Chapter 12: Thorn Week


"Down! Down! DOWN! Faster maggots!" Lividly yelling out to her recruits that were selected by the professors, the staff appointed Tanya to lead the students into their practical trial. Dawn is approaching as Tanya stood above the fresh officers or enlisted who are doing calisthenics, commonly performing push-ups or sit-ups in the frostbitten snow.

To stimulate their sleepy minds from having five hours of sleep, Tanya deployed androids to fire their rifles up in the air and shooting off dummy shells at a far distance to wake them up. All the munitions let loose and megaphones shouting at them with deafening abuse, a good way to start their readiness in battle during four in the morning.

Spicing things up, smoke is covering their surroundings and flares lighting up everywhere. It is the pure madness of what she is seeing. She smells their despair, tasted their distraught, feeling their agony, and their sanity at their breaking point. Feeling the rush of negativity going through the students, Tanya unconsciously starts to lick her lips in this strange ecstasy.

She doesn't know how to describe it, she feels the mayhem here, the nearing breakdown. She can feel her soul is getting flexible like she can maneuver around Ruby's larger soul without a hassle and she could smell their suffering, tasting the pure lunacy in the air. One of the many benefits she received of this unknown power. Ruby wants to argue about the infection that's weaving into Tanya's soul. But knows too well it will drag on to another argument.

The purpose of this training is to break their so-called notion of individualism and focus on themselves as a whole. Mankind's ego has no room for war or on delicate missions that would cost them their lives. A cruel yet efficient way to unite her units.

"Ha-ha! What a fantastic idea you got here Tanya! Men screaming and a whole lot of pain!" Sarge is standing next to Tanya as he is enjoying what the little girl is doing to them. He points his flashlight at the kids with adult instructors overseeing them. Hearing the grueling tiredness and moaning pains of their nonstop training.

"Thank you Colonel Gunnery, Remnant's militaries are becoming a little bit…soft nowadays." Coining what they're doing, she labeled their physical conditioning phase one: Thorn Week. A heavily modified and a softer version of Hell Week that she learned back at Earth of how the Navy Seals train their recruits. She made a little tweak here and there along adding some of the Marine's philosophy or other methods that the Special Forces use to fit with Remnant's standards.

After they endure Thorn Week session, she might cut them some slack. Giving them a preparation check on combat readiness in the second phase and improving their intelligence in warfare. But the third phase will be a tougher version of land warfare, unlike the Indoctrination Course she made.

Tanya knows that Remnant doesn't focus on their military strength as a whole, only relying on their Huntsmen and not investing their troops. So she invented this idea to make hardcore Sturmtruppen under her fingertips and rooting out the unwanted. Some of the students quit, but some of them surprised her. The ones that she views as incompetent didn't quit.

If her training bears fruit and succeeds with great results. She will get approval to create a specialized Corp rather than the average run-of-the-mill Atlas's Specialist.

Is this a bit too much?

Do we want to join in with their exercise?

Fair enough.

Her golden surveying the not yet official officers, her eyes glance at her overweight lieutenant. She could tell Grif is really regretting his decision on cheating his test by the sweat pouring on his face, the pain sprawling on his skin when his hands touch the snow. The adult instructors are harassing him from every corner for not properly leading his units' right.

When their souls gaze upon their birds, their eyes and ears are theirs to control as they easily eavesdropped on his deceit during the night. For that, she made this as his personal hell, which is the opposite of inactive.

Looking at the birds that are resting on her shoulders, they watch upon the students who are being trained under her. The pain, the tiredness, and the nonstop training. The birds watch of their experience and determining their actions.

There is a creeping question in Tanya's mind as she looks at her two avian beings. Ruby out of nowhere called them Huggy and Muggy. The ability to use them to gather Intel, the power to look at someone's previous life from touching someone's shoulder, granting them senses to detect the aspects of the human mind. If her assumptions are true, then these creatures are associated with Odin in Norse Mythology.

But are these THE birds that are so heavily revered in Norse myths? If so, then why are they are here and what purpose they serve? What are Being X and Being Y doing exactly? She keeps hearing names that involve those myths. So does that mean her Earth's myths exist here? Tanya might search that up if Remnant does have anything similar to Earth's mythology.

Shrugging those unanswered thoughts off, her eyes carefully glance back at the brunette that Tanya fully recognized her. The girl who exterminated half of the Empire's strength is doing pushups with ease. But Tanya can smell her anger leaking out from the former Sioux.

I can still feel you're scared about Marlene Sue.

Would you not push it?

She's from your previous life isn't? Tanya's eyes lit up in surprised at how Ruby quickly connects the dots about Marlene. The Devil talks back to her sister accusingly.

What made you presume that?

Sis, you are always scared of her, but I never met her in my life. Tanya cursed under her lips that she carelessly let out some of her emotions for Ruby to notice when she saw the doppelganger of Mary Sioux. Seeing defeat, she let out some bit of truth about her.

Yes. You finally caught on why I don't exactly like about her. She's an enemy of mine in the past.

Then why are you so scared of her?

Let's just say she did something really bad that your mind can't handle. Giving a small hint of how Mary single handily butchered half of the Empire's manpower. There is a reason why Tanya is scared of her. Both her association with Being X and Sue's bloodthirsty attitude to end Tanya's life.

Think you make a friend out of her?

Can you repeat that? Wanting to hear what Ruby is saying exactly. She said-

I said to befriend her! If you don't like her, how about you amend your past and befriend her? She doesn't know you and she wouldn't hold a grudge against you in this life! Tanya just scowled at what Ruby is thinking. Befriending her? What Mary did to her and the bloodshed she made is not making her mind at ease. Tanya's bitterness is still stained in her mind.

I don't think that would work for me, Ruby-

I'm not forcing you. At least try for once!

Scoffing at such an idea, talking to Sue personally wouldn't be a pleasant moment for Tanya. So looking back at the field, she saw Rig Heim pushes himself harder with sweat bulging out from his muscles. She knows Matt has been wronged by his rank and wants to improve himself that he is a better soldier than Grif. Nulled by the abusive shouting and accustomed to the hell that's around him as his determination shines. She can handle a conversation with him. But Sue, that wouldn't work.

I'll keep note of that. So for now. Looking up, the sunrise breaks out upon the sky. Seeing what the time it is, Tanya yells out at the students of what their next course of action is going to be.

"Alright! You're all going to run in the snow! So get up or get an extra hour on lifting those wooden polls!"


"Man, this sucks!" Grif complaining with his fellow peers, everybody is munching their breakfast meals in a desolate garrison at their local chow hall. The students are savoring every moment of respite until they will be thrown back to their training tomorrow. Unlike the other days where they are forced to clean everything in their barracks and making sure they pass inspection so they wouldn't be punished, today is a blessing for them as they have all the free time now.

After two weeks of punishment both physically and mentally in the midst of the First Phase. Grif is about to mentally lose it from the hell he received and wanting to strangle the she-demon he is under.

"You tell me. My body is still fuck up sore from all the training. Who's the asshole pissed her off that she made us dive in the fucking icy ass water!?" Turkis who is rubbing his arms to stay warm and massaging his muscles from the intense training he was in. Turkis remembered they were swimming in the blistering cold water with everyone jumping in; the freezing weather is eating everyone alive when they emerge out. Hence, everybody received hyperthermia like human popsicles. It's a severe punishment for everyone to those who missed out in PT.

"Yeah, I wonder who?!" Templar angrily glares at Grif as he saw him sleeping in his bunk bed from yesterday while everybody is heading out for their harsh PT. He tried to wake him up, but he refuses.

In the end, everybody got dunked in the water from Grif's own laziness, causing everyone to glare at him. All the students wish to haze the shit out of him; luckily or unluckily, Biff defuses the tension in the air before they get into some serious trouble.

"Griefer… dude. That was not cool what you did from not joining in with us. Why in the world did you earn the rank of Lieutenant?" Biff's orange eyes glared at Grif's presence. In response, Grif starting to poorly accuse Balder. Trying to make him as a scapegoat.

"Easy for you to say, Balder! You and your units have less time in the pool while the rest of us stayed longer! You-" His words got interrupted when Balder's muscled fist slams on the table and explaining to him why they get the lesser treatment.

"Don't stray from my question, we earned it! We worked hard and endure what the Colonel throw at us. Especially to Matt Rig Heim from the Rank you stole!" As Biff easily see through his obvious deceit. Matt is under Balder's leadership. Looking at his partner, Hallow sees Rig Heim as a capable leader. Putting the connections together, Grif starting to sweat and tries to defend himself.

"Hey look, don't put this on me because I-" Then Krapfen shows up as he seems pretty unaffected of what's happening here with his blonde hair being wrapped in a towel while showing off his bear chisel body. Some of the girls who are in the chow hall are blushing in embarrassment as they look away when his crotch dangle in the air.

"Hey, guys. Do you know where I put my lotion and hair softening shampoo? I want to be oiled up and to manicure my soft, tender skin. You know the showers are crappy here! So…what's happening here?" Questioning his peers of what all the fuss is about, all of them angrily shouting at their metrosexual peer.

"Krapfen, clothes!" Krapfen took offense of their words as he sadly huffs at them. He walks back to the showers and feeling no shame for being naked.

"Jeez, you guys are so rude!" As he's gone from their sight, Biff and Grif continue their strife. Simmons chats up with Marlene, who is sitting next to him as she seems pretty level-headed about everything here.

"By your grace of the Holy Light. Thank you for the meal and your bountiful blessings, Amen."

After she finished her prayer, she begins to eat her meal that consisted of sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs with a side of warm buttered toast. Luckily for the recruits, Tanya ordered the Mess Hall to be refurbished and to improve the quality at the kitchen hall, making sure they receive their needed nutrition intake for their next brutal training.

"Hey Marlene, you don't seem to be affected by Tanya's Training? What is up with that?" Watching Marlene who is eating her tasty meal, the emerald-eyed girl looks at him strangely like he is forgetting something. Swallowing her food, she spoke.

"Did you really forget? Well…do you remember the pledge and the warning that Tanya gave us about her training course?" Finally realizing why they are all here in the first place as if a light-bulb went up in his ass. He completely forgot about the pledge before they start doing their Indoctrination Course.


Standing outside in the snow. Tanya stands tall as her golden eyes glare at her recruits. She surveys every single one of them including Simmons with malicious intent in her eyes.

"Fresh Officers and Recruits! Congrats on getting your assigned ranks in your written test! Unfortunately, this isn't over yet! The Staff of Atlas appointment me to lead your practical test and they approve of my training method!" Simmons heard whispers among his peers and some of them snicker thinking this is some kind of sick joke.

"Be warned! This training is nothing compare you have faced! You can stay to pledge your commitment or leave this training to save your career!" Hitting them hard by this, the chatters become a little louder of what she means by this.

"But to those who quit during training will forsake your rank and your credibility on being a Specialist! So think wisely!" Sudden uproar and questions burst among the students. Simmons stands quietly, trying to take in what's happening.

"Relax! I said when you enter my Training Education! You will forfeit some of your education if you enter this course! There will be no returning back! So anyone who wants to leave? Leave!" Thinking she's bluffing, everyone didn't leave and Grif just smirks at her, thinking it just an empty threat.

"Pfft…she's trying to scare us and acting tough. How hard could it be?" Simmons shook his head and thinking if Grif should stay here? Something in Simmons' head told him this is a bad idea and he should leave.

"Well then. Let's cut the chatter and we will be saying our Motto as a pledge!" Placing their palm on their heart, everyone yells out Tanya's motto. The motto of what they will become in the future and a phrase that would strike terror. For Simmons, he doesn't know what the motto means. Only Tanya knows what it is.

"Homo homini lupus!" Parroting her words, everyone yells out their motto.

"HOMO HOMINI LUPUS!"


After the pledge, everyone wrote names on the legal contracts that they acknowledge they will be facing hell and the consequence of leaving the practical trial. Slapping his face and reminding himself of how much an idiot he is for not taking Tanya's words seriously. This raises a question about Marlene herself.

"Did you take Colonel Rose's words seriously? How do you even endure all this bullshit?" Gulping her food, Marlene's eyes look down at her plate and talking about something rather personal to her.

"I don't want to be rude to my holy Lord. But I have terrible dreams about a war-torn world where Grimm doesn't exist, only mankind. I dream of a Devil murdering my father with his very own weapon. Seeing our Colonel…I feel this sudden rage and it feels like the dream I had when I see Ms. Rose's eyes." Tightly holding her fork. The dream that Sue has keeps repeating every single moment. Merely thinking about her dreams made her mind filled with rage. But whenever she prays to her God…those nightmares stop completely and only seeing good memories with her father.

Simmons found her dreams quite interesting. A world where only humanity exists and no longer fighting the endless monsters? That sounds like a paradise to him. But what does she mean by war-torn?

"How I endure it because I pray to God for my safety, I endure it under the Lord's will against something heretical. Matter a fact. I feel something…paganistic in the air. Something's flying that I can't see." She couldn't see or feel it. But there is something in the air that she could sense at all. Whenever Tanya is close, that mystical vibe wouldn't go away. Right now, she could feel it is flying above them.

Before Simmons could ask what the hell she's talking about and what is up with her religious views. The speaker above them blared out.

"*Ms. Marlene Sue. Colonel Tanya Rose would like to see you in her office.*" Hearing this, Sue got up from her chair and leaving her plate on the table. Leaving the area, Simmons looks down at her utensil to see her fork is all crazily bent up when her palm easily crushing the metal.

"God, if you hear this…that girl has some serious issues!"


Inside Tanya's office which is located within the garrison. The once empty and rundown room is now refurbished, filled with Atlas Great War antiques that resemble the Prussian Empire or the German's Second Reich. Even the decor itself is giving off a strong resemblance to the past.

Tanya did read reports that the old, rundown garrison she is given was built during the Great War. Addition, it's far away from Academy ground which the twins are not being accounted for by Remnant's bureaucracy. Beneficial that she wouldn't directly be pressured by the politicians and a disadvantage as she wouldn't get any further assistance from them.

Second, the building isn't being held by anyone. By which is now privately owned by the twins for them to use. Thinking about it, Tanya disdainfully scowls that this building they have isn't fully repaired at all. Only her room and the necessities were set up for her troops to survive for the training.

In due time, she will get the supplies and equipment for this base of hers to run correctly, either to boost her soldiers' morale for recreational uses or helping them to sharpen their skills. She needs to be really patient on this and being resourceful of what she currently has.

For Ruby though…

Contact. 2, 4, 1, 10. 2, 4, 1, 10. Am I transmitting? Is anyone listening-

Ruby? What are you doing? Tanya who is practicing her vine-like Semblance by holding her pen with small tendrils growing out of her wrist, the Devil is losing her concentration when Ruby is suddenly singing in her head.

I don't know? I suddenly have this urge to sing when Huggy is flying over some of the students. When I get close to Turkis. I can't handle it. I think there is something about Church I mentally keep hearing? When Ruby is controlling Huggy, she feels an odd sympathy, a lost memory in their thoughts. When her dove continues to fly over them, a random song form up in Ruby's mind and she couldn't resist to mentally singing it.

Would you not because I'm not really comfortable about accepting your idea on fraternizing with someone that I don't have good terms with. The Nevermore Muggy caws in terror when he is detecting someone getting closer to Tanya's office. The Devil sniffs the air and she knows who it was. This sense she has feels so Grimm-like which she can detect the negativity in her recruits. To her, it is both a blessing and a curse when someone she knew is here.

Speaking of someone. She is here. Retracting her vines and sitting comfortably in her white leather seat. The Nevermore flies away in fear as it phases through the walls of not wanting to see the former Berserker.

Hearing the door click. Marlene steps out as her green eyes look at Tanya's gold eyes. A lurking rage starting to form up in Sue's mind which Tanya perfectly senses it, making her slightly shiver in fear from that unforgettable scent.

"Yes, Colonel Tanya Rose?" Putting her hands behind her back and professionally looking at her Commanding Officer who is leading their training. Marlene couldn't shake a feeling that a six-year-old is in charge and a strange familiarity about her eyes that Sue couldn't understand why she hates it so much.

"Captain Marlene Sue. I read reports that you have intense anger issues. Can you explain to me what you're feeling that could be resolved?" Flipping through Marlene's papers that revolve around Sue's mental state and masking Tanya's fears. Marlene explains to her Colonel why she is so angry all the time.

"Well, I got this anger from a dream when I was ten. A really bad dream about a world where there is no Grimm." Resisting on twisting her lips, she knows this is not going to end well for her and starting to regret from listening to Ruby's demands.

"Why is it so bad about a world where there is no Grimm? Is it a world where everyone is in harmony?" Acting naïve, she knows too well what she's talking about and Tanya is fully aware that humanity itself is not exactly good beings when it comes to war.

"I wish Colonel Rose, but the world is full of bad people and the entire world is at war. Even there is no Grimm, mankind will hurt itself from their godlessness. For their unfaithfulness, God punishes their wicked pride." A drop of sweat pouring from her head, Tanya knows this is Being X's doing and she wants this conversation to end quickly. Tanya can feel her sweat soaking on her white uniform when she is directly talking to Sue.

Tanya, don't!

This is not working for me, Ruby.

"During the dream, I see my father killed by a blonde Devil. Merely seeing that Devil makes me want to rip her apart. I know it sounds crazy, but that's how I feel. Flying mages and piles of bodies I see everywhere. The Devil name Tanya which coincidentally your name." Hearing that personally from her, Tanya quickly gives up on her host's idea and Ruby quickly understands why her sister is so afraid.

I think that's enough for now Ruby.

So that's why you're afraid! And you actually killed her dad in your previous life?!

Ruby, it is war. Either you kill your enemy first or your officer put a gun in your head for disobeying his orders. I have no choice but to kill her dad on the battlefield or else he will have my head.

But that's not right at all! Shouldn't they be in peace that there's no Grimm in their world?! Tanya mentally let out a sigh and explains about humanity in Tanya's own words.

Listen, that's a pure gullible statement of what you said, Ruby. Even there is no Grimm, humanity itself isn't exactly delicate creatures. Greed, pride, and the imperfections of mankind always get to them. Like I said before, even the ones who have peaceful or altruistic intentions; there are some who has an ulterior or an aggressive motive amongst their goals.

What about God? Shouldn't he be the one to help with our problems?

I want to say something really important about my world. Why didn't God stop a World War? Why didn't God stop the bombs dropping in two cities? Why didn't God save his worshippers in death camps? Why is the so-called God of Light so apathetic to mankind and isn't solving our problems? Ruby was about to argue back, but she was lost in words what Tanya said. Is Tanya's world is not pleasant what Ruby believes to be and is she protecting her from the cruel truth about themselves?

Thinking about Tanya's argument which Ruby has lost for word, Marlene spoke out why her Colonel is being too quiet.

"Um…Ms. Rose, are you still there?" Snapping their thoughts out, they almost forgot they were talking to Marlene.

"Sorry about that Ms. Sue. I was processing what you said to me. It's pretty grim what you told me." Giving a poker face at Marlene, Tanya isn't sure if she should continue this conversation and a vibe of hostility radiating out from the Devil's golden eyes.

Oh fine! Let me handle her you big baby. I'll talk her down!

Fine. You better not try to provoke her wrath. As Tanya skips out on the conversation, Ruby fully takes control of their body as her silver eyes gaze at Marlene Sue. The former Sioux is taken by surprise when her eyes suddenly change in color along with her attitude. As if she's talking to an entirely different person.

"Look. I don't know what kind of dreams that make you really upset. But having your nightmares dictate your life isn't exactly good for you. God doesn't want to see you suffer like this by your own anger and this is not the world you dreamt of." Calmly speaking to her and not seeing a trace of hate of seeing those silver eyes. The former Berserker calms down of what Ruby is saying.

"Go on, please." Ruby let out a sigh as she sees Marlene's stubbornness and her lingering hate from a past that she doesn't know.

"I am saying you need to let go of those dreams. Even they are real and you want to seek your vengeance on the 'devil.' But revenge is not the answer to all problems as it will only bring grief in you and bring more suffering of what's around you. The world that you dream off is that they don't forgive what they did." Rethinking Tanya's own words, Ruby is now slowly understood what she's hearing and getting a clear view of her sister's previous life.

"So please, think about your anger. Is there a way to make you happy?" Finding a way to calm her down, Ruby is starting to think of her options and seeing if which is best for Sue.

"Praying Ms. Rose, that's the only way to relieve my anger is the prayer to my Lord." Sue only knows that prayer keep her nightmares at bay and it works, giving prove that her god exists. So Ruby is starting to make alternatives than simple prayer.

"How about other ways to relieve your anger? Praying to God is a good thing…but not everything has to involve with faith. How about making friends in the chow hall? Having a friend is a great thing to do, right? You can talk with them about your faith." Looking at Ruby's silver eyes, something feels calming about them as her ire suddenly vanish than those demonic golden eyes she saw. Thinking about it, there's one person that caught Sue's interest.

"You know…I talk to this weird nerd which his friends call him Schwanz Simmons. He does look like a nice guy? But I feel he's quite faithless. You know. I really like your advice. Thank you, Ms. Rose." Thinking about him, she could talk about her religion and convert him to her belief, a nice way to talk about how God is great.

"You're welcome, Ms. Sue. You can head back what you're doing." Nodded her head, Sue left Tanya's office to head back to the chow hall on discussing religion. Leaving the twins alone and contemplating about Sue from their personal experience.

Well, that went swell.

Yeah, let's not do that again.

She's kind of nice…with issues. But she's a good girl, right? Even though you're really scared of her. Frowning from that statement, Tanya remembers the frenzy destruction that the two committed and Sue's crazy magical strength that would wipe out an entire battalion in a single blow.

Do not remind me of the bloodshed I went with her in the past. It isn't pleasant of what you think.

So the adventures you told me weren't true?

Ruby. If I honestly told you of what I did and my actions when Command forced me to fight off some pointless war at the frontlines. You will see me as some cruel monster and not understand why I did it. There's a reason people call me the Devil of the Rhine. The Great War which is Remnant's worst history? That's nothing compared to what I fought. Learning a little bit more about her twin sister's past. Ruby begins to understand why her sister does not like to talk about the truth and how bad it was in the war she fought. Thinking about it, she feels sorry for her sister.

I…sorry for pushing about your past sis.

You don't have to be Ruby. It's not your fault, its mankind's simple curiosity. Even though Ruby shared Tanya's intelligence or her association with Being X. Ruby merely has a mind of a child after all. So Tanya let it pass and not aggravating another argument.

Seeing its coast is clear. The small Nevermore phase back to Tanya's office and landing on Tanya's left shoulder. It caws happily that Sue is gone.

Look, Muggy is back!

Why do you call the Nevermore Muggy?

Because he tries to drink our cocoa in our mug…like mugging our drink? Ey? Ey! Groaning, Tanya reminds herself that she needs to cut off connections with their older sister as her host is starting to catch on with Yang's terrible puns. If this keeps up, she will pop a vessel.

What Ruby said though is pretty true. Tanya did remember Muggy tried to drink Ruby's hot cocoa but always keep immaterializing through their mug. Why coco though? Well, Tanya is kind of upset that she's not going to drink her daily dose of coffee from Ruby's constant complaining about the superstition that coffee will make them short.

It was amusing to watch the bird's attempt to drink her chocolate at first, but Tanya doesn't buy that idea by a simple antic. Naming them Huggy and Muggy feel way too coincidental.

While she's thinking about the birds, the Nevermore caws and Tanya sniff the air to feel something quite devious, a stronger scent than the rest of the suffering students.


In the dusty, shoddy halls to do the garrison being formerly abandoned, Marlene is strolling back to the mess hall to return back with Simmons' company and discussing his views around religion. Talking to Colonel Rose is quite an enlightening conversation she had. So she's going to listen to Tanya's advice at heart in this.

Casually walking, she stops herself when she saw a familiar face that everyone in the chow hall hates is suspiciously sneaking around. She quickly recognizes who it was.

"Grif? What are you doing and why are acting quite suspicious?" Marlene has no hard feelings for Grif, it just his slothful nature that really irradiates his peers and his staff, resulting in him getting into unnecessary trouble. But what really offended her is his obvious lying when he cheated in the test.

Looking around and seeing no one's near them. Grif looks back at her and giving Marlene a serious expression.

"Oh, that. Let's say everyone hates me after I...insulted Balder. So to make myself feel better and getting out of this shithole, I'm going to do a prank." Hearing this, Sue is having not so good opinions of what Grif is about to do.

"What kind of prank?" Wanting to know who the victim is that Grif is going to pull and judging what his intentions are. Grif tiredly chuckles to himself and answer her question.

"Okay please, don't be a snitch what I'm going to say this…I'm going to prank our Colonel." Widening her eyes of what Grif about to do. The brutal training they went, the hell the Colonel put them in and later finding out about Tanya's kinder side. Grif out of nowhere wants to prank their commanding officer?!

"Why exactly do you want to prank the Colonel? That's being pure suicidal!" Looking at Grif as if he wants to get into more trouble, the "Lieutenant" mischievously smirks to himself like it's the best idea ever.

"That's why I'm going down in fashion! If she wants to make us miserable, I will return the favor. That will put a blow on her pride!" The suffering he went through in the training. He wants payback of her mistreatment to him and suffering she did, even though it was his fault for instigating Tanya's brutal Navy Seal-like training than her original plan.

"Then why are you telling me all this?" Wanting to know why Grif blatantly told his plans to her which was kind of pointless and a terrible idea at that. The Lieutenant gulp to himself that he forgets he was talking to a random girl he barely knows.

"I said you wouldn't snitch on me and you look really trustworthy. You know, can you keep it as a secret?" Giving an expression of uncertainty in her eyes, she takes a deep breath and looks back at him stoically.

"Yes, I'll keep your secret Lieutenant Ranja. So further ado, I'll go back to the chow hall." The orange-eyed boy was taken by surprise of how easily Marlene take his promise and overjoyed of what he heard.

"Wait-really? That was easy! Thanks, Sue. I'll go spy around to find Tanya's bedchamber and surprise her. So see yeah Marlene." Giving a bluffing smile to Grif, he starts to search around for Tanya's bedroom. Leaving Sue alone, he naively thinks she will keep his secret.

Walking backward slowly when Tanya's lieutenant is out of sight, she hastily walks back to Tanya's office to report Grif's mischievous action. Marlene does have mix feelings about their Colonel and her strange personality that will suddenly change in seconds. But what her 'lieutenant' is doing is not morally acceptable to her eyes. Walking back, she felt something flown over her but she isn't the mood to look around for it.

Reaching Tanya' door, she opens it up again and revealing Tanya's office which holds a collection of antiques from the Great War. Her skin feels the warm air from Tanya's personal conditioner, the vibrant whitish-blue design of the classical décor, and a big, waxy mahogany desk in front of Tanya's small body. Seeing the silvered-eyed Colonel resting on her black leathered chair, Tanya looks at Sue worriedly if something stirred her to be like that.

"What is it again Captain Sue?" Trying to collect her cool, Sue spoke out of Grif possible insubordination against Tanya's leadership.

"I'm reporting in that Grif's actions would likely be considered as insubordination." Curiously raising her eyebrow at the brunette berserker, the silver-eyed Tanya look at Sue concernedly of what her subordinate Grif is about to do.

"What kind of action that would consider as insubordination?" Speaking clearly, Sue told what their Colonel Lieutenant is up to.

"He wants to prank you during the night to soil your reputation, Ms. Rose!" Hearing this, Tanya frowns and soberly nods her head what she heard.

"I see…well then. Thank for informing me, Ms. Sue. I'll deal with him swiftly. You can return what you're doing." Respectfully saluting to her Colonel, Marlene left the room and only leaving the twins alone to themselves.

Do we have to lie to her that we already know that he's going to prank us at our bedroom?

Is she going to believe that we have two birds and giving suspicion that we can surveillance them at every corner? Including not developing an appropriate story of how we know it? Looking at the Dove and the Nevermore. To Tanya, it feels like 1984 and Poetic Edda combined, which she and Ruby can easily detect any kind of insubordination that deem as unlawful. But if Tanya keeps up on making lies of how she randomly knows it, there will be a chance of inconsistency in her words. So to make it subtle and simple for them as possible, they will play along if it calls for it.

So, Ruby…do you want to learn how to use a nonlethal spell and stomach what I'm about to do?


As the sun retreats down and the night rises up. In the barracks where boys are sleeping at, the male students are starting to sleep in their rocky bunk beds while the functioning warmer repels the freezing coldness of the night. The sleeping quarters are modest at best with few cracks showing on the walls.

"Grif, what the fuck are you doing?" Some of the teens who are about to sleep heard someone getting off the bed. Simmons, Templar, Turkis, and Biff look up to see their Colonel Lieutenant is leaving the sleeping quarters in his white sleeping clothes.

"Um…going to the bathroom?" The orange-eyed slob looks back at his peers, only to hear Biff snorted himself and went back to bed.

"Sure whatever, just hurry up and go to the bathroom." Realizing they don't care what their Lieutenant is up to, they went back to bed and sleep for their big training tomorrow. Knowing they need all the energy they can get to survive Thorn Week.

"You better not bring food from the Mess Hall, fat boy." Turkis spitefully looking at Grif, he remembered one of the inspections that their Colonel Lieutenant hid jelly donuts in his locker. In response, they all got severely punished by doing endless pushups or getting freeze to death.

Seeing they went back to sleep and caring less about Grif. The pudgy teen left the grey sleeping quarters and heading straight to the locker room. Grif could see the cobwebs with old lights that were used during the Great War Era flickered at him ominously as they hang on the shriveled up ceiling wall.

Stepping inside the locker room where he saw rows of semi-rusty lockers stood proudly of the changing times, the Lieutenant steps on the murky floor and heading straight to his designated locker. Fiddling with his combination, he opens it up and grabs a bag full of trinkets that he could rig Tanya's room when she wakes up.

Closing his locker, he grabs his bag and heading straight to the halls. Leading to Tanya's presumably private bedchamber where he scouted out.

Opening the door to find it surprisingly unlocked, it reveals Tanya's chamber; which said bedchamber is quite luxurious. The silky white curtains that hang on the majestic beveled windows, a king-size canopy bed that a little princess would sleep in with blue accent on the sheets. To see more of the unfairness, he saw the red carpet floor with golden texture, artifacts from the Great War that either hangs on the wall or on the polish mahogany counters and a heater that his skin doesn't feel the stingy coldness from the outside.

In short, this is grandiose than what they have. As envy and anger stir inside of Grif's mind, the privilege that Tanya has here.

"Bitch, you are hogging all the fancy stuff here." Whispering upsettingly in a low tone, he looks at the bed to see a lump. Looking at it, Grif presumes Tanya is sleeping right now under those sheets.

"Okay, payback time." Putting his bag down, he heads to Tanya's fancy bed and gently grabs the sheet. In an instant, he pulls it away to reveal pillows stack together to act like a body. In realization of what's happening. His neck suddenly being wrapped tightly by a spiny fabric, looking down to see what it is. He saw plant vines slithering at his throat as it tightly grips into his skin with needle-like thorns that are dangerously close to his flesh

He fell into Tanya's trap.

"Well, well…Lieutenant Ranja, I didn't give you permission to enter this chamber?" Struggling to turn his head behind him, he saw the Colonel's malevolent golden eyes staring at him in ire. Soon, her left hand materializing out more vines as it firmly grasping on her Lieutenant's limbs as he could not escape her wrath.

"Bitch…you're hogging the fancy stuff." Trying to speak but lacking air in his mouth as he's being strangled. Tanya looks at him confusedly at what he means by that.

"You mean these unnecessary decorations? I originally wanted to make this room as simple as possible to preserve my budget. But Ironwood fixed this room for free out of his generosity." Sneering, she looks at him dangerously.

"But what you did is not acceptable as pranking your higher officer is considered insubordination." After she said that, the thorns then puncture into his skin. Grif could feel his aura reserve is slowly being leeched away from his body, a sense of dryness in his soul. In a sly smile of finally learning of what her thorns can do, Tanya feels her soul is receiving random amounts of aura, strengthening them by the stolen reserve that she siphoning out from Grif's soul. Those vine plants back at Patch weren't randomly spawn from there, it was from her.

"For your obvious cheating to make yourself unfit to be my second-in-command and frequent disobedience…let me express that." The vines strangle him harder as he cannot breathe. Dropping to his knees when Tanya's appendages are wrapping on his legs and suffocation getting to him, Tanya slowly steps forwards on savoring this very moment.

Tightly binding her multiple vines around Grif's neck to his limbs like she's fucking Joseph Joestar and watching him choking to death as his face is turning blue. Aiming her right palm at Grif's spine, the twins feel their souls emerging. This time, it's more smoothly and getting a better control of their souls than back at the lab when their minds aren't prepared for. A greyish feeling mixing in them as their eyes turn black with their iris shines white gold. A slight burning pain when they touch.

"O' Lord in heaven, punish the foolish for their trespass onto your holy domain and give mercy to the trespassers. Oh God in glory."


Dusk sets down as night sets up. Out in the snow, Eric and Sarge walk outside the garrison to check up with Colonel Rose's units to see how progress is going with them. But there is one thing that bothers Eric.

"Why did you bring your robotic butler, Sarge?" Looking over at the android that Sarge personally built it in his spare time in R&D department. It is a heavily modified Atlesian Knight-130 which he somehow miraculously built it without a hitch. Eric sees its yellow visor was staring at its creator and the android's brown accents are slowly being covered in ice.

Rot Gunnery just laughs and pats his robotic friend's back like they're friends.

"Oh, Lupen is my trusty mechanic. He is my loyal robot and he appreciates my company. Isn't that right Lupen? Besides, I need him to fix the electric circuit in this old garrison which this place is away from the main school ground. As you know, the garrison's power is running in that old rust bucket generator of theirs. It needs renovation! Also, I think she needs my bot to fix this place up." Explaining why he needs to bring his personal mechanic robot, Lupen spoke in a monotone robotic voice.

[Ich schwöre. Ich möchte mich jetzt umbringen. Wenn ich die Chance habe. Ich werde die verdammte Schaltbox zerstören. Wenn mein Protokoll deaktiviert ist.] (I swear. I want to kill myself right now. If I have the chance. I will destroy the fucking circuit box. If my protocol is off.) Eric's Atlesian is a bit rusty as he didn't have the time to speak his Kingdom's old language. But he could tell that was a threat.

"I want to ask. Why is your bot saying in old Atlesian, Colonel Gunnery?" Sarge nervously chuckles as he begins to recall of his unfortunate mishap.

"Oh that. You see, Lupen's speech unit is badly damaged when there was a…miss handle by R&D. Which he's now speaking in Atlesian. I try to get a replacement from Director Kirche and his fuss ball of a partner. But they're too stingy to give me one. Something about creating an A.I or fussy britches rambling about copper? I don't know. Anyways, Lupen is permanently speaking in our kingdom's old tongue." Then Lupen happily replies back to his master.

[Fick dich. Schwanzlutscher] (Fuck you. Cocksucker.) Glancing back at the robot one more time, Colonel Luger shakes his head of listening to one of Sarge's terrible habits and questioning if the old Colonel needs to retire immediately to do his detachment to reality.

"Right, I hope this goes well-" About to question his sanity, a loud boom roared out atop of the third floor of the garrison that it shook the ground. The impact quickly wakes up the tired students in a hysterical panic and the Colonels covering their faces by the soot.

Looking up, they saw black smoke covering the third floor which leads to someone's personal bedchamber and saw an overweight boy flinging out from a massive hole. The young teen face planted on the icy cement floor with cracks forming by the harsh landing.

Startled by the sudden explosion, they look up to see Colonel Rose gracefully landed on the ground. Carrying a handgun that resembles a Glock 22 and her arm is being coated with sickly, thorny vines as they crawl through her skin. The Colonel calmly walks towards Grif with a predatory stare. Sensing the negativity in the air like an odor.

Coughing and taking a deep breath that he can finally breathe now. Grif was about to raise his head until a boot slam right at the back of his skull, hitting his head against the pavement and feeling blood running through his face.

"Going somewhere Lieutenant Ranja?" Stomping his skull harder and getting crushed on the cement. Tanya looks around to see a crowd of students shaking in fear as they woke up from the blast and her fellow Colonels taken surprise by Tanya's hostility. She could taste the terror from their very souls, hearing their hearts beating in dread to her ears like drums.

"Colonel Rose! What are you doing?!" Yelling at Tanya of her sudden aggressiveness, Eric felt he did this before and something so familiar with this scene. Shrugging his head, he needs to defuse the situation before Grif dies on his own misfortune. Hearing Luger's voice, Tanya's gold eyes glance at the Colonel apathetically.

"I'm just doing my job as a soldier, Colonel. In Officer Duty, you need to discipline your troops or expel them for their insubordination. This one here tries to prank me and his poor record on following orders. Importantly, you know full well he cheated on his test right? Comparing to his questionable grades, Lieutenant Ranja having a feasible perfect score is extremely doubtful." Looking back at her Lieutenant, she scoffs at him.

Having enough with him, she lifted her boot and fiercely kicks his skull swiftly as he smacks his forehead against the pavement viscously, knocking him out from the pure concussion with possible brain damage. A nasty crack can be heard in the garrison with the students grimace in horror at the sound.

"Private Matt Rig Heim! Step forward!" All the students petrified in fear from Colonel Rose's gaze at them. Quickly getting their senses together, Rig Heim who is Tanya's reincarnate Vice Commander steps forward silently. His flesh tightens and the air of fear radiates out of him.

"Rig Heim, you are promoted as Lieutenant Colonel. Griefer Ranja will be shipped back to Atlas for his incompetence and his constant insubordination. I will suspect you do more than him, you got that?!" Swallowing his saliva, he fearfully saluted to his Commanding Officer.

"Yes, Sir!" That wasn't good enough of what Tanya heard. Her eyes menacingly gaze at him if he's fully committed, she then viciously glances at Simmons. Seeing her eyes, Simmons nervously gulps and hoping she didn't know he was the one who hacked into the school's database. To express his fear, he quietly whimpers to Turkis. Trying not to stare into Tanya's eyes as they give out a glint of madness in them. Worse than Marlene's constant religious badgering.

"She's fucking scary man." Hearing his words clear as day and feeling Turkis's suspicion. She ignores them and proceeds to question Matt's resolve.

"Will you improve our units and do what I suspect Lieutenant?!" Shivering in fear and not wanting to be like Grif. He raises his voice louder and stood tightly in his sleeping clothes with his winter jacket only keeping him warm.

"Yes, Colonel Rose!" Looking at him one more time, Tanya stare at him in the eye to see his commitment and his obedience. Nodding her head when she senses his determination, The Devil deems him as her Lieutenant.

"Good! You are all dismissed!" Dismissing the scared crowd as they disperse back to their respected barracks, Tanya looks back at the Colonels who are gawking at her in disbelief.

"That was…unnecessary what you did Tanya." Displease of Tanya's performance, Sarge disagrees with Eric's statement as her stunt excites his bloodlust.

"Unnecessary? That was exhilarating! That maggot should have a bayonet between his brows or a rifle right up his ass! For some reason when I see him, I want to shoot him like a duck! Good job Colonel Rose! You make an old man proud!" Enjoying on watching Tanya beating up her disrespectful subordinate, the robot who is behind them has a different view towards the young Colonel and with good reasons.

[Was zum Teufel? Warum spielt ein kleines Mädchen Offizier und wer ist blutrünstig verrückt?] (What the fuck? Why is a little girl playing officer and who is bloodthirsty crazy?) Hearing that. Tanya glances at the android dangerously. The robot's German is choppy and awkward like it's using a Google Translator. Nevertheless, she understood what it said.

"I do not appreciate what you said to me android. Let me hear that one more time of calling me bloodthirsty." Perfectly understanding what it said. Lupen panic in fear and not wanting to provoke her wrath.

[Oh Scheiße! Sie versteht mich! Bitte beende mich nicht!] (Oh shit! She understands me! Please don't end me!) Staring at the android of why it's here, the Devil looks back at her fellow Colonels.

"Colonel Gunnery and Luger, what brought you here and why did you bring an unauthorized android here?" Glancing at the colonels of why they brought a bot that acts kind of sentient. Eric coughs under his breath and explains it to her while secretly hiding his fears.

"We are here to gather insight reports on how the training is progressing. Addition, we are sending in supplies, personnel, and materials for the base to function correctly tomorrow. For the robot you ask about, its Sarge personal mechanic as the robot will be repairing the garrison." Confidently speaking to Tanya and doing his best to hide his fear. Colonel Rose gently nods her head while she quietly sniffs the air that Luger is radiating out.

"Good to hear. Sorry about that little incident I made." There is a silence between them as Eric looks at her in the eye.

"You do know I will report this incident to General Ironwood including the training condition, right?" Knowing this will happen eventually. Tanya knows that Rerugen in the past knows of Tanya's true capabilities and questioning her morals. So this will be no different in this life.

"I am fully aware of what my training course and the harsh treatment towards my subordinates Colonel Luger. But their careless acceptance without acknowledging the ratification of my training is not to be glossed over. The ego is not acceptable here and you know that when I wrote about what my training rearrangement to the staff. Am I correct Colonel?" Eric frowns from hearing that statement. Tanya made a detailed written plan for what the practical test is going to be to the staff members. Half of the staff are impressed and want to support her idea, but the rest are not so keen on it from the over-aggressiveness.

Thinking about it, the pressure and emotional negativity might attract hoards of Grimm to their location if Tanya goes beyond her moral boundaries. But reading her papers, her training is a way to cope with their negativity when facing intensive danger and seeing their emotions as a weapon she can utilize.

To Luger, it feels all too contradictory of what she's doing when it comes to mankind's psyche.

Unluckily for him and General Ironwood, they are being pressured by the Council of Remnant to push Tanya's plan into action. So they have no choice but to accept to see if it works.

"You may proceed with the training Colonel Rose. Please, do restrain yourself next time." Still upset about what he's seeing. Sarge then pats on the back of his robot mechanic.

"Lupen, this here is your new, temporal master. Treat her well Lupen and fix her equipment. Anyways, see yeah. Protocol Temp-owner: Tanya 3-40-a." After saying that, Lupen wasn't fond of what his creator said to him. Lupen's HUD is now directing its subroutine towards Tanya's own commands.

[Warten? Was!] (Wait? What!) As the two left to gather reports and picking up Grif who is unconscious, the android look behind to see Tanya impatiently staring at him.

"So, you are here to fix this shoddy base? Alright then, let's start with the basics and making sure you don't screw up." Shifting her head up to the hole that the twins created, she looks back at the android of knowing what his next step would be.

Giving the robot's instruction, it went off like a bee.


Are we in trouble Tanya? Walking back to her office after that 'little' incident was over. Tanya just lazily replies back to her host.

I don't believe so. The Higher Ups see my actions as a little more than a hiccup. The Devil acknowledged that Remnant's politicians and half of General Ironwood's war-hawk officers are pressuring him. If he cancels her training right now, slight chances it will put a blow to his military career. As he's most likely yet begrudgingly write it off as a minor incident for the time being.

Why do you believe that? Hearing Lupen's power tools echo above the garrison to fix the hole that Tanya made, she explains the Council's ambition of seeing her work bear fruition. It also told Tanya that they put the aura research on hold and focusing her militaristic ideas to deal with massive threats swiftly.

Politics and military affairs tend to go into grey areas, Ruby. As I can tell that a lot of the government and brass leaders are really enthusiastic about my ideas. Yet some…aren't liberalistic on my views on warfare. Thinking about it. It feels a little too irrational for me that the majority of them easily accept my ideas this quickly. Stepping into their office during the night, Tanya turns around and starts locking her office door.

So continue on like nothing happened here? Pulling out her Scroll and tapping on a lock app to reveal a holographic number pad. Ruby wasn't exactly happy either of how Tanya treated Grif for his sloppy nature. But she's glad enough that her sister didn't outright kill him over a simple prank.

Yup. Typing her number password on the screen, a quiet hiss was heard in their decorated office. Turning to the right side of the wall, a concealed door that blends in with the wall décor slides open for them to enter.

So why do we need to have a hidden bedroom than the fancy bedchamber again? Stepping inside the entrance which the height and height would fit an adult. The twins look around to see a pure grey room. In front of them, they see the many firearms mounted on the walls for the twins to use. When Ruby first saw it, she was drooling when her weapon obsession is kicking in.

Under the weapon display, they see an average white bed and a wooden counter next to it. Besides them at the far right is a steel wardrobe for them to change out their uniforms and hiding their stockpile of ammunition inside. There is also a door that leads to their personal bathroom and laundry room which has better condition than their rundown garrison.

Well, I didn't ask for the bedchamber for myself, it was intended for my Lieutenant to sleep there. But then there was Grif. Subsequently, no one is sleeping in that room after that little incident. For the personal needs, I want to be in solitude and not to be bothered with the base's current state. Heading to the wardrobe, the twins soon change their white Atlas military uniform to their sleeping clothes; consisting of a black tank top and white boxer shorts. Looking at their arms, they see the black veins are starting to manifesting quickly as it slowly reaching to her armpits. Dispersing them, Tanya tightly grasps her fists and the tar-like substance that was visible on her skin then fades into obscurity.

Psst, that sounds unnecessary. Anyways, I really don't like the black stuff on you, Tanya. It really gives me the creeps. Getting up to their bed and set down. Tanya sets up her Scroll to wake her up in the early of the morning. To clean herself up, getting dressed, and being mentally ready for her day. Setting her Scroll on the counter, she answered Ruby of her doubtfulness.

Unless you want to be hazed like Private Pyle when we actually sleep there, be my guest. Second. the tar that's on my soul? I don't feel anything weird at all by it. Matter of fact, it feels quite pleasant. Ruby frowns that Tanya wouldn't acknowledge that something is extremely wrong with her. But what does her sister mean by Private Pyle?

Who's Private Pyle? When she said who's Private Pyle. A surge of memories hit Tanya hard as she finally remembers the old film she watches back at Japan. Thinking about the Vietnam War movie, she understands why her Graduation Speech sounded pretty familiar when she unintentionally created her Imperial 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion while under intense stress that her old subordinates actually passed her brutal test.

A character from an old movie I watch. You know what? That reminds me of something in the past. Thinking about it, everything makes perfect sense to her now.

Okay then…well, I'm going to pray while you're at it. Scoffing at Ruby's fond for prayers and her faith to Being X. Tanya decides it's best to ignore her and rehearsing her plans in the future.

Another day, another punishment for her subordinates.


Inside the office of Ironwood, the General looks at his scroll as he's chatting with Dr. Grau who miraculously didn't get fired over that small incident. James question the scientist with a concerning question.

"So any outcomes about those strange black thorns that were extracted back at your chamber?" Eir excitingly smiles at the Headmaster as she explains away of what she found.

"Well Ironwood sir, my assistant Frank and I researching the samples on those thorns. Oddly enough, some of them dissipate and some turn into this...black goo? I can't describe it, but it's really exciting of what I saw. From what I witness, it feels like Tanya is part Grimm!" Blinking his eyes, the General wants to hear that again.

"Part Grimm you say?" Eir happily laughs and explains away by her pure observation.

"Well, General Sir. By pure observation, I notice some things that could describe as a Grimm. Looking at Tanya's soul, the aura detector barely picks up her soul as if it wasn't there. Second, when they were fusing their souls. I notice black veins were forming on her wrist and her sclera turning pure black. To give further examination on those thorns, they have bones that could be found on Grimm. How weird!" Hearing this, Ironwood becomes really alarmed about this news.

He really needs to talk to Ozpin about this revelation.


[Bonus: cadence singing]

Sitting in their office and tapping their fingers on the table while dusk is setting. The twins are trying to make up or choose an existing cadence to use for marching with Tanya's selected units. She's going to personally jog with them after she weeded out some of the undesirables in the group. The birds that are now called Huggy and Muggy by Ruby's persistent nagging are resting on their shoulders as they stare at a blank sheet of paper.

She also plans on making her own Emblem. But now isn't the time for what her military seal would look like. In her own lack of creative interest, it would probably be just triangles and that's it.

So what song we're going to pick? Looking through a list of cadence in their Scroll, they couldn't find any songs that would satisfy both twins involving in the lyrics. Tanya wants the lyrics to be simple while Ruby wants it to be really creative. They couldn't choose which one.

Don't know. The songs are way too long for me to sing. Snarling at the lyrics, she saw its way too complicated. Ruby frowns when Tanya picked a song.

That's way too boring Tanya. What are we going to do now as we can't pick what we like?"

What do you mean? It's simple.

Yeah, but it's boring and the rookies wouldn't remember it! How about giving something, a meaning, like… expressing your past life Tanya?

What are you implying?

I mean expressing your emotions during your time as a mage right? I'm not saying to speak your past out loud but to be subtle about what you're feeling? How about it?

Do I have to?

Unless you want to search through songs for hours and not finding anything that we like. Sighing, Tanya picks up her pencil and starts to write down the lyrics. Looking at her paper, the cyan lights that hang above her give a vibrant calmness in the atmosphere that she could not describe. Thinking, what would her introduction sound like?

How do you feel during your time as a mage, sis? Recalling her memories, she could hear arterially shells and bullets whistling below her, the shrapnel flying as her Mage Units evade the line of fire. She shouted orders in the Empire's language as piles of bodies growing bigger by the day. Flash of fiery gold to defy God itself and to light her soldiers' will. She wanted to put her personal feelings and miserableness, but she scraps that idea as Ruby would simply get agitated by it.

As Ruby and Tanya discussing the lyrics, they tailor the verses of what they see is acceptable to them. They memorizing the lyrics as they have one month left till they go outside to march on the white tundra. The birds Huggy and Muggy silently watch them making a song.

Soon, they start to sing.

Rehearsing their vocals and perfecting the lyrics. Days turn to weeks and the weeks become a month. The twins are outside in their fluffy, white snow uniform and the freezing winds blowing in their face as they step on the pure white fields of snow. Looking up to her recruits. Tanya's gold eyes penetrating through the soldiers' hearts, the soldiers want to ask how she is standing on the snow without her wearing snowshoes and not submerging into the pile. But they don't want to infuriate their leading officer.

But they don't know her thorns are keeping her weight in check which she's light as a feather when her feet are wrapped by her vines. A trick she learned when she practicing her semblance.

"Soldiers! ATTENTION!" All stood tightly as Tanya saw four familiar faces in the crowd. Krapfen, Rhine, the newly promoted Lieutenant Matt, and Simmons stood petrified as they don't want to share the terrible fate with Grif by being relocated with Sarge or nearly getting killed by their half-psychotic child officer by poking on her temper. Biff and Marlene remain calm of her threats while Templar and Turkis skeptically looking at her.

For Marlene, her smile is getting on her nerves and only making Tanya twitch her brows in trepidation as some droplets sliding down on her skin. She could detect her uncontrolled rage.

Ruby, are you sure? This is hardly a cadence I can follow.

Come on Tanya. This is an experimentation, right? Ironwood would care less about our song and more on our education, double right? Besides, it's not like you're forced to create a special op in this lifetime. Not sure if Ruby was being sarcastic. It's too late for her to redo what she wrote, so Tanya roared out.

"Alright, maggots, we are going to jog in the snow! If anyone steps out of the line, your ass will be mine! So repeat after I say a verse! You got that!" Nodding their heads in terror and not moving an inch. They respond back.

"YES, SIR!"

Tanya took a deep breath as she marched through the snow and remembering the song the two made. She squeakily begins to sing gracefully and brutally.

"Feuer! Sperrfeuer! Feuer! Los!"

Following her squeaky words, they repeat what she said as they start marching through the tundra.

"FEUER! SPERRFEUER! FEUER! LOS!"

"Acthung! Deckung! Hinlegen! Halt!"

"ACHTUNG! DECKUNG! HINLEGEN! HALT!

Repeating another verse, they found the tone slightly catchy as the twins begin to sing in English than their old language. The words are slightly euphemized than what Tanya originally wrote it as to prevent upsetting Ruby's morals.

"KEEP ON FIGHTING!"

"KEEP ON CLASHING TILL WE END UP DEAD!"

"LET'S IGNITE OUR OWN WILL-SINCE WE'RE BORN TO STRIVE FOR VICTORY!"

Repeating what their instructor said as they march through the snow and hearing her beautiful voice. They begin to repeat the first and second verse.

"FEUER! SPERRFEUER! FEUER! LOS!"

"ACHTUNG! DECKUNG! HINLEGEN! HALT!"

Feeling the energy of the song, their souls feel rejuvenated while their bodies tired by the march. Soon, Tanya's grim views are leaking in and reminding the recruits that she is in charge. Striking terror within their hearts as they echo her every word as insubordination is not welcome in her eyes. She wants to express their worthlessness but omitted it.

"I'M SURE YOU HEAR THEM TOO!"

"GUNS GOING OFF-AIMING FOR YOU!"

"THEIR VOICES SCREAMING OUT!"

"FILLED WITH FEAR AND THEIR DOUBT!"

"IF THEY EVEN DARE, NO ONE'S GETTING SPARED!"

Gulping their saliva and knowing she's referring to them. They continue singing and hiding their fear, not wanting to provoke the monster that's under her skin. They repeat the first and second German verses and continue to sing the rest of the song.

"QUIT WHINING-STAND UP TALL!"

"YOU'RE EITHER IN OR DIE ALONE!"

"WE'LL STAY HERE 'TIL THE BITTER END, WE'LL FIGHT FOR OUR REMNANT!"

Then she spoke something inspirational and familiarity to some of the troops, a faint memory of the futility of mankind.

"KEEP ON FIGHTING!"

"KEEP ON CLASHING TILL WE END UP DEAD!"

"LET'S IGNITE OUR OWN WILL-SINCE WE'RE BORN TO STIVE FOR VICTORY!"

"GIVE ALL YOU GOT!"

"DON'T YOU BACK DOWN!"

"SHOW ME YOUR TRUE DESIRE!"

"LET'S ENLIGHTEN OUR SKY, TILL THE SUN WILL RISE ANEW-NOW!"

Looking up at the bright sky with rage and expresses her personal views, she will not yield to Being X. No matter what the cost.

"SOLDIERS, GO FORTH!"

"PROVE WE WON'T BACK DOWN YET!"

"GO ON AHEAD-SHOW GOD WE'LL MAKE THIS LAST!"


To Glass Writer, I pretty much agree with ToxicCerebrate's view. Even though that's true in other mediums, I can't really see her hold a stable relationship to do her psychopath-like nature. Putting her in a romantic scenario just wouldn't work for me as I'm using her anime-counterpart and I'm not exactly good at writing ships to pull it off either.

Amerdism, Tanya is extremely resentful of Sue to do her past experience with her and addition of Being X showing memories of Sue's past, making Marlene really vengeful about it. Ruby will try to thaw and amend their differences, but it will be difficult feet for her.

Espada-001. I'm just highlighting Tanya's traits. She is extremely intolerant towards insubordination or the indiscipline among her ranks, unlike Sarge who kind of tolerates everything. She will act extremely hostile but restrained herself to do Ruby's presence.

For my grammar…well, Grammarly and Ginger can't do much for finding my personal mistakes as it only catches the obvious ones. Unless there's a better software than the free-version or someone who can proofread the chapters to iron out my errors, I will be really glad.