Somewhere in Santa Monica
The boardwalk creaked like it wanted to snap under every step. Smelled like burned sugar and seagull piss. Somewhere behind us, a teacher was trying to wrangle three students away from a churro cart like they were feral cats. I didn't envy them. I didn't envy anyone. That required emotions.
You still have some. I can help you get rid of them.
Xenovia: (smiles, looking out at the ocean) The water's... calmer than I expected.
Y/N: Looks calm until it pulls you under and you wash up in a fishing net in Tijuana.
Irina: (grinning, snapping a picture of a pelican) Why are you always this dramatic, Y/N?
Y/N: I'm only dramatic when surrounded by potential victims of poor life choices.
Asia: I-Is it safe here?
Y/N: Define safe.
She blinked.
Y/N: You'll be fine. The only real threat around here are drugged maniacs with guns. Lucky you the cops have more guns.
The cops are the maniacs with guns, darling.
Asia: (smiles nervously) That's... reassuring?
Y/N: I'll protect you if need be, so relax.
We passed a guy that was selling sunglasses from a cart. Irina was eyeing a pair with rhinestones shaped butterflies. I subtly shook my head at her. She pouted. She bought them anyway.
Issa: Hey. You ever ride that thing?
She pointed at the rickety rollercoaster.
Y/N: No. Never liked those things. Too much screaming. And it's not the good kind.
You'd love it if it derailed, though. Don't lie. You'd grin all the way down.
Asia: (softly) I like this place.
Y/N: You would. It's loud, colorful, and full of people trying to sell you stuff. You're exactly the kind of person they make postcards for.
Issa: You ever get tired of being this deadpan, or is that just your face?
How rude. It looks like I'm the only one who likes your face.
Y/N: I don't even know what deadpan means.
Issa: I'm surprised you don't. You always use fancy words.
Y/N: You'd be surprised how many times I had to change the way I speak.
We kept moving. The class was in clusters. Some students arguing over street tacos, others throwing quarters at a mechanical fortune seller. The teachers have given up somewhere around Venice beach. One of them looked like she was seriously considering retirement.
Xenovia: (eying the street performers ahead) You think any of them are possessed?
Y/N: No. They're just annoying.
YOU ARE READING
Madness: DxD
FantasíaWe are taught that strength is what keeps us alive. So he became strong. Strong enough to endure the battlefield. Strong enough to command men into hell and lead them back out. Strong enough to win a war that should have destroyed him. They called h...
