Upon entering the ship, Topaz is quickly captivated just by how fancy everything looks. The many screens and lights that line the walls intrigue Topaz as he wonders what they do, or if they are merely for show. Topaz is shown where he will be staying for the duration of the ride and left alone until landing commences. The room he's left in isn't much, a simple sitting chair paired with a small desk. The window at the back of the room shows a good view of the land. The ship begins to shake and Topaz sees from the window that take off has begun. About an hour into the flight there is a knock on the door, which then opens. The maid who helped with the suit earlier is there holding a small bottle of water for him. Once delivered, she turns around and walks away. A few hours later, Topaz can see the land slowly growing closer. It continues to come closer until the ship finally touches down. After a few moments, the door to the room opens and Mr. Schnee walks in.
Mr. Schnee: "Alright boy, follow me and under no circumstances are you allowed to say a word."
Topaz follows Mr. Schnee out of the ship, and out into the cool afternoon air. Looking out at the town before him, he can't help but think that it looks rather run down. Definitely not somewhere you would expect someone like Jacques Schnee to hold a gala at. Within a few moments, a gentleman wearing a posh looking purple suit arrives and shakes Mr. Schnee's hand. Topaz quietly observes the man. His blonde hair is combed to the side, and layered with a gel that aggravates Topaz's keen nose. His face is shrewd, his eyes calculating, and his pencil mustache is annoyingly present.
????: "Ah Jacques, you have arrived. How good of you to come. Come now, we have the press conference all set up and waiting for you. After that it's the gala for a little stress relief. And let me tell you, the best wine money can but will do wonders on loosening up the female help, if you know what I mean."
Jacques: "Why hello Charles, it is so good to see you again. And I do indeed know what you mean ha ha. The help is always looking for ways to make a little extra lien."
Not understanding what they are referring to, but for some reason thankful for not knowing, Topaz quietly follows after the two of them as they make their way into town. As they walk into town, he can't help but notice how many people stare at him as he passes. But they aren't the stares he is used to. There is no malice or disgust in these stares, only pity. Pity for the poor child unlucky enough to wind up in the clutches of the two men before him. Following the men behind a stage that is set up in front of an old fountain. Jacques Schnee turns towards Topaz and with one word, reminds him just how he feels about him.
Jacques Schnee: "Stay."
Doing as he is told to not cause unnecessary trouble, he stays there and watches the two gentlemen make their way onto the stage. The man Mr. Schnee referred to as Charles walks up the microphone and begins a lengthy speech.
Charles: "... and here to help reinforce that kind hearted view is the big man himself. Please put your hands together for Jacques Schnee, the CEO of Schnee Dust Company."
Jacques: "Thank you Charles for the lovely introduction."
????: "pssst kid"
Jacques: "Everyone here should know by now just how fair the Schneed Dust Company is to all of its employees, both human and faunus alike."
????: "Kid!"
Blinking in surprise at the sudden appearance of the man next to him, Topaz turns and sees a very gruff looking man with red eyes and with the heavy stench of alcohol.
????: "Kid, are you by chance named Topaz?"
Topaz: "Um, yes. My name is Topaz, who are you?"
????: "My name is Qrow Branwen, and I'm here to bring you back."
Topaz: "Back, but I just got here?"
Qrow: "Not back as in where you have been the past few weeks. I mean back as in back with Tai, Summer and the girls."
Unable to hide his surprise and happiness at that comment, he jumps to the man and gives him a hug.
Topaz: "Please, take me back!"
Qrow chuckles at his enthusiasm. He easily picks Topaz up and then jumps up to the rooftops Carrying him to the outskirts of town, he easily makes his way into the trees. After a few minutes of running, he sets him down, leans back against a tree, and proceeds to pull out a flask out of his coat. Taking a quick swig, he returns the flask and then turns to Topaz.
Qrow: "So kid, I'm sure you have questions in all of this."
Topaz: "How is everyone doing back home?"
Qrow: "Tai was right, you are a good kid." He says as he ruffles your hair and gives you a smile. "They took your kidnapping pretty hard. Yang blamed herself for being used against you, Ruby refused to leave her room for a few days, and Tai and Summer both used any and every contact in their scrolls to look for you."
Topaz can't help but look at the ground and let out a sad smile.
Topaz: "I never once blamed Yang for what happened. I did what I did because I wanted her and everyone else to be safe."
Qrow: "Well kid, you did just that. We still don't know who was responsible for the kidnapping, but as soon as they had you, they disappeared off the face of the map."
Topaz: "About that, when I woke up, I found myself in a small room with a note that said I was now a fighter for the Schnee Dust Company. And was forced to fight against fighters from other big corporations."
Qrow: "Ok kid, if what you said is true, then save the story until we get back. We will be going by foot to try and remain inconspicuous, and I will use that time to help train you. Now follow me, I don't quite feel like we are out of the thick of it just yet."
Standing up and following Qrow, Topaz runs after him, jumping over scattered roots and ducking under the low hanging branches. After a little while, Qrow comes to an abrupt halt, and motions for Topaz to stop as well.
Qrow: "Ok kid, I'm going to need you to stay behind me at all times. Up ahead are four Beowolves, and I'm guessing that you haven't encountered any grim yet."
Qrow pulls his longsword from his back. Topaz notices how odd it looks, with gears showing near the handle. The blade drops towards the ground revealing two barrels and Qrow begins to fire in the direction he is looking. There is a pained roar and then a series of howling. Two Beowolves lunge into the clearing and one follows behind a little slower, limping from a wounded right leg. Qrow fires off one last shot, finishing off the wounded Beowolf, before reverting his blade back into its blade form. The nearer of the two Beowolves lunge for Qrow only to be slashed through by Qrow's blade. The second Beowolf jumps through the black cloud that was once it's ally, and swipes at Qrow. Qrow blocks the strike, and swings at the Beowolf, which jumps back avoiding a fatal blow. With pained fury, the Beowolf goes back on the offensive, swinging and biting with no clear pattern trying to take down Qrow. Qrow simply side-steps any bites that come too close and blocks the wild swipes. Not wanting to waste any more time, Qrow gives one heavy swing and takes down the Beowolf.
Qrow: "And that kid, is what a real huntsman looks like in action. Now come on, we have a long road ahead of us."