungry and the we're here before the dinner rush, let's get in and eat!" Theo demanded.

"Alright, and why is this place so special to you guys anyway?" I asked curiously.

"It's not the place itself, but the people who own it." I saw what he meant once we walked inside.

"Welcome!" As we were greeted by a portly man with a full beard. "Name's Geoff, welcome to our little side-business!"

"Wait, Geoff?" I asked, wondering where I've heard or read the name before. Then it hit me. "From the Achieve-men? Since when did six famous Dust-tube gamers run a restaurant?"

"Well, after awhile we noticed that our talents were not only in gaming, but in social services." He began, leading us to the bar. "We each have our own semblance to help with the business, Gavin's has 'Speed', Ray's got 'Ice Touch', Jack and Ryan have 'Thermal Shielding', Michael and I have what we call 'Charm'."

"Charm?" I looked at him confused. "I've studied semblance before, and there is nothing about 'Charm', it's actual name is 'Wordsmith'.

"Yeah I know, but 'Charm' sounds so much better eh?" He asked, I nodded feeling defeated. "See, makes me super persuasive no matter what I say!" He finished, taking out a notepad to take our orders. "What'll it be gentlemen?"

"Our usuals Geoff, steak for me and wings for Theo." Carde began, pointing his thumb at me. "Boss has his own order in mind."

As Geoff turned to me, I ordered what always reminded me of home. "Porkchop, home-cut fries and a fruit salad, no cherries." I began. "Oh and a rare New-York for my pet."

"You have a pet here?" At that moment Reaper hopped out to say hi. "You do have a pet, and he's so fucking cute!" As Geoff exclaimed, rubbing Reaper's head causing his tail to wag.

"Your food will be ready in about 20 minutes, call Ray for drinks til' then." Geoff explained walking into the kitchen. Following his orders we motioned Ray over, as he handed us drink menus.

"What'll it be boys, regular for you two?" Ray asked Theo and Carde, them nodding in response. "For you kid?"

"Cinnamon whiskey, three shot glasses and leave the bottle." I replied, as Ray looked at me with caution."I'm 19, legal age to drink." Reassuring him about my age.

"Ok then, give me five minutes." He replied, turning to prep our drinks.

"Since when did someone like you drink?" Carde asked, looking slightly confused. "You've only been exposed to modern life for a little over three years, so how and when did you start drinking?"

"Drank since I got to the Ocel's trying to forget my past." I replied, as Ray returned with my whiskey. "Sadly, because of my little 'condition' I'm immune to all poisons, including alcohol." I finished, while downing my first shot.

"Huh, that's kinda cool." Theo commented, as Ray arrived with two spiked strawberry-lemonades. "Sweet, I'm super thirsty, and still hungry sadly…" He finished while taking a large swig of his drink.

After another fifteen minutes waiting our food arrived, even Reaper got a personal dish. So we sat, ate, took shots, and talked about my life with my stepfamily. After another hour of dickery (And three bottles of whiskey), I noticed the population of the building nearly double. So I asked Geoff what the hell was happening, he told me during their late hours they invited famous performers to sing, dance or play for them. Tonight they had a bigger crowd since all three of their top performers were coming.

"Casey Lee Williams, Jeff Williams and Lamar Hall." Geoff continued. "It's really rare that we could get all of them to show, so this'll be our biggest-" Before he could finish, I heard Michael yell something that made the color drain from Geoff's face. "What do you mean Jeff isn't coming?!" Before Geoff could have a heart attack, I got the guts and admitted. "I can sing pretty well, and I can play most of their instruments. Maybe I can perform in Jeff's place?"

"You think you can keep up with Casey?" I nodded confidently. "Ok, their opener is 'This will be the Day.', good luck.


45 Minutes Later

"You ready kid?" Casey asked me, sounding slightly worried. "I mean, it was a quick decision and-" I put my hand in front of her face to silence her.

"It'll be fine, just do your thing, and I'll do mine." I said calmly, glancing over to see Lamar give us the signal to walk out. "Here we go."

As we walked out we were nearly blinded by the spotlights. I was nearly deafened from Geoff's mike, as he introduced us. "Ladies and Gentleman! Welcome to our late-night show!" He began. "Tonight we have two special guests, the well-known Casey Lee Williams and her partner for Tonight, Rodger Ocel!" He finished, when he was walking off stage he whispered "Good luck kid, have fun." Once I heard the guitarist start playing, I took a deep breath and sang for Casey.

01: This Will Be The Day - RWBY Volume 1 OST (Jeff Williams feat. Casey Lee Williams)- Required

Rodger:

They see you as small and helpless

They see you as just a child

Surprise when they find out that a warrior will soon run wild

Prepare for your greatest moments

Prepare for your finest hour

The dream that you've always dreamed is

Suddenly about to flower

Casey:

We are lightning

Straying from the thunder

Miracles of ancient wonder

Together:

This will be the day we've waited for

This will be the day we open up the door

I don't wanna hear your absolution

Hope your ready for a revolution

Welcome to a world of new solutions

Welcome to a world of bloody evolution

In time-your heart will open minds

A story will be told

and victory is in a simple soul

Rodger:

Your world needs a great defender

Your world's in the way of harm

You want a romantic life a fairytale that's full of charm

Beware that the light is fading

Beware as the dark returns

This world's unforgiving

Even brilliant lights will cease to burn

Casey:

Legends scatter

Day and night will sever

Hope and peace are lost forever

Together:

This will be the day we've waited for

This will be the day we open up the door

I don't wanna hear your absolution

Hope your ready for a revolution

Welcome to a world of new solutions

Welcome to a world of bloody evolution

In time your heart will open minds

A story will be told

and victory is in a simple soul

I just stood there, panting, waiting. Casey, Lamar, Theo, Carde, everyone just stared in amazement. I could almost see it happen in slow motion, the crowd jumping up in excitement, Casey hugging me tight, Theo and Carde yelling in joy. What happened afterwards was a little more painful, remember when I said I saw it in slow motion? It's because I was fainting, the next thing I remember was waking up the next morning with two figures standing by my bed. One of them was Carde, the other a tall woman with white hair and blue eyes.


"What happened?" I asked groaning. "Who's the girl Carde?"

"This was the fortunate soul who called for medical attention, meet Winter Schnee."

After the blur in my vision faded, I got a better look at Winter. She looked to be about my height and a year or two older than me. She had long white hair tied into a ponytail with a little stray curl like Glynda and slate blue eyes, Schnee trademarks were white hair & blue eyes I guess. She was wearing a white coat with a baby blue fade nearing the hemline, a white ruffled blouse, a pale blue dress bottom and white heeled boots. She looked cold & commanding, with a hidden polite nature.

"I'm glad to see you're awake Mr. Ocel." Winter said monotonously. "I was nearby and noticed the commotion, after a quick call to the paramedics I rushed in to see what I could do." She finished, standing up from her seat. I noticed that she had obvious dark circles around her eyes, she didn't sleep until I woke up.

"Winter wait!" I called to her. "You seem exhausted, maybe come with Carde and I back to my home?" She looked at me suspiciously. "I'm just repaying the favor."

"Very well, I'll accompany you to your place of living to recover." She accepted, turning around. "Is it me, or is everything getting fuzzy?" I noticed her legs begin to shake.

"I got'cha!" I called, dashing forward to catch her. "Damn, she must've been more exhausted than I thought." I muttered, picking Winter up bridal style. "Carde, get the Bullhead ready." I commanded, Carde nodded dashing out of the room.

It felt weird, carrying Winter like this. She had her arms wrapped around my neck, breathing softly, she was quite light for her size. It felt a little nostalgic, I used to carry Savannah like this, whenever she got tired after her training the least fatigued person carried her back inside. Which was me most of the time, since my endurance is ridiculously high thanks to my half-Grimm DNA.


4 Hours Later

"(What happened?)" Winter thought, sitting up. "(Wait, where am I , and… why am I not in my normal clothes?!)" She screamed internally, noticing that she was in a white silk t-shirt & dress bottom.

"Oh, you're awake." I said, Winter jumping at my comment. "Where am I?! Where are my clothes?!" She screamed lunging at me. "What. Did. You. Do to me?!"

"Calm down, you're in my second bedroom." I explained, placing her in a sitting position. "You're clothes are in my laundry room. Along with your weapons."

"Wait, how did I get here again?" She asked, finally calming down.

"You fainted from exhaustion. I carried you to Carde's Bullhead and we flew you here." I began. "After that, I changed your outfit to something more comfortable and put you in my second bedroom to rest."

"So you did change me!" She screamed "How did you do it so casually?"

"I had to carry and change my little sister Savannah every time we had training." I explained, helping her stand up. "It was kinda a routine thing to do, so I really don't find women awkward to be around."

"Oh, I feel a little less, violated… at least." She said, shivering slightly. "I must thank you for doing this."

"It's like I said, I'm repaying the favor." I said, walking out. "The laundry room's in the room beside you, gear up and join me and Carde for a cup of tea when you're done."


"(Maybe Father was right.) She thought. "(The younger the heir, the more they can learn from their superiors.)" She concluded, gathering up her weapons after changing.

"He even sharpened them for me?" She muttered, running her finger along the edge. "Honed down enough to split a thread, hmm." After walking down she saw that Rodger's 'house' was more like a small mansion.

"Oh, , I'm glad you've decided to join us." I said, motioning her to sit. "What kind of tea do you like?"

"Black, with cream please." She asked, sitting at the island in the kitchen. "I must say, you've had this place for two days, yet it's so organized."

"Didn't come with much, still need to buy new furniture and tech." I replied, placing her cup in front of her. "It shouldn't take me long, I still have until the end of summer to worry about a job or hobby."

"Job or hobby?" She repeated, sounding confused. "What about school, you're only 19 right?" After she stopped talking I pulled out my license. "Oh, I guess that explains why you're not studying or training."

"Oh, I still need too, I'm going for a professorship at Beacon." At that moment Winter choked on her tea. "I was wondering how someone would react to that…"

After explaining the fact that both Ms. Goodwitch and General Ironwood recommended me to the headmaster to join Beacon's teaching staff. Winter calmed down enough to ask me if I wanted to attend the Schnee Company Banquet as her plus one. I said I'd be there, I wanted to meet the head of Schnee Dust to propose a business deal. So after finishing her tea she said goodbye and walked back up to the roof with Carde to fly her back to Atlas.

"(Great, now I have to get a suit…)" I thought to myself. "(Well, at least I get to meet Jacques Schnee in a week.)


A/N: Whoo, two chapters before Vol.1 can begin! I'm so excited! That, and we finally get to meet the rest of the Schnee family, along with Qrow and Taiyang. So I'll see you guys next time in Prologue Pt.4 "Darkness behind the Mirror."

(Also I rewrote this chapter twice, this seemed to be the best layout I could do.)

*Hears phone go off.*

Roger: Who the hell is calling me at this time? Hello?

Rodger: Guess who~?

Roger: Oh, hey me. What's up?

Rodger: Trips finished, I'll be coming back tomorrow.

Roger: Really? That's great! I'll need your help with a Q&A session with the other authors.

Rodger: Cool, I'll see you in tomorrow morning's Author's Note. Later kid.

Roger: See ya' freak.