A stream of fading clouds hovers the bright blue sky, the sun stood still - beaming like a giant ball of light as it radiates a chilling heat on Amon.
Derek - looking a bit mature, was seated on a pile of well placed crates, reading a dark covered book. He was still gorgeous as always, though he still wore his cold - emotionless expression, even though it was a bit feint now. He was also a bit taller, putting him in the average class and has gained a bit of weight, with a little muscle, not hidden under the short sleeve of his black tunic with gray linings in the middle.
For the past four years Derek lived with Commander Jerome, training and learning certain things about life from him. It wasn't easy at first and Commander Jerome never went easy on him during their training sections, for months there were at it even to the point were he followed Commander Jerome and a squad of guards to clear out some street bandits posing a threat in Amon - after Chancellor Aaron ignored the cries of the people.
The group called themselves 'Silent wind', robbing and beating up those unfortunate to cross their path at night along the alley and streets. Even molesting the ladies - going as far as kidnapping them, dumping them back on the streets when they were of no use.
It was a nice practice for Derek - the first ten encounters was a painful one, leaving him beaten, wounded and hurting all over. But all began to go well, he even went extra miles on his own when Commander Jerome was busy with other things. The town folks respected him for that and as such when ever Derek was relaxed in any alley way no one dared pass-by as a sign of their respect to him - there were times he even got free meals, fruits and drinks.
No one remembers the filthy runt from under the bridge, no one would believe he had turn out to be their saviour now.
Despite all that, Jerome took Derek as his son and Derek looked up to him as a father, he was always caring and kind outside training sections. Although there was an unavoidable sadness in his smile, as though he was missing something, but Derek never sort to find out - he was comfortable with the way things went.
Derek paid no attention to his friends - the three fellows at the entrance of the long alley, who were laughing out to their jokes, even when they suddenly stopped he didn't give them an eye, his gaze was intently fixed on the book.
"This path is closed."
Derek recognized Matt's shrilling voice, he didn't bother checking who he spoke to, he flipped to the next page - continuing his reading.
"Didn't you hear him? Be gone."
Derek still had his gazed riveted on the book, not moved by Ramit's thin voice.
"This route is the shortest way to my home." The mature yet innocent voice spoke calmly.
Derek knew he won't be trouble, from the stranger's voice he was a lad around his age, Matt, Ramit and Lefty could easily handle him.
"That's not our problem, get lost." Matt yelled, his voice echoing through the alley.
"I'm going nowhere." The innocent voice said, his tone unkindly and threatening .
Now this caught Derek's attention, he sighed - loud enough for all to hear. He closed the book - putting it on the crate before straightening up. He started towards his friends who were now glancing at him, awaiting further instructions as he loomed towards them, they gave way - giving view to the stranger.
It was Alexander Majes, taller than Ramit who was the tallest. He was lithe yet having a fit stature, his permed sliver hair glistering to the light. But his looks spoke less of his voice, he now had a though and vibrant gaze adding to his enchanting looks.
Derek approached him, giving a wide berth from him, not too obvious to reveal his caution towards him, it was like looking in a mirror, he never thought he would ever meet anyone who would match him in strength, one look and he could tell Alexander was trouble.
"This route is in use." Derek spoke with a dominating tone, not willing to show his worry, "Find another."
"This is the shortest route I know." Alexander regained dominance, staring into Derek's eyes.
"Don't make this harder than it is already." Derek threatened.
"Then move." Alexander replied, more confident than usual.
Derek threw a quick punch which Alexander dodged easily, as expected, Derek's confirmation was right, Alexander was not just strong but quick.
Suddenly a sharp pain struck hard on his crotches, forcing his eyes to water. An unexpected move, Derek grabbed his crotches, a low pitched moan followed as he dropped to his knees.
He never thought Alexander will go straight for his balls, such a cheap attack.
The boys didn't wait to hear a command, they lashed at Alexander at once.
Alexander ducked a punch from Lefty, the sickly looking lad amongst them, connecting his fist to his belly. Before he could land another hit a well placed punch from Matt went straight for his cheek.
Matt was huge and that blow was meant to knock Alexander out, instead it pushed him against the wall.
Ramit hurried closer to Alexander - kicking forward at his belly, he staggered backwards letting out a slight grunt - holding his belly.
Alexander straightened up, his lip had a cut, he wiped the blood stain on his lip with the back of his hand, eyes intently fixed at the boys he took two steps back. He straightened his fists up, shuffling his left foot forward, his leather sandals firm on it.
The boys came at Alexander again, this time with much more intensity; Alexander eluded the punch from Matt, mugging his nose before flicking him from the ground with a kick.
He sidestepped a punch from Ramit, landing a clean kick with his knee to Ramit's belly then an axe kick on the back of his head.
Lefty embraced Alexander by his waist, before he could succeed in lifting him up - Alexander pounded his back then kicked his chin with his knee.
Derek was already before Alexander, he knew he had him this time, yet Alexander still avoided the punch, kicking at his crotches again before fleeing into the alley.
Derek held unto his crotches, grunting and cussing, his fore head kissing the ground.
∆∆∆
Derek sat comfortably on a rocking chair by the porch of Commander Jerome's house, enjoying the cool sea breeze while watching the sun set on the raging sea. A two floor aged stone building with thick oak pillars; separated from the barrack by a meadow with scanty withered trees.
A slight movement drew his attention to the side, Commander Jerome approached from the seashore, clocked in brown cape.
"Welcome home." Derek greeted as Commander Jerome got to the stairs.
"Good to see you are well Derek." He replied with a weary tone before taking a seat on the third step of the six step stairs. "What happened two days back?" He looked over his shoulder.
"An unfortunate encounter, Matt told you."
"Matt has always been bad at hiding things, you don't still regard them as true friends?"
"I see no reason to."
"What really happened? I know who I trained and I've seen you fight. How did you get beat up?"
"I didn't get beat up, he only used a cheap attack, twice."
Commander Jerome chuckled staring back at the sea. "That explains it then."
"What? What's explained?"
"A kick to the balls is a self defence act to stop someone you feel you can't fight."
"Wait, really?" Derek smiles "Then he was scared?"
"Probably, but don't get full of yourself, he's still a good fighter, as I heard from Matt."
"Till I see for myself, that aside, what's my next mission?"
"Sit back and enjoy the rest of your life."
"What? No! The leader of Silent wind is still out there."
"You've done great Derek, but now let the trained guards handle it."
"But…"
"Don't worry Derek," Jerome sat in a position so he could get a good look at Derek, "nothing I can't handle. Don't even think of looking for me or going up to the east outskirts, you are to suspend every search of the Silent wind and find something good to do till I get back."
"Yes sire, won't dream of disobeying you." He smiled.
"Good, now lets think of dinner."
"Finally, I was beginning to wonder."
Both chuckles.
∆∆∆
Derek trudged along a narrow and dusty street, his brow furrowed in worry.
The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the narrow path, which was mostly empty, save a few people heading home. Its been fourteen days now, there has been no sign of Commander Jerome, not even his guards seemed to know where he was.
He should have insisted more on going with him, Derek thought, or maybe he would find him in the alley close to the east outskirts.
Or not, Commander Jerome warned him not to go there, his instructions were always for a good reason.
Derek made a right turn into an alley, engrossed in his thoughts he didn't notice someone coming towards him until it was too late. Both of them collided in a headbutt
"Dammit." Derek held his fore head, "Can't you…" his eyes met with that of Alexander, who also held his head.
"You!" they both pointed at each other.
Noticing the shift in Alexander's weight and his leg swinging forward, Derek took a quick step backward. He expected a kick to the groin, but Alexander struck out with a solid kick to his head.
Derek managed to block the blow, but stumbled backwards, nearly losing his footing. Just as he regained his balance, a lightning-fast punch struck his cheek.
Derek felt his head whip sideways, he wasn't imagining it - the punch was hard as a rock. The world spun as he struggled to stay on his feet, his vision blurred, and he struggled to focus as another blow landed on his opposite cheek.
Derek still didn't go down, this was nothing compared to being jumped by a squad of Silent Wing gangs.
Just as Alexander's fist came at his belly, he twisted to the side, letting the blow slip past him. He now had Alexander in his range, a jab to Alexander's nose gave him clearance to move further.
Derek grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer, slamming his head forward into a headbutt - throwing Alexander off balance, then slammed him against the wall.
Alexander swung his leg up in a kick, pushing Derek away.
They circled each other warily, trading blows and blocks as the fight went on. A hard blow from both of them left them dazed and disoriented, they stumbled and fell to the ground.
Winded out from the battle, their breaths came in heavy and deep, their body drenched all over as they lay on the ground, hands widely spread. After a brief silence they chuckled into laughter.