Worm
The Grimm
Chapter VII
Painful throbbing sensations ached an internal organ called a brain as the Thinker's gaze flickered heavily at first. What happened? Opening eyes he only saw sporadic flickering of lights and rough clothe as he reflexively tried yanking it off. But that proved impossible, if only for feeling what amounted to chains rattling. Inwardly panicking he blurted out a name of the para-human who'd he saw last, "Grimm!"
Standing didn't happen either when struggling to realize he'd been placed on some chair as lights swayed overhead. A stillness of silence met him when cool, but scratchy like sensation inside his throat was due to a sheer lack of humidity. Oh shit, school...Madison, Grimm and she was telling the cops where I was running! At first memories hazily started replaying momentarily until near perfected realization hit him solidly. He honestly didn't know whether to scream out in anguish, grief or simply anger itself. But his feet managed in stomping furiously by fiercely rattling chained limbs without restraint.
"God damn it." Whispering while fighting back tears mainly out of painful sensations originated inside his chest didn't change what had happened, "Why didn't I listen?" The Thinker shuddered trying to not outright scream for help, if only prolonging an inevitable panic attack. Locked and bond to some chair, without knowing where and not hearing the only man who'd got him out. Oh shit, I'm dead! I'm a dead man because whose got me? Where's Grimm! Madison, or where the fuck am I? Son of bitch, where I am now?
Sweat started forming as distant echos from foot steps dimly became aware. Grimm? Someone in front straining to see through half thickened clothe, "Whose there?" He called out shakily when a door opened creaking and he saw someone briefly. And the next thing he knew? Burning fire sent him shrieking onto a frigid concrete floor, he couldn't stop yelling and in vain trying to put out skin blistering heat just around his neckline.
"You little spick." Rascal's eyes widened helplessly when seeing some sort of pointed heel send his jaw cracking aside as he moaned. No, no, no! Not her! Yanked upward by a collar his face got slammed repeatedly by fists, burning and air itself boiled leaving him to cough out gagging for air. It hurt to breathe, he couldn't see anything and every fist seemingly struck deliberate in knocking him when nearly passing out.
Another pinpointed kick into his ribs sent him reeling over as a jagged point dug deeper into making screeching for it to stop. But apparently the neo-nazi associated woman didn't care, "Why he puts up with your filthy kind, I will never know." Another jaw shattering strike followed when he rasped out coppery tinted fluid, "Where's...Grimm? You... nazi bitch!" He jerked aside heaving out when a disdainful scoff was followed up by several skull shattering kicks that sent him nearly unconcious again. She was going to kill him he'd known, piece by piece and there was no sign of another para-human anywhere.
"Disposed." There was a slight sinister tone in being smug leaving him pale despite wincing from warmth trickling down across an eye, "So it's just you and me." The young Thinker tried shimmying away as another pointed heel slammed earnestly unhindered. He screamed out straining as a fist sent him reeling into flickeirng vision when lights overhead seemed to be swaying dangerously into murky blotches. I'm going to die here, she's gonna fucking kill me...why her, of all damned people! Of course she'd do it when Grimm's not around, least he'd get it over with!
Coughing unable to fight off groans escaping him as fire made breathing almost herculean in hindsight. Panting in near defenseless terror, he looked up despite lightning like splinters along a jaw made even rasped out words hell to utter, "You...kill me...he'll..." Scorch's voice turned colder when he found himself being dragged until something solid hit his skull's back end roughly, "He'll do exactly what I want, mulatto. I already fucking loathe your kind, but you really pissed me off when you risked a lot more than your worthless skin."
Rascal cried out when a wall met himself over and over again. He couldn't stop vomit when fists buried themselves into exposed sternum gleefully twisting inwards. Burning clothe and flesh made him whimper when it'd be clearly stated, "I saw your texts to that little girl. Did you think I wouldn't find something to off your brown ass?" Fingers curled when digging into his throat as he gagged due to nails sinking inwards threatening to have blood freely flow. He couldn't stop shaking when seeing blue eyes having an almost reddish tint as grayish wisps literally oozed off a blond, it wasn't natural and it was utterly terrifying.
"You do..." The woman's scornful voice tinged on utter glee when squeezing his throat tighter as slight burning sensations drew blood immediately, "What? Are you going to be someone you're not? Acting tough?" He coughed up when a knee buried itself right into his gut, it continued for several moments until aches arose whenever breathing became possible. Fuck you, bitch! An eye started swelling leaving only a murky face sporting an almost exhilarated smile that twisted, Rascal couldn't stop coming close in nearly pissing himself.
He heard her whisper vindictively into an ear, "Grimm may seem like he's your savior, but he's just as bad if someone pushes him." She sounded far too livid, too furious and far too patiently when his lone open eye stared right into a face utterly challenged, "And guess what? He's not even the worst of your problems, I can make you suffer until I'm all too satisfied in seeing you being fed to sharks. We'll chain you to a block of chum, stuff with it seal and open yours...mixing it." Something sharp traced along his stomach in accordance as it'd been a knife, an incredibly sharpened one given he felt cool air due to a shirt being skimmed open.
"Ever hear someone when they're torn apart? All alone being lowered into dark waters, right in an open ocean and seeing them look up at you, then only seeing a mouth full of teeth pulling you under...piece by piece?" Scorch hummed in whispering slyly as a Thinker believed every word unable to resist liquid trailing down legs. She's absolutely fucking insane! What the fuck is this woman, what is she! I'm going to die here, I'm going to die!
Heat came awfully close to his covered face when orange light loomed heavily through ragged holes, "Did you know Grimm's watched as well? Sat right at the end of a boat, he didn't move nor did he react exactly...save for smoking his favorite cigar." Snapping fingers lightly as if it were just another day, "When I first met him he told me over a few drinks. Well before you showed up, it was on a night out when I asked and he simply smiled like he'd always do. And do you want to know what happened to someone he...trusted?"
Involuntarily he shook his head despite not being able to fully do so, Scorch's laugh was cold enough to chill blood. What she said next almost made his heart seize up, "They're still looking for a body thinking it was buried." She struck again squarely sending his face jolting aside in again coming close into becoming unconscious, "He puts so much effort over you, it's disgusting and what he wants is almost painfully obvious. Maybe that's why I find myself hoping, waiting and finally making him grasp the one thing you, or him cannot have without someone guiding what it means to have power for everyone else to listen."
And the young Thinker well indeed listening much to his trembling hands rattling chains audibly. Why? Why tell me? Groaning due to teeth getting dangerously loosened did words get slurred, "Why tell me?" It hurt to think except just breathing, it honestly couldn't keep going on and being beaten half to death by a cape who'd loathed his guts? Even he doubted mercy would end in him being thrown into some ditch somewhere, a Neo-nazi bitch who'd get off on seeing him bleed out and comparing that to Grimm seemed appealing.
"This is power, spick." He found himself slumping down heaving out air greedily yet a chair got knocked over making him hit the floor again. The hell is that noise... An object lightly clanked against a wall as his eye widened when seeing what appeared to be a pipe! Oh my god! Over and over shadows lazily flipped in seeing a lone vertical darkened silhouette. Being beaten by hands and feet were one thing, but he started whimpering in seeing a weapon brazenly going to break bones given it was lightly tapping against his own face.
It came down mere inches from his watering eyes which were a mix of crimson and salt at this point freely. If hell existed it'd been called when watching through ragged clothe in seeing the looming shadow overhead, "I'm going to enjoy seeing you scream, it's been too long." The youth screamed when it descended and immediately bracing for continuing torture. But a bone trembling tremor as concrete walls exploded above him showering in earnest, dust and dried out dirt made him cough reflexively when Grimm's voice spoke up lowly.
"Are you fucking serious, woman?" Trembling between terror and absolute relief did he barely see tendrils of twisting metal shooting across above underneath lighting, "I leave to get some carry out, and this is what I come back too?" Plastic bags he heard were lightly placed on either a table, or floor as fast food's distinct odor finally broke a monopoly on stale air itself. Thank you god, oh thank fucking god! Breathing so nearly quick enough to have a heart almost implode, it did little when hearing a voice harshly responded in quivering rage.
He had an impression she was pinned against a furthest most wall, "Stop acting like you wouldn't have done it!" Grimm's voice turned slightly annoyed, "I'd have pistol whipped him once, or twice for not answering his phone. But you wanted me to shoot him in a knee cap, earlier? He's got some legs, least for being shorter than you." The man elder para-human sounded almost indecisively yet got closer when hands tore off a black clothe as Rascal saw tinted glasses seeing his own half-beaten face turning sickly purplish.
"You know when I said, 'Look after them since we're all hungry?', I expected you to leave him be and just let him sweat it out." Eyes turned over a lone shoulder when Rascal followed in seeing metal curving and wrapping around his tormentor. She had teeth baring when pieces started turning white hot as they dripped earnestly, it didn't take long until she'd lightly dropped brushing off stained clothing while clenching fists. Unseen except to him due to being so close, a hand had dipped onto a pistol's hostler clearly warning, especially when he was speaking fairly annoyed.
"Go sit outside and eat, now." Blue eyes were thin slits yet she stormed out slamming a door roughly in nearly shattering rusted bolts. Grimm eyed it for several moments before shaking his head, "Must be that time of the month. You got devil's luck written all over you, kid." Rascal didn't know whether to cry when hands firmly got him sitting up, or laugh mainly for finding it unbelievable. I'm just going to think he's crazy, absolutely fucking crazy.
Metal retracted partially back behind crumbling walls as remnants of hot white pools simmered downward for several meters. But as a man yanked him away he only looked down when hearing rattling chains, "Did you...oh, my god." Groaning while fingers rubbed eyes forcing glasses upward momentarily, "Where the fuck did she get those? You know kid, they say guys are vicious and cruel, but women take the top spot for making you why do they think that is a good idea." Unsurprisingly he exhaled as metallic links snapped in making arms naturally curl around a bruised and banged up sternum tightly.
Being incredibly shorter he found himself being lifted as arm got pulled over a taller para-human who easily got him up. Dragged over towards a cot which had been deliberately angled away from where he'd woken up, it had meager blankets and two dusty pillows which provided spartan comfort indicating Grimm didn't leave them without consideration. She's a fucking bitch, god damned racist cunt and fucking...ow! Rascal thought painfully breathing in sharpy as a piercing sensation hit his ribs harder when the man got an earnest view of everything. Shockingly he didn't comment about what had been inflicted in favor of reaching underneath a cot, something scrapped free.
Seeing a plain red cross looking faded logo met his casual tone, "So, what did she tell you?" Opening contents which were mixed between some small packs of ice which he crunched together, a few swabs of alcohol and smaller bundles of clothe. But he seemed far more indifferent considering eyes stared quite literally into his own deliberately, "Don't lie to me, Rascal. Woman likes to mouth off, brag and just loves getting off on whatever I do."
One bag got pressed against swelling flesh as another hand fished out a bundle, "Sharks." He mumbled when feeling far colder material being tied around his head, it pressed roughly and made him almost pass out through relief. Grimm's laughter seemed ironically fond, "Yup. Good times!" Whistling a bit while dressing a few open cuts didn't lose an internal horror, Scorch hadn't been lying or simply making this para-human deny it. Rascal leaned away quickly when a cotton swab came within inches of a gash along his cheek as he stared fearfully right into blackened lenses.
"What?" Grimm grinned rather cheekily lightly flipping a piece of cotton back and forth, "You knew about it, so why are you scared?" Somehow he wasn't wrong given their initial meeting back in that basement weeks ago, "I ain't no hero, or saint. It's a nice way to keep secrets, I just don't brag about it since it's only me doing what I need to do, kid."
That didn't help in any slight manner when he whispered, "She said you watched, smoking and it was someone you trusted." Grimm again casually explained almost if he were talking about another day watching weather, "Yup." One word was all he said, "Knew a guy who knew a guy, couple years ago and found out he'd gotten drunk about saying in ratting us out to some Feds. Guy was going to turn me in, worth a lot more then and someone who knew I closer warned me...guy was sleazy, did meth and went downward getting into some real sketchy habits."
Rascal didn't whether again to cry out in shock, or laugh when the blond bitch had been twisting truth to scare him outright. Grimm continued without shame to admit some joy, "After figuring what we'd do, we found him and took a boat some other guy had since he'd suggested using nature as a means of cleaning up shit. And started chumming it up, I never saw Great Whites so close and it was rather humbling to see them...real big fish." He admired mainly in being honest since seeing them in person was quite an experience, well more so in considering in fighting off sea sickness.
"It warned people who had second thoughts, not many to be fair but it really made a point." Rascal couldn't disagree given no body parts washed up saying otherwise, "She tell you what I described to her when I got drunk one night at my place?" A youth nodded somewhat shakily when allowing a swab to clean up blood around split gashes, "Woman's got no sense of detail, it was a lot more detailed than making you piss your pants. Not bad, by the way."
Rascal had an utter thunder struck expression gawking when blinking rapidly as a crooked smirk appeared radiating warnings, "You don't forget it." Motioning him to start taking off a drenched shoe was followed slowly as wincing from swelled up joints hurt to move, "Anyway I did what I said I'd do, watch and told him enjoy making your grave. Kept my word, I didn't have many people around me and the few I did, I kept their secrets because I'm like that. Despite various gossip aside, I take loyalty and integrity seriously enough...no one thinks twice about me, I'd have given an arm or leg for people before I triggered."
The Thinker couldn't stop gawking mainly for an amused grin rooting in place from a man who seemed off putting, "Couple people back then, still thinking I'd come out in they wanted to post a video and put some message behind it...I told them hell no, it stays out of sight and out of mind." Grimm's smiled turned far too annoyed in favor of recalling present elements existing, "You ever look up capes who have fanatical cults thinking they're gods, or whatever? Don't lie, I'm only asking because you know I told you to do so."
Hands started rubbing in favor getting feeling around wrists due to being tightly bond for possibly hours, "You've been brought up on the Dark Web and in PHO forums, a lot." Grimm's expression hardened into a leer of loathing, "Funny how someone gets brought up, right? They want me to do some extreme act, like wipe out a city or take out millions of people. Since I can do this, or that..." Behind them both every single wall started trembling again when concrete, or stone shifted due to squealing pieces of shifting in making a Thinker look over seeing the concept.
"It's not worth it, Rascal." He got lightly slapped upside a head more in casual amusement, "Everyone thinks I'll go on some rampage slaughtering minorities for example, or send millions up on stakes when calling for a revolution." Cackling almost visibly exasperated as an ankle got ice pressed onto it while being wrapped accordingly, "It'll never work, it'd just be an excuse for every cape to hunt me down and I'd be dead in a month. As long as people believe that they have everything, it doesn't matter whether you convince them, or not...like you for example."
The Thinker blinked owlishly trying to get a point as Grimm raised his finger, "You're officially being crowned as a new villain." Pulling up said person's phone while slipping through news articles that got shown with himself centered, "People think you'll kidnap other kids, who bullied you or simply believe you're out to get them with me as your muscle. Hell, I saw a comment you're having your way with that girl and all other funny assumptions...weird people, I'd say." Scrolling through commentaries leaving him whistling rather amazed, a fair few were quite out there and more so less had sympathy for capes dragging kids into their world.
Grimm's smile remained bright considering he went through personal texts, "And your little conversation with said girl? Pretty sure, they'll pull it up and just add fuel to the flames." Without shame did he read several lines to himself visibly shaking his head, "Christ! Is this what kids call it nowadays, 'You were my friend, you never treated me...', oh wow! You still think it's all a game Rascal, that it'll go back to the way it was. But you're a cape in their eyes, not another man like I was when everyone forgot and now we're both being dragged back...because they'll want it, they'll demand it and Uncle Sam won't enjoy using it to his own ends."
On the screen an image of himself stared back with captions underneath in red letters meant for viewers on television. Villain strikes and takes girl hostage! Rascal couldn't help uttering brokenly, "But she chased me! I didn't do anything to..." Grimm's voice didn't entirely care save for saying how it'd been viewed, "Yet to everyone else it doesn't matter, kid. You've out-shined me for once, I never took an interest in going after normal joes, I don't see much of a point in it. Ya know, I at least took out armed guys and went after politicians...anyone can get a good laugh out of it, I mean not like they make themselves innocent right?"
Getting up to stretch his own back and idly pat a throbbing thigh did little comfort for a younger para-human whose depressed expression grew. He practically shrunk into himself as Grimm casually opened a package underneath his coat, "Want one?" Another plastic bundle landed lightly indicating he'd at least try to calm emotional turmoil, "What did you expect to happen? You and her walking together to some cop, make a miracle and turn your life around? That isn't how law and corruption works in legality's consequences, god I'd say it's only what people think and you're a danger to them...in their eyes."
Rascal numbly unwrapped plastic not even willing to doubt words that weren't being anything except genuinely honest. There is no way out, not me for anymore. I can only hope Grimm doesn't think otherwise, I guess...he is looking out for me. Staring up at an elder para-human tiredly with dried out tears lingering did his own reflection stare back in tinted glass shades, "If you want to survive? Listen to me at all times, if you don't...she'll off you." Thumbing back to a doorway which remained closed left little imagination, "There's only so much I can do, Rascal. If you can't deliver what I want, then I guess we'll have to use a little positive motivation."
Raising a hand did an entire door itself buckle revealing across another open room where it'd mirrored his own. Her...so, she's here too. Metal coils still remained in place around a visibly alive, unharmed and partially treated high school student. Grimm didn't exactly leave much in making it as simple as possible, "Think you're in deep shit? I'm stuck with you two, and if I leave either of you alone with some of these other capes? Well...you'll see why shark tales aren't all fun and games, I'd rather shoot you both for mercy's sake."
Humming to himself while toasting a cigar's end smoothly did he continue giving options, "I don't know what's going to happen, Rascal. But it's not going to be a good day, I have a woman up my ass every minute and you haven't seen who makes her look nice." Inhaling on embers which burned in allowing smoke to make said man exhale contently, "Take your time, sleep and eat. We'll be here until someone else shows up, I can't guarantee you'll be treated as kindly as I try too. So look across the hall and then into a mirror...you brought her into it, so enjoy it."
As Grimm turned away he dug into a pocket fishing out one spare lighter before tossing it onto a Thinker's lap. The man never once sounded pitiful, or remotely amused in walking out leaving him alone in seeing an adjacent room. Now I think I know why you act, Grimm. Placing an immense amount of tobacco into his mouth as a lighter's orange glow provided warmth in a frigid room came to lick across it swiftly. You're just another nice guy, who simply likes to get a laugh because everyone else is already a monster.
An opened up warehouse mostly barren seemed to echo as Grimm came across another opened doorway. Spartan couches, tables and chairs were mainly folded despite hearing a television playing up in a corner, "You happy?" Asking simply to Scorch whose legs angled upwards onto a table while glaring seemingly at nothing. She didn't answer despite feet tapping against air in causing shimmering steam to appear around her. Yup, you're not even satisfied and I even waited a bit when hearing you in going full ape shit on the kid.
Leaning back onto a chair while mirroring similar posture in favor of watching headlines streaming in earnest. An almost familiar breaking news headline broadcasted loudly, "City officials refuse to comment on whether communications have been established, this morning a horrific scene outside local high school: Winslow High as notorious cape, know designated underneath para-human classification, Jose Perez Junior alias Rascal was seen fleeing. School officials refuse interviews as PRT spokesman quickly took charge in dispersing questions and demands of angry parents whose children have said one of their fellow students is missing." Grimm exhaled loudly in rubbing away a massive headache as one full handle of whiskey seemed quite innocently placed, if anything he'd gotten someone else hooked on it.
"You know you're not doing any favors, woman." He mentioned absently when she refused to humor what had happened earlier, "Kind of need my Thinker alive." Scorch's voice dipped frigidly in even making a pair of hazel eyes narrow considerably, "Don't even speak." She remained looking at a television as Grimm acquiesced when a startling piece in the outlet's bit even made himself become unusually stern. Oh son of a bitch, I think I may have stepped into it for once and I'm really going to kill someone soon.
Footage of Brockton Bay police helicopters being flung aside as an incredibly blurred image of himself appeared. God damn cameras, I had a feeling one would've gotten lucky. It wasn't much yet little imagination was needed when a reporter verified public outrage, "According to sources, Rascal was aided and assisted by Brockton's latest notorious cape, 'The Grimm' as seen above. Many have called for PRT issued man-hunts for both, suspected collaboration is strongly suggested and if you seen any descriptions matching these two, call police or PRT hot-lines immediately as it's been confirmed 'hero' presences will be upped effectively immediately." Images of one specific hero apparently were being shown in various past scenes inside said city mainly to quell anger as Grimm raised an eyebrow almost dumb founded.
Scorch's words were obviously pleased when cynically pointing out Glory-Girl's smiling face when waving in front of past news conferences, "Thank your Thinker." Grimm looked over hardly humoring scorn when pointing out, "She's blond?" Shrugging partially while inwardly starving off concern since it wasn't all for show, "God damn, I might just turn myself in. Kid might actually make me thank him, if that is coming after me."
Kaiser's cousin grounded teeth almost coming close to fling a chair against whatever wall came closest at this point, "Do you even know who, or what that hero does?" He didn't waste time grinning, "Nope! But you're going to tell me, right?" Several square feet of table ignited immediately as his feet were hastily removed, or risked melting rubber into flesh. Finally wiping away soot after a moment when barking back quite fed up, "Jesus Christmas, woman! Cool off, would ya!"
Flames burned freely while mimicking controlled burning much to his growing irritation, "You need to watch your ass, John. Can you survive being punched as fast as a car, or getting your head ripped off when getting thrown off a building?" She seethed pondering those questions in a rare fit of furious impatience, "No? Good luck, because that is a problem and one you cannot avoid, if she ever see's you anywhere. She'll never stop, she'll do anything and everything to put you down...the Wards are not kids like your Thinker in getting roughed up!"
Grimm inhaled on a cigar mainly in avoiding images of fatalistic potential, "What else?" Scorch leaned across flames which parted in illuminating face underneath orange, red and yellowed blends, "She can fly, John. She's nearly killed people without even trying, if you want to know? Ask your Thinker who supposedly leaked images of her nudes...another reason why I think he's disgusting." Consistently hinting in offing him didn't get unnoticed when the flames finally ceased. But an entire surface remained jet black with various embers smoldering, Grimm inwardly thanked god for a rare relief being granted.
Great, I'm stuck trying to figure out how to get out of this mess. And I have a cape who can literally kill by punching someone hard enough. Yet ironically an idea came slowly when watching the television asking for information about their location. Grimm's lips pulled back when absently musing aloud, "I wonder if they're eager enough to rescue a hostage from some terrorist. It'd make people think they're capable, to calm things down. It'd kill two birds with one stone, less kids to worry about and all that fun stuff."
Scorch hardly looked impressed given fingers tapped expectantly against charred wood, "Explain, or I go back into that room." An ex-soldier humored only his own assumptions, "How good would it look if by chance some cape rescued a defenseless, scared and innocent girl? Honestly?" Raising fingers in pulling metal rods and screws out underneath from several chairs as they folded in accordance to his own musing, "It'd make Rascal either incompetent, or make me seemingly arrogant enough to lose face in public fears. Not saying it's a guarantee, but dumping that being strapped to a bed would just leave me dealing with the kid without getting someone too deeply involved."
Rubbing a thumb and index finger in small circular motions while inhaling again gave him a slight chance of consideration, "Girl's a loose end, less she see's me or Rascal? Better off trying to be fished for information, or maybe we use her as useful bait...instead of fish bait." He merely suggested mainly in seeing some sort of practical use in avoiding potential pains in his ass, "Think it sounds good? Or should we start planning someone trying to escape, or get killed by other capes who'd find it fun to see her scream herself dead?"
The blond relative of Kaiser didn't immediately start going off as a good sign at first, "What are you trying to accomplish? You're only..." Grimm interrupted idly flicking ash aside off his cigar's burning tip, "Only doing what I'd say, I'd do. Does, 'She'll be in touch' sound like they won't hear from her? Or was I lying? I destroyed her phone before loading them both up, if anything maybe I do need to see these 'heroes' to get an idea...without saying hello on a mid-night stroll."
Metal started circling himself teasing a blond who narrowed her eyes briefly trying to see where he'd been getting at. Public opinion is easily manipulated, c'mon woman work with me! I'm dropping hints to you, so put them together. Whistling innocently as minutes passed until he asked, "Give up? Or are you ready for final jeopardy? My answer is: what is information?"
Scorch blinked when tapping his own temple in a rare show when it clicked, "You want to meet them exchanging the girl for good...will?" Grimm shrugged again leaving it up to her, "Hell if I know! You tell me woman, I only work for a living. Remember?" Waving a hand left little for his own better interpretation of good ideas that'd might insult the Protectorate, city and other officials without even wasting effort after today.
"Do capes humor a little thing called compromise?" Puffing out smoke mainly curious as Scorch answered cautiously consider her own limited experiences, "Maybe." Grinning through exhaling bluish clouds which signaled enough of being convinced, "Alright, woman. Let's see if they'll pay us off, without risking too much and if they can't, I walk away not even bothering to tackle capes which can tear through cars." It seemed entirely a stretch in leaving most of what he assumed was hubris, if the heroes wanted to save a hostage, or ignore her for himself and Rascal? How good are they at playing hero, or acting out like kids do when they get greedy?
Lightly tapping his own phone against charred wood stained the white covering on it's back, "Sooner I get that girl out of here, better off you'll get lucky in me getting dragged out with you out for some dinner. Or bar hop, I'd like it." She didn't appear amused when leaning a chair back on two legs lightly swaying and balancing to pass off time again, "But you willing to get your gear? Someone's got to scare someone into pissing their pants, which you...really got nailed. You sure you don't get off on ruining my name?"
The fact flames didn't burn him alive, or remotely cause an inferno gave him credit in solving an issue without risking too much. Assuming these heroes don't try to bring me in, I guess someone is willing to find out if morals don't get in the way of doing the right thing. Sounds tempting, I'm liking it! Patiently glancing over in seeing what the woman's thoughts pertained didn't take long, "It could go wrong, badly for you considering what I know about Glory-Girl's. Kaiser could lend a hand, if I ask it'd be favorable for Empire to not be implemented and we'd be in danger. But if you consider doing more for us...freely."
Grimm's gaze remained indifferent in favor of simply going along with news updates finding it all somewhat comfortable. Always a price, huh? Fine, I can stomach playing soldier again until someone gets Rascal and I's paperwork. Of course getting further into debt with Anders, Scorch and whoever else underneath them wouldn't be simply clean cut. He was risking far more in return for cleaning up a mess underneath his own decisions. Yet again a phantom noose seemed to tighten when another phone came up with words being sent.
However seeing a nearly broken kid just tugged at exasperation's limits, "If you can get your cousin to say yes to us getting rid of that girl? Who knows, maybe I'll stick around and pay the piper while dancing willingly." He was well aware it'd lead to possible sketchier jobs bordering on nearly fostering nightmares again, "Just us, woman. Anyone else is just bad business, tell Kaiser that we're on our own and he gets to watch the fireworks...if they go off.
Scorch's participation in an almost incredulous gamble wasn't sold by his aloof attitude, "You risk my people and Empire if they see me." Again Grimm didn't hesitate pointing out mildly, "Who knows you're apart of your cousin's friendly neighborhood cape? And better yet, who have I been seen around cape wise? Nothing...no one, so it'll make them panic probably in thinking I'm gathering some-kind of group, or so I'd imagine. Really I'm taking more blame, heat or publicity for your sake as you both get off in seeing them come after me."
Demonized seemed to come naturally with those whose skin tone paled in comparison to snow, if anything he'd been accustomed in finding a laugh out of it. I get nothing but people gunning for my head again, nothing new and I like it simply clear cut. Best case scenario, I hash it out with some capes who'll think I'm a joke, or worst case...city gets wrecked when I haul ass out. At this point in all depended in his mind whether to stomach being placed in open ground, an almost alien concept when putting it into practice considering no plan survived first contact. Common sense depended on a lack of awareness in his mind's eye.
"How much are you willing to risk yourself for that waste of flesh?" Scorch might as well agreed grudgingly, if his smile returned cheekily, "Everything!" Saying that word brightly came close to breaking what little patience she'd been harboring, "And nothing. It's on you, woman what do you get out of it? Nothing, or everything?" She began tapping fingers restlessly debating privately as texts were sent off to an elder cousin who seemed to be responding. By judging small low pings frequently, personally Grimm idly imagined Kaiser and Scorch trying to pull strings in getting more out of it...on his expense for nothing.
Several minutes passed fleetingly when he idly hummed partially eyeing a silent conversation which finally provided an answer, "If you go through with this plan, which I think is really you just plainly underestimating both us and the Protectorate, John." Grimm shrugged again mainly accepting that wasn't entirely false, "It is what it is. Write it down, woman." He suggested laughing quietly when already expecting that'd come next, as a consequence but it'd be necessary just to keep his word to some kid who'd asked for help.
"If Kaiser learns about me being tied to Empire, by those heroes it means you will be as well." A smile started curling much to his growing internal annoyance since she'd been getting off on forcing him lately. Damned if I do, damned if I don't. Things I do to keep people guessing, Rascal...you better fucking know I'm dealing with shit outside my liking. Children were ironically a loathsome topic on himself to admit were naturally just making him softer, if only to keep them away from places they'd be torn apart without mercy.
Gruffly speaking while exhaling out smoke ignoring a shiver up his spinal cord, "We'll find out." Stretching to pop bones relaxed after being stressed out for hours, it'd all come down to how much he'd be able to sell it off. Charades are only as good, if everyone expects something to happen. Inwardly deciding in going through with it sparked a playful eagerness when metal pieces lazily fell into his open hand, "Should I make a call, or do you want too?"
Three Wards found themselves sitting inside a familiar setting with Armsmaster's armored form radiating an almost obvious aggravation. In particular his visor fell upon a masked hero who seemed visibly angry, "You didn't see either of them? Really?" He questioned harshly when Shadow Stalker repeated the same old answer almost half a dozen times, "No. I only found out after one of my civilian friends told me, one of my friends chased the little shit and got caught up. I wasn't in any position to intervene without my equipment, or couldn't leave school when helicopters were flung across roof tops scaring people shitting their pants, sir."
That last word sounded mocking as if daring him to do better in that situation. A man scowled hidden underneath armored plating, "Excuses!" Saying that word conveniently when both targets of this scrapped together team appeared in one location, "I read your report, I'm not impressed. Flirting, hanging out with civilians despite your occupation and smoking illegally on school grounds, is that supposed to be a joke? Because I'm not laughing, pray tell why I don't revoke your status as heroes in my city?"
Gallant spoke up appealingly in trying to stem some aggression as Glory-Girl smiled clearly enjoying the spectacle, "We were all in school, sir. By the time we managed to get out, it'd been over and it does match what Grimm supposedly does...ends a fight quick." Glancing over towards a masked cape did he at least try defending mainly since they'd been doing similar habits, "What would you have us do? Vicky can fly, but she's not Alexandria and it'd have taken at least fifteen minutes for her to get there, not including stopping for our gear here since we're not allowed to bring it with us. Armsmaster with all due respect, we weren't briefed he'd targeted schools."
The elder hero scowled yet again when resisting to ignore it'd be a potential blemish on his own record as Protectorate higher ups were getting aggravated daily, "Regardless you'll be pulled from courses for daily, or nightly patrols in trying to search for the latest stunt. Glory-Girl..." Turning to face a girl who managed to maintain a smug smirk due to seeing Shadow-Stalker's fist getting closer and closer towards gripping an arm rest, "Protectorate superiors of mine need someone to stop this growing wave of panic. Start doing your job, find this Grimm or Rascal, a hostage situation is bad for for us and I really do not want to see a body of a damned school kid on papers...we'll never hear the end of it, or will it be let go."
She hardly looked concerned, "Not like I can see through buildings, Armsmaster. Why don't you assign us a Tinker that can make something happen, since Thinkers are really screwing up." Arms tightened in accordance to near furious proportions yet it'd been warded off, "Because no else is available due to their own assignments, crime is rising and you're not helping your cases. Rascal was right in front of you, so tell me again how a Thinker of all things who has limited training, education and just manages to slip by?"
Again that annoyance was switched over to one lone Ward who ignored it. Damned kids, god damned spoiled kids! Glory-Girl chimed in almost knowingly, "Someone wanted to spread her legs, apparently like a whore." Gallant's hand partially covered a face since he preemptively muttered when noticing the mask from their furthest most cape frostily tilt over glaring, "Not helping, Vicky. Not exactly helping!"
Among the three did a groan escape his lips exhaustively, "Want me to stick a bolt up your ass? You'd seem to like it." An arrowhead's tip flipped with gloved thumbs lightly pressing against serrated edges which wasn't overlooked by everyone else. It was all a sudden mess, Rascal seemingly would resort to abductions possibly in getting back at would be bullies. Getting the Thinker's history in Winslow, it'd be messy and Gallant half expected in seeing mangled bodies, or some sort of twisted revenge involving guns at some point.
"It's been almost twenty hours, any word on demands or what they're asking?" Gallant finally decided on trying to stop a pissing contest between two capes which Armsmaster appreciated barely, "No, but we'll be expecting contact. Emergency operators picked up presumably Grimm, Thinkers and Tinkers managed to isolate audio in this clip." A finger activated speakers making them hear an almost growling voice of a man's patience snapping, "She'll be in touch." It ended quickly as three Wards tried getting something out of it.
Glory-Girl snorted finding it sarcastically adorable, "Doesn't he sound happy like someone?" Armsmaster almost became tempted to put her underneath an inquiry at this point, if only to save face yet she'd been used as a public relations stunt to keep Brockton Bay's populace somewhat sated from demanding anymore. Flying capes were quite easily used as a means of suggesting PRT, or Protectorate resources were taking this latest incident somewhat seriously. But in reality? They were getting curious in varying degrees of two para-humans managing to cause such a ruckus, it'd be rare that civilian collateral had been negated extensively despite body counts rising. An unseen rarity from most known villains, or capes not shy about claiming lives.
Armsmaster reluctantly accepted orders about possibly solutions minimizing civilian exposure and based on what he knew? Grimm, or by a lesser extension to Rascal seemed to have their own plans considering past histories differentiating them. Either he's trying to kick start something, maybe racial riots or someone under him acted recklessly. Thinker think tanks, I'm getting half a mind to throw their skulls against a wall at this rate! It threw predictions uniquely out of balance due to a lack of appearances and most were based on the younger newly minted villain's actions. Too many unknown probabilities which were clearing out waste from useful assumptions.
Yet before they could continue their briefing a knock behind them all made an elder hero stiffly speak up, "What is it?" His voice measured when an employee who worked at one of many desks inside the Protectorate headquarters nervously rushed forward. It was a partially overweight man who quickly brought his gaze sharply up, "Hot-lines picked up a message left on recording! Just over five minutes ago, we think it's...the Grimm."
Armsmaster wordlessly opened a palm as one small stick got plugged into a projector's side when he activated internal components to download data. Really? Not even several seconds passed as a loading bar on screen opened to some blank screen. It was only audio, no Thinker or Tinker edited technology in being able to provide video evidence in which made him scowl partially. No potential facial scans, or retinal to cross reference pictures of citizens. Smart, but cautious and still makes a mockery of law.
Every cape sitting, or standing heard an almost playful voice distorted by background static. Yet some sort of broken up screaming could be heard, "Howdy, top of the morning to you all who are listening. Name's Grimm, and I find myself with a little kid problem." No smug, or brazen tones were used as if the man were only speaking conversationally, "Heard some hero called Glory-Girl is after my head, I figured if she'd be willing to hear me out and maybe come back with one kid. If you're interested, I have a number to call back on...but you may want to hurry it up, I think this girl is quite the screamer and I feel really bad for saying it."
Armsmaster growled out demanding, "Do you have it?" The overweight man shakily handed a written down number which had been left, "Good. Get out, this is cape business!" Along a gauntlet he quickly opened connections from tinkers for them to have it wired to a surround system. Eyeing the three Wards whose faces looked perplexed, or nearly dumb founded based on the quick yet casual humor they'd just heard. They expected a cape who murdered many in something different, but they don't realize some people just make things funnier...to throw them off.
Looking over to Glory-Girl he immediately made it clear, "Start negotiating, since it seems the news and him go hand in hand. I'll be watching." A click of speakers signaled dialing as he leaned against one table behind crossing both arms. If they expected him to do it, they'd be in for a shock as the hostage's life was in their hands. And if they screwed up? Armsmaster wryly smirked since it'd all be on someone else's career, and not his own.
Said Ward sharply looked over to Gallant who raised hands tiredly, "He wanted to talk to you..." Groaning lowly before walking over as an unseen order towards his counter part who pointed to a microphone used for public press conferences, "Oh crap." Breathing deeply trying to avoid being grilled by his own superior who nodded simply, if only barely accepting an avoidance of leadership and somewhat relieved. Gallant wondered if his girlfriend loved seeing him suffer, he'd ideally avoided being used as a mouth piece but had a level head mainly.
Above dialing ended with an audible click as a familiar voice answered, "Hello?" Screaming could be heard as inaudible pleas were gradually growing, "Are you Grimm?" Gallant spoke professionally despite cringing when hearing ear pitched screaming, "No, I'm the pizza guy. Extra cheesy and all, who the hell is this? Thought you were a girl?" The young hero blinked rapidly realizing if he didn't explain things could get dangerously fatal for a civilian. Even if the sly questions were mainly in his mind to trying to throw him off, somehow.
"I'm a hero, who works with Glory-Girl. We're asking if the girl you abducted..." Grimm's voice sharply turned amazed while sound offended, "You mean chased after Rascal? Jesus, you certainly don't sound like someone whose thinking. But since you want to know, take a listen." Screams presumably from a girl who'd been taken by the Thinker whose felonies arose when Gallant couldn't stop shivering. Either they were killing her, or making it seem so and the far more dangerous cape's voice returned, "Yeah, screamer. Someone else is having their fun, I'd recommend you get to the point or else you won't find where I bury a body."
Glory-Girl's teeth were openly exposing due to being grounded as every scream started babbling to someone to stop. But Shadow-Stalker's voice dipped quite furiously, "It's her!" Gallant didn't hesitate despite hearing what only was torture, "Please, don't kill her! She's a kid, a civilian and we're more than willing to hear your demands. What do you want, Grimm?"
Laughter turned into humming when they got a chill as an indifferent reply refused, "No, if I do that? You'll wish she'll be dead, but I guess we can hash it out. Somewhere, not over a phone." Dryly implying something more face to face, "Where?" The young teenager questioned trying to not clench fists as a man absently decided, "Somewhere for Glory-Girl, and I to talk it out. I'll leave directions on another call, but you asked what I wanted? Might as well be honest, clear and make it very simple for everyone's sake."
Hysterical crying for someone who'd been with said terrorist apparently began beating a hostage in earnest as pleas went abruptly silent. Armsmaster listened attentively trying to pick out lies, or twisted intentions yet found himself frowning due to what came next, "Girl gets to go home, alive and relatively aware of capes not being what she expected. How it happens, is on you and I'll play along because I don't think she'll last much longer. What you decide is on you, I'm only trying to get rid of her and I don't think you'll believe I'm lying...have a good evening." And the phone clicked in ending a quick call leaving the Wards looking among themselves.
Glory-Girl didn't react except grinding out what she'd heard, "I'll fucking kill him." But her masked counterpart hissed visibly irked, "And you'd risk killing a friend of mine! Why don't you to listen to what the guy just said, he's willing to talk."A crossbow's serrated tip angled towards said hero openly making threats, "And he's not a lone terrorist! That little shit dragged someone into it, someone else whose beating Madison to a damned mess probably on him getting back and that guy is just trying to avoid a headache...sounds like someone in this room."
Gallant sought advice when looking to the most elder hero who gave them nothing, "Find out what he wants, it seems you'll be learning one aspect of what makes us heroes." He moved towards an entrance after deliberating to look into details in his own office as a frown remained in place. Something's not right, I haven't heard any cape whose actually giving us an answer. Get rid of the girl? He's trying to tell us, get her out or she'll be dead soon. What kind of terrorist actually cares about civilians, it doesn't make sense at all.
Turning to call over a shoulder, "Meet him and find out, Glory-Girl. Either it's a trap, or a genuine attempt for you all to profile him. I'll inform the Director about a potential exchange, it seems there's a chance to save some face and finally get an idea on your...target." And with that he left the three Wards in place grappling with their own inner turmoils. They'd learn one way, or another and bringing back a civilian hostage would do them good in stalling off his annoyances.
Gallant didn't waste time when pleading firmly with an irate girl who came close to ripping seats out of their respective bolted positions, "Vicky. Keep a level head, we'll back you up but remember someone's life is at stake. Don't try anything unless you know, or where the girl is located before you start destroying everything...I know how you think, so please just do it for me." Fingers partially tore arm rests off effortlessly when the girl got up heading towards a locker room to change into costume, "No promises."
Breathing tiredly while wiping sweat away did he look over towards masked cape, "You sure that was someone you'd known?" Shadow-Stalker's voice lowered enough to warrant another potential trigger hand as a crossbow bolt flipped, "No doubt." A young hero visibly grimaced trying not imagining what was happening, if said hostage survived until they got the call soon. Never actually handled negotiating with terrorists, I thought only government and specialists deal with this kind of shit. Damn, it's certainly different if I had to guess.
Trying to amend some rifts which between his recent time with Glory-Girl, "If you care enough about your friend, don't try to prematurely take shots. Let's find out what he wants, I may actually believe the guy if he wasn't the one doing something." A mask showcasing eyes narrowed mainly disdainful yet she didn't acknowledge him verbally. And she left without needing him to lean back in a seat overlooking an empty conference room.
Oh hell, I'm going to hope for them to work together. As the last Ward sitting he cleaned up partial messes before rubbing an exposed forehead. Once Gallant opened a door, he could hear reporters screaming and trying to gain his attention. Yeah, I knew it. It's going to be a long night, I hate it when people blurt out information about our jobs.
End Chapter VII
Author's Note: Funny thing about supposedly trying to off-load a problem, sure it'd be easier in killing both Thinker and student. But Grimm doesn't need to cross lines, least at this point and he's really not going to snap on that decision. Image is key, he's not in any humoring mood to simply off them and pack up. Like it, or not it's his mess and he's doing all he can to stay out of sight, relatively and keep true to his word. But this also puts things into perspective, the guy isn't much of a threat as the Heroes amplify what they know about unlawful capes, bad and worse off.
More so, did you think Scorch with her beliefs would just let Rascal get off clean? Oh no, kid almost got his knee's and legs broken, literally. Grimm isn't a nice guy, he was aware but let it happen to let someone else do his own work: teaching a lesson. Holding hands, or keeping gloves on is all sunshine and rainbows to him, but sometimes you just got to let it happen. Thankfully he has limits, Scorch came close but cooler heads prevailed mainly in him putting himself up on a silver platter because it's the only thing he can offer mainly, a small price to pay.
As you can see, we're entering some premature divergences from canon already and it's relatively minor in hindsight. And if anyone is going to ask: How the hell can someone kill him, by chance? I'll just say, Skitter could mope the floor with this cape above easily. Bitch could easily as well, hell the Undersiders as a whole would more than likely take him out...maybe, in their earlier stages I'd be doubtful if only for arguments sake. He's not powerful, sure he's confident but after dealing with Lung? Let's just say for humor's sake, Grimm needs to learn that tackling capes isn't so easy and normal, there's plenty of people who'd walk out if they got thrown into a cage with him.
Regarding Scorch again? She's not messing around, I stress that and that whole 'shark tale' bit? Another reminder this guy isn't afraid, if he says something...no matter how eccentric it seems, there's a good chance he's saying it with a straight face. And Rascal's terrified, mainly because of his little wake up call. Funnily enough, Grimm did warn him and he thought it was just him being intimidating, ironic isn't it? End of the day, Grimm's a wanted man. Rascal is a felon, both are public enemies to a populace and you're seeing them react accordingly...by getting angrier, demanding and the Protectorate is all too happy going to do what it wants. And before someone asks me, "Hey where are the other Wards? Heroes?"
My response: busy, with work and dealing with far more dangerous, or pressing matters within or outside Brockton Bay. Comparing immediate priorities, these events are more disruptive and alarming for publicity's calling card. There had been a lull in the action in this time-frame, Grimm just happened to start doing things and it's gotten noticed quickly. And when things start kicking off? Imagine...him, Scorch or Rascal slipping by. Believe me, it's not so difficult to imagine and not complicated considering people have been asking me about why he sticks around.
Anyway, leave a review and stay safe until I see you next time.