Chapter 11 – Grass is Greener (Corvo)

On the second floor of the Wolfhaven Guild, in the east wing that housed high-ranking members, things were bright and lively. Just outside of the Guildmaster's office, the guild's elite enjoyed an extravagant feast in a gilded room. The walls bore coats of arms, illuminated by shining chandeliers above. And on the main table, luxurious food served to all the guests: platters of fine fruit and aged cheese, well-stuffed mushrooms, and truffles. The Guildmaster hosted, and her guests included instructors, longtime members, and recruits who had proven themselves worthy today.

"So after we found the thief," Corvo explained to the Guildmaster, sitting next to her at the table, "and we chase him down the alleys through town. We were all hot on his trail, but he was too fast! For a sec it seemed like he was gonna get away. But I thought quicker than he could run! I figured he was gonna try and shake us by running through the waterways, so I took a quick turn to get there first and cut him off."

The Arcanine smiled and leaned in with great interest.

Corvo leaned back in his chair. "And lo and behold! He ran exactly where I thought he would go. I got the jump on him and flashed him with a blast seed in the underpass. He stumbled and tripped over himself. We got the jewels, but he was one slippery Froakie! He got away after that, couldn't be helped."

The Guildmaster shook her head. "Not to worry, retrieving the stolen goods was enough. And I'm sure that he'll think twice before crossing the law again, especially with you on the case."

Corvo laughed heartily. "Oh I agree, I agree!"

What a sucker, this 'Guildmaster.' Funny, just a day ago it seemed like the jig was up for Corvo. But then this naïve Arcanine stepped in, saw he had stolen property, and assumed that he was a do-gooder turning it back in; no questions asked. How did someone so gullible that they trick themselves get to be in charge of a place like this? Well, Corvo knew better than to question a reversal of fortune.

"Before I forget," the Guildmaster spoke, "I hope that your incident on the obstacle course hasn't discouraged you. We take rule-breaks very seriously."

"Oh, it's alright," Corvo replied. "I've been through worse."

"Indeed," the Floatzel, Veronica chimed in. "I'm delighted to see at least one of my students doesn't need to be taught the value of a sharp mind. Tell me, young mon–" she paused to sip on her drink. "…Do you have any other tales of your exploits?"

"Course, I've got plenty!" Corvo boasted. "I could tell ya about the time my old crew and I shook off a dragon by causing a landslide, or the time they were all fever-struck and I cured 'em all with medicine I put together with nothin' more than a mix of berry leaves and cocoa!"

"Berry leaves and cocoa, you say? Did you happen to read my book on surviving the wilderness?"

"That's right professor," Corvo grinned. "I learned from the best."

"Splendid! Just splendid! Oh," she turned to a Dragapult next to her. "Let me tell you, this Corvo fellow is simply a delight! I–" she hiccupped. "Honestly, I have to deal with so many–"

Corvo sighed in relief. "Okay, she's buzzed and talking to somebody else now," he whispered to himself. He wasn't ready to twist another tale of his life, as his mind was already buzzing with all of the tidbits of info he had heard in conversations throughout the evening.

"Caught some of the new ones tryin' to nose around near the old tunnels…"

"Escort leaves at daybreak one week from today. Sending delicate cargo."

"That's right, the larder gets stocked on Thursdays."

"They're getting different clues to cut back on cheating."

"Yeah, they want us to get the spire renovated sometime soon. We need more materials."

It was clear to Corvo that the guild had a rich flow of money and resources. The next step was finding a way to dip into that stream when the time was right.

"Just gotta make those stories more thorough," he whispered to himself. "In case they get hungry for details. Oughta skim through whatever the hell that book is she was talkin' about."

"Hmm, now what was that," a misty, feminine voice sounded off behind Corvo. He snapped his head around and spotted an Ampharos, gazing at him with curious eyes and a slight smile. "I wonder?" she finished.

"Who, me?" Corvo responded.

"Perhaps~" The Ampharos waltzed up beside him. "I overheard you humblebragging to our dear professor." She gestured to the Floatzel, who was now apparently laughing at a joke that made her wine slosh back and forth. "I would be interested in hearing more about your endeavors…" The Ampharos's gaze dropped down, then rose back up, as if sizing Corvo up. "If you could tell me some of those 'details.'"

Though only for a moment, Corvo could have sworn that he spotted a knowing glint in the electric type's eyes.

"Well I could, but…" Corvo stretched out and yawned, trying not to slump into his chair too quickly. The nearby grandfather clock read that it was a few minutes past 10 PM. "It's been quite a long day for me." He turned to the Arcanine. "Would you mind if I excuse myself early, Guildmaster?"

"Not at all," she answered, shaking her head. "Go ahead and get your rest."

"Thank you very much, Guildmaster." Corvo scooched his chair out, though he could still feel the Ampharos's eyes on the back of his head.

"Well, do get your rest, Corvo," she said with the same, calm and collected voice. "I look forward to hearing your stories, once you're more energized, of course."

"Right, right," he replied half-heartedly, and walked toward the exit.

In just one day, he had gathered all he needed to start building his web. And he knew what made the people who ran this joint tick.

Now he just had to keep an ear out for anything else he could take advantage of. Of course maintaining a reputation had to come first, and that Ampharos, whoever she was, made that doubly important– she seemed suspicious of him. He'd also have to make an escape plan, in case things go awry real fast.

But one thing at a time. For now, Corvo's priority was getting that survival book Veronica was blabbering about so he can make a more convincing story. There was a library downstairs, and that book was bound to be there. Big heads like that professor would never allow their own junk to not be paraded around.

Corvo emerged on the second floor of the main hall, top of the east staircase. In stark contrast to the gilded hall, it was dark and quiet at this hour. Even now, the semi-lively party just a short corridor away seemed distant and barely audible. Just as Corvo set off for his dorm room, he heard footsteps coming up the west staircase.

"So, we just do it all over again tomorrow, huh?" one of them said.

Corvo pressed himself against the pillar between the stairs, hiding. When he leaned around the corner, he spotted those two brothers.

"Pretty much," the Totodile answered. "I know it's not all fun, but..."

"Are you kidding?" The Charmander interrupted. "It's awesome here! I mean, yeah, detention's kind of a bummer, but everything else is great!"

"You think so?"

"Yeah!" The Charmander stopped on the stairs, prompting his brother to stop, too. "The food is great– not as good as mom's– but still! And that obstacle course, you were all like–" He started jumping and making noises, like a sugared-up Spoink who ate a bag of candy. "And then that game club! I wish we could've stayed longer."

The Totodile chuckled heartily. "Well, as long as you're happy, I'm happy."

Corvo rolled his eyes. "That crap's cheesier than Miltank cheddar," he muttered.

"You bet! Though," the Charmander scratched the back of his head. "Are you sure you're not hungry? Cuz, you know…"

The Totodile waved him off. "I'm fine, don't worry about me."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. We'll get through whatever they throw at us, cuz we've gotten through every other problem we got into before." He patted the Charmander on the shoulder. "I've got your back."

The Charmander's tailflame brightened, enough to make Corvo squint. "Thanks, Leon. I've got your back, too– and thanks again, you know, for helping with the homework."

"Anytime, Jacob."

Corvo glared as they continued up the stairs. "What're you two so cheery for?" he muttered again. "Day one and I'm rolling high in this place, and they took a bite outta ya. What've you got to be happy over?" Corvo's body tensed. "What do you have that I don't?"

…He didn't like the answer that came to mind.

"Whatever." He kept himself hidden, waiting for the brothers to enter the west wing dorm. Once the door shut behind them, he composed himself and walked downstairs toward the library. He tried the door handle, but it wouldn't budge.

"Sorry pal," a voice behind Corvo spoke up, making him spin one-eighty. It was that Linoone who sat at the desk at night. "Library's closed for the night."

Meanwhile, the front doors opened as a Mightyena and Pangoro walked in. They were part of the guild's after-hours security– Nightwatch.

"Ah, that's too bad," Corvo replied. "Guess I'll try again in the morning." He turned around and headed up the stairs again, while the others paid him no mind. Of course, he wasn't going back to his room just yet.

The Snivy swept his head upward, staring at the ceiling. Just below the ceiling were rafters: wooden support beams that criss-crossed each other. And above the walls were small, rectangular holes he could easily fit through. Corvo chuckled to himself. A locked door never stopped him. "Fine by me, this just makes it more fun."

As he reached the top of the stairs, he readied his vines…

"Hey."

A soft voice made Corvo jump. He had just returned to his dorm room, finishing his 'after-hours visit' to the library. He snapped his attention to the source: that Cubone, sitting at his desk with his arm hanging over the back of his chair. A pair of candles lit up his skull-masked face. Silver moonlight beamed in from the window, brightening the middle of the room.

"Oh, you," Corvo replied.

Bonehead had been trailing Corvo all morning, chit-chatting until they split up after that Floatzel went full power-trip and ran him over. After that, Corvo slipped away and spent the day solo, so no one threw any food at him.

"Thought you woulda been asleep by now." Corvo said, glancing at the survival-guide in his hand.

"Yes, well, I had to finish this essay," William remarked. To his right was a worn-looking history book, opened around its middle pages. To his left there was a tall stack of other books. "How was your day?" he asked.

"Better than yours," Corvo gloated, "that's for sure. No essay for this guy; Guildmaster's blessin'."

"That's good to hear," William said genuinely.

Corvo blinked. That wasn't the reaction he was expecting. "Yeah, well… How was detention?"

"Not very pleasant."

"Heh, yeah, no doubt. So–" He stopped himself from asking 'what was it like?' Why was he making small talk to this guy? "…You still wanna be here?"

"I've had my doubts, but I believe so. It'll hopefully get better." He turned around and resumed writing on his parchment. "Between Leon and Jacob, we're all helping each other cope."

"Tch, well, don't expect any help from me," Corvo scoffed.

William turned around again. "What's wrong?" he asked, concerned. "Is something bothering you, Corvo?"

He tossed the book onto his bed. "Are you some kind of professional moron? Or do you just have a really weird sense o' humor?"

William tilted his head. "I don't follow your logic."

Corvo pointed at him. "You and your buddies dragged me here out of spite or some other crap. Then you get a gut-punch while I'm making out like a bandit, but here you turn around and soundin' like you're actually worried for me."

William shrugged. "We didn't have any malicious intent, not then nor now. They merely wanted my help to join. And at this moment, all I'm doing is asking you if you're alright."

"What for?" Corvo hissed with a venomous tone. "Cut the act, what do you really want from me?"

"To get to know you," William answered, unblinking. "That's all."

"Why? What the hell about me are you supposed to like?" Corvo hunched his body, coiling. How was this kid getting under his skin? This wasn't like him…

William looked away, toward the moon in the window. "I'm assuming that you've had a rough life."

Corvo's tone and posture slightly softened. "Yeah, you could say that."

"So, have you made any friends along the way?"

The Snivy looked away, crossing his arms. "That's none o' your business."

"You did seem to be working alone when we first met."

Some kind of rage spiked within Corvo, like when he wondered what those two brothers had that he didn't.

"Shut it, bonehead!"

Whatever this guy was playing at, it wasn't gonna work. Corvo would make sure of it. Playing others for fools was his game– he wasn't going to be fooled. Never again.

Just then, the Cubone stopped staring at the moon and met his eyes, unnerving Corvo.

"It's never too late, you know," he said. "I can't say I know what you've been through, nor can I say I know why you are the way you are. But to me, that doesn't matter. If you ever want someone to talk to, I'll listen."

A shiver ran down Corvo's back. His mouth started to hang open. "…So, what are you sayin'?" he replied slowly. "You want to make friends with a…a con-mon? Someone who you know will lie and cheat you?"

"Well, I'd like to make friends with you, whoever that may be. If you'd grant me that."

Corvo's hostility drained out of him, and in its place, he felt himself swell with that emotion he couldn't describe.

He was used to getting spite from nearly everyone. In fact, he had come to welcome it; getting spite and thriving in defiance of others was like food in his belly. But with this guy, William, acting kind to him– and for no real reason at that– it felt like… eating something new. And Corvo couldn't decide if he liked the taste or not.

"…I don't got time for this sappy stuff. I'm gettin' some shut eye."

"Okay. I have to finish up this essay, then I'll extinguish these candles."

"Alright… wait." Corvo eyed William's stack of parchments. "Didn't the professor say ya only needed five pages?"

"She did. Why?"

"It looks more like you wrote ten pages."

"I'm proving a point," William said simply.

"Um. Okay, you do that." Corvo moved his book from his bed to the desk, then climbed onto the mattress, burrowing himself under the blankets.

"Goodnight," William said.

Corvo wanted to say something snide, but he bit his tongue. A slew of emotions slugged through him. Confusion, mostly. And some frustration. But also something warm?

He reached for his bag, which hung off one of the bedposts, and pulled out his silver coin. Feeling it, and just staring at its smooth surface, always brought Corvo comfort. He stared into his reflected face and thought to himself. "Don't bite the hand that feeds ya. You can always use more to your advantage."

Training carried on as normal the next morning. It was much like yesterday, except now first impressions were starting to sink in. Corvo was pretty comfortable with where he was, loftily carrying influence in his pocket. Of course, there were a few others fighting to undo their own first impressions. Like that Totodile, Leon.

The morning routine began with a race on the track around the obstacle course. Leon won by three seconds. After that group walked to the left side of the obstacle course, beyond the hedges. There they found a set of fighting rings carved out of the grass,– it was time for sparring.

Corvo squared off against the same Machop he juked yesterday, who cracked his knuckles as they squared off.

"Time for some payback," Machop huffed.

"C'mon then," Corvo beckoned. "Take a bite."

The Machop predictably rushed him down. At the last second Corvo sidestepped and snared Machop's ankle with his vines. His opponent flailed his arms before falling face-first into the ground.

"How's that dirt taste?" Corvo taunted.

Machop pushed himself up, his expression twisting in anger. He ran straight at Corvo again, reeling a fist behind his head. But once again Corvo dodged and tripped him over his vines.

"Havin' fun down there?" Corvo jeered. "You're takin' to the dirt like a Tepig!"

Machop stood again, glaring at him with a deep-red face. He looked ready to blow steam out of his nostrils.

"Hey, with a face like that, you already look like pre-cooked bacon!" Corvo smirked.

"Shut, up!" Machop demanded as his knuckles turned white.

Corvo spun around, waving his tail in the air. "Oink oink."

Machop bellowed a war cry and sprinted toward Corvo, finally weaving left and right.

Corvo stood his ground, and just before the fist met his face, he flicked his tail with draconic energy. A rush of wind converged in front of him, forming a Twister that spun Machop round-and-round, rattling him silly.

While his opponent flailed his arms for balance, Corvo pressed his vines into the ground. In a swift motion he delivered a drop kick to Machop's back, sending him rolling out of the ring. The Quartermaster blew his whistle, making Corvo's win official.

Nearby, a few onlookers cheered for his victory. Even that Charmander kid, Jacob.

"Nice work!" Jacob said. "He didn't even touch you!"

"Eheh, thanks kid," Corvo said. He glanced over his shoulder, spotting the red-faced Machop. "Better luck next time," he gloated as Machop sulked away.

While he stepped out of the ring, some of the other fights nearby went on.

There was a Blitzle facing an Ariados, and the two peppered each other with lighting bolts and silk shots. Then there was a Sneasel fighting a Lairon, in a match of quick claws versus iron defense.

But the spar that got Corvo's attention was that Totodile fighting a Mienfoo.

Sawjaw's opponent kept trying to get close, but every step they got pushed back by a Water Gun. So Mienfoo changed tactics, reeling back to the edge of the ring, then running and leaping towards the Totodile with High Jump Kick. At the last second, Leon stepped to the side and chomped down on Mienfoo's ankle.

He immediately whirled around, swinging Mienfoo around through the air. After two spins he released his Bite, hurling his opponent away. Mienfoo tumbled and rolled out of the ring, sliding across the grass.

Corvo rubbed his collar. "Not bad, sawjaw…"

With the match over, Leon shook hands with his opponent. As the next round of sparring matches began, the Totodile then wandered over to another patch of grass to sit and rest. Meanwhile, the Quartermaster approached him. Corvo couldn't hear what they were saying, but the Totodile was smiling.

"Hmm… I wonder if he'd be willing to put those athletics to good use. Something more productive than just showin' off."

If bonehead and flametail were being friendly, maybe the sawjaw would cozy up to him, too? After the Quartermaster went on his way, Corvo meandered over. Leon didn't seem to notice him, so he sat down.

"How ya livin'?" Corvo greeted.

Leon turned and met him with a less-than-inviting expression. "What do you want?"

"Oh, just wanted to say ya did good on the track and in the ring. You've got style, brother."

Leon rolled his eyes. Corvo waited for him to say something, but he stayed silent. He took it as an invitation to keep talking.

"Eh, I get it. We didn't get off on the right foot the other day, did we?"

Leon stared at him as if he just remarked that his scales were blue.

Corvo blinked at him. This croc was tough. "I was just thinkin', maybe you can put those skills to good use?"

"That's what I'm here for," Leon said, still guarded.

"Yeah! And get this, I can give ya a chance to use 'em. Not only that, but I've got something in mind that can net you a little extra cash–"

"I'm not interested," Leon cut him off.

"Oh, but hear me out first, brother!"

"No," Leon stood up. "If you wanna recruit someone for whatever schemes you're planning, fine. But–" hr swept a hand outward. "–I want nothing to do with it. And before you ask him, keep my actual brother out of it, too." Before Corvo could respond, Leon walked away, regrouping with Jacob.

"Pfft, rude," Corvo mumbled. "Why'd he think I'd want flametail in on this, anyway? Char's got heart, but he's a walking klutzfire. Ah well, can't win 'em all…" He looked toward the crowd on the sidelines. "Always more to pick from, though."

Physical training ended a few minutes afterward, and they headed to the lecture hall. More than a few folks were panicking over that essay they had to turn in. The recruits handed over their parchments, leaving them on the Floatzel's desk. As the professor organized the homework, the recruits' collective attention was drawn to the last mon to walk in: William.

Corvo heard the Cubone's name (and not-so-nice nicknames) float around the room in excited chatter. "Probably hoping to see him slip up again." He chuckled. "Boy are they in for a surprise."

William placed his large stack of parchment on the desk as he walked by. Veronica glanced over once, then did a double take. "Young Cubone, how many pages have you written?"

William was walking to his seat, but he stopped and turned to her. "Twelve," he answered.

"Hmph. I do hope you realize that a few extra pages of filler won't improve your outcome," she said shortly.

"And I hope you realize that there's a difference between knowledge and intellect," William proclaimed.

Veronica looked surprised, raising her brow. "Strong words. Are you suggesting that you've suddenly become a scholar overnight, young Cubone?"

"What I'm suggesting," he replied deliberately, "is that you read what I've written before drawing a conclusion. As an academic, I'm certain you would give more weight to concrete evidence over assumptions and biases."

Veronica stared down at the essays for a few seconds. "…Fair enough, young Cubone. We will discuss this once I've graded your work. You may be seated now."

The excited chatter resumed, energetic whispers flowed across the lecture hall. Some sounded impressed, others seemed disappointed that the professor didn't rattle the Cubone by his skull. Corvo chuckled a little when William sat next to him.

"Hey, way to go bonehead."

William looked over at him. "Why congratulate me?"

"Cuz you've got backbone. You don't know how hard it is to find folks with that these days. Keep it up and you might get noticed by the right people."

William seemed to smile under his helmet. "Well thank you."

It felt strange to Corvo, but he was starting to respect William. He was an oddball, but he was bent on clawing his way out of the hole he fell into, and Corvo had to admire that. It reminded him of, well, himself. But more importantly, Corvo knew he'd need more than just secrets and influence to build up a proper web in this place.

"When this lesson's over, come find me," Corvo invited. "Let's get a bite to eat together."

The professor went on about the history of guilds, like their own, and how they were founded throughout the provinces. Their goal was to serve as community pillars, offering stability and resources for growing communities, especially with the threat of outlaws looming in the hills. Corvo wrote down a few notes, taking guesses as to what might come up in later tests.

After the lesson concluded, he went with William to the dining hall. They sat at a small table in a quiet corner, just the two of them.

"What would you like to discuss, Corvo?" William asked as he set down his tray of mushroom pasta.

"Straight to business, eh?" Corvo smiled. "Good. So, are ya lookin' to make some extra cash?" he asked quietly. "Cuz if you're ever hungry, I'm your guy. Could always use extra hands in my line o' work, and extra hands are always well-paid."

William was silent for a few seconds. He stared at Corvo, as if he was studying him. "An interesting proposition. Of course, the last time you tried such a thing you almost had your 'associates' arrested. I respect you, Corvo. But tell me, how do I know you won't try to burn me on a bad deal?"

Corvo laughed a little. "Heh, that's what I like about you, bonehead. Ya don't wander off on blind faith. That's good, I need folks who got smarts. So, what do ya say?"

"That still doesn't answer my question. How do I know you won't try to profit at my expense?"

Corvo fought his sweet-talk reflex. Honey-coated promises weren't going to work with this guy, he'd just keep asking questions. And Corvo had a hunch that Will would smell a lie before it even came out of his mouth. He'd have to try something else…

"…Alright, you know what?" Corvo began. "I'll be straight with you. No airy promises or dodging questions. I'll give you the full, honest Corvo. That's what you wanted, right? Well, the truth is that people change. And priorities change. That's the golden rule in my line o' work. It's famine or feast. And sometimes, ya gotta step on someone else's head to not starve."

Corvo crossed his arms. "It ain't pretty, but it's the truth. Now, am I sayin' that's the first thing I'll do if ya pair up with me? Hell no. But it's a risk, one o' many you'd take if ya work with me. Make sense?"

"I see." William tapped the table with his hands. "If that's the case, why pursue this kind of work if it's so dangerous?" His tone wasn't critical, but curious.

"I was just about to get to that. Cuz on the flipside o' that coin–" Corvo flicked a finger, and his silver coin suddenly appeared in his hand. sending his silver coin airborne with a "ding!"

"When it all goes well, you can go to bed with a full belly–" with another flick he sent his coin airborne with a ding! "–and then some. It's high-risk, high-reward, brother." He caught his coin as it fell. "All comes down to doin' the things most folks aren't willin' to. You'll see what I mean if ya say yes." Corvo leaned in on the table. "So, what do ya say?"

William stared Corvo down, not saying anything, or blinking or… emoting at all, really. A few seconds passed, and Corvo's grin got a little flatter.

"…Well?"

"Why ask me, of all people here?" William finally responded.

"Heh, is it really too much for a simple 'yes' or 'maybe?'" Corvo said, rolling his eyes.

"What I want is also simple: information. Easier to hand over than money or goods, is it not?"

Corvo sighed lightly. "Well, ya got a point there. Alright then. I'm askin' you, of all people… cuz I got a good feeling about ya. It's as plain and simple as that."

The Cubone smiled ever so slightly. "Fair enough. And I admit, I'm more than a little curious about the things you do. So, what would you have in mind?"

Corvo grinned. "Glad to hear that, brother. So, I've got a job in mind for next week, I'll fill ya in with the details soon. Just not here, never know who might be listening. In the meantime, we gotta getcha ready."

Almost a week had passed since training began. With the start of the second week, and the guild's final test coming up, everyone was starting to feel the heat. Both the library and training field seemed to be occupied all the time now. In the late afternoon, several recruits practiced maneuvers on separate parts of the obstacle course.

While half of the recruits climbed crates and swung from ropes, Corvo stood on an open platform at the end of the obstacle course, about ten feet above the shallow pool. A narrow, ten-foot long plank connected his platform to another platform. One that William had just climbed up.

"Think you can make it this time?" Corvo called.

"Only one way to find out," William replied.

The Cubone held his arms out and started walking slowly across the plank, careful to keep his balance.

Corvo watched his movements closely, keeping an eye out for small mistakes. Yet he couldn't spot anything wrong with William's form.

"Good, keep it steady like that," the Snivy encouraged. "Looks like ya got the hang of walkin' with that club o' yours."

William paused for a moment to maintain his balance. "So, when are we taking that 'job' you mentioned? I'd rather not have it distract me from that upcoming 'hunt.'"

"Funny you should bring it up," Corvo said. "It's gonna be right before that."

William continued walking, and made it past the halfway point. "Then, when will you tell me–"

"Think fast!" Corvo cut in, and he kicked the plank, pushing his end over the edge.

The wood began to fall, but the Cubone was already moving– he leaped ahead with his bone club raised.

The notched end of the club latched onto the platform with a clunk! About a second later, the wooden plank splashed in the water below as William swung beneath the edge.

Grunting with effort, he hoisted himself up onto the platform. "Not this time," he said casually.

Corvo folded his arms. "Ya know, you wouldn't have cleared it without that club o' yours."

William held up said club, inspecting it and its weird, curved edge. "It's not much different from your vines reaching out."

"Tch. I guess that's fair," Corvo waved him off. Still, he couldn't help but feel a warm sense of pride. Last week William was stumbling his way all through the course. Now he got through it with no major mistakes, after only just a few days. He wasn't as good as Corvo, of course, but still.

"By the way," Corvo continued, "where'dja get that sabertooth stick? A mutant feral? Never seen anything with a bone as spurred as that."

William continued inspecting his own club, slowly turning it in his grasp. "I wouldn't know," he answered simply.

Oh yeah. Amnesia. "Right, right…"

"Hey Will!"

The two turned their attention behind Corvo as another pair of mons approached. It was Leon and Jacob.

"We're working in the kitchen tonight," Leon called out. "Gotta be there in a few minutes!"

"Okay," William acknowledged. "I'll be there soon."

Corvo folded his arms. Those three still had detentions? That seemed messed up.

"So what are you guys doing on the ropes course?" Jacob asked.

"Oh we're just trainin'," Corvo cut in. "What with that final test comin' up on Friday."

"Cool!" The Charmander's face lit up. "Maybe we can train with you guys–"

But the Totodile raised an arm, stopping him from stepping forward. "Not now, Jake. We got detention, remember?" He glanced up and gave Corvo a not-so-welcoming look.

"Er, yeah…" Jacob scratched his shoulder. "But I meant like, maybe later?"

"I'm on my way," William announced. "Just head over, I'll meet you inside."

Leon nodded and led his brother back inside the main hall. As the door closed behind him, a thought crossed Corvo's mind.

"You know, I've been wonderin' about somethin'," he spoke up.

"What is it?" William replied.

"How didja get those two to trust ya in the first place?"

William looked to Corvo, then stared at the back door for a few seconds, as if thinking it over. "I suppose the quickest way to explain it is this: I helped them when they needed it. Even if it was at my own expense…" He tilted his head back up. "I better get going."

"Well, brother," Corvo folded his arms. "I've almost got this figured out. I'll give ya the lo-down on Thursday. With this job, you'll get to help yourself for a change."