Winter walked into the marquee and looked around. She spotted her sister, Gilderoy and Henry sitting in the middle row. She made her way to them.
"I'm sorry for my long absence," she said with a polite smile, as she sat down "but I couldn't find the restrooms here so I had to leave for one of the nearby malls and it took a little bit"
Gilderoy smiled back and gave her a nod of acknowledgement.
"Winter" exclaimed Weiss, suddenly "where is your broach?"
"I've lost it" she lied out loud, before casting a glance at the two Marigold brothers and leaning closer to her sister "I'll tell you later, Weiss"
The younger girl looked at her with questioning and slightly worried gaze but said nothing understanding that whatever it was that caused Winter to lie must be of great importance. In exactly the same moment, there was the sound of gong and drum and Roman Torchwick, in a dark wig came out, his cane in his hand and cigar in his mouth.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen" he announced, taking the cigar out "to the circus of strange and bizarre. Here you will witness most daring performances and magic tricks that will fool your senses and make you question the reality! Now without further ado... Let the show begin!"
The audience erupted in cheer and applause, and to maintain her role Winter clapped too, albeit much less excitedly than the others. Roman bowed again, and the gong sounded once more and with that, the main event has begun.
The first few shows passed rather quickly. There was a really daring acrobatic show involving the grey-haired boy Winter has seen before and a girl with mint hair. Mercury and Emerald were their names. They were jumping over live fire and some really sharp spikes. The latter wasn't anything too spectacular for a Specialist or Huntress, but most of the people in the audience were civilians, and they had a different perspective. Next show featured Mercury, this time fighting against a muscular man with golden eyes-Hazel. It was a fight similar to a Vytal Festival Tournament but more brutal and without any rules. It was clearly supposed to make the audience feel like they're witnessing an illegal match in some murky part of town, as the arena was now shielded by a metal fence and metal walls were projected onto the marquee. The fight was won by Mercury, who true to his name was indeed a quicksilver. Then there was a scorpion fauns-Tyrian, doing a very fitting and creepy clown act, that Winter did not care very much about and tried to avert her eyes from. Both because it disturbed and annoyed her. However, the fifth performance caught her attention. It was carried out by a mute girl with brown-and-pink hair named Neo. She was doing magic tricks and optical illusions by changing her appearance like a chameleon and showing the audience some terrifying imagery. Winter quickly filed this titbit of information in her head. This was important, there weren't many people with illusion based semblances and even less who would be able to pull it off with such ease. And it also added to the shadiness of the carnival.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen," said Roman, coming to the centre stage again "I would like to invite you to our special act. There are many semblances in the world, some similar some truly exceptional, as you have witnessed yourself today, but what we are about to present you is not a semblance at all! Ladies and Gentlemen, feast your eyes on the oddity of nature! Bad Luck Charm, the shape-shifter!"
Winter involuntary stiffened at the name. She could hear some people whisper amongst themselves, some more excitedly than others, these must have been there for the incident from before.
"Well finally," said Gilderoy "we will see what that freak is really worth!"
Henry nodded and Winter clenched her fists, barely biting down a retort. She didn't have time to speak up however as Qrow has been brought in by Tyrian. She had, of course, noticed he was thin and starved before when she spoke to him, but now that she could see him at his full height and next to pretty well-build Roman and Tyrian, she saw the true extent of his malnourishment. She watched how Tyrian nods and pushes the taller man towards the tall construction from which Emerald and Mercury previously did their acrobatic acts. At first, Qrow didn't budge, but Tyrian pushed him harder and pointed at something in the back of the tent. The black-haired man's eyes winded and he did as he was told, climbing up the construction. He came to the end of the ledge, and with one more look down he threw himself off. Winter felt her heart rise to her throat in sudden fear for his safety. She knew they said he could turn into a crow but it still was unnerving to watch him fall. What if he was too low on aura? What if his powers did not activate? In that very second to the crowd's awe, he turned into a black bird. Winter on her part breathed a sigh of relief first. But she was astonished too. She had of course been told he had such an ability, but she had never seen him in this form. It was kind of amazing, she had to admit. She watched the bird fly down and perch on on a railing below. People clapped, and Roman gave a wave, and Emerald and Mercury came in with five tall loops on wheels. Tyrian smirked and put the loops on fire, before bringing out his tail to use it as a whip. The crow took into the air again, flying through the looks and twirling around as he did so, his clipped wings almost touching the flames, and causing Winter's heart to race again, but once more to her relief he did not come to harm. He finished his performance and turned back, to the joy of the crowd. And then Tyrian lead him away again,
"Thank you," said Torchwick bowing again with that creepy grin of his "thank you. Now the time has come for our last and final act which will stay in your memory and haunt you till your last days! Feast your eyes!"
With that, he disappeared in a puff of black smoke. Everyone looked at each other, whispering about what would be this incredible thing when a loud bang rang through the air, and sudden tremor caused everything to shake. Then a huge heat and smoke came through. At first, nobody moved out of their seats, everybody was convinced this was a part of the show but when screams came through and when Roman started to yell about fire and people saw performers running out in fear; they realised that this was a real fire. And like always panic set in. People started to get out of their seats, screaming and running away. Seeing the chaos and that nobody was doing anything to ensure audience's safety Winter took to the task. She began to stop people and wave her arms.
"Calm down!" she called "and leave the ten in an orderly manner! Panic is not going to help! Weiss!" she called to her sister. Weiss nodded in understanding and followed Winter's lead, grabbing people and directing them towards the exit. They counted people, and everything seemed to be going rather well. The citizens of Atlas listened to the authority of a huntress and a soldier. The flames neared the tent and by now the marquee was all on fire but people were leaving safely. Finally after what seemed like hours but probably was just a couple of minutes, everyone was outside and being lead to the entry. Suddenly Winter stopped as the realisation crashed over her. The side-show! The 'freaks'! They all were trapped in cages and stalls somewhere in the back! With how this circus was run she doubted anyone would go back and free them! They were left for dead! Qrow has been left for dead. A tiny voice in her head told her it might be too late by now, but she pushed it away. She was a soldier of Atlas military, she was a graduate of a hunter academy! She has given her pledge of honour to help the people, and she has given her own word not only to Qrow himself but to his family. She'd promised Ruby and Yang she will look for him, that she will bring him home should he be alive. And she wasn't about to go back on her word!
"Weiss," she said, putting hands on her sister's shoulders "listen carefully. Take the lead, take everyone to safety. The General should be on his way, I called him earlier but call him again and tell him what's going on and that I need help now! I must go back"
"What?!" exclaimed her sister "Winter what are you talking about? Why would General come? Why-"
"There is no time" she cut her off "I will explain all, but now go!"
Weiss did not argue with that, she could tell that that Winter was deadly serious and that there was no arguing or discussion with her. She only nodded and took the helm, calling out to people to be calm and listen to her authority as a huntress. And they did. Winter smiled, proud of her little sister before turning around and speeding off. She ran through the stalls and the side-shows everything was burning. She covered her face with her scarf and ran. Looking around she finally located the place she suspected the 'freaks were taken to. She entered the heavy cloud of smoke and fire. The heat was almost unbearable and she had to squint her eyes in order to avoid them hurting. She lifted her scarf a few times, to call out but was given no answer. She wandered around. Some of the carts were turned up and empty, their owners are gone. Escaped- she hoped. To her grief, she also found few dead bodies, and with each one she found her heart sinking lower. No, she could not give up hope! Ruby and Yang wouldn't! It seemed like heavens were on her side this time because she soon spotted a figure lying under some wood planks nearby, and when the wind blew the smoke away she recognised Qrow. Her heart filled with relief, but she did not let the feeling cripple her as she rushed to the man's side.
"Don't worry," she said, dropping to her knees "I will get you out of here!"
He seemed to want to say something at first, but decided against it, helping her to push things off. The flames were raging around them, edging ever closer, as if they could sense their pray and the heat became more and more unbearable. She could also hear wood falling somewhere in the distance. She coughed from the smoke and lifted her hand for a while to brush the sweat and soot off; before setting to work again. Finally, she managed to pull the last log off and free the black-haired man.
"Can you get up?" she asked hurriedly. He gave her a nod. She quickly swung his arm around her neck, and another one around her waist before lifting him and turning back. They progressed rather quickly, given the situation.
"Hey, Ice Queen..." started Qrow, his voice was weak and for the second time, the nickname didn't have any bite to it.
"Not now" she cut him off, before hiding her face behind her scarf again. They still weren't out of the woods completely. The rest of their journey was spent in silence, with Winter focusing entirely on their survival. Finally, they made it out of the fire-zone. She pressed on a bit further and stopped only when she was sure they were out of the danger entirely. Only then did she gently, sat him down on the ground, and looked around. They seemed to have come out on the other side of the circus as there were no gates nor people around. But it was safe here none the less. Fire would not reach them for the frozen ground and stone streets. And it soon became even safer when she heard the buzz of fire-engines and saw the ships in the distance. She sighed with relief, knowing that Weiss has made it. She reached for her scroll and dialled her sister's number.
"Winter!" she heard almost at once "thank god! Where are you? Are you injured? I did all you have asked and called the General and the army, and the firemen and the ambulance and they should be with you in a moment"
"I'm fine," she said "I've made it out but on another side. I'm about north-east from the gates. I have an injured man with me. He is conscious as for now but weak and he has been trapped under some logs..."
"I understand" confirmed Weiss "I'll tell them. I'm glad you are fine, Winter"
"And I'm glad you made it out ok, sister" replied Winter warmly "you've done well. I'm proud of you"
"Thank you," said Weiss, before she switched off Winter could hear her calling out to the paramedics. The specialist hid her scroll and turned to her charge, and felt her eyes well up with tears as the realisation hit her. It was all over, they were out of the danger zone and the fire was being put out, the General and the police and medical help were here to take care of things, and Qrow was safe and free. After all this time, after searching for him high and low without much result, after so many times she had to shook her head whenever Ruby, Yang and in the past Tai, asked about any leads or progress, she has found him! She will be able to fulfil her word and bring him home! She bowed her head, feeling overwhelmed by too many emotions to count and name.
"Ice Queen?" she heard him ask, and that broke her, and she began to sob.
"I-I" she stammered, in a very uncharacteristic way for her "I-I've been looking for you for so long...it's been years...and y-your family has been so worried, but I found you, and...and..." She instinctively leaned over and put her hands on his shoulders. She wasn't able to say anything more, or at least anything coherent besides repeating that she's been looking for him for so long and that everything is going to be alright. It wasn't too long when she heard some voices and when she turned around she saw the paramedics and the ambulance. Knowing that the doctors will need space she backed away, allowing them to check on Qrow. It wasn't long after that when she heard her name being called and upon looking up saw her sister running towards her, with General Ironwood in tow, although moving at a much slower pace.
"Winter!" exclaimed Weiss once again, throwing herself into her arms. It was out of the character for her, to show her feelings to this extent in front of strangers, but then again they had been in a dangerous situation and Weiss was still very young. Winter hugged her back. After a short while, they parted, and Winter turned to General Ironwood, who-very thoughtfully and courteously was looking away.
"General," she said in a much more professional tone, standing to the attention "I would like to thank you for answering my call and coming here so quickly"
"It is alright, Schnee" he waved her off "if anyone should be thanked it is you and your sister. You have handled the situation really well"
Winter bowed her head in silent acknowledgement of the praise, though internally her heart swelled with pride for her younger sister.
"I'm sorry," said one of the paramedics coming up to them "we will be taking Mr Branwen to the hospital to further check up on him"
"Of course" nodded the General "thank you. When do you think we will be able to interview him about the case"
"I guess in a day or two," said the paramedic "he is malnourished and bruised that is for sure and of course there will be psychological consequences, but he is conscious and coherent"
The General nodded again, and Winter silently thanked the stars, happy to have further confirmation from a professional that everything was going to be alright. Well as much as it could be.
"Oh, Miss Schnee" the paramedic suddenly turned to her "here," he said, handing her, her broach "he was clutching it his hand when we were examining him. He said it belongs to you"
Winter looked at the broach for a while with wide eyes, before taking it from the paramedic
"Thank you," she said
"It might be a bit stained" he continued "Mr Branwen pierced his skin with it since he was holding it that tight."
Winter's heart fluttered in her chest at the words and her eyes involuntary travelled to Qrow who was being helped to his feet by the other paramedic. She then looked at the broach again. He did not have it in his hands during his performance, so he had to grab onto it afterwards, and held onto it during the fire. So it was either his source of hope for the rescue or comfort in what he thought would be his last moment. She felt her cheeks heat up and her vision blurred. She blinked away the tears and pinned the broach on her coat.
"It's alright," she said to the paramedic "it wasn't much anyway"
The man smiled at her and nodded. In that very moment, his companion called for him since ambulance was ready to go.
"Well," said the General, watching them close the door and drive off "that would be it, I guess. Schnee" he turned to Winter "we will discuss this matter tomorrow when you will come back to work. Today rest, and take care of your sister"
"Of course, thank you," said Winter, bowing her head while Weiss curtseyed. General bowed to them deeply, before turning around and leaving, with his hands behind his back. Winter looked down at Weiss.
"Weiss," she said "why won't you go along, and call a taxi for us to get home? I will explain everything to you when we get there. I still have one more thing to do"
Weiss looked at her as if she wanted to ask something, but she decided against it
"Alright," she said, taking off. Winter reached for her scroll again and quickly chose a number from her list of contacts. She waited for a bit, pacing back and forth. Finally, she heard the cheery, and lively voice of Yang Xiao-Long
"Hello," said the girl
"Good evening, Yang," she said "listen I have something to tell you, is Ruby there with you? Are you two alone?"
"Yes, she's with me and well there is Zwei and we have our other teammate, Blake with us too" answered the blond "why?...Wait do you mean you have some intel on uncle Qrow?"
"Yes" confirmed Winter "Yang, we found him"
So this is chapter two. I hope you enjoyed it. Qrow is saved(and I had a melodramatic moment with the broach because I can. I mean it's romantic. As for Winter's behaviour. Mind that she has been looking for Qrow for a couple of years now, so she's bound to be a little emotional when she finally succeeds) and Yang and Ruby got the good news :) and Winter got to be the knight in shining armour. I like this reverse with this ship. Qrow getting into sticky situations and Winter valiantly saving his skin.