The Scars We Leave Behind

Chapter 4: Copernicus Knuckle

The Underbelly was intensely packed with people and creatures. Carts and people pushing each other, all of them holding different items that Samantha knew on any other given day, would make amazing stories.

The Underbelly was a city essentially free of law. It was a city with winding roads and big high buildings. There were people shouting and stealing from each other. Women stood on corners, draped in very little and propositioning anyone who passed. Street rat children were stealing from carts and men were begging on corners.

The only difference between the Underbelly and a real city was that it was hundreds of miles beneath the Arizona desert. You wouldn't have known it, as there looked to be a sky, but it was constantly pouring rain.

"Not exactly a pleasant sight now is it?" Kai Jones observed as they walked through the streets.

As they walked, Duke flew off of Kai's shoulder onto Samantha's. He was a bit more at attention, as if protecting her. 

She shook her head watching as small children ran past her. "Not exactly somewhere I plan to build a summer home."

"Just stick close to me. Copernicus' shop is just up the way." He said guiding her to what looked like a pawn shop. 

"Do me a favor, keep quiet." He said before fixing his hat, "I know Copernicus, you don't." 

Samantha rolled her eyes but went along with it. 

It reminded her of Borgen and Burkes in Knockturn Alley, but this store had dead creatures stuffed and placed on the walls. She regretted never taking Care Of Magical Creatures just for that moment. She was so greatly disturbed by the stuffed house elf standing on the counter that she didn't notice the man standing behind the counter. He had one eye and one giant bulge where they should have been another. He had a humped back with scars much like Kai's going down his arms and legs. Samantha had once been hit by an aggressive stinging jinx that covered her whole body in boils, this man looked like he'd been permanently cursed with one.

"Jones!" The man called aggressively stepping from behind the counter to embrace Kai. "I should have known that was you."

Kai hugged him back, "Copernicus. It's been a long time my friend."

"And who might this beautiful creature be?" Copernicus asked, his one eye examining her as he took her hand. "I'm Copernicus Knuckle at your service mam."

"This is Rebel Jones, my wife, so hands off." Kai said. 

Samantha wanted to laugh That was a ridiculous thought to her. She would rather be married to Duke the dragon. 

Duke was off her shoulder now. He had moved down to her hand. He growling and hissing at Copernicus who was laughing. 

"Can't control him still I see." Copernicus laughed at Duke who proceeded to sink his teeth into Copernicus. 

Copernicus jumped back and Duke flew back to Samantha's shoulder. 

"Oh well my congratulations to you Jones and Mrs. Jones." Copernicus nodded to them both while attending to his bitten hand. "I will say, normally Kai only seems interested in other dragon trainers and you do not bear the marks."

She turned around and lifted her hair to show him the scarred flesh on her back.

 Copernicus laughed, "He truly does have a type. Now, I believe you two may wish to speak to me in private."

"Of course Copernicus." Kai crossed his arms.

They followed Copernicus behind a curtain at the back of his shop, to a small storage room where there were more stuffed creatures, packed like sardines. There was also a table and chairs.