Chapter 1
Beta: Spooky Noodle & ThePhantomScribe
White.
The color of the Schnee; a representation of her heritage. Ever since the beginning of the company, established amidst the icy tundras and merciless blizzards of early Mantle, the Schnee represented the color in the only way it could be.
Pure blood. Great influence. Absolute power.
The walls, painted by winter itself, created the vast hallways of Schnee Manor. The sound of Weiss's scuffing shoes managed to ricochet off every corner in a way that, even in her current state, she wasn't too tired to notice. She found her room and without hesitation, burst right in. She put her case on the floor and leaned against the wall, almost ready to just fall to the ground and lie there.
But a Schnee's place was not in the dirt. As her father always said.
Why become a Huntress then, that was always his question. The common folk took on that job, they were the ones that get their hands dirty. A Schnee relied on mentality, not barbarism.
But Weiss did see a point to it, even if her stubborn father didn't. There was honor and respect in this line of duty, becoming a part of the force that had shielded humanity for almost a hundred years. That she would be remembered for.
For that, even as a Schnee, Weiss wouldn't bat an eye if it dirtied her hands.
Her father was not exactly a saint, either.
Even so, it was with a scrunched nose that she was reminded of her own scent; sweat and dirt accumulated from hours of combat training. Her body ached at the reminder, and she could only groan at the thought of doing the same tomorrow. It was the only time that Weiss would see herself wearing sweats and short sleeved tops. Practicality, even if it wasn't what she'd be wearing in battle.
But that was a long time off.
But what was right around the corner was her shower.
In minutes her hair was freed of the scrunchie, letting the locks fall past her back. She grimaced as she slipped out of her sticky clothes, ignoring her screaming muscles, and tossing them in her hamper before turning on the water.
Warmth kissed her as she stepped into it; almost losing the grip on her soap and washrag as her body untensed. Another day, another shower to wash it all away.
No plans for the rest of the evening, which... was much more normal than she wished it was. A Schnee's day was busy, yes, that was a given upon being born. Schnee's did not laze about; they had schedules; routines to condition their minds into sharp focus. There was always more to be done. More ways to improve oneself, the family name and to make money.
6am - Breakfast
7am to 12pm - Math, Language and History Lectures
12:30pm - Lunch
1pm to 4pm – Biology, Business and Psychology
4pm to 6pm - Training
So it was here, where she found comfort in the hot water after her regular work week. Dinner didn't start until 9, and so she often spent the next three hours being productive in some way or another. Shopping if she even wanted to; occasionally she'd see Winter, but sometimes for weeks on end her only companion was her schedule.
That was the life of a Schnee though.
Weiss's eyebrows furrowed as her father's words came to her. "A Schnee is always in control, of themselves and those around them." Order was not an option, but a necessity. He believed that to be the proper way to raise his children, to mold them into those that would strengthen the company in the future.
Wonder if he rethinks that now. Weiss wanted to grin, at least to prove that she'd won. But it dropped just as quick. Her father did that.
She was not him.
Weiss shut off the water, wrapping a towel around her body before doing the same for her hair. Looking in the mirror, she wiped it clear before inspecting her face.
Unblemished, untouched… perfect. The true definition of how a Schnee should look. Nothing about them could be imperfect. Imperfection was weakness, and to submit to that was not the Schnee way.
Drying herself, she found her undergarments and slipped them on, quickly finding a slim but modest dress to throw on. Nothing overtly eye catching; it was a dress fit for a lady, all she needed.
A part of it miffed her, made her want to tear it in half just to see her father's look of disapproval. Scoffing at the mere thought that she had to look presentable just to eat dinner with her family.
If it could even be called that.
But of course, like her father said, a Schnee couldn't lose face even in the comfort of their own homes. The world was always watching, and they could appear as nothing less than untouchable to them at all times.
She rolled her eyes before falling onto her bed. Throwing her head onto her pillow as she rubbed her feet together. Crystal blues locked onto her clock.
6:24pm. Two and half hours until dinner.
And so here she was again, back in the crossroads.
it was always here that she wondered what she could do with this time. Books were her immediate thought, but with a bit of reluctance, Weiss could admit to not finding that much entertainment in books. Of course, if the topic interested her, she would surely read it, but an avid reader she was not.
Writing or perhaps art had been another consideration, and yet she shot down both for her lack of interest. Art was more of Whitley's thing and anything she'd want to write, she'd more than likely just say.
The girl chuckled in the thought that so many activities she'd taken part of were past her now. She'd had dance classes when she was younger, and while she could never forget the lessons, once she'd learn proper waltzing, it had no other merit. Singing was something she enjoyed in her alone time, but sparingly. It was a talent she honestly wished she didn't have; it benefitted her father more than did her now.
And so that left her with the same dilemma she faced every time she was back in her room. Alone. Where productivity was necessary for her lifestyle, Weiss could admit that boredom took hold during the times she wasn't actively working.
In such a big castle, where hundreds of servants were at her every whim, and most her family was within her grasp, Weiss still managed to feel alien.
Like she was here all by herself, with no one to turn to. Of course, this wasn't true, she had Winter of course. But Winter could not give her much time anymore. She'd had her all to herself when she was a child, but that was all over now.
What did she do now, in this cold manor where she had no one to talk to and her mind begged for productivity?
Weiss often found herself wanting to do something just to enjoy it. Not caring about if it boosted her fame or earned her money. When was the last time she'd genuinely had fun? Knowing her father, he probably had some stupid Schnee law saying that fun was for commoners.
It was funny, for being the richest teenager in the world, she had nothing to stave her boredom.
Weiss swiped her scroll from the table, clicking the tab that brought her to the web search. At times like this she thought to let time pass by watching documentaries – food for the brain or some such. She opened the site she regularly used, trying to find its history page before a sudden ad popped up. And what timing, it had managed to come up just as Weiss tapped the screen.
The nerve! Weiss wanted to bark, imagining that the scroll was laughing at her somehow. But it passed, and she was ready to swipe the ad page away, but then stopped.
"What is this?"
It was a big, but organized page that didn't look very appealing at first glance. Its content was ordered below the title like the list.
Concord
Welcome to Concord, an online server program that connects people around the world! Use it for chat, games, work – anything you can think of! Hosting millions of users around the world, Concord is slowly becoming the most popular way to communicate with friends, family, businesses and so much more.
A program that is free to download and use. No purchases needed.
A free program?
Weiss began filing through the list, and just as it said, the place was filled with diverse subjects. All separated into different rooms with varying amounts of people. Singers, writers, gamers, animators – the list was near endless. Numbers ranged from thousands to hundreds per server and they all seemed to be active for the most part.
It looked... interesting.
Weiss shook her head, dismissive of the thought. Why was she even considering this? This was likely for people who could not connect with others in real life. Introverts and couch potatoes who preferred to be lazy and unproductive. Lonely people.
And suddenly that thought punctured her head. Was that not herself? Was that not the reason she hadn't just closed the page after seeing it?
She wanted to say it wasn't true, that it was mainly her curiosity that had her searching. But it was only her here, and if she could never be honest about herself with her father, then she had to be honest with herself.
Finally, just as she was about to click one just to see what it had, a name caught her eye.
A Place to Be.
It was a small server, apparently containing seven members. Though one, at the moment, was online. It didn't seem to have much traction in terms of popularity; no category either and buried under the huge list of more mainstream ones.
Should she join? Was there a reason not to?
She couldn't see Winter right now. She was currently on deployment, and even when back in Atlas, she had to devote more time to work than family. Her father and brother were usually around... but to say they were pleasant company was being nicer than they deserved. And her mother...
She was a wild card.
There were good days; and they were good when they happened. And then there were bad days, and somehow, she managed to make the bad days memorable.
Even Klein had too much on his plate to devote time for Weiss; she only ever saw him when she needed something or during breakfast. Even her personal butler had no time for her!
There's no punishment for trying. Weiss swayed herself. She didn't need to pay for anything, even if that was certainly no issue. And moreover, the server was public. Meaning they welcomed newcomers. And if they turned out to be nothing but ruffians, she could just leave.
It'd kill time, and that was the goal.
She clicked it, and as she expected a window popped up, prompting her to create an account. One CTmail and password later, the window opened and the program itself downloaded onto her home screen.
She needed a Username?
It didn't need to be said why she couldn't use her real name. In fact, most people did not use their real names for fear of things like identity theft and such. The point of being online was to be anonymous, oddly enough. Besides, even if she did use her real name, they wouldn't believe her.
Unsure of what kind of username to pick, Weiss typed in a single letter 'W'.
It would work.
The channel was revealed, a rather lackluster design of dark gray and black. But it was clean and in order, a list of categories on the left while the list of members was on the right.
A ping sound emitted from the scroll as she eyed the notification. She was automatically directed to the #welcome and rules tab, where a message waited for her from... ArcAngel95?
ArcAngel95 (6:35pm):
Hey there! Welcome to A Place to Be. I'm the moderator/creator of the server. I'd introduce myself, but the server already did that for us. Nice to meet you.
A standard introduction, not too positive and not too brash. But decent, it at least meant he cared about not turning away new members. Unconsciously she reached her hand out for a handshake. Shaking her head immediately, she was too used to meeting people in person.
W (6:35pm): Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you as well.
A small patch of text came up above her text bar saying, 'ArcAngel95 is typing...' Was that a function of Concord? Perhaps programed to ensure conversation flowed naturally without interruption? She could only imagine the clutter of servers with hundreds of people or more. If so, a feature like this was convenient.
ArcAngel95 (6:35pm):
Well, there isn't too much I need to say here. The rules are above but besides that, this is as much your playground as everyone else's. XD Did you have any questions?
XD? Was that an abbreviation for something? Weiss chose to ignore it and typed her response.
W (6:36pm):
I'm not particularly familiar with a community such as this. This is all new to me. I'm curious about what it is you and the others do here.
ArcAngel95 (6:36pm):
Not much if I'm being honest. Most servers usually have activities that everyone is part of, but this one is a little different. Think of it as a chatroom, just somewhere for people to talk and stuff. If you're bored and want to talk to people, this place is made for that. No work, no assignments, no responsibilities.
No work? No responsibilities?
A part of her was elated at the idea, and at the same time it sounded so foreign. It was just a place for people to hang out... and that was it? Granted, it was exactly what she was looking for, a place to bide time without adding more work to her plate. But still, where was the productivity?
'No one lives like you,' the inner Weiss reminded her. She was judging these people based on her lifestyle, which admittedly, was not fair. This person probably had more free time on his hands.
W (6:37pm):
I see.
CookieMonster (6:37pm):
See what?
Weiss blinked as the new name showed up, and she looked back the list of the members just to be certain. ArcAngel was indeed the moderator, as his was the only name under the title. She figured this... CookieMonster would then be under the Members title like the inactive people. But instead she was listed in her own category.
Mascot.
Was that a promoted role or something?
ArcAngel95 (6:37pm):
Hey Cooks, you done with class today?
CookieMonster (6:38pm):
Yeppers! You too, right?
ArcAngel95 (6:38pm):
Sick day. And of course, I can't rely on my sisters to take care of me because none of them know how to make soup. SOUP, Cookie! Out of a freaking can and they can't cook it!
CookieMonster (6:38pm):
XD I am so happy that I only have one sister to deal with.
That abbreviation again. What was that? It irked Weiss to not know. And she was just about to ask before CookieMonster addressed her.
CookieMonster (6:38pm):
Oooh, we have a new member? Hi new person!
Weiss groaned a little, imagining a squeaky, child-like voice saying those words. It just felt fitting, but who knows? This person could have been a forty-year-old man for all she knew.
Excitable personalities didn't mesh well with her, but Weiss tried to remember they were just being courteous. She couldn't blame at them for that. She had noticed that ArcAngel did not refer to CookieMonster by her full username. Perhaps to lessen the amount he needed to type? Or was it indicative of closeness like a nickname?
Should she try that too?
W (6:39pm):
A pleasure to meet you, Monster.
Weiss thought for a second, wondering if she should just go the whole mile. Why not? She had to make her best impression, and she was learning their customs. Best to try and blend in.
W (6:39pm):
XD
Just for good measure.
CookieMonster (6:39pm):
No! Call me Cookie!
Weiss's eyebrows rose. Well, that sure was adamant. She didn't seem angry, more like insistent. In fact, it almost sounded like this was something she'd had to repeat to more people than just her.
W (6:39pm):
Why on Remnant would you want to be called a cookie?
CookieMonster (6:40pm):
Cuz I really like cookies! Like, if I died and got reincarnated, I'd want to be a cookie.
Weiss was officially confused. She got the person liking cookies and perhaps that's why they named themselves after one. But wanting to be one? Maybe this had been the wrong server to join...
ArcAngel95 (6:40pm):
What kind of cookie, though?
CookieMonster (6:40pm):
Strawberry
A strawberry cookie? It sounded good on paper, but fruit was best saved for things like cakes and pies. A cookie was better with caramel or chocolate, in Weiss's opinion.
ArcAngel95 (6:40pm):
Didn't you try strawberry cookies before? I remember you saying that they are one of humanity's greatest sins and probably the reason why Grimm exist. You made a novel of it in #bitch-and-moan.
CookieMonster (6:40pm):
Yeah... dark times. But still, it sounds cool, doesn't it?
ArcAngel95 (6:41pm):
I guess? Wait. You do know if you were a cookie, somebody would probably eat you, right?
CookieMonster (6:41pm):
... maybe I didn't think this through.
ArcAngel95 (6:41pm):
XD
Weiss just watched the conversation with a confused intrigue. From what she could tell, they had probably been in the server for some time. They were amicable, if a little strange - no, they were definitely strange. But not unpleasant, which was a markedly better alternative.
ArcAngel95 (6:42pm):
Anyway, W, if you ever have questions or complaints, I'm online every day. Everyone here is cool so feel free to talk to all of us. All the channels are open, except for NSFW if you want that role.
W (6:42pm):
NSFW?
ArcAngel95 (6:42pm):
Not Safe for Work
And thrice had Weiss found herself not knowing what he meant. Wasn't there no work here? What wasn't safe about it? But she didn't want to ask, convinced she'd seen enough of the server already. She summed it up to just be an extra category, one she'd find out more about if she stuck around.
W (6:42pm):
Sure, I'll take it.
ArcAngel must have done something on his end, as the tab for NSFW was now unlit for her. She'd be sure to check it out some other time. Something overcame her and suddenly she found herself yawning. Maybe she could sneak a nap before dinner.
W (6:42pm):
I appreciate that. Thank you. It was very nice to meet you both. I am busy at the moment however, so I will log off for now.
CookieMonster (6:42pm):
Aww, already?
ArcAngel95 (6:43pm):
W was only in here for like ten minutes, Cookie. But okay, have a good day or night, wherever you live. Thanks for joining!
CookieMonster (6:43pm):
Yeah, we're really happy to have you!
Weiss somehow doubted that, especially when they knew nothing about her. Good people or no, Weiss wasn't sure if she could invest herself in a community like this. The people seemed nice enough; maybe for a conversation here and there. But for substance, it was lacking. She logged off and closed her scroll, turning onto her side as she stared at the curtains.
Rain was already creating a sweet melody for her to sleep to, the sound of it pattering the windowsill had taken her away more times than she could remember. And as she drifted off, she thought back on ArcAngel and CookieMonster.
Had it been worth it? Maybe not. But she'd killed ten minutes. It was small win, but a win nonetheless.
Weiss eased into her pillow, giving no resistance as the darkness took her.
~A Place to Be~
#General
Of Cookies, Harems and New Kids
CookieMonster (6:44pm):
What do you think W stands for?
ArcAngel95 (6:44pm):
Maybe it's for his name?
CookieMonster (6:44pm):
It's gotta be because he's a secret agent. Like that super popular spy series.
ArcAngel95 (6:44pm):
Mission Implausible?
- TheBoobiestofBlondes joins the battle! -
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:45pm):
No, the Conceived ID series!
CookieMonster (6:45pm):
... Blonde, didn't Dad take your scroll for sending nudes to somebody?
ArcAngel95 (6:45pm):
Hey, Blonde.
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:45pm):
No! It was some guy who sent nudes to me! Dumb Dad, of course he'd overreact and start talking about the birds and bees again! And you left me alone to deal with that!
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:45pm):
Sup Angel
CookieMonster (6:45pm):
I'm sorry!
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:46pm):
Not yet you're not, you little traitor. Anyway, I'm not using mine. I'm at Brittany's house so I'm using hers.
ArcAngel95 (6:46pm):
Brittany. That sounds like such a bitch name. XD
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:46pm):
XD oh she is. I do not like this cgick.
CookieMonster (6:46pm):
Angel, that's mean!
CookieMonster (6:47):
Blonde, spelling error! XD
ArcAngel (6:47pm):
Spelling error!? BLONDE! Follow the rules!
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:47pm):
maayyyne, I don givvuh fukk bout no roolz!
ArcAngel95 (6:47pm):
I will ban you so hard.
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:47pm):
Mmm, daddy
CookieMonster (6:47pm):
... thanks for that image, sis...
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:48pm):
XD
ArcAngel95 (6:48pm):
So why are you at Brittany's house if you don't like her?
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:48pm):
Because how else will I get to talk to you, Angel? My one true love!
ArcAngel (6:48pm):
Don't prey on my desperation, Blonde. I might take you seriously.
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:48pm):
I am serious! I'd be a great girlfriend! I'd do anything you want!
ArcAngel (6:49pm):
Probably shouldn't say that so willy-nilly. I'm a little weird.
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:49pm):
Like butt stuff weird?
CookieMonster (6:49pm):
WTF
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:49pm):
I mean... it's a stretch, but I think I'd do it for you.
ArcAngel (6:50pm):
Well, what if I want butt stuff for myself?
CookieMonster (6:50pm):
ANGEL!
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:50pm):
LMAO you are so stupid.
ArcAngel95 (6:50pm):
I'm sorry, Cookie. She baited me.
CookieMonster (6:50pm):
shakes head Norm would be so disappointed in you.
ArcAngel95 (6:51pm):
You better not tell her!
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:51pm):
So I saw that we have a new person in the list. They just join today?
ArcAngel95 (6:51pm):
Yeah. They seemed okay. Might just be another drifter though.
CookieMonster (6:51pm):
You don't know that! Maybe he's just not comfortable with us yet, he'll be back. I know these things.
ArcAngel95 (6:51pm):
On that topic, do you think it's a boy or a girl?
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:51pm):
More girls! More girls!
ArcAngel95 (6:52pm):
I dunno, I'd appreciate a bit more testosterone in this server...
CookieMonster (6:52pm):
Got a problem with lady parts, mister?
ArcAngel95 (6:52pm):
Who's the lewd one, now!?
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:52pm):
XD that's my sister! Anyway, why wouldn't you want more girls? That turns your already stacked harem up a notch!
ArcAngel95 (6:53pm):
Gasp You're right... its settled, if W isn't a girl then we throw the book at her.
CookieMonster (6:53pm):
One of Twilight's books?
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:53pm):
Damn, no one deserves that. Her books are probably doorstoppers.
ArcAngel95 (6:53pm):
I'm just kidding!
CookieMonster (6:54pm):
suuuure.
ArcAngel95 (6:54pm):
So you think he or she will come back?
CookieMonster (6:54pm):
I think so.
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:54pm):
I betcha he won't be back.
CookieMonster (6:54pm):
He will be back! I guarantee it, maybe a few hours at max!
ArcAngel95 (6:54pm):
Well I dunno what to think. So I'll take the middle ground, a week at best.
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:54pm):
You better be ready to lose your money, Angel. Cuz I'm about to take it all!
ArcAngel95 (6:55pm):
We literally didn't bet anything. And what makes you think I'd send you money if you won?
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:55pm)):
Shiiit, you right.
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:57pm):
Bet your virginity?
- ArcAngel95 has logged off -
TheBoobiestofBlondes (6:57pm):
… too forward?
CookieMonster: (6:57pm):
too forward, sis.
B/N: Pretty sure ISA just enjoys tormenting me. Weiss joins a Discord server, founded by Jaune? As if I don't get enough bullshit complaints about "self-inserting". I long for death.
Hello everyone and welcome to a new fic of mine called A Place to Be.
This is a very... unique and meta story that I just randomly thought of while in a server I'm part of called Work in Progress. Which is a RWBY Discord community made by SpookyNoodle. Its filled with big name writers in the fandom like LaughingLefou, Mallobaude, Imyoshi, ThePhantomScribe and more. Its also open invitation, PM me if you want to join! We're always welcoming new people!
Back to the fic though.
While the idea seems satirical, and it is to some extent, there's more to it than just that. This is a character exploration of Weiss and to a lesser extent the other 7 main characters in a scenario where they all become good friends before Beacon.
So this takes place about a year and a half before canon, and this will also be before Weiss gets her scar. It really should be no surprise that the main 8, RWBY and JNPR are the members on this server. The story focuses on Weiss, but the snippets below Weiss's story are there to build on the interactions and friendships between other characters from within the server so as to make it all feel like a big family.
The last scene is and will be a regular part of most chapters, which takes snippets of conversations from the server that expand on character relationships and stuff. Since the story is only Weiss's perspective, its hard to get a read on how the other characters feel about the server since these are basically long distance friendships.
The text for the server was the hardest part to nail since the biggest concern was reading flow and how the readers would interpret the characters talking. So that said, give me your opinions on the format. Was it okay for you to read or did you struggle? Should I change it? And if you, then what do you suggest?
In any case, I hope you all enjoyed and want to see more. There is no update schedule, although its definitely a shorter fic than mine normally are.
We'll see where it goes.
ISA