Just A Broken Record

Lucian

A slight, almost choking breeze shot me awake, eyes bulging.

In the corner of my eyes, I notice Kurou about to slam into me to 'wake me up and start my day' according to him.

"Not this time!" I shouted.

I jumped out of bed and flinched my body backwards, hugging the wall behind, which left me just enough room to avoid the impact from him.

"It seems you've been getting sharp," Draven spoke out in the shadows.

As I come to my senses, I notice that it wasn't Kurou slamming me awake, but Draven instead.

"How early did you arrive?" I asked.

"Oh an hour ago you know..."

"Why is my door closed? Have you been watching me a sleep for an hour?" I retorted as I kept my stance firm against the back wall.

"Watching is a little bit exaggerated, I was just letting you graciously get some extra sleep."

"Creep," I whispered underneath my own breath as I threw on a light jacket, walking out over to the kitchen where I noticed Kurou sitting down already.

Multiple empty bottles scattered the counters as he was taking a sip, clearly drunk.

"Hasn't been a day and it seems like Draven is already posing a bad influence on you, old man," I shout with a chuckle.

"I've had to deal with you for 3 years straight, boy. I think a few drinks and getting drunk is pretty justified myself," he shouts back as he takes another swig.

I walk on over to the back of the kitchen, swinging over cabinets and different areas trying to look to see what we have, until I find some bread that I eagerly shove down my throat and chase it with some water—quite parched.

"Woah, slow down there," the old man mumbles.

"I can say the same about your... situation," I replied back.

Despite what I've said, in truth, it was quite exciting to see Kurou like this. He basically had been an entirely different man these past few years.

A lot more strict, similar to that of my Uncle Orin in my first life.

You could really understand his burning passion for the fight, which was commendable. While his methods were a bit extreme at times, they did work, and I was able to learn more than I think I would ever be able to learn on my own.

"I may sound like a broken record, but," I began, "I really do appreciate you throwing a few years off of your already short lifespan to train me you know."

"Ouch! Thanks for calling me old three different ways," he snapped back.

"You know what I meant—"

"Don't worry kid, I'm just pulling your leg. It was fun, really was. Definitely more interesting than laying my ass down and letting these bones stiffen up day by day," he replied.

"Yet you'd still hand his ass to him," Draven exclaimed.

"Oh shut up," I retorted.

I take a seat besides Kurou as Draven follows suit, engaging in conversation about what I've learned over the years.

We talked about my progress, training, and what I still need to practice when I leave.

***

Finally, after a few hours, it was time to leave.

I was already standing outside, staring at Kurou who was by the door. Draven was just behind me with my bags, waiting patiently for me to say my goodbyes.

For the first time in a while, I genuinely enjoyed a lot with these few years.

I've never been able to train so fruitfully.

For that reason alone, I was grateful beyond my own words. However, just to keep the mood, I didn't want to show it that hard.

"Fortunately, it's time for you to leave," Kurou shouted as he began running his hand through my hair aggressively, practically attempting to push me down to the floor with the type of strength he's using for that.

"Well that's very kind of you to say," I reply back sarcastically, letting out a slight chucke in response as Draven seemed to also do as well, which you could hear in the back.

"Alright well, this place gives me the creeps," Draven began.

"Why don't we head out now while the day is still fresh? There's money to be made out there Lucian boy!"

"Oh wow! Haven't heard my name in a few years. Usually it's just brat," I retort, mocking Kurou in a playful yet slightly annoyed manner.

He seemed to have picked up on what I meant and let out a slight grin as I began walking away and over to Draven, who had gestured for me to come over so we can begin our journey back.

"Where y'all heading?" Kurou asked.

"Not sure, maybe Vorrak or one of the other cities. I've done quite a good job at getting new clients over the past few years, and that also means... a lot more favors!"

"My sincerest apologies to whoever is in your debt," Kurou remarked.

Draven let out a chuckle as we finally began walking away into the forest. We both gave the old man a wave, which he did in return.

As he stepped back into his house, I watched his fade away into nothingness, the spell activating as my vision become blurry for a moment. Then, the cabin was fully gone, and it felt like just a regular, giant patch of grass.

"So, you think you'll be able to pull your weight a bit more?" Draven asked jokingly.

"I think you'll be quite surprised," I replied.

"Oh boy do I hope so. It's been a pain without a test dummy I can use for distractions and bait, I've actually had to use some effort," he shouts loudly into the forest.

"Weren't you all about shutting your trap in these woods?"

"It's early in the morning. Anything that can threaten us is asleep right now, so we'll be fine... I think," he answered.

"Well I don't want to take any chances, how about you just shut up," I send out.

"Geez, yes sir," he replied as he nudged my shoulder.

We continued our journey throughout the forest, seemingly heading over to Vorrak, which we might make it to by the first shred of night.

Draven was the first person I had seen outside of Kurou in around 3 years, which was probably the longest period of time I've spent away from people. While I don't regret a thing, I did miss the bustle of a regular city.

Waking up the commotion of others and not being thrown off my bed and slammed into the wall by an old man beyond his years, simple things such as that.

If we do head to Vorrak, I would like to see if we can meet Thorne again.

Thorne was a big help in the first bit after Draven rescued me from those pesky bandits attempting to slave trade.

He had posed a mysterious aura, definitely a lot stronger than I was back then, and if I had to guess, I would say it's the same case now.

'Maybe he'd have something he can teach me,' I tell myself.

"Kid," Draven began whispering slightly. "Whenever you're in your own thoughts, you get this slight mischievous grin plastering your face. Stop that."

While I knew what he meant, I still let out a slight chuckle in response.

***

The night began to set on us as we continued traversing through the endless expanse of heavy terrain, trees and bushes alike.

My stamina had increased tenfold easily, which Draven seemed to pick up on quite fast. We hadn't really stopped for rest because of this, opting to just get over to one of the cities as fast as possible and shred any excess wasted time because of delays.

Finally, after another few minutes, we came to a little clear ridge overlooking the city of Vorrak, which was beautiful. While it was late, the streets were still bustling with activity.

"Finally, people that aren't creepy alcoholics who like watching kids sleep," I shout.

"Shut it," Draven replied as he hit the back of the neck.

Rubbing my hand on the impact which was slightly bruised due to the force of his hit, we continued to admire the look.

"Well, I'm tired, so let's head down," he said.

"I agree. I'm excited to finally get away from those woods," I reply back.

"I bet you are."