Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 58: Preparation, Reflection, and Commitment
The week passed in a rhythm of preparation and camaraderie. Shirou, ever focused, worked tirelessly to gather the necessary items for the ritual. The consecrated wooden stick and blessed paper sat on the desk in his room, symbols of a tradition foreign yet oddly comforting in their precision. With Ironwood's support, he had access to resources that allowed him to dive deep into the techniques required for exorcism, but he also understood that magic—like people—was unpredictable.
Shirou didn't spend every waking moment immersed in study. Team RWBY, JNPR, and Penny made sure of that. Their days were punctuated with moments of shared laughter, intense training sessions, and communal meals that brought everyone closer together. Ruby's infectious enthusiasm often broke through Shirou's focus, pulling him into spirited discussions about weapons or tales of her adventures. Yang's boisterous jokes and unshakable confidence provided a sense of normalcy, while Nora's antics kept everyone on their toes. Ren's quiet wisdom offered calm reassurance during the more serious moments, and Jaune's determination inspired Shirou to push himself further during training.
Blake, in particular, lingered near him. She would offer to spar, her movements fluid and precise as they exchanged techniques. Shirou found himself drawn to her quiet strength and the way her golden eyes lit up when she spoke of things she was passionate about. Though unspoken, there was a growing connection between them, a bond that hinted at something deeper.
Even Penny, with her boundless curiosity, made an effort to engage Shirou. She peppered him with questions about his techniques and his world, her mechanical precision juxtaposed with a genuine warmth that endeared her to everyone. The group's camaraderie became a balm for Shirou's burdened mind, reminding him that even in the face of uncertainty, he wasn't alone. Together, they formed a patchwork family, their differences blending into a harmonious whole that gave him strength.
As the week unfolded, Weiss found herself grappling with a storm of emotions. The prospect of addressing the complexities surrounding her father weighed heavily on her. Memories of Jacques' cold indifference and ruthless ambition clashed with fleeting moments of vulnerability she had occasionally glimpsed in him. Shirou's suggestion to speak with her mother had planted a seed of curiosity and doubt. Was Jacques always the man she knew, or had something changed him? These questions haunted Weiss, pulling her deeper into a spiral of introspection.
Late at night, when the others had retired, Weiss often stood by her window, gazing out at the glittering skyline of Atlas. Her thoughts would drift to her childhood, to moments when she had yearned for her father's approval, only to be met with disappointment. Yet, despite everything, a part of her couldn't shake the hope that there might still be something redeemable in him. She questioned her motives repeatedly: Was she doing this for him, for her family, or for herself? The answers eluded her, adding to her inner turmoil.
Determined to find clarity, Weiss resolved to approach her mother, Willow. The decision wasn't easy. Willow's struggles had often left Weiss feeling more protective than open to seeking advice. Yet, if anyone could shed light on who Jacques had been before ambition consumed him, it was Willow. Weiss hoped that understanding the man he once was might help her come to terms with the man he had become and the role she wanted to play in his redemption, if redemption was even possible.
Weiss approached Willow during a quiet afternoon when the rest of the house seemed to settle into an unspoken truce. She found her mother in the solarium, a place Willow often retreated to for solace. Sunlight filtered through the glass walls, casting warm, golden light over the room's lush greenery. Willow sat with a book in hand, her posture poised but relaxed, a half-filled glass of wine resting on the table beside her.
Taking a deep breath, Weiss stepped forward. "Mother, do you have a moment?"
Willow looked up, her expression softening at the sight of her daughter. "Of course, Weiss. Sit with me."
As Weiss settled into the chair across from her, there was a moment of hesitation. The weight of the conversation she was about to start pressed heavily on her, but Willow's patient gaze gave her the courage to begin. "I've been thinking a lot about Father and... everything that's happened. I wanted to ask you about him—about who he used to be."
Willow's face clouded for a moment, the glass in her hand turning slowly between her fingers. "That's not an easy question to answer," she admitted. "But if it will help you, I'll try."
Over the next hour, Willow spoke with a mix of fondness and sadness, painting a picture of the man Jacques once was. She described their early courtship, his charm and ambition shining brightly, and how he had once been a man who genuinely cared for his family. She recounted moments of tenderness, like the way he had held Winter as a baby with a look of awe, and the pride he had shown when they first built their life together.
But as the story unfolded, darker tones crept in. Willow spoke of the changes she saw after Winter was born—the growing obsession with the Schnee Dust Company, the relentless drive to climb higher, and the way his ambition began to eclipse his humanity. "It wasn't immediate," Willow said, her voice trembling slightly. "It was gradual, like watching a fire slowly consume everything it touched. There were moments when I thought I saw the man I fell in love with, but they became fewer and farther between."
She paused, her gaze distant. "I've always wondered if it was the pressure, the power, or... something else. There were times when he seemed almost... haunted, as if he were fighting battles none of us could see."
Weiss listened intently, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her mother's words stirred a mix of emotions—anger at the choices her father had made, sorrow for the man he once was, and a faint glimmer of hope that perhaps not all was lost.
"Do you think he can change?" Weiss finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Willow looked at her daughter, her eyes filled with a weary kind of wisdom. "I don't know, Weiss. But if there's even a chance, it's worth trying. For his sake, and for yours."
At the end of the week, Weiss sought out Shirou, finding him in the training hall where he was meticulously practicing the movements for the exorcism ritual. The faint scent of incense lingered in the air, a testament to his dedication. As she approached, Shirou paused, turning to face her with a calm, inquisitive expression.
"I spoke with my mother," Weiss began, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "She told me things about my father… about the man he used to be. It's given me a lot to think about."
Shirou nodded, remaining silent as Weiss gathered her thoughts. "I won't lie to you," she continued. "A part of me still hates him for everything he's done. But if there's even the slightest chance that this ritual can help him—help us—I have to try. Not for his sake, but for mine. For my family's."
Her words carried a quiet strength, a resolve born of pain and hope interwoven. Shirou regarded her with respect, his voice firm yet gentle. "It takes courage to face something like this, Weiss. Whatever happens, know that you've done everything you could. You're stronger than you think."
Weiss felt a weight lift from her chest, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. Together, they finalized the last details of the exorcism plan, their shared commitment reinforcing the bond between them. As they parted ways, Weiss felt a cautious optimism, ready to face the challenges ahead with her friends by her side.
With Weiss's decision made and the final preparations complete, the group gathered for a shared dinner, a symbolic gesture of unity before the coming storm. The atmosphere was a mix of tension and camaraderie. Ruby proposed a toast to their collective strength, her words filled with unwavering optimism. Yang added a playful remark, lightening the mood, while Penny expressed her confidence in their plan with her characteristic sincerity.
Ironwood and Winter joined them briefly, offering words of encouragement and expressing their faith in both Shirou and Weiss. The Schnees' involvement added a layer of gravity to the situation, reminding everyone of the stakes involved. As the evening wore on, the group's bond felt stronger than ever, their shared goal uniting them in purpose.
As the night deepened, Weiss found herself looking out at the horizon, her thoughts a mixture of hope and dread. The others gradually retired, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Shirou approached quietly, offering a few final words of reassurance. Together, they stood in silence, the weight of what lay ahead settling over them like a shroud. Yet, within that silence was a promise—a shared determination to face whatever came their way.