Howdy ho! I've had a read through some of the comments, and firstly I would like to say how appreciative of the support and comments so far. I'd also like to address some concerns which I think are fair and valid.
Firstly, it is true that I have been using Ruby as more a literary device to push the plot forward so far. Unfortunately, it has been necessary to set up and establish a lot of things least I hope it feels natural.
The other concern is when will we get to the meat of the story with Ruby being a kickass teenager/going on young adult where the story is from her perspective and her choices.
To that end, I have good news!
Avoiding spoilers, what I will say is there will be some significant time skips coming up fairly quickly. As in within the next chapter onwards. This arc is coming to an end, only a handful of chapters left, but there are a couple key remaining plot devices I need to set up which will play a key crucial role in this story. I'll let you read through this chapter as I will be introducing those very remaining plot points in this chapter actually.
Arc 2 - Chapter 22:
With so many patrols combing the streets and a strict curfew in place, there was not much Hei and the others could do except keep their heads down and stay out of sight. The Hunters didn't have any concrete descriptions nor information to go off of to suspect them, but they all could see it was probably for the best to remain discrete. The curfew meant that Carter's usual customers didn't dare show themselves.
That left a lot of downtime meanwhile. Fortunately, being a pub, Carter had a full pantry of food before Hei's acquisition so they weren't going to starve any time soon.
Unfortunately, being a pub meant they supplied and stored alcohol and, taking heed of Carter mentioning Vale's Prohibition Restrictions, Hei realised that meant he would most likely need some sort of licensing to sell liquor.
An investigation of Carter's office yielded a treasure trove of documentation and paperwork. So after a night of rest, he set to work the very next morning in learning everything he could while the others disposed of the bodies, cleaned the blood and broken furniture, and otherwise went about making the pub home and presentable.
With the patrols on the street meaning they couldn't dump the bodies above ground, that left only one option.
The sewers. And they couldn't be dumped as whole corpses either, lest they garner the attention of any patrols below-surface.
And who had the luxury of such a thrilling job? Tony and DJ.
So, moving a table into the back-room with the trapdoor and laying out some blankets to absorb some of the blood, they got to work in stacking the bodies and grabbing several hessian bags.
Adorning an apron each and gloving up, Tony took hold of a cleaver and approached the first naked body on the table. DJ sent him a nauseous look.
"Urgh. Do we really have to do this? Can't we just toss 'em into sewers as is and be done with it?"
"Boss's orders. We can't let anyone know or suspect anything. That means no clothes. They'll have to be burned later. And whole bodies will take too long to decompose, even down there. So we have to cut 'em up. And they have to be unrecognisable when we do."
DJ's stomach wasn't the only one churning.
"Why not just burn the bodies then?"
Tony shook his head.
"That'll take too long. Besides, we don't even have the space in the fireplace. No. Strip the bodies. Cut off hands, feet and heads. We'll obliterate those to pulp later."
"Why?" whimpered DJ.
"They're too recognisable. One skull is one thing, but we have way too many bodies on hand to hide that much evidence."
Tony turned back to the corpse, clenching the cleaver so tightly it was a miracle the handle didn't snap. His heart was racing.
"After we've done that, we carve up the bodies just like any other animal carcass…" he trailed off.
"And then, we bag it and empty it in the sewers. Hopefully, the bits will rot faster and even if anyone does go snooping down there, they won't think it out of the ordinary."
"Just rotting animal meat?" offered DJ.
"Yeah…."
There was a pause before DJ spoke up again.
"Hey. I'm not religious or anything… but aren't we supposed to not desecrate the dead?"
Tony frowned.
"Only the good people."
He raised the cleaver.
"Does that make us bad people?"
Tony's silence was making DJ feel uneasy.
"I like to believe we aren't," he finally replied.
With that, he brought the cleaver down with a meaty squelch as the blade went through flesh and severed bone.
DJ flinched as he watched Tony get to work.
"…Me too…."
Chopping up bodies was a lot harder and more work than people gave it credit. What with all the bones and tendons.
It took nearly an hour to destroy the first body.
One bag was gooped up with various organs, pulped head matter and other innards. Another was stuffed with fleshy chunks of meat.
Both hessian bags oozed red with blood, and the room was thick with a coppery tang.
Tony was pale and sweating as he contemplated the meaning of his life, while DJ had long since expelled his stomach's contents near the beginning.
Tony wiped his forehead and set the bloody cleaver down on the equally blood-soaked bench.
"How do you do it," grimaced DJ as he stared weakly at Tony.
"I'm just… less sensitive to it."
"But, how?" asked DJ.
Tony sighed, leaning up against the stone wall and sliding down tiredly.
"If you want the truth, it's because I spent time with Hei in Mistral when he was a part of the Spiders."
DJ grimaced.
Aside from the obvious Hei, Tony was the next oldest amongst their group at 17 years old. He was borderline pushing 18. The next was Roman and Neo at 17. He himself was only 16, while the twins were 14 or 15. He couldn't remember. Then again, he doubted anyone actually remembered their real ages, what with everyone being an orphan originally.
The only exceptions were Neo and Roman, who both came from wealthier families before they ended up being turfed out to the streets.
He didn't know the full story with them, but Hei did and trusted them. And he'd been around them for several years by now, so he trusted them fully.
"I… I've heard a bit about that, but I can't say I know the full story," admitted DJ.
"Hmm. Well, before Hei came to Vale and founded the orphanage that took you and everyone else in, we were all from Mistral. Roman, Neo, the twins, Hei and myself."
DJ listened intently, keen to take his mind off of the bloodbath before him.
"Hei was working for the Mistralian Spiders as one of their enforcers. But he also had a knack for getting information and staying well informed. That quickly put him in good stead with the boss, Miss Malachite."
"Wait, isn't that the twins last name?"
Tony frowned.
"It is. They're her daughters. I don't know if they're biological or not," he raised a hand to stop DJ.
"But they were her favourites and she was having them trained and groomed as such. I think she wanted them to take over for her when she eventually kicked the bucket."
DJ was silent as he processed the information.
"But back onto Hei, his ability to get information was uncanny, and the boss took interest. She had him put under her head torturer to be taught even more methods of collecting information from people she captured. He went from enforcer to interrogator, and coupled with a lot of his connections in the streets, he was able to get some pretty reliable information pieced together quickly."
DJ went pale again.
"When you say torture…?"
"Hei carries a pretty big burden on his shoulders. He's killed tens of people through torture, all to get information."
"So… where do you fit in this?"
"Me? Ha. I was one of Hei's enforcers and subordinates. The Spiders had a professional army, but they kept several militias on standby. Those militias were comprised of street rats like myself at the time, and the older and more competent were 'promoted' to be in charge of that particular militia. Hei was one of those promoted at the time, and was my boss. Though, I'd liken those militias more to gangs than anything."
DJ nursed his wrist absentmindedly as he listened.
"Hei had a change of heart when the boss instructed the twins, who were like, barely ten at the time, to be tutored under him on how to gather information. I can't say exactly what happened as I wasn't there, but he snapped and realised that teaching kids how to maim and murder was…"
"Fucked up?" offered DJ.
"Yeah. You could say that."
Tony stood, dusting his apron off.
"Anyways. Long story short, it was around that time that Roman and Neo got captured by the Spiders, who were going to ransom them. Hei organised an escape for us all, and a bunch of others. Eventually, one day, Hei put his plan in motion, and the twins, myself and Roman and Neo, all broke out and away from the Spiders. We killed a couple on our escape. Such is the nature of being raised with criminals. There were others," he added.
"But… they didn't make it. We fled Mistral, taking a boat all the way down to Vale. We actually did stop at Vale City for a couple days, but Hei decided that it was too risky to stay. We had effectively kidnapped the twins from Miss Malachite and caused a bunch of collateral on our way out. And she's not someone you mess with," he insisted with a hard voice, making DJ gulp.
"Hei quickly got us passage to some outer settlements, where we hopped around for a couple more weeks, hoping to lose ourselves even further from anyone after us. Eventually we settled in Saint. Hei opened up the orphanage to try and atone for his sins and help other street rats so they wouldn't turn out like we did, and we tried to do our best to support him."
"And the rest is history," finished DJ solemnly.
"And the rest is history," Tony nodded.
"I am forever loyal to Hei for helping me get out of that shithole," declared Tony.
"Without him, I'd probably already be dead or worse. So for that, I am forever grateful. The twins might argue with him, but they owe him their freedom to live their own lives as they please, and they know it. When the going gets tough, they'll always be there with him. Same as Roman and Neo. He saved their asses from slavery or, more likely, a gruesome execution."
"So," began DJ, "how safe are we then?"
"Hmm? Oh. With Miss Malachite. Nah, we're probably fucked."
"WHAT?!"
"Well, last I heard, she was still looking for us, but it's hard for her to find out exactly where we have gone. Being in Vale City only increases the risk of us being identified."
DJ somehow became even more pale than he already was.
"So… why are we here…?" he asked weakly.
"Oh relax," dismissed Tony.
"The odds are incredibly low, and even then, we're a group and have aged so much we're not exactly recognisable. Did you know Hei used to sport really long hair like those Mistralian Monks do?"
"That doesn't make feel any better. And what monks? I've lived in Saint my whole life for fucks sake!"
"Ah right. Never mind then. Just know, we changed our appearances so much to blend in."
"But not your names apparently," groused DJ under his breath.
Tony was about to retort something smart, only to trail off in realisation.
"Actually, you're right. We never did…."
"We're doomed!" wailed DJ.
"Oh please. The twins haven't used their surname since then, and Hei took on the last name of one of those monk clans I mentioned."
"Yeah, from Mistral! How many people have exotic names in this cursed kingdom!"
"Hmmm. Good point," acknowledged Tony, only to just as a quickly dismiss it with a shrug. He picked up the cleaver and readied himself over the next corpse.
"Oh well. Too late now."
DJ could only despair.
"Now are you going to help finish up these bodies or not?"
It was at that moment the door swung wide open to reveal Ruby rubbing her eyes blearily.
"Hi Tony. DJ…" she trailed off as she witnessed the sheer amount of blood soaking everyone and everything. She took it all in with widening eyes. The way DJ was panicking behind Tony who had a bloody cleaver in hand, and the naked human body on the table. The blood soaked hessian bags filled with body parts and gore.
And so she screamed.
"Wait! It's not what you think!" exclaimed Tony with panic.
"We're doomed!" wailed DJ behind him.
Ruby took a step back, and Tony took a step forward, momentarily oblivious to how he appeared to the small girl before him.
"What are you doing?!" she exclaimed with a mixture of fright and confusion.
Footsteps could be heard stampeding across the wooden floorboards in a mad dash to their location.
"What the fuck is going on?!" came Hei's voice.
The twins and Hei suddenly appeared at the doorway right behind Ruby.
Melanie took one glance at everything and instantly facepalmed in irritation while Miltia scowled.
"Really. You're freaking out over some bodies kid?" Melanie was not impressed.
Ruby sho a confused look to the older girl.
"B-but they're people?" she stammered.
Hei wrapped an arm around her to usher her away from the door and into Miltia who took the hint.
"Nah, it's just animal carcasses," explained Hei.
No-one was buying that lie, especially not Ruby. Melanie was quick to make that clear.
"Hei, she's not dumb. Yes, Ruby, they are people's bodies," she scowled.
Hei shot her a filthy look, but Melanie wasn't fazed at all.
"What? It's the truth. She should know. After all, she knows what a dead body is at this point I think."
"Still," scowled Hei.
"She's still a kid."
"A kid that has summoned monsters designed to kill people, and that have already killed people I might add."
Ruby wilted slightly.
"Melanie," warned Hei.
"Look, I'm not saying it's her fault or anything," she pacified with extended palms.
"But she should know the truth of these things going forward."
"That's not for you to decide," growled Hei.
Ruby spoke up.
"What are you doing to those bodies, then?"
Hei was about to offer some lie, Melanie just knew it, so she cut in.
"Tony and DJ are disposing of those bodies so no-one knows about us. Specifically you."
"Me?"
"Yeah. 'Cos you're a Grimm Whisperer and every gods-damned Huntsman is out on those streets looking to kill you right now! And if they find us helping hide you, then we'll be killed too!"
Ruby straightened up in shock, her initial outcry forgotten.
"B-but why?"
"Ruby. Think. You summon Grimm. Grimm kill and eat people. That makes people afraid of you."
"But I would never do- " Melanie raised a hand and cut her off.
"I know you wouldn't. But that doesn't stop people from believing that. So that's why those bodies are being disposed of. Because they'll draw attention to his place, and by extension, you."
Her hard scowl returned, and Ruby felt chastised.
"So instead of screaming your head off and acting holier-than-thou, you should start appreciating the lengths that everyone, especially Hei, is going through to keep you safe and hidden."
"I-I didn't think – "
"No you haven't. You talk about being a big girl? Well big girls think for themselves! That means thinking your actions through, and the consequences they have on not just yourself, but people around you. It means being grateful for receiving anything to begin with, and understanding the sacrifices and efforts that are made to keep you sheltered and safe."
"That's enough," said Hei.
Melanie stopped, eying him warily.
"I'll take over this. Get back to your work."
"Yes boss," she said, though it was clear she didn't have much faith in him. She ushered her twin sister out of the room and back into the barroom.
Hei sighed as he looked down at Ruby.
"Remember the rules I told you back at the last place we lived at?"
"Yes," Ruby answered with her head hung down.
"Look at me."
She reluctantly raised her head.
He saw the regret and hurt on her face.
"Look, you're not in trouble. But remember those rules I mentioned way back then? They are still in effect. You have to remain unnoticed by others."
"Is this about the Grimm in the city the other day?! Because I promise, I didn't mean to! That weird scary guy got inside my head and took control of them from me! I promise I didn't mean to break your rules!"
Hei recoiled.
"What, what? What do you mean that guy got inside your head?" This was news to him.
"The scary guy with the bony face. He made me summon those Grimm. And then he took them from me. I couldn't speak to them anymore."
Hei knelt down to her level.
"Are telling the truth?"
"I promise!" she nodded her head vigorously. She so desperately wanted Hei to believe her.
Hei pursed his lips.
"… I believe you," he finally said, and he meant it.
"We'll talk about it later. And all of this other stuff too," he added when he saw her peek a glance into the room with Tony and DJ.
"Melanie is right when she says that a lot of what we are doing is for your sake."
"Am I being a burden?" she suddenly blurted.
Hei smiled gently.
"Nah kid. You're not a burden. Not now. Not ever. Honestly, this stuff that would have had to be done even if you weren't here. It just means with you around we need to appear even squeakier clean so that the authorities don't have a reason to look at us."
"And me," she added.
"And you," he nodded.
"Look, we'll talk more about it later. Don't think of yourself as a burden Ruby. You're not."
She nodded half-heartedly.
"Go see if you can help Roman or the twins. I need to speak to Tony quickly. Okay?"
She nodded with a mumbled "m'kay".
"Good girl," he ruffled the hair on her head as he stood up, and she left the doorway. That left Hei alone with Tony and DJ.
"Now. How are you too doing?"
If they were offput by Hei's empathy, they didn't show it.
"Yeah, fine other than slight heart-attack she gave us," acknowledged Tony.
"Speak for yourself," whimpered DJ.
Hei glanced over Tony's shoulder in confusion before redirecting a questioning gaze at him.
"Is he alright?"
"Might have scared him with some stories from Mistral to take his mind off the work," he smiled slyly.
Hei conceded the point.
"Hmm. Sorry to have you two do this. I know it must bring up some unpleasant memories," began Hei with a guilty frown.
"Bah, don't worry about it Hei," Tony dismissed it with a wave of his hand.
"It needs to be done. Besides, these people were lowlives anyways. They made their bed and were content to sleep in it with our blood to keep them warm."
"Still. Thank you," reiterated Hei remorsefully.
"Like I said, not a problem. It's just more tiring than anything . Well, that and time consuming. How's everything going on your end?"
"Time consuming," sighed Hei.
"I'll share later tonight. DJ!" he called suddenly.
"Remember to empty those bags in the middle of the channel. And to do it far away from here."
DJ looked as if he swallowed a lemon.
"You mean I have to wade through literal shit for hours now?!"
"Someone has to do it," grinned Tony. "I'm busy here."
"You'll be helping him," intoned Hei.
Instantly, Tony's smile dropped.
"You know, just because I owe you doesn't mean I have to like you."
"I don't need you to like me to do as I say."
Tony inhaled through his nose slowly.
"Fine. It'll still take all day and probably night though."
"That's fine. Still, the sooner the better. I don't trust Carter's disappearance to go unnoticed forever."
Tony shared Hei's grimace.
"You're probably right about that."
"I know I am."
DJ chose that moment to pipe up.
"Can I switch jobs with the twins?"
"Sure," shrugged Hei as he suddenly turned to leave.
"But you're the one that has to convince them. So good luck on that front. Oh, and keep in mind if you think their bitching is bad right now? Wait until they do your job. Do you want to deal with that for the rest of the week?"
He left, not even waiting for DJ to give an answer. He had no words to share anyways, just whimpering in defeat.
It had been several days since the attack had occurred. Vale's population had not taken kindly to the massacre, nor to being suddenly locked up inside their own homes. They had taken even less kindly to having no answers provided by their own government and council. So, on the third day of the lockdown, people started to break the curfews. They began to go about their lives. Or at least, they tried to. They spat on the Hunters and guards that tried to force them back inside, and they openly decried the arrests made when they failed to listen.
On the fourth day, the protests began. People began to leave their homes en masse and took to protesting the restrictions, the massacre, and the seeming lack of accountability.
Alexander had immediately ordered the garrisons of Hunters and city guards to police the protestors, who numbered thousands and were growing with each passing hour.
By the fifth day there was no controlling the protests. The people wanted answers, and they wanted them now.
It was because of that Ozpin found himself seated in the council chambers once again with General Alexander, the Democratic Council electorate, and His Majesty the King.
"We can't keep the restrictions up anymore General!" protested Margaret.
"The masses are restless. They want answers, and they want blood."
"Not to mention the impact on our food reserves and treasury since you have effectively halted trade within the city!" added Arthur Rainhart heatedly.
Alexander looked unapologetic as he kept his arms crossed, grunting in acknowledgement of their claims.
"Certain concessions have had to be made to ensure security. We are still in the process of apprehending the Grimm Whisperer and determining how these events came to fruition in the first place, councillors," said Ozpin.
"Ah yes. And how exactly goes your investigation thus far, Headmaster? Have you gotten any answers worth sharing with us this time today? Or maybe you'll share them when you get them next year?" sneered Rainhart.
Margaret added.
"While you crusade around trying to find this Grimm Whisperer, your lockdown is causing serious economic and social strife! It certainly isn't helping protect the people! Nor us! How much longer can we afford to keep this lockdown in effect?! The public are out there demanding answers right now, and frankly, so are we."
There were murmurs of concurrence amongst the other councillors, and Ozpin could already feel a headache brewing.
"While we have yet to apprehend any individuals alive at this point, we are generating more leads to indicate whom exactly our attackers and their associates are."
Robert spoke up with disapproving frown.
"Well, it's not good enough, Headmaster. It has been nearly a week, and so far, you have nothing to show for it."
Ozpin steeped his fingers, but Rosaline Tully abruptly cut him off before he could speak.
"You see, your Majesty. This is why such efforts should not be left alone to the Headmaster. The simple truth of the matter is that Huntsmen are not equipped nor trained to conduct such a widespread investigation. They lack the finesse and control required."
Ozpin was getting sick of the same old arguments being made.
"And as was stated previously, this is a matter that requires the intervention of Huntsmen, both to investigate and apprehend. We are dealing with not just a Grimm Whisperer, but also a rogue Arcanist. And whatever or whomever their allies might have been."
"I thought it was impossible for a Huntsman to go rogue? You assured us you have measures in place to avoid such an outcome?"
Ozpin directed his tired gaze to Rosaline.
"And I do. However, I cannot regulate the Huntsman fielded from another Kingdom, especially if they go rogue or operate against us."
Arthur held his hand up to try and stop the talking.
"So, wait a moment. We have a rogue Arcanist, a Grimm Whisperer, and a terrorist group using local gangs as bodies and proxies? And you have nothing to offer in terms of justice or answers!?"
He shook his head incredulously at Ozpin.
It was the King who spoke next.
"Unfortunately, I will have to agree with the Council on this. We can't afford to keep the lockdown going any longer, and if you can't provide any immediate answers, or apprehend the perpetrators behind this? Then I'm afraid we have to remove the current restrictions. It is too economically taxing."
Ozpin's lips thinned.
"While I appreciate the concerns this council has considering the governance of the city, if we allow a Grimm Whisperer to remain in here, or escape, we open ourselves up to future attacks, each more devastating. What will our response be then? Lockdown for a couple days, then pretend nothing happened and let them escape again? It sets a very dangerous precedent."
"Well, that is what General Alexander is here for, isn't it," smiled Rosaline with that sickly sweet expression that did little to hide her conniving veneer.
The General in question stiffened, and he almost looked apologetic to Ozpin.
"In order to apprehend a rogue Huntsman, actual Huntsmen are required," shot Ozpin.
"Please, we have been over this before. I cannot, and will not, partition control of the Huntsmen over to the council when no one else here has the necessary experience or understanding of how they operate, as well as the internal rules they must follow."
"I have to agree with the Headmaster. Trying to unearth a rogue Arcanist and Grimm Whisperer in a city as large as Vale is a tremendous undertaking, and unfortunately, my forces will not be sufficient without backup from any Huntsmen present," said the General. "It is too dangerous otherwise."
"Then perhaps instead of it being two separate authorities trying to achieve the same thing, we should merge it be one jointly controlled operation" suggested Margaret.
Rosaline nodded approvingly. "Well said Margaret. You refuse to relinquish control of the Huntsmen, but it is clear that your methods alone will not work. Coupled with the unnerving results into Rudy's death and what it potentially implicates about you, if you instead allowed the council to hold joint custody of this operation alongside of you, it would assuage all our concerns. Including yours Headmaster. That way we can look at getting this unseemly event wrapped up."
Ozpin felt his brow crease as he shot her a quizzical look.
"I'm sorry, could you just go back a bit. Rudy's death and what it implicates about me?"
"Why yes, Headmaster," she simpered.
"I do not say this lightly, but how do we not know that the Headmaster is not to blame for this tragedy to begin with?" She directed her gaze across all members present at the circular table.
Ozpin's brow creased furiously.
"Are you suggesting that I had a hand in allowing this attack?"
She backed off with a wave of her hands.
"Not necessarily. But there are some interesting conclusions to be drawn from the recent attack. Namely, an independent investigation has found the remains of former Councilman Rudy Powderman."
Ozpin raised an eyebrow.
"And what does this independent investigation have to say, then?"
"Nothing conclusive yet, but there is a lot of evidence pointing to it being a deliberate attack. An assassination if you will."
Ozpin already could feel a pit forming in his stomach as he realised what she was trying to spin. The sudden visual scrutiny of the other council members on his person indicated they were coming to the same conclusions.
Still, he dared to ask.
"And what, exactly, are you suggesting?"
"Nothing. It is still early in the investigation, but it is clear he and his entire staff were murdered. It's not a secret how you dismissed him and reclaimed your seat on the Council. Some would argue that you might even have unfinished business with him?"
This was why Ozpin hated the current system of governance. Too much politicking and backstabbing, and not enough governance to better the Kingdom.
"You just stated you have no evidence."
"But do we? It was convenient his death happened to coincide with the attack. One could blame his demise as another unfortunate statistic."
Ozpin cut her off abruptly.
"Are we discussing the future of Vale's safety, or am I being put on trial in this very meeting because of a baseless speculation and random theory?"
"Merely stating some observations that I feel is my duty to bring to this council," she replied.
"Of course," she continued, "if you would at least allow joint custody of the operation, it would assuage many of our concerns about your overreach of authority."
Ozpin pinched the bridge of his nose, before swiftly pushing his glass up to try and mask the frustration he was feeling.
She was effectively strong-arming him and planting seeds of doubt in the council's minds. And it was working.
"The councils concerns? Or yours?" he frowned. She ignored his question. Instead, she said.
"I propose that instead this investigation be a joint effort, and not one solely lead by the Headmaster. We are all being held under scrutiny by the public in these times, and it would do well to show not just unity, but that we are all being held accountable to each other. To this council. Unless you want to give the impression of disunity," she directed her gaze to the King.
"And who do you propose should assist the Headmaster, then?"
Ozpin wanted to curse. He could tell the King had made up his mind.
Rosaline smiled.
"Certainly not myself. I wouldn't want to appear to be influencing any investigations, and it is known that the Headmaster and I do not see eye to eye. Instead, I would recommend General Alexander, who is unaffiliated with the Huntsman Academy, co-lead this investigation. To ensure fairness, accountability, and to resolve any concerns of… corruption."
The King hummed to himself for a moment.
"Your suggestion has merit."
"It will stall the investigation if my people have to answer to two people with vastly different views, experiences and, I daresay, motives."
"What ever could you mean, Headmaster?" simpered Rosaline.
He didn't get the opportunity to retort as the King spoke up.
"Unless you have actually hard evidence to back your suggested claims, Miss Tully, I would sincerely suggest you refrain from throwing around accusations. Especially ones as… egregious… as you propose." He shot her a stern glare.
"Of course, your Majesty. I intended no disrespect," she conceded with a bow of her head.
"Needless to say," he turned to Ozpin, "I appreciate it would serve not only this council's interests, but those of the mass public, if you were to collaborate with and share regional control of your Huntsmen with another member of this council."
Ozpin slowly closed his eyes as the King spoke.
"In the interests of resolving this matter, will you accept having General Alexander operate by your side?"
It wasn't a question, nor an offer. It was an order, and Ozpin knew it. His conversation with the king weeks prior flashed through his mind with some irritation.
So much for keeping control.
"Of course," nodded Ozpin, refusing to reveal his irritation. He couldn't afford to push his luck, not now that the council was clearly scrutinising and conspiring against him.
"I understand what is at stake here."
"Well it bloody well doesn't change the fact that we have riots on our doorstep, now does it?" snapped Arthur.
"Patrols outside the walls and in the Emerald forest have reported increasing Grimm sightings. They're getting more restless with the growing anxiety and restlessness of the people," added Alexander.
"Such a concentrated large population is effectively a beacon for the Grimm."
Ozpin's lips thinned as Alexander spoke. His words were true, but he felt it poignant to add.
"Under these circumstances, yes. But, that is why we have routine excursions and patrols of Hunters and Huntsmen alike. To mitigate their threat."
He shifted in his seat.
"If we pull the lockdown prematurely as you propose, then we risk the Grimm Whisperer slipping away. The best case scenario we could hope for is that they flee the city and don't return."
"And the worst?" asked Margaret pointedly with a creased brow.
Ozpin locked eyes with her.
"They remain in the city, and they remain undetected long enough until they are ready to strike again. And this time, it could be far worse."
Arthur spoke up with a shake of his head.
"The simple truth of the matter is that we cannot afford to keep the city under lockdown with such heavy mobilisation of troops. All while shutting off outside communication and trade. At this rate, we'll burn through the treasury in no time."
There were murmurs of agreement amongst the other members present.
"How far from acquiring the identity of this Grimm Whisperer are you, Headmaster?" Asked the King.
Ozpin weighed his words carefully.
"At this point in time, narrowing down our leads will still take some time."
"Then how much time?"
"Ideally, a few more weeks. Realistically, it could be several months."
The council was in an uproar.
"The people won't stand for it!"
"It hasn't even been a week and we're getting riots?!"
"Are you serious? What have you been doing this whole time?"
The barrage of words was endless.
It was the King himself that finally spoke up, his raised hand silencing everyone's voices.
"Unfortunately, I must agree with the Council on this. As has been stated, we cannot keep the city locked down any longer. If you can't guarantee us a definitive immediate lead, then I'm afraid I must exercise my executive authority to lift the current restrictions in place."
"And what would you suggest we do about the Grimm Whisperer then? This is a threat that we cannot just ignore."
"Huntsmen are specialised in dealing with Grimm-related threats. That is what you keep telling us all."
Ozpin stiffened slightly.
"Then use them. Use your Huntsmen to search for this Grimm Whisperer. All of them."
Rosaline finally spoke up.
"Ah, with respect, your Majesty. But the Headmaster has used his Huntsmen to search for the Grimm Whisperer. And, he has clearly demonstrated that he is not fully equipped nor ready to deal with such a threat. Considering the spectacular failure on his part –"
"I was not asking for your opinion," snapped the King.
"I am well aware of the disaster that has befallen us. The growing negativity and resentment of millions of people is enticing more Grimm to approach us, and it is weakening our infrastructure."
Rosaline adopted her signature sickly sweet smile, even if she tried and failed to hide how she felt being chastised.
"Of course. I understand completely what is at stake here," she amended.
"Do you?" asked the King before sighing.
After a deep breath, he spoke.
"I received a missive this morning. From Mistral."
That got everyone's attention.
"The war with the mystery Kingdom Menagerie has ground to a stalemate. Both sides proposed and agreed to a ceasefire. There are now peace talks under way."
He paused, eying everyone sceptically while they all waited.
"Because of our neutrality with all of the Kingdoms, and our unwillingness to be involved in their war, with counsel from our allies in Atlas, the Kingdom of Vale has been chosen as the neutral ground to hold these peace talks and, potentially, sign a peace treaty."
Margaret shook her head slowly.
"We have never agreed to host such talks. This spat involves Mistral and Vacuo. Not us."
"Precisely," replied the King. "Which is why, after conferring with Atlas, we must prepare accordingly."
Tully was wary.
"Prepare for what, exactly, you Majesty?"
For the first time in a long time, the King smiled.
"To host these peace talks."
Ozpin leaned back slowly into his seat, absorbing everything that was said and allowing his mind to think of the possibilities and consequences of such an action.
Allowing the end of this war would be very much beneficial. Humanity should be fighting the Grimm after all, not each other. Alas, it was clear other members of the council thought differently.
"With all due respect, sir, but the reports about Menagerian soldiers is that of barbarity and atrocity against the people of Vacuo and the armies of Mistral," said General Alexander with such fervour.
Margaret couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"Vacuo is hardly what I would call a civilised Kingdom to begin with. They are just as barbaric as the reports allude to the Menagerians as."
"But they are allies, technically," argued Robert in defence of the harsh Kingdom.
"We aren't beholden any loyalty to Menagerie. But we are to Vacuo."
Alexander growled.
"Idiot. We are a neutral Kingdom. We aren't beholden loyalty to anyone."
"This isn't about the other Kingdoms. It's about securing the future of Vale. Right now, our economy is lacklustre. No-one wants to trade with us because of the war. The only trade has been for weapons and military gear, of which Atlas outstrips us. With no more war, people will want to rebuild. We will have a prime opportunity to solicit additional trade deals with all of the representatives. We will have no shortage of labour, nor goods. All we need is a market to enter. Mistral will be opportune, and so will Vacuo."
"And what of Menagerie?" asked Robert.
"That depends on how the talks go I suppose," said Arthur, his merchant greed showing in his eyes.
"If they are amicable, and it doesn't harm our relations with the other Kingdoms, then I don't see why we, as a neutral Kingdom, can't take advantage of a new, foreign market."
"Indeed," nodded Rosaline, also getting excited at the potential opportunities to accrue more wealth.
"Regardless," interrupted the King.
"With the prospect of a delegation representatives in several weeks, it would be prudent of you to get all of your affairs in order. That includes cleaning up this city, General. Headmaster."
Everyone exchanged glances.
"The restrictions will be lifted…" he carried on with a list of demands and orders, and the council nodded along, fought against certain components, but otherwise knew they would have to obey. Meanwhile, Ozpin could only shake his head as the King and Council rendered his efforts obsolete. It was clear they weren't going to listen to him. So he let his mind wander.
Menagerie. I wonder what your people will be like…. Hmmm. May you live in interesting times indeed. I guess those two were right….
Later that day, the restrictions were removed, and the curfew lifted. People were still angry, but the prospect of trade opening and booze being available was too enticing for many, and so the angry crowds were quick to dwindle. Without as much support through sheer mass of bodies, the protests began to die down. There was still an outcry of anger and demand for answers regarding the massacre, but that was left mostly to the families of the deceased and murdered, and stall owners whose business and trade were affected negatively.
The following days of the pub's opening were hectic for Hei and his group. However, they managed to pull through and supply the patrons the drinks they wanted. Hei was quick to get into contact with a legitimate supplier of liquor, and after reassuring him with newly forged documents using Carter's forms as a template, he secured a contract with a steady supply. It wasn't exactly profitable, but it was enough to keep trade going and the pub afloat. He would have to look into doing some in-house brewing in the near future, but for now, he wanted to get everyone set up into an orderly flow and routine.
The twins helped Tony and DJ with drinks and acted as bouncers for him. Roman, on the other hand, was quick to take off with Neo and start exploring the city. It irked him, and he made sure to ream him out whenever he returned, but brought back money from, as he termed, 'liquid assets'. He also was keen on being nosy and learning more about the types of people and merchants that floated around. Both legitimate, and in the underworld.
Things were looking good. And that should have been Hei's first inkling that he had tempted fate. For the very next day, not even three days after the curfew had been lifted, a group of Hunters came into the pub.
Eager for drinks and respite, they quickly took over the floor. Their rowdiness was not too intrusive, thankfully. But as they sipped their drinks, getting drunk with each passing minute, one of them decided to make the one observation Hei wished he hadn't.
As Ruby entered the floor, carrying a mop and bucket to clean up a spill behind the counter, she caught the eyes of one of the Hunters at the table.
Their eyes locked, and with damning words, the Hunter called out in confusion.
"Hey? She has silver eyes?"
Hei felt his stomach plummet, and his heart race as all eyes suddenly found themselves on the now nervous girl who tried to shy away into herself.
Hei couldn't believe his rotten luck. It was a risk he knew, but that was why he made a concerted effort to keep Ruby out of the spotlight if he could help it. He was still trying to find a way to properly hide her, but he knew he could never fully do that. Roman had floated the idea of trying to disguise her, but how was he supposed to hide her eyes? Silver was pretty prominent, and not exactly a common eye colour.
Thankfully, the twins had given him a good idea to use in the interim. His eyes were naturally grey. As long as they didn't let anyone focus too much on Ruby, they could try to get away with her being his very young sister. They agreed being her father would be too much for her at this point in time, considering all the trauma she had undergone. Not to mention if she slipped up.
Roman, who was behind the counter getting verbally berated by Tony for causing the spill, was quick to grab Ruby and usher her behind him as her heart clenched.
With a relatively straight face, Hei forced himself into the limelight with a stern voice, putting himself between the drunken Hunters and his wards.
"Is there a problem here?" His words were harsh.
The drunken Hunter stared up at him dumbly, slurring his words out eventually.
"That girl? I swear man, her eyes…"
"What about them?" he demanded.
The Hunter stumbled over his words, and it wasn't until one of his more coherent partners spoke up on his part.
"He's saying the girl had what looked like Silver eyes."
The man was a lot bigger, and adorned in a full suit of armour. He was leaning heavily on the table, his beard stained with cheap beer, while his other two companions had taken to loosening the straps on their own armour and were sprawled back in their rickety seats.
Hei's eyes hardened, and he looked offended.
"Her eyes aren't silver you dumb fuck. She's my sister. Do my eyes look silver?"
The bearded Hunter recoiled slowly.
"Oh, uh, not really. I suppose…" he trailed off as he looked at Hei, taken aback by the man's anger.
"Yeah, but how do we's knows dat?" slurred the first Hunter.
Hei leaned over the drunken Hunter.
"Because if my eyes are grey, then hers sure as hell will be too. What the fuck do you expect?" he snapped.
"Oh." He sounded disappointed, like a child being rejected.
"So, there's no Grimm Whisperers here, then?"
Hei felt his heart pounding in his chest.
Did they somehow get a lead that he was hiding Ruby here? But how?
"No, there's not. Why the hell would you expect that? What, that I'm going to hide a Grimm in here?!"
The other Hunters looked sheepish, their cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Or maybe alcohol. Probably both.
"No, I suppose not," conceded one of the other Hunters, turning his head away and letting his black bangs hide his chastised features.
"Well, just bring her over. Call it curiosity."
"You've already done enough to frighten her," growled Hei.
"If you any questions or concerns, you can talk to me."
The bearded Hunter downed the last of his mug before slamming it down onto the wooden table top.
"Welp. One way to find out I suppose."
With that, he leapt up and swung an armoured fist straight into Hei's face.
His vision went black as pain exploded across his face.
He instantly tasted his own blood, and stumbled back.
There were cries of shock across the bar, and instantly the twins were racing over.
The Hunter wasn't interested in fighting, however.
Instead, he lazily examined the blood adorning his gauntlet.
"Hmm. Bleeds red. Guess you aren't a Grimm," he conceded with a deadpan expression.
"OI! What the fuck do you think you're doing!" screamed Melanie as she thundered over, Miltia right behind her.
Hei groaned in pain as he lay there on the floor, his nose crooked and bleeding profusely.
"That's for mouthing off to my boys. Don't worry. We won't be back," he shot with a disdainful glower.
"This place is a shithole anyways. The beer tastes like piss. And the service is atrocious."
He picked up his drunken subordinate by the shoulder and began to drag him out the door.
"C'mon. Not wasting my time in this shithole."
The other two Hunters got up without complaint.
"Oi! Fuck you too!" raged Melanie. Miltia sighed at her sisters antics, but there wasn't much worth doing as they watched the Hunters leave. Not unless they wanted to escalate the confrontation.
"Just let them go," urged Tony, leaving the counter and going to help Hei sit up.
Ruby was quick to race over to Hei, calling out his name in worry.
He nursed his face as he was helped upright, blood staining his palm.
Tony couldn't help but sigh.
"Boss. You are one stubborn fool."
"More like a fucking idiot," growled Melanie.
"Seriously? I thought the idea was to avoid attention?! Not draw it like a moth to a flame! What were you thinking?!"
"Urngh. I was thinking… gah… that we needed to convince them Ruby wasn't worth investigating."
"But wouldn't that make them want to see me?" asked Ruby, confused.
"See, Hei?" nodded Miltia. "Even the kid knows better."
Ruby pouted with a grumble of wishing people would stop seeing her as a kid.
"Hey, can we get our drinks refilled?" called out someone at a distant table.
Melanie's head snapped over her shoulder, and with a heated voice she yelled back "Fuck off!"
That promptly shut them up.
Tony pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh.
"That's not how you treat our customers, Melanie."
"Bullshit! If they want to be such SELFISH ASSHOLES when they can CLEARLY SEE the owner has just been assaulted, then they can KINDLY FUCK OFF!" she responded, shouting certain words in the direction of the visibly uncomfortable patron.
As Hei stood up with the assistance of Tony, Ruby darted underneath to try and support his weight.
"Let's get you out the back first," said Tony.
"DJ! You've got the floor. Any issues, you just shout out, 'kay?"
The teenager nodded.
Out the back storage room, the group helped Hei sit down on some crates.
Roman shut the door to give them some privacy, while Miltia went to find a cloth to clean the blood off of Hei's face.
"Hei," began Ruby uncertainly.
He glanced down at her, and his bloody face made her struggle to suppress a flinch.
"I… thank you for everything you do for me. But, it's not right that you get hurt like that. Because of me."
Hei stared at her for a second, before bursting into laughter.
"Ah. This is fine kid. Had much worse happen."
Melanie frowned.
"Still, she's right. We really need a better way to keep her hidden, and it can't be at the expense of you, or any of us, getting beaten up like that. Sooner or later, someone's going to talk."
Hei let out a sigh.
"I know. Using my eye-colour as an excuse isn't going to be viable long term."
Miltia returned with a clean cloth and began to wipe his face.
He flinched as the material brushed his nose. It felt broken.
"Well, I don't know what else to do," Tony shook his head sadly.
"We can try to disguise her, but her eyes are a pretty big giveaway."
Ruby clenched her fists. She felt so useless. It was her fault once again that other were getting hurt.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled.
"Don't apologise," snapped Melanie. Ruby recoiled, and realising how harsh she must have sounded, Melanie softened her expression and voice.
"Don't apologise," she repeated, this time more softly.
"It's not your fault that everyone else wants to be a rude jackass."
Ruby nodded slowly. People kept telling her that, but deep down she knew that she was a… what was the word? Liability. Yes, that was the word. Her eyes gave away her heritage, and people were afraid of her heritage because of what it implied. She still didn't fully understand people's fear. Hei said it was because she could summon Grimm, and that was true. But it wasn't like she intended to hurt people! Then again, even she could realise that her summons had harmed people. They were stolen by that Shion guy, and even when they were under her control, she still got Hei and the Roman hurt.
Roman cuffed the back of her head lightly.
"Oi. Stop it. I know what you're thinking, and like everyone has said here, it's not your fault. We're all in this together, and we all knew the risks. Nothing can change that."
Ruby couldn't help but blurt out, however.
"But as long as I'm here, everyone will see me and get scared and take it out on you guys!"
The twins looked away uncomfortably while Hei breathed deeply.
No matter how much they sugar-coated it, that was the truth. And even Ruby understood it.
"Actually, that might not be the case," began Roman.
"Hmm? What do you mean?" she asked. She was trying to be a big girl and not cry this time. She didn't want to lose her family though.
"Well, I've been out with Neo trying to snoop around –" "which I strongly disapprove," frowned Hei. Roman ignored him.
"And I think I discovered a way to hide your eyes better Ruby. Without locking you in a cupboard."
That perked her attention, and everyone elses.
"How?" she asked uncertainly.
"Well, I've heard talk around the city underworld that if you need a disguise, especially a good one, there's an individual capable of changing how you look. Including your eyes."
Ruby felt her eyes widen, and even Hei looked interested.
"Y-you mean it?" she said.
"Ah-hah," Roman rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Again, I can't verify everything yet, but from what I've heard, this person does exist. And she is very capable apparently. It's something worth looking into as a solution. Right Hei?"
He turned to face his boss.
Hei's expression didn't betray anything, but that didn't matter, because in that single moment, for the first time since everything had happened after Saint, Ruby felt hope.
Genuine, real hope.
"Do you have a name for this person, Roman?" asked Tony.
"Well, it sounds kinda edgy, but apparently, people call her 'The Cosmetician'…."
I wonder who the Cosmetician actually is? I can guarantee it is a canon character, but as for who you'll have to wait and see. Bonus points if you correctly guess before next chapter.
So, the remaining plot devices. Ruby's eyes, Ozpin's political strife, and Menagerie. Again, there are only a handful of chapters left in this arc, and I will be introducing time skips in them so as to focus on only the key development aspects. Cheers for bringing your concerns to my attention. They are valid, and in hindsight, I could have tried to better find ways to condense these chapters. But in my defense, all of the chapters and events Ruby has witnessed and partaken in, even as a literary device, do play a crucial role to not just her growth as a character (bear in mind she is a child in her formative years) but also the progression of the plot. Eh, that's for you the reader to decide however, and I won't try and claim otherwise.
Next chapter: Monday 2nd September
Cya then :D