RWBY: The Honored One - CH5 (Patreon)

[Alabaster Schnee. POV.]

[Five years later.]

Strolling through the bustling streets of Atlas with Weiss clutching my hand, I couldn't help but marvel at how different things were outside the guarded and gilded walls of our state. The sounds, the colors, and even the air felt different. 

Less stifling, more alive. However, there was also an underlying current of tension that couldn't be ignored.

Weiss, with her wide blue eyes, was taking in everything with childlike wonder. Her face would light up at the smallest of things — a vendor selling toys, children playing in a fountain, or even a stray cat chasing after a butterfly. However, the thing she seemed to be most excited about was the fact that she was spending the day with her AWESOME big brother Alabaster!

Her words, not mine, but who am I to argue with that? She was right, after all, I was indeed very awesome.

As we continued our walk, I could feel the stares. Most were just curious glances from people that had never seen the Schnee Family up-close. 

But others... others were darker, filled with resentment. I turned my gaze towards a group of Faunus who were openly watching us. Their expressions ranged from fear to outright hostility. 

Now, since my discovery of Faunus, I had always found them to be fascinating, and not just because they had animal features. There was an inherent strength and grace to them. Plus, those cute little cat ears or fluffy tails? Adorable. 

But the divide between humans and Faunus in this world was painfully evident, which only helped to feed the Grimm. And well… belonging to the Schnee family, which wasn't exactly known for its Faunus-friendly policies thanks to Jacques, of course, didn’t do us any favors.

Thankfully, Weiss was blissfully unaware of the socio-political complexities behind our clan, and simply tugged at my hand, pointing towards a park with a gleaming carousel. "Ala! Can we go there? Please!" Her voice held that hint of excitement that I couldn’t resist.

"Of course, little snowflake," I replied, squeezing her hand reassuringly. As the bestest brother, it was only natural to take her to the park.

As we approached, the hostile gazes seemed to intensify. Though to be honest, I couldn’t care any less, my primary concern was ensuring Weiss had a good time. I would not let the prejudices of this world mar the innocence of her childhood.

After a few fun rides and some cotton candy, which Weiss managed to get all over her face, we decided to head back home.

As we made our way back, Weiss with her sugar-high energy started singing a tune, her sweet voice bouncing off the buildings, making even the hardened faces around us soften for a moment. It was a sight to behold, my little sister, full of dirt and cotton candy, spreading joy with her innocent antics.

Suddenly, she stopped, her gaze fixed on a Faunus child roughly her age, selling flowers on the sidewalk. He looked up at us with a mix of curiosity and caution. Without waiting, Weiss darted towards him, pulling out some coins from her tiny purse.

"Can I have one, please?" she asked, pointing at a white rose. The boy nodded, a shy smile forming on his face, as he handed her the flower. 

"Thank you!" Weiss chirped, handing him the coins. Overpaying for the flower.

As we resumed our walk, I couldn't help but feel proud. Though unaware of what she had done, Weiss had chosen kindness. It was a small gesture but a powerful one, that would certainly echo. 

By the time we reached the Schnee Manor, the sky was beginning to turn orange as the day waned, and Weiss, well she was exhausted. She yawned, snuggling close to me, the white rose clutched tightly in her hand.

"Did you have fun today?" I asked, as I opened the front door.

She nodded, her eyes drooping. "The best day ever, with the bestest big brother."

Damn right I am.

I chuckled, lifting her into my arms. "Get some rest, little snowflake. We'll have more adventures soon."

As I carried her to her room, laying her down and tucking her in, I couldn't help but think about the world outside and the challenges ahead. I knew that there would be a time, Winter and Weiss would become huntresses. 

I knew them well enough to know that. They wouldn’t be content with being spoiled princess all their life. 

I smiled at the thought. It worried me a bit what the world would put them through, but then again, they had nothing to worry about, not as long as I was here.

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

[Winter Schnee. POV.]

The gentle sway of the tree branch overhead cast dappled shadows onto my notebook as I sat in our family's garden, trying to concentrate on my studies. But no matter how hard I tried, my thoughts kept drifting to my big brother.

It wasn't fair, really. 

He was good at everything. 

Whether it was academics, fencing, or even that ridiculous game he'd made up last week involving bouncing balls and spoons, Alabaster seemed to excel effortlessly. 

And the most infuriating part? He never seemed to take anything seriously. Everything was just another joke, another game to play. As if the world was his playground.

I glanced up, spotting him in the distance, showing Weiss some sort of hand trick, making her giggle uncontrollably. I couldn't help but smile. As playful and maddening as he could be, there was no denying his strength, not just physically but in character too. 

There was a sense of authority in his presence, something that reassured me even during the most turbulent times.

And speaking of dark times, he didn’t know it, but I remember the earlier years when Father… Jacques would often berate me for the smallest of things. Whether I wasn't standing upright, my manners weren't impeccable, or if I dared to voice a contrary opinion, he would always find something to chastise. 

But one day, all of that changed. 

Suddenly, he seemed... different. Less aggressive, less imposing, as if something had tamed the beast in him. At the time, I wasn't sure what had brought about that transformation, but the more I observed, the more I became certain it was because of my big brother. 

I had caught glimpses of them together, seen those intense looks big brother would give Father, looks that made even the once terrifying Jacques Schnee shake in fear. It was clear, without a doubt, that my big brother was shielding me, us,  from him. 

I sighed, closing my notebook. I wished I could be as strong as Alabaster, not just for myself but for Weiss too. The way he looked out for us, protected us... it was something I deeply admired. And though I often found myself exasperated by his antics, I couldn't be more grateful for having him as my brother. 

The sun was setting, casting the garden in a warm, golden hue. I stood up, brushing off my skirt, and decided to join them. After all, there was always time for studies, but moments with family were precious. And I intended to cherish every single one of them.

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

[Alabaster Schnee. POV.]

[3 Months Later.]

Strolling down the hallways of the Schnee mansion, I found my mind wandering to the world beyond its walls. Sure, life here was entertaining, between trolling Jacques, babysitting my adorable sisters, having fun with Klein, and messing with my semblance, things were good. 

But there was an entire planet out there waiting to be explored!

I mean, why not? It's not like I have anything pressing to attend to here. And honestly, there's only so much tormenting of Jacques one can do before it gets repetitive.

During all my time here, I've heard so much about these creatures called Grimm. The way everyone speaks of them, they sound like the ultimate challenge, creatures of darkness and all that jazz. 

During my explorations around Atlas, I've encountered a few, but they were... underwhelming? Cute, even. I've definitely faced scarier things during my morning routines.

But hey, there's got to be more variety out there! Maybe I'll find a Grimm that can give me a run for my money. Or at least pose long enough for a memorable selfie. It's worth a shot, right?

And besides the Grimm, there’s the rest of Remnant itself. The cities, the landscapes, the cultures. From what little I've learned, every corner of this world seems to have its own unique charm. 

From the high-tech allure of Atlas to the warm, beachy vibes of Vacuo, I was itching to see it all.

I couldn't help but wonder how the food is outside Atlas. If they have any crazy spicy delicacies? Or maybe some weird drinks that'll tickle my tastebuds. Ah, the possibilities!

Stretching my arms overhead, I grinned to myself. 

Yes, a trip around the world seemed like the perfect next adventure. It'd be fun. This life was full of things I had yet to try. And I fully intend to indulge in them.

Before that, however, I needed to have a talk with dear old dad. Like a good son should, right?