A Demon's History: Lotus Thorns

Chapter Four: A Sinking Ship

          It was no surprise Lleon noticed the little things in Anahera. Like how she puffed out her cheeks when she was angry, how she enjoyed science and nature, how she talked too much, and how she fiddled with her fingers when she lied. Who is to say she didn't notice the little things in him too? When he finally did tell his family about his friend, his father always tried to put the idea in his head that she only wanted him for her wings. He knew it wasn't true though. It could not have been.

          On this day, however, she did not show up. This was fine. He decided to read by himself for the day. The next day was the same, so he played by himself and lay on the grass. When he returned the day after, he sat against the tree. He did not expect her anymore. It was about time he drove her away. He sighed and began to get up, but then he heard small feet thudding against the ground. It was Anahera who finally came back. She looked different. She had six beautiful white feathered wings.

"I apologize for being late." She breathed out. She was out of breath from running. "I received my wings not long ago."

She kneeled beside him.

"Received them?" Lleon questioned. It made sense that her guards had them while she did not. "Why are there six of them?"

"I am a Seraphim."

"Ah."

"Did you bring any festivities?"

"No." He shook his head, a bit embarrassed.

"That is okay." She sat down and laid her head on his shoulder as she always did. It was awkward since their wings were fighting for space.

"An?" He spoke after some silence between them.

"Oui?"

"How do you get your wings?"

"Well," She started in English but began speaking in her native tongue. "We have to please the Higher Power by doing good deeds."

"I see." Lleon nodded, laying back. They fell into a comfortable silence again. He took this opportunity to shakily place his hand in hers. She hummed contently and squeezed his hand. They sat there with their hands interlocked and watched the sunset.

As it became later, Anahera began to get up. Lleon didn't want to let her go, but he did. If only he could keep her there longer.

"Anahera?"

"Yes?" She stopped and turned to look at him.

"Before you leave, I would like to know how you got them. Your wings, I mean."

"I became friends with you."

Oh. A truth too difficult to accept. He didn't want to believe it.

"So, was I just a charity case for you?" Lleon asked, fighting back tears. "You saw a lonely child and thought he would be the perfect target, right?!"

"No, no, Victoir. I misspoke." She opened her mouth to explain, but he didn't want to hear it.

"Enjoy your stupid wings!"

He trudged off before spreading his wings and flying back home. Lleon wiped the tears from his face aggressively, which annoyed him because they were blurring his vision.

          He barreled into his mother's room when he returned. She was sewing but immediately stopped when he kneeled on the ground and cried into her lap. She picked him up, never minding the stains his tears created.

"What's the matter, my star?" she asked, running her fingers through his hair.

"Father was right!" He sobbed. "She only used me for her wings, mama."