Flight of Change

Chapter 2

     Kevin grazed his hand against the walls of his adored creation, his gloved fingers nipped the spaces in the wall that held more texture than others. Kevin had rebuilt this home and created most of its occupants, it took a great deal of magic out of him but he often fell to the melancholic song of loneliness. With this house, he'd never have to sit in silence, even if it was just a glamour it was worth it. He'd have eternity to spend here, in this home. Though keeping it up was the hardest bit, his top score was five years ten minutes, others his age could hardly manage a year or two. The home was a work of pure genius, in Kevin's eyes he was one of the greats.

Though his creation was adorned only in his mind; he was despised among the wizards. Although, they hadn't known him and nobody really did. Well, maybe one person did but he'd been out of the picture for far longer than Kevin would've liked. Kevin had a deep connection with said friend, he met him in an old orphanage he'd been placed in. physically speaking, he'd been a child back then. Kevin's species physically aged slowly, while the mental stages passed on at an appropriate pace. Although he'd been young he remembered Ricky as if it were just yesterday they'd pranced through these same halls.

He distinctly remembered their first conversation. "how'd they pass?" Kevin remembered asking, Ricky just stood back shaking his head, his hair was shoulder length and it had often got in his face. It was then, it covered the tears that had streaked his cheeks. Kevin felt embarrassed then, It was an insensitive question to ask. He found he was ashamed of it till this day, it came across the fence as he counted sheep in the night. A little behind a decade later he was still attached to that one question.

Kevin wrapped a wool scarf around his neck, "I apologize, let me show you around." He took hold of his wrist and guided him toward the home. "Okay," Ricky giggled, he'd been there for him every day after that. They even roomed together, even though the home was equipped with enough rooms to where they could each have two. Ricky insisted, and Kevin wouldn't pass up his offer for anything.

They spent hours just talking about their ambitions, Kevin really grew to love Ricky before he had to leave. Of course, every love story comes to its inevitable demise; Ricky was drafted to fight in their countries military, a militia that only allowed wizards to fight. Kevin waved goodbye through their window. But now the bedroom had just been Kevins.

That was years ago though and Kevin had already accepted fate: he hadn't survived. Though he didn't have proof, he had his reasons to believe such tales. Ricky hadn't written a single letter, no messages, no calls, nothing. Either he passed onto the other side or he'd grown to despise him over time. Kevin understood that he hadn't returned his romantic interest, but completely cutting him off due to the fact was quite cold.

One child broke his thought bubble, Kevin had been standing in the hallway staring off into outer space it seemed. She walked up to Kevin with confidence, she had places to be and things to say. She held a lot of power in her stance, for someone as short-statured as her, she could still make way to intimidate Kevin at times. This young girl was Megan, She had light eyes that contrasted well with her dark red hair. There was something unique about Meg, and Kevin couldn't put his finger on it. There was an essence of magic surrounding her though he was sure of it. "There's someone here to see you, " she said. Kevin nodded and turned away. He had hoped, with the utmost respect, that something dastardly would happen to Sox, so he could raincheck on the visit and he wouldn't have to listen to his complaints. He turned back to Megan and paused, she looked concerned now.

"Send them to my room, I'll meet them there shortly," She nodded and pushed herself back the way she came. Children were crowding the halls now, their mood corresponded with Kevins sometimes. He was not happy right now. With the snap of a finger, Kevin was back in his bedroom, he lit the fireplace and its dim lighting set a calm aura. He thought again about Ricky, and what this room had looked like then compared to now. Instead of two twin beds, there was a queen against the far wall. He had a canopy top, of blues and purple curtains, gold included as well, like a peacock. He had taken down his posters but kept a framed photo of the two of them on the mantel above the fireplace. He picked up the photo now, and he fell to his knees in front of the fireplace clutching the framed photo to his chest. He heaved, God, why?

     A light knock came from the door, he jumped from the floor placing the photo back in its place he took a deep breath. Sox must have finally learned some manners, on any other occasion he'd just walked right in. he sat back in one of the armchairs sitting about the fireplace. He didn't look at the door but at the chair across from his, he'd been noticeably crying and was ashamed to make eye contact with Sox, "come in," his voice faltered.

    Sox wasn't the one at the door though, Kevin realized he was staring at a much older fellow. A young man sat across from him, he had an anxious expression on his pale face. "You've made a lot of changes," he chuckled, Kevin collected his features. He had bright green hair pulled back into a bun, his face was thin and he had a physically fit frame. He dressed warm, so he must have traveled with Sox though he definitely wasn't that little gremlin. "I'm proud of you," he continued, Kevin met his eyes and just fell into a bottomless sea. Those eyes, dark but bright as blue as the ocean but as gold as all of the stars in his sky. He was crying again, but this time it wasn't tears of angst. Pure joy overwhelmed his entire body, he was shaking and nearly fell out of his seat.

"Ricky," he sobbed, "you came home."