The Tale Of X-49: A RWBY Story

Chapter Seventy Three - Cordially Invited

After his search for Tyrian went nowhere, X-49 met up with the others. They were informed that they were invited to a to dinner, hosted by Jacques Schnee. They decided that this was the perfect opportunity to search for clues regarding Jacques's election. As they made their way to the Schnee Manor, they were led to the dining room where Jacques greets them. Ironwood, Penny, Winter and Clover Ebi were led to the dining room while the rest stayed behind at the foyer. It was clear to everyone that something was out of place. X-49 immediately became suspicious of Jacques and his intentions. He didn't know Jacques for too long, but he already knew that he didn't like the Schnee Patriarch. Weiss decided to search her father's study for the truth behind it all, knowing her father was up to something. However, her search was impeded by Whitley Schnee.

Yang: Why won't this kid buzz off?

Blake: We need to do something.

Without hesitation, X-49 approached the Schnee siblings.

Whitley: Can I help you?

X-49: You seem to be bothering Weiss.

Whitley: I am simply having a conversation with my sister. Who the devil are you?

X-49: A friend.

Weiss was quick to catch on to X-49's plan and played along with it.

Weiss: Well, Whitley, I'm sure the company is lucky to have you, but if you'll pardon me....

As Weiss attempts to move past Whitley, he refuses to let her pass. It was at this point that X-49 stepped in.

X-49: I am asking you politely to step aside and stop bothering Weiss. I will not ask you again.

Whitley: Who do you think.....

Whitley glances over to the bronze bust of his father that X-49 had his hand on. When X-49 moved his hand, Whitley saw a hand print in the face. Whitley took a deep breath as he found himself scared.

Suddenly, the sound of glass breaking was heard. Whitley turns around to have some food spilled on him by a plan orchestrated by Jaune. This annoys Whitely.

Whitley: If you'll excuse me.

As Whitley walks away, X-49 along with Weiss see their opportunity to slip away and begin their search. During their search, X-49 could see that this place had an effect on Weiss.

X-49: Are you okay, Weiss?

Weiss: I'm fine, X-49. It's just that....this place holds painful memories.

X-49: You've more than proven yourself, Weiss. You're a strong and capable Huntress, Weiss.

Weiss: T...thank you, X-49.

X-49 tips his hat to Weiss as they search the house. Soon enough, X-49 and Weiss reached Jacques's office. As they were about to search the office, they were approached by Weiss's mother.

Willow: I'm sorry I couldn't come down for your party, I'm... afraid I'm not feeling well.

Weiss: Um... it's okay, mom. It's fine.

Willow: What are you doing i...in your father's office?

Weiss: Just looking for something I left. I need to use father's computer.

Willow: Why?

Weiss: Because I think he may have done something. Something wrong.

Willow: I thought we all simply assumed that at this point.

Willow soon turned her attention to X-49.

Willow: And who might you be?

X-49: The name's X-49, ma'am. I'm a friend of your daughter. You'd be proud at how far your daughter has gone.

Willow smiled at X-49's words, making it clear that a sense of pride had fallen over her along with a hint of sadness.

Willow: A....pleasure to meet you, X-49.

Willow soon informs Weiss that Jacques started locking his computer. However, Willow then hands Weiss a Scroll from the desk.

Willow: You haven't come back to stay, have you?

Weiss: No.

Willow: Good. A man came by. I'm afraid your father may be involved in something more dangerous than he realizes. No matter what happens, Weiss... please don't forget about your brother.

Weiss nods her head to her mother with sadness in her eyes. After that moment, Weiss along with X-49 look over the footage on the scroll. The footage shows Jacques speaking to a figure obscured in shadow. The figure was soon revealed to be Arthur Watts. Weiss watched in shock as her father spoke with Arthur Watts. With that information now known, X-49 and Weiss moved quickly. Meanwhile, Jacques continues to try to sway the Atlas Council against Ironwood. Slowly but surely, the Council along with Robyn turn against Ironwood. Suddenly,X-49 and Weiss burst through the door with their weapons ready.

Weiss: Wait! You've got the wrong man on trial. I know who's been framing Ironwood, who rigged the election. And my father does, too. He's been working with him.

Weiss then shows everyone the footage of Jacques speaking with Arthur Watts.

Camilla: Is that... Arthur Watts?

Sleet: That's impossible! Dr. Watts died in the Paladin Incident years ago.

X-49: Looks like his death was exaggerated.

Ironwood: Play it.

Without hesitation, Weiss plays the footage of Jacques speaking with Watts.

Jacques(Video) That bastard is costing me more money every day with this embargo. I'd lay off every employee in Mantle if I wasn't trying to get their damn votes for this Council seat!

Watts(Video): What if I said you could have your cake and eat it, too?

Jacques(Video) What did you have in mind?

The footage soon revealed that Jacques Schnee had been conspiring with Watts to win a seat on the Council in exchange for the credentials that came with it. In that moment, all turned on Jacques Schnee. Without warning, Jacques attempts to run away. But he didn't get far as X-49 tackled him to the ground.

Jacques: Let go of me!

Weiss: Jacques Schnee, you're under arrest. Can I do that?

X-49 smirked as he restrained Jacques to keep him from trying to escape. With that, Jacques Schnee had been taken into custody. Meanwhile, Arthur Watts shuts off Mantle's heating grid. The temperature of Mantle's air drops enough for the rain to become snow. In that moment, events had been set in motion that would bring about chaos in Atlas.