Author's Notes: I just want to say, you all are TERRIBLE. Mama Hound, in less than a month, is almost as popular as my other RWBY fanfic, Spears of Remnant: Return, which took over three months. And I consider Spears of Remnant to be my passion project. And Mama Hound has HALF the chapters Spears does.

Jokes aside, I love the attention that Mama Hound is getting, and I hope you continue to enjoy it.

Chapter 5

Vale

Qrow bursted out in laughter as Harbinger hanged from one of his hands, his other hand clenching the side of his stomach. He couldn't tell exactly what he was laughing about, but, damnit, he hasn't laughed like this in a long time.

"HeHAhahaheHEha~GAH!"

Raven gut punched him hard enough to cause a shockwave. Qrow, clearly not expecting it, was sent to the ground, but he kept laughing.

"Shut the FUCK up, Qrow! This is serious!"

"Honestly," Qrow said through the laughter, "I don't know what's funnier."

Raven growled, kicking him to the side, sending him into the alleyway wall.

"GOA!" Qrow gasped, still laughing, "You, after all these years, having abandoned Tai, your daughter, all of us, now you show up!"

Raven's eyes looked ready to murder as she pulled him up against the alleyway wall.

"Or," Qrow continued, the laughter starting to die down, "That you and I are here for the same reason."

"What?" Raven growled.

"Summer sent us a message days ago. We already knew she was alive."

Raven dropped him. "How can you be sure?"

"Because~oug," Qrow groaned, catching his breath, "Ruby received Sum's message. Of course, Ruby doesn't know it was from Sum, but she gave it to Tai, as the message instructed."

"And how did you know it was from Summer?"

"There was a 'code' in the message."

Raven gave a look of 'Are you serious?'. "Was it backwards speech?"

Qrow simply raised an eyebrow, giving Raven her answer. She pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance.

"Well, if you're here, then something is definitely wrong."

Raven opened a portal to Summer, showing it to Qrow. He narrowed his eyes, making note of the unstableness of it.

"That's...new."

"Yes. My portals have never done this before. Not only that, but the connection to her feels...cold. I tried going through it, but it simply launched me back."

"Yeah...That confirms what Sum told us in her 'code' message."

"What?"

"As you've probably guessed, Salem got to Summer," Raven nodded, to Qrow continued, "What you don't know is that Salem turned Summer into a Grimm."

Raven's eyes became saucers. "What?"

"Yeah. And, General Ironwood just sent me a call. Said that, in northern Sanus, a cruise ship encountered a talking Grimm that just saved them. Jimmy is sending the team I'll be leading to Pharos, and I'm heading to Beacon to get an express bullhead to it."

"And you didn't think to call me?!"

"Rae, you've always been a bitch. For all I knew, you knew she was alive, but simply didn't bother telling us. Not only that, but, I'm not sure I should let you in on this mission. Pretty sure they wouldn't like working alongside the Bandit Queen."

Raven then punched Qrow in the face, causing his nose to bleed.

'Wait, why haven't I engaged my Aura. Damnit, Rae, you've made me laugh so hard, common sense left the room.' He engaged his Aura, the wound slowly healing.

"Don't you DARE put that on me! I never wanted to be brought back into this. Especially after what I found out. But, damnit, even if I have a target on me for the rest of my life, I'm getting Summer back."

"And why do you, all of a sudden, care about Sum?"

"Because she's the best thing to happen to me!" Raven screamed out. Qrow stares, deadpanned at Raven as she went to the opposite alleyway wall, and slumped against it. "Qrow, I think we can both agree, I'm not a good person. I enjoy being a bandit, raiding...I'm a monster. I never intended to have children, as someone like me shouldn't have a kid. It's one of the reasons I gave Yang to Tai. But, Summer, she never gave up on me. Even after I left, years later, she would still text me, asking me to visit. When she came to me, years ago, to join her doomed mission, I begged her to not go. Not just for her sake, but for Yang's. Yang deserves much better than someone like me."

"Well then," Qrow walked to Raven, extending an arm out, "Lets bring her home."

Raven stared at the arm, contemplating. Narrowing her eyes, she stood up without taking the arm. Even if she opened up, she was still a prideful woman.

"Yeah," Qrow responded, "Should've expected that."

The two ran down the alleyway. When they passed a dumpster, a raven and crow flew out of the alleyway, towards Beacon.

At a landing pad reserved for Beacon teachers, Ozpin stood, sipping from his coffee mug, while Glynda paced about. A Valian Bullhead rested, the pilot making last minute preparations.

"Glynda," Ozpin stated, "You're going to wear out the metal."

"Ozpin, I don't think you realize just how dire this situation is. Disregard that we know Summer is alive, a talking Grimm had just saved people. This isn't something we can contain. People are going to find out. The report indicated that the Grimm has even been given a nickname. The Hound."

Ozpin sighed, "Yes. Believe it or not, this is something that concerned me. This will certainly bring about controversy, especially when it comes to light just exactly what the Hound is. However, while we can try to contain it, since the passengers of the Yakutsk landed in a Sanus city, the amount of enforcement will be more difficult. Luckily, we can play this to our advantage."

"How?"

"If the kingdoms know of a new species of Grimm, one that willingly goes out to help others, people might be inclined to report such activities."

"Allowing us to narrow our search, and track her movements."

"Yes. Not only that, but, Salem may not risk getting involved herself, letting her agents go after Summer."

"Weren't you wanting to keep this quiet to prevent Salem from having an easier time?"

"Yes. If Summer hadn't just announced her presence to every news outlet. If the passengers landed in Solitas or Sanus proper, we could've contained the spread of information. However, that isn't possible now."

Glynda groaned, "We are toeing dangerously close to having some secrets revealed to the public."

"I know. However, all we can do is adapt." Ozpin then noticed something approaching from the air. Seeing the familiar black wings, he smirked. "Ah, here comes Qrow."

The two turned to the sky, but Ozpin's smirk turned to a frown. Not only was a crow approaching, but a raven as well.

"Wait," Glynda exclaimed, "Is that…?"

The crow and raven passed behind the Bullhead, and Qrow and Raven walked out from behind it. Glynda's eyes became saucers as Ozpin raised an eyebrow.

"Raven?" Glynda gasped at the last 'friend' she expected to see.

'It seems Summer returning has also convinced Raven to rejoin.' "Miss Branwen," Ozpin began, "I'm glad you decided~"

"One more word out of you," Raven interrupted, a slight growl in her voice, "And I might reconsider helping." Raven then banged her hand against the Bullhead's cargo door, which then opened, allowing Raven to enter. Ozpin looked at Qrow, the barest hint of a surprise on the headmaster's face.

"Hey," Qrow shrugged, "Trust me, I'm just as shocked as you are."

"Well then," Ozpin stated, "Perhaps it's best not to look a gift horse in the mouth. I wish you good luck, Qrow. Bring Summer back to us."

Qrow nodded, and jumped into the Bullhead as it started taking off.

"I must say," Glynda stated, "Summer's return is truly shaking things."

Ozpin smirked, "Sounds about right. Speaking of which, Glynda, I suggest you take a vacation."

"What?"

"Perhaps for until the next school year starts."

"Ozpin, what are you doing?!"

"I hear Patch is lovely this time of the year."

Glynda's eyes widened. He was sending her to Patch.

"Salem may not know of Summer's daughter. But, we can't take that risk. I want you to observe the Xiao Long/Rose family. If Salem does know about Ruby Rose, then she may target her in order to draw Summer out."

Glynda returned to her stern look and nodded. "Of course."

Inside, Raven had already sat down, closing her eyes.

"We'll get to Pharos in a couple days." The pilot exclaimed.

"What have you been told?" Qrow inquired.

"Just that you guys are meeting some people for a mission, and to have no detours until we get there."

"You better double time it." Raven commented, slight venom in her voice. The pilot turned his head around to look at them.

"It's for an old friend." Qrow answered. The pilot nodded, looking forward and raising an arm up.

"Then I suggest you buckle up. This isn't a luxury airline, so I don't have inertia dampeners."

Qrow nodded, heading to the back and taking a seat. The pilot pulled down an overhanging lever, causing the thrusters outside to shift from red/yellow flames to blue. The Bullhead then rocketed ahead, with the Branwen twins pushed further into the metal wall.

"Alright, that's as fast as I can go. We should get there by tomorrow morning."

The twins nodded, while Qrow put his hands behind his head, resting his eyes for the long trip.

Northern Sanus

Dusk was approaching as Summer ran through the forests. After landing in northern Sanus, she started heading south. As the day continued, storm clouds began to brew. She needed to find shelter. While she didn't think the storm rain would make her feel sick from hypothermia, it would also cloud her vision, making ambushes easier.

As the rain started pouring, Summer came across a cave entrance. She shifted to 'humanoid' form, and proceeded cautiously into the cave. The cave went deep into the nearby mountain, so she only went about a hundred feet. The cave was devoid of all life, so Summer went to the farthest spot in the back. Looking out, she could see the rain went from a light sprinkle to a heavy downpour. Even with her enhanced senses, something could catch her off guard if she went out there. So, for tonight, or at least until the rain passes, she'll stay in the cave.

Summer decided to spend her time examining what she could do with her new body. She couldn't do it in the Grimmlands, nor did she want to do it on Farem's ship. She listed off what she knew she could do.

'Okay, Canine Form, Bipedal? Form (should come up with a better name than that), can grow wings, can also stretch my arms like a Nuckelavee. What else can I do? And how can I get rid of the consistent pain in my BACK!?'

Summer decided to examine her liquid skin more closely. The texture was...well, obviously liquid, but could it be hardened? She already did it earlier, when she made her Grimm hand more human like to send the text to Ruby. Focusing on her hand, attempting to harden it. Sure enough, the watery nature of the skin stopped, and became normal.

Well, as normal as a Grimm hand could be. She looked to her other hand.

'Can I do more with it besides hardening it?'

Summer tried molding her shoulder. While it did sting, it didn't hurt as much as shifting her entire body as the shoulder hardened. She then focused again, and three liquid tendrils extended before hardening, forming three spikes on the shoulder. She refocused, the spikes and shoulder returning to their natural state.

Summer then looked at her wrist, and molded it, the liquid extending past her hand, forming a triangle. The triangle hardened, forming a blunt wrist blade. Swing it at the wall, she fell her wrist disjoint as the 'blade' shattered upon impact. It turned out that the inside of the 'blade' was still liquid.

'Well, while my claws would most certainly be more convenient, I'd love to see the look on someone's face when I pull that out. Imagine, I get into a fist lock with someone, then an arm blade shoots out. The look alone would be priceless.'

After mentally laughing, Summer walked deeper into the cave, before finding a spot to rest. Once again, rest, not sleep. She was going to have to address this issue sooner or later, as, while she wouldn't need sleep, it would be very appreciated. However, a thought did occur to her.

'Could I use my Aura? It's the manifestation of the soul, and I still have one. Or, I hope I still have one.'

Honestly, she probably already knows the answer to that question, but it's a concern that Summer couldn't resist asking. Regardless, she laid down, watching the entrance for any activity. All she had to do was wait for the storm to pass, then she'll continue on her way. Should be simple.

Should.

'Yeah, when has anything I've done ever been simple.'

March 3rd, Pharos

In the most northern part of Sanus lies the island of Vytal. Eighty years ago, the four kingdoms signed a peace treaty, marking an end to the deadliest conflict in human history. As such, the massive island became a symbol of peace through the the people who found Pharos, it became an opportunity.

Situated on the first island west of Vytal, into a large bay, the place was originally a smuggler's den before the Great War. Afterwards, wealthy merchants saw the business opportunity. Vytal was slowly becoming one of the most visited places in all of Remnant, and, if they set up shop first, they could become far richer than ever before. As such, they quickly took over the den, killing the smugglers and removing all traces that they existed. It wouldn't be until the past decade before that part of Pharos's history was uncovered.

As such, the trade hub grew, as people from all over the world would rest at Pharos before heading to Vytal. Once the major interest in visiting the island died down, the second benefit to Pharos's location came into play. Because it was the largest trade hub near Vytal, ships would rest and resupply there before continuing their journey to the other kingdoms. Soon, the trade hub became a town, and a town became a city. As it grew, the thirteen most influential merchants decided to form a council to discuss the financial debates of the city.

With their rise, however, came a new problem: Vale or Mantle. Choosing to align with either of them could reignite the tension that was cooling down between the nations. In the end, one of their younger council members, a Faunus, of all things, proposed the idea that, if they remained neutral, then all of the kingdoms would have a stake in keeping Pharos safe. And, if any attempted to take it, the other three would retaliate. And they would profit from the conflict. And so, Pharos maintained neutrality. The city was split into three sections: The Harbor, Pharos itself, and the Citadel.

The Harbor was where all the boats and airships from the kingdoms would dock and conduct trade. The Harbor included the docks themselves, as well as the Market Districts. These were separated into five sections, one for each Kingdom, as well as the fifth being of Pharos itself. It also housed a majority of the city's military, the Legion.

Remaining neutral meant that they couldn't get normal protection, so each member of the council hired various mercenary groups and Huntsmen from around the world to serve as the city's police and military force. These groups eventually merged together to form Pharos's Legion. Over the years, the disjointed militia rabble evolved into a true fighting force, with Huntsmen given special ranks within the police and military branches. The entrance to the bay was flanked by towering cliffs, each one having a lighthouse. They didn't have an airship fleet as mighty as Atlas, but they did have a sizable navy. While they couldn't defeat the full might of any one kingdom, they could put up a hell of a fight.

Pharos itself was where the majority of the population lived, as well as personal businesses, such as restaurants, movie theaters, barber shops, tattoo parlors. While most things could be found in the Market Districts, here is where many entertainments could be found. The Pharoses sometimes say 'The Dock's for business, but the City's for pleasure.'.

And, finally, the Citadel, where the city council debates political, financial, military, and other matters. An iron tower that rises above, located at the center of the city. Originally, walls were built around the castle to protect it. However, those were torn down, as the merchants felt a wall would look too intimidating, and they had to balance the line between welcoming and intimidation. Beneath the Citadel lies the Vault, a massive room containing the wealth of each of the thirteen merchant councilmen. Originally, each merchant had their own security, each protecting the Vault, and making sure the merchants weren't using their guards to steal. Over time, as the mercenary groups started merging, the security for the Vault merged as well. Now, they all make sure the Vault is secured.

Overall, you'd be forgiven for thinking Pharos was a fifth kingdom.

"It certainly has the makings to be one." Qrow said to himself as he looked out the cargo door window.

"What was that?" Raven replied.

Qrow shook his head. "Nothin. Just talking to myself."

"First time coming to Pharos?" The pilot exclaimed.

"Been here a couple times. You?"

"Same."

"Raven?"

"Never bothered. Not part of Anima, so I saw no reason to come here."

Qrow nodded, "This place is sometimes considered the Lien capital of Remnant. Any money you need, Pharos will provide. So long as you pay back the money, with interest."

"What happens if you don't?" The pilot inquired.

"Then you deal with their 'debt collectors'."

The pilot gulped before sending the Bullhead down to the Harbor. Placing a hand to his helmet, he nodded, and turned towards one of the airship hexagonal landing pads. Upon descending, the platform's center folded, becoming a halfpipe, allowing the Bullhead to land. The cargo doors opened, and the Branwen twins departed. The pilot soon exited as well, looking at the engines, which were now smoking.

"Ah, damnit." The pilot exclaimed.

"Something wrong?" Qrow inquired, Raven giving a hint of a smirk.

"Bit of bad luck?" Raven added, her eyes briefly shifting to her brother.

"Going overdrive for too long seems to have damaged the engines. Will have to repair them~" The engine on the starboard side then made several breaking sounds, before a ploom of fire and smoke bursted out of the exhaust, "And replace that one. Don't worry, your Headmaster Ozpin paid me well enough to cover this. You just do your mission."

Qrow nodded as he turned, seeing the smirk on Raven's face grow wider. They noticed that several Harbor workers looked in their direction, and started talking amongst themselves.

"Seems our reputation precedes us."

"More like your reputation, sister. You are the Bandit Queen of Anima."

Raven rolled her eyes, a scowl starting to form as some of the people started giving her weary looks. The twins headed down from the landing pad's ramp, into the main harbor. The docks were buzzing with activity, the twins having little room to maneuver, especially if a fight broke out. From the sides, they could see men in rusted armor, giving an orange look. In truth, it was deception. Qrow learned that the armor was actually in pristine condition, and the 'rusty' look was actually paint.

"Have to say," Raven stated, "If this place ever got attacked, I'd pity their attacker. Unless it was Her."

"Yeah," Qrow replied, "This place is well defended. If She decided to make a move, I'd say this place would fall. But, that's only if no one came to help them."

"Excuse me."

The two stopped, looking to the side to see a Faunus with dog ears where his human ears should be.

"Would you be Raven and Qrow Branwen?"

Raven gripped Omen, with Qrow raising an eyebrow.

"And…" Qrow stated, "You are?"

"Simply a retainer for Councilman Korenchi. He's requested your presence."

The twins looked at each other, with Qrow simply shrugging.

Raven sighed darkly, "Fine."

"Thank you. This way." The two followed the Faunus, passing through the crowd with ease. They eventually reached a passenger ship.

"My Lord, the Branwen Twins, as you requested."

A man, about a couple inches taller than Qrow, turned. He had pale white eyes, with matching hair. The tufts of white fur on his arms and legs indicated he was a Faunus.

"Ah," Kroenchi exclaimed, a northern Solitas accent to his voice (Russian), "Thank you, Skalos." He then turned his attention to the twins, "Qrow and Raven Branwen. I must say, I never expected to see the Bandit Queen in our city, much less both Branwens."

Said twins narrowed their eyes as Qrow stepped forward, "I'm surprised you knew of us so fast. We haven't even been here for ten minutes."

"Are you surprised? I do own the landing pad you came in on. Now, if it was only Qrow, I wouldn't inquire too much, but, with the infamous Raven Branwen, I must ask: What is your purpose here?"

"A mission."

"Well, for Raven Branwen to be included in said mission, it must be very important. I would find it...disappointing if this mission involves Pharos."

"Don't worry. We're just here to meet up with two other members. After that, we'll be leaving for Vale."

Kroenchi stroked his beard, "Ah, you must be referring to General Ironwood's men."

Raven raised an eyebrow, "They're already here?"

"No, they'll~" Kroenchi looked upward, "Actually, yes they are."

The twins looked up, seeing an Atlesian Bullhead approaching one of the landing pads.

"Interesting. The report indicated that a high-priority Atlas cargo ship would be arriving tomorrow."

"Perhaps it's equipment for us." Raven offered.

"Perhaps. It just now occurred to me, though. You're here for the Yakutsk incident."

Qrow looked at the Faunus, "You're good."

"To be a member of Pharos's Council, you must be highly observant. Otherwise, you risk looking foolish, and becoming the subject of replacement. Well, enjoy our city, and be mindful. Nothing escapes our eye."

Qrow nodded, the twins leaving to head up to the landing pad. Upon reaching it, Qrow saw the two other members of his team. Robyn Hill and Clover Ebi. The two were departing from the Bullhead, each one carrying a duffle bag. He noticed that, unlike her profile picture, Robyn wasn't wearing her jacket. No doubt due to the much warmer weather of Sanus.

"Ah," Clover exclaimed, "You must be Qrow Braaann~" he then noticed Raven standing next to him, "~wen."

"Yes, yes," Raven replied, starting to feel annoyed, "My reputation precedes me."

"Easy there, Four Leaf," Robyn interjected, "I don't know what James is planning, but, if Raven Branwen's involved, it's got to be important."

"More than you realize, blonde," Qrow replied, "Did you bring everything?"

"General Ironwood," Clover answered, "Has a passenger ship carrying the rest of our equipment. Should be here by tomorrow morning."

Raven narrowed her eyes, but chose not to comment. Qrow stepped up.

"Well, then. Qrow Branwen. My sister needs no introduction. Raven, meet Clover Ebi, a soldier under Jimmy, and Robyn Hill, leader of Mantle's Happy Huntresses."

Clover raised an eyebrow as both of them smirked, though Robyn's was more cocky.

"Now that pleasantries are out of the way," Raven rebuffed, "Can we find ourselves a place to sleep." Raven then started walking. When the two looked at Qrow, he simply shrugged.

The four headed into the city, entering one of the hotels that dotted it. Walking up to the receptionist, a Faunus woman with gills, she typed away at a holo computer. Normally, Qrow would be his suave self, but, not only was he taking the mission seriously, but there were two other women, one of them being his sister, in the group. He'd rather not sleep on the floor, thank you.

"Room for four."

"Names?"

"Qrow," he then pointed to the others, "Clover, Robyn, Raven."

"Duration?"

"Just 'til tomorrow."

"Team name?"

"Huh?"

"Your team name. Huntsmen graduates get a 25% discount when renting as a team."

Qrow raised both eyebrows. 'This woman thinks we're an official Huntsmen team? While I wouldn't mind the discount~'

"Quartzite." Raven answered. The woman typed into the computer.

"If you'd present your Lien Card."

Qrow looked at his sister, surprised by the quick answer. Handing the woman his card, she attached it to the computer, and deducted the payment, before returning it to him.

"Second floor, third door on the right." She then handed Qrow the key to the room.

Qrow nodded, the four of them heading for the stairs.

"Quartzite?" Clover inquired. Raven pointed at her brother.

"Qrow," she then pointed at herself, then Robyn, then Clover, "Raven, Robyn, Ebi. QRRE, Quartzite."

"That was fast thinking." Robyn added, only earning a nod from the bandit.

The four headed upstairs, heading for the room. Opening it, two queen size beds were against the wall, and two doors were adjacent to the one they came in from.

"Looks like we're sharing."

"Nope," Robyn countered, having opened one of the side doors, "This room has two more beds."

"So," Clover commented, "Sleeping arrangements? Should we have the siblings sleep together."

"Nope," Robyn retorted, emphasizing on the 'p' as she tossed her bag on the bed, "Boys and girls. Simply as that."

Qrow shrugged, "Fair enough. But, before we unpack, I think you all should know our mission."

"Would be nice," Clover replied, "We're burning daylight."

Raven looked at Qrow, her face sending the message of 'Your move'.

Robyn started unpacking her bag as Raven sat on the adjacent bed. Clover leaned against the wall, duffle bag placed on the floor, as Qrow sat on a desk.

"Alright," Qrow began, opening his flask and taking a drink.

"You shouldn't be doing that." Clover interjected.

"Trust me," Qrow replied, putting his flask away, "What I'm about to say, you guys might be wanting a drink. So, set up. Me and my sister were part of team STRQ, which consisted of Summer Rose, me, Bandit Queen here," Raven scowled at him, "And Taiyang Xiao Long. Twelve years ago, Summer disappeared without a trace. Several days ago, her old Scroll number got a text. The text contained a 'hidden' message. The message indicated that it was from Summer herself."

"How do we know it isn't a trick?" Clover inquired. In response, Raven groaned as she replied.

"Because the 'code' that was used was, in reality, simply backwards speech."

"Seriously?" Robyn said, smirking in bewilderment.

"Yes," Qrow replied, "Which was a past time for Summer. She was imprisoned for all these years, and was attempting an escape. However, this is the part that's important. She also indicated that she was turned into a Grimm."

Clover stopped leaning against the wall, as both he and Robyn's widened in shock.

"T-That's," Robyn stated, "That's not possible."

"Believe me, I wish it wasn't. But, given Summer's unique condition, I'd say it's certainly possible."

"Condition?" Clover asked, to which Raven answered.

"She was born with silver eyes. Those born with that trait have the ability to turn Grimm to stone, or outright vaporize them. They use the natural light within them to destroy the darkness of the Grimm."

"Right," Qrow added, "Normally, if something like that happened to someone, the Grimm's natural darkness would consume and destroy a person. But, if they are nature's repellant for the Grimm~"

"I might be possible," Robyn finished for him, "For a hybrid to exist." Robyn's eyes looked down, trying to figure something out. Said eyes then widened in shock. "The sinking of the Yakutsk!"

"Nailed it. Considering it could speak and willingly helped people, it seems clear to me that the Hound is Summer. But, given how it's been sunk, the people who turned her into a Grimm are clearly after her. And they have a head start. Clover, what's the cargo that Jimmy's sending in."

"Heavy equipment for long distance missions. Including camping equipment, vehicles, the works."

"Alright. As for the Yakutsk, the passengers and some of the crew landed here in Pharos. Let's question them, see if they can tell us where she may have dropped off, and which direction she took."

All of them nodded, then Robyn spoke up. "What about the people after Summer?"

Qrow and Raven looked to each other. Raven only shrugged, to which Qrow raised his eyebrows. 'Not going to tell them? Well, I won't complain.' "Sorry, but, if you want to know about them, you'll have to ask Jimmy."

Robyn sighed in annoyance while Clover nodded.

"I want to make something absolutely clear," Qrow nearly growled, with Raven raising an eyebrow, "Twelve years ago, Summer left. Not only did she leave her team without a word, but she left a husband and two daughters. My nieces," he pointed to Raven and himself multiple times, "We owe it to her to give it everything we damn can give to bring her home. So, failure isn't an option."

Robyn's stomach then growled. Clover smirked, "Well, that killed the mood."

"Oh, shut it."

"I'll go see if there's anything for us to order." Qrow stated as he left the room. Surprisingly, Raven followed him. "You know, I'm surprised you didn't say anything regarding who we're up against."

"If I did, they'd be distracted. They'll need their full focus."

"Good to see you're taking this seriously."

That earned him an elbow to the gut from a scowling Raven.

On Patch, a two-story log cabin rested in the forest, away from the nearby town. The Xiao Long/Rose family house. Taiyang entered his room, heading to a dresser. On top of it was a large box.

'How could I have missed something so obvious.' Tai scolded himself. Ozpin had contacted him yesterday, saying that Glynda would be staying in Patch for the foreseeable future. With Summer having escaped, he presumed that Salem might know about Ruby and Yang, and wants Patch to have extra security.

'I doubt Summer broke, but if she did...Well, she probably wouldn't have attempted to escape, but I can't take the chance that Salem doesn't know.'

He opened the box, revealing two tonfas. The tonfas were separate colors, one black with white outlines, the other white with black outlines. The edges of the tonfas were also bladed. Four barrels at the end for firing bullets, the trigger located on the handle. They each were equipped with a detachable scope, which helped serve the second purpose. Yore and Yar, named after a pair of ancient twin warriors.

"Hey, dad." A voice exclaimed behind him. Turning, he smiled to see Ruby, wearing her usual long-sleeved black blouse, her red cloak behind her. "What did you need?"

Tai smirked as he picked up his tonfas. "I hear your sister has been trying to teach you hand to hand."

Ruby looked terrified, a bead of sweat falling down the side of her head.

"Well," Tai continued, pressing a button behind the handle of one of the tonfas, "I think it's time I step up training."

Said tonfa then started spinning to the speed of a buzzsaw.

Even if Salem doesn't know about Ruby, when they get Summer back, she'll know at that point. Which means he has until then to get Ruby and Yang as ready as they could be.

Author's Notes: Not much involving Summer, more of that next chapter. Meanwhile, team QRRE has been formed, and they'll soon begin the hunt for Summer. Finally, Taiyang will be stepping up training for his daughters, in preperations for Salem's counter-attack.

As for Pharos, I only realized it halfway through describing the city, but I made RWBY's version of Braavos from Game of Thrones, with elements of Caesar's Legion from Fallout: New Vegas. I only just got that game a couple days ago, so I had very little knowledge on said Legion. How did I do that by ACCIDENT?!

Tai's weapons are inspired by 'Pistol-Tonfa by Kibaboy4'. I always pictured Tai as having a more refined and 'graceful' version of Yang's style.

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