That last chapter felt so good when I was writing it. Getting to talk about Temair's real family was very fun, seeing as he was the older brother figure to the children of the orphanage. And I also felt it was a nice touch to have Temair and Ghira start to form a relationship. I mean.. it's better than heaving Ghira just despise him like he does with Sun. And also, go check out my new, original series "Predator Squad" which i'll be releasing the first chapter for later this week! It's going to be one epic ride, that's for sure! But now, let's get back into the story! Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/Dh9S2bO8Lxk

-Point of View: Drake-

A few weeks had passed by and it was now the day of the Schnee charity concert. It started off with Weiss's performance, and I watched and listened to her amazing singing voice. Jacques was kind enough to let me stand by him as he and Whitley sat in a balcony, watching Weiss perform. I was also told that general Ironwood was here as well but I hadn't seen him yet. I just had to stay in place and watch Weiss sing to the crowd. "Would you mind fetching me a drink, Mr. Colburn?" Whitley asked me as he snapped his fingers. I clenched my fists a bit but I did as he asked me. I went to the nearest bar and got him a clean glass of ice water. I came back and luckily, Weiss was still singing. I handed Whitley his drink and I saw Jacques was looking at me the whole time. "Thank you, Mr. Colburn. It seems you're good for something, after all." Whitley said as I stepped back a bit. Jacques kept his eyes on me until I stopped moving. I glared back at him but he eventually looked away and back over to his daughter. "I'm not your pet! Not another thing you own! I was not born guilty of your crimes...! Your riches and your influence can't hold me anymore...! I won't be possessed! Burdened by a royal test! I will not surrender, this life... is... Miiiiinnnnneeeeeee!" Weiss sang as she concluded her song. She then bowed to the crowd in front of her and everyone clapped for her wonderful performance. Weiss then looked up to our balcony, staring at her father. He was not clapping for her. In fact, he looked quite unamused. Whitley was kind enough to stand and clap for her though. And I did my best to clap even though my right arm was still in a sling. I still could not move it a single inch. Weiss then walked behind the stage and Jacques got up from his seat. "It's time we go greet our guests. I want you to be on your BEST behavior." Jacques said to me with a serious tone. "Well just hope that nothing pisses me off, then." I said as me, him and Whitley walked to the ballroom. 

All the guests had gathered into the ballroom and food and drinks were being served. Paintings were set up for auction around the room to raise money for the kingdom of Vale. No one seemed to be interested in them though. Myself, Weiss and Whitley were ordered to stand by Jacques side all night during the party. It was so annoying hearing him go on and on about all his bullshit jobs and duties, especially ones relating to Faunus. "...That's precisely my point. We offer Faunus the exact same wages given to the rest of our mining staff. Their argument's completely valid right out of the gate." Jacques said to two guests. "Well, I think the bigger issue is our society as a whole." One of the guests said. "What, you mean Atlas?" Jacques asked with a chuckle. "Atlas, Mantle... You can't deny the economic disparity between the two." The guest said as the other one stepped in. "I mean, what exactly are you suggesting?" The guest asked as I looked over to Weiss. She was beginning to walk away but Jacques seemed to notice her without even looking. He reached out and grabbed her arm. "Where are you going?" He asked her quietly. "I'm... Just a little thirsty." Weiss said. "Sweetheart, we have people for that." Jacques said as he went to call a waiter. "What? No, I can get it." Weiss said as Jacques let out a sigh. He then turned back to his guests and let go of Weiss. I watched her walk over to a painting instead of getting a drink. And as I turned my head around to continue and listen to the boring conversations, someone tapped my left shoulder. I turned around and saw general Ironwood standing there. "Care to have a chat?" He asked me as I gave him a nod. But Jacques noticed me and turned around. "Hold it, James. He's with me." Jacques said as I let out a sigh. "It's fine, Jacques. It'll only be for a few minutes." Ironwood said as I looked back at Jacques. "Fine. You have 5 minutes. Then you come back to my side." Jacques said as I rolled my eyes and gave him a nod. 

Myself and Ironwood walked far away from Jacques to the other side of the room where we could have a bit more privacy. "How are you doing?" Ironwood asked me. "I'm sure you can already answer that yourself." I said as he let out a small chuckle. "I probably could. And I can probably guess what he's put you through." Ironwood said. "Is there a reason why you wanted to speak with me?" I asked him. "I wanted to speak with you because you're one of the only two people here who actually know what's going on. You and Ms. Schnee were there that night at Beacon, as was I. And after everything you both went through, neither of you deserve this type of treatment." Ironwood said as I thanked him. "Any chance you can get me out of this whole situation?" I asked Ironwood as he shook his head. "I'm afraid that it's not that easy. Jacques is a powerful man, rivaling my own power. And if he grabs onto something, he does not let it go. You have to make him lost grip on you, and only after that, will you be able to get out." Ironwood said as I let out another sigh. "I guess accepting me into Atlas academy wouldn't help either?" I asked as Ironwood shook his head again. "Even if I did, it's still the same situation. Jacques wouldn't let you attend." He said to me as I put my head down. Ironwood then put his right hand on my left shoulder. "I know it's tough, but I also know that you're strong. Stronger than most, actually. If I know anyone who can pull through this, it's you." Ironwood said as I raised my head back up. "Thanks, James." I said as he gave me a nod and began to walk away. But he quickly stopped and turned back around to face me. "Oh, and one last thing. And i'm sure this news will bring some happiness to you." He said which peaked my interest. "What is it?" I asked. "Recently, someone made an order for a piece of brand new Atlas technology. It was a robotic arm capable of firing concussive blasts. The person said the order was for one Yang Xiao Long." Ironwood said as a feeling of shock came over me. "Yang? You mean she's alright?" I asked as Ironwood chuckled again. "And that's not all. This person also ordered a... rather interest type of weapon. He said it's for someone named Leena Myst. I figured you might know them." Ironwood said as the feeling of happiness grew inside me. "Leena? Oh my.... she's.... she's alive? Is she out of her coma?" I asked Ironwood. "I'm afraid I do not know. That information was not placed in the order. But if Ms. Myst is anything like you, i'm sure she's on her feet as well." Ironwood said as he started to walk away again. "Oh, it seems only three minutes have passed. Looks like you still have 2 minutes to breathe before you have to go back to Jacques." Ironwood said as he wandered into the crowd of people talking. I really couldn't thank him enough for that piece of information. Knowing that there's a chance that Leena and Yang are okay gives me something to keep on fighting. And if I were to find a way out of here, then i'm sure I would be able to see them again. 

Thanks to Ironwood, I had some time to get away from Jacques and walk around off a leash. I went looking for Weiss and I saw she was still at the same painting, only she was now talking to a man who was around her age. She looked very unimpressed from whatever the man was saying. I walked over and stood by her side without her noticing. "...You were wonderful in your performance. And I promise i'm not just saying that because you're pretty. Honesty, remember?" The man said as I stared at him from the corner of my right eye. "So... you thinking of buying this painting?" The man asked Weiss as I looked at the painting. It was beautiful. The painting was of Beacon academy, showing off its courtyard and Beacon tower. It brought back such good memories... and also some bad ones. "No... I don't think i'm going to buy it." Weiss said in an unamused tone. "Yeah... Kinda pricey for a painting." The man said as I just rolled my eyes at him. "It's to raise money." Weiss said a little angrily. "Oh really? For what?" The man asked as I clenched my left fist from his stupid question. "For what...?" Weiss said to him. "I'll admit... I only come to these things for the food and drinks. And, the extraordinary company, of course. So what... is it another Mantle fundraiser or something?" The man stupidly asked as I turned to face him. "Get... out." Weiss said with a serious tone. "What?" The man asked. "You heard her. Now get out." I said while glaring at the man. Weiss quickly turned and saw me standing behind her. But she quickly turned back and stared at the man. "Get out, or I will have security escort you out." Weiss demanded. "But I haven't done any-" The man began to say but Weiss cut in and said "Leave!" "Pfft! Whatever." The man said as he walked away from me and Weiss. "Are you gonna be okay?" I asked Weiss as she turned and faced me. "Yes. People like him just don't understand at all what's going on. I feel so... so..." Weiss said as I stopped her. "You feel isolated. Like you're the only one who knows what actually happened." I said as Weiss gave me a nod. "Well, you're not the only one. I'm here too. I'm here to help." I said as someone in the crowd began to talk over all the people. 

"But really, does it come as any surprise what happened to Vale?" A woman said as we both turned to look at her. "It was a long time coming if you ask me." The woman said as we could see her husband was trying to stop her. "Honey..." He said but she was not listening. "What? You said the same thing last night. If they're so arrogant to think they can get by without proper kingdom defenses, then I sat good riddance." The woman said as Weiss stepped forward with her fists clenched. "Shut up!" She yelled as the entire ballroom went silent and looked at Weiss. "You don't have a clue! None of you do!" Weiss yelled as I followed her. "Excuse me!?" The woman said, trying to defend herself. "You're all just standing around talking about nothing. Worrying about your hair, your money... You're stupid problems that don't mean anything!" I said as the woman stared at me. "Who do you think you are!?" She yelled to me. "I'm someone who was there at Beacon that night! I fought at the battle and I saw the horrors that came in the night! I fought for that Kingdom!" I said as I looked at Weiss. "I was there too! None of you seem to understand what really happened! And it also seems, none of you care in the slightest!" Weiss yelled as Jacques marched over. He grabbed Weiss' wrist, trying to stop her. "Weiss, that's enough!" Jacques said but Weiss tried to escape his grip. "Let go of me!" She said, trying to pull away. "You're embarrassing the family!" Jacques yelled to her. "I said let go!" Weiss yelled as she got herself free of Jacques but fell over onto the ground. And when she landed, one of her Glyphs appeared in between her hands. But.... something was different about it. It had different symbols on it.  

And then... appearing from the Glyph was a creature of Grimm. It was a Boarbatusk, but it was different from a normal Grimm. It was white and blue in colour instead of the typical black and red. I think Weiss was able to create it with her semblance. The Boarbatusk let out a roar is it prepared to attack the woman from before. The woman herself began to scream in fear. The Boarbatusk charged her and I decided to go after it. "Please, i'm sorry, i'm sorry! Just leave me alone!" The woman cried as I leaped in front of the Boarbatusk and grabbed one of its tusks. I grabbed it with my left hand and I tried to force it to the ground. But the Boarbatusk was strong and it began to pull me along with it. "Run!" I yelled as the woman began to step away backwards. But the Boarbatusk quickly broke free from me and continued to charge the woman. It leaped in the air at her and was about to impale her with its large tusks. But right before it struck her, someone shot the Boarbatusk out of the air with a weapon. The Boarbatusk fell to the ground and disappeared like any other Grimm. Everyone looked at who shot it and we all saw it was general Ironwood. "Arrest them!" The woman demanded, pointing at me and Weiss. I walked over and helped Weiss back up to her feet as I looked at Ironwood. "What are you waiting for!? They're insane, and should be locked up!" The woman cried as I kept my eyes on Ironwood. "They're the only ones making sense around here." Ironwood said to everyone as he began to walk away towards the exit. He passed by Jacques and said "Thanks for the party." before leaving. Jacques then walked over to me and Weiss, looking extremely angry. "Both of you... come with me... now!" He said as he left the ballroom. Me and Weiss did as we were told and we followed Jacques all the way into Weiss' room. 

Jacques began to pace back and forth, building up his rage. "Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. Do you have any idea what your little stunt cost us!? And don't think i'm just talking about money here!" Jacques yelled to us as we both stayed quiet. "The Schnee reputation... Our... our..." Jacques began to say before stopping and letting out a heavy sigh. "I want to leave." Weiss said as I looked at her. "I beg your pardon?" Jacques asked. "I said, I want to leave? I don't want to stay here anymore. I don't want to stay in Atlas anymore." Weiss said as Jacques scoffed at her. "Young lady, I don't give a damn about what you want! This isn't about you! Or about this ungrateful peasant! This is about the Schnee family name and your apparent insistence on dragging it through the mud!" Jacques said as I clenched my fist in anger. "I have done nothing but fight to uphold the honor of my family name, a name that you married into!" Weiss yelled as Jacques slapped her across the face. I had had enough at this point and I stepped in between them. "Don't think I've forgotten about you. I will see to it you suffer every miserable day of your li-" Jacques began to say as I punched him in the chest. He stumbled backwards but remained on his feet. "How dare you!" He yelled as I just glared back at him. But Weiss grabbed my left arm and walked in front of me to continue speaking with her father. "Don't defend this man! He's nothing but a low-life! Pure scum!" Jacques said. "You obviously don't understand him! Now stop your discrimination and listen to me for once!" Weiss yelled as Jacques scoffed at her again. "This behaviour of yours is incredibly disappointing. You couldn't possibly understand the lengths I've gone to in order to keep this family where it is. If you think running off like your sister is going to make the Schnee name stronger, you're wrong. Siding with her and this cretin only divides us." Jacques said as I looked down at Weiss. "I'm not siding with anyone. I'm doing what I feel is right, and that does not include wasting my time up here with these clueless people in Atlas." Weiss said as Jacques began to walk away. "The Schnee family isn't yours to leave. It's mine. And i'll do it as a Huntress." Weiss said confidently as Jacques turned around to face her. "No... you won't.You're not leaving Atlas. Neither of you are. You're not to leave the manor grounds unless I specifically allow it. You are going to remain here, out of sight and out of trouble, until we can all come to an agreement about your futures." Jacques explained as me and Weiss both became shocked.   

"What!?" We both asked. Jacques then looked directly at Weiss and said "Your presupposition that you can simply have whatever it is you want is a clear sign of our failure as parents. But from now on, I'll be giving you the full attention you require, starting by keeping you where I can see you." Jacques said as he continued to walk away. "You can't just keep me from leaving!" Weiss yelled. "I can, and the staff here will make sure of it." Jacques explained. "So now i'm just your prisoner!?" Weiss angrily asked. "You're my daughter. You're a child, and children are grounded when they misbehave." Jacques said as he stopped to face me and Weiss again. "And what if they're not your child? I'm not part of this crazy family, so what exactly are you going to do to me?" I asked Jacques as he glared at me. "You... will receive a very... very suitable punishment. One that i'm sure will make you learn your place." Jacques said as he looked back at Weiss. "This is only going to make things worse, father. People will ask questions. They'll want to know why the heiress to the Schnee Dust Company is suddenly nowhere to be found." Weiss said as Jacques let out another heavy sigh. "Which is why you are no longer the heiress to the Schnee Dust Company." Jacques explained as Weiss became shocked again. "Excuse me?" She asked. "Clearly, the trauma you endured at the fall of Beacon was too much for you. Which is why you've... generously revoked your claim to the company and its earnings and passed them on to your brother, Whitley." Jacques explained, telling us his made up story. "It's time to wake up and face reality." Jacques said as he exited Weiss' room. And standing outside the door was Whitley himself, looking rather happy. 

Weiss marched over to the door and opened it up to speak with her brother. I followed and saw Whitley calmly walking down the hallway. "Whitley!" Weiss said, calling to her brother. "Yes, sister?" Whitley said as he turned to face Weiss. "Did you know about this?" Weiss asked him. "About what?" Whitley asked, looking very innocent. "You never liked Winter. You never liked me. But you've been nothing but supportive since the moment I came back." Weiss said as I looked at Whitley curiously. "If being kind to my big sister is some sort of crime, then I suppose i'm guilty." Whitley said as he grew a creepy smile. "You wanted all this to happen, didn't you?" I asked Whitley while glaring at him. "It's foolish not to do as father asks." Whitley said angrily to me and Weiss. "I can't believe you." Weiss said, looking like she was going to cry. "Don't worry, Weiss. The Schnee family name is in good hands." Whitley said as he walked away from us. I reached over and held Weiss close to me, comforting her. "Don't worry. Everything will be okay." I said as we both walked back into her room. Weiss went and laid down face first in her bed, crying away from all her emotions. I couldn't help but feel bad for her as well. She had just lost everything. First all her friends... and now.. her family. I sat down next to her and comforted her some more. "It's okay. You've still got me." I said as she raised her head back up and wiped away the tears. "Thank you. But... my father... he's gonna punish you." She said as I let out a small chuckle. "Please, he can't do anything worse than this." I said as I pointed to my right arm. "But Weiss, I need to ask you something." I said as Weiss sat up and looked at me. "You have nothing to lose now that your father's taken away everything. So... what are you going to do now?" I asked as she wiped away more tears. "We're... going to leave. But not yet. I'm not ready to go back out into the world. There's something I need to do first." Weiss said as she got up from the bed. She started to move around the furniture in room, making an open space in the centre. She then went to a box that was on her cabinet and pulled out hr sword from inside. "What I did at the party... I want to master it. And when I do... you and I will get out of this place." Weiss said as I gave her a smile and stood up. "Alright then. Let's get to practicing."