Masquerade: New Reality: Part three

"Sue!" a man called out, walking up the street toward them. He looked thin but far from frail. Heavy breathing gave away his age, late forties, early fifties maybe, with his graying hair and mustache. He resembled an old movie star, wearing his black motorcycle vest, white t-shirt, and blue jeans. "I was worried, thought I would try to find you."

"Dad!" Sue called out excitedly, "these two gentlemen are new acquaintances of mine."

Sue's dad faced the two men. "Well, a hobo and a friend . . ." he stopped himself short, examining Creed instead of finishing his sentence.

Creed politely bowed. "Sir, I am sorry to bother you, but could you possibly tell me where I could stay?"

Sue's dad grunted, "A hotel would be nice, but that's only if you have money."

Creed shook his head, thinking that would not do. He highly doubted that anyone here would take Casalyian currency.

Sue's eyes lit up with what she thought would be a good idea. "Hey, Dad, remember when you said that you would never leave a teen out on the streets because it's so violent?"

"Yes, Sue, I remember. Tell me what you're getting at."

Sue hesitated at first, but continued slowly, "He could stay with us if he were going to school, right?"

Her father stroked his mustache in thought. "I suppose so, but he must attend the same school as you."

"So," Crystal looked at Creed, crossing her fingers behind her back, "What school do you go to."

"Capital Academy," Creed replied.

Sue smiled, gleefully exclaiming, "That's the school I attend!"

Her father grunted in approval, but added skeptically, "I do have some questions for him."

Creed studied him intently, but could not make out any of this man's thoughts. "I promise to explain everything when we get to your domain."

"Very well, follow us." Her father began walking ahead of the teenagers. Then, speaking over his shoulder, he said, "My name is Gin Azure." Sue and Crystal caught up with Gin while Creed followed behind them, not wanting to offend anyone. The girls chatted excitedly among themselves while Gin led the way.

Creed began studying his surroundings. He could not imagine that anyone could live in those decrepit conditions. He had completely forgotten about his brother Vincent until now. He began to lag behind them. Sadness overwhelmed him. He completely missed the change from destroyed scenery to a clean-cut town.

Sue noticed Creed's change in pace and dropped back. "What's wrong?" she asked and wondered why she did not notice how solemn Creed acted until now. "What's wrong?" she asked again.

"My brother," he said softly, lowering his head.

"Yeah, what's the matter with your brother?" she asked, concerned.

"They took him away. I have no idea if he is alive or dead. I want to scream to get this pain out."

Now Sue lowered her head, "Then scream if you want."

Creed looked at Sue, trying to decipher her emotion, but he could not see her face.

"I said scream! I know the pain of losing someone close to you!"

"How would you know?" he asked bitterly.

"I was adopted. My real family all perished in a fire. I was too young to do anything back then, only cry. So I do know what it's like."

Creed sighed, "I'm sorry." Then he let loose a terrible shrieking sound that filled the ears of everyone within a mile radius.

[The Ensemble is a scream that teenagers and children are capable of. They outgrow the scream when they hit twenty.]

Crystal jumped, startled, and fell to the ground.

"What the hell!" Gin managed before he hit the ground without warning. Then Sue dropped. People started to panic, one or two at a time, they were collapsing.

Creed finished his shriek and looked innocently around. He realized that they were in a shopping bazaar. He noticed a stone wall beside him and leaned heavily against it. He thought about how much this area reminded him of Casalynn with their clean, open-air stalls. He closed his eyes, trying to ease his sadness. When he did, he heard a familiar voice calling his name. "Creed," the voice said quietly.

"Vincent," Creed replied with joy, opening his eyes. But Vincent was not here. He wished his brother were here, instead of not knowing. The unknown was slowly killing him inside.