The Onyx Prince

File 6

March - 19 - 1979

Heindenskee, Eldora.

After a long and brutal night, it was dawn again. Alex's eyes were torn from the kitchen window as he heard the front door open. It was a sound that could only mean bad news. 

Or could it?

"Pig?"

The damn bird was gone again. Where had it gone?

Alex felt uneasy, but at the same time, he was filled with hope. He quietly made his way to the main room. 

"Who's there?" he called out.

A familiar voice responded to him.

"Alexander. I'm home."

Chills ran down Alex's spine as he froze.

"M-Mr. Clark?"

The old man stumbled into the kitchen doorway. He was bruised, his clothes were ripped in some places and soaked in dry blood in others. Most alarming were his eyes- they glowed like the yellow eyes of a cat. They were wild eyes.

"What happened?" Alex asked nervously. "Are you...ok?"

"I killed them all."

Alex took a step back.

"All of them? What do you mean?"

Mr. Clark held out his hands.

"Please, don't be like that. I'm home and you're safe. It's a new day. We made it, Alexander. We really did."

Tears welled in Alex's eyes and he rushed over to the old man.

"You're back." he said, hugging him tightly. "I'm so sorry, I was worried I'd never see you again. I went looking for you, but then it started snowing and I had to turn back. I-"

Mr. Clark grabbed Alex and squeezed him as hard as he could.

"I know, hush. It'll be ok. Everything will be ok."

He grabbed Alex by his shoulders and held him back.

"I see that a lot has happened since I left."

Alex touched the scar across his face. It ran under his eyes and across the bridge of his nose. It was the scar the guardian had given him. Although it had already begun to fade, it was still clearly visible.

"Yeah. A lot."

Mr. Clark pulled Alex back into a hug.

"Do you remember the night I found you?" 

"Y-yes," Alex sniffed, "Like it was yesterday." 

"I knew you were special the moment I found you. The things that search for you...they will only get worse with time. I will not let them have you. When I took you in, I swore to protect you with my life. That is a promise."

"Thank you," Alex cried. "I wish I wasn't so weak." 

"Nonsense. You are a child. Children are weak, and their parents protect them from the harsh realities of the world." 

"B-but what are those things? Who was that bird man?" 

Mr. Clark arms tightened around Alex.

"That was...Shrike," he murmured. "He was a vile demon of Archeron. His only pleasure was in hurting others and crafting lies. If he had not already been weakened when he came knocking, I am afraid..." 

The old man pushed his hair back and sighed deeply.

"I think it's time you learned the truth. Are you ready?" 

"I am." 

"Good. I could not help but notice these."

He grabbed Alex's arms and inspected the pale bands around his wrist, and the bands around his neck.

"Do you know what these mean?" he asked sternly.

Alex shook his head.

"Maybe? I...I'm not sure."

Mr. Clark readjusted his glasses on his nose.

"Take a seat. I have a lot to tell you."

Alex sat down across from Mr. Clark, who reclined in his armchair by the fireplace.

"There is nothing more comforting than a fire," he said, and the fireplace roared to life. Alex's eyes widened, but Mr. Clark paid it no attention. He only stared at Alex with his wild yellow eyes. 

"There is something I must admit, and I hope you will not think less of me for keeping my secrets from you." 

"Everyone has secrets." 

Mr. Clark smiled.

"Ha, yes, everyone has secrets indeed. What do I even say? You do not know this, but we share a secret."

"We do?"

"Yes, but for a long time, I have bared the burden of both our secrets alone. Have you ever thought it was strange how I always dressed so well? Even in the summer, I wear pants, long sleeves and turtle necks. I am not just an old man, I had a very good reason to do so. You see..."