A/N: A requested fanfic for me to write because it's been waaay over due. Thank you Shiranai Atsune for ideas and allowing me to write this! Chapter 1 of Ice Prince begins now, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, there will be no OCs in this story. RWBY belongs to Monty Oum and Roosterteeth.
Chapter 1: Different styles of life
Inside Schnee Mansion...
The sound of boots clapped against the white-washed marble tiles with a crisp noise, echoing around the mostly empty blue and gray washed hallways. A male with a scar running down the left-side of his face seemed to be in quite the hurry, barely acknowledging some of the maids who bowed low as he breezed past. The tips of his snow-white hair reached just below his ears, and his skin was the epitome of paleness.
He wore the Schnee's family coat which was adorned with various buttons and elaborate patterns; a hand-me-down from his father himself. It could be considered a family heirloom and seeing how it barely had a scratch on it, the male knew he shouldn't disgrace his family by getting the first stain. There was a huge emblem in the shape of a snowflake attached on the back, a constant reminder that will always follow him.
A Schnee must always walk with poise, always give off the aura of being superior than others. He mustn't show emotions because those are just empty thoughts, hindering a fighter's full potential on the battlefield. He continued to think to himself, making his way to his father's room while repeating the family's decree and mantra. Always finish off the enemies mercilessly, elegantly but swiftly. Most of all, a Schnee must not give any inferior being attention. That's what it means to possess royal blood and it must not be tainted by any means. A Schnee must fight to the death if he were to lose, it is much more noble to die then be mocked by the enemy.
"Good day, young master." With his thoughts disturbed the young male looked up to see a servant bowing low before him. He had balding brown hair and a large mustache but it was his positive and supportive nature that made him one of the family's favorite servant. As it happens Jacques Schnee loves playing favoritism among his workers and if the servants are kind to the family, they will no doubt get a small bonus for their efforts. "It's truly an horror to be graced by your presence."
"Klein, is my father in his room?"
"Of course, I just delivered his usual cup of coffee." Klein replied, keeping his eyes on the ground. It was protocol in his contract that he mustn't look anyone in the eyes unless he was talked too or if he was given permission, least he was prepared for punishment.
"Thank you Klein, that would be all. Carry on your duties until it's time for dinner, I do believe that my mother would enjoy your company until then."
"I-If I may, sir, your father has continuously remarked that you be married to another nobility at some point. You are almost 20, so your father wishes that you...er...'mate in your prime' as he says. I think–"
"Klein." The voice was sharp, causing the servant to shut his jaw. He didn't want to anger the prince, knowing the full temper tantrum that came with the pretty face. "That would be all. Please tend to my mother."
"O-Of course, please excuse me then." Bowing low Klein scurried off like he had a tail between his legs. The snowy-haired male watched the empty hallway for a minute before a sigh exited between his lips. As much as he valued Klein higher than the others that work in the mansion he still needed to remind them that prying into private matters was not okay.
I can do this...I have nothing to be afraid of, just think of him as any other authoritative fatherly figure. "Erm...hello? Father? I'm coming in." Counting to ten in his head, Eis placed a hand on the knob and turned it to the right. Walking in with his chest up and head lifted he entered his father's chamber and closed the door softly behind him.
"Ah, Eis." Jacques Schnee, the ultimate patriarch of the Schnee house hold smiled as he watched his son approach him. He had gray-white hair and a pale complexion like his son. There was a large gray mustache upon his face and his blue-colored eyes were cold; Eis definitely got his icy eyes from his father.
He was wearing his usual business attire, consisting of a pure white double-breasted jacket with a red handkerchief in the breast pocket. Underneath he had on a blue shirt and vest accompanied with a gray-white tie. A silver-colored ring, the same ring that Eis usually spots on his mother's hand, settled on his right hand. Eis has seen him when he wasn't wearing his business attire and that's why he was afraid on the inside. Unknown to those who didn't pry deep enough Jacques was actually a mafia boss, owning a lot of the smaller companies and businesses in Atlas and raking in the lien by the billions.
"I thought it was a good idea to check up on you before I head off to attend a meeting." Eis told him, coming to a halt and stood stiff with his arms at his side, making sure to keep his eyes locked on his father's. It was very important to Jacques that he had absolute attention and if he didn't have that eye contact, he would deem the act to be highly disrespectful to the highest decree; Eis learned that the hard way and thus received the scar upon his face for the small blunder. "It's important they understand that you are truly in charge and won't allow anything to go wrong."
"True, I do appreciate perfection and aim for it to be achieved on the first try." Jacques mused, stroking his mustache with a hand. "If a task requires multiple runs then I have no use for it and must hire new hands who aren't incompetent in their work. What I loathe the most in this world are those who waste time goofing off . Time is money, valuable and precious. I expect nothing but good work from you."
"Of course, sir." Eis nodded his head in agreement. "I live only for perfection and nothing else. You can put your trust in me."
"Remember Eis, you must also set a good example for young Whitley here." His father sneered, gesturing with a jerk of his chin to the young baby in his arms. The mother had given birth only a couple months ago but was separated immediately so the infant wouldn't grow up dependent on a female entity. It was through Jacques' teaching that the males must exert dominance over the females that the white-haired boy didn't think of a female being capable of being a male's equal.
"Winter already disappointed me, ranking second in command within that so called military academy up in Atlas. That's unacceptable!" He slammed a fist down against his chair with rage. "For a Schnee, we must always aim for the top. If we can't have the top seat we might as well die for failure. And that's where Winter went wrong, she's holed up and protected by...measly peasants." He spat out the word like it was some vile fluid.
"Calm yourself Father, you'll blow a vein if you allow such thoughts to cloud your mind." Eis replied, his eyes icy blue with zero hints of warmth. If one was looking at them directly he or she would say it's like looking into a never ending blizzard raging within a Schnee's eyes. "A Schnee shouldn't be allowed to show emotions...for emotions reveal weakness in a fighter."
"Seems like I made the right choice wrenching you from your mother the moment you were born. I have high hopes for you Eis...very high hopes. Don't disappoint me in the slightest."
"Your wish is my command Father."
"Good boy." Jacques smiled briefly as he regarded his second child and proper heir to his company. It was very rare that the patriarch of the Schnee family handed out praise and Eis felt a flicker of accomplishment to receive such praise. "On another note I believe I am still searching for potential mates for you, mates that consist of women of royalty and noble blood. With so much filth and trash in this world it is hard for me to weed them out, how I so wish to crush them all within the palms of my hand."
"If that's all you wish to tell me then I'll take my leave."
"Eis, don't think I don't know about how much you abhor your old man dictating your marriage life...or anything really. But by decree of this family, you're allowed to make changes to the rule until you defeat the one in power." A grin appeared on the older male's face. "And as I recalled...you have yet to defeat me in a dual."
"Father, you know I can't raise my fists against you." said Eis, looking over his shoulder towards his father.
"Not yet...but I know exactly what you're thinking. And trust me when I say that you are very close to usurping me from the head seat. I'll have my eyes on your activities, even if you are my son." The taunting expression on his father's face made Eis' blood boil but he didn't show it. After all, a Schnee isn't allowed to show emotions. "Remember, in this game we call life...no one is your friend. Everyone is your enemy so watch your back."
Somewhere in Patch...
"Ruby, time to wake up." A voice whispered, cutting through what would've been a quiet morning. The ruffling underneath the sheets indicated the presence of a person but then it stopped. The caller in question waited, watching with lilac-colored eyes for any other signs of movement. When there was none, the hands came into play. "Ruby, it's time to wake up. You know how Dad is if you aren't punctual...especially on the first day of your job."
"Five more minutes Yin..." came a sleepy reply. "Dad has the patience...and today's just orientation. We aren't allowed to handle the weapons yet."
"No can do Rubes, even if it is orientation it's really good if you are on time for your first day. Get up or I'll force you out of your comforter."
"Mmmmrgh..." A grumble responded.
"Okaaaaay then, stay asleep in bed and be late to your job." Yin chuckled, slowly turning around and opening the door. There was a glint in his eyes as he added, "Dad cooked pancakes and he rarely makes them on a good day. I might as well–"
"Pancakes!" Something shot out from underneath the covers and a weight landed on the boy's back. He chuckled, looking into very alert silver-colored eyes. "I will never let you eat my portion!"
"Now that's the Ruby I know and love~ Time to wash up, you hooligan."
"Carry me!" Ruby ordered, wrapping her arms lightly around his neck. Circling his arms around her legs the blond gave his sister a piggyback ride, making horse noises with his mouth. Shuffling into the bathroom that they shared she stepped off and quickly grabbed her toothbrush, squeezing a dollop of toothpaste on the bristles.
"Hold still Rubes...I have to make you presentable!" Yin scowled as he attempted to brush out the locks, his tongue sticking out in concentration. Once he got the knot out he found a couple more and frowned, "You must've tackled a real monster last night or something! It's so bad today but nothing I can't handle!"
"That monster was trying to take my cookies! He deserved to be punished!" Ruby pouted in response, wincing when her brother brushed a bit too hard. She had to stay absolutely still whenever her hair was being handled, thus the toothbrush was placed on the counter facing up.
"Did you give him the 'Ruby Special?"
"Yup! Fired one right between the eyes without a second thought!" After getting her hair under control and finally brushing her teeth the two of them hurried downstairs and into the kitchen. A grizzled blond-haired male glanced over his shoulder when he felt arms wrap around his waist. "Morning Daddy!"
"Morning Ruby." He smiled before looking up to his oldest child who was busy getting a piece of bread from the bag. "Morning Yin."
"Morning Dad!" replied Yin, popping the bread in the toaster before giving his dad a hug. Sure he was a head above Ruby but he was still shorter than Taiyang.
"I'm just about done with the last set of pancakes, help yourselves to the syrup and freshly picked strawberries."
"Oooooh! Strawberries!" Ruby rushed to the table, her eyes darting back and forth with glee. "And an added bonus! A cup of milk!"
"Oooo yeah! Makes you big and strong!" Yin grinned, raising both arms and flashed his guns. Ruby could tell that her brother worked out a lot and his favorite workout focused solely on upper body and arms. This is why the younger of the two always aims for the legs whenever they spar because she knew his one weakness. "I'll never get sick of looking at these babies and these abs!" He lifted up his shirt enough to reveal the chiseled torso.
"Self-absorb much?" Ruby questioned, noting the 8-pack that her brother sported.
"Don't be jealous."
Ding~ Ding~
"Hmmm?" Pulling out his scroll while the kids were squabbling, Taiyang scowled with annoyance as he went through the new message with a flick of a finger. Putting the technology back into his pocket he grabbed the freshly made pancakes and walked to the table. "Well then...looks like I'll be driving you two where you need to go."
"Is Uncle Qrow not taking us?" asked Ruby as Yin grabbed his toast and buttered it up with peanut butter and jelly. "What happened?"
"Qrow had...something to take care of at the last minute. He says he's sorry that he couldn't see his favorite speedster and firecracker, but he wishes you two the best." Taiyang told them, softening his gaze when he noticed the sad expressions on their faces. "Cheer up now, he'll come and visit when he finishes his job. I'll even go and hunt him down myself if I need to."
"Uncle Qrow isn't gonna let himself be caught so easily by you." Ruby declared boldly, throwing a fist into the air. "He isn't named the 'Devil shooter' for nothing!"
"Yeah! Even the most toughest of hoodlums have problems avoiding him!" Yin added, throwing his own fist into the air to mimic his sister. "One day I hope to be just like him!"
"Yeah yeah, I've heard all about that now hurry and eat. I'm gonna get the car started, so you're responsible for taking what you need for today." Taiyang said, rising to his feet and made his way to the door. "Place your utensils in the sink and I'll wash them when I finish dropping you two off."
Hidden warehouse in Menagerie...
"Blake, are you ready for your next mission?"
"Yes Adam." A voice spoke softly and a female stepped out from the shadows, her golden eyes locking in on a pair of red eyes that stood opposite of her. Around them there were the presences of others but they were silent, masks covering their faces to conceal their identities. "I'm ready."
"I expect nothing less. You're considered far above the other recruits for the White Fang. I could consider you my equal." The man named Adam spoke as he circled around, wrapping his arms around Blake's waist and nuzzled his nose against her hair. "I'm honored to have stayed by your side, to see your growth. But now, the real deal begins. Our enemies will be out for blood and there are no second chances."
"Adam...how much longer do we have to stay in hiding like this?" Blake glanced at the ground, her eyes filled with pain and sorrow. "How much longer?"
"I'm sorry my love." The man said, using a hand to turn her head towards him. Dipping down he gently placed a kiss on her lips, smiling when she returned the favor. "The White Fang will never surrender but for now, please endure it a little longer."
"Adam I don't know if I can..."
"Blake how many times have we talked about this?" Adam circled around till he loomed over her, using his height by means of intimidation. The others held their breath or watched them silently from the sidelines. "These are nothing but mere roadblocks. It'll be smooth sailing afterward. All we need to do is execute the mission, leave nothing behind."
"Are we...really doing the right thing?"
SMACK!
"...sorry, I shouldn't be questioning the White Fang's motives." Blake mumbled, her cheek stinging from where Adam's hand had slapped. Hot tears threatened to fall down her face but she held it back, refusing to give him another reason to hit her. "We're doing what is right and to make the world a much better place for Faunus to live in."
"It hurts me every single time I raise my hand against you, but you seem to be understand quickly." Adam said soothingly, caressing her cheek in hopes of making the pain subside. Stepping back he nodded his head and turned on his heels, "Fix up that wound before it turns into a bruise, wouldn't want the new recruits to start spreading rumors about you. I also don't want to hear anything that sounds like doubt ever again."
Taking a deep breath Blake waited till she could no longer hear his footsteps and put her White Fang mask to conceal her face. The other presences have left as well, leaving her alone in the empty room. With her Faunus ears perked to their full height she began to walk off, slinking back into the shadows till it swallowed her whole.