[Author Note] To reiterate this is an AU so things don't go exactly as in canon and I've also taken some liberties pertaining to other elements of Arknights as well.

Matriarchy Ch.1 Infinite Snow

December 1092 Northern Ursine Tundra

The loud beating of sticks reverberated through the air. On the outskirts of a quiet village two young Sarkaz girls were sparring with each other, hoping to improve their swordplay. Overseeing them was another Sarkaz girl with dark red long hair as well as an Elafia lady with long silver hair who radiated a presence of comfort from just being around her. As a teacher for the younger infected children the kind Elafia lady was known as Alina.

The young Sarkaz girl next to Alina was known as Hana who aspired to be someone as helpful as the Elafian teacher. Hana had pointed ears, dark blue eyes and wore clothes similar to Alina that being a long dress with a gray and black colour palette just bite sized as this young Sarkaz girl was only 12 years old. As a member of the symbolically demonic race Hana's horns were black, curved and pointed upwards which were complimented by her pointed black tail.

To the two Sarkaz children sparring were close to Hana's age as well. One of them had shoulder length white hair and the other had pink hair tied into twintails its length only reaching just past her shoulders.

The white haired child otherwise known as Yui had red eyes, wore a tattered sleeveless black dress stopping at her thighs and black boots. Just like Hana, Yui had a pointed black tail darting out from underneath her short dress and curved black horns a bit larger than Hana's. She was the youngest out of the sarkaz trio being only 10 years old.

The pink haired sarkaz had purple eyes, wore a similar black dress as Yui but with a black jacket as well, a black pointed tail and curved horns though interestingly those features had a purple trim to them matching her eyes. This young sarkaz was the oldest of the trio at 13 years of age and her name was Natasha. Though ironically Hana was taller than Natasha who in turn was taller than Yui.

"Are those two always going at it like this?" Alina asks concerned for the safety of the children she's meant to be taking care of.

"I wouldn't worry too much it's just in their blood as a Sarkaz, I don't think the pacifism you're teaching is getting through to them" Hana responds with a light chuckle not at all being surprised at how Yui and Natasha were eager to get stronger even at their young age.

Alina could only let out an exasperated sigh as it was not the first time Yui and Natasha would eagerly spar with each other but it concerned her nonetheless.

Yui and Natasha unprofessionally struck at each other with their sticks though it was clear Natasha was more skilled as Yui struggled to keep up. A couple of exchanges later Natasha swiped with so much force that she managed to snap the sticks in Yui's and her own hands sending its other half flying away with enough force that if someone were hit by it would do a lot more than a light graze.

Yui fell on her backside onto the cold dirt from the force of Natasha's swing and a moment later a light thud was heard but it wasn't the sound of someone getting hit. Hana and Alina turned to the source of that sound to see the other half of one of their sticks was caught by a white haired Draco that Alina was very close with.

"You know had I been any one else that could've really hurt someone"

"…! Talulah!" Alina began as she walked up to the Draco "I apologise for the inconvenience these kids have caused I should've been more vigilant"

Yui and Natasha turned to face their leader, Talulah, though the kids don't really interact with the Draco much if at all Yui, Natasha and Hana greatly revered her for her strength, compassion and leadership.

"It's not a problem Alina, If those kids wish to take up arms when they get older then let them, it's their call how they wish to support the infected regardless of their race" Talulah bringing up race is an important point since it wasn't common to see Sarkaz around the Northern Tundra unless they were already part of a mercenary band. The white haired Draco recalls half a year earlier how she with Alina had met the Sarkaz trio.

6 Months ago

It was just another average outing for Talulah and Alina in a nearby village to barter for supplies and to recruit any infected looking for a better place, a place to call home, a home known as the Reunion Movement. As Alina was the diplomatic of the two, she did most of the talking. Talulah's gaze scanned the village looking for signs of any Ursus soldiers that have passed through or could be on their way here and that was when she laid her eyes on a peculiar Sarkaz trio seemingly neglected by the village likely due to demonic appearance the Sarkaz normally sport.

The trio of young Sarkaz girls kept close and to themselves huddled under a nearby tree as the residents of the village looked upon them with scorn. Talulah had seen this song and dance before but this time it went beyond that due to the devilish tales of the Sarkaz race, their reputation among the common folk is less than ideal leading to the blatant mistrust of their kind based solely on what they were and not what they did.

The Draco was quick to sympathise on how it felt to feel alone in a cruel world, that is until one can find a light that may lead them to the end of the tunnel, Talulah's thoughts flash to Alina's smiling face and her persistence to converse with the Draco that it took 3 years for her to fully trust her the way she does now. Feeling like she's witnessing a mirror of herself it was her turn to lend out a guiding hand.

Talulah headed towards the Sarkaz trio and not soon after while making her way to them Alina had finished her arrangements and saw that Talulah was talking off somewhere and went to follow. As the Draco approached she deduced with certainty that the young trio of girls were infected as Sarkaz are much more susceptible to contracting Oripathy compared to other races.

The pink haired one that would later be known as Natasha was alerted seeing the white haired Draco approaching her and brandished a machete likely taken from an Ursus soldier. Natasha was quick to stand in front of her friends to protect them.

"Do not be alarmed, I have not come to magnify your grief no, I wish to alleviate it" Talulah said unfazed at the blade pointing at her, she looked into Natasha's determined eyes, those were the eyes that would do anything to protect the ones they loved.

Natasha who kept her blade firmly pointed at Talulah scoffed at her assertion "Heh, says the one wearing the uniform of an Ursus officer" The white haired draco sighs as this isn't the first time her character was judged based on her attire "That's not really important right now, what is important is that I'm offering you a way out, you see I wish to fight for the rights of the infected and due to us being ostracised we need a place to call home, that's what I wish to extend to you" Talulah pauses before finishing off her sentence "I want you to know that you can trust me after all I'm infected as well"

Natasha's grip slightly falters upon hearing the Draco call herself infected but she still had little reason to trust a stranger. The pink haired Sarkaz didn't give an immediate response as her mind pondered whether Talulah was telling the truth or not to which the Draco continued to speak hoping to convince her fellow infected.

"You know the group I represent, Reunion is always looking for capable fighters and you three may be young but I can sense a great deal of Arts from all of you which means you have great potential when you grow up, why not fight for a better cause rather than live off the scraps in the tundra"

"…Are you saying that we'd just be puppets for your so called 'better cause'?"

"That's…that's not what I meant I-"

Before Talulah finished her sentence she was interrupted by Alina who was standing nearby watching the exchange.

"Talulah, there's a reason why I should be handling the diplomatic exchanges you should remember you're talking with kids not your usual soldiers" Alina stated as she let out a soft chuckle lightly chastising the Draco.

Talulah turns to face the Elafia. "Alina…"

The Elafian teacher simply responded with a smile to Talulah as she approached the Sarkaz kids undeterred by the machete that was now pointed towards Alina.

"Apologies for my friend here, she's really not that good at speaking with others" Alina started and Talulah noticing the slight jab at her wanted to say "Hey" but decided in her better judgement to let Alina talk this out.

The silver haired Elafia put a hand on Natasha's blade urging her to lower it as she truly means no harm towards these children even if it slightly cut into her skin but to Alina it didn't hurt.

"I understand that it may be hard to trust us or for us to understand the hardships you've been through since we all suffer as infected differently however I can promise a safe heaven for those that have been through the worst" As Alina spoke her voice at least in Natasha's opinion was much more soothing to listen to compared to Talulah and she found herself more willing to lower the machete as the Elafia gestured to "I'm a teacher that instructs several kids that are around your age, they're just like you, fellow infected all seeking to live their own lives free from prejudice"

Natasha now with her weapon lowered felt more convinced by Alina's speech but she wanted to make sure and sought to consult her friends Hana and Yui for their thoughts.

"What do you think, should we trust them?"

"That Elafia seems genuine but I also felt the same about the Draco earlier as well" Hana says giving a much more analytical approach compared to Natasha.

"What choice do we have really…it's better than just scraping by everyday…" Yui's was very soft spoken her eyes already look like she's given up on finding any comfort in this life. Natasha had a soft spot for Yui and seeing her white haired friend in any amount of discomfort stung her conscience and so the pink haired Sarkaz made her decision.

"Fine we'll join your what did you call it…Reunion…" Natasha's tone still had a small sense of hostility to it as she still couldn't quite fully trust either the Elafia or the Draco. In her mind the only ones she could trust completely were her friends Hana and Yui.

"Thank you and don't worry about your Sarkazian heritage, Reunion doesn't discriminate against their fellow infected regardless of their race" Alina reassured

That reassurance was at least enough for the Sarkaz trio to stick by Alina as they all headed back to the quiet village they came from, Talulah leading the way as a bodyguard for the non-combatants with one thought that continued to echo through her mind.

(Am I really that bad with children…?)

Making it back Alina introduces the Sarkaz trio to the other kids and to their surprise, their race was not seen as an issue around them, for the first time it was nice to not be scorned for your own racial characteristics.

Alina smiled watching the three Sarkaz kids get along with the other children and Talulah took this time to speak with the Elafia mostly in levity.

"You know I'm not that bad at diplomacy, I did successfully recruit the Yeti Squadron" Talulah says being a bit proud of herself

Alina lets out a giggle at Talulah's assertion "Is that so, I heard negotiations almost broke down because you made a really bad joke in front of their leader" Talulah embarrassingly recalls what Alina is referring to. It was when Frostnova asked why she wore an Ursus uniform.

"I've come up with a lot of lies for that. Any preference?"

"Fire"

"Wait! You just don't do humour do you? Are you the Yeti Squad's leader?"

Talulah's mind jumps forward a little in that conversation to another thing she said

"Let's shake on it Captain Yeti! When conveying sincerity, I always hope to go the equal and dignified route. I hope we can have ourselves a dignified, tranquil, level dialogue"

"No"

Flashing back to the present Talulah still found that interaction slightly amusing even if Frostnova was having none of it.

"Well Alina it still worked out in the end"

"Only because someone in Yeti Squadron calmed her down"

"Wait how do you even know so much about what I said with Frostnova…you've been talking with the other soldiers haven't you?"

"Not specifically, word tends to get around easily" Alina's tone hinting more towards levity

"Well I suppose I can't really do anything about that" Talulah said with a smile

Present Day

"What even brings the leader around here?" Natasha asks flippantly

"Heh do I really need a reason, I don't often find time to check on the younger infected" That was only half true, In actuality Talulah just wanted to check on Alina but seeing those Sarkaz girls Talulah decided she would strike up a conversation.

"Well we're doing fine if that's what you're asking aren't we Yui?" Natasha turns to her white haired friend with a wink.

"Y-yeah…" Yui's voice still as soft as ever

Talulah tilts her head with curiosity "Hmm? You still shy? It's been half a year since you came here you really don't have to be afraid of us, expressing oneself is one of humanity's greatest qualities after all"

"Oh…umm…sorry" Despite the apology Yui still spoke as sheepishly as she did before. Natasha stepped in between Yui and Talulah.

"You don't have to worry about Yui, I'm taking good care of her" Natasha flashes a grin towards the Reunion leader. Alina decides to interject at this moment.

"I still have my reservations about you two constantly sparring everyday…" An exasperated Alina said.

"I told you already Alina, those two are obsessed with getting stronger, they may be young but at least they're motivated" Hana says with a shrug.

"I see everyone here is getting along" Talulah states observing how these Sarkaz kids were getting along well with Alina "Honestly there's nothing I would hate more than if we had conflict between fellow infected"

"You don't have to worry Talulah, I'll be sure to guide these children on an appropriate path." Reassured Alina.

Hana who had been standing next to Alina the whole time walked up to Yui and Natasha. "Come on you two why don't we rest for a bit, lunch should be ready soon"

If there's one thing that the shy Yui and energetic Natasha could agree on was enjoying a warm meal, even if it's still kind of bare bones seeing as being out in the Northern Tundra is harsh. Yui and Natasha threw away their broken sticks and followed Hana back towards the village leaving Alina and Talulah on their own.

"So did you have something specific to discuss with me? You're normally so busy planning operations with Yeti Squadron"

"Normally yes but I found a moment of reprieve so I just wanted to see if you were alright, honestly ever since forming an alliance with Yeti I haven't been able to spend as much time with you"

Alina smiles at the concern that Talulah was giving her "You're really sweet you know that right? You could show that sincerity more often around others I'm sure more of Reunion would be less afraid to speak to you even though they respect you. But in any case you don't have to worry so much about me, the children all adore me and I adore them."

"I guess you're doing better than me then"

"Something happened?"

"Well I was just practicing my arts and accidentally damaged Frostnova's cloak, good grief she almost turned me into an ice statue not that it would've been dangerous since my flame arts would've broken out of it in a second but her ice still stings"

"Have you tried to make it up to her?"

"Yeah I promised I would sew it back together"

This answer got a laugh out of Alina, even the usually reserved Elafia couldn't contain herself "You're going try sewing? Oh dear if you did that you would just sew yourself into it. Look just give me the cloak and I'll patch it back up"

"Thanks Alina" Talulah felt lucky to have met such a kind lady, her bright smile would always lift up her mood.

Ch.1 End

[Author Note] The following is just a comedic skit to close off the chapter and has no bearing on the story besides random trivia.

Misadventures of Matriarchy #1

"Fight me Yui!" An energetic Natasha says holding two brand new sticks.

"Eh? But I just ate…can't it wait" Yui felt a little overwhelmed by Natasha's assertion. Despite the white haired Sarkaz's protest Natasha threw her a stick which Yui at the moment quickly catches in a rather clumsy way as the pink haired Sarkaz took a mighty swing which Yui blocked in time, the shockwave of the strike vibrating down Yui's stick.

This made for a rather awkward scene as this was right in the middle of the village with infected fighters and Yeti Squadron members having a chuckle seeing two kids duking it out.

Just another one of Natasha's antics, they thought to themselves.

"Could you two…" Hana came running towards them seemingly a bit more irritated than usual "knock it off!"

*whack!*

With frying pans in both her hands Hana hit Yui and Natasha on the head with a lot more force than one would expect out of a 12 year old Sarkaz. Natasha and Yui were out cold with spiral eyes and small birds flying above their heads like a Sankta's halo.

Exasperated Hana said "Come you two let's at least have a good first impression here"

Nearby Alina giggled at how close the Sarkaz trio were.

"Those two sure can cause a ruckus and Hana is always there to reel them in, they're already like a family" Then Alina just remembered something.

"Right! It's time for a Terran secret!" Alina clasps her hands together and now is acting like she's talking to a metaphorical camera "I heard that Yui, the youngest of those three Sarkaz girls actually has a really big appetite but we've never been able to confirm it for fear of losing all our rations"

Alina looks back to see Hana is still chastising Yui and Natasha, turns out these kids are quite feisty considering how young they are.

"Anyways it's time for the preview! Next time; Chapter 2 - Dying Flames!"

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