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Post by Skye Spyder on Dec 15, 2015 12:45:26 GMT -5
He preferred the dark. Any shadow in which he could stand alone and hidden. It was easier than the stares. Truthfully he should've been used to them by now but it still hurt. He could hear their thoughts too sometimes. The sympathy and disgust were equally crippling.
He could remember before he'd become this. Being able to walk around like a normal human though he was far from being such. Reaching up he ran his fingers over the deep pits and lines on the right side of his face. They trailed down, following the scar, along his neck to where it faded beneath his shirt collar. Dropping his hand he pulled his hood up further and pushed off the wall he'd been leaning against. With a disgusted sigh directed at himself he shoved his hands deep in his pockets.
Two halves of himself spliced together like some fucked up experiment. One half all smooth tawny skin with a deep green eye rimmed with gold around the pupil, the flecks sprawling outward. The other side... Burned with acid. The eye having lost all function and turned white, pupil-less and the hairline uneven.
He could remember with vivid clarity the day it had happened. He'd known something was in the air when he'd woken up. This was nothing new however. His extra senses often told him of events on the horizon. He never knew what however and that was the problem. He went through the day with a crushing sense of dread tight around his chest. It wasn't until that night however that his oh so loving father gave him a nice acid bath.
He shuddered remembering the Nazi inspired torture chamber. Acid was supposed to drip from the ceiling. He was supposed to do some repairs. Supposed to.
He'd been locked inside and sprayed several times before being permitted exit. Of course by then he hadn't been able to stand and his 'father' had hosed him down with icy water as he laid curled on the title. He'd never hated the man more.
That was when he knew for certain that he wasn't human. He'd healed quickly in the less damaged parts of his face and arms and... Everywhere else. Too quickly. The next time the man had requested his presence in the basement he'd left and not looked back. It wasn't a surprise to find he wasn't being searched for.
Now Zylen drifted from place to place, barely surviving in the slums or living out of his car when he had to. He'd been in a traveling freak show for a while, sold some drugs here and there. At one point he was able to make quite a bit playing violin on the streets but he'd long since sold it.
That had been the hardest thing he'd had to do. The thing had become an extension of himself. Something beautiful he could love and pour himself into. The product of hard earned money and dedication. He imagined it loved him too. Even now he couldn't shake the feeling that it had a soul as well.
Imagining running his fingers over the polished wood he sighed. He had tried to find it again and steal it if he had to. Every time he came across a similar black painted violin he'd check it out but none of them had the soul he was looking for. If they had one at all. Pulling himself out of that spiral he focused on the ground beneath his feet, watching his black, spiked high tops hit the ground. The soles were so worn out he sometimes slid on solid ground. Rain or ice? He was doomed.
Passing a darkened store window he paused to look at his reflection. Black jeans, spiked belt, white tee under his wannabe leather jacket, the hood pulled up to shadow his ugly face.
Frowning he concentrated on the glinting triskelion dangling from a chain around his neck. Shaking his head he tore his gaze away. Even he couldn't look at himself. Why would anyone else? Good thing he didn't expect to be looked in the eye when spoken too. Continuing on his way to nowhere in particular, his gaze turned skyward. That was where he'd come from. So he'd been told once. Struck the earth in a lightening storm. He sometimes dreamt of it but didn't really remember. Perhaps that was for the better. The things he dreamed of were impossible... Right?
Last time he checked floating houses in the clouds and winged people didn't exist. Then again people didn't usually survive the shit he had.
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Post by Midnightsunprotector on Dec 15, 2015 12:55:54 GMT -5
Tarana was walking out at night by herself buying some last minute presents for her family. And a few school supplied that she had been putting off until she could no longer put it off. She took a deep breathe of the chilled air. Her skin full of goosebumps, the tip of her nose an off pink. Maybe she can add a scarf to her list,and a New hat….and gloves. She shook her head with a smile. Her father would give her whatever she needed and wanted. But she had to make it up through chores or helping family. Which with her taste in clothes or any merchandise really. Was a steal. On foot after another she kept up the pace the crunch of the snow under her foot as a reminder that if she lolly gagged then maybe she would turn into a human popsicle. Well...Would she? She wasn't human to be honest even when her parents tried to explain to her about being a child of a country she had to resist being a smart ass and saying ‘yeah so is everyone else’. The rapid growth and everyone in her family looking like they are teenagers or at the most mid twenties. She had convinced herself to the only thing that made any sense to her. Vampire. It would explain the life span, being young, surviving a lot of viruses and sickness that humans would die of. She swore that her teeth were late in coming in. Her goal is to wait until her 116 birthday because not all vampires are born with them they get it through puberty. Needless to say she had a thing for vampires and anything in the supernatural world. Watching a movie with her little older brother she fell into a addiction with the movie Hotel Transylvania She was Mavis and she had it set that she was going to find her Johnny. Whether he was human or supernatural she didn't care. The only thing that did matter was one thing. The Zing. Cause you can have a zing only once in a lifetime. And although she had found some nice guys none of them had the zing affect. She came up to a store and rushed into the warm. Pulling her hoodie off and doing a quick hit and run through the aisles knowing exactly what she was getting who for Christmas. Then to the school supplies and then to the second hand store for some hand made hats and scarfs. She loved things that were hand made or had a history too it. Things spoke to her. As much as she believed that certain items spirits good or bad could be attached to them. She too believed that some items had a soul of their own. Whether it was a person who post their way and found comfort with said item. Or the real beautiful ones that they were born through the items from house to house or person to person. She rushed out of the store bags shoved into her school bag pack. And down to the second hand store she went. Once she got there she greeted her friend whose mother owned the store Annie. “Hey do you have anything up my alley?” She asked rubbing her cold nose. “Well, Since you asked how my day was which was rather exhausting trying to find you a present. Yes! I do but it has to wait until Christm-” “Oh come on! Why wait when I can have it now and speaking of shopping I have your present In my bag. We can trade my family is visiting my grandfather in Russia I swear I will be an ice cube once I'm done with the vacay” Annie shook her head, placed a ‘Sorry for the inconvenience I'll be back in 15min’ sign on the counter and rolled her eyes as she walked passed her. “If it weren't for your vacay you would have suffered until next year. But since you will be coming back with no ass or tits. Cause they will be frozen off before you make it here then here merry Christmas. Now where’s mine!” She smiled at her friend and while she was yapping away, placed it in her hand as she bent down to the long rectangular box. Not wrapped or tie or bow. Just a regular cardboard box and she could feel something amazing about it. (Insert name) Smiled wide her fingers running over the edge and pulling the lid off. There it was a beautiful Violin. The wood polished, a little worn but nothing that a little TLC wouldn't help. Her fingers glided over the wood feeling the vibe. Sad almost lost. God the story this instrument had to say if only she knew how to play and let its voice speak through her. She took it in her hands gently eyes still bright and smiled wide from cheek to cheek. How could anyone give up such a breath taking piece? “Do you by chance have a case I can buy here in the shop? This is...Thank you. It's so perfect!” “Not a problem I had a feeling you would like it. And thank you for mine! How did yo-” “You mentioned it at lunch one day. Annie, bag please?” She rolled her eyes and motioned for her to follow. They went through the women's department and straight onto the back of miscellaneous items. She brought down from a top shelve a clear hard plastic case. “It might be a little big but at least it'll fit. And you can show off your present that you love so much” She took the case and slid it in. Closing it with a click. Perfect. “How much?” “Consider it a gift” “Annie I can't; name a price or I will leave $100 under your cash register” “Your my bestie I can't charge you plus if it wasn't for you mom and I wouldn't even have a shop. Just promise to keep your museum growing” “Aww how sweet. So $100 it is” She turned and ran to the register sliding the bill under the register and pushing the door open quickly to book it out of there. Only she smacked the door into someone's face and sent the person flying unto their ass. She let go of the door and dropped her bag and case on the floor hand stretched out to help the person up onto their feet. “I'm so sorry I didn't hurt you did I? Are you bleeding? Please tell me your nose is okay?”
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Post by Skye Spyder on Dec 15, 2015 13:00:48 GMT -5
Zylen wandered down the near empty strip of shops, avoiding the few people who were out, probably grabbing last minute Christmas gifts or party supplies. Another Christmas by himself; he really shouldn’t have been surprised. Maybe he’d thought he’d have found a place of his own with at least a cat or fish or something to keep him company.
He was jarred out of his thoughts as a door swung open and caught him in the face. He bounced off onto his ass. Thankfully it only hit his bad side… Christmas miracle maybe; not like it could be further damaged. Though it hurt like a bitch. He sat up, trying to keep as much of his bad side from view as he dusted himself off. His voice was a soft tenor as he spoke, “I’m fine. No harm done.” Everything that could hurt him had already been done.
Zylen pulled his hood back up, and moved to walk past her when he noticed the violin. He froze in place, green eye focused intensely on it. That was it, he could feel it. “My violin…” He blurted it out without really thinking, his heart dropping into his stomach. So it was still around. Tearing his eye from the instrument he looked at the girl, shock clear on his face. “Where did you find this? How did you get it? I’ve been searching everywhere…”
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Post by Midnightsunprotector on Dec 15, 2015 13:04:15 GMT -5
Tarana Moved out of his way as he bolted up and started to walk away and then he stopped. He froze and stared at her bag. A few thoughts ran through her head. But his voice nearly broke her heart. She cautiously stood up and walked over to her bag. Then picked up slowly the case and slowly brought it up to him. “This? my friend gave it to me as my christmas gift....Is it yours? you can hold it. Even play it if you know how..I would love to hear...I mean..Sorry I’m saying too much”. She handed him the case curiously watching him. wondering who he was, what was his story and what are the chances that she just by chance had his violin. And she knew by the tone of his voice he is not just trying to steal it. He is truly amazed and maybe even in shock that he found it.
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Post by Skye Spyder on Dec 15, 2015 13:06:24 GMT -5
As the case was brought up to him he looked to the girl who’d just about broke his nose. She couldn’t be serious could she? Biting his lip the took it and knelt on the sidewalk, opening the case with care and trailing his fingers over the familiar wood. It had gotten new strings since he’d last see it. The bridge wasn’t the same as well but that was for the better. It had been in sad shape when he’d been forced to sell it and that was only because he hadn’t the money to keep it looking as it deserved.
Zylen lifted the delicate instrument with all the tenderness of a father holding his child for the first time. Honestly it brought tears to his eyes. His one happiness had somehow found a way back to him. He tested the strings, listening closely as he tuned each one with practiced ease. He’d taught himself and somehow the lessons had stayed with him. The soul the violin possessed called to him, the feeling that of an old friend.
Standing as he retrieved the bow and tightened the horse hair he positioned it and started to play. The sound was more the violin talking through him, weaving a tale of both joy and sadness. The song had no name yet it flowed as one of the masterpieces of the greats would have. Zylen didn’t think he was anything special with the instrument but their bond was clearly visible. A haunting lullaby gave way to a more peaceful tune, the notes still long and somber but with a new emotion; two souls reunited after being separate for so long. Zylen swayed gently, for the first time in a long time forgetting the ugliness of his mortal form and becoming something better, something beautiful.
As he played a muted glow one might mistake for the fading sun or the street lights glow started around him, emanating from somewhere inside himself. The hidden and untouched part of him that dreamt of angels and life above, castles in the clouds and great wings with dazzling feathers. His entire being seemed to sigh in relief as the melody drifted off, the last notes still hanging in the air, the void left by the music seeming ever more empty as the notes died off and silence reigned.
He broke it with a soft, short lived laugh. Turning his good eye to the girl he offered a small crooked smile. “Thank you… It’s been a long time…” Suddenly remembering what he looked like he quickly lowered the violin and returned his hood to it’s place shadowing his face from where it had fallen back, hoping she wouldn’t be too disgusted by his appearance.
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Post by Midnightsunprotector on Dec 15, 2015 13:07:23 GMT -5
Tarana stood in place watching him holding the violin with such tender care. Much like a mother with her child. Or an artist getting the last stroke of detail in just the right spot. Her eyes could not leave him. His movement with the instrument seemed to glide. Not that he was just a musician but that both person and piece were one. Are one, She smiled watching in awe how he took his time to get to know his long lost friend again. Touching it much how she had just a few short moments ago.
The sound of him tuning it. Gave her hope something in the air changed. And so did the soul of the violin. It spoke to her in the shop and this must have been why it was sad...It had to be. The hows and whys circled her head but once he started to play a tune she got lost in the music. It flowed through her and she knew as she listened. This wasn’t no ordinary song. Nor was it an original piece. This was the story of, No the feeling of the violin. What she felt when she held it in her hands. what it wanted to say but she did not know how to play on its behalf. It was so breathtaking. It touched her so deep within that she was at a loss for words. There were people who played because of money, those who were forced into it. and then there were people like this stranger that she had nearly knocked him out with a door that had a talent and a passion. This is what the man should be doing. He needed this as did the violin.There was a tear that she quickly wiped away. And she could see a picture play in her mind. A beautiful sunny scenery of her walking through a field of willow trees a fog… no clouds surrounding her. The feeling of happiness and peace. But soon she was drawn back to reality when the music had stopped. She looked at the stranger and caught a glimpse of his brilliant smile. And a shimmering green eyes just as bright as the leaves of the willow tree she had just seen in her mind. She leaned in without thinking to see more but he pulled the hoodie more to hide his face. She caught herself and adjusted her posture trying her best to not be a creep. “No not at all. Thank you for letting the violin’s voice be heard. I wish I could have relieved it from its sorrow but I do not know how to play. I...you probably think I am crazy. But you're the reason why the Violin seemed lost. I can tell the feeling of sadness and of being lost is no longer there….I sense” She closed her eyes placing her hand on the violin and then said “Home, You are its home. I am glad that I helped it find its home” She smiled one of her rare genuine smiles as she handed him her hand. “My name is Tarana, It is an amazing pleasure to meet you. Although I do wish I had not knocked you on your ass and possibly bruised something. Possibly your ass. I’m sorry anyway what’s your name?”
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Post by Skye Spyder on Dec 15, 2015 13:09:56 GMT -5
His eyes widened as she spoke, wondering how it could possibly be that she could feel, sense, the violin’s soul just as he could. Perhaps he wasn’t as crazy as he thought he was. He laughed softly at the comment about knocking him on his ass. It happened every once in awhile thanks to his blind eye. No matter how much time passed he still got caught off guard on occasion thanks to the blind spot. He’d run into things or people; doors and crowded places were his worst enemy. Though the latter for another, obvious, reason as well.
He took the hand she offered giving it a firm shake, the burn scars on his hand concealed by gloves. “It’s fine, really. Happens all the time.” He offered her a small smile, still hidden by his hood for the most part. “It’s nice to meet you Tarana. I’m Zylen.”
As he let go of her hand he gently replaced the violin and bow in the case and strapped them in. It saddened him that he had to say goodbye again, but at least he knew it would find it’s way back to him. One day he’d have it in his hands again and would let it speak through him. He traced over the polished wood a last time before closing it up and holding the case out. “Thank you again. You’re very kind.”
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Post by Midnightsunprotector on Dec 15, 2015 13:10:28 GMT -5
Tarana smiled and gave him a nod. “That is a wonderful name Zylen”. She watched him place the violin in the case close it and hand it back to her. She bent down grabbed her backpack and pulled it over her shoulder. She shook her head. “You are this violins home. I cannot and will not take it away. It needs you just as you need it. Merry Christmas Zylen” She offered him a smile meaning everything she had said. Her eyes scanned over his outfit and couldn't help but feel as if he was a wanderer. She tilted her head and looked behind her estimating how far she was from a restaurant. Or forget it her home. Mom and dad always loved to cook. She was allowed to bring friends over. And her parents did raise her to help those in need. “Hey I was wondering...I know this is super sudden and we just met but would you like to have dinner with me and my family tonight. Something tells me I need to get to know you. If it's too weird I understand. Would you settle for trading numbers so I can hear you play?”
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Post by Skye Spyder on Dec 15, 2015 13:12:21 GMT -5
His eyes widened again as she told him he could keep the violin. Unconscious of doing so he held it to his chest, staring at her in shock. Turning a green eye down at the instrument behind the clear case he felt a sense of relief flood through him. A genuine smile touched his lips as he looked back up at her. “Thank you… I… I don’t know what else to say…” Indeed he was speechless. Sure he had resolved to steal it before and was willing to let it go again only because it seemed Tarana would take good care of it… Now that it was his again… Tears stung his eyes, maybe all that Christmas miracle bullshit wasn’t all bullshit after all…
Looking back to Tarana as she spoke Zylen felt his stomach growl then tighten with hunger. She’d been kind enough to him already… He couldn’t take further charity. That and he knew she wouldn’t feel the same about him if she saw his face. Scaring her and her family on Christmas by looking like this the fucking Phantom of the Opera wasn’t exactly an ego booster.
Hiding ever more in his hood he shook his head slowly, feeling his heart sink a bit. “I really shouldn’t. Thank you though… I uh… I don’t have a cell phone otherwise I would certainly give you the number.” He shrugged lamely. “I don’t have much by way of technology.” He’d sold everything he had trying to get by after his car crapped out on him. Now it was just him and what he scrounge together for a cheap hotel room once in awhile and some meager food.
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Post by Midnightsunprotector on Dec 15, 2015 13:12:57 GMT -5
She shook her head doesn’t have technology and by the sound of his stomach protest she was dead on. He was probably homeless and struggling to get on his feet. “Hey you gave me my christmas present. The violin found its home. It found you. Please let me give you a present by you having dinner with me. It will be the greatest gift you can give me. I insist please, let me get to know you. I have a uncle who plays and if he were to hear you. He would be at a loss for words. Zylen I don’t want for you to think you would be intruding or even that you would be not wanted. Because that is not the case at all. The fact that you did not walk away when I mentioned the violins soul that you played for it. Means that we were meant to be in each others life. Whether as friends or more who knows but…” She shook her head again. She was begging now how tempted she was to just grab his arm and just teleport them at her father's house but. Okay that was a lie she never learned how to but by darn it if he would deny her again. She will get every muscle and cell in her body to teleport them to where she wants him to be.
No needed something told her that this was a need. Hell if she could explain it but she needed to do this for him. “Zylen I’m being honest here. I feel like I..Shit you're going to think I am insane. I feel like I need you...in my life. Just come to dinner with me and my family. If you feel uncomfortable...or just like its a horrible idea After you meet my dad, mom and little older brother. Then...I will let you leave. You don’t have to worry about me asking anything from you or stalking you or anything. So what do you say?”
She gave him a sheepish smile her eyes pleading. Her one hand gripping the strap of her backpack. Hoping by whatever power, god, goddess, with,wizard or alien that had brought him into her life for this very encounter that he would agree.
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