Life 10: The Performance of Death
Shadow rushed through the crowd, trying to reach Ryven before she hit the ground. The she felt herself getting pulled back and then felt someone behind her, grabbing a hold of her shoulders. She looked back and saw Cain. He had a grin on his face. Shadow started at him in misunderstanding horror.
"Cain! Let go! Rei is going to--"
"She'll be fine. She's done this before."
Cain looked back up at the falling girl, Shadow followed his gaze. Ryven's eyes snapped open and she threw arm out and grabbed the second wire. She flipped up onto it and the whole bar erupted into cheers. Shadow felt like she was going to faint. She hated when Ryven did something dangerous. Cain felt Shadow stumble backwards and braced her.
He looked at her and asked, "You alright?" Shadow nodded and kept her eyes on Ryven.
Ryven was oblivious to the ones below her. The only things that existed was the wire and herself. She crossed her wrists in front of her as the music continued. She took a step then closed her eyes, slightly falling again then stepping back, again, almost falling. Her right arm threw across her face and then flowed behind her. Her face followed the movement then she looked ahead. She reached out and then started to gently run across the wires.
Below, Shadow watched as Ryven danced. She was indeed good, but still she worried. That last stunt scared her out of her wits. She was mesmerized by her movements to say the least, even though she was nervous. Beside her, Ashige smiled in awe.
"Rei's really good, huh?" she whispered. Shadow couldn't speak. She didn't want to. She simply nodded and then looked back at Cain. He smiled at her then walked back over to Dante, Raziel, and Zepher. Zepher looked at him as he drew near then saw Shadow. He smiled and nodded at her. Shadow smiled back then looked up at Ryven again.
The girl danced and danced as the crowd below grew loud with each step she took. Ryven drew near the middle of the wires then jumped down to the one below it, landing on the very tips of her toes. Then as them music grew quiet, her eyes opened slowly. She looked down emotionlessly at the crowed and the cheers and whistles grew even louder. Shadow knew that look, and a silent scream rose in her throat as huge blood red wings ripped out of Ryven's back, making a sickening CRACK! sound.
As the sound faded, Ryven gently let herself fall off the wires down into the crowd, her eyes closing. Shadow rushed once more through the crowd of mortal and immortals to get to Ryven. This time, Cain did not stop her.
"MOVE GODDAMNIT!" screamed Shadow, shoving beings out of her way. She wouldn't make it to her at this rate. She had no choice. Gritting her teeth she snapped her eyes shut and aloud her large and painful black wings tear out of her. Shadow suppressed a scream as she shot through the air and surged towards the falling girl. Drops of blood splattered around every time she pushed down and up with her wings. She slowed and hovered in the air as Ryven's body fell into her arms and then slowly descended, breathing heavily.
Cheers and shouts from the beings below began to grow quiet as Shadow hit the floor and stumbled, then quickly catching herself. She lay Ryven on the ground and sat down on her knees, the demons and humans and undead parting. Her wings ached and stung but she tried to ignore it. Cain and Dante emerged from the crowd and looked from Shadow to Ryven.
Dante knelt next to Shadow and asked, "You okay?"
She nodded slightly and continued to stare down at Ryven. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled. Shadow sighed and closed her eyes.
Ryven sat up and said, "That was perfect! You did exactly what we thought you would do!"
Shadow didn't answer her. She didn't even look up or yell at Ryven for scaring her. Dante shook her shoulder slowly and raised an eyebrow. "Shadow?"
Cain stepped forward and stared down at her.
Ryven looked confused. "Sister Shadow? Are you okay? You're not mad are you?"
Shadow still said nothing. Ryven smiled nervously and reached out to put her hand on her shoulder. She stopped and her eyes shook with fear. Dante stared at Shadow as he, Ryven, and Cain realized what was going on: Shadow was unconscious. Her dark wings were folded awkwardly behind her, the wounds bleeding from where they ripped out from her back and her breathing was shallow. Shadow's body fell gently onto Dante and he put an arm around her, staring in horror as he realized that his friend was dying.