************************************************************************

He collapsed in the dark alley, using his coat to lay on, the only shield between his thin body and the freezing concrete bricks. He looked off to the side. The first watch was assembling, sitting up against walls, standing looking off into the distance, whatever was comfortable for them. All that mattered was that they were keeping watch. He sighed and closed his eyes, slowly wrapping his arms around himself and rubbing his shoulders to keep some warmth in. It got cold in the evenings and it was the only thing he couldn't keep out. But he still enjoyed the night. In a few hours he would take over the watch. Then he could do whatever he pleased until the next watch relieved him.

During the night, he was hidden in the shadows, free to be whatever he pleased. In the daytime he didn't have that luxury. The shadows were dim and not easy to hide in. The sun always seemed to try to find him, but he wouldn't let himself be found. He was an ally with the darkness, a friend of the soft-shining moon. The sun was his enemy, for in the sunlight, he was exposed. He had to hide who he truly was to survive in the daytime, but during the night. During the night he could be whoever he wanted to be. He could relive his memories as he kept a close watch around him. He could be the little boy he once was in his memories. He could be the gentle, considerate, and even, kind boy he had once been before tragedy stripped all that away to the very shell of his being. Gradually he built himself back, layer by layer, only the layers weren't the soft material that normally covered his being. This material was harder than concrete, the walls strong as steel. Pain was not a danger. Even if pain came his way, he couldn't feel it. He merely tossed his head and led his boys on. He was strong now. Yes he was. No one could strip away his humanity anymore. No one could break through those walls. No one.

************************************************************************