Chapter 28: I'll Be Here For You.
Erick, along with Weiss, made their way down the Schnee manor hallway towards Jacques' meeting office. Erick had to give credit where it was due, despite the large nature of the manor, it seemed easy to find your way around. Probably helped by the fact that most rooms were labeled with what they were.
"So…you do business meetings and stuff here?" Erick questioned. "You don't have like…and office building and shit here in Atlas?"
"Not really…" Weiss replied. The genius had noted his soon-to-be wife had felt rather tense since Klein called them to meet her dad. "Atlas, the city, as you noted when father flew us in, is separated into two. Our area, the actual city of Atlas, floats above the city using a large amount of Gravity Dust. It's like a higher income area. This is where all the political discourse and discussions take place. The lower city, Mantle, is more for the working citizens. We have tubes and stuff in warehouses that serve as transportation, but the SDC jobs make up a lot of the city."
"As one would think of a monopoly." Erick said to himself.
As the two got closer to the office, they could hear distant, muffled shouts.
"I'm not talking about the good of my company, I'm talking about the good of Atlas."
"That's the biggest load of bullshit I have ever heard in my life, and you know it."
The two looked at each other as Weiss pushed open the door, and they found Jacques and Ironwood in a heated discussion. Erick noted that the general's usual monotone attitude was replaced with a sharp glare as the two sat across from each other.
"Jacques, you need to just hear me out." Ironwood said, calmly.
Jacques simply interrupted the general by slamming a glass on the table, in a firm way, but just soft enough so it wouldn't shatter.
"You may be a trusted friend to this family, James. But what you are proposing is simply absurd. The council you have would never allow for such a thing."
The general simply stood up, and Erick had to admit, the general certainly did tower over Weiss' father with a good fraction.
"You forget, as the general of the Atlas military, AND the headmaster of Atlas academy, I hold two seats on the council. Even if you bribed Councilmen Sleet and Council lady Camila like you've been doing since you took over the SDC, I ultimately will not be allowing it to pass through. With the communication's tower in Vale destroyed, and Ozpin dead, we need to ensure that both Atlas, and Mantle, and safe and secure. The borders will remain closed until further notice. Theodore and Lionheart both agree it's for the better that our cities isolate and deal with the aftermath until this madness settles down."
"Your stupid policies have caused an embargo on dust shipments. It's costing the company millions. May I remind you WHO makes up the majority of the revenue in our kingdom? And WHO supplies your silly funding for projects."
"If that's the case, then perhaps it'd be best for you to postpone your company's arranged marriage and PR party." Ironwood simply looked bored with Weiss' father. "But I know you, that'll never happen." The general's eyes spotted him and Weiss looking at the two.
"And don't forget who's allowing you to even get away with such a thing." The general replied, Erick noted the rather uncharacteristic smirk. "Oz wanted those children's lives to be privatized, and Atlas's marriage laws may have allowed you to bring Erick here. However, you still needed my approval for this to have happened. So, if I were you, I'd shut my mouth."
The general then turned and walked towards Weiss and Erick, the man gave them a firm nod before leaving.
"Such an annoyance, I can't wait for that upcoming election for that 5th council seat." Jacques grumbled as the two teens turned to face him. The man simply folded his arms as he gave both of them a judgmental look, Erick noted Weiss' heel scrape back a bit.
Jacques simply looked between them before folding his arms, Erick noted the man focused more on him than he did his own daughter.
"Once again, Weiss, I must thank you for your impending talent of a true Schnee. I was concerned after your failure to not only become your team's leader at Beacon, being shown up by a two year grade-skipper no less. But also the inability to establish a connection with Miss Nickos meant that me throwing all that money for you to study abroad would go to waste. I'd count yourself lucky that this fine gentleman and his…interesting…friends showed up." Erick did not fail to catch the man's hesitance between trying to figure out what to call Moon, Sarah, and Sapphire.
"I'm also glad to see that you also pinned down the one least likely to cause a liability for us. Having reviewed footage from your embarrassing teammate's battle against you, it's safe to assume that the leader and girl that the public is most interested in feel like ticking time bombs, and the blue haired boy doesn't look as professional as this one here does. Less work for us to clean him up before the party."
"You talk like my…family…" Erick grunted. "Are nothing more than caged animals for you to prop up in some money-making scheme. I'm only here because I love Weiss, I could've just as easily turned away."
The man's white mustache quivered a little as Erick felt Weiss place a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm shocked honestly," Jacques replied. "When Weiss told me your name, I was certain you were connected to one of Ironwood's personal scientists who helped work on project Penny. You even share Dr. Andonut's mannerisms. Yet, when I questioned him about a son, he told me he never had one."
Erick felt a bit of sweat develop on his forehead as he caught Weiss' rather confused face.
"Regardless of your familial status," Jacques continued, after a moment. "You are now on the path to marrying into the Schnee family, as I'm sure my daughter has made you aware, we are essentially the controlers over the Dust here in Remnant, we supply all of the Dust around the world for the people here."
"Just cut the crap…" Erick groaned. "I've heard enough about the Schnee legacy and all that, what not…you know the history of your family's legacy is publicly available right?!"
Jacques formed a weird smile, Erick had to admit, the man couldn't smile without looking creepy. Like one of those weird clickbait thumbnails. He felt Weiss tense a bit as her father finally acknowledged her presence in the office.
"You've done well with your choice of husband." The man said in a tone that sounded like he was trying to be sincere. (Though, her father's naturally punchable looking face made Erick think otherwise). "Not only is he part of a PR machine sweeping over Remnant, but you picked the most well-mannered, willing to learn one. Just like your grandfather said to me when I married your mother. He'd make a great heir to the company if something happened to you!"
"How lovely," Weiss replied, Erick could sense her sarcasm. "Now, why did you insist on opening our manor up to the party before you arrange us to marry."
"Well, isn't it obvious, Weiss?" Jacques replied smugly. "Your husband and his friends are the biggest thing on Remnant right now. People have been foaming at the mouths since that bratty headmaster of yours declared they'd be privatized. And with the company struggling from the closed borders embargo, we kind of need the income. So, why not open up a prewedding charity event for us."
"Somehow…I highly doubt that." Erick shook his head. "You're turning our wedding into a charity event…for the company? Yet my family isn't allowed to come?"
"You can thank General Ironwood for that." Jacques replied, crudely adjusting his clip-on tie. "I know you've got the least to say, and likely won't say much to the interviewers and press. Honestly, I debated even coming to get you and Weiss after that. The media would be much more interested in your two ticking time bomb friends and the blue-haired knight."
Erick felt his eye twitch as Dark Erick cackled a little in his head.
"Then why even bother?" He grunted, ignoring Weiss' warning look. "Sounds to me like you couldn't give a shit if Weiss and I died. You only seem interested in using my friends…no...my family…as puppets for your own business endeavors."
Jacques merely raised an eyebrow at him before promptly responding.
"The people of Remnant need to know that the SDC is on their side. That we absolutely care that the fine people of other cultures can't be buying our dust, which is essential for their survival."
"Which…you're doing by having people pay for a charity event that also happens to double as our wedding." Erick muttered. "Surely there are more…appropriately convincing forms of propaganda you could use instead."
"I…I have to agree with him…father." Weiss replied. "After all the relentless propaganda that the White Fang has put on us…I don't think as many people will be willing to just…donate money to us just to keep the company. Even if they have the opportunity to talk with Erick."
Jacques' white eyebrows furrowed, Erick heard Weiss' breath hitch as her father stood up, in response, he simply pushed her back a little, mimicking what he'd seen Moon do with Sarah.
Jacques clearly took notice of his quick movement. "Well then…Weiss, if you and your boyfriend aren't as concerned about the fact that if the SDC were to go bankrupt, Remnant's entire dust system would collapse, leaving millions in all Kingdoms without dust to help defend against Grimm…Then I suppose I can always just retract my generous donation to relief funding in Vale to help them rebuild after that catastrophic event at your school. That money could help keep us afloat until you brats change your minds."
Erick chanced a glance at Weiss, who looked both scared and shocked by the words coming out of her father's mouth. When he looked back at Jacques, he could see it all in the man's face. He may not have had Moon's ability to read minds. But with a man with a face as punchable as this, he didn't really need to call the man's bluff.
"He's lying and you know it…" Dark Erick hissed, as Erick felt his forehead prickle. "He hasn't given a single bit of cash to any relief fund in Vale. Call his bluff! You can't honestly tell me you're dumb enough to believe this fucker."
"If you've already donated…it can't be retracted." Erick replied, "I think you mean to say that you pledged a donation, which you are now threatening over our heads, if that is the case, I assume you wouldn't mind showing us how much you've pledged."
"Erick what are you-?!" He shot Weiss a small look that quieted her down as they looked back at Jacques. Weiss' father looked absolutely annoyed at his response.
"Well…I um…" The Schnee father said Erick could sense some hesitancy. "Technically I was-"
"No…no I don't think you did." Erick replied, narrowing his hazel brown eyes. "I think you're holding an empty threat over our heads. After all, wouldn't you have wanted to say that you needed the money after your generous donation in advertisements? Or maybe…I don't know? Announced your donation at that press conference you held?"
At this point, he could tell he had already won this argument, Jacques looked absolutely enraged, while Weiss looked stunned at his bravery.
"I'll make that donation, then." The Schnee CEO grumbled. "If you two behave yourselves during our-"
"You're in no position to argue for a deal." Erick replied flatly. "Make that donation right now, in front of both of us, and we can stop this nonsense. I expect a very generous donation, the highest donation so far as a matter of fact."
Jacques glared at him with those ice blue eyes, as his white mustache quivered. Before he reluctantly grumbled something, pulling out his scroll. Erick and Weiss both watched it ding for a bit, before a satisfying screen image of Glynda pulled up.
"Ah? Mr. Schnee!" Glynda said, Erick could easily tell she was less than pleased. "To what do I owe your call?"
"Oh, not much." Jacques replied, Erick could tell the man was doing his best to maintain composure. "I was…just talking to my daughter, and she informed me of your relief funds for rebuilding your kingdom's infrastructure. I was wondering how the donations are going."
Glynda's eyes narrowed through the holographic screen. "It's going fine. We've honestly already gotten close enough to our goals in order to finish. Adam Taurus of the White Fang was kind enough to donate 2 million Lien."
There was a small amount of satisfaction Erick felt seeing the annoyance Jacques had with hearing that. Because not only was he going to have to go much higher to satisfy him and Weiss, but he'd also be sending the relief fund way over its goal.
"Ah…ahem…" Jacques replied, falsely adjusting his clip-on tie. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have some more…I'll be wiring 3 million Lien to the fund."
Professor Goodwitch's eyes narrowed some more. "Very well then…I assume you won't be using instant transfer since your accountants will throw a fit."
"Instant transfer means that they take the money out now." Weiss whispered to Erick. "It means he can't cancel the funds and has to go tell our accountants ASAP."
Jacques looked over at Erick, who simply shook his head, making the man more furious.
"No, I will be using Instant Transfer." He replied to Glynda. "Ironwood's been a bit of a pain about monetary value going in and out, so the faster, the better."
Now Glynda actually looked quite surprised. "Alright then, and…just to make sure…you'll be wanting this donation made known to the public? It'll be known that you donated more than the White Fang, and you can use it as a tax write off…" The man looked over at Erick, who decided to let Weiss make the decision. In response, Weiss took her cue and just shook her head.
Both of them smiled just a little watching her father's free hand out of Glynda's view ball into a fist. Giving Erick a full view of an amethyst SDC ring.
"No…private." Jacques replied, when Glynda gave him a suspicious look, the man nervously adjusted his tie and said. "I don't want those filthy little terrorists thinking I only donated just to make the Faunus look bad. I'll find other things to write off."
"Well then, thank you very much for your…consideration." Glynda replied. "I suppose that, in exchange, I could refund the transcripts you paid for Weiss to come here to Beacon…I assume she'll be transferring to Atlas in order to complete her training."
Once again, both Erick and Weiss shook their heads, and this time, Jacques actually slammed his fist on the table.
"No, keep the funding transfers I used for Weiss' tuition. After all, Beacon's fees were basically nothing to me."
"Very well then, we've received your fundings, thanks to having your bank information from when we previously took for Weiss' transcripts. Thank you again." The screen then closed, and Jacques looked at both teenagers, his face having gone from white to boiling red.
"Satisfied?" The man asked irritably.
"Kind of," Erick replied. "I must say, very generous of Glynda to not believe you had some ulterior motive, nice of you think of the Faunus like that." Weiss fought down a giggle.
Jacques' mustache quivered, and while his face remained red, Erick could very well sense he was trying to maintain some composure. "Very well then, I have a few important calls to make, in regard to your pre-wedding party, and our charity event…as well as our accountants." Without saying another word, the man got up and left the two of them in the office lounge.
Once her father had left, Weiss turned back to the genius. Though the ice queen looked very satisfied, he could also sense a bit of concern in her body language.
"How…how did you know he was lying?" she asked. "I…I know it's in your team's nature to not be very trusting…but…my father has used threats like this before over me and Winter to get us to behave."
"While I can't say for certain your dad has always been making empty threats that he's never followed up on." Erick started. "I figured it was worth a shot to try and call his bluff. Moon and Sapphire have both taught me a thing or two about negotiations, so, even if he wasn't bluffing to us, I figured we could weasel him out of some money for that charity instantly, and worst-case scenario, you and I would've had to do something for him. After all, your father didn't strike me as someone who would've already made a donation."
The ice queen giggled again as her face blushed. "It was very sweet of you to be prepared for the event he tried to strike me…I know I've told you that I…" Erick waited as she seemed to struggle to be able to open up more about her own past.
"It's okay, really," he replied. "I can't say I really understand what you and Winter must've had to go through after your mother passed…but…as long as I'm here…you shouldn't have to worry."
"Lord Adam…" Adam sighed in annoyance as he put his mask on. Before turning to a female chameleon faunus with red hair and dark skin.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Illia, do not refer to me as lord. I am simply, just Adam."
"Right, sorry…" The chameleon faunus blushed. "Um…I know you were just about to give an Interview with the press. But um…someone here wants to speak with you, a human."
From behind the mask, the red-haired bull Faunus had an eyebrow raised. "Send him in then."
Illia nodded as she mentioned, Adam was greeted by the 6'4 Hazel walking into the room he was in.
"Ah…" Adam grunted. "Illia, would you excuse us?" The chameleon faunus nodded and left the two men in the room together.
"She sent you; I presume?"
"Indeed." Hazel grunted. "The mistress thanks you, and the White Fang, for your loyalty during the Attack on Beacon."
Adam scoffed as he crossed his arms. "What loyalty are you talking about? All you really did was tell me about your plan and ask that I remain silent, since it would better the reputation of not only the White Fang, but the Faunus as a whole. The only thing I've done is provide you with some agents to help your mistress' subordinates in…whatever your plan is."
"Well…for that…she is quite grateful…she's come to ask for your help again. This time, at Haven academy."
Adam simply tilted his head. "Last time we helped you, it was in exchange for inside information to the SDC, and even then, I should be grateful for all the effort my Faunus brethren and I have put in to improve our reputation after we turned that psychopathic scorpion into the Atlesian authorities. Because you didn't inform me that it was part of the plan for you all to kill Ozpin. As critical as I may have been to him, he's still been the best leader for Faunus equality policies we've had in decades. More importantly, he was willing to talk with us."
He watched as Hazel's eyes flared as he said Ozpin's name. "Not to mention," Adam continued. "Haven's academy, and the kingdom's leader, Leonardo Lionheart, is a Faunus himself. The only reason Faunus Equality isn't good there is because both Ozpin and Ironwood put him in charge when the previous leader's council was against the idea. They still block all attempts he's made at reforming."
There was a brief pause, making the bull faunus question if Hazel, much like Cinder, wasn't too keen on answering questions as the messenger for this mysterious mistress they referred to.
"Assuming things go according to plan, there should be no need for us to deal with Lionheart the same way we dealt with Ozpin." Hazel replied. "I will bring your concerns up to the mistress if you are that concerned."
Adam simply grunted. "You better. Don't expect the White Fang to be doing any more elaborately suspicious shit this time. Unlike with Vale, Lionheart doesn't have as much control over the press. And I REALLY do not like having to publicly out and turn over my own people who step out of line."
"It's nothing like that…" Hazel replied. "The mistress just wants you to do a bit of field work for her. Let's just say…there's another group of people we'd like you and your men to locate for us."
"Who are they?" Adam asked. "And, more importantly, why does your mistress need me and my men to locate them?"
Hazel handed him a picture of a woman, she looked irritatingly similar to that blonde bitch who's arm he'd sliced off. Only, with red eyes and black hair.
"Her name's Raven Branwen." Hazel continued. "She leads a nomadic group of bandits who live out in The Uninhabitables. The mistress was informed that her tribe has something of value we might be interested in."
"I see…" Adam replied. "I assume you want us to do this because members of the White Fang are more versed in traveling through The Uninhabitables."
"Correct." Hazel replied. "The mistress just wants you to locate them. Do not interact with them. They tend to move locations in the rare instance of an outsider traveling through The Uninhabitable that the Grimm haven't stumbled across. Think you can do it?"
Adam shrugged as he turned away. "I could…but I've currently got my people looking at other things…when they get done, I'll begin your little hunt."
"The Schnee heiress and her new fiancé, I assume?" Adam froze. "We're well aware that's what you were going to give your thoughts on today. The Schnee heiress' fiancé is of somewhat importance to our mistress as well. So, I'd advise you to put your plans on them to a stop."
Controlling the urge to whip out his blade and cut the man down where he stood. Adam simply turned his head. "Every member of the White Fang, every Faunus that walks this earth, and even a collective half of humans here in Remnant, want those monopolizing, abusive, prissy rich assholes exterminated from the face of Remnant. We may not make those thoughts public, but it's very, very common knowledge. It'll be hard to convince my people to put that urge to rest. The only reason I've not tried is because I'm aware that only a very small few would feel bad that they're all dead."
"Believe me, we're well aware." Hazel grunted. "However, the boy who is marrying the heiress is an asset to our mistress. If our plan is successful, you'll be rid of the Schnees with Jacques."
"And the heiress?" Adam asked.
"She won't be a problem, just get your people to leave her alive in the event they capture her."
Though he knew Hazel couldn't see his narrowing eyes. He eventually just nodded his head.
"I'll try and convince them then." The bull Faunus said. "Just don't let your mistress get pissed that they probably won't follow it if they happen to encounter the heiress. Based on the information given to me about her and Jacques' relationship. Her and her Fiancé won't be in that manor for long."
"So, Mr. Taurus, I'm sure you're very much aware of the recent announcement of the marriage between Weiss Schnee and Erick."
Blake grumbled as she watched the Television. She was grateful Ruby's father was kind enough to let her stay here while she figured out what she was going to do with herself. Yang hadn't left her bedroom since they had argued the day after Ruby left. And, based on what she heard when Taiyang was there, it was probably better she didn't try to talk at the moment.
Qrow had suddenly left all of a sudden as well, so she hadn't done much in terms of talking to anyone. She had learned very quickly that Yang and Ruby's father was very much not like his daughters in terms of talking.
"Yes, it's been impossible to ignore." Adam replied to the reporter. "Of course, I don't think anyone is surprised to learn that a Schnee wouldn't choose a Faunus. With that being said, I was quite taken aback by the announcement."
Silently, she had to thank herself that she never gave an interview with Adam back when she was a part of the White Fang. Though she disagreed with his way of running things, she had to compliment how smooth he could be with press.
"How so? I'm certain you must've been aware of collusion going on through social media."
"Oh? No doubt there was suspected collusion, it's about the same as when Willow chose Jacques. However, I may not be able to speak to the current heiress. I most certainly can speak and say the press should be cautious with such a relationship. I suspect there might be some ulterior motive by Mr. Schnee."
Blake felt her eyebrows raise as her cat ears twitched. Obviously, she had the knowledge that Adam was at Beacon to try and kill Weiss, and, while it was pretty common knowledge that most of Remnant wouldn't care if the Schnee family was killed, nobody would ever dare say it on television.
Adam was a lot of things; she had admitted to seeing a lot of him in Yang. But one thing Blake knew for certain, was he was not a liar. Weiss had told her that Erick's darkside did try to convince her to let him kill her former colleague. However, she doubted heavily that Adam had changed his tune on a Schnee just like that. Namely because the argument Weiss had used made it sound like she wouldn't be against the idea.
"Oh? I must admit, it is very unlike you to not want to comment on the future of the SDC due to your past experiences with the company, especially its treatment of the Faunus."
"That is true, however, since the heiress is only a couple years younger than me, Beacon's falling made me realize that it would be very hypocritical of me to just assume that the next heiress, Weiss Schnee, and her soon to be Fiancé would be like every Schnee before them. I should know firsthand based on the assumptions everyone else made about me when I assumed control of the white fang after Tyrian after all. For how much I, and anyone else may have against Jacques and the current running of the SDC. It would be extremely unfair for anyone to cast judgement that the heiress will be anything like her father, regardless of what history has shown."
Blake could see the reporter, Lisa Lavender. Was looking at Adam rather suspiciously, which was a rather rare sight from reporters. Adam had a particularly good way of speaking that made reporters less skeptical of him.
"Now, suffice to say, the SDC is still full of corruption." Adam replied flatly. Seeing the reporter's look. "There is a reason why many non-Faunus have come to support our rallying to limit the company's monopolization of power and greed. With dust being so vital to Remnant's survival, it comes as no surprise that people feel very little sympathy when something goes terribly wrong for the company, such as looting. While the law is the law at the end of the day, a family as wealthy, and equally as hated as the Schnees will always get little sympathy from the public. It's much easier to hate those who have what you don't, rather than evaluate your own shortcomings."
He wasn't necessarily wrong, while Weiss may have been unaware of the behind the backs talk at Beacon. She had most certainly heard from many, both Faunus and non-Faunus, that her family wouldn't be missed. Sickening to think some older students even wished for it. Never for her, Ruby, or even Yang. But only wishing death for Weiss.
"So, by your logic, you think this little event is all a publicity stunt for Jacques, not for Weiss?"
"How could it not?" Adam replied. "I don't mean to put on a tinfoil hat, but it's very obvious that Jacques will do anything for money and PR. Forcing her into an arranged marriage with a member of those strange kids from Beacon seems right up his alley if you ask me. Especially after that incident with the heiress' teammate and that bo-" Blake grunted in frustration and shut off the television.
Light footsteps alerted Blake as she moved her head. She saw Yang finally outside of her room for the first time. Ruby's golden-haired sister locked eyes with her for a moment.
"Oh?...You uh…You're still here?" Yang asked.
Blake just nodded. "It's not like I really have anywhere else to go."
Yang bit down on her lip as she looked at her Faunus teammate. In hindsight, that was kind of a stupid question for her to ask. Though she did not know much about Blake, she did remember Blake telling her she was basically born into the White Fang. She had no clue who her parents were, and the Faunus Island of Menagerie, was not exactly the best place for an orphan. Especially at Blake's age. Actually, now that she was thinking about it, Menagerie was a seriously fucked up name for an island of people with animal like traits. Though, maybe now wasn't the best time to bring that up.
"Listen, Yang…" Her lilac eyes blinked as Blake continued. "I know that what I said…about Adam…and what he did seems mean spirited…"
"I uh…I understand." Yang replied sheepishly, Blake recoiled just slightly. "You did say you knew Adam's code better than anyone…and…in all honesty…you were right. Up until after he cut my arm, all he was doing was taunting us for assuming he had an ulterior motive. We might've both been right that he did…but up until he told us…he was innocent…"
She watched her teammates' cat ears fold down a little. "But…your arm…and…"
"Blake…it's okay…" she replied. "At the end of the day…you did save my life by appealing to someone enough to break their own code, which you did putting yourself at risk too."
"Oh…" She looked at Blake's embarrassed face. "I um…I'm glad you understand…so…you're okay with keeping quiet."
Yang struggled for a second as she locked with Blake's yellow eyes. "Truthfully…no." She replied. "But…for both our sakes…I will."
She could sense her Faunus teammate was still uncomfortable, though somewhat relieved by her response. So, she decided to try and switch the topic.
"So, uh…what were you watching?" She asked.
"Oh?" Blake seemed to hesitate. "Nothing really important…it was…just Adam giving his thoughts about Weiss' arranged marriage."
Though annoyed by the idea that Blake was still interested in what the bull-faced lying Faunus had to say after what happened. She decided to just take a deep breath and play ball.
"So…Adam said the two of you were never romantically involved…and…he did not seem particularly bothered with you abandoning the White Fang either. Even though the two of you sounded quite close since you helped him make reforms. What…what is the relationship between the two of you?"
Blake simply rubbed her shoulder. "Well…I was born and raised in the White Fang, as you know." She said quietly. "I uh…I never knew who my parents were. But I was told they were killed by a civil war in between two factions before Tyrian Callows emerged as the leader."
Yang simply nodded her head, just to show she was listening.
"I met Adam when I was around 13, he was only a couple years older than me. He was actually brought to the White Fang personally. He was a former child faunus servant in the dust mines in Atlas. He was brought to the White Fang after taking the blame for a large mining accident that cost the company billions. I think Tyrian thought he'd be more willing to set an example for the justification of exterminating the human race. However, that didn't exactly pan out."
"So that's when you decided to form a coup against him?" Yang asked.
"It took much longer than that…" Blake replied sheepishly. "But Adam did become particularly popular with more Faunus, and thanks to that, we were all able to finally get rid of Tyrian, however, the White Fang still struggled in a power vacuum to determine where we should go."
"I see…"
"Tyrian, while completely insane. Had done a good job building the White Fang as a terrifying terrorist organization for well over ten years at that point." Blake continued. "Some members of the White Fang thought it'd be best if we kept Tyrian's methods. Others thought it would be better to just retire the White Fang name and reform a different organization, one more peaceful, and willing to negotiate."
"But Adam had something different?" Yang asked.
"Correct…Adam thought it would be better to try a different idea." Blake replied. "He said it would be detrimental to try peaceful protesting unarmed. Tyrian may have been gone, but the public opinion most certainly was not. So, Adam proposed a different idea, it took a long time, but he was finally able to secure an interview about the future of the White Fang. Where he made it public knowledge. From that moment, he swore there would be no more terrorist attacks on humans. The White Fang would hereby be committed to equal rights protests and the demonopolization of the SDC. However, he did speak with warning that, from here on out, the White Fang would be armed at any protests they did. If violence were to occur, they would not hesitate to kill in self-defense. However, they would be more than willing to cooperate with authorities to ensure it was self-defense, not premeditated murder."
Yang just tilted her head. "That…that sounds hard to believe."
"Believe me, it was for many others too." Blake replied, "What Adam really needed was for someone to step out of line so he could show the people he was a man of his word. So, when the time happened, he did publicly declare and out the person who did. After a while…it became accepted by the masses that Adam didn't just pick and choose which Faunus to defend. It was treated like an actual group of people who wanted progress…compared to a cult of genocidal maniacs."
"So…what caused you to leave then?" Yang asked. "I mean…from what you've told me. It sounds like the only actual murder that Adam wants is…Weiss and her family…which, we all know, is something most people here would probably celebrate, even if it is wrong."
"I just…didn't think what we were doing was right." Blake replied. "It was clearly working, our reputation to the public was vastly improved, the Faunus and regular citizens love Adam's policies. Even Ozpin, while not a fan of the openness that the White Fang will still kill, was still impressed by Adam's open mindedness, and willingness to accept when someone stepped out of line. As he said, the law is still the law. Just find the loophole."
Yang just nodded her head. "Don't you um…don't you think that-"
"We should warn Weiss?" Blake finished. "She already knows, I'd be surprised if Jacques didn't already know the White Fang wants them dead. And they could absolutely make a statement to the police. But realistically…who's going to believe them? And with how much abuse the Schnees have done to the Faunus, and the fact that Adam is a former child employee, both of them are in a lock. They expose Adam, he's absolutely going to sink their reputation to the bottom."
"But what stops Adam from exposing…" Yang thought about it for a moment before stopping. In retrospect, that was an obvious answer. If Adam tried to expose them, it was almost guaranteed Weiss, or her dad, wouldn't go down without a fight. And with Dust being so important to Remnant's survival…the Schnee's could absolutely destroy the entire economy if they wanted.
"So…what about all those attacks Weiss talks about on SDC shipping supplies."
"Those happen all the time, not just from the White Fang." Blake crossed her arms.
"So, um…" Yang rubbed the back of her head. "Have you uh…figured out what you want to do?"
Blake's cat ears folded. "No…not really." She replied quietly. "After I left the White Fang, I went to Beacon in the hopes Ozpin would be willing to let me in. Which he was, but without a huntsman license, there is not much I can do…I suppose Ironwood might be willing to give me an education too…but…Atlas…what about you Yang?"
The golden-haired girl blinked for a moment before Blake's face went red in realization.
"S-Sorry…I completely forgot about your arm…"
Yang just glanced at the bandaged nub where her right arm used to be. Much like the rest of the hunters who came before her. There was not much she could do. Being a hunter had been her dream since she was young, much like Ruby…and now…that dream is gone.
Blake just looked down, a little bit embarrassed by her comment. "I…I know it's not my fault that you lost your arm…but…if you ever need anything. I'll be more than willing to help you. So, I can stay here as long as you need."
Yang just nodded silently. She was appreciative that Blake was willing to stay here with her. And she had no doubt that the girl wouldn't leave unless she specifically asked. And frankly…something told her that a bit of help in areas her dad wasn't good in, wouldn't be too bad. Especially since she knew Blake had nowhere else to go.
Before she could say anything in response, the two were stopped as they heard a knock on Taiyang's door.
Another month, another chapter. As per the usual, a lot to go over, so let's take a peek at what I've got here.
Starting things off, Erick, Jacques, and Weiss. I know some people will criticize the decision for him to be holding the threat of money going to charity being reversed a little by having Erick outsmart his ass. However, since I altered the context of the charity event, which a couple of you drew a bit of criticism too, I figured I'd throw you a bone and still have him donate to Vale. Just unwillingly.
I have gotten criticism for Erick early on into the story, one that I'm thankful a lot of you were open about. With a handful of readers thinking that he was only here to pad out enough so I could meet RWBY's rule of four team. One person even commented saying that, the prospect of him also being a weaponized creation of Salem should've had more impact. As a few people noted that it felt like Sapphire was contributing more despite having no connection Salem other than just coming along with them.
I took the criticism a lot of you had with Erick's character to heart and went back through how I had written him in my first story, as well as what he had done up until I course corrected to see what I could try and experiment with. This was around the chapter Moon and Weiss went looking for Sarah.
Now, unlike some writers, I am more than willing to be transparent when I tell you that I don't exactly have a structured plan and am prone to changing things on the fly. The only thing I really have set in stone is the ending, which could be changed assuming how RWBY itself actually ends.
Erick and Weiss' relationship with the HeartBound was not something I had planned. Matter-of-factly, even when I started to give Erick and his Darkside more attention, getting him and Weiss into a relationship wasn't actually the final plan. The thing that sold me on putting them together was actually a few commentors say that the body language I had Weiss use during the conversation with him before Ironwood's arrival thinking they'd be a good fit for each other. I agreed with that thinking about the future of my story.
I did have to change a couple of arcs around to fit the new development of Erick's relationship with the story I wanted to tell with Weiss, her father, the SDC, and Adam. And the person who ended up taking the stray bullet was Blake. As I said two chapters ago, I really ended up putting Blake in a corner, I knew I wanted to toss out her relationship past with Adam, but without Yang...I couldn't really come up with anything for her, so what I'm doing with Yang and Blake in volume 4 is purely going to be me throwing something at the wall now that I've weaseled Adam out of both of them.
Now, contrary to the very annoying beliefs that some people have. Another reason why I didn't want to include any canon shipping, even if Blake and Yang ended up together, was simply just to keep my options open. While I may have my criticisms and annoyance with how CRWBY wrote Blake and Yang into becoming a canon couple, I would be lying to say that their fan impact hasn't led to people writing talented stories of them getting together using the source material RWBY provided.
I say this because I want to reiterate to you all. While I likely won't have Blake and Yang end up together as a couple at the end of this story. It has nothing to do with my disliking for the fact they most likely will in canon. I just do not want to get anyone's hopes up that I might actually try to work Bumblebee into a canon part of my story. At the moment, I still don't think I have the maturity to try and handle an LGBTQ+ relationship, and I'd rather not annoy readers by regurgitating the same story you watch already with no changes. So, for my story's sake, they're just good friends.
Oh yeah, someone asked me why I changed the in-between kingdoms to a land basically called "The Uninhabitables." I mainly did it because I still take issue with the fact that anyone is supposed to be capable living outside of walled cities of the Kingdom's or on an island. If Grimm were more threatening, RWBY would be more like the Attack on Titan universe (I believe that's the anime where people are just tightly packed together in cities to protect from titan creatures).
Regardless though, Moon, Sarah, Sapphire, and Ruby still need to get to Haven Academy and then to the Atlas colony of Argus for the plot to happen. And Raven still needs to come into this story for more of the plot, I decided to try and explain that with Hazel. It's possible to survive in the uninhabitables to travel between the Kingdoms. But you'd need to be very talented and have good survival skills. And since I've established that the Grimm don't really sense Team MESS for reason's I'll explain later, you all can just assume that they're the reason you won't be seeing Grimm during the Moon, Sarah, Ruby, and Sapphire segments when I get around to them in the next chapter. Because I never liked the canon reason why RNJR didn't encounter many either.
Also, because Faunus racism has been more or less dropped from RWBY altogether, I'd like to take now to point out that naming an island of what was supposed to be a "Faunus Paradise," a place soley for people with animal traits attached to them, Menagerie, which, if you don't know, means "A collection of savage animals." is probably the most fucked up thing I have ever seen. I would understand the decision if it was like...a way racist humans used it, while the Faunus called it something else...but nope...even they call it that.
Got a lot more in store for ya'll at this story and a lot more of Volume 4 to cover. Buckle up, we've still got a long way to go.
If you enjoyed this chapter, feel free to let me know, I always take your criticism seriously and respond.