Chapter 1

     I awakened in a blinding darkness. Even a hand placed mere inches from my face only blended in with the black. I was left in a quaking stance. For I feared that by moving further into the large, empty abyss, I would become swallowed up and lost forever. "Tony!" I called out in panic. "Someone, anyone..." I panted. My eyes pleaded for some recognition of shape or color, as my belief in them was waning. I could feel my breath and heartbeat increase before a voice called back to me.

     "You're worthless," spoke an unfamiliar voice, "heh, a stupid human."

     I scanned the area around me, but couldn't determine the source of the voice.

     "Or are you really a monster." The screeching laughs of a young woman echoed through the shadows before a gust of wind blew harshly. Black feathers rushed towards me. They danced around me in a vicious whirlwind that prevented me from escaping. I shielded myself as they whipped and cut against my clothing and flesh, preparing one of the feathers to strike my soul. Their dance grew more violent until I could no longer hear my own thoughts. The woman's cackling, however, remained persistent...

___ ___ ___ ___ ___

     A loud ring woke me up from what was really a dream. Panting, I sat up and instinctively turned off the alarm clock that rested on my nightstand. The sunlight crept in through the spaces between the blinds of my window. Birds chirped in welcome to the new day. I on the other hand, turned comfortably in bed, allowing a few more minutes of rest before my day would begin. Once again, my dreams had eaten up my rest.

     I got up and out of my bed before gathering my clothes for the day. Before dressing, I took my hair out of my now messed up ponytail. Shaking my head, I cracked my neck and knuckles before looking in the mirror. My arms raised as I stretched in salutation to the morn. "Another day, another year," I spoke to myself while brushing my medium-length, wavy, dark brown hair. Satisfied, I put on my white spaghetti strap tank top before applying some deodorant and slipping on my long sleeved blue hooded, "zip-up" sweatshirt. As the usual trend goes, I wore long jeans and sneakers. I grabbed my messenger bag and waffle for the road, before heading out the door. "I'm going now, have a nice day everyone!" I called out before closing the door behind me.

     "See you later, alligator!" my grandfather called out, to which my grandma also commented, "don't forget to make some friends!" I responded with an "alright." "Have a nice day at school." my mom said, to which I responded, "You too, with work!"

     I left with an "I love you" before walking down the block to my bus-stop. It wasn't a long distance, yet I loved the journey. I lived in a suburban neighborhood in a town near the bay. I loved it all, the fresh air, the chirping of the birds and seagulls floating above, the breeze flowing through my hair. Although it made it messy, I didn't care. As I walked this path, over a thousand songs laid within the palm of my hands serenading me upon my expedition. But then, the journey ends. I arrived at my destination, left to wait for the zoo that awaited me. At last I entered the mouth of the behemoth and took my same lonesome seat, but it was a happy lonesomeness, as I entered my own little world.

     As the music flowed within my ears and mind, I took my phone out of my pocket. Scrolling to a familiar name, I smiled gently before typing the words, "Good morning..."

     The minutes pass as our descent was made, I exited through the same orderly line, but what lied inside the building was all but ordered. Everyone had their own cliques and routines, places to go, people to see, but after I placed my lock on my locker, all I could do was head to my classroom and wait, silently hoping. The ticks of time seemed to take longer with each minute. Then as I thought I was completely erased, a voice called out to me. "Mia!" a familiar voice called. I turned and replied, upon instinct, "Leo!" At last, a smile stretched upon my face as we hugged.

     "Our homerooms aren't that far! It's so awesome!" he exclaimed.

     "I'm just so happy to see you again" I laughed. "How was your summer?"

     He went on to talk about the games he played and anime shows he had seen, as well as the adventures he had with his friends.

     "Leo! Wait up!" ran up another figure, "Geeze, you could've at least waited for me!"

     "Noah!" I said happily before giving him a hug, my small stature being no match for his tall one.

     "Aw, that happy to see me, huh?" he said before hugging me back."

     "Yes!" I said before giving him a confident fist pump. "Now, we just need Hugo and then the group is all set!" I concluded, scouting my head about, "hm.."

     Out of the crowd arrived another familiar face. He kindly separated from his friends with a wave goodbye. "Hugo! I called out with a grin." "Mia!" he said happily before hugging me as I hugged him back. "Yes! Now the group has once again reunited!" I confidently spoke. We all laughed and talked about our summer adventures.

     Leo and Noah were twins. They were also two years younger than me, if you can believe, considering how tall they are. Leo was sillier than Noah, and was the first of the two that I'd met. In a way, I guess you can say he opened up my world, giving me all the friends I have today. Noah was a bit more foul mouthed, but still very loyal, they both were, despite their popularity. They were both into gaming, however, Leo was the only one into anime as well. All in all, they both were very warm and kind. It was no wonder they were so popular.

     Then there's Hugo, the brainiac of the group. Sharing the same year as me, and roughly the same height, he excelled in math and science and aimed to major in mathematics in college. Still, he was very into anime and gaming, and was even on the track team. He always carried around some sort of puzzle cube, and no matter how many sides it held, he could solve it. Out of the three of them, I had a bit more history with Hugo, even if it was on the sidelines. I must admit, I looked up to him, even though he was only a bit taller than me.

     Before we knew it, the first bell rang, signaling the morning announcements would start. We placed our hands over our heart in accordance with the pledge before separating a moment later.

     I met with my new teachers and generally the same classmates. Though my classes were slightly different, everything was the same; the same amount of work, the same expectations, and the same reaction I would get from my teachers. As a student, I was quiet and introverted, but always strove for the best of grades. My teachers would like that about me, not always texting or talking in class, but rather paying attention. Though, in the end, I never had the type of friendly relationship with my teacher like everyone else had, rather, for me, it was more formal and respectful. The casualness some students had was baffling to me, but perhaps I was just too serious.

     Finally the happiest time of the day came; the time where we could finally go home. I must admit, finding the bus on the first day could be rather tricky. Heck, even after you already know where your bus will be, you need to rush in order to make their departure time. Nevertheless, I made it. Claiming an empty seat, I pulled out my iPod, getting comfortable for the journey home.

     I pulled out my phone, smiling at the image which held its wallpaper. It was a photo of a rainbow peeking out from the tip of a small mountain which stood in the background of a shopping center. It seemed very plain and uninteresting, but it made me happy nevertheless, because it contained something of a connection to my love and myself. I smiled, quietly uttering to myself, "So long as I've got you, I don't need anything else." I typed in reply to a message in which he told me about his day and how much he missed me. Afterwards, I returned to the music, looking out the window, searching for something unbeknownst to me beyond the clouds.

     As the bus was in motion, everyone was casually talking to their friends; Talking about their day, gossiping about their fellow students and teachers, and making plans to meet up later. I, on the other hand, sat silently as usual. Besides meeting up with my friends at the very beginning and very end of the school day, the bus ride home and the final walk home, were other things I loved about the day. Residing in my own little world, listening to music, ignoring all of the negativity, this was just one of the little things that made living just a little bit okay. Finally my stop was reached, and everyone who lived on the same block as me got off as well. I spoke a simple, "Thank you," to the bus driver before getting off. Everyone walked on one side of the street, while I walked on the other. I laughed at the hidden significance between the separation of our different living locations. Still, I embraced the solitude.

     They would joyfully hang out together, and thankfully, I wouldn't have to get in the middle of it. Though our youth forced us together, fate brought us apart. Truth be told, their antics could be quite noisy at times, between their pool parties, games and walks. It all just seemed like a meddlesome bother, so it was easier to just stay inside. Rather, when I think of it more, was I just jealous? No, I couldn't be. I shook off my feelings and continued on my walk, taking in my last "daily doses" of green plants and blue skies, before walking the steps of my home. I took it all in one last time, the tidbits of color and scraps of scent, before opening and closing the door behind me, all with a simple, "I'm home."

     I greeted my grandmother with a peppy vibe before heading up the stairs. I briefly discussed my day, telling her about how I met up with my friends from the previous year. We both laughed and I made my lunch before heading back to my room. I did some math homework, which was something of a review. Finishing it rather quick, I pulled my computer close to me and watched some anime to clear my mind of all the bustling the day had to offer.

     "Everyone is always so active the first day of school, you'd think they would have met up during summer break," I casually spoke to myself.

     As the evening drew nearer, my mother and grandfather returned home. Dinner was soon prepared as I went to help set the table before we all ate together. It was a simple dish of chicken with vegetables and glasses of lemonade. As we ate, small tension broke out as my grandmother took notice of my grandfather finishing his dinner sooner than the rest of us. She commented with this with a simple gulping sound, asking him if it was a race. She tried to ask him about his day, but his simple answer was that it was fine. Such frustration she bore was something I couldn't blame her for.

     I ate quickly too, though just to escape; For it made me believe that somehow, it will allow dinner to end sooner. A foolish idea, I know, but I knew not of what else I could do. Commenting would only result in the idea that I'm taking sides. I just hated the arguments, even the little ones. Better yet, every argument was little, just blown out of proportion. Perhaps the average family has this much tension, too, and I probably don't know about it. I know I'm not one to talk or complain, but I don't want this to continue...

     I rose from my chair as their voices increased in volume. The disagreement traveled downstairs. They went on, discussing my grandfather's job as he lost his temper after a while.. They took their time to keep verbally attacking one another like beasts. My mother simply trekked back to her room, as I did to mine.

    Searching for some sort of solace, the depression only rose. There I sat alone, right behind my door, acting as a barricade from unwanted intruders. I hated it all and could only blame myself. Their voices screeched on, feeling like nails being scratched on a chalkboard as they clawed at my mind. My body entered a ball-like state as I held my knees close to my chest. My hands gently held my head as my hair drooped down over my face like a blanket. My eyes felt like they would burst like a dam. "I hate this.. I hate this so much.."

     Hearing a buzz, I noticed my phone on the bed and crawled towards it. This item, this simple device, may have seemed like a mere object to play games or chat to friends with, but it was my comfort, my serenity. For this brought connection to the one thing, the one person, that guided me back into the light, even if for a bit. Viewing the blinking green beacon, I wanted to keep grasping that light, while becoming the light for another. As I reached towards my bed, I grasped my phone, as though it would save my life, before returning to my spot behind the door.

     I softly whispered through the tears that gradually fell, "Tony, you're what brings me such hope.. to go on in a world so cruel..with a mind so distorted.."

     As night fell darker, I grew more scared; I was scared of the dark, scared of them, and scared of myself. The argument grew and my mother ended up joining in on it. Her voice overpowered the other ones, as the risk of the flames grew too great to bare. Confusion of mixed thoughts, all brought about by their actions to bring me "protection." To get involved or keep my sanity, I didn't know, but I did know the results of going there all too well. So, I decided to stay and keep to myself. My breathing was like war drums to their vocal rage, my tears the dancers to their heavy beat.

     ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

     Awaking with aching eyes and the feeling of dried tears clung to my cheeks, I convinced myself that I had fallen asleep. I turned my head about the room to see nothing but deep darkness whose only illumination came from the streetlamp, as well as my bedroom clock. "What time is it?" I asked myself, only to see the time being 1:15am. "That late, huh? It's quiet now.. everyone must have gone to bed.." I spoke to myself.

     I was about to arise from my spot before I felt a gust of wind blow into the room through the opened windows. They filled empty cracks and spaces, and formed a new, uneven paper of their own over the walls. I shielded my eyes from the wind and partially hugged myself from the chill it created; The chill furthering from my fear. The drapes whipped rapidly from the breeze as I noticed black feathers flooding into my room.

     "What?" I asked myself in confusion.

     I looked up again, only to see a shadowy figure resting on the inner sill of my window. Feeling my heart skip a beat, I instinctively tried to back up on all fours as I faced the figure, only to find myself pressed against the door. I stared at the beast before me. The first thing I noticed was the two thick, black wings that seemed to engulf its victims of the night. It bore long, dark, blackened, hair. Its eyes bore into mine and were a common shade of purple, not too dark, but not too light. They seemed to glow in the darkness, making me feel like prey for such a predator. The first thought that popped in my head was, 'angel.'

     From the appearance all together, along with the clothing I could just barely make out, I predicted that this was a young woman. My breathing grew heavy, as I grew overwhelmed with all that was occurring. My eyes felt frozen. Finally, my anxiety cracked. I quietly and unevenly spoke, "P-please, d..don't hurt me..!"

     "Good evening, princess," the woman smirked a toothy grin, "so you're the girl huh?" This got me even more nervous, how did she know me? Was I being targeted? Was I going to die? Or perhaps to be taken away to some hellish world? There was no comment I could make except for the quivering that my lip bore in reaction to hearing such a truth.

     "W-what do you want with me..??" I asked, on the verge of terrified tears. I tried inching further away, but the door pressing insistingly behind me served as a reminder that there was no escape.

     She welcomed herself to further into my room. Her wings lifted up more before stretching a bit, casting more feathers to fall upon my bedspread. I could hear the bones of her wings pop as they stretched outward. "What I want, is you.." she spoke, her eyes squinting more, her smile widening.

     Floating like the gentleness of a feather over my bed, she walked in my direction. She knelt down before me, bringing her finger to mine and lifting up my chin so my gaze could meet hers. My hair covered my right eye, fading half of my vision into the darkness. Her right purple eye bore into my left brown one. Her colors shown with a black, diamond purple connecting her focus to mind. There I was, face-to-face with what could be my demise.

     Thoughts raced throughout my mind, what came out was rather unexpected for one in a situation like mine. "Who are you..?" I quietly asked with eyes that struggled to stay open, for it seemed that curiosity oddly overwhelmed my fear.

     She smiled again, but this time it was different. It didn't seem wicked, but rather more comfortable. I suppose my question did seem rather odd. "You look like you're about to piss yourself," she commented with a laugh. I could see her pointy teeth shine like stars in the dark.

     I darted my eyes away in response to her remark. My expression slightly more pouted, a light blush came across my cheeks from the embarrassment.

     "Heh," she expressed as she jumped backwards, her wings flapping as she confidently landed on my bed. She hung her leg over the edge of my bed, casually bending the other one closer to her slender frame. The luminescence of the streetlights and stars brought her into better view. Her skin-tone was light, not quiet pale, as she had some color to it. She wore long laced black boots and a pleated black skirt, which contained a belt and chain. A black corset top covered her chest; It had purple lacing in the font. She stared at me again, giving a sarcastic grin as her eyes seemed to glow, "My name is Yin, and I'm your protector."

     Her voice was rather low, and had an arrogant ring to it. She had a certain tough confidence about her. Part of me even questioned the possibility of her being an angel. At least, from what the stories say, anyway.

     I took a minute to let it all sink in. Part of me thought it was just a joke, as the other part just had me slowly nod. "W..what do you mean..?" I asked with a confused look, "a protector? You mean you're not here to kill me?"

     She raised an eyebrow, "kill you?" she gave a chuckle, "why would I do that?"

     "Well, because you suddenly appeared at such a late hour... You're wearing all black! You have a sharp pointy teeth! T-those wings..! And.. and... t-that.." I argued, slowly pointing towards the long sheath that hung at her waist.

     "What? This old thing?" She spoke before pulling out the shining metal blade from her left hip. Holding it horizontally she winked, stating, "pretty cool, ain't it?" She casually moved it to her shoulder, tapping it up and down, "can cut ten heads flat with this thing."

     I just sat there stunned and speechless.

     She rubbed her hand against the back of her head, looking away some, "Well, I GUESS It could give someone the wrong idea.." she said, playing with her hair a little. "Nevertheless" She confidently spoke, pointing her blade in my direction. "I'm your guardian now. From now on, I'll be fighting by your side."

     "F-fighting?" I asked, nervously.

     "Of course!" she confidently replied, clicking her blade back into its sheath, "You'll find out soon enough." She spoke this so casually while gathering up her feathers with a shadowy mist. She then lied down on the canopy-like bedding she crafted. "Night," she waved before resting her head on her arms behind her before falling asleep.

     I slowly got up, quickly putting my pajamas on. I slipped into my bed and under the covers. "Protection? Fighting? Against what? What does it all mean? Better yet, why me in the first place?" All of these questions, I quietly asked to myself, but unfortunately, I would have to wait for the answers. I turned on my side, quickly falling asleep, reluctantly finding trust in my newly found companion.