The Grimm Order

I woke up, feeling a presence stand over me. Seeing a figure standing over my bed. An initial panic set in, being only the age of nine. However, remembering the training the old man had put me through, I rolled over, pretending to be asleep still. With that, I drew my long silver blade from underneath my pillow, sighing to deepen my facade of sleep. I dove for the figure’s legs, tripping it and straddling its chest. Digging my knees into the unknown being's shoulders to prevent movement I pressed my gleaming dagger against what I presumed to be the shadow’s neck, whispering through gritted teeth with anger as malicious thoughts bombarded my sleep addled brain. “Speak, Cur.”  With that I heard an all too recognizable chuckle, feeling a familiar hand on my shoulder. “I see your training hasn’t gone to waste, my son. I’m glad.” The man said with what I could barely see as a smile.  ‘The old bastard must have snuck into my room while I rested.’ I thought to myself as I c****d my head. Though I was confident about my intruder's identity, I was always taught to be very thorough in any type of investigation. My father also trained me to spot differences, and even made up a passcode for the eventuality that an imposter were to try to get close to me. “When the sun sets, the wolves will rest long.” The man smirked and nodded, smiling at me as he tapped my shoulder. “But, my little cub, the hunt begins at dawn.” he chuckled as I released him from my grasp and sat on my bed, c*****g my head at him. His old bones creaked and popped as he got up. I could see the pain in his eyes, however, it wasn’t a physical pain that emitted itself through those old, weary sockets. It was sadness, or regret maybe? And I swore I saw the slightest hint of fear in his eyes. A single stream of moisture weaseled its way from the orifice of my father. I had never seen a single tear fall from my father's face, all except for this point in time. “Tomorrow, my son, if I do not show home. I am dead. We are going on a dangerous hunt. It is likely that most if not all of our men will die. Including myself. If this does happen, I want you to go to my room. There is a book in the floorboards under my bed. With it, there is a letter. Put it in the mailbox, it will get to where it needs to be. A man will show with five others, do as he says and go with him. He is your uncle, and the men with him are extended family. Then you will learn the reason that I have trained you. From there, your destiny is in your own hands. Do with it what you will. The choice is yours, but don’t take it lightly.” The next morning, my father didn’t show. I did as he asked. The book my father left me seemed to be information on creatures that shouldn’t exist. Things that only exist in nightmares. Lich, werewolves, vampires, it was all in here. Crazy things. Their natural habitats, normal behaviors, mating… Habits, this is all too much. I’m sure my uncle will be able to explain more. I proceed to make breakfast, making my father some of his special coffee on the off chance that he was just running late. My father specifically told me never to drink it for some reason, though I was allowed to drink regular coffee. It didn’t make much sense to me. I sighed as I poured some of the steaming liquid into a tin mug, sloshing it around as I sighed. I smile as I look down at the mug, seeing a droplet escape into the reddish black mixture. I wiped my face and sigh, an unbridled sob escaping my lips. I was crying? I suppose that’s the normal reaction to losing a loved one. My body began shaking and convulsing as I let out that unfamiliar sound. Had it really been that long since I cried? Of course, it had, crying meant weakness, and weakness wasn’t allowed in this household. I gritted my teeth as I forced the shuttering to stop. Wiping my nose before taking a large gulp from the tin cup. As the steaming brew passed my lips a fine tint of a metallic taste welled up in my mouth. Had it not been so familiar to me from my training I would’ve assumed this was some sort of special imported coffee. I began sweating bullets, holding back a shout as I realized I was drinking blood!  However, I couldn’t stop myself as I began to devour cup after cup until the pot was empty. I had no clue what it was, but the feeling I got while gorging myself on the heavenly abomination was euphoric. Like God himself was caressing my soul. As the liquid flooded my senses, I could feel my senses heighten. I could smell everything, hear everything, all the visual details were so much crisper, clearer. It was as if I had been living behind a veil. And the coffee had finally lifted it.  I smelt them before I heard them, trespassers. Was I losing it? Had my father's passing made me so distraught that I was hallucinating? I walked toward the door, grabbing my blade and grinning as I stepped outside, looking towards the area where I smelled the trespassers on my land. Their scent filled my senses, it was as if I could actually see the trail. I followed it swiftly, my movements animalistic in nature as I circled around my prey. It was then that I laid eyes on them. Six men cloaked in black hoods, not showing a bit of skin. However, it was just cloth. I sheathed my knife. I didn’t need a blade for what I was about to do. I hunched down, readying myself as I grinned in sheer ecstasy as my quarry drew near, I leapt much farther than I do on average, gripping the man’s throat furthest to the right before I heard an audible pop, and he went limp. The man to my left drew a pistol, which I gripped at the barrel before forcing it to his throat. I smiled, malicious intent seeping through every glistening tooth before pushing it forward and forcing him to shoot himself in the head. I then targeted the man at the far left, it seemed as if they didn’t have time to react before I leapt onto his shoulders, twisting his head all the way around until he was facing the forest behind us and leapt from his shoulders, kicking a third man in his jaw and making him stagger. I landed in front of the remaining half of the men, drawing my blade with an animalistic grin.  Two of the remaining three-pointed pistols at me, but the third one who led the pack of men spoke up. “In case you two imbeciles hadn’t noticed, he’s giving us a chance. Put your pistols away. He just killed three highly trained grown men. BARE HANDED! If he wanted you dead, you would be.” He then turned his attention to me with a grin, dropping his hood. He looked like an older version of my father, smiling at me as if he was excited to meet me. “Settle down little cub, the hunt begins at dawn.”  Hearing the familiar phrase, I sheathed my knife, standing up straight. “I see.” I breathe out calmly.  “So, you’re the man my father spoke of Uncle Virgil.” The man smiled wide and nodded before I c****d my head and asked him. “So, I assume you’re going to tell me why in the hell I no longer have a father?” his wide smile turned to a look of somberness as he slowly nodded, looking at the ground. “Come with us, and you’ll know. You drank his coffee, didn’t you?” he said as he looked at me, I only nodded in response and his eyes went wide as he looked me up and down. “How much?” I c****d my head and raised an eyebrow as I was curious as to why he would inquire about the amount of the liquid I had consumed.  As if on cue, my body began to feel heavy, and I would sway back and forth as my eyes would start to swim before I weakly answered “A-a whole pot.” I woke up in the bed of the tavern I had rented a room in, cold sweat running down my face as I sighed. Another memory played out in my sleep. This was beginning to happen more and more as time went on. I ran a hand through my chestnut-colored hair as I stood up, massaging my shoulders. I softly ran my fingers over the remnants of my encounter with an extremely disgruntled werewolf. That was a rough week. I went down the stairs to the bar, ordering a coffee. As I waited on my beverage, I felt a hand aggressively tapping my shoulder. I sighed as I turned around, a beast of a man wearing a red military coat glared at me, his hands on his hips in a gesture of disapproval to accompany the condescending glare. I sighed and rolled my eyes, standing up as I awaited him to say something. The brute glared as he spit some of his chewing tobacco on my bare feet. He smirked and spoke in a clearly foreign accent. “Oi, bloke. I can tell you’re not from here-” “Neither are you, friend, get to the point Englishmen. And it better be damn good, because you just spat on me.” I said, knowing that he was probably going to get a bit riled up from the words I spoke. But at this point I didn’t really care. It was early, I hadn’t had my coffee, and the man just spat on me. He furrowed his brow as if to say I needed to watch my tone. I smirked and folded my arms over my chest as if to say ‘problem?’ and he scowled ferociously at me. “There are young ladies in your presence, and you are only half clothed. I will not tolerate such barbarism in my territory.” He said, getting more of a proper tone in his voice as I rolled my neck and shoulder blades, loosening myself up as I prepared for a fight. I sighed and gave the man a weary expression. “Look, while I appreciate chivalry and all. Three things: One, you spat on me, so you’re not the one who should be talking about barbarism. Two, judging by their blushing faces and shy smiles, I don’t think they mind. Three: I’m just getting some coffee and I’m going back upstairs. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I think my order’s about ready.” As I turned the man grabbed me by the shoulder, shouting an obscenity I chose to block out, as I don’t take being cursed at kindly. I sighed as I gripped his hand, twisting it until I heard a loud pop and a yelp, then kicking his knee to the satisfying sound of cracking bone. Just as our altercation takes place, four more men burst through the tavern doors. The men maliciously glaring at me and pulling their knives from their coats. The anger in their eyes was obvious as I stared them down, throwing their companion to the floor. I sighed as I cracked my neck, loosening myself up even further. One of the men stepped forward and shouted. “Oi bloke, you got some ‘splainin ta do!” I casually approached the man, knocking the blade from his hand with ease. His stance and his grip on the weapon were both lackluster. He obviously had no lethal intent. They were soldiers, not killers. I was the inverse. I took orders only from the order, I was told where to go. Not what to do. I threw the man his knife, the blade tip impaling the floor beside his face. I smiled and held my hands out in a non-threatening gesture. Upon closer inspection, the man on the floor was no older than fifteen, merely a boy doing a man’s job. That would explain the ease I had in taking his weapon. I sighed and looked at the remaining three men, who were more seasoned than the boy before me. “Listen.” I said, smiling at them. “Your friend at the bar spat on me, that is why he is injured. The boy, well, he approached me with a knife. I suggest you pick them up and leave. If you insist on continuing this madness, I shall take you on as if you were seriously threatening my life.” The oldest of the three, (a grizzled veteran from the looks of it). noticed my tattoos and nodded, putting his blade away. Gesturing for his comrades, who looked at him defiantly, to do the same. He sighed and shook his head, glaring at the boys as he raised his voice in an authoritative tone. “Are ya bloody daft? Look at the markings, he’s here to assist us! Not to mention he could take out a whole battalion on his own if he so chose. You boys wouldn’t stand a bloomin’ chance in ‘ell!” He then looked me up and down as he sighed, speaking in a gruff tone as he lit a cigar. “Cap’n’ll wanna see you around noon time, I assume I’ll see you then, Reaper?” My eyebrow c****d as did my head, he knew my codename? This was quite unusual and only ever happened if they were very close to the people who had taken out the contract on the creature I was supposed to slay. One of the boys’ expressions turned into a gaping maw of surprise, fear and excitement. He beamed at me as if he was meeting an idol. “Corporal don’t tell me this is the man that I’ve heard traders tell stories ‘bout ‘round the fire. They said the bloke was seven foot or more!” Apparently, people who had met me began to spread rumors about me. Then again, I was somewhat of a legend, even to people in the order I was a bit above expectation. I heard the dull thud of tin on wood as the barman had delivered my finished order. The soldiers had begun picking up their comrades and heading toward the door. I sat at the bar as I drank my fill of coffee, then headed upstairs to wake up the rest of my crew. Starting with the twins, they were an unstable lot. However, they were effective hunters.  “Demo, Lition! Wake up you lazy bastards! It’s ten in the morning you slouches!” I shouted as I burst into their room. To my surprise they were already up, tinkering with their toys. As I eyed them down, they paid no attention to me. Demo was the first of the two to speak.  “Reaper, do be careful next time, will ya? We work with unstable compounds, and you could’ve just made us blow up this whole damned tavern.” He said rather mechanically, his raven black hair hanging in his face as he poured some dust into a container. His brother spoke next.  “Yea! You damned i***t! Unstable! Fun! BOOM!” he shouted in broken English, his hyper nature keeping him from speaking properly. The boys were near identical, except for the color of their eyes. Other than their personalities, Demo’s left eye was white, while Lition’s was blue. And vice versa. This was the only way to tell the two apart. Though, in combat, the two acted the same. Cold, calculating, and calliced individuals who moved as one single unit. I nodded as I went to wake up my next teammates, Bear and ivy.  I sighed, knowing that this wasn’t going to be an easy task as I banged on their door. The way we worked, only the man who took point or was assigned the team leader got their own room. And I chose to have an odd number of squadmates, because it would make any democratic decision making easier. I chuckled to myself as I heard ivy groan at bear’s obnoxiously loud snoring.  I didn’t envy the poor woman. She opened the door with a sultry smile across her face as she eyed my bare chest. “My my, captain. Aren’t you a little underdressed?” she bit her lip and twirled one of her fiery red locks of hair as she looked me up and down, a hungry look in her eyes. I rolled my eyes and brushed past her. I grabbed the pitcher off of the nightstand beside the monstrously sized man, his legs dangling off the bed as the icy water splashed on his face. The sound of his sputtering caused a small smirk to cross my face. He leapt up from his resting place with an angry expression, which quickly dissipated when he saw the foul look on my face. As I glared up at Bear, his freakish height made him a few heads taller than me. However, he knew better than to Consider his size being enough of an advantage to give him a chance in hell. “M-Mornin, capn’” he said with a red face as he Lumbered over to Ivy, who was still lazing about. “Why didn’t you wake me up, you drunken harlot?” he practically screamed as he towered over the small, but fierce woman. However, he quickly backed down as her fiery attitude came out.  “Listen here you brute!” she screamed, rage filling her voice and expression as she seemed to stand a little taller than usual. I simply sighed as I stepped between the two, placing a finger on Ivy’s lips and a hand on bear’s chest. This elicited a blush from Ivy that would make a tomato look pale. I shook my head and looked at them.  “The twins are already up.” I say with a sigh. “Ivy, we need you and the twins to run intel. Bear, you’ll accompany me to the militia camp. I don’t want any soldiers getting any ideas.” Ivy got a slight grin across her face as she looked at me, biting her lip.  “My, my captain, did you already go starting trouble?” she smiled and draped her arms over my shoulders, her hot breath reeked of alcohol as it creeped down my neck, eliciting a tingle throughout my body. I sighed and took her arms off of me.  “That’s enough Ivy.” I groaned as I stepped back in the doorway, motioning to bear. “You’ve got fifteen f*****g minutes bear! I swear to God, if you’re late again, you’ll be on bait detail for the next six hunts! Do you hear me?!” I shout as I slam the door behind me, not particularly caring if I woke up other patrons. “If a drunk can’t hold their liquor and do important things, they shouldn’t be a drunk!”  I waited for my comrade for exactly fourteen minutes and thirty seconds. He breathlessly met me at the base of the stairs and held up a hand, panting like a dog in the summer heat. “I’m not. Late. B-boss!” “Barely on time, be more punctual. You know the kind of people we deal with do not tolerate tardiness.” I state very matter of factly as I close my pocket watch, shaking my head and adjusting my waistcoat. “Not to mention barely having a shirt on, Untrimmed, you look like a barbarian.” I rolled my eyes as we stepped out the door, heading towards the red coat encampment.  The trip went without incident, though we were met with cold stares and silence as we walked into the encampment. We came to the largest tent just as someone of more wrinkles than most stepped out. Assuming this was the captain, I stepped to him, holding out my business card. “Captain Brenard, I presume?” the older gentleman shook his head and smiled. “No sir, but I know who you are. And The captain is just inside the tent.” he covered his mouth with a shaky hand, coughing into it weakly. “Though, the captain is alone, as none of the platoon particularly like the idea of being around you lot. So, you’ll understand that I ask your burly friend to sit tight while you two converse. Yes?” bear tenses at the thought of this, the old man gripped the handle of his Sabre, eyeing bear. “Make no mistake boy, I may be old, but I’ve cut down beasts twice your size.” He simply stated in a calm cool manner. This man's form was very similar to the basic stance they taught at the academy. His variation of it though, it was astounding! Most people not properly trained may think if you have your sword out and another doesn’t you automatically have an advantage. This is simply not true; this was a technique familiar to me. But I had only seen my father do it.  “Forsaken.” I heard Bear grumble, feeling him step closer to me.  “Down, Bear.” I order sternly, glancing over my shoulder at the aggressive brute of a man. The second he heard his name, I felt him ease a bit behind me, though still on guard. “You know the drill, big guy. Is your superior alone?” I asked the older gentleman, who nodded silently and motioned me in, eyeing my partner as I gave him one of our silent hand orders. The command was simple, stay put and stay peaceful. I walked into the ragged canvas tent slowly, this camp had been around here a lot longer than it should have. This operation was obviously set up to be temporary, but there was a snag somewhere. I walked into the canvas tent that had yellowed from the weather and age.  a young man who looked absolutely haggard stood at a map. He ran his fingers through his greasy unkempt hair, sighing angrily.  “It’s not real, no way in hell.” I heard him mutter to himself as he eyed a forest on the aged map. It looked as if he had carried that same map into multiple battles. This wasn’t very common. I looked at the map and smirked as the images moved, looking at the map key I noticed a few symbols that were missing.  I cleared my throat, looking at the now startled young man, whose pale complexion shockingly went a white that would concern a ghost. He quickly covered the map, stammering. “R-R-Reaper.” his voice quivered as his jittery hands moved the odd map. “I-I’m sorry for bringing you and your people here at all, let alone on such short notice.” his misty breath exhaled as he spoke. I’m not sure if it was because of the season, or his nerves, but he was shaking. I held a hand up, stopping him from going any further.  “I don’t need a whole lot from you, General. I need to know the place my crew is going. Firsthand accounts, if there are any. What time the attacks happened. And whatever my other partners request once we get all of the information.” I stated very plainly, if not somewhat coldly. However, these weren’t tasks that we could let our emotions be a part of.  The man stood there; mouth agape as I ordered him around as if he were a servant. “O-ok. Well, the men are calling it a mimic. Though, I’m sure they’re mistaken. Mimics aren’t real.” I sighed as he scrambled through papers, handing me a list of secondhand accounts. I rolled my eyes and scanned the pages, picking out the important information. “I don’t know why the people above me trust you, or your despicable order. You’re con men. But I can’t argue with results.”  After his comment of us being con men, I scoffed and sat the papers down. I crossed my arms and let him finish before I began to speak, the man eyeing me as if I had s**t on his stoop. “Well. Sir. If you’d like, me and my people to leave, I’m certain that the order would have no issues sending us elsewhe-”  “No! I apologize, please.” he said abruptly, taking a more submissive stance. “I meant no offense by my comments. I should mind my tongue more.” he bowed his head and nodded. “I’ve always had obedient soldiers, never dealt with a mutiny.” I chuckle and look at the young man. He can’t be more than eighteen, no older than I was before I took command of my unit. “You want control of your men?” I ask, a slightly sadistic grin crossing my face as I look down at him, a ruckus beginning just outside the tent. Many men shouting obscenities, undoubtedly at bear. The general and I break away, quickly stepping outside. The sight before me wasn’t surprising at all, men shouting and throwing a mixture of liquor bottles and rocks at my peaceful compatriot, who stood there without even moving to block the incoming debris. “I can help with that.” I say as I cross my arms, the general now standing in front of a confused Bear. My unit was not used to having someone try to defend them, as we only did such things in combat. I smiled as the young man nodded at me, an understanding look in his eyes as he knew what I was about to do to put his men in line. The debris slowed down as the general stepped in and ceased when I stepped in front of the barrage. “Who started this?!” I shouted, walking towards the crowd. Many of the men stepped back in intimidation, a few were frozen, and rather unexpectedly, a few stepped forward. One stepped forward boldly, a rather large man who loudly announced “What if it was me? What ya gonna do about it ‘little man’?!” I scoffed and stepped towards him, looking up at him. He was a little bit smaller than Bear; this shouldn’t be a problem.  “And who was the second?” A younger nimbler looking man jumped up from the crowd, obviously a little drunk. He had already pulled the two knives, though took an awful stance. “You two aren’t worth my time.” I state matter of factly as I turned and snapped my fingers, the big guy who had stood still with his eyes closed now seemed even more calm than usual. “Bear, make an example of the big guy. And go ahead and play with the small one.”  The behemoths smiled; the small rat seemed to disappear into the crowd. Bear took note of this and prepared to defend from any side. “Alright, big guy, time to show me what your order is made of.” spat the Behemoth, grinning as he prepares himself.