Greetings everyone!
Terrific news! Thanks to a buddy of mine who works on computers, I was able to get my laptop fixed at a fraction of the cost! So, in celebration and due to the fact that this god forsaken idea would NOT leave my brain. I'm introducing a brand new story that will eventually take the place of one of my other stories once they've ended and then this story will take it's place in the time slot.
This story is inspired by several things actually; the major one being the character "The Artful Dodger" and from playing "Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed: Syndicate"; from the quick-wit and silver tongue to the gentlemanly top hat and cane-sword.
But seeing as it'll be awhile until this story is up and runnin' be sure to check out my other stories and make sure to Favorite, Follow, and leave a Review.
Other than that, nothing new to add, so...
Till next time!
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Chapter One
On a dark and weary night, when the broken moon of Remnant was covered by the roaring thunder clouds, there laid a shivering boy with slick, blonde hair matted with dirt and oil from the street corner he laid in, and blue eyes that once sparkled with vibrant optimism was now dulled and soulless from realism. His clothes, which were once spotless and clean was littered with dirt and torn holes, leaving his young body open to the chilling winds of the storm.
One might think that a child like that should be at home, safe and warm in a comfy bed with a pipping hot glass of milk and cookies on his bedside table. His mother and father sitting beside him with all the love and affection one would give to their little boy.
Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy beginning and his was nothing special. And with no one else to turn to, the boy was forced to making a living out on the streets; stealing from those who were more deserving, picking the pockets of those who had less than him, and finding more and more places to sleep in safety.
He never wanted this.
He never wanted to become thief but life did not care for those who did not work so he forced his moral nature to abide by his decisions and as he grew older he began to change in many ways. When his opponents were stronger than him, he outsmarted them. When his pursuers were faster than him, he used trickery to elude them. When his opponent believed themselves to be smarter than him, he used a quick-wit and a silver tongue to get his way. And even though he would never be as strong as others, he could always make up for it in tactical-prowess.
Eventually, after years of climbing his way up and out of the gutter where his heartless family has thrown him into, he was finally able to make his mark on the world. He formed connections with powerful authorities; both criminal and political, and with his gentlemanly-nature and chivalrous attitude, he had all but secured a place in the hearts of the public.
And now he happily stood atop his secret hideout, away from the leering eyes of those would wish for his head. His dirtied and torn clothing now replaced by an expertly-crafted coal-black blazer that complimented his white, rolled-up dress shirt, his jet-black vest, and his vibrant yellow tie. But his clothing would not be completed without his lucky black top hat with a yellow ribbon.
Now, he was no longer the discarded little boy who had to struggle each and every day in order to survive. Now, he was a young adult, with all the knowledge and experience befitting a gentleman thief such as himself.
Now he was no longer Jaune Arc.
Now, he was Dodger.
...Present...Junior's Club...
"Ah, Junior's Club. It's been quite awhile since my last visit." thought Dodger, smiling at the flashing neon sign that read out "Junior's". On the outside, the massive building would appear to be you average nightclub, where teenagers and adults alike would lingering in a euphoric trance of drugs, alcohol, and transcendent music courtesy of DJ Deadb3ar. But beneath it's neon lights was a seedy underbelly of criminal activity; from trafficking drugs and firearms to prostitution to the buying and selling of information from the Club's owner, Hei "Junior" Xiong of the Xiong crime family.
And for man like Dodger, information was worth more than gold. And so he prided himself on knowing everything there was to know about his targets. And while on any other night, dodger would be more than happy to join alongside his fellow patrons, dancing and exploring the nightclub with abandon. But tonight, he was on business.
And so, he made his way to the front entrance of Junior's Club, the two bouncers giving him a once over before stepping aside to allow him entrance. And with a flash of his devilish smile and a tip of his hat, Dodger made his way into the crowded nightclub. The dance floor filled to the brim with drunken party-goers and drug addicts but his objective laid across the sea of drunkards and with haste, Dodger maneuvered his way through the crowd and toward the bar, where Dodger found himself smirking at the scene in front of him, a beautiful, buxom, blonde with lilac eyes was currently manhandling the already tiny balls of Junior, who was grimacing in pain.
"People say you know everything." said the blonde, reaching into her pocket to pull out a white scroll and shoving it into his face. "Tell me where I can find her and I'll let you go." she demanded while Junior released another whimper as he attempted to answer her demand.
"I've never seen her before, I swear!" he shouted, straining as her grip on his balls tightened, causing him to whimper in pain.
"Excuse me?" she asked, her temper rising with each second while Dodger watched on with amusement as more and more of Junior's men began to crowd around the two.
"I swear, sir!" Junior shouted, his eyes shifting to his henchmen while the blonde looked around with humor.
"Hmm, looks like we have an audience. This must be kind of embarrassing for you, huh? Awkward..." said the blonde, smiling at Junior's pain as he looked up at her through narrowed eyes.
"Listen, blondie...Er...Sir. If you want to make it out of this club alive, I suggest you let me go. Now!" shouted Junior as the blonde sighed and reluctantly released her grip on the crushed walnuts that used to be his balls. "You're gonna pay for that, blondie!" shouted Junior as he attempted to save what little pride he had left by putting on his sunglasses and walking away from the blonde, who had decided to follow closely behind. All the while being watched by Junior's henchmen and Dodger.
"Oh Junior, I was just playing with you! Don't be so sensitive! Come on, let's kiss and make up, okay?" asked the Blonde, closing her eyes and puckering her lips, waiting for a kiss from Junior, who stupidly agreed like any horny old man.
"Oh, poor, stupid, perverted, Junior." thought Dodger as he watched in amusement.
But as he leaned in, eyes closed and waiting to connect to the sweet lips of his blonde mistress, the gloved-covered fist of the blonde soon embedded itself in Junior's jawline before the force of the hit sent Junior flying across the club room and crashing into the bar, sending several expensive bottles of alcohol crashing to the floor.
And with great pleasure, Dodger took his seat at the partially destroyed bar as several of Junior's henchmen began rushing at the blonde but with the flick of her wrists the two golden bracelets began to shift into a set of ballistic shotgun gauntlets. With Aura enhancing her leg muscles, she then leaped into the air, firing a volley of shots from her gauntlets, the force sending several of the henchmen flying away before landing and taking on the entirety of Junior's gang.
And all the while Dodger sat back with a nice cold glass of brandy and watched the carnage as a disoriented Junior attempted to stand up before falling back down. "Twins should be out in 3...2...1..." thought Dodger as predictably enough two twin girls walked out onto the dance floor, the one to the left was dressed in red with a set of claws on her wrists while the one to the right was dressed in white with a set of claws on the back of her heels.
These where the Malachite Twins, Miltiades and Melanie. They'd been hired by Junior as a sort of last resort for any rowdy customers, and right now their target stood just in front of them.
"Melanie, like, who is this girl?" asked Miltiades.
"I dunno Miltia, but we should like, teach her a lesson." Melanie replied.
The two took their stances which Dodger had seen on numerous occasions due to drunken huntsmen trying to get grabby. Only this time their opponent wasn't a drunken man with a death wish. Instead, it was a beautiful and fiery blonde-haired beauty, who's prideful smirk and cocking of her gauntlets brought an impressed smile to Dodger's face.
And as the fight between the four females raged on, Dodger poured himself another ice cold glass of brandy as Junior shakily stood himself up, propping himself on what little there was of his bar and even Dodger could swear he could see the little stars twinkling around his head.
Despite, the look on Junior's face and the absolute ruin his club was slowly becoming, Dodger knew he couldn't let the opportunity pass him by.
"G'Evening Junior, old boy. Did you have an enjoyable nap?" said Dodger, smirking at Junior's anger.
"Dodger! What the hell are you doing here? Are you with that...that...monster?!" shouted Junior.
"You mean Miss Beautiful-And-Dangerous? No, sad to say, she's not my plus one for the evening. Though, I am enjoying watching the event unfold." said Dodger, smiling as he took another sip of his brandy.
In that instance, the anger-filled eyes of Junior slowly turned into genuine fear and regret as he, too, watched the dangerous blonde utterly decimate his two bodyguards and the club along with them. He knew he had to do something drastic or risk losing everything he's worked so hard to achieve. His eyes lingered on the blonde before slowly shifting over to Dodger. He knew he'd end up regretting it but in the end the result outweighed the risks.
"Dodger, please get rid of that blonde monster." Junior practically begged.
"Sorry, Junior but you know my rule. I don't fight unless I have to and even then my attacks are aimed to knock out. I'm a thief, not a killer." said Dodger, feeling quite proud of the rules he'd followed. Even at a young age and first starting his life as a gentleman thief, Dodger was sure to always follow his set of rules down to the letter. "Never engage in combat, unless absolutely necessary" was one of them and Dodger prided himself on these rules. They were what separated him from other criminals. "Besides, you were kind of asking for it. "Let's kiss and make up". Are you an idiot, Junior? You must be if you thought she meant any of that. But anyways, my answer is still no." said Dodger, taking a large gulp of his brandy.
It was at this point that Junior started to get more and more desperate for his help and even if it costed him his whole life, Junior was determined to see his nightclub left standing. "I know where to find that item you've been looking for!" he finally shouted before covering his mouth as Dodger's eyes narrowed into serious squints. His blue eyes burning with fury as he watched Junior;s every move.
"Tell. Me. Now." Dodger slowly demanded.
"I...I'll tell you...But you have to get rid of blondie." said Junior, pointing at the blonde who had just defeated the twins.
Slowly, Dodger's eyes close, a deep sigh released from his mouth as he raised the ice cold glass to his lips, feeling the melted ice touch his lips, chilling them before setting it down on the counter, grabbing his cane and fixing his top hat on his blonde-covered head and stepping away from his chair, slowly making his way towards the blonde in the middle of the dance floor.
The blonde's lilac eyes watched Dodger with mirth as she placed her hands on her hips, shifting her weight ever-so slightly.
"Well hello, Mr. Top, you one of Junior's other lackeys?" asked the blonde, her question causing Dodger to release a chuckle.
"Ah, no, no. I'm more of an associate. Junior provides information and information is what I desire. Unfortunately, my goal had been somewhat disrupted due to your antics. Not that I wasn't amused, far from it. But I'm afraid, I'm going to have to ask you to leave so that I may continue my business, Miss..." Dodger trailed off and giving the girl ample time to fill in the blank.
"Isn't it a bit rude to ask for a girl's name without giving your's?" asked the blonde, smirking as she caught on to Dodger's motif that he couldn't help but smile.
"Very well, m'lady. I'm Dodger, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." said Dodger, taking a slight bow with a tip of his top hat.
"The name's Yang, Dodge. And sorry to say but I'm not going anywhere without some information from No-Balls over there." said Yang, cocking her gauntlets and glaring at the form of Junior.
And while Dodger was sympathetic to Yang's thirst for knowledge, his desire outweighed her's by millions. And so he released a heavy sigh, tightening his grip on his cane.
"Then it appears we're at an impasse..." said Dodger, frowning while the fire in Yang's eyes burned brightly as she grew excited for another fight.
"Looks that way, huh?" she asked, feeling the blood pumping through her.
"I believe that leaves us with only one option..." said Dodger, frowning as he looked up to stare into her beautiful lilac eyes.
"Guess it does. No holds bar sound good to you?" she asked, focusing her Aura for any of Dodger's attacks.
"I only wish it didn't have to come to this..." said Dodger as he shook his head, confusing Yang before relighting the fire in her heart as she flashed a smirk.
"Let's see what you go, Dodge." said Yang as she launched herself, full speed, at Dodger.
But as she got closer to the young lad, who kept himself still and poised the sound of Junior's door exploding open as several armed police officers rushed into the club, all raising their weapons at the two of them. Yang looking around confused while Dodger wore a proud smirk on his face. Soon enough a man where a bronze police badge walked forward, holding a megaphone in his hand.
"This is Chief Noire of the Vale Police Department! We received a tip from an anonymous caller about an underground gang operation led by Hei Xiong! If you are an associate of Hei then know that you are as of this moment under arrest from crimes against Vale and it's inhabitants!" shouted Chief Noire.
Yang's eyes widened to comedic levels as she eventually turned to see Dodger had disappeared, leaving a calling card on the floor with the words, "The Artful Dodger." Her eyes briefly turning red as she slowly began to realize who Dodger really was.
"DODGER!" she shouted into the club's ceiling.
...Elsewhere...Dodger's Hideout...
After another successful takedown of one of Vale's underground crime families, Dodger began to make his way back home, entering through a secret doorway hidden behind an automated bookshelf. Dodger expertly made his way through several hidden traps through the cramped hallway before finally exiting through a fake wall and into his home.
The place had been left abandoned for several years that once Dodger had mistakenly found it, none knew of it's actual location and it was here that Dodger began his new life as a thief. He had everything he ever needed, working plumbing courtesy of Vale's undetected water line, electricity due to his many generators, an underground fruit and vegetable garden kept nice and fresh with UV rays, and of course the main factor in a secret hideout... Stolen items.
Slowly, the gentlemanly thief made his way through the studio-sized room. The couch in the middle functioning as a pullout bed with nice wooden counter top off to the side while sitting in front of the couch was a holographic-projection screen he'd stolen and with expertly stolen wireless connection, Dodger was able to watch television, all without altering those to his location.
Eventually, Dodger had removed his gentlemanly attire in exchange for his comfortable blue bunny onsie, his lips curling into a pleased smile as he reached for the remote to begin watching his favorite comic book series "X-Ray & Vav".
"Today was a good day." he said to himself, smiling at the prospect of one day seeing that fiery-blonde once again.
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And there we got, the first chapter of "The Arcful Dodger". Jaune has been turned into a gentleman thief due to the harshness he's had to face as a child. But that only leaves more questions.
What happened to his family?
What mysterious item is he desperately searching for?
What will happen at Beacon?
WHO WILL JAUNE BE SHIPPED WITH?!
Well, as if I know, it's only the first chapter and we've still got plenty of other stories to sit through.
So make sure to Favorite, Follow, and leave a Review if you want to see where this story will end up.
Till next time!