FALTER

CHAPTER 2: The man in the mask.

"Do NOT tell her about this, I swear you're gonna put my life in jeopardy." 

The rain had stopped now, and anyone looking out their windows would surely be astounded by the sight of a teenage girl walking next to a hulking, and frankly terrifying, being. They were now making their way through a more populated area of YC, where the quaint and quiet environments surrounding the Falter Mission were replaced by a robust, glowing nightlife. People here were awake as if they'd never even heard the concept of sleep, and the colourful variety of outfits from all walks of life meant Falter's armour didn't attract as much attention as one would expect. The sight, sounds and smells all combined to make the beautiful symphony of city life that Falter loved. This is what life was supposed to be: being invisible in the most visible city in the world. Unfortunately, it was a feeling he'd have to give up soon.

"Well, why did you bring me along, then?" All the tiredness was gone from Rachel as she bit back. Her eyes were shining at the slip she held in her shakey hands. Falter frowned under the helmet. He felt terrible for bringing her along, and every adult brain cell in his head was rightfully scolding him. Somehow, all of them had Marci's voice.

"I wasn't expecting you to be a fan."

Rachel finally tore her eyes off the ticket to give Falter an incredulous look.

"Are you serious? Who isn't a fan? Half my friends at school go crazy over the guitarist."

Falter felt a little ember of pride. "What about the other half?"

"Their parents don't allow music in the house."

Sounds familiar, Falter grumbled silently. He motioned his head to the right, but Rachel was once again too busy admiring her prize to notice. A snap of his fingers got her to trot along behind him inside an alleyway much darker than the street they'd just left behind.

 "He's not that great, to be honest."

"You've met him? You met THE Imti?" Rachel sped up to position herself right beside him. Her eyes were now expectantly pointed at his helmet.

"You think I bought the ticket? 'Course I met him. Guy owes me a favour." Falter didn't even have to look to confirm the glowing expression on the young girl's face.

"That's crazy! I would've totally asked for his autograph.... maybe even a selfie. I have a poster of them, you know?" Rachel continued jabbering on about his band, The Frontline, leaving Falter to ruminate for the last few metres from their destination. He found himself thinking about his split second decision to bring her along to the concert. Tonight was not the time to be off in his own head, worried about someone else's safety. He should have prioritized the show and yet, he couldn't blame himself for giving her the ticket. It's what he would've wanted if he had the same night she did.

That's messed up, another voice in his remarked slyly.

He didn't much like hearing from that one considering when the last time he had heard it in real life was.