Fate's of the Trade

Chapter 7, Episode 8: Cordially Invited

Weiss Schnee is holding an invitation to a banquet hall at the Schnee Manor.

Weiss: Only my father would turn a hostile takeover into a fluffy PR move.

In their dorm room at Atlas Academy, Weiss is sitting in a circle with Ruby Rose, Oscar Pine, Yang Xiao Long, Shadow, Rinoa, and Blake Belladonna. She, Ruby, Shadow, and Oscar are sitting in chairs, and Blake and Yang are sitting on Weiss' bed.

Ruby: On the news, he said he just wanted to break bread and hash things out. Maybe it won't be so bad? We do want the General to start opening up to these people, right?

Rinoa: Yeah, but on his terms. Ironwood's going to be locked in a room at his rival's own dinner party. I know Jacques says he's happy to moderate, but all that really means is he'll be the one controlling the conversation.

Blake: Not hard to imagine how that's gonna play out.

Shadow: I still can't believe he won. Robyn was supposed to be the people's champion, wasn't she? *sighs* There's just too many coincidences.

Yang: You really think your dad might have something to do with Salem?

Weiss: Not think, I KNOW my father would do whatever it takes to win, even with his past that I and Shadow now know.

Ruby: And we should do the same. Whatever it takes to win.

Weiss: Meaning...?

Ruby: Well, no one knows your dad better than you, and out of everyone going tonight, I'd say you're the only one who could snoop around the house and not be questioned. If Jacques Schnee is up to something, I think we should know what it is.

Weiss thinks about it for a moment, before Shadow puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder, as she gains a somewhat determined look.

Blake: well, we should get going. Our transports to the party are going to be here soon.

Most of the group nods as they head out, while Shadow, Weiss, and Rinoa stay behind.

Rinoa: With all that you've learned and what I've been told...is it going to be easy to catch him red handed?

Shadow: We can only hope for the best.

As if on queue, the Phantom Thieves and the two brothers arrive at the door, and they seem exhausted from what appears from running all the way here.

Weiss: *sigh* What did we miss?

Futaba: A lot...

ChaoticDementio: Shadow, you do know a palace in the metaverse has a shadow of their respective ruler?

Shadow: *skeptical* Yeah...why?

AarenAero: The shadow of Jaques is out in the real world. If we let him go for too long, this world will face severe consequences.

Rinoa: *scared* How severe?

ChaoticDementio: Chaos unimaginable. Grimm and rouge metaverse monsters will go berserk! Almost no one will survive...

Weiss, Shadow, and Rinoa look at each other before Shadow clenches his fist and nods.

Shadow: All the more reason to bring him down. *turns to the Phantom Thieves* I need you guys to be on standby to be ready for anything Jaques might do, even a fight. CD and Double A, if something happens. I'll be relying on you two to track where I am.