A Strange Tale (multiverse fanfiction) (On Hold)

Chapter 12: So, That Didn't Go As Planned

We travelled in silence towards the city gate. I could see, unlike when Merlin and I were travelling alone, people were giving us a wide berth. I guess, this White Wolf, Witcher, Geralt guy was to thank for that. And could I blame them? He was tall, he was intimidating, and he was also....at this moment staring at me.

"What? You keep looking," I asked him then tripped a little. I regained my footing however and Merlin gave me an amused glance.

Geralt glanced away from me and gave no response. Strange, but then he was the strangest one of them all. I shrugged it off. 

"Hey," one of the guards appeared. "Where are you headed off to Merlin?"

"To find Derek Hale..." Merlin responded.

"Derek returned from the forest...he's in the isolated parts of the barracks now..." the soldier indicated the direction we should head. I was slightly relieved as I was trembling at the thought of visiting the woods again. My hands had actually begun to shake, and I kept reminding myself that what I experienced then wasn't real. How could it be?

"I guess you don't need to join us after all," I spoke to Geralt. He raised his brow.

"I need to take a nap...my bed is at the barracks...guess I will be joining you after all."

I facial expression dropped, and my stomach churned. Merlin gave a chuckle and I shot him a confused look. He only shook his head. It was as if he had a secret he could not tell.

"Ok..." we journeyed on. We reached the door of the barracks and Merlin motioned for me to enter.

I opened the door, and ashamed to say, gaped a little.

Derek Hale had his bareback towards us, holding onto a pole planted between to pillars, hoisting himself up and down. He had a fascinating three spiral-intertwined tattoo on his back and sweat glistened from his skin.

"Hmmm," I jumped as I forgot for a second that the Witcher was next to me. Suddenly Derek dropped down and landed with a neat thud on his feet. He turned around.

"Hey, Sandy...how are you feeling?"

"Uhm...better, thank you..."

Derek nodded as he grabbed his shirt. "Good. That's good," He put on his shirt and I shook my head.

"Sorry if we were interrupting your workout...I can come back later..."

"I just ran five miles through woods and did a lot more of those before you came," Derek indicated towards the pole. "I think it's time I get some rest..."

I gave a small smile. "I just came here to say thank you...for everything...saving my life I think twice now or something close to that." I stammered.

Derek nodded. "I only did my job."

My heart sank slightly in my boots. They were all so impersonal. Or it felt like it. But could I really blame them? And why on earth was I so disappointed? It wasn't as if I had feelings for them right?

"I'm gonna go take that...nap," Geralt nodded at me. He stared at Merlin then at Derek. He then walked out.

"And I just remembered that Arthur wanted me to get some supplies...he's gonna kill me...can I leave her here with you?" Merlin asked.

"I'm not a five-year-old!" I snapped and lifted up my hands in frustration. 

"Sorry, that just came out wrong..." Merlin spoke, winked, smiled, then left.

"Unbelievable," I placed my hands on my hips. Derek gave a chuckle behind me, and I raised my brows in surprise. That was the first time I had heard any form of amusement from his side. But a big part of me refused to turn around. I was so nervous when I was around him. Same goes for almost the whole lot, but now I was humiliated. When I am embarrassed, I also easily lashed out.

"If it brings you any comfort, I don't see you as a  child."

I just crossed my arms. "Yeah, whatever, we're just a bunch of dumb students that you guys need to protect, right?"

I felt a tap on my shoulder and I jolted around in surprise. I didn't even hear him approaching me. "Hey," Derek raised his brows and stared at me. "We're doing our best, considering the circumstances. We went out there, to protect one person. Instead, we got twenty or more panic-stricken students, and anyone of them could be the one we needed to really focus on keeping safe. It got complicated fast..."

I pursed my lips and glanced at the ground. I didn't know how to respond to that.

"Especially when Mary was screaming your name frantically, and we found out that you were still stuck in that bus...I guess all of us realized this quest, mission, whatever, was not going to be easy...nevermind working together and keeping the calm..."

"I guess I wasn't very helpful..." I remarked, thinking back upon my escape attempt.

"Well, you certainly kept things interesting. Many of the girls were swooning, so keeping an eye on them was easy...you and Mary gave us a run for our money...literally..."

"Wait, you're getting paid?"

"No, but I have to run a lot...I should get paid," Derek walked to one of the bags and grabbed a bottle. He gulped down the water then glanced at me again, this time thoughtfully. "We should get you back to the group."

"I suppose so," I responded.

"Or maybe I can organize with Arthur to get you a tour of the castle..."

"Arthur doesn't allow anything..." I said, and Derek shook his head.

"Trust me, Arthur feels responsible for what happened to you...he'll give you the tour..." Derek nodded. "And maybe that can help satisfy that ever-growing curiosity of yours."

"Will you join me?" I asked out of the blue.

"Are you sure you really want me to?"

Hey (y/n)!

So again, another choice in your hands! Does Sandy take the tour, return to the group, and if she takes the tour, who should go with her? Let me know in the comments!