The Vogel

2 - Real

Gabi sat in the small room, lonely and—although she'd never admit it—scared.

The door opened slowly. She saw the boots enter and fearfully looked higher. The same badge...what was it..? Wings of something...

It was a lady, holding a tray on her arm. She entered fully and closed the door.

"Hello, my name is Mea. I brought you some food. It's not much, but our supplies are running low."

She sat down the tray. There were a few slices of bread, a small bowl of soup, and a cup of water. Gabi looked over the food slowly.

"What is your name, hun?"

Mea sank down the wall slowly and sat cross legged in front of Gabi.

"Gabi," she said quietly without looking up.

"Gabi, do you remember me?" she asked softly, her hands folded in her lap.

"From where?"

"Gabi, I know you're scared, but no one is going to hurt you. I promise. Just look at my face. I don't want you to see later on and question everything you know."

She looked up at the woman.

"Get away from me devil!" she screamed.

Mea sighed and bowed her head. Her eyes closed. Gabi rose and pressed against the wall, ready to strike.

"Gabi, I didn't hurt him for a reason. I can't find it inside of me to hold a grudge any longer, not against someone I considered a friend."

"He never considered you one, island devil!"

"That doesn't matter to me. What he feels...that's his problem. I just don't feel anger anymore. I'm just tired of all this; I'm just tired of children growing up in a world where they are afraid...of the future, losing their family, death..."

"Why are you lying, demon?!" she yelled.

"I'm not. I'm just tired. I'll explain more if you want, later though. Eat now. Your food is getting cold."

She stood and was about to leave but stopped.

"The things you're feeling right now...they are valid. They always will be."

An hour and a half later, Mea returned. She took the tray silently but paused at the door.

"Gabi, how old are you?"

"Twelve," she said quietly.

"That's how old I was when I sealed my fate and decided I would face my fears. I think you're old enough to know everything, if you want."

"Everything?" she asked quietly.

"Everything that involves him," she confirmed.

"Do I want to?" she asked, unsure if she wanted to know when she inherited the armor.

"That's up to you. If you would like time to think, I'll ask again in the morning."

She took the doorknob in her hand.

"I want to hear. He would never tell me."

"For good reason, yet...you deserve to know. I'll be back in a few minutes. Is there anything you'll need for bed? Clothes or..?"

"No, I'm fine."

Mea nodded and left. She returned in a few minutes, wearing looser clothing.

"Are you sure you want to hear?"

Gabi nodded, studying the ground.

"You should sit on the bed; it's a long story. I'll stop if you want though."