RWBY: The Honored One - CH2 (Patreon)

[Alabaster Schnee. POV.]

Five years. 

Five long years in this bizarre new world and if I had to sum up my life as Alabaster Schnee, I'd probably title it: "From Jujutsu Sorcerer to Atlas Aristocrat: A Guide to Surviving Toddlerhood and Pretentious Tea Parties."

First things first. 

Jacques? Total bastard. I mean, I've faced cursed spirits with more warmth and empathy. Every time he lectures me on 'family reputation,' I can't help but daydream about wrapping him up in my Infinity. For eternity. I suspect he’d look good in a perpetually shocked expression.

I might just do it one of these days.

Then there’s Willow. 

Sweet, troubled Willow. 

There's no denying that she has issues, especially with that crystal glass always in hand. It's clear she's battling demons, not the literal kind that I'm used to, but metaphorical ones. Sometimes, I wish I could sit her down, talk to her as the awesome Satoru Gojo, and give her the support she needs. 

But then I remember I'm five, and the last time I tried giving her some advice, she just pinched my cheeks and told me how 'adorably wise' I sounded. 

I was adorable, I’ll give her that. But still.

Klein, on the other hand, is an absolute gem. Or should I say gems? With seven personalities, it's like having seven different butlers rolled into one. Every time he switches personalities, it's like opening a surprise gift, you never know what you’re going to get. My favorite is probably the angry one; reminds me a bit of Nanami when he’s on a tax rant.

Now, for the biggest revelation so far: Aura. When I first sensed this strange energy within me, and eventually discovered what it was, I thought, ‘Ah! A new power to master.’ But it turns out, everyone here has it. 

It's like cursed energy, but more... mainstream. And apparently, it's linked to one's soul. I've been practicing with it, and I’ve got to say… meh.

Sometimes, I miss the old world. 

Oh well, what can you do about it? 

I still remembered the day I confirmed I was in a different world altogether.

That day is still etched clearly in my mind.

I was one year old.

It was one of those rare moments when Willow felt well enough to take a break from her seclusion. We were in the large park of the Schnee compound, and she was showing me around, pointing out the various plants and birds, lost in a mother-son moment.

As I was innocently poking at a particularly interesting-looking flower, I glanced up and caught sight of the moon. But not the moon I remembered. 

This moon was fractured, a part of it shattered, like a broken mirror.

For a brief moment, I humored the thought: ‘Did Sukuna do that?’ 

It wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility, considering the power he had developed during our fight. Imagining the aftermath of an epic battle between him and... well, whoever had the guts to face him after me, felt almost nostalgic. But as swiftly as the idea came, it disappeared. 

The very name 'Atlas' had already given me enough hints that this wasn’t the same world. The broken moon had just cemented that realization that a part of me had tried to deny.

The sensation was odd. There I was, a toddler at the time, gazing up at the sky, grappling with the weight of understanding that I was in an entirely different universe. How many people can say they've experienced that? Probably not many.

That being said. I had to remind myself not to get too lost in my thoughts, lest Willow find it strange that her one-year-old was staring contemplatively at the moon instead of trying to eat dirt or whatever it is that parasites my age were supposed to be doing.

From that point on.

I began to learn more and more about the world I was in.

Like the fact my new family was somehow rich by selling dust. I had no idea what kind of bizarre economy this place had, but to buy something you use a vacuum cleaner to dispose of, well… It seemed a bit stupid.

But who was I to judge what gave me a rich lifestyle? 

“Young master,” Klein said, interrupting my thoughts.

I blinked, momentarily pulled out of my introspection, and found myself staring into the gentle eyes of Klein. One of his more timid personalities seemed to be at the forefront now, evident from the slight quiver in his voice and the hesitance in his posture.

"Ah, Klein," I said, letting a small smirk tug at my lips, "I was hoping it'd be the one that's all fiery. Would've made the interruption more dramatic."

Klein chuckled softly, the change in mood causing a brief shift in his personality. For a split second, a sly grin replaced his timid demeanor as his eyes changed to red before slipping back to the more subdued expression. "Young Master, I've always found it quite curious how keenly you observe things. Most children your age are more focused on toys and games rather than the subtle shifts in an old butler's demeanor."

I tilted my head, my smirk widening. "You'd be surprised at the things I find fascinating, Klein. Like, how does one man have the energy for seven personalities when I can barely handle one?”

He gave a hearty laugh, and I noticed the spark in his eyes, the genuine joy he took in our little exchanges. "I often wonder the same. Perhaps it's the universe's way of ensuring I'm never truly alone."

"Well," I began, trying to shift back to a lighter note, "While your company is always a pleasure, Klein, was there something specific you wanted?"

Klein cleared his throat, his shy personality taking the reins once more. "Yes, Master Alabaster. Your father wishes to see you in the study. He didn't specify why, but he seemed... urgent."

Ah, Jacques. Always the ever-looming cloud on a clear day.

"Thank you, Klein. I'll head there right away," I replied, wondering just exactly what Jacques wanted.

—-------------------------------------------

As I entered the study, I took a moment to see the sheer opulence around me. Gilded trims, intricate woodwork, and vast bookshelves stretching from floor to ceiling. This was Jacques Schnee’s domain, an embodiment of his cold, greedy heart.

Jacques sat behind his massive desk, scrutinizing me. "Alabaster," he began, voice dripping with a mix of irritation and condescension, "Your mother is expecting again."

I raised an eyebrow. That was a surprise, I didn’t expect them to still do the deed. I was under the impression I was a child of interest, I mean, it was clear these two didn’t like each other, at all.

Seeing my nonchalance, Jacques continued, "You need to understand the implications of this. Now that a replacement is coming, you'll need to start taking things seriously, that is if you wish to remain the heir to the Schnee legacy."

A smirk spread across my face. What can I say? I couldn't help it.  Here was a grown ass man, used to having all the power due to his money and political advantages, trying to intimidate a child. 

It was almost cute.

Adorable even.

Leaning forward, I decided to have a little fun. 

I ever-so-slightly released my cursed energy, letting it fill the room. To the untrained, it would feel like an oppressive atmosphere, a subtle yet disconcerting sensation.

I feigned innocence, tilting my head, and asked, "Take what seriously, Father?"

Jacques shifted in his seat, seemingly uncomfortable. His usually confident demeanor wavered, replaced with confusion, and fear. "This... t-this attitude of yours," he stammered, clearly struggling to find the right words. "The Schnee name isn’t something to be taken lightly."

Funny coming from someone that married into the name.

Suppressing a chuckle, I took a step closer. "I will Father, I promise! I pinky promise!" My smirk widened as I intensified the release of my cursed energy, just a tad, a tiny itty tad. To Jacques, it would feel like a sudden drop in temperature, like the room was closing in on him.

Jacques visibly paled, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he struggled to breathe. He looked around, bewildered, as if searching for the source of his sudden discomfort, like a kid looking for the monster under the bed. "K-k… klein!" he whispered, the mighty Jacques Schnee reduced to a stuttering mess.

Leaning in, I whispered, mimicking his tone, "Are you alright, Father?"

He stared at me, eyes wide with disbelief and fear. I could see the internal debate waging within him: Was this real? Was his own son responsible for this overwhelming pressure? Or was there something else in the room pressing down on him.

"I–I must be feeling a bit under the weather," Jacques stammered, using his handkerchief to wipe away the sweat now drenching his forehead.

Pretending to be concerned, I continued my act, "Oh, Father! Should I call for a doctor? You seem quite ill. Maybe it's the stress? I heard that expecting another child can be stressful for both parents."

Jacques shot me a sharp look, trying to gauge if I was mocking him. It was almost endearing how out of his depth he was. "No need," he responded curtly, clearly trying to regain his composure. "It's just a momentary f-feeling. I'll be fine."

I shrugged, slowly reducing my cursed energy to its dormant state, allowing the atmosphere to lighten. "If you say so, Father. But do remember, I'm always here to 'help' in any way I can."

His gaze remained on me, suspicion evident in his eyes. It was clear that whatever had just transpired left a lasting impact. "Yes, I'm sure you are," he replied, voice laced with an undercurrent of unease.

Feeling I'd trolled Jacques enough for one day, I turned on my heel and headed for the door. As I left, I threw one last cheeky comment over my shoulder, "Oh, and Father, congratulations on the new baby. It's such joyous news!"

As I left the study, I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself. I had to admit that being trapped in a child's body meant that every day was ripe with potential for some mischief.

—----------------------------------------------------

[Eight Months Later.]

[Atlas. Schnee Mansion.]

A winter's chill swept across the Schnee estate, but inside, a warmth prevailed. The large mansion, which usually echoed with cold indifference, was abuzz with activity. Servants hustled about, guests arrived bearing gifts, and in the heart of it all, a baby's cries signaled the birth of the Schnee family's newest member.

Winter Schnee.

Her name was fitting for the season of her birth, and as the second child, there were expectations for her from the very start. To some, she represented another heir, another beacon of the Schnee legacy, but for others, she was simply a bundle of joy.

Alabaster, or as everyone knew him, young master Al, peered curiously into the cradle, his vivid blue eyes reflecting the tiny infant wrapped in soft blankets. The baby, with a tuft of white hair and big blue eyes, was the image of Schnee purity.

"Looks like we're siblings now," Al whispered to the baby, a playful smirk on his face. "Don't worry, Winter. Big brother's got your back."

There was a protective instinct that arose within him, and in that moment, he silently promised to be the pillar that Winter could lean on.

He would troll her.

Annoy her.

But above all, he would protect her.

As long as he was here, she had nothing to worry about, after all, she was the little sister of the strongest.

"Master Al, would you like some juice?" Klein asked, his ever-joyous personality at the forefront.

Al turned, giving him a smile. "Why yes, thanks Klein. And one for Winter too!" he joked, gesturing towards the baby with a little bow.

Klein chuckled, playing along. "I'm afraid it's a bit too early for young Miss Winter. But I'll keep one ready for when she's of age."

Al chuckled. “Make sure you do.”