A/N: When Team RNJR arrive at Haven, they are eventually greeted by more than just a new face.

https://youtu.be/XzQnZtdvsLc

Qrow and Team RNJR were walking through a stone brick tunnel illuminated by translucent lanterns.

Nora: Whose idea was it to walk again?

Ren: Well, we did face many obstacles. Broken airships, destroyed settlements...

Jaune: Oh, and, you know, all those people and monsters that tried to murder us.

Rub: Pfft, we were fine.

She looked at Qrow with a smile.

Ruby: Only one of us almost died.

Qrow: Hey.

He said as he looked at Ruby, smiling back. Nora put her hands on her hips and looked at Ren, whom soon looked to her.

Ren: Hey.

Nora giggled in response.

Jaune: So, how much farther to Haven Academy?

Qrow: Almost there. But I figured I'd take you kids on the scenic route.

The group approached a pair of large, wooden double doors, which Qrow opened, flooding the tunnel with sunlight. Ruby ran out onto a massive platform that doubled as an elevator, stopping at the railing to gaze out over the city in wide-eyed awe.

Ruby: Wow!

The others joined her to take in the view of buildings and stone stairways perched on mountains.

Ruby: This ...is ...awesome!

Below them, large crowds of people were going about their day - walking around, talking and buying merchandise legally and illegally.

Qrow: It's certainly something.

Ruby soon noticed a kiosk selling weapons.

Ruby: Oh my gosh, look at all the weapons!

Qrow: Vendors here'll sell you just about anything... whether they should or not.

Jaune: They really made the most out of these mountains.

Qrow: Every inch. Stay away from the lower levels. The higher up you go, the nicer it gets.

Nora: And we are going up!

She said while pointing upward. Elsewhere, An Atlesian cargo airship was flying over an enormous lake.

Weiss: So, how much farther?

Pilot: We're in the home stretch now.

In the pilot's box of the ship, Weiss stood in the back, leaning against a wall with her arms crossed.

Pilot: No more stops from here to Mistral. Sorry for the long trip. Keeping us off the radar's been harder than I thought. Lots of air traffic around northern Anima.

Weiss: It's fine. I ...just hope I haven't been a burden.

Pilot: You and your money are more than welcome on this ship, kid.

The ship's radio suddenly picked up a transmission.

Pilot: What the...?

He reached over and adjusted a slider, evening out the wavelengths on the screen.

Weiss: Is everything okay?

Pilot: I don't know. We're still over Lake Matsu. Shouldn't be picking up broadcasts this far from Mistral. Someone must be close.

A female Mistral pilot began speaking over the radio in a panic. Hearing this, Weiss stood up straight and listened closely.

Mistral Pilot: Mayday, mayday! We are a small passenger flight, and our Huntress is down! We aren't equipped to deal with this!

Pilot: Oh man.

Mistral Pilot: The Grimm hit us 400 klicks north of the southern shoreline!

Weiss' eyes widened as the sound of an explosion and the Mistral Pilot gasping could be heard.

Mistral Pilot: Get them off us! If anyone can hear this ......Ah!

Weiss' expression grew even more concerned as the Mistral Pilot cried out and the transmission abruptly ended. The Atlas pilot turned off his radio and turned the ship. Weiss walked over to him and grabbed onto a handle in the ceiling.

Weiss: We're going to help them, right?

Pilot: What? No. I'm trying to avoid them.

Weiss: But ...they'll die.

Pilot: Look, if we picked up their transmission, I'm sure someone else did, too. Besides, this is a cargo ship. She's not much good in a fight. I just wanna finish this job and get home. Sorry, kid. My ship, my rules.

Weiss closed her eyes for a moment, then gazed out the windshield as the ship turned to the right and continued flying over the lake.

(Meanwhile).

Multiple Grimm were either on the ground, dead, or some even backing away from the battle that was going on between your soldiers and a few of the Grimm. It was comprised of the more well known Grimm like Beowolves and Ursai. But then others that resembled things such as lions, tigers and crocodiles appeared along with them. But despite the new breeds, You and the soldiers were able to push them back.

Ridley: They seem to be retreating.

Militia: Well, that's a surprise. Considering how they usually keep fighting, no matter how much of them are killed.

Coco: Though to be honest, considering who we have on our side.

She said as she and the others were watching you among the soldiers, hacking away of the remaining attacking Grimm. Two of the crocodile like Grimm known as Snapjaws tried to lung and ram their jaws into your flesh. But you dodged, ramming a ki blade into the mouth of the creature while tossing the other one high into the air.

Melanie: He's really gotten a lot faster with his fighting.

Coco: Yeah ......let's just hope that he'll be able to finally put an end to our troubles.

She said as they continued to look on at you, as you slashed the falling Snapjaw in half. Once the Grimm that stayed behind were finished, you turned to look at the girls and smiled. Back at the City, Team RNJR and Qrow entered the campus grounds of Haven Academy, which were devoid of any other people. They stop in a courtyard, where Ruby smiled and wiped a tear from her eye. Jaune placed a hand on her shoulder, and she sighs.

Ruby: We made it.

Qrow stopped behind them, and while they continued on their way, he took a moment to glance around and let out a sigh.

Ruby: Hello?

Inside a hallway, RNJR were continuing to follow Qrow, and Ruby called out once again, louder this time.

Ruby: Hello?!

Nora: Maybe try louder?

Ren: There doesn't seem to be anyone here.

Jaune: Well, I guess school isn't really in session right now. Maybe that's it.

Qrow: No, this isn't right. Come on.

Qrow hurried ahead.

Ruby: Wait for us!

RNJR picked up the pace to catch up, and soon, all five were running to a pair of wooden double doors. Qrow came to a stop in front of them, drew his sword, and extended the blade.

Qrow: Get ready. There could be trouble.

RNJR followed his lead in drawing their weapons. Qrow brought up his foot and kicked the door open. Just on the other side, Leonardo Lionheart widened his eyes, threw his hands into the air, and let out a frightened scream. Jaune, Ruby, and Nora widened their eyes and screamed as well, while Ren gave the headmaster a confused stare. Standing on one foot with his eyes wide, Qrow suddenly looked down, loses his balance, and fell. Shortly after, Lionheart made a noise and briefly fainted. RNJR let their weapons down and stared, dumbfounded, while Qrow sat up.

Ruby: Uh, Professor Lionheart?

Lionheart gasped and sat up.

Lionheart: Qrow! For crying out loud, you nearly scared me half to death!

Qrow stood up with a growl.

Qrow: Me? Why weren't you waiting for us at the entrance?

Lionheart: Huh?

He pulled a pocket watch from his coat and checking it.

Lionheart: Oh, right. Apologies. I guess time slipped away from me.

Qrow: You're joking.

While Lionheart stood up and Team RNJR put their weapons away, Nora then asked a question.

Nora: Where is everybody?

Lionheart: Ah, you must be the students Qrow mentioned.

Ruby: Yes, sir.

She gave a loose salute.

Ruby: Ruby Rose.

Jaune: Jaune Arc.

Nora posed with her arms held stiffly out to the sides.

Nora: Nora Valkyrie.

Ren put his arms behind his back.

Ren: Lie Ren.

Lionheart: A pleasure to meet you all. Leonardo Lionheart, at your service. I'm afraid most of my staff is currently away until classes resume, but......

Hearing this, Qrow briefly clenched his fists and then leaned in toward Lionheart.

Qrow: What? Leo, you can't be serious. Who's guarding the Relic?

Lionheart: Qrow, the children.

Qrow: Already know. I filled them in. What do you mean your staff is away?

Lionheart: You ...filled them in?

Nora: So, is this not going at all like anyone thought it would?

In the front room of the Belladonna Family Home, Ghira and Sun burst in through the front door, angry. Kali watched from the front porch.

Ghira: Unbelievable!

Sun: Total garbage!

Ghira let out a growl, and he and Sun turned to each other.

Ghira and Sun: We can't let them get away with this!

Kali: Well, at least you two can finally agree on something.

They look at her, then back at each other. Sun gave an awkward chuckle while rubbing his head, and Ghira glared slightly and growled while clenching his fists. The three soon had their attention called to Blake, who spoke up from the porch.

Blake: Guys. Everything's going to be okay.

A little while later, Blake exited her father's study, stepping out onto the balcony where an armored guard was standing. The guard turned and addressed her.

Menagerie Guard: Good evening, miss. Can I get you anything?

Blake: Just a little time to myself, if that's alright.

Menagerie Guard: Sure thing. Just call, if you need me.

The guard walked into Ghira's study, shutting the door behind her. Blake took a deep sigh and was soon alerted by a familiar voice.

Ilia: You need better security.

Alarmed, Blake turned to see Ilia drop down onto the railing. The young Belladonna reached for the door, but Ilia held her hand up.

Ilia: Please! I ...I just need to talk.

Blake slowly took her hand away from the door.

Blake: How could you take the fall for them, Ilia?

Ilia: Blake...

Blake: Corsac and Fennec blamed you. We confronted them tonight, and they deny knowing anything and everything found on your Scroll. They talked about how disappointed they were to hear that you'd sided with Adam. But you and I both know they're guilty.

Ilia: You can't prove anything.

Blake: That Scroll might not have been enough to lock them up, but it's enough to sway the Faunus here. When we go public tomorrow, they're not going to stand for any of it. And neither should you.

Ilia removed her mask with a solemn expression on her face.

Ilia: Your plan isn't gonna work, Blake. Please ...just leave Menagerie before it's too late.

Blake stared at her in silence for a few moments.

Blake: You're going to have to make me.

Ilia remained silent for a few moments before responding.

Ilia: I know.

The chameleon Faunus placed her mask on again and stepped backward off the balcony. Blake turned away and gained an angry expression, her cat ears folded. After a moment, the anger faded and she sighed, taking on a saddened expression.

(Back with Team RNJR).

RNJR and Qrow were gathered in Lionheart's office, with the headmaster sitting behind his desk.

Lionheart: I have to say, Qrow, this all seems very reckless, even for you.

Qrow: No, reckless is leaving one of the Relics completely unguarded. It's not checking in with Oz for ages!

Lionheart: There was nothing to check in about before the fall of Beacon, but since that day, Mistral has been in chaos! Vale wasn't the only Kingdom to suffer that night. Everyone was watching. Every house in every Kingdom saw that poor girl ripped to pieces....

Ruby looked away, upset from what he said.

Lionheart: saw monsters crawling over the city, Atlesian Knights attacking citizens...

Jaune grimaced.

Lionheart: and then nothing. You could feel the dread in the air. With all that negativity, you can imagine what it was like when the Grimm came for us.

He said while walking to a window and looking outside.

Lionheart: Mistral's territory is the widest reaching in the world, you know, and that makes it infinitely harder to protect. We lost so many great Huntsmen, teachers from this very institution. And it's only gotten worse.

Ruby: What do you mean?

Lionheart leaned on the windowsill.

Lionheart: We may have dealt with the Grimm, but the Mistral council's still at odds with representatives from Atlas. First, it was the Dust embargo, now it's the closing of borders.

He then turned and looked at Qrow.

Lionheart: I'm not sure what happened to James in Vale, but it seems to have only worsened some of his more unfortunate tendencies. And, on top of everything, we still don't know where the Spring Maiden is.

Qrow: All the more reason we need the Huntsmen and Huntresses here!

Ruby then moved close to the 2.

Ruby: Okay! Okay. Things are bad; they're bad. But we can figure this out. Why is the Spring Maiden so important?

Lionheart was still looking at Qrow.

Lionheart: I thought you filled them in.

Qrow: Mostly filled in. Look, there's a lot to cover, okay? I quit teaching for a reason.

He removed his flask from his shirt and took a drink.

Lionheart: The four Maidens each have the power to perform feats of magic, and they are the only ones capable of reaching the Relics.

Jaune: What?

Qrow: The Relics are each locked inside a chamber that can only be opened by a specific Maiden. Winter for the gift of Creation, Summer for Destruction, Fall for Choice and Spring for Knowledge. Spring is the problem.

Ren: What happened to her?

Lionheart: She was determined, at first, when she inherited her powers, but the weight of responsibility proved to be too much for the child. She... ran. Abandoned her training, everyone. That was over a decade ago. There's no telling where she could be now.

Qrow: I ...know. At least ...I have a pretty good idea.

Lionheart's eyes widened as he stood up.

Lionheart: Are you serious?

Qrow: It's not exactly good news.

The Headmaster walked around to Qrow from behind his desk.

Lionheart: What are you talking about? This is incredible news!

He took Qrow by the shoulders and shook him.

Lionheart: After all these years! Where?!

Qrow shoved him off.

Orow: I did some digging around. Looks like, after Spring ran away, she was picked up by bandits, specifically the Branwen tribe.

Lionheart: Raven.

Ruby let out a small gasp of surprise.

Jaune: Yang's mom?

Qrow: That's right.

Qrow pulled out his Scroll, walking over to and placing it on Lionheart's desk. The hologram monitor on the desk displayed a map of Remnant.

Qrow: That's about where they've set up their main camp. It's where they fall back to after raids and scouting missions. Raven's managed to gain a lot of followers since she returned to the tribe, and I'm sure when the Spring Maiden showed up, it only made things easier.

Lionheart walked over and patted Qrow on the back.

Lionheart: Well, Qrow, I've got to hand it to you. With these coordinates, we can mount a retrieval force and head out in a few weeks.

He then walked over to the computer, while Qrow clenched his fists again.

Qrow: A few weeks?

Lionheart pulled up a hologram keyboard and tapped a few keys, while Qrow's Scroll displayed the text "COPYING FILES", followed by "DISCONNECTED".

Lionheart: That's right.

He then walked back around behind the desk.

Qrow: Leo, maybe you didn't hear me. My sister has the Spring Maiden, and I know where she is. We need to go, as soon as possible!

Lionheart: And perhaps you didn't hear me. This Kingdom is in shambles. "As soon as possible" does not mean tomorrow. It means, as soon as I can convince the council that I need Huntsmen more than they do. Unfortunately, bandit tribes aren't very high on their list of priorities when the threat of war is just on the horizon.

Qrow: Then damn the council. We'll do it ourselves. You and I are trained Huntsmen and these kids aren't exactly pushovers.

Nora: Yeah!

Ren: Perhaps there's a more peaceful way to approach this?

Qrow: We need to get Spring as far away from here as possible. And Raven isn't going to give up her most prized possession without a fight.

Lionheart: Unfortunately, you and your sister are evenly matched. And I'm not the fighter I used to be. No offense, but these students and I can't take on an entire bandit tribe and a Maiden that's no doubt had years to hone her skills. We need to be positive we can apprehend Spring, because if we fail Raven and her tribe will scatter. And we'll be lost. We get one shot at this. And it needs to be perfect.

Qrow stared several beats before sighing.

Orow: You know Oz wouldn't be happy with any of this if he were here.

Lionheart: Perhaps you're right. But he's not. I'm doing the very best I can.

Ruby: There has to be something we can do.

Jaune: What about Cinder? She came with Emerald and Mercury from Haven. Do you have anything on them?

Lionheart: We pulled their files after the Fall of Beacon. Nothing but lies and forgeries.

Jaune tightened his fists and glared at the floor in anger. There was another beat of silence before Qrow spook.

Qrow: Well, I can't say this has been a warm reunion, Leo.

Lionheart: I'm sorry. I know you've all traveled a long way. But I will do everything I can to help.

Qrow: Sure. We'll stay in the city for the time being.

He toke out his Scroll and waggled it at Lionheart.

Qrow: Local comms are still up. Keep in touch.

He then turning away.

Qrow: Come on, kids.

They all begin to leave the room. At the rear, Ruby turned around to face Lionheart again.

Ruby: It was nice meeting you, Professor.

He took a moment to respond.

Lionheart: Likewise.

After Ruby departed, Lionheart hung his head, looking stressed. A holographic W projected up from his desk, followed by the sound of Arthur Watts' voice.

Watts: Oh, Leo. We have got to work on your improvisational skills.

Qrow and Team RNJR walked back down the academy hallway. Nora was the first to stop and speak.

Nora: So, what do we do now?

Qrow sighed and turned around.

Qrow: You four head back to the house. I need a drink.

He walked off, leaving the four teenagers looked at each other with concern.

(TimeSkip).

Qrow sat at a bar, alone and looked down at his glass, not drinking. Oscar soon approached him from behind.

Oscar: Excuse me.

Qrow turned to him.

Qrow: You know, I don't think they allow kids in here, pipsqueak.

Oscar looked at Qrow for a second before turning his head to the side and speaking softly.

Oscar: Shut up, I'm getting there.

He looked back up at Qrow, whose attention he now most definitely had. Qrow's eyes widened slightly and then narrowed with suspicion dawning.

Oscar: Umm ...I'm supposed to tell you ...I'd like my cane back.

Qrow blinked and closed his eyes for a brief moment before nodding with a slight smile. He stood up off of the bar stool and faced Oscar, causing Oscar to take a couple steps back. Qrow lifted the collapsed cane off of his hip.

Qrow: Hmm. It's good to see you again, Oz.

Qrow tossed it at Oscar, who caught it reflexively. The cane immediately extended itself out from the collapsed base when it touched Oscar's hand. Oscar looked down at it, surprised. His other hand came around to hold the shaft before he looked up at Qrow and blinked.

(Elsewhere).

Yang's bike, Bumblebee, was parked at a fuel station named "Just Rite". Inside, a bartender was cleaning a glass.

Just Rite Bartender: Aren't you a little young to be drinking?

Yang took off her aviator sunglasses.

Yang: A water. It's hot out.

Just Rite Bartender: Ohhh. Sure.

He went below the counter and laughter came from the drunk man a few seats down from Yang.

Shady Man: Are you telling me you're too young to drink? You look like a regular Huntress. And a beauty at that.

Yang: I'm good. Thanks, pal.

He approached yang undeterred.

Shady Man: Seriously. Not too bulky. Not too lean. You're...

Yang: Just right. Yup. Like I said, I'm good.

The mook put his hand on the countertop next to Yang with a soft moan before reaching out with his other.

Shady Man: And your hair...

Yang grabbed his wrist before he could touch her hair. When she turned to face him, her eyes were glowing red, startling him.

Shady Man: Huh?

He barely glanced in the correct direction before Yang's metal fist slammed into the side of his face. Falling backward, a tooth knocked out of his mouth, the man hit the floor and continued to bounce floor-to-ceiling toward the exit like a pinball before disappearing through the doors. As the doors closed behind him, the "Open" sign flips around to "Closed".

The bartender straightened and set the bottle of water on the counter.

Just Rite Bartender: This one's on the house. He's been driving me crazy.

Yang reached for it with her left hand, but it trembled. Her metal hand grabbed and steadied it. She gave a long, shaky sigh before picking up the bottle and guzzling the water down.

Just Rite Bartender: So, what brings you around these parts?

Yang held up a finger, still guzzling until the water is gone.

Yang: Thanks. And I'm, uh, looking for someone.

Just Rite Bartender: Not too many people come out here. Too far from the Kingdoms. Only person worth notin' around here is... well, Ra......

Yang: Raven Branwen.

She retrieved her glasses and headed out.

Yang: Thanks again.

Just Rite Bartender: N .....now, missy! You don't want to go messin' with bandits! They're a world of trouble!

Yang: So I hear.

Outside, the Shady Man was on the ground holding his face, but he called out to Yang as she straddled and engaged Bumblebee.

Shady Man: Hey, girlie!

Yang: Seriously? This isn't over?

The Shady Man was getting to his feet.

Shady Man: I heard you're... looking for someone. Heh.

He said before giving her a toothless grin.

(I'd say he's got just about all the details of a shady person there now).

(Back at Haven).

Jaune, Ren and Nora were sitting on a pair of red couched in a living room when there was a knock on the door. They tensed and looked at each other before Jaune cautiously went to open it. Oscar was on the other side, looking hesitant and uncomfortable. Jaune looked back over his shoulder at the other two, and Nora shrugged.

Jaune: Can I ...help you?

Oscar: Um ...yeah. Is there a Ruby Rose here?

Ren and Nora immediately stood up, tense and defensive.

Nora: Why?

She asked darkly.

Oscar: Well...

He looked to his left and Qrow appeared, moving drunkenly and grabbing Oscar by the shoulders.

Qrow: I found him!

Qrow snorted into his hand and continued laughing as he stumbled into the house.

Oscar: I think her uncle could use some help.

Qrow almost made it to the couch Jaune just vacated before he stumbled and saved his balance by falling backward onto the cushions.

Qrow: Whoa. Ugh.

He settled onto his back and folding his arm over his eyes.

Qrow: I found him.

Ruby: What is going on out there?!

Ruby stomped into the living room.

Ruby: Can't a girl read her comics in peace?

Qrow burped and chuckled, catching Ruby's attention. She sighed and put a hand to her forehead exasperatedly.

Ruby: Qrow, did you get drunk again?

Qrow: Maybe.

Oscar: Oh.

Oscar finally stepped in as he looked at Ruby.

Oscar: You have silver eyes.

Ruby looked at him, a touch surprised. She turned to Ren and Nora, who shrugged again, before looking back at Oscar.

Ruby: Who ...are you?

Qrow chuckled from the couch.

Oscar: Uh ...Well. My name is Oscar Pine.

Qrow: Wait for it...

Oscar: But you probably know me as ...Professor Ozpin.

All of Team RNJR gasped and looked confused. Jaune took a couple steps back. Qrow continued chuckling while punching his fists into the air.

Qrow: I did it!

He fell off the couch onto the floor, startling Nora, who had her hands going over her mouth.

Nora: Ooh!

A/N: Yep, you're the man, Qrow. -_-