Chapter 34: the failed hero

As I approached the nightclub, I noticed a diverse group of people waiting outside. However, there was a bouncer, a black man, stationed at the entrance. It became evident that not everyone was being granted entry. When I reached the door, the bouncer stopped me.

" Are you in a hurry, young man ? "

" Just exploring the neighborhood. Thought about checking out the club. "

" Go get another walk under the fresh air. Little man. You're not going in. "

" And why not? "

" You don't meet the standards. "

" What standards? "

He answered" my personal standards. I don't like your face. "

What the hell? I need to control myself. I don't think anyone at the academy would approve of beating up a club security guard. 

The bouncer took a second look at me and said " hmmmm..... Maybe I overreacted. Maybe you don't suck and you should be allowed in the club. (Ohhhhh. I see where he's going with this. ) I can't decide.... On the one hand, you don't meet my standards. On the other, I believe in capitalism and second chances. 

Maybe something can help tip the scales of my decision on your side.... "

" How much? "

" 50$"

Holy fuck, that much? He has not hesitated at all before saying it. 

I handed the bouncer a $50 bill, mimicking a handshake gesture. " the hell with you Nemesis. "

" What does that even mean? "

" Don't try to think too hard. It's not good for you. Anyway can I go in?"

" Go before I change my mind. "

As I attempted to enter, he halted me. " you know .... I've changed my mind. "

" What the hell, man?"

" I'm not in the mood for some punk-ass jokes today."

" Come on dude, I paid you " 

He responded" for advice. You want to get in ? Be polite, pay quietly and smile. And for Merlin's sake, put some decent clothes on. 

And that's it, get out. Or do you want to do it another way?"

" It's not worth it. Ciao" 

" Get out of here, sucker. "

I really want to try the combat bolt on him..... Shit, I don't think I'm going to the club tonight.

Before I turned to leave, a towering figure emerged in front of the bouncer. What a peculiar individual, I thought. I wonder what the bogeyman at the door will tell him. I can't contain my curiosity.... Need to get closer and eavesdrop. 

" Sorry man, your vip isn't helping here. The girls complained. So you're banned from entering forever. "

The man retrieved an envelope from his pocket and said, " I don't need to go in. Here's the..... "

A weird look appeared on the guard face " Whoa, there's... It's got...."

" Shhhh. It's all yours. Just pretend tonight that you didn't heard anything. And you didn't see anybody. "

Something ain't right here. How could that moron agree to this? 

Wait a minute. It turned out, the man wasn't even heading to the club..... That's very strange. I should follow him. 

I'm always getting into trouble. But I can't just leave it at that. Can I?

I trailed behind the man as he led me into a dimly lit alleyway. This looks like a staff exit from the nightclub. But why is he hanging around if he paid the security guard? 

Entry clearly cost less than a whole envelope of dough. 

After a few minutes. It seems like someone is opening the door from the inside. 

Wait a minute, is he hiding? What's he up to? Someone's coming out. A girl. Was he waiting for her? 

After the girl exited the door, he jumped in front of her." Adele. "

The girl froze in fear. " Diego ? What are you doing here? "

" Adele, please give me a chance to explain...."

The girl interupted." you're not allowed to come within 100 meters of me. Go away or you'll go to jail. "

" Adele, I can't forget you. You opened my eyes."

" I've heard that before. I'm leaving " 

Before the girl left, he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. " wait, I want you to be mine. "

" Get your hands off me, and get out of here. "

Then he pushed her against the wall, causing her boobs to be exposed. " wait, baby, feel the heat of my love. ".

" Let go, asshole" 

" Don't fight it. You like it then..... "

A frightened expression washed over her face as she screamed. " HELP. HELP"

 Shit, is he going to rape her? I should do something. I can't just stand by. I was just about to punch someone in the face. 

" Get your hands off her, moose. " I haven't thought about what I'm going to do next. Well I can't back out now. 

" Who the fuck are you? "

I replied " the guy who's about to kick your ass."

" Is this some kind of joke? "

The man abandoned the girl and charged at me to throw a punch. " say your prayers bitch. "

" You should not miss with a wizard. " Come on, I can do this. The guy Is approaching me fast. This is it, one moment, one opportunity. Will I capture it. Or just let it slip? 

" TAKE THIS"I cast a magic spell at him. 

" Ouch.... " Oh my god, it was not enough? Oh no. 

" Fuck. That hurts puta. But not as much as I'm going to hurt you. "

Then the girl approached from behind him. " hey, jackass. "

" I'll get back to you in a moment. Hun... What the ... "

The girl's hand transformed from human to that of a tiger's. " TAKE. THAT, "

" Ough.... Ghhghg aaaaa.... "

(What's with her hand?)

The guy started running after she struck him. " Fuck that hurts. You'll pay for this " 

" Go back to mommy. You abortion. " 

After he left, the girl approached me and said, " hey.... Thanks a lot. "

" It's nothing, really.... "In the end she did everything herself 

" I couldn't have done it without you. "

Do you think it's obvious that I'm staring at her boobs. 

She noticed " opps. He-he-he. "

" Sorry, I wasn't. It's alright, o work here. I'm used to that kind of attention. "

" What about that guy? "

" Long story. "

" Are you sure you're going to be alright? "

" Totally, I have a lot of friends inside. They'll take care of me. "

" Despite the circumstances, it was nice to meet you, Catwoman. "

" Ah-ha-ha. ( She tooked a card out of her jacket ) Here, I want you to have this. "

" What's that? "

She replied" it's a a VIP pass for club members. Our bouncer can be a pain in the ass. Show him this and he won't bother you again. "

" Well thank you. "

" I've gotta go hon. Thanks again. "

" No problem. "

Hmmm, VIP pass. Not bad for a failed hero. I guess there's no reason to stay in this creepy place. 

I'll go now, enter the club like a VIP member, and take revenge on that stupid guard.