The Eternal Imperium

Chapter 25: V for The Visionary

The sound of footsteps echo through the marble-white halls of the Schnee Manor. The once blue and white mansion that once was had been changed dramatically since Kreel became the ruling head of the Schnee Family. The blues and purples of the carpet and drapery had been altered to be void like blacks. The walls had been repainted white, and small grey symbols of the Eternal Imperium had taken the place of the family crest. The floors had been reworked to be a stark white fine marble.

In truth, the home had become almost unrecognizable. Shadows crept around every crevice and corner, and the feeling of solitude had been replaced by an overwhelming feeling that someone or someone was watching you.

As she walked through the halls with worried determination, Weiss couldn't help but keep her hand on her lightsaber. Since she learned of Winter's death, the weight of Winter's responsibilities were now passed to her.

Taking a deep breath, she enters the manor's study. As she entered, the light of the midday sun brightened the room. She could see her mother, Willow, sitting at the window looking out over the newly upgraded city of Mantle.

Weiss: "Mother! What are you doing?" Worry took over her usual calm and collected manner. Rushing over, she immediately closes the blinds. "You know that you can't just do this, mother. How do we know that the individuals who assassinated Winter won't be trying to get to you next."

Willow: "I— I'm sorry, sweetheart. I just...I just needed a moment to relax. To feel like I'm not trapped in my own home...again."

Weiss: "...*sigh* I know, mother...I'm sorry...for being loud at you. I'm under a lot of stress, and I shouldn't take it out on you. Especially since you have lost more than anyone else...But! That doesn't mean I can be upset at those in charge of you! Get out here, all of you!!"

As she speaks in a commanding tone, the shadows in the room begin almost to falter. Lengthening and contorting in unnatural ways. Finally, the shadows had wholly covered the room, making it appear that the two Schnee were in a pitch-black room.

Weiss: "There you are. For that foolish reason, did you come up with to allow her to do this? You know the Imperium is under high alert. Well...I'm waiting?" The shadows remain silent as she stares them down.

Willow: "Weiss, please don't beat them up too much. I pressed them into allowing me to have the blinds open."

Weiss: "No, Mother. Protecting you was a responsibility placed on them by Father. The Emperor. How would he react to finding out that his Empress was allowed to be in an unguarded state?" As she says this, the shadows seem to almost quiver in fear.

Weiss: "That's what I thought. Mother, if you wish to sightsee, that is perfectly fine, and I'm not going to stop you, but I only ask that you take better precautions. Please."

Willow: "Weiss. Thank you. I can't help but feel so gratified. By you, your father, and even Winter...when she was still here." Having to repeat her name brings a look of grief to Willow.

Weiss attempts to comfort her mother but is interrupted as built-in alarms begin to sound. The shadows immediately retract and condense into Willow's own shadow. Imperium Guards burst into the room, forming a protective perimeter around the two Schnee.

Weiss: "What is happening? Report!"

Guard Captain: "A hostile force has begun an attack on the manor's front entrance, mam."

Weiss: "Right. Get the Empress to the bunker now! Have the rest of your forces meet me at the front door. If they wish to take this manor by force, I implore them just to try it."