Cyberspace; The Ultimus Collection

Chapter 37, Rest for the Weary

Tranquility permeated the air. A simple calmness, one thought to be lost to the tides of war, rested gentle upon the city and her peoples. The civilians went about their lives in total peace, the only evils were the ones of everyday life. Although, it would be remiss to say there wasn't an odd tension, the feeling that everything could be taken away in a matter of seconds. Derick sat comfortably in a hospital room. Legs crossed, arms propping open a thick book. His eyes quietly and quickly glanced over every line, gently turning the page when there were no more words to be read. The soft white noise of the bustling world brought him peace and comfort. The urgency of doctors and nurses pacing around carrying notes, patients, and equipment. The chaotic flourishment of cars, people, and advertisements outside. All culminating into a hectic peace. A light rapping at the door broke through the clamor.  

"Come in." Derick responded, not looking up from his book. The door creaked open, and Catelin nudged her way in carrying a small tin. "Oh, hello Catelin. What brings you he-"

"How's he doing?" Catelin interrupted. Derick paused before peering up from his book.

"Not even a hello?" 

"Sorry, sorry." She apologized. "I'm just worried about him, you know? That was some pretty scary shit we got ourselves into." 

"It's alright, I figured you would visit eventually. He's doing fine, just getting in some much-needed rest." Derick looked over at the bed, to which Catelin followed suit. On it laid Daniel, sleeping like a baby. Limbs sprawled out like a starfish with bandages wrapped around any sort of cut or bruise. Eyes shut and mouth wide open, drooling slightly. He wasn't even under any of the covers. "He's actually been asleep for about 24 hours straight now, which is kinda impressive." 

"Wait. How much sleep did he get before?"

"Oh, I don't know. I want to say maybe about five hours..." 

"Well that's not so bad, I guess."

"For the week. Five hours of sleep for the week."

"Derick!" Catelin exploded. 

"What?! We had shit to do! And look at him, he's fine!" 

"You can't just deprive him of his sleep!"

"He's sleeping now!" 

"Ugh. Whatever. Look, I baked some cookies if you guys want any." Catelin cracked open the tin, barely lifting the lid. The fresh aroma of newly baked chocolate chip cookies wafted into the hospital air. Immediately, Daniel shot up from his bed, awoken by the sweet scent. 

"Do I smell cookies?" He asked frantically. 

"Well, that's one way to wake him up." Derick sighed. "Here kid. Eat up." Derick reached into the tin, pulled out a cookie, and tossed it over to Daniel. Daniel caught it like a fly ball and stuffed it into his mouth. 

"Oh my god! These are so good!" Daniel complimented, smacking his lips.

"Jesus, I knew I was gonna have to teach you how to be a guardian, but do I have to teach you manners too?" 

"I'm glad you like them so much." Catelin giggled. Her cheeks turned slightly rosy, red at the thought of someone liking her baking that much. Catelin handed Derick a cookie while passing the rest of the tin to Daniel. 

"Well now that you're awake, are we going to acknowledge the elephant in the room?" 

"Hm?" Daniel and Catelin both wondered. 

"How are we going to celebrate your big victory?" 

"Hey, I heard that Octane was touring! Why don't we see if we can get tickets?" Catelin suggested. 

"Aren't they that rock 'n' roll cover band? I never really pegged you as a rock fan, more of a country girl really." 

"I'm full of surprises!" Catelin winked. 

"What about just a simple night out on the town?" Daniel chimed in. "We could go shopping, eat a good meal, and then just hang out at the mansion afterwards! Besides, there's some essentials I should get ahold of if I'm gonna be living here." 

"Sounds good to me." Derick agreed. 

"Perfect! I'll call the others and see what day works best!" Catelin beamed. "Where is Vincent and everyone else anyway? I assumed they'd be here with you guys."

"Oh, Vincent's probably getting resettled back at the mansion. Didn't want him living in that dingy old barn or castle so I invited him to stay with us." Derick answered. 

"Oh well that's good! I hope everything's going well for him." 

Vincent sulked through the neighborhood of the guardian mansion. He kept his head down and covered with his hood. His hands were planted firmly in his pockets. He just starred at his own feet as he paced across the sidewalk. 

"Murder!" A bystander shouted as he walked by. 

"Kill yourself you piece of shit!" Another screamed. Vincent desperately tried to hide his face. He walked even faster than before, almost jogging at this rate. In his haste, Vincent bumped into someone on the walk. 

"Watch where you're going, you corrupt bastard!" Vincent blamed himself for the encounter. It's true. If he wasn't starring at the pavement, he wouldn't have knocked into that guy. If he didn't lose control of himself, he wouldn't have been a murder. If he didn't pick up that mask, he wouldn't be a monster. If he had just never gotten attacked in the first place, he would still be loved. Vincent wiped his eyes as he stepped up to the front door of his forsaken home. He put in his key and unlocked the door. He walked inside and shut the door behind him. Shuffling to the front room couch, Vincent sat down and promptly began to sob. After about 30 minutes, there was a knock, then the door swung back open. 

"Hi! Sorry for the intrusion!" Alyson cheerfully proclaimed. She was carrying two large brown paper bags filled to the brim with different foods. "Jax and I went on a little grocery run for you guys! You know, with Derick not being the only one living here now groceries are gonna go by so much faster!" She placed the two bags on the kitchen counter, still seemingly unaware of Vincent's presence. "So yeah, we just wanted to help out a little bit and stop by! How are you guys doing, everyone adjusting... okay..." Alyson finally noticed Vincent, sitting all alone in this dark mansion, crying. "Oh, Vince, honey..." She quickly ran over and sat down with Vincent. She hugged him and held him close, rubbing his back and reassuring him that everything was going to be alright.