Worm
The Grimm
Chapter IV
"In the name of the Holy Father, blessed it'd upon you all." The priest's voice concluded sermons of an afternoon mass as Grimm departed from his after kneeling beforehand to a cross looking ahead inside one of Brockton's remaining cathedrals. Several days of rare peace managed to make a week go along smoothly for once, even if hearing non-stop coverage on every damned page of social media, or television. Downtown Brockton remained modestly crowded despite throngs of protesting who picketed occasionally at city hall and blocked off roads. Grimm nearly punched several when they'd gotten into his face along with other pedestrians for ignoring their ruckuses.
Whole city erupts after another press conference, PRT and local police get helicopters patrolling skies daily at this point. Waste of tax money, as if I'm going to do something in broad daylight for god's sake or something. Said aircraft occasionally buzzed overhead giving an impression of some lock down with traffic crawling along as he waited with several dozen people. The light turned red allowing them all to pass relatively unbothered, even if chanting and blow horns of anti-cape protesters echoed distantly down a main street.
But while bypassing poles he noticed small yet distinguishable fliers making him grin mainly out of relief. Rascal, I love it when you come up with messages. Lord knows, I suck at them! Pieces of paper were symbols of America's parties lay looped around a noose. And below were three words, "White Lives Forgotten!" It got it's point across in his humbled opinion when several more eager activists were all too happy in driving around and posting on every pole in sight. Some were even posted on universities, city hall and other major areas of travel.
Occasionally people took pictures, or angrily tore some of them off in fits of disbelief. But generally people simply glanced at them routinely due to the sheer amount, "Public libraries. Love paying a hundred bucks for thousands of paper." Laughing quietly just before a hand pulled out one cigars wrapped in plastic from his coat's right pocket. Walking around smoking hadn't been outlawed yet it'd been making head way for fear of spreading cancerous diseases. Unlikely, we breathe worse air next to trucks and cars which do far worse. Hysteria, mass panic and all that good stuff which makes everyone lose their minds.
He'd left his truck at home in favor of exploring a city's more up-kept parts. Plenty of coffee shops, storefronts and upper dressed folk inhabited mostly locked in their own worlds. Rarely did he see homeless, or if glimpsing anyone in a state they'd be moved quickly by frequent police presence via locals, or PRT personnel. No one wanted reminders of what little good remained in their eyes of a respectable city gaining notoriety for cape activity. And overall the weather held out for a modest enjoyment of walking around.
Moving along a sidewalk did his phone go off promptly making him growl irritably. Here we go, again! Only two people text me, Rascal or you...Scorch! Absently swiping right in seeing a simple number did it read, "Meet me one block ahead, we have news." Grimm looked up trying to spot anyone resembling blond hair and blue eyes, but nothing stood out sourly enough. Yet he continued along all the while puffing smoke rapidly unhappily in his route.
Along a block later passing parked fresher models of cars did another text freeze him immediately, "Across from you. Second car down!" Eyeing a silver car which remained idled left little imagination given someone smiled with the window rolling down. Stop flaunting yourself, woman. Even if you blend in up here too naturally, I don't need a reminder of you and your cousin's wealth making me wish I had a better truck for Christ's sake! Deliberately using a cross walk while waiting gave little annoyance when he'd have crossed the main street. There had been a lull in traffic granting a chance to cross without issue, if only momentarily yet he'd willingly rather stall it off for sanity's sake.
Several minutes later cross to head towards a passenger door did he get inside some modestly cooled interior. Scorch's pleasant expression hadn't been dampened, "Enjoying getting closer to the Lord?" Referring to his time in a place few ever expected himself ever attending, "Surprised you manage to stay awake during the whole mass." Grimm's eyes remained fixated ahead gruffly admitting a little known habit he enjoyed personally, "Hearing them speaking in Latin, singing and seeing thousands of years of tradition alive is a god sent miracle. I go out of good habit, blame an old friend who made me do it and I never looked back after several weeks."
Surprisingly he did question mildly amazed, "Thought you and your cousin would attend? Aren't you Catholic?" She turned on a red light giving one moment of replying, "We're Protestant. Too much corruption for us to see the Pope as legitimate, but we don't go together." Grimm rolled his eyes since he'd been similar years earlier for other reasoning aside, "We're all children of God. Can't exactly mend schisms if you don't see for yourself, or is that too difficult?"
A rather sardonic question arose, "Confessing your sins?" Hazel eyes closed followed by chuckling while taking another drag on the tobacco stick, "It's called having faith, woman. Spiritual guidance, moral support and all that good stuff, ya know? I'm a carnal christian, I don't have a choice and it ain't changing soon." Referring to said addiction on hand while exhaling out smoke contently, it'd been a good day up until now in his mind.
"So what's happening? Coil get Rascal and I clean slates?" Scorch's answer didn't settle anxious sensations when he looked over annoyed, "It takes time, John. But Kaiser wants you, I and Purity to attend a sit down with Brockton's latest surge of rivals. Remember the name, Lung?" Grimm didn't entirely care about underworld moves mainly because he knew little at all, but it'd been more intentional to get him worked up inwardly again.
Does it look like I overhear what you, your cousin and Empire's business? Fuck's sake, I'm getting tired of this reach around bullshit. Inhaling visibly while shaking his head, "Why? Because of your little shoot out with them on an inferno infested dock? And...oh, hell!" Leaning back against a comfortable seat which barely seemed legal, "You're tying Grimm and Empire together? Just for these new guys, or am I getting fucked over royally?"
Blue eyes flickered briefly from a road to increase the rising irksome urge to hiss testily, "Insurance, John." Her laughter didn't appease an audible rattling causing a vehicle into swerving partially in making someone else honk angrily, "Not even they know we'd gone in, but Grimm was always there openly. Congratulations are in order, they think you slaughtered thirty of their own plus with what you did without knowing what you can do. Lung's being forced into Kaiser's hands, so sit back and enjoy your contribution."
A whistling with one lone finger rose all too happily making her chuckle find it almost petulant genuinely. Oh boy, only five more days until I work and sleep. Five more fucking days! Chanting all too happily in being too tired to care about a pain his ass. Hopefully his older alias would be in tune with new social numbers, accounts and simply slip by like the years themselves. Yet his gut told him it'd be in Empire's whims unfortunately.
"You're using a body count in three days as intimidation, right?" He deferred to unofficial numbers making a smile curve upward exposing teeth, "Yes. One hundred, or so in three days is nothing less of impressive even if many think...otherwise." Grimm snarled out a less than savory acceptance, "Mass shooter's got nothing on me, apparently. Maybe that guy had something, I should get something larger and make hollowed points, eh?"
Scorch's smile didn't change despite not reacting to the darkened humor even if it was grim. Who knows what'll happen? I'm already one foot in the grave, might as well dig to it my liking. Shifting to where legs extended while being crossed he asked rather knowingly, "Let me guess, tonight?" She only needed to say back pleased, "You know us all too well, don't you? Thankfully we have a whole day to ourselves, right?"
Not even humoring an urge to groan, "I'm being kidnapped. Call the cops!" Scorch's eyes raised daringly as if seriously tempting that offer considering Grimm's actions alone, "You didn't need to get into my car. I half expected you standing in the street, but perhaps there's something inside of you getting used to this routine." A finger got cranked upward in deliberate motion since it'd been an entire lie in hearing that excuse. Think you're funny, huh woman? You're literally forcing me to go somewhere, god help me otherwise.
And ironically enough he'd gotten in to avoid being hit by aggressive drivers. Brockton Bay's populace earned enough fame by being one of the worst places to drive any car, truck or commercial shipping due to accident rates. Inwardly debating in tear off a door seemed prudent yet too many witnesses, too much potential go wrong and ideally giving her satisfaction? I'm screwed either way, if Kaiser's cousin doesn't mouth off to him. There's no way out of this mess until a debt is settled, then I'm moving out of state or just going to hire myself out to piss on their day. Vowing quietly while twitching his jawline kept him relatively pacified through self-induced lying to cope with it all.
"Do you get off on getting me riled up, or are you just being yourself?" She raised an eyebrow accordingly leaving it up to him genuinely, "You tell me, John." Glancing over puffing out smoke which hardly made her wince, or detract from driving made it almost disappointing. Save for propping up an elbow along an arm rest, "Please tell me you know somewhere that'll pass the time at least quickly? Don't know decent spots, or you plan on talking me to death?" He relented mainly in seeing new places around an already crumbling city who barely offered most to live decently, but sensibly there had to be someplace around.
Whether he'd ever admit it, or not Scorch did provide a sense of routine normalcy even if it wasn't entirely welcomed. This is going to be a long day, I can just tell already. But as far as anyone else was concerned? Grimm would keep on appearing until either he gave it up, or ended up somewhere buried being strung up by everyone else. And ironically enough? The middle ground tended to disappear whenever there hadn't been a slight hope of it ever existing when women refused to take no as an answer.
Night came quickly upon a city much to Grimm's internal relief as he sat behind those waiting inside a van's interior again. True to Scorch's word, Kaiser, Purity and himself waited in what he'd assume had to be friendly territory. It a location strictly between Empire and whoever Lung, or as far as Grimm knew would meet one to one. Though showing up with armed men, I doubt one to one will be smooth sailing to my guess. And smoking through silence certainly appeased in dealing with two Para-humans whose animosity got too obvious.
"Why did you have to bring them of all our members? Especially him?" Purity's leg had propped itself upon a dashboard while leaning back in a seat adjacent to Kaiser's armored form. He'd viewing without moving around an area opened between buildings. Four roads lead to one central point akin to dumping grounds, or possible intentional environment to his liking. It didn't look natural, as if people threw out rusting carcasses for cars and truck in somewhat organized piles. If anything it was simply natural ground to have an edge in Grimm's opinion.
Kaiser hardly seemed annoyed given he probably smiled, "Because Lung wanted it as a stipulation. It's no loss, or risk losing more valuable subordinates of mine." She looked over correcting him far too quickly that it sounded entitled, "Ours. You didn't inform me about this decision between that mongrel and your little...pet." Scorch's outfit glinted underneath trace beams of light slipping in through a driver's side door. Yet interestingly enough her voice sounded genuinely warmer, even if Purity's scowl settled on a frown.
"I still miss you, I hoped to at least see you come back as family." Kaiser rumbled chortling in crushing whatever seemed to be brought up, "Don't expect things to go back to what they once were, cousin. We parted ways as best as it'd ever get, I recall you're free this weekend?" Referring to an all white para-human who sneered faintly, "Yes, I'm aware...Max."
Grimm wisely kept himself stilled to where it'd be difficult spotting him in darkened shadows. What am I missing here? I highly doubt calling him by his personal name, Scorch can't even say it and this bitch can without an issue? An orange ember glowered when glass glinted in making blue eyes sharply look up briefly, "Please be mindful that not everyone in this vehicle is trusted, or family. Or do you risk something even worth more to you, or I so easily?"
The shorter woman arguably sitting sneered quite naturally to suggest, "Then kill him." However Empire's relative spoke quite plainly, "He knows to keep his mouth shut, Kayden. You're my sister whether you hate me, or...Kaiser." Grimm's eyebrows raised quite highly when a near infuriated pair of brown eyes stared right into glass sockets, "Be careful who you're talking too, girl. Max and I made our choices, so stop digging up old graves for your sake."
Apparently more than personal history screamed in making tonight seemingly worth while in seeing the younger blond look away. Mommy issues? Shit, I think Skidmark wasn't far off apparently. Fucker maybe a dick, but he's pretty damned good. Moving an inch spelled incredibly dangerous potential given Kaiser's glinting eyes hadn't strayed a mere fraction save for blinking. Grimm only puffed out smoke into obscuring an interior mirror briefly, if only to keep his own skin from being possibly skewered off.
"You even whisper, or speak mongrel?" Purity's eyes trailed upwards towards him personally to bare teeth far too willingly, "I'll tear your guts open. Disrespect is what I only need!" Scorch's respirator tilted over remaining again tight lipped much to Grimm cracking a smirk. His hand only made a zipping motion while in favor of leaning back quietly. It was simply too easy, too natural for him and it'd made a shorter spiteful woman turn away rigidly.
Oh you poor bitch, I'll remember your name. Grimm's smile curved underneath a cigar when orange embers illuminated enough where it'd revealed even the lone silver cross necklace. So if going by technicalities, Scorch is Purity's sister? No, she's Kaiser's family and therefore...oh, oh fucking Christ and the Virgin Mary help me. He tried in putting together an almost interested assumption that Kayden and Max had slept together? Maybe more so, but it definitely didn't sound like Empire business considering personal reactions.
"You haven't changed much." Kaiser graced fondly which had ended anymore discussion considering his next action, "But family matters are best left private. And killing him?" Empire's leading figure simply chortled, "It wouldn't be worth any effort. He knows his place, if he wishes to go through with that little band in his basement. For now, Lung believes what he'll believe and it's given us a solution to future...irritations."
Miraculously that'd be as close one ever got to acceptance in without getting killed off for once, if that even mattered personally. Not exactly doing myself any favors, but sometimes listening and watching does have some perks. Can't exactly give a reason for not humoring my habits, I consider patience an incredible virtue when it's around. The insults may have worn out their welcome, over stayed and funnily enough it'd gotten to a point where it just been assumed. And still being in this gang's 'debt' to make something out of it.
"His disrespect to you, myself and others can't be overlooked." Purity stated more out of scorn to which went nowhere considering circumstances. Then again every little piece they gave away, it'd be future consideration for himself and Rascal to brain storm over. Capes only deal with capes, I'd rather have a Thinker come up with odds over what I'll do next. Just have to take punches, it'll work out, or else I'll go completely bat shit insane. Wryly suppressing an urge in barking out a quiet laugh was quelled after leaning against cool metal. As long as Kaiser held up his end in getting what had been determined, Grimm would play the good soldier and nicer guy until it'd be time otherwise.
"Are you questioning me?" Empire's leading head said slowly as if testing her to which earned a sneering refusal to be cowered, "Ten months, I take over and if that mongrel is around? He'll be considered a loose end." Grimm's patience suddenly started evaporating quickly when fingers curled unseen beneath his propped up leg. Ten months, take over? What in god's name am I missing here, or is this all just another target on my back? Overhearing all of this isn't good for my health, I'd be an idiot to not see that much.
Kaiser's response seemingly appeared unworried given his armored gauntlet tapped against a knee cap lightly, "That remains to be seen, Purity." Blue eyes trailed over towards Scorch and then onto him causing an involuntary shiver, "On both accounts." Grimm knew without a doubt schemes, power plays and pulls were moving considering he'd an absolute reject insulting his own self-preservation in earnest spades. Let's not find out, pal. Let's not find out at all, or else I'll ghost myself long before someone gets ideas.
Another brighter orange illuminated revealing an indifferent posture save for flipping through past a page casually, "But focus on our purpose! Lung will be brought to heel now, or we risk a surge of problems for us later." Focusing on texts ingrained on pages barely visible, a lone para-human didn't as so much twitch in being utterly uncomfortable. Between meeting in sketchy bars filled with capes, going to unmarked warehouses and now settling into a rigid acceptance inside vans couldn't have any shadier at this point.
Smoke lazily uplifted through cracked windows causing both Purity and a driver to roll them further down in muted annoyance. Sooner I get clear, sooner I can forget this ever happened. Exhaling excessively to make clothe hotter than usual, it'd be another awkward night to endure again. A weapon's butt stock remained parallel over his lap, it barely reassured him considering loaded slugs aside and ironically it'd just seemed to become dead weight. And so they all sat in stilled positions to hear distant sirens go off further away.
"Now we'll not be disturbed, or you disagree?" Kaiser's voice rumbled underneath an armored helm with both arms folded. Purity's scoff didn't leave much to say, but looking out a window in seeing water leaking down granite buildings. She relented after an amused snort inside that armor indicated a personal enjoyment, "It wouldn't matter, you and I would be enough. Even that mongrel can keep them busy for more important matters, loathe as I am to admit it. At least he doesn't stray from what is promised."
At this point lights started appearing opposite to where they were parked. As if another vehicle came from an intentional direction making Kaiser hum, "He's early, very early." Looking back towards himself did a curt order be issued, "Open the doors." Grimm's puff of smoke didn't give much away save for a mild salute before raising a hand. Metal covering grounded subtly before it slid aside allowing Kaiser and Scorch to step out first. Purity followed suit with three of them leaving him inside apparently at first.
"Wait here, Versengen." The respirator tilted questioningly before two capes moved on ahead leaving a younger cousin behind. She leaned up against a van making it rock partially. Grimm's smirk couldn't be contained when folding arms behind, a pair of boots found themselves settling as he laid back all too happily to ignore whatever went down. Empire business, right! Maybe my luck's changing, I can take a nap finally.
Outside doors opened rather loudly across an open intersection making him frown as foot steps splashing aside puddles came next. Clacking armored feet followed momentarily until light started shining akin to some miniature spot light. Looks like someone doesn't want their face seen, I swear I'll go blind if I stare too much. Blotches of flashing coloration forced him in turning aside when voices began in low, if not grounded out accented English. It distinctly held some sort of asian undertone which was unique enough.
Barely audible scoffs frequently were heard over a near enraged voice not sounding entirely happy, or pleased. And something clanked as if warding off wolves? A few clanks followed with silence until someone laughed either pleased, or rather incredibly willing when Scorch's face jerked up sharply in a rare showing of concern. Sounds like their having a good time, I can't imagine why. I'm getting another sense of deja-vu, aren't I? Puffing out smoke with eyes opened due to glasses dimming light respectively to see an oddity occur.
Reddish eye sockets looked down at him where light revealed widening blue eyes, "What?" He mouthed utterly conflicted for once seeing near surprise when Kaiser's cousin glanced away quickly realizing he'd seen it, "Woman..." His voice trailed off surprisingly unnerved when her back faced him as a pair arms folded back behind a leather coat. Fists were clenching unusually tighter than average, a far cry from familiar posture. And she seemed to be either ignoring his question outright, if only to save face strangely enough.
Voices arose when Purity's cackling suddenly made a shiver grow far more pronounced when reaching for a stock's end. After several moments Scorch's muffed voice spoke fairly indifferent, "Kaiser's calling for you." Grimm's jawline remained clenched when teeth grounded in a show to ward off an anxiety building within. Something's really wrong, I mean really wrong! But breathing out smoke in succumbing to smoother sensations warding it all off, his legs moved when swinging over as the firearm lazily angled when a barrel skimmed an interior ceiling.
Popping shoulders mainly in releasing tensed up muscle as subtle sensations of bone cracking made exhaling relieving. Coming around from Scorch immediately instincts had hair on his own neck sticking in sheer unrivaled proportions not seen in months. Who, or what in God's name is this guy supposed to be? Standing ahead were two people with several along edges of an opened up intersection, a slew of armed asian gangsters who either had rifles, pistols or swords of some kind whereas Purity and an armed driver stood opposite of them.
Light dimmed accordingly leaving an audible glow preventing him from making out any features as Kaiser's eyes were partially visible. Due to angled light itself he saw eyes narrowing in what appeared of sinister purpose, "Grimm." His name smoothly stood out gesturing with a casual flick of an armored gauntlet to come closer. But it was another also happier growling chortle that made eyes from behind glasses look over in seeing a man who'd made him look short. I'm six foot two, but what in fucking hell is this guy eating? Holy, shit!
Tattoo's Grimm could only imagine left his in shame in terms of effort, detail and more so covered an entirely bared chest. Jeans partially torn on knee caps while some sort of hybrid boot, or shoe laced in black had serpentine patterns stitched literal grayish silver. Finger less gloves sported knives flipping from side to side as an incredible ornate yet damning mask mimicking what had to be either some sort of draconian iconography stood out. Horns curled inwardly spiraling before whipping past ears whereas reddish bloody eyes met him visibly pleased. And he stood well above him in terms of sheer height displaying a near spine tingling physique of someone lifting weights.
"I like him already, he don't follow your code." Grimm just managed in standing far enough without appearing to appear nervous given tense muscle signaling otherwise. Those eyes which stood out far more openly eager sized him up naturally, "Thought he'd be smaller, like you. So this round eye fuck took out my boys? Plus them pig skins?" Lung's voice grew almost undeniably impatient when looking him up from head to boot and settling on a lazily angled shotgun which remained flush against behind his interior shoulder settling on his neckline.
Even speaking seemed far too dangerous considering various slanted eyes stared pointedly all centering on him. And none of them were either happy, or pleased except seeing what many a hunter considered an easy killing. Kaiser hardly seemed to notice his own posture stiffening involuntarily, "Do you agree since I've brought him? You seemed to doubt my word, Lung." A mask looked over seeing an armored cape when air seemingly boiled out past an exposed mouth of steel teeth. And it akin to shimmering steam itself.
Lung glanced back seemingly eyeing something that made Grimm's spine curl uniquely tense, "Hundred bodies in three days, I can respect that much." Inhaling on a cigar which managed in successfully keeping his expression plain did a masked cape presumably tilt his mask, "Kaiser! Does your dog speak, or do I smell fear?" An almost commanding tone hardly made Empire's leader miss a beat in coolly retorting, "Unlike your rabid dogs, mine tend to know who controls their leash and know their place fairly well. It's what separates discipline from rabble, or are you questioning my methods in forcing you to listen?"
Lung's harsh laughter hardly seemed appeased yet began walking forward in accelerating a heart underneath one bullet proof vest. Jesus Christ, it's been a long time since I saw anyone. But he's a big guy! The asian accented tone didn't particularly seem to mind smoke when leisure gusts of wind blew it towards him due to tightly packed buildings, "What say you? Dog of Kaiser, are you mute or are you afraid of stronger men who hold that leash?"
Grimm's lips curled realizing he'd gotten an entirely wrong assumption when replying, "I'm afraid of God more, personally." Lung's silver like mask leaned forward when heat gradually grew far more potent and rapidly than Scorch making his eyes remained centered on blood shot eyes tinting a brighter coloration, "God doesn't exist, duck." That racial slur made hazel eyes narrow since it'd been a first in hearing that one, "But you didn't answer my question. Are you afraid of stronger men who hold your leash?"
Smoke blew past an exposed set of teeth, "Maybe you should get that gook looking face out of mine." Lung's gaze narrowed mainly out of sheer exoneration when trace breathes of heat singed a cigar's burning tip, "You stink of fear." Grimm's smile widened partially admitting a lesser wise opinion when the shotgun slid over, "Only of what I don't know, pal. I fear God because he made me what I am, so do me a solid favor and open those slant eyes for once." Blood rushed into ears thunderously when eyes of a beast glowered quite tempted otherwise.
"Kaiser!" His voice growled out far too pleased when stepping away as if sizing up for what appeared to be a fun hobby, "Sixty seconds." Grimm's eyes went wide when instinct screamed earnestly as a gut churned in morbid anticipation. Purity's cackling followed by hands clapping together only further sealed what he had feared inwardly, "I lost thirty boys cause of this guy. Do it, then maybe we will discuss this pact after a little non-aggression is considered before anything!"
Hope fled instantly when an armored forearm lifted as metal shifted aside shimmering in revealing one lone glass watch's surface, "Take your time." He only suggested when keeping track of what had been offered beforehand, "I took care of any possible outside interference. We're all alone, as you'd like considering your...terms." A smile couldn't be seen yet Grimm's gnashing teeth bordered on breaking near bullshit leveling disbelief. Hell he swore the very air itself warmed up gradually as blood shot eyes glowered in undeniable enjoyment once demands were met willingly.
Are you fucking serious? What in the actual shit! Panicking internally with thought speeding along as adrenaline began following earnest due to immeasurable tension. Lung jabbed a knife quite expertly given his increasing panic due to edges seemingly serrated, if that didn't manage cutting through anything save for skinning a man? Grimm's body started reacting according with sweat trailing down dampening clothe rapidly when hearing an all too pleased surprise, "Looks like your owner thinks highly, if he's sending you to the slaughter house duck boy."
Taking on other para-humans hadn't ever been intentional, it'd be incredibly dangerous considering he had little experience falling back on it. Firefights, maybe but other capes? Fucking bullshit, fucking absolute bullshit! Shifting feet accordingly while shivers ran along arms, spine and tingled in familiarity did an abundance of metal objects give some sort of relief. If only barely when leveling a shotgun clear warning, "You're really fucking serious?" He asked in mainly trying to at least give some sort of pause considering he'd doubt anyone would survive a solid twelve gauge shell so close and apparently Lung's laughter found it adorable.
"Take the first shot, you'll see!" The man didn't need any hesitation when immediately towards Grimm who literally pulled a trigger. You're funeral! An ear ringing bang followed another action as a round got pumped through his hand rearing back sent another round, Lung's body jerked in response and went down at first despite rasping out, "Two, huh?" Blood started leaking even though Grimm found himself frozen when something incredibly off occurred, a man still had time to breathe, laugh it off and unbelieving start getting up.
Lung's masked face seemingly shimmered with an unseen amount of heat as an ex-soldier stepped back before shooting round after round. The slugs impacts alone jerked arms backward yet a mask remained in place when boils visibly appeared, "Never minded guns, but sometimes you need just a little more fire to them!" A firearm clacked emptied making hazel eyes widen mainly out of sheer disbelief, he'd for certain hit every slug and more so in bringing down a god damned bear! Hell, a bear would have slouched over at the Christ's sheer amount of lead inside it.
Clinking pieces of metal got pushed gradually and fell when Lung bellowed out quite visibly enjoying himself, "Give me a real fight, dog of Kaiser!" Expecting having time to at least reload didn't turn out well known, a masked man literally leaped upwards beyond anything he'd seen a human could achieve only in their worst nightmares. And literally an inferno of orange spent a para-human scampering away as he dove over sliding along a shoulder. An entire wall crumbled when Lung's bared back landed away before a mask turned to look over the nearest shoulder when his god damned glowered literally yellow.
"What the fuck are you?" Grimm heaved outward in struggling to not flee anywhere besides a fight with some unknown cape who'd just took slugs like they were plastic pellets. And without warning masses of fire came screeching right at him! No time to move! Metallic pieces from cars tore themselves off slamming together as flames seethed in metal glowering a hot white, it'd all immediately melted away when a bellowing scream came out of no where! Grimm cried out when an almighty force sent him skidding, flopping and rolling until he came face to face with granite coughing out bloodied liquid.
Glasses were lost as a blurred image of a figure emerged from flames making him rasp out, "Cheap shot, gook!" He'd torn right through weakening pieces of metal and outright just sucker punched him so hard, it'd nearly sent his jawline into pieces. Agonized sensations in getting up did little when Lung flipped himself forward shrieking akin to some demented hyena, "Ain't no holding back, dog! You're in my cage!"
Standing up while rasping out air did little when flames stories high came spiraling and churning until they came screaming downward. Son of a bitch! An entire building's internal groans were audible when tendrils of piping, beams and anything capable met half way as concussive force alone had him reeling back, "Where..." Metal screeched in near unspeakable ear rattling protest as a fist doused in literal flame came crashing through and sent the para-human screaming out backwards another thirty, or so feet as he coughed out blood.
My rib! Rasping out a scream while clutching an ungodly pain that forced him to nearly vomit. Hollowing gasping out did fingers pull back revealing crimson, warm dripping liquid and his knees struggled in getting up despite being hit by some man who'd shatter bone. Shit, shit, shit! I think he fucking broke it, he broke my rib! Fucking fuck!
Looking up while coughing out a mixture of cooper did his hand raise accordingly, "You're dead." He vowed when tremors began turning into body rattling quakes that made an entire buildings groan audibly. Lung's masked face appeared from behind flames as boiling steams of exhaling air didn't appeared bothered, "Thought I'd be a dead man, pal? Huh?" He hissed out standing onto a knee with hands clenching into fists when pressure began surging within palms. Tingling nerves screamed when blood dripped past a torn balaclava.
Lung flung a knife far beyond anything humanely possible even to Grimm's experiences. Yet it stopped short inches from impaling his shoulder, "Gotcha!" Concrete streets buckled when flames came flinging towards metallic tendrils, they seared and battled churning when liquidized white pieces sent the cape leaping upwards towards some fire escapes. Do it motherfucker, do it! Fury alone didn't stop when coils of twisting metal shot upwards as a masked man dove right into the center of it all, bellowing and exhilarated when his descent got cut short.
Pressure slowly built as fingers clawed their way inwardly, Lung's bellowing turned murderously into twisted guttural roars. Tendrils wrapped around him despite it continuously weakening due to heat, "Get bent gook!" He screamed back throwing himself aside as coiled metal responded by slamming downward dragging, kicking up dirt and loose rock while being slammed into several buildings causing a near cloud of dust of them tumbling in portions. You're not walking away, God as my witness you'll fucking regret pissing me off!
Standing up heaving out air he began walking raising a hand as stakes formed through a murky cloud of orange among screaming of feral bestial vocal cords. Resistance inside his palm indicated metal being crushed meant only one thing. He's breaking free?! The fuck is this guy? Hissing out lividly his hand slammed downward as an almighty cracking followed suit when a body got skewered onto sharpened stakes as more came raining down through cloud. Dozens, if not hundreds shrieked through air pelting one location where an inferno originated.
Ripping out a glock did another hand's fingers extend when tendrils pulled Lung's struggling form close enough before unleashing bullets. Aiming directly center mass, bullets struck and ricocheted off even the man's exposed chest whose appearance turned unbelievably animistic. Eyes glowered a mix of orange and yellow so eerily prominent, they almost appeared to promise an effortless amount of hell if hands ever got onto their target. Are you fucking kidding me right now, slugs went into him because I fucking saw it happen!
Brass spears formed along side until they quivered in place, "Eat on this you damned, chink!" Near reflective surfaces made every rod appear glowering as they shot forward impaling the man backwards towards a building as Grimm crushed a fist, "Let's see you get up from that!" Behind an entire building stories high crumbled without warning due to steel, or iron support beams whisking out from centuries old foundations, as debris and rubble pilled over dousing flames into a near darkened pile taking metric tons of solid matter onto a buried cape.
Panting heavily while wiping away sweat dripping earnest did a magazine eject with him reloading accordingly, "Fuck!" He rasped out falling onto knees feeling knives digging every time lungs took full time to expand and deflate, it hurt to breathe so much he'd seen lights flickering due to his body almost shutting down entirely. What in hell's name did I just see, a guy just...he just shrugged off getting shot and more! And...oh, my god!
Rocks started shifting violently, stones and concrete started shimmering away in rapidly conjoined hissing. He's actually burning his way out. Stunned almost in sheer shock did a darkened shape emerge blasting away debris when gurgled words cackled quite jovially, "Not bad, dog." Lung's voice sounded far too shocked to not be anything less but pleased, "Not bad at all. What else you got?" Snarling akin to some animistic predator followed when a hunched over figure walked from nearly two stories worth of sheer debris. Grimm's eyes were wide due in being far too stunned in seeing some hulking form of a man towering well over him standing literally...unharmed.
What in hell's name is this bullshit? Wiping away saliva and bloodied mixtures did his knees strain visibly in holding himself upright, "Alright, pal." Spitting our words through clenched teeth when two hands rose clutching seemingly at air, "Have it your way." Metal pieces came wrapping around circling slowly, but began picking up speed when his legs took slow measured steps forward as a slop form sending him upwards. Behind various streets asphalt began crackling before explosive waves of metal trailing along bending numerously in squealing waves, it rippled an entire environment when nearby building's electric snaps of lighting falling followed streams of dust clouds when more and more weight formulated around a para-human.
More...more! Car alarms blared in earnest when they whisked from overhead distinctly tearing themselves apart when thousands of heavy objects smashed aside a building's looming presence and Lung remained standing. He seemed to watch interestingly when stakes, spears and serrated edges connected through panels of shielded metal covering Grimm's approach, "Now this is what I like to see, dog of Kaiser! Aim right here..." An almost twisted hand whose fingers extended formulating scale like texture much to an enraged para-human who'd do anything in shutting that hole, he'd been challenged and it was only accepted.
Fire blazed unhindered whether it'd been iron, steel or stone as white induced matter pooled when Lung started forward. Not yet...not yet! Immense stress started caving inwards, a finger or two started going backward straining ligaments, it came close into shattering bone yet having them broken by mistake taught valuable lessons of painful endurance. Not yet! NOT YET! Grinding teeth together so tightly that one of his canine teeth started chipping did Lung lose patience by charging forward bellowing akin to some predatory animal.
Husks of cars, trucks or anything large enough gave way in crackling hissing as they got denigrated when hands angled backward. Serrated claws grew and grew leaving little chance, if he didn't stop this monster of a man? I'm already one foot in the grave, so fuck all! Stakes shattered in ear splintering clangs as they got flung aside, Lung's rampaging form grew taller and far more beyond any natural growth. Scales glinted off light reflected into giving hazel eyes enough to realize an epiphany when something clicked inside his head, "Tin-man?"
His hand started openly trembling when Lung's enlarged form came shrieking from above as he leaped skyward all readily to skewer him alive. Get up from this you son of a bitch, gook! Twisting and towering streams of metal warped until an immense crashing sound surrounded a cape, who'd gone near super nova as light sent streaming outwards due to flames pushing aside thickened layers. And it all went dark when a ball slammed around Lung's muffled shrieking.
Tightening a fist as Grimm slammed downwards yelling out, "See ya in hell fucker!" It buckled inwards getting smaller and smaller due to outside force as stakes exploded outwards going through each side with molten white tips glowering off steam. It crashed from nearly five stories, screeching downward and churning underneath in causing an earthquake's force rippling across out well past several blocks due to various vehicle alarms going off. Dust and cloud shot upward when said ball of tightening metal kept going deeper beneath earth itself.
Rumbling still kept going much to his eyes blurred vision as he slumped backward vomiting from adrenaline alone. His stomach unleashed everything until dry heaves slowed to breathing in rapid breathes, "Son of a fuck!" As occasional concrete fell from upwards smashing into a newly minted crater that had water gushing outward due to water lines. Leaning against crumbling walls feeling immensely light headed did he take a moment to calm down. Haven't brought down buildings, or anything this much to god knows how long! Fuck, what an adrenaline rush from hell and I got a broken rib out of it...fucking hell, it hurts!
Reaching over where a dented up shotgun returned to his shaking hands, "Great!" It'd been utterly crushed by sheer weight alone as well s melted off barrel first from being too close to some walking inferno of a bestial guy. Piece of shit chinese made twelve gauge, I should have bought something made in here in America. But I don't have money, not enough to replace it immediately. Using a piece of floating metal as leverage, he struggled heavily getting up partially bracing himself stumbling towards a pair of lights flashing. Despite throwing everything at that para-human he'd left that vehicle in a dimming awareness to be able to get home tonight, he needed to get help quickly.
Angling metallic pieces of lengthening material downward even with warmth trickling down a slashed open gash. Blinking away blurred coloration didn't help but do worse, "Oh...crap." Suddenly losing balance did his face collide against solid jagged as dust was inhaled, it hurt to move and by Christ he lost feeling fingers clutching at pipes coiling around them. Yet in a herculean effort he managed to defy gravity's pulling forces in being dragged towards others by hovering metal, who weren't going to off him, or so he hoped not.
But a gradual tingling reappeared making both eyes go wide in absolute horrifying understanding, "Fuck, fuck, fuck! How in Christ is that...no, way in hell!" His entire spinal cord started vibrating internally akin to being on some massage chair when rumbling started up again distantly making paling skin turn unbelievably. That fucker is still alive...he's coming back up! I fucking buried him, I don't believe this shit is happening!
Coughing out spasms as a metallic crunch strained into assisting him swaying dangerously side to side. Earth and stone started trembling when a light's gloom emerged from beneath the crater itself, it grew hotter as skin on his exposed face singed when flames shot upward followed by animistic roaring no creature among God's created wonders could imagine. It sounded a blend of some lion, man and unworldly fury that couldn't be imagined anymore. Grimm found himself falling backward pulling out a pistol uselessly despite grinding teeth to rasp out, "Why won't you die? Why!"
Slowly but surely flames rose skyward bleaching a beautiful yet mix of golden yellow and crimson red that burnt entire structures. Like some demonic joke, Grimm stood petrified rightfully when serrated limbs rose out from that flame melting through wailing stone, "God damn it!" Some twisted figure pulled itself loosely out with serrated spikes, or knives that stuck up rigidly when it's grown far beyond anything he'd imagine in a nightmare. Nubs of flesh pulled themselves aside as if steadying itself before an elongated neck wearing that damned mask turned to face him.
Eyes so pure of yellowed red stared back akin to an actual demonic entity. Grimm's hair stuck up on both arms when they visibly crinkled, "What are you?" He whispered when metal came caressing behind shielding most of himself from flames that licked forward, an audible tremor happened next due to limbs resembling clawed feet sent waves of skin scorching embers aside. There wasn't any chance he had in hell to bring down this fucked up insanity, he'd drawn up a blank trying to understand this animal hadn't been crushed through sheer force alone.
"How long has it been Kaiser?" Lung's warped voice gurgled quite gleefully when it echoed thunderously over a deathly silent destroyed intersection. From behind Grimm starred wide eyed when a sheet of metal hovering and being supported by spears in shielding three other para-humans, an armored form shimmering considerably. Rocks and other portions of building were thrown aside without damaging, or risking a vehicle whose driver who threw up outside a window from getting an entire view of everything.
Kaiser seemingly checked a watch as his answer sounded modestly pleased, "Time's..." Before another word could be said Grimm didn't have a chance to scream, or even react. Lung's hand rapidly threw something screeching forward, a insinuated sweltering piece of jagged steel . And it came striking right above Grimm's right knee. Flesh being cooked alive reached his nose long before an ear shattering shrieks tore past his throat in earnest. And the last thing he heard before seeing a blurred out image of Scorch was Lung's graveled voice finishing amused, "...up."
"Can you shut him up?" Purity's disdainful demand said for probably an aggravated amount of time while turning around in seeing the mongrel's shrill screams continuing. Kaiser didn't appeared bothered despite smelling human flesh suffering extensive burning, "No, it's only natural." Empire's leader watched with an overt smile in garnering an insight against an enemy who'd shown a unique problem to overcome eventually. Grimm's purpose had been fulfilled on several accounts, if only just enough warranting consideration.
Lung's been brought to the table, it's what matters most of all. As far for a foreseeable future, Empire and Lung would ignore each other as intended. Yet a lingering problem did rear itself rather mundanely in his eyes. Always the spiteful one, cousin. You never did enjoy others taking advantage of your work, but it's necessary for victory.
Versengen's arms had pinned a pair of flailing hands from tearing open an instantaneous cauterized wound that'd been intentionally marked. Clever, if not a bit underhanded. Lung will hunt you, he will not forget losing out to his arrogance. Sixty seconds had been a risky endeavor, if only through likely assumption that his wayward asset would endure. But it'd been an acceptable loss regarding an outcome, even if a startling consideration wormed it's way into his growing smile. How much have you hidden away, how far did you endure to hide away for so long?
A respirator had been placed furthest away from twitching legs that kicked an interior floor more than occasionally giving little imagination to pain. Leaning against a seat while tapping an armored forearm left him with flexible options to humor, or not. Although Kayden's voice dipped quite venomously when noticing detail's he had allowed, "Stop wasting your breath on that mongrel, girl. Have some dignity, or is that something you've lost as well?"
The wayward cousin looked up less than pleased to bite back much to an internal bemusement, "Who I concern myself is none of your own to say. Like you said to me cousin...we made our choices!" Kaiser's eyes looked away drinking in passing buildings where various occupants came out to their cars shutting them off, or police cruisers speeding past with sirens flaring visibly. And more than once he'd seen a news van whip past their own. It'd been unexpected genuinely with having witnessed more than a few details tonight.
"You and Max are very similar when it comes to convenience of dedication." The man's ex-wife sneered making old wound seemingly go fresh when an audible glow in reddening eyes signaled less than savory acceptance, "Your ambition to take over? What hope do you have, girl?" Looking over to a shrilly screaming Grimm who whimpered after shivering, a slew of leaking blood from the mouth gave little into nearly being killed.
Eyes narrowed far too pleased, "The mongrel? He barely lives after a slight chance in showing himself where he stands among us?" Blue eyes closer to his own didn't exactly find that smug joy warranted, "Could you have done better, Kayden? Or you...Max? We knew nothing! Nothing about those damned animals who..."
Kaiser finished that sentence smoothly raising an armored hand silencing them both, "We know now are quite unique considering Lung's never been pushed that far. Least since settling here, now he'll keep his gaze fixated on Grimm, who fulfilled his debt to us in providing a suitable showing." Looking over towards Purity specifically whose lip lifted before turning away to ignore a man who lay dying behind her back, "But until Coil's work is transferred into my hands? Do well to remember cousin, I do not tolerate your fixation without it providing me ample value. Useful idiots, are only as good as they believe when they're not privy to hints."
She refused to cease glaring giving some measure of approval in seeing something finally emerge in those eyes. Hate me all you want, but unlike you dear cousin? Max Anders's smile had grown into nearly pleased proportions when eyeing a sweating face of a man who'd miraculously kept his word despite everything. He'd fought without hesitation even knowing it'd be watched, fought relatively decent for a cape learning their way and unsurprisingly managed to walk away without being another number to the same mad dog.
Hatred without purpose cannot exist, but when purpose alone is what makes men like Grimm exist? Potential existed all too easily, if only just in it being hidden away for asinine motives. But it was far too early, far too premature and only time itself would decide whether Grimm, Kayden or other's showed some measure for the future ahead. Yet Lung had revealed his hand when he'd stood by watching, waiting and realizing with no small measure that even a mad dog had bite to it's bark. That wouldn't be forgotten, it'd cost only little in the grander picture and that couldn't be nothing short of grateful willingness.
"He's not going to make it, if we don't get someone who can stitch him up." Blue eyes shined appropriately when looking over again, "Then you'll have to accept his debt to me will be extended." Kaiser never once looked away as a decision was made for someone who'd have died after days of exposure, "It's a small price to pay. If he doesn't like it, so be it." The drive back to their original location wouldn't anything short of woeful amusement that would make things all the more easier for Empire to operate freely, if only thanks to the newly minted Grimm himself.
End Chapter IV
Author's Note: What's more terrifying? A monster among monsters, or the monster who believed itself being able to contend with them? Either way, Lung's debut was nothing short of brutal and absolutely terrifying in the sense, he's pretty fucking scary when this is a character who slugged it out with an End-Bringer. Now that's quite a stick to measure up too, walking away from said guy? Grimm got his literal teeth kicked in, or skull cracked open when realizing right away...if force isn't enough, get more it and if that doesn't work?
Creativity can humble any man, or those willing to admit they're not expected to survive. But the debut has another purpose, who exactly is really going to be capable to bring down para-humans who can burn, tear or bring down buildings? I'm sure we have our theories, our assumptions and our own manner of trying to classify exactly what is this particular case. And here's the kicker, it's not even glorifying the brutal honesty of upholding your word in a place where it only matters if you make it another day. But more so, we see the dynamics on display considering you've picked up on it, or not.
It leaves plenty of questions, who or what in hell's name is going on behind the scenes. Keep in mind there's plenty of places to go, or realize exist well beyond those who'd been ostracized in the sense of going through with they'll do. Power is relative until one makes it absolute, whether you believe it doesn't matter or change anything is incredibly dangerous. Lung and Grimm literally destroyed an entire street, and more without going to the point where it gets incredibly out of hand despite it gradually escalating into violate consequences. More so, Kaiser watched and learned with every little detail while sitting back without risking anything except an acceptable lose that's on a thin veil of consideration.
Regardless Grimm went through with it, technically you can call it a win but it's a lose in my eyes. The man's been skewered alive, notice something Lung did when that went down? He's shrewd in this interpretation, far more dangerous and this isn't going to end well. And nearly getting killed? That'll make any man, or person think twice even if they're unwilling to back away. When your word is as good as yourself, it's all the matters. Fighting for nothing to lose, or fighting with everything to gain never ceases to be a natural result of those unwilling to put themselves in danger's line of fire.
Leave a review, what did you think of the brawling monstrosity that Lung is and it is by no means any easy thing to contend with, barring we ever reach End-Bringers? Well, let's just say the world one can build can easily just as be destroyed, if you're not careful with sheer scale of destructive forces. Have a good day, be safe and enjoy the week ahead folks.