( ) = Thoughts
Italic = Whisper/Singing
Bold = Yell/ Comm. Device
Underlined = Emphasized Words
Italic Bold = Store Signs/Titles (Read Aloud)
A/N: Welcome back! Yes, it's the actual author typing these parts. Rodger had to leave for one of his 'business trips'. So he won't be here for a few days, but if you guys have any questions PM me and when he gets back we'll answer them together.
Thanks, Roger Rushin.
Prologue Pt.3: Lifting the Vale Pt.1
3 Months Later
"There it is Reaper, Vale, our new home." I said approaching the walled-in city of Vale. "Months of hardship, stress and heartache all came to this." I thought to myself as we approached the gates into the city.
"Halt!" As a booming voice came from the loudspeaker above the gate. "State your business in Vale."
"Seeking shelter and to claim the land I was given by my stepfather." I replied as I heard armored footsteps approach the gate. When they stopped momentarily, as the gate opened three Atlesian soldiers marched out to escort me inside.
"ID, documents related to property and family insignia." The commander of the group demanded, holding his hand out.
"Here, this should be everything." I said handing him a small manilla pouch.
"Follow us, we'll get you seated in our barracks until we can check for counterfeit papers." One of the grunts said as they began to lead me towards the large building they used for a barracks.
~Meanwhile, with the commander~
"You can't be serious, the Ocel family was assassinated 2 months ago. I thought the stepson was presumed dead?" As the voice of General James Ironwood rang through the commander's scroll.
"All of his documents are real and recent, and the insignia matches, and isn't his step-sister still in the hospital?" The commander asked sounding suspicious.
"Yes, she is currently recovering, she has yet to awaken from her coma however." Ironwood replied, regaining the earlier topic. "Now why did you call me again?"
"There was a small message in the packet he gave me and it said to call you and have you meet him when he arrived." The commander explained. "Written and signed by Edward himself."
"Alright then, I'll be there by 1300 sharp." Ironwood confirmed. "Make sure he stays there until I arrive."
"Affirmative, seen you soon general." The commander replied as he powered down his scroll.
~Back in the Barracks~
"Do you need anything sir?" One of the grunts asked politely.
"A cup of tea and a bowl of water for my pet." I asked, as Reaper hopped out of my hood, causing both of the grunts to jump.
"Grimm!" As they drew their weapons he immediately scurried behind me. "Kid move and I'll blast that thing back to where it came from!"
"Touch him, and I'll kill you both." I growled, drawing my sword, what I didn't realize is that Reaper had gone full size. "What the- Reaper, heel!" After saying that he transformed back into his puppy form.
"Y-you can control t-that t-thing?!" The other grunt asked, shaking. Since I didn't know their names I called them by the colors of their armor.
"Yes, Blue I can control, him, and he has a name. It's Reaper." I said coldly, as I sheathed Solis I asked again. "A cup of lemon tea and a bowl of water for Reaper, please." After that little mishap they returned with a tea-set, (I'm not kidding, a full, silver engraved, porcelain tea-set.) holding a teapot filled with black tea and a pitcher of lemon juice, and the bowl of water for Reaper.
"Thank you Red, now may I ask why I'm still here?" I asked sounding annoyed.
"Orders from the General, you cannot leave until we have his word." Red replied monotonously.
"Ok… So who is this general?" I asked curiously. Like it was a prediction I heard the door open and I saw the commander walk in with another man. He had jet-black hair growing whiter as it got closer to the base of his neck, wearing a white trench coat and white military dress clothes under it, chocolate brown eyes and a scar above his right eye.
"Greetings Mr. Mayson, my name is James Ironwood, general of the Atlesian military."
He said calmly. "It's an honor."
"Likewise, now you wanted to talk to me?" I asked, pouring him a cup of tea, wanting to get straight to the point.
"Straightforward, perfect." He commented. "Then let's get to the point."
He said, sitting down across from me. "Since I know why you're here, may I ask why you've yet to remove your hat and gloves?"
I shifted uncomfortably, so I decided to ask him, "Do you care about discrimination, would you treat another race differently depending on what or who they are?"
"No." Ironwood replied, taking a mental sigh of relief as I removed my hat & gloves showing my brand and ears.
"You're a Faunus?" He asked surprised. "How are you related to Mr. Ocel then?"
"Step-son. Found me living in Forever Fall." I answered as I watched Ironwood's eyebrows raise at this statement.
"Living 'in' Forever Fall?" He asked skeptically. "For how long?"
"Eight years." I replied "He found me during one of his expeditions, nearly took my head off."
Ironwood chuckled, "Well he was a tad impulsive, same went with his sons. Shame what happened to them."
"What do you mean?" I asked sounding worried. "Did something happen to them?!"
"You haven't heard?" He asked, looking at my horrified face. "Here. This should explain everything." He said, placing his scroll on the table.
Ocel Family Passing
It has been two months since the assassination attempt against the Ocel family, the assailants were ultimately successful in killing three of the five and critically wounding the youngest. The stepson of the late Edward & Thalia Ocel, Rodger, has yet to been found, presumed dead. The world still grieves the loss of these wonderful individuals, and they will never be forgotten.
-Article by Lisa Lavender
"No…" Was the only word I could muster after reading that article. I nearly dropped Ironwood's scroll from the sheer, paralyzing horror I'd just read.
"I'm sorry." Ironwood apologized. "We are doing everything we can to save your sister, she has healed from her wounds but isn't waking up from the coma she entered when she arrived." He placed a hand on my shoulder to reassure me, until he noticed my aura beginning to show. "Let go, now." A deeper, chilling voice commanded.
"What the?" He noticed as my silver aura took a red hue. When I looked at him again my eyes went blood-red and when I spoke my voice was an octave lower than before.
"Step. Away." The strange voice commanded. "Or I will hurt you."
"What is going on?" Ironwood asked worried. "Mr. Mayson, are you alright?"
"Sorry, he's not here at the moment." The voice said sarcastically. "I've taken control for the moment, oh and where are my manners? My name is Fenryr Licron, manifestation of Rodger's anger, hate, depression, intelligence and tactical knowledge. At your service." He finished bowing slightly.
"Why are you here? What did you do with him?!" Ironwood commanded as he reached for his rapier.
"You set off one of the right emotional barriers, James. Terror, Anger, Regret, Grief, Depression. " Fenryr began to explain. "I only show up when Rodger hits one of those emotional barriers. When he gives up, I take over." He began to draw my/his sword as he finished.
"Can I speak to Mr. Mayson again?" He asked politely, keeping his rapier drawn.
"If you wish." As Fenryr agreed sheathing my sword."He may be a little surprised when he wake up, so don't flood him with questions alright?" He closed my eyes as both my aura and eye color returned to silver. "What happened, and why do I feel so authoritative?"
"Are you alright?" Ironwood asked worried, sheathing his rapier. "Do you remember anything?"
"Remember what?" I asked with genuine confusion. "All I remember is reading that article-, oh god dammit!"
"Is there something wrong Mr. Mayson?" Ironwood asked curiously.
"Fenryr showed up, didn't he?" I asked as everyone nodded yes. "Yeah, sorry about that. You now know my one of my friends from Forever Fall."
"Friends, what do you mean by 'friends'?" The commander asked, sounding slightly confused.
"I have SPD/MPD. Or if you want the non-abbreviated version 'Multiple/Split Personality Disorder'." I began, as I explained to them the fact that I lived alone for several years forced me to create 'friends'. Manifestations of my aura which bonded with my emotions and traits.
"That explains why you don't remember." Ironwood concluded. "Are there more?
"There is one more, but you do not want to meet him." I warned. "He is about ten times worse than Fenryr." As I was about to leave, Ironwood grabbed my shoulder again.
"Where are you going?" He asked politely. "I still need to keep you here."
"Why? All my papers are in check, I told you everything that's happened, what else do you need?"
"Well, while I was going through your transcripts and noticed your school records." Ironwood noted, while I began to groan.
"Great I get to hear more bullshit about my contradictory school life…" Before I could begin Ironwood just cut to the point. "You've received enough school credit and time under a Hunter to earn an Artisan Hunter's License."
"Wait, what?" I asked dumbstruck. "You mean I don't have to apply for any schools?"
"Yes, but your license won't be ready until tomorrow." Ironwood explained. "You'll also need an updated set of medical records, and new ID." As he spoke he lead me to the second floor of the Barracks, to a very large room.
"This is the 'General's Quarters', whenever I stop by for inspection I rest here before moving on." Ironwood began as he lead me inside. "You'll stay here until tomorrow, then we can fly you to Grid Plaza."
"So that's the name of my little slice of Vale?" I asked wanting confirmation, he nodded. "Cool. Well goodnight James, see you tomorrow." As he waved goodbye. I closed the door, pulling Reaper out of my hood and motioning him go full size on my bed.
"All yours pal, I'll take the couch." I said, scratching the backs of his ears. "Goodnight Reaper." I said fading into sleep as he barked faintly as we both fell asleep.
The Next Morning
"Mr. Mayson, it's time to wake up." Ironwood said, knocking on my door. "Mr. Mayson?" As he opened the door he was surprised by two things. One: I was already awake, Two: the Grimm laying on my bed reading with me. He slowly began to draw his rapier, making his way towards Reaper.
"Hmm?" I mumbled, sitting up & looking around. "Oh, morning James, sorry if I didn't hear you."
"Rodger. Don't. Move." He warned, continuing his approach.
"What do you mean- Oh, you think Reaper is an enemy?" I realized, getting up. As I walked toward him calmly I told him. "He's harmless, watch." As I whistled to get Reaper's attention. "Reap! Come." Upon hearing my command he transformed into his 'travel' form and hopped onto my shoulder.
"Amazing, a domesticated Grimm." He said in awe, petting Reaper. "How did you do this?"
"Well, I saved his pack. For payment in return he's been my companion ever since." I explained, while placing him in hood. "Now, what did you want to talk to me about?" I asked, gathering my gear.
"Ah, the representative from Beacon is here to present your license." He answered, leading me back downstairs. "She may act cross, but she's a kindhearted soul who cares about anyone she meets." He told me, as if preparing me for someone I may dislike.
"Glynda!" James yelled from our side of the room. "Mr. Mayson is here!"
"James, a word of advice, DON'T yell when you're right next to someone with animal ears…" I half-yelled rubbing my wolf ears.
"Sorry, only way to break her concentration is yelling, or in my case at least." He said apologetically. "Good, we were able to get her attention, let's go."
When we finally found the woman James called Glynda, she was an interesting sight to say the least. She had platinum-blonde hair, tied into a bun, bright-green eyes and a pair of glasses resting on her face. Her outfit however was a little more eye-catching, she wore a white long-sleeved, pleated top that has a wide keyhole neckline and gauntlet cuffs that flare in pleats at the wrist, a black high-waisted pencil skirt held on with brass buttons, black boots with brown heels & a decoratively torn black and purple cape. She had a riding crop at the top of her right boot, and a scroll in her hands.
"Greetings Mr. Mayson, or is it Mr. Ocel?" Glynda asked, while pulling out a small manilla folder.
"Just Rodger please, I'm not a fan of formalities." I replied politely. "So you must be the teacher sent from Beacon, miss…"
"Goodwitch, Glynda Goodwitch." She answered, handing me the folder she had been searching for. "This should be everything you need to make your license."
"Wait, 'make'?" I asked confused. "I thought you were given a complete license."
"No, every Hunter license is unique to the individual." James explained. "They have a customized scroll and personally decorated license."
"So I need to make a custom scroll cover, and personalize my license?" I asked wanting confirmation, they both nodded yes. "Good, now James don't we have a ship to catch?"
"Oh, I almost forgot about that." He said sounding slightly embarrassed. "Give me 5 minutes, I need to call our pilot."
"Alright then, I needed to grab something from my room anyways." I added, beginning to walk back upstairs. "Yell when our ride's here, k?"
"Sure, just hurry." He warned. "The pilot's a friend of the company. When he hears about you, he'll be here in record time."
When I walked back into the general's room I took a rudimentary glance around the room and found what I was looking for. My Grimm record book, a little black notebook that held all of my information about Grimm, including the three new types I had found: Lycans, Khans, and Chimeras. Lycans are near-perfect copies of wolves from back then, Khans are sabertooth tiger-sytled Grimm with bone plates running across their back, and Chimeras are a mix of a Lycan, Deathstalker and Nevermore. After pocketing the book, I heard the dying roar of an aircraft landing.
"Looks like our ride's here." I muttered, walking back downstairs. "Guess it's time to meet this pilot Ironwood keeps talking about."
After I walked outside I noticed James talking to a hispanic man, he looked to be in his early twenties with white hair, orange eyes and a few scars plastering his face.
"So this is our pilot James?" I asked walking toward the two of them.
"Indeed, meet Captain Carde Heart, your personal pilot." He said, introducing the man in front of me.
"Saludos Sr. Ocel, it's an honor to meet you in person." Carde said warmly as we shook hands. "Question, do you speak other languages?"
"Well, ¿Responde esta tu pregunta?" I replied grinning, as a smile broke out across his face.
"It seems the old man did teach you some of his tricks, perfect." He replied chuckling slightly. "Hop in, let's head over to Grid Plaza. You'll want to see it's condition ever since the passing of your-," He was about to finish when James gave him a signal to stop.
"Oh right sorry, didn't mean to-" I held my hand in front of his face cutting him off.
"Stop, every time I hit one of my 'barriers' it stays broken." I explained bluntly. "I've grieved them long enough." I said curtly. "Let's go."
I've only ridden in a hover-jet once, that was the day I left my camp in Forever Fall, and I hated it. I don't like heights, never did, never will. So I rode in the passenger area to avoid looking through the windshield, I'll never live the comments I got from Carde that day however…
"We're here." He notified me, through the headphones he had given me. "I'm landing her now, better hold on to something."
After hearing the clank of metal on pavement, I breathed a sigh of relief. When the door locks disengaged, I began my shaky walk out from the ship. When Carde hopped out from the pilot's cabin and saw me, he couldn't stop laughing. I had been falling over my own two feet ever since I left that infernal vehicle. From that day on, I'll take land travel of air travel any day. He helped me back up and held me steady for a moment.
"Don't worry, happens to anyone who isn't used to flying." He reassured me, helping me stand straight. "Just walk slowly and keep an eye on your feet and you'll be walking normally in a few minutes."
"Thanks Carde, now I noticed something about payment when I looked through my part of the deed." I said pulling out a portable Lien Card fabricator. I placed my thumbprint on it and made ten Black Lien cards. "This should be more than enough."
"That's ten times the amount the old man payed me…" He said in awe taking the cards. "You do know that right?"
A/N: I you're wondering what each card is worth in comparison to its color, I'll list my ideas for each card here:
Tens: Green= 10; Blue= 20; Yellow= 50.
Hundreds: Purple= 100; Orange= 200; Red= 500.
Thousands: White= 1,000; Grey= 2,000; Black= 5,000,
Ten Thousands: Copper= 10,000; Tin= 20,000; Bronze= 50,000.
Hundred Thousands: Silver= 100,000; Gold= 200,000; Platinum= 500,000.
Millions: Maroon= 1,000,000; Navy= 2,000,000 and Lime= 5,000,000.
"Yeah, you want more?" I asked nonchalantly. "I've got access to both vaults, I have enough money to buy the planet it I wanted too." Exaggerating slightly.
"Whoa…" He muttered staring at me in awe. "Well, if I have any trouble with my paycheck I'll go to you, boss." He said with a devious grin on his face.
"Wait, what do you mean 'boss'?" I asked, as he handed me three familiar sheets of paper. "Aren't those the deeds to the quarries my brothers owned?"
"Yes, and since you're the oldest living and active family member, they belong to you know." He admitted proudly. "The company is in your hands now, more or less."
"Well, shit." I said blankly. "I guess I'll be living the life of an executive now."
"Yeah, now I guess I should show you around a bit. Let you get used to the layout and such." Carde suggested, I nodded as we began to walk down the sidewalk to the central plaza.
"Beginning of a more, modernized life." I thought to myself. "I wonder what will happen now that I'm in charge."
To be Continued...
