Fangs of the Exiles

Rated M

Rwby

Summary:

Life is not about what happens to you, but what you make of it... At least that's what everyone says. Two faunus will answer whose way is right, carrying the will of a titanic kingdom while the other, the spirit of one who shouldn't exist. Forgotten, their paths will cross, for better or worse.

A/N:

Chapter 36: Faith in the Sword-2

How long?

How far is one willing to go?

Which side is right and which is wrong?

Is it the one who holds power and privilege or is it the one who seeks to break the established mold?

All of these questions and more are what floats in the minds of Aganju and his allies. After the arrival of the warrior princess, caution was to be expected, even after the child accepted her offer. It was a questionable decision to so willingly accept her request for aid, with a smile and enthusiasm. However, if one truly knew Aganju, they wouldn't challenge his actions so openly. I knew from the moment he came to me that there was far more than what was presented before me.

Though I was unable to intervene directly, I approved of his judgment, silently smiling at the ruthlessness that lay beneath the warm exterior. Deep down, his true reasons for taking such a charge would be revealed soon enough. For now, I'll remain in the shadows, my purpose remaining a secret. As he and his group move toward their destination, I will continue to ask; my inquiry to the young man.

How long... will you hide your true power?

...will you wait to challenge fate?

"Roll call, filthy animals!" a soldier yelled out, his voice reverberating throughout the prison hold. He was joined by a chorus of his comrades barking out the same orders as each cage door retracted. "Wake your miserable asses up and line up for inspection!"

The open space soon became filled with dozens of faunus who were tired and worn out from the previous day's list of chores. They were outfitted in dingy grey rags that barely passed for clothes, further cementing their status in this world. Many of them were freezing from the lack of sufficient heat or blankets, yet very few complained about the conditions for fear of the harsh repercussions that would inevitably come.

One by one, they were looked upon by a young woman with a clipboard. Her eyes were glued to the notes and charts given to her, only sparing a glance when an unfortunate soul's number matched a special order implemented. This usually spelled disaster and anxiety for the unlucky man, woman, or child as it usually meant that they were finally to be sold, usually to some ruthless owner who viewed them as another addition to their labor force or worse, their plaything.

Each one that was dragged away expectantly unnerved a bunny as the woman drew closer. Every step; each pause made Velvet want to explode into a sprint. Finally, cold eyes fell on the brunette faunus, an icy stare hardening with each passing second with judgment and contempt. If it wasn't for the restraints around her wrists, Velvet would've attempted to hide from the chilly glare.

Fortunately, the woman passed by without a word, returning her eyes to the paperwork in her hands. Velvet let out a soft sigh, allowing her heart to calm itself; at least she wasn't to be sold to some cruel owner or worse, the Schnee Dust Company, at least not today. She had no idea what was to come, but at least she could take solace in her 'stability' within the ranch. At least for the moment, she'd have the comfort of going about her day doing some form of manual labor.

"Hey, you! Rabbit!"

So much for that thought... Before she could settle into the awaiting day's trials, Velvet flinched at the harsh tone.

The rhythm of her pulse hastened once again as terra optics lowered to the ground. She didn't have to see who it was preparing to harass her, she recognized his voice all too well. Velvet almost wished that she'd been called to be sold.

The sounds of dirt and grass crunching under heavy boots only stopped in front of the young woman. Her body shook, not due to the cold, but from her blood beginning to boil. She could feel that smug grin. His blue eyes filled with arrogance and malice bore down on her shorter frame. She knew who this was looking down upon her existence; the very reason she was here in the first place.

"Well well well," Velvet's skin crawled as his gaze burrowed deep into her soul. It was nauseating how a single person could have so much impact. "Why don't you come with me? I'd like to have a word with you, bunny."

Her thoughts refused to form as her ears drooped, knowing her predicament. She clutched the rags draped on her body. She tried to locate some semblance of aid, but there was none to be found as each of her fellow slaves kept their gazes firmly locked on the snowy ground. Velvet opened her mouth to protest but found her body beginning to betray her intentions with a single step forward. As a result, she was met with a tight grip around her right ear, forcing a squeal of pain from her lips.

"Ow! You're hurting me!" she whined pitifully.

The male ignored her pleas as he dragged her into the building. Her tears of anguish went ignored as she clawed at the meaty hand to no avail. Only when a door opened did his grip loosen, allowing Velvet a moment of reprieve. Sadly, that moment wouldn't last when her sore ears picked up the sound of something heavy hitting the cold floor.

With horror-filled eyes, Velvet slowly raised her eyes to see where she was. Restraints and other forms of torture devices decorated the room. Despair filled her heart as fear slithered around her, suffocating the Faunus with each tool of torment she noticed. Velvet silently prayed that this wasn't her fate...

Only when her gaze halted on a woman across from her that the truth take hold of her already weary heart.

Unlike the cold look she received from the woman earlier, this person had a twisted spark behind her golden eyes. It was a stare that oozed with lust as the woman traced the floor with what appeared to be a whip. She wore a black bodysuit showcasing her dominance while the scent of leather filled the room. Her auburn hair sat in a ponytail, reminiscent of the woman Velvet once served loyally.

The door behind her suddenly slammed shut, making the girl jump as her fate had now been sealed.

"Welcome..."

The woman stood up, her thigh-high boots clicking against the tiled floor. She looked down on the Faunus, savoring the image of Velvet on her hands and knees; as she should be, she thought. She was a firm believer that those like she and Cardin were superior and seeing a faunus 'bowing' before her feet did little to dissuade that notion. She licked her lips like a snake as a gloved hand tugged on her victim's hair, forcing brown orbs to lock onto her own.

"I think the Commander has a few questions for you."

It took nearly a week for Aganju and his allies to gather the information necessary to initiate their plan.

After he accepted the job, he was placed in charge of tracking their target: Velvet Scarlatina.

Accompanied by his client, the fox was extra cautious in his approach to the mission. In truth, he would find himself pondering his reasons for agreeing to the young woman's request; surely he and the others would've found time to infiltrate the facility and rescue the imprisoned. That line of thinking only made his lips curl downward as he followed the trail that led to his first destination.

"Are you sure we're going in the right direction?" he heard a polite voice softly inquire.

He turned his attention to Pyrrha Nikos, the daughter of the vile excuse of a human. He didn't answer her at first, instead preferring to take notice of the hooded girl. Surely, she would be feeling the entire wrath of the icy weather around them. Though there was no snowfall currently, the wind wasn't nearly as kind to them.

"Yeah. We're going to the capital of Anima, Mistral," he replied calmly.

Pyrrha simply nodded, her eyes betraying her steady features. In truth, she'd been given very little news on the mission outside of the basics; occupational hazard. Something that was meant to keep her safe wound up having the opposite effect as her mind would begin to wonder, often in pessimistic territory. It'd been over a month since she'd seen Velvet and each day only made her worry grow.

"I understand, but..." she paused to sniffle a bit. "Was it wise to walk the entire way to the capital city?"

"It's the safest way to ensure that we're not spotted by anyone who might know you," Aganju stated, looking over at her. There he noticed her apprehension, extorting a sigh to pass his lips. "We'll be stopping at a nearby town for the night."

"No... I can keep going all night if need be." Pyrrha protested, her heavy eyes now wide as saucers.

"I know you could. However, I'm not planning on dragging your unconscious body if you pass out on me."

"..." There was little Pyrrha could say to counter his remark. Before she could even think to declare him wrong, a yawn beat out her intended words, coupled with the sight of her breath in the cold air. "W-Where are we going then?"

Aganju pulled out the map, his frosted digits scrolling down the parchment for a few moments. Once he stopped, Pyrrha noticed a ghost of a smirk grace his profile.

"It seems we're close to Kuchinashi... It should be less than a quarter-mile from our location."

Slowly, a smile began to stretch her lips that only served to unnerve the faunus. He pondered whether or not to ask if she was alright only to find himself suddenly being pulled in the direction of the city. This continued with Pyrrha giggling into the night even after arriving within Kuchinashi's walls.

The cobblestone streets were partially covered with remnants of Mother Nature's frosty kiss as were many of the wood and straw rooftops of various buildings.

When they arrived at one of the tallest buildings Pyrrha finally released her grip on the vulpine, the adrenaline that fueled her finally gave way to fatigue. Her labored breaths drew many of the citizen's attention, a myriad of thieves and other shady characters, eyes, and intrigue, though a dark glare from the faunus let those who found interest known to back off or face serious consequences. He waited for Pyrrha to regain her breath before the two entered the building. Inside, they'd find a young man with scruffy blond hair looking over some pages in a book, frantically muttering to himself about something.

"Um... What's going on here?"

Rather than answer verbally, Pyrrha stepped to the front desk and watched with amusement as the young man continued to prattle on about inventory.

"Hello? I'd like a room, please?"

"I'm sorry..." the boy replied, not bothering to look up from his notes. "We're all full for the night and one of the rooms is reserved. Might I suggest the don't-tell motel down the road?"

"I don't think that place suits my style. I'd love to call in for the reserved room if you don't mind."

Hearing this, the blond finally tore his gaze from his logbook. His confusion turned into shock upon seeing the sight of the scarlet-haired girl smiling back at him. Even more shocking was the image of a male faunus standing only a few feet behind her.

"Princess Nikos...?!" he gawked, grateful that the front lobby was empty. "W-What are you doing here?"

"Hello, Jaune. We'd like to use my usual room if you don't mind."

The boy blinked absent-mindedly at her request. "Wait, we?"

As Jaune shifted his attention, he noticed a young fox nearby. Although he was a tall person himself, Jaune felt a little intimidated by the male fox leaning against one of the posts. Her acquaintance had dark brown skin and violet eyes. Jaune studied him for a few seconds and realized that he seemed uneasy. However, he quickly returned his focus to Pyrrha. Jaune knew that a silent debate was about to start between them, where his protest would clash with her determination. Even though he knew he would lose the battle, he was prepared to engage in it.

"Very well..." Jaune finally conceded, raking his fingers through his hair before shuffling around for the key. "I kept your usual room clean so you... both can go on up."

"Thank you, Jaune."

However, as Pyrrha reached out to take the key, the blond pulled back his hand, forcing her to meet his gaze once more.

This time there was no confusion, only a wary stare. The young woman, the 'princess of Argus', strengthened her glower. Aganju regarded this exchange out of the corner of his eye but said nothing as the young man finally relinquished the keys to his client. In an instant, Pyrrha's tense expression shifted to a soft smile as she led the faunus upstairs, leaving behind the suspicious blond.

They trekked several flights of stairs until they reached the top floor where a single wooden door marked 'reserved' stood in front of them. Pyrrha used the key and ushered her guest inside the private room, unknowingly that two pairs of eyes were now closely watching them.

"What was that all about?" He whispered, barely containing his annoyance.

"Nothing more than one person worrying about trivial things... He's harmless."

"I see..."

"Is there something wrong?"

"Nah. Seeing as I'm a faunus, it's normal to be looked at as nothing more than a slave, outlaw, or something worse. Either way, I appreciate you helping out like that."

Pyrrha set her jacket on a nearby chair and then sat on the edge of the bed. Though her feet were aching from the long walk, she still had time for a shower and a conversation, though it would be more enjoyable with some company.

"Think nothing of it. It's the least I could do when you're aiding me on a dangerous mission."

"I guess that makes you one of the good ones, huh?"

Pyrrha tilted her head in confusion at his suggestion, second-guessing her earlier thoughts as he removed his shirt, revealing his slim but toned frame. Several markings adorned his torso and arms, each one telling a story of agony and torment. But, she wouldn't be distracted by his insinuation.

"What are you implying?"

"Need I remind you of the scene with the innkeeper just now?"

"That was a misunderstanding!" Pyrrha countered, standing up with an indignant glare. "He was just worried about my safety!"

"Oh yeah. Gotta make sure the precious royal is safe from the big, bad faunus. Wouldn't want me to eat you, right?"

"Why you...!"

"Come on, princess," Aganju chuckled darkly. "I'll admit that you're a kind soul, sometimes to a fault, but even you can't be that blind to ignore the truth when it's staring you right in the face!"

"Excuse me? I'll have you know that I'm well aware of the plight of the faunus! It eats away at me every day knowing that hundreds of thousands of people are taken and sold like livestock for the whims of selfish and greedy people. I despise the idea of someone being deemed inferior just because they are different. Even my father is no exception! I'm no exception!"

"Pyrrha..."

"Do you believe I enjoy being the daughter of the man who is mostly responsible for all of this? Having a legacy of enslavement and torment of the faunus?!" By now, tears began to pool in her eyes, as if they'd been waiting for this very moment. Her bitterness and resentment were now on full display for Aganju to see. "I didn't ask to be his daughter! I never wanted this! I don't even want to be married to Cardin, or anyone else right now! I don't want to inherit an empire built on the blood, sweat, and tears of another race of people..."

By now, Pyrrha had fallen back on the bed, burying her face in her hands. Her gentle sobs filled the interior, leaving the fox in an awkward position. On one end, he was stunned, but another part of him pestered him once again, this time with a familiar warmth that he hadn't felt before.

Thoughts began to fill his mind; flashes of visions of her but it wasn't a memory he could recall living.

A majestic school filled with students, humans, and faunus alike.

Battle against demonic creatures.

A siege.

A dark force buried in him.

Sinister, glowing eyes.

Pyrrha, except she was dressed as a warrior, battle-worn and... happy.

"Are you real?"

"Huh?" Pyrrha sniffed, peaking at him.

"I... I keep having this itch in my brain. It's telling me that I know you but... I don't know! It doesn't make sense."

This time Pyrrha approached him, her eyes filled with the same emotions fluttering in his stomach. There was fear, but there was also curiosity. Neither knew what to make of this moment, but it was certain that this, whatever this was, was mutual.

This unseen force led the way now, seizing control of their movements and sensations. Pyrrha felt hands rest on either side of his face, and any pretense of trepidation fell away. His hands moved to her waist, adding enough pressure to draw her closer. Each beat of their hearts was like a frenzy, inconsistent pulsing longing for the connection of the other.

I've known you before...

"What is your name?" she whispered, her voice lost to the wind before any outside entity could pick up on it.

"I was known as..."

"No. Your real name."

He licked his lips, averting his gaze for a second before being pulled back to her gaze. Those pools of green danced like shining gems polished by the earlier tears. There was no caution needed as he ventured deep into her spiritual realm.

"Aganju."

Like a switch, something clicked inside of Pyrrha. His touch felt perfect now. It was warm and yet, it sparked a flame that yearned to blaze brighter. Even as her mind screamed for her to part, Pyrrha couldn't hear it over the voice that told her this was right.

She had never felt something so wonderful as her gaze locked onto his violet orbs. She could see the truth of him without ever sharing so much as a kiss yet. Aganju felt the same way as they stood in each other's arms. It was like seeing the light at the end of a tunnel. That break in the darkness yielded them both a gift, a singular moment in time; Another lifetime.

"Do you believe in destiny?"

No further words were given, only a calm moment in the middle of an autumn day. They were resting against the other, fulfilled with the other's company yet constantly yearning for more.

Before they knew it, this vision pushed the pair to lean in closer. The forbidden fruit was far too enticing to give up now. Neither had shared such an intimate moment like this before. Would it last a minute, or would it feel like an hour? Days? An eternity?

Just one taste.

As the two felt the slightest feeling of a brush, Aganju's ears picked up a faint sound. The trance had been broken and they released each other as if they'd been touching hot coals.

"Agan?"

"I heard something outside..." he swiftly grabbed his jacket. "I'll be right back. Don't come out until I return."

"But what about...?"

The vulpine stopped in his tracks. Pyrrha expected him to double down on his instructions, so imagine her shock when he smirked over his shoulder.

"I don't completely know what all that was just now, but..." he shook his head in disbelief. "I think I believe in destiny now, even if it's based on your cute naivety."

Pyrrha felt her cheeks flush with warmth at his words. While a part of her was caught off guard by the compliment, the other half felt pestered at the veiled insulting tone as well. Aganju's smirk only grew at her realization, however, there was little time for a petty confrontation. The fox left to investigate, leaving her to contemplate everything that'd just happened... or nearly happened.

I almost kissed him! her brain screamed, though she wasn't upset.

Her stomach tingled as she lingered on the events that transpired, temporarily forgetting the plight ahead of them. Some part of her hoped that he'd ignored the sound, but their journey and Velvet's safety mattered more than the fantastical musings of her mind. Except, this wasn't just some taboo fantasy.

"Hurry back... Agan."

Outside, Aganju wandered through the streets, his animalistic features well hidden underneath his jacket. He needed a moment to clear his head if his goal was to be achieved and staying around the heir-apparent of the person responsible wasn't going to help that matter. Things only got worse when he noticed the many stalls and shops, several filled with those of his race. He watched silently as many of them were trying to sell their wares to customers while being berated by some of their human patrons.

I'm surprised this place is so packed this late...

As he continued to walk, more images of those who deemed themselves as superior made the vulpine want to explode as rather than accept the prices set by the shopkeepers, they would angrily demand to pay far less than the item's worth, further stoking the flames of anger. This was why he never came here. Only those who chose to remain blind could view this as a good thing.

"I see why Sun and Blake avoid this place now..." he groaned, stopping abruptly. As a result, he felt someone bump into him inciting a gasp. "Wouldn't you agree?"

"Ow..." the girl rubbed her head, unaware of the shadow cast down on her. Only when she finally stopped tending to the sore spots that she finally notice Aganju's ire fall upon her. She quickly shifted her pained expression to that of forced calmness, a fact that the fox didn't miss.

"So," he crossed his arms. "Have you been following us?"

"You don't waste any time, do you?" she joked, however seeing his austere appearance pushed her to clear her throat. She didn't bother making up a lie this time. "Is this worth breaking your resolve?"

"Don't try and change the subject," he sighed heavily, a ghost of a smile beginning to form. Turning around, Aganju laid eyes on a girl with brown hair and tan skin. Her greyish-blue orbs shined with concern. "...Ilia."

Amidst the crowds of people walking past them, Ilia felt like she was the only one on the street. She felt so small, like a child in trouble under their parent's stern glare. She knew that he wasn't happy with her being there; why would he be? He made it clear that he intended to handle things alone but, Ilia felt it wasn't something she could allow; her reasons were still shrouded at this point. She could see on his face what his next question would be.

"Does Raven think that little of me that I can't...?"

"She has nothing to do with why I'm here..." she confessed, averting her eyes. "I chose to follow you on my own and no one knows that I'm here. I was worried about you, Aganju. After she arrived at the club, you were secretive and quick to leave with her. I know you can handle yourself but, I couldn't just let you go alone."

After that revelation, Aganju couldn't help but feel a degree of empathy for the younger faunus. Even with Ilia adjusting her features to appear more human-like, and his attempts to hide his traits, the pair couldn't deny the danger of their collective plights. Aganju opened his arms, his displeasure melting away.

Ilia didn't hesitate to accept the invitation, welcoming the warm embrace, and burying her face into his chest.

"You were worried about me, huh?"

"I'm sorry..." she quietly wept.

"You dork..." he whispered gently, placing a hand atop her head. "As headstrong as you are, you're not to blame. It's my fault for being so tight-lipped about things. However, despite the circumstances, I'm happy that you're here now."

Ilia finally broke away from his hold, raising a brow at his statement. His crooked smirk was the only confirmation she needed as he turned to walk away. She followed the fox with interest, pondering what he had in store. Whatever it was, she was eager to be a part of it.

Their journey wasn't long by any means, ceasing upon reaching one of the lowest levels of the kingdom. It was very reminiscent of Garneta's slum districts, making it the perfect location for Aganju's mission. He explained to Ilia that he required a bit more information before committing to the rescue plan. From the overall mission to his motives, she'd know it all before they found themselves standing in front of a rather shady-looking building.

"Stay close and don't get separated, understand?"

"Got it," she responded.

As she tried to harden her resolve, Ilia couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions begin to well up in her stomach. She was used to low-grade areas like this and yet, there was something about this particular place; something dark and foreboding.

Those sensations weren't helped when he opened the door, a gloomy passage greeting the pair. And yet, she observed Aganju step inside without so much as a flinch, silently wishing she possessed the same ability. Stepping over the threshold, the duo found themselves plunged into darkness as the entrance slammed shut behind them, thankfully they both could see easily in the dark.

Aganju didn't appear fazed as he continued onward, ignoring the sinister atmosphere.

The scent of burning herbs and smoke burned her lungs as she tailed the fox.

"Welcome, young travelers," an eerie voice called out from the depths. "To what do I owe this honor?"

"We wish to speak to the sage of Mistral. I need information and you're going to give it to me."

A few minutes ago, he was comforting her as an older sibling, and yet, the voice she heard was cold and uncompromising. Even more surprising, she soon noticed that his violet orbs were now a bloody shade of red, adding to his intimidation factor. Eyes of a demon. Her studying was broken when a burst of arrogant laughter exploded from the hidden figure.

"You are confident to demand anything of Azreal, the Sage of Mistral. What makes you think that I would give anything without you paying a toll? The sheer audacity of such a gesture is laughable!"

"Because we're on a mission to save someone!" Ilia interjected, her plea catching both parties off guard. "Shouldn't that be enough?"

The figure remained silent for a few moments before finally clearing his throat.

"Young girl, while I applaud such a noble desire, I cannot just give any information without payment. I am not a charity."

The girl was about to protest but found herself stopped by a palm on her shoulder.

"So, you're not into helping your own?" Aganju asked, maintaining his composure throughout the short but infuriating conversation.

"You cannot sway the will of the spirits with mere words, even with veiled threats and the cries of a naive girl." A sigh into the darkness passed Aganju's lips. It appeared that their attempt to convince this Azreal had fallen on deaf ears. "Now, as I've stated before, either you pay me for what I know or you can leave, while the spirits grant you such a privilege-"

A gust of wind passed through the lone corridor, leading to what seemed to be choking sounds. Ilia, unsure of what had just occurred, ran down the hall until a dimly lit room came into view. She pressed on, entering the candlelit chamber to find Aganju crouched on top of a wooden desk, his back to her. His right hand seemed to be wrapped firmly around the collar of a cowering man's suit jacket.

He had a mane of tan/gray hair and a beard that rested on a tanned complexion accentuated with brown eyebrows and fearful dark brown eyes. As he struggled desperately, she made a startling discovery that helped her understand her stablemate's question. A lion's tail flailed wildly as Aganju pulled the sniveling faunus' face closer to his own.

"Hello, 'Azreal'..." the vulpine spat, his face completely straight. "Or should I say, Leonardo Lionheart?"

"I-It's actually..." he gagged. "P-Prime Minister...!"

"Does it look like I care what your damn position is?!" Aganju tilted his head, his lips stretching into a demented grin.

"Wha- What are you doing?! Please let me go!"

"What happened to all of that bravado just a moment ago? Where is your exuberance now?!" the fox tightened his hold on the male's jacket, further stoking his fear. "I thought you were an ally of the cause?!"

Lionheart carefully opened his eyes finally seeing the sanguine orbs burning in full force. That hellish glare seared deeply into his very soul, halting any struggle he might've had before.

"You... You're with her?" his realization brought a perplexed scowl that did little to ease his trepidation. "What have I done to warrant her wrath?"

"It doesn't matter. All I want is for you to give me what I seek and we'll be on our way." He watched as Lionheart agreed, nodding his head vigorously. "I'm looking for information on a nearby faunus ranch and, you being a high-ranking member of the council, you can provide that."

"W-Well..." Leo sputtered, his eyes looking for the right words to address the issue. "You must know that I was only put on the council as a front. I don't have any real power on the council outside of votes and ideas that push for whatever agenda proves advantageous for humankind. P-Please... I beg you...! Don't hurt me!"

This was pointless, any more questions appeared to be moot as the blubbering lion whimpered like a child after being disciplined. He let out a sigh before dropping the councilman and stepping down from the desk. His frustration was palpable but it was the sight of a concerned Ilia that kept his temper in check. He took several deep breaths, allowing his eyes to return to normal before ushering her to the exit.

"Wait!" Leonardo Lionheart called out, halting their departure.

"What?!" He snapped back, turning around with the furious hue once again in full effect. "If you're worried about my boss slaying you, you can rest easy. I doubt that a coward's blood is worthy of staining her blade anyway..."

For the first time since their unsavory introduction, the lion looked visibly confused himself but he shook it off in hopes of avoiding inciting the young man's wrath any further.

"There is supposed to be a gala in a week and it is rumored that some of the top officials are supposed to be there. If you're going to strike then tonight would be the best time to do so. Security is also supposed to be there to protect the Winchester family as well. That's all I know..."

"Why now?" Aganju snarled. "Wouldn't it be better to sneak in while they're at the event?"

"Most of the security is supposed to be guarding the nobles and guests. Most of them are currently at the borders now. If you were to attack then, you'd have an army on your tail."

"And what about hiding the faunus? Wouldn't they catch us anyway?"

"Not if you smuggle them through the northeast border!" Lionheart wailed, nearing the point of pissing his pants. "Those guards would already be in Mistral!"

So, it's an all-or-nothing situation... Aganju rubbed his chin. "Can you secure us passes to Vale?"

"Of course! But, it'll require a big enough distraction to keep Valentin's attention long enough for him not to be suspicious."

Ilia and Aganju exchanged looks before the latter scoffed lightly to himself.

"I guess you were good for something. I'll leave you alone now, and I won't tell anyone of your little... hobby," he watched as Lionheart let out a relieved sigh. "However, if you ever call my sister out of her name like that again, I'll skin you alive and feed you your cowardly carcass, am I clear?"

"C-Crystal..."

With things settled, Aganju and Ilia took their exit, leaving the bewildered Leo to ponder one question as his door slammed shut.

His eyes... Why were they like hers?