Chapter 8 - Off to Reavers we go~

Just wanted to say, Tonku & Skreech thank you for your reviews :3 and everyone else that read and reviewed. And I know I know I know, I said I'd update 'sooner' Who knew the internet would be cut off :D Ha..ha~ *suffered from writers block*

Disclaimer; Still do not own it. Any of it. u_u


The rest of the journey through the muddy passage way was less than pleasant with Reavers insufferable whistling of the same few notes. Once free from the confined space the two stretched their cramped limbs and found a resting spot on some dry rocks. Levi kept an suspicious eye on Reaver, whom was toying with his pistol, while he cleaned away the dirt that had built on his hands, the man stood with an air of importance even while covered in dust and dirt.

"How did you figure it out?" The boy questioned finally, unable to take the feelings of exposure.

Reaver simple eyed down at him and smiled smugly, examining his gun hilt before putting it back in its holster. Moving towards the boy Reaver crushed a grassy plant with a flower blooming out of it beneath his boot, Levi bit back and kept his eyes on the ground. The man loomed over the boy, chuckling wickedly enjoying the boy squirming under his gaze. Delicious.

"Why my sweet child" Reaver mused, leaning down he lifted Levis chin and kissed his now exposed neck line. "A birthmark that unique attracts the wandering eye" The breath from the older man tickled Levis fair neck. Pursing his lips he pulled away from the man. Standing he covered the kissed skin with his palm and glared at Reaver, who even bent over was looking at him at eye level. Damn genetics. The boy pouted and turned his back to Reaver, regretting the decision to do so immediately as a pair of arms made their way under his and around his waist. His back was pressed into Reavers chest, "Ugh!" Trying to pry the mans hands off of him to get out of his hold Levi cursed.

"Gah, Wanker! Let me go~"

"Now~ is that any way to talk to the man who just saved you from the dread of palace life?" Reaver purred, ignoring the boys futile struggle. He may have hero blood, but it hadn't been tapped. The squirming stopped at the snap of a branch that sounded from the near by trees. Levi froze and backed into the man, now unwilling welcoming the protection of the mans body. Reaver squinted and soon a familiar figured appeared.

"VIC!" Levi broke free from the mans arms with ease, as he had loosened his hold some, and ran to the other mans side.

"Hey Lucy" Vic teased ruffling Levis hair affectionately.

"Nice of you to finally show up, I hope the vermin problem in Brightwall has… Cleared?" Reaver asked nonchalantly walking towards the two.

"Yes sir, no more Rats" Vic reported.

"Finally~ and the seal?"

"With the boy" Vic outstretched his hand and Levi handed over the book bag, glad to be rid of it.

"Wonderful, my little 'prince' is all grown up" Reaver chuckled and passed the two, joining a group of highway men that had kept further back.

"Rats?" Levi questioned innocently, "Why does he want the Rats out of Brightwall?"

Vic chuckled and ushered him in the direction of the others. "I'll explain back at the mansion kiddo"

The moon had taken its' place high in the sky by the time the carriage had made its way out of the thick forest and back to Reavers Mansion. The wind was bitter and they rushed inside, Reaver bid them farewell hastily making his way up to his chambers after giving Vic a few orders. The pair then casually made their way to the kitchen, sitting upon the familiar wooden table, rusty nails and all, Levi was glad to have it. Vic went to fetch some mugs and drinks, the kitchen had shut down. There wasn't any exquisite party tonight, the kitchen echoed Vics footsteps. He took a deep breath and smiled fondly. Vic came back and handed Levi a mug.

"So, Why does he hate Rats?" Levi pushed. Reaver being bugged by something as little as rats provided Levi with mild amusement. Though he had been homeless, so rats had never bothered him much. Vic let out another faint chuckle.

"Alright, Rats is a slang term used for a group of 'assassins' but act more so like thieves, cut throats, n' hired guns. They stick to the shadows and work out of the sewers. Hence the given name, Rats." Vic explained.

Levi let out a 'ooh' and nodded. "So why were they in Brightwall and coming after us?" He cried.

"Well, not us, but what we were after. The Dark Seal. A man by the name of Theo was after it, word on the street was anyways, Reaver knew where it was and ordered us to retrieve it before it fell into their hands, fortunately for us the Academy was holding its annual banquet". Again Vic explained it in a slow even tone, pausing to make sure Levi had understood. "Theo's the Leader of an infamous group of assassins called The Red Guards(1) Reaver and him…uh, go back" Vic laughed finishing off his ale before getting up to discard the cup.

"You finished with yours?" Levi looked down at his cup and noticed he hadn't even tried the wine Vic had poured for him.

"Oh, sorry…Why is Theo after Reaver? and what is the Dark Seal?" Levi questioned further.

"Ah, nope. That's too much for tonight. C'mon lad, bed time" Vic walked Levi to the back door and appointed him to the servants quarters. Levi sighed and made his way down the candle lit hall taking in what had been said. Why was someone after Reavers seal, it must be important if he had it hidden all the way down in the depths of the Academy. Lost in thought he didn't hear the faint muffle of footsteps making their way towards him until he knocked shoulders with the person passing.

"Oh, I'm sorry there sir, oh I remember you!" A familiar friendly voice apologized.

Levi looked up and recognized her as the chubby girl from the first 'job' he was given at one of Reavers parties, a rage boiled in his chest recalling the memories.

"Oh, yes, Sorry I never got your name" He confessed sheepishly. "I'm Levi"

"Annabelle" She spoke, out of the uniform they wore during their brief enchanted before she looked incredibly different. Dressed in an old moth eaten grey dress with a what once a white apron covered with grease patches and stains. A head band pulling back her shoulder length brown hair gathering in the back in a short ponytail.

"Right, you work here now too?" He asked excited to have someone he could talk to inside of the walls while Vic was away doing Reavers dirty work.

"Yup, you bet sir. In the kitchen I do" She still spoke with a heavy yokel accent and had bright eyes that sparkled even in the dim light of the corridor. "Should come by some time if ya' ain't too busy" He nodded and loved the sounds of that.

"Say what do you do 'ere?" She asked pointing a finger in his direction.

"I work under Commander Vic, who's Reavers Second in command" He explained, a slight hint of pride peeking through. Annabelle gasped and covered her mouth.

"Wow sir, that is amazing~" she spoke, "You're right on up on that list, eh? Well good on ya'" She smiled broadly giving him a few good pats on the shoulder.

"Thanks Annabelle, well I'll see you around" He bid her good night and she the same before going their separate ways.

The next morning Levi washed and dressed before the rest of the workers and went about wandering the halls. Since Reaver had forbid any one not of high authority from leaving the walls of the mansion Levi stuck to examining the grounds through the windows. Once the hustle and bustle of the rest of the staff had picked up he retreated to his quarters.

The servant quarters were located in a large hall, much like that of a dining hall. Beds lined against the wall each with their own bedside table that contained personal goods. Levi sat down on his bed, the frame groaned under the weight, his was further back than most and located beside a window. Lazily he gazed out the window as sparrows flew by or perched on the outside on the window still. A light laugh escaped his lips, fondly remembering the morning before this adventure had begun. Thinking he was thankful for Reaver taking him in, not exposing his real identity. However his perverted ways were something of a bother and unnerving. His stomach tightened and he suddenly felt flushed, shaking his head he flopped back onto the bed and out stretched his arms. Letting out a sigh he let his eyes fluttered close, the sun beams from the window warmed his body. Content.

Reaver stood in front of his window, opened slightly a light breeze tickled his cheeks. Staring aimlessly into the backdrop of his property at the forested mountains topped with snow, the sky had opened up and seemed endlessly blue. The man turned his back to the scene and instead to the seal that had been hung from the wall. His eyes narrowed and he cursed to himself, he should have sent more men in with the two. The boy wasn't ready but came through in the end, the gears in Reavers head began to turn.

"VIC" the man called turning his attention again to the window, without fail Vic appeared in the door frame moments later.

"Bring him here" he ordered, the door shut and he was again alone with his thoughts. The man clasped his hands behind his back, his mind clouded with memories.

Bowerstone Industrial, filled with the fragrance of sour ale, cheap perfume and rotting fish. The man sighed impatiently looking down at the gold pocket watch before tucking it away in his pocket.

'Damn wench' He thought. He had passed irritated and decided long ago he would blow her pretty face off. Dragging him all the way out here at this hour with bribery. He scoffed, keeping his air of charm however as the sound of heels on cobble stone played in his ears. Stepping out of the shadows he smiled graciously.

"Darling" He extended his arm and the Duchess linked hers with it. The two continued to walk further until out of the range of wandering ears.

"I know what you want Reaver" The woman purred, looking up at him through thick lashes. A glint of greed shone in her honey brown eyes.

"Then give it to me"

"Tsk, I'm afraid it isn't that easy dear" A pout formed on her whitened face, the cherry lips turning upward into a wicked smile as she lead them down a small flight of stairs. The man admired her attempt to take the upper hand.

"And in return?" He humoured her.

"One Million gold"

Maybe now was a good time to get his pistol out. Instead he scoffed and turned abruptly in the directions of the sewers. "Easy to please, hm love? Fine~ Whatever you wish, now tell me. Where can I find my beloved seal"

She smirked, reaching into her coin purse as they had stopped walking and now stood at the opening to the sewers. She stood straight and kissed his cheek while slipping a piece of paper into his jacket pocket. She began to strut away, he read the note. Brightwall Academy.

"Thank you" She turned at the sound of his voice, her eyes widened before a bullet pierced through the centre of her forehead dropping her to the ground. The gunshot echoed. Then, he saw him. Standing on the bridge. His frame matching hers, even from such a difference the resemblance was astonishing. The boy ran and Reaver followed casually. "Vic" A man stepped forth from the shadows, seeming to blend with the wall. "Bring him home" He ordered before continuing to his carriage.

How had he been so fortunate. There was a knock on the door, he turned to be met with the same beautiful face. Green eyes, alive and vigorous that brown matte hair, unmanageable, the slender shoulders and neck that mocked him. "Ah, Leo"

"Levi" came the monotone response, the boy rolled his eyes as again the older man failed to get his name right. The mans eyes softened and he walked to Levis side. "How are you doing after our little adventure the other day, not to frazzled I hope" The mans false concern made Levi want to empty the contents of his stomach. "Not at all"

"Is that so? Good. I want you to report to Vic, he's in the shooting range right now."

Levi raised an eye brow. "You think I'm a bad shot?"

Reaver paused, dumbstruck before gathering himself, this boy amused him. He smiled and tsk'd reaching out he pinched the boys cheek. "Absolutely." Levi glared up at Reaver and swatted away his hand, turning he left, slamming the door shut behind him.


WOW, hur, hur so short …I'm so sorry for those who waited and I really appreciated it. Sorry it took so long for an update. Anyways R&R 3

1: Red Gaurds, for those who don't know, are are race of people from the game Skyrim which I have no ownership of either.

Cheers 3