Remnant Viking

Chapter 27: Standards

I wake up late into the night. That nap turned into a deep sleep instead. It annoys me greatly that I sleep better when Neo and Yang are sharing the bed with me. The sight of Yang cuddling with Neo sends me into a rage. I just want to put Rescue to her head and pull the trigger till it's out of bullets. I get out of bed and get dress in front of my locker. I can't stay here at the moment.

I get changed and locked the door on the way out. The door opens behind me and out comes Yang.

Yang: "Where are you going so late Ace?"

I grabbed her by the neck and slam her against the wall.

Crimson: "I haven't forgiven you yet Yang. Your only here cause Neo wants you here. Your only Alive cause she wants you to live. I put on a happy facade for her. Don't get conceited with me Yang. Push your luck. She can't protect you forever. You have a lot to prove to me again. Don't Waste It."

I dropped a paled face Yang and went to work. I'm thankful I have a home away from home. Part of me hates the fact that I'm like this at times. But this is how I am. This is just simply Me. 

*Two Hours Later*

I'm in my office doing the paperwork that was left for me yesterday. It's just turning four in the morning now. I sip my coffee and review the Cherry List. I honestly didn't know we were training the next batch. Nothing special comes to mind when I look at list. I hear a knock on the door. 

Crimson: "You can enter if your name isn't Yang."

Winter: "Good thing it's not my name."

Crimson: "Hey Winter. Sit down."

Like most people who come to my office, she opts for the couch. I should just move it in front of my desk at this point.

Crimson: "I'm gonna burn this chair and move the couch in its place." 

Winter: "I don't know where you got it, but this couch is comfy after all."

I scoff at Winter and continue my paperwork. It never truly ends. Damn paperwork.

Crimson: "So what do I owe the pleasure to, Winter? Rare that you come by these days."

Winter: "Came to check in with you. Weiss told me the drama lately."

Crimson: "I'm gonna come and pick up that stray one of these days Winter."

Winter: "The only reason that said stray ain't here with me is because of Weiss. If she can't deal with this, then I will."

Crimson: "Funny how we got along in the end. Still remember our first meeting."

Winter: "I honestly thought it was a rust bucket."

Crimson: "Now hold on...You're not picking a fight with me, are you?"

Winter: "Never. I also heard you have new recruits these days."

Crimson: "Thing is. I didn't know until yesterday."

Winter: "How did that happen? Thought you have the final say in these matters. Even Ironwood doesn't have much say."

Crimson: "Paperwork got lost during one of my patrols. Gerald has been dealing with them. Apparently, I made a few of them soiled themselves."

Winter: "Your aura can be a bit suffocating for those not used to it."

Crimson: "Winter. I don't have one."

Winter: "You do. I don't know who lied to you, but you do. You have a very dark one. Sometimes I hear faint screams coming from you. I have no idea how your semblance works but it does its job of intimidating people well. It also seems to embolden your Heralds. Or rather make them more bloodthirsty."