A Grimm Life

Roman Torchwick and Neopolitan

Ever since discovering what happened to me, Cinder made sure to do everything she could to keep close to me. Adam was skeptical of her, but I reassured him that everything was fine. Since Cinder was now basically the leader, she often requested my services for missions. Though it was clear almost right from the start that she worried for me and gave me all the least risky roles in missions. I would have talked to her about it, but... Well, being mute has its disadvantages. 

Right now, Cinder, her two buddies, Emerald and Mercury, and I were on our way to Vale. Cinder believed it was time I met her associate in Vale. Adam would have went, but he had his mission with the train and he took Blake with him. The two of them would be fine. It shouldn't have been too difficult to stop a train and loot it. 

We were heading to Vale by airship. How Cinder even managed to get one of these, I had no idea and I wasn't gonna bother asking. 

Mercury: So remind me why we're taking the animal. 

I glare at Mercury. Emerald hits Mercury's chest. 

Emerald: Don't be such a jerk. 

Mercury: What? I'm just curious. 

Cinder: Yes. And I'm curious about what might happen if you call Mutasim an animal again. Do you want to find out? 

Her tone turned ice cold and I felt the rage emanating from her as she spat venomous words. Mercury backs away into his seat. 

Mercury: N-No. 

Cinder: Then refer to him by name. 

I sigh quietly and take a look at my scroll, browsing the news. Apparently in Vale, there's been robberies in Dust shops, except it wasn't money being stolen. It was the Dust crystals. Judging from Cinder's plan, I could only assume this was the work of her associate in Vale. They could learn a thing or two about stealth. 

After some time, we arrive at Vale and drop down close to the docks, landing in a large clearing with shipping containers and storage facilities surrounding us. Once we land, Cinder pats my shoulder with a small smile. 

Cinder: Ready? 

I nod and stand from my seat, following Cinder out of the ship. Mercury and Emerald follow too, but they lag behind Cinder and I. The four of us enter one of the larger buildings and upon entering, I see a man with short orange hair wearing a bowler hat and a white coat. In his right hand, he holds a cane. Weird. He didn't seem old. Maybe it was just for style? 

We approach the man and he smiles at Cinder. 

Man: Hello gorgeous. 

Cinder: Roman. How goes gathering Dust? 

Roman: It's going smoothly. But the more the merrier, am I right? 

Cinder: "Smoothly"... Is that right? Because this was meant to be as discreet as possible. Hearing that you're the main suspect for missing Dust on the news is far from discreet. 

Roman: U-Uh... To be fair, the amount we steal is rather easy for the shop owners to notice. 

Cinder: That's not the part I care about. The part I care about is that you're the main suspect in the public eye. Throw the trail off and keep the public off your back before you do anymore of these missions. Understood?

Roman: Yes ma'am. And who's this? 

Cinder: This is Mutasim. He's a... call him and old friend of mine. And more importantly to our job, a representative of the White Fang. 

I nod and look at Roman up and down. He seemed like any other crime lord I've heard of, so what Cinder saw in him and his abilities eluded me. 

Roman: So why isn't he talking?