A Faery Tale

[Jehan]

The Tale Begins. . .

“You will never defeat me! For my evil is everlasting!” The Demon roared. Faced with no choice, the Hero must stand and take on the monster, which of course the Hero never thought of it as a choice. His armor clad heavily on his body, arms weak from the previous battle, but his eyes burned with hope.

A Hero's existence was solely for the protection against evil, and as long evil persisted so shall he persist until the very end. His sword chipped and well worn, but the grip to the hilt tightened all the same as when he first held the weapon.

Jehan smiled proudly, his sword held up high, a gift awarded to him from the Angels up high. “Than I too shall be everlasting, for your defeat is not what I seek, but to defend all the innocent from your evil.” He squared his sword evenly, the point aimed directly against the Demon that faced him.

“For I am a-”

“Hero of Justice! Hero of Good! The Shield for the weak and The Sword for Truth!” All orphans cried in unison as Jehan began his speech. His wooden sword held loosely as he threw it skywards and with a flare of the dramatic, he caught it and readied himself once again to face off the demon.

Everyone knew that no one could stand against their Hero of Justice, no one. . . except the bell that rang loudly a moment later. A collective groan escaped all the children’s lips, but Jehan gave each of them a large smile. “A True Hero needs their rest and meal. Go on! The soup I hear ain’t that bad today.” Jehan encouraged them all, his previous bravado as a hero slowly vanished as he began to put away all the props of his little show. Most of the younger ones murmured about how bad it tasted last time, but with a stiff stare from their 'Hero of Justice' they all shuffled to the Orphanage.

Jehan collected the boards, and the curtain of a crudely drawn monster, he knew he could have added a bit of horns and larger teeth. But Anika said it would scared the youngest ones. Regardless, he needed the practice with the browns, reds and blacks, as even though finding these colors were difficult, they were the most plentiful. Tragically, his artistic flare was just as rare as he looked at the drawing with a closer eye, he softly sighed and gathered the rest of his things.

“Anika, when do you want to hop into the Mighty Hero spotlight?” Jehan asked, he held up the curtain of the demon up to his face and gave it wiggle at Anika, “-I might be too strong for our Hero of Justice next time we face off!” Jehan spoke in a grunted tone, attempting to sound scary as he pretended to be the demon's voice.

[member="Anika"]

 

[Anika]

Anika moved past the small crowd of still grumbling children as they made their way back towards the orphanage, a sunny smile alighting on her features as she stopped before the other. Her green eyes shone with unabashed admiration even as a giggle escaped her when Jehan began to wave Mister Most-Cruel-And-Mean-Demon the Fifth in front of her face.

“But I’m not as convincing as you are when it comes to being a Hero of Justice, Jehan,” she pouted at her companion, taking the curtain from his hand and tucking it beneath her own. “Besides, the others prefer you.” It always filled her with awe at how easily Jehan managed to captivate the devotion of rest of the orphans. Then again, considering that she saw him as her Hero, Anika was not surprised.

Jehan was the most brilliant star of a dark night.

He made everything in her life brighter. Whenever she felt down and discouraged, he would grace her with a warm smile and held out a hand for her to take… and all her worries would feel just a little less overwhelming.

“Well~ I wouldn’t mind taking on the role of the Hero’s best friend the next time.” Anika continued, holding out her other hand and gestured for the boy to pass her some of the boards. “I like how the Owl is always there for the Hero.”

Like how I hope to always be there for you.

“Speaking of which, I have exciting news! I was running an errand for the baker’s wife earlier, and she told me that they’ve some bread and cakes that are going stale soon.” Anika’s eyes widened in excitement at the rare treat that was being offered to them, hopping a little from foot to foot. “She said we can have them if I dropped by before the shop’s closed for the day. Come with me?”

[member="Jehan"]​

 

[Jehan]

Jehan smirked at the notion of being the only one able to be the knight, Why else make'em learn my lines? He never intended to lead anyone without making sure they learn to lead themselves after a while. Not that he minded the constant running around and making sure no one was being bullied, but even Jehan knew his limits of being only a singular person.

I hope they aren't making a mess in the kitchen. Jehan never minded of cleaning up after people, but it would certainly behoove him to teach everyone to look after themselves and clean up.

He continued to collect more of the worn out props, and stopped momentarily to consider Anika's words. "-Well, if you want to be an Owl, you'll need wings!" He declared, his arms raised up high in a gesture to flapping wings. His eyes refocused on the material around him, while he had a knack of putting things together he the idea of putting wings one someone would be a challenge. A fun challenge too Jehan smiled wickedly at the idea of putting wings Anika, no way she could hide in the background with those on.

Jehan placed back down a few of the wooden planks back down and nodded vigorously at the notion of grabbing some baked goods. The bakery would always leave a smell of bread and other goodies to linger around the nearby streets, and at times Jehan even considered figuring out a way to make his own oven. Too bad most of the junkyard isn't filled with things other than junk.

"Well! We mustn't move with delay! Quickly before evil triumphs and we are left with no cake!" Jehan declared, he scooped up his cloak from the floor and quickly tied it around him. Initially he had practiced for the act of putting on his cloak to be graceful and extravagant but instead most of the hood piece covered his face and looked rather uncomfortable. Okay slight delay.

A quick tug and a small "hmph", Jehan managed to correct his cloak and stretched out his hand to his white haired partner. Jehan stared with his mismatched eyes into her green ones, a brief flash of memory from when they first met and it was then Jehan knew she would a champion. The likes even Jehan would never manage to imagine, I mean, she found us cake! Truly, Jehan's qualifications were rather few, but he understood the value of growth for the future.

I may be the unbreakable shield, but you're going to be the legendary sword. "Shall we run through the streets?" His other hand flipped over one of his wooden swords, his fingers gripped the 'blade's edge and held out the hilt towards Anika. After all, how else to make running a tad more interesting if one does not include sword practice.

[member="Anika"]

 

[Anika]

Oh.

Oh no.

Oh no no no no no!

Anika recognised the gleam that alighted in her dearest partner’s eyes. It was the one that he always got when he was contemplating something that would culminate in a plan that she most certainly did not like! And she also knew even if she did not like said plan, she would end up going along with it, all because it would place the biggest smile on his face.

And there it was.

Her eyes narrowed into a squint and her lips gained a clear pout as Jehan took her merest mention of being apart of their play as a pledge and got carried away with his plans.

Really, now.

His thoughts flew several parsecs a second, and there were many a time when Anika despaired ever keeping up with him. But she knew than to argue with him when his ideas were still flowing, so she merely made a mental note to dissuade him when they were both working on their projects later on. Perhaps she could get him to consider draping a sheet over her entire person and deem it ‘good enough’?

However, it was also exactly this part of Jehan that gave her hope and made her love him a little more each day.

Sharing a similar excitement towards the thought of savouring such rare treats, his usual meticulous self was set aside momentarily. With their bland meals and limited portions, most of them seldom had the chance to savour something just for the pure enjoyment of its flavours. Anika broke into a bright grin and the spark of enthusiasm that alighted the boy’s features, a clear laugh of joy escaping her when he was momentarily delayed by his flowing cloak.

“Nay! We shall hasten, so that light and justice may prevail and reward us with cake!” she chimed in. The gleam of her eyes softened when their gaze met. Though Anika did not know of the thoughts that were meandering through his mind, she took his hand without any hesitation.

With their hands clasped and fingers entwined, she was always a little more courageous. Taking the hilt of the wooden sword with her other hand, the white haired girl raised it in a solemn salute before Jehan. “Aye, and none shall stand in our way of our glorious undertaking.” While her voice lacked the conviction that the other pulled off flawlessly, it held a note of resolve. Because truly, Anika was not about to let this rare chance fall aside.

A final giggle left her lips as she tugged her partner along, her tiny feet pattering over the ground as they ran towards to bakery, her sword raised and pointed forward in a reproduction of a valiant charge. A common enough sight to most residents living in the area, both of their presence only garnered smiles and amused shake of their heads as their tiny selves stormed past.

At the last corner before they ended up on the street that would lead them directly to the bakery, their pace slowed. The shop in question was located on a busy street, and their sidewalk was filled with shoppers. It would not do for these two aspiring heroes to injure the very people they wanted to protect, so Anika compromised by walking as briskly as her short legs would allow her to.

“I wonder if we’ll be lucky enough to receive a tart or cake?” she pondered aloud to Jehan. It was probably wishful thinking, but Anika still liked to hold some hope.

[member="Jehan"]​

 

[Jehan]

Jehan felt his hand tugged forward, slightly caught off guard he almost forgot to put his foot beneath him as Anika pushed ahead. Push onwards with Jehan in tow, the young laughed as he finally found his step and rapidly kept up with his energetic partner in faith.

The streets were seldom a place for children to live or grow, such was the purpose of the Orphanage, but even than the fate of lost children remained as such, lost. Many of the young souls turned unredeemed, while others simply vanished in the sea of galaxy. Jehan could but wonder whenever he sat beneath the starry horizon and skies.

As bright as the stars were, as much heat they must have provided to their own planets, they were dwarfed by the darkness that perumated around them, that blanketed all the light within his world. He felt his hand squeezed and quickly Jehan returned to the streets he was running through, and noticed Anika had turned her gaze back to him.

Hasn’t covered all the light. Jehan matched her smile and nodded at her words with much vigor. “Never a bad thing to dream and hope!” He cheered on, their pace slowed down some as they neared the bakery. The streets were rather quiet for the time of day, but it made their walk ever so easier, even with wooden swords Jehan never enjoyed being stuck in a crowd.

The bakery laid before their eyes, and the elderly couple that had managed their business for as long as either child could remember welcomed the duo into their shop. Jehan slipped his wooden sword into his makeshift belt, while he still held onto Anika's hand as they walked inside to enjoy the full force of the aroma of freshly baked bread and so many more treats.

Jehan smiled brightly at the bag received to them, quite a large one, filled with loaves and some sort of cake bread. With slight hesitation, he released Anika's hand and grabbed the large bag. The warmth of the breath emitted through the thin paper bag, and Jehan thanked the elderly couple dearly. "Thank you Gramps, I mean, sir." Jehan spoke quickly.

"Be sure to share with Anika, Jehan," The older baker warned, a tad sternly, but Jehan never felt as any more than just compassion. "-Are you two going on a date then with all that food?" The baker asked.

Jehan moved over to Anika and turned his head, "-Well, I guess." He thought of where they should eat their food at, and he figured that it was time he showed Anika a special spot over by the hill.

[member="Anika"]

 

[Anika]

Even at the doorsteps of the bakery, the most delicious scents wafted out into the street. Entranced, she closed her eyes for a moment even as she took in a deep breath, her smile growing brighter. While the meals provided for them from the orphanage were edible, they were also bland and simple, merely there to ensure they were somewhat nourished. And though none of the children were exactly starving, none of them were ever really full either.

So today? Today was a rare treat for the both of them.

Though there was nothing she wanted more than to barge through the door, Anika also knew better than to give in to her childish impulse. Echoing Jehan, she too sheathed her wooden sword into her cloth belt, pushing its length in carefully until its crossguard were well and truly stuck. Swinging their clasped hands lightly, she allowed the other to lead her through the entrance.

It was obvious from the smile from the elderly couple when they saw them that their presence were already expected. Smiling vividly up at the kind man and his lovely wife, Anika stepped forward to greet them as Jehan released her hand to hold the large bag that they were holding out to him. The fingers of her bare hand curled inwards a little, already missing the warmth of Jehan’s own hand in hers even as she looked up at them.

“Thank you, sir, ma’am,” she chirped a moment after the brunet, dipping her head slightly to convey her gratitude. Though the older man was sometimes gruff, he always took the time to talk to Anika whenever he saw her wandering around. And because of his care and consideration, the white haired girl has never minded running errands for either of the elderly couple. Even now, as he spoke to Jehan, she could see his kindness shining through. “We will be sure to enjoy this treats you’ve set aside for us!”

As Jehan moved to stand beside her, she smiled and bumped her shoulder lightly against his own. It was a given that that they would share ever since they day they met, and it will always be so. What was hers was his. And what was his was hers.

“He has been owing me one for awhile anyway,” Anika quipped, beginning to step towards the door, pushing it open for the companion to walk through. Though her concept of a ‘date’ was somewhat muddled. All she knew what a ‘date’ entailed was time spent between two beings who cared deeply for each other. And with the new influx of children in their orphanage due to the conflict unfolding several systems away, both Jehan and Anika has had their hands full trying to get everyone settled in.

Before the door to the bakery closed, she called out to the couple for the last time. “Have a good evening!” Now that it was only the two of them again, Anika walked close besides Jehan, a hand coming up to hold the edge of his shirt as they made their way back to the quieter parts of the town. “Where do you want to go next, Jehan?”

It was still a little too early for them to return, because by now, everyone would still be eating dinner and they would be punished if their disappearance were to be noticed. No, it was better for them to return when everyone was already in bed and hope that the caretakers had forgotten about their vanishing act by tomorrow.

 

[Jehan]

The warmth of the bread emitting from the bag continued to remind Jehan of freshness of the baked good and perhaps he figured be wise not to let it all cool before they ate any of the bread. The slight tug of his shirt and Anika's question brought him back from his wondering thoughts of treats within the bag and the young boy thought for a moment. After all he had planned on showing her a perfect place, but to quickly get there would prove slightly difficult and with what remained of their evening.

Carefully he adjusted his arms to grab hold of the bag with only one hand and now with a newly freed one he reached to grab Anika's and gestured with his head up ahead. "When I was looking for old wood and parts I found this very nice spot for us to hang out, near the outskirts but even I can get lost if I'm not careful." He warned, he honestly fooled himself once with a wrong turn and mostly due to him not correctly marking a tree where he should have, But I'm pretty sure now of the path.

Jehan tightened his hand around Anika slightly and quickly began to move at a tad quicker pace, with the bag he couldn't afford a run or even a healthy jog but he knew this would also give Anika enough time to recognize the twist and turns of the city to quickly reach the outskirts. Not that he ever worried of Anika being alone out here, but sometimes things for them as orphans never follow a strict story no matter how hard any of them try. Not that I'll stop trying.

With determination of each step, he quickly pointed out to Anika of specific markings he had made of certain rooftops and ladders, even buildings, "Careful when jumping from pipe to pipe, only that one will hold steady for you to climb." Comments as those flowed evenly as they finally reached the outskirts and near the forest, here his pace slowed slightly as he scanned the tree line.

"There," He mumbled.

Jehan encouraged Anika to follow his renewed speed walking as they passed a particular tree with a crudely drawn bunny, his poor attempt of mimicking one of the creatures that they had read countless times before bed. Similarly with the streets of the city, Jehan pointed out certain trees with at times poorly drawn renditions of animals and creatures from their fairy tales and holo-vids. One tree though had a very large "X" etched over the drawing beneath it and below it a simple arrow pointed in the direction the two orphans were quickly walking towards.

The ground began to slope upwards and their speed slowed, but only moments later Jehan smiled as the trees slowly cleared and a boulder stood in front of them on top of this sizable hill. Releasing Anika's hand, Jehan eyed the boulder evenly before he began to quickly climb up it with nearly no difficult, save the constant adjusting of the bag he held with his other hand. "Up here Anika," Jehan cheered for her as he reached the top of the boulder.

Jehan placed the bag down and turned over back to Anika, assuring that she made the climb okay and to gesture upwards. "We can lay down up here," He explained, the sky above them had slowly darkened with the sun setting not too far west and painted above with a mixture of yellow and orange that matched wonderfully with the dark blue and lighter blue of the sky above them. Smaller lights also began to glimmer, stars bright enough could already be seen and Jehan smiled wordlessly as he turned to open up the bag and split the cakes and bread between them booth.

"I wonder why the other shop owners asked us about dates as well," Jehan mused with his question.

[member="Anika"]

 

[Anika]

Her viridian eyes flickered downwards when she felt his warm hand closing around her own once more. Her smile turned bright even as a swell of joy found its way back within her, her faint worries dissipating even as her fingers curled around his own. "I will be sure to pay attention," she assured him. The outskirts of their city was vast and confusing, filled with many twists and turns, a maze in all but name. And if someone that spent as much time there as Jehan could lose his way, well, Anika would have to be even doubly careful.

Their pace picked up, their worn shoes pattering against cracked stones as they made their way towards the outskirts. She remained quiet, her keen gaze carefully taking note of the small lanes and quiet alleys that they passed through, her lips moving as she whispered to herself of the markings that would only make sense to orphans like them. To others, it would appear as senseless graffiti, for between the worn buildings and dilapidated structures, no one would notice a notch here, or a mark there. Without her dearest friend's own steady presence and calm voice guiding her, Anika would have tumbled through many an unstable part.

Her eyes became wide as the stepped out from the shadow of the ramshackle apartment, the edge of civilisation that bordered the forest. Being somewhat timid, and still more concerned about getting lost even though the very idea of an adventure captured her imagination, Anika seldom ventured this far out. At least, not without Jehan by her side.

But unlike the unique landmark of their shanty city, one tree looked very like the other. With her brows furrowed in concentration, the white haired girl continued to follow her companion's lead, trusting in him like she did in all things. She giggled as she recognised some of the rough drawing, in Jehan's distinct style. It said something about their closeness when she could recognise the bunny for what it was, though Anika has yet to be able to tell apart the raven haired boy's sketch of a tooka and a fox no matter how she squinted or turned her head.

After what felt like a long time, but was likely just a little more than twenty minutes, the two orphans broke through the thicket of trees and stepped into a clearing. Excited, she walked around the large rock in quiet excitement as her companion clambered to its top. It was clear from the thick grass and swaying flowers that this was a place that no one knew about, other than the two of them. With a vivid grin on her mien, the girl pulled herself up, joining Jehan at the flat surface at the very top. "This place is amazing!"

Sitting at the edge beside her dearest companion, Anika stared up at the sky. This far from the city and its lights, the colours of flames were weaved with the blues of the evening skies, and the sparkles that adorned it began to peek through, small and faint. Taking the bread and cakes with a grateful smile, the girl leaned against Jehan, a sense of warmth and calm suffusing her being.

"Perhaps they were confused?" But some of them had looked genuinely amused when they had both given them the date or explained that they were always on dates whenever they could. Adults were confusing. Truly, the world would be so much easier to understand if they said things plainly and without placing strange meanings to ordinary words.

"But ignoring their strangeness, let's stay here for tonight!" Other than the inevitable trouble they would get into if they returned, Anika wanted to see if they would be able to catch an elusive shooting star. Many of the stories and holomovies mentioned that they granted wishes, after all. "I wonder if we would be lucky enough to catch sight of a shooting star tonight?" she said, turned to look at Jehan, even as her fingers pulled apart a piece of bread and held it out for him to taste.

 

[Jehan]

Lips pulled apart to reveal his teeth as he smiled wide to hear Anika's excitement for their new secluded area, an area far from the city and even farther from the struggles of the city. Freedom. An abstract word spoken from their heroes with such conviction, "Fighting for freedom!" and Jehan felt that with Anika leaning against him, both of them sharing their time together staring upon the stars ahead, felt like freedom. "But it is fun to make up meanings for their words." Jehan giggled at what the pair could think up.

Maybe names for his failed drawings of creatures?

Jehan's hand moved to accept the piece of bread, the warmth had thankfully remained as he took a bite, it gave him a feeling of warmth, passing through his body. Something to offset the cool breeze slightly for him, "Staying here for the night?" Jehan mused on the thought, he hadn't before tested the temperatures out here at night before, in fact, he couldn't remember anyone really attempting to sleep outside the city's limit.

Would it get too cold? "Wouldn't it get a tad too cold?" Jehan pondered, he had removed the cape he wore before, and with his undershirt and his costume shirt he was not exactly confident with its ability to insulate his body heat. But I really wanted to see the stars with her, and maybe spy a shooting star.

Taking another bite, he continued to consider all his available options, "-Of course we should see the many stars above our heads, much easier without the City lights." Jehan concluded, while he had no concern for the Orphanage's rules on staying out after dark, he knew how to easily keep Anika out of trouble.

In fact, he had already prepared the ruse from the start, her bed in the orphanage appeared occupied. Jehan turned his head and nodded his head, approving of their new plan to stay here for the night. "We will stay together out here, as it will be a shame if the stars dance for us without us as an audience." The colors of the night soon turned darker blue, a much deeper hue as more of the night sky turned to black, but doing so revealed a plethora of stars. Stars that held many planets, and many more cities and stories for them to read together and enjoy together.

So small, yet filled with more than I can imagine. Jehan raised his hand to grasp at the lights up in the sky, he returned his hand to reach for another piece of cake and laughed wonderfully at their circumstance, "-Remember, we have to save some for the others." Jehan reminded Anika, and to mostly himself.

[member="Anika"]

 

[Anika]

Nodding to herself in a pleased manner, the young girl tore another small piece of the fluffy bread and placed it into her own mouth, making a soft noise of pleasure at the warmth and faint sweetness that permeated her tongue. But the taste of it only reminded her that the last meal they had today took place at late morning… and the moment the thought alighted on her mind, her stomach grumbled. Anika was about to take a bigger bite from the bread she held between her hands when Jehan spoke once again, his words making her blink in bemusement.

Cold?

Other than the transient period when she found herself homeless and wandering the streets, lost and adrift, Anika has never knew the meaning of the word. Her smile turned soft and wistful. Ever since Jehan has stood before her, with his smile warm and eyes bright, with a hand held out for her to take. “No, it’s actually quite warm for me.” She shook her head, but her glance held a touch of concern as she turned to regard the brunet. And perhaps if she had known of the risky ruse that her companion had pulled without a care for his own wellbeing, Anika would have insisted that they sneaked back to the orphanage before their caretakers roused.

But with the night sky and twinkling stars beckoning to the both of them, such concerns were far from her mind. “Mm, it would definitely a pity if we missed such a sight. But if you are worried about the cold…” she trailed off, sidling even closer to his side until there were barely space between them. The two younglings sat quietly as the continued their meal, taking in the rare quiet moment as dusk began its dominion of the firmament, the warm hues of orange and pink painted over by the unfathomable darkness of space. More and more shards of diamonds began to scatter across the vast expanse, their twinkle slowly gaining prominence with the passing of time.

For a moment, she forgot all her fears and worries.

One day, we will leave this place and traverse across the galaxy.

And perhaps their lives would be hard, but with Jehan by her side, Anika was fearless.

And we shall write our own stories.

The youth’s voice broke through the quiet moment, and the moment of contemplation broke. “Just one more, then we’ll keep the rest for the others,” she agreed, her thoughts going back to the other younglings sleeping peacefully back at the orphanage. A streak of blinding white appeared at the corner of her eyes and whatever words she wanted to say next was forgotten in the surge of excitement that welled up within her. Her green eyes widened as she turned her head towards the northeast. “Jehan! Look,” she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonderment.

She scrambled to her feet, her head tilted downwards to meet Jehan’s own mismatched eyes. In a reflection of his deeds, Anika held out a hand for him to take.

 

[Jehan]

The soft brush of the wind, and cool air chilled the side Anika was not on, but Jehan contented himself as he continued to gaze around the colorful night sky. He wondered who painted the night skies with such abstract paint strokes of a brush, once he read that many of the stories told on the holo-vid were first drawn upon the very stars above them, and could be traced by anyone staring upon the starry sky.

Well, I guess they were a worse drawer than me.

Jehan squinted but still could not as much make a stick figure with the array of stars around him. He pondered for only a moment longer when he suddenly felt the rest of his body cool down as Anika quickly rose up and quickly explained of the dance the stars promised. Indeed a brilliant burst of white raced through the star filled sky, like when he’d run a finger through water, the shooting star burned brilliantly.

With Anika’s hand outstretched down to him, he instinctively grabbed and intertwined his fingers with her own. Standing now next to Anika he paused a moment to note how different they were, he loved her emerald green eyes and snowy head of hair, while his own dark brown of messy unkempt hair and conflicting eye colors of both blue and red. I’m happy I met you.

“Their dance has begun! How kind of the stars to stay on schedule!” Jehan smiled as he turned his eyes skywards to stare in amazement of a star that decided to move across space to find a new home. Perhaps it grew bored of where it was before and wanted to find a new life elsewhere?

Jehan tightened his grip and pressed himself closer to Anika, unlike the shooting star that dared to travel alone through the darkness of space, he wouldn’t dare find himself without Anika whenever they leave this planet. As unlikely and mismatched the pair looked, Jehan only dreamed more of their possibilities out there, after-all the sword and shield were different and meant for contradictory purposes, but they were destined to be work together and fight alongside one another to keep one each other safe.

The star that danced soon disappeared across the horizon, perhaps others requested a performance elsewhere. Jehan slowly guided Anika back down to the softer grassy ground next to the boulder and with boths their hands resolute in their goal to remain together, the two sat and leaned against the boulder and continued to stare upwards at the night sky.

"You're really warm," Jehan softly muttered, he attempted to silent a yawn but couldn't overcome his own drowsiness. Strange to him he had only noticed tonight of Anika's warmth though, perhaps he needed the know what it felt to be cold all around him.

Wind continued to blow gently across the field, but the air chilled and Jehan found himself pressing against Anika ever more but appeared to mind none. Their breathes turned more even, and eyes slowly closed as the sleep spell worked to lull the two orphans to their dreams.

Maybe Jehan had hoped the cold to keep him awake, or perhaps the sweetness of the cake to allow him more moments of consciousness. Instead he was forced to enter his dreams alone once again, without a way to call for anyone or to even wake.

During the night the two appeared graceful and doll like, as if sat upon a shelf of another child’s room. As the morning neared, they could be found in a rather ungraceful clump of limbs and hair quite messily spilled and with white locks of hair dangerously close to tickling Jehan’s nose and Anika using a free hand to keep one of Jehan’s hand close to her mouth as if attempting to bite one of his fingers.

Jehan couldn’t complain about being cold during the night at least.

[member="Anika"]

 

[Anika]

Just as their night spent watching the stars was magical and dreamlike, the day that followed in its wake was harsh and heartrending.

And not that Anika would realise it until much later, but it also marked the first of the times where their begrudging caretakers lost the last of their frayed patience with a certain rebellious youth.

They had wanted to rouse as the sun began to peek at the horizon, in hopes that they would be able to sneak back into their beds before the caretakers checked in on them during their morning rounds. And unfortunately for the two younglings, though they made it back in time to sneak in to join the others for breakfast, their– no– Jehan’s absence were noticed and he was summoned to the much dreaded office.

While the young girl had expected to be summoned alongside her companion, her presence was disregarded… and it wasn’t until she snuck a bun and some hard-boiled eggs into her room for the other that the full implication of his deeds became clear. Tears had misted her eyes then, when Anika saw the lump on her bed and realised that Jehan had made it seem that she was safe and sound asleep under the roof of the orphanage instead of wandering outside. Flipping the blanket aside only confirmed her misgivings, that the other had used his own worn pillow and threadbare blanket to pad out the shape of her form.

It was with much anxiety and concern for her friend that the white haired girl found herself staying close to the orphanage as she could, even as she crafted a smile and affected a good cheer for the other younglings so that they would not be afflicted by worry. Was Jehan being lectured? Or did they hold him back in the office to make him write lines? Or perhaps they were making him help with cleaning the rooms?

Without any knowledge of what was happening within, Anika could only wonder, her vivid green eyes stealing a glance at the second floor every other minute as she waited for Jehan to reappear before her with his usual smile. And then, she was going to regale him with her own lecture for daring to take the fall when they were both equally as culpable.

 

[Jehan]

It was rather difficult for Jehan to make his way out, but as he found the hallway walls, his confidence slowly returned to his shoulders. Hands slowly moved across the wall, and Jehan took each step slow but deliberate as he focused on finding the exit stairs to head down. He already felt time go by him for what he assumed were hours and even with his newly bandaged eyes, he couldn't let himself stay inside not without telling Anika anything.

At times he had thrown out little notes from his detention room, little scribbles and drawings to help begin their new storyboard for their next play. Unfortunately, neither the room held any windows and the Head Caretaker allowed him any alone time. Such was his track record that no more words were uttered between them, instead the punishment was exacted the very same moment he entered what they called the 'Correction' room.

Jehan had to admit, it did hurt, but it was promised that he would regain his sight eventually. They were getting tired of his constant leaving the the Orphanage and into the City. At least they hadn't figured out I went out to the forest. He knew that they were simply trying to keep the other children from acting the same as Jehan and exploring the City. Jehan always knew that they feared loosing their Orphans, and through their fear they needed to protect them the best they could, something he told Anika only a few times.

While Jehan wanted to protect them by teaching to be brave while being afraid to both help and protect themselves and one another. The truth though, something Jehan never knew or understood, was that the Caretakers feared missing Orphans yes, but because they would loose credits and funding for both not having enough and not keeping them safe.

Finally Jehan's hands found the bar for people to climb down the stairs and with careful steps he walked down, his memory of twenty steps for the first part, than the turn and finally another twenty helped greatly. The feel of sun and his nose picked up fresh air, noted to him that the rest were outside and clearly still playtime, so he moved forward and hoped that he wouldn't bump to anyone as he headed to the entrance.

Before though he could, Jehan heard steps that turned in what he could describe as running down the hall, and before he could brace himself he felt himself pushed back and embraced by a hug. A series of warm hands gently patted him for any injuries before he felt them reach his face and stopping short before his bandages that wrapped tightly around his eyes.

Jehan knew these were Anika's hands that remained on his cheeks, and with the best smile he could produce he returned the hug. "I thought if I can't see you, you can't see me." Jehan croaked a small laugh. His throat dry and soar, he wished he had drank more water after he nearly lost his voice from all the. . . Jehan patted Anika's back and kept his smile.

[member="Anika"]

 

[Anika]

It was strange how the elation that soared high in her heart when she caught a glimpse of her dearest companion out of the corner of her vision could so swiftly plunge into the dark depths of dismay when she turned around with the first word of chastisement on the tip of her tongue.

With the burn of tears that were welling up in her eyes, the girl rushed over to Jehan’s side, her slender body colliding with his own even as she threw her arms around his form in an embrace. She breathed his scent in, allowing it to chase away the worst of her fears and fortifying herself for the unpleasant undertaking ahead. Biting down on the bottom of her lip, Anika drew away, her hands raised to pat around his body with gentle care, afraid that she would hurt him even more.

And then. It was with trembling hands and a growing ache within her that the girl reached out to touch his cheeks, where the edges of the white met pale skin. She stayed quiet for a moment as she sought to breath, for the sudden wave of horrordreadfuryanxiety overcame her being. Who? Who had done this to Jehan? Without either of the younglings’ knowledge, the pupil of her eyes became sharpened and narrowed, appearing almost like a serpent’s.

But her fear and rage were not what her companion needed, so Anika buried it away for the moment.

“We are going to our secret base to get you looked over. Then you will tell me everything,” she told Jehan in a terse tone, ignoring his attempts at being blithe. The tendrils of suspicions continued to bloom, as the girl has always known of their caretakers’ distaste for the boy, but she was unwilling to make the leap without Jehan’s own testimony.

With her mouth pursed into a thin line of displeasure, Anika took one of his arm carefully, wrapping it around her shoulder. She then placed one of her own around his waist so that she could support his weight, and so that he could lean on her. Avoiding the children playing in the garden, the girl took the path from the backyard, her steps slow and speaking gently to her friend of the change in surroundings the best she could as they moved away from the vicinity of the orphanage and into their sanctuary.

Anika lead her companion into the small ramshackle space they called their own, hidden beneath a precarious pile of heavy machinery and guiding him to sit on a wornout crate.

“… You shouldn’t make yourself smile when you are not feeling up to it, you know,” she said wistfully to Jehan, patting him gently on the knees before she attempted to step away from his side to fetch the rudimentary first aid box they have gotten and slowly gathered from the kind hearts of the other citizens of their town.

 

[Jehan]

The walk to their workshop was slow, and while Jehan never appreciated the name 'Junk Yard' as much as some of the adults but it served their needs very well regardless of its namesake. Perhaps it was his intention to make anything and everything useful, or more likely it was something it was deep resentment against the word itself 'junk'. Regardless Jehan had always called the 'workshop' whenever he could and delighted himself with what he managed to accomplish in there.

The raven haired boy continued to levy a smile at his companion, his steps were far more confident with Anika there helping him. While he couldn't see where his next steps were going, something in him felt at peace knowing that wherever his next foot would fall, Anika's foot would fall right next to his.

Even with the renew sense of confidence, Jehan still felt his body tired and ragged and it was all he could do to simply put one foot in front of the other. Anika's warm arm supported his back perfectly, even Jehan was slightly surprised by her strength as they walked to their hideaway spot. She was always this strong. Jehan corrected his surprise as he meekly smiled at Anika as they finally approached one of the more secluded passage ways.

There weren't anyone out in the yard, at least from what Jehan could hear, but even so, their slow precaution were more than merited and before long Anika lead Jehan to small crate to sit on top as she went to grab their aid-kit. Jehan breathed heavily, his body thankful to longer be standing or walking for that matter, but as he felt Anika brush her hand closer to his bandage again he quickly caught her hand with his own.

Jehan remembered what was in the kit, and he knew she was going to grab the bacta-patch even if it was really old. "-Bacta isn't going to help right now," Jehan explained, he knew little of how the magic healing substance worked but even he understood that it had limits.

While still holding onto her hand Jehan moved his head to have his cheek press against her palm. The room he was held in was cold, and dark and his anxiety flared as his mind allowed him no semblance of sleep even after the headmaster had finished. Anika's palm was warm and soft, the bread and cake they ate previously still lingered gently as a reminder of better times.

Gently he pulled Anika closer and patted with his free hand next to him for her sit, Jehan's smile replaced with an exhausted expression. Jehan lowered his head, and rested it on her lap "-I'm sorry for being selfish right now, but I really am sleepy." He attempted to add a more jovial tone to his voice but it still sounded meek to his own ears. The warmth he felt melted away the fears, the anxiety and Jehan released a sigh of relief as his body relaxed. "I'm sorry," He mumbled.

Moments longer Anika would eventually feel something wet on her legs, no doubt a hole from her pants allowed water to fall onto bare skin, but water from where exactly became the question. Tears, tears rolling down Jehan's cheeks despite his bandages absorbing some of it and even more surprising that he had any left from his previous ordeal. "-I didn't think they would get that angry with me, I didn't even think they would care at this point. . ." Jehan spoke, attempting to follow Anika's order of telling her everything.

"E-e-even when. . . e-even when I. . .I-I-I tried to be. . ." Jehan bit down to stop from himself as he curled himself up closer to Anika. His legs bending to his chest and his head now nuzzling into Anika's waist as he used his arms to steady himself for a moment. "Everything is going to be alright." Jehan mumbled weakly. His last ditch attempt to catch himself from falling any further deep, something to remind him what hero needed to say when things looked bad.

"Everything is going to be alright Anika, we can just leave and go elsewhere. . ." Jehan's tears did not stop though, the shield broke open and his tear stained cheeks soon found more tears rolling down.

A junkyard for all broken things.

[member="Anika"]

 

[Anika]

If something as rare and precious as bacta would not work…

The white haired girl took in a sharp inhale of air at his words, and all the rage and fear she had been shoring behind the twin pillars of expediency and sensibility crashed down upon her like a relentless torrent.

It was only her worry that she may further hurt Jehan that Anika allowed him to draw her close and allow him to place her palm against his warm cheek. She let out a slow exhale, her head bowing in acquiescence to his unspoken entreaty to stay by his side. His heavy breathing was a cause for concern, for the distance between the orphanage and the secret base was a ten minutes journey, and the dark haired boy has never been hard of breath all the times they have travelled back and forth.

Curling her fingers gently around his face for a moment longer, the young girl moved slowly to his side so she could carefully perch on the crate beside her companion. Her heart continued to feel like a void haunted by ice and shadows as Jehan spoke, his voice quiet and mild and sounding so unlike himself.

“You are not being selfish, Jehan…” While her own lilt was soft, it was filled with her resolute belief in the dark haired boy. “You are the most kindhearted and giving person I’ve ever met.” Her fingers threaded through his hair in a soothing manner, her teeth biting down on her bottom lip as she felt the warm trail of his tears tracing down her ivory skin. It was then that the ice of her heart began to swirl and alter, shifting and expanding into an inferno of unfathomable fury.

Even when she felt small and guilty as words continued pour out of Jehan in pauses and stutters.

Even when she felt helpless to know there was nothing she could do to ease his pain and soothe his sorrow.

Even with the terrible wrath burning behind her rib cage, Anika stayed by his side.

She should not have allowed him to go alone.

She should have looked for him immediately when she noticed he was missing.

She should have been there by his side then, and not now, when it was already too late.

But there was nothing regrets would solve, so the young girl merely swallowed the acid and bitterness she felt towards herself and continued to rub gentle circles on the back of his head even as Jehan buried his face into her belly. “Everything will be alright,” she echoed back, her words resolute and an oath both. Nothing was fine now, but it will be. And Anika will make sure of it.

“We shall leave this place and never return.”

She stayed, quiet and calm, waiting and waiting until the trembling body of her companion became limp and peaceful when sleep drew his tired form into its embrace. Then, with utmost care, the white haired girl loosened his grasp from around her and placed a bundle of rags beneath his head even as she straightened. As she shifted his body into a more comfortable position, a hand moving to his upper back so she could move in further up on the large crate, a flinch shuddered through his form.

It was with trepidation that Anika pulled the threadbare shirt up and peered up his back.

And the flames of reprisal consumed her.

Even when Jehan were to ask her later on, and even as hard as she tried to remember what happened, it was all in flashes and glimpses. Like looking through a holoreel, where the images told a story in sequence, enough to give them both of them a gist of what has happened, but the details in between were missing.

Anika remembered her shoes tearing as the nails of all her limbs grew sharp and hard, tearing through the already worn material. Then, it did not make any sense to her, but she was too angry, angrier than she has ever been in her fleeting life. She had ignored it for the singular goal in mind, to return to the orphanage and to confront the caretaker who did this to her companion.

To dare them to hurt her as they did him.

To hurt them as they did him.

She remembered as the scenery of rusting machineries changing into the familiar washed out building of the orphanage. Never home. Not then. Not ever. She remembered as her bare feet pattered and clicked along the cheap duracrete flooring and up the narrow stairs, the sharp nails of her hands gouging shallow lines into the walls as she had a newfound difficulty traversing upwards. She remembered smashing and nearly breaking the door of the caretaker’s office open, her vision clearer and sharper than anything she has ever possessed before today.

And she remembered relishing the realization dawning on his sallow features and the fear that has slowly risen with each step she took and each venomous accusation she spat at him. She could not quite remember when flames began to flow from between her lips and licked at her delicate features, only that she slowly became even more furious and filled with rage as the man denied his involvement and pleaded for clemency.

Where there were none given.

That was when a tearing sound filled the room, and the world grew smaller.

 

[Jehan]

Jehan woke up, eyes opened but only darkness filled his vision. The warmth had left him.

A chill grew down his spine as his hands lashed outwards desperately attempting to find her, to find Anika gone. Even as he attempted to roll himself from one side of the crate to the other, he still could not feel anyone around him. Slowly fear rose to his voice, now hoarse with heart ache as he called out for Anika.But nobody answer and Jehan rolled off his makeshift bed and landed with a soft thud on the cold ground.

She's here, I'm just dreaming. Jehan vehemently yelled at himself, inwardly he knew Anika wouldn’t just leave him here in there little place tucked away at the junkyard. Where all broken and useless things go, where all discarded things wind up collecting into a pile before finally being buried by layers of dirt.

What if it is because I'm like this she left?

The thought stung deep like a knife stabbing into his soul but Jehan clutched his chest and attempted to dig through to remove that infectious notion. The horrid thought of being left and forgotten by Anika, by someone he cherished from every waking hour, they laughed and played together. Always fighting and surviving together no matter what, even when Anika had a fever he stood by her side and always made sure to keep her company.

He remembered the he also gotten sick right afterwards, but Anika also stood by his side and made sure to keep him company as well.

Such idea of abandonment rattled through him, his body tensed and knees tucked close to his chest and his arms wrapped around his legs. Jehan slowly pieced back memories, the hammer of his despair viciously attempted to break apart his past of nothing filled with lies.

Tears rolled down his cheeks, Jehan continued to choke back his cries, but his head arched up to open his airway and breathe in deeply. The young boy felt as if drowning, his body unable to even move with the icy grip that currently held onto his body tightly.

“A-a-nika,” Jehan coughed out.

Warmth returned, arms wrapped around his body as he slowly felt himself being lifted up and back on the crate. Warm fingers pressed gently against his own arms as slowly his body peeled open and Jehan latched himself back to the familiar smell and figure of Anika.

Jehan continued to clutch onto Anika, tethered almost permanently to her as he continued to press himself closer. His hands brushed against something along Anika's back and his fingers traced along before he it slowly dawned on him that something was added to his friend.

"Wings? You have wings!" He spoke, Jehan chocked back more sobs as he offered a soft laugh and his body relaxed a tad more.

"Even though I can't see them, I know you make wings look beautiful." He declared, his memory of not long ago of when Jehan dreamed of having Anika join him on stage to perform.

"Like those Angels we read in our stories. . . No better than them, because you're here right now with me." Like the Owl. Jehan spoke with both relief and happiness. Even as he felt that his friend felt different, he couldn’t feel the clothes she wore instead something very hard and yet smooth to the touch. He thought they felt like scales, but figured Anika had went to wear something like armor for some reason.

It didn’t matter, Jehan stopped worrying about what Anika was wearing and simply held onto her with a grip that was not going to lessen anytime soon.

[member="Anika"]

 

[Anika]

The after was hazy.

She only remembered the all encompassing red of her fury and indignation.

And when it was over–

They will never dare, ever again.

–Only worry remained.

It was that feeling of needing to return that brought her back to their base, her equilibrium strange and her gait shambling when her bare feet met the ground once more. It was there that the creature once known as Anika caught sight of herself in a piece of discarded durasteel piece. Her heart has clenched in fear then, and the exclamation of surprise that left her lips were laced with an echo of something otherworldly.

She was an unwanted child, and her first memories were of her in an orphanage far far away. She never knew her parentage, nor has she cared after a few wistful years of having forlorn dreams and futile hopes of wanting two faceless adults to come by and claim her for their own. Was it why I was abandoned? Because I'm… whatever I've become?

Anika had wanted to run then. Because that was all she knew how to do whenever she wanted to cry, or when she was scared. But when she thought of Jehan, all alone and his vision… so weakened, she swallowed the bitter bile and sour terror that had caught her in its claws. She was not alone anymore. And she would never leave Jehan alone ever.

It was a vow she made to herself on the day they met.

It was a vow that whispered through her mind every day since.

With resolve coursing through her veins, Anika turned her serpentine eyes away from her creatureself and made her way back to her companion’s side. While she was frightened of rejection and disgust, her adoration for Jehan was stronger than the dread that continued to gnaw at the edge of her mind.

It was a sound that came first, weak and hoarse.

It was the scent that followed, a mélange of blood and salt.

And then, his feelings drifted across her senses, his hurt and anxieties etched in the air.

All her worries seemed so small, when her dearest companion was brought so low.

She rushed through the door, her new appendages hitting the small entryway in her need to comfort the other. She fell to her knees, her arms immediately closing around Jehan and pulling his frame close against her own. And when his own arms opened and returned her embrace, Anika forgot about her creatureform… until he spoke. The youngling stiffened for a moment when she felt his hands wandering over... them.

And then Jehan continued to speak, his voice so very weak, but his joy and delight was unmistakable. Especially when her new senses were keen and acute.

The girl relaxed, her shoulders slumping in reprieve as she continued to hold on to the other. Perhaps, she was not about to lose her dearest companion, after all. “And I will always stay by your side so long as you want me to…” she spoke softly, the sibilant quality that shaded her voice coming through clearly even now.

“If you are up for it, we ought to leave this town. But before you agree to anything, please hear me out…” Taking in a breath to bolster her faltering determination, Anika started her tale from the time she left his side.

 

[Jehan]

Neither moved from their makeshift bed over the large crate, pieces of blankets and other clothes were strewn across to act as a bed sheet. Perhaps fortunate enough, Jehan had left an older cape for a costume never finished but for him it was soft and large enough to share between Anika and himself. Of course even if the blanket was any smaller, Anika would make all attempts to squeeze herself to make sure both could share the blanket together.

Jehan wiggled, despite his best attempt to act normal, things were clearly not normal, one of Anika’s wings was something like a pillow for him while the other wing gently draped over the two of them. Both orphans laying on their sides and facing directly towards one another, Anika’s hand gently tightened around Jehan’s own hand while his other gently reached to press against her cheeks.

Fire, the burning sensation of anger and the need for retribution. Justice, justice was what Anika sought after and Jehan remained quiet as Anika continued on retelling her experiences and what had transpired. The transformation from a small orphaned girl to a larger reptilian monster, a monster Anika called herself, something not meant for this world and. . . Jehan gently tightened his hold on Anika’s hand, his lips trembled but his hands remained calm and steady.

Anika though was not finished, and even through his bandages he could feel her eyes, stern and judging but her own hand gently cupped his own cheek. Why did you keep your pain a secret from me? The question haunted Jehan to his core, the lack of trust? Did Jehan fear to show his broken self to her? Did he not trust her, believe in her, love her enough to share his pain and struggle?

Jehan couldn’t answer Anika’s response well, except “I didn’t want anyone to see me so damaged, to ruin the idea that I always face my problems straight ahead and not show them my back and allow it all.” Jehan attempted an answer for Anika.

“I didn’t want you to stop looking at me the way you always do, even when you think I’m not looking. . .” Jehan leaned his forehead closer to Anika’s own, a simple motion given their current intimate proximity between each other.

“Jehan, a moment of weakness here and there do not define the person you are…” The words only tightened Jehan’s chest, “I— I will never stop looking at you that way, because you are precious to me. Back then. Now. And far into the future.” Jehan couldn’t see, his eyes covered by the bandages but even so he lowered his head to avert a gaze no doubt Anika was giving him but a warm delicate hand lifted his back up by his chin.

The scars across his back, it all began to warm as something gently glided across it all, Anika’s tail was another thing Jehan hoped to become accustomed with as a form of embrace from her. Jehan breathed in deeply and exhaled softly, his mind further at ease and the stress of the day demanded his body to rest.

Jehan didn't know how long it took for him to find sleep, not long he figured, but he did notice himself tangled with Anika and his hands gently moved but to find no wings. Softly the sunlight warmed his face and Jehan struggled to move something to cover his face but found his arms constricted suddenly with Anika as he felt her tighten as if making sure nothing would take him away.

The future could hold anything, and for Jehan all he cared about was holding Anika for another moment longer. And another moment after that. . .

[member="Anika"]