“Over here!”

Hidden behind a bush in the messy garden, there was a small hole in the orphanage’s stone walls. Crawling through it, Clark waited for you, anxiously shushing you when you accidentally got caught on the bush. Once you were out, he took off in the direction of the city, trusting that you would follow him.

Overlooking the city, the orphanage rested on a nearby hill surrounded by iron gates and stone fences. It was a place established for unwanted problem children—the rejects. The only path leading into the city from the orphanage was constantly patrolled by the nuns and volunteer workers. Clark’s only solace other than his hope for a successful escape was a small clearing right behind the orphanage. At night, it showed off a mesmerizing view of the city, sparkling with happy lit up homes.

Today, he wanted to show off the view to you.

You were a new addition to the orphanage. Clinging to the nuns, you attracted every other kids’ attention before they—as kids do, found something more interesting. Clark was immediately smitten, you looked like you might need some help opening up.

Running under the starlit sky, Clark stopped against the flimsy fence preventing people from tumbling over the edge of the cliff. Reaching for the hundreds of tiny flickering lights, he wished as hard as he could.

“One day, I’m going to grow wings. I’m going to get out there and prove that I’m good.” He declared, fingers closing around the lights.

Leaning against the fence once you caught up, you echoed his statement. Yet, unlike him, your eyes were glued to the darkness below the fence.

“Everyone, gather around for a roll call! We have an announcement!”

“Oh!”

Clark took your hand as the nun’s voices pierced the air, pulling you back towards the hole in the wall.

“We better get back.”

—

It’s been years since Clark saw you.

Ditching the disguise’s sunglasses and hat for an unobscured view of his surroundings, Clark followed after the dark coat turning the corner. It seemed his presence had already been discovered, but he wasn’t about to give up the lead he’s worked so hard to find. Discreetly checking that he was prepared for a confrontation, Clark kept close to the suspicious figure as he weaved through civilians on the sidewalk.

Recently, the city’s gangs have been particularly restless. Fights, black market dealings, exchanges of weapons and hostages alike have risen abnormally, threatening the peace of normal citizens. Once Clark started digging into the matter, it seemed that a new face had suddenly popped up in the underworld. This ‘new face’ showed up out of nowhere with a massive amount of followers and resources, destroying the fragile balance that kept the gangs in check.

Following the figure into an alleyway, Clark clicked his tongue when he was met with empty air and a dead end.

Shit—

Spinning backwards, he pulled out his gun as he narrowly missed a knife slicing through the space where his throat had been.

“Put your weapon down and you will get a lighter sentence,” He began, voice hard. Taking in the appearance of his attacker, Clark made a chilling realization.

He was tailing you?

Gritting his teeth, Clark decided to detain you first and figure out the mess later.

“Put your weapon down.”