Richard

August 10,
New York: 1:48 am

"And you're sure that it's up here?" I asked, my words masked in a groan.

I heard Shadow sigh beside me as we marched up yet another spiral case. "Positive," He said with a voice was as sharp as a cold blade and held no emotion. "It's a little hard to mistake the scent of blood." I scoffed at his statement.

We had followed Shadow's nose across the city to an abandoned candle factory, and my faith in his "all-powerful" senses was beginning to waver with each led-filled step.

"It's probably just some poor cat that the rats got to." I whispered in annoyance. My satisfied sigh caught in my throat we finished our assent.

The spacious room was covered in millions of lit ivory candles, and was ever so tastefully accented by a deceased woman hanging by chains in the center.

"Oh yeah," Shadow said, his dead voice coated in sarcasm. "Definitely a cat." I shot him a glare. He took a breath to mock me, but the metallic-poisoned air caused his beige face to pale. Shadow rushed across the massive room and over to a broken window. He pulled down the charcoal mouth-piece from off his broad nose, and spewed forth the contents of his stomach.

Before I could ask if he was okay, Shadow rose his finger-less gloved hand and presented me with his middle finger. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. I took a moment to regain my composer.

"Have fun relishing your Chinese food again!" I exclaimed with a dismissive hand-wave and advanced toward the deceased. "I'll be over here, examine the body!" Faint curses of my name were heard from Shadow as he weakly tried to settle his stomach. All humor that I once had left me as I near closer to the dead woman.

There was something about her – about her presence that was familiar, and that unsettled me far more than the gruesome crime scene. She was truly beautiful, despite looking a wax doll.

The woman had loosely curled sandy blonde hair that cascaded over her bare shoulders, and low-cut peasant blouse that had flowy trumpet-sleeves that dandled off her arms.

I trailed my eyes down to her torso where a deep gash had been made across her black bodice; a closer inspection showed that someone had cut into her, tore out her intestines, and left them dangling out of the wound. I grimaced as the bloodly organs gently swayed against her black stockings and heeled boots.

"Stop fantasizing over the dead chick, and just fucking identify her!" Shadow exclaimed from across the factory floor. I quickly looked down at my armored ebony pants in terror, before feeling a sudden spark of anger source through my veins. "Fuck you, Adrian!" I exclaimed and felt my cheeks warm.

After hearing a satisfied snicker echo throughout the massive cement and rusted-iron framed room. I scoffed and went back to my deducting.

I slowly stood back up, trying my damnedest not to focus on her defined curves. Once I was level with her face, I noticed that she wore a black masquerade mask around her glassy eyes.

I gripped one of it's side, and was gingerly pulling it off when something startling happened: The ends of her gorgeous blonde hair began to peel away from the scalp, until it fell off and revealed a caramel shaggy pixie underneath.

Her face was paler than it should have been, with large cheekbones that were drastically highlighted by her hallowed out cheeks. My entire body grew ice. I stared into her primal green eyes that once shone with life and mischievous.

"Holy shit!" I exclaimed and stumbled backwards. "Who is-" Shadow started to say, but fell silent as he saw her face.

I couldn't think. I couldn't blink. I couldn't even breathe. The world moved in slow motion as I stood frozen before my fallen ally. The hellfire burned through the shadows that plagued the room in a tantalizing manner, and lit up behind her asymmetrical white skirt. She was gone. She was really gone.

Everything jumped back into play when rubber began to squeak down the twisted steps behind me. Before I could so much as flinch, Shadow was already pursuing the disturbance. "I got it," I heard his disembodied voice say. "Tell Joseph."

Shit. Joseph will lose this mind when he hears about this. I took a shaky breath and brought my right fore-arm to my face. I pressed a small button on the high-tech ebony brace that strapped securely around my wrist.

After a few seconds, a holographic screen projected out of the surprisingly light-weight gadget; its pale aqua lighting onto my porcelain face.

I messed around with the screen until it said that I was connected to Joseph. "Richard," He said in his usual spine chilling voice. "I'm at a very important meeting right now." I instantly regretted my decision.

Joseph although gently at times, was a cold mentor that would act out harshly when angered. And he got angry a lot. "I know, but this is really important." I said in a small voice. There was a sigh on the other end.

"Can't it wait until I get back in the morning?" Joseph strained his words as he asked. I glanced at the hanging corpse a few feet away from me. "No, you have to come back to New York, now!" I exclaimed a little louder than how I meant it. "Excuse me?!" Joseph nearly shouted. Yeah, I'm dead – so fucking dead.

"It's about Katherine," I said in a mouse-like tone, panic spreading through me. "Joseph, Katherine Storme is dead."

*******************************************

August, 10
Gotham: 2:07 am

I stared at the weapon in fear stricken awe.

So he attacked you with this? I asked, my raspy voice was as ghostly as the wind that howled sharply through the city. Shadow chewed his lip as he cautiously gazed at the instrument of death that laid in my cracked palms. Yeah, who even makes swords like this?! He exclaimed and crossed his bare arms securely around his plum tank top. Although Shadow and I both wore the same amount of armor, his uniform consisted of scientifically advanced threading; meanwhile mine proudly showed the onyx shields on long sleeved shirt and pants. No one, I said, the surrounding dim lights reflecting off the long sliver blade. or at least none that I know of.

A thick layer of fog draped over Gotham like an eerie blanket. I knitted my eyebrows as I carefully analyzed the sword; the sharp blade was equipped with a silver pommel and cross guard that were accented by smoke-like swirls of crimson and gold. The sword skimmed the cement when I flinched at the sudden groan that erupted  from the guy who unrightfully attacked my Shadow.

I watched as the guy shifted so that his head laid against the cold metal pole. Kinky. He whispered as his handcuffs brushed up against the streetlight. I glanced at Shadow in confusion. When I turned back however, I was greeted by a pair a sea green irises barring into my soul. You know, The guy said with a low, honeyed voice. If you like that sword so much, I could show you an even better one. He gave a wink as he smirked smugly at Shadow and I.

All of my body heat rushed to me cheeks.I'll pass, thanks. I said and glared at him. Oh come on, I promise that it's a very pleasurable sight! He exclaimed; the guy appeared to be about eighteen years old with bronze skin, and medium-length tobacco hair that was tucked underneath a cloud gray beanie. Shadow leaded over to my ear. I didn't find any other weapons inside his bag. He whispered, his hot breath tickling my neck.

Before I could respond, I was cut off by deep bellied laughter. God, how is it that you've gotten even more adorable?! The guy exclaimed; the sides of his slim lips curled into dimples as he smiled. My black gloves folded into the creases of my fingers and pinched my flesh. Adorable. How dare he. Do I know you or something? Shadow asked, I felt my pulse begin to steady back to a normal rate at the sound of his voice.Definitely, I co-star in your wet dreams. He said with a wink. Yeah, I'm certainly going to shove that damn sword up his pompous ass.

I clutched my fists and gritted my teeth. I looked over at Shadow, and saw his wheat-colored face morph in profound terror. W-who the fuck are you? He asked in a quivered whisper.  The name's Cody, The guy said as he tilted his head and gave a mischievous grin. Cody Arzy. A chill ran up my back. I didn't necessarily know anyone by that name, but the unpleasant stirring that I felt in my core told me that there was something dangerous about him – that I should grabbed hold of Shadow's wrist, and runaway from both Gotham and Cody. God, I wish that I listened to that feeling.

The sounds of tires squeaking and a roaring engine came thundering from within the ivory fog.

After a few seconds I able to identify twin canary lights. An extremely familiar onyx sports car coming speed into view. Once it came to a speeding a halt, the driver's door flew open, and a man in an expensive suit and tie crawled out.

What the fuck are you two even doing here?! He exclaimed, clearly not caring if any patrolling military personal heard. I ordered you to go on a reconnaissance mission in the Business District. Does this look  like the fucking Business District to you?!

Joesph, I think Selena's death is a little more important at the moment! I exclaimed. I looked over at Cody and saw that his green eyes were almost falling out of their sockets. Joseph Sinclair, He said in disbelief. you're Joseph Sinclair of 'Sinclair Incorporation'. Okay, holy shit, holy motherfucking shit! I squinted suspiciously.

Fanboy or something? I asked. Cody quickly darted his gaze between Shadow and I; his eyes sparkling with the giddiness of a child on Christmas. So that means that Valture and Shadow are your wards Richard Graystone and Adrian Moore?! Fuck. If I hadn't dug my gave before, it definitely was now. Valture and Shadow are code-names bestowed upon us by God knows who when we first joined the war.

I drew a shallow breath as fear induced adrenaline quickly pumped through my veins. I dared to glance over at Joseph who had rage burning fiercely behind his chocolate brown eyes. Adrian, He said slowly and I caught Shadow flinch at the sound of his real name. you and Richard go wait in the car. I felt like I had been stabbed in the heart. What are you going to do? Shadow asked, the rain residue shimmered on the deep black hood that laid on top of his head. Just do it. Joseph exclaimed in a fearing voice and made Shadow fall into submission. Yes, sir. He whispered then grabbed a hold of my hand, and dragged my towards the fancy car.

********************************************
August, 10
New York: 2:07 am

        I stared at the weapon in fear stricken awe.

        "So he attacked you with this?" I asked, my raspy voice was as ghostly as the wind that howled sharply through the city.

Shadow chewed his lip as he cautiously gazed at the instrument of death that laid in my cracked palms. "Yeah, who even makes swords like this?!" He exclaimed and crossed his bare arms securely around his plum tank top.

Although Shadow and I both wore the same amount of armor, his uniform consisted of scientifically advanced threading; meanwhile mine proudly showed the onyx shields on long sleeved shirt and pants. "No one," I said, the surrounding dim lights reflecting off the long sliver blade. or "at least none that I know of."

        A thick layer of fog draped over Gotham like an eerie blanket. I knitted my eyebrows as I carefully analyzed the sword; the sharp blade was equipped with a silver pommel and cross guard that were accented by smoke-like swirls of crimson and gold. Running down the center of the blade were unfamiliar carvings.

        The sword skimmed the cement when I flinched at the sudden groan that erupted  from the guy who unrightfully attacked my Shadow.

        I watched as the guy shifted so that his head laid against the cold metal pole. "Kinky." He whispered as his handcuffs brushed up against the streetlight. I glanced at Shadow in confusion.

        When I turned back however, I was greeted by a pair a sea green irises barring into my soul. "You know," The guy said with a low, honeyed voice. "If you like that sword so much, I could show you an even better one." He gave a wink as he smirked smugly at Shadow and I.

        All of my body heat rushed to me cheeks. "I'll pass, thanks." I said and glared at him.
"Oh come on, I promise that it's a very pleasurable sight!" He exclaimed; the guy appeared to be about eighteen years old with bronze skin, and medium-length tobacco hair that was tucked underneath a cloud gray beanie.

        Shadow leaded over to my ear. "I didn't find any other weapons inside his bag." He whispered, his hot breath tickling my neck.

        Before I could respond, I was cut off by
deep bellied laughter. "God, how is it that you've gotten even more adorable?!" The guy exclaimed; the sides of his slim lips curled into dimples as he smiled. My black gloves folded into the creases of my fingers and pinched my flesh. Adorable.

"Do I know you or something?" Shadow asked, I felt my pulse begin to steady back to a normal rate at the sound of his voice.

        "Definitely, I co-star in your wet dreams." He said with a wink. Yeah, I'm certainly going to shove that damn sword up his pompous ass.

        I clutched my fists and gritted my teeth. I looked over at Shadow, and saw his wheat-colored face morph in profound terror. "W-who the fuck are you?" He asked in a quivered whisper.

        "The name's Cody," The guy said as he tilted his head and gave a mischievous grin. "Cody Arzy." A chill ran up my back. I didn't necessarily know anyone by that name, but the unpleasant stirring that I felt in my core told me that there was something dangerous about him – that I should grabbed hold of Shadow's wrist, and runaway from both New York and Cody. God, I wish that I listened to that feeling.

        The sounds of tires squeaking and a roaring engine came thundering from within the ivory fog.

        After a few seconds I able to identify twin canary lights. An extremely familiar onyx sports car coming speed into view. Once it came to a speeding a halt, the driver's door flew open, and a man in an expensive suit and tie crawled out.

        "What the fuck are you two even doing here?!" He exclaimed, clearly not caring if any patrolling military personal heard. "I ordered you to go on a reconnaissance mission in the Business District. Does this look  like the fucking Business District to you?!"
        "Joseph, I think Katherine's death is a little more important at the moment!" I exclaimed. I looked over at Cody and saw that his green eyes were almost falling out of their sockets.
        "Joseph Sinclair," He said in disbelief. "you're Joseph Sinclair of 'Sinclair Incorporation'. Okay, holy shit, holy motherfucking shit!" I squinted suspiciously.

        "Fanboy or something?" I asked. Cody quickly darted his gaze between Shadow and I; his eyes sparkling with the giddiness of a child on Christmas.

        "So that means that Vulture and Shadow are your wards Richard Graystone and Adrian Moore?!" He exclaimed.

        Fuck. If I hadn't dug my gave before, it definitely was now. Vulture and Shadow are code-names bestowed upon us by God knows who when we first joined the war.

        I drew a shallow breath as fear induced adrenaline quickly pumped through my veins. I dared to glance over at Joseph who had rage burning fiercely behind his chocolate brown eyes. "Adrian," He said slowly and I caught Shadow flinch at the sound of his real name. "you and Richard go wait in the car."

        I felt like I had been stabbed in the heart. "What are you going to do?" Shadow asked, the rain residue shimmered on the deep black hood that laid on top of his head. "Just do it." Exclaimed Joseph in a fearing voice; Shadow then fell into submission.

        "Yes, sir." He whispered then grabbed a hold of my hand, and dragged my towards the fancy car.

********************************************

August, 10
Gotham: 2:20 am

"What do you think they're talking about?" Was the unasked question that hung in the clean air.

        I glared at the reflections of Joseph and Cody through rear-view mirror; Cody was smirking as he gazed down at Joseph, the ends of his faded green flannel and dirty white v-neck blowing gently in the chilled sea breeze.

        "Am I seeing this right?" I asked, finally breaking the awkward silence. "Is that guy actually taller than Joseph?" Shadow sighed as he sunk lower in the leather passenger's seat; and took to playing with the charcoal fabric of his cargo pants.

        He had removed his hood since we entered the car, giving me a prefect view of his dark chocolate undercut. "It appears so." Shadow said, the amber and mocha lights from the illuminating brothel sign, The Clockwork Crown casting shadows onto his face.

        It was bad enough that he was in a mile radius of such a place, but to have the luminescence of that a horrid place rain over him was an act of profanity.

        "Stop glaring," Shadow as he glanced up, locking eyes with me. "I'm not the one who called Joseph." His gaze returned to loose pants.
        "But Katherine died." I said in a stern voice. I hate using this type of tone around him, but I just couldn't back the anger from leaking out. "And didn't you tell me to call him?"

        Shadow snapped his head and gave me a cold glare. He sighed after a moment and looked away. "I didn't expect you to actually call him."

        While over half of Shadow's hair was shaved, the top part was sharply angled and brushed against his defined cheekbones.

        "Of course I called him!" I exclaimed and watched Shadow grimace as the sound echoed throughout the car. "I don't get why you and Joseph are so nonchalant about this. One of our allies – one of our friends was found dead." I said in a weak voice as a thump formed in my throat.

        "If an Abnormal like Katherine died so easily, what does that make the chances of a Standard's – like myself – survival, Adri?" Shadow turned to me with pain filled eyes.

        I hated crying in front of people, especially him, but I couldn't prevent the hot tears from treaming down my pale cheeks.

        I felt an warm hand land on my massive shoulder. "Richard." Shadow whispered my name and it nearly made me forget about everything. Nearly.

        "I'm sorry, I hate getting emotional." I said with a sniffle and smeared a few tears across my face. "But you are emotional," He said. just like a woman on her period." And I thought that we were having a moment.

        "Shut up!" I exclaimed and began to chuckle. I looked at up Shadow and saw a beautiful smile grace his face.

        A cold gust of wind swept through the car and made the smiles fall from both of our faces. "Guess who's your new roomie?!" Cody exclaimed as he slid into the car, and crawled into a sit in back beside me.

        "Oh fuck no!" I nearly screamed as his husky aroma perpetrated my nostrils. "Oh fuck yes, Dickie. You and sweet little Adrian will be seeing a lot more of me now!" Exclaimed Cody is a joyous tone.

        I wanted to punch him. "Joseph, what's the meaning of this?" Shadow asked, brushing his dark hair out of his face as the business man slammed the door shut. "You heard Cody, he'll temporarily be living at the manor with us as my new ward." Joseph said through his gritted teeth, his knuckles turning white around the soft leather steering-wheel.

        "Jos-" I started say. "Don't argue with me, Richard! Just trust my judgment on this." Joseph said as he started the engine.

        I felt the perverted gaze of Cody Arzy fall upon me. I turned around and saw the him grinning down at me as let clutched his sheathed sword and green duffel bag close to his chest.

        "Something tells me that you and I well become very close friends." Cody said, making me blush again.