Behind Our Eyes

Rated M

Rwby

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 together, they may be Atlas' best. Can Remnant handle what's to come?

A/N:

Sal-U-Tations!

So, I'm going to keep this section short and sweet given how long the first chapter/prologue already is. So, I'm going to just list the important parts and explanations so we can get on to the good stuff.

1. This is not a harem story. Any couples in the story are already established beforehand. I'm also not going to push a love triangle between main characters, so no worries. There may be romantic tension at some points, but they will (hopefully be complimentary to character arcs and not the story narrative).

2. This is an AU story where two complementary characters will get a chance to shine as members of this secret group. They'll be revealed in the upcoming chapter(s).

3. This section is more like a prologue that takes place before the established time of the show. I'm going to do my best to avoid interfering with the timeline unless it involves the characters or Atlas' involvement. E.g. The Vytal Festival (details and the events to enhance the story).

4. Yes. Sometimes, characters will deviate from their canon counterparts at times... It's fanfiction! Seriously, if I see even one review or message about 'ThEy'Re NoT lIkE tHeY aRe In ThE sHoW! YoU'rE a BaD wRiTeR derp-a-derp!', I'm going to flag and remove your comment. There will be moments where the cast may seem out of character... it happens, so get over it or find something else more (100%) faithful to the canon.

5. Lastly, and probably the most important, if you read this story and it's not to your liking, just leave and find something that is more your style. Don't leave negative comments for they will be deleted, anonymous, or from an actual profile. If you have constructive criticism then feel free to leave it. E.g. The pacing, interactions being wooden, or being a bit more (or less) descriptive of the surroundings or emotions.

I do hope that you enjoy this story as it's going to be my project while waiting for Volume 8 to conclude. See you all in the next chapter and as the late, great Monty Oum says: Keep Moving Forward.


Chapter 1: Unplanned Events


It was the Great War that ignited the flames; over a century of bloodshed and tears fueling the embers of hatred and destruction that resulted in the lives of so many being taken. Humans and faunus labored side by side to represent their kingdom's beliefs, shedding blood to protect their culture. Vale's versatility clashed with Mantle's brute force. Mistral's tenacity struggling with Vacuo's durability.

An all-out bloodbath was surely the only foreseeable result.

Upon the war's end, the four kingdoms suffered heavy losses, each looking to blame one another. However, from the shadows, there was one who found a solution that would bring peace that each nation so desperately desired. The 'solution' was enough to warrant the compliance of every ruler who moved swiftly with the order:

Blame the faunus.

They all knew that it was wrong. The faunus were allied to their respective nations and now they were using them as scapegoats? Delegates from faunus villages and towns all joined together to plead their cases, providing evidence that would hopefully quell such baseless claims. Sure, they were different but that was not adequate enough to justify such accusations. Unfortunately, their efforts would fall on deaf ears as many of the faunus were hunted and enslaved as consequence. Only those who escaped were spared such a dark fate that befell their brethren. Rather than hunt down those who escaped, the four kingdoms were content to allow the defeated faunus to run with their tails between their legs; It was the closest to an olive branch that would be extended to them.

Those unfortunate to be captured were imprisoned and later put into service to the victorious humans though some would still resist. This would become the new standard as the kingdoms grew and advanced throughout the decades that followed, yet they still maintained their hold on those they saddled with the weight of past sins. A different Remnant was birthed, bringing with it new forms of technology, ideals, and goals.

This is where the kingdom of Menagerie was formed, a refuge for the faunus who escaped the persecution.

It is here where the story begins; where tyrannical giants are challenged by those considered to be lowly insects seeking relief from their bitter fates. Only time will tell what will come from such decisions.


[The Kingdom of Atlas]

Staring at the gaudily lit building with anxiety, several faunus stood on a nearby rooftop with eyes keeping close watch over their targeted destination from behind their plain white masks. The bitter chill did little to cool the flames of eagerness within them as they kept low to avoid being spotted by any nearby security. One by one, animal-like appendages twitched and flailed slightly as the suspense began gnawing at their core, only making their wait that much more torturous. Still, they wouldn't leave their post until it was time.

"Are you ready?" The members turned around to find a young man with red hair and two small horns approaching them. Unlike them, his mask was decorated with intricate red markings, clearly indicating his status as their superior.

"Yes sir" they spoke in unison, earning a nod from the stoic male.

"I must admit that you all have done well thus far, but now comes your final test," he pointed to the theater hall across the street. "As you've been told, our cause is to establish ourselves in Solitas as a force to be reckoned with. Tonight will be the first blow to that end. Tonight, you all will earn your place in the White Fang."

Each one of his subordinates exchanged a look of caution before kneeling to receive their orders. Soon each one was sent to fulfill their respective duty, leaving only a young pather faunus remaining.

"What is my role... sir?" he asked, keeping his head bowed in respect.

The older male tilted his head, noticing how the youth's tail swayed in anticipation while trying to resist the urge to smirk. He remembered the nerves he felt on his first mission quite fondly as motioned for the feline to rise.

"I have a special mission for you... But, I need to ensure that you're up to the task."

"Of course! Whatever you require, I will gladly do it for the cause."

The wicked grin only grew after hearing the determination behind the cat's tone. That kind of commitment would be valuable to him in the future, but there would be time for that later. For now, Adam Taurus would finish briefing the hopeful upstart of his mission.

"Follow me..."

The boy nodded and did his best to keep up with the slightly older and more experienced Adam. Rooftop to rooftop, they stuck to the shadows in hopes of avoiding detection as they reached their destination. When they finally arrived, the panther soon found himself nearly overwhelmed at the staggering assignment that awaited him. His eyes widened as Adam abruptly stopped to grab his scroll from his pant pocket.

"Is something wrong, sir?" he raised an unseen brow.

"Not at all," he answered, eyeing the device for a few more seconds before tucking it away. "I was just checking the last details before we strike."

"Strike?"

Adam simply placed a hand on his charge's shoulder, pointing in the direction of their objective. The imagery of white pristine pillars combined with blue and gray accents adorned the massive manor, perfectly adding to the night sky. The young faunus couldn't help but gawk at the sheer size of the property, further adding to his nervousness. There was little time to take in the sights, however, as Adam drew his weapon, Wilt and Blush.

"There's little time to work with," he announced. "Our goal is clear?"

"G-Get in and steal the files for the high leader..." Adam nodded as the boy drew his spear, standard issue to basic grunts.

"Right. We get in and get out. Now, let's move."

Without another word, they leaped down to the ground below, tucking and rolling to minimize the impact of their landing. From there, the two were off, racing at blinding speeds to cover the distance without being made by the surveillance cameras. Adam was a pro at this, having spent a few years training in this environment with both the former and current leader of their faction.

'Stick to the plan'


[Schnee Manor]

"Hurry off to bed before father returns and catches you." The stern and astute words of a young girl filled the dimly lit hallway. "We both know what'll happen if you're caught past your bedtime."

"But, Winter..." another adorable voice pouted. "I just wanted another one of Klein's cookies."

"What about our cake butler?"

"Um... I like him too!" the smaller girl giggled in between bites of the snickerdoodle.

Winter smiled and escorted her younger sister down the long corridor. The smaller girl let out a yawn in between her protests to sleep as they tiptoed into the room. Even still, the younger Schnee couldn't resist one final display of defiance, whining about missing her sister who was off to Atlas Academy the next day. Winter simply giggled at her sister while tucking her into bed.

"I promise that I'll be back, Weiss. I'm just going to a new school is all..."

"But... What if I never see you again?"

"Oh hush!" she flashed a small grin, filled with warmth and lover for her younger sibling. "Don't be a boob. I'll be back once things get settled and we'll have plenty of times to just be together."

"Whitley too?"

"Yes. Whitley too. But, it can't happen until you go to sleep, okay?"

Little Weiss Schnee didn't object, simply content with shifting under the soft blanket that hugged her tiny form. Soon her pale blue eyes gave way to heavy lids as sleep began to overtake her. Winter watched her sleeping sister with a sad smile and kissed her head. She then took her exit but turned back around momentarily to get one more look at the resting child.

"Goodnight, dear sister."

She shut the door quietly and headed down the corridor to her room to pack. In her mind, she was nervous about joining the school, but, Winter figured that it was better than staying here with her family in its current state. From having a tyrannical father who only married to get the Schnee name and company to her mother morphing into a depressive drunkard after finding that out. It was enough to break the girl's heart, but she couldn't worry about that now. She needed to be strong in her convictions and do what she knew was the right decision for her life.

'I refuse to be his pawn.'

Winter continued to the other side of the family home, passing by her father's study, eager to pass the cracked door of the man's office. She stopped in her tracks when she realized something. Why is father's door open? She wondered, stopping just past the ajar entrance. Slowly she crept closer, keeping her steps measured and silent as best she could on the tiled floor.

As the sounds of shuffling and clicking became more audible, Winter's heart began to race, beating against her ribcage violently. Still, her need to know far outweighed the fear screaming at her to leave. Why should she even be there? She cared little for the machinations that occurred inside the patriarch's study before. Perhaps the man came home early for some business-related reason? It wouldn't be the first time he'd left from a night out with her mother, Willow Schnee.

But, something felt different this time...

"How much longer?" her eyes widened upon hearing the foreign voice. Peeking in, she noticed that it was not her father or an associate of his. Instead, she was greeted with the sight of two males, faunus. One was slightly taller than the other but, there was no doubt that they were intruders as she continued to silently observe. "They could be back any minute."

The voice belonged to the younger masked boy.

Winter noticed how he was standing straight, a tall and lanky boy with a smooth black feline-like tail that hung limply. If she were to guess, they were about the same age given how high his voice was given his stature; probably 14 or 15.

"You worry too much... By now, the other male had caught her attention. He was much taller than the panther faunus, having a far more intimidating stature than his partner. Winter couldn't help but feel trepidation slither and wind its way tighter around her heart. "By now, the others should be completing their missions and the theater will be the only focus and we'll be out of here before they ever return."

"What do you mean?"

The red-haired male ceased his key tapping, sparing his subordinate a brief smirk that spelled nothing good.

"You needn't worry about that. Now keep watch!"

At that moment, sounds of something shattering alerted both infiltrators that their cover was blown. The panther was the first to check the cause only to find a young girl with snow-white hair. She looked no older than him, a teen with a world of potential. Her terrified eyes seemed to just keep growing as terror rooted her next to the broken porcelain bust of her father.

He held out his hand to ease her panic, but it did little to help as he was greeted by a harsh flinch.

"Wait..." he calmly smiled from underneath his mask. "...I won't hurt you. I promise."

Despite her anxiety screaming at her, Winter could sense no deception behind his words. However, what little peace they'd begun to establish was quickly snuffed out when the mahogany door creaked open. A chill permeated the halls, evil intentions radiating from behind the panther faunus. That sneer, coupled with the darkness that shrouded the taller figure brought that fear back into Winter's heart. Even the masked faunus couldn't shake the ill-intent hovering over his kneeling form.

"You should know better..." the low tone of the red-haired figure froze the pair in place. "...than to show such weakness to your superior."

Trepidation morphed into confusion only to quickly transform into shock as something sharp pierce through his side. That initial astonishment would give way to an excruciating burning as the blade, Wilt, sat there for a moment, staining the previously white dress of the teenage girl. She looked on in horror at the scene before her, a betrayal from one's own kind?

Winter couldn't wrap her mind around that, and yet, she was staring at the scene of someone her own age being impaled by this beast. He must've read the girl's thoughts because the more defined Grimm-masked male slowly faced her. She couldn't see his eyes, but she could feel the almost trance-like glare directed at her, further making her stomach churn.

"Well, if it isn't my lucky day?"

"S-Stay back!" she growled, her futile attempt at intimidation. The man decided to show his reply by withdrawing his blade from his now-former subordinate, leaving him to sink to the floor clutching his wound.

Her defenselessness was like a drug to Adam, calling him to engage in its addictive high. It's intoxicating. The sweetness of its scent nearly drove Adam insane; enough to slaughter this girl, the daughter of the man responsible for most of his brethren's suffering.

Lifting Wilt, Adam allowed himself a deep inhale of the sweet scent of this child's fear. Watching her cower by the shivering body of his former partner was almost orgasmic but, he also knew the truth.

Killing her would only temporarily appease his rage...

It wouldn't be enough to quell his soul...

"Relax, brat..." he snickered, slashing the plasma from his blade before sheathing it. "You get to keep your life tonight and, you even get a 'pet' to keep... if he survives."

Adam turned without another word, leaving the traumatized pair. He had what he needed to complete the mission and, in his mind, gotten rid of some dead weight. That was the story he would tell the higher up and he was sticking to it. Success for the faunus was now accessible and that was the most important thing to Adam Taurus... at least for now.

His departure left a trembling Winter to tend to the wounded faunus, gingerly helping his head into her lap. Given her limited experience in medical treatment, she did her best to tourniquet the by wrapping her jacket around his waist. This helped enough but, even the teen knew that he would need better help. By now, his breathing was shallow but somewhat consistent which eased her worry, if only a little.

With the threat of death averted, for now, Winter allowed herself to finally take several deep breaths to calm herself. In the midst of this, the heir found herself staring at the blank white mask. Slowly, she reached for the small concealer but ceased that notion when her ears caught the sound of heavy breathing coupled with rapid footsteps.

Did that monster come back? Winter tensed, expecting the scarlet-haired faunus to have returned to finish the job.

"Miss Schnee? Achoo!"

Winter immediately recognized the voice and perked up for the first time since stumbling upon the theft of her father's files. Klein? Sure enough, the balding portly man appeared, huffing and sneezing all the way. "Klein!" she smiled at her most trusted butler.

"Are you alright, dear?"

"I'm... okay. I'm not hurt, Klein..." she forced a smile.

"Ah! I'm so glad to hear that..." he calmly gushed, his eyes turning colors in the process. "I came as soon as I heard the painful cry. I was so worried that you were hurt or worse."

Winter couldn't help but feel her heart swell after hearing the genuine concern from her surrogate father figure. She resisted the tears that tried to come, instead turning her attention to the injured boy resting on her lap. Klein finally noticed the faunus and frowned softly, his eyes shifting to a blood red.

"Oy! Shall I restrain this miscreant for you, ma'am?!"

"No!" she countered without hesitation, surprising herself as well as the steward. "Ahem... I mean, he... tried to save me from the true monster."

"But... He's wearing the symbol of the White Fang. Wouldn't that make him one of their associates?" he inquired, now in a more timid tone. "I doubt your f-father would believe such a s-story."

The girl took his words to heart before removing the mask, revealing glazed gray eyes. No, they weren't gray. There was a particular shine that was noticeable, even with his lids weighing down over them.

They're silver...!

She read stories about the mythical silver-eyed warriors, but, she never expected to see the rare hued optics. But, there was little time to figure out if the rumors were true as he began to cough up a little blood, dragging her back to the moment at hand. She spared a quick glance before steadying herself for what she was about to do.

"Can you help him, Klein?" her tone even and soft.

He nodded without a word to his 'adopted' daughter.

"Then please try to stitch him up. I would be most appreciative if you would."

"I will do my best, Miss Schnee, but"

"If you're wondering about this..." she held up the mask. "I will handle it and my father if he asks any questions. As for the story, I hired him to help me pack when we were attacked by a member of the White Fang. The assassination attempt was thwarted by this brave soul. He took a potentially killing blow before dispatching the assailant. Get rid of the uniform and replace it with one of the staff. Understand?"

The normally kind Klein found himself unsure of whether the plan would work out, but he did know one thing: He wouldn't be the reason for its failure. With another nod, he helped the hazy faunus to his feet, ushering him through a secret door near the study, allowing them passage to the medical room without running into the other staff members, who would no doubt be returning from whatever hiding place they found when the cry of anguish was heard. He wasn't sure why Winter was being so caring but, apparently, there was more to this boy than even he could see.

So, he would stick to the plan.


As for Winter, she settled herself for the fateful confrontation with her parents, though there would be an unexpected addition. Everything went according to how she conjured in her mind. She told the returning Jacque and Willow Schnee everything that she'd rehearsed with Klein earlier, knowing that it wouldn't take much to convince them. While the latter, in a rare moment of sobriety, was simply happy to see that their daughters were safe, the patriarch wasn't too pleased to hear about a member of that infamous group.

"You see this Ironwood?!" he pointed at a tall and muscular man clad in a pristinely white uniform, noting his affiliation with the military. "This is EXACTLY why Winter shouldn't be going to that damned academy!"

"I fail to see how this incident has anything to do with Atlas Academy..." the clean-shaven James Ironwood rolled his eyes. "If anything, this only shows how training Miss Schnee can prevent her from being a victim in situations like this. It's certainly better than keeping her in some proverbial ivory tower if you ask me."

"I DIDN'T ask you!"

"In a way, you did... When you just tried to blame me a few seconds ago?"

Jacque found himself stuttering over himself before exhaling sharply. With no proper rebuttal available, he stormed off to his office, leaving Willow and James to survey the damage inflicted upon the now recovering faunus. The former looked on with intrigue at the younger male's slim and toned form, but it was the newly christened general who truly dissected the panther.

"Mrs. Schnee?"

"James," she cut her eyes at the man. "We've been over this. Call me Willow..."

"Right. My apologies, Miss- er... Willow" he chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Sometimes, I forget to leave the formalities at the door."

Willow simply giggled at this nervousness, shifting her mood to a more favorable state.

"It's alright. I find myself doing the same in reverse whenever we're in public settings. Now, what is it that you wished to discuss?"

"Oh, um... Well, I wanted to ask you about the boy there." he directed his focus to the sleeping faunus. "Given what Winter told us, don't you think a reward should be in order for him once he awakens?" Willow raised a curious brow, sensing where Ironwood was going with this conversation. Sensing her impending inquiry, he continued. "The way I see it, with the attack on the theater and other key areas, it stands to reason that relations between the humans and faunus would be rocky at best, correct?"

"I would suppose," she rubbed a manicured finger against her chin. "But, what does that have to do with this 'reward' that you're proposing?"

"Well, I think there's no harm in using this scenario to benefit both of our future issues. My proposal is to offer this staff member of yours an opportunity to be more than a servant as a reward for saving the life of the daughter of one of the most powerful men in Atlas. If you agree, it could save your company from the inevitable bad press; a preemptive strike, if you will."

Willow was no idiot.

She knew that there was something more in her friend's recommendation. He wouldn't just pick out a random worker, let alone a faunus, to join his academy unless there was something far greater in it for him.

"What would you gain from this, 'proposal'?"

"Are you insinuating that I have underhanded plans, Willow?" he soothingly remarked, causing the woman to look away, hiding her blush. Amusingly, he chuckled at her flustered reaction before returning to his professional stature. "In all honesty, we both know that Atlas has a problem and it's not just with Mantle below. We're ranked second only to Mantle in faunus discrimination. Even with the programs put in place by the council, relations with the faunus are still glaringly weak at best, especially considering how your husband stretching civil rights statutes with faunus labor conditions. By allowing me the opportunity to bring this hero into the academy, it could go a long way in mending some of those bridges."

Willow considered his points, finding little wrong with them.

"What will Jacque think though?"

Surprisingly, James snickered at the mere mention of his old friend.

"If I know him, Jacque will bite at that bait without hesitation. By tomorrow, he'll be begging to get rid of an injured faunus, primarily if it means he can avoid having to do damage control with the media. All I have to do is give him full credit and everything will be settled without issue."

"Very well..." Willow let a small smile grace her lips before taking her leave. "I'll inform Jacque of your idea and have him contact you unless you prefer to meet in person."

"I appreciate your cooperation, Willow. The latter will just fine."

Hearing his gratitude, she stopped just short of the door, looking back over her shoulders.

"I won't pry any deeper into your affairs, but, I do hope that you know what you're getting into," sensing his inquest, she beat him to the punch. "I'm sure that you notice something odd about this one. Anyone with such a rare trait is already considered to be something to behold, but a faunus? Don't take away his fire James..."

Ironwood said nothing as Willow Schnee took her departure. He was grateful for the silence that granted him a reprieve before the warzone that was expected with the SDC owner. Perhaps it won't be so bad? he jokingly thought. On a more serious note, he hoped that things would go smoothly as he saw potential. No. He saw a warrior spirit radiating from the unconscious feline.

"You're going to do great things," he remarked while folding his hands behind him. "as long as Jacque plays ball."

Sure enough, one of the servants arrived to summon the general to his employer's study.

Here goes nothing...