Blessings of Anathema

Chapter XI: Ken I

I slowly slipped through the door, trying not to make a sound.
I'm late. She's going to be upset.
I entered the house and slowly closed the door. I began tip toing around the living room. I'll just sleep on the couch tonight. I don't want to wake her up.
I almost reached the couch when a light suddenly lit up the room. I slowly turned around to find Ariana sitting in a chair, eyes red and puffy.
"Where have you been!?" She said while choking on her words. I raised my hands up "I know I'm late. I'm sorry. Things happened and I couldn't come back in time."
"YOU KNOW THEY'RE AFTER YOU!" Ariana yelled. "They're calling you a wanted vigilante. They don't like your methods and want you to disappear. And when you don't come home on time..." she began to cry again.
I rushed over to her and held her in my arms. "It's okay" I whispered softly. "I'm not going anywhere."
I managed to calm Ariana down after a few brief words and convinced her to go to bed. I promised her I would try harder to not stay out too late.
You see, I can't blame Ariana. When my brother left to fulfill his own dreams in life, I had no one to turn to. I turned to Electronics and tech to distract my mind. However eventually that wasn't enough. I was gifted with this cure of Yurie and I wanted to use it. All I would ever do is fry electronics, it became quite frustrating.
About a year ago My old apartments complex got his bad. Multiple robberies took place over a few weeks. I decided to do something about it so one night I waited out and when the group came back, I fried them. I didn't kill them, but I managed to knock them unconscious.
Everyone was so happy afterwards. They didn't know how they were caught, but they didn't care... they were just happy it was over.
And so I took that role. I would go out a few nights each week and patrol the city. I would stop any crime I see in action investigate any rumors I heard around.
It was nice for a while. Seeing all these criminals names get plastered in the newspaper. However it soon turned wrong.
About half a year ago I was investigating a mere accused drug dealer... well it was more than that. This guy was into drug dealing, gang violence, sex trafficking, etc. I managed to get myself caught in the middle... Literally.
I entered a shoot out between two gangs to put an end to it. However it was an ambush. They knew I was on to them and both sides immediately open fire on me. I took multiple hits but managed to escape.
Ariana found me in an ally bleeding out. She tried to take me to the hospital but I refused. She then brought me back to her house and removed the bullets herself. 5 in total. She then patched the wounds and cared for me for multiple days.
The whole thing was captured through video and uploaded to the internet. It made people question whether what I was doing is really helping the community or just damaging it by making large gang groups work together to get me out of their hair.
Police made a public statement asking me to stop. I was boo'd by supporters and lost much of that support. However Ariana didn't turn her back on me. She continued to care for me. We slowly developed mutual feelings for each other and next thing I know... I never left her house.
I have been there for half a year now, however I did return back to my previous hobby upon being healed. 2 months ago police made another statement, this time demanding me to stop. They told me I'm now a wanted criminal and will be apprehended on contact.
But did I stop? Of course not... how selfish of me. I caused Ariana to worry each night I leave... all because I want to feel self satisfaction in what I'm doing. She knows this...
And yet she stays beside me.
————————————————-
I woke up the next morning before Ariana and made my way to the garage. This is where I work on my many gadgets. I work here more than I do at work because here I can test using my lightning on electronics to figure out a way to combine them both.
Ariana knows of my mark, however she doesn't understand it. Which is to be expected.
I was deep in concentration when suddenly Ariana busted through the door smiling. "Ughhh why are you always busy. Today is your day off. Come with me to the park to feed the birds, pleaaasseee???"
I started at Ariana. I've always been stubborn. I don't let people persuade my thoughts or actions... however when I look at her... I can't help but to give in.
I set my tools down and smiled at her "Alright, I'll go with you!"
She cheered and ran out the room.
We both took a shower and then headed out. The park isn't far away. It's only a few minute walk from here.
"Ooh" Ariana exclaimed before running at some birds she seen.
She's... so perfect, I thought as she ran. The way her long black hair shifts in motion, how her dark skin shined in the sun. Her red eyes reflect the light... she's just... so perfect to me.
She came back and grabbed my hand "Come on, hurry." She said before pulling me.
She's excited. I understand. We don't get much time to spend together, however, that's all she really wants.
We reached the park and I sat at a bench and watch her toss out bird food. The birds quickly arrived and landed beside her, walking around her as if they know she's not a threat.
She's completely at peace with her life right now.
I spent my life with only my brother. We didn't really have the best relationship. He was always so immature when it came to showing feelings... so I never knew what it was liked to be loved. However I feel it deeply when I'm around Ariana.
If you were to open up my stories dictionary and search for the word "Life".... you would undoubtedly find her name.
I guess I can consider myself a lucky one. With just her, I have everything I'll ever want.... and I don't ever want that to change.
My phone started to ring. I grabbed it. Hmm... the numbers not saved.. I wonder who this is.
I answered the phone "Hello?"
"Hey, Ken.... this is Proph."