(Weiss' POV)

Up in Atlas, I sat in my room, staring out of the large window looking at the ships that flew past... I wasn't happy at all... In fact, I was miserable... lonely... sad... you name it... The last thing I remembered before I got dragged back here was Ruby unconscious, Pyrrha's head band, broken sword and shield being brought and Dairoku missing an arm and with a large wound in between his wings... Celeste, Neo, Raiku, Crystal, Velvet and Kuraime breaking down in hysterics... Tyros looking away in anger and sadness... Blake coming really close to crying... I couldn't keep in my emotions either as I cried just as hard as Celeste and the others...

Anyways... as I sat here, I couldn't stop thinking about Celeste and Dairoku... wondering if the latter has woken up yet or if the former was doing alright...

My thoughts: Celeste... Are you doing okay...?

Suddenly, a knock was heard on my room door and I looked at it.

Me: Yes?

It opened, to reveal my butler, Klein.

Klein: Pardon the interruption Ms. Schnee but your father wishes to speak to you.

I just sighed as I had a feeling where this was going...

Me: Thank you Klein.

I got up and left my room.

"CELESTE... ARE YOU DOING OKAY...?"
CHAPTER 2: SCATTERED; TRAPPED WITHIN RICHES.

https://youtu.be/feEYNF5MwPw

(You can play the instrumental above)

(Weiss' POV)

As I made my way though the manor, my massive castle-like home, I couldn't help but think about how quiet it was... lonely... very lonely... Anyways, I ran into my younger brother, Whitley.

Whitley: Good afternoon sister. A pleasure to see you out of your room for a change.

I rolled my eyes in annoyance and boredom.

Me: *sigh* Hello Whitley. You're in a cheery mood today.

Whitley: Klein made crepes for breakfast.

Me: What do you want?

Whitley: I heard Father shouting with someone in his study earlier.

That wasn't something new...

Me: Mother?

Whitley: No, she's already drinking in the garden. I think it was a man, I think I heard a younger woman as well. I just wanted to warn you. I heard he asked to speak to you.

A man and a woman...? That was... strange...

Me: I'll be fine...

Whitley: I know you will. You're strong, like Winter!

Me: You never liked Winter.

Whitley: True. But you can't deny her resolve.

Me: You seem... different.

Whitley: And you've been gone. I'll have you know that I didn't stop growing while you were away at Beacon. Anyway, good luck with Father.

My brother walked away as I looked away...

Me: Thank you...

I continued making my way to my Father's office. When I got to the door, I heard voices... Exactly how my brother described... My Father, a man and a younger woman.

Father: I'm not talking about the good of my company, I'm talking about the good of Atlas! Our entire Kingdom!

Man: That's a load of garbage and you know it.

Woman: Jacques Schnee, concerned about others besides himself and his company? Pfft, is the world coming to an end or something?

Father: I beg your pardon!?

I slowly opened the door to see my father, General Ironwood and Lucy. I don't know why but, I suddenly felt angry, seeing my father... most likely because he enslaved Celeste and gave her that scar over her right eye...

(BTW, Lucy and Raiku's outfits remain the same this Volume)

My thoughts: Raiku's sister...?

Ironwood: Jacques, will you just hear me out?

Jacques: You are a trusted friend and ally to this family, James but what you're suggesting is absurd.

Ironwood: You are blowing it out of proportion.

Jacques: The council will never agree to it!

Ironwood: You forget, I hold two seats on the council.

Jacques: Your Dust embargo has already cost me millions. I can promise you, I have not forgotten!

Lucy: So this IS about you. Why the hell would I even think of otherwise?

Jacques: Ohhh... James, you better keep your orphan in line!

I carefully entered the room but the door shut behind me, alerting the three present.

Ironwood: Ms. Schnee. Our apologies, we should have been gone by now.

Me: I-It's okay.

Ironwood: We'll continue this at another time Jacques. Let's go Lucy.

Lucy: Alright, Dad.

Ironwood walked past me but Lucy stopped in front of me.

Lucy: Hello Weiss. How are you holding up?

Me: Fine. Thank you. I heard your sister, her team and Kuraime are here in Atlas; how are they?

Lucy smiled at me.

Lucy: Raiku and her Team are doing alright and Kuraime should be with them; After the Fall of Beacon, she's been a bit more... talkative than usual; I assume that had to do with what happened to Dairoku...

Me: Yeah... I understand.

Lucy: If it'll make you feel better, I'll let them, Raiku and Kuraime know that I've heard from you.

I smiled a little.

Me: Thank you Lucy.

Ironwood: Also, please know, you'll always have a home at Atlas Academy Ms. Schnee. We'll be back in session before you know it.

After they've both left, my father began speaking.

Father: Did you forget your manners while you were away?

Me: ...No Father, I'm sorry.

Father: Can you believe there still people in the world that blame Atlas for what happened to Beacon? To Vale?

Me: Well, they weren't there.

Father: It's a wonder Ironwood wasn't stripped of his rank. I suppose the council trusts him; for better or worse.

Me: I trust him.

Father: ...Thanks to him, Atlas is forbidden from exporting Dust to other Kingdoms; "A precautionary measure" as he puts it, until we're certain no one is going to declare war. How anyone could possibly find that to be sound logic is beyond me... which is why the Schnee Dust Company will be holding a charity concert in the coming weeks. We need to show the people of Remnant that we are on their side, that we are all victims of the Fall of Beacon.

Me: That's... wonderful news...!

Father: I know. And I think it would make a lot of people happy if you performed at the event.

Me: Excuse me?

Father: Many forget that you were there, my own daughter, a Schnee; on the grounds defending another Kingdom! We need to remind them and we need to show them that the Schnee family is just as strong as ever.

Me: Are you asking me if I'd like to sing or telling me?

Father: I think it would make a lot of people happy.

Me: *sigh* I'll start practicing...

Father: That's my girl.

After that... 'wonderful' conversation, I left his office, only to be met by Klein.

Klein: Hot coffee Ms. Schnee? I always find that he keeps his study dreadfully cold.

Me: Thank you Klein. *takes coffee mug*

Klein: You know what I think? *His eyes turned red* I think it's to balance out all his hot air!

He began to cackle while I looked shocked and tried my best to keep in my laughter but I failed.

Me: Klein! *giggles*

Then his eyes turned blue and he sneezed.

Klein: My... My apologies madam. *sneezes*

I couldn't help but giggle again. His eyes turned back to orange.

Klein: Ahh, there's my happy little Snowflake.

I looked happy but quickly looked down in sadness... Snowflake... that's what Dairoku used to call me...

Klein: Oh! Did I do something wrong Ms. Schnee?

Me: Oh... No Klein... It's just... a close friend of mine used to call me Snowflake...

Klein: Oh, right. Kai Rein's son correct?

My eyes widen.

Me: How... How did you know...?

Klein: Well, you have been talking in your sleep. Mr. Rein's son call you Snowflake am I wrong?

I didn't say anything.

Klein: And if I'm correct, you seem quite fond of this Celeste. I often hear you whisper that name when you're asleep.

I blushed and looked away.

Me: She's... Dairoku's sister and my... g-girlfriend...

Klein: Ahh, I see. And I take it you miss her?

Me: I didn't have the chance to say goodbye to her... And I can't stop thinking about her...

Klein: Well, I'm sure she would understand. Judging from how you talk about her, it seems like she cares deeply for you. I'm just glad you found someone who could make you happy.

I smiled at Klein, this time it being genuine.

Me: Thank you Klein.

END
——————————————
Damn, I've underestimated how short some of these Chapters would be. Anyways, y'all get the two for one special today because you've all been supportive of my series. So, I'll see u guys tomorrow when I hopefully upload Chapter 3 and possibly 4? Says tuned!