Chapter 10 (Adam Taurus)
It was a horrible day when I woke up. It was dreary, pouring with rain and had that misty quality found only on cold nights.
Just how I liked it.
After completing my morning routines, I went about treating my various injuries. It wasn't serious but at the same time I couldn't leave them festering. The documents Tukson had left me were still on the desk. I knew there was a large sum of money on it but I was hesitant in using it. Not out of moral obligations but out of cautiousness. He was still a wanted man, the White Fang would be looking for him and until I can verify its safety, I'm not touching it.
Now the question remains, what will I do today?
I should clean my sword. It had been put through hell the past few days.
Unlocking my cabinet, my pride and joy presented itself before me.
Dust infused swords, blades sharpened with the newest cutting-edge technology, a few archaic daggers all hung on the cabinet wall.
I breathed deeply, the smell of polished metal sent shivers down my spine.
I blame that fool Jaune for always breaking my swords.
Case after case, I would regularly end up fighting. My beautiful blades would end up chipped or damaged from the battle. It cost far too much for me to fix routinely and it was only the large pay check that Jaune handed out that made me stay.
I grumbled to myself and mentally checked over each weapon.
A few needed adjusting but for the most part they were in all good condition.
My expert eye scanned through the sheaths. A few of them doubled as guns. Since the discovery of dust, technology exploded like an unpleasant mould growing on the wall. From there, people decided to get...creative. Nearly all modern weapons and I do mean nearly all of them now has a gun attached to it. I won't deny they're useful but when I hear combinations like gun-chucks I shake my head at the absurdity of it.
I reached below my collection, drawing out my sword maintenance package.
Time passed as I cleaned my sword.
Today should be the day Jaune was released. I'm betting he's bored out of his mind. He always disliked wasting away. Unfortunately, that usually led to me cleaning up after his mess when he inevitably sticks his grubby nose in where it doesn't belong.
I should be able to relax. The agency was closed for the day. With Jaune hospitalised, we won't be getting any irritating clients. Blake can handle the appointments that was set for today.
Where was she anyway?
Probably visiting Jaune. She did mention something earlier along the lines of keeping company. A load of bull if you ask me. Jaune could take care of himself.
Except can he? Last I saw him, he was completely restrained in bandages. He might not be able to actually walk out.
I sighed. I guess my mind was made up.
"Oh Watson! How nice of you to visit me! I got plenty to tell."
Should had stayed at home.
Jaune skipped around his hospital room. Far too many well wishes cards were on his table and I'm sure a fair number of them were written by woman twice his age.
I can't decide whether he's a lucky bastard or not.
He beamed at me and I had to squint from the sheer brightness he was radiating. Maybe he should volunteer himself at the lighthouse, people miles away would be able to spot his shining teeth.
Of course he wasn't alone. No, she had to be here.
"Hey Adam!" greeted Ruby. She was out of her bandages and back in her dress. Her exuberant eagerness rivalled even Jaune's good mood.
Dear god they're multiplying.
They continued chatting about and I stood there, definitely not awkwardly.
The two stooges bounced off each other like a ping-pong ball. They somehow managed to resonate on a level deeper than identical twins.
Their conversation whizzed from one inane topic to another. I couldn't keep up with the pace so I defaulted to my usual method.
I ignored them.
I would leave but something told me they would stop me if I tried.
Probably would involve Ruby crying.
Damn I hate kids and their manipulative ways.
"-and that's how I ended up leaning how to dance." Jaune's long-winded story finally wound down.
"So you?"
"Yup!
"And then she-"
"That's right."
"But how could-"
"I have no idea."
They stopped contemplating that piece of wisdom.
I have better conversations with my swords.
I rubbed my eyes, tired of their gossip. Thankfully they decided to leave the room. Before Jaune left the doorway, he glanced over his shoulder.
"Watson, pick up all the cards would you?"
With that he shut the door.
I turned to the large pile of papers.
A bag would be good right now.
I struggled to balance all the cards in my hand but I made it to the exit without any incidence.
The automatic door slid open and I was assaulted by a crowd of people. I spotted several faunus mixed in with them. Jaune was there on the footsteps waving at them. Ruby stood off to the side, stunned stupid.
"Do your detective pose!" Someone from the crowd yelled.
That opened the floodgates.
They began chanting over and over like a broken recording.
Jaune raised his arms, placating them. He grabbed his jacket, spun on the ball of his feet and pointed at the nearest girl, which in this case was Ruby.
"It was you!" He all but shouted. The crowd roared and I swore the ground shook from the force.
Ruby bobbled her mouth like a goldfish. You best get used to the attention, the media is going to hound you like vicious wolves.
I'm just glad they stopped pestering me for information. After a few 'incidents' that may or may not involved my beloved sword, they avoided me like a plague.
It's times like these that I regret taking this job.
He wasn't a public figure when I applied. More of an online phenomenon, I figured it would die down eventually.
How wrong I was.
Cases happened and it was like dropping a stone down a mountain. It built up bigger and bigger until landslides occurred. It wasn't an exaggeration to say he's more well liked than four-time Mistral champion, Pyrrha Nikos.
Yeah, the one on the cereal boxes.
The crowded parted for him as he walked by. He signed a few autographs on the way, giving the lucky victim a dazzling gleam.
It was all so fake.
I joined him by his side. Body guarding was one of my job descriptions, not like he needs it now. Anyone dumb enough attack him like this deserves to have an angry mob chasing them. Ruby tagged along with us, she was fairly overwhelmed at the reporters bugging her for an interview.
I almost stepped in but Ruby took it into stride. It seems even in front of a camera she loves yammering about her weapon.
It took more time than I liked but we arrived at the detective agency.
Jaune breathed deeply, savouring the smell of our home.
"You know Watson. I had missed this place. The rustic air, the squeaky floors and the comfy room." He flopped down loosely on a nearby sofa. "Help yourself to whatever is in the kitchen." He said to Ruby. "I'm sure there are a few cookies around."
Huh, apparently cookies warrant Ruby to run off with her semblance.
"Uh, guys? Your kitchen might need a little cleaning." Ruby's loud voice echoed down the hallway.
Did we ever clean that muck up from earlier? I was gone the whole time. Jaune obviously couldn't do it and who knows what Blake's doing.
We joined Ruby at the kitchen door.
"Oh, err I forgot to clean that." said Jaune, scratching his head. "Took some time testing that black liquid from earlier and I made quite a mess."
"Quite a mess?" I said, tone disbelieving. "This place looks like a melted cheese bomb exploded in our kitchen."
Urgh, the stench is like gone off vomit. What the hell did Jaune even do?
"So Watson?" said Jaune.
I could taste his tone buttering up. You better not say what I think you're going to say.
"Can you clean the kitchen up?"
"..."
I took a deep calming breath. It's not like I can refuse; I need to eat as well.
Needless to say I won't ever insult the janitor ever again.
By the end of it, my back ached and my neck was stiff. I swear daily household chores tire me out more than fights.
Jaune was in the living room, fiddling with his scroll.
"Have you seen Blake?" said Jaune.
"Not since a couple days ago. Why?"
"I tried contacting her but she hasn't responded." He frowned a little and Ruby perked up at the mention of Blake.
I shrugged. "She's probably fine. She's a big girl."
"That's not like her though. She's more punctual than that."
"Everyone has off days. If you really want to know why don't you sniff out some clues around her room. I'm sure she left something there."
He nodded quickly and we headed to her room.
"Hey wait!" Ruby dashed over to us. "Aren't you a least bit ashamed for breaking into a girls room?"
"No." I said.
I ignored Ruby's pouting.
Blake's room was dressed simply in the bare essentials. A shelf with several books, clothes and a couple of bags that haven't been unpacked yet.
"Not much to see." I said. I dropped to the floor looking under her bed.
Nothing.
"Anything on your end?" I called.
Jaune was going through some bags.
"Yeah, a few things. There's an opened bottle of hair dye and a lot of her makeup been used. She only moved in recently so everything she owns is nearly brand new. Did you see her with her hair dyed recently?"
"Not once. She doesn't strike me as the sort to wear the latest beauty products."
"Me neither." he said. "Her weapon isn't around either." His brow creased in that familiar way when he caught onto something. "Let's check the security camera."
"You have a security camera?" asked a wide eyed Ruby.
"Some people tried to break in." I said. "I even had to deal with a few. Nothing successful but they're in jail now."
They had my lovely farewell gift in the form of broken bones.
"Wooooow. Your life must be as busy as hunters."
Just the unfortunate product of knowing Jaune on a personal level. Don't worry, with the way you're heading you'll soon experience your own 'fun' adventure.
In case you couldn't tell I was being sarcastic.
The back room held all the electronics for the security system. I should know; I run the damn thing. I fiddled with the knobs until the footage showed up.
"There's Blake." I pointed as she walked in. Minutes afterwards some guy with a tail popped on the screen. He paced back and forth debating whether to knock on the door or not. Apparently having lost his nerve, he took a seat on the pavement.
I fast forwarded the footage until something happened. Blake came out with dyed hair and dark skin.
"What do you think she's doing?" asked Ruby.
"I could think of a few things." murmured Jaune.
The tailed faunus and Blake conversed for a while. Unfortunately, the camera doesn't pick up audio. We stared at the screen, watching Blake get more and more frustrated. It got to the point where I thought she was going to hit him but apparently the tailed faunus said something that confused her enough to evaporate her anger.
They left together afterwards.
"What now then?" I said. From my impressions, Blake doesn't seem the sort to pick up stragglers.
Then again how long did I actually know her.
Jaune shrugged lightly. "We walk around searching for this guy. Print off his picture would you?"
I grunted. "Should take a minute. Go get ready."
He nodded in agreement and went off.
"I'm going as well!" I heard as Ruby trailed off after Jaune.
Not my problem. He could deal with her.
Once I printed off several copies of pictures I thought we needed, I joined them at the living room. Jaune was kitted out in his plainest outfit. By his side his brand new sword and shield were attached to his belt in their collapsible form. They look more like accessories from a distance.
I debated on whether to bring a different weapon but since we don't actually know if we're fighting I just brought my regular sword and a gun sheath.
Hidden of course behind my jacket. It wouldn't do to have officers pulling me over.
The walking.
The interviewing.
The gathering of evidence.
I always hated these parts of the cases.
It was the slowest most tedious process of my job. One minute we might be talking to a witness, the next we were in secretly going through their drawers looking for evidence. I always thought during those times that Jaune would be a great thief. Hell, I bet he can break into Beacon academy just by acting his usual stupid self.
It was still raining heavily despite the late afternoon. I had my umbrella out and Ruby shuffled her way in, stealing what little space there was.
"Get your own umbrella." I growled
"I don't have one on me." she whined. "Just let me budge in, I'm not that big." She pushed, knocking my umbrella to one side. The cold droplets fell on my head and I felt goosebumps travel down my neck from the cold contact.
Jaune pulled his hood up, not wanting to get wet hair and not wanting to get recognised. Nothing like annoying fans stopping you when you're in the middle of searching for a murderer.
He walked in front of us leading both Ruby and I. I don't know where we're going, but we're heading towards the busier part of town where you might travel to when you're in need of some shopping. It wasn't crowded enough that we were bunched up but we had to occasionally side step around a few pedestrians.
We stopped in front of the library.
"Blake likes to read a lot." explained Jaune. "She probably visits this place quite often."
"Thanks for answering a question I haven't asked." I shot back.
Jaune gave me that irritating all knowing smile before stepping into the library.
It should go without saying but it was quiet inside. There wouldn't be any students here yet since the school year hasn't started. Jaune looked side to side and finding nobody but us and the old lady receptionist, he sauntered over to her.
He pulled down his hood drawing the attention of the old lady. There was a stunned silence where the receptionist mouth fell open.
Urgh, what did she even do to make her teeth look that horrid. It's like rats decided to live in her mouth.
Ruby had a disgusted look on her face as well.
"Y-you're," stuttered the old lady. Best stop hitting her with the charm Jaune; I think you might give her a heart attack.
"Sh, shhh. Hey there sweetheart. No need to make a big deal out of me." He placed a finger on her lips and she melted into a puddle of whimpers. "I'm just wondering if you've seen these people." He pulled out a picture of the tailed faunus and Blake.
The receptionist's eyes lowered to the photos and they lit up in recognition.
"Oh I know these, oh yes. That young girl there been visiting this library. Oh yes. And that boy. Hmm, yes indeed I saw him yesterday here as well."
"Great!" said Jaune. "Can you tell us more about them?"
"Well deary I could but I'm going to need a reward."
"Oh, what would you like?"
Hey smile turned predatory. "Just a small thing. Won't cost you any money deary."
"What is it?" asked Jaune slowly.
"A little smooch is all I ask."
I couldn't see Jaune's face but I could tell the cogs in his head screeching to a grinding halt.
"Uh, ma'am please." he floundered. "This isn't the time nor place."
She waved him off. "Don't be such a stickler. I'm sure you hear this all the time but I'm your biggest fan. I followed you since you caught that police officer. I even have a corner in my bedroom dedicated to you. And anyway," she leaned forward so that her mouth was next to Jaune's ear, "you need that information don't you?"
Jaune froze like a statue in ice.
I snorted.
Loudly.
Everyone in the room turned to stare at me. Jaune shot me a dark glare to which I smiled gleefully at.
"Don't mind me," I said, "carry on your lovely conversation. I won't interrupt."
Jaune drew in a shuddering breath. I could see him weighing the options. The internal warfare going on in his head would rival those of the previous war.
If only I had a camera. Wait! My scroll!
I hastily withdrew the device out of my pocket. Keeping it low and out of sight, I hit the record button.
He turned towards the librarian. The defeat, the resignation and the lack of will. I knew then and there he was going through with it.
"Hey don't record this!" Ruby tried snatching my scroll away.
I lifted my arms up and she helplessly jumped against me.
"I'm not recording anything." I said.
"You are! I saw you do it."
Well so much for lying.
"Fine I am. So what? Last I checked, I'm allowed to record videos."
"This isn't about that! How would you like it if you were in Jaune's position?"
"I wouldn't but then again I'm not." I readjusted my arm, holding it low enough to record clearly and high enough that Ruby couldn't reach it.
"Stop it!"
Urgh, she screeches like those Nevermores I fought.
"What is going on?" A woman's brisk voice cut us off. We both turned at once. I raised my eyebrow at her riding crop. "This is a library, I will not tolerate any loud disruptions."
"Yes ma'am," squeaked Ruby.
She nodded approvingly. "Good." Her eyes drifted to Jaune. "Jaune Arc I presume?"
"Uh, yeah that's me. I mean," he coughed twice. "Yes, that is me." Back to the persona I see.
"Your parents hired me to teach you in the basics of combat. We haven't had a lesson yet but for future reference address me as Miss Goodwitch. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Miss Goodwitch." said Jaune. A second passed before he processed what she said. "Wait, what! Already?"
"Yes already, Mr Arc. Lessons won't start until tomorrow, nine AM sharp. I will pick you up then and we will head to more suitable training grounds. Understood?"
"Understood."
"Very well. Until then Mr Arc."
Jaune's future teacher glanced at Ruby and she instinctively straightened her back.
She turned away, heading deeper into the book shelves.
Jaune stood there, frown on his face. I don't know who that was but I felt her immense power. She wasn't someone to take lightly.
And Jaune had her as his teacher.
Have fun.
"So about that smooch..."
The old lady still preened over Jaune. I titled my head curiously to the side. He had his head down, bangs covered his eyes and his was face serious in a way I haven't seen before.
"Ma'am," he said, entirely professional, "I appreciate that you hold me in such high regard but this isn't the time for it. We're on a case where lives are on the line. I don't have time for this so please just tell us what you know."
Ruby and I frowned at that. Were we even on a case? All we're doing is looking for Blake.
"Oh, oh yes excuse me." The librarian excitement died down. "Just the buzz of meeting someone famous. I suppose you are here for a very important reason, how silly of me."
He sighed wearily. "It's fine, you didn't know. Now about what you saw?"
The librarian nodded her head slightly. "I didn't see very much. The girl came first and then the boy. The boy talked to the girl over there," she pointed at some far off corner, "I couldn't hear their conversation very well but I remember the boy mentioning he was on holiday. They left together afterwards."
"What did the girl look like? Did she look upset? Happy?"
"More thoughtful. She looked like she was in the middle of some intense thinking."
"And the boy?"
"Not much to say except he seemed like a lively one."
"I see, thank you for the information."
"Oh deary it was nothing, hardly anyone listens to me for so long."
"Thank you anyway," he replied woodenly, "your information will be of great help."
We left after they said their goodbyes. The rain stopped while we were in the library so I used my shut umbrella as a walking stick. Jaune still had a storm cloud above him, literally and figuratively.
"What was that about?" Ruby stared questioningly at Jaune.
He looked up at her and for a brief second I caught onto a flicker of sadness in his eyes.
"I was just reminded of how I met Blake. I knew bad people were out there but here I was having a fan ask me for a kiss. It hit me how unfair life could be sometimes. There are thousands of people who'll trade everything to have my life. The sort of people crying, and screaming against god at what they did to deserve such a horrible empty life. They never performed any bad acts, never craved evil but they yelled from the bottom of their heart at the injustice of the world. I guess what I'm saying is that I shouldn't squander my gift like that."
Ruby cocked her head. "I don't think you're squandering your life."
He shook his head. "Maybe. The only way I'll find out is later, when I look back at what I've done. Time is funny like that. We can only look in one direction but we move in the other. I'll find out at the end of the road. Only then can I decide if I made the correct decision."
What exactly is her relationship with Jaune? He never philosophised this much. What caused him to think of all this?
"How did you meet her exactly?" I asked. "I'm sure you never brought her up before."
He rubbed his face tiredly. "It's not my story to tell. Ask Blake yourself."
So we're back to her again? With the way she hides her secrets, I doubt she'd tell me any time soon.
Ruby and I walked a few steps before noticing Jaune lagging behind.
He had his scroll in his hand.
"Oh, thank god. Blake is calling."
He had a smile on his face when he answered the call.
It slipped away moments later.
"We're going to the hospital." he announced.
"Huh? Why?" asked Ruby.
"Blake, she's injured."
I had been in the hospital far too many times lately. Once had been enough but returning this often said something was off about my lifestyle.
We were waiting outside a hospital room. Jaune was pacing away his pent up energy and Ruby was nervously looking between Jaune and I.
If she's looking for reassurance, she won't get it from me.
"Jaune, sit the hell down. Pacing like that won't do anything."
"I know, I know, but so many things can go wrong depending on what happened to her. If they did this then she's, no we're all in trouble."
Just who is this Blake girl?
"Who called you anyway?" asked Ruby.
"The hospital. Apparently some hunters who were patrolling found her in the river. They did what they can to resuscitate her and bought her back. Once she stabilised, they called the first number on her scroll."
Before I could comment, a woman dressed in a doctor uniform came out of the room Blake was in.
"Mr Arc, she's ready to meet you." said the doctor. Ruby and Jaune let out a collective breath. "But there are some things I must caution you on. She had just awoken and is still adjusting. On top of that, she came out of surgery. Don't push her too hard and if anything goes wrong at all, press the emergency button. Do nothing else that may aggravate her condition."
We nodded and we let ourselves in.
It was like Jaune in the hospital room again. Blake was staring out the window like she was waiting for the Sun to rise. Her feline ears twitched when we entered and she turned her gaze at us with her piercing gold eyes.
"Hey Blake," said Ruby, "you feeling OK? Being in the hospital is a pain but don't worry, you'll be out in no time." She smiled sincerely.
Jaune hummed in agreement.
"That's right. I mean I got burned pretty badly and was pretty much strapped down to the bed. Look at me now, not a scratch on me. Before you know it, you'll be back at the agency."
Ruby nodded enthusiastically.
Blake stared at us all.
Her voice came out like cracked glass.
"Who are you all?"
AN: Took longer than usual as I had to get back in the mind frame of Adam again. You know, sometimes I feel like I'm writing for a television series when I write this.