The Reality of Dreams: Part Four by sabreur |  |
> incident4.txt
This file has been locked.
Enter password: *********
Checking password….
Access Granted….
::::::::: FILE NAME: INCIDENT4.TXT ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Starting secure document viewer….
Cutting outside communications….
Prologue
So far, life was normal. Sure, I had been attacked
by a Skeith and was under investigation by a shadowed Shoyru with an attitude,
but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Fights happen. Investigations happen.
While they might not be pleasant, they were a part of life. I should remember
being irritated, or worried, or something about how I felt about those times.
All I remember now is that it was the last time my life was ever "normal".
End of Prologue
Location: Walking Home
Time: 6:01 PM NST
"Sabreur, are you all right?" I looked up to
see who had spoken and saw Kiddo running up to me, Un-Eairkagh bounding along
behind. The sun was brilliantly setting in the distance, its brightness hurting
my eyes a little after the soft artificial light of the police station.
"Yeah, I'm fine. So is Infernus," I replied,
still a bit numb from all that had happened. "They interviewed us some, but
they're pretty sure we're not at fault."
"Okay," she said, looking worried. Kiddo paused,
seeming about to say something. Un-Eairkagh beat her to it.
"Who was that Shoyru!? He came out looking all
tough and stuff and he saw us and asked a lot of questions and wrote things
down in this notepad. I liked his trench coat," the Eyrie jabbered happily,
oblivious to my worried expression.
"That was Dark Night," Infernus said, calm as
ever. "He's been hired to investigate Sabreur's activities."
"What? Why?" Kiddo put a hand on her hip, looking
angry and confused.
"Not everyone at the station believed our story,
as near as I can tell," I spoke, feeling myself relax as I explained what had
happened. Talking things over helps me think them through logically. "It's not
really that bad. We haven't done anything wrong, so it doesn't really matter
if this Night character is after us."
We talked a bit more, going over the day's events
as we walked home. Eventually, the time came to part ways, and Infernus and
I said goodbye to Child_Dragon and Un-Eairkagh. Infernus and I walked home silently,
each of us deep in thought. Infernus looked up, realizing something.
"Sabreur... did we ever pick up groceries?"
"That's right!" I exclaimed. "We were going
to do that before dinner, but with the police station and everything..."
"I'll go pick some up. Meet you back at the
house." Infernus turned, and crouched as if about to leap into the sky. Then
he stopped, looking at his bandaged wing. A quick shake of his head, and he
began to walk in the direction of the food store. I watched him go, then began
walking back home. Ordinarily, I would have driven the car, but I hadn't expected
to be taken to the police station (which was a good ways from my house). I walked
slowly, my mind wrapped up in thoughts of what had happened. Eventually, I drifted
into pondering of what I was going to do in the lab. Make a new Improved Firebomb,
first of all. Now that I had the principle down, it shouldn't be too hard...
"Mind if I walk with you?" a voice spoke to
my right. I turned my head, surprised I hadn't heard anyone approach. A man
my height was walking next to me. He was dressed formally - a dark grey suit
and pants, a lighter gray necktie, and a neutral gray medium-brimmed hat. Dark
sunglasses seemed out of place in the dimming light of sunset, but complimented
his outfit well. A red Scorchio walked alongside him, similar to Infernus but
darker colored - almost a rust color.
"I saw you walking with your Scorchio," the
man in gray spoke. "I've always been a big fan of Scorchios." He turned to his
neopet, then turned back to me. "Tell me, how did you get those bruises?" He
gestured at my shoulder, which was purple tinged from the Skeith's tail.
I told him my name. Without really meaning to,
I found myself explaining all that had happened. I'm not sure why, but I trusted
this total stranger. He seemed sympathetic, nodding as I spoke and occasionally
asking for clarification on some aspect of what had happened. The Scorchio at
his side listened intently, but said nothing.
"And after that, they just let me go," I finished,
looking up at the man in gray. He nodded, and seemed to think briefly.
"Let me tell you something, Sabreur," he spoke
softly. "Sometimes, fighting isn't the smart thing to do. Sometimes, no matter
how much it hurts to do so, all you can do is run." He looked up at me, eyes
hidden behind his sunglasses. His face looked somehow familiar. "I know you
don't like giving in, but you have a lot to lose if whenever you fight. Hopefully
you won't have to make this sort of decision again, but if you do... Just remember
that getting out alive is always a victory."
"I guess." I was feeling tired, and didn't really
feel like talking anymore.
He smiled, "Just think about it, okay?" And with
that, he walked away. His Scorchio looked up at me, then followed silently.
I watched them leave, and realized somewhat belatedly that the man in gray (whoever
he was) had known my name without me telling him.
:::::::::: END OF FILE: INCIDENT4.TXT :::::::::::::::::::::
To be continued...
|
