Worm
The Grimm
Chapter II
"According to city officials pertaining to the events of what can only be described as a horrific scene, it has left public opinion in shambles." The news reporter spoke without preamble showcasing images of blurred out footage where one can see metallic stakes being dismantled yet crimson stains were visible partially, "PRT spokesperson have commented, 'Last night an official Hero raid upon suspected villains had been green lit, but unforeseen factors garnered a loss of human life. We offer our condolences, prayers and love to the families who have lost loved ones to this monstrous act of savagery that has no place in our beloved city, country and condemn this act entirely!'"
Watching from a small table where hot food and drink wafted tantalizing underneath his nose, Grimm stared along with many others who'd been frequent patrons. It'd been barely afternoon once media outlets scrambled upon the latest conflict between capes, "Fucked up, isn't it?" Glancing over to several elder men who'd been kind enough to allow him in on their conversation, for they were senior workmen at his job who had similar days off. Men who'd worked for decades could only stonily watch images flirting across a television screen in some local shop opening their doors in Brockton Bay for possibly since conception.
"That ain't nothing, son." One man commented gruffly due to being alive during most of the Endbringers who'd done far worse, "Should have seen Nova Scotia in person, I lost my best friend and several good people up there years ago. But this 'cape' shit is getting old real quick, I think them heroes are slacking if they think people put up with all their crap." Sipping black coffee casually made Grimm wince at how bitter it'd taste, even if said drinker was equally worse off. Every local outlet had been running similar, or newer footage of last night in constant barrages with experts weighing on who, or what was responsible giving theories at best.
Grimm raised an eyebrow while chewing on food all too happily, "Why say that? Aren't heroes better than villains, I mean not exactly an expert on capes." Another elder gentleman laughed out a barking answer to that subject, "PRT had some programs used to be some sort of recruitment ground for 'hero' capes, kid. Back then they offered benefits, or whatever used to be decent rewards for risking your skin. But nowadays they're getting worse, they'll take kids out of parents hands in the name of 'professional' assistance. Least that happened to some good guy we had years ago, kid triggered into some smart ass Tinker or whatever and was good at repairing cars."
Another man remembered as well chiming in annoyed, "Man did time, but he'd been clean and doing good with that woman of his Bobby. She made some god gifted lasagna and yet kid got yanked when he got into school, PRT had hands all over it and they were deemed dangers according to ,'Para-human' laws who'd be exposed to villainy. Load of horseshit when they refused handing him over, so they took him at gun-point and guy was laid off next day after threatening to sue them when seeking legal help." Grimm clicked his tongue agreeing all too genuinely in finding out as well, it certainly sucked and it was just all apart of people voting without reading fine print.
"Mayor Christner commented earlier today during a press conference, 'We will not stand for such barbaric acts, it grieves me that many lost their lives but due to the efforts of the PRT, Protectorate and other agencies...we shall bring this murderer to justice. Make no mistake, we are at war and public assistance will furthermore increase our safety in apprehending who, or what was responsible.' This was city hall earlier with known heroes standing behind Mayor Christner during his conference, critics have come out and called on harder registration to unmask all known para-human regardless of cape affiliation." Various expressions turned away muttering due to some having para-human family members who'd used their gifts, or curses depending on view to simply get by. Grimm noticed quite a few angry finger gestures underneath tables in seeing the Mayor speaking his piece, if anything his reelection was another sign of perpetual stagnation.
"Democrat." Grimm said quietly shaking his head as others gave him shrewd looks in response, "Haven't seen any other party try anything in this city, so take it how it is." Others didn't try getting into that topic mainly for civility's sake. It was already polarizing enough after decades of para-human acts of good, evil and whatever had been propagandized for public digestion. Yet the news reel showcased a well known and respected cape-theorist who'd been brought up, Grimm stared when he began speaking on screen.
"Contrary to belief, I truly suspect this was a copy cat act eerily similar to another cape who enacted such brutal killings. Note signs of manipulated metal, a common trait among known capes and para-humans who've been incarcerated." Images of another place made a young man smile faintly since it'd been home once for him everyday, "Seven years ago, an event known as 'Grimm's Note.', had taken place yet there are differences indicating a copy cat has most likely taken to the streets. In fact to say, I've been documenting para-human activities for nearly twenty years, personally I was told by sources it eerily struck home to them about having such a monster reemerge in this time."
The reporter conducting said interview asked why it'd be relevant event to go back too, "Because regardless an original killer still hasn't been verified as killed, or imprisoned. It's possibly that it may be the original Grimm, but unlikely given there's a sheer lack of control based on evidence. One theory among many, but that note sparked a huge political unrest when that note stated, "Enough is enough.", therefore it's likely one of the younger generations has reached that point. But I'm certain our heroes will capture this monster, a lot has changed in surveillance and identification since that event which originated most of known protocol today involving para-human aggression." It continued onward explaining various figures yet no one paid much attention at that point to focus on meals.
Yet one person stared partially resisting to sneer due to that same person psychologically analyzing his own actions years earlier. Professor Henry, as I call him since I didn't bother learning his damned name practically called me a devil. Man made a career of using images, mixed truths and twisted what he'd done as a means to an end. Grimm just shook himself clear to instead relax and take in a local shop for all it's worth. Certainly had decent people talking, a few elder people but ironically he fit right with the so called old timers naturally.
"She's a new face." One man gruffly observed making Grimm glance over, "Who?" Looking where exactly said man gazed made a loud groan follow, "Oh! Fuck me!" Blond hair and blue eyes walked right past dinning customers causing guffaws to start up. Placing his head down onto crossed forearms didn't help when an elder co-worker pieced it together wrongly, "Well I'll be damned, sonny. Nice catch, if I had to say."
Grimm's muffled retort caused chortling among older friends, "I wish I could throw it back." Grumbling mainly out of sheer exasperation since seeing Kaiser's contact, or snitch didn't do himself any favors. It couldn't wait until next week, it just had to be next day? Ruin my day off, fuck this bullshit I'm stuck with! She's one of the last people, I ever want to see in a place I consider my home away from home.
The elder man slapped his back approvingly, "Don't we all, kid?" Ignoring an urge to fling a fork towards said woman who walked up smiling rather concerned. Most senior workmen smiled making impossibly wrong assumptions given she'd been a looker, if only dressing casual with jeans and having a tank top due to going to some gym in Brockton Bay. Kaiser knows how to pick actors, if I didn't know any better she'd pull off a concerned girl friend, or whatever. Christ, I wish I just stayed home today after all.
Finally acknowledging an inevitable confrontation he asked mainly annoyed, "Are you stalking me, woman? The hell do you want now?" She smiled pleasantly politely acknowledging smirking men who shook their heads musingly enough, "Why didn't you answer my texts, John? I thought you and I had plans today, or did you forget?" Grimm stared quite utterly aggravated to crankily bark out, "My phone is never on! Unlike most people, I don't live on social media and prefer quiet days to myself in case you've forgotten."
She crossed both arms while a foot tapped patiently invoking practiced indifference yet most of an elder generation laughed lowly. Oh my god, they'll never stop giving me shit about this! It's a joke and they're falling for it, oh Christ help me. Leaning back onto a wooden chair he only lamented, "You are a pain my ass, woman. Is this a social call, or did work put you up to it? Because I'm not laughing, I get enough of that when I kick your ass out of my house."
Soon enough an age old cliché alias's first name came out coldly, "John...outside, now!" One man promptly kicked started a never ending spiral of shit talking, "Better do it, now kid. Or else you'll be in the dog house." All of them were married when faces softened mainly out of experience, or had similar attitudes making Grimm roll both eyes finally fed up. And all the wrong assumptions, holy shit I can't believe people sometimes. Bitch is trouble, I ain't interested and Kaiser is up my ass for doing my job last night.
Grimm though did allow one snark tone fill words angrily, "Laugh it up, old man! Laugh it up because I ain't helping when I don't do overtime tomorrow, so eat it!" Getting his coat from around a chair did little to stem off anger amounting to sheer temptation send metallic stakes up his woman's throat, if it didn't get any clearer. Not interested with Empire, or you and whatever Kaiser is trying to fuck me over with anymore. Rascal, I'm kicking your ass when I get home and really going to resist strangling your stupid ass for asking for me in...that lounge.
A pleased smile whenever pets pleased their owners hardly assisted boiling fury until he followed her outside as intended. Pulling out a half filled pack of cigars did he light it up happily, "The hell are you doing here?" Gruffly in biting out words when smoke exhaled through nostrils making it abundantly obvious she'd pissed him off, "Do not ever follow me, or come near me outside my house. You hear me, or I'll stake you! Consequences be damned by God's mercy."
Her smile curled approvingly making his irritation grow immensely, "You're not difficult to follow when you have two, or three places socializing. Predictable and simple, it's too easy." Grimm glared from behind glasses well aware since it limited anyone trying to find places a supposed mass murderer loved to enjoy outside committing horrors in public eyes. You have no idea, no idea how close I want to fucking kill you. It's too tempting, but there's too many witnesses and you know I made it clear to never approach me outside anywhere.
"Kaiser's impressed you kept your word, so he's keeping his so far." She relayed leaning against a brick wall where various cars and trucks passed by giving them ample cover for talking. Also another note got offered plainly leaving him growling underneath forced acceptance, "Yeah, I heard for the past four hours so far. It's amazing, right? Part of reasoning aside you'd never get, I like being simple and it's easier to get by when everyone suspects I'm plotting another massacre if the experts keep hinting at apparently."
She wasn't bothered by leaning to whisper rather happily, "Exactly why you're a means to an end, Grimm. You weren't wrong that everyone expected something, it's just you did it and really made an impression you'd uphold what made you so...infamous." Leaning back didn't stop a pair of glinting blue eyes keeping step as well. Persistent as well as utterly infuriating, "Take no as an answer, I'm not interested at all. Once Rascal's debt is paid, I'm staying the hell away from you specifically and I hope your boss knows I don't play nice with ya."
Shoving her away proved enough to warrant rattling above them due to a fire escape ladder quivering in open view. One, or two rusted bolts broke off lightly falling nearby leaving the woman to get a literal point, "I don't give second chances." Grimm's voice hardened quite impeccably smug when he looked down grinning far too widely, "Kaiser sent you after me due to some idiot blurting his mouth out at that bar months ago. That said idiot I'd known for years, but I buried him even after promising years ago to never say who I was, or why I became Grimm. Breaking my word, I don't ever do and that is why I do not care about your group."
The rattling metal structure ceased when a cigar burned visibly bright orange on it's tip, "We don't even know our own real names, so go figure that one." Brushing past while intentionally making her glare coldly despite resisting to get in the last word, "And for the record? I deliberately keep my real name secret because it's easier. Less people who know me, better off it gets when I'm able to walk away laughing all the more happier."
Before leaving out an alleyway she vindictively admitted something that sent a spine chilled, "I watched you seven years ago, Grimm." Hazel eyes didn't look back even if his legs froze, "I watched someone back then have no fear, no hesitation and a lot of us in those days wanted you to say what had to be said. But instead you hid expecting others to fight proving us all...wrong." The man refused to say anything at first before bursting out laughing earnestly, a hand pinched the bridge of his own nose to ward off another headache.
"Stop thinking like I'm normal, woman." An ever prominent leer exposed teeth when words were quite pleasantly said, "I'm no leader, since I just roll with the times. Better people exist, it's only just for someone to have to find them before they find you." Her face twisted in absolute fury making his smile widen ever so happier in finally getting underneath that skin for once. Truth always slaps people in the face, it's stranger than fiction as they say. And I'll never care about being a leader, I'm just another man who finds joy in simple things like most will do.
Grimm departed back towards a diner's interior where knowing grins, or smirks just weighed heavily inside his mind. Stop thinking like I know what it means to be happy, I don't know how. But it was an old question which would answer itself eventually. Smiling simply did he begin to chant with older men who talked about work, holidays and occasionally mentioned history about their own youth. As far as he was concerned, a place to be happy was out of probability until someone finally forced him to relive what made him snap back then.
"Sorry about being tugged away, women don't take no for an answer it seems." He joked simply shrugging both shoulders as an elder man remarked honestly, "Part of growing up, kid. Wife says what goes, or else you're on the couch. Trust me, it'll work out." It was time to find a new job, one away from where everyone seemingly wanted to find out. And Grimm saw an opportunity to ask about a profession which seemed far more interesting.
"Think working along the dock's is a good job? Trying to get a friend and I settled up, I hope you old timers know a person, or two?" One of the eldest who'd been in his sixties hummed at first before mentioning something to another, "Think I heard Danny is hiring for some shifts, kid. You sure you're up for that kind of heavy lifting? It'll break your back, if you can't handle it." Grimm raised both eyebrows ever challenged to make a bring it gesture, an old man snorted finding that brazen attitude somewhat comforting.
Working for a living never would go wrong as it was simply honest work, "Not like I don't bust my ass dealing with your bullshit. But I hope my friend is up for it, he's a little rascal that just needs to get his perspective straightened. Ya know?" From there it was only a matter of time as word got put out with him acquiring a number. Hopefully things would change with some extra money in pocket, it did take a working man's wage after all to afford cigars. Or else Grimm might have actually considered far more sketchier means to appease an addiction.
Later that night Grimm found himself entering a familiar doorway into some marked warehouse where various capes had been called in. Purity stood out among them, "You're early." He raised both eyebrows rather accordingly despite being dressed in casual clothing, "I intend to be early for work, I've never been late ever. Usually, if I am something is wrong or off." Advising her mainly out of humor didn't alleviate a scowling face before jerking towards where they'd geared up, if anything the woman's attitude had soured even after last night's result.
"Kaiser told you to replicate what you did, tonight. We're moving in on contested turf, you'll be dealing with any local police or PRT teams." It seemed Empire's leader was shrewd enough to take advantage of mass hysteria given it'd be pinned on him personally again. Sounds like a plan, captain! Inhaling on half burning cigar commenting somewhat curious, "PRT knows about your move? Or am I just insurance to keep capes against capes, I'm only asking because it sounds pretty clear cut to make my day."
An answer only made things that much smoother in his opinion while exhaling lightly, "Neither. It's just an inevitable problem, too much noise and gunfire will attract them." Vehicles unmarked with either blank license plates, or fakes were starting up. Men and women loaded up with bullets leaving little impression it'd be a quiet night, "Fog will alert you, if we need your presence. Don't slow us down, or make us wish you weren't here mongrel." He cheekily saluted mainly for amusement as it was ignored entirely in her strides away.
Mongrel, huh? Either that woman decided on something to call him other than a piece of shit probably met a grudging acceptance he'd been somewhat considered dangerous. Starting to wonder whether I'm going to play nice anymore, Grimm is the name so they'd better remember it again. But maybe that woman's got a point, if I keep doing this publicity stunt over and over? They'll all remember for good, or worse off. Taking another drag on a cigar partially gave some clarity to roll with momentum itself, if it came down he'd step back into what had been one of the first attempts. People only changed once power was legitimized, or acknowledged through actions as words only kept those obediently blind chained to their own lives.
Absently snapping fingers together in a slow rhythm did it make some sense actually. Not like I really wanted to go further, I'm happier being someone whose off in a crowd somewhere. Maybe someone will do something, if I can find them, huh maybe. It certainly would make progress to an extent, but too many questions and problems arose by accepting a fact he himself would change yet again. Man, I can't believe I'm actually thinking about vetting people who'd do something. Speaking out in public isn't in my thing, nor am I a people person either but maybe, just maybe if Grimm were to ask than who am I to say why the fuck not?
Years old discussions with friends casually came back hauntingly surreal to make him twitch a jawline irritatingly, "Well, shit." Being told literally face to face that only Grimm would make someone do something, it'd be almost terrible to not humor that option. But it was still technically leadership, a role he'd stay away utterly with enough distance to make the moon weep in shame. Think on it when you're working during the week, it'll be easier. Rascal and I will have some brain storming to do, put that Thinker head of his to work for all this trouble I'm dealing with again.
Shaking his head quietly exasperated did he continue to where a changing room was located smiling mainly entertained. As prior yesterday it was seemingly empty save for one oddity, "Are you shitting me right now?" Grimm utterly groaned not even bothering to hide sheer disbelief when talking to Alabaster was a familiar blond yet again. Twice in literally one day, technically one tonight but that alone partially stemmed from being hounded earlier Pale white pupils were nothing except solid color met with a leering grin.
"Mongrel's an early bird, call me shocked!" Ignoring a somewhat casual greeting did he stomp right up to one smug smirk, "Didn't I tell you to fuck off, woman?" An albino roughly shoved him back warning in squaring off visibly, "Hey, you know who she is?" Obviously exhaling smoke in both their directions signaled an almost negative reply. But glares aside Grimm didn't remotely back down, or humor asking when a thumb jerked over sharply.
Soon enough an identity revealed making his heart drop literally in sheer depression, "Kaiser's cousin, Mongrel. Show some respect, or I'll have you eat..." A metallic stake came within inches of said man's jawline causing him to pause abruptly to whistle surprised at such speed. If he felt threatened then said potential man only looked back, "You want me to teach him a lesson, or you alright?" A family member related to Empire's leader only smiled shaking her head in response. If anything laying a finger on said person equated to a death wish in his position.
"We'll be fine together, John and I needed to talk in private anyway." Referring to that faked name left little imagination considering an albino man looked them over doubtfully, "As you say, boss. I'd rather not get on Kaiser's bad side, family or not I'm only looking out for you." Pitiless white out eyes returned back towards Grimm who stared right back grinding out teeth as his voice strained, "Get out, snowman. I'm in no damned mood playing nice guy, so take that white knight shit out of here before you end up being mounted on the ceiling."
Alabaster leered leaning past a metallic stake idly spinning towards some spiraling motion, "What's stopping ya, Mongrel?" Despite coming close to fists flying a hand delicately patted an albino's shoulder all too firmly, "Leave us alone, Al. Grimm isn't as stupid as you'd believe, he's well aware if he tried anything, Kaiser would take him out...personally." That almost tempted said individual whose jawline twitched far more sterner leaving little room for doubt. Regardless Alabaster looked between them once again before acquiescing to that request as he shoved past Grimm who retracted a metallic stake from one locker door.
The doorway closed with an audible slam leaving both of them relatively in privacy. Biting out sheer intentional sarcasm, "Are you fucking with me? Or do you get off on being my personal pain in the ass, woman?" Her expression hardly seemed worried save for beautifully retorting, "Maybe, I did tell you I watched you. It's not often I ask my family for favors, Kaiser's still doubtful but you're not stupid enough to do it. And contrary to your grievances, I'm not just a hot piece of ass who wants your dick that badly."
Smoke got blown right into her face intentionally leaving a man to snark back, "God isn't that kind to me, or else I'd have been an angel. I should have offed you that night, I'm regretting even humoring your offer." If she were offended it'd never show given a playful finger tracing his cheek rather teasingly, "You jump to conclusions too quickly, Grimm. So let me give you a hint..." Leaning forward to whisper some sort poorly kept secret, "Kaiser isn't the only one whose got gifts to fight for our people, I just happened to slip by like someone I studied."
Grimm put two and two together to look over a supposed para-human who didn't seem to to be a cape at all. Bullshit, fucking bullshit. Less than convinced he asked mainly out of irritation, "And what can you do? Walk through walls?" She breathed lightly at first until a fire burning sensation made him jerk backwards away hissing out a screeching rasp, "What the shit!" Rubbing fiercely to stem off sizzling flesh which throbbed openly as blood boiled literally underneath making a cigar tumble onto tiled floors where she nimbly plucked it away.
Without even batting an eyelash she took a modest inhaling drag to lazily smirk, "Grimm, what's wrong? I'm only hot, right?" Ignoring puns while consistently rubbing away some possible third degree burning didn't alleviate his own frustration entirely. Great, fucking great! Bitch isn't a pain my ass, she can probably turn anything into a pile of burnt shit. Unbelievable, I just know I'm going to regret taking her home while half cocked thinking it'd be fun. But no, God and I have a huge problem on what's funny in life apparently.
After moments of managing to cope with a new area of sensitive skin did he bark out lowly, "And what's your name? Lava-girl?" That proved almost an immediate danger to provoke when one locker door smoldered openly as liquid droplets fell hissing rapidly. Glancing over in seeing metal burning white hot gradually liquefied where it melted through concrete enough to give one warning to never joke about that apparently. Oh, I just triggered a walking land mine. Of course my luck would be that terrible, Jesus help me.
Walking past while blowing out smoke similarly to what he'd done before gave a fact about turnabout being fair play, "Versengen." That word sounded quite misleading when not knowing what it meant in English and that wasn't helping his deteriorating mood. More so he scoffed, "Alright what in hell's name does that mean? I don't speak German, even if I'm slowly starting to see why stereotypes tend to exist apparently. Sound fair?"
Her low hum signaling an agreement when turning around a corner towards where other lockers were in usage, "I call myself, Scorch." She looked over a shoulder to show off teeth far too smug, "Remember it, Grimm or you might get more than just that burn when I'm through with you. Kaiser is watching, as I am and you'll learn we don't give up on what we considered as strategic assets in a world where power is everything. But you knew that, right?" Insulting him didn't do her favors yet his jaw clenched when it'd become clear, they would box him into until joining Empire became an appealing option one way, or another.
Scorch's demeanor turned sly when he got ordered more, or less, "Gear up. You and I are required to work together tonight, I want to see whether you'll maintain results from last night with someone observing. You don't want to lose that lesser one despite everything, right?" Why Kaiser found him valuable enough when every other member of Empire loathed him, or outright considered him wasteful was a question he'd have to find out one day. But presently it was incredibly difficult to not tear out an entire building into damned rubble due to lockers starting to shake off their foundations in gradual fury.
Working together with someone who decides whether Rascal, or I lives and dies, huh? Alright woman, alright you just gave me an excuse to be pissed off tonight. Blue eyes crinkled coyly before their owner went around a corner into changing leaving him momentarily alone. A fist clenched tightly and released several dozen times in rapid movements, "Oh this is getting better and better. It's what you get for being public enemy number one, and here I thought that ended years ago." Exhaling deeply barely made his heart rate calm down finally after adrenaline made hands tingle considerably due to resisting impulses internally.
Everyone warned me years ago, if I did what no one dared to do? I'd see how far things were twisted, I'm literally stuck playing human shield with a bunch extremists who make me look sane. Shuffling out of clothing while folding some of it mainly out of habit, "Jesus." Muttering to himself while remaining quiet to ignore another changing person who'd fit a noose around his own neck, a willing decision that became consequences for making deals with people who'd never relent in their own fight and movement. Even Romans knew reality far more than anyone who lived, they shaped our world and we'll never hold a damned candle to their greatest achievements. As far as I'm concerned, I'm just a weaker man living in weak times.
Clipping weaponry onto his waist and shoulder respectively didn't alleviate an unseen weight seemingly making movement difficult. Damned bloody heart, I was raised too kind of my own good and I blame mom for saying, 'We all have a place, if we search for it.' Modern day parenting just couldn't compensate for nature's urges, as a man Grimm knew emotions were simply continuing logical decisions that had to be done. And in this scenario playing along exceptionally, it'd have to be undertaken regardless of personal bias.
"Taking your time, John?" Tensing up partially while idly raising a middle finger, "Spit, sit and spin on it." Cracking his neck while pulling out a fresh cigar to light up accordingly, but stopped immediate when witnessing Scorches outfit. Holy shit, why does everything she pulls make me wish I'd studied history far more. Because god damn me, that's a sweet ass uniform. Blinking away shock momentarily did he eye Scorch a bit more warily, if not somewhat dangerously aware she designed to mirror an outfit for shock value alone.
One sleek trench coat which covered some sort of crimson and blackened clothe while gold buttons casually traced upwards exposing an undershirt. Boots freshly polish glinted off sharply clacked against tiles while a leather brim from some kind of hat clipped to an oxygen respirator, "You trying to look like a literal Gestapo?" He haphazard to guess in garnering an almost curt nod, "Sometimes it's best to bring back older images, if only for the sake of having those who kill you pause in their steps. Kaiser wasn't entirely happy I designed it, but as along as no markers tie our group publicly, it's just another reason for our enemies to fear me."
Reddish lenses where eyes had been concealed seemed quite intimidating given Grimm had shivers running up his spinal cord. Anyone encounters someone dressed like that? And people call me crazy, I don't even want to ask why. Cringing outwardly when moving past as leather gloves were tightened impeccably for firmer grip, "Fuck me sideways, I can see headlines already if anyone just take a snap shot of you woman. Bad enough I get called enough, but you are going to the cake for absolute propaganda and fear mongering to the next level. God help me, I'm going to hell for thinking this is going to be a nice work week."
Scorch's voice sounded modestly unworried given he'd be public enemy instead of herself, "We all have parts to play in games of power, Grimm. You just don't like consequences!" Said para-human again raised a middle finger appropriately, "Shut it." Moving past smoking consistently as she followed behind laughing beneath that respirator which radiated stereotypical jokes nearly tempted to make an appearance, if only barely to find some humor at all. Yeah, I'm going do myself a solid favor and not turn on television, or go on social media for as long as humanely possible. I cannot imagine what theories are going to be blown up, literally.
Off to his left did a supposed snowman gruffly sneer, "You're gutless, mongrel." Grimm smiled pleasantly when metallic piping behind a wall rattled audibly, "Do you want yours stuffed with seals tonight, or what? Sharks aren't picky, neither am I." From behind Scorch gestured for Alabaster for a private talk as he continued not evening willing to wait for a supposed keeper. His mood started deteriorating when rattling continued all along an entire hallway, it even made electric wiring start shorting out in small screeches of sparks.
Wonderful, I have a warden whose going to slip some noose around my neck if I step out of line. What's next, huh? Coming back out into an open area did he make way for where least amount of people lingered in huddled groups, Grimm chose to lean against a vehicle's hood smoking away in somewhat forced separation. Not even one day after making an appearance out in open view, he'd already regretted trying to hope things would smooth over. Rascal's debt to him would border on lottery proportions once it'd end eventually.
"Should have seen him last night, I haven't seen that kind of thing since Kaiser came out with his armor months ago." Conversations arose about him specifically much to a growing annoyance yet seemed to pass time respectively, "Maybe a joke, but he isn't shy about throwing bodies around. Why hasn't anyone picked up on him?" Another man spoke eyeing said para-human who smiled sardonically out of sight trying to not exhale tiredly. Always that same old topic, always that same old question and it never ceased to aggravate old stigmas.
Chuckling followed up when another man almost hit a nail on it's literal head, "Because he hid like many of those punks who supposedly fight for our people's survival, man. They're Fed bait, hook line and suckers who got used up for justification. Just played right into their hands, so don't ask what makes a mongrel like him as someone useful, they're all just expendable jokes for everyone else to walk to their demise. It's a waste!" Other than that no one else bothered mentioning Grimm which was oddly insulting, if only for grudging tolerance he'd be able to dismantle an entire building and bury them all alive given an excuse.
"Skin heads." He whispered grinning finding their views of him almost ironically sweeter, "You had your chances many times over, so don't hate on some of us who want that middle ground." Puffing out smoke lazily to see it waft upwards lighting made things bearable. An old friend of mine would have destroyed you in a debate, run circles and only reason why I was a follower...people could things better than I ever hoped. I miss those days, it was all about momentum and we squandered it because everything became a joke for people to laugh at it, when they couldn't win so it was all skewered as expected.
In truth maybe there wasn't any way out of his situation given circumstances yet he'd placed himself into said place. Only way to deal with it, it'd to simply roll it out and go with what opportunity arose to get an exit. And as such? Grimm would come back into public eyes, ears and be used once again for whoever was smarter to pull it off. Nothing else mattered, it'd only progress when people refused to listen and therefore forcing them to talk was a good start. If only the cost of it being ostracized for others to step up to speak far more naturally.
Only one entrance to where conflict occurred remained guarded only by him waiting inevitably for sirens distantly approaching. Behind along warehouses along a water front belonging to maybe rivals, or whoever would end up buried had erupted in earnest. Flashes of light, gunfire and explosions rocked even where he'd been standing on occasion. Tremors arose when an ear squealing explosions belonging to some cargo ship went up in flames, "They don't half ass it." He commented mainly waiting for Brockton Bays police cruisers which sounded numerous, if para-human battlegrounds were supposed called in by fearful residents, or workers.
Looking around save for parked trailers either hitched, or in loading docking bays meant only a route through to where fire blazed upwards. Smoking clogged out an almost unspoiled view of stars and the moon itself, "Nice night. Very nice night!" Even if it'd been warmer than last night, it certainly was comfortable to be sitting somewhere with a cigar and drink on hand perfectly. But unfortunately that wouldn't until next weekend hopefully, or else for worse he was sticking in playing to keep para-human conflicts between respective sides without interference.
The lone gate where it'd cut across open ground to shipping docks had been swiftly dealt with considering any security was effectively fish food. Funny, it could have been me on some late night and expecting another by the book shift. Least the poor bastard wasn't given a chance, I guess Purity didn't want any spoiling of tonight's action. Not a fan of it, should have tied him up and left him for survivors. He hadn't been privy while being loaded up in one of the last vehicles, but a single scream and blood splatter upon windows when stepping out said it all. No one told him except being told to wait inside a massive parking lot until otherwise collected.
"Way I like it, I don't need to worry save for doing my job." Chuckling quietly under breath while leaning against one unhitched trailer fighting off yawns suited him perfectly. Still kind of curious who exactly they're hitting tonight, I don't know who has what as their territory. Maybe their expanding, or God only knows what Kaiser's plans are for this city. Empire doesn't strike me as being flat footed, either they do something, or nothing at all. Considering how many para-humans he'd seen which by far out stripped most of his known life spoke volumes. They had enough to do some serious work, if by imagination stretched enough loosely.
Pulling out a phone texting questions to his Thinker who'd dig into it eventually, "Let's see you work for your life, kid." Flashes of red and blue loomed distantly yet grew closer and closer meaning none suspected cape influences. As far as Brockton police knew, they'd expected some sort of gang shoot out and someone dumb enough lighting up a barn fire influenced beacon for trouble. Grimm's lips twitched unable to resist exhaling chortles, "Maybe my luck is changing, a bit. Not being baby sat, but thinning out PRT wouldn't be too..." The man stopped abruptly when a tingling sensation went up his spine before staring over towards an area bleached in limited lighting.
Metallic objects vibrated gradually when unseen disturbances started gradually going off, as if someone were triggering warnings on surfaces. Little known fact, I learned when walking into that state house years ago. Anyone walking anywhere I use, it gives me a crawling sensation. Twitching his jawline mainly warily due to not seeing anything visible didn't help, it all screamed sketchy and apparently something was incredibly off. Yet he refused to move to instead eye distant darkened gaps along some fence line bordering adjacent buildings looming overhead.
"No one works overtime on Sunday nights when it's a holiday, so whose around?" Murmuring mainly frowning away anxiety due to not being alone officially. It wasn't settling well inside his own gut as churning butterflies came inevitably stronger. Okay, I'm sketched out. This just screams trouble, I mean trouble with a capital fucking T! Eventually those tingling sensations dissipated despite him observing an entire lot where everything settled away into indifference. Whoever seemingly had been going through a distant end went off towards gunfire, explosions and flashing bolts of light rapidly veering around in sharp succession.
"That's your problem, Scorch." He whispered smugly not even willing to humor guessing in seeing what was going to happen. Sirens kept getting louder as it got close to making another appearance, Empire business simply was their own consequences. His job pertained in keeping law enforcement out of eyes, ears and remained to that intended purpose. Not being paid for extra, it made no sense at all considering capes handled their own shit internally.
Minutes passed without incident except for an increase of gunfire rapidly discharging akin to fireworks going off. Echoes went across an open area, it certainly sounded like something was kicking off and better off it stayed down yonder in his hopes. Huh, finally cops show up! Must be a lot of them, I hear lots of sirens...oh, joy. It's going to a noisy day tomorrow, but police act like their soldiers and might as well give them a welcome for wanting to play that role.
Stretching out arms where shoulders popped accordingly did he walk out from between trailers leisurely. Taking a route directly center did he watch cruisers skid to an absolute halt, a pair of uniformed men with rifles drawn rushed up clearing out some measly shack where a dead guard lay visible. Quickly vehicles rushed past trying to gain ground only for Grimm to smile underneath clothing lifting up a hand. Trailer's visibly started trembling as two lifted up with audible groans causing two cruisers literally stopping when faces gaping naturally met his words, "This is what you call a dead end, officers."
Metal weighing tons came smashing down onto two lead cars crushing them effortlessly as sirens wailed their last groaning squeals. Forming a claw like grasp did stakes erupt from literally behind sending another car end first screeching upwards, it'd been accelerated out of panic as tires burning nothing on air itself. Exhaust spluttered and roared behind before a massive spear shot through an engine block causing sparks exploding upwards. Pieces of raining parts suddenly halted morphing, churning and squealing in protest as they slammed into another vehicle causing a windshield's interior an almost darkened red.
Walking past crushed cruisers did half a dozen more vehicles desperately avoid crashing yet several came skidding. Grimm idly flipped fingers aside as one rolled over causing a massive ear wrenching wreck, it found itself slamming through granite walls as piping inside exploded outward impaling anything remotely close before being encircled and crushed akin to snakes. Up we go, right? Several cars shot upwards with occupants screaming out in horror as two met bumper to bumper and became clumps of crunched up balls. And another went sailing overhead thundering into water as metallic stakes ripped themselves off trailer roofs sending it to the bottom of a bay. Water and gravity did the rest leaving sputtering air escaping rapidly in whitish dulled out geysers.
Pulling out a glock pistol accordingly did metallic barriers rush over as bullets collided into them without preamble. Grimm remained in place hearing ricochets constantly until brass tips flipped over some portions of floating barriers, "Thanks." Tinted stakes thinly arose behind momentarily as he flicked a finger sending them quickly into would be shooters. Screams of shock met muted thuds as an array of impaled figures arose gasping at crimson tipped stakes. Some didn't even have time to realize they'd just got torn apart, if only barely when slumping backward in facing a skyline clogged with blackened smoke.
There's more of them, I don't doubt it. Cautiously eying potential cover where more cruisers had piled up did he flick fingers aside. Trailers immediately flipped on themselves causing figures scampering away screaming in sheer disbelief, "Cape! Fucking cape!" That warning had been shouted when figures were crushed without warning, as occasional sporadic rifle fire came from terrified uniform people who tried fleeing towards a fenced off barrier. Grimm's smile widened in response, "Nope! You get off on having power over citizens who you police, so enjoy someone returning the favor for thinking you're all so high and mighty."
Fencing quivered momentarily until linked portions suddenly twisted and curled in squealing ear bloodied shrieks. Six, or so tried shooting out of sheer desperation until being wrapped up and viciously being crushed into bloodied chunks. Some had poles normally blunt streaking towards vests as they never had a chance, if only realizing to see who'd walked towards them. None of them recognized his outfit, gear or seemed to have indication. As far as they were all concerned, it was another para-human who'd chosen their side.
Out from a shack came two uniformed men who opened fire as Grimm reacted by crouching with numerous pieces of metal extended and thickening. They struck home while he got up using two hands firing right back sending one man onto his back crying out, "Never got perfect on my proficient pistol ranges, but I was the only lefties sharpshooter." Smugly bragging about past exploits left little as two stakes sent them angling forward crying out when crimson waterfalls poured. Another two formed ending their misery entirely without second guessing.
Brass casings circled around eerily spinning in place before being tucked back into pockets as hazel eyes surveyed everything. Red and blue constantly flashed akin to strobe lighting, he wandered around flicking hands as trailers and metal uplifted those trying to peer from behind seeking any angle to shoot him dead. Think that's all of them, maybe? Cruisers were violently thrown aside when he got closer in shoving them into crumpled balls, staking them upwards and allowing deliberate hood where cameras shown on television remained running mostly.
Metal pieces flattened once he ascended above getting an aerial overview while inhaling smoke laced air, "Oh, I forgot one." Walking literally on air as pieces rapidly formed stepped did he simply see one more officer frantically calling into a radio, "Cape! Send capes! We're being fucking slaughtered like...oh my god!" He looked up in stunned horror when Grimm wagged his finger simply in a negative manner akin to playful warning. And underneath his very feet piping shot forward exploding gushing waterfalls of liquid entrapping said man.
"This is why I never wanted to do anything, officer." Pipes bent inwards viciously and constricted without mercy in creating audible snaps where limbs loosely fell off to sides. Men like me, we'll do what we say and that makes us uniquely dangerous. And I for once don't like it, but someone can do it better I'd be happier. Another stake formed sending a corpse limply staring ahead as radio chatter screamed inconsistently when it'd all heard. Or rather he hoped, it'd been a sign he wouldn't go away anytime soon.
Raising hands while inhaling sharply were some vehicles arranged neatly despite threatening to come off in pieces. Grimm deliberately arranged them so, if anyone passed through they'd be flanked by his work alone. This isn't going away for a while, so better lay low and do what I do best. Work for a living and hopefully see how many go into hysterics. As far as the world is concerned, it's only para-human violence and destruction with no meaning. Stepping down onto solid ground did he head back to where an original resting place be left unspoiled. Getting an overview from whenever Empire came hopefully gave them enough reason to loathe him further.
"I hope you watched everything, Scorch." Speaking aloud to where a wall of fire arose in burning an entire cargo ship into a whitish angered glow, "Because you'll be on my list." Fishing out another cigar while lighting it made things progressively enjoyable. Inhaling contently did another five, or so minutes pass with more sirens blaring distantly. Absently flicking a jet lighter's top open and closed gave enough routine to where unmarked vehicles started speeding away. Behind an entire front water was set ablaze leaving little imagination as to who'd been responsible.
One mini-van pulled up alongside where he'd been resting where double doors opened in revealing a pleased smile, "Enjoying yourself, woman?" Asking a relative of Kaiser whose respirator had been tucked aside beckoning him forward. He got in despite losing another cigar to said woman who inhaled quite pleased with tonight's events. Keep taking them, I'll start charging at this rate since I smoke enough to need a job. I should have never came to Brockton Bay, it's just problem after problem and I'm tired of playing nice guy.
Sitting on an interior couch while eyeing Scorch who began texting supposedly Kaiser, "Be prepared that Coil's arranged a meeting between you, him and Kaiser as acting mediator. Expect another job next weekend, we'll talk about future payments." Grimm hardly looked thrilled given he lit up another cigar exposing sweating skin to enjoy some needed nicotine, "Wonderful! Does that mean I can work a normal week in peace? Or you planning on showing up in pissing on my interview, I'd rather not see you for as long as possible."
Smoke blew back trace embers illuminating a darkened exterior where eyes glinted eerily enough. It genuinely didn't settle well in his gut that those eyes were burning internally. Glowing orange coloration made quite intimidating, "We'll be seeing you, John." A driver manning said van sped off past crumpled up wreckage's trying to not look at everything. Bodies were raised evenly on display making it an intentional message to both them, other capes and to one individual whose smile widened impeccably.
Inspecting bodies riddled with bullets left little interpretation for what happened given an inferno consumed buildings and ships respectively. Walking among the dead were orange embers illuminated a mask yet again made an owner click their tongue, "Son of a bitch, I just missed it!" Not even realizing prey which had made an impression previously had been lying in wait. Not a single sign yet metallic stakes unmistakable only guaranteed one plausible conclusion. The strong prey was active on an assigned patrol route which wouldn't be given up anytime soon, luck and circumstance just robbed another potential wonderful night away.
"We can't allow a monster to roam free." One person spoke up nudging over bloodied corpses while gazing to an entrance where blue and red flickered relentlessly. Helicopters overhead belonging to media were drinking in every piece of detail, even if PRT protocols had finally come down censoring a no fly zone. But it'd been too late given hysteria had just flooded public outlets. Brockton Bay's populace was being shown something had taken up residence in their already crumbling city bustling with cape activity.
Turning around speaking through a mask with crossbow's slung disappointingly, "I'm surprised whoever is doing all of this is two for two. Brockton police department is going to have a lot fresh openings and retirees soon, I'm surprised they'd target even police officers. Must have a bad history with them, or do you suspect it's all mindless slaughter?" Referring to an inferno where a cargo ship filled with containers and other materials in overseas trade illuminated half a coastline. Boats across were coming closer with news cameras, or wealthier citizens who were taking pictures in earnest seeing an explosion rock waves.
"Think Armsmaster is going to be happy about it?" A shrug met that question without verbally knowing that obvious intention, "He'll do what he wants, as always! Man never rests, or sleeps outside that office he likes to hold up into searching for any villain causing trouble." Kneeling down inspecting two corpses which had holes cleanly shot through them did something finally make sense. Most of all the dead were of an asian descent as tattooed indicated a possible affiliation. Interesting, looks like someone out there is making moves and all this blood is just a start. And with that new player, I'm thinking it's a push for something.
Other features indicated a violent death with skin turning different colorization as eyes were leaking blood still warmly. I've seen this before on lesser prey, but not often. Capes since that call had been relayed out before cut short, so whose the new player in town? Frowning underneath a mask while eyeing another who shook their heads absolutely disgusted. It seemed as if something were stirring in that burning wreckage of a vessel.
"You seeing that?" Gesturing along a hull where flames burned out in what appeared to words in mangled together, "Or am I going crazy?" Standing upright walking to stand beside an expression of disbelief when a singular word stood out after minutes of smouldering. Oh, aren't you ballsy to leave your mark. I like strong prey, especially when it thinks it's top predator in territory belonging to those who hunt it.
Among rising flames which toppled over liquefying containers falling over into boiling waters did eyes gleam within that reddish orange a name. Grimm. Yellowed flames licked over white hot beams internally proclaiming an identity to who'd taken up holding inside their city. I didn't even need to wait until someone found out, Thinkers were too slow for my tastes anyway. But I have my prey's name, I have a location and all I have to do is wait for luck to be on my reticle. Mounting your head on my wall is going to be a satisfying addition...Grimm.
Phones buzzed simultaneously when both activated screens where similar texts indicated a meeting had been called, "Armsmaster isn't joking around. Protectorate members who've witnessed this new villain's work, shit I guess we're both going to be brought in." Ambulances along with fire-trucks and other emergency vehicles swarmed past an entrance akin to hellish design. They didn't need to see almost sickened men and women who'd be pulling down corpses off stakes, or prying them out of crumpled up cruisers.
"We don't know who, or what exactly is 'Grimm' but we'll get ideas eventually." A masked owner stated almost indifferently turning away from blazing letters moving back towards darkened areas. But as they were about to depart did one stern warning appear, "Don't think you'll take down whatever is doing this, kid. Justice is law, and we follow laws...remember that!" An annoyed expression formed before converging towards a wall leaving one individual behind who looked back to flaming letters with hoses dousing flames that refused to die.
Above descended a familiar person whose pristine white skirt swished in gentle winds off the ocean, "This is fucking ridiculous! Twice in two nights, am I thinking a third?" There was a wary nod signaling an unspoken agreement, "I'll be earlier patrolling tonight after I bitch out scheduling. You want a lift when I make it happen?"
Smiling mainly thankful in getting a head start, "Sure! Think we'll hear about this in school, or what?" Another shaking of their head indicated little save for grim anticipation that summer in Brockton Bay wouldn't be business as usual. Things had barely started, if the scale of carnage upped itself to potential city wide potential. Yesterday it'd be an entire street, now an entire damned dockyard were both trashed and would cost untold millions to repair in an already strained budget.
Whatever happened couldn't be undone considering now gruesome sights were going to be hard pressed to censor on open air ways. But whether those who were heroes, or not understood it'd come down to one simple answer. Whoever Grimm was, or what didn't matter anymore since exposing themselves to be seen. And soon enough it'd come to an end. Monsters weren't tolerated anymore than those who pretended to think them as potentially human.
End Chapter II
Author's Note: Couple things to notice in this chapter, the 'heroes' who take in the carnage are what could attributed to apathy in the regard they're used too, or are simply fed up with being late to these scenes. They treat it as a job, ironically you can see the lack of urgency least whenever anyone is genuinely enraged, or furious save for one, or two public faces pertaining to the Ward's mainly. I may have slipped a few clearer reaction mainly for story itself, but mostly they're all similar, or on point with canonical attitudes. And more so, the city itself.
PRT getting tossed around is typical, 'Cape business' in the eyes of many as we'd see here politically for example. Everyone hears, knows and see's it but simply ignores it for day to day life. However once they get affected, or rather targets are shifted does public opinion start suddenly mattering whenever opportunity arises via in the name of 'disasters', or 'threats' and the list will go roll on. Effortlessly, or not you're seeing a trend when it comes to Grimm, he maybe a push over in the sense of taking hits to his actions but reputation? His word is what is valuable, he'll go through with it and whether lines are crossed in the eyes of many who are unaware? Monster is relative to men who keep their word, if push came to shove and we're also seeing some dynamics involving those we'd normally imagine occur outside canonical events.
Purity, Alabaster and minor characters who are underneath Empire's employment generally view him as literally, a joke in itself. Why? Because they're set in their ways, they're not remotely intimidated or rather simply cannot be intimidated barring an End-Bringer to my assumptions. Well, save for an instance involving family that we know and that turned out quite a lovely series of events. And speaking about family matters, I'll bring up an angle. Kaiser's blooded related cousin, Scorch or to those who find German rather appealing, Versengen.
She's not eye candy, even if it appears so. Trust me when I say, if you think everything is all smiles and laughs? It's never really flushed out what Kaiser's own extended family, if he has any do contrast to his own personality and beliefs. But I'd rather not spoil much, it's all just a good in-depth look and her outfit is not just for the amusement you, or I will get out of considering how blatantly crazy it'd be practically. Aesthetic wise, you get the point and ironically it is quite the sight minus a few details for suspense. But overall, we're going along and everyone who reads is left to their own in his, or her opinion considering the slow burn...no pun intended, in which we'll go deeper into Brockton's depths.
Scale is what separates characters from appearing powerful, to simply showing off without ever separating the line in which we as readers imagine. But does this mean Grimm is able to tackle other capes? Here's the hint, I'd imagine not considering he doesn't have what others can only learn the hard way, or realize far too late. Experience, instinct and knowledge considering he's relatively undocumented as opposed to many heroes, but even if you known an adversary. Good luck putting it into practice in a place where collateral is quite real, if only an inevitable outcome.
If there are more questions, leave it in a review and I'll do my best to answer them. Other than that, we're on a roll folks and have a good weekend. Stay safe and avoid digging into hysteria as of late, buy hand sanitizer if you're that worried...funny man aside, be well and see you next.