In the grand probability of endless potential and opportunity, there exists a timeline where everything goes right, rather than wrong. A timeline where events play out as close to the current one, yet key subtle differences alter and change the fates of those touched. Within the endless reaches of time, space and opportunity,
the timeline becomes blurred in a mixture of odd depictions of time with no full continuity tool. However to make this easier to understand, the canon timeline exists as is written unless changed by the words of this story. Team RNJR would still engage the Geist, encounter the dying huntsman in Shion, the village on Anima not the Nightmare Hunter. Weiss would be blackmailed by her father to perform in a charity event because to Jacques Jullet the idea of 'not exporting an explosive substance that could power and weaponise an army in favor of making money and instead hope the world doesn't blow itself up' is a terrible sound logic but making your abused daughter a tool for profit is a genuine class act. Which it isn't. Blake will still scaredy cat away despite the fact that Adam isn't out for her in this timeline, be shadowed by Sun towards Menagerie. Yang will still be depressed at home, having told off Ruby as she did at the end of the fall of Beacon, be hurt in the core by the damage she took, now even more so because Adam tried to kill her outright, not as a way to get to Blake. Her mother would have saved her from the kill, brutally attacking Adam to justify his wardrobe change. Instead, the biggest change af first, comes from the rehabilitation. After Beacon fell, the survivors set up a rehabilitation center. Members suffering major damage, the most core in this timeline being Pyrrha and Yang, would attend, being aided in therapy by her caring father. While it took her a long time to accept the aid and even go, once she found a familiar face along the member sitting there, Yang's heart was at least a little at ease. While small talk wasn't an issue, the fact that Yang had lost an arm and Pyrrha didn't get the ability to walk unassisted was a big roadblock. Sure they'd been friends before the Fall. But sitting among others, all who were broken and incomplete, made things difficult. One such day was when the group was late. Yang, Taiyang and Pyrrha were already there, so they decided to start things off, though if Tai had to venture a guess, he'd better not have done so.
"Hello…again", Pyrrha's chipper voice was a stark reminder every day that Yang didn't do well. There they sat. A blond girl with one arm gone, the occasional sting of phantom sensations that would keep her up at night, because when she was at ease, which wasn't often, then the burning pain kept her mind awake. Honestly, sleep was a riddle Yang hasn't cracked. Her last good night was months ago, when she had just been a party girl ready for the final day of the Vytal festival. It seemed surreal that one would have issues such as 'what to wear' or 'what to buy' as their biggest issues of the day. Groaning the 'not so' sunny dragon groaned before sitting down.
"Hey Pyrrha…how's the family", she'd ask this question every time, it was the easiest answer so she shouldn't talk about her own trauma. Honestly, why would she? In regards to who came here, people had lost loved ones. Entire teammates and friends or even lovers, lost and gone forever. Pyrrha's dream of becoming a Huntress? Just as shattered as the ligaments between her heel and her hip are destroyed. While travel was still restricted for non essential needs, Pyrrha being unable to travel complicating things, she hadn't returned to Argus. Though, after a word from Qrow, Pyrrha at least did get a super advanced state of the art ankle brace. Well it was more of a full foot and leg boot, one of terrible aesthetic as well. It looked as bad as Yang's similarly state of the art arm prosthetic. Sure, Ironwood had sent out more of these replacements and braces and whatnots for the victims of Beacon, as a 'thank you for your service and compensation for injuries sustained in the line of battle' but ultimately these couldn't replace what was lost.
"Oh they're fine…I think. With communication down, it feels a little lonely, staying at the shelter. But I get visitors, occasionally. It is nice that Mavron stayed behind and keep track", Pyrrha said, trying to keep her voice level, yet Yang could sense the trembling in there. SHe braced herself, given that this mostly came with the question if there had been word between Ruby, Jaune and the rest of her former team. And Yang didn't wanna think about her sister. Or her friends. She clutched the side of her cargo pants to try and hold back her anger. There was a moment of silence, as if Pyrrha was trying to fight her own mental battle, before she popped a question Yang did not anticipate. "Why haven't you worn the Prosthetic?"
"Excuse me?", Yang said as she glared at her friend from Beacon. Her foot resting on a footrest. Why was that even a question?! That was Yang's decision. Even if constantly as she looks at it she sees that red flash of steel that severed straight through her Aura. How even had that monster done that?! Straight through, cutting bone and flesh. And Blake had pulled her out of the sword's range. Yet as Yang thought that, she'd somehow almost wished Blake hadn't. Yet then she'd be dead, wouldn't she?
"Velvet told me you haven't come to the rallies at the center. And I never see you wearing it. I…I was wondering why", Pyrrha said, sensing the anger in the air as she raised her hands. "I'm sorry"
"So what?! In case you hadn't noticed I LOST AN ARM", Yang said, exploding from her lack of sleep, betrayal from a sister and partner that ran away. After all Sun had seen her run, or so the story goes because all Yang knew was that she was semi conscious on the front porch before she was carried off to an ER on Patch. And while she didn't mean to snap at Pyrrha, insomnia and depression makes one do bad things towards those that try to reach out.
"And my achilles tendon has been severed with no hope of repairing. It's not a contest Yang, not anymore", the way that 'anymore' came out should have been all the hints anyone needed to piece together why and what was bothering Pyrrha. Yet Yang was too sleep deprived to connect the dots.
"Not a contest? Good cause this would be the first one you'd lose, invincible girl", as soon as the words left her lips, Yang realized she'd said something terribly bad. There was a shiver in Pyrrha's shoulders.
"Yeah you're right. No more Invincible Girl. I won't even fight anymore! My dream of becoming a Huntress is forever gone! With luck I might be able to walk again after years of therapy and this brace. Meanwhile my friends are out there risking their lives and I'm stuck in a wheelchair! All the while one of my friends is feeling sorry for herself despite having only one leg to stand on!", Pyrrha's outburst flared Yang's heart. An intense rage clutched her heart as she stood up and stomped her foot. Her hair radiating fire as her eyes flicked to a blood red colour.
"One leg to stand on?! How dare you! I lost an arm because some lunatic who has evaded the authorities cut it straight off! My partner ran off, didn't even check unlike Jaune who visited you a few times before he set off. And I've not had a single good sleep in months! How is that NOT JUSTIFIED?!", with each word, Yang fought the urge to stand on that brace and kick it to pieces. Her rage consuming her from thinking straight. Until a reply came that was a serious gutpunch.
"You don't get it. You still have a chance. You can be something. To help people. My dream was to be a huntress. All I've ever wanted was to help people. You got into this for thrill and adventure. You have an opportunity to do what I can't anymore. To be by the sides of our friends, our loved ones. Instead you keep feeling sorry for yourself and I...I..I'm sorry. I just can't do this. I sacrificed so much to be who I am. Lost out on a real childhood and for what? To be a martyr for the good fight? A symbol who sits on a pedestal?", Pyrrha's words were tainted by grief. Yes they had both suffered a painful setback. And as Yang stood there, trembling, through her grief and trauma, there was a spark of understanding. Yang got lucky. She could have been dead and while she did lose part of herself, as Tai had said, 'once you stop moping and want to get back out there', she could indeed get back out there. As she looked at Pyrrha, like a slap in the face, she noticed Pyrrha had been crying for a while. Her green eyes were dull and her hope had been even further down the drain than Yang. ANd while they both would have a lot to work through, maybe Pyrrha was right. As Pyrrha attempted to wheel away, amber eyes falling upon the brace that was proof that Nikos would probably never walk unassisted ever again, Yang struggled to say she was sorry, as Nolan Porfirio, walked in and sighed. "I lost my entire team"
…
"Raven, what do you want", Qrow said as he sank on the chair, after forcing his twin to take her stupid mask away. Always playing the 'big sis on campus', he thought.
"A girl can't just catch up with her family?", her nonchalant act was getting boring, I'm not nearly as drunk as I should be to deal with this, the male twin thought.
"She can, but you're not", he shot back taking a big swig from the glass he had been given, "so how about we hurry this up"
"Does she have it?", Oh the pronoun game! She hasn't lost her annoying talent for ruining my day, Qrow thought as he ran his finger over the glass. Family. Well I can ruin your day just as easily!
"You haven't asked about Yang in forever, why start now?", his own nonchalant delivery got the reaction he desired! She scoffed and attempted to stand up.
"That's not…"
"Who you meant, I know. It's just obnoxious that you bring up family and not care that your own daughter exists", now that should get her riled up.
"I saved her from that extremist. You know the rule Qrow, everyone gets one", So that's how Yang was saved. More interesting being the reports of this extremist's fighting style. How did he and she get the same styles of fighting? Is this linked to that teacher she once let slip?
"Real mom of the year material…sis", Qrow went to take another swig before she snatched his arm and gave some self righteous 'holier than thou' spiel about how she was right. Beacon fell and Oz failed. Only to then restate her question from before more directly. Did Salem have the Relic. Now quite honestly Qrow didn't know, with Oz scattered to the wind after his bout inside the vault and the increasing grimm activity last time he checked, the male twin was sure that Salem didn't have the relic at this time. But who knows what the future would bring? "I thought you weren't interested in all of that?"
"I just want to know what we're up against…", her smile feigned interest and comradery, yet Qrow knew where he stood in her hierarchy, which wasn't at all very high. "And which we are you referring to?"
…
"We were both so worried. Vale wasn't perfect, but it certainly didn't deserve what happened", Kali Belladonna, matriarch of the Chieftain household said with a hint of sadness in her voice as she sipped her specialty: Menagerie White Jasmine Tea. The perfect way she could unwind her significant other after a long day of chieftain duty.
"I knew you'd be fine!", the warm and powerful voice of Ghira said as he crossed his arms and smiled in pure pride for his badass daughter. She had fought valiantly, earning only praise! After all, when team RWBY advanced through the rounds all of Menagerie was given a day of celebration as he spoke to the population about the amazing daughter and how proud he was.
"That isn't even the slightest bit true! You should have seen him pacing!", Blake snickered as she saw the two people in the world that had always loved her. It felt nice to be back. In the big Menagerie house, surrounded by the love she missed. Able to be who she wants to be. It doesn't even register that, among the four girls, Blake's life is the least difficult. Being picky at Weiss who was born in wealth yet had been almost as lonely as Ruby and Yang. No, her parents were alive, loved her and she could have had anything she wanted. But Blake wanted to be a revolutionist, left home when Ghira stepped down and followed a charismatic monster. Blake's mind began to make the connective lesson about how, honestly, hypocritical she had been to Weiss, when off course Sun had to go and embarrass himself before her parents like that. The really bad part? Was when Blake's mom whispered 'I like him'. Luckily the door was knocked. Unluckily, it was the White Fang. Blake sprinted out after her father, her bare feet hitting the wooden floor with a speed she needed to catch up. Standing at the door were the Albain brothers. Worried, Ghira asked what was wrong, of his daughter who was clearly distressed.
"The White Fang was at Beacon academy. They killed Atlas personnel and civilians. Their actions drew Grimm towards the school!", Blake's anger for the Fang's actions rose as she saw the 'knowing look' between both fox brothers. She wanted to growl, but the deep voice of her father demanded if this was spoken truth. "Sadly your grace. It is…", Blake wanted to snap at them yet her father stopped her. Diplomatically asking for more information. She was eager to know more, yet this would probably be more lies.
"See your Grace", Fennec said as his more youthful voice chirped and oozed like honey, "the Fang had reason to assume something was to happen at the School grounds. Now while the more aggressive actions that were taken are unfortunate…"
"It is only by the grace of the Fang that all of the Faunus students were evacuated in safety", Corsac finished, his deeper more mature voice ending the sentence of his twin brother. "Why…had it not been for Adam Taurus, even more casualties would have fallen at Beacon. The stories that he attacked the school are a gross misunderstanding"
"Misunderstanding?! People are DEAD!", Blake said, stomping her foot and reaching for Gambol on her back. Sun was quick to step before her as he stared down the two twins.
"Plus the Fang had no issues shooting up Vale earlier!", both foxes gazed at one another, clearly weighing their words. Then Fennec spoke once more.
"It is true that the will of the Fang has become more…aggressive since his Grace led its more diplomatic ways. But the actions of brother Taurus stand isolated. He saved the lives of many Faunus by forcing them towards the docks", Ghira raised his hand at the end of the sentence, Blake and Kali both could see a quiet anger in his shoulders tense and rise.
"Let me get this straight. The Vale branch of the Fang, attacked a school filled with Faunus and human children who have the age of my daughter, caused a panic that attracted Grimm, took the lives of human staff and probably students, given what i know of this…adam from my daughter and the word of mouth that I've heard and you come here to express…what exactly?", Blake felt comfort and warmth standing behind this side of her father, as his voice and calmness was inspiring, if a little terrifying.
"Merely to offer you insight in the Council's mindset in regards to finding and bringing in brother Taurus for questioning", the lighter voiced spoke with more honeyed words.
"An olive branch to make amends, hoping not to burn the bridge, then? Whatever your business, it can wait. I have no time for alleged terrorist cells needing my approval. I'd rather spend time with my daughter, who fought and bled at Beacon", Ghira's statement was final as he turned half away, the twins trying to grab his attention before slamming the door in their face. He sighed. "Those two are going to be the death of me, if this stress keeps building"
"Don't let it get to you Ghira, after all, our daughter is home!", the warm embrace of a mother and father made a scared kitten's heart flutter with joy.
…
Joy. Now that was a long forgotten emotion. Never knew I'd miss the shenanigans of those unruly sisters. Even Blake's moody smut books would be better company than these money grabbing elitist jerks. She watched them talk. She could hear them praise her singing. Small talk about the weather, the price of Dust going up, the more advanced strengths of Atlas, what to wear to a fancy gala like this. Weiss felt sick in her stomach as she stood flanking her father. Another aspect of her life she had hoped never to do again: be paraded like a prized horse among slaughter house owners. Her gaze drifted. Thinking of the laughing Ruby as she held up a plate of cookies she'd swiped from the kitchen, the guffaws of Yang as she single handedly beat everyone in the room on that stupid game she plays, Blake's chuckles as she read a particularly fun part of her books. Weiss blinked away a single tear as she sighed. Hello loneliness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again, your painful sting is twice as grand because I was used to a better stand. She spied the painting of Beacon and made attempts to step towards it, before she winced, a steel cold vice like grip held her wrist and tightened just enough to be discomforting yet not enough to leave marks. She was taught to hide it in public, yet Weiss made barely an attempt. Foolishly hoping someone would notice. But of course, these elitarian jerks were too busy blowing hot air out of their noses. "Where are you going?"
"I'm…", wanting to go home so I can at least have a little peace of mind away from your cold soul. Weiss wanted to say before she gulped, proper and prim as she was drilled, she straightened, "..just a little thirsty"
"Sweetheart, we have people for that", he said, raising his hands at the waiters. Weiss was quick to interject, pulling his arm down like the spoiled brat he was. She felt a slap of shame in her mental face. Had she been this stuck up when she first arrived at Beacon? She knew she had been a hot mess to handle. And now she may never see her friends…her family ever again. "What? No I can get it. I'll be right back I promise"
His gaze turned cold as he went back to being an upper class snake, weaseling his way into conversations and most importantly, lined pockets of money that he wanted for himself. Weiss walked off towards the painting of an intact school of Beacon. She heard him boast of being 'a hero again'. As if that cold careless void of emotion would know what a hero was. She sighed as she felt her legs carry her through the crowd. Grandfather, how did you ever survive these things? And why did you let Gelé get in with mother, she wondered, her mind away from this party of heel lickers and suckups. Weiss was so busy thinking of her grandfather she didn't at first notice the compliment from another shallow elitarian jerk. "Yes, it's a lovely painting"
"That was my attempt at breaking the ice", Weiss rolled her eyes so badly yet he didn't notice. Where did that originate from? Was she such an ice queen? Or just cause her go to was ice dust? "How am I doing?"
"It leaves a lot to be desired", she knew this kind of behavior. The overly political serpents who snake their way into a better name. Boys have always woo'd her for the name. Weiss felt a jab in her ribs. There had been one who did like her for her, and she'd been pretty cold and shot him down. Oh yeah, that's why she was the ice queen. He once more attempted small talk.
"I always appreciated honesty! Henry..marigold", Marigold..not a name she was directly familiar with, but his actions and nature were the exact same as her father had done to Mother. Honesty, if an honest pile of debris hit him in the face he'd still not know what honesty was. Yet she offered her hand towards him, as was proper behavior, as she introduced herself, though why was a mystery, everyone here knew who she was: "Weiss Schnee"
"I know, I saw your performance…obviously", yeah and obviously you're not making a good impression, Weiss thought as she continued her cold shoulder treatment. "You were wonderful! And I promise I'm not just saying that cause your pretty. See? Honesty!"
Sure you are Henry, Weiss rolled her eyes. You want honestly, then I'll give it to you straight up. She kept her eyes on the painting of Beacon. And while the composition was pure Atlesian high society, painted with the class and skill of the High Class, it was also Atlas' self centered version of being idiots. Spying imperfections upon the drawing: the center statue of Beacon's square had a huntress and huntsman. Not just a single shape. Sure you could argue that it was hard to paint, yet this was something that lay close to Weiss' heart. She had met friends and allies here. Potentially some of which who could be dead for all Weiss knew. You want honesty? "Since we're speaking honestly, why don't you leave me alone? The price of some peace of mind is something I doubt I'll find here"
"Yeah I know what you mean. Especially given the price of this peace. What even is that, is that some low class Mantle academy?", Weiss felt how her lip quivered. She had genuinely asked him to leave her alone, but this wanna be jerk was not taking the hint. Yet what was even worse was that he barely knew what Beacon looked like? Why that actually makes sense, Henry probably never saw Mantle! Weiss clenched her fist as she gazed deep in his eyes. "Leave!"
"What? Hey I didn't…"
"Marigold, the Lady asked you to back off. How about you do so, before things turn a little less gold for you?", the voice that spoke was just as cold as Weiss had been acting. She turned to the side and saw a young adult. He was older than she was as well as Henry. But the way he dressed was what tipped her off: This man was either exceptionally rich, or rich enough to not care about social cues. He was dressed as a Huntsman. He wore a gray and silver trench coat, reaching far below his knees. Had heavy duty travel boots. But the most eye catching thing was an impressive six chamber revolver dangling off his belt. His eyes were cold, that same gray but void of emotion. One could even mistake him for James, who was also present here. Another white knight to come to her rescue, spare me the drama, Weiss thought.
"Hey I was just trying to find good company. Seeing as this place has barely enough food to qualify as a party", Henry said annoyed. Yet he did take a few steps back as the new guy walked towards Weiss and strategically placed himself between him and her. Before she could say anything, the new guy spoke up.
"Perhaps because this is in fact a fundraiser for the suffering of Vale? You know the one where people died from Grimm attacks? No off course you don't cause you don't even care for your own cousin who lives in Mantle", at the mention of a cousin, Henry turned sour. His mood as spoiled as Weiss' evening had been ruined.
"Do not speak about…"
"Either I speak or you move away. Your choice. But before you think about it, remember that Argent still has more sway than Marigold ever will", to emphasis his threat, the man, who was apparently one of the Argent family, a high class arms developer that works with both the SDC and the Atlas Military, put his hand on the revolver at his side and slowly played with the cocking hammer. Henry got the message and bolted for the door, hissing insults and 'my lawyer' stuff. Weiss cracked a small smile seeing him being thrown out by someone who had more money than he has.
"He's right, as much as I hate to agree. You are quite the gem among these dusty crystals, Weiss", Weiss tilted her head as she looked back towards this newcomer. She felt her smile fade as snow in summer. Yeah this was a white knight alright. Next thing he'd try to woo her as well. She turned her back at him and repeated the cold treatment. "I didn't mean to intrude. But I figured you'd like someone who realizes how horrible you've suffered. The Fall was not something pretty."
"I know this. And who are you again?", Weiss said, not turning her gaze back. He chuckles gently. "Apologies milady, name's Coal Argent. I shouldn't be here yet the General insisted. If I may be so bold, these people tending, save for off course you, have no clue as to what happened. Most won't ever feel the horror of seeing a grimm"
"And you have?", Weiss said, giving a cold glare over her shoulder. Yet she was met with a warm smile. How was this the time to smile? Her anger began freezing her veins. "Well I never produce a weapon I haven't field tested. And I'm terrified of a single Grimm. Beacon, as I heard from the General, was swarmed by many and far more dangerous ones than those I test my guns and inventions on"
"You…kill grimm?", Coal once more laughed at the question Weiss had. And how could she not? Jacques would never go close to Grimm. Let alone if there was a Grimm in the mines. Most scientists weren't field testing either. In a way, it was refreshing to see someone of the High Class who at least vaguely did what her grandfather did: pioneer and lead by example. "I guess you could say. But not in the way you have milady. And to be fair, you're the only one here who's opinion and stance on this fundraiser matters. I've been listening to the people and I can't help but be disgusted by what some have been saying"
Weiss, who up to this point hadn't been paying attention to the more intense muttering of the crowd, began picking up lines she shouldn't be hearing. Poor leadership, terrible governing body, military and school should be mixed because if not you'd never be able to handle a grimm invasion. Weiss groaned. Yeah none of these pompous jerks would know what to do. And then she heard…her.
"Does it come as any surprise what happened to Vale? It was a long time coming if you ask me. If they are so Arrogant they think they can get by without proper kingdom defense, then I say good riddance", the husband of this stuck up unknowing witch of a woman tried to silence her from speaking. Weiss couldn't believe what she heard. This statement was clearly born from some generic desire to be 'interesting', to say something that would put attention on her. Unfortunately, this was the straw that broke the Heiress' back.
"SHUT UP", the silence was intense. Jacques tried to 'silence' her but Weiss could no longer hold it in. Seeing these fakers. Claiming they knew what was real pain and suffering, not even realizing that a grimm attack was. If only she could show that to them. "You don't have a clue. None of you do!"
"Excuse you missy"
"You stand there talking about things you know nothing about! Your hair, the combination of clothing to wear. Money to spend or make. Stupid problems while people have died with real problems! Grimm invasions and dead students! Families who'll never have their loved ones come home and you stand there and say 'it was a long time coming'?!", by this point Weiss' anger had boiled over. Her cold and calloused routine, the one she fell back into when Jacques pulled her away from Beacon, even before she could inquire about what happened to her friends, was shattered like a mirror as Weiss' passionate heart beat once more. Even more so when that accursed vice like grip sealed around her wrist and this time DID try to wring her into submission. His cold fingers were like steel that tried to inflict pain. But Weiss' Aura had been trained and those steel fingers were nothing but a bothersome bracelet now. "Weiss, enough. You're embarrassing the family"
The family?! I have tried nothing but to uphold my grandfather's teachings. I've swallowed abuse after unfair treatment when my warm castle became a cold prison only because YOU married into it. The same frosty jack who took away my mother and ripped dear sister Winter away. So no, i'm not the embarrassing member here! Weiss' fury was unleashed, heated and righteous. Behind them Coal cocked his revolver as he noticed a small flickering image beneath Weiss' foot. "How can I embarrass the family when a clown like you is so busy doing it himself"
There was an audible gasp from the room. Now of course Atlas knew that Gelé had married into the family. No one would ever forget how the lowly born Mantle business man convinced a dying father to marry his daughter off to him and name him heir. No one actually forgot how brutal the Faunus slave laborers were treated because who among Atlas cares? Faunus were a lesser species so OFF COURSE they'd be exploited for cheap labor. Weiss just felt sad that it took a friendship with Blake, former White Fang, to actually see how truly vile her 'father' was. Not that she needed a reason to forget. As every mirror reflected that pretty well, she subconsciously reached for her left eye. Right before she felt the vice grip loosen as she fell to the floor.
Upon the impact, the Schnee Semblance Glyph that appeared beneath her expanded. For a moment the crowd looked frozen in time, as if it all was nothing but a bad dream. Before a massive life sized Boarbatusk roared in primal anger. She gasped. Wasn't that the same kind of Grimm she had killed during the class of Port? Weiss was awestruck. So much so she almost didn't notice that there wasn't just one. As the first one roared and charged at the woman who had kickstarted this entire exchange with her idiotic and moronic statement for attention, now begging for her life as she for the first time saw a Grimm up close, a Second one appeared in the frosty shadow of the first and barreled straight towards Jacques. Like a dog trying to protect it's master from harm. Salivating, both, from the mouth as they leapt up and tried to pounce upon both victims and show them just how utterly dangerous a Creature of Grimm really was. But before both could strike true and cause irreversible damage that Weiss wouldn't be able to survive mentally, two loud cracks of guns echoed. James Ironwood had pulled up his ivory Due Process and shot the boar about to gore the woman. Yet the other gun, which sounded oddly familiar to Weiss, was followed by the sound of shattering glass and the breaking of wooden framework and tables. As James lowered his gun, a groan could be heard as slowly, surrounded by broken champagne bottles and furniture, Coal Argent got up. His coat ripped and torn in several places by the glass as he held a revolver that was massive in his right hand.
"Oww…ok perhaps fifty caliber bullets aren't designed to be shot from a wrist held revolver", he said almost comically towards himself as he got up and dusted off his coat. Taking a quick look of the place he stood and flashed a confident smile at Weiss before putting on a social mask of concern. Weiss would know, she'd done this trick since she could remember, thanks to her father. "Naturally the Argent Arms will pay for the damage I caused, as well as buy the now defunct painting"
In the silence that followed, the murmur of a few wondering just what had happened, what weapon Argent had used, why the youngest daughter of Schnee had said those things, a shrill and flippant voice broke out. "ARREST HER! SHE'S INSANE. LOCK HER UP!"
"She's the only one making sense here", James said coldly as he thanked Jacques for the party before sauntering off. Prompting more protest from the crowd as Weiss staggered up. A warm hand on her shoulder as she flinched thinking it was her father. But it was merely Coal. Who winked at her and stepped into the center. "Arrest her? I should have YOU arrested! We're here in the fundraiser for a disaster that this poor girl took part in, she faced those beasts that would have killed you and she saved herself. She saw dead bodies and here she stands, having sung a beautiful serenade about how horrible it must have been to fight these things. And none of you even took time to apologize towards her or offer her condolences!"
"And what about you, bringing such a..cannon..into our midst!", Jacques jumped in, trying to shift attention away from his own daughter nearly killing someone and attacking himself. His fist clenched in anger as he glared at Weiss from the corner of his eyes.
"Oh come now Jack, you know exactly who I am. And everyone knows I work along with my employees building and creating new weaponry. Unlike some mustache twirling armchair presidents who raise prices and work hours and care only for profit", Argent went head to head with Jacques. Weiss shivered as she staggered to her feet, glanced over the destroyed painting of Beacon, quietly shedding tears over her friends.
Though her tears time moves forwards. She's barely aware of being whisked away as Argent is causing a scene to distract from Weiss' outburst. Jacques' vice fingers yank and pull her away. When she's finally aware of what's happening, Weiss is sitting on her bed with her 'father' pacing in the room, ranting and screaming about the reputation damage he's sustained. Sorry but that damage was already there once you took over from Grandfather, Weiss thought as he just kept up his ranting. She sighed as he opened his mouth for another tyrant monologue. "I don't want to stay in Atlas anymore"
"Young lady, I don't give a damn about what you want and think. What matters is the family name", As he said that, Weiss noticed the 'glassed' over look in his eyes and braced herself. In a flash his hand shot out and slapped her in the face. But unlike when she was a child, this time she had barely a reaction. Her Aura had tanked Grimm blows and what not. She could handle a 'mere' man with loose hands. "A name you were eager to point out, I dragged through the mud"
"It's the truth isn't it? Grandfather was a noble man and a respected member of society. But you had to come and sneak your way in. Marrying into the name costing me my childhood", Weiss retorted as she stood tall once more. Back straight, face presented. As her grandfather would have wanted. Once more he raised his hand and slapped her. And once more Weiss didn't react at all, her eyes glaring daggers into his. He was weak, after all.
"Your grandfather was a stupid idiot. He could have made billions yet he wasted his time and effort on leading the expeditions and fighting Grimm. It cost him his life. Why should I work for anything if I can be given anything?! And when I see something I want I'll make damn sure I'll get it. Even if 'obedient' daughters is a little hard", he ranted. Attempting that 'I am angry' glare a father would do, but Weiss' fire had been lit and there was no stopping her now.
"Obedience is earned, not requested…Gelé", Once more his hand moved to strike. But this time Weiss held up her own and blocked the blow. Jacques' eyes widened at this insubordination, but he couldn't speak, Weiss beat him to the punch, "and certainly not beaten into your daughter. Winter was right to leave. And now so shall I"
"That won't happen", Jacques' realization that he was losing this, kick started his natural abusive tendencies. He grinned as he walked towards the door and kept talking: "You're not to leave the Manor grounds unless I specifically instruct you to. The staff will be held here under threat of being let go if they aid you. And you won't do anything of your own unless we come to an…agreement, until which you are stripped as Heiress which will now become Witley's title as Heir to the Company. Seeing you so insubordinate is clearly a sign of failure on our part as parents. And you can be sure as Grimm that I'll get you to fall in line, Weiss Schnee", his words were laced with venom. Except the desired result wasn't what he had hoped. Or he didn't hope weiss would burst out laughing as she looked behind her to the window. "Clearly your ordeal as Huntress has made you mad with stress. The family doctor shall have to treat you fo-"
"If anyone has failed, it's you, Jacques Gelé. Failed to take your duties as a Schnee seriously. Failed as a father by demanding and beating obedience into your children. Failure as a husband to have driven Mother into her drinking habits. And most importantly…how do YOU think you're going to stop me?", as she says the words, a flicker of her hereditary Glyph Semblance begins rotating beneath her foot, "after all, you're just a snake who sleeps in the den of great lionesses. You may think that the name Schnee means anything to you but when I become Huntress and uphold the honor of Grandfather, you'll be shown as the sad pathetic failure that you are…'father'"
"Enough! Your magic might give you an edge, but I'll see to it you won't get away. Even if I have to cuff you myself!", Jacques says as he raises his hand once more before there was a knock on the door. Quickly to steel himself, Jacques shakes his head and straightens his back. "Mister Schnee, your appointment has arrived"
Weiss heard the voice of Klein. With a smirk her semblance shattered as Jacques rolled his eyes and backed towards the door. "We are not done here. But we'll continue this later"
As he opened the door to run along, Klein gave a courteous and knowing look, to which Weiss mouthed a single 'thanks' back, as she turned on her heels and found Myrtenaster. As she did she generated her anger, her refusal to be a puppet into the blade. A large weapon began forming out of her summoning Glyph. Yet before she could, the image of her Knight flickered and vanished. Her anger wasn't enough.
"So barbaric… What can a single Huntsman do to change a battle? We have an army, if ran by a complete incompetent moron. Honestly why even go up against father, pretend you're anything but what you are", that honing tone of voice. The snake-like words, yeah it was like watching her father's mirror image. "Witley…I have nothing to say to snakes"
"Oh come now dear sister. You know all too well Father gets what he wants", Witley hissed.
"Is that why you hate me? Because I have abilities and you don't? So you try to snake and weasel your way into his good graces as a third born? Honestly it's unbecoming of a Schnee", Weiss shot back. That's why he's so aversed. He's not a Schnee. He hasn't unlocked the semblance. So instead of accepting that they're different, Witley gives into that superiority stuff their father spouts just to feel good. She smirked: "And believe me when I say, Grandfather Nicolas was a mighty Huntsman who put the Schnee name on the world map. So that is what a single Huntsman can do"
As he went to open his mouth in reply, Weiss slammed the door shut and went back to practicing. Over the course of a long night as the moon slowly crept across the horizon night sky, there was always that one single stopper. As if the Knight didn't want to come to her aid in anger. Is anger not the way? She thought before a light dust crystal went off in her mind. She let go of her anger towards the current holders of the Schnee name. And instead focused on the evolution she would represent. She would uphold Nicolas' teachings and legacy. And as she knelt down, the words of her grandfather came to her in need. She whispered: "Come to my aid, help me reclaim the honor of Grandfather"
It had taken the better part of the night, but Weiss had managed to get the summoning down. It's not the Schnee they serve, it's the Huntress Weiss! It was a little hard to explain, but mentally she'd discovered that once she stopped being 'a Jacques' girl and fully transformed into the granddaughter of Nicolas, the Semblance would call forth the enemies she had killed in service of that goal, to sanitize the Honor of Schnee! With that done, she quickly packed her stuff. Even if she had no way off of Atlas, staying here was going to be dangerous. Maybe if she found and went with James, she'd get in touch with Winter! Quickly she left her room with a suitcase, sneaking across the hallways and bypassing trafficked areas as she had done so many times in her youth before. Yet when she came close to the center of the buildings, she heard a raging voice. Her 'father' was still in debate with the guests? Curious like Blake, Weiss snuck closer towards the door.
"...ousted from the Council for this! Your embargo has gone far enough!"
"No it hasn't! Winter's report is alarming…"
"Don't bring her into this! You stole her from me just like you will Weiss!"
"Oh please, if you're going to believe that, why not include your wife? After all if Gossip is to be believed, then she and I are having an affair"
"Going full lockdown of the country isn't needed! So what if Leo's school in Mistral is going to be attacked? We still have to make due, don't we?"
"You egocentric selfish prick!"
There was a loud bang and the crack of wood. Gasping, Weiss recoiled behind the cover of the vase stand she was hiding behind when the door suddenly turned open. She froze as she saw three people in her father's study. General Ironwood had his fists on the desk and was shouting at her father. Yet the one that came out of the study was Coal Argent! He spied her and winked. Then he turned so he could cover the door, hiding Weiss' silhouette behind him. "Gentlemen, at this rate, the sound of my running airship ready for Mistral in the hangar is going to be making less noise. And quite frankly I've had my fill of the night. Mister Schnee, if you're willing to take my offer about the business, then why not let my staff hear. I'm off for my workbench"
As he said that, he quickly closed the door and gestured for Weiss to follow him. As they both traversed the mansion, they ended up in the airbase beneath the cliffside, a thing Jacques had built so he could 'house' the airships of guests across Remnant. Not that anyone other than the Atlesian Elites used it. Before entering his ship, Coal turned and looked at her. "I can have my pilot bring you to Haven Academy. Currently Winter is staying in an inn within walking distance of the school. James informed Jacques of that earlier"
"Why are you helping me?", Weiss wondered out loud, obviously thankful for the way to Winter. To which Coal merely shrugged.
"It's the right thing to do. Quickly now. I'll take an emergency evac pod and land back at my workshop. Brun over there will bring you to your sister", and with those words, Weiss was off to find her family again.
…
"You gave us the courage to follow you", A comforting hand on her shoulder gave Ruby just enough warmth to push her through the thought. It was scary. First the overly depressing sights of towns, raided by bandits, destroyed by Grimm. Then there was the whole Tyrian encounter. While it was intense and no one was seriously hurt, Qrow was poisoned. Then the reveal of the maidens, Salem, the schools. Ruby was almost crying as she brought her friends into this. "We lost…we lost Pyrrha. Penny. And your sister. Your team. Friends and family. Even a home. But despite all that you're still here, despite everything you've lost and can still lose. Still here we are. And you gave us the courage to follow you. So don't worry Ruby"
…
"I'm afraid you were right to be suspicious", Ghira's voice was hushed but also stern. Having caught some documents from a spy earlier was problematic enough, but the things that were on here were truly devastating.
"What do you mean!?", Blake's panic was almost complete. First Yang and now with Sun harmed by the Fang, she couldn't stomach a betrayal further than this.
"This Scroll shows plans for an attack on Haven Academy. It seems that Adam's assault of Beacon has stirred something within the Fang. More want to follow his example now and there's even talk by some to overthrow the current leader. Khan isn't a perfect leader, but I don't want her to be harmed", Ghira explained as he sighed, weary from the battle that lasted and hung around the air. This is why he always aspired for talks. Violence only breeds violence. And cruelty cultivates into bloodshed.
"Then we take it back. Back to the peaceful organization that it used to be", Blake proclaimed in steadfast motion. Finally putting down her 'nature' of running away as things get dangerous. Hopefully, when she gets back to her friends, they'd be as forgiving of her as Sun is.
…
Getting ready to take her leave, and get going, Yang the sunny dragon was fixing up the last few things on Bumblebee before she headed off. Having made her mind she'd go to Mistral, find the coward of a woman who happened to be her mother and then find Ruby. She needed to say sorry for how mean she'd been before Ruby left. As she was thinking it over and reaching for a wrench, she found it was gone. As she turned around to look she found a familiar face looking at her. Yet it was just as broken and sad as before. There wasn't even that classic greeting people come to expect from her. "Hey…Pyrrha.."
"Hello…", she was in her wheelchair, seems the brace wasn't working as intended. Wheeling closer she handed Yang the wrench. "I heard you're leaving for Mistral as well?"
"Y-yeah…it's…wait…as well?", Yang said, picking up the distinction.
"Mavron has secured a way for me to return to Argus. Guess being the best of the best has perks…", Pyrrha said, holding up the wrench Yang was looking for. Behind them, leaning against the barn and chatting up with Tai, was the second best fighter in all of Mistral. Yang had wanted a chance to see him fight, because going by how he looked, you'd think a stiff wind would blow him over. Mavron had indeed managed to secure a way for Pyrrha to return home. Having set up a 'homecoming' trip for all the wounded that hail from Mistral. Those of Vacuo had already left, same as the students who wanted to complete their years as Huntsmen and Huntresses. CFVY had also made for Shade, the school in Vacuo. Life was slowly getting to move on. Grimm, even Vale was slowly returning to normal, even of the school was still overrun with no chance of clearing it out. Yang sighed as she took the wrench and sighed. It's about time to make amends for that outburst last time.
"Look Pyrrha...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. It's just..I don't know who I am anymore. It's not just my arm. That night ..I feel so helpless. You're right though. I wanted a life where I didn't know what could come next. But the more I think about it...that's what my mom is like. She just left because she didn't want to settle down. Even Summer. I know she didn't see it coming. I lost a piece of me that night. I lost who I was and no metal arm is going to replace that. Yet I've figured out how to live with it. Own it", Yang said as she turned towards her friend and sighed. As she did, she got a watery smile.
"That's good to hear. I'm glad you've broken through this roadblock. Now you'll become even stronger than before", Pyrrha said, as her smile faded. Before returning as she looked up at Yang and grabbed her hand softly. "If…if you find Ruby and Jaune…give them my greetings. And if you're ever in Argus…come and find me. I'd…i'd love to talk to my friends again", there were tears in Pyrrha's eyes as Yang leaned in for a hug. They held one another for a time, accepting that they both have come far after the fall of Beacon. "You got it"
…
That thing was insane! Ruby staggered to her feet, a massive horse riding Grimm monster had stalked them until this fight would break out, an initial skirmish had proven useless. It's arms were a threat and it's speed and size were threatening. As it roared, team RNJR covered their eyes. Until it's gaze turned towards Qrow! In a flash Ruby dashed forwards and stood defensively over her uncle as the Grimm charged. As Ruby prepared to engage, she felt a blanket cover her. Not an actual blanket, but it felt like how her father would wrap her in a blanket in the cold winter months back at Patch when she was little. Looking to her side, she saw Ren use his Semblance to mask her and Qrow. "Just get him to safety!"
Quickly, grabbing her Uncle and Petal Bursting away, she carried her barely conscious uncle to a nearby safety spot. While Jaune, Ren and Nora peppered the Nucklavee with blasts, bullets and attacks. As she places her uncle down, covered in a bit of cover and debris to make it less likely he'll be attacked, she turns to help, only for a hand to grab hers. Ruby once more gazed at Qrow and had to stop herself from gasping. He was crying! He seemed to look at his niece but almost as if he wasn't. Ruby couldn't explain it but it was like he wasn't fully there.
"Don't…go…if..if you go..Tai and I…we'll be alone..Summer…please", as he finished saying that, he once more passed out from fatigue, poison and stress. Ruby felt a sting of pain. Did..did I look that much like mom? And what did that even mean?! Yet before she could think about it further, the sound of battle awoke her fighter's spirit and she re-engaged with the Nucklavee. The fight was a brutal one. It knocked Ren and Nora around like ragdolls and Jaune and Ruby weren't doing much better. Thankfully some sense was slapped into Ren half way through the fight, an expert plan thought up by Jaune and Ruby that showed just how well the four of them had grown to rely on one another out here. They moved in perfect sync. Team attacks, evading and playing defense for one another. Ruby smiled as they put this thing down and grinned. THis is what it would have felt like if her team had been here. If..if the team would ever be whole again. But there was no time! Ruby ran back to see if Qrow was ok, but out like a light. He wouldn't have much time left. Ruby fell to her knees as she looked at the other three coming up to her. Qrow had barely enough time left. It was hopeless after all.
"HEY DOWN THERE, MOVE TO THE CENTER OF TOWN", came a loud voice as a single figure ran across the air towards them. Ruby had seen this white dressed man before, but couldn't completely put it down. So much had changed. Yet together, Ren, Nora, Ruby and Jaune hoisted Qrow towards the square where the man walked along the air and landed next to them, a single lance in hand as a Mistral Airship was closing in. "You four are lucky we were doing recon. If Poseidon hadn't been out here we'd be on the other side of Anima"
"You're Stratós..number one of Mistral aren't you", Jaune said with a clenched fist as he stepped defensively between his team and this woman devourer. Not to forget that this jerk had tried to kill Pyrrha.
"Alright, Vlakas, yes I'm one of the two Malakas who almost killed a friend of yours. But Poseidon is doing community service after what happened and I'm similarly working away at a debt I owe. You can hate my guts for all you want. But I think we all can agree that this man needs medical attention, yes?", Stratós Ozon of team Olympus informed them as they took to the air and headed for Mistral. "Besides, this way I can make amends for horrible sportsmanship"