IV - J-Root
~~~(IV)~~~
It had been a few weeks since Oxon had come to the shelter. While he wanted to get out and gain money for repairs, he realized his body needed the rest and recovery offered. The meals, while described as cheap by Mr. Towhead, were delicious and filling and held new interesting flavors. The pill bottle he had was slowly getting emptier giving him relief over the nasties inside him.
As the days turned to weeks, he noticed subtle changes in his body. He had more energy and was starting to feel his bones less as muscle was being rebuilt. Light exercise by lifting his heavy pack, squats, situps, and pushups were slowly helping him get back to his original shape. His pale skin was regaining its luster to a more healthy shade.
Needless to say, with all these improvements in the last few days, his mood has turned into something more optimistic and hopeful.
Soon, soon I can be free of this weakness.
While his mood improved, he was growing restless at the lack of activity. Having spent the last two weeks simply focused on himself, the urge to improve himself and his independence grew.
He decided it was finally time to talk about finding work.
Making his way to the first floor he saw Mr. Towhead at his counter with a mug of coffee in front of him and reading the daily paper. A tired frown was clear on his features as he stared at the words in front of him.
Approaching the man, Oxon made his goal for the day clear. "Mr. Towhead, I think I am ready to find some work."
The man didn't bother looking up from his paper at the statement, committed to finishing whatever it was he was reading. Once he finished, he looked over the top to take in a good look at the refugee in front of him. The man's face never changed from the frown that seemed stuck.
Wouldn't he be happy to help me find work? Why does he seem so upset?
"Well alright, first things first is what you can do. If I know your skillset I can look into a suitable place." He gripped the paper in front of him a little tighter and continued. "I'm guessing by the gear you brought with ya that you are accustomed to combat?"
The question wasn't surprising, three guns and a set of armor would leave that impression on anyone, yet that wasn't what he wished to do with his new life. Sure he might be a decent shot, but his skills were not focused on battle. Oxon said as much to the man in front of him.
"Not meant for battle?" The man was surprised yet relaxed a bit at the words. "Well then what is it that you do then?"
"I was primarily a woodcutter in my home, I pride myself at felling trees and getting the logs ready for use. Although every man above 12 was expected to learn how to fight, and I was no exception, my father taught me to use a few weapons even before I was the required age." He missed the familiar weight of his ax that had gotten him through the last few years of his life, but it was time he moved forward. "I'd prefer to continue the work I once did, though if there is no choice I can use the skill I was taught by my family."
The man hummed in thought and looked back at his paper while he thought. After enough time to start to worry of being ignored, he finally spoke again.
"You have options, not many, but some. When we spoke that day you came in, I told you a lack of papers would be instant disqualification for a good many jobs." He let out a deep sigh as he thought on what to say. "Woodworkers are uncommon here in the city, those that exist are luxury item makers. There is always the option to go outside the city, logging camps are common outside the walls, but their safety is not always certain."
No. he would not return to the wilds if he could help it. Seeing the walls first hand rooted the idea of staying deep in his mind. There had to be something in Vale for him.
Seeing Oxon's expression, Jude knew he would not leave the security offered by the city. "There are places that would use what combat skills you have, not the police or home guard, you'd need identification papers for such." That sad and resigned look returned to his face once more. "I know a guy, it's not the cleanest of professions, but they will pay you for your work."
"I'll take it!" Excitement at being able to have a chance at bettering his situation.
He went from a glum look to frustrated in a snap "Quiet down you foolish boy, I ain't even explained what the work will be!"
With a deep sigh, he set down the paper on the desk and looked Oxon in the eyes. Oxon idly noticed the page open was that of a variety of little comics. "Now at my shelter I offer safety for those down and out," Moving towards a file cabinet he pulled out a black and red flier and handed it to him. "that won't change any time soon, I've made agreements that protect those in my walls."
The flier was a simple thing, it advertised for a club near the center of the city that was looking for strong men to work as labourers and bouncers. "The Club?"
Shaking his head the man turned away from him and spoke up. "Yeah, they're well known in the city for those looking for a good night. I know their boss and put in a recommendation for ya. But just so ya are aware, it ain't the cleanest way to make a living."
Oxon had been through enough filth ever since leaving his home. He doubted working at a place of entertainment was any different.
~~~(IV)~~~
Jude led the boy to where The Club was located, while not a far distance, still an annoying walk for his older body. He could have sent the boy on his own to Junior, but he wanted to express his wishes for this one.
Glancing up at the kid walking beside him he felt his resolution grow. The kid had it rough, it was clear he was obvious to the words he'd used to describe the job. He guessed that being out in the sticks truly left him ignorant to the workings of major population centers.
If only the boy had a means of ID, this could have easily been avoided, instead he will be thrown to the bears.
"We're almost there kid, you remember what I said?"
"'Be quiet and respectful when speaking.'" Turning the corner showed the massive building that took up the whole street corner. "I know how to speak with people, I hadn't quite gone feral in the woods." he said with a slight grin.
"Hope you keep that enthusiasm kid." He grumbled under his breath. Gang members weren't exactly known for fun personalities.
Reaching the front doors, Jude knocked strongly on the large doors. After a moment a man in a black suit with red tie and glasses opened the door
"Clubs closed, gramps, get your perv on when we open tonight." The henchman spat. As he prepared to close the door, Jude stuck his foot in the door to hold it.
"Damn fool, I'm not here for your club, I'm here for your boss." He showed the idiot the card for his work. "He knows who I am and will speak with me."
The less than intelligent doorman took the card and said if Junior indeed knew Jude, then he'd be back to show them inside. Disappearing behind the doors again, the two from the shelter were once again by themselves. Clearly that wasn't one of his, else he'd have been let in with better manners.
"Be really careful not to offend anyone in there. These aren't your everyday bartenders and bouncers.'' He still felt guilty not explaining the whole situation to the kid, but if Junior listened to him, hopefully the worst would be avoided.
After a few minutes the doorman from earlier appeared and ushered them inside, saying that the boss will see them.
Walking into the club was nothing new for the older man, but by the look on Oxon's face, the kid was hardly used to anything like this. He was speechless for a while, though it didn't last.
"This place is amazing! There's so many lights here! The floor is huge, and I can't begin to imagine how much this must cost."
Before Jude could remind him to stay silent, a gruff voice in the direction of the bar beat him to it. "Well, well, well, been a while Judy." The large man said while he leaned against the bar. "At least one of you appreciates the work we put into The Club."
Damn him and damn that nickname. Holding back an insult was difficult, but Jude managed. Motioning for Oxon to follow, he made his way to the conter where Hei "Junior" Xiong stood. "Must we get this conversation off on insults every time we meet? I'm beginning to grow tired of the shit."
"No rebuttal? Well that's rare, you finally going soft on me old man?" The mob boss shooed away the bartender standing behind the counter so they could talk a bit more freely.
"The only thing going soft will be your back once my foot makes a pit stop in your ass." He whispered to himself. Damn him, Junior was good at riling him up. "Regardless, I have someone for you to meet. Refugee from outside the walls looking for work, no papers though.
Junior took a good look at Oxon, he saw the same thing Jude had. A fairly tall boy with chin length brown hair that was swept back out of his face. He had a medium frame and strong green eyes and a decent tan. His clothes were obviously loaned to him from Jude, the sky blue polo being a size too small for him. He seemed wildy out of place, not really paying attention to the conversation, instead he was looking around the building, particularly at the dance floor and its decor. His face was set in a neutral expression but the shine in his eyes showed his curiosity clear as day.
"Huh, well I won't say no to any additional men, but why are you here? Most times you just send em over with a card so I know they came from you." That was true, but he'd been feeling the guilt watching the news and seeing what became of the unlucky ones that worked here. They didn't deserve to have a second chance in a place like this. But his contract left little room for him.
"I'll tell ya, but first let me introduce him. Junior, this is Oxon, comes from some razed settlement outside the walls, hence the no papers. The kidvis looking for work." Seeing the kid still preoccupied taking in the scenery, a not quite gentle jab at the kids side brought him back to the here and now. "Pay attention damn it, this might be your new boss!"
Distraction dispelled, the boy looked at Junior and offered his hand to him. "Hello there sir, It is nice to meet you, sorry for spacing out, I-I'm new to the area and not quite familiar with much of what I see." His face split into a grin as he spoke to the man.
Taking his hand, Junior shook it with an amused chuckle. "Well, glad you like what you see. So what brings you to The Club?" Releasing his hand he looked back to Jude. "Any special skills I should know about?"
"I'm skilled with axes and saws and other lumber tools, back home I worked felling trees and prepping lumber. I'm from a small place far away, though my family is originally from Mantle." Junior seemed less than impressed with the mundane skills the kid had, he looked to Jude with a raised eyebrow.
The kid was saying the wrong things and that was bad for them both. "He is good at manual labor and harsh conditions, being a logger up north. He also said he was trained to fight since he was young."
Sensing it was time for clarification, Oxon jumped in to specify his skillset. "Our fighting was mainly in defense of the occasional grimm encountered out hunting, foraging, farming, or logging in my case. My dad was good with swords and spears, he and other Guards taught me a few different weapons." Thinking of his family and their time together brought a smile to his face. "My brother was more skilled with ranged weapons like guns and bows, he was a hunter for us, and he taught me some on how to use them. Though my main skillset is with axes. My work tool was often a weapon for when a Grimm ambushed us out in our stands."
This was not known to Jude, he knew the kid carried those guns of his, but he didn't have anything close to resembling a melee weapon. Junior was looking at Oxon with new interest which worried Jude.
"Axes huh?" Junior had a grin now. "Me and my boys know a thing or two about those as well. If you really know how to use guns too, then I think we might be able to work something out."
It was time for judes gambit. "Can we speak privately, Junior? I'd like to speak with you regarding a few things." If he could just speak with him about the boy then he could ease his conscience.
The mobster mulled it over, before grunting in agreement. Jude motioned for Oxon to stay at the bar. The two men walked into a private room where they could discuss freely.
Junior cut straight to the point the moment they sat down. "What's this about Jude? What's with you today?" Jude met his stare head on, not wanting to show weakness here. "First you actually escort a new recruit here, now you're trying to talk to me about something about him."
Taking a deep breath, jude began to explain his reasoning to the man in front of him. He was tired of this, taking in lost souls and bringing them to junior in exchange for protection and some funding. While not everyone that came to him wound up with the gang, the growing number was weighing heavily on him due to the nature of the work. He couldn't keep sending people into the criminal world like this. He wanted to start with the latest one, Oxon. It was easy to tell that his life had been rough recently, and he did not want to see his mug shot in the paper in a few months time.
While he was talking, Junior was listening with a blank expression. Taking in the older man's speech, he mulled over his thoughts.
"We have an agreement, Jude Towhead, we give your place protection and money every month in return for a few new recruits." Pouring some whisky into a glass he took a sip and pondered his next words. "So what do you want? Me to keep the kid as just some simple worker? Even my janitors and DJ are gang members and are a part of our other business."
This isn't working, he realized he needed to try harder. "Please Hei, I've known you for a long time, back before you were even the head of the gang. I don't want more of the people I look after dragged down if I can help it. I know what I'm asking is against our agreement, but can't you make an exception here?"
Junior looked like he was coming around, until his face solidified in a glare. "If you want to renegotiate, then you can do so for next month, your quota is one away from being filled, but the month is almost over. You'll need to find someone to take his place for this period."
Damn, Jude couldn't find a way out of this. He didn't have any other options, a pregnant woman with a kid already, a number of kids far too young, and junior wont accept any of the ones with drug issues. "I don't have anyone who you could take in. but please, he's not from here, he'd be torn apart."
Junior took another sip of his alcohol and fixed the older man in front of him with a slightly softer stare. "Look, I'll hire the kid and he will be a part of the gang, but I will see if I can keep him from the worst, if not I'll try and ease him into it slowly." setting down the now empty glass, he stood and moved to the door. "This isn't for the kid, I'm doing this out of the history we have. But this is the only favor I'll do for you regarding Our deal. You can try and make a new deal next month."
Letting out the breath he'd been holding, Jude got up and made to follow the man back to the main floor. "I hope you can forgive me kid, you're in the devil's hands now."
~~~(IV)~~~
Oxon was bored. While he enjoyed looking at all the interesting things in this club, sitting still wasn't his strong suit. He decided to spend his time reading the labels on all the bottles on the wall, and boy were those bottles big and varied. The variety of alcohol on the wall would have made Thias think he's in boozy heaven. He got halfway through the wall beforeJude and that other guy, Junior, came out of a back room. Jude seemed down, which wasn't exactly a new thing, but he wasn't really looking at Oxon.
As the two got near, Junior brought out a slip of paper and placed it in front of him. "Alright kid, heard about your deal, you wanna work here for me?" Looking at the paper on the counter, it was a contract. The many paragraphs of legal speak went far over his head. But he already knew his answer. "You'll be a part of our club from today onwards if you do."
"Yes sir, Junior." He did not know why club was emphasized so strangely, but it must be what the entertainment profession here in vale was called.
Taking a pen offered from junior, Oxon Adhmad signed his name.
~~~(IV)~~~
There we go, the prologue is now complete. There will be another slight time skip for the next chapter as we get closer to the start of cannon events.
Anyways, please leave a review about how you feel about the chapter/ story! Would help to know the opinions of others :)