Chapter 7

Opening my eyes. I smell the rotting flowers in my mask. Looking around I see that everyone is either out cold, sleeping on the floor, or not in the room. Taking off my mask,

Taking a deep breath of the dusty apartment air.

Standing up, I open the apartment's windows. Looking out I see that it's still dark. Checking the clock I see that it's only 4 pm. Deciding to go wash I enter the bathroom. Spotting sleeping AMber on the floor next to the toilet. Walking over to her, I wash my face. Staring into my own eyes, I feel my heart rate increase. Looking into the mirror, I suddenly see Sydney's father.

"Give me back my daughters!" Jumping from the mirrors I hit the back of my head on the wall. Looking back I don't see him. "A Hallucination?" "Pl-pl-please be silent…." Seeing Amber speak from her sleep I calm down a bit. Hearing noise in the other room. I quickly put on my mask and entered.

Seeing Sydney balance on a single leg of a chair she tries to reach for a can of tuna on a shelf. "Be careful." Seemingly not noticing my presence. She loses her balance and almost falls on the floor. Panicking, I start to quickly wobble over, only for her to regain her balance. "That was dangerous! What even made you think that was a good idea?!" Getting mad I scolded Sydney. "I-i–I"m sorry." Shaking a bit I realize that I must be acting like her father. "No, I'm sorry I shouldn't have gotten mad at you." Patting her on the head, I continue. "You know what? Wanna go for an early walk?" Not shaking anymore, Her eyes open wide. "Where are we going?"

"To meet someone very dear to me." Exiting the apartment, we walk the night streets of Aquaria. "Mister… you said that you're going to meet someone close to you? Who is it?"

"Well first, it's a surprise. And second, you shouldn't be so trusting with other people, I mean you don't even know how I look yet you're following me like it's normal."

Shrugging my worries off, like they're not needed. She instead runs off ahead. "Wow!" Leaning over a railing she looks at the river splitting the city. Asking her what she was so surprised about. Sydney Tells me that She never actually saw the large river of Aquaria and this is her first time seeing so much water in one place. "Then you should see the ocean. it's like a lake, but bigger." Walking along the riverside. I walk onto a stone bridge. Its stone and medieval looks don't complement its modern surroundings. While I step on it without a problem I see Sydney stop in front of it. "Is something the matter?"

Shaking her head she replies. "No, It's just that I… was never on the other side. Don't the rich live there?" Nodding my head I reply. "Correct but do you know what this bridge's name is?"

Looking at me confused, she shakes her head. "This bridge was built by the founder of Aquaria. Charles Aquarius. He first settled on this side of the river where the slums are, but too many valuable resources lay on the other side of the river, so with the basic technology he had. He built this bride without any power tools. But due to the huge amount of resources on the other side it was quickly developed and many talented humans that lived from before the catastrophe, came here to rebuild civilization as we know it."

Invested in my talk about history. We stop in the middle of the bridge. "Question! If Aquaria started on the south side where we are from, why is it so poor?" Nodding my head I reply. "Simple, we were forgotten. The north riverside started to develop and many important people decided to live there. While in the south, only the people seeking refuge from the harsh world were left. Now I need to take care of something quick, so go on ahead" Nodding her head she walks to the other side. The bridge has many statues of important people that helped shape the civilization the way we know it now. one of them being my grandfather,

[Joseph Nordstorm]

[The scholar of humanity and founder of many academies]

Reading the statue's plate, I can't help but laugh. "A scholar."

Looking the statute in the eyes. I speak. "You were my hero. more than my father that was always away from home.

You were the one that taught me everything about living and treating others the same way I want to be treated."

Sighing, I continue. "I will pass on your wisdom, but in my way, cause I don't agree with some of your beliefs…..

or to be more specific. I've broken some of them. I killed innocent, and… I still see their faces in my dreams. or 2 faces a cop and a father. That little girl is his daughter. I was planning on just killing her dad and letting her do her own thing, but then I saw the situation that she was in. Not to mention sister. I took pity on them, and decide to take them under my protection.

but I'm a wanted man now and they don't know that."

Looking at the statue, I want to tell more about my problems.

But ultimately decide not to as I can't keep Sydney waiting.

Leaving the bridge I see Sydney patiently waiting at the end of it. "Are you done?" Asking me I nod at her. "You don't speak much. Why is that?" Shrugging my shoulders, I replied.

"I speak enough. If I want to I can speak a lot like I did when I was explaining to you the history behind this bride or now. I just prefer not to speak, I guess."

Arriving in front of a graveyard Sydney looks at me confused.

"What are we doing here? Aren't we meeting someone?"

Not answering, I push open the large gate and enter.

Stopping in front of a grave, Sydney reads.

"Millie Nordstorm, Who is that?" "My sister, I wanted you to meet my family." Crouching down I grab half of the flowers from a neighboring grave and put them into Millie's vase.

"I don't think you should do that….. you're ruining that person's grave." Looking at Sydney I pat her on the head.

"You're far too sweet, but that's what makes it nice I guess.

Do you know why it doesn't bother me to take their flowers?"

Thinking for a bit she replies. "Because you don't care?"

Shaking my head I sit down. "No, I do care, that's why I only took half of the flowers. I want both of them to enjoy a beautiful grave but I can't afford these flowers. If I didn't care I would take all the flowers. wouldn't I?" Nodding her head, Sydney speaks. "I think I get it. But why did you bring me here?

This place is sad and only."

"I don't know, to be honest, I guess that I just wanted to show you, my sister. Maybe try to teach you something along the way? Well, don't make the same mistake I did, and take care of your sister, after all, she is the only family you have left." standing up I see that the sun is already high in the sky.

"I think we should head back, the others must be wondering where we are."

While on our way back, Sydney asks me all sorts of questions. I didn't answer any of them. Instead, I was wondering, what I was Thinking! Showing her Millie's grave wasn't a smart decision by any means! Hell! if Sydney was just a tiny bit smarter. She could have figured out that I'm a Nordstorm! Feeling something pull on my sleeve,

I see Sydney Looking at me angrily. I did not know why, but the moment she looked

at me. All my worries disappeared. "Mis- Imena Raven why are you ignoring me?"

Not being able to lie to her, I replied. "I was just regretting my decision to bring you here." Stopping, she lets go of my sleeve and speaks. "I'm just a burden, aren't I?"

I couldn't. Not because she was right, but because her eyes lost all their color of life.

It was as if she was just stating a fact. I…..was scared.

Her curious and bubbly personality is all gone. Replaced by this almost lifeless one.

Panicking, I just hugged her as she looked like a lost child that never felt true parental love. "NO! That's not it! I….. was just thinking that bringing you to my family's grave would be too much for you, but I still brought you! You didn't shed a single tear when your father died! but now... I understand you never once felt wanted did you?"

Seeing her tear up, I continued. "It's fine I promise that you're wanted. Me or your sister Iris, we want you to be here or let me ask you this. If I truly didn't want you to be here, would I save you from your dad?" Shaking her head violently on my shoulder.

Lifting her up. I smile beneath my mask. "Do you want to know why I Brought you to that grave?" Softly whispering she says no. "I wanted to teach you to value your life.

This morning when I saw you dangle on the chair. I was really scared! I mean who would take care of your older sister? I mean I would try my best, but not even I can do miracles." "Lies!" Getting cut off by Sydney, she speaks. "If there's anyone who can make Iris better, it's you, mister! you saved us from our dad and gave us a wonderful new home!" Patting her on the head I laughed. "You're right! Aren't I amazing? I can do anything!" We continued our walk home with some small talk. Until finally arriving home.

Pushing open the door I see Edward repairing a hole in the floor using duct tape.

Welcoming me back he stops and looks at the little girl next to me. "Hey, You're Sydney, right? I'm Edward, Raven's best friend." Smiling Widely Sydney looks at him weirdly. Putting her down, I relax my hand. Looking around I notice Amber missing. Asking Edward, He replies that she's in the next room with Iris.

Peeking into the room I see the girls talking together. Entering I see Irises eyes open wide. Her mouth starts to shake.

Grabbing her head Amber looks her deep in the eyes and speaks. "It's fine, You're safe. So breathe in and breathe out."

Calming Iris down, Amber Looks at me and asks. "Where's that little girl?" Brightening up Iris looks at me. "Sydney?

Is Sydney here?" No longer looking at me with fear, I nod.

"Where?" Standing up she almost falls, as her body is so weak I see her bones. Calling for Sydney she rushes over to me only to see her Sister in the room standing.

"You're awake!" Running to her she hugs her tightly. Seeing their happy reunion I leave the room. Sitting down at the table I wonder what the future upholds. "Tea?" Bringing back to reality is Edward. "What?" Handing me a cup of tea.

I take a sip. "You know what? Is this actually good? Why the hell am I cooking drugs when we could open a tea shop?!"

Saying that I realize something. "Edward, how long do we know each other?" "Few weeks?" Shaking my head I reply.

"Yeah sure, but it's been barely 2 days since we killed

Gunter, yet I feel like a month has passed already." Spitting his Tea out he looks at me. "No, it has to be longer than that!

After all, Amber's been here….." "A Day, almost." Finishing his sentence, he starts to shake his head even more. "I won't accept that as fact, just no." Almost screaming he storms away.

"How is the possibility that I have a better relationship with a person I know for 2 fucking days than my entire family."

Finishing my Tea. I decided to tune an old radio that was sitting on the parapet. *Shhh ye- shhhh "There was a home invasion

At New street. Where a brother of the current police chief has been brutally shot to death. The investigation is on the way as the current police chief swears to find the brutal murderer at any cost."

"Hey, Edward! You always have a news channel on this radio?" Confused by my question he walks over and listens.

"By the current information, we have a description of the suspect kidnapping the Police chief's nieces. The suspect wears a large bird mask with a long black coat. The kidnapped nieces are of ages 16 to 6. If anyone sees someone befitting this description please report it to your nearest police officers. We thank you for your cooperation."

"What the… Don't tell me that Sydney and Iris are the kidnapped girls?" Nodding my head, I stop him from yelling.

"Before you yell at me, just know. That their father was an abusive bastard." Taking in a deep breath, he speaks.

"Fine, let's say you did the right thing, but now what?"

Thinking, I see Amber approach us. "What are you guys doing?" Looking at us she listens to the radio a bit. "Don't tell-" ""YES"" Answering together I raise my hands in defense. "I'm sorry but-" Not getting to finish, Amber says.

"Don't you think it's weird? You said that most murders are not even brought up. So why is this one so important?

I mean.... the guys we ….. murdered back there weren't reported." Telling Amber that their father was a brother to the police chief. She finally understands why this one is such a deal. Thinking about what we need to do so I won't be recognized by the public, Edward smiles. "Simple, just take this off!" Pulling off my mask everyone goes silent.

Seeing amber hold back her laugh I ask what's wrong?

Laughing out loud Edward speaks. "You're fucking ugly!"

"What?!" looking at my reflection in a dirty window I see that my hair has grown out of proportion and is all the way to my shoulders. "You look like a weird mix between a woman and man." Taking offense to that, I get a bad idea. Asking amber for a band. Handing me one she suddenly gets an Idea as well. "Wait, give it back!"Not knowing why I give it to her only for her to walk behind me and grab my hair. "Don't move."

Pulling on my hair I feel like she's about to rip it out. Before

I can complain, she hands me a hand mirror. "So what do you think?" Turning my weird blob of hair into a pretty good-looking ponytail, nodding. "Nice, I like it, but some of my hair feels uncomfortable." pulling my front hair I see my hair get even messier. Giving up I let it be.

Hearing the door creak, we see Iris leave the bedroom with Sydney. "I'm sorry for being so much trouble, so we decided that it would be best for us to leave. We thank you for everything you did for us…. Where is that masked man?"

Standing up I walk over. "I think I should reintroduce myself.

I'm Raven The masked man as you call me." Offering my hand for a handshake. I hear Sydney snicker.

"You're pretty mister." Thanking her for the compliment.

Iris takes my hand and shakes it. "If… I may ask why do you use a cane?" Looking at my cane I smile and reply.

"I can't walk without it, it's as simple as that. Now, how about we go get some breakfast? I'm starving!"

Leaving the apartment I remember something my grandpa said. "The moment you first open your eyes you will see what you truly want to do." Back then I argued that the first time I opened my eyes was when I was born, but now I see it.

The laughs that Edward and Amber have. The loving talk between Iris and Sydney, I see it I want to protect it I want to spend more time with them I want- "Raven? Are you good? You looked like you just realized something?" Looking at Edward I smile. "No, I just understood something." Closing the door we leave. I hope for more fun times with them all.