I rewrote this chapter. For anyone who has read the original already, I added notes at the end of the changes I made. Otherwise ignore and enjoy the chapter.
"Thanos!"
Thanos was getting sick and tired of people angrily storming down the stairs screeching his name like an angry cat. He buried his face in his hands with a loud sigh, readying himself to be yelled at for whatever reason. He recognized this voice; it wasn't Alicia, who he was okay with dealing with. This time it was the Deputy Chief. What had he done to warrant this angry visit?
Gerald reached the bottom of the staircase and stormed over to the guild's front desk, where Thanos was shrinking in his seat. "Thanos. What is all this about?"
"What are you talking about?" he asked in response.
"Don't play dumb."
"Sorry, deputy, I've got no clue what you're mad about. You'll have to fill me in if you want answers about it."
Gerald leaned in close, frowning deeply. "The rumor," he hissed. "About the Chief."
"What rumor?"
"Don't. Play. Dumb.'
Thanos sighed. "Look, it wasn't me. I didn't start it."
"Who did?"
"How should I know? No one even said it to my face. I heard Rolec mumbling about it over by the bulletin board."
"How far through the guild has it spread?" Gerald demanded.
"Can't say for sure. Probably everyone has heard it. It's probably outside the guild already, a rumor like this one."
Gerald smacked the desk and cursed loudly. "Tell me you don't seriously believe it, Thanos."
"No, I don't. Of course not. But there are some others who I think do."
"How anyone could believe such a groundless rumor is beyond me. They're lucky I'm not the Chief, because they'd all be fired. Actually, I ought to fire them, since technically I am acting Chief."
"Don't get hasty, Deputy," Thanos urged. "It's a shit rumor, and everyone will realize it within time."
Gerald threw some of Thanos' papers to the floor—earning furious rants from Thanos about everyone resorting to throwing his papers when they were angry—before he turned and stormed toward the staircase. He bounded up the stairs two at a time to the second floor, where he barged into the locker room of Caesar's Quarto Squad. Caesar was at the table, and wasn't surprised in the slightest by Gerald's unannounced entry. He was leaned over his table, looking disturbed.
"I take it you've heard it, too," Gerald assumed aloud.
"Of course," Caesar replied simply. "It's outrageous."
"How am I the last to have heard it?"
"Well, I assume because no one wanted to be the target of your current outrage. I didn't hear it directly, either. I merely heard Aldo and Gareth speaking of it."
"Even your men are talking about it? Do you think this rumor has gone beyond the guild?"
"Well beyond, I fear. Something must be done. In addition with the rest of the rumors about our Chief, I fear many in the city will think too literally of this new rumor. People may quickly turn against him. Knights may soon knock on our doors."
"I can't believe how easily people in Vancoor have taken to this bullshit," Gerald ranted, sitting in the chair across from Caesar. "How can we stop this rumor?"
"With the Chief still asleep, I fear there is little we can do. If we were to speak in his place, who's to say we were not merely covering for him?"
Gerald cursed loudly once more. "We need to find the one who started this rumor and have them say it's just bullshit. Who do you think it was?"
"We have no way of knowing. We must ask around, I suppose. I will ask people kindly. I assume you will be threatening them. Surely we can find who started it, working together."
"Who can we rule out as the source?"
"I doubt that the Triton or Quintom Squads had any involvement. Of course, neither of our squads, as well. That rules out more than half of the guild, at least. That only leaves Hecton and Septimo, as well as the warriors with no squads like Carlos and Rolec. I doubt Rolec was involved, however. That leaves us with only a few to question."
"David, Jarvis, Ganz—I doubt it was Daniel—also Bruce, Star and Sebastian, and Carlos. I've already spoken to Thanos."
"Shall we get started then?" Caesar stood from his chair, and Gerald followed. "I will seek out David, Carlos, and Bruce. Will you question the others?"
"Hecton, Star, and Sebastian. Got it."
They both made for the door. They walked together to the first floor before breaking off. It was around noon, so Gerald knew the Hecton Squad would be assembled in their locker room on the basement floor. He turned right to head for the staircase, while Caesar went for the guild's front door; Carlos, his first target, would be at the Begin Eatery having lunch. They nodded to each other before going out of sight of one another. Gerald continued downstairs to the first floor basement, turning right and headed for the Hecton Squad's locker room at the end of the hallway. He knocked on the door loudly to announce his arrival, before hearing a barely-audible confused-sounding reply. He opened the door and stepped inside.
Jarvis and Daniel were at the table, but the new recruit was nowhere to be seen. Gerald stared at the two of them with a hard, unforgiving gaze.
"Hello, men," he greeted. Jarvis stood to meet him.
"Hello, Deputy. What brings you down here?"
"Unfortunately, it's nothing good." He was in a terrible mood. "Somehow—overnight, it seems—an awful new rumor has spread around the guild. Something about our Chief possibly betraying us to join the elves?"
Daniel was shocked, but Jarvis gulped and avoided his gaze. Gerald immediately picked up on the mood change, and took a step closer to him with his arms crossed. "You're looking guilty, Jarvis. Cough it up."
"It happened on Hecton's mission to get the crocogator skin," he admitted. Gerald was relieved that he wasn't going to put up a fight. "Ganz knew where the entrance to the City of Flowers was, so he went up and talked to some elves. We had a fight, and one of the elves claimed that 'when the Chief returned to them where he belonged, we'd be the ones under his axe, not them.' I thought it was bullshit and groundless, so I didn't think anything of it—I assumed it was just the elf trying to threaten us. I swear I didn't say anything about it to anyone."
Gerald turned his threatening gaze toward Daniel, who shrunk in his seat. "I wasn't even on the mission, Deputy Gerald! I refused to go! It wasn't me!"
Gerald looked to Jarvis for confirmation. Jarvis spoke up in Daniel's defense, "He's telling the truth. Only the new guy and I went on the mission."
"So it was the new guy who started the rumors?" Gerald demanded angrily.
"I don't see why he would parade around telling anyone about it," Jarvis said. "I doubt it was him. But maybe. I don't know the man too well, I suppose."
"Where is he?"
Jarvis and Daniel both shrugged. Daniel mentioned, "I saw him headed upstairs earlier. I haven't seen him since, though."
"Jarvis, I'm glad to hear you agree that the rumor is bullshit," Gerald said. "Daniel, I assume you think the same." Daniel quickly nodded.
"I know the Chief isn't like that!"
"Good. Listen, men, we need to get rid of this rumor. We think it's already gone well beyond our guild, and we need to do our best to make sure that the people of the city don't actually believe it. We don't want an uprising against our Chief."
Jarvis and Daniel both nodded.
"If it was your squad that heard the rumor originally from the elves, I can only assume that it was your new recruit who started all this. I'll need you to take responsibility and help us put this rumor to rest."
"Of course, Deputy," Jarvis agreed. "I know it makes no sense. I didn't even realize it had spread."
"Do what you can," Gerald ordered, turning for the door. He went out, and immediately headed for the staircase to go upstairs, remembering that Daniel had claimed he'd seen Ganz headed upstairs. He jumped up the staircases all the way to the fourth floor, where he stood to face the Chief's door. He took a second, standing in silence, before he banged his fist on the door to announce his arrival. He didn't wait for a reply; he opened the door, and went to step in.
Ganz was beside the desk where Jack was sleeping, mid-reaching for the Chief's helm.
"Hey!" Gerald exclaimed. Ganz jumped with alarm, looking at Gerald wide-eyed. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"I've done nothing, sir, I swear!" Ganz cried, holding up his hands. Gerald stormed over, yanking Ganz away from Jack. "I swear, I haven't done anything."
"What were you going to do?" he demanded furiously.
"To tell you the truth, sir, since last night I've tried several times to remove his helm, but I just cannot find the bravery to do so. It was merely curiosity, and I know it was wrong. I am sorry." His eyebrows fell, and his huge round eyes were full of regret.
"Don't apologize to me, I'm not the one whose privacy you were about to invade!"
They both looked in shock when suddenly, Jack stirred. He let out a weak moan, before stretching his arms out over the desk. He was still for a moment; finally, though he didn't move again, they heard his voice come quietly through his helm, "Why are you being so loud?"
"Chief?" Gerald asked, shoving Ganz out of the way to lean in close to Jack. "Are you awake?"
"I am now," he mumbled back. He stretched again, leaning up with a groan. He reached up above his head. After stretching for a few seconds, he fell back down onto his desk, curling his arms around his head. "How long have I been asleep?"
"Two days, Chief," Gerald answered. "How do you feel?"
"Pissed at you for yelling in my office when I'm sleeping," Jack spat before yawning. Gerald couldn't help but chuckle. Jack finally sat up, leaning against the back of his chair. "What are you yelling at, anyway?"
Gerald glared at Ganz, who was silent. "Ganz will explain later."
Jack shrugged, and stretched again. "What's happened since I've been asleep?"
Gerald was at a loss for words. "Well, uh…"
"Spit it out, Gerald."
"There's a bit of a problem. A big one."
Jack sighed. Of course this kind of thing would come up when he was asleep and unable to deal with it. "And what's the big problem?"
"Well, it seems someone started a nasty rumor about you last night," Gerald replied, shooting another nasty glare at Ganz. "It's spread beyond the guild, and it's not good."
Jack's heart stopped. "What's the rumor?" He stood up from his chair to face Gerald.
"Someone apparently has said that some elves claimed you'd betray us and join them. It's spread like wildfire."
Jack was immediately furious. "What?"
"Caesar and I are doing our best to find the source. Actually, I have some solid proof it was the new recruit, right here," Gerald reported, stepping aside to reveal Ganz behind him. Ganz stared up at the furious Jack with fearful eyes.
"Wait, Chief Dragonheart! I am the one who heard the elves say that, but I have told no one! I swear!" he cried.
"If it wasn't you, then who?" Gerald shouted. "Jarvis swore the same!" Jack was inching closer to Ganz.
"Someone must have heard me speaking to myself about it last night!" Ganz hurriedly explained. "I told no one! That must be what happened!"
Jack took a deep breath, and fell back into his chair, resting his helm in the palms of his hands. This was a huge mess. He couldn't believe there were people in his own guild taking the rumor seriously. He knew that people in the city would believe it without even questioning it. It only added to the rumors about his dragonhood, and made sense, as well. It was a huge mess.
"Have my years of service to Radiata proven nothing?" Jack asked hatefully. "Those damn elves are always assuming things. And to think members of my own guild would think this rumor truthful. Perhaps I do not know everyone as well as I thought I did."
"Don't jump to conclusions, Chief," Gerald said. "Caesar and I have ruled out several squads worth of warriors in the guild from being involved in this rumor. It would seem Hecton learned of the rumor originally, but Jarvis and Daniel have expressed complete faith in you. There are very few people we think to have anything to do with this. Carlos, Star and Sebastian, Bruce, and David are the ones we have yet to question about it. Caesar is seeking them out now."
"It doesn't matter who in the guild started it, a rumor like this will have already spread across the entire city. Probably into the castle, as well. I want to know who started it."
Gerald glared at Ganz.
"It wasn't me!" Ganz cried.
"I don't think it was him," Jack confirmed. "I believe him. I think he was right, someone must have overheard him. I'll bet it was David."
"David?" Gerald asked.
"Of everyone you listed, it was him."
"Caesar was looking for him. If it was him, Caesar will find out."
Jack rested his head on his hands again, letting out a deep sigh. "It doesn't matter at this point. No doubt the rumor is everywhere and the people of the city will believe it no matter what I or anyone else says."
"You're just going to let it run wild?"
"What can I do about it?" he asked. "If I say it's a lie, I'm probably lying; there's a revolt against me. If I agree, I'm a traitor and a danger to the city; there's a revolt against me. If my guild members deny it, they're defending me and are therefore also traitors; there's a revolt against the entire guild. Take your pick."
"There must be some way to prove it," Gerald insisted.
"How can you prove an intention? I could prove some of the other rumors wrong, sure. I don't actually have golden eyes! Here, take a look. I take off my helmet and everyone is disappointed to see that they're actually brown. But how can I prove whether I intend to do something or not? I'm not going to betray the city, but only time will tell. Guess you'll have to trust me." Jack was getting angrier and angrier. "There is nothing I can do to prove this rumor wrong."
"The one who started the rumor can deny it."
Ganz stepped forward. "I'm sure the castle will support you," he said. "Lord Larks will certainly plead your innocence. You have worked with him so often. You're on good terms, are you not?"
"That's true, Chief," Gerald said, crossing his arms. "Will there be a revolt against the castle for supporting a traitor, as well? At what point does the rumor become what it is and the idea of a revolt fade away as it should?"
"With this rumor out there, the idea of a revolt will be a constant thought I have, unfortunately, no matter what the castle does."
"You know that if there is a revolt, I will stand with you," Gerald declared. "As will most of the guild, I'm sure."
"I appreciate the thought, but if there was a revolt, I'll just leave," Jack said. "If the people would revolt against me for a rumor, then might as well make the rumor true. I'm sick of walking on such thin ice."
"Don't say that outside of this room," Gerald warned. "Or the rumor will be worse. Then the revolt will be real."
There was a knock on the door, and they all stared at the door for a moment in silence. Gerald and Ganz were silent, and Jack finally called out permission for the person to enter. The door cracked open, and Alicia stepped inside. She saw that Jack was awake, and her face lit up.
"Chief!" she exclaimed happily. "You're finally awake! I was worried. You have a visitor."
Jack noticed there was someone behind her. She stepped to the side to allow them entry. With Alicia out of the way and the door wide open, Jack could then clearly see that it was a heavy guardsman. Jack let out a furious sigh, and watched him stomp to the desk. His armor clanked heavily and his footsteps shook the floor of the office.
"Chief Dragonheart," he announced, holding out a letter to Jack. "You are summoned by Salute Larks, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Radiata Knights."
Jack snatched the letter and tore it open.
The letter read,
"Dearest Chief Dragonheart,
A disturbing rumor has just made its way into Radiata Castle. I would like to summon you to my private chambers in the castle to speak about this rumor. There is nothing to fear; I merely wish to speak to you about how this rumor came to be and how we can resolve it. Please make your way to the castle as soon as you are able. If you are still sleeping, please come once you have awakened. I am patient. I will wait for you.
Sincerely,
Salute Larks, Commander-in-Chief of the Radiata Knights.
Jack sighed and set the letter down on the desktop. He looked up to the guardsman. "Thank you." The guardsman gave a nod, span on his heel, and marched out of the room.
"What does it say, Chief?" Gerald demanded.
"Exactly what the guardsman said. I'm summoned to the castle to speak with Larks," Jack snapped. "It's not a hostile letter, at least."
"I am sure Lord Larks wishes to resolve this problem!" Ganz said faithfully. "Go to the castle to meet with him! I know in my heart he will support you! The castle will help to lay this rumor to rest. There are more knights who idolize you than there are who fear you, Chief. Please take my word for it. I was a knight, so I know their character!"
"Yes, thank you, Ganz," Jack said with an agitated sigh. He wasn't in the mood for Ganz's heartfelt rambling.
"I guess I should just go there now," Jack said, standing from his chair. He smashed the letter between two plates of armor, not particularly interested in keeping it presentable. He didn't say anything to Gerald or Ganz as he made his way to the door and started to head downstairs. He went all the way down to the first floor, where his presence immediately drew the attention of everyone in the vicinity. Thanos was grumbling at his desk, while Conrad was passing through. Others were sat at the table in the corner. Everyone froze what they were doing to stare at Jack.
"You're awake, Chief!" Thanos exclaimed, watching Jack pass. He didn't say anything or acknowledge anyone in the lobby—he went straight for the door. As he was about to leave, the door swung open and Caesar walked in, with David behind him.
"Chief. Glad to see you have at last awakened," Caesar greeted. "David has something to say." Jack let out a furious sigh and stopped; David was blocking the door.
"Chief, I"—
Jack reached out and punched David in the face. David flew backwards, rolling down the steps outside to lay on the sidewalk in shock. Jack's gauntlet left deep indentations on David's face, though he hadn't broken the skin. Jack took a deep breath, trying to control his anger. "I already know it was you. I'll deal with you some other time."
He went down the steps and turned left, headed down the street toward the castle without looking back. He heard Caesar helping David up. He honestly wasn't sure how to punish David for betraying his trust. He didn't want to think about it.
He noticed that the people he passed were staring at him differently than they usually did. He passed Zeranium, who was looking especially judgmental. He never liked the old man, anyway.
Jack tried to ignore them all, and headed up the hill towards the castle's south gate. The two heavy guardsmen there saw him coming. When Jack showed no sign of slowing, one of them tried to step in front of him to impede his approach.
"Sir!" the guardsman exclaimed. "Can we help you, sir?"
Jack didn't answer him. He grabbed the crumpled letter from between his armor plates and tossed it at the guardsman before shoving him out of his way and headed into the gate, daring the two men to chase after him. He didn't hear their armor behind him, so he was pleased to assume that they were not following him.
He entered the main part of the castle and proceeded around its perimeter to the staircase. He made his way up to the second floor, and kept going up all the way to the fourth floor. He found the stares in the castle particularly harsh, though he was expecting no less. There were some children playing in the halls, who turned and ran in fear as soon as they saw him. Jack was beginning to grow angry again, and was breathing deeply to try and control his emotions—it was doing little to help. He made his way directly towards Larks' room, ignoring everyone who tried to speak to him.
Finally, he reached the door of the knight commander. Forgetting all manners and respect, Jack barged in without knocking. Larks was organizing some stacks of papers, and jumped with surprise at the unannounced intrusion. But as soon as he saw it was just a furious Dragonheart, he calmed down.
"Hello, Dragonheart," he greeted. "I see you are quite furious about the recent rumor."
"I expected the castle to be judgmental but the stares of hatred that I'm receiving are pissing me off," Jack said angrily. "Have my years of service to Radiata proven nothing?"
"Please, Dragonheart, calm down."
"I've worked for years to protect this city and her people, and then this rumor surfaces and in less than a day, the people have lost all trust in me."
"Dragonheart— "
"At this rate, perhaps I should just do as the rumor says and head out for the City of Flowers. At least the elves would trust me!"
"Dragonheart!" Larks exclaimed, trying to interrupt his furious rant. With a loud sigh, Jack finally fell silent, and Larks took the opportunity before it disappeared. "Please, Dragonheart. I know very well that the rumor is groundless."
Jack stared at him in silence.
"I have worked with you for years. I of all people know how hard you've worked to protect this city, and keep your guild respectable. Like I mentioned in my letter, I summoned you here to discuss with you how we can resolve his mess, not to question you on the rumor's truthfulness. I know it isn't true."
Jack sighed, and crossed his arms; his fury was finally starting to subside.
"Please, let's talk, sir." Larks sat in his seat; Jack hesitated for a moment, but then walked over to the opposite side of his desk. "I am well aware that the people of the castle, and likely the people of the city, have all heard this rumor, and from your rage I can assume they are already treating you differently."
"Very."
"If I may ask, how did this rumor come about?"
"Is the rumor even the same here in the castle? Or did it change as it made its way around?"
"The rumor claims you will betray Radiata and side with the elves soon."
"Apparently one of my squads spoke with some elves during a mission to the Elf region. I guess the elves may have mentioned something about me joining them and fighting the humans. The squad brought it back, and one of my less trustworthy warriors heard them talking about it and spread it around."
"It's most unfortunate, to have your trust betrayed like that," Larks said, a disappointed look on his face. "I believe it is something all leaders must go through. I have had the same problem in my ranks of knights before, as well."
"I recently stayed a night in the City of Flowers to recover from some wounds," Jack explained.
"Yes, I heard of it. I am glad you have recovered," Larks said. Jack nodded to him.
"I guess my stay there has led some elves to believe that I will side with them," he said carefully. He knew, of course, that the elves believed what they did because he was a dragon, but he wasn't about to say that to Larks.
"Troublesome, indeed," Larks said with a nod. "I will do my part to silence the rumor within the castle."
"I appreciate it," Jack said thankfully. He truly admired and appreciated Larks. He regretted being so angry at him. "I honestly have no idea how to deny the rumor properly. Every way I think about it, I'll seem like a liar. I do really appreciate that you believe in me."
"See? There was no need to get so upset," Larks said with a smile. "We can solve this problem. I've already spoken to the king about it, as well. He agrees with me that the rumors hold no truth. He knows as well as I do that you protect this city with your heart."
Jack's rage was practically gone. He took a deep breath. "I appreciate this, Lord Larks. I really do."
Larks nodded to him. "You are the castle's greatest ally. We cannot sit idly by while this dreadful rumor spreads. I will get to work here in the castle, and I trust that the king will soon release a formal statement to the city about the rumor's falsehood. As for what you can do personally, I fear you may be right with your fears. Any denial of this rumor can be seen as a lie, and stir unrest in the people. I suppose all you really can do is continue on with your guild as you have been, and be honest any time the rumor is mentioned. We will continue to work from within the castle to help you. Our business together will continue as usual. Please take care, Dragonheart."
"Yes, I will." He took a few steps away from Lark's desk toward the door. "Thank you, Lord Larks. Thank you." He bowed, waiting a moment before leaving the smiling Larks behind to leave the room. He made his way through the castle back towards the first floor, now much more calm that before. He completely ignored everyone he passed, their stares unchanged. He hated it, and kept his head down.
Jack continued through the castle until he reached the south gate. The heavy guardsmen noticed him coming and readied themselves. Instead of shoving his way through, Jack went up to the guard he shoved his way past earlier, and offered him a quick apology before heading past them. The guards stared after him in confusion.
He went silently through the Yellow Town back to Vancoor, heading inside. There were some people loitering around outside, giving him weird looks—he ignored them.
He stepped into the lobby, thankful that David wasn't in sight since he was still very much not in the mood. However, standing at the desk were two men clothed in the robes of the Olacion Order. Jack recognized them instantly. It was Kain, the High Priest of Olacion, and his purple-skinned bodyguard, Achilles. Once Jack entered, Thanos gestured toward him; Kain turned around to face him. Kain smiled warmly at him. He took a few steps forward to meet Jack. "Hello, Chief Dragonheart. I have not seen you in a while. How have you been?"
"I've been better," Jack said honestly. "How about you?"
"I am well, thank you."
"Why are you here?"
"Word has reached Olacion of your impending betrayal," Kain began to explain. Jack sighed. "Fear not, friend. Don't get upset. I know the rumor isn't true, and you don't need to worry about the Order. We all hold you in the highest regard. I came here today to make sure that you know that."
Jack was overwhelmed with relief. "Thank you, Kain. That's great to hear. I appreciate you coming all the way here."
"Of course," Kain said. "The Order will make sure to correct any who voice belief in the rumor. Honestly, I would be most concerned about the members of the Void Guild. I don't think you will face much trouble from the other guilds. It's mostly the people of the city who will take this rumor to heart, I believe."
"I hope you're right. I have been getting a lot of untrusting stares, though."
"Ignore them. I'm sure this will come to pass, and the rumor will be added to the pile of other pointless rumors that already exist."
"Thanks, Kain," Jack said.
"Of course. I must be on my way," he said. Achilles perked up, and the two went past Jack toward the door. "We will be in contact, Dragonheart. I will pray that you find peace of mind in the coming days."
"Thank you again," he repeated. "Have a nice day."
"You as well!" Kain gave a final smile before heading out the door with Achilles behind him. Jack was thankful not only for Kain's trust in him, but also for how short and to-the-point he was. No time was ever wasted in conversations with Kain and Achilles.
Thanos was looking alive over in his seat behind the desk. "See, chief?" he exclaimed. Jack stared at him in surprise. "Everything's gonna work out fine."
"Take a breath, Thanos," Jack warned. "It's weird to see you so excited. Don't you have paperwork to file?"
Thanos' energy died. "Why are you like this? You're like a damned woman…"
Jack chuckled and went to the stairs and up to his office. He was relieved it see it was empty; he'd had an itch that David or Gerald may have been waiting for him there. He sat down at his desk and let himself relaxed. As concerned as he'd been about the new rumor, he was pleased that it was working itself out so far, at least well-enough. It seems the majority of his rage had been misplaced.
Almost as if on cue, the window behind the desk shattered. A small pouch landed on the floor behind the desk. Jack held his breath on impulse, expecting some kind of gas to seep through the pouch. However, nothing happened. So, Jack stood and picked the pouch up; it was light. He opened it and glanced inside. There were dagols inside, and a rolled-up piece of paper. He emptied it onto his desk. It was ten dagols.
He already had an idea what the letter said. He unrolled it and read its message. It was short and straightforward.
Void will only stoop so low.
Jack's suspicions were confirmed. This was Ortoroz's way off cutting of their friendship. Jack chuckled to himself. Void would only go so low? He sound aloud hatefully, to himself, "Since when does Void have morals?"
The door to his office flew open. Gerald stepped inside. "Chief! What happened? I heard the window break."
"Got a message from Void, that's all," Jack said, tossing the message onto the desk and resting his chin in his hand. Gerald sighed and walked over, picking up the message and reading it for himself.
"What significance does this hold?" Gerald asked angrily, tossing the dagols around.
"When Ortoroz and I first met, he tried to pickpocket me. I gave him the money anyway and told him we were friends, since he'd be better off having powerful friends than trying—and failing—to steal from powerful people. I guess that giving me the ten dagols back is his way of saying that any relationship between Vancoor and Void is gone."
"Not that there was one before, anyway," Gerald grumbled.
Jack just laughed. "Our guilds may fight but Ortoroz and I have always been on good terms. It's not our fault our subordinates hate each other."
"If you're on good terms, why would he do this?"
Jack just shrugged. "I should probably go ask about it."
"Doubt you'd be welcome in that part of town."
"As if they could stop me from coming."
Gerald nodded in approval. Jack stood from his desk, once again deciding to leave Vancoor to try and set the rumor straight himself. He didn't like Void as a guild, but he did consider himself friends with Ortoroz, and why lose that friendship now? For as close as he thought they'd been, he was surprised to be getting this reaction from him.
At least this early on. It seemed more likely for Ortoroz to investigate before dropping their friendship completely.
And so again, he made his way out of Vancoor and into Yellow Town to begin the long trek to Black Town. He made his way to Blue Town, then followed the outer path to the entrance of Black Town. He got a few stares in Blue Town, but none were particularly offensive.
But Black Town was a different story. He walked along the road to the dead end, and turned up to the staircase. He went up into the Beast Pit. Following the small road there, he passed Eon, who was glaring at him and flashing his knife. As Jack passed, he heard Eon spit out some insult, but Jack ignored it. He'd never really been a welcome sight in the Beast Pit, but now it was sure to be way worse than usual.
Elmo and Flau were at the top of the next staircase. Elmo giggled, and threw some trash at Jack. It slid off his armor, leaving a sludge trail. Jack frowned deeply. When he looked down at it, Flau shoved past him to head down the stairs.
"Move it, elf man."
Jack stared hatefully at her. Void was worse than he thought.
He continued navigating his way through the Beast Pit toward Club Vampire, where Ortoroz would be. He went down some stairs, where Solo was crouched at the bottom. He stared up at him, but didn't say anything.
He went toward the stairs to Club Vampire, but when he turned to head down, he found himself facing Nocturne. He frowned again. Just the person he didn't want to see.
"Can I help you, elf man?" Nocturne asked, blocking the staircase.
"I need to speak with Ortoroz."
"He doesn't wanna speak to you." Jack tried to pass, but Nocturne pushed him back and held his ground. "Humans only in Club Vampire."
"I am human," Jack lied, getting fed up with him.
"Not according to what we heard recently. You're gonna join the elves or something? Would make perfect sense if you were actually a dragon like they say. Sorry, no dragons in Club Vampire."
"Either get out of the way, or I'll move you myself," Jack threatened.
Nocturne wasn't fazed. Jack's lack of presence in the Void Community had obviously led its members to believe they were actually a match for him. Jack was more than ready to prove Nocturne wrong—he didn't have his axe, but he didn't need it to put Nocturne in his place.
"Even if you force your way past me, you'll have a harder time inside. You aren't welcome here, elf man."
"Fine. In an effort not to worsen my reputation, I won't force my way through. But tell Ortoroz that I'll be back tonight, and if he still won't talk to me, then I really will force my way in."
"As if you could pull that off," Nocturne chuckled.
In a burst of rage, Jack grabbed Nocturne by the throat and lifted him up. Nocturne was shocked, and struggled to escape.
"It seems that you guys have forgotten who I am, since I try not to come here. If you think you can stop me from going in when I come back, I dare you to try. Tell Ortoroz I'll be back tonight, and if he still won't see me, tell him I'll be coming in regardless, and believe me. No one wants me forcing my way in."
He tossed Nocturne down the staircase, where he rolled into the door with a loud grunt. He held his throat, coughing. Still furious, Jack turned on his heel to head back out of the Beast Pit the same way he came in. Jack was shocked by his own behavior. Solo jumped back away from him, having seen how easily he'd man-handled his boss. Jack navigated his way back through the Beast Pit to where Elmo was standing. Elmo was giggling and had another handful of trash ready to throw.
When he threw it, Jack smacked it out of the air and was on top of Elmo before he could react. He grabbed Elmo by the back of his shirt and effortlessly lifted him up into the air, carrying him with him. Elmo was tiny, so Jack didn't have any problem.
"Hey! Lemme go!" Elmo screeched, trying to get free. But Jack's grip was a strong as iron. He carried Elmo by the shirt down the staircase. Butch was at the bottom, rummaging through some boxes. Elmo saw him. "Butch! Help!"
Butch stared in shock at Jack, but made no move to rescue the small bandit. Elmo continued to struggle pointlessly against Jack. He rounded the corner and went straight toward the fly-infested trash cans. With his free hand, Jack threw the lid off, and then he shoved Elmo down into the trash can. Sludge and trash covered Elmo, staining his shirt and sticking to his skin. The flies buzzed furiously around him. Jack didn't say anything, he just turned and left Elmo in the can.
And he could barely believe how angry he'd let himself get.
For anyone who read the original, the changes I made are:
Jack's reaction to the new rumor is different. Originally I had him storming around, getting furious at everyone. In the new one he's more like "well fuck, I can't fix this one" instead although he does still get angry
Jack doesn't beat up David and kick him out of Vancoor (though I still did have Jack punch him because David's a little shit and I wanted him to feel pain)
I kept the part with Larks, but changed their dialogue a bit. Instead of Larks asking Jack to take care of matters in the city, I have Larks promising that he and the King will support him through the rumor, blah
Jack doesn't travel around the city to talk to all the guild leaders. Instead, Kain visits him. He doesn't meet the Vareth President at all this chapter anymore. I did, however, keep the stuff between Jack and Void because his confrontation with the guild is something I've had planned for the next chapter for like 6 months.
I didn't have Jack go to Vareth at all, and I also took out his journey to the City of Flowers. I figured ending after his problems with the Void would be better since a big part of the next chapter will be the two guilds having a hissy fit
Apologies if anyone who read the old chapter actually liked it but I went back and reread it and absolutely loathed it. I think this one is better.
