Beacon Continental
Chap 3
Today was finally the day. The day where my contract at beacon came to an end and I can finally go home and rest. Despite the contract only requiring me to be at Beacon for the first semester, it felt like forever. But now, I don't need to worry or put up with any more shit as by the end of the day, I can finally go home. Rest, have the wine that I got a while back from the wine store, and just not have to worry about this place any more. I just need to get through today and that's it.
"One more day Jaune. And then you can go home." I told myself as I adjusted my suit in the mirror. The tailor had apparently, without me knowing, designed a second suit for me and sent it here. I was a little annoyed at this as I had to deal with a few questions from the others. But I am thankful non the less as for some strange reason, Ozpin decided to host a dance party for all the students and parents/guardians today. It certainly caught many off guard, especially since in a few days the finals will take place.
'Perhaps, it's to see who actually stays true to studying and can ignore distractions and see who can't.' I thought as I finished fixing myself. I decided not to dwell on it as I still had a bit to do before having to go and speak with Ozpin himself.
Turning to my bed, I pulled a bag from underneath and placed it on the bed. Opening it, I started packing all the stuff I had initially brought with me to Beacon. Which wasn't much to be honest. Two pistols, extra ammo, tools to keep them in working order, a handful of combat knives, clothes, suits and a few medicals supplies. Closing the bag, I placed it back under the bed and stood up and went to the nightstand next to my bed. Picking up the envelope that was on it, I put in the inside pocket of my suit. Aside from getting expelled, students require a proper and valid reason with evidence to support it to leave Beacon. Otherwise, they are stuck here until they finish the four years. Initially, it was to prevent people from joining and then leaving just to mess with team formations. But now, it's just a nuisance to all. Heading to the door, I was about to open it when someone knocked on the door. Curious as to who could it be, I opened the door and was surprised to see Velvet standing there.
"Hello, Velvet." I greeted her. Though mostly to hide my confusion as I was not expecting her. Nor expecting her to seem very nervous with a light tint on her face.
"H-hey Jaune. May I come in?" She asked.
"Sure." I answered while stepping to the side and allowing her in.
"Thank you." She said as she came in and stood in the center of the room.
"How can I help you Velvet?" I asked her. She looked down as her cheeks became even brighter than before.
"You l-look nice J-jaune." She said stuttering.
"Um, thanks Velvet. Not to sound rude, but can we speed this up as I have to meet up with Ozpin in a little bit." I told her.
"Oh, is everything alright?" She asked, actually sounding worried.
"Yeah, everything is alright. Just need to discuss something with him." I answered.
"Okay. As long as everything is alright. You know there is the dance tonight, right?" She asked.
"Yes. Though I won't be around till the end as I have to head somewhere." I answered.
"Oh. Well, I was w-wondering if y-you would like to go to the d-dance with m-me?" She asked. This caught me off guard as I had never expected this.
"You mean like a date?" I asked.
"Y-yeah. I m-mean if y-you d-don't want to then t-that's f-fine as w-well." Velvet quickly answered as she looked down. I thought about it for a moment before answering.
"I'm sorry Velvet. But the thing is, while taking you out on a date would be nice, I am actually leaving Beacon and-" I started but she cut me off.
"YOUR LEAVING BEACON!?" She shouted surprised.
"Yes. My father is sick and is possibly on death bed. And since I am the only male of the family, that means I have to soon take on the reigns and take care of many things. And because of how busy I will be and that I am required to be there almost all the time, I have to resign from Beacon." I lied. She does not need to know the truth.
"Oh." She said as she looked down. From the brief glace I got from her eyes; I saw that she was beginning to tear up.
"But I can still take you on the date to the dance if you want." I told her with a smile. At this, she immediately perked up and jumped at me and wrapped her arms around my neck.
"Thank you. I'll see you at six." She said as she let go and left the dorm. But not before giving me a light peck on the cheek.
"That was something unexpected." I said to myself as I stared at the door. "Guess I will be here for a bit longer today."
Shaking my head, I made sure everything was still in order before leaving the dorm. Closing the door, I made my way through the halls to Ozpin's office. Though as I made my way there, my mind drifted to how these past two weeks have been different. Mainly in how many of the students now treat me. Before it was just mockery and insults. But now, many of them are complimenting me or trying to hang out with me. Some even started to flirt with me which I found odd as the ones that did were the exact same ones who said they would rather be dead than be caught seen even close to me. Even Yang started to flirt with me. Shaking my head, I decided not to dwell on it as I am not even going to be here tomorrow. Soon I reached Ozpin's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in." The muffled voice of Ozpin said. Opening the door, I stepped into the office before closing the door behind me.
"Ah. Mr. Arc. To what do I owe the visit?" Ozpin asked as he sipped his coffee. To his right is Glynda Goodwitch. The strictest but fairest teacher I have ever seen. She is also the vice-headmistress of Beacon. To his left, sitting on a chair and reading a book but having a smile on her face as she looked at me is Salem. Wife of Ozpin.
"Sorry to disturb you. But I have to tell you that I am resigning myself as leader of Team Jnpr and leaving Beacon all together." I answered. This caused all of them to raise an eyebrow in surprise.
"And what brought about this decision Mr. Arc?" Glynda asked.
"And you do know that students cannot leave Beacon unless they have excellent reason." Salem added.
"I have a feeling he does." Ozpin interjected catching their attention.
"I do indeed Ozpin." I said as I pulled out the letter from earlier and handing it to him. He took and begin to look it over with the other two ladies reading it over his shoulder. After a moment, both ladies seemed shocked while Ozpin remained with a neutral face.
"I'm sorry to hear that Mr. Arc. But this is a valid enough reason. Let me get the paperwork." Ozpin said after a few minutes of reading. He then reached down and opened a drawer of his desk and pulled out a piece of paper along with a pen. "Just sign this here and you will be able to go."
Suspicious, I took the paper and read it over. But was relieved to see that it was straightforward with no loopholes. It was a simple agreement saying that I acknowledge that I am leaving the school and my team and cannot come back or rejoin the school until next year if I so desire. Taking the pen, I signed the paper and gave it back to Ozpin who took a stamp and pressed it onto the paper before putting both away.
"There we are Mr. Arc. You are officially no longer a student of Beacon. However, it will not go into effect until tomorrow evening. So, you have time to say goodbye to friends and teammates." He informed me before asking. "When will you be leaving?"
"Tonight. Roughly around the time the dance party is half over. So, seven thirty to be exact." I answered.
"Alright. I do wish you safe travel back home and good luck for what you are about to face." Ozpin said as he extended his hand. I shook it before turning around and leaving.
Stepping out of the office, I took my scroll out to check the time. Seeing that it was only three p.m., I decided to grab some lunch from the cafeteria. As I made my way there, my mind went back to the fact that now I have a date with Velvet. Something I have never expected to happen. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt like that it would be a nice way to end my time here at Beacon. Even though it was not a great time here, it would be nice to at least have one good memory here. That is, if this date is genuine and not a trap. Either way, I will still be leaving later today.
'Might as well have a quick bite and then prepare for the dance.' I thought as I headed to my cafeteria to eat.
5:45 P.M.
Looking myself over in the mirror, I straightened my suit as I prepared for the date with Velvet. Once done, I went to the bed and pulled out the bag from under the bed and double checked to make sure everything was still there. Closing the bag and putting it away, I moved to the desk and grabbed my Berreta and holstered it undeath the suit. Now prepared, I sat down on my bed and waited to Velvet as she told me she was already on her way to my dorm. As I waited, I could not help but felt relieved as the time came closer for me to go home. Soon I heard a knock on the door. Getting up, I opened the door to see Velvet standing there with a nervous look. She was wearing a nice red dress.
"H-hi Jaune." She said while blushing heavily.
"Hello Velvet." I greeted.
"A-are y-you ready to g-go Jaune?" She asked.
I nodded and she smiled at this. Exiting the dorm, I closed the door and locked it. We then made our way to the auditorium where the dance is being held. As we made our way there, I noticed that Velvet had latched onto my arm as we walked. Not seeing any problem with it, I let it go. Continuing on, I began to notice that some students and their parents had begun to stare at us or made comments about my suit. I merely ignored them as in a few hours, I will never see them again. Soon we reached the auditorium and entered to see nearly the whole school population and all their parents/ guardians dancing. Seeing how many people there instantly made me nervous. An assassin can easily hide, kill someone and get away. Taking out my scroll, I saw that it was now 6:10.
"Y-you r-ready Jaune?" Velvet asked snapping me from my thoughts.
"Yes. Let's have fun." I answered while putting my scroll away.
She smiled and took me to the dance floor where we began to dance. While I may not have danced a lot in my life time, I have taken a few classes before, so I know what to do and not make a fool of myself. As we danced, despite her being close to me, I kept my eyes open so as to be not caught off guard. Luckily, there was nothing so far aside from the students and parents dancing. After about half an hour of dancing and trying not to blush as Velvet laid her head on my chest, we decided to take a bit of a break.
"Why don't we get some drinks?" She asked.
"Sure. Lead the way." I answered. She smiled and we made our way to the refreshments. As we got there, I noticed that Lie Ren was there as well. Sighing, I knew I was going to have to answer some questions. Fortunately, it seems luck was on my side today as he left right after I spotted her.
"Oh. Jaune. My mom needs me for a moment. I'll be right back okay." She said getting my attention. "Do you mind getting the drinks?"
"Sure." I answered. She smiled and left towards where her mom supposedly is.
Turning back to the refreshment table, I went over and served us two drinks of fruit punch. Though, I did taste it before hand to make sure it wasn't spiked. Luckily, it wasn't. Grabbing a snack from the platters plate next to it, I turned and began to look around for Velvet. I soon spotted her talking with Pyrrha who seemed to be blushing heavily yet at the same time seemed a bit upset. Curious, I walked up to both of them. They were apparently so engrossed into their conversation that they did not notice me walk up to them.
"Here you go Velvet." I said startling both of them while I handed Velvet her drink. "Pyrrha."
"Jaune. You look nice." She said while blushing.
"You alright Pyrrha?" I asked.
"I'm fine Jaune." She answered with a stutter. But I was not convinced in the slightest.
"Actually Jaune. I hope you don't mind, but Pyrrha would like a dance with you." Velvet said cutting in before I could say anything.
"Um, okay. If she wants a dance than I'd be happy to give her one." I answered. At this Pyrrha smiled and hugged me while thanking me as well.
Going back to the dance floor, we began to dance all the way. Pyrrha, like Velvet, had a smile on her face as she laid her head on my chest. Every couple of minutes or when the song changed, Pyrrha and Velvet switched with me. With the occasional time we would dance together. And while I would not admit it, it did feel nice to dance with them. Even though there were some people staring at us with disdain. But I merely ignored them. As we kept dancing, I could feel the happiness of both of them increase. The moment was only interrupted by the alarm on my scroll ringing. Taking it out, I saw that it was already seven thirty and I have to leave to catch the bullhead to Vale.
"Something wrong Jaune?" Pyrrha asked.
"I have to go now. Something came up." I told her. From the corner of my eyes, I saw that velvet remembered what I told her earlier and is sad by it. As evidence by her ears dropping now.
"Okay then. I will see you later." She said with a sad smile.
Nodding, I left the party and headed back to my dorm. Reaching under the bed, I grabbed my bag and wrapped it around me. Double checking to make sure I did not forget anything; I exited the dorm and closed the door. Looking around to see that I was alone, I made my way outside the school and to the bullheads. Paying for my ticket, I got onto the bullhead and took my seat. Soon the bullhead ascended into the air and took off for Vale. As it made its way to Vale, my mind began to wonder about my teammates and the others. And how they will react to me no longer being there.
'Probably celebrate to be honest.' I thought as I got comfy in my seat. But another thought came to mind soon after. 'But why did Velvet seemed upset that I was leaving. And then there's Pyrrha. She seemed really eager to have that dance and was probably upset when Velvet told her about this date. Well, if she told her that it was a date that is.'
My thoughts were interrupted when the pilot told us we would be landing soon. Seeing as there was no point in thinking about it any further, especially since I won't be seeing either of them. Maybe just in passing or on the news in the future. Soon the bullhead landed and I got up from my seat. Exiting the bullhead, I made my way to the nearby central train station of Vale. While bullheads are the preferred way to get to where you want to go, my home is in an area where the bullheads in this part of Vale don't normally go to. Mainly because it's a small remote town with not too many people living there with no real noticeable landmarks. A quiet place for those who just want to rest. As I was making my way to the train station, I felt like I was being followed. Yet, it did not feel like I was being followed by High Table members. Taking out my scroll, I decided to bait the pursuers into "revealing themselves." I opened my scroll and acted like I was lost and turned in a circle as if trying to find out where I am and where to go. Luckily, this tactic worked and I found my pursuers to be the wanted criminal Roman Torchwick and his partner Neopolitan.
'Better than the assassins the High Table normally sends.' I thought with a smile. While Roman and Neo are exceptional fighters and criminals, they are nowhere near the skill level of the assassins I normally face. Not wanting to put any one in too much trouble, I continued forward while making sure they could still see me. Once we got to the center of the Vale train station, I turned around, sat down on a chair, took off my bag and looked straight at them. They seemed a bit surprised that I spotted them so easily. Especially Neo as she looked back between me and Roman. Smiling, I motioned for them to move closer. They seemed unsure but did so. But they gripped their weapons tightly. Clear indication they don't trust me and are expecting a fight. Once they got to me, they were about to question me on how I spotted them but I answered the, before they could ask.
"Don't let it wound your pride Roman. I was trained to spot more skilled people. You did good even though you hid in the most obvious spot." I explained.
"Aside from that bullshit that you just spew, I have to give you credit for easily spotting us." Roman growled. Ignoring him, I turned to face Neo who was looking at me with interest.
"What's your take on it Neo?" I asked her with a chuckle. She simply tilted her head in confusion. Curious, I raised my hands and signed the question to her. She seemed surprised that I knew sign language but quickly made a few signs herself.
'Surprised that you spotted us so easily. And I'm surprised you know sign language.' She signed.
'Decided to take a class on it early on in life. Never know when something like this would come up. Best be prepared for anything.' I signed back in answer.
"Enough with these silly hand gestures. Tell us where your teammates are?" Roman growled.
"Back at Beacon." I answered.
"But you're here. Teams rarely go long without the others. So where are they?" He demanded again. This time raising his cane at me. I just pushed it to the side. For all his bravado, Roman is not as dumb as some would think. He knows that if he attacked me with his cane than he would give himself away.
"Not here. They are at Beacon. And they don't know I am here. Nor that I have officially resigned from the team and left Beacon completely." I answered.
"So, they are not here. Guess you're out of luck then kid." Roman threatened with a smile. This time, Neo aimed her parasol at me as well. I was about to respond when I saw something cross my vision. Looking towards that direction, I saw three men smile at me. Instantly, I knew who these men were.
'More High Table assassins.' I thought as I ignored Roman and Neo. Looking closely, I saw that that they were armed with melee weapons and guns. But the man on the left, noticed this and nodded towards Roman and Neo and made a slit throat gesture. Telling me that they were also targeting Roman and Neo.
Getting up, I immediately moved forward. Going through Roman and Neo and walking forward. This confused them immensely. Neo quickly caught up to me and raised her weapon at me. But I quickly pushed it away and grabbed her shoulder and forced her to turn and made her walk as well. The confusion of it all preventing her from responding. Reaching into my suit, I pulled out my Beretta M9, thankful that I had already placed the silencer on. While it won't completely silence the sound, it will make it less noticeable. Combine that with everyone in the train station talking and moving about, there is little chance anyone would notice it firing.
"What are you-" Roman asked as he got up in front of me but I cut him off before he could finish.
"Ten o' clock. Second floor." I answered as I kept walking forward and forcing Neo to walk as well. They both looked to where I said and luckily saw the assassins there following us. "High tier assassins. Here for me. But seems like they also want to take you both out as well."
"So, what do we do?" Roman asked as he walked beside me. Acting as if he was just another person here.
"Get to a less populated area. Better chance of not drawing a crowd. Watch out." I answered as I pulled him back a bit so he would not get hit by a bullet. Raising my Berreta, I fired a few shots at them as well. Only to miss as a pillar blocked the bullets from connecting.
We kept at this for another few minutes. Firing shots and missing at each other. Luckily, Roman and Neo went along with this and did not make a sound and were careful not to get in the way. Though, I know for a fact that as soon as we get to a good spot, they will try and get out of here as quickly as possible. But that works for me as it will be something less, I have to deal with. Soon I saw a spot where we could enter to deal with them much easier. The boiler room. Heading towards it while firing a few more shots, I opened the door and had both of them enter. Closing the door quickly, I reloaded my gun as we waited for the others to come.
"Who are they? I have never seen them before?" Roman asked.
"And you will probably never see them again as it seems they decided to kill both of you just because they saw you two talking to me. But to answer your question, they are assassins hired by the High Table. Former rulers you could say of the underworld. Now they are trying to fight their way back to the top." I explained.
'And how do you know about them. You don't seem all that special.' Neo signed. She then smirked before adding. 'You are cute though.'
"That's because he is one of the top assassins of the underworld." A voice answered surprising Neo. Looking up, we saw ten assassins walk up to us. Hearing the door open, we looked behind us to see that another eight assassins come in and surround us.
"Helena. Figured it was only a matter of time before you came for me." I said as I readied myself while quickly looking around to see what I am going up against. Luckily, it seems there was only three that had guns. The rest either had swords, daggers or kunais.
"I can easily tell you two have some history. But-" Roman began with a smile only for Helena to cut him off.
"Don't even begin Roman. You may be good in tricking huntsmen but not us. After all, your traits are very common in our world." Helena told him.
"Then how about you let us go-" Roman tried to say but was cut off again.
"We could. But you both have annoyed us enough. Especially you Roman." Helena said as she raised her AMT AutoMag three. "Kill them."
All the assassins charged at us. Eight of them decided to focus on me while four went for Neo and the rest went for Roman. Ducking under the swing from one of the guys that held a sword, I shot him in the throat. Holding onto the body, I moved his body just in time to block a stab by the two with kunais. Kicking the body towards them, I fired two shots at their heads just as they hit the floor. Seeing another try to slice me with a dagger, I quickly ducked and avoided his next two attacks. He then changed his dagger to a reverse grip and swung at me one more time. This time, instead of dodging, I caught his attack and redirected it to the throat of the guy that came up behind me. Killing him instantly, Kicking the leg of the guy to force him down, I made him let go of his dagger and caught it as it fell down and plunged the dagger into his heart and twisted the blade.
"It will truly be an honor to kill you." Helena said as she stared me down with the remaining two assassins standing on her sides.
"TO HELL WITH THIS!" Roman yelled out getting our attention. Turning to him, we saw him parry an attack from the assassin with a sword and pushed him into the others. He then dashed for the door and left. Turning to the side, I saw that Neo was not in good shape as she already had a couple of bruises and cuts showing. A clear indication that her aura is dangerously low. Her eyes widened in surprise and horror at Roman abandoning her. She tried to run after him but were intercepted by the assassins that were fighting her.
Hearing the others running up to me, I rolled away from where I was in time to avoid the strike from the one with the sword and a shot from the other who held a BUL M-5. Coming to a stop, I threw the dagger that I had picked up on the floor and threw it at the guy with the gun. He dodged the dagger only to move into my line of fire which allowed me to take aim and shoot him in the heart. Quickly getting to my feet, I jumped back to avoid the sword strike aimed at my stomach. Dodging the next few swipes, I side stepped his next overhead attack and latched onto his hands and wrestled for control over the blade. Quickly gaining the upper hand and control, I redirected the blade into his stomach. Pulling out the sword, I quickly plunged the blade back in him again. This time in his heart to make sure he was dead.
"Just you and me now." I told Helena.
"This shall be interesting." She said before firing at me. Quickly moving to the side, I fired back at her, forcing her to move to the side. Moving close to her, I tried to hit her but she grabbed onto my gun and quickly moved it to the side. Letting it go, I caught it with my other hand and fired my last round at her but missed. Dropping the gun, I attempted to kick her legs but she easily avoided it and countered with a leg sweep. Falling to the floor, I quickly moved to the side to avoid the stomp she attempted on my chest. Grabbing her foot, I tried to kick her leg but she moved it to the side which allowed me to pull her leg and force her to the floor. Getting up, I moved back to avoid her leg sweep. She got up and charged at me with a kunai she picked up. Moving to the side, I grabbed onto her hands and wretched her arms back and forth while striking at her feet. With her now off balance, I kicked her one more time, this time hitting her in the knee and freeing the kunai from her. She quickly recovered and attempted to swing at me with her arm but I ducked under her swing and sliced her stomach with the kunai. Since she did not have aura nor any protection to her lower abdomen, the kunai easily pierced her stomach. Not finished yet, I quickly sliced her chest with the kunai before plunging it into her jaw and forcing it through into her upper head. She fell down dead from that.
Looking up, I saw that the men that fought against Roman turned their attention to me now. I quickly picked up my gun and reloaded it before firing at them. Two fell dead while one was injured and fell to the ground. Moving to the side, I elbowed the face of the guy with a sword and took the sword form him. Quickly slicing his throat, I then turned around to block the attacks from the other two. One had a dagger while the other had a sword. Seeing a chance, I moved back out of the range out of their attacks to give me time to pull out my gun again. Blocking the strike from the one with the sword, I kicked away the other guy and fired at both of them. Only for the bullets to fail to penetrate. Meaning that they had armor on them like I have. Moving back, I holstered my gun and blocked the strike from the one with the sword. He tried to use his strength to keep me in place while the other rushed me. Quickly, I kicked the foot of the guy, forcing him to move his leg and weaken his stance. I then pushed him away and quickly thrust the sword into the stomach of the other guy. Pulling it out, I sliced his throat as well before turning to the other guy. He swung at me a few times but I blocked each of them with my sword. We kept like this for a few minutes, trying to see who could land the finishing blow. Luckily it soon came when the guy lost his balance when he swung the sword too far and fast. This allowed me to trip him easily and plunge the sword into his head. With him done, I looked towards Neo to see that she was getting overwhelmed. Though she did manage to knock out one of the assassins. Taking out my gun, I fired three shots and eliminated the last of the assassins. Looking around to make sure there was no one left, I went over to Neo to see how she was doing. She was sitting on the floor and panting hard to catch her breath.
"How you doing Neo?" I asked her. But she did not respond. I lifted her head and looked into her eyes to see that she had a shocked and far off look.
'Most likely because she either got overwhelmed by these guys or that Roman essentially abandoned her.' I thought as looked her over to see that she had numerous cuts and scrapes. She was also bleeding in a few spots and none of her wounds seemed to be healing. 'Her aura most be completely drained.'
"Neo. Can you stand?" I asked her again. This time her head snapped to me in fear. As if expecting another attack. I raised my hands to show that I meant no harm before asking again if she could stand up. She nodded and with great difficulty, stood up. Only to wince in pain, grab her stomach and fall back down. Concerned, I moved her hand to see that it was bleeding. Not just that, it was bleeding because she was shot. Looking around, I saw one of the guns and picked up. Taking out the ammo, I saw that it was aura piercing ammo. Great against huntsmen, not so great against those with armor. But in this instance, it was bad as Neo got hit.
'How bad is it?' She signed through gritted teeth.
"Pretty bad. If we don't get you any help soon, it won't end well." I answered. Her eyes widened in horror at this.
'He left me. He left me.' Neo signed. Obviously referring to Roman leaving her behind. I tried to get her attention but she kept on signing the same thing over and over again. Clear as day that she was in shock and not from the blood loss.
"NEO!" I yelled out while grabbing her face. Her eyes snapped to me.
'What?' She signed.
"Don't hurt me for this Neo. But I am going to have to carry you. I know a place where they can help you." I told her. She seemed uncertain but relented.
'Just don't try anything funny.' She signed in warning.
I nodded and moved to the side and picked her up bridal style. She seemed to blush at this but just gritted her teeth in pain. Heading towards the door, I opened it and stepped out of the boiler room. Looking around to make sure we have not attracted any unwanted attention, I headed back the way we came to the spot where I confronted Roman and Neo. Sitting her down on the chair, I grabbed my bag and opened and pulled out the medical supplies and began to bandage the bleeding wounds to give her some time and reduce the chance for infection. She seemed like she wanted to ask something but the pain from what I was doing prevented her from doing so. Putting the stuff back in the bag and closing it, I swung the bag around my body before picking Neo back up. Making sure she was secure, I made way upstairs and back outside the train station. Looking around, I was about to call for a cab but fortunately saw one nearby. Going over to it, I knocked on the window. The driver looked at us and unlocked the doors. Opening the door, I placed Neo inside before getting in myself.
"Where to Mr. Arc?" The driver asked.
"The Continental. Hurry" I answered while giving her three gold coins. She nodded and began to take us there. As we made our way there, I opened my bag and give neo some painkillers I had to ease her pain somewhat. After about ten minutes, we arrived at The Continental.
"Here we are Mr. Arc." The driver said as she parked in front.
I nodded and gave her another coin for the blood that got on the seats. Opening the doors, I exited the vehicle before helping Neo out and picking her up again. Closing the door, I made my way over the building and opened the doors. Stepping in, I made my way to Charon. If her was curious or concerned as to why I was carrying someone, he did not let it show on his face.
"Mr. Arc. I see you have returned. And this time with a guest. How was your contract at Beacon?" He asked.
"Beacon is done for. No need to ever go back again. Is the doctor in?" I answered before asking.
"The doctor is always in Mr. Arc." Charon answered.
"Right. I would like a room for the night. And can you send the doctor." I told him while paying for the room.
"Very well Mr. Arc." He said before taking the coins and giving me the card key.
"Thank you, Charon." I said before heading to the room.
Heading over to the elevator, I pressed the button to call for it which thankfully quickly arrived. Stepping in, I pressed the third-floor button. The elevator closed before going up to third floor. Opening, we exited the elevator and headed to the end of the hallway to where the room is. Though as we made it there, I did not miss the look of amazement on Neo's face as she took everything in. It made inwardly smile a bit as I remembered the first time, I saw this place as I was also left in amazement. Getting to the door, I opened the door and stepped into the room. Closing the door, I placed Neo on the bed before taking off my bag and placing it on the bed. Taking out the rest of the medical supplies from by bag, I began to take off the bandages I placed on her earlier and replace them.
"I know you have questions. So, give them to me." I told her as I replace the wounds with fresh bandages. Might not be much, but it will hold until the doctor gets here to do a better job.
'Where are we?' She signed.
"The Continental. One of the main places of the Underworld. Nearly every assassin in Vale comes here to relax, eat or get new contracts." I answered.
'Underworld? Like how me and Roman are? Or something else?' She signed.
"Only to a certain extent can one consider you and Roman part of the Underworld. Think more in the line of assassins. But assassins are not the only part of the Underworld. There are many different types as well." I answered as I sat down in a nearby chair.
'Who was that man in front?' She signed.
"That is Charon. He is the concierge of this Continental. Think of him as the gatekeeper that either denies or grants access to the services of the Continental. And yes, there are other Continentals. All over Remnant. Each kingdom and town outside the kingdoms have at least one." I explained and answered her other question before she could ask.
'Why are you doing this?' She signed. This time with a raised eyebrow and tilt of her head.
"Doing what?" I asked confused as to what she was getting at.
'Saving me. Mere moments ago, before that encounter, Roman and I were about to attack you. Yet after that fight, instead of leaving me like so many people have done before, you decided to help me and even brought me here to get help.' She elaborated. At this, I fixed myself fin my seat to answer her question. Though I did feel a bit bad at the fact that she just admitted to always being abandoned in her life.
*Sigh* "Despite what many movies have portrayed us as, we are not animals. We even have rules as to what we can and cannot do. Like no business can be conducted on Continental grounds. And "recently," we overthrew the High Table which you could say were our old leaders in some sense. And from then on, we have been getting better in the sense of morals to an extent. But to answer you other question, as in why I saved you. Well, I saw you were frightened at everything that you just experienced. Not to mention, that despite you technically being a criminal, you still did deserve a fate like that. Dying like that on the floor or by the hands of someone the High Table sent is a fate nobody deserves. Besides, even though I don't know you fully, I know you still have a lot left to live for." I explained. But then I decided to add something else. "And besides, it would be a shame to lose someone as beautiful as yourself."
I could not help but let out a chuckle as she blushed like crazy and then stuck out her tongue at me like Ruby did a few times. Though she did let out a chuckle afterwards as well. We then entered a bit of an uncomfortable silence as we waited for the doctor to arrive. Luckily, a knock soon came which broke the tension. Getting up, I went over to open the door to see the doctor and Winston standing on the other side.
"Jonathan." Winston greeted.
"Winston." I greeted him.
"Where is the patient?" The doctor asked. I moved to the side so as to allow her in. He stepped inside and saw Neo. He immediately rushed to her side and put down his medical bag and got to work.
"Jonathan. Might I have a word with you?" Winston asked. I nodded.
"Be back in a moment Neo." I told her before closing the door and following Winston downstairs. We sat down at one of the tables I the lounge area. Soon the bartender came and gave us each a drink. I got some rum while Winston got whiskey.
"You know Jonathan. It was quite reckless to bring her here. What happened anyway? I thought you were going to head home today as it was the final day of your contract at Beacon." Winston asked.
"I was heading home when I felt Roman and Neo follow me into the train station. I decided to confront them before losing them. But as they were questioning me, I saw a few assassins stare down at me from the second floor of the train station. I instantly recognized them as enforcers of the High Table. I managed to confront them in the boiler room where I could fight without too much risk of drawing attention. I even took down Helena who seemed like she has been after me for quite a while. But after the fight, I saw Neo extremely injured and I knew I could not just leave her there. So, I brought her here to get help." I answered.
"While that was nice of you to not let her die, she is probably going to get targeted now. Not to mention, you have Neo here, but where is Roman?" He asked.
"Left in the middle of the fight. Neo tried to follow but the other assassins prevented her from doing so. I thought I would find him after the fight but no, he was long gone. And I knew the risk that she could get targeted but I refused to let her die there." I answered.
"Calm down Jonathan. I am simply reminding you that every action has consequences. Whether they are good or not has yet to be seen. Now, since we are here, why not we go over the papers of what you discovered in Beacon?" He asked. I reached into my suit and handed the papers to him. He took out his glasses and began to read them over.
"Not much from Beacon. In terms of teaching, students and faculty, it is lacking to say the least. So, needless to say, they won't pose much of a problem to us if the try and confront us. That is, if they discover us which is very unlikely. Doubt the High table would take any interest in them as well. Would be too risky if they tried something on them and would draw too much attention." I said going over all I learned from my time at Beacon,
"Well, then I can safely say this contract was a success and that we do not need to worry about them. Good Job Jonathan." Winston said as he put away his glasses. As he got up, he asked a question that I should have seen coming. "Before I leave. I must ask you this. What are you going to do about Neo?"
"I am not sure. I'll will ask her once the doctor is done with her." I answered though uncertainty seeped in my voice.
"Make sure that you do Jonathan." Winston said before leaving.
Putting down my drink, I began to think about that. Wondering what she was going to do once the doctor finishes up with her. Will she go back and try and find Roman or will she try and find some other place? And what about the off chance is she wants to stay with me for a bit. Highly unlikely but there is still the chance. Best ask her when the doctor finishes with her. Taking a sip of my drink, I made myself comfortable as I waited for the doctor to finish. About fifteen minutes later, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Looking up, I saw the doctor standing behind me.
"How is she doctor?" I asked her.
"She is fine now. All she needs now is to rest and not do any heavy activity. I gave her a shot which will boost her aura to help her recover completely by tomorrow. And if the off chance she needs to do any heavy activity, have her take this beforehand." The doctor answered before giving me a bottle of pain medication.
"Thank you, doctor." I told her while giving her the payment.
She nodded before grabbing her bag and leaving. Putting the medication in my suit's pocket, I went back up to the room. Opening the door, I stepped in and saw Neo had turned on the television and somehow got her hands on some ice cream. Hearing the door close, she looked up and smiled but winced a bit in pain. Taking a seat next to the bed, I got ready to ask her.
"How are you feeling Neo?" I asked her. She paused the television and set down her spoon she was using to eat her ice cream.
'Better now. Still processing a lot and have some pain still. But better.' She answered in sign.
"That's good. The doctor said you should be back to normal tomorrow. She also said to take these if you plan to do any heavy activities." I said as I handed her the medication.
'Thanks.' She signed as she took the medication from me. She was about to take another bit from her ice-cream when I asked her the question.
"What do you plan on doing now Neo?" I asked her.
'I am not sure. Maybe find Roman? But I am not sure what he would say about me not following him. He isn't always the nicest or most understandable. Maybe find a place to lay low for a while until I find some place to stay until I figure out what to do next.' She signed. Even though she did not say anything, I could tell she upset about the whole thing.
"Neo. I am going to offer you a choice. I need you to answer truthfully. As whatever you chose will bring a lot of new things." I told her. She seemed a bit confused but nodded.
'Alright, I'll answer truthfully. What's your offer?' She signed.
"If you want. You can come to my place and stay with me. For as long as you want. That is if you want. If not, that is fine as well. It's all up to you," I told her. She seemed shocked at this as her eyes widened in surprise.
'You're actually offering me a place to stay. Sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?' She questioned through narrow eyes.
"You can no longer be a criminal." I told her. She seemed to ponder this but also seemed extremely conflicted about it. "I'll let you think about-"
'I'll take it.' She quickly signed. This surprised me as I expected her to take a while before she came up with an answer.
"Okay. I'm glad you accepted my offer. We can leave tomorrow. But I have to ask, you seemed a bit eager in your answer. What's the reason?" I asked. She seemed to grow a bit sad at this and took a breath before answering.
'I have never really had a home. Nor someone who cared for me. The only reason I became a criminal was because of Roman. And the only reason I was with Roman was because he offered me a way to get food and have a roof over my head. And while I did enjoy the thrills for a while, I always looked for a way out as I never wanted to become a criminal.' She answered. Though as she was signing, her eyes started to water a bit. Seeing this, I moved to her side and placed my hand on her shoulder. She tensed at this but soon relaxed into it.
"Well, if you come with me. You will never have to worry about any of that again." I assured her. She turned to me and wrapped her arms around me before pulling away to sign.
'Thank you.' She said as she wiped her eyes.
"You're welcome." I told her with a smile. Happy that she accepted my offer.
'When do we leave?' She asked.
"Tomorrow morning. It's a long way to get to my home and you still need some rest." I answered. "Speaking of which, we should probably head to sleep soon as its close to midnight."
She turned to the clock on the room and saw that it was indeed near midnight. She then looked down at her ice cream before looking at me. Chuckling, I answered her question.
"Yes. You can finish your ice cream before we go to sleep." I told her. She smiled and resumed eating her ice cream.
'She is cute.' I thought as I saw her eat her ice cream with a smile on her face. Some of the ice cream landing on the corner of her lips.
As I watched her eat her ice cream, my mind went back to the event of today which made me realize how many things happened today. First, I finished my contract at Beacon and no longer have to go back there. Then there was that date with Velvet and dance with Pyrrha who seemed extremely happy to dance with me. Next was the confrontation with Roman and Neo followed by that attack from the assassins the High Table sent. And finally, learning the Neo never wanted to have the criminal life and that she is now going to live with me.
'Today has certainly been strange.' I thought with a smile.
Note:
I changed Neo a bit in this story to fit better.
Should Neo be inducted into the underworld and become an assassin?
Should Neo have a suit?