Tome of Paladins : The DawnLight

14. And Hatred

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Still Gavin POV*

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As far as I can remember, Peter was somehow always able to predict lot of unexpected things like accidents.

Meanwhile, I can only stand still, unable to feel anything.

He had an amazing feeling when something bad was about to happen.

This managed to leave me speechless, seeing how objectively unreasonable it was.

Peter is also the only friend I'm really close with.

I myself don't like having relationships with other people, in a sense which is a bit odd for some reason.

I just wanted to be left alone.

And often that desire gets me really into a lot of trouble, because I can't even ask other people for help.

Apart from all that, then I met Peter as someone who I think or you could say my initial assumption is someone who is quite annoying, but sometimes or more often than not, I can't deny that his opinion is somewhat reasonable.

As much as I keep myself busy with everything I delve and learn.

I came to the conclusion, that life is about how much value a person has in the reality, for another person's life.

It's all about you being taken advantage of by others, or conversely, that you are the one taking advantage of others.

All problems, thoughts and contemplation which in my opinion do not feel critical and systematic, make me sink into it.

A suffocating darkness that blind my sense of direction, where my hope of finding light is only rewarded with results, where I get an endless sea without an end point.

Everything was tight, cramped my sense.

And the understanding that finally stuck in my veins was to believe that this life is a pattern of activity whose basic formulation of synthesis leads to the form of a theory or system, which I consider a path that is so boring, complicated and, hell, full of chaos.

No use or meaning at all.

Why fight for something that I'm really confused about, if it's all in the end is for myself or not.

Selfish. apathy.

Yep. That's very definition is the true way I live and how I adapt to things.

In a problem and the reality of life, the aspects inside of it are the things I really don't care about the most.

"About a vision that interpreted from various points of view, in a situation that forms an events and ideas. We should be grateful for the diversity and understanding, that leads to a prosperous and harmonious quality of life. Without any feuds between Nobles or commoners."

And so or so the speech of those so called sages.

Hahaha. I think it's just a speech that is complicated and extended without any real statement.

Heh.

How the Nobles speak at such lengths, when their way of life is nothing but luxury and revelry, in their own poor toiling society, with a futile ending that I myself saw, felt something that somehow reminded me of all their treatment, before …

Uh… Never mind. Boys shouldn't complain like little puppies. Hmmmm. Let's see, what are some other interesting things that will relieve and free my curiosity.

While I was lost in my somewhat erratic thoughts, I remembered the look on Peter's face that rebuked me. A face full of confidence, determination, and fire burning in his eyes, he stood with firm and unyielding conviction.

Seeing me sleeping in class, ignoring the Teacher's explanation in front of the class, and coupled with the absence of other teachers or students who dared to rebuke me, he with what he called the values ​​and principles of morality, started nagging me.

Clear and loud.

That surprised me.

How can there be someone who clearly can't seem to understand, why no one dares to approach me.

No Commoners dared to speak to the Nobles.

Especially scolding, or reprimand them.

I could see the teacher at the front, along with the other students sitting in the classroom, trembling nervously with an expression of fear, in case they too were affected by the anger of the Nobles.

They seemed to have assumed that Peter was finished and that soon, disaster would befall to him.

However, to their surprise, I with the usual bored expression plastered on my face immediately told him to shoo out of my face, away from me.

He's not in the wrong by saying that.

Saving energy is also one of my life motto.

But of course, if I'm angry, violence is the easiest way and answer to solve a problem.

Hehehe.

After I said it, unexpectedly, Peter replied with a smile, "I know that feeling. You remind me of myself. Before my mother died, she gave me a last message, to give other people a chance so I can see more side of this world." As he said that, I glanced at him. There was hidden sadness in his eyes.

Somehow it reminds me of a faint memory of someone's smile.

Then he left. While the others in the class just let out a sigh, relieved that I seem to be the type of Noble who doesn't get offended easily, although I could tell that they were still wary of me.

Until the class is over, Peter doesn't bother me anymore. As my eyes drifted over to him, I could see that even though he was behaving as usual, it felt like in the depths of his demeanor, things were turning out to be somewhat constrained.

Don't be surprised. I always pay attention to the people around me. Just in case there is a threat. Even if I don't care about death, I'm one of those people who don't want to die in a pathetic and humiliating way.

Uh. The thought of being killed without being able to put up a fight was so lousy and not manly at all.

I returned home. Big, but empty. Quiet. No Pets. No Servants. No one.

Well, sometimes I hire Cleaners.

The sound of the door opening echoed, in the stillness and quiet harrowing atmosphere of this mansion. After turning on the switch to swatted all the darkness inside, I went straight to my room.

Laying myself on my bed. Think about what he said.

Indeed, I never really gave other people a chance. When the pain numbs me

All that remains is indifference.

And hatred.

I woke up, looking for something under my bed.

*clack* There's a place shifted there. A secret drawer where I keep some things that are important and secret to me.

I fumbled, rummaging with my hands, until I finally found the texture and shape of the thing I was looking for.

In my hand is a small old photograph.

I look at it, then fell in silence.

After returning to school, Peter seemed ready to rant if I fell asleep again. But this time I responded with a 'hum' and a nod. Then seriously pay attention to the Teacher who is explaining in front of the class.

Then the rest, you can all guess it yourself.

I finally have someone I can mess with.

And with Peter around me, I'm able to find some people who, I thought were normal like most humans generally, but were fine as acquaintances who might be able to help if I'm need of it

But now I can only summarize.

2 people died. And 1 missing.

My condolences.

I think they are great people.

Josh and Glenn dying in such a way isn't funny at all.

... ... ...

Now both of us are being questioned at the Police Headquarters. Allegedly also under the threat. Some of those with high ranks knew my identity, so they swiftly promised to give us protection in my Mansion.

Peter is an orphan. He supported himself on compensation money from his Mother's Funeral, and part-time jobs.

So, I ended up hacking, uhm, I mean investigating that he's clean with a clear identity, harmless, has manners and morality both inside and out, albeit annoying at times, so I hired him as my personal gardener and cook.

And Peter is surprisingly talented at cooking.

Umm, ummmhhh. It's all a plus.

He sleeps in my big house. Uhh, hired as a full time gardener.

I don't want to admit that the main reason I hired him, was because I was touched by how hard and harsh his life was. At least compared to mine

...

"I always felt something with us. It's hazy and full of hatred. Thing's that just freak me outta of my mind.

My hairs on the back lifted up. It's like a cold breeze, but different from when you shove yourself in the fridge."

"To the point, please."

"Hey, I'm not kidding. That thing following us. Please kindhearted Sir, it's very clear the next targets now is us." And so said Peter with gloom, peach reddened eyes, added with his lower eyelids that felt like lead anxiously and in cold sweat all over, answered the Inspector's question in front of us.

"Why the hell you're going to the graveyard in the middle of the night, don't you know what common sense is. Who knows what kind of psycho attracted to all of you." said grumpily by the middle-aged man Police Officer in front of us with meanny expression that feel like someone just out to hang out on disiney island, but arriving just to found it was closed for an indefinite time.

He has brown skin and black eyes. Some part of his short hair was full of gray hair.

I put a thought inside my head that he was just around thirty to forty years old based on the wrinkles in the corners of his eyes, and the ones on his forehead. He has three silver pips on his epaulets. A Chief Inspector. Looks like the case we're involved in is more serious than what I thought originally.

"What about you, kid?", in the same tone, he asked. But I could see his gaze softened slightly as he looked at me.

I know and am well aware, because it often happens. It was as if I was treated differently from other people. It really made me uncomfortable.

"With all due respect, Sir. It happened at the evening when we met our missing friend, Rick Benisson at the Denisse Restaurant. He was already unstable, exhaustion that seemed to be taking a toll on him physically and psychologically . . . . "

"You make it look like Rick is a suspect!" Said Peter who didn't seem to feel anything was wrong.

He often cuts me off.

Sometimes it's more than just vexing.

But even so, I responded to him anyway, "We must consider these issues and matters from all angles, without being influenced by individual feelings which tend to hinder thinking patterns, initial objectivity, and flexibility regarding one's basic analysis and speculation leading to cognitive issues and realistic facts. These are all closely related too, regarding our own safety. Besides, it's not just Rick. The two of us can also be linked to the list of suspected persons. Important points that should also be covered in the investigation, can resemble several situations that give a different aspect and direction to premeditated murder, such as coercion with threats, or hypnotism. An example is the case that was broadcast throughout the Empire, 3 years ago." I explained while watching Peter get dizzy out of the corner of my eye.

Then I continued what I wanted to convey to the Chief Inspector in front of me,

"… …the four of us were picked up in the middle of the night by Rick, who drove an SUV, new Glorin series, license number LS 3627EG, generally driven by a chauffeur. But he drove it himself at that night. Rick was still in the same condition as the last time we saw him.

When we arrived at the Central Malaya Cemetery, another odd thing to note was, that we didn't find any of the cemetery guards there. We were only led by Rick. It also remind me. There was this strange mist. It was quite thin, but enough to block a little bit of our vision even with a flashlight and the lights around the cemetery. However, we could still see, placing our vision on the road and past some of the tombstones. After a while, we stopped at a large old black tombstone. The details were covered in scratches like nails and behind all the scratches, somehow we can only understand one thing that we recognize as a name written on it. Miguel Perrison Mac Sol'gath." Even if it was just a glance, I found that the Chief Inspector in front of us had a brief jolt, distracted from the notes he had written.

I continued as if I didn't notice any of it.

"If I'm not mistaken, Rick was absentminded. Silently dazing with an empty eyes for about 30 seconds in front of the tombstone. After he regained his mind, he told us that everything was over. He took us both back home first, while Josh and Glenn left inside the car. And that's all the brief events we had, along with the last time we saw them." I concluded.

"He's a ghost," added Peter. "In short, the person driving us home wasn't Rick, it was something else."

I rolled my eyes at his summary.

Then I noticed that after the Chief Inspector in front of us finished taking notes, his gaze took turn, glanced at our back.

I still find it odd how the Chief Inspector in front of us didn't refute Peter's explications.

I follow his line of sight, followed by Peter.

It surprised me how neither of us realized at all that someone was behind. Somehow, he got there without us noticing, while the room we're in now, the door still closed.

Yep. Surprisingly, our testimony was not taken where what I was learning was supposed to be.

But a room that I think is quite special with the concept of a wall full of black.

Without any furniture except a table and chairs, the door where we entered, along with the windows covered by black curtains.

With a long lamp that illuminates with white light, it gives an impression that is sure to make someone nervous, especially for some people who suffer from Agoraphobia.

Back to the previous topic.

I must say, surely, he is damn flashy and odd with his somewhat all black outfit.

He's a tall man, with medium blonde hair that looked wavy and white skin peeking at his hands and collar, with black trousers, a black waistcoat with a white shirt, black gloves and a red tie, plus black military boots.

But what made it even more bizarre and striking was the silver mask emitting a bit of luster radiance, which covered the entire face except for the holes in the position of the eyes. Can he even see.

On the forehead of the mask, there is dark red markings and stripes, creating an irregular pattern, which somehow gave the impression of hidden danger, secrecy, and a sense of beauty.

Uhh... What the hell. But I'll admit it's kinda cool. Darn bro.

"Hello kids, I would like to ask questions too?" He asked while walking casually and one hand still in his trouser pocket, coming towards us. Then stood next to the Chief Inspector, who still had the same serious expression and face we remembered when we entered the room.

"You are?" I asked as politely as possible. I could feel my nerves tighten as he drew near.

I smelled the strong smell of blood. Smells fresh.

Contrary to Peter's hunch, I have a strong sense of smell. It makes me weird. That's another reason I can easily accept Peter's strange abilities.

The smell from this masked person was like someone who had just pierced someone else's in the gut.

Hmmmm.

Don't be surprised.

I've met, even seen the whole process of someone being stabbed in the stomach.

"Relax, don't be too tense, I'm from the Secret Organization. My code is zero four, but both of you can call me Nilfour (04). If you're in doubt because you haven't heard of it, it's because our group are originated from The Central. We mainly engaged ourselves in investigation and cases, where what will be encountered is far beyond the normal level of danger. Exactly beyond the limits of responsibility assigned to the Police Department."

He paused for a moment, then I could feel his gaze on me, "And neither are we bound by the Nobles. We are directly under the new Emperor, and answer only to Him." He explained.

I wasn't too surprised because The Central had multiple organizations, which left me confused about how I couldn't find any specific information. Bruhh, but the man beside me already has stars in his eyes.

The Central is like a dream and aspiration for most teenagers.

"I just wanted to ask. After meeting Rick Benisson after being drove back home that night, did any of you feel like you were being watched in your own home for example in a dark place, bedroom, toilet or when you were alone?" He then asked as he folded his long arms under his chest.

Peter and I instantly exchanged glances.

"No." I answer.

"Yes."

"I do not notice any, concerning to what you asked." Then I turned to Peter and lifted my chin to give him a sign, continuing what he wanted to explain and just go ahead.

Peter who saw that hesitated a bit for a while.

But short moment after, he seemed to have decided something. And started by saying,

"If I may rephrase. When Rick invited us into the Restaurant that time. I saw... I saw a large lump on his left shoulder, connected to his neck. I also heard murmurs out from it that. It just doesn't make any sense." With a facial expression I recognized as he was holding back his fear, he explained. I could see he was starting to sweat again, with his hands quivered.

I've been with him for three years.

He often told me about a lot of strange and inexplicable things. Like, there's an eyeball behind the woman's head. Peeking at us behind her long hair. Or there is some dry skin that looks cracked all over an uncle's body. Several strands of hair came out, from his eyes, nose, mouth and ears. But all I see are ordinary people.

There are times when he even stays away from me.

He explained there was a woman with pale skin and stretched bulging eyes, a very long wide face, with a small, thin body and a big smile, following me about one point five meters from behind my shoulders.

Then he kept yelling at me for weeks while keeping his distance, to go to Church to receive an exorcism. He actually said it very  loud. For God's sake. Everyone turned their eyes on me.

It really touched my nerve.

I can't take it anymore. So, I did as he suggested to me, while he continued to observed from afar.

Even if I feel it's stupid, or he's just trying to get revenge when I scamp him a few times.

Well, it's not that often.

Just occasionally.

... ...

Back to the present.

"You saw it?" Nilfour asked, perplexed.

"Yeah. Sorry. Not that I want to lie or anything. But I've always seen a lot of weird things since I was a kid. It's already annoy and bother a lot of people. So, I tried to act like it was nothing. I know it may just some kind of hallucinations but I can't always ignore it. 'cause once I've tried to touch them. It feels... ice cold. An.. and the thing that was ignoring me at first... Started to held their gaze at me." Peter said with a hint of fear and terror at the end of his sentence.

I can somehow sympathize with him.

If hallucinations like that happened to me when I was a child. I don't know what other weird thing I might do.

Nilfour was silent for a moment, seemingly doesn't know what to say.

"Calm down. And move on everything's you're trying to say," he said.

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