Worm
The Grimm
Chapter X
Max Anders watched from where he sat as recent live footage of fires being quelled underneath a behemoth of metal floating over Brockton Bay. Adjacent from him was a simple mix of scotch and ice, as a bundle lay professionally wrapped. Yet a small smile etched itself when hearing vibrations from one number on a screen. He didn't need to verify since it held a distinct melody, "You really think this will change your cause, John?" Reaching over into accepting a call as the very para-human he'd mentioned answered increasingly irate.
"Who did your cousin call to stitch me up?" Kaiser raised an eyebrow expecting a smug demand in trying to force his hand from Coil's on-going business dealing, "What happened?" Questioning mainly curious when sipping on a drink modestly. He had several theories, but preferred to hear it from the source without making any conclusions. Grimm's tone turned lividly impatient when a sound of tires squealing indicated he'd been driving.
Again Grimm responded immediately in drawing a smirk on his own face, "Damned woman and some masked cape tore each other up. Turns out her temper is going to get her killed, she's banged up bad and I don't have any experience to treat stab wounds." Kaiser idly placed a glass down remark almost indifferently save for tapping fingers against an arm rest, "Yes, she does John. Empire often has members in places few look, but pray tell why I should give a hard working doctor a call when he's going to be needed?"
The para-human's offer surprised him momentarily, "Ten grand. Get him to my place, stitch up your cousin and make it fast." Another squealing sound from tires taking a sharp turn made him consider it yet seeing what had happened? He asked simply, "Did she expose herself? Or you to me?" Grimm didn't hesitate in making him quietly chuckle, it seemed a wayward cousin had failed in trying to move up despite never realizing pitting ambition against idiocy.
"No, I spoke to the Protectorate Director on a phone personally from some kids." That almost seemed incredibly reckless in drawing attention on himself, "Let's just say, I got a laugh when joking about getting more for doing a job. Things didn't go according to plan, but that high school girl is back home and everyone thinks it's all on me." Kaiser patiently digested when news reels caught an image of said para-human literally raising a middle finger. It was almost too perfectly clear this time around, it even exposed pale flesh with barely visible eyes behind tinted glasses.
That genuinely got him shaking to laugh while shaking his head mildly at said image. As ever the smart ass that you like to play, John. It wasn't anything difficult to imagine, or deal with accordingly despite trying to flaunt an image itself. Still, what did you say to them? Your vendetta in fighting for our people, slaughtering officials and refusing the Protectorate itself. Despite everything you go to them to trust, either you're naively blind or there's more!
Kaiser questioned rather sternly, "And what did you offer?" Grimm snorted over an open line, "Getting them off my ass, like your cousin who's dying in the passenger seat. If you don't get that doctor to stitch her up?" His trailing off into lingering quietly as if looking over momentarily, "She'll die, Anders. Isn't she family to you, or is it another joke I can laugh at?"
Blue eyes narrowed considerably when trailing along shelves with pictures of several figures. Some had a young boy, woman and man together. Others had a baby with four figures as more along had a familiar blond smiling when holding up a baby. And he stood behind rarely smiling in small fits of amusement. Kaiser turned away watching a news broadcast seeing ruined buildings being put out by fire department personnel, but three Wards were promptly being swarmed with reporters as police yellowed tape tried holding them back.
"Every family has their own conflicts, John." The other para-human's prolonged silence made him smirk knowingly since it'd been too easy to ignore it, "Do well to remember, I won't allow a second chance for you to save someone who places too much in you, or herself. Twenty is a good price for wasting my time, as well as an employee whose not going to be happy." If that number angered it never showed when the man agreed, "Done."
Glancing back to several photos framed in metallic ornate designs he calmly added, "What do you intend to do?" Grimm's tone tinged with an indifference, "Vacation. Myself, Rascal and the woman are leaving town for a few weeks. Hit a beach, or travel around the area just until Protectorate higher ups sweat it out with me going quiet." Kaiser smirked already well aware it'd thin out impatience due to a lack of progress from Coil's dealings. But it also gave him distance from any potential Empire related business as a means to stay between lines.
Clever, but not too clever I'm afraid. Shaking his head lightly in leaving a warning, "Don't stray too far, Grimm. My cousin may tolerate your antics, but I have a less than pleased opinion." Silence met that curling smile when he softly made it clearer, "Don't think I'll have to consider you'd risk Empire, or else I'd be humored in exchanging whereabouts. You may frighten most humans, but you lack leverage given your...history."
Another squealing streak of tires being sharply turned almost made Kaiser chortle in seeing an unseen scowl. You waited too long, John. Years went by, they came and went because you can't get what you want when far more dangers lurk out of sight. Unwrapping a bundle revealed an exported wonder that would have made even Grimm gawk at without shame. Still he'd humor challenges, if only to keep himself sharper and the younger para-human had earnestly tried salvaging a mess which had been created by said family.
"But for better, or worse I'll leave her recovery up to you." It wasn't a request but more akin to draw a loud exhale of irritation on the other end, "Anger, or disappoint me? And you'll learn what I think about family, John. Am I clear?" His voice hardened into a colder warning that made a grunt of acknowledge that potential danger.
But words were grounded out, "Yeah, I hear you." Kaiser couldn't resist remarking almost patronizing an audible sense of responsibility that never ceased anchoring Grimm into being controlled, "Enjoy your vacation, John. When you and she get back, I guarantee you'll both take the time to appreciate Empire is never one to shy away from...usefulness. Your little show tonight will draw attention, but on your word it'll be on just yourself."
If the man wished to tackle on foes that were Empire's rivals willingly, or not he'd oblige an unseen motive as a favor towards another. You're playing with fire cousin, in more ways than one. Most devastation had been iconic, if only recognizable just for him. But the location had been curious enough considering most of the city's industry remained in such places. Yet very few of his own company had employees in that area, Kaiser snorted when seeing a plausible attempt in upsetting an avenue few even considered. He'd commend Grim, if only out of quick thinking in preventing catastrophe that would take years to recover from considering most who worked were a solid mass of his own people.
Now it makes sense, I warned you girl. Those two seemingly caused more trouble than it was worth, it'd seem when seeing a burnt out structure collapse on television. You panicked, grew angry and as a result lost control of yourself battling capes that wanted to kill...him. And John possibly picked up on using that chaos to somewhat admirably stem it away from total loss. Or maybe he was giving them pointless credit for simply stirring up a city that was on it's last legs, it'd either fall or rebuild despite facing severe upheaval.
"Let's not make this a habit." Grimm's voice returned implying blandly over a speaker as an elder man who ran more than just a corporation agreed, "I'll take your word for it." And he ended a call while inspecting an almost darkened wrap made overseas. But everything seemed to be sorting out relatively without issue.
Now I understand why he suggested just you and himself, girl. He wasn't willing to allow a city, as rotten as it is...burn to the ground. There wasn't anything heroic, or special to save face for selfish reasoning if one knew where to look. But managing to attract attention, it'd do wonders without ever him realizing he'd done Empire and himself quite a favor. All heroes would be looking to take him down, or focus their attention leaving the streets open for his own to take over. Block by block and none would see it until they controlled it all.
Still it'd better to at least keep an eye on things, Kaiser scrolled through a lengthy list before picking out a name. The phone connected momentarily until someone picked up quickly, "Kaiser?" A person respectfully asked awaiting an order as said man smiled, "I have a job for you. What do you know about a pair of recent additions to Empire? Because I need someone you'd trust to keep an eye on two possible wayward prospects, consider it a favor since I'd like for you to determine whether they have potential."
Silence met that order until he got an immediate response, "I have someone under me whose eager to rise through the ranks. A bit young, but trustworthy." Kaiser idly began lighting his own cigar careful in not damaging fragile wrapping, "Young is acceptable, I'd ask you but you're preoccupied raising a few children. I'd rather not make an inconvenience for your family, but the youth are our future. And considering who they'll be with, I'd consider it a reasonable risk."
On the other end of a line laughter from younger voices drifted into clearer innocence, "May I ask who these two are, sir? Least I can send word ahead?" Kaiser briefly paused when seeing a news broadcast aligning pictures of Brockton Bay's latest most wanted cape, "Grimm and the girl. Check the news, I'm sure you'll see why I'd rather have someone with them. They won't harm whoever you're sending, or else I'm sure loose ends can be settled quickly ahead of Coil's work."
Several minutes passed mainly for that request to be adhered obediently until an underling hummed quietly, "I can see why." Empire's leading figurehead patiently waited for a recommendation, "Do you have an address, sir? And you're certain in risking some of our future members? I can't promise what you're asking is possible, I'm not exactly fond of his kind." It never ceased to make him chuckle silently in seeing the older views clashing against newer ones, it seemed every generation had a way of clashing together.
"Survival is an admirable goal." Kaiser admitted mainly in understanding even if he considered it almost pointless presently, "Every battle is determined on my advantage, Krieg. It's hardly worth investing what is already in expendable risks, time and resources are things those two don't have at the rate they've used up. You've seen enough, so I'll take your word and send word to who you trust in keep an eye on them."
One of Empire's lieutenants wordlessly nodded unseen save for making it done, "At your will, Kaiser. They'll be there in an hour, if you wish." He accepted that request mainly to place pressure before someone thought otherwise, "Make it happen. Have a good night, Krieg and try to enjoy your weekend with your own family." As a fire lightly burned did his blue eyes look back into seeing reporters harassing two well known Wards who seemed to be aggravated. Kaiser could only enjoy amusement in seeing heroes struggling to save face when someone else had just did their job, if only to make them thinking it'd been a joke.
Grimm sat impatiently until hearing a front door bell go off as he got up with teeth gritting lividly after getting back home. Glad to know you care about family, an hour and a half later? Fucking bullshit, I'd say! Opening the door revealed a familiar face which hardly looked pleased, "Nice to see ya too, doc!" Greeting when a man walked through holding several bags which seemed weighted. Gesturing up stairs while pulling out a cigar as he walked only with a black wife beater shirt on, "My room. Woman is pretty roughed up, I didn't know who else to call."
Following behind relatively at a distance did he hear bags drop when leaning against an almost half closed door. It lightly hit a wall when the man got an overview, "I wouldn't recommend cauterizing open wounds, especially along feet unless you intended to make her not walk again." Grimm blandly justified avoiding what he'd seen in deserts years ago, "And bleeding out from her going into shock? She's breathing and not screaming, or else I'd be concerned with neighbors calling cops to piss on your night more, pal."
He didn't bother caring when allowing a flame to ignite the bundle inhaling deeply. Dr. Lector enters my house again, least I paid out of pocket for you to get down here. Twenty grand isn't cheap, but it'll foot the bill enough. Rascal he'd picked up on his way back, if only gunning it through streets in a truck and was presently downstairs left alone in a genuine show of privacy. Kid seemed more happier when sitting by himself, or not in some sketchy warehouse where it'd been silent as a god damned graveyard funnily enough.
"Leave the room John, I'd rather not smell that disgusting thing." The doctor curtly ordered less than pleases when he grinned, "Read my mind, doc. You sure you aren't a cape?" Joking as he backed off and hearing the door slam roughly. Lightly snickering when heading back downstairs shaking his head in not dealing with an overtly pissed off medical professional. But if he was up there after being called by Kaiser presumably, well he must have allowed it to show money talked in handling only one person tonight.
What a rough night, I swear I'm going to be up all day until she wakes up. And then I deal with bitching about being cheap. Rolling eyes almost enthusiastically in imagining that did he make his way down wards a basement. Moving down steps where audible typing did his eyes tiredly fall upon a Thinker who seemed to be happily in his own world. Least someone's happier, I swear to god getting these two out of town together will just be fun times.
Promptly crushing onto leather cushions which jostled Rascal as boots settled on a table did he ask gruffly, "Money clear past your dummy filters?" The Thinker smiled when showing several accounts freshly created and cycling numbers into transferring them away from an original, "Si! It's legit and all being funneled into another, it's almost the same when I cracked that bank a month ago. Didn't think they'd do it."
Grimm leaned back groaning reliving when sinking down into comfort, "Take twenty out of mine, write a check or something for Doctor Lector operating on my bed." Inhaling on a cigar, "And split it three ways, everyone's got their cut tonight. I don't care if you spend it on women, girls or drinks kid since you and the woman earned...something, god willing!" He had both eyes closed not even seeing a look of shock on his Thinker's face.
Keys rapidly were tapped despite a low mummer in nearly making the elder para-human crush his own temples soothingly, "Gracias, Grimm." An idle motion of shooing met that genuine sense of getting something for their troubles in the past week. Better than nothing, I suppose! Taking several drags of nicotine and idly resting did wonders for an inflamed back. Cold showers and ice packs would being wonder their worthwhile tonight he'd imagined.
"You did alright, kid." Gruffly trying to ward off a sense of softening acceptance when he finally started getting down to what he'd wanted done, "Fair warning. Once the woman wakes up, getting stitched and all that fun? All of us are leaving town, immediately." That garnered a curious look despite anxiety filling a Thinker's head. Lightly scrapping an ash tray with a boot towards him in flicking ash off swiftly.
Between dealing with Kaiser and talking to an actual Protectorate official left him aggravated, "Vacation to let things cool off. It's going to be one of those long weeks, so pack what you got and start living a little in some hotel suite." Rascal hesitantly asked considering it was a fair point, "Aren't cops and PRT going to be searching for you, or me? Wouldn't it better to just lay low, like you've done since I've met you?"
Grimm scoffed when refuting that assumption by simply mentioning, "Who'd look for us in the city when we're out of state?" The Thinker didn't argue considering it wasn't entirely wrong, "Besides I got to haggle out some truce with these hero capes. Best we just let them sweat it out, while we sweat it out on some beach line sipping a few drinks. Sound appealing instead of risking my house?" Questioning the younger para-human who didn't entirely seem comfortable yet nodded a bit positive on that image alone.
I wonder if a few old friends of mine still live in a village out in the woods. Might have to pay a visit, lord knows they'll be surprised. Chuckling loudly in dropping closer to old stomping grounds wouldn't be too dangerous. Considering what couple of states bordered Brockton Bay had plenty of places, if one drove away from cities in all fairness. Yet it'd have to considered, if only to prolong some sense of travel and keep themselves out of sight for a while.
"Oh, shit I before I forget!" He remembered what lead up to that headache of a conversation haggling with Protectorate officials, "Can you look up a few things? Some fucking idiot just got his, or herself a date with sharks for writing some weird shit called, 'Grimm's World', can you find who, or where the hell that came from?" Rascal gave him a concerned look when mentioning said animals as a crooked smirk didn't hold back. It would happen, one way or another given he had a straight face when promising that much.
"Find out, kid and trust me when I say this much." The man's grin turned quite crookedly into looking up at a television still turned off, "You, the woman and I are going to watch someone dig their own grave for putting shit out there...in my name. And guess what?" He elbowed a pale Thinker who started shaking nervously, "We'll all have a fire, smoke and you get to see some real big ass fish take someone's ass clean off. No bullshit, I think you'd like going out and taking a boat to try some deep sea fishing...it's fun, but hard as fuck."
Rascal almost wanted to vomit due to fresh memories of Scorch looming over him not too long ago. I'm going to be sick, I don't want to watch at all! But he pulled up a well known website that wasn't on the Dark Web, "Should I...warn people?" Grimm eyed a screen momentarily until smirking when suggesting a creative suggestion, "Make some dumb ass account, leave some bait and do what you think is best to catch it. Think you can pull it off, I mean online media isn't exactly all trustworthy people and all that good fun, right?"
The youth lightly started pulling on his own hair realizing he'd an accessory to murder, "What else?" Grimm also threw in quite happily, "And Tin-Man. See if you find whoever you were talking too, before running to me. I got curious questions about whoever the hell that is, like how and where did they know...to find me, for you." Lightly slapping the kids shoulder mainly to relay he wouldn't be harmed, or considered since more pressing matters were up for debate. He'd been close to fucked over more times in two weeks than seven years, someone he'd reckon was in for a rude awakening for pissing him off.
Oh my god, he's damned serious! Setting up an account wasn't an issue, it'd be trying to use other means of keeping email addresses and constantly hiding his laptop's digital footprint. But as long as he had scraps to build, it could be done if a bit concerning how said para-human was visibly smiling without an issue innocently enough. For once Rascal found himself shivering unconsciously when a man's gaze left him just as quickly.
"Do you want an account name, or want me to make up one?" Grimm's smile turned wider into exposing teeth while glancing over as hazel eyes seemed to be coy, "If this isn't taken, then put in: Grimmsawakeson." The cigar burned reflecting on black tinted glass visibly as Rascal filed that away hoping that had been taken. If it wasn't it, he'd need more machines and having enough to buy parts would do himself wonders in at least loading it with everything to keep it secured. Grimm's lack of subtly, or rather more overt tendencies were showing given the man's increasing irate mood in being absolutely livid.
I'll put that one underneath another dummy account, or else it will attract too many. Rascal rationally avoided saying it'd be a terrible idea except mentioning about his other request, "Tin-Man was some random user, I talked too Grimm. I don't know, if they'll..." Yet the man interrupted mildly pointing out rather a smile solution, "Then go back to that same chatroom, or something. Do it everyday, or just keep an eye if whoever pops up and keep him talking so you can do whatever you'd need to do, in tracking them down. Find out Rascal, or I'm going to use that PHO thing and just put thirty grand up for any leads for money to do it's trick."
Beyond that he fell into a silence seemingly closing his eyes again and nodding off contently. That gave a younger Thinker time to start ordering either new computers, or started to build them from scratch grateful it'd gotten quieter. Never thought I'd have money to spend again, I used all of it on mom and left it all in her name. I didn't do anything, but getting a cut of him doing most of all the work? What kind of cape does that for literally nothing?
The television turned on when a hand limply fell with volume being turned up. Grimm managed to sit up lightly rolling shoulders which popped loudly, "Fuck, I'm hurting!" He flipped through several channels seemingly bored, or just restless much to Rascal noticing boots tapping against each other with smoke frequently being exhaled. What the hell is his problem, now? Thought he'd been more relaxed being home, unless...he's annoyed at someone being here.
Hesitantly he figured to at least ask what made an elder man's face remain stern, "You alright?" Hazel eyes snapped over immediately when a smile forced itself, "What gave it away?" Metal above him started straining visibly yet it never descended. Rascal wisely raised both hands into falling quiet garnering some sort of positive decision making. And Grimm was left alone leaving them to listen to several shows playing absently.
For a while neither para-human said much, or did anything save for keeping themselves occupied within relative peace. Until an audible bell rang loudly, Grimm looked up crankily blurting out, "Oh bullshit! What the fuck man!" Rascal blinked when a boot kicked an almost heavy table several inches over, but the man got up leaving as metallic pipe bent inwards. Man, either he's really pissed or he's damned fed up dealing with people today.
Stalking upstairs puffing deeply away on a rapid tail of ash which hit steps did an elder para-human make his way through a hallway. Rubbing away an ever tempting sensation to break something came too damned close. This better be someone asking for directions, or else I'm going to really fling a car or two around. I'm not in any mood for being a good samaritan tonight, already played nice and I can hope it's someone lost.
Forcing himself to relax when reaching a locked doorway, Grimm opened it up and almost had to literally blink several times. Standing underneath his doorway's light appeared to be some youth who had her eyes covered. Blond hair far longer than Scorches, or anyone he'd seen was sported by headphones of musical beats. Dressed in black jeans, a blue sweater along with sneakers mixed with both coloration's and had most concerning two huge bags packed at her feet. Quite frankly in disbelief the man looked past in seeing a car driving away leisurely which didn't help an already sketchy situation.
"Please tell me your lost, kid." Gruffly speaking in just hoping when painted nails nimbly plucked out two ear buds when seemingly looking at him through some covered clothe, "Hello...Grimm." Said para-human blinked owlishly when a small cheeky grin followed one little note being handed over as he folded it. Enjoy your vacation John, I'll be watching. Hazels closed considerably when it'd been signed by Kaiser personally when looking up less than happily. Christ help him, Empire's leading figure truly and really believed he'd take off, it almost made being paid after going through what happened tonight worthless.
Yet he tried pointing in an opposite direction happily saying one word, "Nope!" As his hand immediately tried slamming a door shut except it remain still quivering. Oh hell, no. He grunted when muscles inside an arm struggling pushing wood aside yet it refused to budge as a girl tilted her head humming rather amused, "You sure?"
Grimm barked out quite aggravatingly, "I just dumped one kid off, I don't need anymore! Take a hike and get lost." If she seemed annoyed it never showed when bags were picked up, "Dumping that race traitor who chased after a spick? I wish I could get lost, but like it or not...Kaiser order's, Grimm. Deal with it and stop being a pussy."
The man raised both eyebrows when she walked past humming absently to music as a door suddenly closed making him jerk aside stunned. Holy shit, is she related to you too woman? Beyond belief she looked around commenting almost impressed, "I expected it to smell like shit and sweat, it's actually clean. Any spare room?" She must have had balls, or else Grimm would have enjoyed it except being another forced reminder he'd have to babysit someone again. Laughing rather exasperated as he shook his head, well it seemed he figured to humor a bit of sarcasm for once.
"Yeah, I do." He thumbed back behind towards a doorway, "It's outside." Walking past an amused member of Empire which apparently had youthful standards. Fishing out three metallic glasses meant for alcoholic shots, he figured to get this over with and prayed inwardly it'd go away, "Let me guess! You're a cape?"
The teenager scowled when he turned his back in pulling out a glass handle full of whiskey. Closing a fridge shut while moving towards an open door leading downstairs. I'm not drunk enough to humor Kaiser being up my ass, I'm tired of playing bullshit. Gesturing irritably to follow him, even if he'd allowed a finger to slip visibly. But without hesitation footsteps followed loudly in rattling wooden planks when he called out to a Thinker who seemed nervous obviously.
"Change of plans, kid!" Gesturing without considering with a middle finger raised, "Seems like you and whoever...this is sharing a basement." Rolling eyes before settling in a chair that left him to get an overview of his latest pain in the ass! Let's find out, if this cape is as stupid for thinking she'll just waltz in like she owns the place! I pay for the damned mortgage, so let's play whose got bigger balls since I get an excuse.
Propping legs over one another he started pouring himself an ample shot of whiskey, "You got a name, or should I call you Halloween isn't for another six months?" The clothed cape glanced over taking in details until sneering when Rascal flinched away. He scampered, or slid not so gracefully closer towards his right clearly not in humoring another Empire member. Yet Grimm waited when this cape inspected a private bar, while he without preamble proceeded into downing a cinnamon flavored drink easily.
"Why is it sitting next to you?" His patience already waning considerably did he gesture upward, "Only people inside this house are either white nationalists, a woman whose in my bed getting stitched up and some doctor I paid to do so, or a lone Thinker of mine whose on the clock working. And guess what?" Raising a glass freshly filled in making her frown when he whispered quite vindictively, "You are neither of what I said."
Metal piping suddenly shot from above as a cape yelped trying to dive away and raised a hand immediately. Grimm felt his own hand suddenly resist closing when he snarled, "This is my house, my home and you are not welcomed." Pressure fortified when several objects came hurling rapidly intending to break his skull open, but metal above him literally impaled anything from getting within inches of himself, or Rascal who dove onto the ground cover himself. Yet hazel eyes remained glaring visibly through glasses.
Stakes from behind shot forward yet bent inwards squealing as this clothed cape managed to his deepening aggravation to hold herself. Are you fucking kidding me? Certain extended stakes began clearly trembling as his fist started uncurling by an opposing force. Yet the clothed cape struggled to rasp out an answer, "Rune...I'm Rune!"
Grimm snorted loudly when looking down to a cowering Thinker who peaked up, "Throw a cup, kid. Please!" Hands shakily reached for an empty metallic shot glass and lightly did so, mid way it separated into stakes when they shot forward cutting through air. They impaled themselves intentionally missing a downed cape and the elder para-human's visible anger seemed palpable when an index finger holding a full glass curled.
Stakes bent sharply into coils as they snaked around limbs in causing her to rasp out angrily, "I'm sorry!" Grimm's crooked grin grew a bit more pronounced, "That isn't going to cut it, Rune. I'm tired, pissed and you showing up...is not helping. Kaiser can kiss my ass, I have half a mind to leave you outside. But why are you here?"
Rascal voiced softly trying to avoid a conflict considering an entire house started groaning in accordance to a para-human's anger, "Grimm." Said man looked over less than amused, "Don't kill her, or else you'll screw yourself over. Not saying I like it, but if you do it? Well...you know, why!" The Thinker managed to at least give himself credit, if only Grimm's patience in dealing with children made him twitch a jawline irritably.
Don't tempt me, kid. If I wanted to kill her, I'd have done a lot more! Dryly considering that alone almost killed him internally, "You get one chance to explain yourself. Lie to me? And you're getting kicked outside, I call the cops and you're picked up for trespassing." He warned mainly in getting a point across, if she wanted to play games he'd play them back. But not in his house, not in a place where he could relax.
Metal retracted immediately back into original positions and a cup returned to hover right above his open palm. Pointing across a table where another chair meant for couples, "Sit." Outright scowling in being ordered around, Grimm idly had stakes forming over both his shoulders. They extended where points leveled where his glasses were located, "And I asked for your name, girl. Not your damned cape one, or else this is going to get ugly...quick."
Reluctantly struggling to not snark out a word did she sit leaning back in said chair. Behind her felt tingling sensations when pieces of loose metal underneath a floor responded to fingers. Piss me off, I want you to do it. Sipping on a third shot when shivers ran up both arms, "Get on with it! Personally if it's not too much to ask, for one I'd like to sleep sometime tonight and get bitched at tomorrow morning."
The Thinker got up cautiously while cradling a laptop but otherwise watched visibly uneasy when two para-humans stared momentarily. After a moment an almost loathing girl bit out, "Tammi. Also known as Rune, I got ordered to watch you and...him." Grimm's finger tapped against a small cup when blandly telling her, "Wonderful. And you owe Rascal an apology, I'm not fond when I have to deal with idiots. I'm a white nationalist, not a raving bigot or anything you'd love to hear considering I'm not entirely humored with Empire's...ideals."
She looked over visibly gritting out two words which were easily said moments ago, "I'm sorry." The Thinker nervously didn't do anything except shrugging relatively uneasy with everything happening at all. Smoke lazily lifted past tinted glasses, "What does Kaiser want now? One phone call asking him to stitch up the woman, and now you show up? I'm not convinced, girl."
Tammi leaned back crossing legs somewhat eying metal pipes above her head, "Like I said, he wants eyes on you and...her." Grimm hardly appeared appeased given a stake impaled itself making a cape see it inches from bleeding her out through a neck, "Fuck you." It was all she said repeating that same answer through clenched teeth, "The hell do you want? Kaiser doesn't trust you, or the girl completely to let you wander off since you owe us for...that quivering excuse of a Thinker! I got a call, I said yes and here I am."
The urge to have staked through a wall again flirted with alcoholic indifference when he had enough of capes surprising him. Phasing through walls, flying and God knows what else! Woman nearly bites a bullet tonight, I return the favor and now Kaiser plays concerned cousin. Do you think I'm just all laughs, and fun girl? Yet it made sense enough for him to retract stakes when unseen eyes started annoying him.
"Take off that blind fold, or are you blind?" Rune didn't have an issue despite scoffing, "I can actually see through slits which are faded, asshole." Her attitude grated on nerves which were being tested consistently for once in years unwillingly. But a pair of green eyes narrowed defiantly yet she didn't share a similar face to the woman, or Kaiser based on what he'd seen so far. Alright, definitively not related because thank Christ! Not dealing with anymore family bullshit, it's bad enough I'm stuck with one and I don't need another one.
Still this changed his own plans in avoiding anywhere familiar, or going to old stomping grounds without dealing with paranoia. Taking a piece of solid advice out of himself, "And what can you do? Talk shit and get on your knees?" Referring previously as she smirked when similar pieces of metal began twisting above. Okay, let's play games again. Outwardly Grimm didn't even flinch an inch when they sharply tried impaling his own face as they suddenly jolted on ends becoming circular smooth surfaces.
"I can move a lot of things." Reaching out she touched a table seemingly looking at it smugly until it lifted itself off several feet. Either she showed off arrogance, or had needed time until moments ago due to his quick intention. Note to self, hide and lock all knives, guns or bullets. Groaning loudly to lean back with metal returning again back above in leaving him to ask, "I'm going to be incredibly simple and clear. Play nice with my Thinker, or if you try to kill him...I will personally use my size twelve boot to go up your ass."
Rascal looked far more paler than normal when he visibly just tried inching away from a floating table in front of himself. This isn't going to end very well, I think! Grimm didn't entirely look happy until leaning back with some foot rest popping up. He tilted a camouflage ball cap so it dipped into dimming lighting from beneath, "Babysitting. Again! Those two words were grounded out in a groaning aggravation when it'd be clear.
Apparently he'd sleep within visible distance in making sure both para-humans survived the first night with himself not entirely convinced. Despite being slightly put at ease, it didn't change a small detail he earnestly tried breaking the ice with this latest Empire cape. Or rather wanted to avoid any chance of triggering a possible confrontation. Gesturing to both a couch closer to the television, or another which provided an overview of an empty pool table. The Thinker only asked cautiously, "So which one do you want to sleep on?"
The office overlooking downtown Brockton Bay seemed far more welcoming as Armsmaster stood at attention naturally. A woman who was this city's immediate Protectorate head hardly seemed pleased, "You should consider yourself lucky. If things had been different, we'd have a potential disaster being spread all over the country, Armsmaster. But as much as I overview sponsored heroes with a less than optimistic mindset, I'm not one to deny in saying I do thank you for keeping in the loop regarding those Wards."
An armored cape didn't share that sentiment, "They're a walking disaster." Director Piggot had an irritated expression given her tone brokered little disagreement, "All other Wards could have handled it better, but unfortunately Brockton Bay is on the back burner regarding other cities and you are well aware sponsored hero recruitment is fading. More and more para-humans, taking up their own ideas of justice or turning towards far more extreme measures." It'd been almost critical in establishing relations with groups of para-humans, or at least turning a blind eye for others considering the damage inflicted was deemed as priority.
"And this latest stunt by this...extremist is pressing my patience." She admitted yet her chair groaned when leaning back looking over pictures taken from public news databases, "He's not what our Thinkers have predicted, I'm fairly surprised he sounded so civil. I expected outrageous demands, but you insisted on me being contacted and I'm asking for your opinion." An experienced hero didn't hesitate it simply stating what he'd seen so far.
It wasn't a positive opinion mildly, "Dangerous. A loose cannon, if you're asking what his motives are trying to portray. He's murdered hundreds, I'd rather see him end up in the Bird Cage." Armsmaster's tone hardly wavered considering their own subordinates inadvertently almost caused more damage and in a fit irony, their supposed target did their job cheaply as an insulting reminder. Piggot didn't show much reaction except for pulling out a pack of cigarettes, she didn't offer him one mainly because he never indulged in disgusting habits.
"Brockton Bay is dying, it is a powder keg and like most cities...all it needs is a fuse lit." The lighter's flame burned smoothly when she inhaled softly, "But unlike most rogue capes." A newly designated classification had been stated without much thought, "It's a unique case. One with legitimate anger considering this country is changing, as it does so does it's political course and culture with people who built being left behind. This cape has exhibited little racial stigma, if that Thinker is still alive, safe and unharmed considering the two are linked."
Armsmaster grunted out an almost laugh of disbelief, "Grimm is a terrorist using racial dogma to instigate unrest. It's nothing new, Director." Piggot smiled sardonically, "Maybe, but unless you take a look around Brockton Bay? It was an old mill city, full of immigrants predominately of European ancestry and funnily enough, people of similar beliefs tend to meld together. Relatively, but throw in incredibly diverse groups and conflict arises...again nothing new, but I tend to not focus on non para-human issues since your kind has emerged."
The hero sneered accusing an overweight woman, "You actually believe that man?" She shook her head in a minor manner, "No, but people like him are a mess trying to argue with. An ex-soldier who served, fought in battle is likely to be mentally questionable. We've confirmed that much and he'll fight for a cause that's still ingrained." Pointing out rather casually to what it'd cost them, "And that makes him easy to humor. Based on what he said, I'd guess really it reminds me of older generations, at least to my eyes who refused to accept change and can't stop what's happened. Fighting for his people is utterly laughable, if not a little archaic."
She flipped through known information which would have to be readjusted as personnel specialized in psychiatric evaluation would go over it. Such a long list, but it's expected. Many are determined to deny facts, if only to prove their own ambitions. Most of these experts she eyed had made entire livelihoods in finding terminally ill capes, to make them into better models of people and often or not tended to be persistently effective. Still he did them quite a service in putting out potential city wide spreading fires and for such a low price was curious enough.
"But if he keeps his word about this so called...truce." Testing that word alone most made it simply a waiting game, "Then maybe we'll consider other avenues. Until then, if he does show up or commits open collateral to the city. Take him down, we'll lock him up and be done with this latest emerge of a cape whose had years of isolation." Armsmaster frowned realizing it wasn't just a clear cut case, either Piggot wanted Grimm to break his word or she'd humored a sense of false civility. Why would she abide by this cape's word alone?
"Why?" He questioned simply in making a life long bureaucrat smirk, "Because he's playing politics, Colin and what I hate more than just your kind masquerading as monsters? Is something I truly loathe after your kind emerged causing untold destruction, miseries and believed themselves to be above everyone else." Said para-human scowled when she turned away, "More so I hate capes who are monsters thinking they're human. This Grimm is trying to say otherwise, but with what I saw and heard from your Wards?"
She exhaled smoke while leaning back again to have a hero go rigid, "I heard a monster trying to hide what it already made itself out to be, Colin. It's not something you learn to forget, I'd rather not deal with Brockton Bay being torn apart by a cape whose already laughing at us all." Of course most of what she'd been thinking had been aloud, or from personal experience. But didn't give leniency to any cape hero, rogue or villain without making them feel powerless for thinking they were all above regular humans.
"They're children, Emily. I don't have much faith in them." The woman laughed quietly again pointing out from their accounts, "Faith?" Saying that word seemed so hollow and bitterly, "Your latest target emerging is a man of faith, if I can guess from what Glory-Girl's debriefing revealed. Use that against him, if you want to anger the monster which is trying to hide itself. I don't know details regarding your Wards ventures so far, but they need to learn something very important."
An old injury seemingly came back gradually yet she ignored it after years of endurance, "Some capes act like gods, but those who act like men are just as dangerous to destroy everything around them. It doesn't take much, and I hope your Wards realize more will continue to emerge. But if you're asking me if this Grimm will be that much of an issue?" Piggot suggested in making a taller hero straighten when her eyes lazily closed.
"No." She told him by guessing relatively just to float ideas to him, "But I just see a broken man who can't stop himself when he saw a monster wink back at him." Along a computer screen footage of last night's events were playing earnest clarity. And seeing said para-human raising his lone middle finger left little imagination. Zooming absently in magnifying a video, before pausing in which she could see two distinct eyes glimmering in a coy manner.
Capes, they never change do they? But I guess I can't ignore consequences. Gesturing for the hero to leave her office which he did immediately, Piggot leaned back and watched a city trying to pull itself back together. As a door closed by Armsmaster left her alone she cracked a small grin lightly raising a cigarette towards distant blackened columns of smoke fading over windy currents. Thank you for putting more people to work, this city is overdue and in making me look that much better to them when it cost nothing, Grimm.
End Chapter Ten
Author's Note: Couple things to mention, Piggot and her analogy. It's simply her guess, or speculation after talking to a man who could've leveled a portion of the city. The monster references, are mainly her own experiences and really just play into her suspicion of capes. Reasons aside, you can image or not, but compared to what she's possibly seen? Grimm's again, is either written off as another threat, or is viewed within salvageable means that wouldn't be too difficult to solve: imprisonment, or recruitment.
And the 'Rogue' classification comes into play. Selling himself out, now that's quite an angle to walk along lines and I'll give the benefit of doubt to say Piggot would recognize politics considering for an extensive purposes, is quite experienced for a bureaucrat who'd done field work. It may have in inadvertently revealed something, unintentionally or not to her about this latest cape causing a stir in Brockton Bay. Or maybe it keeps people guessing, hence suspense but really you do see there's plenty of time for options. As for the whole,' hero fading' subject, I recall mostly in Worm there seemed to be more capes not on the lawful side...those even been in that encampment didn't strike me as 'iconic' roles for said intention.
Yet aside from that, it seems Empire just keeps on putting pressure onto Grimm whose snap decision against Rune. Yup, it's Rune and as a minor character, relatively I have plenty of opportunity to show us all some interesting situations. Grimm's aggression, was equally a snap decision and quite visibly aggravated in dealing with younger capes...as you've noticed, he's not entirely fond of them but of keeping them in line. Rascal and him are waiting for Kaiser to deliver, but like I said in earlier chapters, it's an expensive process and Coil is not one to mince his efforts. All in all it sets up an interesting foreshadowing, whose going to to be fed to the sharks.
Yes, if you've stuck this far and you know when the guy say's he will do it. It's going to happen, one way or another. While comedic in his personality, it often serves a purpose and most wouldn't assume a guy would smile hiding an uglier side. This pulls the whole, 'Tin-Man' alias into light as it's a fair question for him to solve and really find out, who the hell found out where he was, why and what's the point of it. Unassumingly someone in PHO, or on the Dark Web found out...something isn't right to not make him curious to really put it to rest.
Where does this leave us? Time for canon Worm to start making an appearance, the Undersiders whenever I get around to have them appear. And this crosses into uncharted territory, before reaching that point...what's going to change here? Let's just say, someone among the Trio, or two are going to have a little difference of opinion considering what has happened. There's a lot of time for things to rapidly spiral out of control, or really shift dynamics considering I inserted a few driblets of thought in these later dialogues. Sometimes as they say, if you think there's a monster looking at you...find the mirror and I'll guarantee what you think is already in front of you.
Nonetheless, doesn't make you think when someone in the Protectorate can see what many don't consider. Truth is stranger than fiction, as I'd fondly state and what happens next is left up to speculation. Someone out there is pulling strings, but events often have consequences far beyond what is intended. And in this case, you might want to withhold judgement until you unravel a puzzle with only limited pieces. As always stay safe, have a good weekend and leave a review until next update.