Chapter 17 : Don't Fall Away
Scott Long strummed his fingertips on the table, waiting for Jake to return home. As angry as he had been the previous night, he had cooled down, and now felt a hint of remorse for leaving Jake in the Huntslair by himself. He remembered one of his own experiences, and cringed.
(Flashback)
A seventeen year-old Scott lay bleeding on the floor of the Huntslair, to weak to get up.
"Next time, catch the dragon," He heard a snarling voice hiss in his ear.
"W-who's…who's t-there," Scott gasped in pain.
"Kill the dragon or die yourself," The voice hissed again, this time with a mocking air.
"Go away," Scott mumbled, recognizing the voice. It was that little rat, Brian, who didn't actually work, but was the Huntsmaster's son, so he got away with everything.
"I'm just warning you, Father says next time you fail," He made a slashing motion across his throat. He saw the fear on Scott's face, and laughed.
"Kill the dragon or kill you? Either would be an improvement on the world…" He walked away laughing as Scott spat up blood. He was feeling nauseas and the room was spinning. He lay his head down on the cold cement in defeat, and blood filled his nostrils as the world went black.
(End flashback)
Scott shivered involuntarily. That was one of many painful experiences that had occurred within that hidden lair. I went through it, and he'll probably go through it too…he thought. But how will he react when- His thoughts were interrupted by a slammed door. Instead of walking through the kitchen, Jake took the long way up to his room. Half of him was still happy about the kiss he had had with Rose, while half of him was upset at how trapped and hopeless she felt. He didn't have much time to think, though, for his father called him. Even the sound of Scott's voice made Jake agitated, and he stomped down the stairs annoyed.
"What!" Jake snapped. When Scott heard his tone, he became defensive.
"Watch the tone, young man!" Scott snapped back. Jake rolled his eyes.
"My parents are coming here tomorrow, and you better be respectful!" He threatened.
"Why?" Jake said, referring to the first statement.
"They came to see you because you are being trained as a Hunter." Scott said simply.
"Don't tell me they're Huntsfreaks, I mean 'Huntsmen' too!" Jake stated bitterly.
Scott sighed, "Yes, Jake, they are Huntsmen. Please, just don't do anything embarrassing…"
"Whatever…" Jake said coldly, jogging up the stairs.
"What is life coming to?" Scott whispered, staring at his son's retreating figure.
A/N: I apologize for the shortness, but it was necessary for you to understand more about Scott's upbringing… REVIEW!