Shade's New Blood - Chapter 20
With only a handful of papers and her own equipment, Maron was left to proceed on her own. She was welcomed by the warm light of the resort's halls, their walls built with a lower half of fine wood and the rest being of a fresh, cream-colored paint. The rooms were evenly spaced out with elegant frames of brass giving a numerical label to each, their wooden doors symmetrical with humble curves carved into their design.
The rooms on the first floor were closed off. Not a single one held so much as a crack to tempt Maron to peek inside. "What is all this?" Maron asked as her eyes hopped from the one decoration and pretty sight to the next.
"Prep-rooms and spa beds, of course," Viri happily answered, "A few of them are reserved for storage but this half of the building doesn't hold too much of importance. I'd love to give you a proper tour one day soon, but I'm sure you'd rather not waste time."
"Spa beds?" Maron gave Viri a confused look, "I thought you said you did acrobatics and stuff."
"Of course, Maron, but we can't make a living entirely on flips and tricks now, can we?" Viri replied. "We managed at first, but I thought it wasn't enough. I diversified what little we had and soon enough we had place to call our own. Our new home—if you will. Here, there's everything one could ask for to destress, to relax, and to take a day off from the grueling day-to-day life. A spa, a sauna, a kitchen for the culinarily inclined," She paused to catch her breath, "Private training studios, a small gym, and a little communal cafeteria. We even have dorms and pristine showers—with always available hot water, mind you. In fact, you could probably spend a few weeks here and still find something new to do." She sounded proud to present what she had in her hands. So eager was her voice that Maron almost inclined to stay a while if for a day or two.
She had been there for less than an hour yet the place far outshined Shade Academy. No soulless corridors of stone, no brawls breaking out in the halls, not a single person ready to belittle her and her team. "How'd you manage to get a hold of something like this?" Maron asked. Viri's resort made its competitors look like glorified motels or worse. The outside appearance alone rivaled even grandest of manors she saw back in Tourmaline. That fact that Viri alone owned it felt inconceivable. "I cannot even begin to imagine the cost," Maron added.
"On the contrary, Maron, acquiring this place cost me almost nothing," said Viri. She took in a deep breath and a satisfied, smug smirk appeared on her face. She knew it was an achievement in its own right and, in Mantle, there was not a single building that could rival its beauty and luxury. "All it cost was 'blood, sweat, and tears', as they say," she said with noticeable pauses between her choice three words.
"Did no one else want it then?" Maron innocently asked, "I'm surprised others would pass on the opportunity to own something like this. Especially Atlas if their rumors and reputation are to be believed," she said with a hint of disgust escaping her.
"This place has an… 'unsavory' history, Maron. One that no other business was—nor still is—willing to associate themselves with." Viri took the first step up a well-lit stairwell made of the familiar dark wood and carpet.
Halfway up the stairs, Maron followed-up with another question to sate her wonder about the past, "Why's that? The opportunity seems too great for anyone to pass up."
Viri stopped at the top of the steps; one foot of hers was just before the second floor. There was a momentary silence in the air. Viri didn't look back to Maron for a few seconds until finally she turned, her smile turned into a bitter frown, "Because this place was once owned by the largest and most powerful crime organization in all of the Kingdom." Viri hesitated to continue, only doing so after she recomposed herself, "However, that was years ago. A part of history most would rather forget; a history that left a great many, terrible scars. I know you understand." With that she pressed forward up onto the last step of a new floor. She did not look back.
The second floor was livelier than the first but still held a similar layout with doors lining either side of the halls. A few were left cracked open. The rooms were identical with the same end tables, dressers, and beds which told Maron that she must have been in the dorms area. As an added note to herself, there looked to be only girls around. Plenty were around her age, some were around Viri's, and rarer were those who were older than either of them. They looked much happier than the students at Shade. Unlike the academy, she could feel the familial aura and homeliness enveloping her. A few of the girls even greeted her with a kind, welcoming smile or a small hand wave. However, something about them caught her eyes, but, before she could take a second look, Viri came to halt.
"Just one moment, Maron," said Viri who stood before one of the many doors. She gave it a rhythmic knock with the back of her hand and received only a single thud from the other side seconds later. A few clicks unlocked the door and a half-dressed woman with dark-grey hair showed her face from behind the door. She looked tired, as if having just woken up but rubbed the sleep from her eyes and snapped to attention when she saw Viri. Viri in turn greeted her with her usual polite smile and showed her a small wave of her hand, "Hey, Olivia. My apologies for disturbing you at this hour, did I catch you at a bad time?"
Maron couldn't help but peek through the small opening in the door. Aside from a few personal belongings scattered about and clothes draped lazily over a dresser and chair, it wasn't much different from the other rooms. "Oh? No, it's no trouble at all," answered Olivia, "Just woke up from a nap is all. Something wrong? Do we have a new addition?" She looked to Maron and raised a brow.
"Nothing serious at the moment. We—or should I say 'you'—have a guest who spend all day looking for you," Viri introduced Maron with a gesture of her hand. "Maron here is a student currently helping Atlas Security for the time being. She says she needs to ask you a few questions regarding the ah… What was it again, Maron?" she signaled to the girl for her chance to speak.
Put on the spot, Maron stuttered out her words, "Oh, um, I-I'm here to ask about your, um, former team from Atlas Academy." Maron earned herself a narrowed-eyed glare which she avoided as best she could. She took solace in the papers Steele had given her and skimmed through them as to act natural, "I was hoping you had any other information you wanted to share, or personal thoughts you'd like to add."
"I think I've already told them enough about that incident," Olivia growled, her fingers ready to crush the wooden frame of the door. A shiver rand down Maron's spine. She feared she may have gotten herself into more than she expected. The growing fire Olivia's eyes were only abated when Viri cleared her throat and, just like that, her face softened again. "Sorry, Viri, but I'd… I'd rather not talk about those times again. You know that."
Viri placed a hand over her own chest, "I'm sorry, Olivia, but this is a special matter." She then pulled Maron closer and set her hands on the girl's shoulders, "Maron here may learn something new about how things went on in Mantle. Hearing a personal perspective would do her good, much better than getting second-hand accounts from the arbitrary minds from Atlas."
"I… I'd rather not talk about that past, not again."
"I'll make it up to you however you wish, but, again, this is a special matter."
Olivia met Viri's eyes, "Is Mint's client still scheduled?"
"Why, yes, she's off to work already," Viri replied. She studied Olivia before she spoke again, "You've worked hard enough already, I'd hate to see you overworked. However, I suppose I could allow you to go with her and keep watch. Only keep watch. You may assist if necessary but you are not to take her responsibilities from her, understood?"
"Of course, Viri," Olivia humbly nodded in appreciation, "Just give me a moment to get ready."
"Remember: Her," Viri patted Maron's shoulder, "Questions first. We'll be in the floor's lounge, waiting." Olivia quietly shut the door. Viri followed up with one last, single knock to serve as yet another reminder for the room's occupant. She then went on her way with Maron in tow.
By now, most of the floor's inhabitants had retired for the night but Maron went back to watching them again. She hoped she could spot that item she saw before and was puzzled to have found it with ease. A small silver chain hung from everyone. It was worn around their necks, tied to their wrists, their waists—wherever they pleased. However, the one thing at the end of each of them was that familiar bronze star, polished to a shine and clear for anyone with an observant eye to see.
Maron pulled out her own frum underneath her shirt. Something about it no longer felt right to her. She didn't have time to form a coherent thought before Viri's voice caught her attention, "Oh, I'm glad to see you kept my gift, I was beginning to worry you might have lost it," she said with a soft smile as she looked over her shoulder.
"W-What is it supposed to be?" Maron felt her heartrate rise.
"Whatever you wish it to be, Maron," Viri answered. "A 'good luck' charm for sure, buuut, if you're looking for a practical answer, then it's a sign of membership for all those residing here," she explained, "None of that matters too much though. All it needs to be is my gift to you." Her voice came out sweetly and reassuring. Maron found it soothing even, a stark contrast to the cold, distant tone of someone else she knew.
"'Membership'?"
"Hmph. We don't just accept anyone to live here, Maron, it's not a membership as you may imagine it. No amount of money could nor will ever buy a place here," Viri declared proudly. "They're reserved only for those seeking a change in their lives, so, when I saw you down on your luck the first time I met you, I had a strong feeling you could use one."
The pair entered the lounge. It wasn't a large area, but had all the accessories and furniture to accommodate about half a dozen. At its center was a single rectangular table crafted of wood with a glass secured in a frame. A handful of magazines, books, and an old newspaper rested upon it but nothing else that couldn't be considered part of the décor. The leather chairs and couches showed their age with a number of wrinkles and creases. They must have served years yet even now they still looked clean and presentable for new guests to rest on.
Viri sat at the end of one of the couches with one arm stretched over the backrest while the other invited Maron to have a seat anywhere. Maron chose the armrest between the pair of couches. The woman leaned back to make herself comfortable, "So," she began, "How have things been going on with that team of yours? How's that academy of yours been treating you?" she asked as a gentle smile was plastered across her face.
"I… I don't know," Maron admitted. "We don't lash out at each other like when we first met, so I think we're doing better. Though once Shade kicks us out, I don't what'll happen after that." Fooling herself here was pointless. Toma may have been optimistic, Shae may have been convinced to return, and Trya's concern was for her well-being, but they all accepted their unspoken secret: There would be no next year for them. "I think," She paused, "I think we'll all go our separate ways when this is done." Her heart sank a little after she said that, "Go on to do better things no doubt," she tried to play off with a feigned smile.
Viri held a look of pity for the girl. "You've grown attached," she said. Maron wasn't sure whether she could deny that claim. The woman smiled again, "And to think not long ago they were just you're 'teammates.'" They weren't that close, a fact Maron reminded herself. It's like she said, they'll go their separate ways and that will be that. That was the plan… "Not every team ends up being best of friends, so don't feel ashamed about that, Maron. You ask me, I'd say Huntsmen just aren't what they used to be these days. Over the years, I've personally witnessed them choose glory and greed rather than their 'gallant fairy tale.'" A hint of sarcasm was in her voice, like she was mocking the legends of old. "Wouldn't say the same?" Viri asked.
Yes. She didn't refute the woman's claim. The old kindle of hatred was felt within her once more as her fingers tightly gripped the armrest of her chair. Yes, she would. Maron took in a calm breath and let the feeling go… for now. "What was it you said about this place's history?" She changed topics, "I'd like to know more about it."
"This place?" Viri started, "Where to begin… This place was once ruled by quite the cruel and notorious group. Ask anyone around Mantle and they're certain to tell you all about the twisted stories about them." She straightened her back and sat upright. "Tell me, how much do you know about a group called 'The Ice Lily Syndicate'?" she questioned, "Ever hear anything about them since your arrival at Mantle? Have those Atlas officers told you anything about them?"
Maron shook her head
"I thought so. Those were the darkest days of this kingdom's history; A blemish everyone would rather forget—especially those involved." Viri sunk back into her couch and sighed, "Their influence reached all throughout the kingdom too. Rooted themselves deep into its society and governance. There was no crime they did not commit nor misdeed they did not relish, but some years ago that all came crumbling down to an abrupt end."
"Did Atlas finally bring them down?" Maron asked. She had a feeling she knew the answer already.
"No," Viri snapped sharply, "Of course not. The Syndicate's roots ran so deep they intertwined with every aspect of Atlas. The ruling council, the corporations, the nobles, even the military. All of them had some tie to the Syndicate one way or the other. In all honesty, they and their wealthy clients practically owned the Kingdom of Atlas whole. There wasn't a town that did not answer to them nor an Airbus flight they weren't aware of." The woman's dull green eyes stared blankly at the table between her and Maron. A silent frown took hold of her and she almost got lost in her own thoughts when Maron's next question snapped her to attention again.
"Surely someone must have tried changing that," Maron half-heartedly argued in a vain effort to find some kernel reassurance. She too knew first-hand the vile nature of others. Distrust had served and protected her well, but then came along her team, and Steele's to a much lesser extent.
"Maybe there was. I used to believe that. However, I also know that, among those 'good souls', those who did not bend the knee were quickest to be silenced. In the end, the only ones with power then were those with rotten hearts," Viri massaged the back of her neck with a somewhat tired tone.
"So then, what happened to them?"
"Collapsed from within," Viri smirked.
"Infighting?"
"That's what some thought, but a lot was revealed in the aftermath. Those same people I told you about, those council members, noble families, and military personnel? They just so happen to have been found dead along with plenty of the Syndicate's most powerful leaders. Not before the hundreds of documents, confessions, and other reports that reached the public and media outlets, of course. Talk about timing, huh?"
Maron sat confused, "But how? How could a group that powerful collapse so quickly and easily."
"Rumor has it that it was the work of some of their 'servants'—as the Syndicate called them. Story goes that they were patient, they endured day after day of torment and abuse, and then, after they had fooled the Syndicate into believing they had broken them into obedience, they struck during one of the organization's secret meetings with the Kingdom's elites. In a single night, the most powerful and influential people in all of Solitas were slain." Viri waited for her story to sink in with Maron. "After that," She continued, "Atlas was left paralyzed and scrambling to maintain order. Riots broke out in the streets, sabotage undermined the factories and mines, mutiny and desertion ran rampant amongst the troops… chaos and anarchy ruled," She finished clearly but in a hushed voice.
Maron stared at her. "Um, Mantle seems pretty stable from the looks of it," she pointed out.
"Well, naturally," Viri agreed, almost rolling her eyes, "Things have settled down after new blood was introduced. New policies, new council members, new general—things got back to working order, but trust me when I say: Mantle hasn't forgotten who was responsible for its woes in the first place. Tensions are high, but calm. Now, it's all a matter of if—when Atlas screws up again. It seems those new comers haven't learned the lessons of their predecessors." Viri let out an amused laugh before quieting down to a content smile, "It's poetic, really. The Syndicate conquered all of Atlas from within, only to be destroyed the same way."
Maron took a minute to process Viri's story. "And after all they've done, the mark they left, you still bought this place?"
Viri took in a deep breath, "I created this place for those looking for a chance to start anew, Maron. What better message to exemplify that than to erase the very name, and monument, of those that tormented Mantle in the past?"
Her words struck a chord with Maron, but she found it difficult to believe that could be done with a name change and optimism. Vacuo alone was home to more than enough self-serving scoundrels who lived—thrived—off the misfortune and suffering of others. She knew that first hand too. She was about to agree when Olivia had finally stepped from the hall to join them in a new, casual attire.
"Ah, welcome, Olivia!" Viri greeted warmly, "Good to see you join us."
An annoyed sigh escaped the other woman. "Alright, let's get this over with," she said unenthused. She sat on the opposite couch from Viri, but still the furthest she could get from Maron whom she gave a look of disapproval and distrust. "Be quick, what do you want?" Olivia demanded of Maron.
Anxiety wove itself into Maron's words, 'I-I, uh, I was going to ask about… about what happened—to your team, I mean. You were a student at Atlas, right?" She mentally cursed Steele for setting her up to this. True, it might have been the only way forward but she sure wasn't prepared for it.
"I was, graduated too, but I walked away from that a long time ago," Olivia replied.
"Was there a reason? What happened to the team?" Maron asked. The look on Olivia's face was one of resentment, but her gaze wasn't toward her. Maron worried if she had in unwittingly hit a touchy subject and sat stiff in wait for the woman's answer.
"My team… My 'team'…" Olivia growled, "They weren't the greatest of people. Post-graduation, we took on one mission here in Mantle. I had thought things would still go smoothly, but someone sold out. All for a damn case of Lien. Either way, I'm not retelling that fight, understood?" She threatened. Maron nodded and Olivia continued, "Just know: one was killed during fighting, the other—I later learned—succumbed to their wounds while hospitalized. By the end of it all, only two of us survived. I wish I could say I was grateful to be one of them."
"The other one that survived," Maron doubled checked the information she had on her papers, "He was killed recently, right?"
"It's your evidence, you tell me. The team broke apart that day. I gave up being a Huntress too." Olivia muttered. She looked over to Viri, "Do we still have leftover snacks from downstairs? I'd like to take some to Mint once she's finished."
She received a polite smile from Viri, "Of course. Allow me to see If anyone on shift can check. It is after-hours, so maybe they can bring up whatever's left." She opened up her Scroll and got to texting while Olivia and Maron continued their questions.
"So," Maron started again, "Do… Do you know why anyone would have wanted to kill him?"
A small smile creeped up on Olivia's face, "Oh I know many reasons. I'll tell you what I told Atlas: He wasn't exactly pleasant to be around, and his temper was very short when he didn't get what he wanted. I wouldn't put it past a drunken bar fight, or maybe he crossed someone he shouldn't have. None of the others could bail him out this time, that's for sure."
"Have you met him since you parted ways?"
"Only once," answered Olivia. She put up two finger quotes, "We 'spoke'—if you could call it that—very briefly. But it just devolved into an argument about finger pointing, shifting blame, who was at fault, and plenty of insults in-between."
"I thought you said someone sold you out?"
Out came a 'tsk' and a disappointed sigh, "You're a first year, huh? And, from the sounds of it, your team isn't too cohesive." Maron found herself a little flustered at the truth. "Relax, it happens. But take my advice: A leader's job is to protect and care for their team, if they can't do that, they're not fit for the role to begin with. That should have been the first thing the Academy taught you."
"Oh, my team and I are from Vacuo. Shade Academy," Maron told her.
"Shade?" Olivia raised a brow, "Students aren't allowed work outside their Kingdoms, especially first years. Why… how did you end up across the world to Atlas?"
Viri spoke up, "Now, now. Let's not pry into Maron's personal life."
"It's alright," Maron reassured. She turned back to Olivia, "We, uh, aren't doing so well with out scores," she admitted. "I'm not really sure on the details, but apparently, we were allowed to accompany a professional team on their mission for extra credit—for better or worse," Maron finished. Upon reflection, she never heard anything back after Flaye's encounter with the professor, did she? No prior meeting, no check-up via Scroll, not even a word from their other teachers.
"Accompany?" Olivia questioned. She narrowed her eyes, puzzled, "but Vacuo teams don't..." She shook her head, "Whatever."
"You're just in luck, Olivia. There're still some leftovers," Viri chimed in, "I asked someone to bring them up. She'll be here soon."
"Not soon enough," Olivia grumbled, "But thank you. I need to get going so I'll grab some from her on my way out." She pushed herself up from the couch and started back the way she came.
"Hold on!" Maron called out, "That's it?"
"Yes." Olivia took another step before Maron stopped her again.
"But why quit being a Huntress? You never answered."
Olivia stared up at the ceiling for a moment. She then lowered her head and gave Maron a somber side-glance, "Listen, girl, take my advice: Cut your losses while you can, you may not get that choice later." The woman refused to be kept any longer and left the lounge.
"You'll have to forgive her, Maron," said Viri, "She doesn't get long well with strangers nor does she desire to. Even after all these years, she still prefers to keep others at a distance; she's still a little hurt."
Maron slumped her shoulders.
"Hey now, why don't we get you up and going? I'll bet that Steele is waiting for you to return, best not keep your investigation waiting!" She said cheerily.
"R-Right," replied Maron.
As soon as she agreed, a new girl arrived with a small basket in her hands. "Hey, Viri," she greeted, "There wasn't much left over—and Olivia grabbed a handful when she passed." She set the basket down on the low table. "She looked a little upset—er, more so than usual. Is everything alright?"
"Oh, it's nothing, just some bad memories of hers. Thank you for asking though," replied Viri.
Maron's low gaze drifted up to the basket as the other two talked. There weren't many snacks left, certainly none she had an appetite for. She went to thank the new girl, but her blood ran cold at the sight of her face. In a low ponytail, pitch-black hair hung over the girl's shoulder which lit a vague, familiar feeling within Maron. However, it was those eyes, those striking silver eyes that were unforgettable. "Sorry, I can't stay long," she apologized, "A few girls and I—"
"Don't you worry about it," Viri returned a soft smile, "You go and enjoy the night off. Thank you for the basket." With a happy nod, the silver-eyed girl lightly bowed to Viri before leaving the scene.
The girl was already half-way down another hall by the time Maron came to her senses and got up. She tried to follow after her but a hand grabbed her shoulder and stopped her. Viri's hand. "Exit's this way, Maron," she noted. "Why don't I help you out of here? Don't want to get lost in this big place!' she laughed, "Plus, things are getting late as it is and I wouldn't want you to be out on your own." Viri ushered Maron in the opposite direction.
"Wait—" Maron again tried to go after the silver-eyed girl, but kept being pulled along. The silver-eyed girl turned a corner and disappeared. "No—Wait—Viri!" Maron exclaimed as she broke free from Viri's grasp.
"Is something wrong?" asked a curious Viri.
"That girl, I—I know her!"
"Hmm?" Viri looked over in the empty direction the other girl went, "Is she a friend of yours?"
"N-No," Maron reluctantly admitted, "B-But In Vacuo, I saw her! She was… being taken away? No, that's not right. She… went willingly? That can't be right." Maron racked her head trying to recount the details of their encounter, but the smell of smoke and sounds of fire kept blocking her clear memories. One thing was certain though, she remembered those eyes.
"Is something wrong, Maron?"
"My team and I are looking for her. I have to talk to her."
"Maron! Maron," Viri had brought them to the middle of the dorm hall and put two reassuring hands on Maron's shoulders, "We get all kinds of people here, plenty come from outside of Mantle too."
"I need to know how she got here."
"Maron," Viri said sternly, "We have all sorts of troubled gals who came here to start a new life, it's not our place to dig into their past. If they wish to leave it behind, then we're more than happy to accommodate them. I'm sure even you have things you'd rather bury and forget."
Maron stopped, but Viri didn't push her this time. Things she would rather forget… "This is different," she halfheartedly said.
"Maron, I've seen that girl grow from a lonely, resentful recluse to a sweet, caring young woman who's learned to love life again," Viri said. "I like to think that this place has become a second home to her. New friends. New family. New purpose." Maron started to second guess herself. "You wouldn't actually rip those from her, would you?" she questioned. By now they had reached the reception area again with the double doors standing between them and the outside.
No better than them… "I…" Maron hesitated, "I should still tell the others."
Viri frowned, "Very well, if that's what you wish."
"You… aren't going to tell me not to?"
"Maron, what happens after you pass those doors is entirely up to you. I won't hold judgements. But whichever you choose, I know you'll do what you feel is right," Viri smiled again. "Just remember that your choices can affect more lives than you realize," she finished. Now, get out of here," she said playfully and pushed Maron along, "I believe that Huntsman of yours is waiting for you."
Maron didn't say another word, but she thanked Viri for the stay before she pushed open the doors. The frigid air rushed in and nipped at her until her Aura started to protect her again. Steele was waiting outside finishing up a call. He took a few seconds to notice but gave the other caller a few last words before hanging up.
"Oh hey, you're back. I was beginning to wonder when you'd be out. Just got word of another contact you and I are to meet, something about a person who's a businessman and ex-Atlas official? Seems off if you ask me," Steele informed. He then changed subjects, "So, did you find out anything new?"
Maron looked back to the doors to an empty reception area. Viri was gone, but that didn't stop Maron from her short stare. She was quiet for some time, her mind going back and forth from one decision to the next until out came her answer, "No. Nothing new."