LOST SHADOWS - A Broken Lie

Chapter 21

'Star-Hero put us together for a reason... and I'm only really now excepting his choice. You need to set a better example for the others, however, and show you do as well.'

Don't be down love! We'll see how hot he thinks he is when we blow our brains out in front of him!!! See if he really wants to be 'together'. Then we can laugh at how stupid he looks when our eyes grow back... maybe he'll even throw up! Oooooohhhhwwwooo!!!!!!!! I can't wait!

...

... Hello?

Wow. You're actually considering what he said.

Pity.

Elaina let out a puff of smoke as she looked over the balcony of her apartment, taking in the evening. The cool air gently blowing her hair around. She needed to pull herself together. Her head was buzzing from that day's hiatus. Chief's words had been replaying through her mind. "He's right, I'm not a good role model for the rookies... I've been wondering about why Star assigned us the job. But I excepted that it's my job... I just can't wrap my head around it... is he... saying Split would have been a better choice?"

"What am I a better choice for?" The Protectors low voice appeared above her. Elaina turned to see the masked face of the renowned young man poking out from the roof's edge. A smile crept up on her face as she put out her cigarette. "Another pointless award to make sure the media never forgets you." She snarked out at him, taking a jab at her friend's fame.

The eyes of his mask seemed to smile. He let out a light chuckle as he vaulted over the ledge, jumping down to where she stood. "Please don't mention those vultures to me! I swear I'm gonna go bald from the stress! How does Star-Hero do it?" The man dramatically swooned as he grasped at his heart, playing up the joke.

A warm laugh irrupted from Elaina at the goofy gesture. She loved these kinds of exchanges between them, it really pulled her out of her head when she most needed it. Seeing the lightening of her mood, Split took on a more serious stance and carful stepped up closer to her. "But seriously, I know you've been distracted lately. I'm worried." His voice was soft as he spoke. It was clear he wasn't going to directly ask what was going on, but wanted to convey that he was there for her. Understanding the gesture Elaina let out a sigh. "It's this mentoring thing... there's these rookies... I don't know. I think they're getting to me?" She leaned over the balcony wall, going over her thoughts. Her head was still buzzing, causing her to frown. "That and I've been thinking about what Chief said."

'Star-Hero put us together for a reason... and I'm only really now excepting his choice. You need to set a better example for the others, however, and show you do as well.'

Split came up next to her, placing an arm around her shoulder. " Don't worry about what that blow hard has to say, he was just letting off some steam I bet." Elaina sighed again as she subtly leaned into his embrace. They just stood there for a while in comfortable silence. As it began to get dark, Split spoke again. "Hey, do remember when we first met?" He asked gently. "Yeah. First day of training. I gave you a right-hook to the face!" She snickered out. "Ha! Yeah. Do you remember what I said?" He tilted his head questioningly. "You said, and I quote, 'I've never wanted to get beat up more in my life!' And they took you to see if you had a concussion." She shook her head at the memory. They both had become Protectors around the same time, and she often thought back to those times with fondness. Split was one of the few who knew both sides of her. Even if he rarely left his second form, It was easy for her to find comfort in him. The truth was they had planned on being partners, 'till Star chose for her. Then Split opted to work alone in protest of getting randomly assigned to a stranger. They both worked with what they had to do the best they could, and they were fine with it. Elaina though she HAD already excepted Star's decision, so what was Chief on about? She looked to the horizon for answers, but it was silent.

"Elaina." His voice was shaky as he spoke. His voice had startled her back to reality. He only sounded like that when he had something really important to say. She turned her head towards him, curious about what he was about to say.

"Will you keep a secret for me?"