Ch 45: The Night Before

With the appeal coming up the next day, Grey and Rufus encounter an intruder in the palace. It seems Grey and the others are not the only ones preparing for the big event...

            Walking down the hall towards the elevator, as Grey approached, it suddenly opened and out stepped an unfamiliar woman with short green hair and strange, lifeless looking blue eyes. She wore a black coat with gold designs on it over a black vest with gold trim, along with black pants and steel toed boots. Seeing Grey, she stared back at him for a moment, and then proceeded down an adjacent corridor. Catching up while Grey was staring after her, Rufus called out, “Hold up, Mr. Greyson!” Taking a breath, Rufus continued, “Look, I’m sorry. I’ll admit…” Trailing off as he saw Grey’s expression as he stared after the woman, Rufus said, “Something the matter?” Moving to go after the woman, Grey muttered, “I don’t know…” As he walked, Grey thought to himself, “But I know this feeling! My Cyber-link is telling me that woman is an android. Not only that, but there’s also something suspicious about her…” As Grey followed the android, Rufus followed him, wondering aloud, “Weren’t we going to dinner? What’s going on?” Glancing at him, Grey said, “You can go if you want, I didn’t ask you to follow me.” Hanging his head, Rufus muttered, “That hurts you know…” With a sigh, Grey said, “If you’re coming then keep quiet.” Following her quietly, sticking to the shadows of the pillars lining the halls, they passed through a door and stepped into a dark, even larger hallway lined with large pillars leading to a big open air terrace that looked over the city. Yet as they looked around the hall, the android was nowhere to be found. Quietly, Rufus said, “Did we lose her?” On his guard, Grey muttered, “I guess she knows we were following her. Be careful, this could be an ambush…” Looking unsettled, Rufus stammered, “Wh-wha?!” Suddenly hearing a noise, Rufus ran for cover behind a pillar as Grey formed his swords and aimed over at the shadows of a pillar, shouting, “Who’s there?!” From the shadows came evil laughter, and out stepped Edward Conwell. Grey stared in surprise as Conwell said, “My, my, if it isn’t Grey! It’s been a long time…”

            Confused by this unexpected turn of events, Grey said, “What the hell are you doing here?!” Grinning to himself, Conwell said, “Honestly, is that any way to greet an old friend?” Shooting him a cold stare, Grey muttered, “And who is whose friend here?” Laughing creepily, Conwell said, “Oh so cold, Grey, so cold…” Then a voice called out to Conwell, “Sir, our objective is complete.” Stepping out of the shadows appeared the android woman they had followed. Turning to her, Conwell replied, “Excellent work Sheryl.” Then turning back to Grey, Conwell said, “This is my bodyguard, Sheryl. Anyways, this was fun but we’re finished here. I suppose we’ll be taking our leave.” Glaring at him, Grey said, “You think you’re just walking outta here you b*****d?! What the hell are you even up to?! The appeal is tomorrow, so why the heck are you here now?!” Waving a finger before him, Conwell said, “Now now, let’s not spoil the surprise!” Turning to walk to the terrace, Conwell added, “Sorry but I really must be going. Busy busy you know. See you tomorrow Grey.” Grey moved to stop him, but with incredible speed Sheryl moved in, and with a powerful roundhouse kick she knocked him into one of the pillars. Rufus quickly rushed over to Grey, clearly concerned as he asked, “Are you alright?!” Dazed, Grey didn’t respond. Turning to Conwell, Rufus shouted, “Hey! That was dangerous you know!” Ian growled at Conwell. Glancing back at him, Conwell haughtily said, “I don’t recognize you, but then Grey does have so many little friends these days. I’m afraid I need not explain myself to inconsequential people like you. Sheryl, let’s go.” Following Conwell, Sheryl said, “Yes sir.” As they reached the terrace, a small airship pulled up, and Conwell and Sheryl quickly got into it. Staring after it as it flew off, an angry look on his face, Rufus thought, “Just like my editor! I can’t stand stuck up people like that who look down on others!”

            After coming around, Grey quickly informed the others of what happened. Deciding to speak with the King immediately, Alexander left them to head back to their rooms. Having completely forgotten about getting food, Grey looked over at the phone on the nightstand by Alexander’s bed as he sat in their guestroom and thought about calling room service. Looking at the clock, he decided it wasn’t all that late to go see if the cafeteria was still open. Yet as he reached the door and opened it, there stood Rufus, who said, “Oh, Mr. Greyson! Sorry… I was gonna knock, honest.” With a frazzled look, Grey said, “Quit calling me that. It’s Grey, alright? If you’re here for the interview, can you at least wait a bit longer? I have to get something from the cafeteria before it closes…” As he pushed past, Rufus said, “Oh, sorry to tell you, but the cafeteria is closed already. They shut down earlier than usual so the guards could search around and see if those characters from before have planted any bombs or such in the palace.” Hanging his head, Grey muttered, “D****t…” Just then, Grey noticed Schmitt coming down the hall. Seeing Grey, Schmitt called out, “Hey there kid. Where you off to? Better take it easy in your room. Lately seems like every time ya go off on yer own somethin crazy happens.” Feeling Schmitt had a point, Grey sighed and said, “I was thinking of checking the cafeteria, but Rufus says it’s closed anyways…” Looking at Rufus, Schmitt extended his hand saying, “Reporter eh? I’ve heard about ya from the others. Name’s Schmitt, nice to meetcha!” Shaking Schmitt’s hand, Rufus said, “I’m Rufus Lenscap, Ace Reporter! It’s nice to meet you as well! You know, I think that’s the warmest welcome I’ve gotten since I snuck in here, haha.” Quickly realizing what he’d said, Rufus let out a squeak and turned pale. Feeling as though he could already sense his irritation, Rufus slowly turned his head over to see Grey glaring at him. Grey simply said, “You ‘snuck’ in?” Hanging his head, Rufus muttered, “Y-yeah. Look guys, the truth is… even though I go around calling myself an ‘Ace Reporter’… I’m really just an obscure journalist with a big dream. I thought that if I were to get the scoop of the century by coming here and interviewing the infamous Black Knight and his gang, my editor would finally recognize me and I’d finally become an Ace Reporter like I always dreamed. But…” Raising an eyebrow, Grey said, “But?” As a smile slowly crossed his face, Rufus said, “Well, after meeting you all it almost seems ridiculous to believe any of the terrible things people say about you. I came in here thinking you all were some big gang of criminals, but when you set me straight in the hall, I realized what I should have known all along. Behind any celebrity, behind all the rumors and glamour, there’s always a story about the person they are deep down inside. This may sound strange, but I want to know the story behind you all, because well… I kind of like you guys…”

            Taken aback, Grey said, “Rufus…” With a hearty laugh, Schmitt clapped Rufus on the shoulder, which greatly startled him, and said, “Heh, nothin strange about it at all! After all, that’s what it means to be friends, right?” Surprised, Rufus said, “Y-you guys would actually call someone like me your friend?” Laughing heartily again, Schmitt said, “Well why not? We’re a friendly lot here, aren’t we Grey?” Smiling in spite of himself, Grey said, “Yeah, why not?” Touched, with a sparkle in his eye, Rufus said, “Th-thank you! I’m not good for much, but at the very least I’ll make sure the world knows you guys are… Well that you’re not so bad after all!” Barely maintaining his smile, Grey muttered, “Thanks a lot…” Nervously, Rufus replied, “Sorry, it’s just… Well, I still haven’t learned much about you all yet…” Grinning, Schmitt said, “You ask me, you just need one word to sum these guys up…” Flashing a thumbs up, Schmitt exclaimed, “Heroes!” Taking out a notepad, Rufus said quietly, “Heroes…” Looking embarrassed, Grey muttered, “He’s exaggerating a bit. You don’t have to write that down…” Smiling, Rufus said, “Actually that’s kind of the impression I got from you Grey. I think it suits you, right Ian?” Lazily lying on top of Rufus’ hat, Ian let out a contented “Nyaa…” Just then, Alexander called out as he walked up to them, “Ah, getting along I see.” Turning to Alexander as he approached, Schmitt said, “That was fast! How’s his kingship?” With a sigh, Alexander said, “He’s becoming very concerned about security. First an assassin and now a couple of intruders… So far the guards haven’t managed to find anything, but there are still a lot of places to search. Whatever Conwell was up to, we’d best be cautious tomorrow.” Rufus’ jaw dropped and he sputtered, “C-C-Conwell?! That guy was Edward Conwell, Emperor Alcott Fanesta Magni’s head representative?!” As Alexander nodded, Rufus pulled out his pocket computer, and fiddling with it he flipped through images until he found Conwell’s picture. Staring at it, he said, “How could I not have recognized him?! Humph, figures, another stuck up politician…” Looking curiously at Rufus’ pocket computer, Alexander said, “Interesting device. Does it have any information on him?” Nodding, Rufus said, “This is my pocket computer, I built her from scratch! Custom made, not another in the world like it. I designed it to surf the web and constantly update information on everyone around the world.” Looking impressed, Schmitt said, “Hey now, that’s handy! So what’s it say bout that snake Conwell?” Reading from the screen, Rufus said, “Well one interesting thing is that he was mistakenly pronounced dead a year ago in the…” Trailing off and glancing nervously at Grey, Rufus finally continued, “Well, in the attack on Luminosa. Not long after that, he turned up out of nowhere to return to service as Magni’s representative. It’s strange, but there’s no information on how he suddenly returned from the dead like that.” With a grim look, Alexander said, “This settles it. There’s little doubt now that he’s indeed a shade.”

            Rufus merely looked at Alexander in confusion. Looking rather displeased, Grey muttered, “So it all comes back to Luminosa again…” Wondering about what was going on, Rufus chimed in, “Shade?” Schmitt quickly said, “That’d be one of the ghost thingies we were talking bout with his kingship. Altera Veritas makes em outta the essence or whatnot of the people they kill.” Looking rather shocked, Rufus muttered, “Ghost? You’re just kidding, aren’t you?” Then Schmitt started to say, “Hey, my pals here are up against some crazy stuff! Anomalies, Revenants, the Na-” Quickly Grey moved to clamp a hand over Schmitt’s mouth and quietly said to him, “We’re not supposed to tell him all that!” Adjusting his shades, Alexander said, “Rufus, I heard you all from before. If you want to help us out, I don’t see the harm in telling you everything as long as you keep certain parts secret until the world is ready to know. You’re free to refuse, but I assure you everything I tell you will be true, and once the world is ready to know, you’ll have your biggest scoop ever.” Looking at Alexander, Rufus considered it a moment and then he said, “Hmm, well at this point I’m curious enough to agree to anything. You got it!” Grinning at him, Alexander said, “I’ll hold you to your word.” Returning his grin, Rufus said, “Roger!” Turning to the door of their room, Alexander said, “Then let’s talk inside. Will you be joining us Schmitt?” Shaking his head, Schmitt said, “Nah, I just finished checking the Audentia for a bomb or somethin. I’m gonna head back to my room and rest. Speakin of which though…” Looking at Rufus, he continued, “If you snuck in here Rufus, I’m guessin you ain’t got nowhere to spend the night. I got a two person all to myself, so you can bunk with me if ya like.” Smiling appreciatively, Rufus said, “Well sure, if it’s not too much trouble! Thanks!” With a grin, Schmitt replied, “No trouble at all. Hand me that notepad, I’ll give you the code and room number.”

            Sitting with Grey and Alexander in their room, after having heard the whole story from them, Rufus simply sat and stared at his hat lying on the table for a moment as Ian rubbed against his leg under the table. Then Rufus straightened his glasses and opened his mouth as though he was going to speak, then finally he shook his head and said, “Nope. I just can’t come up with anything to say…” Leaning back in his chair, Alexander said, “It’s the honest truth. You wanted a story, now you have it. Just remember you’ve given your word.” With a weak laugh, Rufus replied, “Yeah, uh… I don’t think anyone would hesitate to have me committed if I tried to write all that in a news story…” Just then there was a knock on the door. Rising to answer it, Grey opened the door and was met by Mythra, who said, “Hi Grey!” As she stepped in, Grey said, “Mythra we’re kinda in the middle of a discussion…” Looking at Mythra with a mischievous grin, Alexander said, “Actually Grey, her timing couldn’t be more perfect.” Groaning as she saw his expression, Mythra muttered, “Now what are you up to? I just came by to ask what’s going on. I’ve been feeling strange fluctuations of EDE all over the place! Haven’t the guards found anything? Bombs, portals, plants with clown faces…?” Looking mildly displeased at this revelation, Alexander said, “Nothing. There are a lot of places to search in an enormous structure like this…” Taking a seat at the table as well, Mythra said, “Not only that, Amy has a bad feeling again. Something is definitely up.” Certain she was correct, Alexander said, “We’ll have to let things run their course for the moment I’m afraid. That aside Mythra, I have a favor to ask.” Quickly Mythra turned away and replied, “No.” Pulling the memory diary out of his pocket, Alexander opened it and said, “Tuesday June 12, 520NA, I’m visiting my beloved Grey’s hometown for the first time, I’ll definitely-” Quickly Mythra slammed a fist on the table, her face red and her breathing heavy, and she shouted, “SHUDDAP! WHADDYA WANT?!” Snapping the diary shut with a grin, Alexander said, “Rufus here has been filled in on things, but I think rather than convincing him with just words, it would be easier to simply have you remove your hat.” As Grey took a seat again, Rufus whispered to him, “What’s with these two, and what does her hat have to do with anything?” With a slight laugh, Grey replied, “You’ll see in a minute…” With a sour look, Mythra removed her hat and twitched her cat ears. Rufus’ jaw nearly fell off, and after a moment he squeaked, “P-please, somebody tell me I’m on candid camera…” As Ian rubbed against her leg, Mythra glanced down at the cat warily for a second, and then muttered, “Am I finished here, oh master of the ancient art of blackmail?!” Laughing, Alexander simply said, “Yes, thank you. I appreciate it, really.” Rising from her seat and storming off to the door, Mythra donned her hat once more and replied, “Yeah, yeah…”

            Walking down the hall searching for Schmitt’s room, Rufus continued to puzzle over whether or not to accept what Alexander had told him. Listening to Ian purring contentedly upon his hat, he thought, “It’s not that I think they’re lying, it’s just… How am I supposed to react here? It feels like the whole world’s been turned upside down! Altera Veritas in control of the Guild, the Dark God of legend behind Altera Veritas, an entire world that humanity was banished from, existing parallel to a world created to seal the Dark God in?! The legend of Angelorum Lux isn’t just a legend?!” Stopping in the middle of the hall, Rufus flipped his notepad back to the single word he had written down while talking to Schmitt. Quietly, he read aloud, “Heroes…” For a moment he stared at the word. Then a smile crept onto his face as he thought back to what he’d said. “Actually that’s kind of the impression I got from you Grey. I think it suits you, right Ian?” With a quiet laugh, Rufus thought, “It’s my choice to believe after all, and as unbelievable as it all is, I want to believe in them! This world… it could use heroes like them!” Suddenly feeling light as air, Rufus took off down the hall and said, “Tomorrow we’ll do our best Ian! I may not be good for much, but I want to do all I can!” Hanging tight to Rufus’ hat with his claws, Ian responded with a “Meow!” Meanwhile, in the audience hall, the King was rising to leave as the meeting with his advisors was at an end. Walking up to him, a young woman with dark skin and short silver hair wearing a gray coat over a red shirt and black tie, a gray skirt, and silver glasses approached. She said to the King, “Your Highness, during the meeting a message came from Alexander. It’s about the plan. To be honest, I’m a little concerned as to how to execute it. For one, we’ve received specific instructions from the rest of the Council not to allow media coverage.” Reading a report she handed him, with a quiet laugh the King said, “It’s very simple Agatha. We tell them it’s because we don’t trust them to hold their word. It’s a simple fact. Without this reporter Alexander has brought in, the appeal will be one big charade. The only thing to be concerned about will be whatever Conwell’s trump card is. He didn’t come here just to look around.” Looking at his grinning face, Agatha reluctantly smiled as well and said, “You don’t look at all concerned Your Majesty.” Walking off, the King replied, “I guess that shows just how much faith I have in them.”

Reviews

[Ryan Henderson]

Great chapter once again! Love the humor in this chapter. Especially when Alexander blackmailed Mythra to take of her hat by reading from her diary. Her response was quite funny: “SHUDDAP! WHADDYA WANT?!”

Also, I have grown quite fond of Rufus Lancaster in this chapter. I love the "with a sparkle in his eye" line. It really portrays him as an anime character XD I pictured everyone as you have them in their pictures on your profile, but I didn't see a photo for Rufus. Can you make one for him? I'd love to see it lol.

The chapter had no spelling/grammar mistakes that I caught, which is awesome. It had good flow and the dialogue was good, I like how Schmitt greeted Rufus with his slangy speech, it really portrays his character well. The speech in this book does that, how the person sounds/speaks really gives a good image of them.

I liked how in this chapter you didn't leave out too many characters. Even Mythra had a small appearance in here, and I loved the humor in that little appearance. I also like Rufus's sense of humor. Like you said, he's there for pure comic relief.

Conwell's return was also very, very well done. It was foreshadowed earlier, but I didn't expect the android to be related to him in any way, which was a good little plot twist. All in all, awesome chapter as usual, keep writing!

~Ryan