Chapter 97, Wings of a Dove

Chapter 97, Wings of a Dove

They came home at the normal time, with Sam arriving before George. Since Kreig wasnt entirely done with the dinner, Sam spent a little while helping him finish up.

And there they were, eating dinner just like so many times before.

Was Erica here? George asked sensibly. The portrait still standing in the living room had probably clued him in.

Yes, though she had to leave early.

Pity. You know, since mother and father have already moved on, its up to me and Sam to decide whether or not shes worthy of you, George said with a straight face.

Kreig gaped at him. What? Why would they decide something like that? Perplexed, Kreig turned to Sam in the hopes that she might clear up this strange misconception. Instead, he found her nodding gravely. Indeed, indeed. We cant let anyone dirty take our Kreigs hand in marriage!

Th-, that is preposterous, Kreig stammered. Im hardly worthy of her! How can you possibly make such a decision? Furthermore, marriage is a bit...

Unexpectedly, George grinned slyly. All in due time, brother dearest. It all starts with a portrait, dont you know?

Sam nodded in tandem with his words. Indeed, most indeed. I cant tell you how many stories Ive seen where a poor artist charms the rich dukes daughter by painting her in all sorts of situations Grinning as widely as her brother, Sam brought a spoonful of soup to her lips. Truly, you are a most avaricious charmer.

George stared at her, his expression falling a little. Do you even know what that word means?

Sam did not answer, but Kreig was too busy feeling flustered to really notice. He: marry Erica? Why, that would be Well, it would certainly be something. If the God below was willing, then anything was possible. Though, of course, that all remained for Erica to decide on. Kreig could hardly force her into anything. Not that he wanted to, either.

Though, the situation did mean that, one day, he would have to be honest with her. Otherwise, there might come a day when she is old and grey and he remains young and strong. Such a situation, as heartbreaking as it was to consider, was inevitable and just. The fate of all living things was to die.

But before that, he had to be honest and tell her the truth. About who he was. About what he was. About the things he had done.

...But that day remained far-off and distant. As a matter of fact, the longer Kreig could live without having to go through with it, the better. Her reaction could be quite unpredictable, and if worse came to worst, she might even attempt to share the truth with others. In that situation, Kreig might find himself unable to live the life he had so enjoyed until now. The school, Erica, his siblings There was no end to the things he might lose.

Surely, though, Erica wouldnt do such a thing, would she? Of course, she certainly enjoyed deliberating on whatever strange ideas she cooked up, but she seemed far from intent on sharing these truths with the world as a whole.

That was why Kreig felt quite comfortable in his plans for the future.

A hand fell on Kreigs chest. He looked down to find George looking up at him, still holding the phone to his ear. Slowly, carefully, George removed his hand from his chest. I cant stop you, Kreig. This situation is I cant tell you what to do or what not to do, but I will ask you to be careful. No matter what happens, IOCRO will protect you and those you love. You have my word. But if you do something to arouse the wrath of the public, we cannot defend your image. So, please. Be careful.

Kreig nodded stiffly and walked over to the kitchen window. He opened it wide. The gazes of his siblings burnt holes in his back.

Ruefully, he whispered an old inscription, one he had learnt many years ago while still trying to understand his place in the world.

Wings of a Dove (X)

His back grew hot and a pair of wings sprouted from it. They were white as snow and large enough to carry him. At his command, they folded themselves across his back, allowing him to step out of the window.

And then, as his siblings watched, he took flight.

Higher, higher, until he couldnt make out the ground anymore, until all that remained below him was a great expanse of black and stars. He felt breathless and weak. His hands trembled. What was happening? How did this happen? Why?

Did someone despise him so much that they would do this to him? Was there someone after his life? Did he have enemies in this world too?

Behind him, his wings flapped mighty, bringing him higher and higher until the world below couldnt be described as anything but an endless black sea.

He had to get to Erica. He had to explain the truth.

But if he truly was being attacked by some malevolent force, some organization bent on his demise, then he could hardly appear at her side empty-handed. Yes, he would need some protection. There was nothing in this world he truly feared from a combative standpoint, but if some immense being from the otherworld had appeared to bring about his end, then he would indeed need everything he could find.

With all the strength and speed he had to give, Kreig flew towards his goal. With the kind of speed he was able to build up, he was there within seconds, crashing through the roof of the police station. A bewildered guard stared at him as he easily destroyed the protective barrier that guarded his weapons and armour. Silently, without answering the guards hysterical questions, Kreig donned the blood red armour, placing the sword and shield on his back. His wings emerged from two specific incisions made along his back.

Being back in the armour felt at once homely and disturbing. The scent of blood within the helmet was overwhelming, as was the dried, rusty flakes of blood inside the joints. But he couldnt afford to be picky.

Other officers began rushing inside the station, pointing guns and shouting things Kreig didnt care to hear. Without a word, he hunched down and lept off the ground, bringing himself into the air.

Now.

Erica.