RWBY: High Noon
Chapter 2.
Buckle Up
A/N: I do not own anything from RWBY. Only my OC's.
"Howdy ma'am." I greeted the tired woman sitting on the ground as I was getting up. My light brown eyes took a brief look around in case more Grims were coming our way, letting my shoulders relax a bit after confirming that they weren't.
But now beckons another question. What do I do with her?
The woman was a huntress after all. A skilled one at that... Which didn't tickle me the right way, given the fact that it's only me against her. The odds are stacked very much against me. Not to mention that I'm out of bullets. However she is lookin' mighty tired, hence if we come to blows I'll at least have that on my side. Unless she recovers quickly...
Still, I kept my revolver pointed at her. Just for the intimidation factor as I slowly approached her. The clicking sound came with every step I took from the spurs on my boots. Looking her over. It's safe to say that the last hit alpha had managed to land on her didn't do any lasting damage but no doubt her aura was still recovering much like mine. Another factor that could benefit me in case she tries anything funny.
"Well... You lookin' pretty worn out ma'am. I reckon that hit you tanked took quite a bite out of ya aura." A small grin crossed the right side of my lip while the woman kept looking up at me with wide eyes. "And if I didn't intervene. I imagine we wouldn't be talkin' right about now. Though I gotta give ya my thanks for the sav-."
"What are you doing out here child?" Her words made me stop as my eyes widen and I blinked more than once. The way her voice sounded was filled with warm concern. Like that of a mother worried about her kid. "You shouldn't be out here! It's dangerous! Come. I'll lead you back to-."
Click...
I pulled the hammer back on my revolver and gripped it slightly tighter. The drum spun menacingly as the gun stared her down. This made her stop whatever she was going to say next as well as make her pause in her attempt of getting up. I ain't gonna let my advantage slip.
"Now now ma'am. Don't ya know it's rude to interrupt someone while they're talking.." I shook my head in a mock gesture of disappointment. "You town folks sure are lackin' in manners out there."
"Now as I was sayin'. I pulled ya out of the gutter indeed. But I ain't done it out of the kindness of my heart. I did it so I can have your word." I said to her in a serious tone.
"My... Word..." She repeated my words to which I nod once.
"Damn right... Cause I know what you are and what is it that you're kind of folks do. Huntin' monsters, criminals, and individuals alike. Hence I've done this in order to make sure you ain't gonna go after me next." I explained as I saw her eyes scan me over again and after a few seconds, I saw her eyes widen in realization before locking her silver ones with mine again.
"You're... You're part of the Tomblock gang." The sound of her shocked voice made me grin as I dusted off some imaginary dirt from my leather jacket.
"Great detective work ma'am," I said in mock joy while giving her sarcastic praise. Something which made her eyes narrow slightly. "They sure teach ya nicely in those academies."
"What does the Tomblock gang want with me?" She said in a serious voice. Tho made no attempt to move.
My right eyebrow rose up at that before saying. "The gang wants nothin' of yours ma'am. It's rather that at this moment I needed to hold something over ya." Seeing her confused look I quickly went to explain what I meant. "For you see. Me and my gang were out riding wild today. It was going smoothly until that alpha caught a sniff of us. We were forced to divide in order to minimize the danger for our other members. This of course forced the Grim to go after one of us since he couldn't catch us all. And unfortunately... Me and my driver were the unlucky ones."
The memory of Coal's screams echoed inside my mind as the Grim tore him apart. My eyes narrowed in sorrow at them. The damn bastard can rest easy now that his killer is rotting in hell.
"I'm sorry about that..." I heard her say which made me blink at her in suprise before turning it into a grin. She catches on quickly, doesn't she...
"Appreciated ma'am... Anyways. After all that chaos I was left stranded in these parts after falling off a cliff." I saw her eyes widen even more than before when I said that. "Hehe... No need for such a look ma'am. It wasn't intentional. My partner did it in order to save my ass. Though I didn't appreciate it much myself. Luckily the branches broke my fall... Somewhat."
"Afterwords. I kinda just randomly walked around trying to find a way out of this damn place until I didn't run into you're little tussle with em beasts. And well... I reckon you know the rest." I finished my tale and ran a hand through my messy brown hair.
"Now then... About you're wor-."
"You wish me to let you go with a promise of not telling anyone that I meet you. Right?"
...
Well color me surprised and paint me baffled. The woman was spot on and I haven't even said my demands yet. It surprised me so much that I nearly let go of my gun. She then flashed me a small smile. One that said that she had hit the nail on the head.
"Very well... I give you my word." She said while getting up dusting herself off and going towards her weapon. The grip on my gun tightens at that.
"Oi oi... Let's not get too hasty now..." The warning leaked off my words as I pulled the hammer with my thumb again. She showed no ounce of fear at that and calmly picked up her sword before turning back to me. Her smile was still present as she pointed at me or rather my revolver.
"You realize it's empty right."
...
...
FUCK! I'VE BEEN CAUGHT!
A cold sweat broke on the back of my neck. The nervousness in my core rose in haste at the realization of her seeing through my bluff. I slowly lowered my revolver and took a step back, ready to sprint off if the huntress charged at me.
She seem to notice my nervousness and smiled more widely with a kind look in her eyes. "Relax. I gave you my word, didn't I? So there's no need for you to be nervous." She then put her sword on her back and calmly walked over to me.
She did have a point tho. Yet I still felt nervous. Can you blame me tho, it's not every day that as a criminal you get to stand before a huntress. Much less point a gun at one. Even if it was a bluff.
Soon she stood in front of me and I had to raise my head in order to look at her. We stood there in silence just staring down and up at each other until faster than I could react. She snatched my gun from my hand. I blinked at how quickly it happened but quickly realized that she took my only means of defense.
"Hey! I thought we had a dea-WHACK! AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
This bitch just hit me on top of my head with the butt of it! And it hurts like shit!
"Agh! What the fuck did you do that fo-WHACK! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! STOP IT!" I yelled at her in frustration after I backed away a safe distance. She lowered her left hand that held my gun and leveled me with a strained but also disappointed look.
"The first one was for pointing a gun at me young man! The second was for your foul language mister!" She said in a scolding tone as if a parent was talking to her kid that did something wrong. The fuck!?
"Aghh... That hurt da-." I caught my words before they came out the moment I saw her rise her left hand again. Swallowing my pride I remained silent which seemed to please her. She then inspected the revolver in her hand, looking it over before turning to me.
"Interesting gun... Heavy enough... Tho its design is a little out of fashion... You made it yourself?" She asked curiously while I rubbed my sore head.
"No... It's my Pa's gun. One which he got from my grandpa before handing it to me. And I'd appreciate it if you return it now..." I held out my hand once I said that but instead of handing it back immediately, she put her right hand on her hip and leveled me with analyzing look.
"You'll get it once you answer some questions I have." This made my eyes narrow as my hands balled into fists.
"You ain't gonna get nothin' out of me. I ain't no snitch." Her face adopted a confused look before realizing what I was insinuating.
"Oh! By heavens no! I don't want to ask anything about Tomblock. I wanna know something about you."
"Me!?" I said in suprise. Seeing her nod a moment later with a smile.
"Yes. I want you to tell me about yourself young man. As well as why a boy that looks no older than my eldest daughter is riding with a group of terrorists."
...
I was left speechless. Who did this woman think she was? Taking my gun away from me, demanding I tell her stuff, and on top of that blackmailing me with my own weapon being held, hostage! Screw this bitch I ain't telling her shit!
"And why should I!?" I told her in a raised voice. Not caring if it attracted any Grims or not. "You're neither a friend nor a family member. So the way I see it. I don't own ya nothin'!"
"It would be fair of you to do so. Since that way, we'll be even." She said simply. Not looking at all bothered by my previous words.
"... Pardon?..." I said in confusion.
She only smiled while spinning my revolver in her hand, making me a bit jealous when she did it better than me. "Well, you saved me first and ask me to repay it by being silent. But you seem to be forgetting that I wasn't the only one that was saved today."
...
...
Oh... Shit...
It quickly dawned upon me as I smacked my hand over my face at the hole I just dug for myself. Damn it...
Lowering my hand I let out a deep sigh before nodding my head. Though the woman seemed to see my uneasiness and lost her smile, replacing it with a look of concern.
"You don't have to tell if it's a personal topic. I'm sorry for making you un-."
"No!" I interrupted her and slowly took in another breath before settling down. "It's fine. What's fair is fair and am nothing if not a man of setting the scores straight."
She looked skeptical about it but still paid full attention to me as I shifted on from foot to foot. My thoughts running all over the place.
"So... Where to start..." I said in thought before realizing something. Looking up at the woman again I began to say. "Say, ma'am... We were never properly introduced to one another. Have we now."
Her eyes shined in realization before nodding her head. Hey since I'm about to tell her my story so far, might as well have a name to put on the face.
"The name's Mccree... Darius Mccree." I said first while extending my hand towards her which she accepted and shook with her own.
"Summer Rose. Nice to meet you, young man." She said with a warm smile.
"Likewise ma'am," I said with a small smile of my own before lowering my arm and letting out a sigh. "Welp. Listen carefully now. Cause I'm only gonna tell this all once."
She proceeded to sit on the ground and look at me with expectation like a kid looking at a puppet show... It looked weird...
"So to start. I was born and raised here in Vacuo on the outskirt of wastelands." I saw her eyes widen at that but continued on anyways. "I've lived there in a small but cozy home with my Pa and Ma. Both of who are not with us anymore..."
The look of horror on Summer's face told me all I needed to know about how she felt upon that information. So I quickly stopped her before she could apologize for making me remember, bad memories. "Ain't no need to feel sorry ma'am... I only ever knew one of em which was my Pa. I learned later down the road that Ma died shortly after I was born... The poor thing was suffering from some kind of sickness that docs couldn't treat. Hence, once she had me. The damn thing took her... My Pa told me that in her final moments, she got to at least hold me for a while." A small sad smile spread across my lips as I imagined that moment.
My Ma laying on the bed... Looking pale and sick while holding me in her arms. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of pain she was in during her final moments. But at least she went out with a smile on her face after being able to hold her baby in her arms.
Looking over at Summer I saw her hands over her mouth while her eyes were watery. I can only imagine what she thinks about this as a mother herself. Still, it didn't stop a feeling of guilt spread through me when I saw her like this. But I was reminded of where we were once I heard a howl in the distance.
Realizing that if Summer bursts right now. We'll be in some serious fucking trouble so with haste, I walked over to her and crouched down to her level.
"Ma'am! You need to calm down or else we'll-" My words got stuck in my throat as I felt a pair of arms wrap around me while my face was pushed against something soft and warm. It took me a second to realize that Summer was hugging me!
Her arms wrapped around me while my face was pressed into her neck. I could hear her subbing above me as well as something wet hitting my hair. Her hold tighten when I awkwardly shifted in order to not be uncomfortable.
"I'm (sniff)... So sorry..."Hearing her say those words softly and full of honesty, made my chest hurt. My mind spun in confusion, daze, and shock as the woman that saved my life cried for me. A complete stranger and a criminal on top of that... Gosh, darn it... What do I do here? I was never good at comforting people. Much less those who were pitying me over my unfortunate past.
Hell! None of the guys in the gang had ever heard my story. Well except for the boss who only offered his condolences which was better then nothing I guess.
But this... This was new to me... This feeling that I was feeling while being held by Summer was confusing me yet... Not at all unpleasant. They were welcoming if nothing else.
Yet I pushed those feelings to the side and ran a hand up and down her back in a way to comfort her the best I could. As her sobs slowly died down, I kept listing for any sound around us that could indicate a potential Grim attack.
"There. There ma'am... It's alright... She's in a better place now. With Pa by her side. No need for water works." I said softly after she calmed down enough. Using her coat to wash away the tear stains off her cheeks, I separated from her and went back to the spot I was previously. My body shivered at the lack of warmth it had before.
Checking around us I was thankful to see or hear any Grim nearby. Before locking eyes with Summer's silver ones that were slightly red from the crying. "You good now Ma'am?"
She nodded her answer.
"Alrighty then... I'll continue on if that's alright with you."
I'm surprised that I wasn't stuttering over my words as I was still shaken within. Nobody had given me a hug since my old man. So having a woman who I had just met hug me all of a sudden sent a shock through my core. Yet strangely I didn't mind it.
"After those events took place. The only ones who were left were me and Pa. He was the one who thought me all I know today. From walkin' on my feet to the words I spit." A smirk spread across my lips at those happy memories. "He was a real heart of a man. Kind, caring, and wise but also strict and scary when he needed to be. He was the type that looked like nothing could ever bring 'em down, no matter how many times ya' hit 'em."
Summer's smile returned at my words. "Sounds like he was a great man."
"Hehe. One of the best..." I said in a grim tone as I felt my eyes begin to water at the memory of how he went out. Turning my head to the side, I wiped my eyes clean with my forearm. Sniffing once before taking in a deep sigh to calm myself down.
Summer's look of concern returned after seeing this. She quickly got up off the ground before walking over to me again. Warmth washed over the front frame of my body as I found myself once more in a dark-haired woman's embrace.
Feeling the heat in my face. I could only imagine that I was currently a spitting image of a tomato. However, the hug did feel nice despite it feeling awkward as hell for me. We let go after a few seconds and I gave her a thankful smile.
"Thank you for that Summer... But there is really no need for you to worry about me. I've had my time to grieve over my losses. And gone to believe that they're in a better place now."
"Even so. What happened to you was tragic and horrible. No child should ever have to go through what you have at such an age." She said in sadden voice while placing a comforting hand on my right shoulder. Rubbing it in a comforting way.
I pulled away from her and let out a sigh. "It wasn't easy. There were days in which I wondered if I was gonna kick a bucket or not... Though when the gang came around my parts, I believed at that moment I was finished. Hmph... Gods above know that I'm still thankful for our leader being there and saving me before I received a piece of dust to my skull."
Summer's eyes widened after I said that and her mouth dropped slightly. "T-T-They almost did what?"
"We in Tomblock don't just recruit anyone that comes knocking on the doors. We got a joining policy that the ones in charge follow very strictly. Something we added after we were betrayed by four of our own guys." I said before explaining. "You see there are only two ways one could join our gang. Neither the boss lets you if he sees your worth or if you buy your way in. And as for if you wanna leave... Well either your let go or you..."
I extended my left hand and pointed my index finger as if it was a gun pointed at Summer's head before pretending to shoot it. I saw Summer become paler as she understood what I was insinuating.
"Yeah... Brutal I know. But it's the laws of our gang and we got to obey 'em or else we take a risk of not waking up in the morning."
"T-That's..." She paused for a second to gather her thoughts while keeping a look of horror on her face. "Awful... How could you go along with this?"
"Meh... You get used to it with time." I said simply. But inside I was wholeheartedly agreeing with her. Killing people for making a choice is wrong on so many levels...
"That's outrageous!" She said in a raised voice with her eyes narrowed. "What kind of sick man is your boss!? What makes him think he gets to decide who lives and dies!? You shouldn't be forced to put up with that."
My eyes narrowed and my gaze turned away from her's in favor of gazing toward the setting sun. "It ain't like we got much of a choice."
A hand landing on my shoulder made my head turn and lock eyes with the silver-colored ones of Summer once more. "You always have a choice. A young man like yourself. Who has a whole life ahead of him, should not be around people like that! You are a smart and kind-hearted kid who I can tell does not want this kind of life."
This made my anger boil up and I did not attempt to hide it as I glared up at her. "And what do you know about me ha!? Only the stuff I told ya so far! You got no idea what I want and sure as hell don't get any clue as to how I feel! So fuck off with all that bullshit you're spewing lady!"
The shocked expression on her face told me that the words hurt her. Good... Not like I care now anymore. Though I did take the opportunity to snatch my gun back while she was shocked, with my prized possession back I turned around and began to leave this place.
"Wait! Where are you go-"
"Back where I belong! And don't you dare try to go after me or else..." I stopped at that since I couldn't really think at this current time. I was too angry to think rationally and all I wanted was to leave this place. Damn woman thinking she knows me...
I took about two steps before I was grabbed by the shoulder again. I smacked the hand off me and turned onto the woman again.
"CAN'T YOU JUST LEAVE ME THE FU-."
"Come with me."
...
My brain stopped working and my face morphed into an expression of confusion and shock. I don't believe I heard her right.
"Pardon?..."
"Come with me..." She said in a serious voice.
I blinked multiple times as I heard her say that. My mind became a storm of confusion, shock, and suprise.
"Go with you?... What in tarnation are ya talking about ma'am?"
"Come back with to Patch. It's a small island to the west of Vale. Me and my family will take you in and give you a better life than this." She said in a genuine soft voice. A kind motherly smile on her face as she crouched down on one knee in front of me, putting a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I know you think that I don't understand how you feel... And I know that you don't trust me. But I'm serious when I say that I wish to help you. A child who had been exposed to a world we live in way before he should have. But there is still time for you to change that. You can still choose to leave this kind of life behind."
My throat went dry as I listened to her every word. I could tell she meant every single one of them. It was baffling to me as to how could this woman... A huntress, be this kind towards someone she had just met. To someone who was a criminal nonetheless.
"W-Why... Why are you doing this... I am a criminal... A good for nothing baster-."
"Shh..." She pressed a finger to my mouth to silence me, smiling all the while with that bright warm smile. "None of that... You're not a criminal Darius. You're just a boy who was misled by bad people. Come with me. And I will show you that you can still be the same boy you once were when you still had your father."
I stood there... Silent and unmoving. My mind and body seemed to have frozen in place as the conflict of emotions raged within me. Her words hit me deeply... So much so that I felt tears start to build up once more in the corners of my eyes. A warm feeling spread through my core for after two years I was finally feeling like someone truely cared for me.
But the sad truth was... I couldn't accept her offer. Not because I didn't want to. But out of loyalty to the gang. Even if most of them were assholes, there were still a few of them who gave me the time of day. Not to mention that I owe a lot to my boss. A man who's responsible for me still breathing today.
And despite how they may be. They were still the only thing I came close to calling a family after these past two years. And for me to leave them now after all this time. It would feel like a slap to the face.
So with a heavy sigh. I gently grasped her arm and moved it off my shoulder.
"Sorry, ma'am... I can't accept that." I said in a soft tone as she adopted a sad look and her smile dropped. "No matter how bad they may be. The gang is still the closes thing I have to a family. They've been looking out for me ever since I joined and for me to simply leave 'em now. Well... It wouldn't sit right with me."
"I appreciate your offer I really do... But it's better this way..." With my piece said I turned around in order to leave.
"Is there nothing I can do that will change your mind..." I heard her say behind me to which I answered with a shake of my head. "Then at least take these with you."
Turning around with my right brow raised. I turned just in time to catch a plastic object being thrown at me. Looking it over I saw that they were fire dust bullets, twenty of them neatly placed inside a plastic box. And they were of high caliber ones so that my revolver could use them.
My eyes widen as I stared at the box before turning towards Summer who once more had a kind smile. " Thank you once more for saving me, Darius. I wish you a safe journey. And please... Don't ever forget that it's not the others that make you who you are. But rather it's you who shapes his own path."
I could only nod slowly while I was awestruck by her words and actions of kindness once more. I put the bullet box inside my jacket's inner pocket before giving her a two-finger salute with a small smile on my face. "Thank you kindly, ma'am. You have a safe trip back as well."
With that, we both went our separate ways. Once I was alone I felt a big sense of relief wash over me. It felt as if a great burden was lifted off my shoulders. I felt lighter and more awake even if it was almost nighttime.
Still, I didn't complain as I walked through the forest. Keeping my eyes open for any kind of stray movement around me... Man, I hope I don't run into any more Grims tonight.
About 40 minutes later
Lady luck seems to be smiling upon me. For I had managed to get through the forest without running into any more Grims and had run into our gang's scouting party. They picked me up once they recognized who I was and we rode back through the wastelands toward our base.
Once we arrived. The bikes stayed parked outside along with the rest as we walked down the dust-filled hill that lead to our base. The base was pretty much just a giant tunnel system created of stone, dirt, and wood. The entrance was a giant opening inside the cave that lead into the storage place. Where we keep all of our stolen goods as well as materials for faster transport for when we go and exchange them for money.
Crates and bags surrounded the place as we walked toward the center of the room. A few other guys were in here as well as... The boss.
He was a man well in his mid-twenties. With short spiky silver hair, red eyes, a sharp face, well almost two heads taller than me and quite a decent body build. He wore our gang's jacket but he had two extra skulls on each side of the arms, a plain white shirt beneath it, dark blue jeans, a pair of black gloves, and matching boots.
In his right hand, he held a custom-made metallic baseball bat which had spikes all over its head, giving it a menacing look. He lazily held the bat at his side as he was talking to another member before he didn't spot us. He cut whatever it was he was talking about short and shoed the guy away before turning towards us with the biggest shit-eating grin you'll ever see.
"Well... Well... Well. Look what the boys dragged back." He said with enthusiasm catching the attention of everyone in the room as he slowly walked over. "Little man Dar. Haha! You came back to us alive and well. Thought you became one of those fuckers chew toys."
He now stood a few meters away from me. Our eyes locked the whole time as I felt a pit of fear boil in my stomach but I still managed to force a small smirk onto my lips.
The man's name was Kai Saber. But we all call 'em either boss or Kai. This was the man who had saved me when I was down on my luck and was sure I was knocking on death's door.
"Glad to see you're in one piece though kiddo." He said in a softer tone now as he tapped my shoulder lightly. I nodded before saying. "Thanks, boss."
His eyes then seem to wander behind me as if searching for something. Once he didn't find what he was looking for, they went back down to me. "Say Dar... Where's your partner Coal hmm?"
Hearing this I adopted a slightly sadden look but managed to hide it well enough before answering. "He's dead boss... A Grimm killed him."
The words echoed throughout the storage as it went silent. The members around were silent while some looked at each other in shock. Kai on his part blinked at that information and ran a hand through his silver hair, taking in a deep breath before exhaling.
"Damn..." He said in a small but sad voice. After a brief nod of his head and a pat on my shoulder, he said. "Sorry to hear that kid... Did he at least go down fighting?"
"All the way sir..." A bold lie but it's better than saying that he died while trying to jump off the cliff.
Kai gave me another nod before turning his head in all directions and started giving orders. "Alright, boys! Tomorrow we'll pay our respect for Coal first thing in the morning! Afterwards, we continue with our daily schedule. Now I want each and every one of you to go hit the sack. We got a lot of work waiting for us tomorrow. And I want you well rested. Now move it!"
All the members then scrambled towards the left tunnel that lead to the sleeping area of the mines. After the room cleared out he turned back around and looked at the two scouts."You two are still on scout duty no?" He asked innocently yet everyone can hear the malice pouring out of his words.
Scared the two scouts went back the way we came from to continue with their duties. Leaving me alone with the boss. Kai slowly took two steps closer, where he was now towering over me. His large frame made him look more menacing as his blood-red eyes stared into my light brown ones.
"Little man Dar. Little man Dar... Quite an unfortunate day aye?" He said grinning like a madman who just found something interesting. "You lost a partner, got stranded inside a Grim-infested forest, and to top it all off. You even lost your guys part of the goods."
... Oh fuck... I totally forgot about the bag...
"But hey! What can you do?" He shrugs his shoulders. "Some shit is bound to happen once in a while."
"Though I couldn't help but wonder..." His voice suddenly became very low, serious, and lacking his previous enthusiasm. "As to how did you escape that place without a scratch on ya..."
At this question, I felt the cold sweat begin to drip down my neck as my body froze in fear. I had to try very hard not to show him any fear as Kai began to slowly circle around me. The room suddenly felt a lot smaller around me, a chill went down my spine and I concentrated all my willpower not to begin shaking in fear.
"For you see Dar... I've been there in your shoes. All alone... Inside a monster-infested forest where no matter where you turn, go, or even so much as breathe. They could be watching you... Lying and waiting for that one moment... One moment when you drop your guard before..."
BAM! CRUNCH!
"EEP!" The sudden load smack made me turn to where Kai was and saw that he had slammed his bat onto one of the crates. Shattering the wood on top of it and downright destroying two planks with one swing.
"Ahh..." He let out a satisfied sound before turning back to me. "You understand that don't ya kiddo?" I immediately nodded my head. He then slowly walked over to stand before me again. His bat shook menacingly as he came closer and closer.
"So, please... Tell me Dar..." He crouched down to my level. His bat held in front of his crouched form as his blood-red eyes pierced into mine. "How did you manage to get out of there without as much as a tare on you're clothes..."
I opened my mouth to answer but my words got caught in my throat as the bat came inches away from my face. The disturbing weapon of choice for our boss went by the name of Maria. Named after his first-ever girlfriend from what I was told. Though nobody knows anything besides Kai as to why the bat is called that.
Though let me tell ya. With how close I was to her right now, it made me want to not find out at all.
"And be sure to say truth and nothing but the truth. For the truth shall set you free..." He said with a big grin on his face. I was scared shitless now, my breathing becoming more rapid as I thought that the boss was onto me. That somehow he figured out about Summer and was going to-.
"PPPPPFFF. HAHAHAHAHA! OH MY GOODNESS! HAHAHAHAHA" I blinked twice as Kai suddenly burst out laughing like crazy. He spun and walked around while holding his stomach as the laughter poured out of him. "You should have seen your face! HAHAHAHA! I bet your pants are full of shit, aren't they! HAHAHAHA!"
I let out a sigh of relief as it turned out it was just another one of his twisted pranks. He often pulled these so he could mess with us and make us shake a bit. He enjoyed seeing fear in other people like that. It was entertaining for him. Though... If this was him having fun, then you wouldn't want to imagine what it was like when he was serious.
Eventually, he calmed down from his laughing fit and stood in front of me again. His shit-eating grin showed off his white teeth as he tapped me on the shoulder again.
"Ahh... Lighten up Dar. I'm just messing with ya! I know you're made of some tough shit kid. Ain't no way something like a Grim will ever bring you down. Though... With Coal's death. You. Kiddo will have to take a break from the outside activities till we find you a new riding partner." He told me before he swung Maria onto his shoulder. Letting her rest upon it." Till then. You're on patrol duty starting tomorrow. Understood?"
I nodded my head to which he nodded back before tapping me on the back. "Good. Now you get on to bed kiddo. I imagine you must be tired from all that walking and fighting in the woods."
Not long after he said that did I feel my fatigue hit me like a freight train. Damn... I must have been running on adrenalin all this time. Even when my aura has recovered I still didn't feel remotely tired as I was feeling now. Giving him my thanks, I begin to walk towards the door from which all the other members left the room. Ready to get some much-needed sleep.
"Oh and Dar!... One last thing..." Those words made me pause in the doorway and turn my head to look over my shoulder where Kai stood still in the middle of the room. Looking my way with that same smirk still on his face. "I was serious when I asked that question earlier... Though I'll give ya time to sleep. But... After we pay our respects tomorrow. I wanna know everything that happened in that forest... Got it?..."
The way he said those words made my body freeze in fear and cold sweat started running down the back of my neck again. All I could do was slowly nod in understanding, hoping he wouldn't catch on to my frightened frame. Thankfully he only nods his own head in a pleased fashion before walking through the other doors and out of the storage.
"Have a goodnight kiddo!" I heard him say before the sound of his footsteps sounded no more. I stood in the doorway for a few more seconds in order to calm myself before heading towards the barracks. It didn't take long to reach my room once I was there. It was the second last on the left. Opening it up I was greeted by an all too familiar sight of a simple wooden desk, a chair beside it, a nightstand with a single little lamp on it, and a very uncomfortable-looking bed with a single pillow and a thin sheet that looked more like a rag than anything.
Letting out a tired sigh once I was inside. I took off my jacket and threw it onto the table. Before jumping onto the bed and releasing a groan of relief through my lips. Looking up at the plain rocky ceiling of my room, I let my thoughts wander over the events that happened today. Going over all of 'em till I didn't land to the talk I had with Summer.
"You always have a choice... Don't ever forget that it's not the others that make you who you are. But rather it's you who shapes his own path..." Do I really... Can I truly still find my own way out there in the world...
Bitting down on my upper lip in deep thought. After some time I let out a deep sigh through my nose and turned my gaze to the nightstand on my left. Turning on the light on the lamp, I pulled the top drawer open and reached inside before pulling out a small picture from it. Laying back I looked at it with a thoughtful expression.
Inside the picture were me and my pa. Standing in front of our old house. He was holding me up on his right shoulder while we smiled at the camera. As I looked at the picture a deep sigh escaped me again. My old man was in his thirties during that time. He had similar hair to mine, matching eyes, and a rough look on his face. He wore a farmer's shirt with brown pants and cowboy boots.
"If only you were er' with me Pa... What would you do if you were in my shoes..." I wondered to myself as I closed my eyes and let the sweet embrace of sleep take me.
A/N: Hope you liked the second part of the story. Leave a follow, favorite, and review if you wish. I'll see ya in the next one...