Superstitions

Chapter 4: Past

Jackson insisted that Danny and Sam should stay for night, and despite the fact that it was noon, they agreed. Phantom was wary, though. Even if the leader wasn't planning anything, there was still a possibility, that his subordinates would try to do something stupid. It was dinner now, and all the gang sat at the table, shouting songs after too much beer and wine.

"Is it always like that?" Danny asked Jackson, ducking under the chair, sent flying at him.

"Always, but that's the most interesting part of our job," he answered, making a giant gulp from his mug.

"Hey, kid," some stupid looking drunkard asked, "where did you learn how to fight?" At that people became quiet for the most part. They were highly interested in that as well. Sam was curious as well.

"I fought a lot," Danny said, "I served my ruler, my birth father for sometime. I hate that times, thanks the Ancients, they are over"

"Wait...you are a prince?!"

"In a way, yes. I'm just traveling around the world, to rest for a while.

"You said, 'that times are over', why?"

"Everyone hated Pariah, so, rebellion was formed," Danny made a gulp from his mug and chuckled, "I will never forget their faces, when I alone found their hideout. But I didn't tell him, I joined the rebellion."

"Really?"

"Yep, not without problems and untrust, of course," Phantom waved his hand, "can we change the topic please?"

"What is this thing for?" Jackson pointed at the thermos. Danny chuckled.

"Two purposes. First one is trapping demons inside. Second, it keeps your soup warm," they stared at him, "you better check out before putting the soup inside," he then grinned evilly, "there is actually one inside. Wanna see him?"

"NO!"

"Too late," Danny uncapped the thermos.

Skulker shot out of it, knocking the dishes and landing in the middle of the table. He got up groggily, people around jumped in fright, but then realized that it was just little green glob. Skulker glared at Danny.

"Finally, whelp! Do you know how uncomfortable is inside?!" He started to shout. Some people snickered at the sight. Danny rolled his eyes.

"Yep, I know"

"THIS is the demon?!" Jackson roared with laughter, just like the rest of the gang.

"HEY! I'm Skulker, the greatest hunter in the both worlds!" He exclaimed, which only increased the laughter.

"Seriously, guys, he may be wimpy," Danny said, making Skulker to shout again, "but this guy can make himself a huge armor. I still have a few scars"

"Scars, eh? Mind showing?" Danny shook his head.

"Yes, I do mind," he said.

"Kid, there is nothing to be ashamed about. All of us have some," Jackson gestured to the others. A few of them pointed at their 'reminders'. Phantom sighed.

"Fine," he took his tunic off.

Even hardened robbers could hold back a gasp. Danny's whole body was covered in white lines of scars. Long and short, deep and not. There were marks left from animal claws, wounds inflicted by sharp blade. People noticed red high decree burns and frostbites.

"Now you see why I didn't want to show anything"

-Later-

Looks like bandits had a sense of humor. They gave Sam and Danny the same room. It had double bed, covered in furs and wooden chest. That's all. They thought about everything, Danny didn't have any other place to 'sleep'. He took bear's fur and put it on the floor.