The simply decorated street was beautiful in the eyes of Nicolas. Plants were dangling from the roof in between the chandeliers. A variety of shop owners were promoting their products and their services while shouting. The wonderful fragrance of the countless meals the restaurants were preparing constantly assaulted Nicolas who hadn't eaten in hours of walking through the sewers.
Jacob, who was walking right beside him, had a cold air around him. His eyes were focused on his surroundings, specifically the people. He was on guard as they traversed silently the underground city, eventually arriving at a small building. The label on it declared that it was a hotel but the bodily odor coming from inside said otherwise.
Ugh... Don't they know what a shower is? Even I when I was sleeping in schools and abandoned houses showered almost daily.
Nicolas had pinched his nose out of habit but Jacob stopped him.
"Don't do that...not in there."
His voice was warm, yet his eyes were colder than ice. Jacob took out a brass key and put it in the keyhole. The sound of many gears turning and screeching sounded in the air.
What the hell is that? The door is clearly made of wood but what'd just happen?... Is this not an old hotel?
Jacob opened gently the door without making a sound. The inside was completely different from the exterior.
Red carpets and beautiful paintings filled the hall with liveliness. Several exquisite wooden tables were scattered around the room accompanied by four chairs each and many cards.
The chilly air rejuvenated Nicolas as he entered. He felt many gazes land on him but he didn't waver. He followed Jacob on his way to a hallway on the left. In front of it, a black, middle aged man stood up from his chair and blocked their path.
The Hawaiian shirt was open, revealing his hairy chest and refined abs. The shorts he was wearing along with his shirt were completely out of place in the cold room.
"Why'd ya bring a whitey here, man?"
The huge man's voice was higher and younger than he seemed but his intimidating stance made up for it.
"Jonathan, move. I'm not in the mood for your complaints."
"But you know I got a thing for their kind."
The man rustled his short hair while replying to Jacob in a childish manner. His battle hardened face wore a mischievous smile which made Nicolas nervous.
He was essentially inside a place where whatever happened to him would never be known by anyone else, whether that be killing him or...
I'm sure he's gay and he wants to fuck me. That son of a bitch... Jacob, don't you dare leave me with him.
Nicolas had understood two things from the man in front of him. Firstly, his voice, which was higher than the average male's, sounded like a woman's and secondly, he's a racist with fetishes towards white men.
He wanted to attack him and burn Jonathan's head but the sheer difference between their physical condition was immense. His discouragement was evident in the eyes of Jonathan.
He's like a fucking black superman. Going for the head is the obvious thing to do but it seems harder than a tank's-
Before he could finish his thoughts, Jonathan slipped by Jacob and stood eye to eye with Nicolas. They were a breath away from each other.
"Come on man, just his left arm. He's another one so it's fine."
Nicolas shuddered. It turned out he had judged Jonathan too quickly. Jacob's subordinate wasn't gay but something more troublesome, a racist torturer.
If only I had my lighter I'd turn him to smithereens but...well, I've always wanted to try this on someone.
Nicolas' thoughts were chaotic as he tried to imagine a scenario where he'd win Jonathan using the second power he discovered while training for three months. It was the power of electricity.
His gloved hand was itching for action inside his pocket. Its design was crude yet stylish. Black metal was stuck on the glove's thumb and index finger, the rest was gray and made of plastic.
Nicolas was about to stand against the muscular man but Jacob grabbed Jonathan by the neck from behind. Following that, he made him fall to the ground on his back using his right leg and with his left knee pinned him to the floor.
"Ugh!"
Jacob was holding Jonathan's throat as he said in a low and stoic voice.
"I said I'm not in the mood. You're a grown ass man for fuck's sake. Behave like one."
Jonathan's face was starting to redden as he tried to speak again. He hadn't attempted to resist Jacob's actions in any way.
"I'm...sorry..."
At that moment Jacob lifted one of his brows and looked at Jonathan with wide eyes. Jacob tightened his grasp around his throat threatening to suffocate him. With a whisper he spoke again, now his eyes revealed their blood vessels.
"...boss."
Jacob finally released Jonathan and got up. He sighed as he turned around and faced the onlookers. They hadn't interfered at all but their gazes were locked on Nicolas like a predator having found its prey. Jacob raised his voice his voice in the large hall.
"If anyone touches this man he'll face the consequences. Mark my words."
The men, young and old, stood up from their chairs and replied in unison.
"... Yes, boss!!!"
They seemed doubtful and aggressive, nevertheless they complied with the orders though they hesitated, making their loyalty questionable.
*
"This is where you'll be sleeping. The smell isn't as strong here."
In the streets before, different spices overwhelmed the sewers' smell but outside of the large market, the smell of waste was something common in every house.
Inside the small room containing only a single bed and a toilet Nicolas was all alone as Jacob left. He slumped on the comfortable bed and he relaxed.
It's so...soft. I haven't slept properly in months. Let's think tomorrow...morning?
Through the window on the side of the bed he could see the chandeliers hanging from the roof of this extremely spacious place still lighted. In the far away market people came and went about their lives like in the morning even though it was three AM.
Tired, Nicolas just stared at the ceiling not bothering to close the window. He then fell fast asleep.