Shade's New Blood - Chapter 19
Maron's body instinctively shivered when a single snowflake melted against her skin. Her Aura erased its mark and kept her safe from the would be lingering cold, but the snow's touch, albeit brief, had already made itself well known to the girl. The cold air of Atlas proved itself to be not so different from Vacuo's own chilling nights out in the desert. Just like after a sandstorm, the snow here collected anywhere they could find a home. Window sills and rooftops, unprotected metal piping and other fixtures, all the way to the dark, tight alleys between each building. Each little flake joined others and clung to the cold grounds away from street posts and whatever else tied to the old city's widespread heating grid.
Steele was beside her as the two traveled the neglected streets of Mantle. There weren't many citizens out at the hour and those that were looked none too pleased to be out in Mantle's cold. Most didn't pay them much attention, but Maron swore she heard a few murmurs about them hidden behind scarves and fluffy coat collars.
Discomfort prompted another shiver from Maron. She hugged her arms close to her body to keep herself a little warmer though it would of course still be her Aura doing most of the work. Safe as she was from the frigid temperature, that didn't make the outdoors any less pleasant to walk in. "Cold?" Steele suddenly asked. His duster was already closed up by a few buttons and did well to keep the snow off him. Meanwhile, underneath the dark leather looked to be extra wool padding more suited to the weather. Despite the two changes, Steele still kept his sleeves rolled up. Either he didn't mind the temperature or acted stoic in spite of it. "We've got time to stop by a shop or two," He suggested, "No good seeing you out in this cold without something proper to wear."
He wasn't wrong. She was still dressed in her Vacuo attire of a button-up shirt and skirt without change unlike the rest of her team—except Toma, that girl put on a light jacket over her regular outfit and called it a day. She was almost envious. Maron was open to Steele's idea, but her stubbornness got the better of her, "I'm fine. I'm just not used to the snow is all," she excused herself with a small grumble.
"Right, first time setting foot outside Vacuo," Steele replied with a humble nod. He continued, "Personally, I don't think you're missing much. The other kingdoms aren't places I'd be excited to visit, that's for sure."
"Considering I've known nothing but sand all my life, I'm sure anywhere is better than Vacuo," Maron countered. Anywhere is better than sticking around the graveyard of her old home. Whether it was outside of the oasis of her village or past Vacuo's walls, there was always nothing but sand and rock. Even on the few trips she took to Vacuo city to see her grandmother, nothing short of artificial greenery in said capital city ever broke up the monotonous dunes and rock formations. She sighed. Better days, ones she started to forget.
"Maybe, but if there's one thing I've learned about those kinds of places: people always find ways to ruin them," Steele said. Maron knew that lesson better than anyone. No matter how many times those old wounds were brought up, their cuts never got dull. She missed her old home. Lately, regret had found ways to clutch her heart. It forced her to remember her outbursts, her crude comments, the way she acted at home. She remembered how much she loathed the yearly house parties and other get-togethers with neighbors and family friends. She hated being pushed to interact with the neighbors' kids, she got annoyed when the same questions about her personal life came up over and over, and worst of all was having to constantly feign interest in the tedious and boring conversations whenever she was roped into them. If only she could do it all one more time. She tried to remember more of those precious moments from home but couldn't quite recall anything specific. Her home was like… Her home was like…
"What was home like?" She asked herself only to catch herself having thought aloud.
What caught Maron off guard was Steele who, surprisingly, answered her, "Lots of fish." He let out a small, satisfied sigh with a faint smile that accompanied it. She glanced over to see him reliving cherished memories of his own, his eyes having stared off ahead of him at nothing in particular. "Fishing village. Southern end of Vacuo," He began, "Good climate, fresh food, comfy living. A nice slice of paradise considering the kingdom and surrounding desert. Shame it's so isolated from the rest of the world," Steele told her.
Maron played along to save herself from being flustered, "How so?"
"Well, there's an entire continent and two—make that three kingdoms are in the way so its far from the heart of civilization. The only worthwhile places to go was Vacuo and you'd have to cross the desert on foot and with an escort else the Grimm might get ya'. Aside from that, you could go by sea, but Vale's on the other side of a mountain and Mistral was all the way on the opposite side of another continent and then there's Atlas—no need for explanation there. You could go to Menagerie, but the Faunus there aren't too fond of Human visitors last I checked. Of course, this all assumes you own a boat anyways; not many lanes open in southern Remnant." Steele went on, apparently eager to share more about his own home. He told Maron of the visitors looking to escape city life, how it was always late to receive the latest news and technology, and even jested about how living or visiting there was almost like leaving the rest of the world behind. The details didn't catch Maron's interest much, unfortunately. However, one thing she took notice of was the lack of topics about the man's personal life, a feat uncommon for a Vacuo native as far as she knew.
Maron shook her head, "Sounds like a better life than… all this," she gestured to the city with a quick wave of one hand before she adjusted the strap of her weapon. The life of a Huntsman wasn't suited for someone like her and, from the sounds of it, it may even be a step down for Steele. A tinge of resentment brushed at her core. She had a good home taken from her; Steele had a good home he willingly left. "Why leave?" She prodded and hid a subtle tone that almost dared him to give her a 'wrong' answer, "Sounds like it would have been a better life if you had stayed instead of becoming a Huntsman."
Steele almost froze up when he stopped in his tracks. After the pause, he let out a quick, but noticeably disheartened sigh, "Yeah, it would have been." Maron looked over to him and raised a brow. "I was young, and I was very stupid," He went on. His frown brightened up again almost in an instant, "But hey, that's the story of every kid who aims to be a Huntsman!" He chuckled, "Honestly, those newer, younger students at Vacuo don't even realize they aren't cut out for the job. They certainly wouldn't have made it in my year that's for sure!" He laughed
Maron jabbed him with her shoulder and pouted, "Hey, you're not that much older than me!" she told him. She turned from Steele to hide the face. She certainly agreed with one of his statements, but couldn't help but still feel insulted at suggestion of her being too weak. "Hmph, can't expect a Huntsman to live up to a decent standard these days. It's like you said, they," she stabbed at his chest with an accusative finger, "Don't live up to positive expectations."
Steele feigned being hurt, "Ouch. Vicious today, huh?"
"Shut up," said Maron in a partially lighthearted tone, "I haven't met a well-intentioned Huntsman for as long as I can remember."
"Until now?" Steele smirked.
"That's yet to be proven," Maron returned the smug look. Her smirk dropped and she looked above her. "That said, I have to wonder: Have you saved any lives since becoming a Huntsman?" She asked. 'No better than mercenaries', 'nothing more than a paycheck', those were the kinds of thoughts ran through Maron's head.
Steele kept silent as he pondered the question, perhaps looking far back into his memory for a good answer. His eyes went to the sky above them as he crossed his arms. He opened his mouth, but nothing cam out. It was not until seconds later than he had finally found his words again, "Only one."
His answer piqued Maron's interest, "Oh? And how'd that go?"
The Huntsman's frowned. Steele watched the continuous snowfall as Maron awaited his response. A moment passed between them when he spoke again, "Not well." Maron saw the disappointment on his face. "I made a lot of mistakes," Steele turned his sights to Maron, "I hesitated, could have done so much better—maybe have done more if I had been quicker, stronger, but I saved a life in the end. I think. Couldn't stay for her recovery."
"Pfft, bet you still got paid though," Maron scoffed.
"Nah," Steele denied, "No money. Not even a 'thank you'."
"Eh, maybe you'll get one next time," Maron dismissed.
Steele let out an amused huff. The look in his eyes softened as his content smirk returned to him. Maron looked at him curiously. "Well, how kind of you to say," said Steele, although his compliment was a sarcastic one.
Maron rolled her eyes after his remark. "Come on," she took the lead, "Let's get this over with so we can go home." She only managed a step before a hand rested itself atop her head. She reached up with both her own and grabbed it just as it had started to gently ruffle her hair, "What're you—"
"We," Steele's hand held a light grip as Maron grabbed his wrist, "Have to go that way," he said. He guided Maron's attention across the street and let her go as he made his was there.
"R-Right," Maron followed after him.
The pair traveled only a while longer. They stood at the foot of a large building much cleaner than the other structures found around Mantle. It noticeably lacked the ugly, crude fixtures too. No ugly vents or rusted pipes were found bolted to its sides, nor did there look to be visible balconies or other means of entering. However, its construction felt different that the other stores, shops, and inns they came across. The place was built like a resort or hotel straight from another kingdom, but with a heavy tint to every window which made peering inside all but impossible. Gone were the blocky angles and traditional designs of Mantle and in their place were graceful curves and flowery décor. Although few in number, even hardy, well cared for shrubbery stood in defiance of the usual cold steel and concrete. Stranger yet was just how much space stood between the building and its neighbors as if purposefully built with a wide buffer in mind.
Two tinted glass doors served as the entrance inside. Maron gave a side glance to Steele who looked to be rereading through the copies of the case documents he brought with them. Documents listed this was the place of residence, but she was expecting a small house or apartment complex, not… this. With a shrug, Steele continued with Maron beside him. The first thing Maron noticed was how well designed it was for privacy. From the outside, one could not see anything past the reception desk and the area which, in turn, shielded the rest of the interior from prying eyes. Nevertheless, the two of them escaped the outside cold and hurried themselves inside.
The space inside was rather tame when compared to the scale of the whole building from the outside, able to hold no more than a dozen people or so in the waiting room which seemed at odds with the sheer size of the building. The waiting room held a small reception desk at its center which faced the front door. Behind it was a wall of plaster and varnished wood with a broad but simple board which read: 'Special Treatment and Resort Services' in curvy letters. There wasn't much else save a few low coffee tables, chairs, and a potted plant or two.
Sat behind the desk was a young woman with black hair tied up in a neat bun. The boredom in her light-blue eyes showed clear as she stared at a screen in front of her. Her light, dexterous fingers worked away at the keyboard until she decidedly took notice of the visitors. She paused and clasped her hands together and rested them from her typing. "Welcome, how can I help you two today?" She greeted with a polite but unexcited tone; her dull frown unwavering even at the sight of the potential customers.
"We're here on behalf of Atlas," Steele showed off his Huntsman's license to the woman. Once again, nothing changed for her, the man's proof of employment appearing meaningless to her. Steele continued regardless, "There's a woman here we need to talk to who may have knowledge relating to a case we're working on," He revealed to the woman a photo of the one they sought, "Is she in?"
The woman went back to her work. A few seconds later and she spoke up again, "Yes, she has a place here."
"Can we see her?" Steele asked.
"No."
"And why is that?"
"We take the personal affairs and privacy of those here very seriously, no matter who they claim to be." The woman looked Steele's way with a hostile glare, "Is there anything else I can help you with?" she asked him.
"The matter's urgent. It's about one of her friends and we're hoping she may know a thing or two that can help us," Steele explained
The woman did not change her mind, "If you wish to meet with a client or specific member of staff within these premises, you must first obtain exclusive permission from the owner of this establishment, no exceptions."
As if on cue, another woman appeared. She wore a viridian skirt, ruffled and uneven in its make with only one side having reached just to her knee and a plain white tank top to go with it. The black, fluffy hair of her ponytail swayed as she made an abrupt turn from around the corner and into the reception area. The new woman was about to speak to the receptionist but her pale eyes were quick to meet Maron's whom recognized her.
A bright smile grew on Viri's face, "Maron? Well, what a pleasant surprise to see you here," she greeted. However, that cheery expression of hers soured into one of slight displeasure upon seeing Steele there with her, "And guest," she also welcomed with no attempt to hide her scorn. Viri then put on her welcoming smile again as she spoke to Maron, "You should have contacted me sooner, Maron, I would have lovedto personally introduce you to my humble city. Have you come to destress? Perhaps a much-needed break? Or maybe a place to stay?"
"Know her?" Steele asked Maron.
Maron politely put up her hands to decline the woman's offers, "Um, no thanks, Viri, we're just here to investigate a something for Atlas, actually," she said.
"Oh, I hope it's not too serious," said Viri with a concerned look, "I don't recall there being any major trouble for quite some time, in my experience. Still, I would like to know who you are to Maron, here." Viri half pulled Maron over to her side, almost placing herself between the girl and Steele as she gave the latter a distrustful glare.
"I—" Steele tried to answer, but Maron did it for him.
"T-This is Steele, Viri," Maron was quick to introduce as she rejoined his side, "He's been helping me with training for a while and now we're on a mission."
"I see," Viri sighed, "Business it is then."
"Anyways," Steele spoke up again, "We're looking for this woman." He showed Viri the unmarked photo of the woman they were after. "We need to ask her a few questions regarding the murder of one of her old friends from Atlas Academy. And way you can help with that?" asked Steele.
Viri gave the photo a long look, "Ah, of course I can help you with that."
"Can you bring us to her?"
"No," Viri replied with a mischievous smirk and tone.
"'No'?"
"Terrible experience for her, but she's in very good care now. That I can promise you."
"Look, she may be in danger and we need to get to her before someone else does," Steele explained. "I appreciate the sentiment, but trust me, it's best to leave this to professionals. Besides, Atlas won't be happy if you end up obstructing them," Steele added.
"Oh, I know. They're never happy when things don't go their way," Viri acknowledged. She strolled up to Steele, hands behind her back as she looked up to meet his gaze, "But what will you do about it, 'Huntsman'?" She questioned with a taunting smirk on her face. Steele narrowed her eyes as if to warn the woman of her decision, but she refused to back down from the challenge.
"V-Viri!" Maron stuttered, "I'm pretty sure Atlas—"
"Nothing," Steele finally answered loud and clear. With a satisfied look to her face, Steele relented, "Atas may have given us the authority, Maron, but I don't believe we have the right."
Viri stepped back from him, "Fascinating."
"I'm still going to have to report this, 'Viri', so whatever Atlas's people decided to do will be entirely on you."
Just as Steele turned to leave, Viri stopped him, "I see. Perhaps we can have Maron here conduct you investigation for you." She had Steele's attention. "I'll allow her a meeting to ask your little questions for Atlas, but she'll have to do so alone. Is that enough for you?" She offered with a knowing smile that she had the upper hand here.
"I don't think—" Maron began only for Steele to speak over her.
"That can work, but why not the both of us—if you don't mind me asking."
"Let's just say: Mantle does not have the best of luck when it comes to authority figures as of late. They call themselves all sorts of things: 'officers', 'soldiers', 'security', 'representatives', even 'Huntsmen'. In the end, they're all just liars and thieves who get away with swindling the people of Mantle. After all, who in this poor city would dare to challenge Atlas and its elites?" She returned. Viri put a hand on Maron's shoulder, "But Maron here, is none of those things. She's not even a Huntress—ahem, as of yet," she corrected herself.
Steele took in her response with a nod of understanding, "I see. Rest assured, I'm not—whether you believe it or not—going to do that."
"And that is what they all say, Steele."
"I'm sure they have. However, if this arrangement is good enough for you, then I don't see a reason for me to press the issue."
Being left out of the agreement, Maron voiced her concern, "I'm, not so sure about this…"
"Relax, Maron, all you have do is confirm her story, ask a few extra questions, then we'll be on our way," Steele reassured her.
"Then it's settled!" Viri gleefully stated and clasped her hands together, "You can think of it as a learning experience, Maron. One day you'll have to make decisions on your own, no?"
Although hesitant at first, Maron allowed herself to leave Steele and joined Viri who then wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I finally get to properly work with you, how exciting!" Viri said as she escorted Maron away. She paused, "Oh, Telia," She looked over to the receptionist who happily stopped what she was doing to listen, "Would you kindly show Steele a taste of our hospitality, on me. That is, if he is so inclined."
"Thank you for the offer, but no thanks," Steele declined.
Viri's smirk grew again, "Very well. If that is your choice, Steele."