[Vermont, USA]
"What town is this, Lady?" asked Nero, feeling a deep sense of strangeness. Through the window of the bus, he gazed at the scenic view of Vermont with its reddish-orange forest trees.
Nero first saw the vast expanse of maple tree forests whose leaves were the color of crimson. The main artery of a long bridge spanned an enormous river through the city. The evening was bright and warm.
Everywhere, the color of most people's souls is always a disgusting and sickening black, yet some show half a shade of yellow. Does that mean that all human beings always have a second chance, forgiveness, after committing even a fatal mistake? Is that fair?
Valeska pulled up the hood of her jacket; she had to hide her battered face from the sight of others. She didn't want to be conspicuous or invite questions from the people she met. Valeska had hope and only wanted a new and better life in this place.
"The state of Vermont. Fall Foliage is famous for its natural scenery. See? The maple leaves falling on the road, the black river reflecting the wonderful of nature like spilled oil paint—it feels as if you're diving into an artist's most stunning painting, doesn't it?" Valeska grabbed Nero's shoulders. Holding him close. "Quite far from Nevada. We can hide out here for a while. Sir Walker's choice is the best one now. I smell a lot of magic here for our new lives, Nero."
"How can you stay so positive after what happened?" asked Nero, not knowing this was the first time he showed an expressive face; his eyebrows were knitted. "You almost die every day, and you're still grateful for it? As I see it, your life is not fair at all."
"I was born to stand out. Do I have a choice?" Valeska enjoyed the magnificent view of the Fall Foliage; "lamenting, regretting, and complaining won't change anything. Life isn't fair, Nero. So, get used to it. There's still hope, you see the magical things are? Sir Walker gave us a place to stay at his shop in Vermont. That's one hell of a miracle, Nero. If you hadn't come into my life, maybe I would have stayed there, dying a silly death. Now I have a reason to fight, and that's you."
Nero was silent, his face calm as if clear lake water again. Valeska noticed that, and when Nero was like that—Valeska had no idea what he was thinking.
"Nero, I have something to ask you." Valeska stared at Nero intently, "this may sound a bit strange but last night's incident, did you see a strange explosion of bright red light, black flames? It happened so fast. I'm sure that's what I saw, it's scorch, I mean, as if my entire skin melts—do you remember anything?"
Nero nods, his gaze briefly going in another direction. "Well, there's a fatal explosion interrupted. That's what I saw after your badass act of striking them so fast; it's pretty cool. You should have done that a long time ago. They deserved that; we're collapsing—you fainted. I hope they're burned in hell forever."
"Hei, don't curse like that."
"I-d-c." Nero shrugged, simply.
"A freak explosion of that magnitude," Valeska muttered, squinting her eyes, trying to gauge Nero's honesty. But Valeska still struggled to read Nero's true character; she always felt like he had this strange and mysterious side that was hard to figure out. Valeska still didn't know when Nero was telling the truth or lying, as he was always so calm in every situation.
"Don't think about them anymore; they deserve to burn to death." Nero added, he didn't feel guilty at all saying something like that. In fact, he seemed weirdly thrill, as if he was enjoying their death. He smirks devilishly handsome. "There is no need to feel guilty; all crimes must have a punishment. That's called karma."
"Oh, dear me," Valeska is shivering, but she's ignoring it and began to grumble. "You're not good at hiding things, and you lied about how you brought me to Sir Walker's residence."
How can you express your flabbergaster when you have such a flat, calm face like that?
"So, you think I'm lying?" Nero sounded gloomy, as if something crumbled inside his soul. "That's hurt."
"Yes, I can see that." Valeska rolled her eyes, glancing sarcastically, trying to provoke Nero's emotions. "You're hiding something; what is it? Why won't you tell me? A lot of strange things have happened; you already know everything about me, but I have no idea anything about you yet. If you want to be my little brother, you can rely on me for everything. Don't keep it under wraps; as a sibling, it's only natural that we share our feelings, whether it's in joy or hurt. Knowing each other, if you feel pain or temper—don't hesitate to express your feelings or say it to me."
"I get it, Lady. I will be more careful. Please forgive me," Nero replied softly while stunned. "The important thing is that we're okay now, right?"
I've never apologized to anyone in my whole life. I only do it to you.
Valeska sighed and smiled faintly. "Perhaps, as of your memory loss, you're still confused and distorted. Don't worry, I will help you, Nero, in every way. We can face this together."
Nero was surprised when Valeska hugged him tightly.
"It's not you who should apologize; it's all on me, bringing you into danger. I'm so terrified when I see Hadeon strangling you until you nearly die. My mistake, Nero. I can't lose someone precious to me again. You're the only one I have now."
This scent... hits my insanity.
Nero's eyes were closed for a long time; his heart was beating so fast, he could even hear the chaotic beat of his heart rhythm.
"You're okay, right? No injuries? Say something!" Valeska released her embrace, confirming Nero's physical condition, though his neck still looked blue and red. "Hadeon is such a damn bastard! I haven't asked about your condition. How selfish I am. Your neck still hurts? It's obvious, Sir Walker scolded me severely for seeing the bruises on your neck."
"I'm fine," Nero replied rather blushingly, casting his eyes in another direction again.
"I'll treat you after we get there," Valeska smiled genuinely, tucking the scarf sweetly around Nero's neck. "The maple leaves are falling beautifully, aren't they? Soon, we'll arrive. Any road, don't keep calling me Lady. V, say it. If you think of me as your sister, you should change the way you talk. This isn't the Victorian era; people must look at you in a strange way if they hear that."
"Tsk, I don't give a damn care what other people think," Nero shrugged, looking confused; at first he stammered in hesitation. But he always obeyed everything Valeska ordered obediently. "V."
Valeska was flabbergasted; there was an amazing tone when Nero spelled her name; that unique characteristic would definitely become a sweet memory in her mind. Valeska giggled; she rubbed Nero's head. "Your voice is cute too when you call my name."
From now on, it seemed that Nero should be aware of the minefield signs that made his breathing labored and his mind and heart in turmoil that made his face turn red like this.
***
"Woah, how cool!" Valeska squealed, the maple leaves falling right under her feet; the scent of Montpelier City is so refreshing. The air blew calmly, carrying the various delicious scents of baked cakes and coffee. "Here we are."
The shop is in the heart of downtown Montpelier, in a complex with rows of other shops. At least this downtown seemed warm, friendly, and safe. Most importantly far away from the hellish family of Ravenscroft.
V hugging Nero's shoulder, and shaking it. "Left every dark memory behind. Just move along ahead, Nero."
The entire city block was bustling with people on the move, various vehicles passing neatly in their lanes, city trams passing by carrying children screaming with joy, enjoying the magnificent twilight atmosphere. The golden orange spread across the sky as if a spill of oil paint.
"Wow, there's a fall festival tomorrow; do you wanna go?!" Valeska pointed her finger at the giant billboard before the town hall building.
Nero shrugged, not too enthusiastic; he wasn't a fan of crowds.
Valeska cackled, "Fine, tonight, help me clean up, okay?"
Nero nodded rapidly, "Yes, whatever your... I mean... orders are, sis. I'll... do... anything."
"Aw, you're so cute, bro!" Valeska giggled, ruffled Nero's fist, and even hugged him tightly. Opening the tavern door made the sound of loud bells ringing.
He doesn't know since when Nero has been blushing more lately.
Valeska and Nero stood inside a worn-out tavern, its door sealed shut by pieces of wood stuck to some of the glass windows. It was abandoned, full of dust, though all the furniture was covered by white cloths. Valeska could imagine this place would be much cooler if it were cleaned up and opened.
Nero cleared his throat in order to break the strane silence, opening his scarf wider, feeling his body heat up. "Looks like it needs some paint too."
"You're right, we have a lot to sort out. I have a good image for this tavern. So, we have to get excited, huh?" Valeska took out the key to the upper apartment. "Sir Walker said the room upstairs is an apartment; we can use that for living quarters. I owe him a lot; may he always be happy. He entrusted this place to me. I have to take good care of it so I can make a lot of money!"
Nero smiled slightly; in his eyes, Valeska always shone brightly; the dazzling white light that radiated and enveloped her body was so alluring. Nero didn't know why Valeska's foster family—Ravenscroft—would waste someone as radiant as her.
Nero thought to himself. Yes, as they're useless moronic mere mortals. You're much better off without them, V. You're so much more than that.
"Let's go!" Valeska squealed with delight, clenching her hands in the air and tying her long hair with a blue ribbon. She smiled meaningfully, "Come on, Nero!"
All day, Valeska and Nero had been busy cleaning, tidying, and removing all the thick dust inside the tavern. After making sure the upper apartment was cleaned and could be lived in comfortably. The apartment was furnished; Sir Walker had made it his home away from home during his visits to Vermont. But his busy life in Nevada meant he rarely returned to Vermont.
"Careful, Nero! Can you reach the chandelier? It's so high," Valeska held the ladder with her feet and hands, while Nero climbed up to the ceiling to open the plastic wrap that encased the giant, pretty chandelier in the center of the tavern room.
"Yes, I can!" Nero replied casually, his hand stretched up, opening the plastic slowly, though in the end he used his hidden atmokinesis strength. "Don't give me bad luck."
Valeska rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever."
[The golden-colored chandelier lights up brightly.]
V squealed with delight, "The lights are glowing like gold star dust. I didn't expect it to be that gorgeous."
Akh! What happen? No, not this time...
But something terrible happened when Nero had a massive nosebleed. His head ached, and his heart felt bleeding as if the reaper's death blade stabbed brutally many times. Then Nero staggered down; he lost his consciousness; everything went dark, and he fell from the top of the stairs.
Nero heard that damned monster giggle maliciously in his head.
[Still, weak!]
"OH MY GOD! NERO!" Valeska screamed in distressed horror.
***