Chapter 1

April 4th, 80 After Great War, Beacon Academy

The sun rose high above the school as the teaching year was in full effect. Summer looked out the window, witnessing students quickly moving about the courtyard, heading to their classes. Overall, it was a comforting feeling seeing Beacon Academy.

'So,' Light Summer commented, 'We actually made it.'

'Yes,' Dark Summer replied, 'We have.'

'Certainly the best case scenario for you, am I right?'

'Don't get funny with me, Light. We made it, but my idea wasn't to have us get quote unquote 'caught', and then our condition publicly announced to the world.'

'Hey, we play with the deck we're given.'

Summer looked down to the floor, a single raven feather on it. Before the sun had even risen, Raven was reported missing. It didn't surprise her or her teammates. Raven wouldn't want her 'Bandit Queen' image ruined, so her only payment, besides getting Summer back, would be to never mention her involvement. The cover story being the fourth one was a freelance Huntsman called Suede Onym, and that she was killed during the mission. When they presented the cover story to her children and her teammates, as well as another team called JNPR, most of them agreed to tell the lie, with a redhead called Nora being a little harder to convince.

'Seriously, though, a Schnee?!' Dark exclaimed, 'What luck did we get for our children to end up on a Schnee's team?'

'Oh, don't be a Qrow.'

'I'm only saying that, if that girl is team leader, Ruby is going to have a rough time. We know Atlesians can be very uptight.'

'Yes, but I'm pretty sure Yang will knock some sense into that girl.'

'Yes, but that won't detract that she will likely be a weak spot for the team.'

'Oh?'

'While we fought against that A-Nuckle, I surveyed what each of their teammates could do. Blake is clearly a hit-and-run player, while Weiss is the support. However, support Huntsmen are usually the first targeted in a gunfight, and she barely took a few hits before losing Aura.'

'Well, that's why Yang is the front-liner. Her Semblance compliments that. And Ruby is also in the support category.'

'No, she's in the burst damage category/support. Sniper rifles for obvious support, while the scythe is burst damage. The Schnee's weapon is much to be desired. A rapier? Clearly too fanciful to be an effective melee weapon. She would be far better off in a strict support role, but, as we know, Schnees are prideful.'

'Why so critical all of a sudden. You were clearly happy yesterday.'

'And you are still being naive. I was happy that we got to see our daughters. Now I'm preparing for when Salem makes another move to try to get them.'

'You really think that she'll make another move?'

'She has two options: Continue her plans normally, not risking them in the process; Or shift to trying to capture us or Ruby, or Yang to get to us or Ruby.'

'Okay, that's a fair point. But Salem likes to play the long game, as Ozpin~'

'Say his name again, and I'll silence you once more.' Dark's tone made it clear that she didn't want to hear his name. Light grunted in annoyance. Dark may no longer have the intention of 'deleting' her, but it doesn't mean that Dark can't silence her either. In simple terms, her execution may have been canceled, but she was still 'locked behind bars', so to speak.

'You get my point. She likely won't risk another attack, not when her current plans may end up giving her an opportunity.'

'All the more reason to get them prepared. The fact that they don't know about what's really out there~'

'What, you planning on telling them?'

'We can discuss this later. Right now, we should~'

"ARK!"

'Ah, right, forgot about him.'

Summer turned, seeing Zwei sitting in front of her. While the others were getting their stuff in order, Zwei wouldn't leave, curious about the new individual. While Tai and Qrow were a little concerned about Zwei, Ruby and Yang had no objections.

'How could you forget something so CUTE!'

'Cute? What I find cute~'

'Is far more violent than what I find cute, just enjoy the little guy.'

"Thanks for helping us with our stuff, Miss Hill." Blake said as Robyn placed her luggage in the corner of the room. While RWBY and JNPR were discharged from the medical ward, several of them had to wear casts due to fractured/broken limbs. The doctors said their Auras should heal them enough to remove them by tomorrow, but full healing, especially for the broken limbs, would require a full week, so no combat exercises until then. As such, they needed assistance moving their luggages. Clover and Qrow were helping JNPR, while Robyn and Tai were helping RWBY. Currently, the students were in their Huntsmen attire, though they were told that they'd have to switch to their school uniforms by tomorrow.

"Honestly," Yang complained, "Why couldn't we just park our stuff in the dorm room we stayed in last night."

"Because that's for guests, Yang." Ruby retorted.

"It's no trouble, Miss Belladonna," Robyn replied, "It's the least we can do."

A grunt was heard behind her, as Ruby dragged her luggage, while Tai came in holding Yang's.

"No," Ruby said, "You helped Uncle Qrow get our mom back. That's beyond what you could've done for us."

"Frankly," Yang added, "Asking you guys to help us move our bags seems a little insulting."

"Come on, girls," Tai replied, "It's not bad if they want to help, is it?"

"Sometimes," Weiss retorted, "A person offering their help too much can be a bad thing."

"How?" Ruby questioned.

"If you're so easy to offer your help, some people might be able to manipulate that."

Ruby grimaces at the words. She always liked helping others, but the idea of someone using her helpful nature for selfish reasons?

"Believe me," Robyn replied, "I've had more than a few encounters like that. But my Semblance helped me pick out the false flaggers."

"What is it?" Blake questioned.

"Lie Detection. By placing my hand on someone, I'm able to tell if they're lying or not."

"Oooh," Ruby exclaimed, bursting over to her, "How does it work? What if they think they know the truth, but it's something else? What if the person believes their own lie? Wait, is that the same thing?"

Robyn was leaning back ever slightly as Ruby kept pestering her questions. She gave a false smile, but was slightly creeped out by her intuitiveness. She reminded her of Fiona, just much more forward with her curiosity. Then Ruby was tugged back by her cloak.

"Okay, Ruby," Tai intervened, holding Ruby's cloak, "I think you're freaking out dear Hill. Sorry, she's a bit of a Huntsman fan girl."

"Daaaad!" Ruby pouted, cheeks puffed up and arms crossed after she yanked the cloak away from

'They are way too casual about this?' Robyn thought, 'Then again, with how crazy Qrow and Raven are, maybe that's to be expected.' Robyn then looked around the room. "Um, quick question: How are you going to arrange your room?"

"That's a good question?" Blake added.

"I doubt all our stuff could fit…," Weiss finished, "Comfortably, or efficiently. Especially the beds."

Tai chuckled, "I told you girls to not pack too much."

"Hey," Yang retorted, "I didn't bring enough bags to require an assistant." She jabbed a thumb at Weiss, who scoffed.

"Those are essential, mind you."

"Really?" Yang raised a flat hand to her hip, "Waist high bag pile, full of essentials?"

"To be fair, Yang," Blake retorted, "She is an heiress."

"Good point."

Ruby snorted while Weiss looked offended.

"Why you~!"

While Yang and Weiss bickered, Robyn was helping Blake unpack her bags, when Robyn spotted a book in one of them.

'Well, didn't think a teenager would read this.' She picked up the book, and gave an amused look to Blake.

'What's she~' Blake thought, then her eyes went wide when she saw the book, Ninjas of Love.

"Really?" Robyn whispered, to which the book somehow disappeared, and was now in Blake's hands, as she tried to hide said book. Robyn merely rolled her eyes.

'Kids will be kids. Even for smut like that.'

"Why not bunk beds?" Ruby interjected, "We need space, and we don't want to get rid of any of our stuff, so let's just have bunk beds."

"That sounds a little dangerous." Weiss replied.

"Got to agree with the Schnee." Tai added, concern building up. While he wasn't opposed to the idea, making two beds that weren't designed to be bunk beds into said beds might be a little…hazardous.

"But it'd be awesome." Yang retorted.

"And it would conserve space." Blake added.

"Kids have a point." Robyn finished.

"Uuuh," Weiss said cautiously, "Maybe we should put it to a vote."

"I think we already did." Yang smirkingly retorted, with three in favor and two against.

"Well," Tai interjected, "Not without supervision, you aren't!"

At that moment, there was a crashing sound outside the room, followed by a familiar drunk groaning. Ruby and Yang giggled at their uncle's misfortune. Neither of them knew of Qrow Semblance, so all the…unfortunate things that happened to him, they passed it off as comedic mishaps.

Robyn rolled her eyes. "I'm going to go make sure whatever broke wasn't too painful. You good with them, one armed?"

"Seriously, that's your nickname for me?"

"Hey, I've only known you for a day, and that's the most glaring feature here."

Tai shrugged, fair point. "I'll be good. Just need to help my girls get the last of their stuff out."

Robyn nodded, leaving the room. At that moment, Tai's face became serious.

"Miss Schnee, Belladonna, could you give me a moment with my girls."

"Of course/Sure." Weiss and Blake replied, leaving the room.

"What's up, dad?" Yang inquired, to which their father knelt down to them.

"How are you holding up?"

Both sisters tensed up. Despite their cheerful appearance, it was clear things were forever changed, and not in a perfectly good way.

"Well," Ruby rubbed her shoulder, "This certainly isn't how I expected the week to go."

"Yeah," Yang added, "First the attack on Patch, losing our home, then mom coming back. Just…honestly, how do you expect us to feel?"

"Exhausted, for starters. But, I want you to know that, know matter what, I'm proud of you girls."

"Dad," Ruby stated, "Where will you be staying?"

"Me and Qrow will be renting an apartment in Vale for now. Ozpin was kind enough to foot the bill for the next few months. Worst case scenario, I'll be living in Signal's Faculty Dorms."

"You're still going to teach?!"

"Hey, I only lost an arm. That doesn't rob me of my skills at teaching. Though, they did tell me to wait a month before I try to get back to work."

"Dad," Yang deadpanned, "I think we've already said this, but you're crazy."

"Hey!" Tai replied, mockingly offended, "I have to be, because you girls drive me mad at times."

The three chuckled, but Tai's face grew serious once more.

"Look, I know things are…well, they're beyond messed up right now. But, we'll make it through this. Summer will make it through this. I mean, she fought to get back to us. Now it's our job to make sure she stays with us."

"Don't worry dad. We'll see her every day."

"And," Yang cracked her neck, "If anyone even tries anything funny~"

"Yaaang." Tai warned.

"What? No one insults our family and gets away with it."

Tai merely raised an eyebrow. "Yang, you know the rules."

"Yeah, yeah, I get the whole schtick. You shouldn't hurt bullies, as it merely makes you as bad as them."

"That's not what I remember." Ruby retorted.

"What?" Both Yang and Tai exclaimed.

"I remember 'Don't hurt bullies, unless you're sure you won't get caught.'"

"Who said~" Tai then stopped himself, and facepalmed, "Qrow."

"Yep." Ruby said cheerily.

(Several Minutes Earlier)

Robyn left the room, quickly entering JNPR's dorm room. Upon entering, she saw Clover holding a wall shelf that appeared to have a screw missing.

"Everything okay in here?" Robyn questioned.

"Right as a thunderstorm." Nora happily replied.

"Well, I just came to see what Qrow broke."

"Mr. Branwen didn't break anything," Pyrrha retorted softly, "The shelf just broke on its own."

"Darn," Clover said sarcastically, "Wonder why that happened?"

Qrow narrowed his eyes, but didn't say a word. He didn't like having his Semblance telegraphed to others, so Clover and Robyn made sure to keep their mouths shut.

"So, what's the layout for your room?"

"Huh?" Jaune questioned.

"Where will you each be sleeping?"

"Oh, uh, me and Ren will be on this side, while Pyrrha and Nora will be on the opposite."

"Boys and girls. Classic, though, any arrangement would be classic in this situation."

"How are team RWBY doing in their room?"

"They'll be doing bunk beds."

Nora gasped in excitement. "Bunk beds?!" In a blink of an eye, she was upon Ren, shaking him. "Ren! We need to have bunk beds, too!"

"Nora, that's up to Jaune."

"Hey, don't look at me! I'm not even sure if our beds could do that."

"Neither should team RWBY," Pyrrha added, "Is that safe?"

"We'll find out in a few minutes. Well, I just came by to see if anything was broken. You got this, Clover."

When Clover nodded, Robyn nodded to the others, then left the room. As she did so, Weiss and Blake left their dorm.

"What do you girls need?"

"Taiyang wanted to talk to Ruby and Yang." Weiss answered.

"Ahh." 'Makes sense he wants to talk to them. Make sense of the whole situation. I might as well do it with these two.' "Mind if I speak to you for a minute?"

The three walked down the hallway, stopping at the end of it.

"So, how are you two handling the whole 'Summer' situation?"

"Honestly," Blake, "It's disturbing that there are Grimm that can lull you into a sleep you'll never wake from."

"Agreed," Weiss added, "It's a more twisted version of an Apathy Grimm. At least they'd kill you quickly…ish. But, with the Siren, you'd never know you're dead until after the fact."

"Yes. But I'm not referring to the Siren, I'm referring to Summer herself."

"Well, I pity them."

"I'd be surprised if you didn't."

"Hey, just because I'm heiress to the SDC doesn't mean I can't show pity."

"Never said you didn't. But I agree that Ruby and Yang are in a very difficult position. Won't surprise me if some of the other students might bully the two for it."

"True," Robyn replied, "It's a good thing they're studying here at Beacon. While James may be working on the racism, Atlas and Mantle certainly aren't friendly to…foreign elements. And how do you intend to treat your teammates?"

"As we told the others," Blake answered, "We'll be sticking with them. Even in the unlikely event all the other students shun them, we'll be with them."

"Good." Robyn then noticed the scar on Weiss's eye and, deciding to change the subject, inquired about it. "When did you bang up your pretty face there, Schnee? Your last performance was just a month ago, and you certainly didn't have that."

"You watch my performances?"

Robyn shook her head. "No, but one of my teammates likes your music, so I occasionally see glimpses of them on the TV."

Weiss raised an eyebrow, but shook her head. "Simply put, my father," Robyn noticed the barely noticeable disdain in her voice at the word, "Was not pleased with my decision to come to Beacon Academy. So, he decided to test me. If I succeeded, I could go. Failure would mean giving up on my goals of becoming a Huntress."

Blake's eyes widened marginally. "I'm surprised he would do such a thing."

"My family life isn't privy to you, but my father is…very determined with keeping the 'legacy' of my family intact."

"So what was your 'test'?" Robyn inquired.

"I had to face a large suit of armor possessed by multiple Geist Grimm."

Both Robyn and Blake widened their eyes, with Blake about to respond, but Weiss cut her off.

"Before you ask, my sister was at the ready incase things went wrong."

"That doesn't explain the scar, though."

Weiss sighed, "I made a rookie mistake, and the Grimm got a hit on my face, hence the scar."

"But it should've healed regardless," Robyn retorted, "I've gotten wounds that should've been scars, but my Aura, once it got back up, would heal fully."

Weiss looked annoyed, and turned away, but, to Robyn, it was clear she was embarrassed.

"I…" Weiss stated, "Used my Semblance after that to defeat the Grimm."

"You…what?" Blake exclaimed.

Contrary to popular belief, you can use your Semblance without your Aura. However, as Semblances need a source of energy to power them, rather than take from your Aura, it drains your very body. It's a risky, last ditch maneuver that most people don't consider, or even know, as the risks are substantial. Potential brain damage, adverse side effects, and, cherry on the cake, any injuries sustained during that period could become permanent, possibly even fatal.

"You really wanted to win, didn't you." Robyn stated, rather than questioned.

"I'm a Schnee. If I'm not excelling, then I need to improve."

'Ah, there's the Schnee.' Blake and Robyn thought.

Ozpin looked over Beacon Academy, the sun setting in the distance. He watched as students quickly moved about the courtyard, some heading to their dorms while others mingled with each other, a few getting into bullheads and heading to Vale. Overall, you could be forgiven for thinking it was business as usual. However, Ozpin knew better.

It wasn't even half an hour from the announcement of Summer's 'condition' when he was forced into an emergency meeting with the Vale Council, for the upteenth time in recent memory. The meeting was, as expected, concerning Summer. Councilor Leng recommended, at the end, in his words, ending Summer's suffering, as no Hunstman should have to suffer through that. He nearly chuckled at the statement, as practically every teacher in Beacon would be in his way. Councilor Udina wanted Summer shipped off to Atlas, so that she can be studied. He did try to play it off as 'Trying to find a cure' but he wasn't opposed to if she ended up dying, as unlikely as that would be. Councilor Shepard was the only one who seemed to be on his side, though she did agree with Udina that Summer should be sent to Atlas, but more because Beacon didn't have the equipment to contain Summer if something went wrong.

Ozpin pointed out that, since Ruby and Yang, Summer's daughters, were at Beacon Academy, keeping Summer here would no doubt help ease Summer's mind, allowing her to maintain control. When they countered by saying that team RWBY should perhaps be transferred to Atlas Academy, Ozpin pointed out Ruby Rose. Confused, he simply said this:

"Miss Rose was moved up two years. She had to leave behind every friend she knew in order to attend Beacon Academy. And now you're expecting her, Miss Xiao Long, and Miss Belladonna to leave behind their kingdom, and come to a kingdom that operates on different rules. Simply put, if Ruby and Yang are not comfortable, then Summer will know, and that discomfort may prove disastrous."

They conceded at that point, quickly ending the meeting afterwards. Their concerns were reflective of Vale itself. Many people in the city had mixed opinions, most of them debating on whether Beacon was a safe place to 'store' Summer. Patch and Signal Academy, unsurprising, had near universal support for Summer. Almost every adult there knew her, and to hear that she had returned brought joy to the town. Doctor Revere, Headmaster of Signal, even made a comment about Summer's Grave being destroyed as a sign that she would return. Ozpin chuckled at that.

Ozpin's desk made several beeping sounds, indicating a video call. Ozpin walked to it, sitting down as he answered. A screen appeared in front of him, showing James Ironwood.

"James," Ozpin said softly, a grin on his face, "How are you doing?"

"Better," James sighed, rubbing his eyes, "Hopefully I'll actually get some sleep tonight."

"Mettle giving you trouble?"

"Beyond. We both know how it works."

"Yes. It's both a blessing and a curse. It keeps you focused, but, if you can't control it, it can give you tunnel vision."

"Yes. Almost every waking minute it was pushing me. It was the worst during Council meetings. Honestly, sometimes I just wanted to pull a gun out on them and make it quieter," James's eyes widened, "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"James," Ozpin said softly but sternly, "You have done enough. Get some sleep, old friend. Atlas won't collapse on itself just because you take an in office nap."

James shook his head. "After this. I assume the Vale Council was quite divisive on Summer."

"You'd be correct. In general, they want Summer moved to Atlas, either to study, or because it's more secure. I've since dissuaded their opinion on it."

"That's…actually what I'm here to talk about. If Summer can't be move to Atlas, then the next best thing is to have some of Atlas's best come to Beacon."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"

"A single airship, minimal military staff, a single Atlesian Specialist, as well as Doctor Pietro Polendina, one of Atlas's top scientists. They'll be sent to Beacon, and will dock at Beacon."

"And you're not concerned that the Vale Council will not object?"

"Considering that they'll be placed under your direct command for the duration, I find it unlikely."

"Very well. Who is the Specialist?"

"Winter Schnee?"

Ozpin raised an eyebrow.

"I understand that Weiss Schnee has gone to Beacon, so I'll make things clear. I did not choose Winter because of it. She's one of my best, second only to Clover. However, if what his report told me, I'll have to personally debrief both him and Robyn Hill when they get back."

Ozpin nodded. Qrow told him that both Clover and Robyn know about Salem and the shadow war. He decided to wait and see what James would do before making his own conclusion. Since James would be informing them, he decided to let it be.

"Very well then, I'll~"

"One other thing."

Ozpin motioned for James to continue.

"Four new students from Atlas will be transferring to Beacon."

"And why is that, James?"

"Doctor Polendina's daughter, Penny, is…very shut in. He didn't like the idea of leaving her alone in Atlas, and so, when I told him the situation regarding Summer, his only demand was that his daughter would come with him. The only issue is that the teams were already formed. So, in order to bring her to Beacon~"

"All four will have to come. Very well then. It only makes sense, after all. Your request is accepted."

James smirked. As it was business only involving the two Academies, there technically wasn't a need for a Council vote. The benefits of loopholes.

"Thank you, Ozpin. They should arrive in about a week."

"Send me a dossier on the team. And, one more thing. Get some sleep."

"I will try." With that, the screen vanished, and a digital file appeared on his desk.

Team COPR

Ciel Soleil (Click for more information)

Ostal Munhowl (Click for more information)

Penny Polendina (Click for more information)

Renni Munhowl (Click for more information)

Ozpin decided he'd check the dossiers later. For now, he picked up his mug, and turned the chair around, looking out to the skies. Tomorrow, both he and Glynda would question Summer on whatever she knew, as well as see if she could pick up the trail of the person who was using her swords. He had no idea what Salem's next move would be. He could only hope that Summer's arrival had thwarted it.

Author's Notes: It's FINALLY here! Volume 2 of Mama Hound. A much more slow and happier tone than the previous story, but that's mainly because Salem is backing off, for now. I hope it was worth the wait, as this story is going to be much more difficult for me to write. In short, I'm going to find it hard to write this Volume without simply railroading stuff we've already seen in the show, for reasons you can deduce later in the story.

As for Weiss using her Semblance without Aura, this is simply my headcanon as to why she could still use her Semblance with her Aura gone.

Now, onto other things. First, RWBY Ice Queendom. Personally, I think it's good. I watched it as if I'm someone who's never seen the original show, and it does seem like it's pacing is quick, but that makes sense. My only gripe is that they cut the dock fight scene at the end of Volume 1. As for the fights, I'm not expecting Monty level choreography, as I believe Monty was a 'once in a generation' level animator, so I don't compare the fight animations to the original. Overall, a decent 7/10, possibly higher if the quality stays throughout Ice Queendom Volume 1.

As for the content we recieved regarding Volume 9, I had a feeling they'd go for an Alice in Wonderland feeling. It's too early for me to give a definite opinion on it, though, so we'll just have to wait. I can completely understand the long wait, though, as, not only did we have to deal with a turbulent past few years, but they're also making Arrowfell, Ice Queendom, and, apparently, a RWBY/Justice League crossover film. That's a lot on their plate, and I'm glad they decided to take their time.

As always, leave a review, fav/follow, and welcome to RWBY: Mama Hound Volume 2.

Next Update: The Warlock and the Harpy.