Smile

Chapter 10

"Sal-u-tations friend Weiss!" Penny cheerfully exclaims, waving to Weiss as she makes her way over.

"Good morning Penny." Weiss's response is far calmer than Penny is speaking, but her slightly toothy smile reveals her good mood well enough.

"Are you ready to go down to Mantle? We've got another day of helping the people!" Weiss nods before sipping at her coffee, a soft, content sigh escaping while her smile widens a little.

"I am, let's go do our best and make things better for everyone." The duo head over to the waiting Atlas pilot before boarding the Manta, settling into idle chatter as they're flown down to Mantle. Since their first mission together helping the citizens of Mantle, Penny and Weiss had gone on two more, furthering the reputation of Atlas's military while simultaneously changing how Weiss is seen in contrast to the Schnee Dust Company and it's head. With everything that had happened as of late, including her most recent interaction with her father, she had found her nerves on edge, often worrying about what he might say or do even with him far out of sight.

The Manta lands in Mantle after a short half an hour, Weiss and Penny disembarking before waving goodbye to the pilot and heading down one of the adjacent streets. As they walk along, chatting amongst themselves still, they wave to anyone they happen to see, including Jaune, who presently is serving as a crossing guard for children with a cacophony of mothers nearby watching.

"Good morning friend Jaune!" Penny greets him, Weiss sipping at her coffee for a few moments before offering a greeting of her own.

"Oh, hey! Good morning Weiss and Penny, off on a mission?" He asks, Weiss nodding slowly before glancing around.

"We're here to help the citizens of Mantle again, I can see you've got your hands full with work." She teases, Jaune groaning softly before glancing over to the mothers.

"These mothers are gonna be the death of me, they're just... Too sweet, and these casseroles, I can't take any more, it's too much." Weiss and Penny giggle a little before Weiss pats Jaune's shoulder, a reassuring smile being given.

"You're doing something important Jaune, helping comfort the people of Mantle and give them peace of mind is a big thing, even if this doesn't seem like it. That's why we're here, after all." Jaune sighs softly before nodding, a smile of his own forming.

"Yeah... You're right. Good luck on your mission you two." Weiss and Penny wave to Jaune as he returns to his duties, then resume heading down the street, stopping by a group of people looking up at a screen that is broadcasting Jacques Schnee live.

"Good morning Atlas and Mantle. I come to you today seeking your vote in the upcoming election. If you elect me councilman, well, I've made it clear that I fully intend to oppose Ironwood and this nonsensical embargo of his that is crippling Atlas and Mantle. I believe that measures such as this are both reckless and wholly criminal, as many are suffering because shipments are unable to enter or leave the kingdom. Just as you all are, my family is weathering this storm as well, and we are suffering the same. Because of this embargo, effective immediately, I am forced to shutter all non-essential Schnee Dust Company operations for the foreseeable future. I hope you ask yourselves before the vote, will anyone other than I be able to stop Ironwood? Can you trust Robyn Hill? Thank you."

"That... That monster." Weiss says with anger in her voice, her tone akin to that of the nearby citizens who have begun to yell in protest of what Jacques had said knowing they've lost their jobs. As if on cue, the Grimm sirens begin to blare, drawing Weiss and Penny's attention in their direction.

"Oh no."

"Oh dear, this isn't good." Pietro sighs out, Weiss taking a mug of tea from him before settling onto a nearby seat.

"I can't believe my father... Does he seriously think he's getting anywhere by doing this? Who would possibly vote for him now that he's gotten rid of so many jobs." She huffs out, sipping at her tea before kicking the floor gently. "Look at how upset everyone is, Grimm attacks are increasing now..."

"Now now Ms. Schnee, no need to fret. Everyone is upset at what he did, this is true, but you being upset as well won't help things one bit. You and Penny need to continue being a shining beacon for the people of Mantle, give them reason to hope and let them know things will be okay. With what is happening, I'm certain Ms. Hill will be voted in as councilwoman, and things can begin to change for the better." He says with a soft, comforting smile, Weiss sighing a little before nodding and sipping at her tea.

"You're right, sir... If I'm unhappy about this, then I won't be helping things, even with Penny at my side. I just need to keep pushing on, supporting everyone, make a difference for the people down here." Pietro's smile widens as Weiss responds, a nod being given before he sips at his own tea.

"That's the spirit! I'm sorry you couldn't see Maria while you were here, she went out to fetch some things for me, but we can always plan for a lunch together the next time you're down here." Weiss finishes her tea, then sets the cup down before standing up.

"Thank you for the tea, Mr. Polendina, it was very nice to see you again. I'm sure Penny will let you know the next time we'll be down in Mantle." With Pietro's nod, Weiss and Penny depart and head to the waiting Manta, boarding it before it takes off back to Atlas. As had happened the first time, when they land they find Winter waiting for them, the two approaching her before she speaks.

"Welcome back you two. How was your mission?" She asks, Penny happily saluting to Winter before bouncing in place a little.

"Aside from what you know doubt saw our Father say, it went well. There was... More Grimm attacks today than usual, obviously, but we took care of it, and we helped out the citizens as before." Weiss says, Winter nodding before motioning for them to follow while turning to head into the academy.

"I'm glad to hear that. We are all aware of what Father said and are bracing for the repercussions it will have in Mantle. Suffice to say, we will be having you two heading down there more often, you've had quite the effect in your time helping out, which is what we want. Penny, please head down for your debrief. Weiss, you may take the rest of the night off." Weiss nods while Penny salutes and cheerfully marches down away from them, Winter stopping and turning to face her sister before speaking again.

"We've scheduled your next mission with Penny for this time next week, you may accept any other missions before then. When is your next appointment with Dr. Savoy?"

"In three days, I... Can't say I'm looking forward to it, of course, but I know it can't be avoided." Weiss responds, glancing downward before Winter speaks.

"Of course... At any rate, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, please get some rest and spend time with your friends." Once Weiss nods her reply, Winter turns and departs down a hallway, Weiss turning in the opposite direction before heading to her team's dorm, where she finds Ruby playing games on her scroll, and Blake reading a book on her bed. As she steps inside, Blake glances over to her, Ruby too focused on her game to notice her teammate.

"How was your mission Weiss?" She asks, marking her place in the book before putting it away. Weiss settles onto her bed before replying, Muffin being placed on her lap and hugged.

"It went as well as one could hope. Aside from what my Father did, at least..." Muttering the last line, she squeezes Muffin, Blake nodding before moving to sit at her side.

"I heard, well... We all heard, it was kind of hard to ignore hearing what he said, what he's doing. It's good that you're helping the people of Mantle Weiss, they need you and Penny in times like these." She begins to say, gingerly reaching out before petting Muffin a few times. Sighing softly, Weiss nods and watches as Blake pets her fellow feline, eyes falling closed for a few moments after.

"He's so horrible, doing all of this... I don't know what he expects to come of it, but it's nothing good. At least... At least people don't equate me to him or the company anymore." Blake snags Weiss's waist in a gentle one armed hug, Weiss leaning into her friend before giving her a hug in return.

"That's good, you're too kind and caring to be lumped in with someone like him, he's just... Despicable. Do you want to come to dinner with me, Ruby, and Yang later? Yang said she found a restaurant not far from the academy she says is good, so we're all planning on going." Weiss mulls over Blake's offer for a few moments before nodding and releasing her friend, Muffin being fully embraced once more.

"I'd love to, that sounds wonderful."