His eyes slowly opened to the darkness around him. He rubbed with the back of his hand and rapidly blinked, feeling the moisture around the edges.
"Was I crying?" He wondered, "Why?"
Slowly he scanned the environment around him still disoriented from sleep. Nothing but vast darkness.
"Where I'm I?"
As his thoughts crystallized, a sense of nostalgia ensued him. His hands. His small, frail hands were unnatural, like he had never used them, or if he did, he forgot. He rose his lanky body and looked around trying to make sense of the situation.
But, not to far in his ear, a soft sweet voice of a young lady, familiar yet not, grounded him to something.
"Cain, are you up yet?"
He looked up startled as the scenery started changing. A gush of warm autumn wind, carrying the sweet smell of the moist soil and brown leaves swept. Calmness settled. Birds chirping and a peaceful atmosphere.
A little girl maybe 12 years old stared at him; he couldn't see her face.
"Yeah..." He replied, "I guess so. Where am I?"
He asked still trying to make out the girl's face.
The girl looked at him startled the smiled mischievously.
"Don't you remember?" she asked, her voice low.
He squined his eyes and leaned forward. He however froze when, on his hand, a drop of blood stained his wrist. Then another and another, making him stumble back, heart racing. His eyes widened when he saw the hole on the girls chest where her heart should have been and blood trailing her mouth ears and eyes.
"Cain... Why did you let me die?" She asked.
His eyes snapped, heavy pants as his chest heaved, his hands desperately gripping the edge of his blankets. A dream.
"I remember blood? What was the dream about?"
Like the other times, he had forgotten.
"Lord Cain? You seem to be having dreams again," Gabriel spoke from a seat beside his bed. "You seemed uncomfortable."
There was throbbing on his chest. Every motion he made reminded him of the cuts on his body. Not healing. From time to time, it sent pulses of pain across his body. Maybe it was the pain giving him nightmares.
"Lord Cain, I will..."
"No." He cut in curtly "I'm fine, Gebriel, it was just a dream. The residue from the spear will soon wear off, and I will begin healing. No need to worry yourself."
Cain lay back on his bed and turned away from her. Gabriel stood, curtsied, and walked away. The sound of the heavy doors followed suit.
***
Tap! Tap! Tap.
Came three consecutive knocks on the door. He looked over and sighed heavily. The huge honduran mahogany door was slowly pushed open. Gabriel walked in slow measurd srides.
She stood a good distance from him, her face, that rarely changed betrayed by a mixture of emotions. Certain he had noticed she spoke none the less.
"— Lord Cain." she called, "There is someone here to see you."
"Gabriel— Didn't I tell you not to bother me?" He said barely turning to her.
Still his curiosity was peaked. He didn't have to wait long, another graceful knock drew his eyes.
"Cain?" A familiar voice called.
His eyes zeroed in on the voice and momentarily flashed with rage as he looked into the eyes of the young lady. Kitsune. She nervously stared back at him.
"Gabriel— you want to die, don't you!" asked Cain his eyes fixed on her.
"I'm sorry Lord Cain. I thought since she looks like..."
"Leave us." Cain cut in.
She bowed and walked out silently. Kitsune's eyes followed her, a gnawing sense of betrayal clutching her throat.
"Feels like Gebriel set me up," she thought.
"Come here," said Cain patting the bed beside him.
She was hesitant for a second, but his voice left no room for denial. Standing in front of him, she could see through the dim light the deep cuts on his body and the red stretches of tissue on his face.
For a second, she could swear she saw the skin on his shoulder moving as if stitching back.
Her eyes were then drawn to his short dark hair that glistened in the lamp light, it looked soft, and smooth to touch.
As she sat beside him, she was overwhelmed by his silence.
"So...," she begun nervously trying to lighten the silence "...Gebriel was only worried about you. Don't hate her."
"I don't." he said turning to her.
"She told me to bandage your wounds at least," she said looking away, "or try to."
She added with a nervous laugh.
"Really?" Asked Cain with a soft laugh.
"Yeah, she definitely did."
Kitsune spoke quickly all the while reaching for the first aid kit beside his bed. He caught her hand, stopping her.
"I am good, promise,"he said.
"No. You're not."
Pulling her hand away then picking the first aid kit and fishing out the bandages. She pulled his hand.
"Let me help." She said.
He nodded capitulating. Carefully she began wrapping it around his body.
"Was there a fight?" She asked sneaking a conversation to dull the occasional uncomfortable silence.
"Yeah."
"Was it bad?"
"You should've see the other guy," he replied.
Kitsune chuckled, "I can only imagine."
As he turned his back to her, she noticed a rhythmic movement on his upper back. Unconsciously her hand settled on the spot, and a rythm froze her. It was familiar.
"That is my heart," he said as if reading her mind.
She instantly pulled back.
"A heart? What was it doing on his back?"
"It's okay I don't mind," he said.
"I was just startled, how is it on your back?"
"I have two," he said.
He turned and took her hand. Half pulling it to his chest. His skin was colder, and a strong pulse, reverberated on his chest.
"You mustn't forget Kitsune, I am not a human," he said, and paused.
His eyes lingererd to hers, and she started back questioningly.
"Kitsune, your hands are warm," his spoke, startling her.
She was about to moved back when he stopped her, his grip slightly tightened. After a pause he pulled her closer to him. A gasp escaping, her heart now racing. His grip was firm but at the same time gentle. His eyes, however, seemed to look into a distance beyond her. Their faces were so close that she felt his breath, and lips graze.
The roll of bandage on her hand then dropped and he jerked back letting her go.
"I am sorry I — I'm sorry" he said moving the edge of his bed eyes down cast.
"It's okay," she said quickly. Followed by a short silence.
"You should leave,"he spoke.
"Okay."
At the door she turned to him, about to say something but decided against it.
Walking out she was mortified. Her heart pounded and she held her lips.
"You dummy," she said.
***
Kitsune looked out the window of her classroom. A week had passed. Her face flushed red the memory fresh in her still. However, since then she had not seen nor heard from him.
Whom did he fight? Was he going to be okay? Was he avoiding her?
The homeroom teacher Mr. Hayato walked in cuting her thoughts. The students still chattered away, the classroom a noisy mess.
"Silence," he tried to say.
Ignored, he threw a piece of chalk into the crowed at no one in particular drawing the student's attention.
"I said silence!"
Sternly he looked at them. Among the students there were giggles. It was a common occurrence for Mr. Hayato to lose his cool and lose his chalk.
"Alright students, I have a special announcement...You can come in?"
The door was dragged open. In walked a familiar face.
Kitsune instantly stood up drawing the attention of the class.
"What are you doing here, Adam?"
"Kitsune, hi there," said Adam.
The class was in an uproar as the students began talking in their groups.
"Silence! You sit down! Why can't you just shut it!" he lost another chalk. "Adam was sick, he has recovered now, he may still be weak, please go easy on him as he resettles down."
Later at lunch break Kitsune corned Adam at the roof top.
"Bold to show your face after you tried to kill me. Is this your way of saying "I know where you live?" Asked Kitsune.
"It's not," Adam replied his head bowed.
"You know what will happen if you know who hears about this,"
"I do," he said quickly, "but please lend me an ear, I really have no other choice."
"Why would I do that?"
"I am desperate,"
He was bowing at a full ninety degrees. He closed his eyes. His tone was remorseful.
"Answer me this with a yes or no,"
Adam looked up surprised by her change of heart.
"Is this a trick?"
"No."
"Will you try to kill me or my friends or anyone in this school?"
"No."
"What about hurt us?"
"No."
After a thoughtful second she spoke.
"Okay, what do you want?"
"Thank you so much you are kind, thank you, thank you, thank you..." he said visibly excited and bowing severally.
"Just stop doing that," she said walking away.
***
A few hours later.
Cain looked around at the people who mindlessly walked around. He was still fascinated by the huge structures. Even after three months in the world all of that felt mesmerising. He was glad it was not the city, he didn't like the crowd. His imposing figure however still slightly drew the attention of the people as he walked.
He stopped at a park. Some children playing caught his sight for some reason, he stopped and watched. They triggered a forgotten memory from his childhood.
"Cain," someone called.
He turned to face Kitsune who awkwardly held her bag. Her face went red as their sight met. He then turned to Akira, then Adam beside them.
Kitsune, Aki,.. hello,"
"Aki? That's awfully casual," commented Kitsune.
"Oh... Cain and I play games like every weekend after we went to his house," said Akira, "apparently he is into mordern games, funny right?"
"That's news to me," Kitsune said with puffed cheeks, "am not jealous or anything, you can play with whomever you want."
Akira looked at the duo curiously.
"Are you two like fighting?" she asked catching them by surprise.
"No, we are not fighting!" said Kitsune defensively, "right?" She referred to Cain.
"Most definitely!"
"Okay," Said Akira interest immediately waned.
"... Young Adam I notice you are here today," asked Cain turning to Adam.
"Lord Cain," said Adam, "I am grateful you were able to make some time. I know this may seem unorthodox but please, sir, lend me an ear."
Cain was thoughtful for a second.
"I see," he then turned to Akira, "Aki, can you do me a favour?"
"Yup! Yup!" said Akira with obvious enthusiasm.
"Here," said Cain giving her his credit card, "How about you take Kitsune and get me a copy of "Untamed gameplay. While you are at it get yourself whatever you want."
"Really? Tsune lets go before he changes his mind,"
Kitsune followed understanding the message.
Adam nervously watched as they walked away, his only sense of security vanished by the corner. Cain leaned on the rails. The softness earlier had waned away, and, at that moment, Adam understood that maybe it may have been a bad idea to go to that place.
"You picked an open park, that's smart," said Cain, "still you are risking your life meeting me alone."
His mellowed tone doing little to mask the intent. Adam realized, whenever Kitsune or Akira was present it was like he swallowed the trade.
"Anyway, did you need my help?" he asked quickly reverting to his kind demeanor.
"I— do," said Adam," Ever since that night I've thought about alot of things. What I want, what I am doing to get it."
Adam pause and he noticed the kids playing ball not far from them. The sight warmed his heart, a simple smile formed.
"I remember, that night, when you appeared, and saved Akira and Kitsune, you were so cool," he paused and continued, " I could instantly see the relief on Kitsune's face."
Cain watched him from the corner of his eyes.
"I mean it was to be expected. After all you were like a superhero. I was jealous back then maybe that's why I felt an instinctual hate towards you."
Adam laughed nervously then sat beside Cain on the rails his eyes wandering to the ground his fingers moving mindlessly.
"I have a dream Mr Cain," said Adam looking up at him with determination, "I want to be a... A superhero." as he said this his cheeks flushed red.
Cain tried to hold back the titter but failed. He burst out into a laugh, Adam buried his face in his hands.
"Please don't laugh Mr. Cain," he said.
Cain patted Adam's back and rubbed his hair.
"You know something Adam, you are a very interesting fellow. But why a superhero?"
A memory flashed to Adam. A morgue, dead bodies all bearing faces similar to his.
"I have to, I just have to."
As he said that his fist clenched.
"I see... I won't pry further," said Cain.
"Tha said would you be willing to teach me how? I want to be strong, but I am stuck. And I want to give people relief when they see me."
"Look Adam, I am not a superhero, nor do I have any interest in being one"
"Ohhh... I see, I get it," said a disheartened Adam.
"But I can help you get stronger,"
"Really?"
"Yeah, there is a condition,"
"I'll do it," said Adam excited, "whatever it is, I'll do it."
"Okay, Young Adam so from now just call me Teacher?"
"Yes! Teacher!" said Adam.
"It is admirable to want to be a Hero."
A ball hit Cain on the leg. Not too far a kid stared nervously at him. Some boys ran over next to their friend, Cain kicked the ball back to them. They smiled happily as they ran off with it. He smiled as he watched them.
"The girls, they seem to be taking long," said Cain.
On cue Akira and Kitsune walked over to them. Kitsune was carrying three shopping bags and Akira two.
"Wow your credit card has a magnificent feature," said Kitsune.
"Yeah, tell them," Akira added.
"Yup... no matter what we bought the balance remained the same, it's like magic."
An evil grin formed on Kitsune's face.
"We had to test it out and bought a few more things just to be sure,"
"But it seems you didn't overspend," said Cain looking at their rather small shopping bags.
"Oh these, these are just the souvenirs, the real items are online, they should be delivered to our homes by tonight?"
"Wait what?" asked Cain stopping.
***
It was dark. The streetlights illuminated their path casting shadows of trees and edges across the street. Insects danced on the luminous lamp enjoying the warmth away from the cold, cold night. But side by side as they walked in silence, she could not feel even the slightest hint of cold.
This was after dropping off Adam and Akira in their homes. Cain had insisted on walking her home, and since neither had a thing to talk about it led to a horrendous silence.
"Should I ask him about the other day, or will he get mad?"
From time to time, she looked at him furtively her cheeks red as sauce. What was he thinking? What was the meaning of this silence for him? Was he mad? A bountiful question was raised continuously in her head.
"Are you okay?" he asked as if he had read her mind.
"Am fine," she replied instantly and nervously.
"You seem agitated, you've been sighing the whole time, am I making you uncomfortable?"
"No . . ." she said and continued after a pause, "it's just that I've had a lot in my mind you know."
"I see, in that case, let me apologize about last time, I wasn't myself. Gabriel told me I should go to jail. Funny huh." He said with a slight smile.
This stimulated a slight laughter from her. For some reason, she felt relieved by his words, like a heavy load had been yanked out of her chest. She elbowed him slightly as she walked.
"I don't hate you, for some reason, I feel like you're not that kind of person,"
"You think so?" he asked blushing slightly, "Thanks that means a lot to me."
By now they were outside Kitsune's apartment building. She stopped by the gate signaling him in turn.
"Well, this is it, I guess it's goodbye," she said.
"Mmmh. Goodnight," said Cain.
As he turned to walk away, he felt a tag on his sleeves. Pinching it slightly. He turned to her, she was torn as if she was about to cry.
"Cain, I know it's not my place to judge, but please be careful. Don't get hurt again . . . okay?"
He was silent at this. She eventually let go of his jacket, but just then he pulled her hand and hugged her. Again, relieving her of her worries.
"Thanks, but don't worry about me. Just focus on living a normal life," he said.
"You dummy," she whispered.
She did not know how long she held on to him. A minute, maybe two. But she wanted to feel his warmth, his smell, his heartbeat, filled with a burning need to preserve that moment.