A young boy, only 17, was performing with the little bit of optimism he has left. He strums his guitar with passion, but not even a penny was dropped. He stops, and immediately wonders what's wrong with him.
He looks at his cheap phone, he stares at his face. So far...he doesn't look that bad. His hair, which was longer than most male haircuts, were in a neat ponytail. The end tips of which are dyed orange.
His eyeliner wasn't smudged either. And it complemented his pale white skin.
Even his all black outfit wasn't messy or anything. They were fine. Cool even.
And he was sure his music was fine too.
But why won't anyone pay attention to him?
Suddenly, his gaze focused on his eyes. Right. Having lost sleep...surely did made his eyebags look rather...noticeable. But it wasn't that bad, right?
He sighed. Then continued playing.
He relieves his childhood.
He remembers being bullied often, since he doesn't have a dad.
His mom got pregnant in high school after all. And his father even admitted to her that he never liked her. He only did it for lust.
What's sad was that...she was actually a bright person, but a fool to love. She knew that being a family of high class professionals, she should not be a failure. But even though she knew that they'd probably disown her, aborting the baby never came to her mind. Ever.
And his mother was very proud of her decision. Although she was right, she was disowned, and forced to work to sustain herself and her child she proudly named Steffan. She told him that she wanted to name him a non-Japanese name despite being in Japan, so people would know he was already unique since birth. That reason alone made Steffan love his name so much.
Steffan remembers his mother playing her old guitar. He loved the music her fingers creates. And because of that, he told her that he wanted to learn too. And when he did, he suddenly dreamed of being a famous guitarist. And she supported him all the way. Even worked harder to buy him a new, and better guitar.
But those sacrifices were paid unevenly. At age 13, he realized the harder part of life. Her mother started to lose weight, and spit blood, and her fever...it won't go down.
And then...she was diagnosed with cancer. Just like that, every day became a time bomb for him. He tries not to sleep often in fear of not spending enough time with his dying mother.
He prayed so hard. And he worked so hard as well. Helping his mom so her work would be faster. She seems to be getting better. But the expenses were getting bigger and bigger. So he decided to offer his talent to the streets, it was booming at first, and day by day he spend lesser and lesser time with his lonely mom. He wanted to work harder for her.
But being alone did no good for her. She died two years ago. And the money he saved was only enough for her funeral. And barely enough to pay his rent at those times.
He told God she was a good mother, but why did she have to suffer? Wasn't she already punished enough?
How...how disheartening. She was the only one who pushed him to continue his dream. And now she's gone, plus the fewer and fewer people paying attention to him, he loses faith in God, and himself.
One little girl dropped a dollar, and smiles.
But her sister soon sees and snatches it.
: I thought you wanted ice cream?
The sister said, rather harshly.
Then the little girl was forced to walk away.
Steffan sighed.
How was he supposed to live now?
...
Night fell, and he spent the few money people gave in pity to buy a decent meal.
Once done, he wanders on the street, until he broke down crying.
How?
He just wanted to shine.
Be unique.
To feel like he have the crown.
But...but he doesn't. He won't.
He cried more.
It's okay since no one was walking already. He doesn't have to pretend.
Jinko signals Silas, they were watching him from the tree.
And the night covered them perfectly.
Silas then walks down. Holding the fangs of Amanda Rofainne. The red dragon with the ability to shine lustrously.
She was strong, and according to his sources, having the dragon fangs inflicted in your skin would make you one yourself. And he wanted to test that out in this desperate and vulnerable man.
SILAS: This one..looks easy.
JINKO: Ah, yeah? I dunno, he seems pretty weak hearted. He can't cry into battle.
SILAS: Ah, please...those who are grieving are stronger than you think. This one seems like he doesn't have anything to fight for, anymore. Which means he won't care much. Let me talk to him quick. If this works, maybe we can set the plan in motion after two days.
JINKO: Ah, okay.
Silas walked towards him. Steffan didn't even notice that he was there until he spoke. His voice, though raspy was in a friendly tune.
SILAS: Why are you crying?
Steffan immediately got back up and wiped his tears, flashing a smile at the stranger until he noticed that he was smiling rather creepily. He could also see his horns, and the unnatural crimson red eye.
He was about to scream when Silas quickly covered his mouth.
SILAS: Shushh..
Steffan's breathing quikened. Tears fell from his eyes and wondered if this was the Grim Reaper.
Silas gave the unnerving smile again.
And Jinko was baffled.
JINKO: You wanted that man to side with you, why terrorize him?
SILAS: Shut up...and watch.
Steffan screamed despite it being muffled by his hands.
Silas looked at him, then lets him go.
SILAS: Do you hate...God?
Silas was sure he did. Steffan's eyes were hopeless, so lacking of faith.
The fairy used his advantage of being able to tell grief and sadness when he sees one, and immediately pretended he cared. As if he was to offer a gift, rather than a painful curse.
SILAS: I will make you shine, if...you take my hand and fight for me, ONLY once. Then after that, you will live forever, ever powerful, and shining.
Steffan thought for a moment. He loves God. Even if he thinks He's unfair. But...now, he wondered if his love was truly love. Or if he was just feeling like it because he was still hoping that God would do something for him.
But he didn't, right?
If God cared, he would have sent an angel to defeat this demon-looking creature in front of him. But He didn't. Maybe this creature was just like him. Or maybe it was just a delusion. A scene his brain created for him alone. A ray of hope.
He don't know what he said or how he arrived to it but all he remembered was that he took his hand.
And that the creature smiled so wide, it hurts watching him do it.
He felt so...what's this? Assured?
But...it felt strangely real.
The stranger's hand.
It was rough and warm.
So...was he really a devil?
Steffan wanted to step back, but Silas' hold grew tighter. Until Steffan felt something prick him. It was painful at first. And he panicked a bit seeing his blood gush out from his hands.
But...he suddenly felt...a surge of power spark in him. He no longer felt sad. The wound healed after Silas pours something from a small bottle. Then he smiles at him in a friendly sort of way.
SILAS: You'll be powerful, but first, offer your service to me.
Silas then leads him to the tree, where Jinko was perched, looking down at them.
SILAS: Teach the boy, how to fly.
Jinko nodded and he jumped down.
Steffan felt amazed seeing Jinko, a creature so angelic looking spread his white wings.
He wondered if he was an angel.
He has dark skin, complemented by his white hair and beautiful blue eyes. But...why was he sided with someone...that looks the opposite of him?
When Jinko was down, he offered a handshake to Steffan. Who was still in disbelief and a half dreamy state.
Steffan thought it was all a dream because of how bizarre things are going, and so he took it.
And in a blur, Jinko swooped him through the air. Where Steffan felt the cold breeze in his cheeks, and see the skies, closer than before. He dropped his guitar but he wasn't even mad. He enjoyed the scene he was looking at.
Perhaps, it would have been better, if not for the fact that Jinko dropped him. (Intentionaly)
He screamed for his life, until he feels his body grew bigger.
His hands became a scaly limb, and his nails became claws. He grew a big snout, sharper looking eyes and a set of orange horns. His red wings spread wide, as his black tail grew out of nowhere.
He wasn't sure what he looked like but seeing his limbs looking like a big lizard's, he knew right away he might have looked like a dragon.
His tail burned and he felt more powerful than before.
He quickly flapped his enourmous wings and behold! He flew.
And for the first time, he felt happy and free...
Jinko flew down to reunite with Silas and Silas clapped his hands, admiring Jinko's technique.
SILAS: It seems like he's enjoying.
JINKO: Who wouldn't enjoy, flying?
SILAS: I'm impressed. Well then, I changed my mind also. Let's set the plan in motion...tomorrow.