Darkness. It's been there my whole life. Even through uncertainty, the darkness was there. Watching me. Sheltering me. Listening to me. My only true friend; the only thing I can count on.
After some time, I learned to manipulate it. And since everyone and everything has darkness in it, I learned to control the world around me. I wasn't a woman possessed. I didn't crave the darkness. I didn't actively seek it out. I simply understood it.
My heart was pulled in two directions. I could listen to my father, and bring my brother to him. So that he could manipulate him and twist him like he did us. Or I could listen to my Queen, and find my brother's flock, and join them. Become a part of something bigger, something that promised a home, a future, a family.
They both had their points. Father didn't want us to turn into monsters. He wanted us to learn to control our powers, understand why the things that happened to us occurred. He wasn't evil. He was just dark. And I was my father's daughter.
My Queen wanted me to grow, to move past the fears of my past. Her wisdom and guidance had first brought me out of the clouded mess that was my soul, but she had used me as well. She had trained me, turned into more of a weapon than I already was. She wasn't evil. She was just smart. I was my lady's servant.
No matter which path I choose, I still needed to locate my brother first. Father didn't have much to say, only that I would be able to sense his power. After all, it was one we shared. My Queen was more helpful with this task. She had names. She had locations. None of them recent, but it gave me a map.
Fang.
My half-brother.
He was younger than me by a few years, I had been told. But, Itex didn't know that. Their goal was to find subjects, not do human DNA tests. We were a rare occurrence, I much more than him.
I had also learned that he spent his life in cage, raised by the scientists themselves. And for that I pitied him. I was fortunate enough to have been liberated as an infant. The 'Flock', as they called themselves, had narrowly escaped.
I was slightly impressed that such a large group had survived this long on their own. It gave me reason to be wary. Large groups like that attracted a lot of attention. It was why I was content to wander on my own. Unnoticed, Invisible. Just how I liked it.
I didn't need to pack anything for my journey. I didn't need clothes, as the amulet tucked into my shirt was enchanted. A gift from the Queen herself. She always said I was her favorite. I didn't need food or water, as I could survive weeks without either. The perks of being a mutant. Weapons, taken care of. The stygian iron bracelet on my wrist was enough to ward off the majority of monsters, let alone when it extended into its full form. Also, for extra measure, I always kept a few knives and blades on my person. There were also my powers to contend with if things started to get messy. As I said, I could always count on the darkness to come to my aid.
I stood in front of the portal, my ebony hair flowing out behind me.
"Amadora, wait!" a voice called from behind me. I turned to find Queen Abbey astride her regal steed, galloping towards me. She pulled the reigns, effectively stopping the horse, and let off. Her aqua dress settled around her like clouds, a crown of diamonds atop her brow. She was a beacon of light, the antithesis to my entire being.
"I wanted to wish you well," shI choked back e spoke softly, coming to stand beside me. I stood silent, facing the portal again.
She sighed, her eyes flitting around, searching for something more to say. She didn't need to. Our relationship normally didn't need words.
"Just be careful," she laid a delicate hand on my shoulder, her deep blue eyes shining with concern. I nodded, shifting to face her.
Her face brighten considerably, and she pulled me into her embrace. I wasn't much for physical affection, from anyone, but I let her this time. Suddenly, I felt this energy surge through my body.
Light magic.
Something my body definitely did not agree with. I jumped back, my body shaking in retaliation.
"I've given you a gift," she explained, straightening her stance. "I have given you one act of kindness; a miracle. It is to aid in your journey." I was taken aback. Sharing magic was a strain itself, but giving me some of her power, whilst I was in another world. It was madness. But that gift made my choice much easier.
I choked back words, as I was not a creature of emotion. I simply nodded my head, and walked towards to portal. I turned back one last time, getting one last glimpse of the paradise I had called home for so many long years, at the woman who had saved me. And I stepped through.
