Darker Than Black [Phan AU]

1.

Dan leapt over the small fence that blocked the alleyway. Heart vibrating throughout his body, his laboured breaths heavy and harsh. He slammed his back against the wall, hiding in the shadows. There was no escape now, so all he could do was hope for the best.

But they were near, they were oh so near to him. He could hear them, he could feel them. The dark, heavy feeling that felt like darkness that tainted his blood had returned. They were coming closer now. Did they know where he was? Scratches sounded as their claws scuttled across the pavement, louder and louder.

Dan held his breath, cursing his loud heart and lack of exercise. You would think, after all these years, he would be used to running away from these monsters? And that he would be used to these unannounced attacks that sprang upon him? But no, each one was as much of a surprise as the last.

The monsters were nearing the alley, greedily searching for their prey. The air was sweet, knowing they were closing in on what they desired.

Eyes screwed shut, Dan waited. If they were going to catch him, he never wanted to see what they looked like. A minute passed, maybe two, before a gnarly cry pierced his ears, sending him to his knees. An influx of wings beating whipped up a gust of wind. His hair danced, dust and dirt swirling amongst the air.

When the wind subsided and the cries stopped, the boy finally opened his eyes and stood up. His breathing was yet to ease, as well as his heart.

Stumbling out of the alley, he brushed himself and began the journey home. There was only an hour left of school, no point going now.

The house was silent as usual. The hallways dark, a note on the counter with some bullshit excuse as to why his mum wasn't home, loneliness playing by itself in the corner. A great foster mum she was.

Dan walked into his bedroom, a white room with limited furniture and a lack of a personality. The most decorative item was his phone that had lit up from a text message. Most likely the group chat.

He sighed and shoved his bag in the corner. Looking at the screen it was from - yep - the group chat. Knowing them, it was some argument about why Miss Bell was prettier than Mrs Denver and - no Mr Jackson doesn't count, you're the only gay guy talking in this chat Michael. They didn't know that Dan was bi, or anything really. Dan was just someone they tolerated, not really caring about any thing related to him.

Dan sighed. He missed an art class because of those stupid darklings. They never gave him any peace. It was amazing how he had managed to keep up with school work, considering he missed at least 3 lessons a week from the hunts.

Considering there was a test coming up for English, and Dan had missed a lesson earlier in the week, he realised he should revise.

Flicking on the radio, the news buzzed out the speakers. Another report on a kid missing. Everyone knew that they saw the monsters and everyone knew that's what had taken them.

Dan sighed, knowing that he nearly was in the same situation today. But who would tell the news? His mother wouldn't, she's never home and never cares what happens to him. His friends would be sad, maybe shed a tear or two, but their not close enough to remember him after a year or two.

Though, he was one of the few that had actually survived his life up until highschool. 60% made it to primary school, while only 20% made it to highschool. Only about 2% made it to adulthood.

He jabbed the radio, switching to a station that actually played music. He sighed once again and focused on his homework.

Slowly, the blood orange rays filtered through his windows. Neon lines trailed the floor and onto his paper. Half of his eyesight blinded, reading became near impossible.