Chapter 37: Kevin Silver
"I'm sorry I couldn't see Nick at the hospital." Penny had a sad expression on her face. "My father, was worried about me spending too much time outside and wanted me home earlier than expected."
"It's alright. Your father is just worried, that's all." Kevin took a fork full of spaghetti and place it in his mouth. He and Penny were in a western Mistrali restaurant for a date. Courtesy of Mike.
"How has he been?"
"He's been pretty good. He seems a bit different. Although... it's for the better." Kevin said with a smile.
"I'm glad to hear!" She said. "I hope to kick his ass in Urban Brawler 6."
"Oh I can't wait to see his face when he gets his ass kicked." Kevin began laughing to which Penny also laughed alongside him.
As Kevin and Penny were walking down the street when something caught her eye. "Kevin, look!"
"What is it?"
"It's one of those "circuses" that you were talking about!" Penny took the advertisement and gave to him. As he stared at the paper, his eyes widened in shock. "Can we go?!"
"We definitely gotta check this out."
"Really?! That's great!" Penny jumped for joy.
As the two were walking to the circus tent. 'I can't believe it, an actual circus! Here in Vale!' Kevin had a huge smile on his face. The two of them stopped in front of large tent filled with vibrant colors. The name of the Circus was "Over The Top!"
"Wow! To be able to see it up close!" Penny's eyes sparkled as she was mesmerized by it. Kevin was just as excited as they proceed to walk into the tent.
"This is going to be perfect!" A man yelled. "To think! Our first performance, will be here in Vale!" He had on a fancy suit with an extravagant top hat.
"Excuse me sir. But are you the owner of this circus?" Kevin asked the man.
"Why yes? How can you tell?"
"The top hat says it all." Kevin said with a smile.
"Ah! Are you a fan of circuses toubg man?"
"Kevin use to-" he placed a hand over Penny's mouth.
"A huge fan."
"Well now! I'm happy to see that!" The man finally introduce himself. "My name is Aultcray Meridian. Owner of "Over The Top."
"Kevin Silver. And this is my girlfriend Penny."
"Sal-u-tations sir! It is a pleasure to meet you." Penny bowed towards the owner.
"Well aren't you two such a lovely couple." Aultcray said with a smile. "How would you like a tour around?"
"Can we see it Kevin?!" Penny's eyes sparkled at the possibility of seeing what they have to offer.
"Sure. Why not." Penny hugged Kevin tightly. Who grimaced a bit due to her strength.
As they were walking Aultcray showed them the numerous performers that were practicing their acts. From the trapeze performers, the acrobats, magicians, dancers, hoppers, and jugglers, Penny couldnt contain her joy.
"Ooooooo, this is incredible! It's just like what you told me!" She held Kevin's arm tightly.
"Yep... exactly... like I told you."
"You seem to be well aware of how a circus works." Aultcray said. "Tell me... have you ever heard of Arthur's Circus?"
"Yeah! I'm... a huge fan..." Kevin lied.
"Not only that, he-" Kevin once again place a hand over her mouth.
"I... been keeping tabs on them for years."
"Years? You don't look any older than sixteen? But then again, they were the only circus around for almost twenty-five years." Aultcray then smiled. "You see, we are an up an coming Circus troupe. And I wish to follow in his footsteps. Hopefully our main event will shine just like how his use to."
"Main even?" Kevin raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Of course!" Aultcray showed Kevin and Penny the back room. There were numerous Grimm locked in cages. "To tame the foul beasts that are the bane to mankind's existence. The Grimm."
Kevin's eyes widened a bit. 'Taming... Grimm?'
"Kevin... are you ok?" Penny asked worriedly. The look on his face said it all. He was not happy.
"What's this... about "taming" Grimm?" Kevin asked Aultcray.
"That's right! Ever since the legendary Athur Silver were able to tame these beasts like domesticated house pets, it's been my goal to do the same!"
"That's... not possible." Kevin said to the Aultcray. "Nobody on this planet can tame Grimm besides him!"
"What makes you so sure?" The head of the troupe asked. "I've been watching him for years. I've witnessed him placed his head into an Ursa's mouth without losing it. I've even seen him make a Beowolf ride a bycycle! With some kid on top of it's shoulders!"
"Because... it's.. just not." Kevin said.
"Are you sure you're a big fan? To doubt my skills. Is to show disdain for what Arthur can do" Aultcray said.
Kevin tightened his fist. 'Maybe I could be wrong. Maybe... he can control Grimm. Just like Arthur. But I have an inkling that's telling me that I should be very cautious.'
"I tell you what!" How about you and your girlfriend come to my demonstration show tomorrow?" Aultcray said. "See for yourself, whether or not I can perform such a feat."
"Can we go Kevin?!" Penny asked.
In the back of Kevin's head, he was worried. This can end up being bad should he actually be a phony. However, the look on Penny's face made him place all that doubt away. "I... sure, why not?"
"Here! You two can have these front row tickets!" Aultcray hands the couple a ticket each. "I hope to see the both of you tomorrow."
"Thank you very much Mr. Aultcray!" Penny gave the owner a huge smile.
"Thanks." Kevin also had a small smile on his face also. The two then left the circus.
"That boy... does look familiar?" Aultcray scratched his chin at the thought.
"Kevin... is everything ok?" Penny gently held his hand. They were sitting on a bench located at the promenade.
"I... I just can't help but think about what he said he can do." Kevin took a deep breath. "Penny... would you believe me if I told you, that there was only one person on this planet who can actually control Grimm? Not through mind control or along those lines... but through a semblance?"
"Of course I would Kevin." Penny said. "But who exactly on this planet would you refer to as being able to do so?"
Kevin knew he would have to tell somebody one day. "The owner of Arthur's Circus... Arthur Silver. My foster father." Kevin said.
"The owner was your foster father?" Penny asked.
"Yeah. He adopted me not long after I became an official member of the troupe."
"When did you figure out that he control the Grimm with a semblance?"
"It... was during our fifth performance... in Mistral."
Seven years ago
The crowd was amazed by what they saw. A Beowolf was riding a bicycle. And on top of that, a boy, no older than nine was on top of it's shoulders. He then did a backflip off of it's shoulders before being caught in the air by a beringel swinging on the trapeze.
"Wow! Look at that!"
"It's the God of Acrobatics!"
The girl then threw Kevin high in the air before landing in the arms of a Ursa. The Grimm gently placed Kevin down before receiving a thunderous applause from the crowd.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Kevin bowed towards the crowd as they continued to cheer for him."
"You were great today Kevin!" One performer said. "Gotta say, you sure know how to make the crowd go wild."
"Thanks! But it was due to the joint effort of everyone that the performance went perfectly." Kevin said with a grin. "By the way, Where's Arthur?"
"He should be in the back, tending to the Grimm."
"I'll go see him."
As Kevin went to the back he saw the Grimm locked in a cage. Mainly Beowolves, Ursa, and a few Beringel. Kevin smiled at seeing the Ursa that caught him. However no longer were they the tamed Grimm that he knew, as they went completely berserk once they saw him.
Kevin backed away in fear. Breathing rapidly. Remembering back to the day the Grimm came to his home and slaughtered his family.
"Kevin!" He turned around and saw Arthur. A silver aura surrounded the head of the troupe, calming the raging Beasts down. He ran up to the him. "What are you doing in here?!"
"I... was looking for you." Arthur saw that Kevin was trembling. "Why... were they acting like that? I thought... t-t-they were domesticated?"
(Sevin Deadly Sins OST Vol 2: 104EYES-inter 0:00-2:45)
Arthur knew that his secret was out. "Kevin... can you keep a secret?" The young boy nodded his head. "But first, a question. Why do you think the Grimm were able to perform without attacking the crowd?"
"Because you were able to tame them... right?"
"You're... half correct." The silver aura around Arthur faded, causing the Grimm to revert back to their feral selves.
"What happened?! They were just calm not too long ago?!" Kevin began to back away.
"It's due to my semblance." Arthur once again activated his semblance. And once again the Grimm calmed down.
"Your... semblance?"
"That's right... you don't know about aura... don't you?"
Kevin shook his head.
"You see, creatures that are filled to the brim with life and have the ability to use aura. It's how hunters are able of perform their duties. And of course, they have a unique ability to them known as a semblance."
"And your semblance... let's you control Grimm?"
"That's right." Arthur said with a smile. "Although it can be taxing. If I don't have the neccessary amount of aura to do so, I can lose control of the Grimm."
"But that's dangerous!" Kevin said. "People... people could die if you were to run out of this "aura" in the middle of a show!"
"That is true. However, thanks to my large aura reserves, I have enough time to hold the show and place them back in their cages before I run out."
Kevin was worried. Not just for everyone here, but for Arthur. The troupe leader ruffled his protégé's hair. "I've been performing for nearly two decades. I'm well aware of my limits."
Kevin had a small smile on his face. "That's right! You're the best there is at what you do."
"Since we're on the subject, how about I unlock your aura for you? It's a much cheaper way to heal injuries if you were to have an accident while performing."
"Cheapskate." Kevin said in a pouting expression.
"One of these days, this will all be yours. When that time comes. I hope... you can make the entire planet smile." Arthur placed a hand on Kevin's head as he began the ritual for unlocking his aura.
Present
A few hours later, Kevin was standing in top of a ledge as he was trying to listen in on Aultcray and one of his performers. He decided to follow his instincts and see whether or not he can control the Grimm.
"This is great! Tomorrow's show will be a big hit!"
"But boss... the Grimm aren't even listening! I don't think there's even a way to control them?!"
"If the great Arthur Silver can do so? Why can't I?!" Aultcray said. "We have until morning until it's time to open."
Kevin's eyes widened in shock. This guy was going to unleash a horde of Grimm, thinking he'll be able to control them on the masses. Meaning the people attending the performers and Aultcray are in grave danger. Using his semblance, Kevin was able to dash out of the tent.
"Did... I hear thunder?"
"Really?!" Kevin placed a hand over Penny's mouth.
Kevin shushed Penny. "Yeah..." Kevin took out his scroll. "There's too many Grimm for us to take out by ourselves. We're gonna need help."
"Do you know anybody who can assist us at this time?" Penny asked.
1 hour later
(Goblin Slayer OST: Call From The Past)
"And that's why I need you guys help."
"Wait... so this guy thinks he can control Grimm?" Nick raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"What kind of dust is he smoking?" Mike said.
"You know, I've been wanting to ask you. How was your foster father able to do so?" Torren asked.
Penny placed a hand on Kevin's back. "It was with his semblance."
"He had a semblance capable of controlling Grimm?" Nick was surprised. "How... exactly did he die?"
He then saw the Kevin's expression was now of anger. "He... was killed by Grimm."
'Run... Kevin... Go... to Beacon... Meet with Ozpin... and tell him that... Arthur Silver sent you.'
'I... I can't! I can't leave you!" Kevin tearfully replied.
'Foolish child! They'll be here any minute!' Arthur yelled. 'And I... can't... I won't lose any more of my family!"
"Arthur... dad..." Tears began to fall down Kevin's face.
"I'm proud... to have called you my son... now run!" Arthur deactivated his semblance. Kevin watched as the Grimm tore through his foster father's body.
Using his semblance. He ran as fast as he can through the Vacuo desert. 'I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!'
Everybody was shocked to hear that.
"But if his semblance was being able to control Grimm, why did they end up killing him?" Mike asked.
"He... slipped up." Kevin averted his eyes from his friends. They knew he was hiding something, but respected his wishes to not ask further questions. He soon thought back to how his real parents saved him as they were killed. Before seeing a premonition of what to come should they not stop this. Grimm running wild and killing innocent people.
"I... I cant let this... ignorant fool go through with this!" Kevin's fist tightens up. "If he does... not only will many people will die. But it will tarnish Arthur's lagacy! What he worked hard to obtain!"
"Kevin..." Penny sadly stared at her boyfriend.
"And that's why... I need you guys help... please!" Tears streamed down Kevin eyes. "I'm not asking as a teammate! Hell not even as a friend! I'm asking as a brother!"
"Come on Kev... do you even gotta ask?" Kevon looked up at Nick.
"As you said. We're brothers." Mike said with a grin.
"You should know that we're there for you." Torren said.
Kevin wiped his tears away. "Thanks guys."
30 minutes later
The five of them were standing on top of a building. Keeping an eye on the circus
"I can't believe it! Our first mission together as a team!" Mike was surprisingly excited about this.
"Unofficial mission." Nick said as he looked through a pair of binoculars. "We can get in a lot of trouble if Goodwitch finds out we're out this late."
"Since when do you care what Ms. Goodwitch has to say?" Torren asked Nick.
"Since I've been having my weekly meetings with her." Nick threw Mike the binoculars.
"How are things so far Penny?" Kevin walked up to her.
"It seems that everybody is asleep. We should be able to go in out without any trouble."
"Good." Kevin turned to his teammates. "Again, I'm sorry for involving you guys in this."
"And again, stop apologizing!" Nick said. "As team leader, I have to meet the needs of my teammates... and brothers."
"Well now? Someone's taking their role seriously." Mike said with a smile.
"Thanks to those Grimm being rampant, we won't have to worry about alerting anybody." Kevin said.
"Alright team... KNTM." Nick said as he nearly struggled to say his team name. " This is our first unofficial mission. So... uhhh... let's do our... best!" Nick held his hand out. Mike, Kev and Torren placed their hands on top.
"Come on Penny, you're basically an unofficial member." Kevin said with a smile.
"Wow! I'm... part of a team!" Penny placed her hand on top of Kevin's.
"Let's go!" Team KNTM, alongside Penny raised their hand in the air.
As they snuck inside the tent, Nick and Mike realized how huge the inside of the tent is.
"Woah... so this is how the inside of the circus looks?" Nick said as he was surprised by how huge it was inside.
"What did you expect? An amusement park?" Torren said to his leader.
"...no?" Nick muttered.
"Took you a while to answer that." Mike began to snicker at Nick.
"Sh...shut up." Nick began to blush from embarrassment.
Kevin couldn't help but smile at having his friends here. Penny could see that and held his hand. They soon stopped at where Aultcray led them to the Grimm area.
"This is it." Kevin pointed at the door. However, there was a code on it. Preventing them from entering.
"No wonder why I haven't heard any Grimm?" Mike said. "Is this soundproof?"
"Must be the reason why they can sleep so peacefully." Nick activated Witching Hour, as he was ready to knock the door down, Kevin stopped him.
"There's a much easier way to do this." Kevin told his partner. He then looked at Penny."Would you do the honors?"
"Certainly!" Penny easily inputted the code, allowing them access.
"Wow. She's good." Torren was impressed.
"I know right?!" Kevin couldn't help but gush at Penny's "ability".
However they soon heard something click. "What... are you people doing in my tent?" Everybody turned around and saw Aultcray with a pistol in his hand.
"How did he know?" Nick said in shock.
"It must be a silent alarm." Kevin muttered. "Dammit.."
Aultcray then recognized Kevin and Penny. "It's you two! What are you trying to do?!"
"Stopping this insane idea of yours!" Kevin yelled.
"Insane! I'm only trying to entertain people!"
"By ignorantly unleashing a murderous horde of Grimm!" Nick said.
"They're being used for my upcoming performance! Now get out of my tent!"
"I overheard you say that you don't even know how!" Kevin yelled.
"Please sir! We're trying to help you!" Penny said.
"By sabotaging my show?!"
"No! By saving it!" Kevin took out a throwing knife and threw it at a switch. Opening up all of the cages that held the Grimm.
"No!"
Numerous Beowolves, Ursa, and Beringel came out of the cages. Ready to kill anything that they see.
"Look at them... do you think they can be controlled in only a few hours?" Kevin asked the head of the circus. "They'll kill you the moment you even let them out."
"Get ready! They're coming." Nick and the others took out their weapons.
"Please! Don't do this!" Aultcray cried. However, the Grimm began to charge at the fledgling huntsman and girl.
Kevin took out his daggers and slashed his way through the group of charging Beowolves. He avoided a charging Ursa by jumping high in the air.
He then took out numerous throwing knives before throwing them at the encroaching Grimm. Activating his semblance, electricity charged through his body. "Lightning Strike!" He then sent the electricity through the knives, instantly killing them.
Mike placed fire dust in his gauntlets. He launched a flurry of punches at the raging Ursa. He then kicked the corpse towards the charging Grimm. Causing them to explode from the impact. "It feels good to actually be like huntsmen and kill some Grimm."
A few Beringel circled Torren, who then activated his semblance as they began charging at them. "Merciless Bifurcation!" With a mighty swing of his sword, he sliced the group in half.
Nick activated Grimm Killer Mode on Weeping Willow. He slashed through the Beowolves instantly. One Beowolf tried to catch Nick by surprise, but he sensed its presence. He grabbed it by its head and slammed it on the ground before crushing its skull. "That Void we fought in Emerald Forest was a better match then these chumps."
Nick then stopped and looked at the Beringel, who roared at him. "Come at me big guy." He taunted while flexing his fingers at it. The Beringel charged at Nick. "Ashura Style: Tetsui". Who then delivered a devastating punch to the stomach. Leaving only It's upper half.
Penny took out her swords from her bag. With a wave of her hand, she commanded them to cleave through the small horde.
"We're doing great everbody!" Kevin yelled. As he was slashing the incoming Grim. A monstrous roar was suddenly let out. Penny saw glowing red eyes charging at her boyfriend.
"Kevin!" Penny pushed him out of the way as a claw swiped at her, sending her flying.
"Penny!" Kevin yelled.
"I got her!" Nick caught Penny and placed her down.
"Thanks Nick."
"Uhhh... Professor Nick." Mike said. "What the hell type of Grimm is that? A Void?!" A large lion like Grimm emerged from the shadow.
"A Manticore?!" Nick said in shock. It swiped at Nick. Who was sent back from the attack.
"A what?!" Torren said in shock.
"Something that can easily cause mass hysteria if we let that run free! That's what!" Nick yelled as he got up.
"You were going to use that?!" Kevin grabbed Aultcray by his collar. "You bastard!"
"I..." the troupe leader was at a loss for words. He watched as the beast took flight and tried to charge at Mike and Torren. Nick and the others backed away as the lion Grimm let out a breath of fire. Causing the tent to go up in flames.
"My circus!" Aultcray yelled. The performers soon came out if their rooms.
"What's going on?!' One performer asked. She soon saw that the manticore was let loose. "This is why I said this was a dangerous idea!"
"Shit! If this gets out, it'll be trouble for everybody!" Nick gritted his teeth in anger.
"You guys get the people out of the tent." Kevin said to his teammates.
"Are you crazy?! You'll be by yourself?!" Torren yelled.
"No... he won't." Penny stood by Kevin.
Nick had nothing else to say. "You two better come out of alive. And I'm saying this as both a leader and brother. Got it?!"
The two shook hands. "Of course!" Kevin said with a smile.
"No! I need to-"
"Come on, dumbass!" Nick grabbed Aultcray, while Mike and Torren led the performers out of the tent.
(Sengoku Basara OST: Critical Heat)
As the lion Grimm tried to charge at Nick and them, Penny launched her swords at the Grimm to divert its attention.
"Ok! That's everybody!" Mike said.
"Thank you!" A female performer said. "We tried to tell this fool that he couldn't tame these beasts but he wouldn't listen!"
"How the hell did you get your hands on a Manticore?!" Nick asked.
"During one of my trips through Mistral. We heavily sedated it and locked it in a fortified cage." Aultcray kept staring down.
"Tch..." Nick and the others looked as the fire began to spread across the tent.
Inside the tent Penny's swords continued to clash with the Manticore, but it kept swiping them away. Seeing that it no longer had an obstacle, it charged at the girl.
"Penny!" Kevin saw that the Manticore was about strike her. "Speed of lightning!" Charging electricity through his body, he moved as fast as lightning, and got her out of the way.
"Kevin! Are you ok?!" Penny saw that his left shoulder was injured.
"I'm... I'm fine." He said with a smile. "How about you?"
Penny nodded.
"I have a plan. Just follow my instructions. Ok?" Kevin stood up. 'Taking that attack cost me some aura. Hopefully I have enough for it.'
"The fires spreading across the tent! Your friends won't be able to get out if they stay in their for too long!" The girl performer yelled.
"We need to go back in there!" Mike said. "They're not going to be able to handle that by themselves!"
"Nick. Make the choice." Torren said.
(Magi: Adventure Of Sinbad OST: Something to Protect 1:02-2:30)
"Kevin told me she defeated Shogun with a single strike. Not only that, she destroyed multiple bullheads with a single energy blast." Nick began to grin. "If anything, they can definitely take that bastard down."
"Speed of lighting!" Allowing the electricity to course through his body, Kevin began to move around the beast in circles. The Manticore tried to attack him by breathing fire, but could not land a hit due to his speed. Kevin then took out numerous throwing knives. "One Million Knives!" He threw them at high speeds, each one striking it with perfect precision.
"One thing about metal, it makes a good conductor for electricity!" Kevin then held his hand out. "Lightning Current!" A huge surge of lightning surrounded the Manticore, preventing him from moving. Kevin couldn't keep up with restraining it due to his aura being low. "Penny! Now!"
Penny made the swords spread around her. "Gamma Ray!" Six energy blasts came out of the sword tips. Coming together to create a huge blast and completely annihilating the Manticore.
Everybody watched as the tent was sent to flames.
"Come on Kev." Everybody was worried for the two. However, it would soon come to an end as they saw Penny carrying Kevin on her back as she dashed put the tent.
"Kev!" Nick and the others ran up to him
"Hey guys..." Kevin said.
"Why didn't you just run out?" Mike said.
"Running that fast requires my semblance. And since I ran out of aura, I can't run as fast." Kevin said. "Penny, you can put me down now."
"Certainly!" Penny placed Kevin down and walked towards a devastated Aultcray.
"Damn you!" As Aultcray, in a fit of rage aimed his pistol at Penny. As he was about to pull the trigger, a knife was launched. Knocking the gun out of his hand. Seeing that all of the Grimm he worked hard to capture was gone, he fell to his knees. "What have you done?! You've... you've ruined me!"
(Death Note OST Vol 1: Sympathy)
"No... we stopped you from doing something that would've caused major casualties." Kevin said.
"Casualties?! I was going to control them the same way that Arthur Silver was! Nobody was going to get hurt!"
"And how the hell do you think he did it?! Huh?!" Kevin yelled.
Aultcray was at a loss of words. He never did figure out how he did it. "I... I don't know..."
Kevin was now furious. "There was no hypnosis, or .ind control! It was with his ability! His semblance!"
"What?... a semblance?"
"That's right!... his semblance allowed him to control the Grimm." Kevin walked up to the ringmaster.
"And how... do you know that?"
Kevin held Aultcray up. "I knew everything there was to know about him! Because I was a former member of the troupe!"
"Wait... you're that boy..." The circus leader couldn't believe it. "You're the boy who rode that Beowolf shoulders while riding that bike. The God of Acrobatics."
"God of Acrobatics?" Nick raised an eyebrow at what he said. "I thought you were the God of Lightning?"
"That was my original title until I unlocked my semblance." Kevin said.
"Wait... you were on a Beowolf's shoulders while it was riding a bicycle?!" Mike said in shock. "Ok, that's badass!"
"I... heard that everybody died that day." Aultcray couldn't believe it. "The Grimm... went out of control... and killed Arthur... alongside everybody else."
"Wouldn't that had been a warning sign as to not follow in his footsteps?" Torren said to the troupe leader.
"That's right... however... it was because of him, that I was only able to make it." Kevin soon let go of Aultcray.
The boss of the circus soon broke down into tears. "I... I can't believe it... i nearly cost my crew their lives! All because I thought... I could do what my idol could! I'm so sorry! I... I need to turn myself in."
Kevin couldn't help but fell pity for this poor man. He was not by any means bad. Just someone who took his dream a bit too far.
"It's your call Kev." Nick said to his partner.
"Truthfully, you're a fucking idiot for thinking you can control mankind's greatest enemy through normal means. And honestly, if it were for the wrong reasons. I'd have you rot in a cell." Kevin looked at his teammates, then Penny, then at Autlcray. He then let out a deep sigh. "But... If... I was to let you go. You have to promise me... that you'll keep Arthur's legacy alive. But in your own way."
Aultcray looked up at Kevin as he kept crying.."I... I promise!" He bowed down. "I promise to uphold his legacy! Through my way! Just watch!"
"We'll make sure of that." Kevin and the others saw the other members of the circus standing by their boss. "He's an idiot, but his heart is in the right place."
After leaving the circus, Kevin and the others were walking through the streets of Vale.
"Seeing that their entire tent was destroyed, I guess there's no show tomorrow, huh?" Torren said.
"You know... for a moment, I thought you were going to kill him." Nick said.
"I'm not a monster!" Kevin yelled. "Besides... he's not a bad guy. Just an idiot who was trying to imitate his idol. Even though that would've been the last show he had. But... in a way, I'm... happy." He had a small on his face.
"What?" Nick and the others looked at him.
"There's somebody out there who actually wanted to keep Arthur's legacy alive. And bring smiles to the people on this planet."
"Well let's hope he can do so without causing mass panic." Mike said. "Or bringing those "Manticores" or whatever the hell they're called."
"And on that note, job well done team." Nick said proudly. "Our first mission went off perfectly."
"Yeah!" Everybody yelled out.
"We did it Kevin!" Penny hugged Kevin tightly who struggled to breathe.
"Penny... you're... hugging me too... tight."
"By the way, what time is it?" Torren asked.
Nick looked at his scroll. His eyes widened in surprise. "Oh shit... it's 3am."
Penny soon became nervous at what time it was. She then released her boyfriend form her grasp.
"Penny. Are you ok?" Kevin asked as he straightened himself out.
"I... I have to go." Penny said. "My father won't be happy with how late I am outside."
"I can walk you ho-"
"No! It's... fine!" Penny kissed Kevin before running off. "Goodbye guys! It was fun being an unofficial team member!"
"Good... night..." Kevin sadly said. Nick placed a hand on his back.
"She'll be alright."
"You think so?" Kevin said with a smile.
"Bro! She basically defeated a fire breathing lion!" Torren yelled.
"Yeah... she did huh?" Kevin soon had a smile.
"How about when we get back home, I make us a early morning snack?" Torren said.
"That's great! Cause I'm starving!" Mike said. And so team KNTM walked back to Beacon. Satisfied with how their first mission went.
Meanwhile
"What were you thinking?!" A voice said. "Being out there at this time of night! You could've gotten hurt?! Or worse!"
"Penny!" The girl turned her head. She was extremely nervous. "Do you know how worried your father was?!"
"I... lost track of time." Penny soon let out a hiccup. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ironwood."
"It wouldn't be because of this... would it?" He then showed her a picture of Kevin and Penny.
"How did..." Penny stopped herself as she couldn't believe how Ironwood found that.
"So it seems that you're association with this boy has been causing you to come back late." Ironwood stared at the picture. "Who exactly is he?"
"His name is... Kevin... Silver" Penny looked away from the picture. She had her hand behind her back.
"Why... are you hiding your arm?" Ironwood walked towards Penny. His eyes widened at what she saw. "Penny... I don't want you to associate this boy anymore."
"But why?"
"Because it seems that you're careless when you're around him. You even injured yourself."
"But he's... he's my boyfriend!" Penny yelled.
Ironwood was surprised. "Boyfriend? How could you possibly understand the concept of having a boyfriend?"
"Because... he's special to me!" Penny said. He taught me how to have fun. He took me to places. He showed me the arcade! We even had a unofficial mission together! He's the nicest boy that I know! And... I love him!"
Ironwood was shocked to hear this. "It seems he's causing you to think this way." He walked up to the girl, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Penny... you have a destiny that none of these people might never have. You can... no... you will save this world. But not if you associate yourself with people who might hold you back."
Penny looked away sadly.
"Please understand that Dr. Polendina and I only care for your safety. And nothing else."
"Yes... Mr. Ironwood." Penny hung her head.
"Now, promise me you won't be around this boy anymore."
"I... I promise."
A week later
"She hasn't been returning my texts." Kevin stared at his scroll. All the messages he sent her had been left on sent.
"Don't think too hard on it." Nick said "Maybe... she's been occupied with something?"
"For a week?" Mike said. "Didn't I say that if a girl takes longer than a day to call or text you back, that means she lost interest in you?"
"And has that ever happend to you Mike?" Torren asked.
"Hell no! I get a text the moment I give my number out!"
"Penny always sent me a message as soon as she recieved mine." Kevin sadly scrolled through his messages. "I... just hope she's ok..."
"Quiet down boys!" Glynda said. "This isn't a social gathering! You four are in detention for being out of your dorms late at night."
"Yes, Ms. Goodwitch." Team KNTM said in sync.
Kevin sadly stared at his scroll as the time went by.
Fallen Lightning
"Ozpin. It seems that you have a guest. A Mr. Kevin Silver." Glynda opened the door, to which Kevin entered through. His face, devoid of the jovious attitude he normally had.
"So... you must be Kevin Silver?" Ozpin asked.
"I was told to see you... should something happened to Arthur." Kevin said.
"So... he really did passed away."
"How... exactly do you know him?" Kevin asked
"He... was a good friend of mine. He was on a very long... top secret mission for me. It involved him traversing throughout the four kingdoms." Ozpin turned his head. "Communication was difficult due to the chances of him being wire tapped was high. But I did hear alot about that circus. Alongside you of course "
"So you're telling me... that the circus... was a front for his mission?" Kevin tightened his fist in anger.
"Not exactly." Ozpin walked up to Kevin. "He... really loved what he did."
Kevin held his head down.
"As you know, he had a unique semblance to control Grimm. How... did he die?"
Glynda's eyes widened a bit at the fact that Ozpin could just ask this young boy something like that.
"He... deactivated his semblance... and the Grimm ate him." Kevin gritted his teeth in anger. "And... and I..."
"He... did the right thing." Ozpin said.
"You bastard... what do you mean by that?!" Tears welled up in Kevin's eyes as he took out his daggers.
"I mean that... he did the right thing by sending you to me for protection." Ozpin soon had a small smile on his face. "He talked very highly of you. About how proud he was to have you as a son."
Ozpin walked up to a tearful Kevin. "How... would you like to enlist in my Academy?"
"Don't I... have to take a test or something?" Kevin wiped his eyes.
"Well, I recently enlisted two underground fighters, an aspiring chef and a former renegade. It wouldn't hurt to enlist in a circus performer." Ozpin held his hand out. "I promise that no harm shall come to you under my protection."
Kevin thought back to Arthur's last words. He then went and shook the headmaster's hand. "I'll... accept your offer." Kevin felt Ozpin slip something in his hand.
"By the way... I heard that you were last in Vacuo. How did you get here so quickly?" Ozpin asked. "It would take a week to get from there to Vale?"
(Made In Abyss OST: Remembering Home)
Kevin walked towards the door as it opened. "I ran... that's how." He then closed the door.
"That poor child." Glynda sadly looked at the door as it closed.
Kevin went into the elevator he opened up the price of paper. It was a letter fom Arthur to Ozpin.
"Hey Oz. I hope this letter gets to you. It seems that I got caught. My death is not too far from now so I ask you this. Take in my son. He has plenty of potential and got what it takes to be a huntsman. While he's not related to me by blood, I love him as if he was. I wish could tell him that I'm sorry...for leaving him alone in this cruel world. I hope you can look out him the way I couldn't. Sincerely, Arthur Silver." On the bottom was a picture of a young Kevin alongside Arthur and the rest of the troupe.
The God of lightning placed a hand over his mouth as he weeped during the entire ride downstairs. As it was reaching the lower level, he wiped his tears before looking at his expression.
He looked as if he was ran through the wringer. He soon realized that numerous kids his age were arriving. Including two particular ones. He wiped his eyes once more before putting a smile on his face. "Showtime!"
Kevin is definitely what I would consider to be a sad clown. Someone who's always happy around his friends, wearing a mask to hide his tears. And that's something I'm sure Nick and the others picked up on but don't bring up out of respect. Anyways, be on the lookout for the next chapter.