Deccus looked at the confused boy with skepticism.
"Uh... I don't know who you are, but why did you just embarress yourself in the middle of the entrance hall?"
Falconi looked around. He was standing beside the fountain in the entrance hall inside of the Academy. Many other rookies his age looked at him funny, some pointing and sneering, others openly laughing.
Deccus stood over Falconi, in all his Valiant glory. Falconi shunned under his might, quite intimidated by the huge snowthrower Deccus had his hand in and the shield strapped to his other arm. His size was quite large for someone his age, though one never usually noticed, since he was young for someone of his status and reputation.
"Um... Sorry I disturbed you, Deccus. I'll... Uh.... Go now." Falconi pointed to the dorm stairway and ran up them.
Deccus watched him run and shrugged. "Good thing he left before Fleck came." Deccus turned for the Academy doors and he exited into the bright sunlight outside.
Oh, to be back in those days... Deccus thought to himself. To not have to worry about nearly dieing in combat, to not have to worry about saving cities, fighting for real, hurting people because you have no choice, just fighting, fighting fighting....
Deccus felt a tear run down his cheek. He quickly wiped it before it froze. He was tired of all the fighting. He didn't want to have to fight the Howler's, he didn't enjoy all of the violence. He just wanted to be a cook. But the General didn't allow it....
Thinking about going and seeing Delia, Deccus went to the Vahal gate and said the master password. The doors opened, and he left the city. For how long, he didn't know.....
