Mini Author Note: GO CHECK OUT PREVIOUS CHAPTERS; I HAVE OVERHAULED AND UPDATED THEM TO HELP THE STORY FLOW BETTER.
Dirt & Grit
Chapter 7
One Year Later…
"97…"
My arms strained as I swung my sword downwards before resetting the position above my head as I gasped for air. My heavy breath came out into a mist due to the cold of the morning fog. I swung downwards again.
"98…"
I controlled the descent making sure the blade stopped about waist level and no lower. It was about control. It was about power. It was about patience. I raised the sword again, ignoring my ragged breaths.
Things had changed since my argument with Neo and my trip with Myron. I had become an integral part of the camp; I brought food back every time I went out hunting in the surrounding areas, along with helping out with the other chores around camp. It was like I had been in a haze for the last few years since….
Smoke clogs my nose, blood pooling down my face-
I shook my head again to bury those memories deeper where they couldn't find me. I was finally awake for the first time, and I could focus on what was in front of me, the people who took care of me – who saved me – who gave me a chance to redeem myself from my failure.
I swung down again.
"99…"
Neo, Myron, Rozalia and even…Amon. I owed them everything, and I would protect them from anything. I even started caring for the camp, where I finally met some other travellers who lived with me. There was the camp cook Diane Edwards, the mother of Oak Edwards, who died in the Grimm ambush all those years ago. Neo told me that she hadn't been the same since he died and had just thrown herself into the camp's function, and her deadbeat husband – Henthan – died in a barfight a few months later when we stopped by a town.
Poor woman.
We had started talking when I was on potato peeling duty for accidentally pushing Myron into a puddle during our travels.
It wasn't my fault he didn't tie his shoelaces and decided then to stop and secure them! I was talking to Neo.
She enjoyed having me around as she smiled more while we spoke. She must have considered me a substitute for her son, and I couldn't find it in me to correct her. Diane is an incredibly kind woman who was dealt a shitty hand in life, and I feel like I could connect with her. She taught me how to cook correctly, such as how to chop food and how long to cook it for, and how to season meals, so they didn't taste like crap all the time.
I also met Toby, who looked after our horses, pulling our caravans from destination to destination. The first thing I noticed about him was how he only had one ear, so if you didn't speak next to his good ear, he wouldn't be able to hear you. At least that's what he said, as he always seemed to be able to hear Amon perfectly whenever he shouted for him, so it seemed more like he just wanted to piss everyone off.
He was also a Rabbit Faunus which meant he had giant floppy ears on his head. I was anxious around him at first because he was the same as…him, but hanging around Toby with Neo helped soothe it. I always considered touching his ears, but Rozalia slapped me round the head for suggesting it.
I wasn't gonna do it…
Regardless he showed me how to mount a horse properly, saddle them, dismount and ride on them. I became more of a traveller whenever I learned something outside of fighting or sleeping, and the tattoo on my arm became less like charity and more of an identity.
I felt I was doing for once in the last few years besides getting beaten up and nearly killed.
I swung down for the last time, keeping the same momentum and tempo.
"100." I exhaled and dropped the blade in front of me, letting it sink into the ground as I closed my eyes and kept my breath controlled, not allowing myself to suck in the air I desperately needed.
I would control my mind, not the other way around. I couldn't lash out irrationally anymore. I had to be stronger in every way possible to prove I wasn't a liability to everyone I cared about.
The last year I had gotten faster on my feet; my aura felt more immense, and my blows swung harder than ever. I felt like I had barely even begun to scratch the surface of what I could do, and that excited me.
I tried to fight it, but the image of crushing that beast's skull beneath my boot made me shiver in pleasure. Soon he wouldn't be able to fight back, and neither would that monster as they crumbled in my mind.
Soon.
I rubbed my shoulder where my tattoo was; it felt right to have it there like I was supposed to be here. I opened my eyes and focused on controlling my breath, slowly going from ragged to quiet. I pulled the sword out of the ground and rested it over my shoulder as I returned to camp following the smell of breakfast.
Smells like…bacon, eggs and sausages.
My stomach grumbled at the thought of food after training for what seemed to be about an hour. I dragged my feet for another five minutes before reaching the first caravan and walking past it to the rest of the camp, trying to dodge some of the younger kids running around, already full of energy.
"Hey, Grit!" shouted – Jesut, I think? – as they ran by, chasing after the other one.
"Yo," I waved back lazily as I continued walking.
The adults were already sitting around some makeshift tables drinking, eating or chatting with each other while others ran chores to keep things running.
"Morning killer!" One of the adults – Leggam – drinking around a makeshift table and playing cards called.
"Morning," I called back, still being drifted on by the smell of breakfast.
I noticed pink hair sitting on a log near a makeshift campfire hunched over…something?
Most definitely Neo and most likely some ice cream or some other crap.
Instead of walking over to her, I made my way to Diane, who was currently cooking over her fire with a pan making breakfast for everyone. She was so engrossed in what she was doing that she didn't hear me coming up behind as she jumped when I cleared my throat.
"Eep!" She spun round to face me with a scowl before it quickly morphed into a smile.
"Hello, Grit! Training hard this morning?" She asked with an infectious merriment which even forced a small smile out of me.
"Yeah, I've been up for a few hours now, and I don't mean to be rude, but can you scrape some grub onto my plate? I'm starving." I asked while being as polite as possible.
She giggled as she tipped whatever was in her pan onto my plate – Eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, and some baked beans – causing my stomach to start snarling as it eagerly awaited to be fed.
Down boy!
Diane winked at me, "I put some extra on your plate, dear; you are a growing boy, after all!" She said as she put the pan back over the fire while I looked at her with something akin to adoration with her.
"Mulțumesc mult, Diane! You were always my favourite." I said as I walked away while she laughed, waving me away.
I went over to the pink blob inhaling the ice cream in her hands while not acknowledging her presence on purpose. Shovelling down my breakfast, I ignored the eyes boring into the side of my head.
Oh my god…I'm in heaven~
The grease of the bacon and sausages allowed for more smooth swallowing and increased taste. Diane truly blessed this camp, and I regret not talking to her sooner.
"You gonna keep ignoring me or keep eating like a pig?" A voice cut into my side.
I didn't bother looking up.
"Oink." And continued tossing the rest of my breakfast down my throat faster and faster as I began feeling tired from my morning workout while chasing any scraps of energy.
A giggle was only returned, and I looked at Neo while finishing my breakfast. She had not grown from when I first met her, but her facial features had taken shape. Her cheekbones had become sharper, her lips slightly fuller, and her hair had grown out towards her upper back.
I stared into her pink eyes as she cocked her head in amusement while I drank in her features.
"Hello~?" She sang before poking me in the side.
I jumped a bit as I refocused on her words.
"Oh…sorry, I was just…uh…" I tried to think of an excuse. "…Looking at the crumbs on your mouth?" I finished lamely.
Crumbs? She was eating ice cream, you idiot.
Neo giggled again as she scooted closer to me. I did not attempt to stop her from invading my space while I tried to think of something else, trying to ignore the heat from her body.
We sat in silence for a bit before Neo spoke up.
"We're close to Vale, you know?"
"Really?"
"Yeah, I overheard Amon talking to Myron and Roza 'bout it." She turned her body to look at me with a mischievous grin. "You do know what that means, right?"
I shook my head as she started hopping up and down.
"It means we finally walk around a city for the first time in ages!" She laughed, jumping up from the log.
Vale? I didn't realise we were that close.
"You should get a haircut while we're there, you know?" Neo said, "It's getting long, and it looks like a bird's nest."
I grabbed a strand of hair off my head and stretched it out, noticing how long it was to reach past my chin and then a bit longer.
"What's wrong with my hair?" I asked.
Neo grabbed the same strand I was holding and then pulled it.
"Ow! Stop it; that hurts you, idiot!" I pulled it back from her roughly before ruffling it back into place.
"Because of that! What if someone grabs your hair in a fight? They'll just beat you up, and you won't do anything because you'll be crying like a girl."
"What does that have to do with anything? Why don't you cut your hair if it's such a problem?" I pointed at her lengthy hair, which she dramatically swished around her.
"'cause I'm not stupid enough to get that close to someone in a fight; I use my brain." She sat beside me with barely a sound, "Now I wonder who's dumb enough to do that? Hmmm?" She finished leaning into me with that last 'hm'.
"Shuddup," I pushed her away gently, "just because I ain't a wuss doesn't mean I need to cut my hair." I leaned back a bit.
"Besides…I like my hair."
She leaned back a bit as well.
"Well, if that won't convince you, then I also think you would look cuter with shorter hair." She said, looking up at the sky.
Would I?
"Really?"
"Yup, cute as a button."
I said nothing for a moment.
"…How much shorter would you say?"
She put a finger to her lips as though she was thinking deeply.
"I think you would look good with a buzzcut."
"How long is that?"
"A bit longer than Myron."
My heart skipped a beat.
"WHAT! That's being bald! Are you insane?" I shouted at her, leaping to my feet.
She only giggled at my reaction, infuriating me more.
"No, it's not; it's like a little carpet! A cute little carpet on your head." She laughed while getting up and grabbing my hands, which I snatched away.
"Nuh-uh, you're gonna make me into a little Myron! What did I ever do to you, huh?"
"Whose gonna be a little Myron?" A soft voice cut through our argument.
We turned to see Rozalia and Myron standing behind us, but something looked…off about them.
Why does Rozalia look so out of breath? And why's Myron's shirt on backward?
I ignored that to point at Neo.
"She's tryna get me to cut my hair!"
Neo nodded.
"I am." She said, "It's gross, and he never washes it."
"I think that's a great idea; what style were you thinking, Neo?" Rozalia asked.
What the-
"Hey! This is my hair we're talking about! Why don't I get a choice?"
I was ignored and saw Myron shaking his head at me in sympathy.
"I was thinking about just a normal buzzcut for him." She looped her arm around me, "I think he would look so cute."
"Oh, he would," Rozalia cooed, running her fingers through my hair, "You have a very nice face, Grit, strong and square."
My jaw dropped, and I wrestled out of their grips.
"You're both nuts." I stepped back from them as they laughed.
"Ha! That's just women Grit; you'll get used to it." Myron chimed in, making himself known. "When you're a man, you'll know all of these things about them."
I grumbled and ruffled my hair back into a mess to fix it from their meddling.
Rozalia sauntered back over to Myron and pinched his arm.
"Oh? Is that a fact, old man?" She asked.
"A very well-known one-ACK!" He hissed in pain as Rozalia pinched his cheek next.
"Hmmph! Men…" She let go as she twirled around him, pinching his shirt, "I suppose that there is a reason for someone who knowsall these things, that there's a reason your shirt is on backwards?"
Myron hastily switched his shirt around while bumbling through his words as Rozalia giggled at him, stroking his arm.
I watched them interact with each other, as it reminded me of…my parents.
Are they…?
Before I could say anything, Neo cut me off.
"When are we going to Vale?" She danced around Myron and Rozalia, "I've been cooped up in this camp for so long~."
"Well, we're heading out in an hour, but only a small number of us can go," Myron replied, "Security around Vale has gotten pretty tight 'cause of some hoţ making trouble in the city."
He finished putting his shirt around the right way.
"So, they're gonna check people thoroughly at the gates." He finished as Neo looked crestfallen.
My chest ached when I saw her make that face.
"So…what does that mean for us?" She asked in a hopeful tone.
Myron cracked a grin as he leaned down to ruffle her hair.
"It means you'll have to be more careful, haha!" He laughed, which made the rest of us laugh.
"In all seriousness, Neo, if you and Grit are going to be coming, you gotta use that semblance to disguise yourselves." He raised an eyebrow at her, "You have been practising, right?"
Neo rolled her eyes, and a pink light enveloped her as she grew bigger and became a perfect copy of Myron.
She put her hands on her hips.
"I'm Myron; I think I'm so cool because I have a beard while also denying that I'm balding!" Her voice was the same as Myron's.
"HAHA! That sounds exactly like him!" I bent over laughing while the Neo-Myron smiled back down at me before transforming into Neo.
Rozalia also giggled as Myron gnashed his teeth before he started shaking Neo.
"How many times have I got to tell you?! I'm shaved, not bald; it was my choice! You hear me?!" He growled before stalking off and throwing his hands in the air.
"Go talk to Toby about a cart, and we'll meet back here; I hate kids!" He shouted, becoming fainter and fainter.
I decided to add one final thing.
"Your shirt is still on backwards, by the way!"
A strangled cry was the only response we got.
"So, who else are we waiting for?" I asked, swinging my legs back and forward at the cart's edge.
"I think…Amon and Myron?" Neo replied, sitting next to me, also swinging her legs.
"Well…Where is he then?"
"I dunno." She turned to look at Toby, who was grooming one of the stallions, "Hey, Toby." She called.
No response.
"HEY TOBY!"
He jumped a bit and turned to look at us with a scowl.
"Woah! No need to shout. I can hear you just fine."
We rolled our eyes simultaneously.
"Do you know where Amon is?" Neo asked.
"I dunno, that guy will just turn up whenever he wants to." He returned to grooming the stallion, "I wouldn't worry about it."
We both sighed and dropped our heads.
I looked back up, "Hey, Toby."
No response.
"HEY TOBY!" I shouted.
He jumped again a little and raised his arms a bit.
"Hey, settle down! I heard you the first time." He replied.
Neo giggled, and I felt my eye twitch.
"Do you know where Myron is?" I asked.
Toby looked up a bit, and I noticed his ear twitch before he nodded; he then looked down at his wrist to look at his watch.
"Should be here in a couple of minutes." He replied before nodding and returning to what he was doing.
Neo turned to me, "Want to play rock, paper, scissors while we wait?"
I shrugged.
"Sure," I replied, getting my hand into a fist shape.
"Rock."
"Paper."
"Scissors!"
I looked to see I had paper, and she had rock.
Did I win? I won!
"Ha! I win." She crossed her arms and scowled at me.
"Nuh-uh! Best out of three!"
"Ok, let's do it again," I replied.
"Rock."
One shake.
"Paper."
Another shake.
"Scissors!"
I looked at her hands and then looked at mine.
I had scissors, and she had paper.
No way, I won again!
I tried to smother the laugh coming out of my mouth, but Neo looked ready to tear my head off.
"No way!" She jabbed a finger in my face, "You're cheating!"
I pushed her finger out of my face, "Are you stupid? How can you cheat at this?"
"You just are!" She brought her fist up again, "Again!"
I shook my head, "Ok, don't blame me for what happens next."
Five minutes later…
Eventually, Myron arrived and stared at us before elbowing Toby, now smoking.
"Oi, what happened here?" He asked.
Toby turned to look at him while cupping his ear.
"Whazzat?"
Myron leaned in and cupped his mouth.
"I said what happened here!" He shouted as Toby turned back to look at us.
"Oh, that," He pointed at us, "I just watched Neo lose forty games of rock, paper, scissors in a row."
He took a pull of his cigarette before exhaling in a cloud of smoke.
"It was pretty funny because I honestly didn't think that was possible."
Myron looked at me before laughing as I turned to look at Neo, who had a far-away look in her eyes and muttering to herself.
"He cheated…he must have cheated…forty times?... It just doesn't make sense…." She muttered, trying to keep herself focused.
Myron walked over to us to shake Neo out of her haze, where she jumped a little and looked around rapidly before focusing on him.
"You good shrimp?" Myron asked with some concern in his voice.
Neo nodded her head.
"I…I think I will be." She looked distantly into the tree line, "I think I will be…."
She fell silent.
Me and Myron shared a look before he took a step towards me.
"Sooo, Grit." He started as I focused on him, "You looking forward to going to the city?"
I thought for a moment.
Was I looking forward to it? I had nothing to do there, and I was mainly tagging along because Neo was going.
Honestly? I would prefer to train for the rest of the day.
Instead, I just shrugged at him.
"Eh, fifty-fifty, I guess."
He patted me on the shoulder.
"I hear that." He walked around and leaned on the side of the cart I was sitting on, "Usually, we would just avoid Vale if we could, but supplies are running pretty low, and no other village nearby sells them."
I looked up at him, "What do we need?" I asked.
"Well, for starters, food, spare clothes for the kiddos growing up, medicine and other essentials." He listed them off his fingers before closing it.
"Then we gotta make that money back by…making a trade." He glanced away when he said that before looking back at me.
Weird.
"What are we trading?" I asked.
He shook his head, "You ain't gotta worry your little head about that, all right? I'll be sorting that out." He looked forward again and nodded, "Ain't that right, boss man?"
I looked in his direction to see Amon walking towards us with two flour sacks over his shoulders and the same apathetic look on his face.
He was wearing a cloak but had the hood down and now stood before us, nodding towards Neo and me.
"Get up for a second, you two; I gotta put this shit in the back." I tapped Neo, which made her come out of her funk, and we both jumped off the back.
Amon dumped the two sacks in the back and clapped his hands when he leaned back up and looked over at Toby, who was now finished smoking.
"Toby." He called, which made Toby look over, "Pass a smoke, yeah?"
"Sure, Boss," Toby replied and flicked a cigarette which Amon caught in his mouth and lit up in one motion.
I knew he was faking it!
I said nothing but glared at Toby, who stuck his tongue out at me before I turned back to look at Amon, who finished taking a pull.
"Well, come on then," He walked around to the front of the cart and sat in the front seat, "Daylight is a wasting, as they say." He gripped the reins of the horse.
I felt a headache coming along, "But you're the one who's late!" I said as I climbed into the back with Neo, who shook her head but smiled.
Myron walked around the opposite side and climbed into the seat next to Amon, stretching his arms and getting comfortable.
Amon turned his head to look at me slightly with a raised eyebrow, "Oh yeah? What are you going to do about it? Cry? Give me a break." He whipped the reins, and we started moving forwards.
I felt my ears burn, so I returned to grumble while Neo poked me in the stomach, giggling and mimicking wiping her eyes. I reached over to pull on her hair which caused her to yelp and glare at me.
"Ah, don't take what Amon says to heart, lad; he's an asshole to everyone." Myron cut in while I was scrapping with Neo.
"But deep down, he's got a heart of gold," He nudged Amon, "Ain't that right, boss?"
Amon snorted, "Yeah, but unfortunately, I haven't found a way to sell it yet, so count your days, you damn freeloaders." He took another pull of his cigarette before exhaling.
Myron turned to look at Neo and me, "See? What did I tell ya? A real sfânt."
I rolled my eyes and slid down a bit more to get comfortable.
"How long until we get there, by the way, ~?" Neo sang, leaning over in between the two drivers.
Amon raised a hand and gently pushed her face back, "About fifty minutes; now shut up and read a book or something."
"I don't have a book." She replied.
"Then imagine you're reading one."
"That's boring. Can't you tell us a story?" Neo whined.
Myron leaned in as well, "Yeah! Tell us a story Amon; I don't think we can take your brooding for fifty minutes."
Amon sighed as he took another pull.
"Fine." He replied as Myron and Neo high-fived each other, and I shuffled up more to listen.
Is he going to tell a story?
Amon flicked the cigarette out of his mouth and cleared his throat.
"A scorpion wants to cross a river but cannot swim, so it asks a frog to carry it across. The frog hesitates, afraid that the scorpion might sting it, but the scorpion promises not to, pointing out that it would drown if it killed the frog in the middle of the river. The frog considers this argument sensible and agrees to transport the scorpion. Midway across the river, the scorpion stings the frog anyway, dooming them both. The dying frog asks the scorpion why it stung despite knowing the consequence, to which the scorpion replies: "I am sorry, but I couldn't resist the urge. It's in my nature."
There was only silence in the wagon; the only noise was the rolling of the wheels and clops of the horse.
"Boo!" Neo said, making a thumbs down, and I even felt myself deflate at that miserable story.
Amon scowled and turned back around to continue driving the cart.
"If you didn't like it, too bad!" He bit out before muttering, "…Dumb brats."
Myron had a small on his face and turned around to face us.
"That wasn't too bad; I thought," He said, but Neo continued 'booing' and delivering a thumbs down, "Yeah, it was a bit miserable, but – "
"Miserable? The scorpion just committed a murder-suicide for no reason!" Neo complained and crossed her arms, "Now I want ice cream!"
"All right, tell you what, Neo." Myron said, turning around fully and resting his arms on the headboard, "If you can tell me what the moral of the story is, I'll buy you a whole tub of it."
He stuck his hand out, which Neo immediately shook, "Fuck yeah! Ok, the moral of the story is – "
"The moral of the story is that vicious people can't resist hurting others even when it is not in their own interests." I cut in, thinking about how the scorpion betrayed the frog for no reason, "Some people just can't change their nature no matter what they promise."
I felt a finger jab me in the face, "No, you idiot! It's about the frog being too much of a trusting moron. Always trust your gut feeling and know when to tell someone to fuck off." Neo replied.
I moved to reply before Amon spoke.
"You're both right." His voice returned to that unnerving calm, "The scorpion in the story represents all those who take advantage of the good people in the world. The ones who lie, cheat and steal to screw people over even when it isn't in their best interests. For some, it's just circumstance and others…." I noticed he gripped the reins harder, "…are just bad."
I couldn't see his face but noticed his shoulders relax a bit.
"The frog is commonly said to symbolise people that can be a little too trusting, always willing to offer second chances, and looking to see the best in people, even when they know the nature and tendencies of the person, they're offering trust to." He turned slightly to look back at Neo, "The frog is indeed a moron."
I think this is the most I've heard him speak in, like…forever.
He turned back to focus on the road before Myron chimed in, "Ah! But is the frog necessarily wrong? Believing in second chances or having an optimistic perspective towards others isn't bad or moronic. But you have to trust your gut on what you feel about a person." He turned to look at our questioning faces, "Just like the toxins from the scorpion spread through the frog's body, allowing toxic people into our company, no matter how much we think they can change, can cause negativity to spread in our life."
"So, we should be warier of people who come into our life?" I asked, not truly understanding the point he was trying to make.
He looked up a bit, "Hmm, I guess so." He looked back at us, "Just always be careful of people's true intentions, I guess, is what I'm trying to say."
"If you have to be one of them..." Amon slid back into the conversation, "...be a scorpion."
Oh...
An awkward silence came over the cart as we travelled.
"Soo," Neo drawled, "Do I still get ice cream?"
Myron chuckled, "Yes, Neo, you still get ice cream."
"Sweet."
Thirty minutes later...
"All right, we're coming up on the gates," Amon said, rousing Neo and me from our small nap as we shuffled up to better look at Amon and Myron.
Amon pulled his hood up and stopped the cart before hopping off, moving around to the back, and grabbing the two sacks of...whatever it was.
"What is that, by the way?" Neo asked, pointing at the two sacks as Amon stopped what he was doing to look at her.
"What do you think it is?" He asked.
"Flour?"
"Then flour it is," Amon replied, walking to the side of the cart before stopping and leaving Neo rolling her eyes.
"All right, here's the plan; Myron is going to take the reins, drive up to the gate and pretend to be a farmer looking to resupply, and you two," He nodded towards us, "Are going to be his darling wide-eyed country bumpkin kids." He looked between us for a moment, "You got it?"
"This sounds so stupid; why can't we just go in normally?" I asked, not wanting to bother to make-believe.
Amon glared at me, and I felt myself shrinking in on myself, "Because 'gypsy scum' like us aren't allowed in the city, and I don't feel like running from the law." He crouched but glared at me, "Now shut up and do what you're told."
Whatever dickhead.
He said that final piece and sank into the floor, disappearing with the flour before our eyes as Myron took the reins and continued moving us forward.
"So, my name is gonna be Moss Jebediah, and you two are gonna be Blush and Onyx, and we," He gestured, "Are going to be the Jebediah family."
He gave a dumb toothy smile, "Ain't 'tha right 'ma little bean 'sprouts?" He said in a thick country accent before passing us trucker and straw hats.
I shook my head, "I just want to say that this is so stupid, and I'm just gonna say nothing."
"'daw come on 'brother 'ya know we's as close as peas 'in a pod!" Neo swung her arm around my shoulder to bring me closer. I groaned at her voice as Myron slapped his knee.
"'thas 'tha spirit Blush youse tell 'ya baby 'bruther!" He laughed.
I groaned and shoved Neo off me.
"Kill me now..."
Twenty Minutes Later...
"Holy shit..."
We came up on the walls that encircled Vale, and huge would be an understatement. They towered higher than anything I'd ever seen before; not even the Mayor's office back in the village could even come up to an eighth of its height.
I felt so...insignificant when I was before it.
Imagine if we had walls like this back then...
I must have been lost in thought as Neo shook me to bring me back. She said nothing but smiled gently and gave me a squeeze on my shoulder, which I returned.
No words were needed to say how much I appreciated it.
Myron whispered back to us, "Showtime, kids." As he drove the cart closer to the gate, I noticed the entire wall was lined with giant turrets and other weaponry that looked like it could blow us to smithereens.
How much can it hold back from the Grimm?
I looked behind us to the dark in between the trees trying to suppress a shiver.
"Howdy 'dere pal!" Myron waved to the gate, but I couldn't see anything as his waving arm blocked the way.
The 'gate' was just two giant metal doors built into the wall with a pair of guards standing in an alcove above it. One was holding a rifle, and the other was manning a turret pointing directly at us.
"Stop!" The one with the rifle shouted, "State your business and where you came from!"
"We's just came 'from our 'farm looking to buy some goods!" Myron gestured his arm towards our empty cart, "Is 'jus me and my two kiddies wit' me ya see?"
Neo nudged me and motioned for us to wave, which we did.
The one with the rifle spoke to the one on the turret for a moment before turning back to us, "We are going to scan your cart. Is there anything you wish to declare?" He called back down.
"Naw! Only 'sum guns and blades to protect 'us from Grimm, 'ya know?"
"Understood. Please stay still as the scanner does its job, any illegal items we find will be seized, and by the authority of the council of Vale we will arrest you."
One of the turrets on the wall turned towards us and sent out a blue light scanning us from front to back for a minute before stopping.
Woah, that's pretty awesome.
There was no noise as the guard checked something on his wrist before pressing something.
A groan of metal was heard as the two doors slowly opened up, revealing new sounds and smells drifting toward us.
"Thank you for your patience, Sir, and please be careful on your way back; there have been reports of Gypsys hiding out nearby." As we moved forward, the guard warned, "They have been known to murder and rob innocent traders on the road."
The other guard chimed in.
"Fucking pikey scum", He spat, "Am I right?"
What did he say?
"Huh?" I could only stare dumbly at the guard, who winked back at me. I looked toward Myron and Neo so I could whisper, "But that isn't true; why would he-"
"Thanks 'fore the warning, Sir; we'll keep two eye's out 'for any trouble!" Myron shouted back, giving a smile as we passed under the gate.
As soon as we passed, his smile vanished and became a scowl.
"Nenorocitul de naibii, îndoiește-te de un cal." He muttered; even Neo was frowning, but she leaned over and rubbed Myron's shoulder.
"I don't understand Myron; none of what he said was true," I pulled myself up by the headboard to look at him as we passed the gate, "Why would he lie like that?"
Myron only sadly laughed, "Oh, Grit, to be your age again," He wiped an imaginary tear off his face, "To him, it isn't a lie; it is only a different truth that he has been fed by those who raised him." He reached over to pat me on the head, "You don't worry yourself over that, ok mate? Take a look at where we are!"
He gestured forward, and I couldn't help but gasp at the sight.
Rows and rows of market stalls greeted us as we trundled through it; masses of people were walking by each other on the pavement or getting out of the way of our horses. People were shouting behind the stalls to sell their goods, and the smell…oh man, just the smell of fresh food was mesmerising. I looked over to see a group of men laughing and joking with each other, a man and woman arguing, and some others were… kissing or holding each other.
Blegh.
"Pick your jaw up, Grit, or it'll stay like that," Myron said over his shoulder as I shook my head.
"Sorry, Myron," I replied, still looking at all these people, "I've just never seen so many people in my life before."
Even back during the festival, there was only a fifth of the number of people here. Where do they all live? Are there enough toilets for everyone? How can you remember all these people?
Neo pulled me in from the side, "Look around you, Grit! This," She made a sweeping gesture, "Is civilisation! Look at the people with tons of money, going to places to spend tons of money and people receiving tons of money. There are just tons-"
"All right, Scrooge McDuck, that's enough of that." Myron cut in, whipping the horse's reins more gently to make us speed up, "We need to find somewhere quiet for a minute." He said, pulling into a secluded area off the main road.
"Who's Scrooge McDuck?" Neo asked, leaning over Myron's shoulder and poking him in the face.
He ignored her and stopped the cart, but I could still hear him grumbling, "Who's Scrooge McDuck…Goddamn, kids don't know anything these days…I'm not old…."
"What are you moaning about now, Myron?" Amon's voice cut in, making all three of us jump.
"AH!" We yelled before we all turned around simultaneously to stare at him, appearing from the side of us with both sacks over his shoulder.
He's so quiet!
"How long were you standing there, creep!" Neo shouted, pointing at him, to which he responded by scowling at her and dumping the two sacks in the back with us.
"Hey, don't ignore me!"
Amon walked to the free driver seat and sat beside Myron, "Head over to the commercial district; the sooner we get this over with, the better." He grunted while tugging his hood a bit more forward.
"Aye, aye, boss," Myron responded and drove back onto the main road.
I poked one of the sacks at my feet and noticed how dense it was, I've felt flour before, and this didn't feel like it.
"Hey, are you sure this is flour?" I gave it another prod, "It sure doesn't feel like it."
"Oh, yeah, you're right; it isn't flour; it's nunya," Amon said.
"Nunya?"
"Nunya fucking business, now shuddup already you're giving me a headache." He replied, making Myron chuckle and Neo giggle.
"He got you good Grit," Neo giggled, poking me in the stomach.
My ears burned, "Shut up, no, he didn't; I let him do that." I replied while pulling my hat down lower and trying to burn a hole in the back of his head.
Asshole.
We left the agricultural district and went further into the city, watching as the market stalls turned into houses and apartments, the trees turned into lampposts, and the dirt road became more cobbled.
This whole place was so colourful, so vibrant; I had never seen so many people come together. I had thought the village was the biggest place in the world but this just blew it out of the water.
I can see why it's called a kingdom at least.
But something felt wrong. The people we passed looked so… distracted, absorbed in their phones and conversations, sipping colourful drinks and gossiping with their friends about nothing. To me, they just looked so…so…
Soft.
They had no idea of hardship or challenge, everything they could ever want was right there before them, and they didn't seem to care or even appreciate it!
It was gross.
They have no idea what's outside these walls, do they? What goes on outside of these giant walls that keep them safe.
I felt my shoulder shake and looked over to Myron and Neo, staring at me with concern.
"You all right kid?" Myron asked as he released my shoulder.
I shrugged as I refocused my attention back on the people we passed by in their fancy clothes.
"Just watching all these people go by." Neo plopped herself next to me and started playing with my hair. "They just look so lifeless, I guess."
Myron hummed in response.
"Ah, I get ya." He whipped the reins gently to guide the cart towards the commercial district, where the sounds of the city increased tenfold from the stores and buildings. "Well, don't ya worry 'bout it; Grit, these people ain't your problem and probably won't ever be."
He nudged Amon, "Ain't that right, Boss?"
Amon only spat off to the side in response as he shuffled in his seat to get more comfortable.
I guess he doesn't like it, either. Wonder what Neo thinks?
"Hey Neo, what do you think-" I stopped what I was saying as I looked at Neo.
Her eyes shone as she hung over the cart, taking in the sights and smells of the city in absolute awe.
My stomach turned weirdly as I watched her look like she was caught in a beautiful dream. I needed to wake her up.
Reaching over, I shook her shoulder, which caused her to jolt before turning around to look at me with a huge grin.
"Oh, Grit!" She gestured her arm around, "Isn't this place incredible! Look at all these people about!"
She moved over to be next to me and wrapped her arm around my shoulders, "The buildings to run around on, the wallets to steal, the food to eat and drinks to be drunk!" I gently removed her arm from my shoulder.
"Heh…I guess so." I awkwardly replied, feeling even more uncomfortable at her demeanour which she seemed oblivious to.
Why am I feeling this way?
*In other news, local Huntsmen in the southern Quadrant of Vale destroyed a Horde of Grimm that had been plaguing towns for the past few weeks with minimal casualties*
"Huh?" I looked up to see a large screen playing on the side of a building where a pretty lady was speaking to me.
*The election for the Mayor of Vale will soon commence with Mayor Rice leading the polls with his plan to 'Stomp Out Crime In Vale' following his previous success, which has driven it down to 14%. If successful, this will be his second term in office*
I pointed towards the screen, "Hey, what's she talking about?" I asked Myron and Amon.
*In other related news, Mayor Rice will marry his soon-to-be Faunus bride Marilyn Rouge. Controversy surrounds Rice and his bride as Ms Rogue has rumoured connections to the White Fang; A Terrorist organisation which has been linked to the assassinations of numerous high-profile figures, including those of the Schnee Dust Corporation*
"Just a load of bullshit that doesn't matter don't pay attention to it," Amon replied, turning his head slightly before turning back around.
*Beacon Academy is once again the top-performing Huntsman Academy of the Four Kingdoms for the tenth year in a row! Go Beacon!*
"Head that way, Myron; they should meet us there." Amon interrupted, pointing towards an abandoned warehouse off the main street, causing Neo to let out an 'Aww'.
"Gotcha, Boss," Myron replied and pulled the cart towards the warehouse, creating soft clopping noise with her hooves.
"Put these on." Amon reached around and tossed us two small cloaks to wear, which we did, "Now, no matter what, keep your mouths shut." He looked between the both.
"Understood?"
I nodded, and Neo saluted, which he grunted at before telling Myron to stop the cart. I looked around and noticed something shuffling inside the warehouse before a short figure emerged.
Then another taller figure right behind him stayed close to the small figure.
After, a small group of men and women filed out after them, spreading out a bit to keep us all in their sights.
As Amon and Myron disembarked from the cart to stand in front of the horse, I got a better glimpse of the figures they walked towards us.
The small figure was a little old man wearing round sunglasses, a clean suit with a rose on the lapel and balding on top with wrinkles crumpling up his skin.
Looking at the taller figure, I noticed he had the brightest orange hair I had ever seen, along with a bored look but, at the same time, a cocky grin on his face. He wore a white suit that was neat while also combining it with a white tie.
The old man hobbled towards Amon and Myron, with Amon in front and Myron slightly behind him.
The old man had a scowl as he stood opposite Amon, his hand shaking as he raised it.
"You're late, Gypsy." He spat, pointing a finger in Amon's face, who slapped it away, which caused the other people surrounding us to tense up.
"Quiet down, you old fart we're here now, aren't we?" He replied in that same monotone tone. "Do you want your shit or not?"
Amon jabbed his thumb behind him towards us – more specifically, the sacks that we were next to.
The old man bristled, "Fucking Pikey, have you forgotten whom you are dealing with again?" He coughed and wheezed as he tried to make himself larger by puffing out his chest, "I am Remus Torchwick and I- "
He started hacking up again, and even I started to cringe watching this old man look like he was about to die.
Amon sighed, "Yeah, yeah, you've said it a hundred times whenever we've come here, but I'm going to say the same thing I told you last time-" He leaned in, "I don't care."
He leaned back as the ginger man behind him stepped forward while Remus continued coughing, "Ah, forgive my old man, gents, he's been in a rather shit mood since Rice came into power." He clapped his hands while smiling.
Remus tried to speak up, "Don't you dare speak for me, you whoreson –"
"I think that's enough, pops why don't you head back so you don't have to waste time on these Zingaro?" The man cut in before gesturing for one of the goons to take him away.
Remus went coughing and spluttering away as he was guided towards the back of the warehouse, still cursing and spitting at Amon.
As soon as Remus disappeared from view, the man's smile was wiped as he turned back to face us.
"Forgive me for that display from that old windbag; he does not represent the interests of the Torchwick family." The man bowed slightly, "My name is Roman Torchwick, scion to the Torchwich Mafia."
He came back up with a charming smile.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Amon didn't respond, and I could tell Myron was rolling his eyes at the display, whereas Neo was giggling.
Mafia? Ain't that a gang?
I stared at the back of Amon and Myron's' heads.
Who are they?
"So, what's your deal?" Myron asked, "You trying to be the new boss or something?"
Roman turned to look at Myron, "I'm not trying. I am the boss." He then looked past us.
"What that old fart back there doesn't realise is that change is coming, whether we like it or not." He repeatedly paced, "I, for one, intend to survive that change and get rich while doing it."
He stopped in front of Amon.
"Surely that's a goal you can understand?"
"Yeah, that's great, and all, but once again, I don't give a shit," Amon stepped towards Roman, "Now, are you going to buy this shit, or are me and my pal here going to have to beat the Lien out of you?" He threatened, taking a step towards Roman.
Damn, I sometimes forget Amon is pretty scary.
I could see Roman swallow a bit while his grin faltered, "Of course, I'm not stupid enough to cross a man with your reputation Amon Osgar." He clicked his fingers, and one of the goons came forward with a briefcase.
"Here is your money," Amon reached towards it before Roman took it away, "Ah, ah, let's see what we're paying for first?"
Amon lowered his hand and nodded at Myron, who returned it before walking towards us to retrieve the goods while giving us a small wink as he hefted the two sacks over his shoulder.
He dumped it in front of Roman, who knelt to examine it, "This is all of it?"
"Yep."
"Are you sure?"
"Yep."
Roman hummed before pulling out a knife and slicing a small slit on top of the sack where all I could see was white flour.
I knew that's what it was!
Roman dabbed his knife into the flour before bringing back up towards his nose and inhaling it.
A second passed.
"WOOAH!" He leapt to his feet and shook his head before turning back to Amon and Myron with a wild grin. "FUCK YES! BROTHERS, THAT'S GOOD!"
What the hell? Is that not flour?
Amon and Myron glanced at each other for only a moment as I felt uncomfortable watching this man jump up and down like a maniac before calming down.
"I gotta hand it to you, travellers." Roman started as he shook his head while motioning for one of his goons to come pick up the sack, "You sure know how to get the good shit."
He handed Amon the briefcase, who, as soon as he grabbed it, immediately turned around with Myron to get back onto the cart.
"Aren't you going to check it? What if we're trying to screw you over?" Roman asked.
Amon turned his head slightly, "I think you know better than to do that." He continued marching.
I turned to Neo, who watched with rapt attention and whispered, "Was that it?"
She only shrugged, "I guess so?"
Myron returned to the driver's seat while we waited for Amon, "Uh, before you go, Mr Osgar." Roman called.
Amon stopped walking to turn to look at him.
"If you're looking for a bit more Lien to spend, I have an opportunity that might interest you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card before flicking it to Amon. "I'm sure you'll find the price...agreeable?"
I couldn't see what was on the card, but for a split second, I saw Amon's eyes widen before returning to their usual calm as he handed it off for Myron to see.
Myron was less restrained and jumped a bit, "Holy shit! What's the catch?" He asked, looking at Roman, who grinned back.
"No catch at all, just an opportunity that might benefit both of us in the long term." He clicked his fingers and walked away, "My business address is on the card; come find me if you are interested."
The Torchwick crime family soon cleared out and left us alone, surrounded by the abandoned warehouses.
The silence was the only thing we heard before Amon climbed back into the passenger seat, "Let's get out of here."
"You got it, boss," He whipped the reins and moved us out of the warehouse area; we travelled for a few minutes before Neo leapt up in her seat to squeeze between Amon and Myron.
"So~?" She sang into both of their faces.
"So what?" Amon replied.
"So what? So, what was all that about!" She prodded both of them, and Myron was surprisingly silent, "Come on! Tell me! I wanna know how much cash Roman wanted to burn!" She kept tugging on their coats as they ignored her.
I, too, wanted to know, not about the money, but about what was in that sack.
I know flour has never gotten me that excited…
I watched as Myron turned to Amon, who seemed deep in thought.
"…It's a lot of money boss."
"-Come on how much!" Neo tried cutting in.
"…I know Myron."
"We can keep the camp fully supplied for a few years at least." Myron nodded to his surroundings, "We can keep away from these shithole kingdoms and not risk getting raided by them."
"-Tell me! -"
"…I know Myron."
Neo huffed and dropped back into her seat with a huff and crossed arms.
At least she could find the courage to ask what she wanted. Meanwhile, I was too afraid to ask them what was in those sacks.
But what was I afraid of? They wouldn't beat me up over it. No. I think what I'm afraid of is that I won't like the answer I'm given.
"Take a left here, Myron." Amon cut in.
Myron turned, surprised.
"You going to go see him?"
"…Let's hear him out." He replied.
Neo leapt back to her feet and squeezed between them in the front seat.
"We're going to go see Roman then? Are we getting some more money? Come on! Please! PLEASE TELL ME!"
Amon slapped his hand over her mouth,
"Alright! Shut up already!" He shouted before taking a deep breath in, "If I tell you will you shut up for a second?"
She nodded, and he released his hand.
I sat up a bit straighter.
"He's put an offer in for some work – which we don't know yet – around five hundred thousand Lien."
Silence.
"Huh?" I found myself saying.
Five hundred thousand? That's – That's –
"INSANE!" Neo cut in, "That's like – like a – like a stupid amount of money! Please tell me we're going to do it!" She begged, and even I felt myself feel a bit lightheaded.
Myron made himself known, "If you mean we, as in Amon and me, then you're correct, you two – " He wagged his finger between us, " – Will not be involved in any way."
"Ok," I replied, and Neo huffed again as she sunk between Myron and Amon.
Nothing will happen anyway…they're just going to hear him out, and then we'll leave this place.
Right?
We eventually pulled up to Roman's business address which was a stinky old pub.
The words 'The Leaky Candle' were written above the door, and the smell of stale beer and piss greeted us as we got off and walked in.
As we moved, Myron turned to Neo and me, "Aight, you two, same drill as before; keep your mouth shut and don't cause any trouble, you hear? We'll only hear this carrot head out and nothing more."
I nodded, and Neo rolled her eyes but agreed all the same.
Amon opened the doors with his hood up, and the smell from earlier was about ten times stronger as we moved further in. Looking left then right, I saw men and women drinking beer, serving beer or throwing up beer.
Some heads turned towards us as we followed Amon and Myron to the bar, where a middle-aged woman was running it. She turned to us – just Amon and Myron – and raised an eyebrow.
"No kids allowed." She said in a raspy voice.
Now I got a good look at her; I could see she had tons of tattoos and some scars on her face making her look like a paint bomb had gone off on her face.
"Woah! What happened to your face, lady?" Neo cut in while pointing at her face before Amon slapped her round the back of the head.
"Sorry about that she, uh, has Tourette's." Myron quickly said as Neo rubbed the back of her head.
I felt eyes on the back of my head the whole time we were here, and every time I tried to look, they seemed to disappear.
It made my skin crawl.
"Anyway, we got business with a…patron here." Myron pulled out the card Roman gave us and slid it towards the bartender.
She looked down at it briefly before sliding it right back across to him. She nodded towards the stairs.
"Head up those stairs, then the first door on the right." She replied and went back to cleaning her glasses.
"Cheers, love," Myron replied as he and Amon led the way over to the stairs.
I could still feel those eyes on us, and the pub was getting smaller. I tugged on Neo's shirt, which made her turn slightly.
"What's up?" She asked.
I bit my lip and flexed my fingers, "Does it seem a bit cramped in here to you?"
She looked around momentarily before shaking her head, "Nah, just you, I think."
"Oh…Okay." I swallowed and followed her up.
She turned once more and looked like she was going to say something but thought nothing of it and turned to keep following the adults.
We made it to the room on the right, where Amon didn't knock and just walked in as if he owned it.
I eventually made it into the room behind them, where we saw Roman sitting in a chair behind a desk with his feet kicked up on it and a cigar in his mouth. He looked surprised and took his feet off the table.
"Well! I didn't expect to see you back so soon!" He sat up straighter in his chair and seemed to take notice of Neo and me.
"You sure you want these little tykes hanging around for this conversation? Pretty heavy stuff, I'm gonna ask of you." Roman said as he folded his arms and took us both in.
He only looked at me briefly, but his eyes lingered on Neo a bit longer, like he was looking at something interesting, before refocusing on Amon and Myron.
Eyes to yourself, pal…
Amon waved him off and cut off Myron, who looked like he wanted to say something about it.
"It's fine they're made of sterner stuff than you are."
Roman's eyes twitched, but he kept that same annoying grin before standing up and walking in front of the window behind his chair, which overlooked the street.
"Well, then I'll get straight down to the meat of it then."
He looked out the window with his other hand used to take puffs of his cigar.
"You travellers have a reputation of being able to get things done and get them done well…for the right price." He exhaled smoke, "I especially know the reputation of two notorious gypsies; Amon Osgar and Myron Aldis."
He paused for a moment before turning his head slightly.
"I believe I have an opportunity for you gents to make, in layman's terms, a shitload of money."
"And? Spit it out already." Amon said irritably.
Roman said nothing but turned around fully to face them with a smirk.
"I want you to assassinate the Mayor of Vale, Navin Rice."
Author Note: Holy shit, sorry to anyone waiting on this fic (Or anyone who cared) I thought I had a lot more time to write this, but my university exams and dissertation needed to take a huge priority over this.
This doesn't mean I've given up on this fic; in fact, I will see this to the end, even if I die of old age. I have lots of ideas for this fic that I want to see to fruition, along with some worldbuilding.
From now on, it will be a month max until a new chapter comes, but if it comes later, know I've been swamped with work.
Translations:
Mulțumesc mult = Thanks a lot
Hoţ = thief
Sfânt = Saint
Nenorocitul de naibii, îndoiește-te de un cal = Fucking cocksucker, get bent by a horse
Zingaro = Gypsy