The halfbreed woke with a start, stirred by a ringing sound. He glanced around, finding that he had dozed off on the couch.
Bring bring! Realizing it was the phone, he hopped up from his seat and swiped it from the cradle.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Draco?” The old man was trying to sound casual, but Draco knew him too well.
“Something wrong, Iroh?”
“Not really, but there appears to be someone looking for you.”
“Is that so? Do you have a name?”
“He said it was Dr. Macbeth.”
“Macbeth? What’s he doing around here…” Draco mumbled to himself. After a moment of thought he turned his attention back to the wall phone. “Tell him to wait at the Lotus. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” A quick farewell was exchanged before hanging up, then he grabbed a cloak hanging by the door on his way out.
------------
He slowed to a jog as The White Lotus came into view, eventually settling into a purposeful gait. He easily spotted the doctor through the diner’s large windows, sitting where Dracustos normally chose. He entered and made his way to the back bench and took a seat.
“Ah, there you are,” Macbeth greeted with a smile. “How’s that wing of yours?”
“It’s almost back. But something tells me you didn’t show up unannounced to give me a check-up.” His smile faded, then he folded his hands and closed his eyes.
“You read people far too well,” he mumbled. His eyes opened. “You see, I have this organization with the sole purpose of... making the world a better place. I’ve read over your profile many times, Dracustos, and after meeting you… I believe you fit my standards.” The halfbreed raised a brow.
“Whoah whoah whoah, is this… a Clan invitation?”
“In a manner of speaking,” the doctor answered. Dracustos gave a skeptical sneer.
“I don’t know… In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not exactly sociable, the reason being what happened during our battle.”
“Oh, you won’t have to worry too much about that. We operate very loosely, like a spider’s web, if you will. You probably won’t encounter another member for a long time.” The halfbreed rubbed his chin in consideration.
“Let’s say I agree to this. Don’t you have tryout battles or something?”
“Not particularly. As I said before, you meet the requirements, but I wasn’t referring to your fighting skills. We are bonded by our morals, the want to do good in the world and help whomever we can.” Macbeth leaned back as Draco closed his eyes and gave a heavy sigh.
“I’ve caused a lot of pain as well.”
“Yet another thing we have in common.” The halfbreed raised his eyes. “I’ve been in many wars, Dracustos. Experienced countless things I only hope to never do again, and hope you never get to see. I became what I am to help those who cannot help themselves.” There was a moment of silence, the scaley figure looking to the floor in thought. “I know about your connection to this town, why the people here love you and count on you. My organization works both ways. We can help keep this place safe if you’re not around, aid you should a natural disaster hit. You yourself know of my medical expertise; I could help in that regard should someone get severely injured or ill-” He paused, noticing a slight change in the Draconian’s countenance. “Sorry, did I get into a touchy subject?”
“No… no it’s fine,” he lied with a shake of his head. “I’ll... consider joining your group.”
“That’s fine with me.” Dr. Macbeth pulled something from his pocket and slid it across the table. “Call this number when you make up your mind.” He stood, then proceeded to take his leave. Dracustos stared at the card for a moment before picking it up, and he too left.
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Draco stretched his scaly limbs across the grass enjoying the warmth of the sun, listening to the radio. However, he was far from relaxed. The doctor’s words constantly ran through his head as he weighed his options. He liked the idea of others helping to guard his town from danger should he be away on RHG business and whatnot; he wouldn’t stress so much when on leave. He couldn’t really think of any downsides to joining, other than being under someone’s command. The Clan’s purpose was right up his alley.
He sighed, clearing his head for a moment to actually pay attention to whatever music was playing. A new song had just begun.
“One more depending on a prayer
And we all look away
People pretending everywhere
It’s just another day
There’s bullets flying through the air
And they still carry on
We watch it happen over there
And then just turn it off
“We must stand together
There’s no giving in
Hand in hand forever
That’s when we all win
That’s, that’s, that’s when we all win
That’s, that’s, that’s when we all win
“They tell us everything’s alright
And we just go along
How can we fall asleep at night
When something’s clearly wrong
When we could feed a starving world
With what we throw away
But all we serve are empty words
That always taste the same
“We must stand together
There’s no giving in
Hand in hand forever
That’s when we all win
That’s, that’s, that’s when we all win
That’s, that’s, that’s when we all win
“The right thing to guide us
Is right here inside us
No one can divide us
When the light is nearly gone
But just like a heartbeat
The drum beat carries on
And the drum beat carries on
““We must stand together
There’s no giving in
Hand in hand forever
That’s when we all win
That’s, that’s, that’s when we all win
That’s, that’s, that’s when we all win”
Dracustos snorted. This is what happens when I listen to music… He got up and went inside, making his way to the phone.
“Where’d I put it…Ah!” He reached towards the cloak he wore the other day, plucking the card Macbeth had given him from the pocket. He hesitated for a moment as he looked over the numbers, then sighed, “Why the hell not?”
He poked at the numbers on the keypad, taking a breath to calm his nerves as he waited for a response.
“Hello?”
“Yes, this is Dracustos. I’m calling about an invitation?”
“Ah yes, the halfbreed. Have you reached a verdict?”
“I have. Count me in.”
