Chapter 3

February 25th

Summer, for the first time since escaping the castle, could now feel an actual breeze. Meaning that she was possibly near ocean water. However, the fact that everything was only in black and white was really starting to annoy her.

'Seriously, this is just silly!'

Also, she can get tired, apparently. The longer she ran, the more painful it felt to actually move. At least, she hoped it was exhaustion, and not Salem using some magic ability or something.

Running up to the edge of a cliff face, she saw open water. The edge of the Grimmlands were jagged rocks that made up the first line of defence. Any ships approaching the lands were just as likely to be sunk by the rocks as they were the Grimm. Unless you were Barnabas, a dolphin faunus hailing from Menagerie. His ship, the Adrestia, was one of the most durable yachts she had ever seen, and still was more maneuverable than most ships of its size.

He was the unofficial fourteenth member of Summer's failed mission, as he helped her gather that others. Though, she never told him about Salem. Only that there was a dangerous Grimm in the Grimmlands, and that she needed someone to help house the people she was gathering. Luckily, the man didn't ask any questions, believing our mission was ordained by the Gods themselves. He was a strange man, but not a bad person.

The last time she saw him was just before the doomed assault. He got as close as he could, but the rocks were too clustered together. As a result, they had to take smaller boats to reach the shoreline. You'd think having a ship wait near the Grimmlands for so long would be dangerous, and, for most, it would be. But the Adrestia was more than up for whatever Grimm arrived.

As expected when she looked over to the horizon, no ships were in sight. Summer wanted to sigh, expecting such a result. She did tell him to wait a week for their return, so it was insane to think he'd wait a decade. It was just wishful thinking. Looking down, she could see several boats lying on the rocks. Running down, she inspected the boats, finding them either too broken or too rotten to be of any use to her. And she didn't think these small boats would even support her new body.

Her thoughts were interrupted however when a massive scream could be heard. However, this wasn't the scream of a person. This was a more primal scream. And, as a veteran hunstress, she learned to identify Grimm based on the certain sounds they made. This type was certainly dangerous.

Turning around, Summer looked to the cliff face, and saw a Nuckelavee, it's 'human' head twitching as it's hooves clopped on the ground on the ground. The Nuckelavee's head looked at Summer, before twitching more, then arching back, letting out a massive scream. Soon, four Sabyrs, a Beringel, and a couple Griffons all showed up. Grimm don't attack other Grimm unless it was territorial, and, even then, they wouldn't attack a Grimm that was clearly more powerful. Even more so, they wouldn't coordinate like this naturally. This left only one conclusion.

Salem had figured out she had escaped.

'Bring it!' Summer thought, shifting her body to bipedal form, and roared as she finished.

Two Sabyrs charged at her, but she grabbed the first by the throat, batted the second one with the first, then slammed the first one to the ground, killing it. The Beringel charges at her, swinging both its fists down upon her. Summer caught them, but, as she tried to push the arms off her, the other Sabyrs attacked. The third one bit into her leg, while the fourth jumped onto her back and started slashing and biting at it. While her 'skin' is more liquid and durable than her old body, it still hurts. Summer shoved the Beringal off, prompting the two Griffons to attack. One took flight while the other charged. Summer grabbed the Sabyr on her back and threw it at the airborne Griffon, before stomping on the head of the Sabyr on her leg, crushing its head. When the charging Griffon went to slash at her, she dodged it before quickly grabbing the Griffon's head. She then proceeded to smash its head against the ground over and over again, until it disintegrated into black mist.

Dropping the Griffon to the ground, she took in her surroundings. In less than thirty seconds, she dispatched two Sabyrs~She noticed the disintegrating body of the Sabyr she threw~three Sabyrs, and a Griffon. The Nuckelavee began to slowly come down as the remaining three all charged at her. As they approached, Summer dodged to the side, causing the Beringal to ram into the Sabyr, unintentionally killing it as well as dodging the Griffon. Without thinking, she reached her arm out towards the Griffon, and it stretched.

Much like how some Grimm could extend their arms to grab at prey, so could she. However, she felt her bones dislocate themselves as that extended to reach out, which severely hurt Summer. Even more so when she grabbed the Griffon, and the bones snapped back into place as she pulled her arm back. As for the Griffon, she ripped off its wings before tossing it into the ocean. The Beringal then double armed slammed into Summer's side, sending her skidding several meters. The Beringal jumped at her, ready to double hammer fist onto her prone body. But Summer was faster. She rolled out of the way, which stung a bit, on account of the Grimm bones on her back, and then grappled behind the Beringal. Before it could do much, Summer grabbed the Grimm's neck, and snapped it backwards.

With all but the Nuckelavee dead, Summer turned to face said Grimm. The Grimm's top half twitched at her, before letting out a primal scream. Summer, in turn, let out a roar at the monster.

The Nuckelavee charged at her, it's horse botton giving it superb speed. Summer shifted to 'Dog' form, and charged as well. When the two closed the distance, she shifted back, and the Nuckelavee raised its knees up, preparing to smash down upon Summer. Summer raised her hands to block the attack, creating a small crater in the ground. The Nuckelavee's arms then grabbed her, and started tossing her around the area, slamming her into the ground. It then swung in a wide arc, slamming her through a pillar of rock. The only benefit was that, when it threw her through the pillar, its grip on her loosened, allowing her to escape its grasp.

Falling to the ground, Summer felt like she wanted to sleep, her entire body in pain. She didn't even know if she could sleep. If she did, would the Sulfur Fish regain control and take her back to Salem. Regardless, she had to end the fight now. Charging at the Nuckelavee, it stretched its arms to grab Summer. When they reached her, she grabbed them, and used them to propel herself forward. Using the speed, she slashed at the Nuckelavee's torso, taking it off completely. As she landed, the horse section kicked her with its hind legs, sending her back a few feet. Now was her chance. She had to kill the horse half before the top part could regenerate. The Nuckelavee charged at her, once again moving to stomp her with its knees. Summer caught them and, without the arms to throw her away, slammed the creature to the side. When it laid on the ground, Summer gripped the top and bottom of the horse's jaw, and pulled. Pulling and pulling as the beast struggled, until a sicking SNAPCRACK came. The Nuckelavee lay motionless as it disintegrated into black mist.

Summer felt exhausted, but she needed to keep moving. Salem would send more Grimm to this location, as it was the landing point for her team. If she stayed, more would come. However, she now had to make a choice.

North, or south. She was between Hel's Wings and the Tail of Bahamut. Both her best chance to get to land more easily. However, both had their problems.

Going north would mean less interactions with people, but she'd have to swim over the ocean twice. First to get to Solitas, then to get to Sanus. Not only that, but the Atlas Military would likely spot something like her. And, if she remembered how the Tin Man acted, he might get...defensive about a new species of Grimm. Sure, if Ruby gave the message to Tai, perhaps Ozpin's people would be looking for her, but James was usually a more...practical person.

If she went south, the journey would get her closer to Vale. However, as the waters between the Tail and Sanus are the most frequented in the entire world, the chances of someone spotting her are also the highest. She wasn't concerned about Salem's agents finding out, but, rather, how ordinary people and Huntsmen would react. If normal people spotted her, they'd attack her. And she didn't want to hurt anyone.

'UGH! What I wouldn't give to be able to fly!'

Summer felt her back bulge in pain.

'What the?!'

Summer then had an idea. She thought about flying, concentrating on her back, and her back started to bubble as she keeled over in pain.

'Okay, so, bipedal and quadrupedal forms, liquid-like skin for changeable features, and now wings!? What didn't Salem augment me with?!'

Summer continued to think on the wings, enduring the pain as her back bubbled, her claws writhing in agony.

'Okay, I know I shouldn't be giving her ideas, but, Salem, next time you do something like this, remove the ability to feel pain!'

With a roar, she felt her back explode, black liquid splashing around her. Looking to her sides, she saw large, dragon-like wings, with the black liquid slowly oozing from them.

'Okay Summer. You've flown in a glider before. No, actually, you crashed in a glider. But, it should be the same principle. So long as I have enough thrust downward, I should stay in the air.'

Summer got as far back as she could, pressing her leg to the cliff face. In hindsight, she should've gone to her Dog form if she wanted a running start, but she didn't know if the wings would retract if she went to that form. Grunting, she started running, flapping her wings as she did so. Faster and faster, as she neared the edge, she could feel her feet getting lighter and lighter. As she ran off the edge, she dipped down a bit, before the wings propelled her upward. Though she swerved several times trying to readjust herself, Summer was eventually flying, the coastline getting smaller and smaller.

'Okay, neither north or south. Just straight east.'

Summer flapped her wings harder, picking up speed. She estimated that, if it took her two days to reach the coastline, it would take...Four days to reach Sanus!

'Really, really hoping this body doesn't have an exhaustion point. Don't want to pass out over the ocean. Although, the pain in my back certainly doesn't help.'

Later that day, in the floating city of Atlas, Ironwood, rubbed his eyes in exhaustion as he sat in his office. He didn't get any sleep last night for two reasons. One, the gravity of the situation. The idea that Summer Rose was alive, had been turned into a Grimm, and had escaped from Salem's capture. Qrow was relying on him to get someone he could work with. Qrow. The person who, possibly, hated him the most. He had to make sure he did this right. Unfortunately, he also had to deal with Council business, military affairs, political and financial affairs (Mostly Jacque Schnee complaining about her daughter going to Atlas). Overall, it was a pleasant couple of days.

You must decide soon. The window to save her is closing. Mettle exclaimed. That was the second reason. His Semblance, Mettle, was continuing to push him forward. Everytime he thought he could rest his eyes, Mettle would wake him up, getting him back on track. It was sometimes disturbing, but he's learned to live with it. It is a part of him, after all.

Ironwood boiled down all the available candidates to one person: Clover Ebi. Brown hair, teal green eyes. A veteran Huntsman with an unbelievably strong Semblance. Qrow wanted the luckiest man in Atlas, and James was certainly going to provide. Unfortunately, Ironwood knew that Qrow would need more than one person to do the job. The thing is, Qrow wouldn't trust more than one of his men to work with him. And, if this mission is going to have the highest chance of success, he needed more than one man.

Qrow will just have to tolerate it. It is for Summer's sake.

"No," James retorted, mumbling to himself, "If he can't trust my agents, then the mission will be at risk. We'll only get one shot at this."

His table registered a call. "Sir, we have a status report on the damage."

Oh, and how could James forget. A particularly nasty Grimm attack damaged a section of Mantle's walls. So now he had to deal with Mantle's problems as well.

They can wait. Rescuing Summer takes priority.

While he agreed with his Semblance, he answered. "Go ahead."

"Unfortunately, Sir, while the wall itself received moderate damage, the support beams couldn't handle the strain. The section collapsed. No casualties."

James sighed, "That section was due for a refurbish. I should've paid more attention to it."

You have more important things to worry about.

'Maybe.' "Anything else?"

"The Happy Huntresses have been keeping the surrounding area calm. Without them, we would've lost some people when it came down."

"Good, good." James's eyes then widened as he had an epiphany.

If he won't trust two men under our control, perhaps~

'Ahead of you.' "I need a meeting with Robyn Hill."

February 27th

'This is absolutely dull, but also terrifying!' Summer thought as the morning sun began to crest over the horizon. She had been flying straight for almost two days straight, and absolutely nothing had happened. Summer had to remain on alert, though. The fact that Salem hadn't bothered to send any sea faring Grimm to intercept her was concerning. Then again, very few Grimm could keep up with her, and the ones that could, she could see coming easily. Then again, Salem just used her to create a new Grimm. Who's to say she couldn't make another Grimm that could sneak up on her.

Her enhanced ears picked up firearms in the distance. Based on the sound, she guessed they were cannonfire. Against her better judgement, she decided to investigate. While she may be a Grimm, she's a Huntress at heart. Flying in the direction, she eventually caught sight of where the cannonfire was coming from.

A blue and white ship, around 340 feet long, with a beam of about 50 feet. At the stern of the ship was a pool, but no one was swimming in it this morning. Scorch marks could be seen across the starboard side. Two triple rotating cannons were on top of the ship, firing at their assailants.

Blizzard Feilongs, the northern equivalent to the Sea Feilongs. They were smaller than their southern 'cousins', about only two thirds the size and, while their features were the same, the color variations were different. Their black hides were a snow white, with only hints of black, and the blood red color synonymous with Grimm was instead an icy blue. The only thing that remained the same were their piercing yellow/orange eyes. And two of them were assaulting the ship. Feilongs were normally solo types of Grimm, but, if two got together, they could do serious damage.

Summer now had a conundrum: Save the ship, or continue onwards. If she saved them, she might run the risk of being attacked in the crossfire. Even if she killed the Feilongs, they might still attack her. However, to leave it be meant possibly leaving them to die. Something that went in the face of everything she believed in. But, her chances of being discovered by Salem's forces would be less. The more time she had to get back home, the more likely she could see her family again. Summer's ears could pick up screaming from inside the ship. Dozens of women and children crying in terror, waiting for the end.

Summer balled her claws. There is no choice.

Onboard the Yakutsk, captain Farem, a tall man of six feet, with short brown hair and a beard, though some signs of grey in the hair, barked out orders to his crew.

"Sir," his first mate exclaimed, "One of the tri-cannons has gone offline."

"Then get it back up! These people are counting on us!" Farem roared back. The current voyage passengers, over a hundred, was the most he's ever transported. Their destination was the Coras, the western most city in Atlas, located at the south-western most tip of Solitas. While not as bustling as Mantle or Atlas itself, Coras was still a thriving city, almost like Mistral's Argus. However, raging storms and heightened Grimm along their original path forced them to take a detour. Unfortunately, Farem might've been better off staying the original path.

"Sir! New Grimm, coming in from the east!"

'Another? What now?!' He turned, seeing something akin to a Beowolf with wings. Being a captain meant he had to learn of every sea faring Grimm species out there, so he could know how to counter it. And this was certainly a new species.

"Focus on fixing the tri-cannon, have the other one continue to fire upon the Feilong! Men, focus fire on that new Grimm!"

A dozen crewmates pulled out rifles and opened fire upon the approaching Grimm, but it swiftly dodged their bullets. As it approached, faster and faster, one of the Feilongs opened it's mouth, charging up a blast for the command deck. Farem looked on in horror, bracing for the end…

...When the new Grimm slugged the Feilong in the face.

"What that fuck?!" His first mate exclaimed, taking the words out of Farem's mouth. Sure enough, the flying Beowolf was punching and clawing at the Feilong. Farem wasn't a religious person, but he felt that, if there was a god, he just sent down a black winged miracle. One he was going to capitalize on.

"Starboard men!" He called out over the intercom, "I want half of you to get to the port side and focus on that Feilong. We can deal with our flying Beowolf later. Make sure the port side is secured. Rest of you, focus your fire on the lower parts of the Feilong."

The men either nodded, yelled 'Yes, Sir', or started running to the opposite side. Farem watched as the Beowolf fought the Feilong.

'Wait,' Farem said, squinting his eyes, 'That can't be a Beowolf.' Beowolfs were the most common Grimm in all of Remnant, being found everywhere. However, Beowolfs don't have liquid like skin, as evidenced when the new Grimm took a sharp turn to dodge an energy beam, and black liquid flew off the limbs.

"Sir, the bow tri-cannon is repaired!"

The new Grimm's ears perked up, then quickly looked towards them.

'Wait, did it just understand us?!'

The new Grimm flew behind the Feilong, dodging another blast, then started pushing. When the Feilong tried to resist, the new Grimm simply punched it.

"Sir!?"

"Wait!" Farem called out.

The new Grimm slammed the Feilong into the cannon, shoving the tri-barrels down its throat.

"Now!"

The cannon fired, blasting out the back of the Feilong's neck, detaching it from the rest of its body as it went limp. The head quickly started disintegrating as the new Grimm hanged off the edge, Farem getting a clear view of the new Grimm. Needless to say, he's never seen this type of Grimm, and it unnerved him. The only saving grace was that it may be friendly.

"PORT SIDE!" A crew member screamed out, making Farem turn quickly. The other Feilong was still alive, and it was about ready to charge a beam. The new Grimm jumped off and circled around just as it fired. The beam was heading straight for three crew members, who couldn't react in time. However, the new Grimm dove in between them, taking the hit. The blast sent it flying across the deck, landing at the stern pool area. The wings of the Grimm seemed to retract into its body.

'Not only did that Grimm attack the others, but it willingly put itself in harm's way to save them? What kind of Grimm is that?' "Get the other cannon turned around! We're taking that beast down NOW!"

"Aye, cap'n!"

The bow cannon turned, aiming towards the Feilong.

"Secondary cannons!"

A line along the port side of the ship opened up, revealing a row of smaller cannons. Opening fire, they restricted the movement of the Feilong. And, with both main tri-cannons now focused on one target, the cannons started taking pieces of the Feilong off. Eventually, enough firepower was unleashed that the Feilong split in half, falling into the depths.

The crew started cheering, having survived their ordeal. However, the captain was concerned about a new factor. The passengers were already coming out, feeling they were safe. Some of them were getting curious about the new Grimm, and, against their better instincts, were inching towards it.

"Men! To the stern, now!"

Over two dozen crew members began running to the back. They made sure to keep the passengers back and away from the Grimm. Farem went down the stairs, resisting the urge to sprint to the back. He had to portray a level of professionalism, being the captain. Reaching the back, the passengers were trying to get a better view of the Grimm, while his crewmates kept them at bay. The entire pool area was blocked off, as he didn't want to take any chances. Pushing past his men, a half dozen other men had rifles raised at the Grimm. Said Grimm looked...exhausted. He didn't even know Grimm could get tired.

Against his better judgement, he walked forward.

"Sir?" One of the crewmembers questioned. Farem simply raised a hand to silence him as he continued moving forward. The six crewmates aiming weapons began to advance, but Farem halted them. He approached the new Grimm as it tried to lift itself up, only to collapse again. Upon closer inspection, he noticed small electrical sparks coming off its skin, no doubt a result of the Feilong's blast. He also noticed that the Grimm had no eyes. Perhaps it has enhanced senses so it doesn't need eyes. He knelt down to it, still about five feet from it. If the Grimm decided to attack him, he wouldn't have enough time to get away.

"What are you?"

Summer's entire body was in pain. That blast from the Feilong really did a number on her. She could feel her skin bubbling to try and repair itself, but healing also caused pain. She could see the people gathering around her, but she couldn't make her body move. If they fired upon her, killing her, would her bones disintegrate with the body. Or, would they remain, and they would see a skeleton of a person underneath. Seeing the children in the crowd, she didn't want that image to be imprinted on their minds. She started getting up, but her arms were too tired to work.

'Okay, maybe I was wrong about my body not needing rest.'

"What are you?"

Summer looked up, seeing a man kneel down to her. Based on his attire, she guessed he was the captain.

"Why did you help us?"

'Damnit, I wish I could talk!'

Summer tilted her head in an epiphany. If her body can modify itself, couldn't she give herself vocal cords, or something? Summer began focusing on her neck, the skin bubbling slightly. The captain backed up quickly, the six crewmates raising their rifles, preparing to fire. Once again, Summer felt pain as her neck shifted slightly, with a sickening CRACK.

"Right." She said her first new word. It was hoarse, rough, and she almost didn't recognize it as her own voice. But there was a hint of her old voice in there.

The result was instantaneous. The captain looked concerned, the crew looked shocked, and the passengers were horrified. She could see that there were several flashes coming from the passengers, people taking pictures from their Scrolls.

The captain shook his head. "What do you mean 'Right'?"

Summer tried to think of a cohesive sentence. However, it took great strain to say a single word.

"Thing."

"Right. Thing. Wait, do you mean you saved us because it was the right thing to do?"

The Grimm nodded, shocking the captain again. Obviously, a Grimm that could talk was already ground breaking, but a Grimm that willingly helps people, understanding that it was the 'Right thing'.

'Does this mean that it has a soul?!' Farem thought. "Where were you going?"

"East….Home."

Farem now had to make a choice: What should he do with the Grimm? Demanding it to leave might not be the best idea. Fighting it was even worse. He could report it, but who knows how people would react, if they even believed him. He could also let it stay onboard until it wants to leave, but that was like inviting a bear into your house. At any second it could turn hostile.

"Sir," his first mate called out, "The engines are fixed, though, not at full power."

That brought Farem out of his thoughts. "Estimation?"

"'bout eighty percent, sir."

Farem nodded. Looking at the Grimm, he weighed his options. The Grimm may have made the choice for him, as it began standing up, heading towards the side railing.

"You're leaving?"

"Scared."

"What are you scared off?"

"...Not me."

Farem understood. The Grimm wasn't afraid. Rather, it's presence was causing the others to be afraid. The Grimm's back started bubbling as it lurched forward in pain.

'Does that thing feel pain every time it wants to alter its body?' Resolving himself, he turned to his crew. "Men, bring up a tent big enough to hide out...guest."

The Grimm turned, clearly surprised. 'What did he say?'

"Sir?"

"You heard me. Do it now!"

Several men started moving through the crowd, heading to the cargo hold.

"Everyone," Farem exclaimed, "Until further notice, this area is off limits. No one is to approach this creature unless they get permission from me directly, understood?!"

"Yes, sir!" The crew replied, urging the crowd away from the back of the ship. Several crew members returned, carrying a folded up tent large enough to conceal the Grimm.

"...Why?"

"You clearly are too injured to continue your journey. Rest here until you can. As for the tent, well, if we came upon another ship, we wouldn't want to give them the wrong idea."

"...Rest." The Grimm said to itself, before lying on the ground. Farem noticed that the bipedal nature of its body had now shifted to be more...hound-like.

"Well, get your rest, Hound."

The Hound lifted its head, surprised at being given a name. However, it simply lied its head back down.

"Thank...You."

Farem didn't bother responding, simply continuing to walk.

"Sir," his first mate whispered to him, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"No, but I doubt that we have the means to defeat this Grimm. Not only that, but, I'm sensing that, if we kicked it off, we'd come to regret it. Either some other Grimm would attack us. Or it would weigh on our conscience. That being said, how's our radios?"

"Long range is destroyed. No chance of repairing it without heading to a port. Short range is still intact."

Farem sighed, "Then we'll simply report it once we get to port. For now, we've gone around far enough. Head back to the original sea lane. We'll have our guest leave from there."

"On that note, sir. Just, what is it?"

Farem turned to the Hound, the tent now propped up, and the front fly sheet falling down, now hiding the Hound from sight.

"Honestly, I don't know, and that scares me more than anything."

Back at Atlas, an airship landed on the VIP landing pad for the Ulympacus, the most famous restaurant in all of Atlas, and one of the best in the world. Exiting from the airship, James fixed his glove on his right hand, before stoically walking into the restaurant. Upon meeting the receptionist, he was escorted to the back of the restaurant, into the VIP section. One of the reasons for the Ulympacus's reputation is that the VIP section was actually built over the edge of Atlas, using both the most durable metals, as well as a little Gravity Dust. It gave a breathtaking view, one that first timers would always remember.

Upon entering, he saw his table, and the person sitting at it. She had light-blond hair, violet eyes, and wore a black sleeveless coat, as well as an olive green scarf around her neck. Robyn Hill, leader of the Happy Huntresses, a group of female only Huntsmen that protect Mantle. Because of her actions, people have started to call her the 'Hero of Mantle'. However, he wasn't interested in her actions in Mantle. He was only interested in her help regarding Summer.

You must get her to cooperate.

James walked to the table, Robyn not looking away from her menu.

"You know," James said politely, "I called for you two days ago."

"Yes," Robyn replied, "And, in case you didn't notice, I've been down in Mantle, trying to keep everything under control. I only came here because your messages wouldn't stop. So, what is it that Atlas needs."

James sighed, "I have to ask. Out of all your Huntresses, who's the best tracker?"

Robyn put down her menu. "What's this about, General."

"There's a team being put together. This team will be hunting something. I need your best tracker to be with them. They also need to be highly skilled at combat."

"If that was all, you could've picked some of your people."

"You're correct." A waitress approached them.

"What may I get you this morning?"

"I'll have a Miraval." Robyn answered, then gesturing the James.

"A barrel-aged Abraxas."

A waitress nodded, leaving the two.

"You're correct, Miss Hill. However, this team is...unorthodox. The man who'll be leading it isn't a big fan of Atlas...or me. I already have one soldier who will work with him. However, if I bring more in~"

"He won't trust them. So you need someone outside your control."

She's playing us. Ignore it. You know what you need to say.

James narrowed his eyes. "Yes."

"If I agree, who's the criminal?"

"Never said it was a criminal. Only something we need to track."

Robyn sighed, "You aren't giving me much, General. I have no idea what they'll be signing up for, and much less incentive."

Give her what she wants so we can get what we need. "I hold two seats on the council, Robyn. If you help me, I can push for resources to be reallocated to fixing the hole in Mantle's wall. And, before you make a remark about those resources should've been for Mantle to begin with, I don't want to hear it. I've had a sleepless couple of nights, and I may have more in the following weeks."

Robyn raised an eyebrow. "Very well then. But, before I agree, how dangerous is this mission?"

"Failure could mean the entire team is wiped out."

Robyn's eyes widened. If General Ironwood was saying how dangerous the mission was, then it must be beyond important to him.

'Meaning I can't have Fiona do this. She may be our best tracker, but she's our worst fighter.' Robyn sighed.

"Alright. I'm in."

Author's Notes: The Summer rescue team is nearly formed, and Summer seem to have a resting point. How will Qrow react to his teammates, and can he work well with them? (Well, if you know who Clover is, probablyX)) Wonder how the public may react to a talking Grimm that just saved them?

Ulympacus is a play off of Olympus, the Greek realm of the Gods that resides above the clouds.

As for Summer's voice, I always pictured a more matured Ruby, so, imagine that, but also mix in the Hound's voice.

The captain allowing Summer is based on both logic and emotions. Emotionally, it wouldn't feel right to just kick out the person who saved you. Logically, a Grimm that not only can speak, but protect people. He's not exactly sure how to respond to such a situation, so having it close might be the best option. Not the safest, but certainly the best.

We get to see how Mettle affects Ironwood's mind. Right now, he's focused on getting Summer Rose, getting a resource of Salem, away from Salem.

While we most likely will never get his Semblance revealed in the show (for obvious reasons), I actually don't mind that. Would I have liked to have his Semblance mentioned, most certainly, but I can understand why we weren't told it. If we we told in the show, then all of his actions in Vol 7 and 8 could be attributed to him not having his Semblance under control. At least, until episode 13 of Volume 8. Maybe Ironwood's Aura was back up, so his Semblance was active, but, killing Jacque does not help his 'mission'. Mettle had urged him to do whatever it takes to get the Winter Maiden and retrieve the Staff. How does killing Jacque help with either of those. This is clearly the final nail in the coffin that Ironwood has gone mad, and it isn't fully his Semblance.

The cruise ship is based off the SeaDream Yacht, in case anyone wants to know.

As always, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.