No Reservations in Hell part 2: Urbans Legends


"Hey, aren't you listening to me?" Autumn was becoming more panicked as I walked up the stairs. "I said it's not safe!"

I came to a halt and turned, "Autumn, I promise you that I will do my very best to remain in one piece." I continued up.

"That's not what I'm worried about!" She started up the stairs after me. "Will you just listen to what I have to say?"

"I have been, haven't I?" I didn't turn to face her this time. I get that this was a big issue to her but this was also the job that I was contractually obligated to follow through on. If I can't do that, then what good am I? But clearly, Autumn was worried for my sake. As I stepped onto the landing of the second floor I turned back towards her, "what would you want me to do?"

She arrived at the top and I moved backwards to make room for her. "I want you to stay in for the night. You can go out tomorrow and do all the research you want. I just don't want you to end up as part of the stories." She clenched her fists. "I've seen too many huntsmen and huntresses come through here and disappear." With that, she stared directly into my eyes with a burning intensity. "If I can at least know that I helped keep one of them safe by refusing them to leave recklessly, then I'd be fine."

I studied her expression for a minute. "So, you'd want me to just prepare myself with what locals have seen and heard?"

"Yes! Of course!" She stamped her foot down in frustration. The wooden floor groaned at the sudden activity on top of it. "Please, just don't head off to an unnecessary death. Just prepare and then do whatever you need."

I chuckled and her face turned sour. "Those other huntsmen and huntresses must've either been new or bad at their jobs." I unraveled Kitsunebi and presented the fine craftsmanship to Autumn. "You don't get a weapon like this without a reputation. I figured that would be the best bet in taking care of business." Autumn kept her gaze fixated on the blade in awe. "That's enough staring! You're going to make her self-aware!"

"Who?" She stared at me in confusion. I lifted the sword to respond. "I see." She paused for a moment, contorting her face in thought. "If we have a deal, I'll leave you alone for the night." She reached her hand out and I grasped in in agreement. "Good, thank you for this. I can at least sleep well tonight."

She turned to walk back down the stairs before stopping once more, "that outfit really suits you, you know?" Without another word, Autumn descended the stairs.

I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. My condition for being here just got needlessly more complicated, but if it means that someone else won't worry about my whereabouts then it's whatever. I walked the remainder of the hall until I reached my room. No matter what, I will figure out what's going on.


The hot, relaxing water rolled down the back of my neck. It seemed to release all the tension I had built up from my previous journey. I didn't even know I had so many knots in my shoulders. I wound my bent arm in a windmill fashion in an attempt to free my muscles from these irritating restraints. My arms had never hurt like this before. Maybe I should take an opportunity after this job to recuperate and allow my body a vacation.

But where could I go? Vale is a nice city but for only like five minutes. The second that a criminal showed up, I'd feel the need to take them down. Not much of a vacation if I'm still in work mode. Can't imagine going back to Mistral after they chased me out the way they did. Atlas never felt inviting to me. There was always an air of superiority and classism there that offended me to my core. And Vacuo…desert. Ugh. I hate the idea of being in an area where my outfit can't be normal. I also don't like the idea of wearing something that shows more skin than I would be comfortable with. Too many people get curious when they see scars.

I traced the claw marks with three of my fingers. I always get asked questions about them in scenarios where I don't feel like answering anything.

I noticed that my fingers were pruning which ultimately brought my warm escape to an end. Can't stay in here for too much longer. I turned off the water and pulled back the beige curtain. The small bathroom was shrouded with steam. Whoops. I leaned over and grabbed the worn cotton towel I left sitting on the toilet lid and began to dry my hair, then moved to my arms and took my time getting the back of my hair. Afterwards, I wrapped the towel around my waist and climbed out of the fiberglass shower and tub combo.

Standing in front of the foggy mirror, I thought more about what Autumn said to me regarding the urban legends. I wiped away some of the moisture with a cloth and glanced at myself. Without examining the claw marks, I could see just how much has changed since then. A small child that once believed in the hope of fairy tales turned into a disillusioned man with a pervasive five o'clock shadow and bills to pay. What a waste.

I didn't think too much more. I mindlessly completed my routine and returned to my room then climbed back into bed. It protested, once again, that someone felt the need to disrupt its perfect weight balance. But I didn't care. I didn't even bother changing into my sleep clothes that lay neglected at the foot of my bed. I just wanted to fall into a deep slumber.

And fell I did.

But what was waiting for me was worse than I wanted. Inside the realm of my subconscious, the theater of my mind played for me the tale of my beginning. Guilt, fear, anxiety, and finally…

Despair.

I snapped back awake. The light and golden rays of the morning sun danced through the window across my bare chest. I struggled to think about why I wasn't clothed until the rest of my slumber departed my mind and I remembered my early return to bed. I rose from bed – the mattress excited for its return to normalcy – and wandered over to my closet. I paused before opening the wardrobe, hoping that the previous day was not a trick of my subconscious. I pried the doors open and saw my ensemble waiting for me. Without hesitation, I changed into my outfit for the day and quickly completed my morning routine.

As I descended the stairs, I heard the sound of a woman sobbing. I cautiously entered the tavern and saw Autumn bent over the bar, her body shaking with every breath she took in. I weighed my options and decided to approach her. As I got near, she looked up and over at me. The mixture of shock and levity immediately flew across her face. Her complex emotions left me at a loss for words, what was I supposed to say in the face of someone who had a lot going on?

She immediately headed over to my end of the counter and put her hand down on the edge for support. Autumn's orange eyes sparkled in the light amidst the tears. "You'll never believe this." Is all she could say before she sharply sucked in air, letting loose another stream of tears.

"Is everything okay?" I tested the waters. I felt this was the best thing to ask to gauge what the cause for tears was about.

"Yes, oh yes!" She exclaimed as her lips broke open into a wild smile. "The best thing to ever happen has happened!"

It was my turn to be shocked in response. There were no words crossing my mind, solely confusion.

Autumn noticed my confused look and elaborated, "last night. After I left the bar, after closing, y'know how it is. I saw her." She smiled once again; her eyes radiant. Without waiting for me to ask, she answered for me, "my mother. She's been…gone for about a year now. But last night! Oh, last night I saw her when I was returning to my apartment. I could barely recognize her from a distance, but I just knew it was her! She picked up her arm and waved at me! She waved!"

"Wait, hold on! What? This doesn't make any sense." My confusion deepened as Autumn's story tried to make sense in my mind. "Your mother is dead. Right? How was she-?"

"I don't know! It's a miracle from the gods, I just know it is." She joined my confusion but ultimately smiled once again. "It's been rough on my family with her passing. Seeing her like this just felt like everything was going to go right for us." She reached over and grabbed my hand. The sudden physical contact made me momentarily recoil. "I'm sorry, this is a bit inappropriate. But I'm just in such high spirits right now, Rouge. Do you think you would come over for dinner tonight? I would like to introduce you to my family. My little brothers would love to meet an actual huntsman and my sister has been in desperate need for some one-on-one time with me." She looked up at me expectantly.

There's no way that I could say no to a request like this. "Yeah, I can do that." I attempted my half-grin but none of it felt genuine.

But it was enough for Autumn. "Great! We'll walk together on over then. Meet up here at the bar around 7 pm. I'll get someone instead of me to close for once."

After that was settled, Autumn asked if I wanted the same breakfast I'd had the day before, which I settled on having again. Variety does a soul good but I didn't want complex thought right now overriding the story I had just heard. I'll need to ask around town to see if anyone else has experienced a similar thing as Autumn and figure out the root of these urban legends.

The sun had started to ascend higher into the deep blue sky as I left the tavern. The icy wind whipped past my face and made me appreciative of buying the trench coat after all. I decided the best places to start on my research were the places that I already had a form of familiarity towards. I stepped into the square and took in my surroundings. There was a substantial number of people here yesterday but today it seemed like everyone had better things to do. I looked around the area and decided to head into Benson's blacksmith store.

The bell dinged as I stepped through the threshold. Benson was already standing at the counter when I entered. I guess business was slow today. He appeared surprised that I was entering his store again.

"What brings you back here so soon, Rouge?" He crossed his arms while insinuating he was taking a stab at his own pride as a blacksmith.

"Don't worry," I started trying to ease his conscious. "I'm not coming in for repairs or anything." This seemed to help him relax a little. "I heard tales around the tavern about some urban legends here that seem to be forcing an unspoken curfew."

He raised his right hand and scratched at the back of his head. "Yeah, things have been a little sparse here and there in the economy due to those stories."

"Oh?" This did bring a shade of interest to my face, which Benson picked up on.

"Yessir. Business has been slower lately. In fact, you came in yesterday about the right time." He moved to cross his arms again. "I had one customer come in with a broken spear-gun. Had to spend the entire day working on a new model close enough to it." His voice had an edge to it. "Sonuvabitch didn't even tip." He spat as if to get a rotten taste out of his mouth.

"Do you think this person has something to do with the problems in town?" I blurted out without thinking. Benson raised an eyebrow at my sudden outburst. "I mean, this could be part of a dust theft operation or a potential kidnapping."

Benson shook his head. "Nope, I don't reckon."

Now it was my turn to raise any eyebrow. "You don't." Less of a question and more of restating a fact.

"No, I don't. Mostly because I know this here person – and you do, too." He tapped his finger on his nose then pointed at me. I was confused. What was it that I knew that he was insinuating? The confusion on my face seemed to put him in a slight mood of agitation. "I can't disclose customer information. It's part of an oath we blacksmiths take a part in. We don't ask unnecessary questions and we don't give unnecessary info. You're not getting more info about clientele from me."

"I see. Well, do you have any other info about the talk around town?" I attempted to get the topic back to the important issue.

"Nope. I just listen and understand. I go home before nightfall and I don't go stickin' my nose into business where it don't belong."

"Alright. I think there was good info in what you told me." I started to leave.

"Don't do anything stupid." He said as I left through the door once again.

I only had one other option in front of me. I walked through the door of Violet's Apparel, expecting to be greeted by the icy white ponytail that helped me out yesterday. Instead, I saw an older woman with long black hair that, in the light, gleamed purple at times. She looked over the counter towards me and smiled. Her smile gave off a warmth that can only be described as inviting and loving, which I found myself unconsciously walking to nonetheless.

"What can I do for you?" The woman asked me. She rested her elbows on the counter and propped up her head in her hands.

"I'm sorry, I haven't met you yet and here I am coming to ask questions," I tried not to sound so awkward. "I came in yesterday but your co-worker was in instead and I was hoping to ask her some things."

"Oh, Silva? Yeah, she normally works today but I had a family emergency that I needed to go to yesterday, so we swapped shifts." She smiled once again. "I'm Violet, y'know like the store's named after."

From the way her hair appeared, this new information failed to surprise me. "Nice to meet you. My name is Rouge Toma. I'm a huntsman that's here for a few days." I shook my head as I continued, "regardless, it still feels a little odd for me to be asking you questions when this is our first-time meeting."

"Oh, I don't mind too much. What do you need to know?"

"Well, I've been looking into some stories that have been shared around the bar. I was hoping that maybe Silva – or you – could help give me your personal insight on?"

"Sure, no problem." She raised her purple rimmed glasses from her face and rested them on her head with the legs still tucked behind her ears. "What do you need to know?"

"Something that I'd heard is that people have heard unsettling noises at the south exit of town. Another thing is that," I paused for a moment. Should I divulge the personal information that Autumn provided me this morning? I decided against it. "Another thing is that there have been some sightings of abnormalities in the woods."

"I've heard about these. And the huntsmen and huntresses. Scary stuff." She seemed saddened to think about them. "From what I'd heard, whatever was going on at the south end just stopped for whatever reason. Completely out of nowhere, gone."

"That's…really weird." My concern for the situation increased exponentially.

"Yeah. Police arrived to look around and found a campsite a little trip into the woods off by the road sign for Vale. It looked ransacked." She lowered her voice to a hush. "It seemed that whatever was tearing through there was on a mission or whoever was there just left in a hurry."

I nodded my head. "Those seem to be the most viable options."

She raised her index finger to her lips. "Nobody here knows that yet, by the way. I overheard it yesterday at a dust station on the way up from Vale."

I tried to put the facts together. This is the oddest case I've seen thus far. I don't want to think that Autumn was having a hallucination last night. It's a possibility that what she saw was a manifestation of her own weary subconscious trying to show her something to put her mind at ease. But I also want to believe that what she's saying is true just for her sake.

Violet noticed my expression, "do you think that helped? I can give you more that I know. This is the real good one." My gaze lifted back to her as she teased a tantalizing idea. She smiled, "there are those saying that this town was recently blessed by the gods. I've heard around eight testimonies of seeing deceased loved ones waving at them from a distance."


I thanked Violet for her time and left the store. I still had a few hours before Autumn wanted to meet with me. I decided my next course of action would be to check around that campsite Violet told me about. I headed south through the square and proceeded past the tavern. I stole a look towards the building partially expecting Autumn to be looking out at me, but nobody waited. I continued on my trek passing through the suburbs and apartment complexes until I reached the street that exited Boulder. I stopped next to the guard post that towered over the road and the man inside it looked me up and down. I waved my hand at him but he just sneered. I lowered my hand and decided to keep going until I neared the curve in the road. On the side of the road showed the mileage until Vale, I knew I had arrived at the area Violet told me about. There was a little ditch on the side of the road and I slowed myself as I skid down the bank. I walked a little bit in the woods until I reached a clearing. I assumed this was the campsite. It appeared to be the ideal spot for one. Most evidence had already been bagged up and taken away by the police but the rest had been left alone for the day. I examined the environment around me. The trees covered the area in a perfect canopy so that it wouldn't be seen from the road. The green suffocated the sun so much that only slight rays of light dipped down here. It was cooler than the rest of Boulder.

"Alright, so now…" I muttered aloud to myself.

I looked to my left and saw the markings of a trail. I decided to follow the path that led north from the site. Along the way there were plenty of briars and bushes. I hated using Kitsunebi for this level of grunt work but I refused to let my clothes be ripped from this task. Eventually, I came to an unexpected sight. Standing before me was the Boulder Cemetery.

There was nothing else to see here. I could've walked through the graveyard for hours, but nothing there would give me clues on who did this. I took the path out towards town and finally got a good look at the sun's position. It was beginning its practice of setting, which meant I would fare best to head back towards the tavern and wait for Autumn to conclude her shift. Another gust of wind shrieked past me as I left the graveyard. It left a chill to my bones as it headed east into town.


"Okay, so what have you been doing all day?" Autumn asked quizzically as I approached the bar. While her shift was nearly over, she clearly did not have any plans on slacking off.

I pulled out a stool from the counter and sat down in front of her. "Just doin' some ole recon. What about you?"

"Ugh. I had a group of business men come in from the square. They were waiting for some investors from Vale to show." She was cleaning a mug rather intensely.

"And did they?" I prodded.

She gestured to the far corner of the tavern. At a booth in the corner were five clearly intoxicated off their ass men all dressed in fancy button ups and three-piece suits. They were loudly singing along to a pop song from a singer in Atlas. Her vocals were a lot better and none of these men had any sense of dignity.

"They've been real rowdy for about an hour now. I asked them to quiet down but one of them told me to fuck off and thus." She nearly dropped the mug in her frustration. Autumn recovered it fast enough before setting it down to cool herself off.

"Do you want me to say something to them?"

She looked at me as if I were crazy. "Hell no! They're just drunk. They'll either pass out or call a cab before too long. They didn't do anything else." She paused for a second before changing gears in the conversation. "So, what all did you actually do? You never really elaborated on that."

"Ah, well. I started off going to Benson's and asking him about the stories you told me."

"Uh-huh."

"And he didn't have much to tell me about it. More or less just the same things you said. He keeps his nose out of that kind of business." I continued.

"Makes sense. Benny's never been the kind of guy to ask around. Normally says rumors are for assholes without peace of mind." Autumn pulled a chair from under the bar and sat down on her side of the counter. "Benny's normally a man of solitude. You must've done something good for him to actually hold a full conversation with you."

That does make sense for the man I saw when I entered the blacksmith store today. "After that, I headed back to Violet's Apparel to see if I can ask Silva if she knew anything."

Before I could say more Autumn cut me off, "Silva? Who's Silva?" I looked at her, my face splashed in confusion with a minor taste of bewilderment. "I've worked and lived in Boulder my entire life. I've never met a Silva before." My brow scrunched together as I tried to process this. "I'm sorry, I interrupted your story. Go on! You went into Violet's Apparel?"

I looked at her for a moment and cautiously began again, "Silva wasn't there today but Violet knew about her. Violet told me some info about the stuff going on near the south end of town you were saying. After that, I went to investigate this campsite to see if I could find any additional evidence."

"Did you?"

"Nothing that the police didn't already find." I paused. "Although, I did notice something that felt a little odd to me." Autumn cocked her head to the side like that of a dog trying to make sense of what someone just said. "There was a trail from that campsite that headed north back along the road towards town. At the end of it, right at the exit of the woods, was the cemetery."

Autumn shivered. "That's creepy."

"No kidding. As I left, it felt like the wind was warning me of something. It was so much colder than anything I'd felt today."

"I don't know about that, though. The cemetery is well shaded despite being at a clearing in the woods. It's possible that the shade was taking away from the sun?" She tried to reassure me.

"Yeah, perhaps."

Autumn leaned across the counter. "Look, I appreciate that you followed my warning and decided to find out things for yourself. You have no idea how much that means to me." She grabbed my hand (again) and gripped it firmly. "I can tell that you're totally on fire to solve this case and nothing makes me happier than that." She smiled warmly at me. She meant every word of it.

All of a sudden, one of the business men jumped on top of the table and shouted at the top of his lungs, "THIS WILL BE THE DAY WE'VE WAITED FOR!"

Autumn screamed at them to pay up and get out. The other patrons watched the men as they placed their Lien on the counter and stumbled out the front door. Autumn shook her head before meandered over to clean up their table. I looked up at the clock. There was another thirty minutes before Autumn got off her shift. Despite the amount of time left, we ended up having plenty of fun together with her talking about her early customers. She laughed at my stories and before long her replacement came in.

A girl just barely at legal drinking age walked in through the front. She had a summer dress on despite it being late November. Her hair was a bright blue and it seemed like she wasn't certain of how Autumn would feel about her appearance.

"Wow, you're looking closer to your name every day Aqua." She put a hand on her hip as the girl rounded the bar.

"Sorry! I would've been here sooner but I just got out of the shower. All of my nice wintery clothes weren't clean so I had to grab a summer dress." Aqua shivered out her words.

"Never mind that. Just wear the spare jacket in the back during your shift. It'll keep you warm." Autumn smiled at her.

"Thanks, Autumn!" Clearly, Aqua looked up to Autumn.

"Nice kid." She saw me watching Aqua hurry on into the backroom. "She tried to get into Beacon but her parents refused to let her apply. It's a shame."

"Yeah. Shame." I looked off to my side. A pit formed in my gut. I shook it off. "Shall we?"

The two of us left the tavern and walked along the sidewalk headed towards the suburbs. The streetlamps all glowed warmly around us as the night sky hung over us so damn oppressively. After three blocks, we arrived at an apartment complex not too far off from the south end. Autumn's eyes flickered wide as we approached. She immediately ran towards the entrance and bent over next to a kid. She grabbed his shoulders and tried to calm him. I hurried over towards them. Between the crying, I could barely make out what the boy was saying.

"Raine and Copper still haven't come back!" The boy sobbed loudly as Autumn pulled him in for a hug. "They went out to play and haven't come back!"

Autumn looked up at me with shock and fear scrawled across her face. "My siblings…they went into the forest about an hour ago to find some berries and play at the playground…" She turned her head towards the street that led to the playground. The street that ran parallel to the forest where the campsite had been violated not but a few days prior.


To be continued in part 3: Trailblazer.