Mind of War (On Hold)

A Calling

Creed awoke the next morning comfortably laid on the sleeper sofa, he sat up and rubbed his eyes. Across the room sat Mr. Valor. He had a fleece blanket draped over him, tucked around his back. He must have fallen asleep there, Creed thought to himself. He quietly got up and went to the bathroom and washed up. When he came back out, Mr. Valor was gone. Creed began to feel awkward again, he was in someone else's house and neither resident was in sight. He decided to sit on the couch and wait.

He thought of his conversation with Mr. Valor last night as well as with Song. He wondered if she was still asleep. He looked at his wristwatch, it was only 6:31 in the morning. She's probably still sleep, he thought to himself, remembering that Song was not usually up before 8:00. He hoped that she was feeling a little more hopeful after yesterday. Then the thought hit him. He promised Song that he would use his parent's amulets, but they are still at the SSS!

"Damn it," Creed spat. Now, he needed to get them, but if he went back someone was bound to recognize him close up. Creed heard footsteps approach, he turned and saw Mr. Valor.

"Are you alright son?" He asked.

"Uh- um, I don't... I mean I guess so," Creed stammered still surprised that Mr. Valor calls him 'son'. No one had called him that since his father passed.

"Well, if you need anything, don't hesitate." He nodded at him.

"Thank you."

Mr. Valor continued to the kitchen, and by the smell, Creed knew he was making coffee. His father used to like to drink coffee. The smell brought back fond memories. Mr. Valor peeked his head around the corner and asked, "Coffee or tea?"

"Tea, please."

Mr. Valor laughed, "Just like Song, she can't stand coffee. Seems like you don't like a real man's brew."

Creed was low key taken aback by his comment. "I can handle a real man's brew." He protested, feeling a little competitive.

"Oh really?" Mr. Valor raised one eyebrow. "I'll serve you," then he motioned for Creed to come in the kitchen. Creed sat at the table watched as Mr. Valor poured him a cup of coffee. When he looked into the cup, he was shocked to see that it was nearly black. Mr. Valor poured himself a cup as well, then took his seat at the table, sipping his coffee.

Creed took a sip and it took everything in him to not spit it back in the cup. He struggled getting it all down, and Mr. Valor seemed somewhat amused, as he poured himself another cup after nearly gulping the first one down. Creed was just sitting there trying to get through, struggling while at it. A few minutes passed and Creed finally finished, Mr. Valor asked, "Want more?"

"Thanks, but no thanks." Creed mustered a smile and stood up from the table to stretch.

Mr. Valor laughed and said, "Alright suit yourself." He put the water in the kettle and turned the stove on. "When Song gets up, it will be ready for tea."

"Well, I'm going to head over to Onyx's house if that's okay."

"Creed, my house is yours." Mr. Valor replied.

Creed nodded and went into his bag and threw on another shirt before leaving.

It was a nice day outside. The sun was out, there were some Shadowhunters battling, and a nice breeze. Creed took his time heading to Onyx's house. There were only a few people who could retrieve his parent's amulet, but the one who would probably have the most success would be Onyx. Both of Creed's parents died as Shadowhunters, therefore their amulets would be towards the end of the tunnels in Memorial for Fallen Hunters. Onyx being the Guardian's son could get them without being noticed but he didn't want the SSS hammering him with questions about when he plans to assume the role as Guardian and who he will choose to be his partner.