Ballad XI: A Crack In Her Solitude

DISCLAIMER

RWBY is property of RoosterTeeth and Monty Oum. JJBA is property of Hiroki Araki and David Productions. Please support their official releases :)

A/N: When reading Weiss's dialogue please keep this in mind...This occurs before she has her character development (This takes place BEFORE Volume 1. Half a school year before RWBY starts). She is still pampered, stuck up, and admittedly...racist. BUT, Risotto actually affects the story like he should since ya know...He's the MC. I won't spoil anything important and sorry for this rambling. I hope you enjoy it :)

[3RD PERSON POV]

[LOCATION: Beacon Academy (Library)]

[TIME: 3:15pm (The same day)]

Weiss Schnee, Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company had passed with flying colors. The written portion of the exam proved to be a metaphorical walk in the park. Weiss had always been known to extensively study or research whatever courses she had taken. The written test was a clear example of this, showing the girl to be impressively intelligent academically. In fact, Weiss had earned the highest grade out of every other Beacon applicant, and it was unlikely it would change.

Though she maintained her sense of professionalism, she was overjoyed when offhandedly informed of her high score. At the same time, Risotto was slightly impressed. The test was scored in a system of two hundred points possible, and the previous "top grade" had been an impressive one hundred and fifty. Weiss on the other hand, had safely secured a near perfect grade, clocking in at a satisfying one hundred and ninety three.

The physical portion of the test highlighted her flaws. Despite this, she still passed with some well deserved effort. As book wise as she was, it was more than clear she struggled with putting her knowledge into practice. Still though, she passed this portion as well earning the eighth highest place. Upon completing these two portions, the girl assumed she was finished with the preliminary exams.

Unfortunately for her, however, there was a third hidden exam near the end of each applicants 'entrance exam'. Unlike the other two tests, this 'trial' held no merit on their skill or knowledge. No...instead, it tested a person's motive and spirit. On the surface, it seemed to be a standard interview, much like one would expect at a job. Currently, Risotto and Weiss sat across from each other within the Academies Library.

Risotto sat, relaxed and thoughtful. Weiss on the other hand, rested her slender hands on her lap, her back was straightened, and her tied hair pushed behind her shoulder. With locked eyes, Weiss did her utmost best to maintain her composure.

At present, the interview had only begun and Risotto had just finished explaining what would transpire. Still though, he purposely neglected to mention that the interview mattered much more than the previous two portions. Despite his own negative opinion on the importance of the final 'test', this had been Ozpin's school. In short, Risotto simply accepted that fact and did what was expected from himself.

"As I said before, take you time with your answers. We quite literally have all day. Now, Miss Schnee, what do you believe is the utmost important responsibility of a huntsman?"

Taking the assassin's advice, Weiss pondered this thought for several seconds. She had her own opinions on the matter, but knew she was likely incorrect. What she did not know however, was that Risotto neglected to inform her that each of these questions had no 'right' or 'wrong' answer. As such, she opted to instead say what she believed the man would agree with.

Weiss: "I would say...keeping the people of Remnant safe. No matter the kingdom, every hunter must strive to ensure the absolute protection of those around them."

Unsurprisingly, Risotto was unimpressed with her answer. It was more generic and predictable than Doppio continually waking the man up before the alarm had a chance to set itself off. If he had ten Lien for every answer similar or identical to Weiss's, he would have...well, two hundred and ten Lien. Shaking his head, he expressed his disappointment for the girl.

"Miss Schnee...answer honestly. No matter your opinion, speak it. Do not give me the answer you believe is appropriate. I want the answers that make you uncomfortable to say, that is what honestly truly is, to speak something genuinely with the fear of being incorrect, yet never lying to yourself. Now I will ask once more...What is the utmost responsibility of a huntsman?"

Lowering her eyes in slight embarrassment, Weiss pondered the man's words once again. She was sure her values were not the most popular, and would be graded as incorrect. Even so, she reasoned there was nothing stopping it. She figured she would be docked in grade if she lied. Throwing caution to the wind, her voice relaxed, no longer having tension in her syllables.

Weiss: "A huntsman should do their best at doing what they feel is right. Sometimes, that may put others at risk. But I feel that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few in most cases."

Her answer still left little impression on Risotto. Despite this, it had been vastly more 'truthful' than her prior answer. As a result, Risotto was satisfied enough to continue with the remaining questions.

"Very well. Do you see yourself as a leader? If so, why do you believe that? If not, what makes you unsure?"

Confident in herself, Weiss took little time to answer the next question. She had spent years practicing her technique and countless hours refining her knowledge. Not only did she consider herself dependable, but she had the firm belief that she was nothing short of the perfect choice for such a position.

Weiss: "I strongly believe I would make an exceptional leader. I always aim to do nothing short of what is expected of me. Additionally, I have little qualms with helping my teammates with whatever field they may be struggling with. Furthermore, a leader should be both intelligent and skilled. I am positive I meet those requirements."

Though he swore not to judge the girl's answers personally, Risotto couldn't find himself agreeing with the Schnee's answer. At the same time however, he couldn't explicitly disagree. True, a leader should be dependable, skilled, and knowledgeable, but he also knew it took more than just that. From prior experience, he understood this all too well...

"La Squadra" recognized and respected Risotto not for his brains, nor his brawn, and not even for the heavily reciprocated loyalty he held, but for something much more valuable. The group admired Risotto, as did he. Not for any trait they shared or excelled in...but for the simple fact Risotto took the time to put his team above himself, ensuring through fire and brimstone, the team would always be content with being at each other's side.

He had always gone out of his way to bond with them. This went as far as ensuring that no matter what mistake a member had done, Risotto would always defend the man responsible to no end. For example, Pesci had at one point, accidentally ran into a capo from a separate branch. Despite it being completely Pesci's own fault, Risotto took his teammate's side in the matters, eventually forcefully warding off the opposing capo. Following this, Risotto then berated the "La Squadra" member for his lack of self awareness.

To Risotto, he prized putting one's team above all else. This principle always came first. No matter the task, "La Squadra" had continually been the man's first priority, everything else came after. As a result, when the team had been shunned from attempting to discover the bosses identity, they each took it in stride. That was the moment his ideal was proven to be true, that no matter what stones and arrows fortune had flung their way, they stood strong and held their dignity mostly intact. After seeing this, "La Squadra" then knew they would always have each other.

This alone, was Risotto's belief. It may not be the most promising or most popular opinion...but it was his own. At the end of the day, Risotto was content with his stance on the matter. Then again, his thoughts were being carried too far from the task at hand. As such, he cleared his mind as to speed this interview along.

"I see. On a different note, let's say you are alone and stumble on two defenseless groups surrounded by their own pack of Beowulfs. One group consists of twenty adults. The other group is only five children. You only have enough time to save one group, which do you save?"

Weiss felt a bead of sweat drop from her brow. The question took her by surprise and saw no correlation between the change of subjects. Risotto meanwhile, had played off of her first answer. Seeing as she believed "the many over the few", he sought to test the complexity of her ideal. Struggling to form her words, the applicant began to reply.

Weiss: "I...I would save...The children."

"Earlier you said the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Compared to the twenty other lives you indirectly lost, you only saved five. Does this contradict your prior sentiment?" 

Weiss: "No...I think that sometimes it isn't about helping the many directly, but rather saving what they believe in...in this case, the children. I'm sure the 'needs of the many' would be represented as them preferring the children to be saved, rather than themselves."

Truth be told, Risotto expected a stammered reply. Instead of the girl taking him for a course of mental gymnastics, her answer had been as simple as she could make it. It was not the greatest answer, but it was...adequate. Admittedly, Risotto would have also saved the children, albeit for much simpler reasons. Though he was heartless on the surface, the assassin held a well hidden soft spot for children. Like many other subjects however, this was a topic for later time.

"Noted. Now, I hope you are aware that aside from Grimm, hunters are often tasked with bringing criminals to justice. How do you fee about this?"

Weiss: "Criminals threaten our world just as much as Grimm, if not more. Roman Torchwick, The Branwen Tribe, and the White Fang especially." She said, adding hatred to the final group.

"You have a personal grudge against a civil rights group?" He asked offhandedly.

Weiss: "The White Fang are gradually becoming more and more violent each day. They are nothing but a group of animals that incite violence wherever they stick their filthy noses."

"Miss Schnee, does your distaste for the group stem from their faunas heritage?"

Weiss: "Mr. Nero, I'm not saying all faunas are terrorists, but I am saying that all White Fang are faunas. I personally believe that is no coincidence either."

"Duly Noted. Finally Miss Schnee...why do you personally wish to become a huntress?"

Weiss: "I'm not sure I quite follow? What does this have to do with acceptance?" She skeptically asked, attempting to avoid answering the rather sensitive question.

Glancing at the girl halfheartedly, Risotto silently demanded her to halt with refusal. She had been warned once already, a second time would only irritate him. Taking a nearly unnoticeable sharp breath, he bit his tongue to fling verbal venom at the girl.

"Miss Schnee...all hunters have a motive that keeps them going. Sometimes they share the same inspiration and sometimes, they are unique. I'll rephrase it in a simpler format. Weiss, what is your goal? What do you hope to achieve? In shortest terms...what causes you to aspire to be counted amongst the ranks of Remnant's prized hunters?"

Now understanding she could not avoid the topic...Weiss stiffened her posture. 

Weiss: "As you may know, I am the future inheritor for the SDC. My father, the current proprietor of the business is well known for his morally grey practices..." She began to say, adding subtle venom when addressing Jacques.

This venom was not lost on Risotto. If one had looked closely enough, his discolored eyes had slightly widened with recognition. It had been apparent that Jacques was not the role model the heiress needed. Despite his best efforts, Risotto could relate to the girl. He along with the rest of "La Squadra", never had the greatest of role models when growing up. Additionally, he could only count three members of the team who were gifted with ideal parents.

Weiss: "...Due to this, I've grown up surrounded by the effects of his actions. Members of the White Fang have kidnapped many of my closest friends or family. Every day that goes by, I live in fear of another going missing. Since my father is never around and with my mother being a well known drunkard...I've never had anyone to depend on, with the rare exception of my sister, Winter."

Slowly, Weiss's head dropped slightly. With her eyes lazily glancing towards the floor, she had not noticed the narrowed eyes of Risotto. Most applicants had only given generic or short answers yet this clearly pampered girl had seemingly treated the question as a therapy session. If Risotto had not somewhat related to her, he would have certainly fought back the urge to cringe when seeing the slight tears fall from the girl across from himself.

Weiss: "...I've already accepted I won't have the most perfect bringing up. And I've already come to terms with knowing I might never have anyone to rely on...So I decided to become that person myself. A person other's can look up to or rely on. I'm tired of being a victim. I'm tired of not being able to make my own decisions. And frankly, I'm sick of worrying if some faunas are going to steal me away from my home and hold me ransom. But most of all...I'm tired of feeling alone and defenseless." She said, raising her head to stare back with confidence at Risotto.

For several seconds, the two sat in utter silence. Their gazes were locked, not daring to glance away. Weiss's eyes became swollen in determination, a determination that was reminiscent of a certain 'golden boy' of 'Passione'. Though Risotto never had the pleasure of meeting the boy directly, Weiss faintly reminded the assassin of the newest addition to the mafia. Throughout the entire exchange, Risotto started back with disinterest.

He cared little for her viewpoints, reasons, or motives. They were only necessary questions he was obligated to inquire on. Still, he doubted Weiss would be rejected, even with her somewhat biased opinion regarding faunas. She was skilled, intelligent, and had motives. They were not great motives, but they were motives.

Risotto reasoned her beliefs would change over time. Instead of Ozpin berating her or demanding a more open mind, he came to the conclusion that Beacon Academy would refine and uncloud her mind. Her change of heart may be almost immediate, or it may take years. Either way, Risotto placed this responsibility on Ozpin himself. No matter what would transpire in the foreseeable future, Risotto only wanted his promised payment.

Still though, Weiss was the Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, one of the largest establishments across all of Remnant. Like many other matters, forming a misleading bond with the next inheritor of that same company would no doubt open countless future options for Risotto. This girl was clearly at a low point in her life, and Risotto knew that well. It was an underhanded tactic...but it was a solid and tried and true method.

If he could manage to offer a false sense of emotional or physical support for the girl now, it went without saying he could earn a positive reputation with her later down the road. Leaning forward, Risotto gently placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. This of course, caused her to break her assertive composure. 

"Miss Weiss Schnee. Officially, you pass with flying colors. You have done well, I am impressed." He calmly said.

Weiss, startled by the change of heart from the normally stoic man, fidgeted in her seat. Not only had she passed like she thought she would, but she had been complimented on her performance. Feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, she stammered out the bait Risotto had laid for her.

Weiss: "A-and...u-unoffically?"

Softly squeezing her shoulder, Risotto offered the faintest of smiles. This was of course, a charade. To Weiss however, it seemed genuine.

"Unofficially...I look forward to seeing you in Beacon next year. Give me a heads up so I can personally welcome you here. Who knows, I might even offer some advice over the initiation ceremony." He reassured her.

The tint of Weiss's cheeks deepened to a crimson shade. Nodding her head profusely, she accepted the slightly older boy's offer. After exchanging scroll numbers to keep in touch, the pair left the library in unison. Weiss, satisfied and proud to have done so well, was in a rather cheery mood. Despite this, she did her best to maintain her 'eloquent' demeanor. Risotto meanwhile, was already in the process of deciding his next course of action.

So far, he currently has a partnership with Ozpin. Now, he had set the groundwork for a potential mutually beneficial relationship with the SDC. The only remaining task to the day, was to strike up another chance with the General of Atlas. In less than a day, he had already doubled his connections, even if it was merely an investment for the time being. With any luck, he could triple those 'opportunities'.

Admittedly, he could not wait any longer to spread the good news to Doppio, who had opted to tuck himself away in Risotto's dormitory for the day. Apparently, he had discovered a new video game that caught his full attention. Speaking of the video game, Risotto had made the mistake of agreeing to 'give it a shot' once the day's errands had been cleared away.

[End Of Chapter]

A/N TIME

Tis I, LORD KIWI!

Let me know your thoughts :)

Hey, don't hate Risotto for leading someone on. He's a mafioso, what'd you expect? Anyways...Hope you like what I'm setting up. After the next chapter, I plan to speed things up just a little, but don't quote me on that.

I'm just having so much fun with him interacting with the character's BEFORE the show actually begins and I just can't help myself XD

Anyways, without a further ado...

[♤~Arrivederci, My Fellow Plague Doctors~♧]

[♡~"...You are already complete..."~◇]