Liar
If there was one thing Weiss knew for certain, it was that life wasn't fair. Her father had made it abundantly clear that the deck was stacked against her from birth, but simply knowing that did not make the burden any easier to carry, or the path easier to walk. No, much like her grandfather, it was only through blood, sweat and tears that success could be found.
Maidens knew how much of those three things she had shed to reach this moment. Laying awake in her team's academy's dorm room, so physically exhausted she could barely move, her mind going a million miles a moment.
Things were frankly not looking very favorable.
Despite trying so damn hard to acclimatize to the seemingly endless energy and chaos that followed two of her new teammates, it took barely a day to begin feeling the mental strain of attempting to keep tabs on her teammates, while also maintaining the situational awareness needed to keep her secret.
Worse still, she was the only one on the team who seemed to be struggling with the radical change of pace that being around three other girls wrought. Even Blake, who despite her relatively reserved attitude and nature, did not appear nearly as phased by the sister's antics, even managing to maneuver around the girls with a level of familiarity that was quite startling.
Dust be damned, she had even caught the girl reading late into the evening despite the dwindling light, and falling into a deep sleep only minutes after she closed the book for good. A feat that bordered on impossible between Yang's snores, and Ruby's restlessness.
Honestly sleeping in their dorm room felt more akin to attempting a nap whilst in an active boxing arena. So much so, that Weiss had only gotten a few measly hours of actual sleep and was currently taking as much time as possible to mentally prepare herself for the start of a new day. One that thankfully seemed to be taking off in a slightly more relaxed, and familiar manner than the previous two.
Right up until a flash of silver caught her eye, and a gym whistle went off right in her ear, catapulting her right back into fight or flight mode.
Panic-driven wings squirmed against the extra tight bindings with enough force to chafe and bleed. Hot pain lancing up her back, held only slightly at bay by the heavy dose of adrenalin that coursed through her veins, as she dove out of the bed with a very un-lady-like shriek, tumbling, sheets and all towards her weapons case.
"Code Taube!"
The case immediately ejecting Mythrester upwards allowing her to deftly grab the blade mid-air as she brought it around to bear against the enemy at hand, ice dust already cycled and ready to be unleashed with the pull of a trigger.
"Wait! Weiss! It's me!"
The familiar panicked voice breaking through the haze of fear and adrenaline that clouded Weiss's mind like a Uras through a store front. What had been an enemy slowly being recognized as one Ruby Rose, who was currently holding both hands, and a gleaming silver whistle up high in the air.
"Ruby!" Weiss could hear the shrill of her own voice as it echoed off the room's walls. "What are you doing?!"
Being so loud this early was not in her nature, but then Weiss wasn't the only one who took issue with Ruby's wake-up idea. Namely Blake who, while Weiss was distracting Ruby, stowed her own weapon, before quickly walking over to the red-haired leader, grabbing the whistle from her hand, and pitched the damn thing out their dorm room window faster than Yang's pillow made contact with her own sister's face.
Despite the cold front she put on Weiss could clearly see the familiar heavy breathing and slowing panic that slid through the dazed early morning sluggishness on Blakes face. The familiar look only further exasperated her own frustration as she stalked over to Ruby, damn near ripping the few bed sheets that still clung to her from the mad dash over. Fiery pain streamed down her back with each strained movement, as she grabbed the red speedster with all the fury of an angry Grimm.
"What. In. Remnant. Is. Wrong with you?!"
Two very strong arms immediately squeezed between the two of them, as Yang pushed both her and Ruby apart with seeming ease. "Oooooohhh kay. None of that now."
Burning anger still coursing through her veins as she stabbed Myuthrester into the wooden floor. A small jagged ice patch formed around the blade tips as it released the small amount of ice dust that had congealed onto the blade.
"None of that?!" Jabbing her finger at the weapon. "Yang, your sister was a half-second away from being frozen into a block of ice! Just what kind of idiot thinks surprising trained fighters first thing in the morning is a good idea?!"
"I'm not an idiot! That's how they woke us up at Signal some mornings…" Ruby shrugged helplessly, glancing over at her sister who shrugged right back. "Ok. Fine. I'mmm sorry. I didn't think a punny little gym whistle would scare you that much after facing down a giant Grimm yesterday!"
"You didn't scare her Ruby."
All three heads immediately turned towards Blake who sighed deeply before moving away from the window and closer to the trio. "You surprised her. Atlas is a military academy, all students and soldiers are trained to be ready at a moment's notice. This sort of reaction would be very common there, isn't that right Weiss?"
"It was a bit different for me but...yes…" Weiss hesitantly nodded, pulling Mythrester out of the floor, and quickly returning it to the case, resolving to clean the ice up later. "I suppose I can also admit to being a bit hasty as well. I shouldn't have drawn my weapon until after identifying a threat. I am sorry for threatening you, Ruby."
"Awwww see Ruby? You're making friends!" Yang tiredly cheered. Her blond mane a complete mess. "So how about some ground rules then? Ruby? No startling these two first thing in the morning. And Weiss? No… committing whatever horrible act you just thought of on Ruby. Alright?"
Blake quietly raised her hand, "Seconded…"
A quick glance at the relatively recovered duo, and a longer one at Blake who seemed to have settled slightly despite her clear unease at the situation, had Weiss dropping the issue for the time with a small nod and an icy glare at the smaller of the sisters.
The very same sister who, not even missing a beat, cheerfully, and quite boisterously informed them all they needed to unpack and decorate the dorm room before class. Why in Remnant's name she had ever felt like she needed a whistle given how loud she was naturally was beyond Weiss's comprehension.
Equally beyond comprehension was how the three relatively small bags she had brought, which at the time of packing had seemed quite minimalist, still looked disproportionately extravagant when compared to her teammates' luggage.
One bag for clothing, one for all her outdoor/overnight gear, and one for her weapon and dust was standard travel fare for her, and yet sitting beside the three bags Yang and Ruby had, plus the single duffle bag of Blakes, it still somehow looked excessive. Granted maybe they had just all forgotten a large portion of their equipment? Or maybe she was just bitter from how quickly they all seemed to unpack compared to her…
Right up to the point where the four beds in the room became a detriment to the overall space allowance.
The solution to which, according to tweedle dee and tweedle dumb, was constructing bunk beds. A process that took a total of about an hour, given the need for them to track down various materials to hold the newly created bunk beds stable. Frankly, they were still not entirely stable enough for Weiss's liking, but dust be damned Ruby was small enough for her to not worry about that right now. She had more pressing issues at hand, like privately showering, getting ready for her first day of classes, and figuring out a way to not be forced back home before the first week was done.
All of which seemed to be practically impossible, given she already had to practically fight Yang to get any alone time in the bathroom. The two sisters apparently did not fully understand the concept of privacy, and Weiss did in fact mind them being in the same room while she showered. Their constant barging in eventually led Weiss to use some of her ice dust on the door handle. An old trick from when she and Winter shared a bathroom, to prevent anyone from just waltzing in while she was changing. The handle turned so cold it would start to mist the air around it, sending a very clear message to anyone outside it.
With that precaution in place, she took her time removing the binding. Undoing each strap, every buckle holding her wings in place, slowly allowing feeling back into the ruined appendages, until finally the binding fell away, leaving nothing but a collection of red pressure lines, bruises, and chafed skin behind.
This was the first time she had been able to fully remove the new bindings since the morning she left the manor, and to say it felt divine to have the binding off would be the underestimation of her life. So much so that Weiss couldn't stop the soft groan that escaped her as blood rushed back into the disgusting collection of featherless flesh. The warm water of the dorm's shower helped to ease the slow-building cramps that came from binding the damn things so tightly for so long.
It had only been a couple of days, and already she could see this becoming an issue.
The jacket Winter had gifted her was helping, allowing her to keep the bindings on a much looser setting when not sleeping. Without it, there was little question in her mind that she would have struggled much more during initiation, or worse been found out entirely. But just how long would she be able to last with only a few minutes of reprieve each day?
Given the possibility she may not even be there by the end of the week, that was very much a question for a different day. Right now, she would enjoy the glorious twenty minutes of silence she had earned. Showering and doing quite literally everything she could think of before refitting the blasted contraption and exiting the room, finally clean and feeling somewhat put together for the first time in over forty-eight hours.
Only to immediately be informed they were going to be late for class if they did not leave that instant.
She had two days before she would be forced to call her father. Two whole days to figure out a solution to her leadership problem. But as they all sprinted toward the first class of the day, Weiss was honestly beginning to wonder if it wouldn't be better to simply just give up now…
She wouldn't of course. Her stubborn pride would never allow it after going through so much just to get here. But all the same, as she sat down in her seat next to Ruby, sweaty, breathing far too heavy, and in a little bit of pain, Weiss couldn't help the stab of annoyance that came from seeing the younger girl cheer that they barely managed to get there on time.
"You need to be leading by example…" Weiss could practically hear the annoyance in her whispered tone as she pulled out her glasses, affixing them in place just before Professor Port began his lecture. "If you want people to take you seriously that is."
"Shhhh…Tell me after." Ruby instantly abolished, squealing quietly as she focused on the Professor launching into what sounded like a story from one of his hunts. "I've always wanted to hear about a real hunt!"
This excitement lasting a whole twenty minutes before Weiss caught her doodling on her notes page, and daydreaming whilst staring out the classroom windows. Not to be outdone, of course, Yang apparently saw fit to take a nap, and Blake was, predictably, reading a book that was decidedly not related to the class.
Though in fairness, it wasn't like she could say much, as her own mind slipped back in time to the previous night.
Led by, Ruby Rose.
Those words rang back through her head as Professor Port's lecture continued. A constant ticking reminder that she had only two days to find an answer her father would accept, or be shipped back to Atlas.
Normally in this situation, a simple power play would be all that was needed. It wouldn't even be all too difficult to usurp someone as young and inexperienced as Ruby. Pay whoever needed to be paid to shut up, take over the team, and call it a day.
However, there were more than a few problems with that plan this time around, namely her new teammates and Ruby herself.
There was little doubt in Weiss's mind that despite her age, antics, and overall lack of maturity, Ruby had the makings of a good leader. Additionally, Ozpin was revered for his uncanny ability to find diamonds in the rough, so his judgment was going to mean something. Given those parameters, convincing anyone she was the better choice for leader was going to be almost impossible.
Her teammates would also fight against such a change, especially Yang since it was her own sister Weiss would be slighting. And no amount of money could buy someone like Blake who was no doubt just itching for Weiss to pull such a move.
No, for this, a much more subtle approach would be needed. Something that would both appease her father and keep her from ostracizing herself from her teammates…
Maybe she could talk to…
Tsh hehe
Her thoughts broken by a small giggle, as Ruby passed one of her doodles to Yang. Wings twitching in irritation only adding to her discomfort as the first tinge of anger hit.
Here she was, trying so damn hard to figure out a way to stay, and her own teammates had the audacity to display such a lack of commitment. After fighting for their lives and place here, seeing how many other prospects failed, you would think they would be more focused, more dedicated. Instead, they were all barely paying attention.
The small bloom of anger churning more and more with each passing moment until finally, when Professor Port asked for a volunteer, Weiss was instantly on her feet, storming to the classroom floor with weapon in hand.
It didn't matter what the test was, what creature was about to be released from the giant wooden crate he had dragged into the room. Weiss had an unmeasurable backfill of repressed anger she was about to unleash on the damn thing, and it was not about to survive that.
Screeeeeeeeeeeeeee
The metal cage door slowly creaked open, before being unceremoniously blasted apart. Thunderous hooves hit the ground as a Boarbatusk, the same creature Professor Port had been telling a story about, charged towards her more than enough speed and ferocity to catch even the swiftest Huntress off guard.
The fight lasted barely twenty seconds.
A rarefied sea of elemental dust blasting the Grimm into nothing but a dissolving pile of black ashes, leaving nothing but a panting Weiss standing alone in the battered combat zone.
It was a far cry from the elegant and poised combat she had spent a decade perfecting under her father's watchful eye, but maidens above did it feel good to just let loose…
"Well. I suppose that is one way to take it down." Port coughed, gesturing to the burns and ice that now littered the small combat field. "Never forget though, ammunition and dust are finite, and collateral damage is sometimes just as much of a concern as the Grimm. A blade will last as long as you care for it, and is substantially less clean up. Aim for the unarmored stomach of the creature Miss Schnee, and you will have the same result without all this."
"Thank you, professor." She bowed, sheathing Mythrester as she did so. The red haze of anger dissipated as she struggled to regain her breathing. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
"As for the rest of you, I expect to see a two pa…"
The rest of the professor's words faded away as Weiss found herself leaning heavily on one of the classroom walls, her breaths still coming in stilted, the bindings restricting her chest movement substantially more than expected. This was not going to work, she would need to loosen them before the next class for su…
"Holy shit Weiss!" Yang's booming voice shocked her out of her own head as she stood back up to full height, taking in Yang's hand outstretched towards her with the palm open. "That was awesome!"
"You were sooooo cool!" Ruby agreed, practically bouncing as she handed Weiss her bag, before turning and slapping her own hand to Yang's outstretched one. "Ha! Stole your hi-five."
How they had this much energy all the time was beyond comprehension, but their genuine sincerity was enough for Weiss to take the brief moment of putting on her bag to draw in as deep a breath as possible.
"Thank you. I appreciate the kind words, but I need to use the washroom before our next class. I'll meet you there ok?"
Turning on her heel, not even waiting for a response, she exited the classroom and made a beeline for the closest bathroom, trying and likely failing to conceal her panting most of the way.
The selected bathroom was empty, but Weiss was not about to take any risks, instead locking the selected stalls door as soon as she entered, before immediately shedding her jacket and shirt. She wouldn't have time to fully redo the bindings, so a small adjustment would have to do for now. Maybe leaving a couple of the clips around her chest uncl…
"Weiss?"
Ruby's soft tentative voice echoed through the bathroom. A spike of cold fear instantly slammed into her as the soft heel strikes of heavy combat boots made their way towards her stall. Her very noticeable jacket and blouse hung over the top of the door like a beacon.
"Weiss? Are you ok?"
No. She wasn't. But now was not the time for any pity party. She had to loosen this damn thing and get to class on time.
"Fine," Weiss grunted, quickly undoing one of the chest straps and fastening it a few notches looser. "I'll catch up with you all, don't worry."
"Is your back hurt? Your shirt has a couple of marks on it..."
There were moments like that morning that made Weiss question why on Remnant Ozpin picked such a naive child as their leader. Just as often though, were moments like this. Moments that reminded her that Ruby was a leader because no matter what, she was always looking out for her teammates. Even during the moments when they thought no one was looking.
Letting out a slightly dramatic sigh she undid a second strap, clipping it back a few notches as well.
"I scratched it a bit this morning. The scabs must have gotten torn off during combat."
"Do you need to go to the infirmary?"
Weiss almost laughed at the absurdity of Ruby's question. Taking the pause in the conversation to quickly adjust both shoulder straps, before remembering that normal people would, in fact, probably do just that.
"No Ruby. I'll be fine.."
"Ok. I'll let Glynda know anyway. See if she will go easy on you since you took on a Boarbatusk."
Lord help her, Ruby was sometimes too nice for her own good. Or maybe this was just her way of trying to make up for this morning. Really there was no telling with that girl.
"Thank you, Ruby." Weiss gritted out, struggling to undo one of the larger straps that looped around her back. "I'll be there in a minute."
The heavy boot falls slowly receding was the only real indicator that Weiss was free to focus on just the harness. Four more strap adjustments later and she was breathing better than ever. The bindings were a bit on the loose side, but with the jacket, there was little worry of anyone noticing, especially when they were sitting all day.
She would be able to make it through the rest of the day like this.
It wasn't like she had much of a choice after all.
There were many things that Weiss had expected when she arrived a minute late to the notorious Glynda Goodwitch's class. A reprimanding, lines, maybe detention, but a visit to Ozpin's office after class was not one of them.
It was quite hard to imagine what Ruby could have possibly said, that a visit to the top floor of Beacon Academy was required on her first day. Granted she had also trusted the least discrete, and most incompetent liar of her team, to deliver news about a possible "injury" to one of the strictest Professors in the entire school, so maybe this visit to Ozpins office was more likely than she had originally imagined.
You can learn a lot about a person from the contents of their office Weiss. And if the office does not contain anything, then you are either looking in the wrong place, or you are dealing with a very dangerous person.
That was a lesson her father had driven into her relentlessly when he reluctantly started allowing her to accompany him on business dealings. The lesson proved useful even when dealing with the man she had learned it from, however, stepping off the elevator, and into one of the strangest looking rooms she had ever graced, the things she was seeing did not bode very well for her.
Thematically, the office seemed to revolve around the concept of time. A glass ceiling and wall provided excellent viewing of the enormous clockwork movements that hung over her head and covered a large portion of one wall. The polarized lenses of her glasses cut past the reflective surfaces with ease, allowing her to see how it all linked to the running of the large clock face that partially covered the window behind one of the only pieces of furniture in the entire room. A very large, strangely shaped desk, and chair set. The legs of which appeared to be clockwork parts as well.
Yet despite this obvious flair, unlike her father's office, and many of his business associates, the space on initial inspection offered little advantage or disadvantage for either party in a negotiation. More of a conversation piece if anything, something to ask about or make small talk over.
Really about the only thing Weiss could discern was that Ozpin was a man who either valued time or was obsessed with it. Either theory worked, but ultimately told Weiss nothing about what kind of person he was, nor provided any insight into how best to deal with him other than to not waste any of his time.
The man himself sat unmoving in his chair, dressed in a very similar fashion to his green dress suit from the night before. A rather normal attire for him no doubt, suitable for a wide range of situations, and something he clearly wore quite often when working. Only slight changes in the tailoring indicated it was indeed a different suit altogether, though most wouldn't notice that even if they were looking for it, so Weiss would keep that to herself for now.
Calmly walking from the elevator to the front of the desk, the moment the doors fully opened, all three hard light displays in front of him immediately clicked off the moment she stepped past the elevator door. Revealing more clockwork mechanisms beneath, as well as his trademark coffee mug and cane sitting on either side of him, ready for use.
"Miss Schnee." He immediately smiled, gesturing for her to take a seat as a small clockwork chair popped out from the floor in front of his desk. "I must say, from what I've been told you have had quite the first day."
There were many layers to his voice. A depth to it that one gained only after years of hard work, and it sent a very clear message to Weiss. He had been around the world and had more tricks up his sleeves than she did. To lie or downplay the situation would be impossible, so she should stick to her strengths and the truth.
Hesitantly taking a seat in the chair, Weiss immediately smoothed out her shirt before adjusting herself to sit properly, her hands clasped politely in front of her. The chair was surprisingly comfortable despite its strange styling, which in Weiss's experience was a relatively good sign.
"I apologize sir, but outside of my tardiness to Professor Goodwitchs class, I don't entirely know why I am he..."
ting
It was almost humorous that today she seemed destined to be interrupted at every instance. The elevator ping, tearing her attention from the man before her, as the very same woman she was talking about, stalked past her, carrying a small tray with two more steaming mugs on it.
Placing the tray on her desk as she walked around the desk to Ozpin's side, sliding her small tablet in front of him.
"You're here because it's only been a day, and your team leader is already concerned for your physical and mental well-being."
Compared to Ozpin, Glynda may well have been a talking sledgehammer. Her tone as usual brokered zero attitude, though what really struck her was how she didn't even give Weiss a chance to retort, before beginning to tick points off her fingers.
"First she reported that you have a possible back injury. One that was debilitating enough to possibly make you late for my class, yet you were also refusing to go get it checked. When I inquired about your refusal to go to the infirmary, she simply stated you "May not be comfortable going", and when drilled further, stated you were a bit skittish and had nearly attacked your teammates this morning after having a whistle blown in your ear. Not to mention this breathtaking display of anger management during Professor Port's class."
The sounds of muffled combat could be heard from across the desk as no doubt a video clip from her Grimm battle played.
"Need I go on?"
Despite her external poise remaining intact, Weiss could feel herself internally cringing with each point listed. If her father heard about any of this, he would no doubt be dragging her back home, and for good reason. It had only been a few days, and this lack of self-control was frankly unacceptable.
I do, however, still worry you may end up like your sister. Influenced by your teammates. By those beneath you.
Maidens helped her, he had been right. Again. First the airships and now this. No wonder he was worried. If Whitley and Winter had changed this quickly and without even really noticing… Then what would she be like if not for moments of clarity like this one?
She had to nip this in the bud and quick…
"I apologize." Weiss bowed her head deeply. "Ruby appears to have greatly exaggerated my back injury. I simply scrapped it this morning by accident. It is nothing even close to debilitating, which is why I did not feel the need to go to the infirmary."
It wasn't a lie. Not really. More of an omission on why she really didn't want to go to the infirmary to get her back checked. Nothing they needed to know.
"So you say." Glynda narrowed her eyes, the feeling in the room a bit more akin to staring down a shark that smelled blood in the water. "Yet your posture and sitting position puts no weight or strain onto your back. Not to mention you haven't even said a word in regar..."
"Glynda." Ozpin quickly cut her off, handing her the tablet back. "Thank you. But I am quite sure Miss Schnee understands your concerns."
The tension in the room dropped almost immediately as Glynda sighed, taking a step back, allowing Ozpin to dominate Weiss's attention once more.
"Coffee?"
The emotional whiplash of Ozpin's much kinder and open offer, after being practically grilled by Glynda, was admittedly quite effective. Weiss had seen many try to use the good cop bad cop routine in the past dealings, but this was a completely different level from those amateurs, as she actually felt herself drawn towards the steaming mug.
While a drink during negotiations was normally a risk, Ozpin was a headmaster and more importantly, wasn't her father, so the chances of him lacing her drink with anything were minimal.
Gripping the mug, she brought the steaming beverage to her lips, blowing on it slightly before taking a small experimental sip. The rich, earthy notes of an Atlas brew hit home, almost immediately pulling her in for a much longer sip to savor the subtle chocolate and caramel notes.
"I thought you might enjoy that particular roast." Ozpin chuckled, clearly seeing the delight that Weiss was currently experiencing. "It was your grandfather's favorite after all."
That little comment certainly caught Weiss's attention.
"You were friends with my grandfather?"
"Well, I wouldn't exactly call us friends." Ozpin chuckled, sipping his own mug. "I did meet with him several times when trying to find sponsors for the Academy though. He was extremely generous, and frankly, without his sponsorship, this academy would have struggled quite a bit in its earlier years."
Weiss thumbed her mug as she thought back. "My father never mentioned that the SDC sponsored Beacon Academy…"
"That would likely be because the SDC pulled their sponsorship back when he first took power." Glynda huffed. Still working on her tablet and not even bothering to glance up.
"Oh…" Weiss glanced down at the mug in her lap, swirling the liquid a few times as she did. "I'm sorry to hear that…"
"It's water under the bridge as they say." Ozpin almost seemed to chuckle, before glaring over his shoulder at Glynda "And we certainly didn't bring you up here to lecture you about something you have no control over. You're a student. Not a chess piece."
Taking another small sip, Weiss glanced out the window beside her. It was a bit humorous how close to the mark Ozpin was without even meaning to be. Even funnier given her father would say the complete opposite.
"Which brings me back to what I was originally wanting to talk to you about." He motioned, bringing Weiss's attention back to him. "You're hardly the first Atlas student we have had here, and we are quite used to the first rocky week as you get used to the slightly more freeform life within these walls. However. Are you aware that your father is requesting weekly updates on your transcripts, grades, and academic records?"
"Yes." Weiss immediately answered. "And if you're going to ask me for permission to do so, I will grant it. Whatever he is asking for, give it to him."
There was a palpable pause as Ozpin and Glynda both shared a look. The deep methodical ticking of the clockwork mechanisms just barely audible as they quickly concluded their silent conversion.
"Very well." Ozpin nodded, clasping his hands together once more. "However I am quite curious as to why it is necessary. Your records from Atlas indicate you're a student of the highest caliber."
The question seemed logical enough as Weiss paused to take a sip from her mug. Buying time to carefully examine every angle Ozpin might be playing. None of the information she could share on that topic was confidential by any means, but she would need to tread carefully to avoid any suspicion.
"It was part of the deal we made," she replied evenly, eyeing the man for any change in mannerism. "He wanted me to stay in Atlas for schooling, and I wanted to get out of the Manor. See the world. So we negotiated a contract for me to attend school here. I am required to maintain a certain academic standing, among other things. This is simply his way of ensuring I hold up my end of the deal."
"I see." Ozpin nodded, though Weiss was quite sure she could see the small makings of a frown. "And were there any other requirements that we should be made aware of? Anything that may prevent you from attending for the full duration?"
Weiss's eyes brightened considerably at the question. "Actually, there was one…"
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
There were times when Weiss was quite thankful to have the little voice in her head. This was one of those moments as the realization of what was happening slammed into her hard enough to stop her mid sentence.
Maidens help her, how had she not seen all the signs? Mentioning her grandfather. Compliments on her grades. Even the coffee. All signs of nicety negotiation. It was brilliant really. A complete one eighty from the cold controlling methods of negotiation her father preferred, but when used on someone like her, a born and raised Atlesean, who would be liable to not notice until it was too late, it proved to be quite effective.
Anger coursed through her as the facade of a pleasant meeting fell away. She had been foolish to think that being miles from Atlas, she might find some reprieve from the cold world of manipulation and constant vigilance. Naive to think people here could be trusted anymore than those in Atlas.
She would not be making that mistake again.
"Clever. But not clever enough."
Ice dripped from each word as Weiss allowed herself to slip back into the world of untouchable indifference. The world that she had thought was left behind at the manor. The room's temperature dropping as she discreetly tapped Mythresters trigger, allowing a small amount of ice dust to chill the air around her.
"Why don't we drop this farce and get to why you really dragged me up here."
The frown that graced Ozpin's face would be forever burned into her mind. The way his expression subtly shifted when the cold air hit him, and he instantly realized the mistake he had made.
"The apple did not fall very far…" He muttered quietly, his eyes now fixed permanently to Weiss's own.
Glynda of course was quite a bit less subtle, her hand instantly going to the riding crop at her hip, until a small gesture from Ozpin was more than enough to put her at ease.
"It's alright Glynda. Though it appears our hospitality has been misinterpreted."
Weiss felt herself scuff at the obvious excuse. "Do you really think I am so naive to believe you didn't have this all planned? That you just happened to have Atlesian coffee laying around? What's next? My favorite dessert?"
The small chuckle that came from Ozpin was neither condescending nor directed at Weiss. It was almost as if he was laughing at himself on Weiss's behalf. The small smile he displayed followed much the same vein as he leaned back in his chair once more.
"No, but then I don't think you would believe anything I have to say right now."
Weiss could only glare in response.
"Alright. A simple deal then. Verbal, and non binding."
A cocked eyebrow was all the response Weiss gave him. A simple show of curiosity. More than enough to force him to continue talking.
"You let me help you, and in exchange you and Glynda meet every month for a cup of coffee. These meetings will of course be off the record, and will be for the express purpose of allowing her to keep tabs on your overall health without you worrying about us including any of it in your file."
Weiss's knee jerk reaction was to immediately slam the door on the offer. More out of spite than anything else, but engrained business senses of hers would never allow such a thing. Especially since it really wasn't that bad of a deal. No scratch that, it was an excellent one.
Even without the possibility of a solution to her leadership problem, it was absolutely weighted in her favor. The possible risks were minimal as well, since it was Glynda she had to work around and not Ozpin. The woman did not seem to have the same penance for manipulation like Ozpin did, and moreover seemed much less interested in playing these kinds of mental games in general.
Additionally she would only need to tip toe around the main issue for exactly four meetings at most. After that, there was nothing to worry about because the cause of her worry would be gone.
Four months of worry in exchange for a solution to a very pressing problem… she would be foolish to not consider it.
"Alright." she found herself nodding, "Those are acceptable terms. However I would like to hear your solution to a certain requirement my father gave me, before I fully agree."
If Ozpin was smiling before, at this point he was down right enjoying himself. Such was the absolutely exact expression that he shot Glynda as she let out a small hmph rolling her eyes quite dramatically.
"Miss Schnee, I think you will find we can be very adept at bending the rules to suit our needs."