Won't You Come Play?

The Lightning Man

Hello there, I hope you all are doing well!

Sorry this chapter isn't longer, it just felt like it ended on its own. It just kinda felt right I guess.

Anyway, if anyone has any constructive criticism, questions, or theories, let me know!

I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Have a lovely read and an even better day!

------

The group had set out long before the sun had risen, due to the urges of Ritchie and Alumos. Viper was aware they probably did it to help get him away from Francesca, but as much as he didn't want to admit it, he was grateful.

It was difficult to navigate in the dark though, with his already impaired vision. Even so, while he couldn't make out anything more than a few feet ahead of him, he could hear the others walking ahead. Listening had always been something he was good at. When he was young, one of his favorite pastimes had been listening to the birds...

The gravelly path was certainly helpful in the dark, it also made for a slippery surface for someone who couldn't see. Multiple times he felt strong arms grasp his own when he almost fell. Despite Viper's assurances that he was okay, Alumos was always looking out for him, especially now... much to Viper's annoyance.

On top of Alumos's steadying arms, as the sky lightened, and the darkness faded away, Viper couldn't help but notice the man's eyes watching him intently.

Alumos wouldn't let up, continuously keeping an eye on him no matter what Viper did to try and stop him... He knew it was because Alumos wanted to talk, but Viper really wasn't in the mood.

Originally, he hadn't thought of Alumos as the protective type, but he was proven thoroughly incorrect in his previous judgments.

It showed through every action he took. The way he caught Viper when he was falling. How he made sure Viper had eaten at least three meals a day. Even how Alumos made sure he wasn't overworking himself during training...

The man was overbearing, but in a sort of way that told you he wanted to ensure you were safe.

When they had met all that time ago, Viper had told himself he wouldn't get attached. It was dangerous to feel emotional connections with others... but Alumos made him feel safe in a way no one had in his entire life. He was sort of like the father figure Viper never had.

He tried to distract himself from these thoughts by looking at the nature around him.

It was absolutely incredible now that he could see. Tall trees lined the path, stretching as far as the eye could see. Or at least, as far as Viper's could. Cold air caressed his face, making him shiver a little. Patches of moss and foliage covered the ground like a blanket on a cold winter night. Viper couldn't stop staring, his mouth starting to part into a small smile. He even started to notice how small dewdrops clung to the grass like it was their lifeline, before finally dripping off and splashing the ground.

"Viper... May I have a word with you," Alumos asked, his footsteps so quiet Viper hadn't heard him coming.

Viper's jaw clenched, and his eyebrows furrowed. He really hoped this wasn't leading where he thought it was going to.

"What about?" Viper responded his words icy and clipped.

He wasn't about to go gushing more of his emotions to people. Last night was a moment of weakness, a pathetic one, where he let himself become too comfortable.

Maybe if he could show disinterest and maybe even a little bit of anger, it would be enough to send Alumos away.

"I'm just... worried about you my dear. You shared a lot yesterday, and I wanted to make sure you are okay." Alumos said softly so no one else would hear.

Viper gritted his teeth, apparently, Alumos wasn't getting the hint. He tried standing up taller, and putting back his shoulders in an attempt to seem unbothered and strong. It probably had the opposite effect, but it was better that sinking in on himself and shying away.

"I'm fine Alumos. I just had too much to drink yesterday." Viper muttered, edging away from Alumos as the man drew closer.

"You barely drank anything, dear boy, I know your no lightweight," Alumos said, letting Viper edge further away without protest.

Sighing internally, Viper resigned himself to having this talk. It wasn't like he could get all angry at the man, because not only would that make a scene, but Alumos also didn't deserve it.

Uhg, Kay's influence was really getting to him, and Viper couldn't decide if that was a good or bad thing.

"Besides Viper, that's not really what I was talking about. You shared some stuff about... Francesca and I-"

"Shut up... Please just shut up." Viper whispered, closing his eyes and halting abruptly. It was mortifying, to have to stoop so low, but Viper couldn't bring himself to talk about it.

"Hey," Ritchie said, drifting back from the rest of the group to talk to Alumos and Viper.

GAH, WHAT WAS HE DOING HERE?!

This ******* ****!

Viper clenched his fists in anger, and scowled harshly at Ritchie, all while he continued to try and edge away from the group.

"You guys good?"

RAGGHH!

HE OPENS UP ONE TIME AND SUDDENLY EVERYONE CARES AND THINKS HE'S THERE FREIND!

HE WAS A BAD GUY. A KILLER, AND THEY WANTED TO BE HIS FRIEND?

HOW COULD ONE LITTLE STORY CHANGE THEIR MINDS?

They must have noticed the frustration on his face, because the two backed up a bit, giving him some space. Unfortunately, they didn't actually go away, instead choosing to continue talking to him.

"So Viper, I was thinking." Ritchie said, turning to face him as they walked.

"WOW, I didn't know you had it in you." Viper spat out, his anger starting to seep into his words.

"I was thinking about what you said, and I couldn't get this question out of my mind. When you were sentenced to death, how did you escape? How did you end up in Atlantide?" Ritchie asked.

Ah... that was it. He didn't care, he just wanted answers to sate his curiosity. Guess people never really changed after all...

Screaming... so much screaming...

Viper watched as the scary man burned down the village with his lightening, hoping and praying that he wouldn't be found...

People all over were shivering in terror, either hiding or burning in the rubble.

None were safe.

"Why are you doing this!?" A woman screamed as she cowered under the lightning man.

"I wanted to see if I could." He responded. No remorse, no sympathy, no emotion in his face or voice.

He was cold.

Like a void.

Nothing and no one could stop him.