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 4: Parallels 2

[Atlas- Ironwood's Office]

I need a nap. James stroked his forehead.

On cue, his right hand appeared with a mug of coffee for the general. He spared a second to take in the fresh fragrance of the Mistralian beans. In any other event, the aroma alone would be enough to awaken the man entirely. Unfortunately, he was far wearier than he let on, as he slowly reached for the cup.

"Thank you, Winter," he smiled weakly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"I'm simply doing my job, sir."

"True. But, without you here to assist me, I'd be neck-deep in paperwork and meetings right now."

Winter hid the warmth that was threatening to appear on her face by turning her attention to the general's monitor. As expected, she noticed the man was hard at work, but... there was something else. Something that drove her curiosity to ask that which her mind would've never allowed her to.

"Why are you researching Specialist Bagheera?" Before she could catch herself, the inquiry seemed to flow out like a running faucet. Her ice-blue eyes shot wide in horror at such an improper act. Winter swiftly stood upright, as straight as her posture would allow. "My apologies, general. Please, forgive my impertinence."

Expecting a detailed reprimanding, Winter was surprised when the general chuckled at her blunder. Perhaps it was his exhaustion or maybe the coffee was lifting his spirits? Either way, Ironwood had a unique grin on his face, one she knew all too well. He stood up from his seat, heading to the massive window that overlooked the landscape of Atlas.

"It's quite alright. If anything, this just confirms my need for rest has dulled my instincts," he took a sip of the dark liquid, letting the flavor dance on his tongue for a moment. "In any case, I can indulge your curiosity. I was going through Agent Bagheera's records for the Hunters Tournament. On the surface, he's proven himself to be a capable fighter and officer, even if his personality isn't like most."

"I must admit, he is a bit rough around the edges, but, there's no denying his ability."

"That being said, I'm a bit concerned about a few things." Winter raised a brow but said nothing. Hearing the silence, her commanding officer and father figure proceeded. "As you might be wondering, there's so much missing about his background. No family or documents about his life in Atlas or Mantle. Even with his exceptional record and skills, even his semblance is a mystery."

"Sir," Winter finally cut in. "I believe his semblance was aura manipulation, allowing him to shift it into chains to capture or restrain his target. He's even incorporated it into his fighting style with his dual blades."

This time Ironwood shook his head, further strengthening the woman's perplexed mind.

"While it is true that Sango is proficient in aura guidance, we believe that there's more to it than just that. I hoped that there would be something in the reports that would help us to ascertain any developments in his progression leading to his departure."

"I don't think I fully understand sir, but I trust your decision. If it's for the betterment of Atlas, then you have my full support."

That the oddity behind the general's grin soon disappeared in favor of relief. He pivoted on his heel to face Winter with a warm smirk while approaching the woman, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.

"I know that. You've never given me a reason to doubt your loyalty, and it's even more refreshing to hear you say that. You're a huge help."

"Thank you, sir. Is there anything that you'd like for me to do?"

The general mulled over the inquiry for a few seconds, shaking his head slowly. "Not at the moment. Feel free to check if our future representatives received his files and take a break. The last thing I want is for you to end up needing a vice to keep you tethered to reality."

Winter saluted her commanding officer before making her exit.

Only when she disappeared from view did Jame's smile follow suit as he slumped into his seat once more. He set the mug to the side and turned his attention back to the screen of his monitor. Line after line of information was scanned with nothing substantial coming from his investigation. This only served to frustrate the general even more as he searched for anything that would explain the anomaly that was the faunus.

He'd stumble upon the medical records, checking if there were any strange issues during his physical development.

[Note 24-5V3] Silver Eyes: This was a rare trait, even in humans. While it would make for a great tool against the Grimm, there wasn't much to go by in terms of training data. As long as he wasn't claimed by our enemies, this is of no consequence.

[Note 38-15X] Sufficient aura control: This was far more common as many of his lesser-ranked officers had control of their aura to levels similar to Sango's, if not greater. Nothing to be concerned about.

[Note 39-BN7] Emotional State *Classified Information*

Without hesitation, the general clicked the link. From there, Ironwood rubbed his chin in intrigue at the sight of the Atlas insignia flashing on the monitor. Why would someone's emotional state be listed as classified? He wouldn't waste much time pondering, putting in the passcode that would permit him to view the data. While he knew perfection was truly unattainable, he needed to know any weaknesses or blemishes in his operatives so that he could make the right call for the kingdom.

Surely, he'd find something tangible here... Something that would re-establish some level of peace in his mind.

[Atlas Training Room]

"Is that all you got?"

An all-powerful roar echoed in the massive holo-themed room as a bruised Marrow crash-landed on the floor with a thud. The owner was none other than a sweaty and triumphant Elm Ederne. She pumped her fist in the air as the adrenaline sped through her muscular frame, as expected after she'd wiped the floor with the normally proud faunus. As he gingerly rose to his feet, she felt a little sorry for the young man, seeing him like a little brother of the group.

"Ow... What day is it?"

"Hopefully the day you learn to stop letting your mouth get you into problematic situations, like Elm's uppercut for starters."

Everyone laughed at the stoic Vine Zenkai's reply, aside from a pridefully wounded Marrow, and Vine himself.

"Who asked you?"

"Come on, Marrow. You have to admit, you were asking for it," Clover, their leader, pointed out, still chuckling from the reflective crack. "Plus, YOU challenged Elm to a sparring match. It's not her fault you haven't perfected the art of dodging."

Marrow rolled his eyes while rubbing his sore cheek.

"A true warrior never lets himself get pushed back. He must always press forward to show his courage and never back down!"

"No. A true warrior knows when they've bitten off more than they can chew," Elm corrected him, not impressed with the faunus' attempt at bravado.

Another chorus of laughter filled the room when the door opened exposing a familiar display. Immediately, they each stood up straight as Winter Schnee stepped inside with her signature no-nonsense expression.

"To what do we owe the honor, Specialist Schnee? Do you have a mission for us?"

"At ease. I'm here to speak with Ederne," Winter turned to the taller woman, her rigid gaze cutting to the towering woman. "Would happen to know where Operative Bagheera is? I was tasked by the general to give him his mission updates." she was disappointed when the Amazon shook her head, her eyes darting slightly to the left. "Perfect..."

"We could help you find him if you'd like."

The sharp Winter took a beat to consider Clover Ebi's offer.

"That won't be necessary. Operative Ederne and I will handle it AFTER she showers," the ex-heiress pinched her nose.

While skeptical, Clover and the others took the hint and left the two. Once they were alone, Winter allowed her professional demeanor to melt away with a woeful exhale while Elm grabbed a nearby towel to wipe her down. Her physical fatigue, however, did little to curb the gentle giant's nosiness.

"Now, why are you looking for Sango? It's not like you to be this bent out of shape about him. Did he piss you off again?"

"If you were paying attention, I have orders to give him from the general. Whatever you're implying is pure absurdity."

"So that look you gave me WASN'T about him?" Elm hid a smirk behind her towel.

"What? Of... Of course not!"

This time the perspiring woman flashed a shit-eating grin at her colleague, earning a foul scowl for her troubles.

"I'm kidding...!" she lifted her hands in defense of the look. "But, even you have to forgive me for asking such a predictable question."

Winter huffed at the accurate statement, digging into her pocket for her scroll.

"Naturally, your humor is impeccable. Again, I was tasked with delivering the details of his mission but, I haven't been able to locate him and he isn't answering my calls. I was hoping that perhaps you've seen him."

"And what would make you think that he was with me?" Elm placed a hand on her hip and a tone that warned the woman to watch her words wisely.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't insult my intelligence. Aside from you two being partnered during our academy days, you two are always around each other after missions. More than I get to, that's for sure..." Winter rolled her eyes. "I'd be surprised if he doesn't choose you as his partner."

"What was that, Winter?" A lifted brow revealed that Elm had caught the latter mutterings of their colleague. Only when she was tired of the petty tone did she dare to break away from protocol by using her first name.

She missed the incisive glare from the taller woman, her gaze fixated on finding the correct folder.

"It's no secret that you two were practically joined at the hip during our first year at the academy. Given how quick you were to leave the meeting to join Sango after his promotion, wouldn't you assume that something was going on behind the... scenes?"

By now, the air around Winter had grown warmer than usual. As she turned around, the one-time successor of the Schnee Dust Company was mere centimeters from a no-nonsense Elm Ederne, arms still crossed to match her expression. Despite their ranks favoring the Schnee, all bets were off as she slowly took a few steps back before clearing her throat. Given how animated and passionate Elm usually was, to see her reticence was possibly even more intimidating than her traditional outspokenness.

Before she could answer, the sliding doors to the training room hissed open, drawing Elm's rising wrath. To their surprise, it was the object of their discussion who walked into the facility with a look of contentment. Furthermore, he was wearing headphones, revealing that he was too engrossed in whatever he was hearing to notice the pair until he finally chose to look up.

What he found was a relieved Winter and scorn Elm, making his tail hang limply.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"Not at all," Winter asserted, regaining her professional tone that did nothing to mask the wicked grin that slowly formed. "You're right on time."

All the panther faunus could do was gulp as his tail slipped in between his legs.

[Haven Academy]

"You must understand! It wasn't my call! I... How was I supposed to know that Ozpin would pull a stunt like this?!"

Amber eyes studied the cowering male shivering behind his desk. His whimpers serenaded her black soul as the faunus quivered in his seat, his eyes shakingly observing the bottom of a black gun boot aimed at his head. Eventually, her amusement would take a backseat to her true goal.

"I was under the impression that you would be a competent ally to our master, Leo," her sultry voice swam around his head, thinly veiling the malicious soul that resided in her. For his sake, she hoped that the faunus would pick up on what remained of that olive branch. "That includes obeying every order given to you, no matter how difficult."

"I... I've stressed this to you many times...! I only have control over those who enroll in Haven. Sanctum is out of my jurisdiction and now, you're asking me to..."

Leonardo Lionheart immediately ceased his explanation when the sound of clicking filled his ears. Once more, he whimpered and silently prayed to the brothers that he'd be spared such a fate. His guest snapped her fingers with a disgusted sigh.

"Mercury? I need you and Emerald to give us the room."

A young man with grey hair and matching eyes growled before lowering his leg, allowing the headmaster a moment to release the breath he'd been holding since the group's arrival. That feeling of comfort lasted mere seconds when the boy smacked the back of his head before straightening his school uniform. A stifled giggle from a dark-skinned girl concluded the moment as the two left the room.

Once the door clicked shut, Lionheart could only pinch the bridge of his nose as his growing frustration with the woman clashed with his desire to live.

"As I was saying, what you're asking would prove difficult if not handled correctly. Such gambits must be accounted for or else everything could fall apart at the seams."

"It sounds like you're just trying to prolong your usefulness; Nothing more than a wounded cat stalling the inevitable?"

Horror washed over the faunus' features upon hearing such a statement.

"Not at all! I'm... I'm just saying that I have to pull some strings and the best... best I can do is get you all transferred in by the second semester. Any earlier, and you'll have the council breathing down my... my neck and suspicion hurled directly on you and your henchmen!"

"Hey!" the door opened to unveil a mint green bob. "WE'RE NOT henchmen! We are a...!"

"Emerald!" those burning ambers flickered at the girl, instantly defanging her.

"Sorry, Cinder."

"I suggest you make yourself useful and NOT interrupt us again. Am I clear?"

"Yes... Yes, ma'am..."

The two watched as Emerald shut the door, granting them privacy once more. By now, the headmaster had regained some of his composure but, it still was nothing compared to the wicked grin that seemed forever etched on the woman's lips.

"What were you saying, Leo?" her sickly-sweet tone intimidating him.

"I... can get you all registered quickly, but with the new semester just a couple of weeks away, it would prove," Leonardo considered his words carefully before continuing. "...disadvantageous to our plans. I can get the procedure started, but unless you want to deal with the eyes of the Mistral council watching your every move, the best time to have you officially on the books would be by the second semester, Cinder. I doubt that you'd want to deal with that given your... extracurricular activities."

While Lionheart expected Hellfire to greet him, he was shocked when Cinder's grin only grew wider.

"That'll be fine," she cooly remarked.

"You're... not mad?"

"If anything, I'm proud of you, Leo! After all of this time, you've finally been able to show some moxie and ambition. Perhaps it wasn't a mistake bringing you into the fold?" The lion said nothing, opting instead to stare at his oak desk in repugnance. Cinder took notice and approached the leader, using a perfectly manicured digit to lift his chin so that she could get a good look at his self-loathing gaze. Such hatred for oneself was like the sweetest nectar to Cinder. "As long as you keep following orders, you'll have all that she's promised and more in the new world to come. Understand?"

"I...! Yes..."

He didn't pull away, but the faunus despised the feeling of the woman toying with him. She knew this, of course. It mattered little of what Lionheart truly wanted but, he was crucial to her plans, and by extension, that of her mistress.

"Excellent. I suggest you get on with forging those documents for my colleagues and me," she turned to leave, the sounds of glass echoing in the room. "I expect to see the results as soon as you finish."

"Of course! Just meet with our photographer and I'll do the rest."

"Then, it seems we have nothing left to discuss. Thank you for your time, Headmaster."

Cinder took her sweet time closing the door behind her, savoring the air of tension and fear that permeated the room. Only when she was satisfied did she and her cohorts finally leave the area.

"I still don't know why I couldn't just blow that rat's head off..."

"Quit your pouting. You know as well as I that he's the key to Cinder's plan, Mercury."

"Quiet, both of you!" Cinder cut in. "Or do you want to ruin things before they even begin?"

The pair apologized without further discourse, allowing her to think for once. Between the blubbering from the headmaster and the bickering of her subordinates, Cinder was beginning to get a headache. They left the academy shortly after taking pictures for their falsified document, each one eager to get the ball rolling on their grand plot. Their trek brought them to a rather luxurious hotel room. Considering that it resided on one of the upper levels of the kingdom, it afforded them some comfort.

"Phase 1 begins now," she finally addressed the two who'd been silently glaring at one another. from across the room.

"Where are we off to, boss?" the assassin fiddled with a game on his scroll.

"Vale. I need to convene with an associate of mine but, it'll take some time without raising suspicion. Once we're in the city, I want you both to stay out of sight until I give the order, got it?"

"Yes/Yeah Yeah..."

"NO!" Cinder roared, eyes blazing with an orange flame. "Upon our arrival, you both will stay out of the vision of Vale. No thefts. No assassinations. We've spent years getting this mission off the ground and I will sooner burn you to ashes before I let you ruin things. Do. You. Both. Understand?"

Emerald and Mercury nodded silently as Cinder Fall extinguished the flames. She took a moment to compose herself before daintily sitting on the edge of the bed.

"So, when do we leave?" Emerald timidly squeaked out.

[Beacon Academy-Ozpin's Office]

"Hmmm..."

"Is something wrong Professor?"

A grey-haired man rubbed his chin as his weary gaze towards the woman addressing him. From the look of concern, he was either in for a lecture or she was kind enough to bring him his morning mug of hot chocolate. Seeing that there was no mug in view, he prepared for the worst.

"Not at all, Glynda. I'm just going over some last-minute developments."

Glynda Goodwitch crossed her arms, clearly not convinced as she watched the man resume his examination, his troubled expression returned almost instantly though she also noticed something else was there in his expression.

"Is there a problem with the incoming students? There are a few applicants that I have some reservations about and-"

"It's a new email from Atlas," he cut in.

"James? Is it about her?"

Ozpin shook his head, finally turning the monitor off to give the stern educator his undivided attention. "It seems that there was an agreement between the councils to have a couple of members from Atlas transferred here as professors."

Glynda's frown began to deepen at this news. Of course, this was standard for the teacher whenever he was brought up. She didn't despise the man, mind you. In truth, whenever things weren't involving war or strategy, she very much enjoyed his company. Sadly, those two topics were common for one immersed in the pools of combat.

"What sort of 'agreement'?"

"It would appear that James has convinced the Valerian members to accept terms for an exchange program, for lack of a better term. This is odd, especially given the new developments in place for the festival next semester. While I don't sense anything scandalous, I believe it'd be reasonable for us to keep an eye on things in the coming days, given I wasn't informed of any such meeting."

"Understood. I'll inform the others of the incoming additions to our student rosters and-"

"Actually..." As Glynda began tapping on her scroll, Ozpin called out to his closest ally and friend. "...we're not receiving students from Atlas. Rather, we're getting a couple of new instructors."

Resisting the urge to tear her fingers through her bun, Glynda instead removed her glasses, cleaning the lens as she contemplated the headmaster's words. This was a casual thing she did when she was growing frustrated and Ozpin was careful to avoid stressing the woman further. With classes set to start, along with initiations as well, there was more than enough to trouble the woman. He remained silent until she finished her coping mechanism, replacing them before finally addressing the matter.

"Very well. How long do we have before they arrive?"

Right on cue, the sound of the elevator chimed behind her, drawing their gazes to the lone entrance. The doors slid open, revealing a towering and husky woman and a slim-built panther faunus. Both were clad in the Atlas military attire, implying their rank though, it was clear that they were a little out of place with their surroundings. While the woman looked a little unnerved by the ambiance, the feline seemed to be fascinated by just being in a new place. Glynda maintained her serious mask but, surprisingly Ozpin wore a ghost of a grin as the two marveled at the clock tower aesthetic of the room.

"Welcome." Ozpin stood to his feet. "You must be the new arrivals. We weren't expecting you for another week."

Upon being acknowledged, they both abandoned their initial feelings and stood upright, catching Glynda and Ozpin off guard.

"We must be here as soon as possible for the well-being of the students that are coming," Elm announced, her tone calm yet wooden, typical of one who'd been somewhat deprived of a normal life. Glynda wondered if this response had been rehearsed. "We cannot thank you enough for granting us this privilege to mold the young minds of Beacon."

Thankfully, the panther elbowed her in the side before putting on an awkward smile.

"What my friend here means is: We're... We're happy to be here. I'm-"

"Sango Bagheera and Elm Ederne," Ozpin finished with an amused chuckle. "The general sent over some basic information about you both so that we could make the transition as smooth as possible. It's a pleasure to have you both here as instructors, isn't it, Glynda?"

Glynda looked up at the young male across from her. Her green eyes studied him, breaking down the faunus with every sharp and quick glance. The nervousness in his tone. The way he slouched just slightly enough to avoid detection from the common glance. Even his tail that hung loosely behind him told a story to Glynda Goodwitch, and yet, she found something that transcended the mystery of this person.

Of course, she wasn't the only one to notice this detail.

"Professor Goodwitch," she responded astutely, stretching a hand. "Welcome to Beacon Academy."

She gasped softly when, instead of a hand, it was a silk black tail shaking her palm. She ripped her hand back as her cheeks flushed, eyeing the now chuckling headmaster. Elm rolled her eyes at her friend's antics, though even she couldn't resist the urge to giggle at the woman's reactions. This was going to be an engaging school year.

After a few hours of detailed discussions, Elm and Sango headed to their rooms to change out of their Atlas garb in favor of a more relaxed look. Unlike Elm, who decided to mirror her previous look, Sango decided to abandon his old attire completely, sporting a red sleeveless hoodie with white trim and a black compression shirt that rested underneath. Black pants flowed over matching combat boots to complete the look.

"I... I don't know about this, Elm," he lightly tugged at the pants. "Are you sure that I look alright?"

Sango didn't appreciate it when Elm started laughing at his insecurity. Instead of scoffing or groaning at her absurd laugh, he found himself doing the same as they approached the training facility.

"You look appealing in that. You'll get used to it after a little while."

"Whatever..." he jammed his elbow into her rib. "Besides, you're looking good yourself, Elm."

She bit the inside of her cheek as they entered the building. While they searched through the halls for their room, the panther listened as Elm started going on about 'breaking in' the recruits. Of course, he was busy taking in her new outfit. Her open ash-grey, crop jacket now had forest green accents, shoulder flaps and collar, and a black shirt underneath. She still wore her traditional footwraps, but there was something far more stimulating.

Thank the brothers we're not at Atlas... He silently exhaled, finding himself unable to tear his eyes from her shapely rear inside of her black leggings.

"Keep staring and you'll wind up walking into a wall..."

Sango immediately tensed, stopping dead in his tracks having been caught. However, it wasn't his partner that reported his 'observation'. Both Atlesian specialists turned around to find a young olive-skin woman approaching. Her salmon eyes, hidden behind round glasses, gleamed with a spark accentuated by a beguiling smirk. Her slightly pink hair, while tied in a messy bun, there was a wildness that lurked in the tufts that cascaded down the right side of her face.

While the feline faunus anxiously grazed the back of his neck, Elm eyed the woman with an unamused scowl.

"And who are you?"

"Oh! My apologies..." the mystery lady simpered. "I'm Olivia Peach. I teach herbal medicine and geography here at Beacon."

Both watched as Professor Peach extended a hand, though only Sango took it.

"I'm... I'm Sango, I'm in charge of mental training for the students this year. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Believe me," Peach purred. "The pleasure is all mine, beau. Perhaps we can... collaborate on how to use our collective strengths to... better suit the children?"

At that moment, a large hand gripped the professor, forcing the smaller woman to acknowledge her much larger associate. Terra glowered with a fierceness that shocked even the panther.

"Is that so?" Elm interrupted with a constrained smile.

Despite this intimidating pressure, Olivia Peaches' smile never fell. Instead, it grew wider as she tilted her head with intrigue while gleefully shaking the burly woman's hand without a single care.

"I don't believe we've been properly introduced yet..." Peach inquired with feigned innocence. "Are you his bodyguard or man-servant?"

"WHAT?!"

"Oh! Forgive me, I wasn't sure if you were a woman or not. With such a massive frame and these old specs, I mistook you for male, miss..."

"Ederne! My partner and the new hand-to-hand instructor," Sango cut in excitably, hoping to curb the storm before it arrived. "We're actually on our way to the training facility so..."

Olivia took notice of the anxious faunus, her eyes shifting from innocence to devious once more as he continued to over-explain their situation. Unsuspecting of her intentions, the Beacon veteran decided that she wouldn't press her luck. With a pissed-off Amazon and a strong yet anxious Sango standing between them, she was satisfied with her initial observation... for now.

"I understand," she smiled brightly, seemingly losing her teasing persona. "I do hope you both find what you're looking for. There are some empty rooms down this corridor if you're curious."

Sango quickly thanked the woman before hastily leading Elm down the hallway, who couldn't resist flashing a sinister look at the pink-haired woman. Peach paid the glare no mind, waving cheerfully until they were out of sight. Only then did her smile melt away, giving way to her true emotions. Alone now, only a chilly bead of sweat accompanied the woman as her hands began to shake violently.

She took her exit and hastened paces carrying the woman toward the CCT towers. Her search should reap some results, she'd hope. Olivia Peach needed answers and by Oum, she was going to get them. Surely, Ozpin or Glynda would clear things up. Silence greeted Olivia as she approached the elevator within the tower, her stomach throbbing from the recent encounter.

However, it would seem such a trip would be unnecessary as the doors slid open to reveal a familiar blond woman. Professor Goodwitch appeared equally taken aback to see her associate. Given that there were still a few weeks before classes start, the main floor was relatively empty. "Olivia? Do you have business with the headmaster?"

"Atlesians... Why are they here?!"

Hours after the brief, yet unpleasant, encounter, Elm's spirit showed little in the form of change. Even after seeing the weight room (and taking the liberty of trying a few of the equipment), she was still in a sour mood. Now, she was busy toweling off after her evening jog, a standard routine for the specialist. As she entered the room, Elm couldn't shake the moment from her mind.

Man-servant.

I 'mistook' you for male...

Whether she'd admit it or not, she was still a little insecure when being judged about her body. She didn't have long hair nor did she want to. She wasn't dainty in size and shape. Why wouldn't someone mistake her for a guy? Sure, she had breasts and a shapely posterior, but, even those were barely noticeable, at least in her opinion.

"Dammit..." she growled through grit teeth. "I'm a specialist. A member of the Ace-Ops. Why should I care about one person's opinion?"

When she received no answer, Elm resigned to her bed. While it was merely plain-looking, she had to admit that it was far more comfortable than any bed she had at the academy barracks. She didn't bother throwing on any clothes, curling up atop the blankets. This was one of her rare moments of vulnerability; a secret she kept from her team.

It was hell to deal with, but even the powerhouse was capable of feeling low at times. Unfortunately, Sango wasn't around to comfort her as he had gone into the city to grab a few supplies for the class he was supposed to be teaching. She didn't blame him for not being around, but there was still that emptiness that plagued her very core. Just the thought of her best friend holding her as they used to make Elm's stomach turn flips.

"How come I always end up calling you when I can't fall asleep?"

"Because we complete each other," the familiar voice caused her to flinch. She peered over her shoulder and immediately regretted her decision to do so as she noticed none other than her friend, quickly huddling back to her previous position. "Are you okay? Did something happen while I was gone?

Elm shook her head and said nothing.

"Elm? What's wrong?"

Still, she remained silent, though her body began to loosen up. As expected, the faunus set the bags down and began rustling through something. Elm tried her best to sneak a peek at what he was doing but found it increasingly difficult given her position. The wait wasn't long as scraping noises filled the room, prompting her to finally turn over to see what he was doing.

To her surprise, Sango was moving the nearby bed next to hers, making it more suitable for a couple.

"There. Now, I think you'll want to put something on. As much as I like cuddling bare-skinned with you, this room is a bit cold and I'd rather you not catch a cold."

Before she could inquire further, Sango tossed her a gray shirt with the Valerian kingdom's insignia on the front. Given that they were both around the same height, the warrior was surprised when she put it on to find that it was far larger than she thought, coming down to her hips.

"Sango? Why did you-?"

Engulfed by warmth, Elm let out a soft gasp when her partner embraced her.

"It's okay to not be okay, Elm..." His words were like a faint breeze tickling the nape of her neck. "We're not in Atlas right now. You don't have to be strong all the time. You know I'm always here for you, right?"

What else was Elm to do except bow her head into his chest, her arms hanging limply at her sides? She could feel his heartbeat while he stroked her back, calming her a bit. Just like old times. she mused as she moaned softly. Of everyone she knew, Elm truly felt something about the faunus that she rarely, if ever, felt with anyone else.

"Thank... Thanks, Sango."

"Don't mention it," he chuckled gently. "But, are you okay? It's not normal for you to just lie down after a shower though."

"Normal..."

"What'd you say?"

Elm cursed his sensitive hearing. Her voice was no louder than a whisper; anybody else would've missed her slip-up other than Marrow. Even then, the rookie was so caught up in verbally proving himself, there was no doubt that he'd be too preoccupied with his status among their peers. But Sango? He was unique. He was always able to pick up the most subtle of details about her; ever since they met this was true.

"I... Do you think I'm normal?" she asked, fragility coating her tone.

Sango knew where this was coming from, no doubt from their encounter with Professor Peach. There was no time for anger as he resisted the growl that rose in his throat. That dark part of his mind began to emerge, held down by nothing else but sheer willpower.

"Elm, I've known you since... forever. I can't imagine you as anything other than normal. You're one of the strongest badasses I know."

He paused momentarily to gauge her response. When she began to pull away, he wouldn't let go. Afraid that she was rejecting his observation, he tried to hold her closer only to notice her arms resting around his waist, her head buried into his neck. He slowly shifted to the bed, allowing her to rest in his lap while shielding her face with his own.

He pressed his cheek to her temple, nuzzling her silently.

And then she breaks.

Shaking violently, shattering in his arms, a thousand puffing, suffocating pieces that he tried desperately to keep together. He allowed her to feel, a stark contrast from how they were trained. Neither were allowed to fully express but, with a bitter smile, he promised himself then, at that moment, that he would do whatever he could to hold her like this until she was no longer haunted by the pain and torture and suffering of their earlier lives.

"You know, even with all of that strength..." he whispered in her ear. "I've always thought you were amazing. You're not normal, Elm, but neither am I. We've gone through intense training both in and out of the field. We've witnessed things at a young age that would've broken most huntsmen older than us. Sure, you're not considered common by society, but..."

Elm held her breath, anxiously waiting with painful tears in her eyes.

"I... I don't think I'd be able to tell you from a crowd. I mean, you're considered a tank with the Ace-Ops. But, we both know that without Clover's semblance, you were the most tactical member of that group. You're witty. Intelligent. Crafty. You're the total package and I wouldn't have you any other way. If you're worried about Olivia or whether you're going to do well as a teacher here, don't. So what if you're not 'normal', you're perfect... at least, to me you are."

A warmth entered the woman. Elm couldn't help but smile after hearing Sango's words. She knew that he was good at helping her feel better, but this felt far greater than just a means to comfort her. She simply smiled into his neck, her lips tickling his skin.

"So... do you find me...?" she yawned abruptly, feeling the effects of her near breakdown.

"Hmm?"

"..."

"Elm?"

Sleep overtook Elm Ederne, evident by her faint snoring. Sango couldn't help but chuckle as her form relaxed in his arms.

No chance of a shower, I guess...

All jokes aside, he simply lied back and carefully positioned themselves so that they both were comfortable. A few more shifts later and soon, the two Atlesian exchange teachers were comfortable in the makeshift full-sized bed. He ignored the fact that their light was still on, focusing on Elm's condition. They weren't supposed to stay in the dorms long anyway, but their accommodations hadn't been ready yet.

As his eyelids grew heavier by the second, Sango noticed the lights begin to fade, bathing them in a twilight blue hue. The panther mulled over their other mission. While he and Elm were sent to teach at Beacon, there was also their assignment for the festival during the second semester. There was a lot to do, but it would have to wait as he slumped into his spot with the woman resting her head against his chest.

"It's okay to be vulnerable." he stretched, yielding to his weariness. "You don't have to be strong all the time. You're perfect to me..."

Little did he know, Elm wasn't completely asleep. She'd simply been noiselessly listening to his heartbeat the entire time. She couldn't help but smile, her confidence renewed as she finally succumbed to her fatigue. Tomorrow was another day and the beginning of their next chapter. Still, there was something that swam in her mind, a secret that she withheld from her friend and partner.

Who was that woman?