I shifted back into my human form but as I did so I used the last of my energy causing me to collapse. Right before I hit the ground a strong pair of arms caught me. Looking up I wasn't surprised to see Qrow holding me. I gave him a cheeky smile as I said," So did I do good?" Qrow looked like he wanted to say something just as cheeky in return before his expression softened slightly. He gave a small pat to my least injured shoulder and said," Yeah brat you did good."

I returned his smile before promptly passing out. Later when I awoke I found that I was staring at the stark white ceiling of the infirmary. I turned my head and noted with a start my father's sleeping form in a transfigured chair. Fate truly hated my guts. I tilted my head slightly to look past him and noticed Qrow too was asleep in a hospital bed. I could see a few bandages under the sheet lining his torso. Slowly I moved into a sitting position and feeling my wounds pull as I did so. I noticed with a twinge of sadness that I was shirtless. That shirt had lasted three months far longer than most. Silently I wondered if I would be allowed to stay in here any longer.

As if reading my thoughts my father began to stir causing me to stiffen. His red eyes opened slowly blinking away his sleep. He didn't seem surprised to see me awake. He looked me over checking the bandages for bloodstains. Once he was satisfied he said," As soon as you are released child we will be having that talk." I hated my luck truly I did. This could not possibly get any worse. Before I could respond the infirmary doors opened revealing a very exhausted looking Ozpin. I was about to greet my mentor when I caught the scent of someone else just behind him. I bared my teeth menacingly in almost instant recognition of the scent. My father raised an eyebrow at my sudden aggression and the growl bubbling in my chest woke Qrow.

Qrow sat up looking between Ozpin and I. The figure standing in the doorway came through and Qrow greeted with a bark of laughter," Oh no wonder Wolf is angry. Oz you know he would rather spend a month with Glenda than spend five seconds with Jimmy." A sigh came from the doorway and a man with black hair in a white military uniform walked in. Fate truly hated me.

James Ironwood stood there not looking a day older than when we had taken the picture of the four of us. Behind his you fully set up mask I could see the exhaustion in his eyes. Something had happened during the attack at Signal. I rose to my feet my left arm wrapping itself around my side as I asked," What happened?" Ironwood said meeting my gaze with a steely one," During the attack at Signal there were several small scale attacks on different villages in Atlas. I believe and Oz agrees with me that someone is testing our defenses looking for weaknesses for a large scale attack."

I blinked in surprise whatever I had been expecting that wasn't it. Someone was looking to bring down the four kingdoms. I might not like Ironwood but the four kingdoms were my home and I would protect them with my life. As it was my duty as a hound. I squared my shoulders snapping to an attention as I asked," How can I help?" Ironwood seemed surprised for a moment before his mask returned as he said," For now heal and train. I would also suggest you make a specialized weapon. You are one of the few hounds with any real battle experience so you will be the first to be called on. Qrow we have had our differences but I trust you to train him. I saw the skill your niece showed protecting Signal you trained her well."

I smiled softly at the thought of Ruby. She would be a skilled huntress in a few years maybe even one of the best. I blinked after a moment. Wait a new weapon?! Was it Christmas already?! Qrow said with a faint smile at seeing the excitement of a new weapon breaking my mask," Thanks for that Jimmy. Now I get to deal with an excited teenager." I heard Ozpin give an uncharacteristic snort at that. I cocked my head to the side and he gave me a small smile. It was times like this I missed spending most of my days running around Beacon but come June those days would return. As if reading my thoughts my father placed a hand on my shoulder protectively. I looked at Ozpin and asked," Am I cleared to shadow walk my father home?"

Ozpin said sternly," Yes but you are to stay on Earth until this summer. Qrow will be going with you so you can build a new weapon and train with it." Qrow groaned while I grinned. Nine months of training with Qrow now that sounded like fun. I was about to run up to Oz when the world tilted and I went crashing to the floor. In an instant Oz, Qrow and my father were by my side while Ironwood held back. Ozpin picked me up and placed me back on the bed saying," You need to rest Wolf. When you regain your strength you can shadow walk back to your world." A faint smile crossed my face until he put a hand on my forehead putting me into a deep sleep. The last thing I saw was my father's concerned eyes.