How to Fly with Broken Wings...

Chapter One

Loomis cowered feebly as blow after blow rained down on him, never a grunt escaping him. His father towered over him, kicking him in the ribs as he fell to the ground. All the small Umbreon had done to deserve this treatment was tell him that he would be leaving at midnight on his 18th birthday. His father scowled down at his pathetic display, suddenly gripping the collar of his shirt and pulling him up, their faces only inches apart. "You ungrateful little brat, after everything we've done for you? You were just going to take off without a word if I hadn't caught you packing, huh?"

Loomis squinted his eyes fearfully, his abuser's alcoholic breath hot on his face. No, he hadn't planned on telling his parents, especially not his father, for this particular reason. After his father had eventually given up 'persuading' him to stay, Loomis painfully gathered himself from the floor, glancing at the clock. Midnight. He shakily picked up his bag, making his way into the living room, where he glanced at his parent's sleeping forms on the couch, passed out from whatever drugs and alcohol they had done this time. The TV played softly as they slept, and everything looked almost peaceful. What a joke.

Loomis slipped out of the house, limping through the darkness of the night as he made his way to the train station...

Two Years Later...

Loomis caught sight of Lumiose City in the distance, the lights brightening the night sky, almost blindingly so, as he rode in on his motorcycle. He followed the signs to his new college, feeling anxious as he pulled into the dorm parking lot, the massive building looming before him. The Umbreon dismounted his bike, removing the straps that held his belongings in place before making his way inside.

Loomis pushed open the door to his new dorm room, taking in the sight of a sleek, blue Miraidon lounging on the bed. Kairo, his 20-year-old roommate, glanced up with a casual air, his electric scales shimmering in the light. His side of the room was stylishly arranged, showcasing an array of figurines and books on music. A mini fridge hummed quietly in the corner, stocked with snacks. Kairo shifted his gaze back to a glowing tablet, focused on whatever project had captured his attention.

Loomis looked around curiously, a neutral expression on his face. It was surprisingly... nice. He took a couple more steps inside, carrying a duffel bag and a guitar case.

Kairo looked up again as Loomis entered, noticing the guitar case. A smile formed on his face. "Hey, you're the new roommate, right?" He got up from the bed and approached Loomis, extending a hand in greeting. "I'm Kairo O'Connor, but you can call me Kai."

Loomis glanced at Kairo's hand cautiously but put his bag down to shake it gently. "Yeah, I'm Loomis... Loomis Mc'Cabre." He mumbled, glancing away to observe the room again.

Kairo gave Loomis' hand a gentle shake, noticing the shy demeanor. "Cool name, man. So, do you play that guitar?" He nodded towards the case in Loomis' hands, curious to know more about his roommate's musical inclinations.

Loomis stuck his hands into his pockets as if protecting them. "Yeah, I do..."

Kairo chuckled, sensing Loomis' discomfort. "Don't worry, I won't lay a finger on it, I'm more into drums." He paused for a moment, thinking. "So, are you majoring in music as well?"

Loomis's ears twitched slightly, but that was the only reaction Kairo got other than a small glance. "Uh... yeah... I am."

Kairo smirked, noticing the small reaction to the question. "Sweet, maybe we can practice together sometime. " He walked back over to his bed and sat down again, resuming his focus on the tablet.

Loomis started to unpack his things, setting up his guitar stand and pulling a small amplifier from the duffel bag before unzipping the guitar case and taking out a sleek, black electric guitar with invisible flames on it.