Onyx
After finally making up my mind to assist Abyss in revenge of my family, I found myself overcome with a long-repressed anger for them. I had always directed it toward myself, presuming my true love to be dead. Yet before me I saw a version of the boy I couldn't have imagined back then.
I knew he had changed a lot; sorrow and grief do that to someone. The once innocent, sweet boy was replaced by an exterior of bitterness and cold, seething hate that fueled his otherwise fragile body.
I watched in awe as I witnessed his years of training while we made our way to the surface, with him primarily being the one lugging my several-ton body.
I observed as we ascended from the sand abysses that hide more beneath like an endless void. Creatures, even the dangerous kind, saw us and swam away. He had a cold edge in his eyes while staring at them and pulled his bone dagger on a couple of stray predator animals. I was glad to be at his side right about now.
Once we made it to the surface he told me to turn away so he could change. He walked from the water with a menacing stride, his long hair gleaming in the sunlight as he rummaged for his stuff in the hiding spot under the treeline.
I took mental note of all of this new information.
"Okay, well I don't have big enough clothes for you so you're just going to have to deal," he said, his voice a bit annoyed as he muttered under his breath, "Sarit isn't here did he come back and take my clothes?"
I just let him express himself, instead focusing on shrouding my form in inky black shadows as I transformed. He looked over and shrugged. "That will have to suffice." Then he asked, "Does Pixie know what you are?"
I nodded simply. "It is only natural after all she is a tree nymph." Abyss pressed his lips into a thin line, and watching his expression it was clear he already knew.
"Can you fight?"
The random question startled me. Why was he asking it? It felt out of place in our original topic. "I mean, I suppose so," I replied with a slight hint of doubt.
"Well good, because you're going to need that ability if you're going up against your family with me." He hoisted his backpack before beckoning me. I trailed along, my eyes stopping to glance at the car crash of mine still there on the road. I was surprised it wasn't towed, but maybe everyone was too distracted by the evident damage to the houses from my so called storm.
Guilt nagged at my conscience but I couldn't do anything about it now; I could only try to make up for my actions.
I steeled myself and prepared for the excessive lecturing of my aunt when I returned. I knew she had inevitably heard I disappeared and would be livid. I looked over at Abyss unsure what to say or if I should warn him. "Just... we need to create an excuse or story, something that explains you being with me but still makes it seem you're human."
I listened to him as he thought up some ideas, eventually settling on, "Let's say you had some urgent business and were targeted by the people who killed your aunt in law. Then I happened to be around at the company to give you a ride because I lived nearby."
I knew his suggestion wouldn't fully cut it; she would end up suspicious that I was gaining feelings for someone else if she saw me with him.
I knew she wouldn't be wrong either.
However it would be dangerous for him, someone who believes I shouldn't ever be happy, someone who knows I haven't shown interest in any humans even once in my life. It would only direct her wrath in his direction as well and she would inevitably find out he is anything but human.
I gritted my teeth and tensed my jaw, deciding carefully to ensure he would be safe this time around.
I looked at him as he walked. I knew he was close with Sarit, but how alone he must have felt to carry this burden all this time and still forgive me enough to let me help him.
The imposing mansion of excessive grandeur came into view. One would think it would feel like returning home; however nothing about this place reminded me of home. I sighed as I stepped into the foyer and glanced at the old grandfather clock. It was still when Pixie's school would be in session so she wouldn't be home to know I had returned.
Abyss, not knowing human ways or standard etiquette, left his shoes on upon his entrance. I didn't mind much. In a household like this the standard rules seldom applied. This thought was not shared by my aunt who made her oh so perfect timing of a comment.
"I see you leave for weeks and bring back an uncultured rat?" Her words rung through the air like an icy blade.
"No, aunt, I apologize. Some things happened regarding the same people behind the latest happenings, he was just doing his job and bringing me here." I would have said more but I didn't lest I incur her suspicion. It was not unusual for me to defend my staff at the least.
"The latest events?" Her eyes ever so slightly widened as she observed us as if trying to discern the truth.
"Is this true boy?" she asked Abyss next to me. He merely slightly bowed, resuming the respectful demeanor he once carried with me as well. "I am afraid I do not know Khun. I did not have any involvement in the matter, my artist just was on leave so I stepped in as the only free worker to assist."
If she weren't here I would have praised him for becoming more natural in his acting.
"Very well take your leave now," she commanded him.
As he walked away, her hand tightened around the banister, nails whitening in a warning I could not ignore.