Legacy of a Star Child

Chapter 82: Night at the Big Apple Pt.2 - The Shadow that Protects Children

Daddy? Is she coming soon?

Should be pumpkin, I'm sorry. Daddy knows ya been waitin' ta meet her.

-Barrett and Marlene were standing on the corner of West 32nd Street, waiting for Raijin to arrive. The pair had been standing with Kyeshu, the stranger Kira and Genesis had been with at the house before the groups had gone out to explore. The burly gunman would occasionally look back at the odd looking stranger, eyes narrowed as the big man kept the child protectively at his side.-

So, you some kinda wizard or sumthin'? Ya dress kooky enough to be one.

-There was a low snort from the man standing beside the father and daughter, but aside from that they didn't seem to respond much to his jest. Marlene looked up shyly at the man, tilting her head some.-

I dunno, he looks more like a mage to me daddy. Didn't Aerith say there was a difference?

That's true baby girl, so, since you ain't gonna answer me, tell the little girl at least will ya tough guy?

-Smirked Barrett, as he decided to poke a bit more fun at the man. Who was he anyways? Someone close with Raijin? There'd be no other reason to have him paired up with them on a tour right? The man rolled his eyes as he knelt down at the tiny girls side, his expression remaining rather unreadable. His voice was rather soft spoken, but clearly he had an accent. Actually... huh, his accent was very similar to all the New Yorkers walking around, and a very homicidal plush toy commonly toted around by Kira.-

We can't talk about magic here right now, alright kiddo? But, I guess I'll answer ya innocent little question.

-He finally seemed to have a change in expression, winking with a dastardly grin that could rival the devil.-

I participate in magic of the dark kind, ya dig? Spooky things that would make ya skin crawl. We don't wanna be seeing anything around here like that today, we're supposed to be havin' fun, right?

-Marlene blinked slightly, surprised at the mans honesty. She smiled before nodding her head with a giggle.-

Yeah. Only fun stuff today. Do you live here mister? You have a funny voice like all the other people.

-The olive-black-white haired man only seemed to chuckle and slowly rise.-

I did once. Its been a while but-

-The man was cut off by someone shoving past him on the street and nearly knocking him over. He stumbled before catching his footing, deciding to shove back at the rather rude street goer as he continued by.-

HEY! I'M FUCKIN' STANDIN' HEA!

SO WHAT! AND I'M FUCKIN' WALKIN' HEA! Learn not to stand in the damn way dumb ass!

-The streak haired one growled before seeming to get a malice laced smirk, his hand rose and with a wave of it, it seemed to change composition at the base of his elbow, having become almost shadowy and ghostly! He cackled as he then got back down on one knee, and the shadowy arm thrusted into the ground. Barret and Marlene blinked in surprise as down the road where the rude traveler was walking, the hand of there companion appeared out of the cement and grabbed the mans ankle! He shrieked to high heavens and was promptly tripped by the hand latched to his leg. He quickly ripped his leg away and staggered to his feet, bolting down the road yelling in horror of haunted gutter monsters coming to assault him. The dark magic user laughed hysterically as his hand slowly came from within the stone, transitioning back to a normal flesh arm and hand once more. He winked up at Barrett and Marlene as he rose, yawning with a snarky grin as he stretched. Barrett grunted, before raising a brow.-

Betta not be any funny business like that with us pal.

Mmn, no promises, your just lucky your daughters adorable and that I don't like scaring kids. City is a dangerous place, I'm sure you know to keep your eyes on the little one ey? Lotta crime and not so nice people here. Marlene, that's your name, right? You make sure you keep close to Daddy.