The Legend of Lady Sierra.

Chapter 3: Happy Birthday

Meanwhile at Reiner's house. 1st February.

Reiner is currently at home, just finished taking a shower at 9 o clock in the morning. He looks at his living room, a sofa and a 40 inch led tv. Then the kitchen where the dining table and 6 chairs were located with the kitchen stove, oven and others behind the dining table area.

Reiner picks up his mother's dog tag and the watch strapped to his left wrist, a sleeveless shirt and a pair of slim fit jeans, Reiner puts on a gas mask as he puts on his shades. Picking up a hammer, chisel and a carving knife. Reiner looks at the block of Tikk Wood, slowly making his mark from the block of wood. Turning it into a beautiful rose piece with time, dilligence and effort. Now, Reiner needs to apply the varnish to keep this piece of wooden block shining.

That is the first piece, he also needs to make another piece since the customers have asked him to make a few roses from different wood types. Reiner carves through the wooden blocks again, the world had disappeared from his mind as he sculpts the said designs. Etching many details such as the petals as well as the leaves and thorns. After finishing another 9 of them Reiner stops to look at them, assessing each piece for its consistency, for its patterns and the quality of craft.

For a layman, Reiner's works is irrefutably hard to differentiate the 10 roses. However, for craftsmen, they need to assess the works individually to see its flaws whether in the little details or in the other aspects such as technicality and the materials used.

Reiner receives a text, and judging from the pretty brunette with glasses, then it should be Lizzie. The name on his phone 'Lizzie Basketball player' also confirms it.

'Lizzie? I dont even talk to her' Reiner thought as he looks into it.

'Hi' Reiner looks at the text with confusion.

'What the hell is with this Hi? Does Lizzie notice me? A Hi... Means a lot of things. Maybe Lizzie sent a wrong text to me instead of her friend?' Oddly enough, despite Reiner's intense concentration, he still has doubts on many things.

'Oh whatever. Just reply.' Reiner thought as he types 'Can I help you?'

'Yeah. I got a few friends who think that you're hot, and we were wondering if you were free today?' Reiner raises his eyebrow as he looks at this text.

'At 12pm onwards I should be free. I got some work I need to finish up.' Reiner texts as he puts his phone back into his apron and takes the different coatings to try on the 10 roses.

Another text comes in as his phone rings.

'What kind of work? Can you show me a photo?' Reiner looks at it with his eyebrows raised yet again as he tries to process what is behind these texts.

'Must be a truth or dare game to do stuff. I'll humour her for a bit' Reiner takes a photo of his crafting gear, with the wooden rose at the back.

'They look beautiful. I wish I could get one.' Reiner sighs, checking his other social media to see if it is Lizzie's birthday today. Lo and behold, it is her birthday so Reiner prepares to make one more wooden rose made from the Brazilian rosewood.

Reiner stops after completing it, only then to ponder about what he had just did. Reiner cleans up the details of the rose then putting it in a nice box which he wraps it with bubble wrap. Then going for another shower to get rid of the sawdust, the fine particles from his work. Hopefully it is enough for him to get rid of most of it. Though, seeing the tattoo of a knight’s shield with a lion inside of it on his left shoulder is a normal thing.

Reiner gets dressed again, a pair of jeans, a collared tee shirt with short sleeves that contain his biceps just nicely, not too tight and not too loose.

Reiner grabs the wrapped box, then taking his pistol too, a Smith and Wesson M&P45 customized to equip fibre optic sights and including a ported slide. Reiner attaches a red dot sight on the pistol's slide followed by a flashlight c*m laser sight underneath, then adds a suppressor to his addition.

His concealed carry licence is in his wallet and now, he is going to go head out in his Dodge Charger Srt hellcat, all white finish with pearlescent coating. Matte black rims, the twin port exhaust and the roar of the engine.

Reiner drives it out of the San Minos Apartments, making his way on the road. As Reiner drives, he keeps wanting to know what is Lizzie's intention on the text when Lizzie has not spoken to him at all, nor has Reiner made any attempts to do so; for in his eyes it is futile.

Yet, he found a thought that keeps floating in the back of his mind.

'Maybe Lizzie likes me?' Reiner brushes it aside, as he drives on, letting it be a thought with no grounds for its existence.

Reiner arrives at the Fritzers Mall, which is located at the heart of the Beaumont capital, connected to the whole of Beaumont metropolis with underground subway transits and bullet trains. Parking his car on the top level, going over to meet Lizzie by the center atrium, with the myriad of shops surrounding them. Reiner spots a brunette wearing a pair of black jeans, a black floral top with white daisies and square framed glasses. Lizzie is alone.

Reiner takes his blazer to put on, as it helps conceal his pistol for his open carry licence. Whereby Reiner goes to the security, giving his gun licence and showing the pistol.

"Alright, just keep it unloaded and safe. Also keep it out of sight.." Reiner nods as he pulls the chamber, catching the bullet and putting it at his appendix holster. Underneath his shirt to keep it concealed. Then making his way to Lizzie. Seeing her looking alone, she turns to him.

"Hey." Reiner looks around, not seeing any of Lizzie's friends.

"Where are your friends?" Reiner's question left Lizzie shaking her head.

"They aren’t coming. They forgot." Lizzie says sadly, to which Reiner sighs then taking her hand.

"Come on." Reiner tells her, Lizzie follows on, seeing Rainer bring her through the 'Glass Road' with the sunlight reflecting on the many different types of coloured glass that form patterns on the ground as well as making a beautiful road.

Lizzie is awe of the red flowers formed by the red glass being reflected on the floor. The morning glory reflected onto the walls. Lizzie keeps looking around, seeing the colours coming to life as they keep walking. The glass road that plays with lights and perception changing from the varying distances. The butterfly that follows them from behind as the pair moved forward.

"Wow. That was amazing! I have never been in this part of the Mall." Reiner smiles as he hears this. Lizzie's happiness and enthusiasm just added to this sight. Lizzie is his crush after all, obviously Reiner is happy with her smile.

"That's just part 1, come on." Reiner takes her hand gently, Lizzie smiles as she follows Reiner up the escalator.

"Where are we going?"

"A secret, keep your eyes closed and just keep holding my hand. " Lizzie obeys as she follows his footsteps, then hearing his words warning her about the escalator or the steps.

Reiner brings her to the top level where there is a theme park and fun fair down below. Lizzie could smell the cotton candy, the caramel pop corn from afar and then listening to the carnival music.

"Open your eyes" lizzie looks at the funfair, seeing the Ferris wheel at the front, the bungee jumping, the other forms of attractions that exist. Reiner gets two tickets for the entry and goes in with the coupons in hand. Reiner brings Lizzie to the front where they see a target shooting gallery with airsoft pistol.

"Step right up. You get 10 shots, so you need to shoot at the bonus targets! If you do, you will get the large teddy bear!" Reiner looks at it and smiles then he pays the price for Lizzie and himself. Lizzie shoots at the normal targets which gets her a small teddy bear while Reiner fires the full 10 shots into the 10 bonus targets.

"Alright sir. You can claim your large teddy bear at the exit with this coupon. Congratulations!"

Reiner and Lizzie make their way to another spot, this time looking into the horror house filled with jumpscares, filled with all sorts of spooky and scary creatures. The two of them left the room with pure laughter.

Then they got on to the ferris wheel, where they could see the view of the whole theme park.

"Wow."

"Having fun?" Lizzie nods, as she looks into her phone, seeing some candid photos of Reiner playing while Reiner shows some photos of her playing. After the ferris wheel they rush over to play bumper car games. They went on a roller coaster which had left both of then dizzy but laughing like crazy.

They left the park when Reiner with the big teddy bear, he walks out with Lizzie who gets to hold the two teddy bear. Reiner takes a photo of Lizzie with the two teddy bears.

"Thanks Reiner. You've made today great."

"Are you free for dinner?" Reiner asks her, to which Lizzie nods.

"My parents are out of town. I'll text my butler telling him i'll be late."

"I'll send you home later." Reiner tells her, as Lizzie follows him to a restaurant at the top floor by the Fritzer's mall a perfect place for a candlelight dinner.

"Table for 2." Reiner says to the waiter who leads them to a table set by the corner with the best view. Reiner takes offf his blazer and puts it on Lizzie, who thanks him for his gesture, followed by pulling the chair for Lizzie, letting her take a seat first while Reiner helps her to sit down.

Lizzie looks at the menu, seeing it as incredibly expensive as it is.

"Reiner, I don't have much."

"I am paying for it today." Reiner tells her and Lizzie looks aside as if she feels guilty.

"Hey, it is your birthday after all." Lizzie sighs but smiles to him.

"Thank you, really. For doing this. You didn't have to." Reiner smiles as he looks at the stars above them, lizzie takes a photo without Reiner's knowledge. The photo capture's Reiner's beauty very well.

Lizzie herself just became flustered from all this, even his coat. Lizzie could smell the perfume, a mature smell that instils vigour and the mature smell had Lizzie feeling safe, comfort and with Reiner's mannerism, it made him look more of a young handsome man.

As they ordered their meal, Lizzie looks at Reiner, wanting to ask a question but unsure of what question to ask.

"Hey. Reiner. I-" to which they hear a gunshot. Seeing 5 men with guns move into the restaurant with their pistols in the air.

"This is a robbery, give us your valuables!" Reiner checks his phone.

"Sierra 3. Clear to engage. Non kill shots." Reiner pulls the M&P45 , loading the magazine into his pistol, slowly pulling the slide. Then he stands up, firing 5 shots into the shoulders of the 5 men whereby they fell down, squirming and squealing in pain.

"Do not be alarmed, I have a valid licence to carry this pistol. I will surrender my firearm to the police when they arrive." Reiner announces as he takes the pistols away, the security and police arrive to see Reiner putting the 5 pistols down and his as he shows his licence to the officer.

"I will need your statement, and also your firearm." Reiner nods as he gives the pistol then explains to the officer what had occurred. Then, he meets up with Lizzie.

"Looks like dinner was a bust. Wanna go anywhere else?" Lizzie shakes her head.

"You can send me home now." Reiner nods as they make their way to his car, he opens the passenger seat for Lizzie. Then taking his seat as the driver, whereby Lizzie loved the comfortable feel of the leather seat as well as the cushion that makes it better.

"I live at Vitalia Residence. The mansion in the middle." Reiner nods as he drives slowly to the Vitalia Residence, the beautiful, huge bungalow buildings and the mansion in the middle.

Reiner arrives at the mansion, the gates open for Lizzie as she arrives home.

"Hey, Reiner thanks for the ride home." Lizzie kisses his cheek, Reiner gets out, opening the boot to give her the beautifully carved rose, when he suddenly sees the butler an old man whose back is straight as a ruler with a neatly trimmed beard.

"Mistress Lizzie, your parents are back. They also request to meet your friend in the car to join them for dinner." To which Lizzie invites Reiner in the house, where the doors opened and Lizzie is greeted by her servants.

"Good evening Mistress." Reiner is in awe of Lizzie's house, then he is invited to the dining hall.

"Ah hello." Reiner sees a handsome, middle aged man with three other handsome young men that take after their father, then a mother with 4 other girls.

"Good evening sir. Pardon my intrusion."

"Ahha. Why are you so formal?"

Then Reiner sees another door open, a familiar face walks out, a face that Reiner knew all too well.

The face he referred to, Mr Thibault of the Barnier French mafia. A handsome old man with greying hair, well groomed beard, hair sleek back, a cigar in his hand and a smile.

“Happy birthday pumpkin.”

“Hi grandpa.” Lizzie hugs her grandfather happily as her grandfather douses the cigar to put aside.

“So who is your friend here?” Reiner stands tall, calmly looking into the hazel eyes of Mr Thibault intently.

“My name is Reiner Grace.” Reiner could see Mr Thibault immediately shifting his gaze to Reiner, then taking a seat beside his daughter.

“Please, join us for dinner. Sit in front of me.” Reiner complies, following what is asked of him by Mr Thibault as he knows that this is no laughing matter. The Barnier family is one of the biggest crime families in the world, for the head of the family to be right here before him.

“I just returned from France after a meeting with the other heads of the family.” Thibault says calmly, as if to incite a reaction from Reiner who maintains composure, looking at the plate before him being served with steak.

“I thought you make it clear not to talk about that with guests.” Thibault’s son, Bastien asks as he lowers his utensils with a glare to his father, wondering what is the trigger for this intensity..

“Lizzie, would you be alright if I had borrowed Reiner for a bit after dinner?”

“Sure grandpa. He also got me this.” Lizzie’s father looks at the wooden rose that Reiner had crafted, her family looks at it with a smile while Thibault looks at it with a grin.

“That is nicely crafted.” Reiner eats his steak, keeping it silent in his presence which surprises the family as they see Thibault keeping his grin on his face, then looking into Reiner’s watch and dog tag. The atmosphere changed completely, even Lizzie’s family could tell the atmosphere changed.

“Grandpa, you’re never this intense.” Lizzie states to Thibault,who simply smiles to her.

“Reiner, was it? May I have an audience with you?” Reiner nods as he wipes his mouth with the napkin provided by the maids and butlers, the two of them stand as Reiner makes his way behind Thibault, who leads him to another room.

“Dad, why is grandpa like that?” one of the sons ask Bastien who is unsure of how to answer.

“I don’t know. I don’t know.”

The room, that they were in was the study room where the residents of the house would use it to read, to study, to examine, to analyse and other forms of research that is necessary. Reiner stands as he watches how Thibault is about to put his cane aside, when Reiner comes closer.

“Let me help you, with your coat. Sir.” Thibault nods as he slides off from the coat, keeping his eyes on Reiner who hangs it on the coat hanger.

“Please take a seat, Reiner. It is just the two of us here, you needn’t be so formal with me.” Thibault says as he takes out two Cuban Cigars, passing one to Reiner, who takes it calmly. Looking at Reiner keeping the cigar by his lip as Thibault takes his engraved metal lighter with the lionhead in the shield engraved into it, then lighting up the cigar for Reiner.

“It has been 4 years hasn’t it Reiner? The world looks much different these days, you’ve come quite far to still be alive after these years, despite the manhunt for you by the Kleins.”

“The Kleins don’t exist anymore.” Reiner says calmly, his gaze turns to Thibault and as their eyes met, Thibault already knew his answer.

“No loose ends?”

“Their bodies are buried in their own home, as well as their associates.”

“Still, it is my responsibility to ensure members of my family are safe, I am sorry I failed you.” Thibault apologizes, to which Reiner shakes his head.

“The Kleins wanted you dead, they believed I was your son, or rather your favourite amongst the members of the family. They killed mine, but it isn’t your fault. Though they did manage to hurt you.”

“Of course, they were the reason why you did all the assassinations and the killing. You’re my granddaughters age, I’d prefer you to be studying rather than kill people but the money got your family through tough times.” Thibault looks aside, his face expressed the shame as he could not look at Reiner in the eye.

“I’m back in the life. Just not as a member of police but rather as a group tasked to protect the university students of Beaumont from any harm or trouble.”

“I see. I’ll remind the men to be wary and to stay out of your way. If anything, here.” Thibault gives his number.

“At any time, for any favours. You’re still my Cavalier. I owe you a great deal of debt.” Reiner takes it, as he puffs out the smoke from the cigar.

“I know you’re all listening.” The door opens, seeing Lizzie alongside her parents and siblings listening to the conversation.

“Sorry grandpa.. We.”

“It’s fine, do come in.” They come inside seeing Reiner smoking the cigar like an equal to their grandfather, which is something he does not do with anyone.

“Grace is your mother’s maiden name isn’t it?” Reiner nods.

“Do you know that I am the head of the Barnier family?” Lizzie’s parents nod, but her siblings shake their head,

“Mr Thibault, I need to excuse myself tonight. Thank you for the hospitality. Excuse me.” Reiner says formally as he walks out of the room.

“Grandpa?”

“Sit down, all of you. Your grandfather has a story to tell.” Thibault says as the grand children sit by the fire place, Lizzie sits directly in front of her grandfather.

“Do you remember the tale of the Lonesome Warrior I told you before?” Thibault’s words ring to Lizzie, her mind remembering the tale of the warrior who had lost everything to protect a person that meant a lot to him.

“The one where you talked about a young warrior who fought for his master, but lost his family and lover?” Lizzie’s question for confirmation, had already proven that she remembers this story all too well.

“You just met the Lonesome Warrior that I told you, though his name is not Reiner Grace, it was Reiner Mildred. Reiner lost his family, protecting our family. He lost his lover, protecting my life. Reiner had been forced to choose, either my life or his lover’s. I told the boy to protect his lover’s yet he chose mine. If it wasn’t for his decision 4 years ago, I would not have been able to see my sweet granddaughter turn 22 this year.” Thibault looks at them, with his eyes looking down and his eyes whimpering in pain. A silent scream could be felt by Thibault’s own family members.

“He tells me not to feel guilty yet, sometimes I wish I could trade my life for his, so he can live a good life, not a life full of death, misery and sadness. A lonesome warrior who chose an old man over his lover, who protected this old man when his family was at stake. Lizzie, I’m grateful.” To which they see Thibault’s eyes begin to slowly tear up, tears falling to the carpet from his eyes.

“Grandpa..”

“I thought he would never forgive me, yet he did. Reiner is like a son to me, the other Barnier advisors know that. Life’s troubles… They brought Reiner to my door step. His father, incarcerated and then murdered in prison for a crime he did not commit. Mother? A waitress trying to make ends meet, his younger siblings too young to understand about life. Reiner, he allowed himself to be prostituted at the age of 10 until 14, when I met him and he protected me by getting shot. I groomed him for him to be who he is today, I had Lupo or as you all know him.. Uncle Schmidt to train him to be an assassin. Reiner was a natural, it was as if he was born to do it.”

“Do you like him?” The sudden question flusters Lizzie, she shakes her head as she is unsure of how to answer.

“I never talked to him until today, but he is kind and sweet.” Lizzie looks aside, unsure of what to say.

“If you do like him, just know that he is a tortured soul. To love a tortured soul like him, will take a lot from you, it will bring out the worst in you, it will frustrate you but most of all it will break you. However, if Reiner can let love come into his heart once more. You will be showered with love, you will be cared for like a wife, he will give you all that he can muster, even his life. So understand, that when you fall for him, it will be challenging. Reiner if he falls for you, he will love you beyond conditions, you could abuse him for all he cares. You can hit him, you can slap him, you can torture him, you can do many things but he still will accept it as that is how you show love. He does not understand abuse.” The last sentence echoed into Lizzie’s ears, she is unsure of what she should say once more, as all this is too much as she needs to digest this bit by bit.

“Rumours will fly, stories will be told, but Reiner is someone that you must take time to learn underneath the surface. I’m telling you, so you know what Reiner is, what he can be. Because I wouldn’t want my grand daughter to have a broken heart over something that I know.” Thibault’s words give a strong impact to Lizzie, as she keeps thinking of Reiner, then hearing all this.

“That’s all I can say for now Lizzie. Good night.” Thibault goes out of the room to sleep, while Lizzie is still stuck in the room wondering the reason behind her grandfather’s act.

‘Isn’t this like a super crazy secret?’

‘Grandpa is a mafia don..’

‘Reiner used to serve Grandpa as an assassin..’ Lizzie is holding her pillow, unsure of what she feels for Reiner, but she did feel cared for, and the comfort he gives. Lizzie closes her eyes, maybe when she wakes up it will all get better.

Reiner watches from a high rise which is a few blocks away from Lizzie’s home, seeing Lizzie sleeping softly and comfortably. Reiner turns to the creatures behind him, shouldering the halberd. The creatures, pale skinned, frail looking, hands as sharp as claws, only muscles on their faces. Eerie looking humanoid beings known as Leechers. They did not have eyes but they have a mouth similar to a leech, hence the name leechers.

“Another night, another kill.” Reiner whispers, a Leecher jumps to him, only to be sliced in half due to the Halberd. Reiner rushes forward grabbing a Leecher by the head, crushing it’s skull in an instant. A leecher jumps on his back, trying to latch its claws into his back. Reiner throws the Halberd into another Leecher, impaling it to the wall while Reiner grabs the latched Leecher with his barehands, putting his hands into its mouth. The leecher screams in pain as Reiner slowly rips it in half. The green-ish blood splashes onto his clothes yet Reiner did not even flinch. The last leecher which was impaled to the wall screams loudly, as it could sense Reiner coming closer and closer. Reiner grabs its head, then rips its head out with the spine intact.

Reiner pulls the halberd out of the wall, to which it disappears from his hands as Reiner stands over the rooftop, watching from above the peaceful streets that are free from these demons.

“This is Sierra 3, I’ve taken care of the Leechers by Vitalia.”

“Sierra 2 here, Damsel is asleep and tucked in her bed, Just chilling by the house, it has been quiet.”

“Guys, Chancellor Marcus wants us to handle the Valentine’s Day event. We’ll be meeting SAC tomorrow in their office to discuss about what we plan to do. We’ll discuss in campus on our plan and proposal. As of now, we don’t have much to do. The Valentine’s Day plan starts in 3 days. After school, I’m getting ingredients. Sierra 2, I’ll need your help too. Make sure Grey and Aquarius will follow Damsel around. I’m making sure Red and Aries follow her too.”

“2. Copies.”

“3. Understood. I’ll be coming to your house tonight.” Reiner nods as he disappears from sight.

Meanwhile, Monty is currently sitting by his study table with a laptop. Online shopping for ingredients. For the cuts for his meats that he will be serving, even looking at the varieties of fish that he can serve which is common for a romantic dinner.

“Wine red beef stew, pork tenderloin, beef tenderloin, lamb chops.. Maybe a couple cod dishes, a couple salmon, some scallops.” Monty thinks out loud as he writes the words down on a notepad, Monty hears a knock, turning to see Reiner waving his hands at him from the other side of the glass door.

“It’s unlocked.” Monty mouths, Reiner opens the door, casually moving into Monty’s humble home.

“I’m still working on the menu. Jane can’t come because Kristina is scared of being alone in her house. The way I see it, he’s smitten by her, just won’t admit.”

“Well. I.. I met Thibault.” Monty stops his work, then looking at Reiner, expecting a response.

“How? Thibault isn’t supposed to be back for a few years.”

“Lizzie is his granddaughter.” Monty puts his pen aside, turning his chair to Reiner.

“You know the story between me and Thibault right?”

“Yeah, you were his best Cavalier and the one who sacrificed so much for him.”

“He gave me his number for any favours or whatever that we need. I texted him and he will make sure his men won’t do anything near Beaumont University..” Monty nods.

“You must have remembered Sophia when you saw him.” Reiner nods with a weak smile on his face and his eyes showing the pain in his eyes.

“It hurts sometimes. Thinking bout Sophia.” Monty pats Reiner’s shoulders.

“But, I still would have chosen Thibault over her.” Reiner says to Monty, to which Monty gives him an assuring smile, as he strokes Reiner’s shoulder.

“Thibault also gave me his blessing if Lizzie and I ever happen. Sounds stupid doesn’t it?”

“It’s not.” Reiner gazes to Monty, who is still writing the food on the notepad.

“Lizzie puts a little smile on your face, believe it or not. You say you don’t talk to her, but when you see her. Your eyes look a little alive when you see her.” Reiner looks to the side, not knowing what to say, to which he remembers something he wants to raise up.

“I know you text Scarlet.” Monty nods, unsure of what to say.

“I do. She… She..” Monty pauses, not sure what to say but he could see Reiner’s grin and the life returned to Reiner’s eyes.

“I hope you and Jane remember what it’s like to love again, I’m still learning how to handle it, these little crushes, these feelings of anxiety about a person.” Monty says as he closes the notepad, after finishing up his lists for meals to serve.

“I’ll do the paper roses, and maybe a wooden one for the lecturers but look, when you learn to fall in love. Just be ready for everything to go wrong at a moment’s notice. A lot of things can go wrong in an instant Monty.” Monty shrugs his shoulders as he goes over to his room.

“Good night Reiner. The couch is yours if you want.” Reiner nods as he takes a pillow and a blanket from the study desk, as he lies down on the sofa bed. Staring at the ceiling which is painted with white, his mind is not at peace, as his heart forces the mind to remember a few things. Sophia’s brown curly hair, her brown skin and chubby cheeks. The blue eyes that she had that remind him of the morning sky, the smile that could outshine the sun, the face that he wishes to wake up to every morning.

Reiner’s mind would not let him sleep since he had just seen Thibault, where he is reminded of Sophia’s passing. Slowly choking to death inside a coffin, to which he was given a text to choose. Either get Sophia’s location and save her, but let Thibault be killed by gunmen. Or go to Thibault to protect him but Sophia will die as she is choking.

Reiner wanted to reach for Sophia first, but she calls him. Telling him that she is going to die anyway because she is too far, roughly 5 states far.. Reiner remembered the calmness of her voice, he takes a look at a locket. Seeing the photo of him and Sophia in it.

‘Sweetie. It’s okay. It’s okay… It’s okay. If I’m going… Please stay on the line.’ Reiner hears it in his mind as he looks into the photo. Reiner takes out his phone, looking at a video of him and Sophia. The two of them smiling, kissing each other. Making jokes, laughing into the camera as they had a picnic by the Blue Ray Park.

“Smile sweetie.” Sophia’s voice plays through the speaker, Reiner looks at it with a bittersweet smile.

‘Happy to have had her, sad to have heard her leave.’ Reiner thinks to himself, remembering how Sophia loved Reiner with long hair. Shaving it off to the current buzzcut as to hide himself from the Klein’s. Now,he lies on the sofa as he contemplates about growing it back. Reiner’s hair is not as long as Monty nor Jane’s, it is merely hair that is neatly trimmed but it is longer than most men would prefer.

Reiner’s haircut, his mannerisms back then. He was not stiff or as socially awkward as he is now, it is a choice he made to ensure no other lives are caught in the crossfire of their work as a Sierra or as Pactmakers hunting down the supernatural. The three of them must do this, must take this road as it would be much easier on their friends rather than watch them die by being slaughtered by demons or at the mercy of criminals.

Reiner chose this work, because it is the only thing he knows best. Despite being trained as a carpenter or a woodworker, it is not his true calling. As the Cavailer of the Barnier family, preferably known as their Dead Walker, as per Reiner taking the heavy shots to his body yet still stands despite the fatal wounds that should have killed him. The resilience and the brutality of his attacks, whereby Reiner would be up close and personal, killing those that attack or threaten the Barnier family with a shotgun to the face, bludgeoning someone to death with the stock of the shotgun or even shoving a bayonet into a man, then firing a full magazine through his corpse.

All this is just part of what he is, as the Dead Walker Cavailer, it is common and not something which is foreign to Reiner, it is who he is and part of his work ethic. To kill or be killed that is the law of life.