Until We Fly: The Guardian Legacy

Chapter 16: Dark Side

"James? James?"

I woke up to Köleil whispering and tugging on my arm.

"Hm? What's up?"

"There's someone at the door..."

With almost perfect timing, I heard knocking at the door and groaned tiredly as I forced myself up.

Hair a mess and eyes still waking up, I pulled the door open.

Static stood there, arms behind her back.
Her eyes widened a little as she looked at me.

"You're...shirtless?"

"...I was sleeping..."

"Oh, sorry..."

She looked away awkwardly.

"...so, what's up?"
I asked, rubbing my face.

"Oh, right, right, um...since you're awake...now...does that mean you'll be going downstairs soon?"

"I guess. Why?"

"...no reason..."
She mumbled, rocking on her heels.

"...soooo...why don't you head on down...and I'll meet you in about ten minutes?"

"No! No, I'll just...I'll just wait for you..."

"What, why?"

"Just...just cuz..."
Blushing a little, she looked down at the floor.

After a few seconds, I sighed and stepped back, opening the door all the way
"Come on in, you weirdo."

"...thanks..."

Static stood awkwardly by the door while I scrambled for a shirt.
Köleil climbed out of bed and smiled at her.

"Hello!"

"...hi..."

Köleil began to step towards her.
"My name is Köleil. What is-"

"No! No, don't come too close!"
Static panicked, holding her arms out.

"W-what? Why not?"

"Just...please..."
She panted, lowering her arms and staring intensely into Köleil's eyes.
Confused and concerned, Köleil stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed.

"She won't bite, you know."
I laughed, passing Köleil her hairbrush.

"Yeah...I know..."

I was too tired to ask questions.
Static just wasn't really used to being around Guardians, I guess.
And she'd seemed edgy already this morning.

Köleil headed for a shower and I stepped into the elevator with Static.
She looked...nervous? Arms wrapped around herself and keeping her eyes down.
I decided it'd be best to break the silence.

"So, Nim gave you some pajamas then?"

"Hm? Oh...yeah..."

Static looked pretty cute in the childish bedwear. Soft trousers and a button-up shirt, both dark blue with small half-moons printed all over.
It suited her.

"Did you sleep well?"

"...yeah..."

"...is something wrong?"

"N-no..."

I raised an eyebrow as I turned to face her.
"Come on. Really now, what's up?"