Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't

Chapter 57: Investigating Jacques Schnee and Planning an Exorcism

The week after the shopping trip had been grueling for everyone. Mantle's frigid streets bustled with tension, its residents struggling to endure the suffocating presence of military patrols and the unrelenting Grimm incursions. Between their missions, Team RWBY, JNPR, and the Ace Ops found little rest, splitting their time between Mantle and Atlas to maintain a delicate balance between defending the vulnerable and reinforcing the city's crumbling sense of security.

Ruby and Yang often found themselves assigned to Mantle's outer districts, where Grimm activity was highest. The two sisters coordinated rescue efforts during sudden Grimm attacks, escorting citizens to safety while fending off packs of Beowolves. Yang's dynamic fighting style kept morale high among the local populace, while Ruby's cheerful optimism brought moments of light to the otherwise grim environment.

Blake and Weiss, meanwhile, worked to address the mounting political unrest. Weiss's presence drew uneasy stares from Mantle's citizens, many of whom saw her as a symbol of Atlas' indifference. But Blake's calm demeanor and earnest empathy helped to soften the tension. Together, the two worked with local activists to ensure that protests remained peaceful, diffusing several volatile situations before they could spiral out of control.

In Atlas, Ren, Nora, Oscar, and Jaune partnered with the Ace Ops to secure critical infrastructure, ensuring that supply lines to Mantle remained open. The teams fought tirelessly to protect Dust shipments from sabotage, combating both Grimm and dissenters who sought to use violence to make their voices heard. Ren's stoic focus and Nora's infectious energy made them invaluable assets during the most chaotic of skirmishes, while Jaune's leadership skills steadily improved as he learned from the Ace Ops.

While the others were engaged in the field, Shirou operated in the shadows. Under General Ironwood's orders, he worked alongside Winter Schnee to investigate Jacques Schnee's affairs. They pored over years' worth of documents, unearthing inconsistencies in company records and strange patterns in Jacques' decision-making. Together, they uncovered evidence of unusual meetings and unexplained absences in Jacques' schedule, hinting at outside interference.

Between their investigative work, Shirou also found time to patrol the streets of Atlas and Mantle, lending his aid wherever he could. His actions, though quiet and understated, did not go unnoticed. Mantle's citizens spoke in hushed tones of a red-haired swordsman who seemed to appear out of nowhere to protect them, his twin blades cutting through Grimm with ease. Even in the most dire situations, his calm determination inspired hope.

Despite the exhausting workload, the teams found moments to bond. Ruby and Penny are often sparred during downtime, their matches filled with playful banter. Weiss and Winter shared tense but heartfelt conversations, slowly mending the strained relationship between sisters. And though the weight of their responsibilities hung heavy, the camaraderie they shared provided a much-needed source of strength.

The Schnee Dust Company headquarters was a towering monument to power and wealth. Its sleek, metallic façade gleamed under Atlas' artificial sky, a symbol of the company's dominance in the Dust industry. Inside, the air was sterile and businesslike, with polished floors and pristine walls adorned with portraits of the Schnee family.

Shirou was led through the maze of hallways by Winter Schnee, her sharp military bearing contrasting with the corporate atmosphere around them. As they approached Jacques' office, the clatter of keys and the distant hum of machinery faded into silence, replaced by the faint creak of leather shoes on marble.

Jacques Schnee's office was every bit as imposing as the man himself. The room was expansive, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of Atlas' cityscape. A massive oak desk sat at the center, flanked by shelves lined with ornate trophies and awards. Jacques stood behind the desk, his sharp blue eyes narrowing as Shirou and Winter entered.

"Ah, Winter," Jacques greeted coolly, his gaze flicking to Shirou. "And who is this?"

"Shirou Emiya," Winter said curtly. "General Ironwood has authorized him to conduct this meeting."

Jacques raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "I see. Well, let's not waste any time. What is this about?"

Shirou stepped forward, offering a polite nod. "Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Schnee. I'm here to better understand the decisions and events that have shaped your leadership of the Schnee Dust Company."

Jacques sat down behind his desk, gesturing for Shirou to continue. His tone was clipped as he responded, "I've nothing to hide, though I must say this feels like a waste of my valuable time."

Shirou began with general questions about Jacques' rise to power and his strategies for expanding the Schnee Dust Company. Jacques spoke with practiced ease, detailing his business acumen and painting himself as a self-made man who had elevated the company to unprecedented heights.

As the discussion progressed, Shirou's questions shifted to more personal topics.

"You mentioned expanding operations to Mantle early in your career," Shirou said. "What inspired that decision?"

Jacques frowned slightly. "It was… practical. Mantle provided labor and proximity to key resources."

"And the workers in Mantle—how did you ensure their loyalty during those early years?"

Jacques hesitated, his gaze flickering to the window. "Loyalty was… incentivized, of course. Bonuses, housing arrangements…" He trailed off, his voice faltering. "Or was it…?" He shook his head sharply. "What does this have to do with anything?"

Shirou's calm demeanor didn't waver. "It's important to understand your methods and motivations. They offer insight into your character."

The more Shirou pressed, the more apparent it became that Jacques was struggling to recall certain details. Events that should have been pivotal—mergers, negotiations, family milestones—were hazy or completely absent from his memory. His frustration grew with each question, and he began fidgeting with his pen, tapping it against the desk in irritation.

"You seem quite confident in your ability to judge my character," Jacques snapped, leaning forward. "Do you always pry into the lives of those you don't know?"

"Only when it's necessary," Shirou replied evenly. "Sometimes, understanding the past is key to resolving the present."

Jacques scowled but didn't respond immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, the silence stretching uncomfortably. Shirou observed him carefully, noting the subtle signs of unease—the tightening of his jaw, the way his eyes darted to the corners of the room as if searching for an escape.

Finally, Jacques stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "I've indulged this nonsense long enough. If there's nothing else, I have a company to run."

Shirou rose as well, offering a polite nod. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Schnee. Your insights have been… illuminating."

Jacques paused at the door, glancing back with a mix of irritation and something else—something harder to define. Confusion? Fear? Whatever it was, it flickered in his eyes for only a moment before he straightened his posture and strode out of the room, leaving Shirou and Winter alone in the office.

The soft hum of Jacques' departure lingered in the air, and Winter wasted no time turning to Shirou. Her expression was sharp, but beneath her stoic exterior lay a flicker of apprehension. "Well? What do you think?" she demanded, her voice cutting through the tense silence.

Shirou crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in thought. "There's definitely something wrong," he began. "Jacques' behavior is… inconsistent. The gaps in his memory, his erratic responses to basic questions—none of it aligns with a man in full control of his faculties."

Winter's hands clenched at her sides, but she kept her tone even. "Are you saying my father's mind has been tampered with?"

Shirou nodded slowly, his tone grave. "It's a possibility. I've seen similar symptoms before—people who've had their minds altered by external forces. Memories erased, suppressed, or rewritten entirely. In Jacques' case, I suspect the latter. His cold, manipulative personality, paired with these memory gaps, fits a pattern."

Ironwood, who had entered the room during the latter half of the interview, stepped forward. "A pattern? Explain," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Shirou glanced at both of them. "Kirei is a magus—a master manipulator with a deep understanding of psychological and spiritual tampering. He thrives on chaos, and influencing someone like Jacques would be well within his capabilities."

Winter stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "You're saying that Kirei could be the reason for my father's behavior over the years?"

"It's highly probable," Shirou admitted. "Having been in Remnant for twenty two years, he would have had plenty of time to experiment and refine his methods. Jacques might have been an ideal subject—someone ambitious, morally flexible, and already inclined toward ruthlessness."

Ironwood frowned, his mechanical hand tightening into a fist. "You're suggesting that Kirei has been manipulating Jacques for years. But why? What would he gain?"

Shirou's gaze hardened. "Control. Influence. Kirei doesn't act without purpose. Manipulating someone like Jacques would give him a foothold in both the corporate and political arenas of Atlas. He could sow discord, destabilize systems, and create an environment ripe for chaos—all while staying in the shadows."

Ironwood paced the room, his boots clicking against the floor. "And Jacques wouldn't even realize he was being used."

Shirou nodded. "Exactly. A skilled magus like Kirei can manipulate memories and thoughts so subtly that the victim believes their actions are entirely their own. Jacques' ambition might have made him an easier target, but the signs of tampering are undeniable."

Winter folded her arms, her tone cold. "You said Kirei would have needed time to refine his methods. How long are we talking about?"

Shirou hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "In the world of magecraft, research and experimentation are ingrained in a magus' way of life. Kirei wouldn't have come to Remnant without a plan. If he's been here for years, he's likely been conducting experiments on others before Jacques—testing his techniques, pushing boundaries."

Winter's expression darkened, and Ironwood's scowl deepened. "You're saying Kirei may have more victims?"

"It's possible," Shirou replied grimly. "But Jacques is the most prominent one I've encountered so far. If Kirei's goal is to create chaos, then Jacques' position as head of the Schnee Dust Company makes him a perfect puppet."

Winter's voice trembled slightly, though she masked it well. "If Kirei is responsible for my father's behavior, then… What does that mean for the rest of my family? For Weiss, Whitley, and my mother?"

Shirou softened his tone. "It's hard to say. If Jacques has been manipulated, it's possible his actions have been influenced beyond his own intentions. That doesn't absolve him of everything, but it does mean he may not be entirely responsible for the man he's become."

Winter looked away, her jaw tightening as she struggled to process the implications.

Ironwood broke the silence, his voice steady but resolute. "If this is true, then we need to act. Can whatever Kirei has done to Jacques be reversed?"

Shirou met his gaze, his expression firm. "It's possible. But it won't be easy. Kirei's methods are insidious, and undoing them will require careful preparation."

Winter straightened, her determination returning. "What do we need to do?"

Ironwood leaned against the edge of the desk, his mechanical hand resting heavily on its surface. "If Jacques has been tampered with, can this… exorcism remove Kirei's influence? Is it even possible to undo something so deeply rooted?"

Shirou nodded, though his expression remained serious. "Yes, it's possible. But we'll need to be precise. Kirei's methods are complex, and whatever he's done to Jacques likely ties into his soul or subconscious. An exorcism can sever those connections, but it's a delicate process."

Winter crossed her arms, her icy demeanor betraying a hint of unease. "And if it fails? What happens to my father then?"

Shirou paused before answering. "If the ritual is incomplete or disrupted, Jacques could suffer further mental damage. His mind might collapse under the strain, or worse, Kirei's influence could strengthen, turning him into something far more dangerous. That's why we can't rush this—we have to get it right the first time."

Ironwood straightened, his military discipline taking over. "What exactly do you need for this exorcism?"

Shirou began to explain, his voice calm but resolute. "The ritual itself is rooted in Japanese exorcism traditions, something I learned from a friend who was trained as a monk. It requires specific materials to purify and sever Kirei's influence. The most important items are blessed paper and a consecrated wooden staff, both imbued with holy energy. They act as conduits for purification, allowing us to dispel the taint without causing harm to the host—Jacques, in this case."

Winter raised an eyebrow, skeptical but curious. "Blessed paper? Wooden staff? Are these materials readily available in Atlas?"

Shirou shook his head. "Not exactly. They have to be crafted and consecrated by someone with spiritual authority—a holy man, a monk, or a priest. Without proper sanctification, the materials won't hold the necessary purity to counteract Kirei's influence."

Ironwood, ever pragmatic, chimed in. "We might have a lead on obtaining what you need. Atlas has a small chapel in Mantle that serves as a place of worship for those seeking solace. The head priest there is a man of integrity. I'll speak to him personally about preparing the materials."

Shirou inclined his head in gratitude. "Thank you. It's important that the ritual be performed in a location free from external interference as well—preferably somewhere isolated, where we can focus entirely on Jacques without distractions or interruptions."

Winter's posture was confident as she offered a suggestion. "The Schnee Dust Company headquarters might work. There are secure, unused rooms we can repurpose for the ritual. It would also be easier to bring my father there without raising suspicion."

Shirou, however, shook his head, his brow furrowing as he considered her proposal. "No, that won't do," he said firmly. "The higher up we are, the more difficult it will be to stabilize the ritual's energy. For this to work, we need to be closer to the ground—possibly even underground."

Winter frowned, puzzled. "Why would being underground matter for a ritual like this?"

Shirou crossed his arms, his voice measured but insistent. "The Earth naturally conducts and stabilizes spiritual energy. Being closer to the ground allows us to draw from that stability, anchoring the ritual and preventing the influence from dispersing or rebounding unpredictably. If we're too high up, like in a tower or an elevated space, we risk losing control of the energy flow, which could make things worse for Jacques."

Ironwood tapped a finger against his mechanical arm thoughtfully. "Underground, you say? That does narrow our options. The church has a basement for storage beneath it. Would that work?"

Shirou nodded slightly, though his expression remained cautious. "A basement could work, as long as it's secure and undisturbed. Ideally, we need a space that's quiet, isolated, and far from any outside interference. The more control we have over the environment, the safer the ritual will be."

Shirou raised a hand, his expression grave. "One more thing. Jacques may resist. If Kirei's influence is deeply ingrained, Jacques might lash out—physically or emotionally. Be prepared for anything, and make sure no one else is nearby during the ritual. The fewer people involved, the better."

Winter's expression hardened, her resolve evident. "I'll handle my father. You just focus on ensuring the ritual works."

Ironwood stepped forward, his tone decisive. "We'll move discreetly. Winter and I will arrange a reason to bring Jacques out of the headquarters under the pretense of a private meeting. Meanwhile, Shirou will oversee the preparations and ensure the materials are ready. We'll synchronize our efforts to minimize risk."

Shirou nodded. "I'll need at least a few days to prepare the ritual circle and test the materials. Once everything is in place, we'll only have one chance to perform the exorcism."

Winter stood tall, her icy resolve evident. "If there's even a chance to free my father from Kirei's influence, we have to take it. No matter what it takes, we'll see this through."

Later that day the warm glow of the private kitchen's lights reflected off the polished counters as Shirou worked diligently, his sleeves rolled up and an apron tied around his waist. Pots simmered on the stove, releasing fragrant steam that filled the room with the rich aroma of spices and roasted vegetables. A freshly baked loaf of bread cooled on the counter, alongside plates of sliced meats and a variety of dipping sauces.

Shirou had fallen into a routine of cooking for the group whenever time allowed. For him, it was a small way to bring comfort and unity amidst the chaos of missions and uncertainties. Tonight, he had prepared a spread that catered to everyone's tastes—Nora's love for hearty stews, Ruby's sweet tooth with a tray of cookies for dessert, and Blake's preference for lighter, spiced dishes.

One by one, Team RWBY, JNPR, and Penny arrived, their laughter and chatter echoing down the hall as they entered the dining area. They looked weary from a long day of missions, but their faces brightened at the sight of the feast laid out before them.

"Shirou, you're a lifesaver," Yang declared, clapping him on the shoulder as she grabbed a plate. "After all the running around today, I could eat a Beowolf."

Nora was already piling her plate high with stew and bread, her eyes sparkling. "You're a wizard in the kitchen, Shirou! Maybe your semblance is food magic."

Shirou chuckled, waving her off as he placed the last dish on the table. "Cooking's just a skill, not a semblance. But if it makes you all happy, then it's worth the effort."

The group settled around the table, digging into the meal with enthusiasm. Penny, her synthetic nature not dampening her appreciation for good food, carefully analyzed each dish. "This stew is most delightful! The balance of flavors is exquisite," she said with genuine admiration, making Shirou smile.

Weiss took a smaller portion, maintaining her usual poise, but even she couldn't hide the slight upward curve of her lips as she savored a bite of the roasted vegetables. "You've outdone yourself tonight, Shirou."

Ruby, on the other hand, was less restrained, stuffing her mouth with bread and trying to speak at the same time. "Thif if amathing!" she mumbled, crumbs falling onto her plate.

"Ruby, chew before you speak," Weiss scolded, though her tone lacked any real bite.

The meal was accompanied by lighthearted banter and stories from the day. Jaune recounted a particularly clumsy moment during a Grimm skirmish, much to the amusement of the others. "I swear, that Nevermore was aiming for my pride more than anything else!"

Blake sat quietly, a faint smile gracing her face as she listened to her friends. Every so often, her gaze would meet Shirou's, and the two would exchange a silent look of understanding and camaraderie.

Ren and Nora bickered playfully about who had landed the most hits during their mission, while Yang tried to rope Shirou into a friendly arm-wrestling match, which he politely declined.

As the meal wound down and the plates began to empty, Ruby raised her glass of juice, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I just want to say thanks, Shirou. For cooking, for being here, for… well, everything. It means a lot."

The others nodded in agreement, their expressions warm and sincere. Shirou felt a pang of something he hadn't experienced in a long time—belonging. He raised his own glass in return, a small smile on his face. "You're welcome. I'm just glad we can share moments like this, even with everything going on."

After dinner, the group lingered, some helping Shirou clean up while others relaxed in the living area. Ruby and Penny teamed up to tackle the dishes, though Ruby's clumsiness resulted in more water on the counter than in the sink. Blake and Weiss sat by the fireplace, quietly discussing the day's events, while Yang and Nora engaged in a spirited arm-wrestling match that Ren and Jaune refereed.

Shirou watched from the kitchen, feeling a rare sense of peace amidst the chaos. These moments, though fleeting, reminded him of why he fought so hard—to protect the bonds that gave life its meaning.

After the dinner plates were cleared and the group began to disperse, Shirou noticed Weiss lingering near the fireplace, her hands wrapped around a cup of tea. Her usually composed demeanor seemed slightly strained, her brows furrowed as she stared into the flickering flames.

Recognizing the perfect moment, Shirou walked over, his steps quiet. "Weiss," he said softly, drawing her attention. She glanced up at him, her expression guarded but curious. "Do you have a moment to talk?"

She hesitated for a beat, then gave a small nod. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

Shirou gestured toward a quieter corner of the room, and Weiss followed. Once they were seated, he took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. "I wanted to update you on what we've discovered about your father," he began, his tone gentle but direct. "During my interview with Jacques, I noticed several… irregularities. Gaps in his memory, unusual behavior—things that don't align with what I've learned about him through Winter and others."

Weiss stiffened slightly, her grip tightening on her cup. "That doesn't surprise me," she said bitterly. "He's always been manipulative and self-serving. Why would this be any different?"

Shirou shook his head. "It's more than just personality. I believe your father's drastic changes over the years might not be entirely his doing. There's a strong possibility that Kirei Kotomine has had a hand in influencing him, using methods I've seen before in magecraft. If that's true, then his actions may not fully be his own."

Weiss' lips parted slightly, her eyes widening in shock before narrowing in suspicion. "Are you saying that my father is a victim?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

"I'm saying it's possible," Shirou replied carefully. "If Kirei has tampered with Jacques' mind, it would explain the gaps in his memory and some of his more extreme behaviors. But that doesn't excuse the pain he's caused—you're justified in how you feel. I just think there's more to this than meets the eye."

Weiss looked away, her gaze distant as she processed his words. "So, what do you plan to do about it?"

Shirou leaned forward slightly. "We're planning an exorcism to undo whatever influence Kirei may have over him. It's a delicate process, and there's no guarantee it will work, but it's the best chance we have of freeing him from any external control."

Weiss' expression hardened. "And you want me to be a part of this?"

Shirou nodded. "That's up to you. I won't force you to be involved, but I thought you should know. If we're right, this could be a chance to see a side of your father that's been buried for years—perhaps the man your mother married before everything went wrong."

Weiss let out a bitter laugh, her voice trembling with emotion. "I never knew that man. All I've ever seen is the cold, controlling tyrant who cared more about power and appearances than his own family." Her fingers trembled slightly as she set the cup down. "Even if this exorcism works, what's left of him? What if he's still the same?"

Shirou placed a reassuring hand on the armrest of her chair, his voice steady and empathetic. "I can't promise he'll change, Weiss. But if there's even a chance that the man he used to be is still there, isn't it worth trying? At the very least, you'll know you did everything you could."

Weiss looked at him, her icy blue eyes filled with a mix of anger, sadness, and uncertainty. "And what if I don't want to? What if I'm tired of trying to fix a relationship that was never there to begin with?"

"That's your choice to make," Shirou said softly. "But before you decide, I think you should talk to your mother. She knew him before all this, and her perspective might help you find clarity."

Weiss sighed, her shoulders slumping as the weight of the conversation settled on her. "I'll think about it," she said finally. "But I'm not making any promises."

"Take your time," Shirou replied. "The ritual won't happen for another week, so there's no rush. Just… don't let anger be the only voice you listen to. Sometimes, it drowns out what we really need to hear."

Weiss gave him a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "You're surprisingly insightful for someone who carries swords everywhere."

Shirou chuckled lightly. "And you're surprisingly open-minded for a Schnee."

The tension between them eased slightly, and Weiss stood, her usual poise returning. "Thank you for telling me," she said, her tone sincere. "I'll let you know what I decide."

Shirou watched her leave, hoping his words had helped in some small way. As Weiss disappeared down the hall, he couldn't help but feel the weight of her inner conflict. He knew the road ahead would be challenging—for her, for Jacques, and for everyone involved—but he also knew they couldn't afford to turn back now.

Walking back to her team dorm her thoughts turned to her father—the imposing man who had loomed over her life like an unshakable shadow. Jacques Schnee, the man who had dictated her upbringing, pushed her to the breaking point, and torn her family apart with his relentless ambition. Yet, Shirou's words planted a seed of doubt. Could there have been another version of him, buried beneath the cold exterior?

She thought back to fleeting moments she had overheard as a child—her mother reminiscing softly, wistfully, about a time when Jacques was different. Back then, Weiss dismissed those stories as her mother's wishful thinking, born of too much wine and too many regrets. Now, she wasn't so sure.

The idea of the exorcism weighed heavily on her. Weiss understood the stakes; if Shirou was right, this could mean uncovering the truth about her father. But was it a truth she wanted? Would it change anything, or would it just leave her with more questions?

Her mind wandered to Winter. Her sister had always been steadfast, loyal to both Atlas and their family. If Winter believed this exorcism was necessary, wasn't that reason enough? But Weiss had never been able to forgive Jacques for the pain he inflicted—not just on her, but on Whitley, their mother, and even Winter.

Weiss felt a pang of guilt as she realized how much of her anger stemmed from her own pain. She had spent years building walls to shield herself from the emotional wounds her father inflicted, yet here was an opportunity to confront the source of it all. Could she truly face him, not as the man she hated, but as someone who might have been manipulated and used?

Her thoughts drifted to her mother, Willow. If anyone could shed light on who Jacques once was, it would be her. Weiss had avoided talking to her mother about this for years, afraid of the vulnerability it might expose. But Shirou was right—she couldn't make this decision without understanding the full picture.

Weiss knew she couldn't avoid the decision for long. The exorcism was happening, with or without her, and time was running out. If she didn't act, she might lose the chance to uncover the truth about her father forever.

For the Schnee name to mean something more than power and control, Weiss realized she might have to let go of her resentment. But forgiveness, she thought bitterly, was far more complex than she ever imagined.