A collection of stories starring our favorite demon-fairy hybrid, Riya Shirakiin.
Being the unwanted child of two families, and referred to as "the mistake," Riya has dealt with harassment, abuse and neglect. She's angry. She's tired of feeling pat...
Riya always did like sneaking out of the palace. It wasn't an easy task, but she needed a night off from her stepmother and sister. Riya didn't exactly have a plan, she just needed to be alone. So she headed for the park. Her older sister Selene was going to hang out with her friends. And as usual, Riya wasn't invited. But this time Riya protested. Instead of her usual quiet acceptance, she spoke back. It wasn't fair that Selene was allowed to leave the castle while Riya was locked away in her room. It wasn't fair that Selene got to enjoy life. Selene's insults weren't affecting Riya. She didn't back down and retreat to her room, or the nearest quiet place. Instead Riya got visibly angrier, which made Selene scared. So she did what she usually did when she was losing: she called for her mother. Jasmine was less than enthusiastic to have to explain to her stepdaughter that her presence in Selene's life was unwanted. She reminded Riya that they, the family, didn't have to take her in. They were risking a lot for her. The last thing Selene needed was for the family burden to affect her social life. And the next thing Riya did shocked Selene. Instead of running away crying, Riya stormed out, slamming the door behind her. And the door cracked. Jasmine looked at Selene, her true daughter, and they both knew it was starting. Instead of feeling sorry for her sister, Selene was scared of her. East Lynn Lake, the most beautiful park in Lyria, and something Riya's only seen from the castle windows. East Lynn Lake was popular for friends, family and lovers to hang out. And whenever Riya sneaked out, this was the first place she'd visit before the castle guards would come and bring her back. As Riya walked past the gate, she looked at the trees; their branches looked like scary hands. For some reason, the thought of people being snatched up by scary trees was hilarious to her. The trees reminded Riya of the part in Snow White where she ran through the scary forest. That part always scared Selene, who would hide under the covers every time Lucy, one of the maids, read it, yet Riya found it to be fascinating. Morbidity never seemed to bother her. Riya came across a bench and sat down, looking at the lake before her. The way the moonlight sparkled on the the water, the contrast between light and dark, this would make a good picture to add to one of her sketchbooks. If only she'd brought her camera!
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That was abrupt, Aya said, interrupting Riya's thoughts. Aya's voice brought Riya's anger back, It's not fair! They don't let me talk to Selene's friends. They don't let me make friends. This wouldn't be a problem if they'd let me go outside. Selene looked glamorous in her dress and makeup... and her eyeshadow. It reminded Riya of when Selene ruined Riya's Angel Eyeshadow Palette by pouring water on it and mixing up the colors. And when confronted, Selene feigned innocence and ran to Jasmine for protection. Seeing Selene look so perfect in her eyeshadow while Riya's was ruined... something inside of her snapped. You know, Aya began. Selene recently made a trip to Starry Eyed. Sure, rub it in. Riya said as she sulked on the bench. I'm just saying that Jasmine bought Selene a lot of new eyeshadow palettes, Aya offered. And she hasn't used the Bombshell Palette yet. Riya stayed silent. Given the circumstances, Aya continued. It's only fair. Riya smiled, I'll think about it. Selene seemed a little different lately. She had always been genuinely mean, but Riya noticed something during their earlier argument. Selene hesitated a bit before insulting Riya, when she'd usually do it without thinking. And when she looked back at Riya before calling Jasmine, Riya saw tears in her sister's eyes. Was it concern? Or possibly pain? She did see Selene put her hand on her chest, making her wonder if Selene's cruelness was actually hurting her. Selene wasn't always mean to her sister, making Riya wonder if something other than Jasmine forced this change. She dug into her pocket and felt her headphones, she never left the castle without them. She pulled them out, turned up the volume, and leaned back. A sad song was playing. She listened to the Blackout album by Tea Party of the Dead, Riya's favorite band. And this sad song was called "Feeling Moody." I just want to run away, the song began. To start over and be the good one for once. But the imperfections in my heart torment me everyday. It's overwhelming. Just somewhere where nobody knows my name. Riya's finger hovered over the fast-forward button but she let the song play, Aya, am I really a burden? Riya- I only exist because of the woman my father met in the bar. Riya's eyes began to tear up, I have one friend... The only other person who cared about me is gone. Aya didn't respond, understanding that Riya just wanted her to listen. They don't want me around, Riya continued. Don't they think I'd leave if I could? But no, stepbitch never lets me leave. And they wonder why I have to sneak out?! Riya stood up, her eyes glowing red. The streetlight a few feet away vibrated intensely and the lightbulb burst. Aya gasped, Woah! Riya, calm down. It's. Not. Fair! Riya walked up to the trash can and kicked it hard, launching it across the lake. Riya! Aya shouted. I know you're upset but- She stopped when she heard Riya sobbing. I just... Riya sank back onto the bench. I just wish someone loved me... Riya I... But Aya stopped herself. How could a spirit comfort her host? Then something slammed into her hard. But not physically. Something inside her head pounded hard, like it wanted to escape. But Riya was used to it. The pounding in her head meant that someone was nearby. Hopefully a threat, Riya needed something to take her anger out on. So despite Aya's warnings, Riya stood up again and followed her sense.
