Gray Heroics #3.5

"Bah! You? What'd ya use?"

"A-A fire rocket, I guess?"

"A fire rocket? Do you even know what you had in your hands? Do you even know where to buy illegal and highly dangerous fireworks?"

"No, I don't. Never bought any, never thought to either. But still--"

"That's just it, boy! You're not the type to do anything outlandish like that. THIS was a psy-op and warning! It was rigged to blow! The Russians wanted me to see this." The old man interrupts to explain, and rather confidently so. It leaves a stunned look on both of the boys' faces.

"Wha...?" Galivinth expresses his dumbfounded confusion.

"In my days of old, I served on the frontline and as a spy for the US. The things I discovered during the Winter War were unbelievable. I knew they'd come back to take me out one day. Darn crimson coats must've found out the shops I frequent... Had someone on the inside of Jimmy's Auto-Fixer who rigged my car with a bomb, I bet." The old man explains. However, the theory doesn't do anything to dismiss the confused look on Galivinth's face.

"No, Mr. Ankerts.. I saw it. Literally and in real time. My firework accidentally hit and destroyed your car." Galivinth insists.

"That's what those ruthless scum want us to believe, son! But I know better.. Adam Ankerts is NO fool! I'll be ready for those crimson coats next time!" The old timer was unable to be convinced otherwise. He picks up his cap and storms off to head back inside his home. Or at least, he would have if not for the sounds of police sirens nearby. He'd have to explain the situation before anything else, thus he lingers outside for a while longer. Meanwhile, the two boys break off from the large gathering of people to head in the opposite direction.

"Well, that was convenient. He was so quick to convince himself of such an absurd conspiracy about Russian Red Coats targeting him... Whomever they are." Naeth comments, unable to deny the amused grin taking shape on his face.

"I think that was a firsthand experience of what it means to have dumb luck. I'm glad for it, but I still feel awful about what I did." Galivinth responds with a pitiful tone.

"As you should. You just destroyed someone's private property, after all."

"Yeah, I know. I'd like to avoid doing that again. I know of a spot that's usually empty. It's actually pretty close by."

"Lead the way, then." Naeth encourages, and Galivinth obliges. The latter guides the other to the opposite end of the block and passes the large church that sits on the corner, heading out onto a large grassy field near it. One that sits between the street Galivinth's home resides on and a neighborhood of town homes. To the far right however, lies a public park. A location occasionally used for gathering and events, but not too often due to how generally dangerous the area was. Nonetheless, it's ideal in size.

"Here." Galivinth states as they reach the center of the park. 

"More than good enough. I can probably put up a protective dome here, as well."

"Sounds good. We can come here any time, usually."

"What's your schedule looking like? Do you have plans any time soon?" Naeth asks.

"No, none. I have summer vacation, so I'm free everyday for the next three months and a half."

"Perfect. You can expect frequent visits and plenty of training, then. I'll get you properly familiarized with using magic. At least, with the bit you can use from the select bunch I've studied. I'll have to bring a list of spells next time."

"Actually, I have a book of spells back in my room. I asked my father for it before he took me back home." Galivinth informs.

"Oh? That's convenient! Bring it with you next time. I'll let you pick your desired elements. I also hope you bring your diligence, because I'm going to be pushing you to your limits." And true were Naeth's words. The two would be spending the majority of the summer together.

End.