RWBY: The Honored One - CH6 (Patreon)

[Jacques Schnee. POV.]

In the dimly lit area of my study, I was engrossed in the paperwork that lay scattered across my mahogany desk, signing off on various deals and agreements. 

Work was the only thing I still had control over. For now…

A soft knock disturbed my concentration. Without waiting for a response, the door opened, revealing Alabaster, who entered my office with a beaming smile. 

My heart immediately clenched, and an instinctual bead of sweat formed on my temple. I hid my unease behind a practiced veneer of indifference, despite knowing he knew how much I feared him. "What do you w-want?" I asked, trying but failing to keep the tremor out of my voice.

Alabaster leaned against the door frame, his stark white hair in sharp contrast to his dark attire. His eyes were cold, unfeeling, yet there was an undertone of amusement in them. "I thought I'd inform you, Father, that I'm planning to take a trip. A little tour around the world."

For a brief, fleeting moment, relief washed over me. The idea of him being away, even for a little while, meant a brief reprieve from the relentless intimidation I felt in his presence. A chance to finally breathe. Perhaps even assert my rightful place in this household once again. 

But that hope was short-lived.

Almost as if reading my thoughts, his expression darkened, and his voice dropped several degrees colder. "Don't be mistaken, dad," he whispered, a predatory glint in his eyes. "I have eyes everywhere."

As the words left his mouth, the room seemed to darken, as eyes emerged from everywhere. Unblinking, all-seeing, and judging. Every corner of the room, every nook and cranny was filled with them, watching me intently.

My throat tightened, and I struggled to maintain my composure. The weight of those eyes pressed down on me, suffocating, drowning. 

Was this his semblance?

It couldn't be, he had inherited the Schnee Semblance. There were no records of any Schnee summoning this many summons, right?

I suppose in the end, it didn’t matter. All it mattered was… that this was his way of saying he was always watching, always present.

"Just remember that, Father," he said, turning to leave. 

The door clicked shut behind him, and I was left in the stifling silence of my study, shuddering. 

I would never be free of him, as long as he lived I would never be free. Not in this life, that much I knew.

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

[Alabaster Schnee. POV.]

[5 days later.]

Ahh, life was good. Why? Well, my chat with Jacques a few days ago brought an amused grin to my face. Ah, the priceless look of momentary relief, quickly overshadowed by sheer terror when those little summoned eyes appeared... classic!

Sometimes, I had to hand it to myself. My ability to scare the living daylights out of that man was truly unmatched. It was almost like a twisted game of chess. Every time Jacques thought he was finally making a strategic move, I'd swoop in and effortlessly put him in checkmate.

The man probably thought he'd finally have the mansion to himself, basking in the idea of being the unchallenged head of the household. Oh, how wrong he was! The thought of him glancing over his shoulder every now and then, jumping at shadows, and imagining eyes watching him was too hilarious to pass up.

It wasn’t even about the power dynamics anymore. It was pure entertainment.

Though, I was leaving a few summons in the mansion, in order to keep an eye on him, and my adorable sisters. But not as many as Jacques probably thought I was leaving.

Not because I couldn’t, I totally could, but because he really didn’t warrant that much to keep in line. 

Chuckling to myself, I couldn’t help but relish the thought of Jacques' paranoia growing each day. Maybe I should send him postcards from every place I visit. Just a little reminder that even miles away, I'm always close by. The world was my playground, and Jacques? He was just another source of entertainment.

Humming softly, I couldn’t help but let my thoughts drift to Winter and Weiss. The adorable duo had become the central anchors in my life in this world. 

Winter, with her stern yet endearingly adorable demeanor, trying her best to emulate me, or the idea she had of me, and Weiss, the ball of innocence and energy, who would probably cling to my leg and pout the moment I announced my plans to travel.

I could already picture their reactions. Winter would probably straighten her posture, puff up her chest, and pretend to be indifferent. "It's okay, Ala. We understand," she'd say, even though her eyes would be screaming the exact opposite. And Weiss, she'd be heartbreakingly direct, maybe even shedding a tear or two. "But who will take me to the park, Ala?"

Ugh! Just thinking about it made my heart twinge.

They had both grown so attached to me, and I to them. I had taken on the role of the protective elder brother, and it wasn't just a facade. Those two were probably the only reason I hadn’t packed my bags and started this world tour ages ago.

Maybe I'd have to bring them gifts from every place I visit or perhaps even send them little videos showcasing all the wonders of the world. Just to ensure they knew they were always on my mind, no matter how many miles separated us.

Still, I hoped they'd understand. 

I wasn't leaving because I wanted to escape from them. It was just the wanderlust in me, itching to see what this world had in store. From the strongest Grimm to the most peculiar criminal, from vast deserts to dense forests, I wanted to see it all.

And when I return, with countless tales of adventure and bags full of souvenirs, I hope they'd welcome me back with open arms. After all, every explorer needs a home to return to, and for me, that home was wherever Winter and Weiss were.

And Klein too, of course. I loved the guy. 

“Well, I better tell them now, or I will find an excuse to stay,” I sighed.

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

I moved to the living room, where Winter and Weiss sat on the couch, engrossed in some game they had made up, their laughter filling the room. I took a deep breath, as the most awesome brother there is, and could be, and will ever be, steeling myself for the announcement.

"Hey, you two," I began, drawing their attention. 

Winter looked up, beaming at me. "What is it, Ala?"

Weiss, being the curious little bundle she was, immediately picked up on the tone of my voice. She paused her game and tilted her head, her bright eyes watching me with curiosity. "Is something wrong big brother?"

Taking a seat across from them, I smiled softly, trying to inject some cheer into the situation. "Not wrong, exactly. I just wanted to tell you both something."

Winter's gaze sharpened. "What's going on, Alabaster?"

"I'm thinking of going on a little trip," I began, keeping my tone light. "You know, explore the world a bit, see what's out there."

Winter blinked, seemingly processing the information. 

Meanwhile, Weiss's eyes grew wide, her lower lip quivering. "You're leaving?" she whispered, a hint of tears forming in her eyes.

AHH! Friendly fire! Friendly fire I say!

I immediately regretted not sugarcoating it more. I rushed to clarify, "Not forever, Weiss. Just for a little while. I promise I'll be back."

Winter frowned, clearly trying to hide her own feelings about the announcement. "Why?"

"I want to see what this world has to offer, firsthand. You know, experience it all. From the mountains of Mistral to the streets of Vacuo. But remember, no matter how far I go, you two are always with me in my heart."

Weiss, trying to hold back her tears, mumbled, "But who will take me to the park?"

"And who will help me with my combat training?" Winter added, her voice softer than usual.

I smiled, ruffling Weiss's hair and winking at Winter. "You'll manage. And think of all the stories I'll have when I come back! Plus, I'll send you both gifts from every place I visit."

Winter sighed, leaning back into the couch. "You better."

Weiss, on the other hand, launched herself into my arms, her tiny body shaking with sobs. "Promise you'll come back?"

Wrapping my arms around her, I whispered, "I promise, my little snowflake."

“You’re taking your scroll right?” Winter asked, and I nodded.

“Of course, and I will call everyday.”