Behind Our Eyes

Rated M

Rwby

Full Summary:

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. Unfortunately, some windows were meant to remain closed as they lead to an abyss. With hidden feelings, agendas, and motivations, one sometimes wonders if they were demons in disguise. Separately, they are top-notch, but will it be enough for what they're about to encounter? Bonds. Lies. Betrayal. Secret Wars. It's enough to make a person go rogue...

A/N:

I'd like to apologize for such a long delay. It's been a rough few weeks since my last update but, I'm doing much better. With that being said, I actually lost the file that had the original version of this chapter. I was going to have things set with the departure from Atlas but, things got muddied and I decided to just make the chapter a set-up for the beginning of the first semester at Beacon. On top of that, I managed to slip in more moments between Elm and Sango.

Bound by Shadows as well now that Volume 8 has concluded. In fact, I will be working from the rear end of the volume and continue on regardless of what's to come in the canon. Between these two stories, the pairings [thus far] are Pyrrha & Aganju (BBS) and Elm & Sango (BoE).

Chapter 4: Day Zero

[Mistral-Haven Academy]

"Please, I can get y-you what you want!"

Amber eyes studied the cowering male shivering behind his desk. His whimpers serenaded her black soul as the faunus quivered in his seat, his eyes shakingly observing the bottom of a black gun boot aimed at his head. Eventually, her personal entertainment would take a backseat to her goal.

"I was under the impression that you would be a competent ally to our queen, Leo," her sultry voice swam around his head, veiling the malicious soul that resided in her. "That includes obeying every order given to you, no matter how difficult."

"Y-You d-don't understand..." he lamented. "What you're a-asking me is-."

Leonardo Lionheart immediately ceased his explanation when the sound of clicking filled his ears. Once more, he whimpered and silently prayed to the brothers that he'd be spared such a fate. His guest snapped her fingers with a disgusted sigh.

"Mercury? I need you and Emerald to give us the room."

A young man with grey hair and matching eyes growled before lowering his leg, allowing the headmaster a moment to release the breath he'd been holding since the group's arrival. That feeling of comfort lasted mere seconds when the boy smacked the back of his head before straightening his school uniform. A stifled giggle from a dark-skinned girl concluded the moment as the two left the room.

As the door clicked shut, Lionheart could only pinch the bridge of his nose as his growing frustration with the woman clashed with his desire to live.

"A-As I was saying, what you're asking would prove difficult if not handled correctly."

"Oh? Is that so, or are you stalling out usefulness to our queen?"

Horror washed over the faunus' features upon hearing such a statement.

"N-not at all! I'm... I'm just saying that I have to pull some strings and the best I can do is get you all transferred in by the second semester. Any earlier, and you'll have the council breathing down my neck and suspicion hurled directly on you and your henchmen..."

"Hey!" the door opened to unveil a mint green bob. "WE'RE NOT henchmen! We are a...!"

"Emerald!" those burning ambers flickered at the girl, instantly defanging her.

"Sorry, Cinder."

"I suggest you /make yourself useful and do NOT interrupt us again. Am I clear?"

"Yes, ma'am..."

The two watched as Emerald shut the door, granting them privacy once more. By now, the headmaster had regained some of his composure but, it still was nothing compared to the wicked grin that seemed forever etched on the woman's lips.

"What were you saying, Leo?" her sickenly sweet tone unnerving him.

"I... can get you all registered quickly, but with the new semester just a couple of weeks away, it would prove," Leonardo considered his words carefully before continuing. "disadvantageous to your goals. I can get the process started, but unless you want to deal with the eyes of the Mistral council watching your every move, the best time to have you officially on the books would be by the second semester, Cinder. I doubt that you'd want to deal with that given your... extracurricular activities."

While Lionheart expected hellfire to greet him, he was shocked when Cinder's grin only grew wider.

"That'll be fine," she cooly remarked.

"You're... not mad?"

"If anything, I'm proud of you, Leo. After all of this time, you've finally been able to show some moxie and ambition. Perhaps it wasn't a mistake bringing you into the fold?" The lion said nothing, opting instead to stare at his oak desk in repugnance. Cinder took notice and approached the leader, using a perfectly manicured digit to lift his chin so that she could get a good look at his self-loathing gaze. "As long as you keep following orders, you'll have all that she's promised and more in the new world to come. Understand?"

"Y-Yes..."

He didn't pull away, but the faunus clearly despised the feeling of the woman toying with him. She knew this, of course. It mattered little of what Lionheart truly wanted but, he was crucial to her plans, and by extension, that of her mistress.

"Excellent. I suggest you get on with forging those documents for my colleagues and me," she turned to leave, the sounds of glass echoing in the room. "I expect to see the results as soon as you finish."

"Of course! Just meet with our photographer and I'll do the rest."

"Then, it seems we have nothing left to discuss. Thank you for your time, Headmaster."

Cinder took her sweet time closing the door behind her, savoring the air of tension and fear that permeated the room. Only when she was satisfied did she make her exit, her allies following closely behind.

"I still don't know why I couldn't just blow that rat's head off..."

"Quit your pouting. You know as well as I that he's the key to Cinder's plan, Mercury."

"Quiet, both of you!" Cinder cut in. "Or do you want to ruin things before they even begin?"

The pair apologized without a single rebuttal, allowing her to think for once. Between the blubbering from the headmaster and the bickering of her subordinates, Cinder was beginning to get a headache. They left the academy shortly after taking pictures for their falsified document, each one eager to get the ball rolling on their grand plot. Their trek brought them to a rather luxurious hotel room. Considering that it resided on one of the upper levels of the kingdom, it afforded them some comfort.

"Phase 1 begins now," she finally addressed the two who'd been silently glaring at one another. from across the room.

"Where are we off to, boss?" the assassin fiddled with a game on his scroll.

"Vale. I need to convene with an associate of mine but, it'll take some time without raising suspicion. Once we're in the city, I want you both to stay out of sight until I give the order, got it?"

"Yes/Yeah Yeah..."

"NO!" Cinder roared, eyes blazing with an orange flame. "Upon our arrival, you both will stay out of the vision of Vale. No thefts. No assassinations. We've spent years getting this mission off the ground and I will sooner burn you to ashes before I let you ruin things. Do. You. Both. Understand?"

Emerald and Mercury nodded silently as Cinder Fall extinguished the flames. She took a moment to compose herself before daintily sitting on the edge of the bed.

"So, when do we leave?" Emerald timidly squeaked out.

"In a week's time. I need to reach our associate in Vale to guarantee his cooperation."

"A week?! What the hell are we supposed to do here for a fucking week?!"

For the first time since leaving the school, Cinder's signature smirk returned, prompting the duo to follow suit. They knew what was coming, and they both couldn't wait for the green light.

"I don't recall saying anything about Mistral."

[Beacon Academy-Ozpin's Office]

"Hmmm..."

"Is something wrong Professor?"

A grey-haired man rubbed his chin as his weary gaze towards the woman addressing him. From the look of concern, he was either in for a lecture or she was kind enough to bring him his morning mug of hot chocolate. Seeing that there was no mug in view, he prepared for the worst.

"Not at all, Glynda. I'm just going over some last-minute developments."

Glynda Goodwitch crossed her arms, clearly not convinced as she watched the man resume his examination, his troubled expression returned almost instantly though she also noticed something else was there in his expression.

"Is there a problem with the incoming students? There are a few applicants that I have some reservations about and-"

"It's a new email from Atlas," he cut in.

"James? Is it about her?"

Ozpin shook his head, finally turning the monitor off to give the stern educator his undivided attention. "Apparently, there was an agreement between the councils to have a couple of members from Atlas transferred here as professors."

Glynda's frown began to deepen at this news. Of course, this was standard for the teacher whenever he was brought up. She didn't despise the man, mind you. In truth, whenever things weren't involving war or strategy, she very much enjoyed his company. Sadly, those two topics were common for one immersed in the pools of combat.

"What sort of 'agreement'?"

"It would appear that James has convinced the Valerian members to accept terms for an exchange program, for lack of a better term. This is odd, especially given the new developments in place for the festival next semester. While I don't sense anything nefarious, I believe it'd be reasonable for us to keep an eye on things in the coming days."

"Understood. I'll inform the others of the incoming additions to our student rosters and-"

"Actually..." As Glynda began tapping on her scroll, Ozpin called out to his ally and friend. "...we're not receiving students from Atlas. Rather, we're getting a couple of new instructors."

Resisting the urge to tear her fingers through her bun, Glynda instead removed her glasses, cleaning the lens as she contemplated the headmaster's words. This was a casual thing she did when she was growing frustrated and Ozpin was careful to avoid stressing the woman further. With classes set to start, along with initiations as well, there was more than enough to trouble the woman. He remained silent until she finished her coping mechanism, replacing them before finally addressing the matter.

"Very well. How long do we have before they arrive?"

Right on cue, the sound of the elevator chimed behind her, drawing their gazes to the lone entrance. The doors slid open, revealing a towering and husky woman and a slim-built panther faunus. Both were clad in the Atlas military attire, implying their rank though, it was clear that they were a little out of place with their surroundings. While the woman looked a little unnerved by the ambiance, the feline seemed to be fascinated by just being in a new place. Glynda maintained her serious mask but, surprisingly Ozpin wore a ghost of a grin as the two marveled at the clock tower aesthetic of the room.

"Welcome." Ozpin stood to his feet. "You must be the new arrivals. We weren't expecting you for another week."

Upon being acknowledged, they both abandoned their initial feelings and stood upright, catching Glynda and Ozpin off guard.

"It's our duty to be here as soon as possible for the well-being of the students that are coming," Elm announced, her tone calm yet wooden, typical of one who'd been somewhat deprived of a normal life. Glynda wondered if this response had been rehearsed. "We cannot thank you enough for granting us this privilege to mold the young minds of Beacon."

Thankfully, the panther elbowed her in the side before putting on an awkward smile.

"What my friend here means is: We're... We're happy to be here. I'm-"

"Sango Bagheera and Elm Ederne," Ozpin finished with an amused chuckle. "The general sent over some basic information about you both so that we could make the transition as smooth as possible. It's a pleasure to have you both here as instructors, isn't it, Glynda?"

Glynda looked up at the young male across from her. Her green eyes studied him, breaking down the faunus with every sharp and quick glance. The nervousness of his tone. The way he slouched just slightly enough to avoid detection from the common glance. Even his tail that hung loosely behind him told a story to Glynda Goodwitch, and yet, she found something that transcended the mystery of this person.

Of course, she wasn't the only one to notice this detail.

"Professor Goodwitch," she responded astutely, stretching a hand. "Welcome to Beacon Academy."

She gasped softly when, instead of a hand, it was a silk black tail shaking her palm. She ripped her hand back as her cheeks flushed, eyeing the now chuckling headmaster. Elm rolled her eyes at her friend's antics, though even she couldn't resist the urge to giggle at the woman's reactions. This was going to be an engaging school year.

[Beacon Academy]

After a few hours of detailed discussions, Elm and Sango headed to their rooms to change out of their Atlas garb in favor of a more relaxed look. Unlike Elm, who decided to mirror her previous look, Sango decided to abandon his old attire completely, sporting a red sleeveless hoodie with white trim and a black compression shirt that rested underneath. Black pants flowed over matching combat boots to complete the look.

"I... I don't know about this, Elm," he lightly tugged at the pants. "Are you sure that I look alright?"

Sango didn't appreciate it when Elm started laughing at his insecurity. Instead of scoffing or groaning at her absurd laugh, he found himself doing the same as they approached the training facility.

"You look really cute in that. You'll get used to it after a little while."

"Whatever..." he jammed his elbow into her rib. "Besides, you're looking good yourself, Elm."

She bit the inside of her cheek as they entered the building. While they searched through the halls for their room, the panther listened as Elm started going on about 'breaking in' the new recruits. Of course, he was busy taking in her new outfit. Her open ash-grey, crop jacket now had forest green accents, shoulder flaps and collar, and a black shirt underneath. She still wore her traditional footwraps, but there was something far more stimulating.

Thank the brothers we're not at Atlas... He silently exhaled, finding himself unable to tear his eyes from her shapely rear inside of her black leggings.

"Keep staring and you'll wind up walking into a wall..."

Sango immediately tensed, stopping dead in his tracks having been caught. However, it wasn't his partner that reported his 'observation'. Both Atlesian specialists turned around to find a young olive-skin woman approaching. Her salmon eyes, hidden behind round glasses, gleamed with a spark accentuated by a beguiling smirk. Her slightly pink hair, while tied in a messy bun, there was a wildness that lurked in the tufts that cascaded down the right side of her face.

While the feline faunus anxiously grazed the back of his neck, Elm eyed the woman with an unamused scowl.

"And who are you?"

"Oh! My apologies..." the mystery lady simpered. "I'm Olivia Peach. I teach herbal medicine and geography here at Beacon."

Both watched as Professor Peach extended a hand, though only Sango took it.

"I'm... I'm Sango, I've been placed in charge of mental training for the students this year. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Believe me," Peach purred. "The pleasure is all mine, beau. Perhaps we can... collaborate on how to use our collective strengths to... better suit the children?"

At that moment, a large hand gripped the professor's, forcing the smaller woman to acknowledge her much larger associate. Terra glowered with a fierceness that shocked even the panther the likes he'd never noticed before.

"Is that so?" Elm interrupted with a constrained smile.

Despite this intimidating pressure, Olivia Peaches' smile never fell. Instead, it grew wider as she tilted her head with intrigue while gleefully shaking the burly woman's hand without a single care.

"I don't believe we've been properly introduced yet..." Peach inquired with feigned innocence. "Are you his bodyguard or man-servant?"

"WHAT?!"

"Oh! Forgive me, I wasn't sure if you were a woman or not. With such a massive frame and these old specs, I mistook you for male, miss..."

"Ederne! My partner and the new hand-to-hand instructor," Sango cut in excitably, hoping to curb the storm before it arrived. "We're actually on our way to the training facility so..."

Olivia took notice of the anxious faunus, her eyes shifting from innocence to devious once more as he continued to over-explain their situation. Unsuspecting of her intentions, the Beacon veteran decided that she wouldn't press her luck. With a pissed-off Amazon and a strong yet anxious Sango standing between them, she was satisfied in her initial observation... for now.

"I understand," she smiled brightly, seemingly losing her teasing persona. "I do hope you both find what you're looking for. There are some empty rooms down this corridor if you're curious."

Sango quickly thanked the woman before hastily leading Elm down the hallway, who couldn't resist flashing a sinister look at the pink-haired woman. Peach paid the glare no mind, waving cheerfully until they were out of sight. Only then did her own smile melt away, giving way to her true emotions. Alone now, only a chilly bead of sweat accompanied the woman as her hands began to shake violently.

She took her exit, hastened paces carrying the woman toward the CCT towers. Her search should reap some results, she'd hope. Olivia Peach needed answers and by Oum, she was going to get them. Surely, Ozpin or Glynda would clear things up. Silence greeted Olivia as she approached the elevator within the tower, her stomach throbbing from the recent encounter.

However, it would seem such a trip would be unnecessary as the doors slid open to reveal a familiar blond woman. Professor Goodwitch appeared equally taken aback to see her associate. Given that there were still a few weeks before classes start, the main floor was relatively empty. "Olivia? Do you have business with the headmaster?"

"Atlesians... Why are they here?!"

[Dormitories]

Hours after the brief, yet unpleasant, encounter, Elm's spirit showed little in the form of change. Even after seeing the weight room (and taking the liberty of trying a few of the equipment), she was still in a sour mood. Now, she was busy toweling off after her evening jog, a standard routine for the specialist. As she entered the room, Elm couldn't shake the moment from her mind.

Man-servant.

I 'mistook' you for male...

Whether she'd admit it or not, she was still a little insecure when being judged about her body. She didn't have long hair nor did she want to. She wasn't dainty in size and shape. Why wouldn't someone mistake her for a guy? Sure, she had breasts and a shapely posterior, but, even those were barely noticeable, at least in her opinion.

"Dammit..." she growled through grit teeth. "I'm a specialist. A member of the Ace-Ops. Why should I care about one person's opinion?"

When she received no answer, Elm resigned to her bed. While it was merely plain-looking, she had to admit that it was far more comfortable than any bed she had at the academy barracks. She didn't bother throwing on any clothes, curling up atop the blankets. This was one of her rare moments of vulnerability; a secret she kept from her team.

It was hell to deal with, but even the powerhouse was capable of feeling low at times. Unfortunately, Sango wasn't around to comfort her as he had gone into the city to grab a few supplies for the class he was supposed to be teaching. She didn't blame him for not being around, but there was still that emptiness that plagued her very core. Just the thought of her best friend holding her as they used to made Elm's stomach turn flips.

"How come I always end up calling you when I can't fall asleep?"

"Because we complete each other," the familiar voice caused her to flinch. She peered over her shoulder, and immediately regretted her decision to do so as she noticed none other than her friend, quickly huddling back to her previous position. "Are you okay? Did something happen while I was gone?

Elm shook her head and said nothing.

"Elm? What's wrong?"

Still, she remained silent, though her body began to loosen up. As expected, the faunus set the bags down and began rustling through something. Elm tried her best to sneak a peek at what he was doing but found it increasingly difficult given her position. The wait wasn't long as scraping noises filled the room, prompting her to finally turn over to see what he was doing.

To her surprise, Sango was moving the nearby bed next to hers, making it more suitable for a couple.

"There. Now, I think you'll want to put something on. As much as I like cuddling bare-skinned with you, this room is a bit cold and I'd rather you not catch a cold."

Before she could inquire further, Sango tossed her a gray shirt with the Valerian kingdom's insignia on the front. Given that they were both around the same height, the warrior was surprised when she put it on to find that it was far larger than she thought, coming down to her hips.

"Sango? Why did you-?"

Engulfed by warmth, Elm let out a soft gasp when her partner embraced her.

"It's okay to not be okay, Elm..." His words were like a faint breeze tickling the nape of her neck. "We're not in Atlas right now. You don't have to be strong all the time. You know I'm always here for you, right?"

What else was Elm to do except bow her head into his chest, her arms hanging limply at her sides? She could feel his heartbeat while he stroked her back, calming her a bit. Just like old times. she mused as she moaned softly. Of everyone she knew, Elm truly felt something about the faunus that she rarely, if ever, felt with anyone else.

"Thank... Thanks, Sango."

"Don't mention it," he chuckled gently. "But, are you really okay? It's not normal for you to just lie down after a shower though."

"Normal..."

"What'd you say?"

Elm cursed his sensitive hearing. Her voice was no louder than a whisper; anybody else would've missed her slip up other than Marrow. Even then, the rookie was so caught up in verbally proving himself, there was no doubt that he'd be too preoccupied with his own status among their peers. But Sango? He was unique. He was always able to pick up the most subtle of details about her; ever since they met this was true.

"I... Do you think I'm normal?" she asked, fragility coating her tone.

Sango knew where this was coming from, no doubt from their encounter with Professor Peach. There was no time for anger as he resisted the growl that rose in his throat. That dark part of his mind began to emerge, held down by nothing else but sheer willpower.

"Elm, I've known you since... forever. I can't imagine you as anything other than normal. You're one of the strongest badasses I know."

He paused momentarily to gauge her response. When she began to pull away, he wouldn't let go. Afraid that she was rejecting his observation, he tried to hold her closer only to notice her arms resting around his waist, her head buried into his neck. He slowly shifted to the bed, allowing her to rest in his lap while shielding her face with his own.

He pressed his cheek to her temple, nuzzling her silently.

And then she breaks.

Shaking violently, shattering in his arms, a thousand puffing, suffocating pieces that he tried desperately to keep together. He allowed her to feel, a stark contrast from how they were trained. Neither were allowed to fully express but, with a bitter smile, he promised himself then, in that moment, that he would do whatever he could to hold her like this until she was no longer haunted by the pain and torture and suffering of their earlier lives.

"You know, even with all of that strength..." he whispered in her ear. "I've always thought you were amazing. You're not normal, Elm, but neither am I. We've gone through intense training both in and out of the field. We've witnessed things at a young age that would've broken most huntsmen older than us. Sure, you're not considered common by society, but..."

Elm held her breath, anxiously waiting with painful tears in her eyes.

"I... I don't think I'd be able to tell you from a crowd. I mean, you're considered a tank with the Ace-Ops. But, we both know that without Clover's semblance, you were the most tactical member of that group. You're witty. Intelligent. Crafty. You're the total package and I wouldn't have you any other way. If you're worried about Olivia or whether you're going to do well as a teacher here, don't. So what if you're not 'normal', you're perfect... at least, to me you are."

A warmth entered the woman. Elm couldn't help but smile after hearing Sango's words. She knew that he was good at helping her feel better, but this felt far greater than just a means to comfort her. She simply smiled into his neck, her lips tickling his skin.

"So... do you find me...?" she yawned abruptly, feeling the effects of her near breakdown.

"Hmm?"

"..."

"Elm?"

Sleep overtook Elm Ederne, evident by her faint snoring. Sango couldn't help but chuckle as her form relaxed in his arms.

No chance for a shower...

All jokes aside, he simply lied back and carefully positioned themselves so that they both were comfortable. A few more shifts later and soon, the two Atlesian exchange teachers were comfortable in the makeshift full-sized bed. He ignored the fact that their light was still on, focusing on Elm's condition. They weren't supposed to stay in the dorms long anyway, their accommodations having not been ready yet.

As his own eyelids grew heavier by the second, Sango noticed the lights begin to fade, bathing them in a twilight blue hue. The panther mulled over their other mission. While he and Elm were sent to teach at Beacon, there was also their assignment for the festival during the second semester. There was a lot to do, but it would have to wait as he slumped into his spot with the woman resting her head against his chest.

"It's okay to be vulnerable." he stretched, yielding to his own weariness. "You don't have to be strong all the time. You're perfect to me..."

Little did he know, Elm wasn't completely asleep. She'd simply been noiselessly listening to his heartbeat the entire time. She couldn't help but smile, her confidence renewed as she finally succumbed to her fatigue. Tomorrow was another day and the beginning of their next chapter. Still, there was something that swam in her mind, a secret that she withheld from her friend and partner.

Who was that woman?