The room on the airship assigned to me was small, but suited my needs. There was a desk, with a computer linked to the main archive database back in Atlas, a comfortable enough bed, a small bathroom with a shower, and a wardrobe. Spartan, impersonal. Just how the Atlesian's preferred. But it was all of peak quality. Thankfully the Military didn't mess around when it came to its soldiers accommodations, and though each room was pretty much the same, the bed here was almost as comfortable as the one I had back in Atlas. The apartment I own is small, but in the two short years I have been here, it has become home. It wasn't even in Mantle, but Atlas proper, one of the few perks being in the military has allowed me. Sure, it's little more than a kitchen-lounge, bedroom, bathroom and spare room I just use for storage, but home is home.

Cinder appeared not to care about our current surroundings. It was warm, and dry, and safe. It held the promise of a bed and food and company, something she'd obviously lacked for sometime. She was, once she had become comfortable around me, curious beyond words. The moment we stepped foot into my room, she had kicked off her shoes, and jumped onto the bed, happily bouncing away.

I let her have her fun whilst I pack away my field uniform. It's probably been far, far too long since she's been so comfortable or happy after all. I kept a small smile on my face as my room was soon filled with the happy, giddy laughter of the small girl. It certainly beat the usual 'Atlesian Military' updates that would normally fill the silence, spouting the 'Glories of our mighty nation and people', which in reality was often merely relaying the fact that border patrols defeated various Grimm and the occasional bandit or bandit group. Plus, the need to learn what said update said today would give me an excuse to speak with some of my fellow soldiers...and try to get Cinder to interact with other people.

It might not be an ideal way to do it, but it's all I can do right now. But, much as it pains me, first things first. "...Cinder."

The girl stopped bouncing and turned to look at me with a bright smile. "Yes Mister Casper?"

"..You are aware of what will happen if your Mother doesn't show up before we depart, yes?"

"..Y-You'll leave me behind?" There was fear in her voice now. The fear of abandonment. The fear of loss. The fear of being alone, again. "P-Please don-"

"By the Brothers no!" I exclaimed, stepping forward to rest a calming hand on her shoulder. "No..we'd take you with us, back to Atlas. But I'm not su-"

Cinder leapt forward to embrace me before I could continue, her small body shaking as she cried. I simply embraced her, somewhat unsure of how to react beyond quiet "It's okay. Let it out.." and continued to hug her for as long as she needed. It was a number of minutes later that, still stifling, Cinder finally stepped away.

I smile as warmly as I dare, and hold out a hand. "Come on, let's go for a walk."

Slow, hesitantly, she took my hand and squeezed tight. Her golden eyes met mine, and a small, shy smile graced her face. "O-Okay, Mister Casper."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

As we walked through the Airships corridors, her small hand grasping mine, we got constant hushed comments and curious whispers and even the odd, cheerful salute from particularly friendly soldiers. Cinder did her best not to catch anyone's eyes, speaking nothing but mumbled 'Hello's and offering nothing but silent waves to those we pass.

"...So Little Cinder." I begin, if only to focus her attention on something other than the strangers around her.. "I think we'll get you settled in, so let's go down to the cafeteria and get some food."

"Yes Mister Casper!" The small girl chirped, and I can't help but smile. She might have been a near complete psycho in the canon timeline, but this Cinder is quite frankly adorable.

"And we'll see if we can't get you some proper clothes too. Warm ones." How she remained even remotely comfortable in those rags of hers, I had no idea. She likely wasn't, come to think of it, and her lack of complaint about it added yet another thing her Mother would have to answer for when I track her down.

"Yes Mister Casper!"

My smile grew slightly.. "..And then get you seen by the Medical Officer."

She blinked at me with a confused expression. "What does that mean, Mister Casper?"

Please. Please be joking..."A doctor, Cinder."

"What's a Doctor?"

Fuck my life.

_____________________________________________________________________

Lieutenant James Ironwood, the rising star of the Atlesian Military, let out a sigh as he lent back into his chair. As if this ruin wasn't confusing enough with its Grimm-Repelling properties, the fact that someone knew of it, and was prepared to leave their own child there and not inform anyone about said ruin's properties or location was deeply concerning. If Atlas could replicate whatever it was that repelled the Grimm, every city on Remnant would have its security all but assured. They could even expand the Kingdoms territories. The Brothers knew that populations across the world were growing at a rate that would soon strain their limited resources.

But because of the single most horrifying thought he'd had about everything he'd had to deal with in recent days, he was decidedly hesitant to report anything to High Command as of yet. What if it isn't the ruin that repels the Grimm, but the girl?

He privately hoped it wasn't. Better she live a quiet life than one as what amounted to little more than bug spray. Whilst he was loyal beyond words to Atlas, that didn't mean that he was blind to its faults. If the cost of Atlas' safety was a child's life, there wouldn't even be a moral debate or token hesitation. She'd be locked up, sedated, and wheeled out wherever and whenever necessary.

He sighed again, and buried the thoughts deep. Better not to even contemplate them. It was the stress. Yes, that was it. Definitely the stress. He reached for his mug, and took a gulp of what was technically coffee, if only barely.

"...Damn it."