Prologue Part 6: Alice
~~Three Months Later: November 17th (Saturday Noon)~~
~~Alisen Industries~~
For the next three months, Jurabi spent his free time from school to learn about being the new head of Alisen Industries. The process was stressful for the eight-year-old child as it didn't take until the third month for him to finally get the hang of the process.
However, Jurabi let out an exhausted sigh as he looked over the several documents on his desk, "Hm…the sales for the houseware equipment are going steady and is calculated to have an increase in December. Most hunters will be home for Christmas, so perhaps it will be wise to slow down production of weapons for those two weeks…"
Gerald walked into the office, wearing a smile, "Jurabi, my boy, I have exciting news to share with you," the man said holding a piece of paper in his hands.
"Oh, Gerald," Jurabi said, putting down the document he was reading over, "What is it?"
"It seems that all the big wig companies wish to invite you to the next annual board meeting."
"Annual board meeting? And who are the big wig companies?"
"Ah, I believe it's about time you learned about this. Including Alisen Industries, there are four major companies that are the life blood of Vastel. Igarus has a company that leads the production and shipment of food for Vastel. Sokkitia's main company leads a division of medical and scientific research. Vulna's company provides building materials and dust crystals. Finally, our company, which constructs quality of life equipment and research for advancements in technology."
"Oh. And what about Staneia?"
"Staneia is the least developed nation in Vastel. In fact, some don't even refer to it as a 'nation' but more so a collection of clans with the Webber clan as the leading clan over all of them."
"Okay." Jurabi looked stressed and scared to meet the other CEO's and said, "But I don't understand what the other CEO's have to gain by meeting me? I haven't fully learned my role yet."
"Is it not obvious? They wish to give you a warm welcome into the business and perhaps offer keen insight for one as young and impressionable as you," Seeing the concerned look on Jurabi's face made Gerald continue, "No need to fret, my boy. I'll be right by your side to run interference. After all, adult businessmen tend to speak an entirely different language to a child as young as you."
"Still…" Jurabi was still unsure of what to expect from the meeting.
"If it makes you feel better, there will be no heavy talks. Just friendly introductions," Gerald said, placing a hand on the young boy's shoulder, "I know you're feeling anxious, but it is important we maintain peace so each nation is provided with the necessary supplies."
Jurabi silently thought it over before he nodded, "Okay, I'll do my best to leave a good impression."
"That's the spirit!" Gerald took out another document. "The board meeting will be held next year, so we'll go over what will be discussed a month prior. By then you should be ready to handle an hour-long meeting."
"Oh…" Jurabi muttered, letting out an exhausted sigh.
"There isn't anything important you'll be occupied with next year, is there?"
"N-no. None that I am aware of." Jurabi had a sad look on his face, "Except depending on when the meeting happens...I might not be able to go to Dad's grave that year..."
"Perfect." Gerald glanced over at the computer that used to be Nitorin's. "By the way…were you able to figure out your father's password to the files on that computer of his?"
Jurabi shook his head. "No…I haven't found a single clue at our original house that could hint to the password. I still don't understand why my dad would keep the files a secret from everyone."
"Well, we know how your father was: He always had all his thoughts in the things he creates and never liked sharing his secrets with others."
"I'll keep trying on my end, but I have to ask why the sudden interest in Daddy's files? It's not like he would keep any information about current and future projects inside his personal folder."
"Your father didn't become famous overnight, Jurabi. Given how he was targeted three months ago, it is clear Nitorin had made enemies with the Eclipse. If they ever got their hands on whatever is on his personal files, it will spell disaster for Vastel and maybe even Reigal itself. I had hoped because you were close to your father…"
"I'm sorry. My dad really didn't give me any clues before that night. I didn't even know he had a personal file prior to coming here."
"No need for apologies. Please keep up the work, okay? You're a bright, young man with much potential. It would be a shame to let it go to waste."
"Of course. Thank you."
That was when the main computer began to make a loud beeping sound.
"Mr. Alisen, there is a guest who wishes to meet with you," said the receptionist.
Jurabi pressed a button on the computer, "Who is it?"
"Riboku Webber, the younger brother of Chieftain Kane Webber. He wishes to speak to you on the Chieftain's behalf."
"Okay, send him up to my office."
"Yes, sir."
"My goodness, you have a friendship with the Webber family?" Gerald asked, "How long have you kept this secret from me?"
"I don't think I qualify as a friend of that family," Jurabi explained, "I only had a day's worth of conversations with Mr. Webber and his daughter. Talking with his younger brother is a whole new thing for me. I don't know what to expect."
"Well, I heard from a little bird that Riboku had only recently returned to Staneia after four years of absence."
"He was gone for four years? Why?"
Gerald only shrugged, "Nobody knows. The rumors only point to the timing of his departure after the passing of the previous Chieftain."
"Really?"
"They're only rumors. Do keep that in mind when you're speaking with him and don't mention anything about it during discussion, okay?"
"Of course." Jurabi then muttered to himself, "I doubt the rumor myself. I mean, why would the murderer of a Chieftain be allowed to come here when he should be in prison instead?"
That was when a knock on the office door was heard.
Gerald went over to open it and smiled, "Greetings, Mr. Webber. Please, come this way."
Jurabi leaned onto the office chair due to him being a bit too short to properly see beyond it. He saw a man with the same blue to white hair as Kane walked through the door wearing a black suit with a red undershirt and tie.
Next to the man was a tall man with long, jet black hair that reaches down to the middle of his knees and slit eyeballs that were similar to the eyes of a reptile. He wore a similar black suit to the blue haired man with him, but what caught Jurabi's attention the most was the mouth mask he had on his face.
"Hello, Mr. Alisen, Mr. Achilles, it's a pleasure and an honor to make your acquaintance," said the blue haired man, "I hope I did not disturb your important work with my sudden arrival."
"No, not at all," Gerald said with a smile, "Jurabi, here, held no objection to your arrival."
"That's correct," Jurabi said, standing up from his desk to walk to them, "Although, I didn't hear much about you from the Chieftain." He scanned the man from top to bottom before thinking to himself, "So this is Riboku Webber...he's different than what I imagined."
"Ah, my apologies," Riboku said, "I had asked Kane not to reveal information about me to anyone. I pray you forgive my…secrecy."
"I understand. And this man with you today is…?"
"You may call me Karasu, a humble servant of Lord Webber," The man named Karasu said as he bowed respectfully to Jurabi, "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Young Alisen."
From behind Karasu stepped out a young teen that was a little older than Jurabi. She was a swan faunus that had a pair of pure white swan wings coming from her back. She stood silently on Karasu's side.
"Oh, I didn't see her there," Jurabi said, noticing the girl before a thought crossed his mind, "I should have seen her walk through the door with the other two. Was I not paying attention?
"Apologies, my personal assistant loves to do that," Karasu said, "This is my dainty, little flower, Alice."
"Alice…"
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Alisen," Alice said as she bowed respectfully.
"The feeling is mutual." Jurabi then turned to Riboku. "Now, to what do we owe a visit from the representative from Staneia?"
"We wish to bridge the gap between our races," Karasu said, "The death of Nitorin at the hands of the Eclipse has placed the faunus race in a…difficult position. Your father was considered an important man by the people of Vastel—humanity especially."
"I've seen the news. All of the protests against faunus kind due to my father's murder. I am sorry your people had to go through that."
"There's no need to apologize," Riboku said, rubbing his forehead, "I am more upset at my brother's oversight when dealing with the Eclipse. Had he simply dealt with them like the pests they are…"
"My Lord…" Karasu whispered.
Riboku shook his head and continued, "My brother, Kane, is busy preparing for a trip to Moonrock Valley, the bordering region between Staneia to the nations outside Vastel. As such, he has entrusted me to help build better relations between the faunus people of Staneia and humanity. To that end, we humbly offer Alice to work as your personal assistant, Mr. Alisen. We hope you will accept Alice as a step block to that goal."
"An assistant?" Jurabi asked, his eyes widened, "That's a little sudden, isn't it, Mr. Webber?"
"As far as I understand, you seem to be working hard learning to be a CEO at such a young age, Mr. Alisen," Karasu stated, "Would it not be wise to take in an assistant to help shoulder some of the burden."
"But…" Jurabi whispered.
"He has a point, Jurabi," Gerald said, "I say we should go for it. Any chance to improve relations is good in my book."
"Mr. Achilles…" Jurabi glanced over at Alice and asked her, "And are you okay with this, Alice?"
"Whatever Sir Riboku and Sir Karasu sees best, I will more than happily follow their wishes and yours, Sir Alisen," Alice replied.
"Fantastic," Gerald said, "If there is no objection, Alisen Industries will happily accept your offer, Mr. Webber."
"An excellent decision," Karasu said, "Do be sure to take good care of Alice. Keeping your eyes off of her could prove to be…fatal."
"F-fatal?" Jurabi asked, his eyes widening.
"Aha, sorry, I always forget that not everyone is into dark humor as I am."
"Ah, I see…" Jurabi paused for a moment as he looked at the three faunus before him. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he sensed something dark about all three of them. More so on Riboku himself.
"If there are no questions, I'm afraid I need to take my leave," Riboku said as he turned away.
"Mr. Riboku?" Jurabi called out to him.
"Yes?" Riboku turned back to him.
"Um…may I ask…how Serena is doing?"
Riboku went silent at the question.
Jurabi sense an icy cold aura emanating from Riboku's body. Despite the darkness he felt from the faunus, Riboku's expression has not changed even once.
"…I didn't know you were on a first name basis with Her Mistress," Riboku said.
"Oh, I-I am deeply sorry!" Jurabi shouted as he bowed, "I didn't know what I was thinking saying that. Um…"
"…Lady Serena…is faring well. Cheery as usual, always talking about this boy she met months ago, and is having a sudden interest in art."
"Is that so? Well, when you see her, could you kindly give her and Mr. Kane my regards?" He showed Riboku the necklace Serena gave him. "Tell Lady Serena that I've taken good care of her gift."
For a moment, Jurabi could have sworn Riboku's eyes had widened before the man quickly turned, "O-of course, Mr. Alisen. I shall personally inform them about you and your accomplishment in keeping Lady Serena's gift safe."
"Thank you, Mr. Webber."
"The pleasure was all mine." Riboku extended his hand to Jurabi. "I do hope that you will be able to gather the strength needed to push aside the past that was your father's passing and move on to a brighter future."
Jurabi took the faunus man's hand and shook it, "I will. Thank you for your-" But then Jurabi felt his head get heavy all of a sudden, causing him to stumble a little.
"Jurabi!" Gerald shouted, holding onto the boy.
"Ngh…" Jurabi winced.
"Is everything well, Mr. Alisen?" Alice asked in concern.
"Shall I call in a doctor?" Karasu asked.
"No...no…" Jurabi said, recovering as he rubbed his head, "I guess I've been looking at too many documents today. But thank you for your concern. It means a lot."
"Well, I hope you get better, Mr. Alisen," Riboku said, "Guardians know what would become of this company should something unfortunate happen to you. Until we meet again."
Before Riboku and Karasu left, Riboku moved close to Alice and whispered something into her ear. Jurabi saw the girl nod, but he couldn't quite hear what they were saying.
After the two left, Gerald cleared his throat, "Well, I will give you both time to speak with each other. I have business to attend to. Don't be getting any dirty thoughts now, Jurabi."
"Dirty thoughts?" Jurabi asked as he watched Gerald walk out of the office. The boy let out a sigh, "How did my father deal with him?" The room became awkwardly silent between the two kids. Unable to bear the silence, Jurabi was the first to speak, "So...Alice...how are you feeling?"
"Ready to serve, Mr. Alisen," Alice responded.
"No, I mean how are you feeling? Are you nervous or tired?"
"I am feeling a bit tired. Hungry too. Are you feeling hungry, Mr. Alisen? Would you like something to eat?"
"Now that I brought it up, I am kinda hungry."
"Then let me grab something from the lunch hall. I was shown the way around, so I know where to go."
"Still, there is unrest within the company since the incident with my father and his assistant." Jurabi offered her his hand, "I'll go with you."
Alice shook her head and said, "There is no need, Mr. Alisen. I have no wish to bring in bad rumors when the workers see us together."
"Please, I insist. After all, we're to restore relations between our race's companies...and sending a girl to get food for me just doesn't sound right to me."
Alice smiled and tapped Jurabi's forehead.
"Ow..." Jurabi whined.
"Hehe, you're so formal, almost to a fault," Alice said, "Very well. Please lead the way Mr. Alisen."
"Of course," Jurabi said, rubbing his forehead as the two went to the lunch hall to eat together.
XxxxxxxxxX
~~Oroseia Apartment Complex~~
Jurabi returned to the apartment complex later that night, letting out a sigh of pure exhaustion. He had spent the entire day giving Alice a grand tour of Alisen Industries, meeting the staff, and discussing plans for the future.
Jurabi closed the door and called out, "I'm home, Mom…" But he quickly notices that his mother was nowhere to be found, "Mom?"
He searched into the rooms to see where the woman had gone. Eventually, he searched her bedroom, only surprised to see Dana hunched over her work desk fast asleep. Jurabi moved over to her bed, grabbed a warm cover sheet and gently placed it over his sleeping mother.
Scanning around the room, Jurabi saw a noticeboard on the side of the room. On the noticeboard were several papers pinned and scattered across the board, all layered over a map of Vastel. Written on the papers is information on the Eclipse including the woman who killed Nitorin.
Seeing Liviera's picture, triggered painful memories of that night within Jurabi, but the boy did his best not to scream or cry. After a slight paused, Jurabi heard the sound of his mother waking.
"Hm? Jurabi…?" Dana asked, still feeling groggy.
"Hey, Mom," Jurabi whispered, "Sorry if I woke you up."
"It's okay…I just…need some coffee and…something sweet…"
"No way. What you and your body need is a long sleep on your bed."
"I appreciate that, but I really must…"
"Get back to work like you have these past three months?"
"Jurabi...I..."
"Mom…I may be young, but I know when something is too much for me to handle alone."
"Yes, but in this instance I can't stop. The woman who...took away your dad is still out there. I promised him I would do everything I can to stop her from hurting anyone else! That's why..."
"But Dad wouldn't want to see you like this either!" Jurabi shouted this, his falling down his eyes.
Dana watched in silence as she saw the pain in Jurabi's eyes.
"I just…don't want to lose you too…" The boy whispered.
Dana immediately stood up from her chair and hugged Jurabi, "You won't, Jurabi. I'm so sorry for making you feel lonely…but I promise I will find time to be with you as your mother."
"Mom…" Jurabi whispered as he returned the hug, "I…I miss him…so much…"
Dana's tears began forming in her eyes as well, "I miss him too…"
For the rest of the day, the two cried in each other's company before eventually falling asleep together.
In the coming morning, Jurabi had woken up first and silently left the bed to return to his room. He scratched his head, feeling embarrassed he had slept in his mother's arms, "Mom's never going to let me live that down…I hope she doesn't tell Serena."
That was when the boy realized something, "Oh, right…" Jurabi then began searching through his belongings before he found the ring box his father gifted him, "…Ugh, what's wrong with you, Jurabi? Like this ring is going to be around when you…"
"I'm certain one day you'll meet a girl you'll appreciate as a friend, but the more you hang out with her, the more you'll fall in love with her."
"Dad…you gave me more credit than I deserved. As if that's going to happen," Jurabi placed the box inside a safe, not knowing whether what he should do with it or if he ever will do anything with it.
XxxxxxxxxX
~~One Year Later (November 15, Year 984 [Friday Morning])~~
~~Alisen Industries~~
One year passed. During that time, Jurabi and Alice were almost inseparable. They worked hard on a lot of projects together, ate together, and eventually grew fond of each other's company. Jurabi began to grow a brotherly attachment to Alice whenever she scolded him or comforted him when he felt overwhelmed.
It wasn't long before the wounds in Jurabi's heart were starting to heal; however, during this time Dana began taking on more hunter missions which cause a small rift to form between the two. Jurabi would always talk about how distant he felt his mother was to Alice, who would always comfort him and tell him that his mother will have time to be with Jurabi.
Jurabi hoped that would be the case, but one day, Dana had to go on a mission on the same week Jurabi's first CEO meeting. He couldn't help but feel something ominous in the air, but the boy had no choice but to keep going and hope nothing bad happens to his mother.
All of these thoughts stopped when Jurabi felt a strong tug, pulling him forward, "Ah!"
"Jurabi Alisen, if you do not stop twitching, I will wring your little neck with this tie!" Alice growled as she helped Jurabi get dressed for his meeting.
"Ugh, Alice...do I really have to attend this meeting?"
"Yes. For the millionth time. You are the CEO it is your duty as the chairman to see this through. You're not planning on throwing away a years-worth of studying protocol and procedures for these types of meetings, are you?"
"No…it's just that even after a year I'm still feeling nervous about this. Not to mention I've been having this strange feeling in my stomach lately."
"Strange feeling? Is it a sickness?"
"No…I just have this feeling that something's going to go wrong, I guess?" Jurabi scratched his head, "Mom went on a mission a few days ago…I guess that's why I'm on edge."
"You're feeling paranoid. But I can't say I blame you. It's tough having a parent be so engrossed in their work they begin ignoring you. But I'm sure your mother didn't mean to hurt you at all. Being a hunter isn't easy, after all."
"I know but…"
"It's the same as being a CEO too. Meetings like this tend to determine the relationship a company has with another and you're speaking with four company CEO's. But this is only a simple introduction for you into the world of business. I'm certain they will understand."
"If you say so…Ah!" Jurabi screamed as Alice tightened the tie around his neck.
"There, you look like a proper little boss," Alice patted Jurabi's suit with a proud smile.
Jurabi felt his heart beat as he looked away, "Th-thanks. But...am I really qualified to do this? I know my dad didn't have it any easier when he was the CEO."
Alice patted his head, "You are going to be great, but if you're still worried, I'll be right there with you."
"Alice..." Jurabi nodded, wishing he could make a smile as she could, "Okay, if you believe in me, I'll have to do my best." The boy stood up and grabbed his bag, "Ready to go?"
"You can go on ahead, Jurabi. I have to organize the documents first before joining you."
"Alright, I'll see you there."
As she watched Jurabi leave the office, Alice's expression became racked with sorrow and guilt, as she took out a small device from her pocket. "Master, the meeting is about to start."
"…"
"Yes."
"…"
"Understood. So long as he lives…"
"…"
"Yes, Master."
"Hey, Alice!" Jurabi called out as he reentered the room just as Alice hung up, "Have you seen my pen? I couldn't find it in my bag."
Alice turned to Jurabi with a smile, "You silly boy." She teased holding Jurabi's favorite Honkai Girl pen, "What would you do without me, hmmm?"
"Oh, thank you so much." Jurabi took the pen "I would never hear the end of it if anyone else found this."
"Part of me was tempted to show it to the CEO's as punishment for your carelessness."
"I'm glad you didn't." Jurabi looked around the room. "Were you talking to someone just now? I heard you said 'Yes' to someone."
"Oh, I was just muttering to myself while running over a final check list. No need to pay any mind. Shall we get going? You're about to be late."
"Right."
The two began to make their way to the meeting room.
XxxxxxxxxX
~~Outside Alisen Industries~~
Outside of Alisen Industries, a group of trucks turned the corner and parched on the opposite side of the street.
The first person to step out of the car was Karasu. He turned to another man who stepped out of the care, "Wait for the signal."
"Yes sir," The man said, standing by.
Karasu began to make his way to the entrance of the building with a greeting smile hidden beneath her mask. He looked up at the building logo and suddenly sneered, "Humans and their flickering lights." He got close to the building, he noticed three guards in the front.
"Good morning, gentlemen," Karasu chimed as he extended his hand.
"Ah, are you that Chieftain's advisor?" The guard asked.
"I am Master Riboku's servant, to correct you."
"My apologies, Karasu. We weren't expecting a visit from you." The guard shook Karasu's hand with a smile.
"Hmhm, no apologies needed. I'm here on a simple business errand. You need not mind me."
"Then by all means. Have a good day, Sir Karasu."
Karasu bowed and passed through the entrance with a dark smile, "I definitely will." He walked over to the receptionist desk with a smile, "Good morning to you, kind sir."
"Hello, how may we help you?" The receptionist asked.
"I wish to speak with Young Alisen. Is he free at the moment?"
"I am sorry, but today he's meeting with the other companies CEO's is about to begin. Shall I register you onto his waiting list?"
"No need. I have time to wait," Karasu extended his hand, "Thank you for your help."
The receptionist raised an eyebrow as he wasn't used to shaking people's hands after helping them, but he accepted and shook Karasu's hand out of courtesy, "It was my pleasure."
Karasu began walking away from the desk with another dark smile, "Three for each floor should suffice."
XxxxxxxxxX
At the meeting room, Jurabi met with the CEO's of the other three companies. One a faunus male with black hair and a tiger's tail, who appeared in a hologram. The other two were human males. Only the faunus male and one of the other males were unable to be present and thus are using holograms to project themselves while the one human male is present physically.
"Thank you for your patience, everyone," Jurabi said as he entered the room, "I was looking for my pen, so apologies for the late arrival."
"It really is a child," Spoke the hologram-ed, black-haired tiger faunus, "So young…"
"Young or old, he is the new CEO of Alisen Industries," Said the human male who had golden hair, "We should treat him with the same respect we would with his father."
The other human male who was project stared silently at Jurabi.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jurabi Alisen." The golden-haired man smiled as he extended his hand, "My name is Bartho Mimori, Head CEO of Vulna's Dust Crystal Company."
"The feeling is mutual," Jurabi said, shaking Bartho's hand, "Though, I am feeling nervous."
"Understandable," Bartho said, "Speaking with three major company CEO's is not an easy task—especially for one as young as you. If it makes you feel better, you can meet my family downstairs. My wife and two daughters would be happy to get to meet you."
"Sure, I can find time to meet them."
"Back to the topic at hand, it is that reason we decided to have this meeting be a mere introduction into the business," Spoke the hologram-ed human, who was a man with tan hair wearing a white suit with a gray shoulder cloak, "Once you learn the basics, Young Alisen, we should have no need to do these again."
Jurabi nodded, "Of course, Mr…"
"You may refer to me as Stronghart, CEO of the Igarus Agricultural Industry," Stronghart said, "I apologize for being unable to attend personally, but I have other important meetings that will require my attendance here in Igarus after this one."
"I do not mind at all, Mr. Stronghart."
"And I suppose that leaves me to introduce myself," Said the tiger faunus, "My name is Leonardo Ouro, CEO of Sokkitia's Medical Division."
"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Ouro." Jurabi pondered on the importance of each of the CEO's, "So…a dust company, a medical company, and a food company. Add Alisen Industries to it…"
"Yes, a smart boy who retains information quickly," Stronghart said, "As you already know, our companies are the lifeblood of Vastel. We produce our designed products for not just the hunters of Vastel, but for all our citizens."
"We cannot stress enough how important your role is, Mr. Alisen," Bartho explained, "Our companies are unlikely to crumble, however your father's project has left a lot of work for you."
"I've…read the statistics," Jurabi said, "Dad spent so much money on his project and came out with nothing."
"A foolish mistake made by an idealist," Stronghart spoke coldly.
"Stronghart!" Leonardo growled.
"I've said it from the beginning, Ouro. Project Therion was destined to fail no matter how many precautions were put into place. And now a boy as young as he is tasked with fixing up the mess his father left behind."
"As true as that is, remember that we are suppose to introduce Jurabi to the business," Bartho explained, "We can discuss Project Therion's negative effects another time."
Jurabi silently sat there as the adults spoke amongst themselves. Ever since Stronghart called his late father an idealist, his mind went to a dark place.
"Mr. Alisen," Leonardo called, snapping the boy out of his trance.
"Oh, s-sorry I…wasn't paying attention," Jurabi said.
"This is a lot to take in, I know, but rest assured; we CEO's have our fair share of mistakes. If you are confused about anything, you need but give me a call."
"Th-thank you, Mr. Ouro," Jurabi said.
"And you may have my offer of assistance as well," Bartho said, "Usually, rival business would leave their wounded rival companies to bleed out, but it is not the case here. Our companies look out for each other, for if even one of us dies, all of Vastel would be left vulnerable."
"I see…that makes this a little better, actually. I promise I will do my best to live up to your expectations of me. Thank you all for coming here today to offer your guidance. Alisen Industries is still doing their best to recover from the attack we suffered a year ago that resulted in my father's passing." Jurabi swallowed the pain of mentioning his father and continued, "Productions have been going well from my reports, but I like some input from you who have been in this business longer than myself."
"It would be our pleasure, Mr. Alisen," Leonardo said, "Allow me to-"
That was when Jurabi's work phone began to ring, "It's the receptionist desk. Give me a moment," Jurabi picked up the phone, "This is Jurabi Alisen."
"Yes, Mr. Alisen, Mr. Karasu is here to speak with you," Said the receptionist.
Jurabi's eyebrow raised as he turned away from the other CEO's, "Mr. Karasu? I blocked all appointments for today for the CEO board meeting. Can he hold it until another time?"
"I told him the same thing, sir. He said he would wait at your office once your meeting is over."
"Hm…is it urgent?"
"He didn't clarify to what he wished to talk about."
"I see. Tell he can wait if he wishes to."
"Yes, sir. Apologies for interrupting your meeting."
Jurabi turned to the CEO's and said to them, "I apologize. Someone wishes to speak with me after this meeting."
Leonardo sighed before smiling, "We get those a lot. People these days don't know how to schedule appointments, apparently."
"Surely you must have accounted for this meeting before you accepted this appointment?" Stronghart asked, looking at his pocket watch.
"I assure you I had all meetings and events blocked and rescheduled for this highly important meeting, Mr. Stronghart," Jurabi said, "However, I feel it is unbecoming of a CEO to simply let a guest wait a long time to meet me…" He started feeling conflicted on what he should do before a hand touched his shoulder.
"My apologies everyone, this was my mistake," Alice spoke, "I asked Master Karasu to stop by, but forgot that today was the meeting. If you resume as you were, I will go and handle this at once."
"Are you sure, Alice?"
"Yes, I will be right back." The swan faunus bowed her head before taking her leave from the meeting room.
After leaving the room, Alice took out her phone, "Everything is in place, Master."
Back in the meeting room, Bartho turned to Jurabi and said, "You're lucky to have an assistant as capable as her, Mr. Alisen."
"Indeed I am," Jurabi said, "And I have Mr. Webber to thank for allowing her to work with me. If not for her, I would still be trying to wrap my mind around how everything works."
"Webber…" Leonardo muttered.
"But still...I can't help but notice something odd."
"And what could that be?" Bartho asked.
"Whenever I speak with Alice...it feels as though I'm speaking to a robot rather than a living person." Jurabi takes a worried expression, "Even if she does smile and laugh, I can't help but sense something...dark inside her."
"You sense something dark?" Stronghart asked, "I'll applaud your attempt at humor, Mr. Alisen, but it is concerning that a boy as bright as you are starting to spout nonsense."
"I know it sounds weird, but it's true. I seem to have a tendency to pick up on negative emotions like sadness, fear, guilt and anger."
Hearing that immediately got Stronghart's attention away from his pocket watch, "Negative emotions?"
"How interesting," Leonardo said, "I've never heard about someone able to do that before. It sounds almost too good to be true. Have you always had this "unique ability"?"
"Actually, no," Jurabi said, "I had it ever since I-"
"I'm back, Mr. Alisen," Alice said, returning to the room, "I hope I wasn't gone for too long. I cleared up the misunderstanding and got the schedule back on track."
"That was fast, Alice," Jurabi said, "Did everything go well with Mr. Karasu?"
"Yes. I don't like for things to ruin a schedule and it wasn't a big deal."
"I see. Thank you, Alice."
XxxxxxxxxX
Meanwhile, Karasu waited in Jurabi's office with a phone in his hand. He raised his hands in the air, "Now…let the show begin."
XxxxxxxxxX
At the receptionist desk, the receptionist was speaking to a customer before noticing his right hand beginning to glow purple.
"Huh?" He asked, staring at his hand. That was when he noticed a number of other people having their hands glowing the same purple color.
XxxxxxxxxX
Karasu made an evil smile under his mask, "Hades Judgement." He then snapped his fingers.
XxxxxxxxxX
"Mr. Alisen, back to what we were discussing," Stronghart said, "Could you tell me more about this talent of yours?"
"Of course, well…"
"Hold on," Leonardo said as his hologram began cutting in-and-out, "Is this thing working?"
"Mr. Ouro?"
"I ca-t-any of y- fo-me re-on? Di-so-thi-g h-?"
Leonardo's hologram disappeared and Stronghart's soon followed.
"What happened?" Jurabi asked.
That was when the power to the building shut down.
"Eh?!" Jurabi yelped.
"A black out?" Bartho asked in concern, "At a time like this?"
*BOOM*
*BOOM*
*BOOM*
But suddenly, a loud boom was heard, causing everything in the room to shake and knock Jurabi off of his chair.
"What the?!" Bartho shouted, holding tightly onto the meeting table.
"Was that...an explosion?" Jurabi asked.
"Not just one, but several!" Bartho shouted.
Alice moved over to the window to look down at the building. Her eyes widened when she saw a group of armed, armored soldiers of unknown origins beginning to enter the building, shooting and killing anyone who stood in their way.
She immediately turned to Jurabi and Bartho, "Mr. Alisen, Mr. Mimori, we need to leave now."
"Why? What's going on downstairs?" Jurabi asked.
"It's an attack...from the Eclipse," Alice explained.
Jurabi's eyes widened as his head began to hurt as flashes of his father's death ran through his head, "Ngh…!" He groaned as he held his head.
"The faunus terrorist group?!" Bartho asked before he realized something terrifying, "My wife and daughters…THEY'RE DOWN IN THE LOBBY!"
"You're too important, Mr. Mimori," Alice said, "Please do not throw your life away!"
"But my family!" Bartho shouted, clenching his fists, "I'm sorry, but I can't leave them."
"Mr. Bartho…" Jurabi whispered.
"The two of you should make your escape now," Bartho said, "There should be a safe room prepared in this building. Hurry."
"Of course," Alice said, "Please be careful, Mr. Mimori."
Jurabi felt a bad feeling in his gut as he watched Bartho rush out of the meeting room, "Will he be okay…?"
"…This whole building was hit by three explosions," Alice said, "…The lobby included."
"No…" Jurabi whispered.
"There's not time to waste," Alice said as she took Jurabi's hand, "Mr. Alisen, please follow me."
Alice lead Jurabi through the hallway. As they rushed past the glass window, Jurabi caught sight of smoke rising from beneath them.
"Is the building on fire?" Jurabi asked.
"Yes, but it shouldn't take long for the fire department to get here," Alice explained, "Three minutes at most. Your father's office is where they will transport you to safety, Mr. Alisen, so long as we hurry."
"...But...why? Why would the Eclipse do this? Was killing my dad not enough?!"
"I don't know... I'm ashamed that my…kind…is doing this to you again." Alice pulled the boy into his father's office, "With the building on fire, you need to gain access to all your fathers main programs and software and download it onto a file before the back-up generator dies and this place burns to the ground."
"Okay," Jurabi said, "But given that there are so many programs, I don't know if I can save everything," he said, typing in the company-shared password to his father's computer archives, "Plus, I don't think there's a way we can save his private files. If only I knew his private password…"
"…"
"We'll have to prioritize," Jurabi looked over the files, "I'll start with Dad's blueprints and th-GAH!" The poor boy screamed as he was struck with a powerful taser gun.
Alice, who was holding the taser watched as the boy lied on the floor, unable to move as his consciousness began to fade.
"A-Alice...W-what did you…?" Jurabi said in a sad weakened voice before losing consciousness.
"I'm sorry Jurabi...I must follow my masters orders to the end," the swan fanus said as the shadow of a figure hovered behind her.
XxxxxxxxxX
Jurabi didn't know how long he was blacked out, but eventually his consciousness was beginning to return to him. He felt nothing but a tightness around his arms and legs. Once his vision returned, he found himself still in his office, but now he was sitting on one of the office chairs with layers of tape wrapped around his arms and legs.
The boy's eyes widened as he tried with all of his might to free himself from his bondages, "Ngh! What...is this?!"
"Awake already?" Asked a dark voice, "For a child, you're more resilient than I thought, Mr. Alisen."
Jurabi's eyes widened when he saw a figure step out of the darkness, revealing himself to be Karasu.
"M-Mr. Karasu?" Jurabi asked, "What are you doing here? It's too dangerous...and why am I…?"
"You stupid boy. For the son of a genius, you're not very bright are you?"
"What does that mean? Alice, what's going on?!"
Alice sat silently at the main computer transferring and sending all the files on the computer to their new destination.
"Hmhm, I suppose you're owed an explaination," Karasu said, "I know this will hurt your precious heart to hear, and that makes it all the more enjoyable. Alice and I are members of the Eclipse. I've had my pretty little trophy manipulate you into trusting her for over a year now and you were none the wiser," Karasu mocked flicking his snake tongue out.
"Alice…an Eclipse member?!"
Alice was silent for a moment before speaking, "I obey only what my master demands me to do." She said this in a monotone voice, unlike the kind and sisterly one she's used with Jurabi for this past year.
"Yes, my pet, you've made your master very proud," Karasu gloated, twirling a piece of Alice's white hair, "Having been here for a year, she mapped out this entire building, sent us the schematics, and even provide information on the rotation schedule for the security. Such a brilliant mind, all for me to control at will."
Jurabi's eyes widened when he realized, "So...the year I spent with her…"
"Hmhm, now you're catching on," Karasu smirked, "Yes, all of it was a lie. Alice couldn't move as freely as she could if she wasn't friends with you. And the loss of your dear daddy was a boon to us. It's easier to manipulate the broken heart of a child than a mature adult."
Jurabi felt a surge of anger course through him as he listened to the man.
"Ooh, why the angry face? Angry about the mention of your father? Well…we can speak about your dear mother instead, who may very well run into an…accident…on her mission. It's a crying shame…"
"No…I don't believe you…!" Jurabi shouted, "My mom is strong! She would never die!"
"Typical…" Karasu rolled his eyes, "Watching your father suffer taught you nothing of death, did it? Perhaps Mr. Mimori can help with that." Karasu smiled as he pointed at Jurabi's feet.
Jurabi slowly looked down and saw a horrifying sight. The chair he sat on stood above Bartho's dead body covered in holes, "Ah….ah…ah!"
"Such a shame…the man went to the lobby in search of his wife and two daughters," Karasu said, "Now don't go accusing me of killing him, now. He died the moment he saw me blow up his wife and daughters. I didn't want to leave the poor man alone in life, so I granted him a mercy with death."
"You…monster!" Jurabi screamed as tears ran down his cheeks as flashbacks to his father ran through is mind, making the sight anger him even more, "You…YOU MURDERED A FAMILY!"
"I noticed. Thank you." Karasu said without a shred of emotion or guilt.
Alice looked at Jurabi with guilty eyes for a brief moment before sealing the emotion away and continuing with the documentation transfers.
"On to more important matters, there is something we need from you, Mr. Alisen," Karasu said. Jurabi didn't respond. Annoyed at this, Karasu grabbed the boy by the hair, forcing him to make eye contact, "I know you can hear me, boy. We need your father's password to access his private files."
"You're out of luck," Jurabi said, "My dad didn't tell anyone. Not even his own son."
"Is that so? Hmph, a shame then. We were hoping to take his secret files for ourselves, but I suppose the company files and you are more than sufficient."
"…So you weren't done with me yet. What do you people want with me?"
"I personally want nothing with you, but the Eclipse has taken an interest in you and your…special talents."
"And you went this far to get to me? Did you have to threaten Alice in order to have her do your dirty work as well?"
Karasu's eyes darkened, "Shut your mouth, brat!" He kicked Jurabi to the ground.
"AAAH!" Jurabi screamed in pain as he felt his face hit the ground. But his pain only accelerated as he felt Karasu's foot resting on his skull, threatening to crush it at a moment's notice.
"Accuse me of hurting my delicate Alice again and I'll splatter your brain across the floor," Karasu said this with a calm but chilling voice.
"Master, he's not worth your energy," Alice spoke up, "I've almost completed the downloads and transfers."
"You see that boy? My darling Alice is trying to spare your worthless life. As pure and radiant as the love of my life. That's why I brought her to my side, for no one can ever understand the bond we share or my affections for this child."
Jurabi's expression became horrified as he listened to the man, "Alice…this can't be true…Please tell he's lying!"
Alice said nothing and Karasu shook his head as he kicked Jurabi in the face repeatedly, "Your words will never reach her, Alisen!" He kicked Jurabi in the stomach, "Alice is loyal only to me!" He kicked the boy's chest twice, "I have no use for threats when I know she will obey my every command!" The last kick sent the small boy towards the office window.
Alice began to shake with each hit and scream she heard before she finished the download and immediately went to his side, "Master, the download is complete. All of the classified files have been copied and sent."
"Well done, my dear," Karasu said, "Now please stand back." He raised his hand and aimed at the computer. A dark and purple ball formed from his hand. "Miasma." He shot it at the computer, completely destroying it.
Jurabi watched his father's computer go up in smoke and looked at the two faunus in the room with so much rage and anger, the boy looked to vibrate the energy. "No! My father's research was on that computer! All of it was going to help the people of Vastel!"
"All the more reason to be rid of it," Karasu said, "Your father never deserved that power, neither do you filthy humans."
"Killing my father wasn't enough…" Jurabi whispered, "Killing so many of my workers was not enough…hurting and manipulating me me wasn't enough…you had to destroy the future my father wanted to give to the world too?!"
"Jurabi…" Alice whispered.
"I hate you…!" Jurabi whispered, his eyes turning dark, "I hate you! I hate all of you!"
"Yes, hate our kind as much as you want boy," Karasu said, "It won't stop us from becoming the superior race. Fortunately for you, you won't have to watch any more of your kin be slaughtered out here." He turned to Jurabi and smiled, "It'll be in our cells, waiting just for you. Alice, taze him into unconsciousness. We're leaving."
Alice looked at the angry Jurabi with sad eyes as he glared at her with utter hatred, "As you wish, master..." In a flash, she turned on Karasu and struck him with the overly powerful taser gun.
Karasu yelled in pain as he hit the floor staring up at Alice with disbelieving eyes. "M...My precious...what are you doing...?"
Alice moved over to quickly undo Jurabi's bonds, "…Disobeying you, Karasu."
"Alice?" Jurabi asked.
"Jurabi, I'm sorry…" Alice said, "It's true that I followed his orders. I…used your pain as an easy way to manipulate your heart. You let me close to you as I planned for this day. I didn't want to do it, but I couldn't resist. I've been under the Eclipse's thumbs since they killed my family and took me away. I wasn't a human anymore, just a puppet made to trick you into believing in faunus kind. But…seeing you hurt…it's too much for my heart to bear," Tears began falling from her eyes, "Our time together was meant to be a lie…but it was real to me, Jurabi!"
"Alice…"
"That's why…" Alice opened her suit jacket to reveal a bomb vest strapped to her set to go off in ten seconds.
"Have you gone mad?!" Karasu shouted.
Jurabi let out a loud gasp as his eyes widened in horror.
"I will not let him put his monstrous hands on you!" Alice shouted, glaring at Karasu, "Even if it costs me my life!"
"No!" Jurabi shouted, as he tried to stand up, but the blood rushing to his head caused him to stumble, "Don't...do this...Alice!"
"It should be about time…" Alice said, as she started the ten second timer on the bomb, "Stay close to the window, Jurabi. If you don't, you will die!"
"Alice! Please don't do this! Not for me! You don't deserve to die!" Jurabi cried.
Alice smiled sadly at the lost little boy as she shed her tears as the timer reached zero. "Hearing that…makes all the pain worth it. Farewell, my little brother..."
"My precious noooooo," Karasu yelled as the bomb went off, wrapping him and Alice in the blast.
The wind caused by the explosion knocked Jurabi back, crashing him out of the window. He watched as the fire from the explosion started to spread across the building as he fell fast towards the ground. As he fell down, flashes of the days he spent with Alice rushed through his mind. The books they read, the food they ate, the arguments they had, the happiness they shared. All of that was gone in a single day.
He thought he was going to crash on to the ground and die, but then he felt his descent begin to slow down. When the boy opened his eyes, he saw himself floating down to the ground in a giant bubble.
"A...bubble…?" Jurabi asked as he looked down and saw a large group of firefighters. At the center of the crowd, was a magenta haired woman holding a large wand.
Once he landed on the ground safely, he was immediately taken to a stretcher to have his body examined.
"I'm glad to see you safe, Jurabi," Said the woman with the wand.
"You…you're…Miss...Chandani…" Jurabi weakly whimpered as tears began to fall down his eyes.
Aoife placed a hand over Jurabi's forehead, "I'm here, Jurabi. I am so sorry for not getting here sooner. Are you okay? Any injuries to prioritize?"
"Alice...is she…okay…?" Jurabi cried.
Aoife looked up at the section of the building the recent explosion occurred before looking down, "If she didn't come out with you on that floor…"
"No...she's...alive…" Jurabi whispered, trying to move, but his injuries wouldn't allow it, "Please...save…" He whimpered before his mind went dark and he lost consciousness.
Aoife cradles the small boy in her arms, "You don't deserve any of this, Jurabi. I'm sorry you were born into this world in the state it is in. It's…it's not fair…!" She shouted as she cries into Jurabi's hair.
Ken was busy directing the firemen and law enforcement to evacuate the area as he tried to contain the falling debri in the area, "Are the surviving workers evacuated?" He asked the law enforcement.
"We're still conducting search and rescue, sir," The law enforcement officer said.
"Okay, let me know if you find any survivors in areas you cannot reach," Ken instructed, "If the firefighters are short on water…" He turned to Aoife, who was still crying over Jurabi, "…It'll take some time, but my friend will be able to supply more than enough. A lot of hunters were sent out on missions this week, but low priority missions have been aborted to help here, so expect help soon."
"Thank you, sir."
As the firefighters and law enforcement scattered, Ken looked up at the burning Alisen Industries, "Another attack from the Eclipse in the same year. At this rate, the relations between humanity and faunus kind will…" He shook his head, dreading the thought before moving over to Aoife, "Aoife, we need to get him to the hospital."
"…Y-yeah, we do…" Aoife whispered, "Can I…hold him until the ambulance gets here."
"For as long as you need," Ken replied.
He and Aoife both waited for the ambulance to arrive, but they couldn't go with Jurabi as they had to help with evacuations and putting out the fire.
XxxxxxxxxX
~~Unknown Location~~
~~One Hour Later~~
Karasu let out a growl as he limped across the hallway, his body burnt from his right arm all the way to his right cheek, "How could she? How could she do that to me?! If it weren't for my semblance, I would have-"
"You would have died, Karasu," Spoke the emotionless voice, sitting on the chair next to a fireplace.
"…My Lord…forgive me for my outburst," Karasu said.
"Your outburst is nothing compared to how you failed the mission," The emotionless voice said, "Not only were you unable to retrieve Alisen for the Eclipse, but you also failed to retrieve Alisen's files."
Karasu's eyes widened, "But…my beloved…she-"
"Always follows your commands," The emotionless voice spoke, "I've told you this before, Karasu, and I won't tell you again. Keep your pathetic attempts to recreate your dead lover out of important missions."
Karasu clenched his burnt fists before taking a deep breath and bowing, "I will not make that mistake again, My Lord."
"Pray that you don't, for we have now begun for the First Phase," The emotionless voice said.
"Then that means…you succeeded? Kane Webber...is dead?"
"Indeed he is. Humanity. Faunus. Only one will race will triumph…for the harmony between the two…has died today."
XxxxxxxxxX
~~Unknown Location~~
Jurabi opened his eyes once again. His body could barely move, his throat felt soar, and his head had trouble focusing in a single object. He couldn't move a single inch on his body, but he could feel the touch of equipment placed on his body: An oxygen mask and IV cords injected in his arms. He could hear the beeping noise coming from the monitor.
It wasn't long before he heard the door open and a man walked in with another wearing a doctor's coat.
"He's awake," One of the men said, "How stable is he?"
The doctor immediately went over to perform a check up on Jurabi, "Hm…he will require more rest, but it seems Mr. Alisen has awakened from the coma."
"Good. Do what you can for him."
"…Ngh…hello…?" Jurabi asked, his vision becoming blurry.
The doctor left the room as the other man approached him.
"Jurabi, how are you feeling?" He asked.
The boy only tilted his head in confusion, "Who…are you? Where am…I?"
"Do you not know me, Jurabi?" The man asked as Jurabi's vision began to clear, "It's me. Gerald."
"Ge…rald…" Jurabi whispered, "Uh…"
"You've been through hell, lad," Gerald said, "When I heard about what happened, I rushed over as fast as I could to the hospital. I'm so glad to see you safe and sound."
Jurabi had no reaction to anything Gerald was saying. He only examined the tubes hooked into his body, "What is all this…?"
"You were in a coma for three weeks," Gerald explained, "Some of us believe you were as good as dead, but I didn't lose faith. We brought you to a secret facility where you will be protected by only our most trusted guards. I don't think anywhere in Vastel is safe for you."
"…I…don't understand…" Jurabi said, "What…happened to me?"
Gerald looked back at the boy in surprise, "Jurabi…do you not know? How could you not? Three weeks ago, Alisen Industries was…"
"Alisen…Industries…?" Jurabi asked as he felt a sharp pain in his head. The boy yelled as he tried to block out whatever pain is happening to him, "Agh! My head…!"
Gerald stared as the boy struggled with the pain, "It's as I thought…the shock of what happened at Alisen Industries must have caused this boy…"
…
…
…
"…to lose his memory."
Jurabi: Hello, once again, everybody. Sorry it's been a spell since I updated, but we're finally finished with this first arc. Yeah, it's a change since the next few chapters afterwards are usually a part of the arc, but after some thinking and rereading, I've noticed how similar to a prologue these past 6 chapters have been, so I have decided to compile them into one single Prologue instead. So look forward to the coming arcs from now on.
Thank you all again for your patience and for supporting me for this long. I never expected this story to still remain beloved in my heart for this long. Whenever you can, please share what I have written with your friends and family. I greatly appreciate that.
Anyways, guys, I hope you enjoy this chapter! If you did, please let me know in the reviews and leave a favorite and a follow and also join me on my own discord server to have a nice chat. Thank you very much for reading. See you next chapter~!
Discord: (h) (t) (t) (p) (s) : / / discord . gg / yds39Vc
