SOVEREIGNTY

Chapter 4

Alan awoke hours later rubbing his face he looked around the room, "Hopix?" he said on the outside chance she was back. Dejected he hung his head, he was glad she was back with her family but all of this seemed senseless without her, huh? Had he just thought that? I should slap myself Alan thought where in the hell were those ideas coming from? How could he have any feelings for Hopix? They were two different species from two different worlds, shaking his head yes there was no way.

Walking to the diner this time Alan kept his eyes open it wouldn't do to get caught unawares again for the third time. Sitting at his usual booth Alan nodded to a police officer that came in and sat with his partner.

"Did they get a preliminary report back on that homeless guy from yesterday we found?" the first one said.

"Oh yeah, this was a weird one," the second one said pulling a sheet of paper from his vest. "According to the M.E.'s report the stiff had been dead for a day or two. Looks like we might be dealing with some pranksters on this one. Thing is though can't seem to find any open graves here in the city."

"Oh great," the first one replied, "body snatching grave robbers from out of town, christ the medias gonna have a field day with this!"

Alan ate his meal, a little shocked the man yesterday had seemed a little strange, damn it the dark council was desecrating graves now, these bastards hold nothing sacred! Alan was heading out the door when he saw another strange looking man heading his way, quickly exiting Alan made his way to an abandoned alley. "Why are you following me? I thought I told all of you I wasn't interested especially after yesterday! Leave me ALONE!" The man stopped short as if he'd run into a brick wall.

"You won't escape us forever! Sooner or later you'll make a mistake and we'll be there to feast upon your soul," The man laughed.

"Maybe one day but not now besides, you lost one of the biggest magic user worlds yesterday. I expect to take many more before I am done!" Alan said the force of his voice knocking the man back further.

"You can try mage Alan, oh you can try!" With that the strange man vanished.

Walking back to his room Alan sat in his chair, almost at a lost as to what to do. Suddenly there was a rush of wind then there was a shimmering of air behind him.

"You must really have the dark council worried if they are making personal appearances," the leader of the light council said. "We have another assignment for you."

"What no watchdog?" Alan threw out.

"We should have someone here when you return," The leader said. "This should be a simple one."

"Yeah right," Alan said, "You said that the first time and I had help then, what makes this so different."

"This is a simple pop in, grab the hostage, pop out," the leader said smiling.

"Uh huh, what is it you're not telling me?" Alan asked.

"Uh well," the leader hesitated, "The hostage is also the ruler and might be worse than the last you dealt with although the one holding them is even worse."

"You know you guys are just fucking wonderful! You expect me to do this with no knowledge or help? What!? Have all of you completely lost your damn minds? I've been making this shit up as I went along, you have been sitting back the whole damn time safe and sound, remember these were your mistakes not mine. I should be treated a fair sight better than I am!" Alan was screaming now his whole body was glowing a bright red, the leader had actually moved back and erected a shield.

"Alright Alan!" The leader shouted momentarily calming Alan. "We apologize for leaving you out, you have more than proven yourself in the past. After today all information shall be shared."