Prologue Finale: A New Path Opens
The moment Jurabi opened his eyes again, he found himself inside the white room from after he lost consciousness. This time he was sitting on a chair next to a long table.
"Hello again." A familiar voice said.
"Huh?" Jurabi asked, looking around the room until he spotted the younger version of himself, sitting in a chair on the other side of the table. He had a notebook in his hand with a set of colored pencils. "You again? Wait, where the hell am I?"
"Have you already forgotten about this place? I suppose I can't blame you given what you experienced."
Jurabi noticed that he couldn't move his body except for his head. "Wha? Why can't I move?"
"I have full control of this realm but I'm not the cause of your immobility. You were barely able to move the last time you were here when your body was hanging on by a thread, and right now your body is immobile in the real world. That's reflected here."
"That's right. I used up a lot of my stamina in my fight with Gerald. I must have passed out afterward."
"Now you're getting it." The young Jurabi closed his notebook and stood up from his chair. "Everything happening here is as you see it. Take that as you will."
"When will I be able to wake up again?" Even though he could move, Jurabi stayed on alert when the mysterious, younger version of himself began to approach him.
"Hard to say." The young Jurabi stopped halfway across the table. "You are a visitor into my realm, so you will likely return to seeing only darkness long before you wake up in the real world. I pulled you in here because I wished to speak with you."
"With me?"
"Yes. I must admit you exceeded my expectations. I expected you'd take three minutes to beat that robot, but you tore it apart in less than thirty seconds."
Jurabi furrowed his eyebrows, getting impatient with the boy's beating around the bush. "Enough of the crap already. Who the hell are you? What the hell did you do to me last time I was here? What the hell is happening to begin with?!
The young Jurabi tilted his head. "That's…three hell's in a row. You haven't been gluttonous so far though, so I'd say you're in no danger of going to the third circle. Now, some answers: I told you before I don't know who exactly I am. As for what I did to you last time, I awakened the power of the Dark Atoms resting deep within your body. And finally, what is happening now is you are speaking to me in your subconscious. And just like that, all three of your questions are easily answered.
Jurabi's eyebrow twitched. He couldn't help but growl inwardly. "I'm not appreciating this snark coming from you…whoever you are. Okay, you know what, I'm going to call you Little One until we sort out your identity later."
"Little One?" The boy shrugged. "Thanks for the name I guess, as lame as it is."
"And as much as I hate to admit this…the power you gave me helped me out. So…thanks."
"You do realize you're just thanking yourself, right? If you died back there, not only would it have been super humiliating, I would be dead too since I'm a part of you for some reason. Keep that in mind next time to start fighting people…or big black monsters."
Jurabi let out a deep sigh as he glared at Little One. "Geez, this runt is getting on my nerves and he has my face. Have I always looked that punchable?"
"Now if you have no more questions, I will kindly ask you to leave." Little One began moving back to his chair.
Jurabi's eyes widen. "Already?"
"Yes. I simply need a closer look at you, Jurabi." Little One sat down on his chair. "One word of advice, though. Be careful not to overuse the power of the Dark Atoms. You may have been lucky to not lose your mind like the Dark Ones, but every moment of you using that power brings you closer to the shadows."
"Dark Ones?" Jurabi raised an eyebrow before he realized. "You mean the Grimm?"
"That is all I need to tell you. Now go on." Little One opened his notebook again and resumed drawing into it. "You're interrupting my work."
"Work? Isn't this a realm outside the real world? What do you have to work on? Can you even get tired?"
"So curious aren't we? Well, maybe some other time I shall indulge such curiosity."
Jurabi's vision of Little One brightened as his body vanished from the mysterious realm.
Little One stared at the spot Jurabi once was before poking his chin with his red colored pencil. "Yes…Jurabi. He's one of them, no doubt. So…the Therion bloodline still lives, and that can only mean…She is still alive as well."
X
~~Oroseia City: Council Ward~~
~~July 30th: Three Days Later~~
The next time Jurabi opened his eyes, he found himself resting on a bed inside what appeared to be a hospital ward. He felt a sudden rush of pain through his body when he tried to sit his upper half up, so instead of trying harder, he rested his body on the soft bed.
"Is this . . . a hospital?" He whispered.
A few minutes passed before a nurse entered the room, immediately seeing Jurabi awake.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Alisen." She greeted the boy with a smile. "How was your rest?"
Jurabi scratched his head. "Should I tell her about Little One and that strange place? As if she'd believe me." He answered, "My body hurts all over. What happened to me?"
"I don't have all the details, but the first-responders at Alisen Industries brought you here, wounded from top to bottom," The nurse explained.
"And how long was I out?"
"A total of three days."
"Three days?!"
The nurse nodded as she began writing on her clipboard. "No need for alarm, Mr. Alisen. The council banned the press from the area, so you were not disturbed during your rest."
"Council? Wait, are I . . .?"
The nurse put a finger over her lips, signaling Jurabi not to speak further, "Unfortunately, I am not authorized to tell you anymore. My job is to only make your rest comfortable. Please wait here while I inform the doctor."
After the nurse left the room, Jurabi let out a sigh.
"Not the council…ugh, this isn't good. Did they find out that I'm…" His eyes widened, but his body couldn't react with him, "Wait, where are Aoife and Ken?!"
After another waiting period, the nurse returned with the head doctor.
The male doctor smiled. "Hello, Mr. Alisen. I am sorry if you find your new environment unsettling. How are you feeling?"
"My body hurts all over and my head aches a little," Jurabi replied.
"Well, don't worry. I'll run a routine check-up on you to see if there are any complications." The doctor then proceeded to put Jurabi through a check-up process. Once finished, he reads over the clipboard as he checked his computer, "This is interesting. . ."
"What it?" Jurabi asked.
"Your recovery." The doctor turned back to the boy. "When you arrived, the doctors predicted a three-week recovery period - fractured bones, torn muscles, heart irregularities…your body was on the brink of breaking down; however, you not only regained consciousness in three days, your body's healing cells show signs of faster productivity than normal healing cells.
The nurse's eyes widened in shock. "That's . . . unbelievable!"
"I'll need to report this . . ." The doctor stood up from his chair and turned to the nurse. "Keep an eye on the patient until I return."
The nurse nodded. "Yes, Doctor."
Jurabi looked down at his hands, thinking to himself. "Must have something to do with that boy's power. Or. . .is it my power. . .?"
X
~~Oroseia Council Ward~~
~~The Next Day~~
Jurabi was undergoing his final check-ups with his doctor. Much to everyone's surprise, Jurabi's wounds have healed overnight, and his body no longer hurts every time he moves.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but it seems you are ready to be released," The doctor said as he wrote into his clipboard, "Just be certain not to conduct any heavy physical activity for a few days to ensure that your body has fully recovered."
Jurabi nodded. "Sure. Um, doctor, I know there may be things you're ordered not to tell me, but do you happen to know where Aoife and Ken are?"
"Miss Chandani and Mr. Vongarus? Both of them are being treated by separate doctors. Mr. Vongarus sustained heavier injuries but is scheduled to be back on duty in a week. Miss Chandani has been more worried for you than for her own condition; she's outside right now.
Jurabi breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness…"
The doctor then turned to the nurse, "I'm going to make a call real quick. Mr. Alisen is to stay here until I return."
"Yes, doctor." The nurse nodded.
"Oh, and you may let Miss Chandani visit him," The doctor added before turning to Jurabi. "Please wait here, Mr. Alisen, until I come back." He then turned and exited the room.
After he left, the nurse soon exited the room for a brief moment. Jurabi heard her say, "Miss Chandani, you may visit-"
Not a moment later, Aoife suddenly barged into the room, "Jubi!"
"A-Aoife!" Jurabi shouted.
The nurse quickly followed into the room, telling Aoife, "Keep your voice down. We have other patients resting in this room."
"Oh, teehee, sorry," Aoife said, rubbing her head as she sat down next to Jurabi.
"You both have ten minutes." The nurse then sat down at the desk to write down a report.
Aoife let out a sad sigh, "I doubt she will be happy if I hugged you at this moment, Jubi. Sorry."
"No, don't be," Jurabi replied, "I wouldn't have liked being strangled by your hugs anyway."
"Making fun of me on your hospital bed, huh? Well, that's a good sign at least. A normal person in your position wouldn't have been able to talk at all."
"Yeah, the doctors told me I recovered faster than they anticipated. All that's left is to wait for my doctor to come back."
Aoife didn't respond to his statement.
"It is odd. Usually, this would be when they would let me go," Jurabi said before he realized why. "You don't think. . ."
"You are in the Oroseia Capital Building, Jurabi."
Both of them went quiet at that moment. The Oroseia Capital Building is where the five leaders of Vastel, consisting of the Four Governors and the Sovereign, come together to discuss matters that can have an impact on a nationwide scale. If what Jurabi felt in his heart is correct, those leaders will soon judge him not just for helping Gerald create weapons to kill, but for also being a Grimm.
"I saw Ken resting in one of the rooms," Aoife said, trying to bring up a different conversation.
"You did? How is he?" Jurabi asked.
"He doesn't look too good." Aoife's hands, which were clumped together, tightened their grip on each other as her breathing started turning shallow, "It…It hurt a lot not being able to be there for him."
Seeing Aoife in a worried state made Jurabi's heart sink. He closed his eyes to think of what words to say. "He's alive, at least. The three of us knew the risks of that mission, and that is why we should think of this as better than the alternative. Silver linings, right?"
"Jubi..." Aoife let out a small giggle. "…Yeah…you're right.
Jurabi let out a sigh of relief and thought to himself, "Nice choice of words, Jurabi. Still, it feels…strange to see Miss Chandani so worried. I'm so used to seeing her smile. I never thought she could be this...emotional. What should I…?"
The doctor returned. "Mr. Alisen."
"Doctor, that was quick. Is there something wrong?" Jurabi asked.
The doctor closed his eyes as he stepped to his left. At that moment, a white-haired man wearing silver armor walked into the room followed by a platoon of soldiers.
"Jurabi Alisen." The man spoke with a firm voice.
"Yes...that's me?" Jurabi was uncertain of how he should speak to the man. He looked over to Aoife who only had her eyes closed and her head down.
"I am General Silver of the Oroseia Guard," The white-haired man named Silver explained, "I have orders to escort you to the Oroseia Council."
"A lot sooner than I expected. I suppose a Grimm like me couldn't wait for the council, huh?"
"I'm sorry, Jubi." Aoife whispered, placing a hand on his hand, "Kenny and I can't do anything to help you since both of us are suspended and under probation."
Jurabi looked Aoife in her amber eyes. "It's okay, Aoife. If I could smile right now, it would be because you both did so much for me. You helped me put a stop to Gerald and save many lives, but...that's not enough to put my heart at ease."
Aoife watched as Jurabi stood up from his bed, "Jubi..."
"There's still more I need to do, and to do that, I need to face the consequences head-on." Jurabi looked General Silver in the eye, "I will comply, General Silver."
"Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Alisen." Silver gestured for one of his men to take out a black collar and place it over Jurabi's neck.
The moment the collar activated, Jurabi felt his body begin to weaken as it took most of his strength to keep himself standing. "Ngh…what is…this…?"
"Jubi!" Aoife screamed, an immense wave of worry filling her heart.
"A Dark Atom Inhibitor," Silver explained as he gestured his men to then place restraints around Jurabi's arms, "Right now, you should be no different from an ordinary human. You'd be surprised how many shapes and sizes they can take. That one is for Apathy Grimm, but it might be a bit tight in your case."
Aoife felt a fire in her eyes as she glared at Silver. "Hold on! Isn't this too much?! He's still a boy, and he willingly surrendered without a fight!"
Silver turned to Aoife. "Mr. Alisen is in my custody now, Miss Chandani, and will soon face the Four Governors of Vastel. I suggest you focus on getting through probation unscathed." After hearing Aoife growl under her breath, he continued, "I'll put in a good word for you and Vongarus if you accept my assurances that we won't manhandle Mr. Alisen."
Aoife crossed her arms, "…As long as you don't harm a hair on his head."
Unfazed by the woman's pent-up anger, Silver nodded. "You have my word." He then turned to Jurabi. "Now then, follow me, Mr. Alisen."
"Of course." As Jurabi got into position to be escorted, he looked to Aoife and said, "I'll see you soon, Aoife. If Mr. Vongarus wakes up, please give him my gratitude."
General Silver and his men then proceeded to escort Jurabi out of the hospital ward.
Aoife looked down at the ground. She placed a hand over her now aching head as she took a seat to cool herself down, "Jurabi..." She whispered as a tear fell from her cheeks.
X
~~Oroseia Council Auditorium~~
Inside the council chamber, a crowd of a hundred councilmen from all nations spoke amongst each other. Four representatives of the nations debated with each other about their upcoming session; however, due to the current bad blood between humans and faunus, the discussion did not turn out well.
"Enough of your excuses, humans!" shouted a faunus councilman from Staneia. "It's about time you admit to the blatant crimes Alisen and his industry has committed against us!"
"You're the ones with the excuses for hating us!" A human councilman of Vulna rebutted. "Alisen Industries had nothing to do with the activities of the Twilights! Gerald Achilles is the individual who illegally sold his weapons to the black market, and he was the ringleader for the faunus trafficking!"
"He's right," A human councilwoman of Igarus spoke up, "Gerald Achilles is a traitor to all of Vastel, not just for faunus or humans. The same way other faunus are innocent if one of you committed a crime against humans."
A faunus councilwoman from Sokkitia scoffed. "It sounds to me like you humans are deflecting and putting the blame on one person. You give Achilles far too much credit if you think the black-market sales and the trafficking were all his doing. No, Achilles must have had workers who kept quiet about his dealings. I say we investigate the entirety of Alisen Industries!"
"No, I say we dismantle the company entirely," A faunus councilman from Staneia added, "Ever since Nitorin Alisen's death, the only thing that company is good for now is making coffee machines. And not particularly good ones either."
A human councilman slammed his fists on his desk. "How dare you insult all that Mr. Alisen has worked hard to create! We've done more than make coffee machines. Our mission has always been to better the lives of every living being in Vastel and Reigal! It is because of Alisen Industries that our hunters can still fight against the Grimm, or have you faunus developed short-term memory loss?!"
A faunus councilman also slammed his fists on his desk before shouting back, "I will be dead before I hear another human speak about the betterment of lives after the Moonrock Tragedy!"
The room then erupted into a massive loud argument that went on for a solid minute.
Then, a ray of light suddenly beamed in the chamber, causing everyone to focus more on shielding their eyes than continue yelling at each other.
A middle-aged man with white hair entered the room wearing a white and black suit. In his hand was a black cane with a white crystal on the top. "It truly is a shame to see my representatives and the faunus reduce themselves to squabbling children."
Griffon Pretorius, Head of the Pretorius Family and Governor of Igarus.
At his side were three more individuals: two men and one female.
The middle-aged human female had beautiful, black hair, and brown eyes, and wore a formal knight outfit. "This matter isn't about one side or the other. It's about all of Vastel. We encourage all of you to not stoop to petty insults during this meeting."
Hinata Argyros, Leader of the Argyros Knights and Governor of Vulna.
The middle-aged faunus male had long, white hair, many scars on his face, and the ears of a mountain lion. He also wore a kimono belonging to only the highest in authority in his nation. "Just so we're on the same page, failure to show proper conduct befitting your status will have consequences. I don't want to have a circus for a council whether we're here or not, so I will ask you to remember your oaths of office, and to take it seriously."
Vesca Ouro, Shogun of the Ouro Dynasty and Governor of Sokkitia.
The young male faunus was none other than Riboku, whom Jurabi met ten years ago at Alisen Industries, except this time he wore clothing resembling a tribesman except it bore technological armor plating.
Riboku Webber, Leader of the Webber Tribe and Governor of Staneia.
Riboku did not say a word but his mere presence caused his council representatives to not look him in the eye out of fear.
With no more words spoken, all the councilmen silently returned to their seats as the four Governor's sat in theirs.
"Let Alisen enter," Riboku commanded.
The guards then opened the doors as General Silver led Jurabi into the chamber.
Upon reaching the center, Silver salutes the governors and said, "I have brought Mr. Alisen, as you commanded."
"Thank you, General Silver. Remain on standby," Griffon ordered.
"Yes, Governor." Silver and his platoon moved to both sides of the chamber but close enough in case Jurabi tried anything.
Jurabi felt an immense wave of pressure as he looked around the chamber, astonished at how many members were present. "There are a lot more people here than I anticipated." He looks up and immediately sees Riboku in his seat. His eyes widened in surprise. "Wait…is that…?"
"Welcome, Jurabi Alisen," said Vesca, "I assume you are aware of why you have been brought before us?"
Jurabi turned back to the four Governors and nodded. "Yes, I do."
"You are now in a closed meeting," Hinata explained, "Everyone in this room is under a vow to not disclose any information spoken here to the public."
Vesca then added, "Normally you would be on trial in a court of law for being an accessory to Gerald Achilles in the manufacturing of weapons sold in the black market that led directly to faunus deaths. However, there is reason to believe that you were fully unaware of the nature of your work, and multiple eyewitnesses also testified that you were fighting against Gerald Achilles on July 23rd, during which you displayed…supernatural fighting capabilities. What do you have to say to these accusations, Mr. Alisen?"
Jurabi clenched his hands underneath his restraints. "For the first accusation..." He took in a deep breath, "I indeed created deadly weapons for Achilles to sell to the Twilight Syndicate that, in turn, were used to murder innocent people, humans and faunus alike."
The crowd of council members begin making mutter sounds after Jurabi's made his statement.
Jurabi ignored them and continued. "However, I must also assert that while I understood what I was making, I didn't know what my creations were being used for. I was under the impression that the Twilight Syndicate was a faction with a mission to protect the innocent. Achilles told me this much when he saved me and instructed me for ten years to create weapons for them. However, Achilles later admitted that he manipulated me for my talents and even assisted in the murder of my father to take control of both me and the company.
Riboku shook his head at Jurabi's words. "And you expect us to believe that Achilles alone could wrap both you and the company under this thumb? What of the workers and investors? You mean to tell us that Achilles was able to hide everything from all the people he had spoken to? That no one noticed anything?"
"I can't tell you how Gerald was able to hide his true nature so well. What I know for a fact is that he was able to fool everyone, even my father, for a very long time."
"Then where would that leave you, young Alisen?" Griffon asked, "Did you not have any doubts as to the legitimacy of Gerald's words?"
Jurabi's gaze turned to the ground. His expression racked with guilt. "I…I only found out when it was too late. I had my doubts, but I was young and impressionable, and he kept telling me 'the best weapon is one that only needs to be used once'."
"And to make up for your own mistakes, you decided to attack your father's own company, putting more lives in danger," Riboku said.
Jurabi's eyes widened as he looked up at Riboku. "That's not true! Miss Chandani, Mr. Vongarus, and I did our best to ensure no lives were lost that day. Our objective was to arrest Achilles, nothing more."
"Something hunters are not authorized to do in the first place. Perhaps those two ought to be tried as well for conducting an unauthorized arrest and disrupting the balance of power."
"Governor Webber, that's enough," Hinata spoke up, to which Riboku said nothing more.
"Let's not get sidetracked here," Vesca said, "What matters in this meeting is the facts and evidence concerning the accusations against Jurabi Alisen. So, Mr. Alisen, do you have evidence of Gerald Achilles's manipulation?"
"I…I don't have that, I'm afraid," Jurabi answered.
"Then we will leave the small details to the investigation team. Moving on, we would like to hear your recollection of all the events related to both your father and Gerald Achilles."
"My recollection?"
Hinata nodded. "Yes, we only have the story from the perspective of the people and the police, but that is not enough. You knew your father and Achilles better than anyone, so we need to hear your side of the story."
Jurabi took in a deep breath. "Of course. I hope you all don't mind long stories.
Riboku rolled his eyes. "Just remove the bells and whistles. As factual as you can manage."
"Okay…"
Jurabi began recounting everything in his life relating to his father and Gerald from his childhood up until what occurred at Alisen Industries ten years ago. He didn't leave out his father's death or what Gerald told him during his fight against him.
As the governors and council members listened, one part of Jurabi's story stuck out like a sore thumb.
"Karasu, you say?" Vesca asked, raising an eyebrow, "He was the one who attacked Alisen Industries that day?"
"Yes. It was because of him…" Jurabi gritted his teeth. "That a dear friend of mine lost her life that day."
Hinata immediately turned to Riboku. "Governor Webber. Wasn't Karasu your assistant at the time?"
Riboku closed his eyes. "Yes, he was. However, since that incident, he has mysteriously vanished with no warning of what he was about to do."
"Vanished? He was your most trusted assistant at the time. Why would he go through the lengths to jeopardize his position?"
"You may cast suspicion on me and make pointless speculation as much as you like, Governor Argyros," Riboku said, "But unless you have solid evidence of my involvement with the attack on Alisen Industries, you are wasting everyone's time. As you said, this hearing mainly concerns Jurabi Alisen."
"With all due respect, Governor Webber…" Jurabi began.
Riboku turned to Jurabi and glared at him. "I have given you no permission to speak to me, Grimm. You ought to learn your place and speak only what is required of you."
Jurabi did not respond. "What's with this guy? He can't really be the governor of Staneia, can he?"
"Alisen, please continue your story," Griffon said, "Your friend lost her life and then…"
Jurabi continued. Explaining to the counselors and governors what occurred after the attack on Alisen Industries leading up to the present when Jurabi discovered Gerald's dark secret.
"So what happened that day is what led to you assisting Gerald's alleged schemes?" Vesca asked.
Jurabi nodded. "Yes."
Once again, the members of the council groups muttered among themselves.
Riboku then stood up from his chair. "I believe we've heard enough."
"Governor Webber?" Hinata asked.
"You've heard it from its mouth." Riboku looked around at all of the council members. "Unaware or not, this thing has assisted in the deaths of my people. You defeating Achilles and facing us here in this room will not erase the blood-stained on the snowy fields of Staneia."
"Governor Webber, I believe you are undervaluing Alisen's good deed in stopping Achilles." Vesca could sense a hint of anger within Riboku seething out. "He indeed had a hand in building weapons for the man, but we all know what he did after he found out the truth."
Riboku turned to Vesca. "And who helped put my people in harm's way in the first place? The Twilight Syndicate is not like Eclipse. They have many resources and access to advanced weaponry." He then turned his gaze to Jurabi. "Now that this controversy with Achilles has been brought to light, there can only be one explanation: The Twilight Syndicate is being backed by corrupt human corporations!"
A human councilman from Vulna shouted, "I OBJECT TO THIS OUTLANDISH ACCUSATION!"
"Stay your anger, my representatives," Hinata ordered.
"But…Governor Argyros!" A human councilwoman objected, "It is against the honor of the Argyros Knights to allow someone to make such baseless accusations."
"This controversy has indeed brought up many questions related to the Twilight Syndicate, but it is not the subject being discussed at this meeting."
"Then this meeting has no true purpose," Riboku said, "We've had to deal with Twilight Syndicate attacks for fifteen years, same with the Eclipse too! It's about time Vastel goes on the offensive against these ruffians so that our people can remain safe!"
"Safe?" asked a human councilman from Igarus, "With the looming Grimm threat growing ever so strong? It would be naïve of you to think the two terrorist organizations should be our biggest priority at the moment."
"What did you say to me, human?" Riboku glared at the human who spoke up to him.
The human councilman felt his entire body freeze up just from looking into Riboku's dark purple eyes.
"Calm down, all of you!" Vesca shouted, turning to the human councilman, "Human representatives, these terrorist groups are a very real threat to the safety of Vastel society because of how deep their roots go and how destructive they can be. Make no mistake they are just as much of a threat as the Grimm is to our way of life." He then turned to Riboku. "Governor Webber, we understand how much of a threat the two terrorist organizations are, but we must learn to choose our targets wisely. We've already agreed that the Grimm threat is more imminent, so there is no need to raise a discourse over it."
Riboku looked away from Vesca. "A threat is still a threat, Governor Ouro." He then glared at Jurabi. "No matter what form it takes."
Griffon let out a sigh before speaking. "Enough. It will be difficult for us to conclude this meeting, but now that we have received Alisen's side of the story, we will resume after a thirty-minute recess. Alisen will wait in the lobby until he is summoned again."
As the council members and governors leave their seats, Jurabi took one more look at Riboku, who only gave him a cold stare before walking away.
"He definitely seems different than the last time I met him, and I still feel the same negative energy too. Why is that?"
X
~~ Governors' Meeting Room~~
Riboku, Vesca, Griffon, and Hinata silently sat in the governor's meeting room. The silence in the air carried a tense atmosphere that could break at any moment.
And so Vesca decides to be the first by clearing his throat. "Well, that could have gone better."
Hinata broke character and let out a smile. "And there goes all the tension. Heh, old habits die hard, huh, Vesca."
Vesca smiled at Hinata "Haha. They sure do, Hinata. Hard to believe fourteen years have passed and we're still like this. Man how time flies."
Griffon, however, did not say a word as he took a sip of his tea.
Vesca turned to the man, scratching his head, "Glad to see you too, Griffon."
"I don't recall ever giving you permission to refer to me by name, Ouro," Griffon said, not even looking in Vesca's direction.
"Ah, there's the classic Pretorius. Their obsession with name usage. Never gets old."
"A million centuries can pass and I will still not give you the right."
"A little harsh there, Pretorius," Hinata said, "I'm at least glad you haven't changed since the Academy."
"Contrary to popular belief, I have indeed changed, Argyros." Griffon opened his eyes and looked in her direction. "I've grown more accustomed to light-hearted witticisms."
"But what about-"
Griffon interrupted Vesca. "Not the ones from that man, however."
Vesca let out a sigh. "Geez, are you still hung up about that prank with the whoopee cushion? I told you it was meant for Kane. Not my fault you decided not to sit at your usual seat."
Griffon hid it well, but his hands on his tea shook a little. "Be that as it may, it seems we have a new Governor among us. Do try to leave a good impression."
Riboku sat in silence, completely ignoring what the other three were saying.
"Psh, you're giving me the silent treatment too?" Vesca asked, "There's no need to be shy. I'm a lot friendlier than Mr. White Snow."
"I have no obligation to speak to any of you until we start judgment towards Mr. Alisen," Riboku spoke.
"Yikes, we've got a feisty one."
"Now, now, he's not used to how we interact with each other," Hinata said, "No doubt he expected us to always speak formally and have a broom handle permanently up our backsides."
"I carry no expectations for anyone when I measure them," Riboku said, "All of you could talk about the shape of the clouds for all I care. I'm here to fulfill my duty as Governor. No less."
Griffon let out a small chuckle. "An admirable statement, Governor Webber. Your brother would be so proud of you."
Riboku glared cold daggers at Griffon. "Don't. Go there."
The sides of Griffon's lips raised a little before he nodded. "My deepest apologies. Now that we've shattered the rime…"
"Break the ice, you mean," Vesca corrected.
"We must discuss our thoughts on Mr. Alisen's story." Griffon completely ignored Vesca's correction.
"As I have stated earlier, he aided in the deaths of my people," Riboku began, "It doesn't matter if he was fooled, he was a fool to even allow his mind to be manipulated, to begin with."
"He was a kid, Webber!" Hinata objected, "As in, he wasn't even 10 when he lost everything. Cut him some slack!"
"Tell that to my people who're still feeling the effects of Achilles's crimes to this day. Need I show you the burnt remains of once-villages on the outer edges of Staneia's forestlands again?"
"Then what do you suggest we do with Alisen, Governor Webber?" Griffon asked, putting down his tea.
"Easy. Execute both Alisen and Achilles, here and now." Riboku said.
Hinata's eyes widened. "Execute? Both of them?" She then slammed her hands on the table. "Are you mad?!"
Vesca's eyebrow raised as he stared at Riboku. "Governor Webber, I understand how much this means to you personally, and I believe nobody thinks the faunus deserved what happened?" Both Hinata and Griffon nodded their heads out of the corner of his eye. "But I advise you to temper your emotions. Killing them will only inflame tensions even more."
"The Twilights and Eclipse are doing that already," Riboku said, "You're only against this because neither of them targeted your nation, Governor Ouro."
"I thought you might say something like that." Vesca takes out a file and slides it across the table. Once Riboku caught it, he continued. "They've already tried and failed, take a look for yourself."
Riboku opened the file and took a look at all the reports of attacks from the Twilight Syndicate on Sokkitia soil.
"Not to be pretentious towards you or your people, but with all due respect, I hope you don't forget that your nation, at the moment, is without its true and rightful ruler and heir thanks to the Moonrock Tragedy. It should be no surprise they're going to take advantage of that."
Riboku put down the file and calmly asked, "And who do we have to thank for our predicament, Ouro?"
Griffon shook his head after taking a sip of his tea, which had now turned cold. "This is getting us nowhere. Ouro, your opinion on the matter?"
Vesca let out a sigh before taking time to ponder his answer to such a question. "It's as you said, Pretorius, we don't have all the information we need to reach a sensible conclusion. I'm absolutely against just executing him, but the matter of Alisen's…power, is not one to be hand-waved."
Riboku nodded. "Exactly. What's stopping that child from using that power against the people of Vastel? The Grimm are bad enough as is, but a human that is somehow able to utilize the Dark Atoms? If more like him begin appearing…if Eclipse and the Syndicate know how to give others that power…"
"It would spell disaster for Vastel."
The room went silent as the four begin to use their imaginations of such a possibility, horrific event.
Vesca directed his gaze to the ground and took a deep breath. "I'm afraid I have to agree with Webber."
Hinata turned to Vesca. "But Ouro..."
"Don't get me wrong." Vesca interrupted her, knowing what she would say. "I feel bad for the kid, but…frankly, I think we might well be doing him a favor. If I had Dark Atoms in my body…I wouldn't want to live afterward if I even had a life ahead of me. I'm surprised the kid hasn't lost his sanity yet."
"Is that why we're going to just kill him? Pity?"
"If the fate of Vastel is at stake, one kid is a...reasonable price for the safety of everyone else, no?" Vesca saw Hinata open her mouth and quickly added, "Before you say it, yes, if it were my kid, I would say the same thing. The grief and pain I would feel would be unforgettable, but I would still put Vastel first."
Those words made the whole room go quiet once again.
"Even if you both are on board with this decision..." Hinata said, "I refuse to stain what I consider to be a human's honor by sentencing a victim to their death."
"Victim? Listen to what you're saying," Riboku said.
"I am listening to what I am saying, Webber, and what I am saying is the truth," Hinata said, "His parents were good people who wanted the world to be a more peaceful place, but their lives ended in tragedy and their son had to suffer the consequences. A corrupt adult used him and was willing to throw him away whenever he saw fit. This boy risked his life to undo his mistakes and end the bloodshed, but here we are deciding to repay him with a death penalty?"
Vesca closed his eyes while Riboku only stared at her with his unmoving eyes.
"Two for executing. One for sparing." Griffon began.
"What is your verdict, Pretorius?" Riboku asked.
Griffon did not respond and instead drew his attention to the door. "He is here."
"He?" Hinata asked.
"Who?" Vesca followed.
The door opened as a man walked in. "My my, how rude of the four of you to cast your votes without asking my opinion."
The other three governors turned to the door, shocked by who they see.
"Director Kurosaki." Riboku said.
Kurosaki made a small salute by putting his two fingers to his forehead. "Good afternoon, Governors. I must say that was the most spectacular display of governing I've ever seen."
"What do you want? In case you haven't noticed, you're interrupting an important meeting."
"Not even a hello back?" Kurosaki began walking around the room examining everything on the walls and table, "I was sincere, you know." He stopped and turned to Riboku. "Well, half sincere anyway. I do think you acted rather rashly compared to how your brother would have handled things, Governor Webber." Seeing Riboku's icy cold glare, Kurosaki only smiled as he continued walking around. "Anyways, Jurabi Alisen. You four have scored yourselves quite the catch."
"We're deciding on his fate at the moment." Vesca said, "Webber and I have decided on his execution."
"And I against it," Hinata added.
"Execution?" Kurosaki raised an eyebrow, "A wee bit harsh, are we?"
"We are Governors of Vastel, Kurosaki," Riboku said, "Our decisions..."
"Affect all of Vastel. Yada-Yada-Yada." Kurosaki turned to the four governors. "Don't assume I am not taking this seriously, Webber. I've heard this boy has a special power that his father kept secret from us. Isn't that interesting?"
"It was kept hidden most likely for the boy's protection," Vesca theorized.
"And rightly so. Even after the failure of Project Therion, Nitorin Alisen had something up his sleeve. He always was one for taking even the smallest conveniences and turning them into an advantage. So, how long do you intend on keeping it a secret?"
The four governors looked at each other before looking back at Kurosaki.
"Secret?" Hinata asked.
"Project Therion." Kurosaki's tone turned from slightly playful to deadly serious.
"But, Project Therion-"
"Is right in front of us." Kurosaki smiled after interrupting Vesca. "Jurabi Therion."
Hinata, Vesca, and Riboku's eyes widen in complete shock.
Griffon, however, smiled. "Ah, so you could sense it too, Kurosaki. The depths of the boy's power."
Kurosaki also smiled at Griffon. "Of course, I could, Griffon. There's no Dark Atom in my city that I couldn't sniff out."
"Be that as it may, the public will not take the news well. A human boy has the powers of a Grimm. That carries disastrous implications and equally bad consequences."
"Exactly," Vesca said, "What of the Eclipse and Twilight Syndicate? They will do all they can to acquire and harness his power. I wouldn't put it beneath them to experiment on humans and faunus alike."
"As I said, we should have it executed immediately along with Achilles to hide any traces," Riboku said, "The longer they both live, the more at risk Vastel is."
"Now, now, Riboku, let's not be hasty here," Kurosaki said, "I am well aware of the possibility of the Eclipse and Twilights becoming more confident if news of Jurabi's power spreads…but I hate to break it to you…but I think they already knew."
The governors all twitched when they heard Kurosaki's words.
"That…that can't be!" Hinata exclaimed, "Project Therion-"
"Was a well-kept secret?" Kurosaki started walking around again. "Are you certain of that? What of that little incident at the research labs that had Project Therion? The attack on Oroseia when Nitorin Alisen was murdered? And now this sudden incident with Jurabi Alisen?"
Griffon rubbed his goatee. "In the first instance, we are unaware of the culprits aside from a gang of hooligans. What were their names again?"
"The Drago Gang," Vesca answered, "Those miscreants have been causing trouble for businesses small and large. And on top of that, no matter how many times we capture their leader, Drago, he always manages to slip through our fingers."
Riboku clicked his tongue. "Let those fools play their pointless game. As for the attack on Oroseia, that was no doubt Eclipse's doing. Has anyone found the purpose of that raid?"
Kurosaki had his back turned to Riboku to hide his smirk. "Not at all. Even if Nitorin was their target, it's odd that they decided that day of all others to murder him, but…it's the only logical conclusion we could come to."
"That brings us to this incident," Hinata said, "The Twilight Syndicate was involved. Ah…now I see the connection here."
"Correct. In all three of these incidents, there have been three well-known factions involved in each. And in every single one, Jurabi Alisen was involved in some way."
"So, what does this mean, exactly?" asked Riboku.
"That the Eclipse and Twilight Syndicate knew of Project Therion from the beginning. At least, the main bosses of those organizations."
Hinata stood up from her seat. "Then that would mean the Drago Gang were hired by either of the two organizations."
"So, they did know about Project Therion!" Vesca said.
Kurosaki turned around to show them his confident smirk. "You all catch on quick, and given how Gerald testified to not knowing about Jurabi's power before this incident, it's logical to assume that the higher-ups of those organizations didn't mention this to their lackeys."
"Never let your opponent know what you know about them," Griffon said.
Kurosaki nodded. "That is why you only have two options, Governors."
Vesca raised an eyebrow. "Two options?"
Kurosaki held up one finger. "One: We kill Jurabi Therion and Gerald Achilles here and wipe our hands clean of this controversy and the potential danger.
"And two?" Hinata asked, "Surely you don't want to kill an innocent boy just because he might bring trouble that he doesn't want to?"
Kurosaki's smirk turned into a smile. "Quite the opposite, actually."
X
~~Meanwhile~~
Jurabi sat in an isolated room with only a steel glass wall. He stared at his restraints and let out a sigh.
The door on the other side opened.
Jurabi turned his attention to the sound of someone walking in and realized who it was. "Aoife."
Aoife let out a sigh of relief once she confirmed no one hurt Jurabi. "Thank goodness you're not hurt, Jubi."
"I wish I could say that for my nerves during that meeting."
"Are you okay? I mean, you met with the Governors. Being in the same room with one is bad enough, but all four…I know it wasn't an easy experience."
"I might not be okay if I have to be in that room more than three times. But aside from that, I'm fine."
Aoife leaned closer to him. "You don't sound fine. I'm so sorry you have to go through all this. If only there was some way-"
"Don't. You and Mr. Vongarus did everything you could for me and I'm thankful."
Aoife smiled. "Speaking of, it seems he and I are cleared of the suspension and probation."
Jurabi's eyes widened. "You have? How?"
"You didn't hear it from me, but apparently Director Kurosaki is here."
"Director Kurosaki?" Jurabi titled his head.
"The director of Oroseia Academy. He's a...hard one to read." Aoife rubbed her cheek with her finger.
"Wow, if you're saying that about someone else, that means something." Jurabi took a moment to collect his thoughts before asking, "But still, what is a director doing here?"
"I'm not too sure, but my gut tells me he's here because you are. That means he's going to try to get you out of this mess."
"I appreciate the optimism, Aoife, but I'm afraid we have to look at the facts." Jurabi moved his gaze to his restraints. "I don't think I'll be getting out of here alive."
"You can't be serious! Don't tell me that is the fate you've accepted!"
"If there was even the slightest chance of a fate other than death, I would be happy to accept it." Jurabi then looked Aoife in the eyes. "But look at me. This is what I am to them: A murderous monster."
"I don't believe that! You don't believe that!" Tears start to form in Aoife's amber eyes as she held back the urge to slam her hands on the desk.
"But they believe it…and that's what counts."
"Jubi!"
A guard then entered the room on Aoife's side. "Miss Chandani, your time is almost up."
Aoife let out her frustration in a single exhale as she looked at Jurabi with a serious expression. "Jurabi, no matter what happens, don't give up on who you truly are. Think about what it is you're willing to fight for and hold on to it as tightly as you are able."
"Aoife…" Jurabi felt his heartbeat. Even after everything they've gone through, she hasn't given up on him as a human.
Aoife smiled as she placed her hand on the glass separating them and said, "Because I'm willing to fight for you…even if everyone else deems you a monster!"
Jurabi bit his lips as his tears fell down his cheeks. He then held his hand against the glass connecting to Aoife's. "Th-thank you…so much, Aoife…I'm glad…that this is the last conversation I get to have with you in this world."
Aoife allowed the two to remain there for as long as possible before she is once again called to leave. She stood up without breaking eye contact with Jurabi. "It won't be the last. Until we meet again…Jubi..."
After Aoife left the room, Jurabi wiped away his tears with his arm. "Even when I know I'm going to die, she still tells me to fight for what I hold dear." He then starts to remember the last, genuine moment he had with his father before his death.
"It will be rough from here on, but as long as I don't give up, I'm sure a bright future will be waiting for you. I don't even care if I am barred from seeing it. As long as I know you will live a normal life, that's more than enough."
"Dad...I…I…I don't want to die…Not yet."
That was when General Silver entered the room on Jurabi's side. "Mr. Alisen, the recess is about to end. Come this way."
Jurabi's eyes harden. His mind split on what his fate should be: to die at the hands of justice or live on to an unknown future.
X
~~Oroseia Ward~~
Aoife was waiting on a bench in the Oroseia Ward's hallway.
The nurse then opened the door. "Miss Chandani, you're clear to visit Mr. Vongarus."
"Thank you." This time, Aoife didn't barge into the room and instead calmly followed the nurse in.
There, she saw Ken resting on the hospital bed. It looked like the doctors covered his limbs in bandages. Aoife was used to seeing sights like this with other people, but every time Ken is the one injured, she couldn't find it in her to work up a smile.
"Here to check up on me again?" Ken asked, not even needing to look her way to know she was there.
Aoife mustered up a fake smile as she sat down. "You know it. Although my time is limited as per usual."
"Were you able to see Jurabi?"
Aoife nodded. "He recovered faster than expected. Now we just have to wait on you and-"
"I know what you're trying to hide from me."
Aoife's smile vanished after hearing Ken say that to her.
"Don't try to hide it with a smile. You know how the council is when they perceive a potential threat. Especially one as big as Jurabi, what with the Grimm crisis looming over everybody."
"…Even so…" Aoife bit her lip. "I still want to have hope. Is that too much to ask?"
"And are you prepared for your hope to get crushed?" Seeing Aoife go silent, Ken continued. "If not, then it's naught but false hope, which can be more dangerous." His red-haired friend remained quiet. Fearing that he might have said the quiet part out loud, the blonde faunus shook his head. "No. Forget I said anything, Aoife."
"Ken..." Aoife let out with a slightly broken voice.
Ken turned to her, seeing her shaking a little. He already knew what was happening at that moment.
"Remember that day…? The day you saw me cry for the first time?"
"I never forgot about it. The Tragedy." Ken turned to Aoife, wanting desperately to tell her something. "Aoife-"
"Remember when you held me?" Aoife asked, looking into Ken's eyes.
"...I do."
"Then…" Aoife's tears fell from her face. "If I were to tell you that…I've realized Jurabi will be killed…the same way your people were…I…"
Ken didn't say a word as he held her hand and brought her closer. Ignoring his pain, he hugged her tightly, feeling Aoife's tears wet his shoulder. "No need to say anything else, Aoife."
Aoife's eyes widened before she held Ken as well. She said nothing more as Ken allowed her to cry on his shoulder.
X
~~Oroseia Council Auditorium~~
Meanwhile, Silver returned to the council chamber with Jurabi as the council members and governors readied for the meeting to resume.
"This meeting has now returned to session," Griffon announced, "Let us continue with the trial of Jurabi Alisen. We, Four Governors, have looked over all the information presented to us by our fellow councilmen. In our minds, we may have already reached a verdict on Jurabi Alisen; however, we would like to put one question to you."
"A question to me?" Jurabi asked.
Vesca nodded. "We were mulling over how best to approach this until the Director of Oroseia Academy intervened."
"Intervene? Now that's too harsh, Governor Ouro."
Jurabi looked around for who said that. To his left was Director Kurosaki himself, "Are you...?"
Kurosaki smiled at Jurabi. "It's nice to meet you, Jurabi Alisen, although I would prefer our meeting to be under better circumstances."
"Wait, you know about me?"
"How could I not know about Dana's son? Now don't mind me. Just answer the good Governor's question."
Riboku tapped his finger on his chair. "Director Kurosaki, don't assist the Grimm. He will answer our question honestly...alone."
Kurosaki let out a low chuckle as he bowed. "As you wish, Governor Webber."
"Jurabi Alisen, what do you plan to do if you were to be released with no penalty?" Hinata asked.
Jurabi's eyes widened upon hearing that question. "What do I plan to do?"
"With no penalty. No consequence. What will you do with this freedom?" Vesca leaned forward in anticipation of the young boy's answer.
"As if I deserve the freedom after what I've done," Jurabi replied, "It wouldn't be fair to the faunus families I hurt." He then looked down. It was at that moment he realized this might be his chance. "…But…if I am allowed a future beyond this trial…If I am not to receive the death penalty and be freed…" He looked back up with a face of determination. "I would use all of it to carry on the torch my father and mother passed to me and protect Vastel and all of her people!"
At that moment, the council members all began muttering with each other.
"A Grimm protecting Vastel? What kind of madness is that?"
"He must be trying to appeal to the high council's wishes. There has to be some ulterior motive."
"But he was human before he became part Grimm. He could be valuable."
Griffon raised his hand to silence the crowd. "Jurabi Alisen has given his answer, and thus we will begin our final verdict."
Jurabi's eyes widened. "F-final verdict?!"
"My fellow leading Governors, those in favor of Director Kurosaki's proposal, say Aye."
"Aye," Hinata said.
"...Aye," Vesca said hesitantly.
"…..Nay," Riboku answered looking over at Griffon.
Griffon paused but for a moment before looking down at Kurosaki, who only smiled at him. "…Aye."
At that moment, the crowd's mutters grew louder as all of them were confused as to what the verdict even was.
"Wait, what did they even agree to?"
"Did they agree to send that Grimm to its death?"
"That can't be. Governor Riboku would have said 'Aye'."
"What is going on?"
Griffon raised his hand again. "I understand your confusion, representatives of Vastel. Due to Sovereign Elcrest being unable to attend this meeting, we cannot receive his opinion on this matter; however, Director Kurosaki, here, has it on good authority to do so in his stead…as his trusted friend."
Hinata then chimed in. "What we have just decided by a three-to-one vote is for Jurabi Alisen's life to be spared."
At that moment, a brief moment of silence followed before the room suddenly erupted in a volley of rage from the faunus council members.
"Are they mad?!" shouted a faunus councilwoman from Staneia, "How can they make such a decision without our input?!"
"How could they let a human who's aided in death be freed from justice?!" added a faunus councilman from Sokkitia.
"Order!" Griffon shouted as he shot another ray of light that caused everyone to settle down. "Allow Governor Argyros to finish. Proceed."
Hinata nodded. "Thank you. Jurabi Alisen is to be freed and not executed."
Jurabi's eyes widened in shock. "R-really?"
"However…" Hinata continued, "He is to be placed under the custody…of the Director of Oroseia Academy, Ackmor Kurosaki."
Even after Griffon's previous call for order, the faunus council members once again erupted in confusion and rage, this time even the human council members joined in.
"ARE YOU MAD?!" shouted a faunus councilman.
"A Grimm protecting Vastel?" asked a human councilwoman, "Have our leaders lost their minds?!"
"It must have been the Grimm's manipulation!" shouted a faunus councilwoman, "There has to be some ulterior motive behind all this!"
"Calm yourselves!" Vesca shouted, "The four of us have discussed things extensively with the director!"
"I understand your anger, my good council." Ackmor Kurosaki smiled as he stepped in front of Jurabi. "But believe me when I say I have Vastel's best interests in mind here."
A faunus councilman stood up. "Feh! This coming from a human! This is absurd and we, faunus, should not humor this ridiculous decision any further!"
"Even if this decision helps rid the world of the Zenith Grimm?" Once those words passed Ackmor's lips, the entire room went quiet. Watching the council members look at one another in shock, the director smiled. "Now I got your attention."
"What do you mean, Director Kurosaki?" asked a human councilwoman.
"I'm glad you asked." Ackmor turned to Jurabi and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You all have been wondering just what kind of Grimm is Jurabi, right? If you haven't, then you are not as bright as you make yourselves out to be." The raven-haired director could tell he offended some of them with the cold truth. "I'll tell you what kind of Grimm he is. He is the Grimm that we have spent countless decades trying to defeat. The same Grimm that our world has been helpless against since the beginning of time itself. Yes…I am referring to the Zenith Grimm."
As the council members muttered to themselves about this sudden revelation, Jurabi looked over himself, shocked at the possibility that he wasn't an ordinary Grimm.
"Me….? An actual Zenith Grimm?"
"You're lying!" objected a faunus councilman, "This child? A Zenith Grimm? Preposterous!"
"That's right!" shouted a faunus councilwoman, "What proof do you have of this claim, Kurosaki?! Show us!"
Ackmor smirked. "I'm happy you asked that of me." He then took out a small, red crystal.
Everyone went dead silent upon seeing the crystal.
"Is that…?" Hinata asked.
"Where did you get that?" Riboku asked.
"Where else?" Ackmor asked, "These are the remains of Project Therion. I had the hunters confiscate all the pieces for me. When they did, they formed into this crystal." In an instant, Ackmor moved close to Jurabi and took off his inhibitor collar.
"Wh-what are you doing?!" Vesca shouted.
As Silver moved to stop Ackmor, Griffon raised his hand to stop him. "Do not interfere. Kurosaki wouldn't be doing this without good reason."
Jurabi looked up at Ackmor's black eyes. "What are you…?" He stopped himself when he noticed the odd, square shape of the director's irises.
"Don't panic, Jurabi, but this is going to hurt." Ackmor said in a soothing voice, "You've been given this chance to make amends. Don't waste it by succumbing here!" Before Jurabi could react, Ackmor shoved the crystal straight into Jurabi's body, causing a stream of black blood to spill on the floor.
The council members all reacted in shock at what they were witnessing.
"What the hell?!"
"Kurosaki!" Hinata stood up from her chair. Hearing Jurabi's ear-piercing screams angered her to her core. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"Wait for it, Argyros," Ackmor said.
Jurabi felt excruciating pain all over his body as he fell to his knees, coughing out blood. "Ngh! It…It hurts…!"
"Come on…" Ackmor thought to himself, anticipating the one moment he desires. "Release that power."
Jurabi heard his own heartbeat as he felt a rush of agonizing pain in his head. His breathing turned shallow as his blood now drooled out of his mouth. A familiar memory began to echo in his head. His father's last words.
"Jurabi...Don't...give up...And don't forget..."
"Become one with ice...human filth."
The sound of a blade piercing through flesh filled his mind.
Jurabi clenched his head. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" He let out a cry that shook the entire room and darkened the sky.
At that moment, a dark aura covered his whole body as his veins turned black and consumed his whole body. Dragon wings formed on his back and a spikey dragon tail formed. His bones began forming into sharp spikes sticking out of his skin. Finally, his red irises turned yellow and his skin turned completely black.
"Wh-What the hell is that?!" A faunus councilman screamed.
"I-It's a demon! Kurosaki has lost his mind!" shouted a human councilwoman.
"Run!" screamed a human councilman.
As a group of counselors tried to run to the doors, the doors were frozen solid on all sides.
"All of you will remain here!" shouted Riboku as he held an icicle orb in his hand.
"But Governor Webber!" objected a faunus councilman before he saw Riboku's gaze focused only on Jurabi.
"So this is his power…" Riboku whispered.
The beast that was once Jurabi stood on its feet, glaring at the smiling Ackmor.
"That's it, Jurabi. You haven't succumbed to it yet, have you?" Ackmor asked. But the beast only growled as its claws expanded into sharp carnitine. Letting out a sigh, Ackmor warmed up his muscles. "Of course you have. Foolish of me to think you'd be ready now."
The beast lunged at Ackmor, its sharp claws ready to strike him down.
Ackmor, however, sidesteps the attack. His fists became surrounded in dark dust as he delivered a swift punch to the beast's abdomen. The power of his punch sent a shockwave that dissipated the dark atoms from Jurabi's body returning him to normal and, in the process, shattering all the glass in the room.
Jurabi, after suddenly getting his consciousness taken and then given back, found it hard to keep his balance. "Ugh…wh-wha…happened…?"
Ackmor placed the inhibitor collar back onto Jurabi's neck before patting him on the back. "Remain still, Jurabi. You did a spectacular job."
"But…I didn't even-"
"You did more than enough." Ackmor turned to the frightened councilmen. "Well, there you have it, my good counselors. Proof that Jurabi is a Zenith Grimm. The wings he had, the spiky tail, combined with a high concentration of Dark Atoms unlike any we've seen…except in four specific Grimm.
As the counselors tried to compose themselves again after the frightening sight they saw, they returned to their seats.
Ackmor continued his proposal. "If we kill this boy now, we will waste the immense power that the Guardians have gifted us after centuries of silence! The fact that Jurabi Alisen survived his great infection for all his life without once turning is a testament to how special he is! I say we use this power to our advantage and rid Vastel of all its enemies. The Twilight Syndicate, the Eclipse, and even the Grimm! But to do that, he must be trained to master his power by our brave hunters."
The counselors all muttered among each other.
"One boy is going to be able to do all that?" asked a human councilman.
"Has Director Kurosaki gone mad?" asked a human councilwoman, "Not even eighty elite huntsmen could take down one Zenith Grimm! How is this teenager going to accomplish a feat such as that against all four?"
"Do you think this is a death sentence disguised as mercy?" A faunus councilwoman inquired.
"But…what if he actually pulls it off?" A faunus councilman also asked.
Riboku stood up from his chair. "I've heard enough of this foolery. I still hold my stance, Kurosaki from the first session. This demonstration of yours only solidified my position. You expect my proud Staneia to accept help from a lowly human-turned-monster—the same one responsible for the deaths of so many of our people?"
"If you are unhappy with my proposition, you may take it up to the Sovereign after Jurabi fails to show results, Governor Webber," Ackmor replied.
Riboku's expression hardened. "He can try until it kills him for all I care. Staneia will never accept help from a human, let alone a Grimm. We will deal with our Zenith Grimm on our own." He gave Jurabi a cold glare. "If you ever set foot into our nation, Alisen, you will be executed on the spot. I swear it on our former Governor, my dear older brother and his late daughter."
Watching Riboku leave the chamber, Jurabi felt his heart sink as he held the gold tear necklace the little girl, Serena, gave him all those years ago. "…So both of them really are…"
"The decision has been made," Griffon announced, "Only the Sovereign has the authority to challenge it upon his return. This meeting is now adjourned. Alisen, Ackmor Kurosaki will be guiding you from here on. Do listen carefully to everything he tells you and be mindful to never take that inhibitor collar off of your neck. You are dismissed."
X
~~Lobby~~
Ackmor led Jurabi to the main lobby and sat down on the nearby sofa.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Ackmor turned to Jurabi. "Well, that puts a wrap on that fiasco."
Jurabi didn't know what to say or think of the man sitting next to him. Everything he did in that meeting was unlike any he's seen in a person, let alone a director.
"This man…I don't know what he did to me, but he somehow saved my life. Should I…?"
"Awfully quiet, aren't we?"
"Oh, uh, sorry. I was just thinking about what you just did…for me."
Ackmor smiled. "Ah, don't worry about it. No need to thank me."
"Okay…"
Ackmor frowned at Jurabi's response. "I mean…You can thank me a little bit since I technically broke some kind of rule during that presentation."
"Oh right. What did you do to me back there?" He still felt the pain of when Ackmor plunged his hand into his chest. "You hit me in the chest out of nowhere and everything went black. Wait…" He realized that he was feeling something hard in his chest. He looked down and saw a crystal on his chest. Jurabi's eyes widened in horror. "Wh-What is this?!"
"That is your crystal core. It's in its baby state now, but as you get stronger it'll grow into a mature Zenith Grimm core. And by then…I'm not sure what will happen." Ackmor went into a relaxed stance with his feet on the table and his hands behind his back.
"You don't know what will happen to me with this but you put it into me regardless?!" Jurabi screamed as if he was violated.
Ackmor shrugged. "Hey, I had to show them proof that you were a Zenith Grimm somehow. It was either that or let you bite the dust."
Jurabi's eyebrow twitched as he felt a hint of madness overtake his mind. "This man…he doesn't plan things out, does he?" He shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts before saying, "Well…you still saved my life back there. And I'm thankful for that, Mr…"
Ackmor smiled as he pats Jurabi on the head. "Call me Ackmor."
"Ackmor?" Jurabi asked, watching Ackmor nod in approval. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
"I hope you get used to my name because you're under my custody. We might as well get to know each other better."
"Oh…right. What does that mean, exactly?"
Ackmor gave a dark smile to the young boy. "It means if you don't follow my orders or do something I don't like, I will drag you back here and let them kill you."
Jurabi's eyes widened as his jaw dropped. "Y-y-y-you made me into your personal lap dog?!"
"Well...not precisely a lap dog. More like...a guard dog of sorts." Ackmor said, but seeing Jurabi's horrified expression made him try again. "Okay, in legal terms, you are actually my soldier. As long as you follow my orders, which are, in no way, ever going to be morally questionable, there won't be any problems. In a layman's terms, you're now under new management."
Jurabi's body posture slumped. "You sure have a way of describing things…"
Ackmor smiled. "Hmhm, I get that a lot."
"JUBI!" A familiar female voice shouted.
"And here comes the cavalry." Ackmor stood up from his seat, faced the direction of the voice, and grabbed onto a speeding bullet, except the bullet was Aoife.
Not soon after, Ken arrived at the lobby as well but he was holding himself up with a crutch.
Ackmor held Aoife by the back of her dress to stop her from hugging Jurabi.
"Aoife! Ken!" Jurabi shouted, feeling a wave of relief rush over him though he couldn't express it.
"Oh bless the guardians! You're alive! I was ready to shed tears for you until the night took my soul!"
"I'm okay now, thanks to Director Kurosaki. He really saved me."
"Indeed," Ackmor said proudly, "Just as I am saving you from a death tackle from Miss Chandani."
"Let me hug him, Acky!" Aoife shouted, "I deserve to hug him just as he deserves all the hugs in the world!"
A tick mark appeared on Ackmors forehead.
"Uh oh," Ken whispered.
In a surge of strength, Ackmor suddenly slammed Aoife into a sofa, snapping it in half. "I told you not to CALL ME THAT!"
"Whoa..." Jurabi whispered, covering his mouth.
Aoife rubbed her aching head. "Tee…heee…sorry, Ku-Kurosaki."
Ken let out a sigh as Jurabi's jaw was still gaped open.
"You and Mr. Vongarus have a lot of explaining to do when we get back to the academy," Ackmor said to Ken before turning to Aoife with a glare, "And don't think I haven't heard of the damage you caused to Alisen Industries, Aoife! I got sent an invoice to pay for the shutdown plus the explosion! What do you have to say for yourself?!"
"Ahehehe…it was an oopsie," Aoife whispered.
Ackmor pulled Aoife by the ear and made her stare into his eyes. "An oopsie that's going to cost our school thousands! Half of which will come out of your paycheck!"
"No! Anything but my paycheck!" Aoife cried crocodile tears as she endured a lecture from Ackmor.
Ken turned to Jurabi, who was watching the whole ordeal. "I'm sorry this is your first impression of Vastel's hunters, Jurabi."
"No, it's okay." Jurabi shook his head. "It makes me sad that I can't feel emotions anymore. I…would have loved to smile while seeing you all like this."
"Well, I can assure you that it's not just our banters that will make you smile. I just hope you're ready for what this fate of yours entails. Things will get harder from here on out. Will you be ready?"
"I have to be. I didn't want to die back there and the director gave me a chance to live a fulfilling life helping others. No way am I going to turn away from it."
Ackmor let out a smile as he pulled Aoife by the ear. "Good to hear, Jurabi. Come along. I know this fantastic restaurant we can dine at to celebrate."
"Ow! Ow! Please let go of my ear!" Aoife screamed.
X
~~Governor Meeting Room~~
Meanwhile, Riboku was not happy about the resulting verdict nor with Ackmor's meddling. He marched over to Griffon, who was finishing up his tea for the day.
"Governor Pretorius."
Griffon looked up at the young governor and smiled. "Ah, Governor Webber. I assume you weren't happy about the results, were you?"
"That entire trial was a farce. What is the meaning of your choice to side with a Zenith Grimm?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
Riboku pointed at Griffon. "Don't think I didn't notice. You were playing the man in the middle during our meetings despite being Pretorious! You should have called for that thing's execution the moment you laid eyes on it." He took Griffon's silence as a sign to continue. "Never in the history of the Pretorius family have they ever allowed such creatures to live amongst our society, much less a human who has committed the taboo of turning himself into one. Do you not have any regrets about being the first to violate the tradition your family has held for centuries?!"
Griffon let out a chuckle that lasted for seconds before speaking up, "There is no need to lose your temper, Webber. Would you like a cup of tea?"
"You assume that I am losing my temper?" Riboku asked, his eyebrows raised.
"You may yell at select moments, but even though you're yelling, your eyes tell a different story." Griffon took a sip of his tea before looking into Riboku's purple eyes. "They remind me of a story about a father who sang his daughter her last lullaby."
Riboku's eyes widened for a moment before he quickly regained his composure. "Th-that has nothing to do with what we are discussing. Why. Did. You. Side with the Grimm?"
Griffon finishes his tea before putting down the cup. "Do not misunderstand me. My bloodline has forever resented the Grimm. They are the creations of the weak-willed Guardians, and we will hold that viewpoint long after I pass from this world."
"That religious nonsense again? Your family needs to catch up to the times. It has been proven time and again that the Guardians never existed."
"I am well aware of the world's view on the Guardians."
Due to the advances in technology, people were able to understand what Dark Atoms were and how they were created. Unlike in the stories of the Guardians where the Grimm were created by the failings of the Guardians to protect the world, it has been claimed that the Grimm are simple manifestations of negative energies that negative human emotions carry.
"However, good Governor," Griffon continued as he stood from his chair, "You must understand that my family and I will continue to believe in the Light Guardian as well as the mistakes the other foolish Guardians brought upon this world."
"Believing in a fairy tale is one thing, but if that fairy tale was a factor in your decision—"
That was when a guard dressed in a white suit walked into the room. "Governor Pretorius. My apologies for interrupting but..." The guard whispered into Griffon's ear.
Griffon nodded as he turned to the man, "I'll be right there." As the guard picked up Griffon's tea and brought it with him, Griffon turned to Riboku. "I'm afraid I must end our conversation early, Governor Webber. I have a matter in Igarus I must attend to. Let us continue another time."
Riboku watched as Griffon left with his guard. "This might complicate things." As he walked in the opposite direction, Hinata and Vesca were both eavesdropping on the conversation.
"Do you still have that gut feeling, Hinata?" Vesca asked.
"Yes. Something about that Riboku seems off to me," Hinata answered.
"I'll have my trusted people keep watch over his connections," Vesca said, "In the meantime, there's something I wish to speak to you about, but not here."
"It sounds as if you want no one to know of this 'something' except me." Hinata crossed her arms.
Vesca nodded. "We will speak when the moment is right, but not here. Too many ears are listening in."
"Very well. Send me a message when you're ready," Hinata said as they both parted ways.
X
~~Oroseia Streets~~
Meanwhile, Jurabi, Aoife, Ken, and Ackmor all make their way through the busy streets. Due to his fame, Jurabi was forced to wear his usual hat and sunglasses, but at this point, he didn't mind.
"So what restaurant are we going to, exactly?" Jurabi asked.
"You'll see, Jurabi," Ackmor replied, "I know you haven't been in Oroseia in ages so you might not be familiar with this restaurant."
They arrived at a building that produced a comforting smell. Once they entered, they saw that most of the seats were filled save for a few.
"Here we are. Bao's Café," Ackmor said.
"Oh, I've heard about this place." Jurabi looked all over the cafe from the seats to the neat tables. Even the smell of food gave his mind a sense of relaxation. "I don't think I ever got the chance to come here with my family."
"Hm, I'm not sure we'll be able to get a seat," Ken said.
"Don't worry about that." Ackmor said, ringing the bell, "Hey, Bao. I know you're here!"
That was when a man almost in his thirties appeared from the kitchen, wiping his hands with a cloth. "Well, if it isn't the Director himself. How's it been?"
The man wore a blue button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up a little. On top of the shirt, he wore a black vest on top with golden buttons and an orange tie down the middle. His pants were black suit pants and a black apron will be around his neck and covering his front.
Ackmor smiled at the man he named Bao. "Oh, the usual. Hmhm, can I get myself and my friends a four-man table?"
"No problem at all." He then turned to Ken. "Vongarus, good to see you." But the moment he turned to Aoife, he let out a sigh as he stared at her. "Chandani… you better not cause trouble this time."
"Cause trouble," Aoife asked, "Whatever do you mean?
"Don't act dumb," Bao spoke in a low tone despite looking young. "You somehow got drunk just from drinking soda. That big misunderstanding got the health department on my ass."
"Ooooh, I remember that!" Aoife stuck her tongue out. "Teehee, sorry Bao~!"
"Hmph." Bao then looked at Jurabi. "A new one too. Welcome to Bao's Café."
"Wait, you don't know me?" Jurabi asked.
"Should I?"
"Oh, right, my disguise."
"You know, it's very rude and suspicious to keep your hood up in a building." Bao crossed his arms.
"Sorry, but if I took my hood off..." Jurabi began.
"He's with me, Bao." Ackmor intruded to prevent Jurabi from having to take off his hood in public. "So you don't have anything to worry about."
"Hmm..." Bao decided not to press further as he took out a notebook, "Alright. Four for Kurosaki. Wait just a moment and one of the waitresses will be here shortly."
After Bao left and went back into the kitchen, Ackmor turned to Jurabi, "Be careful with your face. It's easy to recognize and you'll find yourself bombarded by paparazzi."
"Yeah, thanks," Jurabi said, "It just felt weird for someone to not recognize me."
"Must be because you barely interacted with the outside world," Ken pointed out.
"Don't worry, though," Ackmor said, "Even without that disguise, Bao still wouldn't have known who you were because he doesn't watch the media. He's more of a newspaper person."
"Hm, I can see why," Jurabi said.
"Kurosaki?" A female waiter called, "Your table is ready."
"Awesome. I can't wait to eat," Aoife said.
The waitress led the four to their table and took their orders.
As they were waiting for their food, Ackmor turned to Jurabi, "I forgot to extend an apology to you, Jurabi."
"An apology?" Jurabi asked.
"You were in a tough spot with the council and I had to make you suffer to get you out," Ackmor said, "I hope you know I didn't take joy out of doing that to you."
"Wait, what?" Aoife asked, her eyes widened.
"It's okay, Director," Jurabi said, "It did hurt a lot having a crystal jammed into your body, but..."
"You-?!" Aoife was about to yell at Ackmor before Ken covered her mouth.
"Ah, I forgot that you had recently grown overprotective of Jurabi, Miss Chandani," Ackmor said, "I assure you that I won't pull a stunt like that again."
"Better fudging not." Aoife huffed.
Ackmor chuckled. He didn't mind Aoife telling him off when he did something questionable to someone she cared for. He turned to Jurabi once again and said to him, "I hope you're not against helping us protect Vastel, Jurabi. The reason I wanted you at my side is because, to be honest, we need all the help we can get."
Jurabi shook his head. "No, I don't mind at all. I would have preferred to do it without the fear of death hanging over my head, but I suppose that's nothing new for you three. Thank you again, Director, for allowing me this chance to do the right thing."
Ackmor smiled. "And I'm glad I was able to give you that chance. All I ask is that you express your gratitude through your actions from here on."
"Yes, sir."
"I don't wish to be that person," Ken cut in, "But I'm not sure you should be thanking the director yet, Jurabi. There's going to be more to your task than eliminating the Zenith Grimm."
"That's right." Jurabi turned to Ackmor. "You said I need to master my power, right?"
Ackmor nodded. "Indeed. You possess only a fraction of Ragnarok's true power. That is why you need to be trained at Oroseia Academy. If you can tap into the Dark Atoms and control it without losing yourself to the infection…"
"You think I'll be able to beat the Zenith Grimm?" Jurabi felt a small wave of fear imagining the idea of facing the Zenith Grimm let alone surviving and beating them.
"Not alone, you won't," Aoife said, "This is where the hunters at the academy come in."
"You will need to get into Oroseia Academy first," Ackmor said, "There, you will learn everything you need to train and become a hunter."
"Oroseia Academy? Wait, I can become a hunter?" Jurabi asked.
Ackmor nodded, "Yes you can...however, you'll need to pass the entrance exam first."
"Wha...?"
"Oh boy." Ken did not like where this was going.
"Oroseia Academy's entrance exams will start next Friday, August 12th. That's basically two weeks for you to train and prepare for the trial ahead," Ackmor explained.
"W-wait!" Jurabi shouted, "I have to go through the entrance exam?! But that's such short notice!"
Ackmor chuckled. "Yet it is certainly not impossible for you, Jurabi Alisen. Remember, if you fail…"
"I am as good as dead…" Jurabi whispered.
Aoife resisted the urge to crush her glass of water with her bare hands. They all know she was screaming internally.
Ken shook his head as he rubbed Aoife's back. "I feel for you, Jurabi. I feel for you…Breath, Aoife, breathe."
Aoife took in a deep breath before she said to Jurabi, "Don't worry, Jubi. Kenny and I will keep training you and helping you study. It'll be like our preparation for our fight with Achilles!"
"You don't need to do that," Jurabi said, "Our previous preparation was because we had to."
"No point in trying to shoo us away, Jurabi," Ken said, "Aoife is going to try to help you and I'll be there to make sure she doesn't pamper you like a child."
"Kenny, you wound me," Aoife said, "I am totally capable of treating Jubi like an adult."
"I don't believe you, Aoife," Jurabi said.
"Aw, you two are too serious." Aoife puffed her cheeks.
Ken turned to Ackmor and asked, "Is it okay for Aoife and me to train him, Director?"
Ackmor pointed to Jurabi's inhibitor collar, "As long as that inhibitor never comes off his neck under any circumstance. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Both Aoife and Ken said simultaneously.
"That goes double for you, Aoife." Ackmor stared directly into Aoife's soul.
"Yeah, yeah, don't take the collar off," Aoife said with a pout, "But you can bet your fudge cake that I will be the first to take it off of him if it's allowed."
"I was the first, Aoife."
"Second then!" Aoife shouted.
Jurabi shook his head, "I've got two long weeks ahead of me..."
That was when the waitress arrived with their ordered meals. Once everyone began digging into their food, Ackmor noticed the news broadcast on the cafe's television.
"Looks like they announced the news."
Everyone else looked over at the TV news broadcast.
"The headline of today's breaking news: Following the decision of the council to spare Jurabi Alisen's life, an announcement from Governor Pretorius stated that Project Therion will now be utilized by Oroseia Academy. Many speculate if this announcement is true or false, but now new information has yet to be released."
"You'll need to keep your face covered for a while, Jurabi," Ken said.
"Even more so than usual," Jurabi replied with a sigh.
"Hey cheer up, Jubi~!" Aoife said optimistically, "We'll take you to a concealed training spot so no one will interrupt us."
"Don't know if that will last for two weeks, but I'll take it."
Ackmor looked back up to the television with a serious look. "Your moves now, Lady Surtr, Deathwatch."
X
~~Unknown Location~~
Four people watched the latest news of Gerald Achilles's arrest and the uncovered truth of his actions.
"More on the story, Gerald Achilles is set to go to trial for suspected faunus trafficking and illegal selling of weapons to terrorists. Investigators refuse to disclose further information on-"
A woman turned off the television with a remote as the other three people in the room looked at her. Tension built up as the woman held an apple in her robotic hand.
"Lady Surtr..." A calm female voice spoke.
In an instant, the woman crushed the apple with her hand and shouted, "Not another word, Marina!"
"Aw..." Marina whispered, "Lady Surtr is mad..."
"That fool Achilles. We lost our greatest asset because of him."
A pair of glasses shined as a male typing away at the computer spoke, "We were lucky he was able to hold the charade for ten years, Lady Surtur. His failure was more so due to those hunters from Oroseia making contact with Alisen. Because of them, Alisen is now after our very heads."
"Hmph, an astute observation, Dorize," Surtr said, "Not that it should be a concern for our operations. Achilles stepping out of line was a blessing in disguise."
"How so, Lady Surtur?" Marina asked.
"Dorize, what's the status of your inside source?" Surtr asked.
"Hmhm, they have already informed me that Staneia has closed their borders to Jurabi Alisen," Dorize answered, "No doubt that their actions caused a rift to form, however small, between humanity and faunus."
"Good. All we need to do is widen it." She let out an evil smile on her lips.
"Uh oh, Lady Surtr has come up with a new plan…" Marina said, her tone not carrying a slight hint of emotion in it.
"Do not be scared, my dear Marina," Dorize said, "Lady Surtr always has humanity's best interests in mind. It's a shame that Kelz is not here to be briefed. Where on earth did he run off to this time?"
"I last saw him going to the dining hall…"
"Of course. I will fetch that simpleton, Lady Surtr." Dorize stood up from his seat.
"No need." Surtr raised her robotic hand. "He would mess up my plans anyway. Keep him in reserves until we need his strength. In the meantime, we shall wait for our moment to strike. No matter what the Twilights will destroy everything these fools in this world worked so hard to build. Starting with that wretched academy."
X
~~Unknown Location~~
~~Meanwhile~~
Four individuals also watched the television on their ends as well.
"At this time, no one has seen Jurabi Alisen since he entered the Oroseia Council. This is Oroseia News-"
A familiar woman yawned as she spoke over the news. "Is this some kind of joke? How can the hunters utilize that worthless project when it was destroyed?" The woman was Liviera, the woman who murdered Nitorin, "Besides, the only person who made it is long dead, thanks to Yours Truly."
"Hm…it is peculiar," said an old lady's voice, "Is this perhaps a bluff by the hunters?"
"Unfortunately, it is no bluff." A distorted voice spoke. The voice belonged to a figure with dark purple armor. Their helmet was separated into two colors, dark blue and gray. "Our informant told me that the council has decided to place Alisen into the custody of Oroseia Academy's director."
"Seriously?" Liviera asked, "What do they have to gain out of that?"
"Perhaps that boy holds far more value than even we could comprehend," said the old lady, "If only a certain someone didn't fail to capture him."
"Shut the hell up, old hag!" Liviera shouted angrily, "Do you want to keep that wagging tongue of yours?"
"Depends, scrunt. Do you want to keep your organs?"
"Enough," Deathwatch ordered, "Jurabi Alisen being in the academy serves as no hindrance to us at the moment. The Twilights have been very helpful in drawing their attention away from us. Now we move forward with our plans from the shadows. Karasu."
That was when Karasu appeared from the shadows with a humble bow, "What is thy bidding, my Master?"
"Tch, he's still here?" Liviera asked, not happy about Karasu's presence.
"The poisonous ice snake of Staneia," The old lady said, "Up to his old tricks, no doubt."
"Heh, as long as I'm not the one going up against the hunters at that academy," Liviera said with a smile, "This'll be a piece of cake for old Kassadin. No matter what mission Karasu gets, it always ends with someone or something dying."
"Liviera..." Karasu whispered in her ear, making the woman jump in shock as she felt his long, cold tongue, "I hope you haven't forgotten my...pet peeve."
Seeing Karasu's sharp, venomous fangs out of the corner of her eye, Liviera began to sweat. "R-right. Sorry about that, Karasu. Karasu is the only name I know. Totally!"
"Good." Karasu retracted his fangs and turned to Deathwatch.
"Your skills in espionage will prove useful in this mission, Karasu. I trust you will be prepared?" Deathwatch asked.
"All in the service of the Eclipse, Master."
"The hunters of Oroseia Academy have brought Jurabi Alisen into their fold. It won't be a problem now, but not measuring the current capabilities of our new enemy would be a mistake. I want you to go to Oroseia Academy and assess the allies Alisen will surround himself with."
"Is killing allowed?"
"No. Do not draw attention to yourself under any circumstance."
Karasu nodded. "As you wish, Deathwatch." As the ice demon began leaving the room, he let out an evil chuckle of amusement. "I will relish the chance to see you again, Alisen brat. I will make you squirm for what you did to my beloved Alice."
X
~~Oroseia City~~
~~August 1st: The Next Day~~
Jurabi, Aoife, and Ken spent the majority of the next day buying new clothes for Jurabi to wear while also shopping around town.
Jurabi let out a sigh as he felt they were drawing more attention to him by making him wear goofy sunglasses with beards attached to them. "Do I have to wear this, Aoife?"
Aoife was trying her hardest to hold in her desire to laugh. "But...teeheehehehe, but it looks perfect on...pfffft, on you!" She then started laughing again.
Ken let out a sigh at his partner's behavior. "A pair of sunglasses would have been more suitable than those, Aoife."
"Yeah, but that would ruin the fun, Kenny."
"Your definition of fun is so confusing. This is why I never leave you to buy stuff."
"Everything I buy is of financial worth." Aoife put her hands on her hips. "I don't see any problem at all with my spending habits."
Ken facepalmed. "That's part of the problem."
"By the way, Jubi," Aoife said to Jurabi, pointing at the bouquet in Jurabi's hand. "What are those flowers?"
Jurabi looked down at the bouquet in his hands. The three main flowers he chose were the red rose, the black tulips, and finally the blue Forget-Me-Nots. "These flowers…they're my last gift to someone."
Aoife gasped. "Is it your mysterious lover? Oh, but they are the last gift, so you drift apart from what you once knew as true love. Such a tragic story that would be known far and wide in the romance genr-" She was interrupted when Ken elbowed her arm. "Ow, what was that for?" She looked over at Ken, who was pointing above them. Aoife looked up and saw the sign Oroseia Graveyard. Her heart dropped as her enthusiastic smile vanished in an instant, "Sorry, Jurabi. That was insensitive of me."
"It's okay, Aoife," Jurabi said, "I...need to do something I've been unable to do for ten years, so…could I have a moment alone?"
Aoife nodded. "Absolutely! Come on, Kenny. Let's go get ourselves some ice cream!"
Ken was caught off guard by Aoife's sudden pulling on his arm, especially when he was still using a crutch. "Aoife! We shouldn't eat ice cream before we train!"
"Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream!"
Ken sighed as he was dragged away by his bombastic partner.
Jurabi, all alone, turned to the graveyard and took in a deep breath. He enters the graveyard and made his way to his father's grave. It was in the same spot as before, albeit worn down with time. But he could still clearly read the words on the tombstone.
"An inspirational genius. A man who loved the world. A loving father and husband. You were all that and more."
Jurabi remembered the night he saw his father murdered. He remembered how helpless he was to save him. No matter how hard he tried to forget, that image of his father's suffering remained etched into his mind and likely will be for the rest of his life. Jurabi took a deep breath to try and suppress his pain and anguish, for this would likely be his first and last conversation with his father in years. He removed any leaves that had fallen on the tomb. Thankfully, the grave keepers have kept the tombs clean of bird dung.
Jurabi sat down in front of his father's tomb and mustered up the courage to speak to him again. "Hey, Dad. It's…it's been a while." He paused, then continued. "I know. Ten years is not a while but…I…I got a little held up." He paused again as if he was actually speaking to his father face-to-face. Eventually, he worked up the courage.
"I made some bad decisions and…ended up hurting a lot of people as a result. I was in a dark place, but Miss Chandani and Mr. Vongarus were there to save me. You were there too." Jurabi took out the black jump drive Nitorin hid in his ring box gift.
"You showed me the future you had planned for me. I didn't think I would ever have one because I was content with stopping Gerald so you could rest in peace…but now, I have a new goal, Dad. I'm going to train to enter Oroseia Academy! I'm going to be a hunter like Mom. I'll beat the Eclipse, the Twilight Syndicate, and all the Grimm! I will find Mom and a way to cure myself of this curse. And finally...I'll come back here to tell you all about it with my own family. Not that any girl will be crazy enough to marry a mess like me, but...I'm sure you would tell me that true love isn't something you find, it comes to you. And you know what? You would be right. So until that day comes…Dad…"
Jurabi let all the tears that have built up in his eyes pour out as he placed the bouquet on top of the tombstone. "I hope you don't feel lonely, because I'll do my best not to feel that way too." The young Alisen put his forehead up against his father's tombstone for what felt like an eternity. He didn't want to let go, but in his heart, he knew that everyone needs to let go to move forward in life.
"I love you, Dad! I will never forget you and I won't let you down! No matter what happens from here on...you will always be…"
...
...
...
"...my Vastel Guardian."
Prologue End
Next Arc: Class B-8 Arc
Jurabi: Alright...this time...THIS RIGHT HERE! IS THE REAL ENDING OF THIS ARC! Sorry, everyone for constantly pulling the rug from under you. I've tried my hardest to find the perfect ending to the arc, but this right here, the last scene with Jurabi is the essential definition of an ending to an arc. So I know you noticed that the writing style seems to have changed from previous chapter. That's because I picked up a few new tips on writing dialogue and narration. So now, you'll find more moments of characters performing an action or expressing an emotion than previous chapters till now. My friend, Lazy, said she enjoyed this chapter even more than usual which made me extremely happy.
And I hope you all enjoyed this chapter too. The next chapter and arc will be full of much more excitement, so I hope you stick around for those.
So again, I thank you all for taking time to read this chapter! I've work extremely hard on it and I thank my friend Hofund for helping me out with the drafting phases to make this chapter better than it could have been on my own.
I'll see you all later in the next chapter! Bye bye~!
Discord: (h) (t) (t) (p) (s) : / / discord . gg / xMYF8ggTjC
