Wings Ablazed
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Angst
Summary: The fire within him had long perished with the loss of his sister as his thirst for chaos continued to rise. Attempting to fulfill that desire, he will now face the consequences that have since resulted.
***
Aiden smiled as he watched the guards scramble in the midst of the blaring alarms and flashing lights. It was a complete frenzy of panic and fear, he enjoyed every minute of the chaos he had ensued. He patted his bag and tugged it to make sure it was secure. He then ran swiftly through the rooftops until he reached the familiar one of the hospital. He was lucky that she had the highest room with the worst views that no one would notice his entrance.
The dim light in the room reflected on her face, she was completely pale as she laid on the bed. The heart monitor continued to beep as her breathing was leveled. He was relieved to see fewer tubes but was still nervous in case of a relapse. As he walked closer, she opened her eyes and smiled at his presence.
“Aiden, what have you been up to?” Keira teased as he entered through the window, she was aware that he was always hiding something from her but she didn’t have the strength to pry.
He shrugged as he returned the smile. “You know, the usual.” Keira shook her head.
“Unfortunately, you never tell me what the usual is.” He brushed her bangs away from her forehead; she patted her chest as she coughed.
“I should call for-“ She shook her hand in response.
“It’s fine, this is actually minor compared to everything else that’s wrong with me.” She laughed weakly; he looked up at the clock above her and noticed the time.
“I have to go,” He kissed her on the cheek before he headed towards the window. “I’ll be back.” He called out.
“And I’ll be waiting.” She replied, he waved as he turned away from her and jumped out of the window. He landed on a nearby building and continued on until he reached a pawnshop below. He tilted his head as he thought of how to make this entrance, he grinned when he noticed a taped part of the roof. He walked on top it, and then forced his way through until he broke in and landed on the counter of the shop.
“What the-YOU! I fixed that from the last time you were here and here you go and...” The man continued to grumble as reached for his broom to clean the remnants left on the ground. Aiden then handed his bag to him.
“I’m sure this will cover the costs.” The man grunted as he opened the bag but his eyes widened until he grumbled out. “Yes, it will.”
“I’m sure there is also enough for-“
“Yeah, yeah.” The man walked over the back of the shop and then came out with the same bag. He handed it over to Aiden who checked inside. “That’s enough right?” Aiden nodded. “Good, now outta my shop!”
Aiden bowed. “Happily obliged.” He smirked as he looked up and soared out of the opening, except it expanded the hole and crumpled more onto the floor. He heard the man curse loudly before he went off to return to the hospital.
With his bag now empty he walked through the hallways towards her room. For once, he would enter in as humanly as possible; he imagined the surprised look on her face and chuckled at the thought. However, he was a few doors down when he noticed the rush of nurses and doctors that went in and out of the very room. He ran towards it.
The thrill of chaos had now turned against him.
No one would answer his questions, no one stopped to tell him otherwise. He forced his way through and watched as the staff looked on solemnly. He watched as they called out the time, as one by one they walked past him until the doctor himself locked eyes with him. An apologetic expression was on his face as he walked over and patted his shoulders.
He didn’t hear his explanations nor of his condolences. He neither heard, felt or saw anything beyond her. Her peaceful expression tore his heart. She meant to wait for him, she was supposed to wait.
He collapsed onto the floor as his will to remain composed broke down. The sobs were uncontrollable; tears ran down his cheeks as he clutched his fists. He kept her waiting for too long, and now it was too late.
---
“The thief is now in custody, however police now state he was a copycat and in fact has nothing to do with past robberies of the original Shadow Thief.”
Aiden sighed as he drank his coffee, it seared his throat yet he relished in the warmth. He glanced out the window and watched as the people below rushed from corner to corner, each wrapping their coat tighter as the cold wind came.
“If you recall, the Shadow Thief had stolen countless valuables that ranged from paintings to jewelry. And has not once left evidence or any proof of exactly who he or she is.”
Aiden gulped down the last bit of the coffee, he groaned when he realized he didn’t have enough money for another. He wasn’t sure what was more pathetic of him, having no money or the fact that he was even in such a shop.
“The robberies have since ceased four years ago, no one is sure why he has stopped and if he’ll ever return.”
He got up and threw his cup in the trash on his way out of the shop. He merged within the crowd and walked around with no purpose or exact direction as he continued on aimlessly. He had realized how much of his life had become somewhat routine. Despite never sleeping in the same place twice, walking the same path or even eating the same food it was routine. It was average, boring and human, much too human.
He missed the risks, to remain unseen and to find ways past the obstacles despite all odds against it. The excitement of being within inches of their grasp and watched as they wondered how he had accomplished it with such precision. He missed the challenge of it all, yet it was simply a perk that had come with what he had to do.
Those very thoughts became his biggest downfall.
He was tempted he admitted as he recalled that day. That very temptation led him to embrace his need for adrenaline and went to rob the first art museum he saw with no particular piece he wanted. Despite his lack of practice from his powers to his stealth he thought it’d be easy enough. He was at first disappointed that his thirst for adrenaline didn’t cease as he took the object, in fact it was far too easy. It changed drastically however when he realized he had company. He didn’t take into account a secret ops meeting within and the massive gunfire that ensued.
It was the few times he was forced to use his powers and use his wings. It was also the first time he was ever shot at and it wasn’t a pleasurable experience. He remembered his need to find a place to hide for the night and how he had scanned the area until he found a house quickly, he had to hurry considering his loss of blood and the fact that his kinds blood seemed to attract nearly anything. He had no other choice but to crash through its top floor window and land inside.
He was relieved at first and groaned as he clutched his arm. He scolded himself mentally as he thought of his failed heist as his wound was becoming a pressing matter.
He heard footsteps by the door, he mentally cursed himself. He should’ve known someone was living here, no lights don’t necessarily mean empty. It seemed he was becoming more inattentive. Aiden thought of distracting as he makes his escape, yet he was too weak to even attempt.
The door creaked as it opened slowly, he looked to see the figure standing by the doorway. The figure cautiously took steps toward him and lowered itself onto the floor beside him, he recognized her figure for a woman’s.
Then his worst nightmare occurred, she turned on a flashlight.
He could imagine exactly what she saw. Two large, bat-like wings covered in red scales with bared fangs and bloodshot eyes that were completely black. Maybe if she looked past that would she see the disheveled man holding onto his blood doused arm. What part would terrify her more he wasn’t sure.
It didn’t surprise him when the woman left the room, it did shock him however when she returned with a first aid kit. He looked through strained eyes as she took his arm and proceeded to mend it. As she soon as she placed her hand over it, his wings buckled and threw everything behind it onto the floor. She still didn’t stop, he cringed and cried out when she disinfected the wound.
Despite how wrong his actions had led him that night, he knew from instinct that he could trust this woman. He let down his defenses that night, though he had no other choice either way. He stayed until his pain subsided, the woman attended to him throughout that night.
It wasn’t exactly ideal but it was one way to form a friendship.
---
This should’ve been a one time event, he knew somehow that even without intimidation she wouldn’t talk. It seemed not within her nature, but he had only knew of her during those short few hours. Yet even when he distanced himself from the area, he’d be constantly reminded of her. He eventually found himself near her house, looking about to make sure she was alone. It was then that he heard yelling and glass shattering, the owner of the voice then walked out and drove off, the voice that he’d later learn was that of her husband’s.
This would’ve been a warning sign to leave, instead he found himself entering her house. He found her on the ground staring aimlessly around. “Are you okay?” He asked out loud, she turned slightly as she acknowledged him and nodded. She started to clean up the glass and cigarette buds from the floor, he wasn’t sure of what to do and decided to remain in the corner.
“You’re back.” She stated, Aiden noticed marks on her arm.
“I am.” He found it impossible to look away from her bruised skin.
She asked, “Are you here to erase my memory?”
Aiden furrowed his eyebrows. “No, I don’t even think that’s possible.”
“Really?” She sounded surprised, she swept the glass into the dustpan. “Are you here to eat me?”
Aiden narrowed his eyes. “No, I’ve already ate someone before I got here.” He said sarcastically. She dumped the pieces into a trash bag.
“Then are you here to kill me?” Aiden felt somewhat insulted as he shook his head. “Are you a vampire?” She asked innocently, he rolled his eyes.
“Do not compare me to the likes of them.” He replied.
He saw a hint of a smile on her face. “Then what are you?”
Aiden breathed out. “What’s your name?” Her smile merely widen at his attempt to change the subject.
“Raya, and yours?”
Aiden locked eyes with her. “Aiden.”
He realized the real reason she wouldn’t leave his thoughts. The more he saw her the more he saw their resemblance. The same pale skin, the same long black hair, and the same loss of hope reflected in their eyes. He tried to keep the memories at bay as they crept in.
“I’ll be waiting.”
---
He returned that night but was surprised to see the car in its lot. Her husband would usually drive off by now, they heard the familiar sound of glass shattering. He growled as he flew towards the upstairs window and peered through. Her husband held her by her hair as he threw her against the wall.
“Say something, I dare you to scream.” Her husband hissed as he forced her to face him. “Scream.” She stayed silent and motionless as he raised his hand. She glanced at his face and watched as his eyes rolled back and passed out onto the ground. Raya looked up at Aiden’s stolid expression.
Raya rose up and walked out of the room, Aiden glared at the man before following behind her. He sighed as he walked through the door into her room, she tried to move her arm away but he held it in place as he sat beside her. They stayed silent as he dressed the wounds on her arm.
“Not going to convince me today?” She murmured.
He sighed. “It’d be pointless, by now even I know my own speech by heart.”
He hated how the wounds scarred so easily on human skin, and how the purple and black bruises contrasted so greatly against her pale skin. He cursed under his breath as he centered his anger on the real cause.
“Will you ever tell me why you’re really with this guy?” He asked out loud, usually there’d be no response, except this time she faced him and asked.
“Will you ever answer my question?” He widened his eyes.
He thought it over as he looked at the clock. “I’m assuming if I answer then you’ll answer mines as well.” She nodded as he sighed again. “Fine, but it’ll have to be another night, your husband will eventually wake up.” He said with disdain as he got up and walked towards the window. “Also,” He leaned out the window. “It better be the truth.”
Aiden waited nearby as tried to figure out the situation. He was surprised at himself for even promising to answer her questions. He admitted that it caught him off guard completely. He had to face that eventually she’d start to ask about who he really was, did eventually had to be now?
---
She looked around excitedly from the window.
“Don’t make me regret this deal.” Raya turned around and smiled. “I admit that for once, I would like to see a scared expression.”
Raya leaned against the window sill. “The same for you, I doubt I’ve ever seen you being afraid or even startled, it must be difficult to scare you.” He lowered his eyes at that statement, Raya noted his solemn face. “You don’t have to answer them.”
Aiden shook his head. “It’s fine, though you also have to answer mine as well.” She nodded, he gestured for her to start.
“I only have one question-“
“Somehow, that’s insulting.” She giggled. “Yet I’ll do my best to answer it.”
She walked towards him. “What are you?”
He kept his eyes on the door. “Still not a vampire.” He scoffed. “Dragons, at least that’s my father’s claim. No one’s ever sure of their ancestry-also we do not breathe fire.” He added in, she laughed. “Though we can withstand it.”
Raya continued to walk towards him. “Those wings of yours, you haven’t shown them since you first came through.”
“It’s probably best not to. Now for my question.” She waited expectantly. “Who is he?”
“I’m… not exactly sure.” He furrowed his eyebrows. “I’ve always been here since I could remember. I’ve never even left this house, all that I know is that I am his wife and that was all I was to know.”
Aiden tightened his fist. “And they claim my kind is evil.” He muttered. “I’ve kept him off from completely hurting you. You’ve even stopped me from killing him.” He said bitterly. “What will it take for you to leave this place?”
She gulped. “I can’t leave.”
“You won’t even try.”
“I… I can’t leave. I’ve told you-“
His eyes flared. “Don’t give me those same excuses because none of them suffice to live under that horrible example of a human being.”
She moved a step back from him. “What do I do then? I don’t know any skills, I can’t live anywhere else and I don’t even know how to get out of here.”
He walked past her and headed towards the window. “Tonight at ten I’ll be here, pack whatever you need.” As he was about to leave, he heard her say-
“And I’ll be waiting.”
---
He glanced around the room, “Unfit for a human.” Aiden coughed.
The man waved his hand. “Well, you’re not exactly human are you.”
Aiden shook his head. “I may not be, but my companion is.” The man raised an eyebrow at him. “Have this room ready please, fit for someone like you for instance.”
The man huffed. “I expect compensation.”
“Of course.” The man continued to shake his head as Aiden prepared to leave through the broken patch of roof.
“GET OUT THROUGH THE DOOR FOR GODSAKE!” Aiden laughed as he defied his order and heard the man curse him.
Aiden looked around as he thought over his potential targets. He couldn’t attempt to live by human means and through those jobs. He needed the money to care for her, as he had done for Keira. Instead of the thrill he had desired before, he now needed to be careful and precise.
He had once lost his purpose and now that purpose was gone.
He had often blamed his father for his suffering. If it had not been for his father’s curiosity, he would have never met Keira’s mother. If not for him she would have never been born, and Aiden would have never known what it was like to care for a sibling of blood. Their father easily choosing to forget his kin, Aiden himself found that he couldn’t. To watch as she further succumbed to the sickness that overcame her until she was forced to remain in that room. To suffer through a pain he wasn’t accustomed to, to mourn for a loss.
“You had always wished to leave that room.” He murmured softly. “I hope you’re happy with your freedom, Keira.” His eyes watered but he held back as he looked at the tombstone. He clutched the necklace at hand, he had done it with uncanny precision that it was his best work. No longer an accomplishment in his eyes.
“If I had been there, would things have changed?” He asked gravely. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves on the ground.
The clock placed at the center of the cemetery rung twice. He widened his eyes as he watched it reached eleven. He dropped the necklace as he rushed immediately towards her house. He couldn’t be late.
He heard the sirens, the flashing lights, everywhere it seemed. It was complete chaos, the very chaos he had once enjoyed had now taunted him. The house was engulfed in flames completely.
He had nearly rushed in when he glimpsed at the ambulance, there she laid on the bed. He formed his wings as he followed the ambulance to the same hospital. The memories refused to be held back as he ran through those very corridors. Despite the warnings from the nurses he continued until he reached her room. He gasped for air as he waited.
“Her husband didn’t survive.” The nurse nearby whispered. “They found him trying to crawl towards the door.”
“Lucky that they were able to get her out at least.” The other nurse replied.
“Lucky indeed, she was able to breathe out from the window where the firefighters managed to rescue her.”
The tears ran down his cheeks, he contained what he could of his composure. The hospital was the last place he thought he’d returned to. He noted the little change as he sat on the chair beside her bed when the doctors left. He had wondered why humans were so fragile, so easily breakable. He questioned his own worry as he stayed there.
Morning came when her eyes slowly opened, she coughed. “Aiden?” Aiden smiled in acknowledgement. “He… he saw my bag and asked where I was going. He was furious, Aiden.”
“He’s…” He locked eyes as he held her hand. “He’s not going to hurt you anymore.” Raya became confused. “He didn’t make it through the fire.”
Raya stayed quiet as she took it in. Aiden didn’t pry as she shed one single tear, to mourn for the only person she knew. She soon drifted into a peaceful sleep, one she hadn’t felt in years.
Aiden looked around at the cemetery until he saw the necklace before Keira’s tombstone. He couldn’t leave her side, he declared to himself. He felt that he needed her beyond her need for him. She may not have been blood, but as close as any sibling could be.
---
“Police are at the scene where the robbery occurred last night.”
She widened her eyes as he flew in through her window. She wasn’t shocked by his way in but by the wings that appeared behind him. The red scales brightened under the lights, revealing the black veins that ran through. He opened his eyes that had turned completely black.
“Afraid?” He asked with a forced smile.
She outstretched her hand towards his wing; he pulled back. He then flapped his wings once, he hesitantly took a step forward and let her touch his wing.
“You’re not normal. You should’ve been afraid, or at least have enough common sense to run away from me.”
“I can’t even run.” She murmured. “And I wouldn’t, even if I could.” She traced each the scales.
Aiden watched her hand, it was familiar. He didn’t fight back his memory, of a young Keira touching this very wing, her eyes wide with wonderment and laughed as he would pull them back. The pain was there but not as strong as he continued to remember their times together.
“Stay with me.” He said suddenly, she locked with his eyes as he explained. “I… don’t have a steady lifestyle, but you can stay with me. I’ll help you to get out and make sure you never have to face someone like him again.”
She looked down. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You will never be a burden.” He promised. She looked up and smiled. “Just promise, to never scare me again.”
She reached towards and clasped his hand, he patted her head affectionately.
“I never would’ve been afraid of you,” She stated. “Even with common sense.” He laughed as he continued to held her hand. They continued to talk, barely paying attention to the TV that aired the news for that morning.
“... Police are now warning all vendors and museums to be wary. It is believed that the Shadow Thief has returned.”
Genre: Drama, Angst
Summary: The fire within him had long perished with the loss of his sister as his thirst for chaos continued to rise. Attempting to fulfill that desire, he will now face the consequences that have since resulted.
***
Aiden smiled as he watched the guards scramble in the midst of the blaring alarms and flashing lights. It was a complete frenzy of panic and fear, he enjoyed every minute of the chaos he had ensued. He patted his bag and tugged it to make sure it was secure. He then ran swiftly through the rooftops until he reached the familiar one of the hospital. He was lucky that she had the highest room with the worst views that no one would notice his entrance.
The dim light in the room reflected on her face, she was completely pale as she laid on the bed. The heart monitor continued to beep as her breathing was leveled. He was relieved to see fewer tubes but was still nervous in case of a relapse. As he walked closer, she opened her eyes and smiled at his presence.
“Aiden, what have you been up to?” Keira teased as he entered through the window, she was aware that he was always hiding something from her but she didn’t have the strength to pry.
He shrugged as he returned the smile. “You know, the usual.” Keira shook her head.
“Unfortunately, you never tell me what the usual is.” He brushed her bangs away from her forehead; she patted her chest as she coughed.
“I should call for-“ She shook her hand in response.
“It’s fine, this is actually minor compared to everything else that’s wrong with me.” She laughed weakly; he looked up at the clock above her and noticed the time.
“I have to go,” He kissed her on the cheek before he headed towards the window. “I’ll be back.” He called out.
“And I’ll be waiting.” She replied, he waved as he turned away from her and jumped out of the window. He landed on a nearby building and continued on until he reached a pawnshop below. He tilted his head as he thought of how to make this entrance, he grinned when he noticed a taped part of the roof. He walked on top it, and then forced his way through until he broke in and landed on the counter of the shop.
“What the-YOU! I fixed that from the last time you were here and here you go and...” The man continued to grumble as reached for his broom to clean the remnants left on the ground. Aiden then handed his bag to him.
“I’m sure this will cover the costs.” The man grunted as he opened the bag but his eyes widened until he grumbled out. “Yes, it will.”
“I’m sure there is also enough for-“
“Yeah, yeah.” The man walked over the back of the shop and then came out with the same bag. He handed it over to Aiden who checked inside. “That’s enough right?” Aiden nodded. “Good, now outta my shop!”
Aiden bowed. “Happily obliged.” He smirked as he looked up and soared out of the opening, except it expanded the hole and crumpled more onto the floor. He heard the man curse loudly before he went off to return to the hospital.
With his bag now empty he walked through the hallways towards her room. For once, he would enter in as humanly as possible; he imagined the surprised look on her face and chuckled at the thought. However, he was a few doors down when he noticed the rush of nurses and doctors that went in and out of the very room. He ran towards it.
The thrill of chaos had now turned against him.
No one would answer his questions, no one stopped to tell him otherwise. He forced his way through and watched as the staff looked on solemnly. He watched as they called out the time, as one by one they walked past him until the doctor himself locked eyes with him. An apologetic expression was on his face as he walked over and patted his shoulders.
He didn’t hear his explanations nor of his condolences. He neither heard, felt or saw anything beyond her. Her peaceful expression tore his heart. She meant to wait for him, she was supposed to wait.
He collapsed onto the floor as his will to remain composed broke down. The sobs were uncontrollable; tears ran down his cheeks as he clutched his fists. He kept her waiting for too long, and now it was too late.
---
“The thief is now in custody, however police now state he was a copycat and in fact has nothing to do with past robberies of the original Shadow Thief.”
Aiden sighed as he drank his coffee, it seared his throat yet he relished in the warmth. He glanced out the window and watched as the people below rushed from corner to corner, each wrapping their coat tighter as the cold wind came.
“If you recall, the Shadow Thief had stolen countless valuables that ranged from paintings to jewelry. And has not once left evidence or any proof of exactly who he or she is.”
Aiden gulped down the last bit of the coffee, he groaned when he realized he didn’t have enough money for another. He wasn’t sure what was more pathetic of him, having no money or the fact that he was even in such a shop.
“The robberies have since ceased four years ago, no one is sure why he has stopped and if he’ll ever return.”
He got up and threw his cup in the trash on his way out of the shop. He merged within the crowd and walked around with no purpose or exact direction as he continued on aimlessly. He had realized how much of his life had become somewhat routine. Despite never sleeping in the same place twice, walking the same path or even eating the same food it was routine. It was average, boring and human, much too human.
He missed the risks, to remain unseen and to find ways past the obstacles despite all odds against it. The excitement of being within inches of their grasp and watched as they wondered how he had accomplished it with such precision. He missed the challenge of it all, yet it was simply a perk that had come with what he had to do.
Those very thoughts became his biggest downfall.
He was tempted he admitted as he recalled that day. That very temptation led him to embrace his need for adrenaline and went to rob the first art museum he saw with no particular piece he wanted. Despite his lack of practice from his powers to his stealth he thought it’d be easy enough. He was at first disappointed that his thirst for adrenaline didn’t cease as he took the object, in fact it was far too easy. It changed drastically however when he realized he had company. He didn’t take into account a secret ops meeting within and the massive gunfire that ensued.
It was the few times he was forced to use his powers and use his wings. It was also the first time he was ever shot at and it wasn’t a pleasurable experience. He remembered his need to find a place to hide for the night and how he had scanned the area until he found a house quickly, he had to hurry considering his loss of blood and the fact that his kinds blood seemed to attract nearly anything. He had no other choice but to crash through its top floor window and land inside.
He was relieved at first and groaned as he clutched his arm. He scolded himself mentally as he thought of his failed heist as his wound was becoming a pressing matter.
He heard footsteps by the door, he mentally cursed himself. He should’ve known someone was living here, no lights don’t necessarily mean empty. It seemed he was becoming more inattentive. Aiden thought of distracting as he makes his escape, yet he was too weak to even attempt.
The door creaked as it opened slowly, he looked to see the figure standing by the doorway. The figure cautiously took steps toward him and lowered itself onto the floor beside him, he recognized her figure for a woman’s.
Then his worst nightmare occurred, she turned on a flashlight.
He could imagine exactly what she saw. Two large, bat-like wings covered in red scales with bared fangs and bloodshot eyes that were completely black. Maybe if she looked past that would she see the disheveled man holding onto his blood doused arm. What part would terrify her more he wasn’t sure.
It didn’t surprise him when the woman left the room, it did shock him however when she returned with a first aid kit. He looked through strained eyes as she took his arm and proceeded to mend it. As she soon as she placed her hand over it, his wings buckled and threw everything behind it onto the floor. She still didn’t stop, he cringed and cried out when she disinfected the wound.
Despite how wrong his actions had led him that night, he knew from instinct that he could trust this woman. He let down his defenses that night, though he had no other choice either way. He stayed until his pain subsided, the woman attended to him throughout that night.
It wasn’t exactly ideal but it was one way to form a friendship.
---
This should’ve been a one time event, he knew somehow that even without intimidation she wouldn’t talk. It seemed not within her nature, but he had only knew of her during those short few hours. Yet even when he distanced himself from the area, he’d be constantly reminded of her. He eventually found himself near her house, looking about to make sure she was alone. It was then that he heard yelling and glass shattering, the owner of the voice then walked out and drove off, the voice that he’d later learn was that of her husband’s.
This would’ve been a warning sign to leave, instead he found himself entering her house. He found her on the ground staring aimlessly around. “Are you okay?” He asked out loud, she turned slightly as she acknowledged him and nodded. She started to clean up the glass and cigarette buds from the floor, he wasn’t sure of what to do and decided to remain in the corner.
“You’re back.” She stated, Aiden noticed marks on her arm.
“I am.” He found it impossible to look away from her bruised skin.
She asked, “Are you here to erase my memory?”
Aiden furrowed his eyebrows. “No, I don’t even think that’s possible.”
“Really?” She sounded surprised, she swept the glass into the dustpan. “Are you here to eat me?”
Aiden narrowed his eyes. “No, I’ve already ate someone before I got here.” He said sarcastically. She dumped the pieces into a trash bag.
“Then are you here to kill me?” Aiden felt somewhat insulted as he shook his head. “Are you a vampire?” She asked innocently, he rolled his eyes.
“Do not compare me to the likes of them.” He replied.
He saw a hint of a smile on her face. “Then what are you?”
Aiden breathed out. “What’s your name?” Her smile merely widen at his attempt to change the subject.
“Raya, and yours?”
Aiden locked eyes with her. “Aiden.”
He realized the real reason she wouldn’t leave his thoughts. The more he saw her the more he saw their resemblance. The same pale skin, the same long black hair, and the same loss of hope reflected in their eyes. He tried to keep the memories at bay as they crept in.
“I’ll be waiting.”
---
He returned that night but was surprised to see the car in its lot. Her husband would usually drive off by now, they heard the familiar sound of glass shattering. He growled as he flew towards the upstairs window and peered through. Her husband held her by her hair as he threw her against the wall.
“Say something, I dare you to scream.” Her husband hissed as he forced her to face him. “Scream.” She stayed silent and motionless as he raised his hand. She glanced at his face and watched as his eyes rolled back and passed out onto the ground. Raya looked up at Aiden’s stolid expression.
Raya rose up and walked out of the room, Aiden glared at the man before following behind her. He sighed as he walked through the door into her room, she tried to move her arm away but he held it in place as he sat beside her. They stayed silent as he dressed the wounds on her arm.
“Not going to convince me today?” She murmured.
He sighed. “It’d be pointless, by now even I know my own speech by heart.”
He hated how the wounds scarred so easily on human skin, and how the purple and black bruises contrasted so greatly against her pale skin. He cursed under his breath as he centered his anger on the real cause.
“Will you ever tell me why you’re really with this guy?” He asked out loud, usually there’d be no response, except this time she faced him and asked.
“Will you ever answer my question?” He widened his eyes.
He thought it over as he looked at the clock. “I’m assuming if I answer then you’ll answer mines as well.” She nodded as he sighed again. “Fine, but it’ll have to be another night, your husband will eventually wake up.” He said with disdain as he got up and walked towards the window. “Also,” He leaned out the window. “It better be the truth.”
Aiden waited nearby as tried to figure out the situation. He was surprised at himself for even promising to answer her questions. He admitted that it caught him off guard completely. He had to face that eventually she’d start to ask about who he really was, did eventually had to be now?
---
She looked around excitedly from the window.
“Don’t make me regret this deal.” Raya turned around and smiled. “I admit that for once, I would like to see a scared expression.”
Raya leaned against the window sill. “The same for you, I doubt I’ve ever seen you being afraid or even startled, it must be difficult to scare you.” He lowered his eyes at that statement, Raya noted his solemn face. “You don’t have to answer them.”
Aiden shook his head. “It’s fine, though you also have to answer mine as well.” She nodded, he gestured for her to start.
“I only have one question-“
“Somehow, that’s insulting.” She giggled. “Yet I’ll do my best to answer it.”
She walked towards him. “What are you?”
He kept his eyes on the door. “Still not a vampire.” He scoffed. “Dragons, at least that’s my father’s claim. No one’s ever sure of their ancestry-also we do not breathe fire.” He added in, she laughed. “Though we can withstand it.”
Raya continued to walk towards him. “Those wings of yours, you haven’t shown them since you first came through.”
“It’s probably best not to. Now for my question.” She waited expectantly. “Who is he?”
“I’m… not exactly sure.” He furrowed his eyebrows. “I’ve always been here since I could remember. I’ve never even left this house, all that I know is that I am his wife and that was all I was to know.”
Aiden tightened his fist. “And they claim my kind is evil.” He muttered. “I’ve kept him off from completely hurting you. You’ve even stopped me from killing him.” He said bitterly. “What will it take for you to leave this place?”
She gulped. “I can’t leave.”
“You won’t even try.”
“I… I can’t leave. I’ve told you-“
His eyes flared. “Don’t give me those same excuses because none of them suffice to live under that horrible example of a human being.”
She moved a step back from him. “What do I do then? I don’t know any skills, I can’t live anywhere else and I don’t even know how to get out of here.”
He walked past her and headed towards the window. “Tonight at ten I’ll be here, pack whatever you need.” As he was about to leave, he heard her say-
“And I’ll be waiting.”
---
He glanced around the room, “Unfit for a human.” Aiden coughed.
The man waved his hand. “Well, you’re not exactly human are you.”
Aiden shook his head. “I may not be, but my companion is.” The man raised an eyebrow at him. “Have this room ready please, fit for someone like you for instance.”
The man huffed. “I expect compensation.”
“Of course.” The man continued to shake his head as Aiden prepared to leave through the broken patch of roof.
“GET OUT THROUGH THE DOOR FOR GODSAKE!” Aiden laughed as he defied his order and heard the man curse him.
Aiden looked around as he thought over his potential targets. He couldn’t attempt to live by human means and through those jobs. He needed the money to care for her, as he had done for Keira. Instead of the thrill he had desired before, he now needed to be careful and precise.
He had once lost his purpose and now that purpose was gone.
He had often blamed his father for his suffering. If it had not been for his father’s curiosity, he would have never met Keira’s mother. If not for him she would have never been born, and Aiden would have never known what it was like to care for a sibling of blood. Their father easily choosing to forget his kin, Aiden himself found that he couldn’t. To watch as she further succumbed to the sickness that overcame her until she was forced to remain in that room. To suffer through a pain he wasn’t accustomed to, to mourn for a loss.
“You had always wished to leave that room.” He murmured softly. “I hope you’re happy with your freedom, Keira.” His eyes watered but he held back as he looked at the tombstone. He clutched the necklace at hand, he had done it with uncanny precision that it was his best work. No longer an accomplishment in his eyes.
“If I had been there, would things have changed?” He asked gravely. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves on the ground.
The clock placed at the center of the cemetery rung twice. He widened his eyes as he watched it reached eleven. He dropped the necklace as he rushed immediately towards her house. He couldn’t be late.
He heard the sirens, the flashing lights, everywhere it seemed. It was complete chaos, the very chaos he had once enjoyed had now taunted him. The house was engulfed in flames completely.
He had nearly rushed in when he glimpsed at the ambulance, there she laid on the bed. He formed his wings as he followed the ambulance to the same hospital. The memories refused to be held back as he ran through those very corridors. Despite the warnings from the nurses he continued until he reached her room. He gasped for air as he waited.
“Her husband didn’t survive.” The nurse nearby whispered. “They found him trying to crawl towards the door.”
“Lucky that they were able to get her out at least.” The other nurse replied.
“Lucky indeed, she was able to breathe out from the window where the firefighters managed to rescue her.”
The tears ran down his cheeks, he contained what he could of his composure. The hospital was the last place he thought he’d returned to. He noted the little change as he sat on the chair beside her bed when the doctors left. He had wondered why humans were so fragile, so easily breakable. He questioned his own worry as he stayed there.
Morning came when her eyes slowly opened, she coughed. “Aiden?” Aiden smiled in acknowledgement. “He… he saw my bag and asked where I was going. He was furious, Aiden.”
“He’s…” He locked eyes as he held her hand. “He’s not going to hurt you anymore.” Raya became confused. “He didn’t make it through the fire.”
Raya stayed quiet as she took it in. Aiden didn’t pry as she shed one single tear, to mourn for the only person she knew. She soon drifted into a peaceful sleep, one she hadn’t felt in years.
Aiden looked around at the cemetery until he saw the necklace before Keira’s tombstone. He couldn’t leave her side, he declared to himself. He felt that he needed her beyond her need for him. She may not have been blood, but as close as any sibling could be.
---
“Police are at the scene where the robbery occurred last night.”
She widened her eyes as he flew in through her window. She wasn’t shocked by his way in but by the wings that appeared behind him. The red scales brightened under the lights, revealing the black veins that ran through. He opened his eyes that had turned completely black.
“Afraid?” He asked with a forced smile.
She outstretched her hand towards his wing; he pulled back. He then flapped his wings once, he hesitantly took a step forward and let her touch his wing.
“You’re not normal. You should’ve been afraid, or at least have enough common sense to run away from me.”
“I can’t even run.” She murmured. “And I wouldn’t, even if I could.” She traced each the scales.
Aiden watched her hand, it was familiar. He didn’t fight back his memory, of a young Keira touching this very wing, her eyes wide with wonderment and laughed as he would pull them back. The pain was there but not as strong as he continued to remember their times together.
“Stay with me.” He said suddenly, she locked with his eyes as he explained. “I… don’t have a steady lifestyle, but you can stay with me. I’ll help you to get out and make sure you never have to face someone like him again.”
She looked down. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You will never be a burden.” He promised. She looked up and smiled. “Just promise, to never scare me again.”
She reached towards and clasped his hand, he patted her head affectionately.
“I never would’ve been afraid of you,” She stated. “Even with common sense.” He laughed as he continued to held her hand. They continued to talk, barely paying attention to the TV that aired the news for that morning.
“... Police are now warning all vendors and museums to be wary. It is believed that the Shadow Thief has returned.”