Chapter 481: Crossroads (2/2)
”Yes, I understand, call an ambulance for now.”
”On their way,” said it smugly.
”Thanks,” the desolate roads led to the unconscious Leonard. 'For the sake of love and friendship,' he reached to hoister him upright, ”-come on buddy, let's rejoin the others.”
”Igna, is that you?” cried Lampard, ”-is it truly you?”
”Yes,” Leonard's weight collapsed onto his knees, Lampard narrowly caught him. ”Everyone's out of it, what's the matter?”
”I can't explain, all I want is rest.” Local ambulances soon rushed the place followed by police. There, Igna took command and explained the situation. The slaying of four men based on self-defense wouldn't run, normally that is. Away from the companion's fading sight, ”-I'm part of the Haggard Dynasty. My actions were crude, strong decisions had to be made. The Goldberg sent assassins after us, their bodies are here to see. If there is any question, please refer to the Goldberg's first then my lady mother.”
”I see no harm done here,” voiced the officer, ”-we'll make sure the incident doesn't escape to the public.” So, the strenuous path walked by Jen and Leonard came to a crossroad. Fate would decide next, acceptance or rejection, love or family, the conclusion to said tale would be known after the hospital trip. Red flashes pirouetted down the street towards the hospital. The Adventuring Academy was contacted through which next of kin were informed.
'I'm home,' sighed he clambering off a different bike, '-I can't move on,' he reached the lift to land headfirst on the hardened floor. The lights blurred into a somber sleep.
”Be more careful next time,” smiled Courtney leaned against a pillar, ”-you did well. Éclair told me what happened,” she carried him to bed. The solitary apartment revived; Igna slept with cheeks against her back. Frail as she looked, Courtney carried him as if a backpack. And so, the 24th of December, a long one at that, ended. It was then that she heard the voice of her brother thanks to Éclair – rather, her other-self.
”What a dream,” he awoke to a well-lit room. Setting onto the fluffy carpeted upper area, the curtains further forward were opened, the rising sun cast inky black shadows onto the scenery. A noire-styled painting reminiscent of bars, the typical kind one would find hanging on the walls. Opposed to a canvas, the landscape laid in the open for all to capture. On impulse, he took a picture and uploaded it to Hwan (a social media platform where sharing photos were most prominent). Thwan was also another platform more focused on jesting or quoting sentences from other users. The two were linked and could be used dependently or not. The viral video about him cooking was on a differing website named Lokka – there, one could find countless videos from all over the planet. Tis was the trifactor of Arcanum Influence – Hwan, Thwan, and Lokka.
At the end of the day, it amounted to nothing but a whim. The popularity granted by Lokka calmed to have a milder following. After rejecting so many times by the press and magazines, Igna's presence faded.
”Shouldn't you be in bed?”
”Lady mother, why are you up so early?” turned he holding a warm-cup of tea.
”Don't you remember what happened yesterday?” she leaned against the doorway tormented by perpetual yawns, dark-circles made her already melancholic face into pure woe.
”No?”
”You came home half-dead and half-asleep. I know what happened,” she slid onto the comfy couch, ”-nobles and stuff. I said to not get involved in politics…”
”I apologize, mother.”
”It's fine,” she turned the television, ”-I'm going to meet lady Goldberg later today. A mother should clean up her son's mess,” she peeked over, ”-isn't that right, my dear son?”
*Cough,* ”-sorry, I only wanted to help my friends.”
”I know, nothing wrong about it. I'm still going to hold you accountable for the bike's destruction. No more keeping secrets else I'll throw you to the dogs, you hear?”
”Yes mother, I'll be more open next time.”
”Good,” the channels flicked faster than he could read, ”-go meet them before work. A nurse called me earlier, someone's looking for you.”
”Alright,” jumped into the chef's outfit, ”-see you later, mother.” Familiarity made him drop the 'lady' mantle when addressing Courtney. They became close.
After being informed of the incident, the Adventuring Academy tried to contact the parents to no avail. Thus, nothing more was done. As told by doctor's, injures weren't grave. Only lack of mana and fatigue. They did use magic to heal Leonard's legs. The paralyzing effect bound him to bed for three days at most.
”Hey,” the large white room opened to flowers followed by Igna.
”Hey,” waved a still drowsy Lampard.
”Feeling better?”
”Yeah, I guess. Last night was an adventure – man, being chased by adventurers was scary,” the articulation stopped, ”-I'm sure you died last night, Igna, what happened?”
”I don't know the specifics,” he eluded the question, ”-what about Rena and Jen, are they ok?”
”See for yourself,” he pointed.
”So peaceful,” mumbled he at the sleeping ladies.
Leonard's bandaged leg was itchy, he'd often try to scratch with a plastic spoon, ”-Igna, thanks for yesterday.”
”Don't worry about it. What happens next, what's the path you going to take? I'm sure you realize it's not simple anymore. Family or love?”
”Love, I think,” said he smiling vaguely, ”-I'll break ties and start over. The Dungeon Quest is a good opportunity to earn money. Once my leg is healed, I'm heading to Coria,” in that instant, the words stopped short of Igna's mouth. He could have spoken but restrained himself. Leonard's attitude was different, the want of moving forward was strong and so, Igna happily gazed upon his comrade.