Diverging paths

Losing A Portion Of Trust

5/2/2043

The skinny plastic, of a clock's hands, ticked and ticked moving slowly, carefully.

"It.....Is.....Time!" The beast uttered, in its monotonous tone.

Standing firmly, Wing moved to the door, opening it, allowing the outside light to seep into the pitiful darkness inside their room.

They just watched a table, in the corner, shrouded in light.

Sat at it were three.

They were simply talking and smiling intently.

"Hello Carlos." Headzo greeted, having seen Wing approaching.

"We need to go." Wing urged.

"Why?" Headzo queried.

"Almost exactly two days ago, I met with an old 'friend' of mine. I asked for a favour amd we're due to meet up with him in twenty minutes." Wing explained, whilst gesturing to the door.

Headzo remained seated, refusing to move without further explanation.

"Why didn't you tell us two days ago, before you left?" Headzo was losing trust.

They buried their head in their hands.

They went silent from irritation.

"Because when I say 'friend' I mean a gang leader that I've pissed off one too many times." Wing uttered through gritted teeth.

"So why is he helping you?" Headzo pressed on.

Wing took a deep breathe and calmed themselves.

"Because he's afraid of what I'll do to him if he doesn't!" They blurted out.

Headzo stood up, unhappy, but understanding.

"Let's go then, best not keep him waiting." Headzo instructed.

Everything about it felt wrong to Headzo but the desire for information was overpowering.

"Before we leave, you will need a disguise of some kind, i don't want him to have any opportunity to track you down." Wing explained.

"Seems unnecessary, we're already dead what's the worst he can do?" Headzo mocked, confidence etched into his mind.

"Tear this place out, whilst burning the little part of your old life you still have left." Wing replied, fearing for Headzo. "Oh and that smug confidence doesn't work out there. They are the streets, were alleys become crime scenes, it doesn't matter how strong and powerful you are. People will always find a way to hurt you. Keep your head down let me do the talking. All you do is listen."

The unexpected seriousness brought a pit deep into Headzo's stomach, realising how scarred his friend truly is.

Wingzo began rummaging through old boxes, before pulling out vintage mascot masks, one for each of them.

The faces were of the three of them, creating a bitter irony that their own image was being hidden by the visage of the very animatronics they inhabit.

They all placed the covers over their features, tieing the straps tightly, to ensure they were completely concealed.

"Alright, we have ten minutes can we please leave?" Wing prompted, impatiently.

They led the way, with haste.

After walking intently for nine minutes they approached the poorly lit passage way, they had visited only two days before.

With one minute left, until the meeting was due, Wing lent against the reddish-brown walls of a simple building, whose purpose remains unknown.

They sat and remained there, watching Headzo stand awkwardly on the pebbled path clearly feeling uncomfortable waiting in the rundown place.

"What's wrong?" Wing queried.

"Are you sure we're safe here, this area is a bit eerie?" Headzo's worry took control.

"Of course we are, I use to wander down these streets and ginnels alone when I was alive." Wing cooed.

This gave Headzo very little comfort amd instead made him wish it would be over.

Upon hitting the time of meeting, footsteps could be heard, smacking the freshly soaked ground as the gang leader arrived with two muscular people beside him.

"Hello again." Wing greeted.

"Have you got what I desire?" They gave the question despite already knowing the answer.

"I have the information." He stated.

"Then you can tell your guards to wait other there." They gestured to the otherside of the passage way. "You will not be harmed, if you have what we require."

The leader sent his protection away, knowing they wouldn't have been much help anyways.

"You will answer any questions my friend asks you." They demanded.

Headzo glanced at Wing shortly, seeing the bottom of their long, patterned blazer swaying in the breeze as they talked.

The movement, when combined with the orange of the skirt, echoed the appearance of fire but it was clearly juxtaposed by the ocean like blue that painted their chest.

Suddenly, he turned his attention back to frightened man.

"Where does he live?" Headzo asked their first thought, wasting no time in seeking answers.

"I don't know." The man replied.

These words made Wing begin to move closer to the man whilst
Headzo just appeared confused.

"I thought you had the information we seek?" His lack of understanding was clear.

"I know where you can find someone who does." He defended.

Wing remained visibly irritated.

"Stop fucking around and tell us where to find them!" They were clearly losing patience.

The use of this language made Headzo's face distort with disgust.

"My men found proof of him talking with a friend of his." The leader replied.

"What is their name?" Headzo spoke calmly.

"Cassidy Turner." The man gave a simple answer.

"And where do we find him?" Headzo needed more.

"64 liner road." He responded.

"We thank you for your help." Headzo gave a kind smile before leaving quickly.

The rapid exit left Wing alone with the leader.

"Kill....Him....Now!" A shadow screamed.

Wing watched the beast analyse the man, like a predator stalking its prey.

"Remember that you can never hide from me." Wing continued. "Remember that if we are to meet again under negative circumstances, I will kill you, and I assure you, I will enjoy it!" They warned.

They then took off.

Their wings carving through the air as they did.