Chapter 5: The Grimm's Partner
The air in Portland had a crisp, autumnal bite, a stark contrast to the simmering tension that seemed to follow Adam like a second shadow. He was getting used to it, though. The constant hum of the System, the subtle pull of his Grimm bloodline, the knowledge of what was coming – it was all becoming his new normal. He was even starting to enjoy the coffee shop owner gig, despite the occasional Wesen trying to shake him down.
Nick, on the other hand, looked like he hadn't slept in a week. The constant exposure to the Wesen world, the moral dilemmas, the sheer weirdness of it all, was taking its toll. Hank was still trying to process everything, his skepticism slowly eroding with each new woge. Monroe, bless his Blutbad heart, was a constant source of nervous energy and surprisingly insightful Wesen lore.
"So, the latest," Nick said, walking into The Daily Grind, his voice flat. "Another missing person. And this one… it's got the hallmarks of a Spinnetod."
Adam, who was expertly frothing milk for a latte, didn't even look up. "Spider-Wesen. Nasty. They like to wrap their victims in silk and drain them. And if memory serves, this one's connected to a Siegbarste."
Nick stopped dead. "A Siegbarste? You mean those super-strong, thick-skinned Wesen? The ones that are practically invulnerable?"
"The very same," Adam confirmed, setting the perfectly frothed latte down. "And if my 'informed intuition' is correct, we're talking about the one from 'The Three Bad Wolves.' The one who's been causing trouble for a while. This is going to be a fun one, Nick. Like trying to punch a brick wall, if the brick wall also wanted to eat your face."
Monroe, who had just entered, nearly choked on his tea. "A Siegbarste? Oh, dear. They're… formidable. Very, very formidable. Like, don't-even-think-about-it formidable."
"Which is why we're going to be extra formidable," Adam said, a glint in his eye. "We're going to need a plan. And maybe some very large, very sharp objects."
They spent the next few hours poring over maps and police reports. Adam, using his knowledge of the episode, pinpointed the likely location of the Spinnetod's lair – an abandoned industrial complex on the edge of town. He knew the Siegbarste would be there, too, acting as a bodyguard or enforcer.
As they prepared to leave, the bell above the coffee shop door chimed again. Adam looked up, and his breath caught. Standing in the doorway was a woman he didn't recognize, yet felt an immediate, profound connection to. She was tall, with an athletic build, and her eyes held an ancient, knowing look. She carried herself with an almost regal confidence, a quiet power radiating from her.
This is it, Adam realized. My new Grimm partner. The one sent by her dead father. The one who's supposed to train me.
She walked directly to Adam, her gaze unwavering. "Adam Stiels," she said, her voice low and steady, a hint of an accent he couldn't quite place. "I am here. My father sent me. To protect you. And your key."
Nick, who had been about to head out, froze, his eyes wide. Monroe, meanwhile, looked like he was about to faint.
Adam, recovering quickly, offered a small, welcoming smile. "Well, it's about time. I was starting to think I was going to have to fight all these monsters by myself. The name's Adam. And you are?"
"Kathleen," she replied, her eyes briefly flickering to Nick, a flash of recognition. "And I am a Grimm. Like you. And him." She gestured to Nick. "Though, your bloodline… it is purer. Older. You hold more than one key, Adam. Four, to be exact. The one Nick carries is merely a fragment of a larger map."
Nick's jaw dropped. "Four keys? What are you talking about?"
"Long story, Nick," Adam said, a wry grin. "Looks like my family tree has some seriously deep roots. And some very important secrets. Kathleen, this is Nick Burkhardt, my… partner in crime-fighting. And this is Monroe, our resident Wesen expert and cuckoo clock enthusiast."
Kathleen nodded curtly to Nick and Monroe, her gaze returning to Adam. "My father spoke of your family. He entrusted me with a mission. To ensure your safety. And to train you. You have power, Adam Stiels, but it is raw. Untamed. I will teach you to wield it."
"Sounds like a plan," Adam said, a genuine excitement bubbling within him. Combat training. Finally. "Perfect timing, actually. We're about to go wrangle a giant spider and a walking tank. You up for a warm-up?"
Kathleen's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "I am always ready."
They arrived at the industrial complex. The air was thick with the scent of decay and something metallic – the Siegbarste's unique odor. Inside, the Spinnetod was indeed there, a grotesque spider-human hybrid, its silk shimmering in the dim light, its latest victim already partially encased. And guarding it, a massive, woged Siegbarste, its skin like granite, its eyes glowing with dull menace.
"Alright, new partner," Adam said, his voice low and strategic. "You take the Siegbarste. I'll handle the spider. Nick, Monroe, get the victim out of here."
Kathleen didn't argue. She moved with an almost supernatural fluidity, a silent, deadly blur. She launched herself at the Siegbarste, a whirlwind of kicks and punches. The Siegbarste roared, its thick skin deflecting her initial blows, but Kathleen was relentless. She found the weak points, the subtle openings, striking with precision and power that belied her slender frame.
Adam, meanwhile, engaged the Spinnetod. The spider-Wesen was fast, its silk surprisingly strong and sticky. Adam dodged a web, then another, his enhanced reflexes serving him well. He moved closer, his Aura of the First Grimm flaring, causing the Spinnetod to hesitate, a flicker of primal fear in its multi-faceted eyes.
"Time to untangle yourself, eight-legs," Adam snarled, and with a burst of speed, he closed the distance, delivering a series of rapid, powerful strikes that sent the Spinnetod reeling. He then slammed it against a metal pillar, knocking it unconscious.
[System] Wesen Defeated. Wesen Type: Spinnetod. Extracting... Alchemical Vial Created: Spinnetod Potion.
[System] The Spinnetod Potion grants a minor increase in agility and web-slinging abilities.
A shimmering, silver vial materialized in his hand. He quickly pocketed it.
He turned to see Kathleen still locked in a brutal dance with the Siegbarste. She was a force of nature, her movements graceful yet devastating. She found an opening, a blind spot, and with a powerful, two-handed strike, slammed her fist into the Siegbarste's temple. The massive Wesen staggered, its eyes rolling back, and it crashed to the ground with a seismic thud, woging back to human form, unconscious.
Kathleen stood over it, her chest heaving slightly, but her expression stoic. "Done."
[System] Wesen Defeated. Wesen Type: Siegbarste. Extracting... Alchemical Vial Created: Siegbarste Potion.
[System] The Siegbarste Potion grants a stronger, more durable skin.
Another vial, this one a dull, stony gray, appeared in Adam's hand. He pocketed it, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Kathleen, you're a beast. A beautiful, terrifying, incredibly effective beast. I think we're going to get along just fine."
Nick and Monroe, having safely extracted the victim, stared at the unconscious Wesen and the two Grimms who had so effortlessly dispatched them. Nick looked at Adam, then at Kathleen, a new understanding dawning in his eyes. "Four keys, you said?" he asked Kathleen, his voice barely a whisper. "And you're going to train Adam?"
Kathleen nodded. "The world is larger than you know, Nick Burkhardt. And the threats are far greater. Adam's bloodline… it is the key to stopping them. And I will ensure he is ready."
Adam clapped Nick on the shoulder. "Looks like your world just got a whole lot bigger, detective. And a whole lot more interesting. Welcome to the team, Kathleen. This is going to be fun."
Five vials in the bag. A new, powerful partner. And the revelation of the four keys. This isn't just a fanfic anymore. This is a whole new game. Adam felt a surge of exhilaration. And I'm just getting started.