A/N: This was a nice, simple one that I was inspired to put together after chatting with Joey one evening and finding out that he wanted to do a chapter on Port comforting Ruby, but he was struggling to get into the professor's head. So I figured, "Hey, why not give it a shot myself?"

Ghosts is still my favorite that I wrote for the contest, but I really enjoyed this one as well.

Title: War Dogs

Author: DrAmishMD

Each of the four Kingdoms had their own hallowed ground where they interred fallen huntsmen alongside their emblems and their weapons. The solemn reverence and respect that was universally adopted by anyone and everyone who came to honor the dead was truly something special. Men, women, and children coming together to honor the courageous warriors that fought until their last breath to keep humanity safe. Brilliant heroes that shone like lanterns in the darkness to give the people hope. It was that thankful wonder that brought a tear to Peter Port's eye every time he took the chance to pay his respects to those who had come before him.

… And, all-too-often, those who had come after him.

But Port wasn't in the Valean Hall of Heroes right now, that immaculate building in the center of the kingdom with the vaulted ceilings and the immortal flame. Nor was he in the Mistrali Catacombs where the falling waters of the city gently flowed to offer soothing comfort to the souls of the deceased. He wasn't traveling on the Vacuan Warrior's Road, where pilgrims made the treacherous journey of the First Kings to honor those who walk the dangerous path every day. And he wasn't in the Titan's Cavern in Atlas, the gloriously massive mausoleum that was built into the largest mountain of the floating city. He was aboard the Avenger, and while XCOM's memorial wasn't nearly as grand as that of the Kingdoms, it was no less sacred.

The Wall.

They had a room just like this one back on Earth, or so Port was told, and the names it immortalized were legion. The one on the Avenger was smaller, thankfully, but after this latest operation? The Wall had grown by an uncomfortable degree. XCOM's own, unique brand of huntsmen was quite unlike anything Port had ever seen, but they were powerful in their own right. And, more importantly, they brought hope where it was desperately needed. They deserved to be remembered.

"James Morrigan," Port whispered, reading the first newly-added plaque. "Tech Sergeant. Rocketeer. I remember you from the Battle of Menagerie. How could I forget? Truly, the callsign 'Richter' fit you perfectly, for the very ground shook every time you rained justice upon the Grimm. Your spirit shall live on in the actions of your noble brethren."

He continued to the next. "Sasha Orlov. Lieutenant. Gunner." A smile grew under Port's impeccable moustache. "You were part of my security team during the Avenger's maiden fight, Sledge. Back when I was just starting to work together with XCOM. You and Miss Adel commanded the trust and confidence of our entire defense squad. It was no easy task keeping those foul beasts at bay, but you handled it with aplomb! I will think of your inspiring force of will every time I hear the powerful rattle of a heavy weapon."

"Ah, Angelo Rojas-!"

Port cut himself off as he heard another enter the room. He remained with his attention on Slim's plaque, honoring the man's memory in silence so that the newcomer could do the same. After all, places such as this were not meant for the living to idly chat amongst one another. If someone else was here to honor the fallen, then it was Port's duty to afford them the opportunity to do so without distraction.

It was only when the familiar presence came to a halt next to Port that he realized that it was safe to talk.

"Evening, Barty."

"Evening, Pete."

The two men stood in silence, staring at the names on the wall. Port suppressed a chuckle at the idea of how shocked their students would be at the sight of a not-bombastic Professor Port and a not-caffeinated Professor Oobleck. They were well aware of their reputation at Beacon. In fact, they'd chosen to lean into it, as a way to help the students transition into the dangerous, brutal lifestyle of huntsmen and huntresses in a less jarring manner. Two quirky professors, always willing to launch into a heartwarming tale of heroism, or to spout off important wisdom at a hundred miles a minute.

But it was all too easy for the students to forget that those same professors were huntsmen, too. For every story of how Port heroically cut down some monstrous Grimm, he had one where he watched a friend draw arms for the last time. For every student that he watched graduate from the Halls of Beacon, he saw another carried into the Hall of Heroes.

Port loved his job, his duty, of training the next generation stars meant to shine brightly in the darkness. He wouldn't give it up for anything. But this…

This part of the job never got any easier.

"Which one do you remember the most, Barty."

"Hard to say," Oobleck answered. "Hard to say…"

"You can't pick Captain Beagle."

"That would be cheating."

The two of them fell silent again, both thinking of their answer to the question.

"Hogarth's unwavering professionalism stuck out to me," Port said. "Even though we knew him for less time than the rest, he had the determination that I always hoped to find in our students. The focus that they need to stay alive."

"But also the duty that lets them throw themselves into harm's way when there isn't a better choice," Oobleck pointed out.

Port sighed. "Indeed…"

He watched as Oobleck stepped forward and studied a particular name on The Wall.

"I think… I think Padre is my choice."

Port spent a moment trying to remember the name that went with the callsign. "Everardo Guadarama?"

Oobleck nodded. "Engineer. I didn't know him much on the battlefield, but he worked in the labs with me quite often. He had a sharp mind. And a kind…"

"... Soul," Port supplied, recognizing that his friend needed some help vocalizing the thought.

More silence.

"He also made good tamales," Oobleck added, finally regaining control of himself. "Quite the remarkable fellow."

"They all were, Barty."

"They all were."

The Wall loomed in front of them, and its weight seemed heavier than before. Port loved his job, but… perhaps he was getting too old for this? How many friends, mentors, and students had he already buried? How many did the future hold? How much larger would this monument grow before peace finally fell upon Remnant?

Oobleck seemed to share his thoughts.

"Why don't we retire after this?" He asked. "Maybe see Earth once we sort out that connection business."

"It does sound like a nice place," Port agreed.

Oobleck nodded at his idea. "We can bring Taiyang along. Maybe convince Miss Rose to be our guide."

"And Miss Xiao Long. I don't think she'd take kindly to being looked over in favor of her sister."

"Of course," Oobleck agreed. "Of course."

They just needed to find Ruby first. Before she became the first huntress to be immortalized in two different memorials for her service.