Sorry for the long wait, busy with work, my other story, and I recently watched RWBY volume 9. It was interesting and I am not giving out any spoilers for those who didn't watch it yet. I even watched the anime version RWBY: Ice Queendom. It was interesting and I saw a new Grimm and Character. I will add them soon in future chapters.
In any case, I hope you like the chapter and so sorry for the wait. Enjoy!
Marionette's Voice Actress: Deedee Magno Hall Deedee who voiced Blue Pearl in the animated series Steven Universe.
Weiss Schnee was walking down a long, carpeted hallway of blue, white and gray. Marionette, in her maid-human form, follows Weiss from behind, keeping her company all the way to Jacques's office. During her stay at the Schnee Manner, Marionette memorizes every part of home and secret passageways. People can get easily lost here if not careful. They walked past the protruding columns from the walls decorated with black sconces and lit candles. Nature paintings hung in an alternating pattern between the columns. There is also the occasional cushioned chair or round coffee table placed along the walls. They reach the upper-level balcony above a large dining hall. There, a white and green floral centerpiece decorates the white-clothed table. Every column both above and below bears a sconce, but these candles are not lit. Beside Weiss and Marionette on the balcony are large arch-shaped openings with white gauze curtains. Through one of the curtains, a crystal in another room. There is a shut, brown wooden door in the direction that we were heading.
Weiss and Marionette walk down a wide stairway with curving balconies on either side above it. Large armor statues fill the space on either side of the bottom stairs. Behind Weiss, a paned triptych of arched windows lets in the sun, casting her shadow onto the blue-carpeted steps in front of her. The floor at the bottom of the stairs has a blue and white oval design in its center. Both levels have open archways leading to other rooms. Walking in another room with blue and white floor patterns, Weiss and Marionette strides past a life-size statue of a King Taijitu without looking up. Once again, both the lower level and the balcony level have open archways and unlit sconces. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling. They walked past the music room that has a large grand piano with open sheet music, and passing a portrait on the wall shows Whitley Schnee, Weiss's younger brother. As they approached Jacques's office, they both heard someone calling out to Weiss and Marionette.
"Good afternoon, sister, Mary."
Weiss and Marionette looked up to see a teenage boy, somewhat younger than Weiss, standing before her. He has the same colored white hair and light blue eyes with a fair complexion like Weiss and Winter. His hair is mostly pushed to the left, although he does have a cowlick. His attire consists of a short-sleeved white dress shirt, the sleeves fastened just above his elbows by navy blue cuffs, each with twin gold buttons. Over his untucked shirt, he wears a light blue vest, with a black handkerchief in his right breast pocket. He also wears a black necktie, navy blue trousers and black dress shoes.
It was Whitely Schnee, Weiss and Winter's younger brother.
Whitley has his hand on his chest and he affects a bow, following proper curtsy, "A pleasure to see you out of your room for a change."
Weiss sidesteps him and turns to speak whilst Marionette bowed respectfully towards Whitely, greeting and calling him 'Young Master'. Whitely moved to face his sister. The two of them briefly circle each other.
"Hello, Whitley. You're in a cheery mood today."
"Klein made crepes for breakfast," He responded in a 'cheery' demeanor, clasping his hands behind his back and smirking at her.
Weiss narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion, "What do you want?"
Whitley simply shrugged his shoulders, but responded to her question. "I heard Father shouting with someone in his study earlier."
Weiss became stiff by his words, eyes filled with concern, "Mother?"
Whitley shook his head, "No, she's already drinking in the garden. I think it was a man."
Weiss's concern was soon replaced with curiosity. The Schnee heiress looks up at her younger brother, wondering what he meant. Whitley noticed this and feigned a concerned look, "I just wanted to warn you. I heard he had asked to speak with you."
"I'll be fine."
"I know you will. You are strong, like Winter."
Weiss stared at her brother with a somewhat strange look, "You never liked Winter."
Whitley simply shrugged, "True, but you can't deny her resolve."
Weiss continued looking at Whitley, baffled and suspicion was in her eyes, wondering what he was up to, "You...seem different."
Again, Whitley shrugged his shoulders, "And you've been gone. I'll have you know I didn't stop growing while you were away at Beacon." Whitley then turns and walks away. As he does so, the lower half of a family portrait on the wall between where the two were standing. "Anyway, good luck with Father!" Before he left, he turned towards Marionette and gave a small smile to her, "Take care of my sister, Mary."
Marionette held both sides of her dress and respectfully bowed at Whitely, "Yes, Young Master."
Smiling, Whitely left them both to do their task. Weiss watched as her brother left with a look of confusion. She will never understand his sudden change of personality, especially when he was close to Marionette. Yet he has no idea that she's a puppet entity. But she shouldn't tell him. It would reveal their plan of her escape. Weiss responded to her brother quietly.
"Thank you."
Both Weiss and Marionette continue walking, passing the family portrait. Showing of Jacques Schnee (whose hair used to be black hair that has graying and a full mustache) young Weiss, Whitley, Winter, and a stern look of Willow Schnee. Winter and Weiss were both frowning in the portrait while Whitley is the only one smiling and Jacques with a neutral expression.
Ruby, Voltaria and her friends were resting in the forest for the night. They still have a long way to go before they can reach Shion Village. Ripper, Amaryllis, and Levistus return from a hunt and enjoy their meal. AJ and Voltaria were making dinner with the venison that the predators brought. Nora was watching them hungrily, waiting for them to finish cooking. While the rest prepare the sleeping bags and the blanket. Wade explains that they need to rest up to reach Shion; they need to board the airship there as soon as possible since Haven Academy will be targeted soon by another of Salem's forces.
"Say...Levistus?" Ruby spoke out, setting down some plates on the blanket. The Spinosaurus looked up from his resting spot and tilted his head towards Ruby, wondering what she wanted, "What's it like in the Lost Continent?"
"Why the sudden question, Ruby?" Voltaria asked her friend.
"Well...you see...I'm really curious about it." Ruby told them truthfully, "Y'know, since we barely know about the Lost Continent, and what kind of dinos it will be facing...it's not wrong to be careful, right?"
"Ruby has a point, ya know." Wade said, agreeing with Ruby, "I for one wish to be prepare if any of those giant anklebiters might come at us."
Levistus thinks for a while, understanding that they were curious about his homeland. He can't blame them. His homeland is very mysterious, no one in the outside world knows about it. And since they need to be prepared if they're going to face any dinosaurs, he decided that he should tell them. Levistus nods his head in agreement and begins to tell about his homeland, which Voltaria translated.
"Before it became the Lost Continent, it used to be part of a bigger continent."
"Bigger continent?" Jaune asked.
Levistus lets out a small warble, "Yes, all the continents were once a big continent called Terra Unitas, the land of unity to be exact." Voltaria translated, "He said before any of us were even born, Terra Unitas was ruled by the Gods of Light and Darkness. The God of Light created life on Terra Unitas. Bringing forth all the dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. He was the one who created Mother Oriella the Great World Tree. To be the mother and caretaker of Terra Unitas. Everyone greatly respects and loves her."
"Wow, for a magical tree, this Mother Oriella sounds more like a queen." Yang said, sitting near the fire with Ruby.
Levistus nods his head, "Yes, because of Mother Oriella's love of the dinosaurs and animals, she made sure to keep our land flourish. However, someone did not wish for life to thrive."
Silence came to the group; clearly knowing who Levistus was referring to, "...The God of Darkness." Ruby said the name of the god.
"Indeed, the God of Darkness was disgusted by his brother's creation of life, especially towards Mother Oriella. He didn't like the fact of all life on Remnant, so he decided to get rid of all life and caused the Magna Perditio."
"The Magna Perditio?" Ren asked in confusion, looking at the Spinosaurus with a questionable look.
"The Magna Perditio is spoken to their language, but in our language, it is called the Great Destruction. That day was when the God of Darkness caused a massive catastrophe on the Terra Unitas. He created earthquakes, droughts, forest fires, floods, volcanic eruption, blizzards, but the worst of all of his destruction was a flaming rock from the stars."
"Flaming rock from the stars?" AJ mutters out in confusion.
I believe he's referring to the Asteroid. Regina said to the group. After all, it was the reason that caused the extinction.
"That's right, he brought upon Remnant to destroy Mother Oriella and all of the God of Light's creation. However, Mother Oriella's magic saved them all by breaking the land out of harm's way. Like a lifeboat. Those remaining dinosaurs and prehistoric animals were saved because of her. She created a sanctuary for them, safe from the destruction that the God of Darkness brought. With her magic, she created a barrier that shields them from the outside, and giving them a new beginning. Thanks to Mother Oriella, the dinosaurs and the prehistoric beasts lived a life of security and peace, where they could raise their younglings safely. On their home...Pellucidar."
After Voltaria translated his words, everyone stared in bewilderment towards the Spinosaurus. They couldn't believe that the Lost Continent was part of the big continent that connects Remnant. All those ancient species that were lost in time still exist and hidden away. All because the God of Darkness wanted to destroy his older brother's creation.
"So the Lost Continent is called...Pellucidar?" Yang asked Levistus.
Levistus gave another nod, "Yes, while we call it the Lost Continent, Pellucidar is the real name of his homeland in their tongue." Voltaria translated.
"Wow..." Ruby, Nora, and Jaune whispers out in awe.
"This is amazing, Levistus." Pyrrha said to the Spinosaurus with a kind smile, "Your home sounds like a wonderful place."
Levistus made a dinosaur-like chuckle, finding it amusing to hear that, "To some, yes, but in truth, Pellucidar can be a dangerous place." Voltaria translated.
This surprised the group when they heard, "What do you mean, Levistus?" Wade asked the Spinosaurus with a curious look.
Levistus continues his explanation to the group, "In Pellucidar, everyone must know the law of survival. You have to be strong, cunning, and skilled if you are ever in Pellucidar."
"Wait, really?" Nora asked curiously.
"He says that Pellucidar may be beautiful, but the lands and waters can be dangerous. Many territorial dinosaurs, giant carnivorous or poisonous plants that can swallow a full-grown dinosaur within minutes, harsh terrains, deadly storms, surviving the night where vicious night predators come to hunt, and battling other rivals..."
"Okay, okay, we get it, V," Yang said, stopping Voltaria from translating, "The Lost Continent or Pellucidar is dangerous and we may or may not survive it."
Levistus made a small growl as a reply, which Voltaria translated, "Actually, you probably can, the Arcanum Animalium, or Faunus in his land, thrive in Pellucidar among the giant beasts. If they can survive, so can we."
Pyrrha giggles at this, "Thank you for the kind motivation, Levistus."
"He speaks the truth," Voltaria said, finishing cooking the food with AJ, "He believes that with proper survival training, we can survive the Lost Continent as well as how to defend ourselves against other predators. Which reminds him, he will teach us how when we reach Shion."
"AWESOME!" Nora cheered with a grin, "I WANNA FIGHT A T. REX!"
"Nora, no!" Ren scolded his teammate, not wanting her to face a predator that could possibly crush with one blow.
"Ren's right, Nora." Pyrrha said, agreeing with Ren, finding it dangerous for Nora to fight a T. Rex.
"Come on! Granddaddy Levi is here to train us!" Nora announced loudly.
However, the Spinosaurus's brow raised in surprise by Nora's sudden words before narrowing his acid green eyes at her, followed by a growl. He isn't THAT old! Sure, he lived and survived Pellucidar for many years, earning many battle scars, and his bones sometimes ache a bit...but still! He is not that old! He is still in his prime.
"Um...Nora, I don't think you should call Levistus old." Evo said to Nora. He could clearly see the grouchy look that Levistus was giving to Nora.
Nora was confused at first before glancing towards the old Spinosaurus. And when she saw Levistus giving her the look, she quickly stops talking, getting the picture that she may have upset it. Although she snickered a bit, realizing that she was teasing him. If Nora was his hatchling, he would've given her a stern growl and a good whack on the head with his tail.
"By the way, Levistus..." Pyrrha asked, assisting AJ and Voltaria on handing out the warmed food to the group, who gladly took it, "How do you take down a dinosaur?"
Ah, an excellent question, and he'll gladly answer. Levistus tells them how to defend themselves if they are against any known predator or territorial dinosaurs. First, when facing a predator dinosaur, they must know the weak points. For instance, when facing two legged ones (Aka Theropods), always go to the throat or underbelly, for they are the only soft spots to penetrate. Moreover, they must know the elemental weakness of the dinosaurs. Example, fire against ice, lightning/energy against water, or earth against wind. They also have to find the right time to find an opening before they could strike, and make sure not to overuse their aura. After all, they need all the energy they have if they are going to survive Pellucidar. They made sure to listen to Voltaria's translation; they'll never know when they will face a dinosaur head on.
Ripper's head perked up when he heard rustling from the bushes. He lets out a dangerous growl that caught everyone's attention. Ruby quickly went to her Indoraptor's side and gently coaxed him.
"Rippy, shh...easy boy...easy..." She whispers to her growling hybrid.
Everyone got into his or her battle stance. Readying their weapons. Voltaria took out a dagger made of fire dust crystals, ready to attack. Levistus and Amaryllis readied their attack if it was a big dinosaur. They waited roughly about a few seconds for the intruder to come out. At first, they thought it was some sort of raccoon or squirrel, but they were wrong. Instead, a reptilian dinosaur jumped out from the undergrowth, revealing itself to the group. The group was surprised at the sight before them. Standing there was a blue streak Velociraptor. Yet unlike its predecessors (from the books or TV), this one was taller and had no feathers. Instead, it has silver bluish-gray skin/scales with a white stripe with metallic blue in the middle going horizontally from its eye orbit, with one side has blue around the eye, while the other side's stripe stops at the head, down to the tip of her tail. The Velociraptor was glaring at them, teeth bared, and its golden eyes narrowed.
"Wow...it's that a..." Ruby trailed off when Voltaria nodded her head.
"Yes, a Velociraptor." Voltaria whispers out.
"It looks mad." Jaune whispers to them, clearly scared about the raptor.
She, it's actually a she, Jaune. Regina corrected in his mind and the others, She came here for a reason.
Why is she here exactly? Wraith asked, confused at the sight of the raptor.
I believe that she knows that we have the knowledge of this land. Regina said calmly.
"She just wants information from us?" Yanga asked Regina skeptically.
Not us. Just Ripper, Amaryllis, and Levistus. Regina gestured towards the Indoraptor, who was surprised to hear this. She didn't know who to trust, but seeing another...raptors of her own kind, sort of, and a...master.
"Master? Who's the master?" Nora asked Regina in confusion.
Levistus, she calls Levistus the master. Regina replied to the group.
"Levistus is a master? Master of what exactly?" Yanga asked curiously.
The Spinosaurus responded with a growl, explaining the reason whilst Voltaria translated it, "He said that back in Pellucidar, everyone must learn how to control their Aura. It was an important use when surviving the dangerous land." Everyone was surprised by this as Voltaria continued her translation, "He said: when he was just a young hatchling, his sire was a master of water, he taught him and his siblings to control their element. Levistus, being the eldest, mastered his element with no problem. And as the years go by, he earned the title Master of Water of Pellucidar.
"Levi! You never told us you were a master?!" Ruby exclaimed at Levistus.
The sailed dinosaur responded with a small growl, "He said you didn't ask." Voltaria translated. She then looks at the Velociraptor. She stood there patiently, watching them with her golden eyes. "He recognizes her back at Pellucidar."
"He does?" Wade asked, earning a nod from Levistus.
"Yes, she is called the Blue One." Voltaria translated, "She is the pack leader of her three sisters. They are elite hunters in Pellucidar." She and the group looked at the blue raptor with questionable looks, thinking the same thing. Where are the rest of her pack?
"Do you think she got separated when the storm hit the Lost Continent?" Evo asked, looking at the group. "Just like Levistus."
"It is possible; Levistus did get here by accident during a massive storm. Guess her pack could be somewhere here on Anima." Voltaria guessed aloud before looking at the blue raptor. She noticed how skinny she looked. She suspected that this Velociraptor hadn't eaten for a while. Voltaria went over to the table, grabbing a handful of venison, before she tossed it to the raptor's feet. The blue raptor was surprised by this action. She stared at them with narrowed eyes for a brief moment before slowly lowering head to smell the meat. The raptor sniffs at the meat for a short while, checking if it was poisoned or not. Voltaria doesn't blame her for being careful. After all, they just met and they rarely know each other. As soon as the raptor finished inspecting the meat, she gobbled it up with no hesitation, tearing it to pieces as if it were paper. Jaune was the only one turned pale at the sight of the meat being ripped to shreds. Even though he sees Ripper, Amaryllis, and Levistus eat their meal, he wasn't still comfortable with this. When the raptor finished eating her meal, she looked at the group again and made chirp-like sounds.
"What is she saying?" Wade asked Voltaria.
"She's asking if we're Arcanum Animalium, or Faunus," Voltaria translated, "Guess she doesn't know what a human is like Levistus did when he first got here."
Levistus grumbles a bit, which Voltaria understands, "He says: Yeah, yeah, the only time humans arrived at the Pellucidar were accidental and your predecessors have no idea about humans until they are eaten alive or killed by a predator in my home."
"I still don't get how humans can't survive the Lost Continent." Yang said, watching the raptor tilting her head at them curiously.
"Levistus said that due to the humans having no knowledge of his homeland or the beings there, they ended up being killed. That's why it is important for us to have the knowledge on how to defend ourselves if we're ever at the Lost Continent." Voltaria translated.
"Huh, I guess knowledge is the key to survival." Wade said, taking a sip from his canteen.
Levistus warbled something that Voltaria had to translate, "Yes, knowledge, instincts, strength, and aura are the keys of survival when living in Pellucidar."
"Wow. You really are a master." Yang compliments the big Spinosaurus.
Levistus snorts in amusement before turning towards the blue raptor, questioning her on how long she was alone here. She hesitated to respond, however, she needed to find her pack and get back to their home, where they belong. The blue raptor explained to Levistus, Ripper, and Amaryllis her situation. Of course, Voltaria had to explain it to her friends about the blue raptor's journey. It is known that she and her sister were trying to take shelter from a storm that came to the Lost Continent or Pellucidar a year ago. She and her sister were swept away into the ocean, and were lucky enough to get a hold of a log that kept them afloat for a short while. Only to be broken in half by a big wave. Separating her from her sisters in the ocean. She then found herself in Anima, alone, and lost in a strange new world. Trying to find her pack for over a year now.
Everyone felt pity towards her. Already understanding that it was difficult for her to survive in such a new world without her pack. The blue raptor explains (while Voltaria translated) that she needs help in finding her pack, and since they know about the land, as well being friends with other dinosaurs, she needs their help in order to find the rest of her pack. The group stared at her for a long while, sharing the same thoughts. They really want to help her find her sisters, but on the other hand, they need to continue their mission to Mistral.
"Should we help her?" Jaune asked the group.
"It sounds like the right thing to do, but...we have to get to Mistral before any of Salem's henchmen cause damage." Wade said, rubbing his chin, thinking if there was an alternative. He then glanced over to Voltaria with a questionable look, "Any ideas, V?"
"Hmm...There is a possibility that the raptor's sisters are somewhere in the Anima and we might encounter them during our travels." Voltaria explained her plan. "Do you guys agree?"
The group agreed with her plan, thinking that they will help find the blue raptor's sisters on their travels. Levistus was the one who told the blue raptor that they would find her sisters, as long as she doesn't cause any trouble. Of course, she had to be cooperative, meaning no growling at their human and Faunus companions, no attacking them, and no trying to kill them in their sleep, (he was dead serious about the last part). The raptor made a look that any sapient would make, saying that she is no fool to attack them. After all, they were her only chance in finding her sisters and getting out of this land. With everything settled, the group allowed the blue raptor to join the group. Voltaria made sure to give her a lot of venison, considering she hasn't eaten for a while. The blue raptor happily enjoys the meal, finding it very delicious.
"So...when heading to Shion Village, we need to find a way to keep the dinos out of sight from the villagers before we could use their airship." Wade said to the group, sitting around the fire while their dinosaurs eat up.
"Leave that to me," Voltaria assures them, taking a bite from her diner, "My Semblance can allow me to manipulate shadows. With it, I can make them be one with the shadows and bring them out if they need to."
"Like the time when we brought you to Patch." Ruby said smiling, "You used your shadow to hide yourself, Amaryllis and Ripper."
"That is correct."
"Good idea!" Nora cheered happily, eating her fill, "That way, we won't try and steal it!"
Voltaria sighs and shakes her head, "Nora, you know what would happen if we attempted to steal the village's only airship."
Nora thinks for a short while, pursing her lips a bit, giving thought of what would happen if they steal the airship. After some time of thinking, Nora looks at Voltaria with an understanding look, "Angry mob with pitchforks and torches?"
Voltaria nodded her head, "Angry mob with pitchforks and torches." She repeated, already seeing an angry mob chasing after them for stealing the airship.
"And since we don't want that to happen, we have to make sure to pay for the ride." Wade began, taking out what appears to be a bag of gold coins, "This will be enough for us to get a ride to Mistral."
"It was a good thing we helped out Sēnlín Village's Geist problem," Yang said, leaning behind a log, "We have to make sure that these dinos stay hidden from people. Ama and Rippy are getting popular every day because of this video."
Yang took out her scroll to reveal a video of Amaryllis and Ripper fighting off Grimm with the students when Beacon was attacked. It was getting popular every day. Many commented on how amazing these dinos are, mostly children, while some believed they were animatronics.
"Yeesh, I thought it would die down when we're all in hidin'." Wade said with a sigh. "Guess nothin' change."
"No joke, take a look at this." Evo shows his scroll. It shows a picture of Voltaria on a wanted poster. It was written that Voltaria must be brought to Atlas alive and the one who will bring her will receive a hundred thousand Liens. "General Ironwood put a bounty on Voltaria."
"You gotta be kidding me!?" Yang yelled in anger, snatching Evo's scroll. "They put a bounty on her head?!"
"Not the first time I got a bounty on my head." Voltaria said to the group in a neutral tone.
"V, this is serious." Wade said in concern, looking at the picture in the scroll, "I get that you're used to this kind of shit, but seriously. This is Atlas that we're talkin' about, if they put a wanted poster of you, that means every bounty hunter and mercenary will come after ya."
We are very aware of that, Wade. Regina said to Wade casually, Every bounty hunter tried to get to Voltaria multiple times, but not one came close in capturing.
Yeah, and kid's bounty was waaay higher than that. Wraith bragged, only to stop when Regina was frowning at him in annoyance, Er…what I meant was…no matter how hard they tried, we always got the upper hand in saving kid. Wraith said with a grin before letting out a small chuckle, Ah...memories.
"Do I even want to know what you guys do to them?" Jaune asked the entities, wondering what they do to those bounty hunters.
Probably not. The entities said unison, except for Hannibal. The entity was sharing his meal with Flare, watching the little flame entity nibbling on the cookie.
"Either way, I need to keep a low profile." Voltaria said, finishing her meal, "I do not wish for any obstacles that will get in our way of our mission."
She then notices Yang and Ruby slowly leaning forward, eyes sparkling with anticipation, along with the rest of the girls. Voltaria knew that they wish to dress her up if they reach any town that may have wanted posters of her. She didn't want to at first, still...she has to keep her identity a secret. She had no choice but to disguise herself in order to blend in. And because she owes them for going into her to save her life.
"If there's any trouble, you guys can disguise me, but not too girly." Voltaria said in a dead serious tone.
The girls cheered happily, already making plans and a fake name for Voltaria, bickering a bit when they wanted Voltaria to name after their last name. The boys find this amusing. They knew very well that the girls dreamt this day to dress up Voltaria in pretty outfits. The dinosaurs, on the other hand, aren't sure why the females wanted to change Voltaria's appearance. She can just hide just like them. They all finish eating before going to sleep. They all need their energies for tomorrow. However, Levistus keeps watch on the blue raptor. He doesn't trust her fully. The old Spinosaurs would make sure that this blue raptor won't eat anyone in their sleep, especially Jaune. He knew that the blonde male was terrified of this female raptor. In addition, he (even though he doesn't show it) cares for his human and Faunus companions. They were like his pack...his family.
And he would protect them with his life.
Weiss and Marionette reached Jacque's office. Weiss wasn't always comfortable standing near her father's office. To her, it felt like the atmosphere was suffocating her. Marionette offers to knock at the door and open it for her, but Weiss declines and was about to do it when they heard a loud discussion inside the room. The two females looked at each other and decided to listen. Marionette places a hand on the door and uses her telepathy to send the conversation into Weiss's mind, so they won't have to enter. They could hear both Jacques and General Ironwood inside the room, arguing about something.
"I'm not talking about the good of my company; I'm talking about the good of Atlas, our entire Kingdom!" Jacques argued with General Ironwood.
Ironwood was sitting in a chair in front of a bookcase, glaring at Jacques, "That is a load of garbage and you know it."
"He is not wrong." Marionette whispers to Weiss. The Schnee Heir agrees with the puppet entity and continues listening to the conversation.
"I beg your pardon?!" Jacques exclaimed at Ironwood, his words were enraged and stressed.
Ironwood sighs and rubs his temple, "Jacques, will you please, just hear me out"?
Jacques places his glass down on the table roughly. "You are a trusted friend and ally to this family, James, but what you're suggesting is absurd!"
"You are blowing it out of proportion."
Jacques exclaimed, "The council will never agree to it!"
"You forget, I hold two seats on the council." Ironwood reminded Jacques in a dead serious tone.
Jacques glares back at him, "Your Dust embargo has already cost me millions! I can promise you, I have not forgotten!" He exclaimed to the general.
"So this is about you." Ironwood shot back, clearly showing his disliking to the businessman.
"Says the man hunting for a mere child!" Jacques yelled at Ironwood.
His words startled both Weiss and Marionette. They both knew that he was referring to Voltaria. They always knew that Ironwood was still searching for her. You can't blame him for doing so. She was the one that solved Cinder's plan and exposed her to the world. They remember watching the news that because of the revealing of an immortal evil (Salem), and learning that she wanted to destroy the world, the people who wish to live volunteer in the cause. It was a shocking turn of events to say the least. Ozpin and Ironwood must've been busy getting support from the people. However, Ironwood was more focused on finding Voltaria. He believes that she has secret intel that not even Ozpin has. That's why he puts a bounty on her. In hopes that someone is brave or foolish enough to go and track down Voltaria and bring her to Atlas.
"That 'mere child' is someone with great value that could help us in this time of crises." Ironwood interjects Jacques.
The Head Schnee scoffs at him, "The only thing she's good at is controlling the very monsters that wish to destroy us! Stop this absurd nonsense and don't get my daughter involved in the search for that...that...abomination!"
Weiss nearly gasped at his words. How can her father say that after Voltaria saved everyone? She then notices Marionette's personality change. Her eyes turned hollow and her skin turned back into wood. She was turning back into her puppet form, ready to charge in and attack Jacque with full rage for his insolence! How dare he insult her mistress after she sacrifice everything for humanity-
Weiss quickly holds Marionette's hand, surprising the puppet entity in the process. She reverted into her human form and looked at Weiss with a questionable look. The Schnee heiress shook her head, telling her not to lose her temper, or else they will lose their chance of escaping. Marionette nodded her head in understanding. Weiss smiled softly before letting go of her hand, and said to her, "I think we should go in now."
Marionette understands before she turns to the door and knocks at it. The men inside stopped their bickering when they heard the knock. Both Weiss and Marionette heard Jacques ordering them to come in. Marionette opens the door and allows Weiss to enter the room. Marionette closed the door behind them before she stood behind Weiss and bowed respectfully towards the two male adults, although she was thinking of trying to stab them, mostly to Jacque. Ironwood stood up and bows at Weiss kindly and respectfully, "Miss Schnee! My apologies. I should have been gone by now."
Weiss nodded her head in assurance, "It-it's okay."
Ironwood then turns to Jacques, "We'll continue this at another time."
Jacques glares at him, dryly, "Indeed. Mary can show you out." Jacques gestured to Marionette, who was bowing yet silently glaring at him.
Ironwood narrowed his eyes, "Don't worry, I know the way."
"But I insist, General, I need to talk to my daughter privately." Jacques said in a serious tone. "Mary, please show our 'guest' out."
If it weren't for Voltaria's and Weiss's command, Marionette would've annihilated Jacques right here, right now, walls covered in his greedy blood. Yet, she promises Weiss not to lose her temper and not to murder her father. So, grudgingly, she obeyed Jacques command while doing her curtsy. "Yes, Master Schnee."
Pleased by her words, Jacques gestures to her to leave. Out of all the servants, beside Klein, Mary was Jacques favorite because she was the perfect servant in the Schnee Manner. And because he likes being called Master, believing she was trained at a really prestigious maid school. Unaware that she is a puppet entity that wishes to destroy him in his sleep. Weiss steps aside so that Marionette and Ironwood can reach the door. As Marionette opens the door, Ironwood stops briefly before turning and looks at Weiss's father one more time.
"Until next time, Jacques." He said in a cold tone and a firm nod. In response, Jacques solemnly nods back at Ironwood, who turns to Weiss. "Please know, you'll always have a home at Atlas Academy, Miss Schnee. We'll be back in session before you know it."
His words leave Weiss to think. She never intended on going to Atlas Academy and a good reason too. Voltaria contacted her in the Dream Realm a week ago. Warning her that Ironwood would try to convince Weiss to go to Atlas Academy, not just to be a student, as well as getting info about Voltaria's whereabouts and the truth about her. Weiss would never betray Voltaria like that. She did so much for Remnant and there is no way she is going to hand that information to Ironwood.
Weiss watched as Marionette led Ironwood out of the room before closing the door. Weiss mentally sighs and looks back to her father.
"I am pleased to see you haven't forgotten your manners while you were away."
Jacques turns and walks to his desk, which is a few steps up from the chairs and tables where he and Ironwood were just sitting. Behind him was a portrait of a younger black-haired Jacques hanging on the wall behind his desk with one framed picture of his son, Whitely. Showing the fact that he is favorite child, either because he wanted a male heir or because he 'loves' Whitely for being the 'perfect son'. Weiss looks annoyed at the comment but calms down with a sigh.
"Indeed, Father."
As Jacques takes a seat, he begins venting out his frustration about the situation "Can you believe there are still people in the world that blame Atlas for what happened to Beacon? To Vale? Saying absurd things about not helping that much and the Grimm Girl being a true hero? Ridiculous!"
"She is a hero." Weiss thought, clenching her fist in anger at her father's words. He will never accept the fact that thanks to Voltaria, she saved Vale from total chaos. However, she kept her cool and did her best not to snap at her father. "Well, they weren't there. And she wasn't the only one that saved the city." Weiss begins walking across the room to stand before his desk.
Jacques sighs in frustration, "It's a wonder Ironwood wasn't stripped of his rank." Jacques finally sits down, swinging the seat so that his back is to Weiss. "I suppose the council trusts him, for better or worse. I would rather have the 'Grimm Girl' expose him next."
Weiss slightly frowns at him. First, he did not like Voltaria, and now he thinks that she should spy on Ironwood to expose him. He is a very difficult man. But she still needs to keep her cool. "I trust him." Weiss said, trusting Ironwood. Well, only a little bit.
Jacques sighs again and turns toward his daughter, "Thanks to him, Atlas is forbidden from exporting Dust to other Kingdoms. "A precautionary measure", as he puts it, "until we're certain no one is going to declare war"." He said with each quote sarcastically, "How anyone could possibly find that to be sound logic is beyond me."
Weiss blinks at her father, clearly uncomfortable. She isn't sure of what she was going to say, clearly has no idea what her father is thinking. She soon snapped out of it when her father spoke again.
"Which is why the Schnee Dust Company will be holding a charity concert in the coming weeks."
His words cause Weiss to look up at him in surprise. Clearly taken aback by his idea.
"We need to show the people of Remnant that we are on their side. That we are all victims of the chaos that had happened to Beacon. Supporting them for the city's survival."
Weiss was somewhat astounded by this. It was actually a good idea. The people of Vale were able to survive a massive Grimm attack and the city is slowly being rebuilt. They need all the support they could get to rebuild their city again. "That's...wonderful news." Weiss said, supporting the idea.
Jacques was pleased by her words, "I know. And I think it would make a lot of people happy if you performed at the event."
This caught Weiss off guard. She looks at her father with questionable eyes, wondering if she heard him right. "Excuse me?"
"Many forget that you were there. My own daughter, a Schnee, on the grounds, defending another Kingdom! We need to remind them! And we need to show them that the Schnee family is just as strong as ever!" Jacques explained his idea in a dramatic way, much to the discomfort of Weiss.
"...Are you asking me if I'd like to sing, or telling me?" Weiss questions her father, unsure if she's willing to do so.
Jacques simply leans forward from his desk, making a tent with the fingers of his hands as he meaningfully gazes at Weiss, "I think it would make a lot of people happy."
Weiss stared at him for a short while before sighing in defeat, she couldn't say no to him at all, "I'll start practicing." She said in a gloomy tone.
Satisfied by her words, Jacques leans back with a smirk under his mustache, "That's...my girl."
With this agreement, Jacques allowed Weiss to leave, which she gladly did. She never felt safe when she's in her father's office. When Weiss leaves and shuts the door, she turns to find Marionette and Klein were waiting for her while Klein was holding a tray with a warm cup of coffee.
"Hot coffee, Miss Schnee?" Klein offered to Weiss with a kind smile, "Ms. Woods suggested that you needed something to warm up. And I do agree with her. I always find he keeps his study dreadfully cold." He jokes, which earn small smiles from both Weiss and Marionette.
Weiss happily takes the mug off the tray, still smiling gratefully at her butler. He was like a true father figure to this family. He always brings a smile to Weiss's face. He was the sun that warmed and cheered Weiss up when she was feeling down, and has been Weiss's only friend since childhood. That is why Marionette respects Klein so much; he was the kindest human she has ever met. That is why she is very protective of him. She will not allow any negative entities to harm him.
"Thank you, Klein, Mary." Weiss thanks both of them kindly.
Klein smiles at her warmly before preparing his next act, "You know what I think?" Both Weiss and Marionette watch as Klein lifts the tray to cover his face before dropping it dramatically. He leans forward toward Weiss making a less-than-formal face, his brown eyes having turned red, as he spoke in an accent with a gruff voice, "I think it's to balance out all his hot air."
His words surprises the Schnee heiress as her eyes widen in delight but quickly turns and looks over her shoulder at the closed office door. She hopes that her father didn't hear Klein. She didn't want her favorite butler to get in trouble. Luckily for her, the door was closed and her father didn't hear a thing, much to her and Marionette's joy. Weiss turns back to Klein with a giggle.
"Klein!" Weiss spoke between giggles.
Marionette covers her mouth with her hand, giggling in amusement at Klein's childish manner. His positive attitude is very refreshing and brings great joy. The trio giggle together before Klein fakes a sneeze, and his eyes turn blue while his voice changes into a high-pitched accent, "Uh, apologies, madam."
Klein pretends to sneeze again. Weiss giggles merrily, hiding her smile behind her hand. Klein wiggles his mustache and looks up with his eyes turning yellow. Marionette knew very well that Klein was using his Semblance; it was quite amusing for her and Weiss.
Klein smiles as his eyes turn back to normal, "Ah, there's my happy little snowflake."
Weiss breathes a sigh that releases some weight off her shoulders, and she gives the butler a genuine grin. "Thank you, Klein."
Klein chuckles, "Happy to help, Ms. Schnee."
Weiss can always count on Klein to cheer her up. Although she felt a little guilty that she will one day leave the manor. It was hard for her to keep a secret from her trusted friend/butler. But she needs to help her friends stop another attack that will come in Haven Academy. Marionette and Chariot already planned the escape and the day they will leave, she has to stay a little longer in order to achieve it.
"Mary, please assist me in my practice, I need to prepare for the charity concert I will be performing within this coming weeks."
Marionette bowed her head at Weiss respectfully, "Yes, Mistress."
"Excuse us, Klein." Weiss said to her butler kindly.
Klein simply bowed with a smile as Weiss and Marionette left him be, heading towards the music room. Weiss got a lot of practice for this event because she didn't have a choice. Although, it would be a good chance to help the people in Val to require the materials that they need to rebuild the city. As well as keeping her mind off her father.
Sensing her worries, Marionette decided to assure her that the plan was in motion, "Do not threaten, Mistress Weiss, we have prepared everything for your leave."
Weiss sighs in somewhat relief. She likes the idea of leaving home again. She didn't feel like she belonged here, and furthermore, her friends needed her help in Haven Academy soon. They need all the help they could get when facing Salem's subordinates. Moreover, they are also dinosaurs roaming some parts of Remnant. Voltaria said during the Dream Realm visit that a Spinosaurus named Levistus washed up on the shore of Patch, which means other dinosaurs (or prehistoric animals) could be some parts of Remnant's continents. Weiss knew that she might encounter one if she, Marionette, and Chariot left Atlas. It would be difficult to say at least, but she has Marionette and Chariot by her side. They'll help her on the journey.
And they'll make sure that she and her friends will succeed in stopping the great evil that threatens Remnant.
Okay, before anyone asks, no I didn't add Beta (Blue's raptor hatchling) to the story yet. Also, Pellucidar came from the series Tarzan, a hollow earth where dinosaurs were hidden beneath the ground.
The next part will come soon. I just need some time for inspiration. But if you guys have some ideas, please leave it in the comments.