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ND Mallet -> RE: (ED) A Hazardous Lifestyle (2/17/2013 22:56:07)
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Chapter 4
"The name's Hank, by the way. Been a guard since shortly after I got here, so about a few years," he said as we walked on.
"Oh? You like the occupation any?" I asked, hoping to start a conversation.
"Actually...no. I hate it. Being a savage, uncaring brute who is allowed, and even encouraged, to beat anyone looking at you cross is terrible. It often puts me in a sour mood, which I guess helps me with the job requirements somewhat. Most days though I'm rather caring. Sorry about the other day. I can tell you have a lot on your plate right now. And not just from dealing with living here," he said.
I shifted a little uncomfortably, wondering how much he knew of me. The few stories and lore of my people are extremely obscure at best.
"Oh?" I inquired, hoping to get a little more from him. "I'm willing to talk."
"Well, I've heard of your race before. A long time back but I think the knowledge is still fresh. You are a Grichtheon, right?" he asked. I nodded slowly in reply, noticeably shocked at his question. "I told you I've heard of you. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
"I fear for you though. Stories have been spreading around. Dark rumors that speak of dangers ahead for everyone. I know better than to believe all the rumors I hear but...Be careful, my friend. Your ability will draw attention to you, I have no doubt that it will put you into a position you will come to regret," he stated seriously.
"I will take my chances, these people need me though. I wish I could sit back and lay low, but I cannot watch as people are hurt and need healed to full health. I will risk everything to ensure that they get what they need," I stated grimly.
"I wonder if the stories I have heard of your people are true or not with that resolve. No offense, of course," he added quickly.
"None taken. Besides, my people...can be a little rough around the edges with outsiders. It's part of our history I'm sure you're aware. Inside the culture though, we are much better," I said, hoping he would buy the lie.
He knows a lot, I give him that. I am ashamed to admit, even to myself, I come from a long history of violence and pain. I am glad that we prefer to keep to our own planet, for I fear an army of us could and would level the known universe.
"We're here now," he stated. "I hope you like Boosters, they're not the best drink around but it keeps you going. You look exhausted, by the way," he said as he opened the door.
I walked into the building. Hank followed right behind and directed me towards a nearby table. I casually walked over to it and sat down. A waitress had soon come around and taken our orders. Well, more or less Hank's order for the two of us.
The drinks arrived quickly and Hank continued on with a different topic from earlier.
"So...how IS life treating you here? I figure that since you're not dead yet that you must be doing well. Somewhat," he stated.
And at that I went over my experiences up to now, leaving out no details. I even went over my journal that I am writing all my experiences down in as well.
"Well...I must say I'm impressed Alydriah didn't have you killed. It sounds like you barely avoided it at best," he told me with a quick glance at the time. Oh jeez, it's getting late and you need to get some rest," he said as he stood up with a jump.
He had ended up knocking over the drink of another patron into his lap, who stood up in a rather upset manner.
"You're gonna pay for that," he shouted at Hank. And before I knew it, Hank had the fellow pinned against the table, one arm wrenched behind the would-be attacker. Another quite large patron had stood up and was approaching from behind with a weapon drawn.
Without thinking and acting only on instinct, I felt myself manipulate my own body, adding more power and speed to my attack, to disable the attacker quickly. I threw a punch and the man didn't have even time to widen his eyes in shock before the punch hit him. He sailed over a few tables and hit the ground with a thud. He lay still on the ground. His form shifted slightly to show he was still breathing. Within seconds, the other man slumped to the ground, having watched from the corner of his eyes what had unfolded.
Everyone in the room had fallen silent, including Hank. Soon enough, the City Guard had shown up and Hank had to clear the story up with them to allow me to walk freely.
"What was that all about?" I questioned Hank when we had gotten outside.
"I could ask you the same. That guy you laid out was one of the biggest and toughest thugs in that bar. The City Guard has had a few run-ins with him, most of the time it takes several of us to...get a point across with him. He still goes and does the same within a week each time. What you did though was the opposite of what I wanted you to do. You'll be the talk of the whole town for months at best," he stated with a grave look on his face. "You did save my life and I thank you for that, but you were reckless with your power. Pray that none here know half as much as either you or me."
And with that he walked off. Sparing only a second, he turned his head towards me and said, "Take care, my friend. Perhaps we shall do this again and without a fight."
And there I stood, alone in the dark outside my office; the words of Hank's warning pressing firmly on my thoughts. No, I'll be fine, I told myself, hoping I'd believe the lie myself.
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