Fergus was embarrassed. All that jumping about, telling Drac to run. Those memories of getting smashed to the ground flashed in his mind and made him cringe to his core. His only solace was that Marina wasn't there to see his shame. After Bob’s healing, he retreated to a room to hide from Brenna. Fergus sat on the edge of his bed, rubbing the sides of his temple. Bruises from the whack were gone but a massive head persisted. Surge. The aura technique Drac taught him. Maybe this was what he meant. Maybe he wasn’t truly suited.
Fergus shook his head to get rid of those negative thoughts and stood up abruptly. “Fuck this, let's go find Drac.”
After grabbing his baselards, he opened his creaky door to the corridor. In the dark of night, he didn't notice how badly maintained this place was. Cuts on the wallpaint, ripped carpets. The tenants that pass him by don’t look very distinguished. Not a place he would choose to visit on his own accord. After asking a few of the residents, he reached a door. A shirtless, broad-chested man burst out of the room holding a towel. Fergus stared at the man’s inhuman physique. Smooth mahogany skins that skin under the sun from the window. However, experience shows on his skin, as numerous scars line his body. Standing at a good 6 feet, the boy would be noticeable in a crowd anywhere in Tralor. His leanness didn't take away from his musculature. A body truly suited for doing everything and doing it well. To think this boy was just at the start of being an adult.
Drac's eyes met Fergus’s. Fergus looked away to the left.
“Drac… I’m so-”
Drac grabbed Fergus’s shoulder. “Thank you.”
Fergus looked back and Drac’s kind smile beamed. “Without you, I would’ve been crushed under that bug’s fist.”
“But I-”
“Lost? I know. I did too.” Drac tapped his head. “Getting headaches right.”
Surprised, Fergus answered, “Y-yes.”
“Fergie, other people would be in severe pain and would collapse to the floor. Fuck, I did! In a few hours after learning, you implemented Surge. Not only did you use it on your first try, but you almost beat that massive fucker.” Drac pat Fergus on the shoulder. “I have good judgement," he said with a cheeky grin.
Fegus had spent numerous hours practising with his sister. Following her words, her style. Just to hear her compliments. But he has never felt as proud as he did at this moment.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“We are even. Actually, I owe you.” Drac started walking away. “By the way, nice blades.”
“Wait, where are you going?”
Marina spoke next to Drac. “To bath. You need one too.”
Fergus finally noticed Marina.
Clean and dressed, Drac pulled on his gloves as he walked through the reception of the inn with his mask and hood down. There was familiar whispering amongst the gawkers. Only Marina followed, and Bob rested in his room after another busy night for the big man. Drac always felt guilty for how much he depended on Bob. But the dependable priest just grunts and ignores any thanks. Marina walked beside Drac in her simple white shirt, trousers, and long boots. Vambraces were tight and fastened on. Drac stopped by the reception and greeted an old man.
“Morning,” Marina said as she threw a bag of coins at the Inn-owner. His old eyes widen in amazement. “My thanks and for the wall.”
“I’ll gladly take it, milady.” and the old man slipped the bag into his jacket. “Oh! The guardian told me to relay a message. ‘Meet with me at my office. And bring my fool of a brother too.'”
Drac tuned Loqui. “You hear that, Ferg? You can stop hiding now.”
Fergus came out of a corner with a blushing face.
It looks like you have an admirer.
Being famous is very annoying.
Drac, Marina, and Fergus approach the steps of the Adventurers Guild. Warriors that loiter around the rose columns stop their conversations and stare at Drac’s party, whispering the word ‘Hood’ under their breaths. Fergus pushed in the doors and the bustle of the guild stopped once again.
“Look! It’s Hood!” An adventure shouted in the crowd. Then came the roar of cheering. ‘Hood’ is chanted and the building shakes with stomps of feet. The crowd ran towards Drac, stopping short to respect his space. Drac looked into the eyes of the many who chanted his name. They look at him not with fear or disgust but with blind veneration. It irked him.
“Drac.” A familiar voice was among the shouts. Brent pushed through. He put his arm forward for a handshake and Drac reciprocated. “Sorry about this. They heard of your deeds in HeartBrook, Fourshire, and much more.”
More?
The air shudders.
“Quiet.”
And it became so.
Brenna folds her arms, looking down from many stories up. Even from afar, Drac knew she was looking at him.
“Come.” Then she turned around.
"It seems the boss needs me. Nice seeing you again.”
Brent bowed with a smile and Drac copied. A pulse step and Drac leapt high above the crowd. Platforms of blue formed under his feet and he pulsed up to the guardian's floor.
"Show off,” Marina said as she tuned Murus. A large blue platform surprised Fergus as Marina carried them in the air.