Paladin's Academy

Act I, Chapter 2: So, Get Away, Another way

Three days before the interviews.
One month before classes start.
Current location: The streets of Pitsburg, New Hampshire.

Quinn wakes up from his nightmare, or rather, a dark memory he would rather forget. Three weeks have passed since that fateful day, wherein he barely escaped his former home. He doesn't exactly remember how he escaped. All he knows is that he is free, at least for now. 

He goes through the motions of his morning routine. He stretches a bit and then exits the tent he sleeps in. Not having anywhere to stay, Quinn has resorted to living on the streets. Life without a house has been rough, but he would rather live homeless than be tortured at home.

His life has been quieter these days. As he packed up his stuff, he made his way to a community shelter. While Quinn doesn't exactly know where he is, he's found that the people here are pretty kind and, even better, they mind their own business. People here sort of live and let live. Quinn sets his backpack down on a table, grabs a tray, and heads for the serving table. He saw that today's specials were mac and cheese with some pork chop. It's been a while since he ate some good old pork, suffice to say, he was starving.

Quinn is greeted by one of the staff, a young man with long black hair and a bronze complexion. This is Nico, a local who volunteers during his spare time. He was the one to introduce Quinn to the shelter, helping him adjust to his new life. In fact, Nico has even invited Quinn to stay over; however, Quinn always refuses. When asked why, Quinn would never respond, for he knows that wherever he goes, they will find him, and hurt those he cares about.

"Good morning, Quinn How'd you sleep last night?" 

"Not well."

"Oh, that sucks." Nico gives Quinn a warm smile. "Here, maybe this can make it better." 

Nico places another pork chop on his plate.

"Thank you"

"Don't mention it! Seriously, don't. I might get fired ahaha!" Nico chuckles as he waves. Quinn heads back to his table, quietly laughing.

After sitting down and enjoying his meal, moments later, Nico sits down beside him, carrying a small sandwich.

"What are you doing here?" Quinn asks Nico.

"Can't I sit beside you?" Nico responds.

"You can, just, I thought you would still be working."

"Oh,  I thought you didn't like me, haha!" Nico laughs as he elbows Quinn softly. "I'm on break. Ernie will cover me." Nico says as he points to the counter.

"I see," Quinn replies.

"You know, the offer still stands."

"I know."

"And you don't want to reconsider?"

"I don't"

"Why not?"

"Becaus-"

Suddenly, the doors burst open. The residents pause their movements as they observe these big, burly men enter the room. They are dressed casually to not stand out of course. These men look around, like hunters, looking for their prey. Quinn quickly assessed the situation.

Cops? Couldn't be; they're not in uniform. Unless they're undercover cops, but undercover cops wouldn't bring attention unto themselves. So, Secret Service, then?  Again, why would they create commotion? Maybe they're bad at their jobs. No, focus, they're looking for something, money? They could be robbers, but they're not wearing masks, nor do they have bags to store money in.