Chapter One: Shortchanged 'Hero'

The shrill ringtone startled everyone in the room, though it was hard to tell who was more shocked: the guys waking up or me. Teach me not to use cheap knockout gas. As they scrambled up from the floor, I grabbed my scroll and answered it.

"Yo, talk to me."

"Black. Contract's been pulled. Guy got cold feet." I heard Buddy's voice over the noise of the people in the room and groaned at his words. "Don't worry, kid. You'll be comped for any expenses. That's why we have initial fees for these things."

"Yeah well, hope they cover hospital bills. Because this guy's posse ain't gonna be happy with me."

"Wait, you're there? How'd you get there so fas-"

"Later, Buddy." I said, putting away my scroll. At this point everyone was up, looking at me, and armed, though one sleepy idiot had a lamp in his hands. I probably did look a tad suspicious completely covered up from head to toe and standing in the doorway leading to their boss' room. I tugged at the cloth wrapped around the bottom of my face and glanced around, looking for anything. Just a spacious hotel suite, complete with pricey furniture and paintings. All in all, a headache for me. "So. How was everyone's beauty sleep?"

That was apparently the magic signal, because all six guys barreled toward me. Most of them with actual weapons. My foot instantly shot up, slamming into the face of the lead man and smashing him into the ground. I winced as I felt tremors run up through my knee and thigh. I'd be paying for that tomorrow. I ducked under a swung lamp, before coming up and slamming my knuckles into the guy's throat.

I heard movement behind me, so I moved to the side and watched as my former opponent got tackled to the ground, his head bouncing on the floor. I took a moment to make a beautiful kick to the noggin of the man who 'helped' me, sending him back to la-la land even as I felt another slight tremor. Three down, three to go. I looked around and saw one nearing a scroll on the other side of the room. That just wouldn't do. I hopped over furniture - feeling the burn - and got to him just as he picked up the scroll. Slamming into him, I drove his head into the nearby wall. I did it again to make sure he stayed down.

I picked up the club he'd dropped and turned to the last two guys. Or at least where they'd been. 'Cause all I found was an open hotel door. Fuck. Time to go rappelling… without a rope. Buddy owes me an explanation for this.

A while later, after a change of clothes and a rousing game of 'dodge the cop', I walked through the doors of the Lethe. I scanned the club, looking for one thing in particular. And I found it behind the bar, waving for me. Six-and-a-half feet of irritating son-of-a-bitch: Buddy.

"Mercury Black! Just the kid I wanted to see. Come on down." He called out over the floor.

I rolled my eyes as I made my way to the bar, keeping a watch in my peripheral for anything. None of the usual players seemed to be in tonight. Wonder if this sort of thing got seasonal upswings? I sat on a stool in front of Buddy, looking up at him. He looked immaculate as always. Black slick-backed hair, nice three-piece suit, and it seemed like a new watch every time I saw him. Today's looked like some cheap plastic throwback. Maybe a charity case. Made me wanna sock him sometimes.

"So it seems you've been busy, kid." he said, placing his hands on the bar top and leaning forward as he smirked, before intoning his voice like a news anchor. " 'Authorities are looking for the assailant responsible for the murder in the High Rise hotel just hours earlier. They were described as wearing a hoodie, jeans, and a face scarf.' Anything you want to say?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." I fiddled with the buttons on my vest. Always felt constrained in formal wear. The fabric doesn't flow.

Buddy rolled his eyes. "Pull the other one, kid, it's got bells on. You know the contract got pulled."

"Hey. I killed the guy before you called me. Hell, you calling me is what woke everyone in the room and got the cops involved, jackass."

He chuckled as he shook his head. "You know, Black, you really should mute that scroll of yours when you're on the job."

I snorted as I stared at Buddy, trying not to glare at him. "And you should learn how to use messages more. Sorry I don't know proper scroll etiquette. The old man never really let me have one when he was around."

"Well in that case, maybe I should go through the rules of the club. Make sure he properly went over them."

I groaned as I saw the grin on Buddy's face, resisting the urge to bang my head on the bar top.

"One." He said, holding a hand up and ticking fingers off. "The club is neutral ground for oarsmen as well as clients who wish to meet face-to-face. So no busting up the place, since blood is a bitch to clean. Two: no contract may be put on an active oarsmen. And three: oarsmen ain't allowed to kill each other, except-"

"When competing for the same open contract, then it's fair game." I finished, now resisting the urge to bang his head on the bar top. "I know. That's such a stupid exception. Why have it?"

"Pent up tension." At this point Buddy reached under the bar and came up with a glass and liquor bottle, pouring himself a drink. "Without some way to let off steam, rivalries and the like built up and came to a head in the worst way. Used to have far worse punishments for breaking the rules. Management put in that stipulation so people who were having arguments could 'work it out' as far as they wanted to. It solved a lot of issues. Now Management just excommunicates those who break the rules. We may not help ya, but we don't bury ya anymore."

"Charming." I glanced around the club, looking at the people there. Some were sitting in pairs, chatting. Others were in groups playing games: cards, pool, a few others I couldn't see. There were just a few people scattered around on their lonesome drinking, reading, or smoking. I had to wonder though... even if they were using the place like the gentlemen's club it looked on the outside, how many were clients looking for something and how many were oarsmen like me? Did they come into this life with intent and purpose? Or did they just have nowhere else to go?

My musings were cut short when I turned back to Buddy to find a raised eyebrow and quizzical look.

"You alright, kid?" He asked, taking a sip of his drink.

"Yeah. Yeah, it's just been a long night. Not helped by losing out on a big chunk of lien on a job I actually completed."

He chuckled as he set his glass down. "It happens, kid. You ain't the first, you won't be the last. Though if you'd messaged me, I might have been able to do something. For future reference. Drink?"

"... Water." I said, sighing.

I saw Buddy start grumbling as he ducked under the bar, coming up with a glass of clear liquid a short moment later. I took a sip, feeling the burn of the alcohol going down my throat. It'd at least help with the pain in my legs tonight.

"You ever gonna tell me what's in this, Buddy?" I asked as I slowly sipped at the drink.

"I will when you order an actual drink. You have access to the whole bar and you order water. It's not right, so it's not happening."

"Heh. So we're both going to be disappointed." He rolled his eyes at that. "Anything new up I can take?"

"Black, take a rest for a day or two. You're still fairly new on the scene and while you're making a name for yourself, you'll burn out at this rate."

I scowled at that. The thought of staying still - of not doing anything - didn't sit well with me.

"Don't give me that look, kid. Or did you think I wouldn't notice how gingerly you were walking?"

Well, he had me there. I finished my drink and put the glass down before getting up from the bar. "Fine. I'll see you in a few days, Buddy. You'd better have something for me then."

He grinned. "Don't worry, kid. Someone's always pissed at someone else. There'll be something. Now go."

I made my way to exit, nodding to the bouncer as I stepped out onto the streets of Mistral and it's nightlife.

Mistral was a colorful city overall, with this part of the city being especially vibrant. It helped that it never truly went to sleep, only slowed down a bit in the daylight. Drinks flowed, entertainers cajoled, and smells enticed all sorts of fools to part with their last lien in some attempt at satisfaction. I waded through the crowds, avoiding the glitz and glamour as I headed to my apartment. Everything was certainly picking up in preparation for the tournament in a few weeks.

The garish colors turned to somewhat neutral tones and the clamor started dying down as I entered the residential area. I got to my apartment and went in, glancing around the living room. Yep. Still pretty barren, with just a recliner and couch for company. But it was mine.

I headed into the kitchen and over to the fridge, opening it up. Ah, yoghurt. Does the body good. I grabbed a container and closed the fridge before grabbing a spoon and digging in. I went back into the living room and slowly sat in my recliner with a sigh. Without anything to distract me anymore, the throbbing in my legs came to the forefront of my mind. I just focused on the sound of the air conditioning as I finished my yoghurt. I always hate these times. Left alone with my thoughts, silence, and time. Maybe I should get something to help that, like a jukebox. I mulled over the costs as I got up and tossed out the empty container and put the spoon in the sink. I stripped out of those uncomfortable dress clothes before doing some stretches to make sure my legs didn't cramp up. Then I hit the sack.

I woke up to the sound of my scroll ringing from my side table. I groaned as I grabbed it, bringing it to my ear.

"What is it?"

"Well aren't you just a bucket of sunshine right now?" Buddy's voice answered me.

"After hearing your voice who would be? What do you want, Buddy? I thought you weren't gonna contact me until I got some rest."

I heard a sigh. "I wouldn't be talking to you, except we got a client here who asked for you. By name."

I sat up at that. "By name, huh? Any particular reason?"

"Seems they don't want any big waves on the ride, kid, and you've been making a name for yourself in that regard. They'll have more details for ya, so come on in and see what kinda ferry they need set up."

Oh goody, a face to face. Always fun.

"Fine. I'll be there soon."

"Make sure to look presentable."

"Eat me."

I hung up, cutting off his chuckling, as I heaved myself out of bed with a groan. Another job, another body bag. Maybe I'll actually get my earnings for it this time.

I walked through the doors of the Lethe a short time later, as ready as I'd ever be. Buddy was just inside, staring at his watch, apparently waiting for me. It was a deep green one this time, with a red inset. Actually kinda pleasing on the eyes.

"You know they have clocks on your scroll, right? You don't need that little timepiece of yours."

He looked up with a smirk as he put his hands in his pockets. "Too easy to lose yourself in tech. A watch is just a simple rhythm. Should look inta gettin' one, kid. I could see it suitin' you."

"Too identifiable, Buddy." I said as I shook my head. "Easier to get caught when you got stuff like that dangling on ya. Now where's this client?"

"Fair enough. She's over there." He nodded at a woman sitting alone at a table. I adjusted my clothes before making my way over, trying to gauge everything I could about her.

First thing that stood out as I neared her was the nervousness. Both hands were clenched around a glass, her suit doing nothing to hide how tense her shoulders were as her eyes darted around the room. She looked a bit on the younger side, with a light tan to her skin - at least on what I could see - though the unkempt hair framing the side of her face, alongside pursed lips implied some sort of weariness to her.

Or maybe she just didn't like being in a den of assassins.

Her eyes finally caught sight of me, narrowing a bit as I placed myself on the opposite side of the table and put on what I hoped to hell looked like a sincere smile to her.

"Hello there, Miss. Hear you need me to run a ferry for someone."

"Ah, yes." Her eyes let up on their glaring at that, though her shoulders were still tensed. "Mister Black, I presume? You're quite like Mister Hamm described: a taller, athletic young man, with matching grey hair and eyes. The hair partially slicked back and dressed to the nines… though I can't seem to see the 'cocksure attitude' he mentioned." An eyebrow raised as she finished.

Oh joy. "Buddy does enjoy messing with first impressions. But please, how about we get down to business. Mind if I take a seat?" I gestured to the chair in front of me.

"Be my guest. I think I would… appreciate having this sordid affair done with quickly rather than dragging it out."

I took my seat, setting my hands on the table as I thought on how to get the ball rolling. I'd have preferred to take the discussion to a private room, but she didn't look like she was willing to move. A private contract this may be, but there were more than a few jokers on the board. Blunt seemed to be best here.

"So what's the situation, Miss…?"

"Holly." Came the terse reply. "The situation is that my partner is slowly bankrupting us with over-generousity and I can't make him stop."

"Well now there's an odd emphasis."

"Yes. We set up a company to make enough capital to then purchase and ship supplies to those that need it. Survivors of Grimm attacks, the White Fang's shows of force, even just simple relief in hard times for some of the smaller settlements."

I nodded. Bring a little hope and relief to the suffering. Maybe keep the Grimm at bay. Altruism at its finest.

"Seems like a worthy cause. Much better than most people at least."

She slammed a fist onto the table at that, drawing brief glances from others nearby.

"Which is what makes this whole thing so much worse. The problem arises though from the fact that Alex puts just a bit more than he should into those relief packages. Never an exorbitant amount, but enough to put us in a deficit more often than not. And every time someone tries to bring that fact up, he merely brushes it aside with the uncomfortable fact that the people it's going to need the supplies."

Well now this was interesting. "So he's aware of what he's doing?"

"No… or at least, there's no malicious intent. He just isn't thinking long term, which is a death cry for our company. And while there are a few like-minded individuals to myself, there's nothing Alex is doing that is technically illegal, so we can't wrest control away or oust him without likely crashing the company anyway. So we merely gathered enough money to… 'run a ferry', I believe was the phrase? I asked for someone with a reputation like yours so he could have a quiet and hopefully painless death. It's… the least I could offer."

"That's a pretty permanent solution." I drummed my fingers on the table as I watched her knock back a good portion of her drink.

"Yes, but it's the one I've chosen to pursue. Now can we stop dithering about. What details do you need from me?" Her eyes locked onto mine as her jaw set.

I crossed my arms and leaned back into the rather plush chair I was sat in as I met her stare, thinking on her question. What would make this go smoothly for everyone?

"I heard the name 'Alex' mentioned. That the name of your partner?"

"Yes." She nodded. "Alexander Stone, though he prefers Alex. He's a fairly private person too, with a concealed loft on the Eastern cliffside of Mistral. No bodyguards that I can recall, so if you were to approach him while he was seclud-"

"He have any allergies?"

"... What?"

I fought down a grin as I watched her try to process my question. "Allergies. You know: fish, nuts, cheap alcohol." A brief flash of my old man came to me as I said the last one.

Holly slowly shook her head, giving me quite the odd eye now. "No… nothing that comes to mind. He's got a strict diet and exercise regime. Or so he says. His sweet addiction is a bit of an open secret, but nothing allergenic I believe."

"Hmmm." I nodded as I stroked my chin a moment before getting up from the table. "I think I have all I need. Have a good day, Miss Holly."

"Wa- wait what?!" Her eyes widened as she placed both hands on the table and stared up at me. "We've barely talked over anything. What about his schedule, or- or his running route? Useful information?"

"Come now, Miss, past habits aren't necessarily an indicator of future behavior. Besides, plausible deniability is a wonderful thing to consider. There's a reason for all the games and subtlety after all. Best way for two people to keep a secret is for one person not to know the details." And at least one of us should get the chance to sleep comfortably.

I put on a smirk as I left her sitting there looking lost. After all, I had a doctor to see.

Terra: 'Tis the Season...