Chapter 73: The Boy Who Wanted to Save Everyone Part 1 (1/2)

The gentle flurry of rain pattered down on the small streets of Rhinefield; a grey cloud lingered over the city as a young Percy scurried outside the rundown apartment complex with an umbrella flicking the rain away. ”Come on, Dad, come on!” His Dad took serval strides down the steps staring into the distance, allowing himself to get drenched. Percy held up the umbrella which his father took without many words. They both began walking down the street as he lit a cigarette puffing away on a rainy morning. A large group of people were also walking the same place many dressed in Vanguard merchandise holding large banners and figures of the streamer.

Percy didn't have any of that. Whether it was because he wasn't allowed or simply because his parents couldn't afford it was a mystery to him. He held his father's arm tightly, watching him. ”Were Mummy and you fighting again?”

He didn't respond for a short while before sighing. ”What your mother and I do is none of your concern.”

”Was it about me again?”

”Percy.” Percy understood remaining quiet being more than happy to get out of the house and even more so to meet his hero. Today was the day Vanguard would publicly meet his fans, and Percy couldn't be any more excited.

”Can we buy a Vanguard t-shirt at the festival Daddy?”

”I only have enough money for another pack of smokes Percy.” He grumbled flicking the cigarette away. He saw the disappointed look in his son's eyes as he shook his head. ”We'll see how much it costs, alright?”

”Yay!”

It didn't take long for the father and son to make it to the meeting location. It was put up on Vanguard's page two weeks ago on the fan meetup. Percy had saved up all his pocket money to secure a ticket to the meetup never being more excited for something in his life. Making it to the gates, he waved his ticket around with joy as he was let in. The small field the meetup was taking place it was packed with people already crowding around the stage where Vanguard was meant to make his appearance. Although not that close to the stage it was still good enough for Percy to see and even though nothing was happening Percy was beyond excited for the chance to see Vanguard in person.

He began hopping around, losing patience as his father was looking at the small amount of money he had in hand. No matter how he looked at it, he knew it wouldn't be enough for a t-shirt like he promised. ”I'm going to go and get you a t-shirt, Percy.”

”Really?! Are you sure? Do you have enough without work paying you?”

His father smiled, patting him on the head. ”It will be fine. I'll find another job soon. Don't you worry Percy, I'll get you a t-shirt.”

Percy nodded, waiting for Vanguard as his father walked off towards the merchandise booth. His excitement was now through the roof having a Vanguard t-shirt of his own; he couldn't wait to show it off at school in front of all his friends. Time went by. A few minutes turned into ten, and that just kept going. More people were showing up as Percy was confused where his father was. Vanguard hadn't shown up either. Curious, he put his umbrella away and began searching for his father. Pushing through the crowds, he began calling out hoping for an answer. The crowd was becoming restless as he was pushed and shoved around as people were demanding Vanguard.