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:


Chapter 10: Aftermath


The damage wrought upon Beacon rocked the kingdom of Vale to her core. Though the physical damage could be fixed within a matter of months, the long-term damage was a different story. Her citizens were constantly living with the constant anxiety. It wasn't enough to warrant the Grimm, but nobody would deny that it was a thin line.

With Ozpin gone, Glynda took over as headmaster and its responsibilities.

The mentality of the students was scattered at best and demoralized at worst. Many had opted to transfer to the other three academies rather than stick around for the rebuild, not that the woman could blame them. In truth, she was grateful that many of them desired to continue their education, even if it was elsewhere.

She had issues to deal with at home.

Sitting at a makeshift office at Signal's combat school, she analyzed her student's status files after the time that's passed. The first set of files mentioned Yang Xiao-Long. After losing her arm in the battle, she sunk into a depressive funk, even after returning to her home at Patch. Next was the faunus, a severely burned Roxanne. To her surprise, the young woman opted to follow Yang to Patch and recover.

Speaking of the pair...

Moving down the list, the newly christened director began to filter through the other members of their respective teams. Weiss Schnee; Returned to Atlas w/her family. Blake Belladonna; Missing. Ruby Rose; Stable Condition/Transfer to Haven.

While this was to be considered a possibility, Glynda found herself surprised to read that three of the members of Team JNPR decided to accompany her. Jaune Arc. Nora Valkyrie. Lie Ren. The trio were rumored to be planning an 'independent investigation', one she felt strongly against, but when she read that they all disappeared several weeks ago it was safe to say that frustration wouldn't begin to describe her feelings.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" green optics tore themselves away from the screen to observe a young woman entering in. Glynda knew her quite well, though under a different guise. "They're waiting for your arrival."

"Finally ditching the disguise, Peach?" the headmaster sighed, her curled lips betraying her usual stoicism. "I have to admit, pink was never a flattering color on you, Olivia."

"Ugh... Please, use my real name, Glynda. I still never forgave Oz for using it as a cover..."

"Be that as it may," Goodwitch pressed her glasses higher. "It's nice to see a friendly face right now, Amelia. I trust that James didn't give you any problems? I would hate to have to hear his insufferable complaints about Ozpin granting you asylum."

Amelia Tortuga flipped her long aquamarine braid with a huff.

"No problem at all... Because I never met with him or his escort," sensing a stern rebuttal, the former Atlesian raised a hand. "Trust me, Glynda. With the way he and Elm were earlier, there was no chance of talking with the general diplomatically."

"What do you mean?"

"I think it'd be better to meet with him yourself..."


"Think about what you're saying!" A booming roar reverberated through the serenity of the otherwise hushed halls of Beacon's training facility. Anyone hard-luck enough to attend would know that it was an outraged General Ironwood. "You're throwing away years of progress; your career and your status! Are you just willing to throw it away?!"

The poor spirit was none other than a silent Sango; a defiant Sango. His speechlessness gave the impression that he was too nervous to react, but the fire resting within his silver orbs shined brighter than ever before his soon-to-be former superior and his friend. Perhaps it was the extent of damage that gave him a new lease on life? Maybe it was the brush with death that triggered something in him?

Or could it be the worried expressions of the injured students sitting in the stands?

"If I'd known that you two were going to pull this stunt, I would've rescheduled this rehabilitation session."

"We figured that you needed more time to reconsider..." Elm spoke up with concern layering her plea. "Beacon is estimated to take at least several months before it can even hope to reach its former glory. Wouldn't you agree that you can do more for Remnant returning home... with us? With me?"

That last part was nothing more than a whisper, but the panther easily heard it.

"Elm..."

"I'm tired of this," Ironwood sighed heavily, as a parent would a rebellious child. "You're one of my most skilled soldiers. Your abilities are nothing to scoff at. You're an amazing presence both in and out of the field. Your potential as a Huntsman is limitless. What could you possibly think can compete with being an Ace Operative?"

What little cracks in Sango's resolve began to vanish. An outburst of his true feelings was soon to erupt as the general continued to disregard anything that didn't appease Ironwood's wishes.

"You wouldn't understand... Sir."

"Understand what exactly? You still haven't answered my question! If you only knew the risks I took when I authorized you into the academy; You were on your way to prison or worse, the SDC to live out your days as a prisoner mining for Dust crystals! I saved you from the life of most criminals that follow that damned terrorist cell!"

A lone gasp broke the flow, courtesy of Elm Ederne.

All eyes fell upon the shocked expression flashing on her face, but the feline faunus knew better. That shock was only a small percentage of her reaction. What he was witnessing was judgment pointed at him. His heart crashed into his ribcage as her brown eyes pierced into his soul. Any semblance of calm melted away as the woman he grew to know from childhood was scrutinizing him...

Though his hardened glare differed from Elms, there was no denying that their gazes mirrored the other. Elm never knew about his past, it was a closely guarded secret; the man's orders.

Now?

Now, such information was nothing more than a bargaining chip, a tool to shame him into relenting. He looked at the few students who watched this unfold, their eyes wide with surprise, yet there was no malice behind them. Aganju, a fellow faunus directed any negativity towards the pair of Atlesians, as did a recovering Ciel. Pyrrha didn't appear to have much of a reaction aside from a shock at hearing about her teacher's past; she was never one to judge anyway.

Sadly, their comforting looks did little to quell the pain within the panther when he turned to confirm such a foreboding truth.

Prejudice.

Just like everyone before... his mind wailed, the voice of his younger self.

"So that's your game? Shame me into being your puppet now?"

General Ironwood took a deep breath, finally casting his remorse away from the faunus. Still, the damage had already been done. There was no going back after what'd been revealed. Out of his desperation, the man was willing to resort to underhanded tactics to assure he'd gotten his way. A costly miscalculation.

"We both know that I didn't want this to come out," he lamented, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It was a slip up that..."

"I think you've said enough, James!"

"Glynda?" The hush that fell over the room echoed its impending judgment as Glynda and a familiar figure ambled down the steps. "You?!"

"We meet again, General Ironwood. Elm..."

"What are you doing here?!" the burly woman roared.

"Not about to blow a gasket, that's what, Elmwood..."

Grabbing her hammer, Elm was stopped only by her leader's hand.

"I wasn't aware that you were coming, Glynda. I thought you'd been swamped with paperwork and the restoration efforts?"

"Clearly," the woman rolled her eyes. "I was under the belief that you and your soldiers fled back to Atlas only for me to find that you and your subordinate are still lurking around in the shadows and trying to coax one of my professors back into your ranks? To what do I owe this blatant disregard for Vale's jurisdiction?"

Ironwood knew that he was in hot water.

"If you'd allow me the chance to explain..."

"I'm listening" she folded her arms.

"I was just explaining to Operative Bagheera that his future would be in serious jeopardy should he refuse to return. While, understandably, he is allowed to move freely and make decisions for himself, as a former member of the White Fang, he is constantly under watch by members of the Atlesian council. By being among the ranks of Atlas' military, I've ensured that he was not a threat. However, should he decide to stay, it may be viewed as an abandonment of good faith, leading to the council perceiving Sango as a threat and a spy seeking to take down the kingdom for his..."

"Cut the act, James!" Glynda stomped her foot, accidentally sending some debris in the air via her semblance. "You and I both know that as a member of the council yourself, and a holder of two seats, mind you, it is practically impossible for them to think a single faunus would go this far just to destroy the kingdom of Atlas, even IF you wanted to use the White Fang as a scapegoat!"

"Excuse me?"

"Whether you realized it or not, Ozpin wasn't deluded by your agreement for an exchange program. After running things through the Valerian council members, he was able to get information that proves your claims as false, including your offer to bring Sango on as a member of your Special Ops program."

"I... I don't know what you're talking about."

"Then perhaps I can clarify..." the aqua-haired woman stepped forward. "Amelia Tortuga, a former member of Dark Ops. I was able to gather information on Sango and potential members of your secret program. After many hours of research, I found that all those who are/were registered under this banner are considered non-existent. Should we perish in the line of duty, there would be nothing to tie us to Atlas or any other kingdom. Translation: The council knows absolutely nothing about Sango after graduation if even that much."

"What are you saying?"

"Never mind that, Specialist Ederne. It's unimportant."

The silence once more filled the room with its suffocating presence, leaving all to contemplate what'd been spoken of. Elm was confused, though she remained upright and willing to follow the general's orders without question. Glynda and Amelia glared daggers at the elite soldier who simply stared back with a subtle grin. Though there was nothing evil about him, it was clear that there was no way he could explain his reasoning.

Then there was Sango...

Everything about him, his past, was on full display. There was no denying that he would be ousted from the fold now that it was revealed that he was a former member of the White Fang, especially with the recent attack. He recalled Blake trusting him with similar knowledge long before her abrupt departure. A slight tremble began to rack his body for the first time since that day; the day his fate was no longer his to decide.

His tail sagged slightly. Silver clenched tightly to block out the world. The dirty looks and dirtier comments for merely existing. Sango wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole as he awaited the rejection that he was certain would come.

Except, there was nothing but a tiny laugh.

He opened his eyes to find none other than Olivia... no, Amelia Tortuga stifling a laugh much to the confusion of everyone else. Her humor wasn't pointed at the panther but rather at the general and Elm.

"Unimportant; a fitting word, 'sir'! Considering we weren't listed as anything other than expendable, it would stand to reason that you were merely resting on your laurels, that is until professor Ozpin mentioned snagging one of your pawns. Even now, you're using underhanded tactics to keep him under your thumb. Is that becoming of a 'respectable' military officer?"

Ironwood had nothing left to stand on.

"As far as we're concerned, James" Glynda added. "Sango Bagheera is free to make his own decisions and if he's chosen to stay and mentor the students that remain, then I accept his request; I can only hope that these young minds accept him as well."

"You know I do!" the eyes turned to the fox faunus wearing a wide smirk that exposed his canine. Despite his wounds, including the charred flesh around his right eye, Aganju hadn't lost his confidence.

"I'm with Professor Sango as well!" Ciel raised a hand, her soft tone brimming with a newfound respect for the feline, and disdain for the Atlesians.

"If the Professor is committed to us, then we are with him!" Pyrrha limped toward the young male. Behind her, the other students followed behind the embarrassed faunus, shocking him with their confident act.

Even Ironwood couldn't hide his astonishment at the display, finding his plan backfiring. He'd been beaten, that much was apparent. Even without Ozpin's direct interference, the old man's impact had already set root, and its harvest finally began to sprout.

A small grin, void of malice, stretched his lips as he bowed his head in defeat. Well played, old friend.

"Very well. If this is truly what you want..."

"It... It is, sir."

"Then there is nothing more that I can do. I wish that you would return, but I must respect your decision. It pains me to have to revoke your operative status but, I'm sure you understand..." Sango nodded, earning a chuckle from the elder. "Then go with my blessings. You were a fine agent, and I'm proud of how far you've come."

Nothing more was said as the general took his leave, Elm closely in tow, a forlorn gaze flashed before returning the back of her superior. Sango noticed it; of course, he would notice something so fleeting yet meaningful. Bitterness mixed with confusion, the stocky woman did her best to remain strong as they left the room. A tightness began to form in his chest when the general paused to spare a glance at an anxious Ciel only to proceed onward without a word. Only then did the fog of tension begin to lift, allowing everyone to breathe a little easier.

"Thank you, everyone..."

Sango turned to the group with expectations of conflict greeting him. To his surprise, the panther found the eyes of the group loaded not with judgment or derision, but with conviction and reassurance.

"There is no need to thank us, Sango. When you decided to stay, you chose to be accepted as a citizen of Vale once again. But, now we have more important things to discuss, preferably about the future of Beacon. Tortuga has volunteered to watch the students while we speak."

Sango eyed Glynda with both interest and concern, but he obliged.

Once they were out of ear-shot, Glynda Goodwitch filled him in on everything that was missed. He knew better than to expect classes to resume right away given the damage. She expressed how the frozen Grimm, a Wyvern, had been partially destroyed now. It was a massive relief when the headmistress mentioned that its presence attracted the Grimm, but that didn't last long when a cruel reality hit him.

"The Grimm have a master?"

Glynda bowed her head solemnly.

"Her name is Salem. Ozpin knew this and had been working out ways to defeat her. However, we were caught off guard when some of her followers managed to infiltrate the school just before the festival began. It's taken some time, but we managed to ascertain the trio's identities."

"Were they in Atlas' ranks?"

"No. If there's one thing I know about James, he's thorough with his background checks. There is little chance that the three came from Atlas."

"Vacuo?"

"Unlikely. The records show that Vacuons came en masse just prior to the first day. These individuals were noted to have been in the kingdom long before they arrived."

"That leaves Mistral..." Sango frowned deeply. "By process of elimination, it would stand to reason that Haven Academy was their stomping ground before arriving. Have you spoken to the headmaster about this?"

Glynda shook her head.

"That's what we need you all for..."

Bewilderment.

That was the emotion that rested upon the features of the panther. Even with that look, his eyes danced with eagerness.

"I'm listening."


The expanse of a dark kingdom radiated with chaos; Grimm surrounded the perimeter of Evernight Castle, just close enough to avoid the wrath of the one who dwelled within. A blanket of purple and sanguine stretched for miles without end, bathing the many viscous reservoirs of demonic tar in its menacing glow. The beasts of hell, agents of chaos dared not inch near the lone structure...

...For fear of their master; Ironic for creatures who normally thrive on such negativity.

Yet, their actions were justified as they shuddered from the palace.

Inside, a horrific shriek echoed from within its hallowed walls, a tone of agony and rage slamming fruitlessly against the rigged barrier. No one would come to save the one crying out for mercy for there was none to be given.

Only that which was necessary to keep them alive.

Cinder Fall.

The wounded Fall Maiden lay in a sterile room, strapped down to a frigid metal table writhing for an end to her torment. Above her stood a slender older man with a syringe in his hand and a wicked grin behind his thick mustached face. There was no denying the sickening glee he possessed, gazing down at the helpless woman. He had no qualms about inflicting pain for the sake of progress.

"I see the patient is handling her treatments rather swimmingly..."

As the burning in her body began to subside, amber orbs glowered with as much wrath as she could muster amidst the pain. He merely chuckled at her frail defiance, relishing her hoarse growls and her singed form.

"Be grateful, Cinder. Such advancements were perceived as impossible mere months ago; consider yourself a pioneer."

"F... Fu..."

"Please, Her Grace has already informed me of your inability to speak after taking such a blow. Honestly, if it weren't for your haughtiness, you might've actually succeeded in the destruction of Beacon. Still, I must admit that you're truly a resilient one, the ONLY reason why she still keeps a stray like you around."

Cinder's glare softened after the man's last statement.

The ONLY reason...

She closed her eyes, focusing on the tingling throughout her form. If nothing else, it was a relief not to have to see that infernal look of satisfaction on the man's face.

Memories of her 'failure' began to surface, adding insult to injury. Ruby Rose; That cursed girl was but one of the many reasons for her miserable defeat. Silver eyes that glowed brilliantly. Pyrrha Nikos; Though her moniker as the 'Invincible Girl' was shattered, she still survived. Aganju; Those haunting eyes were a constant reminder of the one she served. How could someone she'd left behind still carry such power within?

Cinder felt something foreign enter her heart, something that, for all of her screaming, had managed to bring a small wave of tranquility: Pride in someone else. Sure, she despised the fact that he was still a weakness of hers, but she respected his growth.

Next time, things will be different...

"How is she, Arthur?"

"Surprisingly, she's managed to calm herself despite the excruciating effects of the transplant. Her vitals are stabilized despite a lack of anesthesia, per your orders."

The woman, a ghostly pale visage outlined with purple tendrils stared at the unconscious woman with both awe and intrigue. She came to investigate Cinder's condition after the screams abruptly ended only to find her in such a state of tranquility.

"Proceed as scheduled and keep me updated on any complications. I still require word on details pertaining to the assault" she turned to leave the medical room. "I find it difficult to believe that dear Ozpin's students were capable of besting her under their own power."

"Actually, ma'am..."

"Yes?" her voice, gentle and motherly, somehow made the man flinch.

"I... Cinder's crew mentioned a girl with silver eyes..."

"Oh? That is an interesting development."

"There was another burst of light similar to the one that injured Cinder during the attack. It may be a coincidence, but it's safe to say that there might be two of them..."

Salem, the mistress of darkness and ruler of the Grimm, rubbed her chin thoughtfully at this revelation. Could Ozpin have been knowingly responsible for this? She negated such an idea, knowing her adversary well. One warrior is easy to conceal, but two? Perhaps it was probable that this mysterious event was a coincidence? Such a revelation would need further meditation.

"Is there anything else, Watts?"

"Nothing but the ramblings of her cohorts about some faunus who challenged Cinder," Salem fixed her bloody eyes upon the befuddled man. Arthur merely pulled out his scroll to show the woman what he meant. Before her eyes was a faunus who rushed through the crowd of Grimm, noticing a minor detail within the few seconds that held significance. "That Emerald girl happened to catch this and said it was important. Nonsense if you ask me."

Salem studied the footage more before spinning on her heels, leaving the man to his procedure.

Each step she took now carried purpose as Salem cut around the corners. Anything around her was irrelevant as her heels clicked against the hard floor. The mind of Salem was wrought with questions, many of them serving only to baffle the woman even more. The visual of what she saw continued to replay when she finally arrived at her chambers.

A deep breath...

That was all she was able to get before her lungs hitched. Her heart, black and filled with bitterness from a past long before this age of man, swelled. Salem reached and touched the spot where her hastening pulse resonated the most; her core buzzing at the slightest graze of her fingertips. A lone tear streaked her ashen cheek; her own weakness she dared not wipe away.

That dark crimson began to glow, not with rage, but with irreparable grief and a hint of hope shining through the inky depths of her soul. A knowing look abolished any semblance of patience while Salem permitted a shady smile to materialize.

"How long has it been, dear prince?"


"Are you certain about this? I wasn't even a part of your team. How..."

"Ciel..." the petite girl turned to the image of a redhead. Her smile was calming, almost like a big sister. "We were chosen to work together for a multitude of reasons. You and our team leader are practically related after your transfusion."

Ciel couldn't deny that, especially when navy blue ears began to twitch giddily; a side-effect of the procedure. She was grateful that someone cared enough to do this. Being a representative... FORMER representative of Atlas Academy, astonishment wouldn't begin to describe what awaited her when she found herself lying next to an unconscious Sango Bagheera, hearing that he was the one to provide her with a new lease on life.

What she expected was a one-way trip to the afterlife, not sailing on a ship with a new team entirely. Her heart swelled at the idea of being free from the milia

"My apologies..." she coughed. "It's just still so overwhelming what's happened so far."

"Good thing you're not the only one."

The pair turned to find Aganju and Sango approaching the deck.

"Aganju. Professor Sango."

Pyrrha lit up, rushing over to embrace the fox faunus who gladly accepted the gesture. Sango couldn't help but smile at the display, soon directing his silver eyes toward Ciel. As expected, she averted her gaze, still fumbling with her thoughts.

"How are you feeling?"

"Mmm..." her smallish ears splayed down.

"Still getting used to the new additions?" she bowed her head. "I'll admit I didn't expect this either. If I'd known..."

"My mother was a faunus, so it seems that the transfusion just... triggered her dormant genes."

Sango smiled, though the worry didn't leave his features. He could tell there was some truth to her words when he noticed a peculiar shine in her eyes that wasn't there before. She still wore her signature beret but that was the only thing that remained of her old self.

Sango peered over his shoulder, noticing a good distance between them and the pair. With privacy secured, the panther allowed the girl to speak freely.

"I don't want to seem ungrateful, but it's just..." Ciel sighed leaning against the railing of the ship. "It feels a bit weird to be on a real team or at least one without restrictions..."

"Unlike Atlas?"

Ciel bowed her head hesitantly.

"I can understand that..." he joined her, a tender grin adorning his features. "Atlas is well known for its rigid structure, one where obedience is enforced more than one's personal goals. That's the military for you."

"When I was teamed with Penny, I felt like I was more of a babysitter than a teammate..."

Sango watched as Ciel's new ears splayed down on her head, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Wrapping his arms around her, Sango could feel a severe twitch before she calmed. Sniffles and a low sob filled his sensitive hearing while he rubbed her back.

"You're more than a teammate to us, Ciel. You're family."

"Really?"

Sango smiled brightly and nodded eagerly.

"We all are. We're a family of outcasts and we look out for each other. Glynda put us together because she knew that we were able to grow and develop together as a team. When push comes to shove, we'll all be better than we were during the battle. I promise."

The two remained that way for a few moments before Aganju and Pyrrha returned.

"So, Professor..." the panther turned to the fox. "...what's the plan?"

"Good question. For starters, we're going to be training while away from the kingdoms for a while. As I recall, you and Ciel don't know your true semblances, right?" A sheepish grin and shifting on his toes answered that. "That's one of our priorities, along with understanding silver eyes. We will all come back stronger and better than before, away from the eyes of the kingdoms."

"Sounds good to me..." Pyrrha smiled, determination shining brightly.

"I'm ready!" Aganju threw a fist in the air.

"Next stop, the Dragon continent."

With Sango's declaration, the next step was set.

Aganju and Pyrrha would avenge their alleged failings while Sango and Ciel would discover a new identity away from the military. It was a perfect beginning for the first chapter of their new lives together. With Amelia's instruction, their limits were nonexistent.

Such was the beginning of Team Sapphire.