GRYD Season 2 Episode 11: Glass
The night of the rescue was a rare moment of true joy for GRYD and MEAL. They had saved Leilani and Yasmine's parents, and the Heralds were defeated. No caveats, no tricks, no sense of not doing everything possible. As they ate and talked with each other and their friends parents, you could feel the happiness coming out of all of them. Even Reyson wasn't bringing the party down with bad jokes or a desire for a fight. Rather, he felt...at home, even though none of them were true family.
As he watched them just talk and laugh his face grew somber. Reyson knew that this was what family meals were supposed to be like, jovial, fun, endearing. The Heron Family ate together often, but it was cold, emotionless outside of typical stories of grandure and gloating over what they had done to further the mission of "peace". He recalled how he would glare at them as he ate to ensure that they wouldn't ask him to talk. His rage grew as he remembered how he hated those dinners and even rushed to eat so he could leave the table as soon as possible.
But even with those memories, he couldn't help but smile among his friends. Yasmine caught a glimpse of his somber mood at one point, but didn't call him out after he soon rejoined the conversation. As the night went on, so did the fun, and only when it got truly late did they decide to retire.
Glyph and Macro insisted on taking shifts on watch, just in case someone in the Heralds wanted revenge. No one objected, save for Leilani and Yasmine's parents, but they were talked into it.
As the morning arose, Macro and Glyph were relieved that nothing happened in the night. Both of them felt a retaliation was coming, but none came, and they were grateful.
Glyph especially was thankful, and let out a noticeable sigh that Macro couldn't help but smile at, "What? Didn't want to fight again?"
"I'm not Reyson," Glyph said with a grunt. "And it's not that. Leilani...she's been through enough the last day. Last thing we needed was a fight right outside her home."
"I agree, and Yasmine wouldn't have been much better either. She probably would've demanded full-time security for her family if we got attacked again. She still might to be honest though."
The two gave each other a worried look before breaking into laughter. A slightly evil smile crept onto Macro's face as he looked at his best friend, "So...um...I noticed that when you and Leilani got into the house together she was...well...radiant."
"Meaning...?" asked Glyph, confused by the intent.
"Oh come on! You telling me you two didn't finally kiss?"
At the comment Glyph immediately looked away and scratched his head in a way that blocked Macro's face with his arm. Macro couldn't help but roar with laughter.
"I knew it! I KNEW IT!"
"Shut up, Macro."
"Hey, I'm not mocking, I'm thrilled. You two have gotten close. I'm just sad me and the others didn't make a pool on when you would kiss. Though obviously this wouldn't have been an option, but if it was, I would've picked it."
"That makes no sense."
"Yes it does. Think about it, given your nature you wouldn't have known when was the "right time" to kiss her. And given her nature, she would've been fearful or shy of trying it herself. Saving her parents? Risking everything to get them out alive? If she didn't kiss you after all that? She never would have."
Glyph made to reply, but sighed angrily himself and shook his head.
Macro again took the opportunity to laugh, "That's what I thought."
"Can we just grab the others and get ready to leave?"
"Sure thing, lover boy."
"Call me that again and I will kill you," he said with glaring eyes.
"Right, sorry, had to get it out of my system. Hmm...Glyph and Leilani, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S..."
Before he could finish Glyph lunged at him, Macro ducked and then raced inside the house, Glyph in close pursuit.
The next few hours had the other members of the teams get ready to leave. Their ship arrived just outside the village and the others boarded in quick succession. The last two were Yasmine and Leilani.
Leilani was again at the brink of tears as she held onto her mothers' hands, "I know you two are safe now...but..."
"We'll be ok," her mother said with calm resolve. "People are going to be watching over us now, it'll be alright."
"And that security I mentioned?" posed Yasmine to her father.
Her father rolled his eyes and laughed, "I've already placed the order, they even agreed to set it up for free. Guess someone pulled some strings."
"We have good friends."
"And then some," teased their mother with a nod to the ship where Glyph was standing at the entrance waiting for them.
"Mom, stop!" exclaimed Leilani with a blush.
"You stop, he's a great guy, and I'm glad he's watching over you. You two are really cute together."
"Please...stop..."
"Maybe I should have 'the talk' with him," joked her dad and bringing out his claws.
"Don't you dare!" Leilani all but shouted.
Yasmine restrained a laugh before putting and arm around her sister to keep her calm, "Ok, that's enough. She gets enough ribbing from me and the others, don't add to it."
"Fair enough," admitted the father before looking back at the ship and growing his own cheshire grin. "So...about that Reyson fellow..."
"Ok, we're leaving, goodbye."
Without waiting for permission Yasmine swung herself and Leilani around and headed for the ship. Their parents laughed as they did so but waved at their children and the rest of the teams and again thanked them for all they did.
The ship started up again and went into the sky at full speed. The teams were quiet at first, but Yasmine couldn't remain that way, "I know we've said it a lot the last 12 hours...but thank you, for everything you did. It'll never be enough, but thank you."
"That's what teams do, they help the group," noted Diana with a shrug.
"That's what FRIENDS do," corrected Macro, "they help those they care for in times of need."
"And I'm grateful," acknowledged Yasmine with a smile to them all. Leilani also joined in on that smile.
A groan came about to break up the mood, it was Reyson, "Enough touchy feely stuff! We had that all last night AND this morning! We had a good moment, it was earned, can we stop now, please?"
"I hate you."
"I know...but your dad seems to dig me."
Yasmine flared up and started an argument with Reyson, the others watched, but didn't stop them. Rather, they just let it go as a way for them to all get back to normal.
Days passed, and the school was abuzz with everything that had happened. GRYD and MEAL were getting a lot of praise from their teammates and teachers. Even Professor Vixi Tod kept them after class to thank them for all they did. Apparently a friend of hers was one of the captured, and she was glad they were safe.
Macro and Glyph kept in close contact with Night and Gunner about what was to come next. Even Diana reached out to her mother to see what Atlas was going to do about the Heralds. They all noted the same thing, they sent a shot across the bow, and things were stirring. But how quickly they were to mobilize was unclear.
The only person seemingly unfazed by all the activity was Reyson, who had truly reverted back to his "Cool Barbarian" mindset, and a few days after the events of Minstrel relished in the chance to clean house in combat practice.
He quickly volunteered for a match, and quickly went to work on his opponent.
"Goodbye!" he shouted after some time into the match.
He used his cannons to propel him forward and delivered a kick to the head of his foe, sending them careening backwards, into the wall, and ending the match.
Professor Lochen clapped as he approached Reyson, "Your winner, Reyson! Obviously. Was the kick really necessary?"
Reyson shrugged while smiling in his trademark way, "Eh, I just wanted to kick something really hard."
"Yeah, been there. Want another?"
"Nah, not today. Just didn't want my edge to dull. Thanks though."
"No problem," Lochen replied with his own smile before turning to the others. "Alright! Two new fighters! Let's go! I want to see some action!"
The next hour passed and more fights continued until Lochen called it a day. As everyone left, MEAL and GRYD couldn't help but pester Reyson.
Aaron was the one to start it, "I liked your match Reyson, it was as flamboyant as I am!"
Reyson laughed in response, "Oh please, nothing is as flamboyant as you."
"An excellent point."
"Were you that eager for a fight?" asked Yasmine, though she knew the answer.
"Yeah, kind of," answered Reyson after a moment. "Don't get me wrong I've been enjoying our victory lap, but after days of it? With no action at all? I needed to let the bloodlust out."
"As long as it's contained and used in the right scenarios, have at it," said Glyph in a way that was both an acknowledgement and a warning.
"Don't worry, I'm in control. Heck, I was having fun out here!"
Macro rolled his eyes at the statement, "That's what worries me. Who knows what you'll do next to have that 'fun'."
"Whatever it takes, commander."
"Don't."
"Spoil sport."
"Anyway..." overrode Diana as she walked in front of the group to get their attention, "what now? We got about an hour before next class."
"Everyone get their homework done from Vixi?" asked Erin.
"Give me another 10 minutes and I'll have finished it," noted Leilani.
"I'll go over it with you," stated Yasmine with a playful nudge.
"Thanks sis."
"Yay! Homework!" exclaimed Reyson mockingly. "While you do that, I'll go and-"
"Mr. Heron!" shouted a deep voice.
They all turned to see Squire approaching them, his face held an angry expression, "The Headmaster wishes to see you in his office, now!"
"Why? I can honestly say I didn't do anything wrong...today."
"Regardless of whether that is true, you will come with me to the office."
Reyson turned to the others for a clue as to what was going on, he finished on Macro and Glyph, who exchanged a look with one another before acknowledging that he should go.
With a groan he motioned down the hallway, "Lead the way..."
Squire grunted at the nonchalant reply, but didn't comment and indeed turned down the hallway. Reyson gave an honest shrug to the others before turning to follow him.
As the walk went on, Reyson thought of every reason why Night would be calling him to the office, but nothing came to mind. He could truly say he did nothing of note since the Minstrel mission, which made him all the more concerned as to what was going on.
Reyson wasn't known for being nervous, but this was one of those rare exceptions to the rule, especially as they climbed the stairs to reach Night's office. As they finally reached the door, Squire knocked on it in a dignified way.
"Come in," said Night from behind the door.
Squire opened the door, but didn't enter. Instead, he motioned for Reyson alone to enter. Reyson fixed his eyes solely on Night as he went inside, and Squire closed the door behind him.
"I didn't do anything," said Reyson the moment they were alone.
"I never said you did," said Night with an odd smile.
"Then why am I here?"
Night didn't answer, instead, his eyes shifted towards another spot in the room, and remained there. Confused, Reyson turned to look at what Night was gazing at. Standing in the corner of the room was a man Reyson knew very well.
Upon seeing him, Reyson's eyes flared with anger, and his breathing became very intense, "Ashen..."
Ashen stepped forward, he wore a very well tailored suit, one that resembled one of high society. Not unlike Night and Kendall he had perfect posture, and exuded an air of confidence, as well as nobility. His hair was a yellowish-gray, and it matched perfectly with his suit, which was a pure shade of brown, not unlike his eyes.
"Hello Reyson, is that any way to greet your dad?" Ashen said with a look of displeasure.
Reyson glared at Ashen, but while his heart was burning with the bloodlust, his mind was racing back to a previous time.
Many years back, in the Heron household, a very young Reyson was in the living room area playing with a toy when the door opened up nearby. As he looked to the door his face lit up with a bright smile. He put down the toy and raced to the person who entered. It was a very young Ashen, one who also wore a bright smile upon seeing Reyson.
"You're back!" said the young Reyson.
"Of course, I told you I would be," answered Ashen happily.
"How did your mission go?"
"A complete success, peace was obtained."
"That's amazing! You're really good at your job, dad!"
"Ha ha, I learned from the best, but I appreciate your praise. Your such a good boy, Reyson."
The two hugged and laughed, happy to be in each others' company. But in the present, the same could not be said.
The much older, and more knowledgeable, Reyson continued to glare at Ashen, not buying his line of greeting, "You're lucky I acknowledge you at all."
Ashen gave a groan at the remark, "Will your hatred never die?"
"No."
"And on that note," spoke Night, reminding them that he was there, "I will leave you two to chat. I do ask Reyson that you don't blow up my office while you chat with your...father?"
"No promises, headmaster." answered Reyson without looking at him.
"I'll take what I can get. Oh, before I leave..."
Night leaned into Reyson and whispered something in his ear before patting him on the shoulder and leaving, Reyson looked him in confusion, not knowing what the intent was for the message.
When the door closed, Reyson's fire returned as he looked at Ashen, "Why are you here? Wait, scratch that, how did you get here? We would've heard a ship entering the grounds."
Ashen smiled for the first time at this, "Despite what you think, Herons can be subtle. I took a ship to Vale and then took more modest means here. That way I could...surprise you...with my visit."
"Well, I'm surprised. Now leave. I have bigger things to worry about than you."
Without another word Reyson turned to leave, but Ashen wasn't done, "Oh yes, we know you're so busy. Busy with your schoolwork, your friends, the Heralds..."
Reyson was just about to grab the door handle when the Heralds were mentioned, he smiled because he knew now why Ashen was there.
"You saw?" asked Reyson as he faced Ashen once more with a more sly expression on his face.
"Yes, Reyson, we saw. Your message really did reach the whole world as best we can tell. Including our home. Do you have any idea the problems you've caused the family?"
Reyson scratched his chin in fake confusion of the situation, "Problems? I don't get it... I mean, the Heron way is "peace on Remnant", right? So shouldn't the Heralds be taken out to help guarantee that peace?"
"That's not our way..." Ashen bit back, not happy with the mocking.
"Oh that's right!" noted Reyson in his regular voice, but with full sarcasm. "YOUR way is to just try and get everyone to get along...with no weapons, no fighting, and leaving EVERYONE totally open to attack. Go team!"
"Enough with the tone, Reyson! Why do you think I'm here? You think I want to be here chewing you out?"
"Depends, did Aunt Swann send you? Or did you just volunteer to do their dirty work? You know, again?"
"Neither, all the rest of the family, save for your mother, is cleaning up your mess. We've been getting nonstop calls about your "approved message from the Herons." People wondering if we've changed our tune, if we can expect funds to help the Faunus and on and on, it's been nonstop for days! I was the only one free to come here and tell you face-to-face that you need to not do anything like that again!"
"Ok."
"What?"
"Ok," Reyson said again.
"Really?" wondered Ashen.
"Of course! If I was to find myself in a situation where an ancient cult of Faunus hunters have kidnapped my friends parents and about two dozen other Faunus and my team is sent to go and free them and we find a media room that can broadcast a message to everyone I promise to not invoke the Heron name."
Reyson smiled widely and mockingly at Ashen, who bared his teeth and rubbed his temples in frustration at what Reyson was doing, "Such contempt for the family."
"Yes, a family who is blaming their own blood for saving countless live and exposing a cult of murderers and trying to get his family's sorry butts off the sidelines so they can do something actually meaningful!"
"Don't you dare-"
"Oh, I dare!" roared Reyson as he approached Ashen and glared right into his eyes, "Your peace is a joke, and the Heralds prove that! They don't care about peace with Faunus, and they never will. You have a golden opportunity to use your "peace" to make the lives of the Faunus better, in non-violent ways! And all you have to do is be supportive! It's the perfect PR opportunity! But instead, you decide to be snobs, and think about what my words did to your image, instead of how to do...actual peaceful things. Bravo, Ashen!"
Reyson stepped back and clapped in mock praise, drawing the ire of Ashen, "Think little of me all you want, but what you did was blow up a hornets nest right outside our home."
"Then get bit, and get stung, and move the heck on. Seriously, are you honestly not going to do a thing about the Heralds? Even in a support capacity?"
"Not likely."
"Then you're even bigger fools than I thought."
"Oh I'm sure, if you had your way you'd wipe us from your mind..."
Reyson was rather shocked at the statement made, but recovered and pulled out one of his Kopeshes, "Wipe you from my mind? Hardly. I need you all in there to prove what I do is worth it. And lest we forget, Ashen, you're the one who gave me the idea for these swords..."
His memory again flashed back to a simpler time. Reyson was a bit older, but still had the smile on his face form the younger years. He was doing yard work when Ashen approached him.
"What's going on, Reyson?" he asked when he was within earshot.
"Hi, dad," answered Reyson with a bit of a frown now on his face. "I'm trying to get rid of these weeds, but they're everywhere! Surely I can't pull them all!"
"Ha, ha, ha. No, Reyson, of course not. Did no one offer you any tools?"
"Aunt Swann mentioned some, but she never said which ones to use. One of her 'tests' I'm sure. Why is she so fond of those?"
Ashen put a hand on Reyson's shoulder, "Your aunt is a very dedicated woman, to the extent that she wants you to be smart as a whip as well as one with a wise soul. But as I'm not technically a Heron, I can help you out. Follow me."
Happy to get some help, Reyson followed him to a nearby tool shed. Despite it being small, it had a very refined look, not unlike everything else in the Heron Manor. As Ashen motioned Reyson inside, he got down on one knee and pointed to all the tools.
"Impressive, no?"
"There are so many..." said Reyson with awe.
"Exactly! There are many tools for a job, but the trick is trying to find the right one that works for you. Do you see one you think can help your weed problem?
Reyson looked around the shed and marveled at all the tools. There were saws, hammers, small knives, various other outside and even indoor tools and utensils. A glint caught Reyson's eye, and so he opened up a drawer near him and pulled out something.
"What's this, dad?"
"Let me see," answered Ashen, whose eyes went wide with wonder at the curved blade now in his hand. "Wow, it's been a while since I've seen one of these. It's a version of a Khopesh."
"A Ko-what?" asked Reyson, confused.
"Kho-Pesh. It's an ancient sword style from the early days of Remnant. I heard the people of Vacuo really liked these. The curve of the blade was meant to trap a limb, or even get around something in order to grab it. Like a shield."
"Can it help with the weeds?"
"Ha, ha, ha. Yes, I suppose it can. I'll show you how to use it, but no playing with it in the house, ok?"
"I promise" said Reyson eagerly, and he was handed back the blade.
As the memory ended in Reyson's mind, his current self was stroking the blade that he truly loved so very much, "It's ironic, isn't it? You gave me a tip for a gardening tool, and it became the very symbol of my being. A blade used to trap, and throw away things. Just like I did to your "teachings" and your "plans for me". Forget you, Ashen? I use these swords to remind me of you and what the Herons did to me every...single...day."
He looked at Ashen with unbridled defiance, knowing it would anger him. But to his surprise, Ashen scoffed, "We didn't do anything to you, Reyson. You did everything to yourself."
"...what did you just say?"
"All we did, all your family ever did was just try to make see that peace was the answer. We taught you to think not like a warrior, but as a peacekeeper! To grow new relationships instead of burning bridges. To see multiple options that were hard versus the one path that was always easy. You rejected everything we tried to teach you, and yet we're the bad ones? How do you go figure?"
For only the second time in Reyson's life he was at a loss for words. His eyes bulged, his hands shook with rage, and a darkness filled his voice as he got right up in Ashen's face, "You sanctimonious, hypocritical, demented, FOOL! How do I FIGURE?! Let me list the ways! When I started to ask questions? You tried to make sure I didn't ask them again, or you wouldn't give me the answers to put my mind at ease! When my bloodlust started to emerge? You did everything in your power to ignore it, pass it off as something that was my fault, or something that 'would get better if I accept peace in my heart'. You don't know what this feels like! IT DOESN'T DO PEACE!"
Ashen didn't respond, which made Reyson angrier. He put a leg up on Night's desk and rolled up his pant leg, showing a scar.
"Remember this? This was when Aunt Swann and Uncle Lehran convinced Raphael to "accidentally" break my leg so I would stop training with my swords! I almost beat him senseless for that, because I wanted to know why he did it! Raphael doesn't lie, remember? So he happily explained that my "downtime" would prevent me from working out, and would grant "more time for my studies". The Heron clan tried to break their own blood to get me to conform!"
He readjusted his pant leg and smiled as he tapped his head, "Or how about the mental manipulation? Did you forget about that, Ashen? Like how you used me and Arianna's little hide and seek game to be less about fun and more about your little "lessons of peace"? Oh yeah, I stopped playing after that. Or how if I got a SINGLE answer wrong on one of Aunt Swann's tests that I had to take extra lessons just to get a perfect score, all the while you wouldn't do that to Arianna, or Raphael, or Nailah. Just me. Just Reyson, just the "broken" Heron."
Reyson cackled madly, his memories making his bloodlust boil even more. He motioned around to the office, "Or how about when I went to my first school? Remember how I got to go? I had to threaten to run away just to get there! And my whole time there, no matter how good I did in combat practice, the only thing my teachers would say to me was, "you need to do better in your studies, Reyson." Or, "you can do more with your mind than with your blade..." Really? Because that's not what they said to all the OTHER students who they were happily training to be efficient Grimm killing machines. Just me. Just the Heron. You really think I didn't notice that? And as I'm sure Arianna told Aunt Swann after our little "get together", I know you all tried to trap me in our home to make sure I didn't get out and ruin your reputation. Yes, I knew from the beginning that Arianna was another trap. Let me guess, was that your idea, Ashen?"
Ashen grunted, but didn't speak.
"I'll take that as a yes. So you can say all you want that you didn't do anything to me. But the truth even you can't deny, is that the only Heron who didn't try and make me what I wasn't was my mother. Unlike you, who towed the family line to try and make me the "perfect Heron". You're a joke, Ashen. A foolish, failure of a joke."
At this Ashen had enough, he went to Reyson and poked him in the chest, "You will NOT speak to your father like that!"
Quick as a flash, Reyson pulled out his blade and put it right up against Ashen's throat. HIs smile was gone, and he glared into Ashen's eyes with all the intensity he could muster, "You. Are. NOT. My. Father. I'm sure Arianna told you that I knew that as well."
"I'm as good as. I was there for you when you were young, raised you alongside your mother and the other Herons. Where was your "real" father? Nowhere to be found."
"Which I'm sure I have my dear relatives to thank! Let me guess, he didn't fit the mold either? Exile rather than integration? I can go on. I'm a barbarian, but I'm not a fool. You all did something to him and refuse to acknowledge it! He's not dead, clearly. Otherwise you would've just said that and be done with it."
"And how did you figure this out, exactly?" asked Ashen with a lack of caring.
Reyson's smile returned at this, "Oh, Ashen. You don't remember? It was you that told me the truth about my father, and how you weren't him..."
Years back, a teenaged Reyson was in his room within Heron manor, "It was a simple room. Books lined various shelves, it was messy, and yet somewhat neat. The walls were bare, but you could see dents and small scratches from various things Reyson had done to them.
As Reyson sat on his bed, he looked fearfully at his arm. It was shaking uncontrollably, and though he didn't know why, he could feel something in his gut. A fire, a lust...for battle.
A knock came at the door, and Reyson almost jumped as a result, "Who is it?"
"It's your father," answered Ashen from behind the door.
"I don't...I don't know if you should come in..."
"Please, we should talk, I hear something is wrong."
"Ok," said the young Reyson with clear fear, "but keep your distance...I don't know what's going on with me."
"I understand."
The door opened and Ashen walked in, a look of sadness on his face, "What's the matter, son?"
Reyson went from looking at Ashen to looking at his arm, it was still shaking uncontrollably, as if it was antsy and wanted to lash out, "I don't know! There's something...inside me, I don't know how to explain it."
"Just try, trust me, nothing is going to sound insane considering what's in the world we live in."
"It started...a couple years ago. Questions, popping into my head. Ones that challenged what our family believes. Aunt Swann tried to dissuade them, but they just kept coming. I did my best to push them away...but they just keep popping into my head. It hurts when I don't voice them..."
Reyson clasped his head in pain, but slowly he returned to looking at his arm, "Then, a few months back, I felt something in...my heart, it was..."
"...what? What was it?" asked Ashen, unsure of what Reyson was describing.
"Fire. That's the only way I can describe it. Kind of like when you get angry and you feel your blood boiling...but this...this fire...it doesn't stop! I feel it within me when I'm calm, when I'm sleeping, when I'm having dinner with the family, it doesn't go away! I don't know what to do. It's like it's...trying to tell me something...telling me to do something...but I don't know what! Heck of a way to celebrate my 13th birthday, right? Heh...heh..."
Ashen watched for a few moments, seeing Reyson's expression cycle between pain, fear, and sadness. He eventually sat down next to Reyson and stilled his hand, "I can't say I know what you're going through Reyson, because I don't. But I can tell you the truth, that we will help you through this."
"How?"
"By helping you embrace your inner peace. Think about it Reyson, you've been asking very deep questions for years now, questions that most wouldn't ask even when they were adults! Your seeking truth, and that's to be praised, but perhaps...your body, your mind...is playing tricks on you."
"I don't understand..." said Reyson, confused.
"The body, the mind, the soul, even Aura, they're all very tightly wound together. It's a beautiful thing. But certain...emotions, certain feelings, certain fears, it can throw that balance out of whack. You feel something in your head that you don't think is right, and then your heart and body react to that in their own way. Perhaps that "fire" you're feeling is your body's way of telling you that what you're thinking, the questions you're asking...aren't the right ones to ask. Perhaps instead, you're feeling guilty that you aren't embracing the peace like your cousins, like your aunts and uncles. You see them, and you wonder, why aren't I that peaceful? Why do these questions fill my mind? And your body is trying to tell you to stop thinking about it, to stop worrying about it, and embrace the teachings. We're your family Reyson, we know what's best for you, and we will help quell that fire so that you can find the peace you need to stop the shaking, stop the doubts, stop the neverending questions."
Reyson listened to his words, and as he looked at Ashen he saw the smile he had seen so many times before, the one that had made him happy, feel loved, and yet today...he felt nothing.
What's more, when Ashen had finished his speech, the fire grew, and a thought that wasn't his own came into his mind, "He's lying."
The sound of the thought brought the fear back to Reyson, and he shook his head to try and get it out of his head. Ashen looked on him with worry, "Reyson, what's wrong?"
"The fire! It's...not stopping! It's talking to me...telling me that you're...you're..."
Reyson looked at Ashen in fear, and for the first time in a long time, he looked into his eyes. His eyes were brown, and Reyson had never questioned why his own eyes were red. But as he looked deeper into the eyes of his "father", a truth seemed to emerge...
And the fire spoke out again, "Do you see it now?"
The words echoed throughout his mind, and a revelation emerged.
Ashen was unsure of the fear that Reyson now had on his face, he grabbed him by the shoulders and tried to shake him out of it, "Reyson? Reyson!"
As if a trance had been broken, Reyson came back, and yet, he was not the same. His expression morphed, from one of fear and doubt, to anger, and rage. His face became what many now see in the present, the one filled with a desire for battle, and with a hatred...for those who have lied to him his whole life.
"Get out," he said softly, yet angrily.
"What? What's wrong?" asked Ashen, uncertain as to what had changed.
"I said, get out."
Reyson rose from his bed, his posture one of action, and his eyes beaming hate at Ashen.
"Reyson...calm down...we'll figure this out..."
"I SAID GET OUT!" he roared in reply, and he grabbed a book that was nearby and threw it at Ashen's head, barely missing it.
Astounded by what had just happened, Ashen backed up, and with a look of disapproval, he left the room.
Now alone, Reyson could hear the fire more than ever. It guided him to the mirror, and as he looked in it, he gazed at his own red eyes.
"Speak the truth..." said the fire.
"He's not my father," Reyson said softly.
"...yes."
Reyson took in a deep breath, and when he exhaled he felt the fire flow out as if he was breathing it. It intensified as he thought about how long he had treated Ashen like a father, and yet it was all a lie. The anger, the rage built up inside of him, until he could bare it no more and he punched the mirror.
He watched as the mirror shattered, and while his hand hurt, he felt something else he didn't expect. Relief.
As he wondered what was going on, he heard a noise, something had dropped to the ground nearby. He turned to see that one of his closet doors had opened. On the ground was the tool that Reyson had used to cut weeds so long ago. He had kept it as he really liked it for a reason he couldn't explain.
But as he picked it up, and he held it in a way that felt natural, the fire again was quelled.
"That's the answer..." said Reyson with a familiar evil laugh, "I need to fight."
He held the blade to his eye, and as the red shined in the reflection, Reyson's anger grew once more.
Back in the present, Reyson's fire was burning incredibly hot, and yet he was smiling. Ashen looked stunned at the revelation that he was the reason that Reyson figured out his lineage.
"Surprise," mocked Reyson. "It was you, Ashen, it was you all along that led me to figuring out the truth. Didn't you ever realize that after that conversation I never called you "dad" or "father" again? Oh let me guess, you thought it was a phase I was going through? Ha! Pathetic."
He shoved Ashen backwards and sheathed his blade once more. Ashen straightened himself and was not amused, "That doesn't explain how you knew. Just how you guessed."
"The eyes are the windows to the soul, Aunt Swann said that. As I looked into your eyes, I saw your soul, Ashen. It had fear. Not for me, for you. A father, a true father wouldn't be worried about himself when his own son was in pain. You should've had concern for me, for what I was going through, you didn't."
"...it doesn't matter now, I guess."
"OF COURSE IT MATTERS!" roared Reyson, his eyes on the verge of tears for the first time. "Because you were right about one thing. You were there! You helped raise me. You helped me when I asked, every time. If I had found out the truth another way? I wouldn't have hated you, you would've been innocent! A bystander in all of this. Someone to pity, instead of hate. But the moment I saw the truth, everything I knew was a lie. I started to ask myself, "was any of it real?" And I got my answer real quick, didn't I, Ashen?"
Flashes of the past flashed in his head. Images of the Herons trying to force Reyson to follow their ways, and Ashen being one of the ones trying to do said enforcing.
"After my bloodlust arose, you dropped the act all too quickly. You didn't care about me, you cared about your station in the Heron clan. You hoped that I didn't bring you down! Am I wrong?"
Ashen glared at Reyson with intensity all his own, but scoffed and looked away, "Like I said, it doesn't matter now."
"And they say I'm the monster. Jokes on you, I'm the good one! Outside of mom, anyway. You know...it's funny. When I first told my teammate about why I hated my family? I admit, I was bit ashamed. Not because I rebelled, I'm fine with that. But knowing that I was the child of an affair? That kind of stung. But now? I really could care less. Because it brings me JOY knowing that she was with someone better than you, Ashen. Even if it did mean cheating on you."
As Reyson laughed at Ashen he noticed something odd. Ashen didn't bite back in anger, or yell at him to stop with the insults, instead, he shuffled in place uncomfortably. This made Reyson very confused, "What was that?"
"What was what?" asked back Ashen, unaware of what he did.
Reyson got closer to him, "Why did you look uncomfortable? That should've made you mad, I insulted your honor, the sanctity of your marriage with my mom...marriage...oh my gosh. Did she...did you...?"
A swirl of thoughts raced in Reyson's head, and it all lead to another truth being revealed. When he understood it, he started to laugh. Softly at first, but then he fell to his knees in a near uncontrollable state as he got louder.
Even Ashen was shaken by this, "Why are you laughing?
Doing his best to get back on his feet, Reyson looked as happy as he had been all day, "She didn't cheat on you, did she? She met my father before you were married, right?"
"How could you-?" started Ashen before stopping himself.
"I'm right? Oh my gosh...this changes everything. It all makes sense..."
"What does?"
"Everything, you idiot! I wondered for years why my mom never had more children. The other Heron families have two children, why not us? I thought it was punishment for me, because I wasn't your son, but something never felt right. And now I get it...she never loved you, did she? You were an arranged marriage, I've always known that, but you were arranged after she was already pregnant, right?"
This truth did indeed make Ashen angry, and his own hands began to shake in anger, "I don't know who your father is, but I will forever hate him. I had met your mother multiple times on the way to our arranged marriage. We would've been a great match. But then she went on that mission to Minstrel, and she met him, and soon after, she got pregnant, with you. I still married her because I still cared for her, and the honor of being in the Heron clan was too great to pass up. But no, she never loved me like she loved him."
"And you don't make a kid with a person you don't love."
"Hmph."
"I know you don't care, Ashen, but a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm free. I'm free of the embarrassment of being the child of an affair, I'm free from fearing that my mother was as cold as you all at points in her life. I'm free from having to hold back to try and keep things status quo. You think what I did at the Heralds base was bad, Ashen? Wait until you see what I do next. Because so help me, I will make you all suffer for what you did to me, my mom, and my dad. My real dad."
At this, Ashen had had enough, he marched up to Reyson and towered over him, face full of contempt, "While this chat has been illuminating, I was sent here to deliver a final message to you. If you do anything like that Herald stunt again, we won't care about the scandal, we will publically banish you from the family and make sure you never see your mother again."
"Not even you are that bold, Ashen."
"Perhaps, but your mother has been compliant for years. She hasn't even left the house in that time, or have you forgotten? With enough pressure from her sister and brother she'll yield. So tell me, are you willing to risk never seeing her again?"
Reyson bared his teeth at Ashen, he wanted so badly to deck him, but something held him back. As he turned away he looked at Night's desk and saw a flower, one that looked very familiar.
A few years prior, Reyson was in his room, practicing his sword technique on invisible enemies. A flower similar to the one on Night's desk was on his dresser top. Moments into his training, a knock came at the door. Reyson rolled his eyes and said, "Enter if you must."
The door opened and a golden haired woman walked into the room. She looked a lot like Swann, but had a much kinder and softer presence about her. Her expression was one of happiness, yet also experience, though of what kind one might not be able to ascertain. Her dress was simple, yet regal, adorned with white, gold, and silver. Her eyes were clear, almost like refined crystal.
As the woman watched Reyson, she smiled softly. Reyson paid her no mind until he was due with his set.
"Hi, mom," said Reyson with indifference.
"Hello Reyson," said Poppy, her smile still on her face. "Practicing again?"
"Better than the alternative."
"I hear you and your aunt got at it again."
"When you hear the same crap story about peace for years on end, it tends to get annoying."
Poppy sighed lightly, but kept her smile as she shook her head, "I wish you two wouldn't argue."
"And I wish you would stop playing their game!" bit back Reyson. "What happened, mom? You used to support me in every way! No matter what I did! But then after...well...after I became me...you became like them! Like Aunt Swann, Uncle Lehran, or Uncle Lorazieh with his two hour long lectures, and of course, Ashen. You know I'm not like them! Why do you keep pushing me to try and be like them! Why!?"
At first, Poppy didn't respond, her smile finally faded, and a look of pain and remorse replaced it. She struggled to find the words, "It's because...I still love my family. I won't do all that they say, but I'll do some of it, and to be honest, Reyson, you do scare me sometimes with your anger. Your rage."
"You know I'd never hurt you, mom. I might hurt Ashen, but not you."
"I appreciate that, though I don't suggest telling that to him."
"No promises," he said with a smirk.
Poppy laughed, "Oh my son, I do what they ask me to in regards to you because I believe that part of what they want is fine. Peace might quell your fire. But while I might suggest it, instruct it, ask for it, I will never force you to be anything you're not. I promise you that."
"Mom, I-"
Before he could finish, she came up to him and cupped his face, and looked at him with the purest eyes she could manage, "I love you, Reyson. Nothing you do, or say, will change that. Even if for some reason we're not together, I'll always be asking the stars above for you to be happy, to find the truth and peace you're seeking. You are my son, and nothing my family says or does will stop that from being true. Do you understand?"
Reyson had to try really hard not to cry, "Yeah, I understand mom, thank you."
"I promise never to bring up their teachings again. That will be their cross to bear, not mine, not anymore."
"That would mean a lot, mom".
She smiled and kissed him on the forehead, "You're a good boy, just like your father."
"Don't tell that to Ashen, it'll go to his head," mocked Reyson.
"He's not..." Poppy started, but she stopped herself just short of finishing. "He's not that arrogant, but I won't say that to him, it might make him...upset."
"Well in that case tell him."
The two looked at one another blankly, then laughed. With a nod of her head she departed.
Reyson called out to her before she fully left, "Mom?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you, for everything."
"I wish I could do more, maybe one day I will. Just be strong for us both until that day..."
Reyson watched his mom leave, then turned to the mirror in his room once again and saw his red eyes, before finally looking down at the flower upon his dresser.
Back in the present, Reyson's expression had calmed down, his mothers' words about strength had allowed him to regain his grip. But as he looked up and saw the nearby window another memory flashed into his mind, but a much more recent one.
Just before Night left the room, he said something to Reyson, "I know things might get hairy in here. But if it gets too much, remember what to do in case of emergency..."
Upon hearing these words, Reyson's evil smile returned, but he hid it before looking at Ashen again, "You see that window?"
Unsure of what was going on, Ashen looked at the window, Reyson took this opportunity and went around the desk and leaned against Night's chair, looking out the window himself in the process.
"What about it?" asked Ashen, still confused.
"Just in front of that window is Night's favorite spot. I swear every time we come in here, he's either at his desk, or looking out that window. According to Glyph, he just...loves looking at his students, watching them at peace. Happy. Oblivious to some of the truths of the world. As a "Heron"...I'm sure you could appreciate the view. I certainly can't."
"Of that I have no doubt..."
Ashen slowly moved to the window, Reyson concealed a smirk as he did. Not knowing this Ashen looked out of the glass and saw the view from Night's eyes, he motioned to the various parts of the area as he talked, "You could learn a great deal from Night, Reyson. No doubt he uses this view to calm his mind. He too has had a troubled history, more than anyone knows or cares to admit thanks to his "legend". But steadying his mind here is a great way to get past ones...faults. It is like your uncle tried to teach you, through meditation and focus, we can be peaceful and do more in a calmed and refined state."
"Yeah...he did say that, didn't he? But I recall a different teaching from another person. In case of emergency..."
He paused, and doing so got Ashen to turn around and face him, which allowed Reyson to show his very evil smile once again, "Break...Glass..."
With all the strength he could manage, Reyson kicked Ashen square in the chest, sending him flying backwards and into the window. It shattered upon impact sending Ashen careening to the ground below. Various students saw this and cried out in horror as this happened. But to the shock of them, including Ashen, he didn't hit the ground, but instead hit some very tall bushes that absorbed his fall, and bounced him off. He hit the ground with a light thud.
As Ashen righted himself he immediately looked at Reyson, who was waving at him with an insincere smile, "Welcome to Beacon, pal!"
With a laugh he left the room and went straight back to his own quarters. The others were waiting for him, and had no idea what had happened.
Glyph was the first to respond to Reyson's appearance, and upon seeing his evil smile, got nervous, "What did you do?"
"Something I've been wanting to do for many years. Have I got a story for you..."
Knowing that his time might be short, he told Glyph, Diana and Yasmine everything, even filling in Glyph and Diana about him and Yasmine's secret meetings to try and find his true father. By the end of the story, all of them were stunned for a menagerie of reasons.
"You seriously kicked your stepfather out the window?" asked Diana with absolute shock.
"I'm more shocked that Night gave him the idea," noted Yasmine with a curious look in her eyes.
"Where's Ashen now?" wondered Glyph.
At this last question, Reyson sighed, and his evil smile finally faded, "I'm sure he's on his way back to Vale to let the family know what I did...and then they'll probably call the authorities."
Diana was again stunned by this reveal, "For what?"
"I kicked a family member out a window, Red! You're not supposed to do that!"
"Which again..." started Yasmine, getting their attention, "...begs the question of...why did Night suggest that at all? He wouldn't have put Reyson at risk for arrest. Not after all we've done for him, the school, and Remnant in general."
Glyph pondered what the long game was here, but couldn't see all the pieces, "I'm going to consult with Macro and fill the others in on what just happened. Reyson, stay here, do not open that door unless it's one of us, Night, or one of the other teachers."
Reyson put on a light smile and gave a mock salute, "Yessir, fearless leader."
"Reyson..."
"I'm going to stay here, I've got nothing else to do."
Content with the answer, Glyph left the room. Yasmine and Diana looked warily at Reyson, fearing what he might do with Glyph gone. But to their surprise, a rather sad expression across his face, and he went to his bed and just laid on it, an arm across his eyes so he couldn't see anything.
Reyson's mind wandered to a variety of things. He thought about his mother, and what position this might put her in. He thought about his father, his true father, and wondered if he would ever truly find him. But most of all, he thought about the other Herons, and what they were going to do to him. While he did get a small piece of revenge for their torture of him through the years, he feared that his act of aggression may have just given them what they wanted.
Hours passed, and day turned to night. Reyson hadn't left the room like Glyph instructed, and the various members of GRYD and MEAL came in and out of the room to watch over Reyson and protect him in case something happened.
Eventually, a knock came on the door, an unfamiliar style of one. Glyph, Macro, Yasmine and Reyson were in the room at the time. Reyson slowly rose up, but a motion from Glyph made him stop.
"Who is it?" called out Glyph calmly.
"It's Squire, I need to speak with Mr. Heron," answered Squire from beyond the door.
Glyph looked to Macro, who nodded in a way that showed they needed to comply. Reyson got up and went to the door.
As he opened the door, Squire had his usually sour expression, Reyson countered this with a smile and said, "I did it."
"I know. Come with me, there are people here to see you."
Squire departed, Reyson paused for a second and looked the others and shrugged before saying, "Thanks for the fun."
He left and followed Squire, Yasmine got up to try and go after him but Glyph held her back, "This is out of our hands."
"Since when do we abandon our team?" said Yasmine with fire.
"We're not, something tells me this isn't going to go like you think."
In the hallway, Reyson followed Squire silently. As they reached the main staircase, Squire stopped, and then turned to Reyson, "Do you trust many people, Reyson?"
"Uh...sure?" replied Reyson not sure of the intent of the question.
"Would you say you trust Headmaster Night?"
"Yeah..."
"Keep that trust in mind for what's about to happen. Don't do anything else stupid, understand?"
"Yeah..."
"Good enough," said Squire before turning again and heading down the stairs.
Confused, but not sure how to follow that up, Reyson follow Squire onto the grounds. Sure enough, a pair of officers were there with their vehicle.
One of them stepped forward and looked at Reyson as if he was expecting him to try something, "Reyson Heron, you are under arrest for the assault of Ashen Heron."
"Ok," answered Reyson simply, and he put out his arms to be cuffed.
This took the officer by surprised, and he looked at his partner to see what they thought, but they just shrugged in return.
"Alright then, I'll need your weapons, and-"
"That won't be necessary," came a voice.
They all turned towards the voice, and to the surprise of Reyson, Night was walking towards them all with an odd smile on his face.
The officers immediately went into attention posture and saluted him before crying out, "Sir Night!"
"At ease", he said with a wave of his hand.
"With respect sir, we have a legitimate case to arrest your student."
"Do you? Well that would be interesting...if this footage didn't come to my attention..."
"What footage, sir?"
"You see, I like to watch over my school, especially in light of recent events, and I have cameras most places. Including my office in case a student decides to get cute and doing something foolish."
Reyson did his best to stifle a snicker.
"Anyway, after the incident I decided to check my logs, and you'd be surprised what I found..."
He pulled out a tablet and played part of the footage of Reyson and Ashen's conversation, mainly the part of Ashen threatening Reyson with never seeing his mother again.
"And then there's this part..."
The footage fast forwarded, and to Reysons' shock, he saw film of Ashen rushing him and trying to choke him, only for Reyson to push him back and then kicked him out the window.
Both Reyson and the officers were confused, but Night kept their attention on him by clearing his throat before stating, "So, as you can see here, Reyson has a clear self-defense case, and thus your warrant for his arrest is moot. Not just that, I'm sure there was some backdoor politics going on at your division in order to get Reyson away from the school, so you tell whoever sent you to MY school that Reyson Heron is under MY protection and influence. The word of the Herons' means nothing here. Am I understood?
At first the officers didn't know what to do, looking to each other for ideas before resigning to the situation and giving another salute to Night, "Yes sir! Apologies, Headmaster."
"It's ok, won't be the last time a misunderstanding will happen. Now if you would be so kind as to leave, I need to take care of my student."
After a final salute the officers got in their vehicle and left the grounds. Night and Squire watched it leave, while Reyson just stood in place, stunned at the events that just happened.
After the sound of the vehicle was gone, he finally spoke out, "What the heck just happened?"
"I believe you were cleared of all charges," noted Night with a smile.
"Ok, but HOW? Ashen never touched me, certainly never choked me."
"Really? Interesting. Maybe someone doctored the footage..."
Night looked at Squire, who gave a deep chuckle in return, "It was easier than it looked, your stepfather was quite animated in some of your conversation, as were you of course."
"I'm so confused," said Reyson, not understanding any of this. "You wanted me to kick Ashen out of your office, right? That's why you said the emergency line?"
"I gave you the option to do that," corrected Night with a wave of a finger. "I don't want you to hurt anyone if possible. But I knew that your family is rather...controlling. So I figured if your stepfather was here that he might try and pull a fast one, thus I gave you my blessing to do something if it came to it. It did."
"But why put yourself against my family? Don't you know the problems it'll raise?"
"Your family isn't the only one with deep connections," stated Squire with a grin.
"Indeed," acknowledged Night with a grin of his own. "After the events of your aunts visit, and hearing some of what you thought about them, I decided to do a little more deep digging into them, and what I found...displeased me. You might be a bit hard to handle at times Reyson, but your intentions are much purer than theirs. I'd rather ally myself with you than with them. Especially when it's clear what they would do to you if they got you back at their manor."
"I don't want to think about it," said Reyson with a small laugh.
"Nor should you. I think you've had enough excitement for a whole week, Mr. Heron. Go back to your room, go back to your team, and know that as long as you are at this school, you'll never have to fear your family coming for you."
"Thank you, Headmaster."
With a bow of the head to Night, and then Squire, Reyson left, and made for the entrance of Beacon.
Once he was out of earshot, Squire looked at Night and said, "He reminds you of Lord, doesn't he?"
"Yes," answered Night solemnly. "We weren't able to save him, I refuse to let that happen with Reyson."
"We can't save everyone, Kendall."
"I know, Heathern, but I can try to save a few."
Minutes later, Reyson entered the room of GRYD, but to his surprise, only Yasmine was there, she was shocked to see him arrive, "Reyson! You're...here?"
"Night bailed me out, I'll tell you the details later," he answered with a tired voice.
"That's fine. I'm just...glad it didn't end like it could've."
"Me too."
Reyson smiled at her and then went to his bed, as he sat on the edge of it he let out a deep sigh. He knew he had dodged a bullet, and while he was relieved, he knew there was two things he still needed to do.
"Yasmine?"
"Yeah?"
"I have new information on my dad."
This stunned her, "What?"
He smiled slightly, "Ashen made a mistake, he said that mom met my father in Minstrel. That'll narrow down our search, right?"
"Oh yes! I'll see if we can narrow it down even more based on the missions you told me your mother did."
"Good."
"Shall I go get the others?"
"Yeah, they'll want to hear what happened. I'll just wait here."
Yasmine left the room to find the others. As Reyson waited, he pulled out his phone and typed a short message on it before sending it away. Once done, he laid on his bed and rested.
Far away, in the Heron Manor, Poppy was in the library reading a book when her phone went off.
"Who would message me at this hour?" she asked herself softly. Her eyes went wide when she saw it was Reyson.
She quickly opened the message and saw it said, "Ilfinhipro."
Knowing the code he was trying to use, Poppy muttered to herself to decode it.
"I'll...find...him...promise. I'll find him, promise."
She smiled proudly and held the phone to her heart as she knew exactly what he meant. Tears flowed from her eyes as she knew that she might one day be with her son and her true love.
*credits*