Next chapter will be out a bit later. It's a lengthy chapter so prepare your butts when I finish editing.
Thanks to everyone who's supporting this story!
"Yang, how many times do I have to tell you? No punching in the house. And, Ruby, I can see you trying to steal that cookie."
Summer had her hands full with cleaning and her girls were particularly active today; every mom's nightmare. Yang recently witnessed her dad fight a Grimm and was instantly drawn to his fighting style. She'd often play fight with Ruby and when her sister refused to play along Yang would brawl against their furniture. Ruby, on the other hand, was always determined to satisfy her sweet tooth.
"Mom, when dad gets home can you two fight?" Yang requested, leaping upon one of the dining room chairs.
Summer found herself laughing at her request," I'll think about it only if you promise to stop jumping up on chairs."
Yang groaned and lazily hopped off.
Even at a young age, Yang was still a splitting image of her mother. If it weren't for Tai's traits she wouldn't be able to tell them apart.
"Mommy," Summer felt a tug on her shirt. She looked down to see a miniature version of herself, with slightly darker hair, staring back with puppy dog eyes. "Can I please have a cookie?"
"Ruby, I already told you no." She answered curtly. "You can have one if you finish all your vegetables tonight."
Ruby didn't seem too happy with the deal," but can I have one now?"
Summer groaned internally," if you keep asking I won't give you one at all today."
Ruby's eyes widened in horror.
"Now go play with your sister, I still have a lot of work to do."
As if on queue Yang ran over and scooped Ruby up in her arms," c'mon, sis, let's go fight our toys."
"But...but...cookies." She heard Ruby complain as Yang carried her off.
Summer sighed," of all the things she inherited why does it have to be your stubbornness?" She peered out the window and frowned," no birds today either huh?"
Much to Summer's surprise, Qrow kept his promise. He'd drop by the house once every blue moon to pay the girls a visit, every time he brought with him sweets and some new toys. That earned him a special spot in their hearts. He'd often be so caught up with Yang and Ruby's stories and games that he'd barely have time to catch up with Summer, but that didn't bother her. She was just happy he put in the effort to be in their lives.
While he insisted he'd only visit when he can, Summer knew he was around more often than he'd like to admit. When Yang and Ruby played outside she'd sometimes see them chasing around a crow. They'd play fight with it and pretend it was the Grimm for hours on end until one of them drops down from exhaustion. The girls had affectionately named it Uncle Crow. Tai, on the other hand, wasn't too thrilled with Qrow dropping in at random. He'd often complain to Summer when the girls were fast asleep.
Recently, however, there was a prolonged absence of his presence. Summer remembered seeing Yang and Ruby sprinkling cookie crumbs all over the front yard. When she confronted the girls about it Yang said," Uncle Crow has been gone for a super long time, so we're gonna get him back with the power of cookies!"
She considered calling him but it's not like he'd pick up even if he was okay. "Where are you, bird brain?" She blurted to herself. She glanced out the window for several more seconds before returning to her chores.
"Tai, you really need to take it easy." Summer placed her hand on his sprained wrist. "I've never heard of someone spraining their wrist from teaching."
"Well, then you haven't met someone as passionate as me," Tai announced proudly. "They don't call me the best teacher for nothing."
Tai had come home unusually late today. At first Summer thought he was held up by Grimm or something happened at the school, instead, his late return was due to the fact that he managed to sprain his wrist during a lecture. Summer didn't think teaching would be so dangerous until now.
Summer rolled her eyes," you managed to do the impossible and that's not something you should be proud of."
"When I grow up I wanna fight like daddy!" Yang hammered her fists on the table. "I'm gonna defeat all the Grimm in the world by punching them in the face!"
"Me too!" Ruby exclaimed with her fork held over her head.
"Not if you don't eat all your peas." Summer chided for what felt like the hundredth time now. Both Yang and Ruby exchanged disgusted looks and groaned.
"Listen to your mom, girls," Tai agreed. "All great warriors must eat their veggies and-"
He was promptly cut off by a knock on the door. Ruby and Yang gasped, exchanging excited looks with one another.
"Uncle Qrow!" They both screamed, bolting out of their chairs.
"I call dibs on picking the first toy!" Yang exclaimed.
"No fair!"
Once the girls were out of sight Tai grimaced. "So now he decides to grace us with his presence." He snorted. "He probably wants free food and bedding. Oh and a roof over his head."
"Lighten up, Tai," Summer patted his back. "He's still family whether you like it or not."
"Family doesn't abandon one another." He added under his breath. Summer chose to ignore his comment and went to join her daughters.
"Hurry up mom!" Yang pointed impatiently at the door. Ruby was bouncing by the window, straining to catch a glimpse of her uncle.
"But, Yang, that doesn't look like Uncle Qrow." Ruby's observation made Summer's heart stop.
"What?!" Yang practically pushed Ruby aside and rose to her tippy toes. "Aww man, it's just some weird old guy."
"Ozpin," Summer blurted. She threw open the door and her suspicion was confirmed.
"Ah, Summer Rose, how good to see you again." Her former headmaster greeted with a bow. He was still adorned in the same work uniform she'd seen him wear all those years ago, of course, he also kept the same cane.
Yang and Ruby sheepishly poked their heads out from behind Summer. Ozpin took notice to the younglings and smiled at them," well hello there, girls."
"Hi?" Yang spoke up for the two of them. "Who are you?"
"I'm professor Ozpin, I was, and still am, the headmaster of your parents' school."
"Oz?!" Tai exclaimed behind Summer. "Wow, it's crazy how little you've changed over the years."
Ozpin laughed light-heartedly," thank you, Tai. You don't look too different yourself."
"Aww shucks, now you're just flattering me."
"Please come in, professor." Summer stepped aside to allow the man in. "It's been forever since we've seen you, how have you been? Do you want something to eat or drink?" She asked, closing the door behind him.
"I've been fine, thanks for asking, but I'm not here to catch up. Unfortunately, I need to speak about some...important matters with you two." He looked down at Yang and Ruby. "It might be best we talk somewhere private."
The air grew thick and heavy around the trained warriors, only the children were immune to its pungent grasp. Summer had a feeling her former headmaster was here to talk about Qrow. Whatever he had to say she didn't want to hear it—she didn't want Ozpin to snuff out the little hope she still had left for Qrow.
"I'll put the girls to bed," Tai offered solemnly.
"A-and I'll get us something to drink." She croaked.
Yang and Ruby bombarded Tai with questions as they were carried to their rooms. Summer promptly returned to the kitchen, everything around her suddenly felt so disoriented, like she was walking through a dream. She stopped in front of the kitchen window and gazed out, half-hoping to see a crow perched on one of the trees surrounding their house. She felt cold to the bone at the emptiness staring back at her.
With Yang and Ruby tucked into bed, Summer and Tai joined Ozpin in the living room. The house was dead silent, even the crickets ceased to sing their lullabies tonight.
"Let me start with an easy question." Ozpin began tentatively. "Have either of you heard from Qrow lately?"
His question slapped Summer across the face. She felt her hands tightening their grasp on her cup.
"No," Tai answered for her. "He's barely back home to begin with-"
"That's not true," Summer instinctively defended. She proceeded to explain to Oz about Qrow's presence as a bird. Tai's jawline was tight by the time she was done.
"I see," Ozpin nodded. "And have you seen him around in that form lately?"
"No, he hasn't come home to pay the girls a visit either. He's just...gone." She took a sip of her drink. "That's not like him to just vanish like that." She could see Tai scoffing at her statement but she didn't care. At this point, she knew Qrow wouldn't just abandon them like Raven did. He genuinely cared about them.
"Is he dead?" Tai asked, though his words no longer held any anger.
"I'm not sure," Ozpin admitted. Summer found herself slightly relieved, at least there was still hope. "I've been trying to get in contact with him for the past month."
"What kind of mission was he on?" Summer pressed on.
Ozpin sipped his tea and began to explain how one of his hunters came back wounded from an unusual Grimm attack, he suspected Salem was behind the new species of Grimm. Qrow, being the one of best hunters at his disposal, was sent out to confirm if he was right. The mission went according to plan at first, Qrow kept in touch with Oz throughout his journey and kept note of all the Grimm he encountered. Then he was gone. Poof.
"I suspect he may have been captured...or killed. I can't be sure at this point."
Summer could only picture him stranded somewhere in the wilderness, dying alone. Even if they weren't sure of his whereabouts she felt so many regrets building up inside her. There were so many things she wanted to tell him, so many lies she wanted to put to rest.
"He could've gone quiet to keep himself safe and under the radar," Tai suggested in an attempt to spark some hope.
"I know, but with Salem possibly involved his chances of survival are significantly low." Ozpin clarified grimly. "His loyalty to me only makes the situation worse..."
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Summer's response made Tai visibly irritated. She chose to ignore his silent pleas to stop talking.
Ozpin glanced between the two of them before continuing," if Qrow is indeed gone then I need someone of equal strength and experience to take his place. I was hoping Summer would go out there and investigate, her silver eyes are one of the greatest weapons we got against Salem. Of course, considering your current circumstance, I won't force you to go."
"Thank you, Professor." Tai spoke before Summer got the chance to. "We appreciate your understanding."
She knew Tai only meant well. They both knew how serious of a threat Salem was and there was too much to lose at this point. That, however, was unable to tame Summer's newfound anger.
"On a lighter note, I'm so happy to finally see you two settle down with a family. Are you going to train the girls?"
Tai's stiff shoulders dropped and he relaxed into his chair," we're considering but Summer is a bit reluctant since..."
Summer tuned everything out. There were too many things racing through her mind. Not only was Qrow missing, and maybe even dead, but Salem was possibly preparing for a return. If what Oz said was true then her active presence in the future will only cause more pain. So many brave and innocent souls will fall to her hands. Families will be torn apart and friends will scatter.
She thought of Ruby and Yang growing up in a world of war. If Salem continues the build in power, Summer's daughters will no doubt be forced into the battlefield. Their chances of living a normal, happy life will forever be lost in bloodshed. They'd be throwing their lives away for a battle that can't possibly be won. That's not to mention the burden Ruby will have being a silver-eyed warrior.
"I apologize for taking up so much of your time." Ozpin placed his now empty cup onto the coffee table and stood up.
"No problem, Professor." Tai rose to his feet as well. "If you get any additional news-"
"Ozpin," Summer curtly piped into the conversation. Both men turned their heads at her direction in surprise. "I want to help find Qrow and finish what he started."
Tai looked like she'd stabbed him in the back.
"Are you sure, Summer?" Ozpin challenged. "If what I think is true then you'll be walking into grave danger."
"Yes," Summer didn't hesitate to answer. If it meant protecting Ruby from doing the same thing then she'd be willing to do anything. "Where do I have to go?"
"Summer," Tai snapped through clenched teeth. "What are you doing?"
"I want to stop Salem, Ozpin." Summer chose to ignore Tai. She knew he'd give her a good lecture afterwards but that didn't matter. Not when her daughters' lives were at risk. "I know it's impossible for me and Tai to go together, but I'm fine with fighting solo." Her words seemed to physically hit Tai.
Ozpin glanced uncomfortably between the two of them,"...very well...I can send you Qrow's last known location." He said, taking out his scroll from his pocket. "And secondly, I'm not asking you to fight Salem if she is present. That would be foolish even for a strong huntress like you—only attack if she notices you. I simply need you to confirm my suspicions so we can plan for the future accordingly."
Ozpin clicked several things on his scroll before slipping it back in his pocket," I know this is still a difficult decision to make and I won't blame you for backing down."
"I won't back down," she assured firmly. "When do I need to leave?"
"It's best to go as soon as possible, you'll be travelling across the ocean."
Summer rubbed her chin, weighing her options in her head. "Can you give me three days to prepare?"
"Of course," Ozpin nodded. "I can order a plane ticket for you when I get back to Beacon."
"Thank you."
Ozpin continued to look between Tai and Summer with concern," yes...well I should get going."
"Let me show you out." Tai offered stiffly.
While Tai bid the professor good bye, Summer dashed to her room and picked up her scroll. She eagerly pressed on the information Ozpin sent and scanned through its content.
She was quick to learn why Qrow was gone for so long. The town he stayed in was small and was surrounded by nothing but trees and mountains. He'd practically searched through the entire area surrounding the town he was staying at. His last known location was in the mountains, the furthest location he's gone from the town.
'Looks like my search will be easy,' she thought, switching her scroll off.
A click of a door caught sounded behind her. She didn't need to look to know Tai had joined her in their room.
"Why did you do it?" He interrogated weakly. "Is he really worth your life?"
"It's not just about him," she explained gently, all the while keeping her back towards him. She couldn't face him. "If Salem is active again then that could mean trouble for everyone."
"But you don't have to go," he insisted. She heard him pacing around the room. "Ozpin has thousands of hunters and huntresses he can ask. I-it doesn't have to be you."
"I can't just sit here and do nothing, Tai. I became a huntress not because I wanted to fight when it was convenient, I did it to protect people from danger."
"You wouldn't be going if Qrow wasn't in danger." Tai's voice was gradually getting louder. That prompted a spike of anger to rise within Summer.
"He's not the only reason-"
"I don't understand why you keep defending someone like him. He abandoned us like his sister, h-he broke your heart numerous times and yet you still go crawling back to him."
"You don't know what we talk about behind closed doors. You don't know what he's willing to sacrifice to keep me safe." She shot back heatedly. It was that last sentence that shot a tinge of pain through her chest.
"He's no different from Raven, Summer. He left you behind with a child, if it weren't for me-"
"Stop projecting your own hate onto someone else!" She twirled around to face him. He was frozen in place on the other side of the room, his shoulders slightly trembling.
"Look, this isn't just about him." She added calmly. "It's about protecting the innocent and their families."
"Then what about your family? What about Ruby and Yang?" Tai collapsed to his knees, shaking.
Summer's anger quickly dissolved into guilt. She placed her scroll down and made her way to Tai's side.
"W-what about me?" He added in a whisper.
She knelt next to him and wrapped her arms around him. He may not have held a special place in her heart like Qrow did, but he was still the man who was there for her when their team fell apart. He willingly took Ruby in as his own and loved her unconditionally. They've been through the thick and the thin together with their little girls. It most definitely hurt to see him so defeated.
"I'm sorry, Tai." She whimpered. "I need to do this. I want Ruby and Yang to grow up in a peaceful world, maybe then we wouldn't have to train them to be like us."
"And what if you die?" Tai looked at her with red, puffy eyes. "I...I can't lose you too."
"I'll come back," she promised. "As the leader of team STRQ I'll return without fail. I promise."
He pulled her into a tight hug, knocking the breath out of her," I love you, Summer. Please...please don't leave me. I don't want to be alone."
She hugged him back and squeezed her burning eyes shut," I'm sorry, Tai. I'm sorry."
Tai took the next three days off to take care of Ruby and Yang while Summer prepared for the mission. On the first day, Summer spent her extra free time to polish her sword and train in the backyard. Her girls would occasionally flood out the house to see her train, awing and cheering at each move.
Tai came out at one point to train with her. Yang was practically cheering her lungs out at their fight. Summer found her fight with Tai to be difficult at first. Tai was relentless toward her as if trying to prove she wasn't ready to take on what was out there. Summer, however, persisted and with due time defeated him. At night she set out to slay the local Grimm, pushing her body to its limit. When she returned Tai was still up, waiting for her with a snack and a cup of tea.
That was her rigorous routine until the day she had to leave.
Summer was examining herself in the bathroom mirror. It'd been so long since she wore her huntress gear that it almost looked foreign on her. She swung her bag over her shoulders and marched out.
"Wow, mom looks so cool!" Yang exclaimed the moment she stepped into the living room.
Yang and Ruby were sprawled on the floor with dozens of crayons papers spread around them.
"Why thank you." Summer whipped her cloak back to reveal the sword strapped to her side. Both Yang and Ruby's eyes widened with awe.
"I wanna be like mommy when I grow up." Ruby chimed.
'If things go well then maybe you don't have to.' She thought.
"I hate to interrupt you showing off," Tai said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "But have you checked over your bag yet?"
"Yes, I even made sure to triple check through everything before bed," Summer rolled her eyes. "I'm not a child anymore."
"I'm just looking out for you," Tai pulled her closer to him. "It's still not too late to change your mind." He added so quietly that only Summer could hear.
She wordlessly pushed herself out of his arms and straightened her cloak," girls, while I'm gone I want you to be behave and listen to daddy. If you're good then I'll bake cookies when I come back."
"Don't worry, mom! We'll be super good!" Yang pumped her fists in the air.
Ruby got up from her spot on the floor and clumsily ran to Summer, latching herself tightly around Summer's leg. "Can I come too, mommy?"
She could sense Tai giving her an 'I told you so' look. While Yang understood why Summer had to leave, Ruby was still too young to grasp the importance of her departure. It was equally as difficult for Summer and Tai to elaborate on their circumstance without scaring her to death.
Summer knelt down to her daughter's eye level," sweetheart, I can't take you along. It's too dangerous for you to go." She ruffled Ruby's dark hair.
"But...when will you come home?"
"I don't know," she saw tears well in her daughter's eyes at the answer. "Don't worry, Ruby, I'll come back before you know it."
"Promise?" Ruby held out her small pinky.
Summer smiled and latched her own pinky around her's," I promise." With that she wrapped her arms around Ruby and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I'll miss you," she kissed Ruby on the head.
"I love you, mommy." Her tiny arms latched around Summer.
"I love you too, sweetie."
"C'mon, kiddo," Tai called out to Yang. "Let's give mom one last hug before she leaves."
Within seconds Summer was smothered with hugs and kisses from both Yang and Ruby. She wished she could've stayed there forever with them in her arms. With great reluctance, she broke their group hug and backed away from the girls.
"Stay safe out there." Tai pulled her into another embrace. "And please come back." He planted a kiss on her cheek. She held back the urge to shrink away from him.
"I-I will," she hugged him back. "Have some faith in me."
"Ew, mommy and daddy are being gross!" Yang squealed, blocking Ruby's eyes from the scene.
Tai and Summer broke into laughter and separated.
"Well, I'll be seeing you all later." She scanned her family one last time before heading out.
"Kick some Grimm butt, mom!" Yang called out behind her.
"Come home soon, mommy! I love you!" Ruby added in an equally cheerful tone.
Their voices grew quiet once she stepped out of the house. She leaned against the door and sighed, the tears she'd been holding back finally allowed to trail down her cheeks.
"I'll come back, Ruby." She promised firmly. "No matter what I'll always come back to you."