VIII - Seedling

I hope you guys enjoyed the omake from the previous chapter. I was about to publish the chapter when the idea popped into my head. Nothing quite as vicious as a pissed off gang enforcer lol.

~~~(VIII)~~~

The busy night had come and went and his weekend was finally here. While not exactly during the actual weekend, he had mondays and tuesdays free since they were normally slow days. He spent his off days as productive as could be. He'd go to the in house gym for a few hours in the morning then relax for the rest of the day doing his favorite activity.

"Ooohhhhh, now that was a cool fight scene." Oxon had taken to absorbing as much media and pop culture as he could on his relaxation days. The internet was a whole new world for him, and he had decades of material to go through.

While there were a few people at Prism who wrote books and series, the tv shows, movies, and stories of the more modern world were flashy and new to him. It all started when he got his first scroll, he'd been curious about the habits and hobbies of Vale and wanted to know what culture and social norms were common. Once he opened a few sites recommended on its home page, that had sealed his fate. The massive information dump nearly overloaded his mind, fashion, technology, and entertainment were some of the higher viewed sections he'd looked at.

He was currently watching a live action adaptation of a popular comic called Huntsman. The great camera work, acting, and effects entranced him. He'd been binge watching the series and loving the whole experience.

He never felt like an idiot before. But after soaking in all the information he had over the last few months, he'd become acutely aware of just how isolated his people had been. If they hadn't been so paranoid of being located by what they assumed was a hostile Mantle and Vale, maybe tragedy could have been avoided. A lot of similar thoughts had run through his mind about his home and the mistakes they made.

But enough about that, it was his off day, and he was going to enjoy it!

~~~(VIII)~~~

After a good day of relaxation. Oxon realized his fridge was empty of food or any decent ingredients. I could cook some rice and broccoli, but I'd really like some meat.

Groaning in frustration, he put on some non-pajama clothes and headed out. The convenience of the club's location in central Vale was great. He could easily walk a few minutes to the nearest grocery store or convenience store. Truly prime real estate.

The main streets of Vale were bustling. People commuting to and from work, delivery drivers, and many other types of people going about their varied lives. It still felt weird to be surrounded by such large crowds. His old home had barely a fraction of the population crammed within the city's walls. Oxon made his way to a local fast food restaurant to get a quick bite. That was another novel about the city. Quick and easy food made in minutes. After that he made his way to the grocery store but was interrupted by a sound from an alley. It sounded like someone was hurt.

Upon entering the alleyway he came face to face with what appeared to be some scraggly kids. They were dirty and had clothes that had more holes than a block of cheese. In the middle of the alleyway, a kid was laying on the ground with clear pain on his face.

Oxon moved over to the downed child. "Hey kid, are you alri-" His question was interrupted by shuffling from the alley entrance.

Oxon glanced back and saw more kids appearing behind him, blocking off his path. The kid on the ground got up and pulled out a knife that seemed too rusty to possibly be sharp. It seemed like these urchins were trying to mug him.

"Gi-give us your money mister!" The kid with the knife demanded. He was using both of his small hands to hold up the 'weapon' in a 'threatening' manner. The whole situation was more sad than scarry.

Letting out a deep sigh, Oxon began to think of his options. Obviously he wasn't worried about himself. Even without his aura, the kids would have to work pretty hard to even get a hit on him. His main inner conflict came from what to do with them, he felt uncomfortable at the thought of harming them, but he wasn't sure how to de-escalate starving children. Clearly this was what they had to resort to in order to survive.

Oxon could sympathize.

"Look, even if you get my money, it's not going to last forever. Food costs money and you'll eventually need to do this again." They couldn't survive off crime forever, eventually they will face the consequences. "One day you'll either rob someone who won't care about harming you, or the cops will get you. Something has to change."

The kids did not seem to listen, the ones behind him moved closer to try and increase the intimidation. Idly he thought of that move he watched where the gangster snapped menacingly, if only. While the street rats had no theatrics, they did form a loose wall on either side in hope of trapping him.

"I don' care how big ya are, fatty, we got numbers on you."

"Easy way or hard way, just give us the chips."

The others chimed in with what they assumed were menacing words, it would have meant more if even one of them came up to his chest. The other kids picked up what they could find on the ground. An empty wine bottle, a piece of scrap metal, and even an umbrella. Needless to say, Oxon was less than intimidated.

He frowned in disappointment when the knife kid decided to go for violence. With minor application of his aura, he grabbed the blade and snatched it away. With another flex of his aura, he snapped the blade in front of the kid in an effortless manner. The rusted piece had very little structural integrity.

Seeing the danger the first kid was in, the others decided to back him up in his decision. The child with the wine bottle swung for Oxon's chin. Letting out another sigh, Oxon shattered the bottle with a backhanded slap, and knocked the others 'weapons' out of their hands with similar ease. Suddenly disarmed, realization dawned on the faces of the would be muggers.

"You done?" dusting himself of the dirt and glass, he looked at the four kids that were staring at him. He put his hands in his pockets in order to show he wasn't about to attack them. "If you are, maybe we can have a civilized chat. You know, like humans, not animals."

The wrong words apparently, since one of the kids went back to attacking him. It was incredibly ineffective since the only place he could hit was Oxon's stomach. At least he was to dumb to hit lower. At that point he noticed the scruffy ears hidden in his raggamuffin haircut. "Screw you, fatty human!"

Strange insult aside, taking a closer look at them, he noticed a few features he'd missed. They all had signs of animal traits on them.

Faunus.

Prism had none among its population, so he was still getting used to seeing them since coming to Vale. Not that he was prejudiced, his father taught him to be respectful to anyone unless a person deserved his disrespect. The kid continued to wail futility on him until he got too tired or realized just how effective his fists were.

"Look, sorry 'bout the comment, but talking is easier than whatever it is you were trying for. I don't know what put you in this situation where alleyway robbery is your best bet, but I'm sure we can work something out." They were dirty and thin, but not dangerously so. They just tried to mug him, so even if he offered to help, they'd likely be wary of him. "Do you guys need shelter? Food? Clearly you need new clothes."

One of the younger kids took the bait and opened up about their situation. "Big bro has a safe house! He works to get us food but… He doesn't have enough to buy clothes…" Clearly this "Big bro" was the person taking care of them. Situations like this were apparently common in the developed cities, and he knew he'd be like them if he didn't join the club.

If they didn't need food, they might have been doing this for other reasons, clothes or medicine perhaps. If he could help them with their food situation, then maybe their caretaker could then focus on the other issues they no doubt face. Remembering a few conversations from his fellow gang members gave him an idea.

"I know you don't trust me, but I think I have an idea on how to help you and your big bro." Maybe appealing to their fondness for the guy will make this not as difficult as it needs to be. As long as it works that is.

~~~(VIII)~~~

The four kids were huddled further down from Oxon and watched with tense eyes. Oxon was leaning outside the back of a grocery store. The owner was a squeamish man that had been paying protection money to the gang. He'd heard other members brag about shops and businesses they'd roped into the protection racket. He was about to use his affiliation to the Red Ax gang tonight.

Eventually, after the store had closed for the night, one of the employees opened the rear door and was about to throw out some unsold food. He didn't make it to the dumpster before he noticed the company. When his mind took in the man adorned with red glasses and an equally red ax, he realized he was in trouble.

"Who- wha? Huh?" The worker stuttered out, dropping what appeared to be a large bag of baked goods. "What do you want?"

Increasing the stern look on his face, Oxon walked closer to him, ax head resting on his shoulder. "We're going to make an agreement tonight. Shouldn't even be that hard."

"Verd, what's taking so long?" An older voice called out from inside, when no response was given, a tiered mumble sounded from inside before the sores boss walked out. "If you're taking another "smoke break" on the clock again I swear I'll-" He, like his employee, paused upon seeing the situation.

"What do you want!? This month's pay isn't due yet!" The man had quickly started to sweat upon seeing the ax and uniform. His short and rotund body began to shake like a willow in a storm. "W-wh-what is it? Is it an increase? Is Junior letting me go?" he could see the feeble hope in the man's eyes.

The boys were right, this guy really is a pushover. Sorry for this buddy, but it's the best way to help these kids.

With a quick test of the ax's balance and weight, he tossed it at the older man. The blade bit deep into the stone wall next to the man's head. The man let out a disappointingly high scream and collapsed after coming close to losing his head.

"As I told your hire there," gesturing at the now retreating form of the employee. "There's a deal we are going to make, and I don't think you'll want to say no."

Wordlessly the man nodded his head in a frantic manner. Oxon felt guilty about using fear for his plan, but if Junior taught him anything, it's that fear was a good motivator. He ripped the ax out of the wall and let a small spray of dust and rubble rain on the fallen man.

"The food you don't sell, what happens to it?"

"Well, we're required to dispose of it… Once it passes a certain date, we need to get rid of it. baked goods are only good for one day."

Realizing the articles he read on the way here were correct, he knew his plan would work. "That's what I thought you did. See, I recently came across some folks that could use the food, but can't afford it due to being literal children." He nodded to the young group staring from a distance, only a vertical line of heads was visible to them, still on guard in case this was a trap. "The whole deal being made is this, every week, someone will come here to pick up however much food you'd throw away. You will give it to them, no questions or complaints. And if you tell anyone about this, then the Red Axes will pay you a visit."

The man nodded with increased frequency at his demands. That was good, besides, it's not like he was getting robbed. Really, people like him should have been doing this for years, generosity to your fellow man is an easy virtue to follow. Hopefully this will help the kids here and many others, and while he was glad to help them, a small part of his mind knew he was doing this to make him feel better about himself.

Maybe this will stop those dreams I've been having…

After motioning them to come over, the older of the four carefully made his way over and was told the situation. He looked ecstatic at the thought of the free food and he quickly picked up a bag of bread, veggies, and meat that the store's owner prepared at Oxon's demand. The four moved away with a spring in their step as they ran to wherever their safehouse was. It was at that point that Oxon remembered his main reason for going out. He still needed groceries.

"Hey shopkeep, mind if you stay open a little longer? I kinda need to buy some stuff."

~~~(VIII)~~~

Making his way back to the club was an awkward affair since he had to carry a bit more than he anticipated. Getting almost empty on food was a mistake. He'd need to make a weekly trip to make sure shopping loads were not so large.

Walking into the club's employee entrance, he saw a group of men huddling about a piece of paper. They seemed agitated for some reason, but he had things to do, groceries to put away.

Before he could get to the elevator, one of the guys called out to him. "Hey Oxon, 'grats on the job."

What?

Turning around to look at who spoke, he asked just what he ment. He already has a job at the club, it isn't like he applied anywhere recently. The answer he got was not the best news.

"The new Torchwick gig, it's your shot at redemption man!" His cheer was punctuated with a thumbs up. And while he'd normally be happy about the camaraderie, the cause of it filled him with a mix of dread and anger. "Maybe once it's over, the boss'll forget about the last time ey?"

Looking at the sheet held in front of him, he saw a memo from the boss detailing that a number of men were being sent out to assist the man, and at the bottom of the list was his name. Why was he on the list? Wouldn't they want people who knew what they were doing? He was the opposite of that! Through all the rage and confusion, a single thought came to his mind.

The hell did I do to you, you chain-smoking prick?

~~~(VIII)~~~

Sorry it's a little shorter, life happens. Little bit of a filler chapter but I hope you enjoyed the break in Oxon's constant bad luck. Back to the main plot next chapter obviously.