BLACK MOONRISE ✶ the umbrella academy

⠀⠀⠀003⠀Funeral For A Monster

Think my brain is rotting in places. I think my heart is ready to die. I think my body is falling in pieces. I think my blood is passing me by.

— Brand New City, Mitski

━━━━━━ April 15, 2002

SHADOWS SLITHERED THROUGH the art gallery halls, which would later host an auction for priceless works by classic artists such as van Gogh, Klimt, Lichtenstein, and many more. For now, the building was held secure by a multitude of guards outside, cameras, and motion-detecting lasers. However, Quanah Atwater was able to gain entry with ease.

⠀⠀⠀At the age of thirteen, Quanah had stolen ancient artifacts and perfectly cut jewels for her father to sell on the black market. The pair's thievery was an enigma to the police, and their attempts to steal were never thwarted despite the increase in security. Quanah could literally melt into the shadows. The room would have to be lit entirely so that no shadow could be produced in order to capture her. And even then, she'd find a way to escape once she was moved.

⠀⠀⠀As Quanah entered the locked room, her nebulous form stopped in front of the paintings. They were wrapped in cloth and leaned against the wall, as they'd be displayed soon. As she materialized, the tricky part would begin. Quanah had mastered the ability to move through shadows on her own, but carrying objects with her was more complicated. Small things like jewels could easily be placed in her pocket, and she'd hardly notice. But the paintings were quite a bit bigger, and it was her first time attempting to haul such a large amount. She only needed to grab a couple, and they'd be set for life. Her father had assured her as such. She would never be forced to steal again.