98 Old wounds (1/2)
With hurried steps, Gresham and Peter made their way outside the abandoned building. The gun to Howard's head made him fully complacent as he was being forced out the door. When the door flew open it gained the attention of the two men Gresham had stay outside.
They were sure prised to see Gresham and Peter dragging along someone with them at gunpoint, but were quick to draw their own weapons knowing something had gone terribly wrong.
”What happened in there”, one of the men who waited outside asked hurriedly.
”I'll explain later for now just help Peter get that man in the car. Also, if you see anyone come out of that building assume they're trying to stop us and shoot them”.
Receiving Gresham's instructions everyone hurriedly towards their car while keeping an eye out for anyone coming out of the building.
Things went smoothly no one exited the abandoned building while they shoved Howard into the trunk of the car. Taking off some of the worries they had as the group sped away from the abandoned building.
The car moved quickly down the street in the middle of the night, homes appeared to blitz past them as they drove down the street. It wasn't long before the two who waited outside started asking about what happened inside. Gresham was going to tell them what happened, but it was then Gresham received an unlikely call from Robert.
Gresham didn't particularly like using mobile phones along with every other mage and cultivator in the world because cell phones can easily be tracked and spied on. Instead, Gresham used communication seals he kept in a notebook.
Gresham wondering why Robert would using his emergency sigil to contact him he quickly used his notebook to call him only to receive the surprise of his life.
...
The once slumbering city stirred awake by the sound of dozens of explosions. Had its streets filled with terrified and concerned citizens. Their gasps and murmurs never stopped just the sound of sirens in the air heading towards the disastrous scene.
Despite the tragedy that happened at the steel mill the unluckiest people that day were those who stumbled upon an odd figure on the streets. The best way to describe what people saw as it ran by in the streets full stride while cackling with a joyous laugh on a level previously unknown to it before would be to describe a well-roasted chicken.
Its skin was clearly a dark golden brown the cloths the figure had on were mostly burnt away. Only dark tattered remnants of his clothes remained which was better than his hair that got lit ablaze from the inferno the figure once stood inside. His eyes were damaged by the raging flames even his lungs suffered the scolding hot air.
There was nothing about that man's appearance that would lead a person to believe he should still be alive. Yet, Desmond ran with as much vigor as a child as he carried the golden incense burning that has been welded to his hands from the heat of the burning.
Every movement brought only pain and split his charred skin releasing the juices contained inside. Desmond, however, didn't care about such things he couldn't even bring himself to care even if he wanted to because he had lost all sense of reason.
Even the side effects of the incense burner with the 8 auspicious signs carved on its side which made him completely lose all sense of direction didn't impede Desmond. So unperturbed by anything and with complete disregard for himself and others Desmond continued to run joyously into the night.
...
Morning Road, Delmar City
At the Hunter's Bazaar still, late at night, Seraphine had returned from one of her usual daily escapades. She wore a slim blue dress that had the skirt cut down the side and carried a small purse with her. She was heading upstairs when the sound of ooze seeping from the walls caught her ears.
The ooze converged next to the check out counter taking the form of the strange man. He breathed out large plumes of smoke that coiled around his body and cascaded onto the floor.
Noticing him Seraphine asked in a cold tone, ”what do you want Zane?”.
”I regret to inform you that I'll be departing in two weeks. I know how much you enjoy my company, but you must find the strength to move forward until I return. Now for the matter about my bill, I believe this should cover it”.
When Zane stopped speaking his coat parted away revealing only darkness, but from that darkness outstretched a crocodile-like arm holding a small package held firmly in its claws.