Chapter 57 - Halcyon Summer Days

Content Warning! (Romantic Scenes)

“You should have seen this guy, Morlekai!” Alice enthused while slugging back her wine. “His gaze was all intense, glaring at his target like a hawk going in for the kill! And his bow… shit. You’ve seen our master’s toys. This bow was vibrating the exact same way. Like it couldn’t wait to do Eric’s bidding! And when he released his arrow, it streaked off so fast that the air actually cracked!” She smirked at Eric. “Too bad the bow kept jerking so bad it fell out of his hands more than once, and all his arrows exploded into splinters.”

Eric winced but didn't deny Alice's words as he dug into his mystery meat stew, even when Drake and Louie, still a bit sore after Eric had managed to score the majority of points on them that day, began teasing him unmercifully. Not that they had anything to complain about, savoring the delicious feel of growing in all sorts of wonderful ways themselves, having gone up 3 levels each.

Even Morlekai, eyes twinkling rakishly, began chuckling at Eric’s expense.

Because of course Alice was right. No matter how much he tried, when he pushed his bow to the maximum, compelling it to snap forward as fast as it could, tapping into both Flesh Sculptor and Burst of Strength, power always seemed to outweigh control. The bow jerked, sometimes violently, popping out of his hand more than he'd like to admit, despite his 20 Strength.

And he refused to even use True Strike, shivering at the thought of the mental strain it would cause, should he dare to use it to force an accurate shot with such a wild, discordant blend of abilities being pushed to the absolute limit, before he had even figured out how to blend it all together in one epic shot he himself was responsible for releasing.

Later down the line? Definitely. But not now. Not until he had balanced it all himself.

Morlekai’s chuckle turned to a sympathetic smile. “And now I think you are pushing yourself too hard. In certain ways, at least. I'd counsel you to reduce your speed to the maximum that still allows you a sniper's accuracy that I damn well know you're capable of."

Eric winced but nodded, having come to much the same conclusion himself. He'd have to increase the tension in his bow, the amount of potency he infused into both Burst of Strength and in using Flesh Sculptor to manipulate the blow. Balancing Wrath and focus.

Breaking the sound barrier would come with time. And lots and lots of practice. And slow, steady progression, not trying to force everything at once, would also let him start practicing his True Strike Perk without pushing it, or himself, too hard.

Eric grinned at the too-handsome vampire who enjoyed pasta just as much as any of them. “When you’re right, you’re right.”

“Of course I am,” his friend said with what Eric thought was a too smug look. “And John gave some solid advice. Discretion is definitely our watchword. I don't think anyone outside our crew truly understands the significance of what you can do with that bow.” His gaze hardened. “So let’s keep it that way. Still, you might as well talk to John, see if he can actually make you a set of arrows able to withstand the speed you’re now forcing them to endure. At least we know we can trust him.”

Alice gave a sad sigh, shaking her head. "High-class escort. Besmirching my character like that." She flashed a wicked smile. "I was the best damned escort in the whole city, back when we needed a girl on the inside. Ha! That score netted us a cool seven million. Remember, Morlekai?”

Morlekai grinned. “Damn right I do. We got away clean, and no one got hurt. And you never once broke character. You just made yourself so exclusive that you only had one client. And Mayor Grimshaw was so smitten he refused even to look our way when the DA tried to pin you-know-what on us, just last year."

Alice nodded. “That hustle paid all sorts of dividends. And Grimshaw? Total sweetheart. So of course I had to let him know his favorite peach still thought of him from time to time.”

Louie chuckled, squeezing her close. “You had the entire city wrapped around your finger, babe.”

She flashed a sultry smile before kissing Louie’s cheek. “I did. Not that it does us any good now. Still, it’s nice to know that people still remember the parts I played, even if no one will ever know about the heists we pulled.”

Eric couldn’t help chuckling. “You guys are such bad-asses. Sometimes I feel like I’m watching my favorite Nightcrimes show. Back before those assholes canceled it.”

Alice beamed at that. “Oh I know, right? I’ll bet you can guess which actress totally inspired my performance. And Eric… breaking the sound barrier with a bow shot? Enchanted prize you tore from a lich or no, that’s damn impressive. But Morlekai's right. That's a secret we keep to us, even if that means you train out in the tunnels, not here in the cavern."

Eric smirked between mouthfuls of grub. “I totally agree. And when I can manage to fire it at those speeds without risking it flying out of my hand? That would be even more impressive.”

His friends laughed at that, before Morlekai's ruby gaze pinned them all to silence. "Mayor Stibbs did more than ask some unexpected questions while he was here. He also managed to weasel out of his original promise to give us the codes immediately after the incursion."

Eric flashed a bleak smile. "I know. I overheard. Apparently, eternal gratitude means being eternally unable to honor your commitments, if you’re a politician.”

Morlekai smirked. “It might seem that way. But if you heard that much, then you heard the rest.”

Eric nodded. He had indeed, surprised by how long the mayor had beaten around the bush before finally conceding that the minute Morlekai completed his quest and closed whatever gate prevented the mayor from claiming this territory, he would surrender the codes when next they spoke. He was sure the pair had spoken for quite some time, but had eventually drifted off himself.

“Good. I finally managed to pin him down to an actual oath. So there should be no problem, once we complete our original mission.” Morlekai chuckled softly. "I suppose we can call the undead incursion a bonus that paid us major dividends, at least in terms of town goodwill."

Eric grinned. “You know what? It’s good to play the hero sometimes. People no longer stare so hard at my scars, and the smiles sent my way whenever I visit the shops are nice. I’m not going to lie.”

His friend nodded, Drake going so far as to pat his back. “Damn straight. Anyone gives you lip about your scars, they’re idiots, plain and simple.”

“Nothing wrong with playing the hero,” said Morlekai. “So long as we don’t lose sight of our primary objective. As for the original mission, long before any lich gazed our way, our plan was for us to head out and clear the local rift responsible for the recent monster surge, three days from now. But before I commit us, I need to make sure you all are already.”

Alice and Drake both visibly paled, even as Louie gave a grim nod.

Drake’s eyes widened when everyone was looking his way. “I mean, sure, boss. You know I always got your back. It’s just that...”

“We nearly died, less than two days ago. I know,” said Morlekai, pointedly glancing Eric’s way and nodding, before continuing. “But fortunately, we’re a team made up of members who have each other’s backs. Which is why I want to make sure you’re all ready for what comes next.”

“You’re damn right we are,” said Louie, clapping a grimacing Drake’s shoulder. “Me and Drake, we're playing it smart, now. Took a tip from our favorite boy scout." He grinned Eric's way. "Boosted our Vitality up to 20, so we too can savor sweet regeneration and not be out for hours when you need us back fighting in minutes… or hell, seconds. Rest is in Strength. Now we’re both at 22, and we can whip those bardiches around so fast and hard, that there ain’t no spider, worm, or lizard that’s getting the best of us now!”

Eric grinned. “You guys certainly gave me a workout today.”

“And you still won,” Drake said pointedly.

“Well of course,” Eric said, absolutely deadpan. “I mean, that part’s a given, at this point. But you certainly made me earn it.”

Alice snorted. “What a cocky boy you’re turning out to be, when you got your game on.” She teased Eric with her smile while taking a long drag from her cigarette. “I like it.”

Morlekai raised his brow. “Alice?”

She flinched and paled, her tough-girl demeanor immediately wilting. "I… fuck it, I don't know, Morlekai. After what happened… after how close we came to not even being here...”

Her hands began to shake, and Louie didn't hesitate to put out her cigarette and gather her in his arms. "It will be okay, babe. Those fuckers we fought were all undead. And now, thanks to Boss-man and boy scout here, they're truly dead. The damn mirror they used to portal here's broken beyond repair. Besides, you said it yourself; Against anything else, you would have been the lightning queen, blasting them all to kingdom come, and we would have been raking in the levels.”

He gently kissed her brow as Alice swallowed and nodded, her frightened doe eyes at such odds with the rest of her sultry, devil-may-care persona. “I… I mean...” she swallowed. “I know you’re right, babe. I know that as a team...” she looked imploringly Eric’s way.

He grinned and nodded. “Damn right, we are.”

She flashed a brilliant smile. “Yes, we are. And fuck if I didn’t put every sweet character point into my Mana Pool… so even if we have more ghoulish shit to deal with, this girl has at least one more lightning bolt in her before things get… bad.”

Eric nodded. “But assuming we’re just fighting the living...”

Alice’s laughter turned wicked. “Then I’ll be more charged up than Susie Sue was, rocking your world all night long.”

Eric winced at that. “Yeah, now that I think about it… should I have, well, I don’t know… gone over to see her today?”

Their mirth instantly faded, replaced by looks of bemusement.

“Eric, baby, do you really not know how this works?” said Alice in a teasing, sultry voice.

Eric swallowed. “Um...”

Drake chuckled. “Jeez, kid, you’re acting like you’ve never even had a girlfriend before!”

Eric froze as his cheeks started to blaze.

Even Morlekai blinked. “Seriously?”

Eric forced a bitter smile. “Mother wouldn’t allow it. She said after what happened to my...” he swallowed the words and shook his head. “Never mind.”

Alice furrowed her brow. “But Eric, didn’t you say...”

He nodded. “Yes. I played a character who was madly in love with a doomed princess, and of course I knew just what to say, because the lines were already written. The fact that my co-star actually seemed to, well, fall for it, even off-screen...” he flushed and shook his head. “The best acting happens when you and your character become one, Mother liked to say.”

Drake’s eyes widened. “Wait, you were serious?” He chuckled. “Dude, are you actually going to tell me that you were in a movie? Like, seriously? Not just fuckin’ around on a self-tube video?”

Eric smirked and shrugged. “Honestly, Drake, what the hell does it even matter, at this point? What’s done is done. All that matters is where we go from here. And, shit, I really don’t know what I’m supposed to do about... you know.”

Drake shrugged and smiled. “Don’t do anything. Just be yourself. Smile and say hi when the girls come over. When she comes by, well, now she has blonds and redheads to choose from.”

Eric frowned. “You’re hair isn’t red.”

Alice smirked. “Yours, Eric. Red like fire frozen solid and needing a trim. Did you somehow forget?”

Eric winced. Because, in fact, he had forgotten. Though he was surprised to feel her hand gently squeezing him, and now it was big sister Alice providing the comfort. “Poor dear. Alright, don’t sweat it too much. Relationships can be… tricky. Especially in this house.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” Drake chuckled, Louie nodding in complete agreement.

Alice’s eyes narrowed. “Shut the fuck up, both of you. Anyway,” she continued, turning back to Eric with her gentle smile firmly in place. “Sue’s really getting into the gardening aspect of things here.” she flashed a tiny smile. “I mean, sure, first it was about growing some decent buds, because my brother’s shit is getting stale, but I think she’s really taking an interest to learning what she can from Lucy, our resident Greenmage, and my brother’s main squeeze. For now.”

Eric grinned as Morlekai ignored them and focused on his dinner, clearly above his sister’s playful pokes.

“So, Eric, if you want to, I don’t know, have a conversation with her? Get to know her as a person, not just as the delicious sensual morsel that we all know she is? Helping her and Lucy in the gardens might be a place to start.”

Drake nodded. “Give her flowers. I know she loves those. But ask her which ones to pick first. If you get the wrong ones, she and Lucy will give you an earful.”

Eric grinned. “Thanks, guys. I appreciate the tips.”

Louie smirked. “You do know this is just girlfriend practice for you, right? Sue and Drake and Mia are pretty tight. And she and Mia have been lovers since they were both in med school. We’re just open and cool about that kinda shit here, so no one cares about having a snack on the side, as long as you’re loyal to your main course.”

Eric forced himself to chuckle. “Believe me, I’ll take all the training I can get. Because any girl that can see past the scars on my face at least deserves a boyfriend who knows how not to act like an idiot.”

Louie laughed. “Good luck with that, boy scout. I never could find out the secret to not playing the fool. I just lucked out, finding a girl willing to put up with my shit.”

“That you did,” said the soft husky voice of the girl now holding him tightly. “And she’s feeling very hungry for something besides pasta. So what are you going to do about it?”

Eric and Drake exchanged smirks when Louie promptly raced up the stairs with Alice laughing in his arms.

“See you tomorrow, guys,” Eric said with a grin, Drake giving him a thumbs up and a wink, Morlekai merely saying, “Three days,” And Eric was out like a light as soon as he flopped on his bed, determined to embrace the triple training regimen that had carried him so far before.

But when he woke up to a green-eyed pixie with the cutest freckles on her nose smiling down at him, he had absolutely no problems changing his plans.

Eric swallowed, feeling strangely nervous several hours later, despite savoring the delicious glow of utter release, feeling Sue’s warmth beside him, gently running his fingers through her hair as her own delicate fingertips traced the scars on his face.

At first he flinched, but the gentle, almost apologetic smile Sue gave him melted his concerns away.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Eric smiled in the dark, squeezing her hand, but not pulling it away. "Not too much to tell. My sister and I were scavenging near one of the orc camps. We got caught. My sister got thrown into one of their fire pits."

He sensed Sue flinch.

“Oh god, Eric. I’m so sorry!”

Eric shook his head. “Don’t be. She’s fine, now. And unlike me, she can actually cast spells.”

“What?” Sue rolled on top of him, straddling him, gazing down at him with shocked disbelief. “Eric, no one can survive those pits. And even if you did, you’d be—”

Her words cut off. She bowed her head. “Of course. I’m an idiot. And this is why I shouldn’t be getting half-baked every day.” She flashed an apologetic smile. “If only my mother could see me playing the fool now. Sorry, Eric.”

He chuckled. "Don't worry about it. Turns out that even critically injured, if you're willing to risk your life and are one of the lucky ones to not get devoured, the pods really will heal you back up. Well, most people, anyway. Certainly, it healed my sister."

“But not you?”

Eric sighed. “It’s complicated.”

“I believe it.” Soft warm lips caressed his own. “Eric?”

Eric swallowed, his blood definitely flowing again with her kiss. “Yes?”

A delicate fingertip gently stroked his lip and chin. “Have you ever thought about, well...”

Eric smiled, brushing her cheek. “What? You can tell me.”

“Leaving?”

She swallowed, eyes widening, as if unable to believe she had said it aloud. Yet still, she kept her gaze locked with his own, refusing to look away.

“Leaving?”

She slowly nodded, biting her lip. "I know it's crazy for me to say this out of the blue, but… I think I like you. I mean… really like you." She flushed as she said it. And before Eric could even respond, she placed he finger upon his lips. "Please, just… just let me say this." She swallowed. "I love Drake. I really do. And Mia. She and I were friends and lovers through college, always consoling each other through our silly little breakups. And sometimes, yeah, sharing cute boys we really liked. Always in good fun. We were never, well… serious. But...” She shook her head, hands clenched in tight little fists. “I just can’t do this anymore. Living in the endless gloom of this cave, however pretty it seems when I’m high… And the silly goofy jock I dared to fall for like a big tough teddy bear, knowing that in this mad world, he’d be one constant I’d never have to worry about dying, like my parents did, my brother did, when first the world started to break...” She choked back her tears. “Only he almost did, Eric! And he would have, if it weren’t for you!”

Eric gently stroked her hair, whispering soothing words when she broke down in genuine sobs. “Oh god, Eric. I just can’t take it anymore! It was bad enough being trapped before a horde of undead abominations nearly butchered us all! And the sheer horror of seeing a walking cadaver that I know damn well should be dead from my time in school… only it’s not, and it’s shambling right towards you, flashing this rictus of a grin with its glowing green eyes... and you panic and scream and trip and fall, just like an idiot, and you know its the end for foolish little you in a world that doesn’t give a shit what happens to any of us. Because all the wonderful fairytale endings were shown to be lies the minute our city was taken by orcs. And then, out of the blue, you’re saved.”

Eyes filled with wonder gazed into Eric’s own as she shifted her hips to straddle him, shocking Eric with the sweet rhythm of her body as much as with the words whispered in his ears in a breathless rush. “Saved by a laughing fool of a boy with a sword of fire like a fuckin’ anime action hero that turns the monster about to claw your face off to white-hot ash. The do-gooding boy scout of the whole damned town, who somehow thinks nothing of charging into a barracks filled with the walking dead, before turning the whole thing into a fucking funeral pyre for those bastards. And then you’re leaping off it like Super Punch man, with Drake and Louie in your arms!”

She chuckled throatily as her teary-eyed confession turned to a gasp, biting her lip and squeezing her eyes shut as she held him close, pressing hot lips to his own as they lost themselves in sweetest rapture once more, squeezing him so tightly as two became one. A moment’s exquisite ecstasy so sharp they both cried out, before collapsing in each other’s arms, entwined together, yet drifting gently away, as the delicious languor of sleep claimed them once more.

“Eric?”

Eric smiled and blinked his eyes, pulling himself free of the delightful doze they must have savored together for an hour or more. “Hey, beautiful.”

She kissed his cheek and winked. “So, how crazy would it be for me to suggest that you and I run away together, right now? We head for sunlight and safety, someplace safe, hidden from the world… start a farm, raise a family together?” She flushed at her own words, chuckling softly. “I know. Crazy fantasy time with Sue, right?”

Eric swallowed and slowly shook his head, though not without giving her the gentlest smile he could. “I’m sorry, Sue.”

She laughed ruefully. “I know, I was just...” she sighed. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Thinking you’d like to feel the sun on your skin and live in a world where you can be safe and happy. And there’s nothing wrong with that,” Eric soothed. “That’s part of the reason why I have to continue. Me and the rest of the gang? We have to go on because, and this is the important part; if we can actually close one more incursion or rift or whatever the hell we're calling it, this territory becomes claimable.”

Sue furrowed her brow, before her eyes widened with surprise. “Wait, so this is like a strategy survival game? If you claim towns, you can have control over them? You can change them, somehow? Or...what… this new reality or galactic federation or council of elves, or whatever the hell this all is… they’ll recognize you??”

Eric shrugged. "Honestly, I'm not sure. But once we clear this area, Mayor Stibbs will be able to use his full selection of administrator class abilities, and I’m guessing this will make the town much safer and more productive. So… yeah. There’s that. It might not be as good as the outside, but with your mentor evolving the moss over our head so well that it radiates light that has the cavern floor literally covered in grass… I think our town will be evolving in all sorts of cool ways.”

Sue swallowed. “So… you’re going to try to save the town. Again. But you’re not sure what you will face, or even if you can face it?”

Eric shrugged. “Pretty much?”

She sighed and shook her head, gazing down sadly at him. “How soon until you guys head out?”

“Three mornings from now. I think.”

She nodded thoughtfully, resting her forehead against his own.

“Eric?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think you’ll be able to walk away? I mean… ever truly walk away from it all?”

Eric swallowed. He could pretend, he could play dumb.

But she deserved better.

“You mean abstain from the sweet rush of risking my life and powering up in ways that would make any superhero or gamer green with envy?”

Sue nodded. “That, and feeling the need to make all the world’s burdens your own, until you’re crushed under the weight of self-righteous assholes like hospital bureaucrats who will happily push you to the breaking point, because they couldn’t care less about you personally. As opposed to just running off into the sunset with a beautiful girl who would be loyal to you… make you happy... and never leave your side.” She swallowed, curling up against him, her whispered words unable to hide from his acute Perception. “Run away with me, Eric.”

Eric swallowed the lump in his throat, giving the only answer that he could.

Kissing her so gently, so tenderly, for all that he tasted her tears of regret as she sobbed in his arms. Before she kissed him back fiercely, so hungrily, the two now embracing so passionately that the entire house rocked with their flame.

And Eric didn’t feel a lick of shame from the tears now running freely down his cheeks, as were her own.

Because they both already knew they would never hold each other again.

She needed a hero in her life to hold her close, and cherish her through the rainy days ahead.

Not another mad fool who thought nothing of charging off into that storm.