A.N. Finally past the hundred mark for both favs and follows. Thanks for the support, even for a crappy story like this.

Chapter 55 - Meanwhile in Vale

Emerald was not happy.

Earlier, she heard one of the mooks that belonged to Junior talk about her with his friends. They didn't know she was nearby when they referred to her as 'Little Green'.

Of course, once she heard that accursed name, she immediately interrogated the poor sap who said it. Say what you want about Neo, but Emerald learned things from her. Terrible things. Things that she immediately applied to the man, allowing her to find out that frickin Roman was spreading that nickname around.

Ugh, picking up the remote she turned on the TV that hung off Junior's wall. Usually, it played some news or fights from competitions, which Emerald wasn't really in to. But there was an exception this time around.

"Atlesian Anchor Avian Asker here - reporting on the current situation regarding Jacques Schnee and his debated position as head of SDC. It was only several minutes ago that Ghira Belladonna, the renowned leader of the White Fang, entered the building—"

How long has he been in Atlas already? The Club had reopened weeks ago, thanks to a large sum of funds Rory wired Junior. Even then, Rory said that he would probably still be in Atlas for the next few weeks.

"Oh, you're watching the news? That's rare."

And Junior just comes in and drinks his coffee. Emerald ignored him as he took a seat nearby to watch the screen too.

"Hm... I'd thought he'd be more involved. At least to the extent of having his face shown on the screen."

Hearing what Emerald said, Junior gave a short bark of laughter.

"Nah, he's more like the shadow puppeteer who controls the players behind the scene. Besides, he's probably babysitting his new daughter or something. It's not every day you find out you have an illegitimate kid."

Emerald whipped her head and turned to Junior with a snap.

"WHAT?!"

"Err... did you not know?"

"No," and Emerald said it through clenched teeth. "So why don't you explain to me what exactly you know."

Junior gulped in fear, trying to find his words.

'God damn it, why are kids these days like this?'