"Guardian"
Miyu held her ground, completely caught off guard by the sudden surprise appearance. Settled into her perfect straight posture, she stared cold-heartedly into the dark man's unmoving face. A mixture of emotions rushed through her blood, naturally reacting to her physical predicament. It was not the time nor the place to fight, couldn't he see that? If conditions were to improve she would have to move first…
Taking a deep breath internally, Miyu relaxed her mind; burrowing her eyes into his. Speaking within herself, she let her addressed thoughts drift over to the dark figure.
"Do you think its wise?"
The sinister looking person didn't respond, but rather remained as he had appeared. Burning as if having a light source of their own, Miyu watched his sharp eyes sweep the area slowly; their undiluted vibrancy unaffected by the long hair that barred them. Finding nothing of interest, that soul-piercing gaze straightened out upon her face once more. Wordlessly he watched, looking past those brown eyes into Miyu's very core. He seemed to be thinking about something… Was it what she thought? Or was it something else? In any case Miyu remained still and emotionless, waiting for something to happen.
"Who are you!" Chisato suddenly demanded, coming to Miyu's aid.
Drawing the eyes of both Miyu and the dark clad stranger, Chisato took a step forward coming up along Miyu's left side, refusing to be intimidated by his abnormal gaze, her defensive anger started to build.
"Well!" Chisato pushed further; her engagement beginning to turn a few heads.
Stunned by Chisato's bold statement, Miyu focused her own concentrated vision over to her friend, tilting her head down and transforming those blank eyes into ones of gratitude. Reading her like a book, Miyu understood and smiled kindly.
"It's alright Chisato." Miyu's gentle voice parted the air, spirited full of melancholy.
Involuntarily shifting her neck, Chisato broke her impetuous stare, coming into contact with Miyu's soothingly supple face. Soaking up the atmosphere of the moment, it took only a second before her angled down eyes were melted into her natural cheerful ones again. Mentally thanking each other, they turned to face forward again.
Emotionlessly the secluded individual eyed the two a minute longer, surveying their faces and character one last time. Leaving a stale image of himself in their eyes, his own quickly rotated about the open mall. Crowds were beginning to form with some pointing and staring; questioning amidst themselves. While this might make any normal man flinch or hesitate out of panic, he did not. However it was in the best interest to withdraw for now, both of them knew that.
Turning without a word, his eyes refused to break Miyu's until that light brown hair had lost them. Opening the glass door effortlessly, he glided out as silently as he had come.
Transfixed as well as surprised at the abrupt leave the four girls turned inward in their group, unmindful of the dissolving crowd.
"That was weird…" Chisato murmured in a low tone. "Do you know him Miyu?"
Miyu searched for an answer, quietly reasoning within her head. Reflecting upon the spot one last time she shared her thoughts aloud, facing the group.
"I don't know…"
Chisato's face contorted, her face slowly filling with worry and concern.
"He looked scary Miyu, its like he wanted something from you…"
Miyu focused, receding upon the articulated grey marble stones until her sad eyes had reached Chisato's. It looked like she was about to cry, her innocent yet alarmed face was on the brink of welling up with tears. Apparently she was even more fragile that Miyu thought. Reaching out with her soft hand, Miyu's tender fingers ventured out to Chisato's shoulder…
"I'll be fine Chisato."
She seemed to calm down a little, as that heartwarming smile had reappeared. Chisato was indeed quite fragile, but easily influenced. Seeing so, Miyu released, staring back at that dark spot with angered eyes. Still that invisible black aura remained, and now she wondered if the place would ever be the same…. Miyu had many ways of detecting Shinma, from smell, to sight, to sound and even taste. But confusingly nearly none of these registered upon his character. She could faintly sense him, yes. Physically she could see him. But oddly enough, he did not secrete a Shinma's aroma. At a loss for knowledge, Miyu thought. Perhaps Shiina would know…
Steadying her brown eyes Miyu questioned within herself, the windows of her mind closed. She would find out who this was. Leading the group Miyu started off, her friends hesitant for a second…
Somewhat disturbed, Yukari and Hisae started walking, saying nothing. But they didn't have to as Miyu could see straight through their emotions. Emotions of uncertainty, insecurity…not quite fear but close enough. Apparently the impact had been more than she thought although she herself was immune to such intimidation; unending life had done that… But her friends weren't and she could see that they were now quiet. Quiet and worried.
(-)
Continuing down the busy streets of Tokyo, they continued, the vivid event long behind them. It had been over an hour and finally Chisato had had enough. Above her the brilliant sun was still shining, providing warm comfort amidst mountains of white clouds. Interested, she took hold of the rolling wave-like billows.
"Such nice weather we're having, don't you think so Miyu?"
Miyu looked up in consideration, beholding the massive wall of grey and white while adding her own thoughts.
"Yes."
It wasn't too afterward before the group passed out of the wondrous sunlight, exchanging the beauty of the sky for man-made subway roofs. Traversing the steel cold floors, they calmly made their way downward. Shifting glances here and there Miyu scanned the area in hope that she might find her target, as most Shinma hid in obscure and busy places. But even with the accompanied notion that he was stalking her, it was obvious now that his presence had long since withdrew. Soon the group reached the busy platform, barely entering the last sliding door of a departing subway train. Feeling the tiny jolt, the train's light's dimmed slightly signifying the beginning of their homeward trip. Standing near the crowded entrance, Miyu held onto the vertical handrail, quietly studying her own face in the reflective glass. Her ghostly head passing through numerous tunnel lights; white streaks in a world of blackness…
Thundering down the empty tunnel, the subway continued on its destined path…
(-)
Full of busy people, the un-resting streets of Tokyo continued their daily routine, unhindered by the burning sun. Businessmen and of the sort hurriedly walked along, accompanied by sealed exotic briefcases. Mixing with them with equal determination, uniformed schoolboys and girls ran along anxiously. Grouped in large clusters they were no doubt seeking relief from their hot classroom prisons. Mingling along with elderly people and rare tourists, the sidewalk was no less a crowded haven then the chaotic roads that bordered them. Nearly all these people mixed as one, going about their daily desires with a certain mechanical diligence. However one stood apart from the crowd…
Dressed in perfect pure black and towering nearly a foot over all others, he was the pinnacle eyesore for most Japanese conservatives. Possessing thick long hair and complete informal attire, his presence was held by the passing mass with the greatest dishonor. Effortlessly, his tall form glided through the vast multitude of diverted faces, deplored of social qualities. However, the turning heads and scornful looks had little affect on his obscure character. Covered behind long bangs and shut lids, he kept his thoughts and unnatural traits to himself. In contrast to all that surrounded, the heat didn't seem to have any affect on him, causing further observation. Continuing to carve his path down the busy street he walked easily without sight or visual guidance.
Noticing a change in his distorted thinking, his eyes sliced to the source a moment later. Coming to rest across the street, he found the cause: a stylish, well-dressed, and rather attractive businessman. Dressed in a costly green suit he went on and on about some unheard conversation. Very near to him was an equally striking blond schoolgirl, listening steadily and with a still smiling face. It was obvious that she was buying into whatever he was saying. Smiling and laughing silently across the street, he was commanding their innocent chat without difficulty. They looked happy together standing in the sun like that, but there was more to that innocent spiel than met the eye…
Staring at him ponderously but seriously for a thoughtful moment, the figure walked on, re-masking his sharp eyes into blackness.
(-)
Watching her friend's reflective face from a short distance, Chisato eyed Miyu, she had not moved from that entrancing stare out the black window for some time now. Of course it was Miyu's nature and character to remain silent, but Chisato could tell when she was troubled about something.
"Hey Miyu." Chisato's voice wavered over, attempting to politely grab her attention.
Disturbed from deep thought once again, Miyu shifted her posture, turning away from her transparent double. The train escaped its dark hole as she did so, bringing about blinding clear light as it flooded the windows. Announcing the next station over the intercom the driver began to slow the train, quieting the stupor rhythm that the electric engine hummed.
Chisato continued…
"Will you be alright? Is there anything I can do?"
Miyu held on to the steel handrail, compensating for the change in inertia. As the station flowed into the background behind her, she calmly reassured her friend.
"I'll be fine Chisato." She paused to listen to her own words, as an afterthought she lowered her head, closing her eyes in gratitude. "Thank you for worrying about me."
Lurching to a stop, the train ceased moving, echoing the boarding calls while all the doors opened. Stepping outward onto the platform, Miyu let one last glance pass from her ribbon tied hair. Deciding for one last goodbye, she twisted about the closing train smiling with internal sadness beholding the three friends. Gears locked up from below, bringing life to the engine. Starting off, Miyu whirled her body as necessary, watching the train shrink in the distance. Only then did she wave weakly, contained within the deserted platform; knowing that one day…she would have to say goodbye forever.
Relaxing herself mentally, she straightened and began her journey home.
Once outside the roofed station, the bright calmness of the approaching sunset forced its realization, the weak artificial light becoming strangely inferior. It had seemed that the wind too was waiting for that moment as it promptly whipped Miyu's ribbon bound bouquet across her face. Looking beyond into that endless abyss of yellow and orange sky, she reflected its presence upon the most inner rooms of her mind. Everything she thought of was deep, she had lived too long to think innocently. She was going to remain 14 forever, only to watch all around her grow old. All her friends, past, present, and possibly future did, and would all share that same fate. To indulge in happiness for but a season was the price of eternal sorrow. Eventually everyone would die…except her. Miyu took a soft step forward, attempting to leave the pursuing memory. Then another step; mechanically beginning the cycle that would carry her home. Although she could have willed herself home at any moment, she wanted to walk. At least the scenic route would help to ease these torturous feelings…
(-)
Steel metal streaked upon itself, showering sparks as fiction slowed train wheels to idle. Coming to a slow stand still, hydraulic hiss marks blasted giving way for the mechanical doors to open. Cool air escaped the motionless transport, paving the way for three rather anxious girls to escape its crammed torment. Taking the lead as usual, Chisato breathed in the fresh clear air, ready to complain.
"Ewww, I hate the smell of crowded trains!"
Hand releasing her nose, Chisato beckoned Yukari and Hisae to keep up, they had arranged to stay at Chisato's house that night to discuss homework, but it was easy to tell from their limp faces that it wasn't the only thing on their minds. Disappearing down the crowed stairway the trio chased the time, prepared to rush home in full sprint…
(-)
Miyu kept walking. The sun was steadily coming down now; casting a beautiful orange haze over the outskirts. It had been quite some time since she had started walking, at least an hour or two but it didn't matter, as the calm presence of nature had relieved her hot mind. Stepping slowly she crossed the underlying paths of many tall trees, regarding them with meditative eyes. Bag in hand, Miyu's thin V shaped arms held their still posture. Walking upon the black asphalt of the road, Miyu was confident straying from the edge, as it was rare that cars came up this way. Curving off to the left, the final bend rotated its vista into a steep downward slope. Steel girders protected the low cliff's treacherous rim, but the view beyond them was amazing. Cascading away, wind gathered stray leaves of various sorts, effortlessly guiding them into miniature storms.. Gusts of wind played Miyu's hair as she approached the bend, the beautiful sun highlighting a noticeable gold streak upon her hair. Taking a moment to admire the view Miyu stopped…
The cemetery was now in sight, sleeping in its restful valley. Monotone tombstones created a nostalgic view for Miyu, emotionally drawing her senses. This was why she loved this place so much; it was quiet.
"Miyu…"
Miyu inclined her head forward, feeling the expected presence from behind. Smirking weakly within her eyelids she allowed the person to drape his long cape around her.
Leaning forward, Lava sheltered Miyu's head from the brightly lit sun, crossing his white hands past her shoulders. Holding her gently but snugly his tall body warmed her, shielding the small girl from the cooling wind.
"Miyu…"
His voice was comforting; it had been a long day. She knew what he was going to ask; she had felt his company at the mall, watching her, protecting her… but didn't want to talk just yet.
Lowering that tired head just a little more, her torso eased further into Lava's warm cloak. Having him hold her so lovingly was enough to melt away any pain…
(-)
The day drew darker, bringing about the thick aura of blackness that would soon envelop all under its dominating power. Shadows grew taller and deeper behind black trees as the sky surrendered its power to the approaching nightfall. Inspiring the horizon to the east, it had just begun to touch the earth, sending out its most caressing beams that had waited the ill of the day to shine forth. Waiting patiently, as if in no hurry to rule its own empire the darkness crept forward, increasing its advancements in the cover of shadows. Slowly growing upon elevated surfaces it stealthy and silently made its way upon higher and still higher ground. Covering the sheltered area of an outskirt neighborhood, it nonetheless accepted the compromising artificial light that skewed it away, fully content with its atmospheric victory.
Under that very same darkness a small but adequate house stood equally favored, bedroom light aglow with a yellow-orange tint. From the inside blushed a pale blue light that flickered randomly, still closer could be heard the sounds of idle discussion…
"When I gently open my photo album… So many pages with pictures are pealed away…"
Coupled with soft piano tunes, the nostalgic rhythm echoed thought the small room; the gazes of Chisato, Yukari, and Hisae watching intently, remembering separately but internally when this song had captivated so many people. Taking her eyes off the TV Yukari corrected her kneeling posture to face Chisato, her earlier expression now but a memory. Using her normal, caring, intelligent tone she spoke, showing a decreased interest for the rerun song.
"Whatever happened to Miho, Chisato?"
Hisae too broke her concentration, having rather the opportunity for pertinent information. All eyes on Chisato they waited for a response, listening to the soft beats in the background. But Chisato took her time, either she couldn't remember or she didn't want to. Showing in her face, her reaction was one of emotion.
"She was put into a hospital after they found her collapsed alone on the concert stage. After which was taken to some institution or camp for mental rehabilitation."
Yukari angled her eyes slightly wider, the full comprehension of Chisato's speech realizing on her face.
"Still weirder…" Chisato went on. "Is the rumor that her red shoes were impossible to cut off."
Chisato's head fell a little more.
"And…that she is dying somehow. Doctors say that she may not live more than a year…"
Yukari and Hisae faced each other as if not sure what to do with this information. Slowly turning back to Chisato Yukari spoke first, adding an element of sympathy to her voice.
"I guess that explains why she hasn't been in school for 3 months."
Chisato nodded briefly, trying to drive the memory away. Looking away from the purple floor she came across Yukari's face with glistening eyes.
"A lot of people have disappeared or have become strange from our class Yukari, I'm just afraid for you, Hisae, and Miyu."
Yukari didn't react, her complete understanding overriding any physical expressions. Holding the heated thought a moment later, she replied calmly.
"You're thinking of that man right?"
Chisato nodded, the obvious event had never left the girls minds since the afternoon.
"That was so creepy! Did you see his eyes?"
The trio exchanged glances, there was no need for a detailed explanation, they had all seen.
"I'm just worried." Chisato kept her serious expression but refused the anger that wished her face. "Many people we have known lately are…are…" She clasped her hands tighter, unable to finish the sentience.
Yukari and Hisae again met eyes, exchanging glances that said nearly as well as the other.
"It's ok Chisato." Hisae reached over, sensing that it was her turn to comfort her friend. In a gentler but slightly less calm voice she too reassured in her own way.
"He looked foreign; perhaps he was offended that our school uses short skirts?"
Chisato burst out laughing, fully receptive to that last comment, falling backwards. Yukari joined her and soon even Hisae was chuckling at her own joke. Cured by the humorous credit, Chisato tried to regain her kneeling position on the purple floor, still shaking from internal amusement.
Smiling largely she cheerfully guided her reddish-brown eyes.
"Yeah, I bet its nothing, let's ask Miyu what she thinks tomorrow."
Yukari smiled, relived that Chisato's concern was healed. Unable to resist, she added her own comment. Masking her character by a fake overconfident face, she spoke in a commanding fashion, closing her eyes into thin arches.
"Besides if he comes again I'll take care of him."
She finished the decree by flexing her upraised bicep, firming it over with her left hand. Unable to control themselves, all three girls laughed all the more, leaving the calm night and the ending TV song to finish the moment.
"You always wrapped me… in your kindness, didn't you?"
"It wasn't love, but I wish you were here, like you always had been."
"Wish you were here with me forever…"
(-)
The sun had long since set, leaving abstract, irremovable night to blanket the surrounding landscape. Now aside from the cities artificial light source, the world was completely dependant upon the pure light of the moon. Overseeing its still beauty, the city's rim, full of vegetation and black trees, hummed with nightlife. While it had been very hot that day a cool breeze now commanded the skies. Coming into contact with spotless white, the wind ruffled its barrier, riding upwards to soothingly glide over the head of its wearer.
Relaxing cross-legged, Miyu rested firmly on the roof of the wooden sanctuary, overlooking the vast graveyard. Sitting upon her lap enjoying some much spoiled attention was Shiina, taking full pleasure of the generous soft strokes that fell down over his white fur. Standing nearby with an entrancing horizontal gaze was Lava, waiting silently. Kindly feeling the wind blow through her thin clothing, Miyu absorbed its experience without complaint. She could sense that Lava was patiently awaiting her counsel about the day's events. Furthermore Shiina's wondering nature was on the brim of questioning something. Allowing one final gentle pet of Shiina's head to pass Miyu opened her gold eyes; her human form dead for the night. Lifting her head a little to gaze at the large moon, she addressed Lava first.
"Hey Lava, what do you think?"
Lava turned his head downwards, deflecting the dim moonlight off his smooth mask; his thoughts came out freely, directed by an enduring, yet understanding voice.
"He seemed determined Miyu."
Miyu smiled, shutting her eyes at the presence of another hair driving gust.
"And?"
Expecting further information, Lava was prepared; she had given him ample time as always to formulate his already intellect striking opinion.
"Seeing from his face and composure, he is indeed a foreigner…" Lava paused, shifting his vision from Miyu's head to the forward horizon again. "But to tell if he is a Shinma I don't know."
Miyu grimaced slightly, her face showing signs of disappointment. She had hoped that Lava could have provided some clue at his character, but now…
Thinking, recalled her own visions of the day's events; Lava's answers were often short, but quite explicit. If he didn't know then there was no point of asking further. Interrupting as usual, Shiina piped up, sending that white ear to bounce upward.
"What's going on?" Shiina narrowed his small eye cutely, annoyed that he was always the last to receive information. "What's happening Miyu?"
Kindly smirking, Miyu filled her little friend in, telling most of the details while she calmed his adorable anger with the touch of her flowing hand. When it was over he stated his own point of view.
"Miyu, I'm not good at reading internal emotions but I can try to find him for you."
Miyu smiled again, thanking Shiina with gold eyes. That had been her intention to begin with. Nonetheless she expressed her gratitude, diverting her interests over to Lava.
"Do you know him Lava?" Miyu asked further, trying to get a different approach or at least make conversation. Lava regarded her for a second, as if trying to recollect his thoughts on the matter.
"No."
Sensing something more, Miyu waited until his hidden lips continued. Perhaps there was something else…
"But, his build and stance were very similar to those I saw in Europe."
"I see."
"Also…" Lava went on. "His eyes were unlike any I have seen, he is probably not human."
Miyu took this into consideration, shifting her focus to her little pet that was busy scanning the distances. Shifting his watch a little left and finding nothing, brought a rightward scan. Going over it in detail, both parties were surprised when his right ear suddenly flared exposing that large veined yellow eye.
"Miyu! I got something!"
Miyu and Lava turned, tracing Shiina's line of slight with their own. Focusing off into the distance they stared comprehensively while Shiina saw it all…
The city center….
(-)
Contained within the pollutions of its own, the core of Tokyo was alive with nightlife. Lively adrenaline electrified the air among the crowed streets, offering endless neon signs and possibilities for the businessman and ordinary alike. Some went to late night movies to rest their heads while still others dared for more mature 'adult themes'. Still others played the slots, emotionally and physically dependent on such useless practices.
But for one terrified person the night was far from that…
Cornered into a filthy dead-end alleyway a girl screamed hopelessly, for no one had responded to her desperate cries for help. Leaning against disgusting trash bags that boarded a tall brick wall, her beautiful, youthful appearance was one of sheer horror. Desperately, her traumatized eyes darted around for a means of escape, but finding none returned upon her captivator with increased panic. There was no way out, the alleyway had a narrow entrance fitting for just one person. The interior design had been one of a waste storage area and as such provided high buildings in a square pattern that surrounded on all sides. With one-way metal doors that were sealed from the inside there was indeed no way to flee. Instead the blond schoolgirl just shook hysterically, completely overrun by deathly fright. Scrapping the ground in futile motion, her high-healed feet frantically tried to find some grip to back up upon. However, with her back against the brick wall and her lower legs angled on garbage bags it was impossibility.
Smirking before her was a man dressed in a green suit. Not bothering to block the narrow exit, his medium form stood with pride in the center of the square prison. Knowing that he was already victorious over her self-protection, he let mocking snickers escape his rat-like mouth. A human in clothing and vertical appearance he was, but the centerpiece of his character----the head, was far from it. Layered with multiple passes of jagged white teeth, his extended jaw and nose displayed a contrasting resemblance to that of brown fur. Higher up, extended russet ears twitched in flickering movements. While his feet were contained inside expensive dress shoes, his hands were nearly facially identical in color and proportion. Equip with sharp nails, or rather claws; his devilish looking brown hands were only secondary in dread to his face. Solid, almost glowing, amberish cat-like eyes rested upon his prey with narrowed lids. His unsettling evil smile grinded from side to side slowly, easily succeeding in causing further distress to the helpless girl.
Mouth shaking uncontrollably, her arms clung tightly to her chest, while the evil rat from hell abided his gloating moment. Seeing as he was satisfied from this girl's fear he lowered his back retracting his feet to a springing advantage. Claws on the ground, he opened his mouth wide, unleashing the lizard like tongue to thrash about its own will. Crouching in position, he let a final terrifying snarl escape his inhuman mouth, pleased to see the expected girl's reaction. Feeling ample grip and tension, he flashed forward, extending his fore-claws to maximum; drinking deeply the sound that would be her last…
"NOOOOOO!"
…
The girl opened her sealed eyes, expecting death, knowing that it had been far too long she stared at the monster before her, that trembling, paralyzing fear unchanged. Mouth still shaking agape, she watched as her captivator struggled to stand.
Succeeding with shaking limbs, the Rat-like creature looked up from his bloodstained, bleeding chest and burrowed into her glistening eyes, considering if she had been the one who struck him. Dismissing the impression that such a week opponent could strike such a blow left only one more option…
But a little ways away, under the direction of a drafty dark night, an empty steaming gold cylinder fell. Passing the ambiguous view of the two contenders it eclipsed them for but a moment, rotating in the air. Proceeding to fall downward at a slothful pace, its eternal distance was fulfilled; striking the ground with a metallic clink.
The sudden pindrop sound shattered the suspenseful atmosphere, forcefully twisting the creature's head to the entrance of the alleyway. Completely astonished, his surprised look was quickly turned into one of formidable rage.
Rising near the ground of where the gold cylinder rested, was a single merged pillar of black, its base held fast into a solid L position. Climbing higher, the long vertical pillar widened into a thin but strong torso, masked by a thick dark hoddie. Twisted to the right side, his stance held an unmoving pose, his neck inclined midway to the side, slanting forward. Shifting his vision upward still, the rat-like creature beheld his disturbingly sinister face. White flawless skin, but nonetheless constructed out of pure anger. His expression was deadly, but he didn't care, as there was something much worse…
His sharp eyes were nearly devoid of all rounded textures, lit up with a piercing sapphire blue. The irises were nearly half covered under the weight of his angled lids, radiating a devastatingly malicious look. Parting downward from the top of his head was long light brown hair, coming into barred lines that rested between their views. Face twisted from a sideways position; his indirect, unblinking stare could have never been more deadly under narrowed brows. Near to his head, his right arm was fully extended, armed and aimed with a black smoking handgun that easily outweighed the darkness of his clothing. A slight wind wavered in from behind, forcing the hood strings about his neck to rock while his hair strands swung harmonically.
The creature took a defensive step back, his rage failing at the sight of his new opponent. Torn from the care of his bloodied chest wound, he now sought his own survival. Disturbing the quiet air with a medium voice, he tried to hide his surprise.
"How dare you interrupt me when I am preying!"
The man in black paused for a moment, not even the slightest wavier in his expression. Thinking upon more than what he would have said, he responded with emotionless, bitter words.
"You are not of this world."
The Rat-like creature was taken back, the deep, painful words burning the inside of his memory. Unable to control his fury, his rage returned in an instant, unable to cope with the loathsome truth. Invigorated with abhorring character, he shot back his defense, launching his blitzkrieg counterattack to those fearless glaring eyes.
"You are one of us!"
Eyes flared, he soared though the air approaching his target with insane speed, fully confident that he would have revenge despite his minor wound. Racing through the surrounding streaks of swiftness he was shocked that at the last second he met cold pavement, landing hard on his side. Struggling with more pain then ever before, his eyes widened, unemotionally reflecting the rotation of a 2nd gold cylinder. Watching it silently strike the pavement he waited until the man was standing over him. Full of searing anguish and unable to move he could only watch as those silent hands ejected the black clip, slowly replacing it with something like a blood cartridge loaded with crimson bullets.
Leveling the specially loaded gun, the man held off for a moment, regarding the ridiculing weak laugh from its monstrous owner. Knowing full well what it meant, he narrowed his permanently evil eyes further, letting the final shot explode from its noir housing. Ostentatiously, a crimson red streak beamed toward its target striking it full out in the chest and recoiling the body of the twisted monstrosity. A second later and the red infection spread to all areas of its physical body disintegrating it into a simple crimson powder that was powerless to fight the wind.
The dark man watched it go, refusing to let his hateful expression deter in even the slightest until all of the red powder had vanished. Lowering his weapon to his side, he turned silently, now attentive of the still frightful girl.
She was nearly in complete shock.
Retiring his weapon to the obscurity under his protective hoddie, he approached her softly attempting vainly to lower his angered expression. Unable to decide which face had been more fretful, the girl gasped weakly, her energy and mental strength nearly gone. Still unable to calm her quaking mouth, her tear-glazed eyes doubtfully reached out in defense.
Seeing and knowing as such the man stopped, closing his malevolently pinned eyes. Holding out his right hand faithfully, he spoke in the same unchanging voice.
"You shall live…"
Gathering her hesitant courage upon a panicked mind, the blond-skirted schoolgirl considered the outstretched, low hand, pondering the risk. But when she saw that he didn't move further, and that his dreadful eyes remained in hiding she allowed her conscious impulsive to act. Racing over, she by-passed his outstretched hand, impacting his thin figure with maximum force, as if all ground between was unsafe. Clamping her arms tightly around his thin but solid waist, she buried her sobbing head deeply into his black sweater.
Unaffected by her collision, the man's lips and sealed eyes twitched, the simple touch of her presence relighting ancient-old fires of pain. Deep in his memory he had again remembered…
Flaring out suddenly whipping the wind, his left hand flew out unnoticed by the barelegged, tear-stricken girl, clinching into a tightly knuckled fist. It held for a moment, shaking violently before casting the memory away though spread fingers. Lowering the impetuous arm his trembling lids relaxed, releasing the sudden internal infliction. Emotionally detached, he slowly led her clinging body out of the disgusting brick alleyway, in favor of cleaner settings.
Moments later, the unknown man rested his right hand upon the handle of a late night shop, allowing the traumatized youth to slip into the comfort of the brightly lit store. Allowing the door to close up, he didn't follow, but only bid a final gaze of azure blue. Leaving the frantic adolescent to the storekeeper.
Stepping away, his form disappeared into the night…and somewhere under a large white moon, a small, but considering ribbon bound head listened…