Disclaimer: Values are all owned by the original creators. All plot/timeline, new characters, or other differences are owned by the Edict.
Prelude: Wish Upon a Scarlet Star
It was a somber song that was sung. Meaningless whispers, the brushing of an unseen finger along flesh, and the scent of fallen and forgotten things. It deserved to be heard, and so he sought it out amongst the world. The patter of tiny feet joined the choir, bringing a feeling of elation to the sounds that once held naught but sorrow.
Giggles rang through the clearing as the wind graced upon the child, playing with the boy's hair and following his path. Eventually, the boy tumbled slightly, laughing in jubilation as soft grass greeted his arrival. The boy sat back up, surveying his surroundings before brushing stray leaves from his golden hair. Cerulean eyes looked towards the dark clouds that consumed even the pale moon in the sky, leaving the world dark and haunting to those who dare venture it.
However, the boy felt none of this fear, instead enjoying the inky sky and silence that enveloped him, drawing solace from his isolation. Was it odd for the boy to find enjoyment in such solitude? Perhaps, but he had long since grown used to such things.
It was on nights like these when he roamed the streets, ventured into the forests, and grasped at the skies above. For it was these nights where the baleful gazes of others could not reach him. Where their slitted eyes and forked tongues could not flick upon his form in abhorrence. For he had long since learned that his lonesome was much better company than the grimacing visages that often looked to him.
The boy leapt up, stretching and shaking much like another woodland creature before making his way to the calm waters of the pond—a stark difference from the raging rivers and waterfalls that littered the woods. The blonde took off his peculiar sandals and dipped his toes into the cerulean mirror, gazing at his reflection with a tilted head.
His mind drifted back to the words of those within the village, remembering as a few women huddled around two small girls. One of them had, oddly enough, bubble-gum pink hair, while the other had long blonde hair that was held within a bow. The older women circled around the two girls and fawned over their clothes and hair, lavishing them with praises for their outfits and adorable pouts.
"Ino-chan with her hair all done, how cute!"
"Indeed. How did you get her hair so nice, Yui?"
"I think Sakura-chan looks positively adorable, too. Her hair color is so unique!"
The coalition of women continued to speak as a boy peeked at them from afar, drawn to the fondness in their voices. However, in trying to gain a closer look, the boy accidentally kicked a stone, causing it to dully clack across the street.
This drew the women's attention as they gazed at the cause for such a disturbance, their eyes settling on the blonde boy before narrowing in realization.
"Look at him, a beast and a lecher."
"I'd leave with your girls quickly, wouldn't want them near such a thing. Who knows what it might do."
"Why is it even here? It doesn't belong around people."
Those horrid memories cut like serrated blades, dragging across his chest with each word. He just wanted to see the commotion; he didn't mean to be a lecher—whatever that was. Had it been so wrong for him to simply look in their direction?
His gaze snapped back to the rippling water—the once serene surface now disgruntled by an aggravated kick.
The child didn't understand why they had to be so mean! He had never done anything to them. He was always courteous, always pleasant, just like Ji-chan had told him to be! He said that if he was nice to others, they would be nice to him too, but they never were. Then again, he heard a purple-haired lady say that the old man might have gone senile with old age.
Nevertheless, the boy pouted, idly kicking the water as he looked upwards to the sky once more. He just didn't get it. Was it because he wasn't a girl? No, he saw them fawn over some small boys as well. In fact, some of the women pampered them even more. Maybe his looks?
The boy searched in his reflection, seeing his golden hair and azure eyes. No one had his hair color either, so he was unique, too, right? He then lifted his lips and saw that his teeth were relatively normal as well. Sure, his canines might have been a bit sharper than the average Joe, but he doubted the women's eyesight was as good as his own.
He even already checked for a tail, and there was nothing there! So why did they call him a beast? Eventually, the boy huffed and conceded that he'd never understand at this point. He'd ask Ji-chan again, but he doubted he'd get anything other than the same talk. Give them time this, they're in pain that, well, what about his pain?
He slapped the pond with his hand and decided to lay back once more, leaving his two legs partially submerged in the water. As much as he appreciated the dark, he did wish the moon and stars were out. They often provided him comfort, and he could use it in times such as these. Then, to his surprise, the sky answered. Partly anyway.
The clouds were pierced by the oddest star he had ever seen, its scarlet light burning away the clouds that once held it hostage. It was otherworldly, no pun intended, as it seemed to shimmer and coil around itself, grasping at the free space around it. How had he never seen this star before? Stars didn't just randomly appear, did they, especially red ones.
It almost felt as if the burning light was there for his viewing—as if it had arrived for him alone. Perhaps, it was one of those wishing stars? He had heard some of the other children whisper about them gleefully, one of them even proclaiming that he had wished upon it to the awe of others.
Well, this star was certainly special. Besides, what was the harm, wishing upon a star, that is. So, the boy clasped his hands unsurely, gazing at the solitary sphere in the dark clearing that surrounded him. His wish? Well, he knew exactly what he wanted, so he closed his eyes and whispered to the celestial existence above.
"All I want is for someone to care."
Had his eyes been open, he would have noticed the scarlet embers that drifted from the skies, followed by dancing shadows that writhed beneath him excitedly. Even though the light had graced the world, it somehow seemed a tad bit darker.
