Wings Of Despair - Prologue

Chapter 3 - Graduation

Two years went by in a blink of an eye, as James organised the graduating classes into five respected lines. Yuto and Aki awaited in the midst of the second line, as they mindlessly chatted.

"Shit, it only feels like yesterday we just started school, now we're graduating!" Aki exaggerated, as she swung her arms around.

Yuto rolled his eyes playfully. "Good riddance. I can finally destroy those stupid monsters God created."

Yuto glanced towards the first line, as James assigned each soul their desired occupant. He observed how each person acquired uniquely-shaped, angelic wings and halo; he merely tutted to himself. He knew he wasn't going to get a pair of wings, they'd only get in the way when he battled the Negative Emotions. They'd be mere dead weight along his back.

For each person gifted with a new pair of wings, they were also given a work outfit suited for their occupation. They were definitely more appealing than their usual jumpsuits, as Yuto wondered what his outfit would be. As the first line shortened, Yuto's heart lodged in his throat, yet he was excited for his new life amongst Earth.

Yuto snickered as he noticed a small pattern with the Guardian occupants. "You know Aki, all the Guardians still have to wear that plain ass jumpsuit."

"So what? It's comfy. Plus, there's a unique touch on them!" Aki justified, as she churned her nose upward.

"What, like matching gloves and boots? And the top piece being a singlet instead of sleeves?" Yuto teased, as he quirked an eyebrow.

"Well, dickhead, what do you suppose your outfit will be? Cause I'm sure it'll be the exact opposite to what you want." Aki argued, as she crossed her arms with a smirk.

"I dunno, but I better get the most bad ass dress the world's ever seen."

"I don't think that's practical for a Warrior, Yuts."

"No, but I'll be damned if I go on the battle field looking ugly."

"You can wear a practical outfit and look pretty at the same time."

Yuto shrugged. "Maybe, but-"

"Alright Aki, are you ready?" James interrupted the pair; chuckling when Yuto flinched.

"Shit- Is it our turn already?!" Yuto's anxiety spiked, as the line they were in was already halved. He felt severely unprepared.

"Yes, now move." Aki playfully shoved Yuto aside. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

"Loving the confidence." James rose his hand, a glowing violet shimmered from it.

It sliced through the air as it spiralled around Aki's figure. Her jumpsuit changed like Yuto expected it to, as her sleeves disappeared in replacement for two straps on each shoulder. Her loose shorts were now cuffed with gold at the hems, as her blue belt now glimmered gold. She gained lime gloves and boots, as wings spurted from her back. The lean feathers almost reached the ground, but still seemed small in comparison to James'. A small, glowing gold halo hovered just above her ginger hair. Aki took a good look at herself, a stupid smile plastered on her face.

James summoned both a shoulder bag and a staff. He handed the items to Aki, as he told her what components were inside her bag and how they worked.

He then turned towards Yuto. "Alright Warrior, you ready for a life packed with adventure?"

Despite the nerves in the bile of his throat, Yuto spoke with confidence. "I'm prepared for whatever comes at me!"

James shared a sympathetic smile. God, I sure hope so.

James rose his palm, as the violet arose once again and twirled around Yuto. He was put into a light blue small-cuffed top, tucked into a loosely-fitted, black waist corset. A muddy green shawl wrapped around his shoulders, as the excess acted like a cape. Skin-tight, ocean blue short-shorts settled just after the corset, as fishnets raked his legs up to his lower thigh. The outfit was tied together with tall, bright red boots that reached his shin.

Aki scoffed. "And you said my outfit was bad."

"Don't care, I absolutely love it!" Yuto exclaimed, as he twirled on the spot.

He noticed violet still lingered around him, as he shot a puzzled glance towards James. Before he had the chance to blink, two petite wings spouted from his back, with a small golden halo upon his crown. Yuto was horrified, why the hell did he have wings?!

James answered his silent question. "It is mandatory for all Cupids to acquire wings as small as yours. Unless, you didn't expect to get them at all?"

Yuto stood agape. "C-Cupid?! No, you must have the wrong person. I can't be a Cupid, my job is a Warrior! These wings will only get in my way!"

"People can have more than one occupant, Yuto. Cupid is a general subject, which affects what job you get. Plus, wings are mandatory when you graduate. Have you not been listening at all throughout high school?"

The deafened silence answered James' question.

"So- So that means I'm..." Yuto stammered in disbelief, as he hushed his next sentence. "I'm a Warrior and a Cupid?"

James nodded. Aki keeled over, as she loudly cackled.

"Aki if you don't shut your bitch ass up, I will-!"

"Ladies please, I still have half the grade to graduate." James summoned a shoulder bag, a Lance, and a snake-crab hybrid for Yuto. "This Warrior job will come with bearing challenges, so Snab will be your companion. There's a credit card and tablet in your bag. The tablet will notify you of new Cupid and Warrior jobs, it also holds your bank account and details. You will get paid for each job you complete successfully, you can then use your money through that card to purchase food and necessities."

Yuto nodded, but couldn't help but feel the dread that pressured his lungs.

"I'll send you two on your merry way. If you have any questions, feel free to text me. Good luck!" James ended, as he moved on to the rest of the students in line.

Aki and Yuto made their way towards the drop-off zone. He glanced warily towards Earth.

"Well, no time than the present!" Aki announced, before she shoved Yuto off the edge of the cloud.

Yuto yelped, as he was left to plummet towards Earths atmosphere. Aki dived after him, as she soared tauntingly beside him.

"You asshole! I don't know how to fly!" Yuto's voice wavered.

"Sucks to be you. Should've listened in flight class." Aki shrugged.

"I didn't think I needed it!"

"That sounds like a you problem." Aki shrugged, as she started to fly away from him.

"Hey! Don't you dare leave me!"

"See ya on the other side! Don't forget to text me when you arrive!" Aki's voice vanished, as Yuto was left to his demise.

He uselessly flailed his wings, as the Earths surface got closer with every second that passed. His blood-curling screams fell upon deaf ears, as he decided to squeeze his eyes shut and accept his second demise. The air was knocked out of his lungs when he felt an instant impact on the left side of his body.