Worm
The Grimm
Chapter I
Sitting outside an office while reading a book did Grimm find himself absently humming while people in business suits continuously eyed him warily. Dressed in plain dress shoes along pants matching both in coloration as a long sleeved red cuff shirt followed the lone tie neatly tucked inside it. Besides wearing an oddity of a camouflage cap as always, it'd been expectant to dress accordingly when meeting the supposed head of Empire-Eighty Eight, even if it'd been forcibly demanded regardless of how much it'd been arranged. And wearing dark tinted glasses didn't help alleviating those who considered him less informal in open view, a consequence of being near sighted.
Rascal, I hope you know you'll owe me big time for this stunt. I never wanted to meet Kaiser, or anyone in this gang but like I said. Staring out of a peripheral towards some secretary who'd been pleasant enough to talk about Latin languages and other casual conversations. She was older, married and lamented about children these days were getting incredibly out of hand concerning norms that were just absolutely awful. I'm a man of my word, I try too despite all things considering. And if dealing with these people is needed, fuck it and roll with the punches as they say.
Still it'd been interesting few days with having an actual Thinker underneath his group which had been stagnating officially. Group seemed loosely stated though, if only those around him expected something to happen. Most worked long days, or nights as many were simply human and few pushed for activism to instead observe news narratives, occasionally post supposedly 'wrong think' information articles, or simply debated staunch opponents to where they got banned off the internet. Overall it was simply another acceptance for taking a stand, but Rascal had been quite useful in attaining statistics about crime, life style and brought about genuinely stimulating questions about who controlled fiances between the PRT, Federal government and other private parties.
It'd take time as always, but how much would change was left in doubt. Oh well, don't worry about what-if's and instead focus in what you can do. Ever since arriving in Brockton Bay, Grimm personally assumed said city was another hole of degeneracy and it'd been worse entirely. It was simply just a cesspool of some twisted powder keg, dangerous and utterly making himself think twice about going back into hiding. But the PRT itself would come after him, Rascal or anyone associated in order to achieve their agenda for making him some sort of conformed 'hero'. Honestly it'd been interesting to see the Thinker pull up information about what he'd hacked into honestly.
I'm a potential Class-A threat, or something is that right? Who decided that, I wonder? It wasn't incredibly alarming given he hadn't been exposing himself to be considered anything less than dangerous. But potentially, if Rascal's information proved truthful then someone in PRT classified himself just underneath a category reserved for world changing dangers. Yet even Grimm doubted personally absently whispering while reading several pages passing time away comfortably, "Rather flattering just to get me under their thumb. Class-A, level whatever! I don't want to imagine who comes up with that kind of bullshit fear mongering, information said it'd due to being one of the first trying to enforce political 'terrorism', back then."
Apparently from what his newly minted Thinker came up after being allowed access to build an incredibly efficient machine for some beast of a computer, he'd kept his word in getting back data hidden away on a digital cloud. PRT is keeping tabs on all known para-humans who've broken the law, or outright altered normal political agenda's normally kept in place. Question is why am I so highly valued, is it because I'm the only one actually trying to push something Uncle Same loathes, or are they afraid I'll be able to do more? Pretty hard to do when I'm living in a home with room mates, working late nights and keeping myself as steady as possible.
Seven years of simply blending back in with normalized society working, living and simply ignoring everything came with practiced experience. Stoicism had it's perks, but ultimately it was a dying art and difficult to even remotely put into practice given it made things unbearable. Grimm exhaled reluctantly while rereading a favorite piece of literature, "Marcus Aurelius: Meditations." It was such a good book in his own humbled opinion, it'd been entirely useful and nonetheless kept himself from going anything extremely jarring to ruin what little peace he'd safeguard. And personally seeing people react thunderously confused added to that humor entirely, he'd done nothing since that event.
"John Smith?" Grimm looked hearing that alias cliché as an elder woman smiled kindly, "You can go through for your appointment, dear." Placing a plain piece of paper torn from one newspaper earlier left another mark where he'd leave off, "Thank you, madam. Try to enjoy your day, thanks for passing the time and I hope you weren't bothered too much."
She nodded politely to simply remark, "It was a good conversation, young man. Not many people tend to talk about what you read into, apparently." That got an amused look with bashful chortling when he walked past shrugging both shoulders openly. History, I bet no one cares about it until someone thinks they'll lose their smart phone. But least she helped me with some Latin words, I heard about since learning it is a bitch and god knows harder it'll get. Speaking it is just difficult, but it definitively sets me apart from anyone suspecting a mass murderer.
Bypassing closed doors which were an expensive wooden exterior as a crown meddled within yellowed red met his eyes. Kaiser owns a company, why isn't that shocking? Groups who've been around longer have connections, what do I have? Musing irritably mainly because many refused to do anything, or outright ignored using wealth to simply accumulate more of it hardly stemmed change itself. Small group of activists who get ridiculed, laughed at, ignored and demonized for saying facts about changing people. Yet might as well dance with the devil you know, or risk getting caught up in far more sketchy shit.
The office's interior had a decent view despite being mid way up some skyscraper downtown and Kaiser sat waiting looking over paperwork. For such a leader of Empire-Eighty Eight, Grimm noticed how casual he appeared where a name on some slate identified himself publicly. CEO: Max Anders, huh? A pair of blue eyes stared sharply while an overt smirk appeared far too pleased. God damn it must be nice having your name on a parking spot, desk and no one thinks twice this guy ran a gang on these streets. Rich people seem to just have everything, damned silver spoons and the list goes on since it makes sense he'd be connected somehow to Brockton Bay's power struggles.
Taking a seat while crossing both legs did he get addressed, "You're quite a simple man, Smith." Kaiser's voice seemed far too confident given it was indeed a simplistic meeting, "Taking in that Thinker of all times? You must be too kind for you own good, I can only imagine how, or why you've been laying low for seven years...Grimm." Subtle insults nonetheless were ignored given they didn't pertain to getting that mess settled, it'd only be wiser to just take the hits and go with what he'd expected from such leaders operating for years.
"God's got a sense of humor." He stated wryly to wave off any insult previously, "Word is you know someone calling himself, Coil right? Think he can make Rascal get off public record, least officially so some of the heat dies down. Can't exactly get him a job without someone running back ground checks, or social security at the warehouse I work part time at." Kaiser, or Anders smiled rather charmingly despite it reeking of exploitation which was expected as always. He hardly met this man yet already it'd be annoying enough to not get caught up with him entirely.
"Depends." Kaiser's tone turned sterner as Grimm raised an eyebrow when a piece of metal came literally right at his face! What the fuck is this?! A knife of some sort had folded over when said scrap churned and struggled between them both. Pieces started rigidly formulating until several stakes thinner than an inch extended rapidly leveling right at Kaiser's exposed neckline. It was an unseen battle of will, control and utter aggression as blues met tinted glasses quite pleased. No one told me this guy was a fucking para-human too! Shit, if I didn't know any better I'd say he controls metal just as damned good as I'd ever do.
For an entire sixty seconds metal stakes and knives appeared nearly skimming each other until a curt request came next, "Perhaps you share more in common with us than you'd like to think, Smith." Referring to that alias again allowed metal to return onto a desk's surface as if nothing had been yanked, or unnaturally formulated. Grimm smiled plainly not liking that assumption, "Pretty sure we're both white, but Empire and I aren't friendly. You called us nationalists a bunch of wannabees years ago on the net, media found out and made it worse off. Now I'm not an impatient person, so please don't try to make this a dick sucking contest."
The chief executive officer wasn't amused lightly yet made it clearer, "Coil's services is an expensive business. I could make it happen, but at what price is your problem." That wasn't an issue considering it was implied Kaiser had wanted him personally, "So name it, pal. I gave my word, I don't intend to back out of it regardless of what you're threatening me with. I've waited seven years, it's plenty of time looking in a mirror and seeing what I'll do."
Ander's expression turned calculatingly as if wondering what exactly he'd been hiding away intentionally. Call my bluff, man. I dare ya too, I did what I wanted to do back then. Smiling pleasantly did he provoke said man out of whimsical thought alone, "I'm a wanted man, Max. Use it, or lose it because it's what I have besides saying hell no in you asking me to join your...gang. Your blond friend has an ass, but she'd probably cuff me if I tried telling her off." Referring to an initial contact who'd tracked him down after one night at a bar didn't help things, a friend mouthed off bragging and nearly got himself killed for it.
"Bring your gear to this address." He slipped one note of paper neatly folded leaving little to question since he'd been working for them immediately, "If you're late, Rascal's location is leaked and no more questions until you're forced to me for protection. Clear cut, no funny business and maybe Empire will consider you as an honorary associate under my word, alone Grimm." Hazel eyes rolled unseen mainly due to what was again expected. Being an indentured servant to this guy is going to be fucking peaches and cream, I bet! Not even getting paid for risking my neck, but Rascal will be worth it, or else I'm selling his ass off to PRT through some 'anonymous' tip, or whatever flying fuck they have for a hot line if things get sketchy.
Pocketing that slip would be necessary later to read and burn it, "You make it happen, I walk away and we'll just keep a price tag on lay away. Just don't make me miss work, or else I'll be pissed." Getting up without needing prompting would have been perfect yet Kaiser barked out, "Don't think you're top of the food chain down here, wise ass. You're nothing in public eye, even other capes won't think twice and take you in without hesitating. Seven years ago you'd have a chance in making anyone cave, but you're in the lime light and therefore another target."
Grimm looked over his shoulder grinning quite pleased, "Exactly! And it's how I wanted it, I love it when everyone thinks I wanted to be some bad-ass motherfucker." There wasn't any angle to exploit whenever it was too simple, but if anything people tended to believe what they damn well wanted to believe. Of course I'm considered dangerous, it's too easy for everyone else to assume what I'd do, it's useful advice from idiots. Crazy for sure, but that just makes everyone else insane while I'm just dancing around until I get a burger on some Sunday afternoon watching anyone lose their minds over one act I've done.
Kaiser's face twisted momentarily as if realizing something incredibly off leaving Grimm to continue walking out, "You're serious?" Said man turned again shrugging partially, "I'm just another white man in America, Anders. Just another man, so why bother playing villain, or hero when better idiots make themselves known leaving people like me...to just slip by." There wasn't anything to do save for hiding, waiting and just allowing things to occur. No one needed to commit mass murder on a daily basis, or prove those being demonized wrong when power just made it worse. Of course, I'm no genius but everyone collectively lost their minds on that weekend. And I just sat at home watching it because I made my point whether people like it, or not.
Apathetic hardly could be fingered when Kaiser stared hard before making a solid point, "Waiting and watching is what lead your movement to fracture, die and inevitably become the laughing stock for every politician in this country. And when you acted, it got attention raising questions when you had power to speak over even lesser men." Grimm smiled pleasantly yet again displaying an outlook akin to naivety, "Then I got want I needed, pal. Nothing more, nothing less and hoped someone else could lead when I was better just following."
Staring ahead did a fading supposed boogeyman also admit another ironic joke, "I never lead unless I'm forced into it, Kaiser. I wasn't born for it, hell I loathe it and if push came to shove?" He looked at a book which held enough for him to bare such stress of being wanted for mass murder, "I'll do it again, but if someone's got solutions why bother becoming a villain? So try not to worry about my ideals, I could care less when fact is I'm fighting for my people's survival in a world that hates them and the Endbringers didn't do us any favors."
And with that a man known as Grimm walked right out of Empire-Eighty Eight's leaders office immediately. Part of being a decent guy, even if I killed an entire state house. All they want is monsters on their terms, but I'll be my own monster. Smiling to himself did the man walk right past an elder woman while politely nodding his goodbye to her. It'd been a nice day weather wise, so going for an afternoon stroll on a day off would be entirely worth it. Brockton Bay did have it's better areas after all for some enjoyment.
Nightfall came quickly over an entire city which descended into a nocturnal cycle of activity. Grimm knocked several times on a doorway with an entire green ragged army like duffle bag slung over one shoulder, "Things I do to get someone else a job." It had faded numbers yet a name had been completely scratched off, as far as anyone knew he'd been a veteran at least. Ironically most never suspected it, or actively thanked him for his service despite doing one term at best. Best cover is hiding right in plain sight, I love it.
The building itself was along some water line near an ocean where shipping lanes sporadically kept going despite dangers of past histories. A door opened moments later revealing one man who eyed him shrewdly, "You're Grimm?" Said person lightly handed over a card verifying that Kaiser's signature had been hand written physically. It didn't take long to see disbelief in seeing doubt, "What's the job? I have tonight and tomorrow night off, so don't waste time. Sooner you tell, sooner Grimm make's an appearance and you leave happier."
An irritated look which was ignored when he was gestured to head inside, "Suit up and meet your team for tonight. Down the hallway, take a right and there's one bathroom." At least this man seemed civil to avoid bullshit, or insults yet it'd probably been said to not antagonize for whatever would go down for tonight. Sketchy place, sketchy fucking place! Either this is going to end up bad, or else I'm confessing my sins to a priest next Sunday. Can't believe my best friend got me going out of habit, still can't figure out why I triggered in that barracks room that night.
Moving along eyeballing various tattooed muscle men, or women who eyed him suspiciously since most were die-hard members by sight alone. Shivering involuntarily he quickly followed direction to where a modest looking bathroom for both genders stood out, "Hopefully it's empty." Pulling back a metallic handle left little to imagine as an entire locker room made him hum rather impressed. If it were just a bathroom, it certainly seemed to be a former employee area meant for dock workers and that wasn't a half bad job to get into honestly.
Picking out an empty locker became too easy given only one, or two were bare for supposed members of a team being loaded up tonight. Jesus, I really got myself into shit I'd rather not imagine. Placing down a duffle promptly while changing out casual clothes proved to be misleading, "You're our new heavy hitter? Grimm?" Said man jumped looking over a shoulder in seeing an individual whose very tone sounded disgustedly disappointing. Does everyone just wait, shut up and try to act like some fucking ghost?
It was a woman without doubt given her face scowl perpetually leaving little to imagine, "I'm the pizza guy, extra cheesy and all." Her entire outfit screamed whiteness given not one singular inch was anything different, shorter than even an old friend and looked quite angry. Who is this? Snow fucking white, seven dwarves and a kid's show? And that joke hardly seemed to appease that face anymore than corny attempts aside for himself.
"Kaiser must be losing his mind!" She stated far more angrily at said person over him probably, "You're really Grimm? Same man who killed an entire state house? And disappeared because he was a joke of a figure?" Grimm smiled pleasantly to start removing his own shirt revealing a gray wife beater shirt exposing tattooed arms, "Hey! Don't bad mouth me woman, looking like snow white and I'd look in a mirror if you think I'm a joke!"
Obviously that proved dangerously idiotic once a glowing light literally came from nowhere and sliced into a locker. Okay...bad idea, bad idea! Despite barely coming up to his own chin a woman whose eyes stared quite easily provoked whispered, "Remember my name, it's Purity." Fairly alert did metallic lockers shake before stakes came within inches of her face, Grimm's own smile lessened mainly due to making his own point. She'd have been dead, if he'd pushed faster to really even out aggression against aggression.
"Play nice, Purity and I'll do what Grimm does best." She looked over seeing metallic stakes sharpened as ripples along polished metal strained going further to lengthen, "Kaiser is a man I wish to forget, and he'd happen to find someone who mirrors him without even realizing it. Typical!" Her glowering face dimmed considerably as stakes retracted back into their origins, Grimm started unpacking clothing from within an incredibly tight space humming absently. She's really a hardcore bitch, or maybe cunt if I'm giving too much credit. Oh well, roll with it and do your job!
Apparently manipulating metal itself was something he shared out of sheer coincidence to a man who'd been leader of this gang's operations. Rubbing facial hair before asking mainly curious, "So what's the job?" Keeping a curt discussion about business while slipping into blackened clothing provided some ample consideration, "Not really familiar with gangs, or what they do. Besides shooting up people over drugs, or whatever shit I've heard on television."
Brown eyes watched in a hawkish manner when firearms came out neatly, a simple glock design and shotgun which had been picked up probably cheaply. Her answer wasn't entire comforting, "PRT is moving in on one of our safe houses, Kaiser wants you to send a message. We'll be getting our people, supplies and weapons out while you do what you did. Clears us of all potential witnesses, but you take the heat for us." She explained quite dubiously as if not willing to believe the man was actually a demonized figure whose paranoia about him was infamous. It certainly explained a lack of activity and causing security to sky rocket around every possible State, or Federal building conducting politics during the first years.
"Sounds clear cut, I like it." He stated genuinely unconcerned save for inwardly in knowing it'd drawn an entire media frenzy from home again. Rascal, I'm so going to feed you to sharks if I even hear someone tagging my face. Fuck me, I should have killed him! Lamenting annoyed while slipping on a vest as a simple belt where one plain brown hostler for the pistol clipped into place, a few unused magazines were placed inside pockets along legs. Even if firearms were redundant, it never hurt to get up close and personal with solid slugs.
Purity gave off an even more pronounced scowl when she'd known why he was among them, "Sticking your neck out for a lesser people is disgusting. So much for 'white' nationalism, or are you pretending to be civil?" Grimm's eyes narrowed mainly for reliving that age old insult, "He's a Thinker. Only one that I happened to get, so can't complain unless he gives me a reason to make him chum for sharks off the coast. Difference between us is you're fighting for a reality that'll never happen, I fight for my people's right to live and endure to decide their own destiny. It's also a reason it's so convenient many group us together...as one big'old hate whitey speeches."
She snorted finding those views absolutely pathetic, "Idealism? You make me sick!" A laugh came next when leaning against a locker which would've killed her moments ago, "The great 'Grimm' who made headlines, who had a cult following and everyone wanted you to be the next 'Furher', if I remember that hysteria years ago. Almost wished you were someone who had balls..." What happened next shut that line of word abruptly in an angered display making even someone who'd have killed a man for lesser offenses.
One lone metallic stake shot up from beneath the floor as water came sputtering due to it being a pipe line. Purity's chin tingled when ice cold metal came within mere scant millimeters of piercing soft flesh, "I don't give second chances, woman." Teeth were exposed due to a snark leer getting quite visibly wider, "I'm no leader, like I told your boss. You all just expect me to be some bad ass mother fucker who'll do whatever it takes...which, I could if I wanted too. So do me a favor, shut up and learn where to not drag up old conspiracies."
Tattoos symbolizing an eagle being chained around a cross gripping one lone skull weaved together and in having Latin words on unraveling scrolls wrapped around a bicep to said chains towards pillars were on display, "I'm Grimm." Hazel eyes were visibly wide when that leering turned itself further into one full blown smile, "I can be quite dangerous like any other para-human whose got some bite to their bark. But better people than me are simply naturals at it, I just bluntly tell you to fuck off." There wasn't going to be friendships in this kind of place, it'd only be threats and assurances in warning people off.
"You had your chance seven years ago, Grimm." Purity spoke far too sardonic stepping away as a lone stake retracted back underneath where water ceased sputtering, "Everyone would have been terrorized of a cape declaring his crusade against this corrupt nation. Now you're a terrorist, a joke and no one fears you save for some person sitting in his home. Kaiser at least doesn't hide behind a facade once it cracked, I hate hypocrites and I hate liars for thinking someone else would come along to do what needs to be done. And guess what?"
She leaned vindictively to whisper far too assured, "You're both and a piece of shit." The woman started walking away leaving him alone to his thoughts. Don't remind me, I watched every news media outlet demonize me, a movement and it faded because everyone laughed when it'd been just some lone act a man did. It was edgy, it was scary and everyone loved it. But it'd been a willing decision to just allow that momentum to shift away hopefully for others to find solutions. Yet actions seemingly overpowered words as an ignorant public lost interest, it'd been buried as another memorial for nothing to change.
"Yeah, I let an opportunity go because I only did what someone else wished." He muttered shaking his own head while changing into cleaned up gear. Gripping gloves while tightening them as both pistol, shotgun and clothing secured themselves by idle hands methodically checking everything over in practiced routine. Part of being a decent guy, do what you promised and uphold your word regardless if I'm supposedly powerful. Load of horseshit, I fucking did what I wanted and everyone thought twice being careful about what was passed because it'd ruin those who'd been forgotten by agendas leaving us to whither into guilt ridden holes.
Checking himself over along bathroom mirrors where eyes stared right back far too used in seeing themselves deeply. Cracking his own neck briefly, "Time to play, monster." Placing tinted glasses over them while walking away did an entire room start quaking as various metallic objects openly, or hidden started quivering in place. It'd been too long since cutting loose after being cautious around those inside a home he'd come to enjoy, if only barely through sheer kindness of people offering somewhere to be call as home itself.
"Shame on you for having a slight hope, it's what you get for taking that step into the light." Turning away did Grimm finally emerge out from the locker room where another person outfitted in what had to be surreal imagination. Here I thought black would be my look, but guess it's too universal for sticking to what makes you look good. A black costume with some sort of cowl as well some sort of utility belt stocked with grenades of some-kind stood out most obviously. An entire heavy cloak concealing most of a lithe frame met eyes similarly blue yet they weren't prominent enough for Grimm to say they were common again.
Gesturing loosely to start some sort of conversation did he ask simply, "And you're who exactly?" This woman had a thick accent of German ironically leaving little stereotype to die gracefully, "Night." Her gaze frigidly didn't look impressed considering of prior knowledge of who'd been coming as their heavy hitter, "Now come, mongrel! Purity is gathering us for our job." Apparently purity of being a mixed European didn't settle well with these hard-core people much to Grimm's internal amusement in finding those views draconian funnily enough.
He followed simply without a word until reaching an open doorway leading into some sort of opened up area. One massive truck with it's trailer hitched greeted him to whistle partially, "How much did that cost to rent out for tonight?" Several men loading the back of it glared at his voice alone, Night didn't so much humor that question to sneer faintly. Yeah, I feel real welcomed in a place where people hate my guts. Well at least I know I won't be seeing them outside of work, it's bad enough I have to deal with them all together.
"Is this the so called 'Grimm' we heard about?" Someone voiced out utterly disbelieving causing hazel eyes to look over a shoulder. An incredibly pale albino like man had bulging arms crossed in a brazen yet assured manner intent on ripping any person apart. What is this place? A freak show, or is this hate on me surprise day? Sketchy people aside, I have half a mind to leave. From behind a sneering answer revealed itself naturally disdainful for even mentioning said man, it certainly got old due to being viewed as literal waste.
Night's clipped tone harbored superiority, "This mongrel is as such, Kaiser's order." Chucking came around a trailer when some other man agreed, "Love! Why waste your breath on this inferior mix breed, it's bad enough to stain this air we share." Grimm whistled before clapping rather happily to admit, "I'm French and Germanic, pal. Who knew you were a psychic, can I ask if I'll win the fucking lottery? Christ almighty, ya know I'd be praying."
If these two were matching pairs in terms of uniform then it was perfect without doubt. Gray coloration matched a blackened mirror as they were introduced curtly by Night, "Fog and Alabaster." Grimm clicked his tongue not even humoring their insults, but managed by asking brightly enough to put a few of them off entirely. Lifting a finger knowingly, "Anyone else? Because I've waiting for the four eyes comment, do I hear any takers?"
Apparently that wish got granted when a sneering scoff met his ears, "Pretenders don't belong anywhere near what our people deserve. Hell I'm fucking sick of this guy running his mouth already and he's supposed to be 'Grimm'?" Metallic plating followed grinding footsteps when some sort of replicated knight of old greeted amazed hazel orbs. Whistling yet again far more interested did he point out, "And who is this? Sir Dick Head?"
Night again spoke one word, "Crusader." Grimm looked from head to toe in a man who looked akin to some Knight's Templar armor, literally. Besides having symbolizing the crusades which had been arguably the defense of Europe, he slipped out smoothly, "Teutonic Knights are better. Templar's are incredibly terribly cliché pal, but if you can't hear me?" Raising a hand while saluting mocking in formal military conduct, "Yeah, I'm Grimm."
Between these four individuals it'd might as well been some damned firing squad metaphorically speaking. These guys scream obnoxious stereotypes, god maybe people have a point. We get lumped in because of key differences, ah well ignorance is bliss. Crusader's face while covered possibly sneered when realizing he'd served, "Fed." Spitting out that word hardly changed a fact soldiers were employees of Uncle Sam's hands, "And we're supposed to use this tool? Purity is Kaiser fucking going bat shit crazy from not getting any from you, at all?"
Said woman had been leading against a rack of tires meant for their vehicle tonight, or for future usage sneered visibly, "Yes. And watch your mouth, or I'll feed your tongue to the dogs." Grimm inwardly cringed realizing these people weren't shy about offing him personally, it'd been clear none of them cared for what had happened seven years ago. As Purity stated beforehand, he'd been forgotten mainly and few hardly remembered after all things considering. Expected yet always a hassle whenever doubt came freely behind confidential arrogance.
"When we rolling out?" Grimm eventually asked mainly to kill off some silence which fell as a shorter woman grunted out, "Soon."Common sense dictated closing his mouth yet an impeccable grin returned to ask further, "Know how many? More I know, faster you get to glare at me." Said expression came natural to this woman who reluctantly gave off a nice pretty detail, "PRT is sending several armored carriers and several squads, maybe a hero or two pending information confirmation. Kaiser sent word ahead to me, if questions are asked about only business it meant he's expecting you to deliver, but don't let it get to your head."
Inspecting various people loading up inside a trailer indicated their go ahead was about to commence momentarily. Couple dozen armed privatized cops acting as soldiers, I guess that'll do even if I know most of them signed contracts. They're dead men, I'd hate to be the one who writes letters back home to their families if they have any. Guilt long ago had fled when those who chose sides were just targets, an expected natural occurrence and Grimm wasn't a stranger into being conditioned. Soldiers either willingly, or unwilling knew how to turn off that switch in which many believed was mercy yet it was simply consciousness.
"Tell me something, Purity." He asked conversationally smiling while staring out towards windows up ahead into cloudy skies, "Do you want them officially tagging Grimm, or keep it clean?" Her eyes narrowed when several who'd been teaming up looked on interestingly enough. If I'm coming back into a spotlight, it'll be my good side shown. Let the whole country know, I'm back and I'm quite annoyed that nothing changed because everyone got arrogant. Why do I hope for so much, people never change unless they're forced too, or have a gun pointed at their skull being forced to sign away everything that made us...us.
Although Crusader laughed loudly daring him personally, "Let's see what this pretender can do, so show us Grimm why you're a joke." This idiot just damned whoever would show up tonight, Grimm smiled widely to relay back, "Challenge accepted. Oh well, I guess you'll learn when to not tempt a man whose not afraid to make things happen. Better keep that helmet on, or else you might lose an eye to someone like me. Remember that, pal!"
From up ahead someone got a text by shouting out, "Boss!" Purity glanced over when waving indicated that they needed to go, "We have an hour! Got word they're moving, we gotta haul ass." Immediately she gestured for everyone to load up into the back of said trailer, yet Grimm had other ideas when raising a hand as metallic objects started moving lazily spreading and widening as chains, pipes or anything loose flattened into a stair case. Walking upwards to plant himself on top did he cheekily state, "I'll take the scenic route, if ya don't mind. It's warm enough tonight for someone to enjoy the city sights at night."
Apparently being locked behind doors with him wasn't entirely unwelcome as none of the five seemingly cared about his decision. Besides less I know about them, better off I'll be without getting too nosy for my own good. Stick to the deal, roll with it and if they fuck me over? Kaiser's location certainly wouldn't be lessened, if he'd have to tip off authorities given their situation. But fortunately it seemed Empire wasn't in business of screwing over those who'd assist them, or so he imagined given Anders wasn't afraid of meeting him face to face.
Although that's a two way street, he knows where I lives and that alone is enough to keep me relatively from thinking otherwise. It wasn't entirely impossible to assume he knew about him personally, Grimm's public identity had never been found out. All in part from never being seen again, or rather said person just never went any where after his moment. Christ, I boxed myself in willingly and I'm feeling these walls for danger getting awfully close. Haven't been this wounded up in ages, not since expecting PRT to kick in my door.
Contently sitting down near where the truck's cabin was hitched to a trailer, Grimm found himself ducking conveniently underneath an exit's roof. But soon enough whoever drove began quickly circumventing routes in order to punch the vehicle into higher gears along warm breezes to blow strongly. Yeah, it's a nice early summer night. Not too hot, cold but relatively nicer for this time of the year. Maybe moving to Maine sounded better in hindsight, it's got a nice northern coastline even if Nova Scotia is now our new Atlantis. Wiped out more of our people, homes and lands more than any world war from seventy plus years ago.
Regardless whether making another public appearance after seven long years would change anything remotely again. It didn't matter considering Grimm as a figure was either forgotten, or written off as another sign of their times. Let's find out if the PRT is still interested in coming after me, if Rascal's information is really true to it's core. Someone out there kept tabs on me, or tried too and as a result I'm still a wanted man. Either way tonight would spell another chapter in his life whether many demonized him once again, or outright kick started what many had seen years ago in driving his people into weaponized guilt even further.
Waiting for an expected raid turned out honestly boring when it'd been leaked as Grimm realized impatiently. Leaning against a stone wall adjacent to an exact building where Empire's crew began hastily, if a bit incredibly organized started vacating all people, supplies and whatever they had stored in some store front loading dock. Above were apartments meant for members, or possible people who'd join them yet overall it'd been a smooth job so far. Everything seems to be going well, oh...maybe not since I hear them coming.
Eyeing armored carriers turning around an avenue's main street where various vehicles started going off due to rumbling put all thought to rest. Show time! Casually getting off from where he'd been standing did Grimm walk past parked cars, "Sorry, roads closed!" Turning to face carriers whose spot lights and sirens started flashing brightly did he raise a hand. Tingling sensations ran along his spinal cord up behind a skull as adrenaline largely made what came next almost reliving. It'd been too long since he'd cut loose control, strict as it'd been daily.
Tingling sensations akin to shivers ran along both arms as fingers curled when unseen weight formed within palms making him exhale, "Been too long." Resistance lightly pulled as car alarms began going off in sheer earnest due to tires suddenly uplifting attached to bodies of metallic fodder, "None of you should have signed that dotted line, you got what you asked for!" Grimm laughed loudly before viciously throwing all his weight behind a motion akin to pitching from some baseball mound causing an immediate chain reaction when rumbling underneath his very feet started dislodging foundations of buildings, pipe lines and anything else buried further downward.
Two cars probably belonging to average families smashed head along both sides of an armored carrier causing it to skid abruptly when spot lights caved inwards. Raising two fingers said vehicle literally groaned out of sheer strain as it flipped leisurely frontwards skidding, scrapping and causing ear shattering screeching enough to shatter windows nearby. Glass, metal and engines crumbled when it began caving inwards in a vicious display, "Oh, I love it when everyone forgets about things because it's easier to live in ignorance. God damn me, I hate this feeling but it's too damned natural to say it ain't too good."
Light poles bent underneath unseen forces crushing them as pieces broke off contorting into rigid squealing of stakes. They shot sideways pinning another transport right into some building, it'd sent windows and walls crumbling when various lights turned off in near immediate panic. Occupants who'd lived there were only collateral witnesses, an overt natural occurrence as stone gave way to support beams shooting outwards impaling vehicles. And Grimm never once broke a crooked smile finding solace after being doubted due to his own violation, "Wonder if there's any survivors? I hope that Templar guy is watching, he'd wanted a big introduction and I'm a man of my word to show that Grimm hasn't gone away."
One massive stake arose from underneath an almost dented up carrier going nearly twenty feet up in the air front first. Hatches behind opened suddenly, as if soldiers were prepared to leap out and half a dozen uniformed armed men came tumbling out crying out in shock. Most loosely thudded against concrete, or landed on car wind shields cracking and breaking in near rag doll like flailing. All of them were armed with firearms no legal citizen, or any law biding firearm enthusiast would ever hope in their dreams. Why bother giving citizens weaponry when you have a monopoly on bigger guns, magazines in order to keep the system in place? Only difference is they clamped down too late when everyone has more than enough, so laws and such are just tools to keep people obedient while thinking they're free enough.
Several helmets fell loosely exposing bloodied mouths, or groaning men and women respectively due to policies of equal standing. Grimm raised another hand bringing hovering metallic stakes formulating out of anything and everything metallic, "No need to discriminate, we're all equal now thanks to people bitching about wage gaps and all that bullshit." Half dying soldiers of PRT found themselves screaming in earnest when jagged tips sent them skywards, "I maybe a nice guy, if choose too. But I'm no saint, or angel since I'm only a man who knows what he can achieve."
Gravity sent them downwards partially until small blunt knobs bubbling out of metallic surfaces stopped their decent. Walking past impaled enemies who'd destroyed many lives long before his time was only an adrenaline rush. How many families have you broken up? For policing para-humans who spoke out against your agenda, how many regular people have you ostracized and pushed until they finally had enough? And when someone finally has some balls to do something about it, he's demonized because you reaped what you sowed!
Car alarms blared wildly as dozens kept going off once he grew closer to densely packed sidewalks raising drawing the simple glock pistol. One PRT helmeted soldier numbly tried reaching for a firearm just several inches over until Grimm shot him promptly. A brass shell stopped six inches from his own face due to being naturally a lefty shot, "Don't think about it, pal." Brass shifted straining until another thin stake struck a similar bullet proof vest twisting and digging inwards, until a corpse got uplifted where it slid downward staining crimson freely. Every step he'd took did rumbling continuously grow louder and akin to miniature earthquakes in sending tremors up buildings, it caused even more lights to turn on with blacked out figures rushing to windows.
"Guess there was a third!" Remarking a bit surprised when an entire dozen of armed soldiers came flooding out ahead of some sharply angled carrier. Gunfire immediately erupted in earnest as metallic plates, covers and doors crudely forming some sort of wall sent bullets ricocheting all around smashing into granite, glass and causing screams of terror to reign in earnest. Apparently civilians weren't taken for account given an order had been bellowed, "Cease fire! Cease fire!" Grimm hummed expectantly before stakes hovered briefly, before launching themselves into stunned PRT personnel who found themselves getting cut down.
Buildings on both sides exploded outward when piping came slithering in cutting air as some found themselves crushed by live tendrils of metallic origin. They were crushed without hesitation until morphing mid rise into stakes revealing another dozen viewing an open skyline, "Thirty PRT soldiers for one measly safe house of some supposed gang? Talk about overkill, but I think me being here is just a favor for everyone to leave Empire out of sight." He humored his own job to realize everyone would gun for him as if seven years hadn't passed at all.
Debris in concrete blocks fell due to being ripped off falling and cracking soundly against asphalt streets sporadically. Anymore? Eyeing a literal disaster zone out of some twisted movie, Grimm turned away walking back past bodies which rose upwards out of absent adjustment. Better check for survivors, I don't need them alive. Anyone else watching from their home is easier for witnesses, too many to count and far too many to correlate at first. But I'm not that kind of guy, these people just live out their lives and I'm no different when I have too.
Whistling loudly to begin a tune of whimsical purpose did the glock fire once, or twice ending any chance of PRT walking away. Not one was spared, or looked past despite some barely breathing with bloodied noses, mouths or ears depending on how far they fell earlier. And every single brass shell neatly found themselves floating around himself, "Let them guess." After surveying his work did the man finally walk down a street lazily ignoring screams of various people who frantically began calling police, or whoever they'd blurt out a war zone. Some even had phones recording everything with numbed expressions of horror, amazement or sheer disbelief.
Rascal, I hope you watch all this footage. You wanted my help, you got it and you damn well better appreciate what you did was a result of being selfish. Laughing mainly out of hypocritical humor for doing far worse, Grimm didn't mind when a semi-trailer truck began moving out of from behind where this supposed safe house had been stocked. Doors were opened revealing numerous people, boxes and some had firearms as well. Yet most had expression of either grudging approval, or looked quite impressed at such a visible slaughter of casual proportions.
"Guess you're not half bad for being a coward for seven years, pretender." Crusader's mocking applause of metallic gauntlets clapping certainly made Grimm shrug, "You asked, I delivered and as such don't think you're safe for being a dick." Pieces of fragmented metal formed stepping stones allowing a man to walk right back up into expressions of disbelief. None of them knew who he was save for the capes inside that back bed. Better like that anyway, I don't need rumors of me joining or hanging out with them to leak out past those who loathe my guts.
The two contrasts of gray and black hardly looked impressed though they didn't say much beyond inspecting an entire street. But the albino looking man laughed giving Grimm's shoulder a far too pleased slap on the back, "Not bad, mongrel! Not bad at all!" Hazel eyes narrowed considerably when that casual attitude gave off wrong impressions, if anything it wasn't welcomed yet he tolerated the contact mainly of keeping good conduct. We're not friendly pal, but at least someone appreciates when a man's got balls to do what he says. Maybe there's a slight hope I can stomach seeing some of these people, if Kaiser's 'debt' is going to be extended every time he'll bring it up. Fucking damn, I feel like a security contractor again.
Overall it certainly was sketchy to go through with this kind of job without being paid off. However a sharp order demanded doors closed, "We've wasted time, get moving!" Purity's voice hardly improved Grimm's irritation save for waving hands to slam doors shut prominently. Only a dim lighting above illuminated faces of capes, human and left little comfort being jostled around by people driving rigidly to garner distance. It'd all over nightly news outlets, daily and using fake license plates would derail cross referencing to states on the west coast at best.
"Why didn't you do anything seven years ago?" That question caused Grimm to leisurely pull out a pack thin cigars before using his jet lighter to light it up. Puffing out smoke contently while eyeballing Night and Fog respectively who stood staring with indifferent gazes. They blended far too well in low lighting leaving little save for glinting eyes, if anything they intimidated him far more than either cape in close proximity. It took effort to blend in effortlessly, it also meant they weren't simpletons as opposed to most who brazenly allowed people to identity them by camera footage.
Why? The man asked himself laughing quietly as he'd explained it several times over at this point, "Because better men, or worse can do what needs to be done. I'm just another man, it's not hard to understand and you keep asking me." Clothe was pulled downward allowing cooler air to alleviate sweating flesh, "I just did what I said, I'd would do. Leave a note, 'Enough is enough!" Honestly it wasn't too hard to admit that he'd never wanted to lead, he'd rather follow and call it a day leaving little but everyone expected more out of him personally.
Always that same damned question, 'Why didn't you do more?', or 'Why bother having a chance to say what needed to be said?' Friends of mine, best and not always ask me as I've always said. Confused looks consistently kept growing much to his internal bemusement at seeing nostalgic experiences coming back again, "Some men know their place in a world that hates them, woman. I'm just another white American whose had enough, I just don't like leading because I'd become far worse in simply doing what I'd promise. And trust me, when I say it!"
Smoke blew steadily to linger partially around him giving off an odor as several coughed, "What makes our people so damned unique? We know when to put our foot down, but also know where to put it down and can indefinitely in silence take hit after hit until enough is...enough. Let me explain it, even more clearly!" Grimm quoted softly yet happily knew it was absolute fact, "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times."
He pointed to himself rather ironically enough, "And I'm a weak man who lives in hard times made by weaker men." Chuckling good naturally without shame, or even sardonic nihilism did he simply omit what made him as a man. Perspective, perception and self-awareness goes a long way. I wonder if I hadn't triggered, I'd have been someone else far worse, or better off. But God has his plans, I can only humor the bastard for giving me a sunny disposition despite everything and everyone loathing my guts with a simple smile in place.
Throughout an entire trailer men looked up in sharp nonrecognition of that quote despite one whispering utterly, "You're fucking pathetic!" Grimm shrugged unbothered remarking enough to know where one stood, "Fourteen words is one thing, least it can be applied for any nationalist to understand but it's how one goes about it...I'd think." Humoring enough of their ideology gave him a slight headache yet learning never hurt to separate bullshit from practical acceptance. Nonetheless Rascal would be safer without anyone offing him off, if he didn't give him a reason of course and as such it was a small price to play for being a nice guy.
"Pretender." Crusader again just scoffed out disgustedly yet again to ignore anything else needing to heard, "There's no middle ground, it died decades ago. Either you're for your people, or not." Grimm heard that argument too many times, it'd been expected and remained in favor of staring behind tinted glasses where an orange tip glinted off polished surfaces. The sheer glow didn't hide that pleasant smile though making most shake their heads in disappointment, but for a man who was used to being laughed at it'd certainly seemed familiar enough.
"You're naive and a moral idealist." Fog stated factually in correct assuming to make Grimm nod simply without shame, "Used to be worse, so I'd say it's not too bad. Romans figured that out after several thousand years, a shame it broke apart because of internal fighting." None bothered going into historical topics during their remaining time heading back to their staging point. As far as one man was concerned it'd been a decent nights work, at least tomorrow would be easier in relaxing and smoking a cigar with some rum to chase it all away.
Among wrecked vehicles a figure molded out of the nearest wall inspecting carnage not seen in Brockton Bay in years. Most gang activity was kept under wraps by state, or local public relations but it wouldn't be standard at all. Strong, very strong prey to hunt! A crossbow loaded with bolts got stowed over one shoulder while inspecting impaled corpses hanging several stories above, "There's a new player in town, I was getting bored of hunting small fry for a change. Definitively someone worth mounting on my wall."
Electric sparks shot outward from several mangled poles illuminating a mask staring with an unseen grin savoring sights. And to think, I was out hunting to come across this sight. Pulling out a phone where the screen lit up did dialing briefly take moments, "It's me." Speaking quietly hearing the superior reply a bit interested, "On thirty fourth street, we've got a slaughter down here and need to begin preparing for a possible big player in town. Every single PRT grunt is either skewered, or on display for civilians taking photos spreading it in on social media, expect a lot of people bitching and crying."
Distantly sirens of police came rapidly approaching as ambulances joined in earnest much to a smile refusing to dissipate. Whose name do I have to wait for now? My god, I haven't been this thrilled to hunt another cape in ages. Gloved hands tightened gradually in sheer bliss before word got back about a cover up, or at least damage control. It'd been a boring week, but things it seemed would be busier and far more interesting for a change. School wouldn't be too mundane anymore, even if getting entertainment out of it was worth while.
"What kind of monster did all of this shit?" From behind stood another individual floating in place looking aghast at everything leaving a masked partner to reply glibly, "The best kind." Descending to see first hand carnage not seen in literal years, "Who was being hit tonight? Which gang?" The masked person replied without a clear answer, "Can't say. No bodies to identity, no marks and I just happened to watch it all go down near it's end while on patrol. It was a slow night, until now."
The bright white one piece outfit matched a skirt fluttering due to a breeze revealing toned legs yet eyes looked around angrily, "How can you stomach this kind of disgusting sight? For god's sake these were people with families!" A mask tilted over curiously enough when an owner replied callously, "They were grunts, earning a pay check and were fodder. Whoever did this just made others think twice while expecting an easy pay raise, it's not often it happens so much. Though I can't remember any cape having this level of...scale, or I'd hope there's more of it."
Scoffs met that hope when red and blue lights flooded from both ends of a street as civilians came cautiously out of apartment blocks. Many were gasping at the sheer brutality on display, "Yup, whole school is not going to shut up about this tomorrow. Think media will jump on this until next month, if nothing else happens?" Conversationally making small talk caused a cape to fly over towards police cruisers as officers recognized who'd shown up. There would be many questions without a doubt, but only one answer would sate that burning hunger inside as bolts were softly stroked by gloved hands seeking worthy prey to hunt at least.
I only need a name, location and luck to make my night. Smiling fully before turning towards another wall as shadows melded together leaving only carnage and a heroic cape taking charge of clean up. It'd be an interesting week for sure, Brockton Bay was a cesspool of filth and weaklings. But every so often a worthy prey emerged, either drawn here or came up from that same filth itself. It was just another night to enjoy in name only.
End Chapter One
Author's Note: There's always something wrong with a man who smiles pleasantly, even in the face of adversity, insults and seemingly just happens to go with it all. Those who understand, we're a very unique breed in our own right and it's not because we're obedient when those who watch see many things. Grimm is what anyone would call, a naive idealist given the context and isn't difficult to show what as a person holds close. The man's an extremist in his own right, but compared to those who are even further beyond? It's all fun and games, until realizing you're not even close to the ones who've been lumped alongside him as you'll notice when we go further into Brockton Bay's power struggles.
Whether my dear readers, loathe or take what has happened above? You make your own conclusions, any character can have limits and be injected, but it's all about the right time and place to show off why a man such as him exists contextually within Worm. So let's discuss a couple of things, Grimm's 'power' which I kind of view as merely indifferent is quite a beholden sight considering everyone whose heard of him, 'expected' he'd become some sort of leading figure in that movement which has differences from we've seen presently. Turns out, not all men like leading and some more so just know where they fit when you can't replicate charisma, Grimm isn't that type of character, or man.
Whether you agree, or disagree his personality isn't cut out for it until someone can take that role. He's a push over, least in the sense of appearing threatening or unnerving to most people generally speaking. This is where Thinker's in Worm kind of have their blind spot, 'It was all assumed, planned and thought' within accepting some men can do what is needed, but choose not to go further for their own reasoning. You'll see soon enough, some want to push him, others want to use him and most will always accelerate hysteria for their own ends. And generally, all these characters are pretty much true to canon in terms of personality, view and it's a start contrast compared to most reasonable viewers.
But is he a villain technically speaking? Breaking the law, murdering elected officials, or even showing little hesitation to tackle the PRT/Protectorate? You can say, yes and not be wrong by definition. He could be a Rogue, but after one and done event? It's difficult to classify lines when said individual shows no ambition, or intention to keep going which is the only reason why Thinker think-tanks failed in predicting a para-human from future reappearances. Not to mention in the Worm 'universe', new generations of para-human(capes) frequently emerge further jutting our predictions when more and far more active threats occur, excluding the Endbringers and that's an entire city/world ending disaster.
From what Grimm, by extension is viewed is considered a strategic asset back during his appearance. Seven years is a very long time to be placed on a back burner, it's similar to events we see in reality whenever media just conveniently ignores it'd ever said. You'll see later on, but currently the capes who've shown up in the tail end of this chapter...you don't need me saying who they are. They're iconic in their own right, but just imagine their reactions to someone just tearing up a street and displaying PRT soldiers?
It's only a Tuesday, least in my eyes and the only reason why it'll gain notoriety? It's a slow week, why else? Sounds skewered but media tends to galvanize any story normally not as much as seen, or heard in passing. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed the read and leave a review. I'm curious what people think of it, so have a nice day and enjoy the week.