TimeskipOver the months, the Schnee Family had become a symbol of hope and change in Atlas. Charity events were held regularly, bringing together the city's elite not just for appearances but for genuine aid. Every month, the Schnees hosted events focused on supporting the sick, feeding the hungry, and ensuring Mantle's residents endured the harsh winters with dignity.Jacques, once known for his ruthless ambition, personally funded the complete overhaul of Mantle's outdated heating infrastructure. The upgraded system provided consistent warmth throughout the frigid seasons, alleviating the city's notorious energy shortages. His actions didn't go unnoticed; many doubted his sincerity, chalking it up to a publicity stunt. Yet, month after month, Jacques remained deeply involved, proving his commitment wasn't for show.During these events, Selene often watched Jacques from a distance, skeptical at first. But as time passed, she saw something unexpected: genuine concern. He wasn't playing a role or angling for a business advantage—he truly wanted to help. For the first time, Selene felt something she hadn't expected—relief. The gnawing tension in her chest eased, even if only slightly.Unconsciously, she became more open and a bit more light-hearted than before.The shift extended beyond public outreach. Jacques' relationship with Willow also began to mend. After years of cold distance, he approached her, not with empty promises or excuses, but with a sincere apology. He acknowledged his past cruelty and admitted he had been wrong—not just in words, but through consistent action.Willow, initially guarded, had witnessed Jacques' transformation firsthand—especially after seeing how he had handled the aftermath of Selene's attack on Rinko. His ability to forgive and offer a second chance, despite personal betrayal, struck something deep within her. Slowly, the walls between them crumbled, replaced by cautious understanding.Though scars from the past remained, hope had taken root within the Schnee family—proof that even the coldest hearts could thaw under the right conditions.The morning sun bathed the snowy landscape in a soft golden glow, casting long shadows across the grounds. The chill of Atlas clung to the air, a constant reminder of the unforgiving world outside, yet within the walls of Schnee Manor, warmth had become something more than just a physical comfort. It was the steady pulse of change, subtle but undeniable, that had settled into the hearts of its residents.Weiss sat on the balcony, a cup of steaming tea cradled between her hands. Her gaze was distant, focused on the sprawling city below, the hum of activity barely audible from up here. She hadn't been part of the world outside for months, but it lingered in her mind—her friends, the battles, the purpose. She couldn't shake the feeling of being removed from everything she once fought for.Beside her, Rinko sat in silence, flipping through a report with his usual composed air. His reputation in Atlas had grown steadily, a force to be reckoned with in both the business world and beyond. Business trips with Jacques and Whitley had become second nature, and at every meeting, Rinko's sharp wit and unshakable demeanor had left an indelible mark. Under Jacques' newfound philanthropy, the Schnee Dust Company had started shedding its cold corporate image and replaced it with a hopeful image but the cost of that success weighed heavily on Weiss.Rinko's sharp blue eyes flicked to her briefly before returning to the report. He'd noticed the shift in her demeanor over the past few days, the restlessness that had settled deep in her chest. But instead of speaking, he waited. Weiss would say something when she was ready.Finally, her voice broke the silence, soft but laced with something deeper. "Rinko... want to get out of here?"Rinko looked up, his brow slightly raised in mild surprise. "That's sudden. Why?"Weiss's grip tightened around the cup, the heat offering a faint comfort against the cold in her chest. She set it down with a small clink, her fingers curling together in her lap as her eyes wandered to the horizon. "I keep thinking about them... Ruby, Yang, Blake... JNPR. All of them." Her voice wavered for a moment before she steadied it. "We've been here for months, Rinko. And I can't shake the feeling that it's not enough. We've done good, I'll admit that. But it's not where my heart is. I miss them. I miss fighting for something real."Rinko closed the report and set it aside, his gaze unwavering as he studied her. "You're saying all this now, but what about the progress we've made? Your summons, the charity work, the partnerships—doesn't that matter to you?""It does," she said quickly, meeting his gaze with a hint of urgency. "But it's not enough. It's not why I'm here. I can't ignore how I feel... how I'm feeling here. It's just... hollow." Her voice softened. "Don't you feel it?"Rinko leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, his expression thoughtful. "Of course, I feel it. But there's a responsibility here, Weiss. You know that."She sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know," she muttered, staring at the distant horizon, the weight of his words sinking in. "But I can't ignore what's been gnawing at me. This place... I feel like I'm playing a part here, doing what's expected. It's not where we're supposed to be." She paused, her eyes flicking back to him. "Doesn't that bother you?"Rinko followed her gaze, his blue eyes distant for a moment, thoughtful. "Sometimes. But we have to consider the consequences. If we leave, we won't be able to come back easily. Jacques, Whitley... and Mom."Weiss hesitated, the uncertainty creeping back into her chest. "They'll manage. They have each other now. And if Jacques really has changed, he'll understand." She swallowed hard, then lifted her chin, her eyes fierce with determination. "I don't know if I'll ever feel at peace here. It's better, sure. But... I just don't belong."Rinko studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. His role as the heir of the Schnee Dust Company still felt strange to him—intellectually stimulating, yes, but it didn't fill the void. He knew the world of business wasn't what he wanted, not deep down. He had his own battles to fight, and Weiss was no different.After a long pause, he finally spoke, a spark of resolution in his eyes. "Then let's go."Weiss blinked, startled by the simplicity of her twin's answer. "Just like that?"He smirked, that signature Kakashi-like smile tugging at his lips. "Did you expect me to say no?"Weiss couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her chest easing just a little. "I guess not."Rinko leaned back in his chair, exhaling a long breath. "Besides, it's not like Father controls us. You're free to do whatever you want. We're Schnees, after all."Weiss nodded, her chest tightening in both relief and apprehension. But she knew it was the right decision.As they sat together, the morning breeze stirred gently, carrying with it the promise of new beginnings. The walls of Schnee Manor had become a place of change—of healing, of growth. But it was time to leave. It was time to find their own path again.The horizon seemed less distant now, and Weiss knew that the road ahead, however uncertain, was where she was meant to be.And so, with a sense of quiet resolve, they both stood up, ready to move beyond the frozen walls of Atlas, to the world outside where their friends awaited them—and perhaps, a future where they could truly make a difference.Later, Jacques' OfficeThe heavy oak door of Jacques Schnee's office stood before them, a symbol of authority and power, yet today it felt strangely daunting. Weiss and Rinko stood before it, both feeling the weight of what they were about to do. The silence between them was palpable, filled with unspoken words and quiet determination. They had made their decision, but the reality of it had yet to settle fully.Rinko, always the composed one, was the first to lift his hand and knock firmly on the door."Come," came Jacques' voice from inside, sharp and steady as always.Rinko turned the handle, pushing the door open with practiced ease, Weiss following close behind. They entered, the cold, sterile atmosphere of Jacques' office contrasting with the warmth that had started to grow between them over the past few months. The large wooden desk, covered with papers, held the mark of someone who had mastered the art of business—each document meticulously placed, each decision weighed carefully. Behind the desk sat Jacques Schnee, his stern face betraying little of the thoughts that lay beneath. His presence, commanding as always, filled the room.He glanced up as they entered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the sight of his children standing before him. The air in the room was thick with unspoken tension.Rinko broke the silence first, his voice steady but with an edge of seriousness. "Father, we need to talk."Jacques raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "What is it?" His tone remained cool and calculated, though there was a flicker of concern in his eyes.Weiss stepped forward, her resolve solidifying with each step she took. She met her father's gaze head-on, no longer the girl who had once sought approval, but someone standing firmly in her own truth."We're leaving," she said, her voice clear and unwavering.Jacques' gaze flicked to her, then to Rinko, his expression hardening, as if the words themselves were a blow to his chest. "Leaving?" he echoed, his voice clipped, as if the idea was unthinkable. "Where do you think you're going?"Weiss took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "I need to find my place again. I can't stay here, not when I know there's more I should be doing. I need to see my friends again... and I need to fight for something that matters."Rinko's voice cut through the momentary silence. "Weiss isn't the only one who feels this way. I've been thinking about it, too. This life... it doesn't fulfill me. The business world, the charity events—they're important, but they don't give me the purpose I need. It's time we moved on."Jacques sat back in his chair, his fingers steepling in front of his face, his gaze intense. He didn't speak right away, processing their words in that way of his, always calculating, always precise. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice low but laced with disbelief. "You're both serious about this?"Weiss nodded firmly. "We're not children anymore, Father. We don't belong here—at least, not the way you want us to."Jacques studied them both for a long time, his expression unreadable. The room seemed to grow colder with each passing second, the weight of his silence pressing down on them.Then, at last, Jacques exhaled sharply. "I see," he said, his voice colder now, but not without a trace of something deeper. "And what do you plan to do once you leave? Do you think the world is waiting for you? Do you think you can just walk away from everything I've worked for?"Weiss swallowed the lump in her throat, but her eyes never wavered from his. "I don't know what comes next, but I do know I won't find it here. I have to go. I have to find out for myself."Rinko added, "We both do."There was a long pause before Jacques spoke again, his tone softer, more contemplative. "I've spent years building this company, building this family into something strong, something unshakable. I thought I was doing it for you both... for all of us." His gaze flicked to Weiss, then Rinko, before settling back onto his desk. "And now, you're telling me you're leaving it all behind.""We're not abandoning it," Weiss replied, her voice steady, though there was a hint of sadness in it. "We're just... we're just moving on. Finding our own paths."Jacques leaned forward, his fingers drumming lightly on the desk as if weighing the decision in his mind. After a moment, he sighed, a rare sign of vulnerability flickering in his expression. "I've always known you would both grow into your own people. But this... this isn't what I expected." His eyes met theirs, this time with something that might have been regret, or perhaps understanding. "I may not agree with your decision, but I will not stop you."Weiss felt a sudden shift in the air, the tension easing ever so slightly. Jacques' eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, then he gave a curt nod. "Go, then. But know this: If you walk away, coming back won't be easy. Atlas will be officially closing next week, but the Schnee name will still be here, waiting for you if you ever choose to return."Rinko gave a small nod in acknowledgment. "We understand, Father. But we have to do this."Weiss hesitated for just a moment longer before speaking softly, almost as if the words were a weight lifted from her chest. "Thank you."As they turned to leave, Jacques' voice stopped them just as they reached the door."One last thing," he said, his voice low and unexpectedly sincere. "If you do this... make sure you're doing it for yourselves. Not for anyone else, not because of some fleeting idea of freedom. Do it because it's what you truly want."With that, the door closed softly behind them, leaving Jacques alone in his office, the echoes of their departure lingering in the air. For the first time in years, the weight of his choices seemed to bear down on him, but it was nothing compared to the weight of his children walking away to find their own way.Weiss and Rinko stood in the hallway for a moment, the silence between them speaking volumes.And then, with a shared look of quiet resolve.The Next MorningThe morning sun shone brightly over Schnee Manor, casting long shadows across the snow-covered grounds. The air was crisp, a bitter reminder of the cold that still lingered in Atlas, but it seemed to pale in comparison to the weight that rested on the hearts of those standing outside the manor's grand entrance.Weiss and Rinko stood before their family, their packed belongings resting beside them, the finality of their decision sinking in. Willow and Jacques watched them with a mix of emotions—concern, confusion, and perhaps a touch of regret. Whitley stood beside his mother, his gaze fixed on his siblings, uncertainty written across his face.The quiet hum of the city in the distance seemed far away as if the world outside were holding its breath for the moment that was unfolding in front of them.Whitley was the first to speak, his voice softer than usual, tinged with genuine worry. "You guys are leaving again...?" he asked, his tone betraying the hurt that he tried to mask. His fingers twitched at his sides as if he didn't know what to do with himself.Weiss glanced at him, her heart aching at the sight of his uncertainty. She stepped forward, placing her hands on his shoulders, her voice steady and filled with warmth. "Yes, Whitley. But we're not abandoning you, please don't think that. We're leaving because we need to, but it's not because we don't care about you or the family."Whitley's eyes softened, but there was still a lingering doubt in them. "But... it feels like you are leaving. And you two have been so... different. You've changed.." His voice cracked slightly, and he struggled to keep his composure.Weiss smiled gently, squeezing his shoulders reassuringly. "I haven't changed in a way that would make me forget you. I've just... grown. I need to follow my own path now, just like Rinko does." She took a deep breath, feeling her own emotions rise to the surface. "But I need you to know, I've grown to love you as my brother, Whitley. Nothing will change that. The bond we have—that will never go away."Rinko stepped beside Weiss, his usual calm demeanor softened by the sincerity in his voice. "We're not leaving because we don't care. We're leaving because we have to find our own way, but you'll always be my brother, Whitley. No matter what happens."Whitley remained silent for a long moment, his eyes fixed on the ground as if struggling to process the weight of their words. The tension in the air was thick, and for a moment, it seemed like nothing could break it.Finally, he looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and acceptance. "I... I don't understand, but I guess I can't stop you."Willow, who had been watching quietly, spoke next, her voice heavy with the fear of losing her children. She stepped forward, her eyes scanning them both, seeking some reassurance, some sign that this wasn't truly the end. "Are you sure this is what you really want?" she asked, her tone filled with both concern and a mother's heartache. "Is leaving Atlas really the answer?"Rinko met his mother's gaze, his face softening with a quiet sincerity. "Yes, Mother. This is what we truly want. It's not about abandoning what we've built here, or what we've done for the company. It's about finding something real for ourselves, something beyond just the expectations of the Schnee name. We've had our time here, but it's time for us to move on."Weiss nodded, her own heart torn but resolute. "I need to find my own purpose again, Mom. I can't keep living in a world where I'm not truly myself. I've spent so much time trying to prove I'm worthy of the Schnee name... but now, I just want to be Weiss again. I want to see my friends again, fight for something that matters."Willow stood still, processing their words with quiet sorrow in her eyes. Her children had grown, and no matter how much she wished they could stay, she knew she couldn't hold them back. Slowly, she nodded, her voice soft but understanding. "I won't stop you, but please... be careful. The world out there isn't as kind as it seems."Weiss smiled, "We know, mom."Jacques, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "I've spent years building this family's legacy, thinking it was what you needed. But I've come to realize... perhaps it's not the legacy that matters, but what you do with your lives. If this is what you need, I won't stand in your way." He paused, his gaze shifting between Weiss and Rinko, his voice quieter now, almost uncertain. "But know this: You are always welcome here, no matter where your path takes you."Weiss swallowed, feeling the weight of his words sink in. Despite everything, despite the distance they had once shared, she could feel the flicker of something old—something familial—beginning to bridge the gap. "Thank you, Father."Rinko said nothing, but the way he nodded, a subtle understanding between him and Jacques, spoke volumes.Willow stepped forward then, wrapping her arms around both Weiss and Rinko, pulling them into a tight hug. "I just want you to be safe. I love you both."Weiss squeezed her mother back, her chest tight with the bittersweetness of their goodbyes. Her voice was thick with emotion as she whispered, "We love you too."Just as they turned to leave, Jacques' voice stopped them, causing both Weiss and Rinko to freeze. "Before you go," he said, his tone deliberate and somewhat unexpected, "take Selene with you."Selene, who had been carefully folding the final pieces of clothing for the trip and organizing them into a large trunk, looked up at Jacques in surprise. Her hands froze mid-air, a look of genuine confusion crossing her features. "M-me...?" she stammered, her wide eyes locked on Jacques.Rinko and Weiss exchanged looks, their expressions mirroring each other's shock. "What do you mean, Father?" Weiss asked, her voice laced with disbelief.Jacques smiled, a rare warmth touching his usual stern demeanor. "Klein insisted, and I think it's a good idea. Selene will take good care of you both. You know how reliable she is."For a moment, Selene stood still, unable to process the idea. She had always been there, quiet and diligent, managing the household and ensuring everything ran smoothly. But going with Weiss and Rinko? That felt like an entirely different matter. She had always been a part of the Schnee Manor, always in the background. The thought of leaving everything behind, of stepping into a new world with them, was both exhilarating and terrifying."I—" Selene faltered, looking down at her hands. "I don't know if I can just... go with you. I've never—"Willow, who had been standing silently beside Jacques, suddenly chimed in with a bright smile, her tone playful and warm. "I think it's a great idea!" she said with enthusiasm, her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. She moved towards Jacques, a tender affection in her gaze. "With Selene along, you won't have to worry about your basic necessities. She's a great secretary, an excellent cook, and she's great at everything!" Willow laughed softly, the worry in her voice fading with each word. "Besides, it'll be good for her, too. She'll be able to grow and experience new things. You know how sheltered she's been here.""But..." Selene hesitated, her brow furrowing in uncertainty. "If I'm going, shouldn't I start packing as well?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, caught between hesitation and a growing sense of disbelief. She had never imagined herself leaving the comfort and routine of the Manor, especially not to travel so far from everything she knew.Just as she was about to voice her concern again, the sound of footsteps caught her attention. Klein, ever the dependable and thoughtful presence, appeared from within the Manor with bags in hand. His face was set with determination as he walked toward them, offering the heavy bags to Selene. "These should be everything you'll need for the journey," he said quietly, placing them beside her with a gentle pat on the back.Selene's eyes widened at the sight of her packed belongings. "Klein..." she whispered, her heart heavy with a mix of gratitude and surprise. She had never expected him to go this far.Klein smiled, the warmth in his eyes soft but steady. "You're young, Selene. You need to experience the world outside. You've spent so much time in the Manor, keeping everything in order, making sure everything is perfect. But there's so much more out there for you. You deserve to meet your peers, grow with them, and form bonds that will last. You're part of this family, and we all want you to be happy. So go, explore, live."Selene felt the weight of Klein's words sink into her, his paternal tone reminding her of how much he truly cared for her. It was as if he was giving her permission, not just to leave, but to finally step into the world, to live for herself and not just for others."I..." Selene began, but the words stuck in her throat. She wasn't sure how to articulate everything she felt. This wasn't just an offer—it was a new chapter, a step into the unknown. But the kindness in Klein's eyes, the sincerity in Weiss and Rinko's gaze, and the understanding in Willow and Jacques' expressions gave her a sense of warmth and security she hadn't realized she needed."Okay," she said softly, almost to herself, before looking up at Weiss and Rinko. Weiss is still a bit hesitant, but it's been months since that attack. She let out a sigh as she rolled her eyes. "Fine, if you insist, she may come."Rinko gave her a sincere smile, his eyes shining with quiet appreciation. "We're lucky to have you with us, Selene."As they stood there, preparing to leave Schnee Manor, the air was filled with a quiet sense of anticipation. The road ahead was uncertain, but with each other, they would face whatever came their way. Together, they would take their first steps into the unknown, and Selene would no longer just be a quiet observer—she would be an active participant in a journey that promised growth, change, and perhaps, a little bit of adventure.And with Klein's blessing, Selene stepped forward, the weight of her past and the promise of her future mingling as she made her choice to walk beside them. The bonds they shared were stronger than any distance, and she was ready to embrace whatever lay beyond the walls of Schnee Manor.[End]