37
The Belle of the Ball
The limousine pulled up on the large roundabout that was the driveway to the Schnee Manor. Wheels grumbled on the pristine white gravel as the black vehicle slowed to a stop and a chauffeur in crisp light blue and white stepped out. With practiced motions the man opened the doors and stood to the side with a bow. One heeled foot stepped out, accompanied by a creamy white leg attached to Weiss Schnee. She was immaculate in a brand new dress, a shimmering blue number with a slit up the side to show off a bit of her legs, a bold choice for her but one made with movement in mind. Her hair was braided replete with a tiara and she wore matching, night blue, long sleeved gloves. Weiss' face was set in neutrality, at least until she noticed no one had followed her.
Aware of all the eyes, and cameras, on her she turned around and fastened her patented glare upon the other passengers. With a low keening whine, Ruby Rose was the next to appear in a simple but elegant dark red and black ball gown with black rose silhouettes scrolled across the skirt complete with black long sleeved gloves to match her partner but also cover her prosthetic. Yang's dress was frilled, golden in color with a few layers of royal purple thrown in, including the sash about her waist. The last to exit was Blake, her dress the color of black and nightshade. It was a simple single shouldered dress with a long cut at the legs to leave a glimpse of the purple inner lining that matched the purple sash around her waist. The final member of team RWBY drew the most attention, flashes going off with furious intensity even as her feline ears flattened themselves against her head. She'd chosen to go without her bow, something Weiss supported, but even still she was still uncomfortable with this amount of attention.
Despite the torrents of questions that rushed at them, most directed at Weiss, the team walked without stopping into the large mansion before them. Though the butler at the entrance knew her by sight, he still made them go through the formality of checking that they had, in fact, been invited to the Ball. With a quick nod they were let in through the mansion's large, ornate, double doors.
The foyer beyond was packed and buzzing with polite murmur and conversation. The women wore fancy dresses and bedazzled with glittering jewelry that were only outshone by the extravagant decor so much so that even in their own expensive dresses both Yang and Ruby felt woefully underdressed. Without skipping a beat, Weiss took hold of her partner by the arm, linking them together and striding confidently into their midst leaving Yang and Blake to awkwardly follow suit. The invite had specified that only team RWBY was to attend, or Yang would have brought her boyfriend to the venue, if only to share in the embarrassment.
Maybe it's better this way. She idly thought as Blake stuck close to her, the faunus getting far more stares than even Yang was comfortable with. She met them all with a level gaze and a raised eyebrow, daring anyone to make a comment. It didn't get past her that of all the guests, Blake was one of the few faunus she could see. Judging by some of the poorly hidden glares, they obviously thought her partner didn't belong.
With a huff she turned her nose up, grateful for the fact that she had been able to keep Ember Celica on her wrists, though with a hefty promise to Weiss not to even come close to using them. Is that what Weiss thinks of me? It's not like I'm a brute who punches first and asks questions later. The rest of their weapons had to be stashed in the rocket lockers in Atlas Academy, though Yang was convinced that Ruby had found a way to bring Thorn with her since Ruby typically felt naked without her weapon by her side.
It seemed they would all be taking Weiss' lead on this since the rest were far out of their depth but they had to keep their eyes on the prize, they were doing this for Blake, or rather because of her. Out of the corner of her eyes she spotted a familiar figure, a tall and imposing man dressed in Atlesian Military dress standing beside Weiss' sister in a similar uniform. Completing the group was someone that startled Yang, a shock of platinum blonde hair that framed a face identical to someone she had known had been torn apart in Vale. It clicked a second later, Ruby having told her about Penny's sister, Nikol. It was like looking at a twin with a differing color palette.
At the same time she noticed their group and waved excitedly and it seemed Weiss had seen her too as she angled towards them before someone blocked their path. Jaques Schnee stood with a stern look on his face. It couldn't be classified as a frown but it was obvious he was displeased. His eyes flickered to Blake for a moment, obviously taking in her faunus trait before returning to his daughter.
"Weiss, what are you doing here?" His question was asked in a hissing whisper that sent a small amount of confusion through the team, though that was more due to the content than the tone.
She looked around for a moment, brief confusion flashing across her face before her fake smile came back, "What do you mean Father? I'm here to attend a charity event."
Jacques rolled his eyes, "Yes, I can see that. But who gave you an invitation? It wasn't Whitley was it?"
"No, it was you, Father." Weiss fished her scroll from within her dress and presented the message she had. Leaning in he quickly scanned the message, eyes widening at the content said in his name, especially the part that showed why they had bothered to attend in the first place.
The sum of one million Lien will be offered to the charity of Team RWBY's choice should the whole of Team RWBY attend.
Of course Team RWBY chose a faunus charity based in Mantle to have the sum donated to. It was written there in the reply and may as well have been set in stone, which was what had Jacques fuming much to his daughter's consternation.
"This is in your name, is it not?" Weiss asked pointedly, starting to fear some kind of ploy from her father.
"It would appear so, Weiss." He gritted out, "The promise will be honored, but," The white haired man held up a finger, "only if you and your…team do not make a scene. This ball is far too important to us and I'll not have you spoiling that. Understood?"
Raising an eyebrow, Weiss almost scoffed, "None of us planned on doing anything other than quietly attending."
Slowly he nodded before straightening his lapel, "Good. Now if you'll excuse me I need to speak to my secretary."
As she watched her father stalk away, Weiss had the sinking suspicion his secretary was going to be out of a job in the very near future. Her eyes drifted to the side and caught Blake's, the suspicion written plain on her teammate's face mirroring her own. As one they continued towards Nikol's group with her faunus teammate sidling up to her.
"Please tell me I'm not the only one to find that suspicious." Blake whispered, eyes ahead.
"You are not." Weiss replied in a similar hushed tone, "He has no use playing dumb, he could have easily not made the offer in the first place. But then again there's also no use in reneging. I can only guess that he genuinely did not know."
"That…" Blake thought for a moment, "That just makes it worse."
"I know but at the moment we do not have a way to find out what is really happening." Weiss flicked her hair back, "The best we can do is ensure that the faunus get that money."
Blake stared back at Weiss before nodding and it brought the former heiress up short. If someone had told her two years ago that she would consider a faunus not only one of her closest friends but something akin to family she would have laughed in their face. That said faunus was also a former White Fang agent was a lesson in cosmic irony.
Nikol popped up excitedly, dragging Ruby into the group as the team reached General Ironwood, who nodded in the direction Jacques had gone, "Anything I should be worried about?"
"Just some things that do not add up, General." Weiss replied, "You know how my father is about relinquishing even a single lien."
Winter chimed in as the Ironwood made a sound of understanding, "You look beautiful Weiss, I see the budget I gave to you was put to excellent use." Her critical eye passed over the rest of team RWBY, noting each of their expensive, though cheap by Schnee standards, dresses.
"Of course, Winter." Weiss curtsied and did a slight spin that had her sister raising an eyebrow, "My team does dress up rather well when you can get them into one."
Even as Ironwood chuckled, Winter prepared to tell her little sister not to show off but was interrupted by an intense squeal that had those nearby looking over. The source was Nikol, fawning over Ruby who was going through some mock poses herself and even getting the girl to do some.
"You look so good, Nikol! I love your dress!" The dress in question was a shining gray dress that was rather simplistic in its design.
"Thank you friend Ruby!" The Odd girl replied in a not quite normal speaking volume, "I also love your dress!"
Ruby smiled shyly and kicked at the floor, "Thanks Nikol. Weiss picked it out. Oh!" She perked up, "This is the rest of my team! That's Weiss my partner. That's Yang, my sister. And that's Blake, her partner."
Nikol looked from one team member to another as they were pointed out, all with the same, unflinching grin on her face. The same one Penny always had, "It is a pleasure to meet you all. I wish to be friends with all of you just like my sister was!"
"Well…" Yang started, "Penny and the rest of us weren't super close. That was more just her and Ruby."
Nikol almost wilted at the news which made Yang do an about turn, "But we can be friends!"
The change was instantaneous, "Sensational!" The girl exclaimed, rushing forwards to envelope Yang in a crushing hug, "We will be the best of friends! We can paint our nails and talk about cute boys!"
Yang frantically looked for help from her sister but got no sympathy, just a look that said, You did this to yourself. Weiss was busy inspecting her nails and even Blake had found something interesting out the vast window nearby.
"Nikol." Yang wheezed out, "I think I heard Blake say she wants to be friends too."
Yang could hear Blake yelp in alarm as Nikol dropped her in favor of repeating the same atta- hug that she had enveloped the blonde in. She also ignored the accusations of treason her partner was levying at her from within the death grip of the robot girl. Instead, Blake's salvation came from General Ironwood who ordered her to put the poor faunus down and started explaining carefully what a hug was supposed to be and the social interactions where it was acceptable.
Settling down took a while for Nikol but it happened eventually, she shared the same excitable nature as her sister. She was new to life and was enjoying every moment of it and that almost made Ruby's smile falter, remembering Penny, but she knew for a fact that it wasn't necessarily the end for the friend she had made during the Vytal Festival. For the time being Nikol seemed content to listen to some of the stories of their childhood that Yang had to tell. The current one was the time she had unlocked her semblance and had proceeded to slam into walls and doors for weeks before she got the hang of it. It was embarrassing then and now but she could get over that with how the robotic girl was paying rapt attention. It was cute. Innocent. Even with the smile still on her face she felt her cheer dip a little. It felt like so long ago that she had met Penny.
About two years ago, if she could recall correctly. If things had gone normally the next Vytal Festival would have been in planning. Atlas was supposed to have hosted it next. Maybe team RWBY would have won but most likely it would have been JNPR with Pyrrha representing. She felt a twinge in her arm. Her prosthetic. She covered up a wince but it seemed that not much got past Nikol.
"Friend Ruby? Are you alright?" Ruby's eyes darted up from the middle distance she'd been staring into to find a concerned looking Nikol and her square in the attention of everyone else.
Quailing she waved her hands in front of her frantically, "I'm fine! Really!" She added at the unimpressed stare of her sister, "I was just reminded of the Vytal Festival and all. And Penny."
"Ah." The General made a sound of understanding, "Yes, it is that time of year, isn't it. This is precisely the kind of time it should be held but with the current state of things it's just too unsafe, if anyone would even come to a festival hosted by Atlas right now." Ironwood shrugged his shoulders, "There's not a lot of trust to go around these days."
"Miss Belladonna?" Came from just outside their conversation, interrupting Nikol as she opened her mouth, a mouth she didn't close as everyone turned to look at the speaker. Furtive eyes glanced at the girl before returning to Blake.
The woman who had spoked was a faunus with white, messy hair and ovine ears sticking out from her head, her only set which was rather unique, even among faunus. Her dress was a simple forest green color and looked extremely plain next to most of those attending. Next to her was another woman with a tanned complexion who also boasted white hair but hers was much longer and straightened out to fall along her back. The second woman appeared to be a human wearing a crimson dress of a similar make to her companion's.
"Can I help you?" Blake replied, eyes flicking from one woman to the other.
"It is you!" The faunus happily clapped her hands together, "Excellent. My name is Fionna Thyme and this is Robyn Hill. I've come as a representative of the Mantle Faunus Sanctuary. This must be team RWBY?"
Blake almost gasped at the introduction before introducing the rest of her team, "So you're with MFS? It… it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard great things about the work you do with your work." Absently she shook Fionna's hand.
"Really? Well your father's been an inspiration to me."
"You know my father?"
"Eh.." Fionna hemmed before shaking her head, "I attended one of his rallies here in Mantle years ago. His work before he stepped down was really motivating. It not only got me into doing this charity work but is one of the reasons I became a Happy Huntress."
This time it was Robyn who chimed in, "And for that he has my gratitude. Fionna's done amazing work. Not just for the Faunus but for Mantle in general."
"All above board, I assume?" General Ironwood pointedly looked at Robyn.
"Of course General." She cheekily replied, "We'd never do anything to harm our reputation."
It wasn't hard to see the subtext. General Ironwood and this Robyn woman definitely had some kind of history together and it wasn't necessarily a good one considering the almost smug smile she was sending him. The orchestra came to a close and started up a new song with a faster beat, many of the other attendees filtered onto the dance floor. General Ironwood grimaced and Robyn's smile grew a bit more as she extended a hand towards him.
"General." She purred, "Care for a dance?"
Ironwood stared at the hand like it was a live python before tentatively taking it, "I suppose I am expected to dance with someone."
"Oh." Fionna, "Would you care to dance with my Blake? Can I call you Blake? I'd love to talk with you more about what we're doing for the faunus of Mantle." Fionna continued to gush as she led a flustered Blake onto the dance floor.
Ruby felt a tug on her elbow and looked over to see Weiss nodding to the dance floor herself, "We should as well. At least one, we should be seen participating and better each other than someone else."
"Do we have to?" Ruby whined as she was dragged away.
Her partner raised a fine eyebrow and replied in the familiar, exasperated, tone, "Yes, we must, at least, keep up an appearance. Besides, I am expected to dance tonight and I refuse to be Nikola's partner no matter how devastatingly nice she seems."
Ruby winced as she cast a glance back to see that Yang was trapped between Winter and Nikola. She loved her sister but from what she remembered, Penny had not been a good dancer and she doubted Nikola was either. As they settled onto the dance floor Weiss took the lead, one Ruby's hand in her own and her other settled on her shoulder blade. Quietly she instructed Ruby to place her open hand on Weiss' upper arm.
Her fear of stepping on her partner's toes quickly faded as the two settled into a rhythm, and instead she just focused on Weiss. She found she was starting to have a bit of fun, having never really gotten the chance to dance at Beacon. The dance wasn't as hard as she'd imagined, especially not having to be the leader. Instead she followed Weiss' professional lead, pulled into her wake as they danced across the floor with their dresses billowing behind them.
"How are you feeling?" The question tore Ruby from her trance and she looked into the glacial blue eyes of her partner.
"What do you mean?" She blinked and turned her head.
"About Jaune, dolt." Weiss rolled her eyes, as she continued in a low voice, "Do I need to break his legs?"
Ruby snorted, "I think I'd be scared for my life if you started acting like Nora. And no, I don't need you breaking Jaune's legs." Weiss stared at her, waiting, "And yes I'm fine… well not fine but I will be. He didn't feel the same way as I did. It's not his fault, I can't blame him."
"I suppose not." Weiss sighed, "I'd say he has poor taste but he is dating your sister. And while I question his sanity in willingly putting up with her I can't say it is a terrible choice."
Silver eyes darting downwards, Ruby mumbled out, "I mean it's not much of a contest between me and Yang."
"Yang and I." Weiss corrected whilst giving her partner a stern look, "And might I add that you don't lose to your sister in appeal. You're sweet, hopelessly optimistic, and determined." Weiss paused as the song died down and another started, a more upbeat one that she used to pick up their pace in new position, twirling Ruby around, "You're pretty in a way that's different from Yang, talented enough to not only get into Beacon but two years early, and with the integrity to stick to your ideals in a world and profession that grinds people down. Any ma- Anyone should count themselves lucky to have your attention."
"Weiss." Ruby felt her breath catch in her throat and eyes start to water. Her heart twinged, touched by the sentiment her partner had uttered, "Weiss, thank you. I-" She sucked in a breath as pain wracked up her arm, a fiery, tingling sensation that had become oh so familiar but with various intensities in the last year or so.
Weiss noticed, of course she would with her prosthetic tightening its grip on her and Ruby unable to conceal her pained expression, "Are you okay?!" She didn't shout but there was an urgency in her voice and worry in her eyes.
"It's just my arm." Ruby gritted out.
Weiss stood flummoxed for just a moment before dragging her partner off the dance floor. She looked for Yang but the blonde was being flung around by Nikol and in no position to notice. Instead she came to a stop by a butler who was standing on the edge of the crowd.
"Mistress Weiss, is something amiss?" The man asked.
"Kleinn, my partner here isn't feeling well, I'd like to find an empty room for her to rest in."
"Of course!" The butler sprang into action, leading them away as he explained, "I believe the lower study is free right now and it should be quiet."
A few twists and turns through the corridors of Schnee Manor found them outside a well decorated wooden door with a gilded doorknob, Ruby holding her breath against the fiery pain from her phantom limb.
Once they were let in Klein excused himself and Weiss sat her on a nearby couch. The room was warmly decorated with a bookcase on one end. Two couches sat around a low table, lamps flickering with small, fake flames to simulate firelight. Ruby's back hit the couch and she ripped off the glove over her prosthetic before detaching it and setting it on the table. Though she cupped her stump, it didn't make the pain go away and she started curling in on herself.
Weiss stood over her, worrying but unable to make a decision on what to do, "How can I help?"
"You can't." Her face fell, "Just distract me."
Weiss thought for a moment before sitting down and taking Ruby's hand in her own, fingers massaging the palm. Kneading the palm of her hand the white haired girl thought for a minute before speaking slowly.
"I love my team." Ruby's breath caught and she looked up at Weiss whose focus was still down on their joined hands as she continued, "I never liked admitting it. If we were still at Beacon I don't think I ever could say it aloud… but now? When Beacon fell and I saw your uncle come back carrying your body… limp…" Her voice cracked, "Unconscious…. I didn't know if you'd make it. Or if Yang would. It made me think of all the things I wanted to say… all the things I couldn't admit."
Ruby stared at Weiss, the pain having faded a few moments ago but nevertheless she was enraptured by her partner. The normally proud and acerbic girl showing the vulnerable side to them she had only recently started to allow to be seen. She was at a loss for words.
"Ruby…-"
Bang
A loud sound echoed from somewhere in the distance followed by the muffled sound of screams. Both of their heads snapped up and to the side, conversation forgotten at the familiar sound.
"Was that…" Ruby asked uncertainly, "Gunfire?"
-SY-
Blake's blood ran cold as she, and everyone else looked towards the source of the sound and then her stomach fell as her heart stopped. Adam Taurus lowered Blush, Wilt already out and at the ready with dozens of masked White Fang soldiers fanning out behind him, a struggling maid held captive in one of their hands. Their guns were leveled at the crowds and Blake looked to see even General Ironwood stood stock still, one hand inching towards his inner coat.
"Nobody move." Adam announced, "The White Fang is now in charge of this event. That includes you, General."
With great effort Ironwood withdrew his hand, a weapons-grade glare leveled at the terrorists. Blake wasn't sure who screamed first, one of the attendees, for sure, but they weren't the last.
-SY-
There was shouting across the mining town, the alarm was being raised. Raven stepped onto the balcony of the governor's house she had claimed as her own and oversaw the preparations. She could see the Grimm careening into their new home. Large feline forms racing into the streets and alleys, met with her own warriors as they mounted a furious defense. For a moment she was proud, the Tribe was responding well.
Amidst the chaos she almost didn't notice it but she saw out of the corner of her eye she spotted a flash of light. Turning her head Raven saw the comet heading straight towards her and as it approached she saw a ghost.
Cinder Fall's snarling visage was locked onto her, eyes literally blazing as she rocketed through the air on conjured flames. Omen came free of its sheath, red dust blade glinting in the waning light as she prepared to meet her foe head on, her own eyes blazing crimson.
-SY-
Arthur Watts' booted heels clicked on the polished floor as he made his way down a white, sterile corridor. Behind him he could hear the steps of his young protege and the quiet whirring of the Knight units he passed, utterly blind to him. He really did have to thank Jacques some time, though he probably wouldn't get the chance to once the night is over. Consulting his scroll again he finally found his destination, the unassuming number on the door belying the extraordinary contents within.
His scroll beeped as the lock disengaged and he put his hand on the handle.
"Well my dear," He turned to address Emerald Sustrai whose red eyes darted from the floor to the door, the nervousness apparent on her face, "Here we are. See what happens when you are actually as intelligent as you think you are? Are you ready?"
"Yes." Emerald nodded and Arthur's smile widened underneath his mustache.
"Good. Remember, succeed in obtaining the Winter Maiden's powers and our Mistress will grant you your desires."
Nodding again she put her hand on the doorknob before taking a deep breath and slowly going into the room.
A.N.: The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. But seriously I'm sorry it's taken so long to get to this point and to update this story. I hope you enjoy this and I plan on updating FAR more frequently than I have these last two years.
