The Black Wings

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

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It is a word that no parent would utter to a child. They wanted to wait till they were older and can handle its grip with their innocence still in tact.

The funny thing about this word is that you never know when it will strike, so why bother hiding it.

When I experienced it for the first time in my life, all I felt really was that feeling of emptiness.

Sure the sadness came but that feeling of emptiness is what slammed me against the brick wall. It gripped me and refused to let me go.

I was lonely, I hated the world and entrapped myself in the feeling of the darkness.

But a light was shown and a hand grabbed me from the void and helped me faked it till I could truly feel happiness again.

His name was Wy but that word has just taken him.

The feeling is indescribable.

It's night now, the stars are peeking out and all around the black wings are celebrating the red wings retreating and the unifier's awakening.

They have every right to be cheering, we understand it should be a joyous occasion when the oracle passes, but not when you knew him as we did.

I managed to pull Junior away from the crowds and slip away to the safety of the spring.

I've expected Junior to be in his usual crying heap of a mess self in a situation like this. Surprisingly, he's been in an emotionless state with seemingly a look of acceptance painted on his face.

Junior stands and watches the calm surface of the pond and I put a hand on his shoulder. He's eyes trace down to mine and I pull out a bottle of whiskey I managed to swipe.

To be fair, it was for Hern.

He shakes his head, declining politely at my offer. I shrug my shoulders and unscrew the cap, taking a large swing.

"I know it's probably the dumbest thing to ask but, how are you feeling?" I ask him after taking a drink with my throat burning.

He doesn't answer for awhile. His eyes ponder the stars above.

"The feeling I have is something I cannot describe myself. I feel so different, so serious. I no longer find myself afraid." Junior's words echo over the waterfall.

"It must be from awakening. You're ready to face your fate. I'm so proud of you." I tell him while pulling him in for a hug.

"I hate it." He mutters too quickly.

I let go of him him and raise an eyebrow. "You hate it?" I repeat his words, puzzled.

Junior shakes his head and casts his head down. "I feel robotic like I can't feel a thing. I can't grieve I can't be happy, it's like I'm stuck I'm this serious demeanor with only the thought of fulfilling my destiny imbedded inside me."

"Awakening is so sudden, I'm sure you'll get used to it." I attempt to reassure him.

He throws away my notion. "Sure get used to it and then what? Never cry tears again, never yell in anger again, never crack a smile until this is all over? What if I don't change back after this all said and done?"

"Junior just because your emotions are all monotone doesn't mean the old you is dead and gone. If it was, you wouldn't have just given that speech."

He opens his mouth to object me but stops. "That is true."

"And you can grieve. You must feel it I mean you two obviously became close over this whole journey."

Junior stays silent. I know I shouldn't push him too far by talking about Wy but he's only human.