The morning was the most awkward, that Ivory and the others had as the one responsible was laying dead centre of the table. "Now that everyone had a nice reading experience." She moved forward, carefully taking the letter's away. "I. I'm just going to put them back and forget that I've seen them." She felt her cheeks flushing, as with the others having a rosy dusting.
"I'll be honest here." Fleur spoke up, balancing her spoon. "I would have never guessed how he's a writer of that kind and calibre, couldn't believe how vivid he could get." A small whine came from a slumped form of Róźowy.
"Can we please change the subject!" Looking up blearily, a small scowl was starting to form as she began to glare at Ivory. Which she returned it with a smug smile.
"It's not my fault." As she put the letters one by one into a bag, "you weren't being as discreet about it." The scowl was there but her cheeks were still red.
A loud clap sounded off as they turned towards Morada, holding her hands together in a prayer as she took in a deep breath. "Okay girl's, that's enough." Standing she took her bowl away, but she looked at all three of them. "So… what's the plan for today?" Another loud groan came from Róźowy.
"I just remembered, that I need to go to the music store for my shift!"
With a soft pat on her shoulder, "Take a shower and I'll grab some spares for today." Fleur taking the empty bowl, and shooed her off.
With a deep breath Ivory took her bowl, "as do I. The mansion isn't going to clean itself." The sink full and she couldn't ignore the slight scowl on both Fleur and Róźowy. "My shift won't start until twelve."
That was when Morada stood up too, "I'll drive you." She spoke up taking a pair of keys on the counter.
The drive towards the mansion was uneventful, quiet even, but it wasn't awkward or unwanted. "Still working here." Was the cutting edge. With a hum, she looked towards morada quirking an eyebrow. "You're still working here, and I want to know why?" She asked again pointing at the approaching destination.
A dry laugh came out of her mouth as she settled down, a rye smile on her. "I wish I knew the answer, because I keep asking myself that same one." With a breath she opened the door leaving Morada in the vehicle.
The sound of the car leaving, she took another breath. "Okay… it's only two days." Mumbling under her breath, she reached down feeling the cold cross in her bag. "He'll be back." Taking the few steps, she passed the gate heading towards the staff house.
Opening the door, the busy bodies of butler's and maids moved up and down with purpose and a mission. Another breath she blended into the flow. Moving along with it until she reached her room, slipping in she removed her street clothes. Taking a pair of clothes for the day, with a sigh she put on her mechanics uniform.
There was a hurried knock. "Ivory. You're needed in the boiler room." She look into the mirror, eyes at the door. With a sufferable groan, she pulled her glasses to take out a more thick layered pair.
"Two days girl, just today and tomorrow." Pulling the Iron cross she moved away putting it into one of her many pocket's. the busybody of staffs she blended into the mold once again. It was a calm chaotic storm, a dance that everyone knew and played.
With smooth movements she slipped into the basement, where a large workshop that could fit seven bullheads wing tip to wing tip. When she first came here, she was surprised that a massive assembly was located underneath the mansion. The shrill sounds of saw's and grinders, with a wince she pulled out a pair of ear plugs.
"Ivory!" Looking towards her right was a tall burly man, his welding mask resting above his brow. "I need you to head towards the boiler room." He motioned to his left, "Brenden needs help down there, and he's falling behind."
Nodding her head she moved through the throng of worker's and machines. To head on deeper into the workplace. "Ivory!" Before her at the bottom, was another buzzing of workers going around too keep the machine going. "Fenrir, grab that blue dust crystal and feed it too tube five. Tobias!" His bellow was one would expect from furious disappointment. "What the hell are you doing!" His voice carried across the loud room. The boy was there trying and failing to hold up a large steel sheet. "Can someone help him, now." His face was twisted into a sharp scowl his eyes darting one place to the next. Until he looked at Ivory.
She felt her heart race, a small cold shiver. "Ivory, I need you at bay two. Right now." He pointed not bothering to look her way. The stress of the shop swamping his foul mood.
Not bothering to respond she moved through the shop. The place was one of many underground factories. To produce and manufacture goods. Entering bay two, it was a small assembly line for vehicles. "Ivory!" She jumped at the sound looking towards her right to see another Faunus. "Thank goodness you're the one they sent here." Motioning towards the line, one of the mechanical arms was sparking. "I need you to fix that, and bring out Clamper." He spoke quickly as they both worked on the line.
With a click the assembly arm was lifted on hydrologic power, falling back to the mind set, she set forth with a cart. Sliding and carefully placing the malfunctioning motor, with another whir she pulled away freeing the piece from it's workplace. Afterward a clunky bot came waddling into position. Putting it aside, she opened one of the many hatches, pulling a short wire to plug into her wrist data pad.
"Run program, 2f-2byL3." Tapping away she input the code, the bot moving in harmony with the other machines.
"Alright it's up and running, and I'm taking this hunk to the maintenance deck." Pulling the machine behind her, she made her way out. Following a yellow strip towards an elevator, waiting for the lift. It slowly pulled up to something she hated. On the flat was several machines, including bots. With a tired sigh, she couldn't wait for the day to end.
Wiping the sweat away from her eyes, she toiled away for the past nine hours. She would have left three hours ago. Lifting the heavy metal shell, it fell with a loud clang locking into place. She let out a scream, trying and failing to pull away. "Fucking hell!" One of the small skeleton crews came to her aid, lifting the metallic body.
Freed and in pain she held her hand closer towards the chest, tears streaming down. "Finich! Get Asriel." The bellow was loud enough to halt more of the lanes, stopping production.
"Brothers this hurts," she hissed though her teeth, cradling her hand closer. She couldn't move them, but the blinding pain was something else. Worried, she made the effort to hold out her hand. "Thank goodness I still have them." Seeing her fingers still attached but her ring and middle fingers, where not in the best of positions.
"Shit." She looked over towards her right, as others came up. Some of them had small bandages or wrappings around there hands and arms. "Fat bastard can't be doing this anymore, if this keeps up we will be behind schedule and low on workers." Kneeling beside and taking her hand he examined the damaged appendage. "Yeah… it's fucked." A frustrating sigh left him, unable to speak about this growing issue. "Ivory." Taking a breath, she mustered herself. "Can you take, Angelo, Ciane and Saffra, with you." Pulling out a watch he looked down, a tired breath leaving his soul. "The rest of you will get back to work. And you four head on to the hospital."
The surprised expression on Ivory and then incredulity, showed him the situation. "Is any of you going to drive us there?" The negative shake of their head made her blood boil.
Without another word, she left with the other three following her by limping or helping another. Pulling her scroll out, tried as she could to use the screen.
With difficulty it began to ring, waiting for the few outgoing calls it was picked up. "Ivory," was the small curt call.
"Hey Fleur, it happened again." Her tone was of a small Child caught steeling, her embarrassment grew from the long and tired sigh on the other end.
Sitting out front of the gated house, she looked over the other's conditions. Some where bad, but she still felt vexed at their current situation. Yes, there were boards for workers, but they never really threw their weight around or improve their conditions.
Gravel and dirt being crushed, she looked over to see the same car of Fleur arriving. The disapproving look on her face made her sheepishly wave, with a gesture from the sour woman. The others stood with her and piled into the car. The ride was silent for about ten minutes, a tired and exhausted sigh left her soul.
"Ivory." Fleur spoke softly, her demeanour sagging from the roller coaster of events. "Ivory, when are you going to leave that place?" There was the question.
But, she couldn't really find the answer herself. "It's the same dam thing I ask myself." Her eyes roamed from the outside towards the rear view mirror, seeing the other injured co-workers. A Faunus, a human male and female.
She saw the small irony at their situation, machinist or industrial workers where in the same boat as the Faunus. Working conditions were poor, and they where replaceable as spare parts. A soft ting cut through the air, as they took out their scrolls.
The human male's face slackened lightly but hardened quickly, the female right next to him held a more somber expression. The Faunus looked like his world was crumbling down, the ride was more somber the air thick with tension.
Once the hospital was in sight, Fleur pulled up as the others left without a word. Before Ivory could leave she reached over taking her arm, the young woman looked back to her with a questioning gaze. "Ivory. Look, you can't keep this up forever, the conditions I keep pulling you here is building up." A sigh left her, a sigh that was tired and saddened. "You have too much time to live for, ca-"
She was cut off by Ivory pulling her arm away. "I know." Her voice was weaker, "But, can you think of any where else. That can pay more then what the SDC, AMI, Bulwarks, and the VIRS!" She asked pleadingly, looking into her eyes to find the answers.
She broke contact, looking away from the question. "No." Was her soft answer.
Ivory let out a sigh, opening the door to move out and into the hospital's lobby. Where the few sat in waiting.
Walking out of the hospital, her hand wrapped tightly and her arm casted. The others had either moved on, or where still waiting for treatment. The day was late, the shadows oppressive with her sour mood. Her scroll in her hands, with a message that was basically calling her to return to work the next day. She hated her life more so than she could recall, a sharp bark of indignant laughter left her throat.
She let it out, she need something to vent on. She needs somewhere else to vent it out, with a buzz she reached for her phone. Feeling a set of keys, remembering what door it would unlock for her.
Pulling out the scroll it was a message from Fleur telling her that she will be leaving sometime in the morning to pick him up.
With that she moved on, walking down the streets not bothering to take note of where she was going. But her mind was in a whirlwind of what her future would be. She wanted to quit, she wanted to be free! But where else could she go?
With a small jingle above, she looked around taking notice of the instrument laid out on their shelves and cubbies. "Ivory?" Turning to the diminutive voice, was Róźowy her ears raised a little and a questioning look. Until her eyes made it to her bandaged hand. "Oh my goodness" stepping around her counter she took her hands into hers. Prodding and gently examining the damage "Ah, let me guess… working from the assembly line."
she hated that most of her injuries, came from that line, and how easily her friends can pinpoint whereabouts they'd happened. letting off a tired sigh. "Yeah. And I'm expected to return back to work the next day." The sour look on Róźowy told her much, as she gave a tired smile.
"I don't know what to do, Róźowy." Her voice cracked with emotion. "I want to quit. But where else can I get the same amount of pay that I'm getting?" Lifting her bandaged hand she looked at it. "Most of the money I make is sent back home. Home of that stinking mine in Atlas!" Letting off a tired sigh, she look at Róźowy for something. But the girl turned away with her ears drooping in pain, she let out a pained breath. "Thought so."
Their small talk was starting to fade into awkward silence. As Ivory asked for the remaining pages from her. With a hesitant shake, she pulled the remaining journal out of her bag, handing it back.
With all of the materials in hand, she moved back out walking the streets again. Jürgen was about to return tomorrow, she couldn't wait for his return. The books, the pictures and the strange cross she held; where a buzz through her mind and soul. "You have a lot to explain, Jürgen." Speaking quietly, she dug into her bag once more, pulling out his spare key.
Closing the door behind her, she was once more inside his sanctuary. Eyes once again scanning the room, for anything that might catch her interest. Stepping forwards she pulled away the few items that hid the steel weapon case aside; to her surprise there was another case that was further back. Lifting the ammunition can and the two cases onto his workbench, to her great surprise they were not secured by a lock or a number padlock.
With deft hands the latches clicked open as the weapon case opened to one remaining grenade, and two empty foam blocks. Lifting them out she found what could be a sheathed knife, In fact there where two more hidden away. Pulling the handle and to her great surprise; her fingers fit comfortably over the grip plate and resting against the finger guard. The smooth surface of steel sliding out to see an inscription etched into the surface. "Blut und Ehre." She let out a small hum of amusement. "Blood and honour. Hmm. How Atlegion." Sliding the blade back into its sheath, carefully examining the red and black diamond and that strange cross with arms. Pulling out her scroll, there is one place that could provide her the answers. But she was hopeful that the internet was in a giving mood.
It was not on this day. She had been suffering from site to site, images after mountains of images. She had been laying on the bed, her eyes tired from staring into the bright screen. A pop up broke her searching mind, twenty percent battery remaining. She let out a groan of dissatisfaction. "What time is it?" Returning to the Home Screen, it read eight in the afternoon. A small whine left her throat, long with her hunger demanding substance.
Stretching out, she couldn't help but shiver at the satisfying pop along her arms and back. With scroll in hand, she began to type in the address she was currently living in. Ordering online and waiting for it to come greet her.
Digging into her bag, she pulled out Jürgen's journals and her charger. The feeling of worn out leather and the rough shape it's in, astounded her by the sheer amount of abuse. Flicking open the book she found the page she was last on.
September 29th 1939
"It has been a short week for us to mourn for our fallen, and gather what was left of our battalion.
We are to move back towards the homeland, and form up with what was left with Germania, Deutschland, Der Führer. We are to reorganize ourselves, and fill in our ranks with fresh troops from the homeland. To my knowledge, Pual Hausser an army officer is to be overseeing the training of the Verfügungstruppe and Leibstandarte for our next battle.
We where given new toy's from armoured cars and carriers along with panzer's. Retraining into something more fitting for the Fuhrer's finest. I was told that the new weapons and equipment was enough that can make the regulars envious. They should be."
October 3rd
"I had enough time for leave, just enough to take what was left of Tyes Búss to his home. Holding that dam ring just to ignore the world around me. It still haunts my memories, his fearful eyes and his panicking voice. It went off under him, tarnishing his chest and his lower face, making him unrecognizable to me.
I can still feel the anguish, when he was taken. But the one that dealt the blow began to insult and belittle us. Belittle us and the man that saved us. I became angry, I was furious with him because he took him.
I still remember that fury, that deep hatred that I'd carried through those weeks. That dam bunker; where the Polish soldiers dug in, daring us to come and route them out. We didn't, I and a few collected petrol cans, tired and exhausted, but that hate was burning. Burning like the bunker when we were done with it.
They came running out, into our bayonets. A few tired to surrender, pleading us to spare them. They got the sharp end of my knife, fifteen of-"
Róźowy closed the book, her heart beat's quick and short of breath. She stood up walking into the nearby bathroom, turning the faucet on to splash some water onto herself and take a breather to settle her nerves.
"What the fuck!" She yelled out. "What in the name of the brothers, are you Jürgen?" Breathing through her nose to calm herself down, she took another long breath before finally letting go of the sink. "Who are you?" The same question that always comes back, and no solution to the problem but him.
The sound of the door bell ringing, brought her back. Taking another breath, looking into the mirror to find herself better. "Okay" stepping away she made her way to the door with the bell ringing again. "Alright, I'm almost there." With a click and the door swinging back, the delivery man was standing there with her dinner.
"Ivory?" The man questioned, trying too looking over her shoulder. "What are you doing here."
"Nothing much Feral. Just house sitting for someone." Waving her hand, she took the offered food and some change for his tip.
Before he could ask more, the door closed behind her cutting the conversation off. Walking into the small kitchen, she spread out her dinner and looked into the drawers for cutlery. Looking at the fridge she pulled it open, to her surprise there where two cases of beer bottles and rather large glass rectangular bottle of hard liquor, that quite clearly looked old. Taking one of the bottles, she popped off the cap taking a slow drink.
With a breath, she looked at the bottle in her hand. "Sorry mom." Taking a seat she ate slowly, still coming back to that paragraph. "Stop thinking about it." Growling through her teeth, she forced herself to finish up dinner.
With the plates and garbage put away, she held her second bottle, nursing the cool glass in her hand. On the table was the Iron cross, dull, dark and heavy. She still looked at it and the photograph of the town in 'Poland' and two more with a postcard of Berlin and a still photo of a much younger version Jürgen, and another man in a uniform that was different from his. Turning the photograph was the year of 1917.
A swig later she stood up, walking over to his bed. Taking the journal too look at it for the time. So many things, waiting for her in this little leather book. But, can she take anymore of what it has to offer?
Looking up she spotted the washroom, and the shower that was waiting for her. She needed more time to think. Turning the shower on, undressing herself, she slipped under the hot water.
Just savouring the warmth around her, allowing the water to flow over her skin. She closed her eyes to focus on the heat, it had been too long since she felt another. She was lonely at home, nothing there to take away that empty feeling. She couldn't have any pets, her life just one massive roller coaster of duty's and jobs.
She stood there for a long moment, but with the warm embrace fading into something cold. She took that as a sign to finish up her time.
Wrapped in a towel, she moved around his room looking into the many drawers and shifting through clothes. She didn't have any spares, but looking through the clothes it all seemed new, there was a pile of dirty laundry. But it wasn't as large nor as dirty she thought it would be. It was a gamble, but when has that ever stopped her.
Partly dressed, she wore one of the slightly "larger" uniforms it felt tight in certain areas, and the rough texture on the outside, but also there was a woollen inlay, but it was something she could ignore for now.
The jacket was something entirely different, she walked over to the mirror to see what it looked like on her. It was tight around her shoulders and chest, but loose enough in areas the didn't hamper her mobility. She knew that she was taller then him, but with the gap between the bottom and her waist, was putting it into perspective, along with how short the cuffs were on her arms.
She couldn't help the predatory look, that her reflection had. Yes he was 'short' a good five-four or a five-five or could maybe be a six.
Spotting the cap behind her, she took the visor cap off the table. With an inquisitive look, she examined the skull and bones on top, and that Iron eagle with it wings stretched out in full display. And of course the wreath it held, that x with four arms. Brushing it off, she placed it on her head. Turning around she pulled it down to cover her left eye, posing her self to allow the open jacket to show off more of her body, and a small teasing gesture of barely showing off her girls.
"What the hell am I doing?" She shook her head, taking another look at her self. With a small flourish of her hair, she settled herself in a more proper manner. The uniform… it was something. It is small on her but she couldn't help but see herself wearing the uniform the same way as him.
Standing up and straightened out her back, she made a mock Atlegion salute. "I feel ridiculous about this." Taking off the two items, she laid herself out onto the bed. Stretching out with a satisfied groan. Her hand still hurt, but all in all, her life could've gone much worse. Slowly she closed her eyes, allowing her worries to drift off. Tomorrow is a new day, and it will be a day that Jürgen will answer.
The morning sun that rose, it's annoying glare, piercing through the curtains. Woke Ivory from her slumber, grumbling she moved to face away to be met with that cap.
She was still fixated on that icon, his nationality being held by the claws of the iron eagle. With a huff, she sat up to find his journal. Maybe, maybe it held the answer. Opening the pages, she was back to where she was.
"The raw recruits, that are filling out the ranks and bringing us into a functioning Division, brought us into an active training program. Training for our next opportunity to prove ourselves. Pushing ourselves further then the rest, trying to be what the Fatherland strive too believe in! I can still remember my first time, seeing our glorious Führer in that tavern, hearing his speeches. I can still recall them even four years later."
She perked up at that. Finally she got something to lead her towards more answers or questions. With a new found interest, she looked for the rest of his journals. Until she looked at the book of mein Kampf.
She opened it, too look through it, she was greeted with a photo of a man sitting tall, his hair slicked sideways his mustache was a pencil style of old. She heard Jürgen spoke of the Fuhrer, could it be this guy? Flipping a few pages, she stopped when that symbol was scribbled in the page, but it wasn't apart of the book.
Taking hold, she pulled them out. The pages filled with lyrical hymns and songs. Turning back to the first one was called Horst Wessel Lied. She went through the lyrics reading them until she came upon the verse of a hooked cross and the day of freedom and of bread.
The rest of the verses were of a new beginning, but she was missing context here. Flipping through the pages, she came across more folk songs. She spent almost an hour to sift through them, taking a few that tickled her fancy.
Taking out her scroll, there was a message from Fleur. "I'm off to pick him up. Probably be back in about two or three hours."
She let out a tired sigh until her scroll rang out. Seeing the number of her work, again she let off a sigh before answering. "Ivory. We need you at the shop." The voice was rough, his mood stressed to a point.
"No." It was a simple answer, but it wasn't the right one.
"Look. I know about your hand, but I need you to come in. We are backed up and having a shortage of bodies." His voice was calm, but his features were the complete opposite. "Even with your hand the way it is, I need you back here now."
"The answer is still no. Sir." She breathed out the last word, her temper rising. Lifting her bandage hand into view. "My, hand. Is not in any position to work in." She bit back.
"Now, now. Ivory, you should watch that tone in you're voice." The sneer on his face told her. "The one's up high, need us to catch up on our orders." The sight of him taking a deep breath and holding it, he reluctantly breathed out to calm himself. "Look. Ivory, I know I'm asking a lot but-"
"A lot!" She cut him off. "Asking a lot, you're asking for more than just that."
The scowl returned. "The boss, is riding up my own ass! To get this job done, we are behind schedule by almost two days." He yelled back his mood dropping greatly.
"Yeah." She spoke softly, her eyes hardening. "That's why I quit." Not looking, she flicked her scroll as it collapsed in.
"By the springs maiden's knickers!" She screamed out. "Those bother Dammed bastards!" She wanted to throw something, she wanted to break something! But inside Jürgen's home was not one of them. "Fuck." She threw her arms up in anger. "Gotta go back there to grab my belongings." She grumbled.
Without a word, Ivory picked up her discarded clothes. Wearing them again in slight discomfort, with that she looked around his shop finding a backpack. Pulling by the straps, it swung around her as she opens a few straps. Dumping what ever was inside, it was a strange sight at the pile.
There where paper leaflets, and a cover tube that artists used for transporting them. Shaking her head to relieve herself from the intrusive thoughts. "Later girl, you can look at them 'after' you get your shit." But before she could leave, a dull red tube with bright blue writing of Pervitin when she read what was in it she couldn't hold in a shocked gasp. The small tablets were made with methamphetamine. "What the Fuck!" Popping open the canister, four tablets fell into her hand. How, how could he have this stuff on him. And why did it look like this! Looking at the clock she blew a huff of air. "You know what. I don't have the time for this." With the backpacks straps tightened she left through the door.
Her walk wasn't something that she felt comfortable about, no, she. Hated it. Hated the hands that were dealt out to her, her miserable life at Atlas's borders.
The gate greeted her, the compound grounds that will lead her to the mansion and the underground facility. With a deep breath, it escaped slowly trying to calm herself.
Knocking on the hard wood door, waiting for the head butler's response. Clacks and locks unlocking to be greeted by an old face. "Ivory." He bowed halfway, "you are hear to collect your belongings I presume." Shifting his stance, he allowed her to move in.
The butler lead her down the hall, taking them towards the staffing quarters. She was lost in thought, body moving through the motions of habit. Once they got to her room, she moved past him half heartedly tossing the bag on a chair which soon fell.
But before she could move the rest of they way in, her eye caught the confused expression on the butler. "Where did you get that?" She looked back annoyed, but saw him uncapped one of the many art tubes. The surprised look come over his face was something. "Do you have any idea how old this is?" His polite demeanour shifted into something excitable.
Opening her mouth, it closed again with the shift. "No. I, don't really know what you're looking at or talking about." Truth be told, she didn't knew that was still inside but it was strange seeing him like that.
"I haven't seen art like this in a long time, never mind, one in a good condition like this." Mumbling to himself, unfolding the art on top of the corner table. "This is almost reminiscent of old Mantle." Deciding not to pay attention, Ivory gathered what meager sums of clothing and items she held. But the butler kept garnering her attention, with how focussed and frantic he looked between his scroll, and the painting.
"Okay, I've known you for a good while. But, you're starting to unnerve me, with how your looking at that." Worried about the look in his eye, when he made eye contact. Backing away slightly towards the open window.
"Where did you get this?" Waving above the painting for emphasis, "do you know what you have here?" Shaking her head in the negative. "What you have Ivory. Is one of the most famous works of Mantle's artistic works." Carefully re-rolling the painting, back into its container. "The artwork could be from the famous schnee-"
"I believe it's not from them." Ivory cut in, her hands tightening around her clothing. Until she took in a deep breath, calming down with slight difficulty. "Look… can, can you let me pack up alone for a bit." Looking back to her for a moment, a slow nod was the answer. Standing up and brushing away wrinkles, his professional demeanour returned.
"Of course Ivory, I'll leave you be for the moment." With that the door closed behind with a soft click. Returning to the task at hand, pulling out and emptying drawers of personal possessions and other personal items.
A full bag and full rucksack was what's her's, left the main hall the butler walking alongside her. It was, strange leaving these halls for the last time, and yet she felt guilty about it. No, it wasn't guilt that she was feeling. Disappointed in herself for not collecting enough lean to help her sister back at Atlas.
"Thank you Ivory, for your services to the vale industrial refinery Sanus." He spoke out before opening the door for the last time. "I, I wish you the best of luck towards your future." Letting out a tired breath, his smile wasn't as bright nor expressive. Just a defeated weariness of a person of long experience.
Walking away from the world she left behind, her new status as unemployed and injured. Ivory didn't know how long nor did she cared about it, but the slight buzz and vibration of her scroll shook the current mood away. Looking down was a text message from Fleur, "Two hours out." Finally taking stock of her surroundings, pulling out the map to find that she was almost half an hour away.
With that set in motion, she moved towards the airport where the Lilium family held their own hanger. Well, he survived the trip. But what was it about, that he needed from Glenn? Feeling her mouth twisting into a hard frown. He better be in good shape, the bastard isn't going anywhere soon when she gets her hands on him.
Walking up to the main entrance of the port, her bags holstered with the main pack that belonged to Jürgen. It felt, nice in a strange way, it was holding a lot, every pocket that wasn't in use, held something. Yet she was given a good scare from finding a red tin tube, in stylized blue where the words of Pervitin. She shuddered at the remaining few tablets, and what she read for the ingredients methamphetamine. She didn't know what to feel about that, and the thing was still inside her pocket.
Standing near the security gate, the few guards filled out a few papers and one on the communications. Nodding his head he looked back to Ivory and gave her a thumbs up. With that, the gate let off a loud buzz and a metallic clank. Before she could enter the main Lilium hanger, the light sized freighter of Fleur's personal bullhead.
The doors opened slowly, her heart pounding with anticipation for his arrival. For all of it to go away at the new arrivals, three others that looked like him and five Faunus who looked worse for wear. In fact they all look tired and beaten, But trudging through the weariness; the ones in grey and black began to unload the bullhead.
"You're going to be paying, far more then what we have agreed on." Shifting her focus away from the small unknown group, to see Fleur and Jürgen talking.
Rubbing his dirty smeared face, he let out a small growl. "Yes!" He called out, "I know what you're asking for Fleur." Stopping he turned towards the group, his voice changing into Atlegion carrying a sharp order of authority. (Detlf, Fritz. Take the half track out and park it over there. Uwe Domink, load up anything into the track and bring out the kitten." Switching back and pointing, he spoke clearly towards the one Faunus with dog ears. "And you!" The boy jumped at the harsh undertone, as Jürgen came up too him. "Give me your name and address, and tell me how much time you'll need."
Ivory watched the two with curios attention, trying too hear what they were talking about. "Look I don't know how long it will be, but give me a month." His features where a combination of a wince and fear when he spoke those words. "Bu-but, you can find me at Junior's bar. I'll be there on Friday just a week from now." Watching the Atlegion Ivory saw how Jürgen was chewing on that. "Fine, where can I find this Juniors bar." Taking out a piece of paper, he handed it over to Jürgen.
Stepping away, he moved back. "Take you're kind, and leave before you draw more attention." Ivory bristled at the remark, but before she could open her mouth. There, her eyes went towards the others, a more careful look, held a few items that she thought she would never see again.
The five Faunus left without another word, no they weren't regular Faunus, they were apart of the white fang. With the shattered mask and markings, as they disappeared from sight, a large frame of a man that was big, blocked her sight. Looking over, he was dirty skinny with malnourished eyes. But again, Jürgen grabbed the large man. "Detlf get the cart running, and I did promise you a feast." With that he let out a huff before walking off.
Turning around to face her. Ivory wanted to ask for questions, she wanted to grill out everything he held from those two days. But the sluggish pace he made towards her, shoulders slumped and eyes that were very tired with exhaustion. She watched him approach, his clothes where cut and stained in dirt, mud and what she could see was blood. Stopping in front of her, he looked up at her.
The tiredness was gone for a short moment, when their eyes met, a genuine smile on his lips. "Fräulein." Opening her mouth, he surprised her as he pushed himself into her chest with a hug.
Shocked and feeling the discomfort of his current condition. She swallowed it down, wrapping her own arms hesitantly around him. "You look like shit, and smell terrible." He shook against her, pulling away with a loud bark of laughter. Pulling away more, she noted his hand running along her arm to hold her hand. But his confused face looked down at her arm, where he was now examining the bandages, and squeezing it with a gentleness that she wasn't expecting from him of all people. He looked up to say something. "We can talk about it later, but what the hell happened over there? You look like shit."
"You should see the other's." A bitter laugh escaped from his lips. "I do hope that Cerberus would finish them off." Letting go of her hand. "But, you will tell me what happened. Alright." Taking a few steps back, his smile returned slightly. "But, as I have promised. I have returned with a bountiful hull." Watching the kart roll out he moved towards a strange amalgamation of a truck a snowmobile and a mortar cycle. "Come Ivory, I wish to leave and return home." Stepping into the backseat she couldn't help but notice the dents, scratches, tools and what she hoped was rust.
"Wait!" She screamed out, the way Jürgen jumped and stumbled back and the harsh stop. Sent her into his back.
"What?" He spoke up, looking backwards to face her.
"I don't, I don't think… that this is street legal?" She wasn't entirely sure, if; this thing was street legal or not. But, she knew for certain, that the half track, was in fact not, and the mounted gun. "I'm guessing that. you'll need to put this stuff somewhere safe, until you get it inspected for street legalization." The pondering look he made, looking towards the track, his eyes wandered over the vehicle. Until a shocking revelation over came him.
"The guns!" His out cry, startled her. As he hit his helmet in frustration. "The guns." Again he called out turning off the machine, walking back to the half-track. Fleur was watching them pale as a ghost, curiously she walked behind him. As he began to motioned them to stop.
"Fleur. You have a lock box, or something that can be used to store our weapons?" The girl only nodded her head, pulling out her scroll.
"I have to call my father." She shakily replied back. Turning around to begin her call, without a word Ivory followed alongside her.
"You look worried. What's wrong?" The way she jumped, spooked herself. But the worrisome part, was that she was holding a bullet. A lead tip bullet.
"They brought more; then just those Faunus and armoured vehicles." Tossing the round Ivory caught it. Examining the long casing of lead rounds, turning it this way and that until she saw the back rims. "Eight millimetres." She looked up as Fleur opened a room with a wall mounted safe and secure room.
She stood aside watching with growing anxiety, the amount of boxes and crates and guns. It all felt too illegal, too dangerous for all of this! And right there, was Jürgen smiling away as they put all of this neatly away. Walking up to her, he gently grabbed her hand and guiding her closer to the many things. But as they passed she saw the rifles, a short body that can be an sub machine gun. And a large body that was attached to a tripod.
"Now. the payment, that we have agreed on." Pulling a very large stack of lein. And what she couldn't believe was a small gold bar. The shock on both of their faces, told much, but it was Fleur that was more nervousness than ever.
"Thank you… Jürgen." She took the items from him, but she was suspicious of the gold.
"If that is all, I'll take my men and leave." Walking back out. She followed closely as they saw his 'troops' where loading up the half track with it's missing gun. She let off a small sigh of relief, but now it was time to put their luck to the test.
To her amazement, their luck held out as they store the vehicle inside Jürgen's garage. And the long walk towards big Z's restaurant. It was here that she was dragged alongside them. As they sat, waiting around with dirty clothes and the looks of men, that came from a fresh Grimm hunt.
They all talked in Atlegion, keeping their conversation to themselves. She kept up, but there where a few words that slipped by her. ("Disgusting.") she moved slightly to see what caught their attention. It was one of them that her Faunus blood, screamed at her to stay, far away from. His eyes hardening at what was two men happily chatting and holding hands. ("There's no place in this world for them.") he continued more quietly than usual.
("That may be true, Uwe.") to his right was the big guy. Leaning back to pop a few thing in his back. With a satisfied groan. ("But, I think I can let it slide. For now. Remember Heer Ernst Röhm.") the sour look and the more deathly glare that came after. Left her out of their loop.
("We both know, how well he is.") he gritted out, hand tightening on the table
("He's right. But I'm more worried about the untermensch plaguing this world.") the one on Jürgen's left spoke, eyes glancing at the many Faunus.
Jürgen shook his head in the negative. ("It's not them you should worry about Helmut. It's the ones that look more Jewish.") before they could go on. The large arrayed dishes laid out they began to eat in Ernest, they where scarfing down whatever was in reach. Eating a little too loudly and being a distraction.
("I think you guys should slow down.") she hedged on lamely, catching their attention as she waved around them.
("Yeah.") Detlf spoke. ("How bout you try to be in the field with little to eat.") pointing a fork at her. ("But, you have a point, we can't act like animals now, can we?") waving his arms at their group. She couldn't help but boil at that.
"Ivory." At the call of her name, she looked towards Jürgen. "Are you going to tell me how you're hand gotten to that state now?" She looked away with a little embarrassment.
"Yeah, my hand got caught, in between something heavy." She started slowly, watching his expression soured. "And… I wasn't, the only one that was injured on-site."
"How did you ended up in that situation?" He questioned, taking her cast again to examine. She winced lightly when he poked just above it.
"We where behind schedule and more importantly some of the lines where going out of commission, I may have some mechanical talent but the work load just kept pilling up." Pulling away from his reach, to look at her own cast. Flexing her exposed fingers as far as they could go. "There where about four of us that went to the hospital for treatment. I gotten a call, to come back right away. So… I quit on the spot." Taking a glance around the table she noticed Uwe too a few glances her way. And the others just eating away, then there was Detlf stuffing himself. "So I'm out of a job and was going to ask one of the girls if I can crash with them."
"That's a harsh day for you." Was his simple reply, she didn't know how to feel about it. But continued to nibble her dish.
When it was time for the bill it nearly gave her an heart attack at the amount but he grabbed a good handful and paid it it full. She was curious where he kept those large bundles, and why he wasn't using a card instead.
"Ivory. You should head towards one of your friends. I need to have some time with them." His voice was serious, calm and stern. Opening her mouth. "No. It's not the best time for that, I'll comeback to that another time. Today is not that day." With that all five of them left, leaving her behind. That's when she remembered that she still has his book.
Hopefully he wouldn't be mad at her, right? Shaking her head, she made her way back to Fleur's home, where Morada was in the kitchen standing over the stove. The smell hit her, it was good but she just ate. But, the smell was so good. Walking into the kitchen, she saw Morada hovering around pots and pans and taking out what could be bread.
"Wow, you've been busy." She called out, seating herself on the island. Eyes wandering over the food, fish that was oven baked with lemons and vegetables, pasta that was smothered in creamy garlic penne sauce. And hot fresh bread.
"Hmm?" Turning the oven and stove off, she placed her mitts on top of the counter as she cleaned up the mess. "Oh, yes! I was just going about this, because I wanted to test out, a new recipe that I was making." Ivory only nodded her head, looking at the large amount of food that was prepared. Before she could open her mouth, the sound of the front door opening as Fleur walked in exhausted. And right in her hand, was that solid little bar that caught the light.
"Is that thing real, or fake?" She asked curiously, looking at the sizeable bar in her hand. Placing the bar down, Ivory reached over to pickup but was surprised by the weight and heft.
"It's real alright," she breathed out. Taking a good taste of the air. "That smells lovely Morada, is it ready to eat?" The smile on her lips, was the only indication that it was free game.
Ivory continued her poking and prodding as the bar did not change. She was amazed on how he came to hold such a thing, another reason to ask him and figure out who he is. "So, how was everyone's day been?" Morada questioned out loud.
"I quit my job, after my hand injury." Ivory nonchalantly answered still handling the bar, not noticing the look of shock in Morada's face.
"I had a fun time, with the mystery man himself. Along with a few others that I didn't know about." Fleur said as she sat down with a full plate of food, going on about her… unique experience with Jürgen. And the amount of equipment and others, that are now currently residing in storage of their family hanger bay. Which reminded her where did all of that come from? Surly they didn't come from mountain Glenn? No he spoke of another place. "That's when we came into view, of a much larger part of the city" Fleur continued on, her demeanour becoming somber. "He called it Stalingrad."
That's when it all clicked together, the Journal's, his timeline within. She didn't have his more recent work, but there where passing references of going into a kingdom called the Soviet Union of Russia. "Did he say anything about the city?" She asked.
Fleur only shook her head. "All he said. This, is where you can find a mass graveyard." With a soft scoff, she looked out the window. "Mount Glenn is big, but what ever that place was. It was huge." Lamely poking at her food, she still looked in thought. "Stalingrad." She spoke the again, only to shake her head. "From today and forever forward, I'm not returning back there."
The meal was quiet for both Morada and Fleur, and Ivory took that time to walk back towards her room. There was so much to find, so many pieces that still kept piling up. "Jürgen, just what type of man are you?" Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, she looked deeply into her reflection. Debating on the man that came out of nowhere, with a sigh she undressed and began to bathe. She will contemplate all of this another time. Because tomorrow is another day.
authors note,
Well, I took a long while, starting to chicken out on this story here and there. But I did say I wasn't abandoning it any time soon. Just gotta keep pulling that trigger I guess. But... yeah tell me how it is and all, and how to improve and all that. It feels like I got my research mixed in here I think? And point it out for me. Until next year or when I got time to write.
and thanks for reading this.