Repercussions

SOFOSYS' POV

By the time Michael had finished narrating his story, Cassadrei sat down on the couch with her head between her hands. The Petrywinkler rushed to greet Cassadrei who seemed to be in no mood for his shenanigans. The atmosphere was very grave indeed, dried blood casted Michael's clothes, his hair was matted with dirt and he looked positively enraged. 

"This is so ridiculous." Michael spatted, "I have never been in a fight in my life and now I have to fight some mythical creature who is after my life, all because of your fault."

He pointed towards Cassadrei who shrunk a bit in her couch.

"There is no need to be so agitated." I tried to calm Michael, "I hadn't considered such serious repercussions of Cassadrei's return to power. It seems that someone doesn't want her to return to her Goblin lands."

"Of course, I'll be agitated!" Michael fumed, "I was almost killed today! Had it not been for Cookie, I would have died. All for no apparent fault of mine."

The Petrywinkler gazed at us with reverent eyes, his innocent eyes were no indication of the the power residing in his tiny body. No wonder, Petrywinklers can detect the presence of Goblins or any other magical creatures, Cookie had been a great asset to us indeed. We would have to pay more attention to his instincts if we want to survive.

"It was Magnus. I am sure, Magnus is behind all these." Cassadrei spoke softly. 

"Now, who is that?" Michael said confused. 

"It's a long story." I interjected, "we have more pressing matters at hand now."

"You are right. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have dragged you into all these." Cassadrei replied, looking down at the floor. 

"You better be sorry!" Michael spatted, "I was only trying to be civil when I agreed to help you with your practices. Now, the matters have extended beyond my control. I cannot keep associating with you any further, lest I lose my life."

Cassadrei looked up, dumbfounded. 

"What do you mean?" I ask

"I guess I have made my meaning quite clear. I cannot help you Cassie. I am sorry." Michael said, softening up a bit. 

"But….but...you can't leave! Michael you have to understand, it is still dangerous for you even if you stop helping me. You have been marked, and Magnus...he won't spare you."

"I'm not scared of this Magnus or whoever it is. It is you people that I am bothered about. After you came into my life, all my peace has been disrupted. I was a regular guy living his life in his own terms and now I have this constant fear of attacks and poisoning and blasts and whatnot! I cannot live like this Cassie, I have terrible anxiety issues and all these is taking a great toll on my brain."

Cassadrei looked at me for some support, but I could offer none. Michael had a very good point for avoiding us, we cannot force him to aid us at the risk of his own life. And now, there has been two consecutive attacks in a single week.

"Maybe, it would be more prudent if we go into hiding." I suggested. 

Michael looked up at me incredulously. 

"Are you kidding me? Hiding? What am I, some kind of spy or a political prisoner?"

"I understand your frustration Michael. You are right, you have nothing to do you our struggles, yet you are a part of it now. Unfortunately, You are now entangled in our mess. If you withdraw now, the assassins are going to find you and again try to attack you. However, if you stay with us, we will be able to protect you with our powers and Cookie's as well. You need to hide ourselves for a while to put the assassins in the wrong track." I said. 

Michael seemed to contemplate my offer for a while, gazing vacantly at the distance. He twisted his knuckles as he pondered upon his predicament. Cassadrei looked at him hopefully and the Petrywinkler looked bored, he was bursting with restless energy and he had no patience for our endless banter. 

"No. I think it will be best if I go my own way. I can't live like a fugitive. I have my college, my studies, my volunteer works, I can't leave them all behind and disappear." Michael replied with a set jaw. 

"Mike, you have to understand…. this isn't a child's play now." Cassadrei's voice sounded frantic now, "They already know who you are and if you stop associating with us now, you will leave yourself vulnerable to them. We can protect you!"

"I don't think you can protect me Cassie," Michael replied sarcastically, "given you are the ones responsible for my current condition."

"Don't make any rash decisions out of spite. Think calmly, we can work together and solve this problem." I offered. 

Michael's face offered us little assurance, he was adamant on his decision. 

"I don't think I want to have any kind of discussion with you people, given you are selfishly thinking about your own goals ahead of mine." He said coolly. 

"How can you even say this Micheal?" Cassadrei's voice sounded angry now, 

"You are the one being unreasonable and you blame us for being selfish! Go your own way if you might, if that's your decision, I won't stop you."

"And what right do you have, going about trying to stop me?" Micheal stared at Cassadrei for a moment as he said this, probably expecting some retort but Cassadrei looked away. 

He looked at the Petrywinkler, and surprisingly smiled and nodded his head, 

"Thank you friend, for saving my life" He said gratefully, "I apologise for being too harsh on you before."

I wonder if Cookie could understand his words, but the creature leaped at him with joy, licking his face. Michael stroked him fondly. 

Then, putting the Petrywinkler down, and without any further words, Micheal went on his own seperate way.