Beacon Continental
Chapter 4
I was sitting in a chair while reading the news on my scroll. It was currently eight in the morning and I was in the Continental. Lifting up the parasol in my hand, I looked over to the bed where Neo was sleeping. After she had fallen asleep, I had noticed that she no longer had her weapon. So, I went back to the train station and grabbed it. When I got there, the bodies were gone and the blood was wiped away with her weapon leaning on the side waiting for me to pick it up. Now back in the Continental, I was waiting for her to wake up.
'Looks like it's going to rain today and possibly for the rest of the week.' I thought as I read the weather on my scroll. Only to groan in annoyance as another onslaught of messages from my teammates popped up on my scroll. Sighing, I deleted them all and blocked each number so they won't be able to contact me again. At least for a while since I am sure they will try and find a way to get in contact with me again. Hearing a shuffling sound, I turned to the bed and saw that Neo had woken up and was stretching.
"Morning Neo." I said to her. Only to raise an eyebrow when she jumped in shock when she spotted me and began to frantically look around. I was about to try and calm her down but she seemed to do that herself as it seemed that she started to remember where she was.
'Morning Jaune.' She signed once she calmed down.
"How'd you sleep?" I asked as I put my scroll away.
'Fine.' She answered.
"Here, I got you your parasol back from the train station." I said as I gave it to her.
'Thanks.' She said as she grabbed her weapon and moved to sit on the edge of the bed. 'So, what's on today's schedule.' I was about to answer when I heard her stomach growl a bit which caused her to blush.
"How about we discuss that over some breakfast?" I suggested as I chuckled to which she stuck her tongue out at me. "I'll take that as a yes. Come on. Follow me."
I got up from my chair and headed to the door with Neo right behind me. Exiting the room, we made our way downstairs to the lunge area. Though as we did, I made a mental note to get Neo some fresh clothes as she is still wearing her current clothes from last night and had holes and dried blood on it. With the in mind, we continued to the lunge area where we took a corner table. Taking out my scroll, I pulled up a list of what the Continental has to offer and handed it to her.
"So, what do you feel like eating?" I asked her as we got comfy.
'Wow, there are so many options here! How about this waffle with Neapolitan ice cream?' She answered after being amazed at how many options there are on the menu. Which is true.
"Okay. Anything to drink?" I asked.
'Some coffee.' She answered as she gave me back my scroll. I turned to the waiter and told him her order along with mine. 'So, what's today's schedule?'
"Not much. After this, just head to my home. And sort out the weapons, suits and maybe open the wine I ordered a while ago to celebrate my contract at Beacon being over. Aside from just those things, just rest." I answered.
'I just thought of something. Last night, you said I cannot be a criminal any more. And while I agreed to that, don't you find it ironic coming from an assassin such as yourself?' She signed. I gave a light chuckle at that before answering.
"Only in a technical sense can an assassin be called a criminal. The term 'criminal' is typically associated with thievery, burglary, robbery and assault. Assassins are paid hitman essentially who are hired to take out a target without batting an eye. Which that alone also separates us from being associated with the term 'murderer' as well. As 'murderer' is classified as someone who kills another with premeditated malice. We just take the shot and get paid." I explained to her. Right about now, the waiter came back with our food. I began to dig in but Neo seemed to not even register that the food arrived yet.
'That is a fine line you guys walk. But also, have you studied to be a lawyer? Because I have a feeling you would make a great one with that explanation.' She signed clearly astonished at what I said. I was about to answer but Winston beat me to it.
"He didn't study, though I do have a feeling he might make a good one. But in this profession, one must know all the silver lines and loopholes in the law to make their time as easy as possible." He answered as he walked up to our table.
"Morning, Winston." I greeted him with.
"Jonathan. Neopolitan." He greeted back before turning to Neo and answering her question. "Yes. I know your name. Most of us here know your name even before Jonathan brought you here to have you patched up by the doctor. While you and Roman may not have been on the same level as us, we have caught word of your actions easily."
"What do you need Winston?" I asked him while signing to Neo that he was not a stalker.
"Just came by with a message from the Bowery King. He says that now, thanks to the layout you had the Cartographer sent him, he was able to send some of his men and set up an outpost at the places you suggested. And he also wanted to know what happened at the train station, Though I already informed him about that." He answered.
"Okay. Anything else?" I asked as I took a sip of my drink which was this time some herbal green tea.
"Yes. I do hope you have sorted everything out with Neopoloitan here." He stated to which I nodded. "Good. Now I do wish you a safe trip back home. Though, I do suggest, that before you head home, go on over to the tailor and have him create something for her. I do believe she is in need of some new clothes." He answered before taking his leave.
'He seems strange.' Neo signed as she watched him walk away before looking down and noticing that her clothes had some tears in them with dried blood staining it as well.
"That's just how he is. All business like. Now, do you actually want to go to the tailor that he suggested or would you prefer to just head to my home after we finish our food?" I asked.
'I think we can go over there as I actually am in need of some new clothes.' She answered while looking over her current clothes and all the holes and tears it had.
"Alright, let's finish up our food and then we can head on over there." I told her. She nodded and began to dig into her food. Though I did have to suppress another chuckle as I saw her face melt as she took her first bite of the food.
After about ten minutes, we finished our food. Getting up, we went back to the room so I can grab my stuff. Heading back downstairs, we went over to Charon and paid the fee. Heading out of the Continental, I hailed a cab for us. Luckily, one was nearby. Getting into the cab, I told the driver to take us to the textile place. Nodding, the driver took us there. After about forty-five minutes, mainly due to the rain, we finally arrived there. Getting out, I paid the driver and closed the door after Neo got out.
'I thought we were going to this tailor? Not a textile place.' She asked confused.
"Actually, this is the tailor. The textile part if just a front. The tailor is in the back." I explained.
She simply nodded in understanding. Walking forward, I opened the door for her and we walked up the steps to the second floor. She seemed a little surprised at all the fabric and people working in a small room. Walking over to a nearby table, I placed a gold coin on the table right in front of the lady working there. She grabbed it and placed it in a bag behind the desk. She then got up and guided us to the back to the tailor. Opening the doors, we entered the room where I saw the tailor looking over some fabrics with his partner. Hering the door close, he looked up and smiled once he saw us.
"Buongiorno Mr. Arc." He greeted with a smile as we shook hands. He then turned to face Neo. "E chi è questa giovane donna?"
"Her name is Neo." I answered.
"And I take it that she is need of a new dress or suit. Despite her trying to hide it with her semblance." He surmised. Surprising Neo that he easily saw through her illusion. She turned to me in surprise and for an answer.
"Your semblance and illusions are good Neo. However, you have to remember, we are trained to spot even the tiniest of details and inconsistencies." I explained. She seemed to just accept the answer but also seemed concerned about it as well. Turning back to the tailor, I answered him. "Yes, a suit. Both tactical and nontactical."
"Very well. If you will Ms. Neo, please step over here and we can get started." The tailor said while motioning for her to stand in front of the mirror. She moved to the spot with the tailor placing a trial vest on her. "Now, tell me, what style would you like you new clothes to be in."
'What styles can he make?' She signed turning to me. And got a little shocked when the tailor answered.
"We do understand sign language. And as for styles, we can make nearly any style that exists in Remnant. Mr. Arc here is wearing one of our suits right now. A Mistral evening social suit with tapered trousers and three buttons with tactical lining." The tailor answered.
'What do you mean by tactical lining?' She asked.
"As in we sew in cutting edge body armor into the lining as to protect the wearer from a multitude of different bullets coming their way. However, it is still quite painful." The tailor explained.
'How about a Vale style suit?' She asked.
"That we can do. Would you prefer it to be a formal or a social one? Day or evening?" The tailor answered before getting to work on taking her measurements.
'Social. I hate formal. I would also say evening.' She answered.
"Make one also for day as well." I interjected.
"Very well. What about the trousers?" He asked.
'What style do you have?' She asked.
"We can do tailored, cropped, palazzo, wide- leg, tapered, khakis, sailor and jumpsuits amongst a couple other types." He answered listing all the types.
'Cropped.' She answered.
"Now, would you like the top as a blouse or a jacket?" He asked as he finished taking her measurements. Neo turned to me and asked if she could have both. See no reason as to why she can't I agreed.
"A blouse and a jacket." I answered.
"How many buttons should the jacket have?" He asked.
'Two.' She answered after a moment of thinking.
"What color should they be? As well as the tie for the jacket?" He asked.
'The tie have it be pink, brown and white. The jacket and trousers can be black. And the blouse, I'd say have it a dark shade of red.' She answered.
"Excellent choice." The tailor said as he removed the trial vest and gave it to his assistant. "Your new clothes shall be ready and delivered by the end of the week."
'That quick?' Neo asked surprised. Clearly not expecting such a quick time to completion.
"There is a reason why he is the best Neo." I said with a chuckle as I paid him the fee.
"Buona giornata Mr. Arc e Neopolitan." He said as he took the coins and gave a smile.
Bidding him goodbye, we walked back out of his room and exited the building. Standing outside, I pulled out my scroll and called for a cab to take us to the train station back to my home. Putting away the scroll, I heard the sky crackle with electricity. Looking up, I saw that the sky was now really dark and thunder was roaring across the sky. Soon I felt some droplets hit my face. Feeling a tap on my shoulders, I saw Neo begin to sign me a question.
'Thanks for the new clothes. But I have to ask, if this textile is just a front, how many different places are just fronts and are really part of the underworld?' She signed.
"I can't really answer that exactly as there are so many of them just in Vale. The other kingdoms have plenty as well. All I can say is that many of the places you would think as ordinary or just nothing significant about them, are actually part of the underworld in some way, shape or form." I answered with a chuckle at her wide-eyed expression at realizing how big the underworld really is how she passes many parts or chains every day without realizing it.
'I also noticed that you had used those coins to pay the fee which should have been extremely expensive but also to have that lady let us through. What is the actual purpose of those coins and their value?' She signed before opening up her parasol to cover herself from the rain.
"The coins serve a dual purpose. One is to pay like I did with the tailor for his services. Their exact value is approximately two thousand lien to one gold coin. But don't quote me on that as I haven't checked their exact value in a while so I am not one hundred percent sure. As for their other purpose, they also serve as like a passage key to let one have enter/access the places and services of the underworld." I answered.
'So, your extremely rich technically?' Neo asked surprised. As soon as she asked this, our cab arrived. Opening the door, I let her in before getting in myself and closing the door. I quickly gave the driver directions to the central train station of Vale.
"Only to a certain extent can I be considered rich. But only in the underworld as in lien, I am making by but not crazy like some other assassins." I answered as I sat back in my seat.
'Can't you just exchange the coins to lien?' She asked. I shook my head at that.
"If only it was like that. Then I would not have to worry about anything. To those not part of the underworld, the coins might fetch a few lien but not a lot. Maybe about twenty lien per coin but I am not too sure." I answered.
'Where is your home located at anyway?' She asked.
"In one of the more remote coastal cities of Vale. In the suburbs to be exact. A quiet neighborhood where we won't be bother by anyone and everyone there pretty much knows each other." I answered.
'Why are we taking the train and not a bullhead then? Wouldn't it be faster and more convenient that way?' She asked after realizing how far my home is from here.
"A bullhead would be faster and more convenient but unfortunately, there are no airstrips near where I live. The closest one would be essentially an hour and a half away. If we chose to take the bullhead, we would still need to take the train anyway which would be a bit of a hassle. Besides the central train station of Vale actually has an express train to get there quicker." I explained.
'That is extremely convenient. But how long would it take to get there?' She asked.
"About an hour to an hour and a half." I answered as we arrived at our destination. Paying the driver, I then got out of the cab with Neo getting out the other side.
We then made our way down the steps and into the train station. Going past a few gates, rooms and down a few more steps, we eventually made it to the correct platform. Waiting a few minutes, the train soon came and stepped inside and took our seats. Once seated, we waited for the train to close its doors which it soon did and we were finally off towards my home.
'Finally. Homeward bound. Can't wait to sleep in my own bed and pop open the wine and enjoy a nice meal with a good movie. Speaking of which, I wonder how my life will be now that Neo is going to be living with me as a roommate. Which reminds me, I have set up the guest bedroom for her once we get there.' I thought as train began to leave the station. Feeling a nudge on my shoulder, I turned to face Neo.
'I'm going to take a nap. Wake me when we get there.' She signed.
"I will, don't worry." I replied. She gave a smirk and 'fixed' her position and laid her head on my shoulder. Unfazed, I just fixed myself so we would both be more comfortable.
'She certainly is cute as well.' I thought as I watched her fall asleep. Taking out my scroll, I looked through some news to pass the time. As well as deleting any new messages from my teammates that were under different numbers.
One Hour and Fifty minutes later
Hearing the barely understandable voice on the pa system come on, I realized that we were finally arriving at our stop. Turning to Neo, who had a smile on her face as she slept with her head still on my shoulder, I decided to wake her up before we pull into the station.
'Must be dreaming about Neapolitan ice cream.' I thought with a chuckle. Moving a bit, I raised my arm and gently shook her. "Wake up Neo. We're here." She blinked her eyes as she woke up. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes before turning to me.
'We're here?' She asked as she let out a silent yawn.
"About to pull into the station." I answered just as we arrived into the station with the doors opening up soon after.
Getting up, we exited the train and looked around for the steps and soon, we were out of the station we I began hailing a cab. Failing, I decided to take out my scroll and call one up. But as I did, I noticed the Neo was shivering a bit at the cold the rain and winds brought.
"Cold Neo?" I asked.
'A little. Not used to the cold weather.' She answered. Removing my bag, I took out a spare coat I had and gave it to her. She took it and placed it around herself and relished at the cold not being a problem now. 'Thanks.'
"No problem." I replied as the cab finally arrived. Walking over to it, I opened the door and we got in. Giving instructions to the driver, we were soon heading to my home.
Twenty minutes later
'THIS IS YOUR HOUSE!' Neo signed though I could easily tell that she was shouting in shock but in sign language. 'I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WERE NOT RICH!'
"Come on. Let's get you settled in." I said as I resisted laughing at Neo's shocked expression at seeing how big my house is and the fact that it has an inground pool a garage and a large back, side and front yard.
She followed me up the pathway to my house. Taking out the keys I unlocked the door and opened it. Stepping inside, I closed the door behind us and went to the kitchen. Placing my bag on the kitchen, I turned to see Neo was looking around in awe at the house. Shaking my head, I grabbed a bottle of water and went over to her.
"Having fun Neo?" I asked with a chuckle. She turned to me with an awe-struck expression.
'This place is awesome. Though, where will I sleep?' She asked as she continued to look around.
"Follow ne. I'll show you where your room is." I answered as I led her to the guest room. Going over to the staircase and going up to the second floor, we went down the hall to the room on the far right. Opening the door, I let Neo take a look around her room. And needless to say, she was amazed at her new room.
'This is a nice room.' She said as she sat down on the bed. 'It can easily compete with any room of any first-class resort. Or any placed I lived in before.' Sensing the not so pleasant memories, I decided to prevent her from dwelling on them. Luckily, a chance came in the form of her stomach grumbling again.
"Hungry?" I asked with a chuckle. She nodded. "Okay. I'll make something to eat. Is there anything you can't have or are allergic to?" A shook of her head told me she wasn't. "Okay. It'll be out soon. You can come down and watch some tv in the meantime."
She nodded and got off the bed and followed me downstairs to the living room. Heading into the kitchen, I began to prepare us something for us to eat. After about twenty minutes, I finished preparing our food and picked up the plates and bought it over to the living room where Neo was watching a movie about a computer hack whose name was also Neo learn that life maybe nothing more than a façade created by a cyber intelligence and must find a way to overthrow it. Placing the food down, I sat down next to Neo and began to eat.
'What did you make?' She asked as she began to eat in the food. And judging by the look on her face, she really liked it.
"Chicken alfredo. Well, a version of it. This recipe I learned while I was in Vacuo once. The main difference is in the way it is prepared. This way, the flavor is more enhanced and richer while leaving a very pleasant taste in your mouth." I answered.
'Didn't you say you ordered wine a while back?' Neo asked.
"That's right. Let me get it." I said as I wiped myself and get up and went over to where I had the tailor and other place what I ordered. Grabbing the wine, I went back up and grabbed two glasses and brought it over to the table. Only to see that Neo had finished her plate and started to eat. She just gave a sheepish grin when she realized I caught her. I smiled as well and placed the glass in front of her and filled it.
"It's okay. I'll make some more if you want. But now, shall we have a toast?" I told her before asking.
'To what exactly?' She asked as she wiper her hands.
"A new chapter in our lives. One closes and another opens." I answered after giving it a moment of thought. She seemed to think about it for a moment before agreeing as well. We raised our glass and made the toast to the new chapter. Unaware, that soon, the underworld war, is going to geta whole lot bigger and deadlier.
Note:
Next chapter the story will pick up again. This was just to set it up.
Jaune's house is like John Wick's house except a bit bigger.
I am not sure what the actual value of the gold coins are. I just placed a random number there.
The reason for the parents staying at Beacon will be reveled in a chapter or two.
Buongiorno translates to good morning.
E chi è questa giovane donna? translates to and who is this young woman?
Buona giornata translates to good day.