The Girl of Shadows [COMPLETE]

Prologue - Little Shadow

November 2196, Cedric's POV

The rain began pouring down around my moving body one night. My head was low, my eyes barely open. I was tired of the rain. But it's Chicago, nothing particularly new.

I had to get home to my wife and kids, no time to waste. The more we can train, the more prepared they'll be. I don't know if I'll have the energy though.

I raised my head towards the ever long night sky. It was so dark but so tranquil. A minute I felt at peace for the longest time. Then I'd watch the raindrops collapse off of my umbrella.

The temperature was cold, but not too cold, though it was enough to make me shiver a bit. The relaxing sound of sprinkling rain increased my ability to foresee, very helpful in times like this. I didn't know who could come up behind me and have a repeat of the past. I shook at that thought.

The disease I was diagnosed with as a young child, Sporadic Youthful Neurological Disease (SYND), caused my parents to disown me. I was raised on my own, in and out of homeless shelters, lurking for a sign of peace. I had no luck for eighteen years, until the day I met the love of my life.

I spent so many minutes thinking that I could barely notice a child, a girl about six years old, nagging at my very damp pant leg. She had a frantic look on her face, almost worrisome and pleading. I bent down on my legs, as I would with the children I currently have, and look her directly in her teary-eyed expression.

"How am I able to assist you, young lady?" I asked, softer in tone than normal. She shivered at my words. That concerned me a bit, if you will.

"My- my mommy. And daddy. They...don't love me anymore." She stuttered. Just hearing that got my angry.

"Because I'm special." She added. The girl broke down after saying that.

Oh, I see what's going on here.

She has SYND. Just like I do. And my kids.

"Help me." She choked. I nodded and took her by the hand.

"Where are they?" I questioned. She took some steps forward and speed-walked. I followed, plotting what I was going to do with them. I must say it's not going to be pretty, nor along the lines of a kind gesture.

I was led to a run down apartment across the city. It was near the metro station and had mold on the inner lining of the walls. I was internally disgusted how they could possibly raise a child in such horrible conditions, but then I realized their income must be compacted.

"They're in there." She pointed. I averted my attention to the door that she inched away from. She was scared of them. What on earth did they do to her?

All things aside, I took her hand. She seemed less mortified when I did so. At that moment I had a vision, a premonition of the girl. She was happy - happier - than she'd been and was at the table inside of my home. Then I regained my vision.

"What was that?" She tilted her head. I chuckled.

"It was my power. Like the one you have, but different."

"Oh."

"I want to go home."

"You are home, aren't you?" I turned around towards the door.

"No. They hurt me. I don't consider that home."

My heart sank. They abused her, I can tell now. The bruises spotted on her arms. All of it made sense.

Then I knew what I had to do.

Take her in as mine. Legally adopt her. Change her surname. All of that I had done for the children I have now. 

She is going to be the best the world's ever seen. And it was my job to make that happen.

Take care of her, give her a loving and supportive family.

In the meantime I need to take care of somebody else, too.

Her parents.