A Man for Himself (Norton X Eli) [Identity V] *UNEDITED*

Chapter 6 - Mark

Norton headed back to his room after the match to take a shower and a short rest. His whole body ached, but it hurt in a good way. It reminded him of the good old days back in the excavation when he used to work himself to exhaustion. His hard work had paid off well, yet it wasn't enough for him. He needed a better reward.

He had a pretty eventful day, and it wasn't even over yet. He'd agreed to meet up with Eli at the garden after dinner to talk about what happened while he was unconscious. It sounded like it was very important for him to know. Needless to say, Norton was thrilled. It would be his chance to finally get to know Eli more without Naib hounding him.

After resting for a bit, Norton went to the dining room and joined the small feast where he had a little chat with people whom he couldn't remember talking to before. It seemed like his acts of heroism helped him gain people's attention and favor, which was good. The more people liked him, the easier it would be for him to manipulate them. Helena and Emma's exaggerated and lively stories about him made it a lot better. They're like his little fanatics.

So cute. So gullible.

Enthused by the attention he's getting, he let himself immerse in false gaiety over a few drinks. He realized it's not too bad to relax from time to time and enjoy the small things. After all, he deserved it.

Live your life like you're about to die tomorrow. That's how everyone lived their lives in that manor.

Once he'd had enough to drink, Norton proceeded to the garden where he found Eli sitting by the fountain. He's back to his dark blue robe. However, he wasn't wearing any blindfold, and his owl was not with him, which the prospector found a little strange. Perhaps today's event had taken its toll on the little fowl and his sight.

"Good evening, Mr. Campbell," Eli greeted, a smile gracing his lips.

His smile looked more genuine and welcoming compared to when he had his blindfold on. It's probably the sparkle in his sapphire-like eyes.

"Please, just call me Norton," Norton replied while raising a hand and smiling back courteously. "No need for formality. How's Naib?"

He sat down on a bench, eyes trained on the seer.

Eli lowered his head at the mention of his partner's name and fidgeted on the small satchel around his waist. "He's out of the infirmary now," he sighed. "And he's recovering pretty well, so he should be able to join me tomorrow." Then he looked up, beaming. "Thanks for teaming up with me in his stead."

"Oh no no no." Norton shook a finger in the air, smirking. "I didn't do it for him. It's mainly for personal reasons."

The last thing Norton wanted to do was help an arch rival.

"Oh." Eli fell silent for a moment as if he's letting Norton's statement sink in. "Well...I still thank you for saving me. I can't really remember what happened. The last time I was aware of my surroundings was when..." He shook his head, a look of frustration crossing his face. "I don't know. But while I was unconscious...I had a vision of myself drowning in a sea of blood. I was trying to keep myself on surface, but someone was trying to drag me down. It was terrifying."

Norton could tell. Terror and confusion clearly showed on Eli's face. The bright smile that he had on earlier was completely gone the moment the topic switched over to his vision. This was probably the first time he'd seen the prophet so shaken.

"That must be really terrifying," Norton responded with a slow nod. "After all, Hastur was trying to eat your face."

"Oh." Eli's eyes widened.

A moment of silence fell between them. Shock as Eli was, Norton didn't think that that would come out as poorly worded.

The garden was dimly lit, but the look of embarrassment was apparent on the seer's face. It couldn't be helped. After all, the image that was associated with that statement was downright humiliating. Norton would've reacted the same way.