Note: I apologize for taking so long with this chapter, writer's block is truly a pain. Thank you for the reviews thus far, I'm glad it is enjoyable. I have a few ideas that might turn this into a more... mature fic. Let me know if you would like that. Anyways, back to the story.

Chapter 2: It's Time

Summer fluttered her eyes open from an uncomfortable nap on the ground. Bandits are up and about, chatting to each other about what the day will bring. Qrow and Raven are nowhere in sight. Qrow had mentioned him and Raven's father, she was wondering when he would show up. That is until she heard a clang against her cage. It was a man in his mid to late 40s. He looked like an older, more muscular Qrow. A smirk had come across his face when he saw her.

"The Princess of Vale, Summer Rose. Aren't you a pretty one," he stared at her. "'Specially with them eyes of yours." he teased.

Summer glared at him, her eyes glowing lightly. "I'm not interested in anything you have to say."

He raised a brow. "Is that so? Well you're the one locked up in there, I'd keep that mouth of yours shut and those eyes under control if I were you, princess."

"Knowing what I am, I wouldn't be so confident with those threats, sir." she shot back.

He balls his fists in anger, but restrains himself. "Oh dear. I haven't even introduced myself, have I? I am Lorenzo Branwen. I am sure you have met Raven and Qrow already. They have done well under my guidance and training. I heard it wasn't even a challenge getting you here, how disappointing. Aren't you supposed to be a warrior?"

Summer looks away from him in disgust. "I will be, in time. And the only reason I was detained so easily is because they decieved me. I had no time to react," she looks back at him with hate. "If you would like to see my abilities for yourself, I'd be more than happy to shove that--"

"That is not necessary," Raven said, walking out of her tent. "We are going to hold you until we see fit. Quit complaining and you'll get home faster."

Summer sank down. She was right, she couldn't take all of them when she didn't know their strength. Her eyes alone wouldn't suffice. She would have to make a plan.

Qrow came stumbling out of his tent. "Ugh... What's with all the talking?"

Raven rolls her eyes and Lorenzo gestures him over.

"Qrow, my boy, I have something for you to do." he pats his shoulder

Qrow's face is visible with excitement. "Really? What?"

Lorenzo's eyes trail over to Summer. "You'll be watching her for the day," he chuckles as he sees Qrow's expression change from happy to disappointed. "I have to go make negotiations and your big sister will be scouting the area. Have fun."

Him and Raven walk off. Qrow sighs like he knew he should've saw it coming. He throws his hands up in frustration and sits down in a chair nearby.

"Goddamn it... I always get the short end of the stick." he kicks the dirt at his feet.

Summer watches him with a grin on her face. "Castle life doesn't seem so bad now, does it?"

He shoots her a mean look and moves over to her cage, kneeling down. "You, shut it. It's bad enough I have to miss all the good stuff to keep an eye on you."

She pretends to be offended. "You don't like to be around me?"

"That's not what I...! Uh, what I meant was," he fumbles over his words before composing himself. His tone gets quieter. "I want in on the action instead of sitting around, waiting to be called upon. I just feel useless, alright? Am I really that disposable to everyone?

Summer thinks for a moment after hearing this. "Then let me go, please... I know you think otherwise but that doesn't mean you can't try," she moves closer, looking at him pleadingly. "We can leave, Qrow. Think about it. You can live your own life without worrying about being overshadowed."

He shakes his head. "That is nothing more than a fantasy. There is no happy ending in my book. I can try to look at the bigger picture, but where will that get me? My hopes will only get held up."

"Qrow just--"

"No... I can't do this. If I did I'd just put you in harm's way. Forget about it."

A grin appears on her face. "So you do care about what happens to me."

He facepalms then sighs. "Yeah, I guess I do. Doesn't make me a hero or anything."

"You could actually help so many people though, Qrow. Why sit around and watch them all suffer?" she asks.

He stares at her for a while. "Because they didn't help me. When I was a boy, sitting out in the rain, crying, nobody even cared. Why would I show them kindness when I was never given any?"

"Because there are children out there who are just like you. You could show them that kindness that's been missing in their lives. You can do that. But are you ready to sacrifice everything to help give them that?" she made sure to have the last few words weigh heavy.

He pondered her question before finally nodding his head. "You know what? I'll do it. Screw this place, I'm tired of being used. I have more potential than being one of my dad's many pawns." he smiled at her. "We're leaving tonight, be ready."

He stood up and flashed her another smile before walking off. She sat in the cage, wondering how they'll escape with all the bandits on watch. She was also worried if Qrow would keep his word. Why would he trust her over his tribe? She sat back and slumped against the bars, waiting for night to come.