Month 4/Week 2

Qrow barely seems to hear his briefing. He is staring just past Ozpin's head, eyes unfocused. Thinking about his missing niece, no doubt.

Off to the side Glynda scowls in irritation and goes to tell him off - she does not know about Miss Xiao Long, after all - but holds back when Ozpin cuts a warning glance at her.

Qrow. It takes a few tries to get the man's attention, but once he does, Ozpin holds Qrow's hollow gaze, pushing as much sympathy and understanding into his manner as possible. Go home, Qrow. You are distracted and it would not do Miss Rose any good to lose her uncle now of all times.

Qrow bristles - he's always been rather stubborn - but does not argue. Instead, he gives a tight nod and makes to leave only to be stopped in front of the elevator by the headmaster's question.

How will you go about finding her? You cannot leave the young Miss Rose alone for so long, can you?

She won't be alone, Glynda protests, confused as to who they are talking about but having an idea. Taiyang is -

Not doing a damn thing, snarls Qrow. His shoulders are horribly tense and the last few shreds of humour left in Ozpin note sardonically that he will have some truly spectacular knots later. Qrow takes a breath, forces himself to relax, and turns back to face them.

I'm reaching out to Raven, he says with what would pass as calm to someone who does not know him well. Maybe the news that her kid is missing will force her to get her off her lazy, selfish ass and make herself useful.

Are you sure that is wise? Ozpin asks from behind his clasped hands, head tipped to the side, watching, considering.

Qrow shrugs uncomfortably and says, It's all I've got.

Glynda slips forward, taking both his hands in hers and squeezing them in an attempt to pass on some form of comfort, getting it now. Good luck, Qrow. I hope you find her soon, before winter sets in for real.

He smiles sadly and replies, Me too.

…

Ruby isn't at the house when Qrow drops in. Taiyang is collapsed on the couch, completely wasted and Qrow momentarily debates dumping ice water or something on him then lets it go. His niece is more important than petty vindictiveness.

He finds her footprints in the frosted grass at the back and barely holds in a groan when they lead him to the woods. With Summer gone and Taiyang a useless lump, the Grimm are drifting back and there's only so much a single Huntsman with sporadic free time can do. Qrow hopes he hasn't just lost Ruby too and transforms.

Ruby is easy to locate, thankfully. The sound is what draws him: the thunk of a blade into wood and soft grunts of exertion.

She stands with her back to him before a large old oak at the edge of a modest clearing with a kitchen knife tied perpendicular to a long, solid stick. Her technique is atrocious and her stance is all wrong for a polearm. Still, she scores some good hits on the trunk and Qrow can already see that she has potential. He watches for a few minutes then flies off in a spiral pattern to check for Grimm.

When Qrow comes back, he lands as a human with barely any stumbling (for once) and leans against a trunk on his side of the clearing, watching and cataloging what Ruby is doing right and what needs to be fixed before it becomes a bad habit as he waits for her to notice him.

Ten minutes pass before Ruby finally turns and spies him. Well, she doesn't turn so much as falls flat on her stomach after a swing that doesn't quite connect. She gasps when she sees him and quickly tries to hide the makeshift scythe behind her back even though she knows it's of no use.

Qrow holds back his smile and instead says, Your stance is all wrong.

Ruby relaxes, realising he isn't going to scold her for this and more at ease in the familiar territory of combat lessons. How do I fix it? she asks, eyes intent and focused on him.

Qrow lets his smile loose and draws Harbinger, shifting it into its scythe form. Well here, let a master show you how it's done.

…

They stay out until it starts to get dark. Qrow has to carry an exhausted but elated Ruby back to the house, chatting about what's happened since he last came by. Taiyang has been coming out of his room a bit more often which is hopefully a good sign. He still isn't all that coherent, though.

Qrow wonders if there's something else going on when Ruby starts to clam up. The thought is dismissed quickly; even drunk and in a bad way, Tai would never hurt his kids. Ruby is safe from that at least.

Halfway to the porch, Ruby finally asks after Yang. I don't know where she is, Qrow says truthfully. And I don't have any idea where she could be. But - here he twists to look Ruby in the eye - I've got my sister, Raven, out looking for Yang. If anyone can find her, Raven can.

You really think so? Ruby asks, voice tiny.

Yup, answers Qrow. Now, what do you say to stew?

He keeps on pushing away a niggling voice that sounds suspiciously like Summer telling him it's a bad idea to teach a six year old how to fight.

…

The puppy is an absolute menace but the headaches and ruined sheets and clothing are worth it when Ruby's face lights up. Qrow grins from the couch as she fawns over the little beast. His name is Zwei, he tells her, and he's all yours.

Ruby gasps in delight and thumps into his chest with an ecstatic mantra of Thank you thank you thank you thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou. Qrow holds her tight for a moment then pulls back to add, But that means he's your responsibility. It'll your job to feed him, walk him and clean up after him. He fixes her with a sharp look. Think you're up to the task?

Ruby nods passionately, her little face set in an adorably determined pout. Qrow barely resists the urge to ruffle her hair. Am I getting soft, or what?

Good. Qrow takes her face in his hands, keeping her eyes on him when she starts to turn back to her new pet. No going to the store without me or your father for refills on supplies. If it looks like you only have about a week left of something and you can't get Tai to budge, text me. I'll leave a scroll so you can always call me if you need something. Got it?

Ruby nods again, more subdued now. Qrow softens and tugs her back in for another hug, pressing a quick kiss into her dark hair. He lets her go to play with Zwei, his face slowly darkening. She won't be alone now whenever he has to leave. Both dog and girl are already smitten with each other and Qrow knows the pup will protect Ruby as best he can. Hopefully it'll be enough.

AN: This will be longer than Miners Cut. Chapter length will be just as sporadic as I prefer to end them where it feels natural. Updates will also be sporadic.

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Remember - it will get worse before it gets better, and even then, the rise should be gradual.