Worm
The Grimm
Chapter XI
The bedroom looked absolutely a mess considering who'd occupied it throughout the an entire night. It was nearly morning yet no word had been said. Leaning against a wall spying freshly stained equipment ranging from syringes, unpacked stitches and various bottles embedding liquid. It was here Grimm didn't bother helping when an elder man walked out. Venturing away less than thrilled in viewing a pair of younger para-humans, they hadn't attempted to kill one another and were still asleep relatively on opposite ends of a basement. It'd been quite aggravating sleeping on a chair, yet overall they'd been cautious enough not to wake him up, so it'd been well over eight hours.
"She going to live?" Questioning the medical practitioner who looked less than pleased, "Barely, she bled out enough fluids that I'll have to find a donor. Your effort preemptively bought her time, but I won't chance it." Staring across where a plain wall met his gaze behind tinted glasses did he lift an arm casually. I hate needles, but I used too donate blood back in my younger days. Good thing too, I have what everyone loves to drain out of me.
Lightly taking a drag on his recent cigar which seemed thinner and smaller than usual, "O-Positive, doc." Tapping an inner arm where faded yet circular incisions which a medical professional focused on briefly, "Just get it out of me, quick. Already dealing with Kaiser already up my ass, so you damn well know I'd doubt you want to be in my boots right now."
Pulling out a wallet from behind in his back pocket did he fish out an old blood bank card. It was faded but legible for the elder man to inspect it, "Indeed." He said it simply until gesturing for himself to move towards a chair, "Universal donors, I wish we had more." Grimm lightly sat back popping a spinal cord until extending the foot rest as doctor Lector went about pulling out equipment. Plastic tubes and several needles where they'd be needed. Deliberately in looking away when ointment used to expose veins was swabbed in an expertly manner.
"How long would she have bled out, if I didn't do it?" The man quietly asked giving little away except a straight face waiting for an inevitable pin prick, "Her ankle had a deep gash possibly coming close to nick arteries, John. I'm not the most proficient surgeon, but I know it wasn't simply her running by something sharp." The man explained professionally in assuming a diagnosis considering it made things comfortable to talk without tension, "She fell. Fast and I saw burns along her skin, so I'm assuming she was close to those fires...with you."
Grimm shrugged partially as white clothe tightly got wrapped along a bicep, "Close? More like started it and fought some cape, doc. I don't know what the hell happened inside that building, I was running towards the most freshest infernos. Then I heard a glass window break, she and some masked cape who could run through walls, I guess and shot her three times." He honestly recalled going over quite a messy situation since it'd almost screwed them both over royally.
The doctor sharply questioned him attentively for a positive confirmation, "Gun shots? Three and where?" Eying the Empire member who for all intensive purposes reported to Kaiser, or would send word probably about it. Let's see if they can do my work for me, I owe someone a bullet to their god damned skull. So, let's see what happens.
Crossing legs into extending an entire chair back to it's limit as a creak met his own weight, "Two in their knees, behind them I think. And one along their back." It'd been almost muscle memory in pulling out that pistol, aiming down a barrel into hitting a target center mass and despite being a natural lefty shooter. He thanked god in all high hopes in that he hadn't lost his touch over several years, it almost made him smile since he'd nearly scored perfectly on firearm proficiency several times in his armed service tenure.
"Quite unique injuries." The doctor admitted as Grimm gave off a crooked grin, "Only reason why I didn't aim for the head was because of her." Thumbing down to said sweating woman whose breathing rapidly increased, as if she were having a fever. Hazel eyes narrowed coyly when the Empire member could see without doubt, "Cape and her were too close. So I took the better option, leaving a warning and I don't intend to miss again. Woman's gonna be pissed at me, but more importantly at that cape whose still walking."
Sterilizing one needles tip in what smelt like alcohol did it's tip gleam visibly, "Think you can find out for her?" Asking honestly as an Empire member smiled lightly to warn him off yet agreed for someone else's demand, "Let's just say, I tend to think we're more embedded in institutions to find out about potential...threats, John. If she demands it, it'll be between her and myself, as well as Kaiser to determine whether it'll happen."
Grimm's smile hadn't faded when turning an arm towards a needle's descent, "Not my problem, doc! I'm just covering my ass, or else I'll have to hear her bitch about it whenever she wakes up in a little bit." He stared momentarily until plunging a needle's tip beneath skin, it'd been carefully done even when resisting an urge to flinch hit himself hard. Fucking needles, god help me as in why! Just don't move your fingers, look around and ignore it.
Visibly paling in seeing bright crimson moving along a line tubes as he quickly tried changing attention immediately, "So which hospital you work in? Brockton General?" An Empire member gave him a look of almost little humor, "Protectorate sponsored, John. In my line of work, I'm well acquainted in dealing with cape injuries and aftermaths. Kaiser and Empire benefit when leaks about potential threats can be dealt with, or planned ahead of time. And you have made my workplace quite busy for the past two weeks due to morgues unable to fit anymore occupants."
Grimm couldn't have honestly cared since contractors, or whoever wanted to go around armed were only targets in hindsight. But he didn't mention almost absently, "Must have plenty of visitors identifying what's left." The doctor nodded expectantly despite asking quite curious due to how aloof it sounded, "You're familiar with medical fields? And protocol?"
The man snorted loudly, "Did security inside a few local places, before what happened seven years ago. It was shit pay, everyone loved fucking us over and I got tired of doing my job...putting people down, I didn't have patience for bullshit." Apparently the Empire member who apparently blended among white collars a little too well. He wasn't amused mainly from witnessing aggressive contractors, or understood an unseen jab for patient well being.
"How long do I have to pretend giving blood isn't satanic?" He humored some old studies in making a medical professional smile lightly, "Fifteen, or twenty minutes. Keep your arm angled, it'll make blood flow quicker and less likely to...clog." Being within arm's reach of a book shelf allowed him to begin reading his most favored novel. Meditations never fails to make me realize, world will keep spinning and best thing to do? Just let it happen, I can never get over thousands of years of history and someone who wrote then is still around. Man, I'll never say anything less but it's humbling and makes me think what else we've lost over time to have us all think we know everything.
The doctor routinely checked a watch while idly checking on Scorch's rapid breathing. It seemed to slowly do wonders, if her face lightly twitched back and forth. Grimm remained in his own personal relaxed mood even when a needle absently got checked professionally in making sure a blood transfusion remained firmly entrenched. Still I got a couple of questions lingering, woman. What the hell is your cousin trying to pull now, I'm stuck dicking around with two kids with one possibly going to kill my Thinker if he even tries to get along.
Absently turning a page while inhaling deeply due to internal throbbing from metal which involuntarily twitched. He resisted in seeing it lack itself free towards partial stilled fingers, "Damn needles." Occasionally after reading several pages did eye Scorch whose face seemingly got some coloration after it'd been paler than usual, it just made him uncomfortable since it wasn't often he'd seen her look vulnerable. It didn't settle well enough considering Kaiser had been up his ass lately, either through her most likely or whatever had happened between them.
Time seemingly trickled by until the doctor wordlessly began removing equipment into packing bags as crimson liquid moved fluidly. But several bottles had been placed on a nearby table which annoyed the man a fair bit. Painkillers? Really, and what did I get? Rolling eyes at favoritism blatantly being put on display did he hear the elder practitioner of medical experience advise, "When she wakes up, John. Two a day, if she's in pain and avoid having her walk around. She'll have to wear a brace for at least one week until otherwise."
A far more expensive phone had been in use with messages being exchanged. Yet Grimm doubtfully warned him, "You really think that woman will listen to what I say? Doc, leave a note and at least cover my ass from being bitched at." An almost irritated expression came close to say something but he acquiesced considering past temperaments. It'd been an earnest request, or rather at least would be adhered too without too much strain on said patient who'd have to heal naturally for weeks in getting flesh melding together.
"And why are you heading out? Shouldn't you make sure?" Questioning him a bit dubiously as an answer ended any doubt that his private amusement had been assured, "Empire business, John. Keep an eye on her, it seems my workplace is calling for me. Payment will be accepted later, do I have your word?" Grimm reluctantly nodded exhaling tiredly when a needle finally got removed as dirtied tubing was placed into bags. White clothe got tied around his arm as it was made so tightly in place, he may have been familiar in donating blood back in teenage years but this would stay on at least for an hour for his personal tastes.
Looks like Doctor Lector might just find out for you, woman. Consider it my good deed of the week, I'd hate to be that sorry bastard. That masked cape, if he recalled their name as Shadow Stalker would be in Scorch's cross-hairs and maybe his own given motivation from said woman. Christ alone knows, how she'll convince me on that one. Bad enough I got shot at, but she'll probably burn an entire city down trying to find them.
Absently realizing a doctor started to leave his room, "Stay safe, doc. Don't get yourself killed over a bad night, alright?" He never got an answer when left alone with a gradual consciously aware woman who started wincing in her partial sleep. Grimm just shook his head while muttering, "No one likes someone being polite, apparently! But you'll get your money, Dr. Lector!" While genuinely nowhere looking like an iconic figure, fictional or not Grimm whimsically decided he'd be close enough and avoided personal information genuinely.
Idly reaching over towards a television remote in turning up volume slightly, he'd make himself comfortable until Scorch awoke. Images of last night's fire were being played as a PRT spokesperson was interviewed in front of city hall, "The situation is resolved, Protectorate sponsored heroes maintained and effectively abides within Para-human regulations regarding last night's incident of an unknown cape setting fire to a portion of Brockton Bay's industrial centers. We can confirm resources involving supplies, financial aid and additional construction shall commence underway in replenishing livelihoods, Director Piggot has granted me to inform the general public that a surge of employment opportunities is now in effect."
Grimm smiled slyly due to an intended effect of whenever catastrophe seemingly made most not realize a trade which needed to be filled. Construction demand is too much, but I wonder how many of my people will jump at an opportunity to labor for a living. Pays better than in most places, but you maybe want to control that hot headed personality...woman. I don't think I'll be able to sell that pitch with half a city burnt to ash. It'd been an improvised gamble to see if a much needed boost of unemployment regarding his own people desperately trying to get out of worse off jobs. Most of Brockton was practically stuck on state funded aid, a living joke to perpetual stagnation and construction would be offering quite a tempting prospect.
The journalist grilled a spokesperson who hardly seemed effected given said solution, "Is the Protectorate condoning this attack on Brockton Bay, the Grimm has been a public threat for an on-going couple of weeks! Those fires nearly threatened minority based communities, there's a been public out-cry for this racist attack towards them." Always did the media have to bait out race, Grimm expected for the Protectorate to outwardly send him to the wolves. And yet a startling sense of suspicion drew himself to pause in reading immediately.
"We abhor these events, but cape related violence is strictly an internal matter. Again I'll stress Director Piggot is not pleased, she'll do what she must to uphold our mandate and despite appearances it seems the Grimm is not as...blatant to at least place himself on the common good of risking himself for inciting racial tensions." Grimm raised an eyebrow in seeing apparently that supposed higher up actually holding herself in a better image, if only calling himself an idiot. The journalist had been effectively made an idiot while possibly having most viewers laughing in seeing a stunned jab at them intentionally.
Apparently they were twisting facts into making him a lesser evil which could be ignored. But it made the Protectorate's image seem humane even as he grinned crookedly, "Fuck you, too." A segment came next with some local politician calling out his actions as some sort of white supremacy which made it ironic, "We will not stand for this oppression of our civil rights! We as black men, as Americans demand this white hooded terrorist be tried and convicted, this individual has threatened out livelihoods in our upstanding communities with these acts of terror and destruction. Many live in fear, but our justice system refuses to unshackle this notion that a cape who can move entire cities won't act against minorities who struggle everyday against this nation's dark and vile history!"
The para-human raised an eyebrow while mentioning to Scorch mainly as a means to an end, "I bet their livelihoods are threatened when most don't buy their product." Less than half of Brockton Bay's populace had been either been driven out, or were simply the minority itself ironically. And yet they kept up their dogmatic loathing in blaming him as an excuse. To hate, demonize and always drive home a guilty sense of false messages against his people...white people. It'd never end until they were dead, gone and still blame the very foundations on supremacy.
"I wonder why y'all don't move back, oh right..." He drew out in an accent making a hand blab incoherently, "Oh right! Be the victim, earn free money and everyone will kiss your ass. Fucking piece of shit, you live in the most apparently stabilized country in the world, as well as trying to demand my people's homelands as your own because everyone either moves here, or to Europe." Spitting out aggravatingly because in history itself. Rome and it's legacy had been the greatest, nothing came close and he'd argue otherwise for the sake of asking why. Yet they'd never a hold a candle when fighting over scraps to never reach that peak ever.
Least Skidmark told me straight up, I can appreciate that much and this guy hasn't seen me target anything yet. Oh don't tempt me... Thoughts ended when tuning out a ranting man who the journalist nodded along outside city hall during some council session, "Anti-para-human demonstrations have been marching all along main street. Most would be protestors were dealt with by police responses, even amidst a surge of deaths as they hauled away multiple people. Several cars and store fronts were damaged, injuries were sustained by several who'd been allegedly supporting signs which have been popping up recently, a racist and white supremacist message stating, 'White Lives Forgotten' which have sparked unrest in lower Brockton areas."
Grimm looked up mainly in fighting off irritation again when seeing protestor's dressed in nearly all black and had reddish white symbols on shoulders. Oh great, those fucking useful idiots. Not even humoring which insanity they belonged too, a para-human returned to reading while keeping an eye on Scorch again routinely. Special place in hell for you fucks, god I hope I'm placed inside the same cell with you all. And just maybe, oh yeah I'll consider it a blessing.
Overall he forcibly tolerated hearing numerous interviews following as specialists were invited on chiming in their two cents. But generally the media kept refusing to change their story, or rather narrative for demonizing him despite being viewed drenching out infernos. Occasionally local residents held negative opinion given one man spoke quite frustrated, "To hell with these capes, they're appearing more and more! And I don't see these god damned heroes stepping up, to hell with them since it seems things just keeping getting worse off. There's more capes on the wrong side of the law, so maybe you should check yourselves instead of asking about some fucking drug infested city that's been shit for years!"
Grimm got a personal enjoyment in seeing on air newscasters trying to keep straight faces when a live interview spiraled into uncomfortable territory. It was another resident of Brockton Bay who he recognized as Harry of all people. The man looked overtly exhausted yet he still crossed arms looking quite aggravated in seeing a journalist asking him about minorities of all things being in the cross-hairs of said para-human, "Are you people a fucking joke? Race baiting when everyone whose died is either white, or closer to their ghost of a mother? This cape shit is ridiculous, to hell with it! Least that man just did us a favor with half of those buildings which would cost a fortune to wire up to code, least he put most of us into a job and to hell with that side of Brockton...it's been a dead rotting corpse for decades."
Exhaling out smoke lazily when advertisements abruptly started appearing made his grin curl into exposing teeth. Can't have that, can they? Returning to his reading, Grimm leaned back crossing legs while flicking ash into a tray within arms reach. It was going to be a long day, if Scorch didn't get up soon and he'd get them all out of state for a bit. Every day he spent inside Brockton Bay would only tempt him into seeing what the Protectorate would do, if their so called truce applied when contending with Empire's debt for Kaiser to eventually work around.
Idly blowing smoke towards a twitching face gave him an ample amount of amusement. She started stirring when groaning lowly, "Good brand." He remarked quietly trying not to laugh, as a woman slowly turned and brought a hand upwards. It settled on her own forehead briefly, if until opening blue eyes groggily trying to take in surroundings. About time sleeping beauty, how does it feel waking up not knowing where you're at? It's like getting drunk, but having no sense of fun in it.
Scorch looked over partially conscious to whisper aloud, "Really?" Grimm checked a cigar momentarily in flicking off pieces unevenly burnt, "Yup!" Stating that word simply when seeing her slowly trying to get up, but managed in leaning back muttering, "Asshole." That certainly wasn't an entire bad sign given her sarcasm hadn't been humbled. If anything she'd been too tired to start an argument, so he considered it a minor blessing in hindsight.
Although her caught a faint smile when he offered mildly, "Want one?" Her head shook partially exasperated when a grin remained in place cheekily, "Where are we?" Shrugging partially while gesturing towards a blood and sweat soaked series of sheets, "My place, where else? Can't exactly walk up into a hospital holding you and screaming, 'Someone help me!' without getting arrested. Sorry to spoil your wet dream."
Her eyes narrowed almost normally as he cackled, "Called up your cousin, paid him and Dr. Lector off to make sure. Most I know is using a belt and stopping severed limbs bleeding out, so..." Trailing off almost simply added to an ever prominent glaring which he ignored naturally. Book marking the latest page all too familiarly did he explain a bit indifferently, "Don't get too comfortable. You, I and Rascal along with little eye-spy are heading out of state for a week, or two. Brockton Bay's getting way too hot lately, no thanks to you by the way."
Scorch gave him an exhausted stern look uttering annoyed, "Eye-spy?" Grimm filled her in despite resisting to fling loose metal towards several walls, "Rune, some cape that your cousin figured would piss on my day. And it did, I almost wanted to hand her over to some local cops. Bitch walks in, insults my house and for a second I thought you and her were...sisters." He admitted laughing almost far too relieved in making a blond's hand clench quite visibly fighting off instinctual urges to smack him across a grinning face.
Thank fucking Christ, you and her aren't related. Visibly shaking off an irritating nightmare which lingered mainly for humor's existence, "But thankfully you need to sleep it off. When you start walking around, I'll lend a hand and get you packed. And speaking of hands..." He again trailed off idly gripping his own into a fist as Scorch yelped when one had been bandaged heavily, as well being braced where traces of dried red turned an ugly brownish coloration. She wouldn't be using that one for a bit until stitches fused flesh together, but he doubted painful would go away until stiffness set in after weeks in a genuine guess.
"Shit." She muttered viewing expert work from a trusted professional who'd vacated his property a fair bit ago, "I'll fucking kill that bitch of a cape." Grimm eyebrows rose accordingly, "Bitch? As in female, or what?" The blond's eyes seemingly hardened into a glare that made him raise both hands clearly not trying to cause a premature fire inside his own bedroom. Yet she grounded out, "It was a girl, black and when I felt some of that mask melt off? I saw her skin...fucking piece of shit negro, I'll return the favor when I burn her alive."
However an elder man hummed less than assured in commenting, "Good luck, woman. That cape phases through god damned walls, she shot me through metal and apparently survived whatever you threw at her. So do yourself a favor, please?" He stressed that last word into pointing somewhat in a rare show of rationality, "And take a breather. Cape's called Shadow Stalker, least what I got from Glory-Girl and some other hero named Gallant? Yeah, I'd rather not end up dead, in prison or whatever they fucking wanted to do."
The suggestion surprisingly managed to quell an almost warmth trickling past sheets given she repeated her would be killer's name, "Shadow...Stalker?" Grimm rolled his hazel eyes towards a television but mentioned factually, "Shot her three times. So she'll be hurting, or sleeping that off. Almost wanted to put one in the back of her skull, but bullet might have gone through and took you out, so I went for knees and she got knocked out by Glory-Girl. They agreed to a truce..." Scorch interrupted when siting up abruptly, if only to gasp out a yelp in making him realize saying that particular detail should have been confidential.
"WHAT!" Grimm lightly twitched his jaw already regretting saying anything, "John!" He glanced away almost considering of sleeping down-stairs yet it'd risk a premature inferno. Scorch visibly tried getting up if only he barked out, "Stay in bed, woman! Or I'll wrap so much damned metal around you and then toss your ass outside a window when I see a fire start. Don't fucking tempt me, or by god I will do it!"
Inhaling deeply on a cigar as neither para-human refused to back down momentarily. It last several moments until she reluctantly leaned back down demanding an answer with an unseen motion of arms crossing together. And here comes the bitching! God damn it, I hate it when I'm right and I'll never hear an end to it. Always nagging, always trying to push me and I always get that urge to back hand you until my hand goes numb.
Ignoring small streams of burning clothe along a bandaged hand voiced enough impatience, "Haggled out a truce with Brockton Protectorate. Basically I stay quiet for a bit, they look the other way and hero capes do the same. Won't last too long, but it buys time for shit to cool off. But since you're wondering, I'll explain it...now get comfortable, would ya?." He could only look towards a television already wishing she'd remained unconscious but apparently God wanted to punish him. Women never seemed to get underneath his skin, of which today he'd consider becoming an alcoholic since it was the first time he found out.
The darkness never seemed to end when curling underneath a hospital bed's white sheets. A girl refused to stop shaking when curling arms around herself, "What happened to my daughter?" An elder woman asked distraught out of sight, Madison couldn't stop whimpering as darkness kept creeping even when her eyes opened. It just suffocated everything, she wanted it to end and desperately prayed trying to forget a pair of red sockets gleaming behind fire itself.
"Extensive trauma to her knees, Mrs. Clemments. Physically, she'll walk again but mentally we don't know what caused...this now." A man replied remaining optimistic as footsteps shuffled away behind some door which closed quickly. Make it stop, make it stop! Chanting over and over again in hearing a cold laughter echoing endlessly. Her torturer, her tormentor and nothing was ever said except feeling burning in a sea of darkness swirling whenever eyes closed tight.
Endless metal smashing over bones and hearing them break long before agonizing realization haunted herself eternally. No questions, no voices but only pain itself being inflicted despite crying out for it to stop. But it never did, it never relented and for hours it was a living nightmare. No one came to save her, no came to save her and it only ended after being locked away in darkness with a flickering light dimming inevitably.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'M SORRY! Those words bellowed endlessly when seeing a Thinker's face looking on in horror as she saw every moment in perfect clarity. She did the right thing, she called and tried to stop a friend who didn't deserve to be among monsters. Yet he ran back to them! He ran, he fled and tried to get away asking for said monsters to help him and they did.
Metal had bent itself wrapping her without warning, no mercy and only felt a crushing sensation until darkness swept her away. And it wrapped itself around her underneath sheets blocking out all sound. All feeling and she kept reaching trying to force those fresh nightmares away, but phantom nails pierced into knees which were wrapped in casts. She couldn't take it anymore, she cried with tears pooling down cheeks and found herself shaking uncontrollably to silently scream when it aggravated bones which had been placed back together.
Alone, alone, I was left alone because I forced you to ask monsters for help! What was a friend who believed in another for them to be betrayed? To be hurt, to be tossed aside and she ran after him trying to at least do the right thing. But pain was all that was given, an endless hour upon hour of being beaten by one monster whose eyes kept glowering. Seeing only that damned gas mask, if only hearing smug breathing of muffled enjoyment.
Darkness returned chasing away that pain, if only leaving her in silence to stare endlessly into thickening swirls. It was comforting, it shielded and left her alone to wallow in grief, guilt as well as damnation for turning a back on a friend. Jose, or Rascal...god she knew wasn't a bad kid, he'd nearly killed himself and she'd ignored it. Left him for monsters, who used him as a Thinker when he should have done more good for himself.
Fingers curled unseen within darkening vision as it crept further and further along engulfing until she felt warmth. But it was fading, if only getting colder and blood itself seemed to cease flowing making her silent scream unheard. SAVE ME, PLEASE! SAVE ME, I'M SORRY...I'M SORRY, PLEASE NO MORE! Echoing pleas to that monster in black leather, not once granting mercy or reprieve while looming overhead and lunged downward sending a metal pipe sharply angled for endless kept pain freshly constant.
As that nightmare returned she looked inwards seeing an outline of that monster and yet further behind a pale outline. Behind walls, behind metal and stood there simply staring through it when screams were echoing. PLEASE SAVE ME, I'M SORRY! MAKE IT STOP, PLEASE GOD NO MORE! Lung breaking air wheezed out in shrill, ear piercing and near soul shattering tones that made that pale outline move away behind metal darkness. She saw another beyond, faint but fluttering across behind some darkened door moving without looking back.
One monster walked among them as another refused to stop itself laughing in muffled breathes of air in thickened darkness. I'm sorry, Rascal. I'm sorry, please just make it stop! She remembered calling out for someone other than a monster, a friend who she turned her back on and no one answered except for darkness itself. She couldn't stand it, she felt nothing and found herself hearing only silence beneath sheets whimpering when pain kept burning.
Nothing seemed to be heard except only blissful silence itself curling and wrapping herself endlessly within safety. Why? That alone word resounded when memories of seeing that pale light seemingly appearing behind a monster for fire and sockets turning away. A lone hand gripping metal itself through pain fogged eyes as it looked down ward. She heard a voice, a man's voice sounding bemused yet it wasn't out of joy. It was because of pain, as darkness wrapped around quelling phantoms which hounded her unseen.
"How it happens, is on you and I'll play along because I don't think she can last much longer." Those words were said distantly yet was it another monster? It was a monster, but not like a monster who enjoyed pain as darkness shifted into thickening again. Memories shifted when that monster with fire returned into breaking bones, piece by piece and only stopping later when that pale light returned gripping behind.
It had ended wordlessly when darkness returned back to that dimming light flickering above her as cold bit into exposed wounds. And then only darkness again. Until she found herself hearing the voices of heroes who'd come, but they weren't monsters yet they didn't care. Capes, heroes, monsters and they all sounded the same except that one pale flickering light in the darkness which consumed all leaving her alone in peaceful silence.
I'm sorry, Rascal. That thought ended when only darkness made her eyes finally cease as all noise went away. Warmth returned when voices from outside a door way returned, "We can send her home in a day, or two. Protectorate specialists will try to help, if you agree?" Her mother sounded distraught melding into confusion and confidence, if only she didn't understand monsters existed outside of fairy tales told as a child.
"She's my child, I trust her to pull through doctor." Madison could only cry silently as unseen screams returned unable to be let go. She could wallow in thickening darkness underneath sheets once it all became too real. Monster's exist, mom. And my friend is with them, I forced him to go to them and I don't know if I can let it happen. Sleep finally overcame nerves and she finally fell into blissful peace after unable to let go of what monsters did to her. She could only hope when the time came that she would finally try to do good, or become one herself.
Rascal glanced up rubbing tired eyes when balls clacked together behind him. It'd been several hours since awakening to seeing Grimm's absence, "This is going to take a long time." Mumbling when setting up half a dozen dummy accounts on various PHO forums, chats and trying to funnel out patterns for coding wasn't easy. Yet being a Thinker allowed him peace to look at several prompts on a computer screen while cutting away false sources. Searching for something on a medium as the internet, both Dark or not would take months...maybe years, if seeking only one original posting for that document.
"What the hell are you saying now, mulatto?" Exhaling exasperated when Rune's voice chimed up partially bored and somewhat annoyed. Madre de dios! One nazi bitch is enough, but she doesn't shut the fuck up. Every other twenty minutes, it'd be something about his racial background or language accent since english wasn't his natural tongue. And ever since Grimm had left, it'd been constant antagonizing.
One pool stick collided sharply when he spoke up less than happily, "I'm working so I can stay alive, so please fuck off." He took a page out of Grimm's known habits when a sneer scoff followed, if only to end any attempt. Rascal certainly thanked at least one good thing, if an elder para-human's personality rubbed off in any way possible? He wouldn't voice complaints, if it shut up at least one nazi bitch of a person up effectively.
But unfortunately she wasn't remotely intimidated by his nervous persona, "You know compared to that asshole, I'd say you suck major balls. Kiss his ass, a lot?" The Thinker counted to ten mentally before biting out nearly vindictive after yesterday's events, "Maybe you should learn too! Pissing Grimm is something I haven't seen yet, but I hope you do it! I'd love to see your white ass being staked up somewhere in public."
Rune's smouldering glare made a young Thinker pat himself on his back finding some sort of enjoyment. And an implied threat made up for last night's events, "Typical. Let the white man fight your battles." Rascal turned around staring hard to find her lacking confidence make even his own mind churn towards far more probabilities, "At least he'd kill you in a fight. You talk big, but I doubt you'd last considering you're not even the worst or scariest cape I've seen so far. Nazi bitch number one takes it, over you."
The Empire youth lightly touched a few pool balls as they hovered without warning. Rascal braced himself when they came within inches of smashing his face inwards, "One more word, spick." She vowed rigidly while flipping a pool wooden stick closer towards an almost clearer angle of being snapped. Let's find out, bitch! I'm not putting up with this shit right now, if I don't start finding out what Grimm wants done...I'm already a dead Thinker walking, so god help me because it's on.
Whispering quite daringly which shocked himself inwardly due to an image of a friend trying to turn him in helped fuel resentment, "Te reto, estúpido payaso blanco." Rune's eyes narrowed when two more weighted objects hovered as they shot forward! Rascal instinctively closed both eyes of his own tensing up for a hit. He honestly didn't expect her too understand, yet alone finally got an excuse until someone shouted quite angrily.
"Enough, kids!" Grimm came down the stairs slowly holding someone around their shoulder as metal shot downward blocking off both para-humans. The eldest para-human grumbled while Scorch had a less than amused expression when she'd swallowed an ugly remark, "See? What did I tell you, woman? I'm fucking baby-sitting another kid, so don't bullshit me about you thinking they'll stomach one another because of your cousin's word."
Both younger para-humans eyed each other less than happily when metal bent towards them squealing lightly into lengthening stakes. Grimm's tone hardened far too cynically, "I'll put you both in a time out so fucking hard, I'll see both your eyes outside your skull's backs! Play nice, or I give you both a size twelve boot up your asses." Rascal didn't doubt in angering an already less than humoring man, he certainly didn't want to screw himself over. And as a result went back to his laptop continuing silently in finally being allowed some peaceful quietness.
"Don't waste your breath on his kind, Rune." Scorch's tired voice wasn't in any mood either given she hissed when lightly hopping onto a couch. Grimm eased her down before sitting beside her loudly exhaling in near relief. But that'd been enough when solid objects floated back onto their original positions with a stick being aimed at them. It was a tense basement, if the Thinker imagined seeing Grimm relighting an old cigar since it'd burned out sometime ago.
Metal returned back above groaning until a basement became itself undisturbed with four para-humans quietly minding their own thoughts. Rascal looked up in seeing a man staring away puffing almost exhaustively yet the far more intimidating blond seemed to lean into him. She's really worn out, guess getting stabbed does that even to someone like...her. He had little sympathy rightfully despite rubbing a wound wrapped in white clothe. But in a rare move Grimm looked over inspecting it, "Don't even try it, woman. Doc would chew my ass out next, I'm not dealing with you and him for being bull headed for once."
Her exhausted glare made him about to a raise one specific digit, "Raise that finger, John. And I break it off." Grimm raised an eyebrow almost trying to dare her openly, "Alright. But you didn't say this finger, though!" A cigar nimbly switched hands whereas a middle one shot up quite naturally fast with a whistling tune innocently. And in response the burning ember suddenly hissed out into a flash of orange making him yelp.
Rascal blinked torn between smiling to get a laugh, or felt sick when the man buried his mouth underneath a shirt. His muffled grumbling could be heard, "These aren't cheap! Damn it, woman I'll throw you down a flight of stairs, I can still do it!" Scorch had both eyes closed despite smirking when he shifted away brushing off burnt ash as a pair of boots were propped up, fingers were fishing out a package from his pant pocket. And again the Thinker got an impression she'd gotten closer without the man ever realizing it.
Behind clacking pool balls smacked together yet Rune had kept her mouth shut much to his internal joy in realizing she never risked confrontation. The overhanging television got switched on with volume being raised accordingly. And almost brazenly a blond woman plucked one cigar right out Grimm's annoyed grip. He gave her a glare when looking downward at a smug para-human, "Really? No please, or thank you...damn bitch. I'll start charging soon, do you know how much I spend between the both of us and all that?"
Surprisingly Scorch only spoke indifferently when looking up at him, "Keep pushing your luck, John." The Thinker gagged internally when she had a fond smile struggling to not appear, if only managing to remain press into a couch on an angle. Jesus, help you Grimm. He returned going back to a natural coding state blocking out most details, an almost literal godsend despite time going by and he finally heard the eldest para-human exhale loudly.
"Alright, time to talk business and where we'll all be staying for a bit." Grimm thought aloud rubbing his forehead in a bid to at least bring some sense of intentions clear, "We're not going south to Rhode Island, even if I know places and people down there. Not playing eye-spy with my little eyes with that one...around." He didn't even bother hiding annoyance when Rune raised a middle finger at him almost fearlessly yet refused to say a word. And Rascal shivered when Scorch's gaze narrowed as if he were the very cause unsurprisingly.
"New York is a little...complicated." Grimm listed off until shrugging finally when mentioning, "But I've been up north once, or twice. I might know a little place, or two but it'll take a while since it's been made into beach front towns. Or does anyone else have ideas?" Asking mainly to the only para-human who had possible connections considering Rascal, or Rune were just flat out unlikely. The tension with Empire members wasn't lost on a younger Thinker who found himself underneath a heated stare, as if the blond woman was gauging something closely akin to disgust.
"I...know somewhere secluded." Scorch finally bit out after Rascal went back to his work intending on trying to avoid anymore socialization with being burned alive. Grimm glanced down having a cigar turn lopsided with an end burning smoothly, "Not a fan of hotels?" She promptly smacked him on his arm which had been angled behind a couch. Both Rascal and Grimm jointly considered that a positive with extreme prejudice almost simultaneously.
Rune perked up quite curiously as a ball smacked into one corner loudly, "Vermont. Mountains and it's one my older...homes." She kept herself clipped when Grimm's bland retort came far too irritably, "You live by a lake, don't you? Oh hell, I don't need you to start flaunting what I've always wanted to have...ugh, great!" His loud dramatic groaning bordered on sheer exasperation despite not denying he'd been interested in seeing a change of scenery. Rascal honestly didn't have any excitement in being around either Empire influenced members, or yet alone be stuck in a place that wasn't technically safe for his own well being.
But it seemed his stiff posture caught hazel eyes when Scorch looked away grudgingly, "You better play nice with my Thinker, woman. If we're going up to your place, I expect him to stay alive and be able to do what needs to get done...without disappearing in the woods." Rascal wasn't convinced when she nodded while waving a hand off trying to not verbally commit much, "Plus I don't need a sasquatch running off with him, me or anyone. Or having Kaiser being up my ass, I'm getting tired of dealing with kids."
Scorch, Rascal and Rune all gave the eldest para-human a strange look briefly with mixed confusion to some varying degree. Why does he think this is a good idea? A Thinker moaned quietly trying to avoid headaches considering he'd be at their mercy far away from anywhere to run too. Still he felt some sort of relief when Scorch personally told a younger Empire member sternly, "Will this be an issue with you, girl? I will be watching your behavior, Kaiser and I will have words over your...presence since it is already conflicting with my work."
Grimm's smirk turned quite smug when a younger blond curtly understood, "Sure." But what he said next even made a Thinker smile gratefully, "You try anything, then you, the woman and Rascal all get a front row to some real big fish off Martha's Vineyard." Scorch smiled almost commenting a bit expectant in a rarity to at least hope Rascal would pull through, even if he felt conflicted considering what was implied. He was without a doubt going to be an accessory to murder, or pray that this blond monster didn't get off on throwing him over a boat.
"Perhaps this Thinker might be useful, but I doubt it." Grimm's smile turned quite deviously expectant when motioning to a youth, "Prove her wrong, kid. And you might be able to live without being too afraid, so do me proud. Someone's got to have their view shattered, or else I'd have to make it happen one way, or another." The cackling seemed almost genuinely hopefully, if only for every wrong reason and made him gulp involuntarily.
Regardless he did let the man know about how long, "It's not exactly easy, Grimm it could take me months at least! Finding one document, and one user on the internet...I don't know how long it'll take really!" If a pair of eyes narrowed, or rolled he'd never know except seeing a smile stay in place. Either way he only got a chirpy sign of faith, "Well good to know you'll stick around, kid. Least by then you'll have a new job, name and maybe...just maybe, I'll get you a woman to forget about that girl since you and I are going somewhere."
Rascal's jaw dropped visibly flustered, "Wait? What!" Grimm leaned forward despite ignoring an almost furious blond whose only foot tapped impatiently, "You and I are going to a club tonight, or tomorrow night. We got money, we got booze and we'll be leaving so whenever we get back...you'll just enjoy yourself when a new name comes up." The Thinker immediately slid away when steam arose around Scorch whose expression hardened since it wasn't acceptable. You may want to shut up, Grimm or I'm going to die sooner than later!
Waving a hand frantically despite hearing laughter behind at a pool table, "Maybe when things calm down, Grimm! Let's not tempt fate, for god's sake!" Already watching out between two Empire members didn't give him luxury as an elder para-human who shrugged, "It'll happen, kid. Ignore the hot head, it's what I always do and it never..." Scorch's fist curled igniting a gradual flame that quickly changed wording on the man's whims, "Won't happen! Right, Rascal?"
The blond subtly made a throat slashing motion as a Thinker took that obvious hint to never mention any idea of it. Jesus, how do you do it? Grimm finally glanced over pointing at an ever increasing flame licking around fingers, "If you wanted to come with us? I'd have said yes!" It dawned on him that either this man wanted to enrage a walking flaming Empire member, or he quite frankly just didn't care for personal safety at all.
"Let's not discuss that ever, John." Rascal almost dove behind a couch expecting fire to start burning down an entire basement. However Rune chimed in trying to provoke someone other than Grimm apparently, "Sounds like fun. Mind if I tag along, I'd like to see your Thinker actually grow a pair and maybe I'd play nicer. Grimm!"
Thankfully that line of conversation was ended when the very man scoffed, "Hell, no! It's easy to sneak a guy into a club, but an underage girl?" Laughing sarcastically to switch topics almost happily, "Oh fuck no, it don't work like that. Because I'd be thrown out, then arrested for being some sort of twisted pedo and cops would be all over this place."
Rascal privately found himself wishing he weren't anywhere inside the basement as it settled down with Scorch's hands tapping quietly. But for better, or worse they were leaving Brockton Bay for a bit of time and he didn't immediately reject that notion. Sooner I can get away from this place, sooner I can start wondering what I'll do next. I don't know how you do it, Grimm but you're probably the one person I can trust...barely. All he knew it'd be a long couple of weeks with two capes who wouldn't hesitate in seeing him buried, or done entirely.
Emily Piggot stared across as an open screen revealed a fellow Protectorate Director who answered after getting a call, "It's not often you give me a call." The man stated quite amused as files were sent over which appeared on his end, "Brockton Bay just seems to catch wandering eyes, Emily. What can I do for an old friend?" The woman didn't visibly smile, or scowl except sending over more files regarding latest events and predictions from Thinker think tanks pertaining around a recent rogue cape mainly.
"Are you still favorable in getting some pull to have someone quell potential unrest?" She questioned considering her own position didn't entirely leave much of an imagination. Her counterpart skimmed through images to hum a bit pondering, "I see. Yet another rogue, I swear more of them keep popping up and the higher ups think it'll get better. Not very subtle, is he?" Referring to an image of the Grimm holding one lone finger in a specific picture. It also seemed childish, if not for the fact of seeing hundreds of names attached for murder.
"Los Angeles has been quiet lately, I could ask for you...if you're willing to concede control of your city for a bit." Piggot raised an eyebrow when an old friend explained, "Make it as though you need guidance regarding this cape, use it and have yourself secured a friendly tenure. Among our higher ups, I can say you'd be less at risk of being removed and from what you're sending? It'd be a suitable asset being offered...incentive, if it's plausible."
She laughed lightly realizing it'd be a farce, if only to keep herself from being viewed as expendable. And considering who'd be asked for this favor was quite bold, "Alexandria hardly cares for internal strife. But I'd imagine the amount of losses as our Chief Enforcer for seeing Brockton Bay's PRT resources, well I dare say it'd make even most think twice." Conceding an underlying implication from an old colleague who chuckled good naturally in response. They were solving a potential problem well within reason, again if said higher up humored into coming out of her usual jurisdiction to crush any unseen intentions.
"I can use it mainly to keep our Wards in line, or at least learn humility. Their latest fiasco almost burnt half this city down, fortunately it seems the would be target did us all a favor." She revealed when sending updated information making a man hardly fazed, "Apparently! Quite a strange one for their kind. It would get her interested, if only this one has a tendency to humor words and despite having hundreds dead...I think I could give a call."
Footage of an entire mass of metal was played between them both dousing raging infernos, "Alexandria could in theory be a welcomed deterrent. But I don't think she'll be excited, I can only say so much and you're not exactly friendly which I understand." Piggot sent another series of files regarding Ward debriefings and revealed a small piece of current predicaments, "An official sanctioned truce upheld between you and this rogue...on Glory-Girl of all heroes? My, my, my that's quite a disaster considering who's over in that city."
A cigarette burned leisurely when information got skimmed through again. Her counterpart had been around just as long as she'd been considering their minor differences. Yet friends were a common thing in any work place. And Protectorate Directors often kept in contact. Especially for any mess which ruined public perception endangering heroes, or those who'd done more to uphold what little remained in open view.
"Ah, I see what you're trying to do." He finally relented to laugh a bit since it was shrewd, "You honestly think she won't catch on to this little conundrum you're setting up?" Emily's lips curled quite knowingly, "I'm only securing what any policy dictates regarding capes. Rogues are not an exception, but sometimes a little force never hurt to sway opinions. Think of it as insurance, if she manages to instill some discipline over those who refuse and cannot understand others, then she'll show them what it means to take down anything remotely unique."
That garnered a less than bemused chuckle, "Armsmaster still thinks he'll go upwards. I can see why, but at least hold some humane mercy. Alexandria doesn't tolerate it, if I mention past tendencies considering what you keep out of sight." Overall it'd be enough to warrant someone visiting for at least sometime to keep an eye on things. And avoid any potential would be disasters during Brockton's rebuilding which would be a tempting target for others.
"If you can convince her to visit, it'd be better off." She advised mainly for keeping promises relatively loose considering her colleague nodded, "Indeed. Los Angeles has been quiet for a bit, I suspect she'll be eager to tour other cities after Brockton and it'd give us an impression she'll be hunting potential city wide threats. After all heroes never rest, do they?" Asking that question humoring public awareness as she nodded in agreement in keeping some stability to last a bit longer. Truces were temporary, but they could last if one knew how to squeeze an arm into check.
"Do you think this 'Grimm' will uphold his word?" Piggot heard him state curiously enough considering most details assumed otherwise, "Yes." She replied not even hesitating considering it'd been humoring a monster in hindsight, "But whoever holds his leash, which I don't know who or what decided...will know I'm sick of this internal crap. Alexandria isn't a name everyone conveniently forgets, which I intend for that Rogue to take a hint."
Her counterpart snorted when reading over transcripts recorded by a Tinker device, "It's one thing to play politics, but abiding by it? Your latest Rogue is quite a naive one, even if what he's done is quite abhorrent." Piggot's smile turned quite smug, "From what we've gathered, it's hardly an issue but I for one don't appreciate capes making a mess for us humans. Hopefully he'll dig his grave, or Alexandria puts him on a leash where he can do some good. Capes always think they're so smart, but they lack humility when others put them in their place."
Piggot stared behind in seeing a city's bustling afternoon only to see faint traces of smoke lingering overhead. How long until this farce of a truce will last isn't my concern. It's only when and where it ends, to make this man realize he isn't our most pressing concern. But she understood if this were just a standard brand of terrorism, it'd be simpler to get rid of it. Yet it was different, it was terror but aimed only at those who kept others in check. And it wouldn't be tolerated regardless of selfish good will intended to throw her off.
"Emily, I've known you for nearly twenty or so years." Her fellow Director of another urban battle ground which had been pacified relatively, "Why do you bother trying to bend them? While I hold concerns over this newest Rogue in your area, I never pegged you for caution to use this one as if it was the best prospect for your...agenda." The Protectorate needed anything to starve off monsters whether they were on the lawful side, or chose to act on their own. And she wasn't above to use monsters against their own.
The woman smiled well aware since she'd normally put Rogues away for good, "Let's just say it's been a while for any cape trying to hide itself. And I need to make sure I haven't lost my touch, so can I count on your promise to get Alexandria moving out of Los Angeles?" Her counterpart smirked placidly giving little indication it'd be that easy, or simply done. Yet he gave a nod with one reassurance, "I'll just say it's an opportunity for her to stretch her legs and make due on keeping heroes growing under expert guidance."
And with that an online conversation ended with her in silence. Leaning back to view down-town Brockton Bay did provide one ample consolation. These next few weeks would be busy, the city would rebound or falter further. As well be host to one hero who'd at least stem some unrest into pacified acceptance. The Director could only sit back and wait until monster's started tearing up the streets when they came into contact. She smiled again finding it all poetic, if only knowing she'd just kept one monster wishing it never existed.
End Chapter XI
Author's Note: Yup, looks like the big guns are being called in for some potential action. I can assure you, Alexandria is no joke. Literally, out of the big three, which is dubbed the Triumvirate. Ironically, a bit of Rome slips in whether I'd cheer for it, or not. And guess what, Grimm's playing with fire and I don't mean Scorch's attitude considering this is dangerous territory.
How, or why would Piggot be able to call up a superior? Normally, not likely but in canon Alexandria comes around eventually. This early however, let's just say it's about Grimm but rather the Protectorate sending a message to the elements inside Brockton Bay. "Knock it off, or we'll start knocking down doors." I do reveal a bit more, but where's the fun is having you all guess wildly when this is building up. And I can assure you, Grimm may not be knowledgeable about capes...but he'd know this name hands down, even for an average joe.
I'm going to stress out this next statement: This is one of the most dangerous, if not outright capable people who could literally kill off the main character. And while I read ahead in Worm seeing Skitter make her go brain dead, ironically it kind of made me scratch my head. Considering there's some sort of trick to that, but it also indicates Alexandria isn't above a paragon like idol mentality. Piggot wouldn't be able to have that kind of pull, or request from someone above her yet as Chief Enforcer of PRT based teams? Let's just say, wiping out a good portion inside Brockton would be enough...relatively, at least getting someone else's attention to take a look around.
But you needed more reasons to make it plausible, she just won't randomly show up. And we're still before the start of Worm, so things will get rocky quick. But speaking of rocky, Madison's little...bit. Keep an eye on that, you'll be pleasantly amazed, or shocked when that pops off. If you thought things were going to stay somewhat familiar, oh just wait. Just wait, enjoy and see where this is going to end up.
As for this latest dynamic shift, we have the funny dysfunctional and quite dangerous four para-humans taking a road trip. This is where things get difficult, humanizing it and really giving the time for character development. As you can see, I'm not shy or remotely hesitant to really give some depth to people. Yet be prepared, if you've seen any city with less than pleased elements...and someone like 'Alexandria' pops into town. Get ready, you're going to see some personalities shift and you can only imagine once word gets out.
Some people aren't going to be happy, or rather just know who happened to draw that attention. Power plays are being set up, whether blood runs or not...it's happening quickly. Having a hundred bodies filling morgues, isn't exactly well thought off. And despite everything, Grimm is going to be contending with forces even he isn't even considered. And don't get me started on End-Bringers, I'm still trying to figure those things out considering whenever you-know-who shows up, basically get ready for some interesting times.
In my opinion, I'd say that things are getting tense for various agendas or reasons aside. If you take a step back, show what the 'Rogue' which is kind of what he is by definition has done. Including seven years ago, it's quite a unique case when someone has the will to move, or destroy an entire city and had been considered written off...by Thinkers due to them dealing with more pressing issues. Regardless, they want to put this down quickly and either option which is mentioned...will be done, one way or another.
Oh, I haven't forgotten about the Undersiders and what happens with them. So on that note, let's find out. Have a safe week, I hope everyone is healthy and not dealing with the Kung-Flu (Covid) pandemic. Leave a review, until next update I'll see you all then.