AWOO, MUTHAFUCKAS! It's Werewolf Friday, and I have power and heat again! For those who haven't read my profile, a huge storm came through my hometown and knocked down the huge pine tree in the yard, which took out the powerlines and part of the porch. From Sunday to Wednesday, I had no power and no heat. I wasn't able to type a thing, hence my silence on Dragon Tuesday, and I had to take my lizard to my neighbor's house so he wouldn't die. Thankfully, things are back on track. I'm not in a dark ice box, and Targaryen is back home. I'm working on the next update of "Wings of Dust," and will be back on schedule this coming week.

Anyway, enjoy!

Vale was so close, yet so distant still. The werewolves and Huntsmen set up camp for the night and planned out their next course of action.

"Getting Tai out here's gotta be first," Qrow reasoned. "We know he's on our side, and he'll be able to talk to Winter and the Arcs tomorrow. I don't know if I can sneak to all three homes in one go, after all."

"You'll need a beta," Blake said. "I'll go with you, if that's okay, Leader," she added, glancing at Pyrrha.

"Of course," Pyrrha replied immediately. "Just as long as you aren't too tired."

"Now's probably the best time," Jaune said, looking at the stars overhead. "Most of the Huntsmen are likely in the woods, so you'll have a clearer shot at the town."

"Just what I was thinking." Qrow stood up. "I'm ready to go whenever you are, Blake."

Blake was already standing. "I've been ready since spring!"

The two crept carefully in a wide path around the town, Blake keeping tabs on the Huntsman guards. She suppressed a shudder as an eerie silence filled her senses. The woods were even quieter on the side containing Cinder's pack than they had been around the campsite. Blake could sense maybe a dozen deer nearby, and very few rabbits. Everyone will starve this winter, she thought. If we fail, everyone's dead.

The guards that had been pacing the outer parts of the town were gone, leaving only a few patrols and a group by the woods on either side.

"I don't sense Taiyang," Blake whispered. "He must be hunting."

"The back door will probably be open," Qrow muttered. "He left it unlocked after the first time I dropped in."

As they drew closer, Blake's ears flattened.

"What is it?" Qrow asked.

"The woods are just so empty. It gets worse the more I sense it. It'll take years to fix what was done here."

"Well, if we actually live to see those years, I'll be happy," Qrow declared. He pushed Taiyang's door open and led Blake inside.

Immediately, the sound of barking filled the house. Blake sprang back as a little black and white dog bounded from a pillow by the stove, yapping loudly.

"Zwei, shut up!" Qrow snapped.

The dog froze, his mouth open, then let out a joyful yip, trotting over to Qrow. He had grown a bit, and his floppy ears were now standing totally upright. He licked Qrow's palm and rolled onto his back.

"Good boy," Qrow muttered. "Glad to see you've settled in." He noticed with a pang that Zwei was looking a little thinner than before. Things must be bad. Tai's the type who would feed his dog before feeding himself. If Zwei's not eating enough… He honestly didn't want to finish that thought.

After an hour of waiting, Qrow sitting with Zwei on an armchair, Blake staying close to the stove, Taiyang returned. He entered the house looking significantly thinner and more haggard than when Qrow had last seen him. Still, a light came to his eyes when he saw Qrow and Blake.

"You're here," he breathed, his voice hoarse and raspy. He took a stumbling step forward. "You're back! Where are Ruby and Yang?"

"Waiting for you," Blake assured him.

"Blake!" Taiyang walked over, staring at her for a moment before pulling her into a hug. "It's so good to see you."

Blake gladly returned the hug, purring loudly, though she couldn't help but notice how weak Taiyang's grip was. How has he been able to hunt? Even if the werewolves are starving too, he'd be easy prey for a Grimm. She could only rationalize that the werewolves had been keeping the Grimm at bay.

She yelped when something wet touched her ankle, and glared down at Zwei, who tilted his head up at her, staring with those dopey puppy eyes.

Taiyang chuckled fondly. "I see you two are already acquainted. Thank you so much for him, by the way, Qrow! This little guy has honestly been the only thing keeping me sane. Things have gotten worse."

"So I hear," Qrow muttered. "Armed guards all around the town. Hardly any food. Is Jackass and his group trying to kill us?"

"Many people think so," Taiyang sighed. "Everyone's hungry. The Faunus are already starting to show greater weakness. A lot of people are expecting them to revolt."

"Can't say I blame them," Qrow growled while Blake glared out the window. "They already lost their district, and they're probably getting lesser food shares than anyone else. Maybe the town will be desperate enough to actually listen to reason."

"Can we go now?" Taiyang asked, shifting from one foot to the other. "I need to see my girls."

"Sure thing, Tai," Qrow said. "Just let Blake lead. Her wolf magic will keep us from getting jabbed at by any dumbass guards."

It was a quick, but tense journey back to the campsite, where everyone was either standing or pacing. When Blake led Qrow and Taiyang through the trees, both Ruby and Yang rushed forward. Ruby stopped midstep, her breath hitching.

Taiyang stared dumbly for a moment, taking in the sight of his daughters. Yang's right arm had been severely mangled by something, and Ruby had several new scars, along with a certain wild glimmer in her silver eyes that was impossible to miss. But it was them! "Ruby! Yang!" he gasped, tears streaming down his face. He stumbled forward, only to be caught by Yang, who hugged him tightly. Ruby zipped over, hugging his middle and sobbing into his chest.

"My girls!" he sobbed, nuzzling Yang's thick hair while tightly gripping Ruby's small shoulder. "You're here. Thank the Maidens…" He drew back, smiled tearfully at Yang, then turned to Ruby. "Ruby, I am so sorry!"

"It's okay, Dad," Ruby assured him, touching his face. "I know you were trying to save me and Weiss. I tried to get myself killed after I changed, but Pyrrha stopped me. I get it. Don't worry."

It was then that Taiyang looked at the other people gathered. Even without the bite marks, he was easily able to discern who was a werewolf. His chest clenched guiltily when he saw Weiss's half-gone face. "Weiss…"

"Don't even start," Weiss snapped, cutting him off. "I already forgave Qrow, and he's the one who actually threw the Dust. There's nothing to apologize for."

Taiyang smiled shakily. "I hear there's an engagement to celebrate when this is all over," he said, grinningg down at Ruby.

"Not just one," Jaune muttered, his eyes shining happily.

Taiyang turned to Jaune. "Good to see you home, Jaune." His eyes fell on the green-eyed, red-haired woman standing nearby. "I got a feeling that you must be the famous Pyrrha."

Pyrrha bowed her head. "It's good to finally meet you. Ruby and Yang have said so much about you."

"All good things, I hope!" Taiyang laughed. He proceeded to greet all of the returned Vale Huntsmen, though he didn't let go of his daughters for one second. Eventually, Ruby had to wriggle out from under his arm.

"Dad," she said. "I need you to see me in my wolf form now."

Taiyang paled, but nodded. "Okay, sweetie. Go ahead." He gritted his teeth, trying to mentally prepare himself. He had seen Mercury change from a wolf into a human, but wasn't sure how ready he was to actually watch his own daughter turn into one of those beasts.

Ruby quickly stripped off her clothes and began the familiar process of taking in the moon's light. She sighed happily as her fur began to cover her. Her arms lengthened, her teeth turned to fangs, and her ears grew sharp and pointed. When the transformation was complete, she stood taller than her father.

Taiyang was shaking, but he didn't hesitate to step forward and hold out his hand. He gasped quietly as Ruby pressed her furry cheek against his palm. He stared into those silver wolf eyes, took in the brown and red fur. Then, Ruby let out a soft whimper that was so reminiscent of the noises she would make when crying, that Taiyang felt himself breaking down completely. "It's you," he sobbed, hugging his daughter tightly around her broad shoulders. "It really is you!" He held on as Ruby's long, furry arms came up to embrace him.

"She makes a pretty good wolf, doesn't she?" Yang commented.

Taiyang drew back to look at the familiar smile that stretched across the alien muzzle. "She really does," he agreed.

Ruby remained in her wolf form as the group sat down to discuss what to do next. Taiyang was given a large share of the provisions the group had gathered, and was eating a hunk of dry meat with a vigor similar to what one would expect from a ravenous werewolf.

Ruby rested her head on his lap, closing her eyes and rumbling as he gently stroked her head. It was so similar yet so different from how he'd stroke her hair to help her fall asleep when she was younger. I didn't think I'd ever feel this again, she realized, mentally promising never to take her father's presence for granted again.

"So, the next step is getting Winter and the Arcs out here," Qrow said. "Then, we'll go to Oz and Glynda. They won't be able to ignore two families, and the town priestess, after all. If we can get them on our side, of course."

"Do you think Winter has come around at all?" Weiss asked Taiyang. "Since before, I mean?"

Taiyang shook his head. "I don't know. She's been over several times, but we haven't talked about the werewolves at all."

"I'll need to see Cinder soon," Pyrrha said. "I could try getting help from Emerald and Mercury, but I'm not sure whether their friendship with you would help me, or just cause Cinder to hurt them if she found out."

"Let's take care of Winter and my family first," Jaune suggested. "You can go talk to Cinder at the same time we go to Ozpin and Glynda."

"After that, we'll see if those two can convince Jacques, Hawk, and James," Taiyang finished. "I have hope for James, but not much for the other two," he admitted.

"We only need three votes for the Council to be in our favor," Weiss said.

"True." Taiyang reluctantly stood up, putting several packages of food into his bag. "I should get back. I'll see you tomorrow night." He hugged his daughters once again and kissed each of them, Yang on the cheek, Ruby on her furry brow. "I love you." He also made sure to hug his future daughter-in-law before Blake led him back into town.

"So," Jaune said after they left. "How does everyone feel about our chances?"

"I'm still rather optimistic," Barty piped up. "Listening to reason is really the only option at this point. It's a simple matter of getting the right people on our side. The rest will follow." He stretched happily. "I may even be able to spend the winter in Burgundy when this is done, provided it doesn't snow too much in the first week. Their coffee is honestly second to none."

"You can get coffee anywhere," Qrow snorted.

Barty rolled his eyes. "Clearly your taste for burning liquor has dulled your taste buds."

"Hey, I bet you couldn't tell the difference between whiskey and bourbon!" Qrow snapped. "So don't even get me started on taste!"

Ruby curled up next to Weiss and Yang, feeling happier and more hopeful than she had in months.

…..

Taiyang sought out Winter that morning, before the first churchgoers could fill the seats. "They're back," he told her as she proceeded to light the altar candles.

She paused only briefly, but showed no other sign of hearing him.

"Weiss wants to see you," he continued. "A great deal."

Winter lit another candle.

"I'm taking the Arc family to see them tonight."

"When?" Winter asked, her face impassive.

"After dark," Taiyang replied. "We'll meet at my house."

Winter nodded. "I'll be there."

Taiyang couldn't get anything else out of her, so he settled for saying a quick prayer at the God altar before seeking out the Arcs.

The family was sitting down for breakfast, but Joan was quick to let Taiyang in and set an extra spot for him at the large table. It was the spot where Jaune had always sat. He hesitated, wondering if the children should be present. The children might actually make this easier, depending on how they react, he realized.

"Johann," he started. "I was wondering if you and the family would be free to accompany me somewhere tonight."

Johann frowned in confusion. "Where, exactly? We have another hunt, and-"

"I'll let you know when you get there," Taiyang said. "It's important that you all show up." He took a deep breath. "It's about Jaune."

The family all froze, staring at Taiyang in shock. "What about Jaune?" Joan asked, standing up. "Have you see him? Is he nearby?" She looked ready to bolt from the house that instant to go looking for him.

"Joan, please sit down!" Taiyang urged. "Yes, I've seen him, but we need to be careful. You know that he's an exile, after all."

"I don't care about that!" Joan snapped. "Jacques can take his banishments and shove them-" She stopped suddenly, glancing at her younger daughters.

Seeing an opportunity, little Jenny spoke up. "Does Jaune miss me?"

"Of course he does, sweetie," Taiyang replied gently. "But I need you all to keep this a secret. Do you understand? Only your family, Winter, and I can know about this."

"Winter?" Johann folded his hands. "She knows?"

"Yes. She'll be meeting us tonight as well." Taiyang sighed. "I'm sorry I can't tell you more, but you're going to have to trust me. Jaune is here, and he needs his family. That's what's important. Will you come?"

The family was all nodding. "I'm gonna kill him," Mary growled. "He'd better have a good explanation for vanishing all this time."

"I wanna see big brother now!" Silvia whined.

"What about Ren and Nora?" Joan asked. "Are they safe?"

"Yes. Everyone's safe," Taiyang replied, hating that he couldn't elaborate further. "All of you come to my house before sunset. I'll go to Ozpin and request the night off for all of us. He'll understand the need for families to come together, I'm sure."

The Arcs returned to their breakfast, though with an unmistakable electricity hanging in the air. Taiyang desperately hoped that it wouldn't overwhelm anyone, particularly the children, and give them away at the wrong time.

"Is he well, Tai?" Joan asked. "Is our boy okay?"

Taiyang smiled at this. "I promise you he's perfectly fine. Just be ready to listen to him when you see him again."

After leaving the Arcs, Taiyang went to Ozpin, who was all too happy to give them the night off.

"You've been working so hard," Ozpin said gently, patting Taiyang's shoulder. "I know things have been difficult for you. You can always talk to me if you need to."

"Thank you," Taiyang replied. "I've been seeing Winter. Having that new puppy also helps."

Ozpin chuckled. "That is a fine dog. Maybe I should get one myself once winter ends." A shadow crossed his face for a moment at the mention of winter. "Rest well, my friend. All of the Huntsmen should do the same, actually."

"Why's that?"

Ozpin sighed. "Well, morale is at an ultimate low, for one. I'm honestly surprised that we haven't been seeing more Grimm attacks."

Taiyang had an idea about that. The last time he had spoken to Mercury, the werewolf had said something about Cinder being under extra strain due to frequent Grimm attacks. Whatever negative emotions the people of Vale were feeling, those of the werewolves were apparently stronger. Or maybe it was because they were easier for the Grimm to reach. Of course, he said nothing about this.

"But there's something else," Ozpin continued. "There was a majority vote in the Council today. It has been decided that the werewolf problem needs to be solved before the winter grows too harsh. There is a full moon in two days. On the night after, there will be an all-man hunt in the woods with the aim of wiping those beasts out once and for all. They'll likely be tired and unsuspecting on the night after a full moon, so Hawk decided that was the best time to do it."

"Huh." Taiyang felt his heart sink. His stomach twisted and his skin grew cold. "Good to know. I'll probably see you before then. Bye, Ozpin."

He walked back to his house in a daze, his heart pounding like war drums. There would be no coming back from a hunt like that, no matter what Jaune, Pyrrha, and the others tried. With how desperate and weak everyone was, the war would end in the ensuing battle, and the other side would continue to starve to death, too afraid to venture from their homeland even as the coldness set in.

Three days, Taiyang thought as he entered his house and sank down in his chair. We only have three days to make peace.

You know, I figured tension wasn't already high enough. I thought maybe you were getting sleepy, and needed a little more. Was I right? Of course I was. ^_^

If you like what you see and want to show extra support in exchange for rewards, my P/atreon is Solora Goldsun.

Peace out!