3 hours later, Amerios
~Cassius’ Perspective~
I walk outside of the inn and walk to the tavern to get a drink. I left Selene alone to give her some time by herself.
I walk into the tavern and sit at the bar. I signal to the barkeep and he walks over to me.
“One beer please,” I tell him. “On the weak side as well. I like to have my mind focused.”
He nods and is about to go over to fill a cask when Selene walks up and sits next to me.
“Make that 2,” she says. “Same as him.”
I shoot Selene a look and lock eyes with the barkeep. He gives me a knowing look that says “Women, am I right?” before walking to fill 2 mugs.
“I gave you alone time,” I grumble.
“Well I don’t want it,” Selene shoots back. “I have enough questions about you as it is. And I want answers.”
The barkeep puts the mugs of beer in front of us and walks away.
“Then ask away. Can’t guarantee that I’ll answer all of your questions though.”
“Alright then. First of all, exactly how much do I owe you?”
“That I’m not answering.”
“Bitch, I need to know.”
“I’m not telling you.”
“Then how the fuck am I supposed to repay you?”
“That’s the thing. You don’t. I don’t really care about you repaying me for anything Selene. If anything, I’m repaying you for being my childhood friend.”
I take a sip from my mug of beer. It’s not strong, just the way I like it.
“You don’t need to repay that.”
“Don’t be a hypocrite.”
“I’m not. That was childhood. This is adulthood. 2 different things.”
“To think that I had a fucking crush on you,” I mumble. Selene doesn’t hear me.
“Repaying me? Wait a fucking minute.”
Oh shit, I said too much.
“Oh well, I’m gonna go back to my room now.”
I call for the barkeep and pay him the money. I walk out of the tavern and speedwalk to the inn where I’m staying.
~Selene’s Perspective~
Cassius walks out of the tavern in a hurry, leaving me with my mug. I’m left alone with my thoughts.
I take a sip from my mug of beer as I think about what Cassius said. What did he mean when he said he was repaying me?
My thoughts wander to the unknown person from 7 years ago.
My mom was laid off from her job as a dockworker by an AG official 2 months before due to the business falling apart. We held out for a month with the compensation money the official gave us. Then things started falling apart. A month later we were barely living off of what little we had left. Mom was desperately looking for a job and we were considering selling the house.
Around that time, someone started sending money to us. Every month, a check signed with a K showed up in our mailbox. We didn’t know who it was, but that money kept us afloat until mom found a new job. They stopped sending money a few years back but my family is forever in their debt.
I finish my drink and walk out of the tavern to get some fresh air. After a bit, I start walking back to the inn. My mind feels fuzzy around the corners but I make it to the inn. I walk to my room and fall on the bed before falling asleep.
Before my mind drifts away I think about K. And for some reason, I think about Cassius.
–
10 years ago, Outside of Valeria
Cassius called on the spirit energy within the medallion and fired a shot of purple energy at the training dummy.
“Good,” Julia said. “You learn fast. That’s enough for today. I don’t want you killing yourself.”
Cassius handed the medallion back to Julia. Julia grabbed 2 wooden swords and threw one to Cassius. Cassius grabbed the sword and took a stance.
The 2 circled around each other. Cassius kept his sword up while Julia stayed relaxed.
Cassius swung first.
He swung 3 times. Julia calmly blocked each one before sweeping Cassius off his feet.
Cassius lay there, waiting for the criticism, waiting for Julia to list out what he did wrong. Instead, Julia stuck her hand out and helped Cassius up.
“It’s a start,” she said. “Don’t beat yourself up over it.”