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Post by Archer Zero on Nov 10, 2014 19:43:48 GMT -5
The world of Matthias's Void Faction was not a friendly place. It used to be called Summer Shudder, but now that name had long faded into history books. It was barren wasteland all around, inhospitable to any who lived there without any shelter or protection. It was not a fitting place for anyone to live. Centuries ago, it used to be a beautiful planet, but years of violence and war without end had turned it into what it was. Still, many still lived there, and have adopted to cope with the land
This was the world where the Void Faction resided. Relying heavily on technology, the towers of its cities rose high into the sky, gleaming as their windows shone under the cold sun. People bussed to and fro in cars equipped with hovering technology, their traffic monitored and controlled by carefully automated systems. Forcefields and turrets - revealed and hidden - guarded the city with ceaseless vigilance, ready to strike down any intruders or invaders who would dare attack. Spaceships were common here - many flew through the skies, some taking to orbit or some landing according to their various functions - whether they brought refugees or tourists or emissaries, or whether they were here to deliver cargo or set up trade routes. The Void Faction was highly prosperous, and it would seemingly remain so for a long time.
In the capital city stood the Harbinger Division headquarters. The Harbinger Division was in theory just a division of elite troops, to be used as necessary for dangerous missions and bring battles or a decisive victory. However, they were also given the authority to supersede the authority of the regular military if they deem it necessary. As such, in practice the Harbinger Division commanded the entire Void army - a position that was not taken lightly by anybody. They not only had a great deal of political power, but all of its troops - even the bottom level soldiers - were exceptional fighters and warriors. To go against them would not be easy.
The headquarters itself reflected its status. It was no high-reaching building like a lot of other important structures, but rather low and encased with thick, black walls. It covered a wide area and it was still elevated on a platform, reaching the height of the other buildings. In the front were stairs that lead to the doorway, which itself were two very heavy-looking metal doors. The doors were open for common business, but it was obvious they could be sealed at any time. There were various windows that dotted both the headquarters and the platform it rested on. As one could expect, it was more like a fortress than any administrative building.
When the flames subsided, Matthias and Lance were in front of the Void headquarters. The front of the headquarters below the staircase was a fountain and a small square, as well as some parking spaces for vehicles, but not much else. It wasn't made for much civilian use, after all. "Let's go," he said to Lance as he began talking towards the headquarters.
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Post by Sprow on Nov 10, 2014 23:30:54 GMT -5
As soon as the flames had engulfed them, they were gone. Lance blinked as the flames dispersed and then Lance soon realized things had changed. Blinking, Lance took some time to register that they were somewhere else. How they had done it, he couldn't be sure. He just knew they had been in one place and were now somewhere else.
"What the-?" Lance exclaimed. They were in some sort of parking lot from the look of things. Lance tilted his head in wonder. He was fairly certain that he hadn't ever seen such a thing back in Traverse Town. There was a fountain of some kind nearby and it was actually running.
"Huh, where are we?" Lance had asked Matthias.
Matthias hadn't said anything other than for Lance to go with him. Blinking, Lance watched as Matthias began walking in the direction of the building that they were near. Not wanting to get left behind in a strange setting, Lance scurried after him. He had no choice but to follow him. Besides, Lance had agreed to go with him. He didn't want to spoil what chances he might have at a new life here.
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Post by Archer Zero on Nov 12, 2014 17:38:54 GMT -5
What the-? Huh, where are we?
"We are at the Harbinger Division headquarters, Lance," Matthias explained as Lance walked alongside him. "My workplace, where the elites of my army train, gather, and live. This shall be your home in the days to come." Indeed, Matthias himself lived inside the building, though he had rented out an apartment a small distance away when he and his wife wanted some time to themselves. Anyone ranked B and above were given their own quarters, with the captain of course receiving the most luxurious ones, however Matthias was not one for luxury. His body didn't let him fully enjoy them, nor did he ever have an interest in them. At any rate, most of the higher ups got paid enough that most chose to live outside the headquarters anyway, on condition they would be ready on a moments' notice to dispatch.
They stepped into the building into the lobby, which for the most part it was empty. With the marbled floors and granite columns, the whole area felt exceptionally austere and quiet. Only a few civilians milled about, asking and trying to find ways into this prestigious branch of the Void military, with the receptionists answering as helpfully as possible. Matthias walked past them into a small metal door that had a scanner on the side. Matthias pressed his eyes on the scanner, and after a minute, the machine beeped and the door slid open. Matthias then said, "Guest allowed." He had to say that to confirm with the systems or a forcefield would activate and shut out Lance from following him.
As they walked forward, the corridors were lined more with metal and lights than anything, with the floor lined with a red carpet, though beeping cameras did watch the hallways. They passed by people - most of them wearing black armor lined with various colors - and they quickly stood off to the side at attention until Matthias passed them by, after which they returned to their regular duties.
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Post by Sprow on Nov 12, 2014 20:56:57 GMT -5
As Lance walked alongside Matthias, he heard the other speak to him. This was the Harbinger Division Headquarters. Lance looked around at it more fully as they walked inside. There were people at the desks, speaking to those seated or standing behind the other side of them. Lance had no idea what their jobs were so he had no idea that they were receptionists. Matthias explained that this place was where Matthias's elite army trained, was his workplace and a place where Lance will be living for the time being.
"...Huh..."
Lance was mesmerized by his surroundings, not fully able to listen to Matthias when he spoke as he looked around them curiously. He would not have noticed the metal door if he hadn't turned his head at that exact moment to catch himself. Pausing, the youth watched as Matthias looked at what looked to be a device of sorts. Matthias had placed his eyes on them. Lance peered up at him, confused. Just what in the worlds was that? Whatever it was, it seemed to have unlocked the doors. After that happened, Matthias stated that a guest was allowed. Did he mean Lance? He had to have meant him. Lance didn't see anyone else around.
When they entered, Lance could see more metal on the walls. It looked like a top secret base practically. It was clearly heavily guarded from what he could see. There was a line carpet for them to walk on. As they went down the hallways, Lance could see security cameras everywhere. Yes, this place was heavily guarded, alright. Lance almost felt unsure of being a troublemaker in a place like this. Not that he originally had such things in mind. Still, Lance was a kid and kids were known to get into trouble once in a while.
There were soldiers clad in armor. Lance couldn't help but peer curiously at those that they walked past. A large number of them stood aside and poised. It looked as if they were saluting Matthias. Lance stared at those they passed, some even glancing back at him as they went. Matthias hadn't been kidding when he said that he was what looked to be the leader of this place. In his moment of staring, Lance didn't realize that he was getting left behind a bit. When he did, and noticed some people looking at him, Lance scurried up behind Matthias as if he saw Matthias as some kind of safeguard for him.
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Post by Archer Zero on Nov 26, 2014 21:32:02 GMT -5
They soon reached an elevator with yet another retinal scanner. After scanning Matthias's eyes, he stepped inside with Lance and pressed a button, and soon, they were descending. The Harbinger Division HQ was rather large, and even though it seemed a bit short, the solid platform beneath it was filled with with rooms and chambers, all designed for their express purposes. Thankfully, there was no cheesy elevator music - Matthias had them removed after taking a poll and found out around 99.87% of the people who lived in the building hated it.
Walking down past more similar halls - the the doors here labelled for their purposes, such as storage, training rooms, and armories - as well as more soldiers who saluted them, They soon reached one last door. This one had a hand scanner, and Matthias used it. Although one would think it scanned for Matthias's handprints and fingerprints, it also scanned for one's magical signature as well. If they were not authorized and it didn't match, access would be denied and Matthias would instantly be alerted. There was a camera above the door as well to allow Matthias to see the intruder.
As they stepped in the door, they came to a very comfortable apartment. There was a large window in the living room allowing a great view of the glowing city, the hovercars going by, the citizens outside, and suchlike. The living room itself had plush, leather sofas and couches, with a large TV lined up against a wall. Connected to the living room was a simple dining room with a glass table and comfortable metal chairs, which in turn was connected to the kitchen. There were two more of those sliding doors that slid open upon close proximity that revealed simple bedrooms, but nevertheless very nice ones, perfect for anyone to use. One of the bedrooms was larger, with a computer set up on a desk that had papers stacked on them. The other bedroom was smaller, and was rather bare except for the desk, bed, and bedside table. Both of them had their own bathrooms as well.
This was Matthias's living quarters.
"Make yourself at home," he said calmly.
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Post by Sprow on Nov 28, 2014 20:24:12 GMT -5
Lance followed Matthias to yet another elevator. At this elevator, like the one before it, Matthias had his eyeball scanned. Lance wondered how that must have felt. Did it blind the eye or something? Before he could question Matthias on that, the doors to the elevator opened up and he had to enter before Matthias pushed the button and had it descend. Lance stood there, looking around. He never knew what an elevator was. In fact, he didn't know about elevator music or why it annoyed anyone. He just knew it was strangely quiet.
All Lance could do, when the doors opened up, was follow Matthias through another set of hallways, rooms, soldiers and the like. If he were left to his own devices, Lance could easily find himself lost in a place like this. Eventually, they came to one last door. Here, Matthias placed his hand on something. It scanned Matthias's hand and the doors opened for them, letting them inside.
Lance stepped inside with Matthias. What he found was a grand view of the outside world just outside the window. Lance's eyes widened in awe as he gazed at this wondrous sight. It wasn't the room that had captivated his attention, it was the scenery outside the window. Never before had he seen such a thing!
When Matthias said for Lance to make himself at home, the kid immediately ran for the window. "Whoa! What are those things?!" he said, gazing at the hover cars as they zipped by. There were many things different from Traverse Town. In fact, it was more futuristic than Traverse Town. Lance couldn't help but gape out the window and peer at everything, absorbing it all.
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Post by Archer Zero on Dec 10, 2014 22:12:48 GMT -5
Matthias watched as Lance ran straight for the window to look at the wondrous view outside. Well, that wasn't surprising - he didn't think Lance had ever left Traverse Town before, and he didn't exactly have a chance to explore the city considering he brought him straight to the headquarters. Such sights would no doubt delight a foreign child's eyes and mind. And there were other places too, filled with magic instead of technology - or some mixture of both. Perhaps one day, Lance would see those worlds and learn more. But until then...
Whoa! What are those things?!
He had went to fill a glass of water when he heard Lance, he looked over to see what he was talking about, then replied, "Those are hovercars. They use a certain kind of technology to float above the ground. Driving them is harder than simply driving cars on land, but it's more convenient once one learns how to do so." He went over and placed the glass of water on a table behind Lance as he stood beside him looking out side. Now that he thought of it, he hadn't seen his wife, Eliza. She wasn't exactly the social type. Chances were, she was out on one of her wanderings. She did that rather often, but he trusted her. She knew how to take care of herself, and knew to stay safe for both their sakes.
"I take it you've never seen anything like this before, Lance?" he asked.
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Post by Sprow on Dec 11, 2014 21:58:26 GMT -5
Lance heard Matthias answer his question. The things that he was seeing flying around were called hovercars. According to Matthias, they had a technology that enabled them to hover above the ground. Then, Matthias mentioned cars. Lance had never seen a car before. He looked over at Matthias curiously. "Car? What's a car?" Whatever a car was, a hovercar was harder to drive.
After a moment, Matthias had come over to gaze out the window too. Lance looked over his shoulder at him when Matthias had asked Lance if he had never seen anything like this before. Lance looked back out at the view before him.
"No, I've never seen anything like this."
Lance was quiet for a time. Then, he broke the silence. "I've only been on Traverse Town. I've not seen any other worlds."
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Post by Archer Zero on Dec 12, 2014 16:12:44 GMT -5
Car? What's a car?
Matthias blinked. He thought he saw a few of them in Traverse Town at the very least - perhaps nobody explained to Lance what a car actually was? Well, there was obviously a lot to teach Lance. Matthias wondered if he had his work cut out for him. Still, he wouldn't regret this. He took the boy under his wing to teach him and make sure he knew how to survive in this universe. He would continue to do so. It was the least he could do, after all. Besides, this boy had a keyblade - he wasn't ordinary by any standard. He needed to keep a close eye on him as well.
No, I've never seen anything like this. I've only been on Traverse Town. I've not seen any other worlds.
Well, that was to be expected. Unless he managed to sneak into the cargo hold of some spacecraft, travel between worlds was a luxury that someone like him couldn't afford in any sense. And no doubt he didn't have much of a chance to read about it - for what reason would a street urchin go to the library? "Well, eventually, you'll see more worlds. Vast ones, full of wonders and dangers," he said calmly, still looking outside with him. "The universe is a vast place and each world has their own rules, after all. You'll see them one day."
He glanced over at Lance. "Quick check - do you know how to read and write?"
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Post by Sprow on Dec 14, 2014 23:49:35 GMT -5
Lance listened as Matthias spoke. He had responded to the car question which confused Lance but he let it go. Instead, Matthias told him that he would see other universes, worlds and the like. All of them were wonderful and dangerous at the same time. Honestly, the kid was curious but he didn't mind staying here for now. This place was already amazing as it was.
According to Matthias each world has their own special rules. Lance wondered what that meant but Matthias never elaborated on that subject. Oh well, it would be revealed in time. After all, Matthias said that she would see it one day.
Then, suddenly, Matthias asked Lance if he could read and write. Lance looked over at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah...I can...a little with the writing. I can read fine. I was taught by mo...er, by someone." Lance didn't look at Matthias when he finished with that sentence, choosing to look outside. Memories of his mother were still painful. He felt betrayed and lost. It had hurt him to lose her and then have no help at all. No one cared that he had lost his mother. No one cared about him, a child with nowhere to go, and only cared about themselves.
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Post by Archer Zero on Dec 19, 2014 19:40:11 GMT -5
Yeah...I can...a little with the writing. I can read fine. I was taught by mo...er, by someone.
Lance could try to hide it from him, but Matthias knew that tone of voice far too well, with all he had seen, with all he had done... with all he had caused. He knew deep loss when he heard it. And there was no doubt he was going to say 'mother'. Matthias silently clenched his teeth. How many lost children like Lance had he caused? Day after day he worked to atone, to do good, yet even now those thoughts haunt him no matter what. They may be crimes he had committed so long ago... but he could never forget them. He never would.
Concealing anything he felt, Matthias replied in a cool voice, "Good. In that case, I can also teach you other things besides fighting." Indeed, teaching Lance how to fight was one aspect, but fighting was a very small aspect in one's life. He would give him a full education if he could. He wanted to make sure Lance was prepared not only for heartless or enemies, but any other challenges life would throw at him. "Come with me. I'll show you your room," he said. He led him into the guest bedroom. There was a white bed there for a single person. It was small, but not uncomfortably so. A bedside table stood there with a lamp, as well as a desk on the other side of the room under a window. It also connected to a bathroom. It was bare and simple - nothing more than the necessities, really.
"This is where you'll stay, Lance. I hope it's to your liking."
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Post by Sprow on Dec 23, 2014 4:49:58 GMT -5
Lance hoped that he wouldn't be questioned further about what he was going to say. The thought of his mother was painful at times. Sure, it had been years ago but it was a solid reminder that he was alone now. The reason why he became the way he was. Matthias seemed to either not notice Lance's pain or did but didn't show it. Either way, Lance was glad for it. He would rather not have to answer what had happened to her.
When Matthias spoke, saying that he could now also teach Lance more than just fighting, the youth tilted his head in slight wonder. It didn't take long before Matthias urged him to follow him. He would be taking Lance to his room. A room, for him? Lance hadn't really used a room other than that old abandoned place he would sleep in back in Traverse Town.
"A...room? For...me?" Lance said as he followed after him. He was a little apprehensive. What if he was put down a strange hallway in a room there with people he didn't even know? Lance would get lost. Not just that but he'd feel awkward around new people he didn't know. Would they ignore him too?
When Matthias brought him to an actual room right in the immediate area, Lance was confused. It might seem plain but this was more than the kid ever had in his life. Well, more than he had in a long time, actually. When Matthias told him that this would be where Lance was staying, the kid looked around in wonder. He hadn't had a bed in the longest time.
"Wow, really?" Lance said, looking over at Matthias. This was too good to be true, wasn't it? Lance wasn't sure if this was for real or some other catch. It wasn't easy to read this Matthias.
"But...isn't this...one of your rooms?" Lance asked him curiously. He didn't really know what this meant.
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Post by Archer Zero on Jan 5, 2015 2:05:32 GMT -5
A...room? For...me?
Matthias nodded. Now that he thought about it, it was likely that Lance hadn't had a real bed for a long time if ever. No wonder why Lance seem a bit surprised - or rather, thunderstruck at the announcement that he had a room. He hoped it would be to his liking - the room was plain and rather bare, with very little in the way of personal luxuries. It was meant for base practicalities and little else. He looked over at Lance, feeling a bit worried that he didn't like it, and saw to his surprise that Lance seemingly liked it quite a bit.
Wow, really?
He nodded. He was glad Lance liked the room. He would let Lance put in whatever he wanted in his room - posters, items, whatnot. It was his room now - why not? But it seemed for now he was content with just the room for now. He looked over at Lance as he asked him,
But...isn't this...one of your rooms?
Matthias shrugged. "It was a guest room - and honestly, I don't entertain many guests anyway, and hardly any of them stay any longer for a few hours." He indicated to the room. "It's yours to live in and do as you please. Like I said, I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to rest here if you want." With that, he turned and went to the kitchen. He tapped some buttons on the screen on the fridge as he ordered food online. The fridge was actually completely empty - Matthias didn't eat and his wife Eliza didn't eat much either, so there was little room to have food there. But with Lance living here, things would be different. Different produce, meats, and food began teleporting in the fridge as Matthias ordered them.
A convenient thing about technology.
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Post by Sprow on Jan 5, 2015 20:06:38 GMT -5
Lance tilted his head when Matthias had admitted that the room he was giving to him was just a guest room. So, yes, it was one of Matthias's rooms but he was giving it to Lance. That meant Lance wouldn't be living in an area by himself in a hallway of people he didn't know. He would be here, near where Matthias lived. Actually, he was where Matthias was living.
Matthias went on that although he had guests, there weren't many and they were never here for long. So, this room was Lance's to live in and do as he pleased. Lance was amazed. He was taken away from Traverse Town and now had a whole room to himself! As of right now, already, Lance's life had dramatically changed. Matthias told him that he could rest in here if he wanted and with that, turned and left.
Lance took that moment to look around the room. It might have seemed void of things, just with the bare essentials but Lance didn't mind. After getting a good look around, Lance decided to follow Matthias. What else was he going to do? Lance figured that Matthias went to somewhere that had to be what was called a kitchen. As he got there, he saw the older male inputting something on what looked to be a screen of some kind on a refrigerator. Curious, Lance walked over to see what Matthias was doing. As Matthias was ordering, Lance had no clue that there was food appearing as the older male was pressing things on a screen.
"What's that?" Lance asked him. He had heard of refrigerators but nothing like this. Maybe it wasn't what he thought it was?
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Post by Archer Zero on Jan 11, 2015 0:13:05 GMT -5
What's that?
Matthias blinked and glanced over to Lance as he spoke. He didn't notice him coming up from behind. He wondered if it was because he let his guard down or Lance was simply quieter than he had expected. Well, it mattered little. "It's a refrigerator," he replied calmly. "Though it's of a better model - this one connects to the Void Faction network so I can do my grocery shopping online. Once I've chosen what I want, it simply teleports the food straight into the fridge." With that, he placed his order and confirmed it. Once he did so, the food instantly appeared in his fridge, though it barely made a dent in his personal funds.
He then opened the fridge, which was formerly empty, and revealed a huge stockpile of food - meats, veggies, sauces and condiments - the whole works. "Now then, I don't suppose you're hungry?" he asked. He never cooked before, but considering he had machine-like calibrations and could pull up recipes with no problem, it shouldn't be that much of a problem.
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Post by Sprow on Jan 17, 2015 18:15:49 GMT -5
Lance tilted his head to the side a bit as Matthias answered his question. It was what he had thought it was. It was a refrigerator. Lance gave it a skeptical glance before Matthias went on to say that it was a better model. According to him, the fridge was connected to some kind of network (whatever that was) and that it permitted Matthias to shop online. Once Matthias chose what he wanted, the food would teleport into the fridge. As if to confirm this to Lance, Matthias opened up the fridge to reveal a large amount of food.
Of course, Lance couldn't help but look at what was in there with interest. As if knowing that Lance might be hungry, Matthias had asked him about it. Lance looked over at him. Was this a trick or was this for real too?
"...A...little..." Even now, Lance wouldn't admit entirely that he was hungry. He4 was stubborn and a bit too proud for his own good.
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Post by Archer Zero on Jan 29, 2015 19:51:39 GMT -5
...A...little...
Matthias nodded. Lance didn't seem like the type to unbend his pride for any reason - the pride of a wanderer and vagabond, one who had to rely on himself and himself only. One who probably wouldn't want to accept help at all. But at least he was opening up a bit. There were lots of recipes to choose from, but in the end, Matthias chose something rather simple - turning on a stove and grabbing some bread and cheddar cheese, within a few minutes, he had made for Lance some grilled cheese sandwiches. They were always a particular favorite of kids, and he used to remember eating those so long ago.
"Eat up before it gets cold, but eat it slowly," he cautioned him, setting the sandwiches in front of him as well as putting a glass of water out for him. "And after you finish eating, take a bath. I can't smell too well, but even I can tell that you need one." That wasn't necessarily true - he actually had could smell very well thanks to his draconic senses, but because of Lance's stench, he lowered his scent sensitivity so it didn't overwhelm him. Lance... didn't smell great. And that was putting it lightly. No doubt because he never really had a chance to wash.
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Post by Sprow on Feb 1, 2015 21:02:41 GMT -5
Lance, indeed, wasn't one to let his pride bend so easily. That was something that Matthias might have some trouble with tempering. After all, although he was behaved for now, he could easily become the brat he had been before since he was used to it. For now though, he seemed to be cooperative. In fact, he watched with interest as Matthias turned on something. Lance had learned it was a stove but it was more modern than those ones in Traverse Town. He knew enough that food was cooked on it but never really knew how to do it himself. It's why he often stole food when others weren't looking back where he used to live. It's how he had to survive, swiping food. This time though, Lance didn't have to resort to those measures. Instead, someone was actually making food for him. Maybe this place wasn't so bad?
There was some sort of cheese that the older male had put on the stove with pieces of sandwich bread. Lance raised a brow, looking at it quizzically. He had never seen how grilled cheese sandwiches were made so this was something new. Wasn't the bread going to burn? Never the less, it smelled good. He never had grilled cheese before.
When Matthias had finished, he told Lance to eat it before it gets cold. The kid, like any kid, looked at the sandwiches curiously. His stomach was ravenous but he refused to show it. Even still, what Matthias had said about the food made him think he had to shove it down his throat before it got cold. Thus, Lance had taken the first one and was nearly done with it when Matthias had followed up with telling Lance to eat it slowly. Lance blinked over at him with some confusion before he swallowed what he had in his mouth. There was a glass of water set before him too. Lance all too eagerly drank it. Drinking, too, hadn't been easy for the kid. He had to steal the right sort of drink when he could. Sometimes, he'd accidentally get a hold of an adult's drink. Those times didn't end well for the kid but he was fine now. He was alive.
"...Thanks."
It hadn't been easy to thank someone since Lance was so used to taking care of himself. Still, this Matthias guy deserved it. He had helped him a good deal since they ran into each other. Already, the kid had developed some kind of respect for him. Normally, adults ignored Lance. Matthias was the first that actually bothered to stick around. Lance was still trying to figure out if this was a dream or not. It seemed real to him and Matthias really was paying him attention. It was strange for the kid. He wasn't really sure how he should react or even act for that matter. It would take some getting used to, that much was true.
Then, Matthias told Lance that once he was finished eating, he should go and take a bath. According to the adult, he really needed one. Lance, whom had been in the middle of eating, narrowed his eyes up at Matthias. Here came that street brat part of him again. Yes, the child really would be like tempering steel. Matthias will probably have his hands full depending on how he handled Lance here.
"Now why would I do that? It's a waste of time!" the child snorted. He had just finished his last sandwich then. Now that he was done, Lance had no intention of doing this "taking a bath" thing. He had even crossed his arms.
"I'm just fine the way I am!" Oh boy, the kid was challenging him.
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