Broken Wings - Chapter Eighteen
She knew something was wrong when she woke up. She was in her room, tucked in the covers that provided a false sense of comfort. Shrugging them off, she slid off her bed. She went to the door that connected her and Sephiroth's rooms, knocking loudly and calling for him to answer.
There was no reply. Aralyn had a feeling that it wasn't because he was ignoring her.
She threw on a baggy shirt and a pair of calf length pants, viciously attacking her hair with the brush and tying it up in a sloppy ponytail. Slipping on a pair of flat-footed shoes, she ran to the doors that lead to the main hallway. She threw them open and ran so quickly that she tripped over a neat stack of metal cans.
Picking herself up, she turned back and examined the cans. There must have been ten of them, all labeled in bright paper. To the side of them was a package wrapped in brown paper and tied with rough cord.
The cans were paints. All of them were bright, vibrant colors that were so full of life. Even the subtler tones of lavender and aquamarine were such a contrast to the blaring white that it was astounding. Aralyn fingered them gingerly, beaming like a small child at this miracle.
The package held paintbrushes in all sizes. Some were large so as to facilitate the painting of entire walls, while others were small, so that elaborate decorations could be painted. Also included was a book that told how to paint textures and patterns. Aralyn stared at the pictures of the rooms with unique, lively walls for a long time. Stencils fell out of the book, all of them depicting small delights like flowers and vines that couldn't be found in Shinra.
"She really did it." Aralyn recognized Sephiroth's cool, composed voice immediately.
"Isn't wonderful?" Aralyn cried. "There must be something we can do to thank her!"
"Aralyn." She turned, looking at Sephiroth for the first time. His face was solemn and grave. "Lucrecia is gone."
Aralyn's eyes widened. Half of her instinct told her to laugh, but she knew that Sephiroth couldn't possibly be lying, not with that expression on his face.
"She did it herself," Sephiroth finished.
"Why?" Aralyn breathed.
But Sephiroth just shook his head. "I can't say…"
A/N: Short chapter, I know. Couldn't really think of anything to add to that though. Next chapters will be longer. I will write Aralyn's first day on the job (HOPEFULLY!) tomorrow and then we get to meet Verian!
You will all be happy to know that we are having TWO turkies (turkeys? how do you spell that?) this year. That means we get TWO "Hojo" chopping oppertunities! You will be happy to know that I consumed the first today with all you in mind. He was delicious. ;)
Thank you a thousand times over for the support!