The Bird and the Snowflake

Although snowfall was a commonality in the Kingdom of Atlas, it was different at this time of year. The season of Winter had arrived; roofs and streets were completely covered in heaps of snow, buildings were warmed up to keep occupants from freezing up, and the cold breezed through the winds of the cities.

It was also worth noting that it's the Holiday of Gathering. Most spend the time with their families, connecting and reconnecting with those who're close. Others use the occasion for parties, a gathering of fun and joy with people we're close to. However, some people, especially those of the higher social class, often spend their holiday amongst others of similar wealth, boasting about their accomplishments and money in their expensive penthouses.

This is where 11 year old Weiss Schnee found herself in.

As the social event went on, Weiss secluded herself to the balcony, contemplating her life as she took in the sight of the city below.

Nothing had been the same since her older sister, Winter, departed for Atlas Academy. Ever since she left, the fights between her mother and father had become more frequent, to the point that Willow Schnee often isolated herself from the outside world with nothing but her bottle wine to keep her company. Jacques Schnee was no better; when he wasn't so busy with the company, he focused on his own PR, setting up different galas and concerts to extend his influence. He would even bring her whenever she wasn't held up by studies. If only just to flaunt how talented and gifted she was.

She could never make any true friends there. Only kids there were just as vague and pompous as her own father. Maybe even more based on the people who showed up.

That night was no different to Weiss.

She had just finished a private recital to all her father's friends and business partners. 'She's as talented as you say she was.', 'Amazing, I'm quite jealous myself, Jacques.', 'Oh! She's as beautiful as her mother'. All she heard was compliments most of the night, but it felt like none of them were for her.

Winter wasn't able to attend, something about an assignment that would help understand how criminals think, saying that it would help advance her career in the future. Her mother said she'd come and watch, but most probably forgot about it entirely. She seemed pretty hungover from the night before.

Her father was a real piece of work. He hadn't just hogged the spotlight from her, dazzled people with his own self image, but he also took credit for her entire performance. 'My beautiful daughter, how lucky she is to have me as her father', 'You know, if it wasn't for me insisting her to take classes, she wouldn't have been this good.', 'You should all be grateful that I allowed you to see her perform'.

She wanted to yell at him, throw over a couple tables in frustration, and moreover, to punch him square in the face with all her anger. But, she knew she couldn't. He had control over all her actions and reputation. He had both the money and power of the Schnee Dust Company name. All she could do was stand there and be his bird that was locked in a cage.

Weiss looked over the edge of the city, yearning for her older sister to return and protect her or the chance of freedom to come one day. But deep down, she knew, that it was never going to happe-

"You're standing awfully close to the edge, Miss."

The sudden voice spooked Weiss from her thoughts and away from the rail. She looked behind her, only to see the inside of the party that's still ongoing. Yet, there was no sign of life that could've possibly said that. Maybe I was just hallucinating-

"Up here, ma'am."

She looked upwards to the roof and saw an oddly dressed girl squating by the edge.

Her outfit consisted of a sort of black leotard covered by different red armor parts. On her face was a domino mask that masked the identity of the wearer and the color of her eyes behind lenses of white. She also wore a long black cloak with a hood attached to the collar. The outfit would've been considered intimidating if it weren't for the bright green 'pixie' boots she wore that detract from the entire ensemble.

She smiled when Weiss' gaze reached the boots. Without much of an effort, the girl flipped herself from the roof, twirling through the air, before balancing herself onto the railing of the balcony.

Seeing the girl up close, it came as a surprise to Weiss to find that the girl was not only shorter than her, but also a year or two younger. She knew that Huntresses-in-training were capable of doing something similar, but at that young of age?

"It's the boots, isn't it?" The hooded girl smirked when she noticed her look of wonder. "I know, I know. It's amazing how I can pull off this look."

For the first time in a while, Weiss giggled at the oddly-dressed girl's suggestion. "Amazing? You look silly in them."

"You say it's silly, I call it fashionable." Her giggles turned into full-on laughter, making the hooded girl pout. "Laugh all you want, I think it looks cool."

While the heiress laughed, the hooded girl couldn't help but chuckle on as well. "Well, you ain't too badly dressed yourself, Miss." she said, looking over the heiress' attire. "The blue really compliments your hair."

Another first of the night. Weiss felt warmed by the compliment. But not for too long as she felt the cold breeze of Atlas' winter, which now begged the question.

"How are you not freezing out here?" Weiss asked while rubbing her shoulders, having now felt the chilliness.

"Oh, you know, sheer will and all," The girl quipped. "That, and the built-in heat and cape. Oh, and before I forget…"

She side-flipped off the railing and landed on her feet in front of the heiress. She brought out her hand towards Weiss in a friendly and open manner.

"I'm Robin, Girl Wonder."

The White Schnee was shocked at the gesture. She didn't detect any fake tone in the girl's voice and her actions seemed genuine. There was no ulterior motive, no incentive, just...an authentic handshake. She felt...happy...almost relieved. And so, with joy, she shook her hand.

"Weiss, Weiss Schnee."

And for the first time in god's knows how long, Weiss Schnee genuinely smiled from her heart, and her heart grew three sizes that night.

Sorry for the long wait. I have re-edited almost the entire story (Omakes included) by fixing some errors, rewrote some scenes, and even adding more scenes to enhance aspects of the story. Volume 1 of the story is almost about to wrap up so I hope ya'll enjoy this in the mean time. I would like to thank you all for the support, please leave a review or a comment on the story, and I hope you enjoy.

I do not own any of the characters. All characters and names used are owned by either Rooster Teeth and Detective Comics (DC).