Hi everyone. I'd like to thank you all for your interest in my fic, and am happy to see that I'm not only past 400 followers, but also past 300 favorites. I don't know when I'll screw up my plot, but until that happens, I'm glad people are liking this.

So, this chapter turned out to be way longer than I expected… I've decided to split it into two and give you this 10 000 words part 1 while I finish writing part 2.

Unfortunately, the first part doesn't have many scenes between Gemini and Weiss. So I'm sorry if you expected to see more of everyone's favorite Ice Queen with this update. Take a Chibi Omake as an apology.

Ilia: ''Eh, as we say in the White Fang: The less Schnee I see, the better I feel.''

Oh, don't worry Ilia. There's plenty of Jacques at least.

Ilia: ''Damnit! Well, first we have Spatialyeti8, who says you missed a clear Pheonix Wright reference.''

Yes I did! In my defense, I don't know anything about Ace Attorney except the name and that it has to do with lawyers. It's to the point that I had to google 'Pheonix Wright' to know what you were talking about. Uh, guess I know a third thing now; the name of the MC.

Ilia: ''Then FORD B comments that Neo being brutal like that isn't a surprise.''

Neo is Neo. She gotta Neo.

Ilia: ''Next is Reader 451. They propose The Princess and the Pauper for the GeminixWeiss ship. They know Gemini isn't poor, but argue that you can't go lower than the son of a thief and a whore when it come to social standing.''

*Suddenly, a big white ship lands next to us.*

Ilia: ''Gah! What is that?''

Ilia, meet 'The Princess and the Pauper'.

Ilia: ''What's that noise I can hear coming from the inside?''

Oh, that's just Weiss trying to make holes in it. Ignore her.

Ilia: ''… Okay? After that, they said it'd be funny if Ruby and Weiss decided to both marry him and explained to him that he didn't have a choice.''

It would be, and I admit I am slightly tempted to go that route. But… Well, you'll see how much Weiss and Gemini like each other in this chapter. Match made in Heaven, really.

Ilia: ''Then TwistedView said that the fic deserved a M rating in chapter 13, and that Neo killing both of her blood siblings was just icing on the cake.''

Agreed. The rating of this fic has been changed to M.

Ilia: ''They ask if that would make Ruby the mistress until the contract is annuled? And what if Weiss decides she wants to keep Gemini for herself?''

I guess it does. Funny, Ruby isn't the type of person you'd expect to see involved in an affair. As for Weiss… Well, you'll see how it goes here.

Ilia: ''Cezzam says that he trust you-''

First mistake.

Ilia: ''-with the pairings. But just ask to please not pay attention to the toxic shippers.''

Oh, don't worry. I don't pay attention to people who argue that 'sisterhood doesn't exclude romance. That's why Monty clearly meant that Team RWBY were always meant to have hot, sweaty sex with each other.'

I wish I was strawmanning that argument, but that's an actual one I've been given in the past. Monty was pretty clear he was talking about a sisterly, familial bond. Yes, this means any ship between two members of Team RWBY isn't, and cannot, be canon. No matter what RT does with the show.

Ilia: ''But Blake is still single, right? I still have a chance, right? It's not hopeless, right?''

Ilia, I hate to break it to you, but you're kinda dead. Also, Blake has only canonically shown romantic interest in Adam, and then Sun. Both guys. Considering she never even adressed your confession in canon, and never showed any clear interest in any girl, it's seems pretty obvious she's straighter than a dry spaghetti noddle.

Ilia: ''But the noddle could be wettened, right?''

This one is in the middle of the Sahara, so good luck. Can you get back to work, please?

Ilia: ''Aww… After that, Cezzam ends by saying that Neo committing kinslaying is in character.''

I've been taking quite a bit of comments about that part. I guess she was pretty brutal.

Ilia: ''Rotten Sarcophagus asks what would happen if Gemini refused the bribe and spread the evidence?''

Depends. On Earth? Either riots that would eventually simmer down and amount to nothing, or it'd escalate until the people puts the oligarchs' head on a pike.

On Remnant? Either riots that would eventually simmer down and amount to nothing, or it'd escalate until the Grimm wipes out the kingdom.

Ilia: ''And for the end, we have Lambda38 who says that they actually did forgot Neo was a villain.''

Oh, someone actually forgot? I guess there's a lot of fic which treats Neo's character as a cute girl with psycho-ness used only as comedic flavor.

Disclaimer: RWBY is legally RT's property. Shame that they let the toxic shippers write half of the plot. Yu-Gi-Oh is Shueisha's legal property. Toxic shippers? Nah, they're too busy animating the characters playing their entire Deck in their first turn to include 'romance'. Takes an entire episode, then it's the opponent's turn.

Jacques' backstory: Asshole, but insanely competent self-made businessman who went from normal guy to richest bastard in the world (well, unless you consider Salem's real estate value.)

Jacques in Volume 7-8: Bumbling moron who gets easily fooled by someone he knows, without a shadow of a doubt, is beyond sus. No way in hell would the idiot we saw in Volume 7-8 be able to take an indebted company and make it even slightly successful. People like Volume 7-8 Jacques, in real life, are only able to inherit multi-billionaire companies and running them into the ground.

There's a huge unreconcilable difference between what we're told Jacques is during the first few volumes and the SDC World of Remnant episode, and the Jacques we're shown in Volume 7-8.

So much wasted potential. Well, either Volume 7-8 Jacques is canon, or the SDC having survived as a company after Nicholas' death is canon.

If you picked the first option, then Weiss' most likely never had private tutors train her to fight and she'd probably be some homeless hobo back in Mantle while Ruby and co. are at Beacon, due to her family being crushed under unreasonable amounts of debt.

Joy.

Disclaimer: This chapter technically contains conjugal violence. I guess?

Ilia: ''Oh sweet! I hope Weiss is the one on the receiving end.''

Ilia, just let people read the chapter and see for themselves, okay?

''That's right, I'm a real knight now.'' I bragged in front of Ruby, Yang and Mr Branwen, showing off the cape over my shoulder.

''So cool…'' Ruby whispered, her eyes fixed on the symbol on the cape. ''How did you pull that off?''

''More like, why did ya even bother?'' Mr Branwen. ''That title doesn't mean much anymore, doesn't it?''

''Don't be a buzzkill, uncle Qrow.'' Yand rolled her eyes, before frowning. ''Hey, didn't you have to go on a mission or something?''

''Yeah but before I go, I'm waiting to meet someone I was told would come here.'' Her uncle answered her.

Who could that- No! Oh God, no. Please Mr Branwen, tell me you're not going to do this. Not while I'm there. I didn't want to be involved in that.

''What are you doing here?'' A woman said, causing us to look toward the source of the voice. We saw a white-haired woman wearing an atlesian officer uniform. There was another specialist alongside her, a woman I didn't recognize, with dark skin, dark pink eyes and blond and brown bi-colored hair shaved on the sides of her head.

Great. Nice timing, Winter. I didn't even have the time to try and convince Mr Branwen to go away. I supposed enjoying the chaos was the only option I had left.

I was traveling to Atlas in the same airship Jacques' lawyers came in, but I had been told that Ironwood had ordered someone he had on Patch to escort us back to Atlas as well. I realised that someone was Winter only when Mr Branwen said he was waiting for someone in particular.

''Nice to see ya there too, Ice Queen.'' Mr Branwen said, lazily waving his hand at her. ''I'm just here because my nieces are seeing their friend off.''

Winter glared at the man, clearly despising his very existence. ''Specialist Bree. Please wait for me in my airship.''

''Yes, ma'am.'' Specialist Bree said, giving a short salute before quickly walking away from the incoming verbal confrontation. She didn't even bother trying to hide that she didn't want to be here for this.

Winter threw another displeased glance at Mr Branwen, before shifting her glare to me. Oh boy, what did I do that she'd ignored Mr Branwen for me?

''So you're the boy.'' She said, watching me like a hawk. ''I will only give you one warning; Even if you are officially engaged to her, I will not tolerate any untoward behavior toward my sister. You will give her the proper respect. You will not touch her in inappropriate places, nor try to peep on her. That marriage contract is no permission for you to treat her however you want.''

''Hang on, you can't really think he'd do something like that.'' Yang interjected. ''You don't even know the guy!''

''I know that he was born and raised by a notorious criminal, and that he needed to cheat his way out of court. That alone is reason enough to distrust him and expect the worst.'' Winter said, then she glared at Mr Branwen again. ''That his current company include a perverted and drunken reprobate doesn't help his case.''

''… Perv- Uncle Qrow! What did you do?'' Yang asked her uncle, visible dread on her face.

''Hey, I didn't do anything for once.'' Mr Branwen said, holding up his hands defensively.

''Didn't do anything!?'' Winter screeched. ''You defiled my mother! She's a married woman, you uncivilised barbarian!''

Wait, what?

''No, I didn't. Your mother and I only shared a drink, that's all… Well, several drinks.'' Mr Branwen said while his oldest niece facepalmed.

Ruby tried, and failed, to stifle her laugh. ''I think that calls for more explanation.'' She said, before winking at me. ''You'll see, Gem. If this is anything like his usual antics, this is going to be hilarious.''

''Eh, there's not much to tell, really. It happened when I was drinking in a high end bar in Atlas-''

''Wait, wait, since when do you go to high end places?'' Yang cut off her uncle.

''I don't, except for bars. There's not a single bar on Remnant I haven't visited.'' Mr Branwen said, as if that was something to be proud of.

''That's not something you should be proud of!'' Winter yelled at him.

''Of course it is.'' Mr Branwen said. ''So, anyway. That's where I met Willow Schnee. Connoisseurs of good alcohols recognises each others, so we ended up talking and having a few drinks, which quickly turned into a drinking contest.''

''You got into a drinking contest with Willow Schnee, arguably the richest woman on Remnant?'' I had to admit, before today, I had never even thought Mr Branwen and Weiss' mother would have met.

Ruby was holding her stomach, laughing while Winter gritted her teeth as she glared at Mr Branwen.

What had gotten into Ruby, anyway? It wasn't that funny. I mean, okay, it was a little funny, but still…

''Oh yeah, I thought I'd win like always too. But it was the first and only time someone showed they could outdrink me, me!'' Mr Branwen repeated the last word with emphasis, motioning to himself. ''Sometimes, I still have a hard time believing she managed to drink me under the table. What a woman, a shame she's married.''

''Not that it stopped you!'' Winter hissed at him. ''And will you stop making light of alcoholism? It's a serious problem!''

''Nah, alcohol is a gift from the gods, enjoying it isn't and never will be a problem.'' Mr Branwen said, before taking a gulp from his flask. He lowered his flask afterward and pointed a finger at her with the hand holding it. ''People who don't like a good drink, though? Those are some weirdos, I tell ya.''

Well, sorry if I liked my brain to not be swimming in that poison. I much preferred to keep my mind working at full capacity if I could help it.

I worried a little about the influence he had on Ruby, though. I hoped that once she reached adulthood, she wouldn't emulate that aspect of her uncle.

''Anyway,'' Mr Branwen continued, ''After that, we blacked out and woke up in a hotel room with a black hole in our memories, so neither Willow or I know what happened there.''

''See? He admitted it himself.'' Winter said.

''I didn't admit to anything.'' Mr Branwen insisted. ''Yes, I passed the night in a hotel room with a married woman. Yes, we were completely shit-faced. Yes, we don't remember what happened. Yes, I know it's suspicious, but think, Winter, think! When you found us sleeping in here, we still had all of our clothes on! Your mother and I clearly didn't have sex.''

''Uncle Qrow, don't use the s-word in front of Ruby!'' Yang said, moving to cover her little sister's ears.

Ruby moved out of the way before she could, though. ''Yang, I'm fourteen! I've had the Talk too, I know what sex is.''

''I know, now forget all about it! Stay cute and innocent forever and never do anything gross.'' The sixteen year old insisted. Ruby rolled her eyes, obviously thinking that Yang was being ridiculous.

''… Well, now that I think about it, we had almost all of our clothes on. I had one sock missing, which was kinda weird since I still had both of my shoes on. Never found it either.'' Mr Branwen mused outloud.

''… Ugh. I can't understand how General Ironwood can trust a disheveled miscreant like you. You can't even pass for a functionning adult.'' Winter said.

''Wait, you know General Ironwood?'' Yang asked her uncle, incredulous.

''Of course I do. I'm one of the best huntsmen in the world, it's not so strange that I'd sometimes work with the good ol' General when he needs an outside hand.''

Winter let out an exasperated sigh, before turning to me. ''Your name is Gemini, right?''

''That would be Sir Gemini to you, Miss Schnee.'' I corrected her.

Her eyes ticked. ''We depart in 15 minutes, do not make us late. And once in Atlas, do not, under any circumstance, forget to stay on your best behavior.''

She was still on that, eh? ''You do not have to worry concerning your sister, Miss Schnee. Even if I was the type to do something untoward toward Weiss, which I am not, she has nothing worth touching or looking at anyway.'' I said, causing Winter's glare to intensify.

''And what is that supposed to mean?'' She asked, clenching her jaw so tight that it affected her tone.

''I'm saying your little sister is flater than a board.'' I said, sending Ruby into another laughing fit.

I understood better why Mr Branwen messed with Winter in Volume 3 now. As much as she kept a cold demeanor, she was so easy to rile up and bait into anger. I was lying about Weiss being unattractive, of course, even with the lack of… filling, shall we say, she was still a very beautiful young woman, but I saw an occasion to piss Winter off and took it because I was fairly angry at her implying I would consider the engagement as justification to force myself on Weiss.

Winter reached for her sword, so angry her face was turning red. She was stopped by Mr Branwen grabbing her arm.

''Sorry Ice Queen, but I don't think it's a good idea for a huntress to draw her weapon on a child, much less for an Atlesian Specialist.'' He said, causing Winter to have the reality of what she was about to do hit her.

Winter shook his hand off and put her hands back behind her in her usual military manner. ''I don't need someone like you to tell me how to act, Branwen.'' She said, before walking toward her ship.

So easy to bait, eh.

Yang started to chew out her uncle for embarrassing her with his dirty stories. For someone who liked to tease so much, she was surprisingly prudish. That girl turned out to be the type that couldn't take what she dished.

I profited of these two being busy arguing (well, Yang was arguing. Mr Branwen just waved away every complaint she had) to take Ruby by the wrist and take her out of earshot. I saw a message from Neo in the corner of my vision, telling me that she was using her semblance to ensure privacy. Good, especially since she was further away, waiting for me at the entrance of our flight, next to Bakeneko who was waiting for me. I didn't know if he realised she was here, though, as I asked her to not be noticed by Jacques' people.

''Gem?'' Ruby looked at me curiously.

''Sorry, it's just that I had something to say, but I couldn't with other people around to hear us.''

''Oh, okay. Is this about one of your secret stuff?'' She asked.

''Yes, and about the situation with Weiss.'' I said. Ruby's face soured. ''It's good news, actually. I couldn't say it when nin-nin was listening, but I'm not planning to just twiddling my thumbs and hope Weiss will cheat on me. I saw her go to Beacon in my vision of the future. At some point, she'll meet a guy named Neptune that she'll fancy and I'll be free from that stupid contract.''

''… Isn't that just twiddling your thumbs with extra step.'' She said, tilting her head with a raised eyebrow.

''Yes, but the extra step is knowing that doing nothing and waiting will actually end in my favor. That's the difference between being a lazy idiot and 4d genius. If any complication arise, they should be easily solved with only a little push. That engagement is going to come to an end in only a year.''

''Oh, that's good, because Gemini Schnee doesn't sounds great at all. It's a terrible last name for you.'' Ruby said.

Agreed. Although that wasn't because the name itself was bad to the ears, but more because of the thought of marrying Weiss. She was an alright person in the show once she worked out most of her attitude issues, but even then, she'd be someone I'd like to have as a friend, not as a romantic partner. That was mainly because I liked Ruby already, I could have seen myself eventually making things work with Weiss otherwise (assuming she would have reciprocated, of course.)

And yes, if I married Weiss, I'd be the one taking the Schnee name, rather than her becoming Weiss Torchwick (okay, that one sounded so bad.) On Remnant, the passing of the family name was usually done through the wife and mother, a vestigial cultural remnant (ah!) of our tribal era and the beginning of the kingdoms. Men used to die so often while fighting the Grimm that having them be the head of the family would have meant that most families would change head every few months, sometimes weeks. That would have meant that when remarrying, a woman would have changed last name like a dozen time through her life, and important family units would have been impossible to keep track off if they kept changing name like that. Today, people could choose either the man or the woman's last name, but roughly 80% of the population just followed the traditionnal way, mostly out of habit. The inheritance of the family head's title had become equal at least.

That meant it was normal for Jacques to take the Schnee name, just like it was normal for Ruby to have her mother's last name instead of being 'Ruby Xiao-Long'. Yang was the outlier, but there was a good reason to not give her the Branwen name. The name of a tribe of murdering raiders was quite the burden to carry. On a related side note, Ghira Belladonna used to be an orphan without a last name until he married Kali.

Oh, and another vestigial cultural thing that was left from ancient time was that polygamy was an accepted pratice, even if it had become somewhat rare in this era, due to there not having much men to go around back then. I somewhat suspected that Summer didn't hop in Mr Xiao-Long's bed after Raven was gone, but that both women were sharing him instead. I never dared to ask him and confirm it, though.

And if it seemed strange that my engagement's contract had a close about cheating when polygamy was legal, that was because there was a huge difference between the girls being okay with sharing a man and the guy going behind a girl's back. Consent was the primary concern there, so in the context of the contract, if I ever got caught with a girl, Weiss was the one who decided if it was cheating or not.

Since I had no doubt she wasn't going to be happy about the engagement and that she was going to use any and all opportunities to call it off, that meant I had to watch myself until she met Neptune. It didn't help that Atlas, having been founded long after polygamy became an outlier in society, was the most monogamous kingdom on Remnant, so Weiss was unlikely to accept sharing in the first place. Even if by miracle she was willing to be part of a polygamous relationship, I wasn't.

''You should go for a girl whose last name would suit you better, like a flower of some sort.'' Ruby continued.

I blinked. ''A flower?''

''A-as a vague, non-specific exemple.'' Ruby quickly added, her eyes not meeting mine.

Like what? Orchid? Tulip? Please, not Belladonna (it was the name of a poisonous plant.) Sunflower? Or… Could she mean?

I gulped nervously. Did I dare? ''… Like… Gemini Rose?'' I said, trying to ignore the feeling of my stomach dropping.

Ruby looked down, her face matching the color of the tips of her hair. Then she moved quickly, and before I could react, her lips pressing against mine.

Then she disappeared out of sight, leaving rose petals behind her and the taste of strawberries on my lips.

I'd have gone after her if I had the time, but I had a flight that I had no choice but to take.

/-/

Ruby looked forlornly at the two airships slowly disappearing on the horizon.

''So, how did it go?'' Yang asked her little sister. ''Did you managed to confess?''

''Are you kidding!? I completely messed it up!'' Ruby exclaimed in a panic. What should she do? What should she do?

''Whoa, that bad?''

''Yes, that bad! I didn't even tell him how I felt, instead I panicked and kissed him before running away!'' Ruby said. ''I didn't even wait to hear what he thought about it.''

Yang raised an eyebrow. ''Uh, I'd say you did good, actually. I'm almost certain he feels the same way about you.''

''I can only hope so…'' Ruby grumbled. ''Hey, Yang, If Gem fails to get out of his marriage contract, can I borrow your bike so I can get in, grab him in front of the altar, and get away fast?''

''Pfft. If you're going to do something as crazy as kidnapping the groom right before the 'I do', then no, I'm not lending my bike.'' Yang grinned. ''I'll be driving myself while you grab him. You're not leaving me out of something that crazy awesome.''

The younger girl smiled. ''Thanks, Yang.''

''Eh, what are sisters for, if not helping you rescue your knight in distress?'' The blonde said. ''He's gonna need his damsel in shining armor. Kind of funny how you two inverted the usual roles.''

Ruby shrugged. It's not like she was going to ever be the one in distress. She had a giant scythe.

/-/

After we landed in Atlas, I followed Winter to the Schnee Manor, Flax walking close behind me.

I haven't seen the ninja since we landed, but then again, I didn't expect him to be okay with being seen in the busy streets of the city. Neo was hidden too, she kept herself invisible when we entered the airship and remained unseen as I asked her. Nobody but me knew she came with me to Atlas.

Speaking of being in Atlas, despite being summer, the temperature was still colder than in Patch. At least it was still warm enough that there was no snow on the ground and water didn't freeze outside, but I couldn't say I was a big fan of the chilly breeze coming from further north.

Winter stopped in front of the door. ''Here, Father and Weiss will be waiting for you inside.''

''Wait, you're not coming? I assumed you'd have wanted to see your sister.'' I said as she was turning around, surprised that she was leaving already.

''My orders were to escort you to the Schnee Manor. It is done.'' Winter replied succinctly. ''I am still on duty, and must make my report to General Ironwood. I will talk with Weiss later.''

Uh, fair enough. Work was work, and you didn't just up and leave whenever you wanted. Especially when your job was a military one.

As I watched Winter walk away, I got an idea.

''See you later, sister-in-law!'' I said, waving my arm at her.

She turned her head toward me, giving me a sharp glare before resuming her way toward… wherever General Ironwood was.

''Should you antagonize her like that?'' Flax asked. ''That doesn't seem like a good idea.''

''Eh, she already doesn't like me anyway, so what difference does it make?'' I shrugged, before ringing the doorbell.

We waited for a bit, before Klein opened the door. ''Ah, Gemini Torchwick, I presume? And your friend is?''

''Flax, an employee of mine who I brought along for business reasons.'' I answered.

Klein nodded, before motioning for us to enter. ''Please, come in. Mr Schnee will see you soon, and Miss Schnee is ready to meet you.'' He looked a little hesitant, before he added something more. ''Do forgive her for her current mood. She's a sweet girl, but she has been… stressed, since receiving the news of her engagement.''

Doubt.

Ruby was sweet. Weiss? Weiss was all spices.

''I'll try to keep that in mind.'' I said evenly, before letting him led us to a room where Weiss was waiting.

She was wearing a one strap satin dress, the cut stopping at her knees. The pure white of her dress matched her pale skin. Again, there was no denying that Weiss was beautiful, but without her scar, she looked like she was made of fragile porcelain, rather than the warrior I knew she was. Not really my type.

Also, was she always this small? She looked almost as tiny as my sister. Wait, she was! Without her heels- Wait, no, Neo had high heels too. Okay, so Weiss was still an inch or two taller than Neo.

Either way, I doubted Weiss dressed up for me. That was probably something her father imposed on her.

Weiss turned her head toward me, shooting daggers out of her eyes.

''So you're the scoundrel who managed to weasel his way into my family.'' She said in a harsh, angry tone. ''Well, congratulation on succeeding where all the other sycophants of Atlas failed.''

… Whelp, well this was starting out about as well as I had expected. Flax was backing away, trying to hide unnoticed in a corner of the room. He'd have failed if it wasn't for Weiss' ire being focused on me.

''Hey! It's your father who forced me into this. I didn't want this contract, and would have been much more happier if I could have just not signed it.'' I said.

She rolled her eyes, her arms crossed. ''Oh, yes, I'm sure you're very unhappy at being given access to my family's wealth. A life of luxury is awaiting you. Truly, you clearly are the victim here.'' She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

That's… I saw that, as always, her beauty was only matched by how unpleasant her words were.

''Ugh, nice to see you haven't changed since last time we met.'' I said.

''Excuse me?'' Weiss said, raising an eyebrow. ''This is the first time I have the displeasure of suffering your presence.''

''No, we have met before. You really don't remember?''

She gritted her teeth. ''Don't try to trick me, I won't fall for your lies. I'd have definitely remembered meeting a snake like you.''

''… Yeah, I can see that. Totally flawless memory you have there.'' I said. If her searing glare was any indication, she didn't appreciate my sarcasm.

That was what I had to expect for my future, wasn't it? Constant insults and hostilities?

I rubbed the bridge of my nose, before taking the decision to change course. ''Alright, we got off the wrong foot. How about we try again? I'm Gemini Torchwick, pleased to meet you.'' I said, trying to brush the previous insults under the rug and offer an olive branch.

Weiss narrowed her eyes at me. ''I do not care for your false civility.''

… Oh boy, that was encouraging.

/-/

10 minutes of yelling at each other later…

''I refuse to let a scoundrel like you gets his hands on my family's wealth!'' Weiss yelled at me.

''Fine, then! Why don't you keep that wealth and shove it up your ass? Just to see if it fits, we already know your head does!'' I yelled back.

''How dare you!? You degenerate! You're nothing but a thief trying to take my grandfather's legacy!'' Weiss continued, shoving her finger into my chest.

''Your grandfather's legacy!? What a joke!''

''Excuse me! You disrespectful little brat! You don't have the right to talk to me like this!''

''Your grandfather may have created the SDC, but all he managed to do with it was to end up under crushing debts and be doomed to bankruptcy!'' I yelled what she seemed to willfully ignore. ''There is no Nicholas Schnee legacy, not beyond what is written in history books! Like it or not, Jacques is the only reason why you have anything to inherit at all! Your 'legacy' is Jacques' legacy! You can hate the truth as much as you want, but he's the one who built the SDC from less than scratch!''

''And you?'' I continued with a lower tone. ''You were only born into it.''

After so much time getting angrier and angrier at each other, both of our tempers were burning hot. In my anger, I had intentionally pushed what I knew was a sensitive button for her.

Her reaction?

The sound of the stinging slap resonated in the room, leaving the shape of her hand to burn on my cheek.

Weiss' eyes switched between her hand and my face. The girl looked shocked at her action.

That shock quickly disappeared when I gave her her slap back (my hands were rated E for everyone), and she went back to anger as her own cheek also had a hand printed on it now.

She slapped me again.

I slapped her.

She slapped me.

I slapped her.

It went on for a while…

/-/

''Sister, I've heard our guest has-'' 'arrived. I hope you haven't messed things up already.' Whitley was about to say when he entered the room, but cut himself off as he beheld the sight of both Weiss and Gemini smacking each other with their palms, their cheeks painfully reddened on both sides of their face.

He wisely decided to not say anything more and just silently backed away from the scene, closing the door behind him.

/-/

''WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING!?'' Jacques bellowed, beyond pissed as he caught us red-handed.

And I meant literally red-handed. Because both of our hand's flesh turned into a vivid red, so much had we slapped each other in the face. She probably couldn't feel her own face anymore, because I knew I sure didn't feel mine.

''He/she started it!'' Both Weiss and I said at the same time, pointing at the other with our finger.

At least we stopped hitting each other?

''Both of you, in my office. Now!'' Jacques ordered.

/-/

''… of all the stupid, ridiculous things you two could have done! Good thing this happened in private! If anyone had gotten a glimpse of you two acting like that, the damage to the Schnee's reputation would have been a disaster!'' The man ranted as he paced in his office, forcing Weiss and I to stand in silence as he did so. ''What went through your minds?''

''I mean, she's the one who hit me first.'' I said, throwing Weiss under the bus without hesitation. She made an indignant noise.

''Excuse me!? You are the one who insulted the SDC!'' She said.

Jacques raised an eyebrow at me. ''Explain?''

''All I said was that Nicholas Schnee's company was failing and you were the one who built it back up and made it what it is today, so whether she likes it or not, you are the reason why there even is a SDC.'' I said, summarising what I told Weiss earlier.

''There doesn't seems to be much of an insult here.'' The man said, looking pointedly at his daughter.

''Tch! Of course you'd agree with his bastardised version of my grandfather's company's history.'' Weiss said.

''Weiss, enough!'' Jacques's voice was harsh. ''We will talk about this later. For now, we have business to take care of.'' With these words, he took out a small, square, white leather box and handed it to me. ''Here, I don't want either of you to appear in public without wearing those.''

I opened the box and was greeted with the sight of two gold rings, both arboring a Schnee snowflake shaped diamond. I gulped, but I didn't have much of a choice left at this point, so I put on the engagement ring on my right hand's ring finger.

I hated how it felt. It wasn't because of any physical discomfort.

Then I took the second one and faced Weiss. She glared at me, initially unwilling to move. But she only made all of us waste our time, so in the end, she huffed before extending her hand. Gently taking it, I slid the ring on her finger.

She shook her hand away from mines as soon as the ring was in place, and crossed her arms, keeping a mask of apathy on her face.

''Weiss, go wait outside, I need to talk business with your fiancé.'' Jacques dismissed his daughter.

The girl walked out without a word, her jaw and fists clenched in anger.

Once she was out of the his office, her father sighed before turning to me. ''I was hoping things wouldn't go as badly as this, but I suppose it was asking for too much. I expect your opinion of my daughter must be pretty low now.''

Was it? It wasn't like I learned anything new about her that would have changed what I though of her. She was intelligent, confident, determined, driven, loyal to her friends (well, the ones she will make.) On paper, She was filled with positive character traits, but…

''Your daughter has issues.'' I said simply.

''Is this the part where I'm blamed for everything?'' Jacques said, before releasing an exasperated sigh. ''Because that's the refrain I usually get from her.''

''… Actually, I'd say you only hold roughly a third of the blame.'' I said, earning a raised eyebrow from the man.

''Really? Now you've got me curious. Care to share more?''

Oh God, did he really ask me to analyse Weiss' family issues? I should have kept my mout shut.

''Well… earlier, she projected her perception of you on me, so she clearly has daddy issues, but if what I heard about Willow Schnee is true, then Weiss probably also has mommy issues too.''

''And what exactly did you hear?'' Jacques asked.

''… That when she was a child, her father spoiled her way too much. Now, I heard she was mostly uninvolved in her children lives, which is likely the problem when it comes to Weiss' issues, and that she passes most of her time drinking.'' I answered.

The first part wasn't exactly a secret, as Nicholas Schnee wasn't subtle back then. There were old newspaper articles relating how Willow, at 10 years old, asked her father for a whole ranch of ponies. So the man, rather than do the reasonable thing and say no, took a loan from a bank and bought her a ranch. He was already under crushing debt before doing that.

Said ranch wasn't in the Schnee family's possession anymore. It was one of the first thing Jacques got rid of to get the SDC back on track. Who could have guessed that horses cost a lot to keep alive, especially when you had to import the food because Atlas was just too cold to grow its own crops, and that there were no economical gains to having that ranch, at least not in Atlas.

There were several stories like that, before Nicholas Schnee passed away. No wonder the man had so much debts.

The second part, though? The woman was always absent at every SDC parties, never bothering with any public appearances. This caused rumors to arise.

Of course, in my case, publically available informations were supplemented by outside of universe knowledge, so I had an unfair advantage.

''So I'd say that Willow ignoring the role she's supposed to play as a mother is equally to blame as whatever issues Weiss has with you.'' I continued. I stayed vague about what his faults as a father were and phrased it in a manner that implied Weiss was the problem between him and her, unwilling to take the heat directly.

A tyrannical father and an absent mother. Poor Weiss.

''I see.'' Jacques Schnee said evenly. I wasn't sure what exactly he was thinking. ''Is that all?''

''She also has some serious problems when it comes to understanding how the world works?'' I said. ''She seems to have taken after high society's bias, as she believe that being born into money is more honorable than achieving it by one's own ability.''

A throne obtained by one's own merit was worth more than a throne bestowed by fortune.

Like it or not, Jacques obtained every bits of his wealth by his own hands and work. He was an asshole, but a competent asshole. Weiss? The only thing she ever gained by her own merit was her skill as a huntress. Her inheritance and Schnee legacy that she was so proud of? All she did to have those was to win the birth lottery.

Honestly? I didn't even think Weiss should inherit the SDC. With how much time it took her to learn to fight, I doubted she spent enough time learning how to lead the company. She should either give up and pass the inheritance to Whitley to focus on being a huntress, or suffer the consequences of trying to catch two rabbits at the same time.

''Yes, it's a wonder where she got that from, because it certainly wasn't from me.'' Jacques said. Being from a low-middle class family himself, and having elevated himself in society by his own efforts, the man didn't share the richer part of society's beliefs, so he wouldn't have teached those to Weiss.

''That raises the question of where she got that belief, then. I'd have thought you would have teached her otherwise.'' I said, sounding only slightly accusing. Seriously, he was her father, he was the one in control of her education.

''I did better than that, I've hired professionals, people who know how to teach children and teenagers better than I ever could. Weiss had the best, most reputable private tutors Lien can buy, so I really don't understand how she turned out like that.'' Jacques said, completely missing the point.

He may have been a genius when it came to his work, but his family?

''… The same private tutors that are themselves part of Atlas' old money part of society? Who would hold the same moronic beliefs themselves?'' I said, slowly spelling it out for him.

That explained a lot about everything that was wrong with Weiss. Hiring private tutors for your child was one thing, but thinking that it meant he didn't need to fullfil his role as her father?

No amount of money could ever replace a parent.

I saw his eyes widen as the realization hit him.

''…''

''…''

''… Anyway, we wasted enough time talking about personal matters. It's time for us to get to work.'' Jacques said after an uncomfortable silence, not wanting to continue on the previous subject and embarrass himself even more. ''Our first order of business is your little venture in entertainment.''

Which was probably going to come to an end. After the fiasco that happened in Vale, Illusion Industry became unwilling to work with me, afraid of attracting the state's ire after they learned that people, some which were their employees too, were literally murdered for simply being associated by me. They were scared, and were hoping that they would be spared if they cut contact with me and layed low.

''I've taken the initiative to buy them.'' Jacques continued, to my surprised. ''Illusion Industry is now a subsidiary of the SDC, a branch of the company that will be specialized in entertainment, and will continue to work with you on your little card pet project. Consider this a gesture of goodwill.''

''A gesture of goodwill that makes you reap the profit, you mean.'' I scoffed. ''Well, no matter, thank you all the same. The scientists I hired were killed too, so unless I can make use of the SDC's reseachers, then my future projects on that front are ruined as well.''

I would have a hard time hiring other researchers with what happened to the last ones who worked for me.

''If you have something that promises profits, then it will be my pleasure to lend you some.'' Jacques said. This was exactly what I wanted to hear.

I took out a sheet of paper I kept on me and put it on Jacques' desk. ''Then this should do.'' I said, letting him take a look at what was written on it.

''And what exactly am I looking at?'' He asked, not recognizing what I had noted on it.

I grinned. ''Nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine and nitroguanidine. The name and chemical formula of three substances that can be combined to make a triple-base propellant for bullets. What you are looking at, Mr Schnee, is the future of firearms. Dustless bullets.''

Modern cartridges consisted of five components. The metallic case which held the four other components. The bullet, as in, the actual projectile. The rim, which gave the extractor a place to grip and remove it from the chamber after it was fired. The propellant, and the primer that ignited it.

Remnant used dust as the propellant to make bullets which were, in pratice, the same as the bullets made on Earth outside of the material used for the propellant. What people on Remnant called 'dust bullets' were bullets whose projectile part was made of dust, granting an elemental effect on it.

Jacques returned my grin, a glint of greed in his eyes. He knew what being able to make bullet propellant without using dust meant, economically talking. ''Wonderful. I can't begin to guess how you managed to pull this off, but this is going to ensure the prosperity of the SDC for decades to come.''

''Yeah, well, you'll need to make SDC researchers figure out the exact mix of the three substance before we can make profit out of it.'' I said.

''What? Are you saying that, despite being the one to discover these compounds, you don't know the proportion needed?'' He asked, a bit surprised.

'My genius is very selective.''

''… I see that.'' He said evenly, in an attempt to hide his confusion. ''Is this your long-term plan? To make dust obsolete?''

''Nope.'' I replied. ''It's only the first step. Right now, I'm trying to first extend our civilisation's lifespan by making it less reliant on dust, so yes, you got that right. But my endgame goes much farther.''

''Really? I have to admit you have me curious.'' Jacques said.

''Remember that one time when Atlas tried to go into space?'' I asked him.

''Yes. It failed and the world learned that we were stuck on Remnant forever because… because dust stops working outside of the planet.'' His eyes widened as he understood what I was getting at, and he started laughing again.

Seriously, this was the man standing at the top of Atlas and the other kingdom's economy. How was I able to get him to react like that several times in the same conversation.

''Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! If this is the direction you are going to take the SDC, then I can only approve of it.'' Jacques said. ''If this can be done, then you have my support for it.''

Of course he'd approve. If all the techs that allowed this to be possible were the intellectual property of the SDC, then the current wealth that the SDC possessed right now would become nothing compared to what it would become, to say nothing of all the natural ressources that were waiting out there. If everyone was forced to use SDC spaceships because they were the only ones to be able to legally make those… Then we weren't looking at the SDC being at the top of the economy, we were looking at the SDC owning our species' space age of civilisation. A galactic SDC empire.

Unfortunately for him, I had zero intention of trusting Jacques with nuclear technology. That meant I will be waiting until I broke the contract to get that part rolling.

Sure, I could just go through the marriage with Weiss and inherit the company. In that case, then I wouldn't be trusting Jacques with the secret of the atom, but would be keeping it to myself. The problem? I didn't want to marry Weiss.

If my choice was marrying Weiss and proceed to usher a new golden age for Mankind, free from the Grimm, or marrying Ruby and potentially failing to save everyone from the Grimm? Sorry Humanity, you're on your own.

I was being hyperbolic, of course, but the sentiment was there.

''Glad to hear it.'' I said. ''Hydroelectricity isn't suitable for space travel, but it is a good first step to normalize non-dust energy production to the public. It'd take a bit of time to prop up, but I'm sure you'll have no problem with that.''

''Oh, I won't.'' Jacques confirmed. What he said next reminded me of how shrewd the man was, though. ''I'll first announce and develop mass production of these dustless bullets, which would be much faster to start up. This would raise the SDC's stocks value by a big leap, giving me a nice profit selling stocks I will buy beforehand. Then, when things will have calmed down and the stock will have returned to normal, I will simply buy another batch and announce the production of hydroelectric dams.''

I blinked. He was going to exploit his control over his company to prop up his stocks' value and inflate his earnings? It was a bit of a dirty tactic, but I should have seen it coming from the man. I will be buying SDC stocks as well, as I wouldn't say no to some extra Lien.

''Very well, while you handle the short time objectives, I will have some things to take care off back in Vale. Loose ends to tie up.'' I said. ''That means I'll have to go back to Vale in two or three weeks max.''

The man shrugged. ''Sure, do what you need to do, so long as you don't waste your time. I'm willing to give you contact with a few associates of mine if it can help make sure you'll return alive. I assume you're talking about either things that could come back against you later or taking care of ennemies your father might have?''

''It's… complicated. I can't talk about the specifics, but if you're worried that it might cause you trouble, then I can confirm that it won't. I'm not breaking any law.'' I said.

Jacques hummed, staring at me with a look that admittedly made me a bit nervous. Then, after a few moments of silence, he snapped his fingers. Bakeneko suddenly landed close to us, keeping a knee and a fist on the ground.

When- Right, ninja.

''I believe a proper introduction is needed.'' Jacques said.

The ninja nodded, before introducing himself. ''I am Yama, a shinobi of the Belladonna clan. We are willing to offer our services in exchange for Lien, just as we do for Mr Schnee.''

… I had quite a few questions, but the foremost of those? ''Belladonna?''

Yama sighed. ''Yes. We used to be working with Ghira, my aunt being the kunoichi who was deployed at his side and was supposed to serve as the contact between him and our clan. But she fell in love with him and abandoned our clan, and after the man refused to hand the traitor over, we cut our ties with the White Fang and offered our services to the 'opposite' side, the SDC.''

… Did I just learn that Kali was a ninja!? ''Your aunt? Does that mean Blake Belladonna is your cousin?''

He shook his head. ''No. We may be genetically cousin, but she was neither born nor raised in the clan. Thus, she isn't family. We have no ill will toward her, but she isn't one of us. Never was and never will be.''

Right. His mentality fitted with what I knew of the ninja clans of Mistral. They were pretty xenophobic, only interacting with people outside their clan for the sake of selling their talents in exchange for Lien (used to accept Mistrali gold before the Great War, back when a unified international devise wasn't in place.) They were otherwise very secretive, and almost never shared any information with others, especially when it came to internal clan secret. I didn't miss how everything Yama just told me were things that Jacques would already know by virtue of them joining his side as a result of Kali quitting their clan.

There wasn't much information about ninjas, at least that were more than just often wild rumors, but what was know about how they operated meant the following: They wouldn't try to kill Blake for being the daughter of a traitor, as she herself didn't betray them, so they were more likely to ignore her unless they were paid to assassinate her. They would, however, try to kill Kali on a somewhat regular basis. Kali must be pretty good if she was still alive after so many years.

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During that time, in Kuo Kuana, Kali was cutting vegetables for tonight's diner, humming happily.

Suddenly, she turned around and turned and grabbed the figure attempting to sneak behind her, brutally disarming him and putting him in an arm wrench before shoving her knife down his throat. Aura might protect the man from getting cut, but it wouldn't save him from choking on it.

It didn't take long before the Belladonna shinobi sent to assassinate her choked to death, the knife stuck in his throat.

Kali sighed. Her Ghira would be coming back from work soon and she needed to finish dinner in time, so she better call the guards so they could take the trash out while she finished dinner.

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Man, I wish I could learn more about the ninja clans. I knew that they had their own religious beliefs and worshipped some sort of goddess that wasn't know outside of them (wooden carved idols of that goddess had been found on destroyed ninja hideout throughout Mistral's history, although no further information was found on the subject) and even faunus ninjas worshipped that goddess without a care for the God of Animals faunus usually worshipped.

I was so curious about that. A shame I knew he wouldn't ever say anything.

''I might actually have something I could use ninjas for.'' I said. ''There is a hidden, secret room in Headmaster Lionheart's office. I want you to find it and bring video and photo evidence of what is in it to me, without him ever knowing anyone was there.''

Yama nodded. ''I will pass the mission to my superiors. It will be done. I trust payment won't be an issue?''

''It won't. I have the Lien to pay without any problem.'' I confirmed.

''What is in Lionheart's office?'' Jacques asked.

''Proof of high treason. If I said anything more, nobody would believe me. I'm sorry, but I will keep my sources secret. I'm sure you understand.'' Also, I would have to answer questions I really didn't want asked. At least not until I had blackmail material on Lionheart.

''Well, now that it is done. It's time for the last order of business.'' Jacques said, before taking a brand new SDC scroll and putting it on the table. ''I heard your scroll was destroyed, so I had a replacement prepared for you.''

Ah. With a backdoor for him to access it as he wanted, I'd bet. Nevertheless, I smiled as I took my new scroll. ''Thank you. But there's actually a favor I wanted to ask of you.''

''What is it?''

''It's about the faunus that I bought along with me. He was almost killed by the valean oligarchs when they captured me and Vale isn't exactly safe for him anymore. Since it was because of working for me that he went through that, I feel responsible for his current situation, so I would like for you to help set him up a job in Atlas.'' I said.

''Is that all?'' Jacques raised a disinterested eyebrow. ''You truly are satisfied with the easiest of favors. What job did you have in mind?''

''He worked in retail in my shop, back on Patch. I figured working the same, familiar job would help him adapt to the new environment.'' There were a few Yu-Gi-Oh shops in both Atlas and Mantle, so there was a decent chance one could use one more employee. ''He only has a handful of years of experience in retail, but he's been my employee since the card game started being a thing, so he has as much experience with the material in question as one can possibly have.''

''Good. Then that 'favor' might actually benefits myself.'' Jacques said. ''A pleasure to make business with you.''

We shook hands, both happy with the conclusion of today's talk.

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After I left his office, Jacques called his daughter in. Weiss, who had been waiting outside, threw me a nasty glare as she passed by me.

Once she was inside, it didn't take long before their discussion devolved into them yelling at each others.

I decided to not stay in front of the office's door and go see how Flax was doing. I had had my fill of yelling for he day.

I found Flax talking to Whitley, who had been asking work-related question about Yu-Gi-Oh. Apparently, Whitley used to be trading huntsmen cards, buying them when they were at low value to sell them when the value would go up. He said it was good pratice for learning how the price of things fluctuated.

''I went in with 100 000 Lien and managed to turn it into 140 000 Lien. Not much, but it was a good learning experience.'' Whitley said. ''Although, I must say, tying an actual game to the trading cards was a pretty clever idea. It make it so people other than collectors would be interested in them, driving the prices up. To not speak of how the impact a card has in the game affects the demand for it. Flax here told me that a card once sold at around 1 800 000 Lien?''

I nodded. ''Yes, 3 ghost rare Blue-Eyes White Dragon were put on bidding and sold at around this price each. It was a profitable day.'' The business of selling Yu-Gi-Oh card basically consisted of creating a demand for them through both the anime and the game, before manipulating the supply to artificially inflate the value of the cards. For those interested, 1 800 000 Lien was equivalent to 180 000 USD.

Whitley caught on to that. ''Impressive. And producing those cards wouldn't cost any more than making any other cards. The return value is astounding.''

It was. I remembered a story on Earth where a father sold four 1st Edition Blue-Eyes White Dragon to pay for his daughter's education. And they were the 1st edition cards that were sold in reasonable numbers, not three exclusive versions of the card. Not only were the ones I put on bidding the only three ghost rare Blue-Eyes on Remnant, but they even had a fake 'Seto Kaiba' signature on the artwork, which was otherwise the same artwork as the one used in the anime. The idea being that these three cards represented the 'same' three Kaiba had in the show. I was thinking to do something similar with Yugi's Dark Magician and Joey's Red-Eyes Black Dragon.

Seriously, why did Konami never tried making limited versions of the show's characters' ace card with the 'character's' signature? That would have sold well.

''It is. And the game itself is pretty fun too. Would you like to try it?'' I offered.

''Of course, it would be a pleasure.'' He answered. I didn't know if he was genuine or if he was saying that to stay on good terms with his new brother-in-law, but as long as he tried it to see if he liked it, I was fine with it.

He didn't have a Deck, but I was going to be in Atlas for two weeks, so we would have the time in the coming days.

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Later that evening, I passed in front of Weiss' bedroom while on my way to the guest room that Jacques lent to me for the duration of my stay.

I thought to knock so I could talk to Weiss one on one, to try and reach an understanding and become more… cordial toward each other. But as I was about to knock, I stopped, my fist hovering in front of the door as I heard soft sobbings from inside.

… Maybe it was better if I left her alone for now. I needed to have a serious talk with my sister anyway.

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I crushed the micro between my fingers. It was a good thing I had decided to sweep the bedroom before talking.

I turned around to find my sister holding three other micros, before she crushed them. She nodded, confirming that the sweep was done and we could talk safely.

''We need to talk.'' I said. I wasn't impressed by her 'innocent' blinking. ''You know what this is about.''

I took out my scroll and showed valean news, which were talking about the murder of councilman Vanille and his entire family. Not only his wife, but the two children too. There was also Carmel's gang. Without their leader, they started infighting due to the power vacuum. Of course, rival gangs had also invaded their territory as well, trying to take what they could of the Industrial District while they were weak and unstable. In a week, over 1 000 people died already, a fifth of that number being civilians caught in the crossfire. This was thankfully a pretty low number, considering how populated Vale was.

This was only the beginning of the fights, though, and the casualties were going to rise even more before things calmed down. Especially with the Grimm clawing at the southern walls in reaction to the events. A Level 2 alert had been declared, with possibility of turning into a Level 3.

Neo shrugged, a bored look on her face clearly showing she didn't see what the problem was.

I sighed. ''Look, I get it. Jimmy and Carmel tried to have me killed. They were a threat. They had to be taken care off.''

She nodded. ''Exactly. Everything is taken care of on our end. Whatever happens to their criminal assets isn't our problem.''

I blew air out of my nose, annoyed that she was missing the point. Was she doing this on purpose?

''I'm not talking about the gangs they owned, I'm talking about Trivia and Cherry Vanille.'' I said.

''What about them?'' Was my sister's nonchalant response.

''Yes, what about them?'' I repeated her words. ''Why did you kill these two? No child is guilty of their parents' evils. There was no need to kill them.''

''There was a need.'' She replied. ''Leaving them alive would have only allowed them the chance to grow up and seek revenge.''

That's… That was true, as much as I hated to admit it. When eradicating a family, leaving any survivors meant the risk of them coming back for vengeance. Yet…

''Was Trivia anything like her parents?'' I asked.

My sister was starting to get frustrated with me, but she answered anyway. ''No sign of it. Carmel wanted a heir to inherit her little criminal empire, but she seemed to think Trivia's personality wasn't suitable for the job, because there was no trace of her teaching Trivia how to handle the job. She was marrying her off to one of Blackland's son instead.''

''Then, even if killing them was the pragmatic choice, it was still wrong for you to kill two innocent children. Your own little siblings, no less.'' I said, causing her to go from frustrated to actually angry, as she glared at me.

''The only sibling I have is you. These people aren't my family.''

''… Neo, what did Jimmy and Carmel do to you?''

My sister looked pensive, weighting whether she should open up and talk about it or refuse. In the end, she sat on the huge, king-sized bed, and I sat next to her.

I waited patiently as she wrote several paragraphs on her scroll. Once she was done, she handed it to me, so I could read it. The content of what she wrote pissed me off, made me wish that I had killed these two with my own hands. It also made me very concerned with my sister's mental health.

The text she wrote related how she felt an urge to hurt or kill since she was a toddler. It creeped out her parents that her 'playing' with her dolls consisted mostly of torturing them. In a hope that she would learn to act more normally, they tried to buy her a pet and teach her to take care of it.

She didn't give details as to what she had done to that poor hamster, but did say that it felt wonderful to watch the life drain out of Mr Nibbles (R.I.P. Mr Nibbles.) But killing it on purpose horrified her parents even more, and her father responded by beating the crap out of her. Then, after an incident in kindergarden where she nearly gouged out another kid's eye without provocation, they covered up the story and her existence, before locking her up in her bedroom where she would be beaten up almost every day by Jimmy to 'keep her in line'. She was sequestered in that bedroom for almost three years, until one day, at 8 year old, Roman sneaked into the house through a bedroom he believed empty and came face to face with a little girl covered in bruises and even a black eye. So he cancelled his plans for the burglary and took her out of there.

It was difficult at first, as Jimmy's treatment, and Carmel trying to pretend Neo didn't exist, worsened her condition, making her even more aggressive and almost feral, but eventually she got better under my father's guidance, and came to view him as her own father figure as her violent urges receded to a fraction of what they were and she learned to control herself. I was 2 years old when our father rescued her from that place, and 5 when our father openly recognized her as his adopted daughter and gave her his last name.

''That's what happened. I was born a psychopath, with a thirst for killing and causing pain. Instead of getting the professional help I needed, my genitors tried to cover it up and hide my existence, and their abuse messed me up even more.'' Was how the wall of text ended.

''No, I don't think 'psychopath' is the correct term. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure the ability to care about others and feel guilt disqualify you for the label, even if you only care about a very select number of people.'' I said. ''You clearly have a personality disorder of some sort, but it's not psychopathy.''

''Do you think less of me?'' She asked, the words appearing middair as she looked worried.

I shook my head. ''No, I don't. You're still my sister, and I still love you as family. It doesn't matter what 'urges' you were born with. The only thing that matters is what you choose to do.''

I meant it in a reassuring way, but frowned as I saw her flinch at my words, and she suddenly avoided looking at me.

That was when my brain connected the dots. Violent urges, only feeling remorse for her actions when it was against those she cared about, difficulty to form bonds, was at her worst when our father had just found her…

I put my hand on her cheek, and softly moved her head so she would face me. ''Sis… What happened between you and me when I was still a baby? Did you do anything before you started caring about us?''

She flinched again, her eyes moistening as she held back her tears.

At this point, I had half expected what the answer would be like. Yet the chilling words that appeared in front of me still shocked me.

''In the first month after dad rescued me… I was a mess. You were so soft, so weak, so vulnerable. It was so tempting to put my hands around your neck and snap it, or choke you to death. The only thing that held me back was self-preservation, knowing that my life depended on the man who rescued me and that I'd be dead if I actually did it. But it was so hard to stop, there had been several occasion where I stroke your neck, about to do it while you laughed because it tickled you.''

Well… Shit.

Neo looked down, afraid that I would hate her now that I knew that she had been so close to murdering me. She didn't use sign language often, having little need for it thanks to her semblance, but now she was frantically signing that she was so sorry, and that she would never do that to me now.

I took her in my arms and hugged her. I knew that she wouldn't, and I knew that she had problems to work out back then, still had those problems today, just to a lesser extend. So the decision I had to take was clear to me.

''I forgive you.'' I whispered as I held her tight.

Her arms around my waist and her face buried in my shoulder, she stopped holding her tears back and cried out of relief.

I waited several minutes for her eyes to dry. Unfortunately, our conversation wasn't finish, so once she was done, I spoke up.

''Jimmy and Carmel Vanille were monster who did the opposite of what they should have done for you.'' I told her. ''But that just reinforce my point about Trivia and Cherry.''

Her face was a mix of confusion and betrayal.

''If Trivia wasn't like her parents, and didn't know about you, then she probably would be angry toward her parents for hiding an older sister from her and would be horrified to learn how they treated you. There was a chance she could have taken your side and would have followed you.'' I elaborated. ''Your birth parents' actions justify not considering them as your family, but your siblings by blood have done nothing to warrant not being your siblings.''

''There's no guarantee she would have reacted like that.'' Was my sister's outraged response.

''There isn't.'' I aknowledged. ''But now we'll never know. Trivia was an untrained civilian, it would have been no risk to you to approach her and tell her who you are and how her parents treated you, as killing her if she decided to stay with her parents would have been no problem for you. Plus, even in the case where you would have had to kill her, there was no need to kill Cherry. You could have taken him and brought him to us. He'd have grown up with us as his family, and if one day you would have told him the truth, we would have been the ones he'd have bonded with and he'd have known your side of the story.''

''I don't understand. Why do you even care about them? They're just strangers to you.'' Was my sister's response. She was getting upset over me insisting on this.

''So were you before our father brought you back home!'' I pointed out. ''That's why I care. Because any arguments that can be made to not give a chance to your siblings by blood could be made for you. You weren't born my sister, you became my family because you were given the chance to be, and I wouldn't want to be in a world where you wouldn't be my sister. I care because I worry about the mark killing your own little sister and brother could leave on you. I care because it would have been my pleasure to welcome your siblings as my own if it was possible, because you are my family.''

''I care because you are my beloved older sister.'' I said at the end, leaving my sister visibly disturbed and unsure what to think.

''What do you want me to do about what happened.''

''I want you to think about it, realise you made a mistake, and never repeat it again.'' I said.

After a few more minutes of hugs and reassurances, she ended up falling asleep with her head on my lap. I didn't mind spending the night like that, I had to stay in the bedroom anyway, both to avoid revealing to the new in-laws that my semblance made me not need to sleep, but also to make sure nobody would come in while I wasn't here and learn that she was there.

So I stayed like that, softly stroking her hair until morning came.

... Dammit! What was I supposed to do about what she did to Trivia and Cherry? I had no idea how to handle this.

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WICKED CHIBI (Not canon)

The night before the wedding, in the Schnee Manor, Chibi Ruby, Chibi Yang and Chibi Neo were sneaking inside its halls.

They turned a corner and came face to face with Chibi Blake and some Chibi White Fang grunts.

''Wha- Who are you?'' Chibi Blake said.

''Who are we? Who are you?'' Chibi Ruby said.

''We're the White Fang, obviously.'' Chibi Blake said.

''We're here to kidnap the bride.'' A Chibi WF grunt said.

''What? You can't do that! We are here to kidnap the groom.'' Chibi Ruby said.

''Uh, that's a pretty strange coincidence. I'm going to have to ask you to give up on that and let us pass.'' Chibi Blake said.

''What!? Why would we do that? We don't even have the same target.'' Chibi Yang said.

''Yeah, but once one is kidnapped, it'd be impossible to reach the second one.'' Chibi Blake said. ''So you have to cancel your plans.''

''Why should we cancel our plans? You do that!'' Chibi Yang said. ''We've been planning this for months.''

''And we have been ennemies of the SDC for years. Just let the professionals handle this, kids.'' Chibi Blake said, stomping her foot.

''Kids!? We'll show you 'kids'!'' Chibi Yang said, her eyes turning red before she lunged at Chibi Blake.

The Chibi Grunt joined the fight, which turned into a cartoony dust cloud, with limbs and head sometimes showing out of the cloud before going back inside.

Chibi Neo held a sign. ''Yay, murder time!'' Then she jumped into the brawl.

''Guys, wait! We shouldn't be fighting.'' Chibi Ruby said. The other Chibis stopped mid-fight to look at her. ''We should be working together against our common ennemy.''

Chibi Blake, Chibi Yang, Chibi Neo, and the Chibi WF Grunts all looked at each others. Then they all said in unison, except Chibi Neo for obvious reasons. ''The Creatures of Grimm!''

Chibi Ruby was surprised. ''What? No! I mean, yes. But right now I'm talking about the SDC.''

''Oooooh.'' The other Chibis said, before getting up.

''You're right, if we work together, then we can kidnap both. We might even have better chances of success than on our own.'' Chibi Blake said.

''I'm so proud of you, little sis. Let's do this.'' Chibi Yang said.

There was a lull, during with all the Chibis smiled at each other. Then they, except Chibi Ruby, started to fight again.

Chibi Ruby stared at them, befuddled.

Chibi Winter walked in and looked between Chibi Ruby and the other chibis, unimpressed.

Chibi Ruby looked in horror to the others who knocked each others out, leaving her alone with the Atlesian Specialist.

/-/

The cell door closed, leaving the captured chibis behind bars.

''They don't make terrorists like they used to.'' Chibi Winter said, before putting the keys on the wall, out of reach of the prisoners, and leaving.

''Wait, no! You can't leave me in there, I'm too young to go to prison. I'm innocent! I was framed! Video games made me do it!'' Chibi Ruby begged as she held the bars.

Chibi Yang then tried to punch the bars off.

'That's not how you escape prison.'' Chibi Blake said. ''You have to lockpick the door.''

''Oh, shut up.'' Chibi Yang said. ''I hope your buttocks gets incontinentia.''

Then Chibi Ruby burst into petals and passed through the bars, surprising Chibi Blake and the Chibi WF Grunts. The Chibi Ruby took the keys and unlocked the door.

''Thanks sis. You're awesome.'' Chibi Yang said as she strolled out of the cell, Chibi Neo following in tow.

Right before Chibi Blake and her Chibi Grunts were about to exit the cell as well, Chibi Ruby slammed the door close and locked it.

''Hey, wait! What are you doing?'' Chibi Blake asked.

''Didn't you know how to get out better than us? We 'kids' would never dare tell you how to do your job.'' Chibi Ruby answered smugly, walking away while twirling the keys around her finger.

''Yeah, let's let the 'pro' handle it.'' Chibi Yang laughed, before following her sister.

''Ha ha! Buttocks.'' Said Chibi Neo's sign as she left with a big smile.

/-/

The day of the wedding. With everyone assembled.

''Now, Gemini Torchwick. Do you accept to take Weiss Schnee as your wife?'' The Chibi priest asked.

''Am I legally allowed to say 'no'?'' Chibi Gemini asked.

''No.'' Chibi Jacques said, sitting in the front row with both his arms and legs crossed.

''Then yes, I guess.'' Chibi Gemini said with a sigh.

''And you, Weiss Schnee. Do tou accept to take Gemini Torchwick as your husband?'' Chibi Priest asked.

''Am I legally allowed to say 'no'?'' Chibi Weiss asked.

''No.'' Chibi Jacques said.

''Then yes, I guess.'' Chibi Weiss said with a sigh.

These two already had so much in common. What an adorable couple.

''Then, I pronounce you both-'' Chibi Priest was cut off by a motorcycle breaking in through the church's window, landing between Chibi Gemini and Chibi Weiss.

Chibi Ruby, sitting on the backseat, grabbed Chibi Gemini. ''I got him! Full speed ahead!''

Chibi Yang drove Bumblebee out, successfully making their escape in front of everyone else's shocked eyes.

''Stop! You've violated the law! Pay the court a fine or serve your sentence!'' Chibi Winter yelled before giving chase.

As everyone looked in the direction of where the two criminals went with the kidnapped groom, Chibi Weiss was standing behind all of them, out of their view.

A Teenage Faunus Ninja Catgirl descended from the ceiling, held by strings. When she was right behind Chibi Weiss, Chibi Blake grabbed her, covering her mouth as she was lifted up.

Mission success!

/-/

At a White Fang hideout.

''So… what are you going to do with me?'' Chibi Weiss asked her kidnapper.

''We're going to ransom you, obviously. The Lien's going to be great to fund our future operations.'' Chibi Blake answered.

''Oh thanks the gods. I was worried you'd kill me.'' Chibi Weiss said.

''Another cell might have, but I draw the line at murder. Even for a Schnee.'' Chibi Blake said. ''We were thinking of something around 5 billion Lien. A king's ransom.''

Chibi Weiss gasped, insulted. ''How dare you! You should be asking for way more than that! 100 trillion, at a minimum.''

''… Is your ego really that big that you think you're worth that much?'' Chibi Blake asked, shocked at how much she was demanding to be ransomed for.

''This has nothing to do with my 'ego'.'' Chibi Weiss said. ''But you have to demand a completely unreasonable price, otherwise my father may actually pay.''

Chibi Blake stared at her, confused. ''Wait, you… you don't want to be freed?''

''Why would I? I have no interest in going back under my father's thumb. Kidnapping me was the best thing you could have ever done to me. I could never thank you enough for that.'' Chibi Weiss said, before giving a hug to Chibi Blake.

''Uh?'' Chibi Blake didn't know how to react to that.

''Oh, sorry, you must be confused. Allow me to explain: I hate my father.'' Chibi Weiss said, before raising a fist. ''Down with Jacques!''

''Down with Jacques! Down with Jacques! Down with Jacques!'' The Chibi WF Grunts, inside other parts of the hideout, started chanting, having heard what Chibi Weiss yelled. They had no idea she was the one who said it.

''What?'' Chibi Blake was still trying to understand what was happening. She opened the door and tried to talk to her men. ''No! Stop chanting! It wasn't even said by one of us.''

''Down with Jacques! Down with Jacques! Down with Jacques!'' They continued to chant.

When Chibi Blake returned her sight to Chibi Weiss, she saw Chibi Weiss had changed clothes and was now wearing a White Fang uniform and mask. ''Why are you- No, wait. How did you change so fast?''

Chibi Weiss ignored her. ''Down with Jacques! Down with Jacques! Down with Jacques!'' She chanted, walking out in front of the rest of the cell.

''Down with Jacques! Down with Jacques! Down with Jacques!'' They chanted back.

''I don't know who the newbie is, but I like her enthusiasm.'' One of the Chibi Grunts said.

/-/

Chibi Jacques was waiting in his office, growing increasingly anxious by the day.

His scroll rang.

''Jacques Schnee? This is Sienna Khan.'' Chibi Sienna said on the scroll.

''Finally, you sure took your sweet time!'' Chibi Jacques said. ''What are your demands?''

''10 billion Lien.'' Chibi Sienna said.

''Tch! Fine, I'll pay.'' Chibi Jacques said.

''What? No, I'm paying you 10 billion so you take your daughter back.'' Chibi Sienna said.

''… I don't follow.'' Chibi Jacques said, trying to think what the woman's angle could possibly be.

''Your crazy daughter took over my organisation! She's the new High Leader of the White Fang!'' Chibi Sienna screamed over the scroll.

I think that may be the best Chibi omake I've written so far. What do you think?

Ilia: ''That's a stupid omake. No way could taking over the White Fang works like that. I know I wouldn't have fallen for it.''

Down with Jacques!

Ilia: ''Down with Jacques! Down with Jacques! Down with- Wait! You jerk…''

Eh, anyway. What do you think, Ilia? Is the chapter good even if it only cover the first day of Gemini's stay?

Ilia: ''Oh yeah, Weiss is completely miserable, and a suffering Schnee is always a good thing.''

… You know that Jacques Schnee is the only one happy here, right? He's pretty much THE winner of the whole debacle so far.

Ilia: ''… O- of course! But you're going to fix that, right? You can't to let him get away with this.''

*Sigh* Alright. You and me needs to have a talk about disproportionately hating other people.

Ilia: ''It's not disproportionate if it's a Schnee!''

… Sure.

Anyway, part 2 is next chapter.

Now that Gemini is getting into a family who owns a wealthy company and gets the chance to redirect the company into Yu-Gi-Oh, the accidental Kaiba similarities increases.

''You're nothing but a 3rd rate businessman with a 4th rate bank account.'' -Jacques Schnee, probably.