I was too stunned to speak. Roman and I hadn't talked since childhood. You'll have to excuse me, but I lost my temper.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL, ROMAN!? YOU LEAVE FOR NINE YEARS WITH NO CONTACT AND WANT TO MEET AT A COFFEE SHOP!?" My ranting went on for a few more minutes, until I finally calmed down. Roman, in his usual suave personality responded with, "Well, you finally got some personality. Take a seat, I just want to talk."

He took a seat, followed by me taking my own. We chatted for a while over some drinks, and it was rather enjoyable. At least, it was until he brought up a business proposal. "Now, Turq, I'm not here just to catch up. I have a… employer, who thinks you have something of value to her. You might know what it is."

I honestly felt insulted, and retorted with, "Isn't stealing your thing?" Roman just laughed, "No, it's not like that. It's what you've already got. She said something about a cult, but you'd figure it out soon. But what she wanted was a weapon. Project Jormungandr."

"Project Jormungandr was never finished. It would take a funding so large, I couldn't fathom it!" Roman chuckled, puzzling me further. It was impossible someone even knew of it. Roman nonchalantly stated, "Well, it just so happens that she can help with that. She has more resources than Atlas has!"

I was still skeptical. The project was for a super weapon. It's design was based on a snake, but this was a titanium snake with armor that could tunnel underground, shoot poison, acid, and had dust fangs.

Looking down at my coffee, I said, "Listen…I don't think I can." "Well, that's a crying shame, because, she said if you refused, I'd still have to bring you to her." Roman pointed his cane at me, the latch open. To be entirely honest, I wasn't that surprised. "Look, Roman. You can tell this boss that if she wants me, she can get me herself!" I stood up, and pushed the gun down, but he pressed the trigger before I could react.

The resulting explosion threw me against a wall, knocking me unconscious. When I woke up, I felt dazed, and a little lighter. I looked around to see that I was in a hospital, surrounded by the team.

"Ugh. What happened?"." Carmella gasped, and embraced me. It hurt like hell, and through gritted teeth I whispered, "Ow." She let go and apologized.

We talked and they told me I was found with slight burns and in a pool of my own blood. I grunted, and tried to get up. But when I looked down, I nearly threw up. My lower shin was covered in bandages, and my right foot was completely gone.

Everyone stared for a minute, but that wouldn't stop me. Feet are an accessory, not a necessity. I asked for a crutch, and left the hospital. It took about 15 minutes to reach Beacon, and I attracted ALL of the student's looks.

That night, I called Winfred , my old butler, whom I left in charge of the homestead when I left. "Sir, isn't this a nice surprise. Your attack was on the news, and I must admit, it's a miracle you're alive, sir." I smiled, glad to hear his voice again. "It's good to hear from you, too, Winfred. Listen, I need a favor. Do you have access to the vault?"