Mystic Resonance

He Said What?

There were almost ten more floors to get out of here. All I wanted was to go home, take these clothes off, and bury myself in my blankets until morning or until I'm old enough to die – whichever comes first. I can't take a break! This entire night was a disaster from the start! I was too hopeful. I was too optimistic for humans to accept me like my friends. I know not everyone's thrilled about mutants or yokai... I thought – or hoped – that they would give it a chance, especially since I go up top more often than I stay home. I guess everyone is not thrilled with the change. Maybe Draxum wasn't far off from the truth... 

I shook my head. What was I thinking? I get humans are afraid of mutants, but everyone is different. Everyone has their own opinions. If they like mutants, then I can accept that. Even though Merrill and I saved the day, I hate being viewed as the bad guy. Instead of praising us, the manager accused us of destroying his precious restaurant. He called me a freak. I just had to leave. 

The elevator ride felt uncomfortably long, especially when surrounded by whispers describing me. I know they're talking about me. I'm out of place—a weed in their perfect rose garden. Just keep looking down and don't speak. There were almost ten more floors to get out of here, I mentally repeated. All I wanted was to go home, take these clothes off, and bury myself in my blankets until morning or until I'm old enough to die – whichever comes first. 

'Leo!' I clutched my head. Please leave me alone, Merrill! I want to go home! 'Not until I see you! Call me a stubborn bastard; I don't give a shit! I want to make sure you're alright! Please stay in the lobby until I get there!' I clenched my jaw. I'm going home whether you're there or not. 'Leo... please...' 

I blocked out any more words. The elevator dinged for the lobby. I couldn't be happier to get off there. I pushed through the crowd and headed for the front door. When I arrived, my hand was already on the handle when a voice rang throughout the lobby. "Leo!" I glanced behind me to see Merrill catching his breath. I pushed the door open and ran into the pouring rain, which I didn't realize would rain tonight. 

It was the sky's way of saying rain on my parade. 

I kept running through the rain, pushing through people who already had their umbrellas out. My clothes clung to my body. Strands of hair stuck to my face. I stopped running in the middle of the night-rush crowd. I can't return home like this. Dad'll ask questions. He already hates Merrill. If he realized I was on a date with him, I'd be on house arrest for a year! Going home wasn't an option, and I wasn't keen on calling my friends. I didn't want to waste their hard work for nothing.

With no other option, I ran over to an alleyway, summoned my wings, and flew. I took off without caring if anyone saw me or not. I wanted to be somewhere where I could breathe... somewhere to settle my mind... 

I could fly above the clouds, all over New York, then head to Katie's place. Maybe I could ask if she doesn't mind me sleeping over. No, she'll know what's up the moment she sees me. 

I do know one place I could go to... 

I headed uptown throughout the dazzling city lights, so bright it'll burn your eyes out. My eyes locked on my target and flapped harder. I landed on the top of the Empire State Building. My back rested against the rod as my body slowly slid down. My wings wrapped around my body like a blanket while I hugged my knees. It helps shield me from the cool air of November. I'll stay here for a few hours and return to Katie's afterward. 

I just wanted to be alone right now. 

I felt a shift beside me. I lifted my left wing to glimpse Merrill looking over the city. He was near, but there was a small space between us. His back rested against the rod; one leg was raised and bent, with an arm resting on the kneecap. He didn't look my way or say anything when he sat down. He just... stared.