A/N: Hello everyone! I know it has been 2 years since I last updated this story. I apologize for the long hiatus but I'm back to deliver the final chapter of Grimm Fate: Wolfsbane. Thank you for your patience and I hope this conclusion is satisfying. Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or any of the characters. They belong to Rooster Teeth.
Fenrir laid in the infirmary bed, staring up at the ceiling as he waited for Nurse Nightingale to return with his food. His acute sense of hearing picked up traces of hushed whispers from the other medical staff who were supposed to be tending to him. He let out a resigned sigh. Their fear and resentment towards him permeated the very air of the infirmary.
It wasn't anything new. Ever since the accident that fused his Grimm and Faunus natures, he had been regarded as a dangerous anomaly at best and an abomination at worst. The faculty and student teams like RWBY and JNPR were the only ones who didn't look at him that way.
Well, there was one other exception now. Flora Nightingale, the head nurse. While clearly afraid of him at first, she had put aside her apprehension to dutifully care for him as her patient. It was...nice, Fenrir mused, to be treated with some level of professional decorum for once.
The creaking of the infirmary door shook the Grimm hybrid from his thoughts. Nurse Nightingale had returned, holding a tray with a generous plate of chicken breasts, roasted vegetables, and rice. Despite his nausea, Fenrir felt his mouth water at the savory smell.
"Here you are, Mr. Lupus. I hope this is to your liking," said Nurse Nightingale as she approached his bedside.
"It's perfect, thank you," Fenrir replied. He tried to give her a small, grateful smile but with his sharp fangs and almost glowing sapphire eyes, it likely came out more menacing than intended. The nurse suppressed a tiny flinch before turning her gaze to set the tray on the movable table.
As Flora moved the table to sit across Fenrir's lap, she noticed his ears flatten slightly against his skull, a subconscious signal of disappointment. She realized he must have noticed her instinctual reaction to his smile. An uncomfortable pang of guilt settled in her gut.
She took a steadying breath. "Well then, please let me know if you need anything else. I'll be at my desk just over there while you eat." Flora gestured to her office station at the other end of the infirmary.
Fenrir gave a small nod of acknowledgement as he began eating with relish. The nurse took that as her cue to give him some space. She hoped he could enjoy his meal in peace.
Walking to her desk, Flora let out a heavy sigh and sank into her chair. This was not how she envisioned her time as Beacon's new head nurse going. Between preparing the infirmary for the upcoming Vytal Festival and managing her staff, an ailing Grimm hybrid was the last thing she expected to land in her care.
Yet here they were. The logical part of her mind still screamed that this was insane, that she should demand Mr. Lupus be removed at once before he hurt someone. But the dutiful nurse in her knew she had to honor her oath and provide treatment, no matter how...unconventional the patient.
She glanced over at where Fenrir was eating. His posture seemed tense, likely waiting for some kind of hostility from the other medical staff. Flora felt another pang of sympathy. Perhaps there was more to this situation than met the eye.
Finishing his meal, Fenrir neatly stacked the empty plates back on the tray table. He was pleasantly full and could feel his energy returning. Perking his ears, he listened for any sign of the nurse but couldn't detect her nearby.
Fenrir cautiously rose from the bed, mindful not to make any sudden moves. The last thing he needed was to startle the other medical staff and cause a scene. He quietly padded over to the desk where Nurse Nightingale was sitting.
Lost in thought, Flora didn't notice Fenrir's approach until his shadow fell over her workspace. She jerked back with a gasp, one hand flying to her chest.
"Oh! Mr. Lupus, you startled me," she said breathlessly.
Fenrir's shoulders hunched, a flash of guilt on his face. "S-Sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you like that."
Flora exhaled slowly, willing her heart rate to calm. "It's quite alright. Did you need something?"
The Grimm boy shuffled his feet awkwardly. "I, uh, just wanted to say thanks for the food. And for taking care of me so far. I know it can't be easy so...yeah. Thanks." Unbeknownst to him, he didn't understand the full tone of the words he just uttered.
Taken aback by the sincerity in his gravelly voice, it took Flora a moment to respond. "Of course, it's my duty after all. But you're welcome." She offered him a tentative but genuine smile.
Fenrir nodded, looking mildly relieved that she hadn't rejected his show of gratitude. He moved to head back to his bed before pausing. "Oh, and I finished all the medication doses you left as well."
"Excellent. Let me know if you need anything else." Flora watched Fenrir return to his bed and make himself comfortable. It seemed her intuition was correct - there was more to him than his frightening exterior. Perhaps they had all misjudged this unusual boy.
Several hours passed uneventfully. Between monitoring Mr. Lupus' condition and attending to a few student injuries, Flora found her shift going smoother than anticipated. Aside from a few wary looks, her staff left Fenrir alone after seeing their head nurse carry on as usual.
Early evening soon approached and most of the medical team had clocked out for the day. Only Flora and two others remained on night duty. They busied themselves checking inventory and preparing medications for the next day.
Fenrir dozed lightly in his bed, letting the idle background noise lull him into a sense of security.
His ears perked when he detected Nurse Nightingale's footsteps approaching. He opened one eye to peer at her questioningly.
"Good evening, Mr. Lupus. How are you feeling?" asked Flora.
Fenrir sat up and rolled his shoulders. "A bit better than before, I think. Still some nausea but not as bad."
Flora nodded. "That's good to hear. I'd like to check a few things, if that's alright." At Fenrir's consenting grunt, she retrieved her stethoscope to check his breathing and heartbeat.
As she moved the chestpiece across his chest and back, Flora took note of the corded muscle hidden beneath his shirt. It was clear that Fenrir harbored great physical strength, no doubt a facet of his Grimm side. However, he endured her ministrations without complaint or aggression.
Finished with her exam, Flora offered him an approving look. "Your vitals sound much improved. We'll keep monitoring through the night but I believe you're on the mend."
Fenrir blinked, seeming caught off guard by the praise. "Oh. That's...that's good to hear."
An amused huff escaped Flora's lips. She found his flustered response somewhat endearing. "Try to get some more rest. I'll be at my desk if you need anything."
The Grimm boy nodded before settling back against his pillow, looking decidedly more at ease.
The rest of Flora's shift passed by uneventfully. As the hands of the clock neared midnight, she stifled a yawn behind her hand. The infirmary was calm and quiet, save for the soft snores drifting over from Fenrir's bed. Flora allowed herself a small smile. Perhaps Professor Ozpin was right to take a chance on someone so unique.
A few hours later, the early morning sun filtering through the windows stirred Flora from her nap at her desk. Her replacement for the morning shift would arrive soon.
Rising and smoothing out her rumpled uniform, Flora decided to check on Fenrir one more time before her shift ended. She quietly approached his bed so as not to disturb him.
Fenrir was curled on his side, one clawed hand tucked under his head and the other resting across his stomach. His wolf ears and tail occasionally twitched as he dreamed. Looking at him now, Flora was struck by how young he seemed. It was almost easy to forget he wasn't human.
Gazing down at his calm, unguarded face, something protective blossomed in Flora's chest. In that moment, her lingering unease washed away. Fenrir was her patient, and she resolved to care for him just as diligently as she would anyone else.
Satisfied that he was resting peacefully, Flora turned to leave just as her replacement arrived. She bid farewell to her co-worker and headed home to her apartment, feeling more optimistic than she had in a long while.
Over the next two days, Flora fell into an easy routine caring for Fenrir. His condition improved steadily and he seemed to trust her more, making conversation and even cracking the occasional wry joke. They talked about innocuous topics like favorite foods, hobbies, and amusing stories from their pasts. The last one Fenrir stumbled a lot more in retelling.
Before long, end of Fenrir's stay arrived. After a final checkup, Flora declared him strong and healthy enough to be discharged.
"Everything looks great. Your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure have all stabilized," she told him with an approving nod. Fenrir's mouth curved into a half-grin.
"Does that mean I can finally leave? No offense, but I've had enough of this place to last a lifetime."
Flora laughed lightly. "Yes, you're free to go. I'll inform Professor Goodwitch of your recovery. But..." She fixed him with a stern look. "No strenuous training or combat classes for at least a week."
Fenrir rolled his eyes but his tone was amused rather than angry. "Yeah yeah, I got it. Take it easy."
He slid off the bed and bent to put on his boots. Straightening up, he met Flora's gaze. "So...thanks. For everything. I know I wasn't the ideal patient."
Flora waved her hand dismissively. "Please, I've dealt with much worse than you. But truly...you're welcome." She extended her hand towards him. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Fenrir."
The Grimm boy stared for a moment before carefully taking her smaller hand in his own clawed one and giving it a shake. The hint of a real, warm smile pulled at his mouth, showcasing sharp canines.
"You too...Flora."
Nodding at him one last time, Flora stepped back and allowed him to walk past her toward the exit. She felt inexplicably proud watching his retreating figure, like seeing a student off after a long tutoring session.
Just as Fenrir reached the door, it burst open and a flurry of red and roses filled the entryway.
"Fenrir! You're all better!" shouted an exuberant Ruby Rose as she tackled him in a blur of rose petals. Blake, Weiss, and Yang followed at a more sedate pace, though they all looked pleased to see their friend back on his feet.
"Oof! Yeah, I'm okay now Ruby," wheezed Fenrir, futilely trying to peel the ecstatic girl off him. Weiss and Blake exchanged amused, long-suffering looks while Yang laughed boisterously.
"Alright kids, let the guy breathe. You can smother him more once we get outta here," said the blonde bruiser. Ruby relinquished her hold and Fenrir took an exaggerated gulp of air.
"We're glad you recovered well, Fenrir," offered Blake with a small smile. The others made noises of agreement.
"Thanks, guys," said Fenrir, lightening tone betraying his happiness at their appearance. "What are you all doing here though?"
"We came to bust you out and celebrate!" cheered Ruby, throwing her hands up gleefully.
Weiss scoffed and flicked her ponytail over one shoulder. "Honestly, we wanted to check on you and make sure you were feeling better."
Fenrir rubbed the back of his head, touched by their concern. "Oh, well I'm doing just fine now.
Thanks to Nurse Nightingale's help." He looked over to where Flora still stood observing their interaction.
At being addressed, the nurse started slightly before regaining her professional bearing. "You're quite welcome, Mr. Lupus. Just doing my job."
Ruby zipped over to enthusiastically shake Flora's hand. "Thank you for taking care of our friend! I'm Ruby, leader of Team RWBY!"
The other girls chorused their thanks as well. Flora smiled, charmed by their earnestness. "Of course. I appreciate you all coming to see him off. I can tell he's in good hands." She gave them a knowing look.
"The best!" declared Ruby confidently. The others made vague noises of agreement. Flora stifled a chuckle at their antics. Such vibrant youth.
"Whelp, we better get going before it gets too late," spoke up Yang. The others nodded and started filing out the door.
"See you around, Nurse Nightingale," called Fenrir over his shoulder.
"Goodbye, Mr. Lupus. Stay out of trouble now," said Flora, tone gentle yet firm. With a final parting wave, Team RWBY and their wolfish companion departed down the hall.
Flora stared after them for a moment before gathering up her things to head home. She felt immensely satisfied with the way everything had turned out. Perhaps this job would have its interesting moments after all.
One Week Later
Flora bustled around the infirmary, preparing supplies and taking inventory. The weekend was here and soon the facility would be busy with students training and letting loose. She anticipated the usual influx of scrapes, bruises, and sparring injuries.
A sharp series of knocks at the door drew Flora's attention. She glanced up to see Professor Goodwitch enter, heels clicking authoritatively on the tiled floor.
"Professor Goodwitch! To what do I owe the pleasure?" asked Flora, moving to greet the stern woman.
Glynda gave her a cursory nod. "Apologies for the abrupt visit. I wanted to follow up on Mr. Lupus' recovery. Have there been any complications or concerns?" Her tone was all business.
Flora smiled reassuringly. "Not at all, his condition has remained stable with no side effects. In fact, he was an exemplary patient."
"Hmm. Well that is good to hear." If Glynda was surprised by the praise, she did not show it outwardly. "And do let me know if any issues manifest in the future."
"Of course, Professor."
Glynda adjusted her spectacles. "Now, while I am here, there is another matter I wish to discuss regarding Mr. Lupus."
Flora straightened slightly, giving the Huntress her full attention. "Yes?"
"It has become apparent that due to Mr. Lupus'...unique nature, establishing comprehensive medical baselines for him will be crucial." Glynda's expression turned thoughtful.
"His haphazard transformation and hybrid physiology are unprecedented. We know little of how his human and Grimm aspects interact or influence his health. As Beacon's head medic, I'd like you to take point in assembling a complete profile for Mr. Lupus."
Flora's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh. I would be happy to, Professor. His biology is fascinating, if unconventional." In truth, she was intrigued by the challenge such an undertaking would pose.
Glynda nodded. "Good. You will be the sole medical liaison for Mr. Lupus from now on. I trust you to handle the...particulars with discretion."
While somewhat daunting, Flora understood the gravity of this responsibility. "You have my word. I will notify you once I have compiled substantial data on his health."
"Excellent. I will inform Mr. Lupus he is to meet with you next week." Glynda made to exit before pausing. "And thank you, Flora. I believe you will prove most adept for this task."
Buoyed by the subtle praise, Flora smiled warmly. "Of course, Professor Goodwitch." With a final approving glance, the stern Huntress swept from the infirmary, heels clicking down the hall.
Flora sank into her desk chair, mind already working through ideas for evaluating Fenrir's unique physiology. This would be a considerable undertaking, but she found herself looking forward to the challenge. Perhaps they could uncover new insights that would benefit not just Fenrir, but aura and biology research as a whole.
Yes, this could prove to be quite groundbreaking indeed. Humming thoughtfully to herself, Flora began drafting a preliminary medical workup.
A/N: Finally this chapter is done. Hopefully I'll be able to write more of Fenrir's story. HopefullyCrusader76 can see this. TY everyone and God bless.