Vir Fortis vs Malificus (Beta Version)

Through Visors and Veils of Darkness

It was a first quarter moon, as if darkness had destroyed more than a half of it, leaving the visible silver part a sharp, broken shard. The few stars that were out burned coldly. I was dressed in my usual outfit, black from head to toe, except this time I had a hood pulled over my head. It was a chilled night, whispering of arctic glaciers and blue tundra seas. Arms crossed, I leaned against the apartment building, waiting for that girl Latrice to come out.

My senses peaked. A door was pushing open. Smoother and blacker than a panther's shadow, I sidled closer until I was right at Latrice's door. Not noticing me, she began to close it. I shot out one large hand and caught it mid-swing.

Latrice's head jerked up. She gasped, horror blanching her face. Letting go of the doorknob, she scrambled backwards. "Wh-who are you?! What are you doing?! I'll...I'll...!"

"Relax, if I wanted to kill you, you would be dead, and if I wanted to harm you, you would be unconscious. We need to talk."

"W-we don't n-ee-d to. You're a st-s-stranger! A creep!"

She's very scared, but she's ready to fight. That's good.

Ignoring her, I barged inside her little apartment room. I closed and locked the door behind us. I swept my gaze around, making a show to scrutinize her poor living quarters. Random objects lay disorganized on the floor. One picture hung crookedly. The sofa was covered with a fine layer of dust. It smelled rather rotten and musty. Cockroaches scurried along the edges of walls and floors and ceilings, little brown smears, and I swore I could hear mice squeaking in the walls. I kicked my way through the mess of leftover junk food, unused electronics, empty bags and suitcases, and ruffled, flattened, musty clothes. "Highly unimpressive."

Latrice growled. "This isn't my apartment room. The owner was moving out for an extended trip, but said I could stay here if I wanted, provided I don't touch anything or mess it up. So don't you make a mess in here or he'll blame me."

I swept a hand, knocking a pile of books and papers down from the sofa, and sat. The springs creaked under my weight. I raised an eyebrow. "It would be rude not to be offered anything to drink, but considering these circumstances, I will choose not to be offended."

"Like I said, it's not my home."

I threw my hood back, allowing my hair to be free. In this instant, Latrice's eyes widened, all the blood draining from her face. "You're... you're...!"

"Usko, yes," I answered gruffly. "I am not like my enemy Chaser: I will not waste your time with pretty words strung together or little impressive actions. I will cut straight to the chase: I want you to see the truth, Latrice. I know Chaser has been trying to 'help' you, but I can show you who you really are."

Latrice's lip curled. "Not this again. I'm sick of being pestered. Why don't you two get a life, one that preferably doesn't involve me? I'm not special!"