"Acting is a very personal process. It has to do with expressing your own personality, and discovering the character you're playing through your own experience - so we're all different." -Ian Mckellen
There were muffled voices and I abruptly took in a large breath of oxygen. My lungs filled with the sudden intake and my eyes snapped open from the nostalgic stimulation of relief. I'm alive... I grip my chest and take in my surroundings. I was busy catching my breath with fresh gulps of the colorless gas. The area was dark and the place had a combination of despicable smells. It smells murky here... Blinking a couple times into focus, I glanced to the side and notice I was standing on old wood boards barefooted. I took note of the several breathing bodies in different beds.
It was hard to see, but moonlight shined in the closed windows. I could see shadows and sleeping beings.
There were children sleeping in each bed with light blankets. The blankets were thin, too thin for the current weather. Is it cold in here? Some of the children were occasionally shivering. It felt warm though, so what is it?
There was a sudden shuffle in one of the beds, a child beginning to wake.
My head snapped in the direction of the young speaker. He was one of the children and sleeping on a bed I stood next to. Erm, Uh…
I then noticed my hand gripping tightly onto his pale blue blanket. When did I do that? The movement must've had woke him up. I stiffened when gentle ocean colored eyes landed on me. The child wore a blank expression, rubbing his eyes a couple times to rid himself of sleep before turning his full attention on the one who woke him up.
"Did you have a nightmare?" His tone was soft spoken and benevolent, like the eyes he had. I couldn't even respond to the Japanese I somehow understood clear as day. My eyes were elsewhere. My vision was focused on his blond hair. It was distracting, but also cute in a way.
Why is does your hair have ends that curl off to the side as if gravity didn't exist? Those blond strands didn't trail downward at all. It was interesting yet disturbing.
There was a moment of silence before I realized I didn't answer his questions.
"Um," My own voice was raspy. "Yeah...I dreamt that I…" Huh? What was I dreaming about? Was I even dreaming? How can I speak Japanese like this?
The boy seemed patient enough. The currently awake child quietly nodded to show he was listening. "You don't have to say; if it you want. I know some nightmares are too scary to describe," He paused. "So don't force it." His blue eyes looked to the floor.
Ahh...It's an angel. I rubbed my wet eyes with my red sleeve. "I died." Hold up.
An invisible force slammed into my mind as remembrance from past events occurred. I forgot all about how I could now magically speak the Japanese language in favor of the stress attacking my very core. I'm dead. My vision viewed the room shaking but I didn't care. The wood flooring seemed like a black void holding the beds up. It was as if this place was the borderline of the afterlife and Earth. That asthma attack had killed me. I would be in the hospital otherwise. No one found me. I did not survive that acute attack.
I was stuck here.
A pale blue blanket was suddenly wrapped around my shaking form and my eyes barely caught the blond child from before trying to aid me. While it was uncomfortable, the boy used a hand to lightly rub my back covered with the blanket. I continued to tremble and my hands tried to muffle whimpers and pathetic whines. The boy thankfully said nothing, and he didn't need to. This will pass.
This is embarrassing. Please don't look at me. Don't stare.
"It's okay." The young boy murmured quietly as he kept rubbing my back in circles.
No, it's not. Why would it be?
"You're alive now. Isn't that what's important?" He murmured, and I quieted immediately. It was hard to register his words for a moment before processing it in a careful manner. It was hard to catch anything with his super soft tone but I had a feeling he faced a few events worse than death.
I removed my hands and breathed in, then out. I took another deep breath, relishing in the oxygen that came inwards, refreshing my blood and heart. It felt wonderful. I wasn't missing out on the unlimited oxygen around the world. I didn't hurt my lungs or feel uncomfortable with each deep breath. I felt energetic more than anything.
"Ye-ah." I managed with a shaky laugh. With each breath, I felt lighter and more relaxed. He was right. I was alive. I should be happy about that. It didn't matter about what happened before. I can't just forget, but I won't break down either. I need to continue on. This dude might be a therapist when he grows up. I call it.
"Thank you." I murmured quietly, shifting to gaze at him with appreciation. I felt extra movement from my limbs but I ignored it in favor to show high regard for the child's actions. Thank you so much.
The child nodded, glancing over to his bed. He probably wanted to get back to sleep but I won't let him leave just yet.
"Hi there! I'm-"
"Yosafire." I blinked at this, and he blankly stared after noticing my expression. I didn't know what face I was making but it probably wasn't pleasant. I mean...I'm dressed as her but I'm obviously not roleplaying. This is a serious situation.
The blond child continued to stare, an uncomfortable silence beginning to haunt the atmosphere.
Aaand I feel bad. I gave him a silent encouraging nod for him to continue.
"The owner of this place...Told us your name…" His blue eyes didn't change in emotion, but at least he explained his thoughts. I could tell he was a quiet child. "The other kids tried talking to you but you didn't speak at all." He seemed to be thinking for a moment, but he soon resumed. "Are you like me? Are you searching for your personality too?"
I couldn't even answer his peculiar question. Apparently my legs had me taken half way across the room and my mind had created a static buzzing.
"Is there a mirror here?" I kept my voice down in order not to wake the other children but the blond seemed to have heard me anyway. The boy skillfully slid off his bed and then was when I noticed how short he was. This child couldn't be over the age of seven, which brings up the next question as he made it to my side and height before nodding.
"This is an orphanage right?"
Another quiet nod from the soft spoken boy, but this time it was more in confusion.
"Good to know. Now where's that mirror?" I made sure to tiptoe in order to keep quiet around the sleeping children wrapped in bundles of cheap faded cloth. followed and soon took the lead. Eventually we arrived at a corner in the room. Sure enough; there was an oval mirror for us to see. I used a hand to rub the lump lodged in my throat. I took a few lone steps forwards to stand in front of the reflective glass.
On the fact the kid didn't follow; I was glad he respected my privacy despite being there being none at all.
I stared into the reflective surface, and authentic red eyes behind rose-colored glasses stared back. What? I numbly waved my hand, and the very young girl with bleached white skin before me waved at the same time and velocity. I roughly put a hand through soft short hair, and the green hair with red on the bottom swayed in the glass' reflection. Oh, don't do this... I then poked at one of the two red horns perched on my head. The reflective person copied the same action and I winced at the odd sensation I caused. It appears the horn was sensitive and real. What the hell.
A familiar green yet red tipped tail flicked angrily in the mirror. The heart shape at the end tipped upwards as I stared dumbly at the green bat wings with inner red flaps. I stretched them, opening and closing the wings before leaving the extra limbs folded comfortably on my back. My hand went to the golden cross hanging from the girl's neck and my white hand gripped it tightly. The one in the mirror had already done the same action, red eyes dilated in fear.
I think I understand… Although I didn't want to. I've been displaced as Yosafire; a demon who shouldn't be here in the first place. I shouldn't be here either. What the hell? What kind of jerk would do this?
"What bullshit…" I wheezed, flinching when remembering the young child a few feet away. He didn't react, but that didn't excuse my bad behavior. Whoops. I turned heel to face the blond hiding his face. Guilt fluttered my gut. "S-Sorry, forget I said that..." I stuttered out, rubbing the back of my head and ignoring how my tail seemed to lower in shame for scaring my innocent helper.
I willed my tail to rise and grabbed it, shrieking softly in pain at mishandling the thin warm limb. Ow ow! I waved the other off, not wanting him to approach because I could take care of this small problem on my own. I lessened the hold and managed to keep it in a gentler grip with a shaky breath. Never again. I silently promised myself before glancing over to my new companion with a tired expression.
"Do you see this?" I pointed at the tail with my free hand.
The blond had squinted before shaking his head. "...Do you have a bug in your hand?" He questioned in a hushed tone.
"No, I just...Nevermind." I clicked my tongue in light annoyance. There was no need to give this boy nightmares from apparent 'lies.' At least this proved my thoughts. Normal humans can't see these features...Damn. That's probably a good thing too.
My hand involuntarily touched one of the red horns on my head again. My fingers were gentle this time, tracing a line on the smooth material attached to my head. I soon pulled away and stared at the wood flooring.
I have still two horns because Yosafire didn't lose this horn yet. I'll have to be careful if I could even fly with these wings. Real wings. Does this mean putting on clothing will be difficult?
"Our adoption rate is fast." The blond quietly informed me before gently taking my hand in attempt to get me to leave the mirror. Upon contact I flinched and shuddered as prickles of needles burned my veins before the small boy let go of my hand immediately. The reaction ceased, dulling to light prickles.
The child before me held guilt and perhaps even fear in his aura as he stared at my shivering form. There was a silent question of; are you okay? As I rubbed my itchy hand on a red sweater. The soft spoken boy looked to the floor as I quickly collected myself. He had glanced up after noticing my change in stance.
"Sorry I just," How do I explain haphephobia to anyone under ten? I summed it up to twenty words or less. "I don't like being touched that's all. It just feels very uncomfortable." I winced, waiting for some sort of smartass remark. The many times I explained it, I get violated by either words or fingers, both usually gave me hell.
Ocean blue eyes seemed to stare into my soul, watching, observing to see if it I had told a lie. Eventually his eyes shined in understanding. He slowly nodded, a silent promise floating above our heads as the moonlight continued to shine through the windows. The pure light matched the invisible innocent words.
My stomach warmed in esteem. I was also dumbfounded. I had to remind myself this boy was a child, and children took those kinds of things much better than older people did. I ended up grinning like an idiot anyway, and clasped my hands together loudly. Thankfully it didn't deter the sleeping children further down. "Thanks a lot! I'm counting on you to remember!" I whispered cheerfully. "What's your name?" I might as ask since we could be friends.
My decent mood spiked when the boy came his name in a very quiet voice. ...He confused me to a degree but I can manage it. Wait, why do you want to be called 'Assistant' ? Was I wrong about you being a future therapist? A moment of silence before I asked him about it. ...Oh. Okay. I'll call you 'Assistant' then. I quietly decided after hearing his reasons.
My green and red tipped tail seemed to sway in response to my uplifted mood. The thin tail was interesting in itself but I had to resist staring at it. Speaking of demon tails; I know I have the wings, pale skin, horns and Yosafire's name. It's too late to change my identity now. It's...Fine anyway. I died back there, so there's no need for my real name. She's dead, and Yosafire lives. At least this second chance didn't turn me into some sort of bug or animal destined to be killed on sight.
I shivered at my own thoughts. No thanks..."Oh man; it's good to be alive." I told him with a smile, and he nodded again. You must not respond often to agree with a nod every time it's a 'yes'...
"In return...Just refer to me as 'Yosaf.' It's easier that way." I lightly scratched my cheek, internally doing my best to accept this whole 'Yosafire' act.
"Also, what color is my skin?" I stared at my bleached white colored skin, too pale to be normal.
The boy now known as Assistant had pointed to the floor; the dark wood a few shades too brown to be my normal color but I got the hint.
I couldn't even give him a reason as to why I asked such an odd question before I screamed in happiness at this lack of change, waking many of the children and causing a ruckus for the night. I only had to grin and bare it once a well dressed lady came into the fray. I quickly decided she was a trashy person with the way her eyes at me in pure disdain.
Six months flown by without too much of a fuss.
Ah, what a beautiful day. It's a bit scary how I can't feel the burning sunlight. Everyone else was sweating by just being outside. I can't feel the heat normally anymore but; It feels...Nice in a way. Despite this, I'd rather be inside rather than out. However, I can't just leave my little ol' assistant alone out here with the other children. I practically adopted him as a brother of some sorts over the past several months. There was also the fact; if stayed inside; I'd be singled out by the adult in charge. I don't feel like scrubbing the windows today.
Being Yosafire is hard. I wonder how she does it. Being cheerful all the time is sort-of difficult. I can relax for now but...
Assistant raced up to my laying form on the grass. Other children ran around or took turns on the one swing this poor orphanage had. The 'playground' space had a fence to keep us from getting lost, but I understood the logic in that. As penniless as our orphanage is; they wouldn't want runaways or lost kids.
At least we have one swing. It kept most of the kids distracted for a few hours until it was time to leave back inside.
I caught my companion's blond hair glowing in the sunlight and rubbed my eyes. I noticed his arms folded as if he were hiding something. He wanted to show me then? It better not be a pile of bugs. Because, hell no to those. I sat up, gazing over to the white and black mammal hiding in the boy's arms. The small bundle had long ears with brown eyes staring ahead off into the distance. This rabbit had a few patches of black fur which seemed to shudder in the discomfort of a scary predator looking over it. I was used to this; for the six months I've been here; it appears animals avoided me when I got close. While animals swarmed my sibling; they'd rather not stick around for too long because of a demon's presence.
"Isn't he cute?" I murmured, leaving the question rhetorical.
Assistant performed his habit nod and hugged the rabbit close to his chest, soft ribbons of delicacy dancing in his ocean wave eyes. My own red eyes stared at the soft creature and I had to grip the grass in order not to make a grab for the living ball of fur.
I just want to hold it a bit. To feel the soft pelt of a warm blooded animal. I miss petting my dog.
The lone hare smelled of berries and grass. My sensitive nose picked apart scents containing wild berries and the strong trace of bleeding turf. These scents were easier to pick apart since they were nothing too atrocious.
The rabbit's pink nose twitched. My tail flicked in response.
Neither of us non-human's made a movement. Assistant moved, unaware of the tension between demon and animal. He sat on the grass in obliviousness. His small fingers soon started gently petting the cony and the uneasiness ebbed away from the furred herbivore.
I watched for a few minutes, memorized and envy before sliding back down into the grass, staring at the clear sky with the exception of a few clouds. The light cries of lively children playing tag or swinging on the lone swing was good enough to set a positive atmosphere. It didn't matter if the building was poor, or the meals were usually bland. An alluring afternoon which brought amnesia to the innocent. To forget the suffering, and enjoy this present weather.
It really was...A nice day.
"Yosafire! You're being called to the office! Oh, and bring the kid you always hang with!" One of the familiar orphanage's staff called out to us. A few children paused to pay attention to this recall before shrugging it off and continuing to play with their peers.
Ahh, but I don't want to get up. The sun is comfortably warm today. I can't feel the harsh rays but can feel warmth. It's as if I'm was close to a low lit fire.
My ruby-colored eyes trailed over to my self-proclaimed sibling. The hushed blond let the bunny back onto the grass. The hare stared at the gentle human for a moment before catching my gaze. Round brown eyes met my red. The cony then bolted in fear, soon disappearing out of sight after several seconds.
The blond noted this exchange and stared at me curiously. I however, laughed it off, rising up and dusting my clothes from the grass.
I won't bother telling him. I'll let the dude believe animals don't like me due to bad luck.
I gave him the signal describing my start of parting and strolled inside to meet the head of staff. I listened closely for the light footsteps of the near-silent blond to catch up. We walked along the halls with our monitor, whose attitude wasn't too rough. The walk was quiet, and the halls were strangely cleared from dust. Staff lady didn't acknowledge us for too long though. It was obvious the woman just wanted to get this over with. I can't blame her.
Assistant spite of all this, seemed nervous despite his impassive facet. I could practically smell it off him, in a figurative sense.
He probably thinks we're in trouble. If that were the case; I'd be the only one singled out. I let him join in on the pranks I've committed these past six months; However I always made sure to take the blame when caught. I can be a bad influence, but I won't allow him to receive a bad record just for being bored. In all simpleness, Yosafire can pull pranks, and she will continue to so with or without squad.
I consider Assistant to be 'squad' but we need more people to have a proper one. He's also a boy I had taken in as a sibling. It's only natural to shield him from 's idiocy.
We made it to the doors, and I involuntarily sucked in a breath. I forgot how much I didn't want to deal with this half sandwiched witch. Negative thoughts began to have their fill on my emotions as seething hot disgust formed in my stomach. My tail flicked aggressively while my wings remained in their calm folded state. Here we go again, I guess. Did she find out who took her special expensive pen?
"Here you go kids…" Staff lady's voice brought me out of my thoughts before she opened the polished wooden doors that seemed better cleaned than our rooms. The door didn't creak(big surprise...) with age, and a clean office was revealed. Inside were bright lights which didn't blink on and off, unlike the rest of the orphanage. The wood floors were covered with a navy blue rug, and the walls were smooth without splits of lumber.
There was no sign of dust, and the air in this area smelled clean.
I mutely grabbed the blond's sleeve and tugged him along. I place a grin on a face despite my tail remaining in it's stiff and hostile state.
Moving across the room was easy. Resisting the urge to throw the middle finger once the witch's light blue eyes fell on us, wasn't.
"There you are!" The Witch's plastic cheerful voice resounded around the air, tainting it with false innocence. Her poison-like breath stung the atmosphere with venomous pins. I could see my companion's fingers twitching uncomfortably in the corner of my eyes. I'd hold his hand properly if it wouldn't cause a scene. My phobia would trigger a bad reaction if I were to touch his skin.
Sorry. Please just be a little more patient with me. I'll be able to hold your hand soon. Hold on a bit longer my dude.
The two of us remained in an untouched silence despite the flames of disgust licking at our legs.
"Transgender and Mute. How are you two?" Spoke Mrs. Sun in a sly tone. Her mock had me question reality. Those nicknames needed to die out. I'd give her the finger, but it wouldn't change anything. My tail curled and my stance relaxed.
If she's trying to rile us up, something must be happening. Is it inspection week again? No, I didn't see our rooms get cleaned up.
"We're having special guests today. I expect you two to be on your best behavior." Mrs.'Witch' crowed, and my fingers twitched. She was mocking me with those words. I don't want her bad mouthing me in front of Assistant. The kind soul doesn't need any stress or worry over someone like me(even if it's hard to tell when he is.). I won't stand for it. Little miss Witch standing in front of us knows this.
Then what the hell kind of-
The doors opened again, and I looked over to view a pair of adults enter. My sibling had actually stiffened and I, myself froze in revelation. behind us disappeared into an imaginary wisp of smoke as two of the brightest spirits we've ever witnessed suddenly walked into the overly clean office.
Holy hell.
The first adult was male; he had fluffy ginger brown hair and a friendly atmosphere surrounded him. The man seemed to be dressed in a white suit with a light blue undershirt. His dark brown eyes seemed to reflect curiosity and ability alike with the way he strolled into the room. He smelled of lavender and other plants I couldn't identify. His outgoing aura spiked when he noticed Assistant and I standing in bewilderment.
The man's partner, was a youthful blond lady whose surroundings radiated kindness and sugary sweetness delightful for sweet tooths. She held jewelry around her neck, bleached pearls reflecting light with a gentle point of beauty. Her short blond hair seemed to curl inwards at the ends, creating a swirl hairstyle. Her hazel colored eyes were gentle, and held some sort of fondness upon resting her view on us. Her red-orange dress was graceful with every movement, and her shoes lacked the click of footsteps; indicating she was some sort of secret assassin to the hyperactive imagination.
I can't speak for my dear sibling here but… My breath has been taken away from me.
"Damn…" Said sibling quietly breathed in astonishment.
I blinked, whipping around to face him.
The blond boy paused, and refused to meet my stunned gaze. He stared long and hard at the floor with his best poker face.
I would've cracked up if it wasn't for the ginger haired male deciding to kneel down to our small heights with a smile. The laughter threatening to bubble croaked and shied away, unable to deal with this new situation. Assistant looked timid despite his stoic facelet, but I couldn't blame him. My two-toned tail was stiff, curled around my middle.
"Hi there." The man's voice was smooth and friendly, just like his eyes. It took me a second to realize he was speaking to the both of us. I swiftly breathed in, my lungs shrieking in pain from the sudden inhale. Dark brown colored eyes seemed to flash with concern and I chose to pretend I didn't do anything alarming.
Was I suffocating myself there?
The woman didn't join him in kneeling in front of us just yet; she seemed to be observing , whose smile was as fake as ever. "Good afternoon! Mr and Mrs. Ascot, I hope you had a good day?" Her sweet rotten butter voice began with a light blink of her eyes.
"Actually, we did." The new woman spoke first before the male close by uttered a word. "It was quite busy; however we managed to make it on time to speak with these children." Her kind eyes trailed over to us once again. My own red eyes glanced away to the floor, away from the adults. "I'm happy they're in good health. I was worried one of them may be sick."
"They're jumpy, but not sick. Yosaf is lively as ever, and-" Assistant looked to be severely unhappy with the use of his actual name. At least, he seemed that way with how his mouth turned downwards by a few millimeters. Mrs. Sun looked away to grab two folders on her desk. The shuffling of paper and and files brought my attention back to the situation.
Oh gosh, someone's getting adopted. My thoughts notified my conscience. The very idea burned my mind. The sparks spawning the flames were ones of panic and fear for the blond next to me. My dear sibling I had taken under my wing. This could mean many things. After today, he'd vanish with these bright spirits. These adults would probably raise him right, with me out of the picture.
My sibling is going to be adopted today.
"I don't want to be adopted." Assistant quietly protested, having the same scenario crisis as I was. He startled since he rarely spoke, but this was mainly in front of adults.
My hand moved on instinct, snatching the blond's small palm and holding it tightly. I didn't look at my distressed sibling despite the slight bewilderment which had decided to spread on his face. My mind was too occupied by determination to ignore the prickly needles spreading across my hand and arm. The pricks of discomfort mocked my conscience and laughed as it attacked my nerves. My same nerves screamed and begged for the contact to seize but I refused to yield.
observed this interaction with a gentle smile. It seemed pitiful, sending more pins to burn my palm and arm.
Instead of shrieking at the intense pinpricks bombarding my arm with the added increase of anxiety; I put on a joyful smile and looked over to Assistant sapphire depths. "It's okay my dear Assistant! It's good to be adopted. Don't you want a real home you timid fairy?" I laughed a bit too loudly while my sibling only stared blankly ahead in a tense silence. My words didn't help at all.
Once I ended my laughter which took a lot of energy to perform correctly, Assistant glared at . I tensed, unable to comprehend the vexation in his normally gentle or emotionless eyes.
"I don't want to leave Yosafire." The boy spoke firmly, out of character for his normally private self. Regardless, I felt the glow of warmth pooling in my body. Sibling love was as nice as sunlight; the protectiveness offering a gentle breeze brushing past me, but turning harsh on those who dare try to separate us. In return, I clung to the ground in refusal to leave family grounds. My mere presence spiked and the atmosphere turned hostile.
I can't tell if my demon senses are making this more intense than it has to be.
However, and her husband didn't waver from the young boy's words. They even released a few chuckles. I felt my wings tighten in irritation. Were they not taking him seriously because of his age? Where a child had almost no choice in the matter of being adopted...Were they ignoring his opinion? Adult ignorance is...Terrifying. I don't want people like this to take my brother. Even if they shined like diamonds. Even when their aura show nothing but positivity and goodness.
I don't want my sibling to face his opinions being crushed for just being himself and speaking out.
Children don't need to be exposed to that. Assistant doesn't need to be exposed to that. He was counting on me to stick with him. I could feel it. This kid was attached, and I'm allowing it. My dear companion had been sticking close to me ever since we began playing games together. I comforted him during his own time of nightmares, and he consoled me once my mood or act dropped below a certain line. We already had a bond.
"Well, if that's how my sibling feels; then I don't want to leave him either!" I proudly declared, raising a fist with my free hand glaring the two Ascots present. My bold words meant nothing on the inside though. My heart wouldn't slow down, nor would my stomach stop feeling heavy with dread. My mind whispered cruel facts about reality while my courage and heart did their best to shove the inevitable away.
Pins and needles twisted with my movement as I stared down with newfound resolve.
"It doesn't really matter what you two think," told us with a cruel grin, and with that, a bridge collapsed and Assistant's eyes dulled while my own began to gather droplets of despair. I could only hear static before confetti suddenly exploded in our faces; a squeak of surprise left my mouth. Colorful paper floated to the floor, and some resided in my green hair.
" 'Cause we're adopting you both!" The joker exclaimed with a grin, his hand holding two pieces of rainbow paper.
I let out a shaky breath and managed to smile back. I swiftly used an arm to dispel my watery disgrace. In the corner of my eyes, I could see my sibling didn't bother wiping his own tears away. Instead, he hiccuped but didn't tear up. I could tell he was close to crying, like I was moments ago.
"I didn't know you could adopt two kids at once…" My blond companion whispered. His voice was choked and wheezy. The man in front of us panicked at this reaction, his wife glaring daggers at him for causing this mess in the first place.
I know they can. It's extremely rare for anyone to do so, but it happens. I mulled over my own thoughts before slowly letting go of Assistant's hand. The pins and needles remained for a little, but began to dull at the lost of contact. I used that same hand to gently sooth my heart with a light pat. "You sure? I'm a real hassle. I should know. has told me that a lot while I was forced to wash the windows by myself!" I chirped with a friendly grin. I wordlessly relished in 's slight jump from behind me.
"...Wash the windows? At your age with no one to watch you?" asked, unsettled. She slowly walked over to Assistant and gently told him soothing words to calm him down. It worked and his soft hiccups quelled to a serene silence.
"Yep!" My jolly voice remained uplifted, paying no heed to the atmosphere soon turning sour. Now I wasn't sabotaging our adoption, but merely ratting out . If I'm really getting out of here, time to raise hell in payback. I want her to drown in flames. I wanted the witch to burn for abusing her power. I wanted the greedy crow to receive an arrow in her eye for all the suffering us children had to go through.
"There was also that time where I have to-" I even had an entire list prepared mentally.
"-That's enough, my sweet Yosaf. Don't scare them with your hyperactive imagination. Your soon-to-be guardians have to sign a few papers before you leave…" Mrs. Sun bravely cut in with a subject change, but her aura was fuming in spite. Her hatred for me filled my very being like iced soda after a sunny day. It felt relaxing. I only grinned in response, while the unease in the air remained.
cleared her throat, and scrambled for the papers to get us the hell out of her paradise of money. I couldn't be happier but oblige and stay quiet while my sibling held hands with . She seems to have earned his trust for now. I have no comment about either of our 'soon-to-be' guardians. I was jovial when learning about our joint-adoption, but that also meant I could never let go of Assistant. Whatever was going to come at us, I would protect him until the end.
I watched the two married adults make it to the desk and hold blue ink pens. As they were signing and looking over the paperwork, I looked to Assistant. I stared for a long time, trying to attract his attention by creeping him out. Eventually it worked, and his head turned and blinked twice, unsure of my motives.
He stared back at me, those cobalt cerulean eyes of his glowing in tranquil softness.
Man, isn't it good to be alive?
"Now that we're out of that horrid place…" Mrs. Ascot began with a sigh while we were driving down the road. The sun was setting by this time, and the world outside the car shined with orange and yellow. Houses quickly flew by in the window, and Assistant had taken interest in the mesmerizing view. was the one driving while was in shotgun, both occasionally glancing over at us in the backseat. I couldn't tell what either of them were thinking, but they were doing a great job at hiding their nervousness.
If I wasn't aware of how most parents felt when adopting children for the first time; I probably would've looked over it. Adopting children was a big responsibility. Worse, they had unknowingly adopted a demon child in the mix. Hopefully they wouldn't mind that small detail. I don't want to tell them about it, but if I were to get used to this new family; I might have to throw a hint. Heck, I didn't even tell Assistant about my species. There's also the point they might not believe me, or be somehow be hardcore Christian/Catholics. I really hope it isn't the latter.
"My name is Angela Ascot." The woman said in her kind voice, her husband grinning along with the introduction. His overly friendly brown eyes twinkled with the sunset's lights, his corneas reflecting the many hues of shade and light.
"And I'm Randall Ascot, but I don't mind what name you choose for me." That wasn't even covering his attempts for the want to be called: Father, Dad or Papa. It was laughable in a way, but the way Randall used his words determined he wasn't desperate. He was a joker.
I couldn't tell if I was allowed to laugh so I looked over to Assistant with bemusement. The blond was being quiet as usual, but I can't blame him for the extra nervousness that hung at the back of his mind. I didn't know how he completely felt but it was probably a mixture of unease and excitement. I made a silly face to calm him, and my sibling only blinked twice in puzzlement.
That's good enough for me.
"You already know our names!" I started with my bubbly tone. "Oh, but I heard my name is a mouthful. Call me Yosaf!" Then I pointed with both fingers to Assistant; indicating it was his turn.
The young blond shrunk back in his seat from the sudden spotlight, unprepared. He managed to speak, and gave his true name in a soft whisper. A few seconds later he voiced other name and his like to be called 'Assistant' instead. I noted his trembling feet. Nervousness it is then. All of our worries were different, but it fed uneasiness the same. The invisible cloud remained thick and heavy; our minds giving the elements needed for it's survival.
Randall however, seemed somewhat immune to heavy atmosphere. He suddenly pointed to the window and grinned at us, and that was when I noticed the car had come to a stop. That explains why Angela was now giving her husband a patient stare. "We're here!" The man told us happily. I might get used to his upbeat attitude, but I can't even think of it for too long. I was already outside the moment he said 'here'. Fresh air hit my face like a wall and my limbs froze up before I could move a few steps.
I heard Assistant shuffling behind me to follow but I unable look at him.
The air tastes nicer here. It's easier to breathe in this area too.
This is real. We weren't trapped behind a fence where our only outside time was the small area of grass and a single swing the many children(including me) fought over. I wasn't confined nor would I have to deal with and her witch self again. Well, not really. I had plans for that. Yet, the breeze lightly touched my green hair. My vision showed a house without a poisonous gate. However; there was still a gate, but a pure one. This gate clearly instigated it was only there to keep borders and not to keep anyone hostage within. It wouldn't creak loudly to alert the staff one of us were trying to run. My tail curled and my wings unfolded, finally letting themselves out after so long. My wings ached with misuse and stiffness, resulting in my slight wince. Despite this, I grinned happily, mirroring Randall's face. Assistant watched on beside me with his eyes beginning to twinkle with positive emotion.
My silent sibling seemed amazed with this location too. It wasn't anything too special, but after being cooped up in Hell for so long...
This place felt so much better.
Our new parents invited us inside the building after gazing at the house for several minutes.
We were then treated to Randall's cooking after an hour. He sat us down while we ate told us stories of how he used to farm a few years ago, and that a friend of his was supposed to meet us today but the other was busy. Apparently our parents have an odd history together. I took in this new information about my adoptive father with ease while Assistant perked up at the mention of 'magic tricks'. My sibling always did read books about the mythical world when he could get his hands on them.
Randall apparently came from a rich family, and Angela had a decent amount of money too. Both of our parents quickly explained they didn't want to mooch off their family's money and so they had worked hard to get this house and start a family. While the two left a few bits out, I glanced over to Assistant whose reaction was impassive as usual. The boy gave a slight nod though, which indicated he knew what I thought of.
Angela must be infertile then. I wonder if Assistant knew what that meant? He's young, but intelligent beyond his years. Assistant had trouble speaking from time to time, but he's still very smart.
Eventually the day hit night and we were ushered to our new rooms with welcoming smiles. The love behind it was almost too warm for me. I bit my lip in embarrassment while Angela had led me to a room across from Assistant's new bedroom. I gave Assistant a wave while he slowly mirrored my action before retreating into his new room with our adoptive father cracking a few jokes after the boy.
...Angela is nice.
She tucked me in with my purple(not worn out) blanket, and while I was older mentally; I haven't experienced such a child thing for so long. The orphanage doesn't count. This was a parental matter. I felt like a kid again, and my stomach pooled with a kind warmth imitating my adoptive mother's heart. Angela sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to harm my limbs tucked under.
My red glasses were placed on the bedstand with a careful hand.
I was quickly reminded my vision without glasses was horrible.
"Goodnight Yosafire." Angela murmured with a soft smile. It's nice when others are considerate enough to use 'my' full name occasionally. I was already tired with my conscience beginning to drift but I couldn't help myself.
I grinned and blurted a request. "Can you tell me a story? Please? I don't think I can sleep like this!" An obvious lie but I wanted to see if she'd heed my request.
The woman's response was a smile representing soft lilies and cotton candy. It was too sweet. "Oh alright...Only one, okay?" Angela's bright aura never dimmed and I slowly began to believe this whole adoption thing won't be so bad. These two adults doesn't seem too bad. Well, I'm uncertain about Randall but his stories are enticing.
"Yes 'madam!"
And so my adoptive mother told me a story of how she escaped a poison filled arranged marriage with a clever cover up. This was an odd tale, and I wondered if the friend Randall spoke off had something to do with it. Either way I gained more respect for Angela. I ended up closing my eyes in the middle of the tale, sleep finally taking over. I listened to the soft tone of Angela's voice before I left into the land of dreams. It was the best sleep I had in awhile; the bed was soft and the blanket was thick and warm.
I wasn't cold that night.
It turns out Angela and Randall took turns in who read to us at night. Our first few days were filled with silence and settling in. After a week, Assistant and I created a card for our adoptive parents. They were overjoyed, Angela hugging us tightly despite my attempts to struggle away because of my discomfort. Randall however, was being overdramatic and faking his tears...At least I thought it was fake. Who can tell with him? Either way their happiness was genuine and it struck a chord between both my sibling and I.
Since then, we have become comfortable around these two adults. It took a little longer for me considering my skin color, and the awkwardness of being the only colored person in the house, but I soon got over it.
We had breakfast, lunch and dinner together(with either Angela or Randall running late a few times.) and our adoptive parents continued to encourage us to interact with them. Our group went on shopping trips to the store and Randall brought kid movies for us to watch. The genre mainly consisted of family because of Assistant and I's tastes. Angela was fine with it, while Randall sometimes grumbled about how we should be watching documentaries about secret treasures and places humanity had found over the years.
Five months had eventually passed without a breeze and eventually the decision had been made.
"Yosa, Assistant…Could you come here a minute?" Randall called for us in the kitchen.
I was drawing with my blond sibling in the living room. He was doodling small fairies while I was coloring them in with different hues. I paused after finishing up a mint green pixie. Assistant got up and waited for me to do the same. I finally stood after placing the crayons in a spot where no one would slip on them. The two of us finally strolled into the kitchen, where both of our parents were.
"Yeah?" I voiced for the both of us. Assistant's gaze seemed frozen on the two leather bags on the table. My vision finally registered two Japanese style book bags filled to the brim with schools supplies. It took me a few seconds to realize why they were there.
Dread seeped in and burrowed itself into my heart. Time slowed down while my mind screamed about my age and how this was Detective Conan in every way. Flashbacks of being scolded by the teacher, or being framed by horrible students sent shivers up my spine. Assistant gave my back a few silent pats of comfort but it didn't help at all.
"We decided to send you two to school rather than do homeschooling. It'll be good for your two to interact with other children more." Angela told us firmly.
My carefree world crashed into the ground and I didn't bother to pick up the shards. My tail slumped as well as my wings. Second grade? Please no.
Fuck.
Then I remembered my current knowledge. A grin slowly spread onto my lips as I dismissed Assistant's slight amusement in my change of mood.
Actually...I think I can do this.
A/N: Assistant belongs to: Humanity Has Declined!
I think it's obvious Randall and Angela belong to the Professor Layton franchise.
