The Mistakes Of Misfits
Chapter 13

     I felt very little other than the air on my body. I was plummeting fast. At this rate I would surely break a few bones from the fall, it might even kill me, but my body was limp. I couldn't do anything. I was doomed. I tried to wake myself but I was fully submerged in sleep.

     Before I could hit the ground I was wrapped with two massive arms and my body moved sideways before hitting the dirt. The impact didn't feel pleasant, but from my half asleep state I didn't feel that much pain.

     I slowly opened my eyes and was met by Sumi's beautiful green face. I smirked as I could feel the soreness of my body setting in. “I've got you,” she told me. Those bright purple eyes looked me up and down while she still held me close.

    How the hell did I get here? What the hell was going on… it hit me all at once. Sumi had caught me. She had caught me and taken a lot of the fall for me. “You saved me.” I told her, almost sounding more like a question than an observation.

     Sumi smirked. “Of course I did Ace.” She responded. “Who else am I gonna take my night watch with?” A smile crept across my face. The heat of our bodies were pressed up together on the ground and… I didnt want to move away from her. I could feel her breath. She was so close. That spark that I had felt with her moved across me once more. Sumi leaned into me, our lips being so close. “You okay?” She asked

       I nodded a bit as I leaned forward as well. “I'm fine, thanks to you.” The air was electric. She rested her forehead on mine and let out a few breaths of relief.

     She let out a few long breaths before speaking. “I thought… I thought I was going.” She couldn't finish the words.

      “I know, I thought I would lose you too.” I admitted to her. She pulled back from my head and studied my face. I didn't know how to read the waves of emotion that clouded her gaze.

     I didn't have too long to study that face because Kasious walked up behind me. “Is he alright?” He asked. Sumi pulled back from me, seemingly remembering the rest of the world existed.

      She gave him a small nod. “Yeah.” She let out a sigh of relief as her mind wandered away from me. Her face turned to horror. “Oh shit! Where's Otah?” I hadn't thought about the old orc. He was out cold the last time I saw him. Kasious put a hand on her shoulder as we both stood up.

    Kasious smirked. “I got him while you were saving Varrin. He pointed back to the center of town where Otah sat up, leaning against a pillar recovering. My heart was able to rest a bit knowing that they were all safe. I let out one long sigh of relief.

    “So, is that cult leader gone?” I asked. “I saw him teleport.” I hadn't seen where he had gone and I didn't feel his magic anywhere close. That kind of power made him a beacon of energy.

    Kasious shrugged. “That blond one is tracking him. Last time I checked he was heading back to Durik. I think we're safe… good job with that by the way.” He gave me a small slap on the shoulder.

       Sumi chuckled. “Except for the part where you almost fell to your death… but it was pretty badass.” She gave me a warm, tired smile that I returned in kind. She had saved my life. Why did she save my life?

     I shrugged. “I've never summoned anything that strong. I thought I was going to overclock.” Both of them gave me looks of confusion. I forgot they didn't know my mage terminology. “If a mage pulls too much from the weave they can disconnect their connection to magic forever, it can kill them as well but usually their bodies give out before that.”

    Kasious looked at me, a bit of concern taking over his features. “Well thank Rama that didn't happen. I guess that aura must have saved you.” A shrug was all I could give him in answer. This aura magic was as new to me as it was to them.

     Otah stood and made his way to the three of us. “Perhaps this calls for a celebration.” He said. “You three had a great victory today. A great victory is commonly followed by an even greater drink.” He gave us all a proud look and a smile, an actual fucking smile crossed that wrinkled face.

     Our warm moment was interrupted by a furious scream to our right. “You clumsy fuck!” Screamed the voice. I turned to see the smaller orc man from earlier making his way toward us. His eyes were focused on Sumi. “Do you know who you just let go?!” His face was engulfed in anger and disdain.

      Closer up I could see that the smaller orc was toned more like an athlete than a warrior. Every muscle was smaller but solid as a stone. He also was shorter than I was, for an orc male that was… unnatural.

      Sumi crossed her arms and her face became a mask of annoyance and indifference. “That’s a really funny way of saying thanks for saving your life.” She didn't move as the orc stepped closer. I didn't have the same restraint. I stepped to her side as the orc man approached.

     His brow furrowed. “Are you serious?” He asked with a scoff. “That man will murder plenty more towns just like this one. All you did was change his target, and most likely put one on your back as well.” He balled his fists. “I could have had him. I was so close!”

      Sumi let a bit of rage cross her face. “You had three farmers and a templar. Without us you would have been dead and so would most of these people. We saved their lives… back off.” The last words were in warning. She moved her hand down to her hip, not directly on her sword, but close enough to send the message.

    The orc man scoffed. “So predictable or an orc to believe they are everything! The savior of the town!” He did a sarcastically over the top gesture. “Your nothing but a savage, no good, piece of shit or-”

      “Enough!” I said and I blasted the orc back with a gust of wind. I had too much of this backwards bastard. I didn't care if he was an orc as well. No one was going to talk to my friend like that. The orc slid back from the blast, dragging his feet through the rainy mud. He gave me a look that bordered on pure hatred. I stepped in front of Sumi and to my surprise, Kasious stepped up right beside me.

     The orc man looked between me and Sumi. “Can't you fight your own battles?” He taunted her. I saw Sumi move but it wasn't to attack. She was too busy staring at both of us in dismay at our defense.

     I threw on that cocky mask I wore so well. “Either of us could kill you so easily. But the way she would cut you down is so messy. I can just do it much, much cleaner.” It was a bluff on my end of course. I could barely stand right now, let alone cast any major spells. I sent a sadistic smile his way, daring him to question if it was true.

      The orc pulled out a sword. “You two are much too weak to threaten me.” He countered. “I doubt you could even cast a spell.” He had read me a bit better than I had expected, but I could still salvage this.

    I made lightning dance across my fingers, invoking what I had done to the cult leader in his mind. “wanna bet?” I challenged as I let that sadistic smile cover my face once more.

    Kasious let out a small laugh. “I would back down if I were you, it's four on one and any one of us could take down your punk ass.” He crossed his arms but did not move from his spot at my side.

     The orc looked between each of us for a long moment, studying us. A few townsfolk started to filter into the square and with that audience, he didn't seem as eager to face us. “Fine!” He screamed. “Defend the savage, just stay out of my way!” He sheathed his sword and walked away from us. Savage, it was the word I had used for orcs before I met Sumi. Hearing it now… it was daunting the way I used to think. I turned back to Sumi who still looked stunned at our defense.

      I cleared my throat. Knowing Sumi I would have to explain this perfectly. “I know you don't need defending, I just thought-” before I could finish I was met with Sumi's arms around me once more. For a moment I was stunned, but I soon returned the gesture.

     Sumi squeezed me a bit tighter. “Thank you.” She said and put her arm out to gesture to Kasious as well. “You too, you pampered dick.” Kasious didn't stop here as she pulled him into the hug as well. “I appreciate it… both of you.” We held that hug for a long moment. Finally after a few moments we all pulled away.

      I gave them both a small smile. “Otah's right. Let's find a tavern… if it's still standing.” We turned and Otah led us out. I swear I saw a bit of pride shining from that old orc’s face. We all followed the majority of the townsfolk to the tavern. To my surprise only about a fifth of the town had been destroyed by the tornado of fire. It seemed the attack was more of a display to scare them. A few came up to us and gave thanks. Some tried to offer us money but we declined of course.

    A few children ran up asking about my magic. I couldn't do too much for them in my weakened state, but I gave them a small show. I made fire dance across my hands and even made a few illusions of lights across the dark rainy sky. The children gawked and admired every moment. I couldn't help but smile, neither could my comrades. It felt good to be the hero. Sumi and I in particular had never had this feeling. I wanted more of it. It made saving Durik that much more appealing.

     We eventually made our way to the tavern. It was already pretty busy but we were offered seats at every different side. Sumi, Otah and myself took spots at the bar. Kasious gods bless him, couldn't find a spot to stay in for more than a moment or two. He moved from table to table telling the townsfolk grand tales of the monks and of the templar's. They ate up every word.

        We sat back and watched from a distance. I swirled some kind of brandy. Sumi drank something similar. Otah held a massive mug of ale in his hand. I hadn't seen him this relaxed the entire time we traveled. I swear he even slept tense, but this… he was so damn calm.

     I finished my drink and looked back at the bartender. I tried to offer the young beautiful lady a little silver but she once again stopped me before I could offer her the money. “Every single fucker in this bar offered to buy you drinks. I have more than enough to cover the costs of you four. Take anything you want.” she poured my drink and even filled Sumi's who had turned around to hear this conversation. She moved her hair back and leaned forward showing off her breasts as much as possible. “Do anything that might make you happy.” She said in a sultry tone.

     I smirked as I picked up my drink and gave her a flirtatious smile. “I just might.” I said as I moved my eyes across her. The woman blushed a bit and gave me a smile that confirmed what I thought she was trying to do. I turned back to Sumi and for a moment I saw a look of… was that disdain?

      I raised an eyebrow at her. “You alright? Shouldn't you be ‘reveling in a battle well fought’” I deepened my voice and tried to sound as much like an orc as possible. Sumi chuckled.

     “I'm fine Ace. Just thinking.” She looked back at the crowd but she still seemed a bit tense. I didn't take my eyes off of her. I wanted her to have fun. She deserved it. I wasn't going to press, she would tell me eventually.

      Kasious started on another story. “There we were back to the mountain wall, Sirica on all sides. No weapons, just fists to guide us.” He had made his way to our left side now and stood by the window. Every single villager was facing him, enthralled by the tales he told. “Otah and I faced them down, no fear in our hearts…” we continued to drink the night away as we listened to the stories.

     Eventually, probably five or six drinks later Sumi finally turned to me once more. Otah had made his way to the other side of the room to talk to some old men who were clearly warriors at one point if the scars were any indication. Sumi's eyes looked thoughtful, if not a bit concerned. “Why did you defend me?” She asked. I turned to her, a bit slowly since I was definitely feeling the alcohol running through my veins. She sighed. “I mean with that orc. Why did you defend me when he came after me?"

      I shrugged. At the time my temper had flared seeing that orc talking down to her. I had almost lost her… I still needed to unwrap those feelings myself. I tried to act casual to hide my true intent. “You saved my life, it's the least I could do.” I responded.

     Sumi raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Saving you was… tactical. I mean of course I care for you, I don't want to see you die.” She seemed to be stumbling over her words. I smirked a bit, was she nervous? She blushed a bit seeing my study of her. “You're very useful, I couldn't let you die.” She said quickly, trying to cover her tracks.  

     I kept my sarcastically over the top flirtatious smile. For all of her bravado and badassness she was nervous about her feelings. It was kinda adorable. I leaned forward toward her, moving a bit too far in my drunkenness. “You care about me?” I asked. I saw her face turn beet red. She opened her mouth to speak but I put up a hand to stop her. “I… care about you too Sumi. In that fight, I thought I was going to lose you. That aura came because I was worried about you.”

    Sumi gained a bit more of her composure on hearing my confession. She fixed her hair and let that sultry smile cross her face once more. “I think you're just falling for me… it's okay, I have that effect on people.” She held out her arms in the exact same gesture I had when I said the quote. A laugh escaped my lips as she leaned a bit closer to me, bracing her elbow on the bar. Our faces must have been less than a foot away from each other.

      I could feel the heat of her breath. “What if I am?” I asked, not backing down from the challenge. I didn't know if it was the alcohol talking or if it was just way too long pent up. Sumi's breath almost seemed to catch but she did not move away from me.

         It took a long, tantalizing moment for her to respond. “If that's the case… then I would say, on the high of a great battle won… this is your moment to make your move.”

     My body seemed to jump at the opportunity before my mind could tell it no. I leaned forward and claimed her lips. Sumi jumped a bit, probably not expecting me to follow through. She didn't back away from me however, and soon leaned into the kiss herself. Her lips claimed mine and she moved closer, pressing her body into me. Each movement of our lips was cautious, mapping out the new territory we were exploring. That familiar current that appeared when she was close exploded filling my body with its energy.

      The moment felt like it lasted forever. Eventually we had to pull away, we couldn't do anything while still in a packed tavern. I stared into those bright purple eyes. She smirked at me, still only an inch away from my face. “You've been waiting for that for a while haven't you?” She said with a layer of cocky relief.

     I couldn't help but smile. “Maybe, you are quite the specimen.” I looked those glorious curves up and down, I swear she even leaned forward a bit like the bartender to show off everything she had.

    She raised an eyebrow. “I can't lie and say I wasn't curious about you. What do you say we take this upstairs and explore a bit more?” She pressed herself up against me and played with my collar.

      I almost choked on my drink at the offer. She was… well she was really damn forward. I felt my body sway a bit too much to think I had the coordination. “I… maybe we should wait till we're a bit more sober for that.” I offered. I was much too drunk to make a decision like that.

     Sumi gave me another small kiss. “Boy scout.” She teased. “You're probably right, I want you at your best. I guess the kiss will satisfy me for the moment.” She ran her finger across her mouth in a teasing motion to me.

    I sat back on the bar once more. I tried to regain a bit of my composure, probably failing but I was too happy to care. I drank the rest of my liquor in one gulp and turned to the bartender.

     The bartender seemed to be the only person in the room who saw Sumi and me, or at least the only person who showed it. I ignored the confused and almost frightened looks she threw our way. “It'll be worth the wait.” I told Sumi.

      Sumi turned to the bar as well. “Let's hope so. You're quite the pain in the ass, might as well be useful for something.” She gave me a playful smirk and put her drink forward for the bartender to refill.

      I returned her smirk… and a bit shamelessly checked her out. “I'm good for drinking you under the table orc.” I challenged.

      Sumi laughed, pursing her lips as if she felt sorry for me. “Oh don't embarrass yourself Ace. You've had such a good night I'd hate to ruin it.” She looked me up and down with those glowing purple eyes.

      I nodded to the bartender and she laid out four shots for each of us. I grabbed the first shot. “Try me.” I told her. “I'm gonna end the night on another win.” Sumi wordlessly raised her first shot but did not take her eyes off of me. I could feel the excitement and tension building between us. I loved the rush it gave me. I took my first shot prepared for a full night of drinking and passing out.

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