Ch 44: Enter Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter!

News of Grey's appeal spreads far and wide, and a quirky individual sneaks into the Great Spire Palace in search of a scoop. With a hat on his head and a cat in tow, he is Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter!

            Great Spire Palace, Bastion. Sunday June 17, 520NA. The doors of the elevator opened on the floor where everyone’s guest rooms were located, and sticking his head out and looking around cautiously, a short young man who looked barely eighteen with dark skin, gray eyes, and light brown hair wearing a brownish gray hat with a feather stuck in it muttered, “If my sources are on the level, this should be the floor where they’re staying!” Stepping out, he dusted off his brownish gray coat and collared shirt, and proceeding to dust off his dark brown pants as well, he said, “Honestly though, they couldn’t have made it any harder getting in could they? Having to climb through garbage chutes and crawl around in air-conditioning vents, and after going through the trouble of wearing my best clothes too! Ah well…” Straightening his rectangular glasses, he grabbed the camera hanging from a strap around his neck, and with a sparkle in his eye he continued, “If it’s for a scoop I’ll go to any lengths! After all, I’m Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter! Right Ian?” Turning back to the elevator, Rufus picked up his pet cat Ian as the gray colored feline lazily followed Rufus out with a yawn. Placing Ian on top of his hat, with a grin Rufus said, “Alrighty! Let’s do this Ian!”

Walking down the hallway, Rufus pulled a small device that looked like a handheld computer from his pocket. As he activated it, he pushed a few buttons, and as an image of Grey came up on the screen he muttered, “Let’s see here. First off of course is Matthew Greyson, the Black Knight! Though lately there’s a rumor going around that his friends call him Grey. Then there’s Alexander, last name unknown. All we know is that it seems he had some connection to the Greyson family. Besides that, we couldn’t seem to dig up any information on this fellow… A mentor perhaps? Anyways, then we’ve got Scott Matthews and Jack Richter, former Special Forces officers and Class S Energists. We already know a good deal about them though, so let’s put them last on the priority list. Next we’ve got Warden Schmitt Barton, former airship pilot recommended for his position at Castrum by the King himself. Ouch, that’s gotta be a loss of face…” Shifting through images and data on everyone, he continued, “After him there’s another pair of unknowns. Serius Thompson and a young woman called Mythra, neither of them have any records either. Lastly there’s…” Having not been paying any real attention to the fact that he had already walked past everyone’s rooms except for Amy and Mythra’s, which he was fast approaching, he did not notice the door to the room open, nor did he notice Amy walk out just as he said, “Amy Grant.” Hearing her name, Amy said, “Yes?” Looking up from the picture of Amy, he saw Amy herself. For a moment he stared, and he then looked back at the picture before looking up and staring at her again. Unnerved, Amy said, “Erm, can I help you?” Regaining his composure, Rufus put on a wide grin and said, “Why yes! You can! Name’s Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter! I know this is sudden, but can I have an interview Ms. Grant?”

            Surprised, Amy stammered, “I-I-Interview?! About what?! It’s not like I’m a celebrity or something…” With a sly grin, Rufus replied, “Oh but you are! You are! Amy Grant, the young rogue energist who joined Matthew Greyson and his band of outlaws, who escaped the Special Forces in Celestis and made history by escaping Castrum Prison! You’ve left a trail of incidents in your wake as you all traveled city to city doing who knows what, and I Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter, am here to find out just what that what is!” Pulling a small sound recorder from his pocket, Rufus said, “Now then shall we get started?” Nervously taking a step back, Amy said, “Really, I’m flattered but, um… well…” Pointing to the opposite wall, Amy suddenly exclaimed, “Oh! What’s that?!” Quickly turning around, Rufus exclaimed, “What?! What is it?!” As he turned around, Amy took the opportunity to flee, thinking, “If I tell that guy everything and it ends up in a newspaper, who knows what’ll happen!” Seeing her fleeing down the hall, Rufus charged after her as he called out, “Hey, wait! Please wait!” Running from him, Amy shouted back, “Nooo, leave me alone!” With a sparkle in his eye, Rufus replied, “I can’t, for inquiring minds want to know!” Seeing him catching up, Amy poured on even more speed as she shouted, “Waaaahhhh, someone get this guy away from meeeeeeeeeeee!” Meanwhile, the doors of the elevator opened and Grey stepped out, having been sent to retrieve Amy since she was late coming back from a break from her training. Starting to walk down the hall, he saw Amy running towards him, and he stopped and said, “Huh?” Amy, looking back at Rufus, finally turned to see Grey just as she crashed right into him. Knocked flat on his back, Amy collapsed on top of him, Grey let out a moan of pain and said, “Why are you running through the halls…?” Feeling like a complete clutz, with a sad look on her face, Amy muttered, “Sorry Grey. I was just trying to get away…” As she got off him, he said, “From who?” Walking up to them, Rufus said, “Heya! Name’s Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter! It’s nice to meetcha!” Rubbing the back of his head, Grey said, “Reporter?” On top of Rufus’ hat, Ian stretched and went, “Nyaa…”

            Walking through the hall towards the training room with Grey and Amy, Rufus said, “Err, I know it might be a bother, but don’t you think you could at least give me a rough summary of your goals, reasons, etc.?” Glancing back at him, Grey said, “I said before, I’m not going to discuss anything until I talk it over with the others.” Laughing nervously, Rufus said, “Right, sorry…” Continuing to follow, Rufus thought to himself, “Well I did want to speak with each of them, so it may be good fortune they’re leading me straight to them. Still, there’s a good chance I’ll be thrown out soon as it’s discovered I snuck in here…” As they approached the door to the training room, it opened and Richter stepped out. Seeing them, Richter said, “I was just going to check on you. Alexander seems rather impatient today.” Then he noticed Rufus and said, “A friend of yours?” Pushing past Amy and Grey to stand before Richter, Rufus said, “Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter, at your service!” Embarrassed by Rufus’ antics, Grey said, “Do you always introduce yourself like that?” Looking back at Grey with a puzzled look, Rufus replied, “What’s wrong with it?” Grey simply clutched his head and muttered, “Nevermind…” Rufus continued to look at Grey questioningly, but then, seeming rather displeased about something, Richter sternly said, “Grey, a word?” Walking away from Rufus and Amy, once Richter and Grey were out of earshot, Richter quietly and angrily said, “Grey, what in the hell is a reporter doing with you and Amy?!” Surprised by his tone, Grey said, “I-I guess he’s looking for a story? I was just-” Interrupting, Richter said, “Idiot! This is a serious problem! We can’t just let everything slip to the public! You think anyone is going to believe what’s going on?! Who knows how it would affect the appeal!” Not sure why any of this was his fault, in the face of Richter’s wrath, Grey stammered, “C-can’t we turn him away then?” With a sigh, Richter crossed his arms and said, “We wouldn’t exactly look good in the eyes of the public if we did that. Plus, some reporters have been known to do shady things. What if he slanders us?” Looking over at Rufus for a second, Grey stifled a laugh and said, “That guy? He looks harmless…” Grabbing Grey by the collar, Richter said, “Haven’t you ever heard the saying ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’?! Just why did you even bring him here in the first place?!” Donning an indignant look at his accusation, Grey exclaimed, “For crap’s sake, who the hell said I brought him here?! He just showed up!”

            Standing over by the training room door with Amy, Rufus said, “What’s up with those two? Colonel Richter sure seems angry. My sources never said he was such a violent fellow.” Feeling sorry for Grey, Amy muttered, “It’s really your fault you know…” Looking at her in surprise, Rufus said, “How so?” When she didn’t bother to reply, Rufus took to staring at the door, and after a moment he said, “Say, what’s in here anyway? You guys got a secret club room here?” Reeling back as the thought came to mind, Rufus exclaimed, “You guys didn’t bring me to the torture room did you?!” Shaking her head frantically, Amy exclaimed, “No!” Then with a sigh, Amy decided she might as well explain, and she said, “This is an old laboratory the King let us use as a training room.” Looking interested, Rufus said, “Training room eh? What’re you all training for? Aren’t you guys supposed to be the baddest of the bad energists there are?” Thinking to herself how poorly her training had been going, Amy muttered, “I’m certainly not…” Continuing to fish for information, Rufus said, “Hmm, so you’re not a powerful energist after all eh? Why are you with these guys then? You Greyson’s girlfriend or something?” Quickly Amy’s face turned deep red. Grey and Richter returned before she could say anything though, and eyeing Rufus warily, Richter said, “Excuse me, Mr. Lenscap?” Focusing his attention on Richter, Rufus said, “Yes?” His violet eyes still fixed on Rufus, Richter continued, “Under exactly whose authority have you been allowed in here?” A bead of sweat rolled down Rufus’ face, but just as he was coming up with an excuse, the doors of the training room opened and Alexander stepped out into the hall. Adjusting his shades, he looked at them all and said, “What’s going on here? I’ve been waiting for Amy. We don’t have time to fool around…” Staring at Alexander, Rufus thought to himself, “Such an imposing figure! Definitely the Godfather of the organization here…” Noticing Rufus, Alexander said, “A friend of yours?” Rufus wasted no time as he quickly said, “Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter!” Grey and Amy simply sighed.

            Staring a moment at Rufus, Alexander finally said, “I see. Excellent, the King must have read my mind.” Richter’s jaw dropped. Rushing over to Alexander, Richter exclaimed as quietly as he could, “Have you lost your mind?!” Raising an eyebrow, Alexander said, “You have some objection?” Fumbling for words, Richter replied, “This isn’t like you Alexander! I mean, haven’t you thought about how it could affect the appeal?!” With a calming gesture, Alexander said, “Is that what you’re worried about? Yes I’ve thought of that, and in fact, having a reporter around should help ensure all goes as planned.” Looking at Rufus, Alexander said, “Now then, I take it you’ve come to interview us and cover the appeal?” Struck by his cooperative manner, Rufus thought, “This…? Is this it? My scoop of the century?! It was starting to look like I was going to be thrown out, but now… Not just interviews, but exclusive coverage of the Black Knight’s appeal to the Council?! THIS IS IT!” Straightening his glasses, Rufus cleared his throat, and with a sparkle in his eye he said, “Leave it to me! I, Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter, shall faithfully convey your story to the public!” With a grin, Alexander said, “Splendid. Though seeing as everyone is busy with training, we’ll save interviews for after dinner if that’s alright. Now then Amy, I think it’s time we got back to your training.” Everyone but Rufus filed into the training room, and once he was alone, Rufus exclaimed, “YES!” Grabbing Ian off his hat, Rufus held the cat before him and proceeded to dance for joy. Laughing, he said, “This is it Ian! Our big scoop has finally come! Oh I just can’t wait to rub this in my stuck up editor’s face!”

            Meanwhile, in the training room Scott and Mythra sparred while everyone else gathered around a long table. Still thinking about the mishap with Rufus, Grey said to Alexander, “You sure this is a good idea?” Sitting on a bench beside the table, Alexander took the memory diary back from Amy as she finished reading Schmitt’s mind and replied, “It’s fine, though to ensure there’s no confusion we should all make sure to be careful about what we say in our interviews. Let’s not mention the part about the Nameless One and such.” Examining the diary, he continued, “The fact of the matter is, even though dealing with a reporter will inconvenience us, it will also be an effective method to ensure the Council does not have us arrested immediately. If no one is there to cover it, the public wouldn’t know if they gave us a trial or not.” Suddenly changing the subject, Schmitt said, “Oy Alexander, why am I the only one getting their mind read? I don’t mind helping out, but… Well not all day would be nice! I would imagine it’d be easier to train her if it were you doin it anyways, wouldn’t it?” Snapping the diary shut, Alexander said, “I suppose you have a point. We don’t have much time and things aren’t going so well.” Seeing a bit of depression on Amy’s face, Grey quickly said, “Hey! She’s trying alright?!” Nodding, Alexander said, “Yes I know. It’s not her fault, it’s just that I can’t really teach her as well when I’m not the one she’s connecting with.” Raising an eyebrow, Richter said, “Then why aren’t you doing it to begin with?” Alexander bluntly replied, “Because it’s a bothersome process trying to prevent her from reading too much. I’m surprised Schmitt didn’t object more. Everyone has their secrets…” Grinning, Schmitt confidently said, “I ain’t ashamed of nuthin! I’ve lived a good, honest life! That’s just who I am!” A bolt of lightning suddenly struck close to the table, and Richter turned and shouted, “Hey! Show some control Matthews!” Looking over at the two sparring, Grey said, “Scott’s come a long way. I can’t believe he’s mastered the Grand Anima Weapon before I’ve even gotten a complete one.” With a mischievous grin, Alexander said, “Ah, the rivalry continues.” Embarrassed, Grey quickly replied, “It’s not like that…” Alexander chuckled to himself as he readjusted his shades a moment and said, “I’m merely pulling your leg. Still, while it’s not a contest or anything, the fact is that the world has yet to see what you can truly do. Your development has been progressing slowly not because you are weak, but because you have very unique powers no one else knows how to use. It’s almost to the point where I’ve taught you all I can.” Taking this in, Grey asked, “So how am I supposed to learn these powers of mine then?” With a shrug of his shoulders, Alexander said, “I truly do not know Grey. For now, I suggest you pursue the suggestion I made earlier. You used your Void Energy before in the battle against the Professor, so think back and try to find what sparked it within you.”

            Sometime later, tired from his own training, Grey made for the door saying, “I’m gonna grab dinner guys, keep at it!” Looking at Grey as he passed by, wishing she could join him, Amy said, “Ok…” Quickly Alexander brought her attention back to her training, saying, “Don’t lose your concentration!” Stepping out into the hall, as Grey turned to head to the elevator, Rufus popped up from where he’d been sitting against the wall by the door and said, “Ah, you all ready for the interview?!” Startled, Grey uttered, “Ack!” Then regaining himself, Grey replied, “We did say AFTER dinner you know. Anyways I’m finishing up early, that damn Anima Weapon training Alexander showed me is rough…” Eyes sparkling with interest, Rufus said, “So this Alexander, he is your mentor then? What’s his story? There are countless rumors on his connection to the Greyson family, if I could just confirm something it’d be a huge scoop!” Seeing him whip out his sound recorder, Grey walked past as he said, “Enough already, I’m getting dinner…” Following after him, Rufus said, “Ah wait up! I’m not trying to upset you! Work with me, this is my job here!” Glancing back coldly, Grey said, “That’s what upsets me. You have no goddamn idea what I’ve been through, and you don’t care either! All you want is a story…” Taken aback, Rufus stood there and watched as he walked off. After a moment, Rufus thought to himself, “He’s a lot different than I’d imagined… Sure he’s a bit rough, but he doesn’t seem like a bad guy, none of them do. It’s true all I cared about was getting their story. After all the things they’ve supposedly done, I didn’t think much of them as people. Now though, I’m real interested in just what he meant there…” Steeling himself, Rufus exclaimed, “All right! I can’t give up just from that! Now that I know there might be more to these people, isn’t it all the more important I get their story to the public?! Let’s go Ian!” As he rushed after Grey, Ian simply swished his tail and yawned from atop his hat.

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

Loved the chapter! Rufus seems like an odd... Yet interesting character. His cat seems like he's just along for a ride, but may possibly play a larger role in the story later. I don't know. Only time will tell :D It also seems like Rufus will become obsessed with the main group over time, I wonder how Mythra will react? Maybe she'll slap him if he gets too nosey *wink*

No spelling/grammar errors here, and I love the way you use slang to make your dialogue flow better, but it's still easy to read. It also makes the speech more believable. There wasn't a lot of humor in here, but like you say, Rufus is used for pure comic relief, and I can see this happening a fair bit in the future. I look forward to the future of Rufus's character, he promises to be pretty cool. Of course, not as cool as Mythra.

I noticed that Ritcher, Grey Alexander and of course, Amy were particularly annoyed at Rufus. I wonder how the course of THAT one will play out...

Another awesome chapter, my friend. Keep writing, and I look forward to Volume Two! :D

[KeithKVH]

Thank you again! Rufus' cat Ian is honestly more perceptive than he is. As a cat though, he does what he wants. Everyone at this point is kinda annoyed with him, all except Alexander. Alexander is under the impression Rufus is there due to a suggestion he made to the King, and that's where Rufus is coming in handy here.