RWBY (c) RoosterTeeth

Author's note:

This work was inspired by an idea originally put forward by the lovely Ellusive. Also known by Eleleh on Tumblr. She originally crafted the concept of a Grimm!Summer Rose in one of her livestreams and comics, and I wish to forward all credit and accolades for the idea to her.

Please show her the love and appreciation she is due because she is not only a fantastic artist and writer, but a wonderful person and dear friend.

Even The Scales

Stranger's Kindness

Franklin Steinbrook was a Huntsman who lived in a nice town in mid-east Anima called Shion. He served as its primary protector and Captain of the Militia when the Grimm decided to try their claws at their defenses. Of course, this meant a lot of patrol work. Franklin didn't mind that too much. Aside from maybe a skirmish or two with some straggling monsters, it was a pleasant enough job if rather long. At least, that was the case once upon a time.

With the disaster that was the Vytal festival tournament, compounded by the tragedies of the subsequent Grimm and White Fang invasions bringing Beacon to its knees, everyone's nerves on edge. And that rise in the base level of fear emboldened the Grimm, their threat in ever-growing supply. In times like this, villages like his could use all the extra help they could get. And having another Huntress around would certainly help ease his burden a little.

Franklin poured two ladles full of stew into a bowl and plucked a plate of bread from the Inn's kitchens before making his way back to the main eatery. There sat the Mayor of Shion, Astra Morgan and their village's new guest, stuck wearing clothes that ill-suited her. Though there wasn't much choice in this case. Gods was that journey back to the village embarrassing. Poor woman was beet red the entire time, covering in little more than Franklin's raincoat, and he'd mercifully managed to navigate through the back roads to spare the poor soul any further unnecessary attention. Some monstrous prick had quite literally robbed the poor lass naked. The baggy utilitarian shirt and track pants hanging off her frame were a hasty donation from the innkeeper. Something temporary to wear until they could find something more accommodating.

"I have to admit, it surprises me that a Huntress could be caught so easily off guard. I'm mortified your companion did that to you at all! You could've died from exposure, the Grimm could've come along or even the local wildlife would've turned you into a tasty appetizer!" Mayor Morgin was absolutely astonished, and made no bones about her disbelief. That someone could abandon another in these parts and take the clothes right off their back was so low, only base-born thieves or bandits would do such a thing.

Morgan looked towards Franklin and gave a nod of gratitude as the Huntsman set down the food in front of their guest. "It's a miracle Franklin found you when he did, Mrs Rose!"

"Just Summer, please." Summer Rose waved a hand, but couldn't help the sheepish chuckle. "Yeah, it's not my proudest moment I'm sad to say. Even Huntresses are entitled to a bad day every now and again. My companion… well, we struck a bargain. A 'too good to be true' kind of bargain - I just didn't look too closely at the fine print."

She quickly scooped a spoonful of stew into her mouth and scoffed down a lump of bread.

"How good could it have been?!" The Major made a sound halfway between an incredulous laugh and disapproving scoff.

"It hasn't really been the grand start I was expecting, that's for certain." Summer answered honestly, wincing and feeling as though she's being scolded. The woman reminded her of her mother.

"But to leave you alone like that..." Franklin noted, "Not the best circumstances. I think you need to find yourself some new friends, Mrs Rose - ah, my pardon. Summer." The Huntsman said, crossing his arms with an amused expression but unable to shake that there was more to the tale than she was willing to share.

In short order, Summer had devoured her meal. "Thank you for your hospitality and your generosity in this... annoying phase, but I can't let this kindness go unpaid."

Mayor Morgan seemed to practically beam at the topic change, though she managed to coax the eagerness from her aged face after a second, returning to a more somber mood. "That's wonderful news. And... well, I'm sorry to say I'll have to take you up on that offer sooner than I'd like."

"What's the trouble?" Summer inquired.

It was only now that the Mayor hesitated, sharing a look with the Huntsman who nodded encouragingly. "As you well know, with the Fall of Beacon, the citizenry of the world are more... scared, paranoid or dower in mood. And as a Huntress yourself, I'm sure you know precisely what that kind of emotion attracted."

"The Grimm." Summer answered.

The Mayor nodded. "Exactly, and while Frank here is doing exemplary work protecting the people of Shion and helping train our own defensive militia, its not always enough."

"You'd like me to assist in his duties?" Summer reasoned,

"In a manner of speaking, yes." Franklin cut in, walking to stand beside the table. "With the Grimm becoming more prevalent and aggressive, I don't have the time to thoroughly patrol the village border and help train villagers to defend themselves should the worst happen. As a Huntress yourself, I was thinking in this arrangement, we could split the duties evenly between training the militia and patrol duties, or we could dedicate on Huntsman to either task. Whatever suits our particular expertise."

"As Frank said, with the additional firepower of an extra huntress, we can help bolster Shion's defenses if Grimm or Bandits decide we make an appealing target." Major Morgan concluded.

Summer considered the arrangement, it was a fair one. Not that she was in much of a position to negotiate on the matter. Still, she had to cast a slight caveat to this arrangement. "I'll aid the village as best as I can, but I also need to inform you that I have my own mission to complete. One of utmost importance, and I'm afraid that what's required in those tasks won't let me linger here forever."

Her face lowered, "I also have my own family to consider. A husband. Children. I can't linger here and let them go on worrying about my safety."

The Mayor nodded, "No, no. Of course, I don't expect you to put your entire life on hold simply for our sake. But I'm sure whatever help you can provide would be enough. In fact, perhaps if you would consider maintaining the patrol routes Franklin takes, he can fully dedicate his time to training our militia. Even if you remain a week after your debt is paid to us, it'd be extremely helpful. Every little bit counts these days."

"I'll gladly help out where I can. But I'll need a weapon and some new clothes to do that." Summer plucked at her baggy shirt with a shrug and grinned impishly. "Unless you want me to slay Grimm wearing great big megoliath skins like this?"

The three shared a mutual laugh, glad they had come to an accord. Major Morgan placed her hand on Summer's shoulder in a grandmotherly manner. "Of course dear. We welcome your aid, Huntress Rose. And we'll sort out some more combat-appropriate arms and armament for you."

"I don't need anything fancy really. A bow and arrows or a long-scoped rifle will do me well enough, Madam Mayor." Summer explained,

"Another marksman, huh?" Franklin said with appreciation. "Yeah, I think we can swing something like that. There's several vendors here that'll sell you a good hunting rifle or some master craft bows. Not much in terms of custom forging here sadly, but I'm sure we'll find something to fit you."

"Its appreciated, Steinbrook."

"Frank's fine." He brushed off.

"Well then. I shall leave you in Franklin's capable hands. Would you mind making arrangements with the Innkeeper so she can remain here for the time being?" The Mayor questioned as she made her way to the door, not really giving them any room to answer. "Oh, and if that old ninny Petunia says 'no', remind her she owes me please."

At the Mayor's behest, Franklin did exactly what she'd asked. He'd waved down the old Innkeeper who grumbled, groaned and complained all the way through searching for a room key for their new guest. And in his duty, the Huntsman guided his new co-worker upstairs to her bedroom. As they walked in the silent hallway, he couldn't voicing his unease.

"I know you're hiding something. You realise that, right?" His tone carried an underlying threat. "Your story has a hell of an odor to it. And forgive me for saying I don't completely trust you. You're not telling us everything."

"Would you tell your entire life story to a stranger, Frank?" Summer questioned in turn wearing a crooked smirk. One that vanished when he glared over his shoulder. "I will be completely honest with you, Frank. You really don't want to know the whole story. But, suffice it to say that I am a Huntress and I take our oath seriously."

"So there is more to it than you're letting on? But what's keeping you from telling us?" Franklin

"The fear of being thrown in a loony bin for the rest of my days?" Summer offered with an exaggerated grin.

Frank waved a hand dismissively. "Look - I'm not asking you for deep dark secrets or anything. I sure as hell don't feel up to sharing mine either. But if you do anything to put this village in danger, I'll shot you myself."

"If I did anything to put this village in danger, I'd happily let you." Summer answered.

Author's note:

Soooo... the God of Darkness may have neglected a few things when reviving a certain Huntress.

I welcome feedback and criticism,

Aurora313