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The prickling sensation of fear had been at the back of his mind for a good while now. It wasn’t often Ghost went shopping alone, downright rare to the point of it happening maybe twice a month, and he had his reasons. Anxiety was usually the biggest reason. But the chance of getting jumped was always floating around his thoughts when he did go out. Most viewed him as a monstrosity or a curse. He hid his tail as best as he could but the tipped ears coupled with the horns gave him away of what he was far swifter than someone chancing a glance at the slight tail he had. His horns were usually the first things grabbed as well. He was tiny on top of it, rarely reaching most men’s chests.
All around, he was quite frankly an easy target. And he knew it. All too well. He still has scars to prove it.
Drawing his scarf around himself a tad tighter, Ghost quickly ducked down an alleyway he knew well, speeding up as he moved.
There.
Footsteps that were heavier than his own. And ones he did not recognize.
Looking around quickly, he caught sight of an offshoot and ducked into as fast as he could while casting a minor illusion to hide his location. Crouching in between the barrels and the wall, he listened as the footsteps drew closer before they stopped right in front of him.
The fear started clawing its way up his throat and he had to force himself to breath as shallowly as possible. He didn’t even dare to look up just in case his illusion was seen through.
More hurried footsteps drew to his location and he curled in on himself, squeezing his eyes shut tightly.
“Lose him?”
“Swear I saw the bastard go down here.”
“He is a mage so be wary.”
“Mage? Thought he was some freak alchemist.”
“He’s both. S’why he’s so damn dangerous. Gotta get rid of him before he destroys the city.”
“Fuckin’ freak.”
Slowly raising his hands, he covered his ears and tried to block them out.
“Has this spot always been covered?”
Shit.
Ghost’s eyes snapped open and he whipped his head up just in time to see a hand reach for the barrels. Flinging out a hand, he cast a small water spell to confuse the men before he tore away from his hiding spot, bolting down the alley with the confused and angry shouts sounded behind him.
Gotta run. Run back to the guild. Move. Move! MOVE!
Letting out a gasp as he ran headfirst into something solid, Ghost immediately went to push himself away but was held fast as a hand wrapped around his wrist.
Nonononono no please not again. Please don’t hurt me.
“Ghost!”
Gasping again, Ghost froze and looked up. “Theo.”
“Hey, what happened?” Theo asked, pulling him into his chest while his eyes scanned all over him. “Why are you so damn scared?”
Eyes widened, Ghost tried pulling away again. “Let me go. I need to go.”
“Go? Where?”
“Guild. Room. I-I need to hi-“ Ghost was cut off as he heard shouting again and he pulled hard on his wrist, breaking free from Theo’s grasp. The surprised shout of his name didn’t stop him as he took off again, heading to the guild.
Safety. Room. Home.
Rushing past faces he knew and didn’t, Ghost didn’t stop even as his name was said multiple times. Some friendly and one confused. He blocked them all out. One thing on his mind.
It felt like an eternity before the familiar sight of his bedroom door came into view, his body sagging heavily as soon as he stepped into his room. He barely had enough energy to shut the door behind him before collapsing onto the rug, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
Home. Room.
Swallowing thickly, he raised his arms through what felt like molasses and started tugging off his scarf and cloak, setting them aside on the floor. His breathing finally started to even out as he felt the weight leave him and he dragged himself to the side of his bed to rest his back against it with a heavy sigh.
The wetness down his cheeks startled him so badly he nearly let out a surprised noise before he realized he was crying, a choked sob tearing through him. Sucking in a breath, he hiccuped and drew his legs in close.
A yelp was startled out of him as arms circled around him carefully and he almost cast a spell in defense before he recognized who it was. Sagging into Theo’s arms, he started sobbing openly.
Safe.