A/N: It is unfortunate with what has happened to Selena. But that goes to show, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Selena kept him close and Patrick kept him even closer. Hahaha.

Moving on, after what has happened, now Team CPER knows about Selena's true identity. One can only imagine how the poor idol is handling it. We now continue the story focused on our big bad mercenary student continuing with his new life as a Huntsman Student.

Chapter 13: Aftermath

Salem is all alone in a room, she sits in the center, surrounded by dark crystals and lit candles. She focuses her mind, her power. In her meditation, she can hear the roars of her minions and the screams of innocent citizens. Flash visions of the Grimm attacking cities and towns, fighting soldiers and huntsmen, and hurting harmless citizens.

Flames of destruction burn all around her, intense heat rising as the screams rage.

And then...

"STOP IT!"

Salem gasps as she snaps back into reality. In her concentration, she felt it. It was only instead but there was no mistaking it. A sudden spike of negative in a place she knew that there are no Grimm Activity. In less than a second, a flash vision of blades at the throat or a pinned man with a fainted shout.

The Conference Hall is filled with everyone in Salem's Inner Circle. The air is quiet and tense as everyone just sits in their seats waiting for their leader to have arrived.

"What could be so important that Salem had to summon us here?" Arthur asks.

"Are you questioning our Goddess?" Tyrian asks.

Arthur gives Tyrian a serious stare. "Well, excuse me for answering her summons instead of trying to pinpoint our missing Maiden."

"I should be the one to find the Fall Maiden. I already have her powers." Cinder says.

"Right, only a part of her powers," Rufus says. "You speak as if you're above us, but you are still powerless. Incomplete."

Cinder glares are Rufus while growling. Hazel pretty much says nothing while Tyrian takes amusement from this scene.

Everyone softens to the sounds of doors opening fill the room. Salem walks through the room to her seat at the end of the table. "I see you have all gathered here. I have some interesting news." Everyone remains silent before Salem further speaks. "We have an opening in the Kingdom of Vale."

"What exactly do you mean by that?" Arthur asks.

"In my concentration, I felt a spike of negative energy within the kingdom. A rage of anger. Not Grimm, but not exactly human neither." Salem says.

"So you want to find the source of this negative energy and use it to our advantage." Cinder says.

"Indeed, Cinder. All we need to do to find our missing link." Salem turns her attention to Arthur and Hazel. "That's where you two come in. I need you both to investigate the kingdom and learn about the event that took place."

"Of course," Hazel says.

It's a quiet time in class. All the students are focused on their studies, which would be most surprising given the boys are now fawning over the Instructor. Patrick has his eyes set on the papers before him but his mind is elsewhere. He looks at the stack of books on his side.

The next day of the incident, Selena is still too shaken and nervous to go out. So her team and Team CPER agreed to let her stay in bed while they come up with excuses for her absence and pick up her school work. Patrick's mind wanders to the moment he and Selena had last night. Even hears her voice echoing in his head.

'It makes me happy to know I have someone like you on my team. Someone I can trust.'

Patrick just groans silently while looking down at his desk with his eyes closed. 'She really shouldn't.' He thinks in his thoughts. 'Not as soon as she learns about...'

"Mr. Aki!" Patrick jumps, startled, and looks to see Mashika before him. "You seemed a bit distracted today."

"Uh...I'm just a little tired, is all." Patrick says.

Mashika smirks and leans into. "Oh? Are you sure it's not just you falling for me like the other students?"

Patrick crosses his arms, looking away. "Not even in your dreams, Instructor."

Mashika chuckles. "I'm just teasing ya, Love." Mashika gets Patrick's attention. "Still, you really need to focus. This is my Classroom." What surprises Patrick is that he notices that Mashika gives him a wink at the word 'My' He knows people wink for mean something else but what could that My mean for her Classroom? "This is not a place-" Wink. "for daydreaming. Make sure you do your studies or I'll have to give you extra homework tonight." Wink. "If you're not getting enough sleep at-" Wink. "all, then make sure you get at least 8-" Wink. "hours of sleep." Mashika places a hand on the stack of books. "And remember to hit the books for your studying. I think you'll find what you need in here." She gives him a double wink. "You understand, Love?"

"Uh..." Patrick feels confused but goes with it. "Sure."

"Wonderful," Mashika says with a smile, then returns to her desk.

After class, Patrick heads straight for the dorm. He has to deliver Selena's work and get to work on his own studying. He arrives at the dorm and delivers them to Selena, who thanks him for the work.

"So how are you feeling?" Patrick asks.

"A little better," Selena says. "I think I should be all right to return to classes in a day or two."

"Whatever works. I'm sure the teachers will be on to us if this stays long." Patrick says.

Selena looks over her books but comes to a surprise. "Hey, there's something in here." Patrick turns his attention to Selena's books. the young Idol takes something in between the pages. "What is this?"

Patrick takes a look at it. "It looks like a keycard," Patrick says. "But where did it-" Patrick suddenly has a realization. He remembers Mashika put a hand on this pile of books. He could he swore he saw something, but it almost looked like she slid something in it. "I think it came from Mashika."

"I believe I heard of these. They're Guest Cards for the teacher dorms." Selena turns her attention to Patrick. "But why do you have it?"

"I don't know..." Patrick thinks back. He knows Mashika didn't say anything, and there's no way she could have slipped something this important in without reason. Then it hit him, the winking. Mashika was winking during the conversation. Patrick remembers winks, how they appeared when she used them after each word. And put them together: 'My. Place. Tonight. At. 8.' Patrick takes the card from Selena. "But I'm about to find out."

Patrick spends his time studying and training and then visiting Amber in the vaults. When the time has come, Patrick started heading towards the Teacher Dorms. It's a large building that is behind the academy. Patrick enters the building and approaches the front desk, where a female hologram appears.

"Welcome to Beacon Teacher's Dorms. How may I help you?"

"I believe Instructor Kirei is expecting me," Patrick says.

"Affirmative. Please place your guest card and your scroll on the scanner to confirm your visit." Patrick does as ordered, first placed the keycard and then his scroll. "Confirmed, Mr. Patrick Aki. Instructor Mashika Kirei is expected your visit. You will see her in Room 203. Have a good evening."

Patrick makes his way to the room he's assigned to. He approaches the door, knocking on it. After a minute, the door is answered, but the person behind it is someone he did not expect. "Oh, hello Mr. Aki."

"Rin? What are you doing here?" Patrick asks.

"I live here," Rin says while a smile.

"But, I thought students live in the Academy Dorms," Patrick says.

"Yes, that is the rules. But as Student Council President, and the niece of one of the teachers, we get to bend the rules a little bit. It feels much comfortable being here rather than with the other students." Rin says.

"I can certainly relate," Patrick says, disappointingly.

Rin invites Patrick inside. Patrick finds the room to be roomy, neat, and tidy. It appears as one of those apartments that serve as a house in one room. A living room with a kitchen in one corner, a door most likely leading to a closet, and a hallway leading to other rooms.

"I have some errands to take care of, but Auntie Mashika should be coming out soon," Rin says. "Take care."

Rin leaves the room, leaving Patrick alone in the apartment. He just stands around, looking. He doesn't know much about Mashika's personal life yet he feels like this isn't what he'd expect her place of living would be.

Hearing the sound of a toilet flush and a door opening, Patrick's on alert. Mashika comes out of the hallway. "So glad you got my message."

Patrick takes notice of Mashika's casual wear. A black sleeveless top with dark blue shorts. A mature yet irresistible appearance. Somehow he actually expected her to be like this at home. If her little fan club knew about this, Patrick would be dead.

"How could I not? Though I'll admit I missed it until I found that keycard." Patrick says.

"Well, it has been years since we used our secret message. Have a seat." Mashika says.

Patrick takes a seat on the couch. While sitting he takes notice of the empty bottles on the table, empty alcohol bottles. "I see you still have a thing for drinking."

"What can I say? I have a taste for them." Mashika says. "Quite literally since my tolerance is so high, I'm basically immune." Patrick just rolls his eyes hearing that. Indeed, she's never been drunk before even drinking a lot but he still finds it hard to believe. "Might I offer you a drink?"

"You know I don't drink, both can't and won't," Patrick says, annoyed.

"Oh relax, Love. I got you covered." Mashika sits on a chair across from Patrick and places a can of Dr. Paper in front of him. Hesitantly, he accepts the drink.

"All right, so what do you want?" Patrick asks.

Mashika takes a sip before she answers. "I wanted to talk to you about something. About what happened the other night."

Patrick's eyes widen but show no signs of worry. He figured she would have known what happened with Selena. "I take it I'm here so you can chew me out for what I did?"

"Not quite yet at least." Mashika sets her bottle down. "First, I want you to tell me your side of the story."

Patrick didn't expect this to happen. He knows ever since they first met, as Student and Teacher, that Mashika is always lecturing Patrick to give up his vengeance and focus on life. After what he did with Gaia it's a surprise she'd want to hear what happened from him.

Patrick hesitated to tell his story, mostly cause it would involve revealing a secret he has to keep. But he knows Mashika is a special case. He made Mashika swear to take what she is about to learn and keep it a secret. Mashika agrees to these terms, and with that Patrick explains to her what has happened. About how Selena asked him to come with her to the Karaoke place and he saw hints of Gaia's Perverted nature. Then looks into his computer for information, found a suspicious file, looked into it, and learned his true motives.

"I see...so Sherry Farron turned out to be Elizabeth's Daughter, Selena. I always knew there was something familiar about her." Mashika says.

"Yeah, and I'm sure as you know she's being real secretive with her identity," Patrick says. "After that, the three of us invaded the Karaoke Lodge only to find it empty, then we asked around town to see if anyone knew where they were." Patrick takes a sip of his drink then places the can on the table. "And I assume you knew what happened next. So that's it." There's nothing but silence between the two of them. "Well? Am I in trouble?"

"Normally you would be. But instead, I'm proud of what you did." Patrick is astonished to hear that then Mashika further explains. "You handled the situation quite well. When you knew what happened you didn't take action. You take what you learned to make sure whether it is or isn't what you thought it could be. And above all: You spared that man's life."

"I wouldn't say I was gonna spare him." Patrick looks down at his hands. "I was on the verge of killing him. It was like..." He doesn't say anything for a while, then shook his head. "No, it's nothing."

"I do have one question though." Patrick looks at Mashika. "From the way you mentioned the conversation with him, I have to ask." Mashika leans forth. "Was he one of them?"

Patrick shook his head. "No. I thought he was, but after further looking into his files, I learned he had some connection to them. He wanted Elizabeth all to himself and they provided Gaia the support. Only to have betrayed him in the end." Patrick takes a deep breath before further speaking. "Selena was really traumatized after what happened...but still."

Patrick thinks back to what Selena had said when she was telling Gaia off. 'We're human beings! Just because we're idols doesn't mean we're possessions without feelings'

"Well, it's no surprise she would build the courage to speak up to him like that. She's Elizabeth's daughter." Mashika says.

With a nod, Patrick says, "Agreed."

Patrick and Mashika have a little chat for a short while. Warned about Rin's return is soon approaching, Patrick takes his leave. But before he does, "One other thing." Patrick turns his attention to Mashika. "I told you to keep Selena's Identity a secret, but you must also never say anything to her. The last thing I need to her worrying I told a teacher and asking why I had to."

"All right. I won't say anything to Selena, I mean, Sherry." Mashika says.

Patrick lets out a sigh as he starts heading out the door, offering a doubtful comment, "Not very convincing."

After their chat, Patrick starts heading back to his dorm. On the way back, he wonders if telling Mashika about Selena was even a good idea. He realizes how good she is at keeping secrets, especially one between the two of them, but he feels like trusting her with Selena's secret might be a mistake. It's too late to fix that now.

Patrick arrives at the dorm. He finds himself being swarmed by Akira, Selena, and Marlene. "What happened?! Tell us everything." Marlene says.

Patrick is caught by surprise by the sudden greetings. "What's the big deal? I was only invited to speak with Instructor Mashika,"

"Yeah, at the Teacher's Dorm. No one goes over there unless it's something serious." Selena says.

"It's true. I've heard either honor students or delinquents were the only ones who go there." Akira says.

Patrick rolls his eyes hearing that. 'Wait until they hear Rin is living there with her aunt.' he says in his thoughts, then speaks. "It's nothing worth talking about, she just wanted to have a personal chat with me. That's all."

Everyone just 'awws' in disappointment. "You know, I can't help but notice the Instructor seems really close to you," Marlene says. "Did you two have some history together?"

"Nothing I want to talk about. She's just...someone I met when I was little." Patrick says. Everyone just keeps looking at him, waiting for more answers. Only Patrick says nothing. Gets irritated even. "What? That's all I can tell you." Patrick just moves the girls aside and head for his nightstand. He grabs a few things and then starts heading out. "I'll be in the training room. Don't bother me."

The girls remain within the dorm. While Patrick is gone they talk about him. "Does anyone find it odd about him?" Marlene asks.

"What do you mean?" Akira asks.

"He never really talks about anyone or anything," Marlene asks. "I mean, we all know how grumpy he can be but shouldn't he be more open up to us?"

"He probably just needs some time to adjust. Just like I did when I first came to Beacon." Selena says.

"I agree, but it's been over a month. He won't even talk about the deal between him and the Instructor." Marlene says.

"Everyone adjusts in their own way. We can't just rush these things." Akira says.

"I agree with Akira. I'm sure he'll come around one day." Selena says. Selena lets her mind wander, thinking about moments where Patrick has treated her, even saved her from Gaia. Not only that but moments when he tried to hunt down the Shadowstalker after it took Marlene. "He cares for us, that much we at least know."

The nighttime comes. All of the students are in bed asleep.

Not all of them.

Selena is lying in bed, wide awake, lost in thought. She thinks back about what she just said about Patrick. While she does believe that it is true he's caring and will one day open up to his team, she still feels doubt. Selena sits up in bed, looking at the empty one on the end. Patrick's bed. He said he's out training but hasn't returned.

Images of moments fill her head, the other night when they were alone and they talked about Selena's past about her mother, and Patrick just stated he had no relation to the agency she feard. To her, it still sounded like he's hiding something. Just now he didn't want to say anything about Mashika.

While sitting in place, Selena takes out her scroll, scrolling through the text messages from her mother. She stops at the messages that came a month ago. Reading through them.

'Elizabeth: How's your First Day in Beacon?'

'Selena: It's going fine. I'm still adjusting, but I have my team to support me. I'm kind of a little nervous around our leader Patrick.'

'Elizabeth: I'm glad to hear that. I hope things will be okay.'
'Elizabeth: One more thing, this Patrick leader. What is his last name?'

'Selena: I'm not sure I should say that, he's kind of secretive. He gets upset about it too.'

'Elizabeth: Oh, okay.'

Ever since then, there have been constant messages and calls from Elizabeth asking about this leader in her team. Selena answers as best as she could, but never mentioned anything personal about him. Not even his last name.

In defeat, Selena lets out a tired sign as she lays back down in bed, drifting off into a lost-thoughtful slumber.