Dean couldn't believe himself. He had actually helped that Rune kid. He could have been sealed. Wasn't that the best type of mages? So why had he just done that?
He felt sorry for him… that was the simple answer. It had been something in his voice, his frustration… his emotions and big brown puppy eyes. No scratch that last part. That was just ridiculous.
He didn't want to admit it, but it really tugged on his own rough past. Seeing him was like seeing himself from the outside back then.
And then he had stayed with him after his collapse. Carried him to the bench and sitting there until he came around. He'd seen his mother collapse, not from the Recovery, but because of… other stuff. He hated seeing it, but he still had to be at her side, making sure she was okay. That kid had been as defenceless. He just couldn't leave him there… was that wrong of him? He shouldn't care. He doesn't care.
It's probably Roman that rubbed off on him, putting his big brother germs on him.
That didn't mean he liked that kid. He was still a freaking mage. He helped the kid, not the mage. It had nothing to do with the Re-Setting or whatever. He gave the kid a hug because he needed one because he looked like a miserable lost puppy. There. That's it, it had nothing to do with some mage. Nope.
But that Re-Set… it wasn't like… No. Don't go there. Just don't. It wasn't a Re-Set. It was just a hug because goody-goody Roman rubbed off on him. But now that's gone and over with and he can continue to be the scumbag Dean Ambrose.
He turned the corner and found himself at the academy, and the courtyard. Some people were gathered there and seemed to be preparing something. Among them, the kid. Was it that Trial he kept harping about?
He found himself going in that direction, towards the library area. It was like he was being dragged in, like people that can't keep their eyes off an accident or a fire. He skillfully steered his way between the bookshelves and up to the second level, finding an outdoor bridge that connected the buildings and looked down. He localized the kid, sitting nervously on a bench, one of his legs was shaking.
Dean crouched down, peeking down through the pillars.
The kid was soon called up and walked towards the middle of the yard, meeting up with three robe clad dudes and one equally robe clad dudette. Things were probably said, or they were just standing there, looking stupid. They soon left he kid alone in the middle as they walked towards the ends of the yard.
At first it didn't look like anything happened but then the kid started to do some gestures, and small tornados formed around him. They grew in size and spun around as if they were dancing around him. He moved around that circle, continued to do some smooth movements as the tornados changed shape and started to build up, joining together as a big one instead. Then as suddenly as they had appeared he cancelled it by letting it dissolve into the surroundings.
The people around him created some elemental targets for him and he used his Magic to neutralize them, alternatively shielding himself.
He was actually quite graceful in his movements. The other times he'd seen him, he had looked so awkward, all frail and thin, almost resembling a young clumsy deer. But now he looked all agile and refined. He seemed in total control of what he did, being fully aware of everything going on around him. If there was some part of the others' Magic going some other direction, he quickly focused on that, doing some actions to prevent it to hit anything or anyone. He really didn't let anything disappear to where he didn't want it to be. Looking closely, he noticed that the kid actually held some barrier around the buildings as well as himself as a safely net.
Why did he even notice that?
But it was just so… fascinating seeing him and his total body control. He was so… confident. He really knew what he was doing. And he knew he was good at it.
Dean's eyes rested on the kid's back, where that back piece of his coat occasionally flapped as he moved around and the wind took hold of it. He had already both seen and felt that his back was bare under that coat, but he noticed the kid's Runes glowed. He had never seen that before, on Roman or anyone. But then he wasn't a mage either. Despite his dislike of Magic he thought it was a very… ethereal look, with that pretty soft green glow. Magical really.
He just now realized the kid controlled wind. It should have been a major give away with the tornados before, but he just didn't put that much effort in thinking about that. But he had never seen wind being controlled like that before. It wasn't destructive like Fire, Earth or Water. Of course he did damage, he had demonstrated that in some offence phase of this test. But it was more… finesse behind it… or maybe it was just how he handled it.
Dean's eyes lingered on the kid some more. On his moves and his totally different attitude.
Was this what Roman meant when he had talked about the kid before?
Oh shit. Roman.
He had totally forgot that he was supposed to meet up with him at the Guild for that bet thingy. It was probably some time now past their meeting time so he figured it was best to go. Though he noticed himself stealing one last glance of the kid and his glowing Runes as he left the bridge and the library and hurrying to the Guild.
They had actually visited the Guild earlier but at that time Ziggler and Cesaro hadn't returned yet. Roman had suggested Dean would take a stroll around the area and come back in an hour. He knew Dean wouldn't be able to sit still and wait so. But meeting with the kid had totally made him lost track of time.
He was very eager to leave his job report. To finally be able to get some fried hen sticks~
His big brother was already waiting at the Guild's agency. Dean was just casual about his arrival though, not seeming like he had been distracted at all.
"Are they back yet?" he asked as he walked up to him.
"Not yet, where were you?" Roman sounded more curious than accusing.
Dean shrugged. "You know, here and there." He joined his brother on the bench. Obviously, he wasn't the only one taking his sweet time arriving here.
He still doubted Ziggler would have beaten more than him. He and Roman had been pretty far away and had found quite a big group of monsters. Or groups as it seemed to have flocked several behrn gangs. The fight had been as aggressive and exciting as expected. He looked at his arms. The right one was dressed but some blood had started to seep out through the cloth. And he had some major bruises all over, and some cuts. Funny how that nurse kid hadn't bothered to help him with that. He hadn't even mentioned it. Not that he wanted his help. But seeing the kid's frustrated state, maybe it wasn't that surprising if he didn't. He was only human. … Where did that come from? He shook his head, clearing his thoughts.
A moment later, they could see Ziggler and Cesaro approach. About time.
"Prepare to weep, Ambrose~" Ziggler shouted before they were close enough for civilized conversation.
"Speak for yourself, Ziggs", Dean shouted back. "Your hen sticks are mine!"
"Gentlemen, settle down", Cesaro said as they were all gathered together. Him and Roman shook hands. "Let's have the stones decide that."
Dean felt his excitement levels rise again. He wasn't able to stand still; balancing from one foot to the other just to get rid of some excess energy. Ziggler and Cesaro had their Rune stones checked first.
"Well done", the spunky girl in the reception, or whatever it could be called, said. "Quite the catch, both of you."
"So what's the count?" Ziggler asked eagerly.
"34, sir. Cesaro 32."
"That's a good number", Roman commented to his brother. Dean agreed in silence. 34 was a high number in these few days. Those behrns were kinda mean too. But since they had dealt with quite a lot as well, he just had to have beaten more of them.
"Here's your reward", the girl continued and gave the Hunter pair their money. "Keep up the good work."
"Thanks, sweet cheeks", Ziggler said with a wink, before turning towards Dean and Roman, a victorious grin splitting his face.
Dean just made a challenging face back, stepping up to the counter-like part of the room. He put the not-so-manhandled card on the table and slid it towards the lady.
"Behrn hunting", he said, just to say something.
"Certainly, do you have your Rune stones?"
Dean reached back and presented his sword. She put her hand over it, concentrating and reading its Runes and made a note. Then she did the same to Roman's spear.
"Well?" Dean said impatiently.
"Excellent job on your end as well. Reigns 36 and Ambrose 31."
"I knew it!" Ziggler cheered.
"Really? You sure?" Dean said. Only 31? Dude, that was not cool. He had the lowest out of the four of them. He was so certain he had up towards 40 at least.
"Yes, good job." The girl smiled at him.
Dean didn't return it. He was too disappointed.
Roman received their reward and gave Dean his share.
"How can I only have gotten 31?" he said, partly to the lady, partly to the others.
"31 is a good number", the lady said.
"You didn't get it wrong, like having Roman's number mixed up with mine?"
"Mr Ambrose. You did well, your pay isn't less than anyone else's. You all got over 30 and over 65 as a team."
"Come on, Ambrose, admit your loss", Ziggler said. "You heard the lady."
"Let's go, Dean", Roman said, gently tugging his arm.
Dean still wanted to protest. But the agency hadn't been reading the Runes wrong once so far. He just had been so sure he'd have at least 35... But he had lost count at 18 so he hadn't been too sure. But only 31...?
"And how did you get more than me?" he accused Roman.
"Sorry, bro, I didn't know, I just took the opportunities presented to me. You know me."
Dean pouted. Roman probably had more finishing blows on some on his kills… making it count for him and not Dean. Sneaky bastard, making Dean do the hard work and just coming in with the finisher. He wasn't really mad at him though, team work was what being partners was all about after all. It was just very inconvenient at times like these when fried hen sticks were on the line.
"Ro still got the most kills", Dean said as they walked out of the agency.
"Nuh uh, the bet was between you and me. Roman's number doesn't count", Ziggler said.
"It's true", Cesaro said. "Whoever of Dolph and Dean getting the highest score wins."
Dean knew that but he still wanted to try. Maybe Ziggler would have forgotten, but then again Cesaro probably wouldn't. That man had one helluva memory. He knew five languages for crying out loud.
"So, give me half of your reward", Ziggler grinned and stuck his open palm out in front of Dean. "You lost, cough it up~"
Dean really wanted to just "cough a hairball" at him for that statement, but he lost the mood for that so he just mumbled something and gave him the money.
"Pleasure doing business with you." Another stupid Ziggler-grin.
Dean just made a mocking face. He remembered the scales again for a second. Maybe he should go back home and get them to be able to get those sticks anyway. Forcing Ziggler to trade with him
"I'll beat you next time", he said out loud.
Ziggler huffed and grinned. "Don't be so sure about that."
He gave them a wave and started to walk off.
"Nice work, you two", Cesaro said. "And if it's any consolation, you're the best team. You beat most monsters."
"Duh, of course we're the best", Dean just said.
Cesaro smiled. "Better be following my partner to make sure he's not getting into trouble."
He bumped fists with Roman but Dean wasn't in the mood for it. Cesaro must have sensed that; he just gave him a pat on his shoulder as he passed.
Roman walked up to him and put a supportive hand on his shoulder, the same shoulder. "You okay, man?"
"Shouldn't I be?" Dean said. It was just a bet anyway. Sometimes he won, sometimes he lost. Losing still sucked though. He felt most bad about the hen sticks though. It had been so close and he had been looking forward to them so much.
"Shall we go to the cafeteria? Have something to eat?"
"To see everyone else eating hen sticks? I don't think so."
"They maybe have some nice alternative or sides for you."
Dean just shrugged but joined him as they walked towards the catering area. Maybe they had macs on the side.
It was kinda crowded, as if everyone else also got the idea of eating just right now. They joined the line, waiting nicely, there seemed to be some kind of chaos closer to the food. Roman peeked forward and soon discovered why.
"Fried hen sticks are cancelled", he reported.
"What?"
"They don't have any hen sticks tonight. Just regular chicken."
Dean suddenly grinned. Maybe it wasn't that bad he lost, then. Sure, he still lost half his money but he would have felt even more disappointed had he won and still didn't get the hen sticks. Seems like he could be lucky too.
Not as lucky as Roman though. They still had cheesecake so he still could get his special treat. Well, Dean could have some as well but he wouldn't get his special treat.
But he still had the scales that he could try to use at another time.
And normal chicken wasn't half bad either, so today maybe wasn't as bad as it had seemed there for a while.
Author's Note: Dean's just... Dean... ^^' But yeah, thanks for reading and sorry for the belated chapter, but seems like the site was down so it couldn't be helped. I'm just glad I managed to get this out before leaving for the Swedish invasion of Independence. But yeah, that means there won't be a chapter for a couple of weeks. I'm sorry about that, but yeah, next chapter will be up after I come back home again.
