Chapter 32
New
- Location
- Florida
- Pronouns
- He
"Are we there yet?" Nora asked, her voice carrying that unmistakable tone of playful impatience.
"Nope," I replied, keeping my eyes on the road ahead.
"Are you sure?" she pressed, leaning forward slightly from her spot in the back.
"Nora, you asked that ten minutes ago," Ren chimed in, his tone calm but with just a hint of exasperation.
"Yeah, and ten minutes ago, I thought we were closer!" she shot back, crossing her arms with a dramatic pout.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "We've still got a ways to go, Nora. We should reach Hallifax by tomorrow evening if everything goes smoothly."
Nora groaned and flopped back into her seat. "Tomorrow? That's forever away!"
"It's not that bad," Pyrrha said, smiling gently. "Think of it as more time to enjoy the journey."
"Enjoy the journey," Nora mimicked with a mock-serious tone before breaking into a grin. "I guess you're right. More time to bug Jaune!"
"Lucky me," I muttered, though I couldn't help but smile.
Ren, ever the voice of reason, leaned back in his seat. "We should take another day to get there, anyway. It's safer to pace ourselves, and it'll give everyone time to rest."
"Rest is overrated," Nora declared, stretching her arms out. "But fine, I guess I'll nap. Wake me up if we pass anything cool, like a giant Grimm or a pancake festival."
"Noted," I said, laughing.
As the van hummed along the quiet highway, the golden hues of the setting sun began to paint the horizon. The soft light filtered through the windows, casting warm, flickering patterns across the interior.
Nora had indeed drifted off, curled up in one of the bunks with Tigger sprawled lazily across her stomach. The little tiara someone had placed on him earlier was still there, slightly askew but strangely fitting.
Pyrrha sat near the back, quietly polishing her weapons. Every so often, she glanced out the window, her expression serene as she watched the world pass by.
Ren was in the passenger seat now, keeping an eye on the map and occasionally pointing out upcoming turns. He seemed more relaxed than usual, sipping his tea from a travel mug.
"Hey, Ren," I said, breaking the comfortable silence. "Got any of that tea left?"
He raised an eyebrow but passed me the thermos. "Sure. It's still warm."
I poured myself a small cup, the steam wafting up with a soothing herbal aroma. I took a sip and blinked in surprise.
"I'm still surprised how good this is, never liked straight tea"
Ren gave a small smile. "Maybe your power just gave you good taste."
I frowned slightly, swirling the tea in the cup. It tasted... brighter, somehow. Fresher.
"Maybe my aura thing is affecting my taste buds now," I muttered.
Ren shook his head, though there was a faint hint of pride in his expression. "I think it's just good tea."
As the van continued its steady pace, I glanced at the map Ren had been holding earlier. We were making good time, but the dirt roads leading to Hallifax would likely slow us down tomorrow.
"You know," I said, "we've been through a lot lately. Maybe when we get to Hallifax, we take a day to just... breathe. Explore a bit before moving on."
Pyrrha nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds like a good idea. It's been a while since we've had a moment to just enjoy ourselves."
Ren hummed in agreement. "Hallifax is supposed to have some interesting local food. That might be worth checking out."
"Sold," I said, grinning. "We'll make it a mini-vacation. Nora will love that."
From the back, Nora mumbled something unintelligible in her sleep, as if already dreaming about the pancakes or festivals she'd been hoping for.
The warm glow of the campfire flickered against the makeshift rock screen, casting dancing shadows across our little campsite. Pyrrha handed me the crackers, her fingers slightly sticky from the marshmallow remnants clinging to them.
"Thanks," I said, carefully balancing a toasted marshmallow between two chocolate-topped crackers. The heat from the marshmallow melted the chocolate just enough to ooze slightly, and I took a bite, savoring the gooey perfection.
Pyrrha leaned back on her hands, her hair catching the firelight in a way that made her look beautiful. She gave me a playful smirk as she licked a bit of melted chocolate off her thumb.
Ren sat nearby, his cup of tea in hand, quietly enjoying the scene. He had opted out of the s'mores, as usual, claiming they were too sweet for his taste. Instead, he'd prepared a small bowl of roasted nuts, which he occasionally shared with Tigger, who lounged lazily in his lap, dunno if cats can eat those, but him being magical and with aura, I wasn't really worried, and at worst I could heal him up.
Nora, of course, was in her element. She had a stack of s'mores piled high on a plate beside her, each one an architectural marvel of marshmallow and chocolate. She was halfway through her third when she pointed at the rock screen with a sticky finger.
"Jaune, are you sure this movie is good? It looks... old," she said, her mouth half-full.
"It's a classic," I insisted, gesturing at the screen. "Trust me, you'll love it. It's got action, adventure, and—"
"Romance?" Pyrrha cut in with a teasing grin.
I chuckled. "Maybe a little. But mostly explosions."
"Good enough for me!" Nora said, leaning back with a satisfied grin.
Ren adjusted the projector we'd set up—well, technically, it was Nora's scroll balanced on a few stacked rocks with a lens attachment we'd jury-rigged. The screen shimmered as the opening credits began to roll.
As the movie played, the sounds of laughter, cheers, and the occasional gasp filled the air. Pyrrha rested her head on my shoulder halfway through, and I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer.
"This is nice," she murmured softly, her voice almost lost under the crackle of the fire.
"Yeah," I agreed, glancing around at my team. For the first time in a while, everything felt... normal.
Even Tigger seemed to be enjoying himself, purring contentedly as Ren scratched behind his ears.
As the movie reached its climactic finale, Nora cheered loudly, nearly spilling her s'mores stack in the process. Pyrrha laughed, and even Ren cracked a rare smile.
When the credits rolled, we sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the fire crackling softly as the stars began to peek out overhead.
"Alright," Nora declared, standing up and stretching. "That was fun, but next time, I'm picking the movie. Something with more explosions!"
"More explosions than that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You'd be surprised," she said with a mischievous grin.
As we packed up for the night, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the campfire.
As the fire dwindled to glowing embers, we packed up the last of our little campsite. Pyrrha carefully tucked the leftover crackers and chocolate into a bag while Ren doused the fire with water, sending up a final hiss of steam into the cool night air.
"Alright, team," I said, stifling a yawn. "Time to hit the bunks. We've got a long stretch to Hallifax tomorrow."
Nora groaned dramatically, dragging her feet toward the van. "But I was just getting comfy out here!"
Ren gave her a pointed look as he picked up her bag. "You'll appreciate the van's warmth when the bugs come out."
"Fine," she huffed, stomping up the steps and into the van.
Inside, the space was cozy but well-organized. Tigger was already curled up on his little cot near the back, his tail twitching slightly as he dreamed. Ren and Nora claimed one of the bunks on the left side, with Nora sprawling out first and Ren squeezing in beside her with practiced ease.
"Watch your elbows, Nora," Ren muttered, shifting as she stretched out like a starfish.
"No promises," she said, grinning before pulling a blanket over herself.
Pyrrha and I climbed into the bunk opposite them. It was snug but comfortable, and I didn't mind the closeness. Pyrrha settled in first, her hair fanning out against the pillow, and I slid in beside her, careful not to jostle her too much.
"You good?" I asked, adjusting the blanket over us.
She smiled softly. "I'm perfect."
The van hummed gently around us, its systems quietly running as it recharged for the next day. The faint glow of the dashboard lights cast a soft ambiance across the space.
From the other bunk, Nora's voice broke the quiet. "Ren, stop hogging the blanket!"
"You're the one pulling it all to your side," Ren replied, his voice calm but tired.
"Am not!"
"Are too."
Pyrrha and I exchanged a look, trying not to laugh. I reached down to scratch Tigger behind the ears as he let out a sleepy purr.
"Goodnight, everyone," I said, settling in and closing my eyes.
"Goodnight, Jaune," Pyrrha murmured beside me, her voice soft and comforting.
"Night," Ren added, followed by a muffled, "Ow, Nora!"
"Oops," came Nora's unapologetic reply.
"We're here," Pyrrha announced, her voice clear and cheerful as she pulled the blanket off me.
I groaned, rubbing my eyes. "Already?"
Tigger, unfortunately, took the brunt of Pyrrha's enthusiasm. The blanket tumbled him off the bed with a startled "Meoow!" He landed on the floor, glaring up at us with the kind of disdain only a cat could muster.
"Sorry, buddy," I muttered, leaning down to give him a quick scratch behind the ears.
Ren was stirring in the opposite bunk, but Nora had him locked in a bear hug. He tried shifting slightly, but Nora's grip was ironclad even in her sleep.
I chuckled softly at the sight before turning my attention to the window. As I pulled back the curtain, I blinked at the view outside.
"Wow," I muttered.
The outpost was far more fortified than I'd expected. Wide concrete walls stretched around the perimeter, dotted with imposing turrets that looked fully operational. Militiamen patrolled the top of the walls, their armor gleaming under the early morning sun. A mix of old-world charm and modern practicality, the place exuded a sense of order and preparedness.
"For a little frontier outpost, this is… impressive," I said, still taking it in.
Pyrrha nodded, leaning beside me to look out the window. "They're well-prepared. It's good to see people taking security seriously out here."
Ren finally managed to pry himself free from Nora's embrace, gently easing her arms off him and sitting up. His hair was a little messy, but he looked alert as he joined us at the window.
"They've probably had to deal with their fair share of trouble," he said, his tone thoughtful.
"Yeah, but this?" I gestured to the walls. "This is practically a fortress."
Behind us, Nora yawned loudly and stretched, sitting up with a sleepy grin. "Fortress or not, I hope they've got breakfast."
"Priorities," Ren muttered, shaking his head but smiling faintly.
Pyrrha gave me a nudge. "Should we head out and introduce ourselves?"
"Yeah, let's see what this place is all about," I said, grabbing my jacket and heading toward the van door.
We stepped out of the van, the morning air crisp and fresh. The hum of activity from the outpost filled the space, a mixture of distant voices, the clink of metal, and the occasional bark of orders.
Tigger darted out first, tail held high as he sniffed around. The little guy seemed completely unfazed by the towering walls and armed guards.
The main gate loomed ahead, a thick slab of reinforced steel flanked by two watchtowers. As we approached, a guard at the top called down. "Halt! State your business!"
Pyrrha stepped forward, her posture calm but confident. "We're just travelers passing through. Looking for supplies and maybe a place to rest before continuing on."
The guard eyed us for a moment, then nodded. "Wait there."
A moment later, the gate creaked open just enough to let a figure step through. A woman in a plate carrier, her dark hair tied back in a ponytail, approached. She looked like she meant business, but there was a kindness in her eyes that put me at ease.
"Welcome to Hallifax Outpost," she said, her voice firm but not unkind. "I'm Captain Elara. We don't get many travelers this far north. What brings you here?"
I stepped forward this time. "We're on our way to Vytal. Figured this would be a good place to stock up and rest before heading into the wilderness."
Elara studied us for a moment, her gaze sharp but not accusatory. "Vytal, huh? That's a long way from here. You'll definitely want to be prepared." She gestured toward the gate. "Come on in. We'll see what we can do for you."
As we followed her inside, the full scope of the outpost came into view. The walls enclosed a bustling community, with buildings made of sturdy wood and stone. Market stalls lined one side of the main square, offering everything from fresh produce to weapons. Children played near a small fountain, their laughter a cheerful contrast to the otherwise utilitarian atmosphere.
"This place is amazing," Pyrrha said softly, her admiration evident.
"Built it up ourselves over the years," Elara said proudly. "We're not as big as the cities, but we've got everything we need to survive out here."
"Survive and thrive, it looks like," Ren added, nodding toward the market.
Nora, meanwhile, was already eyeing a stall selling baked goods. "Do you think they have bacon?" she whispered to me.
I laughed. "Maybe. Let's see what they've got."
Elara led us toward a central building that looked like a combination of a town hall and a command center. "You can park your van in the lot over there," she said, pointing to a cleared area near the wall. "We've got a bunkhouse if you'd rather sleep somewhere more comfortable tonight."
"Thanks," I said. "We appreciate it."
The bunkhouse was a simple but cozy setup. Wooden walls gave the place a rustic charm, and the faint smell of pine lingered in the air. Each bed had clean sheets, a thick blanket, and a small nightstand with a lantern. It wasn't luxury, but after days on the road, it felt like heaven.
Ren and Nora claimed one of the beds immediately, Nora flopping onto it with a dramatic sigh of contentment. Ren sat beside her, shaking his head but smiling softly. Pyrrha and I took the bed opposite them. I sat down, the mattress creaking slightly under my weight.
"Not bad," I said, leaning back against the wall.
Pyrrha nodded, her eyes scanning the room. "It's nice to have a roof over our heads for a change."
Tigger, the kitty explorer, leaped onto the top of Nora's bed and curled up, his tail flicking lazily.
After we dropped off our gear, we decided to explore the town and grab some breakfast. The market was alive with activity, vendors calling out their wares and townsfolk chatting as they went about their day.
We found a small café tucked into the corner of the square. The smell of fresh bread and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, drawing us in like moths to a flame.
The café owner, an older woman with a warm smile, greeted us. "Travelers, eh? Take a seat. I'll whip you up something special."
We settled at a wooden table near the window. Nora was practically bouncing in her seat, her eyes darting to the kitchen.
"Do you think they have brownies?" she whispered, her voice tinged with hope.
The owner returned with a tray laden with food: plates of fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a basket of fresh bread. Nora's face lit up like a kid on their birthday.
"I love this town," she declared, diving into her plate.
Ren chuckled softly, pouring himself a cup of tea from a pot the owner had left on the table. "Let's not get too comfortable. We've still got a long way to go."
I took a bite of a little baguette, the bread toasted and buttery. "If every stop is like this, I might start enjoying this trip a little too much."
Pyrrha smiled, her hand resting lightly on mine. "It's nice to take a moment to breathe."
After breakfast, we wandered the market for a bit, picking up a few supplies: some extra food, a map of the area, and a set of replacement fuses for the van. By the time we returned to the bunkhouse, the sun was high in the sky, and the warmth of the day was starting to seep in.
We settled in for a nap, the soft hum of the town outside lulling us to sleep.
I woke to the sound of distant shouting. My eyes snapped open, and I sat up, the blanket pooling around my waist. Pyrrha stirred beside me, her brow furrowed.
"What's going on?" she murmured.
Ren and Nora were already up, Ren standing by the window, peering out into the street.
"There's some kind of commotion," he said, his voice calm but alert.
I climbed out of bed and joined him at the window. A small crowd was gathering near the center of town, their voices a mix of confusion and concern.
Tigger hopped down from his perch, stretching before padding over to Pyrrha. She scooped him up, her expression serious.
"Let's check it out," I said, grabbing my jacket.
As we stepped outside, the air felt heavier, charged with unease. We followed the murmurs of the crowd to the local inn, where a group of townsfolk and militia had gathered.
"What happened?" I asked a nearby guard.
The man turned to me, his face pale. "One of the huntsmen staying here… he's fallen into a coma. No one knows why."
The words sent a chill down my spine. Huntsmen didn't just collapse like that—not without a reason.
Pyrrha's grip on my arm tightened. "This isn't normal."
"No," I agreed, my mind racing. "It's not."
The crowd parted slightly, and I caught a glimpse of the huntsman being carried out on a stretcher, his face pale and still.
The crowd buzzed with whispers as the stretcher was loaded into a waiting cart, bound for the town's small medical clinic. Pyrrha and I exchanged a glance, the unspoken agreement clear between us. This wasn't something we could ignore.
Ren folded his arms, his expression unreadable but focused. "We should find out more. If a huntsman is affected, it could mean trouble for the rest of the town."
Nora nodded vigorously, her earlier excitement replaced with a serious determination. "Yeah, no way we're letting something weird happen without figuring it out first."
We followed the cart to the clinic, where the town's doctor, a grizzled man with silver hair and a perpetually furrowed brow, was already waiting. He motioned for the stretcher to be brought inside, his hands moving deftly as he checked the huntsman's pulse and examined him.
"What's the diagnosis, Doc?" one of the militia guards asked.
The doctor shook his head, his face grim. "I've never seen anything like this. His vitals are stable, but it's like he's… disconnected. Completely unresponsive, but no signs of injury or illness."
"That's not reassuring," I muttered under my breath.
Pyrrha stepped forward. "Doctor, is there anything we can do to help?"
The man looked up, studying us for a moment before nodding. "If you're huntsmen, then yes. I could use an extra set of eyes to figure out what caused this. He was staying at the inn—his room might have clues."
"On it," I said, already heading for the door.
The innkeeper was waiting for us when we arrived, a nervous look on his face. He wrung his hands as he led us to the huntsman's room on the second floor.
"I didn't notice anything strange," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "He came in last night, seemed fine. Then this morning, he didn't come down for breakfast, so I sent someone to check on him. Found him like that."
The room was simple, with a neatly made bed, a small desk, and a travel bag resting in the corner. Ren immediately began examining the bag, while Nora checked the desk drawers. Pyrrha and I focused on the bed, looking for any signs of what might have happened.
"Nothing unusual here," Ren said, holding up a neatly folded set of spare clothes.
"Same here," Nora added, tossing aside a blank notebook.
I knelt by the bed, running my hand over the sheets. There was a faint residue—something slick and tar-like.
"Pyrrha, look at this," I said, holding my hand up to show her.
She leaned in, her brows furrowing. "What is that?"
Ren walked over, examining it closely. "No idea, it looks like Grimm ichor... but the room looks fine."
I wiped the residue onto a cloth and pocketed it. "We'll take this to the doctor. Maybe he can analyze it."
As we turned to leave, a sudden chill swept through the room, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Pyrrha's hand instinctively went to her weapon, and Ren and Nora tensed.
"Did anyone else feel that?" I asked, my voice low.
"Yeah," Nora said, her hammer already in her hands. "That wasn't normal."
The air grew heavy, oppressive, and for a moment, I thought I saw a shadow flicker across the wall—something unnatural, something watching us.
"Let's get out of here," Ren said, his voice steady but firm.
We didn't need to be told twice.
Back at the clinic, the doctor examined the residue under a magnifying lens. He frowned, his expression growing darker by the second.
"It looks like Grimm blood," he said finally. "But that's impossible."
"What do you mean?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.
The doctor shook his head. "It's Grimm blood, but that's the issue, It should have vaporized already. If you're planning to stay in town, I'd suggest being on high alert. This .... in my medical opinion, weird."
Pyrrha placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll keep a eye out doctor."
I nodded, my resolve hardening. Whatever was happening here, we couldn't just walk away.
The town needed all the help it could get.
CP Bank:500cp
Perks earned this chapter : none
Milestone reached this chapter :
A nightmare in Hallifax street: Something wicked this way comes: 500 cp
"Nope," I replied, keeping my eyes on the road ahead.
"Are you sure?" she pressed, leaning forward slightly from her spot in the back.
"Nora, you asked that ten minutes ago," Ren chimed in, his tone calm but with just a hint of exasperation.
"Yeah, and ten minutes ago, I thought we were closer!" she shot back, crossing her arms with a dramatic pout.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "We've still got a ways to go, Nora. We should reach Hallifax by tomorrow evening if everything goes smoothly."
Nora groaned and flopped back into her seat. "Tomorrow? That's forever away!"
"It's not that bad," Pyrrha said, smiling gently. "Think of it as more time to enjoy the journey."
"Enjoy the journey," Nora mimicked with a mock-serious tone before breaking into a grin. "I guess you're right. More time to bug Jaune!"
"Lucky me," I muttered, though I couldn't help but smile.
Ren, ever the voice of reason, leaned back in his seat. "We should take another day to get there, anyway. It's safer to pace ourselves, and it'll give everyone time to rest."
"Rest is overrated," Nora declared, stretching her arms out. "But fine, I guess I'll nap. Wake me up if we pass anything cool, like a giant Grimm or a pancake festival."
"Noted," I said, laughing.
As the van hummed along the quiet highway, the golden hues of the setting sun began to paint the horizon. The soft light filtered through the windows, casting warm, flickering patterns across the interior.
Nora had indeed drifted off, curled up in one of the bunks with Tigger sprawled lazily across her stomach. The little tiara someone had placed on him earlier was still there, slightly askew but strangely fitting.
Pyrrha sat near the back, quietly polishing her weapons. Every so often, she glanced out the window, her expression serene as she watched the world pass by.
Ren was in the passenger seat now, keeping an eye on the map and occasionally pointing out upcoming turns. He seemed more relaxed than usual, sipping his tea from a travel mug.
"Hey, Ren," I said, breaking the comfortable silence. "Got any of that tea left?"
He raised an eyebrow but passed me the thermos. "Sure. It's still warm."
I poured myself a small cup, the steam wafting up with a soothing herbal aroma. I took a sip and blinked in surprise.
"I'm still surprised how good this is, never liked straight tea"
Ren gave a small smile. "Maybe your power just gave you good taste."
I frowned slightly, swirling the tea in the cup. It tasted... brighter, somehow. Fresher.
"Maybe my aura thing is affecting my taste buds now," I muttered.
Ren shook his head, though there was a faint hint of pride in his expression. "I think it's just good tea."
As the van continued its steady pace, I glanced at the map Ren had been holding earlier. We were making good time, but the dirt roads leading to Hallifax would likely slow us down tomorrow.
"You know," I said, "we've been through a lot lately. Maybe when we get to Hallifax, we take a day to just... breathe. Explore a bit before moving on."
Pyrrha nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds like a good idea. It's been a while since we've had a moment to just enjoy ourselves."
Ren hummed in agreement. "Hallifax is supposed to have some interesting local food. That might be worth checking out."
"Sold," I said, grinning. "We'll make it a mini-vacation. Nora will love that."
From the back, Nora mumbled something unintelligible in her sleep, as if already dreaming about the pancakes or festivals she'd been hoping for.
The warm glow of the campfire flickered against the makeshift rock screen, casting dancing shadows across our little campsite. Pyrrha handed me the crackers, her fingers slightly sticky from the marshmallow remnants clinging to them.
"Thanks," I said, carefully balancing a toasted marshmallow between two chocolate-topped crackers. The heat from the marshmallow melted the chocolate just enough to ooze slightly, and I took a bite, savoring the gooey perfection.
Pyrrha leaned back on her hands, her hair catching the firelight in a way that made her look beautiful. She gave me a playful smirk as she licked a bit of melted chocolate off her thumb.
Ren sat nearby, his cup of tea in hand, quietly enjoying the scene. He had opted out of the s'mores, as usual, claiming they were too sweet for his taste. Instead, he'd prepared a small bowl of roasted nuts, which he occasionally shared with Tigger, who lounged lazily in his lap, dunno if cats can eat those, but him being magical and with aura, I wasn't really worried, and at worst I could heal him up.
Nora, of course, was in her element. She had a stack of s'mores piled high on a plate beside her, each one an architectural marvel of marshmallow and chocolate. She was halfway through her third when she pointed at the rock screen with a sticky finger.
"Jaune, are you sure this movie is good? It looks... old," she said, her mouth half-full.
"It's a classic," I insisted, gesturing at the screen. "Trust me, you'll love it. It's got action, adventure, and—"
"Romance?" Pyrrha cut in with a teasing grin.
I chuckled. "Maybe a little. But mostly explosions."
"Good enough for me!" Nora said, leaning back with a satisfied grin.
Ren adjusted the projector we'd set up—well, technically, it was Nora's scroll balanced on a few stacked rocks with a lens attachment we'd jury-rigged. The screen shimmered as the opening credits began to roll.
As the movie played, the sounds of laughter, cheers, and the occasional gasp filled the air. Pyrrha rested her head on my shoulder halfway through, and I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer.
"This is nice," she murmured softly, her voice almost lost under the crackle of the fire.
"Yeah," I agreed, glancing around at my team. For the first time in a while, everything felt... normal.
Even Tigger seemed to be enjoying himself, purring contentedly as Ren scratched behind his ears.
As the movie reached its climactic finale, Nora cheered loudly, nearly spilling her s'mores stack in the process. Pyrrha laughed, and even Ren cracked a rare smile.
When the credits rolled, we sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the fire crackling softly as the stars began to peek out overhead.
"Alright," Nora declared, standing up and stretching. "That was fun, but next time, I'm picking the movie. Something with more explosions!"
"More explosions than that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You'd be surprised," she said with a mischievous grin.
As we packed up for the night, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the campfire.
As the fire dwindled to glowing embers, we packed up the last of our little campsite. Pyrrha carefully tucked the leftover crackers and chocolate into a bag while Ren doused the fire with water, sending up a final hiss of steam into the cool night air.
"Alright, team," I said, stifling a yawn. "Time to hit the bunks. We've got a long stretch to Hallifax tomorrow."
Nora groaned dramatically, dragging her feet toward the van. "But I was just getting comfy out here!"
Ren gave her a pointed look as he picked up her bag. "You'll appreciate the van's warmth when the bugs come out."
"Fine," she huffed, stomping up the steps and into the van.
Inside, the space was cozy but well-organized. Tigger was already curled up on his little cot near the back, his tail twitching slightly as he dreamed. Ren and Nora claimed one of the bunks on the left side, with Nora sprawling out first and Ren squeezing in beside her with practiced ease.
"Watch your elbows, Nora," Ren muttered, shifting as she stretched out like a starfish.
"No promises," she said, grinning before pulling a blanket over herself.
Pyrrha and I climbed into the bunk opposite them. It was snug but comfortable, and I didn't mind the closeness. Pyrrha settled in first, her hair fanning out against the pillow, and I slid in beside her, careful not to jostle her too much.
"You good?" I asked, adjusting the blanket over us.
She smiled softly. "I'm perfect."
The van hummed gently around us, its systems quietly running as it recharged for the next day. The faint glow of the dashboard lights cast a soft ambiance across the space.
From the other bunk, Nora's voice broke the quiet. "Ren, stop hogging the blanket!"
"You're the one pulling it all to your side," Ren replied, his voice calm but tired.
"Am not!"
"Are too."
Pyrrha and I exchanged a look, trying not to laugh. I reached down to scratch Tigger behind the ears as he let out a sleepy purr.
"Goodnight, everyone," I said, settling in and closing my eyes.
"Goodnight, Jaune," Pyrrha murmured beside me, her voice soft and comforting.
"Night," Ren added, followed by a muffled, "Ow, Nora!"
"Oops," came Nora's unapologetic reply.
"We're here," Pyrrha announced, her voice clear and cheerful as she pulled the blanket off me.
I groaned, rubbing my eyes. "Already?"
Tigger, unfortunately, took the brunt of Pyrrha's enthusiasm. The blanket tumbled him off the bed with a startled "Meoow!" He landed on the floor, glaring up at us with the kind of disdain only a cat could muster.
"Sorry, buddy," I muttered, leaning down to give him a quick scratch behind the ears.
Ren was stirring in the opposite bunk, but Nora had him locked in a bear hug. He tried shifting slightly, but Nora's grip was ironclad even in her sleep.
I chuckled softly at the sight before turning my attention to the window. As I pulled back the curtain, I blinked at the view outside.
"Wow," I muttered.
The outpost was far more fortified than I'd expected. Wide concrete walls stretched around the perimeter, dotted with imposing turrets that looked fully operational. Militiamen patrolled the top of the walls, their armor gleaming under the early morning sun. A mix of old-world charm and modern practicality, the place exuded a sense of order and preparedness.
"For a little frontier outpost, this is… impressive," I said, still taking it in.
Pyrrha nodded, leaning beside me to look out the window. "They're well-prepared. It's good to see people taking security seriously out here."
Ren finally managed to pry himself free from Nora's embrace, gently easing her arms off him and sitting up. His hair was a little messy, but he looked alert as he joined us at the window.
"They've probably had to deal with their fair share of trouble," he said, his tone thoughtful.
"Yeah, but this?" I gestured to the walls. "This is practically a fortress."
Behind us, Nora yawned loudly and stretched, sitting up with a sleepy grin. "Fortress or not, I hope they've got breakfast."
"Priorities," Ren muttered, shaking his head but smiling faintly.
Pyrrha gave me a nudge. "Should we head out and introduce ourselves?"
"Yeah, let's see what this place is all about," I said, grabbing my jacket and heading toward the van door.
We stepped out of the van, the morning air crisp and fresh. The hum of activity from the outpost filled the space, a mixture of distant voices, the clink of metal, and the occasional bark of orders.
Tigger darted out first, tail held high as he sniffed around. The little guy seemed completely unfazed by the towering walls and armed guards.
The main gate loomed ahead, a thick slab of reinforced steel flanked by two watchtowers. As we approached, a guard at the top called down. "Halt! State your business!"
Pyrrha stepped forward, her posture calm but confident. "We're just travelers passing through. Looking for supplies and maybe a place to rest before continuing on."
The guard eyed us for a moment, then nodded. "Wait there."
A moment later, the gate creaked open just enough to let a figure step through. A woman in a plate carrier, her dark hair tied back in a ponytail, approached. She looked like she meant business, but there was a kindness in her eyes that put me at ease.
"Welcome to Hallifax Outpost," she said, her voice firm but not unkind. "I'm Captain Elara. We don't get many travelers this far north. What brings you here?"
I stepped forward this time. "We're on our way to Vytal. Figured this would be a good place to stock up and rest before heading into the wilderness."
Elara studied us for a moment, her gaze sharp but not accusatory. "Vytal, huh? That's a long way from here. You'll definitely want to be prepared." She gestured toward the gate. "Come on in. We'll see what we can do for you."
As we followed her inside, the full scope of the outpost came into view. The walls enclosed a bustling community, with buildings made of sturdy wood and stone. Market stalls lined one side of the main square, offering everything from fresh produce to weapons. Children played near a small fountain, their laughter a cheerful contrast to the otherwise utilitarian atmosphere.
"This place is amazing," Pyrrha said softly, her admiration evident.
"Built it up ourselves over the years," Elara said proudly. "We're not as big as the cities, but we've got everything we need to survive out here."
"Survive and thrive, it looks like," Ren added, nodding toward the market.
Nora, meanwhile, was already eyeing a stall selling baked goods. "Do you think they have bacon?" she whispered to me.
I laughed. "Maybe. Let's see what they've got."
Elara led us toward a central building that looked like a combination of a town hall and a command center. "You can park your van in the lot over there," she said, pointing to a cleared area near the wall. "We've got a bunkhouse if you'd rather sleep somewhere more comfortable tonight."
"Thanks," I said. "We appreciate it."
The bunkhouse was a simple but cozy setup. Wooden walls gave the place a rustic charm, and the faint smell of pine lingered in the air. Each bed had clean sheets, a thick blanket, and a small nightstand with a lantern. It wasn't luxury, but after days on the road, it felt like heaven.
Ren and Nora claimed one of the beds immediately, Nora flopping onto it with a dramatic sigh of contentment. Ren sat beside her, shaking his head but smiling softly. Pyrrha and I took the bed opposite them. I sat down, the mattress creaking slightly under my weight.
"Not bad," I said, leaning back against the wall.
Pyrrha nodded, her eyes scanning the room. "It's nice to have a roof over our heads for a change."
Tigger, the kitty explorer, leaped onto the top of Nora's bed and curled up, his tail flicking lazily.
After we dropped off our gear, we decided to explore the town and grab some breakfast. The market was alive with activity, vendors calling out their wares and townsfolk chatting as they went about their day.
We found a small café tucked into the corner of the square. The smell of fresh bread and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, drawing us in like moths to a flame.
The café owner, an older woman with a warm smile, greeted us. "Travelers, eh? Take a seat. I'll whip you up something special."
We settled at a wooden table near the window. Nora was practically bouncing in her seat, her eyes darting to the kitchen.
"Do you think they have brownies?" she whispered, her voice tinged with hope.
The owner returned with a tray laden with food: plates of fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a basket of fresh bread. Nora's face lit up like a kid on their birthday.
"I love this town," she declared, diving into her plate.
Ren chuckled softly, pouring himself a cup of tea from a pot the owner had left on the table. "Let's not get too comfortable. We've still got a long way to go."
I took a bite of a little baguette, the bread toasted and buttery. "If every stop is like this, I might start enjoying this trip a little too much."
Pyrrha smiled, her hand resting lightly on mine. "It's nice to take a moment to breathe."
After breakfast, we wandered the market for a bit, picking up a few supplies: some extra food, a map of the area, and a set of replacement fuses for the van. By the time we returned to the bunkhouse, the sun was high in the sky, and the warmth of the day was starting to seep in.
We settled in for a nap, the soft hum of the town outside lulling us to sleep.
I woke to the sound of distant shouting. My eyes snapped open, and I sat up, the blanket pooling around my waist. Pyrrha stirred beside me, her brow furrowed.
"What's going on?" she murmured.
Ren and Nora were already up, Ren standing by the window, peering out into the street.
"There's some kind of commotion," he said, his voice calm but alert.
I climbed out of bed and joined him at the window. A small crowd was gathering near the center of town, their voices a mix of confusion and concern.
Tigger hopped down from his perch, stretching before padding over to Pyrrha. She scooped him up, her expression serious.
"Let's check it out," I said, grabbing my jacket.
As we stepped outside, the air felt heavier, charged with unease. We followed the murmurs of the crowd to the local inn, where a group of townsfolk and militia had gathered.
"What happened?" I asked a nearby guard.
The man turned to me, his face pale. "One of the huntsmen staying here… he's fallen into a coma. No one knows why."
The words sent a chill down my spine. Huntsmen didn't just collapse like that—not without a reason.
Pyrrha's grip on my arm tightened. "This isn't normal."
"No," I agreed, my mind racing. "It's not."
The crowd parted slightly, and I caught a glimpse of the huntsman being carried out on a stretcher, his face pale and still.
The crowd buzzed with whispers as the stretcher was loaded into a waiting cart, bound for the town's small medical clinic. Pyrrha and I exchanged a glance, the unspoken agreement clear between us. This wasn't something we could ignore.
Ren folded his arms, his expression unreadable but focused. "We should find out more. If a huntsman is affected, it could mean trouble for the rest of the town."
Nora nodded vigorously, her earlier excitement replaced with a serious determination. "Yeah, no way we're letting something weird happen without figuring it out first."
We followed the cart to the clinic, where the town's doctor, a grizzled man with silver hair and a perpetually furrowed brow, was already waiting. He motioned for the stretcher to be brought inside, his hands moving deftly as he checked the huntsman's pulse and examined him.
"What's the diagnosis, Doc?" one of the militia guards asked.
The doctor shook his head, his face grim. "I've never seen anything like this. His vitals are stable, but it's like he's… disconnected. Completely unresponsive, but no signs of injury or illness."
"That's not reassuring," I muttered under my breath.
Pyrrha stepped forward. "Doctor, is there anything we can do to help?"
The man looked up, studying us for a moment before nodding. "If you're huntsmen, then yes. I could use an extra set of eyes to figure out what caused this. He was staying at the inn—his room might have clues."
"On it," I said, already heading for the door.
The innkeeper was waiting for us when we arrived, a nervous look on his face. He wrung his hands as he led us to the huntsman's room on the second floor.
"I didn't notice anything strange," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "He came in last night, seemed fine. Then this morning, he didn't come down for breakfast, so I sent someone to check on him. Found him like that."
The room was simple, with a neatly made bed, a small desk, and a travel bag resting in the corner. Ren immediately began examining the bag, while Nora checked the desk drawers. Pyrrha and I focused on the bed, looking for any signs of what might have happened.
"Nothing unusual here," Ren said, holding up a neatly folded set of spare clothes.
"Same here," Nora added, tossing aside a blank notebook.
I knelt by the bed, running my hand over the sheets. There was a faint residue—something slick and tar-like.
"Pyrrha, look at this," I said, holding my hand up to show her.
She leaned in, her brows furrowing. "What is that?"
Ren walked over, examining it closely. "No idea, it looks like Grimm ichor... but the room looks fine."
I wiped the residue onto a cloth and pocketed it. "We'll take this to the doctor. Maybe he can analyze it."
As we turned to leave, a sudden chill swept through the room, making the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Pyrrha's hand instinctively went to her weapon, and Ren and Nora tensed.
"Did anyone else feel that?" I asked, my voice low.
"Yeah," Nora said, her hammer already in her hands. "That wasn't normal."
The air grew heavy, oppressive, and for a moment, I thought I saw a shadow flicker across the wall—something unnatural, something watching us.
"Let's get out of here," Ren said, his voice steady but firm.
We didn't need to be told twice.
Back at the clinic, the doctor examined the residue under a magnifying lens. He frowned, his expression growing darker by the second.
"It looks like Grimm blood," he said finally. "But that's impossible."
"What do you mean?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.
The doctor shook his head. "It's Grimm blood, but that's the issue, It should have vaporized already. If you're planning to stay in town, I'd suggest being on high alert. This .... in my medical opinion, weird."
Pyrrha placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll keep a eye out doctor."
I nodded, my resolve hardening. Whatever was happening here, we couldn't just walk away.
The town needed all the help it could get.
CP Bank:500cp
Perks earned this chapter : none
Milestone reached this chapter :
A nightmare in Hallifax street: Something wicked this way comes: 500 cp