Part 1 – Beginnings
Daria set down her copy of My Little Chickadee, and sighed. Hunter Rose once again proved that he was a genius and a master of his craft. She had learned more about writing from reading his work, than any of her teachers had ever taught her. Daria glanced over at the New York Times article with the picture of Hunter Rose and his new ward, Stacy, laying next to her book, and felt the jealous rage bubble up from the bottom of her soul once again. Stacy was just a little girl, she knew nothing about the greatness of the man that had taken her in. Daria knew if she could just meet Hunter, she would learn more in that little bit of time, than anyone else in the world could teach her. Except for Him, Grendel, the bringer of death, the man that was called the Devil. If Hunter Rose was the man that captivated her mind, then the Grendel spoke to the darkness in her heart. The need to cut loose and act without regards to consequences.
Just as she collected everything she could find about Hunter Rose, she did the same for the Grendel. Her collection started with the poem Beowulf, and then jumped to copies of articles from historical journals that made mention of figures similar to Grendel, to a whole scrapbook filled with articles from various newspapers that mentioned Grendel's activities. She even managed to get some crime scenes photos from one of his attacks, depleting her Montana Cabin Fund to do so.
At least they were moving to Maryland soon. It would be easier to get to New York from there. She would have to look into the school clubs and see if any had a trip scheduled to go to New York, Drama or Art, most probably.
Daria took one last look at the picture of Stacy, as she gathered her fencing gear. She knew who would she would be seeing her opponents at today's practice. Hopefully, no would be hurt.
A Party with a Rose
Daria/Grendel Crossover
Hunter Rose's Penthouse Suite
"Uncle Larry, what do you do for Mr. Rose?" Stacy asked.
"I keep track of people, Stacy. What they do, who they know, and so on." Larry answered.
"Oh, I sorta of do the same thing for the Fashion Club. Who's popular, who's not, what they're wearing." Squeaked Stacy.
"Evening, Larry. So this is the niece you told me about." Hunter said as he step into the room and leaned on his cane. "A lovely flower that will grow only more beautiful with age and experience. But allow me to make a small change, dear."
"Change what, Mr. Rose. Oh, I know I chose the wrong shoes to go with this dress." Stacy said between gasps as she started to hyperventilate.
"The shoes go quite well with your dress, Stacy. It's your hairstyle. It does not do you justice. While, it may be fine at school, tonight it will not do. Let's get your hair out of those braids and brushed out." Hunter said as he stepped up to Stacy and started undoing her braids.
"Hunter, when your right, your right. She should wear her hair out more often. I wonder if we can get some of Amanda's time before Stacy has to go back to Lawndale." Larry said as he admired Stacy's new style. "Why don't I go see if young Stacy is ready and borrow one of her brushes, so we can do this right.
"I'll give her call in the morning, Larry. I'm sure Amanda will be able to squeeze us in." Hunter said as he continued working on Stacy's hair.
"Amanda Beard, the top stylist in New York. You want me to talk to her?" Squeaked Stacy as she perked up.
"Of course, I consider myself a man of good taste, and I believe in making works of art where I can." Hunter replied.
"Here's the brush, you wanted to Uncle Hunter," said Stacy as she skipped into the room followed by Larry.
"Thank you, sweetheart. Stacy, I want you to meet Uncle Larry's niece, Stacy." Hunter said as he took the brush out of Stacy's hand.
"Oh, wow, I don't think I've meet someone with same name before," said the two girls simultaneously.
Hunter and Larry let out a small chuckle at the sight of the two girls' reaction. Then Hunter finished his work on Stacy's hair. "Well, let's us be on our way, now that we are all here and ready." With that, Hunter offered a hand to the younger Stacy, and an arm to the older Stacy, and escorted the two girls out of the penthouse with Larry just behind them.
Daria: Grendel Reborn
Daria looked at the mask in her hands, as always the black cloth with the white eye slashes called to her. This would be the first time she would actually wear it. It has been a year since the Grendel was slain and revealed to be Hunter Rose, and Daria felt she was ready to take up his mantle. She pulled her hair into a high ponytail and slipped the mask on. With the mask in place, it seem that all her senses sharpened, and all her concerns and worries dropped away. It was time to dance in the night. Grendel picked up her fork and leaped from the roof of the high school. She dashed from shadow to shadow, from the ground to roofs, heading deeper into the city.
Grendel hung from the edge of the roof, watching as a small gang surrounded two women. She recognized them as Daria's sister's friends. While, she did not care for any of the people below her, Grendel decided that saving the girls would be a good way to announce her return to the world. With barely a thought, she let go of the roof and feel onto her prey. The first one fell when she broke his neck landing on him, and the second was speared at the same time. The third and forth lost their heads, as Grendel pulled the fork free from the second, then swung her terrible weapon through their necks as she dashed passed them. Grendel then stalked toward the final gang member, backing him into the wall. She gently traced the fork up the man's body, leaving twin gashes until she stopped over his heart. Then sparks leaped down the twin blades, filling the air with smell of ozone, burnt flesh and screams of agony.
Stacy looked up as the screams stopped, and saw her savior. She stood in a pool of moonlight, and was dressed in a body hugging black suit. The only color was the white gloves, boots, and the two slashes running over the eyes. Stacy started hyperventilating as she recognized who stood before her. It was the Devil herself, the dark slayer, Grendel.
Grendel turned to the two girls, and with a soft voice that grabbed their attention said, "Ms. Griffin, Ms. Rowe. I have saved your lives this night, now your lives are mine to do with as I see fit. Tell all who ask, that I did this. Do not fail!"
With that, Grendel slid back into shadows of the alley and disappeared from view.
