The following week was quite literally torturous for poor Ruby.
What had started as a simple nightmare had now greatly affected Ruby's days. First and foremost, she had trouble staying awake during the daytime. Secondly, the nightmare wouldn't let her be, everynight was a night of torment! Now, daylight wasn't any better than night. Originally, when she couldn't stay awake anymore she would fall asleep, luckily when her nightmare first started Ruby still slept soundly within the day.
Yet, about a couple of days ago…. Perhaps from too many bad dreams. Ruby begins to have unwanted dreams during the days as well.
Though what deeply tortured Ruby was that her nightmares during dusk had increasingly become more vivid.
This only increasingly torture Ruby!
The rest of the team was trying to help her.
They tried to find help and talked to Professor Oobleck despite not wanting to. And they all talked with Ruby, asking Ruby what she thought the leading cause was. After all, whether it's anxiety, stress, trauma, nightmares can occur for a lot of reasons. Yet Ruby kept saying she didn't know, which didn't help at all.
Even Yang, who thought she knew her sister well enough, was left confused as to what the reason could possibly be.
In the end, they were put into a helpless situation.
The nurse suggested giving her some pills that lower her stress. On the other hand, Oobleck suggested trying out different methods or having a one on one talk with her. The one on one talk with Oobleck was hastily rejected by Ruby, of course.
Imagining the thought of talking with someone like Oobleack sent Ruby's mind into turmoil. On the other hand, JNPR plans to head down to Vale and find some place to eat out in a restaurant as a team. Of course, they didn't forget to ask if the RWBY wished to accompany them or not.
Yang agreed, Blake nodded, while Ruby refused.
She wasn't feeling the energy to go out to eat. Luckily with enough persuasion from Weiss she eventually complied. Weiss thought it'd be good for Ruby if she took some time outside. Like they said, nothing like fresh air cleanses the mind.
They all boarded a Bullhead.
The Bullhead rode away, heading to Vale.
Time ticked by and soon the Bullhead landed on Vale's dock. As they got off Jaune alone walked with an uncomfortable face.
Obviously, he was one second from blowing up. His stomach gurgles like a volcano ready to explode. "Jaune, take a breath and slowly inhale and exhale. Maybe that'll soothe a little bit of your motion sickness." Pyrrha suggested, and Jaune responded with a troubled face; holding his lip and abdomen. Apparently, Pyrrha words were of no help. If he were to breathe out this very second, he wouldn't be able to prevent the content from spilling right away.
At about four feet apart from Jaune, Yang feigned a gross out expression and said. "You better not puke on my boots again, vomit boy, or else you'll be seeing stars. I'm serious and you should know it. You know me, I don't lie when it comes to this. After all, I don't want your junk ruining my boots again." Although she sounded serious, she also seemed to be laughing inside, amused by Jaune's experience.
He rolled his eyes immediately. As if he was crazy enough to let that happen. Wasn't the reason for being more then four feet apart from Yang so he could prevent that outcome? Yeah… her warning wasn't needed. Gurgle! The inside of his stomach churn loudly and the urgent need for a trash can couldn't stall any longer. "Oh oh? Quick, stay far away from our fearless leader unless you want a nasty load on you. Hurry up Renne. Why are you so close to our fearless leader who is about to shoot out a rocket at any moment!"
Damn Nora. If Jaune's eyes could send anyone flying this moment it would undoubtedly be Nora. Meanwhile, Ren said stoically, "Don't exaggerate, Jaune just needs some time to settle down. Your words are not helping him." Saying this, everyone notices him scooting back step by step. Jaune frowned and shot him a sneer, not at all moved by his words. What kind of friend says some uplifted words but does something that doesn't seem supportive at all?
"Pfft." Ruby, who originally was all gloomy, was unable to resist laughing. Right beside her, Weiss, whose attention shifted back to her, raised her eyebrows. Seeing Ruby unable to resist laughing made her chest feel less heavy.
These past few days have put quite a burden on Weiss.
Seeing her leader, although dorky and obviously not leader material, made Weiss obviously doubt her skill in raising and helping Ruby become a true leader material oneday. Back when she first felt dissatisfied and had a constructive talk with Professor Port, Weiss promised that she'll change this immature brat into someone who can show the aura of a true and refined leader.
Alas, can she do that when she can't even fix this silly problem that tormented Ruby.
Yes, is she worthy of the name Schnee if a problem as simple as this can't even be solved by her? Will her dear sister not laugh at her if she were to find out? Will her father not show utter disdain? Will her stupid, annoying, little brother not sneer at her uselessness? Sigh… Weiss had much on her plate and trying to figure out a solution had totally spent all her energy; both mentally and physically.
Perhaps the reason she urges Ruby to come to Vale, despite the invitation coming from the blonde shaggy hair boy, whom she holds utter dislike for. Was all for the simple reason of gaining back some energy, while taking her mind off this matter for a bit.
The group composed of RWBY and JNPR strode together, out of the dock, plodding along the scorching sunny path.
It wasn't until later that they arrived at the Vale Port.
Ships sailed off to the clear horizon, while others sailed here. The seagull conversed in a tongue which only they could understand, though if one has to guess the seagull's thoughts, it was probably about how wonderful today was with the fish being in litters.
Nora held her nose and exclaimed, "This whole place smells of rotten fish."
"Why are we here?" Heaving her chest, Weiss continued. "I'm a Schnee, how can I degrade my sense of smell like this." Hearing this, Jaune stretched the back of his head, "Well… we're here only to view the scenery. Besides, this port just so happens to be on our path to the restaurant, figure it wouldn't be bad to, um—stop for a short minute and gaze at this amazing…" Weiss hadn't even bothered retorting his words, ignoring him immediately.
Well that hurts. A girl of his dreams ignoring him like that definitely stings somewhat.
This port really happens to be on the road to the restaurant. A few minutes of looking at the scenery surely wouldn't starve anybody. Growl… Nora's stomach made a sound like a starving bear. At this moment, Pyrrha chimed in after hearing Nora's growling stomach, "Looks like Nora wouldn't be able to hold on anymore. We should just go, how far is the restaurant?"
Jaune hummed. "I checked with my scroll beforehand, ten or fifteen minutes would suffice."
"That long…? My little sis gonna starve ya know." Said Yang.
Ruby glanced over to Yang and sneered. "Who's starving? Aren't you saying that because you're starving?" She then turned to Jaune, saying that it was fine. To be honest, Ruby hasn't had much appetite since her nightmare started. Originally not even wanting to come here, it was only under the urging of Weiss did she come.
Jaune's brows furrowed, he noticed Ruby seemed more colorful now, albeit barely.
But wasn't that a good sign?
The others noticed as well and were thrilled whether they showed it or not.
That said, they couldn't keep holding up anymore; the girls are getting hungry after all. Without much said, they advance along the sidewalk… time ticking slowly but surely.
On the inside of the Golden Crab restaurant. Situated on the corner table, they slowly took their seats. Jaune wanted to sit next to Weiss but was refused instantly. Like they said worth the shot he deftly took a seat next to Pyrrha after that rejection. He obviously was dense to notice, but the delighted smile scratching from Pyrrha's lips was easy to pick up, and everyone except him noticed. Of course, they weren't going to say anything, this was up for Jaune to figure out on his own.
As everyone was firmly seated, the waitress trudged over to them.
With a pen and small notebook in hand, the waitress said with a light and patient voice. "How may I have your order? I see you all look quite young. Perhaps all of you are by chance students?" They nodded simultaneously, Jaune spoke before the others. "We're Beacon students, I heard this place has some good Roasted chicken and sea-food dishes so I suggested it to the others. Um… please surprise us with your amazing stuff, I think."
The waitress nodded with a gentle humming.
She was in agreement with Jaune's words. For almost five-years she has been working in this restaurant, there wasn't a dish in this place she hasn't tasted. She can say for certainty that this place served some of the finest cuisine in Vale.
Jaune stopped talking and began ordering; the others did the same.
While in the midst of ordering, Nora, who was full of energy, requested. "Do you have any pancakes? Please say yes! Although the food shown on the list is amazing enough. However, nothing can compare to pancakes. Pancakes number one! Trust in me, Nora, the greatest pancake lover, never lies when it comes to pancakes."
"… Pancake?" Said the waitress as she inclined her head slightly.
Ren sighs and scolds. "You eat enough pancakes everyday, eat something different today." Nora shook her head instantly, "Never! I'll eat pancakes every day, every morning, every noon until I explode. Even then I'll still continue eating pancakes, because they're waiting for me to chew them down!" Ren sighs even harder, his childhood friend was incurable.
"I wasn't under the impression we came here for pancakes." Jaune looks slightly baffled that there's so much good-looking food and dishes on the list. Yet, all Nora can think about is pancakes? What the hell goes through her mind. Is her appetite only made for pancakes or what?
"Heh." Nora puffed her cheek and complained. "I need to start stuffing you full of pancakes because you wouldn't understand the deliciousness of it by resorting to that."
"Ahaha…" Yang burst into a lough. "She's right, Vomit boy. Perhaps you need some pancakes in you. What do you say we order pancakes for you then."
Jaune rolled his eyes. Ignoring her words but chose to ask something else, "Can I ever be rid of the nickname Vomit boy?"
"Nope." Yang rejected his words immediately, gazing at him with mischievousness.
Forcing a smile, he relented despite not wanting to. But in his head he mumbled loudly. I'm beginning to really not regret that accident back then.
The rest of the hour spent in the Golden Crab restaurant was them eating and commenting on some jokes they heard. It was time well spent, and Team JNPR and RWBY were growing ever closer as friends. Not to mention, during one of Yang's little jokes she almost mentioned Blake's books aloud, though Blake was quick to grab a roasted chicken thigh and jammed it into her mouth.
Ruby's mood got a little better while Weiss scolded all three of them.
…
On the road where traffic and vehicles are seen from all sides.
The party stumbled upon a pastry shop. Since eating lunch in the restaurant had filled their belly, they weren't hungry anymore. However, this was a grand occasion when the party hung out in Vale together… Why not have some dessert to add to the experience? The countless pastry, cream puff, and dessert being shown in front of their eyes was more than enough to cause people with sweet-tooths to drool in delight. And even those without sweet-tooths have the urge to try out some. After all, with how good it looks you can imagine how great it will taste. With Rows of rows of dessert placed before their eyes.
Nora's eyes bulged unnaturally, tempting her to devour everything from top to bottom and left to right. Her body inch forward uncontrollably, thankfully Ren was quick to hold her back. If she really did devour everything like an all-consuming gluttony; who the hell has the wallet to pay for it. Wait, there is Weiss… but will she pay the tab if Nora consumed everything? Probably not.
Jaune and Pyrrha observed the different kinds of dessert, asking the lady owner about the name of each kind.
The lady owner was a kind person and obliged by explaining it detailedly. In the meanwhile, Ruby seems to strangely act reserved despite such magnificent sight laid before her eyes. Even though, usually she'll have been one of the first to leap in joy upon seeing these wonderful sugary treats.
It can't be that her nightmare has destroyed her love for sweets, can it?
Yang on the left corner saw something that piqued her interest. Giggling, she grabbed a plate filled with cookies and strode over to Ruby. "Ruby, look these cookies look tasty doesn't it? I think you might like it." Said Yang as she extended the plate in front of Ruby. However, unexpectedly the moment Ruby saw it, horror streak across her eyes in that second.
Instinctively, her small stature edged backward.
Trembling under the sight of those cookies, Ruby shouted aloud. "I don't want it!" Her voice sent a buzz into Yang's ears immediately. In fact, it was so loud it felt piercing to her eardrum.
Everyone raised a baffled eye at her. That was quite the strong reaction.
…
The sun set beneath the horizon.
The afternoon speed along like blowing wind. Time slowly registered its early night as the moon hovered above with no signs of stars making its presence known. With one look, you can tell it's gonna be another dull night, with the sky being fully black, and no stars in sight.
In Beacon Academy; the party had long settled back in. Most of them were wholly satisfied with their time in Vale together, abait most, not all of them. People like Weiss say it's alright, neither great nor bad. Though the concerning part was Ruby, whose tired and almost dull eyes still struggle to get the accident back in the pastry shop under control.
Apparently, part of her nightmare made her slowly develop fear of cookies and the like.
It was understandable to the team. Ruby had mentioned it in one of the nightmares she had before… but back then, they thought it's silly for her to develop a strong reaction compared to her other less silly dreams. This should have been expected, Ruby was Ruby—beyond being a incompetent leader, as Weiss would like to say. Ruby has the mind and heart of a child for most of the time, so naturally, they'll have to accept this part of her since they are her teammates.
Nonetheless, they worried about her, as a leader and a friend.
The early night quickly ran down.
Jaune and Nora, back in the JNPR dorm, run their last shooting mobile game in their scroll.
Sadly for the spirited Nora, only able to pout and never got to win against Jaune. It was noisy inside, the neighbor across could hear them clear as days. They were heard Nora complain about Jaune cheating. As a captain, and the one nicknamed Fearless Leader he stood his ground, denying any allegation from Nora, which didn't need much to say as Jaune wasn't cheating throughout the many games they had played. He wins through sheer skill superiority. Something he honed through his many years of gaming. That was why he wasn't about to let Nora win when it came to the game, as that was one of the only things he was truly good at in the academy.
All fun aside, as midnight approached, a growing yawn made its way out of Beacon student's mouths.
Nearly 11pm.
Weiss, with snowy white hair, pale blue pupils, small figure, adorn in faded blue nightgown, gazes at Ruby's lid-shut eyes. She was afraid that the moment she'd averted her eyes and closed the light, Ruby would suddenly jump; screaming at the top of her lungs like usual. Till now it bothered her, yet worried her unconditionally. Perhaps she was getting soft staying with them.
"Your quiet concern for her. Hah, I'm surprised that you of all people will care so deeply about my little Rube. Though I don't mean it in a bad way, and I'm very glad you cared for Ruby. This is my honest thought. " Yang chuckled, but looked disappointed in herself. Not long ago it was her fuck up for trying to hand the cookies over to Ruby. Yet, who was more helpful in cooling down Ruby's emotion, it was Weiss instead of her. As a big sister Yang feels she failed her duty somewhat.
That said, no one blames her.
As for what occurred in the pastry shop. As mentioned before, none of them knew Ruby would react that strongly to cookies.
Yang sighed, uncertain if her breath was steady or not, and thanked Weiss whole heartedly. "I'm really grateful that you're putting so much effort into Ruby." Weiss held her breath, yet snorted directly at Yang. "This is nothing. It's natural as a Schnee that I do my best for my comrades so they can do their duty at top form. It's certainly not out of concern or anything." Her arms crossed together, tightly hugging her modest breast, her cheeks showing a little shyness. This was the first time she got a genuine thanks from the blonde. So despite her words, she felt moved by it.
"No! Please, no more homework, please…!!"
The two shifted their head to the upper bunk-bed, either loosely made or stable, it was unknown if it would fall apart or not. However, their gaze was not on the bed but Ruby, who's talking in her sleep. Something they had all but gotten used to for the past few days.
"Again, so soon?" Yang blurted unconsciously. Weiss fixed her eyes there, stepping on her bed below and rear her head up and swipe open Ruby's half-heartedly made bed curtain. Then gazing down, she was immediately greeted with Ruby's sleeping face. Transparent sweat showing on her forehead slightly, her cute and tender visage look visibly uncomfortable.
"Hmm!" A scowl appeared on Weiss's face.
The notion of a roughed night surfacing in her head, visualizing Ruby frequently waking up in the middle of night. This will affect the whole team because everyone will be worried for Ruby, and every time Ruby shoots up from slumber. They will wake up from it.
It's alway accompanied by a loud scream. Who wouldn't be awake from it?
"Ah, I hope this ends soon." Said Yang. Weiss also hopes for that. About ten seconds later, Weiss got down and said to Yang. "Ruby needs rest and—especially sleep. As long as she doesn't wake up on her own, even if she's having a nightmare we shouldn't interrupt by forcefully waking her. After all, too much lack of sleep can endanger one's health.
Weiss was right, and Yang could only silently agree.
But then a thought struck her. What if she sleeps beside Ruby to make her more comfortable?
"Do you think it will help if I sleep beside Ruby?" Yang locked-eyed with Weiss' pale blue eyes, waiting for her reply. After a momentary surprise, a frown mix with disdain emerged on Weiss' face. "Are you a child as well? How in the world do you think that would work!"
Yang smiled, shrugging lightly and not minding Weiss' words. "You probably wouldn't know if you hadn't experienced it, um?" Suddenly a realization hit her. "Oh, sorry if that was uncalled for." With how uptight Weiss used to be, Yang wasn't sure if she had experienced such a thing in her life. Hence, Yang, who always says what's on her mind, feels she has said something she shouldn't have.
Contrary to what Yang anticipated, Weiss snorted audibly. "I'm not gonna have another Ruby. You better know to wise up! What am I saying? You're either on Ruby's level or sometimes worse."
Wow, should Yang be angry or laugh?
Normally speaking, she'll have fire back but… Today is an exception.
Next few passing minutes were spent looking out for any sudden noise or movement from Ruby. Thankfully it was normal but as time descended deeper into dusk; Weiss and Yang were pretty tired. It was a long day. However, everyday seems to be one since the start of this week so it didn't really affect them much.
Yang yawned, saying, "We should hit the sack. At this rate we'll be zombies by tomorrow."
"For once I agree with you."
"Yeah, whatever."
The light turns off with a click of a switch. In the end, Yang didn't sleep beside Ruby as the bed was too small to fit the two of them. Before long, Yang huddles in her bed, her body exposed, with only a pair of thin light shorts and a T-shirt covering her upper body. Yang doesn't cover herself with a blanket when it's not severely cold.
On the other side, a blanket over her slender figure, before entering into slumber… Weiss looked dazed and thoughtful. She thought of Yang's words about not experiencing sleeping beside someone for comfort. Now that she thinks about it. Ruby and Yang must have huddled together when they were little—likely more than a few times. Yet she's never done that with her older sister… Weiss hurriedly shook her head. Her sister was elegant, disciplined, high-ranking Atlas military personnel, and a role-model who was too mature for that
And she too was the same.
Yang with her childishness actually snuck those thoughts in her head. Heaving in and out, Weiss quickly cleared her mind, and closed her eyes. They already stood up so late, it's necessary to grasp any minutes now. Besides who knows when Ruby will suddenly shoot up and scream… by then it'll become hectic to sleep.
Under the dull-black room.
Pale-blue eyes were tightly closed.
…
In the grayish-white world, shouts of praise, support and love rang bustling across all sides. Countless hand raised, while the people gathered in large, offering congratulations, their smile beaming with such grand adoration that it seemed to occupy the whole space.
And all of it seems to be directed towards the one girl, at the top of a splendid castle.
The girl smiles proudly, realizing her goal she has been striving a long time coming to fruition.
She spared her arms, lips curving up, adorned in a beautiful white dress, her eyes were so full of happiness that words alone were not enough to describe the emotion running through her head. Her snowy white hair, tied in a ponytail and swept to the side, figures gorgeous beyond belief. And her elegant beauty only seems to intensify under the crisp wind and endless falling snowflakes. She looked like a majestic Ice Queen steading in her castle, and overlooking her people.
The person was Weiss.
Her pursed lip departed, and words spread around."Thank you everyone for your heartfelt congratulations. Before anything, I first want to say that rooting out corruption, driving the White Fang out of our loving Atlas, the kingdom of snow and winter, is naturally something that has to be done. And keep in mind this is only the beginning, soon I'll topple those Grimms and make sure they will never feed on the emotion of the people of Remnant. On this, I solemnly swear on my name as Weiss Schnne. I will do my duty faithfully to all of you who have supported me."
A resounding applause echoed fervently.
It seems to echo across all Remnants, instantly replacing the earth and sky with its sound.
As the people cheer and clap, steading on the highest-footing on the castle, Weiss smiles even brighter. At this moment, no one else but Weiss knows how much this meant to her. All her life she lived to rebuild the Schnee family name; one that her father had ruined under his reign; and she had sworn to lift the disgrace he had done.
Finally, she had done it! Earning respect and adoration from the people.
Behind her, foot-step rings rhythmically, which she assumed was Winter and the other. Turning around briskly in order to address them, however, unknown to Weiss the sky and earth seem to distort. And an eerie and wicked laughter seemed to rang in that short instent, but had also disappeared in equal speed.
At the same time, when she finished making a full turn, she did not see Winter but saw only her fellow teammates. In addition, the expression she thought she would see didn't register there, not even the slightest. Where was the respect, the cheering, or smile? All that had lingered on Ruby, Yang and Blake's face was pure disgust and disappointment. They look at her with utter revulsion that it stunned Weiss, flooding her with confusion.
Unable to understand, Weiss reached out her hand and asked, wanting an answer to why they were giving her that look. "What's with that look? Shouldn't you all be happy, why are you making those expressions?"
There was silence for a short period.
Only when another second passed did one of them speak. "I-I thought you were different from your father…" It was Blake, her slander and seductive figure trembled with suppressed rage and disgust toward Weiss. The noble heiress wince yet narrowed her gaze and said, "Excuse me? What are you on about?!"
Blake's amber eyes blaze, and she roars fiercely. "Is gaining recognition the only thing you care about? To get it, you will go as far as railing up the masses, forcing the innocent Faunus to flee their home, telling lies about them hurting the people, even… you even go so far as to target those living peacefully in Menagerie! What kind of black-hearted person are you? You… Just like your father, you force them into harsh labor that can kill them anytime. I should have never put my trust in you, let alone consider you a friend."
Incredulity and confusion was the only emotion registering on Weiss' face at this moment.
She wanted to retort but the accusation bewildered her so much that her state of mind couldn't process it quickly enough. In the next instant, Yang clutched her knocked loudly, with expressions similar to Blake's.
"Ice Queen. I gave you that nick-name for fun back then; now I'm glad I did, because it fits you so well. You…" Yang gritted her teeth, "You… to gain the position of captain, not only did you betray Ruby's kindness but you also destroyed her self-esteem! A monster like you deserved nothing but a punch in the face. You hear me. But I won't do it, think of it as my last shred of restraint I have since we used to be friends."
Again, dear Weiss was more confused than ever—her eyes unconsciously glanced at Ruby.
Her heart raced as if struck by thunder, because what she saw was pure disappointment.
The usual kind and dorky Ruby seems to be a shell of her former self. A complete contrast to before. Weiss' heart stirred faster, throat seemed to be clogged by something, and heart felt like it was pierced by a needle. In this instant, she wanted to reach out her hand, and say it isn't true, however before she could, tears rolled down Ruby's cheeks as she pointed her finger at Weiss.
"I hate you!"
Bang! Ruby's one finger was like a shotgun, blasted against her person.
Hasn't she achieved great things? Hasn't the respect she wanted been earned? So what is going on here? Her thoughts went into turmoil, pain and a sense of loss battered against her very being. Meanwhile, as she faced loss and turmoil the others walked away. Realizing this she quickly snapped out of it and tried to reach out towards them with her hands, wanting to deny their accusation. Slap! Blake slapped her hands away, snorting in disdain, then proceeded off with the rest.
As the distances became further from her grasp.
Wiess desperately wanted to head over and confront them. However, before her body could move the once cheering smile and offer of congratulations seem to be filled with venom and hate. Her ears flickered, head turned and gaze landed on the messes. Thump! Her heart beat faster, the once respect, and adoration was replaced with hate filled-eyes.
"Trash, what don't you disappear!"
"You cursen't Schnee, why don't you crawl back to your castle."
"As expected of a Schnee… nothing good ever came from that family."
Words of curse flooded the space, each seem to have the effect of an arrow, plunging at her heart. It didn't stop there, and continued till Weiss kneel over—as if she was about to break if she heard any more of it.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Foot-steps rang out behind her while the harsh curse and venom filled shouts stopped. Then as the foot-step kept resounding, a cold snort entered her ears. Upon hearing it her body shuddered. Because the cold snort sounded like the person she was most familiar with, because this was someone who she admired and loved. It was her big sister, Winter.
Weiss lifted her head and turned slowly around, and saw what she most feared.
It was her sister with an expression of utter disdain. Weiss was paralyzed, not really per se, but from the sheer volume of impact she felt battering against her mind. Put it like that, it wasn't much of a difference. Throughout her life, Winter was not only a loving sister but a source of inspiration, someone whom she never wanted to disappoint.
Snowy white hair tied neatly into a bun, bangs falling down on one side, beautiful stern pale-blue eyes. Adorn in a lengthy white coat, blouse underneath, and a sword attached to her belt, and hands behind her back.
Winter was beautiful, exuded cold and stern composure, yet can make most hearts move with adoration.
"Hmph. How you have fallen, was this the honor you sought, my dear sister. Didn't you leave because you didn't want to become like father, yet, now—I see father's face ridden all over you. How revolting, I don't ever want to see you again."
Winter's words were short, but was more than enough to pierce directly into Weiss. Words stuck between her lungs as she couldn't utter any words. This was too heart-wrenching, too painful, before she knew it her heart seemed to grow self-loathing for herself.
She tumbles forward, hands touching the ground, and tears trickle down. Sobbing voices ring out along with the sound of choking.
At the same time, everything around her became dark while her body was forcefully pulled into the darkness. When she came to, Weiss realized she was in a large and expensive looking room. Moreover, it was the room she was most familiar with—her bedroom, one that always made her feel trapped and suffocating for the majority of her life.
The atmosphere was gloomy, and she felt like a cage had been forcibly placed around her once again.
It was as if this place indicated that she will never be free from her father.
But… wasn't that the case? She had her chance to be free, to roam and make something of herself, even more so a chance to regain the lost honorable legacy of her grandfather. Yet, she had ruined it, becoming no different from her detestable father whom she loathed with all her being.
Amidst the dull and suffocating atmosphere, an adult size shadow emerges from the door.
With the shadow came a repulsive clap that brought nothing but bitterness to Weiss' already broken figure. "Well done… Weiss dear, you've brought honor to our esteemed Schnee name. Hahaha, oh how I knew you would come to your senses, and today seems to be that day. A far contrast to your disobedient older sister, whom, despite all I've done to pour into the family name and honor, has shunned me. Hmph, you're different, just like me you'll make this family greater than ever! And the whole world will sing our name when mentioned. Doesn't that sound wonderful!?"
Was this a compliment? For Weiss, it seems like an unbearable mocking voice that threatens to do away with her fragile state of mind.
However, she deserved it for what she'd done, right?
The shadowy figure of her father laughed uproariously. Meanwhile, another figure appeared beside him, smaller in stature, but had an almost identical outline… It was Weiss and Winter's younger brother. Laughing in a somewhat mocking tone alongside Jacques Schnee.
An expensive mirror with a beautiful shine floated down from the dressing desk.
Stopping in front of the tearful Weiss. Unconsciously, she lifted her head and gaze at the mirror, at first it was her face that was reflected. Yet a second afterward the mirror seemed to rippled and showed the high and mighty face of Jacques Schnee.
As if showing that Weiss had become the person she despises the most!
The grayish world crumbles, and the dream ends. But before it can fully fade, that crawling laughter echoes again, as if salivating in delight.
In the dull dormitory room, a gasping heave spread.