Chapter 381 - The Explosion (1/2)

Fergus pulled Malgino and slammed him back on a broom cupboard.

”You said you wouldn't hurt the Dragons! You promised!”

Malgino was surprised by Fergus's outburst but his face softened seeing the look on his face. He looked hurt.

”I didn't hurt the Dragons, Fergus,” Malgino said calmly.

”The Hell you didn't,” Fergus snapped. ”Everyone is talking about how you defeated two Dragons on your own. Defeated? Defeated? Really, Malgino? Please tell me, how you defeated them when they never attacked you?”

”You don't know that. You weren't there,” Malgino retorted feeling irritated by Fergus.

”I know it. Because they are my Dragons. I grew up with them. Do you think I don't know who they attack and when?” Fergus's sweet face twisted in anger. ”When someone threatens them, Malgino. When someone tries to take their blood — like you.”

Malgino sighed.

”Fergus, they are fine. I just took a little bit of their blood because I needed it. I didn't harm them. You know, how powerful Dragon blood is.”

”And I specifically asked you to leave them alone. Why couldn't you?” Fergus's voice broke. ”What's so important, Mal, that you have to hurt the creatures we love. Why do you need so many powerful things?”

”Because I am experimenting,” Malgino said with a clipped tone.

”Experimenting what?” Fergus glared at his friend.

”You don't need to know that, at least not now,” Malgino stared back at him, unflinching.

”I don't need to know? Mal, I am your friend,” Fergus said looking furious.

”You still hadn't said a word about your parents or who they really are. I don't know the basic things about you, Gus,” Malgino said flatly. ”Do not act like we tell each other everything. I always let you keep your secrets, now let me be.”

Fergus winced at Malgino's words and dropped his hand. Malgino straightened out his robes and shoulder past Fergus. Taking two steps Malgino turned around,

”If you truly consider me a friend, Gus, then trust me. Whatever I am doing is for our good.”

He walked away and Fergus stared after him, frozen.

.

”Fergus? Are you listening?”

Hearing Emory Astralo's shouting, Fergus was startled back from his daydreams.

”Yes, what Emory?”

”I asked you multiple times if you – never mind, what are you thinking?” Emory asked looking concerned.

They were sitting in a corner of the library.

”Nothing,” Fergus shrugged and tried to read his book.

Emory rolled her eyes.

”You know, you are a very bad liar. Also, never say nothing. Nothing always means something.”

Fergus chuckled at Emory's speculation. Then suddenly looked somber.

”Emory, can I ask you a question?”

”Of course, you can. Fergus, what —?”

”Does it bother you?” Fergus interrupted her. ”Does it bother you that you don't know anything about my parents?”

”I –” Emory was surprised by the question but she was excellent in keeping her emotions under control. She calmly replied, ”Not all the time. I understand, that when we talk about our parents and you avoid the topic, there is a reason for that.”

”But does it bother you?” Fergus repeated quietly.

”Well, sometimes, yes. Sometimes it feels like, even though we have been friends for almost a year now, I still don't know you,” Emory sighed but noticing the crestfallen look on Fergus, she quickly added, ”But that's definitely not true. Of course, I know you. Who your parents are doesn't change who you are.”

Fergus looked at Emory strangely for a moment then got up from his seat.

”I will see you later, Emory. I have to find Mal.”

”But Fergus, what –?” Before Emory could finish Fergus was gone.

Fergus raced through the hallways, mumbling, ”I am sorry that you are wrong, Emory. Of course, the fact affects me that who my parents are. Of course, their identity will change me and my future.”

He was almost at their secret classroom when the classroom walls and door exploded. Fergus was thrown back from the impact of that blast. For a long moment, everything looked grey because of the smoke and Fergus couldn't see anything. Then the dust cleared a little bit and what he saw terrified him. Four students lay under a few big chunks of the stone wall and one of them had hit their head on one of the stones. He was lying on a pool of his blood and his eyes stared at the ceiling without seeing. He was dead.

Fergus couldn't breathe. He tried to scramble back but his leg felt like jelly. He couldn't get up.

Suddenly, two strong hands pulled him up from the ground. Fergus turned to find a worried-looking Malgino.

”Mal, they . . . he . . .” Fergus couldn't make a complete sentence.