Mind of a Monster Hunter

Part 6 - Bitter, Sweet & Bloody

[Dr. Laszlo Kreizler POV]

"God Laszlo! Could you have been any crueller?" John bursts out as soon as Nicholas left the room.

"Indeed. I could have. Would you like me to go after him and try harder?" I say snidely.

"You always do this. It's been years. Why are you still so bitter?" John accuses exhaustedly.

"I'm not bitter-"

"It sure sounded like you were. Do you even remember what happened or are you just holding on to old grudges like a bitter old man?" John reasons, upset.

I think about what he said. I don't remember everything, but I remember how I felt. How much it hurt, yet I can't remember why. I start to get angrier.

"What would you have me do? Forget what he did?" I ask pridefully. I will not admit that I do not remember fully what happened.

"I didn't know all the details of what happened and I still don't. Roosevelt and I never did get the full picture from either of you." John says carefully.

"And you never will. It was private." I respond stubbornly.

"Laszlo... you don't have to forget, but the least you could do is forgive. It will be better for the both of you." John pleads.

I know John will not let it go. He never did like it when his friends were fighting. I stare at him, watching as he stands his ground. He's really adamant.

"Fine. I will talk to him, but I will not forgive him." John goes to talk but I put my hand up. "Yet. Does that suffice?"

"Yes. Now go."

"Very well."

I leave my office and head outside after Nicholas. I'm not really hoping to catch him, but I know that John would make me speak to him at some point later if I don't.

***

I get outside, but before I round the corner I hear him laughing.

"Alright, little one. I'll play, but I can't stay long. I've had a falling out with one of my dear friends, so it seems I'm not welcome." He says with a melancholy tone.

I peer around the corner and see him playing with the children. He is standing by the wall with his hands out while the children kick the ball at him. His hat and jacket are on the floor to the left and right of him. He dramatically acts as if he can't stop the balls at first, laughing with the children. However, some catch on and beg him to "play for real" so he bows and acquiesces.

He stops many of the balls, but he seems to be having trouble as the game goes on. At one point he rubs his shoulder and winces. Soon a little girl comes up to kick the ball at him.

"Give it all you got young miss. I can take it. Show me that mighty kick from earlier." He smiles and she giggles.

"Alright, Mister. Get ready." The young girl says.

She moves back a few steps and breathes. She then runs towards the ball and seems to kick with all her youthful might. The ball soars high and fast. It hits Nicholas in the same shoulder he was rubbing and he grunts in pain.

The young girl runs up to him concerned, but he just smiles holding his shoulder.

'Wait! Is that blood?' I fear.

***