Man of Fiction

5 years ago

Emily walked up the steps of Gallop Port's Community College. It was the smallest and easiest institution to get into, but she still could not get rid of the nervousness she was going through. College is college, after all.

When she entered the building, she could not see a familiar face. Most of her peers went to well-known universities and colleges across the West. Some even got opportunities at the East. The thought made her queasy in the stomach, since she always wanted to study somewhere at Lacras. Did it have something to do with her love for Mob Boy Order? Kind of.

She brought out her schedule, to check her first class' location. Math 101, Bldg B M room. The nervousness continued. All the doors were labeled with numbers like 203, and 110. To add to her shock, this tiny college actually had another building. She walked further inside, searching for some signage that could point her to the mysterious M room. Instead, she found herself at the fork hall and her next dilemma was whether to go left and right.

Asking for directions, was the next thing she had to do. She approached the nearest female student, who didn't seem to notice her because she proceeded to her classroom with her other loud friends. Emily looked for signs of any Freshman Welcome committee member, but it seemed like the college couldn't afford to prepare such a thing. She tried to approach other students, but they were either preoccupied or just as clueless as she was.

The halls were slowly emptying and Emily was losing hope.

She then thought to herself that skipping her first college class would not be such a big deal. She could use her free period to actually explore the campus. Yes, that was the plan.

Until someone asked her the same question.

"Excuse me, do you know where classroom M is?" a shy male voice asked.

When she looked up at the person that she was talking to, she could not believe her eyes.

It was Alaric Bentlee, her high school's star athlete. He was known to be the student who didn't really belong to any sport's team, but he was exceptional at any sport. He was always called to fill in any sports team that needed a substitute, and he was more than obliged to help. Whenever he joined a game, their high school's team would win. This earned him the title, 'The Athlete's Lucky Charm' and he gained the affection of a lot of ladies, too. Lots of team captains even begged him to join, but he would decline all their offers for unknown reasons.

Not only was he popular or talented, but he was mysterious too. She recalled Magda and Shaya telling her several rumors about him actually being part of West's National Fighting team or that he was just a good son who spent sleepless nights doing part-time jobs to provide for his family. Either way, she never imagined interacting with the most popular boy in school, in a place like this.

When their eyes met, Alaric gasped. "I know you," he said. "We went to the same high school together."

This was more shocking than the community college having another building. THE Alaric Bentlee knew her. Nobody knew her. She may have had a few classes with him, but they never really spoke. But he knew her.

"You're…" he said, wagging his finger at her. His nose scrunched up to think, but he eventually gave up. "You're Emma Rose right?"

Close enough.

"Emily Rose." she corrected.

"Yes, Emily!" he exclaimed, laughing in delight. Emily smiled with him. Regardless of who he was, she was more than glad to have a familiar face to suffer the first day with. "It's good to see you! I'm on my way to math class, but I don't know where this class M is."

"Actually, same here." she said, confidence suddenly present in her tone. She did not know where it came from, but it did not stop her from acting familiar with him. "I was trying to look for it."

"Cool, then we can search for it together!"

As they walked, Emily found one major thing about Alaric Bentlee. He was extremely talkative. In a matter of minutes, she learned that Alaric was in the same course as her, which was Comparative Literature. He liked reading comics and he thought the course was the same thing. She wanted to snort. He also admitted to her that college application happened at the last minute for him. He said something between the lines of having financial problems with his family. This explained why he wasn't doing any sort of sports scholarship somewhere faraway, Emily thought as he chattered. However, he was satisfied with the direction that he was going, because he was near his family in case there was any emergency. Emily started to wonder what his home situation was like. But that was a boundary she was not ready to cross.

"I've always thought you were the bookish kind of girl, is that why you chose this course?" he asked, regret suddenly flashing on his face. "Not that I think being bookish is weird or anything like that."

Emily gently smiled. "Not at all, but you're right. I just like telling stories." she said. "I think I got it from watching animated shows and reading lots of fantasy novels."

"Then I look forward to hearing some from you!" he grinned. It was strange, but it was a good kind of strange. He was revered as such an elusive figure back in high school, but talking to him was very easy for Emily Rose. For once, she did not feel ostracized or weird. He was much more comfortable to be around than the friends she tried to make before. She enjoyed her time with him so much, that she missed how much time passed by. High school was definitely behind them.

"It looks like we're going to miss our very first college class." he said, scratching the back of his head. His bright face became really apologetic and embarrassed, but Emily decided not to kill the mood. It was just the first day. There was time to catch up.

"Then let's look for our next class, together." she decided. Another cheeky smile appeared on his face. "I guess it can't be helped, then." he agreed. "But you know what, Emily? I think this is going to be the start of a beautiful friendship. You don't mind right?"

Indeed, it was.

*****

Emily Rose has had enough of familiar faces to last her a lifetime.

Detective Alaric typed away at her statement, which was not really helpful for the investigation. All she could remember was talking to Gareth about work, until he suddenly pushed her and grabbed the man with his...Meiyan Gentle hold. It sounded cool on Mob Boy Order, but in real life, it was incredibly ridiculous.

"You did not notice your bag getting cut?" Alaric asked her, still typing. It was a good thing he decided not to reminisce about their college days. But Emily could not help but feel that he was no longer the same goofy athlete. Something was missing, but she could not put her finger on it. He has a serious job now, Emily rationalized. He can't afford to be distracted, let alone be cheerful at this moment.

She shook her head. "I only checked my bag when… Gareth said I was robbed."

His gaze then turned to the Meiyan Monk, but it was not a friendly one. Yes, Alaric appeared much more cold than a typical detective. Was he really suspecting her companion? "And how did you know she was getting robbed?" he asked him.

"I sensed it." The Blonde simply said. Emily's palm found its way to her tired face. That was the wrong answer, Gareth. It won't work in this world.

And just as she suspected, Alaric's frown went deeper. "Sensed it? You mean you felt it but you did not see it?" he asked, looking at Gareth like anyone would at a maniac. The easiest answer was yes, but Gareth had to be himself. "My Qishi energy sensed a sinister presence approaching the two of us. The streets may have been congested earlier, but it was able to detect it at such a short distance. As a fellow Protector, I'm sure you are aware of what I'm talking about."

'You're not a Protector here! They don't exist!' Emily was desperate to tell him that.

Alaric's mouth gaped, the suspected Slash Bandit scratched his beanie, and Emily wanted to scream. Instead, she laughed it off and this startled Gareth. "He's an...athletic fighter, you see." She explained, trying to grin. But it didn't ease the hard look on the detective's face. "He studied a very very very rare and ancient martial art, which is why his lingo is not similar to that of ours. He studied it in seclusion...somewhere at the East." Well, that was not far from the truth.

Fortunately, Gareth nodded to everything she said. "That is correct, Emily Rose." he said, almost smiling. "I did study the sacred art of Meiyo at the Meiyan Monastery. But I don't really consider my job that of an athlet---" Emily swatted her arm on Gareth's tough abdomen. This silenced him, but the innocent confused look returned. Now is not that good time for that, Emily thought as she tried her hardest to not face him.

The detective shook his head, returning some sense into the situation. "Never mind your background," Alaric said. "So let's say you felt him grabbing her wallet, with your...senses."

Gareth nodded, but it was quite reluctant.

"Then you grabbed him from behind, demanding the wallet back." the dark haired detective continued. "When you got it back, you also got a pocket knife from him."

"The pocket knife is his!" the old man blurted out. "Weapons are not allowed in Hembrandt! Why would a frail old man like me carry something so dangerous?"

Then the police from earlier hastily ran back to the desk. "Detective Bentlee!" he cried. "We got the results! The knife belongs to this old man, Frank Finchlin."

Another wave of silence entered the vicinity, and all eyes were on the man who was believed to be named Frank. The old man gave a sweet smile, showing off his missing, crooked teeth. He suddenly pushed the papers on the desk towards Alaric with such an incredible force that everything went flying. This took everyone by surprise that Emily did not notice him grabbing her by the arm with a brand new knife lodged to her throat. "Release me and then I will release her!" he threatened, shakily. The police officers and detectives including Alaric raised their hands in surrender. Gareth, on the other hand, stood firm like a resilient tree, with his hands curled into fists. Oddly enough, she feared more for what he was going to do next than her own life.

Frank slowly inched towards the room's exit with Emily wrapped around his wooly arm. "Nobody moves!" he yelled. He progressed to the wide open doors, his eyes wild on the law enforcers. Before he could take one more step out, Emily Rose took her black heel and stomped it on the old man's foot. Frank only winced in pain, but this gave enough time for Gareth to attack.

Everything else happened so fast. Initially, Gareth moved forward. Next, his extended leg stood upright before her, and his high kick was able to aim for his armed knife. Frank flinched, causing him to release his weapon and the young woman.

Emily collided with Gareth, who was able to catch her. Frank was surprisingly strong for his age, but luckily the blonde monk acted fast. He put his arm around her and their faces were so close that she could see all the details in his green eyes. She pleaded herself not to blush, but her cheeks immediately went very warm. Gareth did not seem to notice, though. He was actually more worried for her. "Are you hurt?" he asked, placing a gentle hand on the top of her head. Before she could say anything, the police shouted, "HALT!" and a couple of footsteps scrambled towards the room's exit. Frank was getting away. Alaric scrambled past them, along with his fellow police officer. "Stay here," Gareth commanded before he ran after them.

As soon as the police station emptied, she headed towards the exit. When Emily reached the entrance, she could see Gareth and Alaric having a marathon race from afar and both of them were closing in on Frank the Slash Bandit.

Alaric, however, was much faster than Gareth. When he was near enough, he threw himself at Frank, slamming him to the concrete. The Slash Bandit groaned in defeat, as the detective forcefully took both of his hands on his back. "Frank Finchlin, you're under arrest for theft and assault." Alaric said, placing handcuffs on him.

The detective stood up and dragged the Slash Bandit back to the station, passing a breathless Gareth. Cold blue eyes met with fearless green ones. In spite of Gareth's efforts, they were still not appreciated by the Mavon detective. "Your kick was impressive but hazardous." Alaric commented. "I'm going to need another statement from you." He moved on.

It was nearing eleven in the evening and new statements were issued. It was finally time for Gareth and Emily to leave. Emily couldn't wait for things to get back to normal. As they made their way out of Mavon's Police Station, Alaric tagged along with them. Nobody exchanged words, especially Gareth whose eyes were on the entrance door. Emily tried to ignore what was going on, hoping Alaric was heading somewhere else. But once they were outside, the detective blocked their way.

Gareth crossed his arms, eyebrows furled in frustration with his presence. "What kind of statement do you need this time?" he asked, raising a brow.

"No statement. I'd like...to treat you both to a meal." Alaric told him. Her heart dropped. He was going to do what? "The cupped noodles offered seemed insufficient. So please allow me to take you both to a proper dinner."

Gareth scoffed, putting a step forward as if he was trying to put Emily behind him. "That won't be necessary." the blonde insisted. Alaric sighed, putting a hand on his hip, where his badge shone against the station's indoor lighting. "Very well, then at least let me escort you both home. Consider this as part of protocol." he insisted.

"We have somewhere where we need to be." Gareth defended.

"At this hour? Where could that be?"

"With all due respect, it is no longer your concern."

"To...the grocery." she said.

Alaric blinked his dark eyes, but his expression softened at her response. "You were supposed to do that before all of this happened?" he asked, ignoring the sneering Gareth.

"Yes, my chiller… I mean, my refrigerator is empty." she explained further. He nodded and his hand traveled to the back bottom of his jean pocket. Sounds of car keys jingled. "Let's go then," Alaric said, hopping down the station's steps. Gareth with his arms still crossed remained still in his position like a towering art statue. "Go where?" he asked.

"Let's go grocery shopping."

*****

Doing the groceries has always been a daunting task for Emily Rose. It ate the funds on her Green card, the crowds were always unbearable, and her memory would suffer the most on thinking what she should actually buy. Most of the time, she was unsure if the items she bought were of decent quality. She went back to the times when she did grocery shopping with her own family. They were always picky with quality and the quantity of the items they were going to buy. She realized at that moment that she has not contacted them in such a long time.

"How's your family?" someone asked, all of the sudden.

Emily perked up to see a curious Alaric, who was also doing his own set of groceries. Mavon Mart was thankfully almost empty, and only relaxed Western jazz music was the only remaining noise. It was just the two of them between the aisles that provided cereals and Lacrassan condiments and ready-to-eat meals. Half of the young detective's cart was filled with the same cup noodles and some water bottles. Emily's was more full, filled with processed meals and canned goods. She has been living on her own for two years, and she still couldn't cook a proper meal for herself.

"They're fine." she blankly said, taking a large box of cereals.

"How long has it been?" he asked again, also taking a box.

"You dropped out in the first year," she reminded, taking her cart to the cashiers. Alaric followed, looking down on his cupped noodles. "Yeah, I told you I had a personal problem to deal with." he said, almost quietly. "I had to quit school and cut some contact back then. Sorry."

Emily nodded, remembering the last day she saw him. During that time, he did not attend a single class for a week. She tried contacting him, but there were no answers. This got her worried until he showed up and attended all of their classes, one day. She was with him for the most part, but she could see the distraught on his face. Because of the changed mood, she became too hesitant to ask. The only thing he said to her was a favor to go with him to the college's office registrar. That was when he told her that he was going to quit college for a while. She never saw or heard from him again.

"Is everything okay, now?" she asked, setting her items on the cashier lane. Without a second thought, Alaric rushed to her side and assisted her in getting her food checked out. "Yes, as you can see I think I found my calling as a detective." He explained. Good for you, she thought. "I will tell you everything in good time." That's when he handed her his calling card.

Emily carefully took the card and studied it.

MAVON CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

ALARIC K. BENTLEE

DETECTIVE

333 879 000

[email protected]

"Call me anytime, especially when there's an emergency." he said. Emily nodded and placed the card in her retrieved Danooki wallet. This made Alaric smile for the first time. For a moment, he was no longer the Mavon detective they met earlier; but her old college friend. "You still like Danooki," he teased.

"Why not?" she defended, bringing out her Green card. He only chuckled in response. When it was his turn to pay for his groceries, Emily searched for Gareth. When they arrived at Mavon Mart, he met up with the main grocer, who was open to listening to the young monk's conditions. She has not seen him, since then. "Where's your boyfriend?" Alaric asked, reverting back to the austere detective. Emily's chest leaped at the word.

"He's not my boyfriend." she quickly said. When she did, she thought she saw a flash of relief appear on his face. But she decided that she only imagined it. It was very late and they were all exhausted.

Gareth appeared with a small and satisfied smile. Things have gone well with his meeting with his boss. "I can start work tomorrow, after I drop you off at the hotel. I can finish before you come out as well." he said, immediately grabbing all four grocery bags at ease. She saw Alaric roll his eyes, and she did not imagine it this time. "You can both take my car and I will escort you to your homes." the detective offered. "Where do you two live?"

Gareth was about to open his mouth, but Emily decided that he has already spoken on her behalf long enough. "I live in Opal City, Sunrise Apartment. Gareth is staying with me." The monk proudly nodded to the comment. Concern washed over the detective's face, so he investigated her some more. "Who else is waiting for you at home?"

"I live alone and Gareth's my guest." she said, almost hesitantly. A hand returned to Alaric's waist, and his face was no longer concerned. He did not approve. "You're living with a man, under your roof? Does your family know about this?"

"No, this is only temporary." she explained. "Please don't call my family."

"Frankly, I am not okay with this." he said, turning to Gareth. "What sort of business do you have with her, that you have to stay in her apartment? Don't you have a place to stay? Or good manners?"

The Meiyan Monk took offense in his words. "I'm in a tight situation that I simply cannot disclose to you, Protector." he said, his arms behind his back again. Emily rolled her brown eyes at the word, Protector. Words from Mob Boy Order really sounded weird, in real life. "However, your reaction is very understandable. You have no knowledge of the ordeal that I've gone through. But I can assure you that I am not the kind of man you assume me to be. It's not in the Meiyan code to take advantage of a lovely young woman in the comforts of her own home. We uphold the power of consent in our ways."

Alaric was not going to allow himself to be tongue-tied by his peculiar words. "Well, forgive me for my rude assumptions." he simply said. "But I'm not speaking as a detective. I'm speaking as an old friend of Emily's. I'm only concerned for her well-being. And just like you, I uphold the power of consent. So I will no longer question your 'situation', until Emily does. Is that clear?"

"Understood, detective."

Alaric managed to drive Gareth and Emily home--without any sassy remarks from either of the guys, much to Emily's relief. She asked Gareth to go ahead with their groceries, which he was more than happy to do. She gave him the keys and faced Alaric, who was in the driver seat of his black car. She wanted to say good night, but her mind was filled with other things that she wanted to say.

"Honestly, I'm still not okay with him staying with you." Alaric said, as soon as Gareth entered their building. "If my contact is not enough, I'm just two buildings away. Dusk Apartment 516."

"He's a good guy, I promise." she reassured. He nodded, but fret was still present in his exhausted blue eyes. "I'm sure he is, but there's something off about him." he admitted. "The way he attacked the Slash Bandit… it wasn't normal. I couldn't fully read his moves. They were too quick." Emily fell silent. Nothing escaped Alaric's eyes whenever it came to fighting techniques, as he did his own fair share of martial arts back in the day. "I want you to be careful." he said. "If anything happens, call me. I'm serious."

"I know." Emily managed a smile. "Go home, it's late." This relaxed Alaric's shoulders.

"Okay, but it's good to see you." Then he drove away.

It's good to see you, too. Emily thought, watching his car leave. But everything was going to be fine.

*****

Everything was not fine.

Emily woke up to a scream at three in the morning.